Travel

Jan 15 2019

Mouth Engaged

Author: Karan Gleddie • Discussion: 1 Comment

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

 

 

Nov 19 2018

I am Sorry

Author: Karan Gleddie • Discussion: 11 Comments

 

Happy Thanksgiving, America

 

 

Reflections: I am Sorry

I am sorry; I have not been constant in my writing, In November 2017, they moved my husband to a senior lodge, for extra care.

It has been a transition for all of us. I found the last year a lonesome time after so many years of marriage together. 

After, almost a year now I am looking forward to moving into a smaller apartment.

Along with the sorting of years of memories, furniture, books, and papers, and arranging to sell our house, it’s been hectic. All the while wondering why I held on to so much “stuff.”

I would ask if you would remember me in prayer for the next few months. I get overwhelmed by all the decisions of downsizing in all areas and letting go of things.

I have been praying that God will help me to live with open hands and an open heart.  To pass on the things I have loved and enjoyed,  I need to learn to bless others as He has blessed me. ©

“A memory is a photograph taken by the heart to make a special moment last forever.”  And sweet memories remind us of the roads we have traveled and the people we have loved. Unknown author
Praise the Lord. Blessed are those who fear the Lord, who find great delight in his commands. Psalm 112

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

 
HUGS,
Lovingly, Karan

 

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Nov 05 2018

Are Memories Timeless Treasures?

Author: Karan Gleddie • Discussion: 3 Comments

 

 Dining Out in Style    

‘We’d been invited out to dinner one chilly evening, and I wanted to look elegant.” Elaine admits.           

I dressed carefully, Finally, my husband, growing impatient said he was going to warm up the car.

Hurrying, I reached in the dresser for my soft white shawl.

I flung it around my shoulders, quickly tied the ends in front and without bothering to look in the mirror ran downstairs.

It was only after I got in the car that I realized in my haste, I’d pulled a pair of thermal underwear from the drawer instead of a shawl…and knotted the legs in front! 

My Husband is still laughing…   

                                                            © Elaine Fowler Palencia of Champaign, Illinois, USA.   

elainepalencia.com                          

Thank you, Elaine

 

 

“Are Memories Timeless Treasures” 

While visiting my sister in San Diego, California a few years ago, I needed to go to the mall for a few things. My sister was busy and recommended I take her car for the afternoon and enjoy some retail therapy. I was grateful for the time to just browse the shops and seeing the different stores and shops we don’t get in Canada.

I needed to be home by 4:30 to meet my sister, so I gave myself plenty of time and headed for the car at 3:00 pm. As I headed to the parking lot, I could not remember where I parked my car.  

I walked back and forth down the aisles of the parking lot twice, and couldn’t find the car. Panicked; it occurred me, I might have to contact the police and report the car stolen.

After having a total meltdown, and no cell phone I walked the aisles one more time. And finally found my sister’s car, a white Buick. I was looking for my gray Chrysler, which was in Canada. I was two hours late; my family was worried and about to send a search party after me! Whew, what a day.

A funny thing happened on this journey to maturity. I learned that “normal is just a setting on the dryer” and aging is not a scary process but an extraordinary adventure. I can look back at the love lessons God has taught me, both the hard and enjoyable. And each memory has become a timeless treasure hidden in my heart. I have seen how he has been faithful to his promises and walked with me every step of my journey. I have never been alone.

Although my Blonde hair is becoming whiter, and my body isn’t the same as it once was, I am never too old to serve God. I can still encourage, love and help others. God has blessed me with many memories and experiences to share. And besides, today is a fabulous day, and I don’t feel so old! LOL©

What are your favorite memories?  I would love to hear about them

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

 

 

Sep 25 2018

The Mid-term Elections

Author: Karan Gleddie • Discussion: 2 Comments

 

 

 

 

The Mid-term Elections

Over the year and particularly the last few months, I have experienced stress and anxiety leading to the upcoming Mid-term elections.

As Americans residing out of the United States, Lyle and I were thrilled to receive our ballots and have the opportunity to vote.

I am surprised how people seem so interested here in Canada about these midterms. And like the US each person has their favorite candidate and a verity of views on them. No matter where I 

travel, folks feel the need to debate about our U.S. politics.

I read an editorial a few months ago about an “election stress disorder.” It made me laugh, but later I thought I had many of the symptoms as well. LOL. I had become anxious, constantly looked at surveys, Twitter, and the news every morning and evening. Even Canada will be having elections in the fall, and there is a concern there also.

I was telling my friend in South Carolina, I thought I had the “election stress disorder” and she giggled and pointed out I am like this every two or four years. What are friends for, to give us perspective when our focus becomes small?

As I was reading my Bible, I was telling God how disturbed I am about this entire process.

Luke 18:27 it says; “What is impossible from a human perspective, is possible with God,”

What a comfort to know God is a big picture, God. He is never surprised, caught off guard, or doesn‘t have a plan. He knows the plans he has for each of us, plans for our good that are greater than we could ever imagine.  God is trustworthy and true.  And all is well when we are in his care.

Oswald Chambers said it well, “Faith never knows where it is being led, but it loves and knows the one who is leading.”

My confidence and happiness is knowing God is in Control©

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

Aug 14 2018

Just Watch Me

Author: Karan Gleddie • Discussion: No Comments

 

 

 

Just Watch Me 

A recumbent bike what’s that.” I asked. My best friend was on the phone telling me of her latest bright idea. “Just think,” she said, “I will be able to get exercise and it won’t hurt my back”. (A point well-taken since she had struggled with back problems for years.) Well if you say so, I reluctantly encouraged. Dee researches everything so she must know her bikes.

What is a recumbent bike? I had never heard of it(probably because I don’t ride bikes, I fall off, I can’t coordinate my hands, feet, brain, and mouth at the same time.)

However, after our conversation, I rushed to the computer to look at this biking wonder. Looking at this contraption, I was not sure how a person would ride it. It looked like a “Lazy Boy” recliner at full tilt with two wheels, handlebars, and peddles. I was sitting there trying to imagine my friend on that bike, lying down with her feet in the air, leisurely peddling along on two wheels. (I am not sure I would ride that bike even if it had six wheels!) Secretly I was hoping she would not get her bike, it looked dangerous!

At Christmas, she received her ‘Electric Blue’ recumbent bike, a fancy “high speed” cycling outfit, complete with matching gloves, shoes and a racing helmet (with arrear view mirror no less). You go, Girlfriend. My theory in life is if you are dressed for the occasion, and look the part, you can do the job. She sure looked the part of a speed racer, why she could have been on the cover of Biking digest!

For a week she practiced and I thought she did well she only crashed a few times in an effort to get out of the driveway. While she tried to find her perfect balance on that two-wheeled “Lazy Boy” recliner. As her friend, I could cheer her on, but I would not have tried to ride that bike if you paid me.

After a week of wobbling around the neighborhood, she finally mastered the technique. Dee was full of confidence, had found her balance, and felt she was ready to let the world see her new ‘Electric Blue” recumbent bike, complete with a matching outfit. What a sight.

However, she was having a few problems with the fancy helmet. She could not get the mirror to set right, and the chin strap was a little short. “I may have to get the chinstrap changed,” she said, “It needs to be a little longer”. I agreed since the strap sat a little below her lips! (What did I know, for all I knew that was what it was suppose to look like)

She headed off down the street full of self-confidence and knowledge that she painted an impressive picture on her bike. She was enjoying the expressions of people staring at her as this “Electric Blue’ blur went by and wondering what that contraption was.

Dee loved that she was the first in her community to have that recumbent bike and people seemed interested in it. She was Queen of the biking universe that day; flying around town her world was perfect.

As she came home that day feeling energized and renewed, two neighbor boys (about 8 or 9 years old) passed her on their bikes. One of them casually mentioned as he rode by, “Hey lady, did you know that you’ve got your helmet on backward?” No wonder she couldn’t see out of the rear view mirror on her helmet! Well so much for getting a longer chinstrap and good-bye to the cover of Biking Digest!

Like my dear friend, who had all the right equipment, but never found out how to use the helmet. She knew how it was supposed to look, and didn’t need directions, wrong!

How often do I run around trying to please people at work, home, and in the community, getting stressed out, worn out and wiped out? I forget that God has given me a manual full of directions to live by, his Word. His directions will help me make wise decisions, give me a peace and hope, no matter what comes my way. I have His promises! He will never let me down.©

Jeremiah 29:11 Easy-to-Read Version (ERV)

11 I say this because I know the plans that I have for you.” This message is from the Lord. “I have good plans for you. I don’t plan to hurt you. I plan to give you hope and a good future

Do you struggle with over-commitment? What have you found helpful to balance those commitments?

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

Lovingly, Karan Gleddie