Articles

I’m Dreaming Spring

 

 

 

 

I’m Dreaming Spring

As the winter winds and snow is blowing in Alberta, Canada, I wait expectantly for spring to come alive. I have been longing for the warmer weather and checking seed catalogs for the flowers I hope to grow. There are so many different kinds of flowering plants it is hard to make a decision as to which one is the best. Each one is beautiful and special in its own way.

For years, I too tried to grow where I had been planted, searching for love and acceptance from others. In my world circumstances were never as they might have appeared, I was afraid if people saw the real me, they would not accept me. I hide behind a mask, which I called a smile, and I learned to become what I thought others wanted me to be. You know, Perfect Mask—Perfect Life

Although I had a husband and family who loved me, my concept of love was flawed. I thought it had to be earned: If you were good, drove the right car, had the right friends, or joined the right country club, you were loved. If you did not have all those things or were not in the right social group, you were not loved. I thought love and acceptance could be given and taken at a moment’s notice.

Do you step into life’s arena every day wearing a mask, striving for the right appearance and performing your best for love, and approval? I have news for you.

Do you know how beautiful and special you are to God? He sees us without our masks and thinks we are beautiful, 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?

His love is forever, unchanging, and constant, it is unconditional! He has your back!

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

 
HUGS,
Lovingly, Karan

 

Finally Home

 

 

 

Reflections: Finally Home

I love the small agricultural communities where we live in Southern Alberta. The people are loyal and caring in the lives of others’ and consistently supportive and helpful. 

As many of you know I have been living between my house and the new apartment for over a month.  Three weeks ago, while getting ready for a lady’s potluck I stopped at my house for a few items. Running into the house I found and collected my dessert, locked the doors and hurried to my event.

It wasn’t until the next day when my daughter and I were going to continue working at the house, we realized we had no keys. I had left them on the kitchen counter the night before. 

I canvassed around town to see if anyone knows of someone who could pick a lock, but no one wanted to admit to it.   So, after a week we called a locksmith, who would be delighted to help us for a grand total of $200.00 plus mileage. After all, he had to leave town and come all the way out to a rural Alberta?

We kindly thanked him and said we wanted to think about it. However, my daughter and I thought that was a little steep.

The next day while expressing my predicament to my sweet neighbor, I asked if she might suggest someone who might help us. She said she would ask around.

After lunch, I got a call from her reporting she had unlocked the door. She told me she and a few others had put their heads together and figured out a plan. 

As she related her story, she stood on someone’s shoulders and climbed to the second story bathroom window and could narrowly squeeze through the window and fell into the tub and shower.  I could never have climbed up to get to the window much less get my body through it. I am so thankful for a small talented friend.

After the break-in and keys retrieval, we immediately went to the hardware store and had three sets of keys made. We didn’t want to get caught without an extra key again. 

As I stopped for the mail and groceries in the afternoon, several people inquired if we had been able to get in the house yet and retrieve the keys. It seemed there was genuine concern from various people in my community about my predicament. Others may have chalked it up to another blonde week with a few giggles.

The last few months racing back and forth between two residents has been confusing. I have found myself forgetting appointments, a date or even what day it is. My mind is continually running trying to remember all that needs to be done.

There are times when life spins out of control, and it’s tough to see how it ends. Do you ever feel like life is spinning out of control?

God reminded me the other morning as I was reading my Bible in Isaiah.

For since the world began no ear has heard, and no eye has seen a God like you, who works for those who wait for him.

Isaiah 64:4

The wonder of knowing that God faithfully cares about every detail, even where I live gives me enormous hope. In fact, it blows my mind!  He knows what I need. How I love you, Lord. ©

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

 
HUGS,
Lovingly, Karan

Mouth Engaged

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

 

 

A New Year’s Resolution

 

 

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

 

 

 

Merry Christmas Dear Friends

 

 

 

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