Articles

Happy New Year!

happy-new-year-2015-and-firework1

 

The New Year like a book lies before me;

On it’s cover two word, “My life,” I see.

I open the covers and look between… each page is empty, no words can be seen.

For I am the writer, I hold the pen, that will fill these pages to be read by men.

Just what kind of book will my book be, my life written there for others to see.

Each day a page written, one by one… will it be worthwhile when finished and done?

Lord, help me keep these pages clean and fair, by living the life I’d have written there.

By Gertrude Laura Gast

dotted-lines

thanks

The last two years my one word for the year was Faith, This year I have chosen Thankfulness. It is my greatest desire that I will be found Thankful for everything in my life. For both good an bad because I will learn to grow in each season as God walks with me.

Thank you to each of you for all your encouragement and kind words this year, I love to write and share with you, and to also be able to listen as you often share your hearts with me. I count it a privilege dear friends as we travel together.  I love you!©

I’ve learned that people will forget what you said.  

People will not remember what you did.

But,

      People will never forget how you made them feel.  

By Maya Angelou

What are you Thankful for this year?

Lovingly, Karan

Have a Happy Thanksgiving America!

The Thanksgiving Horseback Ride

 

12850-MAWI

A blonde decides to learn and try horse back riding unassisted without prior experience or lessons. She mounts the horse with great effort, and the tall, shiny horse springs into motion.

It gallops along at a steady and rhythmic pace, but the blonde begins to slip from the saddle. Out of shear terror, she grabs for the horse’s mane but cannot seem to get a firm grip. She tries to throw her arms around the horse’s neck, but she slides down the side of the horse anyway.

The horse gallops along, seemingly oblivious to its slipping rider.
Finally, giving up her frail grip, she leaps away from the horse to try and throw herself to safety.

Unfortunately, her foot has become entangled in the stirrup. She is now at the mercy of the horse’s pounding hooves as her head is struck against the ground again and again. As her head is battered against the ground, she is mere moments away from unconsciousness or even death when Frank, the Wal-Mart manager runs out to shut the horse off.

clip_image001.gif

thanksgiving

clip_image001.gif

My life speeds along so rapidly, I feel like I am on the highway of life. And when my to-do list hits overflow, I become overwhelmed. At this point, I feel guilty and decide not to look at my list any more. (No, I’m not feeling better yet)

Throwing the to-do list away now becomes a real option. I could start a new list, and forget how far behind I am. just racing to keep up with my to-do-list. At times, everything seems completely out of control, with family, stresses, work, and other people’s expectations.

I want to see the big picture and know success is certain. However, nothing in life has guarantees.  When financial prospects are bleak, job markets are uncertain, and health issues persist, it is easy to become overwhelmed with life.

Sometimes, I wish God would send me an e-mail, or memo, as a quick reminder that he is still in control. Why is it so easy to trust God for other people’s needs, but when it comes to our own needs we don’t have much faith?  Isn’t God enough to take care of all our needs, big and small?

Psalm 46:1-2  says,”God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. so we will not fear, even if earthquakes come and the mountains crumble into the sea. He is my strength, and light in a troubled world, I will not fear?

Father, I choose your strength, love and promise, I will not fear as long as you walk with me lighting my way. I choose to trust you.

Praying you had a wonderful season of Thanksgiving with your family and friends. Thank you for stopping by and sharing your time with me today. Sending you much love to you all,

Lovingly, Karan

Discussion Question: What are you most thankful for at this time of the year?

The Hospital Window

The Hospital Window

images (95)

Two men, both seriously ill, occupied the same hospital room. One man could sit up in his bed for an hour each afternoon to help drain the fluid from his lungs. His bed was next to the room’s only window.

The other man had to spend all his time flat on his back. The men talked for hours on end. They spoke of their wives and families, their homes, their jobs, their involvement in the military service, where they had been on vacation.

Every afternoon when the man in the bed by the window could sit up, he would pass the time by describing to his roommate all the things he could see outside the window.

The man in the other bed began to live for those one hour periods where his world would be broadened and enlivened by all the activity and color of the world outside.

The window overlooked a park with a lovely lake. Ducks and swans played on the water while children sailed their model boats. Young lovers walked arm in arm among flowers of every color and a fine view of the city skyline could be seen in the distance.

As the man by the window described all this in exquisite detail, the man on the other side of the room

I Value Your Opinion, Dear Friends

 I  Value Your Opinion, Dear Friends

B

2014 Readers Survey

As I write my blog each week I think of each of you as my friends. By doing this, it helps put a personal touch on my writing.

Instead of me writing and sending something out into cyberspace for just any random person to stumble across, I want to have you in mind.  Offering real encouragement, thoughtful discussions and transparent hope as we share together.

I am eager to make my blog better and more relevant to your needs and interests. But to do that, I need to know more about YOU

This is why, I created my 2014 Readers Survey. This short survey will help me to better know who I’m writing to. I will be able to make my blog posts, emails, and resources more interesting, and relevant to you.

Your input is very important to me. The survey is easy to fill out and will take less than three minutes to complete. The results are completely anonymous, and I will not share your results with anyone. Just click below.

I Would Love to Help. Take me to the Survey!

Thanks in advance for your help.

Lovingly, Karan

 

 

I may Need a Little Help!

ATTENTION:  Male and Female ATM bank procedures

Wells+Fargo+Drive+Through1

A new sign in the Bank Lobby reads:

Customers using this new facility are requested to use the procedures outlined below when accessing their accounts.  After months of careful research, MALE & FEMALE Procedures have been developed.

Please follow the appropriate steps for your gender.

 

Male procedure:

  • 1.   Drive up to the cash machine
  • 2.   Put down your car window.
  • 3    Insert card into machine and enter PIN.
  • 4.   Enter amount of cash required and withdraw
  • 5.   Retrieve card, cash and receipt.
  • 6.   Drive off.

Female procedures:  What is really funny is that most of this part is the Truth, at least for me!

  •  1.  Drive up to cash machine.
  •  2. Reverse and back up the required amount to align car window with the machine.
  • 3. Set parking brake, put the window down.
  • 4. Find handbag, remove all contents on to passenger seat to locate card.
  • 5. Tell person on cell phone you will call them back and hang up.shutterstock_2671605
  • 6. Attempt to insert card into machine..
  • 7. Open car door to allow easier access to machine due to its excessive distance from the car.
  • 8. Insert card.
  • 9. Re-insert card the right way.