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So apparently now people won't be able to read historical documents, as many are written in cursive.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

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. 

Blessed by God

Life's real @ the Bright Side of the Barn

Thanks for Stopping by

Until next time, Stay Safe and Happy Trails.

Back to Normal

For many years our weather maintained a moderate medium. Summers never really got to hot and winters never really got cold. Rain was a common occurrence and temperatures ranged from 55 to 75 on the average. 

In the last decade or so, temperatures during the summer would reach uncomfortably hot nearing 100 and winters would drop well below freezing into the 20's. Snow has become more common in the winter and and rain has become a rare occurrence. 

They started manipulating the weather a few years back and that is when I think the extreme began to happen. Now in the past couple years, our weather seems to be getting back to normal. We had a few days of snow 2 winters ago and only 1 day of snow this last winter. Temperatures stayed moderately warm last summer and this year it seems to be staying cooler as well. For this part of the world, this in the normal. 

It's part of the reason I've lived here for 40+ years. I don't like cold and it's hard to work in the too hot. They used to call it the evergreen state, also much of our 'green' has disappeared into development or disasters.  The world is becoming crowded almost everywhere you look. There isn't much 'frontier' left to discover. 

Everyday I wake up grateful for where I am and how good life has become, even that has become a sense of normal. No struggles, no trauma, no drama. I wish it could have been like this when my kids were growing up, instead of all we had to go through. I wish they could remember the good times instead of the dark days. There were a lot of good times worth remembering. 

I've gotten used to being alone, that too has become the new normal. It's actually gotten to where I prefer to be alone most of the time. It's peaceful.  I think we all have a different view of 'normal'. We don't all fit in the same box. Many times the question is posed ~ What is normal? when it should be asked 

~ what is your normal? 

Blessed by God

Life's peaceful @ the Bright side of the Barn

Thanks for Stopping by

Until next time, Stay Safe and Happy Trails. 

Whistle while you work.

 It's been a busy month for sure! A happy busy though. Getting much accomplished and caught up on things.

Between the jobs, selling a car, having a new puppy and keeping my house clean ~ Bible studies, Sunday school lessons ~ I've also had a few sewing projects requested, in addition to the projects I still need to finish. 

Cleo has been an additional companion this week as well. Tim's out of town so she's hanging out with me. Charlie has found the cats more acceptable to his antics, more so than Chanelle. She tolerates him but because of his size she doesn't really like to play. He tends to pounce on her.

Even with everything else going on, I managed to get a saddle fitting and ride in this weekend. It was a short ride, but it felt good to be with my horse for a spell. She turns 29 this week! She still looks good! Even with the 'Cushing's' diagnosis. Her medication seems to be helping, plus I bought clippers and helped her shed out this spring. I still want to do a bit more of a trim for her. 

So, I've been asked "why am I selling the car"? As it turns out, I have to streamline my finances and insuring 2 vehicles is a bit much. My horse tack fits in the back of the Jeep, and it's more of a year-round vehicle. Whereas the car is only really good in the summer months. Not a good winter drive. It makes more sense to let go of the car vs letting go of the Jeep. 

Someday I hope to get the back bumper fixed and will have to have a new hitch put on, since that ball won't come out (even the mechanic shop tried}. Seems it welded itself in there when the back end caught fire. {Previous owners}. Another reason for the Jeep vs the car ~ I've done my research and the Jeep can pull a horse trailer, so I'm looking for another light weight 2 horse straight load, like the one I used to have. {Still kicking myself for selling it}.

 My horse is actually a pony based on her height and weight and an older 2 horse straight load is light weight as well. The combination will still be below the Jeeps towing capacity. Even with 2 horses. Maybe I can trade the car for a trailer? Who knows. I pray about it daily that the Lord will help me with the sale. Don't laugh. God cares about our needs, even the trivial things. I've been very blessed throughout life, so I have faith, He'll help me with this as well.  

Blessed by God

Life's busy @ the Bright Side of the Barn

Thanks for stopping by

Until next time, Stay Safe and Happy Trails.

$5,000 takes her Home.

 Life has a way of turning into curves we don't expect. 

Due to circumstances beyond my control, 

I need to give up on my restoration project and put it up for sale. 

 2004 Chrysler SeBring

 2 door convertible. 

2.7 V6

128,000 original miles. 

Many many new parts, I have receipts for all the mechanical work that has been done. 

New gaskets and seals, air idle control valve, oil sending unit; 

She's had a fresh oil change, transmission service and tune up.. 

More receipts for New tires, struts, ball joints, tierods inner and outer, alignment have all been done as well. 

Runs and drives beautifully. 

The only work left is the cosmetics. 

She needs a new plastic bumper cover for the front and a new grill. I found both on parts geek for less than $ 500. 

Bonus ! I have the boot for when the tops down and I have a car cover to put on her for protection in the winter. 

$5,000 takes her home.

Interested? Email me @ 3horseaddict@gmail.com or text to 360-469-9921

Blessed by God

Life's full of surprises @ the Bright side of the Barn

Thanks for Stopping by

Until next time, Stay safe and Happy Trails.

Happy Mother's Day to All

 

Blessed by God

Life's beautiful @ the Bright Side of the Barn

Thanks for Stopping by

Until next time, Stay Safe and Happy Trails.

If it wasn't for my medication, I could cry.

 Unfortunately for me, one of my medications prevent me from being emotional. Right now, I wish I could cry. 

 In the past month I have spent a small fortune on my vehicles. At the mechanic shop and Les Schwab, the tire store, Close to $10,000 in all. They should have been in mint condition. 

 Les Schwab broke one of the convertible top latches for the car and another part which led to more parts. The bill almost doubled by the time it was done. The car still seems to shimmy and doesn't ride as smooth as I'd like. 

The Jeep was doing great until yesterday. 80 degrees out and I'm heading home and it overheats. Come to find out it blew out the radiator drain plug. We are hoping the cause is just a stuck thermostat. I had to have a 35 mile tow home. Thankfully I had renewed my AAA, so the tow service was covered. But still! 

The whole thing leaves me feeling a bit defeated. I am grateful I was able to get to a parking lot to wait safely. And for the most part when my vehicles break down, they do it at home or in a convenient place. I just didn't anticipate a break down so soon after so many repairs. 

I managed to get a new drain plug and it seems to be holding coolant. My son is coming over next weekend to replace the thermostat. Hopefully that will fix it. I'm nervous about the drain plug because it doesn't seem to have much to hold it in place and I can't help but wonder if something broke off and it's hanging by a thread, so to speak. 

The animals all went in for vet appointments and that was another $2500, as well as 2 of them are on regular medication for the rest of their lives. $50 for one prescription and $200 for another. New monthly expenses. Chanelle dental work estimate is another $2100, however it is waiting for her to heal up and be back to normal from the surgery she just had. 

My job contracts have gone down from 700 to 350. Instead of twice monthly they are only once a month now. So, I'm seeking new clients to fill the spots. Seeing as how now I have to rebuild my savings and emergency funds. It's been an overwhelming month! So much happening, so many appointments and so many setbacks. The one big plus is I'm out of debt. My bills are paid! My financial burdens are in front of me not behind me anymore. No more phone calls from collections and other expenses. 

We are only 4 days into May, I'm hoping it turns out to be a better month! It has been nice to drive with the top down and to see all my flowers blooming and making things brighter. It's 10 at night and still 82 in the house. It looks like spring has sprung and summer is on the way. 

I hope everyone will Enjoy the sun while it's shining. 

Blessed by God

Life is an adventure @ the Bright side of the Barn

Thanks for Stopping by

Until next time, Stay Safe and Happy Trails.

Anything is Possible

Blessed by God

Life is peaceful @ the Bright Side of the Barn

Thanks for Stopping by

Until next time, Stay Safe and Happy Trails.

Puppy Love Mugs are in stock!

Welcome to 

Hi My name is Chanelle on Facebook

 Mugs are in! We have

CHANELLE, CHARLIE AND PUPPY LOVE.

$20 each or a set of all 3 for $50. {Includes Shipping}

11 oz ceramic mugs, dishwasher safe.

Order through messenger or by email to

3horseaddict@gmail.com

Multiple Payment options, accepted through Paypal

https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/SY2FCB6G7FD9J

{you don't have to have a paypal account}

We also do custom mugs, send your photo and text

$ 25 each mug, includes shipping.

Blessed by God

Life's busy @ the Bright Side of the Barn

Thanks for Stopping by

Until next time, Stay Safe and Happy Trails.

Chanelle Update

 Home from the Vet's. Surgery went very good and they pulled 5 little teeth as well. Her upcoming dental will be about $2000, so it's going to take a couple weeks to pull it together. Plus she needs a couple weeks to heal from this surgery. 

She's on 4 different prescriptions, 1 Antibody, 1 Anti-inflammatory, 1 pain pill and 1 sedative to help her relax and sleep. I haven't heard her bark since we've been home, so I'm guessing her mouth hurts. She has stitches there and on her tummy. 

Meanwhile, Charlie is taking the role of guard dog very seriously, he's super protective of Chanelle and he's being really careful around her. It was a rough day for him as well because he didn't understand where she was all day. They have bonded and become quite close. 

They make the cutest couple. 

Blessed by God

Life's healing @ the Bright side of the Barn

Thanks for Stopping by

Until next time, Stay Safe and Happy Trails.

Getting it Done

It's been a bit busy around here. . . . 

Vet appointments have led to more appointments, medications and surgeries to be scheduled.

StarBright is shedding so it's a trip to the barn every other day to brush her out. Blood work revealed she has Cushing's. Medication will run about $100 a month. Might have to find someone to give her a clipping to help with the shedding this spring.

Chanelle is having her spay surgery this week and they will give me an estimate on her much-needed dental work. She is on joint supplements, hoping to avoid surgery on her back knees. Her prescription is about $45 a bag.

Thankfully everyone is recovered from their shots. Syvester is doing well and Charlies only issue is that he's a puppy and sometimes has to go outside in the middle of the night. At least he wakes me up so we don't have accidents on the carpet. 

It's Tax month, so there is a lot of paperwork to put together and more appointments to make. We are finally getting the divorce done, so again paperwork, notary appointments and court documents to organize. 

Thankfully the work on the cars are done, with the exception of new bumpers and grills. Which will be done at a later date. Cosmetic repairs can wait. Signed up for AAA so I shouldn't be stranded if one of them should decide to break down on me. I Shouldn't have to disrupt my son's life to come and rescue me! 

Tim got a flat tire, and a new discovery was that he has locking lug nuts, so the car had to be towed to Les Schwab. Early morning appointment coming up with that. I will have to run him down there. 

Some sort of infection in my eye so I've been going through the incredible urge to rub or itch it. Blurry vision and a slight headache. Looks like someone got a good swing and left me with a black eye.  LOL

Tim's stepdad passed away on Friday 88yrs old, funeral is Monday. Sadly his mom fell today and broke her pelvic bone, so she's in the hospital and going to miss her husband's funeral. Not to mention her birthday is next Saturday. 89 years young and dealing with broken bones and grief. 

It's been a busy crazy couple of weeks around here. Almost have everything organized and I will be able to start working on some sewing projects and sublimation items. I'll have "Hi my name is Chanelle" mugs available soon. 11 oz and 15 oz. We're going to be doing a "Here's Charlie" mug as well. 

Hopefully things will start settling down and life can get back to routine. Temperature hit 80 F today! and of course I was stuck in traffic with detours because the freeway was closed for construction. It looks like spring is finally arriving! Yard work and flowers! Yay. 

Blessed by God

Life is amazing @ the Bright side of the Barn

Thanks for Stopping by

Until next time, Stay Safe and Happy Trails. 

Where Do You Shop?

 There have been so many new companies start up that are offering "personal stylist" clothes shopping... It's actually nice to have clothes delivered to build up your wardrobe. Saves the trips to the malls and other major department stores. Prices are about the same really, depending on where you shop. 

 Personally, I like Stitch Fix. Reasonably priced and it's always my style. Wantables are a hit and miss, I usually end up sending about half the order back because it's not a good fit. They are priced a bit higher as well. I haven't tried the others yet. 

Here are the links to a few of the most popular sites. If you have a favorite feel free to share your opinion in the comments. (Click the word 'comment' to open the box)

1. Stitch Fix

2.Wantables 

3.Trendsend

4. Etsy

5. DailyLook

6. NadineWest

7. ShortStory

Online shopping has become more popular with a huge jump during the Covid season. Payment processing has become more secure with less chance of a hack into your banking information. Shipping is so much more convenient, and some have a faster turnaround than others.  Returns are easy, a preaddressed label and shipping bag is usually included with the order. 

You can find just about everything online from big box stores to small independent businesses. When the internet was just getting started {Who remembers dial up? } We used to have a gift shoppe that we worked at events and had a website. Native and Traditional crafts, with the beaded earrings and dreamcatchers being the most popular items. It was a family shoppe and the kids traveled with me to trade shows, pow wows and other community events for the weekends.  They learned some amazing job skills and all of them have strong work ethics, loved by their employers.

Now I just offer personalized items with sublimation. Shipped anywhere in the US. 

Your favorite photos can be put on a variety of products. 

Mugs 11 and 15 oz

Shot Glasses 1.5 and 3 oz

Tumblers

Coasters

Mouse pads

Magnets 

Key Chains

Tote Bags

Garden Flags

Place Mats

License Plates 

6x6 Metal Signs

Ceramic Holiday ornaments

No website, just email for orders and PayPal for payments. Sometimes a few products will be featured on MarketPlace with Facebook. I do a fair amount of nature photography and create a few items. 

I do a lot of my shopping online. For the home, cars, fur babies and the horse. Now we've added clothing to the list of many. It gives me more time to do other things and not have to drive around. I even buy the groceries online with SafeWay delivery. I've tried the other delivery services and was not impressed. One actually forgot half of the food I ordered, and it took days to get a refund. I prefer to order my meat through the butcher shop, always fresh and tender! That's a simple phone call and drive to pick it up. 

Gifts are easier to find special and unique items, many things you can't find in the local stores. 

We live in a busy ever-changing world. With gas prices going crazy, shipping can be less expensive, and some places offer free shipping, so you save even more. 

What else do you buy online? 

Blessed by God 

Life's delivered @ the Bright Side of the Barn

Thanks for Stopping by

Until next time, Stay Safe and Happy Trails.

Fur Baby Health Checks.

 

StarBright had her vet visit today, A little blood work to run some tests, some vaccinations and her dental for her teeth to remove the sharpies. Hoping the test results prove to be good news. 

We should know in about a week. 

Last week Chanelle, Charlie, Cleo and Sylvester went to their vet.

It was a bit traumatic for Sylvester as he does not like being in the car anymore.

Cleo slept most of the trip there and back. 

Chanelle was a little concerned but did okay until they wanted to check her teeth,

Then she growled. She gets her spay surgery in a couple weeks and 

Both dogs go back for booster shots in a week. 

And Charlie, well he was there for a meet and greet and was very friendly towards everyone!

I think he enjoyed the visit most of all. 

Everyone got a green check on their health. Sylvester and Chanelle need to go on a bit of a diet (with mum) Seems we all gained a few too many pounds. The weather is improving and we are starting to have warm days, so there will be plenty of walks and new adventures coming up! 

We have a new saddle for miss StarBright so I hope to get a bit more riding in this summer.

Get her back into shape and help me tone up. She will be 29 this May! Not bad for a horse.

She still has all her energy and loves to ride. Her birthday present will be here next week, now to get her a new 'fly mask' for summer as the season has begun! The flies would be the only sucky part of nice weather. Hopefully we can keep it to a minimal with some proactive actions. 

Fly traps in the stalls, and a bath and Avon Skin So Soft to condition. 

Blessed by God

Everyone is healthy @ the Bright Side of the Barn

Thanks for stopping by

Until next time, Stay Safe and Happy Trails.

Happy Easter 2026

 

Blessed by God

Life's beautiful @ the Bright Side of the Barn

Thanks for Stopping by

Until next time, Stay Safe and Happy Trails

Blessed and Feeling Satisfied

I enjoy working off of "To Do" lists. You get a sense of accomplishment as you check off what's done. It helps to prioritize, organize and stay on track of what needs done. You can coordinate what needs money to be accomplished and what just needs time. What might need help and what you can do on your own. You can set aside funds knowing they have a purpose. Some things can get done in just a few minutes other things take days and sometimes, it takes a few months to be able to complete a task.

I recently spend a day with a friend whom I had invited to brunch. She asked if I could help with a couple things at her house afterwards. We enjoyed a wonderful meal together then headed over to her place. The list consisted of 5 things. A couple were 30 second jobs, one was a bit of a challenge and yet another almost didn't need to be done. They were things she couldn't do alone and needed an extra set of hands. I enjoy helping. Much like myself she would get a bit excited as she scratched each item off of the list. Expressing the relief to know these things are done! 

Currently I had been putting together a rather large list, subdivided into sections - all to be accomplished once the 'big check' arrived. Always good to have a plan and direct money where it needs to be. Once the needed priorities are taken care of, there is a bit of room for the 'would be nice to have' items and finally once everything else is scratched off there is money left to reward myself. It was 27 months waiting for the approval and another 6 weeks waiting for the money to arrive. It took about 2 weeks to pay off bills and purchase the needs and make the appointments that have been on hold. 

It feels pretty good tonight to be able to file the list away as completed and accomplished. Now all I have is a list of deliveries to keep track of . The needs and the wants all fulfilled and the savings still has a bit of feed to keep the moths away. 

Being able to relax financially, is such a wonderful feeling. Being able to plan enjoyable things like a vacation is always a welcome reward from work. Knowing that when the phone rings it won't be a bill collector has been a long awaited relief. 

For the first time in life, I'm completely out of debt and able to pay it forward. My cars have been to the shop and are in top running order. My fur babies have all had their vet appointments and up to date on all their shots and other medical works. Things needed and things wanted are all scratched off the list. 

I can't help but be grateful to God for carrying me through the darkness the last couple years have been. There were days it felt like it was never going to end. Some days felt like tomorrow was a mile away on foot. Staying faithful and enduring the hard times has blessed me forward with so many miracles and blessings. I honestly can't keep up. God has done so much over the course of my life.

Looking back over the last couple of years and thinking about where life was and where it is, is such a blessing in itself. Getting closer to God and learning, It's nice to not have to worry about 'self' and 'how am I going to make it'. When you focus on how can I help someone else, you find your own needs tend to fall into place.  God has got your back! 

Make a list and follow your path. The secret to success is to put God at the top of the list and be thankful for all He's done for you, even when you don't see it and are struggling. He will turn the struggles into satisfaction and over whelming success. 

Make a list and keep God first! 

 Blessed by God

Life's busy @ the Bright side of the Barn

Thanks for Stopping by

Until next time, Stay Safe and Happy Trails.

You can't outgive God

 When I was very young, I advanced in school to be the youngest person in my grade. This brought about challenges of its own. 'Bullying' they call it now, then you were told you were being too sensitive or a crybaby, if you 'couldn't handle it'.  

 One. day I had it pretty rough and when I got home, I expressed that I wanted to go back 'to where I belonged' - I didn't want to be 'smart' anymore. My mother sat me down and told me something that has stuck with me throughout my life. 

 Not everything that happens to you, is about you. Sometimes its not because you did something wrong ~ or right. Sometimes, it happens to you because someone else is struggling and needs to see how to get through it. By watching you, it lights a path for them. When things go wrong it doesn't always mean God is punishing us. Sometimes it's God teaching us and building our strength spiritually. 

 Too often when things go bad, people 'blame God' and when things are good, they pat themselves on the back. It amazes me how many people don't acknowledge or 'believe' in God, yet when disasters happen or it's an emergency ~ they call out to God and ask for prayers. When the situation passes, they go back to 'living' their lives without God. 

God's not a genie; you can't just rub the bottle and make a wish. 

God is a spirit and you have to build a relationship with Him, through His son Jesus. 

 The last few years have been challenging. More often than not, my life goes through trials of 'fire'. Struggling to make ends meet has been a regular occurrence, yet we have gotten through to brighter days. Something I've said often when the path was dark and there was no obvious solution was to say ~ God knows my heart and God knows the need. Answers would come and something would happen to resolve the problem.

 God knows my heart. Regardless of what people think, say or do ~ they don't know the real me and they don't know my heart. I have always been more concerned with what God thinks of me, over what people say about me. 

 People have commented that I must have 'pissed God off' to be going through some of the things that happened. I personally think it was the devil 'pissed' because he couldn't turn my heart away from God. I always think of Job when I'm going through hard times. Job's story is one to hold on too. Reflect on and he was an amazing example to follow. 

 It's been just a few months over a year now since I sat alone in my truck with my cats and dog - freezing in temperatures 27 degrees and lower. Lost everything - house, 'stuff' income - friends, family.. And then God brought some of the family and other people into my life that gave me a lift up and blessed my life tremendously. 

 I am home now, and everything I have lost has been replaced with better. I wake up every day grateful to be alive, in a warm house with plenty of food. I no longer have financial struggles. My income is secure for the rest of my life. Even when I have 'down' days. With my health, that is a regular occurrence as well. 

 I can't keep up with the blessings and miracles that have been happening every day! I try my best to pay back those that have helped and every time God does something to bless my life even more. 

 The only thing left is for my family to be healed. I pray every day for those that are lost. I pray for hearts to heal. Even that has had improvements. Some family members that had their own struggles have had some victories as well. You might say we're on 'top of the world' in some ways. Growing stronger together. 

 Just goes to show you, You can't outgive God. 

Blessed by God

Life's a miracle @ the Bright Side of the Barn

Thanks for Stopping by

Until next time, Stay Safe and Happy Trails.