by Christine Green | Dec 28, 2010 | Uncategorized
It is a challenge to move forward. It feels like a betrayal; if I move forward with my life I am forgetting about Laurence. Somehow if I stand still I will keep him close. If I get on with my life it feels like I will leave him behind.
In truth, I know I best acknowledge his legacy when I am living a life filled with love and faith.
So I move forward, not forgetting Laurence but taking him with me, remembering his love and celebrating his life. I thank God for blessing me with such extraordinary love.
by Christine Green | Dec 21, 2010 | Uncategorized
Received this beautiful prayer written by my friend Jennifer. I extend it with love to you.
Friendship Prayer
Friends are the gift of the season. Each one gives me insight, compassion, support, reflection, relevance, indulgence, joy and a glimpse of my soul.
Thank you Father for my friendships so steadfast through the years. Each one helps me through the jogs in the road and gives me hope when I think there is none to be found. I am so grateful for the gifts of your Spirit received through their sweet presence. Through your Holy Spirit they help me grow beyond my expectations.
Words and thoughts I keep hidden away are exposed to them. I am heard in their tears of compassion, honored in their silence, celebrated in their recognition.
My friends are the living examples of your gifts. They are the miracles in each day. I need look no further than their constant, sweet, tender, acceptance.
Through them I learn to be a part of this miracle of friendship. You bring me into the circle of this wondrous gift that envelops, encourages, and embraces me in love.
Blessings.
by Christine Green | Oct 19, 2010 | Uncategorized
“A soul mate is someone to whom we feel profoundly connected, as though the communicating and communing that takes place between us were no the product of intentional efforts, but rather a divine grace. This kind of relationship is so important to the soul that many have said there is nothing more precious in life.” Thomas Moore
Missing you Laurence.
by Christine Green | Oct 2, 2010 | Uncategorized
Occasionally on this amazing journey of life, we have the opportunity to meet someone who makes a difference in our experience of the world around us. Someone who listens with compassion, who gives without limits, whose beautiful smile brightens a dreary day and whose contagious laugh chases even the darkest clouds away. We meet someone who reminds us that faith is essential, that God is Love, Love is unconditional and the world is a wonderful place to live.
I am truly blessed because I met this person and he is my confidant, advisor, best friend and husband. I thank God each day for the life we share of Grace, Love and Joy.
Rev. Laurence Green made his transition from this earthly plane on October 1st after a long battle with cancer. He is deeply missed.
by Christine Green | Sep 10, 2010 | Uncategorized
Ok, I was taking it personally. Every time I saw Laurence’s doctor he voiced his concern about taking care of Laurence at home by myself and asked if I had found a skilled nursing facility for him. And every time I assured him that I was going to bring Laurence home and that we had a large network of friends and family that will help me care for him. I’ve been working with Laurence’s therapists, nurses and staff to plan the resources needed for Laurence to be safe at home. And yet, he asked again and again.
I was in a meeting this week with his doctors and staff members to finalize a plan for his discharge early next week. At the end of our meeting his doctor acknowledged the love, willingness and courage to care for Laurence at home. He said that most families come to him and ask him to find a place for their loved ones because they don’t have the resources. He was moved by the love that surrounded us.
The doctor was looking out for me. He wasn’t judging but preparing himself for what I would be needing. Isn’t it great how God uses everyone to show us how blessed and guided we are?
Laurence’s discharge plans are postponed for right now as he is fighting a new infection. But Laurence continues to minister to everyone that is connected with him and remind us that underneath the appearances of the world is love. Love is all there is. Praise God.
by Christine Green | Sep 2, 2010 | Uncategorized
I received this email from my dear friend Susan. Beautiful story. 
Quilt of Holes
As I faced my Maker at the last judgment, I knelt before the Lord along with all the other souls.
Before each of us laid our lives like the squares of a quilt in many piles; an angel sat before each of us sewing our quilt squares together into a tapestry that is our life.
But as my angel took each piece of cloth off the pile, I noticed how ragged and empty each of my squares was. They were filled with giant holes. Each square was labeled with a part of my life that had been difficult, the challenges and temptations I was faced with in everyday life. I saw hardships that I endured, which were the largest holes of all.
I glanced around me. Nobody else had such squares. Other than a tiny hole here and there, the other tapestries were filled with rich color and the bright hues of worldly fortune. I gazed upon my own life and was disheartened.
My angel was sewing the ragged pieces of cloth together, threadbare and empty, like binding air.
Finally the time came when each life was to be displayed, held up to the light, the scrutiny of truth. The others rose; each in turn, holding up their tapestries.. So filled their lives had been. My angel looked upon me, and nodded for me to rise.
My gaze dropped to the ground in shame. I hadn’t had all the earthly fortunes. I had love in my life, and laughter. But there had also been trials of illness, and wealth, and false accusations that took from me my world, as I knew it. I had to start over many times. I often struggled with the temptation to quit, only to somehow muster the strength to pick up and begin again. I spent many nights on my knees in prayer, asking for help and guidance in my life. I had often been held up to ridicule, which I endured painfully, each time offering it up to the Father in hopes that I would not melt within my skin beneath the judgmental gaze of those who unfairly judged me.
And now, I had to face the truth. My life was what it was, and I had to accept it for what it was.
I rose and slowly lifted the combined squares of my life to the light.
An awe-filled gasp filled the air. I gazed around at the others who stared at me with wide eyes.
Then, I looked upon the tapestry before me. Light flooded the many holes, creating an image, the face of Christ. Then our Lord stood before me, with warmth and love in His eyes. He said, ‘Every time you gave over your life to Me, it became My life, My hardships, and My struggles.
Each point of light in your life is when you stepped aside and let Me shine through, until there was more of Me than there was of you.’
May all our quilts be threadbare and worn, allowing Christ to shine through!
