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!
by Christine Green | Sep 1, 2010 | Uncategorized
Nine years ago I married my best friend. I treasure each day and am grateful that God brought us together.
by Christine Green | Aug 29, 2010 | Uncategorized
As a care giver, I have little time to care about myself. Life is about doctors, medicine, insurance, paying bills and answering questions. My business is on hiatus, my plans are suspended. Most of the time, I find it difficult to focus on a topic, remember an appointment or think about myself.
I know I look exhausted, worried, stressed and frazzled. Whenever possible, I avoid looking in the mirror. Life is less about me and everything about caring for Laurence. Finding something to wear has little to do with what looks good. It’s more important to find something practical for walking at the hospital and comfortable for sitting for long periods of time.
Telling me I look tired does nothing to boost my fragile sense of self. Telling me I should take better care of myself is one more thing I ‘should’ be doing that I don’t have time for.
You have permission to lie to me. If you run into me, please tell me I look great, even though I look like something the cat dragged in. Remind me what great energy I have, even though I look exhausted. Acknowledge my courage, even though I am worried and scared.
Really, you have my permission. Thank you.
by Christine Green | Aug 18, 2010 | Uncategorized
I purchased some bracelets to give as gifts at a little market in Jerusalem when I was there on pilgrimage last year. I kept a pink one for myself. It was a simple beaded bracelet but it had meaning and memories. I was with Laurence on his doctor visit yesterday to OHSU and when we left I realized my bracelet was missing. Going back was not an option. I thought to myself, I am going to trust that my bracelet will be replaced. Don’t know how or when but I know nothing is ever lost in God.
As we were finishing lunch today, my dear friend Pam pulled a little bag out of her purse and presented her handmade gift to me. Not one, but seven beautiful emerald green and sapphire blue beaded bracelets. My missing bracelet was returned in 24 hours. Multiplied. With Love.
One of many signs and wonders that God so graciously provides. A reminder to me to let go and trust God for my good. There is nothing for me to do. Only stand in faith. I am so grateful God is so gracious.
by Christine Green | Jun 25, 2010 | Uncategorized
I received this beautiful poem after a recent presentation. My words were ordinary but Donna’s hearing and willingness to accept were extraordinary. Praise God!
REV. CHRISTINE
You spoke
of the
Divine Self within.
and I paid attention.
You said,
“The highest intentions come from Good.
I come from the highest intentions.
Therefore, I am Good.”
And my long Healing Journey was complete.
On the Wednesday evening
of June 16, 2010
at a Dress for Success meeting
I became a whole person.
A WHOLE person.
It wasn’t just
What you said
but How you said it.
Non-judgmentally,
freely given,
with Caring
and Love.
My long Healing Journey
was complete
that night.
My Life
of Healing
Began.
Thank you
from
the bottom
of my Heart.
Donna Hood LMT 6/23/10
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.
