Articles

Jun 04 2015

Do Diamonds Last Forever?

Author: Karan Gleddie • Discussion: 4 Comments

Lost and Found

My dear friend Kathy, a beautiful brunette, was racing around her bedroom trying to get ready to go swimming with a friend in the lake behind her house. She took out her diamond earrings, a treasured anniversary gift from her husband, and carefully laid them on the bathroom counter.

When she was almost out the door, she realized she had not taken her vitamins for the day. She hurried back to the bathroom, dumped them out on the counter, scooped them up, and gulped them down with a glass of water.

Her husband, watching in horror, tried to warn her. But he was one swallow too late. The diamonds were gone. Trying to keep a straight face he said, “It looks like you are going to have a “number two priority.”

Two days later, looking at the diamonds in a glass of disinfectant, Kathy knew she would never look at those diamonds in the same way. Something had changed: they were more precious than ever. She had lost her diamonds, and now found them. And it did not matter one bit to her the search had been embarrassingly unpleasant and inconvenient.

Over the years when I think about Kathy’s diamonds I often get the giggles. She went to a lot of effort get salvage those gems, and in the end she was rewarded.

The story of those diamonds refresh my memory constantly, of God’s great love for me. His love is unconditional, constant and forever, even when I make mistakes. I even think he must laugh out loud when he sees the predicaments I get into. How about you?

I am reminded by Kathy’s story that God feels the same way about each me too. Do Diamonds last forever? I don’t think so but I know that God’s love does! He loved and searched for me no matter where I have been, what I had done or how far I had gone. In Luke 19:9-10 New Living Translation He says:

⁹Jesus responded, “Salvation has come to this home today…

¹⁰For the Son of Man came to seek and save those who are lost.”

I was lost, but now I have been found.

*** Karan’s Update: Thank you for all your love and prayers, I did see the wonderful surgeon in Calgary, yesterday I had all the final testing and pre-surgery, Lab and x-rays done. I admit it has been a long, discouraging procedure for me. My surgery will be in Calgary, Alberta on June 23^rd. I am thankful I now have a final date to look forward too. I am praying the pain will be gone at the same time.

I will have either a partial or all the kidney removed, I would ask that you remember me in your prayers. For the surgery and recuperation time, and the discouragement I feel because of the prolonged process of waiting. It seems when you hear the word Cancer you want everything to move fast. But this is a time of waiting and patience learning for me. I know God’s grace is all I need at this time

Above all I want to honor the God I love in all I do and say, that is my greatest desire.

Thank you sweet friends, for sharing your time with me.

Have a great weekend,

Lovingly Karan

May 24 2015

I Am a Soldier

Author: Karan Gleddie • Discussion: 2 Comments

The Soldiers Heart

What do you want me to send you? “Anything you need tell me and I’ll send it.” I told my son-in-law, who was on the phone from the Middle East. “Baby food” he replied without hesitation. Now that is not the answer you would expect to hear from an American soldier serving his country so far away. Or would you?

All over the world, our soldiers are not only sacrificing, but also serving honorably in acts of kindness and compassion. They are showing people a better way of life.

Some people say we fight for oil, money, and power. In our country, we are split with various opinions on how our government and military should be run, and how things should be done in countries that are far away and remote from our everyday lives. Have we forgotten what life would be like for us if this war were fought here in America?

However, something happens when our soldiers leave that will outlast the fear, killings, and the submission that insurgents demand of their people. American soldiers give them something better, kindness instead of selfishness, hope instead of despair, and laughter instead of sorrow.

The enemy may beat, blow-up, and torture people to push their evil agenda, but those people have seen something else. When our soldiers were out on patrols, or on their days off they give away their food, water, candy, and friendship. Some even spent their time off helping the people to rebuild their lives, homes, and schools. These acts of kindness, hope, and compassion are qualities that people of the Middle East will not soon forget!

May God bless the men and women of the military who serve quietly, unselfishly, giving their time and extras to bringing a better life for someone else? To allow the people to see what real freedom looks like.

Every Country, even our own has had to pay a large price for freedom, and our Middle East friends are learning what that cost is with their own suffering. Freedom has a high price, but once you have had a taste of freedom you cannot stop until you have it for yourself, your families, and your country. As they are finding out now for themselves.

In addition, yes, it means our soldiers will continue writing letters for sponsors on their time off, asking people to help in different ways. Trying to find “baby food” for the littlest children and letting their parents know that someone does care their needs.

Aesop said many years ago, “No act of kindness, no matter how small is ever wasted”

This is the American spirit, which is the heart and soul of our soldiers, and the people of in these countries will not be able to ever forget them.©

I Am a Soldier

I Am Soldier, a neighbor, a friend, a husband, lover and America’s son.

I Am a Soldier, wanting to serve with a patriot’s heart beating inside. I will faithfully stand on the wall, willing to give my all.

I Am a Soldier, a brother, a daughter, uncle or son fighting for the freedom of all I love. Dreaming of a day when we all are freely at peace and calm.

My dreams are like yours, hopes for the future, for my family and the ones I love. A good job, education and someday a home where safely I can peacefully reside.

I am a Soldier©

It is a privilege to salute our soldiers and remember them, God bless them and their families. Thank you for sharing with me, Hugs

Lovingly, Karan

May 15 2015

Does It Really Matter?

Author: Karan Gleddie • Discussion: No Comments

Mother’s Dictionary of Meanings

Dumbwaiter: One who asks if the kids would care to order dessert.
Feedback: The inevitable result when the baby doesn’t appreciate the strained carrots.
Full Name: What you call your child when you’re mad at him.
Grandparents: The people who think your children are wonderful even though they’re sure you’re not raising them right.
Hearsay: What toddlers do when anyone mutters a dirty word.
Independent: How we want our children to be for as long as they do everything we say.
Puddle: A small body of water that draws other small bodies wearing dry shoes into it.
Show Off: A child who is more talented than yours.
Sterilize: What you do to your first baby’s pacifier by boiling it, and to your last baby’s pacifier by blowing on it and wiping it with saliva.
Top Bunk: Where you should never put a child wearing Superman jammies.
Two-Minute Warning: When the baby’s face turns red and she begins to make those familiar-grunting noises.
Whodunit: None of the kids that live in your house.

What really Matter?

A few years ago, at the Seattle Special Olympics, nine contestants, all physically or mentally disabled, assembled at the starting line for the 100-yard dash. At the sound of the gun, they all started out not exactly in a dash, but with a relish to run the race to the finish and win. All, that is, except one little boy who stumbled on the asphalt, tumbled over a couple of times, and began to cry.

The other eight heard the boy cry. They slowed down and looked back. Then they all turned around and went back — every one of them. One young woman with Down’s syndrome bent down, kissed him and said, “This will make it better.” Then all nine linked arms and walked together across the finish line.

Everyone in the stadium stood, and the cheering went on for several minutes. People who were there are still telling the story today.

Why? Because deep down we know one thing: life is more than winning for ourselves. What matters in this life is helping others win, even if it means slowing down and changing our course. Author unknown

I love this story, but I have never been able to find out who the original writer was. Someone sent it to me in 1999 and I have seen it reprinted many times, but still no author’s name was found. I wish I could give a personal credit because this story touches my heart every time I read it.

It reminds me of the different times and seasons in life when friends and family have cried, prayed and loved me through many circumstances. Where would I be without those faithful ones who walked beside me, no matter how long or far the journey took. The compassion of these sweet souls makes traveling together a joy.

I want to be a person like that, who can see people thought God’ eyes, and not my own flawed vision. To be faithful to walk, pray, and wrap my arms around them when they need a caring friend. God is my dearest friend, a constant companion who is always with me. He sees my “Footprints in the Sand.”

Thank you for sharing your time with me today, I pray that you have found some Love, Laughter and Hope for your day. I would love to heard from you and have your opinion.

Lovingly, Karan

May 08 2015

Are You Just Like Your Mother!

Author: Karan Gleddie • Discussion: No Comments

I Wish…

In this life I’m a woman. In my next life, I’d like to be a bear. When you’re a bear, you get to hibernate. You do nothing be sleep for six months. I could deal with that.

Before you hibernate, you’re supposed to eat yourself stupid. I could deal with that too.

When you’re a girl bear, you birth your children (who are the size of a walnuts) while you’re sleeping and wake up to partially grown, cute, cuddly cubs. I could definitely deal with that.

If you’re mama bear, everyone knows you mean business. You swat anyone who bothers your cubs. If your cubs get out of line, you swat them too. I could deal with that.

If you’re a bear, your mate EXPECTS you to wake up growling. He EXPECTS that you will have hairy legs and excess body fat. Yup, gonna be bear! Author unknown

Happy Mother’s Day, Have some Chocolate!

Are You just like your mother”

People would say, “You’re just like your mother” and I would cringe. At the ripe old age of 15, 20 and 28, those were not the words I wanted to hear. I wanted to be a super mom, you know, the woman that did and had it all. I was going to be organized, clever and insightful at life. No traumatic crisis for me.

My mother came from a harsh background; I think she spent her life trying to work through the difficulties she encountered as a child. She strived to be understanding and kind towards others. Unlike her parents, she achieved her goal. There were painful personal and emotional struggles in her life, as well as great highs. Mother was always optimistic no matter what life handed her. Her motto was: “Tomorrow’s a brand new day.”

She worked hard to put a roof over our heads and food on the table, never giving up or expecting handouts. Although others thought we were poor, I can’t say that we ever thought we were. We always had enough, when we outgrew our shoes and clothing; she made sure we had something new to replace the old. I often wondered how she worked her magic with the budget, but as I look back I realize she went without so that my sisters and I would have more opportunities and a few extras.

Mother loved a good deal, so thrift stores, Salvation Army, garage sales and flea markets were thrilling when she found the ultimate bargain.

She loved her flowerbeds and gardening much better than house cleaning and often said she fecloser to God outside. She loved to spend time talking to Him in the quietness of the morning as the sun rose on a new day.

We knew mother loved us, and loved God too. She trusted Him, leaned on Him, and believed His promises would sustain her throughout life. She taught us daily about God’s grace, forgiveness and love. Through her life we were able to see how God faithfully protected and care for our needs. My mother, has given me a lifetime of wonderful memories that are worth more to me than silver and gold.

Now when I hear “You’re just like your Mother,” I say thank you. I pray that my children will know how much they are loved, and that they would see the light of God’s love in my life too.©

Thank you for sharing your time with me dear friend, what is a special memory of your mother?

Happy Mother’s Day!

Lovingly, Karan

May 02 2015

Do You Have Your Bloom On?

Author: Karan Gleddie • Discussion: 6 Comments

Do You Have Your Bloom On?

Two mature ladies were sitting on a park bench outside the local town hall where a flower show was in progress. One leaned over and said, “Life is so boring. We never have any fun anymore. For $5.00 I’d take my clothes off right now and streak through that stupid flower show!”

“You’re on!” said the other old lady, holding up a $5.00 bill.

As fast as she could, the first little old lady fumbled her way out of her clothes and, completely naked, streaked through the front door of the flower show.

Waiting outside, her friend soon heard a huge commotion inside the hall, followed by loud applause. The naked lady burst out through the door surrounded by a cheering crowd.

“What happened?” asked her waiting friend.
“Why, I won first prize for Best Dried Arrangement.”

Reflecting:

I love beautiful flower beds, and have long admired people who have a creative eye for designing them. I use to read garden books and how-to books trying to learn the proper care of plants and how to grow them.

My mother could make anything grow, however the growing and gardening gene missed me somehow. I either loved my flowering plants too much with water, fertilizer and conversation, or dried them out with not enough. I have a hard time keeping anything alive but a cactus!

Because of my lack of talent in the floral department, when we built our home I chose evergreen plants that wouldn’t lose their leaves. They looked wonderful but not much color or contrast. So one spring I went to Michael’s, a craft and hobby superstore to buy some beautiful tall silk flowers in pinks and reds. My conditions were large flowers with extra-long stems and they needed to look real. I was so excited about this bright idea, I couldn’t wait to get home. After arranging them in the evergreen bushes and flowerpots, I felt satisfied with my little touch of creativity.

When people drove by they would comment on my beautiful flowers, I was glad they noticed but hoped they wouldn’t get too close and learn my secret to success!

As summer turned to fall, my flowers were still in full bloom, however one evening we had an early winter storm blow in with heavy sleet, snow and wind. It lasted for two days, it was so cold I forgot about my flowers outside. After the storm was over and the snow melted, my flowers were still standing and blooming, my secret was out!

I have learned there are over 230,000 to 270,000 species of flowering plants according to David Bramwell, and each one beautiful and special in its own way. I think God looks at each one of us like a beautiful flower too, made perfect, beautiful and special. He loves and accepts us just the way we are, no conditions!

Luke 12: 25-28, the Message- says;

Has anyone by fussing before the mirror ever gotten taller by so much as an inch? If fussing can’t even do that, why fuss at all?

Walk into the fields and look at the wildflowers. They don’t fuss with their appearance—but have you ever seen color and design quite like it?…

If God gives such attention to the wildflowers, most of them never even seen, don’t you think he’ll attend to you, take pride in you, do his best for you?

Do you know how special you are to Him?

Lovingly, Karan

Thank you for stopping by and sharing you time with me. Have a great weekend dear friends. Much Love and Hugs

Karan K. Gleddie

Offering Love and Laughter to Women who need Hope