Laughter

May 22 2017

THE BBQ RULES~ Singing My Song

Author: Karan Gleddie • Discussion: No Comments

 

THE BBQ RULES

 I laughed my mascara and eyeliner off.   I hope you enjoy the “Rules” too.

We are about to enter the summer and BBQ season. Therefore it is important to refresh your memory on the etiquette of this sublime outdoor cooking activity, as it’s the only type of cooking a ‘real’ man will do, probably because there is an element of danger involved.

When a man volunteers to do the BBQ the following chain of events are put into motion:

 Routine..

(1) The woman buys the food.
(2) The woman makes the salad, prepares the vegetables, and makes dessert.
(3) The woman prepares the meat for cooking, places it on a tray along with the necessary cooking utensils and sauces, and takes it to the man who is lounging beside the grill – cold drink in hand.

 Here comes the important part:

(4) THE MAN PLACES THE MEAT ON THE GRILL.

 More routine….

(5) The woman goes inside to organize the plates and cutlery.
(6) The woman comes out to tell the man that the meat is burning. He thanks her and asks if she will bring another cold drink while he deals with the situation.

 Important again:

(7) THE MAN TAKES THE MEAT OFF THE GRILL AND HANDS IT TO THE WOMAN.
(8) The woman prepares the plates, salad, bread, utensils, napkins, sauces, and brings them to the table.
(9) After eating, the woman clears the table and does the dishes.

 And most important of all:

(10) Everyone PRAISES the MAN and THANKS HIM for his cooking efforts

(11) The man asks the woman how she enjoyed ‘her night off.’ And, upon seeing her annoyed reaction, concludes that there’s just no pleasing some women.  Author unknown

 

 

 

 

Reflections:  Singing My Song

Living on the ranch in Tilley, AB Canada was an incredible experience for me. When out first daughter was born, it was great fun to have grandma and grandpa Gleddie living so close. 

Every day she would go out to the ranch yard to see the animals.  She loved them all so much it was only natural that we would practice and learn “Ole Mac Donald Had a Farm.”  She also learned “Jesus loves me at Sunday school.” 

We wanted to surprise Grandma and Grandpa with the singing talents of their first grandchild.  And surprise them we did!

One Saturday we all rode to town for our weekly groceries, and on the way home, we decided it was the perfect time for a concert. Our daughter would start with “Jesus Loves Me, ” and next do “Ole Mac Donald Had a Farm.”  She belted out the Song, (you can sing along)

Jesus Loves me this I Know,

For the Bible tells me so,

Little ones to Him belong,

Ole MacDonald had a Farm!

I must say that there was a moment of silence as we tried to process the words, then there was a burst of laughter.  All the words had fit perfectly with the tune.  She’s a Genius!

Do you step onto the stage of life every day striving for the perfect appearance and performing your best for love, acceptance, and approval of others?

There have been times when I have rushed ahead of God, making my own plans.  Trying to fit the Lord into my will and wants.  Only to realize that I messed up trying to impress God that I am worthy enough to be loved.  Wow, really?

God knows the secret longings of our hearts. He knows all about our unfulfilled desires and dreams, our feelings of loneliness and fears for the future. He alone knows our joy and pain, our successes, failures, and doubts. He knows everything about you, inside and out, past, present and future.

Although every life is different, and your circumstances are not the same as mine, you may have had some of the same feelings.

I have news for you,

CHRIST PAID A PRICE WE COULD NEVER PAY, TO GIVE US LIFE WE DIDN’T DESERVE.

I sometimes get in such a rush I forget that I can never work, buy or beg enough for God’s love.  He gives Love, life, and forgiveness freely if I ask. 

Psalm 118:6-7b NLT

6. The Lord is for me so that I will have no fear.

What can mere people do to me?

7b. Yes the Lord is for me, He will help me.

                                                      

Thank you, dear friends for spending your time with me, Have a wonderful weekend.

 Do You find yourself running ahead of God sometimes, like me? 

Smile, God Love You. Hugs to all.

Lovingly, Karan

 

May 14 2017

Music Is A Life Saver? ~ Being A Mom

Author: Karan Gleddie • Discussion: 1 Comment

Music Is A Life Saver?

Little Ben came into the house with a new harmonica. “Grandpa, do you mind if I play this here?” He asked.  Grandpa replied, “Of course not Ben, I love music.

In fact, when Grandma and I were young, music saved my life.  Ben asked, “What happened?”  Grandpa Explained, “Well, it was during the famous Johnston flood.  

The dam broke, and when the water hit our house, it knocked it right off the foundation.  Grandma got on the dining room table and floated out safely, and I accompanied her on the piano.” Author Unknown

 

 

 

 

Reflections: Being A Mom

As a young mom, I loved to find time for those relaxing hot baths. Which I never seemed to have enough. Just some peace and quiet from endless dishes, piles of dirty clothes, backpacks filled to overflowing. With continuous games, parties, and constant racing to be somewhere quick I never thought my life would ever slow down.  

Always wishing for five minutes of peace and quiet, and telling myself someday I would have time. Time for a long, hot bubble bath with candles in a dimly lit room. The kind of bath that will soak all your stress away with the right candles, bath oil, and music that will relax your soul.

However, I had three vivacious daughters, who loved to sit in the bathroom telling me about their day at school, making funny impressions (of teachers, boys, and friends), and regaling me with their newest jokes and stories.

As I look back, I see that my daughters thought my quiet time was their time, because I was not talking on the phone, doing business, or attending to someone else’s needs.  When I was in the bathtub under all the bubbles, my daughters knew they had my full attention.

As the years passed and I kept holding on to my dream, which always seemed so far away.  A long, hot bubble bath.  Candles and soft music with no interruptions.  Resting quietly, stress-free. However, a funny thing happened along the road to maturity.  I do not take baths anymore.  I find they are not as much fun as they use to be.  The water gets cold too fast, and it is far too quiet.

It was something I wished for all my life, but it is something I no longer enjoy.  I loved those times of laughter, stories, and heart-to-heart talks.  I am a shower girl now. God must have a sense of humor.

      Psalm 126:2
We were filled with laughter, and we sang for joy. And the other nations said, “What amazing things the Lord has done for them.”

Many times in my life with all the craziness, if I could not laugh, I would have cried.  Even when things are tough, to find humor in the little things gives me hope. ©      

Thank you, dear friends, for spending your time with me.  Have a wonderful weekend. Hugs to all.
Have a great week, HUGS

Lovingly, Karan

May 08 2017

You’re a Mom When …

Author: Karan Gleddie • Discussion: 2 Comments

 You’re a Mom When …

  • Your feet stick to the kitchen floor…..and you don’t care.
  • You can’t find your cordless phone, so you ask a friend to call you, and you run around the house madly, following the sound until you locate the phone downstairs in the laundry basket.
  • Your favorite television show is a cartoon.
  • You’re willing to kiss your child’s boo-boo, regardless of where it is.
  • Your baby’s pacifier falls on the floor and you give it back to her after you suck the dirt off of it because you’re too busy to wash it off.

  • Your kids make jokes about farting, burping, pooping, etc. and you think it’s funny.
  • You’re so desperate for adult conversation that you spill your guts to the telemarketer that calls and HE hung up on YOU!

 

The closest you get to gourmet cooking is making Rice Crispies bars

  • You are out for a nice romantic meal with your husband, enjoying some real adult conversation when suddenly you realize that you’ve reached over and started to cut up his steak.

 

  • You spend a half hour searching for your sunglasses only to have your teenager say, “Mom, why don’t you wear the ones you pushed up on your head?”
  • You weep through the scene in Dumbo when his mom is taken away, not to mention what Bambi does to you.
  • You can never go to the bathroom alone without someone screaming outside the door.

 

  • You find yourself humming the Barney song as you do the dishes.
  • You hear a baby cry in the grocery store, and you start to gently sway back and forth, back and forth. However, your children are still at school! Author Unknown

 

 

 

 

Reflections:  Are You Like Your Mother”                                                                      

People would say, “You’re just like your mother” and I would cringe. At the ripe old age of 15, 20 and 28, those were not the words I wanted to hear. I wanted to be a super mom, you know, the woman that did and had it all. I was going to be organized, clever and insightful at life. No traumatic crisis for me.

My mother came from a harsh background; I think she spent her life trying to work through the difficulties she encountered as a child. She strived to be understanding and kind towards others. Unlike her parents, she achieved her goal. There were painful personal and emotional struggles in her life, as well as great highs. Mother was always optimistic no matter what life handed her. Her motto was: “Tomorrow’s a brand new day.”

She worked hard to put a roof over our heads and food on the table, never giving up or expecting handouts. Although others13 thought we were poor, I can’t say that we ever thought we were. We always had enough, when we outgrew our shoes and clothing; she made sure we had something new to replace the old. I often wondered how she worked her magic with the budget, but as I look back I realize she went without so that my sisters and I would have more opportunities and a few extras.

Mother loved a good deal, so thrift stores, Salvation Army, garage sales and flea markets were thrilling when she found the ultimate bargain.

She loved her flower beds and gardening much better than house cleaning and often said she felt closer to God outside. She loved to spend time talking to Him in the quietness of the morning as the sun rose on a new day.

We knew mother loved us and loved God too. She trusted Him, leaned on Him, and believed His promises would sustain her throughout life. She taught us daily about God’s grace, forgiveness, and love. Through her life, we were able to see how God faithfully protected and care for our needs. My mother has given me a lifetime of wonderful memories that are worth more to me than silver and gold. 

Now when I hear “You’re just like your Mother,” I say thank you. I pray that my children will know how much they are loved and that they would see the light of God’s love in my life too.©

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 Thank you for sharing your time with me dear friend, what are your special Mother’s Day memories of your mother?

Happy Mother’s Day!

Lovingly, Karan

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Apr 29 2017

Let’s Have Some Fun!

Author: Karan Gleddie • Discussion: 6 Comments

Let’s Have Some Fun!

Two mature ladies were sitting on a park bench outside the local town hall where a flower show was in progress. One leaned over and said, “Life is so boring.We never have any fun anymore. For $5.00 I’d take my clothes off right now and streak through that stupid flower show!”   

“You’re on!” said the other old lady, holding up a $5.00 bill. 

As fast as she could, the first little old lady fumbled her way out of her clothes and, completely naked, streaked through the front door of the flower show. 

Waiting outside, her friend soon heard a huge commotion inside the hall, followed by loud applause. The naked lady burst out through the door surrounded by a cheering crowd.

“What happened?” asked her waiting friend. 
                 “Why, I won first prize for Best Dried Arrangement.” 

 

 

 

Reflections from Karan:

I flew to Regina, SK. Canada for some speaking engagements and needed to rent a car. How excited I was to get a new Ford Focus with all the bells and whistles. It felt so luxurious.

After the meeting, a few women decided to take me out for a snack. I followed them and parked my car in a lot next to the restaurant. However, when I was ready to get out of the car, the keys would not come out of the ignition; they were stuck.

Realizing my predicament, some of the women went ahead to reserve a table for all of us. Sarah decided to stay and tried to help me figure out what had happened to the car. Twenty minutes later, I finally suggested she should go on ahead and I would be there soon.

Sitting in the car wondering what to do, I started to have a meltdown. Waiting for the rental company to answer their phone and call me back, trying to find answers in the car manual when I didn’t know what was wrong, was unnerving. I don’t read manuals; I’m the gal that buys “Dummy” books with pictures. Show me; don’t tell me, that is how I learn. Besides who can understand a manual when you’re in a crisis.

Suddenly a woman came rushing up to the car and said, “Did you put the car in park? Sometimes when the car is not in park position you can’t get the keys out of the ignition.” Why didn’t I think of that!

I put the car in park, and the keys came out, it’s a miracle! I think I will dye my hair brown when I get home!

Over the years, I have learned to embrace and laugh at my blonde day adventures, there seems to be so many.
I had turned the key off my car, but never put the car in park. I was going nowhere fast.

Sometimes life is like that too. We allow situations to paralyze us, and we have a hard time moving ahead being trapped in the moment. With all the stresses and expectations in today’s world, I have had to learn I am not superwoman. What a relief!

Hebrews 13:6 NLT
“So we can say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper, so I will have no fear. What can mere people do to me?”

I have often said if I wasn’t laughing, I would be crying. In this journey of life, I would like to love and laugh more and enjoy the ride.God has given me the freedom to be me, blonde, quirky, and flawed. I do not need to be superwoman, I have a super God.©

Thank you, dear friends, for spending your time with me.  
Have a great week, HUGS
Lovingly, Karan

 

Apr 22 2017

Computer 911 ~ Help

Author: Karan Gleddie • Discussion: 2 Comments

Computer 911

Becky was 73 and just got her first computer. After her son had spent over 2 hours teaching her how to use it, she was sure she knew everything there was to know about computers.

Unfortunately though, one day she couldn’t get it to start so she promptly called an Internet Tech guy to come over and take a look at it. The IT guy managed to fix the issue in a few minutes and was on his way.

Becky was proud when she overheard the IT guy on the phone with his boss telling him about the issue; she was sure it meant it was a serious problem and he took care of it the right way.

“Excuse me if you don’t mind me asking,” asked Becky to the man on his way out. “I couldn’t help overhearing you on the phone with your boss. What exactly is an Id ten T problem? So that I can tell my son.” The man smiled, took out a pen, “it stands for this: I-D -1-0-T”.    Author unknown

 

 

Reflections:  Love the Shoes

I remember a while back, I dressed up and went out for dinner with some friends. I dressed with care and felt pretty good about my outfit, and was looking forward to a night out.   At the end of the evening, my sweet friend leaned over and told me, with a giggle, that I had two different black heels on. 

As I looked down at my shoes, I not only had two different shoe styles on, but they were two separate heights! Now how could that happen? I walked around all evening and didn’t even notice.  I wonder if I am a little off kilter.  Don’t answer that. Lol

 

I love the beautiful friendships that have come to my life.  The people who make me laugh when I feel like crying and encourage me when I am in a fog.  

 

They help me to see the blessings with kindness and not rebuke and love me when I am unlovely.  Many times our friends can show us God’s love, as we ourselves learn to pass God’s love onto others.

 

I often think about Jesus and His friends while He walked this earth many years ago. I imagine they laughed together and enjoyed fun times as they walked the dusty roads. They learned to help people and serve others from the Master. 

 

God showed them the way to live with open hands and how to love and encourage those around them. The Bible says:

John 15:12-14 (NLT)

12 This is my commandment: Love each other in the same way I have loved you. 13 There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. 14 You are my friends if you do what I command.

I wonder do I show that kind of love to my friends, as I try to serve God?©

“Friendship is born at that moment when one person says to another:

‘What! You too? I thought I was the only one.”  C.S. Lewis

Thank you, dear friends, for spending your time with me. What have your friends taught you?
Have a great week, HUGS
Lovingly, Karan