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The Mall That Holds So Many Memories By Patti Greene

October 17, 2026 Patti Greene Leave a comment

Memorial City Mall

I first started visiting Houston’s Memorial City Mall at fourteen—yes, I was an eleventh grader then, but that is another story, and it doesn’t involve any intelligence on my part.

Back then, the mall was small and simple enough to walk from end to end—okay, it was really shaped like a right triangle. Today, it is enormous, with an ice-skating rink, a movie theater, a lot of seating, and a food court that stays super busy even as other malls fade or get torn down.

Walking through the mall again today stirred something in me—a gentle pull of memory and a reminder of how faithfully God has carried me through every season.

Today, I remembered…

The one and only maternity store, where I bought two of my “big dresses” and dreamed of tiny fingers and toes.
Foley’s at Christmas—now Macy’s—it felt magical then.
Sears was full of bargains—and clothing racks where my four-year-old nephew, now forty-five, once “got lost” while I babysat him. I totally freaked out.
Montgomery Ward—the place to buy appliances built to last.
The 5-7-9 Store. Once, I bought a shorts-and-top outfit there that I knew my parents would never approve of, so I smuggled it in and out in my purse whenever I wanted to wear it. I would never have let my own daughter leave the house dressed as I was! Then one day, the outfit disappeared. I think Mom found the outfit. But now, what you might be thinking: Why confess now? Because it’s just a memory now!
My children begged to visit Build-A-Bear and make a keepsake bear. But because we could not afford it, I usually steered us to the other side of the corridor when we passed.
Every so often, though, we could afford the Merry-Go-Round. I can still see all three children smiling as their horses circled.
Then came the double-stroller days: two children tucked into the stroller while the youngest toddler insisted on pushing the older two.
And more recently, the jewelry store where my husband bought me a beautiful ring guard as a gift, after years of us living at my mom’s home.
Oh, and how can I forget the Piccadilly!

I treasured those years as a stay-at-home mom, and I have lots of memories from those days.

And then… Abercrombie

Abercrombie was not there when I first started visiting the mall. When it finally opened, I was in my super-conservative phase. Between the loud music, the cologne you could smell from ten stores away, and the provocative posters, I honestly thought walking by their storefront window might be such an awful sin.

That makes me laugh now. As we mature, our perspectives change. We grow. God gently loosens our grip on some beliefs we once held so tightly—while still staying within the bounds of “correct” doctrine. Don’t think I turned liberal-I’m about as conservative as they get, but not as staunch, if that makes sense.

Still, those memories are part of my story.

McDonald’s with Dad

When the mall built a food court, Dad always wanted to stop there. We would eat, and people-watching was one of his favorite things, especially as he aged and did not get out much. It was simple time together, watching life pass by, and those moments stay with me.

The People

Walking the mall with high school friends, feeling grown-up and free.
Food-court lunches with Mom, Dad, and Aunt Mary.
The small hospital nearby—Memorial City Hospital—where two of our children were born.
The Frostwood Bank across Gessner Rd.
A lifetime of seasons tucked into every corner.

Why Do We Hold on to Memories?

Barna’s research suggests that nostalgia anchors us. It reminds us that our lives have meaning, God has been faithful, and our stories matter. The research also indicates that reflecting on the past with gratitude can strengthen spiritual resilience.

[In most cases, I would say, but not all! PG]

In other words, looking back can help us move forward with hope, but it can reverse that when we look back with regret.

Memories hold both sweetness and sorrow.

Moving forward does not mean erasing the past. As hard as it can be, it means letting God guide our hearts so we don’t get trapped there by ruminating on past days or past desires. Ruminating is unbearable! Believe me.

From what I have experienced, retirement or a slower pace can leave more time to think about the what-ifs—the things we wish we had done, tried, or hadn’t done. Even then, God cares about us and wants us to receive His love. He knows our heart’s desires, and He always knows best. He knows every moment, loves us, and desires His presence with us. But it still doesn’t stop me from asking for “His favor” sometimes!!!

Today’s walk through the mall was a pleasant journey into my memory: recalling the good, laughing at the funny moments, and thanking the Lord for His faithfulness through every shop, aisle, season, and year.

Bible Verses for Looking Back and Looking Ahead

“Remember the wondrous works that He has done.”
1 Chronicles 16:12

“But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead.”
Philippians 3:13

Prayer: Dear Lord, thank you for the privilege of looking back on the pleasant things we remember as we grow up. You are always putting new adventures and circumstances into our lives. You bless us so much. Thank you. Let us laugh and rejoice in the happy memories of the past, and help us find peace and comfort in the memories we regretted or that shook us up. I will be grateful today for all you do and all you have done. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Feel free to share, repost, or forward this article. Be sure to subscribe to my blogs to receive articles in your email.

#Malls #Memories #ShoppingMalls #MemorialCityMall #Houston #Joy #Regrets #Rumination #God #Philippians3:33 #1 Chronicles16:12 #Retirement

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 Review, Book Review, Book Reviews, Christian Blog, New Testament, Patti Greene, The Bible, Uncategorized

Bible Review – Spurgeon and the Church by Patti Greene

October 1, 2026 Patti Greene

Book Review: Spurgeon and the Church

Thomas Nelson NKJV

Before the Review

Charles H. Spurgeon

On January 6, 1850, a fifteen-year-old Spurgeon was making his way to church when a blizzard forced him to seek shelter in a small Primitive Methodist chapel in Colchester. The scheduled preacher didn’t show, and a lay minister stood to deliver a simple message from Isaiah 45:22: “Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth.”

The man looked directly at the young Spurgeon and said, “Young man, you look very miserable… Look to Jesus Christ.” That moment transformed Spurgeon’s life forever. He later wrote, “I did look, and the cloud was gone, the darkness had rolled away, and that moment I saw the sun.”

C.H. Spurgeon, photographed in London

“I did look, and the cloud was gone, the darkness had rolled away, and that moment I saw the sun.”

London’s Pulpit Phenomenon

At just nineteen, Spurgeon became pastor of the New Park Street Chapel in Southwark, London. Within months, the chapel’s 1,200 seats proved insufficient, and the congregation moved to increasingly larger venues—including the Exeter Hall and the Surrey Music Hall—to accommodate the thousands who came to hear him preach.

In 1861, the Metropolitan Tabernacle opened with seating for 5,600. It remained filled Sunday after Sunday for the next thirty-one years. Spurgeon’s sermons were transcribed weekly, selling 25,000 copies each, and were translated into dozens of languages. He became known as the “Prince of Preachers.”

The Spurgeon Library. About Charles Spurgeon | The Spurgeon Library. Accessed October 1, 2026

——————————

My First Impression

When I first opened the box that contained this Bible, I said, “What in the world is this? A Bible without the Gospels! I’m really not sure about this.” I wasn’t sure whether to call it a book or a Bible.

My Overall Impression

This Bible is attractive and clearly made with care. It’s the kind of Bible you would enjoy setting out on a table or giving as a sweet gift. Even though it’s lovely, some of the choices inside keep me from giving it a high rating. Below are my positives and negatives.

Positives

• Beautiful layout — The organized design is very pretty, and it feels especially nice to hold.

• Thoughtful touches — You can tell someone took time to make it look nice. The brown flexible cover with gold outer pages is attractive. On the spine, a nice imprint says, “Spurgeon and the Church,” printed in the same matching gold as the fish symbol on the front cover.

• A bright silk ribbon — is an attractive placeholder.

• Nice presentation page — which includes a Presented To, By, Date, and Occasion line outlined in a lovely bright blue ribbon border, which is consistent with the blue font seen within titles throughout the book.

• Seamless interior layout — The design is immediately appealing. It feels like something meant to be cherished.

• Overall detailing — The decorative elements and formatting show intentionality and care.

• The leather-soft cover — creates that kind of feeling I get when I see pastors holding up and waving a lightweight Bible when preaching.

• The font — The font style is set in the Thomas Nelson NKJV typeface. This font is easy to read and looks extremely attractive against the white page background.

Negatives

• Missing Gospels — My biggest issue is that the book includes passages from Acts through Revelation but does not include anything from the Gospels. Leaving out Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John is a bit like giving someone a beautifully wrapped gift but forgetting to include the gift inside. The Gospels show Jesus’ life, words, miracles, and compassion. Without them, the book feels incomplete.

• Many Bibles include a summary of each book of the Bible. This one does not. It opens with a paragraphed quote from Charles Spurgeon. I feel like Spurgeon is sitting at the head of the table, and Jesus is placed at the end.

Final Thought

No matter how hard I try, I cannot justify a Bible that doesn’t include the Gospels, which makes it hard for me to recommend it as a devotional or Scripture‑study resource. I understand the concept of a Bible about the early church; but this particular book still does not sit well with me. This book is lovely to look at, but it doesn’t offer the full richness of Scripture—especially since it excludes the life and words of Jesus Himself.

I am rating Spurgeon and the Church as a 3-star, although for the right person at the right time, it would be lovely and honestly appreciated — maybe for a student studying Charles Spurgeon.

Book Review, Christian Blog, Christian Living, Core Topics, Death, Discernment, Faith, God's Will, GreenePastures.org, How to Guides, Jesus Christ, Life Issues, Marriage, Most Recent Post, Patti Greene, Prayer, Salvation, Spiritual Connection, Testimony, Uncategorized, Wisdom

How Do You Know Who to Marry? by Patti Greene

August 15, 2026 Patti Greene

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

Two Hearts

A younger woman (whom I have known for a while) came to me with one of life’s biggest questions: “How do you know who to marry? “

As an older woman, Scripture calls me to guide — so I shared the simple truth God put on my heart. (She has approved my sharing to help others who may have the same question).

The Question

Dear Miss. Patti (Dear‑Abby Style),

I’m in my mid‑30s, and I’ve never dated before. Lately I’ve been thinking about what it would be like to have someone by my side, but I’m also nervous. My mother went through painful experiences with men, and I don’t want to repeat her story.

How do you know when a man is truly ‘the one’? How did you know your husband was the right person for you? I would really appreciate your wisdom.

No Name

My Response

1. Shared Faith

Your question is a wonderful one, and I’m glad you asked. The very first thing to look for is that he is a born‑again believer who truly follows Jesus. Not just in words, but in the way he lives.

“Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers.” — 2 Corinthians 6:14

Watch how he treats people — waitresses, coworkers, his parents. A man who honors others will honor you.

2. Character & Respect

Pay attention to his everyday behavior.

• Does he speak kindly?
• Does he show patience?
• Does he respect your boundaries?
• Does he listen to you?
• Does he treat you like someone valuable?

Avoid anyone who yells, belittles, pressures, or shows signs of anger or a need for control.

“Love is patient and kind… it does not insist on its own way.” — 1 Corinthians 13:4–5

3. Purity & Clear Thinking

Avoid premarital sex. It clouds judgment, creates emotional confusion, and can hide red flags. Purity protects your heart and helps you see clearly.

“Flee from sexual immorality.” — 1 Corinthians 6:18

A man who honors God with his body will honor God with his marriage.

4. Shared Life Direction

Ask yourself:

• Are we spiritually compatible?
• Can we talk openly and trust each other?
• Do we laugh together?
• Is he responsible with work or finances?
• Does he want children?
• Would I be stepping into a family he already has?

Marriage is partnership — not just romance.

5. Family & Community Insight

Introduce him to people who love you and know you well.
Ask for honest feedback.
Sometimes others see things we miss.

6. Commitment Before God

Marriage is a covenant before the Lord.

Yes, you vow to love each other, but you also promise God to walk through life together ‘til death do you part. Hard seasons will come, and you need a man who will stand with you, not run away.

“What God has joined together, let no man separate.” — Mark 10:9

This does not mean you have to stay with someone who is abusive or unfaithful. But it does mean choosing someone steady, faithful, and committed.

7. My Own Story

You asked how I knew my husband was right for me. We met at church, and both of us were ready to commit ourselves to marriage — not just emotionally, but spiritually. He was kind to me from the very beginning. We talked openly, shared our hearts, and learned to trust each other.

One of the first signs of his sincerity was his visit to me in the hospital early in our relationship. That told me he truly cared. He treated my mother with respect and tenderness, and that meant a lot to me.

Our backgrounds, education, and upbringings were very different — but Jesus was at the center for both of us. That has held us together for 47 years.

We never believed there was only one possible person in the world we could have married. Instead, we believed marriage was a covenant before God — a commitment to honor, cherish, and walk with one another for the rest of our lives. And by God’s grace, that is what we have done and continue to do.

“Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain.” — Psalm 127:1
“Love never fails.” — 1 Corinthians 13:8

8. Final Thoughts

After 47 years of marriage, the biggest indicators I’ve seen are these:

Does he love the Lord?
Does he truly love you?
Does he respect you?
Do you love him?
What does his past tell you about his patterns?

Pray over these things. Search the Bible. God will guide you along the way!

Bible Verse:

Show me your ways, Lord. Teach me your truth. Guide me because you are the God who saves me.

—Psalm 24:4-5

Prayer:

O holy God, you know my heart. You know the many questions that swirl around in my mind. Please help me know and feel You working in my life, answering my many questions, and leading me along the path You want me to be on, with or without a spouse. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Feel free to share, repost, or forward this article. And be sure to subscribe to my blogs to receive articles right into your email.

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

August 7, 2026 Patti Greene

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

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

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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#Singleness #SingleWomeninMinistry #Challenges #Persevering #ChristianMinistry #Ministry #Nigerian #SecularWork #ChristianJourney #ServingGod #ChristianPeace #ChristianEncouragement #DependingOnGod #Obedience #SingleWomen #SingleWoman