Friday, June 29, 2012

Robert Speaking at Bobby's Church

Speaking in Israel 2010

Hi All,
Just a quick update.  For those of you who are local, my husband will be speaking at "Tree of Life" this Sunday, July 1st.  The service starts at 11am.  If you come at 10:30 you can enjoy coffee and food. This is our our son, Bobby's church in downtown Orange.  For more information you can go to:  treeoflifeoc.org 
I hope to see you there.   
God is blessing you.  Donna

Wednesday, June 20, 2012

Strength For The Fragile Spirit



"Worry Doesn't empty tomorrow of its sorrow:  it empties today of its strength."  Corrie ten Boom


"I'd like to say that Christians are immune to the wear-and-tear of living in this troubled world.  I'd like to say that our spirits aren't fragile but it's not so.  Yet, we have a chance to make this wear-and-tear a source of strength, a layering of spiritual toughness that belies the tender spirit that dwells and flourishes within us. Eight principles help to make this possible-principles that need to be practiced over and over again, exercised if you will, as an athlete works on techniques to perfect his performance on the playing field."
                                                                       Robert A. Schuller

My husband wrote the book with this title in 1989 yet the words and inspiration found in Isaiah 40 are more needed today than ever before.   The eight powerful principles we need to practice are as follows:

1)  Speak Tenderly-to yourself and others. 
2)  Forgive and Forget-give pardon to those who have hurt us.  This might be a daily process!
3)  Search For Peace-be intentional about surrounding yourself with people who share your intentions, values, and principles.   Those who will bring out the best in you instead of those who "ruffle your feathers"more often than not.
4)  Hear Good News-don't let painful or difficult situations drown out the many blessings in your life.  There is always something to be thankful for.
5)  Trust in God-accept that anything you go through provides a lesson in growth.
6)  Feel Secure Among Giants-even though there can be huge trials trust that with God they can all be reduced to something manageable.
7)  Reason With Yourself-balance your life with healthy living in body, mind, and soul.
8)  Wait On The Lord-positive waiting is active not passive.

I was recently teaching my two and a half year old grand daughter Haven how to catch a soft, medium sized ball. As she attempted to do so the ball kept hitting various parts of her body as it bounced off to the ground.  After about 4 tosses to her I said, "Haven, keep your eye on the ball." The next time the ball came to her it once again bounded off as she quickly picked it up and firmly pressed it over her left eye!!   She did not wait for me to demonstrate but took me at my word!  She immediately went into action!  She was not at all passive in trying to learn the right way to catch a ball!  (and what a funny English language we have!)

Sometimes life can feel like a dodge ball game.  One after another, balls keep on being propelled at us, seemingly hitting us out of nowhere.  It seems we have to run, duck,  or dive on the floor to avoid being taken out!  Here's the great news: we have an amazing coach who teaches us to keep our eyes on the "ball" while keeping our eyes on him.  Not as Haven did,  but as we watch challenges come our way we know how to catch them before they hit us as we use them for good.  We can find strength for our fragile spirits if we know who and what to keep focused on.

"Do you not know?  Have you not heard?
The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth.
He will not grow tired or weary and increases the power of the weak.
Even youths grow tired and weary,
and young men stumble and fall;
but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint.

Isaiah 40:28-31

Where do you find strength when you stumble or fall?
God is blessing you.   Donna

Friday, June 8, 2012

Is The Grass Really Greener?

    Do not spoil what you have by desiring what you have not; remember that what you now have was once among the things you only hoped for.   ― Epicurus 


 As a nutrition, wellness and family dynamics coach every day I  hear from people who are dealing with family issues, health problems, or lack of money,  to mention a few.  Although pain and suffering is certainly real and not to be simply brushed away or ignored,  I believe with all my heart that there is a a way of mitigating hardship and challenging situations that come our way.  One word:  Gratitude.   Even when we are in the worst of circumstances there is always something to be grateful for.   

To refocus on what's important a technique that I find very helpful involves first venturing to your "happy place".   If you're not sure of your personal "happy place" please take time for reflection and self-discovery that you may know the answer.  

 A good friend recently told me that the mountains are her "happy place" and yet another great friend shared that when she is stressed she goes on a very long walk.  My "happy place" is the beach.  Fall, Winter, Spring, or Summer, I love the beach.   I also know why the beach evokes comfort and healing for me.  I was raised in Laguna Beach thus my happiest childhood memories center around activities digging in the sand, swimming in the ocean, or exploring numerous reefs and tide pools.   When I feel confused, lost or alone I find my happy memories and my gratefulness for living by visiting a near by beach.    Once I am there I may journal, stroll, or simply sit or lie down taking in the beauty of the sounds, smells, and sights surrounding me.  By watching the ebb and flow of an active and seemingly endless sea I am reminded of how big our God is.  I find it refreshing and uplifting as I reflect on all I am so thankful for. 

 If you have done this often you will experience comfort and solace as you mentally or physically list the many things that bring you happiness...blessings which you are grateful for.  If this is a new idea you may find it uncomfortable taking time out of your busy schedule yet I can assure you,  this process will not be a waste of time.


Sometimes we can feel that life is so complicated or not what we expected.  These feelings can provide a way to experience a real time of growth if you allow yourself the courtesy of not rushing through them.    At the same time remembering where you have been while trusting bleak times in your life as having a season, a purpose, and a lesson to be learned.   Let go and let God help you through.  Paradoxically when we release control we somehow get more,  reminding ourselves,   "Happiness is not having what you want but wanting what you have."  (in some cases the good, the bad, the ugly)

Find your "happy place" and let me know.  I am interested in finding out where you go to charge your batteries so that you may be more faithful, more hopeful. and more loving.


  "There is a time for everything and a season for every activity under heaven."  Ecclesiastes 3:1 

God is blessing you.   Donna
www.donnaschuller.com