Articles

May 13 2016

You Know You’ve Been Gardening too Long When . . .

Author: Karan Gleddie • Discussion: 2 Comments

You Know You’ve Been Gardening too Long When . . .

** When someone steps on your lawn and alarms go off, and a voice says,”Please step away from the grass.”
** When you visit a friend’s home and start pulling their weeds.
** When you butt in & correct the staff at the nursery when they give incorrect advice to customers.

** When looking at your compost pile makes you feel all warm inside.
** When “multiculturalism” means planting flowers among your vegetable.
** When you say hello to your garden before you go into the house after a vacation.
** When the local garden centre sends you Christmas and Birthday cards.
** When the ER doctor comes in with your X-rays, and you ask him how poorly the daisies were hurt when you fell into them.
** When you prefer seed catalogues to Victoria’s Secret catalogue.
** When your friends and neighbours all hide as soon as the zucchini appear.

Reflections :

Spring has finally come to Alberta, although the evenings and mornings are cool, everyone is starting to plant their gardens. So this year I decided to plant a few vegetables. Many years ago I did try to grow a small garden and despite my lack of knowledge, some plants did grow. Lol. My mother was so talented and loved flowers and could grow any plant. I always loved my plants too much, I either watered them to death or not enough.

0004776-R1-013-5 They say that talents often skip a generation, and I’m sure that must be the case because my daughters each have their grandmother’s green thumb.

Last Friday we worked all afternoon planting. By evening I could hardly walk, I had used muscles I didn’t remember I had, everything hurt. It’s an actual reality check when you suddenly realize not as young and agile as I use to be. In fact, I don’t even bounce like I use to either! My backside was so painful, the only satisfaction for me was the thought I might get a little lift from the exercise. At my age, any lift is good since everything else is moving south. LOL

When life gets so busy, it is a comfort to be able to take the time to spend in God’s creation enjoying the peacefulness of each day. When I am quiet and listen, I can hear God whisper his plans for me. But so many times I feel I need to remind God, I’ve made my plans for my day. “God can you see my busy agenda,” Sometimes I have so many plans and goals I don’t want to have my day interrupted. Have you ever felt like that?

Do I choose my plans which are essential to my business and ministry? Or choose God’s plan for me, stepping out in faith to trust Him. Serving Him is to enjoy the great adventures He has planned for me and knowing I have obeyed his call gives me great happiness.

He is my peace and safe place, the one who loves and protects me. Could I offer him anything less than my obedience choosing to follow Him? Each new day gives us a reason to love and praise God.©

Thank you for dropping by and sharing your time with me. Do you ever have your plans sidetracked or interrupted?

How have you learned to cope, I would love to hear from you.

Have a great week! Hugs

Lovingly, Karan

Feb 13 2016

Happy Valentines Day Mom!

Author: Karan Gleddie • Discussion: 8 Comments

Happy Valentines Day Mom!

Six-year-old Jimmy was so excited to go shopping with his dad for a Valentine gift for his mother. After picking the right card telling her how much they loved her, they headed for the candy store. Jimmy and his dad found a beautiful heart-shaped box with bows, ribbon and lace on top, and one pound of his mother’s favorite chocolates.

As they headed home, they discussed where to hide the gift until tomorrow morning. Jimmy ask if he could keep it in his room under the bed, and dad agreed. Jimmy could hardly wait for the next day to surprise her. After all, she loved chocolates.

The next morning after breakfast Jimmy and his dad presented her with their lovely Valentine gift. Excitedly she opened the box and realized one piece of candy was missing from the center.

Noticing an elegant gold label written in calligraphy which said, “Packed especially for you by Selina.” Still confused about the missing chocolate, Jimmy mother turned the paper over her saw a hand-printed message saying, “ tested by Jimmy!”

I love shoe sale’s, How about you?

Reflections:

Mama always said: “Life is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you’re gonna get.” Forest Gump

I always love Valentine’s Day, especially the chocolate, I think Chocolate makes everything better, don’t you? Have you ever noticed when you are feeling a little off, depressed, or just plain grumpy, chocolate helps immediately. Even if I’m feeling fat, Chocolate helps. Lol, What is that?

I remembered many years ago; I tried to wean myself of a secret chocolate habit. Attempting to be firm I would self-talk listing all the pro’s and cons of learning to control my sweet tooth. However once in a while, I would secretly make a whole recipe of fudge just for me, eating the entire batch out of the pot. It would never get to the pan and have time to set.

My husband would drive me crazy; he could have one piece of chocolate at a time and save the rest for weeks. While I would eat mine at one setting, and then want him to share with me.

Now after all these years he often brings us home some chocolate bars in a bag of groceries, and we both sit down and enjoy them. No guilt, no worries, just pure enjoyment of a special moment together.

When I look back I think that quote is right, Life is like a box of chocolates, and we never know what you’re going to get.

We hit times of crises, and circumstances we don’t understand, that seems to be the world we live in these days. But through these time, we can stand firm knowing that we have a God, who loves, cares and protects us from the storms we face. I read this quote the other day that puts everything in perspective for me it says:

“We can endure life’s wrongs because we know that God will make all things right.”

What a relief, He is in Control!

We Win!

Lovingly, Karan

Thank you, dear friends for spending your time with me, Have a wonderful Valentine’s Day Sunday. Hugs to all

Jan 30 2016

Running Out Of Gas!

Author: Karan Gleddie • Discussion: 4 Comments

Running Out Of Gas!

Sister Marry was truly a religious woman. Besides for her duties as a nun, she was also very active in various hospitals visiting sick patients and taking care of all their needs.

So it was no surprise that one day when she ran out of gas, the only container she could find to put the gas into was a bedpan. Sister Mary happily walked two blocks to the closest gas station filled up the bedpan with gas and headed back to her car.

Luck would have it that as Sister Mary started tipping the gas into the fuel tank, the traffic light turned red and she had quite a large audience witnessing the spectacle.

Just when she finished pouring in the last drops of gas a fellow opened up his window and hollered, “I swear! If that car starts I’m becoming a religious man!” Author unknown

Reflections:

A few years ago I had a Dr.’s appointment in Calgary, Alberta Canada. It was a freezing day with lots of snow. In my younger years, I would never let the weather dictate my fashion style, no matter how silly it was.

When I think back, I am embarrassed to tell you that day I went strictly for fashion. Now picture this, black pants, black ski jacket, black 4-inch high spiked-heeled snow boots hot pink gloves. Fashionable yet warm. I had to park two blocks away from the doctor’s office, so I had to maneuver the drifts, ice, and traffic to get to the office on time.

When I arrived the office, it was filled to capacity. The nurse who greeted me seemed more like a sergeant yelling orders to her troops as I approached the desk.

She loudly commanded me to get a pair of bright blue surgical booties from a basket and, put them on over my 4-inch heel snow boots. She didn’t want the floor to get dirty she said. Now getting those on was quite an ordeal, as everyone in the office watched to see how I would fit them over my fashion boots, I felt ridiculous.

I soon forgot about my little blue booties, after my appointment, I walked out of the Dr.’s office with them still one. The people driving by were laughing, pointing and waving; so I just smiled and waved back. There sure seemed to be a lot of friendly people around.

I was walking down the street when suddenly the Sergeant Nurse leaned out the office doors and yelled, “You forgot to take your booties off.” Please bring them back! Lol, no wonder people were laughing. “Pride certainly came before the fall and was on full display that day. Do you ever have days like that?

I ‘m sure God was shaking his head in laughter that day. I have a great verse underlined in my Bible for occasion just like this, it says,

When pride comes; disgrace follows, but with humility comes wisdom. Psalm 11:2

This verse is a reminder to me that I constantly need God’s help for His wisdom and humility.

After all I’m not the Good News, Jesus is! ©

God grants with each burden the strength to bear it…
seldom more, never less.

Have a great weekend, HUGS
Lovingly, Karan

Jan 09 2016

The month After Christmas

Author: Karan Gleddie • Discussion: 2 Comments

Twas the Month After Christmas

I don’t know if anyone is feeling like me today, but after eating my way through the Thanksgiving holidays, then back to Canada and eating my way through Christmas, I feel like the stuffed turkey!

My poor scale has rebelled and says I need to lose a little stuffing.

Twas the month after Christmas, and all through the house
Nothing would fit me, not even a blouse.
The cookies I’d nibbled, the eggnog I’d taste
At the holiday parties had gone to my waist.

When I got on the scales there arose such a number!
When I walked to the store (less a walk than a lumber).
I’d remember the marvelous meals I’d prepared;
The gravies and sauces and beef nicely rared,

The wine and the rum balls, the bread and the cheese
And the way I’d never said, “No thank you, please.”
As I dressed myself in my husband’s old shirt
And prepared once again to do battle with dirt—

I said to myself, as I only can
“You can’t spend a winter disguised as a man!”
So—away with the last of the sour cream dip,
Get rid of the fruit cake, every cracker and chip

Every last bit of food that I like must be banished
“Till all the additional ounces have vanished.
I won’t have a cookie—not even a lick.
I’ll want only to chew on a long celery stick.

I won’t have hot biscuits, or corn bread, or pie,
I’ll munch on a carrot and quietly cry.
I’m hungry, I’m lonesome, and life is a bore—
But isn’t that what January is for?

Unable to giggle, no longer a riot.
Happy New Year to all and to all a good diet!

Author unknown

Reflections:

It has been a four-month run on food for me. Living in Alberta Canada Thanksgiving here is in October, being Americans we also celebrate the American Thanksgiving in November. Then we head into the Christmas season with all the baking and goodies and finish with New Years.

I don’t know about you, but I feel like I have eaten way too much and been on a continuous sugar high for months. The diet fell apart in October somewhere between the marshmallow sweet potato casserole and the New Year’s fruitcake, Almond Roca candy.

After New Year’s, I feel like I don’t want to see any food at all. Even making a decision about planning another meal was hard. When someone asked me, “what’s for dinner? I reply, “How about just plain old cereal or soup.” I think January should be an every man for himself month lol, how about you?

I am so glad that God doesn’t feel like that towards me, telling me He’s too tired and doesn’t want to be bothered. Where would I be without Him? He’s the one who knows all about me, sees my frustration, weariness and concerns.

And even when I fail or fall behind, He continually reminds me I am His. God encourages me to reach for the goals he has put in my heart. Inspiring me to try again. I love the verse in the Bible in Jeremiah 29:11

I say this because I know what I have planned for you,” says the Lord. “I have good plans for you. I don’t plan to hurt you. I plan to give you hope and a good future.

How can I lose with God on my side helping me, loving me and protecting me, I can only say Thank You and I love you.

Pray that 2016 will be yout best year ever with many Blessings. Thank you for stopping by and sharing your time with me today

Lovingly, Karan

Dec 05 2015

Christmas or Crises?

Author: Karan Gleddie • Discussion: No Comments

Christmas or Crises?

Nine years ago when my husband and I were living in California for a while. We stayed with our daughter whose husband deployed to Iraq for fifteen months.

We decided to fly back to Canada for Christmas, to be with our daughters and their families. And finding a great flight at a discount price was a bonus. I thought it would be fun to bring some special treats back for everyone, especially the Jelly Belly jelly beans. So the Christmas shopping began.

As it happened, the Jelly Belly factory was located in the next town. And can you believe it when I arrived the Jellybeans was on sale! I could buy one bag and get two free. I love a bargain) I bought four bags, with my free bags I ended with 12 bags, 2pds each which = 24 pounds of candy. I was so into the Christmas spirit (I forgot I had to pack them in a suitcase) I then decided to buy three boxes of See’s Candy that added five more pounds. My poor husband was wondering how we would get it all in our suitcases.

I went into my ostrich mode, k so- rah, sur-rah, what will be, will be.

The night before we left for the airport, we made plans to leave at 5:00 a.m. Our flight left at 8:00 a.m. I stayed up half the night packing, trying to decide how to make our luggage lighter. At one point, Lyle couldn’t even lift the luggage off the floor, so I decided to add another suitcase.

After a few hours’ sleep, we carried or should I say dragged our luggage to the car. Three large suitcases, two larger overnight bags, one computer, and book bag. And a huge purse and tote. I was excited; everything fits into our luggage. Although I had to sit on it to get it shut! To be honest, I jump up and down on it is more like it. Lol. Hi-Ho-Hi-Ho. Christmas here we go.

Our daughter dropped us off at the airport and headed home. We couldn’t handle all the luggage ourselves so we hired someone with a cart to help us. I was afraid Lyle, or I would have a stroke if we had to carry it all. (So much for flying light)

I couldn’t wait to get to Calgary and get to our hotel room, and get a good night sleep before we traveled south to see our family. I was feeling a little tired, from all the stress, excitement, and Christmas preparation. Only 15 days left.

With tickets and passports in hand, we moved slowly towards the airline desk, and the man pushing our luggage cart was straining to keep up. He helped us put our luggage on the weight scale, and I held my breath. I was heavy (imagine that) the airline agent looked at me and said she was sorry, she couldn’t check us in now?

I pulled out my e-ticket showing her that we were on the 8:00 a.m. flight. She replied,” we don’t check people in 12 hours early. Your flight leaves at 8:00 p.m. (No wonder the fight was so cheap!) At that moment a picture was worth a thousand words when I looked at my husband’s face. His mouth dropped open, and had that distinctive look that said I have to do all this again tonight? And no way am I sitting in this airport for 12 hours.

I called my daughter who was happily enjoying her quiet drive home and told her of our circumstances. To which she replied, “I knew it was too easy, you and dad never fly anywhere without something unusual happening.

After leaving our Airport at 8:30 p.m. we found ourselves delayed in Salt Lake until 1:30 a.m. Arriving in Calgary at 4:30 p.m. Lucky for us I had booked a hotel room near the airport and had guaranteed the room. So at 5:15 we headed for our room, dragging all our luggage and promising ourselves we would make sure we checked the times of arrivals and departures before we ever bought another airline ticket.

And to add insult to energy, as we climbed into bed and turned out the lights we received a call from the front desk. Notifying us it was our good morning wake-up call, I must be dreaming! I assured him he had made a mistake. After all, we just climbed into bed!©

Reflections:

Restlessness is characteristic of our generation today. In these days of confusion and turmoil from life’s activities. We become so exhausted that we miss the sweet rest and peace that the Christ of Christmas wants to give us. Our lives become so busy; we get distracted and worn out leaving us no time for those we love. Our families, friends and God. Why?

Over this last year, there have been illness and hard lessons to learn, but God in faithful. He is showing me that the things in my life are not as important as the people in my life. Especially, when we are suddenly faced with the facts that there may not be any tomorrows. It’s funny how our priorities change. Suddenly spending time with God, and talking to him seemed more important than all my busy-ness for him.

Jesus knows about all of activity in our lives because he made us. He also knows that we need times of rest both—Physically and spiritually. One night long ago God in his love, gave Himself to man in the person of Jesus Christ. Angels announced his birth to the shepherds in Bethlehem on a beautiful starry night. We still celebrate His birth today; we call it Christmas.

And Thirty-three years later, Jesus Christ continued loving me when He willing took the punishment I deserved, by giving His life on the cross in order that I might have my sins forgiven. He is the only source for perfect peace and complete rest for our souls, especially at this busy time of year.

What will you be doing when you hear His name.

The shepherds accepted Him

The wise men expected him

The King rejected him

The innkeeper neglected him

And you? —-Do you have room for him?

Thank you for sharing your time with me I love the privilege of hearing for each of you. You bless my life. Have a wonderful weekend with the ones you love.

Lovingly, Karan

Karan K. Gleddie

Offering Love and Laughter to Women who need Hope

Articles

You Know You’ve Been Gardening too Long When . . .

Happy Valentines Day Mom!

The month After Christmas

Christmas or Crises?