On the Road

September 12, 2013

Hello from Minneapolis, Minnesota! We flew into Minneapolis late last Friday from a family vacation making memories to last a lifetime. Our children LaShawn, husband Liam, son Donovan, and daughter LaDawn told us they wanted to take us for our 50^th wedding anniversary (which is in 2 years) on our 48^th. cleaning the windows - looks like a good idea!

cleaning the windows - looks like a good idea!

We certainly didn't fight back and readily agreed and have been looking forward to the trip for a year.

We flew into London, England and the next day onto Edinburgh, Scotland onto Ireland and boarded the Wind Surf sailing vessel for a 6 day cruise around Scotland and Ireland taking several day trips. Needless to say, every sight looked like a postcard.

We were mesmerized by the green rolling hills and the countryside of Scotland, visiting historical sites, castles, enjoying the bagpipe music, delicious foods and goodies and meeting locals in each country.

We disembarked the sailing vessel on August 30^th and Donovan and LaDawn and Larry and I flew onto Oslo, Norway for a day and a half.

We had a whirlwind tour of the sights and sounds of my ancestor country where my mother's family came from.

The beauty was breathtaking but "very expensive." Larry ordered a small coke in a glass bottle and a single scoop of ice cream and it was $20 - no wonder Norway is a wealthy country - ha! But the quick trip was so special.

From Oslo Norway, we flew back to London where we spent a day and a half. Since our son Donovan has been there several times, he took us on a walking tour of downtown London where we walked miles enjoying High Park, Buckingham Palace the famous Harrod's department store, Clock Tower and many historical sites.

It's a good thing Donovan walked us those many miles…it helped us to walk off a little bit of what we ate on the cruise ship!

To put it all in a caption, it was "a dream come true". It was so wonderful being with our family.

Thank you, LaShawn and Liam, Donovan and LaDawn for your gift to us. We will cherish these memories and time spent with you for a lifetime.

We also thank our office staff, Marne, Barb and Tricia who, as always, keep the office running smooth as oil so we could get away. This was the first time in 31 years that I did not take any office work with me. I didn't even use my computer or cell phone. We left really tired and returned refreshed with the privilege of being with our precious family.

Now…back to reality, we are busy and anxiously preparing for our Fall ministry tour which will take us through South Dakota, North Dakota, Montana, Nevada and end up in Arizona in the end of November. We are excited about what God is going to do in those rallies.

We appreciate your prayers for our safety on the highways and our health as we travel - thanks!

Gloria

Quote

"Traveling in the company of those we love is home in motion."

- Leigh Hunt

Chuckle

We definitely did the trip of "trains, planes, buses, cruise ships, taxies and legs"!

It was comical to watch Larry try to communicate with people who couldn't speak English so they didn't catch what he said or understand his jokes - you can imagine how disappointed he was - HAHA!

Pic of the Week

A Norwegian menu...If you can read it, you can order it!

Recipe

Cream Puffs

¼ cup butter or margarine

½ cup sifted flour

¼ tsp. salt

2 eggs

½ cup boiling water

Cook butter and water over high heat. Turn heat low and add flour and salt; stirring well. Stir mixture until it leaves the sides of the pan. Be careful not to overcook. Remove the pan from heat and quickly add and beat eggs one at a time until smooth and shiny. Drop mixture by Tablespoonful on cookie sheet 3 inches apart in a row so that they point up in the center. Bake 10 minutes in 450 degree oven. Reduce heat to 400 degrees and bake 25 minutes longer without peeking. Cool then fill with whipped cream or ice cream and chocolate sauce on top. Makes 6 large, 8 medium or 10 small cream puffs.

Household Hint

If bananas have darkened before you could use them, peel and beat slightly. Put into a plastic container and freeze until it's time to bake bread or cake.

August 28, 2013

Once again, we approach a new school year! As many families settle into new routines, homework, sports and activities the tendency can be to gain so much speed and busyness that we "crash." This article from the past reminds me of a great lesson on preserving the time we spend as a family - especially around the supper table:

Dinner or Disaster

Exasperated, a young mother of four grade school children blurted out, "I'm going crazy! All I do is run, run, run! I deliver kids to school, work a full-time job, pick-up kids, and taxi them to music lessons, sports events, birthday parties and church activities. I don't have time between "have to's" to even cook a meal. We rush through a fast food restaurant and dash on to the next event. I come home exhausted, bathe the kids, spill out a bedtime prayer and collapse! Something has to give!"

This scenario is not an exception...it's a daily reality. Our schedules resemble a busy doctor's appointment book at Mayo Clinic. I thought it was bad 10-15 years ago when our children were with us...but right now...it's "out of control!"

It used to be that meals were the coming together time for families. Meals were planned, special desserts prepared, and real dishes were used. There was a time when families used to sit around the table and visit. Now there are Moms working to help support the family which means she can't be home to do all those things. Single parents are overloaded with work, school work, activities and the responsibility of being both a mother and a father. Sad to say, life has lost the simplicity. The fact is...we are all living in the fast lane. I look at the lives of our adult children and their hectic schedules make me dizzy!

We have so few opportunities to connect, and I am deeply concerned. School, church, sports, friends, television, computers and society are stealing what few opportunities we have to be together. A mother I spoke with last week told me, "I'm selling my good dishes. All we use are paper plates. Our house is too big to keep up...we're never home and the family room???" she chuckled, We are never home as a family. The living and dining rooms are for "looking at" and rarely used."

Does this concern you? It concerns me! Unless this generation fights to make family time a priority, they will become strangers and disconnected!

Our children grew up "on the road." We were always with a lot of people. One day I realized that our family was hardly alone, and we never ate as a "family"...it was more like a big commune living setup! We were losing personal contact. I finally declared, "Larry, we are too busy and too involved! I demand 4-5 family meals a week...alone...so we can all be together to talk and share our daily events, interests, and concerns."

We agreed and put it on our daily mental calendar. The first few family meals were more like disasters than dinners. Why? Because we hadn't seen the children all day. The minute we sat down at the table we thought of things that had gone wrong and scolded and disciplined the children.

One evening I looked across the table at our eldest daughter, LaShawn. Her eyes glared at me as if to say "Forget this! If every meal ends up being a firing squad scene, I'd rather eat with someone else." I watched as both LaShawn and LaDawn quietly laid down their forks and said, "We're not hungry." Then they got up and left the table. Larry looked at me...I looked at him and said, "This 'family' time has turned from a dinner into a disaster. We've got to change something, or they will not want to eat with us or be with us." Thus, Larry and I had to carefully work on changing the atmosphere of our mealtimes. It took time, but it was definitely worth the effort! Between the two of us, we set a new list of dinnertime rules. They were as follows:

1) Make the meal appetizing and appealing to their taste buds.

2) No scolding or disciplining at the table. That is to be done at another time and another place, never at the table!

3) Work on making it a "safe" place. After they have had a rough day in school dealing with peer pressures, etc., they need a refuge where they feel safe to relax and express themselves .

4) Create a time of laughter and fun. Hopefully this will entice them to "want" to come together. (To this day, mealtime is like a Three Stooges Comedy, we laugh until we cry!)

5) Use this time for them to share their goals, dreams, and hearts.

6) Use the table for a spiritual platform to encourage and minister to them about their needs and concerns. MINISTER to their needs...don't PREACH at them!

7) Truly appreciate each other and their uniqueness. We always stressed, "Never let anyone or anything ever separate you from each other. We are family and we will always need each other in years to come!"

I know times have changed since we put all this into action. I realize that life is too much like a marathon. But I also know, that what we put into order back then, we still continue to do whenever the opportunity avails itself. If you asked our children what their favorite family time is, they would unanimously laugh and say, "EATING!" In all reality, our family mealtimes have been and continue to be the safety raft that has kept us afloat these many years.

When the children are grown and on their own, we focus on this time with our grandchildren. From early in life, little kids need to know there's a refuge where they can talk, laugh, express themselves and connect.

Having run in and out of that scheduling cycle for many years, I can honestly say only God can bring sanity and order to those moments that seem to be overwhelmed with chaos. Do not forget the peace, joy, love and strength that He desires to give us. Do not forget that His intentions are for us to "abide" - it's only in working from that place of inner rest that we prevent the drain and strain that life can impose on us.

We pray that you have many reasons to praise Him as summer comes to a close. We'll chat again in a couple weeks!

Gloria

{ Thought for the Day }

Prayer is not a "spare wheel" you pull out when in trouble, it is the "steering wheel" that leads you on the right path.

August 12, 2013

{ August 12, 2013 }

What a wonderful weekend!

We were honored to be a part of the dedication of the addition of our all-purpose auditorium to Family Life Assembly of God, our home church in Sisseton, SD.

Family Life Assembly of God with new addition

Pastor James & Fran Allen, Larry & Gloria and Rev. Dale & Dottie Edwards

We were blessed and challenged by all those who took part in the dedication celebration. It was special to see Rev. and Mrs. Dale Edwards from Illinois as Rev. Edwards preached the dedication message…and was it ever powerful.

Way back in 1965 he was pastoring our home church and also did Larry and my pre-marriage counseling.

our wedding day with Rev. Dale and his wife Dottie

He also helped officiate our wedding along with Larry's brother, Lowell Lundstrom.

Oh yes, he also dedicated our first daughter, LaShawn to the Lord in the fall of 1967, so that was special and really brought back a lot of great memories. It was wonderful to see his precious wife, Dottie again, too.

The other couple with us in the photo is Rev. James Allen and his wife Fran who also pastored the church in the early 70s shared a powerful message on loving people. They were especially special to me as they were our first visitors to come to the hospital to visit and encourage us after a long, complicated pregnancy with our daughter, LaDawn, which caused me to be on bedrest for 7 months. Their encouragement meant so much.

Our niece, Londa Lundstrom Ramsey and her husband Brent also took part in the dedication service.

Londa also shared her heartbeat for the lost. She definitely has picked up her father's burden in evangelism.

There was so many special and honored guests among those were the SD Assemblies of God Superintendent, Steve Schaible, who dedicated the new auditorium, my brother Glen Brooks, who was the Master of Ceremonies, and Cybil Peterson and her husband, Tim, who also pastored in Sisseton in the past.

South Dakota A/G Superintendent MC & my brother, Glen Brooks

Steve Schaible

Cybil with her son Ty, daughter Sheree and their children from Freemont, NE

Cybil Peterson with members of her family

Last, but surely not least (and I should have put them at the top of the list), we were so blessed to have our home pastor, Vern and Mary Donnell, and associate senior pastors Bob and Carol Beasley, Gloria Slaamot and so many church members who have so valiantly led in this huge project and each one are such great role models for us and have blessed our lives.

Pastor Bob & Carol Beasley

Rev. Bob & Carol Beasley

Pastor's wife, Mary Donnell with my mom, Julie Brooks

Pastor's wife, Mary Donnell, with my mother Julie Brooks, the eldest member of Family Life Assembly of God at almost 98 years of age

Pastor Vern with Rvers, Frank and Sue Vandiver

We cannot forget all the RVers who have dedicated their time, some of them for 4 years, and the auditorium turned out beautiful. What a great group of people.

The marvelous RV MAPS group that so touched and impacted numerous lives in our community and church!

We thank our church members and all who pulled together who worked along-side these RVers to make it happen.

We praise God for this new building, more than that it's a Lighthouse to bring in the lost. It truly was a great celebration! We'll chat again in a couple weeks - enjoy the summer days!

Gloria

August 8, 2013

Wow…let me catch my breath! Larry and I just returned from an action-packed five days in Iowa. Pastor Matt and Sandy Andersen, along with the Chamber of Commerce, invited us to Audubon, IA, for a concert last Saturday afternoon taking place in the packed City Square. It was their annual T-bone Festival. It was a great time with great people sprinkled with a lot of excitement and anticipation. We did a concert and singing at the T-bone festival then Larry presented a short Gospel message. Hands went up all over the crowd to pray the sinner's prayer.
It was so precious!

{ August 8, 2013 }

Wow…let me catch my breath! Larry and I just returned from an action-packed five days in Iowa.

Pastor Matt and Sandy Andersen, along with the Chamber of Commerce, invited us to Audubon, IA, for a concert last Saturday afternoon taking place in the packed City Square. It was their annual T-bone Festival.

It was a great time with great people sprinkled with a lot of excitement and anticipation. We did a concert and
singing at the T-bone festival

then Larry presented a short Gospel message. Hands went up all over the crowd to pray the sinner's prayer.
It was so precious!

That sight was like receiving a transfusion of energy.

Larry only had one disappointment! He was looking forward to having a T-bone steak. From the stage, he asked the hundreds that were out there, "Where are they serving the T-bones?" They responded, "Oh, the festival doesn't sell t-bones…they are selling pork!"

When I saw Larry's facial expression, it just cracked me up in a fit of laughter. But, then again, Iowa's pride is in their pork products.

Don't worry…he certainly didn't suffer as Pastor Matt and Sandy spoiled us for three days with delicious home cooking and fresh vegetables out of their home garden...not to mention the fresh raspberries served over ice cream. Yummm!

tents at the T-bone festival part of the crowd at the T-bone festival

Sunday morning and Sunday night, we sang and ministered at the Audubon Assembly of God church. It was great to have friends and partners drive in and spend the day with us. The altar calls were so heart-touching as we saw God touch lives. Those that responded were teenagers, 20-somes, middle aged, and seniors.

Audubon, IA altar call

After the altar call on Sunday night, a man in his mid-40's who made a decision for Christ expressed, "I've gone to church off and on all my life and never got anything out of it, but tonight when Larry gave the simple, visual illustration of salvation…"He continued and his eyes lit up, "I got it! I got it!" With a grateful heart, he exclaimed, "Thank you, thank you, thank you!"

On Monday, we were eating with some of our partners whose 15 year old grandson came forward to the altar on Sunday night. Larry addressed him and said, "Nathan, do you feel differently today? Do you feel a
spiritual change happened last night." To which he grinned and grinned, "Yes, oh yes!"

"We were so blessed to have Larry and Gloria Lundstrom come to Audubon Assembly in Iowa. The
outreach in the park during the T-bone Festival brought an uplifting spirit of joy to all who heard that day.
There were a few hundred who attended and several more hundred strolling through midway that were able to hear the Gospel message also. 50-60 people raised their hands for rededications. Praise the Lord!

At our Sunday service, we had six first time salvations and seven rededications. Larry and Gloria's ministry is powerfully anointed, yet so simple, it makes the Gospel message easy to understand. If you would like to
see your community changed by the love of Jesus Christ, ask Larry and Gloria to come to your church, town and festival. We are looking forward to having them back again soon."

-Matt Andersen

Audubon Assembly of God

Audubon, IA

Paul and Melody attended a Lundstrom crusade in Coon Rapids, MN, as a first date in 1977. This month they celebrate 35 years of marriage.

"We have been to see Larry and Gloria several times and here again in Audubon, IA. It truly was a delightful, encouraging evening."

"We enjoyed seeing you both yesterday in Audubon, IA. We know that God used your ministry to bring souls to a saving grace as well as to grow in their walk with Him.

We gave our hearts to Christ at one of your crusades in 1978 when you and Larry, along with Lowell and Connie, ministered in Des Moines, Iowa.

Our lives have never been the same…praise the Lord! "

Keith & Joan Harlan, Atlantic, IA

This Sunday, August 11^th, we will take part in the home church dedication of the new auditorium addition at Family Life Assembly of God in Sisseton, SD. We are looking forward to that! It is always great to be "home" in our home church where our stories for God began!

I pray you will have a wonderful week and month and that you will feel the presence of the Lord ever so near.
Know He loves you and is watching over you and working in all things….

Gloria

P.S. The "Those Were The Days" CD has been a hit! Order yours today for only $10, plus shipping:

{ Fun & Fellowship Tour}

We are very excited for the upcoming Fun & Fellowship tour to Branson, Missouri. This special "Christmas in Branson" tour is set for December 3-9, 2013. You will enjoy the unforgettable fellowship on the bus, the twinkling Christmas lights, new delightful shows, shopping, eating and so much more.

If you would like information on this tour, please CLICK HERE to download the information.

Early Bird Special---Send in your deposit by August 15, 2013, to receive $35.00 off your tour!

{ Quote }

"Home is not where you live but where they understand you."

- Christian Morgenstern

{ Chuckle / Reflection }

A Unique Home

I took a real estate client to a handyman special. The place was great, and we couldn't understand why it was so cheap, until we turned on the water main and water gushed from the ceiling. Dripping wet, my client put a positive spin on the showing: "Nice house," he said. "It's even self-cleaning."

{ Pic of the Week }

{ Recipe }

Sour Cream Swiss Cake

2 lb. round steak

1 medium onion

1 can mushrooms

1/2 cup shredded cheese

1/2 cup sour cream

Flour and season meat and brown it. Put meat in casserole; top with onion slices and mushrooms. Make gravy in fry pan. Add cheese and cream. Pour over meat. Bake for 1 hour at 350 degrees.

{ Household Hint }

For a thorough job at cleaning screens, brush on both sides with kerosene. Wipe with a clean cloth. This method will also prevent rust from forming. Be sure to dust the screens with a small paint brush before you begin.

July 24, 2013

Home again - wow, what an exciting past couple of weeks! On July 14th, as planned Larry and I gave a special tribute to Lowell and Connie Lundstrom at Celebration Church in Lakeville, MN pastored by Londa Lundstrom Ramsey and her husband, Brent. It was an exciting and emotional day as we retraced the life of Lowell and Connie and their legacy. Larry and I sang a couple of the songs that Lowell had written - in fact, we sang the songs entitled, "His Name is Jesus" and "Sweet Love Affair" which Lowell wrote right after he gave his heart to Christ, coming out of the dance band.

{ July 24, 2013 }

Home again - wow, what an exciting past couple of weeks! Rev. Londa Lundstrom Ramsey & Brent

On July 14th, as planned Larry and I gave a special tribute to Lowell and Connie Lundstrom at Celebration Church in Lakeville, MN pastored by Londa Lundstrom Ramsey and her husband, Brent.

It was an exciting and emotional day as we retraced the life of Lowell and Connie and their legacy. Larry and I sang a couple of the songs that Lowell had written - in fact, we sang the songs entitled, "His Name is

Jesus" and "Sweet Love Affair" which Lowell wrote right after he gave his heart to Christ, coming out of the dance band.

How interesting… that I was 12 years old and was there when our church prayed over their dance band posters and prayed that they would give their hearts to Christ and that God would change their passion from dance band music to gospel music…and God did it. I was also there in that little Gospel Tabernacle in Sisseton, SD when Lowell and Connie sang for the first time in church. As a pre-teen I sat in awe listening to the music and seeing the passion that they had when they gave their hearts to Christ. And guess what, I attended their wedding, I was there to watch them venture off to bible school; in fact, I was there by the little Gospel Tabernacle when Lowell beckoned me over to his car and point blank said, "Hey, why don't you date my brother Larry." So as you see, we've had a lot of history together. Looking at this photo taken 2 years ago, we never would have imagined that we would be without them now.

The Lundstrom Brothers and their wives, only 2 years ago

It was such a privilege to give honor to both Lowell and Connie and it marked one year ago that week that Lowell passed away. What a joy to see the legacy of their passion pour forth into their daughter, Pastor Londa and her sister Lisa.

Larry preached an illustrated sermon and 43 responded to invite Jesus to be Lord of their lives. As always, we were delighted and refreshed to see Him move in the hearts of others. It was great being back with "family". It was truly a special day.

altar call at Celebration church, Lakeville, MN

"Larry and Gloria your ministry was such a breath of fresh air. In today's church world we find ourselves struggling for authenticity and anointing- you brought both to our people. I was touched by your heart for the lost and your ability to speak life to those searching. The altars were full, the gospel was powerful and many were changed through a new relationship with Jesus. Thank you again for your service to our community. We
can't wait to have you back!"

Pastor Garth Heckman

Celebration Church

"Larry & Gloria's Ministry at Celebration Church was relevant and enlightening for everyone young and old. The Gospel was not compromised, but presented in a way that unbelievers could understand and seasoned believers felt the challenge of serving the Lord. Larry Lundstrom has the Anointing of the Evangelist. Larry & Gloria Lundstrom's ministry is evidence that there is still room for the "Altar Call" in the American Church."

Blane Houston

Celebration Church

"The July 14th Sunday services at Celebration Church were absolutely awesome!! Larry & Gloria sang some of the great songs written by Pastor Lowell Lundstrom. They gave a great tribute to Pastor Lowell & Connie Lundstrom and their ministry legacy. Then Pastor Larry's great message made the plan of salvation so plain & simple that 43 people made decisions for Christ! Hallelujah! Thanks so much for your ministry to Celebration Church - it was beyond Awesome!!"

Blessings,
George & Becky Gilmour
Prime Time Ministry Pastor
Celebration Church

It was also great to be back at Detroit Lakes, MN again on June 30th to minister with Pastor Culver at the Rev. Jeff Culver and Larry Assembly of God church.

"We were blessed to have the ministry of the Lundstroms here again at Detroit Lakes Assembly of God. I greatly appreciate their continued emphasis on the saving of souls above all other things. Their time of ministry was very well received and the message of salvation faithfully preached. There is no greater joy than witnessing people responding to the altar call to give their lives to Jesus Christ."

Pastor Jeff Culver

Detroit Lakes A/G

Larry and I had the opportunity to attend a small reunion on my father's side while we were in Minneapolis, MN this past weekend. The only surviving sibling out of 13 children was my aunt Bonnie Hacker from California, who is turning 95. How sweet is that?

It was so much fun, when I got back to the motorhome in the late evening I felt "relatively" tired. Ha!

Next week we will be going to Audubon, Iowa. On Saturday, August 3^rd and Sunday, August 4^thfor their annual T-bone festival (I hope they're going to serve us T-bone
steaks, yum!). Around 2:00 PM, or right after the parade, we will be doing an hour service at the park and Sunday morning we will be ministering at the 10:00 AM service at the Audubon Assembly of God. If you have any questions, you can call the church at: 936-203-7032. Hopefully you can join us!

Gloria

P.S. The "Those Were The Days" CD has been a hit! Order yours today for only $10, plus shipping:

{ Fun & Fellowship Tour}

We are very excited for the upcoming Fun & Fellowship tour to Branson, Missouri. This special "Christmas in Branson" tour is set for December 3-9, 2013. You will enjoy the unforgettable fellowship on the bus, the twinkling Christmas lights, new delightful shows, shopping, eating and so much more.

If you would like information on this tour, please CLICK HERE to download the information.

Early Bird Special---Send in your deposit by August 15, 2013, to receive $35.00 off your tour!

{ Quote }

"Families are like fudge - mostly sweet with a few nuts."

- Author Unknown

{ Chuckle / Reflection }

GREAT TRUTHS ABOUT LIFE THAT LITTLE CHILDREN HAVE LEARNED

No matter how hard you try, you can't baptize cats.
When your mom is mad at your dad, don't let her brush your hair.
If your sister hits you, don't hit her back. They always catch the second person.
Never ask your 3-year old brother to hold a tomato.
You can't trust dogs to watch your food.
Don't sneeze when someone is cutting your hair.
Puppies still have bad breath even after eating a tic tac.
Never hold a dust buster and a cat at the same time.
You can't hide a piece of broccoli in a glass of milk.

The best place to be when you are sad is in Grandma or Grandpa's lap.

{ Pic of the Week }

Wow...it's bad when you go into a restaurant and they have a scale sitting in the

dining area...needless to say that didn't hinder Larry from eating fully!

{ Recipe }

Thousand Island Dressing

1 cup mayonnaise

1 T. pimento (chopped)

1 T. green pepper (chopped)

1/3 cup chili sauce

2 T. French dressing

Dash paprika

1 egg (hard cooked and chopped fine)

Mix all together and serve on lettuce wedges or fresh garden greens.

{ Household Hint }

If an ink pen goes through the washer and gets in the dryer and leaves ink all over your dryer, use glass cleaner and vinegar on a paper towel to have it all come out.

July 3, 2013

It's been a great summer so far. We've really enjoyed being based out of our home in Sisseton where we can work in our home office, see my 97 ½ year old mother, enjoy family and still go out for rallies on the weekends. On June 23rd we drove over to Ada, MN to take part in the County Fair festivities.

{ July 3, 2013 }

It's been a great summer so far. We've really enjoyed being based out of our home in Sisseton where we can work in our home office, see my 97 ½ year old mother, enjoy family and still go out for rallies on the weekends.

On June 23^rd we drove over to Ada, MN to take part in the County Fair festivities. We held a concert and message in the beautiful Ada Borup High School auditorium. We were greeted by so many excited friends that we've met through the years. Larry and I love hearing their testimonies, for many who come to Christ in our services and are joyfully serving the Lord and are active in their home churches.

Our special thanks goes to Grace and Duane Hoven and Norman Gullingsrud who did such a great job of making it a successful event.

We appreciate their hard work and also appreciated the four other churches that cooperated with us: Rev. Wayne Thom from Christian Outpost from Twin Valley, MN, Rev. Dale Finstrom from Free Lutheran Church in Beltrami, MN, and Rev. Sonya Anderson from Community Church in Nealsville, MN.

Thanks also to Jennie Hoven, who helped us out. Jennie traveled with us for two years and tutored some of our children. Plus, everything else that needed to be done.

Jennie Hoven & Gloria "It was great to have Larry and Gloria in my hometown and ministering to the people from where I grew up. It is so encouraging to see their continued heart for lost souls and that they are committed to the call that God has placed upon their lives. God has been faithful to them over the years and I pray He will continue to use them in mighty ways.

It was great to see you again. My nieces and nephew really enjoyed getting to know you. We watched some past videos after you left. Have a blessed rest of the summer."

Jennie Hoven

We also thank the special music by the bluegrass group, Three Crosses, out of the Ada area.

Also, looking back to the beginning of June, we had a great rally in Midland, SD, in the city park. Thanks to Pastor Andy Blye for the great job he did in putting this event together. Among those that responded, it was Rev. Andy Blye & Rev. Gary Wahl

thrilling to see two young ladies, one heading off to college this fall, making a decision for Christ.

What an important time to establish a foundation that will help steer the course of their lives.

All in all, the prairie land tour was awesome and we look forward to doing that again.

Larry and I were delighted to stop for a few moments outside of Midland, SD on a ranch where they were branding cattle. There was a huge branding operation taking place. I was in awe watching the process of the procedure. Those proficient prairie land cowboys would rope a calf, pull it in, and then brand it with that red hot branding iron with the owner's distinct marking. This unique marking shows everyone who the owner of the calf is if it should get loose or is stolen. Wow. After that hot iron branded that calf, it took off and was very relived. From then on, there was no question whose calf it was. It was very visible to see.

Wow, I couldn't help but see that in a spiritual sense as well. When we come to Christ we should so shine forth with the love of God; we should glow as we are so marked as to Who we belong to. There should be no question by our new lifestyle and testimony that "mark" us, as we are the children of God.

"For I am not ashamed of this Good News about Christ. It is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes--the Jew first and also the Gentile." - Romans 1:16

It's my prayer that people will see Jesus written all over my face and in my life, that I may be a testimony to each one I meet. So, as we celebrate Independence Day tomorrow across America, let's be a light and testimony for the ultimate liberty that is found in Christ. Let's live in hope for our future and strive to view the circumstances in our lives, nation and world through His eyes.

" For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord , "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." - Jeremiah 29:11

Happy 4^th of July!!

Gloria

{ Fun & Fellowship Tour}

We are very excited for the upcoming Fun & Fellowship tour to Branson, Missouri. This special "Christmas in Branson" tour is set for December 3-9, 2013. You will enjoy the unforgettable fellowship on the bus, the twinkling Christmas lights, new delightful shows, shopping, eating and so much more.

If you would like information on this tour, please CLICK HERE to download the information.

Early Bird Special---Send in your deposit by August 15, 2013, to receive $35.00 off your tour!

{ Quote }

"Augustine taught that true freedom is not choice or lack of constraint, but being what you are meant to be. Humans were created in the image of God. True freedom, then, is not found in moving away from that image but only in living it out."

- Augustine of Hippo

{ Chuckle / Reflection }

You Remember the Real America if You Can Remember…

When riots were unthinkable.

When you left front doors open.

When socialism was a dirty word.

When ghettos were neighborhoods.

When the United States flag was a sacred symbol.

When criminals actually went to jail.

When you weren't afraid to go out at night.

When taxes were only a necessary nuisance.

When the clergy actually talked about religion.

When clerks and repairmen tried to please you.

When college kids swallowed goldfish, not acid.

When songs held a tune, and the words made sense.

When young fellows tried to join the Army or Navy.

When people knew what the Fourth of July stood for.

When you never dreamed our country could ever lose.

When a Sunday drive was a pleasant trip, not an ordeal.

When you bragged about your hometown and home state.

When everybody didn't feel entitled to a college education.

When people expected less and valued what they had more.

When politicians proclaimed their patriotism, and meant it.

When everybody knew the difference between right and wrong.

When things weren't perfect---but you never expected them to be.

When our government stood up for Americans anywhere in the world.

When you knew that the law would be enforced and your safety protected.

When you considered yourself lucky to have a good job and proud to have it.

When the law meant justice, and you felt a shiver of awe at the sight of a policeman.

When you weren't embarrassed to say that this is the best country in the world.

When America was a land filled with brave, proud, confident, hardworking people!

~Anonymous

{ Pic of the Week }

We had so much fun in "Cowboy Country" as we ministered this last month.

{ Recipe }

Celery Cranberry Salad

1 chopped celery

1 pkg. black cherry Jell-O

3/4 cup boiling water

1/4 cup ginger ale

1/2 cup chopped nuts

1 lb. can whole cranberry sauce

Dissolve Jell-O in boiling water. Stir in cranberry sauce and ginger ale. Add celery and nuts. Chill until firm. Serves 8.

{ Household Hint }

To whip cream that will hold for an hour or longer, add 3 T. of unsifted powdered sugar to each 1/2 pint of whipping cream. Use a chilled bowl and utensils.

July 3, 2013

It's been a great summer so far. We've really enjoyed being based out of our home in Sisseton where we can work in our home office, see my 97 ½ year old mother, enjoy family and still go out for rallies on the weekends. On June 23rd we drove over to Ada, MN to take part in the County Fair festivities. We held a concert and message in the beautiful Ada Borup High School auditorium. We were greeted by so many excited friends that we've met through the years. Larry and I love hearing their testimonies, for many who come to Christ in our services and are joyfully serving the Lord and are active in their home churches.

{ July 3, 2013 }

It's been a great summer so far. We've really enjoyed being based out of our home in Sisseton where we can work in our home office, see my 97 ½ year old mother, enjoy family and still go out for rallies on the weekends.

On June 23^rd we drove over to Ada, MN to take part in the County Fair festivities. We held a concert and message in the beautiful Ada Borup High School auditorium. We were greeted by so many excited friends that we've met through the years. Larry and I love hearing their testimonies, for many who come to Christ in our services and are joyfully serving the Lord and are active in their home churches.

Our special thanks goes to Grace and Duane Hoven and Norman Gullingsrud who did such a great job of making it a successful event. We appreciate their hard work and also appreciated the four other churches that cooperated with us: Rev. Wayne Thom from Christian Outpost from Twin Valley, MN, Rev. Dale Finstrom from Free Lutheran Church in Beltrami, MN, and Rev. Sonya Anderson from Community Church in Nealsville, MN.

Thanks also to Jennie Hoven, who helped us out. Jennie traveled with us for two years and tutored some of our children. Plus, everything else that needed to be done.

"It was great to have Larry and Gloria in my hometown and ministering to the people from where I grew up. It is so encouraging to see their continued heart for lost souls and that they are committed to the call that God has placed upon their lives. God has been faithful to them over the years and I pray He will continue to use them in mighty ways.

It was great to see you again. My nieces and nephew really enjoyed getting to know you. We watched some past videos after you left. Have a blessed rest of the summer."

Jennie

We also thank the special music by the bluegrass group out of the Ada area.

Also, looking back to the beginning of June, we had a great rally in Midland, SD, in the city park. Thanks to Pastor Andy Blye for the great job he did in putting this event together. Among those that responded, it was thrilling to see two young ladies, one heading off to college this fall, making a decision for Christ. What an important time to establish a foundation that will help steer the course of their lives.

All in all, the prairie land tour was awesome and we look forward to doing that again.

Larry and I were delighted to stop for a few moments outside of Midland, SD on a ranch where they were branding cattle. There was a huge branding operation taking place. I was in awe watching the process of the procedure. Those proficient prairie land cowboys would rope a calf, pull it in, and then brand it with that red hot branding iron with the owner's distinct marking. This unique marking shows everyone who the owner of the calf is if it should get loose or is stolen. Wow. After that hot iron branded that calf, it took off and was very relived. From then on, there was no question whose calf it was. It was very visible to see.

Wow, I couldn't help but see that in a spiritual sense as well. When we come to Christ we should so shine forth with the love of God; we should glow as we are so marked as to Who we belong to. There should be no question by our new lifestyle and testimony that "mark" us, as we are the children of God.

"For I am not ashamed of this Good News about Christ. It is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes--the Jew first and also the Gentile." - Romans 1:16

It's my prayer that people will see Jesus written all over my face and in my life, that I may be a testimony to each one I meet. So, as we celebrate Independence Day tomorrow across America, let's be a light and testimony for the ultimate liberty that is found in Christ. Let's live in hope for our future and strive to view the circumstances in our lives, nation and world through His eyes.

" For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord , "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." - Jeremiah 29:11

Happy 4^th of July!!

Gloria

{ Fun & Fellowship Tour }

We are very excited for the upcoming Fun & Fellowship tour to Branson, Missouri. This special "Christmas in Branson" tour is set for December 3-9, 2013. You will enjoy the unforgettable fellowship on the bus, the twinkling Christmas lights, new delightful shows, shopping, eating and so much more.

If you would like information on this tour, please CLICK HERE to download the information.

Early Bird Special---Send in your deposit by August 15, 2013, to receive $35.00 off your tour!

{ Quote }

"Augustine taught that true freedom is not choice or lack of constraint, but being what you are meant to be. Humans were created in the image of God. True freedom, then, is not found in moving away from that image but only in living it out."

- Augustine of Hippo

{ Chuckle / Reflection }

You Remember the Real America if You Can Remember…

When riots were unthinkable.

When you left front doors open.

When socialism was a dirty word.

When ghettos were neighborhoods.

When the United States flag was a sacred symbol.

When criminals actually went to jail.

When you weren't afraid to go out at night.

When taxes were only a necessary nuisance.

When the clergy actually talked about religion.

When clerks and repairmen tried to please you.

When college kids swallowed goldfish, not acid.

When songs held a tune, and the words made sense.

When young fellows tried to join the Army or Navy.

When people knew what the Fourth of July stood for.

When you never dreamed our country could ever lose.

When a Sunday drive was a pleasant trip, not an ordeal.

When you bragged about your hometown and home state.

When everybody didn't feel entitled to a college education.

When people expected less and valued what they had more.

When politicians proclaimed their patriotism, and meant it.

When everybody knew the difference between right and wrong.

When things weren't perfect---but you never expected them to be.

When you weren't made to feel guilty for enjoying dialect comedy.

When our government stood up for Americans anywhere in the world.

When you knew that the law would be enforced and your safety protected.

When you considered yourself lucky to have a good job and proud to have it.

When the law meant justice, and you felt a shiver of awe at the sight of a policeman.

When you weren't embarrassed to say that this is the best country in the world.

When America was a land filled with brave, proud, confident, hardworking people!

~Anonymous

{ Pic of the Week }

{ Recipe }

Celery Cranberry Salad

1 chopped celery

1 pkg. black cherry Jell-O

3/4 cup boiling water

1/4 cup ginger ale

1/2 cup chopped nuts

1 lb. can whole cranberry sauce

Dissolve Jell-O in boiling water. Stir in cranberry sauce and ginger ale. Add celery and nuts. Chill until firm. Serves 8.

{ Household Hint }

To whip cream that will hold for an hour or longer, add 3 T. of unsifted powdered sugar to each 1/2 pint of whipping cream. Use a chilled bowl and utensils.

June 26, 2013

This Friday, June 28th, marks a special milestone - Larry's 70th birthday! That just does not seem possible! Larry and I both agree that we don't mind growing older…if we don't have to grow up (may I add, as you already know, Larry lives young)! He dearly loves God, his family, life and his ministry.

{ June 26, 2013 }

Greetings from South Dakota… home in fact!

This Friday, June 28^th, marks a special milestone - Larry's 70^th birthday!

That just does not seem possible! Larry and I both agree that we don't mind growing older…if we don't have to grow up (may I add, as you already know, Larry lives young)! He dearly loves God, his family, life and his ministry.

Actually, Larry and I grew up together. I was there the night his family gave their hearts to Christ. I attended the same youth group as teenagers with Larry. I was there when he would tease me to no end, with no mercy. I was there when we attended hay rides and several youth events.

During my last year of high school I became the youth leader in our church. He was 18 and already on the road with Lowell and Connie in evangelism. I had invited him to speak at the local jail service in Sisseton while he was home on break from tour. I was there….standing there in the jailhouse when Larry preached and asked if any of the cellmates wanted to give their hearts to Jesus Christ, and they responded yes.

In fact, I was standing there taking a picture with his camera of him giving an altar call when God spoke to my heart at that moment and said, "Gloria, this is the one I have for you for a life mate."

I was joyfully right there at his side when we exchanged wedding vows in 1965 in Sisseton, SD. I was there at his side at Rapid City, SD when he was ordained into full time ministry. I was there when he proudly held his two daughters and his son for the first time.

When I stop to think about it… we have been hooked at the hip and been at each other's side for about 58 years of his 70 years of life. I guess if we don't know each other by now…we won't ever really know each other (chuckle).

There are a lot of things in life I'm not sure of - but I am totally sure of Larry's love for God, love for people and the burden for lost souls. He loves people so much in fact that he sees each one through the eyes of eternity, of either lost or found.

Literally, almost every day he takes an opportunity to share the simple Gospel message with someone that he meets somewhere where ever we are on the road. I have watched him pray the sinner's prayer with hundreds of people on a one-to-one basis.

Yes, I am a witness, and I know Larry and his heart and he is a full-time soul winner.

Larry, I love you. I'm proud of you and I'm grateful to have been your soul mate, trench mate, best friend, and wife. I'm absolutely in awe of the great love that you have for your children and your grandchildren…and they deeply love you.

Happy 70^th Birthday Larry - we now begin a new decade together. Thanks for the ride. Wow! It's been wild, enchanting, challenging, exciting, fun, and always funny.

Living with you…I've never had a dull moment or a boring life. I love you.

Gloria

{ Special Offer }

Enjoy a special selection of songs in celebration of Larry turning 70!

Only $10 (plus shipping) and available in the Ministry Store for a Limited Time.

June 5, 2013

Greetings from the prairie lands of South Dakota! What an action packed week we've had.
We've been ministering in the black hills of South Dakota and staying at a location that has a clear view of Mount Rushmore, how beautiful. That is definitely the signature of South Dakota.

{ June 5, 2013 }

Greetings from the prairie lands of South Dakota! What an action packed week we've had.

We've been ministering in the black hills of South Dakota and staying at a location that has a clear view of Mount Rushmore, how beautiful. That is definitely the signature of South Dakota.

I'm always amazed by how God works. On May 19^th, when we arrived into our motel room Sunday evening in Keystone, SD, Larry and I (as usual) began to write out our daily schedules for the week, which included a rally, daily mail and emails, newsletter work, web update, sermon prep, and booking rallies up to 2014. I glanced at my list and looked out the window at the towering pines reaching into the heavens and sighed to myself, "No, I don't want to work. I just want to be outside and enjoy the beautiful scenery, sip coffee and do nothing!" Ha! When I finished writing out the daily plans, God spoke so directly to my heart the following statement. It was so audible I wrote it down.

"These two weeks is about more than what you plan."

Wow. I just sat in awe wondering what that meant and what these two weeks held for us.

A couple days later we drove over to Sturgis, SD for an evening rally with Pastor Gerald Meadows. It was a small crowd, and mostly Christians, so Larry presented a message called, "Go and Tell, not Sit and Rot". He encouraged the Great Commission and challenged those attending to share their testimony twice in the upcoming week to an unsaved friend. Nearly all of them stood up and took the oath and then Larry gave them his soul winning tract, "The Missing Piece." We are anxious to hear the testimonies!

Last Sunday morning, Memorial Day weekend, we ministered in Hill City, SD at the Lighthouse Assembly of God pastored by our friend Pastor Brian Anderson. This little church is nestled in the historical town of Hill City. We were greeted by many visitors who we've met through the years. It's always fun to renew friendships.

What a wonderful surprise to see our Office Manager, Marne, show up at the service in Hill City! She and her family were with her parents, Jim & Kathie, on vacation out in the Black Hills.

Thank you all for fitting the visit into your trip!

Here's an email we received from the rally:

"We were so thrilled to be able to take in Larry & Gloria's meeting here at Lighthouse Assembly. It is so refreshing to see a couple that has been serving the Lord so faithfully through the years & continues to preach the non-changing message of the gospel. I have known Larry & Gloria since I was a young child and they are an inspiration."

- Delbert & Yevette Haskell

Rapid City, SD

"Larry and Gloria, what a blessing to have had you in our Sunday service. Your time with us was way too short as usual; we enjoy it so much. I felt badly that you were with us over a holiday weekend when so many of our people are not able to be there. Blessings on both of you for safe travels and good health. Thank you for your time with us!"

- Marilyn Sommer

Being Memorial Day weekend, the congregation was small and many people vacate or head out on a planned vacation. When Larry gave the altar call, a 6 year old girl, Tiara began to weep as she raised her hand and her mother brought her forward as she prayed the sinner's prayer. She had such a tender heart. After church I asked, "Did you feel Jesus? Did you feel Him come into your heart?" She snuggled close to her mom, looked up at me and with tears in her eyes and a smile on her face she replied, "Yes."

Yes, Jesus loves the little children and we love to see them make decisions for Christ at an early age.

While eating lunch after church, Tiara's mom and dad joined us. Tiara's mom said, "I want to thank you and Larry for coming today. I was really going through a tough time and I really didn't want to go to church. We live in Rapid City and came up to see mom and dad. We didn't even know you were going to be here. Then you started singing, and during your time of ministry and the message, and I was deeply touched." She added, "Thank you for being here...I really needed this." What a beautiful family.

Here are a couple other faces we were so happy to see:

us with our nephew LJ

Such a joy to chat with our nephew, Lowell and Connie's son, LJ.

We also had a great time seeing my brother, Jack his wife Angie and our nephew, Brad, from Fergus Falls, MN.

So, remember the quote, "This is about more than what you plan?" Little did we know… when we got to Keystone, SD, our friends from there let us stay in a hotel while we did prep work for rallies and office work...and that's all we had planned. We were surprised to find out that the Keystone Project was taking place at the same time, literally ¼ of a mile away.

The Keystone Project is an interdenominational, missionary organization that trains and equips Christian leaders to fulfill the Great Commission. They have trained leaders from over 100 countries and around the world. We were invited to attend. How thrilling! We were able to attend their sessions every day for over a week; and we were so blessed and learned so much through the leaders. Wish we would've had this training 50 years ago! They had leaders there from India, Africa, Liberia, Sri Lanka, and a few from the U.S.

On the last day was graduation, as all the leaders had been there for a month of training, and we were asked to participate in graduation day with singing, etc. What a joy it was to be with that group of loving people from all over the world, and to meet the Director and Speaker, Richard Green.

Thank you Keystone Project for blessing our lives.

Yes, these past two weeks were much more than we'd ever thought or planned. We left challenged and blessed. We've been invited to come back to participate in September if the dates work out.

Before we knew it, we were on the road traveling through the prairie land of South Dakota again, and rolling into Sisseton. We pray that you all have a blessed week and please keep praying for all those who have endured the storms and bring comfort to those who have lost family. All of these tragedies point to the truth that life is fragile; don't take it for granted. Hug your loved ones every day and tell them you love them.

Gloria

{ Quote }

"A man's heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps."

- Proverbs 16:9

{ Chuckle/Reflection }

Charles Spurgeon, noted English clergyman, was troubled when he noticed that the weather vane on the roof of a farm building bore the phrase, "God is Love."

"Do you think God's love is as changeable as that weather vane?" he asked the farmer.

"You miss the point, sir," replied the farmer. "It is on the weather vane because no matter which way the wind is blowing, God is still love."

{ Pic of the Week }

We are sure glad we didn't have the motorhome on this road!

{ Recipe }

Ice Cream Pie

1 pint vanilla ice cream

1 cup milk

1 pkg. chocolate jell-o instant pudding mix

Mix the ice cream and milk with a beater. Sprinkle the package of instant pudding over the ice cream mixture. Place in a ready prepared pie shell. It will set in about 30 minutes.

{ Household Hint }

To prevent the crust from becoming soggy with a cream pie, sprinkle the crust with powdered sugar.

May 27, 2013

We received this video in an email and felt it was very appropriate to share it today, on Memorial Day, as we remember and honor those in the Armed Forces who have given so much for the freedoms we have.

{ May 27, 2013 }

We received this video in an email and felt it was very appropriate to share it today, on Memorial Day, as we remember and honor those in the Armed Forces who have given so much for the freedoms we have. God bless them for their sacrifices, and God bless the families as we carry on the legacy of honor, courage and freedom.

Gloria