Articles

Jan 22 2018

The Fast Lane ~ Flu Season? Not Me I Got My Shot!

Author: Karan Gleddie • Discussion: 2 Comments

The Fast Lane

The Sunday teacher described how Lot’s wife looked Sodom and was turned into a pillar of salt.

Suddenly Jimmy interrupted.

“My mom looked back once while she was driving,” he announced triumphantly,

and she turned into a telephone pole!” Author unknown

Reflections: Flu Season? Not Me I Got My Shot!

Every year about September, we start hearing about getting the flu shot which always includes a promise to keep us safe from that particular year’s seasonal virus. I am faithful each year to get my shot because of an Auto-immune disease that I struggle with. Now Lyle, who never gets the flu shot, thinks it’s a waste of time, besides he never gets sick.

However, after receiving the shot something went wrong. You guessed it, two days after Christmas I got the flu which lasted about three weeks. My family decided I would get well sooner if I would try their flu and cold zapping home remedy. At that point, I was willing to try anything, well almost.

A cup of hot water, one teaspoon of chopped garlic, one teaspoon of honey and one-quarter cup of lemon juice. Two cups a day, morning and evening weren’t too awful, and it did seem to help some. After a few weeks of feeling incarcerated in my home, I was so excited to go to the grocery store and see people. Yeah! Of course, I was hoping no one would detect the cloud of garlic following me up and down the aisles.

Today I still smell like a garlic bulb, but I think I’m going to make it. Lol

I am still amazed how fast my joy flew out the window. I moped around the house sniffling and sneezing with my hair uncombed and it even hurt to blink my eyes. My Joy went from 85 to zero in no time at all. I am embarrassed to even think about it! Instead of resting on God’s promises I became self-absorbed.

Can I choose to be joyful in all circumstances even if I don’t feel like it? Life is a matter of choices and God’s compassion never fails. I know I will never walk alone.

It helps me remember when I look back and see the journey God has taken me on. All I see are His promises of faithfulness, love, and grace, what more could I ask for?

Always be joyful.~ 1 Thess. 5:16

Has the flu come your way yet? How is your joy today?

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

HUGS,
Lovingly, Karan

Dec 02 2017

The Christmas Concert ~ It’s Beginning To Look Like Christmas

Author: Karan Gleddie • Discussion: No Comments

The Christmas Concert

Some children, all in their early school years, got out of line while putting on a Christmas pageant in church. It was disconcerting.

Thirteen of them were to walk across the stage, each carrying a letter-placard. All together–if they were in the correct order and in line –spelled: B-E-T-H-L-E-H-E-M S-T-A-R.

But the “star” bearers got turned around and went in backwards, so to speak, spelling out: B-E-T-H-L-E-H-E-M R-A-T-S! Author unknown

Reflections:

Have you caught the Christmas spirit yet? I usually have trouble getting started every year, but this year I decided to start my Christmas baking in November. A first for me, I must be getting older!! I figured I would try to relieve the stress from the dreaded Christmas rush.

Over the years I would put so many expectations on myself with unrealistic to-do lists. Many years it wasn’t a pretty picture, setting up all night sewing, and working faster and longer than any other month of the year. By the time Christmas came, I was ready for a long winter’s nap. LOL

When life gets crazy, it seems hard to catch a breath. Over the years as I have matured, I am thankful for the opportunities to many life lessons. Some I looked forward to with high expectation, others I dreaded thinking it would be too hard. Sure I make plans, but there are times when life’s interruptions cause long delays. Have you ever felt like your life is a series of pauses especially when you are in a hurry trying to get things done?

Many times during those interruptions I have wished God would send me an email to alert me to what is coming next. Do you ever feel like a memo would be grand gesture too? I don’t know about you, but I like to prepare, and have a schedule with everything penciled in. But Life is not like that, is it? At least not mine.

I am praying that that I have started a new Christmas tradition for myself, starting earlier!

Although there are many ups and downs, I can look back and realize how each season has put amazing color in my life. Giving me meaning and enriching everyday life with faithful friends who pray for me, a trustworthy and compassionate God who loves me, and a Savior who forgives me.©

When we are on hold, waiting or paused, we need to take the time to breathe and see each opportunity to learn to walk in God’s light and presence.

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

Have a wonderful weekend.

HUGS,
Lovingly, Karan

What is your favorite Christmas recipe?

Oct 21 2017

“It’s The The Journey that matters.”

Author: Karan Gleddie • Discussion: 4 Comments

“It’s The The Journey that matters.”

This last week I drove to Northern Saskatchewan for an event in Prince Albert. The weather was beautiful as I witnessed the shades of fall in all its majesty. I think fall is my favorite season.

With autumn comes a gentle calm in the fields after all the fast-paced spring planting, summer harvest, and marketing of the year’s bounty. All is now waiting for the winter to refresh the land with moisture and a time of rest. Looking at God’s handiwork gives me lots of time to contemplate all the blessings he has given us.

It is during those times when I am alone, quietly listening, that God shares his plans with me. But even in those peaceful moments, I feel the need to remind God that I have a few projects of my own I need to finish.

Some days I feel overwhelmed with my own plans and goals I haven’t completed. And interruptions just cause me to fall further behind. Do I choose my time and plans wisely? Are they necessary to my home, business, and ministry? Or is it more like, my way, my wants? Asking God, “Do you see my busy schedule? Do you care how tired I am?” Have you ever felt like that?

Will I accept God’s plan for me, stepping out in faith to trust Him for my day? Am I willing to allow him to be my travel guide for a great adventure? Serving Him is to enjoy all He has planned for me, and knowing I can trust him gives me great joy.

Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord will personally go ahead of you.

He will be with you; he will neither fail you nor abandon you.”

Deuteronomy 31:8 (NLT)

What Great travel insurance God has given us? Enjoy the Adventure! Hugs ©

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I love to think of nature as an unlimited broadcasting station, through which God speaks to us every hour if we only will tune in.”

George Washington Carver

What is your favorite season of the year? Thank you, dear friends, for spending your time with me.

Have a wonderful weekend. HUGS,

Lovingly, Karan

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Sep 25 2017

Good Afternoon Officer, Anything Wrong?

Author: Karan Gleddie • Discussion: 2 Comments

Good Afternoon Officer, Anything Wrong?

I have struggled with time management over the years and usually, thinking I have more time than I do. And yes my heavy foot has caused the highway patrol and I have our discussions over several tickets. Sometimes as I hurry down the highway occasionally my California roots bust out and I envision myself at a Nascar race. Lol.

I always try to be respectful but sometimes I grumbled about the tickets I didn’t think I deserve. Although in my heart I know I deserved far more tickets than I actually received. How about you? I remembered a time when I was on my way to a speaking engagement and a police officer pulled me over.

For once I knew I had not been speeding (thank goodness for the speed control) and surprised to learn my taillight was not working.

The officer walked back to his patrol car and check my registration and data. As I watch him walk back a thought occurred to me, how thankless his job must be. I couldn’t imagine many people are grateful for their tickets. I sure wasn’t!

When the officer came back to my car he handed me my license, insurance card, and a new ticket. I thanked him for his service, for my ticket and for the good job he does to make our highways safe. He was speechless for a moment and then, thank me and said no one had ever said that to him before. How sad. As I drove away I giggled and wished I had taken a picture of his face.

Makes me want to do it again. LOL. Isn’t it fun to honor someone else and you get the joy in the deepest part of your soul?

The Bible says: “Lord, we show our trust in you by obeying your laws; our heart’s desire is to glorify your name.”

Isaiah 26:8 NLT

I am so glad that I didn’t react like I felt I wanted to. After all, I was in a hurry to do God’s work. But while I am here on earth, I am to trust the Lord, obey his laws and the laws of the land. And to bring honor and glorify His name. That is my true purpose as I walk daily close to him. ©

If you don’t learn to laugh at trouble, you won’t have anything to laugh at when you’re old.’
Edgar Watson Howe
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Lovingly, Karan

Thank you, dear friends, for spending your time with me.
Have a wonderful weekend.
HUGS

Aug 27 2017

Happy Flying ~ The Plan

Author: Karan Gleddie • Discussion: 1 Comment

“Happy Flying”

A plane was taking off from Kennedy Airport. After it reached a comfortable cruising altitude, the captain made an announcement over the intercom, ‘Ladies and gentlemen, this is your captain speaking. Welcome to Flight Number 293, nonstop from New York to Los Angeles. The weather ahead is good and, therefore, we should have a smooth and uneventful flight. Now sit back and relax… OH, MY GOSH!’

Silence followed, and after a few minutes, the captain came back on the intercom and said, ‘Ladies and Gentlemen, I am so sorry if I scared you earlier. While I was talking to you, the flight attendant accidentally spilled a cup of hot coffee in my lap. You should see the front of my pants!’

A passenger in Coach yelled, ‘That’s nothing. You should see the back of mine!’ Author unknown

Reflections: The Plan

Restlessness is characteristic of our generation today. In these days of confusion and turmoil from life’s activities, we hardly have time to enjoy our blessings. That has certainly been true of my life.

Some days in the throes of discouragement, I have doubted God’s concern and care for me. Especially when He has so many others to take care of besides me. Do you ever doubt God’s plan?

When life is hectic, we become preoccupied with ourselves, our circumstances and can soon forget about our friends, family, and God.

What a shame, God is the only one who can bring rest and peace in the midst of all the craziness.

Over the years, there have been hard lessons to learn, But God in his great love has shown me that the things I valued most, are not as important as the people in my life or my relationship with Him.

Especially, when faced with the fact there may not be any tomorrows left. It is funny how fast our priorities can change. Suddenly spending time with God and talking to him seems more important than all my busy-ness for him.

Jesus knows about all of the activity in our lives because he made us. He also knows that we need times of rest both—Physically and spiritually.

“Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you. I do not give peace to you as the world gives.

Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid. ~ John 14:27

He is the only source for perfect peace and complete rest for our souls, especially at these busy times of the year. You are loved and special to Him. ©

“Kindness is the language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see.”
Smile God Loves You!
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Thank you, dear friends, for spending your time with me.
Have a wonderful weekend.