I Know The Secret

 

Reflections: I Know The Secret

I have been reminded these last few months how words hurt. Someone makes an observation about another’s circumstances and shares it with their friends. Never bothering to check the facts or find the truth.  I have always wondered why people feel the need to run others down, is it to build themselves up?

My mother used to say, “Gossip is like letting the cat out of the bag one claw at a time.” As a young girl, I thought she was being funny. But as the years went by I saw the damage left behind, by the words others carelessly shared.

I watched as people would treat my mother with so little respect as they assumed they knew all about her situation.  But they didn’t know at all, or how hard she worked to put a roof over our heads and food on the table.  Never giving up or expecting handouts. people made assumptions we were poor, although 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. How we loved and admired her.  

I don’t ever remember her speaking unkindly about others, probably because she had personally known the pain it caused.

I have watched her invite people into her home, feed, care and buy groceries for those who had nothing or no one to care for them. Mother was never judgmental and would accept people just the way they were. But most importantly, she was never afraid or shy to tell anyone about God’s love. She never gave up, she was a survivor, joyfully serving God and touching lives with kindness and comfort

In her later years, she worked in real estate, and at times I would be fearful as she drove around the city, often going into dangerous areas. She always told us not to worry; no harm would come because God was taking care of her. And He truly did.   

Mother never cared about what others thought about her or what they said. She only cared about pleasing and honoring God and doing her best for Him.

Mother left me a wonderful legacy to remember, my heart needs to keep my eyes on the God who loves me, and not worry about hurtful words being shared.©

A troublemaker plants seeds of strife; gossip separates the best of friends.

Proverbs 16:28

Let your conversation be gracious and attractive so that you will have the right response for everyone.

Col. 4:5-6

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

 I love you all and am praying. 
HUGS,
Lovingly, Karan
Have you experienced hurtful and unkind words, what did you do? How did you get through it?

 Who Are You? I Don’t Think I Recognize You

 Who Are You? I Don’t Think I Recognize You

 

Nothing at all, We’ve got this!

 

 

I Don’t Think I Recognize You

Have you had sleepless nights, got up in the morning checked the mirror and thought, “I’m not sure I’m going to be able to get it together today?” Was your hair standing on end? Are there bags under your eyes, not to mention the dreaded puffed eyelids? Thank goodness for eye cream and concealer! Some mornings, looking in the mirror can almost stop your heart. Which often happens at my house.

Have you fallen off your diet in a major way? Enjoyed an incredible weekend full of carbohydrates, sugars, and fat overload? Now feeling guilty, bloated and 10 pounds heavier than when you started your week. You know, the weekend where you ate everything you could get your hands on just because you couldn’t stand another carrot stick? I have, and I give myself a good scolding too. I usually feel so guilty and miserable I promise myself never again. Well, maybe that’s a little hasty, I hear a little Chocolate is good for you!

Perhaps you’ve had a dispute with your husband, friend or even the kids, and you’re on your last nerve. Possibly you’re saying, “I need to run away for a while or take a cruise, ” or if you’re like me, you just stay in bed and cover your head. I’ve even considered a week at a rest home, wouldn’t that be heavenly. There I could sit on the porch in a rocking chair and sing “Be Still My Soul “and mean it.

Some day’s life does not go the way I expect. I can write lists, make my plans and try to get some sense of order, yet life does not stop because I have had a bad day. Have you ever felt like that?

I am thankful that as each new day comes, I can choose to find something to be thankful for. I am learning how to find joy in the moments. Which has been a lifelong journey for me, I am not a fast learner. How about you?

My life isn’t always perfect, but I have a friend who loves me through the circumstances of life. He is the shield which blocks the sting and protects me in his perfect will. Nothing touches me that does not go through the cross first.

Although I will always have my share of bad hair days, bags under my eyes, blow my diet and lose my temper. I am safe and secure in the knowledge that God’s love, forgiveness are constant, unconditional and forever. He is my Friend. He is faithful. ©

How precious is your unfailing love, O God! All humanity finds shelter in the shadow of your wings. Psalm 36:7

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

HUGS,
Lovingly, Karan

Mouth Engaged

Mouth Engaged

 

 

Reflections: Mouth Engaged

Does your mouth often engage before your brain does? I will admit mine does. Thinking back to a time when we stopped for fast food with my girls, and a young man took our order. He had trouble remembering my order and getting it put into the computer.

In my mind, I suspected he was a few Fries short of an order. As the line grew longer the people behind me we are getting restless with this never-ending comedy of errors. I was on my last nerve and almost told this guy what a nitwit I thought he was. However, I thought it.

Looking up from the register with a huge grin of recognition on his face, he said, “like your dog-tags, I have one too.” In shock, I recalled I had my “WWJD” (What Would Jesus Do) dog tag on, and he then showed me his tag. I stood with my mouth open as he described how his youth group at church were all wearing “WWJD” tags to remind them to be kind and look for ways to serve others. He also told me how excited he is about getting his new job, it’s his first day!

As I left, with my order I smiled and thanked my young server and felt convicted about my sour attitude. Thanking God for keeping me from saying what I was thinking. I am sure I would not have pleased Him at all. Have you ever felt like God just slapped you across the face with a rebuke so strong that you never forget that moment or how you felt?

Remembering the day I bought the necklace and thought it was a good reminder for me to watch my words and actions so I could honor the God I love. I need to find the necklace again, and put it back on and remind myself God cares how I represent Him, and I should too. We live in a world where people desire to see God’s love. If we were the only Bible people read, I wonder what their opinion of Him would be.©

True love doesn’t consist of holding hands… It consists of holding hearts.

Psalm 42: 1, 11

As the deer longs for streams of water,
    so I long for you, O God.
I will put my hope in God!

  I will praise him again—
    my Savior and my God!

Dear Friend, thank you for spending your time with me. 

What has God been teaching you this last year? 

Hugs, 

Lovingly, Karan

 

 

Remembering ~ The Wallpaper Crises

 

    I want to remember every day the soldiers and families who serve our great country with their sacrifice.

To remember them daily is an Honor.

John 15:13
There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.

 

 

 

 

 

Reflections: The Wallpaper Crises

I have always loved wallpaper. Over the years you could find different types of it in each of our homes. So, when we moved to Foremost, Alberta in the spring of 2011, I again looked for some wallpaper for our home.

I found a charming pre-pasted vinyl in the pattern and color I wanted and couldn’t wait to get it up on the wall.

Now, seven years later I decided to get to work on it. Speedy I’m not. When life gets busy the more important activities take precedence. I’m sure you can attest to that too.

First I needed to find my supplies, but they were nowhere in sight. I must have loaned them out but to who?  I can’t remember.  So after buying new supplies, I started to get excited and inspired.  I put towels on the floor, filled the water trough, put the ladder up and laid my scissors, sponge and measuring tape where I could reach them.  Finally, I was ready.

Being a seasoned wallpaper enthusiast, I decided to measure and match the pattern before getting the paper wet and on to the wall. All seven pieces each eight feet long. I thought I was a genius to even think of this time-saving step. Wrong!

The first three lengths were on the wall looking great, but due to the late hours, I decided to go to bed.  And due to previous commitments, it was two and a half weeks later before I got back to it.  Feeling inspired again, I picked up the fourth length of wallpaper, put it through the water trough and proceeded to hang it on the wall, however, the wallpaper was not matching very well and looked a little off. I decided to let it dry a little hoping it might look better.

After an hour I looked at it again and noticed it looked like a different color, and at closer inspection, I realized the pattern was upside down. Ugh!  I gently pulled the paper off the wall hoping to turn it right side up and save it.  As I stood on the ladder I tried to lay the paper flat with the paste-up thinking when I was down from the ladder I would fold it paste to paste to preserve the paper.  As I stepped off the ladder, my socks caught the edge of the wallpaper glue and I landed on the paper and slid the whole eight feet on my backside.  I had glue all over my clothes, hands and in my hair.  Of course, the paper was crumpled up so bad it was never going to see the wall again. 

At this moment I must confess I am a little nervous about the whole wallpaper idea.  And yes I am still looking at my wall half papered and half not.  Lol, I’m waiting for my inspiration to return!

When things don’t go as I would like and time seems in short supply, I tend to get discouraged and wish the world would stop for awhile and let you off. To have a chance to regroup and collect our thoughts?

When those times come for me I know that I can talk to God about any situation and he will calm my spirit and give me hope to keep moving forward. I love the promises he gives to us to hold on to. Where would I be without him in my life.©

Psalm 62:5-6  NLT

Let all that I am wait quietly before God,
for my hope is in him.
He alone is my rock and my salvation,
my fortress where I will not be shaken.

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

I’ve Lost My Teeth

Update By: Karan Gleddie
Date: June 22, 2018

I’ve Lost My Teeth

 

Starting the vacation Happy Dance

 

Reflections:

Three hours past our departure time, my husband, Lyle, and I, and our two teenage daughters were finally pulling away from our southern Alberta home. We were on our way to the State Fair in Great Falls, Montana, but the way our car was packed, it seemed like we were off on a world tour.

I was looking forward to six days of rest and relaxation. No cooking, no early mornings, and plenty of my favorite hobby—retail therapy. We had a poolside room and our girls were ready to find their swimsuits and head to the water. However, my husband (the practical one) decided we would have supper first before the swimming suits came out of the suitcases and everyone headed for the pool.

After a delicious Mexican dinner, I hurried back to our room because I had something stuck under my upper partial plate. As I hurried into the powder room, I took out my “two front teeth” and laid them on a tissue next to the sink. After I brushed my teeth, I wiped off the counter, threw the paper and tissue into the toilet, and flushed. I turned around to get my teeth, but they were nowhere in sight. I ran around the hotel room crying, praying, and hoping that I would find those teeth, but I knew in my heart they were gone—flushed—adios—good-bye.

My family returned to find me flustered and crying. They were clearly concerned, but before I told them what happened to my poor teeth, I made each one promise not to laugh. It did not help one bit. By the end of my story, they were rolling with laughter and asking to see my toothless smile, which only brought more uncontrolled laughter.

I decided right there my vacation was over. I wanted to go home. I told my family I could not spend the rest of the week without my two front teeth.

“Oh yes you can,” my husband said. “All you have to do is keep your mouth shut and no one will know.”  Now, why didn’t I think of that?

I spent the week more quietly than usual. When I sometimes forgot myself or was carried away with the fun and laughter, my teenagers would lovingly point at their teeth to remind me that mine was missing. However, after the first few days, I forgot about my teeth and had a fun, memorable vacation.

If I had carried through with my plan to go home because of pride and concern about how I looked, just think of what we would have missed as a family. My daughter said we were making memories, and she was right. Now that my daughters are grown women, we remember our vacation with great fondness.©

Proverbs 29:23  says, “A man’s pride brings him low, but a man of lowly spirit gains honor.”  How often have I missed the opportunities God has for me because of selfish pride?

Father, Forgive me for my selfish pride. Help me not to miss the gifts you want to give me that fulfill my life because I am thinking only of myself.   Help me to put you first.

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

Have you ever had a “Vacation Mishap?” 

 I love you all and am praying. 
 
HUGS,
 Lovingly,  Karan Gleddie