Crystal Cathedral

Growing pains? Why do children suffer pain from adults just to grow up? Evidently the adult hasn't grown up yet. Still waiting for God's mercy on my granddaughter who suffers severely from her mom's boyfriend's abuse. She shouldn't have to die or reap pain because he's a jerk.

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I once worked as a teacher, and had to deal with a child who had a diagnosis of cancer as an infant, and his parents were told he would not survive. They made the decision to make his brief life as happy as possible, and made sure he got whatever he wanted for whatever time he had left. Thankfully, he made a complete recovery, but they then had to deal with a nine year old who would have a major screaming tantrum every time someone said 'no' to one of his demands... so what sort of person would we be if we never had trouble? a painful immature selfish child with nothing to offer anyone.

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to --frankipookie, I was around EARLIER and still am around , This ministry has helped me in so many ways , I have been Encouraged ,Inspired , Educated ,Helped to see beyond myself, I have continued to change and to grow in Faith. This ministry has always pointed me to the one who LOVES me my SAVIOR AND LORD. I have a reasonably good memory and yes I can remember some Mighty sermons that Dr. S preached .Could I encourage you to read his books ,I have recieved great comfort from them. GOD IS SO GOOD.

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Wow! Reverand S. never ceases to motivate me and lift my spirits!! I'm only 29-years old but I wish I were around earlier...I imagine his sermons must have been even more totally awesome. Always a blessing to hear him speak!

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My marriage is in trouble. I and my husband married for 15 year, we hurt each other for 5 years, dispute, speak something hurting each other, do something make other feel bad, etc. By the meantime, a girl get closer to closer to my husband, they ran a business, and debt for 3 million dollars, and that girl bear all loan. I found they had abnormal relationship, that girl do what my husband planned, and never say NO. We are a christian family and have a 8 year child. I don't know how to do to earn back my husband's trust and his heart again. Please pray for my family, for my husband, for my son and that girl either, I teared and teared all a day, I have been asked for a pastor to help, Please pray for me, to be strength in Christ, to be patience in Christ, help me to buried the sins that I used made and change to be a better wife.

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Growing pains: so painful and yet non life-threatening; with a little love and understanding the pain decreases, and soon we don't even notice the aches. As a child I was on very heavy medications for epilepsy -- which slowed me down in some areas to almost a grinding halt. Fortunately I had very good teachers, including a loving scripture teacher, and they were always there if I needed help, however great or small. My best freind however was my God. With nobody wanting to let me join in the fun at recess time and no 'social' life, I got to know my Lord instead. All my schoolwork took a lot more effort and time than many of my other classmates -- and quite often I had to redo it --either because I'd missed the point or not interpreted it correctly. This didn't only give me better writing skills, but taught me the importance of attention to detail -- not to mention how genuine quality and integrity require time and patience if they're to be fully appreciated. Patience IS a virtue.

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I have a daughter who has many problems. I feel like giving up but i try to look at the good things and times. Then I try again.

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Yes there is perfect love between humans. I had it once and was in awe that I had finally found it. It really is out there and I believe God led me to him. He's gone now but I learned a lot from him and knew it was perfect love. God took him to heaven , his body became very sick, but I enjoyed the moments of feeling the greatest love there is on earth from another human being.

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Very good example of needing a captain in our lives. So many try to go it on their own and struggle. I give it all to God, I can't do it alone.

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I don't know that 'perfect' love can exist between two people. Maybe 'perfect' love is reserved for Jesus and God? I do know that love takes patience. I was granted such a love in my late husband. He was very patient with my short-comings and taught me the value of honesty. Since his death several years ago, I have re-married, and often I find my own patience worn almost too thin. My current husband is not the most responsible or honest person, but I do love him. I pray for guidance in my life, to help me lead him to honesty and patience through my own example. I know he was once an active Church member, and I am encouraging him to renew his relationship with God. I believe "perfect love' is what God has for us, but can human beings really have perfect love for each other?

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On Feb 1, 1993, I was rammed from behind by a snow plow believe it or not.On top of having four broken ribs and a punchered lung, my right ankle was completely smashed. My brother and his wife LOIS did a super job of taking care for five months. After I had returned to my beloved job at the bank for a period of time my brother asked me how come I never paid Lois for all of her parking tickets Victoria

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I hope you repeat this awesome message more often -- it is so good & so needed. Both my beloved grandmothers were Christians & I know that they prayed for all of us. One had a bible on her bed table her whole life, and each night before going to sleep, she would read a passage & say prayers for all her children & grandchildren. My mother also prayed for all of us & her grandchildren too. Once they both were gone home to heaven, I started praying for our family to continue the legacy on. PLus, I am now a Prayer Warrior in 3 groups: we have seen so many wonderful answers to prayer; BUT, I so agree with you that GOD doesn't answer our prayers like some kind of Santa filling a wish list: He's our Father, and He knows what's best for all of us! I always tell people GOD answers prayers in different ways: yes, no, not that, or not yet; but I love your explanation even better. Thanks so much for sharing it with us, as everyone needs to hear it at least once ... :)

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I love the analogy in this minute message; it's worthwhile remembering. This could very well be expounded upon to explain the many, many reasons why GOD sent His son, JESUS CHRIST, down here to be the captain of our lives ... thanks, Rosebud. :)

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This is a wonderful devotion. My answer to the question is yes, I have abandoned the "brilliant" ideas God has sent me through His Holy Spirit because I have lacked self-confidence to follow through. My prayer is that the Lord will help me find the courage to move ahead. Amen!

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A little over a year ago my 99 year old Christian mother died. One of the thoughts I had at that time was, "Who is going to pray for my family now?" Dr. Schuller's message today gives me hope and a new thought that prayers do not expire and are always with us. Thanks be to God and thank you for this message. It also gives me hope as we wait to find a kidney donor for my husband.

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I read this to keep my way of thinking going forward ,so much makes me want to give up tired,wondering how ,when,where the help will come from an its always, above so I keep Praying for guidence an want to be an Optimistic.I am Thankful for all the has been looking Positive an hope my road is on an up hill climb JW

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My father had a stroke in Dec. 1995. Mom had a heart attack in July 1996, and the day after she came home from open heart surgery, my husband lost his fingers in a work accident. Dad died in 2001; Mom in 2003. In 2004, my nephew (25 yrs. old) was killed by a drunk driver. Then, in Dec. 2005, I found my husband dead from a heart attack. The stress nearly killed me. My teeth abcessed; epileptic seizures, gone for 30+ years, suddenly returned more violent than they had ever been. I had bladder cancer. It has been a long rough journey, but I've learned from it. They were gifts who blessed my life in so many ways, and I was lucky to have them. Grief is about loss. Coming to terms with it is about blessings. When you peel away the pain, you'll find a blessing inside. I still have some difficult days, but every step takes me further from the pain and into a new day. God has been with me every step of the way. I didn't always see that, but He was. And whatever happens, He always will be.

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I feel so badly for everyones pain. I LOST A 7 MO GRANDDAUGHTER to a birth-defect 12 yrs. ago and still cannot get over it. It seems so unfair that God would let such a precious baby die and never see a birthday or Christmas. A number of unjust other things have followed me since then. I look for the light of God to keep me moving on....but I really think we are ready to go HOME.

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you are doing an enormours job. i am ugandan- based in east africa and now i am serving in iraq. i still follow your inspiring messages. i learn a lot from them and they have helped have a new perspective on my daily life. we appreciate so much. please go on with the work. may the Gool Lord bless you so much. Xavier

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Thank you DR .SCHULLER, what a encouraging, inspiring message. Today I refered to your book, MY SOULS PRAYER ADVENTURE WITH GOD page234 QUOTE" So what is a life span of our prayers? only GOD knows .Many prayers,I am sure will be immortal." Many years ago as I read the book I underlined the last 6 words of the quote. What a blessing those words are to me as I continue to pray for my family and those around me,knowing our HEAVENLY FATHER HEARS AND ANSWERS OUR PRAYERS .Thank you once again.JMc.

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This Positive Minute touches very close to home for me! For many years I worked to raise my family and had several jobs that really didn't feel like they 'fit'. My children grew up and moved away, my husband died, and I kept working. One day, a couple of years down the road, I looked around and wondered what I was doing. One of my 'kids' told me I should try a different job, a change might help. I quit my job and was all set up with training for the new job when WHAM! I was in a car accident with my sister! My shoulder was injured and I couldn't take the job I had planned to. I spent a couple of months in therapy, then had to look around for a new job. My nephew's wife worked at a small local newspaper and convinced me to try it. The editor was impressed with my photography skills and with my vocabulary abilities and hired me as a proof-reader/photographer! I moved up quickly to editing A & E and Senior news! By God's Grace I found something I love & am now a freelance photographer!

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Dr. S. and his ministry of teaching positives,like tough times don't last,but tough people do and turning scars into stars, plus many more of his sayings has pushed alot of negative into positive.A few mos. ago I had some really greedy, awful business stuff happen and after I was upset, I started trying to donate what I could and it has REALLY made a difference,and miracles everywhere!Prompted by angelic humans that came through my life as examples, I would see food/clothes on sale or clearance,buy what I could, and donate it when I had enough to drop off at any youth shelter or 'Village of Hope' in Tustin to negate the greed that I encountered.It's now a lifestyle change from GOD, and there are so many people(especially kids)that need help in these times. As a testimonial, GOD has supplied my every need and blessed me so much though all this!And thanks to CC, and Dr. S. for his positive messages!

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Could you please add a caption to the gorgeous Duncan photos that head the Positive Minute each day. I would love to know where each one was taken. Thanks for your continuing positive inspirational texts--keep up His good work.

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A superb lesson on the art of communicatiion. I would add; however, that in all of our communication, the primary goal of any Christian is to win souls for Jesus Christ, and then, maybe, a friend for life.

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It is so true, what is said in today's meditation! Burdens really are God's tools to keep us going because we learn to cast them on Him along the way. May the Lord always enable us to do that for his glory. Robert Overstreet

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Giving back to God what belongs to Him is the best lesson I have learned. Practicing it has made an awesome impact on my life, not only financially but spiritually I feel so enlightened because I have learned not to steal God from what belongs to Him. I thank for the online service. May God bless the blessed family for years to come. Amen Sukh

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Thanks forsharing this wonderful enlightened way of turning off or tuning out negative thoughts! With so many in the world focusing on negativity instead of the positive, it is good to hear concrete ways to deal with it. We are being bombarded by negative media & programming. Too many Christians spend too much time complaining instead of sharing a the positive gospel with others. We as Christians, can share the amazing aspects of GOD's Love, Grace, Mercy, Kindness, Peace, and Joy with each other and the world. Let's cover darkness with Light; let's destroy anger with Love; let's stop sadness with Gladness; let's quelch criticism with Grace; let's heal bitterness with Mercy; let's replace war with Peace; let's overcome sorrow with Joy! What a brighter world it will be when we make these gifts from GOD our gifts to the world ... :)

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I've found it very effective to go in with an open mind. Sometimes you can learn something valuable from the opposing side! Who knows, you might even change your own way of thinking about something by simply hearing a differing point of view. If you start a conversation prepeared to argue your 'side' to death, then that's what you get, a pointless argument where no one wins or learns anything new. People can sense your rigidity and unaccepting nature and stick to their own guns that much harder. Be flexible and open!

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Listening is v. powerful in the hands of God. When we become devoid of our own opinions, judgements and control over others. When we listen without thinking what the person is saying or bringing up, without God's leading, about our own lives, then we can truly listen, knowing that the Holy Spirit will let us "hear" what He wants us to hear. Also - Jesus always listened to other people's truths and then brought the higher truth into their minds and hearts. People need to speak "their" truth without being opposed. If their truth is not spoken and heard, I don't think they can move on. We must always watch out that we don't try and take a speck out of someone's eye when we ourselves can't see properly 'cos of the log in ours. Nothing worse than someone trying to get something out of your eye, when they have themselves, partial blindness too....Ouch!!!!! You will always remember "those people" and avoid them!

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Listening, is an important part of communication, it is so important that when someone else speaks, they feel that you "hear" what they are saying.

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Thank you Dr RHS. We are created to be in relationships, aren't we? Having a desire to make a genuine link with someone who may be an adversary, rather than merely to get an apology or the upper hand, or to look more righteous, is important. I have found true motives are not always obvious, even to ourselves. Psalm 139:23 and 24. Communication skills and good motives...

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Gretchen has the countenance of an angel. She glows like one too. My feeling is that she has a lot of things to teach us. This particular lesson is so awesome. . One time I taught a SUnday School class. I said, "I am God's most favorite child of all." . I was going to go on after all the jaws dropped but everyone flew out of their chairs and left the room in a rage. I was never asked to teach there again and it's too bad because they will never hear "the rest of the story" as Paul Harvey used to say. God sees us all the same way.It is as if each of us is God's ONLY child, the apple of His eye, his favorite creation of all. Each of us is. I moved away from that city shortly after. I wonder sometimes if they all know that they too are God's most favorite child of all. :) . Gretchen is right. It's not ok to cheat but it's sometimes only right to change the rules. He loves me most of all. He loves me most of all......... until there are no more petals in the universe He loves me....

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Larry, Look into joining the 9.12 organization. Christian based with Nine Principals ( one which is I believe in God and He is the Center of my Life) and Twelve Values which are values we grew up with. It is peace based but involved in politics with phone calls, letter writing, rallies. All peace based, but using the legal venues of expressing our rights. I feel I'm doing what I can and not doing anything illegal or morally wrong. Having like minded people in the group and all fighting for the same thing. God, America and our families. Thank you. Joan

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I want to stay up what is happening politicaly in our country but I have to pull back when it gets too much for me. Sometimes I just have to pray because I am just too tired of it all. But if I don't try to help who will. Larry

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My weight is my children , grown and constantly going against the grain. Why oh why, I'll never know. It's like the good life isn't good enough for one of them and we are the last to know anything in the other one's life. Life was good when they were small...............Now they are a bigger weight for some reason.

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