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Sep 29 2021

Hurry, Hurry, Faster, Faster

Author: Karan Gleddie • Discussion: No Comments

Hurry, Hurry, Faster, Faster 

Where do we find rest? Would I stop the world and get off this race of life that keeps me spinning? I race from one task to another, playing catch up each day. Cooking, cleaning, washing, writing, it seems I will never get to the end of my long self-imposed list. Even in lockdowns. Hurry, hurry, faster, faster, you’ll never get it done! Run, run.

Yet the rest that I long for, I find in the morning’s quiet sheltered in the word of God as he leads me beside the still waters of his love. Calming the turmoil, halting the storms, and giving my soul peaceful rest. He gives me courage that keeps me moving forward in uncertain times. Whatever the day holds, I know God’s rest is only a prayer away. He only asks me to live one day at a time for him, because he holds all my tomorrows.

 

God has given me a song to sing.

I think each of us has a song in our lives.

Sometimes I struggle to sing my song, feeling like it might not be good enough to share.

Or I look at others and wish I could sing their song.

There have even been times I could not sing my song at all because of great sadness.

Those are times I need another to wrap their wings of love around me and hold me tight.

I was born to sing my song.

Like a bird needing to fly and feel the wind lift me higher.

I know God has placed a special song in my heart that

I must sing to a hurting world… Jesus Loves You!

And FLY,  That is my SONG©

What is your Song, I would love to hear from you?

Thank you, dear friends, for spending your time with me.
 I love you all and am praying.
Have a wonderful week, keep Smiling!
HUGS,
Lovingly, Karan       

Jun 25 2021

Good Morning Officer

Author: Karan Gleddie • Discussion: 4 Comments

 

 

 

Good Morning Officer,

Over the years I realized I have a heavy foot. I am constantly late and must speed to get to appointments on time. My family blames my California roots for all my bad habits.

I struggle with time management and over the years and assume I have plenty of time when I have no time at all. And yes, the police and I have had our discussions over several tickets.

I always want to respect the police, but I grumble when the tickets I feel are undeserving. But, in my heart, I know I deserved far more tickets than I have received. I am reminded of a time when I was on my way to an appointment and a police car pulled me to the side of the road.

I knew I had not been speeding (thank goodness for the speed control) and surprised to learn my taillight was faulty. The officer walked back to his patrol car and confirm my certification and data. Watching him walk back, a thought occurred to me: what a thankless job he has. I cannot imagine that people are always grateful and kind for their tickets these days. I know I am not!

When the officer came back to my car, he handed me my license, insurance card, and an extra ticket. I thanked him for his service, for my ticket, and for a good job is doing to make our highways safe. He did not know what to say for a moment and, thank me, and said no one had ever said that to him. How sad. As I drove away, I giggled and wished I had taken a picture of his face. Priceless.

Makes me want to do it again. LOL. Isn’t it amazing to honor someone else and you get the joy in the deepest part of your soul?

 The Bible says:

Lord, we show our trust in you by obeying your laws; our heart’s desire is to glorify your name.

Isaiah 26:8 NLT.

 “Well,” he said, “give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar, and give to God what belongs to God.”

Matthew 22:21 NLT

 I am so glad that I did not react to the young officer the way I felt like. After all, I was in a hurry to doing God’s work. But while I am here on earth, I am to trust the Lord, obey his laws and the laws of the land. And to bring honor and glorify His name. That is my purpose as I walk daily, staying close to him. ©.

Thank you, dear friends, for spending your time with me.
 I love you all and am praying.
Have a wonderful week, keep Smiling!  
HUGS,
Lovingly, Karan

May 22 2021

The Lockdown Hussle

Author: Karan Gleddie • Discussion: 2 Comments

 

 

Over a year in different degrees of lockdown, 

I think I’m Fine! 

 

The Lockdown Hussle

Over this last year, I am mindful of the changing world we live in. The extra demands on our families, homes, social, and work responsibilities have put tremendous stress on our lives. Looking for ways to relieve the stress, we try to find hope, and strength amid the turmoil.

In Canada, we crossed our one-year mark on March 1, 2021. I did alright in the first 3 months, but as the lockdown continued, I became more stressed, isolated, and sad. The rules continued to change from week to week, leaving us unsure when it will end. Have you experienced lockdown fatigue in the ever-changing rules and regulations?

I have grieved all the family gatherings I have missed and vacations that were canceled, and the hugs from family and friends. I am a hugger and miss a real genuine hug. Somehow the fist bump doesn’t work for me.

When I would sit down to write this last year, I felt like nothing was funny anymore. The delight of laughter seemed to be gone. In my mind, I thought it was better not to write anything than to discourage people.

I’m ashamed to say some days, I felt like things were hopeless. And believing God has created us to enjoy each other’s company, to love and laugh together, and to encouraging and hold our families and friends close.

Reading this story a while back, my heart was touched. It changed my perspective about my unhappiness and complaining spirit because of the lockdown. I hope you like it.

I had a middle school student who was just coming unraveled in every way today. He walked up to me and said, Today just is not so good.

 

I looked him in the eye and said, Can I give you a 1-minute hug? He shrugged and said; I guess.

 

I said you must commit for an entire minute. Can you do that? He said I guess.

 

So the hug began. At 20 seconds I (always watch the clock) he whispered, Why 1-minute? I whispered back, so my heart can talk to yours.

 

By 30 seconds his squeeze tightened and by 45 seconds his head was on my shoulder. At 60 seconds I said, you made it. He did not move. 10 more seconds passed I said, it is time.

 

He said: Thanks for talking to my heart, looked me in the eye, and half-smiled.

Who knows what tomorrow will bring… but today, that child knew love… if for 70 seconds. author unknown

By the time I had finished this story, I was weeping it touched my heart. I think God feels the same about us, God wants us to know we are loved too in the same way. 

Even with problems I do not understand, nothing I struggle with is beyond God’s concern. Having God’s presence in my life, I can rejoice in the eternal hope he has given me. A life journey that he walks with me, and he never leaves me alone.

My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth.

He will guard and guide me, never letting me stumble or fall.

God is my keeper; he will never forget nor ignore me

Psalm 121: 2 & 3

Thank you, Father, for your love and understanding through all my struggles and for comforting me with your loving care and safety through the lockdown. Help me share your peace, hope, and eternal love with others. I Love you, Lord.

I am sending each of you a virtual 1-minute hug. And then give it away.

Thank you, dear friends, for spending your time with me.
 I love you all and am praying. Have a wonderful week, keep Smiling!  
 
HUGS,
Lovingly, Karan

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mar 24 2020

The Messy Look

Author: Karan Gleddie • Discussion: 4 Comments

 

Sorry I couldn’t resist this one!

 

The Messy Look

I stopped at Costco to pick up a few staples and as I wandered up and down the aisles, I became aware of a man who was staring at me. “I like your hair, he said.  “I know what it’s called, it’s a messy bun.”

I felt suddenly self-conscious and thought the messy look was not what I was aiming for. He then explained he had seen a young woman with the same hairdo, and she told him it a messy bun.   I thanked him for his comment, but in my heart, I was feeling insecure about my thinning hair.

Last year when I returned from a vacation in California, I was so overwhelmed and fatigued and unable to get enough sleep. Along with sleeping problems, I noticed a large amount of hair falling-out. After visiting my doctor and tests taken, he confirmed it was Lupus.

During the time it took to find the right medication, I watched my hair go from a ponytail to a miniature tuft.  Seeing the balding and thinning at the sides and back of my head was traumatic.

I now spend time searching the web and watching YouTube videos on how to find a good wig, extensions or a great hat. Lol

After I left Costco, I reflected on my hair problem. The thought of people looking at my missing hair had made me anxious and fearful when in reality no one likely noticed. My insecurity became so severe I didn’t want to go anywhere or see people and I just stayed home and felt sorry for me.

And then, at my lowest moment, someone mentioned they admired my hairstyle. Thank you, Lord. You knew just what I needed, a new perspective! God delivered a gift at Costco that afternoon.

For almost a year, I put so much emphasis on this problem and it robbed me of joy. I am so thankful God is gentle in leading us to consider new perspectives when we lose our way.

God uses the old, the broken and the messy lives of ordinary people to show us His great love and compassion.  How many times have I believed the sting of Satan’s lies? “Telling me I am unworthy and not good enough to serve a Holy God. The lies we believe take our joy and confidence, so we stay home.”

What are the lies that you believe that steals your joy?

Should we hide in shame from God? He is the one who knows us best and will always love us?

I am so glad God uses ordinary, broken and hurting people to share His Good News and love to a broken and hurting world.

Philippians 4:13      For I can do everything through Christ who gives me strength

Jeremiah 1:7    Don’t be afraid of the people, for I, the Lord, will be with you and see you through.”

Father, help me stand with open hands before you, surrendering to your will. I want my ordinary life to be extraordinary for you.©

Do you ever feel you are too old, too broken, flawed or wounded to be usable to God? Do you think it’s too late for you?     I would love to connect, let me hear your thoughts.

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

Lovingly, Karan

 

 

Feb 13 2020

A Joyful Noise?

Author: Karan Gleddie • Discussion: 2 Comments

 

 

 

A Joyful Noise?

I am not a good singer, and I am self-conscience of my voice. But that doesn’t keep me from singing because I do love to sing. After all the Bible says in Psalm 66:1, “Make a joyful noise unto God, all the earth.” I always think God must have included that verse for me!

They say, “Music washes from the soul the dust of everyday life.” I believe those words. There have been times of sorrow, depression, and sadness in which I found it hard to keep my mind and heart from constantly dwelling on them.

I’ve often said,” It’s a long way between my head and my heart.” When we don’t understand our circumstances and find ourselves in hard places, we often want to rely on our knowledge, experience, and know-how to make everything better. But in our hearts, we feel afraid, worried and confused.

There have been times in these last few years that my head knows all the Bible verses and promises from God’s word, as well as all the praise and worship songs. But my heart still says, why? Have you ever had those feelings??

I have found over the years when I listen to music it lifts my spirits. It is something that gives me energy and joy when I can turn up the volume and sing as loud as I want. I have found the car is a perfect place for my personal concerts also.

17 I will thank the Lord because he is just;

    I will sing praise to the name of the Lord Most High.   Psalm 7:17  

2 I will be filled with joy because of you.

    I will sing praises to your name, O Most High.  Psalm 9:2 

Being able to sing lifts my spirit and helps me to delight in the love and care of God. Singing also reminds me there is no problem or circumstance that is too hard for Him. When I am singing my heart and head are one and at peace with Him.©   Are their any singers out there?

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