Oct 02 2017

Can I Give You A Smile?

Author: Karan Gleddie • Discussion: 2 Comments

Can I Give You A Smile?

Some days I find myself in a place of discouragement. Bewildered by the world we live in, with so many hurting people looking for hope, encouragement and a smile. My heart aches for all the families that have gone through the hurricanes the last few months and the massacre in Las Vegas last night.

Sometimes the way forward seems complicated and challenging, and I’m not even sure I have even enough energy to finish the tasks God had given me.

I have often heard,” Instruction does much, but encouragement is everything.” Many times a kind word of encouragement, a smile or a simple touch can lift a heart out of sadness, grief, exhaustion or despair.

An act of kindness encouraging others and lets them know you care about them, and they are not alone. It also gives us the opportunity to show God’s love as we touch the lives of others. Encouragement gives hope and inspires determination to keep moving forward when life gets tough, and we become weary of the struggles.

Many times I have asked God to encourage my heart with his love, compassion, and guidance. Asking Him to give me a new perspective and passion for the task He had given me.When I become tired, His promises and love lessons come just in time in sweet ways of encouragement from others. God is not finished with the dreams and goals He has placed in my heart, and he is not finished with me either.

Isaiah 40:31 NLV

But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.

LIFE can be tough, and the struggles of life and ministry can be harsh. With God’s encouragement, we can remember His promises and rely and lean on Him. The journey will be brighter for us and others as we stand together building one another up with encouragement.©

Have you felt more stressed in the last few months, how have you coped with the daily events?

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

Have a great week, HUGS

Lovingly, Karan

Sep 11 2017

Grandparents, Can We Live Without Them?

Author: Karan Gleddie • Discussion: 4 Comments

Grandparents, Can We Live Without Them?

One child wrote the following school paper:

We always used to spend the holidays with grandma and grandpa. They used to live here in a big, brick house, but Grandpa got retarded, and they moved to Florida. Now they live in a place with a lot of other retarded people.

They live in a tin box and have rocks painted green to look like grass. They ride around on big tricycles and wear name tags because they don’t know who they are anymore.

They go to a building called a wrecked center, but they must have got it fixed because it is all right now. They play games and do exercises there, but they don’t do them very well.

There is a swimming pool too, but they all jump up and down in it with their hats on. I guess they don’t know how to swim.
At their gate, there is a dollhouse with a little old man sitting in it. He watches all day so nobody can escape. Sometimes they sneak out. Then they go cruising in their golf carts.

My grandma used to bake cookies and stuff, but I guess she forgot how. Nobody there cooks, they just eat out. And they eat the same thing every night: Early Birds.

Some of the people can’t get past the man in the dollhouse to go out, so the ones who get out bring food back to the wrecked center and call it pot luck.

My Grandma says Grandpa worked all his life to earn his retardment and says I should work hard so I can be retarded one day, too. When I earn my retardment, I want to be the man in the doll house. Then I will let people out so they can visit their grandchildren. Author unknown

Reflections: Can’t Live Without Them!

My daughters loved their grandmothers and learned many incredible life lessons from them.

Grandma Frances was from California, who was funny, curious and as they said in ‘Star Wars” “To Boldly Go Where No One Has Gone Before.” Grandma always brought fun adventures!

She was eccentrically independent with a generous heart and loved a good deal, so thrift stores, Salvation Army, garage sales and flea markets were thrilling when she found the perfect bargain.

She always saw beauty in everything and especially loved the times she spent with her granddaughters in San Diego when they were visiting. Sandy beaches, seashells, sea world and Mexican food.

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

We knew mother, and grandma loved us and loved God too. She trusted Him, leaned on Him, and believed His promises would keep her through the ups and downs of life. She taught us every day about God’s grace, forgiveness, and love. Through her life, we could see how God faithfully protected and cared for each of us.

Grandma Gleddie lived close by, in fact, she lived in the same yard. Every day after school My daughters would stop at Grandma’s for cookies and tea, play a game of Sorry or Trouble, and then come home. She always had a listening ear and encouraging word and many hugs. It was as though it was their private time to have Grandma all to themselves.

I remember the joy on their faces as they came home telling me they had beat their Grandmother in their chosen game today. Such confidence and happiness, although I am sure that she allowed them to win much more, then they lost.

I always admired her gentle ways, her willingness to love and teach her granddaughters how to bake and enjoy recipes as they hunted for something new to try and sample.

She was a beautiful pianist, organist, and singer. And her gift passed on to her granddaughters. They would go over to her house and quietly enjoy their private concerts and singing.

She endured great physical pain and showed grace throughout the illness. She always knew God loved her and her faith knew he had a perfect plan for her.

The cherished gifts these two different grandmothers gave their grandchildren gave them a lifetime of wonderful memories that are worth more than silver and gold. My daughters are blessed. ©

Proverbs 17:6 The Message

Old people are distinguished by grandchildren;
children take pride in their parents.

Thank you for sharing your time with me dear reader, I pray that you have gotten a giggle and a blessing at the same time. Hugs
Lovingly, Karan

Jul 01 2017

You May Live In Canada If…

Author: Karan Gleddie • Discussion: No Comments

You may live in Canada if:

If you’ve worn shorts and a parka at the same time.

If you’ve had a lengthy telephone conversation with someone who dialed a wrong number.

If you measure distance in hour

If driving is better in the winter because the potholes are filled with snow.

If you have switched from ‘heat’ to ‘A/C’ In the same day and back again.

If you can drive 56 miles/hr. through 2 feet of snow during a raging blizzard without flinching.

If you carry jumper cables in your car, and your wife knows how to use them.

If you design your kid’s Halloween costume to fit over a snowsuit.

If the speed limit on the highway is 50 miles/hr. and you’re going 60 and everybody is passing you.

If you know all 4 seasons:
Almost winter, winter, still winter, and road construction.

If you have more miles on your snow blower than your car.

If you find -2^oF degrees ‘a little chilly’. author unknown

Canadian Happy for Spring

Reflections: Happy Birthday!

Who would have ever believed a California Girl would turn in her flip-flops for a pair of cowboy boots and the lure of the Alberta Prairies? When this California beach bunny met a handsome Canadian Cowboy, it was like “John Wayne meets California Bling Queen” two different worlds collided. I still love my boots, but I haven’t given up the flip-flops either. You might say I’m a little bit country, however there is still a dash of Bling even after all these years.

When I moved to Canada, I found some cultural differences, but the people were friendly and forgiving as I made mistakes. They were always willing to give me advice, help and a warm listening ear. I cherish the friends and family who made my transition in a new country a fun journey.

So “Happy Birthday Canada” today is your day. July 1, 1867, one-hundred and fifty years ago. You became a nation, and what a beautiful, welcoming country you are.

What a joy and a privilege to be blessed with such a magnificent heritage of living and being a part of two countries where freedom is valued.

They say “Freedom is never free,” but there is always a price. I am humbled and honored to thank the brave soldiers who fight for my freedoms. Thank You.©

“It is easy to take liberty for granted when you have never had it taken from you.” Author unknown

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

Lovingly, Karan

Have you ever visited, or do you live in Canada, What is your favorite place? Let me know I would love to hear.

Jun 10 2017

What Makes A Dad ~ Fathers’ Day

Author: Karan Gleddie • Discussion: 6 Comments

What Makes A Dad

God took the strength of a mountain,
The majesty of a tree,
The warmth of a summer sun,
The calm of a quiet sea,

The generous soul of nature,
The comforting arm of night,
The wisdom of the ages,
The power of the eagle’s flight,

The joy of a morning in spring,
The faith of a mustard seed,
The patience of eternity,
The depth of a family need,

Then God combined these qualities,
When there was nothing more to add,
He knew His masterpiece was complete,
And so, He called it … Dad

~ Author Unknown

Reflections: Fathers’ Day

As a child growing up, I always wondered about the father I never knew. Did he have blonde hair, was I like him? My mother never talked about him, and I never inquired because it caused her great sadness to discuss that time in her life.

For years, I would think about meeting him, and dream about our wonderful reunion. But that scenario would not happen. I had found out that he had passed away many years before I had started to look for him. I was so disappointed, all my questions would go unanswered.

I remember at church the minister talked about how much God cares for each of us, and he knows our pain and hurt in the secret places where only he can see. And he quoted a Bible verse that I never forgot:

God in His holy house is a father to those who have no father.

And He keeps the women safe whose husbands have died.

God makes a home for those who are alone.

Psalm 67:5 & 6a

I found great comfort in that verse but wondered if it would happen for me.

Little did I know that God had prepared a father for me in Alberta, Canada. When I married Lyle, I not only got a husband but a new father who became my dad.

Trygve was a kind, loving and humble man who loved life and loved me. As the years passed by it amazed me, how much alike we were. We both loved books, collected funny stories and loved humor. He loved to sing, loved people and most of all loved God.

Trig passed away in 2000; there is not a day that goes by that I don’t reflect on all the times we spent together. We would both cry through “Little House on the Prairie”, sad movies and touching books. We liked to laugh, sing in the car, go shopping, eating out and share the important family stories and our walk with God. How I loved and miss him.

I am thankful for the great privilege to call Trygve my DAD.

God gave me the desire of my heart, and his timing is perfect.

Happy Fathers’ Day!

Do you have special memories of your Dad? I would love to hear them. Hugs

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

Lovingly, Karan

Jun 04 2017

Are You Going My Way? ~ Are You Someone’s Hero?

Author: Karan Gleddie • Discussion: 5 Comments

Are You Going My Way?

A truck driver was hauling a load of Penguins going to the San Diego Zoo when his refrigeration truck breaks down on the freeway. The driver got out of the cab and was looking at the engine when a second truck driver stopped and asked if he needed any help.

The Penguins’ driver explained that he is taking the penguins to the zoo and asked if the other man could take the penguins to the zoo for him. He also agreed to give him $500.00 for extra expenses.

Some hours later, the second truck driver drove past the first one, who was still waiting on the freeway for help to come. The Penguins, however, were still on the truck!

“I thought I asked you to take those penguins to the zoo,” shouted the first driver. The second replied, “I did, but I had some money left, so we’re going to the movies. Author unknown

Reflections: Are You Someone’s Hero?

Over the last few weeks, as we celebrated Memorial Day, I have thought about the different seasons of life and the Heroes I looked up too. How the heroes and faces have changed for me as I enter each New Year.

When I was a young girl, my mother was the most important person in my life, and I wanted to be just like her. But soon I was in third grade and met the beautiful Mrs. Mitchell. She was kind, patient, and recognized the heart of a wounded child. How I loved her, I was going to be a teacher just like her.

However, roads bend and turn taking us on new adventures to find out who we are, and what we will become. And exciting time but also a fearful time for me. I loved to laugh, sing, dance and wanted to be popular in high school that is what would make me happy. Friends, lots of friends.

I didn’t think much about heroes in my life then because I was too busy, trying to please and keep up with everyone else.

As I look back, I can see a long line of the heroes that God sprinkled into my life. Each one pushed, encouraged, and inspired me to become a better person. To reach for my dreams and never stop, and when I slow down and get discouraged, they cheer me on with their prayers.

To have Godly mentors who showed me that loving God, putting him first and serving him would give the greatest joy in life, each one has blessed me.

Psalm 77:11

I remembered the works of the Lord: for I will be mindful of thy wonders from the beginning.

Joel 1:3

Tell your children about it in the years to come, and let your children tell their children. Pass the story down from generation to generation.

Who are some of your heroes? I would love to hear from you.

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

Have a great week, HUGS
Lovingly, Karan

Karan K. Gleddie

Offering Love and Laughter to Women who need Hope

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