Heroes

Jun 25 2021

Good Morning Officer

Author: Karan Gleddie • Discussion: 4 Comments

 

 

 

Good Morning Officer,

Over the years I realized I have a heavy foot. I am constantly late and must speed to get to appointments on time. My family blames my California roots for all my bad habits.

I struggle with time management and over the years and assume I have plenty of time when I have no time at all. And yes, the police and I have had our discussions over several tickets.

I always want to respect the police, but I grumble when the tickets I feel are undeserving. But, in my heart, I know I deserved far more tickets than I have received. I am reminded of a time when I was on my way to an appointment and a police car pulled me to the side of the road.

I knew I had not been speeding (thank goodness for the speed control) and surprised to learn my taillight was faulty. The officer walked back to his patrol car and confirm my certification and data. Watching him walk back, a thought occurred to me: what a thankless job he has. I cannot imagine that people are always grateful and kind for their tickets these days. I know I am not!

When the officer came back to my car, he handed me my license, insurance card, and an extra ticket. I thanked him for his service, for my ticket, and for a good job is doing to make our highways safe. He did not know what to say for a moment and, thank me, and said no one had ever said that to him. How sad. As I drove away, I giggled and wished I had taken a picture of his face. Priceless.

Makes me want to do it again. LOL. Isn’t it amazing to honor someone else and you get the joy in the deepest part of your soul?

 The Bible says:

Lord, we show our trust in you by obeying your laws; our heart’s desire is to glorify your name.

Isaiah 26:8 NLT.

 “Well,” he said, “give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar, and give to God what belongs to God.”

Matthew 22:21 NLT

 I am so glad that I did not react to the young officer the way I felt like. After all, I was in a hurry to doing God’s work. But while I am here on earth, I am to trust the Lord, obey his laws and the laws of the land. And to bring honor and glorify His name. That is my purpose as I walk daily, staying close to him. ©.

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

May 07 2020

You Are Like our Mother!

Author: Karan Gleddie • Discussion: 4 Comments

 

 

 

You are Like Your Mother!

Throughout my life, people would often say, “You are like your mother” and I would cringe. Those were not the words I wanted to hear. I wanted to be a supermom – you know, the woman that did and had it all. I would be organized, clever, and smart about life – no traumatic crisis for me.

My mother came from a harsh background. From my perspective, she spent her life trying to work through the difficulties she encountered as a child. She strived to be understanding and kind towards others and, unlike her parents, she achieved her goal. Even though there were painful personal and emotional struggles, as well as great highs, my mother was always optimistic. Her motto was: “Tomorrow’s a brand-new day.”

Although we were poor, I can’t say that we ever thought we were. My mother worked hard to put a roof over our heads and food on the table, never giving up or expecting handouts. We always had enough and when we outgrew our shoes and clothing, she made sure we had something new to replace the old. Reflecting on my childhood, I realized she went without so my sisters and I would have more opportunities and a few extras.

My mother, Francis, had so many wonderful characteristics. She loved a good deal, so thrift shops, garage sales, and flea markets were thrilling, and she was skilled at discovering the ultimate bargain. She also loved her flowerbeds and gardening much better than house cleaning and often said she felt closer to God outdoors.

Inside she loved reading books, sewing, and listening to the radio. Wherever she went she had many bags of good deals, a plethora of interesting books she checked out at the library, and Christian broadcasting blaring from her radio.

In her daily life, we knew mother loved us and loved God too. She trusted Him, leaned on Him, and believed His promises would sustain her. She taught us daily about God’s grace, forgiveness, and love. We could see through her life how God faithfully protected and cared for our needs. The wonderful memories of my dear mother are worth far more than silver and gold.

Now when I hear “You are like your mom,” I say thank you. Following my mother’s legacy, I pray that my children will know how much I love them and see the light of God’s love in my life.  ©

I am humbled and quiet in your presence. Like a contented child who rests on its mother’s lap,

I’m your resting child and my soul is content in you. 

Psalm 139:13 TPT

Dear friends, thank you for sharing your time with me.

In this season of reflecting on our mothers and what it means to be a mother,

please share a special memory of your mother in the comments below.

Happy Mother’s Day! 

Lovingly, Karan

 

Dec 16 2019

I Bought a Discounted Ticket

Author: Karan Gleddie • Discussion: No Comments

 

 

I Bought A Discounted Ticket

A few years ago, when Lyle and I were living in California we stayed with our daughter whose husband deployed.

We traveled back to Canada for Christmas, to be with our daughters and their families. And finding a great flight at a discount was a bonus. Thinking it would be fun to take some candy treats back for everyone, the Jelly Belly jellybeans.

We located the Jelly Belly factory in the next town. And can you believe it when I arrived there was a great sale on the Jellybeans? Buying one bag and get two free. Don’t you just love bargains? I bought four bags, with the free bags I finished with 12 sacks, 2pds each, 24 pounds in all. 

While getting into the Christmas spirit I failed to remember we needed to pack them. On the way home, I later purchased three boxes of See’s Candy which added five more pounds. My poor husband started wondering how we would get it all in our bags. 

The night before we took off for the airport, we planned to leave at 5:00 a.m. Our flight left at 8:00 a.m. I stayed up half the night packing, trying to decide how to make our luggage lighter. At one point, we could not lift the luggage off the floor, so we included another suitcase.

 After a few hours’ sleep, we carried, or should I say dragged our baggage to the car. Three large suitcases, two larger overnight bags, one computer, and a book bag. And an enormous handbag and tote, everything fits. Although I had to sit on it to get it shut! To be honest, I jumped up and down on it is more like it. 

Our daughter dropped us off at the terminal and headed home. We didn’t manage the luggage by ourselves, we hired someone to help us. I couldn’t wait to get to Calgary and our hotel room and have a good night’s sleep before seeing our family. Only 15 days left.

With tickets and passports in hand, we ambled towards the airline counter, and the man pushing our luggage cart was straining to keep up. He helped us put our baggage on the weight scale, and I held my breath. It’s heavy (imagine that) the airline agent glanced at me and said sorry, she can’t confirm us in now?

I pulled out my e-ticket showing her our 8:00 a.m. departure. She responded,” we don’t check people in 12 hours early. Your flight leaves at 8:00 p.m. (No wonder the fight was so cheap!) At that moment a picture was worth a thousand words when I looked at Lyle’s face. His mouth dropped open and had that distinctive look that said, “You mean I have to do all this again tonight?” 

 I called my daughter who was happily enjoying her quiet drive home and told her of our circumstances. To which she replied, “I knew it was too easy, you and dad fly nowhere without something unusual happening.

After leaving our Airport at 8:30 p.m. we found ourselves delayed in Salt Lake until 1:30 a.m. Arriving in Calgary at 4:30 p.m. Lucky for us I had booked a hotel room near the airport and had guaranteed the room.

So at 5:15, we headed for our room, dragging all our luggage and promising ourselves we would make sure we checked the times of arrivals and departures before we ever bought another airline ticket. 

And to add insult to injury, as we climbed into bed and turned out the lights, we received a call from the front desk. Notifying us it was our good morning wake-up call, I must be a bad dream! I assured him he had made a mistake, we just climbed into bed! ©

When life turns upside down it has a way of giving you a whole new perspective on what is important. 

In reflection I have learned when life is tough, I need to focus on the priceless treasures in my life. God’s love, my family and friends who encourage and pray for me.  I am blessed.

“The best Christmas gift of all is the presence of our families and friends all wrapped up in love for one another.” I believe that is true, no matter what our circumstance or need.

This year as we come into the Christmas season, there will be joy and expectation knowing we have the presence of our loved ones and friends. And as we wrap our love around each one, we will lovingly remember those who could not be with us.

I wish each of you a Merry Christmas and pray that the Christ of Christmas will bless your homes as you prepare for the Holiday Season.©

Luke 2: 13 & 14

Suddenly, the angel was joined by a vast host of others-the armies of heaven—praising God and saying,

“Glory to God in highest heaven,
    and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased.”

Lovingly, Karan Gleddie

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

Have a wonderful Holiday Season, be safe.

Hugs to all.

May 24 2019

Everyday Heroes

Author: Karan Gleddie • Discussion: No Comments

Everyday Heroes

 

 

Reflections: Everyday Heroes

Every year, as we celebrated Memorial Day, I honor those who have to serve and all who continue their service. My heart is full of respect and admiration as I looked at these fine men and women in our military.

I wonder what would cause them to volunteer to serve his country and go into harm’s way for others. To stand and fight for people he does not know so they can enjoy the safety and freedom he loves.

In our country, we with various opinions on our government and military, we often debate about sending our soldiers to countries that are far away from our everyday lives.  Have we forgotten what life would be like for we fought here in America?

Is it the strong determination of character to serve God and to do what is right because he loves his country and family? They say, “Freedom is never free,” but there is always a price… physically, mentally and emotionally. I am humbled and honored by these brave soldiers who fight for my peace and freedom.

May God bless the men and women of the military who serve quietly, unselfishly, giving their time and extras to bringing a better life for someone else?  To allow people to see what real freedom looks like.  

       Aesop said many years ago, “No act of kindness, no matter how small is ever wasted”

This is the American spirit, which is the heart and soul of our soldiers and the people in these countries cannot ever forget them. ©

 “Christ paid a price I could never pay to give me life I did not deserve”. I am loved and blessed.

Thank You to all who serve, I am praying for you!

Thank you all for stopping by, have a great weekend. Hugs

Lovingly, Karan

 

 

 

Apr 19 2019

Where did you learn this?

Author: Karan Gleddie • Discussion: 2 Comments

Happy Easter have a fabulous weekend with family and friends! Hugs

 

 

 

Where did you learn this?

I was standing before the window of an art store where a picture of the Crucifixion of our Lord was on exhibition.  As I gazed, I was aware of the approach of another, and turning, beheld a little lad gazing also intently at the picture.  Noticing that this mite of humanity was a street boy, I thought I would speak to him; so I asked, pointing at the picture, “Do you know who He is?”

“Yes,” came a quick response; “That’s our Savior,” with a mingled look of pity and surprise that I should not know what the picture represented.

With an obvious desire to enlighten me further, he continued, after a pause; “Them’s Roman soldiers, the Roman soldiers, and,” with a long drawn sigh, “that woman crying there is His mother.”

He waited, obviously for me to question him further, then thrust his hand in his pockets, and with a reverent and subdued voice and tear-stained face added, “They killed Him, Mister.  Yes, sir, they killed Him.”

I looked at the little dirty, rugged fellow and asked, “where did you learn this?’

At the Mission Sunday school,” was the reply.

Full of thoughts regarding the benefits of the Mission Sunday schools, I turned and resumed my walk, leaving the little lad still looking at the picture, I had not walked a block when I heard his childish voice calling, “Mister! Say, Mister! ” I turned.  He was running toward me but paused;   then up went his little hand, and with a triumphant sound in his voice and now radiant face, he said, “ I want to tell you: “He Arose Again, He Is Alive!”   By  R.A. Torrey

This wonderful story reminds me the Grave is empty, and Jesus lives and is alive today. I know that my hope, salvation and constant care comes from Him. He loves me, forgives me and loves me.

He is my security, He is Enough!

Happy Easter, He Has Risen!

Lovingly, Karan

Thank you for sharing your time with me today dear friend. What brings delight and Joy to your life?

Do you have a favorite Easter story?

I would love to hear your thoughts as we share our journey.