Category Archives: Prayer

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THE WAIT IS OVER! My new book, Unstoppable: Go the Distance with God is now available !

Unstoppable: Go the Distance with God by Patti Greene

AVAILABLE NOW: PB ISBN-13: 9798284335017; On Amazon!

To order, click this link. bit.ly/4eovDOw

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.

God bless you. Patti

Bible Verse: Ecclesiastes 11:5

To order, click this link. bit.ly/4eovDOw

 

 

 

 

 

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Coming Soon! Unstoppable: Go the Distance with God—A Wild Ride Through Writing “Unstoppable” 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.

The Emotional Rollercoaster of Writing a Book

Writing a book is not for the faint of heart. It is an emotionally draining, physically taxing, and spiritually stretching experience. If you ever find yourself thinking, “Hey, I should write a book,” stop. Breathe. Brace yourself. And grab some chocolate because you’re going to need it. 

 

Through this process, I’ve cried, moaned, and yelled at my computer. I possibly aged about 10 years in the span of a few years, but miraculously, I finished writing my eighth book! Do I feel accomplished? Sure. Do I feel like a semi-truck has run over me? Also, SURE!

 

God’s (Sometimes Hilarious) Guidance 

From the beginning, I wanted to keep God’s Word close to my heart and follow the leading of the Spirit as I plodded along. And plod I did. This book was initially meant for my kids’ eyes only—a heartfelt collection of wisdom they could cherish long after I’m gone. Somewhere between draft number one and edit number 117, it transformed into something bigger, meant for anyone looking to deepen their faith and go the distance with God. 

Throughout this journey, I had some hilarious conversations with God: 

– “Lord, don’t ever have me do anything like this again.”

– “What if I find a typo after publishing?” 

– “Wait… you want me to change the title AGAIN?” 

– “Lord, you want me to start each chapter with a dead guy’s quote?” 

 

To which God graciously replied (in the way only He can): 

– “Remember, it’s for My honor and glory.”

– “Don’t expect perfection—you’re human.”

– “Yes, you’re creative, so have fun matching titles and subtitles.”

– “Yup, because they will have less chance of a moral failure.”

 

So I pressed on, fueled by faith, prayer, and an alarming amount of caffeine.

 

Artificial Intelligence (AI)

FYI—Unstoppable is something deeply personal—not just a story, but a legacy. It was written with my tone and words, shaped by the people and places that mean so much to me. I started writing it before AI was even a thing, and while I consulted it a few times for organization and suggestions, I wanted every word to be mine. More than anything, I wanted my kids to hear my voice when they read it so that even when I’m gone, a part of me will always be with them.

 

Writing is a wild journey, but it’s always worth it when done for His glory. Thank you for your support, prayers, and patience. With that, I’m off to sip some tea and hopefully not write another book. 

 

The Publishing Process—Otherwise Known as The Dark Process

If writing a book wasn’t hard enough, publishing it was monstrous. I initially tried to get an agent, thinking, “This is the way!” Six months of rejections later, I realized that I didn’t have enough friends, I was not an influencer, and traditional publishing wasn’t in my future. 

 

So, I did what any stubborn, slightly sleep-deprived writer would do—self-publish. Again. 

 

This meant 100+ edits (yes, in the hundreds), wrangling with formatting, citations, page numbers, and all the other things that make a writer question their life choices. Somewhere in this madness, my dining room transformed into a literal war zone—papers everywhere, sticky notes plastered on every available surface, and a laptop that looked like it had just returned from battle. 

 

About To Pack Up!

I spent a lot of time at the manicurist’s shop for stress relief.  Newly painted nails made me feel better. Go figure! Maybe the pink, blue, or purple nails were an emotional boost for me, but whatever, it helped me.

 

But then came my biggest battle yet: the three-hole punch incident. A seemingly harmless office tool turned into a vengeful beast, sinking its metal teeth into my thumb in pure malice. For a brief, terrifying moment, I truly believed I had just given myself an unintentional body piercing. A nice, round hole right through my finger—a new, avant-garde look in literary injuries. I braced myself for the worst, mentally preparing to explain to my family why I needed stitches due to an attack from my own supplies. 

 

Fortunately, I escaped with my finger intact—but not my dignity. I now approach the three-hole punch with great caution, side-eyeing it like it might strike again at any moment.

Yes, I Pondered!

I understand how some authors churn out books like it’s a buffet line—one scoop after another, no sweat. Especially the famous ones. Pastors-turned-authors, for instance, barely lift a pen! They hand off a stack of sermons, mumble something about “a few chapter ideas,” and—voila!—a whole book appears like magic. Meanwhile, I’m over here squinting at style guides, wondering who decided that footnotes should be an extreme sport. And don’t even get me started on getting the little dots in the Table of Contents to behave and connect to the correct page number. But honestly? Figuring it out myself makes the finished product feel like a victory lap, not just another book on the shelf.

 

The Cover Saga—A Journey Through Technology and Tears

As if everything else wasn’t chaotic enough, then came “the book cover.” There were endless possibilities, new technology to learn, and a steep learning curve that I was utterly unprepared for. My husband (who deserves a medal) for enduring this process with me agreed that I am a slow and inefficient learner, technologically speaking. Heck, I can’t even figure out a TV remote.

 

And he’s right. Formatting? Confusing. Image resolutions like DPI? A foreign language. Then, there was the magic art of making a cover look professional without wanting to pay someone else to do it. But, as the Lord always does, He took me step by step, preparing me and leading me through each frustrating cover. 

 

Marketing and Advertising: The Thing I’d Rather Not Do

Marketing this book is not my favorite thing. In fact, I’d rather organize my sock drawer by color and season. But I believe in this book. It will reach the people who need it.  So, if you see me posting more about this book than usual, I am not trying to be an influencer. I am just trying to be obedient, and have folks learn more about the Bible, Prayer, Christian Living, Leadership, and how to handle Crises. 

 

Two More Things . . . 

First, for those who have prayed for me during this ministry, I want to say . . .

Second, if you ever want me to speak at your church, I may be able to. I cannot guarantee how polished my delivery will be (remember, I fought a three-hole punch and lost), but I promise honesty, laughter, and a deep love for God’s Word.

 

Upon the official release of this book, which will be very soon, I envision myself relaxing in a lawn chair on a beach, but it will most likely be sitting in a chair in Phoenix, watching the grandkids swim. Then, years later, I’ll pick up the book, read it as if someone else wrote it, and won’t care about any lingering typos. That’s the dream.

COMING SOON! Unstoppable: Go the Distance with God

So, what did I read while I was nearing the end of the book? A nice, simple fiction book about LOBOTOMIES! And it was so refreshing!

 

Feel free to share this article with others.

If you like articles like this, please subscribe to my blog  at GreenePastures.org/

Bible Verses: 

Commit your works to the LORD,  and your thoughts will be established. Proverbs 16:3 NKJV

And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance for you serve the Lord Christ. Colossians 3:23-24 NKJV

Prayer:

Please help me understand the path You desire for my life. Please help me to listen, respond, prepare, and be prayerful as I wait for opportunities to serve You. Lord, thank You for clear instructions on how You desire to use me in the future, wherever and whenever that may be.   Amen.

 

 

Bible Study, Christian Living, God, Jesus, and Holy Spirit, Patti Greene, Prayer, Testimonies, Uncategorized, Wisdom

Prayer and Bible Ramblings

Prayer and Bible Ramblings by Patti Greene

If you receive this article through email, you can click on the title to read it on the GreenePastures.org blog-Pics and all!

Pray

The beauty of having your own blog is that you can ramble. That is precisely what I am doing in this blog. I am rambling about prayer and Bible study, my two favorite topics.

Since I accepted Christ 53 years ago, prayer and Bible study have been the foundation that has held me together. Through trials and triumphs, I’ve learned that growth and maturity in the Lord come through these very struggles. Life hasn’t always been easy, but God has faithfully used my challenges to shape my heart and spirit.

Today, I experienced an answer to a concern I’ve had for decades—an answer I longed for. It came through a person I visited with for the very first time! It reminded me that God works in ways we often don’t expect and in His timing. This blessing stirred my heart, reaffirming that waiting upon the Lord’s answers and direction is not passive; it’s active and leads to an exciting prayer life. But timing is everything!

Have you ever felt God’s presence while waiting for God’s answers?

The Struggle and the Call to Wait

I admit that struggling with my heart’s desires tests me. Yet, over the years, I’ve seen God’s faithfulness in answering prayers, sometimes in ways I don’t immediately understand. Even so, in moments of uncertainty, I continue to cry out to God, asking Him to enlighten my thoughts through His Holy Spirit. These times of prayer are vital. Perhaps you’ve felt this, too: the need to seek God’s wisdom when your mind is clouded or uncertain.

Prayer requires dedication and intention. Developing a meaningful prayer time takes effort and time. It isn’t always the same, but the process of prayer is transformative. As we wait for God to answer our prayers, we must also declutter our minds and focus on Him. Worship and adoration invite the Holy Spirit to cultivate His presence, allowing us to align our thoughts and hearts with His will.

Praying for Everything and Everyone

The Bible instructs us to pray about everything. We should pray even when we don’t understand what is happening, especially when our hearts and minds bounce around with different scenarios.

God hears us when we pray, and He will answer. Through prayer, we learn to release our burdens and trust Him fully.

Forgiveness is an essential part of our prayer lives. Repentance/confession brings peace. We are called to meditate on God’s Word, not through emptying our minds but by filling them with His truth. This meditation is an active, vibrant fellowship with God, where His Word becomes our guide and comfort. Interceding for others is another crucial aspect of prayer.

For almost 50 years, I’ve kept a prayer journal, even before prayer journals were popular. Looking back at those entries, I can see how God has guided me, comforted me, and answered countless prayers. It’s an amazing privilege to track the journey of faith and see how God has worked—both in my own life and in the lives of others.

Answered Prayers, Bible, and Transformation

Sometimes, prayers aren’t answered as we hoped, but they are still answered in God’s perfect timing within His will. From our perspective, we sometimes feel God is not moving when our prayers are unanswered. However, all prayers are answered (maybe not to our liking) but in ways that align with God’s more excellent plan. Through all of it, praising and thanking God strengthens our prayer lives and deepens our trust in Him. 

Arnold Cole and Pamela Caudill Ovwighn conducted a study through the Center for Bible Engagement. They discovered that people who read the Bible once, twice, or three times a week experience nominal spiritual growth. According to their research, “If you read the Bible on more days than you don’t read the Bible, your chances for mature Christian behavior go way up.” ¹

When we commit to praying and studying God’s Word more often, we begin to change. The ultimate goal of prayer and Scripture is to be transformed into the image of Christ (2 Corinthians 3:18). This process is exciting and fulfilling.

Prayer is not just about asking for what we desire, even though we can ask for that as long as it is not something Scripture has already proven wrong. Prayer allows us to become more like the One we are praying to; thus, His desires also become our desires. We must remember that God knows our hearts. And how exciting it can be when God pours His favor on us!

Holy Bible

Trusting  God in His Timing

Many of us are praying specific prayers right now. I know I am. Waiting can be difficult, but it is in this waiting that our trust in God deepens. The goal is to learn to trust Him fully, and I long for this kind of trust—for myself and you, too.

I hope this blog makes sense since I am just writing and rambling!

God bless.

Bible Verses

If we live by the Spirit, let’s follow the Spirit as well (Galatians 5:17 NASB),

And [Jesus] opened their understanding, that they might comprehend the Scriptures (Luke 24:45 NKJV).

Show me your favor, God. I go to you for safety. I will find safety in the shadow of your wings (Psalms 57:1 NIRV).

Prayer

Lord, sometimes I do not know what or how to pray. Teach me what the Holy Spirit is leading me to understand. Remind me daily to get alone with You for prayer and Bible study. Awaken me, and help me to be transformed into Your image. Keep me from temptations because the Spirit is willing, but my flesh is weak. Thank you for loving me and guiding me in Your timing. Give me the patience to wait on You.

Feel free to share, repost, or comment.

¹ Vaters, Karl. De-Sizing the Church. Chicago: Moody Publishers, 2024. p, 163.

Christian Living, God, Jesus, and Holy Spirit, Holy Spirit, Patti Greene, Prayer, Sacred Snippets, Uncategorized

Sacred Snippet: Queen Mary’s Garden

Sacred Snippet: Queen Mary’s Garden by Patti Greene
 
If you receive this article through email, you can click on the title to read it on the GreenePastures.org blog-Pics and all!
Twelve years ago, John and I traveled to London, and while he worked during the day, I had the wonderful opportunity to explore on my own. One day, I courageously took a bus (yes, all by myself) to Queen Mary’s Garden. After figuring out the bus route, I arrived and found myself enchanted by the charming shops lining the streets before locating the garden. As I wandered through the garden, admiring the vibrant flowers and beautiful greenery, I was drawn to a special bench.
I sat down and entered a deep prayer time, surrounded by the beauty of God’s creation. On that bench, I felt the Lord speak to me: “Patti, I will always give you the strength and courage you need whenever you need it.” That message has stayed with me, as vivid as the day I received it.
 
Since then, I’ve encountered similar benches in other places, like one in Canada, where I sat and was again reminded of God’s promise. Each time I see a bench like that, whether on TV or in a park, I am grateful for God’s unwavering love that gives me His strength and courage when I need it.
I hope you have found a special place where God has touched your heart. If you haven’t found one yet, I encourage you to pause, pray, and listen for His voice no matter where you are. He is always present and ready to speak with words meant just for you.
 
God Bless,
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

 
Bible Study, Christian Living, GreenePastures.org, Life Issues, People in the Bible, Prayer

Ezekiel’s Trial

If you receive this article through email, you can click on the title to read it on the GreenePastures.org blog-Pics and all!

Ezekiel

I’ve been reading the Book of Ezekiel this week, and because suffering has been such a topic in my Bible study class, I zoned in on one of Ezekiel’s trials.

In Ezekiel 24, the story of suffering reminds us that in our moments of pain, we should strive to pray for God’s deeper purposes to be revealed. Otherwise, we will drive ourselves crazy trying to figure it all out.

Ezekiel’s wife was suddenly taken from him by God, even though he cherished her deeply. Despite his loss, God instructed him not to mourn for her openly. This might seem puzzling, but it serves as an example of what God expected from Israel.

Death of Ezekiel’s Wife Is a Sign

And the word of the Lord came to me saying, “Son of man, behold, I am about to take from you the desire of your eyes with a blow; but you shall not mourn and you shall not weep, and your tears shall not come.  Groan silently; make no mourning for the dead. Bind on your turban and put your shoes on your feet, and do not cover your mustache and do not eat the bread of men.”  So I spoke to the people in the morning, and in the evening my wife died. And in the morning I did as I was commanded (Ezekiel 24: 15-18).

The people were to face destruction and loss due to their sins, just as Ezekiel did, but they were not permitted to mourn openly. To clarify, Ezekiel’s suffering was not the result of any sin or wrongdoings. He was meant to show the people how to respond to their hardships.

God’s Deeper Purpose

Sometimes, God allows things to happen to us for a purpose, even if it’s difficult to accept. He often wants us to use those experiences for His purpose: to help others who are going through similar struggles.

I can relate to this on a smaller scale. For instance, during our home walk-through in 2021, the morning before we were scheduled to purchase a new home, I fell down fourteen wooden stairs headfirst! While in and out of consciousness, lying at the bottom of the stairs, I started declaring aloud over and over again, “God let this happen so I can help someone else who falls down the stairs.” The realtor must have thought I was a basket case. I haven’t helped anyone in the same situation yet, but I genuinely wanted to find God’s deeper purpose amid my scary time. It’s funny how the mind works!

Seek Him

God knows our situation and/or circumstance, and we should seek to understand His purposes. Life happens, and God desires us to trust Him in everything. And yes, I know it can be hard.

Praying, meditating on His Word, and fellowshipping with others are some of the activities that can help us find peace and move on.

Ezekiel’s experience reinforces my belief that in times of suffering, we should strive to pray for God’s deeper purposes to be revealed to us—no matter how long it takes!

I’m working on it! How about you?

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

My heavenly Father, I love you. I know You are always looking out for me. However, there are some things I can’t get over, but I want to. Help me, Lord, to daily have the confidence to trust You for everything. You are the only one who can help me to understand my former and present trials, thoughts, hopes, and dreams. From this day forth, let me consider Your DEEPER PURPOSES for my life and not my own. Thank you for reminding me that You will give me an understanding of Your purpose(s) in my life. I will keep praying.

In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Bible Verse

“For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus” (Philippians 1:6).

Trial of Ezekiel. Bible Study Resources. 30 Oct 2020. Accessed 27 Sept 2024. https://biblestudyresources.org/trial-of-ezekiel/

Christian Living, GreenePastures.org, Life Issues, Obedience, Prayer, The Bible

Trauma

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If you receive this article through email, you can click on the title to read it on the GreenePastures.org blog-Pics and all!

TRAUMA

Many of us, especially as we grow older, carry the weight of significant trauma. I am no exception. These traumas often lead us through years of introspection and painful questioning: Why did that happen? What if I had acted differently? Why can’t I move past these memories?

It’s disheartening when these painful memories resurface unexpectedly, sometimes decades later. These recollections can intrude upon our thoughts startlingly, leaving us feeling helpless.

Some people and experiences we wish we could erase entirely, while others we yearn to reconnect with before our time is up.

It’s perplexing why these moments of pain reappear at the most inconvenient times, challenging our understanding. We might also wonder why such memories continue to haunt us.

While the reasons may remain elusive, one thing is sure: God understands the depth of our pain and the struggle these memories bring. But He is there to offer comfort and support against these relentless, intrusive thoughts.

The weight of these memories can lead to confusion, guilt, and a diminished spirit. We long to bury these painful experiences so that they never surface again, yearning for relief from the confusion and sorrow they bring.

Canva Photo

As I drove to a friend’s home today, I found solace in knowing that God is intimately aware of every hurt and thought I have now and have ever endured. He understands the impact of these past trials on us, even when they resurface unexpectedly.

But when the shadows of past traumas return, how should we respond?

In some cases, this is where spiritual warfare comes into play. When we’re overwhelmed by memories we’d rather forget or face heartaches and struggles we can’t share with others, we might be engaged in a spiritual battle. Discerning whether these challenges are from God, ourselves, or an evil force can be confusing.

In these moments, consider the following truths about spiritual warfare. Satan’s attacks are not new. As believers, we are engaged in a battle and must equip ourselves with spiritual armor. Understand that the righteous often face fiercer attacks because they are devoted to serving God and praying for others. We must sustain ourselves with prayer and daily immersion in God’s word. And obeying God’s guidance and will is crucial.

God’s work in our lives is ongoing until He calls us home. Progress can be difficult, but we must recognize our identity in Christ and trust that He will “help us” through every challenge. One of my favorite prayers in the Psalms, which I constantly pray, is, “Help me!”

Bible Verse

Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary, the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeing whom he may devour; who resist steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world. (1 Peter 5:8-9)

Prayer

With faith and perseverance, please help me, Lord, to face what comes my way. You are my comforter when hard memories come into my life. Guide me to place my entire life, current and past, in your hands. I love you.

 

Continue reading Trauma →

Devotionals, Prayer, Writing and Speaking

Voices: The Power and Importance of Prayer

February 13, 2024-First Published in The Baptist Standard

In January, I had the privilege of discussing prayer with a group of wonderful women. During this session, I found myself pouring out my thoughts and insights, resulting in a talk that spanned about 3,000 words. In the aftermath of this talk, I felt compelled to put my reflections into a more concise form, aiming for an article of approximately 900 words. As I embarked on this endeavor, I couldn’t help but feel that as I was crossing out each word, fragments of my heart were being torn out. Nevertheless, I felt driven by a desire to share these reflections with a wider audience. It is my hope that this article will resonate with other women who yearn for deeper insights into prayer. Please feel free to share it with anyone whom you believe might benefit from its message and comment on the Baptist Standard link.

Click to read the article.

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Voices: The power and importance of prayer

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Voices: Choose to follow God’s path of life

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Reprinted from The Baptist Standard

Voices: Choose to follow God’s path of life

God has a path of life for believers in Jesus. Are you on that path of following Jesus or heading down a different one?

8-28-2023 – By Patti Greene

_____________________________

Do you feel you are on the right path of life, following your Lord as closely as you know how? Or are you slipping slowly down the wrong path?

God has a path for believers in Jesus Christ. The Bible calls it the path of life.

As a child, I used to grab 10 to 15 Little Golden Books at a time and read one after another. One that always attracted me is Scuffy the Tugboat by Gertrude Crampton.

Scuffy was an adventurous little tugboat who believed he was meant for bigger things. He leaves his home, the man with the polka-dot tie, and the little boy who cared for him and sets off to explore the world. After his daring and treacherous adventure down a brook and then a raging river, Scuffy realizes home is where he’d rather be.

Twice during his adventure, Scuffy said, “This is the life for me.” The first time, he was leaving the reasonable, sensible path of his prior life to seek adventure. The second time was when he realized he already had been right where he needed to be all along—at home, safe in the arms of the man and boy who loved him.

Our goal should be to reach the point where we say right where we are, “This is the life for me.”

God wants us to understand we can know our path. Hopefully, it is the one he has set apart for us, but we must choose it.

Choices

In Psalms 16, King David declares he wants refuge in the Lord. In his communion with the Lord, he writes:

“You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy: at your right hand are pleasures forevermore” (Psalm 16:11 ESV).

What path does God want us to be on for him?

In his Tyndale Old Testament Commentary on Psalms 1–72, Derek Kidner defines a person on the right path of life asone whose affections are centered on God. This person finds satisfaction in God’s ways and does not pursue other gods. God’s protection and instruction bless him.

We have two choices we can make in life: (1) accept Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, and (2) follow God’s path for us leading to total joy in his presence.

We know we have eternal life, but sometimes we experience spiritual struggles. David trusted the Lord would show him the righteous path of life.

Righteousness and unrighteousness

As believers, we continually must choose between righteousness and unrighteousness. We want to walk in victory, but sometimes we find ourselves desiring things God has proclaimed unsuitable for us. We have that struggle between our flesh and the spirit, so we must ponder the path our feet are on.

We cannot experience God’s true purpose for life when we travel the destructive path. We may find ourselves in a continuous cycle of repeatedly sinning and confessing. To break that cycle, we must deny ourselves, take up Jesus’ cross and follow him.

“And he was saying to them all, ‘If anyone wishes to come after me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross daily and follow me’” (Luke 9:23 NASB95).

“In the way of righteousness is life, and in its pathway, there is no death …” (Proverbs 10:28 Amplified Bible).

“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous, so that he will forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9 NASB).

Reroute and redirect

A navigation system is an instrument that determines the position of a vehicle and the route to a particular place. The car’s navigation system tells the driver to turn left or right at a specific junction. The navigation system uses GPS signals to determine the vehicle’s location and direction.

It is a valuable tool with many benefits, such as helping people reach their destination, guiding drivers through congested areas, tracking packages, locating vehicles and more.

It is similar to the way God directs us in our lives. He shows us which way to turn, signals us on which way to proceed, helps us reach the destination and call of our lives, and guides us continually through the rough times in our lives.

Our navigation system must take its orders from the Lord. He will reroute and redirect our thoughts or actions if we genuinely want to follow his path.

‘This is the life for me’

Scuffy’s path of life allowed him to travel in a way that was not good for him. In the process, he enjoyed some of life’s simple pleasures, but as he kept traveling along the river, he was jammed with logs and became scared of the river moving faster and faster. Then the flood waters came, and the little tugboat desired the warmth and safety of home.

God can do the same for us as we travel our path of life.

Just like the man with the polka-dot tie who scooped Scuffy out of the water after his journey away and brought him home, God will do the same for us when we choose to live for him, decide against following unrighteous living, and allow him to reroute us when we stumble.

Let’s live victoriously in his presence along the path he has prepared for us.

Patti Greene is a graduate of Baylor University and Dallas Baptist University, a member of Second Baptist Church in Houston, and the author of seven books. The views are those of the author.

 
#bgbg2, Bible Study, Christian Living, God's Will, Most Recent Post, Prayer, Spiritual Gifts, Spiritual Growth, The Bible

Voices: Four things help us find God’s call in our lives

Reprinted from The Baptist Standard

 

I hesitated for a few weeks about posting an article I wrote for The Baptist Standard on my blog, mainly because I didn’t want to draw attention to myself. However, today in my quiet time, the Lord impressed me to post it because it might just be what someone needs to read. My prayer is that it will touch someone’s heart today. God bless you.

 
APRIL 11, 2023
Patti Greene

The Baptist Standard

After many years of working outside the home, I “retired.” With time to serve God more fully, I appealed to my heavenly Father and cried: “Lord, how can you use me? I don’t play the piano, and I don’t like hanging out at the gym.”

God said: “Patti, I have been preparing you all these years. I allowed you to grow up in a family that loved books. I surrounded you with books all the time. You have created your own library of prayer journals during 40-plus years. Now is the time to write a book and share with others what I have let you experience. This is your destiny.”

So, I penned my first prayer journal, and a new call in my life evolved, that of writing.

People all over the world ask the question, “Lord, how can you use me?”

Once we genuinely believe Jesus is the way, the truth and the life, we can ask God confidently what his will for our lives might be. Through our obedience in doing the small things, he will show us more ways we can serve him.

Four things help us find God’s call in our lives: (1) preparation, (2) practice, (3) prayer and (4) Bible reading.

Preparation

I wanted to prepare myself for ministry. I needed God to direct my path and mold me to be used for his purpose. A series of books on spiritual maturity helped establish the foundation of my Christian beliefs. I also deepened my obedience to whatever God had in store.

All the while, I wondered how God could use someone like me—someone who failed my first English essay in college, was terrified of being called on in Bible study classes and was still learning sin had consequences. But God cared for me and was preparing me to be used for his glory, and I knew it.

The foundations of my faith grew through Christian books and my first two churches in the Baptist faith. God led me to University Baptist Church in Fort Worth, where I was baptized, and First Baptist Church in Houston, where my faith deepened beyond measure.

To know where God wants to use you, experiment in different gift areas, listen to what others think you do well, take a spiritual gifts inventory survey, read books that address the topic, and pray for God to show you where you fit in the body of Christ. Then practice what you have learned.

Everyone has at least one spiritual gift. Romans 12:6-8 gives us a partial list of spiritual gifts—prophecy (explaining Scripture), service, teaching, encouraging, giving, leading and mercy. You might consider these.

I read the Bible continually during my time of discernment, wanting to know more about God and how he could use me. I began to serve in little ways, such as writing notes, putting short Bible studies together and organizing biblical materials.

Reading materials written by solid Bible-believing authors opened the door to a deeper dependence on the Holy Spirit through prayer. The Bible and these books confirmed God loved me, and in his infinite wisdom, he had a spiritual plan for my life. God does for you, as well.

Prayer

While I have read many books on prayer, it differs from carving out time daily to give praise and worship to our heavenly Father. God loves us as no one else can. He wants us to pay attention to him. Prayer gives a person time to think, meditate, confess sins and share burdens.

Sometimes we limit our call, believing only pastors and those in ministry can be used by God, but God wants everyone to seek his kingdom and to engage intimately in prayer with him.

Bible reading

The primary way God speaks to us occurs by reading the Bible. Through God’s word, we recognize what is right and wrong, what is honorable and what is not, and what he wants us to do or not do.

A new life of salvation, hope and trust opens for us when we continually read the word of God. God desires to show us his will and direction, and we can find that in his holy word.

Get Ready to be used by God

We are on a journey, and God has a purpose for us. Don’t allow fear, laziness or perfectionism to stop you from seeking God’s will.

While my passion for reading is what God uses to show me how he can use me, it may be different for you. God has given us all diverse backgrounds, passions, personalities, talents and quirks. Look at your experiences, hone your skills, prepare yourself, practice ministry, pray and read God’s word. Don’t expect to be good at everything at once. Wait for God’s timing.

When God revealed to me it was time to write a book, it occurred in my messy bedroom closet. Not only did he show me what to do, but he also confirmed it by prompting me to look at the top shelf to see my prayer journals.

That’s when he said: “Now is the time to write a book and share with others what I have let you experience. This is your destiny.”

What is your God-given destiny?

Patti Greene is a graduate of Baylor University and Dallas Baptist University, a member of Second Baptist Church in Houston, and the author of seven books. The views expressed are those of the author.
 
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#bgbg2, Caregiving, Christian Living, Coronavirus, Death, Friendship, Life Issues, Medical, Parenting and Family, Prayer, Testimonies

Two Years Ago Today, Mom Went to Heaven!

Initial Remarks

Today marks two years since my dear mom passed away—August 27, 2020. I wrote the following letter four months after my mom died, recollecting the time my husband John and I spent living with her for four years in her home. I mailed this note to a few very close friends at the time, but today, I feel like posting this in her honor and sharing that I am still sad about a lot of things, but I know moving on would be what she would want for me.

Dear Friends

First, I want to thank all of you who have prayed for John and me over the past few years. We were in a unique season of life—a life we never expected to be in. It was challenging and rewarding at the same time.

Most of you know that in January 2016, I moved into my parent’s home when my dad was ill with leukemia and dementia. John was working overseas at the time. Dad died in February 2016.

Being concerned about mom, I stayed with her after Dad’s passing. The idea of her alone in the house made me want to stay with her. Unfortunately, 2016 brought a diagnosis of Stage 4 lung cancer to mom on top of all her other ailments, so I continued to stay at mom’s house. John came home from his overseas assignment shortly after mom’s diagnosis and moved into mom’s house with me.

We locked up our house, and our life became different—more different than we ever expected. John retired after completing his overseas assignment but found a little part-time work, and life moved on. We settled into our life with mom in west Houston, trying to adjust to not being in our own home. I did fine for the first two years. But, the last two years were physically and emotionally tough on me. As mom progressively needed more care and attention, I became more nervous and anxious. I was not my usual self. I had a hard time coping, although I was able to conceal it from others for the most part.

John saw and experienced my constant exhaustion, my need for respite, and my emotional stress worsening daily. He was my rock. I cannot imagine any other person being so kind and generous as giving up his home and life to partner with me in caretaking my mother – his mother-in-law. John occupied my mom with mind-boggling conversations and debates. He made dinner most days, and towards the end, his help and love truly inspired me as he provided nursing duties way beyond his pay grade. Christ-like love was indeed in action!

God knew my fragile mental state. And I hate to say it, but COVID was the lifeline I needed to be able to move back home. It had become apparent that I was not doing well with our 24/7 living arrangement at mom’s house. When COVID hit: Mom’s housekeeper was able to move in with her even though we were back towards the end of mom’s life. John, me, and mom all sleeping in the same bedroom, available for whatever.

Even being home was highly stressful, with daily visits to mom’s house, more doctor’s appointments than ever, and issues relating to mom’s declining health.

If you have not guessed by now, two thousand twenty has been the roughest ride of my life!

I am omitting many “specifics” so I do not get bogged down and miss the point I am trying to share with you.

The fact is, a good friend said, “God has positioned people who can take our hands and help us find our way through the fog and storms.” You are those people!!! Your prayers helped me to pray and not lose my heart. Your prayers helped me to pursue seeking the Highest God, your prayers helped me to stay strong in the Word of God, and your prayers reminded me that challenges are for our spiritual growth. This journey was not anything I had ever imagined, but God knew I had to go through it. This season was sent to accomplish things in me that could not have been accomplished any other way.

Some of you have been where I was. Some of you have not. However, I want you to know that when we experience tears and disappointment, it does not have to dimmish our relationship with the Lord. He allows each new experience to make us aware that we need to trust Him so solidly that we can tell Him the down and dirty of all we think and encounter. When I had questions, God was there. When I cried, He was there. When I could not handle it anymore, God was still there. Even though there were times I could not feel His presence, you kept me hanging on to Him. That was possible due to your prayers. Thank you!

Mom died on August 27, 2020. John and I received a call at 1:50 a.m. from my older brother to come home. I had my cuddle time with mom; then, at 3:50 p.m. that afternoon, she took her final breath.

It has only been a few months since we left that season of our lives. Still, thankfully God is showing me why the experiences I encountered were essential. I do not understand many things that came about during that season. But God always pointed me back to Him—calling me to trust Him when I couldn’t see the whys of the past or the wonders of the future. During my caregiving time, I encountered burnout, compassion fatigue, taxing emotions, and the perps of spending time with my dear mom. I knew the challenges were in His hands. Thanks for your prayers!

Life is an adventure. I wailed many times during this period, “Lord, I can’t handle it anymore!” But He knew and knows when it is time to step in for relief. God moved when I reached the pinnacle of my despair in August. These years are now part of my life story. I recognize that “being out of our comfort zone” is usually the only way we can grow, and I thank God for it. I experienced many sweet times with mom that would not have been possible any other way, but it was still strenuous and tough on me. So, thanks again for your prayers!

Each day, I feel a little more rested and restored. I know that the Lord will use this experience for His glory. There are so many Biblical principles that I had read in Scripture but not experienced before. I encountered so many aspects during these 4+ years: love, forgiveness, gratitude, and boundaries—to mention the positive ones. Sometimes it is hard to see circumstances clearly when living under stress or in a bleak period. Still, when the light is slowly restored, we can feel God’s peace and presence in extraordinary ways—even supernaturally. We start understanding the why, the why not, the how much longer questions of life. In these times, we must depend on the prayers of our friends like you. And for that, thanks again for your prayers!

My takeaway is to encourage you to look at your circumstances through the eyes of our heavenly Father. Commit to renewing your mind daily with prayer and Bible study. Remember that darkness does not stay forever in whatever situation you face. Even through hard times, He is close by—guiding us, building our faith, and waiting to meet our needs. He has a purpose for everything we experience in life, to prepare us for His assignments here on earth or for our heavenly home.

Today—Two Years Later

Yes, John and I have moved on; that is a long story. Still, one thing we both know is that God directed and allowed us to spend time with mom. However, I encountered difficult times caregiving at points along the way. If you are caregiving, hang on! Memories are being formed that will be cherished more with time. The emotional journey has a purpose that God will use in your life ministries.

While living with my mom, I wrote a book titled Christian Caregiving: Practical Advice for a Happy Ending. I wrote it during the first two years of living with mom. If I had waited until later, the book would probably never have been written. I left out the hard part, the biography of my experiences as time passed, because I hadn’t experienced that. However, it is a good book for those starting on the journey of caregiving with lots of Scripture references. I am not posting this as a sales pitch for my book, but I wanted you to know good things come from caregiving. Our strength in Him and knowing that He always has His best for us in mind keeps us going.

Mom, I love you, and I always will. Thanks for loving me. I still miss you two years later.

God Bless.

Verses from Christian Caregiving:  Practical Advice for a Happy Ending [9780692115381-Available on Amazon.com. Only $7.44 today.

Just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve and to give His life a ransom for many (Matthew 20:28).

Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you (Ephesians 4:32).

Commit your works to the LORD, and your plans will be established (Proverbs 16:3)

Books by Patti Greene

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