Articles

Oct 30 2016

Lost In A Snowstorm!

Author: Karan Gleddie • Discussion: 2 Comments

Lost In A Snowstorm!

A woman got lost while driving in a new England snow storm. However, she knew that if she waited for a snowplow, she could follow it and get to safety.
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Before too long, a snow plow came by, and she followed it. In fact, she continued to drive behind the plow for nearly and hour.

Finally, the driver got out and asked her what she was doing. Upon her reply, the driver nodded and said, “Well, I’m done with Wal-Mart now. You can follow me over to Sears if you want to!” Author unknown

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Reflections:

On Thursday at about 7:30 am my husband was taken by ambulance to our area hospital with what looked like a mini stroke. Sometimes called a TIA-Transient-Ischemic-Attack.

ambulence Today as I write the Dr. is still unsure what happened and what caused the episode. We are still waiting for more tests. As I have thought about the last few days I also remember the first stroke he had and how unprepared I was and how little I knew about them.

Would you recognize the symptoms of a stroke in your family, with friends or co-workers? Or is a stroke something that happens to others. I thought I knew all about the symptoms of a stroke, until the day 20 years ago when he had his first stroke.

On a hot day in July after spending the day on his horse, sorting and moving cattle Lyle came home tired, grumpy, and generally out of sorts.

I asked him if he was alright and he said he ached all over. I noticed he was walking a little slower but thought he had just had a rough day. He took a bath and went to bed without supper because he was tired.

The next morning he was out early to move more cattle and do some more sorting. He moved slower, his face was very red, he told me it was just a sunburn. He said he was fine, quit worrying

When he came home he didn’t look well at all. His face drooped, his speech was slurred and he was dragging his left leg. He still insisted he was fine, but had a headache and blurred vision from the sun.

After threatening him with his life I finally got him in the truck and off to the hospital as he argued all the way there, still insisting he was fine.

At the hospital, his blood presser was up to 260 and said he would be going home in a few hours. He saw a Neurologist in Calgary who said he should have died. With two brain hemorrhages and one behind his eyes, his 20/20 vision had been damaged.

The DR. told me that when a person is in this state they don’t realize what is happening.

I have always felt that I should have been more aware of those symptoms sooner. Fortunately for our family, my husband has made a remarkable recovery.

Did you know that stroke is the # 3 death and a leading cause of serious, long-term disability in North America?

It occurs when a blood vessel brings blood and oxygen to the brain and gets blocked, or ruptures so the brain cells don’t get the blood flow they need.

They say, “Time Lost is Brain Lost.” The faster we recognize the symptoms the less damage is done.©

Psalm 139: 17 & 18 says:

Your thoughts are of great worth to me, O God. How many there are!

If I could number them, there would be more than the sand. When I awake, I am still with You.

I thought I would share with you what I learned. I pray it will help others who find themselves in a similar situation. Check out the heart and stroke brochures at the website. Canada: www.heartandstroke.ca America: www.heart.org

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

Have a great week, HUGS

Lovingly, Karan

Oct 08 2016

A Stuffed Turkey

Author: Karan Gleddie • Discussion: No Comments

A Stuffed Turkey

How *not* to stuff the turkey, for Thanksgiving

The turkey shot out of the oven and rocketed into the air, it knocked every plate off the table and partly demolished a chair.

It ricocheted into a corner and burst with a deafening boom, then splattered all over the kitchen, completely obscuring the room.

It stuck to the walls and the windows, it totally coated the floor, there was turkey attached to the ceiling, where there’d never been turkey before.

It blanketed every appliance, it smeared every saucer and bowl, there wasn’t a way I could stop it, that turkey was out of control.

I scraped and I scrubbed with displeasure, and thought with chagrin as I mopped, that I’d never again stuff a turkey…. with popcorn that hadn’t been popped!! Author Unknown

Reflections from Karan:

As an American living in Canada, I am able to enjoy two Thanksgivings each year. Our Canadian one is this Monday, October 10th, and the American one is the 24th of November. Thanksgiving is one of my favorite times of the year, and having two is special.

With all the preparations I find myself racing from one task to another playing catch. Cooking, cleaning, washing, writing, it seems I will never get to the end of my long self-imposed list. “Hurry, hurry, faster, faster you’ll never get it all done!” Run, run.

Where do we find rest? Could I stop the world and get off the race that keeps me always spinning. Or is the rest that I long for in the quietness of the morning. Sheltered in the word of God as he leads me beside the still waters of his love.

Calming the turmoil, halting the winds and giving my soul the restful peace to keep moving forward in the daily tasks and uncertain times. Whatever the day my hold, I know God’s rest is only a prayer away. He only asks me to live one day at a time for him, because he holds all my tomorrows. ©

Thank you for sharing your time with me, dear friend. Where do you find times of rest

in the busyness of your daily life? I’d love to hear from you.

Hugs to all, Lovingly Karan

Sep 25 2016

Traveling Lite!

Author: Karan Gleddie • Discussion: No Comments

Traveling Lite!

Last week I heard about a traveler who, between flights at an airport, bought a small package of cookies. She then sat down in a busy snack woman-reading-newspaper-airport-628x363 shop to glance over the newspaper. As she read her paper, she became aware of a rustling noise.

Peeking above the newsprint she was shocked to see a well-dressed gentleman sitting across from her, helping himself to her cookies. Half-angry and half-embarrassed, she reached over and gently slid the package closer to her as she took one out and began to munch on it.

A minute or so passed before she heard more rustling. The man had gotten another cookie! By now there was only one cookie left in the package. Though flabbergasted, she said nothing. Finally, as if to add insult to injury, the man broke the remaining cookie into two pieces, gulped down his half, and left without even saying “thank you.” She sat there, dumbfounded.

Some time later when her flight was announced, the woman opened her handbag to get her ticket. To her shock, there in her purse was her package of cookies. And somewhere in that same airport was another traveler still trying to figure out how that strange woman could have been so forward and insensitive. Author unknown

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Reflections:

Traveling to Montana for a women’s event, I never dreamed a friendship would begin. Two young women with totally opposite personalities collided and became lifelong girlfriends.

Dee has alway 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.

two-ladies 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

Sep 17 2016

The Golden Years ~ Are You Speeding

Author: Karan Gleddie • Discussion: No Comments

The Golden Years ~ Are You Speeding

Several days ago as I left a meeting at a hotel; I desperately gave myself a pat down. I was looking for my keys. They were not in my pockets. A quick search in the meeting room revealed nothing.

Suddenly I realized I must have left them in the car. Frantically, I headed for the parking lot. My wife has scolded me many times for leaving the keys in the ignition.

My theory is the ignition is the best place not to lose them. Her theory is that the car will be stolen. As I burst through the door, I came to a terrifying conclusion. Her theory was right. The parking lot was empty.

I immediately called the police. I gave them my location, confessed that I had left my keys in the car and that it had been stolen. Then I made the most difficult call of all, “Honey,” I stammered; I always call her “honey” in times like these. “I left my keys in the car, and it has been stolen.”

There was a period of silence. I thought the call had been dropped, but then I heard her voice. “Idiot”, she barked, “I dropped you off!”

Now it was my time to be silent. Embarrassed, I said, “Well, come and get me.”

She retorted, “I will, as soon as I convince this policeman I have not stolen your car.”

Author unknown

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Reflections: Are You Speeding

Over the years I realized I have a heavy foot. As I speed along I am always in a hurry. My family blames my California roots for all my bad habits.

I have struggled with time management over the years and usually, think I have much more time than I do. And yes the police and I have had our discussions over several tickets.

I always try to be respectful but sometimes I grumbled about the tickets I didn’t think I deserve. Although in my heart I know I deserved far more tickets than I received. How about you? I remembered a time when I was on my way to a speaking engagement and a police officer pulled me over.

I knew I had not been speeding (thank goodness for the speed control) and surprised to learn my taillight was not working.

The officer walked back to his patrol car and check my registration and data. I watch him walk back a thought came to me about how thankless his job is, I can’t imagine that people are grateful for their tickets. I sure haven’t!

When the officer came back to my car he handed me my license, insurance card, and a new ticket. I thanked him for his service, for my ticket and for the good job he does to make our highways safe. He was speechless for a moment and then, thank me and said no one had ever told him that before. How sad. As I drove away I giggled and wished I had taken a picture of his face. Priceless.

Makes me want to do it again. LOL. Isn’t wonderful to honor someone else and you get the joy in the deepest part of your soul.

The Bible says:

Lord, we show our trust in you by obeying your laws; our heart’s desire is to glorify your name. Isaiah 26:8 NLT

“Well, then,” he said, “give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar, and give to God what belongs to God.” Matthew 22:21 NLT

I am so glad that I didn’t react like I felt I wanted too. After all, I was in a hurry to do God’s work. But while I am here on earth, I am to trust the Lord, obey his laws and the laws of the land. And to bring honor and glorify His name. That is my true purpose as I walk daily close to him. ©

Some people, no matter how old they get never lose their beauty,

they merely move it from their faces into their hearts

Smile, God Love You
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Thank you, dear friends for spending your time with me, have a wonderful week.
Hugs to all.

Lovingly,
Karan Gleddie

Jun 25 2016

What Is On Your Grocery List?

Author: Karan Gleddie • Discussion: No Comments

What is on your Grocery List?

Louise Redden, a poorly dressed woman with a look of defeat on her face, walked into a grocery store. She approached the owner of the store in a most humble manner and asked if he would let her charge a few groceries. She softly explained that her husband was ill and unable to work, they had seven children, and they needed food.

John Longhouse, the grocer, scoffed at her and asked that she leave his store. Picturing the family needs, she said: ‘Please, sir, I will bring you the money just as soon as I can.” John told her he could not give her credit, as she did not have a charge account at his store.

Standing beside the counter was a customer who overheard the conversation between the two. The customer walked forward and told the grocer-man that he would stand good for whatever she needed for her family.

The grocer-man said in a reluctant voice, “Do you have a grocery list?” Louise replied, “Yes sir!” “O.K.,” he said, “Put your grocery list on the scales and whatever your grocery list weighs, I will give you that amount in groceries.”

Louise hesitated a moment with a bowed head, then she reached into her purse and took out a piece of paper and scribbled something on it.

She then laid the piece of paper on the scale carefully with her head still bowed. The eyes of the grocer-man and the customer showed amazement when the scales went down and stayed down. The grocer-man, staring at the scales, turned slowly to the customer and said begrudgingly, “I can’t believe it.”

The customer smiled, and the grocer-man started putting the groceries on the other side of the scales. The scale did not balance so he continued to put more and more groceries on them until the scales would hold no more. The grocer-man stood there in utter disgust. Finally, he grabbed the piece of paper from the scales and looked at it with greater amazement. It was not a grocery list, it was a prayer, which said: Dear Lord, you know my needs, and I am leaving this in your hands.”

The grocer-man gave her the groceries that he had gathered and placed on the scales and stood in stunned silence. Louise thanked him and left the store. The customer handed a fifty-dollar bill to John as he said, “It was worth every penny of it.” It was some time later that John Longhouse discovered the scales were broken. Therefore only God knows how much a prayer weighs. Author unknown

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Reflections:

Trying to be thankful is hard when we are hurting? Does God see our sorrows and pain? Can I rely on His promises that He knows and cares about my life and the circumstances that affect me?

These are the questions I have asked myself at different seasons in my life when difficult times come.

Do you ever have those doubts? When your heart does not follow your head knowledge and all our learning and conventional wisdom. When we sing hymns like, “Standing on the Promises”, yet feel like we have had our knees cut out from under us and do not have the strength to stand?

Many times I have listened as people share a heavy burden they carry, and I have admired how they survive the storms of life with a thankful heart with a smile. They press on with a positive determination, always seeing a brighter future and just keep 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. And wondering where is the relief?

During those times I am so thankful that I can remember God is always and continues to be faithful to his promises. I may get upset, angry, emotional and grumble momentarily, but when I stand still long enough and look up, I know that God is always with me, and taking care of the situation.

God may delay our questions, but he will never disappoint our trust. He is in control. Can I daily put my hand in his and allow him to lead me safely along life’s pathway? I think it is a daily choice to trust him for each step.It is a choice.

1 John 5:14 (ERV)

We can come to God with no doubts. This means that when we ask God for things (and those things agree with what God wants for us), God cares about what we say.

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Thank you, Lord!

Do you ever doubt?

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

Lovingly, Karan

Karan K. Gleddie

Offering Love and Laughter to Women who need Hope

Articles

Lost In A Snowstorm!

A Stuffed Turkey

Traveling Lite!

The Golden Years ~ Are You Speeding

What Is On Your Grocery List?