Tag: Health

25 Oct 2026 Accepting Gods Will

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

Good evening to you. I’m just home from a wonderful family gathering at my Aunt and Uncles. There was good food and lots of prayer. My sweet cousin has been praying for God to restore her to what she was before the aneurysm. She acknowledged if she isn’t completely restored she will have to accept Gods will – accept her body for what it is. It’s so hard! She has come so far in her journey but she wants it to go faster. It’s like what I’ve been dealing with my health. My reliance on God to completely heal me may only go so far. At some point there has to be acceptance. Letting go and letting God – sometimes we get in our own way.

We got to see Pastor Jason today. I could tell he wasn’t all himself but it was good to see him.

Today’s message from Garrett on the beatitudes was really good. It’s one of my favorite messages from Jesus:

https://youtu.be/XHcu7Xe7VKo?is=-Xu-bxl7C49s5cJG – The Beatitudes- Garrett Munger

Introduction to the Sermon on the Mount

5 Now when Jesus saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, 2 and he began to teach them.

The Beatitudes

He said:

3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit,
    for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
4 Blessed are those who mourn,
    for they will be comforted.
5 Blessed are the meek,
    for they will inherit the earth.
6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
    for they will be filled.
7 Blessed are the merciful,
    for they will be shown mercy.
8 Blessed are the pure in heart,
    for they will see God.
9 Blessed are the peacemakers,
    for they will be called children of God.
10 Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,
    for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

11 “Blessed are you when people insult you,persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. 12 Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

https://youtu.be/o5OnF3sg0cY?is=4-3FxZaDOTI02jiq – The Beatitudes- The Chosen

Blessed is not happiness. To be blessed means to live the good life in God’s eyes.

23 Oct 2026 Being Good

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

What does it mean to be a good person?

Good evening. It’s bedtime as I write to you. Today was a good day. The new medication I’m taking, the Hydroxyzine, is having an interesting side effect. The sensation in my ears is changing. May be the histamine is doing something? I will just keep taking it. May be all the prayers for my condition is bearing fruit!

The prompt here today is thought provoking for me. What comes to mind is people in my life that I consider to be good people. What are some of the qualities that they consistently exhibit? There are so many! Kindness, generosity, devotion to God, selflessness to name a few. The people I’m thinking of will do anything you need without the slightest hesitation. They expect nothing in return. The people I’m thinking of aren’t perfect but that doesn’t matter. Any of their shortcomings are overshadowed by all the good they bring into the world. I am truly blessed with all the good people I know.

Prayer for tonight:

A Prayer for a Good Person

“Lord, I thank You for placing good people in my life—those who show kindness when it is hard, who offer support, and who walk with a steady heart. [1]

Please bless them with Your favor, protect their spirit, and guide their steps each day. Grant them wisdom when they face difficult choices, strength when they feel tired, and peace that fills their home. [1, 2]

Surround them with the same love and grace they so freely give to others. In Jesus’ name, Amen.” [1]

19 Oct 2026 Stress

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

How do you manage stress?

Hello there! How are you doing from where and when you are? Today was long. I tried the Hydroxyzine out today and I’m not sure it did anything. It may take time to do what it was prescribed for. The script is for a very low dose of the drug – 25 mg capsules. I think that’s why I can take it four times in a day. Today I had to force myself to exercise – doing the 8 min Tai Chi – and walk Link. I have been doing arm exercises with my 5 lb weights and stomach exercises too. I have to quit buying some of the snacks and stick to healthier options. My weakness is Skinny Pop popcorn. It’s suppose to be like 4.5 servings at 150 a serving and I eat the whole bag! I did get more baby carrots so I need to eat those. That MOVE class is getting closer and I want to have lost weight when it starts in January.

Today’s prompt makes me think of how I presently deal with stress. Mostly I take medication and reach out to my support system. I also turn to God and pray for guidance. My Auntie has shown me that prayer can be a powerful way to deal with most anything. I always feel so loved when she prays with and for me. She has a way with knowing just the right words to say!

A Prayer of Praise via Internet:

“Abba, Father, You are the Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the End. You are my Creator, my Counselor, and my Almighty God. [1]

Lord, I praise You for Your great mercy, Your unending faithfulness, and Your boundless love. You are El Roi, the God who sees me, and my refuge in times of trouble. Great is the Lord, and most worthy of praise; Your greatness no one can fathom. [1, 2]

Thank You for Your presence in my life, for Your grace that carries me, and for the living hope I have in You. Today, I lift my voice to honor Your holy name, acknowledging that You are good, righteous, and faithful forever. [1, 2, 3, 4]In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

7 Oct 2026 Aliens

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

If aliens arrived tomorrow, what’s the first thing you’d ask them?

Hello to you. How is the where and when you visit me here from? Today I went to Bible Study and it was a good turnout. One of the ladies, Pam, that comes was seeming to have a hard time being still. Her hair was in a pretty braid – normally it’s long around her face. She is suffering from dementia and sometimes tries to engage with the group but she has trouble verbalizing her thoughts. She is so sweet. She had been sleeping when it was my turn to pray for her and her family. So I was careful about what I said. I asked God to wrap his loving arms around her and her family. Now is a time of tenderness and patience!

Now to aliens…..wow do I have a lot of questions! I would ask them about Jesus. Do they know when he’s coming back? I wonder if they would have an answer!

Spin of the World Prayer Wheel:

Watch thou, dear Lord,
with those who wake, or watch, or weep tonight,
and give thine angels charge over those who sleep.
Tend thy sick ones, Lord Christ.
Rest thy weary ones.
Bless thy dying ones.
Soothe thy suffering ones.
Pity thine afflicted ones.
Shield thy joyous ones.
And all, for thy love’s sake.

Amen.

evening prayer – saint augustine – 4th century

https://youtu.be/Lq4PXLxTuVU?is=u6x99LBUyktn8yoR – Come Jesus Come – CeCe Winans

13 Sept 2026 Fishers of Men

by saymber, posted in animals, Health, Mental Health, Spirituality and Religion

Hello to you. I hope this finds you well. Today at church we were in Matthew 4::18-22:

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%204%3A%2018-22&version=NIV

https://youtu.be/9h6Z-xYM_1I?is=_wM9HPVNGVIxwwRP – Fishers of Men – Pastor Jason Boyd

It was good to see everyone. Jeannie said she almost didn’t come – just feeling so sad. She is having to say goodbye to Roy’s dog Pepper as she is being rehomed. She doesn’t get along with Jeannie’s dog otherwise she’d keep her. We were going to go to breakfast together but she had to go and get Peppers things together. I went to the Sunrise anyways. It was good as always. I also got to see Missy Burke whose husband has been in the hospital for bleeding on his brain. She said he’s doing better. So many to keep in prayer!

Spin of the World Prayer Wheel:

Each day is a blessing
of epic proportions.
I give thanks for
what might seem meager comforts:
real cream in my coffee,
a day without a bill in the mail,
the Paso Doble.
Sometimes life is a dance
a woman has to do backwards
pushing against the wind
and obstacles in the way.
Thank You for being the partner
who always leads.

paso doble – ruth williams

6 Sept 2026 Followers Not Fans

by saymber, posted in Bipolar life, Health, history, Home, Mental Health, Spirituality and Religion, Television

Today has been a good day. I’m just home from spending some time with my Aunt and Uncle. We had spaghetti and almost finished watching all of the Little House on the Prairie reboot. They did a really good job with it. My Aunt must have known I was thinking of them and hoping to be invited over! I like spending my Sundays with them!

The day began with church and I got to see and talk to Jeannie. She wasn’t sure she was going to make it to church with Roy’s passing. She shared that before he went he seemed to be reaching into the sky for something or someone that no one else could see. I have heard it said that we are not alone when we pass. I hope whomever or whatever comforted him. I think next Sunday Jeannie wants to go to breakfast with me at the Sunrise. She just needs someone to talk to after all she’s been through lately!

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke%209%3A23-26&version=NIV – Luke 9:23-26

https://www.bible.com/bible/111/MAT.22.34-40 – Matthew 22:34-40 Niv

https://youtu.be/kD1LGPiCby4?is=al6dYEKO2Gn6lMW4 – Followers Not Fans – Pastor Jason Boyd

Religions are different roads converging upon the same point.

Spin of the World Prayer Wheel:

What does it matter that we take different roads
so long as we reach the same goal.

mahatma gandhi

21 June 2026 Watchmen On The Wall and Fathers Day

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

Hello to you. I’m just back from my Aunt and Uncles where we celebrated Fathers Day with my cousin and his wife. My Aunt had me try on some pants she picked up at Costco – good fit and pretty. We had roasted turkey and they brought over roast and fish my cousin caught. It was so nice to see them! Link loves seeing everybody too! We went for a walk after dessert of angel food cake and fruit and boy was I huffing and puffing. It was pretty hot out but still! I really need to lose some weight!

This morning began with church. We were in Nehemiah 4:9-14:

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Nehemiah%204%3A9-14&version=NIV

https://youtu.be/pZpcc6FTY_E?is=GogCGYiLy3ab9lKi – Watchmen On The Wall – Pastor Jason Boyd

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…