A woman was out Christmas shopping with her two children. After many hours of looking at row after row of toys along with everything else imaginable, and after hours of hearing both of her children asking for everything they spied on those many shelves, she finally made it to the elevator with the kids in tow and her arms loaded with her purchases.

She was feeling what so many of us feel during the Christmas season. She was overwhelmed with the pressures to go to every party and every house warming, to taste all the holiday food and treats, and to get that perfect gift for every single person on her shopping list. She had to make sure she didn't forget anyone on their card list, and the pressure of being sure she responded to everyone who sent her a card was almost more than she could bear.

Finally, the elevator doors opened. It was already a crowded elevator but she pushed her way in, dragging her two kids and all the bags of stuff with her. When the doors closed she couldn't take it anymore and stated, "Whoever started this whole Christmas thing should be found, strung up and shot."

From the back of the elevator everyone heard a quiet, calm voice respond, "Don't worry. We have already crucified Him." For the rest of the trip in the elevator it was so quiet you could've heard a pin drop.

This simple but convicting story challenges me to keep the right perspective, when all of the events, hectic schedules, and pressures mount around me. For so many, Christmas runs out before we even get to Christmas Eve.

This year, let's be very intentional to keep the One who started "this whole Christmas thing" in every thought, deed, purchase and word. If we complete this task, just think how different the whole world would be.

It's kind of funny...we left Orlando, Florida two weeks ago and it was 86 degrees. For over a year we had planned our tour and rallies to go all the way out to Florida with the intent of leaving our motor home where it is warm and toasty. We wanted to leave it somewhere that we didn't have to worry about it until we get back to it in mid-January. So far, this all makes sense, right? Our friend David Kjosa, formally of our hometown of Sisseton, was so kind to let us nestle our motor home on his acreage just outside of Orlando. We had the trauma and experience once, and only once, of not getting our motor home out of South Dakota early enough in the fall - and an early snow blizzard pounded the Midwest and the snow impounded our motor coach in a snow bank in our driveway...frozen pipes - the whole nightmare. We vowed to never let that happen again; "We are moving it sooner to a sure warm climate!"

Well, if you listened to the weather or nightly news the last few nights, Orlando, Florida and the surrounding areas have been hit with record-breaking low temperatures, dropping down to the twenties, jeopardizing their fruit crops of oranges, strawberries, etc. Tonight (Wednesday) is supposed to be another dangerous night of low, freezing temperatures. As you probably already know, they spray the crops with water, which coats them with ice for 2-4 hours to prevent the fruits from freezing. (I...would've never thought of that. Sounds crazy to put ice on something you don't want to freeze -ha!) As only a blonde would say, "Maybe we should've had someone spray our motor home with water" - just kidding.

The good news is (we hope) that the temperatures didn't drop enough for an extended time to freeze the pipes. Anyway - how ironic that it's as cold in Florida as it is in parts of the Midwest. I couldn't help but chuckle watching the night news and watching people on their vacations at Disney World bundled in winter coats, gloves, scarves, etc. How disappointing for them. Could this be called, "global warming" (chuckle)?

All of these occurances: unusual weather patterns, flooding, storms, increase in drugs, senseless killings, etc., all points to the return of Christ. Jesus came over 2,000 years ago as a babe in a manger, walked with us for 33 years ministering and is home now with the Father making preparations for the greatest Christmas celebration ever. It will be the greatest of great reunions with all of our loved ones who have gone on before.

Then...we will gather around the throne - and we will shout Hosanna and praises to the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. I'm getting anxious!

Think of Christmas with Jesus, without pain, financial difficulties, disappointments, sorrow, wars, etc. Won't that be heaven!

Think of Christmas without empty chairs, tears, broken hearts due to the loss of loved ones who have been ripped from our lives, leaving us feel alone and abandoned. So many of our immediate family, friends and partners have faced and felt the pangs of death this past year.

Let me encourage you, because Jesus was born, because He died, because He rose and lives at the Father's right hand...it all spells out hope. Hope that we will be with him soon, I really believe. That hope gives us joy and strength to make it through each day. If we know Christ, and if our loved ones who have gone on before us knew Christ as their personal Savior, we will all be reunited for a "Family Christmas Reunion" beyond one that could ever be planned or imagined.

It's our prayer that God will comfort you, who are hurting, and those of you who are happy will comfort the lonely and hurting.

Have a blessed week, knowing you are loved by God and us - Merry Christmas!

 

In Appreciation

Larry and I have been blessed with God's very best secretaries in our home office in Sisseton, SD. Everyday we thank God for each of them: Marne Snaza - Office Manager, Barb Schiltz - Bookkeeping, and Tricia Schiltz - Schedule Coordinator. They are so dedicated. They (we call them "Larry and Gloria's angels") make it possible for Larry and I to be "on the road" on extended tours. They have it all under control and have the greatest attitudes, love people and love God even more. Thank you, staff, for being our wonderful support team!

 

I was unable to attend our annual Christmas dinner this year due to catching a South Dakota flu bug.

 

 

 

QUOTE

 

 

A snowflake is one of God's most fragile creations, but look what they can do when they stick together! ~Author Unknown

 

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CHUCKLE/REFLECTION

 

 

My First Christmas in Heaven

 

I see the countless Christmas trees around the world below
With tiny lights, like Heaven's stars, reflecting on the snow.

The sight is so spectacular, please wipe away the tear
For I am spending Christmas with Jesus Christ this year.

I hear the many Christmas songs that people hold so dear
But the sounds of music can't compare with the Christmas choir up here.

I have no words to tell you, the joy their voices bring,
For it is beyond description, to hear the angels sing.

I know how much you miss me, I see the pain inside your heart.
But I am not so far away, we really aren't apart.

So be happy for me, dear ones, you know I hold you dear.
And be glad I'm spending Christmas with Jesus Christ this year.

I sent you each a special gift, from my heavenly home above.
I sent you each a memory of my undying love.

After all, love is a gift more precious than pure gold.
was always most important the stories Jesus told.

Please love and keep each other, my Father said to do.
I can't count the blessing or love has for each of you.

So have a Merry Christmas and wipe away that tear
Remember, I am spending Christmas with Jesus Christ this year .

 

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PIC OF THE WEEK

 

Nothing like being home for Christmas! 

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RECIPE

Pigs in a Blanket Hotdish

1 medium head cabbage                       1 can tomato soup

2 ½ lb. hamburger, browned              1 can mushroom soup

1 cup raw rice                                         2 cans water

In casserole shred one layer (about ½ head of cabbage) in bottom. Sprinkle ½ cup raw rice on cabbage. Add layer of hamburger. Repeat layers. Pout water and soups on top. Bake for 1 ¼ hours at 350 degrees, covered. Stir ½ before done.

 

 

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HOUSEHOLD HINT

Feeling more relaxed, we proceeded in the security line...it was now our turn. I had removed my shoes, jacket, vest, necklace, change out of my pocket, belt, and placed the cell phone with everything in the container as I smiled to myself because I knew I had done well...I was ready! I walked through the metal detector and BUZZ...the alarm went off. The TSA agent motioned me to stop and asked what I had that would cause the alarm to go off. "Do you have any metal in your body, like from surgeries?" Somewhat relieved I responded, "Yes, I have rods and screws in my leg and foot, but they are titanium." He squinted, "That wouldn't set off the alarm. Walk through again." BUZZ it shrieked again. "What do you have that would cause this to ring, a watch?" I responded, "No, I don't have a watch, mine broke." Then I looked down on my right wrist where I had my $1 special bracelet...just knowing that that cheap thing could never possibly set off an alarm. Then I just grinned and said, "Could it be this?" I took off the bracelet...and no alarm. What a relief! I laughed and said, "That's those $1 bracelets for ya - I'll have to get a better one next time!" Then it was Larry's turn...I don't even want to go there...he was already almost stripped down to his night-wear. Not much left on but his t-shirt, jeans and socks....and guess what, he zipped right on through the check point. As we were getting all dressed and put together again, I told Larry I was getting worried that if the bracelet didn't do it that the TSA would ask me to take of my wig...and if that would've happened...everyone would have run and the TSA would definitely have trouble trying to believe that the lady in the photo ID was the same as the one without the wig! Thank God I was spared from that.

I have to say that every TSA person in the Orlando airport that we came in contact with was absolutely wonderful and courteous. The media often takes things to extreme I have found out.

We left on our fall tour mid-September and we hope to get back to Sisseton by December 5^th. I have a feeling it's going to be like an Indy 500 to get my house cleaned, put up a tree, decorate, plan meals, wrap gifts, etc. amidst my daily office schedule. I am so excited for the family to come home, even though it's for a few short days. I used to do a lot of my Christmas shopping early, but I can't do that anymore as we fly home and can't bring anything with us. So I have a feeling it's going to be a crash-Christmas-shopping spree! "I can do it, I can do it, I can do it (I'm trying to convince myself, ha!)."

It's been great talking to you, have a wonderful week and enjoy this Christmas season - blessings on you!

 

 

PS. Oh, I forgot to tell you that on the way to Florida we drove through Savannah, Georgia took a three hour quick trip and visited Riverwalk and ate at Paula Dean's restaurant. Did I say butter? She cooks everything in butter, just like she says. We ordered her fresh Cajun Shrimp, Johnny cakes and special potatoes...it was delicious and harmful to the body!

 

 

 

 

 

 

QUOTE

 

The aging process has you firmly in its grasp if you never get the urge to throw a snowball. ~Doug Larson

 

 

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CHUCKLE/REFLECTION

 

Age does not diminish the extreme disappointment of having a scoop of ice cream fall from the cone. ~Jim Fiebig

Inflation is when you pay fifteen dollars for the ten-dollar haircut you used to get for five dollars when you had hair. ~Sam Ewing

Middle age is when your age starts to show around your middle. ~Bob Hope

I still have a full deck; I just shuffle slower now. ~Author Unknown

Everything slows down with age, except the time it takes cake and ice cream to reach your hips. ~Attributed to John Wagner

There is always a lot to be thankful for, if you take the time to look. For example, I'm sitting here thinking how nice it is that wrinkles don't hurt. ~Author Unknown

 

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PIC OF THE WEEK

 

 

 

The Riverwalk in Savannah, Georgia.  It was absolutely breathtaking.

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RECIPE

White Cookies

¾ c. oil                                            1 tsp. salt

1 c. white sugar                              1 tsp. baking soda

1 c. powdered sugar                      1 tsp. cream of tartar

4 c. plus heaping T. flour              1 tsp. vanilla

1 c. margarine                                2 eggs

Cream together, oil, margarine and sugars. Add eggs and vanilla. Mix in dry ingredients. Roll into balls and flatten slightly with a glass dipped in sugar. You can use colored sugar. Bake at 350 degrees for 9-10 minutes.

 

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HOUSEHOLD HINT

You know you're in the deep South when you see the signs, "Alligator River", "Boiled Peanuts", "Land of Cotton", and "Fresh Seafood". Yes, that definitely gets my attention! The last week I feel like Larry and I have been privileged to journey through history and adventure books as we passed through Maryland, Virginia (noteably Richmond, Virginia), mesmerized by the Shenandoah Valley. There was a tinge of tears as we drove amidst the once blood-soaked battlegrounds of those who shed their blood and gave their lives. Thousands were just kids fighting an adult war for freedom so you and I could enjoy it. Very touching.

At Harper's Ferry rally in the church walked friends Don & Tamara Long who had driven from Asheboro, NC to be at the service. When I saw them I gasped, "Don't tell me you drove 350 miles just to be here tonight." At which Tamara chuckled, "That's what you get for advertising your schedule in your newsletter." Over lunch the next day Don and Tamara commented, "We've never personally been in one of your services - but as soon as the two of you began to sing and share I felt everyone in the sanctuary relax. We could tell by watching you that you enjoy ministry and love each other. It really came across - and we felt the anointing on the altar call, which was evident when the invitation to come to Christ was presented. I'm glad we came."

To my mother, Julie Brooks, on November 16^th! She is and has been my inspiration, role model and definitely the wind beneath my wings. We had a family reunion celebration for her in July and this coming Sunday the 21^st, there is a friends and family open house in Sisseton, SD. (For those who know my mom, you can send an email to our office and we will get it to her: Julie Brooks, in care of llmin@venturecomm.net).

This thanksgiving, take the opportunity and privilege to appreciate each to her and tell everyone that you love them. Life is uncertain - the future is uncertain - but God is faithful! Have a wonderful thanksgiving and God bless you!

The Best Day of My Life

 

Today, when I awoke, I suddenly realized that this is the best day of my life, ever!

There were times when I wondered if I would ever make it to today; but I did!  AND because I did, I'm going to celebrate!

 

Today, I'm going to celebrate what an unbelievable life I've had so far:

the accomplishments, the many blessings, and, yes, even the hardships

Because they have served to make me stronger.

 

I will go through this day with my head held high, and a happy heart.

I will marvel at God's seemingly simple gifts;

the morning dew, the sun, the clouds, the trees, the flowers, the birds.

Today, none of these miraculous creations will escape my notice.

 

Today, I will share my excitement of life with other people.

 I will make someone smile.

I'll go out of my way to perform an unexpected act of kindness for someone I don't even know.

 

Today, I will give a sincere compliment to someone who seems down. 

I'll tell a child how special he is,

And I'll tell someone I love just how deeply I care for them

and how much they mean to me.

Today is a day I quit worrying about what I don't have and start being grateful for all the wonderful things God has already given me.

I'll remember that to worry is just a waste of time

Because my faith in God and His Divine Plan Ensures everything will be just fine.

 

Tonight, before I go to bed, I'll go outside and raise my eyes to the heavens.

I will stand in awe at the beauty of the stars and moon,

and I will praise God for these magnificent treasures.

 

As the day ends and I lay my head down on my pillow,

 I will thank the Almighty for the best day of my life

And I will sleep the sleep of a contented child excited with expectation because I know tomorrow is going to be.....

 

The Best Day of My Life!

C 1993 G.M. Lousignot, Ph.D.  All rights reserved.  Reprinted with permission.

 

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PIC OF THE WEEK

 

 

This turkey was perched by the tire of our motorhome and watched every move we made...

he sure was brave with Thanksgiving coming up! 

 It could've been "turkey here today, turkey in the oven tomorrow!"
 

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RECIPE

Sweet Potato Pie

 

2 c. mashed fresh or canned sweet potatoes

4 oz. cream cheese, softened

1 c. sugar

1/4 c. half-and-half

4 Tbsp. butter, melted

2 lg. eggs, lightly beaten

1 tsp. vanilla extract

1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon

1 9-inch Deep Dish Pie Shell

 

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  In large bowl, with mixer on medium speed, beat sweet potatoes and cream cheese until smooth.  Add sugar and half-and-half; beat 5 minutes or until sugar dissolves, scraping sides of bowl with rubber spatula.  Add butter, eggs, vanilla and cinnamon, and beat until blended.  Pour mixture into pie shell.  Bake 1 hour or until filling is puffed and set around edge but center jiggles slightly.  Cool completely on wire rack.  Serves 10.

 

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HOUSEHOLD HINT

An easy way to share (get rid of) Thanksgiving leftovers is to buy the throw-away aluminum baking pans with lids to send leftovers home with guests. Example: Buy 2 pans for each family; one for the main meal leftovers and one for desserts.

Greetings from the beautiful state of Pennsylvania! It is truly breathtaking with its rolling hills peppered with corn fields, pastures of cattle and sheep, lazy rivers and creeks and billions of leaves that proudly display their fall colors. As I write...huge reddish gold maple leaves are falling like snowflakes...ugh, let's not mention that word! The Weather Channel says here in Clarion, PA, which is just a skip and hop from Pittsburgh, may get its first flurries tomorrow. With that in mind, Larry is urgently working along with a couple of partner friends getting some maintenance done on the motor home. We need that done before we head out tomorrow to Salisbury, PA, which is not far from Cumberland, Maryland.

Since the last "On the Road" report we've covered a mile or two - Wisconsin, Indiana, Michigan and on into Pennsylvania.

On October 10^th, we were back in Hillsdale, MI with our pastor friends Dennis and Joyce Haarer. We've been with them several times through the years. Their sweet loving spirits along with their sweet congregation always make us feel like we're coming home. When Pastor Dennis introduced us he said, "If I were to describe Larry and Gloria's ministry...I would say it is an 'altar call on wheels' with singing, preaching and a few of Larry's crazy jokes." I thought, "Wow! We've never been described like that before." Then the pastor added, "People always come to Christ in their services...and I know it will happen again this morning."

From Hillsdale, MI we journeyed on to Clarion, PA where we nestled our motor home on the Walt Clutter farm down in the holler next to a beautiful pond. The Clutter family has been so gracious to allow us to be family with them on the farm. It has been the perfect place where Larry could have time to do maintenance on the motor home. Beings we weren't traveling every day - I could keep my office out and have a great few days of non-interrupted time with which I could catch up on mail and office work. About 4 o'clock last Thursday afternoon, Walt Clutter, our host, pounded on the motor home door and commanded, "Get out of that office - it's the last nice, warm day of the season - we're taking you and Larry on a ride through the back hills, up on the mountain on a mule!" I thought, "Dear God... the last thing I want to do is ride a mule." Then Walt grinned, "That's my four-wheeler - common let's go!" They threw a bale of hay on the back where Joan and I rode. Larry, the dog Buddy and Walt climbed in the front.

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PIC OF THE WEEK

 

 

 

Indiana grocery store parking lot... looks quite different from your average shopping mall! 

 

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RECIPE

 

Hamburger & Cabbage Casserole

2 lbs. hamburger, browned with onion (to taste)

1 large or 2 small cabbages, steamed (chopped up)

2 cups cooked rice

¼ to 1/3 cup brown sugar

3 tsp. salt

½ cup water

Mix browned hamburger with steamed cabbage, rice, sugar and salt. Put into greased shallow pan and sprinkle water over it. Bake for 1 ½ hours at 300 degrees, or microwave 20 minutes.

 

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HOUSEHOLD HINT

 

Recycle those old nut shells, including pistachios, walnuts, peanuts and other nuts. Once you're done eating the delicious nuts, break them up and use to line plant pots or use as mulch for your garden.

Over the last couple weeks, the rallies have been precious. We started out the fall tour in Eagle Bend, MN. What a way to begin a two month tour with the altar filled with those hungry for God. Among them was a family with several grown children who made first time decisions for Christ. It was a pleasure to meet interim pastor David and Twylah Squire. What a neat couple. They are doing a great ministry within churches.

"Thank you so much for coming to Eagle Bend Assembly of God. I think everyone enjoyed your down-to-earth music and message of living for Jesus. (I think even a few people enjoyed Larry's corny humor). The really exciting part of the rally came at the conclusion of the service. Larry preached a simple gospel message on God's offer of salvation through Jesus Christ. Frankly, I was anticipating a maximum response of six or eight people, with half being children. Imagine my surprise and absolute delight when four people made first time decisions for Christ and between 12 and 16 people responded to the invitation to rededicate their lives to Jesus. Larry and Gloria, your evangelistic message is much needed in our churches and communities. Thank you for being faithful to the call of God."

Last Sunday we were thrilled to be back in Waupaca, WI ministering with our friends Pastor Bob and Linda Bohn. We've known them since...well...not the beginning of time...but it seems like it - HA! We've known them since we were young, and they were younger! They have pastored that Assembly of God church in Waupaca for 19 years. They are so loved and give love so freely...I can see why they've been there that long. It truly is a family church. Thanks Pastor Bob and Linda for your faithfulness and making us feel so welcome while we were there!

"Your ministry enriched our lives individually and corporately as the Body of Christ. Thank you for your quality of presentation. We could see the activity of Christ and the unfolding work of the Holy Spirit in the service, especially in the times of encouragement to the Lost and hurting. We are most grateful for those who made first time commitments or recommitments at the altar call. Again, thank you for challenging our people with the heart of God...reaching out to the Lost and prodigals."

"Having a Sunday free from ministry elsewhere, we were in our home church, First Assembly of God, Waupaca, WI where we were privileged to hear our friends, Larry and Gloria Lundstrom. When pastoring in Superior, WI we enjoyed great services with the Lundstrom team and saw many saved and brought into the church. This past Sunday was no exception as several people responded to the invitation to surrender to Christ for the first time and rededication. God bless you, Larry and Gloria."

Waupaca, WI

"It was good to see you "in person" at Waupaca, WI, rather than in photos. I have followed you since I was a teenager and now, as a family, we are privileged to have supported your ministry for ten years. We know it is not an easy life that you have chosen, traveling continuously pouring your heart and souls into the lives of strangers. However, the rewards are many. Thanks, again, for what you do!"

Duane, Tamara & Priscilla Crook

QUOTE

 

"Watch therefore (give strict attention, be cautious and active), for you do not know in what kind of day (whether a near or remote one) your Lord is coming."

- Matthew 24:42, Amplified Bible

 

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CHUCKLE/REFLECTION

 

When the end of the world arrives, how will the media report it?

 

The Wall Street Journal: DOW JONES PLUMMETS AS WORLD ENDS

Microsoft Systems Journal: APPLE LOSES MARKET SHARE

JC Penny Catalog: OUR FINAL SALE

Discover Magazine: HOW WILL THE EXTINCTION OF LIFE AS WE KNOW IT AFFECT THE WAY WE VIEW THE COSMOS?

Ladies Home Journal: LOSE 10 LBS BY JUDGMENT DAY WITH OUR NEW "ARMAGEDDON" DIET!

Microsoft's Website: "Armageddon Tolerant Software Now Available!"

Sports Illustrated: GAME OVER
 

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PIC OF THE WEEK

 

 

 

 

This should make a pumpkin pie big enough for Larry! 

 

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RECIPE

Chocolate Pecan Pie

3 eggs, slightly beaten

1 cup corn syrup

1 (4 oz.) pkg. semi-sweet baking chocolate, melted and cooled

1/3 cup sugar

2 Tbsp. butter, melted

1 tsp. vanilla

1 ½ cups pecan halves

1 - 9" unbaked pastry shell

Heat oven to 350. In large bowl, stir eggs, corn syrup, chocolate, sugar, butter and vanilla until well blended. Stir in pecans. Pour into pastry shell. Bake 50-60 minutes or until knife inserted in center comes out clean. Cool on a wire rack. Be careful not to overbake!

 

 

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HOUSEHOLD HINT

 

When making fresh apple pies, substitute ice-cold cider for the water in the pie crust.