Mar 12 2015

Legacy Remembered

Author: Karan Gleddie • Discussion: 6 Comments

Legacy Remembered

I have always loved Genealogy and learning about my ancestors. Following their paths from Europe, Russia, and Scandinavia and beyond and documenting their quests of a better life for their families and freedom to choose. It has always fascinated me; their willingness to sacrifice and endure suffering and hardship in order to reach their goal.

Great-grandfather Christopher emigrated from Norway to the United States in 1900. Arriving at Ellis Island, New York, with experience in ship building he soon found work helping to build the Brooklyn Bridge. However, when great-grandfather heard about free land in the state of Wisconsin, he moved his family west. In a few years, he had saved enough to buy a small farm for his family.

Farming was hard during those years; every acre needed to be cleared of dense forest before he could plant his precious seed. The tree removal was backbreaking, slow and often dangerous. So naturally, when great-grandfather heard about free land on the prairies in Alberta, Canada, he was interested. No more tree removal!

In 1908, he moved his three young sons and wife to Alberta, Canada by train to start a new life. The land was beautiful and rugged but cruel in the winter. Months after arriving in Canada he buried his young wife, who died from Diphtheria. He endured the loss of two more wonderful helpmates, prairie fires, theft and many hardships, yet the one thing that all his children remember most about their father is his great faith and love for God, no matter what happened in his life.

One freezing night the barn burned down, and all the animals and winter supplies were left lying in ashes. As great-grandfather watched the flames die down, his children heard him say, “The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away, blessed be the name of the Lord” (Job 1: 21b). The stories of great-grandfather’s faithfulness and love for God have been remembered for four generations now. And today, because of his faithfulness, our families are reminded daily of God’s faithfulness too. What a legacy to remember!

“Remembering God’s Faithfulness in the past will give us confidence for the future”

Father, help me to walk faithfully in your ways so that my life will point my family and others to you.

I want to leave a remembered legacy too, that will point my family to God’s Amazing grace, love and forgiveness.

That is my prayer.

Lovingly, Karan

Have a great week, Love to all. Hugs!

Jan 15 2015

Girlfriend Time!

Author: Karan Gleddie • Discussion: 4 Comments

Where would we be without those dear sisters we call Girlfriends. The ones we laugh with, cry with, and shop with. Our mother’s, sisters and friends who encourage, teach, and help us to become better women.

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 still cherish her memory and kindness.

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.

For eight months, I had struggled with depression, which a new medication caused. Depression was one of its side effects. During this time, my family and friends constantly loved, prayed, laughed and encouraged me, always reminding me that God knew exactly where I was. Sometimes when we get into a dark place, it is hard to find our way out.

When I hit a wall, I became overwhelmed, and started looking at all the circumstances and stress in my life, I forgot about all the good things. I took my eyes off of the Lord, instead of remembering all that He has done for me. My cup became half-empty, instead of full.

As I had time to meditate and look back, I realized how God has lead me with His love and faithfulness over the years. He is faithful, constant, and everlasting.

In Hebrews 11: 1-3 I am reminded:

Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see. By faith, we understand that the entire universe was formed at God’s command, that what we now see did not come from anything that can be seen.

I have found Him to be all I need.
I want to thank all the Girlfriends in my life who daily encourage me to be the best I can be for the Lord. Your loved.
Lovingly, Karan

Thank you for sharing your time with me, I would love to hear from you.

What have your girlfriends meant to you ?

Dec 18 2014

Merry Christmas Everyone! Hugs

Author: Karan Gleddie • Discussion: 4 Comments

The top 10 ways to confuse Santa Claus

A Christmas Chuckle that was sent to me, thought I would share it with you.

1. Instead of milk and cookies, leave him a salad, and a note explaining that you think he could stand to lose a few pounds.

2. While he’s in the house, go find his sleigh and write him a speeding ticket.

3. Leave him a note, explaining that you’ve gone away for the holidays. Ask if he would mind watering your plants.

5. Leave a note by the telephone, telling Santa that Mrs. Claus called and wanted to remind him to pick up some milk and a loaf of bread on his way home.

6. While he’s in the house, find the sleigh and sit in it. As soon as he comes back and sees you, tell him that he shouldn’t have missed that last payment, and take off.

7. Leave a plate filled with cookies and a glass of milk out, with a note that says, “For The Tooth Fairy.”

8. Leave out a copy of your Christmas list with last-minute changes and corrections.

9. Leave Santa a note, explaining that you’ve moved. Include a map with unclear and hard-to-read directions to your new house.

10. Instead of ornaments, decorate your tree with Easter eggs, and Dress up like the Easter Bunny!

Reflections from Karan:

Every year I strive to get all my Christmas shopping done early, which I accomplished only once in my life. I hid the gifts so no one could find them before Christmas day. However, I hid them so well I couldn’t find or remember where I hid them. I didn’t those gifts until we moved four years later.

I finally came to the conclusion I do Christmas shopping faster and better under stress, you know, when in panic, fear or doubt run in circles, scream and shout.

I was a little slow getting the Christmas feeling this year, and when I finally snapped into gear my to-do list was overwhelming. The Christmas baking I wanted to do, and the gifts I planned to make, just didn’t get done. I ran out of time.

When my life gets hectic, I become preoccupied with myself, my circumstances and can soon forget about others and their needs. I become defeated and indecisive. What a shame, God is the only one who can bring rest and peace among all the craziness.

Over the years, there have been hard lessons to learn. But God in his great love has shown me that the things I valued most are not as important as the people in my life or my relationship with Him.

Especially, when faced with the fact there may not be any tomorrows left. It is funny how fast our priorities can change. Jesus knows about all of activity in our lives, because he made us. He also knows that we need times of rest both—Physically and spiritually.

On a night almost 2000 years ago, God in his love gave Himself to man in the person of Jesus Christ. An angel choir heralded his birth in a Bethlehem manager. We still celebrate His birth today. We call it Christmas.

Thirty-three years later, Jesus Christ continued loving me when He willing took the punishment I deserved, by giving His life on the cross so I might have my sins forgiven,

He is the only source for perfect peace and complete rest for our souls, especially at this busy time of year. You are loved and special to Him. ©

Merry Christmas,

Lovingly, Karan

Praying you had a wonderful Christmas with your family and friends. Thank you for stopping by and sharing your time with me today.

Sending love to you all.

Aug 06 2014

This is going to hurt, I’ve fall‘in and can’t get up!

Author: Karan Gleddie • Discussion: 6 Comments

This is going to hurt!

I have always been blonde as well as awkward! But I can somehow maneuver in high heels which I think is an art in itself. Blonde, clumsy and high heels, now that’s an image! It’s embarrassing and I like to pretend I don’t notice my coordination is lacking. I figure if I don’t notice maybe no one else will either. Lol. However, my family and friends know my secret all too well. I think God must have a real sense of humor putting that combination together!

Saturday we went out to lunch with some friends to a charming western restaurant in the country; which even had a swinging door! A cowboy’s heaven.

Enjoying the fresh country air, great food and good friends made a perfect afternoon.

As we said our goodbyes I remember thinking, “I probably should check out the powder room before I leave”, but I put that thought out of my mind thinking I could make it home.

As I walked out the swinging doors I didn’t realize there was a 7 inch step down to the cement sidewalk below. I started the downward spiral in a slow motion sensation thinking to myself, “this is going to hurt badly”.

Trying to break my fall I splattered to the cement sidewalk. Having the wind knocked out of me; I laid there not moving, collecting my thoughts. Mentally checking to see what hurt the worst and the collateral damage, I was relieved to notice I still had all my (extra) fingernails and although I had skinned some body parts my jacket

May 22 2014

Loving Your Shape, Nobody is Perfect #3

Author: Karan Gleddie • Discussion: No Comments

Triangle or Pear Shape:

You Are In Great Company:

Boyonce, Jenifer Lopez, Jennifer Love-Hewitt, Kim Kardashian and Shakira

These beautiful women have learned how to style there specific body shape. They are creating an impression of a perfect shape with style by highlighting their positive features.

Today we will discuss the triangle or pear shape. Could this be you!

Do you have a clearly defined waist?
Do you wear a larger size on your bottom half than your top?
Have a small upper body
Shoulders narrower than hips
A Rounder behind
Do you Carry weight on your hips or thighs?
Do you have narrower shoulders than hips?

The goal is to choose clothing to balance your silhouette.

What to wear…

Garments to emphasize your waist
Skirts and dresses that are straight or slightly flared
Low-rise pants to avoid gaping at the waist
Pants & Jeans – Boot cut and straight pants, no belt loops, creases, pleats, pockets, patterns, turn ups.
Dresses – look for wrap or empire dress, A-line, straight or slightly flared
Jackets or coats -Details, collars, pockets, and single or double-breasted, shoulder pads are fabulous. Hoods, breast pockets, back yokes and back belts.
Blouses & Tops – Fitted shapes, wrap tops or empire lines; vests, big collars look great; all shoulder enhancing shapes, shoulder pads, big shawls, bolero, wide straps, boat neck.

Karan K. Gleddie

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