Articles

May 08 2015

Are You Just Like Your Mother!

Author: Karan Gleddie • Discussion: No Comments

I Wish…

In 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

Happy Mother’s Day, Have some Chocolate!

Are You just like your mother”

People 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.

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.©

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?

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.”

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?

A 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

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

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

¹⁶You 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.

¹⁷How precious are your thoughts about me, O God.
    They cannot be numbered!
¹⁸I 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 23^rd. 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

Apr 09 2015

Caller ID ~ Do You Know Who’s Calling?

Author: Karan Gleddie • Discussion: 4 Comments

Caller ID

On a Saturday night several weeks ago, this pastor was working late, and decided to call his wife before he left for home. It was about 10:00 PM, but his wife didn’t
answer the phone. The pastor let it ring many times. He thought it was odd that she didn’t answer, but decided to wrap up a pink phone few things and try again in a few minutes.

When he tried again she answered right away. He
asked her why she hadn’t answered before, and she said that it hadn’t rung at their house. They brushed it off as a fluke and went on their merry ways.

The following Monday, the pastor received a call at the church office, which was the phone that he’d used that Saturday night. The man that he spoke with wanted to know why he’d called on Saturday night.

The pastor couldn’t figure out what the man was talking about. Then the man said, “It rang and rang, but I didn’t answer.” The pastor remembered the mishap and apologized for disturbing him, explaining that he’d intended to call his wife.

The man said, “That’s OK. Let me tell you my story. You see, I was planning to commit suicide on Saturday night, but before I did, I prayed, ‘God if you’re there, and you don’t want me to do this, give me a sign now.’

At that point my phone started to ring. I looked at the caller ID, and it said, ‘Almighty God’. I was afraid to answer!” The reason why it showed on the man’s caller ID that the call came from “Almighty God” is because the church that the pastor attends is called Almighty God Tabernacle! Author unknown

Dear Friends

I wanted to share with you dear friends what has been happening in my life for the last few months. In February I was diagnosed with Cancer after a mass was found in my kidney. I have seen doctors, one specialist and had many tests as usually happens in these circumstances. I would ask you to remember me at this time of waiting and decisions for the right result. I am now in waiting mode, to be honest I do not do waiting well.

They decided I need to have a partial kidney surgery, but I am waiting now to see another specialist in Calgary, Alberta. He specializes in a surgery which is less invasive, with great results. It is a called a Robotic daVinci Partial Nephrectomy for Kidney Cancer. I am praying that he will consider me as a good candidate for this surgery. Medicare in Canada is a little different, so again I have found myself waiting.

Isn’t it amazing how God works in our lives! This morning while I was having a quiet time and reflecting on these last few month, I found great comfort in:

Philippians 4: 6 & 7 (The Message)

Don’t fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns.

Before you know it, a sense of God’s wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It’s wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life.

Thank you for stopping by and sharing your time with me. I will keep you posted on my process, and if you need me to pray for you too, I would count it a privilege, just drop me a note. Hugs

Have a great week! Joyfully Sharing,

Lovingly, Karan

Apr 02 2015

Do You Know the Answer?

Author: Karan Gleddie • Discussion: 2 Comments

Where Did You Learn That?

I was standing before he window of and art store where a picture of the Crucifixion of our Lord was on exhibition. As I gazed, I was aware of the approach of another, and turning, beheld a little lad gazing also intently at the picture. Noticing that this mite of humanity was a street boy, I thought I would speak to him; so I asked, pointing at the picture, “Do you know who He is?”

“Yes,” came a quick response; “That’s our Savior,” with a mingled look of pity and surprise that I should not know what the picture represented.

With an obvious desire to enlighten me further, he continued, after a pause; “Them’s Roman soldiers, the Roman soldiers, and,” with a long drawn sigh, “that woman crying there is His mother.”

He waited, obviously for me to question him further, then thrust his hand in his pockets, and with a reverent and subdued voice and tear-stained face added, “They killed Him, Mister. Yes, sir, they killed Him.”

I looked at the little dirty, rugged fellow and asked, “where did you learn this?’

At the Mission Sunday school,” was the reply.

Full of thoughts regarding the benefits of the Mission Sunday schools, I turned and resumed my walk, leaving the little lad still looking at the picture, I had not walked a block when I heard his childish voice calling, “Mister! Say, Mister! ” I turned. He was running toward me but paused; then up went his little hand, and with a triumphant sound in his voice and now radiant face, he said, “ I want to tell you: HE ROSE AGAIN, HE IS ALIVE!” R.A. Torrey

Easter is a time of new life. That which was dead now lives. Darkness is gone. A warm sun shines. Life has a new meaning.

Today we are privileged to celebrate the Easter because of Jesus’ victory over sin and death. The cross of Christ reveals man’s sin at its worst and God’s love at its best!

Happy Easter Dear Friends, Wishing you much love and blessings.

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

Hugs!