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

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

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

About the Series: This new series shares the story of my friendship with Glory. She is Nigerian, and I am from the United States, yet God tied our hearts together in a beautiful way. We met at a Bible study in Lagos, Nigeria, and her love for Jesus was clear from the very first day.

Glory later moved to Canada, and during a recent visit, I interviewed her about her life and faith. I’ll be sharing one topic each week:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Just posing in San Antonio!

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

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

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

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

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

That is friendship. And it is beautiful.

Just chatting at the Calgary Zoo

FACT by Patti

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

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

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

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

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

GreenePastures.org

Bible Verse:

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

Prayer:

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

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

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

For my Nigerian Friends, Life is a journey!

No Wahala

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

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

Books by Patti

Coming Soon: Luke 2: The Christmas Story

Unstoppable: Go the Distance with God ISBN: 979-8284335017 

Answer Me: Developing a Heart for Prayer ISBN 978-1512760453

Bible Word Search Puzzles: The Gospels ISBN 979-8218070465

Bible Word Search Puzzles: Acts and Epistles ISBN 979-8218092696

Bible Word Search Puzzles: Epistles and Revelation ISBN 979-8363612046

Christian Caregiving: Practical Advice for a Happy Ending ISBN 978-0692115381

Awaken Me: A Devotional Prayer Journal ISBN 978-1490893181

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

Christian Blog, Christian Living, Faith, Friendship, God's Will, GreenePastures.org, How to Guides, Life Issues, Patti Greene, Prayer, Testimonies, Testimony, Uncategorized

Two Paths, One Savior: Conversations with Glory / Reflection & Encouragement, Week 6 by Patti Greene

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Welcome to my NEW Blog Series: Two Paths, One Savior: Conversations with Glory /Reflection & Encouragement, Week 6

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

About the Series: This new series shares the story of my friendship with Glory. She is Nigerian, and I am from the United States, yet God tied our hearts together in a beautiful way. We met at a Bible study in Lagos, Nigeria, and her love for Jesus was clear from the very first day.

Glory later moved to Canada, and during a recent visit, I interviewed her about her life and faith. I’ll be sharing one topic each week:

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

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

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

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

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

Week 6 – Reflection & Encouragement: THIS WEEK

Week 7 – Friendship and Connection

Valentine's Day

Q. What is one truth about Jesus that is carrying you right now?

A. One truth about Jesus that is carrying me right now, and has carried me for a very long time, is that God is faithful. If He has said it, He will do it. He might take His sweet time, and He may not do it when we want it or how we want it, but if God has promised, He will do it because He is faithful. I have experienced God’s faithfulness in my lifetime time and time again. I see His faithfulness in the lives of the people He brings my way. We need to rest in the knowledge that no matter what comes or goes, God is faithful — so wait for Him. Trust Him. Continue to walk in obedience. I know that He is faithful and will do just as He has promised, because I have seen Him do it for me and for others.

Q. What encouragement would you give to women who feel alone in their calling?

A. The encouragement I would share with women who feel alone in their calling is that you are not alone. God is our ever‑present help. You need to come into that place where God is your friend — your best friend. God is real. God is true. God is nearby. He is not somewhere out there trying to help you get through life. He is right here with us every step of the way, and He is our best friend. One of the things God taught me recently is that He is my mentor. God is everything to us, and He can be everything to you. I work with and mentor a lot of people — single, married, older, and younger — and one thing I have seen consistently is that even when you are married, even when you have children, even when you are surrounded and swamped with people, you still need God. There is a space in our lives that only God can fill. No spouse, parent, child, sibling, friend, job, career, or amount of money can fill God’s space in our hearts and lives.If we allow God to fill that space for us and truly be everything to us, that keeps us stable in the storms and challenges of life. You don’t feel so alone, even if people on the outside think you are alone. You have joy and peace because that is where God has called you for now. Sometimes it’s just for a season. Sometimes it’s just for a while. And even if it is for a lifetime, God is more than enough for every one of us to serve Him as He has called us.

If you’re serving God alone, know that you are not alone. God is our ever‑present help — not just in times of need, but through every season of life. He is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. If you can hold onto Him and learn to live in the reality of God being your ever‑present friend, it takes away the brunt of loneliness. So many people are married and lonely. Loneliness is not about having people around you. Some people live amid crowds and are still lonely. We live in a world that can be very isolating.

So if you can learn to find that space where Jesus is real and true and close to you, He will help you find contentment in your calling — whatever that may be. He helps us enjoy people when they’re around and be at peace when they are not, because He is always there with us and for us. I pray that you will discover the reality of His ever‑abiding presence and thoroughly enjoy it.

Q. What prayer or blessing would you speak over those listening to your story?

A. The prayer and blessing I would speak over the people who will be listening or reading is that you would experience God on a moment‑by‑moment basis, because God’s presence is more than enough for us. When we have God, we have peace. And when we have peace, we have joy. We are far more stable in a very unstable world. To have God is to have everything, because He is the only One who is consistent in a world that is constantly shifting.My prayer for you in this season is that you do not limit yourself because of the circumstances you find yourself in. That is something I have learned — not to limit myself. God has called me to people who are young and old, single and married, all trying to find meaning in a world that constantly throws meaningless things at us.No matter where you find yourself, my prayer is that you will experience the reality of the presence and the power of God in whatever situation you are going through right now. That you will experience God as your Rescuer — the One who snatches you out of situations you cannot help yourself through or escape. That you will experience God as your Redeemer — the One who not only saves you from trouble but also goes ahead to right the wrongs you have been dealt. And that you will experience God as your Restorer — the One who not only makes things right but also makes up for every loss you may have experienced through the years as a result of what you’ve been through.

God can do all of that, and I pray that you will experience Him doing all of that for you and with you, in Jesus’ name, amen.

Valentine's Day

FACT by Patti

Glory and Patti, 2019

I know Glory to be a very faithful woman. I believe the Lord shaped her through her upbringing, her salvation, her Bible reading, her prayer life, and her dependence on the Holy Spirit. But I have also seen her go through seasons when she wondered what God was doing. That makes her just like the rest of us. None of us stay strong every day. We are human, and we face sadness, loneliness, and moments when we ask God why He answers some prayers and seems silent on others.

In those times, the Lord gently reminds us that His time is not our time. When we carry desires in our hearts and we wait for God to move, He uses that waiting to grow patience. And patience grows endurance. God never wastes a season. He always knows what is best for His children. Some believers learn this early, and others learn it slowly, step by step.

What I have seen in Glory’s life is not perfection, but a beautiful pattern: she lifts herself up quickly, turns her heart back toward the Lord, and gets back on track. I don’t know how long it took her to learn that kind of trust, but I see it clearly now. Her faith may bend, but it does not break. And even in her questions, she keeps choosing God. That is a quiet testimony all by itself.

Bible Verse:

The Lord is good to those who wait for Him. — Lamentations 3:25

Prayer:

Dear Lord, please help me to live constantly in Your presence. As I encounter situations and circumstances, give me the faith to know You are in control. Thank you for being by my side when I am lonely. May I continue to trust in Your faithfulness to me. In Jesus’ Name, amen.

Next Week: Friendship & Connection

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

#Reflection #Encouragement #Truth #Prayer #Blessing #Faithfulness #Calling #Singleness #Loss #PresenceofGod #PowerofGod #ChristianLiving #God

Books by Patti

Coming Soon: Luke 2: The Christmas Story

Unstoppable: Go the Distance with God ISBN: 979-8284335017 

Answer Me: Developing a Heart for Prayer ISBN 978-1512760453

Bible Word Search Puzzles: The Gospels ISBN 979-8218070465

Bible Word Search Puzzles: Acts and Epistles ISBN 979-8218092696

Bible Word Search Puzzles: Epistles and Revelation ISBN 979-8363612046

Christian Caregiving: Practical Advice for a Happy Ending ISBN 978-0692115381

Awaken Me: A Devotional Prayer Journal ISBN 978-1490893181

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

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

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

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

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

About the Series: This new series shares the story of my friendship with Glory. She is Nigerian, and I am from the United States, yet God tied our hearts together in a beautiful way. We met at a Bible study in Lagos, Nigeria, and her love for Jesus was clear from the very first day.

Glory later moved to Canada, and during a recent visit, I interviewed her about her life and faith. I’ll be sharing one topic each week:

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

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

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

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

Week 5 – Writing and Ministry Together – THIS WEEK

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

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

Flowers – Thinkstock

Writing and Ministry Together

Q. What inspires your writing the most?

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

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

Those are the things that inspire my writing.

Word of God

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

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

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

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

Fruit Basket
Fruit Basket

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Praising God

FACT by Patti

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

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

Glory and Patti, 2019

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

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

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

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

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

Prayer: 

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

Next Week: Reflection and Encouragement

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

GreenePastures.org

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

Flowers – Thinkstock

Books by Patti Greene

Coming Soon: Luke 2: The Christmas Story: Discover the Birth of Jesus in Scripture

Unstoppable: Go the Distance with God ISBN: 979-8284335017 

Answer Me: Developing a Heart for Prayer ISBN 978-1512760453

Bible Word Search Puzzles: The Gospels ISBN 979-8218070465

Bible Word Search Puzzles: Acts and Epistles ISBN 979-8218092696

Bible Word Search Puzzles: Epistles and Revelation ISBN 979-8363612046

Christian Caregiving: Practical Advice for a Happy Ending ISBN 978-0692115381

Awaken Me: A Devotional Prayer Journal ISBN 978-1490893181

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

 
Christian Blog, Christian Living, Church and Ministry, Faith, Friendship, God's Will, GreenePastures.org, How to Guides, Life Issues, Missions and Evangelism, Nigeria, Obedience, Patti Greene, Prayer, Spiritual Connection, Spiritual Growth, Testimonies, Testimony, Uncategorized, Writing and Speaking

Two Paths, One Savior: Conversations with Glory / Singleness and Ministry, Week 4 by Patti Greene

Welcome to my NEW Blog Series: Two Paths, One Savior: Conversations with Glory / Singleness and Ministry, Week 4

God knows more than me

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

About the Series: This new series shares the story of my friendship with Glory. She is Nigerian, and I am from the United States, yet God tied our hearts together in a beautiful way. We met at a Bible study in Lagos, Nigeria, and her love for Jesus was clear from the very first day.

Glory later moved to Canada, and during a recent visit, I interviewed her about her life and faith. I’ll be sharing one topic each week:

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

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

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

Week 4 – Singleness and Ministry – THIS WEEK

Week 5 – Writing and Ministry Together – Be Inspired

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

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

Flower on Bamboo

GLORY: Singleness and Ministry, Week 4

Q. What has it been like serving the Lord as a single woman?

A. Serving the Lord as a single woman has been an adventure, especially in a world where people expect you to get married at a certain time. You grow up thinking you will do what everyone else does — get married, have children, and serve God as a family.

But I have learned that our paths are all different. The most important thing is to see where God is leading you, how He is leading you, and to be content walking that path with Him.

It helps not to compare yourself with others, but to trust that God knows what is best for you. God will give you what is yours in His timing. That kind of contentment has helped me serve the Lord with all that I am and all that I have.

Q. What joys have you discovered in this season?

A. What I have discovered in this season of serving God as a single woman is that God is enough. God is more than enough for us. The Word of God is always true, and if God says He is enough for us, then we don’t need anything extra. He is more than enough.

The real challenge is learning to take that truth, sit with it, walk with it, and be at peace with it — that God is enough for us. That doesn’t mean it’s wrong to be married. It doesn’t mean marriage is better or worse. It simply means God has a different path for each of us, and His timing for each of us is different.

Whatever season of life we find ourselves in, and whatever situation we face — whether married or single — the Word of God says that God is enough. Truly, truly, God is enough. His Word is true, and I’ve learned to enjoy God being enough for me.

Q. What challenges do you face, and how has God met you in them?

A. The challenges I have experienced serving God as a single woman come mostly from living in a society that assumes people should follow a certain path at certain times in their lives — like a woman should be married at a certain age, have children, and raise a family. When life doesn’t happen that way, it can look like something is incomplete or missing. But, like I said, God’s path for each of us is different.

The biggest challenge I’ve had to face is learning to keep my peace and my joy, no matter what I think people may be thinking, how they may interpret my situation, or what assumptions they may make. I’ve also had to learn how to continue serving God fully — in the exact place He has called me — using the room He provides for me, without letting myself be limited by the expectations people place on those who aren’t where they think they should be.

We live in a society where people think you should be married, you should have this or that, and if you don’t, they believe it limits you. Some even think being a woman limits you in ministry. But I have learned that we are all children of God, and God does not discriminate. God calls us according to His will and His purpose for our lives.

So I’ve learned, in the face of all those limitations, not to limit myself — because the limitations people put on me only hold power if I allow them to. I am the one who chooses whether those limitations hold me down. And I’ve learned that God puts no limit on me. So I do my best not to limit myself or allow assumptions, presumptions, or societal expectations to hinder my work and my service to God.

 
Glory, Pretending to Speak, Baylor University

Q. How do you stay encouraged when you’re doing ministry “alone” on the outside but never alone with Him?

A. How I stay encouraged during ministry alone is because I know that even though I am alone physically, I am not alone. I have never been alone, because His presence is so real and so true to me that I do not feel alone. I know that God is my ever‑present help, not just because the Bible says it, but because I know it and I experience it. I experience it day by day. God is my best friend. We talk all the time; we do things together. It’s not a phantom, and it’s not an idea. It is my real reality, so I do not feel alone.

I also encourage myself by remembering that it is better to be where God has called you than to be somewhere you placed yourself. Wherever God calls you, He gives you grace to stay there. But when we take ourselves to places God has not called us, we struggle. I have seen people enter relationships because they felt time was passing or because they simply wanted to be married. I have walked with people in those situations. I’ve seen them struggle and deal with things God was actually trying to protect them from. Seeing that has strengthened my determination to walk with God rather than walk outside His will and purpose for me.

So I have come to the conclusion that it is better to walk in obedience with God, be single, and keep my peace than to step outside His will, His timing, or His provision and end up struggling for the rest of my life just to meet a norm or fulfill a desire. Of course I want to get married. Of course I would love that. But I know His times and seasons are in His hands, so I am content to be where He has called me for now, until God opens the next door.

I have learned to find my peace and my joy in simply enjoying Him, enjoying what He calls me to do, and enjoying the people He brings into my life.

FACT by Patti

For 13 years, I’ve been Glory’s friend. I don’t know every detail of how she handled being single for so long—only what she has shared with me in confidence and what God has allowed me to see as her friend. I do know this: Glory has always wanted to be married. She hoped to share ministry with someone, and I understand that desire myself. I’ve seen her excitement when she thought marriage might happen, and I’ve also seen the sadness when it didn’t. I’ve seen her longing for children, and how that door never opened.

But underneath all those unfulfilled desires, I saw something stronger. I saw a woman of faith who wanted God’s will more than her own. I honestly wish I had the same courage she has shown. Sometimes we struggle because we want our desires met, but they don’t match God’s plan. In Glory, I see a woman who follows God first.

Even when contentment rises and falls, her love for Jesus and the power of the Holy Spirit always bring her back to what is true—her earthly reality and her eternal blessings. Her life reminds me that contentment isn’t about getting everything we want. It’s about trusting the One who knows what is best.

Bible verse for contentment through hard times: “Godliness with contentment is great gain.” — 1 Timothy 6:6

Prayer: 

Dear Jesus, You see every woman who carries the same hopes Glory has carried. You know the ups and downs of wanting marriage, and watching it not happen. Please give these ladies Your perspective. Some are content without marriage or children, and some are not. Lead each one to a church family and into a deep walk with You. Help them love the life You have given them, and trust Your timing in all things. Amen.

Next Week: Writing and Ministry (Together)

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Books by Patti Greene

Coming Soon: Luke 2: The Christmas Story: Discover the Birth of Jesus in Scripture

Unstoppable: Go the Distance with God ISBN: 979-8284335017 

Answer Me: Developing a Heart for Prayer ISBN 978-1512760453

Bible Word Search Puzzles: The Gospels ISBN 979-8218070465

Bible Word Search Puzzles: Acts and Epistles ISBN 979-8218092696

Bible Word Search Puzzles: Epistles and Revelation ISBN 979-8363612046

Christian Caregiving: Practical Advice for a Happy Ending ISBN 978-0692115381

Awaken Me: A Devotional Prayer Journal ISBN 978-1490893181

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

Bible Study, Christian Living, Church and Ministry, Death, Faith, Friendship, God, Jesus, and Holy Spirit, God's Will, GreenePastures.org, Holy Spirit, How to Guides, Jesus Christ, Life Issues, New Testament, Obedience, Old Testament, Patti Greene, People in the Bible, Prayer, Salvation, Spiritual Gifts, Spiritual Growth, Testimonies, The Bible, Uncategorized, Wisdom, Worship, Writing and Speaking

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 here!

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 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 here. 

 

 

 

 

 

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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.

To order, click here.

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.

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To order, click here.

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

2 Comments

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.

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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.