Articles

May 26 2018

We Will Not Forget!

Author: Karan Gleddie • Discussion: No Comments

We Will Not Forget!

“Build me a soldier,

O Lord,

who will be strong enough to know when he is weak,

and brave enough to face himself when he is afraid,

one who will be proud and unbending in honest defeat,

and humble and gentle in victory.”

General Douglas MacArthur  
1880 – 1964

 

 

 

Reflections:

“There are no extraordinary men… just extraordinary circumstances that ordinary men
are forced to deal with.”
 
Fleet Admiral William F. Halsey Jr.

This weekend is Memorial Day. And like you I have known many soldiers who have served our county.  I love and honor each one. I often wonder what makes them sacrifice their lives or time for others.

When I see them I try to shake their hands and tell them how much they are loved and appreciated. Where would we be as a nation without their faithfulness and valor?

I wrote this devotional for a soldier friend a few years ago and thought I would share it with you on this special weekend. As we remember our soldiers in America and Canada.

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But I am trusting you, O Lord, saying,“You are my God my future is in your hands.”

Psalm 31: 14-15
 
I am secure in your love for me, I know I can trust you regardless of my circumstances no matter where I am.

You are always with me.

There are people who want to harm me as I serve my country, but my future is in your hands.
 
You chose to love me and I choose to love and trust you with my life. 

 

Father,
It is so good to know that I can trust you as I serve you and my country.  I know my life, family, and future are in your care.  Please protect from the dangers of this war.

 
Hugs to you all,
Have a great Memorial Day weekend 
 

See you next week!
Lovingly, Karan

 

May 13 2018

Happy Mother’s Days ~ Hero’s Come In All Sizes

Author: Karan Gleddie • Discussion: 2 Comments

Happy Mother’s Days!

 

 

 

 

Hero’s Come In All Sizes

Hero’s come in all sizes, my hero 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 flower beds and gardening much better than house cleaning and often said she felt closer 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. 

I felt lost when she passed away and wondered what I would do without her wonderful sense of humor and practical wisdom. But as I look back, I can see a long line of the heroes that God sprinkled into my life. Each one pushed, encouraged, and inspired me to become a better person. To reach for my dreams and never stop, and when I slow down and get discouraged, they cheer me on with their prayers.

To have Godly mentors who showed me that loving God, putting him first and serving him would give the greatest joy in life, each one has blessed me.

The Bible says we need to remember all that God has done for us and lean on his promise. ©

Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. 

Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me.

Psalm 23:4

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

HUGS,
Lovingly, Karan

May 03 2018

The Traveling Tourist ~ Vacation

Author: Karan Gleddie • Discussion: 6 Comments

The Traveling Tourist

A man was driving along the highway, and saw a rabbit hopping across the middle of the road. He swerved to avoid hitting the rabbit, but unfortunately the rabbit jumped in front of the car and was hit.

The driver, being a sensitive man as well as an animal lover, pulled over to the side of the road and got out to see what had become of the rabbit. Much to his dismay, the rabbit was dead. The driver felt so awful he began to cry.

 A woman driving down the highway saw the man crying on the side of the road and pulled over. She stepped out of her car and asked the man what was wrong. “I accidentally hit this rabbit and killed it.”

 The woman told the man not to worry. She knew what to do. She went to her car trunk and pulled out a spray can. She walked over to the limp, dead rabbit, and sprayed the contents of the can onto the rabbit. Miraculously, the rabbit came to life, jumped up, waved its paw at the two humans and hopped down the road.

50 feet away the rabbit stopped, turned around, waved at the two again, hopped down the road another 50 feet, turned, waved, and hopped another 50 feet.

The man was astonished. He couldn’t figure out what substance could be in the woman’s spray can! He ran over to the woman and demanded,” What was in your spray can? What did you spray onto that rabbit?”

The woman turned the can around so that the man could read the label. It said:” Hair Spray Restores Life to Dead Hair. 

Author unknown

 

 

Reflections: Vacation

The middle of April, my sister, Joanna and her husband invited me to enjoy some time with them in the San Juan Islands, Washington. What a beautiful and restful time. We spent time together exploring new restaurants, second hand stores and even found some real bargains

I enjoyed a ride on a float plane from the island to Seattle (my first time) and then on to San Diego, California where my sister lives most of the year.

Although I was born in San Francisco, most of my early years were spent in San Diego.

Going back to the San Diego area and seeing family and remembering the places that I loved as a youth was fun. It was like a blast from the past. It’s funny, things don’t stay the same. Neighborhoods change, people move away, stores close and new ones open. Time truly does march on.

I am now with my youngest daughter and her husband in northern California, enjoying their beautiful home, warm weather and contemplating life. I will be here for a few weeks and then back home to Alberta, Canada.

There are many times in life where I have been blessed beyond words from the generosity of others. Many of you know these last few years have been a difficult time and I know it has been the same for many of you too.

Sometimes it is easy to slide into discouragement, fear and loneliness at our situations. I’ve often said, “It can be a long way from my head to my heart.”  When my head reminds me of all the verses of God’s love and compassion, and my heart still says, “Why?”

Have you ever had those days when you wonder about God’s plan for you?  I love Bible verses that I can hold on to tightly and rely on their promises.

Psalm 73: 23-25

Yet I still belong to you; you hold my right hand.

You guide me with your counsel, leading me to a glorious destiny.

Whom have I in heaven but you? I desire you more than anything on earth.

 

It has been and continues to be a special time away for me.

I know that God blessed me through the kindness of others, Thank you Lord.

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

HUGS,
Lovingly, Karan

Apr 07 2018

Look Who’s Talking ~ Can I Call You Dad?

Author: Karan Gleddie • Discussion: 4 Comments

Look Who’s Talking!

A Ventriloquist was touring the clubs in Florida. With his dummy on his knees, he’s going through his usual dumb blonde jokes when a blonde woman in the audience stands on her chair and shoots.

“I’ve heard enough of your stupid blonde jokes. 

What does the color of a persons hair have to do with her worth as a human being? It’s guys like you who keep women like me from being respected at work and reaching our full potential!”

The embarrassed ventriloquist starts to apologize when the blonde yells, “You stay out of this, mister! I’m talking to that little jerk sitting on your knee.  Author unknown

 

 

Reflections: Can I Call You Dad?

As a child growing up, I always wondered about the father I never knew. Did he have blonde hair, was I like him? My mother never talked about him, and I never inquired because it caused her great sadness to discuss that time in her life.

For years, I would think about meeting him, and dream about our wonderful reunion. But that scenario would not happen. I had found out that he had passed away many years before I had started to look for him. I was so disappointed, all my questions would go unanswered.

I remember at church the minister talked about how much God cares for each of us, and he knows our pain and hurt in the secret places where only he can see. And he quoted a Bible verse that I never forgot:

God in His holy house is a father to those who have no father.

And He keeps the women safe whose husbands have died.

God makes a home for those who are alone.

Psalm 67:5 & 6a

I found great comfort in that verse but wondered if it would happen for me.

Little did I know that God had prepared a father for me in Alberta, Canada. When I married Lyle, I not only got a husband but a new father who became my dad.

Trygve was a kind, loving and humble man who loved life and loved me. As the years passed by it amazed me, how much alike we were. We both loved books, collected funny stories and loved humor. He loved to sing, loved people and most of all loved God.

Trig passed away in 2000; there is not a day that goes by that I don’t reflect on all the times we spent together. We would both cry through “Little House on the Prairie”, sad movies and touching books. We liked to laugh, sing in the car, go shopping, eating out and share the important family stories and our walk with God. How I loved and missed him.

I am thankful for the great privilege to call him my DAD.
God gave me the desire of my heart, and his timing is perfect.

Thank you, Lord, for your wonderful gift.  What are some of your favorite memories?©

Thank you, dear friends, for spending your time with me.
My love to all and am praying you each have a fabulous week. 
HUGS,
Lovingly, Karan

 

Mar 19 2018

Going Fishing ~ Just A Sing-in

Author: Karan Gleddie • Discussion: 6 Comments

Going Fishing

A little boy was going on a fishing expedition with his father, traveling from New Mexico to Colorado. 

Every fifty miles, the excited son asked his father if they were almost there.  The father answered that they had quite a distance to travel yet. So the son waited for a few more minutes and asked his father again.

“Sorry son, we have another hundred miles yet.”

After fifty more miles, the son asked, “Daddy, am I still going to be four years old when we get there?” Author unknown

 

 

 

 

Reflections: Just A Sing-in

Every time I hear a beautiful song I get teary-eyed, and I think about my own voice that is a little off-key.  I remember at one time Lyle, and I had been invited to sing for an evening event. I was so scared. 

My husband comes from a musical family and has a wonderful voice.  We practiced for weeks.  But when we stood on stage in front of all those people I froze, and couldn’t remember the words or even find my note. 

My dear husband tried to encourage after our song, but I knew it didn’t go well.  As we were leaving a woman rushed up to reassure me and said, “Well after you went up and down the scale a few times you finally found your note, I think it was OK.” So much for my singing career! LOL

Although I am not a singer, I do love to sing. I like to sing out loud, and I’m sure others wish I would stop. One Sunday at church many years ago as I was singing loud and proud, one of my daughters stood close to me and suggested that I might like to hum! But hey, the Bible says let us make a joyful noise, and I want to do my part.

They say, “Music washes from the soul the dust of everyday life.” I believe those words.

I’ve often said,” It’s a long way between my head and my heart.” When we don’t understand our circumstances and find ourselves in hard places, we often want to rely on our knowledge, experience, and know-how to make everything better. But in our hearts, we feel afraid, worried and confused.

There have been times in these last few years that my head knows all the Bible verses and promises from God’s word, as well as all the praise and worship songs. But my heart still says, why? Have you ever had those feelings??

I have found over the years when I listen to music it lifts my spirits. It is something that gives me energy and joy when I can turn up the volume and sing as loud as I want. I have found a car is a perfect place for my personal concert.

Psalm 13:6 (NLT)

I will sing to the Lord because he is good to me.

Being able to sing lifts my spirit and helps me to delight in the love and care of God.  Singing also reminds me there is no problem or circumstance that is too hard for Him.  When I am singing my heart and head are one and at peace with Him.

And like a small bird needing to fly and feel the wind lift me higher, I know God has placed a special song in my heart that I must sing to a hurting world… Jesus Loves You!  That is my song©

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

Has God given you a song to sing?

Have a great week, Hugs

Lovingly, Karan