Category Archives: God, Jesus, and Holy Spirit

Christian Blog, Christian Living, Core Topics, Faith, Friendship, God, Jesus, and Holy Spirit, God's Will, GreenePastures.org, Life Issues, Most Recent Post, Nigeria, Patti Greene, Spiritual Connection, Testimonies, Testimony, Uncategorized

Two Paths, One Savior: Conversations with Glory / Friendship and Connection, Week 7 by Patti Greene

Leave a comment

Welcome to my NEW Blog Series: Two Paths, One Savior: Conversations with Glory / Friendship and Connection, Week 7 – Final Post of 7/7

If you are receiving this blog via email, clicking the post title will show the best version.

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 1 – Our Connection and Story: greenepastures.org/two-paths-one-savior-week-1/

Week 2 – Early Life and Faith: greenepastures.org/two-paths-one-savior-conversations-with-glory-early-life-and-faithweek-2/

Week 3 – Journey and Calling:  Two Paths, One Savior: Conversations with Glory / Journey and Calling, Week 3 by Patti Greene | Greene Pastures by Patti Londa Greene

Week 4 – Singleness and Ministry: greenepastures.org/singleness-and-ministry/

Week 5 – Writing and Ministry Together: greenepastures.org/writing-and-minstry-together/

Week 6 – Reflection & Encouragement: greenepastures.org/reflection-and-encouragement

Week 7 – Friendship and Connection: greenepastures.org/friendship-and-connection

Q. What does our friendship mean to you personally and spiritually?

A. Personally and spiritually, our friendship means a lot to me because I see it as a gift from God that came at a time I needed it — even before I realized how much I needed it to get through the season I was facing. I’m very thankful to God for our relationship. I am encouraged. I am blessed. It has been such a gift to know that I have you in my life, and that I get to share my walk, my challenges, my fears — and share in yours.

It’s encouraging to know you have someone who truly knows you and whom you truly know. Someone who sees beyond what everyone else sees on social media. Someone who understands where you’re coming from and what you’re dealing with. Someone whose heart for God you trust so deeply that when they speak into your life, your guard is down and you receive it because you know their heart toward God is pure.

There is nothing like a relationship orchestrated by God. You can trust their heart for God and their heart for you because you know there are no selfish interests — they truly care. You can afford to be “naked and unashamed” concerning your life and your journey with this person. That is rare. It’s not something you find every day. It is a gift from God, and whoever finds such a friendship should value and honor it.

And ours is unique because it’s not just friendship — it’s also the mother‑daughter, mentor‑mentee element. It is a unique gift many people do not have and most likely need, because we all need connections that give us opportunities to serve and be served, to mentor and be mentored, to pour into others and be refilled.

I know I’ve lived through seasons when I didn’t think I needed friends. I was happy to be alone. I was okay being alone because I felt friendship was such a burden — until I learned that God didn’t create us to do life alone. We know God is always present with us, and sometimes He makes His presence known through connections and relationships — a physical voice that reminds us of what God has spoken concerning us, of what He is doing in our lives that we may not be able to see because of what we’re going through.

Most importantly, we need God. And we need God‑ordained connections and relationships — that’s how He created us. I’m so grateful that I got to share that with you, and that we will have fun doing it.

Q. How has God used our relationship in your life?

A. God has used our relationship to bless me, encourage me, and hold me together through the years. I do not feel like I must do life alone because I have this precious connection that ministers to me not just spiritually but also physically. We talk about the things I’m dealing with, and you add them to your prayer list. I know I can always reach out.

I look forward to our girl trips because they are always such a fun time — a chance to wind down, enjoy life, and enjoy the gifts God has given us. I also look forward to my birthday and Christmas gifts every year.

Being a very private person, it has been a blessing that in the absence of my biological mum, I have a solid friend and mother that I trust. Every woman needs a gift and a blessing like that — not a million followers, but trusted friends.

If you don’t have that, pray and ask God. That’s one of the things I learned as I went from a season of not having friends to a season where God began to plant people in my life — that’s how we met. God brought her into my life at the right time, and that connection has stayed solid for years.

I would encourage anyone who doesn’t have relationships like this to ask God. He made us for connection. He made us for relationship. He made us for community. Ask God to bring the right people into your life, and He will. And I pray you will be discerning enough to recognize those people when God brings them, so you do not turn them away because of past hurt.

Just posing in San Antonio!

Q. What do you think makes a Christ-centered friendship different from other friendships?

A. What makes a Christ‑centered relationship or friendship different is that Jesus is at the center — not you, not me. It’s all about Jesus. That’s what keeps our relationship different, alive, and deeply relatable despite our differences.

We share one common truth that never changes — Jesus. We share the word of God that remains the same. And that truth is stronger than biology. The blood of Jesus brings us together and keeps us together, and that is one of the things that keeps our friendship strong.

Having Jesus as the foundation means we can sit together and talk about what we have in Him forever and never get tired because we are excited about the word of God. We share common values. We love the word of God. We love our walk with God. We have so much to talk about and so much to share.

And even when we are going through difficult times, we can rely on each other. We can support each other. We can pray for one another, knowing nobody will take advantage of the other. Nobody is looking for what they can get. We are here for one another — to sharpen, support, and encourage each other.

That is friendship. And it is beautiful.

Just chatting at the Calgary Zoo

FACT by Patti

First, I want to express my deep gratefulness for the chance to interview my sweet Glory. My prayer is that through this series, you have learned more about connection, faith, your journey and calling, singleness, ministry, writing, reflection, encouragement, and friendship. I wanted people to see what it looks like to live life depending on the Lord. It isn’t always easy, and it isn’t always smooth, but we have a God who loves us, hears our prayers, and stays close while we wait for His answers and His gentle nudges.

Glory is not my only friend. God has blessed me with some close anointed friends over the years, and several have already gone home to be with Him. We are never too old to make new friends, even though it may feel harder as we age. My mother, who passed at age 94, used to tell me to always have younger friends because people come and go, and you will still need friendship when you are older. She was right.

Friendships do not just appear. They take time. We must choose to be present, to share our lives, and to open our hearts. Deep godly friendships grow when we make space for them — the kind of friendship where you can share your struggles and never fear that your secrets will be repeated. Jesus spent time with His disciples, and we should take time for our friends, even when we feel shy or unsure.

Many times, the first or second time you meet someone, you sense that this is a friendship worth pursuing. My advice is simple: follow the Spirit’s leading and see where God takes it. He knows exactly who belongs in your life.

Thank you again, Glory, for being part of “my interview.” My questions may not have been perfect, but my prayer is that between the two of us, someone has been encouraged to move closer to the presence of God — and closer to the people He has placed in their life. I hope this series helps others desire and seek out the kind of godly friendships that strengthen the heart and draw us nearer to Jesus. And Glory, I’m privileged to be called your “Mum.”

GreenePastures.org

Bible Verse:

As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another. — Proverbs 27:1

Prayer:

Dear Lord, thank You for the friendships You have given me. I am truly grateful for every person You have placed in my life. As I seek fellowship with others, please lead me to people who can encourage me, pray with me, and walk with me in ministry. Help me be an encouragement to them as well.

Bless our time together. Guide us into the kind of friendships that fit the seasons You know about in each of our lives. Give me wisdom. Give me discernment. Help me live a life of faith in everything I do.

Thank You again for Your love, Your guidance, and the gift of godly friends. Amen.

For my Nigerian Friends, Life is a journey!

No Wahala

Feel free to repost, forward, or save, citing its source. And please subscribe to GreenePastures.org to receive my blogs through email.

#Two Paths, One Savior: Conversations with Glory #Friendship #ChristianFriendship #ValueandHonor #Relationships #God #HolySpirit #PresenceofGod #GodOrdainedFriendship #GirlTrips #PrivatePerson #Connection #ChristianConnection #ChristCenteredFriendship # PrayingforFriends #PattiGreene #GreenePastures.org

Books by Patti

Coming Soon: Luke 2: The Christmas Story

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 ISBN 978-1490893181

Anchor Me: Laying a Foundation in Prayer and Bible Study ISBN 978-1490893174

Christian Living, Church and Ministry, Discernment, Faith, Friendship, God, Jesus, and Holy Spirit, God's Will, GreenePastures.org, Leadership, New Testament, Nigeria, Obedience, Patti Greene, Prayer, Spiritual Gifts, Spiritual Growth, Testimonies, Testimony, The Bible, Uncategorized, Wisdom, Writing and Speaking

Two Paths, One Savior: Conversations with Glory / Writing and Ministry Together, Week 5 by Patti Greene

Leave a comment

Welcome to my NEW Blog Series: Two Paths, One Savior: Conversations with Glory / Writing and Ministry Together, Week 5

If you are receiving this blog via email, clicking the post title will show the best version.

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 1 – Our Connection and Story greenepastures.org/two-paths-one-savior-week-1/

Week 2 – Early Life and Faith greenepastures.org/two-paths-one-savior-conversations-with-glory-early-life-and-faithweek-2/

Week 3 – Journey and Calling Two Paths, One Savior: Conversations with Glory / Journey and Calling, Week 3 by Patti Greene | Greene Pastures by Patti Londa Greene

Week 4 – Singleness and Ministry https://greenepastures.org/singleness-and-ministry/

Week 5 – Writing and Ministry Together – THIS WEEK

6 – Reflection and Encouragement – Be Encouraged: You’re Not Walking Alone

Week 7 – Friendship and Connection – Enjoy Christ-Centered Friendships

Flowers – Thinkstock

Writing and Ministry Together

Q. What inspires your writing the most?

A. What inspires my writing the most is the word of God. I love the word of God. I can spend forever in it. I never get enough of it. That’s the key thing that inspires my writing, because I take it in, I meditate on it, and I think about how to apply it in my life.

The second thing that inspires my writing is my walk with God. As I take in His word and walk it out, it becomes an adventure. My writing comes from the things I learn and the things I draw from walking with Him. I’m practicing His word and watching it work in my life, and I’m also walking with the people God brings into my life and seeing how His word works in their lives.

Those are the things that inspire my writing.

Word of God

Q. How does Scripture and personal experience shape your voice as a writer?

A. My writing is primarily shaped by the word of God and my experience of walking with God. Most of what I write comes from what I draw from Scripture—what I learn as I sit with the Holy Spirit and He opens my eyes to the word. He connects the Scriptures to my walk and to my experiences.

One thing I work hard on is not making my experience a standard for anyone else, because I know that’s not how God works. I also know that God uses His word to shape our walk, so I am learning from the word of God, and I am learning to walk the word of God, talk the word of God, and share that word by the way I live.

The people God brings into my life get to witness how the word of God works and produces fruit in the lives of those who believe. The word of God is the primary motivation for my writing, and aligning my walk with His truth helps confirm how His word works.

Fruit Basket
Fruit Basket

Q. What message do you feel God is asking you to share in this season?

A. Considering the season I am in and what God is doing in my life right now, I’m learning to see Him as the God who rescues people from troubles that they cannot get themselves out of, who redeems them from the ravages of the situations they’ve lived through, and who restores what was lost in the fire of affliction. These are the three messages God is working in my life currently, and I am seeing them and experiencing them.

I’m experiencing God rescue me. I’m experiencing God redeem me. And I’m sitting in the place where I am watching and seeing how God is doing this work of restoration in my own life. That’s what God is doing right now, and that’s the message—because, like my writing, I speak from my walk with God unless He specifically directs me to speak into something else. Most of the time, I draw from how He is revealing Himself as I walk in His word in my life and in my circumstances.

So right now, I am experiencing God as the One who rescues, the One who redeems, and the One who restores.

Q. How do you hope your writing will minister to others?

A. I am hopeful that my writing will minister to those who want to see God walking with them through their day‑to‑day experiences. I want it to reach those who long to encounter God in the places and ways I have encountered His power—to deliver, to help, to teach, to enlighten, and to heal.

I drink from the well of God through His word and through my life experiences, and I share what He has taught me and is still teaching me. I hope that people who are going through similar situations will find hope and encouragement through my writing and preaching, knowing they are not alone. When God says, “I will deliver,” He is fully able to do exactly that.

If people can see that He has done it in my life, maybe it will help them believe and hold on in those difficult and dark moments, knowing that God honors His word—not just to me, but to everyone who believes and waits for Him.

Praising God

FACT by Patti

During the years I’ve known Glory, one thing has never changed: the “word” is always on her mind. I’m not exaggerating. I counted how many times she answered my questions using the word “word” above. It was eighteen. Eighteen! And honestly, that didn’t surprise me at all. She LOVES God’s word—the Bible. It’s practically her native language. And her multiple books prove that. Yes, most are on Amazon.

Glory and I met at a Bible study in Lagos, Nigeria, and we bonded immediately. One of the first things she shared with me was her poetry. I offered to help edit her poetry, not realizing I was about to enter a whole new world. You see, I’ve never been a big poetry person—but I didn’t tell her that. Then came the moment I sat down with her poems. Oh my. After going through a multitude—and I mean a multitude—of poems, I started to understand how Glory thinks, how she writes, and how deeply she listens to God. Somewhere between poem number twenty and poem number “I’ve lost count,” I realized she wasn’t just a good writer. She was a gifted one.

Glory and Patti, 2019

Over time, we’ve helped each other with our writing. But the funniest season was when I wrote three Bible Word Search Puzzle books. I had a program that created the puzzles using words I found in the New Testament. The problem? The program didn’t weed out bad words. Yes, you read that right. Bad words. In a Christian word search puzzle. So before publishing, I had to go through EVERY puzzle and hunt for anything inappropriate.

Naturally, I called on Glory. There aren’t too many friends one feels comfortable saying, “Hey, can you look for bad words in my book?”

At first, I asked her to look for twenty bad words. Then I narrowed it down to the worst five. That’s the kind of friend she is—she will sit with you, laugh with you, pray with you, and help you make sure your Bible puzzles don’t accidentally turn into something you’d have to repent for.

We help each other do good works, and we have fun doing it. And honestly, if you’ve ever wondered whether Christian word search authors go buggy searching for bad words—yes, we do. And Glory helped. She always helps. And her writing shows that same heart: steady, faithful, thoughtful, and full of God’s truth.

Bible Verse: “My heart is overflowing with a good theme… my tongue is the pen of a ready writer.” Psalm 45:1

Prayer: 

Dear Jesus, thank you for friends who encourage, love, and help us with our needs, whether big or small. Let us love your word so much that it is always on our mind, guiding us how to live, write, or whatever we do. Let us see You as the One who rescues,  redeems, and restores us, as we follow You in our lives. Amen.

Next Week: Reflection and Encouragement

Feel free to repost, forward, or save, citing its source. And please subscribe to GreenePastures.org to receive my blogs through email.

GreenePastures.org

#WordofGod #ChristianMinistry #God #Writing #WritingBooks #WalkingWithGod #Scripture #TheWord #TwoPathsOneSavior #Inspiration #ChristianBlog #GreenePastures.org #Glory #PattiGreene #ConversationswithGlory #Nigeria

Flowers – Thinkstock

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 ISBN 978-1490893181

Anchor Me: Laying a Foundation in Prayer and Bible Study ISBN 978-1490893174

 
Christian Living, Church and Ministry, Discernment, Faith, Friendship, God, Jesus, and Holy Spirit, God's Will, Holy Spirit, Life Issues, Missions and Evangelism, Nigeria, Obedience, Patti Greene, Prayer, Salvation, Spiritual Connection, Uncategorized

Two Paths, One Savior: Conversations with Glory / Journey and Calling, Week 3 by Patti Greene

1 Comment

Welcome to my NEW Blog Series: Two Paths, One Savior: Conversations with Glory / Journey and Calling

If you are receiving this blog via email, clicking the post title will show the best version.

About This 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:

Glory and Patti, Calgary, 2022

Week 1 – Our Connection and Story: greenepastures.org/two-paths-one-savior-week-1/

Week 2 – Early Life and Faith: greenepastures.org/two-paths-one-savior-conversations-with-glory-early-life-and-faithweek-2/

Week 3 – Journey and Calling – This blog
Week 4 – Singleness and Ministry – Being Single in Ministry
Week 5 – Writing and Ministry Together – Be Inspired
Week 6 – Reflection and Encouragement – Be Encouraged: You’re Not Walking Alone
Week 7 – Friendship and Connection – Enjoy Christ-Centered Friendships

GLORY’S JOURNEY AND CALLING, Week 3

Q. When did you first feel called into ministry?

A. From the time I gave my life to Jesus and through my friendship with Jonathan, I knew I wanted to spend the rest of my life serving God, so I knew ministry would be my life and my life would be ministry.

Q. What moments or experiences confirmed that calling for you?

A. In those early days of faith after I gave my life to Jesus, I was deeply in love with God and His Word. I was eager to share His Word and His love with everyone I met. I knew I wanted to spend the rest of my life serving Him. God also gave us—God and me—the gift of healing. I would pray for people, and He would heal them. I remember friends comparing me to a well-known Christian evangelist at the time. As a new believer, I did not know much about her, but I knew she served the Lord and had a ministry marked by bold acts of faith. So yes, I looked forward to serving God for the rest of my life as a full-time minister.

Life is a Journey

Q. How has God surprised you along the way?

A. Even though I was studying engineering at the time, my dream was to serve God in full-time ministry. How God has surprised me along the way is that He made clear then that He wanted me to continue in my field as an engineer, to continue in my work while serving Him with all that I am and all that I have. It is totally different from what I had thought because I wanted to go to Bible school and go into full-time ministry, but God held me back from going to Bible school. He did not want me to go. He wanted to teach me on the path of walking with Him and how He wanted me to serve Him in the way He wanted me to serve, in the places He wanted me to serve Him. What He’s done is provide opportunities for me to serve Him through my job. My job has provided opportunities for me to travel to different parts of the world where I go to work, and I am serving God outside of the church or with people that typically will not go to church. I have been blessed with opportunities to take people who have never been to church to church for the first time. I’ve been blessed with opportunities to lead people to Christ in huddle rooms, in corporate offices. I have joined people in holy matrimony and done all kinds of things for God at work, in places where God is not typically preached. And that is not by hitting everybody on the head with the Bible, but by walking with Jesus and letting people see my walk with God and reach out to me to be a part of their life and their journey. Those are ways I have been able to serve God. Also, my work has provided me with the means to do the things God wanted me to do, like publishing my books, going on mission trips, among others, and paying for things that people typically look for others to support them with. I have been able to support myself and pay for those things without having to look for external support.

Fact:

While Glory worked full-time as an engineer, I could never describe her as someone in part-time ministry. Knowing Glory, I have seen that ministry is not something she turns on and off depending on the setting; it is woven into who she is. She carries the presence of the Lord with her into her workplace, into conversations, into ordinary routines, and even into her weekends. Her faith is not reserved for church walls. God is on her mind throughout the day, and because of that, He has used her in places where some people may never have had the opportunity, interest, or courage to attend a church service or Christian gathering. Glory’s life reminds me that ministry can happen in conference rooms, offices, work trips, casual conversations, and quiet acts of obedience. She is well respected, sincere, dependable, and hardworking, but what stands out most is her genuine love for God and her desire to let others see Him through the way she lives.

Bible Verse: 

And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord who has enabled me, because He counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry (1 Timothy 1:12 NKJV).

Next Week: Singleness and Ministry

Feel free to repost, forward, or save, citing its source. And please subscribe to GreenePastures.org to receive my blogs through email.

GreenePastures.org

#ChristianMinistry #Ministry #Nigerian #SecularWork #ChristianJourney #ServingGod #Engineering

———-

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 ISBN 978-1490893181

Anchor Me: Laying a Foundation in Prayer and Bible Study ISBN 978-1490893174

Christian Living, Church and Ministry, Faith, Friendship, God, Jesus, and Holy Spirit, GreenePastures.org, Nigeria, Patti Greene, Salvation, Writing and Speaking

Two Paths, One Savior: Conversations with Glory / Early Life and Faith, Week 2 by Patti Greene

Welcome to my NEW Blog Series Two Paths, One Savior: Conversations with Glory

If you are receiving this blog via email, clicking the post title will show the best version.

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 1 – Our Connection and Story                  greenepastures.org/two-paths-one-savior-week-1/

• 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

Feel free to repost, forward, or save. And please subscribe to GreenePastures.org to receive blogs by Patti Greene.

#Childhood #EarlyLife #Nigeria #Lagos #ChristianJourney

———-

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 ISBN 978-1490893181

Anchor Me: Laying a Foundation in Prayer and Bible Study ISBN 978-1490893174

Christian Blog, Christian Living, Church and Ministry, Friendship, God, Jesus, and Holy Spirit, GreenePastures.org, Life Issues, Nigeria, Patti Greene, Spiritual Connection, Uncategorized

Two Paths, One Savior: Conversations with Glory / Our Connection and Story, Week 1 by Patti Greene

Welcome to my NEW Blog Series Two Paths, One Savior: Conversations with Glory

If you are receiving this blog via email, clicking the post title will show the best version.

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
 
 

Feel free to repost, forward, or save. And please subscribe to GreenePastures.org to receive blogs by Patti Greene.

#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
ISBN 978-1490893174
 
 
 
 
Bible Review, Bible Study, Concordance, Core Topics, Doctrine, Faith, God, Jesus, and Holy Spirit, GreenePastures.org, Jesus Christ, King James Version, KJV, New Testament, Note-taking Space, Old Testament, Patti Greene, Spiritual Growth, The Bible, Thomas Nelson, Topic-by-Topic Notes, Uncategorized

Bible Review: Color Code Study Bible (KJV) by Patti Greene

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.

———-

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.
  1. Purple – God the Father
  2. Blue – God the Son
  3. Gold – God the Holy Spirit
  4. Red – Salvation
  5. Green – Sanctification
  6. Gray – Sin and Temptation
  7. 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.

Bible Review, Bible Study, Book Review, Christian Blog, God, Jesus, and Holy Spirit, GreenePastures.org, New Testament, Old Testament, Patti Greene, The Bible, Thomas Nelson

Bible Review: NKJV Foundation Study Bible by Patti Greene

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.

***************

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

GreenePastures.org

 

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

Bible Review, Bible Study, Book Review, Book Reviews, Christian Blog, Christian Living, God, Jesus, and Holy Spirit, GreenePastures.org, How to Guides, Jesus Christ, Life Issues, Patti Greene, Prayer, Technology, The Bible

Starting Over Gracefully: Please Resubscribe or Subscribe — I lost many of you!

2 Comments

Hello there — I hope things are going well in your corner of the world.

My blog has been giving me serious trouble lately — mostly because the “back end” of a website still feels like a big maze to me. Somewhere in that maze, a number of my subscribers slipped away-my fault! I was able to save about two hundred subscribers, but many were lost. So if you want to join — or rejoin — I would be truly grateful. I promise I’m not trying to be an influencer. I only want to point people to Jesus.

If you want to subscribe or resubscribe, go to GreenePastures.org on your computer. On the top right block, add your first name (optional) and your email address and then press Subscribe.

If you want to subscribe or resubscribe from your phone, go to GreenePastures.org, click on the three lines in the upper right-hand corner, and scroll down to see the subscribe form.

Or if you’d rather not deal with any of that, email, text, or message me. I can add you myself — I only need your permission and email address.

In Greene Pastures, I write about the Bible, prayer, and the little things God teaches me along the way. My blog is for anyone wanting to grow in the Christian life. I don’t post every day. I only write when the Holy Spirit gives me something to share.

I believe God gave me this ministry back in 2015. And yes — sometimes in life, He allows us to hit the “start over” button. And with His help, we keep going, one small step at a time. That is where I’m at.

IMPORTANT: If you received this blog in your email, you do NOT need to resubscribe!

“Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall you not know it?” — Isaiah 43:19

I’m praying this works!

Feel free to share or forward to your friends and family.

 

Bible Review, Bible Study, Book Review, God, Jesus, and Holy Spirit, New Testament, Old Testament, The Bible, Thomas Nelson, Uncategorized

Bible Review: PINK KJV Large Print Personal Size End-of-Verse Reference Bible by Patti Greene

KJV Large Print Personal Size End-of-Verse Reference Bible

Publication Date, March 3, 2026. Available for preordering now on Amazon.

ISBN: 9781400347872

The Holy Bible containing THE OLD AND NEW TESTAMENTS “translated out of the original tongues and with the former translations diligently compared and revised”. Authorized King James Version by Thomas Nelson. Copyright 2026.

First Impressions & Purpose

When I first opened this Bible, my heart was thrilled. The ballet pink cover reminded me of my ballet lessons as a little girl. The color is the same soft pink as my old ballet shoes, and it brought back such happy memories. The whole Bible feels very feminine, even the pretty jacket it came in is attractive. When I saw the gold floral imprint on the pink cover and the gold on the page edges, I fell in love with it—even before opening the Bible. The binding felt strong, and I want to carry this Bible everywhere I go.

Cover, Binding & Overall Design

The cover of this Bible is simply gorgeous, as I mentioned. It has a soft leather‑like feel with gold floral designs on both the front and the back. The Bible lays flat enough for comfortable reading, which I really appreciate. The size is perfect, and it feels so easy to carry. 

Paper Quality, Font & Readability

The paper in this Bible feels very nice. The print does not seem to show through much, which is always a plus. The pages are a clean white color, and the whole Bible feels so soft that I keep wanting to touch it. The font is large and easy to read, especially for short reading times. The margins are very small for note‑taking, but if they were bigger, the Bible would be too large to hold comfortably.

This Bible is in the King James Version. Some people and some churches still use the KJV, but many people I talk to do not read it anymore. Because of that, it might be harder for beginners to understand. Even though I don’t personally use the KJV, I would still enjoy holding this Bible if I were speaking to a group of women just to have a Bible in my hand. Honestly, I might even try to wear a matching outfit—because that’s just how girls are.

Extras & Usability

Inside this Bible, there are a few short notes at the bottom of some pages, but it is not a study Bible. It does have a helpful concordance with plenty of verses listed under most topics, and there are eight maps in the back. There are no devotionals or reflections, but I honestly think this Bible works best for quiet devotional reading when you just want God’s Word without any distractions.

I really like the thumb index. It helps people who may not know the order of the books find chapters more easily. I am also getting used to having two ribbons in books and Bibles instead of one. This Bible has both a gold ribbon and a pink ribbon, and they are beautiful. There is also a table of contents that lists the books of the Old and New Testaments in order.

The inside design is simple and lovely. It gives a feeling of calmness and respect for God’s Word.

Durability, Suitability & What Makes This Bible Unique

This Bible seems very sturdy. The pages feel thick enough, and the spine looks like it will hold up well with normal use. The only thing I would worry about is the pink cover. I love the color so much, but I do wonder how it would handle pen marks or stains. One little mark could change the look of the cover, since it is a soft, light pink.

Since this Bible is the King James Version, it may be harder for beginners or younger readers to understand, However, some older readers who grew up with it might enjoy it tremendously.

The pink color is lovely and feminine, and it would make a beautiful gift for many women and girls. I would purchase one as a baptism, confirmation, Holy Communion, or a “Just because I love you gift.” This Bible is beautiful—just pretty, pretty, pretty. However, it may not be the best choice for a ladies’ church class or group that may prefer a study Bible, but that depends on personal preference.

One special feature I really enjoy is the red‑letter text. It makes the words of Jesus stand out in a lovely way. And honestly, the beauty of this Bible is part of what makes it unique.

My Personal Takeaway

I really do love this Bible, but I know I am easily drawn to pretty, feminine, and vintage‑style things, so I might be a little biased. Even though a Bible is meant to be opened and read, I have to admit this one would look beautiful on a bookshelf, a coffee table, or as part of home décor. It is just that lovely.

Pros and Cons: Summing it up!

Pros

• Beautiful ballet‑pink cover with gold floral design
• Soft, leather‑like feel
• Perfect size for carrying
• Large, easy‑to‑read font
• Red‑letter edition
• Thumb index tabs
• Two pretty ribbons
• Strong binding and sturdy pages
• Simple layout with no distractions
• Great for devotional reading or as a gift

Cons

• Light pink cover may stain easily
• Small margins for note‑taking
• KJV may be hard for beginners or younger readers
• Not a study Bible
• Font may not work for long reading sessions
• May not fit group study settings

PINK RULES!

 

Not subscribed yet? I’d love for you to join the blog!

 

Christian Living, Devotionals, God, Jesus, and Holy Spirit, Life Issues, Patti Greene, Uncategorized, Worry

Bloops, Stress, and God’s Steady Hand

If you are receiving this blog via email, clicking the post title will show the best version.

————————

Bloops! Before you write me off as crazy, let me explain. I blooped a lot this week. And my reason? Stress. Real, honest-to-goodness stress.

At first, I thought my bloops were manageable. They were private, and only a few people knew. Like when I sent two packages to the wrong addresses. One was a birthday gift for my grandson—I mailed it to his old house, the one he moved out of five years ago! Then I sent my recently designed Christmas cards to Lubbock instead of here. I know, I know. Bloops happen.

But when bloops go public? That’s when embarrassment sets in.

I was trying to change my Facebook profile picture. Instead of uploading the right photo, I accidentally posted a picture of my hand, one I meant to show my doctor, not the world! I deleted the pic right away, but Facebook warned me: “Deleted but may still appear elsewhere.” Oh no. Then came the text from a friend: “What is this pic?” Yikes. It’s out there somewhere.

So why all the bloops? I believe it’s stress. Last week was full of it. My mind was tired. My heart was heavy. I wasn’t thinking clearly. And when stress piles up, mistakes follow.

Stress can make us forget things. It can make us feel overwhelmed, anxious, or even clumsy. But here’s the good news: God doesn’t write us off when we bloop. He doesn’t laugh or roll His eyes, or maybe He does, but I know He meets us in our mess and offers peace.

Let’s look at what the Bible says about stress and God’s care:

1. “Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.” — 1 Peter 5:7
God doesn’t just tolerate our stress—He invites us to hand it over.

2. Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” — Matthew 11:28
When we’re tired and bloopy, Jesus offers rest—not shame.

3. “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” — Psalm 46:1
He’s not just near us in calm moments. He’s right there in the chaos.

4. “The Lord gives strength to His people; the Lord blesses His people with peace.” — Psalm 29:11
Strength and peace are gifts He gives freely, even when we feel weak.

So if you’ve blooped lately—sent something to the wrong address, posted the wrong photo, or just felt off—take heart. You’re not alone. Stress happens. But God is steady. He’s kind. And He is always ready to help us reset.

Bible Verses: Within Blog

Prayer: Heavenly Father, we all fail or make silly mistakes. Lord, thank You for forgiving us when we sin, and thank You for loving us always, even when our personalities or humor get ahead of us. You are a mighty God, and we love You for loving us no matter what. Amen.