Articles

Jan 15 2019

Mouth Engaged

Author: Karan Gleddie • Discussion: 1 Comment

Mouth Engaged

 

 

Reflections: Mouth Engaged

Does your mouth often engage before your brain does? I will admit mine does. Thinking back to a time when we stopped for fast food with my girls, and a young man took our order. He had trouble remembering my order and getting it put into the computer.

In my mind, I suspected he was a few Fries short of an order. As the line grew longer the people behind me we are getting restless with this never-ending comedy of errors. I was on my last nerve and almost told this guy what a nitwit I thought he was. However, I thought it.

Looking up from the register with a huge grin of recognition on his face, he said, “like your dog-tags, I have one too.” In shock, I recalled I had my “WWJD” (What Would Jesus Do) dog tag on, and he then showed me his tag. I stood with my mouth open as he described how his youth group at church were all wearing “WWJD” tags to remind them to be kind and look for ways to serve others. He also told me how excited he is about getting his new job, it’s his first day!

As I left, with my order I smiled and thanked my young server and felt convicted about my sour attitude. Thanking God for keeping me from saying what I was thinking. I am sure I would not have pleased Him at all. Have you ever felt like God just slapped you across the face with a rebuke so strong that you never forget that moment or how you felt?

Remembering the day I bought the necklace and thought it was a good reminder for me to watch my words and actions so I could honor the God I love. I need to find the necklace again, and put it back on and remind myself God cares how I represent Him, and I should too. We live in a world where people desire to see God’s love. If we were the only Bible people read, I wonder what their opinion of Him would be.©

True love doesn’t consist of holding hands… It consists of holding hearts.

Psalm 42: 1, 11

As the deer longs for streams of water,
    so I long for you, O God.
I will put my hope in God!

  I will praise him again—
    my Savior and my God!

Dear Friend, thank you for spending your time with me. 

What has God been teaching you this last year? 

Hugs, 

Lovingly, Karan

 

 

Jan 06 2019

A New Year’s Resolution

Author: Karan Gleddie • Discussion: 3 Comments

 

 

Reflections: A New Year’s Resolution

As I start a New Year, I like to take stock of the past year’s goals. Trying to refocus on what priorities are important to me in 2019. 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 2018, 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 2019, the most important choices affecting my life, are this moment and eternity. I ask myself one question, “Then What?

Then What?

When I get a car, 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? 

 Jeremiah 31:3

The Lord appeared to us in the past. He said, “I have loved you with a love that lasts forever.

I have kept on loving you with a kindness that never fails.

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 New Year, a Savior and a future. © Karan Gleddie

Thank you, dear friends, for spending your time with me.
 I love you all and am praying. 

Happy New Year, Hugs to All

Lovingly, Karan

 

 

 

Dec 23 2018

Merry Christmas Dear Friends

Author: Karan Gleddie • Discussion: 3 Comments

 

 

 

Merry Christmas Dear Friends:

Looking back over the year I have been amazed how God’s love and care have constantly been close beside me. There have been times I have felt alone, even in a crowd, how can that be?

I was afraid of the unknown and forgot that God is my strong comfort and strength. Have you ever found yourself there?  I am thankful for family and friends who have encouraged me and prayed for me. Words cannot express my love and gratitude to each one.

I am almost moved now, and the Christmas tree is up. To be able to remember the joy of Christmas and the precious gift of God’s son gives me confidence for the future.

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 criticize 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.

What will you be doing when you hear His name.

The shepherds accepted Him

The wise men expected him

The King rejected him

The innkeeper neglected him

And you? —-Do you have room for him?

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.

Hugs,

Lovingly  Karan

 

Dec 10 2018

The Holiday Season

Author: Karan Gleddie • Discussion: 2 Comments

A Reindeer Game

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

To 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

 

 

 

 

 

The Holiday Season:

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

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 former years. And reflect on God’s love and grace.

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. Although there are many difficulties, I can see how each season has put amazing color in my life. Giving me meaning and enriching everyday life. With faithful friends who pray for me, a trustworthy and compassionate God who loves me, and a Savior who forgives me. 

I read a little quote that said, “Dark fears flee in the light of God’s presence”. In this hectic season, we need to take the time to breathe and walk in his light and presence. What a beautiful thought of comfort and peace God brings to us as we look forward to 2019. ©

For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders.

And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

His government and its peace will never end.  Isaiah 9: 6 & 7a

Praying you have a wonderful Christmas season with your family and friends. 

Thank you, dear friends, for spending your time with me.

Have a wonderful weekend. HUGS

 Lovingly, Karan

What is your favorite Christmas recipe?  

 

Nov 19 2018

I am Sorry

Author: Karan Gleddie • Discussion: 11 Comments

 

Happy Thanksgiving, America

 

 

Reflections: I am Sorry

I am sorry; I have not been constant in my writing, In November 2017, they moved my husband to a senior lodge, for extra care.

It has been a transition for all of us. I found the last year a lonesome time after so many years of marriage together. 

After, almost a year now I am looking forward to moving into a smaller apartment.

Along with the sorting of years of memories, furniture, books, and papers, and arranging to sell our house, it’s been hectic. All the while wondering why I held on to so much “stuff.”

I would ask if you would remember me in prayer for the next few months. I get overwhelmed by all the decisions of downsizing in all areas and letting go of things.

I have been praying that God will help me to live with open hands and an open heart.  To pass on the things I have loved and enjoyed,  I need to learn to bless others as He has blessed me. ©

“A memory is a photograph taken by the heart to make a special moment last forever.”  And sweet memories remind us of the roads we have traveled and the people we have loved. Unknown author
Praise the Lord. Blessed are those who fear the Lord, who find great delight in his commands. Psalm 112

Thank you, dear friends, for spending your time with me.
 I love you all and am praying.

 
HUGS,
Lovingly, Karan

 

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