22 Apr 2026 Earth Day

April 23, 2026 by saymber, posted in Bipolar life, Music, Nature, Spirituality and Religion

Hello to you on this Earth Day. Did you do anything special?

Earth Day

Celebration

DateWednesday, April 22, 2026

Earth Day is an annual event on April 22 to demonstrate support for environmental protection. First held on April 22, 1970, it now includes a wide range of events coordinated globally through earthday.org including 1 billion people in more than 193 countries.

When I lived in Texas I had a grass yard and used to spend almost every day outside. I felt connected to everything- the sky, trees, plants, insects and other earth beings. Now that I live in a home surrounded by gravel/rocks I don’t spend as much time outside. When it gets warmer I will sit on my front porch some but it’s just not the same as having the privacy of a green back yard. I feel bad for Link as the only grass he gets to enjoy is when we go to my Aunt and Uncles house. Yesterday I had to pick a lot of weeds out back. They are growing through the layer beneath the rocks. I don’t have the lawn people coming and spraying the weeds anymore so I have to do it manually.

A nice prayer I found for this day:

A Prayer for Our Earth (Based on Laudato Si’)
“All-powerful God, you are present in the whole universe and in the smallest of your creatures. You embrace with your tenderness all that exists. Pour out upon us the power of your love, that we may protect life and beauty… Bring healing to our lives, that we may protect the world and not prey on it, that we may sow beauty, not pollution and destruction”.

https://youtu.be/b3qy23UIynU?si=W1Clw0xe6kiDVbs- – Peter Gabriel – Deep Forest – While The Earth Sleeps

21 Apr 2026 Amen

April 21, 2026 by saymber, posted in Bipolar life, Music, Spirituality and Religion

Hello to you today. I wanted to share this special song and video by one of my all time favorite musical groups – Enigma:

https://youtu.be/ZYlNjQ5TTF4?si=9gzMTzxZc1r4TaeJ – Enigma – Amen

Amen

Song by Enigma ‧ 2016

Overview Lyrics

I’m out on a new road in search for a land with no name
And I never looked back, ’cause I’m walking through sunshine and rain
I’m a man who has lived in the tombs and who’s broken the chain

Amen
Amen

I was blind, but now I see
What if God is not for me
And I know, it’s time to go

I’ve been used and I’ve been played
I’ve been spied on and betrayed
And I know, it’s time to go

I defeat the pain
(Watch out) I’m alive again
The past is gone for good, it’s time to say

Amen
Amen
Amen
Amen

At last, I believe I will be found
In the silence of my nights
I can hear a distant voice
Someone out there is calling my name

I’m not afraid
(Watch out) I’m beyond the dread
It’s time to turn the page and love again

Amen
Amen
Amen
Amen

I defeat the pain
(Watch out) and I cry again
I’m leaving all my shadows behind

Source: Musixmatch

Songwriters: Michael Kunze / Michael Cretu

Amen lyrics © Edition 1-2-3 Music, 1-2-3 Music Edition

Enigma is a group that is timeless – never gets old!

This is another song and video by them that is one of my favorites and gets me teary:

https://youtu.be/Rk_sAHh9s08?si=nEN_mhz9mkdMYfDp – Enigma- Return To Innocence

Return to Innocence

Song by Enigma ‧ 1993

Overview Lyrics

Love
Devotion
Feeling
Emotion

Don’t be afraid to be weak
Don’t be too proud to be strong
Just look into your heart my friend
That will be the return to yourself
The return to innocence

The return to innocence

And if you want, then start to laugh
If you must, then start to cry
Be yourself don’t hide
Just believe in destiny

Don’t care what people say
Just follow your own way
Don’t give up and use the chance
To return to innocence

That’s not the beginning of the end
That’s the return to yourself
The return to innocence

That’s return to innocence

Source: LyricFind

Songwriters: M.C. Curly

Return to Innocence lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC

Prayer I found that resonated with me:

Lord, I commit this day to You. Please give me strength for the challenges, wisdom for decisions, and peace in my heart. Guide my steps, help me to love well, and use me to bring light to those around me. I trust You with every moment, Amen.

19 Apr 2026 Bring What You Got

April 20, 2026April 20, 2026 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

April 13, 2026 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.

10 Apr 2026 Tea Party

April 10, 2026 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

Overview Lyrics

… 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!

8 Apr 2026 Pushing On

April 9, 2026 by saymber, posted in Bipolar life, Health, history, human rights, Nature, photography, Politics and Government, Spirituality and Religion, Veteran Affairs

Hello to you. How are you doing? Since Sunday I haven’t been feeling so good. I’m writing to you from bed and it’s only 7 pm! Still very light out. I just feel weak and low energy. This too shall pass and I know I will push on beyond whatever this is. The only thing different I’m doing is I have started taking loratadine which is generic Claritin for allergies. The Flonase hasn’t arrived yet. This is another way of tackling the fullness in my ears.

Dear Jesus please be with my Uncle Bill as he navigates issues going on with his heart. I also ask you be with my cousin Heidi as she continues to heal. I ask you to be with the people in war torn countries- let there be peace. I pray you guide leaders at all levels of government – please give our elected officials the courage to stop the mad king! Amen.

2 Timothy 1:7: “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind”

5 Apr 2026 Easter

April 6, 2026April 6, 2026 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!

28 Mar 2026 Reaching Out

March 29, 2026March 29, 2026 by saymber, posted in Bipolar life, Health, Home, Mental Health, Spirituality and Religion, Veteran Affairs

Hello to you. I hope this finds you well. Today was good. I woke up with my usual problem – anxiety and I didn’t want to be alone. I reached out to my Aunt and she had Link and I come over. She helped me make a delicious cup of coffee and made me a toasted blueberry bagel. She gave me a much needed hug. She just knows what I need! Almost every day I have anxiety in the morning and instead of fighting my way through it today I reached out. I am so blessed to have an understanding Aunt and Uncle! At times I really don’t like living alone. Thank God for Link! Am I going to be alone for the rest of my life? Sometimes I think so! The dating scene for my age group is pretty dismal. I always said that if I couldn’t make my second marriage work that I was destined to be alone. There is a large void in my life not being married. I will just have to let God have the final word on this.

Favorite song before bed: https://youtu.be/h9hILKB9qZQ?si=8gwxivXqomrWUX7j – Vangelis – Come to Me

John 16:33New International Version

³³“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

15 Mar 2026 When God Heals

March 16, 2026March 16, 2026 by saymber, posted in Bipolar life, Leading Life by Example, Spirituality and Religion

Hello to you. It’s Sunday again. The weeks are flying by already. I’m just back from a family birthday party at my cousins house. Lots of good food and company. The men grilled burgers, hot dogs and elk burgers. The grandchildren always bring joy and laughter as does my Aunt Ruth. They even did an Easter egg hunt that the kids really enjoyed. It was good to see everybody.

Church was good. Roy was there in a wheel chair with his sister and brother-in-law. That is a miracle of Gods healing power! We had Bryant Strodt give the sermon out of Mark 5:25-34:

Mark 5:25-34New International Version

²⁵And a woman was there who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years. ²⁶She had suffered a great deal under the care of many doctors and had spent all she had, yet instead of getting better she grew worse.²⁷When she heard about Jesus, she came up behind him in the crowd and touched his cloak, ²⁸because she thought, “If I just touch his clothes, I will be healed.” ²⁹Immediately her bleeding stopped and she felt in her body that she was freed from her suffering.

³⁰At once Jesus realized that power had gone out from him. He turned around in the crowd and asked, “Who touched my clothes?”

³¹“You see the people crowding against you,” his disciples answered, “and yet you can ask, ‘Who touched me?’ ”

³²But Jesus kept looking around to see who had done it. ³³Then the woman, knowing what had happened to her, came and fell at his feet and, trembling with fear, told him the whole truth. ³⁴He said to her, “Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering.”

https://youtu.be/Pvd7EswOdm4?si=sTf1DRbkrUYyq1v6 – When God Heals – Bryant Strodt

When God heals, it is to build our faith. When God doesn’t heal, he also uses it to build our faith.

I have been asking God to heal me for the past couple of years and he hasn’t yet. In his divine timing I have faith that he will heal me if he’s going to. I also have to accept that as we get older our cars (bodies) break down and don’t work like they used to. What I am praying for might be unreasonable! I may never be completely pain free.

14 Mar 2026 Wind

March 14, 2026 by saymber, posted in Music, Nature, photography, Spirituality and Religion

Hello to you. Hope this finds you well. I’m just back from a short walk and boy is it windy! I remembered to take my camera so I could get a couple pictures of spring blooms. It was a little tricky with it being so windy.

Yesterday began early for me. I actually didn’t wake up until my alarm went off! My Aunt invited me to the monthly gathering of Sisters of Grace and they meet at 9:00. When I go with her I drive to her house and then we drive together to the church. She made bread pudding to take along that came out really good. There was a good turnout. The ladies are so welcoming and kind! Being with so many kind souls is good for me. We sang this song that I really like:

https://youtu.be/r3K3roEF36k?si=vqBS5MqMhSzaiU9v – 10,000 Reasons Bless the Lord – Matt Redman

Matt Redman and Jonas Myrin [Key: C#]

Chorus Bless the Lord, O my soul, O my soul, worship His holy Name. Sing like never before, O my soul. I’ll worship Your holy Name.

Verse 1 The sun comes up, it’s a new day dawning; It’s time to sing Your song again. Whatever may pass and whatever lies before me, Let me be singing when the evening comes.

Chorus Bless the Lord, O my soul, O my soul, worship His holy Name. Sing like never before, O my soul. I’ll worship Your holy Name.

Verse 2 You’re rich in love and You’re slow to anger, Your Name is great and Your heart is kind; For all Your goodness I will keep on singing, Ten thousand reasons for my heart to find.

Chorus Bless the Lord, O my soul, O my soul, worship His holy Name. Sing like never before, O my soul. I’ll worship Your holy Name.

Verse 3 And on that day when my strength is failing, The end draws near and my time has come; Still my soul sings Your praise unending, Ten thousand years and then forevermore.

Chorus Bless the Lord, O my soul, O my soul, worship His holy Name. Sing like never before, O my soul. I’ll worship Your holy Name.

Bless the Lord, O my soul, O my soul, worship His holy Name. Sing like never before, O my soul. I’ll worship Your holy Name.