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You Are Like our Mother!

 

 

 

You are Like Your Mother!

Throughout my life, people would often say, “You are like your mother” and I would cringe. Those were not the words I wanted to hear. I wanted to be a supermom – you know, the woman that did and had it all. I would be organized, clever, and smart about life – no traumatic crisis for me.

My mother came from a harsh background. From my perspective, she spent her life trying to work through the difficulties she encountered as a child. She strived to be understanding and kind towards others and, unlike her parents, she achieved her goal. Even though there were painful personal and emotional struggles, as well as great highs, my mother was always optimistic. Her motto was: “Tomorrow’s a brand-new day.”

Although we were poor, I can’t say that we ever thought we were. My mother worked hard to put a roof over our heads and food on the table, never giving up or expecting handouts. We always had enough and when we outgrew our shoes and clothing, she made sure we had something new to replace the old. Reflecting on my childhood, I realized she went without so my sisters and I would have more opportunities and a few extras.

My mother, Francis, had so many wonderful characteristics. She loved a good deal, so thrift shops, garage sales, and flea markets were thrilling, and she was skilled at discovering the ultimate bargain. She also loved her flowerbeds and gardening much better than house cleaning and often said she felt closer to God outdoors.

Inside she loved reading books, sewing, and listening to the radio. Wherever she went she had many bags of good deals, a plethora of interesting books she checked out at the library, and Christian broadcasting blaring from her radio.

In her daily life, we knew mother loved us and loved God too. She trusted Him, leaned on Him, and believed His promises would sustain her. She taught us daily about God’s grace, forgiveness, and love. We could see through her life how God faithfully protected and cared for our needs. The wonderful memories of my dear mother are worth far more than silver and gold.

Now when I hear “You are like your mom,” I say thank you. Following my mother’s legacy, I pray that my children will know how much I love them and see the light of God’s love in my life.  ©

I am humbled and quiet in your presence. Like a contented child who rests on its mother’s lap,

I’m your resting child and my soul is content in you. 

Psalm 139:13 TPT

Dear friends, thank you for sharing your time with me.

In this season of reflecting on our mothers and what it means to be a mother,

please share a special memory of your mother in the comments below.

Happy Mother’s Day! 

Lovingly, Karan

 

I Bought a Discounted Ticket

 

 

I Bought A Discounted Ticket

A few years ago, when Lyle and I were living in California we stayed with our daughter whose husband deployed.

We traveled back to Canada for Christmas, to be with our daughters and their families. And finding a great flight at a discount was a bonus. Thinking it would be fun to take some candy treats back for everyone, the Jelly Belly jellybeans.

We located the Jelly Belly factory in the next town. And can you believe it when I arrived there was a great sale on the Jellybeans? Buying one bag and get two free. Don’t you just love bargains? I bought four bags, with the free bags I finished with 12 sacks, 2pds each, 24 pounds in all. 

While getting into the Christmas spirit I failed to remember we needed to pack them. On the way home, I later purchased three boxes of See’s Candy which added five more pounds. My poor husband started wondering how we would get it all in our bags. 

The night before we took off for the airport, we planned 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, we could not lift the luggage off the floor, so we included another suitcase.

 After a few hours’ sleep, we carried, or should I say dragged our baggage to the car. Three large suitcases, two larger overnight bags, one computer, and a book bag. And an enormous handbag and tote, everything fits. Although I had to sit on it to get it shut! To be honest, I jumped up and down on it is more like it. 

Our daughter dropped us off at the terminal and headed home. We didn’t manage the luggage by ourselves, we hired someone to help us. I couldn’t wait to get to Calgary and our hotel room and have a good night’s sleep before seeing our family. Only 15 days left.

With tickets and passports in hand, we ambled towards the airline counter, and the man pushing our luggage cart was straining to keep up. He helped us put our baggage on the weight scale, and I held my breath. It’s heavy (imagine that) the airline agent glanced at me and said sorry, she can’t confirm us in now?

I pulled out my e-ticket showing her our 8:00 a.m. departure. She responded,” 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 Lyle’s face. His mouth dropped open and had that distinctive look that said, “You mean I have to do all this again tonight?” 

 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 fly nowhere 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 injury, 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 a bad dream! I assured him he had made a mistake, we just climbed into bed! ©

When 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 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 Holiday Season, be safe.

Hugs to all.

Could We Be Friends?

 

Could We Be Friends?

I never dreamed a friendship could begin, two young women with totally opposite personalities would became lifelong girlfriends.  

Dee has always 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. 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

 

Any Regrets?

 

 

 

Any Regrets

I have often looked back over my life and the opportunities I have been given.  I wonder if others do the same.  Some I have taken, others I have been too afraid to attempt. What if I fail, what will people think? Can I afford it, do have time? Life seems to be a long line of opportunities and ones that are missed. I have heard it said: “One of Satan’s most effective tools is to distract, disable and ultimately destroy God’s people with this one phrase: “IF ONLY”

I can certainly attest to that quote.

  • If Only I hadn’t waited so long until it was too late.
  • If Only I was more disciplined, I could have made more time.
  • If Only I had spent more time with loved ones and friends.
  • If Only I had spent more time writing and finishing those books
  • If Only I had listened more and talked less with family members who have died. Always thinking I had more time with them.
  • If Only I had exercised more and taken better care of my body.

 

I am sure we each have our own regrets and opportunists missed and wasted time on our “If Only.” I am so thankful that each day with God is a clean slate, a new day.  I can decide how I want to live each day. Will I choose regrets, discouragement and get carried away with distractions?

Or choose to pursue God’s plan for me by honoring Him, serving others and joyfully taking the opportunities that God gives me each day.  

The Bible says “Now is the time to use what we have to serve and honor God.”  I don’t want my life to get stuck with the “If Only” I want to keep moving forward, onward and upward, running the race well with no regrets. 

  • Loving others unconditionally.
  • Laughing with joyful abandonment.
  • Dancing freely like no one is watching.
  • Living my life loving and pleasing God.©

 

I’ve learned by now to be quite content whatever my circumstances. I’m just as happy with little as with much, with much as with little. I’ve found the recipe for being happy whether full or hungry, hands full or hands empty. Whatever I have, wherever I am, I can make it through anything in the One who makes me who I am.

Philippians 4: 11-13

Let the Adventure Begin! 

                         

Dear Friends, thank you for stopping by and spending your time with me today, I love each of you. 

HUGS,
Lovingly, Karan

What is your “If Only”  regrets?  I would love to hear your opinions. 

I Know The Secret

 

Reflections: I Know The Secret

I have been reminded these last few months how words hurt. Someone makes an observation about another’s circumstances and shares it with their friends. Never bothering to check the facts or find the truth.  I have always wondered why people feel the need to run others down, is it to build themselves up?

My mother used to say, “Gossip is like letting the cat out of the bag one claw at a time.” As a young girl, I thought she was being funny. But as the years went by I saw the damage left behind, by the words others carelessly shared.

I watched as people would treat my mother with so little respect as they assumed they knew all about her situation.  But they didn’t know at all, or how hard she worked to put a roof over our heads and food on the table.  Never giving up or expecting handouts. people made assumptions we were poor, although 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. How we loved and admired her.  

I don’t ever remember her speaking unkindly about others, probably because she had personally known the pain it caused.

I have watched her invite people into her home, feed, care and buy groceries for those who had nothing or no one to care for them. Mother was never judgmental and would accept people just the way they were. But most importantly, she was never afraid or shy to tell anyone about God’s love. She never gave up, she was a survivor, joyfully serving God and touching lives with kindness and comfort

In her later years, she worked in real estate, and at times I would be fearful as she drove around the city, often going into dangerous areas. She always told us not to worry; no harm would come because God was taking care of her. And He truly did.   

Mother never cared about what others thought about her or what they said. She only cared about pleasing and honoring God and doing her best for Him.

Mother left me a wonderful legacy to remember, my heart needs to keep my eyes on the God who loves me, and not worry about hurtful words being shared.©

A troublemaker plants seeds of strife; gossip separates the best of friends.

Proverbs 16:28

Let your conversation be gracious and attractive so that you will have the right response for everyone.

Col. 4:5-6

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

 I love you all and am praying. 
HUGS,
Lovingly, Karan
Have you experienced hurtful and unkind words, what did you do? How did you get through it?