18 Oct 2026 Radical Forgiveness

Hello to you. How are you? Im doing ok. Today I started taking a new drug for anxiety called Hydroxyzine Pamoate. It’s a take as needed type of medication. You can take it up to 4 times a day. I have been feeling more anxious lately and my doctor recommended giving it a try. Here is some of what the internet had to say:

Hydroxyzine is a first-generation antihistamine medication used to treat short-term anxiety, allergic skin reactions (such as itching and hives), and nausea, or used as a sedative before and after surgery. It is commonly sold under brand names like Atarax and Vistaril. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]

What It Does & How It Works

  • Mechanism: It blocks histamine H1 receptors in the body to reduce allergy symptoms and inflammation. It also reduces activity in central nervous system regions to provide a calming, sedative effect. [1, 2, 3, 4]
  • Onset: It begins working quickly, usually taking effect within 15 to 30 minutes, with peak effects in about 2 hours. [1, 2]
  • Active Metabolite: Once processed by the liver, hydroxyzine converts into cetirizine(Zyrtec). [1, 2]

Today’s message on forgiveness was delivered by Elder Brad Bowden. It was nice to see everyone and get hugs. I almost didn’t go but I forced myself to go – it’s always worth it!

Pastor Jason is still recovering from the car accident:

https://youtu.be/Uh0QtEZAp40?is=uIIBlPkH2YrY_pTZ – Radical Forgiveness – Brad Bowden

I agree that just because you forgive someone it doesn’t mean you have forgotten. Forgiveness is a two way street and when done openly it benefits both parties. I have read about people who have forgiven murderers for example. It was a healing experience both ways. Here is what the internet said about it and examples:

Many family members and loved ones have chosen to forgive the people responsible for the murder of a family member, often finding personal healing and liberation from long-term anger. [1, 2, 3]

Notable Examples of Forgiveness

  • Mary Johnson and O’Shea Israel: Mary Johnson forgave O’Shea Israel, the teen who murdered her son in 1993. After years of grief and anger, she met him, forgave him, and later helped welcome him as a neighbor. [1, 2, 3]
  • Darryl Green and Kimyon Marshall: Darryl Green, a Morgan State University professor, forgave Kimyon Marshall, who killed his brother Ruben Cotton in 1988 when Marshall was 14 years old. Green later supported reducing Marshall’s sentence, and the two co-founded a nonprofit called Deep Forgiveness. [1, 2]
  • Kate Grosmaire: After her daughter Ann was shot, Kate Grosmaire visited the teenage shooter, Conor, in jail to tell him that she and her husband forgave him before turning off Ann’s life support. [1]
  • Sharletta Evans: Sharletta Evans forgave Raymond Johnson, the teen who shot and killed her 3-year-old son in a 1995 drive-by shooting in Colorado, after Johnson reached out years later seeking reconciliation. [1]
  • Bill Pelke: Bill Pelke forgave Paula Cooper, who murdered his grandmother Ruth Pelke in Indiana in 1985, and later campaigned against the death penalty on her behalf. [1]
  • Nadine Collier: The daughter of Ethel Lance—one of the victims of the 2015 Emanuel AME Church shooting in Charleston—publicly told the gunman during a bond hearing, “I forgive you. You took something really precious away from me… But I forgive you and have mercy on your soul”. [1]

Why People Forgive

  • Releasing Inner Pain: Many survivors state that forgiveness is primarily for themselves—to stop carrying the heavy burden of anger, bitterness, or hatred, which they describe as emotionally consuming. [1, 2]
  • Restorative Justice: Programs that bring victims and offenders together help survivors find answers, understand the context of the tragedy, and move forward through accountability and healing. [1]

12 Oct 2026 Sensitive

Hello to you. It’s almost bedtime as I write to you. Today began early with Links grooming appt with Clean Pups groomer Diana. He knows the word haircut and did one of his nervous poops in the house. Poor little man!

I have been feeling extra sensitive these past couple of days. I waited too long to refill the medication that helps me with anxiety. I’m waiting on my prescription of Olanzapine to arrive. According to the automated message at the VA they sent out the order on the 6th. Today was a federal holiday so no mail was delivered. Hopefully it will be in tomorrow’s mail.

Prayer I found for World Peace:

Lord Jesus Christ, You are the true King of peace. In You alone is found freedom. [1]

Please free our world from conflict. Bring unity to troubled nations. Let Your glorious peace reign in every heart. Dispel all darkness and evil, and protect the dignity of every human life. [1]

Replace hatred with Your love. Give wisdom to world leaders, free them from selfish ambition, and eliminate all violence and war. [1]

Instill in our hearts the courage to take concrete steps to achieve peace. Make us sensitive to the cry of the vulnerable, the displaced, and those who suffer. [1, 2]

Lord, defuse the violence of our tongues and our hands. Renew our hearts and minds so that our way of life will always be one of reconciliation, hope, and brotherhood. [1]

Amen.

8 Oct 2026 Wish

The genie grants you a wish. What is it?

Hello there. How are you? Today’ began with the prayer group I go to on Thursdays. Today it was Lois, Jeannie and a new person named Judy and me. We prayed for Pastor Jason and his family to have protection from attacks. We prayed for each other and for the things on the prayer sheet Lois has for us like Leadership and Facilities. We prayed for the elders, volunteers and for a place to go when the lease for Grace House is over in December. There is always lots to pray for and also give praise.

After prayer Jeannie and I went to the Sunrise. It was so nice to have quality time with my friend! I ordered something different – no meat. I want to stop eating meat. I can’t stand the cruelty in the food animal system! Every-time I eat meat I am conscious that more than likely the animals whose flesh I’m eating has experienced trauma and maltreatment. I don’t buy milk or meat anymore. I buy Amy’s frozen dinners and they don’t have meat in them and taste really good. I’m doing what I can by voting with my pocket book.

Today’s question is pretty easy for me to answer. If I had one wish it would be to not bipolar – to have my health restored. So much of my life has been wrecked by this condition. Both of my marriages ended badly because of this diagnosis.

Spin of the World Prayer Wheel:

Believe more deeply.
Hold your face up to the light,
even though for the moment you do not see.

bill wilson – cofounder alcoholics anonymous

7 Oct 2026 Aliens

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

5 Sept 2026 There You Are

What’s a personal mantra or philosophy you live by?

Hello there! Hope this finds you well. Today was ladies coffee at Grace House at the new time of 1:30. It was Missy, Jera, Sandi, Linda and me. There were yummy treats and coffee. We got caught up and prayed together. We have such good people at our church! I love them very much.

One of the mantras I live by is where you go there you are – you can’t escape yourself! A lot of people have moved here from other places like California and they bring who they were there here to Idaho. The native born Idahoans suffer the most as everything has increased in prices – especially homes. The wages most natives make don’t keep up with the cost of living, I moved here from Texas – another state experiencing growth. I am not the same person I was when I lived in Texas and I’m glad! When I lived in Texas for 12 years I wasn’t part of a church and didn’t have any of my family close by. It really makes a difference and my quality of life is much better now. Having family to turn to helps me with living alone. I would say I am the exception not the rule for the mantra.

Spin of the World Prayer Wheel:

When I despair,
I remember that all through history
the ways of truth and love have always won.
There have been tyrants, and murderers,
and for a time they can seem invincible,
but in the end they always fall.

Think of it – always.

mahatma gandhi – early 20th century

24 Sept 2026 Prayers

Hello there! It’s Thursday as I write to you. This morning was prayer group. There were 4 of us. It was good to see Missy , Linda and Pastor Jason. Jason had each of us pray for something for the church. For me it was for church leadership. I had trouble verbalizing my prayer. I do better writing than I do speaking. I did my best! I’m going to write my prayer here:

Dear Jesus I pray for the leadership of Grace – especially Pastor Jason and his family. He is being pulled in many directions and he’s tired. I pray you give him the strength and wisdom to wade through such rough waters. I pray you surround him and the leadership of our church with your protection and love. I pray for this fallen world – we need you now more than ever Lord. I pray for all my family and friends. Wrap your loving arms around them! Amen.

16 July 2026 Gods Forge

Do you think we’re shaped more by our experiences or by who we are?

Hello to you on this hot Thursday. We gathered a little later than normal for prayer today. It was so we could participate in the 21 days of prayer. There weren’t any new petitions but more of us to go over the ones we had. Afterwards Jeannie and I went to the Sunrise for a late breakfast. We had a wonderful visit and delicious breakfast. I got a hug from the manager Emma – I just love her! With Jeannie’s schedule it was the last day we could do this for her summer break. I was going to get groceries afterwards but decided to go tomorrow morning when it’s cooler. I really don’t like doing it!

Today’s prompt made me reflect on my own life and all that I’ve been through. I believe I have been put through Gods forge that has shaped and molded me into who I am. If I haven’t gone through what I have I think I would be a much weaker person. I have quite a laundry list! I have been divorced twice both times my being bipolar was a main cause, anorexic, bulemic, alcoholic, abused, an abuser, suicide attempt, obese, unjustly arrested, an adulterer, had fibroid cysts which resulted in me choosing to have a hysterectomy without ever being a mother, survived storms, been in and out of mental health institutions, dealt with the grief of loss of many people and pets I’ve loved to include losing my mother when I was just 10 months old to suicide. These are just a few of the things I’ve been through! Just about every tragedy you can come up with I have gone through either directly or indirectly. The way I look at it is Gods forge has shaped me into who I am today. Sometimes I have felt a bit like Job from the Bible!

Spin of the Prayer Wheel for today:

I see no stranger, I see no enemy
Wherever I look, God is all I see

I don’t think of us and them
No one do I hate or condemn
I see God’s image – each one a friend.

Of any religion, caste or race
All I see is God’s shining face
His smiling face, His gracious face.

Accept as beautiful all His design
I learnt this truth in sangat divine

One Word resounds in me and you
Waheguru … Waheguru …
In him, in her, in me and you
Waheguru … Waheguru …

Beholding in every being His light
I bloom like a flower in joy and delight.

adi granth – guru arjun dev ji – ca. 1604 ce.

27 June 2026 Believe

What’s something you used to believe as a kid that seems ridiculous now?

Hello to you. How are you? My prayers go out to the people of Venezuela as they struggle to recover and discover bodies in the rubble.

Thinking of today’s prompt, I had and still have a vivid imagination. As a child I was a dreamer. From an early age I was a writer of stories and poems. I wanted to be famous – a singer, dancer, artist and writer. As I look back now, I never really had a chance to realize those lofty aspirations. My stepmom popped me into reality early on by telling me I didn’t have to be famous to be somebody! She was right! I could have never made it as a famous person with my conditions and probably wouldn’t still be here to write to you.

I found the following on the Prayer Wheel today:

Blessed be the Earth and those who tend her,
for she is the source and sustenance of our lives.

Blessed be the children who hunger for food,
learning, and homes that are safe,
for their future is shaped by our choices today.

Blessed be the refuges fleeing the violence of war and poverty
may they find shelter, peace, and work that sustains them.

Blessed be those who are calling for freedom,
resisting oppression and risking their lives in the struggle for justice,
for they are the shapers of a brighter world.

Blessed be the persecuted and wrongly judged,
for theirs is a sorrow lessened only by mercy and human kindness.

Blessed be the prophets who speak and write of a world beyond war,
for theirs are the words becoming flesh.

Blessed be the story-tellers, music-makers, and artists at life,
for they are the true light of the world.

Blessed be the tender-hearted who mourn and grieve
the wars we’ve fought, the lives we’ve lost,
may peace ride in on the river of their tears.

beatitudes – jan phillips

16 June 2026 Writing vs Speaking

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

7 May 2026 Purple

Hello there! How are you? I am just from a walk. I forced myself to go and I’m glad I did. This morning I stayed home from Thursday prayer because I had a sore throat when I woke up and was afraid I was coming down with something. False alarm!

On the walk this evening I had the privilege of seeing flowers in particular purple flowers:

Beautiful purple Iris
My neighbor Diana’s lovely purple flowers

I’m going to attempt this one today:

https://youtu.be/3pAtzY-grl8?si=oxWXMcKGvupD3TPd – 18 min Tai Chi Workout

Dear Jesus I thank you for this day. I ask that you wrap your loving arms around all who need you. Please guide leaders at all levels of government to do your will and not just their own. Please be, through us your vessels, with the sick, poor, weary, healing, angry, addicted and hungry. Let your presence be the balm that ends all wars and “isms” of this world. Amen.