Tag: relationships

12 June 2025 Laying Our Troubles At The Cross

by saymber, posted in Bipolar life, Leading Life by Example, Mental Health, Music, Nature, photography, Spirituality and Religion, Veteran Affairs, Writing and blogging
Tiger Lillies in bloom at Grace House

Good morning to you. I hope this finds you well. Today’s prayer meeting was just Jeannie and I. The rest of the regulars had stuff going on so we made the best of it. Jeannie had a lot of prayer petitions to lay at the cross for her family especially Roy who fell and cracked his head open recently. He is elderly and lives alone and relies on Jeannie a lot. He needs more than she can give so we are praying his doctor recommends rehab for him. We prayed for our church and the world. What we also prayed for is what’s going on in my head with the pressure and balance in my ears. Everyone has been praying for me about this.

One of my favorite church songs:

God of Wonders

Song by Third Day ‧ 2003

When we finished we agreed that it felt good to lay all our troubles down at the feet of Jesus. Now the challenge is to not pick those things back up and let Jesus do his thing. That’s something my Aunt and Niki talked about yesterday too! I wonder is it a woman thing to want to try and do it ourselves?! Now is the time for faith – believing in the unseen which can be quite a challenge sometimes.

Overview

Lyrics

Other recordings

Lord of all creation
Lord of water, earth and sky
The heavens are your Tabernacle
Glory to the Lord on high

And God of wonders beyond our galaxy
You are holy, holy
The universe declares Your majesty
You are holy, holy
Lord of heaven and earth
Lord of heaven and earth

So early in the morning
I will celebrate the light
As I stumble in the darkness
I will call your name by night

God of wonders beyond our galaxy
You are holy, holy
The universe declares Your majesty
You are holy, holy

Lord of heaven and earth
Lord of heaven and earth
Lord of heaven and earth
Lord of heaven and earth

Hallelujah! To the Lord of heaven and earth
Hallelujah! To the Lord of heaven and earth
Hallelujah! To the Lord of heaven and earth

The God of wonders beyond our galaxy (You)
You are holy, holy
Precious Lord, reveal Your heart to me
Father, holy, holy (Lord God Almighty)

The universe declares Your majesty (You are holy)
You are holy (yes you are), holy (holy You are)
Holy (Jesus saves), holy

Hallelujah! To the Lord of heaven and earth
Hallelujah! To the Lord of heaven and earth
Hallelujah! To the Lord of heaven and earth
Hallelujah! To the Lord of heaven and earth
Hallelujah! To the Lord of heaven and earth
Hallelujah! To the Lord of heaven and earth

Source: Musixmatch

Songwriters: Steve J. Hindalong / Marc Byrd

God of Wonders lyrics © New Spring Publishing Inc., Never Say Never Songs, Meaux Mercy Publishing, Storm Boy Music, Meaux Mercy, New Spring Publishing Inc.

11 June 2025 Sharing Experience, Strength and Hope

by saymber, posted in history, Home, Leading Life by Example, Mental Health, Spirituality and Religion, Veteran Affairs, Writing and blogging

Hello to you! I hope this finds you well. I had a nice visit with my Aunt Ruth and her niece Niki that lives with her today. We had lunch and read from devotionals and I sang the song The Goodness of God . I love that song! Each of us have been through life altering ordeals and find it very therapeutic to share our testimonies of how we came to believe in Jesus. Sharing our experiences, strength and hope reinforces our belief ! Through our individual stories we see that Jesus had a plan for each of us and through the Holy Spirit the doors were flung open for each of us. We just had to see and recognize which doors to enter and which ones to let shut.

Spending time with fellow believers fills a void in me that can only be filled by such gatherings. Today’s gathering was like food for me and we are talking about making it a weekly occurrence.

Goodness of God

Song by CeCe Winans ‧ 2021

Overview

Lyrics

Other recordings

I love You, Lord
For Your mercy never fails me
All my days, I’ve been held in Your hands
From the moment that I wake up
Until I lay my head
Oh, I will sing of the goodness of God

‘Cause all my life You have been faithful
And all my life You have been so, so good
With every breath that I am able
Oh, I will sing of the goodness of God

I love Your voice
You have led me through the fire
In darkest night You are close like no other
I’ve known You as a Father
I’ve known You as a Friend
And I have lived in the goodness of God, yeah

‘Cause all my life You have been faithful, oh yes You have
And all my life You have been so, so good
With every breath that I am able
Oh, I will sing of the goodness of God

Your goodness is running after, it’s running after me
Your goodness is running after, it’s running after me
With my life laid down, I surrendered now
I give You everything, oh Lord
Your goodness is running after, it’s running after me
Your goodness is running after, it’s running after me (oh yeah, oh yeah)
Your goodness is running after, it’s running after me
With my life laid down, I surrendered now
I give You everything
Your goodness is running after, it keeps running after me

And all my life You have been faithful
And all my life You have been so, so good
With every breath that I am able
Oh, I’m gonna sing of the goodness of God
I’m gonna sing

All my life You have been faithful
(All of my life You’ve been faithful)
All my life You have been so, so good
(So good with every breath)
every breath that I am able
(Every breath I’m able)
I will sing (I’m gonna sing)
Of the goodness (of the goodness of God, yes I am)
I’m gonna sing of the goodness of God
Oh, I’m gonna sing of the goodness of God

Source: LyricFind

Songwriters: Ben Fielding / Brian Johnson / Edward Martin Cash / Jason Ingram / Jenn Johnson

Goodness of God lyrics © Bethel Music Publishing, Capitol CMG Publishing

23 May 2025 Outing and Flowers

by saymber, posted in Home, Nature, photography, Spirituality and Religion, Writing and blogging

Hello to you. Hope this finds you well today. Today was a good day. I joined several ladies from church at Idaho Pizza in Caldwell. We met at Grace House and carpooled over there. Most of us got the buffet that included various pizzas and salad. I had cheese pizza I think – that’s my favorite. It kind of tasted like a pretzel! There was enough seating for all of us. My friend Charlotte treated me to the meal – she is so kind. She gives such great hugs! I rode with Missy and Linda and I’m glad I did – that place was really busy for the lunch hour! It was good for me to get out with such a nice group of ladies. It helps me not feel so isolated and alone.

I decided to bring my phone on the walk tonight so I could get a couple pictures of the blooms on the walk. Link actually made it all around the block! He’s not been wanting to this past week.

These roses on the walk smell so good!
An unusual Iris in neighbor Diana’s yard
A rose bush in full bloom across the street

2 Corinthians 4:15New International Version

15 All this is for your benefit, so that the grace that is reaching more and more people may cause thanksgiving to overflow to the glory of God.

1 May 2025 Praying Together

by saymber, posted in Bipolar life, Leading Life by Example, Spirituality and Religion, Writing and blogging

Hello to you! Can you believe it’s May already?!!

I just got off the phone with my friend Jeannie. Normally we would be together today but it didn’t work out. So we decided to pray from home and she asked if we could pray via a telephone call. I’m so happy we did! She has such a talent for prayer. The words seem to come to her so easily! We prayed for the people who normally join our little group, our family members, the town and schools of Middleton and this country and world. I felt it was important to share this today. Anyone reading this who feels alone – doesn’t have a support system like a church – a dear friend – know that there are people like Jeannie and I praying for you. You matter! There is so much power in prayer and it doesn’t matter how it occurs be it in person or on the phone. God hears our petitions!

James 5:16New International Version

16 Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.

27 April 2025 Legacy – Who Is Your Paul?

by saymber, posted in Bipolar life, Leading Life by Example, Spirituality and Religion, Writing and blogging
Today was Baptism Sunday
He was baptized jeans and all! I almost went up myself! Not ready yet

Today we were in 2 Timothy 1:1-7. The message from Brad was a lot about legacy. His family wasn’t rich when he was growing up but they left him a loving legacy in Christ. He asked us who is your Paul and my mind immediately thought of my Aunt Ruth. She is such a good role model as is my cousin Tony and his wife my dear friend Tawna. It is through their example that they can count me and my drawing nearer to Christ as part of their legacy. I have been blessed throughout my life to have had loved ones and friends leading by their example in their faith. Today was baptism Sunday – I almost went up! I’m almost ready!

2 Timothy 1:1-7New International Version

1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God,in keeping with the promise of life that is in Christ Jesus,

2 To Timothy, my dear son:

Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.

Thanksgiving

3 I thank God, whom I serve, as my ancestors did, with a clear conscience, as night and day I constantly remember you in my prayers. 4 Recalling your tears, I long to see you, so that I may be filled with joy. 5 I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also.

Appeal for Loyalty to Paul and the Gospel

6 For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. 7 For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.

https://youtu.be/X3y1CXlrAC8?si=_YXogVC2Z4YG-uEH

26 April 2025 112 Years Old

by saymber, posted in Bipolar life, dreams, In the News, Leading Life by Example, Spirituality and Religion, Writing and blogging

Hello to you. I hope this finds you well. I stayed up until the wee hours of this morning and caught most of the funeral service of Pope Francis. I have mixed emotions – sad yet happy for him to be free of his failing body. I can remember how excited I was when he was first appointed- the name he chose being that of my favorite saint – Saint Francis of Assisi. The job of Pope really takes its toll and it’s sad how his body failed him in the end. They would fix one thing and then something else would happen! I hope the next Pope will have good health.

Last night without realizing who this was from I started reading – this was from my Grandpa Becker. This was his church.
My Grandpa walking my Mom down the aisle. He never recovered fully from her death.

Yesterday would have been my Grandpa Beckers 112th birthday. Last night as I was trying to calm my mind I was lead to grab the tiny New Testament I’ve had since graduating high school. I didn’t realize until I talked to my Auntie today that It was from Grandpa! It’s funny how our loved ones reach out to us. He was in my prayers and on my mind! I told my Auntie today about a vivid dream I had after asking God if my Grandpa was ok in the afterlife. I dreamt that the spirit of Grandpa was in me and we were dancing with Ken my husband at the time. We told my Grandma Becker that we would see her on the other side. We apologized to his wife Charlie as she was the one who found him. Then we tripped and Grandpa popped out of me. The next thing I knew I saw him a ways away about to enter a church and he yelled out “there is life after death if you believe in Jesus Christ!” I woke up so comforted after such a dream! He was in heaven for sure! I miss him very much but know he’s not far away. Each night I pray for him and all those who have left this material world. I ask them to pray for us too!

I read this out of tiny print – one of my favorite passages:

Matthew 5:1-12New International Version

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.

20 April 2025 He is Risen

by saymber, posted in Bipolar life, Food, Home, Spirituality and Religion, Writing and blogging
We had a full house today at Middleton High School – He is Risen! He is Risen Indeed!

It’s a beautiful Easter Sunday. Today’s message was out of John 11 again. Do you believe? Do you believe that Jesus is the son of God? Like Pastor Jayson said there are so many things each day we believe are going to happen from the alarm clock going off to coffee brewing – the car starting when we turn the key. Our belief as Christians each day should be that Jesus is our salvation and unlike so many things we should never take that for granted!

John 11:25-26New International Version

25 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; 26 and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?”

After church Link and I went over to my Aunt and Uncles house for a feast with family and friends. Uncle John made his special ham. Everything was so good! I didn’t stay long as I was feeling very tired. Link has been waking me up in the wee hours the past few nights. We have his annual exam tomorrow so I’ll mention that. My back has been hurting again – thank goodness for Biofreeze! It was good to see everyone on such a lovely spring day. So many of the trees are blooming and smell so nice!

My Aunt Ruth is having a medical procedure in a couple days – please keep her in your prayers.

17 April 2025 Two or Three

by saymber, posted in Bipolar life, Leading Life by Example, Spirituality and Religion, Writing and blogging

Matthew 18:20New International Version

20 For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.”

This passage is one of my favorites and it has applied to our little Thursday prayer group. Today there were three of us. Today marked the seventh year anniversary of one of our groups daughters suicide. She is still grieving the loss as if it were only yesterday. She showed us video she took of a sapling in bloom that had been planted in the place of the shed her daughter died in. So beautiful! I am so glad we could be together to lend support. My prayer request was for my Auntie. She’s been worrying about medical things coming up. I am still praying for a miracle for her!

We keep praying our little group will grow but so far it just hasn’t. May be God has another plan? May be small is best right now? The population of our church consists of mostly younger working couples with children. I am thinking that’s why we haven’t had new people join our group. I will continue to show up!

A bouquet at my Aunt Ruth’s – I liked how it looked in the sunlight

10 April 2025 Unseen and Positive Change

by saymber, posted in dreams, Leading Life by Example, Spirituality and Religion, Writing and blogging

Describe one positive change you have made in your life.

Hello to you. It’s Thursday already! The weeks fly by so fast. Last night I had a dream that startled me awake. I was in my bedroom and all the sudden the lights came on. I hadn’t flipped the switch. I saw Link on the bed and was scared that the lights came on without me turning them on. I looked towards the bedroom door and made a strange sound of fear at something I couldn’t see. Then an unseen hand grabbed my throat and pushed me to the bedroom floor. This force held me until I startled awake! I have dreams like this from time to time!

The most positive change I’ve made in my life thus far is choosing to become a Christian. I have been able to overcome a lot of things that some would find nearly impossible to overcome by choosing Christ. I am still learning and growing in my faith and Jesus has been patient with me. I have a lot of “body” issues I have been praying to be delivered from and I have been fighting impatience. I am constantly reminded that may be I may be exactly how I am because I am of the greatest use the way I am. If I was perfectly healthy would I lean into Jesus as much? When we are healthy and don’t have any troubles we tend not to lean – least wise that’s been the case with me! When I am doing well in body I am not always well in spirit. Being a believer in the power of Jesus helps me face my limitations as a human being.

  • Acknowledging Human Weakness:The Bible recognizes that humans have limitations in knowledge, understanding, and ability.
    • For example, 1 Corinthians 8:2 states, “If anyone supposes that he knows anything, he has not yet known as he ought to know”. 
    • Psalm 119:96 says, “I have learned that everything has limits”. 

6 April 2025 Change and Best Pets

by saymber, posted in Animal Rights, animals, Bipolar life, Mental Health, Spirituality and Religion

What animals make the best/worst pets?

Hello to you. How are you? So much is going on! Be it weather or demonstrators there is a lot of unrest. In my own life I am experiencing change. My church has moved. Last night we gathered at the new location and prayed. I got kind of lost and left early because it was getting dark. Before I left, I prayed with a woman I have a Thursday prayer meeting with, Amy, and her children at the entrance to the building. She was crying and tears fell down her cheeks. So beautiful! This morning the auditorium that seats 900 was almost full! Our prayers the previous night were surely answered! I was a bit overwhelmed as was my elderly friend Roy – the seats were more comfortable but shorter and harder to get up and down in. He sat much of the service. I am not a fan of big crowds so I was a bit out of my comfort zone – I fought the urge I had to flee several times! My friend Jeannie, Roy’s sister-in-law, encouraged me not to give up on things just yet. She was glad I was there so Roy wasn’t alone. I will have to pray about all of this.

I kept thinking of the scene with Mary and Jesus in The Chosen as we read this:

Israel’s Only Savior

43 But now, this is what the Lord says— 

he who createdv you, Jacob, 

he who formedw you, Israel:x

“Do not fear, for I have redeemedy you; 

I have summoned you by name;z you are mine.a

2 When you pass through the waters,b

I will be with you;c

and when you pass through the rivers, 

they will not sweep over you. 

When you walk through the fire,d

you will not be burned; 

the flames will not set you ablaze.e

Best pets – for me it’s a toss up between dogs and cats. Cats are much more independent but have the litter box thing going on. Dogs are more dependent and have their litter box that you need to clean in the yard! I miss the purring and calm nature of my cats. My Amber used to purr me to sleep and I miss her every night! Link is a barker and that’s not very soothing – everything is his job to alarm me about! I think what makes a better pet is your lifestyle. If you work a lot a dog isn’t for you. That’s why when I was active duty we had cats. I think it’s cruel to leave a dog home alone by itself for hours and hours.