Articles

Are You Just Like Your Mother!

I Wish…

bear4In 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

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IMG_2657Happy Mother’s Day, Have some Chocolate!

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Are You just like your mother”                                                                       

158d9943-10d8-45e5-b8de-4aa220c0785bPeople 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. 13

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.©

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 Thank you for sharing your time with me dear friend, what is a special memory of your mother?

Happy Mother’s Day! 

Lovingly, Karan

Been Farming long?

 Have You Been Farming Long?

fenceA 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

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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

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

16 You 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.

17 How precious are your thoughts about me, O God.
    They cannot be numbered!
18 I 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 23rd. 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

 

 

    

Caller ID ~ Do You Know Who’s Calling?

Caller ID

On a Saturday night several weeks ago, this pastor was working late, and decided to call his wife before he left for home. It was about 10:00 PM, but his wife didn’t
answer the phone. The pastor let it ring many times. He thought it was odd that she didn’t answer, but decided to wrap up a pink phonefew things and try again in a few minutes.

When he tried again she answered right away. He
asked her why she hadn’t answered before, and she said that it hadn’t rung at their house. They brushed it off as a fluke and went on their merry ways.

The following Monday, the pastor received a call at the church office, which was the phone that he’d used that Saturday night. The man that he spoke with wanted to know why he’d called on Saturday night.

The pastor couldn’t figure out what the man was talking about. Then the man said“It rang and rang, but I didn’t answer.” The pastor remembered the mishap and apologized for disturbing him, explaining that he’d intended to call his wife.

The man said, “That’s OK. Let me tell you my story. You see, I was planning to commit suicide on Saturday night, but before I did, I prayed, ‘God if you’re there, and you don’t want me to do this, give me a sign now.’

At that point my phone started to ring. I looked at the caller ID, and it said, ‘Almighty God’. I was afraid to answer!” The reason why it showed on the man’s caller ID that the call came from “Almighty God” is because the church that the pastor attends is called Almighty God Tabernacle!  Author unknown

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Dear Friends

I wanted to share with you dear friends what has been happening in my life for the last few months.  In February I was diagnosed with Cancer after a mass was found in my kidney. I have seen doctors, one specialist and had many tests as usually happens in these circumstances.   I would ask you to remember me at this time of waiting and decisions for the right result. I am now in waiting mode, to be honest I do not do waiting well.

They decided I need to have a partial kidney surgery, but I am waiting now to see another specialist in Calgary, Alberta.  He specializes in a surgery which is less invasive, with great results. It is a called a Robotic daVinci Partial Nephrectomy for Kidney Cancer.  I am praying that he will consider me as a good candidate for this surgery. Medicare in Canada is a little different, so again I have found myself waiting.

Isn’t it amazing how God works in our lives! This morning while I was having a quiet time and reflecting on these last few month, I found great comfort in:

Philippians 4: 6 & 7 (The Message)

Don’t fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns.

Before you know it, a sense of God’s wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It’s wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life.

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Thank you for stopping by and sharing your time with me. I will keep you posted on my process, and if you need me to pray for you too, I would count it a privilege, just drop me a note. Hugs

Have a great week!  Joyfully Sharing,

Lovingly, Karan

 

Why Parents Drink?

Why parents drink

shavingThe boss wondered why one of his most dependable and valued employees had not phoned in sick one day. Having an urgent problem with one of the main computers, he dialed the employee’s home phone number and was greeted with a child’s whisper.  ” Hello ? “

“Is your daddy home?” he asked. ” Yes ,” whispered the small voice. May I talk with him?”   The child whispered, ” No .”

Surprised and still wanting to talk with an adult, the boss asked, “Is your Mommy there?” ” Yes .””May I talk with her?” Again the small voice whispered, ” No .”

Hoping there was somebody with whom he could leave a message, the boss asked, “Is anybody else there?” ” Yes ,” whispered the child, ” a policeman “.

Wondering what a cop would be doing at his employee’s home, the boss asked, “May I speak with the policeman?”

” No, he’s busy “, whispered the child.   “Busy doing what?” ” Talking to Daddy and Mommy and the Fireman ,” came the whispered answer.

Growing more worried as he heard a loud noise in the background through the earpiece on the phone, the boss asked, “What is that noise?”    A helicopter ” answered the whispering voice.

“What is going on there?” demanded the boss, now truly apprehensive.  Again, whispering, the child answered, ” The search team just landed a helicopter .”

Alarmed, concerned and a little frustrated the boss asked, “What are they searching for?  Still whispering, the young voice replied with a muffled giggle..”ME.”

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As the snow ebbs on the plains here in Alberta, and spring is starting to show its colors. I see the trees starting to bud, grass with a tinge of green, and I know the earth is coming alive once again.

The wonder of the seasons, has always thrilled and amazed me. As I eagerly anticipate the flocks of swans, Canadian geese and other familiar birds flying home rosefrom their distant winter homes in the south. I love this time of year.  It give me hope, thankfulness and courage the world is right and God’s big picture sees a much wider view then my own small vision.

Sometimes when there has been discouragement, illness or difficult times the struggles our lives need a new perspective.  And spring does that for me.

When I have time to sit quietly and listen, I can hear God whisper his plans for me. But I feel I need to remind God, I’ve made my own plans for the day. Some days I have so many plans and goals I don’t want to have my day interrupted.  Have you ever felt like that?

Do I choose my plans which are important to my life and service? Or choose God’s plan for me, stepping out in faith to trust Him. Serving Him is to enjoy the great adventures He has planned for me, and knowing I have obeyed Him gives me great happiness.

Father, I choose your strength, love and promise,

I will not fear as long as you walk with me lighting my way.

I choose to trust you.

Lovingly, Karan 

Have a great week, hugs to each of you!

33 Outfits Out of a small overnight bag.

 

One Month Travel Pack

 

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I thought you would enjoy have this “One Month Travel Pack” I call it 33 outfits out of a small overnight bag.  As we go into the spring and summer, and have to deal with high baggage charges this is a great way to have lots of options and save some money too. Wouldn’t it be great to pass up the baggage claim crowd at the carousel?

I have taught this trick for years, it can be adapted for a man’s “Travel Pack” also.  I decided to share it with you dear friends, Hope you find it helpful. If you have any questions let me know. Hugs

Lovingly, Karan 

 

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