Articles

Nov 20 2016

I’ve found A Secret

Author: Karan Gleddie • Discussion: 2 Comments

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!

 

 

Nov 12 2016

Thank You, Dear Friends

Author: Karan Gleddie • Discussion: No Comments

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

Oct 30 2016

Lost In A Snowstorm!

Author: Karan Gleddie • Discussion: 2 Comments

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

Oct 15 2016

I Need A Little Help From My Friends!

Author: Karan Gleddie • Discussion: No Comments

I Need A Little Help From My Friends!

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2016 Readers Survey

As I write my blog each week I think of each of you as my friends. By doing this, it helps put a personal touch on my writing.

Instead of me writing and sending something out into cyberspace for just any random person to stumble across, I want to have you in mind. Offering real encouragement, thoughtful discussions, and transparent hope as we share together.

I am eager to make my blog better and more relevant to your needs and interests. But to do that, I need to know more about Y0u.

This is why I created my 2016 Survey. This short survey will help me to better know who I’m writing to. I will be able to make my blog posts, emails, and resources more interesting, and relevant to you.

Your input is very important to me. The survey is easy to fill out and will take less than three minutes to complete. 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!

Thanks in advance for your help.

angel

Lovingly, Karan

Oct 08 2016

A Stuffed Turkey

Author: Karan Gleddie • Discussion: No Comments

A Stuffed Turkey

How *not* to stuff the turkey, for Thanksgiving

The turkey shot out of the oven and rocketed into the air, it knocked every plate off the table and partly demolished a chair.

burnt-turkeyIt ricocheted into a corner and burst with a deafening boom, then splattered all over the kitchen, completely obscuring the room.

It stuck to the walls and the windows, it totally coated the floor, there was turkey attached to the ceiling, where there’d never been turkey before.

It blanketed every appliance, it smeared every saucer and bowl, there wasn’t a way I could stop it, that turkey was out of control.

I scraped and I scrubbed with displeasure, and thought with chagrin as I mopped, that I’d never again stuff a turkey…. with popcorn that hadn’t been popped!!  Author Unknown

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Reflections from Karan:

As an American living in Canada, I am able to enjoy two Thanksgivings each year.  Our Canadian one is this Monday, October 10th, and the American one is the 24th of November.  Thanksgiving is one of my favorite times of the year, and having two is special.  

With all the preparations I find myself racing from one task to another playing catch. Cooking, cleaning, washing, writing, it seems I will never get to the end of my long self-imposed list. “Hurry, hurry, faster, faster you’ll never get it all done!” Run, run.

Where do we find rest? Could I stop the world and get off the race that keeps me always spinning. Or is the rest that I long for in the quietness of the morning.  Sheltered in the word of God as he leads me beside the still waters of his love. 

Calming the turmoil, halting the winds and giving my soul the restful peace to keep moving forward in the daily tasks and uncertain times. Whatever the day my hold, I know God’s rest is only a prayer away. He only asks me to live one day at a time for him, because he holds all my tomorrows. ©

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Thank you for sharing your time with me, dear friend. Where do you find times of rest

in the busyness of your daily life? I’d love to hear from you.

Hugs to all, Lovingly Karan