Self-Image

Jun 11 2015

Is It Time?

Author: Karan Gleddie • Discussion: No Comments

Is my time up?

A midemergencydle-aged woman was having a heart attack and taken to the hospital. While on the operating table she had a near death experience. Seeing God she asked, “is my time up?” God said, “No, you have another 43 years, 2 months and 8 days to live.”

After her recovery, she decided to stay in the hospital and have a face-lift, liposuction, and a tummy tuck. She even had her hairdresser come in and change her hair color. Since she had so much more time to live, she figured she might as well make the most of it. 

After her last procedure, she was released from the hospital. While crossing the street in front of the hospital, she was ran over by an ambulance and killed.

Arriving in heaven front of God, she demanded, “I thought you said I had another 40 years? Why didn’t you rescue me from the path of the ambulance?” (You’re going to love this!!!)  God replied, “I didn’t recognize you.”  Author unknown

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I still call my sandals thongs which really confuses my granddaughters, Lol  

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Occasionally I even toyed with the idea of a major overhaul, from top to bottom.  You know the kind, where they pull everything up, starting at the knees.  (Somehow the image of my navel in the middle of my forehead, has kept me taking the final step)

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I think God has a sense of humor too; after all, He made us.  Have you ever stood naked in front of a mirror and quoted Psalm 139: 14a I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made” Personally, I have not been able to get past the fearful!

Our confidence comes from knowing that God made us in his image, he knew what we would look like before we were ever born and loved us anyway.   

The Bible says: Psalm 139: 13-16a (NLT)

You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother’s womb.  Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex!

Your workmanship is marvelous—how well I know it. You watched me as I was being formed in utter seclusion,as I was woven together in the dark of the womb. You saw me before I was born.

What wonderful security of knowing that I God knew all about me before I was even born, and loved me from the very start. I love that about God!

*** Thank you dear friends for sharing your time with me, I count it a privilege to connect with each one of you.  Thank you for your prayers and notes.  Much Love and Hugs.

Lovingly, Karan         

 

Mar 05 2015

33 Outfits Out of a small overnight bag.

Author: Karan Gleddie • Discussion: 9 Comments

 

One Month Travel Pack

 

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I thought you would enjoy have this “One Month Travel Pack” I call it 33 outfits out of a small overnight bag.  As we go into the spring and summer, and have to deal with high baggage charges this is a great way to have lots of options and save some money too. Wouldn’t it be great to pass up the baggage claim crowd at the carousel?

I have taught this trick for years, it can be adapted for a man’s “Travel Pack” also.  I decided to share it with you dear friends, Hope you find it helpful. If you have any questions let me know. Hugs

Lovingly, Karan 

 

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Feb 19 2015

Fifty Shades of Brokenness?

Author: Karan Gleddie • Discussion: 8 Comments

Fifty Shades of Brokenness?

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Valentine’s Day is a day set aside for remembering the ones we love, honor and respect. A day of flowers, chocolates, cards and sharing the special joys of serving and putting others in your life first.

This year however, it will be remembered as the opening day of “Fifty Shades of Grey”; a movie and book that glorifies sexual perversion, abuse, pornography and lust.  And it’s alright when your consenting adults, no matter what the age.

I’m sure the Valentine’s Day opening date must have been a joke, because nothing about it has anything to do with love, kindness and respect. I am saddened to hear of the huge openings as people rush to see the movie lured by tantalizing advertisements, curiosity or secret interests. 

Although I have not seen the movie and have chosen not to read the book, I have read a lot about it from people who have. My dear friend Heather Mertens has written extensively about the perils of the book and movie.  At first I was concerned for her and worried that is was the wrong subject choice. But she has kept it up to some peoples’ dismay and I applaud her boldness and faithfulness to sound the alarm.  

For years I have traveled and talked with women whose lives have been broken and devastated by some form of perversion, pornography or abuse in their homes. Behind closed doors they silently keep the secret that is slowly destroying their families, home and children’s life.  These people live the real heartbreak, lives that this book and film praises and challenges us to accept as normal. 

I hear the stories of the brokenness and devastation that continues to affect their lives. There are no Valentine kisses or the joy of knowing you are loved because you are special. There is only the cruel imagination of someone who uses you as an object, instead of valuing and loving you as a precious gift.  

Have we become complacent and numb to the world we live in that immorality and evil is now acceptable?  Is it easier not to say anything and pretend it’s not happening? Are we to fill our hearts and minds with thoughts and images that deaden our senses and moral integrity?

 In Proverbs 4:23 (NIV) it says:

Above all else, guard your heart,
for everything you do flows from it.

 I know this is a heavy subject and I wanted to share my heart with you.  I finally decided to stand up and say ENOUGH!  I’m not going to keep SILENT!  

Thank you for sharing your time with me, I love you!

Lovingly, Karan

***Discussion: I do value your opinion, please let me what you think. Please pass along.   

  I love hearing from you. Hugs

Jan 15 2015

Girlfriend Time!

Author: Karan Gleddie • Discussion: 4 Comments

 

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Where would we be without those dear sisters we call Girlfriends. The ones we laugh with, cry with, and shop with. Our mother’s, sisters and friends who encourage, teach, and help us to become better women.

Mrs. Mitchell, my third grade teacher who spent extra time with me, teaching me to read. When I repeated third grade, she never made me feel inferior. To this day, I still cherish her memory and kindness.

I think of my mother who raised me even when the stigma of being an unwed mother many years ago. (I will not tell you how many) I know that choice caused her many hardships in her adult life.

For eight months, I had struggled with depression, which a new medication caused. Depression was one of its side effects. During this time, my family and friends constantly loved, prayed, laughed and encouraged me, always reminding me that God knew exactly where I was. Sometimes when we get into a dark place, it is hard to find our way out.

When I hit a wall, I became overwhelmed, and started looking at all the circumstances and stress in my life, I forgot about all the good things. I took my eyes off of the Lord, instead of remembering all that He has done for me. My cup became half-empty, instead of full.

As I had time to meditate and look back, I realized how God has lead me with His love and faithfulness over the years. He is faithful, constant, and everlasting.

In Hebrews 11: 1-3 I am reminded:

Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see. By faith, we understand that the entire universe was formed at God’s command, that what we now see did not come from anything that can be seen.

I have found Him to be all I need.
I want to thank all the Girlfriends in my life who daily encourage me to be the best I can be for the Lord. Your loved.
Lovingly, Karan

Thank you for sharing your time with me, I would love to hear from you.  

What have your girlfriends meant to you ?

Jan 07 2015

Where’s The Party?

Author: Karan Gleddie • Discussion: 4 Comments

 

Clipart Illustration of a Bunch Of Floating Party Balloons WithThis week I will have another birthday, nothing helps you to reevaluate your previous year then a milestone on the calendar.  I knew my birthday was approaching because for the last six months I have been receiving unsolicited email about: buying a burial plot, death insurance, plastic surgery plans and wrinkle removers.  Wow, I didn’t think I was that old and thanks for the reminder! Lol.

Last week I thought I would give myself a new look.  Although my hair is blonde the top and side are getting white now. I thought I would get a color at the drug store and make it all one color.  Wrong! I didn’t leave the color on as long as they suggested, however when all was said and done I had dark blue hair.  So for the last few weeks, I thought I would just go with the flow and try to act like it was a perfectly normal color me.  You know just rock the look! However my beautiful granddaughter brought me back down to earth, when she suggested I add hot pink of red hairpieces. I think not!

I am 50 + and loving it and my mind has not left me yet, thank goodness.   I read a quote the other day that said,” I would rather be a vivacious, confident, and a young at heart 70 year old, then an old 40 year old.

I thought it was a funny quote until I started remembering when I was 40.  Do you remember your 40’s?  I was the ranch gopher, cook, mother of 3 teenager daughters, rancher’s wife, hostess, tour guide, chauffeur, and entertainment committee all in one.  I never seemed to have enough sleep. My theme song during those days was the Garth Brooks, song, “I’m too young to feel this dam old.” Do you feel like that?

I am sure God must have a sense of humor, looking down on me. With all the wild, crazy misadventure of life, I’ve made it so far. He gave me the privilege of raising our three wonderful daughters. Then He gave me the courage to let them fly the nest, and become the special women that God planned for them to be.  It is hard to believe there were times when I wished everyone would hurry and grow up.  Have you ever felt like that?

I have news for you; the best is yet to come! 

“Grandchildren”

I recently read a bumper sticker that said,

“Grandchildren are so much fun, I wish I had them first”

Have a great week!

Lovingly, Karan 

Thank you for dropping by and sharing your time with me.  Do you ever feel to tired and weary you forget to enjoy life? I would love to hear from you.

Hugs