Articles

Nov 20 2016

I’ve found A Secret

Author: Karan Gleddie • Discussion: 2 Comments

I’ve found A Secret

A littboysle boy opened the old family Bible with fascination. He looked at the old pages carefully as he turned them.

Then something fell out of the Bible and he picked it up and looked at it closely.

It was an old leaf from a tree that had been pressed in between the pages.

“Mommy look what I have found,” the boy called out.

“What have you got there dear?” his mother asked.

With astonishment in the young boy’s voice, he answered: “I’ve just found Adam’s clothes!”

 

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Reflections :

As I have gotten more mature (don’t you love that word) I assumed I would be wiser, more disciplined, and have more time. You know having, “All my ducks in a row.” Which if you think about it is not reality.

bad_hair_daySome day’s life does not go the way I want it too. I can write lists, make my plans and try to get some sense of order, yet life does not stop because I have a bad day. Have you ever felt like that?

I am thankful that as each new day comes, I can choose to find something to be thankful for. I am learning how to find joy in the moments. This is a lifelong journey, and a fast learner I am not.

Not because my life is perfect, but because I have a friend who loves me through the circumstances of my life. He is the shield who blocks the sting and protects me in his perfect will. Nothing touches me that does not go through the cross first.

Although I will always have my share of bad hair days, bags under my eyes, blow my diet and lose my temper. I am safe and secure in the knowledge that God’s love and forgiveness are constant, unconditional and forever. He is my Friend, He is enough.©

How precious is your unfailing love, O God! All humanity finds shelter in the shadow of your wings. Psalm 36:7

Lovingly, Karan

Thank you for dropping by and sharing your time with me.

What helps you cope with bad days? I would love to hear What You do.

Hugs to All

Have a great week!

 

 

Nov 12 2016

Thank You, Dear Friends

Author: Karan Gleddie • Discussion: No Comments

Thank You, Dear Friends

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Your Insights From my October 15, 2016 Survey

I promised to summarize my results from my survey, which I sent out on October 15, 2016. I want to share the conclusions I have as a result of the data. Thank you to each one who took the time to respond. It has helped me to understand who my readers are and to write what interests you.

serveyI love to write and laugh, but ultimately I want to bring a little sunshine and laughter to your world also.

As a point of reference, I had eight brave souls complete the survey so far. The survey was anonymous and each person was a number. I like surveys like that so people feel that they can give an honest opinion about the questions. If you haven’t taken the survey, I will add the link at the end of today’s blog and give you the opportunity to do so. It is not too late, and I value your thoughts.

Based on my readers’ comments, here are some of those conclusions:

Q 1. The average age of my readers are:

  • 45 to 54 – 12.50%
  • 55 to 64 – 00%
  • 65 to 74 – 00%
  • 75 or older – 12.50%

 

Q 2. In what country do you currently reside?

  • United States – 50.00%
  • Canada – 37.50%
  • Other (please specify) – 12.50%

Response:

  • 7 months in Canada…5 months in Arizona. 11/1/2016 5:12 PM

 

Q 3. How often do you log into social media networks (e.g. Facebook, Google+, etc.)?

  • Less than a few times a month 50%
  • A few times a month – 0.00%
  • A few times a week – 25.00%
  • About once a day – 25.00%
  • More than once a day – 37.50%

Q4. How did you hear about my blog and website?

  • Friends – 25.00%
  • Family – 37.50%
  • Other (please specify) – 37.50%

Responses:

  • I don’t remember. Maybe through someone in Stonecroft? 11/1/2016 5:12 PM
  • From you. 10/16/2016 8:43 PM
  • Saw it online & realized I knew you, Karan! 10/16/2016 12:24 PM

 

Q 5. Compared to our competitors, is our blog and website quality better, worse, or about the same?

  • A great deal better – 0.00%
  • Quite a bit better – 42.86%
  • About the same – 14.29%
  • Somewhat worse – 0.00%
  • Quite a bit worse – 0.00%
  • A great deal worse – 0.00%
  • Don’t know – 42.86%

 

Q 6. How likely is it that you would recommend our blog and website to a friend or colleague?

  • 96% – 11/1/2016 5:12 PM
  • 95% – 10/30/2016 3:20 PM
  • 85% – 10/16/2016 8:43 PM
  • 50% – 10/16/2016 12:24 PM
  • 99% – 10/16/2016 11:08 AM
  • 64% – 10/16/2016 8:04 AM
  • 73% – 10/16/2016

Q 7. What changes would most improve our blog and website?

  • I have sent it on or friends I thought would enjoy it. I can’t think of any changes. 11/1/2016 5:12
  • Results from readers when you ask their opinions. 10/30/2016 3:20 PM
  • Better proofreading – some grammatical errors and misspellings. 10/16/2016 12:24 PM
  • Maybe you could have encouragement to memorize scripture, a passage a week cause we all need to know Gods word, have it in our hearts and minds especially now when our Christian faith is being challenged in the laws of our country and persecution of our beliefs is rapidly becoming the norm. 10/16/2016 11:08 AM
  • Newer jokes. Have heard most of them. 10/16/2016 7:47 AM

Q 8. What do you like most about our blog and website?

Responses:

  • You’re down to earth anecdotes, the bible quotes, and Auntie Acid for a bit of humor. Also the blond jokes. 11/1/2016 5:12 PM
  • Bringing God’s Word into each situation. 10/30/2016 3:20 PM
  • The stories. 10/16/2016 8:43 PM
  • Uplifting and encouraging. LOW stress! Lovely Christian encouragement. 10/16/2016 12:24 PM
  • Your stories and encouragement, sharing your heart and applicable scriptures. Love the humor, things that make me laugh out loud. 10/16/2016 11:08 AM
  • Funny and inspiring. 10/16/2016 8:04 AM
  • Friendly, loving. 10/16/2016 7:47 AM

 

Q 9. What topics would you most like to learn about or discuss at our blog and website?

Responses:

  • Humor and Inspiration – 50.00%
  • Image and Fashion – 0.00%
  • Both = 50.00%
  • Other (please specify) – 0.00%

Q 10. Do you have any other comments, questions, or concerns about our website, writer or content?

Responses:

  • Thank you for doing it! 11/1/2016 5:12 PM
  • Yes, the writer is such a pretty lady! 10/16/2016 11:08 AM
  • Refreshing. 10/16/2016 7:47 AM

 

I am praying that I will be able to make my blog posts, emails, and resources more interesting, and relevant to you. Thank you to each of you dear friends.

If you feel you missed out on the survey, you can still take the survey and add your comments. The results are completely anonymous, and I will not share your results with anyone. Just click below.

I Would Love to Help. Take me to the Survey!

Have a great weekend, Hugs to all.

Lovingly, Karan

Oct 23 2016

Coffee for Grandmother ~ The Election

Author: Karan Gleddie • Discussion: No Comments

Coffee for Grandmother

10A little grandmother was surprised by her seven-year-old grandson one morning. He had made her a cup of coffee. She drank what was the worse cup of coffee of her life

When she got to the bottom, there were three of those little green army men, and she asked him why they were there.

Her grandson said, “On television, they say, “the best part of waking up is soldiers in your cup!”

 

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Reflections:  The Election

This last year and especially these last few months I have found the election season very stressful.

votingAs an Americans living out of the United States, Lyle and I were excited to finally get our ballots and have the privilege of voting.

I am constantly amazed how everyone seems so invested here in Canada about this election. And like the US each person has their favorite candidate and a verity of opinions on them. No matter where I go people want to discuss the candidates.

I read an article a few month ago about the “election stress disorder.” It made me laugh, but then I realized I had many of the symptoms too. LOL. I had become distressed and anxious, always checking polls, twitter, and the news every morning and night.

I was telling my friend in South Carolina that I feared I had this “election stress disorder” and she laughed and reminded me I get like this every four years. What are friends for, to give us perspective when we can’t see the forest for the trees and our focus becomes small?

As I was reading my Bible this morning I was telling God how anxious I am  about this whole election process.

Luke 18:27 it says; …”what is impossible from a human perspective, is possible with God”

What a comfort to be reminded again that God is still in charge, and all is well.

Oswald chambers said it well, “Faith never knows where it is being led, but it loves and knows the one who is leading.”

I am secure in knowing that in this world God is still on the throne.©

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Are you feeling anxious and stressed by this election like me?

No matter where you live, I would love to hear your thoughts.

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

Have a great week, HUGS

Lovingly, Karan

 

Oct 08 2016

A Stuffed Turkey

Author: Karan Gleddie • Discussion: No Comments

A Stuffed Turkey

How *not* to stuff the turkey, for Thanksgiving

The turkey shot out of the oven and rocketed into the air, it knocked every plate off the table and partly demolished a chair.

burnt-turkeyIt ricocheted into a corner and burst with a deafening boom, then splattered all over the kitchen, completely obscuring the room.

It stuck to the walls and the windows, it totally coated the floor, there was turkey attached to the ceiling, where there’d never been turkey before.

It blanketed every appliance, it smeared every saucer and bowl, there wasn’t a way I could stop it, that turkey was out of control.

I scraped and I scrubbed with displeasure, and thought with chagrin as I mopped, that I’d never again stuff a turkey…. with popcorn that hadn’t been popped!!  Author Unknown

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Reflections from Karan:

As an American living in Canada, I am able to enjoy two Thanksgivings each year.  Our Canadian one is this Monday, October 10th, and the American one is the 24th of November.  Thanksgiving is one of my favorite times of the year, and having two is special.  

With all the preparations I find myself racing from one task to another playing catch. Cooking, cleaning, washing, writing, it seems I will never get to the end of my long self-imposed list. “Hurry, hurry, faster, faster you’ll never get it all done!” Run, run.

Where do we find rest? Could I stop the world and get off the race that keeps me always spinning. Or is the rest that I long for in the quietness of the morning.  Sheltered in the word of God as he leads me beside the still waters of his love. 

Calming the turmoil, halting the winds and giving my soul the restful peace to keep moving forward in the daily tasks and uncertain times. Whatever the day my hold, I know God’s rest is only a prayer away. He only asks me to live one day at a time for him, because he holds all my tomorrows. ©

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Thank you for sharing your time with me, dear friend. Where do you find times of rest

in the busyness of your daily life? I’d love to hear from you.

Hugs to all, Lovingly Karan

Oct 01 2016

Are You Coming or Going?

Author: Karan Gleddie • Discussion: No Comments

Are You Coming or Going?

boyMother asked four-year-old Brandon to pick up his toys in his bedroom. There would be company tonight, and his friend Chad would be coming too. 

A while later mother checked on Brandon and found him sitting on the bed with a troubled look on his face.

He asked his mother, is it was true that when people die they turn to dust?

Yes, Mother said.

Brandon continued, then is it true that God made people out of dust?  

Again mother said, Yes.  Why do you ask?

Well, said Brandon when I looked under the bed, there was a lot of dust. I think there is someone either coming or going under there. Author unknown

 

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Reflections:  Are you too busy?

A praying child one evening said; Dear God, I hope you’ll also take care of yourself if anything happens to you; we’d be in an awful fix…

child-prayingI’m sure we all feel like that these days, when the world is in so much turmoil, and distress.

I have struggled for years trying to have a consistent prayer life that seems so often to be more hit and miss, than anything else.

  • I have felt guilty, that I did not pray enough, or long enough.
  • I have felt not good enough, why would God listen to me, I have failed him so often.
  • I don’t have enough time; I know and have been told that you have to spend hours in a quiet place, (I have family, work, I don’t have time to hardly sit down, and when I do I fall asleep.)
  • We all know that the only time to pray is early in the morning,

an author told me. (I’m not an early bird, I just stare at my open bible, then fall asleep) then for sure I will feel guiltier.

Then discouraged I give up, God why did you make me like this? I can’t even stay awake in the morning for prayer, I must be your worst child, One who doesn’t deserve your constant, eternal, forgiving love and graciousness.

I spent money on seminars and books that would help me to try and get it right, so many formulas and how it should be done. But it never was personal to me until I heard a story about the mother of John & Charles Wesley, Susanna who raised 19 children and still had time to pray.

With a busy family, Susanna found it difficult to find quiet time to pray. Her life was hard, but she realized the importance of praying for her family.  The children soon learned that any time of the day when their mother had her apron flipped up over her head that she was praying. So they quietly left the room leaving her disturbed.

I love this story about Susanna Wesley, it has taught me that it doesn’t matter where you pray or when.  I just need to talk to God like a dear friend, anytime or anyplace, he is only a prayer away.  Have you struggled with finding the right time or place to pray? ©

” We are put on this earth, not to see through one another,
But to see one another through.”

Smile, God Love You

 

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

Hugs to all.

Lovingly, Karan