Don’t Throw Away Yesterday

In this episode - Don’t Throw Away Yesterday . . .

On Friday, October 22nd, Lori and I celebrated another special wedding anniversary. We decided to take a day and drive to Orange County for a fabulous lunch. While in Orange County, we strolled the church grounds where we were married, reminiscing about that day 33 years ago.

Garden Grove Community Church, at that time, was called the Crystal Cathedral. Father time certainly has a way of dimming the past. We strolled the campus now called Christ Cathedral, part of the Catholic Dioceses. To my astonishment, it was as if the history had been completely erased. As we took in the sights, sounds, and smells of the beautiful gardens, I was reminded of all the life-changing experiences we had as church members. And how Robert H. Schuller had affected the lives of millions over the 50 plus years of his ministry.

You see, Dr. Schuller epitomized the philosophy of Possibility Thinking, always dreaming about tomorrow. Many only witnesses and criticize his material accomplishments; the prominent buildings, designed by famous architects Richard Neutra, Philip Johnson, and Richard Meier as the culmination of wealth for his ministry.

It was 1955 when Schuller came to California with $500.00 to begin his church, the first services held in the Orange Drive-In Theater. Six years would pass before his ministry would build his Walk-in, Drive-in Church, designed by Richard Neutra, in Garden Grove, California.

Here’s a segment of that story from Schuller’s book, Move Ahead with Possibility Thinking, published in 1967.

Narration - Chapter 2, pgs. 8-12

Schuller uncovered a need, created a shared vision, and made that vision a reality.

His focus was always on the development of individuals through the cultivation and enrichment of the human mind and spirit, changing people’s lives for the better. Their thinking transformed, self-esteem strengthened, and values reaffirmed; that’s what built his church.

Through his messages, he inspired people to become valued members of their communities. Not for what they owned, but what they became. Honest, hard-working people shared common values; character, tradition, honor, health, and a deep inner commitment to a cause (not a building). His messages focused on life experiences, the stories of people who overcame seemingly insurmountable obstacles.

Possibility Thinkers!

My listening friends don’t throw away yesterday. Treasure your memories and pass them along to your family and friends.

The magic of possibility thinking is renewed every day through faith. Believe in yourself; today is a new day; you were put on this earth for a purpose. Discover that purpose; you too can change the world. How will you touch someone’s life today?

It all starts with your dreams about tomorrow . . .

So, won’t you be my virtual neighbor? If you enjoy our weekly visits, please share them with a friend.

I’m Patrick Ball; thanks for listening. See you in the next episode.

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