Mary Harwell Sayler's Blog: In a Christian Writer's Life, page 3

How To Go Around Imitating God

 Eachmorning I receive an email from Bible Gateway with the verse for the day. Afterreading various translations on the site, I then select one to post on Twitter,but today’s verse threw me: “ImitateGod like His own dear children,” Ephesians 5:1, and I thought, “How can I possiblydo that?” I went onto other things that needed tending, but the verse kept coming to mind. When I

You're Cordially Invited to the Reading of God���s Will

��We, the peopleof God, often speak of God���s Will, and each of us most likely has an idea of whatthat means. For an accurate reading of God���s Will, however, let's see what God's Word says:��God���s Willis for no one to perish. God wants us to turn from ungodly ways.���The Lord is not slack concerning��His��promise, as some count slackness, but islongsuffering toward us, not willing that any

You're Cordially Invited to the Reading of God’s Will

 We, the peopleof God, often speak of God’s Will, and each of us most likely has an idea of whatthat means. For an accurate reading of God’s Will, however, let's see what God's Word says: God’s Willis for no one to perish. God wants us to turn from ungodly ways.“The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but islongsuffering toward us, not willing that any

Wising up! Praying for wisdom

 [Note: Our rural church, Lake Como Community of Hope in Lake Como, Florida, is non-denominational with several retired pastors of varied church backgroundsgracing our pulpit each week. Every now and then, however, scheduling conflictsor unexpected personal concerns leave us without a pastor to lead that day’sworship service. Since Sunday August 17 was such a day, I read the recommendedBible

Too much garbage? Break the cycle!

 In the almosteighteen years we’ve been in our home, I’ve filled and faithfully set out the recyclingbin every week – until now! Reportedly, a shortage of workers recently causedpickup to cease, so our paper, plastics, foil wrappers, and aluminum cans havewound up in the back of the regular garbage truck! Bummer! So what’san environmentally conscious person to do? Someone suggestedI

What did that compliment do to you?

 Assuming we have no ulterior motive, such as buttering up ortrying to manipulate someone, a compliment can a lift a person’s spirits.However, it can also have a negative effect.  At the risk of making you (and me!) afraid to ever say anythingnice to anyone again, I’ve been pondering the subject and remembering whathelped me and what did not. I hope you’ll share your thoughts in the

Real love cannot be faked

 Plants haveenemies.Weeds work atreplication.Real lovecan’t be faked.When that poem came to mind this morning instead of sleep, Iwondered how many poems I’d been given on love.  I still don’t know, but most poets write onthe subject, along with other universal topics such as birth, death, andinfinity. What’s written, however, may have little to do with actual love – the real love the

Do unto Yourself as you do unto Others

 This morning I commented on the pretty shade of yellow my husband waswearing, then added, “Good color on you too,” to which he immediately saidsomething, well, smarty. Now the thing is, he hates it when I do that! He doesNOT like for me to be dismissive of a compliment or give a negative response,so I told him:“Hey! Doyourself what you want me to do!”Beloved, we might be onto something

Bible Reviewer: Amplified Holy Bible XL Edition

Bible Reviewer: Amplified Holy Bible XL Edition:   Besides preferring the capitalization of pronouns that refer to God in the Amplified Bible, I appreciate the synonyms and definitions that amplify, without changing, the meaning of the text. This particular edition, however, appeals to me because of its 12.5 font, quality leathersoft binding, and unique size that’s almost 8” square and opens flat

Beyond Belief

 “By theauthority of our Lord Jesus Christ I appeal to all of you, my friends, to agreein what you say, so that there will be no divisions among you. Be completelyunited, with only one thought and one purpose,” 1 Corinthians 1:9, Good News Translation.Despite our diverse cultures, radically opposingbeliefs, and personal preferences for how things are to be done, we are all tobe One in