Ulcers

 My apologize, I've been unable to do much on the computer this past couple weeks. I've been trying to post more often, but my health has been a challenge. 

I thought it was heartburn and I was treating it like heartburn. Only to realize that heartburn for almost a month straight, isn't usually heartburn. 

Progressively getting worse daily, I finally inquired with the medical professionals. I am now scheduled with an appointment for some tests. The suspected culprit - ulcers. Possibly infection. 

Step One, change the diet! I used to easily drink coffee all day. I had reduced my intake to a couple small pots in the morning (about 5 cups). To now I'm lucky to get 2 cups in the morning. I've made iced coffee so I can have 1 glass later in the day. Reducing the caffeine has proven helpful, however, it's reduced my ambitions. 

The lag in energy has also been compounded by the pain and attributed symptoms of the 'ulcer' suspicions. The fever was the major pivoting point to determine; it wasn't just heartburn.

Step Two has been the changes in types of food eaten and the amount of eating in a day. It was getting to where every time I would eat, I would double up in pain and bloat to the point of feeling like my guts would explode! The fever was alarming, again the pivoting point to look into other possibilities.

Step Three has been to 'stop' taking my medications for a few days. The possibility that after being on so many prescriptions for so long, may have contributed to the irritation in the gut system. I still take the most important of the pills and have only cut out the multitude of 'extras'. Making pain more noticeable and thus making it harder to move around and function. 

Step Four will be the actual doctor's appointment to go through the tests. Apparently, I'm due for some cancer screening as well, so we'll hope it's 'just' ulcers and not anything more serious. Even though ulcers themselves can become serious. 

There's been a fair amount of stress lately, which I contribute to the overall cause of things. The divorce will be final late July, and I will be completely reliant on my own resources. Past experience has taught me that they change after the finalization of the divorce and all the 'I'll still help you' promises become extinct. 

So, help, is not to be expected. I'm available for Notarizing anywhere in Washington. I love to drive so traveling around the state is an open opportunity. Being self-employed my schedule is pretty flexible and I'm able to work with your needs, not just within the 9 to 5 zone. Weekends and evenings are available. 

I've added more jobs to my monthly schedule; I no longer work with the compliance inspections company. So, I've signed up for more merchandising and mystery shopping to replace the income there.

I have also found some new resources to earn extra pennies. I love Avon and have been selling it off and on for over 40 years. I recently found the Creative Memories for scrapbooking supplies and love the products. Wax warmers have kept my house not smelling like wet dogs or cat boxes for years, so Scentsy was worth hooking up with. Look to the links on the right for Avon, Creative Memories, and Scentsy shops. All purchases contribute to the ability for me to pay the bills.

I do have discounts and coupons available, if you order through my email directly. 

I'm hoping this health issue will soon be brought under control, so I can go back to being more active. Summer is finally here and the dogs and I are looking forward to some adventures and new explorations. I would like to get more riding in with my horse this year as well. She's getting older and I'm not sure how many more years of riding we'll have together. Recently diagnosed with Cushing's, I understand she could start experiencing some issues of her own. Her medication is about $100 a month which is another reason I had to find more sources of income to compensate. 

On the upside of life, I became a great grama again earlier this month. That makes 4 great grand babies now. They grow up so fast! Not so long ago my grandbabies were little, it's so amazing to see them grow up into such amazing adults. I never imagined my family getting so big! 4 kids, 9 grandkids and now 4 great grandkids... Such a blessing to have lived to meet them all and enjoy being a part of their lives. 

I hope to be able to post more often going forward. I've been deeply involved in some wonderful Bible studies; I've added some recommendations in a list that will grow as we go along. The links to purchase are available on the right over there. If you have done any of them, I would love to hear your feedback. 

You can click here to comment. 

I hope everyone is having a wonderful summer and we'll chat again soon. 

Blessed by God

Life's beautiful @ the Bright Side of the Barn

Thanks for Stopping by

Until next time, Stay Safe and Happy Trails.

Summer has Arrived!!

The temperature has been fluctuating. Some days hitting near 90, other days in the mid 60 's. It's officially summer, so hopefully the days will stay warmer, and not have such drastic changes.

I think that's why we get those spring/summer colds. We get so hot one day and then chilled the next. I wouldn't mind a little rain at least once a week. I love the smell of a good summer rain. The grass could use it for sure. 

I'm looking forward to a couple trips to the ocean. There are some lighthouses I hope to go see. I was surprised when my son sent me a picture of a lighthouse they found on their vacation. In the middle of the state, no less. I believe it was along the Columbia River. 

It was nice to be thought of, they know how much I enjoy lighthouses. I'll have to share some of the photos of my previous visits to the few I have explored on our coastline. 

I'm not really into camping but a vacation with a hotel, would do me fine. We'll see what happens. I need to get an oil change on the Jeep already. I drive a lot! Take it to the car wash and then I should be ready for a road trip! 

I finally sold the car, I pick up the check from the dealership tomorrow. A bit of a relief, I really dislike the process of selling vehicles, and all the different types of inquiry's. It's done, prayers answered again. Thank you Lord. 

What are your summer plans? Doing anything special or exciting? 

Comment here

Blessed by God

Life's relaxing @ the Bright Side of the Barn

Thanks for Stopping by

Until next time, Stay Safe & Happy Trails.

Better than Revenge

Romans 12:19 

Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.

 I've never been one to seek revenge on my 'enemies'. I've become content knowing that God has His own way of dealing with people that have hurt or caused pain to His people. 

There are so many scriptures that document what God has done to the enemies of His chosen people. Scriptures that speak of how God will protect those that are diligently following His will. God knows all and sees all. 

 I have found that things happen to my foes, that I had nothing to do with. I actually feel sorry for some of them with what happens in their lives. Whether it was to avenge me or someone else, doesn't matter. Sometimes, it feels like they got what they deserved.

 The scriptures warn of those that will throw fiery darts and do all they can to destroy others. Being raised to 'turn the other cheek' was never easy. It was adapted to the attitude of focus forward. Let them gossip and try to tear you down. You don't have to wish them ill will, you don't even have to think about them. 

 When you stay focused on moving forward in your relationship with God, your enemies will fall to the wayside behind you. Sometimes right away, other times, it's a few years later. God gives them a chance to redeem themselves; as He wants everyone to make it to Heaven. 

 God's forgiveness is available to everyone, even the enemy. Give them to God and worry about your own salvation. Yes, people can be painful. Rest assured, they will feel the wrath of God which is far greater than any revenge you could think of for yourself. They can also change and find God in their own lives. Which is what we should wish for everyone. 

 One such example in my life.

~ is this certain little twit. She has caused myself and my children much grief. She is vulgar, disrespectful and outright vicious towards our family for many years. After we had done a lot to help her out in her teen years. She's very spoiled and gets very mean when she isn't getting her way or what she wants. 

 Her son has no respect for her and 'faked' going to work for a few weeks before he was caught. She would drive him to and back, fix his meals, wash his clothes... and he disregarded her completely and blew off a really good job. 

More recently her husband had a severe stroke and became a great burden to her. Shortly after her step dad passed away and her mother's Alzheimer's has become a heavy burden as well.  

That's a lot of grief for one person to handle in just a year. 

 We've never done anything to her and didn't wish anything on her. We just cut her out of our lives and focused forward. Paying no attention to her ongoing hatred. She has brought all her misery onto herself because of how she has treated other people over the years. Not just our family but many other folks as well. 

They say payback is a bitch, I would have to agree. 

Karma never forgets. 

I believe karma comes from God. 

Blessed by God

Life's peaceful @ the Bright side of the Barn

Thanks for Stopping by

Until next time, Stay safe and Happy Trails.

We will call it a Debate, rather than an Argument.

I have a cousin, I believe she was Lutheran? not completely sure. While visiting one time, the subject of 'being perfect' came up. 

Her thoughts were that it was impossible to be perfect in this life as a human being. 

My thoughts were the scripture refers to 'being perfect' 91 times in the Bible, God expects us to become 'perfect'. 

The question can be asked ~ What is perfect?

Much like the question of ~ What is normal? We tend to think it's a matter of interpretation, rather than a standard. 

The Bible makes it clear, what God expects as 'perfect'. Jesus makes reference several times and gives parables and examples as to what He means. 

So, let's look at the Scriptures. . . . . 

Matthew 5:48 {as quoted in the picture}

Romans 12:2 - And be not conformed to this world but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God.

Colossians 1:28 - Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Jesus Christ.

Ephesians 4:13 - Til we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ. 

Colossians 4:12 - Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ, salute you, always laboring fervently for you in prayers, that you may stand perfect and complete i all the will of God. 

Hebrew 13:21 - Make you perfect in every good work to do His will, working in you that which is well pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ; in whom be glory forever and ever, Amen.

I could go on but I think there is enough here to be able to understand 'what perfection is'. To  be a perfect person, is to do the will of God and walk in the ways God expects us to walk, do the things God expects us to do...

I believe we can obtain 'perfection'  in this human form. 

Do you?

Blessed by God

Life can be perfect @ the Bright side of the Barn

Thanks for Stopping by

Until next time, Stay Safe and Happy Trails. 

What are they Teaching Now Days?

 I'd love to write this in cursive, but from what I'm told, they don't teach that anymore. ? 

So apparently now people won't be able to read historical documents, as many are written in cursive. 

They have changed the way to perform math equations at least twice since my days in school. Becoming so confusing that parents can't even help their children with homework. They have created special 'learning' academies to 'help' kids improve their grades. An additional expense for parents, beyond the 'public' schools that are paid for with their tax dollars. 

Reading has become 'not as important' as it should be. Many children have failed to be able to read and comprehend what they are reading. Again, there are special academies, additional costs for parents and additional hours spent on learning for the kids. 

From what I understand they don't have elective classes, such as home economics, wood shop, metal shop. It's no wonder young people can't get good jobs these days. Grocery stores have started putting together ready to go meals since people don't know how to cook. 

Sports has held up it's own place in the 'system' as some sort of priority? Cuts are never made there out of the budgets.

They have taken God and prayer out of the schools and allowed, every other 'religious' group in. 

So what are they teaching in school these days? 

Blessed by God

Life's educated @ the Bright Side of the Barn

Thanks for Stopping by

Until next time, Stay Safe and Happy Trails.

Relaxing with the Fur Babies

 Enjoying the quietness of being alone with the cats and dogs. Watching movies and being able to watch the whole movie without being interrupted is a rare enjoyment. 

So glad I bought a small couch..... 

I sit in the middle and have Chanelle and Sylvester on my right side

Cleo sits on my lap and Charlie takes up the left side. 

    

Blessed by God

Life's quiet @ the Bright Side of the Barn

Thanks for Stopping by

Until next time, Stay Safe and Happy Trails.

Independent

 "Only the self-sufficient stand alone — most people follow the crowd and imitate." — Bruce Lee 

I overheard my oldest daughter telling her friends one day ~ "Our mom taught us how to use our brains and think for ourselves". As a mother, it made me proud, that I had accomplished such for all of my kids. It's made me proud of each one of them, watching them turn into the amazing people that they have become. 

I remember during the early years - I had to stop myself from being frustrated. They were not little robots that did as you told them, they were little people with their own minds, opinions and ways of doing things. They followed the rules out of respect, not from dictatorship. I taught them how to take care of themselves and not always rely on others to take care of them. 

As strange as it may sound, I taught them how to survive at the lowest point in life, without taking from others and I taught them how to rise to the highest point in life and stay humble. To give rather than take. To think of others before self. Not to worry about what others think or say but rather be concerned with being the best you can be within yourself. {again}. 

Depression was a struggle most of my life. A major challenge to overcome. People don't really understand how you 'just can't 'get over it' and 'cheer up'. Unfortunately, the wrong medications often led to worse depression and many suicidal thoughts. As one of my therapists told me, it was pretty amazing that I was always able to talk myself off of the ledge. My kids were my life savers, and I've felt miserable that I had to rely on them so much. Truth, they were all I had to call family. 

My best kept secret in life was my heart condition until it 'sprung a leak' and caused me some destress. Over the years there were some fainting spells, anxiety attacks and even a couple strokes. I was lucky to only lose a few memories and abilities, where others have lost complete mobility, speech, body control and so much more. The doctors have warned me to avoid stress. LOL unfortunately, my life carried more stress than 'normal'. 

I probably should have had heart attacks instead of mild strokes. God has been good to me. I've lived longer than I or my doctors ever expected. I think the hardest part was when they gave me a time limit on my lungs and told me I only had so much time left. Being on oxygen machines at 41 really messed me up mentally. It took a few years to work through that one and strangely enough, instead of getting sicker I got healthier and out lived their expectations. I feel much better at 61 than I did at 41 or even 51. 

 It's been nice to be able to recover from my medical challenges and work. While it's lonely when you are by yourself, it's nice to not have to take care of anyone else. It's a good feeling to accomplish things on your own and not need 'help'. I've felt bad over the past few years, needed to reach out to my kids to help me out, or rescue me with broken down vehicles.  It's been nice to be able to take care of myself and regain my own independence. 

God has worked so many miracles and blessings throughout my life. It's amazing to look back over the years and recognize all the wonderful things He's done for me. I really thought it was the end of the road a couple Christmas's ago and God really opened the doors and brought me through to a place I never expected to be. The past year and a half have been so amazing! Physically, mentally and spiritually. 

I've regained my independence and self-sufficiency. And it feels awesome.

I remember when I started this blog several years ago. It was for me to help myself heal. It's become so much more and I'm touched at how many others have benefitted from my openness. Life isn't always pretty and bright. It's when we are in the dark that we need someone to come into our lives and turn on a light...

Blessed by God

Life's been an amazing journey @ the Bright Side of the Barn

Thanks for stopping by

Until next time, Stay Safe and Happy Trails.

Be the Light

Be the light. Be the example. Be the best person you can be. Don't let what others say or do, keep you from being who you really are. 

No need for retaliation or revenge. Leave them to God, He sees all, hears all, and knows all that you are faced with. Let Him judge them, and focus on your own convictions. 

Do your best to be the best person you can be. 

Focus Forward, - Be the leader of your own life. Walk away from those that try to pull you down and don't worry about what they are doing behind you. 

Live your life and if you keep your mind towards heaven and focused on God and doing His will. Then even the troubles will be bearable. Victory comes in the end. You have a purpose, you have dreams, you have goals to accomplish. 

Be the light to encourage others. Be a leader. Don't follow the crowds and just go along with things. Question the direction, question their purpose, make sure the goal aligns with your own journey. 

The closer you get to God, the more trials and tribulations will cross your path. The devil fights harder for the souls striving for God, over the souls that are already headed for hell. 

Comments

Blessed by God

Life's shining bright @ the Bright Side of the Barn

Thanks for Stopping by

Until next time, Stay Safe and Happy Trails

False Accusations

I think in my life, it's happened more often, than not. 

Years ago, when I was young and had horses on my mind more than anything else, I was accused of being sexually active with the boys. Some of them were prevented from visiting our house as a result of their parents misconceptions. 

During the 'school' years - I was anywhere from 1-3 years younger than my classmates and that brought out the worst in many of the kids around me. I've been hated by people because of what other people said about me, unbeknown to me.

My first marriage was into a family that gossip and drama were a part of their everyday lives. My ex sister in law and her daughter had both admitted to doing things to my ex and making him think it was me. Like my divorce and the domestic violence wasn't enough for them. He hates me, because he believes the rumors. 

My second marriage was to a bipolar alcoholic who wasn't diagnosed until years later. Lying was a way of life for him, I'm not sure he knows how to be honest. He spent years telling his family lies about me, always blamed me for his actions and so much more. I spent years not understanding why they hated me so much. 

Then there are the male friends whose wives hated me because their mates 'liked' me. Of course I've been accused of sleeping with every man I've been friends with. People don't seem to understand not all relationships revolve around sex. Even though sometimes one person has the thoughts on their mind, doesn't mean the other person has the same thoughts. 

I think the worst is when your own children are saying things about you that are untrue. Making up stories and lies about you to excuse their own behavior and actions. Some of their stories are so far-fetched it's hard to think anyone would believe it. What hurts is the lies they tell your grandchildren about you. 

Imagine going through life being hated by people you don't even know and have had nothing to do with them.

The Bible tells us that people will hate us just because we are Christians. Warns us about the deceptions and even that it will be coming from our own families. I must have done something right for God to be hated by people as much as I have been. 

I don't particularly care what people think about me, I've spent my live knowing that God is watching and knows my heart. God knows the truth and that is really all that matters. In the end, people don't get you to heaven, Jesus does. You can't spend your life running around defending yourself against all the evil people are putting against you. You have to keep focused on doing what God wants you to do, and know that God's judgement is far more important than peoples opinions. 

Comments welcome

Blessed by God

Life's real @ the Bright Side of the Barn

Thanks for Stopping by

Until next time, Stay Safe and Happy Trails.