Soul Care - Look to the Birds!

By Bill Gaultiere, Lead Pastor, Spiritual Formation

One day I was thinking of Jesus' words: "Don't worry. Look at the birds... Your Heavenly Father cares for them. Aren't you much more valuable than them?" (Matthew 6:25-26, paraphrased). That inspired me to sit down and do some bird watching while I prayed one day. As I watched and listened to what was going on above my head, Jesus spoke to my heart.

At first, many things distracted me: lawnmowers and grass blowers, a cold wind blowing, my own concerns and worries. But, I kept looking at the birds in the heavens (the lowest level of the kingdom of the heavens is the air right around us), and I kept listening. I discovered that, indeed, I was alive in the Kingdom of God with the Trinity, the angels, Christ followers - ancient and present - and all of God's creation, including the birds who were God's messengers to me on this day. I wrote down this prayer poem that I heard Jesus whisper to me:

Don't Worry: Live Like the Birds Don't worry:

Look at the birds; Trust my Father as they do, feeding each day from his hand.

Don't worry: Listen to the birds; Rest in my Word as they do, sitting quietly and alone on the branch.

Don't worry: Learn from the birds; Sing with my angels as they do, harmonizing with the choruses of heaven.

Don't worry: Live like the birds; Fly with my Spirit as they do, responding to the currents of my breath.

Don't worry: Love like the birds; Gather with my friends as they do, traveling in formation as my flock.

For more thoughts from Dr. Bill Gaultiere about Spiritual Formation and drawing closer to Jesus, go to http://christiansoulcare.blogspot.com/.

A Hand FULL of Miracles, a Heart FULL of Love

By Sheila Schuller Coleman for the Schuller Family

Merry Christmas to you, dear friends. This Christmas we are celebrating an amazing year of miracles and milestones.

As people everywhere are struggling with overwhelming challenges, you, our faith FULL church members and friends have shown HEROIC FAITH, continuing to support your church even when times were tough. As a result, we experienced miracle after miracle here at Crystal Cathedral!

There were weeks when we didn't know if we would be able to keep our doors open. Then, without fail, extra, unexpected, miracle gifts poured in and we had just enough! How do we begin to thank you? The year 2009 was not only a miraculous year for the ministry, but it was a milestone year for the ministry and me personally. I was totally surprised when my father and the board asked me to accept responsibility for the future of my father's legacy and this ministry. Although reluctant at first (saying yes required HEROIC FAITH, to say the least!), I was further surprised by the absolute joy and delight it has been to serve in this position. How wonder FULL it has been to serve side by side with my father. Having the opportunity to help him share the message of hope has been extremely FULL filling!

In addition to the miracles and milestones at the ministry, my husband Jim and I experienced a joy FULL milestone this year when Jason, our firstborn son of four, married the love of his life, Annie.

We praise God this Christmas for so many, many miracles. Most of all we thank him for the miracle of his Son, Jesus, who is the source of our joy, our love, and our life.

May you and your family experience miraculous milestones this Christmas! We are eternally grateful for you and your HEROIC FAITH in us. God is counting on you and me to make 2010 our 55th year as a congregation - the best year yet.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!