Category: Health

28 June 2026 As It Is In Heaven

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

Hello to you. It’s Sunday again as I write to you.

Today we were in Matthew 6:5-13:

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%206%3A5-13&version=NIV

https://youtu.be/bOLS13cl78c?is=FtL4CHiDv_kGPaZL – As It Is In Heaven – Brad Bowden

Brads message today was a good reminder that prayer to God is more than just a transaction where we ask for things and expect results. Prayer is an act of submission to the will of the father. It can be so disappointing to keep praying and not see God move the way we want him to. I have been praying for healing for so long now and there had been no real answer. If I am going to overcome I have to trust God will move in his time and not mine. I may be this way forever for whatever reason I’m not privy to. God knows!

https://youtu.be/NLhdzuCSmIw?is=yL89_CTYYpV-NiBq – Build My Life – Peyton Allen

16 June 2026 Writing vs Speaking

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

Hello to you. It’s nearly bedtime as I write to you. I had an appointment with my therapist today and I shared with her something that’s been going on. The fullness in my ears makes it hard for me to carry on conversations. It’s a wet uncomfortable feeling. I am finding it’s easier to write than it is to carry on a conversation. I know what I want to say but sometimes I get blocked from saying it. I noticed this at the tea party Sunday. I don’t want my body to become a prison like what happened to my dad!

Prayer I found to share:

Lord, as I lay down to sleep, I thank You for today’s blessings and seek Your peace to quiet my mind. Protect me through the night and rejuvenate my spirit. May my rest be filled with Your comforting presence, and may I awaken refreshed for the day to come

14 June 2026 This is the Way and First Tea Party

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

Hello to you. I’m just home from my cousins house and the first tea party. Today began with church. I got to see my church family. Jeannie was there with Roy’s daughter Wendy. We were in Matthew 6:5-8:

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%206%3A5-8&version=NIV

https://youtu.be/ft3JxiyPih0?is=Rxe_5PxVdzrLSDv- This Is The Way – Pastor Jason Boyd

Beautiful spread!

The tea party really was beautiful! It was the first one my family has done so there was a learning curve. I was a bit late as my GPS decided it didn’t want to take me to my cousins without going to my Aunts first! My cousin came and rescued me. I was pretty frazzled! There was a good turnout that included the grandchildren. Everyone had on their spring dresses and little clip on hats. I was so glad to see everyone to include my cousin Heidi. It’s been six months since she had her aneurysm. She’s doing so well! There were little sandwiches, scones and macaroons. There were many different teas to choose from. There was talk of doing it again next year.

12 June 2026 Vet Visit

by saymber, posted in Animal Rights, animals, Health, Money, Spirituality and Religion

Hi and hello to you. Today we had our annual vet visit at the Intermountain Veterinary Clinic for Link. He only had a couple vaccines and got blood work done to see if his organs are functioning well. As I feared, he needs his teeth cleaned and at the minimum it will cost over $700! At the high end over $900. I don’t know how regular people can afford these kinds of prices! The blood work should tell us whether or not he’s at risk going under anesthesia. I am worried with him being 11 that he might not do so well. He needs to lose weight too. She wants him to only have 300 calories a day. My poor little man! He’s a foodie like me – we both need to lose extra padding. They always tease him about his big booty butt lol!

Last night I was missing my cat Amber. She used to purr me to sleep at night. I found this:

https://youtu.be/CY7t8ow2gOM?is=yKoXtvHWcQCbOw1G – Happy Cat Purring

https://www.plough.com/daily-prayer

Lord our God, be merciful to us. Be our strong refuge. Help us on all our ways. Help us on the dark and difficult paths we must often travel on earth. Grant that we may see your light, for you are with us. You help us, and you let the power of the life of Jesus Christ be with us so that your name is honored on earth through many who love you and come to you, pleading with you in prayer. Give us the light of your Word, that we may hear and live rightly. Give us increasing strength for the fight to which you have called us. Bless us all. Shine into our hearts so that we can carry out all you have promised through your Word. Amen.

9 June 2026 When The Answer is No

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

Hello to you. I just got my hopes dashed about getting a GLP-1 to help me with weight loss. I went in today to the VA to ask about getting Wegovy and found out my provider had already put in a request for me to qualify for Zepbound – the VAs choice above Wegovy. Unfortunately it had been since 2024 that I had been to the MOVE orientation class which was too long ago and I didn’t qualify for all three other criteria they had for me. So my nurse is putting me in a consult for the MOVE program. I hope it will help me!

So the answer for a way out of this weight battle is not what I hoped for but God has a plan. I think with the MOVE program I will have to be more responsible with my eating. In the long run it may be better for me. After starting MOVE may be I will eventually qualify for a medication solution or may be won’t need it after all!

What is Zepbound:

What is ZepboundⓇ? - GLP-1 Hub

Zepbound is an FDA-approved, once-weekly injectable prescription medication (tirzepatide) for chronic weight management and the treatment of moderate-to-severe obstructive sleep apnea in adults. It is used alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity to help individuals lose excess weight and keep it off. [1, 2, 3]

A simple grounding prayer I found for today:

Dear Lord, thank you for the gift of this new day. Please guide my path, my thoughts, and my words. Grant me the wisdom to navigate whatever comes my way, and the strength to show kindness and grace to others. May my actions today bring honor to You. Amen

4 June 2026 Help

by saymber, posted in Bipolar life, Food, Health, Leading Life by Example, Mental Health, Veteran Affairs

Hello to you. I hope this finds you doing well. I had a nice start to my day by going and seeing my Aunt and Uncle. My Aunt felt like I needed their company and she was right. She made me a cup of coffee and a yummy breakfast sandwich which I appreciated. I had called the VA to schedule an appointment for a follow up with my primary care provider. They didn’t have me scheduled for anything other than my talking doctor. When I called to make an appointment I couldn’t come up with the words to ask for the help I needed. It doesn’t seem like anything can be done for me. My Aunt wants me to persue the weight loss pill Wegovy as I am prediabetic and should qualify for it. My cousin who came by while I was there helped me get an appointment scheduled to talk to them. I may have to have a sleep study in order to qualify for it. I would need to get help getting to a sleep study as they do them at the Boise VA. I will see a doctor next Tuesday and we’ll see what happens. I just know I hate the way I feel right now. I really need to lose weight! We talked about how I can eat better – healthier snacks and meals. I may have to take the MOVE class through the VA which is designed to help with weight loss. I’m not good with following instructions so this whole part of my journey may be a test to change that!

What is MOVE!? 

VA’s MOVE! Weight Management Program for Veterans can help you adopt a healthy lifestyle, meet your health goals, and manage your weight. Participating in MOVE! can increase your ability and confidence to make healthy behavior, nutrition, and physical activity changes.

If you have a higher body weight, losing 5%-10% of your weight can improve your health. Keeping a weight that is healthy for you can help you feel good and have energy to do the things you want to do.

With the help of your MOVE! care team, you can:

  • improve your quality of life, and even live longer
  • reduce health risks
  • prevent or reverse certain diseases

VA also offers weight management medicines and surgery. These options can be helpful when used along with lifestyle changes that are part of MOVE!. Talk with your health care team to learn more about these choices and how they can help you meet your goals.

Dear Jesus I pray that you guide my path as I am seeking relief from my health issues. I thank you for my family and friends that are trying to help me with their prayers and support. As always I ask you to be with my family and friends. I pray for your loving arms to reach out to the sick, the poor, those healing (Heidi), to the hungry, the addicted, first responders, those in harms way and victims of war. Thank you for being present through my family today, Amen.

28 May 2026 Vertigo

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

Hello to you. Today is day two of my experiencing vertigo. When I turn a certain way I feel the spinning sensation. I haven’t taken a walk the past couple days for fear I would fall since my balance is off.

I had a doctors appointment this morning and it was for my ears and weight. I had a new provider again. I gained 5 pounds since my last visit which was very disappointing . I have been trying to walk and do Tai Chi but it isn’t enough. She changed up the allergy medicines since the stuff I’ve been taking wasn’t working to end the fullness in my ears. I have resolved to myself that I have to stop using Grub Hub – it’s too convenient to getting food that isn’t good for me. I stopped taking the Resilia oil of oregano as it wasn’t working for me. If anything it made things worse! If I can’t lose this weight we may end up getting me on a weight loss pill.

The medications I’m taking for my mental health, Depakote and Olanzapine, are notorious for weight gain. But as I have said, I’d rather be fat than crazy! I have never been this heavy before. I feel at times like I’m wearing a fat suite but I’m not giving up!

https://youtu.be/80LdOhMithw?si=Bil76fLeZYymK0f8 – 10 minute full body Tai Chi

For Strength & Courage

  • Isaiah 41:10: “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
  • Joshua 1:9: “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” [1]

26 May 2026 Forever

by saymber, posted in Bipolar life, Health, Leading Life by Example, Mental Health, Spirituality and Religion, Veteran Affairs

Hello to you. It’s about bedtime as I write to you. I’m not tired yet and know if I try to sleep right now I will just toss and turn. So I will write to you and may be I will get tired!

I was sitting here thinking on what to write about and the word forever popped in. What is forever? As a Christian forever is what happens to us when we die. We die to our physical body and join Jesus and all of our loved ones in heaven for all of eternity – forever. I often wonder what that will be like. For me now I am flesh and bones with my eyes paying attention to my time left here on earth.

I told my therapist this last session that I can feel at times like I am starting to die. My physical health is not as good as it was just a couple years ago. All around me are people my age and younger dying. What makes me so special that I get to live? I have survived many things that take its toll on the body. Facing the end of my second marriage because of my own fault and little that was his really shattered me. Thank God for my family and friends that came to my pleas for help.

Dear Jesus I come before you with my broken self and ask for you to walk with me through what remains of my life here on earth. I love you so much. Thank you for all the earth angels you have put along my journey! Bless those who are like me on this journey. Bless all who are seeking you and may be just are a little lost. Amen.

This song has been with me for many years now. Like Enigma, there is a timelessness to this band:

https://youtu.be/ett1ZgFKw-Y?si=-ks-opUm3ZuUqD79 – Mind in a box – Escape

I awakened in the city to utter darkness.
I was running for hours and hours
through deserted streets.
between all those towers,
there was only rain — only the rain.

I went through doors, I scoured the alleys.
in the rain I climbed ridges.
I walked over bridges, but there was no one there.
I felt deaf, although my hearing was fair.

but there was only silence.
not even the rain…

there must be more.
I need you to quell my fears.
I’ve felt it before.
I need you to shed my tears.

the things I adore.
I need you to feel my pain.
I’m trapped like before.
I need you to stop the rain.

I’ve cast myself into a prison,
with bonds near impossible to break.
I thought my life is built on reason,
but now I know I’ve got to escape.

I’ve depraved myself of all I had,
and thought I need to for my own sake.
I didn’t think I would be so sad,
but without you I cannot escape.
not even the rain…

deep in my heart,
I want you to pull me back.
I’ve kept us apart,
I want you to fix my wreck.

awake with a start,
I want you to enter my mind.
to re-cast my part,
I want you to follow me blind.

I’ve cast myself into a prison,
with bonds near impossible to break.
I thought my life is built on reason,
but now I know I’ve got to escape.

I’ve depraved myself of all I had,
and thought I need to for my own sake.
I didn’t think I would be so sad,
but without you I cannot escape.

escape, it’s not there!
not even the rain…

22 May 2026 Roses

by saymber, posted in animals, Bipolar life, Health, In the News, Leading Life by Example, Nature, photography, Spirituality and Religion

Hello to you in your now. How are you doing? I am writing to you from my favorite spot – the couch with my panda boy Link. I remembered my phone for the first walk today and was rewarded with roses in bloom everywhere!

Now is a time of roses in the neighborhood
I love this picture with his Momma Tippie. He is almost all gray and white now. You can see why we called him panda boy!

I started the new higher dose of olanzapine today. I haven’t really noticed a difference yet – it takes some time for the body to adjust. I am still having the weeble wobble stuff going on with my ears. May be the doctor I will be getting will have new ideas from the doctor I just had!

I asked the internet for positive news about roses and this is what came up as an answer:

Modern rose breeding has successfully solved the historical trade-off between stunning petal colors and deep fragrance. Geneticists have identified the specific pathways that allow new cultivars to produce vibrant blooms without sacrificing their signature scent, while also creating highly resilient, heat-tolerant varieties that require far less maintenance. 

Exciting Developments in the Rose World

Stronger Fragrance & Genetics: Molecular researchers have mapped the complex DNA of modern roses. They have isolated the genes responsible for prolonged, repeat blooming and are finding ways to bring back robust fragrance without losing bold, vibrant colors.

Ultra-Resilient Cultivars: Modern varieties are increasingly engineered for heat tolerance, meaning they can thrive in challenging climates without needing constant chemical interventions. Disease-resistant shrub and groundcover roses are now widely available for home gardens.

True Blue Blooms: After years of botanical research, horticulturalists have successfully cultivated and refined “true blue” roses using natural pigment engineering—a color that was previously considered botanically impossible. 

Where to Find & Explore the Best Roses

Whether you are looking to plant a low-maintenance garden or just want to admire award-winning blooms, these trusted platforms can help:

American Rose Society: Access official care guides, find local rose societies in Idaho, and browse the latest award-winning rose introductions.

Heirloom Roses: Shop a massive collection of own-root roses that are known for their vigor, fragrance, and disease resistance.

David Austin Roses: Browse the iconic, heavily fragrant English roses that combine classic, old-world charm with hardy, modern disease resistance.

Have you ever noticed how most roses you buy in the store have no smell? I hope that will change.

Dear Jesus I thank you for this day.  I thank you for all the beauty in this world and my being able to get out and enjoy it. Please continue to be with my cousin Heidi on her healing journey. I pray for your presence with the elderly, the sick, the unhoused, the poor, the hungry, the addicted, neglected and abused. Amen.

19 May 2026 Making Your Bed

by saymber, posted in Bipolar life, Health, Leading Life by Example, Mental Health

Hello to you. How are you? I just had my appointment with my therapist and she shared this video with me when she asked if I make my bed in the morning – my answer was yes:

https://youtu.be/sBAqF00gBGk?si=HLdfeB1wnQUGcJg5 – University of Texas at Austin 2014 Commencement Address Speech By Admiral McRaven Leaves The Audience Speechless With Great Words Of Wisdom.

Such a seemingly simple thing to do really isn’t. When people sink into deep depression they can barely get out of bed much less make it. With the stuff I have going on with my ears and energy levels mornings are very tough for me.

Band I recently found:

https://youtu.be/6xqRvyUmnHw?si=UffExsdRsw11uqIg – Dead On A Sunday – Goodbye Horses