Articles

Going Fishing ~ Just A Sing-in

Going Fishing

A little boy was going on a fishing expedition with his father, traveling from New Mexico to Colorado. 

Every fifty miles, the excited son asked his father if they were almost there.  The father answered that they had quite a distance to travel yet. So the son waited for a few more minutes and asked his father again.

“Sorry son, we have another hundred miles yet.”

After fifty more miles, the son asked, “Daddy, am I still going to be four years old when we get there?” Author unknown

 

 

 

 

Reflections: Just A Sing-in

Every time I hear a beautiful song I get teary-eyed, and I think about my own voice that is a little off-key.  I remember at one time Lyle, and I had been invited to sing for an evening event. I was so scared. 

My husband comes from a musical family and has a wonderful voice.  We practiced for weeks.  But when we stood on stage in front of all those people I froze, and couldn’t remember the words or even find my note. 

My dear husband tried to encourage after our song, but I knew it didn’t go well.  As we were leaving a woman rushed up to reassure me and said, “Well after you went up and down the scale a few times you finally found your note, I think it was OK.” So much for my singing career! LOL

Although I am not a singer, I do love to sing. I like to sing out loud, and I’m sure others wish I would stop. One Sunday at church many years ago as I was singing loud and proud, one of my daughters stood close to me and suggested that I might like to hum! But hey, the Bible says let us make a joyful noise, and I want to do my part.

They say, “Music washes from the soul the dust of everyday life.” I believe those words.

I’ve often said,” It’s a long way between my head and my heart.” When we don’t understand our circumstances and find ourselves in hard places, we often want to rely on our knowledge, experience, and know-how to make everything better. But in our hearts, we feel afraid, worried and confused.

There have been times in these last few years that my head knows all the Bible verses and promises from God’s word, as well as all the praise and worship songs. But my heart still says, why? Have you ever had those feelings??

I have found over the years when I listen to music it lifts my spirits. It is something that gives me energy and joy when I can turn up the volume and sing as loud as I want. I have found a car is a perfect place for my personal concert.

Psalm 13:6 (NLT)

I will sing to the Lord because he is good to me.

Being able to sing lifts my spirit and helps me to delight in the love and care of God.  Singing also reminds me there is no problem or circumstance that is too hard for Him.  When I am singing my heart and head are one and at peace with Him.

And like a small bird needing to fly and feel the wind lift me higher, I know God has placed a special song in my heart that I must sing to a hurting world… Jesus Loves You!  That is my song©

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

Has God given you a song to sing?

Have a great week, Hugs

Lovingly, Karan

 

 

 

A Bad Dream~Be Kind to Yourself

A Bad Dream?

Martha was taking an afternoon nap on New Year’s Eve before the festivities.

After she woke up, she confided to Max, her husband, ‘I just dreamed that you gave me a diamond ring for a New Year’s present.

What do you think it all means?’

‘Aha, you’ll know tonight,’ answered Max smiling broadly.

At midnight, as the New Year was chiming, Max approached Marhta and handed her small package. 

Delighted and excited she opened it quickly. There in her hand rested a book entitled: ‘The meaning of dreams’.

Author unknown

 

 

 

 

Reflections: Be Kind to Yourself

As another  New Year approaches it can be a stressful time. With all the changes in our lives over the last few years, it is hard to imagine what is ahead for 2018.

Over the years I have learned when life is tough I need to focus on the rich treasures of my life instead of the circumstances that would drown me. God’s love, my family, and friends who encourage and pray for me are a constant joy,

The lessons I have learned about myself over the years are revealing. Struggling to do better with God’s help, I see that I still fail to rest fully on him.  I sometimes feel like I don’t want to bother God with my little problems when he has the whole world to take care of. 

Many times I run ahead of him trying to help him out, and make a mess, waiting is hard for me.  But, you know what God doesn’t need help, He is my shelter and rock. When there is no place else to run. Do you have some of those same feelings?

This year I want to be faithful in these areas;

1.  I need to learn to be a better friend and family member by keeping closer contact and letting each person know how much I love and appreciate them.

 2.  I need to be more faithful in my accountability to writing, which I know God has called me to do.

3.  I need to answer emails quickly. I am a procrastinator, then I feel embarrassed because time has slipped away from me. (To those who have written please forgive me, it was not intentional, I am just embarrassed) I will do better.

4.  I need to have more faith and trust God as I march into the future. (He sees the BIG picture I don’t) I’m a memo girl, but unfortunately, God doesn’t send memos.

5.  I need to be kind to myself, it has always been easier for me to forgive others failures, but I tend to browbeat myself with my own.  If God has forgiven me and extended his grace to me, I need to give myself a little grace also.

“The best New Year gifts of all is the presence of our families and friends all wrapped up in love for one another.” I believe that is true, no matter what our circumstance or need.

This year as we come into the New Year, there will be joy and expectation knowing we have the presence of our loved ones and friends. And as we wrap our love around each one, we will lovingly remember those who could not be with us.

I wish each of you a Happy New Year and pray that the Christ of new beginnings will bless your homes as you welcome 2018.©

Galatians 1:3   May God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ give you grace and peace.

Lovingly, Karan Gleddie

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

Have a wonderful weekend be safe. Hugs to all

 

No One Diets on Thanksgiving

 

“To succeed in life, you need three things: a wishbone, a backbone, and a funny bone.”
~Reba McEntire ~

 

Stuff The Turkey

Baby Bruno was sitting in his grandmother’s kitchen, watching her prepare the Thanksgiving meal.

What are you doing?” Bruno asked.

“Oh, I’m just stuffing the turkey,” his grandmother replied.

“That’s cool!” Bruno said. “Are you going to hang it next to the deer?”

 

 

 

 

 

No One Diets On Thanksgiving

I love The Thanksgiving season, anticipating the cherished times with family and friends that no amount of money could buy. And besides no one diets on Thanksgiving! 

The smell of a turkey baking, pumpkin pies and the beautiful fall colored trees of November is my favorite time of year.  I love the family gatherings as we remembering each loved one who joins us and the cherished ones we have lost these past years. We can also reflect on God’s love and grace. 

Over the year, there have been many tears, frustration, and fears as I have tried to learn God’s love lessons in waiting. I think waiting is going to be a lifelong pursuit for me because I seem to be such a slow learner. I am so thankful that God doesn’t give up on me, as he lovingly helps me to understand his purposes in my life.

And I pray that you and all God’s holy people will have the power to understand the greatness of Christ’s love—how wide, how long, how high, and how deep that love is.  Christ’s love is greater than anyone can ever know, but I pray that you will be able to know that love.  Then you can be filled with everything God has for you.  

Ephesians 3:18-19 ERV

As God’s peace fills my soul I know that everything is all right. God’s plans are deeper, wider, and higher than anything, I could imagine, and in the loving arms of a faithful and trustworthy God, I know we will be safe.

As I reflected on this last year, I am reminded of all the love, encouragement and prayers of family and friends. What an extraordinary year. I read a little quote that said, “Dark fears flee in the light of God’s presence”. What a beautiful thought of comfort and peace as God brings us soon to another year.

Praying you have a wonderful Thanksgiving season with your family and friends. Thank you for stopping by and sharing your time with me today.©

Thank you, dear friends, for spending your time with me.
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving week, Travel safe
Sending love to you all. HUGS,
Lovingly, Karan 

***What is your favorite part of Thanksgiving?

****And yes in Canada we have snow, Burrrrrr. LOL

“It’s The The Journey that matters.”

  “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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Can I Give You A Smile?

Can I Give You A Smile?

Some days I find myself in a place of discouragement. Bewildered by the world we live in, with so many hurting people looking for hope, encouragement and a smile. My heart aches for all the families that have gone through the hurricanes the last few months and the massacre in Las Vegas last night. 

Sometimes the way forward seems complicated and challenging, and I’m not even sure I have even enough energy to finish the tasks God had given me.  

I have often heard,” Instruction does much, but encouragement is everything.” Many times a kind word of encouragement, a smile or a simple touch can lift a heart out of sadness, grief, exhaustion or despair.

An act of kindness encouraging others and lets them know you care about them, and they are not alone. It also gives us the opportunity to show God’s love as we touch the lives of others. Encouragement gives hope and inspires determination to keep moving forward when life gets tough, and we become weary of the struggles.

Many times I have asked God to encourage my heart with his love, compassion, and guidance. Asking Him to give me a new perspective and passion for the task He had given me.When I become tired, His promises and love lessons come just in time in sweet ways of encouragement from others. God is not finished with the dreams and goals He has placed in my heart, and he is not finished with me either.

Isaiah 40:31 NLV

But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.
 

LIFE can be tough, and the struggles of life and ministry can be harsh. With God’s encouragement, we can remember His promises and rely and lean on Him. The journey will be brighter for us and others as we stand together building one another up with encouragement.©

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Have you felt more stressed in the last few months, how have you coped with the daily events?

Attention: ***** If you would like to receive our entire letter please subscribe and have it delivered to your mailbox each week, and don’t miss out on the fun stories, blonde jokes, and encouragement with a dash of warmth. 

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

Have a great week, HUGS
Lovingly, Karan