tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-87836908838979611182024-03-05T21:04:42.661-08:00Nichole Greene's BlogNormhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09782651084474685454noreply@blogger.comBlogger112125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8783690883897961118.post-41773217065647729412009-11-13T23:15:00.000-08:002009-11-13T23:34:57.985-08:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjolVfqiGjCudEZQNzpIuB1zhaDH3J0-pR1r61GZ-C1J5zhSVlAlJp84XUCEet620rp6ijupSIpS-1tkGxQFVtPpmTxO3mzDJ9pzrEXq1crD3_OZn9tTmFpNCJWCORPj_ye0u0vunAIz-dP/s1600-h/family+foto.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjolVfqiGjCudEZQNzpIuB1zhaDH3J0-pR1r61GZ-C1J5zhSVlAlJp84XUCEet620rp6ijupSIpS-1tkGxQFVtPpmTxO3mzDJ9pzrEXq1crD3_OZn9tTmFpNCJWCORPj_ye0u0vunAIz-dP/s320/family+foto.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5403858815218238226" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'Apple Chancery', serif;font-size:7;color:#660000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 36px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia, serif;font-size:130%;color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px;"><br /></span></span></span></span><p style="text-align: center;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 36px/normal 'Apple Chancery'; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#660000;">Memoirs of Mommy</span></p><p style="text-align: left;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 20px/normal 'Apple Chancery'; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia, serif;font-size:130%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 20px/normal 'Apple Chancery'; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#660000;">Nichole Greene</span></p> <p style="text-align: center;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Apple Chancery'; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#660000;">1976 – 2009</span><span style="font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#660000;"> </span></span></p><p style="text-align: center;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Apple Chancery'; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#660000;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Apple Chancery'; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#660000;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: left;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Apple Chancery'; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 20px; color: rgb(102, 0, 0); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:medium;">Norm would like to invite you to take the time to record a</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Helvetica, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">thoughtful memory or story about Nichole. These stories will eventually be compiled in to a keepsake book to be treasured by Norm & the children in years to come.</span></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 20.0px Apple Chancery"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 18.0px Copperplate Light"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(51, 51, 0); font-family:'trebuchet ms', serif;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>HELPFUL SUGGESTIONS:</span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 18.0px Copperplate Light"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms', serif;color:#333300;"></span></span></p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms', serif;color:#333300;"><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Please make sure your story is descriptive of Nichole; one that paints a clear picture of who their mommy was, as seen through the eyes of her friends and family</span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Be sure to include pertinent details such as dates, places, shared experiences, as well as how she impacted your life</span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Handwritten notes add a more personal touch but need to be legible…otherwise it might be best to type it out</span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Upon completion, please return to Norm at the address listed below:</span></span></li></ul></span><p></p> <p style="text-align: center;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 11px/normal 'Times New Roman'; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#993300;">Norm Greene</span></i><span style="font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#993300;"> </span></span></p> <p style="text-align: center;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 11px/normal 'Times New Roman'; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#993300;">29719 Fitch Ave., Canyon Country, CA 91351</span></i><span style="font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#993300;"> </span></span></p> <p style="text-align: center;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 11px/normal 'Times New Roman'; "><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#993300;">gmbfoto@hotmail.com</span></i></b></p>Staceyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11663740988296428163noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8783690883897961118.post-89254725083264519012009-11-10T15:33:00.000-08:002009-11-11T07:35:19.580-08:00Nichole's ObituaryThis is what will go into the Los Angeles Daily News tomorrow and Thursday...<br /><br />NICHOLE GREENE<br /> 1976 - 2009<br /><br />Nichole Bernadette Greene devoted her life to serving and following her Lord and King, Jesus Christ. She died Saturday, Nov. 7, 2009 at Tarzana Regional Hospital after battling cervical cancer for more than a year and a half. She was 33.<br /><br />Born and raised in Sherman Oaks, Nichole was a devoted, loving wife and mother, who served the Lord and was a witness to His power of forgiveness until the moment she went to be with her Savior. She loved supporting missionaries, enjoyed swimming and anything having to do with Italy. But most of all Nichole cherished the fact that she fulfilled her lifelong dream of being a wife and mother.<br /><br />Nichole is survived by her husband, Norm, and four children, Ansel, 7, Noah, 6, Josephine, 5, Levi, 2, her mother Virginia and father Serge.<br /><br />A memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday at Grace Community Church in Sun Valley. The service will be broadcast live on the Web at http://bit.ly/Rnzyz. <br />To make a donation to the Nichole Greene Memorial Fundraiser, go to<br />http://bit.ly/1xTYvt.<br /><br />Her favorite passage in scripture was Hebrews 11:1-3<br />"Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. For by it the men of old gained approval. By faith we understand that the worlds were prepared by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things which are visible."<br /><br />Norm and her family are praising the Lord for her endless joy and for all those who came alongside her during her struggle.<br />-- <br />written by Brian Harr, a close friend of Norm's that works for the Los Angeles Daily NewsNormhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09782651084474685454noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8783690883897961118.post-37570526382634235282009-11-08T14:00:00.000-08:002009-11-08T14:05:35.225-08:00To NormGoing to church this morning, I was reminded of God's care and compassion for us. He's given us a great gift to us in His Church. I know that there are many people (including me) even now praying about how they can care for you and your family in the future. Please allow God to show His care and concern for you through the service of His people.<br /><br /><br /> Love,<br /> Jay and JenniferUnknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8783690883897961118.post-16992975565422436882009-11-07T13:31:00.000-08:002009-11-07T13:35:27.840-08:00Praise the Lord for His perfect ways. Norm was right there with Nichole this morning as she came into the presence of JesusNormhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09782651084474685454noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8783690883897961118.post-24558707610407633222009-11-07T12:29:00.000-08:002009-11-07T12:47:26.580-08:00Dear friends and family - <br /><br />Our precious Nichole is now in the presence of her Savior - rejoicing, pain free, in His glorious company. She has left a legacy of lovingkindness towards those who know her and an example of faithfulness towards her King whom she trusted and served with all her heart, might and strength...even in the midst of intense suffering. Let us remember and praise God for the work her Father in Heaven wrought out in her, by the power of His Spirit and give thanks for the testimony she left behind.<br /><br />Please remember to pray for her family while they mourn the loss of their precious loved one.<br /><br />All glory, honor and praise be to God our Father and our Lord Jesus Christ, who has always, and perfectly, been her faithful Comforter...<br />with love from her friend,<br />StaceyNormhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09782651084474685454noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8783690883897961118.post-48533488558523456822009-11-07T08:09:00.000-08:002009-11-07T08:10:45.360-08:00The Sweet Greene Family<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-zPj9Usr5qdu9NwSciFZ0hataSdJ5ul9eWXAaWbPIOAIb-5W-1lTQL9lz33h5tboEODkymylAjaLZ3H85FyR0QyVNj_0UQLOu67jvtVP2SKZPJ-sAPOXrS9zf7Z1snwO96QebWu0Vg8Y/s1600-h/DSCN3103.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5401394658246592034" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 239px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-zPj9Usr5qdu9NwSciFZ0hataSdJ5ul9eWXAaWbPIOAIb-5W-1lTQL9lz33h5tboEODkymylAjaLZ3H85FyR0QyVNj_0UQLOu67jvtVP2SKZPJ-sAPOXrS9zf7Z1snwO96QebWu0Vg8Y/s320/DSCN3103.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU4bvvYriLUM7LU473BrP1eVKUlpmQaalwjexZNBzrJRSFRlcOckaqVmaTcmUYC4mEhDvZAv-D2XFalOQFnLHkUMnOdlxquTi-H5iaCuKZudoF_shtxAyVkDRiH520ZxoOO1t_o50laDw/s1600-h/DSCN3101.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5401394650762052370" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 239px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU4bvvYriLUM7LU473BrP1eVKUlpmQaalwjexZNBzrJRSFRlcOckaqVmaTcmUYC4mEhDvZAv-D2XFalOQFnLHkUMnOdlxquTi-H5iaCuKZudoF_shtxAyVkDRiH520ZxoOO1t_o50laDw/s320/DSCN3101.JPG" border="0" /></a> I just love looking at these sweet faces. These are pictures I took of the family around a year ago. I just wanted to remind us all to keep praying for them as they face this most difficult season of their lives. <br /><br /><div></div></div>Julie Gebhardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00201033193802122859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8783690883897961118.post-26205106003309770202009-11-05T20:04:00.000-08:002009-11-05T20:06:59.824-08:00To her HouseOn Monday, Nov.9, Nichole will be taken by ambulance to her house, where she will be under hospice care to keep the pain as low as possible.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8783690883897961118.post-33921773721401009932009-10-30T16:30:00.000-07:002009-10-30T18:11:45.028-07:00This is an exerpt from an e-mail sent today by Patti who has faithfully organized care for the Greenes.<br />She also includes (towards the end of the e-mail) some words that Nichole wanted to share with you today.<br /> <br />Sincerely,<br />Carina<br /><br />Oswald Chamber's wrote<br />" All of God's people are ordinary people who have been made extraordinary by the purpose He has given them. God is at work bending, molding, and doing exactly as He chooses. Why is He doing this? He is doing it for one purpose --that That He may be able to say " This is my man and this is my woman." We have to be in God's hand so that He can place others on the Rock, Jesus Christ, just as He has place us"<br /> <br />Our sweet Nichole is indeed extraordinary. She so desires for those at the hospital who have witness the service and the love of body of Christ to be saved. By way of encouragement, she wanted me to tell you to continue to be a witness to those in the hospital. Your love for the Lord and care for Nichole has spoken volumes to those who are watching. She mentioned that there were a few persons who have expressed interested in visiting our church. Praise God! I was very blessed by her love for the Lord and her love for the lost. She is such a great testimony of grace. She also, wanted me to relay a message to all the caregivers spouses. Please pass this on to your sweethearts. She is so grateful for you sacrifice and support . She is aware that the sacrifice was very much yours as it was for your loved ones who served. She is indeed grateful for your service. Thank you.<br /> Normhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09782651084474685454noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8783690883897961118.post-89731902258847936552009-10-29T19:30:00.000-07:002009-10-29T19:39:23.788-07:00I know that many people depend on this blog for updates on how Nichole is doing, and I have been attempting to gather some information (though I've moved to the other side of the country...). I still receive email updates on how we can help Nichole, so I thought I would post this now, though I hope to speak with someone who knows a bit more soon. I think it is safe to say that the end is near. Nichole seemingly has several blood clots in her legs, and is battling for physical comfort each moment of the day. She is unable to get rest, and is in severe pain, and yet she has still managed to maintain joy in the Lord and longs for heaven. This earth is not our home, and Nichole is ready to go home. Please pray for the family as I'm sure not many of us can even imagine the difficulty of this trial for them. These precious kiddos are being cared for by the Lord, yet they will (and already have) miss their mommy. Pray for Norm, Ansel, Noah, Josie and little Levi. Such a sweet family experiencing the most difficult of trials.<br /><br />"We will stand as children of the promise, we will fix our eyes on Him, my soul reward, til the race is finished and the work is done, we walk by faith and not by sight."<br /> This is our sweet Nichole. She desires to finish strong and bring Glory to God. Please pray that if it be His will that Nichole's last days on this earth will be pain-free and restful. She longs for heaven but know the Lord is Sovereign and is resting in Him.Julie Gebhardshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00201033193802122859noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8783690883897961118.post-91193215774773440442009-10-22T15:51:00.000-07:002009-10-22T15:53:24.337-07:00Desiring to go to HeavenI was at the hospital with Nichole today, and she said to me (several times), "I want to go to Heaven." Please pray that God would grant her desire swiftly and painlessly.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8783690883897961118.post-54084104397710134262009-10-20T23:05:00.000-07:002009-10-20T23:11:24.351-07:00Oct. 20This is a heartfelt and sincere plea from a dear friend of mine, and a dear friend of Nichole.<br /><br />This is a desperate plea for everyone to devote some time this week or<br />every day to pray for Nichole Greene. I've always known she has had an<br />immense tolerance for allot of pain but what she is dealing with now<br />seems close to inhumane torture. God is sustaining her in an amazing,<br />almost peculiar way, when one considers the onslaught of agonizing<br />procedures and mishaps she's been racked with. Besides the fact that<br />she is a mere skeleton with skin, nothing is working right in her<br />body. Where some may have the mercy of a concentrated area of pain/<br />discomfort, or a cohesion or some predictability of symptoms, she's<br />been granted an extension of utmost suffering.<br /><br />Our Lord was despised and rejected by humankind; a man of sorrows and<br />acquainted with grief. In this world God is letting Nichole partake in<br />that likeness of Him. And my security is that one day<br />she will make up part of His treasured possession - she will be made<br />like Him. I wish all of you knew Nichole and what a treasure she is to<br />earthen vessels. Our God is good. The time that He is allowing for<br />her to go through this is serving as maybe her last opportunity to<br />strengthen the body, and indeed that is what He is doing.<br /><br />Under the physical tortures of no sleep, pain medication that is<br />causing confusion, pain from surgeries and a body riddled with cancer<br />that cannot be masked by the medication, bags attached to her<br />everywhere, tubes through her nose to suck out vomit in her stomach,<br />and... much more...we have heard her mumble, "I can do all things<br />through Christ who strengthens me." Please pray for a continued inward<br />sanctuary of her mind that only God can provide. And please pray for God's will to be done quickly. I can<br />hardly understand the torture but I do maintain God is good in what He<br />is doing. She is His.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8783690883897961118.post-31046208832695739242009-10-14T13:33:00.001-07:002009-11-04T00:05:10.622-08:00Oct. 14A note of encouragment from as dear sweet saint...<br /> <br /> To say she needs our help, encouragement, and PRAYERS is to say a lot, but at this time prayer and physical help seems to be at an even greater measure than it has been for in a while!!! As you know I was there last nite and this morning and I have seen Nichole in many phases of this disease and all that it has done to her, and all that God has allowed is beyond me. I just do not know how she, in her humanness deals with all the poking and prodding, tests and surgeries, procedures and disappointments, the tubes and doctors, people in and out, the Alzheimer’s screaming guy in the room next to her and……all the ups and downs she has been through. It is way beyond description and to say it’s incredible what she has been through doesn’t quiet do it!!!! Do I understand why no …except to say with great assurance that I know God does and HE is still in control. <br /><br /> As I sat next to her bed last nite and sensed the very presence of God I knew how she does it all. Yes it is only by and through and with God’s grace and goodness and sovereignty. So where does that leave us….right where it should….praying and trusting and then for those that can go beyond that….it takes us right to her side. Along with Jesus we go, some can’t because of family, work whatever that’s the reality of life. I know some who would go but just can’t….and I fully understand, and for those folks, I encourage you to continue to pray!!!!<br /><br /> I know God is the one who really takes care of Nichole and can work without our participation but, what a blessing it is to be a part of His great work if only to watch it happen. He has never left her side AND NEVER will!!!! <br /><br /> Certainly we know it has only been by God’s grace, and most definitely I know He sees her, and has never taken His loving eyes off her BUT…..I’ll tell ya for this human for this sinner it shakes my socks off to see her go through all she does. So folks I would just encourage all of you to PRAY to ask others to pray and ya never know by passing the word around maybe we will find others who will then be able to go to Nichole in this her time of real need.<br /><br /> She never goes through it alone, God is always with her. Many of you have been very supportive either at her home, or by her side. Many of you in prayer and God is the one who needs to direct who and when one goes to Nichole to help out. Somehow I just felt compelled to encourage you….each of us…to remember to pray, to continue to trust and to then see HOW God answers our prayers and isn’t that always a blessing. God supplies our strength, He answers our prayers, He has already been through tonite and tomorrow with us and with our precious Nichole…….IN HIS great Love a sister in JesusUnknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8783690883897961118.post-3991637180905723172009-10-14T13:05:00.000-07:002009-10-14T13:06:20.412-07:00Oct. 14Another testimonial of God's grace written by a friend of Nichole's.<br /> <br />As you know, I was just with Nichole yesterday. My heart came away heavy with many thoughts and emotions, but two things prevailed... Our Lord is good and my love for my dear sister continues to grow! She's a brave, strong soldier who takes no credit for herself. In the midst of her minute by minute pain management struggle, she managed to asked me how my family was doing and how I was doing! She does not demand. She acts with kindness. She is polite and says "thank you" often. She even showed some humor! She asked me to help her w/ some leg exercises, and after a while she was concerned with ME and told me to please not "hurt myself!" I'm the healthy one, I am the helper and her concern is not for herself but for me! Nichole may be quiet but her thoughts are right on, and when it comes to things that pertain to the Lord, she is sharp! Her love and devotion for the Lord continue to be fervently on fire. Nichole asks for little but you come away with so much. You come away in awe of her strength, which is the Lord's. You come away in awe of her faith, given to her by the Lord. You come away a bit more sanctified than when you first walked in... Knowing that we have NOTHING to complain about and EVERYTHING to be thankful for. The Lord in His infinite knowledge has allowed Nichole to go through this fiery trial, and I shake my head often and think how much I (along w/ many) are being sanctified and convicted by watching our dear sister fight with all she's got. I continue to pray for her family... Her husband, her kids, her mom and dad who all ache as they watch her suffer so much physical pain. I continue to pray for a miracle, that our Lord will make her whole again.<br /> <br />Blessing on this beautiful rainy day!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8783690883897961118.post-12820052415622159912009-10-09T16:45:00.000-07:002009-10-14T13:39:21.156-07:00by Jennifer Jane Ostroff-Uwarow 1974-2009This was written by a very dear friend of mine two years before she died from a rare cancer. Her courage was, and still is, palpable and contagious.<br /><br /><br />">Friends have been telling me how brave I have been these last twenty months. True it is that the past has had daily afflictions-the symptons of that curse we have all been dealt...but the idea of a personal valiancy makes me pause and consider those symptoms. I have not felt brave. The wasting away of my earthly home, the destruction of my outer nature, the tent constructed of chest and arms and ivory skin and brown hair is progressively being dismantled. While I haven't lost heart, it more than occasionally seemed misplaced or hiding. The Apostle Paul reminds me of the objective inner reality that "I am of good courage" and not only that, but "I am always of good courage." (2 Corinthians 5:1-10) How does the impossibility of courage become not just possible but guaranteed?<br /><br />God is Himself preparing me for a change of address. I am moving out of this dirty and deteriorating temporary shelter that is me into a heavenly and lasting home, never to be relocated. This new home designed by God "eternal in the heavens" will never need a remodel. A raw look in the mirror and the insufficiency causes a sigh of shame: scars of imperfection, a pale color caused by weakness, a chair beside me to relieve the burden of standing. I still haven't removed the old calendar taped to the mirror. July reflects that last chemotherapy appointment. I should probably take down that reminder of painful moments gone by, yet the human capacity to count-down to painful days not yet marked will still be there. Taking another glance at my reflection, I know that it will be difficult to say goodbye to the eyes staring back at me. I want to live. I really do want to have this scarred body for just awhile longer. As Paul says, "not that I would be unclothed" I want God to "further clothe" me so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life.<br /><br />So what do I do? Regardless of how many Januarys I will have to purchase new calendars it is my aim to please the Lord and I think I am biblical in saying <em>it is courage that pleases</em>. I am learning that I can bring delight to the heart of God by believeing something that is really hard to believe...so hard to believe because nothing here can prove it to me and there is little discoverable evidence available to convince myself of it. Such belief is so crazy, I might venture to say it requires faith? I am to live believing the claim of Philippians <st1:time hour="13" minute="21">1:21</st1:time> that "to live is Christ and to die is gain...to depart and be with Christ...that is far better!" To take hold of that and to trust such truth is what produces the courage that pleases God. My life here is Christ and when I die, then my real life is even more Christ. I suppose that is why Paul could say, "with full courage now as always Christ will be honored in my body, whether by life or by death."<br /><br />I've been in many worship services with music that extols the better-ness of being with Jesus. I always sing with some hesitancy. Pleasant moments talking with mom and dad...silly moments of laughter with my twin sister...peaceful moments resting in my husband's arms...will it really be better? I can't know for sure. Well, I can know by faith, but not with a knowledge gained by sight.<br /><br />When my husband and I moved to the desert, time necessitated that he secure a home for us without me first ever stepping inside. Being rather selective, it took a small degree of trust on my part to believe that he was moving me to a dwelling capable of safety and beauty. He did a pretty good job. The cupboards aren't ideal and the fixtures were a bit brassy but despite these features I am content with our home. Home is where he is. Our Lord knows our deepest hope and what will ignite great joy in our soul and newly glorified body. He is moving me into that house where every expectation will be far surpassed and the ugly features replaced with divine designs. I will be home. Home because that is where He is and by faith I know it will be far better. </p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8783690883897961118.post-81288947567179274312009-10-06T08:15:00.000-07:002009-10-06T08:18:10.406-07:00Oct. 6Nichole is weak, but getting stronger. She is more alert. Nichole has every intention of fighting this thing with all her might. Pray God continues to strengthen her and her family, and help her in this battle.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8783690883897961118.post-29146267840150330682009-10-03T09:48:00.000-07:002009-10-03T09:51:11.675-07:00Oct. 3 updateNichole has been in the hospital longer than anticipated, due to her intestinal problems. Please continue to pray that God will provide (maybe through you?) people to help her throughout the duration of her hospital stay.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8783690883897961118.post-65608948680426364112009-09-27T21:19:00.000-07:002009-09-27T21:23:05.241-07:00Sunday, Sep.27.Nichole has been admitted to the hospital for some tests in connection with stomach pains. She will most likely return home during the week. Please pray that she will be kept comfortable, and that God will again provide helpers to be with her during her long hours in the hospital.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8783690883897961118.post-22036459546300405332009-09-20T16:24:00.000-07:002009-09-20T16:25:53.489-07:00Home Again.Nichole is now at home in the loving presence of her family.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8783690883897961118.post-81817667857284215872009-09-13T15:42:00.000-07:002009-09-13T15:53:41.625-07:00Some joyful newsSeveral more people have enlisted in the Lord's army by volunteering to help Nichole fight in this war against cancer. Nichole is much encouraged by this, and, I can't say for sure that it is directly related, but Nichole's heart rate has stabilized significantly. There are still needs, though. Nichole really needs help in the morning hours (8am-12pm) when breakfast is served, and all the doctors come a'pokin' and a'proddin'. The overnight shift, though difficult to do, is very necessary and helpful. From 9pm-8am is the time when Nichole gets most confused about exact hours that she needs to know, and she really needs someone there to help her keep track of things. <br /><br />Thank you so much to all who have helped in the past, and to those who have yet to help. Your service to Nichole does not go unseen to God. "If you help one of mine in my name, you have helped me", says Jesus "and your reward is in Heaven."Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8783690883897961118.post-53824913938456431352009-09-09T11:18:00.000-07:002009-09-09T11:39:09.670-07:00A matter of righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit.Psalm 103 tells us that God knows all about us, our strengths and our weaknesses, the things we can do, and the things we can't do. He knows our hearts. We are accountable only to Him, and to our own conscience. We are called to serve God with a clear conscience. (2 Tim.1:3.) We will all stand before God's judgment seat, and we need only concern ourselves with His judgment of us. "The kingdom of God is a matter of righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit, and anyone who serves Christ in this way is pleasing to God and approved by men." (Romans 14.)Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8783690883897961118.post-90106519150113831082009-09-05T08:17:00.000-07:002009-09-05T08:22:39.979-07:00"The harvest is plentiful . . . ""The harvest is plentiful" (there are many needs), "but the workers are few" (many needs are going unmet). "Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into His harvest field." I would also add to please consider going yourself if you can.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8783690883897961118.post-36102997853195755922009-09-03T09:56:00.000-07:002009-09-08T17:08:57.252-07:00Help NeededNichole is greatly encouraged when people can come and sit quietly in the room with her for several hours at a time, and even overnight. The Greene kids are also in need of some loving care and watchful eyes while they wait at home. Knowing her children are being well tended to is a great encouragement to Nichole, and also a great help to Norm, allowing him to go see his precious wife or work on projects around the house. "Let us not become weary in doing good to others, especially those of the household of faith."<br /><br />To see how you can help, please e-mail Jennifer, <a href="http://www.blogger.com/juniperzoo@hotmail.com">juniperzoo@hotmail.com</a> or Patti, <a href="http://www.blogger.com/hal19229@yahoo.com">hal19229@yahoo.com</a>. Anything you can do is appreciated.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8783690883897961118.post-55071085878895672702009-08-31T12:46:00.000-07:002009-08-31T12:47:54.638-07:00Aug. 31,'09Nichole is in a tremendous amount of pain due to a large blood clot in her leg.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8783690883897961118.post-26434326659222978002009-08-29T16:12:00.000-07:002009-08-29T16:21:24.107-07:00News and NeedsThe news about Nichole is all good. She is stronger and more alert each day, she is walking better and farther (150 feet!), and she is now on a soft food diet so that she has actual food for the first time in 3 weeks. Nichole's breathing is better, and she is able to sit up for longer periods of time. All this good news does not mean she is in any less pain, though.<br /> A concern and prayer request from Nichole is that there would be more people volunteering with childcare at her house. If you have some free hours to serve in this way, please e-mail Patti (<a href="hal19229@yahoo.com">hal19229@yahoo.com</a>), or just sign up on her calendar. Thank you.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8783690883897961118.post-68433520531177974922009-08-26T16:58:00.000-07:002009-08-27T09:13:14.093-07:00Recovery.Nichole is still in the hospital recovering. She's had yet another surgery in addition to the major surgery for which she was admitted. She is able to walk some, and she looks better. Future treatments are as of yet undecided; the main desire of the Greenes and their loved ones is just to get Nichole through this recovery smoothly, and to have her at home as soon as possible. There is no need to worry about tomorrow, as each day has enough trouble of its own.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">I would like to reiterate my offer to help anyone else to help Nichole. The hospital is farther than I should be driving, so if someone needs me to watch their kids while they go to help Nichole, I would be happy to do that. Please write to me at </span><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.blogger.com/juniperzoo@hotmail.com">juniperzoo@hotmail.com</a><span style="font-weight: bold;"> if I can in any way facilitate your helping Nichole. Thank you.</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />Spiritual Acts of Worship<br /><br />1 Corinthians 12 teaches us that each member of the Body of Christ has special abilities that only they can do, and that we must all use our unique gifts towards accomplishing one goal. I can write, and so that will be my way of serving Nichole and her family and all who read the blog. I can not be of much help at the hospital, nor am I good with domestic chores at the Greene's. Some of you are, though, and could put your gifts to great use in either of those ways. I want to spur you on and encourage you to love the family, this family specifically, and the Family of God as a whole, in this way, by doing these good deeds. I know some of you are very far away, and your prayers on behalf of Nichole and her family will rise to God as a sweet incense. He is particularly pleased with our prayers when we come to Him having our hearts cleansed by Jesus' blood, and when we come before Him with boldness and faith. Please consider well how YOU might serve the family, and encourage others to do the same. Blessings to you.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span></span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;"></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span></span><br /></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1