Category: Food

23 Apr 2026 Surrender

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

Hello and good evening to you. I’m writing to you after finishing off my Dairy Queen Peanut Parfait. It’s been on my mind for a month now and tonight I decided I was going to surrender to my desire. Like Joyce Meyers talks about with chocolate cake. Once you have it on your mind that you want it, you are going to figure out a way to get it! One way or another I was going to have that Parfait! Now that I’ve had it I can stop wanting it! Mind over matter – harumpf!

All that remains of my DQ Parfait

What we focus our minds on gains power. Thoughts precede action. We think of something and then develop a plan of action and then we carry out our plan. Even though I have been trying to lose weight and knew the Parfait wasn’t good for me, I still got in the car tonight and went and got it. I think the take away from this is not to make it a habit. I also wonder if the Resilia Oil of Oregano is working at curbing my sweet tooth. I have almost finished a bag of capsules and don’t feel any different. Did I get sold snake oil?! My gut bacteria still wants sweets and won’t let me rest about it. They claim within weeks of taking the oil you should stop craving sweets. Such hasn’t been the case for me. Sometimes it feels like my stomach is more powerful than my brain!

This isn’t working for me

Here is a short, effective prayer for strength and guidance:

“Dear Lord, I come before you needing your strength and guidance. When I feel weak, be my rock; when I am unsure, be my light. Please guide my decisions and grant me the courage to face this day with peace. Lead me on the right path. Amen.”

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!

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!

26 Mar 2026 Parasites Within

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

Hello there. It’s bed time as I write to you. How are you? This morning was my weekly prayer meeting. LOTS to pray about! I am hoping I will get a good sleep tonight. I am on my second day of taking Oil of Oregano with Black Seed Oil by Resilia. I am hoping it will help me with my bloating and sugar cravings. The reviews have been good so we shall see! I feel with certainty that I have parasites in my gut. After every meal my belly bloats up like I’m pregnant. I know part of the sugar cravings isn’t just parasites begging to be fed but is also the medication I’m on. Depakote and Olanzapine are known for causing weight gain. I am hoping the oregano oil will help me in spite of the medications.

I have been asking Jesus to heal me and I feel like he has been leading me down a path of possibilities to do just that. It’s been a struggle at times as I have gotten so out of shape. Becoming more active each day with Tai Chi and a longer walk each day and changes to what I’m putting in my body are all holistic approaches to healing. I just have to surrender and believe we are on the right path together.

A good prayer for these days we are in:

Prayer of St. Francis of Assisi (Prayer for Peace)

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace:
where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury, pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
where there is sadness, joy.
O divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek
to be consoled as to console,
to be understood as to understand,
to be loved as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive,
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned,
and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.

1 Mar 2026 Humility and Birthday

by saymber, posted in Food, Health, human rights, In the News, Leading Life by Example, Politics and Government, Spirituality and Religion, Veteran Affairs

Hello to you. I hope there is love and peace in your corner of the world. There is a lot going on in this world that needs our prayers! I am not happy with what is going on. It’s like we don’t even have a Congress! Thank God for my church and blood family!

Today Pastor Jason was in Matthew 18:

Matthew 18:21-35New International Version

The Parable of the Unmerciful Servant

21 Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?”

22 Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.[a]

23 “Therefore, the kingdom of heaven is like a king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants.24 As he began the settlement, a man who owed him ten thousand bags of gold[b] was brought to him.25 Since he was not able to pay, the master ordered that he and his wife and his children and all that he had be sold to repay the debt.

26 “At this the servant fell on his knees before him. ‘Be patient with me,’ he begged, ‘and I will pay back everything.’ 27 The servant’s master took pity on him, canceled the debt and let him go.

28 “But when that servant went out, he found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred silver coins.[c] He grabbed him and began to choke him. ‘Pay back what you owe me!’ he demanded.

29 “His fellow servant fell to his knees and begged him, ‘Be patient with me, and I will pay it back.’

30 “But he refused. Instead, he went off and had the man thrown into prison until he could pay the debt.31 When the other servants saw what had happened, they were outraged and went and told their master everything that had happened.

32 “Then the master called the servant in. ‘You wicked servant,’ he said, ‘I canceled all that debt of yours because you begged me to. 33 Shouldn’t you have had mercy on your fellow servant just as I had on you?’ 34 In anger his master handed him over to the jailers to be tortured, until he should pay back all he owed.

35 “This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother or sister from your heart.”

https://youtu.be/50mzUwYBsTk?si=ktuc9aFiugADmptK – Unforgiven Pastor Jason Boyd

He gave a quote from C. S Lewis that really resonated with me: True humility is not thinking less of self but thinking of yourself less.

The root of forgiveness is love:

1 Corinthians 13:5New International Version

5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.

After church I drove over to my Aunt and Uncles to ride with them to Olive Garden in Nampa to celebrate my cousins wife’s birthday. It was very busy and we waited about 35 minutes but it was worth it. The best part of the meal was us being together to celebrate my beautiful friend! We are the same age but she is the more mature of the two of us. She had good news about her work situation – fewer hours and getting to work from home one day a week. They were going to lose her so they worked out this deal. We are so happy for her!

My Aunt and I had chicken Alfredo and everyone else had soup and salad. Our waitress wasn’t the most attentive but it was very busy so we tried to be understanding. Everyone is excited for me and the healing journey I am currently on with giving Tai Chi a try. It means a lot to have their encouragement and support. We are happy that my cousin Heidi is home now. She is on a big healing journey and we are so proud of her! My Uncle John is doing really well from his knee surgery and it was wonderful that he joined us today. He was happy to actually be able to wear regular pants for the first time since his surgery!

Dear Jesus I pray for this world and all the life within it. Please be with the leaders of this world in these trying times – let them seek peace not wars that never end. I ask you to put a hedge of protection around all those who serve. I pray that you would wrap your loving arms around the sick, those trying to heal, the poor and the hungry. Thank you Lord. Amen.

13 Feb 2026 Good Day

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

Hello to you. I hope this finds you well. Today was a good day. I met with my Aunt, two cousins and their spouses at The Rare Steakhouse in Star. I was the first one there so I had plenty of time to look over their extensive menu. My Aunt and cousin Laura came in next and there were pictures and little gifts. I am really a stickler for stuff in my house since it’s so small so they try to respect my wishes. Then came my other cousin and his wife and there were cards and chocolate candy since tomorrow is Valentines Day. They gave me a gift card for the Sunrise Cafe which was extremely thoughtful. I ordered The Rare Burger and it was really messy but good. It was a burger with bacon, avocado, bacon and bbq sauce. The girls ordered cob salads and the two guys got chicken dishes. All the food was good and generous portions. For dessert, which my cousin and I got on the house since it was our birthdays, was really good too. I got coconut cream pie, my cousin got apple cobbler and my other cousin and Aunt shared a piece of lemon meringue pie. We were all very full! it was so nice to be together. I love hearing all the laughter. My family are sunshine people that just light up the place! We were missing cousin Heidi who is still in rehab in Salt Lake City Utah. She has been really working hard in her physical therapy. Lots of talk about what her life will be like when she comes home. What a blessed day. I got to talk to my Uncle Bill before lunch – so good to hear his voice! I sent him a picture of all of us. We miss him too!

I got an update about my friend Jeannie’s brother-in-law Roy. He’s having a rough time – a lot of pain. They are going to scan him again to make sure there aren’t broken bones they missed. We just need to keep praying for him! Jeannie gave me a nice card that showed up right on my birthday! I am so blessed!

3 John 2New International Version

2 Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well.

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

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.

18 Jan 2026 Calming Storms and Just Believe

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

Hello to you. How are you? It’s Sunday evening as I write to you. Today was good and despite my physical issues I got through it. The day started with church. We were in Matthew 8:23-27:

Matthew 8:23-27New International Version

Jesus Calms the Storm

23 Then he got into the boat and his disciples followed him. 24 Suddenly a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. 25 The disciples went and woke him, saying, “Lord, save us! We’re going to drown!”

26 He replied, “You of little faith, why are you so afraid?” Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm.

27 The men were amazed and asked, “What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the waves obey him!”

I went and got groceries afterwards and got a little sticker shock – I’m paying about twice what I normally do! Then I went over to my Aunt and Uncles house for dinner. We had yummy spaghetti, salad and garlic toast. I played a game with my Aunt and won. It was tricky! We had lemon cake I picked up for dessert. It was good. Then we watched a good movie on Angel Flix called The Lamp Just Believe:

Just Believe” refers to the faith-based movie The Lamp (2011), where a grieving couple receives an old oil lamp from a mysterious messenger (Louis Gossett Jr.) and learns to find hope and rebuild their lives by focusing on love and belief, realizing the “magic” comes from within and through connection, not just wishing, despite the lamp’s mystical appearance. 

30 Dec 2025 Friendship

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

Hello and good evening. It’s the end of the day as I write to you from here. Today began with a blessing of friendship. My friend Jeannie and I met for breakfast at the Sunrise Cafe here in town. We had a good visit and got caught up on family, church and world affairs. She shared a strange dream she had that I was in. I was the best part of the dream. I wasn’t much help in deciphering it!

Jeannie is one of the only people in my life that I can talk to about political matters. We both are pretty disillusioned about the cluster of a mess Trump has made! The only good thing I can see about what he’s done is people buying less cheap plastic things that end up in the landfills.

I have been recovering from a cold since before Christmas so I stayed away from everyone. My cousins wife showed her friendship and brought me chicken soup, juice and losenges and my Aunt brought some food by on Christmas Day. All I wanted to do was sleep! There has been a super flu going around and even as isolated as I am I still caught some of it! I am not feeling 100% but will stay positive! I am so blessed to have family and friends that are looking out for me.

Mark 9:23New International Version

23 “‘If you can’?” said Jesus. “Everything is possible for one who believes.”