Articles

Feb 27 2016

I Need A Day Off !

Author: Karan Gleddie • Discussion: No Comments

I Need A Day Off !

I urgently needed a few days off work, but, I knew the Boss would not allow me to take a leave. I thought that maybe if I acted ‘Crazy’ then he would tell me to take a few days off.

So I hung upside-down on the ceiling and made funny noises. My co-worker (who’s blonde) asked me what I was doing.

I told her that I was pretending to be a light bulb so that the Boss would think I was ‘Crazy’ and give me a few days off.

A few minutes later the Boss came into the office and asked, ‘What are you doing?’ Are you insane? I told him I was a light bulb. He said, ‘You are clearly stressed out.’ Go home and recuperate for a couple of days.’

I jumped down and walked out of the office… When my co-worker (a blonde) followed me, the Boss asked her, ‘…And where do you think you’re going?!’

She said, ‘I’m going home, too. I can’t work in the dark.

Don’t you love days like this!

Reflections:

Over the years, I have struggled with the winter blues (SAD) and often get discouraged with the lack of sunlight and stormy days. So I usually sit under a SAD lamp (sun lamp) to keep myself positive. I knew things were not going so well when my granddaughter would come for lunch every day, and ask if I had sat under my lamp and taken my vitamin D’s. Lol

This last week the weather here in southern Alberta has been warm and crisp. The snow is gone, and although the mornings and evening are cold, the sun shines eventually to give us hope that spring is just around the corner. My favorite time of the year is Spring. I love to see nature wake up and come to life bringing hope and restoration to the land and my soul.

At those times of loneliness and discouragement, it is hard to believe that others love and care about us. But when I start to feel those doubts, I am so glad I can reach for my Bible to give me comfort and hope. God’s promises encourage me and help me to see his way instead of mine. Have you felt the like that too?

If I have failed him or others, I know he forgives me and helps me to do better. God never remembers the past. When we ask for forgiveness, he starts each new day for us just like a new Spring day. God’s loyalty and love will find us anywhere when we reach out to him

“The Lord’s love never ends, his mercies never stop. They are new every morning, Lord your loyalty is great.’

Lamentations 3: 22-23

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

Do you ever have Blue days and what makes you feel better when you do?

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

Lovingly, Karan

Feb 13 2016

Happy Valentines Day Mom!

Author: Karan Gleddie • Discussion: 8 Comments

Happy Valentines Day Mom!

Six-year-old Jimmy was so excited to go shopping with his dad for a Valentine gift for his mother. After picking the right card telling her how much they loved her, they headed for the candy store. Jimmy and his dad found a beautiful heart-shaped box with bows, ribbon and lace on top, and one pound of his mother’s favorite chocolates.

As they headed home, they discussed where to hide the gift until tomorrow morning. Jimmy ask if he could keep it in his room under the bed, and dad agreed. Jimmy could hardly wait for the next day to surprise her. After all, she loved chocolates.

The next morning after breakfast Jimmy and his dad presented her with their lovely Valentine gift. Excitedly she opened the box and realized one piece of candy was missing from the center.

Noticing an elegant gold label written in calligraphy which said, “Packed especially for you by Selina.” Still confused about the missing chocolate, Jimmy mother turned the paper over her saw a hand-printed message saying, “ tested by Jimmy!”

I love shoe sale’s, How about you?

Reflections:

Mama always said: “Life is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you’re gonna get.” Forest Gump

I always love Valentine’s Day, especially the chocolate, I think Chocolate makes everything better, don’t you? Have you ever noticed when you are feeling a little off, depressed, or just plain grumpy, chocolate helps immediately. Even if I’m feeling fat, Chocolate helps. Lol, What is that?

I remembered many years ago; I tried to wean myself of a secret chocolate habit. Attempting to be firm I would self-talk listing all the pro’s and cons of learning to control my sweet tooth. However once in a while, I would secretly make a whole recipe of fudge just for me, eating the entire batch out of the pot. It would never get to the pan and have time to set.

My husband would drive me crazy; he could have one piece of chocolate at a time and save the rest for weeks. While I would eat mine at one setting, and then want him to share with me.

Now after all these years he often brings us home some chocolate bars in a bag of groceries, and we both sit down and enjoy them. No guilt, no worries, just pure enjoyment of a special moment together.

When I look back I think that quote is right, Life is like a box of chocolates, and we never know what you’re going to get.

We hit times of crises, and circumstances we don’t understand, that seems to be the world we live in these days. But through these time, we can stand firm knowing that we have a God, who loves, cares and protects us from the storms we face. I read this quote the other day that puts everything in perspective for me it says:

“We can endure life’s wrongs because we know that God will make all things right.”

What a relief, He is in Control!

We Win!

Lovingly, Karan

Thank you, dear friends for spending your time with me, Have a wonderful Valentine’s Day Sunday. Hugs to all

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.

Lovingly Karan

Karan K. Gleddie

Offering Love and Laughter to Women who need Hope

Articles

I Need A Day Off !

Happy Valentines Day Mom!

The month After Christmas

What Then?

The Gift That Just Keeps Giving