Articles

Apr 24 2015

Been Farming long?

Author: Karan Gleddie • Discussion: No Comments

Have You Been Farming Long?

A couple is looking to get into farming after moving from the big city and into an old country farmhouse. They had not been farming long when they visited a local feed store there they saw cute baby chicks for sale. Even though they had ZERO KNOWLEDGE about chickens, they immediately, decided to purchase a few to start their very own flock. After getting all the supplies they head home to start their new venture.

After a week they return to the store with disappointing looks on their faces. The store clerk asks if something is wrong to which they sadly notify the clerk that all of the chicks had died.

The clerk, astonished that ALL the birds had died so soon, decides to ask a few questions.

He asks if they fed the birds. Indeed they had fed them every morning

He asks if they watered the birds. Yes they replied.

The clerk took a minute to think about it then stated that he didn’t know what the problem could have been.

Then the wife looked into the eyes of her husband and said “I wonder if we planted them too deep.”

To which the husband replied ” No, that’s ridiculous! If anything, we planted them too far apart. Author unknown

Reflecting:

When I think about a couple who left the city for the rural life, I just laugh out loud. It makes me think of all the crazy and hilarious things I said and did on the ranch when I came to Alberta. Growing up in California, all my knowledge of a working ranch and cowboys was learned from the “Dallas” TV show and the beautiful cowgirl “Dolly Parton.” Wow, was my world small!

I came to Alberta in go-go boots and a beehive hair-do and stuck out like a wild turkey at a chicken convention. I knew nothing about farming and ranching, while the women of this rural community could put Laura Ingalls Wilder to shame. They drove tractors and combines at harvest time, rode horses, irrigated crops and cooked meals for their working crews. They kept well-manicured yards, exquisite flower beds and vegetable gardens and still had time to can everything.

Now my idea of canning is to go to the super market, buy cans of food, take them home, open them and presto, I have a canned dinner!

Even out on the ranch my knowledge and skills were a little askew and I didn’t recognize the dangers of dealing with large animals. When the gates for the cattle needed to be open, I had them closed. When the gates needed to be shut to keep then in, I had them open. When the cattle came running, I was no help at all, I RAN TOO!

I can look back on this crazy, wild, fun and extraordinary journey and realize what a wonderfully blessed life it has been. Isn’t it funny! Even in the hard and difficult times there have been love lessons learned. Like the country song:

“I wouldn’t have missed it for the world”.

Ronnie Milsap – I Wouldn’t Have Missed It For The World Lyrics | Metro Lyrics

To think that God brought a California beach bunny to the prairies of Alberta, Canada to teach me lessons I could never have learned anywhere else. I am humbled by the care of an amazing and loving God who continuously watches over me.

Psalm 139

¹O Lord, you have examined my heart
    and know everything about me.
²You know when I sit down or stand up.
    You know my thoughts even when I’m far away.
³You see me when I travel
    and when I rest at home.
    You know everything I do.
⁴You know what I am going to say
    even before I say it, Lord.
⁵You go before me and follow me.
    You place your hand of blessing on my head.
⁶Such knowledge is too wonderful for me,
    too great for me to understand!

¹⁶You saw me before I was born.
Every day of my life was recorded in your book.
Every moment was laid out
before a single day had passed.

¹⁷How precious are your thoughts about me, O God.
    They cannot be numbered!
¹⁸I can’t even count them;
    they outnumber the grains of sand!
And when I wake up,
    you are still with me!

Thank you for stopping by and sharing you time with me. Have a great weekend dear friends.

Lovingly, Karan

*** ~Karan’s Update: Thank you for all your love and prayers, I was able to see the wonderful surgeon in Calgary, and I am now booked for surgery June 23^rd. Please continue to praying for God’s perfect will in this, and my patience. If I can pray for you please send me an email, it is being able to remember each other that we can touch the the heart of God through prayer. Much love and Hugs. ~ Karan

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 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!

Jan 28 2015

I Assume You Know!

Author: Karan Gleddie • Discussion: 6 Comments

Can I Assume?

Last week I heard about a traveler who, between flights at an airport, bought a small package of cookies. She then sat down in the busy snack shop to glance over the newspaper. As she read the paper, she became aware of a rustling noise. Peeking above the newsprint, she was shocked to see a well-dressed gentleman sitting across from her, helping himself to her cookies. Half angry and half-embarrassed, she reached over and gently slid the package closer to her as she took one out and began to munch on it.

A minute or so passed before she heard more rustling. The man had gotten another cookie! By now there was only one left in the package. Though flabbergasted, she didn’t want to make a scene so she said nothing. Finally, as if to add insult to injury, the man broke the remaining cookie into two pieces, pushed one piece across the table toward her with a frown, gulped down his half, and left without even saying thank you.

She sat there dumbfounded. Sometime later when her flight was announced, the woman opened her handbag to get her ticket. To her shock, there in her purse was her package of unopened cookies. And somewhere in that same airport was another traveler still trying to figure out how that strange woman could have been so forward and insensitive. Author unknown

Assumptions are shaky foundations to rely on; and circumstances are not always as they appear to others. Difficulties, situations and the events in our lives are not usually what we readily would share on Facebook, Twitter or Pinterest. Isn’t it funny how we can get a wrong impression about people or circumstances and assume we know all the facts? I confess I have been guilty of this myself, and embarrassed to find out how wrong I had been.

How many times have I put on a mask to hide from others what is happening in my life? You know that little survival kit, full of special occasion masks we use to get us through a particular crisis.

When I walk out of the house, hear the screen door slam behind me, I can even pretend to be someone else for a time. I could be happy, funny, shy, or confident; or try to become whatever I thought other people wanted me to be. Never allowing others to see the fear and insecurity in my own life.

I could also try to place all my emphasis on outward appearance, material wealth and personal importance too. Or would it still be a mask of a different kind? I had a perfect mask and wanted people to think I had a perfect life too. I would just wear a smile!

I was afraid if they saw the real me, they wouldn’t like or accept me. I am so thankful there is a God who Loves me and likes me just the way he made me. He sees “The good the bad and the ugly” and loves me anyway. Thank goodness.

What a precious and wonderful gift that He has given me. The gift of grace. I don’t have to pretend that life is perfect, and afraid of what others think of me, I am fee to be Me! I know God is enough for any situation that comes my way.

Thank You dear friends for sharing you time with me. I count it a privilege.

Lovingly Karan

Discussion Question: Why do you think we make assumptions about people, I would love to hear what you think. Hugs!

Jan 15 2015

Girlfriend Time!

Author: Karan Gleddie • Discussion: 4 Comments

Where would we be without those dear sisters we call Girlfriends. The ones we laugh with, cry with, and shop with. Our mother’s, sisters and friends who encourage, teach, and help us to become better women.

Mrs. Mitchell, my third grade teacher who spent extra time with me, teaching me to read. When I repeated third grade, she never made me feel inferior. To this day, I still cherish her memory and kindness.

I think of my mother who raised me even when the stigma of being an unwed mother many years ago. (I will not tell you how many) I know that choice caused her many hardships in her adult life.

For eight months, I had struggled with depression, which a new medication caused. Depression was one of its side effects. During this time, my family and friends constantly loved, prayed, laughed and encouraged me, always reminding me that God knew exactly where I was. Sometimes when we get into a dark place, it is hard to find our way out.

When I hit a wall, I became overwhelmed, and started looking at all the circumstances and stress in my life, I forgot about all the good things. I took my eyes off of the Lord, instead of remembering all that He has done for me. My cup became half-empty, instead of full.

As I had time to meditate and look back, I realized how God has lead me with His love and faithfulness over the years. He is faithful, constant, and everlasting.

In Hebrews 11: 1-3 I am reminded:

Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see. By faith, we understand that the entire universe was formed at God’s command, that what we now see did not come from anything that can be seen.

I have found Him to be all I need.
I want to thank all the Girlfriends in my life who daily encourage me to be the best I can be for the Lord. Your loved.
Lovingly, Karan

Thank you for sharing your time with me, I would love to hear from you.

What have your girlfriends meant to you ?

Karan K. Gleddie

Offering Love and Laughter to Women who need Hope