Tag: Love

Posted in Countdown to Christmas

Countdown to Christmas 2025: “Thou Shalt LOVE, Not Hate” — Introduction 12/1/25

Posted on by Neal Saye

My Countdown to Christmas series this year is inspired by a recent simple book recommendation from dear friends Jo and Kathi. “You HAVE to read Separation of Church and Hate! It’s FULL of truth, and it’s often laugh-out-loud funny!”

I Googled the book and saw the full, never-ending title: Separation of Church and Hate: A Sane Person’s Guide to Taking Back the Bible from Fundamentalists, Fascists and Flock-Fleecing Frauds.

“Whoa,” I thought, “That title sounds far too Holiday Heavy.”

But then Robert and I started to read, and we were absolutely flabbergasted by the clear, undeniable truth and push for lovingkindness presented by author John Fugelsang. (And yes, I have laughed out loud many a time during our read.)

So I plan to share with you a quote and its truth from the book each day starting today, December 1 and ending on Christmas Day.

An Advent Calendar, of sorts.

And of course, I realize that everyone is not Christian or religious. That many folks have had awful and problematic issues with organized religion. I get that. And we’ve experienced the same thing. But we are happy today to have found an inclusive, love-embracing and creatively fun congregation here in Savannah, Asbury Memorial.

If possible, may you receive the kernels of truth in these posts without being bogged down by the “Christian-ness” of them.

And may Christmas 2025 for us ALL be a season of pulling away from hatred — and embracing all-encompassing, inclusive Love.

“Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?”

Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” Matthew 22: 36-37

Love, then, is the apex of the Christian faith, and I would surmise at the apex of every faith or even non-faith (if that makes a lick of sense).

Adding to the words of Jesus (can I do that?) …

Love Is ALL.

See you tomorrow.

Posted in My Saturday Evening Post

My Saturday Evening Post: 11/1/25 “5 Weeks and Día de los Angelitos”

Posted on by Neal Saye

Robert and I had a quiet, meaningful couple of hours the other evening setting up our annual Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) ofrenda (altar), remembering our parents and other loved ones who have passed on before us.

The time was especially dear for me this year because I thought to pull out some old files that, along with other paraphernalia, stayed for decades in my parents’ safety deposit box before they died (my mother in 2016 and my father in 2020).

In one file was the funeral information about a brother, Jimmie, who was born in 1946 and only lived for five weeks.

My mother dried and kept some flowers from his little grave.

In the little baggie behind the Celtic cross.

These old flowers are now 78 years ago—three quarters of a century!

I love the Day of the Dead season. “Nov. 1 is known as Día de los Angelitos, which honors the souls of deceased children, and Nov. 2 is Día de los Muertos.” usatoday.com

So today HR and I remembered little Jimmie and his brief life.

And that’s my Saturday Evening Post.

Posted in Challenges

Staying Alive 🎶

Posted on by Neal Saye

The mid-summer heat is incredible down here in my Savannah, Georgia—as it seems to be in much of our weathered nation.

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Yesterday afternoon here in Savannah 

Real Feel of 114? Seriously?

cnn

On early morning walks (it’s far too hot for me to walk midday), I have noticed one resilient plant that seems to not only survive in this oppressive heat and brutal sunshine, but actually to THRIVE.

Crepe Myrtle

“Some plants perform best when the heat is on; Crape Myrtles revel in the sun and heat. They are summer show-offs.  In full bloom this beautiful shrub/tree radiates color, sporting a full head of crinkled, “crepe” like blooms in various shades.” aldenlane.com

May we follow crepe myrtle’s exemplary leadership in this very hot time in our nation.

It’s dangerously hot, but we will stay alive!

Posted in Robert and …

“Robert and … #45”

Posted on by Neal Saye

A blog category of photos I’ve taken of HR (Hubby Robert) and … well, just about anything.

I haven’t done a “Robert and …” post in a while. Truth be told, I had forgotten about the category. (Don’t tell Robert.) So …

Robert and … Consummate Coffee Service.

Breakfast yesterday at one of our favorite coffee bars here in Savannah, Flora and Fauna.

HR Serving Coffee and … Love.

Posted in The Artful Dodger, Unexpected Art

“The Artful Dodger“ #26

Posted on by Neal Saye

A blog category about finding “art” in unexpected places and situations.

So the other day Robert and I were over at the Savannah Botanical Gardens, minding our own business, and enjoying some of their early Spring Beauty …

… when I decided to meander down to their little peaceful pond …

… when out of the blue, I saw her, hiding in the not-quite-yet-blooming irises …

… a cute brown puppy, in her own world, meditatively stretching back, yoga-ish, toward the quiet fountain beyond.

She paid my approach scant attention, a single silent shake of her head, so not wanting to impose further on her pose, I slipped past the pines, quietly bidding my adieu.