9 Feb 2026 Why So Serious?!

by saymber, posted in Animal Rights, animals, Bipolar life, history, Home, human rights, In the News, Leading Life by Example, Mental Health, Politics and Government, Spirituality and Religion, Veteran Affairs

Hello and good evening to you. It’s the end of the day and I figured I would write to you before trying to go to sleep. How was your day? Did your team win the Super Bowl? I only saw part of the game and missed the half time show that got mixed reviews. I was glad to see Trumps feathers got ruffled by the show. I am so sick of him! Way to go Bad Bunny! I don’t get reception for NBC and refuse to pay for Peacock – so no Olympics either.

https://youtu.be/G6FuWd4wNd8?si=ouzbTCWxbwvhz_BK – half time show

The subject of my blog is poking fun at myself as I have become such a serious person. I used to have a sense of humor! Every day now there is something going on in the world that ticks me off. There just doesn’t seem to be an end in sight! We are expected to wait out 3 more years of this nightmare fuel?! So the challenge is to not let the headlines get to me without putting my head in the sand and pretend that these goings on are normal. I want to reclaim my middle name – Joy!

This Friday I will be another year older with my cousin Tony. We are going out to eat at a restaurant in Star my Aunt and I stumbled across a couple years ago. It was the Rustic Table and is now The Rare Steakhouse. I’ll celebrate with joy that I even have loved ones to share the day with! I am going to pray that Jesus, through my loved ones, friends and Link, will soften my heart.

Dear Jesus please soften my heart in these trying times. Help me reclaim my inner child. I ask you to put your loving arms around all those who are sick, hungry, in the healing process, those without shelter to include animals. Please shine your love and mercy through each of us that we would be worthy vessels of your will here on earth. Please be with all the leaders of this world – give them wisdom! Amen.

6 Feb 2026 Getting Honest With Yourself

by saymber, posted in Animal Rights, animals, Bipolar life, Food, Health, human rights, In the News, Leading Life by Example, Mental Health, Spirituality and Religion, Veteran Affairs, Writing and blogging

Hello to you. I’m not tired yet so figured I would write to you. In the hours before sleep seems to be a time I get clarity enough to gather my thoughts. I tried to watch the opening ceremony for the Olympics but don’t get channel 7 (NBC) and don’t feel like signing up for Peacock. From the snippets I saw it looked like Italy did a great job with it.

My thoughts tonight turn to the feeling I get inside when I am honest with myself. For example during my recent doctors visit I was honest with her about my lifestyle choices – may be spending too much time on social media. May be not being as active as I could be because of the ear condition I have. She recommended trying to limit my time on social media and trying to walk more each day. What I wasn’t open to her about was my addiction to Grub Hub and how easy it is to order food that isn’t healthy for me. I am vowing to myself that the last time I ordered food is my last time caving in to the convenience. I get hungry late in the day and rather than making my own food I will order a pizza from Papa John’s. In my garbage right now is like 5 empty boxes from weekly orders! Pizza is no help for my weight issue nor my cholesterol levels. The two medicines I’m taking – Depakote and Olanzapine are notorious for weight gain. I never feel full or satisfied. The next time I see my doctor I will have a clear conscience as I am vowing to kick the habit! I have a month before I see her again. I am hoping the scale will budge in the right direction and to save some money too. Grub Hub doesn’t come cheap! After delivery fees, tax and tips each order is over $30!

Dear Jesus please continue to surround my cousin Heidi and my Uncles John and Bill with your healing love. Please be with my friend Jeannie who keeps getting sick. Please be with her brother-in-law Roy who seems to be making preparations to go home to you. Please be with all the vulnerable to include animals in the extreme cold – let there be shelter, food, clothing and warmth. Please be with all people and animals healing from sickness and ailments of any kind. Please be with my Pastors daughter Harper. Please be with the leaders at all levels of government throughout the earth. Thank you Lord. Amen.

Romans 15:13New International Version

13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peaceas you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit

4 Feb 2026 Doctors Visit

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

Hello to you. I hope this finds you doing well. I had a doctors visit at the VA in Caldwell today. The doctor I was scheduled to see apparently had gone on vacation came back and gave his two weeks notice to quit! So I was at square one yet again! The doctor filling in was really nice and thorough. To be honest it was a relief to have her as the doctor who quit wasn’t very friendly. She addressed my full ears problem and thinks I have an ear infection or something like swimmers ear. She prescribed an antibiotic ear drop that will hopefully clear it up. I have been praying for healing from this condition for quite some time and I hope she figured it out! We went over my blood work and she explained some things that were concerning namely my high cholesterol. Having high cholesterol is one of the ways heart attacks happen. We are going to try and get some weight off which should help a lot of things that were showing high levels. She encouraged me to drink more water, increase my walking each day, take vitamin D and a multi-vitamin to help with my energy levels and back pain. This visit was an answer to my prayers I hope. I have been praying for Jesus to heal me and may be through this doctor he will! She wants to see me again next month and she reassured me that it would be her I would see.

Luke 5:12-16New International Version

Jesus Heals a Man With Leprosy

12 While Jesus was in one of the towns, a man came along who was covered with leprosy.[a] When he saw Jesus, he fell with his face to the ground and begged him, “Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean.”

13 Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. “I am willing,” he said. “Be clean!” And immediately the leprosy left him.

14 Then Jesus ordered him, “Don’t tell anyone, but go, show yourself to the priest and offer the sacrifices that Moses commanded for your cleansing, as a testimony to them.”

15 Yet the news about him spread all the more, so that crowds of people came to hear him and to be healed of their sicknesses. 16 But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.

Dear Jesus I pray for you to continue to be with my cousin Heidi during her healing journey. I pray for my Uncle John who had knee surgery today that you be with him as he is needing help managing pain. I pray for your presence to be with all the world and all of those who are poor, sick, mending from surgeries and in the midst of chaos in their home lands. Please be with all animals be they pets or food animals – let there be mercy and compassion by those who care for them. Thank you Lord. Amen.

1 Feb 2026 Yamila

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

Hello to you. I’m having trouble falling asleep. I have been thinking of someone I met during one of my early hospital stays in Texas. We met in a unique way. As soon as I saw her I asked her if we had met before and she replied “may be in another lifetime.” We only had a short time together. There was something about how we interacted that was so familiar. Her gestures towards me and the way she walked and talked that reminded me of the first woman I supervised when I was in the military named Eveline Ravenstein. Eveline was Dutch and a very affectionate person. Yamila and I came up with a list of ways to recognize someone from a previous lifetime: 1) gestures 2) appearance – physical features 3) walk 4) voice 5) smell these were the main ones. It’s been so long ago! She was a stripper and that’s about all I remember her telling me about herself. When you meet people in the system you don’t really have any way to stay in touch. I have never met someone like her and I often think of her. I think it’s because I miss Eveline and being with Yamila kindled those feelings.

I know as a Christian there isn’t the concept of reincarnation but this was on my mind tonight! There is such a thing as doppelgängers and I think that’s what happened with Yamila as I don’t think Eveline is dead.

During one of my recent hospital stays here in Idaho I met someone who was on staff that spoke almost exactly like a guy I had a crush on in high school who I later found out had died of cancer. When I was in the hospital and out I had the ability to see how people reminded me of other people like the list Yamila and I came up with. I even went so far as to see animal features in people! My ex kind of got annoyed with me as I was always saying to people how they were like other people!

Dear Jesus please guide the surgeon who will be operating on my sweet cousin Heidi tomorrow. I pray for Yamila wherever she is that she is well. I pray for this world and all the lives within it – let there be peace, love and joy. Amen.

30 Jan 2026 Emma Hugs

by saymber, posted in animals, Bipolar life, Food, human rights, Leading Life by Example, Mental Health, Spirituality and Religion, Uncategorized, Veteran Affairs, Writing and blogging

Hello to you. I am writing from the Sunrise Cafe. I walked over as I couldn’t stand my own company any longer. My ear condition is real bad today too. I got what I needed even before my meal – a big hug from Emma the manager! She is such a joy! Sometimes that’s all we need is a big hug and a warm hello and Emma does just that. When I left I thanked her for the hug and she thanked me back! She needed the hug too that’s why she did it.

Their slogan is so true! I feel like family when I go here.

When you live alone like I do physical contact is rare. I cherish every hug I get! I’m grateful for Link but he can only do so much.

Dear Jesus thank you for Emma and the staff at the Sunrise. Thank you for them being your body that comforts people like me in the world. I pray for all those in the parts of the country experiencing extreme cold – may there be warmth, food, clothing and shelter. I pray the same for any homeless and wild animals. I pray for any and all regions of this country and world experiencing unrest. Lastly I pray for my cousin Heidi and all who love her as she will be having surgery on her brain Monday. Guide her surgeon and staff and grant her a speedy and complete recovery. Amen.

John 15:1-8New International Version

The Vine and the Branches

15 “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. 2 He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes[a] so that it will be even more fruitful. 3 You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. 4 Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.

5 “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. 6 If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. 7 If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. 8 This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.

27 Jan 2026 Being a Light

by saymber, posted in Bipolar life, history, Home, human rights, In the News, Leading Life by Example, Mental Health, Spirituality and Religion, Veteran Affairs, Writing and blogging

Hello to you. It’s bedtime as I write to you, I hope there was good in your life today. My day was good. I forced myself to take an extra 1/2 mile walk in addition to the 1/4 mile with Link this morning. It was quite chilly but there was sunlight which was welcome!

As I lay here contemplating recent events near and far away I am determined to stay in the light. To be a light and rest in my hope of Jesus. No matter what is going on we know who won the battle against death and darkness. This world right now presents a great opportunity- the more the enemy leverages against us the more we can lean into Jesus.

I’m not going to let myself be brought down by fear mongers. I am trying more and more to be careful what I consume via social media. I’m not sticking my head in the sand and acting like everything is hunky dory either! We must not be afraid to speak up when that challenge is placed before us. I have this blog and I am using it to be my voice.

Dear Jesus I pray for this world that is so lost right now. May what we are facing in every facet of our lives be an opportunity to love you more and trust in the plans you have for us. Please be with all who are hurting and need you right now. Amen.

John 1:5New International Version

5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome[a] it.

26 Jan 2026 Alex and the Might Macs

by saymber, posted in history, human rights, In the News, Leading Life by Example, Mental Health, Movies, Spirituality and Religion, Writing and blogging
Alex Pretti

It is with a heavy heart that I write to you tonight. Another innocent person was murdered by ICE in Minnesota. He, like Rene Good, being labeled as a domestic terrorist that deserved to be shot. This madness needs to stop! Everything I’ve seen about him shows a kind and compassionate person. My prayers go out to his family, friends and the people of Minnesota.

Changing gears to Sunday afternoon. My Aunt invited me over for soup and to watch a movie. This was a happy time for me and welcome reprieve from being alone. The chicken soup she made was really good. Afterwards we watched a feel good movie called The Mighty Macs:

The Mighty Macs” refers to the women’s basketball team from Immaculata University(formerly Immaculata College) which won the first three women’s national college basketball championships in the early 1970s. Their inspiring true story was also the subject of a 2009 sports drama film of the same name. 

The movie was really positive and worth seeing more than once. I was surprised that David Paul Boreanaz, who was in Buffy the Vampire Slayer, was in the movie. Since we don’t have Sister Boniface and Father Brown to watch it was nice to see some nuns! Auntie made me a delicious cup of coffee and we had peppermint stick ice cream as a treat while we watched. Link was happy as always to be with his favorite people. Spending time with my Aunt and Uncle helps me see there is good in the world despite all the negative news. They are so gentle and kind!

25 Jan 2026 Roy’s Rainbow Slippers

by saymber, posted in animals, Bipolar life, history, human rights, Spirituality and Religion, Veteran Affairs, Writing and blogging

Hello to you. It’s a sunny Sunday here in Idaho. I hope you are safe and warm where this finds you. I’m just back from church and a short walk with Link. My back isn’t being friendly today. Church was nice. I was joined by Jeannie AND Roy! He had a present for me – rainbow colored slippers he crocheted. The ones he made me for Christmas didn’t fit so these are replacements. These fit nicely and are so pretty! It was so good to see Roy and Jeannie. Today was baptism Sunday. There were 6 young ladies who were baptized – got me teary! It’s beautiful to see young people profess their faith.

Slippers from Roy

Today we were in Luke 5:17-26:

Luke 5:17-26 New International Version

Jesus Forgives and Heals a Paralyzed Man

17 One day Jesus was teaching, and Pharisees and teachers of the law were sitting there. They had come from every village of Galilee and from Judea and Jerusalem. And the power of the Lord was with Jesus to heal the sick. 18 Some men came carrying a paralyzed man on a mat and tried to take him into the house to lay him before Jesus. 19 When they could not find a way to do this because of the crowd, they went up on the roof and lowered him on his mat through the tiles into the middle of the crowd, right in front of Jesus.

20 When Jesus saw their faith, he said, “Friend, your sins are forgiven.”

21 The Pharisees and the teachers of the law began thinking to themselves, “Who is this fellow who speaks blasphemy? Who can forgive sins but God alone?”

22 Jesus knew what they were thinking and asked, “Why are you thinking these things in your hearts?23 Which is easier: to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Get up and walk’? 24 But I want you to know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins.” So he said to the paralyzed man, “I tell you, get up, take your mat and go home.” 25 Immediately he stood up in front of them, took what he had been lying on and went home praising God. 26 Everyone was amazed and gave praise to God. They were filled with awe and said, “We have seen remarkable things today.”

The question Pastor Jason had for us was who do we have in our life that would be willing to carry us on our mat to the feet of Jesus. I have several people that have been those type of people in my life. My cousin Tony and his wife Tawna are the first to come to mind and my Aunt and Uncle. When I have needed help they have been there for me no questions asked. Before surrendering to Jesus, they were loving witnesses of his love for me. They were patient and kind.

Dear Jesus I pray for the people of Minnesota and other parts of the world that are full of unrest and turmoil. May there be your peace. I pray for your help for all the people and animals affected by the winter storms and extreme cold. Thank you for this day. Amen.

22 Jan 2026 Prayer Requests and The Holy Land

by saymber, posted in Bipolar life, history, human rights, Spirituality and Religion, Veteran Affairs

Hello to you. How was your day? My day began with my prayer group at Grace House. We were blessed to have two new people join us – Missy and Linda Burk. We prayed our personal requests and for the church, the town of Middleton, the state of Idaho and for this country and world. We are a growing church and with growth comes special needs. Lots of volunteer opportunities! We prayed for my cousin Heidi, Missy’s husband Ray, pastor Jason’s daughter Harper and other church members undergoing illness or surgery recovery like our dear Cheryl Hargan.

Lately I have been hungry for positive visual content and I found some. Tonight I watched :

https://youtu.be/0kMFsuVMPe4?si=Tcq0lRQOewejgO4G – 54:06 minutes

Jonathan Roumie and Jeff Cavins visit the Holy Land

What an experience to be where Jesus walked and breathed his last! I love how Jonathan Roumie lives his faith. It was worth watching!

Luke 22:39-44New International Version

Jesus Prays on the Mount of Olives

39 Jesus went out as usual to the Mount of Olives, and his disciples followed him. 40 On reaching the place, he said to them, “Pray that you will not fall into temptation.” 41 He withdrew about a stone’s throw beyond them, knelt down and prayed, 42 “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.” 43 An angel from heaven appeared to him and strengthened him. 44 And being in anguish, he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground.[a

21 Jan 2026 Stay With Me

by saymber, posted in Animal Rights, animals, Bipolar life, history, human rights, Leading Life by Example, Spirituality and Religion, Veteran Affairs

Hello to you. I am writing to you after listening to Jonathan Roumie praying a prayer from Saint Padre Pio – it’s beautiful and spoke to me. May be it will speak to you too:

Saint Padre Pio

Stay with me, Lord, for it is necessary to have You present so that I do not forget You. You know how easily I abandon You.

Stay with me, Lord, because I am weak
and I need Your strength,
that I may not fall so often.

Stay with me, Lord, for You are my life,
and without You, I am without fervor.

Stay with me, Lord, for You are my light,
and without You, I am in darkness.

Stay with me, Lord, to show me Your will.

Stay with me, Lord, so that I hear Your voice
and follow You.

Stay with me, Lord, for I desire to love You
very much, and always be in Your company.

Stay with me, Lord, if You wish me to be faithful to You.

Stay with me, Lord, for as poor as my soul is,
I want it to be a place of consolation for You, a nest of love.

Stay with me, Jesus, for it is getting late and the day is coming to a close, and life passes;
death, judgment, eternity approaches. It is necessary to renew my strength,
so that I will not stop along the way and for that, I need You.

It is getting late and death approaches,
I fear the darkness, the temptations, the dryness, the cross, the sorrows.
O how I need You, my Jesus, in this night of exile!

Stay with me tonight, Jesus, in life with all it’s dangers. I need You.

Let me recognize You as Your disciples did at the breaking of the bread,
so that the Eucharistic Communion be the Light which disperses the darkness,
the force which sustains me, the unique joy of my heart.

Stay with me, Lord, because at the hour of my death, I want to remain united to You,
if not by communion, at least by grace and love.

Stay with me, Jesus, I do not ask for divine consolation, because I do not merit it,
but the gift of Your Presence, oh yes, I ask this of You!

Stay with me, Lord, for it is You alone I look for, Your Love, Your Grace, Your Will, Your Heart, Your Spirit, because I love You and ask no other reward but to love You more and more.

With a firm love, I will love You with all my heart while on earth
and continue to love You perfectly during all eternity. Amen

https://youtu.be/yZT9csjPHXE?si=2brzzMPbt7kL5aUx – Jonathan Roumie praying prayer of Padre Pio

Dear Jesus I give you thanks for this day. I lift up to you my cousin Heidi as she continues to heal. I lift up this world and all of the uncertainty and chaos – all the most vulnerable be they human or animal to your loving care. I pray for all your children. I pray for this planet and all of its majesty. I give you thanks for all my blessings. Amen.