Christmas is just a few days away and Larry and I are getting anxious for our family to come home. They will only be able to be here for a short time, but we will savor every moment with them. We look forward to this special time all year long.
With all the joy and excitement of Christmas, there is also a tinge of sadness that there will be empty chairs of loved ones who have passed on. When dealing with grief, there is no doubt that there is a huge void at Christmas. I will personally miss my dad who has been gone for six years, Larry's parents and my oldest brother. We've also had many friends and partners pass away this past year. We miss their letters and prayers for us. But...we know that they are spending this precious Christmas season in heaven. I know if they were given a choice to come back or stay in heaven it would be a tough choice, yet I know they would not want to leave the splendor of heaven and being in the presence of Jesus.
I'm so thankful that we still have my precious mother, Julie Brooks, who is 91 years
young. She is still so active and is full of life, humor and zest. Last Sunday she fixed us a full roast beef dinner with mashed potatoes and gravy, baked corn casserole, and pumpkin pie. Like my daughter, LaDawn said the other day after I told her what Grandma had made, she commented, "When I'm 91 years old, I'd be happy just to be able to blow my own nose!" When I'm home I try to spend as much time as possible with Mom amidst our busy schedule. Last Sunday night I took her for a ride around our small town to see all the Christmas lights and displays. We chatted, laughed and reminisced for about three hours. Each moment with her is so precious. I'm amazed that every time we're together I learn something new about her or discover some tidbit that I didn't know. Of course...Mom is a full blood Norwegian. We always try to have lefse with brown sugar and butter on it for a late afternoon lunch and as always, we pray in Norwegian. Ahh, such sweet times together!
During the holidays we would love to hear from 
you. If you would like to send a special tax deductible Christmas gift to this ministry to help us continue touching hearts and lives, please do so by clicking on the "Make Donation" link on the side of this page. For each gift of $10.00 or more to this ministry, we would like to send you my Lunches, Munchies and Household Hints cookbook. It's our way of saying thanks to you and will come in handy during the holidays.
Larry and I wish you a very blessed Christmas and may you feel the presence and peace of the Christ of Christmas.
Gloria and Larry
Vaughn Shoemaker's famous Christmas cartoon that first appeared in 1934 has an interesting background. Shoemaker walked into the office of the Chicago Daily News with his rough sketch under his arm, a drawing of a star gleaming down on a manger with the words of John 3:16 penciled across the sky above it. While praising the sketch, the editors of the paper argued that a scripture reference might offend some readers. Shoemaker held his ground, however, saying that John 3:16 must be retained or he would not submit the sketch. Colonel Frank Knox, the publisher, said to his editors, "Let's be sensible. If it weren't for John 3:16, there wouldn't be any Christmas. It's a good cartoon. Run it! We need more like it in the news." Thus, it was repeated every Christmas. Thank God for that!
In the last few years, there has been an increasing effort to try and remove Christ out of Christmas changing "Merry Christmas" to a mere "Happy Holiday" greeting. I don't think many of the people who are inciting the battle against it have thought everything through adequately.
Life without Christmas is indeed, life unthinkable. Looking from a material angle, what would our home lives, social lives and commercial lives be like without Christmas? We are bombarded by commercials and advertisements constantly reminding us, as the month of December approaches, that there are only so many days left before Christmas. It is the push to spur us to buy gifts, plan for Christmas parties and events, and prepare for family gatherings (which all profit businesses).
Let me refer back to John 3:16. What if Christ had not come? What if He would have stayed in Glory. Christ, Himself, hinted at the hopelessness of man had He not been born in Bethlehem. In John 15:22, Jesus said, "If I had not come…" Christ knew His coming, life, death, and resurrection had a purpose---to save us from our sins. Think for a moment, if Jesus had not come, what would this world be like? We cringe at the chaos it is in now and shudder to think of the future. Imagine what it would be like without the influence of Christ's character and His church. Just think about it!
Unless the Christ born in Bethlehem is born within our hearts, the event of Christ's coming will avail us nothing. If Christ had not come, the most frightening fact that I can think of is that man would be forced to face eternity without hope!
While the Old Testament saints knew that the grave did not end all, their conception of the future was dim and partial. But Christ, having lived before He was born, brought with Him not only the fragrance of heaven but also a broader and more complete revelation of eternal bliss.
Without the New Testament, we could never have the unmistakable understanding which is ours today of the two destinies that await man…..heaven and hell. Had Christ not come, what gloom, despair and anguish would have been our portion.
BUT….Jesus was born. He was born our Savior, the Eternal One. Through His coming, He brought life and immortality made known to us in the Gospel. That was His gift to all who believe in Him. I am so thankful that Jesus did come to earth as the Christ child for He has now given us peace, joy, and hope IF we accept Him as our personal Lord and Savior. We are able to have eternal life with Him for all eternity.
Thank you, Jesus, for coming! I am eternally grateful!
Merry Christmas!
-Author Unknown
Pic of the Week
Quizzed on who Olive was, she elaborated, "Olive...the other reindeer."
RECIPE OF THE WEEK
Cranberry Fluff Salad
2 cups fresh cranberries, ground
3 cups miniature marshmallows
3/4 cup sugar
Combine these ingredients and let chill overnight.
2 cups diced, unpeeled apples
½ cup seedless green grapes, halved
½ cup chopped walnuts
1/4 tsp salt
1 cup cream, whipped
Stir in apples, grapes, walnuts, and salt. Whip 1 cup cream. Fold cream into mixture, cover and chill thoroughly.
HOUSEHOLD HINT OF THE WEEK
Whipped Cream the easy way!
Putting a dollop of homemade whipped cream on dessert? Skip the mixer and shake it up in a clean jar!
Last week, I flew in from Nashville to Minneapolis. Larry and I stayed with Dante', Myanna and LaDawn for a couple of days. We wanted to celebrate Dante's 14th birthday with him. He wanted to go to Godfather's Pizza and the ice cream parlor. We had fun! I can hardly believe he is 14 already. My little 
grandson is growing up! 
Saturday night, we were pleased to be able to attend the Country Christmas at Celebration Church in Lakeville, MN. Larry's brother, Lowell, pastors the church and they put on this production each year. Our grandaughter, Myanna, was in the production for the first time this year and she loved it! Every time she saw us, she would grin from ear to ear. She was so happy we could be there. 
Here is a photo of Larry's brothers, Lowell and his wife, Connie, and Leon and his wife, Ronda. Amidst the busyness of it all, we were able to visit for a few short moments. 
For the next six days in Nashville, Donovan and LaShawn pampered their mother. I was really ready for it after this year's full tour. They spoiled me by
taking me to some local Southern cookin' restaurants. Mmmmmm! I sampled and tasted southern specialities such as barbecued watermelon ribs, fried okra, cornbread, grits, and baking powder biscuits just to name a few. They then escorted me to downtown Nashville where we toured the Country Music Hall of Fame. What an experience! The next day was Thanksgiving. Our son bought a smoked turkey which was a real Southern treat. I prepared a multitude of their favorite side dishes to 
accompany it. On Saturday, they took me to Nashville's unbelievable flea market that fills the fairgrounds. There was a little bit of everything there...trinkets, antiques, furniture and even puppies. We really had a lot of fun! Of course...I couldn't buy a thing as my suitcase was already maxing its 50 pound limit. This fact removed the temptation to buy while shopping but I sure loved looking! During those few days in Nashville, I simply rested and enjoyed my time with Donovan and LaShawn. It was just what the doctor ordered me to do a couple weeks prior to this. It truly was a pleasurable few days. 
Meanwhile, Larry was in Minneapolis with LaDawn and the kids. He ended the
tour exhausted as well and was definitely ready for a short weekend break. Larry, LaDawn and the kids celebrated Thanksgiving with his brother, Lowell and family in Lakeville, MN. They had a great time with family and friends. The grandkids loved having Grandpa around as they know where Grandpa is, there is bound to be some excitement. They did many fun things together over the 
Thanksgiving weekend including picking out a Christmas tree, bringing it home and decorating it. A fun time was had by all! 
about 4 inches. I couldn't believe Dante' was getting so tall. I stood next to him and he said, "Grandma, you are getting shorter." I quickly corrected him, "No...you are just growing faster than a weed!" Dante' just had his cast cut off his foot the day before from his foot injury six weeks ago. Instead of his cast, he now wears one of those big boots which enables him to walk some without his crutches. Needless to say, he is anxious to get walking and running once again. It's hard for a teenager to be inactive when he's used to much activity. 
In the middle of the night, we were awakened to rain pounding on the roof of the coach. I pulled up the shade to peer outside, and it looked like someone had turned on a water faucet full blast. It rained over an inch in just a little while. Little did we know at that time that this storm had hastened across the US and left a deadly trail of high winds, heavy rains and tornadoes in its wake. It was now making its way towards North Carolina. An F-3 tornado ravaged the little community of Riegelwood, NC, killing 8 and injuring 20. I tuned into the local news and the weatherman announced, "There is a funnel cloud moving towards Smithfield." I hollered, "Larry, there is a tornado funnel 10 miles away and they are instructing everyone in Smithfield to take cover immediately." Just then, the cell phone rang, and it was Pastor Steve Smith calling from the church across the parking lot, "Gloria, I don't mean to scare or bother you, but there is a tornado funnel headed this way. It will be here in about 10 minutes...you better get out of your coach and take refuge in the church with us until it blows over." Talk about a startling wake-up call! We threw on our clothes, fled across the parking lot through a wall of rain and took refuge in the church where they had all the school children sitting against the interior brick wall praying the storm would pass by. The sky appeared a dark grayish black color. The wind raged, the rain pelted, but thank God the storm traveled on by without bringing harm to us. I told Larry, "That's as close as I ever want to get to a tornado!" The news reported that over 25 tornadoes were created out of that violent thunderstorm. My heart breaks for the small community of Riegelwood where all of those people were killed and injured. 
Yesterday, Larry and I were reminiscing about this tour. We commented on how blessed we were to minister in so many wonderful churches with the greatest pastors. Every one of them was so special. 
the state of Wisconsin and had followed the Lundstrom Ministry through weekly television programs and our rallies. She met Steve, they married and then spent 16 years on the road ministering like we do. This couple is so multi-talented and musical. When their daughter, Sarah, was six years old, she was diagnosed with cancer. They halted their traveling ministry and began a pastorate where they could be close to doctors and clinics for treatments. She is now 11 years old and we were so happy to see Sarah looking so well. Her big brother, Nate, is a senior in high school and is also an extra-special young man. Pastor Steve and Becky are doing a wonderful job of pastoring and their congregation loves them dearly. They shared the following comments with us"
And sure enough, when I grew up, my husband and children and I did "The Lundstrom Thing" for fifteen years, living on the road full time and singing and preaching around the country. 
year of soulwinning. Hundreds have made decisions for Christ. In a few days, Larry and I will journey home to Sisseton where our home office is located. We will take off our evangelist hat and put on our office hat for the next month. We will also be preparing for our 2007 tour. 
It was a special joy to be back at Christ Chapel in Woodbridge, Virginia, with our pastor friends, Bill and Lynna Roberts. We first ministered at Christ Chapel 18 years ago when the church was meeting in a gymnasium. This was now our fourth return trip. A lot has happened in that span of 18 years. They have built a beautiful sanctuary for their congregation of 1800-2000 people. They have also added a daycare, a Christian school for grades 1-9, a Masters Commission school to train young people for ministry, an extension of Valley Forge Christian College, mothering two new churches, and their own Hispanic church just to name a few of the ministries and outreaches. It is an exciting and active church! 
the altars were packed with people coming to Christ. We have had them minister here three times since, and without exception, as it was last Sunday, dozens made commitments to Christ. Larry and Gloria are true evangelists with a burning passion for the Lost. Their message in music, testimony and word touches the hearts of all ages and nationalities. We appreciate their down to earth ministry and like I told my congregation last Sunday when they were here, 'They are the same on the platform as they are off. What you see is what you get!' Larry's evangelistic heart reaches beyond the pulpit to wherever he is. Whether he is in a restaurant or on the street, he's leading people to Christ. We appreciate having true evangelists minister in Christ Chapel."
"I am no stranger to Larry and Gloria Lundstrom as I am originally from Willmar, MN, just 90 miles from Sisseton where they live and base their ministry. I have followed the Lundstrom Ministries since I was a little kid watching them on weekly television and was always inspired by their music. 
nationalities due to its close proximity to Washington D.C. What I have always loved about their ministry is that is crosses all cultural barriers. I especially appreciated them speaking momentarily on marriage as it really impacted the hearts and homes of our people. Our congregation enjoyed their music and message. Gloria's sharing and Larry's message were simple and straightforward. They spoke to the non-Christians as well as the Christians, which was evident when Larry gave the altar call as dozens stepped forward to make decisions for Christ. 
old for a picnic these days. A couple of nights ago the temperature dropped to 18 degrees. That chilliness would definitely put a damper on a picnic. Ha! We come through this area about every two years to minister. It's been great because we are able to set up office and Larry is able to take a couple of days to do some much needed repairs on the coach. It seems it always needs some tweeking between trips. We are so blessed by the hospitality and fellowship of the Clutters, and we are so thankful as well to Walt for helping Larry with the repairs. 
photographers which is the Weeter Photography Studio in Knox, PA. The first time we had photos taken, the owner, Mark Weeter, took them which dates back to the early 80's. Wow! Now, for the past three trips to this area and the studio, his son, Aaron Weeter, has been taking them. We consider him a great friend, and he's so great to work with. We have been very blessed and are extremely appreciative to Weeter Photography for providing our ministry with photos. 
On Sunday, we ministered at Riverhill Evangelical Church in Shippenville, PA. We were greeted by a loving congregation and many visitors. Pastor Terry Jacobs is another action-packed, on-the-go pastor that makes things happen. He encouraged his congregation to invite visitors and fill the pews...and they did. Last Sunday happened to be their Fall Festival Outreach. Here's what Pastor Terry had to say...
Riverhill Evangelical Church on Nov. 5, 2006. They have an excellent spirit about them and ministered in a non-threatening, under the radar kind of way to the families of our church. A couple that I invited, that live across the street, made first time decisions for Christ. Another couple, who we were getting close to losing in the church due to falling away, rededicated their lives to the Lord, and two teenagers made decisions for Christ as well. I would strongly recommend the ministry of Larry and Gloria. They will minister to your entire church no matter what your musical preference." 
difficult to breathe. Finally I told Larry, "I really need to stop and have my blood pressure checked." We pulled up to a nearby hospital entered the hospital pharmacy. I asked if I could have my blood pressure checked and the employee informed me they didn't have a way to check blood pressure there. (This blew my mind!.) I suggested going over to the hospital wing, and the same employee also tried to convince me it couldn't be done there. I asked her where I could go to have it taken and she said, "I suggest you run down to the Super Walmart and have it taken there as they have a blood pressure machine." I informed her that I had thought of that, but I wanted to be sure the machine and reading was accurate. Then I prodded, "Do you think that machine is accurate?" Her response to me was, "Close enough!" I was dumb-founded. I walked out of the hospital pharmacy with the words, "close enough" ringing in my ears. When I got to the car, I couldn't help but chuckle...close enough! Close enough to what! 
Last Saturday, we drove from Western Maryland to Lancaster, Pennsylvania. I am sure that as you read the word, Lancaster, your mind like most immediately recalled the October tragedy that took place in the Amish community where senseless shootings of ten children occurred at the Nickel Mine schoolhouse. Lancaster County is still reeling over this tragedy. While conversing with some pastors, they assured us that out of this horrible tragedy, a barrier has been broken between the English and the Amish. (I was told that according to the Amish if you aren't Amish, you are considered English.) There is now an enormous river of forgiveness and charity being shared between the Amish and the English. We were thankful to hear that bit of good news firsthand.
"It was so wonderful to have Larry and Gloria minister at Lancaster First Assembly of God on Sunday. They were such a blessing to the church and to us. Larry made a statement that really touched our hearts. He said that a pastor prepares the soil of the soul, plants seeds and waters them making it possible for the evangelist to come in and harvest. The Great Harvest touches souls and draws them to Himself. We were blessed to have many come to Christ at the altar that morning. To God be all the glory! 
and various other materials when a precious senior saint came to me and asked if she could pray for me. My heart melted as at that moment I really just needed someone to hug me and pray for me. Her love, compassion and prayer lifted me. Later that afternoon, when I was looking at Larry's photos that he was preparing for the website, I saw this one of her praying for me. Larry observed my expression as I studied it and said, "Honey, I just had to take this photo as her compassion for you was so precious." 
We had the opportunity to stop and see our friends, Paul and Brenda Secord in Waynesboro, Virginia. Paul and Brenda own the Virginia House of Music through which they sell pianos. Paul was the pianist for the Lundstrom's years ago. They graciously hosted us in their home. I prodded Paul to sit down at his grand piano to play and sing for us. He did! I can't tell you how soul-refreshing it was. Had I the opportunity, I could have sat there for hours and soaked it in. Not only are they our dear friends but they also partner with our ministry. They shared the following with us:
foot boa constrictor. The snake brought its head around and scared me silly. The snake handler saw me jump back and exclaimed, "It's okay...it's a boa constrictor; he won't hurt you." It took me a few seconds to get my heart back into my chest, and the man continuing to try and ease my fear encouraged me, "Go ahead. Touch him. It's okay." Not wanting to appear like the 5'8 wimp that I am, I chuckled, "Oh well, I may as well." I bravely took the challenge and touched the massive reptile. I began to relax and told the handler, "Oh, it doesn't feel like scales, it's so soft." Just then, the snake's head lurched from underneath the guy's arm, lashed its tongue out at me, and I announced, "Okay, that's enough! I'm done!" The handler just chuckled along with my husband who insisted that he needed to get a photo of me with the snake....so here it is!
ic Pastor at the church. He ushered us into a candlelit dinner they were serving to honor the church choir who had rehearsed all day preparing for their upcoming Christmas Cantata. Wow! Did we ever come at the right time?! We were treated to oven baked Cornish hens, dressing, oven-baked seasoned potatoes, green beans, carrots, salad, pumpkin and cranberry muffins, a choice of 4-6 desserts, coffee, raspberry tea, sodas and with all of that, I still may have forgotten something. Are you hungry yet? Oh, was it delicious! The only problem was that we were so full we had a hard time setting up and rehearsing as we just wanted to lay down and take a nap. 
and wives on this tour. Pastor John Jordan his wife, Stephanie, along with their three lovely children were no exception. They were such a joy to be with. 
heard you were coming to minister and immediately decided to invite him to the meeting. I shared my intentions with my church friends. They just squealed and said they would be praying for him. Well, he came with me and that night in church, a couple, C.L. and Linda Wilkerson, who were counselors, sat next to us and were praying. After Larry preached and gave the altar call, C.L. reached over and asked my husband if he wanted to give his life to Christ. My husband readily responded, 'Yes.' Both my husband and teenage son went forward to receive Christ. What a difference God has made in our lives."
us, "When Larry and Gloria Lundstrom came to our church in Beckley ten years ago, we were counselors. Gloria met with all of the counselors before the service and challenged us to get out of our comfort zone and sit by someone we normally didn't sit with. She encouraged us to sit by someone who was hurting, visiting or who didn't know the Lord. We took the challenge! The minute we walked into the sanctuary, we saw Dr. Bose Mikkilineni. My husband knew that was who we were to sit by. After the message was presented and the altar call was in progress, C.L. looked at Dr. Bose and asked if he wanted to go forward. He responded with a yes, and God's perfect work was accomplished. We have been delighted to see Dr. Bose mature into such an awesome man of God. Thanks, Larry and Gloria. We love you."
experienced a bit of deja' vu as Larry and I were here as newlyweds in the mid-60's. Ooooh....talk about water under the bridge! This time around, we are celebrating our 41st anniversary. Several couples in their 30's came up to us after the services and exclaimed, "My parents brought me to see you when I was six years old...ten years old....a teenager." Boy, does that ever make you feel aged. I guess it's true! HA! 
On Saturday, we were greeted by Shannon, the music minister at the church. Larry questioned Shannon, "Do you remember when the Lundstrom's were here?" He just chuckled and I interjectted, "Larry, he wasn't even born yet." Shannon laughed and announced, "Oh, I know all about you. You are a staple. Your ministry has left a huge impact in this area of Maryland."
We enjoyed ministering in the two morning worship services. There were several people who attended that we knew from our prior times of ministry in this area. There were many rededications along with a few first time decisions. Altar calls never grow old! They are always exciting! 
filled with excitement and expectation. We were able to renew acquaintances with many friends we had made in years prior dating all the way back to the late '60's. We were once again blessed as many shared of how they came to Christ under the Lundstrom ministry and continue to faithfully serve God. God greatly anointed the music and message and when the altar call was given, several flocked to the altar to make decisions for Christ. 
We were personally overjoyed to be invited over to Pastor Joe and Naomi's home for a delicious home-cooked meal and fellowship with them and their precious family. They have 12 children-four are gone from home leaving eight children still at home. They are all so talented and full of energy. Each child plays a musical instrument and the family performs concerts. What fun we had visiting with them. After the meal, they presented us with a beautiful anniversary cake. How sweet of them!
released this week stating that we have just crossed the 300 million mark for the estimated population in America. With the increased number of people in our nation and all of our diversity, you are able to choose whatever church you desire. With the myriad of options, wouldn't you think everyone would be rushing to church? Wouldn't you think every church in America would be packed to overflowing? I think so! There are choices of large or small churches...traditional or charismatic...fast or slow music....conventional or contemporary worship. Every doctrine imaginable is out there. There is healing, faith (name it/claim it), gifts of the spirit, and the list is too long to finish. The overwhelming choice is yours. 
Christian Television). President Garth Coonce and his beautiful wife, Tina, birthed this TV ministry almost 30 years ago. TCT has 17 stations in the United States and currently broadcasts in 170 countries with the potential of reaching over 4 billion people. What an awesome opportunity! We sang (rather Larry sang lead and I sang with him as my voice is still weak from bronchitis). Praise God--- I felt God's touch, strength and anointing as we ministered, 
and I didn't cough or sputter once. During the interview, I was able to encourage hurting families and parents with prodigals while Larry, of course, got out his gun...HA...and went hunting for the unsaved. There was a great response of people calling in, asking for prayer and many received Christ. It was so great to see Garth and Tina again. It was also a delight to meet our hosts, Myles and Valerie Holmes, who interviewed us. It was a precious time. 
On October 16th, Larry and I will celebrate our journey into our 41st year of marriage and ministry. We are usually literally like the old song that says, "We are a thousand miles from home." Normally, we are a far distance away from our children physically so it is impossible to spend that special day with them, but Larry and I always make it a priority to go on a special date, even if it isn't on the exact anniversary date. As long as we celebrate, it works! 
w Ryland and his wife, Erma, Roetland. We originally met them in the late 60's and some of their children came to the Lord under Lundstrom Ministries. It is always a joy to hear those testimonies. They shared this testimony with us:
Little did I know that when I took the picture of Larry and the comedian, there was a tragic story that loomed beneath his big grin. Since that night, the Lord has been convicting me again to never assume that just because someone is smiling doesn't mean that they aren't hurting inside or have a need just beneath the surface. I do my best to assume that every time I meet someone, there is a ministry opportunity in which I can encourage and pray with them. There have been times in my life when I have hurt so deeply and have questioned God, "Why me???" When those times come, 2 Corinthians 1:4-5 comes to mind, "Who comforteth us in all our tribulations that we may be able to comfort them that are in any trouble." In other words, God doesn't want us to waste our pain. He wants us to turn our pain into a pulpit so that we may help someone else. I love the verse in Psalm 34:18 that says, "The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart."