Choose to Live the Abundant Life!

By Robert H. Schuller

One of my dear friends, the late Dione Neutra, was the adoring and supportive wife of internationally famed, Gold Medal architect, Richard Neutra, for over 40 years. (He designed our first church sanctuary, greatly influencing my view of architecture.) After Richard died, Dione surprised everyone by developing a tremendous, dynamic life on her own. The extraordinary vocal and cello music she once played to inspire her husband through creative blocks, she now shared with many. The positive way she encouraged her husband when he was down, she used to encourage others. Dione, who frequently wrote to us, sent one letter in which she said, "People are astounded at my vitality. Some people even tell me that I don't seem to get any older, but all I have to do is take one look in the mirror to know that's not true."

Why was Dione so surprised by this vitality in her life? For the many years she was married to Richard, she saw only her talented architect husband as someone who could inspire others. But I'll never forget the discovery about herself she shared next: "I may be getting old, but what I've come to realize is that... my life has always had purpose. There's always another task to be done, a need to be filled, a goal to be accomplished. And I've nearly always enjoyed whatever it is I've had to do. But even when I didn't enjoy it, I've been able to recognize that whatever was disagreeable to me was just a fact of life and through it I've learned patience and perseverance. My life has been full. And I continue to marvel at the fact that I can inspire others through my life. It's a mystery."

Dione Neutra reminds me that abundant living begins with living for a purpose. My life has purpose. So does yours! Abiding in God's abundance, reminds us why we are alive!

Accepting God’s Forgiveness Is Where Abundant Living Begins

Can you imagine the feeling of being utterly exposed? Of having your deepest, darkest secret or sin paraded in front of you for the whole world to see? The woman depicted in Dallas Anderson's monumental bronze sculpture, Love Without Condemnation, certainly could. You can read her story in John 8:1-11.

This important account from the life of Christ reminds us that God finds value and tremendous worth in everyone, and that our greatest "sin" is being separated from him. In this sculpture, we see Jesus placing himself squarely between the accused woman and those who condemned her...and he does the same for each of us today.

Three men face the accused woman. They are proud, religious, and unrelenting. Rocks in hand, they've come prepared to render punishment. One of the men is the accused woman's husband. With him are two "experts" of the Law. One of them holds the written law and seems to be rather sadly pointing out the unfortunate reality of the woman's situation. He looks sympathetic, but his hands are tied-after all, rules are rules. The third man stands firm, uncompromising in his strict judgment of the woman.

Jesus bends to the ground and begins writing in the dust. The men keep pressing Jesus hoping he will render a "guilty" verdict. But he doesn't. Rather, Jesus gets up and says to them, "Let the one who is without sin cast the first stone" (John 8:7).

Jesus' words immediately cut to the core of the husband's heart. He drops his stone and walks away...as do each of the woman's accusers. Only Jesus and the woman are left standing there. Then Jesus asks her, "Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?" "No one, sir," she replies. "Then neither do I condemn you. Go now and leave your life of sin."

It is interesting to note that the sculptor of this wonderful work of art chose to show Christ's robe overlapping the covering of the woman, reminding us that Christ's forgiveness will always cover our sin. And his forgiveness is the beginning of abundant living. Anderson's sculpture, Love Without Condemnation, is located just outside the north wall of the Crystal Cathedral's famous Memorial Gardens. It is surrounded by lush green landscaping and a quiet stream beckoning all who pass by to stop and take in the beauty and meaning of its message.

About the Sculptor Love Without Condemnation is one of three works of art sculpted for the Crystal Cathedral grounds by internationally acclaimed sculptor, Dallas Anderson.

Mr. Anderson is a graduate of St. Olaf's College in Minnesota and trained at the Danish Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Copenhagen. He taught at Brigham Young University before joining Robert Schuller in Garden Grove as an artist-in-residence at the Crystal Cathedral in the early 1980s.

Proclaiming the Good News of Abundant Life in Bad-News Times

In 1946, Hollywood producer/director Frank Capra released a film that was considered a "flop" financially, yet remains one of today's most popular Christmas movies and has been recognized by the American Film Institute as one of the 100 best American films ever made.

It's a Wonderful Life, starring James Stewart and Donna Reed, takes place in the fictional town of Bedford Falls shortly after World War II. It traces the life of George Bailey whose mounting personal and financial troubles plunge him into an abyss of despair on Christmas Eve. Guardian angel, Clarence, arrives in George's hour of need to help him see, through a series of flashbacks, all the people he's touched and the difference he's made in his community. As a result, George discovers a life-saving truth: his has been a WONDERFUL life.

If someone were to ask you if you've had a "wonderful life" this year, what would your response be? For some, 2009 was brimming with good news, success stories, and joyful memories. For others it was filled with dashed hopes, failed dreams, financial upsets, and broken relationships. But no matter what your response, here's some GREAT news: Jesus Christ came into the world to fulfill this promise: "I have come that you might have life, and...have it more abundantly" (John 10:10, NKJV). Jesus did not call us to live the Christian life just to secure our eternity. He called us to a life that is full and overflowing and wonderfully abundant.

The positive message of abundant life is what the Hour of Power has proclaimed for nearly 40 years! And what a difference it's made! Tens of thousands of persons from around the world have written to tell us how the Hour of Power has helped them in their times of need, how we've touched their lives in profound ways, that we've even saved their lives through our faith-filled, hope-filled, positive, loving televised church services. These words are GOOD NEWS to us and remind us every day how essential our message is to the world. It's because of generous friends like you that the Hour of Power continues to bring the Good News of abundant life to the world week after week. Today, we need your help as much as ever.

As a way of saying thank you, we will send you our 2009 Hour of Power "Angel of Praise" hand-blown glass Christmas ornament. Inscribed on it in gold lettering are the words of Jesus who promised, "I have come that you might have life, and...have it more abundantly." This "Angel of Praise" stands three inches tall, with arms stretching upward and a face expressing praise for the Good News of Christmas- God has come in human flesh with the promise of abundant life! Please write to Dr. Schuller today to ask for your 2009 Hour of Power "Angel of Praise" Christmas ornament. The gift you send will keep the Good News of the Hour of Power encouraging hearts and homes around the globe.

Kristy Cavinder... Flying High Full of Life

Behind the scenes of the Glory of Christmas.

On June 28, Kristen (Kristy) Cavinder was crowned Miss California 2009-only one achievement of many for this exceptional 21-year-old. From Crystal Cathedral's perspective, Kristy Cavinder has always been a bright and rising star. Kristy "grew up" at the Crystal Cathedral, with her parents and grandmother filling key church roles. And Kristy has found meaningful ways to put her unique talents to work in this ministry, as well.

A child dancer in The Glory of Christmas and The Glory of Easter in 1999, Kristy soared to new heights (90 feet to be exact) as a flying angel ('04) and solo dancer ('05-'08). "Being part of the 'Glories' was a lifelong dream," Kristy revealed. "I remember attending the 'Glories' at five years old and telling my grandmother that I had to become a dancer. She told me to practice so I could jump over the fountains without getting my dress wet-and I did! I've been dancing for 17 years and don't intend to stop any time soon. I've been blessed with the opportunity to share my love of dance and love of the Lord with thousands of people each year."

Kristy, who minored in dance at the University of Southern California (USC) and studied at New York City's American Ballet Theater, has also danced in the Disney Resort's "Electrical Light Parade" and "Parade of Dreams."

Kristy's education also included Crystal Cathedral Schools where she took an active leadership role. "During my senior year," Kristy explained, "I started the 'Broadway Our Way' program. I realized that our school provided an incredible arena to give younger students older role models to look up to." That program eventually grew into the GEL (Growing Exceptional Ladies) program where junior high girls continue to meet with senior high mentors, discussing issues like self-confidence, making healthy choices, and growing in relationship with the Lord.

Recently hired as Crystal Cathedral Children's Ministry's Team Leader, Kristy is also a parttime USC student until she graduates in December and goes on to attend graduate school next spring. As Miss California, Kristy looks forward to competing in the Miss America pageant in January 2010. When asked what this competition has meant to her, Kristy responded, "I thought it would be a fun way to perform and earn scholarship money, but it has bettered me in every area of my life. I've become more confident, poised and capable, and more refined in my ballet talent. I've also learned how to stand strong in my beliefs and ideals. I'm honored to be Miss California and hope that this title will help me encourage and equip young people to dream big and realize that, with God, they have the potential to do anything." Flying high among the stars is this "angel" of ours- Kristy Cavinder!