Monday, November 4, 2024
People Get Our Vote, But Only God Gets Our Hope
Friday, November 1, 2024
Chris and Carol Green Adocate for a Revolution in Hearts and Homes
Chris and Carol write:
Where do our families fit in the grand scheme of the emerging American Social and Political Revolution?
We are caught in the cross-fires of economic, social, political, educational and religious wars; while standing on the brink of despair due to neighborhood crime, domestic violence, drug abuse and child trafficking; along with overwhelming outbreaks of mental illness, an epidemic of multiple STDs, the diminishing of parental rights, systemic racism, critical race theories, and an endless list of politically-correct agendas that are buried within current human service and education programs.
This book, which was originally published in 2015, may surprise you because it does not offer a list of the many ways that traditional families can fight for their rights, freedoms or protection through rallies, politics, protest or marches. Instead, it is a marvelous diary of the same profound, God-ordained strategies and lessons, that have equipped and empowered believers for centuries; filled with the knowledge and wisdom to navigate these challenges from their own homefronts, literally.
Over the span of three decades, the Greens have worked to convey a Kingdom-of-God-perspective regarding men, women, husbands, wives, fathers, mothers, marriage and family, even though it pushes against a pervasive tsunami of 21st century views, perversions and philosophies that has been embraced by many in society.
"You don’t have to read through the chapters in any particular order," the Greens advise. "Just allow God’s Spirit to lead you through the writings. We are certain that these life inserts will speak directly to your heart and build your faith as you seek God about your family's purpose and Kingdom destiny."
You might think of this book as a collection of the Green's most significant Kingdom downloads, because this compilation truly reveals the heart of God regarding family, and gives you precisely what you'll need to launch an internal revolution that will rebuild, restore and renew your heart and home.
Available on Amazon Books at https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D7BLL6S1
Tuesday, October 1, 2024
Jane E. Green Legacy Scholarship Officially Launched
The Jane E. Green Scholarship was established to honor the life and legacy of a woman of God, wife, mother, and grandmother who was an undercover special force agent and soldier who impacted thousands throughout her life as a Bible teacher, and through her home-and-prayer-focused ministry.
She was one who never sought after or even needed the spotlight in order to run her race and complete her course in teaching the word of God and imparting wisdom for marriage and family relationships (married 70 years).
Together, she and her husband (James) served for decades in several ministry of helps roles in their various homes, neighborhoods, and local churches where they were members. Most notably, she made a profound impact on countless hundreds of children in the urban community through Child Evangelism Fellowship's Good News Clubs and Discipleship Programs; and they hosted a weekly prayer gathering for teenagers and young adults in their home.
In 1987, she helped pioneer the Metropolitan Christian Worship Center with her eldest son and daughter-in-love (Raphael and Brenda Green) where she served in various ministerial roles: Director of Altar Workers and Follow-up Ministries; Director of a ministry to senior women in the church; led the Christian Education Department; and completed her tenure as a staff pastoral advisor minister and staff teaching minister.
She earned associate degrees in Biblical Studies, Christian Education, and Christian Counseling at the Brooke's Bible Institute. Additionally she earned a degree as a licensed practical nurse - a field she loved and served in for more than a decade.
Her legacy is so profoundly simple. Trust and obey, for there’s no other way…
She knew that people were trying to do the best they could with what they had; but her philosophy was,
“Let God give you the best that He has for you.”
She often said, “My only desire was for my children to know and love Jesus; and live their lives for Him.
I didn’t ask God to make them famous; my only prayer was that they would be faithful.”
She had 7 children, 13 grand children, and 22 great-grandchildren.
All of her children committed their lives to Christ at an early age, and as young adults, each of them entered the ministry or the marketplace with the same passion and focus as their mother.
She passed away in September of 2024, but we will continue to carry her name, cause and contributions through scholarships that will enable Believers to have access to solid and sound Biblical teaching, wisdom and instruction.
Wednesday, September 11, 2024
Our Hearts Were Broken: 9/11 Anniversary Tribute
Our Hearts Were Broken
9/11 Anniversary Tribute (Originally Written 9/11/2011)
Ten years ago today our hearts were broken.
In horror we watched, no word could be spoken.
Time stopped, Could this be really happening?
My eyes can’t believe what I’m seeing.
Did the news flash really say what I'm hearing?
Sirens and screams in the background searing.
I cannot imagine what people are feeling.
As loved ones perish while thousands are fleeing.
Overwhelmed with grief, sickened by sorrow.
It’ll just be a nightmare when I wake up tomorrow.
How could something so evil be unleashed on the world?
Snatching the innocence of every boy and girl.
We’ll never forget the moment the second plane flew in.
The exclamation of the commentator,
"O my God, It happened again!"
And panic begin to set in as we learned
The terror plot wasn’t done,
Another plane had crashed into the Pentagon.
We’ll never forget the thoughts as we watched events unfold.
Is this the fulfillment of Biblical prophecies, foretold?
Is it just the random deed of some religious maniac?
Is it the start of world war three, is our nation under attack?
We’ll never forget the moment
When those towers came crashing down.
Our hearts were crumbling with it,
Knowing lives were being snuffed out.
I wanted to scream, I wanted to cry,
But I could only kneel down.
I prayed to God,
In whom peace and solace could be found.
God alone can avenge the taking of innocent lives.
For the first responders who left behind
Grieving children, husbands and wives.
For the mothers, fathers, sons and daughters
Who faded away with no warning;
For the brothers and sisters
Who did not see the next day’s dawning.
It’s taken me ten years,
To put words on these thoughts.
Ten years of processing feelings
Of profound sadness and loss.
I don’t think I’ll ever be able to fully express
What happened to us that day,
Except that I know we came to understand
The tears on God’s face!
For ions of time
He has watched mankind destroy one another.
He stepped in from the beginning
After one brother killed the other.
What religious view is so important
That so many lives need to be shattered?
What political agenda means so much
That nothing else matters?
America, America,
God poured out His grace on Thee
As crying and wailing rang out
From sea to shining sea.
Ten years ago our hearts were broken,
But I have to wonder somehow.
Where will we be within our hearts
Another ten years from now?
Chris Green, 9/11/2011
Friday, August 30, 2024
Chris and Carol Green Launch Responding with CARE Podcasts
Chris and Carol commemorate their journey over the last 20 years by sharing lessons learned, and by interviewing some of the extraordinary people who have responded to their communities with CARE.
Click HERE to Access all podcasts at RESPONDING WITH CARE PODCAST
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Thursday, July 18, 2024
Carol Green Earns Board-Certified Master Mental Health Coach Credential
“Many of our religious and
civic leaders have been misinformed and still approach mental health issues from
ignorance, stigma, fear, and very bad theology,” Carol and Chris explain.
Many still believe
that all people need to do is just quote a scripture, say a prayer, and God
will take care of the marital and family conflicts and challenges by miraculously injecting solutions and resolution into their relationships. But God says through Biblical text, that His people perish because of the lack of knowledge. In this aspect of our human experience, we suffer from debilitating ignorance.
In response to this
errant mindset and theology, we just wanted to get educated, trained and
empowered to address this crisis by learning from other, more knowledgeable and
experienced Christian organizations and institutions who bring a balanced and
holistic approach to helping individuals and families who are struggling with
mental health challenges. We wanted to immerse ourselves in proper education,
so that we could better understand the mental health crisis in our own families
and communities."
This specialization program from the Dr. James Dobson Center for Marriage and Family Studies involved 42 hours of training and exams that prepares leaders to preserve and promote the institution of the family and the biblical principles on which it is based. It is focused on the training of a generation of leaders to stand in the gap and help strengthen today’s marriages and families.
Before taking on this Master course, Carol had already completed a 42-hour rigorous mental health training program that included:
1.) First, the
completion of a 14-hour course called Foundations of Mental
Health Coaching - This introductory course was designed to provide
students with an orientation to the field of mental health coaching. Topics
covered included the role and scope of mental health coaching within the local
church, ethical guidelines and professional standards in coaching, crisis
intervention techniques, and the integration of faith and biblical wisdom in
coaching.
2.) Next, the
completion of a 14-hour course called Mental Health Coaching
Skills -The purpose of this course was to provide students with
the fundamental theories and skills of Christ-centered mental health coaching.
Key elements of the coaching process, included methods of change, listening,
effective communication, giving hope, operating small groups, and counseling
theory.
3.) And finally,
the completion of a 14-hour course called Mental and Behavioral
Health Disorders - This course introduced students to the
fundamentals of mental and behavioral health disorders. Particular emphasis was
placed on factors that cause mental disorders, as well as conventional
treatments. Conditions discussed included addiction, anxiety disorders, bipolar
disorder, major depressive disorder, eating disorders, and post-traumatic
stress disorder.
Yes, that's a total of 84 hours of training and prepration. As a Board Certified
Master Mental Health Coach, credentialed by the International Board of Christian Care (IBCC), Carol has earned a voluntary global credential that trains and charges its
recipients to maintain the highest clinical, ethical and biblical standards of
practice.
“I'm very pleased to
have earned this credential," Carol concluded. “Now my husband (Chris) and I
are better prepared to assist people through our coaching business and
ministry. We're also able to become a more successful connection and liaison
between those who need help, and the very capable mental health professionals in our community.
We are part of an army of mental health coaches that are being trained and
deployed across the United States. It's a new day for those who have been
suffering in silence in our families, neighborhoods, church pews, classrooms
and corporate offices."
Chris and Carol Green are the creators of the CARE-Ready Life Coaching® model: Care-Readiness/ Training/ Certification, and the founders of the STEP Forward Life Institute™, an online community service preparatory platform. Through their business and school, they empower people to become the change they want to see, and to become the kind and caring light this world so desperately needs.
Thursday, July 11, 2024
Chris and Carol Green Present Their CARE-Readiness Model to County's Human Service Agencies and Organizations
Pennsylvania, USA --- Community Life Coaches, Chris and Carol Green, were ‘spotlight’ presenters at the Dauphin County Systems of Care Community Partners monthly meeting.
Carol opened the presentation by reading an email from a young woman they had coached and mentored over 20 years ago. The woman had written to thank the Greens for the role they had played in her life.
“Many of you have similar testimonials,” she told the meeting participants , “It’s because you have that passion for helping people.”
Chris explained the concept of CARE-Readiness with the analogy that some parcels and packages are labeled ‘Handle with Care.’ He then explained how they use the acronym CARE which means Compassion/ Civility; Awareness/ Accountability; Respect; and Empathy.
He challenged the gathering with three questions:
- Are you CARE-ready in your professional and personal life?
- Would you like to be even more effective in your people connections?
- Who handles you with CARE…. When you’re on the edge of burnout or compassion fatigue?
He explained the differences of coaching vs. mentoring, and coaching vs. counseling in order to clarify what it really means to provide life coaching or, at least, a coaching approach within case management and people-helping.
They also spoke on how CARE-readiness is instrumental for addressing burnout and compassion fatigue.
Chris and Carol Green’s Services and Training include:Inspiration – Get Your Passion Back
Motivational and Encouraging Presentations
Books:
- Responding with CARE
- Processed for Success (Aftermath of Burnout & Compassion Fatigue)
- Rest, Retreats, Revival & Other Comedies (You are Success in Process)
Tools and Practical Application:
- Listen, Lift, Launch (Level 1) – CARE-Readiness
- Listen, Lift, Launch (Level 2) – CARE-Ready Coach Certification
Group Coaching (Building CARE Capacity):
- You are Success in Process
- What NOW (Navigating the Maze of Transition, Trials and Change)
- The Honor Role (For Men)
- Beyond the Resume
- Making It Work from the Inside Out (Emotional Intelligence: Christ Awareness)
Learn more about the Green's coaching and consulting business, as well as their Care-Ready Model and Training, on their website at https://www.candcconnections.com/what-is-care-readiness
Sunday, June 16, 2024
I Turn to My Father
Originally recorded in October of 2000 at Metro Christian Worship Center in St. Louis, MO, this message features Chris Green speaking to men about finding their identity and purpose in Father God.
This message also includes an original song titled I Turn to My Father.
Bill collectors call my home. The debt was due today.
The boss says, “Get it done. I mean, right away.”
The school says, “Come get your son. He always fights when they play.”
How can I overcome?
My wife will hide her pain. She feels so alone.
I've got to work some overtime; so again I won't be home.
“If you have an emergency, just call my cell phone.”
I'm always on the run.
I turn to my Father when I'm tired of being the man.
For He knows my heart; sees all the struggles I’ve had.
I turned to my Father for His wisdom and help.
How can I be the man when I'm just a child myself?
At work, I must be tough to get the job done.
At home, I must be soft and hold them in my arms.
Can't seem to find the balance of tender and strong,
Trying to drive in both lanes.
Sometimes I want to cry when I'm feeling the strain,
But yielding to these feelings makes me weak in the game,
That old familiar motto will drive me insane:
When there's no pain, there's no gain.
I turn to my Father when I'm tired of being the man.
For He knows my heart; sees all the struggles I’ve had.
I turned to my Father for His wisdom and help.
How can I be the man when I'm just a child myself?
Life is so demanding; to be a husband, father and friend.
In His presence I'm standing; as a servant, a son and a man.
I turn to my Father when I'm tired of being the man.
For He knows my heart; sees all the struggles I’ve had.
I turned to my Father for His wisdom and help.
How can I be a husband when I'm just a child myself?
How can I be a daddy when I'm just a child myself?
How can I be the man when I'm just a child myself?
Wednesday, May 29, 2024
Mental Health Awareness Month: Self Care Presentations
Saturday, May 4, 2024
Chris and Carol Green Officiate Wedding
The course covered topics, tools and tips for Communication, Conflict and Commitment:
- Dialogue/ Communication Styles Assessment
- Ground rules for Marriage Conflict
- Communication Inhibitors, and
- *Wellness in Marriage, which involved three subtopics:
- Five Threats to Oneness in Marriage,
- The Five Phases of Marriage Deterioration, and
- Preventing Marriage Deterioration (The **Circles of Contentment)
- The **Circles of Contentment topics:
- Male Circle of Contentment (What does he need from me?)
- Female Circle of Contentment (What does she need from me?)
“We were honored to be part of the marriage ceremony of this very special couple today,” the Greens commented. “They requested that we provide their pre-marital preparation and that we officiate their wedding as well. It was also very special because our son, Jon Green, was the best man. They have shared a friendship and camaraderie that has continued from college until this very day.”
Friday, March 22, 2024
CARE-Ready Master Life Coach and Trainer Graduates First Cohort of Care-Solution Life Coaches
St. Louis, Missouri, USA - Amethyst Roberson, our first CARE-Ready Master Life Coach and Trainer, graduated her first cohort of Care-Solution Life Coaches in an online ceremony hosted by Coaching Care Connections on Thursday, March 21, 2024.
“As we wrap up this incredible journey,” Amethyst shared on social media, “I can't help but feel overwhelmed with gratitude. This course has been more than just a series of lectures and assignments; it has been a transformative experience. As we step into the future, lets carry these lessons with us and continue to strive for excellence."
Congratulations were given to her first graduates:
To Sheila Bratton – “Congratulations on accomplishing this milestone. I cannot wait to see the full bloom of what God is planting in you. People really have no idea of the depth of wisdom and knowledge that you possess. Don’t allow the trials of life to stop you from bringing out what has been placed in you. Now, it’s time to elevate and impact your world."
To Adryane Calloway - "I am amazed at what is about to be released into the world. All I see are open doors and opportunities for you to simply show up authentically. It will be refreshing and welcomed by all who come in contact with you. Go elevate and impact others.”
The graduation ceremony featured guest speaker, Pastor Al Long, Sr., an Ordained Minister, Certified Corporate Instructor, Certified Life Coach, Certified Peer Specialist and a Family Support Provider. He and his wife Kacie also minister to those reentering society after incarceration through their non-profit Jacob's Ladder Ministries.
Amethyst Roberson is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) based in Saint Louis, Missouri, USA, and a Nationally Certified Counselor (NCC). She has specialized in Christian Counseling, Life Coaching for women and couples, and in Professional development services to those in need for 20+ years. She is also a dynamic speaker and author.
She added to her long list of credentials by becoming a certified CARE-Ready Master Life Coach and Trainer. This means she is credentialed and qualified (through the STEP Forward Life Institute) to train, produce and provide certifications for life coaches in her powerfully effective coaching model.
The people that Amethyst trains
in her Elevate 2 Impact life coaching certification program not only
receive principles and strategies that are built upon a proven coaching model,
but they benefit from her many years of professional experience as a licensed
professional counselor, certified life coach, and a cutting edge innovator who walks
them through a learning experience that transforms each of her students as a
person and empowers each of them as a life coach.
Friday, March 15, 2024
Encouraging Grandparents Who Are Raising Their Grandchildren
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, USA - Chris and Carol Green were the guest speakers at this month’s Grandparents Information Forum, which was hosted by Dolorez Cobb-Jones, founder of a non-profit organization called Grandparents Involved From The Start (GIFTS), Inc, on Thursday evening, March 14, 2024.
Presenting on the organization's Zoom Conference, the Board Certified Mental Health Coaches spoke from the topic: Mental Health and Your Living Legacy.
The purpose of GIFTS is to assist grandparents with knowledge, support and resources so that they will become more informed, involved and empowered to overcome the challenges of raising their grandchild(ren). The Greens were invited as part of a self-care series and this month’s focus was on mental health.
“Our thanks to Dolorez Cobb-Jones and GIFTS for inviting us to speak on their online forum,” the Greens shared. “The participants were so gracious and receptive.”
The Greens opened by engaging the group in a relaxation exercise as a practical way to relieve stress and get focused and centered for the online session. Then they explained some of the basic terminology surrounding mental health, daily stress, and traumatic stress; and carried the presentation into a pivotal section called, ‘When Life Happens'. Ninety percent (90%) of U.S. citizens will be exposed to a traumatic event in their lifetime, so life happenings can include:
· Natural Disasters
· Accidental Disasters
· Intentional or Deliberate Disasters
· Incidents of loss or unexpected changes in your life and lifestyle
· Sustained or Repeated Events and Incidents
“We really wanted to emphasize that even though traumatic stress is more powerful and serious than ordinary day-to-day stress,” the Greens explained, “Traumatic stress is a normal human response to an abnormal event or incident. The brain and body are trying to get back to normal.”
Since most of their audience is dealing with the unexpected changes and the traumatic incidents that created the current situation in which they are now raising their grandchildren, the Greens shared some of their traumatic experiences like the loss of income, a car repossession, an eviction, and living in a hotel for about two months.
From this perspective the Greens offered the following everyday mental health tips to help grandparents elevate their mood and become more resilient.
1. Practice self-care and make yourself a priority (Eat healthy, Exercise, Get enough sleep)
2. Disconnect (for a period of time daily) from electronics and social media
3. Engage in activities that provide meaning
4. Volunteer
5. Engage in meditation and/or prayer
6. Avoid heavy substance use
7. Get help from a licensed mental health professional when and if you need it
Then they concluded by offering tips on how to build a living legacy of mental wellness for their grand children.
As the Greens were speaking, so many comments were being posted in the group chat that Dolorez Cobb-Jones briefly interrupted the presentation to read a few of them. Samples of the responses were:
- This is very practical
- You're answering the exact questions that I had in my mind
- Wow
- Interesting session
- I've been practicing this for the last 3 years ...Love this meeting, very informative
- Wonderful
- Thank you for this opportunity
- Really informative session
- Thank you !!!
- Great
“We just presented a few small but impactful ways to help grandparents improve their mental health every day,” the Greens concluded. “Just as it requires effort to build and maintain physical health, so it is with mental health. We pray that all will see an increase in their overall mental wellness as they press forward in raising their grandchildren in these challenging times."