Articles

Jul 16 2018

What Are You Waiting For? 

Author: Karan Gleddie • Discussion: 2 Comments

 

 Somedays...

 

What Are You Waiting For? 

I have often put my life and dreams on hold using one word,

LATER.  I wonder if others do the same.  See if any of my excuses are ones you can relate too.

  • LATER: when the office is clean, I will have time to write.
  • LATER: when the house is clean, I will invite company for dinner.
  • LATER: when I lose weight, I will buy a swimsuit.
  • LATER: when my children are out of school, I will have more time to study the Bible.
  • LATER: when I catch up on all my TV series, I will have time to visit friends.
  • LATER: when I clean the garage, I will have a place to park the car.
  • LATER: when I get a treadmill, I will start exercising.

 

Recently, I had a realization, or a blonde epiphany, (is that legal?) 

  • I realized the office will never be clean enough.
  • I realized the house will never be perfect enough.
  • I realized no matter how much weight I lose or gain, I will never buy a swimsuit.
  • I realized when my children finish school, marry, and have children of their own we will never have time. We will be too busy attending ball games, recitals, soccer, having sleepovers, taking pictures and having fun.  Grandchildren automatically move to top priority.
  • I realized a TV-series is never done; there is always another new one to watch.
  • I realized landscaping and yard work is a weekly task, the weeds and grass just keep growing.
  • I realized if the garage is cleaned out we will have to rent a large storage unit.  Besides the car looks good outside and everyone knows where we live.
  • I realized I will never start exercising when I get a treadmill, bicycle, or the Wii.  If I haven’t started before now nothing else will help. 

I have wasted a lot of time waiting for the “LATER” to get done so I could move onto the important in life.  The Bible says now is the time to use what we have to serve and honor God.  I don’t want my life to get stuck with the later and never get to the serving of others.  I want to keep moving forward, onward and upward, running the race well. ©

Philippians 2:16 (NLT)

Hold firmly to the word of life; then, on the day of Christ’s return, I will be proud that I did not run the race in vain and that my work was not useless.

    1 Corinthians 9:16

Don’t you realize that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize?

So run to win!      

 

What are your favorite “LATER” excuses?  I would love to hear from you and get your opinion on these thoughts.

 

Dear Friends, thank you for stopping by and spending your time with me today, I love each of you. 

Hugs to All, Lovingly Karan

 

I’ve Lost My Teeth

Update By: Karan Gleddie
Date: June 22, 2018

I’ve Lost My Teeth

 

Starting the vacation Happy Dance

 

Reflections:

Three hours past our departure time, my husband, Lyle, and I, and our two teenage daughters were finally pulling away from our southern Alberta home. We were on our way to the State Fair in Great Falls, Montana, but the way our car was packed, it seemed like we were off on a world tour.

I was looking forward to six days of rest and relaxation. No cooking, no early mornings, and plenty of my favorite hobby—retail therapy. We had a poolside room and our girls were ready to find their swimsuits and head to the water. However, my husband (the practical one) decided we would have supper first before the swimming suits came out of the suitcases and everyone headed for the pool.

After a delicious Mexican dinner, I hurried back to our room because I had something stuck under my upper partial plate. As I hurried into the powder room, I took out my “two front teeth” and laid them on a tissue next to the sink. After I brushed my teeth, I wiped off the counter, threw the paper and tissue into the toilet, and flushed. I turned around to get my teeth, but they were nowhere in sight. I ran around the hotel room crying, praying, and hoping that I would find those teeth, but I knew in my heart they were gone—flushed—adios—good-bye.

My family returned to find me flustered and crying. They were clearly concerned, but before I told them what happened to my poor teeth, I made each one promise not to laugh. It did not help one bit. By the end of my story, they were rolling with laughter and asking to see my toothless smile, which only brought more uncontrolled laughter.

I decided right there my vacation was over. I wanted to go home. I told my family I could not spend the rest of the week without my two front teeth.

“Oh yes you can,” my husband said. “All you have to do is keep your mouth shut and no one will know.”  Now, why didn’t I think of that?

I spent the week more quietly than usual. When I sometimes forgot myself or was carried away with the fun and laughter, my teenagers would lovingly point at their teeth to remind me that mine was missing. However, after the first few days, I forgot about my teeth and had a fun, memorable vacation.

If I had carried through with my plan to go home because of pride and concern about how I looked, just think of what we would have missed as a family. My daughter said we were making memories, and she was right. Now that my daughters are grown women, we remember our vacation with great fondness.©

Proverbs 29:23  says, “A man’s pride brings him low, but a man of lowly spirit gains honor.”  How often have I missed the opportunities God has for me because of selfish pride?

Father, Forgive me for my selfish pride. Help me not to miss the gifts you want to give me that fulfill my life because I am thinking only of myself.   Help me to put you first.

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

Have you ever had a “Vacation Mishap?” 

 I love you all and am praying. 
 
HUGS,
 Lovingly,  Karan Gleddie

Jun 11 2018

Can I Paint you a picture?

Author: Karan Gleddie • Discussion: 8 Comments

Can I Paint you a picture?

 

 

 

Reflections: Can I Paint you a picture?

My dear friend Jeanne signed us up for a painting class on “How to paint sunflowers”.  Since I hadn’t oil painted for over thirty years I was game. Besides, I had never used acrylic paints and thought it would be an adventure.

We arrived at the class just in time to get our aprons, paint, water, and easels set up. As our teacher started to explain about her class, she wondered how many first timers were there, or those who already painted. She also inquired if there was anyone who was an OCD painter. At that point, I should have put my hand up. How did she know?

Thirty years ago, I loved to paint.  My favorites were landscapes and florals. But there came a time I had to set painting aside and eventually quit altogether.  I would become so obsessive about a painting that I couldn’t stop rearranging or fixing it. Then I would be up half the night and wouldn’t be able to sleep for thinking about what I could do better. Although I had painted pictures for other people, I always felt they were never as good as they could have been. If only I had just a little more time.

I laugh now when I think about one of my daughters’ grade school art assignments.  It was during the month of October, so she made a black and white picture with trees and tombstones in a cemetery with a concerted effort to make it look scary.  When I asked how the teacher liked her picture, she said: “no one commented on it”.

Three weeks later at the teacher-parent conference, there on the bulletin board was our daughters Halloween picture. She had won first prize for her “Remembrance Day” picture. She didn’t even care that they had mixed it up.  How I wish my attitude would have been more like hers during my early painting years. Lol

As I began painting again recently, some of those old feelings came back; “it’s not good enough” or “it looks horrible”.  I wonder where those feelings come from.  Could it be from wanting everything perfect and struggling to measure up?  Even after all these years, those old feelings still bubble up.

I am so thankful that God reached down and saved me.  He loves me and forgives me with His perfect grace. Where would I be without Him in my life?  In an imperfect world, He is perfect. ©

I wait quietly before God, for my victory comes from him.

He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress where I will never be shaken.

Let all that I am wait quietly before God, for my hope is in him.

Psalm 62: 1,2 & 5

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

 

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.

**************   

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