Are Memories Timeless Treasures?

 

 Dining Out in Style    

‘We’d been invited out to dinner one chilly evening, and I wanted to look elegant.” Elaine admits.           

I dressed carefullyFinally, my husband, growing impatient said he was going to warm up the car.

Hurrying, I reached in the dresser for my soft white shawl.

I flung it around my shoulders, quickly tied the ends in front and without bothering to look in the mirror ran downstairs.

It was only after I got in the car that I realized in my haste, I’d pulled a pair of thermal underwear from the drawer instead of a shawl…and knotted the legs in front! 

My Husband is still laughing…   

                                                            © Elaine Fowler Palencia of Champaign, Illinois, USA.   

elainepalencia.com                          

Thank you, Elaine

 

 

“Are Memories Timeless Treasures” 

While visiting my sister in San Diego, California a few years ago, I needed to go to the mall for a few things. My sister was busy and recommended I take her car for the afternoon and enjoy some retail therapy. I was grateful for the time to just browse the shops and seeing the different stores and shops we don’t get in Canada.

I needed to be home by 4:30 to meet my sister, so I gave myself plenty of time and headed for the car at 3:00 pm. As I headed to the parking lot, I could not remember where I parked my car.  

I walked back and forth down the aisles of the parking lot twice, and couldn’t find the car. Panicked; it occurred me, I might have to contact the police and report the car stolen.

After having a total meltdown, and no cell phone I walked the aisles one more time. And finally found my sister’s car, a white Buick. I was looking for my gray Chrysler, which was in Canada. I was two hours late; my family was worried and about to send a search party after me! Whew, what a day.

A funny thing happened on this journey to maturity. I learned that “normal is just a setting on the dryer” and aging is not a scary process but an extraordinary adventure. I can look back at the love lessons God has taught me, both the hard and enjoyable. And each memory has become a timeless treasure hidden in my heart. I have seen how he has been faithful to his promises and walked with me every step of my journey. I have never been alone.

Although my Blonde hair is becoming whiter, and my body isn’t the same as it once was, I am never too old to serve God. I can still encourage, love and help others. God has blessed me with many memories and experiences to share. And besides, today is a fabulous day, and I don’t feel so old! LOL©

What are your favorite memories?  I would love to hear about them

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

 

 

Happy Thanksgiving, Canada

 

 

 

Thanksgiving in Canada

As an American living in Canada, I enjoy two Thanksgivings each year.  Our Canadian one is this Monday, October 8th. The American one is November 22nd.  Thanksgiving is my favorite time of the year and having two is special.  

Now that maturity has found me, I can help with the preparations by adding a few of my favorite dishes to the family feast. I love that each person gets to bring their dish and share in the festivities.

I can almost imagine the first Thanksgiving in a new country with new friends.  Each giving the best of what they could share. A true Thanksgiving of open hearts and open hands. I wish I could have been there.

I have been thinking about my own thankfulness at this wonderful time of year. As I ponder the current struggles in the world today, I think it would be great if we could overlook our differences and look at others the way that God sees them. Loved and cherished regardless of the flaws we all have.

 It seems God’s love through us is needed more than ever today. To be able to see people and the world through God’s eyes instead of our own. What would our world look like then?

As each new day comes, I try to find joy and thankfulness in the small moments each day.

What are you most thankful for?©

Thank you for sharing your time with me, dear friend.

Hugs to all, Lovingly Karan

The Mid-term Elections

 

 

 

 

The Mid-term Elections

Over the year and particularly the last few months, I have experienced stress and anxiety leading to the upcoming Mid-term elections.

As Americans residing out of the United States, Lyle and I were thrilled to receive our ballots and have the opportunity to vote.

I am surprised how people seem so interested here in Canada about these midterms. And like the US each person has their favorite candidate and a verity of views on them. No matter where I 

travel, folks feel the need to debate about our U.S. politics.

I read an editorial a few months ago about an “election stress disorder.” It made me laugh, but later I thought I had many of the symptoms as well. LOL. I had become anxious, constantly looked at surveys, Twitter, and the news every morning and evening. Even Canada will be having elections in the fall, and there is a concern there also.

I was telling my friend in South Carolina, I thought I had the “election stress disorder” and she giggled and pointed out I am like this every two or four years. What are friends for, to give us perspective when our focus becomes small?

As I was reading my Bible, I was telling God how disturbed I am about this entire process.

Luke 18:27 it says; “What is impossible from a human perspective, is possible with God,”

What a comfort to know God is a big picture, God. He is never surprised, caught off guard, or doesn‘t have a plan. He knows the plans he has for each of us, plans for our good that are greater than we could ever imagine.  God is trustworthy and true.  And all is well when we are in his care.

Oswald Chambers said it well, “Faith never knows where it is being led, but it loves and knows the one who is leading.”

My confidence and happiness is knowing God is in Control©

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

Money Saving Tips???

 

 

 

 

Money Saving Tips???

I have been watching our utility bill go up and down for this last year. In August, a young gentleman came to town advertising for a new utility company. They wanted to merge our gas and electric bills into one instead of two separate bills.

We could save money and lock in a new rate much lower than before if we signed up for them. Lyle and I looked over the contract and felt it looked better than the variable rates we had been experiencing.

However, in the fall and over the winter, we kept seeing the bill increasing, instead of going down as promised. I phoned the utility company to inquire about my bill, and the consultant was polite and understanding. Saying she was sorry, and next month’s bill would be better, she promised. She even gave me a 10.00 credit. LOL

Well, the next month arrived, and it was much worse than the previous month, so I found the contract and realized the company headquarters was in Texas. I started thinking maybe they were charging us in American dollars instead of Canadian. Right now in Canada, our dollar is worth seventy cents to an American dollar.

I called the company again to see if the exchange rate was the problem, they assured it was not. As I visited with the representative, she inquired if I received their company’s brochure on how to get budget saving tips for our home. I hadn’t received the brochure, so she gave me a few tips on how I might conserve energy.

First, she said I need to unplug my refrigerator, stove, and oven every night. She did every night, and it helped her conserve energy.

At that point, I had visions of my husband and myself dragging all our appliances out and unplugging then each night. Then plug them in every morning and pushing them back in place. I don’t know about you but, I had never learned about this tip before, sounds like a high-energy project for sure. She then suggested I put everything on an extension cord so it would be easy.

I told her I had never heard of that money saving tip before. She said she does it every night; it is what we do in the Philippines. What??

At this point I was so relieved that it wasn’t Canada she was talking about, I thanked her tips and said good-bye.©

Don’t worry about tomorrow, God is already there!

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

Seasons Come and Go

 

 

 

 

 

 

Seasons Come and Go

Today in Southern Alberta it is damp and chilly, merely a few weeks ago we were enduring 100 degrees and a parched summer.  I am astonished at how fast the weather turns. Many years ago, when I left San Diego and moved to the ranch in southern Alberta, people told me, “if you don’t like the weather, just wait a minute”. And I can attest to that fact here in Alberta. I am certain that is true wherever you live, there’re always changes. When I lived in California we had one season, Perfect!

But how I treasure the transformation of our seasons in Alberta. I love the hues of Fall when the harvest is finishing and the bountiful crops are being sold or stored in bins. I embrace the joy of the Thanksgiving season, pumpkin pie, funny pictures, and family.  Yes, Fall is one of my two favorites.

Then Christmas is close behind bringing the chilly winds and snow. I must admit I am not a snow bunny, no matter how many clothes I put on I can never stay warm enough. My notion for a perfect winter season is; falling snow on Christmas eve and it melts two days later. But, alas, everybody I know loves winter sports, and I am normally met with, “Suck it Up Buttercup”.  

People love winter sports here, the skiing, ice-skating, snowmobiling, and ice fishing.  And we can’t forget curling.  I had never heard of this sport when I moved to Canada, I assumed it had something to do with your hair. Hockey was a mystery too, watching my first game I couldn’t understand why everyone was hitting each other with their boards. And immediately was informed that they were hockey sticks, not boards. Who knew? 

Spring is another favorite season of mine.  I love seeing the new growth bringing with it the promise of life.  Everything is exciting and new including baby calves, lambs, and chicks. and after a long winter of hibernation, I too can come out and enjoy the warmth of the sun.

I am certain you have your favorite times too. Although every year has four seasons with the same number of holidays and days, each year differs from the last one. As we look back we can remember the years that were hard and the ones that make us smile.

As I read my Bible, it reminded me that my life, the weather, and the universe are not a surprise to God, He knows every detail. Even if we don’t understand His weather report or the things He allows in our lives, He is always there.  He is always faithful to walk with us as we travel through each season of our years.©   

For the Lord is the one who shaped the mountains, stirs up the winds, and shows His thoughts to mankind. He turns the light of dawn into darkness and treads on the heights of the earth. The Lord God of All is His name. Amos 4:13 NLT 

It is a comfort to know God is always with us as he has always been.© 

 “Don’t worry about tomorrow, God is already there.”

What is your favorite season?

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