Articles

Mar 12 2015

Legacy Remembered

Author: Karan Gleddie • Discussion: 6 Comments

Legacy Remembered

I have always loved Genealogy and learning about my ancestors. Following their paths from Europe, Russia, and Scandinavia and beyond and documenting their quests of a better life for their families and freedom to choose. It has always fascinated me; their willingness to sacrifice and endure suffering and hardship in order to reach their goal.

Great-grandfather Christopher emigrated from Norway to the United States in 1900. Arriving at Ellis Island, New York, with experience in ship building he soon found work helping to build the Brooklyn Bridge. However, when great-grandfather heard about free land in the state of Wisconsin, he moved his family west. In a few years, he had saved enough to buy a small farm for his family.

Farming was hard during those years; every acre needed to be cleared of dense forest before he could plant his precious seed. The tree removal was backbreaking, slow and often dangerous. So naturally, when great-grandfather heard about free land on the prairies in Alberta, Canada, he was interested. No more tree removal!

In 1908, he moved his three young sons and wife to Alberta, Canada by train to start a new life. The land was beautiful and rugged but cruel in the winter. Months after arriving in Canada he buried his young wife, who died from Diphtheria. He endured the loss of two more wonderful helpmates, prairie fires, theft and many hardships, yet the one thing that all his children remember most about their father is his great faith and love for God, no matter what happened in his life.

One freezing night the barn burned down, and all the animals and winter supplies were left lying in ashes. As great-grandfather watched the flames die down, his children heard him say, “The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away, blessed be the name of the Lord” (Job 1: 21b). The stories of great-grandfather’s faithfulness and love for God have been remembered for four generations now. And today, because of his faithfulness, our families are reminded daily of God’s faithfulness too. What a legacy to remember!

“Remembering God’s Faithfulness in the past will give us confidence for the future”

Father, help me to walk faithfully in your ways so that my life will point my family and others to you.

I want to leave a remembered legacy too, that will point my family to God’s Amazing grace, love and forgiveness.

That is my prayer.

Lovingly, Karan

Have a great week, Love to all. Hugs!

Feb 26 2015

The Accidental Motorist

Author: Karan Gleddie • Discussion: 4 Comments

I need my Insurance Company quick!

There are two sides to every story when accident-prone drivers fill out insurance claims. The following explanations were taken from actual insurance forms.

“But, officer…”

• Coming home, I drove into the wrong house and collided with a tree I don’t have.
• The other car collided with mine without giving warning of its intentions.
• The pedestrian had no idea which way to run, so I ran over him.
• I collided with a stationary truck coming the other way.
• A truck backed through my windshield into my wife’s face.
• A Pedestrian hit me and went under my car.
• The guy was all over the road; I had to swerve a number of times before I hit him.
• In my attempt to kill a fly, I drove into a telephone pole.
• I pulled away from the side of the road, glanced at my mother-in-law and headed over the embankment.
• I had been driving for 40 years when I fell asleep at the wheel and had an accident.

• To avoid hitting the bumper of the car in front of me, I hit the pedestrian.
• My car was legally parked as it backed into the other car.
• An invisible cat came out of nowhere, struck my car, and vanished.
• I told the police that I was not injured but on removing my hat I found that I had fractured my skull.
• I thought my window was down but I found out that it was up when I put my head through it.
• I saw a slow moving, sad-faced old man as he bounced off the roof of my car.
• The indirect cause of the accident was a little guy in a small car with a big mouth.
• I was thrown from the car as it left the road. I was later found in a ditch by some stray cows.
• The telephone pole was approaching. I was attempting to swerve out of its way when it struck the front end of my car.
• I was on the way to the doctor with rear-end trouble when my universal joint gave way causing me to have an accident.
• I was unable to stop in time and my car crashed into the other vehicle. The driver and passengers then left immediately for a vacation with injuries. By: Steven Dohanos ~Toronto Sun

For those who speed on the Highway—-here are a few hymns for you:

• 45 mph…………………….God Will Take Care of You
• 55 mph…………………….Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah
• 65 mph…………………….Nearer My God To Thee
• 75 mph…………………….Nearer Still Nearer
• 85 mph……………………..This World is Not My Home
• 95 mph……………………..Lord, I’m Coming Home
• Over 100 mph………………Precious Memories

“Friends are like pillars on the porch: Sometimes they hold you up and sometimes they lean on you.”

It is such a delight and privilege to share each week with you, I call my friends. I thought I would share what is happening in my life this last month. As many of you know I have been struggling with pain after my fall, and the doctors have been trying to find the cause. Last week after reviewing an ultrasound they sent me for a CT scan and found a mass. I will be going for surgery possibly next week. I would ask that you remember me in prayer this month and I will keep you up–to-date.

Even this week God is showing me His love, comfort and how His timing is perfect in all things. In a matter of days I have been able to get an appointment with a specialist and surgeon, which I know is under God’s guidance and control.

I know God’s plans are perfect and with each plan He has a purpose. And when God has a purpose for our lives He gives us promises too.

2 Corinthians 12:9 (ERV)

But the Lord said, “My grace is all you need. Only when you are weak can everything be done completely by my power.” So I will gladly boast about my weaknesses. Then Christ’s power can stay in me.

Lovingly, Karan

Have a great weekend sending love and hugs to you.

Feb 19 2015

Fifty Shades of Brokenness?

Author: Karan Gleddie • Discussion: 8 Comments

Fifty Shades of Brokenness?

Valentine’s Day is a day set aside for remembering the ones we love, honor and respect. A day of flowers, chocolates, cards and sharing the special joys of serving and putting others in your life first.

This year however, it will be remembered as the opening day of “Fifty Shades of Grey”; a movie and book that glorifies sexual perversion, abuse, pornography and lust. And it’s alright when your consenting adults, no matter what the age.

I’m sure the Valentine’s Day opening date must have been a joke, because nothing about it has anything to do with love, kindness and respect. I am saddened to hear of the huge openings as people rush to see the movie lured by tantalizing advertisements, curiosity or secret interests.

Although I have not seen the movie and have chosen not to read the book, I have read a lot about it from people who have. My dear friend Heather Mertens has written extensively about the perils of the book and movie. At first I was concerned for her and worried that is was the wrong subject choice. But she has kept it up to some peoples’ dismay and I applaud her boldness and faithfulness to sound the alarm.

For years I have traveled and talked with women whose lives have been broken and devastated by some form of perversion, pornography or abuse in their homes. Behind closed doors they silently keep the secret that is slowly destroying their families, home and children’s life. These people live the real heartbreak, lives that this book and film praises and challenges us to accept as normal.

I hear the stories of the brokenness and devastation that continues to affect their lives. There are no Valentine kisses or the joy of knowing you are loved because you are special. There is only the cruel imagination of someone who uses you as an object, instead of valuing and loving you as a precious gift.

Have we become complacent and numb to the world we live in that immorality and evil is now acceptable? Is it easier not to say anything and pretend it’s not happening? Are we to fill our hearts and minds with thoughts and images that deaden our senses and moral integrity?

In Proverbs 4:23 (NIV) it says:

Above all else, guard your heart,
for everything you do flows from it.

I know this is a heavy subject and I wanted to share my heart with you. I finally decided to stand up and say ENOUGH! I’m not going to keep SILENT!

Thank you for sharing your time with me, I love you!

Lovingly, Karan

***Discussion: I do value your opinion, please let me what you think. Please pass along.

I love hearing from you. Hugs

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

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!

Feb 06 2015

Will you Still Love Me ?

Author: Karan Gleddie • Discussion: No Comments

Will you Still Love Me Tomorrow?

Retirement- and how to have fun!

Working people often ask retired people what they do to make their days interesting. Well, for example, the other day, my wife and I went into town and went into a shop. We were only there for about 5 minutes. When we came out, there was a police officer writing out a parking ticket. We went up to him and said,”Come on man, how about giving a senior citizen a break?

He ignored us and continued writing the ticket. I called him a dummy.

He glared at me a started writing another ticket for having worn tires. So Mary called him an idiot.

This went on for 20 minutes. The more we angered him, the more tickets he wrote.

Just then, our bus arrived and we got on it and went home. We try to have a little fun each day now that we are retired. It’s important at our age! Author unknown

I’m doing this because I love you!

THE GIFT OF LOVE

Looking for a gift or just a unique way to say “I love you?” What do you give when his dresser is full of cologne and you’re both on diets? When flowers die too soon, and you’ve already spent next month’s paycheck? Here are 19 great inexpensive ways to tell the love of your life just how much you care.

Make a homemade card with a picture of the two of you on the cover. Get ideas for a verse by spending a few minutes browsing through a card shop.
Write a poem. It doesn’t have to rhyme.
Send a love letter listing the reasons “Why I love you so much.”
Pledge your love for a lifetime. Write it on calligraphy or design it on a desktop computer and print it out on parchment paper and have it framed.
Bake a giant cookie and write “I love you” with heart shaped redhots or frosting. (Don’t worry about the calories, it’s not for eating!)
Kidnap the car for a thorough washing and detailing.
Compose a love song.
Call a radio station and have them announce a love message from you and make sure your love is listening at the right time.
Make a big sign such as: “I Love You, Kristi. Love, Joe” and put it in front of your house or her apartment complex for the world to see.
Hide little love notes in the car, a coat pocket, or desk.
Prepare a surprise candle light gourmet low-calorie dinner for two.
Promise to change a habit that your love has been wanting you to change.

Thank you, “Family Matters” http://familymatters.net

Thank you for sharing your time with me, I am sending great BIG Valentine Hugs to each of you! Tons of Love.

Lovingly, Karan

Discussion question: What was the best valentine gift you either gave, received or made?

Karan K. Gleddie

Offering Love and Laughter to Women who need Hope