Articles

Feb 19 2015

Fifty Shades of Brokenness?

Author: Karan Gleddie • Discussion: 8 Comments

Fifty Shades of Brokenness?

Valentine’s Day is a day set aside for remembering the ones we love, honor and respect. A day of flowers, chocolates, cards and sharing the special joys of serving and putting others in your life first.

This year however, it will be remembered as the opening day of “Fifty Shades of Grey”; a movie and book that glorifies sexual perversion, abuse, pornography and lust. And it’s alright when your consenting adults, no matter what the age.

I’m sure the Valentine’s Day opening date must have been a joke, because nothing about it has anything to do with love, kindness and respect. I am saddened to hear of the huge openings as people rush to see the movie lured by tantalizing advertisements, curiosity or secret interests.

Although I have not seen the movie and have chosen not to read the book, I have read a lot about it from people who have. My dear friend Heather Mertens has written extensively about the perils of the book and movie. At first I was concerned for her and worried that is was the wrong subject choice. But she has kept it up to some peoples’ dismay and I applaud her boldness and faithfulness to sound the alarm.

For years I have traveled and talked with women whose lives have been broken and devastated by some form of perversion, pornography or abuse in their homes. Behind closed doors they silently keep the secret that is slowly destroying their families, home and children’s life. These people live the real heartbreak, lives that this book and film praises and challenges us to accept as normal.

I hear the stories of the brokenness and devastation that continues to affect their lives. There are no Valentine kisses or the joy of knowing you are loved because you are special. There is only the cruel imagination of someone who uses you as an object, instead of valuing and loving you as a precious gift.

Have we become complacent and numb to the world we live in that immorality and evil is now acceptable? Is it easier not to say anything and pretend it’s not happening? Are we to fill our hearts and minds with thoughts and images that deaden our senses and moral integrity?

In Proverbs 4:23 (NIV) it says:

Above all else, guard your heart,
for everything you do flows from it.

I know this is a heavy subject and I wanted to share my heart with you. I finally decided to stand up and say ENOUGH! I’m not going to keep SILENT!

Thank you for sharing your time with me, I love you!

Lovingly, Karan

***Discussion: I do value your opinion, please let me what you think. Please pass along.

I love hearing from you. Hugs

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 ?

Jan 07 2015

Where’s The Party?

Author: Karan Gleddie • Discussion: 4 Comments

This week I will have another birthday, nothing helps you to reevaluate your previous year then a milestone on the calendar. I knew my birthday was approaching because for the last six months I have been receiving unsolicited email about: buying a burial plot, death insurance, plastic surgery plans and wrinkle removers. Wow, I didn’t think I was that old and thanks for the reminder! Lol.

Last week I thought I would give myself a new look. Although my hair is blonde the top and side are getting white now. I thought I would get a color at the drug store and make it all one color. Wrong! I didn’t leave the color on as long as they suggested, however when all was said and done I had dark blue hair. So for the last few weeks, I thought I would just go with the flow and try to act like it was a perfectly normal color me. You know just rock the look! However my beautiful granddaughter brought me back down to earth, when she suggested I add hot pink of red hairpieces. I think not!

I am 50 + and loving it and my mind has not left me yet, thank goodness. I read a quote the other day that said,” I would rather be a vivacious, confident, and a young at heart 70 year old, then an old 40 year old.

I thought it was a funny quote until I started remembering when I was 40. Do you remember your 40’s? I was the ranch gopher, cook, mother of 3 teenager daughters, rancher’s wife, hostess, tour guide, chauffeur, and entertainment committee all in one. I never seemed to have enough sleep. My theme song during those days was the Garth Brooks, song, “I’m too young to feel this dam old.” Do you feel like that?

I am sure God must have a sense of humor, looking down on me. With all the wild, crazy misadventure of life, I’ve made it so far. He gave me the privilege of raising our three wonderful daughters. Then He gave me the courage to let them fly the nest, and become the special women that God planned for them to be. It is hard to believe there were times when I wished everyone would hurry and grow up. Have you ever felt like that?

I have news for you; the best is yet to come!

“Grandchildren”

I recently read a bumper sticker that said,

“Grandchildren are so much fun, I wish I had them first”

Have a great week!

Lovingly, Karan

Thank you for dropping by and sharing your time with me. Do you ever feel to tired and weary you forget to enjoy life? I would love to hear from you.

Hugs

Karan K. Gleddie

Offering Love and Laughter to Women who need Hope