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Would You Like Twenty Dollars?

 

Would You Like Twenty Dollars?

crumpled-20-dollar-noteA well-known speaker started off his seminar by holding up a $20 bill. In the room of 200, he asked. “Who would like this $20 bill?”

Hands started going up. He said, “I am going to give this $20 to one of you – but first, let me do this.”

He continued to crumble the 20 dollar note up. He then asked. “Who still wants it?” Still the hands went up.

“Well,” he replied, “what if I do this?” He dropped the $20 on the ground and started grinding it into the floor with his shoe. He picked it up, now crumpled and dirty. “Now, who still wants it?”

Still the hands went into the air.

“My friends, we have learned a valuable lesson. No matter what I did to the money, you still wanted it because it did not decrease in value. It was still worth $20.

Many times in our lives, we are dropped, crumpled, and ground into the dirt by the decisions we make and the circumstances that come our way. We feel as though we are worthless; but no matter what happened or what will happen, you will never lose your value.

Dirty or clean, crumpled or finely creased, you are still priceless to those who love you. The worth of our lives comes, not in what we do or who we know, but by …who we are! Author Unknown

You are special – don’t ever forget it.”

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Reflections

It was wonderful to be away in beautiful California and spend time with family and friends. I was able to sightsee a bit, shop and enjoy the San Diego Bsan 2ay.

Seeing familiar places and remembering the moments and places where my mother taught me to dream and laugh. She always saw beauty in everything.

I loved the times we spent at San Diego Bay, having shrimp sandwiches or fish tacos with a blanket on the grass at Shelter Island. We would watch the naval ships come home with grand display after being deployed from home for months at a time.

I loved the smell of the ocean and watching the small fishing, and sail boats glide peacefully by, as we visited and just enjoyed each other’s company. We often shared our thoughts, dreams and hopes, and occasionally funny stories, along with our secret hurts. But most of all we would speak of our blessings.

How I miss her laughter, her warm smile, and beautiful green eyes. I admired her strength and accomplishments against insurmountable3fe0ab12-a49a-42f4-ac32-cfeacc95092c odds. Mother often said, “With God nothing is impossible.”

How true it is, even on those days when we feel worthless, crumpled, and broken by life’s circumstance God cares.

And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God

and are called according to his purpose for them.

What shall we say about such wonderful things as these?

If God is for us, who can ever be against us.

Romans 8:28 & 31

You are special – don’t ever forget it.

 

 

Thank you, dear friends for spending your time with me, The newsletter will be back in your mailboxes every Saturday morning again.

If you know anyone who might enjoy it please pass it on.

I loved being away, but my pillow feels wonderful. lol.

Have a wonderful weekend.

Hugs to all.
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…

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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

Dream Big ~ Exercising is Fun, don’t you Think??

couple at the beach Exercising is Fun, don’t you Think??

A retired couple decided that they should walk two miles a day to stay in shape.

They chose to walk a mile down the beach so they would have no choice but to walk back.

At the one-mile mark on their first venture, the man asked his wife, “Do you think you can make it back all right, or are you too tired?”

“Oh, no,” she said. “I’m not tired. I can make it fine.”

“Good,” he replied. “I’ll wait here. You go back, get the car and come get me.”

 

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“What does Encouragement mean to you?”

Johann W. Von Goethe once said,” Instruction does much, but encouragement is everything.”

Many times a kind word of encouragement, a smile or a simple touch can lift a heart out of sadness, grief, exhaustion or despair. An act of kindness encouraging others lets them know we care about them, and they are not alone. It also gives us the opportunity to show God’s love as we touch the lives of others. Encouragement gives me hope and determination to keep moving forward when life is tough, and I become weary of the struggles.

A while back I found myself in a place of discouragement. Wondering if the goals and dreams God had placed in my heart were achievable anymore. The way forward seemed so complicated and challenging, and I wasn’t sure I had the enough energy to finish. You know those moments when doubts sneak in and steal your confidence and joy, replacing it with worry and fear.

One morning as I was reading my Bible and praying I asked God to encourage my soul with his love, compassion and guidance. Asking Him to give me a new perspective and passion for the task He had given me. I had become tired. And His promises and love lessons come just in time. I received emails that afternoon of encouragement and confirmation that God is not finished with the dreams and goals He has placed in my heart. God is never late.

I know life can be tough, and the struggles of life can be harsh. But, with God’s encouragement we can remember His promises and rely on Him. The journey will be brighter for us and others as we stand together building each other up with encouragement and care

 

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What do encouraging words mean to you? How have you been encouraged lately?

Thank you, dear friends for spending your time with me, Have a wonderful weekend. Hugs to all.

Have a great week, HUGS

Lovingly, Karan

Remembrance Day ~ Thank You

Remembrance Day ~ ‘Daddy’s Poem.’

girlHer hair was up in a ponytail, her favorite dress tied with a bow. Today was Daddy’s Day at school, and she couldn’t wait to go. But her mommy tried to tell her, that she probably should stay home. Why the kids might not understand, if she went to school alone.

But she was not afraid; she knew just what to say. What to tell her classmates of why he wasn’t there today. But still her mother worried, for her to face this day alone. And that was why once again, she tried to keep her daughter home. But the little girl went to school eager to tell them all. About a dad she never sees a dad who never calls.

There were daddies along the wall in back, for everyone to meet. Children squirming impatiently, anxious in their seats. One by one the teacher called a student from the class. To introduce their daddy, as seconds slowly passed. At last the teacher called her name, every child turned to stare. Each of them was searching, for a man who wasn’t there.

‘Where’s her daddy at?’ She heard a boy call out. ‘She probably doesn’t have one,’ another student dared to shout. And from somewhere near the back, she heard a daddy say, ‘Looks like another deadbeat dad,
too busy to waste his day. ‘The words did not offend her, as she smiled up at her Mom and looked back at her teacher, who told her to go on.

And with hands behind her back, slowly she began to speak. And out from the mouth of a child,
came words incredibly unique. ‘My Daddy couldn’t be here because he lives so far away. But I know he wishes he could be since this is such a special day. And though you cannot meet him, I wanted you to know. All about my daddy, and how much he loves me so.

He loved to tell me stories he taught me to ride my bike. He surprised me with pink roses and taught me to fly a kite. We used to share fudge sundaes, and ice cream in a cone. And though you cannot see him. I’m not standing here alone. Because my daddy’s always with me, even though we are apart I know because he told me, he’ll forever be in my heart’.

With that, her little hand reached up and lay across her chest. Feeling her heartbeat, beneath her favorite dress. And from somewhere here in the crowd of dads, her mother stood in tears. Proudly watching her daughter, who was wise beyond her years? For she stood up for the love of a man not in her life. Doing what was best for her, doing what was right.

And when she dropped her hand back down, staring straight into the crowd. As She finished with a voice so soft, the message was clear and loud. ‘I love my daddy very much; he’s my shining star. And if he could, he’d be here, but heaven’s just too far. You see he is a Canadian soldier, and died just this past year. When a roadside bomb hit his convoy and taught Canadians to fear.

But sometimes when I close my eyes, it’s like he never went away.’ And then she closed her eyes she saw him there that day. And to her mother’s amazement, she witnessed with surprise. A room full of daddies and children, all starting to close their eyes.

roseWho knows what they saw before them, who knows what they felt inside. Perhaps for merely a second, they saw him at her side. ‘I know you’re with me Daddy,’ to the silence she called out. And what happened next made believers, of those once filled with doubt.

Not one in that room could explain it, for each of their eyes had been closed. But there on the desk beside her, was a fragrant long-stemmed rose. And a child was blessed, if only for a moment, by the love of her shining star. And given the gift of believing, that heaven is never too far. Take the time…to live and love. Until eternity. God bless! Author unknown

Lest We Forget!

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Today as we remember those who have served, and all who continue to serve, my heart is full of respect and admiration as I looked at these fine men and women in our military. And I wonder what would cause them 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 the safety and freedom he loves.

Is it the strong determination of character to serve God and to do what is right because he loves his country and family? They say, “Freedom is never free,” but there is always a price… physically, mentally and emotionally. I am humbled and honored to thank you to the brave soldiers who fight for my peace and freedom.

At this moment, I also am overwhelmed as I remember that Christ did the same for me. He freely gave himself for me.©

“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!

Thank you all for stopping by, have a great weekend. Hugs

Lovingly, Karan

I Don’t Remember what I Remember!

Super Granny–Defender of Justice

Granny1_400An elderly Florida woman who was doing her weekly shopping returned to her car and found four young men in the act of stealing her car.

She dropped her shopping bags, drew her handgun and started screaming at the top of her lungs, “I have a gun, and I know how to use it! Get out of the car! The four young men didn’t wait for a second invitation. They got out and ran like mad.

The elderly woman, considerably shaken, began to load her shopping bags into her car and slid into the driver’s seat. So shaken she couldn’t even get her keys into the ignition. She tried and tried and then it dawned on her why the keys didn’t fit.

A few minutes later she found her car parked a few spaces further down. She loaded her bags into her car and then drove to the police station.

The sergeant to whom she told the story could barely contain himself. Trying not to burst out in laughter, he pointed to the other end of the counter, where four pale young men were just reporting a carjacking. They described the elderly woman as mad, less than five feet tall, glasses, curly white hair, and carrying a large handgun. No charges were filed! (Published by “USA Today” newspaper)

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I Don’t Remember what I Remember!

I laughed when I read about the Super Granny story, I don’t know about you, but I too have forgotten where I parked my car in a large parking lot.

I was visiting my sister in San Diego, California and need to go to the mall for some items. My sister was busy and suggested I take her car for the afternoon and enjoy a little retail therapy. I was thankful for the time to just browse the shops seeing the different stores and shops that we don’t get in Canada. I needed to be home by 4:30 to meet my sister, so I gave myself plenty of time and headed for the car at 3:00 pm. As I Headed to the parking lot, I could not remember where I parked my car. I walked up and down all the aisles of that lot twice and couldn’t find my car. I started to panic; I thought I might have to contact the police and report the car stolen.

After having a total meltdown, and no cell phone I began to walk down the aisles one more time. And suddenly there was my sister’s car, a white Buick. I was looking for my car a gray Chrysler, which was in Canada. I was two hours late; my family was about to send out a search party. Whew, what a day.

A funny thing happened on the journey to maturity. I am learning that “normal is just a setting on the dryer” and aging is not a scary process but an extraordinary adventure. I can look back at the love lessons God has given me learn, both the hard and enjoyable. I have seen how he has been faithful to his promises and walked with me every step of my journey. I have never been alone.

Although my Blonde hair is becoming whiter, and my body isn’t the same as it once was, I am never to old to serve God. I can still encourage, love and help others. God has blessed me with many memories and experiences to share. And besides, today is a fabulous day, I don’t feel so old! Lol©

What have you learned about getting more mature? Share your thoughts with me, I would love to hear from you.

Thank you, dear friends for spending your time with me, Have a fabulous weekend. Hugs to all.

Lovingly, Karan