Articles

The Reindeer Games

The Reindeer Games

The game show contestant was only 200 points behind the leader and about to answer the final question – worth 500 points!”

reindeerTo be today’s champion,” the show’s smiling host intoned,”name two of Santa’s reindeer.”The contestant, a man in his early thirties, gave a sigh of relief, gratified that he had drawn such an easy question. “Rudolph!” he said confidently, “and, …Olive!”

The studio audience started to applaud (like the little sign above their heads said to do,) but the clapping quickly faded into mumbling, and the confused host replied, “Yes, we’ll accept Rudolph, but could you please explain…’Olive?!?'”

“You know,” the man circled his hand forward impatiently and began to sing, “Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer – had a very shiny nose. And if you ever saw it, you would even say it glowed. *Olive,* the other reindeer…” Author unknown

 

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Reflections:

This last year has had many highs and lows for me as well as being a year of reflection.  As I have traveled this last year, I am constantly aware people seem unsettled and fear their future. I’ve often said, “Life is tough if I wasn’t laughing I would be crying”. I think others are feeling the same way.

Whcoffee-and-meen your life turns upside down it has a way of giving you a whole new perspective on what is important. 

In reflection I have learned when life is tough I need to focus on the priceless treasures in my life. God’s love, my family and friends who encourage and pray for me.  I am blessed.

The lessons I have learned about myself this year have been enlightening, as I struggle to do better with God’s help:

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

 

“The best Christmas gift 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 Christmas season, 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 Merry Christmas and pray that the Christ of Christmas will bless your homes as you prepare for the Holiday Season.©

Luke 2: 13 & 14

Suddenly, the angel was joined by a vast host of others—the armies of heaven—praising God and saying,

“Glory to God in highest heaven,
    and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased.”

Lovingly, Karan Gleddie

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

Have a wonderful weekend be safe. Hugs to all.

SENIOR CITIZENS

SENIOR CITIZENS

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SENIOR citizens are constantly being criticized for every conceivable deficiency of the modern world, real or imaginary.

We know we take responsibility for all we have done and do not blame others.

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HOWEVER, upon reflection, we would like to point out

that it was NOT the senior citizens who took:

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The melody out of music,

The pride out of appearance,

The courtesy out of driving,

The romance out of love,

The commitment out of marriage,

The responsibility out of parenthood,

The togetherness out of the family,

The learning out of education,

The service out of patriotism,

The Golden Rule from rulers,

The nativity scene out of cities,

The civility out of behavior,

The refinement out of language,

The dedication out of employment,

The prudence out of spending,

The ambition out of achievement or

God out of government and school.

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And we certainly are NOT the ones who eliminated patience

and tolerance from personal relationships and interactions with others!!

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And, WE DO understand the meaning of patriotism,

and remember those who have fought and died for our country.

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JUST LOOK at the Seniors with tears in their eyes and

pride in their hearts as they stand at attention with

their hand over their hearts!

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YES, I’M A SENIOR CITIZEN!

I’m the life of the party…… even if it lasts until 8 p.m.

I’m very good at opening childproof caps…. with a hammer.

I’m awake many hours before my body allows me to get up.

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I’m SMILING all the time because I can’t hear a thing you’re saying.

I’m sure everything I can’t find is in a safe secure place, somewhere.

I’m WRINKLED, saggy, lumpy, and that’s just my left leg.

I’m beginning to realize that aging is not for wimps.

Yes, I’m a SENIOR CITIZEN and I think I am having the time of my life!

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Spread the laughter, Share the cheer

Let’s be happy, While we’re here. Author unknown

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Psalm 100: 1-5 (NLT)

A psalm of thanksgiving.

Shout with joy to the Lord, all the earth!
    Worship the Lord with gladness.
    Come before him, singing with joy.
Acknowledge that the Lord is God!
    He made us, and we are his.
    We are his people, the sheep of his pasture.
Enter his gates with thanksgiving;
    go into his courts with praise.
    Give thanks to him and praise his name.
For the Lord is good.
    His unfailing love continues forever,
    and his faithfulness continues to each generation.

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I pray you enjoyed this funny today and it brought joy to your day.  A sweet friend sent it to me a while back and I was waiting for the right occasion to share it with you.  Thank you, Beth!

THANK YOU for sharing your busy time with me, I LOVE each one, and pray the busyness of the season will bless you and keep you safe.

Have a good week, Lovingly Karan 

I’ve found A Secret

I’ve found A Secret

A littboysle boy opened the old family Bible with fascination. He looked at the old pages carefully as he turned them.

Then something fell out of the Bible and he picked it up and looked at it closely.

It was an old leaf from a tree that had been pressed in between the pages.

“Mommy look what I have found,” the boy called out.

“What have you got there dear?” his mother asked.

With astonishment in the young boy’s voice, he answered: “I’ve just found Adam’s clothes!”

 

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Reflections :

As I have gotten more mature (don’t you love that word) I assumed I would be wiser, more disciplined, and have more time. You know having, “All my ducks in a row.” Which if you think about it is not reality.

bad_hair_daySome day’s life does not go the way I want it too. I can write lists, make my plans and try to get some sense of order, yet life does not stop because I have a bad day. Have you ever felt like that?

I am thankful that as each new day comes, I can choose to find something to be thankful for. I am learning how to find joy in the moments. This is a lifelong journey, and a fast learner I am not.

Not because my life is perfect, but because I have a friend who loves me through the circumstances of my life. He is the shield who blocks the sting and protects me in his perfect will. Nothing touches me that does not go through the cross first.

Although I will always have my share of bad hair days, bags under my eyes, blow my diet and lose my temper. I am safe and secure in the knowledge that God’s love and forgiveness are constant, unconditional and forever. He is my Friend, He is enough.©

How precious is your unfailing love, O God! All humanity finds shelter in the shadow of your wings. Psalm 36:7

Lovingly, Karan

Thank you for dropping by and sharing your time with me.

What helps you cope with bad days? I would love to hear What You do.

Hugs to All

Have a great week!

 

 

Thank You, Dear Friends

Thank You, Dear Friends

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Your Insights From my October 15, 2016 Survey

I promised to summarize my results from my survey, which I sent out on October 15, 2016. I want to share the conclusions I have as a result of the data. Thank you to each one who took the time to respond. It has helped me to understand who my readers are and to write what interests you.

serveyI love to write and laugh, but ultimately I want to bring a little sunshine and laughter to your world also.

As a point of reference, I had eight brave souls complete the survey so far. The survey was anonymous and each person was a number. I like surveys like that so people feel that they can give an honest opinion about the questions. If you haven’t taken the survey, I will add the link at the end of today’s blog and give you the opportunity to do so. It is not too late, and I value your thoughts.

Based on my readers’ comments, here are some of those conclusions:

Q 1. The average age of my readers are:

  • 45 to 54 – 12.50%
  • 55 to 64 – 00%
  • 65 to 74 – 00%
  • 75 or older – 12.50%

 

Q 2. In what country do you currently reside?

  • United States – 50.00%
  • Canada – 37.50%
  • Other (please specify) – 12.50%

Response:

  • 7 months in Canada…5 months in Arizona. 11/1/2016 5:12 PM

 

Q 3. How often do you log into social media networks (e.g. Facebook, Google+, etc.)?

  • Less than a few times a month 50%
  • A few times a month – 0.00%
  • A few times a week – 25.00%
  • About once a day – 25.00%
  • More than once a day – 37.50%

Q4. How did you hear about my blog and website?

  • Friends – 25.00%
  • Family – 37.50%
  • Other (please specify) – 37.50%

Responses:

  • I don’t remember. Maybe through someone in Stonecroft? 11/1/2016 5:12 PM
  • From you. 10/16/2016 8:43 PM
  • Saw it online & realized I knew you, Karan! 10/16/2016 12:24 PM

 

Q 5. Compared to our competitors, is our blog and website quality better, worse, or about the same?

  • A great deal better – 0.00%
  • Quite a bit better – 42.86%
  • About the same – 14.29%
  • Somewhat worse – 0.00%
  • Quite a bit worse – 0.00%
  • A great deal worse – 0.00%
  • Don’t know – 42.86%

 

Q 6. How likely is it that you would recommend our blog and website to a friend or colleague?

  • 96% – 11/1/2016 5:12 PM
  • 95% – 10/30/2016 3:20 PM
  • 85% – 10/16/2016 8:43 PM
  • 50% – 10/16/2016 12:24 PM
  • 99% – 10/16/2016 11:08 AM
  • 64% – 10/16/2016 8:04 AM
  • 73% – 10/16/2016

Q 7. What changes would most improve our blog and website?

  • I have sent it on or friends I thought would enjoy it. I can’t think of any changes. 11/1/2016 5:12
  • Results from readers when you ask their opinions. 10/30/2016 3:20 PM
  • Better proofreading – some grammatical errors and misspellings. 10/16/2016 12:24 PM
  • Maybe you could have encouragement to memorize scripture, a passage a week cause we all need to know Gods word, have it in our hearts and minds especially now when our Christian faith is being challenged in the laws of our country and persecution of our beliefs is rapidly becoming the norm. 10/16/2016 11:08 AM
  • Newer jokes. Have heard most of them. 10/16/2016 7:47 AM

Q 8. What do you like most about our blog and website?

Responses:

  • You’re down to earth anecdotes, the bible quotes, and Auntie Acid for a bit of humor. Also the blond jokes. 11/1/2016 5:12 PM
  • Bringing God’s Word into each situation. 10/30/2016 3:20 PM
  • The stories. 10/16/2016 8:43 PM
  • Uplifting and encouraging. LOW stress! Lovely Christian encouragement. 10/16/2016 12:24 PM
  • Your stories and encouragement, sharing your heart and applicable scriptures. Love the humor, things that make me laugh out loud. 10/16/2016 11:08 AM
  • Funny and inspiring. 10/16/2016 8:04 AM
  • Friendly, loving. 10/16/2016 7:47 AM

 

Q 9. What topics would you most like to learn about or discuss at our blog and website?

Responses:

  • Humor and Inspiration – 50.00%
  • Image and Fashion – 0.00%
  • Both = 50.00%
  • Other (please specify) – 0.00%

Q 10. Do you have any other comments, questions, or concerns about our website, writer or content?

Responses:

  • Thank you for doing it! 11/1/2016 5:12 PM
  • Yes, the writer is such a pretty lady! 10/16/2016 11:08 AM
  • Refreshing. 10/16/2016 7:47 AM

 

I am praying that I will be able to make my blog posts, emails, and resources more interesting, and relevant to you. Thank you to each of you dear friends.

If you feel you missed out on the survey, you can still take the survey and add your comments. 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!

Have a great weekend, Hugs to all.

Lovingly, Karan

Lost In A Snowstorm!

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.

ambulenceToday 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