7 Dec 2025 What Pain Does

December 7, 2025December 7, 2025 by saymber, posted in Bipolar life, Home, Leading Life by Example, Mental Health, Spirituality and Religion, Veteran Affairs, Writing and blogging

Hello to you on this cloudy Sunday afternoon. I’m just back from church and breakfast at the Sunrise. I should have gotten groceries but decided to put it off. I really dread grocery shopping!

Today we had a guest speaker named Toby Slough. He is an author of the book Not Yet and a children’s book Toby the Goby. When they post his sermon I’ll share it.

He spent time in Mark 6:30-42:

Mark 6:30-42New International Version

Jesus Feeds the Five Thousand

³⁰The apostles gathered around Jesus and reported to him all they had done and taught. ³¹Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.”

³²So they went away by themselves in a boat to a solitary place. ³³But many who saw them leaving recognized them and ran on foot from all the towns and got there ahead of them. ³⁴When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. So he began teaching them many things.

³⁵By this time it was late in the day, so his disciples came to him. “This is a remote place,” they said, “and it’s already very late. ³⁶Send the people away so that they can go to the surrounding countryside and villages and buy themselves something to eat.”

³⁷But he answered, “You give them something to eat.”

They said to him, “That would take more than half a year’s wages^[a]! Are we to go and spend that much on bread and give it to them to eat?”

³⁸“How many loaves do you have?” he asked. “Go and see.”

When they found out, they said, “Five—and two fish.”

³⁹Then Jesus directed them to have all the people sit down in groups on the green grass. ⁴⁰So they sat down in groups of hundreds and fifties. ⁴¹Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then he gave them to his disciples to distribute to the people. He also divided the two fish among them all. ⁴²They all ate and were satisfied,

The message from his speaking that resonated with my current journey was about how pain is not the problem. It’s what pain does to us – it makes us a narcissist- everything becomes about us. The two things I have going on sometimes keeps me trapped inside myself. Just where the enemy wants me! The other message today that spoke to me was about focusing on what we have not what we lack. Pastor Jason has put a goal before the church of raising $30,000 for the charities we support. I have not been tithing for quite some time but am thinking I need to be more generous. I need to stop worrying about not having enough money. I will pray about this issue.

30 Nov 2025 The Stray and Free Will

December 1, 2025December 1, 2025 by saymber, posted in animals, history, Leading Life by Example, Mental Health, Movies, Spirituality and Religion

Hello to you. It’s the end of the weekend. Today was a good day. At church my friends were there to include Jeannie and a healing Roy. You could see he was healing on his face from the fall. After church I had breakfast at the Sunrise which is always good – got my Emma fix! She and the other staff are so kind to me. My Aunt Ruth invited Link and I over for chili for linner (lunch and dinner) and we watched a good movie based on a true story called The Stray:

The Stray is based on the true story of director Mitch Davis and his family. The film recounts how a stray dog named Pluto wandered into their lives when the family was facing struggles, saving their youngest son and helping to heal their family bonds. Davis stated that Pluto “saved my life and my family in more ways than one.”

It was as we feared as it goes with stories about animals – especially dogs! I won’t ruin it for you but I recommend you have Kleenex!

The second part of my topic today comes after watching a livestream of the Bishop James Long on Tik Tok this evening. He explained really well why there is evil in the world. God created everything but he did not create evil. Evil is a product of free will – choice. He used the example of a knife. A knife is created as a tool to be used for good. The knife doesn’t choose to be used to kill someone. The person who uses the knife for an evil purpose is to blame for what it’s used for. We are created for good but have the free will to make choices that are evil in nature. God is not responsible for our evil intentions. It’s so easy to want to blame God for the evil that happens in this world! Why does he not stop it? If he stopped it all then we would be automatons – mere puppets with no mind of our own. There is justice – we may not live long enough to see it but it will come. We all are responsible for making good choices and taking responsibility for bad choices.

AI Overview – question about where in the NIV Bible is free will mentioned

The term “free will” does not appear in the NIV Bible, but the concept is addressed throughout Scripture through passages about human choice and responsibility. Key passages that illustrate choice include Genesis 2:16, where God gives Adam and Eve a command, and Joshua 24:15, which presents the people with a choice of whom to serve. The Bible also mentions “freewill offerings,” like those described in Exodus 35:29, which were given willingly without coercion.

Passages illustrating human choice and responsibility

Genesis 2:16-17: God gives Adam and Eve a command, presenting them with a choice that has consequences.
Joshua 24:15: Joshua tells the Israelites, “Choose for yourselves today whom you will serve…”.
John 7:17: Jesus states that “Anyone who chooses to do the will of God will find out whether my teaching comes from God”.
Galatians 5:13: The Apostle Paul writes, “You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love”.

Passages about “freewill offerings”

Exodus 35:29: “All the Israelite men and women who were willing brought to the Lord freewill offerings for all the work the Lord through Moses had commanded them to do”.
1 Chronicles 29:6–9: The people made freewill offerings of jewelry and other materials to help build the temple.
Ezra 2:68 and Ezra 7:16: These verses mention freewill contributions for rebuilding the temple after the exile.

20 Nov2025 Jesus Revolution

November 21, 2025 by saymber, posted in history, human rights, Leading Life by Example, Movies, Spirituality and Religion

https://youtu.be/hXUqhT4QShY?si=LvlzJb-fmiSjOEwE – Jesus Revolution (free with ads)

Hello to you. I just finished watching Jesus Revolution and I’m so glad I finally got to see it! I was moved to happy tears several times. How I wish such a movement could live again in the people of our age. I loved seeing Jonathan Roumie as Lonnie Frisbee the charismatic preacher that Greg Laurie portrayed by Joel Courtney met on his journey to loving Jesus. I also loved seeing Kelsey Grammer as Chuck Smith – seeing his smile was so contagious! You could tell he really enjoyed this role- he was perfect for it. Seeing people getting baptized by the multitudes was so beautiful. My baptism was inside but still just as moving. The enemy definitely lost one that day! I can imagine how furious the enemy got during this movement. I think, judging by what’s happening in our church, more and more people are returning to Jesus. When Pastor Jason tells the young people it’s time for them to go to their classes so many file out! We have so many young people who love Jesus at our church. We need more volunteers! I have been thinking about seeing what I can do but am not sure I am qualified! I will continue to ask the Lord what he wants me to do. May be I am already doing a part of it by writing this blog! All said and done if you are looking for a positive movie – watch this movie!

Internet synopsis of the film:

In the 1970s, Greg Laurie and a sea of young people descend on sunny Southern California to redefine truth through all means of liberation. Inadvertently, Laurie meets a charismatic street preacher and a pastor who open the doors to a church to a stream of wandering youth. What unfolds is a counterculture movement that becomes the greatest spiritual awakening in American history.

18 Nov 2025 Target

November 19, 2025 by saymber, posted in Spirituality and Religion

Hello to you. It’s evening as I write to you and my thoughts are on my friend Jeannie and her brother-in-law Roy. The reason he didn’t make it to church this Sunday is because he had a horrible fall. He fell again yesterday. Jeannie is doing all she can to help him but it’s so draining! It feels like the closer she gets to Jesus and the more she does the bigger the target gets on her back to the enemy! If you are reading this and like to pray for people, I ask that you add Jeannie and Roy to your list. They really need to a hedge of protection that lots of prayer can create.

A powerful psalm for protection:

Psalm 91New International Version

Psalm 91

¹Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High
will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.^[a]
²I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress,
my God, in whom I trust.”

³Surely he will save you
    from the fowler’s snare
    and from the deadly pestilence.
⁴He will cover you with his feathers,
    and under his wings you will find refuge;
    his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.
⁵You will not fear the terror of night,
    nor the arrow that flies by day,
⁶nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness,
    nor the plague that destroys at midday.
⁷A thousand may fall at your side,
    ten thousand at your right hand,
    but it will not come near you.
⁸You will only observe with your eyes
    and see the punishment of the wicked.

⁹If you say, “The Lord is my refuge,”
    and you make the Most High your dwelling,
¹⁰no harm will overtake you,
    no disaster will come near your tent.
¹¹For he will command his angels concerning you
    to guard you in all your ways;
¹²they will lift you up in their hands,
    so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.
¹³You will tread on the lion and the cobra;
    you will trample the great lion and the serpent.

¹⁴“Because he^[b] loves me,” says the Lord, “I will rescue him;
    I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.
¹⁵He will call on me, and I will answer him;
    I will be with him in trouble,
    I will deliver him and honor him.
¹⁶With long life I will satisfy him
    and show him my salvation.”

17 Nov 2025 Storehouse of Faith

November 18, 2025 by saymber, posted in Bipolar life, Leading Life by Example, Mental Health, Nature, photography, Spirituality and Religion, Veteran Affairs, Writing and blogging

Hello to you. I hope this finds you well. Today has been good but long. It began with me going to the ladies coffee at the Grace House at 9:00 am. There was a good turnout and goodies to be had. There were lots of things and people we prayed for. While we visited, Missy mentioned enjoying my friend Jeannie’s testimony on Sunday and one of the other gals said something about it that was perfect – having a storehouse of faith to carry you through the tough times when they come. Jeannie certainly has had hers full! Here is link to her testimony and Pastor Jason’s sermon:

https://youtu.be/Id0YOqTORA8?si=TLdV2CRSPPsHxwYm – 16 Nov 2025 testimony and sermon

I went and got groceries afterwards and it was twice as much as I normally pay! I am grateful it’s just me and Link that I am buying for.

Key verses for faith in hard times

Philippians 4:6-7: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Proverbs 3:5-6: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”
Jeremiah 29:11: “For 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.”
Romans 8:28: “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”
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.”
1 Corinthians 6:13: “Be on guard. Stand firm in the faith. Be courageous. Be strong.”
James 1:3: “…because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.”

16 Nov 2025 Testimony

November 17, 2025November 17, 2025 by saymber, posted in Bipolar life, Leading Life by Example, Mental Health, Spirituality and Religion, Veteran Affairs

Hello to you. How has your day been? I hope well. Today began with going to church at Grace Bible Church in Middleton. The past couple of Sundays we have gotten to hear how loving Jesus has transformed peoples lives and gotten them through difficult times. Today my friend Jeannie was on the big screen and she was wonderful. Tragedy has struck her family more than once but yet her faith has not wavered! Ironically her name is Jeannie like my Mom and she lost one of her daughters to suicide. Her other daughter was in a bad accident on a 4 wheeler.

Jeannie giving her testimony on the big screen

We were in Philippians 4 today:

Thanks for Their Gifts

¹⁰I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. ¹¹I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.¹²I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. ¹³I can do all this through him who gives me strength.

Pastor Jason emphasized that relying on finding joy for anything outside of Jesus would eventually fail us. This is so true – Jeannie’s testimony echoed this. Her faith was strong enough, deep enough to get her through horrible tragedies. How deep does the well go she both asked and answered in her testimony. Contentment in any circumstance is a choice. No matter what life throws at us we don’t have to go it alone. My own life experience speaks to this. After all I went through these past few years the people I relied on could only lead me to the unwavering and unconditional love of Jesus.

After church I decided to have breakfast at the Sunrise and I’m glad I did. I met a widow of seven years named Christine. She sat in the made for two table next to mine. I asked her if she had a church home and she said she used to when her husband was alive. He used to help put the directory together and she helped out in the kitchen. I made a plug for Grace but it sounded like she was waiting for another church to be built to go to. I told her we meet at the auditorium at the Middle Creek high school. This by chance meeting felt a little like a mission God used to send me on frequently when I lived in Texas. May be I’m what she needed to see and hear today. May be I planted some good seed even if she chooses another church. Had I gone grocery shopping as I had originally planned we would not have met! God truly uses each of us to be his body!

10 Nov 2025 Never Alone

November 11, 2025 by saymber, posted in Bipolar life, Leading Life by Example, Mental Health, Spirituality and Religion, Veteran Affairs, Writing and blogging

Hello to you. I hope you are doing well as you visit me here. If you’re struggling just know that I’m praying for you and you are never truly alone. There are people like me all over the world who pray for those who feel like they have no one that cares. Don’t be afraid to reach out! I always feel better when I do it.

When I was younger I can remember having crying fits when I felt alone. I would just sob and be inconsolable. Then all the sudden I would feel this soothing warmth envelope me. It felt like a big warm hug! Was it divine comfort? I wonder sometimes!

I was married 28 years of my 57 years to two very different men. I never really had to live alone before getting married. When I was active duty I lived in dormitories and usually had a roommate. These past few years of living alone has been hard at times. We are not meant as human beings to be alone. Becoming part of a church has made all the difference. There are warm greetings, big hugs and smiles at least once or twice a week. Having family close has helped also. When we lived in Texas we had Kyle’s family but they didn’t live real close. My family here is so supportive, loving and kind! My Aunt Ruth and Uncle John are dear friends as well as family. They frequently invite me over to share meals and watch our favorite shows and movies. I also have three cousins and their children who surround me with love. I am very blessed! God definitely works through those he has put in my life.

Tomorrow is Veterans Day and my cousin and I are planning on going out to eat. Many restaurants here have free meals on Veterans Day. Our going out together is becoming our tradition. My cousin Tony is someone very special to me. He’s the one who didn’t hesitate when I reached out for help leaving Texas 5 years ago. He and his wife Tawna shared their faith with me and really have brought the living Jesus into my life. Tony is definitely proof to me of Gods goodness and proof I am not alone on this journey.

6 Nov 2025 Thursday

November 6, 2025 by saymber, posted in Uncategorized

Hello to you on this warm and sunny Thursday morning. I’m just back from Thursday prayer with Lois and Pastors Jason and Jim and breakfast at the Sunrise Cafe.

Today we prayed for the needs of the church, our town, country, individual prayers and the world. My prayer request is usually the same – for my Uncles Bill and John. I also pray for my friends Jeannie who can no longer attend because of her work schedule and her brother-in-law Roy who has trouble getting to church without Jeannie’s help. Our little group is lead by Lois Tupyi and sometimes it’s only been her and I. It’s nice to now have Pastor Jim added to our numbers. We keep praying for more people to join us but that doesn’t seem to be Gods plan right now. Our church is really growing and we pray about that – we pray for volunteers to step up to the various needs we are experiencing.

Lois Tupyi during prayer – we go around the room praying for person on our left

Mark 10:45New International Version

⁴⁵For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

Matthew 6:9-13New International Version

⁹“This, then, is how you should pray:

“‘Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
¹⁰your kingdom come,
your will be done,
    on earth as it is in heaven.
¹¹Give us today our daily bread.
¹²And forgive us our debts,
    as we also have forgiven our debtors.
¹³And lead us not into temptation,^[a]
    but deliver us from the evil one.^[b]’

20 Oct 2025 Women’s Coffee

October 20, 2025 by saymber, posted in Home, Leading Life by Example, Spirituality and Religion

Hello to you. Hope your day is going well. I was late but right on time to the Woman’s Coffee today at Grace House. I wasn’t going to go but God wouldn’t let me rest about it. Missy always makes me feel so welcome as do the other ladies. Sometimes you just need to be with other women! We talked about being a Mary or a Martha in our lives. We talked about things you try to help a teenager who has a lot of questions about God. I felt just by her sharing and the feedback we gave her God was at work to help her. We prayed for dear Charlottes sick dog Annie. Charlotte left us in tears as she had to take Annie to the vet. I’m glad I went! I usually am it’s just the going! I didn’t sleep very well last night – that’s why I didn’t want to get up and go. I always feel bad for Link because he always gets disturbed with my tossing and turning.

Isaiah 41:10New International Version

¹⁰So 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.

12 Sept 2025 Turning To God

September 13, 2025 by saymber, posted in Animal Rights, animals, Bipolar life, history, Home, human rights, In the News, Leading Life by Example, Mental Health, Politics and Government, Spirituality and Religion, Veteran Affairs

Hello to you. As I write to you tonight, I have a heavy heart. With the recent murders of Charlie Kirk and Iryna Zarutska and so many others that don’t make the headlines, it’s just a really sad time for America. It feels like every day we are being fed negative news. We can’t catch our collective breath! What I’m having to do is turn to God and pray for our country…for this world. I want to use my words here to lift up the spirits of those who intentionally or unintentionally visit my blog.

I would ask you reader what are you grateful for today? I am grateful for the savior who unconditionally loves me. When everything is dark there is light in Jesus and giving thanks. What we focus on the most gains the most power. I want to focus my personal power on the good in this world even though that is so hard to do right now.

My prayer for today:

Dear Jesus the people of this world need to know you now more than ever. I pray that those who are casting about and are lost will be lead to your loving and merciful light. I pray for the truth of what you taught us how to love one another, your creations and you would take center stage. I pray especially for the children that are the innocent in the affairs of adults. They should be able to go to churches and schools free from fear. I also pray for all animals that you would intercede for those being needlessly abused and neglected. Thank you holy father!

Mark 10:13-16New International Version

The Little Children and Jesus

¹³People were bringing little children to Jesus for him to place his hands on them, but the disciples rebuked them. ¹⁴When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. ¹⁵Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” ¹⁶And he took the children in his arms,placed his hands on them and blessed them.