Articles

Dec 10 2018

The Holiday Season

Author: Karan Gleddie • Discussion: 2 Comments

A Reindeer Game

The game show contestant was only 200 points behind the leader and about to answer the final question – worth 500 points!”

To be today’s champion,” the show’s smiling host intoned, ”name two of Santa’s reindeer.”The contestant, a man in his early thirties, gave a sigh of relief, gratified that he had drawn such an easy question. “Rudolph!” he said confidently, “and, …Olive!”

The studio audience started to applaud (like the little sign above their heads said to do,) but the clapping quickly faded into mumbling, and the confused host replied, “Yes, we’ll accept Rudolph, but could you please explain…’Olive?!?’”

“You know,” the man circled his hand forward impatiently and began to sing, “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer – had a very shiny nose. And if you ever saw it, you would even say it glowed. *Olive,* the other reindeer…” Author unknown

 

 

 

 

 

The Holiday Season:

I love the Christmas season, expecting the cherished times with family and friends that no amount of money or wrapping could buy.

The smell of Christmas baking, the glowing tree with the Angel on top, I would love to keep the tree up all year long if I could. It is so relaxing to sit under the glow of lights and meditate and reflect on the former years. And reflect on God’s love and grace.

As I reflect on this last year, I am reminded of all the love, encouragement and prayers of family and friends. What an extraordinary year. Although there are many difficulties, I can see how each season has put amazing color in my life. Giving me meaning and enriching everyday life. With faithful friends who pray for me, a trustworthy and compassionate God who loves me, and a Savior who forgives me. 

I read a little quote that said, “Dark fears flee in the light of God’s presence”. In this hectic season, we need to take the time to breathe and walk in his light and presence. What a beautiful thought of comfort and peace God brings to us as we look forward to 2019. ©

For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders.

And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

His government and its peace will never end.  Isaiah 9: 6 & 7a

Praying you have a wonderful Christmas season with your family and friends. 

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

Have a wonderful weekend. HUGS

 Lovingly, Karan

What is your favorite Christmas recipe?  

 

Nov 19 2018

I am Sorry

Author: Karan Gleddie • Discussion: 11 Comments

 

Happy Thanksgiving, America

 

 

Reflections: I am Sorry

I am sorry; I have not been constant in my writing, In November 2017, they moved my husband to a senior lodge, for extra care.

It has been a transition for all of us. I found the last year a lonesome time after so many years of marriage together. 

After, almost a year now I am looking forward to moving into a smaller apartment.

Along with the sorting of years of memories, furniture, books, and papers, and arranging to sell our house, it’s been hectic. All the while wondering why I held on to so much “stuff.”

I would ask if you would remember me in prayer for the next few months. I get overwhelmed by all the decisions of downsizing in all areas and letting go of things.

I have been praying that God will help me to live with open hands and an open heart.  To pass on the things I have loved and enjoyed,  I need to learn to bless others as He has blessed me. ©

“A memory is a photograph taken by the heart to make a special moment last forever.”  And sweet memories remind us of the roads we have traveled and the people we have loved. Unknown author
Praise the Lord. Blessed are those who fear the Lord, who find great delight in his commands. Psalm 112

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

 
HUGS,
Lovingly, Karan

 

:

 

Oct 18 2018

The Coffee Party

Author: Karan Gleddie • Discussion: 5 Comments

 

 

 

The Coffee Party

Every morning in our ranching and farming community the men would regularly meet at the local restaurant. Enjoying coffee, breakfast and keep up with the area happenings of the day. Topics included: cows, crops, politics and solving all the world’s problems for the day. At 6:00 am–8:30 am it was the men’s den!

On my husband’s birthday, October 7th a few years back, I surprised him with a singing telegram at the restaurant so all his friends would enjoy his birthday too. I took the cake to the restaurant the night before so when they sang Happy Birthday the cake made its appearance. I thought it would make a memorable party for my husband and his friends

When I booked the singing telegram, I chose the dancing Gorilla in a hula skirt to show up at the coffee shop at 6:30 am for the biggest effect. I was excited about the next day’s surprise. However, the night before, the woman from Party Singing Grams called and said she was sorry but they were double booked and can’t come.

I was so disappointed, all the plans seemed to fall apart at that moment. She then suggested I should wear the gorilla suit with the hula outfit.  And dance to the taped Hawaiian music and birthday song she recorded, if I would come and get it the suit.

I went ahead, how hard can a hula dance be with music? I saw it on TV once, two steps to the left waving your arms than two steps to the right still waving your arms. I was so confident about the steps and music when I brought the outfit home I never practiced. Besides, if I were wearing, the gorilla outfit no one would recognize it as me.

After my husband left for work at 6:00 I hurriedly put the outfit on. My daughter drove me downtown, and I stood outside the window trying to get my brave on. Finally, I ran in, messed up my husband’s hair, took a pose with my arms out and pressed the button to start the music on the tape-recorder. To my shock “Creedence Clearwater Revival” blasted out a rock-and-roll tune–she had sent the wrong tape! Stunned, my mind raced at what to do next, so I tried and make the Hula work. 

I started the music again and did the two steps left waving my arms and two steps right still waving my arms only at a much more increased speed. I thought the tape would never end, and I was sweating, that was hard work in a gorilla outfit!

Finally, the happy birthday song ended, and I ran out the door, giving the proper birthday wishes and left. I raced home, packed the gorilla outfit up and waited for him to come home; all the while trying to pretend nothing unusual happened. The hardest part was for my daughter and me to keep a straight face when he came home. He described to us about what happened to him at the coffee shop. How some woman dressed as a hula dancing gorilla tried to do the hula dance to a “Creedence Clearwater Revival’s” rock-and-roll song, strange.

But the cake was great. He also added that he thought the Party Singing Gram lady had put on some weight because she was much heavier than she used to be! He also noted, her hair was blonde now, she must have dyed it because he saw blonde hair at the back of the gorilla’s neck!!!

I took two years to confess that the gorilla was me, but when I think of the fun, I had it still gives me the giggles. Thank you, God, for giving us a sense of humor, where would we be without it? ©

Psalm 126:2  (NIV)

Our mouths were filled with laughter,
    our tongues with songs of joy.
Then it was said among the nations,
    “The Lord has done great things for them.”

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

If you find and inspiration, love or laughter here, please share with the ones who might enjoy a giggle too.

Have a Great week, HUGS

Lovingly, Karan

Aug 04 2018

Do You Ever Doubt God?

Author: Karan Gleddie • Discussion: 7 Comments

Do You Ever Doubt God?

 

 

Do You Ever Doubt God?

Being grateful seems impossible some days. How can we be thankful when the crops are burning due to extreme heat and no rain, or heavy rain unexpectedly floods your newly finished basement? Or possibly your retirement investments disappeared because of erratic stock markets and crashes. Leaving you embarrassed, fearful and wondering what just happened to your life. Perhaps a death or prolong illness would steal your joy and thankfulness.

Many times, I have listened as people share a heavy burden they carry and admired how they survive the storms of life with thankful hearts and a smile. They press on with a confident determination, always seeing a brighter future and moving forward.

There have been many times in my life when I have been heartbroken, disappointed, and depressed by devastating life lessons that are hard to understand.

I still remember as if it was yesterday, the day I left on a two-day speaking trip when our lives were in shambles. I had accepted the engagement months in advance so canceling was not a choice. I was heartbroken. I was not sure if I could pull myself together for this event. 

How could I tell women about God’s great love for them when I wasn’t even sure that He loved me?  I felt abandoned and confused. Driving down the highway, I was weeping, begging the Lord to help me. I felt I didn’t have anything to give these women.

I pulled to the side of the road, still weeping, and noticed the car radio had been on. At that moment I heard Charles Stanley say, “The sovereignty of God is the pillow we lay our head upon.”  I knew that those words were for me.  God had reminded me that no matter what happened, He was in control and I could trust Him for this journey, wherever it led us.

As I pulled back onto the road, I was filled with a new confidence that God was with me, and I felt secure that His plans are bigger, wider, and higher than I could ever imagine or hope for. For the first time in so long, I felt these life-sustaining truths in my broken heart.

I am so thankful that I have those flashpoints in my life to remember God is always and continues to be faithful to his promises.  I may get upset, angry, emotional and worry momentarily, but when I stand still and look up I know that God is always with me and continues to love me.©

God may delay our requests, but he will never disappoint our trust.

Yes, I can be grateful, I know I am never alone He walks beside me.

 

 

Do you ever have doubts about God? I would love to hear from you.

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

Have a great week! Hugs

Lovingly, Karan

Jul 30 2018

Special Made

Author: Karan Gleddie • Discussion: 2 Comments

Special Made

How do You beat the Heat?

I’m not sure my trash bin is big enough.

 

 

Special Made

The heat in Southern Alberta is about 90 today and the flowers and grass are feeling the burn. This last week a dear neighbor shared some of her annual plants with me, making my empty flower containers look beautiful.

As the plants along with the grass were starting to suffer I went out to water and ended up having a fight with the sprinkler after trying to set it. Consequently, my pants are hanging by the door sopping wet and my hair is all frizzed up again after spending 40 minutes straightening it yesterday. Lol

As most of you have guessed, I am not a gardener, but I love flowers and admire people who have great gardening skills. I always try to learn all I can from them and I get some great tips too.

So, with a new porch almost finished last week, I am inspired again to turn something plain into a peaceful and serene space for morning coffee. I’ll keep you posted on how it turns out.

Often I get discouraged about the things I don’t do well. I look at others’ talents and gifts and wish I could be more like them. Forgetting to be thankful for the gifts God has given me. So much time has been spent wishing instead of praising God for the blessings I already have.

I love the verse in: 1 Corinthians 12:4-6 

There are different spiritual gifts, but the same Spirit gives them. 

There are different ways of serving, and yet the same Lord is served. 

There are different types of work to do, but the same God produces every gift in every person.

God has not left me out, he has allowed me to have a special gift to serve him and tell others of his amazing love and grace. Like each flower or plant, each one of us is different and beautiful. In God’s eyes, we are uniquely special and precious to Him.

No matter what our circumstances are or the road each of us travels, knowing that I have a special place in God’s heart and plan gives me security as I live my life for Him.©

 

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