Senior citizens

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
Mar 25 2017

Three Elderly Sisters ~ I Could Run Away

Author: Karan Gleddie • Discussion: No Comments

˜Three Elderly Sisters

Three sisters, ages 92, 94 and 96, lived in a house together. One night the 96-year-old draws a bath. She puts one foot in and pauses. She yells down the stairs, “Was I getting in or out of the bath?

The 94-year old yells back. “I don’t know; I’ll come up and see. She starts up the stairs and pauses. Then yells out, “Was I going up the stairs or down?’

The 92-year-old is sitting at the kitchen table having tea and listening to her sisters. She shakes her head and says, “I sure hope I never get that forgetful.” She knocks on the wood table for good measure.

She then replies, “I’ll come up and help both of you as soon as I see who’s at the door.”  Author unknown

 

Reflections: I Could Run Away!

Do you ever enjoy an incredible weekend full of carbs, sugar, and extreme fat overload? And after feel guilty, bloated and 10 pounds heavier than when you started. 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 always scold myself afterward. I usually feel so guilty and miserable I promise never to do that again. Well, maybe that’s a little rash, I hear a little Chocolate is good for you now and then!

Perhaps you’ve had a dispute with your neighbor, friends or even the kids and your nerves are frayed. Possibly you’re saying, “I need to get away for a while or take a vacation. That sounds good to me.

Some day’s life does not go the way we expect it too. We can write lists, make plans and try to make some sense of order, yet life does not stop because we have bad days.  Do you feel like that too sometimes?

I am glad that with each day I have an opportunity to choose to be thankful.  I am learning to find happiness in the small moments of each day.  Not because my life is perfect, but because I know a God who loves me through the circumstances of my 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 and forgiveness are constant, unconditional and forever. He is my Friend. Is he your friend too?©

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

” We can trust God to handle the things that overwhelm us.”

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

Lovingly, Karan

Feb 18 2017

A Real Country Fair Ride?

Author: Karan Gleddie • Discussion: No Comments

A Real Country Fair Ride?

George and his wife Bessie went to the county fair every year. It was their “big” event of the year. In fact, it was the closest thing they ever had to a vacation.

And each year George would say to Bessie, “I sure would like to ride in that there crop dusting, acrobatic airplane.” And each year Bessie would say, “I know George, but that airplane ride costs ten dollars. And ten dollars is ten dollars.”

After many years, George and Bessie went to the fair as usual, and George said, “Bessie, I’m 81 years old. If I don’t ride that airplane this year, I may never get another chance.”

Bessie replied, “George that there airplane ride costs ten dollars. And ten dollars is ten dollars.”

The pilot overheard them and said, “Folks, I’ve seen you here year after year. I know you’ve wanted to ride in my airplane all that time. I also know that money is pretty important to you, and you don’t part with it lightly.”

“Tell you what, I’ll make you a deal. I’ll take you both up for a ride. If you can both keep quiet for the entire ride, and not say one word, I won’t charge you a thing. But if you say even one word, it’ll cost you ten dollars.”

George and Bessie agreed. They got in the plane and took off. The pilot did all kinds of twists, turns, rolls, and dives, but he didn’t hear a peek from George or Bessie. He tried his fastest upside roll, and it was still quiet from the back.

When they landed, the pilot looked at George: “Well, I don’t believe it, George, I did everything I could think of to get you to yell, but you didn’t.”

George replied, “Well, I was going to say something when Bessie fell out of the airplane….”

“But, ten dollars is ten dollars.” Author unknown

Reflections:

Where would we be without those dear women we call Girlfriends. The ones we laugh, cry, and shop with who encourage us to become a better woman.

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.

Mother was never judgmental of people and would accept them just the way they were. But most important, she was never afraid or shy to tell anyone about God’s love. Mother never gave up, she was a survivor, joyfully serving God and touching lives with kindness and comfort.

How I miss her laughter, her wonderful smile, and beautiful green eyes. I admired her strength and accomplishments against insurmountable odds. Mother often said,“With God nothing is impossible.”

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 can still remember her face and the sweet smell of her perfume. I wanted to be her when I grew up. I still cherish her memory and kindness to a struggling little girl.

Hedevig my Danish mother-in-law taught me about hospitality and cooking. (neither of which I knew hardly anything about) She was a tall, kind, and a gentle Danish woman who loved her home and family. She taught me how to cook, clean, bake those wonderful Danish pastries and pies.There was never anyone turned away from home, generous hospitality, delicious meals, and beautiful table settings.

She endured great physical pain and showed grace throughout the illness. Always knowing God loved her, and had faith he had a perfect plan for her life. She was a wealth of knowledge and made learning fun. She became my second mother, mentor, and friend.

Over the years as I look back I remember the beautiful women who have walked through my life filling it full precious gifts of their generosity and grace. I have a lifetime of wonderful memories that are worth more to me than silver and gold. I am blessed.©

Psalm 119:72 (NLT)

Your instructions are more valuable to me than millions in gold and silver.

John 15:13 (NLT)

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

 

I want to thank all the Girlfriends in my life who daily encourage me to be the best I can be for the Lord. You are loved. Hugs to all.

Lovingly, Karan