Grandpa

Jun 19 2021

The 10 Second Twist and Shout

Author: Karan Gleddie • Discussion: 11 Comments

 

 

 

 

The 10 Second Twist and Shout

As I enjoyed a shower the other day, and just completed shampooing my hair when an object landed on my shoulder. It was a spider. I started dancing on the bathmat while the water was still running, trying to get him off me. Poor thing, by the time I quit dancing he was floating toward the drain, absent two legs.

When I think about it, the spider must have been roaming on the ceiling, and with the humidity, he slipped and fell. I am certain he surprised himself, too. How grateful I was for a new shower mat. With a rapid 10-second twist and shout I could have been laying on the floor along with the spider.

How strange one little spider could send me into a tizzy. Spiders and mice are the two things that cause me the most stress.

Somehow, I thought as I aged, I would get over my fear of mice and spiders. However, the more mature I am, I have still not developed a friendship with them. These days, I seem to have more questions than answers about life. Sometimes I wonder, have I learned anything, or have I just forgotten what I learned.

The one thing I know for sure is having a personal relationship with God gives me great peace. Through the highs and lows, disappointments and joys, sickness, and deaths, God is a trustworthy and loyal friend. Holding me up, calming my heart, and giving me the confidence to keep moving, even when I feel numb.

In the past, I have shared my sweet husband has been living in a senior lodge for the past three years. This last year and a half have been tough with all the lockdowns. Lyle found it hard to understand, not seeing the family.

Lyle’s memories have faded without the regular prompting of conversations and pictures we shared to help him remember each family member and the special memories of the past.

We speak on the phone daily to keep in contact, but he still will gets confused with faces and conversations. I know many of you have experienced these same situations, which is heartbreaking. There are many circumstances that we each walk through which bring stress and sorrow to our lives, and each one is painful.

When I know the creator of life and believe in Him, I am convinced I can trust him. I have a God who holds my life and my loved ones in His hands. I know He is better at handling the details of my life more than I ever could.

How blessed I am with God’s incredible protection, love, and forgiveness. I trust you, Lord; you know what I need and see me. I am not alone. I love you, Lord.

You keep track of all my sorrows, you have collected all my tears in your bottle,

you have recorded each one in your book.  Psalm 56:8

So be strong and courageous, all who put your hope in the Lord. Psalm 31:24

Thank you, dear friends, for spending your time with me.
 I love you all and am praying.
Have a wonderful week, keep Smiling!  
HUGS,
Lovingly, Karan

Dec 30 2019

Happy New Tear – A living Legacy

Author: Karan Gleddie • Discussion: 3 Comments

 

Happy New Year – A living Legacy

 

 

A living Legacy

I have always loved Genealogy and learning about my ancestors.  Following their paths from Europe, Russia, and Scandinavia and beyond and documenting their quests for a better life for their families and freedom to choose. It has always fascinated me; their willingness to sacrifice and endure suffering and hardship to reach their goal.

Great-grandfather Christopher immigrated from Norway to the United States in 1900.   Arriving at Ellis Island, New York, with experience in shipbuilding he soon found work helping to build the Brooklyn Bridge.  However, when great-grandfather heard about free land in the state of Wisconsin, he moved his family west. In a few years, he had saved enough to buy a small farm for his family. 

Farming was hard during those years; every acre needed to be cleared of the dense forest before he could plant his precious seed. The tree removal was backbreaking, slow and often dangerous. So naturally, when great-grandfather heard about free land on the prairies in Alberta, Canada, he was interested. No more tree removal!

In 1908, he moved his three young sons and wife to Alberta, Canada by train to start a new life.  The land was beautiful and rugged but cruel in the winter.  Months after arriving in Canada he buried his young wife, who died from Diphtheria. He endured the loss of two more wonderful helpmates, prairie fires, theft, and many hardships, yet the one thing that all his children remember most about their father is his great faith and love for God, no matter what happened in his life.

One freezing night the barn burned down, and all the animals and winter supplies were left lying in ashes. As great-grandfather watched the flames die down, his children heard him say, “The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away, blessed be the name of the Lord” (Job 1: 21b).  The stories of great-grandfather’s faithfulness and love for God have been remembered for four generations now.  And today, because of his faithfulness, our families are reminded daily of God’s faithfulness too. What a legacy to remember!

“Remembering God’s Faithfulness in the past will give us confidence for the future”

Father, help me to walk faithfully in your ways so that my life will point my family and others to you.

I want to leave a remembered legacy too, that will point my family to God’s Amazing Grace, love and forgiveness. 

That is my prayer.©

 Happy New Year 2020, travel safe

 Love to all. Hugs!

Lovingly,  Karan

Jun 15 2019

 Embarrassed Again

Author: Karan Gleddie • Discussion: 1 Comment

Embarrassed Again

 

 

 

Embarrassed Again

A few years ago  I somehow thought “Father’s Day” was a week earlier than it actually was.  In fact, it was a week later. Which is surprising for me because I have a tendency to be a little late. 

My husband and I spent the whole weekend having an enjoyable Father’ day celebration. We went to church, and as we walked home I mentioned it, Lyle, how strange it was no one talked about Father’s day, to which he replied: “It’s usually Mother’s day everyone makes a fuss over, not Father’s day.” We laughed at that observation, had a lovely afternoon meal and he had a Father’s day nap.

Later in the evening, we were to Skype with our daughter in California. She phoned to coordinate our time for later in the evening. I asked her if she had read the Father’s day blog? She started Laughing and said she had forgotten it was Father’s day herself.

Earlier in the afternoon, she reminded her husband to call his dad and wish him a good day, which he did. He called his father who was vacationing in Finland and wished him a happy Father’s day; it was then they found out it was the wrong weekend. Who knew?

My husband Lyle’s was happy, that year he got to enjoy two weekends of Father’s day. I was thrilled because for once I was prepared early; I seem to be the last minute rose.

I am a procrastinator and I tend to get motivated under pressure, but it has also caused many problems. You know, “When in trouble, fear or doubt, run in circles, scream and shout!!”

I have learned over the years that God is my refuge in the circumstances, troubles and mistakes I often find myself in. He is the one person I count on. His Love and forgiveness if constant, forever and eternal. ©

Jesus is the same yesterday, today and forever. Hebrews 13:8

All is well, God is in control

Are you a procrastinator or a planner? Do you ever misjudge your time? Like me?

****************************

Thank you, dear friends, for spending your time with me.
 I love you all and am praying. 
 
HUGS,
Lovingly, Karan

Dec 23 2018

Merry Christmas Dear Friends

Author: Karan Gleddie • Discussion: 3 Comments

 

 

 

Merry Christmas Dear Friends:

Looking back over the year I have been amazed how God’s love and care have constantly been close beside me. There have been times I have felt alone, even in a crowd, how can that be?

I was afraid of the unknown and forgot that God is my strong comfort and strength. Have you ever found yourself there?  I am thankful for family and friends who have encouraged me and prayed for me. Words cannot express my love and gratitude to each one.

I am almost moved now, and the Christmas tree is up. To be able to remember the joy of Christmas and the precious gift of God’s son gives me confidence for the future.

Catherine Pulsifer, Said:  When we remember a special Christmas, it is not the presents that made it special, but the laughter, the feeling of love, and the togetherness of friends and family that made that Christmas special.” 

Would You Follow?
Anonymous

How many would follow the star tonight
If it shone past the Milky Way,
Leave comfortable homes and follow it still,
Over the hills and away.

How many would open their doors tonight
For a weary and shabby pair?
Make room at hearths for a Stranger-Child,
Though the Infant be wondrous fair?

How many would give of their goods tonight,
The best they possess and more,
For their faith in a star and an angel choir
And a King forevermore?

We criticize the folk of a bygone time
For indifference to Mary’s plight.
How many would do any better now?
Would you follow the star tonight?

The Hope of all the world was born that night In Bethlehem.

What will you be doing when you hear His name.

The shepherds accepted Him

The wise men expected him

The King rejected him

The innkeeper neglected him

And you? —-Do you have room for him?

Thank you for the privilege of calling you friends, you bless me more than you will ever know.

I am sending you a special Christmas wish as you celebrate this joyous season with families and friends.

Hugs,

Lovingly  Karan

 

Dec 10 2018

The Holiday Season

Author: Karan Gleddie • Discussion: 2 Comments

A Reindeer Game

The game show contestant was only 200 points behind the leader and about to answer the final question – worth 500 points!”

To be today’s champion,” the show’s smiling host intoned, ”name two of Santa’s reindeer.”The contestant, a man in his early thirties, gave a sigh of relief, gratified that he had drawn such an easy question. “Rudolph!” he said confidently, “and, …Olive!”

The studio audience started to applaud (like the little sign above their heads said to do,) but the clapping quickly faded into mumbling, and the confused host replied, “Yes, we’ll accept Rudolph, but could you please explain…’Olive?!?’”

“You know,” the man circled his hand forward impatiently and began to sing, “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer – had a very shiny nose. And if you ever saw it, you would even say it glowed. *Olive,* the other reindeer…” Author unknown

 

 

 

 

 

The Holiday Season:

I love the Christmas season, expecting the cherished times with family and friends that no amount of money or wrapping could buy.

The smell of Christmas baking, the glowing tree with the Angel on top, I would love to keep the tree up all year long if I could. It is so relaxing to sit under the glow of lights and meditate and reflect on the former years. And reflect on God’s love and grace.

As I reflect on this last year, I am reminded of all the love, encouragement and prayers of family and friends. What an extraordinary year. Although there are many difficulties, I can see how each season has put amazing color in my life. Giving me meaning and enriching everyday life. With faithful friends who pray for me, a trustworthy and compassionate God who loves me, and a Savior who forgives me. 

I read a little quote that said, “Dark fears flee in the light of God’s presence”. In this hectic season, we need to take the time to breathe and walk in his light and presence. What a beautiful thought of comfort and peace God brings to us as we look forward to 2019. ©

For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders.

And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

His government and its peace will never end.  Isaiah 9: 6 & 7a

Praying you have a wonderful Christmas season with your family and friends. 

Thank you, dear friends, for spending your time with me.

Have a wonderful weekend. HUGS

 Lovingly, Karan

What is your favorite Christmas recipe?