Articles

Jul 09 2016

Can You Hear Me Now?

Author: Karan Gleddie • Discussion: 1 Comment

Can You Hear Me Now?

cookingA man feared his wife wasn’t hearing as well as she used to and he thought she might need a hearing aid. Not quite sure how to approach her, he called the family Doctor to discuss the problem.The Doctor told him there is a simple, informal test the husband could perform to give the Doctor a better idea about her hearing loss.

Here’s what you do,” said the Doctor, “stand aboutn40 feet away from her, and in a normal conversational speaking tone see if she hears you. If not, go to 30 feet, then 20 feet, and so on until you get a response.”

That evening, the wife is in the kitchen cooking dinner, and he was in the den. He says to himself, “I’m about 40 feet away, let’s see what happens.” Then in a normal tone,he asks, ‘Honey, what’s for dinner?” No response. So the husband moves closer to the kitchen, about30 feet from his wife and repeats, “Honey, what’s for dinner?”

Still no response. Next, he moves into the dining room where he is about 20 feet from his wife and asks, “Honey, what’s for dinner?”

Again he gets no response. So, he walks up to the kitchen door, about 10 feet away. “Honey, what’s for dinner?” Again there is no response.

So he walks right up behind her. “Honey, what’s for dinner?”

She said, “Ralph, for the Fifth time, Chicken !”

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Reflections:

womensAs a young woman visiting Disneyland in California my favorite ride was “It’s a Small World”. The exhibition of dolls dressed in different costumes from faraway countries and places were incredible. That display gave me a hunger to study and dream of the cultures I had never seen.

My childhood dreams have continued, becoming a driving force in my life today. Giving me a sincere love and curiosity for other people’s values, beliefs and customs.

In a small way, those early years formed my life’s perspective of my world view. Learning to appreciate others and delight in our diversity is a joy, and lovingly serving others through friendship is a gift.

Father, let me see the world and others through your eyes, not my own. Let your love shine through me.

Dear Lord, may I be willing to be hidden and unknown today, yet ready to speak a word to those who are weary. May your Spirit touch my words and make them Your words that enrich and refresh others.

Thank you for sharing your time with me today dear friend.

What brings delight and Joy to your life?

I would love to hear your thoughts as we share our journey together.

Lovingly, Karan

 

Jun 17 2016

Father’s Day ~ Making Memories

Author: Karan Gleddie • Discussion: No Comments

Father Day ~ Making Memoriesfather 2

Little Susan was mother’s helper. 

She helped set the table when guests were due for dinner. When everything was ready, the guest came in, and everyone sat down.

Then Mother noticed something was missing.
 
“Susan,” she said, “You didn’t put a knife and fork in Mr. Smith’s place.”

“I thought he wouldn’t need them,” explained Susan.
“Daddy says he always eats like a horse!”

 

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Reflections: My 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 Trygve my DAD.
God gave me the desire of my heart, and his timing is perfect.

Thank you, Lord, for your wonderful gift.

Happy Father’s Day!

Lovingly, Karan

Do you have special memories of your Dad?  I would love to hear them. Hugs

Jun 03 2016

Mirror, Mirror on the Wall, I don’t know that person at all???

Author: Karan Gleddie • Discussion: No Comments

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So You Think You’re The Mother Now?

 

Little Alice was allowed to sit in her mother’s place at the dinner table one evening when her mother was absent

Her slightly older brother, disapproved of the arrangement, sneering he asked, “So you’re the mother tonight.” All right, how much is two times seven?

Without a moment’s hesitation, Alice replied nonchalantly, “I’m busy. Ask your father.”.

 

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Mirror, Mirror on the Wall, I don’t know that person at all???

HAVE YOU had sleepless nights, got up in the morning checked the mirror and thought, “I’m not sure I’m going to be able to get it together today?” Was your hair standing on end? Are there bags under your eyes, not to mention the dreaded puffed eyelids? Thank goodness for eye cream and concealer! Some mornings, looking in the mirror can almost stop your heart. Which often happens at my house.

mirror 6Have you fallen off your diet in a major way? Enjoyed an incredible weekend full of carbohydrates, sugars, and fat overload? Now feeling guilty, bloated and 10 pounds heavier than when you started your week. You know, the weekend where you ate everything you could get your hands on just because you couldn’t stand another carrot stick? I have, and I give myself a good scolding too. I usually feel so guilty and miserable I promise myself never again. Well, maybe that’s a little hasty, I hear a little Chocolate is good for you!

Perhaps you’ve had a dispute with your husband, friend or even the kids, and you’re on your last nerve. Possibly you’re saying, “I need to run away for a while or take a cruise, ” or if you’re like me, you just stay in bed and cover your head. I’ve even considered a week at a rest home, wouldn’t that be heavenly. There I could sit on the porch in a rocking chair and sing “Be Still my Soul “and mean it.

Some day’s life does not go the way I expect. I can write lists, make my plans and try to get some sense of order, yet life does not stop because I have had 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. Which has been a lifelong journey for me, I am not a fast learner. How about you?

My life isn’t always perfect, but I have a friend who loves me through the circumstances of life. He is the shield which 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, forgiveness are constant, unconditional and forever. He is my Friend. He is faithful. ©

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

Psalm 36:7

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Thank you for sharing your time with me.

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

Have a great weekend! Hugs

Lovingly, Karan

May 20 2016

Can You Hear the Music?

Author: Karan Gleddie • Discussion: No Comments

Can You Hear the Music?

ols-man-singing1I guess you could say he’s a fixture ’round town they all knew his name. And every time the church bells rang Uncle Jesse, he up and came.

He always sat in the very same pew humming in a voice loud and rough, when it came to the Antioch Church House Choir Uncle Jesse never heard enough.

You see, he always wanted to sing in the choir, but he couldn’t sing a lick don’t you know, he tried out for the Antioch Church House choir 34 years in a row

He always got to the try-outs early he wanted to try out first, but instead of his singing getting any better every year it just got a little worse.

And he’d say, Please let me sing in the choir in the choir, Please let me sing in the choir. I can lift my voice just as high as yours… maybe just a little higher…  Please let me sing in the choir, in the choir, please let me sing in the choir. One old man can’t be all that bad, won’t you please let me sing in the choir.

One cloudy Sunday morning, I remember it was raining some… The church bells rang, and everybody came except Jesse, He didn’t come. Everybody started getting worried, but the figured they’d start anyhow.

Just as they did Jesse’s voice came booming down from Heaven, and I don’t know how… He said I’ve found me a choir that’ll let me sing; now I’m singing in the choir. I can lift my voice just as high as yours, maybe just a little higher.

I’ve found me a choir that’ll let me sing now I’m singing in the choir… You folks down there can’t hold me a light because I’m singing in the heavenly choir…      Words and music by Darrel Holt


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Reflections:

Every time I hear the song sung above, I get tears in my eyes. I think about my voice that is a little off-key.  I remember at one time Lyle, and I were asked to sing for an evening event, I was scared to death. 

scared-woman-revMy 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 encouragement after our song, but I knew it didn’t go well.  As we were leaving a lady rushed up to encourage me and said, “ Well after you went up and down the scale a few times to find your note, I think it was OK.” So much for my singing career! LOL

Although I am not as a singer, I do love to sing. I like to sing out loud, and I’m sure others wish I would stop. But hey, the Bible says let us make a joyful noise, and I want to do my part.

I was born to sing the song God placed in my heart.  I think each of us has a special song given to us to share. Sometimes I struggle to sing my song joyfully, feeling like it might not be good enough.  Or I look at others and wish I could be like them and sing their song.

There have even been times I could not sing my hearts song at all. Those are times I need God, and another’s to wrap their wings of love around me and hold me tight. We all are born to sing our special songs

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©

 

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Psalm 100
A psalm of thanksgiving.

1 Shout with joy to the Lord, all the earth!
2 Worship the Lord with gladness.
Come before him, singing with joy.


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

Do you have a song to sing? I would love to hear the song God has given you.

Have a great week! Hugs

Lovingly, Karan

May 13 2016

You Know You’ve Been Gardening too Long When . . .

Author: Karan Gleddie • Discussion: 2 Comments

 

You Know You’ve Been Gardening too Long When . . .

GARDENER 2** When someone steps on your lawn and alarms go off, and a voice says,”Please step away from the grass.”
** When you visit a friend’s home and start pulling their weeds.
** When you butt in & correct the staff at the nursery when they give incorrect advice to customers.
** When looking at your compost pile makes you feel all warm inside.
** When “multiculturalism” means planting flowers among your vegetable.
** When you say hello to your garden before you go into the house after a vacation.
** When the local garden centre sends you Christmas and Birthday cards.
** When the ER doctor comes in with your X-rays, and you ask him how poorly the daisies were hurt when you fell into them.
** When you prefer seed catalogues to Victoria’s Secret catalogue.
** When your friends and neighbours all hide as soon as the zucchini appear.
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Reflections :

Spring has finally come to Alberta, although the evenings and mornings are cool, everyone is starting to plant their gardens. So this year I decided to plant a few vegetables. Many years ago I did try to grow a small garden and despite my lack of knowledge, some plants did grow. Lol. My mother was so talented and loved flowers and could grow any plant. I always loved my plants too much, I either watered them to death or not enough.

0004776-R1-013-5They say that talents often skip a generation, and I’m sure that must be the case because my daughters each have their grandmother’s green thumb.

Last Friday we worked all afternoon planting. By evening I could hardly walk, I had used muscles I didn’t remember I had, everything hurt. It’s an actual reality check when you suddenly realize not as young and agile as I use to be. In fact, I don’t even bounce like I use to either! My backside was so painful, the only satisfaction for me was the thought I might get a little lift from the exercise. At my age, any lift is good since everything else is moving south. LOL

When life gets so busy, it is a comfort to be able to take the time to spend in God’s creation enjoying the peacefulness of each day. When I am quiet and listen, I can hear God whisper his plans for me. But so many times I feel I need to remind God, I’ve made my plans for my day. “God can you see my busy agenda,” Sometimes I have so many plans and goals I don’t want to have my day interrupted. Have you ever felt like that?

Do I choose my plans which are essential to my business and ministry? Or choose God’s plan for me, stepping out in faith to trust Him. Serving Him is to enjoy the great adventures He has planned for me and knowing I have obeyed his call gives me great happiness.

He is my peace and safe place, the one who loves and protects me. Could I offer him anything less than my obedience choosing to follow Him? Each new day gives us a reason to love and praise God.©

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Thank you for dropping by and sharing your time with me. Do you ever have your plans sidetracked or interrupted?

How have you learned to cope, I would love to hear from you.

Have a great week! Hugs

Lovingly, Karan