Articles

Jan 30 2016

Running Out Of Gas!

Author: Karan Gleddie • Discussion: 4 Comments

Running Out Of Gas!

Sister Marry was truly a religious woman. Besides for her duties as a nun, she was also very active in various hospitals visiting sick patients and taking care of all their needs.

So it was no surprise that one day when she ran out of gas, the only container she could find to put the gas into was a bedpan. Sister Mary happily walked two blocks to the closest gas station filled up the bedpan with gas and headed back to her car.

Luck would have it that as Sister Mary started tipping the gas into the fuel tank, the traffic light turned red and she had quite a large audience witnessing the spectacle.

Just when she finished pouring in the last drops of gas a fellow opened up his window and hollered, “I swear! If that car starts I’m becoming a religious man!” Author unknown

Reflections:

A few years ago I had a Dr.’s appointment in Calgary, Alberta Canada. It was a freezing day with lots of snow. In my younger years, I would never let the weather dictate my fashion style, no matter how silly it was.

When I think back, I am embarrassed to tell you that day I went strictly for fashion. Now picture this, black pants, black ski jacket, black 4-inch high spiked-heeled snow boots hot pink gloves. Fashionable yet warm. I had to park two blocks away from the doctor’s office, so I had to maneuver the drifts, ice, and traffic to get to the office on time.

When I arrived the office, it was filled to capacity. The nurse who greeted me seemed more like a sergeant yelling orders to her troops as I approached the desk.

She loudly commanded me to get a pair of bright blue surgical booties from a basket and, put them on over my 4-inch heel snow boots. She didn’t want the floor to get dirty she said. Now getting those on was quite an ordeal, as everyone in the office watched to see how I would fit them over my fashion boots, I felt ridiculous.

I soon forgot about my little blue booties, after my appointment, I walked out of the Dr.’s office with them still one. The people driving by were laughing, pointing and waving; so I just smiled and waved back. There sure seemed to be a lot of friendly people around.

I was walking down the street when suddenly the Sergeant Nurse leaned out the office doors and yelled, “You forgot to take your booties off.” Please bring them back! Lol, no wonder people were laughing. “Pride certainly came before the fall and was on full display that day. Do you ever have days like that?

I ‘m sure God was shaking his head in laughter that day. I have a great verse underlined in my Bible for occasion just like this, it says,

When pride comes; disgrace follows, but with humility comes wisdom. Psalm 11:2

This verse is a reminder to me that I constantly need God’s help for His wisdom and humility.

After all I’m not the Good News, Jesus is! ©

God grants with each burden the strength to bear it…
seldom more, never less.

Have a great weekend, HUGS
Lovingly, Karan

Jan 16 2016

Having Computer Problems?

Author: Karan Gleddie • Discussion: 4 Comments

Having Computer Problems?

Becky was 73 and just got her first computer. After her son had spent over 2 hours teaching her how to use it, she was sure she knew everything there was to know about computers.

Unfortunately, though, one day she couldn’t get it to start, so she promptly called an Internet Tech. gentleman to come over and take a look at it. The IT guy managed to fix the issue for only a few minutes and was on his way.

Becky was proud when she overheard the IT guy on the phone with his boss telling him about the issue, she was sure it meant it was a major problem and was sure she took care of it the right way.

“Excuse me if you don’t mind me asking,” asked Becky to the man on his way out. “I couldn’t help overhearing you on the phone with your boss. What exactly is an Id ten T problem?

So that I can tell my son.” The man smiled, took out a pen, “it stands for this: I-D -1-0-T”. Author unknown.

Listen Grandma!

Reflections:

I can sure sympathize with this Grandma and her computer problems. I love my computer and learning all the different programs and research that I can do with it. It is like traveling the world, visiting family and friends and never leaving the house. How our world has changed over the years.

However I am not very good with the technical side of the computer, if something goes wrong, I am stumped. And when the Internet specialist starts talking Technical terms they might as well be speaking Greek. My eyes just start to glaze over.

I must confess though I have a secret weapon, my son-in-law. He can fix anything that I mess up. I love that he can connect to my computer through an Internet remote control called a TeamViewer, and find out what is wrong my computer. And why it is not working. I can just watch my screen as he moves the mouse around and works his magic.

While I find this technology age so amazing, nothing can compare to what God has done for me in my life. When I remember over the years how he has come to my rescue, always ready to help me when I make a mess. And I know He is near ready to protect, comfort and hear to me, I am so thankful for His patience. Where would I be without his love and constant care? Like the internet technician, he takes control of my life if I allow him, and fixes the area’s that need work and replaces the broken pieces gently with his healing love. Ephesians 3:20 says,

“ God can do anything, you know—far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams! He does it not by pushing us around but by working within us, his Spirit deeply and gently within us.”

I know God’s promises can be trusted because he has been faithful to me through all my years. He is enough for me! ©

Lovingly Karan

Thank you for sharing your time with me I love the privilege of hearing for each of you.

You bless my life. Have a wonderful weekend with the ones you love.

Hugs

Jan 09 2016

The month After Christmas

Author: Karan Gleddie • Discussion: 2 Comments

Twas the Month After Christmas

I don’t know if anyone is feeling like me today, but after eating my way through the Thanksgiving holidays, then back to Canada and eating my way through Christmas, I feel like the stuffed turkey!

My poor scale has rebelled and says I need to lose a little stuffing.

Twas the month after Christmas, and all through the house
Nothing would fit me, not even a blouse.
The cookies I’d nibbled, the eggnog I’d taste
At the holiday parties had gone to my waist.

When I got on the scales there arose such a number!
When I walked to the store (less a walk than a lumber).
I’d remember the marvelous meals I’d prepared;
The gravies and sauces and beef nicely rared,

The wine and the rum balls, the bread and the cheese
And the way I’d never said, “No thank you, please.”
As I dressed myself in my husband’s old shirt
And prepared once again to do battle with dirt—

I said to myself, as I only can
“You can’t spend a winter disguised as a man!”
So—away with the last of the sour cream dip,
Get rid of the fruit cake, every cracker and chip

Every last bit of food that I like must be banished
“Till all the additional ounces have vanished.
I won’t have a cookie—not even a lick.
I’ll want only to chew on a long celery stick.

I won’t have hot biscuits, or corn bread, or pie,
I’ll munch on a carrot and quietly cry.
I’m hungry, I’m lonesome, and life is a bore—
But isn’t that what January is for?

Unable to giggle, no longer a riot.
Happy New Year to all and to all a good diet!

Author unknown

Reflections:

It has been a four-month run on food for me. Living in Alberta Canada Thanksgiving here is in October, being Americans we also celebrate the American Thanksgiving in November. Then we head into the Christmas season with all the baking and goodies and finish with New Years.

I don’t know about you, but I feel like I have eaten way too much and been on a continuous sugar high for months. The diet fell apart in October somewhere between the marshmallow sweet potato casserole and the New Year’s fruitcake, Almond Roca candy.

After New Year’s, I feel like I don’t want to see any food at all. Even making a decision about planning another meal was hard. When someone asked me, “what’s for dinner? I reply, “How about just plain old cereal or soup.” I think January should be an every man for himself month lol, how about you?

I am so glad that God doesn’t feel like that towards me, telling me He’s too tired and doesn’t want to be bothered. Where would I be without Him? He’s the one who knows all about me, sees my frustration, weariness and concerns.

And even when I fail or fall behind, He continually reminds me I am His. God encourages me to reach for the goals he has put in my heart. Inspiring me to try again. I love the verse in the Bible in Jeremiah 29:11

I say this because I know what I have planned for you,” says 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.

How can I lose with God on my side helping me, loving me and protecting me, I can only say Thank You and I love you.

Pray that 2016 will be yout best year ever with many Blessings. Thank you for stopping by and sharing your time with me today

Lovingly, Karan

Jan 02 2016

What Then?

Author: Karan Gleddie • Discussion: No Comments

JANUARY is the Monday of the entire calendar year!

January is by far the longest month of the year, spent mostly in the dark, in a state of semi-hibernation. Really, do July’s 31 days seem half as long as January’s?

January is the mo photo-1414541944151-2f3ec1cfd87d nth that everything you bought in December is now half price.

January is the time you receive a strange note from the post office that starts: “Please describe the contents of the package you allegedly mailed on December 9th …
January is the month Ma Bell reaches out and touches you for the long distance holiday cheer.
January is the month that you look at the self-improvement curriculum and cannot find a course you do not need.

January is when you sign up for a Beginning Personal Accounting class, and find yourself sitting next to the person you paid to prepare your taxes last year.

January is the time you regret most ever having said, “Who needs a snow removal service or one of those foolish snow blowers. I like the exercise.”

January is when the pictures come back from the office party… and no one knows who has he negatives.

January starts the reruns of television shows we were sorry we watched in the first place.

January is when you find out that the base for that lovely ice sculpture is your compact car.

January is when you discover three things about skiing: 1. it’s harder than it looks. 2. So is the snow, and 3. your medical plan has an incredible large deductible clause.

January is the month you get unsolicited post cards from Arizona complaining about the heat.

January is when you find out that the store where you bought your Christmas water bed has closed due to flooding.

Author unknown

Reflections:

As I start a New Year, I like to take stock of the past years goals. Trying to refocus on what priorities are important to me in 2016. Last year’s list was ambitious, I became discouraged and felt guilty because I couldn’t keep up the pace I had set for me.

I often wonder why we put such pressures on ourselves. Is it the fast-paced world we live in that makes us feel like we need to charge forward, chasing those elusive dreams and goals of our lives?

However, as I look back at 2015, I realize the best love lessons came only with complete dependence and contentment in God. Also, the prayers of wonderful friends and family who encouraged, loved and cared me when I was not so lovely myself.

Looking forward to 2016, the most important choices affecting my life, are this moment and eternity. I ask myself one question, “Then What?

Then What?

When I graduate, then what?

When I get a job. Then What?

When I am married and start raising a family. Then What?

When I make lots of money, Then What?

When I retire. Then What?

When I spend my retirement years doing a lot of resting and relaxing. Then What? What then is left?

What legacy will I leave behind? Will others want to follow? Or will they remember something else?

The Bible says: I have loved you with an everlasting love.

This love is forever, unchanging, and constant

He knows what each day holds for us and loves and cares about every detail. I am able today, to remember the past, be thankful for the present, and look forward to the future because I have a living Savior that walks with me through life. I love you, Lord, thank you for Christmas, for a Savior and a future. © Karan Gleddie

Happy New Year, Hugs to All

Lovingly, Karan

Friendship, cooperation and love defined in a single photo

HAVE A GREAT DAY!

Dec 24 2015

The Gift That Just Keeps Giving

Author: Karan Gleddie • Discussion: 1 Comment

The Gift That Just Keeps Giving

“Thanks for the harmonica you gave me for Christmas,” little Joshua said to his uncle the first time he saw him after the holidays. “It’s the best Christmas present I ever got.”

“That’s great,” said his uncle. “Do you know how to play it?”

“Oh, I don’t play it,” the little fellow said. “My mom gives me a dollar a day not to play it during the day, and my dad gives me five dollars a week not to play it at night.”

Someone received some glue-on mustaches for Christmas in their sock, so we thought we would try them out, How do we look? lol. I am so glad that we can laugh at ourselves and with our family. It has been a tough year.

Catherine Pulsifer said,:

“When we remember a special Christmas, it is not the presents that made it special, but the laughter, the feeling of love, and the togetherness of friends and family that made that Christmas special.”

Would You Follow?
Anonymous

How many would follow the star tonight
If it shone past the Milky Way,
Leave comfortable homes and follow it still,
Over the hills and away.

How many would open their doors tonight
For a weary and shabby pair?
Make room at hearths for a Stranger-Child,
Though the Infant be wondrous fair?

How many would give of their goods tonight,
The best they possess and more,
For their faith in a star and an angel choir
And a King forevermore?

We criticise the folk of a bygone time
For indifference to Mary’s plight.
How many would do any better now?
Would you follow the star tonight?

The Hope of all the world was born that night In Bethlehem.

Thank you for the privilege of calling you friends, you bless me more than you will ever know.

I am sending you a special Christmas wish as you celebrate this joyous season with families and friends.