Welcome to my NEW Blog Series Two Paths, One Savior: Conversations with Glory
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OUR CONNECTION AND STORY, Week 1
This new series shares the story of my friendship with Glory. She is Nigerian, and I am from the United States, yet God tied our hearts together in a beautiful way. We met at a Bible study in Lagos, Nigeria, and her love for Jesus was clear from the very first day.
Glory later moved to Canada, and during a recent visit, I interviewed her about her life and faith. I’ll be sharing one topic each week:
• Week 1 – Our Connection and Story
• Week 2 – Early Life and Faith
• Week 3 – Journey and Calling
• Week 4 – Singleness and Ministry
• Week 5 – Writing and Ministry Together
• Week 6 – Reflection and Encouragement
• Week 7 – Friendship and Connection
Over time, our bond grew so sweet that she now calls me “Mum.” I pray her words bless your heart as much as hers have blessed mine.
How do you think the Lord knit our hearts together back in Lagos?
I think it was at that Bible study after the introduction. They mentioned you had written a book, and being an author, I was curious and wanted to chat about your writing.
What stood out to you in those first conversations that made our bond feel so natural?
I think there was a spiritual connection. Sometimes, when I meet people, I can sense that God has something in store for this person in the long term. I may not be able to tell exactly what it is. I think I felt that with you the first time we connected. As we talked, your love for God and His Word became obvious, and both influenced our writing. Our works were mostly linked to the word of God and to experiences from our walk with God.
How would you describe the “mum-daughter” friendship God gave us?
I see the mum-daughter friendship God gave us as a very precious and special gift because it came at a time when I didn’t realize I needed that. I had just lost my mum, wasn’t talking about it, and was actually pushing away any idea of additional relationships as far as I was concerned; I had enough friends and didn’t need more. I wasn’t looking for another mother, but the way God worked it out was unique, so the least I could do was just enjoy the experience of the relationship.
What does spiritual connection mean to you, and how do you recognize it when it happens?
I see spiritual connection as a gift from God. As I said earlier, there are people you meet, and you can sense there’s a deeper connection, not just a physical or emotional thing. It’s a deep knowing. I have sensed that a number of times, and each of those relationships God has allowed to thrive, and like the Bible says, we sharpen each other like iron – that’s how I see spiritual connections. It’s God’s gift to us, and it’s not hard for me to recognize because I’ve noticed that’s how God works with me. Whenever I sense that connection with someone, I keep my heart open to how God makes it work out, because I typically don’t have to make it happen, nor does the other person. God works it out for us as we trust and obey Him. He provides opportunities, opens doors for connections, and allows the relationship to go where and how it needs to. We just fall in line, walking in obedience as He perfects what He started.
Fact:
Our friendship began by being at the right place at the right time, which was totally a God thing, because at the time, Lagos’ population was 22 million.
Lagos, Nigeria Market
Bible Verse:
A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity. Proverbs 17:17
Next Week: Follow the Journey
Two Paths, One Savior: Conversations with Glory / Early Life and Faith, Week 2
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#Friendship #Nigeria #Lagos #SpiritualConnection
Books by Patti Greene
Coming Soon:Luke 2: The Christmas Story: Discover the Birth of Jesus in Scripture
Unstoppable: Go the Distance with God
ISBN: 979-8284335017
Answer Me: Developing a Heart for Prayer
ISBN 978-1512760453
Bible Word Search Puzzles: The Gospels
ISBN 979-8218070465
Bible Word Search Puzzles: Acts and Epistles
ISBN 979-8218092696
Bible Word Search Puzzles: Epistles and Revelation
ISBN 979-8363612046
Christian Caregiving: Practical Advice for a Happy Ending
ISBN 978-0692115381
Awaken Me: A Devotional Prayer Journal by Patti Greene
ISBN 978-1490893181
Anchor Me: Laying a Foundation in Prayer and Bible Study
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As a Bible reviewer for Thomas Nelson, I received The Sketch Book Bible (NKJV) and am excited to share my honest thoughts with you.
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Bible Review by Patti Greene The Sketch Book Bible ISBN: 9781400339471
I’ve seen it again and again — the way a child lights up when they open a new coloring book or a fresh pack of crayons. Their whole face changes. Their shoulders lift. Their eyes sparkle. It doesn’t matter if they’re three or ten. Joy is joy.
That same joy is exactly what I imagined when I opened the Sketch Book Bible (NKJV). To write this review, I stepped into the heart of a child — the kind who loves color, stories, and anything they can make their own.
And from that place, this is what I saw.
A Child’s View — Full of Wonder
It was Christmas morning. Wrapping paper was everywhere. When I opened one of the special gifts, I stopped and stared.
It wasn’t just a book.
It wasn’t just a coloring book.
It was a Bible I could color in.
My heart felt like it jumped. I wanted my crayons right away. I wanted to flip through the pages and find the stories I knew from Sunday School. I wanted to see the pictures. I wanted to color everything.
The Sketch Book Bible
When I opened the front cover, I saw my name written inside.
My name.
Inside a Bible.
It felt like this Bible was made just for me. I could color the cover, the inside pages, the edges — all of it. I could use bright colors or soft ones. I could stay in the lines or scribble if I wanted to. It didn’t matter. It was mine.
I turned to the page where Moses comes down from the mountain. I picked my brightest crayons and started coloring. I tried to stay in the lines because I wanted it to look special. When I finished, I felt proud — the kind of proud that makes you want to show everyone.
I showed my parents.
I showed my grandparents, and my Grammi even wanted to color with me!
I even wanted to take it to church and show my teacher.
And something else made me happy, too. I got to flip through the pages just like I’ve seen my parents and pastor do. I know I’m still a kid, but holding this Bible made me feel older in a good way — like I was learning to love God’s Word the way they do.
Yes, the adults who bought this Bible probably looked at all the features — the 275 illustrations, the Bible characters, the animals, the book introductions, and all the extras. But for me, the best part is simple:
I finally have a Bible I can make my own.
Thank You, Jesus.
I like being an artist.
The Sketch Book Bible
Why a Parent Would Choose This Bible
Parents love giving gifts that spark joy, creativity, and faith all at once. This Bible does exactly that.
• It helps children interact with Scripture, not just read it.
• It gives them a sense of ownership — “This is my Bible.”
• It encourages quiet focus, creativity, and learning.
• It helps them remember Bible stories because they colored them.
• It becomes a keepsake — something they’ll carry, color, and treasure as they grow.
A parent doesn’t give this Bible just to fill a shelf. They give it because they want their child to love God’s Word with their eyes, their hands, and their heart.
The Sketch Book Bible
Many children may want to keep this Bible forever. Why, one may ask?
They may want to look at how they colored as children.
They may want to show their children someday.
They may want to see what colors they liked best.
They may like to recall their favorite childhood stories, or
They may want to relive the joy experienced flipping through the pages of the Bible.
What a cool Bible! For sure.
The Sketch Book Bible
Bible Verse:
All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness. 2 Timothy 3:16 NKJV
If you receive this article through email, you can click on the title to read it on GreenePastures.org for the best formatting, photos, and more.
As a Bible reviewer for Thomas Nelson, I received the NKJV Foundation Study Bible, and I am excited to share my honest thoughts with you.
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Bible Review by Patti Greene NKJV Foundation Study Bible Thomas Nelson ISBN: 9781400351022
1. First Impressions: A Simple and Beautiful Bible
The cover caught my eye right away. The words “Holy Bible” are printed in gold on a warm brown cover. The stitching around the edges makes it look durable and well-made. The spine says “Foundation Study Bible,” and the whole design feels classy and peaceful.
It is the kind of Bible someone could use for many years.
NKJV Foundation Study Bible
2. A Presentation Page That Feels Personal
Inside the front cover, the presentation page includes spaces for Presented to, By, Date, and Occasion. I love this. Many Bibles leave out the “occasion,” but it is a great addition. When I give a Bible as a birthday gift, Christmas gift, wedding gift, or “just because I love you” gift, I like writing the occasion down. This small detail makes the Bible feel more personal and meaningful.
3. Easy Navigation for All Readers
The Table of Contents lists the books of the Old Testament and New Testament in order. It also includes a list of abbreviations for each book. Many people—especially those new to the Bible won’t know these abbreviations, so this is very helpful.
The introduction and preface explain:
a. How the New King James Version (NKJV) was created
b. Why this translation was made
c. How the text is formatted, and
d. How the translator notes work
These pages help readers understand the purpose and style of this Bible.
4. Helpful Introductions to Each Book of the Bible
Each of the 66 books begins with a short introduction. It includes:
a. The author
b. When the book was written
c. A key verse
d. The main theme
These introductions give readers a strong starting point before they begin reading each book of the Bible.
5. Study Notes and Subheadings That Bring Clarity
Because this is a study Bible, many pages include notes at the bottom. These notes explain verses, provide references, and offer helpful background information.
The subheadings inside each chapter are also very useful. I noticed this especially while reading 1 Kings and 2 Kings. The subheadings helped me keep track of the people, places, and events. They make the stories easier to follow.
If you teach the Bible, these notes can help you prepare a lesson quickly, although that should not be one’s priority!!!
NKJV Foundation Study Bible
Wide Margins for Note‑Takers
One of my favorite features is the wide margins. I love taking notes in my Bible, and I often run out of space. These margins give plenty of room for writing thoughts and prayers, or for referencing.
For people who journal in their Bible, this is a wonderful feature.
7. Helpful Indexes for Deeper Study
This Bible includes several tools that help readers study God’s Word:
a. Notes Index by Location
This index begins in Genesis 1:1 and continues through 1 John 3:24. It helps readers follow important themes throughout the Bible.
b. Theological Notes Index by Title
This alphabetical list shows topics and the verses that go with them.
c. Concordance
The concordance is more complete than many Bibles this size. It includes words such as prayer, compassion, and covetousness.
These tools make this Bible helpful for personal study, teaching, or preparing devotionals.
8. Maps That Are Clear and Easy to Read
The back of the Bible includes colorful maps. They are bright, clear, and well‑designed. I especially like that Paul’s missionary journeys are spread across two pages. If they were squeezed onto one page, the names of the cities would be too small to read. This layout was a smart choice.
9. A Teenager’s Viewpoint
My granddaughter (almost 16) went through the Bible and shared her thoughts:
– The cover looks nice and could be used by anyone.
– There is a lot of room on the sides for notes.
– The print size is fine for me.
– I like the gold on the spine and page edges.
– It would work well for Sunday School.
– I understand why the two‑page map needed to be separated—it makes it easier to read.
– I would add my own tabs if I owned it.
– At my church, most teens use the Christian Standard Bible (CSB) because that is what my pastor uses. My friends mostly use the CSB, the New Living Translation (NLT), or the New International Version (NIV), so the New King James Version (NKJV) is less common among the teenagers I know.
Her comments reminded me that different age groups often prefer different translations, but the design of this Bible appeals to many people.
10. Final Thoughts: A Bible for Many Readers
The NKJV Foundation Study Bible (NKJV) is simple, pretty, and very useful. The study notes, wide margins, clear subheadings, and helpful indexes make it a strong choice for:
a. Long‑time Bible readers
b. Sunday School students
c. Teachers and small‑group leaders
d. Men, women, and teenagers who enjoy a clean, classic design
My only challenge is the print size. At 71 years old, it is too small for me (even after having cataract surgery). However, my granddaughter thinks it is perfect, and I believe most readers will feel the same.
Overall, this Bible is a wonderful tool for anyone who wants to grow in their understanding of God’s Word.
NKJV Foundation Study Bible
Prayer:
My heavenly Father, help me as I read Your word to understand it more clearly. Help me make time every day to seek and meditate on You. Speak to me, make me aware of others’ needs, and teach me to love them unconditionally, as you do. Thank you, Lord.
Bible Verse:
All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness. 2 Timothy 3:16 NKJV
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