Articles

Jan 22 2018

The Fast Lane ~ Flu Season? Not Me I Got My Shot!

Author: Karan Gleddie • Discussion: 2 Comments

 

 

The Fast Lane 

The Sunday teacher described how Lot’s wife looked Sodom and was turned into a pillar of salt.

Suddenly Jimmy interrupted.

“My mom looked back once while she was driving,” he announced triumphantly,

and she turned into a telephone pole!” Author unknown

 

 

 

 

Reflections:  Flu Season? Not Me I Got My Shot!

Every year about September, we start hearing about getting the flu shot which always includes a promise to keep us safe from that particular year’s seasonal virus. I am faithful each year to get my shot because of an Auto-immune disease that I struggle with.  Now Lyle, who never gets the flu shot, thinks it’s a waste of time, besides he never gets sick.

However, after receiving the shot something went wrong.   You guessed it, two days after Christmas I got the flu which lasted about three weeks.  My family decided I would get well sooner if I would try their flu and cold zapping home remedy.  At that point, I was willing to try anything, well almost. 

A cup of hot water, one teaspoon of chopped garlic, one teaspoon of honey and one-quarter cup of lemon juice.  Two cups a day, morning and evening weren’t too awful, and it did seem to help some.  After a few weeks of feeling incarcerated in my home, I was so excited to go to the grocery store and see people. Yeah!  Of course, I was hoping no one would detect the cloud of garlic following me up and down the aisles.

Today I still smell like a garlic bulb, but I think I’m going to make it. Lol

I am still amazed how fast my joy flew out the window.  I moped around the house sniffling and sneezing with my hair uncombed and it even hurt to blink my eyes. My Joy went from 85 to zero in no time at all.  I am embarrassed to even think about it!  Instead of resting on God’s promises I became self-absorbed.                 

Can I choose to be joyful in all circumstances even if I don’t feel like it? Life is a matter of choices and God’s compassion never fails. I  know I will never walk alone.

It helps me remember when I look back and see the journey God has taken me on.  All I see are His promises of faithfulness, love, and grace, what more could I ask for?

 

 Always be joyful.~ 1 Thess. 5:16

Has the flu come your way yet? How is your joy today? 

Thank you, dear friends, for spending your time with me.
 I love you all and am praying. 
HUGS,
Lovingly, Karan
Jan 15 2018

It’s Snowing Move Your Car ~ I Need A New Hair-Do

Author: Karan Gleddie • Discussion: 4 Comments

“It’s Snowing Move Your Car”

It had been snowing for hours when the announcement came over the intercom.

Will the students who are parked on University Drive please move their cars so that we may begin snow plowing.”.

Twenty minutes later there was another announcement: “Will the twenty-six hundred students who went to move twenty-six cars please return to class.”

 

 

 

 

Reflections: I Need A New Hair-Do

Last week was my birthday and nothing helps you reevaluate your previous year then a milestone on the calendar.  I knew my birthday was approaching because for the last six months I have been receiving the unsolicited email about buying a burial plot, death insurance, plastic surgery plans and wrinkle removers. Wow, I didn’t think I was that old and thanks for the reminder! Lol.  But to be honest, each year I think about what can be done to stop the progression. LOl

I remember a few years ago on my birthday I thought I would give myself a new look.  Although my hair white now, I thought I would get a color at the drug store and make it a more youthful color.  Wrong! I didn’t leave the color on as long as they suggested, however when all was said and done I had dark blue hair.  I thought I would just go with the flow and try to act like it was a perfectly normal color me.  You know just rock the look! However, my beautiful granddaughter brought me back down to earth when she suggested I add hot pink hairpieces. I think not!

I am 50 + and loving it and my mind has not left me yet, thank goodness.   I read a quote the other day that said,” I would rather be a vivacious, confident, and a young at heart 70 years old, then an old 40-year-old.

I thought it was a funny quote until I started remembering when I was 40.  Do you remember your 40’s?  I was the ranch gopher, cook, mother of 3 teenager daughters, rancher’s wife, hostess, tour guide, chauffeur, and entertainment committee all in one.  I never seemed to have enough sleep. My theme song during those days was the Garth Brooks, song, “I’m too young to feel this damn old.” Do you feel like that?

I love the way God is faithful to his promises through all generations. I have relied on them, held tight to them and believed them, all these years. I know they can be trusted because God himself is trustworthy and faithful.©

Isaiah 40: 29-31 NLT

He gives power to the weak
    and strength to the powerless.
 Even youths will become weak and tired,
    and young men will fall in exhaustion.
 But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength.
    They will soar high on wings like eagles.
They will run and not grow weary.
    They will walk and not faint.

God gave me the privilege of raising our three wonderful daughters. Then He gave me the courage to let them fly the nest, and become the special women that God planned for them to be. I am eternally thankful for His promises that have sustained me all these years.

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

Dec 30 2017

A Bad Dream~Be Kind to Yourself

Author: Karan Gleddie • Discussion: 5 Comments

A Bad Dream?

Martha was taking an afternoon nap on New Year’s Eve before the festivities.

After she woke up, she confided to Max, her husband, ‘I just dreamed that you gave me a diamond ring for a New Year’s present.

What do you think it all means?’

‘Aha, you’ll know tonight,’ answered Max smiling broadly.

At midnight, as the New Year was chiming, Max approached Marhta and handed her small package. 

Delighted and excited she opened it quickly. There in her hand rested a book entitled: ‘The meaning of dreams’.

Author unknown

 

 

 

 

Reflections: Be Kind to Yourself

As another  New Year approaches it can be a stressful time. With all the changes in our lives over the last few years, it is hard to imagine what is ahead for 2018.

Over the years I have learned when life is tough I need to focus on the rich treasures of my life instead of the circumstances that would drown me. God’s love, my family, and friends who encourage and pray for me are a constant joy,

The lessons I have learned about myself over the years are revealing. Struggling to do better with God’s help, I see that I still fail to rest fully on him.  I sometimes feel like I don’t want to bother God with my little problems when he has the whole world to take care of. 

Many times I run ahead of him trying to help him out, and make a mess, waiting is hard for me.  But, you know what God doesn’t need help, He is my shelter and rock. When there is no place else to run. Do you have some of those same feelings?

This year I want to be faithful in these areas;

1.  I need to learn to be a better friend and family member by keeping closer contact and letting each person know how much I love and appreciate them.

 2.  I need to be more faithful in my accountability to writing, which I know God has called me to do.

3.  I need to answer emails quickly. I am a procrastinator, then I feel embarrassed because time has slipped away from me. (To those who have written please forgive me, it was not intentional, I am just embarrassed) I will do better.

4.  I need to have more faith and trust God as I march into the future. (He sees the BIG picture I don’t) I’m a memo girl, but unfortunately, God doesn’t send memos.

5.  I need to be kind to myself, it has always been easier for me to forgive others failures, but I tend to browbeat myself with my own.  If God has forgiven me and extended his grace to me, I need to give myself a little grace also.

“The best New Year gifts of all is the presence of our families and friends all wrapped up in love for one another.” I believe that is true, no matter what our circumstance or need.

This year as we come into the New Year, there will be joy and expectation knowing we have the presence of our loved ones and friends. And as we wrap our love around each one, we will lovingly remember those who could not be with us.

I wish each of you a Happy New Year and pray that the Christ of new beginnings will bless your homes as you welcome 2018.©

Galatians 1:3   May God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ give you grace and peace.

Lovingly, Karan Gleddie

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

Have a wonderful weekend be safe. Hugs to all

 

Dec 11 2017

Christmas at Grandma’s ~ Humbug!

Author: Karan Gleddie • Discussion: 2 Comments

 Christmas at Grandma’s

 

Christmas at Grandmother’s little Jimmy asked, her how old she was.  

She responded, “I’m thirty-nine and holding.”

The little tyke thought for a moment,  then said, ” How old would you be if you let go?

 

 

 

 

CHRISTMAS WARNING… 

Christmas Has Been Canceled

It’s all YOUR fault!

You told Santa that you were GOOD this year…

 

 

 AND HE DIED LAUGHING!!!

 

 

 

Reflections:  Humbug! 

Each year at the holiday season our family watches “A Christmas Carol”. We love the black and white version with Alabaster Simms, as Ebenezer Scrooge. As the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future each pay their nightly visit to Ebenezer; he is traumatized by his nightmares.                                                                         

However, in the morning daylight, things don’t look so grim, and he rejects the nightmares, saying: Bah, humbug, I think the reason I love “A Christmas Carol” is because it causes me to reflect on my own past, present and future

The smell of Christmas baking, the glowing tree with the Angel on top, I would love to keep the tree up all year long if I could. It is so relaxing to sit under the glow of lights and meditate and reflect on the past years. And reflect on God’s love and grace to me.

Over the year, there have been many tears, frustration and fears as I have tried to learn God’s love lessons in patience. I think patience is going to be a lifelong pursuit for me because I seem to be such a slow learner. I am so thankful that God doesn’t give up on me, as he lovingly helps me to understand his purposes for my life.

As I reflect on this last year, I am reminded of all the love, encouragement and prayers of family and friends. What an extraordinary year. I read a little quote that said, “Dark fears flee in the light of God’s presence”. What a beautiful thought of comfort and peace God brings to us as we look forward to 2018.©

Praying you have a wonderful Christmas season with your family and friends.

Thank you for stopping by and sharing your time with me today.

What is your favorite Christmas Traditions?

Sending love to you all, Merry Christmas.

Lovingly, Karan

Dec 02 2017

The Christmas Concert ~ It’s Beginning To Look Like Christmas

Author: Karan Gleddie • Discussion: No Comments

The Christmas Concert

Some children, all in their early school years, got out of line while putting on a Christmas pageant in church. It was disconcerting.

Thirteen of them were to walk across the stage, each carrying a letter-placard.  All together–if they were in the correct order and in line –spelled:  B-E-T-H-L-E-H-E-M   S-T-A-R.

But the “star” bearers got turned around and went in backwards, so to speak, spelling out:  B-E-T-H-L-E-H-E-M   R-A-T-S! Author unknown

 

 

 

 

Reflections:

Have you caught the Christmas spirit yet? I usually have trouble getting started every year, but this year I decided to start my Christmas baking in November. A first for me, I must be getting older!! I figured I would try to relieve the stress from the dreaded Christmas rush.

Over the years I would put so many expectations on myself with unrealistic to-do lists. Many years it wasn’t a pretty picture, setting up all night sewing, and working faster and longer than any other month of the year. By the time Christmas came, I was ready for a long winter’s nap. LOL

When life gets crazy, it seems hard to catch a breath. Over the years as I have matured, I am thankful for the opportunities to many life lessons. Some I looked forward to with high expectation, others I dreaded thinking it would be too hard. Sure I make plans, but there are times when life’s interruptions cause long delays. Have you ever felt like your life is a series of pauses especially when you are in a hurry trying to get things done?

Many times during those interruptions I have wished God would send me an email to alert me to what is coming next. Do you ever feel like a memo would be grand gesture too? I don’t know about you, but I like to prepare, and have a schedule with everything penciled in. But Life is not like that, is it? At least not mine.

I am praying that that I have started a new Christmas tradition for myself, starting earlier!

Although there are many ups and downs, I can look back and realize how each season has put amazing color in my life. Giving me meaning and enriching everyday life with faithful friends who pray for me, a trustworthy and compassionate God who loves me, and a Savior who forgives me.©

When we are on hold, waiting or paused, we need to take the time to breathe and see each opportunity to learn to walk in God’s light and presence.

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

Have a wonderful weekend. 

HUGS,
Lovingly, Karan
What is your favorite Christmas recipe?