Category Archives: Testimonies

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

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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

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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.

 

 

Christian Living, God, Jesus, and Holy Spirit, How to Guides, Life Issues, Medical, Testimonies, The Bible, Uncategorized

How Cataract Surgery was My Spiritual Formation 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 you read, I encourage you to pause and read the Scripture passages cited in each subheading below. 

Initial consult: Waiting (Philippians 4:6-7)

It all started gradually—the blurriness creeping in, turning my daily life into a blur.

My eyeglasses became unreliable after two long years. So, I finally decided it was time to see a new ophthalmologist.

“Cataract surgery is necessary,” he said, confirming what I expected.

Hearing those words felt like a stark realization that I was indeed aging.

With the doctor’s instructions in hand, I braced myself for a prolonged wait. Insurance hurdles, paperwork, appointments, and unexpected heart tests prolonged the process significantly longer than I anticipated.

As I waited for the final OK for surgery, it struck me how waiting on God felt similar.

“His timing is perfect,” even when the delays stir up anxiety.

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with Thanksgiving, let your request be made known to God; And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus, Philippians 4:6-7 NKJV

Surgery readiness: Time to prep (Proverbs 24:27)

Two days before my surgery, the home prep began. It included eye drops, eyelid wipes, and pages of instructions.

The real challenge hit me on those two days before surgery when I had to give up coffee. Two days without my beloved caffeine felt like pure torture. I scraped by with sheer willpower. Well—perhaps to sound more biblical—maybe it was a bit of self-control.

When I thought it couldn’t get any tougher, “the doctor’s rules” added salt to the wound: No eye makeup for two days before surgery. Seriously! No lipstick was an even tougher pill to swallow. Lipstick is practically part of my identity.

But finally, one day, I found myself walking into the surgery center totally exposed—sweats on, makeup-free, and no lipstick in sight. I dreamed about sneaking in with a touch of foundation, but nope, the surgery rules demanded a complete surrender.

Here’s the lesson I had to learn: Sometimes you have to give up what you desire, even if it’s just temporarily.

God asks us to come to him “just as we are,” not in perfection, but wrapped in humility. It’s uncomfortable, yet that’s when we understand our true identity isn’t in our appearances but in who we are in Christ.

Prepare your work outside,
And make it ready for yourself in the field;
Afterward, then, build your house. Proverbs 24:27 NASB

Pre-op consult: Yield to the process (1 Peter 2:13)

What we value reveals a great deal about us. I truly value my eyesight.

At the surgical center, a medical bracelet was slapped on my wrist, but only after my husband handled our financial commitments. Makes perfect sense.

During the doctor’s consult before my surgery, I told my surgeon: “I love to read. So, do a good job.”

I could hear a man in the next cubicle being prayed over before his surgery, and I had a longing for the same.

I asked my nurse and doctor who was praying for that gentleman. The nurse said it wasn’t her. The doctor said it wasn’t him.

So, I told them, “I guess that means I need to pray for myself.”

So, I did. Though my husband had already lifted my surgery up in prayer, I still wanted more prayers. I wasn’t afraid of the surgery itself. I just worried about the changes awaiting me if the outcome wasn’t what I envisioned for myself. Oh, me of little faith.

After I chatted with God, I made up my mind to release control, putting my trust in my nurse, doctor, and anesthesiologist to do the right thing.

It took me back to the moment I accepted Christ, when I stopped trying to fix everything myself and learned to trust in the grace He freely gave to me. What a special day it was when the Holy Spirit first led me to believe in Christ with my whole heart.

For the Lord’s sake, submit to all human authority—whether the king as head of state,  1 Peter 2:13 NLT. During surgery:

No recollection, which was a good thing. (Philippians 3:13)

Brothers and sisters, I do not regard myself as having taken hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, Philippians 3:13 NASB

Post-op instructions (Hebrews 5:8)

“Keep the eye patch on.” Easy.

“Use the drops four times a day.” Feasible.

“Don’t lift anything heavy.” No problem.

“Don’t bend over.” A struggle.

Every step mattered for healing. Ignoring the doctor’s instructions could jeopardize not just my eyesight but also the ministry the Lord graciously has given me. Staying faithful to the end means continuous obedience. God’s word is our map, and his commands protect and keep us on track.

Although he was the Son, he learned obedience from what he suffered. Hebrews 5:8 CSB

Post surgery: Persevere to the very end (James 1:17)

On the drive home, my woozy post-anesthesia chatter and nonsensical thoughts entertained my husband, but all I could think about was coffee.

I had already told him our first stop after my surgery would be McDonald’s for some coffee. Oh, what pure joy I encountered as we drove away from the drive-thru. I truly felt God’s favor was upon me at that moment.

 Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. James 1:17 CSB

Recovery (Psalm 62:1)

Upon arriving home, I sat by our large glass window overlooking our backyard. I began to reflect on everything I had learned. I glanced at the peaceful view—the trees swaying in the wind, the water rippling at their banks, and the breeze whispering through the air. The world was moving, yet I was forced to be still.

How often does God ask us to slow down, look ahead, and truly see his creation, his presence, his gentle leading, which is frequently unnoticed in our rush? Probably more than we would like to admit.

My soul waits in silence for God alone;
From Him comes my salvation. Psalm 62:1 NASB

Concluding reflections (Jeremiah 29:11)

Just like that first post-surgery cup of coffee, God provides what we need at the perfect time.

When I can finally wear lipstick again, I will be in “hog heaven”—a state of utter bliss and contentment. Still, even then, I know genuine renewal isn’t in the color of my lips, but in the clarity of my vision, both physically and spiritually.

It is always good to follow Christ and to remind ourselves not to boast about tomorrow, for we do not know what it will bring. We must trust and obey and “fix our eyes on Him.” When we do that, our spiritual vision becomes clearer.

After we have encountered something once, we are better equipped for the next go around, and that thought makes me less anxious about my second cataract surgery next week.

For I know the plans that I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans for prosperity and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11 

God bless.

Bible Verses

Let there be light; and there was light. Genesis 1:3 NKJV

Open my eyes, that I may see wondrous things from Your law. Psalm 119:18 NASB

For the LORD God is a sun and shield; The LORD gives grace and glory; No good thing does He withhold from those who walk uprightly. Psalm 84:11 NASB

Just as you do not know the path of the wind and how bones are formed in the womb of the pregnant woman, so you do not know the activity of God who makes all things. Ecclesiastes 11:5 NASB

Prayer

Dear heavenly Father. Thank you for taking such good care of me. In all situations, You are with me in the joyous times, in the tough times, in depression, in concerning times, and even when I have trouble hearing from You. Even then, I know You are with me, guiding and encouraging me. I pray for more faith so that I can understand Your ways. You are my everything. Amen

Feel free to share, repost, or comment.

Initially published in “The Baptist Standard”, April 23, 2025.  

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 in this opinion article are those of the author.

 

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, Life Issues, Medical, Patti Greene, Sacred Snippets, Testimonies

Sacred Snippet: Feeling Bummed

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I’m feeling a bit bummed today. A few months ago, I fell in the Dollar Tree parking lot and wore a knee-high boot for over three weeks. Then, after another three weeks out of the boot, my ankle felt off, so I visited my foot doctor today, and now I’m in an ankle support brace until September 6th. Not cool. . .

The challenge now is finding shoes that work with this brace because, as much as I adore my high heels, they are not exactly brace-friendly. I can almost hear my Bible study friends gently reminding me, “Patti, we did say high heels might not be the best choice at your age!” In response to my slight frustration, I indulged in some old-fashioned retail therapy.  Sorry, Amazon. I bought ten pairs of colorful Care Bear socks to brighten my mood and a colorful blouse to make myself feel better! Sometimes, we need a splash of color to lift our spirits!

  Ankle Support

We all encounter moments of spiritual low points too. And, when we are bummed out, it’s important to take action. Praise God, listen to uplifting worship music, read your Bible, pray, and connect with other believers. And, even if immediate relief isn’t evident, remember that God is always there, listening and loving you. So, keep on going.

Just as wearing this brace might be inconvenient for me, it’s necessary for healing. Similarly, even when it feels tough to engage with God, it’s the best thing for our spiritual well-being. He is here for us.

As for shoe advice, any tips on finding the perfect pair of shoes that accommodate an ankle brace would be greatly appreciated! I prefer ones with heels. However, if that’s not possible, I am up to limping around for more retail therapy shopping.

Bible Verses

“Watch the path of your feet
And all your ways will be established.” Proverbs 4:26

“The LORD keeps watch over you as you come and go, both now and forever.” Psalm 121:8

Christian Living, Church and Ministry, Pastoral Care, Salvation, Sin, Testimonies

Reverend Lawson Led Me to Jesus

First Published in The Baptist Standard, May 14, 2024

BaptistStandard.com

Reverend Bill Lawson, founder of Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church in Houston, departed this earthly realm today, May 14, at age 95.

Although I never met him face-to-face, his impact on my life remains profound. Every Oct. 2, I pause to remember him, thank God and praise the Lord for his ministry.

I remember sending him a thank-you note on Oct. 2, 1996, to thank him personally for what he meant in my life. The date may not be significant to everyone, but I keep up with it every year.

Without Reverend Lawson, I may not have become a believer in Jesus Christ.

‘A speaker’

Rev. William Lawson and his wife Audrey (Screenshot, KTRK 13, Houston)

As a lone 16-year-old, non-Baptist student at Baylor University, I was drawn to a group meeting on the second floor of Baylor’s Student Union Building to listen to a band and “a speaker.” The speaker turned out to be a preacher.

I was at a crossroads. I remember standing in the middle of the literal road, with the Student Union Building on the left and a hippie-looking guy on the right enticing me to attend a “cool, fun and wild party.”

Fortunately, I turned to the left and entered the Student Union Building. I sat on the floor in the back of the room, listening to the music and this preacher. I don’t remember exactly what he said, but I can guess.

He most likely said: ‘You are a sinner, and you must place your faith in Jesus Christ, and Jesus will become your Lord and Savior.”

There was a “time of invitation,” which is when people walk forward to the front of the room to talk to a designated person about a decision or to pray. I had never heard that phrase before. So, I kept sitting on the floor in the back of the Student Union Building.

Sitting on the floor cross-legged, I made the most important decision of my entire life. I accepted Jesus Christ.

I can’t say I understood what I had done or what a profound moment had just occurred, but I knew something had changed, and I liked the new me.

Lawson shaped not only my life but also the lives of countless others. His “speech” at Baylor University on Oct. 2, 1971, was a turning point. Imagine if he hadn’t been invited. Countless students—like me—might have missed the opportunity to encounter Christ in that transformative moment.

A pastor

The ripple effect would have been immense had Lawson not taken his calling seriously. His powerful sermons and unwavering faith inspired hearts and transformed lives. Without his commitment, countless souls might have missed the opportunity to encounter Christ—including mine.

The decision to start Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church was pivotal. His first 13 members formed a community that grew, thrived and impacted generations. Without this church, countless spiritual journeys—like mine—might have taken different paths. This church now numbers 12,000 in membership.

Reverend Lawson collaborated with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., which led to an invitation to join King’s efforts in Atlanta, Ga. Their joint efforts could have influenced civil rights, justice and equality beyond measure. But Lawson stayed committed to the 13 people at his church and decided to remain in Houston, where he first came as a 27-year-old man.

Reverend Lawson’s commitment to those 13 individuals mattered. Each soul he shepherded had a unique story. Without his dedication, those lives might have lacked spiritual guidance and community.

Houston owes much to Lawson. His presence shaped the city’s spiritual landscape. Without him, Houston might have missed a beacon of faith, compassion, and justice.

The Lord can use each of us, whether in formal ministry or everyday interactions, to impact lives. If you haven’t yet explored the message of Jesus Christ, consider seeking answers and discovering the profound love that awaits you. It’s a journey you won’t regret. I haven’t.

My tribute to a man I loved, but never met

Though I never met Reverend Lawson face-to-face, I loved him for leading me to Jesus. I offer Paul’s words to the Christians in Thessalonica in tribute to Reverend Lawson:

“For you yourselves know, brethren, that our coming to you was not in vain, but after we had already suffered and been mistreated in Philippi, as you know, we had the boldness in our God to speak to you the gospel of God amid much opposition.

“For our exhortation does not come from error or impurity or by way of deceit; but just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak, not as pleasing men, but God who examines our hearts.

“For we never came with flattering speech, as you know, nor with a pretext for greed—God is witness—nor did we seek glory from men, either from you or others, even though as apostles of Christ we might have asserted our authority.

“But we proved to be gentle among you, as a nursing mother tenderly cares for her own children. Having so fond an affection for you, we were well-pleased to impart to you not only the gospel of God but also our own lives, because you had become very dear to us (1 Thessalonians 2:1-9, NASB).

Patti Greene is a Baylor University and Dallas Baptist University graduate, a member of Second Baptist Church in Houston, and the author of seven books. She obtained some information for this opinion article from KTRK 13 in Houston and KPRC 2 in Houston. The views expressed in this article are those of the author.

If you liked this article, I would love you to subscribe to my blog. You can do this from the top left block under “About the Author.” You enter your email address and then await an email to confirm your subscription. Thank you.

Works Cited

Ballard, Moriah. “Houston civil rights icon, founder of Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church,Rev. William “Bill” Lawson, dies at 95.” Accessed May 14, 2004. KPRC 2, Houston.

“Rev. Bill Lawson, founder of Wh eeler Avenue Baptist Church and civil rights icon,” dies at 95. Accessed May 14, 2024. KTRK 13, Houston.

There are a few minor changes from The Baptist Standard article.

Photo Images:

Screenshot KTRK 13 Houston and UH.Edu.

 

 

#bgbg2, Bible Study, Most Recent Post, Sacred Snippets, Testimonies, Uncategorized

Sacred Snippet: Nature at its finest!

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I should have known that when my husband John left his suit and tie job, he would retreat to his roots. Yes, he majored in agriculture—a field I knew nothing about and still don’t.
 
Gratefully, John has found enjoyment in volunteering at the Coastal Prairie Conservancy for the past two years. This conservancy was formerly known as The Katy Prairie Conservancy. This group’s claim to fame is to sustain “a resilient Texas by preserving coastal prairies, wetlands, farms, and ranches to benefit people and wildlife forever.”¹
 
Today, I finally joined John to see what it was all about and to be his “personal assistant,” by pushing a computer key to advance the teaching slides while he taught a class. I passed with flying colors, and John was extremely happy!
 
I observed where he spends his Tuesdays and Fridays! And I took some pics while I was out there and matched them up with Bible verses. Yes, I am geeky that way.
 
However, as John says, “You can take a city girl to the country, but you can’t take the city out of the girl.” So true.
 
After today, I think I am ready for a church job in IT since I now feel qualified to push computer keys efficiently! I need to use my new DBU theological degree somewhere.
 
Is anyone hiring?
 
Have a blessed day.

greenenpastures.org

¹ Coastal Prairie Conservancy, 21 October 2023, Coastal Prairie Conservancy.

Bible Verses

LOVE
This, I command you, that you love one another.”
John 15:17
Love your spouse, your friends, the brethren, and others.
 
 
JOY
“For to a person who is good in his sight, he has given wisdom and knowledge and joy.”
Ecclesiastes 2:26
Share what God has taught you with others.
 
 
PEACE
“You will go out, enjoy, and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands.”
Isaiah 55:12
It was peaceful and beautiful out in nature. I should do it more often.
 
 
PATIENCE
“Brothers and sisters, be patient until the Lord comes again. A farmer patiently waits for his valuable crop to grow from the earth, and for it to receive the autumn and spring rains. You, too must be patient….” 
James 5:7-8
God uses the times we “have to be patient” to grow us and get us ready for His next assignment. I can’t wait to see what that will be. 
I do have some hopes and desires.
 
 
KINDNESS
“One gives freely, yet grows all the richer, another withhold what he should give, and only suffers want. Whoever brings blessing, will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered.”
Proverbs 11:24-25
Be kind to others. We never know what kind of day, week, or life they have had.
 
 
GOODNESS
“I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. Wait for the LORD, be strong, and take heart and wait for the LORD.”
Psalm 27:13-14
Waiting is hard, but keep serving the Lord while waiting, even if it takes years and years.
 
 
FAITHFULNESS
“Flowers of your faithfulness are blooming on the Earth. Righteousness shines down from the sky”
Psalm 85:11
God knows the paths He has for us! Travel His paths to see the flowers.
 
 
GENTLENESS
“But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.”
1 Peter 3:15
I was really gentle with the computer keys!
 
 
 
SELF-CONTROL
“For the spirit, God gave us does not make us timid; it gives us power, love and self discipline.”
2 Timothy 1:7
Instead of going on the trails, I sat peacefully and with discipline to work on this post and study for Wednesday’s Bible study.
 
 
*Subtitles come from Galatians 5:22-23
#bgbg2, Christian Living, Holidays, Most Recent Post, Parenting and Family, Patti Greene, Testimonies

Happy Independence Day

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

As we drove to the mall, my 4-year-old son John Jr. intently waved his little American flag.

Then he stopped to ask, “Why is the United States flag important?” Impressed that he would ask such a patriotic question, I responded proudly by saying, “The flag is important because we live in the United States, and because we live in the United States, we have freedom.

Then he asked, “Mom, what’s freedom?” I said, “Freedom is like if I wanted chicken for dinner, I could buy chicken at the grocery store.  Nobody tells me what we have to eat for dinner. I can decide for myself.”

After a short pause, John Jr. said, “Oh, I get it, Mom. Freedom is like if you give me chicken for dinner and I don’t want to eat it, I don’t have to.”

From the “mouth of babes,” is all this mom can say! 1988.

“Act as free men, and do not use your freedom as a covering for evil, but use it as bondslaves of God. Honor all men; love the brotherhood; fear God, and honor the king (1 Peter 2:16-17 NASB).

God bless, and Happy Fourth of July. Let’s be grateful for our freedom.

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

Patti Greene is a Baylor University and Dallas Baptist University graduate, a Second Baptist Church -1463 member of Houston/Katy,  TX, and the author of seven books.
 
#bgbg2, Faith, God, Jesus, and Holy Spirit, GreenePastures.org, Jesus Christ, Most Recent Post, Patti Greene, Sacred Snippets, Salvation, Testimonies, Writing and Speaking

Sacred Snippet: Lost But Found!

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As a result of the February 2021 winter freeze, while my husband and I were out of town, our home was drastically damaged by an unattended pipe, which froze and burst. Movers had to come quickly to salvage what they could, resulting in things being thrown in any old box and brought to storage in whatever condition it was found.

Now that school is over for me, and it is two years later, I am finally trying to locate, unpack, and organize what wild and reckless packing looks like.

I thought I had lost everything in the picture above but I found disarrayed boxes in our new home’s garage. [Yes, we moved after seeing all our home’s destruction.]

In unpacking boxes, I found essential certificates, house deeds, my childhood stamp collection album, MANY articles I have written and published, blogs started but not finished, multiple rejection letters, and more that I have yet to discover.  But I rejoice because I thought I had lost all these things, but this week I found them.

Odds and Ends

Honestly, I have been distraught thinking I lost all my writing and compilations over forty years!!!

However, now that my most precious items (except for my wedding dress) have been found, the time has come to sort through, throw away, salvage, and/or reorganize what I have valued and sunk my heart into for years.

Going through these piles is NOT my cup of tea, but I am excited to see what I thought was lost is now found – maybe mildewed and torn but found.

Just like I found boxes of my stuff, Jesus Christ finds us—possibly finding us mildewed, torn, and disarrayed, and He wants us to become aware of His love for us and make us part of His kingdom. He will not disregard us or throw us away. He wants to salvage us and reorganize our lives.

God allows us to choose between Him and the world.

He truly loves us and wants us to call upon His son Jesus Christ by asking Him to forgive our sins and place our faith and trust in Him. That, my friend, is called salvation with the promise of the Holy Spirit’s presence coming to abide in us forever.

A parable in Luke 15:24 says, “This son of mine was dead and has come to life again; he was lost and has been found. And they began to celebrate.”

If you are lost, accept Christ and become part of His Kingdom today!
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Let’s celebrate your newfound salvation.

God bless.

**********
Patti Greene is a Baylor University and Dallas Baptist University graduate, a Second Baptist Church -1463 member of Houston/Katy,  TX, and the author of seven books. The views expressed are those of the author.
 
#bgbg2, Book Review, Church and Ministry, How to Guides, Missions and Evangelism, Pastoral Care, Testimonies

A Book Review: Christ at the Center of Pastoral Ministry by Dr. Richard Thomas Vann, Jr.

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Practical and Valuable

So much practical and valuable information can be found in Christ at the Center of Pastoral Ministry by Dr. Richard Vann, currently a professor at Dallas Baptist University. Every chapter takes a different aspect of pastoral ministry. Each section is broken down into an easy-to-read discussion of many topics, such as gifted Christians in ministry, the pastor’s home life, leadership, ministerial ethics, and more. Even issues not mentioned in most religious books are noted, such as child dedication, etiquette, and the need for breath mints! The author’s humble spirit and love for Christian ministry shine through as Vann graciously teaches and describes what pastoral theology, spiritual leadership, and ministry practices are all about.

So much practical and valuable information can be found in Christ at the Center of Pastoral Ministry by Dr. Richard Vann
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Who is the Reading Audience?

This book is for pastors, those preparing for ministry, pastors’ wives, and even lay people who would be wise to understand the many hats a pastor wears. By combining historical views, contemporary thoughts, and tried-and-true applications, the reader can best decide how to view pastoral ministry. This book is also a great gift for those considering a calling in Christian ministry. I highly recommend Dr. Vann’s book. You will be glad you purchased it.

Bible Verse:

Timothy, protect what has been entrusted to you, avoiding worldly, empty chatter and the opposing arguments of what is falsely called “knowledge”—  which some have professed and thereby have gone astray from the faith (1 Timothy 6:20-21 NASB).

Click here to order Christ at the Center of Pastoral Ministry by Dr. Richard Thomas Vann, Jr.