Welcome to my NEW Blog Series Two Paths, One Savior: Conversations with Glory
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About the Series: 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 2 – Early Life and Faith – This Blog
• 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
EARLY LIFE AND FAITH, Week 2
Q. What was your childhood like, and how did it shape your walk with the Lord?
A. My childhood was very interesting and very adventurous. One of the things that shaped my childhood, as well as my religion, is that my dad, growing up, was my best friend. I was very close to him, and after I gave my life to Jesus, coming from a Catholic family, my family did not accept it. When I would not give up my faith, I was disowned by my family. This hurt my relationship with my dad and my heart, so I turned all of that attention and affection that I once shared with my dad to God. That is how I understood the father-child relationship with God, because I had grown up with my father. I never struggled to see God as my father, and it shaped my faith and my walk with God.
Q. When did you first sense God drawing your heart toward Christ?
A. I think I always sensed God calling me to leave everything for him and serve him. I think I always knew that I would serve God with all that I am and all that I have for as long as I live, so it’s something I’ve always known from the time I gave my life to Jesus.
Q. Who were the people who most influenced your faith growing up?
A. One person who had the greatest influence on my life and my faith in those early days was a guy called Jonathan. We were in the same fellowship, and he had such an infectious love for God that he would read the Bible every day, going from class to class, preaching the gospel, and singing at the top of his voice, telling everybody about his love for Jesus. I just loved the way he loved God, and we became very close friends. So he had the greatest influence in my life because I remember at some point some of my friends in fellowship said, “You remind us of Jonathan,” I always loved to sing and was always singing.”
And, I was always with my Bible, and I would go around preaching the word of God in all my classes. Yeah, the greatest influence in my early Christian life was Jonathan.
Fact:
Ever since the day Glory stepped into my life—thirteen years ago now—I’ve watched her walk with a faith that never wavers. I’ve seen it in quiet moments, in hard seasons, and in the way she speaks about Jesus with such natural joy. Her faith strengthens mine. Her courage encourages me. And she remains one of the truest examples I know of someone who loves to share Christ with the world.
Friendship Fun in Central Texas, 2019
Bible Verse:
“Be steady, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord.” 1 Corinthians 15:58 (NKJV)
Next Week: Journey and Calling
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Jehoshaphat
Jehoshaphat, king of Judah, set judges throughout all the fortified cities of Judah and said to the judges, “Take heed to what you are doing, for you do not judge for man, but for the Lord, who is with you in the judgment.”
Judges
Sometimes, when I’m unsure how to pray for someone who must make a difficult decision, the Lord gently shows me a pattern in His Word. As I was reading 2 Chronicles 19–20, I wasn’t trying to teach anything—just quietly seeking the Lord and asking how to pray for those who carry responsibility. In those verses, I began to notice a simple, Scripture‑shaped way to lift them up before Him, and I’m sharing it only in hopes that it might help someone else.
1. Pray for God’s judgment and will — When discernment is needed, ask that God’s will and true judgment guide the person’s decision-making process.
2. Pray for the person to be faithful and loyal — Ask the Lord to help the person act in faith with a heart loyal to Him.
3. Pray for freedom from guilt — Pray that the one making the decision will not carry guilt or condemnation as they choose the path that is right before God.
4. Pray for courage — Ask the Lord to give courage as the decision is made, because He is with those who seek to do what is right.
5. Pray for Holy Spirit guidance — Pray that the Holy Spirit leads the person in each step of the decision‑making process.
6. Pray against fear — Ask that the person will not be afraid or dismayed, remembering that the battle is not theirs, but God’s.
7. Pray for a steady, waiting heart — Pray that they stand still and watch for the salvation of the Lord.
This gentle pattern also reminded me that every decision we might need to make can rest peacefully in God’s hands, teaching us to seek Him with the same trust we pray for those who must choose wisely.
2 Chronicles
Bible Verse: “Do not be afraid nor dismayed, because of this great multitude, for the battle is not yours, but God’s.”
2 Chronicles 20:15
Prayer: Heavenly Father, as I seek to know your wisdom, please give me discernment for your guidance and peace. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
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Coming Soon:
Luke 2: The Christmas Story, a short devotional book where you can discover the birth of Jesus in Scripture. To be published soon. I’ll let you know when;-) By Patti Greene!
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Personal Review: KJV Color Code Study Bible by Patti Greene
I recently received the King James Version Color Code Study Bible and want to share my appreciation and main observations.
KJV Color Code Study Bible. Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 2026.
ISBN: 9781400350988
First Impressions: Lovely At First Look
When this almost 2,000-page leather soft, red-letter Bible arrived, I thought, “What a beautiful Bible.” The rich purple cover with its elegant indentation makes it feel special—an excellent, memorable gift. Its design appeals to gift-givers, collectors, and anyone who values thoughtful presentation. This is a Bible worth treasuring or sharing. The white satin ribbon marker is beautiful and practical.
Color Code Study Bible Features
Depth and Richness: Great for Learning More
I was impressed by the substantial commentary, notes, and archaeological insights, which are clearly for those desiring more than a casual understanding of God’s Word. One of my favorite features is how charts are placed throughout the Bible. This makes a noticeable difference when studying, keeping the reader engaged without always having to flip pages to find answers.
Visual Impact: Very Well Designed
The visual elements are excellent. Over 270 photos provide context and richness. Thomas Nelson excelled here.
Color Code Study Bible Map
Study Tools: Extremely Useful
As a Bible teacher, I appreciated these study helps:
Book introductions and summaries
“How to study” guidance for each book
Footnotes that clarify meaning and context
Topic-based articles (obedience, suffering, God’s will, and more)
The way additional insight is woven directly into the text—such as explanations of locations or historical references—is incredibly helpful and meaningful.
Nothing better than reading the Bible while in a massage chair!
Organization: Designed With the Reader in Mind
The layout and structure make this Bible easy to navigate:
A helpful table of contents
A topical index with page numbers
Cut-out tabs for quickly locating books (thumb-indexing)
A Scripture index highlighted with colors to link to major topics in the Bible. They consist of the following.
Purple – God the Father
Blue – God the Son
Gold – God the Holy Spirit
Red – Salvation
Green – Sanctification
Gray – Sin and Temptation
Orange – Last things
Color Code Study Bible
These features show purposeful planning and a desire to truly serve the reader.
Practical Use: Perfect For Those Who “Engage” With Their Bible
I also appreciate the wider 1.25” margins, which allow for making notes—something I value personally and as a teacher. The inclusion of character profiles, prayers, a concordance, and a weights-and-measures section adds even more depth.
Color Coding: A Creative Idea with Some Challenges
I want to share my thoughts on the color-coding system, as this was of particular interest to me.
My husband is colorblind, specifically with red, green, and brown tones, so I evaluated the color-coding system from that perspective. While color-coding is creative and has potential, in practice, several colors—particularly red (which looks pink), gold (which looks yellow), green, and orange—are difficult to distinguish for those with color vision problems. The colors often blend or appear muted due to their similar tones and low contrast. This reduces the intended usefulness for colorblind readers.
Various Kinds of Colorblindness by color-blindness.com
A Suggestion from Personal Experience
Based on what works well for my husband, using stronger, higher-contrast colors would greatly improve accessibility. Bold tones are much easier to distinguish than soft pastels; however, this might not be advisable because dark colors may show through on the pages. But these colors would work for many colorblind folks.
Dark blue
Deep purple
Black
Bold tones (rather than soft pastels) tend to be much easier to distinguish.
How I See It as A Teacher
As a Bible teacher for ladies ages 40-90, I try to be mindful of the needs of those I teach, including those with visual challenges and those in an aging population. Because of this, I would likely not use or recommend this Bible as a primary teaching resource in a group setting. Relying on subtle color distinctions could make it difficult for some to fully engage. However, I would absolutely recommend it to individuals with strong eyesight who enjoy a visual, color-based approach to study. For them, this Bible can be a very enriching resource for study.
Color Code Study Bible Scripture Links Per Color
Additional Considerations
A couple of smaller points I wanted to note:
The print, while described as large, felt somewhat small to me.
The Bible is a bit heavy, which may be a consideration for some users.
A New King James Version of this Bible with the same study notes would be very welcome, as many younger Bible readers prefer versions other than the King James Version.
Closing Thoughts
The Color Code Study Bible is engaging and meaningful, but it is not for everyone.
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. Please, don’t miss the video link below – All about OSWALD CHAMBERS and a life dedicated to His Lord.
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The Complete Works of Oswald Chambers is a large book—over 1,400 pages—and it contains all of Chambers’ published writings and many of the messages he delivered during his life. The collection was compiled after his death by his wife, who had taken careful notes on almost everything he taught. Because of her work, we can read his words today.
Oswald Chambers was born in 1874 in Aberdeen, Scotland, the youngest son of a Baptist minister. When he was a teenager, his family moved to London, and he soon publicly professed his faith in Christ and joined Rye Lane Baptist Church. Over the years, he served as a pastor, a traveling speaker, and a representative of the League of Prayer. Later, he became the principal and main teacher at the Bible Training College in Clapham, London.
During his lifetime, he published only three books. He died in 1917 at the age of forty‑three and was not well known at the time. But after his death, his wife gathered the notes she had taken during their seven years of marriage and shaped them into many books. From those notes came My Utmost for His Highest, a devotional that has been translated into more than twenty‑five languages.
My Utmost for His Highest is a book of 365 daily readings. Many of the entries come from his lectures at the Bible Training College. Sometimes a single sentence can sound sharp or surprising when read alone, but when the rest of the paragraph or work is read, its meaning becomes clear.
For this blog, one sentence from each month of the devotional will be shared. These small pieces are simply what stood out along the way. They are offered to anyone curious about Oswald Chambers, his life, or the heart behind his teaching.
January: “[God] expounds things to use as we can understand them.”
February: “We show how little we love God by preferring to listen… to personal testimonies, but we do not desire that God should speak to us.”
March: “Faith never knows where it is being led, but it loves and knows the One Who is leading.”
April: “Character determines how a man interprets God’s will.”
May: “The purpose of God is not to answer our prayers, but by our prayers, we come to discern the mind of God.”
June: “If you are recognizing your Lord, you have no business with where he engineers your circumstances.”
July: “The golden rule for understanding spiritually is not intellect, but obedience.”
August: “It is the work that God does through us that counts, not what we do for Him.”
September: “God does not ask us to do the things that are easy to us naturally. He only asked us to do things we are perfectly fitted to do by His grace, and the cross will come along that line always.”
October: “It is not a question of whether God is willing to sanctify; is it my will?”
November: “God never gives us discernment in order that we may [criticize], but that we may intercede.”
December: “We are sent by God to lift up Jesus Christ, not to give wonderfully beautiful discourses.”
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Bible Verse: “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” — Psalm 119:105
Source: Chambers, Oswald. The Complete Works of Oswald Chambers. Grand Rapids: Our Daily Bread, 2000. 738, 749, 761, 774, 783, 792, 805, 817, 827, 835, 848, 857.
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Unstoppable by Patti Greene; Available on Amazon or through Ingram Distributors
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Many people use words—sometimes called “Christianese”—that can be confusing. Whether you’ve studied the Bible for years or are opening it for the first time, no question is too small. God meets each of us right where we are. My prayer is that this list will help you and others understand the terms believers often use in daily life.
Words About Faith
Sin — Anything we do that goes against God
Romans 3:23 — “For all have sinned…”
Repent — Turn to God, through Jesus
Acts 3:19 — “Repent…that your sins may be wiped out.”
Believe — Trust Jesus with your life
Acts 16:31 — “Believe in the Lord Jesus…”
Faith — Choosing to trust God even when we can’t see
2 Corinthians 5:7 — “We live by faith, not by sight.”
Saved — Made right with God
Romans 10:13 — “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”
Lost — Far from God; needs a new life in Jesus
Luke 19:10 — “The Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”
Gospel — The good news about Jesus
Romans 1:16 — “It is the power of God for salvation.”
Born again — Given a new life through Jesus
John 3:7 — “You must be born again.”
Justified — God forgives us and makes us right with Him
Romans 5:1 — “We have been justified through faith.”
Sanctified — God growing us to be more like Jesus
1 Thessalonians 4:3 — “This is God’s will…your sanctification.”
Redeemed — God bought us back and made us His own
Ephesians 1:7 — “In Him we have redemption…”
Words About the Church and Bible
Scripture — A verse or passage from the Bible
2 Timothy 3:16 — “All Scripture is God‑breathed.”
Covenant — A promise God makes and keeps
Jeremiah 31:33 — “I will be their God, and they will be my people.”
Disciple — A person who follows Jesus
Matthew 28:19 — “Make disciples of all nations.”
Discipleship — Learning to follow Jesus day by day
Matthew 28:20 — “Teach them to obey everything I have commanded.”
Fellowship — Spending time together in Christian friendship
Acts 2:42 — “They devoted themselves…to fellowship.”
Quiet time — Time alone with God
Psalm 46:10 — “Be still and know that I am God.”
Devotional — A short reading that helps us think about God
Psalm 119:105 — “Your word is a lamp to my feet.”
Trinity — One God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit
Matthew 28:19 — “In the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.”
Words About Spiritual Growth and Prayer
Intercede — Pray for someone else
Romans 8:34 — “Christ Jesus…intercedes for us.”
Anointed — Chosen and helped by God
Luke 4:18 — “He has anointed me…”
Calling — The work God wants you to do
Ephesians 4:1 — “Walk worthy of the calling you have received.”
Spiritual warfare — The battle between God’s truth and the enemy’s lies
Ephesians 6:11 — “Put on the full armor of God.”
Fruit of the Spirit — The good things God grows in us
Galatians 5:22–23 — “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace…”
Walk with God — Live each day with God
Galatians 5:16 — “Walk by the Spirit.”
Words About Church Practices
Communion — Remembering Jesus with bread and juice, wine
Luke 22:19 — “Do this in remembrance of Me.”
Baptism — Showing on the outside what Jesus has done on the inside
Acts 2:38 — “Be baptized…in the name of Jesus Christ.”
Testimony — Your story of what God has done in your life
Acts 4:20 — “We cannot help speaking about…what we have seen and heard.”
Worship — Showing love to God with our words, songs, and lives
Psalm 100:2 — “Worship the Lord with gladness.”
Compiled by Patti Greene, January 25, 2026
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It’s hard to believe it’s been ten years since John and I lived in Lagos, Nigeria. What a blessing those years were.
While we were there, God placed two wonderful people in our lives—a kind Christian woman who helped care for our home, and a pastor named Lucky who drove us around the city. As expats, we were expected to support the local families, and we were grateful for the chance to do so.
Lucky often practiced his sermons while driving me from place to place. I got to hear his heart for the Lord many times. He would always ask me what I thought of his upcoming sermon. He truly wanted my opinion, and sometimes he would include what I said in his sermons.
We only visited his church once, but I wish we had gone more often. His church was simple—just chairs on a concrete slab between two old buildings—but his message was powerful. He preached the Word of God with clarity and passion. It was clear that this was his true calling, not driving us around!
Pastor Lucky
We grew to love Lucky and have stayed in touch ever since. Just recently, he sent me one of his sermons. I made a few minor edits before sharing it, but the message is all his—full of heart, full of truth.
Lucky is a true believer in Jesus Christ, and we’re so thankful he became one of our lifelong friends.
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Sermon: Stay Faithful & Listen to the Spirit
Pastor Lucky Atughara @ True Foundations Church, Lagos, Nigeria
The One who holds the seven stars in His right hand, the One who walks among the seven golden lampstands, says this:
I know your deeds and your labor and perseverance, and that you cannot tolerate evil people, and you have put those who call themselves apostles to the test, and they are not, and you found them to be false; 3 and you have perseverance and have endured on account of My name, and have not become weary. 4 But I have this against you, that you have left your first love. 5 Therefore, remember from where you have fallen, and repent, and do the deeds you did at first; or else I am coming to you and I will remove your lampstand from its place—unless you repent. 6 But you have this, that you hate the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate. 7 The one who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who overcomes, I will grant to eat from the tree of life, which is in the Paradise of God (Revelation 2:1-7).
15 So you too, have some who in the same way hold to the teaching of the Nicolaitans. 16 Therefore repent; or else I am coming to you quickly, and I will wage war against them with the sword of My mouth. 17 The one who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who overcomes, I will give some of the hidden manna, and I will give him a white stone, and a new name written on the stone which no one knows except the one who receives it. (Revelation 2:15-17).
Overview:
Serve with perseverance
Keep your first love for Jesus
Overcome evil and false teaching
Listen to what the Spirit is saying today
Who were the Nicolaitans?
They taught that Christians could live in sin—especially sexual sin—and still be right with God. Jesus hated this teaching because it led people away from the truth and into spiritual danger.
²⁸And just as they did not see fit to acknowledge God, God gave them up to a depraved mind, to do those things that are not proper (Romans 1:28).
Romans 1:28 says people sinned even though they knew it was wrong. They didn’t care and encouraged others to do the same. The King James Bible calls them “reprobates”—people with no conscience.
Balaam’s False Teaching
Balaam didn’t speak God’s truth. He led people into idolatry and sin.
The Nicolaitans were like wolves in sheep’s clothing—pretending to be good, but leading others to destruction.
15 Beware of the false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly are ravenous wolves (Matthew 7:15)
Reminder:
Satan can’t create anything. All he does is twist truth into lies.
The Choir
The Church in Laodicea
To the angel of the church in Sardis write:
He who has the seven spirits of God and the seven stars, says this: ‘I know your deeds, that you have a name that you are alive, and yet you are dead. 2 Be constantly alert, and strengthen the things that remain, which were about to die; for I have not found your deeds completed in the sight of My God. 3 So remember that you have received and heard; and keep it, and repent. Then if you are not alert, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what hour I will come to you (Revelation 3:1–3).
Message to Philadelphia
7 “And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write:
He who is holy, who is true, who has the key of David, who opens and no one will shut, and who shuts and no one opens, says this:
8 ‘I know your deeds. Behold, I have put before you an open door which no one can shut, because you have a little power, and have followed My word, and have not denied My name. 9 Behold, I will make those of the synagogue of Satan, who say that they are Jews and are not, but lie—I will make them come and bow down before your feet, and make them know that I have loved you. 10 Because you have kept My word of perseverance, I also will keep you from the hour of the testing, that hour which is about to come upon the whole world, to [f]test those who live on the earth. 11 I am coming quickly; hold firmly to what you have, so that no one will take your crown. 12 The one who overcomes, I will make him a pillar in the temple of My God, and he will not go out from it anymore; and I will write on him the name of My God, and the name of the city of My God, the new Jerusalem, which comes down out of heaven from My God, and My new name. 13 The one who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches (Revelation 3:7–13).
Laodicea was a wealthy city known for medicine and manufacturing. But the church there was missing Jesus. They weren’t hot or cold—just lukewarm. Jesus warned them, but He also gave hope. He stands at the door, waiting to be invited in.
Trust God Through the Storm
11 Then Asa called to the Lord his God and said, “Lord, there is no one besides You to help in the battle between the powerful and those who have no strength; help us, Lord our God, for we trust in You, and in Your name have come against this multitude. Lord, You are our God; do not let man prevail against You.” 12 So the Lord routed the Ethiopians before Asa and before Judah, and the Ethiopians fled (2 Chronicles 14:11–12).
All the prophets were prophesying this as well, saying, “Go up to Ramoth-gilead and be successful, for the Lord will hand it over to the king.”
Micaiah Brings Word from God
12 Then the messenger who went to summon Micaiah spoke to him saying, “Behold, the words of the prophets are unanimously favorable to the king. So please let your word be like one of them, and speak favorably.” 13 But Micaiah said, “As the Lord lives, whatever my God says, I will speak it.”
14 When he came to the king, the king said to him, “Micaiah, should we go to battle against Ramoth-gilead, or should I refrain?” He said, “Go up and succeed, for they will be handed over to you! (2 Chronicles 18:11–14).
7 for we walk by faith, not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7).
Faith isn’t asking God to stop the storm—it’s trusting Him to walk with you through it. God is never late. He knows the perfect time to do great things.
Toddler roaming–Waiting for church to start!
God Brings Us Out
Then Jonah prayed to the Lord his God from the stomach of the fish, 2 and he said,
“I called out of my distress to the Lord, And He answered me. I called for help from the depth of Sheol; You heard my voice. 3 For You threw me into the deep, Into the heart of the seas, And the current flowed around me. All Your breakers and waves passed over me. 4 So I said, ‘I have been cast out of Your sight. Nevertheless I will look again toward Your holy temple.’ 5 Water encompassed me to the point of death. The deep flowed around me, Seaweed was wrapped around my head. 6 I descended to the base of the mountains. The earth with its bars was around me forever, But You have brought up my life from the pit, Lord my God (Jonah 2:1–6).
38 So Jesus, again being deeply moved within, came to the tomb. Now it was a cave, and a stone was lying against it. 39 Jesus said, “Remove the stone.” Martha, the sister of the deceased, said to Him, “Lord, by this time there will be a stench, for he has been dead four days.” 40 Jesus said to her, “Did I not say to you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?” 41 So they removed the stone. And Jesus raised His eyes, and said, “Father, I thank You that You have heard Me. 42 But I knew that You always hear Me; nevertheless, because of the people standing around I said it, so that they may believe that You sent Me.” 43 And when He had said these things, He cried out with a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out!” 44 Out came the man who had died, bound hand and foot with wrappings, and his face was wrapped around with a cloth. Jesus said to them, “Unbind him, and let him go (John 11:38–44).
Also, see Daniel 6:1–27.
Note: Jonah came out of the fish; Lazarus came out of the tomb; and Daniel came out of the lions’ den.
Whatever situation you’re in, you will come out too, in Jesus’ mighty name, Amen. God will change your situation. Something new is coming your way!
Family Rules That Keep Peace
1. Speak kindly and respectfully
2. No shouting—talk calmly
3. Say sorry when you’re wrong
4. Solve problems—don’t bury them, and
5. Don’t compare your family to others
The Family of God
Final Blessing
God bless you for hearing His Word today.
May He give you wisdom and understanding in every decision you make—in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Thank you, Lucky, for sharing your sermons with me over the years!
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.
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THE WAIT IS OVER! My new book, Unstoppable: Go the Distance with God, is now available. Ready to inspire, strengthen, and encourage you to pursue God’s path with unwavering faith. And as proof that miracles still happen, my “desk” is finally clear–turns out writing a book creates more clutter than ever imaginable.
But what you see below is a very messy table, with stacks of books and Bibles that filled every nook and cranny of my dining room as this book was being produced!
My work “desk” during a neat phase!
Unstoppable is officially LIVE and ready to jump off the shelves! You can grab it on Amazon or order it at your favorite local bookstore. But before I get into the wild ride that was my writing and publishing journey, let me tell you what’s inside.
This book began as a love letter to my children, a way for them to hear my voice long after I’m gone. But somewhere along the way, I realized it wasn’t just for them. It was for every believer, every seeker, every soul longing to know God more. The words are mine. Every thought, every bit of wisdom comes from a journey with the Lord. And I hope that as you read, you hear my voice—not just in ink, but in your heart. It is a book about the Bible, Prayer, Christian Living, Leadership, and Crises.
The Writing Process
Writing a book should come with a survival guide. Between editing, formatting, and proofing (more than one hundred times), I learned that endnotes and bibliographies were designed to evaluate human patience. My dining room transformed into a battlefield of books, sticky notes, and a laptop that looked like it had survived a war. In an attempt to feel like I was in control of something, I started frequenting the nail salon. If nothing else, the salon became a form of stress relief to me.
And then there were the technical nightmares—the formatting jargon no one warns you about. Acrobat, DPI, cropping, templates, first-line indents, hyperlinks, marketing strategies, and the dreaded Kindle Previewer. I wrestled with Smashwords, preorders, reflowable text, TOC (which I now believe stands for “Totally Overwhelming Chaos”), citations, quotation marks, italics, and hyphens. Every minor detail became a new mountain to climb. Somewhere between resizing eBook files and debating whether “almighty” should be capitalized or not, I pondered every life instance, from toddlerhood to now, that the Lord allowed me to until this moment. And yes, He prepared me.
What God Taught Me Through the Process
But in all the challenges, God was working on me. He taught me patience, the importance of time management (because writing at 2 a.m. is not sustainable), and the power of prayer (especially when my manuscript almost disappeared into the abyss). I learned about His glory and honor, self-control, thankfulness, and stick-to-itiveness. Quitting was never an option. The Lord reminded me that persistence matters, that gratitude changes everything, and that friends, faith, and a sound support system are essential.
The Publishing Process
Ah, publishing—the part where a writer either gets an agent or slowly realizes that the industry now requires social media influence and more friends than you have. After six months of rejections and feedback that I wasn’t quite “popular enough,” I did what any stubborn writer would do—I self-published. Again.
This final process was chaotic, exhausting, but God nudged me forward, whispering that this book mattered. And when God nudges, you listen and obey—even if you’re delirious from lack of sleep.
Conclusion
So, here it is—Unstoppable: Go the Distance with God. It’s in the wild now, floating in Amazon’s Sea of millions of books. Will it become a bestseller? Who knows. But that’s never been the point. It’s a book of faith, a book of endurance, and, frankly, a book that put me through the ringer. And I believe it’s meant for someone, maybe even you.
So, go ahead and grab a copy. Not just because I’d love for you to buy it, but because I believe God has a purpose for everyone’s life, and it was written to help people live a godly life and “go the distance,” until God calls them home.
For ages 12 and above!
Unstoppable: Go the Distance with God, Paperback ISBN-13, 9798284335017
Unstoppable: Go the Distance with God, Hardcover ISBN-1, 9798284456651
It’s on Kindle too!
Feel free to share, forward, or comment as desired.
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I love seeing a package from Thomas Nelson on my doorstep. I know that is my next Bible to review. Viewing multiple Bibles throughout the year is an honor, privilege, and pleasure.
External Appeal
I recently received the NKJV Study Bible FOR KIDS. It arrived in an elegant box perfect for gifting! The Bible’s appealing blue leather soft cover attracted me immediately. The front cover would look extremely lovely with beautiful engraving imprinted on it. Its size makes it convenient to carry, and the tactile experience of this beautiful soft cover is pleasant to the touch. The shade of blue is appropriate for both girls and boys.
Two Concerns
Before delving into its contents, I must highlight two concerns I have about this Bible.
First, while this Bible is labeled “FOR KIDS,” there is a need for more clarity on the specific age group it targets. I seem to always be concerned when a Bible says it is for a particular audience; in this case, the box, the cover, and the title page all say it is for kids, but “kids” can encompass a broad spectrum from young children to adolescents, potentially affecting its long-term appeal. For those browsing a bookstore looking at this Bible in its boxed form, there would be no indication on the box for the purchaser regarding the Bible’s age or reading level.
Second, I strongly believe that promoting the Bible “FOR KIDS” may confuse a purchaser. If someone buys this Bible for an 11-year-old, it implies that as the child grows into a teenager, they may not want to use it due to the “FOR KIDS” inscription on the front cover. As an alternative, I suggest it would have been better to keep the “FOR KIDS” on the title page but leave it off the front cover to not embarrass teenagers if they want to continue to use this Bible.
Age
The book details on Amazon say this book is for grades four through six, which would most likely be ages nine through 11. However, customers rate the reading age as seven to 11, a discrepancy when deciding upon the book.
However, I understand that education has been dumbed down over the years, so defining who can read this Bible is difficult.
What’s Inside?
Setting aside these considerations, the NKJV Study Bible For Kids impresses with its comprehensive features and design. Although the font size could be slightly larger across its 1,582 pages, the layout is well-organized with ample half-inch margins and sturdy paper quality. A striking yellow ribbon bookmark adds a touch of elegance. The margins all around the text are 1/2.” The paper quality appears nice and sturdy.
Educationally, this Bible excels with distinctive features color-coded throughout, giving extra information kids (and adults) would enjoy.
Book Review: NKJV Study Bible For Kids
1. Action Feature (purple) covers topics such as Friendship and Giving to God.
2. Epic Ideas (blue) explores themes such as A Man of True Wisdom and Don’t Be Afraid.
3. Spotlights (red) illuminate subjects like God Watches Over You and Jesus is God.
4. In Focus (purple) provides insights on terms like Demon-Possession and Prophecy.
5. Timelines (yellow) trace historical events from Genesis to Revelation. The print size could be made more reader-friendly.
6. On Location (green) includes maps detailing journeys and locations crucial to biblical narratives.
7. Starring Roles (yellow) profiles key figures Biblical characters like Moses and Titus.
Extra Features
Additionally, this Bible concludes with valuable resources such as a dictionary—concordance, book abbreviations, and detailed lists facilitating more straightforward navigation through its supplemental materials.
This edition of the Bible is currently in pre-order status on Amazon. It is listed for $49.99. It is also available in paperback and hardback at lower prices.
Valuable Resources
Despite my initial reservations about its target audience labeling, the NKJV Study Bible For Kids is a valuable resource for children and parents dedicated to imparting Biblical truths – especially to homeschoolers. Beyond its “FOR KIDS” designation, its depth and educational richness make it a commendable choice for serious Bible study and spiritual growth at any age.
In fact, I can see myself using this Bible in my quiet time and for the Study Bible tips and information.
God bless.
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Have you ever pondered the Holy Spirit’s presence and calling in your life? Feeling lost or uncertain is easy, especially when life takes unexpected turns. But here’s what I’ve learned over the years.
Never Alone
God never abandons us. When we accept Christ, the Holy Spirit becomes our constant companion. Even in moments of doubt and desire, we’re not alone.
Testing Grounds
Sometimes, the Holy Spirit leads us to testing grounds. We stumble, but that’s okay. These trials refine us, shaping our purpose.
Silent Moments
Sometimes, we don’t feel God’s presence. Perhaps there is sin in our lives, or maybe God is testing us. But even in silence, He’s working behind the scenes.
Perseverance
Life can be tough. Criticism, misunderstandings, and unmet prayers weigh us down. Yet, we persevere. God’s timing is mysterious, but He’s always leading.
Surrender
By surrendering our desires and hopes, we invite the Holy Spirit’s touch. He trusts us with His plans, even when they diverge from our expectations.
Stay Vigilant
The enemy seeks to distract us during life’s storms, but God remains steadfast. We may not always feel Him, but He’s there.
So, my friends, let’s trust the journey—even when it’s hard. God’s purpose unfolds, and we’re part of something greater.
Feel free to share this reflection with others. May it encourage hearts and remind us that we’re never alone on this path.
God Bless,
Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father, Life can be rough sometimes. Allow me to trust You through all my ins and outs. Let me build into my Christian foundation the fact that You love me and will never leave me or forsake me.
Bible Verse
Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths (Proverbs 3:5-6).
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As a result of the February 2021 winter freeze, while my husband and I were out of town, our home was drastically damaged by an unattended pipe, which froze and burst. Movers had to come quickly to salvage what they could, resulting in things being thrown in any old box and brought to storage in whatever condition it was found.
Now that school is over for me, and it is two years later, I am finally trying to locate, unpack, and organize what wild and reckless packing looks like.
I thought I had lost everything in the picture above but I found disarrayed boxes in our new home’s garage. [Yes, we moved after seeing all our home’s destruction.]
In unpacking boxes, I found essential certificates, house deeds, my childhood stamp collection album, MANY articles I have written and published, blogs started but not finished, multiple rejection letters, and more that I have yet to discover. But I rejoice because I thought I had lost all these things, but this week I found them.
Odds and Ends
Honestly, I have been distraught thinking I lost all my writing and compilations over forty years!!!
However, now that my most precious items (except for my wedding dress) have been found, the time has come to sort through, throw away, salvage, and/or reorganize what I have valued and sunk my heart into for years.
Going through these piles is NOT my cup of tea, but I am excited to see what I thought was lost is now found – maybe mildewed and torn but found.
Just like I found boxes of my stuff, Jesus Christ finds us—possibly finding us mildewed, torn, and disarrayed, and He wants us to become aware of His love for us and make us part of His kingdom. He will not disregard us or throw us away. He wants to salvage us and reorganize our lives.
God allows us to choose between Him and the world.
He truly loves us and wants us to call upon His son Jesus Christ by asking Him to forgive our sins and place our faith and trust in Him. That, my friend, is called salvation with the promise of the Holy Spirit’s presence coming to abide in us forever.
A parable in Luke 15:24 says, “This son of mine was dead and has come to life again; he was lost and has been found. And they began to celebrate.”
Patti Greene is a Baylor University and Dallas Baptist University graduate, a Second Baptist Church -1463 member of Houston/Katy, TX, and the author of seven books. The views expressed are those of the author.
Books by Patti
3 PRAYER JOURNALS – 3 BIBLE WORD SEARCH PUZZLES, AND A BOOK ON CHRISTIAN CAREGIVING.
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