Articles

Sep 11 2017

Grandparents, Can We Live Without Them?

Author: Karan Gleddie • Discussion: 4 Comments

Grandparents, Can We Live Without Them?

One child wrote the following school paper:

We always used to spend the holidays with grandma and grandpa. They used to live here in a big, brick house, but Grandpa got retarded, and they moved to Florida. Now they live in a place with a lot of other retarded people.

They live in a tin box and have rocks painted green to look like grass. They ride around on big tricycles and wear name tags because they don’t know who they are anymore.

They go to a building called a wrecked center, but they must have got it fixed because it is all right now. They play games and do exercises there, but they don’t do them very well.

There is a swimming pool too, but they all jump up and down in it with their hats on. I guess they don’t know how to swim.
At their gate, there is a dollhouse with a little old man sitting in it. He watches all day so nobody can escape. Sometimes they sneak out. Then they go cruising in their golf carts.

My grandma used to bake cookies and stuff, but I guess she forgot how. Nobody there cooks, they just eat out. And they eat the same thing every night: Early Birds.

Some of the people can’t get past the man in the dollhouse to go out, so the ones who get out bring food back to the wrecked center and call it pot luck.

My Grandma says Grandpa worked all his life to earn his retardment and says I should work hard so I can be retarded one day, too. When I earn my retardment, I want to be the man in the doll house. Then I will let people out so they can visit their grandchildren. Author unknown 

 

 

 

 

 

Reflections: Can’t Live Without Them!

My daughters loved their grandmothers and learned many incredible life lessons from them.

Grandma Frances was from California, who was funny, curious and as they said in ‘Star Wars” “To Boldly Go Where No One Has Gone Before.” Grandma always brought fun adventures!

She was eccentrically independent with a generous heart and loved a good deal, so thrift stores, Salvation Army, garage sales and flea markets were thrilling when she found the perfect bargain.

She always saw beauty in everything and especially loved the times she spent with her granddaughters in San Diego when they were visiting. Sandy beaches, seashells, sea world and Mexican food.

Even now, I miss her laughter, her friendly smile, and beautiful green eyes. I admired her strength and accomplishments against insurmountable odds. Mother often said, “With God nothing is impossible.”

We knew mother, and grandma loved us and loved God too. She trusted Him, leaned on Him, and believed His promises would keep her through the ups and downs of life. She taught us every day about God’s grace, forgiveness, and love. Through her life, we could see how God faithfully protected and cared for each of us.

Grandma Gleddie lived close by, in fact, she lived in the same yard. Every day after school My daughters would stop at Grandma’s for cookies and tea, play a game of Sorry or Trouble, and then come home. She always had a listening ear and encouraging word and many hugs. It was as though it was their private time to have Grandma all to themselves.

I remember the joy on their faces as they came home telling me they had beat their Grandmother in their chosen game today. Such confidence and happiness, although I am sure that she allowed them to win much more, then they lost.

I always admired her gentle ways, her willingness to love and teach her granddaughters how to bake and enjoy recipes as they hunted for something new to try and sample.

She was a beautiful pianist, organist, and singer. And her gift passed on to her granddaughters. They would go over to her house and quietly enjoy their private concerts and singing.

She endured great physical pain and showed grace throughout the illness. She always knew God loved her and her faith knew he had a perfect plan for her.

The cherished gifts these two different grandmothers gave their grandchildren gave them a lifetime of wonderful memories that are worth more than silver and gold. My daughters are blessed. ©

Proverbs 17:6 The Message

Old people are distinguished by grandchildren;
    children take pride in their parents.

Thank you for sharing your time with me dear reader, I pray that you have gotten a giggle and a blessing at the same time. Hugs
Lovingly, Karan

 

Sep 02 2017

Two elderly gentlemen ~ Sew and Sew

Author: Karan Gleddie • Discussion: 3 Comments
Two elderly gentlemen were sitting under a tree, watching the sun go down.

One says, “You know, I’m 84 years old and my body is full of aches and pains.

You’re about my age. How do you feel?”

The other guy says, “Oh, I feel like a newborn baby.”

“Really,” says the first guy.

“Yep,” says the second one. “No teeth, no hair and I think I just wet my pants.”

 

 

 

This is definitely me, Is anyone else with me?

 

 

 

Reflections: Sew and Sew

I sewed my first quilt it was many years ago;  it was so simple I never made another one. Lol.

But as time passed, I decided to try again. Cutting, splicing, and sewing blocks all the while trying to keep everything in a perfect square. It was difficult because I didn’t know what I was doing and trying to learn how to quilt from the internet was confusing.

Taking on this endeavor, I talked to quilters in our area which were both encouraging and helpful.  However, after seeing some of their beautiful quilts and pictures, I started to feel a little insecure in my abilities.  I wondered if my quilt would look alright and be acceptable. In my heart I knew it would not win any prizes, all I could see were the flaws.  I worried about everything on that quilt.  Could I do the binding right, would my hand stitches be even, would anyone even notice?

Do you ever doubt your abilities when you look at others and admire their talents and perfection?  Only to find yourself grumbling how your talent doesn’t measure up to their perfection. Instead of thanking God for the privilege that he gave you to serve him in your special way, and enjoying the process. 

When my son-in-law came for a visit, he showed me how to square the quilt preparing it for the binding. He helped me to see a new quilting angle. Pointing out all the flaws and mistakes I had made, he said,” it adds character, everyone will know it is an original homemade quilt made with love.” 

Thank you, Lord, for those words of wisdom to remind me that love can transcend time and eternity because of you.  My son-in-law was right; every stitch began with the love for a particular individual.  And it was fun to see the process unfolded.   I wonder if God loves to see the process of our lives unfold too. ©

Lovingly, Karan

How do you deal with doubting your abilities and comparisons to others? Let me know if you do that too.

Thank you, dear friends, for sharing your time with me today,

wishing you a wonderful weekend with your friends and family. Hugs to all!

 

Aug 27 2017

Happy Flying ~ The Plan

Author: Karan Gleddie • Discussion: 1 Comment

“Happy Flying”

A plane was taking off from Kennedy Airport. After it reached a comfortable cruising altitude, the captain made an announcement over the intercom, ‘Ladies and gentlemen, this is your captain speaking. Welcome to Flight Number 293, nonstop from New York to Los Angeles. The weather ahead is good and, therefore, we should have a smooth and uneventful flight. Now sit back and relax… OH, MY GOSH!’

Silence followed, and after a few minutes, the captain came back on the intercom and said, ‘Ladies and Gentlemen, I am so sorry if I scared you earlier. While I was talking to you, the flight attendant accidentally spilled a cup of hot coffee in my lap. You should see the front of my pants!’

A passenger in Coach yelled, ‘That’s nothing. You should see the back of mine!’ Author unknown

 

 

 

 

Reflections: The Plan

Restlessness is characteristic of our generation today. In these days of confusion and turmoil from life’s activities, we hardly have time to enjoy our blessings. That has certainly been true of my life.

Some days in the throes of discouragement, I have doubted God’s concern and care for me. Especially when He has so many others to take care of besides me. Do you ever doubt God’s plan?

When life is hectic, we become preoccupied with ourselves, our circumstances and can soon forget about our friends, family, and God.

What a shame, God is the only one who can bring rest and peace in the midst of 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. Suddenly spending time with God and talking to him seems more important than all my busy-ness for him.

Jesus knows about all of the activity in our lives because he made us. He also knows that we need times of rest both—Physically and spiritually.

 “Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you. I do not give peace to you as the world gives.

Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid. ~ John 14:27

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

“Kindness is the language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see.”
Smile God Loves You!
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Thank you, dear friends, for spending your time with me.
Have a wonderful weekend. 

HUGS,
Lovingly, Karan
Aug 18 2017

Let Freedom Ring

Author: Karan Gleddie • Discussion: 4 Comments
   A Bible Story?

 

  A father was reading Bible stories to his young son.  

  He read, “the man named Lot was warned to take his wife and flee out of the city,

  but his wife looked back and was turned into salt.”

  His son asked, “What happened to the flea?

Reflections: Let Freedom Ring

Some years ago while we were touring in Germany, we had the opportunity to see Dachau, a prisoner of war camp outside Munich. I was instantly aware of the strange stillness, and how eerily quiet the camp seemed. I was walking in the same steps of so many who had gone before me but only with a much different outcome.

As the prisoners, walked over the small bridge toward the showers, seeing the beautiful flower and sweet music playing, how would these people know that the showers had a deadly consequence for them?

 After spending an afternoon in Dachau, and seeing the displays, films, and pictures I walked away shocked at the evil and cruelty of man towards one another.

As I left Dachau, I read a sign above the door I have never forgotten. The quote said, “If we forget the past, we are condemned to do it again.” or written a little differently, “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.”

I believe those words, and I can look at the past and remember how far we have come. I love history and often watch war movies. Remembering those brave men and women who have fallen because they loved this country more than themselves, and the precious families left behind. Do I love my country the same way? Or do I just want my own way, and care little for others.

As an American, my heart breaks of all the racial and political disarray that are happening now especially after last weekend in Virginia. I lived and witnessed the 60’s and 70’s which was a chaotic time for our country, but we made it.

I think tearing down our past and trying to erase history only deepens our wounds. Those founding fathers who were flawed, just like us, loved this country too, without them, we would never have the opportunity to live in a country as vast and free as America.

We don’t have slavery in this country anymore, and I thank God for a man like Dr. Martin Luther King who stood up for righteousness to make life better for us all. When will we carry our banner for freedom and stand up for what we believe?©

Psalm 119:45 NLT– I will walk in freedom, for I have devoted myself to your commandments.

“If we forget the past, we are condemned to do it again.”
~ George Santayana ~

Please let me know how you are feeling about all that is happening.  I love you all and am praying. Hugs

Lovingly, Karan

Jul 22 2017

Schooling the Teacher?

Author: Karan Gleddie • Discussion: 2 Comments

 

Schooling the Teacher?

A little girl was talking to her teacher about whales.

The teacher said it was physically impossible for a whale to swallow a human because even though it was a very large mammal its throat was very small.

 The little girl stated that Jonah was swallowed by a whale.

 Irritated, the teacher reiterated that a whale could not swallow a human; it was physically impossible.
 The little girl said, “When I get to heaven I will ask Jonah”.  The teacher asked, “What if Jonah went to hell?”
The little girl replied, “Then you ask him.”
Reflections:  

I have always loved people; their diverse cultures, colors, accents, and humor. Our humanity binds us together. We share times of laughter, brokenness, insecurity, and doubt.

I am so glad that God chose ordinary people of this world to show his great love and compassion. How many times have I felt the sting of Satan’s whispering lies; “That I am unworthy or not good enough to serve a Holy God.” Would I cover my face in shame and hide from the God who knows me best and still loves me?

Like Moses who spent 80 years trying to find meaning for his life, God brought him to a burning bush moment and gave him both meaning and purpose in serving him. I am so glad God can use ordinary, broken people to share His Good News and love to a broken and hurting world.

In 1 Corinthians 1:27 it says,

God purposely chose what the world considers nonsense in order to shame the wise,
                                                  and he chose what the world considers weak in order to shame the powerful.                                                     
Father, help me stand with open hands before you, submitting to your will. I want my ordinary life to be extraordinary for you.
Christ paid a price we could never pay, to give us a life we did not deserve.
We are truly loved.
Lovingly, Karan

 

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