Category: Writing and blogging

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.

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.

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.

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.

13 Dec 2025 Hug and King of Kings

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

Hello to you. I’m home from spending some quality time with my Aunt and Uncle. I really was feeling like I needed some company today! I went over earlier in the day before it gets dark. I got the one thing I really needed and that was a hug from my Aunt and Uncle! Living alone I don’t get physical contact with humans very often. It’s such a simple thing but means the world to me! I am so grateful to have them in my life.

A really well done telling of the life of Jesus

https://youtu.be/HDhet3EVRac?si=1-JzSsyJOTnlt5dT – trailer of Angel Studios King of Kings

We watched King of Kings: An animated Christian film from Angel Studios, based on Charles Dickens’ The Life of Our Lord, telling Jesus’ story from the perspective of a young boy and his father.  We all thought it was really well done.

My Aunt made spaghetti for dinner and it was really good. She even got me to eat and like cucumbers in my salad! She is one of the few people in my life that can get me to try and like things I normally don’t eat on my own!

1 Timothy 6:13-15New International Version

13 In the sight of God, who gives life to everything, and of Christ Jesus, who while testifying before Pontius Pilate made the good confession, I charge you14 to keep this command without spot or blame until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ, 15 which God will bring about in his own time—God, the blessed and only Ruler, the King of kings and Lord of lords,

11 Dec 2025 Low Energy

by saymber, posted in animals, Health, Leading Life by Example, Mental Health, Spirituality and Religion, Veteran Affairs, Writing and blogging

Hello to you. It’s evening as I write to you. Today was pretty uneventful but I did finally get my butt to the grocery store and Link and I got a big walk (1/2 mile) in today. He’s been willing to go so I take him. I am happy his legs aren’t bothering him right now.

Older picture I have of Link wearing his walking gear

The past couple days I have really had low energy. The thing going on with pressure in my head and ears has been real bad. My back hasn’t been kind either. When that’s all going on I don’t want to do even the most menial of tasks. I am like a water spigot that flows either full blast or barely a dribble! I have seen both an ear and head doctor and neither one found what is causing the stuff in my head and ears. We have prayed about it ever since it started but God hasn’t relieved me of it. This bible verse keeps coming into my mind about what I’m going through and what I need to do:

2 Corinthians 12:9New International Version

9 But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. 10 That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.