Category: Bipolar life

20 April 2025 He is Risen

by saymber, posted in Bipolar life, Food, Home, Spirituality and Religion, Writing and blogging
We had a full house today at Middleton High School – He is Risen! He is Risen Indeed!

It’s a beautiful Easter Sunday. Today’s message was out of John 11 again. Do you believe? Do you believe that Jesus is the son of God? Like Pastor Jayson said there are so many things each day we believe are going to happen from the alarm clock going off to coffee brewing – the car starting when we turn the key. Our belief as Christians each day should be that Jesus is our salvation and unlike so many things we should never take that for granted!

John 11:25-26New International Version

25 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; 26 and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?”

After church Link and I went over to my Aunt and Uncles house for a feast with family and friends. Uncle John made his special ham. Everything was so good! I didn’t stay long as I was feeling very tired. Link has been waking me up in the wee hours the past few nights. We have his annual exam tomorrow so I’ll mention that. My back has been hurting again – thank goodness for Biofreeze! It was good to see everyone on such a lovely spring day. So many of the trees are blooming and smell so nice!

My Aunt Ruth is having a medical procedure in a couple days – please keep her in your prayers.

17 April 2025 Two or Three

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

Matthew 18:20New International Version

20 For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.”

This passage is one of my favorites and it has applied to our little Thursday prayer group. Today there were three of us. Today marked the seventh year anniversary of one of our groups daughters suicide. She is still grieving the loss as if it were only yesterday. She showed us video she took of a sapling in bloom that had been planted in the place of the shed her daughter died in. So beautiful! I am so glad we could be together to lend support. My prayer request was for my Auntie. She’s been worrying about medical things coming up. I am still praying for a miracle for her!

We keep praying our little group will grow but so far it just hasn’t. May be God has another plan? May be small is best right now? The population of our church consists of mostly younger working couples with children. I am thinking that’s why we haven’t had new people join our group. I will continue to show up!

A bouquet at my Aunt Ruth’s – I liked how it looked in the sunlight

13 April 2025 Going and Lies We Are Told

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

Hello to you this beautiful and breezy spring Palm Sunday day. I’m home from church and breakfast at the Sunrise Cafe. I almost didn’t go this morning. I set and reset my alarm a couple of times! I’m glad I went. There was a good turnout. My flesh can be so weak sometimes!

Matthew 21:1-3

Jesus Comes to Jerusalem as King

21 As they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage on the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples, 2 saying to them, “Go to the village ahead of you, and at once you will find a donkey tied there, with her colt by her. Untie them and bring them to me. 3 If anyone says anything to you, say that the Lord needs them, and he will send them right away.”

Today we were in John 11 which is about Jesus delaying visiting his sick friend Lazarus. The message was about divine timing. The message was also about the difference between physical and spiritual death. Jesus waited until his friend physically died so he could raise him from the dead. From this Pastor Jayson was given two points that were not in our sermon guide. The points were about lies we are told in this life. Lie #1 – being loved means meeting all our needs or getting what we want when we want it. Lie #2 – if it’s hard or hurts it must be bad. I can relate to them both. I struggle with a couple of health issues I have been praying to be healed from and God remains unmoved. I have to remind myself that if and when God is moved does not mean I am loved or unloved in the meantime. Gods calendar is not our calendar! My spirit must remain strong. Nothing is impossible through Jesus!

John 11:11

11 After he had said this, he went on to tell them, “Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep; but I am going there to wake him up.”

8 April 2025 Grandma’s Hands

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

Hello there. Just wanted to share a neat dream I had this past night. I dreamt I was massaging an elderly woman’s hands using an energy healing method called Quantum Touch. I could tell she was suffering from severe arthritis. It’s when I asked her where it hurt that I knew it was my Grandma Schmidt. She said “in the middle.” I recognized her voice and got a brief glimpse of her face. Then there was something about Pennie’s and two wooden boxes as remembrance of her and Grandpa. They were boxes like the ones we got all our pets ashes in after cremation. I was about to label the boxes when I woke up. Almost every night before bed I say good night to all my deceased loved ones to include pets. Sometimes that’s means dreams of them. One night I even had a dream of Prince!

I also wanted to mention something positive happened on Monday. A friend from church invited me to join some other ladies from church in making Easter baskets for residents at the assisted living home here in town. There was a great turnout and the baskets came out great! I got to write loving messages on the cards we included with each basket. The women at Grace are so welcoming and loving. I’m so glad I decided to participate. I am going to miss Grace House. The lease is almost up and I’m not sure where we will go next! God has a plan I’m sure.

Psalm 100New International Version

Psalm 100

A psalm. For giving grateful praise.

1 Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth.
2     Worship the Lord with gladness;
    come before him with joyful songs.
3 Know that the Lord is God.
    It is he who made us, and we are his[a];
    we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.

4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving
    and his courts with praise;
    give thanks to him and praise his name.
5 For the Lord is good and his love endures forever;
    his faithfulness continues through all generations.

6 April 2025 Change and Best Pets

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

What animals make the best/worst pets?

Hello to you. How are you? So much is going on! Be it weather or demonstrators there is a lot of unrest. In my own life I am experiencing change. My church has moved. Last night we gathered at the new location and prayed. I got kind of lost and left early because it was getting dark. Before I left, I prayed with a woman I have a Thursday prayer meeting with, Amy, and her children at the entrance to the building. She was crying and tears fell down her cheeks. So beautiful! This morning the auditorium that seats 900 was almost full! Our prayers the previous night were surely answered! I was a bit overwhelmed as was my elderly friend Roy – the seats were more comfortable but shorter and harder to get up and down in. He sat much of the service. I am not a fan of big crowds so I was a bit out of my comfort zone – I fought the urge I had to flee several times! My friend Jeannie, Roy’s sister-in-law, encouraged me not to give up on things just yet. She was glad I was there so Roy wasn’t alone. I will have to pray about all of this.

I kept thinking of the scene with Mary and Jesus in The Chosen as we read this:

Israel’s Only Savior

43 But now, this is what the Lord says— 

he who createdv you, Jacob, 

he who formedw you, Israel:x

“Do not fear, for I have redeemedy you; 

I have summoned you by name;z you are mine.a

2 When you pass through the waters,b

I will be with you;c

and when you pass through the rivers, 

they will not sweep over you. 

When you walk through the fire,d

you will not be burned; 

the flames will not set you ablaze.e

Best pets – for me it’s a toss up between dogs and cats. Cats are much more independent but have the litter box thing going on. Dogs are more dependent and have their litter box that you need to clean in the yard! I miss the purring and calm nature of my cats. My Amber used to purr me to sleep and I miss her every night! Link is a barker and that’s not very soothing – everything is his job to alarm me about! I think what makes a better pet is your lifestyle. If you work a lot a dog isn’t for you. That’s why when I was active duty we had cats. I think it’s cruel to leave a dog home alone by itself for hours and hours.

23 Mar 2025 The Spirit And The Flesh

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

Hello to you. It’s Sunday again – boy do the weeks fly by. Signs of spring are all around. The trees are budding and the daffodils are blooming. I have been enjoying seeing the little birds flitting about and singing their love songs. I have been trying to walk a little further even though my back still bothers me. I try to take Link but sometimes he says no so I take him home and go by myself.

Today we were in Galatians 5 again and the emphasis was on the war that we are constantly fighting between the spirit and the flesh. My personal battle is with food. I enjoy eating and my obese body is evidence of it! I have been looking at some things and it’s possible my liver is not working like it should. I meant to look into a supplement today but forgot at the grocery store today.

Pastor Jayson always comes up with relatable messages in his sermons. For example sin is like our shadow – can’t get rid of it. Fruit trees bear fruit not for itself but for us. The same can be said about fruits of the spirit. Gifts of the spirit are for the common good and fruits of the spirit are for everyone to enjoy. A very timely message for this time of year!

Galatians 5:16-26New International Version

16 So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. 17 For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever[a] you want. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.

19 The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality,impurity and debauchery; 20 idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions 21 and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.

22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace,forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.25 Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. 26 Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.

16 Mar 2025 Letting Go

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

Hello to you. I hope today finds you well. It’s beginning to feel like Spring here. Blades of grass are peeking up and the birds are back singing their love songs. I went to church this morning- wasn’t sure my back would let me! I have been taking Aleve and using a roll on my Aunt gave me and that’s helping. I am happy to be fitting into my one pair of jeans! Progress!

Today’s message was out of Galatians 5. What stood out to me is how Pastor Jayson talked about our freedom. Our freedom makes many things permissible but we have to ask in the over all scheme of things is just doing whatever we want beneficial to us and the body of Christ we are a part of. When he talks about his own struggles with food I really can relate!

In a couple hours I’m going to be celebrating my Uncles birthday with family. I’ve decided to use this occasion to share my stuffed animal collection with the grandchildren. It’s been on my heart the past couple of weeks that it’s time for these things to go to a good home and be played with and not just take up storage space. Some of the collection is very sentimental stuff and I’m a little attached but it’s time to let go. Stuffed teddy bears and My Little Pony, for example, are great for young children. My cousin said it was ok to bring them over today so I am. They have a playroom designated for the littles when they come over and these new additions will get lots of use!

Galatians 5New International Version

Freedom in Christ

5 It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.

2 Mark my words! I, Paul, tell you that if you let yourselves be circumcised, Christ will be of no value to you at all. 3 Again I declare to every man who lets himself be circumcised that he is obligated to obey the whole law. 4 You who are trying to be justified by the law have been alienated from Christ; you have fallen away from grace. 5 For through the Spirit we eagerly await by faith the righteousness for which we hope. 6 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any value. The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love.

7 You were running a good race. Who cut in on you to keep you from obeying the truth? 8 That kind of persuasion does not come from the one who calls you. 9 “A little yeast works through the whole batch of dough.” 10 I am confident in the Lord that you will take no other view. The one who is throwing you into confusion, whoever that may be, will have to pay the penalty. 11 Brothers and sisters, if I am still preaching circumcision, why am I still being persecuted? In that case the offense of the cross has been abolished.12 As for those agitators, I wish they would go the whole way and emasculate themselves!

Life by the Spirit

13 You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh[a]; rather, serve one another humbly in love.14 For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”[b] 15 If you bite and devour each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other.

16 So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. 17 For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever[c] you want. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.

16 Feb 2025 Turning 57

by saymber, posted in Bipolar life, Home, Spirituality and Religion, Veteran Affairs, Writing and blogging
We celebrated my cousin and my birthday at Olive Garden in Nampa today

Hello to you! Hope this finds you well. Today was a good day. I celebrated my 57th birthday with my cousin who shares the same day – he’s 61. Our birthday was on the 13th and we had planned to get together then but the weather wasn’t good. We had a fantastic meal with family at Olive Garden today. Boy did I get full! I had cheese raviolis with meat sauce. The free dessert I chose was Tiramisu and boy was that good! It is strange to be 57. Where has the time gone?!! It was so nice to share the occasion with family and I am grateful for that. One of the special things about living here in Idaho is having family to share special occasions like this with. As I get older I appreciate things like having family more and more. Many are not so blessed at my age!

  • 1 Corinthians 10:30-31“If I take part in the meal with thankfulness, why am I denounced because of something I thank God for? So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God” 

10 Feb 2025 Outgrown

by saymber, posted in Art and Poetry, Bipolar life, drawing, Mental Health, Movies, Music, Spirituality and Religion, Television, Veteran Affairs, Writing and blogging

Are there any activities or hobbies you’ve outgrown or lost interest in over time?

Hello to you! How are you? I hope this finds you well in your life. In answer to today’s prompt I would have to say that drawing and writing poetry are things I seldom do anymore. I used to spend hours drawing and writing poems came to me very easily. With the medication I’m on to treat Bipolar, Depakote, I am blocked from doing these things. If I do attempt to do them it’s forced and just not very good! I miss being creative in those ways but would rather have my sanity!

I watched this scene from the first season of The Chosen the other night and it brought me to tears:

https://youtu.be/UI-PehitKKU?si=7fT_XBegSgOk10oC – The Chosen Jesus Heals Mary

I found myself thinking about what an amazing thing it must have been to be healed by Jesus. To have him put his hands around my head and look me in my eyes – for him to know me by name! This is the part of me longing for a tangible God! I often think why people don’t follow Jesus is because he isn’t here on earth – tangible. Hollywood movie stars and musicians often fill the void only meant for Jesus – they can be seen, touched and heard. Think of the craze Elvis and The Beatles caused in their day! Right now Jonathan Roumie is doing a fine job of filling the role of Jesus and he takes it very seriously but has said more than once he is not Jesus Christ no matter how much fans want him to be him. He is a servant. His portrayal of Jesus has helped me more than once. It was him I turned to a 4th of July a couple years ago when I was nearly driven to run out of my house and yell at neighbors lighting fireworks all around me. Jesus wasn’t with me tangibly but one of his servants, Jonathan, was when I was calm enough to seek him out. Someday Jesus will tangibly reveal himself to the world and I might not live to see it. I will hopefully see him in heaven if I don’t get to meet him here on earth.

Mark 16:9New International Version

[The earliest manuscripts and some other ancient witnesses do not have verses 9–20.]

9 When Jesus rose early on the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had driven seven demons.

6 Feb 2025 Coping in Anxious Times

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

Hello to you. How are you doing these days? I have been feeling anxious lately. I am having to practice what I preach and turn my worries to Jesus. My therapist suggested that I set aside time for my worries each day and then leave it be for the rest of the day. I have been getting news from many different sources and it isn’t positive – one fire alarm after another being pulled! In particular I’m very concerned about how long a leash President Trump is giving to Elon Musk. He’s not an elected official and he does have conflicts of interest. I didn’t knowingly vote for the man I’m seeing and hearing day after day. I feel betrayed. Buyer’s remorse big time! The sad thing is even if I had voted for Kamala I would still be in the same boat. The country and electoral college wanted Trump. I guess at least my conscience would be clearer. Every day I feel regret over my choice.

I have to believe that when all is said and done that the will of God, Jesus Christ, will prevail. I have to believe that the will of the many will prevail over the whims of a select few. You can’t buy your way into heaven – billionaires seem to forget who is holding the keys to eternity beyond this earthly world of flesh and blood. Having lots of money in the earthly realm has too much power and justice only seems to come in the heavenly realms where the earthly poor and lowly can’t see it.

Matthew 19:24New International Version

24 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.”