22 July 2023 Game

July 22, 2023 by saymber, posted in animals, Home, photography, technology, Veteran Affairs, Writing and blogging

What’s your favorite game (card, board, video, etc.)? Why?

Hello there! How are you? Todays prompt is s tough one as I don’t have one specific favorite game. I have played a couple video games that kept my attention for long periods of time like FFXI, Diablo 2, FFXIV, World of Warcraft, Guild Wars, The Sims and Rift. Mostly MMORPGs. As far as board game favorites I would have to say Scrabble and Monopoly.

The reason I have enjoyed video games like I mentioned is it’s fun to be a powerful character in an alternate universe. It was a way to socialize with people all over the world. It was a way for me to not feel lonely and have something to do.

One of my favorite avatars was Prinzessa. She got to be a high level Paladin player and I really invested a lot of time into her. She had a story! People on the server knew me. It was through her that I met and later married my second husband. I was in a party in a place called Valkrum Dunes and he got invited to the party and things went from there. I was a white mage ( healer) and he was a black mage ( damage dealer). I can remember us crying when we deleted Prinzessa and Efess – can’t remember exactly why we did that but just remember it being an emotional thing for both of us. It was like a part of us died! In FFXI it was a challenge to get everything you got and so you really got invested emotionally in your characters (avatars) unlike World of Warcraft where we were always making new characters.

Since moving to Idaho I haven’t really played any video games – played a little Rift which is a game like World of Warcraft. I just can’t sit and focus for extended periods of time like I used to.

Ephesians 5:15-17English Standard Version

¹⁵Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, ¹⁶making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. ¹⁷Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.

21 July 2023 Quality vs Quantity

July 21, 2023 by saymber, posted in animals, Bipolar life, history, Home, Leading Life by Example, Mental Health, Nature, photography, Spirituality and Religion, Veteran Affairs, Writing and blogging

Hello to you. How’s your week been? It’s Friday morning as I write to you and already hot – 89 degrees! I went and got groceries at Ridleys here in town after I got up. Their ice cream section was completely empty! Their freezer must be still broken. I didn’t need to buy ice cream anyways lol! Just tastes good when it’s hot.

Today my thoughts turn to life in terms of quality versus quantity – the number of days we live versus how we live the number of days we are given to live. I feel so blessed to have made it to 55 years old! It hasn’t always been easy to get to this point but despite all the things I’ve been through I’m grateful for my life and the bumps in the road along the way. It’s like my body with its knicks and dents – all the imperfections showing the character of the life I’ve lived. Each flaw and scar tells a story about me and my journey. It’s important to live in a space of gratitude for the time we are given however long or short that time may be.

A little yellow rose – made me think of my mom and dad.

Our animals that we share our life with teach us these lessons. For every day we live is a week in their time. No day is wasted. I can be gone for just a few minutes and when I come back Link expresses his joy and gratitude at my return. Each morning there is a wagging tail to show how glad he is to wake up next to me. Dogs, cats and birds are the epitome of making each day count!

Romans 8:18New International Version

Present Suffering and Future Glory

¹⁸I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.

19 July 2023 Time

July 19, 2023 by saymber, posted in animals, Art and Poetry, Bipolar life, drawing, Mental Health, Nature, photography, Spirituality and Religion, Veteran Affairs, Writing and blogging

Which activities make you lose track of time?

Hello to you. How is your week thus far! My week is going ok. I’m sitting on the front porch with Link as I write to you. Its still pretty nice out. I wish it would rain so my car would get rinsed off! Its pretty dirty! I know as soon as I wash it pollen and dust will cover it again.

Todays prompt makes me think of when I was being creative and crafting. When I made jewelry, did drawing in chalks on the back porch and also when I used to be play video games. When I get in the flow, the zone where I’m focused on something so completely I am not operating in time and a place. When I’m doing something I love to do it’s such a good feeling. It’s been a couple years since I had this feeling. I can remember when I used to draw portraits of people I would sit for hours and be totally focused but that was mainly when I was younger.

Psalm 145:9New International Version

⁹The Lord is good to all;
he has compassion on all he has made.

18 July 2023 Bothered

July 18, 2023 by saymber, posted in Bipolar life, Health, Home, Mental Health, Spirituality and Religion, Veteran Affairs, Writing and blogging

What bothers you and why?

Hello to you. How are you doing today? I got a call yesterday from the VA about getting a consult to learn more about what recreational programs they have. So Wednesday I will be doing a telephone/video call to see what they have to offer. We are trying to find things for me to do that either get me out of the house or give me something to do. My vertigo is still going on and is an obstacle so we shall see what they have to offer.

Todays prompt isn’t easily answered. Depending on what’s going on determines what’s bothering me – what I’m allowing to take my personal power. Sometimes it’s Big Pharma, politics, religion, Big Agriculture, Oil and Gas – whatever is on my radar at the time that I perceive to be corrupt.

When I perceive corruption in the world it naturally bothers me but I’ve learned the longer I focus on it, or hold on to it, the worse it becomes. I have learned what you focus on gains power and so if I’m focused on negative things, the more power I’m giving to it to exist! When I let go of whatever it is that has me bothered, it’s like a path is made for more desirable results to occur. I have to let go and let God. Some things I get bothered about are so much bigger than me! I can remember when I was really bothered by Oil and Gas. I was giving it so much power but as soon as I let go the issues that were bothering me about it started getting more attention from outside sources. It’s better to focus on what is good and positive – to give my personal power to it. It’s a practice along the lines of mindfulness.

Luke 10:38-42New International Version

At the Home of Martha and Mary

³⁸As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. ³⁹She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feetlistening to what he said. ⁴⁰But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!”

⁴¹“Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, ⁴²but few things are needed—or indeed only one.^[a] Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”

17 July 2023 Absolute Certains

July 17, 2023July 17, 2023 by saymber, posted in Bipolar life, Mental Health, Spirituality and Religion, Veteran Affairs, Writing and blogging

List 10 things you know to be absolutely certain.

Here are 10 things I know to be absolutely certain: (Zentrans is source of this list and I agree with it!)

1. **The world exists.** I may not know everything about the world, but I am certain that it exists. I can see it, touch it, and feel it. I can also interact with it in a meaningful way.
2. **I exist.** I may not know everything about myself, but I am certain that I exist. I can think, feel, and experience the world. I am also capable of making choices and taking actions.
3. **Change is inevitable.** Nothing stays the same forever. The world is constantly changing, and so am I. This can be a source of both challenge and opportunity.
4. **The future is uncertain.** I cannot know for sure what will happen in the future. However, I can make choices that will help me shape my future.
5. **There is no such thing as a perfect person.** Everyone makes mistakes. We all have flaws and weaknesses. However, we can also learn from our mistakes and grow as individuals.
6. **Love is real.** Love is a powerful emotion that can bring great joy and happiness. It can also be a source of strength and support during difficult times.
7. **Kindness matters.** Small acts of kindness can have a big impact on others. They can make someone’s day or even change their life.
8. **Gratitude is essential.** Taking the time to appreciate the good things in our lives can help us to be happier and more content.
9. **Helping others is rewarding.** There is something special about helping others. It can make us feel good and connect us with our community.
10. **Life is a gift.** We should cherish every moment and make the most of our lives.

I came across Zentrans answers to todays prompt and I felt it was awesome! So true and I couldn’t come up with a better list on my own. The only thing I would add is God exists.

Revelation 1:8New International Version

⁸“I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is, and who was, and who is to come,the Almighty.”

16 July 2023 Security or Adventure

July 16, 2023 by saymber, posted in animals, Health, Mental Health, Spirituality and Religion, trust, Veteran Affairs, Writing and blogging

Are you seeking security or adventure?

Hello to you. Just back from church – it was good as always. Got to see and talk to the sweet people there. We discussed psalm 34 and “Mr E.” gave a great testimony about his path to following Jesus. He had his Bible with him when he first got saved – inside he wrote the name and date and signed his name and this was back when he was six years old! It’s really neat to hear what happens to people when they make a path within themselves for God to use them. I have had fleeting glimpses of this in my own life. Those experiences of being in the right place at the right time like a mission from God. I am currently hoping for an opportunity for God to use me- just need to get the physical stuff that limits me out of my way! May be having physical limitations is a way for there to be balance and not overwhelming myself. Only God knows! My many thanks for your continued prayers and support!

Something nice happened too after service my friend Mark gave me a bag of cherries from their tree! They taste really good! He notices when I’m not there and kind of helps me stay accountable.

A thoughtful gift through fellowship and natures bounty – cherries

Todays prompt makes me think of my life this far. I think I have chosen security over adventure as I’ve gotten older. When I was young and had all the world in front of me I think I took more chances – sought out adventure because nothing was really stopping me. I was healthy physically up until when my mental health issues really started mushrooming and that was in my late twenties and early thirties. My forties and up until now have been clouded by the struggle of achieving balance – safety and security versus adventure. There is a part of me that kind of thirsts for adventure but I hold myself back – a lot of times it’s because I don’t want to leave Link. He has become an anchor of what home and security is. When I come home from being gone – seeing him reach up and scratching on the window in excitement makes me feel so loved. Somebody cares that I have returned!

Deuteronomy 4:29New International Version

²⁹But if from there you seek the Lord your God, you will find him if you seek him with all your heart and with all your soul.

14 July 2023 Getting Better With Age

July 14, 2023 by saymber, posted in Bipolar life, Health, Mental Health, Spirituality and Religion, trust, Veteran Affairs, Writing and blogging

What do you think gets better with age?

Hello to you. I hope this finds you well. In a bit I’m going to a psychiatrist appointment with the VA. I’m blessed that my friend Tawna will be going with me. I have to talk to them about the increase in vertigo and feeling more off balance since I started taking a new medication called Abilify. When I turn over in bed or get up from laying down or put my head back to drink I feel off balance. The room moves but I’m standing still. Ugh! When I looked at best medication for bipolar 1 last night and the drugs I’m taking were listed but all had similar side effects – dizziness was a common one. Lithium, a drug I was on before, was listed as one of the best but I don’t think they want me on that again. I would appreciate your prayers about all this!

Todays prompt seems obvious to me – people and animals mostly get better with age but that depends on their health. If you have poor health or have been rough on your body for your early years aging can be really rough. The other things that age well are cheese and wine!

Isaiah 46:4New International Version

⁴Even to your old age and gray hairs
I am he, I am he who will sustain you.
I have made you and I will carry you;
I will sustain you and I will rescue you.

13 July 2023 Bedtime

July 13, 2023 by saymber, posted in animals, Health, Home, Leading Life by Example, Mental Health, Nature, photography, Spirituality and Religion, Veteran Affairs, Writing and blogging

What time do you go to bed and wake up currently?

Hello to you. I’m just back from Grace House where we have a prayer meeting each Thursday at 9:30 am. Today it was Lois, Brie and me. We are hoping that may be this fall our group will grow some. I walked over and back. My lower back wasn’t happy but the prayers helped. I have been having some vertigo/swaying spells the past couple of days. I hope this isn’t a side effect of the new medication I’m on! We prayed for my Aunt and Dad too. Just found out my Aunt is having shoulder surgery later this month.

So bedtime and getting up are something I’ve been having to work on. I try to start going to bed at 9 pm and I usually wake up around 8-9 am. It takes me a long time to fall asleep and I don’t like getting out of bed right away. I think the reason I have trouble falling asleep has to do with being on screens before bed time. Last night I didn’t have anything on after lights out and I don’t remember falling asleep! Just takes good practice and consistency I think.

Today was good because I needed to be up early to go to the prayer meeting. It’s good to have a reason to get up and have something to look forward to.

Psalm 4:8New International Version

⁸In peace I will lie down and sleep,
for you alone, Lord,
make me dwell in safety.

11 July 2023 Future

July 11, 2023 by saymber, posted in Bipolar life, Leading Life by Example, Mental Health, Spirituality and Religion, trust, Veteran Affairs, Writing and blogging

What are you most excited about for the future?

Hello there. How are you? I’m sitting out on my porch as I write to you listening to Mind in a Box – one of the concerts I found on You tube. It’s 83 degrees already!

Todays prompt forces me to look ahead. There is a meditation I listen to almost every night that has an affirmation about letting go of the past to make room for the present and future. I honestly don’t know what to look forward to in my future other than losing this extra weight I’ve gained and participating in life as it unfolds for me. I’ve been praying for Jesus to show me where he wants me to be next and the answers are slow in coming. I know they will come in perfect timing….Gods timing not mine. I just have to be open and enthusiastic to it.

Jeremiah 29:11New International Version

¹¹For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

10 July 2023 Harmony

July 10, 2023 by saymber, posted in Bipolar life, Mental Health, Spirituality and Religion, Veteran Affairs, Writing and blogging

What could you let go of, for the sake of harmony?

Todays prompt is something I don’t think of very much as my ideal state of being is one of the least resistance. I like peace and no conflict or if there has to be conflict or resistance it isn’t long and drawn out. I prefer peace and harmony to dissonance. If I have to let go of anything for harmony it’s usually my pride!

Psalm 133New International Version

Psalm 133

A song of ascents. Of David.

¹How good and pleasant it is
when God’s people live together in unity!

²It is like precious oil poured on the head,
running down on the beard,
running down on Aaron’s beard,
down on the collar of his robe.
³It is as if the dew of Hermon
were falling on Mount Zion.
For there the Lord bestows his blessing,
even life forevermore.