23 Nov 2025 For the Love of Ruth

November 24, 2025 by saymber, posted in Food, Spirituality and Religion

Today has been a good day . Today we celebrated as a family my Aunt Ruth’s birthday. There was a good turn out! Seeing my Aunt so happy was wonderful! You’d just see it in her eyes. Especially when she saw her great grandbabies! The Rare Steakhouse which used to be the Rustic Oven, did a great job keeping up with our loud and boisterous group. There were great grandchildren to keep up with! Most of us got breakfast but could have had lunch as that started at 11 am. I had an omelette with French toast as a side. It was very reasonably priced for what we got.

Hebrews 10:24-25New International Version

²⁴And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, ²⁵not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

21 Nov 2025 2 Corinthians 4:16-17

November 22, 2025November 22, 2025 by saymber, posted in history, Home, Leading Life by Example, Spirituality and Religion

Hello to you. Just back from a walk – it’s chilly out but not enough to wear a coat.

2 Corinthians 4:16-17
So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison.

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]’

2 Nov 2025 Mind of Christ

November 2, 2025 by saymber, posted in Leading Life by Example, Spirituality and Religion, Writing and blogging

Hello to you. I am writing to you today one hour falling back. So far I’m not affected! I went to church today and it was really nice. So many warm greetings, hugs and smiles. I am so grateful for my church family. My friend Roy was there today with my friend Jeannie and he did really well getting up and sitting down through the service. I’ve been praying for him!

Today was dedication Sunday (baptism comes later by choice) and two couples dedicated their baby girls:

Today we were in Philippians 2:5-11:

Philippians 2:5-11New International Version

⁵In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus:

⁶Who, being in very nature^[a] God,
    did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage;
⁷rather, he made himself nothing
    by taking the very nature^[b] of a servant,
    being made in human likeness.
⁸And being found in appearance as a man,
    he humbled himself
    by becoming obedient to death—
        even death on a cross!

⁹Therefore God exalted him to the highest place
    and gave him the name that is above every name,
¹⁰that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
    in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
¹¹and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord,
    to the glory of God the Father.

Pastor Jason emphasized how we get the mind of Christ through self sacrificing, loving other people and being obedient to Gods will. How we get the attitude of Christ is to spend time with him in his Word (the Bible) and through prayer.

1 Nov 2025 Hello November

November 1, 2025 by saymber, posted in Bipolar life, Nature, photography, Spirituality and Religion

Hello to you on this crisp first day of November. Can you believe how fast the year is going?!

Thinking of my mom and dad when I see yellow roses

Last night was uneventful. I watched one of my favorite live streamers on Tik Tok NYCTHRASHER stream the New York City Halloween parade. There was quite a turnout! They even had the Michael Jackson Thriller dance. Afterwards I watched an old classic Rosemarys Baby. The night before last I watched original The Crow . Both were free with ads on YouTube. I wanted to watch something spooky but not too spooky! Did you hand out candy? My Aunt said they had about 50 kids! When I first moved in I tried doing it but there were no kids so I stopped participating. Halloween used to be one of my favorite holidays!

Psalm 8:3-4: “When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is mankind that you are mindful of them, human beings that you care for them?”.

19 Oct 2025 Myths

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

Hello to you. I’m just home from spending some time with my Aunt and Uncle. We had leftover spaghetti and watched a couple episodes of The Good Ship Murder on Brit box. I like it when they invite me over! Sundays can be lonesome. Link is always so happy to see Ruth and John. They have grass and carpet which he loves rolling around on.

I went to church this morning (I almost didn’t go because I didn’t sleep well) and today we were in Philippians:

Philippians 1:18-26New International Version

¹⁸But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice.

Yes, and I will continue to rejoice, ¹⁹for I know that through your prayers and God’s provision of the Spirit of Jesus Christ what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance.^[a] ²⁰I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. ²¹For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. ²²If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! ²³I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; ²⁴but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body.²⁵Convinced of this, I know that I will remain, and I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, ²⁶so that through my being with you again your boasting in Christ Jesus will abound on account of me.

Pastor Jason talked about some myths there are in being a Christian. The first myth is you have to know everything. You don’t! Share what Jesus has done for you. The second myth is you have to be a good speaker and communicator. It’s not what we say it’s what we do that matters. The third myth is that we have to be outgoing to share our belief in Jesus. Just giving our personal testimony to even just one person is good!

12 Oct 2025 Relationship

October 13, 2025 by saymber, posted in Home, Leading Life by Example, Spirituality and Religion, Writing and blogging

Hello to you. I hope you had a nice weekend. It’s hard to believe it’s Sunday afternoon already. The weeks sure fly by don’t they?! I am home from having dinner and a new episode of Sister Boniface with my Aunt Ruth and Uncle John. The episode dissuaded our fears about the show ending! I enjoy having Sundays with them!

As I write to you today I am thinking about relationship with Jesus. It’s more than just going to church on Sundays – it’s having an intimate relationship with Jesus. An everyday sort of thing. I talk to him throughout my day. It is through him that I have the strength to push through my toughest times. He usually works through those around me. If I have a question or concern the answers often quickly present themselves. Usually those answers come through people I know and love.

I see a lot of people who think they can make it all on their own but ultimately they don’t. I have been such a person! When things hit the rock bottom these same people cry out for help – usually divine help in nature. A ultimate surrender to a power greater than themselves. Jesus is always waiting for those pleas and willing to help. We just have to ask!

Today we were in Philippians 1:12-19:

Philippians 1:12-19New International Version

Paul’s Chains Advance the Gospel

¹²Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters,^[a] that what has happened to me has actually served to advance the gospel. ¹³As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard^[b] and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ. ¹⁴And because of my chains, most of the brothers and sisters have become confident in the Lord and dare all the more to proclaim the gospel without fear.

¹⁵It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. ¹⁶The latter do so out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. ¹⁷The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains. ¹⁸But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice.

Yes, and I will continue to rejoice, ¹⁹for I know that through your prayers and God’s provision of the Spirit of Jesus Christ what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance.^[c]

7 Oct 2025 The Answer

October 7, 2025 by saymber, posted in Bipolar life, Health, history, Leading Life by Example, Mental Health, Social media, Spirituality and Religion, Writing and blogging

Hello to you. I’m just back from a beautiful walk. The weather is just perfect! It felt good to walk off the lunch I had with Ruth and John at Burger King after Bible study. They are getting a new roof put on today. When I left them it looked like it was nearly done! Looked good!

Well my prayers were answered regarding yesterdays quandry about whether or not I should share my story here online. The answer from my family and Bible study was a resounding no. It’s just not safe or in my best interest to share so much personal information about myself online. I have already shared bits and pieces in previous blogs if people are curious about my journey. I think what happened when I got baptized was I had some layers of me stripped away. It really was a profound experience that is going to be with me for the rest of my life! It’s like being reborn in a way.

What’s interesting to note is how quickly Jesus answered my question of what to do. I have only been praying and my family has been praying about it for a couple of days. He used the people that love and care for me to give me my answer quickly. I truly believe from experience that believers are the bodies God uses to do his will. I also think the quick answer was to protect me and also give my Aunt Ruth peace of mind. She was really worried about me.

If it is only going to be like a journal it’s not handwritten- it’s on my phone using the notes application. My Aunt and I were trying to figure out if I should print it out or not. She thinks it should only be family that reads it. She is worried other people that aren’t family might treat me differently if they read it. I will continue to talk to Jesus about it as long as it’s on my mind.

Psalm 91:11New International Version

¹¹For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways;

Baptism- Symbol of New Life (Romans 6:3-4): Paul explains that being baptized into Christ means being united with him in his death and resurrection, so that, “just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life”.