http://larrylundstromministries.org/68419?blogid=1624&view=post&articleid=August-10-2016&link=1&fldKeywords=&fldAuthor=&fldTopic=0

Happy August! The months continue to fly by at increasing speed, don't they? 

 

Recently, I was craving something sweet, and just had to satisfy the hunger! I purposely try to hide the sweets in our motorhome for health and weight gain reasons, but there I was on the hunt for anything sweet.

Then…I found it! A small bag of Jelly Bellys I had hidden from Larry as he tends to be a sugar-aholic. I nestled up on the front couch and anxiously opened the little bag and looked on them longingly as if little gold pieces. One by one, I put them in my mouth. Oh…were my taste buds ever happy! First the pineapple, then orange, next came coconut, followed by caramel, onto popcorn— by now, my taste buds were dancing because they were so yummy! I continued to pop another one in. Ugh…it was so bitter, it literally made me shake. That bitter Jelly Belly cancelled out all of the precious scrumptious ones. In fact, it was so offensive, I hesitated to try another "unknown" Jelly Belly as I wasn't sure what the next flavor exploding in my mouth would be. Out of nowhere, I began to chuckle. I told myself, "This is like life—you never know what the next event, good or bad, will be."

 

That bag of Jelly Belly's reminded me of life in general. One day, it seems sweet to the senses, all goes well. The next day, it can turn bitter and painful, discouragement sets in and the devil races to attempt to deplete the joy of the previous day. In desperation, we grab another "Jelly Belly," praying it will be a sweeter day. It is in those distraught times, I have to make a choice—TO GROW BITTER OR BETTER THROUGH THE TRIALS!

1 Peter 1:6 says, "Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations (trials)." I don't know about you, but when the bitter days come, I don't feel like rejoicing, I don't like those trials, but I also know I have no choice but to GO and GROW through them. For me, it takes a complete attitude adjustment. Vs 7 continues, "That the trial of your faith, be much more precious than a gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honor and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ." I have to be willing to go through the fiery trials and look beyond the pain—to the gain—for when it is over. Truthfully, it may go on, possibly even until we meet Jesus, but I must remain faithful. Verse five of the same passage says, "Who (you and I) are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last times." Your faith walk can and will keep you. Be strong…don't let satan steal your faith. I truly believe we are in the end times and that the fires and trials are going to intensify. We will need to lock into Jesus as never before.

 

Let me leave a couple of tips:

 

#1 Keep the Word.

#2 Keep praying and praising.

#3 Keep the right company. (Stay away from negative people).

#4 Keep your mind on Christ. (Not on the problem.)

#5 Keep in fellowship with your church. (You will need a support group.)

#6 Keep encouraging others. (In turn, it will encourage you.)

#7 Keep looking up! He is still on the throne!

 

Regardless of the Jelly Belly (circumstances of life) given, choose how you will respond!

 

 

As for Larry and I, we are responding with great joy over the service we had during the annual Flekkefest festival in Elbow Lake, Minnesota last Sunday. Here are some testimonies:

 

 

"It was great being at the park for your service. My parents used to take me and my sister as children to your services in Duluth, Virginia, and all over. Now that I have my family, I am bringing my children. I had 3 of them with me at Elbow Lake in the Veterans Park for Flekkefest and they wanted to go forward and pray a prayer to ask Jesus into their hearts. I loved the music and the excitement and the message."

 

Theresa Fossel, mother to 9 children

Micah, Mary and Rita pictured

Virginia, MN

 

 

 

 

 

"Larry and Gloria we have known you for many, many years - we're so happy we got to come and see you during the Flekkefest in Elbow Lake, MN. We loved the music and were touched by the anointed message. Most special of all was to see my special friend step forward at the altar call."

Connie & Spence Howe

Alexandria, MN

 

 

 

We were thrilled by many first-time commitments to Christ at the altar call!

 

 

"Thanks for coming to Elbow Lake! My life was changed when I gave my heart to Christ at your rally at Victory church 4 years ago.  I have so much joy and peace in my life now. You ministered so much to my wife Lois and I at the Veterans Park. We loved your music and your presentation and loved seeing the connection between the two of you. The message was powerful. Thanks again for being faithful to preach the Word."

Lois & Merlin Windom

Alexandria, MN

 

 

 

Here are the services for the rest of August - we'd love to see you there!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gloria

 

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{Reflection}

 

 

 

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{Recipe}

 

Rotini Salad

1 lb. rotini noodles, cooked

1 pt. mayonnaise

1 c. water

½ c. vinegar

1 c. sugar

1 med. Onion, chopped fine

1 c. celery, chopped fine

½ tsp. turmeric spice

Salt and pepper to taste

 

Mix all ingredients well in large bowl. Cover and refrigerate overnight. Stir well before serving. Dressing will be thin when made, but fine the next day.

 

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{Household Hint}

 

Cook pasta for salads al dente (slightly chewy to the bite). This allows the pasta to absorb some of the dressing and not become mushy. 

 

http://larrylundstromministries.org/68419?blogid=1624&view=post&articleid=July-27-2016&link=1&fldKeywords=&fldAuthor=&fldTopic=0

 

"Gloria" just as she addressed me she grabbed my arm, "thank you for coming to Faith, South Dakota tonight."  Her face was aglow and the tears in her eyes looked like sparkling diamonds. "Gloria, I am so thrilled, I am so happy, I have prayed for 38 years for my husband to give his life to Christ…and it happened tonight."

 

Now I was in joyful tears. I responded, "It was worth coming all this way and all these miles, through 50 mile an hour wind gusts and 107 degree heat, to this community hall to see what God did in your husband's life!"

 

This has been the most exciting tour through North Dakota, Montana and back to South Dakota. Every night dozens step forward to surrender their lives to Christ…that is truly what it is all about.

 

Here are the latest photos from our services on the road. The "altar call" is the heartbeat of this ministry. If you are a partner with our ministry, this is your spiritual investment report, whether you pray for us or support us financially:

 

 

Glendive, Montana - 

Friday Night Community Service

Sunday Morning Service

 

Elgin, North Dakota - 

 

 

Beulah, North Dakota -

 

Faith, South Dakota - 

 

 

Hill City, South Dakota  - 

 

 

 

Also, many of you may have seen the update earlier today about Larry's email being hacked into - we want to update you and let you know everything is fixed and workin' fine! Not quite how we wanted to start the day, but we're thankful that it was quickly resolved. Thank you for disregarding any messages that spoke about Larry being in Germany visiting a sick cousin; those hackers have quite the imagination.

 

Have a blessed rest of your July!

 

Gloria

 

 

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{Quote}

 

"A life without cause is a life without effect."

– Paul Coelho

 

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{Chuckle/Reflection}

 

 

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{Recipe}

 

Orange Slush

1 c. milk

1c. water

1/2 lg. can orange juice (about 6 oz.)

1/2 c. sugar

1 tsp. vanilla

12-14 ice cubes

 

Blend all in a blender until ice is chopped, and enjoy!

 

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{Household Hint}

 

To cool your punch, float an ice ring made from the punch rather than using ice cubes. It appears more decorative and also inhibits melting and diluting. 

 

http://larrylundstromministries.org/68419?blogid=1624&view=post&articleid=June-29-2016&link=1&fldKeywords=&fldAuthor=&fldTopic=0

http://larrylundstromministries.org/68419?blogid=1624&view=post&articleid=June-15-2016&link=1&fldKeywords=&fldAuthor=&fldTopic=0

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June is in full-force and we continue to enjoy a full schedule of services that remind us of the goodness of God as precious hearts and lives are changed by Him. With Father's Day approaching, I wanted to share Larry's article from our June newsletter - enjoy!

 

Father's Day always stirs up a pool of memories. My dad was a great man! He loved

his wife. He loved his three sons. He worked hard. He was kind. He was generous (although he didn't have much). He was loved by everyone. He was a good dad.

 

The tragedy in this story is that Dad and Mom never spoke the words, "I love you" to us three boys causing me to "lock up," and in return I wasn't able to say "I love you" to them either. Oh, I knew they loved us. It wasn't even a question in my mind, but I always carried a painful emptiness in my life because I so wanted to hear the words from them to affirm their love for me. I guess when I think back, the beauty that came from the ashes, is that I vowed if I ever was married, I would speak those three precious words to my wife and children so they wouldn't feel the ache I did. I tell Gloria morning, noon and night that I love her and I say those valuable words in every phone call I have with my children and grandchildren.

 

Now back to my original story…in the early 80s, Gloria observed from our marriage conversations that I had a big hole in my heart due to the absence of my parents' spoken affirmation. Wanting to see this situation remedied, she said, "Larry, you are 33 years old, and if they haven't said the words 'I love you' in 33 years, the chances are they won't in the next 33 years. We need to change that!"

The next thing I knew, Gloria was on the move. She called my parents and told them we were driving out to have coffee with them. What she didn't convey to them was that the express purpose of this visit was for me to tell them the words, "I love you" to break the padlock on this barrier of our relationship. We drove to the farm, walked into the house and had coffee. It became apparent quickly I wasn't going anywhere fast! I was nervous, I was scared and I was avoiding what I came out to do. Gloria was very aware of what was taking place so she piped up and said, "Well, Larry, it is getting late. We better go home and get the kids to bed…Larry, why don't you just go over, give your Dad and Mom a kiss (we never did that) and tell them that you love them!"

 

BOOM! There we stood! My dad, my mom and I were like three instant pillars of salt. Speechless and emotionless, my dad finally broke the silence and gently but quietly spoke up, "We've never used those words in our home, but it doesn't mean that we don't love each other." To which Gloria replied softly filled with love and compassion, "Don't you think it is about time though that we start using the words?" In that moment, the three of us thawed. I reached out to my dad, hugged him and spoke those three priceless words, "I love you", and I did the same to my mother. My parents then extended their arms, embraced me and said, 'We love you, too." What a defining moment that was for our relationship and our lives. I was set free. My parents were set free. From that instant on, we were able to express those three treasured words, "I love you."

 

This Father's Day, maybe you are reading this and you, too, have a hole in your heart. Take the risk like I did (with Gloria's aggressive but loving shove) to break the bondage and tell your parents that you love them. Speak the words to your children every day (even when they are acting unlovable) and be sincere, not just making them empty words but loving words spoken with action behind them so they, too, will express those invaluable words to their children someday. Don't wait. Don't have regrets. I am so glad I finally made the move! "Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins." 1 Peter 4:8

 

Happy Father's Day!

 

Gloria

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June Schedule: 

 

June 15th, 7:00 pm:

First Baptist Church

320 N Broadway

Linton, ND

 

June 19th, 10:00 am:

Capital Christian Center

3838 Jericho Rd

Bismarck, ND

 

June 25-26

Eagle Bend A/G

201 Central Ave S

Eagle Bend, MN

 

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http://larrylundstromministries.org/68419?blogid=1624&view=post&articleid=June-6-2016&link=1&fldKeywords=&fldAuthor=&fldTopic=0

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On the road – off the road – on the road! I am trying to catch my breath! The tires haven't had time to even cool off, ha!

 

 

 

 

 

 

We zoomed down to Nashville, Tennessee to attend our granddaughter, Myanna's,  High School graduation…and oh how fun that was! We only have two grandchildren and now both of them are graduated. Myanna is almost 18 and Dante 23.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We were able to spend time with most of our family to celebrate – we made precious memories!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We asked our granddaughter, Myanna, what she would like to do as something special to celebrate her graduation and she respond, "I want to go to grandma and grandpa's house in South Dakota." So…we packed up and did a road trip en route to Sisseton.  We stopped the first day in St. Louis to show her the landmark of the Gateway Arch.  Day 2 brought us to Kansas City for sightseeing and the Crown Plaza, then on the third day we were in Sisseton. Larry and I were so happy to have LaDawn and Myanna both with us for that time.

 

 

 

 

We packed up again and headed to Elk River, Minnesota for our annual Larry Lundstrom board meeting. We are so blessed with a great, godly board: Pastor Percy Kallevig, Pastor Doug Jones, Advisor Debbie Jones, and Carolyn Johnson.

 

 

And then, we continually thank God for our staff in Sisseton, which includes Office Manager, Marne, Accounting Administrator, Barb and Scheduling Coordinator, Tricia. Without them we simply couldn't go. We deeply appreciate them. They are so efficient at keeping the office running  and thriving while we are on the road.

 

  

 

Last Sunday, we had a service at Elevation North in Owatonna, Minnesota. It's a small church, pastored by Doug and Debbie Jones who have big, compassionate hearts. When Larry gave the alter call, we were blessed by an elderly lady who made a first time decision, and 3 pre-teen children who were truly touched by the message and responded to the altar call. We are so grateful for all of the hearts that are ministered to, but I'm always thrilled to see young people make commitments to Christ, as I was only 8 years old when I knelt at an altar and invited Jesus into my heart. I felt Him then, and I feel Him now. He was real to me that day in 1952, and I feel Him more real now in 2016. It was that "moment" at 8 years of age that charted my course for ministry. Children's hearts are so tender, don't discount them, that's the age to reach them.

We also enjoyed some incredible pie that Debbie made!!

 

 

This week we travel up to the Bismarck/ Mandan, North Dakota area where we will be based out of for several rallies. We hope you can join us!

 

Gloria

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June Schedule: 

 

June 5 at 10:00am

Elevation North

2002 Austin Road

Owatonna, MN

 

June 12th, 7:00 pm:

Cowboy Community Church

211 2nd Ave NW

Mandan, ND

 

June 15th, 7:00 pm:

First Baptist Church

320 N Broadway

Linton, ND

 

June 19th, 10:00 am:

Capital Christian Center

3838 Jericho Rd

Bismarck, ND

 

June 25-26

Eagle Bend A/G

201 Central Ave S

Eagle Bend, MN

 

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http://larrylundstromministries.org/68419?blogid=1624&view=post&articleid=May-25-2016&link=1&fldKeywords=&fldAuthor=&fldTopic=0

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As we celebrate Memorial Day this coming weekend, I was reminded of the early days that birthed our country and the many sacrifices that were courageously made then...and now!

 

On July 4, 1776, one of America's historic documents was signed in the city of Philadelphia; the Declaration of Independence.  It marked the birth of this Nation, which under God, was destined for world leadership.  

 

We often forget that in declaring independence from earthly power, our fathers made a forthright declaration of dependence upon Almighty God.  The closing words of this document solemnly declare, "With a firm reliance on the protection of the Divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our lives, our fortunes and our sacred honor."

 

 

To the 56 courageous men who signed that document, according to Arthur DeMoss in The Rebirth of America, it was not just rhetoric.  They knew that if they succeeded, the best they could expect would be years of hardship in a struggling new nation.  If they lost, they would face a hangman's noose as traitors.  Of the 56, few were long to survive.  Five were captured by the British and tortured before they died.  Twelve had their homes ransacked, looted, occupied by the enemy or burned.  Two lost their sons in the army.  One had two sons captured.  Nine of the 56 died in the war from its hardships or its bullets.  

 

Whatever ideas you have of the men that gathered that hot summer in Philadelphia, it is important that we remember certain facts about the men who made this pledge:

-They were not poor men or wild-eyed pirates. They were men of means; rich men, most of them, had enjoyed much ease and luxury in their personal lives.  

-They were not hungry men but prosperous men; wealthy landowners, substantially secure in their prosperity, and respected in their communities.

 

BUT, they considered liberty much more important than the security they enjoyed.  They pledged their lives, their fortunes and their sacred honor.  They fulfilled their pledge.  They paid freedom's price.  

Little did John Adams know how significant his words would be when he spoke to his wife, Abigail, in the passing of the Declaration of Independence and said, "I am well aware of the toil, and blood, and treasure it will cost to maintain this Declaration, and support and defend these states; yet, through all the gloom, I can see rays of light and glory.  I can see that the end is worth more than all the means."

 

To those who sacrificed for our freedom and those who are sacrificing their lives for freedom today, we owe a big debt of gratitude.  We honor all our servicemen and women who have selflessly fought so we all could enjoy freedom.  Many heartfelt thanks!

 

Please take the time this Memorial Day to remember.....remember freedom's cost, remember those who have given all, and remember those currently serving praying for their safety and protection.  

 

God bless America!

 

Gloria

 

Someone one said, "To be born free is a privilege,  To die free is an awesome responsibility."  Freedom is never free.  it is always purchased at a great price.

 

 

Planning ahead… if you're traveling, stop in one of these communities!

 

June 5 at 10:00am

Elevation North

2002 Austin Road

Owatonna, MN

 

June 12th, 7:00 pm:

Cowboy Community Church

211 2nd Ave NW

Mandan, ND

 

June 15th, 7:00 pm:

First Baptist Church

320 N Broadway

Linton, ND

 

June 19th, 10:00 am:

Capital Christian Center

3838 Jericho Rd

Bismarck, ND

 

June 25-26

Eagle Bend A/G

201 Central Ave S

Eagle Bend, MN

http://larrylundstromministries.org/68419?blogid=1624&view=post&articleid=May-5-2016&link=1&fldKeywords=&fldAuthor=&fldTopic=0

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I can hardly believe it's already May, and Mother's Day is just around the corner! Here is Larry's newest article from our newsletter, in case you missed it. Be sure to sign up to receive our monthly newsletter for articles from both Larry and I, testimonies from on the road, recipies, and more!

 

Most Like Mom!

I am sitting here today reflecting on how blessed I was to have had an exceptional mother and exceptional mother-in-law. I have so many fond memories of both of them and each of them had such a great impact on my life. My mother, Madge, had a free spirit, a mischievous sense of humor, a heart of compassion, a gift of hospitality and big dimples.  I guess I inherited her sense of humor, (whether you may like it or not), her mischievous ways and even those big dimples.  I've been told that in my family, I'm the most like my mother. I will accept that as a great compliment as she was special!

All my growing up years, she was ambitious, and moved along like a speeding bullet and never complained. She was the Lundstrom Ministries office manager for many years until she was stricken with Parkinson's and was bedridden for about 16 long years.  Mom was a 'worry warrior' for many years before she came to know Christ as her personal Savior, then she became a 'prayer warrior' and oh how she prayed! It was painful to see her bedridden and unable to talk,  but one thing I was assured of was that she was always praying silently for all her family, ministry and others. Because of her dedication to God, us and our ministry, she had a part in seeing multiplied thousands give their hearts to Christ, for which Gloria and I and the entire Lundstrom family are eternally grateful.

I like what Washington Irving, in the 19th century said about a mother's impact upon her children:

"A mother is the truest friend we have, when trials, heavy and sudden, fall upon us; when adversity takes the place of prosperity; when friends, who rejoice with us in our sunshine, desert us; when troubles thicken around us; still she will cling to us, and endeavor by her kind precepts and counsels to dissipate the clouds of darkness, and cause peace to return to our hearts."

This Mother's Day I am grateful to have had two wonderful mothers who loved and guided us in the ways of the Lord!

 

May your weekend be full of love, laughs, and memory-making, or remembering the cherished memories you have of the mothers in your life. Happy Mother's Day!

 

Gloria

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http://larrylundstromministries.org/68419?blogid=1624&view=post&articleid=April-13-2016&link=1&fldKeywords=&fldAuthor=&fldTopic=0

On the road again! I hardly know if I am coming or going anymore! We returned back to Arizona from my mother's funeral and it is very toasty, about 94 degrees. Last Sunday, we ministered and sang at Harvest Church in Glendale, AZ, pastored by our friends Ron and Sue Rockwell. Years ago, Ron was the youth pastor at our home church in Sisseton and both of them have left a tremendous impact in the lives of those who were teens at the time, who now live coast to coast serving God.

"We love Larry and Gloria's compelling desire for souls. Through their uplifting music, personal sharing, and heartfelt preaching, they express God's love for people of all ages and have at the heartbeat of their ministry a passion for the lost. Harvest Church loves souls and we thank you, Larry and Gloria, for your ministry."

Pastor Ron & Sue Rockwell

 

 

 

The official name of Ron and Sue's church is Harvest, and that truly describes our services on Sunday. The altars were packed with those making first-time commitments and those rededicating their lives to Christ. It is a great and multi-cultural church with Caucasian, African, Asian, Romanian, etc. in attendance. God is truly blessing Harvest. On Easter, their outreach services reached out to over 3,000 people, Praise the Lord!

 

 

It was great seeing Tim and his wife again, who are also on staff. We've known Tim since he was a child when we ministered at his parent's church, Jack and Coletta Glass (wow am I feeling old, ha!).

"It was a pleasure to have Larry and Gloria with us recently. We had a great alter response. Dozens responded. Thanks Larry and Gloria!"

Pastor Tim Glass

 

 

A special treat! A friend and partner, from Arizona asked a friend to drive her over for our morning service, from almost an hour away. She will be 100 years old soon!

Rosa hugged me and said, "I told God if they ever get close again, I want to go see them in person – I love seeing you and loved the music and message." 

What a sweetheart! Many would have used age and distance as an excuse not to go to church, but not Rosa!

 

 

 

Looking ahead on the schedule:

 

 

April 17th, 11:00 am:

United Methodist Church

828 S. Main Street

Hugoton, KS 

 

April 24th, 10:00 am:

Lighthouse Ministries

218 S. Main Avenue

Wagner, SD

 

May 8th, 10:00 am:

First Assembly of God

1146 Hwy 59 

Harlan, IA 

 

We'll also be traveling to Nashville for our granddaughter, Myanna's, graduation and back to Minnesota for a service in Owatonna in June!

 

Gloria

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http://larrylundstromministries.org/68419?blogid=1624&view=post&articleid=April-4-2016&link=1&fldKeywords=&fldAuthor=&fldTopic=0

Good morning from Arizona!

We wanted to post a quick update to let you know that we are back in Arizona and continuing our scheduled ministry for the rest of April. We'd love to see you if you are able to make it to one of these services!

 

April 10th, 9:00 and 11:00 am: 

Harvest Church

8340 W. Northern Ave.

Glendale, AZ

 

April 17th, 11:00 am:

United Methodist Church

828 S. Main Street

Hugoton, KS 

 

April 24th, 10:00 am:

Lighthouse Ministries

218 S. Main Avenue

Wagner, SD

 

Thank you for all of your prayers and encouraging words regarding my mother's home going to Heaven. Have a wonderful week!

 

Gloria