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!

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!

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.