Articles

Jun 19 2018

How does your garden grow?

Author: Karan Gleddie • Discussion: 2 Comments

How does your garden grow?

 

 

 

 

Reflections: 

Spring has finally come to Alberta, although the evenings and mornings are cool, everyone is starting to plant their gardens. Many years ago I did try to grow a small garden and despite my lack of knowledge, some plants did grow. Lol.

My mother was so talented and loved flowers, she could grow anything. I always loved my plants too much, I either watered them to death or not enough. It has been said that talents often skip a generation, and I’m sure that must be the case because my daughters each have their grandmother’s green thumb.

While working in the yard the other day, I mowed the lawns and planted flowers pots, I wore myself out. By evening I could hardly walk, I had used muscles I didn’t remember I had, everything hurt. It’s an actual reality check when you suddenly realize you’re not as young and agile as I use to be. In fact, I don’t even bounce like I use to either!

My backside was so painful, the only satisfaction for me was the thought I might get a little lift from the exercise. At my age, any lift is good since everything else is moving south. LOL

When life gets so busy, it is a delight to spend time in God’s creation enjoying the peacefulness of each day. When I am quiet and listen, I can feel God whisper about his plans for me. But many times, I feel I need to remind God, I have my own plans for the day. Sometimes I have so many plans and goals I don’t want to have my day interrupted. Have you ever felt like that?

Do I choose my plans which are essential to business and ministry? Or choose God’s plan for me, stepping out in faith to trust Him. Serving Him is to enjoy the great adventures He has planned for me and knowing I have obeyed his call gives me great happiness.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, do not depend on your own understanding. 

Seek his will in all you do,

and he will show you which path to take. ~ Proverbs 3:5 & 6

He is my peace and safe place, the one who loves and protects me. Could I offer him anything less than my obedience in choosing to follow Him? Each new day gives us a reason to love and praise God.©

Thank you, dear friends, for spending your time with me.
 I love you all and am praying. 
 
HUGS,
Lovingly, Karan

Jun 11 2018

Can I Paint you a picture?

Author: Karan Gleddie • Discussion: 8 Comments

Can I Paint you a picture?

 

 

 

Reflections: Can I Paint you a picture?

My dear friend Jeanne signed us up for a painting class on “How to paint sunflowers”.  Since I hadn’t oil painted for over thirty years I was game. Besides, I had never used acrylic paints and thought it would be an adventure.

We arrived at the class just in time to get our aprons, paint, water, and easels set up. As our teacher started to explain about her class, she wondered how many first timers were there, or those who already painted. She also inquired if there was anyone who was an OCD painter. At that point, I should have put my hand up. How did she know?

Thirty years ago, I loved to paint.  My favorites were landscapes and florals. But there came a time I had to set painting aside and eventually quit altogether.  I would become so obsessive about a painting that I couldn’t stop rearranging or fixing it. Then I would be up half the night and wouldn’t be able to sleep for thinking about what I could do better. Although I had painted pictures for other people, I always felt they were never as good as they could have been. If only I had just a little more time.

I laugh now when I think about one of my daughters’ grade school art assignments.  It was during the month of October, so she made a black and white picture with trees and tombstones in a cemetery with a concerted effort to make it look scary.  When I asked how the teacher liked her picture, she said: “no one commented on it”.

Three weeks later at the teacher-parent conference, there on the bulletin board was our daughters Halloween picture. She had won first prize for her “Remembrance Day” picture. She didn’t even care that they had mixed it up.  How I wish my attitude would have been more like hers during my early painting years. Lol

As I began painting again recently, some of those old feelings came back; “it’s not good enough” or “it looks horrible”.  I wonder where those feelings come from.  Could it be from wanting everything perfect and struggling to measure up?  Even after all these years, those old feelings still bubble up.

I am so thankful that God reached down and saved me.  He loves me and forgives me with His perfect grace. Where would I be without Him in my life?  In an imperfect world, He is perfect. ©

I wait quietly before God, for my victory comes from him.

He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress where I will never be shaken.

Let all that I am wait quietly before God, for my hope is in him.

Psalm 62: 1,2 & 5

Thank you, dear friends, for spending your time with me.
 I love you all and am praying. 
 HUGS,
Lovingly, Karan

 

May 26 2018

We Will Not Forget!

Author: Karan Gleddie • Discussion: No Comments

We Will Not Forget!

“Build me a soldier,

O Lord,

who will be strong enough to know when he is weak,

and brave enough to face himself when he is afraid,

one who will be proud and unbending in honest defeat,

and humble and gentle in victory.”

General Douglas MacArthur  
1880 – 1964

 

 

 

Reflections:

“There are no extraordinary men… just extraordinary circumstances that ordinary men
are forced to deal with.”
 
Fleet Admiral William F. Halsey Jr.

This weekend is Memorial Day. And like you I have known many soldiers who have served our county.  I love and honor each one. I often wonder what makes them sacrifice their lives or time for others.

When I see them I try to shake their hands and tell them how much they are loved and appreciated. Where would we be as a nation without their faithfulness and valor?

I wrote this devotional for a soldier friend a few years ago and thought I would share it with you on this special weekend. As we remember our soldiers in America and Canada.

**************   

But I am trusting you, O Lord, saying,“You are my God my future is in your hands.”

Psalm 31: 14-15
 
I am secure in your love for me, I know I can trust you regardless of my circumstances no matter where I am.

You are always with me.

There are people who want to harm me as I serve my country, but my future is in your hands.
 
You chose to love me and I choose to love and trust you with my life. 

 

Father,
It is so good to know that I can trust you as I serve you and my country.  I know my life, family, and future are in your care.  Please protect from the dangers of this war.

 
Hugs to you all,
Have a great Memorial Day weekend 
 

See you next week!
Lovingly, Karan

 

May 21 2018

Grandma’s Makeup Routine ~ Computer Hero’s

Author: Karan Gleddie • Discussion: No Comments

Grandma’s Makeup Routine

Grandma was in the bathroom, putting on her makeup, under the watchful eyes of her young

granddaughter as she’d done many times before.

After she applied her lipstick and started to leave, the little one said,

“But Gramma, you forgot to kiss the toilet paper good-bye!” Unknown

 

 

 

 

 Reflections: Computer Hero’s

I love my computer and learning all the different programs and research that I can do with it. It is like traveling the world, visiting family and friends and never leaving the house. How our world has changed over the years.

However, I am not very good with the technical side of the computer, if something goes wrong, I am stumped. And when the Internet specialist starts talking Technical terms they might as well be speaking Greek. My eyes just start to glaze over.

I must confess though I have a secret weapon, my son-in-law. He can fix anything that I mess up. And you guessed it I took my computer to the states this last month because it was in a desperate need of an intervention.

I am always amazed when my hero the Specialist sees me carrying my computer under my arm that he doesn’t run in the opposite direction fast. He is gracious, understanding and kind. I am so thankful for him and the many talents he has been given.

While I find this technology age so amazing, nothing can compare to what God has done for me in my life. When I remember over the years how he has come to my rescue, always ready to help me when I make a mess. And I know He is near ready to protect, comfort and hear to me, I am so thankful for His patience.

Where would I be without his love and constant care? Like my favorite computer technician, he takes control of my life if I allow him and fixes the area’s that need work and replaces the broken pieces gently with his healing love.© Ephesians 3:20 says,

          Never doubt God’s mighty power to work in you and accomplish all this. He will achieve infinitely more than your greatest request, your most unbelievable dream, and exceed your wildest imagination! He will outdo them all, for his miraculous power constantly energizes you.

I know God’s promises can be trusted because he has been faithful to me through all my years. He is enough for me! ©

Lovingly Karan

Thank you for sharing your time with me I love the privilege of hearing for each of you.

You bless my life. Have a wonderful weekend with the ones you love.

Hugs

May 13 2018

Happy Mother’s Days ~ Hero’s Come In All Sizes

Author: Karan Gleddie • Discussion: 2 Comments

Happy Mother’s Days!

 

 

 

 

Hero’s Come In All Sizes

Hero’s come in all sizes, my hero 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 flower beds and gardening much better than house cleaning and often said she felt closer 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. 

I felt lost when she passed away and wondered what I would do without her wonderful sense of humor and practical wisdom. But as I look back, I can see a long line of the heroes that God sprinkled into my life. Each one pushed, encouraged, and inspired me to become a better person. To reach for my dreams and never stop, and when I slow down and get discouraged, they cheer me on with their prayers.

To have Godly mentors who showed me that loving God, putting him first and serving him would give the greatest joy in life, each one has blessed me.

The Bible says we need to remember all that God has done for us and lean on his promise. ©

Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. 

Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me.

Psalm 23:4

Thank you, dear friends, for spending your time with me.
 I love you all and am praying. 
 

HUGS,
Lovingly, Karan