20 April 2026 Everyday

by saymber, posted in animals, Bipolar life, history, human rights, In the News, Leading Life by Example, Mental Health, Music, Nature, photography, Spirituality and Religion, Veteran Affairs
The next phase of the dandelions

Hello to you. How are you doing? I’m doing ok – just back from my second walk today. It’s really warm! It’s 74 degrees right now. Today began early as Link had his grooming appointment with Clean Pups Diana. She does such a good job with him!

He looks so much better!

My heart goes out to the families that lost their little ones in Louisiana – so senseless! I hope the women involved will be surrounded with love and healing. They will need so much understanding and kindness if they survive their injuries:

https://www.npr.org/2026/04/19/nx-s1-5790483/mass-shooting-eight-children-louisiana-shrevepor :

A gunman killed eight children and wounded two women in a Northwest Louisiana incident that stemmed from a domestic disturbance, the Shreveport Police Department said Sunday.

The adult male suspect is dead, authorities said. Police named the suspect as 31-year-old Shamar Elkins, of Shreveport. Elkins was believed to be the father of seven of the children killed, Shreveport Police Cpl. Christopher Bordelon said.

https://youtu.be/N_lrrq_opng?si=kUDiXWpCESMfNxYO – Mercyme – I Can Only Imagine

Can Only Imagine

Song by MercyMe

OverviewLyrics

I can only imagine
What it will be like
When I walk by Your side
I can only imagine
What my eyes would see
When Your face is before me
I can only imagine
Yeah

Surrounded by Your glory
What will my heart feel?
Will I dance for You Jesus
Or in awe of You be still?
Will I stand in Your presence
Or to my knees, will I fall?
Will I sing hallelujah?
Will I be able to speak at all?
I can only imagine
I can only imagine

I can only imagine
When that day comes
And I find myself
Standing in the Son
I can only imagine
When all I will do
Is forever, forever worship You
I can only imagine, yeah
I can only imagine

Surrounded by Your glory
What will my heart feel?
Will I dance for you Jesus
Or in awe of You be still?
Will I stand in your presence
Or to my knees will I fall?
Will I sing hallelujah?
Will I be able to speak at all?
I can only imagine, yeah
I can only imagine

Surrounded by Your glory
What will my heart feel?
Will I dance for you Jesus
Or in awe of You be still?
Will I stand in your presence
Or to my knees, will I fall?
Will I sing hallelujah?
Will I be able to speak at all?

I can only imagine, yeah
I can only imagine
I can only imagine, yeah-yeah
I can only imagine
I can only imagine
I can only imagine

I can only imagine
When all I will do
Is forever, forever worship You
I can only imagine

Source: Musixmatch

Songwriters: Bart Millard

https://youtu.be/HuV2ID4PVgA?si=9CnoJb3AKUF92Yr1 – Why – Enigma

Why!…

Song by Enigma ‧ 1996

OverviewLyrics

I was childish and unfair
To you, my only friend
I regret, but now it’s too late
I can’t show you any more

The things I’ve learned from you
‘Cause life just took you away
I’m asking why? (I’m asking why?)
I’m asking why? (I’m asking why?)

Nobody gives an answer
I’m just asking why?
But someday we’ll meet again
And I’ll ask you

I’ll ask you why?
Why it has to be like this
I’m asking you why?
Please, give me an answer

Many years and stupid fights
Till we accept to see
How it was and it’ll always be
Why it has to be like this?
Why we don’t realize?

Why we’re too blind to see the one
Who’s always on our side?
I’m asking why? (I’m asking why?)
I’m asking why? (I’m asking why?)

Nobody gives an answer
I’m just asking why?
Just tell me why?
Why it has to be like this

That the good ones disappear
I’m asking you why?
I’m asking why? (I’m asking why?)
I’m asking why? (I’m asking why?)

Nobody gives an answer
I’m just asking why?
I’m asking why? (I’m asking why?)
I’m asking why? (I’m asking why?)

I’m asking why? (I’m asking why?)
I’m asking why? (I’m asking why?)

Source: Musixmatch

Songwriters: Michael Cretu

Why!… lyrics © Enigma Songs Edition

Prayer I found online specifically for victims of gun violence:

A Prayer for Healing and Comfort
“God of mercy, our hearts ache for those injured in acts of violence. We pray for healing for those who are injured and hospitalized. We pray for comfort for families and friends of each victim. Give solace to grieving communities, and bring peace to anxious hearts. Bring them healing and peace in the face of this tragedy. Amen

19 Apr 2026 Bring What You Got

by saymber, posted in Bipolar life, human rights, Mental Health, Politics and Government, Spirituality and Religion, Veteran Affairs, Writing and blogging

Hello to you. It’s Sunday afternoon here as I write to you. Today began with church and we were in Mark 6:30-44 where the miracle occurred when Jesus fed the 5,000 with 5 loaves of bread and two fishes:

https://youtu.be/1Xi9RLQo2GY?si=E6m41sDwwBbAIzvy – Bring What You Got – Brad Bowden

We had a baptism of a couple and communion. I sat with Jeannie and Roy and Cecil and Terry behind us – so glad to see them! We sang several songs I knew today:

https://youtu.be/HwKCvuorI9E?si=bEx8D6Jkr5nUSjQT – Open The Eyes Of My Heart Lord – Michael W Smith

https://youtu.be/W4Fj9bbEmVk?si=wMRAqeAbUQzlmeVt – Better Is One Day – Matt Redman

https://youtu.be/n0FBb6hnwTo?si=9Rq-ENc-FotkUnQ9 – Goodness of God

I went to the Sunrise afterwards and it was busy as usual but not too busy for me to get a hug from the manager Emma. The place just isn’t the same without her! Link likes it when I go there as I always bring him a couple slices of bacon.

Yesterday I did 16 minutes of Tai Chi which is a lot for me. The video I found was for 25 minutes. I will revisit it! I find the 5-7 minute videos the best for me. I’m proud of myself for sticking with it. I like that I don’t need anything but moving my body to do it.

https://youtu.be/SoOtJi85KHQ?si=9j3ZiV2baWy-L0UF – Menopause Belly After 45- 25 min Gentle Tai Chi Flo no jump

Dear Jesus thank you for the blessings of this day. I pray you be with the leaders of all levels of government and give them wisdom and insight on how best to govern. I pray you wrap your loving arms around all those who are suffering the effects of war and strife. Please be with all those who feel they are alone. Please let us be your hands and feet for all the sick, healing, poor and unhoused. Let there be your love and compassion for all animals. Amen.

16 Apr 20 Procrastination and David (Dream)

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

Hello to you. I’m just got home from our Thursday prayer group and breakfast at the Sunrise. We are keeping pastor Jason’s daughter Harper in prayer as her doctors keep trying to figure out what’s going on with her. I should have gone to get groceries but I am procrastinating! I am planning on going tomorrow morning. It will give me something to do.

Do you procrastinate? What do you dread doing so much that you put it off?

Part of the dread comes from how expensive grocery shopping has gotten. For just me and Link prices have doubled.

Had an interesting, very brief dream last night that woke me up. It was of seeing a David Bowie that looked like he did in the music video for I’m Afraid Of Americans:

https://youtu.be/LT3cERVRoQo?si=ksfehBgmbFztLndg – I’m Afraid of Americans – David Bowie

As he walked away from me there were black storm clouds brewing in the distance. It’s been awhile since I’ve dreamt of David. Another dream I had with him in it was of joining him on stage for a concert. I had that one shortly after he died. David was a major player in my teenage years. I gravitated towards him because like me, he was androgynous. When I was in high school I got mistaken for being a guy a lot! Nowadays I’m a “ma’m” A couple of days ago a neighbor walking their dog greeted me that way. My age is finally catching up to me!

The chameleon

St. Padre Pio’s Healing Prayer
“Heavenly Father, I thank you for loving me. I thank you for sending your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, to the world to save and to set me free. I trust in your power and grace that sustain and restore me. Loving Father, touch me now with your healing hands, for I believe that your will is for me to be well in mind, body, soul, and spirit”. 

12 Apr 2026 What God Wants

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

Hello to you on this rainy Sunday afternoon. Today has been uneventful. This morning was church. I sat with my friends in our usual spot in row J. I like that spot because the floor is more level and it’s easier to stand. My back was not being my friend today! I was surprised to see Jeannie with Roy who has gotten so thin. He is determined to go to church and she is kind enough to help him! I’m always glad to sit with them and my other friends Terry and Cecil. God is definitely at work in Roy.

Today we were in Matthew 19:16-30:

Just then a man came up to Jesus and asked, “Teacher, what good thing must I do to get eternal life?” “Why do you ask me about what is good?” Jesus replied. “There is only One who is good. If you want to enter life, keep the commandments.” “Which ones?” he inquired. Jesus replied, “ ‘You shall not murder, you shall not commit adultery, you shall not steal, you shall not give false testimony, honor your father and mother,’ and ‘love your neighbor as yourself.’” “All these I have kept,” the young man said. “What do I still lack?” Jesus answered, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” When the young man heard this, he went away sad, because he had great wealth. Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Truly I tell you, it is hard for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of heaven. Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.” When the disciples heard this, they were greatly astonished and asked, “Who then can be saved?” Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” Peter answered him, “We have left everything to follow you! What then will there be for us?” Jesus said to them, “Truly I tell you, at the renewal of all things, when the Son of Man sits on his glorious throne, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or fields for my sake will receive a hundred times as much and will inherit eternal life. But many who are first will be last, and many who are last will be first.

https://youtu.be/m9-eKzm_yWw?si=18iVnOyzP7r_39Vk – Money, Money, Money – Pastor Jason Boyd

The take away from this sermon is that God doesn’t want our money or possessions. He wants our hearts. Jason asked what is it in our lives that keeps our hearts from him. This question calls for reflection and thought. What do I focus on more than God? Honestly it’s my body right now. I used to do more until I hurt my back and had the Weeble wobble stuff going on in my head. Every day I ask God to heal me so I might be a more fit vessel. I wonder what would happen if I stopped focusing on myself and just focused on Jesus! What we focus on gains more power and influence in our lives.

10 Apr 2026 Tea Party

by saymber, posted in Food, Leading Life by Example, Spirituality and Religion

Hello to you. Today began early for me as my Auntie invited me to join her at the Nampa Sisters of Grace tea party at 9 am. What a nice party it was! Tammy, Flor, Jo and a couple other ladies really outdid themselves! The cups and saucers came from Flors collection. There were sandwiches, candies, mints, scones, cookies, finger size cakes and of course tea and coffee. We sang this song:

https://youtu.be/Rmg0UGllTp8?si=tB_j8xKJssFKN1s_ – In the Garden – Alan Jackson

In the Garden

Song by Alan Jackson ‧ 2006

OverviewLyrics

… I come to the garden alone
While the dew is still on the roses
And the voice I hear, falling on my ear
The son 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

… I’d stay in the garden with him
Though the night around me is falling
But he bids me go
Through the voice of woe
His voice to me is calling

… 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: Musixmatch

When I got to my Aunties house she had hats set out and we decided the black one was best! I cherish these memories that we make together. She helps me stay in touch with my girly self! The Sisters of Grace are so kind and welcoming. I’m glad we went!

8 Apr 2026 Pushing On

by saymber, posted in Bipolar life, Health, history, human rights, Nature, photography, Politics and Government, Spirituality and Religion, Veteran Affairs
Little blooms
One of my favorite trees on my daily walks
Seems like just yesterday the leaves were bare
My Aunt and I on Easter

Hello to you. How are you doing? Since Sunday I haven’t been feeling so good. I’m writing to you from bed and it’s only 7 pm! Still very light out. I just feel weak and low energy. This too shall pass and I know I will push on beyond whatever this is. The only thing different I’m doing is I have started taking loratadine which is generic Claritin for allergies. The Flonase hasn’t arrived yet. This is another way of tackling the fullness in my ears.

Dear Jesus please be with my Uncle Bill as he navigates issues going on with his heart. I also ask you be with my cousin Heidi as she continues to heal. I ask you to be with the people in war torn countries- let there be peace. I pray you guide leaders at all levels of government – please give our elected officials the courage to stop the mad king! Amen.

2 Timothy 1:7: “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind”

5 Apr 2026 Easter

by saymber, posted in Food, Home, Spirituality and Religion

Hello to you! What a beautiful day today has been. I went to the 9 am service and it was pretty full. It was a really nice service complete with a full choir! We learned about the meaning of Jesus’s last words:

John 19:30 captures Jesus’ final words, “It is finished” (Tetelestai), marking the completion of his earthly mission, the fulfillment of scripture, and the total payment for humanity’s sins. This triumphant declaration signifies that atonement is fully accomplished, ending the need for further sacrifices. 

https://youtu.be/NultNYlFSH0?si=89TM85TLed8xmUmf – Easter Sunday – pastor Jason Boyd

John 19:28-30

Later, knowing that everything had now been finished, and so that Scripture would be fulfilled, Jesus said, “I am thirsty.” A jar of wine vinegar was there, so they soaked a sponge in it, put the sponge on a stalk of the hyssop plant, and lifted it to Jesus’ lips. When he had received the drink, Jesus said, “It is finished.” With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.

I came home and rested with Link and then I drove over to my cousins house for a nice meal and visit with my family. We had my Uncle John’s famous ham, burgers and brats off the grill. My Aunt made awesome tasting mashed potatoes – there was little left of them! We had three of the great grandchildren so that was entertaining to say the least. They are so cute! There were eggs to be found, bubbles to be blown and a bouncy house to play in. You don’t get to sit still with children their age. They are growing so fast!

3 Apr 2026 From Supper To Silence

by saymber, posted in history, Spirituality and Religion

Good evening to you. Today is Good Friday. I’ve always wondered why they call it good in that Jesus was crucified which is horrible! I guess it’s good because if he hadn’t gone through with everything our world would be very different. We would still be making sacrifices to atone for our sins.

Our church had a Good Friday service this evening. It was very simple and beautiful. We had communion which I thought made everything more meaningful. Our music director Heather Faust put together a lovely series of songs that was accompanied by Amanda Doman on clarinet. The songs were woven in between the reading of the gospel in Matthew 26.

https://youtu.be/Ci_lKA123MU?si=amBGmmyVc4QejmPP – The Complete Last Supper – The Chosen Season 5

1 Apr 2026 Artemis II

by saymber, posted in history, In the News, Science (Keshe Foundation and other innovations), space, Spirituality and Religion, technology, Veteran Affairs

Hello to you. I hope this finds you well. Today marked an exciting event:

https://www.youtube.com/live/Tf_UjBMIzNo?si=sSQoBzRJc0Uet34r – NASA Artemis II Lunar Mission

https://time.com/article/2026/04/01/watch-nasa-artemis-ii-lunar-mission-launch/

I found myself feeling quite anxious and reminded of the space shuttle Challenger explosion back in 1986. I am so glad everything went well!

Paul Baloche God of Wonders: https://youtu.be/TTXBLspw_Z0?si=7dm_uk9De6FP1NN_

God of Wonders

Song by Third Day ‧ 2003

OverviewLyrics

Lord of all creation
Lord of water, earth and sky
The heavens are your Tabernacle
Glory to the Lord on high

And God of wonders beyond our galaxy
You are holy, holy
The universe declares Your majesty
You are holy, holy
Lord of heaven and earth
Lord of heaven and earth

So early in the morning
I will celebrate the light
As I stumble in the darkness
I will call your name by night

God of wonders beyond our galaxy
You are holy, holy
The universe declares Your majesty
You are holy, holy

Lord of heaven and earth
Lord of heaven and earth
Lord of heaven and earth
Lord of heaven and earth

Hallelujah! To the Lord of heaven and earth
Hallelujah! To the Lord of heaven and earth
Hallelujah! To the Lord of heaven and earth

The God of wonders beyond our galaxy (You)
You are holy, holy
Precious Lord, reveal Your heart to me
Father, holy, holy (Lord God Almighty)

The universe declares Your majesty (You are holy)
You are holy (yes you are), holy (holy You are)
Holy (Jesus saves), holy

Hallelujah! To the Lord of heaven and earth
Hallelujah! To the Lord of heaven and earth
Hallelujah! To the Lord of heaven and earth
Hallelujah! To the Lord of heaven and earth
Hallelujah! To the Lord of heaven and earth
Hallelujah! To the Lord of heaven and earth
Our brother Michael Jay

Source: Musixmatch

Songwriters: Steve J. Hindalong / Marc Byrd

God of Wonders lyrics © New Spring Publishing Inc., Never Say Never Songs, Meaux Mercy Publishing, Storm Boy Music, Meaux Mercy, New Spring Publishing Inc.

30 Mar 2026 Palm Sunday and The One With The Pool

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

Hello to you. How are you? I was up early after a night of lots of dreams. Dreamt a lot of shadow people but didn’t get scared this time. I had an appointment with the VA first thing this morning. I was there for a weight and ears check up. I gained a pound since my last visit which was disappointing and as I’ve mentioned before my ears didn’t respond to the antibiotic. We are going to try Flonase nasal spray and Claritin. She suspects my Eustachian tubes may be clogged and antihistamine treatment may clear them. My Aunt said she uses Flonase every night. We have similar allergy problems. She had me take a blood pressure cuff home to do a daily blood pressure check as my blood pressure was a little high. I am really disappointed we aren’t keeping her! Now I have to start over again with a new doctor next visit.

This past Sunday was Palm Sunday. We were in John 5:1-15:

John 5:1-15New International Version

The Healing at the Pool

5 Some time later, Jesus went up to Jerusalem for one of the Jewish festivals. 2 Now there is in Jerusalem near the Sheep Gate a pool, which in Aramaic is called Bethesda[a] and which is surrounded by five covered colonnades. 3 Here a great number of disabled people used to lie—the blind, the lame, the paralyzed. [4] [b] 5 One who was there had been an invalid for thirty-eight years. 6 When Jesus saw him lying there and learned that he had been in this condition for a long time, he asked him, “Do you want to get well?”

7 “Sir,” the invalid replied, “I have no one to help me into the pool when the water is stirred. While I am trying to get in, someone else goes down ahead of me.”

8 Then Jesus said to him, “Get up! Pick up your mat and walk.” 9 At once the man was cured; he picked up his mat and walked.

The day on which this took place was a Sabbath,10 and so the Jewish leaders said to the man who had been healed, “It is the Sabbath; the law forbids you to carry your mat.”

11 But he replied, “The man who made me well said to me, ‘Pick up your mat and walk.’ ”

12 So they asked him, “Who is this fellow who told you to pick it up and walk?”

13 The man who was healed had no idea who it was, for Jesus had slipped away into the crowd that was there.

14 Later Jesus found him at the temple and said to him, “See, you are well again. Stop sinning or something worse may happen to you.” 15 The man went away and told the Jewish leaders that it was Jesus who had made him well.

Whenever I hear “Do you want to be healed?” My resounding answer is “YES!” I can imagine Jesus laying his hands on me and my being completely healed.

https://youtu.be/kf6K3NbOOyg?si=kghCMC40nQllvQ2B – The Chosen – Triumphal Entry Into Jerusalem – Palm Sunday

https://youtu.be/JMj1ggINLe4?si=w2V8GPwp37mUN8A6 – The Chosen – Jesus Heals At The Pool

https://youtu.be/Qg7SQeASmMQ?si=AiaKwzBLlgONKXep – The One With The Pool – Pastor Jason Boyd