Greetings from the breathtaking state of Wisconsin! The rolling hills, streams, dairy farms polka dotted with Holstein cows, towering corn fields...oh...it's just beautiful. We are enjoying every inch of the area.
We journeyed last week from South Dakota to Minneapolis where we spent two days taking care of business which in turn allowed Myanna to spend two days with her mom and brother. Larry and I had a pleasant surprise as well. We were able to see our daughter, LaShawn, who stopped in Minneapolis for a few hours on her way from the East coast en route to Calgary Canada. We only had four hours with her, but it was a wonderful four hours. Every minute we can spend with our family is special.
Last Friday we drove from Minneapolis to Whitehall, Wisconsin, where we were invited to attend, sing and speak at Reach Out Ministries' annual hog roast dinner which concl
uded with an evening outreach rally. The meal and trimmings were delicious, the fellowship was sweet and the evening event was blessed. Friends drove in from all over the area. Pastor Allen and Wanda Skroch and staff welcomed us like family. We had a great service and time of ministry.
Fred Poquette and his 6 year old son, Samuel, drove in from Eau Claire, WI to join us for the evening. When the altar call was given, Fred and his son stepped forward to receive Christ. After the service little Samuel came up to me and grinned, "This is the first time I've asked Jesus to come into my heart." That def
initely melted my heart. His father, Fred, a single parent said, "I've been hurting and struggling; I needed to step forward to reaffirm my commitment to Christ. I feel so good after doing that. You have ministered to me at different rallies all through the years. Thanks for coming here tonight."
That testimony alone made the trip to Wisconsin worth it!
It's always special to see friends like Danny Meis and his son from Mondovi, WI. Danny and his parents have been partners with this ministry for years and have been a real encouragement to us.
On Saturday we drove to Tomah, WI, famously known for it's cranberries and Cranberry Fest. It is also known for it's delicious cheese curds and various cheeses.
Saturday afternoon we set up our sound equipment at 
Lighthouse Assembly for a Sunday soul-winning service. It was great being back with Pastor Terry Terrell again. We've been with him at three different places where he has ministered. Pastor Terry is a pastor/evangelist. He has traveled as an evangelist and has the heart of both a pastor and evangelist. He has also served on staff at Trinity Bible College in Ellendale, ND. Lighthouse Assembly 
of God is blessed to have him.
Pastor Terrell shared this about the rally,
"We were delighted to have Larry and Gloria at Lighthouse again. With little advertising, we had 30 visitors in attendance. When you gave your altar call, 12 people responded-two for salvation and 10 to rededicate their lives to Christ. Your ministry is straight-forward, impacting and deeply appreciated."
Last night, Myanna, Larry and I went for a walk in Tomah. It was one of those perfect summer evenings. Almost every home was arrayed with flower baskets, planters or gardens. I loved it! It was so colorful and appealing. When we were home in Sisseton at the end of May, I planted a few petunias in hopes that somehow someway that they would survive while I was gone with nobody there to water them. Well, when we came back a month later, I was surprised to see 
that the pink and purple petunias looked beautiful. My personal gardener, the Lord, watered them with His rain. After we came back home, the temps rose to nearly 100 degrees and even with my daily watering they were desperately struggling to stay alive. The day before we left about one week ago, we had heat like a blast furnace along with 35 mph winds. I whimpered, "They will never survive this. When I go out there, they will be lying flat on the ground so I guess I may as well kiss them goodbye. Ha!" After about 12 hours of raging winds, I slipped out the front door to grieve over them, but to my total astonishment, they stood taller and firmer than ever. I stood back in amazement and whispered, "Lord, this is amazing!" God reminded me that when we go through the winds of life and they try to bring us down, we have a choice. We can give in to the wind, lay down and die, or we can challenge it. Those petunias chose to allow the challenge of the high winds to strengthen it's root system and to reach upward, rather than to allow the wind to break it's stems, wilt and die.
I have to be honest. That day I, too, was struggling against the winds of office deadlines, fatigue and physical pain. After seeing those flowers, God encouraged me to stop, take a few moments in His Word, and He promised He would strengthen me. In the midst of my busyness, I sat down in my chair for about 30 minutes and began to rest and pray. When I got up, I felt refreshed and ready to go again. God brought a couple of verses to mind. Psalm 27:14 says, "Wait on the Lord: Be of good courage and He shall strengthen my heart. Wait, I say, on the Lord." And another favorite verse of mine came to mind which is Psalm 28:7, "The Lord is my Strength and my Shield; my heart trusted in Him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise Him."
I can testify over and over--- HE is my strength and my song! I pray that He is yours, too! Have a great week!
The father of five children had won a toy at a raffle. He called his kids together to ask which one should have the present.
"Who is the most obedient?"
"Who never talks back to mother?"
"Who does everything she says?"
Five small voices answered in unison.
"Okay, Dad, you get the toy."
Seven Modern Sins:
Politics without principles
Pleasures without conscience
Wealth without work
Knowledge without character
Industry without morality
Science without humanity
Worship without sacrifice
-F. Donaldson
Easy Delicious Jello Salad
Mix ingredients together (the gelatin is mixed in dry). Refrigerate overnight if possible before serving.
to come home for a couple of days, and of course, they brought the granddog with them. Myanna was so happy and excited to see her mommy, brother and dog. She had been marking off the days on my little table calendar with a felt tip pen. Once they arrived, Dante' and Myanna couldn't wait to shoot fireworks. One thing that is nice about South Dakota---on July 4th, fireworks are legal to set off. 
We also were able to spend an evening at an area lake resort with Larry's brother, Lowell, and his wife, Connie. They pastor Celebration Church in Lakeville, MN. Lowell and Connie will be celebrating 50 years of marriage and ministry in late August, hosting a week long 
celebration of special guest singers and speakers. We will have a part in the celebration as special guests on Saturday, August 25th. We traveled with Lowell and Connie for 21 years in full time evangelism, coast to coast and overseas. God blessed our combined efforts together to reach multiplied thousands for Christ. 
tactics. The bible says in 1 Peter 5:8 (NAS), "Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls about like a roaring lion seeking SOMEONE to devour." I don't want to be one of those SOMEONE'S
hurry! Someone once said, "Life is like a roll of toilet paper, the closer you get to the end, the faster it goes." It seems like just yesterday we were teenagers in our home church in Sisseton, SD, teasing each other, then we fell in love and now we have spent 41 of his birthdays together. We enjoyed being at home on Larry's birthday and had two of my brothers, their wives, and my mother up for Larry's favorite, Dairy Queen ice 
cream cake. Myanna made Grandpa a birthday poster and homemade birthday card with a little box drawn on the corner that says, "Good for one fantastic foot rub!" She knows Grandpa loves foot rubs and the price was right! HA! 
many young couples, teens and children. It is always a thrill to see our future generation hunger after righteousness. Pastor Jeff is a motivator and a people-mover. He doesn't allow his congregation to sit and be stagnant; he and his staff keep his congregation involved in several outreaches as well as missions trips. Pastor Jeff told Larry, "We are always happy to have a harvest group come in like you and Gloria. There is always a harvest of souls."
Right after the morning service, a mother with her teenager came up and gave me a great big bear hug. She exclaimed, "Thank you for staying out there after all these years. You ministered at a women's retreat in Pierre in the early 80's and my life was changed. I've never been the same since. Thanks and stay in there!" Testimonies like that encourage us to keep on keeping on after 42 years on the road. 
We left the beautiful Black Hills of South Dakota last Friday morning and headed across the prairie land west of the Missouri River. We continued on to the east side of the river
to Whitlock Recreation Campground where we were special guests for the Gettysburg, SD, Grace Bible Church Family Camp. What a refreshing time we had with this wonderful group of people! When we arrived, there were already dozens of tents and RV 
campers set up. From the moment we arrived, it was action-packed and excitement was in the air! Everywhere we looked there were children running and playing, teenagers having a blast, couples huddled around campfires, and seniors enjoying coffee and
visiting. We were privileged to be hosted by several families for campfire meals. Each host family was so special, and the food was delicious! There is just nothing like a campfire and food cooked out in the open. Larry and I only get to do this once or twice a year so we really, really enjoyed it. 
Sunday morning we had a beautiful Sunday worship service in the park. The 
temperature rose to nearly 100 degrees making us very thankful for the breeze that helped distract us from the blazing heat. We sang and ministered. When Larry gave the altar call, several stepped forward to make commitments to Christ. It was thrilling to see 
couples, singles and teens respond. The joy and peace that appeared on their faces after they prayed was worth the entire trip across the badlands and prairies of western South Dakota. We thank Pastor and Mrs. Gossen for the privilege of ministering and sharing with their congregation. Gossen's are such a sweet and loving couple and their congregation takes after them...sweet and loving. 
Grandma-the only bad part is that I will have to leave them." I reassured her and replied, "Myanna, the good part of traveling is that every place we go you make more new friends." She piped up, "You're right, Grandma!" 
Greetings again from Keystone, SD!
beautiful towering pines in a RV park owned by our friends, Duane and Laura Pankratz.
Wonders of the World.
Last Thursday, a week ago, Larry and I had a service at the Assembly of God church in the small, tourist 
were bundles of energy; I'm sure their mom and dad are so proud of them.
prayed the sinner's prayer.
products we have stuffed in the base of the coach…books, cookbooks, music CD's, cassettes, kids CD's, and a marriage seminar series just to name a few of the things.
to severe thunderstorm warnings we couldn't have our rally in the park as planned so we gathered instead at First Assembly of God with Pastor Tom Brantner. Pastor Tom has been the pastor in Huron for nearly ten years. He definitely looks too young to have been there that long. He's a tenacious young pastor and is doing a great job there. We had three other churches join us for this outreach and we had a wonderful altar call. Wouldn't you know the camera went on the blink just as I was shooting the altar call, so I don't have a picture for you this week. When Pastor Tom introduced us, he told that audience he knew us when he was a kid. Ouch! That hurts! Pastor Tom shared the following with us,
getting autographs from them. From then on, I have always enjoyed the songs and ministry of the Lundstroms. I so appreciate Larry and Gloria and their interaction with the people as well as the 'practical' ways they share their faith through song, testimony and preaching. They have been with us in Huron three times in the nine years we have been here and each time we have had an overwhelming response to their ministry. This past visit brought one brand new salvation and sixteen rededications. Larry and Gloria have a ways of making people comfortable, but speaking the truth straightforward enough that people must choose to accept or reject Christ. Thank you both for your faithfulness to Kingdom building!!!"
The next day we moved on through the prairies of SD to Spearfish. Sunday morning we had two services and had wonderful decisions and rededications for Christ. Pastor Dan and Lori Kent are a loving, caring couple that are doing a great job as pastors of Spearfish Assembly of God. They always make us feel like family when we come. 
the flush button. I am not sure what happened, but something backfired, and the stool kicked out about 3 or 4 gallons of water back at me! I was blue from head to toe. My blonde hair was sprinkled with big blue blobs, small bits of blue toilet paper plastered my face and my good white top was now all blotched blue along with my yellow slacks. I looked in the mirror at myself in disbelief and looked at the bathroom walls and floor and everything was blue with toilet paper and you name it all over! I hollered, and Larry and Myanna came running. They took one look at me and didn't know whether to laugh at me or save their lives by keeping quiet and helping me clean up. Guess which one they chose? BOTH...once we got it cleaned up, then they laughed! In the midst of this clean-up, Pastor Kent came to the coach and Larry invited him in. The pastor looked at me and after Larry explained what had happened, said with his sweet mischievous grin, "Oh, my my!" Trying to encourage me he continued, "That's a good outfit for Halloween or an Easter egg hunt, blue hair and all!" We all got a chuckle out of that. 
Last Friday, Saturday and Sunday, Larry and I had the privilege of speaking at the Dakota German Conference which was held at Trinity Bible College in Ellendale, ND. Friday night, we sang and I shared on So What's So Good About Heaven. Saturday morning, we both spoke in a session titled, What Makes You Tick...or Ticked, which focused on personality traits and culture. Saturday night, after our concert, Larry communicated on Passing the Torch, addressing legacies we give and leave for our children. There were also several great breakout sessions presented by several pastors and wives. 
ity Bible College student and also pastors a church and is a father to three beautiful children. They had this to say about the weekend, 
service. Larry and I have known them for years. In fact, Naomi is from our home town of Sisseton and babysat our daughters, LaShawn and LaDawn, when they were little. They loved her as a babysitter. Wow...as you guessed, that was a long time ago! Pastor John and Naomi have been married for 30 years and are an exceptionally sweet couple who have a great zeal for Christ and are doing a wonderful job pastoring in Ellendale. 
The entire weekend was laced with fun, fellowship, laughter, and delicious food. Special thanks to our friend, Joan Niles, who is the head cook at Trinity Bible College. Every bite was delicious. Thanks, Joan!
with us on the road. Dante' is now 14 ½ years old and has some part-time jobs for the summer so he will be unable to join us this year. He has been with us every summer since he was a baby. It's a little sad that they grow up so quickly, but we will see him off and on this summer. 
was necessary in order to solve a larger problem. I had to put my faith in Dr. Carlson that he knew what was best for me. I kind of whined and fussed when he first told me I needed this procedure, but then I had to accept the fact it was essential and have the minor surgery knowing in time it will get better and will benefit me in the long run.
Another great action-packed week has passed filled with graduation, open houses, family gatherings and Memorial Day activities all wrapped up in three days. It was an emotional weekend. Larry and I are usually on the road for most holidays so we were thrilled to be able to attend two grandnieces' graduation and open houses which brought a large number of family, friends and relatives together. Of course, with those ingredients we also had lots of laughter and lots of delicious food. 
servicewomen headstones representing all ages. Only too often, we get caught up in our busy lives consumed by our jobs and activities forgetting those who have fought and sacrificed their lives so we could have freedom yet in America. I'm afraid our freedom is frequently taken for granted. As Larry and I stood there, we watched families as they stood by their loved ones grave(s). I couldn't help but wonder what was going through their minds at that very moment. What pain they must have felt as they relived the day of their loved one's birth to then only be flooded with the memories of the moment they heard the news of the death of that husband, father, brother, son, wife, mother, daughter, sister, etc. I watched on feeling helpless, wanting to provide comfort but all I could do was pray a silent prayer for them. 
rtained us. From there, we sauntered over to my grandparents' headstones. I recalled all the fun and fond memories I was privileged to have with them while I was a child. Just a few feet away from their headstone lies a small marble marker that bears the name of my one and only sister. I placed pink flowers on her grave and knelt somberly for a few moments. Janet was only one week old when she died of heart problems. She would have been three years olde
r than me. As I have many times before while standing by her little grave, I threw out an inaudible question, "Why, God? Why did she have to die? I would have loved having a sister." I have tried to imagine what she would have looked like, what type of personality she would have had, if she and I would have resembled each other? What and where would her life have taken her? Would she have been as goofy as me? Would we have been close doing things together all through the years? 
Sandwiched in between all of the above, it was especially fun to have our 
daughter, LaDawn, and our grandchildren, Dante' and Myanna, come home for the long weekend. We hadn't seen LaDawn since early January so it was a sweet coming together. Dante' and Myanna loved seeing all of their cousins and relatives. Of course, they also brought the "granddog" along with them. What a circus! Those three days went by only too quickly. Now...it's back to work!
oan Clutter, in Clarion, PA. I've made it and it is scrumptious!
A year ago, Larry and I marked our May 2007 calendar designating May 21-25 as a work week on the house. It is amazing to me that things fall apart even when we are gone. So, this week, we have six dear friends from Nebraska and Minnesota who set aside five 
days to come help us work and repair. The list for these five days includes: fix the leaky roof, tear down and replace the dissolving chimney, painting, bulldozing over half of our lawn to reroute the flow of water contributing to our water issues, tear out some bushes and a tree that were ruined by an ice storm a year ago. Well that about sums it up! Those tasks are what is on the slate for five days along with the urgents of the ministry. 
Last night, after we came in, we were feeling our consecutive 13-hour days. We all collapsed as we sat around the table and agreed that we just aren't as young as we used to be. Much of the work done yesterday was done in drenching outbursts of rain and stifling heat. (The weather forecast predicted a few possible thundershowers.) At one point, during a heavy rain squall, I peere
d up on the roof and three of the men had made a tent out of heavy plastic holding it over the chimney opening. All I could see was Larry's backside protruding outside of the tent with rain literally running off it. Sorry, but I just laughed out of control because I thought it just couldn't happen to a nicer guy! Isn't it great how God allows us moments of laughter amidst detours in our planned schedules! 
Out of the window, I can see all of the progress that has taken place up to this point. In all reality, it appears a demolition crew was just here with the way it is all tore up. Iit almost takes my breath away. My mother used to often say, "Missy, sometimes things have to look worse before they get better." It is really true in this case. At this stage, I have to encourage myself that this too shall pass. It will get better; I have full confidence in that fact. Believe me, it won't be done in five days but we will have accomplished a lot with the generous assistance of our wonderful friends. 
has called us to go and preach the Gospel to the bikers and prisoners. This has been a ministry which has definitely stretched our comfort zone but we have seen God do some awesome things. Many lives are being changed for eternity. 
her sister, LaShawn. They flew up to Toronto, Canada, to see their brother, Donovan, and LaShawn's fianc
grandkids...ohhhh...and the new grand-dog named Paris. (Can you imagine a black pug names Paris?-chuckle) She brought with her a whole new form of entertainment. Of course, I told the kids before they came, "The dog stays outside or in the entryway!" They just couldn't believe that Grandma could be so heartless not allowing the dog the rule of the house. I have been through that game twice before with my kids and it didn't work. HA! I do have to admit, however, the grand-dog stole our hearts as well.
We had a great Mother's Day weekend. I had the privilege of speaking on Mother's Day at our home church in Sisseton, SD, with Pastor Vern and Mary Donnell. We are so blessed to have a wonderful sweet-spirited pastor and wife who are great people of prayer and have a burden to reach the lost. We were especially honored to have my 91 ½ year old mother, Julie Brooks, there. I had the opportunity to publicly and personally honor her along with all mothers on that special day. It was indeed a precious time.
song. It was so special! Julia Hills, (grandmother) 90 years old sang along with her daughter, Gloria Slaamot (secretary of our home church), and her two daughters, April and Holly. Grandma Hills still has a strong singing voice. WOW! She encouraged me to keep on singing! It was precious to see this three generation family singing together.
Gloria Slaamot shared the following: "First of all, I appreciate the graciousness of Gloria to allow us to sing our three generation trio that morning. Mom just turned 90 in April and I thought it would be fun to sing together on Mother's Day. I didn't want to get in the way of what Gloria had planned for that morning but when I called her, she was so very sweet and said it would be fine. Like Gloria said in the service, what a heritage some of us have in regards to having Godly mothers who helped us find our way to God. I love the fact that Gloria is so 'REAL', letting us know that she and Larry go through struggles, too, but with God's help, they make it encouraging us to do the same! They are always a blessing and we love them dearly!"
I missed not having my son and daughte
rs with me for Mother's Day but I was so happy to have my grandkids and some of my family. After church, three of my brothers, along with Larry and I, grilled chicken and had all the yummy trimmings to 
go with it. To top off the day, Larry took Dante' and Myanna out to the Lundstrom farm to ride horses with our nephew, L. J. Lundstrom and little Zach. The kids were ecstatic!