Articles

May 15 2015

Does It Really Matter?

Author: Karan Gleddie • Discussion: No Comments

Mother’s Dictionary of Meanings

Dumbwaiter:  One who asks if the kids would care to order dessert.
Feedback:  The inevitable result when the baby doesn’t appreciate the strained carrots.
Full Name:  What you call your child when you’re mad at him.
Grandparents:  The people who think your children are wonderful even though they’re sure you’re not raising them right.
Hearsay:  What toddlers do when anyone mutters a dirty word.
Independent:  How we want our children to be for as long as they do everything we say.
Puddle:  A small body of water that draws other small bodies wearing dry shoes into it.
Show Off:  A child who is more talented than yours.
Sterilize:  What you do to your first baby’s pacifier by boiling it, and to your last baby’s pacifier by blowing on it and wiping it with saliva.
Top Bunk:  Where you should never put a child wearing Superman jammies.
Two-Minute Warning:   When the baby’s face turns red and she begins to make those familiar-grunting noises.
Whodunit:  None of the kids that live in your house.

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What really Matter?

 A few years ago, at the Seattle Special Olympics, nine contestants, all physically or mentally disabled, assembled at the starting line for the 100-yard dash. At the sound of the gun, they all started out not exactly in a dash, but with a relish to run the race to the finish and win. All, that is, except one little boy who stumbled on the asphalt, tumbled over a couple of times, and began to cry.

 The other eight heard the boy cry. They slowed down and looked back. Then they all turned around and went back — every one of them. One young woman with Down’s syndrome bent down, kissed him and said, “This will make it better.” Then all nine linked arms and walked together across the finish line.

 Everyone in the stadium stood, and the cheering went on for several minutes. People who were there are still telling the story today.

 Why? Because deep down we know one thing: life is more than winning for ourselves. What matters in this life is helping others win, even if it means slowing down and changing our course. Author unknown

I love this story, but I have never been able to find out who the original writer was.  Someone sent it to me in 1999 and I have seen it reprinted  many times, but still no author’s name was found. I wish I could give a personal credit because this story touches my heart every time I read it.

It reminds me of the different times and seasons in life when friends and family have cried, prayed and loved me through many circumstances.  Where would I be without those faithful ones who walked beside me, no matter how long or far the journey took. The compassion of these sweet souls makes traveling together a joy. 

I want to be a person like that, who can see people thought God’ eyes, and not my own flawed vision. To be faithful to walk, pray, and wrap my arms around them when they need a caring friend. God is my dearest friend, a constant companion who is always with me. He sees my “Footprints in the Sand.”

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Thank you for sharing your time with me today, I pray that you have found some Love, Laughter and Hope for your day.  I would love to heard from you and have your opinion.

Lovingly, Karan

 

May 08 2015

Are You Just Like Your Mother!

Author: Karan Gleddie • Discussion: No Comments

I Wish…

bear4In this life I’m a woman. In my next life, I’d like to be a bear. When you’re a bear, you get to hibernate. You do nothing be sleep for six months. I could deal with that.

Before you hibernate, you’re supposed to eat yourself stupid. I could deal with that too.

When you’re a girl bear, you birth your children (who are the size of a walnuts) while you’re sleeping and wake up to partially grown, cute, cuddly cubs. I could definitely deal with that.

If you’re mama bear, everyone knows you mean business. You swat anyone who bothers your cubs. If your cubs get out of line, you swat them too. I could deal with that.

If you’re a bear, your mate EXPECTS you to wake up growling. He EXPECTS that you will have hairy legs and excess body fat.  Yup, gonna be bear! Author unknown

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IMG_2657Happy Mother’s Day, Have some Chocolate!

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Are You just like your mother”                                                                       

158d9943-10d8-45e5-b8de-4aa220c0785bPeople would say, “You’re just like your mother” and I would cringe. At the ripe old age of 15, 20 and 28, those were not the words I wanted to hear. I wanted to be a super mom, you know, the woman that did and had it all. I was going to be organized, clever and insightful at life. No traumatic crisis for me.

My mother came from a harsh background; I think she spent her life trying to work through the difficulties she encountered as a child. She strived to be understanding and kind towards others. Unlike her parents, she achieved her goal. There were painful personal and emotional struggles in her life, as well as great highs. Mother was always optimistic no matter what life handed her. Her motto was: “Tomorrow’s a brand new day.”

She worked hard to put a roof over our heads and food on the table, never giving up or expecting handouts. Although others thought we were poor, 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.

Mother loved a good deal, so thrift stores, Salvation Army, garage sales and flea markets were thrilling when she found the ultimate bargain.

She loved her flowerbeds and gardening much better than house cleaning and often said she fecloser to God outside. She loved to spend time talking to Him in the quietness of the morning as the sun rose on a new day.

We knew mother loved us, and loved God too. She trusted Him, leaned on Him, and believed His promises would sustain her throughout life. She taught us daily about God’s grace, forgiveness and love. Through her life we were able to see how God faithfully protected and care for our needs. My mother, has given me a lifetime of wonderful memories that are worth more to me than silver and gold. 13

Now when I hear “You’re just like your Mother,” I say thank you. I pray that my children will know how much they are loved, and that they would see the light of God’s love in my life too.©

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 Thank you for sharing your time with me dear friend, what is a special memory of your mother?

Happy Mother’s Day! 

Lovingly, Karan

May 02 2015

Do You Have Your Bloom On?

Author: Karan Gleddie • Discussion: 6 Comments

Do You Have Your Bloom On?

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Two mature ladies were sitting on a park bench outside the local town hall where a flower show was in progress. One leaned over and said, “Life is so boring. We never have any fun anymore. For $5.00 I’d take my clothes off right now and streak through that stupid flower show!”   

“You’re on!” said the other old lady, holding up a $5.00 bill. 

As fast as she could, the first little old lady fumbled her way out of her clothes and, completely naked, streaked through the front door of the flower show. 

Waiting outside, her friend soon heard a huge commotion inside the hall, followed by loud applause. The naked lady burst out through the door surrounded by a cheering crowd. 

                                    “What happened?” asked her waiting friend. 
                               “Why, I won first prize for Best Dried Arrangement.” 

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Reflecting:

I love beautiful flower beds, and have long admired people who have a creative eye for designing them.  I use to read garden books and how-to books trying to learn the proper care of plants and how to grow them.

My mother could make anything grow, however the growing and gardening gene missed me somehow.  I either loved my flowering plants too much with water, fertilizer and conversation, or dried them out with not enough. I have a hard time keeping anything alive but a cactus!  

Because of my lack of talent in the floral department, when we built our home I chose evergreen plants that wouldn’t lose their leaves. They looked wonderful but not much color or contrast.  So one spring I went to Michael’s, a craft and hobby superstore to buy some beautiful tall silk flowers in pinks and reds.  My conditions were large flowers with extra-long stems and they needed to look real. I was so excited about this bright idea, I couldn’t wait to get home.  After arranging them in the evergreen bushes and flowerpots, I felt satisfied with my little touch of creativity.

When people drove by they would comment on my beautiful flowers, I was glad they noticed but hoped they wouldn’t get too close and learn my secret to success!

As summer turned to fall, my flowers were still in full bloom, however one evening we had an early winter storm blow in with heavy sleet, snow and wind.  It lasted for two days, it was so cold I forgot about my flowers outside.  After the storm was over and the snow melted, my flowers were still standing and blooming, my secret was out!

I have learned there are over 230,000 to 270,000 species of flowering plants according to David Bramwell, and each one beautiful and special in its own way. I think God looks at each one of us like a beautiful flower too, made perfect, beautiful and special. He loves and accepts us just the way we are, no conditions!

Luke 12: 25-28, the Message- says;

Has anyone by fussing before the mirror ever gotten taller by so much as an inch? If fussing can’t even do that, why fuss at all?

Walk into the fields and look at the wildflowers. They don’t fuss with their appearance—but have you ever seen color and design quite like it?…

If God gives such attention to the wildflowers, most of them never even seen, don’t you think he’ll attend to you, take pride in you, do his best for you?  

Do you know how special you are to Him?

Lovingly, Karan

Thank you for stopping by and sharing you time with me. Have a great weekend dear friends.   Much Love and Hugs

Apr 24 2015

Been Farming long?

Author: Karan Gleddie • Discussion: No Comments

 Have You Been Farming Long?

fenceA couple is looking to get into farming after moving from the big city and into an old country farmhouse. They had not been farming long when they visited a local feed store there they saw cute baby chicks for sale. Even though they had ZERO KNOWLEDGE about chickens, they immediately, decided to purchase a few to start their very own flock. After getting all the supplies they head home to start their new venture. 

After a week they return to the store with disappointing looks on their faces. The store clerk asks if something is wrong to which they sadly notify the clerk that all of the chicks had died. 

The clerk, astonished that ALL the birds had died so soon, decides to ask a few questions. 

He asks if they fed the birds. Indeed they had fed them every morning 

He asks if they watered the birds. Yes they replied. 

The clerk took a minute to think about it then stated that he didn’t know what the problem could have been. 

Then the wife looked into the eyes of her husband and said “I wonder if we planted them too deep.” 

To which the husband replied ” No, that’s ridiculous! If anything, we planted them too far apart.  Author unknown

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Reflecting:

When I think about a couple who left the city for the rural life, I just laugh out loud.  It makes me think of all the crazy and hilarious things I said and did on the ranch when I came to Alberta.  Growing up in California, all my knowledge of a working ranch and cowboys was learned from the “Dallas” TV show and the beautiful cowgirl “Dolly Parton.” Wow, was my world small!

I came to Alberta in go-go boots and a beehive hair-do and stuck out like a wild turkey at a chicken convention. I knew nothing about farming and ranching, while the women of this rural community could put Laura Ingalls Wilder to shame. They drove tractors and combines at harvest time, rode horses, irrigated crops and cooked meals for their working crews.  They kept well-manicured yards, exquisite flower beds and vegetable gardens and still had time to can everything.

Now my idea of canning is to go to the super market, buy cans of food, take them home, open them and presto, I have a canned dinner!

Even out on the ranch my knowledge and skills were a little askew and I didn’t recognize the dangers of dealing with large animals.  When the gates for the cattle needed to be open, I had them closed.  When the gates needed to be shut to keep then in, I had them open. When the cattle came running, I was no help at all, I RAN TOO!

I can look back on this crazy, wild, fun and extraordinary journey and realize what a wonderfully blessed life it has been.  Isn’t it funny!  Even in the hard and difficult times there have been love lessons learned. Like the country song:

“I wouldn’t have missed it for the world”.

 Ronnie Milsap – I Wouldn’t Have Missed It For The World Lyrics | Metro Lyrics 

To think that God brought a California beach bunny to the prairies of Alberta, Canada to teach me lessons I could never have learned anywhere else. I am humbled by the care of an amazing and loving God who continuously watches over me.

Psalm 139

1 O Lord, you have examined my heart
    and know everything about me.
2 You know when I sit down or stand up.
    You know my thoughts even when I’m far away.
3 You see me when I travel
    and when I rest at home.
    You know everything I do.
4 You know what I am going to say
    even before I say it, Lord.
5 You go before me and follow me.
    You place your hand of blessing on my head.
6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me,
    too great for me to understand!

16 You saw me before I was born.
    Every day of my life was recorded in your book.
Every moment was laid out
    before a single day had passed.

17 How precious are your thoughts about me, O God.
    They cannot be numbered!
18 I can’t even count them;
    they outnumber the grains of sand!
And when I wake up,
    you are still with me!

Thank you for stopping by and sharing you time with me. Have a great weekend dear friends.

Lovingly, Karan

 *** ~Karan’s Update:  Thank you for all your love and prayers, I was able to see the wonderful surgeon in Calgary, and I am now booked for surgery June 23rd. Please continue to praying for God’s perfect will in this, and my patience.  If I can pray for you please send me an email, it is being able to remember each other that we can touch  the the heart of God through prayer. Much love and Hugs. ~ Karan

 

 

    

Feb 12 2015

I Didn’t Get The Memo!

Author: Karan Gleddie • Discussion: No Comments

 Retired Husband Banned at Walmart Memo:

Dear Mrs. Fenton,

Over the past 6 months, your retired husband, Mr. Bill Fenton has been causing quite a commotion in our store. We cannot tolerate this type of behavior and have considered banning the entire family from shopping in any of our stores.

We have documented all incidents on our video surveillance equipment. Three of our clerks are attending counseling from the trouble your husband has caused.

All complaints against Mr Fenton have been compiled and are listed below.

Regretfully Yours,

Mr. Wally Underpants
President and CEO
Wal-Mart Complaint Department.

MEMO Re: Mr. Bill Fenton– complaints-15 things Mr. Bill Fenton has done while his spouse is shopping:

1.   June 15: Took 24 boxes of condoms and randomly put them in people’s carts when they weren’t looking.
2.   July 2: Set all the alarm clocks in Housewares to go off at 5 minute intervals.
3.   July 7: Made a trail of tomato juice on the floor leading to the restrooms.
4.   July 19: Walked up to an employee and told her in an official tone, ‘Code 3″ in housewares and watched what happened.
5.   August 4: Went to the service desk and asked to put a bag of M&M’s on layaway.
6.   Sept. 14: Moved a ‘ Caution – wet Floor’ sign to a carpeted area.
7.   Sept 15: Set up a tent in the camping dept. and told other shoppers he’d invite them in if they’ll bring pillows from the bedding dept.
8.   Sept 23: When a clerk asks if they can help him, he begins to cry and asks “Why can’t you people just leave me alone.
9.   Oct 4: Looked right into the security camera; used it as a mirror, and picked his nose.
10. Nov 10: While handling guns in the hunting dept., asked the clerk if he knows where the antidepressants are.
11.  Dec. 3: Darted around the store suspiciously loudly humming the “Mission Impossible” theme.
12. Dec 6: In the auto dept. practiced his “Madonna Look” using different size funnels.
13. Dec 18: Hid in a clothing rack and when people browsed thru yelled “pick me” Pick me!.
14. Dec 21: When an announcement came over the loud speaker, he assumes the fetal position and screams “NO! No! It’s those voices again.
(And last, but not least!)
15. Dec. 23: Went into a fitting room, shut the door and waited a while; then, yelled very loudly, “There is no toilet paper in here!”

Walmart Manager  * Author unknown

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 Often in times of stress and trials, when life gets a little scary, it seems hard trying to catch a breath.  As I recall the different seasons of life over the years, I realize I have been provided with a diverse and remarkable opportunities to learn many new lessons.  Some I looked forward to with great expectation, others I dreaded thinking I might not make it.  Sure I make plans, have goals, resolution and projects, but there are times when life’s interruptions cause long delays.  Have you ever felt like your life is a series of pauses?

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

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

Can I learn to trust God even though I don’t understand his ways? Where would I be without Him!

Job 23:14

So He will do for me all He has planned.  He controls my destiny!

“We are well kept when God does the keeping!”

Lovingly, Karan

Discussion Question:  Have you learned valuable lessons from the interruptions in life?   Have you ever felt like you would like a memo from God?

Thank you for sharing your time with me, I hope you enjoyed these pondering’s, Valentine Hugs to all!

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