Feb 11 2017

Will You Be My Valentine Forever?

Author: Karan Gleddie • Discussion: 1 Comment

Will You Be My Valentine Forever?

You can see them alongside the shuffleboard courts in Florida or on the porches of the old folks’ homes up north: an old man with snow-white hair, a little hard of hearing, reading the newspaper through a magnifying glass; an old woman in a shapeless dress, her knuckles gnarled by arthritis, wearing sandals to ease her aching arches.

couple10000 They are holding hands, and in a little while they will totter off to take a nap, and then she will cook supper, not a very good supper and they will watch television, each knowing exactly what the other is thinking until it is time for bed.

They may even have a good, soul-stirring argument, just to prove that they still really care. And through the night they will snore unabashedly, each resting content because the other is there.

They are in love, they have always been in love, although sometimes they would have denied it. And because they have been in love they have survived everything that life could throw at them, even their failures. Ernest Havemann, Bits & Pieces, June 24, 1993, pp. 7-9.

Grow old with me! The best is yet to come.

~Robert Browning

valine

Reflections:

I have been thinking about my own thankfulness which has been lacking for a while. Being thankful not happy all the time is hard, I would like to think I am thankful most of the time.

Often, when things happen in our lives, we feel like God is punishing us for some reason. I’m sure Satan wants us to feel that way, keeping us defeated and depressed.

When we’re down, it’s hard to be thankful and trust God’s who sees the grand picture of our lives. He knows the beginning and the end. If I am feeling sorry for myself, I won’t be able to keep my eyes focus on Him. Forgetting to trust Him for His plans, even when I don’t understand, can I still trust Him? Have you had the same feelings?

The Bible says God knew all about us even before we were born:

Psalm 139:16 NLT

You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book.

Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed.

As I look around the world today, wouldn’t it be great if we could just walk away from the struggles and hurts and just be friends? 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 eyes, and living more like Jesus with open hands and open hearts. What would our world look like then?©

Thank you for sharing your time with me. I am Thankful for each one of you.

Lovingly, Karan

Feb 05 2017

Service With A Smile!

Author: Karan Gleddie • Discussion: No Comments

Service With A Smile!

A couple in their nineties were having trouble remembering things so they went to their doctor for checkups. The doctor told them that they were both physically fine and advised them to write things down to help them remember.

couple-sitting-together-on-couch-smiling-340 Later that evening while watching television, the husband got up from his chair to go to the kitchen for a snack. He asked his wife if she wanted anything.

“Could you bring me a bowl of ice cream?” she asked.

“Sure,” he replied.

“Do you think you should write that down to remember it?” she asked.

“No, I can remember that,” he said.

“I’d like some strawberries on it, too. Do you need to write that down?” she said.

No, I can remember that, too. Ice cream with strawberries,” he said, becoming a little irritated.

“I’d like some whipped cream on it, too. Can you remember all that? The doctor said you should write things down,” she said.

“For goodness sake, I can remember that. I don’t need to write it down. A bowl of ice cream with strawberries and whipped cream,” he said, now more than a little irritated.

Off he went to the kitchen. About 20 minutes later he returned with a plate of bacon and eggs. The wife stared at it for a moment and said, “Where’s my toast?”

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Reflections:

The world we live in is demanding and changing. With extra demands on our homes, families, work and social commitments we are faced with daily uncertainties. We look for ways to slow down and try to find hope, peace, and strength among all the chaos.

I always thought as I aged that somehow I would know all the answers to life. However, the more I mature I realized I have more questions than answers. Surely I have learned something along the way, or have I forgotten?

The awareness of having a personal relationship with God has given me a great peace in my life. Through the highs and lows, of life, I have found God a trustworthy and loyal friend. Holding me up, calming my heart, and giving me the confidence to keep moving forward, even when I felt numb.

Some days I must confess that I would rather stay in bed with a blanket on my head. But in those times He gently reminds me that He is the same today as He was yesterday. The same God, who calmed the storms on the Sea of Galilee and healed the sick so many years ago, lives today. He would die on a cross and then rise again to life a living God. He is the same God I rely on today who calms the storms of my life and gives me peace. He is everything I need.

Because I know the creator of life personally and believe in Him, I can choose to trust Him even when I falter, he understands. I have a God who holds my life and my loved ones in His hands. I think He is better at handling the details of my life, don’t you agree?

When I look back on the life that I have been given, my family, friends, and ministry, how can I not trust Him? I am blessed with God’s incredible protection, love, and forgiveness. Today, I choose to trust you, Lord, because of who you are and your promises to me. ©

I love that verse,

“For I can do everything with the help of Christ who gives me the strength I need.”

Philippians 4:13 NLB

What could God do for you today?

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

Have a great week, HUGS

Lovingly, Karan

Jan 07 2017

A Holiday Road Trip?

Author: Karan Gleddie • Discussion: 6 Comments

A Holiday Road Trip?

While on a road trip, an elderly couple stopped at the roadside restaurant for lunch. After finishing their meal, they resumed their trip.

Unknowin couple-1002 gly, the woman left her glasses on the table and didn’t miss them until they had been driving about twenty minutes.

By then, to add to the aggravation, they had to travel quite a distance before finding a place to turn around.

All the way back, the husband fussed and complained and scolded his wife. As she got out of the car and hurried inside to retrieve her glasses, he yelled to her, “While you’re in there, you might as well get my hat and credit card!”

new-year-39-s-resolution-option-a-lose-some-weight-option-b-buy-a-bigger-basket

Reflections: Will I ever get done?

I have often put my life on hold using one little word,

AFTER. I wonder if others do the same. See if any of my excuses are ones you can relate too.

After the office is clean, I will have time to write.
After the house is clean, I will invite company for dinner.
After I lose weight, I will buy a swimsuit.
After my children are out of school, I will have more time to study the Bible.
After I catch up on all my TV series, I will have time to visit friends.
After I clean the garage, I will have a place to park the car.
After I get a treadmill, I will start exercising.

Recently, I had a few light bulb moments, or a blonde epiphany, (is that legal?)

The office will never be clean enough.
The house will never be perfect enough.
No matter how much weight I lose or gain, I will NEVER buy a swimsuit.
When your children finish school, marry, and have children of their own we will never have time.We will be too busy attending ball games, recitals, soccer, having sleepovers, taking pictures and having fun. Grandchildren automatically move to top priority.
A TV series is never done; there is always another new one to watch.
Landscaping and yard work is a weekly task, the weeds and grass just keep growing.
If the garage is cleaned out we will have to rent a large storage unit. Besides the car looks good outside and everyone knows where we live.
I will never start exercising when I get a treadmill, bicycle, or the Wii. If I haven’t started before now nothing else will help.

I have wasted a lot of time waiting for the “AFTERS” to get done so I could move onto the important tasks. The Bible says now is the time to use what we have to serve and honor God. I don’t want my life to get stuck with the afters and never get to the serving of others. I want to keep moving forward, onward and upward, running the race well.©

Philippians 2:16 (NLT)

Hold firmly to the word of life; then, on the day of Christ’s return, I will be proud that I did not run the race in vain and that my work was not useless.

1 Corinthians 9:16

Don’t you realize that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize?

So run to win!

Dear Friends, thank you for stopping by and spending your time with me today, I love each of you.

What are your favorite “after” excuses? I would love to hear from you and get your opinion on these thoughts

Hugs to All, Lovingly Karan

Dec 09 2016

The Reindeer Games

Author: Karan Gleddie • Discussion: 2 Comments

The Reindeer Games

The game show contestant was only 200 points behind the leader and about to answer the final question – worth 500 points!”

To be today’s champion,” the show’s smiling host intoned,”name two of Santa’s reindeer.”The contestant, a man in his early thirties, gave a sigh of relief, gratified that he had drawn such an easy question. “Rudolph!” he said confidently, “and, …Olive!”

The studio audience started to applaud (like the little sign above their heads said to do,) but the clapping quickly faded into mumbling, and the confused host replied, “Yes, we’ll accept Rudolph, but could you please explain…’Olive?!?'”

“You know,” the man circled his hand forward impatiently and began to sing, “Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer – had a very shiny nose. And if you ever saw it, you would even say it glowed. *Olive,* the other reindeer…” Author unknown

sants-lost-elf

Reflections:

This last year has had many highs and lows for me as well as being a year of reflection. As I have traveled this last year, I am constantly aware people seem unsettled and fear their future. I’ve often said, “Life is tough if I wasn’t laughing I would be crying”. I think others are feeling the same way.

Wh coffee-and-me en your life turns upside down it has a way of giving you a whole new perspective on what is important.

In reflection I have learned when life is tough I need to focus on the priceless treasures in my life. God’s love, my family and friends who encourage and pray for me. I am blessed.

The lessons I have learned about myself this year have been enlightening, as I struggle to do better with God’s help:

I need to learn to be a better friend and family member by keeping closer contact and letting each person know how much I love and appreciate them.
I need to be more faithful in my accountability to writing, which I know God has called me to do.
I need to answer emails quickly. I am a procrastinator, then I feel embarrassed because time has slipped away from me. (To those who have written please forgive me, it was not intentional, I am just embarrassed) I will do better.
I need to have more faith and trust God as I march into the future. (He sees the BIG picture I don’t) I’m a memo girl, but unfortunately, God doesn’t send memos.

“The best Christmas gift of all is the presence of our families and friends all wrapped up in love for one another “. I believe that is true, no matter what our circumstance or need.

This year as we come into the Christmas season, there will be joy and expectation knowing we have the presence of our loved ones and friends. And as we wrap our love around each one, we will lovingly remember those who could not be with us.

I wish each of you a Merry Christmas and pray that the Christ of Christmas will bless your homes as you prepare for the Holiday Season.©

Luke 2: 13 & 14

Suddenly, the angel was joined by a vast host of others—the armies of heaven—praising God and saying,

“Glory to God in highest heaven,
and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased.”

Lovingly, Karan Gleddie

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

Have a wonderful weekend be safe. Hugs to all.

Dec 04 2016

SENIOR CITIZENS

Author: Karan Gleddie • Discussion: 4 Comments

SENIOR CITIZENS

SENIOR citizens are constantly being criticized for every conceivable deficiency of the modern world, real or imaginary.

We know we take responsibility for all we have done and do not blame others.

HOWEVER, upon reflection, we would like to point out

that it was NOT the senior citizens who took:

The melody out of music,

The pride out of appearance,

The courtesy out of driving,

The romance out of love,

The commitment out of marriage,

The responsibility out of parenthood,

The togetherness out of the family,

The learning out of education,

The service out of patriotism,

The Golden Rule from rulers,

The nativity scene out of cities,

The civility out of behavior,

The refinement out of language,

The dedication out of employment,

The prudence out of spending,

The ambition out of achievement or

God out of government and school.

And we certainly are NOT the ones who eliminated patience

and tolerance from personal relationships and interactions with others!!

And, WE DO understand the meaning of patriotism,

and remember those who have fought and died for our country.

JUST LOOK at the Seniors with tears in their eyes and

pride in their hearts as they stand at attention with

their hand over their hearts!

YES, I’M A SENIOR CITIZEN!

I’m the life of the party…… even if it lasts until 8 p.m.

I’m very good at opening childproof caps…. with a hammer.

I’m awake many hours before my body allows me to get up.

I’m SMILING all the time because I can’t hear a thing you’re saying.

I’m sure everything I can’t find is in a safe secure place, somewhere.

I’m WRINKLED, saggy, lumpy, and that’s just my left leg.

I’m beginning to realize that aging is not for wimps.

Yes, I’m a SENIOR CITIZEN and I think I am having the time of my life!

Spread the laughter, Share the cheer

Let’s be happy, While we’re here. Author unknown

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Psalm 100: 1-5 (NLT)

A psalm of thanksgiving.

¹Shout with joy to the Lord, all the earth!
²    Worship the Lord with gladness.
    Come before him, singing with joy.
³Acknowledge that the Lord is God!
    He made us, and we are his.
    We are his people, the sheep of his pasture.
⁴Enter his gates with thanksgiving;
    go into his courts with praise.
    Give thanks to him and praise his name.
⁵For the Lord is good.
    His unfailing love continues forever,
    and his faithfulness continues to each generation.

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I pray you enjoyed this funny today and it brought joy to your day. A sweet friend sent it to me a while back and I was waiting for the right occasion to share it with you. Thank you, Beth!

THANK YOU for sharing your busy time with me, I LOVE each one, and pray the busyness of the season will bless you and keep you safe.

Have a good week, Lovingly Karan

Karan K. Gleddie

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