Weekends

 Every day is a struggle, 

              there are no days off~

While I am forever grateful and feel very blessed by all that has happened for me, especially in the past couple of months. 

So many blessings over the course of life - many things that I never would have thought possible.

So, why can't I relax and just believe that

 'God has got this'! 

I'm still praying, with all my worry ~ I live in an 'unknown' world right now, with the end of May approaching soon. Situations that need to improve because they are hard on my heart. And financial wellness, to be able to live without the worries. 

Yet - everyday, God has provided what's needed. 

Every day He has made it possible to 'survive' and get through the day. 

Every day He has done things to take care of or improve the situations - 

Every day He has done things to show me that 

"God has got this"! 

Things I never asked for or expected - have happened, 

problems worked out and it made life better for me. 

Some of the things I want to happen - haven't happened. 

So, we think, they are not going to happen.... 

That's where we get stuck. 

We're looking for the answers we want to work out the way we want them to.

When often, things are working out in another way we just don't see it, because we're looking for the answers in the way we think they should come. 

God has got this! 

He knows what we need, when we need it and how we are going to get it. 

He doesn't leave us stranded. He doesn't quit or give up on us. 

He might change our direction or lead us down a different path. 

But we have to trust He's taking us to a better place. 

As old as I am, I still have to remind myself - "Stop worrying - 

God has got this!

So Relax ~ and enjoy the weekend. 

Blessed by God

Life's challenging sometimes @ the Bright Side of the Barn

Thanks for Stopping by

Until next time, Stay Safe and Happy Trails.

Chanelle was chosen!!

 Check it out! Hi My Name is Chanelle was accepted !!!

Hi Chanelle! We've accepted Chanelle's submission for our 2025 pet calendar. Chanelle will be featured on the cover and the month of November!

The calendar can be pre-ordered here: https://zpr.io/3YKrbqg9fcKD

-Praise My Pet!

Blessed by God

Life's good @ the Bright Side of the Barn

Thanks for Stopping by

Until next time, Stay Safe and Happy Trails.

Deep Thoughts

LIfe at the Bright side of the Barn is real. It's about things that actually happen. How the struggles are real, the solutions, the blessings. Coping with things that happen in life. And finding happiness in the little things that actually mean a lot. Life happens to all of us. Some 'seem' to have it easier than others. While you don't really know what's going on in their story. 

Others 'seem' to struggle a lot for reasons one cannot often understand. I remember someone once telling me "Wow, you must have really pissed off God to have so much bad happening in your life".  All I could do was remember the story of Job. I would like to think it's the devil trying to mess up my life, and God has confidence in me that I will not give in. Jesus was perfect and never did anything wrong yet look at all the misery He had in his short life?. Look at what all the disciples went through. I don't think it's God messing up my life. 

A lot of thoughts going on lately. My head is spinning a bit.  I've been trying to keep it right with the Lord. Grateful for so many blessings and miracles, trying to be patient through the struggles. Doing my devotions daily. Praying continually. Trying to be the person God wants me to be. There is still a bit of a void, personal guilt or conviction I think, for the smoking. I know it has to go. 

I gave up a few of the 'bad' things pretty easily but struggling with the smoking {cigs}.  It's been my go-to when I'm stressed or avoiding a confrontation with someone. Especially when they don't or should I say, 'didn't smoke'. Now my peaceful moments are disrupted when he comes out to 'want a drag'. It's become very frustrating from my point of view. If you're going to smoke - smoke. If you're going to quit - quit. But don't do something just because I'm doing it. Don't wait for me to 'have a cig' to 'want one'. It only adds to the frustration of the situation for me. Like I said, that is my peaceful moment to get away from the problem, not be joined by it.

Financially I see no light at the end of the tunnel. Having this place is nice. Let's be honest a bit of privacy, a roof over your head, a warm place to be, hot showers, the ability to cook. And the relief to not be a burden on someone else or invading someone else's space. All good things. Not having to worry about where to park or needing to borrowing gas money for the truck almost daily - more good things. I am very, very blessed to have been given this gift. {Which adds to the guilt of 'still smoking'}

The cost of rent, gas heat, power - on top of the bills you have already - his multitude of doctors and appointments for every little thing - it's a struggle. Supporting someone else makes it twice as hard. He isn't honest with his friends and family about the situation. Always pretending everything is fine. Expecting me to ask my family and friends for help all the time. It hurts me and my relationships with people I truly care about. They have to help me twice as much where if I was alone it would only be half as much.

I was raised in a poor family. My dad worked hard and tried to save money, while my mom had 'spending' issues. A gambling problem and a drinking problem. Two complications that don't go well together. We were raised in 'moderation'. Not a lot of privileges or high-end items. Guess you could say we grew up with the 'knock off' versions. lol .😁😁😁 Which was really ok, because we had love and always felt safe at home. Never had to go without food, or have to worry about a place to live. 

My first husband worked seasonal and was laid off every fall to spring. Financially we never got caught up much less ahead. His drinking and causing us to get evicted a few times didn't help. His overbearing family caused me to want to move a few times, that didn't help either. His drinking and my anxiety didn't mix well. It was not how I wanted my kids to have to grow up. After seeing how their cousins turned out, I'm very grateful I got them away from that families influence.

After the divorce, I had to be a single mom with 4 kids and not much for support from anywhere else. So, my kids were raised in moderation. If we bought a jug of juice, we would only have a glass a day, not drink the whole bottle right away. Trying to make it last as long as possible to enjoy more than once.  Snacks were rationed out to last and to make sure everyone got some of them. 

Always make sure no one else wanted or needed something before taking the last of anything. Nothing worse than an empty milk container in the fridge. With nothing more than a couple drops in it. I raised my kids to care about others and share and be kind. We were not selfish people. They are still not selfish people. Accused of being a "people pleasers" over being self-indulged. Helpful, thoughtful, giving people they turned out to be. Very proud mom I am. 

My physical health is getting worse. The ability to stand for any length of time is getting shorter. Getting up and down harder. The thought of trying to work part time - out the window. I'm hoping to do a little mystery shopping now that I have my laptop back and up and running. Just need to get ink for the printer. I've actually made a few hundred dollars during a month, so it should help once the payments start coming in. 

Social Security is almost a joke when you have a mental illness, as he has been denied once, and it's been 9 months waiting on the decision for 'reconsideration'.  The attorney? He says the claim will probably get denied again, as they have been denying others with his same illness. So, I'm not sure what they do for you, except to file papers and maybe talk to the judge if you ever get to the point of a hearing?  It's been about a year and a half from the starting point. As for when there will be a hearing is yet another question. Things have improved on the medical side; the final surgery helped his condition. However, I think by him not working and able to not have to walk around so much, was a major contributor to the healing process.  

On the mental side of things, he's gotten worse. To the point I'm ready to go my own way. I've been praying a lot lately about the situation. As it's been a miserable existence to put up with lately. A few clips on FB led me to do some research on other mental illness symptoms and side effects. I believe he may have more than the one 'condition'. Thus, would explain some of the behavior issues. It still doesn't make it any better to live with. I honestly don't think his therapist is any good. And now his insurance changed to where his psychiatrist is a $250 a session expense, so it's time to find a new one within the boundaries of his insurance. Change is not something he handles very well. 

The thoughts are deep and many in number. The solutions not all visible yet. It's a daily thing. Life is a daily thing. You can make plans for the future. You can prepare for the future. But you have to be flexible to the 'what if's that can happen'. To the 'bumps' in the road. Sometimes, your path isn't going to be what you plan. The closer you get to God, the more willing you have to be to 'follow' rather than to 'lead'. 

• Blessed by God
• Life's good @ the Bright Side of the Barn
• Thanks for stopping by
• Until next time, Stay Safe and Happy Trails

Not Me!

I always thought I could overcome my depression on my own. I was raised to believe that 'it's all in your head', it's 'your attitude'. Often being told to 'change your attitude and it wouldn't be that way'. ??

Yet the depression never seemed to go away. It didn't matter how good life was at that moment, I could manage to be depressed. Sometimes it was so bad, I never wanted to have kids, because I never wanted them to feel the miserable way I did. 

I knew something was wrong, and I wanted to fix myself first.  It was never that I didn't like kids or never wanted kids. I never wanted them to suffer my defects. 

Unfortunately for me that never happened.  I was tricked in to getting pregnant very young and I was bullied into a shot gun wedding to the father.  I spent the next 11 years having babies and having miscarriages and having to cope with it all, totally alone. My family had literally 'left the country'.

I divorced and even my kids said I changed for the better. Some things did get better, other things stayed the same and a few things got worse. Through it all I was doing my best to be a 'good mom' and to 'raise my 4 kids alone' without much support from their dad or his family, and my family was nowhere around.  Except when it came time to judge or criticize me. 

I met #2 and I probably should have seen the 'red flags' that came with that situation, but I was still traumatized from everything that happened leaving the first one. For about 9 years the kids and I had a bit better situation, even though I recall several times having to pack them into the car and 'run away' from there as well. Like I said, I should have seen the 'red flags'. 

Marrying that one, only made the problems worse and after just a couple years we separated, and he left the country. Leaving me in an impossible situation to get a divorce. Something that cost like 5 times as much because of the borders and laws in 2 different countries. 

I ended up dropping in a Safeway parking lot. When I came too, my chest hurt like hell. For the next 3 days it got worse, to the point I was unable to stand and would crawl to the bathroom. 911 was called and my family 'grossly misjudged' as we were accused of being on drugs! Something I still haven't used and I'm 60 now! Stigma! Grrr. In any case I ended up in the hospital for 5 days, on the death ward. That's where they just give you morphine for the pain, and expect you to die. (I was only 42)

Doctors told me that my left lung wasn't working, and they had no idea why? After 5 days I was sent home with oxygen machines and a backpack to wear all the time, to pump oxygen into my lungs. Doctors told me to make my arrangements and be prepared, as they didn't expect me to live more than another 5 years.  (2 of my kids were still minors). It was a hard hit to deal with alone. And even harder to keep to myself and deal with alone. 

I was put into therapy with a horrible therapist, a situation that didn't last long.  I was also given breathing therapy and was able to get off the oxygen after only a few months. I was diagnosed with a heart issue and put on heart medication, which I'm still on. And for a couple years I had to monitor my blood pressure and oxygen intake frequently.

I finally found a wonderful doctor that was able to tell me, I had a stroke, mild, but enough to cause Havick for my lungs. This doctor put me on a different heart medication, something for my lungs and even something for the depression and anxiety. Then she sent me to yet another therapist, finally a good one.

I found out my 'depression' was real! Not something I could 'fix' with my own attitude. I found out I have 'anxiety disorder' which causes my heart complications and now I have permanent heart issues. And my lungs will always need 'help'. (I've made it to 60 yrs. old, when I was predicted to not make it to 50).  The doctors made it hard for me to 'live normally' and caused a bit of the anxiety and depression with their predictions as well. 

My wonderful new therapist helped in so many ways. She actually told me that I had overcome so many mountains that others couldn't get over. Some of the things I had endured, caused others to commit suicide. So, for me to 'feel suicidal' was quite ok, as long as it was only a feeling, and I never had a plan. As I explained to her, I had no intentions of 'killing myself' but to say I felt suicidal, was me expressing that I felt 'no way out' of a current trauma. 

We talked about a variety of mental illnesses, I would frequently ask - Do I have that?  People have accused me of being 'bipolar' - 'narcistic' - 'hypochondriac' - and a few others... talking to each other about me, rather than talking to me to ask for the truth. 

She was certain and being reassuring that no - I have 'ANXIETY'  'DEPRESSION'  and  'A COUPLE DIFFERENT HEART CONDITIONS' as well as 'COPD' with my lungs. 

Medical causes

For some people, anxiety may be linked to an underlying health issue. In some cases, anxiety signs and symptoms are the first indicators of a medical illness. If your doctor suspects your anxiety may have a medical cause, he or she may order tests to look for signs of a problem.

Examples of medical problems that can be linked to anxiety include:

• Heart disease
• Diabetes
• Thyroid problems, such as hyperthyroidism
• Respiratory disorders, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma

Finally, I was able to understand myself and the healing began. Now whenever I'm reading about a different 'mental health condition', I can say with confidence - That's not me! 

Understanding 'how I got this way' ~ that's another story all together!

These factors may increase your risk of developing an anxiety disorder:

• Trauma. Children who endured abuse or trauma or witnessed traumatic events are at higher risk of developing an anxiety disorder at some point in life. Adults who experience a traumatic event also can develop anxiety disorders.
• Stress due to an illness. Having a health condition or serious illness can cause significant worry about issues such as your treatment and your future.
• Stress buildup. A big event or a buildup of smaller stressful life situations may trigger excessive anxiety — for example, a death in the family, work stress or ongoing worry about finances.
• Personality. People with certain personality types are more prone to anxiety disorders than others are.
• Other mental health disorders. People with other mental health disorders, such as depression, often also have an anxiety disorder.
• Having blood relatives with an anxiety disorder. Anxiety disorders can run in families.

Inserts added from the following sites. 

Types of Mental Health issues | Causes, Signs & Symptoms | Counsellor support

Blessed by God

LIfe's beautiful @ the Bright Side of the Barn

Thanks for Stopping By

Until Next Time, Stay Safe and Happy Trails.

The Power of Prayer

2025 has become my year of redemption.  Why we wait until we reach rock bottom, I will never understand. I need to truly heal, mend a few broken connections, and move forward in a positive way. It starts with prayer. God has blessed me considerably this year and we are only 2 and a half months in. Determination, honesty, and the pure love for the Lord has brought about the commitment to 'get it right' this year.  Regardless of the behavior of the demons in my life. It is time to stop using 'being hurt' as an excuse to hurt my own relationship with the Lord. Time to stop looking for excuses to keep doing things as they have been getting done. Change is necessary to move forward successfully. 

Prayer is where it starts, prayer is what gives me strength to continue, and prayer is where the relationship can grow.  Getting it right with the Lord first, and everything else will fall into place. I don't know where the future is going. I know what I want to achieve, and how I want to feel about myself and others. I believe only God can help me do it all and get it right.  I have always been one to believe in the Lord, taught my kids God is real. But never 'lived for God' like I've wanted to. My life has been plagued with a few demons, that I mistakenly let in. People not of the Lord clouding my way. 

It's taken much prayer to see it, and much more prayer to overcome ~ a lot of pain for me and my family along the way. I can't undo the past, I can only try to have a better future and give my family a better future. I made mistakes as a mom, I didn't have the right support system to do better. I did the best I could. I love my kids more than anything in this world. I wish I could take what I know now back to then and have a second chance. Unfortunately, life doesn't work that way with people. But we can have a second chance with God. 

It starts with Prayer........... 

 From the simple little "Lord help me fix my laptop", to the bigger "God heal my family", to the miracles performed "Heal this person to have a sound mind"....

Prayers are just as powerful today as they were in Jesus's time. 

God already knows your heart; He just needs to hear you ask for forgiveness and make your requests known. For divine healing of self.

For divine healing of another, requires both sides to truly believe, the person saying the prayer and the person receiving the prayer. 

Jesus said ~ 

Matthew 18:20 ~ For where 2 or 3 are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.

One must truly BELIEVE ;

    Mark 16:16 ~ He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.  

The process for success requires TRUE FAITH; 

    Hebrews 11:1 ~ Now faith is the substance of things hope for, the evidence of things not seen. 

    Hebrews 11:6 ~ But without faith, it is impossible to please Him; for he that cometh to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him. 

    Romans 1:17 ~ For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, the just shall live by faith. 

Have PATIENCE 

    Hebrew 10:36 ~ For you have need of patience, that, after you have done the will of God, you might receive the promise. 

The power is still here - it's the people not believing and lacking faith that prevent the miracles from happening. 

    Luke 17:19 ~ Arise, go thy way: thy faith hath made thee whole. 

God hasn't changed, Jesus hasn't changed, we the people, the world, we are the ones that have changed. We've grown so far from God and so many 'men' have changed the words to reflect their own personal belief, causing people to stray away from God. 

The devil has worked hard to overtake the world and by appearance it looks like he has. 

All it takes is simple prayer, by faith, believing - and God can be felt, the miracles seen and your life blessed. The power is still here. 

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.

Knowledge is Power

Today's post is a combination of facts and excerpts from the following 2 sites.

Living With a Spouse Who Is Bilpolar: What to Expect

Bipolar Disorder Statistics: Understanding the Numbers | A Simplified Psychology Guide

First ~ 

https://psychology.tips/bipolar-disorder-statistics/

 According to recent studies, it is estimated that approximately 2.8% of adults in the United States have been diagnosed with bipolar disorder at some point in their lives. This translates to millions of individuals grappling with the challenges posed by this condition. Bipolar disorder can affect people from all walks of life, regardless of age, gender, or socioeconomic status.

Next ~ 

Living With a Spouse Who Is Bilpolar: What to Expect

It isn't easy being with someone who is BiPolar ~

Caring for Your Own Needs
You must also remember to take care of yourself:

Knowing When to Leave
Walking away from a marriage can be a difficult choice. It might feel like the time to leave if:

The relationship feels consistently unhealthy.
You are constantly taxed, burnt out, or unable to care for your own needs.
You feel unsafe.

Alternately, the partner with bipolar disorder may be the one to decide the relationship is not beneficial for their well-being anymore. Some signs might be:

They feel consistently judged or stigmatized by their partner.
They feel their spouse doesn’t support them.
The relationship feels unsafe (emotionally, physically, etc.).

When to Talk About Divorce
Sometimes a marriage doesn’t work, and partners exhaust options that might help them reconcile. In such cases, the partners may want to consider divorce as an option.

https://www.verywellhealth.com/living-with-a-bipolar-spouse-5205006

Image from ~ Bipolar Disorder Statistics: Understanding the Numbers | A Simplified Psychology Guide

Blessed by God

Life can be a challenge @ the Bright side of the Barn

Thanks for Stopping by

Until next time, Stay Safe and Happy Trails.

Mental Illness vs Being Crazy

 Many people struggle with being BiPolar1,

even more people struggle being around people

who are BiPolar1.

They are the one that makes you - feel crazy.

There are even a variety of 'bipolars'...

There are several types of bipolar disorder, 

1. Bipolar I disorder: characterized by episodes of extreme highs (mania) lasting more than 1 week.
2. Bipolar II disorder: involves depressive episodes and hypomanic episodes.
3. Cyclothymic disorder (cyclothymia): a chronically unstable mood state.
4. Other specified bipolar and related disorder.
5. Unspecified bipolar and related disorder.

There are quite a few mental disorders, I found an alphabetical list of disorders and there are a lot of them! Visit the list and see if you fit into any one of the descriptions. Some are mild, some severe, some unnoticeable, others obvious.

Relationships are impossible to have when one has a serious mental illness. Sadly, so many people go undiagnosed the 'home' is a war zone for the poor kids growing up around it. Divorces run high among such couples; some people get stuck in the relationship which turns into a situation that they can't get away from.

The 'normal' person will consider suicide because they see it as the only way out.

Mental illness and disabilities are real. For years so much was not known, so there were no answers on how or why. You were either normal or crazy. And everyone avoided the crazy. Even still nobody wants to talk about mental illnesses, and so many people are embarrassed to admit they have a mental disability. With such stigma solutions are few and far between. More often than not, the mentally ill end up being the homeless. In part because they have destroyed every family and friend relationship they had, and nobody wants to deal with them or their issues.

Mental health can be broken down into so many different illnesses, and often one is mistaken for another. Some mild some more severe. Many of us fall in between.

I have an anxiety disorder. It started when I was young. Turns out I inherited some of the problem from my mother. It only got worse through childhood and then being in an abusive marriage, that I managed to get out of. Unfortunately for me, it got even worse and started causing heart issues when I ended up with someone who was undiagnosed BiPolar1. I'm lucky to be alive, since the situation has put such a strain on my heart.

Children act out because they don't know how to tell you what they feel, because they themselves don't understand what it is that they are feeling. Doctors are being able to diagnose people much younger than in days past. Medications have been created to help bring a sense of 'normalcy' to one's brain, allowing them to function and 'live with' the disability.

Nobody should be made to feel 'crazy'. We need to stop the stigma and learn to understand 'mental illness' and 'mental disabilities'. The brain is a very unique thing and yet it's so fragile. People need to learn to talk about it. Stop being embarrassed about having an illness and start helping people understand the variety of illnesses and issues that are needing help.

I was once told if you feel crazy your probably normal,

crazy people don't know they are crazy!

But they will try to make you think - you're the crazy one.

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.

Deceptions of the Devil

 How do you know if you're on the right path with God? How do you know which path to take? When faced with a crossroad, which way do you turn?

Who can you trust?

l John 2:27 ~ But the anointing which ye have received of Him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you, but as the same anointing teaches you all things. 

God will give you the answers you need. 

If a person has a connection to God, it will show. Regardless of whether or not they are 'trying' to make it show. God oozes out of a person. Having God draws people towards you like a magnet. 

Ye are the light of the world. 

Being with God can also cause people to push away from you and avoid you. Having God in your heart will cause you to have enemies, that don't even know they 'hate' you. They just do. People will say and do things just to try and destroy you. 

Luke 6:22 - 23 ~ Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their company, and shall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of Man's sake.  Rejoice ye in that day, and leap for joy; for, behold, your reward is great in heaven: for in like manner did their fathers unto the prophets. 

You don't have to have done anything to them. 

People that are full of the devil, are malicious and deceitful. They often appear nice. Many folks will love them and think the world of them. As those folks are usually pretty full of the devil themselves. People that plan and plot to hurt others, play tricks and pull stunts behind someone's back. Gossip and lie about others just to make themselves look better. All so that folks will think they are a 'saint'. 

Sadly, they often don't even know that the devil has a hold on them. Because they have done kind deeds to some and put on a good show in front of others, some play the victim for pity. They think they are fooling folks. When in truth, they themselves are being fooled by the devil. They may think they are a 'good person' and headed to heaven, when in fact they are on the wide path towards hell. 

Matthew 15:8-9 ~ This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me.  But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men. 

The Bible tells us that works alone do you no good. You have to have God in your heart. Faith and Love are required. You have to seek God's forgiveness through Jesus and repent from your sins and the errors of your ways. One scripture says you have to make peace with the ones you've wronged before you come to God. Another scripture says if you're holding a grudge against someone, you need to right the wrong, before you come unto Him. 

Matthew 8:35 ~ So likewise shall my heavenly father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one of his brethren their trespasses.

The great commandments Jesus left us with is to not only love God, but you are expected to love your family, friends, neighbors and enemies. 

Matthew 22:37-40 ~ Jesus said unto him "Thou shall love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all they soul and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And second is like unto it, thou shall love thy neighbor as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and prophets."

Sinners can be saved without knowing what all they need to do. But once your saved, you have to work on the things that will perfect your soul and heal your wounds. Much like an addict going through the steps of recovery, salvation is an ongoing thing, that requires work every day. Even the best Christians make mistakes and need to repeatedly seek forgiveness. They also pray for knowledge and the strength to resist the devil and his deceptions. 

God knows how smart the devil is, He too was created by God. Once loved by God. Jesus was sent here to show us that it can be done. We can walk perfect before the Lord and be in a good place with God. The Holy Ghost was left here for us to fill us with the spirit that would give us the strength and empower us to be able to be perfect. 

Acts 22:38 ~ Then Peter said unto them, "Repent and be baptized every one  of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sin, and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost".

John 14:26 ~ "But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things and bring all things to your remembrance whatsoever I have said unto you."

Remember, the devil comes as a wolf in sheep's clothing. 

The devil is very clever at being deceptive. Over the years he has caused people to turn all Christian based holidays into pagan celebrations. Turned the very Sabbath into the first day of the week, when in fact it is the last day of a week. God didn't rest a day before He created the world. He rested on the 7th day, after His work was done. 

Have faith, believe all things are possible and Pray. Prayer will build your relationship with God and the closer you get to God, the more you will understand the Word of God. Accept the Holy Ghost and trust in the spirit. He will lead you in the right direction and help you overcome the temptations of the devil.

Blessed by God

Life's Good @ The Bright Side of the Barn

Thanks for Stopping By 

Until Next Time, Stay Safe and Happy Trails

I'm Tired

 I'm beat! We {my fur babies and I} were up until almost 5 am this morning. Officially reconnected with 42 of the mystery shopping companies I've worked for over the years. Updating profiles, taking qualification quizzes and deleting those no longer around. Then it was all about going over the job boards to find shops to do for next month. 

The end of May is coming up a bit faster than I had wanted it to. So, it will be nice to have a few pennies rolling in when it's time to move. The property owner stopped by today to tell me that they have applied for the permits, so hopefully early April they will be able to start renovating the apartment that I will be moving too. It's going to be completely brand new when I move in. Sarah told me he was pretty happy after seeing the house and how well I've been keeping it 'new'.

Somewhat looking forward to the move, as then I will be able to unpack at that point. And finally, be home. It's not the ideal location but apparently, it's where God wants me to go. I pretty much gave the Lord the reins in January and have been following the leads He's put before me. Those leads have turned into some pretty awesome blessings, so I'm somewhat looking forward to what's next. {Something I've never been able to enjoy before} I've always had to have a vision or a plan. Whether they fell through didn't matter. I was in the driver's seat. Now I'm a passenger in God's plan. Here for the ride!

I did a bit of touch up work here at the website, some promoting on the Facebook pages. The Bright side of the Barn has a page now, where we promote the companies that I am affiliated with. Beautiful products for the home and a site just for the fur babies. My favorite is the Christian site, where you can find devotionals, and home decor with spiritual encouragements written on them. And of course, the AVON. I also have the link to my daughter's Tupperware, she's actually enjoying selling that. {Something I did years ago}

None of which will make me rich, but all together they do help put gas in the car and pay for prescriptions. Between the affiliates and the mystery shops it should start helping make it through financially in the months ahead. Plus I get a few pennies from the ads here at the Bright side of the Barn. Each time it reaches $100 the funds get transferred to my bank, which is always a nice surprise. I recently discovered my Microsoft cash back added $11 to my account. Not much but every bit helps. 

I've been given control of Chanelle's Facebook page, so I've been updating it often. And I found a few cute pictures of Chanelle and Tux to enter into some animal photo contests. You can't win if you don't enter, right. I don't expect to win the $thousands of dollars in top prizes. Who knows, maybe we can win some new toys if nothing else. Cleo gets pretty bored looking for something to play with and Chanelle has no interest in anything but her beat up old baby. {With 2 new babies just waiting for her}. Would be nice to see her with a new toy.

I still have her original lambchops baby, which looks about as bad as the one she carries around now. I don't remember how we got her to switch over to the new one last time when this one was new. Her baby was packed up the whole time we were in the truck and since we've been here, I found it and she hasn't let it out of her sight. Even growling at her buddy Jackson if he gets too close to it. LOL. 

Hopefully I can get some solid sleep tonight. It's been really windy, and the rain has been horrible the past couple days. I need to get over to where Miss StarBright is this weekend. My horse is starting to shed really well, but it's hard to brush her out when she's so wet. Of course, she loves to stand in the rain and roll in the mud. I have access to the camera where she is now, so I can check on her and watch her during the day. It feels super nice, to be able to see her and how she's doing. 

My friend is an amazing person and has done so much to help me out the past couple months, I'm thinking of something special to do for her, to show my appreciation. Would be nice to return the flavors! I don't pray for wealth, but I do pray for God to help with the finances so I can pay back those that have helped me get forward. 

I never expected life to turn out this way. Between having a couple strokes, struggling with remembering things and other health issues of my own it has been hard enough. But to have to take care of someone that can't seem to do anything for himself has been quite the 'ball and chain' to drag along as well. I would have liked to have been with someone that was going to help take care of me, not someone that would drown me in their needs. 

I'm tired. Physically, mentally and emotionally. I pray every day for the struggle to end so I can find a little happiness outside of being loved by my fur babies. For now, we just breathe and focus forward. Trusting God, who knows my heart. 

Blessed by God

Life's hard work @ the Bright Side of the Barn

Thanks for Stopping by

Until next time, Stay Safe and Happy Trails.

Spring 2025

 Hello First Day of Spring

Spring Cleaning Time!

Dust, Vaccuum - Sort and Organize. 

Rearrange ~ Change the Decor! 

A new season has begun! How many of you, actually perform the rituals of spring cleaning and redecorating??

It's good for the spirit and good for the soul to refresh your environment. Helps eliminate the clutter that has accumulated over the coldness of winter. Refresh your spirit of life when you see the first blooms of spring. 

I recommend starting with a moment of self-care. 

Pick up a new fragrance, fresh and floral. Treat yourself to something new.... 

Avon is having a Spring Beauty Refresh Sweepstakes, no purchase necessary to enter

 

Awesome selection of products! Just click here or click the image and enter your information. Good luck and I wish you well! You can't win if you don't enter...

or if you Just want to pick up a new fragrance, 

I recommend the classics

There are some great sales HERE

Looking for some new kitchen aids? Love Tupperware ~ Easter accessories and Beautiful spring colors on some ole classics! Great deals and super savings going on now! Host a party with Jessi and get some amazing freebies! Or if you just want to order, let her know Melinda sent you and she'll add your order to my party! 

New Decor for the house and beautiful Easter accessories on your list? 

I love the carrots 

Simple elegance to compliment your table !  Follow the link to find more great Easter baskets and bunnies. Just click the images or click here. 

Looking for something more spiritual and uplifting ~ This is one of my favorite shoppes to visit. Bibles, Books, Cards, Kitchen accessories and Home Decor ~ 

I love the Day Spring collections. There are even free Ecards to send to your friends and family. 

Check out the new spring line up featuring SNOOPY and the gang

God is amazing! 

The gift of Jesus renews our spirits every spring at Easter as we remember the sacrifice He made for us. 

I can only imagine how beautiful Heaven must be! Spring is just a reminder to us all. 

Looking for a new image for the wall ?

Stop by our very own gallery, with unique photos taken by our own Tim O'Hara

@Timbers Photography

Images from around the Pacific Northwest in Washington state and the Lower region of British Columbia - Canada. Original prints you won't find anywhere else!!

Let's not forget our fur babies this spring.  Perhaps a new toy or treat? 

I recommend taking the pet quiz and see the recommendations offered by Paw Tree ~ 

Take the Quiz here

Grab onto the great discount on your first order now! Savings like this won't last long.

So many opportunities to brighten up your spring! Remember to de clutter, for every new thing you bring in, find one old thing you no longer need 

It's either - Garbage, Recycle, Good will, or Yard Sale ~ 

Lighten up your life, refresh your spirit, and say Hello to the first day of Spring!! 

Blessed by God

Spring has arrived @ the Bright Side of the Barn

Thanks for Stopping by

Until next Time, Stay Safe and Happy Trails.