Articles

Jun 18 2015

Are Our Eyes The Windows or Frames?

Author: Karan Gleddie • Discussion: 2 Comments

Windows or Frames?

Karan Gleddie had come for a visit; all the way from Calgary Alberta to Port St. Joe, Florida, where I live.

It was March and Karan was looking forward to lots of sand, sun and surf. Unfortunately, Florida was experiencing some of the coldest spring weather in history. Needless to say, she was disappointed, graciously disappointed, but nonetheless, disappointed.

I did my best to make her visit fun. The truth is we always have fun no matter what we are doing.

After plenty of retail therapy at all the malls within a fifty-mile radius, we headed to the local video store to rent a movie or two.

Right from the beginning I knew this last stop was going to go badly. As we walked into the store, Karan caught her purse in the closing door, then stumbled off one of her three inch heels. There was a loud, yikes-kind-of-squeal and everybody looked our way to see what the commotion was about. Karan adjusted her hair and pressed on as if this sort of thing happened to her all the time. (it does).

We selected our movies, without incident, and headed to the checkout counter. A very pretty teenage girl was clerking and I, never being one to miss an opportunity to strike up a conversation, said, “Gee you have beautiful skin and your eyebrows are perfect.

The girl smiled shyly and said (as they do here in the south), “Why thank you, ma’am. How sweet of you to mention my brows. I just had them done.”

Where upon Karan says, matter-of-factly, “Well, you know, the eyebrows are the windows to the soul.”

There was a pregnant pause, while the girl and I, and another clerk on a ladder, considered Karan’s remark. It had a familiar ring, but was definitely off-key.

Then the guy on the ladder says, “I think that would be ‘the eyes are the windows to the soul’.

Knowing her as I do, I could see Karan formulating a recovery. Then the laughter started (me less than the others since I am, after all her best friend.) But the guy on the ladder actually looks weak and the clerk behind the counter is so amused she is gasping for air. Meanwhile, Karan patiently waits for the laughter to die down. She is neither embarrassed, nor does she seem the slightest bit unhinged.

She smiles that sweet girly-smile, for which she is famous, and as she scoops up the rented videos her last words were, “The eyes are the windows, but the eyebrows are the frame. (Nice save, Karan. Nice save.) © DHD~ 2003

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Girlfriends: God brought us together at a time when we each desperately needed a friend, and for thirty years we have weathered traumatic personal storms, wept through life’s terrible disappointments, rejoiced in one another’s achievements, and have screamed in utter hysteria over our foolish antics.

God brought us together and He made us best friends, because He knew we were the best match to hold each other up in the hard times, and knock each other down a peg in the self-important times, but most of all we love each other unconditionally—just like He loves us—unconditionally, no matter what!

Though we both come from “Jerry Springer Show” backgrounds, here is what we know for certain: We can’t change the shape of our bodies, nor slow down aging. We cannot change our pasts, or the nature of our parents. And though our childhoods may not have been perfect, they are over.

We have prayed and preached and punished each other through two decades of a friendship which was surely made in heaven.

John 15: 12-13 “I command you to love each other in the same way I love you. And here is how to measure it—The greatest love is shown when people lay down their lives for their friends.”

“A real friend is one who walks in

when the rest of the world walks out.”Kara

–-Anonymous

** Karan’s Update: Tuesday June 23, I will be have my long awaited surgery in Calgary, I am so thankful that God has opened all the right doors and taken care of the details. Thank you each one for your kind thoughts, prayers and card, I am blessed by you all, Much love and Hugs,

Lovingly, Karan

Jun 11 2015

Is It Time?

Author: Karan Gleddie • Discussion: No Comments

Is my time up?

A mid emergency dle-aged woman was having a heart attack and taken to the hospital. While on the operating table she had a near death experience. Seeing God she asked, “is my time up?” God said, “No, you have another 43 years, 2 months and 8 days to live.”

After her recovery, she decided to stay in the hospital and have a face-lift, liposuction, and a tummy tuck. She even had her hairdresser come in and change her hair color. Since she had so much more time to live, she figured she might as well make the most of it.

After her last procedure, she was released from the hospital. While crossing the street in front of the hospital, she was ran over by an ambulance and killed.

Arriving in heaven front of God, she demanded, “I thought you said I had another 40 years? Why didn’t you rescue me from the path of the ambulance?” (You’re going to love this!!!) God replied, “I didn’t recognize you.” Author unknown

I still call my sandals thongs which really confuses my granddaughters, Lol

Occasionally I even toyed with the idea of a major overhaul, from top to bottom. You know the kind, where they pull everything up, starting at the knees. (Somehow the image of my navel in the middle of my forehead, has kept me taking the final step)

I think God has a sense of humor too; after all, He made us. Have you ever stood naked in front of a mirror and quoted Psalm 139: 14a I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made” Personally, I have not been able to get past the fearful!

Our confidence comes from knowing that God made us in his image, he knew what we would look like before we were ever born and loved us anyway.

The Bible says: Psalm 139: 13-16a (NLT)

You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother’s womb. Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex!

Your workmanship is marvelous—how well I know it. You watched me as I was being formed in utter seclusion,as I was woven together in the dark of the womb. You saw me before I was born.

What wonderful security of knowing that I God knew all about me before I was even born, and loved me from the very start. I love that about God!

*** Thank you dear friends for sharing your time with me, I count it a privilege to connect with each one of you. Thank you for your prayers and notes. Much Love and Hugs.

Lovingly, Karan

May 15 2015

Does It Really Matter?

Author: Karan Gleddie • Discussion: No Comments

Mother’s Dictionary of Meanings

Dumbwaiter: One who asks if the kids would care to order dessert.
Feedback: The inevitable result when the baby doesn’t appreciate the strained carrots.
Full Name: What you call your child when you’re mad at him.
Grandparents: The people who think your children are wonderful even though they’re sure you’re not raising them right.
Hearsay: What toddlers do when anyone mutters a dirty word.
Independent: How we want our children to be for as long as they do everything we say.
Puddle: A small body of water that draws other small bodies wearing dry shoes into it.
Show Off: A child who is more talented than yours.
Sterilize: What you do to your first baby’s pacifier by boiling it, and to your last baby’s pacifier by blowing on it and wiping it with saliva.
Top Bunk: Where you should never put a child wearing Superman jammies.
Two-Minute Warning: When the baby’s face turns red and she begins to make those familiar-grunting noises.
Whodunit: None of the kids that live in your house.

What really Matter?

A few years ago, at the Seattle Special Olympics, nine contestants, all physically or mentally disabled, assembled at the starting line for the 100-yard dash. At the sound of the gun, they all started out not exactly in a dash, but with a relish to run the race to the finish and win. All, that is, except one little boy who stumbled on the asphalt, tumbled over a couple of times, and began to cry.

The other eight heard the boy cry. They slowed down and looked back. Then they all turned around and went back — every one of them. One young woman with Down’s syndrome bent down, kissed him and said, “This will make it better.” Then all nine linked arms and walked together across the finish line.

Everyone in the stadium stood, and the cheering went on for several minutes. People who were there are still telling the story today.

Why? Because deep down we know one thing: life is more than winning for ourselves. What matters in this life is helping others win, even if it means slowing down and changing our course. Author unknown

I love this story, but I have never been able to find out who the original writer was. Someone sent it to me in 1999 and I have seen it reprinted many times, but still no author’s name was found. I wish I could give a personal credit because this story touches my heart every time I read it.

It reminds me of the different times and seasons in life when friends and family have cried, prayed and loved me through many circumstances. Where would I be without those faithful ones who walked beside me, no matter how long or far the journey took. The compassion of these sweet souls makes traveling together a joy.

I want to be a person like that, who can see people thought God’ eyes, and not my own flawed vision. To be faithful to walk, pray, and wrap my arms around them when they need a caring friend. God is my dearest friend, a constant companion who is always with me. He sees my “Footprints in the Sand.”

Thank you for sharing your time with me today, I pray that you have found some Love, Laughter and Hope for your day. I would love to heard from you and have your opinion.

Lovingly, Karan

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

Karan K. Gleddie

Offering Love and Laughter to Women who need Hope

Articles

Are Our Eyes The Windows or Frames?

Is It Time?

Does It Really Matter?

Are You Just Like Your Mother!

Do You Have Your Bloom On?