THINK BIG about being debt-free

By Dr. Sheila Schuller Coleman

As newlyweds, with big hearts but a not-so-big checking account, Jim and I used a credit card to buy gifts our first Christmas. Then, after the last gift was unwrapped, credit card bills arrived with exorbitant interest rates attached.

"Never again!" we vowed. Jim immediately opened a
Christmas savings account, and it was a tough year—paying off while paying into. The following November, with our debt paid off, we used the Christmas money we'd
saved, and only that, to buy gifts.

Debt. It seems like the right thing to do at the time, but holds us back from thinking BIG and doing the BIG things that God has in store for our lives. God cares so much about our finances that He included a formula in the Bible (II Kings 19:29/ESV) for getting out of debt! He initially gave it to King Hezekiah, a very good king of the Jews who was attacked by the King of Assyria for unpaid debt.

1. "...this year, eat what grows of itself..." Live on only what God gives you. Don't borrow another penny. Pay off your debt as much as you can.

2. "...and in the second year, what springs from the same..." Continue to live off what God gives you while increasing your debt payments. It won't be as tight, but don't borrow anything more.

3. "...Then in the third year, sow and reap and plant vineyards, and eat their fruit." Continue the advice from years one and two. By now, you should have some extra. Invest that in something conservative and let your money begin to work for you.

This three-year plan saved a kingdom threatened because of debt, and allowed King Hezekiah to accomplish his BIG, God-given plan of a positive faith renewal and increased literacy rates among his people.

I'm so grateful to my husband for providing this same example for our family. And I'm so thankful to God for giving the ministry this wisdom, especially during tough economic times, enabling us to continue to spread His love and hope around the world.

If you need some debt relief, try using this proven financial formula. Then watch how God frees you to accomplish His BIG plan for your life!

I allowed God to THINK BIG through me

By Greg Anderson, Founder & CEO, Cancer Recovery Group of Charities

Everything I know about thinking BIG I learned from Dr. Robert Schuller.

It was the mid-1970s and following my discharge from the Army, I became a cynic—an impossibility thinker. But the bright spot in my life was meeting this cute girl named Linda. On one date, she brought me a gift, the book Move Ahead with Possibility Thinking. Its message ignited my mind and touched my spirit: “Catch the vision of the person God meant you to be.” “Attempt great things for God. Expect great things from God.” “Inch by inch, anything’s a cinch.”

I began to change, to believe I could make a difference in this world. Life was good and getting better. Then in 1984, my budding possibility thinking was put to the test. I was diagnosed with lung cancer. My surgeon gave me just thirty days to live. I wanted so much to live. But my mind was crippled by fear and doubt. Could possibility thinking be part of health and healing? The possibilities did not look promising.

My weight dropped to 112-pounds, my skin was ashengrey, and I was on morphine to control the pain. I prayed, Lord, use this—use me—show me what is possible to help the next patient, the next family, dealing with cancer. I held a vision of myself as vital and alive. I determined I would live the next hour, the next day.

God planted a seed in my mind: Cancer patients need to help and encourage each other. I made calls and invited people to meet. What started as a single Cancer Conquerors support group, today extends to every continent providing help, hope, and healing to millions of people every year.

I don’t always think BIG. But I do my best to allow God to think BIG through me. Then, I take one small step after another in an attempt to do something great for God. It has changed my health and my life.

By the way, that cute girl who gave me the book turned into a beautiful woman. We just celebrated our thirty-first wedding anniversary.

More information at www.cancerrecovery.org.

Green Box: Refresh. Renew. Rejoice. 100% Online.

The green box is a new place for you to go to go to REFRESH your soul. To RENEW your faith. To REJOICE with others. New on www.hourofpower.org, the green box is your 100% online resource for
refreshment, renewal, and joy!

In the green box, among many other positive resources, you'll find:

The Prayer Community, where Pastor Sheila, ministry staff, and loving Hour of Power friends lift prayers to God every day! Become a part of this
vibrant community that believes in prayer to revitalize your life and the lives of
those you love.

The "Positive Minute," a dynamic daily e-devotional filled with encouragement and inspiration written by Dr. Schuller, Pastor Sheila, and other ministry leaders.

The weekly Hour of Power messages you love, available by podcast, so when you're on the move, you can take a message with you to receive a spiritual lift that only the Hour of Power can provide.

Social media networks, where you can sign up, for example, to be a fan of Hour of Power or friend of Pastor Sheila on Facebook, and receive video updates and encouraging words to share with your friends.

So, visit the green box today to refresh your spirit and renew your soul as we rejoice together in all the positive good that God is doing in our lives. The new green box is your 100% online resource, twenty-four seven, at www.hourofpower.org.

You Are God's Dream!

By Dr. Robert H. Schuller

I really believe that God is before me, behind me, and around me. One thing I know—I never asked to be born. I did not choose my father or mother. I did not choose my race, the color of my skin, or the language that I learned as a child. I did not choose the community in which I was born and raised. I did not choose the school I attended from the first grade through high school.

I have become increasingly aware throughout my life of one sentence that God has whispered to me time and time again: "You have not chosen me... I have chosen YOU!"

I believe powerfully in God's sense of destiny for our lives. You are God's glorious idea. You are God's wondrous dream! What miracle will He perform with and through you and me TODAY and TOMORROW?

The poet Louise Fletcher once wrote, "I wish that there were some wonderful place called the Land of Beginning Again, where all our mistakes and all our heartaches and all of our grief could be dropped like a shabby old coat at the door and never put on again." Well, there is such a place. It is called NOW. In His mercy, God has granted each of us a new beginning at the dawn of each new day. When God is present within us, all things become new! Hallelujah!

Wake-up Call!

By Dr. Sheila Schuller Coleman

Who needs an alarm clock when you have a brand new baby? As a new mother, I was stunned at how the cry of a newborn baby could awaken my husband and I no matter how tired we were. There is no snooze button to hit when a baby cries. You get up and care for your infant and then, hopefully, get back to sleep. As new parents, you begin to long for the time when the baby will sleep through the night.

But, oh, the first time we heard the cry of each of our sons. The birth of our child-that first cry-he is born! Our child is born! A new life! After waiting and expecting and hoping and praying, finally the birth day arrived and the first breaths were heralded by the cry-a cry that made me and my husband cry-with joy.

The world was in desperate need of a Savior. The Messiah had been foretold and eagerly awaited. God's dream for His children was that they would be saved and redeemed from dead-end lives. And God did not keep His dream a secret. He gave us hints, hundreds of them through the prophets so we would recognize with certainty His only begotten Son.

So, for hundreds of years The Jewish nation eagerly anticipated, waiting, hoping, and expecting the arrival of the Messiah. I am sure they thought He would be born as the previous sons of kings had been born-with much heraldry and fanfare and in a palace, wrapped in silks.

Jesus-born to a teenage, unwed, virgin mother in a cave surrounded not by palace guards, but lowly beasts, cried out and awakened God's dream. This wake up call was accompanied by a heavenly host announcing that God's Son had been born. The Messiah had come. And as a result-we could have everlasting life.

May you celebrate God's wake-up call-the cry of a newborn baby-His Son. May His redemptive love awaken God's dream in your life today.

God Turns a Dream into a Miracle!

By Dr. Robert H. Schuller

The fear of failure keeps most people from believing that God can and will make their dreams come true. They are afraid to try. I often think of Christy Wilson, that great missionary to Kabul, Afghanistan. The major industry in Kabul was raising sheep, and the major problem in raising sheep was a disease caused by a worm that gets in the intestines of the sheep when they eat snails.

Now ducks love to eat these snails, but Christy noticed there were no ducks in Afghanistan. He wrote to a friend in the states and asked for some fertilized duck eggs. Twenty-four fertilized duck eggs were sent. His friend said, "They will hatch, provided the eggs are not dropped, they get there on time, and the temperature stays warm. In other words, it will take a miracle."

By the time they arrived in Kabul, some were broken; they were cracked and smelly. Christy said, "We'll just have to pray that we get at least one male and one female."

You can guess what happened: only two eggs hatched, a male and a female. They multiplied and eventually wiped out the snails and the sheep industry boomed. God took Christy's dream and worked a miracle because he decided to try.

- EXCERPTED FROM 365 Power Thoughts: Hope for Today and Tomorrow

I Am With You Always

"And surely I AM WITH YOU ALWAYS to the very end of the age"
-Matthew 28:20, The words of Jesus Christ

We've read or heard the words so many times..."I am with you always." But, do we EVER really stop to think about it, embrace it, or totally take in what Jesus is REALLY saying to us in this incredible five-word phrase? He IS with you "always." ALWAYS. Wow! The Creator of the Universe, with YOU, ALWAYS. Almost unbelievable- but, profoundly true.

Beginning Sunday, September 12, and continuing for three Sundays, Dr. Schuller and Sheila, on Hour of Power, will once again offer to you the beautiful porcelain cross box with these powerful words from Jesus in golden letters on its lid: "I am with you always." Inside the porcelain box (3-3/4" wide, 5" long, 1" deep) are five glistening "pocket crosses" (each one etched with these same five words) for you to give away to those you know or love.

Watch the Hour of Power beginning Sunday, September 12 for more details. A tax-deductable gift of only $25 is requested for each porcelain cross box you request.

Awaken the Dream!

By Dr. Sheila Schuller Coleman

God has placed a dream in the heart of every one of His children-and that means YOU! You have the seed of a God-given dream in your soul. It may have been lying dormant for your entire life.

Today God is saying, "It's time! Wake up that dream! I need that dream to become reality! I need you to get to work on living that dream in your waking hours! This dream is going to save lives - and it's not too early, it's not too late - it's right on time. The alarm is sounding."

Wake up! Get going! You can do it!

Don't let the fear of failure keep your dream asleep.

Don't let the excuses of too old, not educated enough, not experienced enough, keep your dream from becoming reality.

Don't let past mistakes or failures be a sedative that keeps your dream dormant.

Let the fires in your life spark new life in your dream.

Let the breath of God fan the spark until it bursts into a passion that nothing can squelch-not setbacks, not naysayers, not even lack of resources.

Where there's a will there's a way! If God wants you to do something and you say "Yes" to His call, then nothing is impossible!

How do you know if it's God's dream? Easy. Is it positive? Will it help others? Has your heart been broken-then start looking there for God's dream for you. God doesn't allow our hearts to be broken unless it is really necessary and "In love's service only broken hearts will do."

Where has your heart been broken? Is that the seed of a dream that is lying dormant? Is this a dream that could help others whose lives are breaking in the same way? Is this something you cannot stop thinking about, cannot stop dreaming about?

Then-wake it up-today! What can you do today to wake up God's dream in you? If you ask yourself this question every day, if you do something every day toward waking up His dream for you-maybe it's checking into a college course (there are scholarships and tuition assistance programs!)-maybe it's talking about it-letting others know!

In fact, do it today-tell someone before the day is over, "I have this dream I think is of God. What do you think?"

Hasn't it been asleep too long? What are you waiting for? Don't you dare press that snooze button. It's time! Wake up!

Three new Hour of Power opportunities to reach ’round the world!

The reach of this positive televised church service is EXPANDING! In an ever-changing television market and even during an economic recession, recent miraculous developments are reversing a downward trend in ways only God could imagine and initiate.

The Hour of Power is now more widely available on Lifetime Network nationally, Trinity Broadcast Network (TBN) around the world, and other international, self-supporting broadcast outlets. And now—there’s more!

In an increased effort to provide more programming in native languages, at no cost to our ministry, TBN is collaborating with us to televise:

1. Our Spanish-language church service with Pastor Dante Gebel on the new Enlace TBN network.
2. Our Arabic-language church service with Pastor Emeel Shenoda on a new network reaching the Middle East with the gospel of Jesus Christ. A third exciting development occurred when a friend of a Crystal Cathedral member approached the ministry with an amazing opportunity.
3. Rev. Joseph C. Nguyen, Chairman and CEO of Vietnamese Broadcasting Services—a TV network reaching millions of Vietnamese and Americans throughout the U.S., Canada, Saigon, and beyond—stepped forward with free television airtime for our English-language church service with Dr. Robert H. Schuller and Pastor Sheila Schuller Coleman every Sunday, 11 AM to noon.

Now reaching more of the world than ever before at a fraction of the cost, your gifts are essential in maintaining the English language Hour of Power base. Like loaves and fishes, your gifts multiply beyond measure as the Lord sustains, increases, and creates new possibilities bigger than our minds can even imagine! Anyone can count the seeds in an apple, but only God can count the apples in the seeds you sow into this ministry. God bless you for your fruitfulness.

Sustained in Battle, Lifted by the Lord’s Prayer

By Dr. Robert H. Schuller

During the first World War, German armies swept over Belgium, destroying many of its cities. One day after the war was over, a Catholic nun with a group of young students paused at a small Catholic shrine at the edge of a Belgian village. They knelt and began to repeat the Lord's Prayer. But they couldn't utter one phrase.

Around them were the rubble, the ruin, the resentment, and the hurt of the war years. The small group started again, "Forgive us our trespasses as we..." They could go no further—until from behind them came a strong man's voice: "…forgive those who trespass against us." They looked around to see their own King Albert! With a great spirit of forgiveness, he led the way.

Christ, our King, shows us how to conquer resentment and hurt. It was our King who cried from the cross, "Father, forgive them, they know not what they do." Perhaps you need to forgive someone. God can help you be a forgiving person. He will replace your bitterness with love and kindness.

-Excerpted from 365 Power Thoughts: Hope for Today and Tomorrow

Living the Lord's Prayer

Sustained through praise, permission, petition, pardon, and protection!

By Dr. Sheila Schuller Coleman

It seems that everywhere I go these days I hear the word "sustainability." This new go-green word means "continued, ongoing growth." Though used most frequently as an eco-friendly adjective, isn't sustainability even more important as it applies to our walk with God? Don't we want our spiritual journey to be sustainable, ongoing, continually growing?

The secret to spiritual sustainability is found in the Lord's Prayer. Jesus taught us only one way to pray in His "model prayer," the Lord's Prayer. Two years ago, I began to model my own daily prayers on the Lord's Prayer. It transformed my prayer life! I found myself praying it throughout the day until I realized I was not just praying the Lord's Prayer, I was living the Lord's Prayer. It transformed my whole life!

The principles found in the Lord's prayer are the secret to Spiritual Sustainability! Here is how it works: (I encourage you to cut this out and tape it where you can see it until it becomes part of your soul.)

"Our Father, Who art in Heaven, hallowed be Your name." Heaven is where God is! Where God is-is heaven! I ask God to be present in my life so I may experience heaven on earth. I begin with praise and continue to praise all day long. Even if things go horribly wrong, I say, "Hallelujah, anyway!"

"Your kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven." THY will-is MY will. When my will is His will and His will is my will, then I discover God's purpose for my life-one I can live for, a self I can live with, and a faith I can live by!

"Give us this day our daily bread." God, the Great Provider, always provides for His beloved children-sometimes it's abundance and sometimes it's barely-to teach me the thrill of living on the edge, relying on Him and Him alone!

"Forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors." I am loved and forgiven-by God Almighty! All He asks in return is for me to love and forgive others-even those who have hurt me. For what do I need to ask forgiveness? Whom do I need to forgive?

"Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil." It's tempting to limit my dreams by my ability, instead of believing in His-ability. I pray for the courage to dream big enough for God to fit in!

That's it! Practice these five principles, which I will expand on each Sunday in August on the Hour of Power. As mine was, I know your life will be forever transformed!

Because of you, they are hearing the message, "Yes! God is there! Yes! God cares! God loves you and so do we!" Thank you for being there for us so we can let the world know that God is there for them!

Give Your Spiritual Sustainability A Lift!

"Those who wait upon the Lord
Shall renew their strength,
They shall mount up on wings as eagles
They shall run and not be weary
They shall walk and not faint!"

Known as the "Eagle Verse," only God knows how many times these powerful, life-affirming words from Isaiah 40:31 have been referenced in human history to lift and encourage the soul of a depressed or discouraged person. This is one of many places in the Bible where God concentrates profound and positive spiritual truths within a relatively short grouping of words.

Another spiritually concentrated Bible verse is the Lord's Prayer (Matthew 6:9-13). Starting July 25th and four consecutive weekends, Pastor Sheila Schuller Coleman will delve into Jesus' "model prayer" during her new Hour of Power message series, "Spiritual Sustainability: Living the Lord's Prayer." As does the "Eagle Verse," this important scripture lifts your spirit. And this message series promises to lift your prayer life, as well, as each prayer phrase takes your spiritual experience to increasingly higher levels—helping you to see your relationship with God from an entirely new and exciting vantage point.

"Our Liberator... His Name is Jesus"

"What I would challenge people to embrace, today, is to fall in love with our Liberator. His name is Jesus. And if you fall in love with him, he will take you places you, never dreamed of. God's plan for our lives is much bigger than anything we can ever dream. You're talking about Possibility Thinking. Most of what has happened to me, I could have never even dreamed of. That's the big God I love and serve."

- Rear Admiral Barry C. Black, ret.
62nd Chaplain of the United States Senate
Author, From the Hood to the Hill

Is anybody there?

By Dr. Sheila Schuller Coleman

In the Broadway musical, 1776, John Adams sings the lyrics, "Is anybody there? Does anybody care? Give up the fight, John! They want me to quit!"

What if John had given up the fight? What if he had quit? America exists today because a handful of brave men (and women) refused to quit, refused to give up the fight. Even though there appeared to be no hope, even though by all accounts they should never have won, they believed in the impossible and the rest is history!

My husband, Jim, my sons, and I watch the movie version of the Broadway musical, 1776, every year on the fourth of July as a family tradition. It is a delightful reminder of the faith and courage of America's founding fathers and the freedoms that we enjoy as a result.

Today, there are so many of you who are facing the impossible. Some of you have prayed and prayed and are not seeing the answers that you had hoped for. I wonder, have any of you called out in the dark silent night, "Is anybody there? Does anybody care?"

Well, this ministry is here to remind you week after week that we are here! We care! That's because Jesus cares about you! He came to earth to die to show you just how much he cares for you. And he has commissioned us to
show you that he is there for you and he will never leave you or forsake you!

So, we will not give up the fight! We will not quit! We will keep on striving until we climb over, find a pass through, or simply stay and turn this mountain into a miracle with God's help-so we can be there for you and for the many others who write and call us every week, saying:

"Sheila, I gave my life to Jesus. Thank you for saving my life."

"Sheila, I am on death row. You are my spiritual lifeline. I don't know what I'd do without you."

"Sheila, I have never been to church in my life. I saw you throwing sandbags off the pulpit. I have never watched you until I was surfing the channels and saw you. I lost my twin babies this past week. Please pray for me."

Thousands and thousands of these letters, phone calls, and emails-telling of lives being saved-arrive every week. Many of them are from struggling young people who cannot afford to give.

YOU are the stars of this ministry, keeping it sparkling bright to shine God's light on viewers near and far. YOU are the stripes of this ministry, helping to move it straight forward in its God-ordained mission to save lives through a message of hope. And, in the process, YOU are saving lives!

Any gift you give this year means that hope and love and life can be born in the hearts of millions of people who cry out, "Is anybody there? Does anybody care?" Because of you, they are hearing the message, "Yes! God is there! Yes! God cares! God loves you and so do we!" Thank you for being there for us so we can let the world know that God is there for them!

Representing God's Greatest Gift: Freedom

On Sunday, July 4, 2010, America celebrates her 234th birthday. On this day, beneath the 120-foot glass ceiling of the Crystal Cathedral (and seen on the televised Hour of Power), you'll witness the raising of the giant nine-story high American flag—the world's largest indoor flying flag. The presence of this huge flag awes persons into tearful and pride-filled silence. Why does this flag flown on this holiday inside this church affect our emotions in this powerful way?

It's because God Almighty, through his Son, Jesus Christ, has proclaimed unlimited freedom, liberty, and grace for all. Forever. His love is boundless, for...

"Where the spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty" (2 Corinthians 3:17).

The Bible is filled with stories of human beings struggling to grasp and apply the immeasurable value of God's greatest gift—freedom. Freedom from slavery (Romans 8:15). Freedom from selfishness (Galatians 5:13). Freedom to choose leaders (1 Samuel). The Independence Day event we commemorate on July 4 is a celebration of freedom—the freedom that inspired one of the most recent, greatest, and most successful endeavors to build a nation governed by values based on God's biblical truths.

America's Declaration of Independence remains an unparalleled example of Possibility Thinking...a goal on the horizon...clearly in view...sometimes within reach, sometimes not. Whereas the Declaration of Independence announced the intention, the United States Constitution became the framework for achieving the dream. And symbolizing all the possibility-filled ideals found in these two documents is the American Flag.

In 1973, Dr. Robert H. Schuller had an inspiration. He asked himself, "If the American Flag could talk, with the wisdom of nearly two hundred years of history behind her, what would be her words for us today?" With this unique idea as his inspiration, he wrote and delivered a message from the pulpit of what was then the Garden Grove Community Church, and it was seen and heard over his new weekly televised program, Hour of Power. He titled his new message:

"I AM THE AMERICAN FLAG."

The message was received with overwhelming ovation. It immediately earned the esteemed Principal Award from the Freedoms Foundation in Valley Forge for "the most outstanding sermon in the United States." This bronze medallion is still one of Dr. Schuller's most cherished awards. Since 1973, "I Am the American Flag" has been delivered several times on Hour of Power...and printed and distributed to hundreds of thousands of persons both in America and beyond her shores. The ideals of America still inspire hope in the oppressed wherever they may live.

Summer Saving Partners

The 40-year Hour of Power will NOT survive the summer of 2010 without thousands of supportive Summer Partners…partners who each pledge to give $30 a month for the four months of summer—$30 for June, $30 for July, $30 for August, $30 for September—or a one-time summer gift of $120. And, to thank you for your Summer Partner support, the ministry will send to you these exciting items:

1. The beautiful, "coffee table" sized book, A Place of Beauty - A Joy Forever, 230 pages featuring interesting, inspiring and historical information about the founding and evolution of the Crystal Cathedral and Hour of Power... articles on architecture, gardens, sculpture, artwork, and much more.*


2. DVD of Dr. Robert H. Schuller's Best Messages.*


3. CD (audio) of Dr. Robert H. Schuller's Best Messages.*

* The book, CD & DVD are all in current ministry inventory. So, no additional cost will be incurred to produce these inspiring items for you. All of your Summer Partner giving will go right into paying television airtime bills.

Thankful in good times and tough times, we sing "Hallelujah!"

By Don Neuen, Director of the Crystal Cathedral Choir

Most every year, the Crystal Cathedral presents George Frideric Handel's beloved Messiah with choir and orchestra. The house is always full for these performances. Why?

Beyond the fact that it is an extraordinary work, its musical moods and sacred message-with every lyric taken directly from scripture-are able to touch the soul deeply and set our spirits soaring like nothing else. We are particularly blessed as we lift ourselves out of everyday life to praise God and thank him for the gift of his Son, our Messiah.

Within the piece, the "Hallelujah Chorus" is especially powerful and popular with listeners as it lifts Christ up as the King of kings and Lord of lords. As Handel was writing this portion of the work, the composer's assistant walked in to find the master musician in tears and holding up the score to this movement, saying, "I thought I saw the face of God."

This is how many feel when listening or singing along with the "Hallelujah Chorus"- a blessed opportunity to praise God mightily and be thankful, even during the tough times.

Shouting "Hallelujah" for a Life-Saving Legacy!

By Dr. Robert H. Schuller

The year 2010 celebrates the 60th Anniversary of Dr. Robert H. Schuller's ordination, the 60th anniversary of his marriage to his beloved Arvella, and the 40th Anniversary of the Hour of Power! In joy and thankfulness, we shout "Hallelujah!" It's very rare that a pastor continues his work into a sixth decade, so at this historic time in Dr. Schuller's life and ministry, PowerLines asked him: "Dr. Schuller, when you look back at 60 years as a pastor, a preacher and a minister, what do you see as your greatest achievement?" He answered: I don't remember exactly when it happened, but, after we went on TV in 1970, very early in our television history, we started receiving letters that said: "You saved my life."

Now, over the last 40 years, I've read it repeatedly- thousands of times. It's really quite a remarkable thing. I wondered how it was possible that so many people would tell us: "You saved my life."

I must say, when I graduated from seminary in 1950, if somebody would have told me then that my life of ministry would actually help save a single life, or even two lives, I think I would have been profoundly shocked to consider that God would use me to make that kind of impact on human lives. Now, 60 years later, after reading or hearing that sentence countless times from countless people, it is still truly amazing. It has to be a "God thing."

I say this because we've always preached the positive love of God. And it's God, alone, through Jesus Christ who has the power to save and redeem. I am humbled and exhilarated that God has used this ministry like an electrical power cord to transmit the positively charged and encouraging gospel of Jesus Christ. I have so often said, "All I did was show up for work every day." And, I truly believe it. Arvella and I came to work every day with a sincere desire in our hearts to share our faith in our living Lord with everyone we met.

"You saved my life"- this is the great legacy of our work for Jesus Christ from the Crystal Cathedral to the people of America and the world.

During trying times, say, "Ha!"

By Dr. Sheila Schuller Coleman

How do we praise God when everything is going wrong? When we get bad news? We praise God because God is God and God is good and God will have the last word and it will be good! When trouble hits, when suffering strikes, say, "Ha! Take that! Hallelujah anyway!"

The last few months, as our finances here at Crystal Cathedral Ministries have continued to suffer, I walk the grounds and see weeds growing where flowers had once bloomed. With tears in my eyes, I force myself to say aloud and mean it, "Hallelujah anyway! This is just a tough phase, but I believe in a tough God!"

When passing our statue of Job here on campus, seeing the fountain that surrounds it dry (the electric bill had to be cut wherever possible), I say aloud, …meaning it, with tears in my eyes, "Hallelujah anyway! Thank you, God, that even though you are trying us, we shall 'come forth as gold'" (Job 23:10).

And, indeed, I have seen that God allows our trials, our sufferings. He doesn't cause them, but he allows them—not to punish any of us, not because we have done something to deserve them, but that his glory will be revealed!

Yes, I have seen the glory of God revealed like never before in this ministry because of what we are going through. Probably the most beautiful phase of our ministry has been in April when thousands of ministry friends like YOU, in response to the financial downturn we have experienced, responded with an outpouring of love through the “icount” campaign, sending in $10 or more each through text, mail, 800 line, or online. (Note: At print date, over $300,000 dollars was raised through your "icount" donations.)

So, whenever you get afraid, join me in saying, "Ha! Hallelujah anyway!"

Say it whenever you are grieving: "Ha! Hallelujah anyway!"

Say it when you are having trouble believing: "Ha! Hallelujah anyway!"

I believe God allows suffering so all of us will be unified and connected in a common cause—a cause that is bigger than we are, requiring all of our efforts—large and small—to save something as significant as Crystal Cathedral Ministries.

I also believe that God allowed us to go through this difficult financial season so all of you would see that we are no different —we, too, are in the trenches. Over the years, many have seen the ministry's beautiful buildings and garden grounds and assumed that there was not an ongoing need for support - but there is. The ministry, which continues to deliver a message of faith and hope, is suffering like many others in this tough economic climate. So, despite the hard times, we join you in saying, "Ha! Hallelujah anyway!"

Daily Power Poles: How to Pray the Psalms

By Dr. Bill Gaultiere, Crystal Cathedral's Director of Spiritual Formation

Did you know that 90% of Americans pray every day? And most say they'd like to pray more often, but don't know if they are praying effectively. This is true of me. I bet it's true of you, too.

That is why God gave us the Psalms-all 150 of them! The Psalms teach us the spirit and language of prayer for whatever situation. Whether we're worried, sad, angry, blessed, oppressed, working, resting, complaining, or grateful—whatever our concerns are for the people we know or for ourselves—there is a Psalm to help us to pray with positive faith.

Jesus used the book of Psalms to help him pray. He sang them in times of celebration. He prayed them in times of trouble. He quoted from them often. Jesus taught us, along with his disciples, to pray the Psalms.

The great Christian leader Martin Luther said that the Lord's Prayer (Matthew 6:9-13) is actually the Psalms in miniature. Jesus, in his infinite wisdom, distilled the whole book of Psalms into one short, powerful prayer! Each line of Jesus' famous "model prayer" can be understood to represent five of the main types of prayer in the Psalms: thanksgiving and praise, submission, petition, confession and forgiveness, and overcoming trials.

I have learned to turn to the Psalms every day. Here's what I do that you may want to try:

• Pray the 150 Psalms sequentially, one or
two each day.

• Keep your favorite one(s) handy and pray
them as needed.

• Inspired by them, paraphrase them, write
"prayer poems," or draw pictures.

• Memorize a Psalm, and say it or sing it aloud.

I pray the Psalms morning, noon, and night and I use phrases from the Psalms to "re-center" myself in God's presence all day long. Most importantly, I pray the Psalms with Jesus Christ in mind, remembering how he lived, prayed, taught, and died.

I encourage you to make the Psalms your school of prayer, using them, one by one, to allow God to lead you in some fresh, new ways to pray in the midst of your daily life.

To learn more from Bill about the Psalms, prayer, and other ways of growing closer to Jesus, go to www.hourofpower.org ► "Ministries" ► "Come & Grow."

Be a "Power Pole," Sharing His Love With Others

By Dr. Sheila Schuller Coleman

One night years ago during high school youth group, we discussed the high price Christ paid for us through death so we could live forever. Surrounded by friends, I came to the full realization-and bittersweet majesty-that Jesus had died for ME! If you or I had been the only person to believe in him, he would still have made the sacrifice so that you or I could live abundantly on earth and eternally in heaven.

Today, as I remember what he did for me and for you, I envision the cross as his "power pole" from which he emits the loving promise of eternal life straight into hearts that are open to believe. Have you made that link with Jesus? Have you allowed that promise to bond his heart to yours? If so, you may want to help others connect with Jesus in the same way.

It really isn't hard to share about Jesus. You don't need to moralize or coerce, but simply share with others a personal story about how Jesus touched your heart or changed your life, something similar to the story I shared about my revelation during youth group.

As you do, in many cases their curiosity will open the door for you to take the next step-to invite them to church or Bible study, or to pray with them as they accept Jesus into their lives.

The Psalmist speaks of his excitement about sharing with others the truth about God when he said, "Since my youth, O God, you have taught me, and to this day I declare your marvelous deeds . . . I declare your power to the next generation, your might to all who are to come" (Psalm 71:17-18b, NIV).

Like the Psalmist, you can become a "power pole"-connected to the cross of Jesus on one end and to your friends and loved ones on the other end-as you share the stories of his "marvelous deeds," enabling them to accept a new and eternal life filled with his power through hope, grace and love . . . forever!

The PSALMS . . . timeless, affirming encouragement for ALL ages.

By Jim Coleman,
Crystal Cathedral Creative Director

I was sitting in church recently listening to Dr. Robert H. Schuller read the morning scripture. In the opening sentence from Psalm 18:2 he emphasized, as only Dr. Schuller can, "The Lord is my rock!" At that moment, a tiny girl sitting behind me on her mother's lap repeated aloud, "My rock!" She spoke in a childlike yet loud and firm tone. As I turned around to look at the toddler, her mother and I exchanged smiles. Then, towards the end of the reading, when Dr. Schuller said it once again, the little voice behind me repeated the words, "My rock!" I heard her say those words a couple more times during the hour-long service. It was amazing... and a marvelous illustration of how impressionable our minds are and how important it is to fill up our hearts and our heads with positive spiritual values.

Can you imagine the difference it might make in your life if you heard Dr. Robert H. Schuller reading the Psalms in your home, car, or office every day? Maybe you, like this little girl, would discover the positive value of repeating and embracing the timeless, affirming encouragement given to us by God through the Bible in the life-enhancing book of Psalms.

Across the country in Pennsylvania another viewer wrote, "I don't know where
to begin to thank you for the Hour of Power. I often feel depressed, but when I listen to your program I am always strengthened and find the courage to press on. Your music and weekly speakers are wonderful!"

A viewer from Germany wrote, "Your program has helped me a lot when faced with difficult times in the past. I watch Hour of Power on TV and watched it on DVDs as well. While your ministry is facing difficult times, I'm praying for you. I would like to thank you and your staff for the good work."

Yet another viewer wrote, "The statement, 'You saved my life,' greatly applies to me. I can never thank you and God enough for your Hour of Power television ministry. I have been watching your program since I was 24 years old; I am now 54. I can't imagine my life without you."

As you can see from these comments, the Hour of Power is a powerful source of God-inspired hope and encouragement to persons everywhere . . . it's a power-line on a power-pole positively charged with spiritual energy for your soul and millions of others, as well.

Just as the Hour of Power positively charges your life, so too, your financial gifts recharge this ministry . . . making it possible for the Hour of Power to stay on the air. Without you, the power would be cut and the Hour of Power would not continue its 40-year+ commitment to being a power-line of positive faith.

Yes, you are important to this world-televised ministry. We know times are tough so, this month, we've put together a special hope-generating gift just for you. We have created, for the first time in our 40-year television history, an audio CD that features Dr. Robert H. Schuller reading the Psalms from the pulpit of the Crystal Cathedral. A graduate of Princeton Seminary once said that Dr. Schuller sets the model for the powerful presentation of scripture reading. So, we have taken 26 Psalms, all read by Dr. Schuller, and put them on a 74-minute CD just for you to listen to morning, noon and night . . . over and over and over again. Hear the true power, the true hope, the true timeless and encouraging gift of God as communicated in the cherished pages of the Bible in the Psalms.

Please write, call, or go online today to request and receive the inspiration of Dr. Robert H. Schuller reading the Psalms. Include as generous a gift as you possibly can so, together, we will keep the power of the Hour of Power positively charged and sending out to you God's spiritual energy, truth, and love!

A Hope-Filled Life is the Best Way to Live

This is an excerpt from a heartwarming story that recently appeared in a Tampa Bay, Florida newspaper.

SEMINOLE – For the Essenburgs, the news is sadly familiar: staggering unemployment, failing banks, and families struggling to keep food on the table and a roof over their heads.

John "Jack" and Ella Essenburg are contemporaries of the Great Depression. It's when they met, married, and started their family that now extends to five generations.

The Essenburgs—he's 97 and she's 96—recently celebrated their 76th wedding anniversary. What is the key to the longevity of their marriage? Among other things, the couple has developed a well-honed rhythm of long-time companionship.

Sunday mornings, for instance, they settle in front of the television to catch the "possibility thinking" philosophy espoused by Robert H. Schuller's Hour of Power.

Deeply anchored in Jesus Christ... the Hour of Power Provides an Ongoing Message of Hope

There is great power in hope. Hope opens doors where despair has closed them. Hope sees problems as opportunities. Hope is essential for life...so essential, in fact, that Scripture describes hope as "a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls" (Hebrews 6:19).

One of the earliest symbols of the Christian faith, the anchor has at its center a cross. For Christians, the cross-shaped anchor reminds us of the hope we have in Christ. In the same way an anchor steadies and secures a ship during stormy weather, hope-anchored by faith in Jesus Christ-holds the wind-tossed, storm-torn, and weary believer during his or her most perilous times.

An untold number of persons have written to us over the years, saying, "I felt hopeless and alone. Then I found the Hour of Power and for the first time in a very long time, I felt hope again. You saved my life." For millions of persons around the world, the Hour of Power is their only spiritual anchor. Over the past forty years, God has called on countless loving and generous individuals like you to support this ministry financially.

You have been a link in the chain that has kept the weekly Hour of Power program securely anchored on television screens. In this unsettled economy, the Hour of Power is closer now than ever to being swept away from it's mooring and will only remain "anchored" on television if you continue to support this ministry with your financial gifts.

To thank you for your generous gift of $40 (if you can-$1 for every year we've been on the air), we will send you a very inspiring poster with the words of Dr. Schuller's "Possibility Thinkers Creed" printed on it. You can hang this poster on your wall or display it in your home or office. Its words will encourage you to never give up on your dreams, to seek God's amazing solution to your "impossible" situation, and to hold on to hope through the storms of life.

While an uncertain economy continues to pose a serious threat to the Hour of Power, our hope is anchored in Jesus Christ and your faithfulness. Thank you for allowing God to use you as a vital and necessary link in the chain that will keep our faith-filled, hope-full Hour of Power on the air. Time is of the essence! Please respond today.

Jesus - Our Anchor of Hope for the Storms of Life

By Dr. Sheila Schuller Coleman

An experienced sailor never leaves port without at least one anchor on board. He knows that storms may come while at sea and that the anchor will help secure and steady the ship during those storms. Our lives are like long-distance sailing journeys. Storms will hit when we least expect them. So it's foolhardy to set sail in life without an "anchor" on board.

When buffeted by a life-storm such as foreclosure, abandonment, or a life-threatening disease-without an "anchor," we will be tossed from discouragement to desperation to depression and even defeat. Hopeless, we may stop trying and cease believing we will survive the storm-much less reach our final destination.

Jesus is the only "anchor" strong enough to hold us steady during the stormy times of life, giving us enough faith to keep us from sliding aimlessly or sinking hopelessly.

There is no such thing as false hope-especially if our hope is anchored in Jesus. Hope always prevails. Hope never fails! Even if the doctor tells you there is no hope for a cure-hope anyway. Even when your family tells you there is no hope for reconciliation-hope anyway.

Hope changes everything! Hope changes our attitude-from being negative and defeated to being optimistic, looking for possibilities. If we are anchored in Christ, he will give us the faith we need to ride out the storm. And when the storm clouds clear-and they will-no matter in what port we find ourselves, we will be right where we should be and we won't be alone! We'll be surrounded by those who love us. And we will know the Captain of our soul more intimately than we ever dreamed.

So, go ahead and hope. Hope in Jesus Christ. He is the anchor you and I need to weather the storms of life, bringing us through to live the glorious life God has in store for each one of us.

Finding Hope to Face His Tomorrows

By Robert H. Schuller

Some years ago I received a phone call from a man who lived in Monte Carlo.

"Dr. Schuller," he said, "we have never met, but you saved my life. I want to come see you and thank you in person."

A few days later, this man flew to Los Angeles and arrived in my office. A tall, handsome, broad shouldered man, probably in his early fifties, he limped toward me, a white cane in his right hand, one leg conspicuously shorter than the other one. A black patch covered his left eye, while his right eye stared upward, unfocused. His companion spoke first, saying, "As you can see, Juan is blind. But he's alive-thanks to you. Juan and I were business partners and friends before his accident. He wanted to tell you his story himself."

Juan shared that he was an only child, the sole inheritor of his wealthy Cuban family's fortune. Fearing he might lose it all under Fidel Castro's regime, Juan sold everything except his large private yacht, which he sailed to Monte Carlo to dock in front of his new, luxurious, waterfront home.

One rainy weekend, Juan and his girlfriend headed to Switzerland in his Rolls Royce. Driving too fast, he lost control on the slick road and wrapped the car around a tree. Seven months after, he awakened from a coma to find that the accident had killed his girlfriend, caused him to go blind, and badly deformed his left leg.

Juan went to bed every night hoping he would die in his sleep. Eventually he planned to kill himself with a revolver on a Sunday morning after dismissing his staff. Once alone, he would turn up the TV's volume as loud as possible. With one hand holding a gun to his temple, he would use his other hand to press the TV "on," filling the room with sound, drowning out the gunshot. Sunday morning came, Juan followed his plan, but before he could pull the trigger, he heard the bellowing voice of a TV preacher: "This is the day the Lord has made! Let us rejoice and be glad in it!"

"Dr. Schuller," Juan said, "those words exploded through my mind and soul. It was like divine shock therapy. I couldn't pull the trigger. I dropped the gun, falling on my knees beside it, and listened to your every word. I could hardly wait for the next Sunday to arrive. I wondered if you'd be back. You were! And you were there the next Sunday...and the next...and the next. In time, I invited Jesus Christ into my life." Just then, Juan reached into his coat pocket, drew out a flat, slender package, and handed it to me, saying, "Thank you, Dr. Schuller. You saved my life!"

I opened the package to find a beautiful gold anchor, my initials inscribed on one side, on an exquisite chain. It was like nothing I'd ever seen. I wear it often, and every time I do, it silently whispers to me the words of Hebrews 6:19: "...hope is an anchor for the soul."

Before Juan found God, he was shipwrecked in the sea of life. However, once he anchored himself to a mighty force-faith-Juan left behind his shipwrecked life to live a buoyant life anchored in hope.

Exciting New Benefits for the 2010 Eagles Club

To thank our Eagles member for being there, we've added exciting new benefits for you when you join the 2010 Eagles Club:

+ Exclusive and unique weekly video Fireside Chats with Dr. Robert H. Schuller, Dr. Sheila Schuller Coleman and other Crystal Cathedral ministry leaders via the Internet or on DVD.

+ Quarterly, one-hour Fireside Teleconferences with Dr. Schuller and Sheila who will answer YOUR questions live, enabling you to grasp the true heartbeat of this ministry in a very personal way.

+ 15% discount on all purchases when you visit Crystal Cathedral Books & Gifts on campus or online at www.cathedralgifts.com (does not include Hour of Power offer items available for a donation only).

+ 15% discount on all 2010 The Glory of Christmas performances when you visit the box office, order online, or call 877-54-GLORY.

+ All 2010 Eagles Club members will ALSO receive a two-volume, genuine leather, deluxe-bound set of Dr. Schuller's bestselling books: Tough Times Never Last, But Tough People Do and Tough-Minded Faith for Tender-Hearted People (simultaneous New York Times bestsellers).

+ Our 2010 Golden Eagles Club members will receive a limited edition, 18-book library of some of Dr. Schuller's most popular books.

We invite you to join or renew your 2010 Eagles Club membership. Don't wait. Commit TODAY! Let your life soar as a 2010 Eagle for the Hour of Power!

The Hour of Power: Lifting Hearts on Television for 40 Years

God has helped the Hour of Power achieve each milestone and face every circumstance over the past 40 years of ministry. The number 40 holds special meaning and significance in the Bible, too, where 40 often signifies a time of preparation with a promise of bigger things to come.

- The flood came as the rain fell on Noah's ark for 40 days and 40 nights…and then came a rainbow.

- God led the Israelites in the wilderness for 40 years before he gave them the Promised Land.

- Jesus fasted and prayed alone in the wilderness for 40 days before he began his earthly ministry.

- After Christ's crucifixion and resurrection, he was seen throughout his community for 40 days.

Today, the Hour of Power optimistically looks toward the future, believing with all our hearts that, as God’s people provide the lifting power necessary to keep this ministry moving forward, we will see glorious possibilities unfold.

So celebrate with us as we share with you in this and upcoming 2010 PowerLines little-known details, heartwarming stories, and turning-point events from the Hour of Power's 40-year history. May they inspire you to pray for, and continue to be part of, America's Positive Television Church to the World for many years to come!

Eagles Club: Saving Lives Through the Hour of Power

Before going on air on a morning talk show in Boston recently, the show's host told Sheila Schuller Coleman, "I remember being a small girl sitting on my parent's lap in the living room watching the Hour of Power every Sunday morning. Your father's positive message meant the world to my parents and my family. Thank you."

"You saved my life," an anonymous Hour of Power viewer writes. "I am an incest survivor. As I was going into therapy, I tuned in to your church service. Its positive message of hope got me through the difficult process of healing many traumatic childhood memories and restoring my soul and spirit."

As the televised Hour of Power celebrates its 40th Anniversary this month, testimonies like this could be multiplied a million times over.

"If I could do one thing before my life is through," says Founding Pastor, Robert H. Schuller, "I would sit down with you—one on one—and tell you the countless ways the Hour of Power has changed lives."

What makes it possible for the Hour of Power to sustain this kind of human impact and be the fourth longest-running weekly program in television history? "The Eagles Club has long been the solid foundation of the Hour of Power" states Dr. Schuller. "Nearly one-third of our operating budget is funded by their combined annual pledge. These faithful givers have seen us through many financially challenging times." Because of our Eagles Club, nearly 20 million persons hear the UP!lifting, HOPE-filled, healing message of God's love every week.

Never has America and the world needed the televised Hour of Power more. And never has the Eagles Club been more important to the Hour of Power than in 2010. Last year's economic free-fall greatly affected this ministry. (Insufficient funding as has recently forced the Hour of Power off the air on stations in twelve major U.S. cities: Madison, Wisconsin; Tucson, Arizona; Wichita, Kansas; Kansas City, Missouri; Dayton, Ohio; Albuquerque, New Mexico; Monterey, California; Cincinnati, Ohio; Orlando, Florida; and Bingham, New York; Traverse City, Michigan; Spokane, Washington.) Yet, in spite of these losses and a substantial drop in revenue during 2009, our faithful Eagles Club members kept us alive, and the despairing hearts of many were lifted as gifts gave wings to the Hour of Power.

Saving Lives Through A Message of Hope For 40 Years

Where It All Began...40 Years Ago.

In September 1969, Robert H. Schuller visited his close friend Billy Graham at his Crusade in Anaheim, California. Rev. Graham said, "Bob, my weekly radio program is called the Hour of Decision. I think you should go on television with your powerful message and call it the Hour of Power."

So in February 1970, the foundation of what has become the longest-running, most widely viewed televised church service in the history of the world was laid when Dr. Schuller telecast his first Hour of Power program to the Los Angeles viewing area.

A year later, the Hour of Power was on in New York City. Chicago was added soon after. And by 1973, the program was seen on 12 stations across the United States.

By 1985, the Hour of Power's fifteenth year on television, it could be viewed by 70 percent of the United States' population.

Today, televised services from the Crystal Cathedral are watched by nearly one million persons weekly in the United States (available to over 200 million), across Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Holland, Germany, Switzerland, Australia, the United Kingdom, Africa, Russia, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Iceland, Sweden, Israel, Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, Indonesia, and the Philippines, making it the most-watched televised church service on television.

With today's technology, an estimated one billion people have access to the Hour of Power's unique, positive message of love and hope originating from the Crystal Cathedral. What an extraordinary opportunity!

Let God's Love Lift You UP!

By Dr. Sheila Schuller Coleman

When children are learning to walk, to ride a bike, or to skate, they frequently fall, but they always get back up and try again. Children seem to have a resilience that we as adults sometimes lose because of life's "falls."

Recently, my husband Jim and I were visiting in Arrowhead, a California mountain resort where there is an Olympic ice-skating training facility. One day we went in, sat on a bench next to the ice, and just watched. I was amazed at the intrepid skaters of all ages— tiny little ones that looked to be no older than five years of age up to lanky teens. The girls twirled while the boys skated furiously.

Falls happened constantly, regardless of skating style, age, or gender. The glint of a skate as it hit the ice, hurled a skater into a twirl and soaring into the air...the skater sometimes landing gracefully, but just as often landing on a hip with a hard thud.

Not one of the young skaters ever cried. They always, always, always got back up, brushed off the ice, and courageously pushed off to try again.

What propelled these young athletic artists? Love of the sport and the dream of achieving a championship. Falling was simply part of getting where they wanted to be. It was an essential aspect of reaching their goal.

It has been a year of bumps and bruises. Setbacks have happened to all of us. None of us have been immune to the challenges that beset us. It's not been easy to get up day after day and keep on going, to push off again knowing we have as much chance of falling like a klutz as we do of landing a double Lutz.

Take a lesson from these young champions-in-the-making. Have you fallen? God has a hand out to help you get back on your feet. He is there to lift you up. He wants to pick you up and give you the courage to try again, to learn from your mistakes and soar—to be the star he created you to be. Let God's love lift you up over and over again. Push into your goal, your dream, your God-given destiny. God will never let you down!

The Heart of a Hero

By Mara Lee and Charles Stoffers, grandparents of Sgt. Joshua Charles Brennan (1985 – 2007)

Some day as you're strolling the Crystal Cathedral grounds, look for the "Walk of Faith" stepping stone attributed to Sgt. Joshua Charles Brennan (located adjacent to The Bronze Eagle sculpture outside the Memorial Gardens).

Joshua, our first grandchild, born May 30, 1985, was a selfless young man with a delightful sense of humor, high morals and wonderful personality. He was soft spoken, respected others, enjoyed music, and exhibited great public humility. Josh felt called to serve his country, so following his high school graduation, he joined the Army (September 2003) and fulfilled one of his fondest dreams - to become a paratrooper with the 173rd Airborne Brigade.

Josh was stationed in Vicenza, Italy, for a year before being deployed to Afghanistan (2004). Among the tragedies experienced there was the day his lieutenant was shot by a sniper and Josh made every effort to save his life. For his heroism, Josh was named Soldier of the Year for the 173rd Airborne Brigade and given a bronze star - a rare recognition for a soldier of his rank.

Following the completion of his enlistment (August 2007), Josh's plan was to attend college. But his enlistment was extended for an additional year and he found himself stationed once again in the rugged, bitter cold mountains of Afghanistan.

In September 2007, Joshua told his mother in a brief phone conversation that he wanted a Bible with more opaque pages so it would be easier to read at night with a flashlight, and shared how he was growing in his relationship with God. Attacks in the area his battalion was patrolling continued to increase and became more frequent and severe. Despite a gunshot wound through his calf, Joshua refused to leave Afghanistan, deciding to remain and do rehab. On October 26, 2007 - the worst day of our lives - Joshua's parents, Janice and Michael, received notification that Joshua had been killed in action. When his personal belongings reached home, his obviously used Bible had dirt in the binding and a family photo intact.

Joshua's memorial was one of honor and celebration. The family was overwhelmed by the love and appreciation expressed by so many - state and federal officials, enlisted soldiers, and people of all ages who lined the streets waving flags as his motorcade passed. A memorial fund was established in his honor, part to be used for a religious memorial. What we felt would best memorialize Joshua's faith and life - one of valiance, honor, love, significance and heroism - was a stepping stone in the Crystal Cathedral's beautiful "Walk of Faith." The Scripture verse we chose to inscribe on his stepping stone so appropriately reflects Joshua's heroic heart: "Greater love has no man than this. That he lay down his life for his friends" (John 15:13).

Love Strong! Believe Strong! Forgive Strong!

By Dr. Sheila Schuller Coleman

I had only been in my role as Crystal Cathedral Ministries' new leader for about a month. My first days were filled with new and exciting challenges that I had to trust God to help me navigate. I went before God and asked him daily, "What is it you want me to do? How do you want me to lead this ministry?" One evening as I was sitting down by the ocean, my feet dangling in the salty water, enjoying the light breeze and the dazzling sunset, I prayed my daily prayer of guidance from the Lord. But this night, a voice I recognized as that of my Heavenly Father penetrated my tranquil reverie and rang in my mind, "Sheila, I want you to be a strong leader!" I cringed at the words. My style of leadership is more of a team mom than a drill sergeant. But God continued, "I want you to Love Strong! Believe Strong! And Forgive Strong!" Oh! That I could do!

The more I thought about God's words - the course he had charted for the direction of my leadership - the more depth, the more wisdom I saw in these three mandates.

When praying with someone who is in the midst of enduring the pain of an estranged relationship, I have said, "Love Strong! Even though your love isn't returned. Believe Strong! That God will heal this relationship in his time. Forgive Strong! For the hurtful words and actions."

I share God's power-full words with you at the start of a new year:

• If you are lonely, feel estranged - Love Strong! "...Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind....And love your neighbor as yourself" (MATTHEW 22:37-30).


• If you are afraid, worried, don't know where to turn - Believe Strong! "Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see" (HEBREWS 11:1).


• If you've been hurt - Forgive Strong! "Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors" (MATTHEW 6:12). Now that's a recipe for a power-full New Year!