Articles

Could We Be Friends?

 

Could We Be Friends?

I never dreamed a friendship could begin, two young women with totally opposite personalities would became lifelong girlfriends.  

Dee has always been a no-nonsense, goal setting woman who embraces laughter and life with a bear hug.  She is wise beyond her years with a sensitive heart.  I have seen her notice a complete stranger in need, and stop to help them. My friend has the keen business savvy of Donald Trump (with good hair), and the creative talents of Martha Stewart— a domestic goddess with a warped twist. 

She has a style all her own; a possible visual might include Peppy Long-stockings dressed in Ralph Lauren, with the sense of humor and the quirkiness of Carol Burnett— ready to laugh at almost anything (especially herself).  That is my dear friend, Dee.

She is a very physical and thinks she hasn’t had a thorough work out unless she is sweating buckets.  My idea of a good workout is a color coordinated sweat suit, 1-inch gold flip-flops and pearls, fully loaded makeup, hairdo—the works.  (In case I run into someone I might know).

Besides, I never sweat, I mist. Taking a walk with us is truly comic relief.  Dee in practical shoes and clothing, charging ahead, getting the workout over in good time, with as much sweat as possible; while I leisurely stroll along, trying my best not to get all misty, gingerly stepping over rocks, puddles, and other debris. 

Although we have never lived in the same continent, we try to meet occasionally.  I love having a friend to talk to; someone in whom I can confide my deepest secrets (even if she is jogging circles around me so she can keep her heart rate up.)

But the greatest comfort about my friend, Dee, is the assurance that our friendship is secure. I know she loves me even with all the fluff and glitter, blonde hair and pearls. She allows me to the freedom to be myself, I never have to impress her; she is already on my side, and loves me.

I have often heard it said, “If you have five best friends in a lifetime you are fortunate.”  True friendship is a blessing. ©

The Bible says;

“No one has greater love than this, that someone would lay down his life for his friends.” John 15:13

“For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son so that everyone who believes in him will not perish 

but have eternal life.” John 3:16

The longer I live, I realize that I would not have made it without my friendship with Jesus. I can talk to him, rely on him and trust him.

He is my shelter in the storms, and most of all I know he loves me and wants the best for me. 

Where would I be without him? Who is your best friend?

Thank you, dear friends for spending your time with me, have a wonderful week.

Hugs to all.

Lovingly, Karan

 

Any Regrets?

 

 

 

Any Regrets

I have often looked back over my life and the opportunities I have been given.  I wonder if others do the same.  Some I have taken, others I have been too afraid to attempt. What if I fail, what will people think? Can I afford it, do have time? Life seems to be a long line of opportunities and ones that are missed. I have heard it said: “One of Satan’s most effective tools is to distract, disable and ultimately destroy God’s people with this one phrase: “IF ONLY”

I can certainly attest to that quote.

  • If Only I hadn’t waited so long until it was too late.
  • If Only I was more disciplined, I could have made more time.
  • If Only I had spent more time with loved ones and friends.
  • If Only I had spent more time writing and finishing those books
  • If Only I had listened more and talked less with family members who have died. Always thinking I had more time with them.
  • If Only I had exercised more and taken better care of my body.

 

I am sure we each have our own regrets and opportunists missed and wasted time on our “If Only.” I am so thankful that each day with God is a clean slate, a new day.  I can decide how I want to live each day. Will I choose regrets, discouragement and get carried away with distractions?

Or choose to pursue God’s plan for me by honoring Him, serving others and joyfully taking the opportunities that God gives me each day.  

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 “If Only” I want to keep moving forward, onward and upward, running the race well with no regrets. 

  • Loving others unconditionally.
  • Laughing with joyful abandonment.
  • Dancing freely like no one is watching.
  • Living my life loving and pleasing God.©

 

I’ve learned by now to be quite content whatever my circumstances. I’m just as happy with little as with much, with much as with little. I’ve found the recipe for being happy whether full or hungry, hands full or hands empty. Whatever I have, wherever I am, I can make it through anything in the One who makes me who I am.

Philippians 4: 11-13

Let the Adventure Begin! 

                         

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

HUGS,
Lovingly, Karan

What is your “If Only”  regrets?  I would love to hear your opinions. 

I Know The Secret

 

Reflections: I Know The Secret

I have been reminded these last few months how words hurt. Someone makes an observation about another’s circumstances and shares it with their friends. Never bothering to check the facts or find the truth.  I have always wondered why people feel the need to run others down, is it to build themselves up?

My mother used to say, “Gossip is like letting the cat out of the bag one claw at a time.” As a young girl, I thought she was being funny. But as the years went by I saw the damage left behind, by the words others carelessly shared.

I watched as people would treat my mother with so little respect as they assumed they knew all about her situation.  But they didn’t know at all, or how hard she worked to put a roof over our heads and food on the table.  Never giving up or expecting handouts. people made assumptions we were poor, although 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. How we loved and admired her.  

I don’t ever remember her speaking unkindly about others, probably because she had personally known the pain it caused.

I have watched her invite people into her home, feed, care and buy groceries for those who had nothing or no one to care for them. Mother was never judgmental and would accept people just the way they were. But most importantly, she was never afraid or shy to tell anyone about God’s love. She never gave up, she was a survivor, joyfully serving God and touching lives with kindness and comfort

In her later years, she worked in real estate, and at times I would be fearful as she drove around the city, often going into dangerous areas. She always told us not to worry; no harm would come because God was taking care of her. And He truly did.   

Mother never cared about what others thought about her or what they said. She only cared about pleasing and honoring God and doing her best for Him.

Mother left me a wonderful legacy to remember, my heart needs to keep my eyes on the God who loves me, and not worry about hurtful words being shared.©

A troublemaker plants seeds of strife; gossip separates the best of friends.

Proverbs 16:28

Let your conversation be gracious and attractive so that you will have the right response for everyone.

Col. 4:5-6

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

 I love you all and am praying. 
HUGS,
Lovingly, Karan
Have you experienced hurtful and unkind words, what did you do? How did you get through it?

Too Busy?

Too Busy?

 

 

 

 

Too Busy?  My Calendar for the month.

Have you ever felt like you are too busy to keep up with your basic chores? When this happens, I become exhausted, disorganized and absent-minded. I soon recognize the need to step back and re-access my schedules.

Last week I had a Doctors appointment.  Getting ready to start my one-hour trip to the city, I spotted my heart rate on my Fitbit again.  154 is a little high I thought; I take blood pressure medication; did I forget to take it the night before?

Buy the time I ran out the door it had reached up to 164, so I swallowed two aspirins and wondered if I should go to the emergency room or straight to my appointment. I decided to head straight for my doctor.

Speeding down the highway, I checked my Fitbit once more, my blood pressure had risen to 192, I promptly took another aspirin. By the time I reached Lethbridge, my heart rate was at 290. At that moment, I figured my Fitbit was out of whack.

Seeing my physician and finding out my blood pressure was it’s regular 114, calmed me down. It was later I realized I had been reading my daily steps, not my heart rate. 

Sometimes we are so busy we barely have a chance to take a breath. I have felt like that these last few years. I’m uncertain if it’s because of my age, or my bounce is a little slower. lol

Those who live in the shelter of the Most High
    will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
This I declare about the Lord:
He alone is my refuge, my place of safety;
    he is my God, and I trust him.

Psalm 91:1-2

These last few years I have learned to lean and rest on God promises. According to one account, there are 3573 promises in the Bible.  A promise for every need. We are blessed.

He is the one who fully knows me and unconditionally loves me. He makes my life complete. I love you, Lord.

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

 Embarrassed Again

Embarrassed Again

 

 

 

Embarrassed Again

A few years ago  I somehow thought “Father’s Day” was a week earlier than it actually was.  In fact, it was a week later. Which is surprising for me because I have a tendency to be a little late. 

My husband and I spent the whole weekend having an enjoyable Father’ day celebration. We went to church, and as we walked home I mentioned it, Lyle, how strange it was no one talked about Father’s day, to which he replied: “It’s usually Mother’s day everyone makes a fuss over, not Father’s day.” We laughed at that observation, had a lovely afternoon meal and he had a Father’s day nap.

Later in the evening, we were to Skype with our daughter in California. She phoned to coordinate our time for later in the evening. I asked her if she had read the Father’s day blog? She started Laughing and said she had forgotten it was Father’s day herself.

Earlier in the afternoon, she reminded her husband to call his dad and wish him a good day, which he did. He called his father who was vacationing in Finland and wished him a happy Father’s day; it was then they found out it was the wrong weekend. Who knew?

My husband Lyle’s was happy, that year he got to enjoy two weekends of Father’s day. I was thrilled because for once I was prepared early; I seem to be the last minute rose.

I am a procrastinator and I tend to get motivated under pressure, but it has also caused many problems. You know, “When in trouble, fear or doubt, run in circles, scream and shout!!”

I have learned over the years that God is my refuge in the circumstances, troubles and mistakes I often find myself in. He is the one person I count on. His Love and forgiveness if constant, forever and eternal. ©

Jesus is the same yesterday, today and forever. Hebrews 13:8

All is well, God is in control

Are you a procrastinator or a planner? Do you ever misjudge your time? Like me?

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