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The Reindeer Games

The Reindeer Games

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

reindeerTo 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

 

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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.

Whcoffee-and-meen 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.

Remembering the past, looking to the future”

Remembering the past, looking to the future”patric

 

 

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Reflections:

Although I am an American, who lives in Canada now, I have never gotten over the thrill and pride at seeing the American Stars and Stripes flying over a country I love and cherish. It still brings tears to my eyes as I sing God Bless America and the National Anthem. What a joy and a privilege to live in a country with an incredible heritage.

And when I see the Canadian Maple Leaf flag I am reminded how blessed we are to have the opportunity to live in both countries where we enjoy the freedom that others have bravely fought for.

girlyMy heart filled with respect and admiration as I consider what would cause a person to volunteer so freely to serve his country and willingly go into harm’s way for others. To stand and fight for people he does not know so they can enjoy safety and freedom too. Is it the brave determination of character to serve God and to do what is right because he loves his country and family?

I am forever grateful to those who have and still do served our country with honor and integrity and their families who sacrifice so much.

They say “Freedom is never free,” but there is always a price… physically, mentally and emotionally. I am humbled and honored to say, thank you to the brave soldiers who fight for my freedom. Thank You, You are Remembered!

At this moment, I also am overwhelmed as I remember that Christ did the same for me. He freely gave himself for me so that I could have an everlasting inheritance with him.

“Christ paid a price I could never pay to give me life I did not deserve.” I am loved and blessed.

Thank You to all who serve, I am praying for you!

Do you have those who are serving or have served, I would love to hear from you?

HUGS

Lovingly, Karan

What Then?

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 mophoto-1414541944151-2f3ec1cfd87dnth 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

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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

friend

Friendship, cooperation and love defined in a single photo

HAVE A GREAT DAY!

 

The Gift That Just Keeps Giving

 

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.”

 

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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.

Lovingly Karan

Christmas Reflections

To my Christmas Guests,

image001 (2Martha Stewart will not be dining with us this Christmas. I’m telling you in advance, so don’t act surprised. Since Ms. Stewart won’t be coming, I’ve made a few small changes:

Our sidewalk will not be lined with homemade, paper bag luminaries. After a trial run, it was decided that no matter how cleverly done, rows of flaming lunch sacks do not have the desired welcoming effect.

The dining table will not be covered with expensive linens, fancy china or crystal goblets. If possible, we will use dishes that match and everyone will get a fork. Since this IS Christmas, we will refrain from using the plastic Easter Bunny plate and the turkey napkins from Thanksgiving.

Our centerpiece will not be the tower of fresh fruit and flowers that I promised. Instead, we will be displaying a tree-like decoration hand-crafted from the finest construction paper. The artist assures me it is a really an angel.

We will be dining fashionably late. The children will entertain you while you wait. I’m sure they will be happy to share every choice comment I have made regarding Christmas, presents and the Santa hotline.

Please remember that most of these comments were made at 5:00 AM upon discovering that the Christmas turkey was still hard enough to cut diamonds. There will be accompaniment for the children as they sing for you; I will be a recording of tribal drumming. If the children should mention that I don’t own a recording of tribal drumming, or that tribal drumming sounds suspiciously like a frozen turkey in a clothes dryer, ignore them. They are lying.

We toyed with the idea of ringing a dainty silver bell to announce the start of our feast. In the end, we chose to keep our traditional method. We’ve also decided against a formal seating arrangement. When the smoke alarm sounds, please gather around the table and sit where you like. In the spirit of harmony, we will ask the children to sit at a separate table. In a separate room. Next door.

Now I know you have all seen pictures of one person carving the Christmas turkey in front of a crowd of appreciative onlookers. This will not be happening at our dinner. For safety reasons, the turkey will be carved in a private ceremony. I stress “private” meaning: Do not, under any circumstances, enter the kitchen to laugh at me. Do not send small, unsuspecting children to check on my progress. I have an electric knife. The turkey is unarmed. It stands to reason that I will eventually win. When I do, we will eat.

Before I forget, there is one last change. Instead of offering a choice between 12 different scrumptious desserts, we will be serving the traditional pumpkin pie, garnished with whipped cream and small fingerprints. You will still have a choice: take it or leave it.

Martha Stewart will not be dining with us this Year. She probably won’t come next year either. I Am Thankful!!! Author unknown

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CHRISTMAS WARNING…

Christmas Has Been Canceled, And It’s all YOUR fault!

You told Santa that you were GOOD this year…

laughing santa

AND HE DIED LAUGHING!!!

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Christmas Reflections

I love the Christmas season, anticipating the cherished times with family and friends that no amount of money or wrapping could buy.

download (19)The smell of Christmas baking, the glowing tree with the Angel on top, I would love to keep the tree up all year long if I could. It is so relaxing to sit under the glow of lights and meditate and reflect on the past years. And reflect on God’s love and grace to me.

Over the year, there have been many tears, frustration and fears as I have tried to learn God’s love lessons in patience. I think patience is going to be a lifelong pursuit for me because I seem to be such a slow learner. I am so thankful that God doesn’t give up on me, as he lovingly helps me to understand his purposes for my life.

As I reflect on this last year, I am reminded of all the love, encouragement and prayers of family and friends. What an extraordinary year. I read a little quote that said, “Dark fears flee in the light of God’s presence”. What a beautiful thought of comfort and peace God brings to us as we look forward to 2016.©

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

Sending love to you all.

Lovingly, Karan