29 Sept 2026 Home

by saymber, posted in history, Home, Music, Spirituality and Religion

What’s a place you visited that felt like home?

Hello to you. I hope this finds you well.

A place that I visited that felt like home was Germany. I was stationed in Germany for a couple of years and within that time we traveled to so many beautiful places in Germany and surrounding countries. My ancestors came from Germany. When I went out in public it was hard to tell if people were German until they opened their mouth to speak. I looked like them and they looked like me. I think it was my great grandfather who was a pastor in Germany. They also painted stage coaches for German royalty. My Grandpa was a pastor too! I loved living in the village of Fliessem before we moved into base housing which I hated. I loved the German people.

Visiting German King Ludwig’s Neuschwanstein Castle was definitely one of the highlights! I can remember how I felt seeing the Singers Hall. It was like I was being watched. I felt so sad that King Ludwig had this beautiful space created that was never used in his lifetime:

No, the Singers’ Hall was never used for its intended purpose during King Ludwig II’s lifetime, but it has been used frequently in modern times. [1, 2]

The beautiful Singers Hall in Neuschwanstein Castle

Spin of the World Prayer Wheel:

Blessed are You, O Lord our God,
Wellspring of our lives.

No word of ours can contain You;
But You are the sea on which we float,
You are the wind that fills our sails,
You are the storm that batters us,
You are the calm that brings us peace.

Open our ears to hear Your word,
Open our eyes to see Your beauty,
Open our hearts to be warmed by Your love.

Free us from our lonely prisons of fear and selfishness,
And make us over, day by day, into bearers of Your peace.

richard rosenberg – 1990

https://youtu.be/7fNAVW4Otks?is=nD774MViRaViD19v – Home – Blue October

27 Sept 2026 Celebrating Heidi

by saymber, posted in Bipolar life, Food, Music, Spirituality and Religion

Hello to you. I’m just back from a painful walk with Link. We made it around the short block (1/4 mile) and my lower back is not happy!

Today we celebrated my cousin, the miracle woman’s 61st birthday at Olive Garden. I rode with my Aunt and Uncle – we got there early and reserved a large table. Thankfully it wasn’t real busy so we could do that. Our server, Chris, was amazing and he kept up with everything so well. He said he works weekends to get some social interaction. During the week he does accounting work at Mountain Home and doesn’t get to see people much.

Heidi was so sweet! She said the Lord must have wanted her to be here. So many little miracles went into what happened to her from her getting home and not being on the road to her husband Rod being home when the aneurysm burst happened. She is one of the most grateful souls I know. She said she wants all the glory to go to God. She is an inspiration to us all.

Family dinner at Olive Garden

Spin of the World Prayer Wheel:

Our God teaches us that
we are to be merciful to the stranger,
for we were once strangers in this land.

May God grant us all the strength and courage
to honor the dignity of every human being,
speak the truth in love, and walk humbly
with one another and our God,
for the good of all the people
of this nation and the world.

mariann edgar budde – inaugural homily

https://youtu.be/y0Jns_wrios?is=d0UtmFZwX-wl-0al – What’s your serve – Jason Boyd

New band:

https://youtu.be/CXmOCB5GjZs?is=G1A7hpZ2Kps2vd4S – see it all – dogmasociety

26 Sept 2026 Choate Farm

by saymber, posted in Bipolar life, Food, Health, Home, Leading Life by Example, Mental Health, Nature, photography, Spirituality and Religion

Hello to you. How are you on this chilly Saturday? I’m just back from a wonderful gathering of Grace ladies at Brenda and Lonny Choate’s farm. There was a great turnout! Missy and others brought platters of meat, cheese, cookies and homemade breads. Missy called it loaves and fishes! Food just kept multiplying! it was chilly out – wish I had dressed more warmly! I am grateful to Missy for the ride- it was quite a ways out.

Brenda shared some of her knowledge of how natures home remedies can heal the body. She is a sweet lady – she said her joy comes out through her eyes. I used to be more like that! I call it having your spirit sticking out. We made sugar balms with some oils she had. She had all different Young Living oils – really good stuff.

What a beautiful property they have. They have lots of chickens and goats. I saw two large hawks fly amongst the giant trees. They have bunches of tomato plants and other herbs. I like how Brenda approached natural healing – God is wise and has given us everything we need to heal our bodies.

One of Brenda’s favorite songs she shared with us:

In the Garden

I come to the garden alone
While the dew is still on the roses
And the voice I hear
Falling on my ear
The song of God discloses

And He walks with me
And He talks with me
And He tells me I am his own
And the joy we share
As we tarry there
None other has ever known

He speaks and the sound
Of His voice
Is so sweet the birds hush their singing
And the melody
That He gave to me
Within my heart is ringing

And He walks with me
And He talks with me
And He tells me I am his own
And the joy we share
As we tarry there
None other has ever known

And the joy we share
As we tarry there
None other has ever known

Source: LyricFind

Pictures from the event:

They use to run a donut business
Some of the books Brenda gets her wisdom from
Missy and I

25 Sept 2026 Karma

by saymber, posted in Spirituality and Religion, Mental Health, Health, Bipolar life

Do you believe in karma?

Hello to you. How are you? I’m feeling pretty good today. I have had some relief in the pressure in my ears which is very welcome! I did 13 minutes of Tai Chi today and a half mile walk. Tomorrow morning I’m going with Missy and some other ladies from church to the Choate Farm for some herbs and oils. I have wanted to go so this will be nice. Brenda Choate is such a talented and beautiful spirit!

So do I believe in karma – I would say yes. The biggest examples I’ve seen is in traffic. When a car races to get ahead and ends up getting blocked or not making it very far. I believe in what you sow is what you reap. I will say though that sometimes you will try to do good in the world and bad things will still happen. The phrase “no good deed goes unpunished” comes to mind.

I want to say thank you to all who visit me here. I love seeing new areas of the world map light up! I am hopefully planting good seed!

Spin of the World Prayer Wheel:

Lord, take me where You want me to go;
Let me meet who You want me to meet;
Tell me what You want me to say; and
Keep me out of your way.

father mychal judge – FDNY – died 9/11/01

24 Sept 2026 Prayers

by saymber, posted in Spirituality and Religion

Hello there! It’s Thursday as I write to you. This morning was prayer group. There were 4 of us. It was good to see Missy , Linda and Pastor Jason. Jason had each of us pray for something for the church. For me it was for church leadership. I had trouble verbalizing my prayer. I do better writing than I do speaking. I did my best! I’m going to write my prayer here:

Dear Jesus I pray for the leadership of Grace – especially Pastor Jason and his family. He is being pulled in many directions and he’s tired. I pray you give him the strength and wisdom to wade through such rough waters. I pray you surround him and the leadership of our church with your protection and love. I pray for this fallen world – we need you now more than ever Lord. I pray for all my family and friends. Wrap your loving arms around them! Amen.

23 Sept 2026 Truth Adorned

by saymber, posted in Bipolar life, books, history, Leading Life by Example, Mental Health, Spirituality and Religion, Writing and blogging

Hello to you. It’s afternoon as I write to you. I am fighting cravings for pizza. I have already gone over 2,000 calories for today so ordering a pizza is out of the question!

Today was bible study and there was a great turnout. I think we had 12-13 ladies. There were many I hadn’t met before. We are using the Truth Adorned book. We spent time in Titus. The phrase I had to read came from Titus 2:13 :

Titus 2:13New International Version

13 while we wait for the blessed hope—the appearingof the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ.

The focus of the “Truth Adorned” or “Adorned” style Bible study (frequently based on Titus 2) is living out the beauty of the gospel together through intentional, cross-generational Christian community and mentoring. [1, 2, 3]

The central idea is drawn from Titus 2:10, which states that believers should “adorn the doctrine of God our Savior” in everything they do. Rather than reducing the Christian life to a rigid list of rules or trying harder on one’s own, the study emphasizes how God’s grace transforms character, behavior, and relationships.

Today was special. Taking and actually opening my Bible – using my Bible – was a first in a long time! During my last manic episode I was using my Bible practically everyday. I would read passages out loud and different voices came out as I read.

My friend Jeannie was with us. She’s been having a hard time with Roy’s two daughters. They keep dragging her into the middle of everything! They haven’t been very nice to her. We were going to get together and eat at the Sunrise but she can’t now. It’s ok and I understand! I wish things were easier for her.

Spin of the World Prayer Wheel:

God, I offer myself to Thee –
to build with me
and to do with me as Thou wilt.
Relieve me of the bondage of self,
that I may better do Thy will.
Take away my difficulties,
that victory over them may bear witness
to those I would help of Thy Power,
Thy Love, and Thy Way of life.
May I do Thy will always!

alcoholics anonymous – the big book – third step prayer – 1939

22 Sept 2026 Self-Care

by saymber, posted in Bipolar life, Health, history, Home, Leading Life by Example, Mental Health, Spirituality and Religion

How do you make time for self-care?

Hello to you. It’s evening as I write to you. Today marks the end of summer and you can tell fall is here as it’s getting dark earlier! Some of the trees are changing into their autumn dresses. Such a beautiful time of year.

Self-care?! What’s that?! I don’t do much these days! The older I get the less I care about how I look. About the only things I do is trim my nails, color my hair and put lotion on my ever drying skin. I am doing the Tai Chi each day and try to get out and walk. As I get older I have resigned myself that I want to age gracefully.

Tomorrow I am going to Bible study at Grace House. It will be good for me to have something to look forward to each week. I will get to see friends outside of church – enrich friendship. I am not doing the book but just going for fellowship. I have been asking God what he wants from me and some of the answer has been getting out of the house and have fellowship with others. I hate leaving Link by himself but he’s a good boy while I’m gone. Even if he does his business in the house I have floors for it. Easy to clean up.

Spin of the World Prayer Wheel:

Dance as though no one is watching you,
Love as though you have never been hurt before,
Sing as though no one can hear you,
Live as though heaven is on earth.

source unknown

20 Sept 2026 Tragedy and 10 Years Anniversary

by saymber, posted in Bipolar life, Health, history, In the News, Mental Health, Spirituality and Religion

Today was both a celebration and a time of sorrow. Middleton Grace Bible church celebrated 10 years and we mourned the loss of 14 year old Carson Chrapkowski from a hit and run accident near Middleton High School:

https://idahonews.com/news/local/middleton-teen-dies-after-bicycle-vs-vehicle-crash-driver-arrested

https://youtu.be/LsmhcMgFhZs?is=G4LgrCoVIjB7PYcx – Hope In The Midst of Grief – Pastor Jason Boyd

Jason chose Psalm 57 at the reading for today:

For the director of music. To the tune of “Do Not Destroy.” Of David. A miktam.[b] When he had fled from Saul into the cave.

1 Have mercy on me, my God, have mercy on me,
    for in you I take refuge.
I will take refuge in the shadow of your wings
    until the disaster has passed.

2 I cry out to God Most High,
    to God, who vindicates me.
3 He sends from heaven and saves me,
    rebuking those who hotly pursue me—[c]
    God sends forth his love and his faithfulness.

4 I am in the midst of lions;
    I am forced to dwell among ravenous beasts—
men whose teeth are spears and arrows,
    whose tongues are sharp swords.

5 Be exalted, O God, above the heavens;
    let your glory be over all the earth.

6 They spread a net for my feet—
    I was bowed down in distress.
They dug a pit in my path—
    but they have fallen into it themselves.

7 My heart, O God, is steadfast,
    my heart is steadfast;
    I will sing and make music.
8 Awake, my soul!
    Awake, harp and lyre!
    I will awaken the dawn.

9 I will praise you, Lord, among the nations;
    I will sing of you among the peoples.
10 For great is your love, reaching to the heavens;
    your faithfulness reaches to the skies.

11 Be exalted, O God, above the heavens;
    let your glory be over all the earth.

I have been praying about what Jesus wants for me – what should I be doing. Well he is working that out for me through one of my friends from church. Today Missy invited me to go to her bible study starting this Wednesday. I didn’t have an excuse to say no and sometimes the answer is yes! Missy makes it so easy to say yes – no excuses. I told her I don’t do books but come to listen and have fellowship. I have to remind myself about this life that it’s not what I can’t do but what I can. What else am I doing?!!

Drawing I did today

17 Sept 2026 Stuck

by saymber, posted in Bipolar life, Health, Spirituality and Religion, Writing and blogging

Hello to you. How are you? I’m feeling better than I did this morning. I went to my prayer group to start my day. I almost didn’t go because the pressure in my ears was so bad. I’m glad I went and I didn’t stay stuck in my head. I got to see Missy who’s husband we’ve been praying for. He is still having headaches but is home and doing better. Pastor Jason’s daughter Harper is doing well after her surgery. We had prayers and praises. The biggest prayer is needing more people to volunteer to keep pace with the needs of our growing church. I feel bad that I’m not doing more but with my stuff I have going on I am limited. I will keep on praying that Jesus will show me what I can do.

Spin of the World Prayer Wheel:

Always be full of joy in the lord.
I say it again-rejoice!

Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do.
Remember the Lord is coming soon.

Don’t worry about anything,
instead pray about everything.
Tell God what you need,
and thank him for all he has done.

If you do this, you will experience God’s peace,
which is far more wonderful
than the human mind can understand.
His peace will guard your hearts and minds
as you live in Christ Jesus.

bible – philippians 4:4-7 – paul

13 Sept 2026 Fishers of Men

by saymber, posted in animals, Health, Mental Health, Spirituality and Religion

Hello to you. I hope this finds you well. Today at church we were in Matthew 4::18-22:

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%204%3A%2018-22&version=NIV

https://youtu.be/9h6Z-xYM_1I?is=_wM9HPVNGVIxwwRP – Fishers of Men – Pastor Jason Boyd

It was good to see everyone. Jeannie said she almost didn’t come – just feeling so sad. She is having to say goodbye to Roy’s dog Pepper as she is being rehomed. She doesn’t get along with Jeannie’s dog otherwise she’d keep her. We were going to go to breakfast together but she had to go and get Peppers things together. I went to the Sunrise anyways. It was good as always. I also got to see Missy Burke whose husband has been in the hospital for bleeding on his brain. She said he’s doing better. So many to keep in prayer!

Spin of the World Prayer Wheel:

Each day is a blessing
of epic proportions.
I give thanks for
what might seem meager comforts:
real cream in my coffee,
a day without a bill in the mail,
the Paso Doble.
Sometimes life is a dance
a woman has to do backwards
pushing against the wind
and obstacles in the way.
Thank You for being the partner
who always leads.

paso doble – ruth williams