Articles

Nov 13 2015

Remembrance Day ~ Thank You

Author: Karan Gleddie • Discussion: 2 Comments

Remembrance Day ~ ‘Daddy’s Poem.’

Her hair was up in a ponytail, her favorite dress tied with a bow. Today was Daddy’s Day at school, and she couldn’t wait to go. But her mommy tried to tell her, that she probably should stay home. Why the kids might not understand, if she went to school alone.

But she was not afraid; she knew just what to say. What to tell her classmates of why he wasn’t there today. But still her mother worried, for her to face this day alone. And that was why once again, she tried to keep her daughter home. But the little girl went to school eager to tell them all. About a dad she never sees a dad who never calls.

There were daddies along the wall in back, for everyone to meet. Children squirming impatiently, anxious in their seats. One by one the teacher called a student from the class. To introduce their daddy, as seconds slowly passed. At last the teacher called her name, every child turned to stare. Each of them was searching, for a man who wasn’t there.

‘Where’s her daddy at?’ She heard a boy call out. ‘She probably doesn’t have one,’ another student dared to shout. And from somewhere near the back, she heard a daddy say, ‘Looks like another deadbeat dad,
too busy to waste his day. ‘The words did not offend her, as she smiled up at her Mom and looked back at her teacher, who told her to go on.

And with hands behind her back, slowly she began to speak. And out from the mouth of a child,
came words incredibly unique. ‘My Daddy couldn’t be here because he lives so far away. But I know he wishes he could be since this is such a special day. And though you cannot meet him, I wanted you to know. All about my daddy, and how much he loves me so.

He loved to tell me stories he taught me to ride my bike. He surprised me with pink roses and taught me to fly a kite. We used to share fudge sundaes, and ice cream in a cone. And though you cannot see him. I’m not standing here alone. Because my daddy’s always with me, even though we are apart I know because he told me, he’ll forever be in my heart’.

With that, her little hand reached up and lay across her chest. Feeling her heartbeat, beneath her favorite dress. And from somewhere here in the crowd of dads, her mother stood in tears. Proudly watching her daughter, who was wise beyond her years? For she stood up for the love of a man not in her life. Doing what was best for her, doing what was right.

And when she dropped her hand back down, staring straight into the crowd. As She finished with a voice so soft, the message was clear and loud. ‘I love my daddy very much; he’s my shining star. And if he could, he’d be here, but heaven’s just too far. You see he is a Canadian soldier, and died just this past year. When a roadside bomb hit his convoy and taught Canadians to fear.

But sometimes when I close my eyes, it’s like he never went away.’ And then she closed her eyes she saw him there that day. And to her mother’s amazement, she witnessed with surprise. A room full of daddies and children, all starting to close their eyes.

Who knows what they saw before them, who knows what they felt inside. Perhaps for merely a second, they saw him at her side. ‘I know you’re with me Daddy,’ to the silence she called out. And what happened next made believers, of those once filled with doubt.

Not one in that room could explain it, for each of their eyes had been closed. But there on the desk beside her, was a fragrant long-stemmed rose. And a child was blessed, if only for a moment, by the love of her shining star. And given the gift of believing, that heaven is never too far. Take the time…to live and love. Until eternity. God bless! Author unknown

Lest We Forget!

Today as we remember those who have served, and all who continue to serve, my heart is full of respect and admiration as I looked at these fine men and women in our military. And I wonder what would cause them to volunteer so freely to serve his country and willingly go into harm’s way for others. To stand and fight for people he does not know so they can enjoy the safety and freedom he loves.

Is it the strong determination of character to serve God and to do what is right because he loves his country and family? They say, “Freedom is never free,” but there is always a price… physically, mentally and emotionally. I am humbled and honored to thank you to the brave soldiers who fight for my peace and freedom.

At this moment, I also am overwhelmed as I remember that Christ did the same for me. He freely gave himself for me.©

“Christ paid a price I could never pay to give me life I did not deserve”. I am loved and blessed.

Thank You to all who serve, I am praying for you!

Thank you all for stopping by, have a great weekend. Hugs

Lovingly, Karan

Oct 23 2015

Only a Designer Label Will Do! Lol

Author: Karan Gleddie • Discussion: 4 Comments

Only a Designer Label Will Do! Lol

When my daughters were younger, I loved to take them shopping for their clothes, and they appreciated my input. However when they became teenagers, each one soon developed their unique personal style. One of my daughters decided she didn’t want to wear Levi’s anymore; she wanted designer labeled jeans like all her friends. My husband, Lyle wasn’t sure what designers were famous, but he thought surely as long as it had a name on it, it would work.

While visiting a western-wear store, he found a sale on designer jeans: “Kenny Rogers” with the name and face embroidered on the back pocket. Wow, he thought he had hit the jackpot and bought two pairs. He couldn’t wait to get home and show off his find.

I had a hard time keeping a straight face when he gave those “Designer Jeans” to our daughter. They say, “A picture is worth a 1000 words.” I wish I had that picture. She certainly didn’t have the same enthusiasm that her father had for those jeans, and she said, “I’m not wearing ” Kenny Rogers” picture embroidered on my butt.” Who knew?

She never did wear those jeans, and two years later we packed them up and gave them away.

When I think back, I just laugh out loud thinking about those “Kenny Rogers” jeans. To be honest, I probably wouldn’t have worn them either.

My husband thought he was giving her the greatest gift, but she didn’t see those jeans as wonderful. How often I do the same with God. When he doesn’t give me what I want, or my struggles overwhelm me, I begin to doubt his love and promises.

Jeremiah 29: 11-14 states, ‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ says the Lord. ‘They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and hope. In those days when you pray, I will listen.

My plans are often complicated and stressful; I tend to over research and worry about every detail. It is such a relief to know that God has a plan for my life, and he cares about the details too. I am learning to trust in His plans and promises for my life, confidently embracing the hope and future he has planned for me.©

Lovingly, Karan

Do you find it hard to trust God in the in the hard times of your life? What time of the year do you find the most stressful for you?

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

Oct 10 2015

“Those WHY questions.”

Author: Karan Gleddie • Discussion: 2 Comments

Do You Remember 1950?

These statements made me laugh; ahh those were the days:

1. “I’ll tell you one thing, if things keep going the way they are, it’s going to be impossible to buy a weeks groceries for $20.00.”

2. “Have you seen the new cars coming out next year? It won’t be long when $5000 will only buy a used one.”

3. “If cigarettes keep going up in price, I’m going to quit. A quarter a pack is ridiculous.”

4. “Did you hear the post office is thinking about charging a dime just to mail a letter?”

5. “If they raise the minimum wage to $1, nobody will be able to hire outside help at the store.”

6. “When I first started driving, who would have thought gas would someday cost 29 cents a gallon. Guess we’d be better off leaving the car in the garage.”

7. “Kids today are impossible. Those ducktail hair cuts make it impossible to stay groomed. Next thing you know, boys will be wearing their hair as long as the girls,”

8. “I’m afraid to send my kids to the movies anymore. Ever since they let Clark Gable get by with saying damn in “Gone With The Wind,” it seems every new movie has either Hell or damn in it.”

9. “I read the other day where some scientist thinks it’s possible to put a man on the moon by the end of the century. They even have some fellows they call astronauts preparing for it down in Texas.”

10.”Did you see where some baseball player just signed a contract for $75,000 a year just to play ball? It wouldn’t surprise me if someday that they will be making more than the President.”

11. “I never thought I’d see the day all our kitchen appliances would be electric. They are even making electric typewriters now.”

12.”I’m just afraid the Volkswagen car is going to open the door to a whole lot of foreign business.”

13.”Thank goodness, I won’t live to see the day when the Government takes half our income in taxes. I sometimes wonder if we are electing the best people to Congress.”

14.”The drive-in restaurant is convenient in nice weather, but I seriously doubt they will ever catch on.”

15.”There is no sense going away any more for a weekend. It costs nearly $15.00 a night to stay in a hotel.”

16. “No one can afford to be sick any more; $35.00 a day in the hospital is too rich for my blood.”

“Those WHY questions.”

When I talk, hear, and see many of you, I am constantly aware that the world we live in is very demanding. With those extra demands in our homes, with our children, and the social and work obligations in our lives, we have a lot of stress. We need to find a way to de-stress and find strength and calm in the midst of the chaos.

I love that verse in the Bible that says, “For I can do everything with the help of Christ who gives me the strength I need.” (Philippians 4:13, NLB)

It gives me great comfort to know that God’s telephone line is never busy. He will never put me on hold, and He does not have an answering service or voice mail. He takes all my calls quickly and personally.

There had been times in my life when he has not answered me right away, and sometimes he has even said no. I also recognize there will be times in my life when I will never know all the answers. Those are the WHY questions, the one’s I don’t understand. And there seems to be a lot of them these last few years.

Can I love him and trust him enough to accept the answers He gives me?

God does not always answer yes,
to every prayer I pray.
Sometimes He answers “No my Child,”
I have a better way.

Thank you for sharing your time with me today, dear friend. If you find and inspiration, love or laughter here, please share with the ones who might enjoy a giggle too.

Have a Great week, HUGS

Lovingly, Karan

Sep 25 2015

I Don’t Remember what I Remember!

Author: Karan Gleddie • Discussion: 3 Comments

Super Granny–Defender of Justice

An elderly Florida woman who was doing her weekly shopping returned to her car and found four young men in the act of stealing her car.

She dropped her shopping bags, drew her handgun and started screaming at the top of her lungs, “I have a gun, and I know how to use it! Get out of the car! The four young men didn’t wait for a second invitation. They got out and ran like mad.

The elderly woman, considerably shaken, began to load her shopping bags into her car and slid into the driver’s seat. So shaken she couldn’t even get her keys into the ignition. She tried and tried and then it dawned on her why the keys didn’t fit.

A few minutes later she found her car parked a few spaces further down. She loaded her bags into her car and then drove to the police station.

The sergeant to whom she told the story could barely contain himself. Trying not to burst out in laughter, he pointed to the other end of the counter, where four pale young men were just reporting a carjacking. They described the elderly woman as mad, less than five feet tall, glasses, curly white hair, and carrying a large handgun. No charges were filed! (Published by “USA Today” newspaper)

I Don’t Remember what I Remember!

I laughed when I read about the Super Granny story, I don’t know about you, but I too have forgotten where I parked my car in a large parking lot.

I was visiting my sister in San Diego, California and need to go to the mall for some items. My sister was busy and suggested I take her car for the afternoon and enjoy a little retail therapy. I was thankful for the time to just browse the shops seeing the different stores and shops that we don’t get in Canada. I needed to be home by 4:30 to meet my sister, so I gave myself plenty of time and headed for the car at 3:00 pm. As I Headed to the parking lot, I could not remember where I parked my car. I walked up and down all the aisles of that lot twice and couldn’t find my car. I started to panic; I thought I might have to contact the police and report the car stolen.

After having a total meltdown, and no cell phone I began to walk down the aisles one more time. And suddenly there was my sister’s car, a white Buick. I was looking for my car a gray Chrysler, which was in Canada. I was two hours late; my family was about to send out a search party. Whew, what a day.

A funny thing happened on the journey to maturity. I am learning that “normal is just a setting on the dryer” and aging is not a scary process but an extraordinary adventure. I can look back at the love lessons God has given me learn, both the hard and enjoyable. I have seen how he has been faithful to his promises and walked with me every step of my journey. I have never been alone.

Although my Blonde hair is becoming whiter, and my body isn’t the same as it once was, I am never to old to serve God. I can still encourage, love and help others. God has blessed me with many memories and experiences to share. And besides, today is a fabulous day, I don’t feel so old! Lol©

What have you learned about getting more mature? Share your thoughts with me, I would love to hear from you.

Thank you, dear friends for spending your time with me, Have a fabulous weekend. Hugs to all.

Lovingly, Karan

Sep 18 2015

“These are a few of my favorite things”

Author: Karan Gleddie • Discussion: 6 Comments

“These are a few of my favorite things”

Maalox and nose drops and needles for knittin‘, Walkers and handrails and new dental fittin’s, Bundles of magazines tied up with string, These are a few of my favorite things.

Cadillac’s, cataracts, hearing aids, glasses, Polident, Fixodent, false teeth in glasses, Pacemakers, golf carts and porches with swings, These are a few of my favorite things. When the pipes leak, When the bones creak, When the knees go bad, Then I remember my favorite things. And then I don’t feel so sad.

Hot tea and crumpets, and corn pads for bunions, No spicy hot food nor food cook’d with onions, Bathrobes and heat pads and hot meals they bring, These are a few of my favorite things.

Back pains, confused brains, and no fear of sinnin’, Thin bones and fractures and hair that is thinnin’. And we won’t mention our short shrunken frames When we remember our favorite things.

When the joints ache, when the hips break, When the eyes grow dim, Then I remember the great life I’ve had, And then I don’t feel so sad. THEN I REMEMBER THE GREAT LIFE I’VE HAD AND THEN I DON’T FEEL SOOO BAD! Author unknown

Quilting Reflections from a Novice:

I have often admired the beautiful quilts that people make and all the intricate patterns and colors they use. When I sewed my first quilt it was many years ago, it was called a rag quilt. It was so easy I never made another one. Lol.

But as time passed, I decided to help my granddaughter make a T-shirt quilt. She is a T-shirt expert and loves each T-shirt she buys and wears. So for her, having her favorite T-shirts near was comforting. We cut, spliced, pieced and sewed blocks all the while trying to keep everything squared. It was difficult because I didn’t know what I was doing and was trying to learn how to quilt from the internet.

Working on this quilting project, I talked to some wonderful quilters in our area who were encouraging and helpful. And seeing some of their beautiful quilts and pictures I started to become a little wobbly in my abilities. I wondered if my quilt would look alright and be acceptable. In my heart I knew it would not win any prizes, all I could see was the flaws. I worried about everything on that quilt. Could I do the binding right, would my hand stitches be even, would anyone even notice?

Do you ever doubt your abilities when you look at others and admire their talents and perfection? Only to find yourself grumbling how your talent doesn’t measure up to their perfection. Instead of thanking God for the privilege that he gave you to serve him in your special way, and enjoying the process.

When my son-in-law came for a visit and helping me to square the quilt preparing it for the binding. He helped me to see a new quilt perspective. Pointing out all the flaws and mistakes I had made, he said,” it adds character, everyone will know it is an original homemade quilt made with love.”

Thank you, Lord, for those words of wisdom to remind me that love can transcend time and eternity because of you. My son-in-law was right, every stitch began with the love for a special granddaughter. And it was fun to see the process unfolded. I wonder if God loves to see the process of our lives unfold too. ©

Lovingly, Karan

How do you deal with doubting your abilities and comparisons to others? Let me know if you do that too.

Thank you, dear friends for sharing your time with me today, Wishing you a wonderful weekend with your friends and family. Hugs to all!

Karan K. Gleddie

Offering Love and Laughter to Women who need Hope

Articles

Remembrance Day ~ Thank You

Only a Designer Label Will Do! Lol

“Those WHY questions.”

I Don’t Remember what I Remember!

I Don’t Remember what I Remember!