Articles

Aug 12 2017

Getting Some Music Lessons

Author: Karan Gleddie • Discussion: No Comments

 

Getting Some Music Lessons

A drummer tired of being ridiculed by his peers decided to learn how to play some “real” musical instruments.  

He went to the music store, walked in, approached the store clerk and said, I’ll take that red trumpet over there and that accordion.”

The store clerk looked at him a bit funny, and replied, “Okay, you can have the  fire extinguisher, but the radiator’s got to stay.” Author unknown

 

 

Reflections: 

I must confess I have been on a controlled eating and dieting plan for the last few month with disappointing results.  The exercise program I picked has me swinging and jumping to the beat of, “Country Heat.” Didn’t help much either. I’m sure if I did the routine every day like I was supposed to, I would be in better shape.

I received a wonderful Fitbit and am wearing it faithfully, only to find out I don’t walk enough (Really?) and my sleep patterns are off. Every night I give myself a scolding and feel guilty I haven’t done better. Who new 10,000 steps was the magic Number.  I thought I walked a lot every day????

I have been reflecting on my diet and exercise hysteria and how I am driving myself nuts, as well as everyone else. Is it insecurity, or the feeling of not measuring up? Who says what is beautiful, acceptable and lovely anyway?

With the constant barrage of the media, celebrities, and fashion magazines our self-esteem can erode fast.  I just read that a poll By Dr. Raj Persuad a Psychiatrist, said looking at magazines for 60 minutes lowers the self-esteem of young women by 80%.  Astonishing.  

I started to wonder why I even buy magazines knowing the reality we see is the perfecting imagery of a Photoshop expert and illusions of technical imagery.  After all if they can make a one-hundred year old woman look 24 again, they can do anything!

All this stress and wanting perfection, I know it is only vanity. In my heart I wanted to feel acceptable and secure in how I looked.  Instead of being grateful, I get all caught up in the physical instead of relying on the one who knows me best. I forgot how much He loves, I am already special and perfect in His eyes.©

Genesis 1:27 
So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.

We Are Love by God!

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

Lovingly, Karan

Do you find your getting discouraged too? What self talk do you do?

Jul 22 2017

Schooling the Teacher?

Author: Karan Gleddie • Discussion: 2 Comments

 

Schooling the Teacher?

A little girl was talking to her teacher about whales.

The teacher said it was physically impossible for a whale to swallow a human because even though it was a very large mammal its throat was very small.

 The little girl stated that Jonah was swallowed by a whale.

 Irritated, the teacher reiterated that a whale could not swallow a human; it was physically impossible.
 The little girl said, “When I get to heaven I will ask Jonah”.  The teacher asked, “What if Jonah went to hell?”
The little girl replied, “Then you ask him.”
Reflections:  

I have always loved people; their diverse cultures, colors, accents, and humor. Our humanity binds us together. We share times of laughter, brokenness, insecurity, and doubt.

I am so glad that God chose ordinary people of this world to show his great love and compassion. How many times have I felt the sting of Satan’s whispering lies; “That I am unworthy or not good enough to serve a Holy God.” Would I cover my face in shame and hide from the God who knows me best and still loves me?

Like Moses who spent 80 years trying to find meaning for his life, God brought him to a burning bush moment and gave him both meaning and purpose in serving him. I am so glad God can use ordinary, broken people to share His Good News and love to a broken and hurting world.

In 1 Corinthians 1:27 it says,

God purposely chose what the world considers nonsense in order to shame the wise,
                                                  and he chose what the world considers weak in order to shame the powerful.                                                     
Father, help me stand with open hands before you, submitting to your will. I want my ordinary life to be extraordinary for you.
Christ paid a price we could never pay, to give us a life we did not deserve.
We are truly loved.
Lovingly, Karan

 

Do you ever feel like you are too old, too broken or flawed to be usable to God?
Do you think it’s too late for you?
I would love to connect, let me hear your thoughts.

Jul 05 2017

Let Freedom Ring!

Author: Karan Gleddie • Discussion: No Comments

Let Freedom Ring!

 

 

 Aesop said many years ago,

 “No act of kindness no matter how small is ever wasted.”

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, there are numerous divisions of opinions on how our government and military should run.  And how our foreign policy should look 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 is.  

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 also.  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 for themselves.

This is our the American spirit, which is the heart and soul of our soldiers, and the people of in these countries will never be able to forget them.©

“Freedom is never free; it has a price.”

“God Bless America, Land of the Free because of the Brave.”

Lovingly, Karan

 

Jul 01 2017

You May Live In Canada If…

Author: Karan Gleddie • Discussion: No Comments

You may live in Canada if:

If you’ve worn shorts and a parka at the same time.

If you’ve had a lengthy telephone conversation with someone who dialed a wrong number.

If you measure distance in hour

If driving is better in the winter because the potholes are filled with snow.

If you have switched from ‘heat’ to ‘A/C’ In the same day and back again.

If you can drive 56 miles/hr. through 2 feet of snow during a raging blizzard without flinching.

If you carry jumper cables in your car, and your wife knows how to use them.

If you design your kid’s Halloween costume to fit over a snowsuit.

If the speed limit on the highway is 50 miles/hr. and you’re going 60 and everybody is passing you.

If you know all 4 seasons:
Almost winter, winter, still winter, and road construction. 

If you have more miles on your snow blower than your car.

If you find -2oF degrees ‘a little chilly’. author unknown

 

 

Canadian Happy for Spring

 

 

 

Reflections: Happy Birthday!

Who would have ever believed a California Girl would turn in her flip-flops for a pair of cowboy boots and the lure of the Alberta Prairies? When this California beach bunny met a handsome Canadian Cowboy, it was like “John Wayne meets California Bling Queen” two different worlds collided.  I still love my boots, but I haven’t given up the flip-flops either.  You might say I’m a little bit country, however there is still a dash of Bling even after all these years.

When I moved to Canada, I found some cultural  differences, but the people were friendly and forgiving as I made mistakes. They were always willing to give me advice, help and a warm listening ear.  I cherish the friends and family who made my transition in a new country a fun journey.

So “Happy Birthday Canada” today is your day.  July 1, 1867, one-hundred and fifty years ago. You became a nation, and what a beautiful, welcoming country you are. 

What a joy and a privilege to be blessed with such a magnificent heritage of living and being a part of two countries where freedom  is valued. 

They say “Freedom is never free,” but there is always a price.  I am humbled and honored to thank the brave soldiers who fight for my freedoms. Thank You.©

“It is easy to take liberty for granted when you have never had it taken from you.” Author unknown

Thank you, dear friends for spending your time with me, Have a wonderful weekend be safe. Hugs to all.

Lovingly, Karan

Have you ever visited, or do you live in Canada, What is your favorite place? Let me know I would love to hear.

Jun 24 2017

Exercising for Seniors ~ Directions Please?

Author: Karan Gleddie • Discussion: No Comments

Exercising for Seniors

Begin by standing on a comfortable surface, where you have plenty of room at each side.

With a 5-lb potato bag in each hand, extend your arms straight out from your sides and hold them as long as you can, then relax.
Each day you’ll find you can hold this position longer. Try to reach a full minute.

After a couple of weeks, move up to 10-lb potato bags and then 50-lb potato bags. Eventually, you will be able to lift 100-lb potato bags and hold your arms straight for a full minute. (I’m at this level now).

After you feel confident at that level, put a potato in each bag.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Reflections: Directions Please?

When spring and summer arrive the planning for vacations and extra traveling is exciting. I love road trips and if I get lost, O’ well it’s a new adventure. However, Lyle likes to stick to the plan with no variations. My husband also does not like to ask for directions, he thinks if he keeps driving we will eventually get there.

While, I have been known to roll the window down at a stop light, and holler at the person next to me about directions.  I was inquiring about directions with the lady next to us, the light changed, we took off down the road, the lady hung out the window of her car and handed me her map, waved and was gone.My husband was so embarrassed, “ I could have found it.” He said I assured him that our vacation was not that long!!!

                                                    Why are men and women’s driving directions so different?

If a man gives directions, it goes like this; Go three miles, turn left, go seven miles, turn right, then go a quarter of a mile and you will see it on your right, you can’t miss it! Now I am blonde and a creative thinker, is there a three-mile sign, how will I know? With these directions I could end up in someone’s cow pasture, never to be seen again.

I drive by landmarks, go to Target, turn left, go down to the Dairy Queen, and turn right. Drive to Starbucks, turn into parking lot, the place is right next to the shoe store that is having a huge sale, 70% off. You can’t miss it. (Now that is my kind of directions)

Thankfully we decided to get a GPS for the car, saves Lyle and I a lot of time, him from driving all over the country trying to find an address, and me from getting lost. However, in my creative moments, I have been known, to second guess the GPS system, and go a different way because it didn’t look right to me. Only to get lost, have the satellite locate me and turn me around.

It gives me great security and peace in my life to know that I am never off of God’s radar system. He always knows where I am, and even if I wander off, his eye on me. ©  The Bible says: 

Psalm 139:16 NLT

 You saw me before I was born.
    Every day of my life was recorded in your book.
Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed.

 

To know that God saw me and knew me before I was born and loved me, and has recorded the number of the days of my life in His book. Gives me the freedom to trust Him and not to worry, because my days are in His hands.  His loving care sustains, guides, and protects me; I just need to follow his directions. ©

 

What are your summer plans?

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

Lovingly, Karan