http://larrylundstromministries.org/68419?blogid=1624&view=post&articleid=January-4-2021&link=1&fldKeywords=&fldAuthor=&fldTopic=0

 

Here we are...2021...a clean slate to start over!   I have to admit that I didn't get all my "should do's" and "want to's" done last year, but as my dear mother would often say while she was still alive, "Missy, don't fret over what you didn't get done, it will still be there waiting for you!"  To which I would respond, "That's the problem!  I don't want it waiting for me;  I want it done!" 

 

We had a wonderful Christmas with our small family (just the 8 of us as our granddaughter, Myanna, moved back to Minneapolis so we greatly missed her being with us).  We officially met the COVID code in case someone wanted to peak through the window to check up on us. (HA!)  We were at our home for Christmas Eve where we played games, exchanged gifts as we had drawn names, and had a brown bag gift exchange for fun.  Christmas Day we went to our daughter, LaShawn and Liam's, for a Christmas dinner and lots of continued stories, laughter, snacks and goodies.  It was a great time, and we are truly thankful for all the moments we were able to spend together. 

 

 

 

Those special times were over before we knew it , and then we sped  toward the New Year, and alas, here it is!  A few days ago, our daughter LaDawn asked me what God was speaking to my heart regarding 2021.  Without hesitancy I answered, "Two words---endurance and perseverance."  To that reply, LaDawn groaned and I continued with assurance, "We will make it.  I know that!  But we will have to work hard at enduring and persevering through whatever is ahead.  God is with us!" 

 

Truly that is what is important.  As we look into 2021, Larry and I rest in knowing that God is walking ahead of us.  He desires us to draw near to Him.  Yes---we will all have a choice this year to REJOICE and GROW or MOAN and GROAN.  We are choosing to REJOICE!

 

As we begin this new year, I want to leave a couple of verses with you that I pray will be an encouragement to you! 

 

 

 

GLORIA

 

P.S.  Just a quick reminder, we are excited for the upcoming Coffee & Connect LIVE  in our Facebook group at 11 AM on Wednesdays.  

Here's how you can join us! To join the Facebook group, click here >> https://www.facebook.com/groups/590560935145210 or you can wait until Wednesday afternoon to view the most recent episode right here on our website by going to the CCLIVE page. All of the videos we have done until now are available for viewing!

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RECIPE

 

Potato-Knepfla Soup

 

6 medium potatoes, cubed

1 large onion, chopped

3 Tbsp bacon or ham drippings

salt & pepper

1 Tbsp chicken soup base

1/2 cup sweet or cultured sour cream

 

Brown onion in drppings.  Add water, soup base, seasonings and potatoes.  Boil slowly for 20 minutes.  When potatoes are tender, put in knepfla and boil for 10 minutes.  Add cream, bring to a boil and serve.

 

Knepfla dough:

4 cups flour

2 small eggs

1/2 tsp salt

water (enough to make soft dough)

http://larrylundstromministries.org/68419?blogid=1624&view=post&articleid=December-23-2020&link=1&fldKeywords=&fldAuthor=&fldTopic=0

MERRY CHRISTMAS & HAPPY NEW YEAR!

 

 

 

CHRISTMAS WILL NOT BE AS USUAL.....

 

Here we are.  It's December and the calendar days are quickly counting down approaching Christmas.  There is always anticipation at Christmas. We anticipate and have expectations of parties, Christmas caroling, church activities, families gathering together, and scrumptious eating which all spell fun in my book! For me, this is an "ideal" Christmas.

However, we are facing a different reality this year; Christmas won't be as usual. COVID-19 has upended and changed everything. Peoples' schedules, finances, plans, dreams, vacations and get-togethers are different in one way or another.  For many there will be empty chairs and trickling tears thinking of those who have been stolen out of their lives due to untimely deaths. The absence will be painful. As will the feeling of loss with less family gatherings, church concerts/programs, and special
holiday events.  Now to be frank, we did not do anything to cause this, and there's really little we can do to change it, so that leaves us with the question, "What is Christmas going to be like this year? How can it be better than expected?"

 

I want to challenge you that it can be better than you think, IF we can choose to create a better mindset and be intentional about focusing on the true REASON for the SEASON.  There once was a family that celebrated Christmas every year with a birthday party for Jesus. An extra chair of honor was brought to the table and it became the family's visual reminder of Jesus' presence with them. There was a cake brought to life with flickering candles and the family burst out in the singing of "Happy Birthday" to express their joy and celebration of Jesus' presence. One year a Christmas afternoon visitor asked the five-year-old, Katie, "Did you get everything you wanted for Christmas?" After a moment's hesitation she answered, "No, but then, it's
not my birthday." 

 

This Christmas, even with all the COVID–chaos, will we forget, the real REASON for Christmas?  It could be very well be that there will be less extravagant gift-giving (which is financially better causing less stress). Sadly, there may be fewer family gathering, (but one can use the gift of technology: cell phones, FaceTime, Zoom and numerous other ways to connect). There may be a decrease in the amount of Christmas goodies and favorite dishes (which just might be a lot healthier for all of us).  There may be an abundance of family games (which might create more interaction with the family and the opportunity to know more about each other).  As we cherish the times together, in person or online.  Maybe have a question and answer time where we take the time to ask grandma and grandpa or mom and dad questions about something you'd like to know and didn't know as we are never guaranteed more moments; (you would gain a wealth of information and history).  This new creativity, along with the altering or adjusting of old traditions, you have the opportunity of instilling stress free, fat free, finance free traditions that can be whole new customs that will bring joy, laughter, richness and fulfillment to the family.  Then frost the Christmas gathering with the Luke account of the Christmas story!

 

This may be the  most unusual Christmas we've ever had, but prayerfully it is a memorable and meaningful one.  It sounds good to me!

 

HAVE A BLESSED & MERRY CHRISTMAS!

 

Gloria

 

P.S.  If you want to hear some of our favorite Christmas memories as a family---whether that is coming in off the road in the knick of time to celebrate or creating a Christmas TV special---you can tune into our last two COFFEE & CONNECT LIVE's where as a family, we share some of those memories.  You can view them by clicking HERE and then scrolling down to the videos.  Just click on the video to watch!

 

 

 

 

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DID YOU KNOW???

• DID YOU KNOW that the chopping down of the Christmas tree represents the death of Christ and putting it back up represents the ressurection of Christ?
• DID YOU KNOW that the wreaths we hang are never ending circles that represent eternity?
• DID YOU KNOW candy canes were made to look like shepherd hooks and the colors-red to represent Jesus' blood and white to represent purity
• DID YOU KNOW the gifts that we share with each other represent the three gifts the wise men brought for Baby Jesus

So....when you are running around trying to find the "perfect gift", stop yourself, take a deep breath and remember---

WE HAVE BEEN GIVEN THE PERFECT GIFT----JESUS CHRIST was given to us to remove all our sins!

HAVE A MERRY CHRISTMAS!

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SANDBAKKELS

*A favorite Norwegian treat my mom made!  If you like butter, you will like these!

 

1 cup sugar

1 cup butter

3 cups flour (about)

1 egg, well beaten

1 tsp vanilla or almond flavoring

 

Cream sugar and butter.  Add egg and flavoring.  Work in about 3 cups flour.  Press into tins and bake at 375 degrees for about 10 minutes.  Watch carefully.

http://larrylundstromministries.org/68419?blogid=1624&view=post&articleid=November-23-2020&link=1&fldKeywords=&fldAuthor=&fldTopic=0

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I love that verse.  If you ever wonder what God's will is, you do not have to wonder any longer!  It is very clear that He instructs us to GIVE THANKS in EVERYTHING. 

 

This Thanksgiving, this command may be a little more difficult to follow.  Most people's worlds are different right now.  Some are experiencing illness, grief, loneliness, job loss, uncertainty or discouragement.  In these times, it doesn't feel natural or automatic to give thanks or feel the joy of the season.  The more natural cry of the heart is, "How can I give thanks for this?"

 

I read this explanation recently,

"In some places sweet water is known to well up amid the brine of the salt sea.  So it is true that many of the sweetest joys in life are the fruit of sorrow.

A teacher, trying to impress this truth to a class, drew some black dots which appeared as nothing other than an irregular assemblage of black dots.  Then he drew a few lines, put in a few rests, then a clef and soon the dots were musical notes which when sounded formed: 'Praise God from whom all blessings flow.' 

So in our lives, the black dots and dark days may be difficult to understand.  But with God arranging the dots, a glorious harmony will result in our lives."

 

We may have to be a little more intentional this Thanksgiving and choose to give thanks even amidst what appears like a mess of chaos and unsettledness, but we can trust that as we follow the Lord's will of giving thanks in everything, the Lord is making something beautiful.

 

May you have a very blessed and intentional time of thanksgiving!

 

Gloria

 

P.S.  Just a quick reminder, we are excited for the upcoming Coffee & Connect LIVE's with special guests for the next two weeks.  We go LIVE in our Facebook group at 11 AM on Wednesdays.

 

 

November 25th with Greg Long---Greg is the son of our dear friend and fellow evangelist, Linda Long, and travelled with Lowell Lundstrom Ministries for a time.  You may know him from the Christian group, Avalon, where he joins his wife, Janna, in bringing hope.  This dynamic couple also serves at Woodlands Church near Houston, Texas.

 

December 2 with Jeff Nordin---Jeff is going to return once again and we can't wait to hear from him and be blessed by the amazing talent God has gifted him with.  He travelled with us as a keyboardist and is currently the Creative Art Director and Worship Leader of Christ Chapel in Woodbridge, VA.

 

Here's how you can join us!  To join the Facebook group,

click here>>https://www.facebook.com/groups/590560935145210 or you can wait until Wednesday afternoon to view the  most recent episode right here on our website by going to the CCLIVE page.  All of the videos we have done until now are available for viewing!

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RECIPE

 

Baked Corn

1 can whole kernel corn, drained

1 can cream style corn

1 egg lightly beaten

1/2 stick margarine, melted

1 cup sour cream

1 8 1/2 oz box Jiffy corn muffin mix

Lightly grease a 2 quart casserole dish.  Combine corn, egg, margarine, sour cream and muffin mix.  Mix well.  Bake at 375 degrees for 45 minutes.  it usually seems to take just a little longer until done.

http://larrylundstromministries.org/68419?blogid=1624&view=post&articleid=November-9-2020&link=1&fldKeywords=&fldAuthor=&fldTopic=0

 

 

Sometimes you just have to stop, take a moment and recognize that WOW...2020 has been quite the year!  For many, as we started 2020, we didn't expect the turns, the twists, the dives, the challenges we have faced and yet, through every moment, we can say,

 

 

"Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and your dominion endures through all generations. The Lord is trustworthy in all he promises and faithful in all he does." Psalm 145:13

 

 

 

 

 

 

As we began this year, we didn't expect to not be on the road due to a virus.

As we began this year, we didn't expect to lose friends and partners to a pandemic.

As we began this year, we didn't expect to see so much division in our country.

As we began this year, we didn't expect many in our family to lose their jobs.

As we began this year, we didn't expect to go through another heart ablation.

 

Many things have been unexpected, but through the unexpected, we have also seen things we didn't expect.

 

As we began this year, we didn't expect to start a new avenue of ministry through Facebook called Coffee & Connect LIVE giving us the opportunity to connect and reconnect with so many that we have lost touch with over the years and to also be able to have the possibility to share the Gospel through our website and Youtube videos with countless numbers of people.

 

As we began this year, we didn't expect to be making numerous phone calls, texts, emails and messages to many of our friends and partners which have allowed us to share and pray and lift up each other and also recognize how thankful we are for every moment we have shared together in the past and now.

 

As we began this year, we didn't expect to be driven to our knees in the way that we have as we have observed things that break our hearts and yet at the same time, be so thankful that as Christians, we have the HOPE and ANSWER found in Jesus Christ which makes us all the more determined to continue to share the Gospel until our last breath.

 

As we began this year, we didn't expect to see hardships that our family has faced, but have also drawn us together and have given us the ability to trust in the Lord with all our hearts for provision, guidance and miracles.

 

As we began this year, we didn't expect to need to undergo another procedure to correct my Afib, but through it and being a part of a clinical trial, I have a testimony to share.  

 

 

Here I am with my nurse Diana Crawford who helped with the clinical trial through Vanderbilt Heart Clinic in Nashville, Tennesee.  She attended a rally in Minnesota as a teenager and how wonderful it was to have her has my nurse.  We love how God orchestrates thing.  I am happy to say that I am through with my clinical trial and hopefully this will help with keeping my A-fib in check. It has been out of control. The heart ablation surgery went good and I was blessed with a wonderful surgeon.  I'm experiencing extreme fatigue and a lot of pain that  I don't know what it's from, but then again as my mother would say "Missy you're not a spring chicken anymore!" 

 

 

Yes....with all of the unexpecteds of 2020, Larry and I always say we are blessed to be able to wake up together and be able to continue ministry together from Nashville.  We are doing more counseling, phone calls, more mail, and more praying with friends and partners, as well as, studying and writing than ever.  There are so many prayer requests and so many needs and we are so thankful that our friends and partners call us to remember them in prayer.  Here's a little peak into our prayer room where we gather each morning to pray......

 

 

As mentioned above, another unexpected has been our COFFEE & CONNECT LIVE each Wednesday at 11 AM.  It is truly our joy to connect with each of you through that avenue and we have greatly enjoyed the opportunity to share special guests.  We are very much looking forward to this next month:

 

 

 

 

November 11 with John & Angie Sommer---John was our former keyboardist while we traveled in the late 80's.  He and his beautiful wife, along with their incredible family, have a testimony to share of how COVID ended up being a blessing for their family and how God is doing amazing things!

November 18th will be us sharing personal testimonies of thanksgiving as we have seen God's faithfulness firsthand throughout the years!

November 25th with Greg Long---Greg is the son of our dear friend and fellow evangelist, Linda Long, and travelled with Lowell Lundstrom Ministries for a time.  You may know him from the Christian group, Avalon, where he joins his wife, Janna, in bringing hope.  This dynamic couple also serves at Woodlands Church near Houston, Texas.

December 2 with Jeff Nordin---Jeff is going to return once again and we can't wait to hear from him and be blessed by the amazing talent God has gifted him with.  He travelled with us as a keyboardist and is currently the Creative Art Director and Worship Leader of Christ Chapel in Woodbridge, VA.

 

Wow...quite a month coming up!  Here's how you can join us!  To join the Facebook group,

click here>>https://www.facebook.com/groups/590560935145210 or you can wait until Wednesday afternoon to view the  most recent episode right here on our website by going to the CCLIVE page.  All of the videos we have done until now are available for viewing!

 

Before I sign off, I just wanted to take a moment to say a HUGE THANK YOU to all of our veterans who have sacrificed for our country in ways that go beyond our understanding.  THANK YOU from the bottom of our hearts for those who have served and those who are currently serving.  May the Lord BLESS YOU, KEEP YOU and MAKE HIS FACE SHINE UPON YOU today and always!

 

 

Gloria

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RECIPE

Creamy Corn Chowder

2 slices bacon, diced

1 small onion, thinly sliced

2 medium potatoes, pared and diced

1 can cream style corn

1 1/2 cup half and half

2 Tbsp butter or margarine

1 1/4 tsp salt

1/2 tsp sugar

pepper

parsley flakes

In medium saucepan, saute' bacon and onion, Add potatoes and 3/4 cup water.  Bring to boil and cook gently, covered for about ten minutes until potatoes are tender but not mushy.  Add corn, milk, butter/margarine, salt, sugar and pepper.  Simmer covered for 5 minutes until hot.  Garnish with parsley.

http://larrylundstromministries.org/68419?blogid=1624&view=post&articleid=October-13-2020&link=1&fldKeywords=&fldAuthor=&fldTopic=0

BECAUSE SOMEONE ANSWERED THE CALL.....

 

It was July 1925; a tent was being erected in the small rural community of Sisseton,  nestled in the foothills of the Coteau Valley in Northeast South Dakota. Sisseton consisted of common hardworking people, tirelessly and endlessly trying to make a living to support their families. Among those were Ole Vassen and his sister, Anna, who had a burden to bring the Gospel message to the area through sermon and music to reach the lost. With this in mind, they invited evangelist, Blanche E. Brittain. She sang and preached and people gave their hearts to Christ. Eventually the tent was taken down and they proceeded from building to building.

        

In the early autumn of 1926, there was a special campmeeting being held at Lake Geneva Bible Camp in Alexandria, Minnesota. Desperate to find someone to carry on the revival and to start a church in Sisseton, Miss Anna Vassen stood up with tears coursing down her cheeks and pleaded, "Won't someone please come to Sisseton?" One heard the cry and responded and a young couple came to Sisseton to begin a new church.  That in itself is a thrilling true story, but it is only the beginning. 

 

 

 

 

 

Because someone heard the cry and answered the call, a young pastor and his wife moved to Sisseton and started a new church. Someone else answered the call and pleaded to our family (Brooks Family) in 1953 to please come and hear an evangelist.  Our family of 11 (at the time) walked into that humble little building and when the altar  call was given, we all stepped forward and gave our hearts to Christ.

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Once again, four years later, someone pleaded and invited Larry's brother, Lowell, to hear the Gospel and he answered the call which began a chain reaction. He pleaded and invited the rest of the family in 1957 to an evangelistic outreach in which his two brothers (which included Larry), mother and father answered the call, responded and gave their lives to Christ.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Then, Larry and I, as both young teenagers were blessed to have a young pastor, Rev. Daryl Wartenbee, who was a fired up evangelistic preacher who pleaded and directed our youth group to put our "faith in action" and took us out to the streets to do street meetings.
People got saved! He role modeled to us—Go into all the world. That was stamped in our hearts. He reminded us we were born again to tell others the Good News! 

 

Separately, the call burned within both of us that from the moment that we accepted Christ. We knew there were no options—it was ministry for each of us to go. After we both graduated, Larry's brother, Lowell and his wife, Connie, pleaded for Larry to join them in full time evangelism on the road and he answered that call.

 

                 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Here's the bottom line. This is what is so thrilling. Because someone PLEADED with Blanche E. Brittain to come and share the Gospel and she ANSWERED THE CALL way back in 1925 to preach the Good News in a humble tent made tabernacle, Larry and I are still in evangelism winning the lost and encouraging the hurting these 95 years later. How exhilarating is that!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

And because of that wonderful day in 1925 when someone answered the cry, we have been blessed with God's best and faithful partners today. We didn't have to plead for you to join us, but as partners you offered your prayers and support and what a joy it has been. Thank you for being so faithful ! Larry and I continue to go and answer the call as the Lord leads.

 

And one of the ways He has led us in these interesting times is to minister out through special Facebook LIVES that are also available on our website.  This Wednesday, October 14th, at 11 AM, we will continue to share the story of how God wrote our story of commitment, love, marriage, ministry and unending passion to see people come to Christ!

 

You can join the Facebook group here:   https://www.facebook.com/groups/590560935145210. 

You can watch the COFFEE & CONNECT LIVE videos by clicking HERE to catch you up!

 

GLORIA

 

 

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RECIPE

Fall definitely feels like it is here!  Thinking of childhood, I remember the infamous popcorn balls.  Here's a yummy recipe to try with the kiddos or grandkids!

 

Super Easy Caramel Popcorn Balls

3 (3.5 oz) bags natural microwave popcorn popped 

1 cup brown sugar

1/2 cup butter

1 cup light corn syrup

1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk

 

1. Place popcorn in a large bowl; it is good to divide between two bowls for easier mixing.
2. In a sauce pan, combine brown sugar, butter, and corn syrup. While stirring, bring mixture to a boil and then add condensed milk.
3. While stirring, bring to a boil again and boil for 2 minutes. Remove from heat and pour over popcorn.
4. Mix popcorn to even coat with the caramel. Place a big spoonful of popcorn on a piece of plastic wrap. Fold plastic wrap over the popcorn and shape into a ball. This makes it easy to shape, keeps your hands from getting sticky and covers the caramel popcorn balls.
5. Repeat with remaining popcorn.  Eat and enjoy!!!

http://larrylundstromministries.org/68419?blogid=1624&view=post&articleid=October-6-2020&link=1&fldKeywords=&fldAuthor=&fldTopic=0

Wow, what a spectacular fall day it is today here in Tennessee!  The leaves on the trees are brilliantly displaying their colors reaffirming God's picturesque creation for our enjoyment.  The red cardinals are adding their sparkle to the already breathtaking picture.

 

Because so many of you asked, I thought I would give you a quick update on my recent heart ablation procedure I underwent in order to help solve my A-fib heart condition.  I had a great surgeon, and he did an excellent job.  I am recuperating well, but just dealing with feeling overmedicated and wanting to crawl into bed and sleep and sleep and sleep!  I don't have time for that!  HA!  

 

 

 I also am enrolled in a clinical trial through Vanderbilt Medical Center in downtown Nashville, Tennessee. There are only 26 participants that are enrolled, and I am blessed to be one of them.   Not only are we praying that this program will help me, but also are hopeful it will help many others who are struggling with similar a-fib issues.  I kind of feel like what my mom used to say often, "You can bend a Norwegian, but you can't break em!" So .... I'm back!!!  LOL!

 

I wanted to share this God-story with you that took place during this time......

 

The morning of the procedure I was greeted by the staff, the various doctors, anesthesiologist, etc.  Into the room bounces Diane Crawford, my bubbly nurse. We chatted and Larry told a couple of jokes (can you imagine that?)!  As we chatted waiting for the procedure, we connected as if we had known each other all our lives.

 

 The following morning after the procedure, Diane came in to go over my clinical trial instructions.  She looked at me and said,

 

 "When I met you and your husband yesterday, I felt like I had known you for years; we just connected. As I was going over my paperwork last night, I saw your name and I thought--- I wonder if that is the Lundstrom's from back in the Midwest!  I went online and looked you up, and here it is the Lundstrom's!  

 

 I am originally from Minnesota, and I attended your crusade as a teenager in 1975 in Windom, Minnesota . I loved your music and as a teenager, I admired you.  You made a great impact on my life. Who would have thought all these many years later I would  meet you here in Nashville, Tennessee, in the Vanderbilt Medical Center and be your clinical trial nurse! ". (Only God could have orchestrated that!)  

 

Speaking of God orchestrating things, on October 16th, Larry and I celebrate another milestone---our 55th wedding anniversary!
In our next website I will share some interesting true stories of how God brought us to Christ as teens and how we could see the hand of God through it all.

 

HOWEVER, IF YOU DON'T WANT TO WAIT UNTIL THEN TO HEAR, we invite you to JOIN US this Wednesday @ 11 AM to our weekly COFFEE & CONNECT LIVE in our Facebook group.  In a time when we haven't been able to travel and connect with so many of you, our friends and partners, this has been a fun way to do so! 

 

 

To join the Facebook group, click here>>https://www.facebook.com/groups/590560935145210 or you can wait until Wednesday afternoon to view the  most recent episode right here on our website by going to the CCLIVE page.  All of the videos we have done until now are available for viewing!  

Have a great week!  Take good care of yourselves and others!

 

Gloria

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RECIPE

Use up some of the scrumptious peppers from the garden....and these will warm your insides!  You can customize these to make them extra spicy or nice and calm.

8 bell peppers with tops cut off and seeds/membranes removed

1 lb mild or spicy ground Italian sausage or ground beef

3 cups uncooked Spanish style rice, or white rice 

1 1/2 cups water

1 15-ounce can fire roasted diced tomatoes or regular diced tomatoes

1 cup shredded cheese

cilantro or green onions for topping

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Grease a 9x13 pan and arrange bell peppers standing up. Transfer to preheated oven and allow to cook for 10-15 minutes until tender.  Move ahead with next step while peppers are cooking.  In a large pan over medium-high heat, cook sausage/beef for 5-6 minutes until well browned. Remove grease, cover and keep warm.  In another pan, add rice, water, and tomatoes to the pan, give it a good stir, and bring to a boil. Reduce to LOW, cover, and cook for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.  Once time is up, stir the meat and 1/2 cup of the cheese into the pan. Spoon mixture into the baked peppers and top with remaining cheese.   Bake for 5 minutes or until cheese is melted. Top with green onions or cilantro if desired and serve. 

 

http://larrylundstromministries.org/68419?blogid=1624&view=post&articleid=August-24-2020&link=1&fldKeywords=&fldAuthor=&fldTopic=0

To be completely honest, life isn't quite what we thought it would be right now as we are still enduring this Covid-19 crisis.  Last March, we all thought that we would shelter-in-place for two weeks and then everything would go back to normal and life as usual would resume.  Sadly, this has not happened.  Covid-19 has taken its toll on numerous aspects of life, in so many lives all over the world. We expected to be out traveling and ministering this summer but instead we are stretching into new avenues of ministering for a time.

 

As our area has been hit quite hard by the virus, Larry and I quickly learned not to fear, but to be smart, cautious and take care of ourselves.   We had to move from fear to faith in God.  He is the answer!  We need to divert°adjust°.change our minds from CRISIS to CHRIST.  He is our HOPE, our PEACE, our PROVISION---He is the great I AM!  HE IS AND WILL CONTINUE TO BE!!!

 

That doesn't mean however that we haven't had some days or even weeks where we want to say, "That's enough God.  That's all I can handle right now."  Yet°.even when having "One of those days°.or weeks°." We know we have a choice in how we handle the hard.

 

We hope this article will minister to you!

 

"One of Those Days"

Have you ever had "one of those days"? A few days before Larry and I were married, my mom sat down with me at our little kitchen booth to share a few survival tips for marriage. She was trying to inform me that not all days will be "sweet tea and red roses"!  She addressed me, "Missy, you will be living in an old bus (1948 Flex Bus.) There will be two couples and two children°one a toddler and one two-years old. They will all have their own individual personalities. And let me remind you, there will be the sweet good days—and some bad ugly days. There will be genuine reality moments when everything that can go wrong will go wrong and remember you can't run away when the bus is going 55 mph down the road. You could get hurt! (chuckle)" Then she capped our conversation with, "Just remember, you will have 'one of those days'. And let me remind you of two things: 1-You will make it! 2-Learn to zip your lips so you won't cause unfriendly fire!"

At the time, I thought this was all kind of funny so I chuckled. About two years later, after coming home off a five month tour which had included numerous bus breakdowns and untold problems (lots of them), I reminded Mom of our previous conversation. Again she chuckled and I said, "Mom, you said I would have 'one of those days', but you never told me how many of 'one of those days' I would have. She nodded her head and smiled, looked me square in the eye as if to congratulate me and said, "Missy, you made it and you will keep making it. You know why? Because you have to!"

The following story so describes me, Gloria Lundstrom, numerous times in my life.

The problem began when Chippy's owner decided to clean Chippy's cage with a vacuum cleaner. She removed the attachment from the end of the hose and stuck it in the cage. The phone rang and she turned to pick it up. She'd barely said, "Hello" when "Ssssop"! Chippy got sucked in. The bird owner gasped, put down the phone, turned off the vacuum, and opened the bag. There was Chippy°still alive, but stunned. Since the bird was covered with dust and soot, she grabbed him and raced to the bathroom, turned on the faucet and held Chippy under the running water. Then realizing that Chippy was soaked and shivering, she did what any compassionate bird owner would do? She reached for the hair dryer and blasted the pet with hot air. Poor Chippy never knew what hit him. A few days after the trauma, the reporter who'd initially written about the event contacted Chippy's owner to see how the bird was recovering. "Well," she replied, "Chippy doesn't sing much anymore. He just sits and stares."

Have you ever felt like this is your story? At times, it feels like you are whistling through life one moment singing a song and the next minute, you are caught up in a whirlwind of devastation. Life seemed so good until one day this past March when the whole world changed almost overnight as Covid-19 and its fallout invaded our lives. Maybe for you, it was an illness, loss of a mate, parent or child, a job loss, or facing isolation indoors alienated from all the normal things that made you feel so safe and secure. Then°boom° we were all sucked up and sucked in like Chippy the bird, washed up, and singed by disappointments that life hands out. These annoyances of life hit when we least expect them. Then what? We have to make a choice. Either groan or grow. In the midst of these devastating blows, satan would like to attack your faith, confusing you, making you doubt what you believe and sedate you with a "no hope" injection. What do you do when you don't know what to do?

First of all—don't take it personally like you are the only one in the world going through this because as you know, "everyone in the world is going through it." John 10:10, "The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly." The devil knows his days are numbered and he is on an all-out attack on everyone°it's not just you.

 Secondly—don't give up. Don't panic and don't give in. Ephesians 6:13 says, "Having done all, to stand." Don't fall into satan's trap, don't listen to the voice that says, "you aren't going to make it", don't collapse spiritually and physically. Stand on God's Word that says, "I will never leave you nor forsake you." (Hebrews 13:5) I guarantee Jesus will be a shelter in the time of the storm.

Thirdly,—don't be like Chippy and let satan take the song out of your heart and life. Psalms 118:14, "The Lord is my strength and my song and He has become my salvation." I found that in my struggles the last several months, God continues to put a song in my heart and mind all day long. In fact, yesterday we were in the car going to get groceries; I was singing and Larry chuckled, "Who put a quarter in you?" I replied with a smile, "The Lord°aren't you thankful?"

In the midst of whatever you are going through, ask the Lord to put a song in your heart. Be blessed and know that God is there when you are having one of those days!

Gloria

P.S.  We hope to have you join us this Wednesday for "Coffee & Connect LIVE" at 11 AM.  Join the Facebook group by clicking HERE! 

You can also watch it at a later time here on our website by clicking HERE!

 

 

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RECIPE

It's time to use some of those fresh veggies!  There is nothing like produce from the garden!

 

Zucchini Corn Bake

 

1 medium sized zucchini

1/2 cup onion

1/3 cup green pepper

2 Tbsp butter

1 lb or can of creamed corn

3 eggs

salt and pepper to taste

1/3 cup shredded cheddar cheese

 

Slice and cook zucchini in salted water; drain.  Brown onion and green pepper in butter.  Combine zucchini, onion, salt, pepper, corn and eegs.  Sprinkle with cheese.  Put in 1 1/2 quart casserole and bake at 350 degrees for 50 minutes.

http://larrylundstromministries.org/68419?blogid=1624&view=post&articleid=July-21-2020&link=1&fldKeywords=&fldAuthor=&fldTopic=0

Happy Tuesday!!!!  We are anxious for HAPPY WEDNESDAY when we meet again for "Coffee & Connect LIVE".  We are super excited for you to join us for a special coffee chat with our niece, Londa Lundstrom Ramsey. We will have a great time telling stories and sharing words of encouragement and challenge.

 

 

 If you want to be a member of our chat group, let us know!  You can click on this link and request to JOIN the group>> https://www.facebook.com/groups/590560935145210/

 

Also maybe you just want to check out what we are even talking about.  We have recorded some of our recent "Coffee & Connect LIVE's" and made them available here on our website.  You can CLICK HERE or go to our CCLIVE page to view those videos!

 

See you later!  Until then, take care and rejoice in this day the Lord has made! 

 

Gloria

 

 

http://larrylundstromministries.org/68419?blogid=1624&view=post&articleid=July-1-2020&link=1&fldKeywords=&fldAuthor=&fldTopic=0

 

Wow!  I can hardly believe it is the 1st of July as I write this.  On one hand, time seems to be flying by, but on the other hand, when I see all the happenings taking place, I also feel we are at a standstill.  It's weird how both can seem to be true.

 

This past weekend, we were so delighted to celebrate Larry's 77th birthday with our family.  After being on the road for over 50 years, once the kids grew up and no longer travelled with us, we often missed celebrating these special events together.  So, these are special times to us when we are able to gather and relish the moments.  It was a fun time.  Our son, Donovan, had these lights there commemorating the momentous year Larry came into this world.  We can all say for sure....the world has never been the same since!  And...we are so glad for that!  The joy, humor, passion, dedication and love that Larry lives each day is such a blessing!

 

 

 

 

 

We pray that as you enter into this 4th of July holiday weekend that you will be sure to pray for our nation.  We are thankful for the freedoms that we have and don't want to take them for granted.  Pray for mercy and for the Lord to awaken hearts to their need for Him as Savior.  We need Jesus in America!

 

I thought this article from our latest newsletter might encourage you during these times.  Stay safe, friends, and pray!

 

Gloria

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"I Can't Hold On Any Longer!"

 

"Some days I feel like there's no future. It is so hard!"

The words from this note we received from one of our ministry partner/friends keeps reverberating in my head  and in my heart.  This isn't the only note that we receive. We receive dozens of notes from people whose lives have been turned upside down.  Some have been changed due to the COVID-19 virus.  If it were just that, it would be bad enough, but this friend also lost his wife a few months ago, so piled on top of the grief and loss, the feeling of hopelessness begins to overwhelm.

We have all been there at a time in our lives where pain, disappointment, hurt, and hopelessness crashes against us like a tsunami.  What do we do when we come to the end of our rope and there's nothing to hold onto?  It appears multiplied thousands are at that point.  If you don't mind, let me go back and share a similar moment from my personal experience:

I remember that we were in Baker, Montana, in the 1970's.  We had been married about five years at this time. I had married into a very busy successful evangelistic ministry which involved traveling from coast to coast, being on radio and TV, hosting city wide crusades, recording numerous record albums in Nashville, Tennessee, and countless other activities.  Of course, I was a perfectionist wanting to do everything perfectly in ministry.  I was living in a glass bubble for all to see and "yes" also judge. I felt I had to please everybody and do everything for everybody. Our lives and marriage was lived out in front of the public for all to see.  There was no place to hide.  Due to overload (much being my own fault as I allowed it), I couldn't sleep.  My health was taking a deadly dive, and I felt like I was drowning alive.

One evening, the Lundstrom Team had been invited over to a precious pastor's home for a meal and evening.  I was at the point of total emotional and physical breakdown.  After about a half hour and after not being able to eat, I graciously asked if I could be excused from the table while they all were visiting.  I walked down the hallway to find a quiet place. I felt my body beginning to crumble under the emotional load.  Being so weak and scared, I fell against the hallway and desperately cried out to God, "I'm losing it. I can't hold on any longer!"   I braced myself against the wall fearful I would pass out!  Again I pleaded, "Oh God, help me!"

Just then I looked up and on the wall across from me was a plaque displayed which had written in bold cursive letters,  "Thou wilt keep him in perfect PEACE whose MIND is stayed  on Thee; because he trusteth in Thee." (Isaiah 26:3)  At that moment that verse became my 'LIFE PRESERVER'!  I knew God was speaking to my heart to get my mind off people and my problems.  Rather, He wanted me to take that same turbo energy and apply it to 'staying' my mind on HIM.  With the little strength and will I still possessed, I began to focus on Jesus.  I thanked Him for healing my mind, my will and my emotions; I soon felt a peace begin to flow over me bringing calm to my body and mind.  It was a very valuable lesson learned!  I not only survived—I arrived at a place of peace to pull myself together.

How do you cope when everything is falling apart???

°     When you hit rock bottom, tell God that you are hurting and desperate.  We find many times in the Psalms where David cried out to the Lord. "In my distress I called upon the LORD, And cried out to my God; He heard my voice from His temple, And my cry came before Him, even to His ears." Psalms 18:6

°     Recall and remember the times when you have felt you were going under, but you know God brought you through!  HE has a good track record! "I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD." Psalm 27:13-14

°     Get into God's Word and spend time in prayer. It's a spiritual antibiotic. Do you remember that as kids we would get a doctor kit for Christmas with a plastic thermometer, little Band-Aids, candy pills, and a plastic stethoscope?  Well, I am here to tell you that God's Word, prayer and a heart of thanksgiving is the ultimate spiritual doctor's kit!  "The Lord is near to all who call on Him, to all who call on Him in truth." Psalm 145:18 "The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you—they are full of the Spirit and life."  John 6:63

°     Remember—listen only to God's voice.

If you hear negative words such as: "You won't make it"' or "You're going under" or "God doesn't care about you or this wouldn't have happened."  All those thoughts and words are the enemy's vocabulary!

If you hear the words: "I will never leave you nor for sake you" or "I am all that you need, put your trust in me" or "Lean not on your own understanding" or "You can and will make it".  Then you are hearing the right voice!!!

Let me encourage you—YOU WILL MAKE IT!  Do you want to know why?  YOU HAVE TO!

"I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread." Psalm 37:25

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ANNOUNCEMENT

 

In this time where we aren't able to be out on the road, we have missed greatly our connection with our friends and partners!  So...we are stretching and trying something new.  We are endeavoring to connect with you via Facebook during a special time we call "COFFEE & CONNECT LIVE".  On Wednesday's at 11 AM, we go LIVE in our special Larry Lundstrom Ministries group and take some time to share with you what is on our hearts for the week, as well as, as some stories, scripture and prayer.  If you would like to be a part of this and are on Facebook, you can click this link to ask to JOIN the group.  https://www.facebook.com/groups/590560935145210/

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Here are a few prayers for you and your family to pray for our nation's leaders:

May the hearts of our leaders be transformed from stone to flesh.

And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. -Ezekiel 36:26

May our leaders serve the Lord and take refuge in Him.

Now, therefore, O kings, be wise; be warned, O rulers of the earth. Serve the Lord with fear, and rejoice with trembling.  Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and you perish in the way, for his wrath is quickly kindled. Blessed are all who take refuge in him. -Psalm 2:10-12

May our leaders be humble and repentant.

If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land. -2 Chronicles 7:14

May our leaders be led by the Holy Spirit in all that they do.

Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord of hosts. -Zechariah 4:6

May our leaders seek and follow wise council.

Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors, there is safety. -Proverbs 11:14

 

-www.rootedfamily.com

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A LITTLE HUMOR...

 

1.  Only in America can a pizza get to your house faster than an ambulance.

2.  Only in America are there handicap parking places in front of a skating rink,

3.  Only in America do drugstores make the sick walk all the way to the back of the store to get their prescriptions, while healthy people can buy cigarettes and candy at the front.

4.  Only in America do people order double cheeseburgers, large fries and a DIET Coke.

5.  Only in America do we leave cars worth thousands of dollars int he driveway and put our junk in the garage.

6.  Only in America do we use answering machines to screen calls and have call-waiting so we won't miss a call from someone we didn't want to talk to in the first place.

7.  Only in America do we buy hot dogs in packages of 10 and buns in packages of 8.

 

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RECIPE

On a hot summer's day, there is just something about a refreshing lemon dessert!  This is an easy cool yummy dessert! 

Lemon Delight

 

50 Ritz crackeres, crushed

1/2 cup butter, melted

1/4 cup powdered sugar

1 can sweetened condensed milk

1 8 oz carton frozen whipped topping

1 small can frozen lemonade, thawed

 

Mix together crackers, butter and sugar.  Press into a 9x13 inch pan.  Chill.  Mix together the remaining ingredients and pour over the chilled crust.  Chill and serve.  It keeps well in the refrigerator for days.

http://larrylundstromministries.org/68419?blogid=1624&view=post&articleid=June-16-2020&link=1&fldKeywords=&fldAuthor=&fldTopic=0

 

What a beautiful day it is today in Nashville!  It's 92 degrees with NO HUMIDITY---that's a rare occurrence and how wonderful it is!  Usually, by mid-March the air conditioners are running at full speed here, but it has been so pleasant, we have only used it about 4 hours so far and it is mid-June.  However, it sounds like this weekend, the heat will turn up!

 

As in so many places, we have been experiencing much unrest, rioting, looting, and protests on top of dealing with the pandemic and increased numbers resulting from the lack of social distancing in all the gatherings taking place.  All of that being said...we will be staying close to home!  As we are home, please know that we are praying for you and the needs that you have shared with us.  In fact, today at 1 PM, along with our office staff, we will be praying together over every one shared!  If you get this in time, feel free to email us at llmin@venturecomm.net and we will pray!  Speaking of prayer, please, please, please pray for our nation, our leaders, the people----we desperately need supernatural intervention and humbly coming before our Heavenly Father seeking His mercy is the pathway to this.

 

With Father's Day this weekend, I wanted to share this "Childhood Confession" I thought you would enjoy....

 

There's nothing like family and family secrets.  Do you remember doing things as a sibling and threatening your brother or sister, "Don't you dare tell Dad or he'll kill us!"  Of course, my Dad would never have killed us!  He was a wonderful, fun father to have.  Note that I did not say a perfect father, as there are none.

 

Over the years, I've made an interesting observation----when we are no longer children and have become adults, we carefully and cautiously begin to confess some of the pranks we pulled as kids at family get-togethers. 

 

Every once in awhile, while my mom was still living I would get brave and share one of these confessions.  My mom would be so surprised and exclaim, "You did that, Missy?"  (Missy was her nickname for me.)  "And here I thought you were such a good girl!"  Then I would cautiously look at my dad for a response, and he would just chuckle and grin!  I'm sure if I had told him 60 years ago some of the things I had pulled and gotten by with when he was young and strong, and I was little and weak, his reaction would have been a little different.  HA!

 

 

I remember one experience when I was talking to Dad about spring and planting flowers. I was encouraging him to plant a garden.  We reminisced about the fourth-of-a-block garden plot that we had had while I was growing up.  I jokingly accused him of disliking us kids so much that he planted those six lots of garden just to keep us 11 children occupied, by pulling weeds, picking beans, pulling weeds, picking beans, beans and more beans!  He just chuckled.

 

 

Then I carefully moved toward making a confession:  "Dad, remember when you used to make me pick those yucky potato bugs off of all those potato plants?  You never knew how much I hated picking those ugly bugs!"  I continued, "Do you remember the day I came to you, needing spending money, and I made a deal with you?  I asked if you'd agree to give me a penny for each potato bug I picked and put in an old coffee can, to be burned later.  Well, I'm sure you thought I'd probably only gather 10 potato bugs and it would only cost you about 10 cents!  But, with my Norwegian determination to make money, I picked over 250 of them!  Remember when I walked up and proudly showed you all those bugs in that old coffee can?  You just grunted and questioned me on the 'real count' of the bugs, but you willingly paid me $2.50.  I was so excited; I thought, "Wow!  That was easy money!"

 

 

 

 

 

Then came the real confession.  "Dad, you know when you told me to burn the bugs in the coffee can in the garden?"  I hesitated, "Well, I didn't!  I took the can and shook the bugs out all over the potato plants again!"  I didn't dare look at the expression on his face.  I continued, "Well Dad, remember that two days later, I anxiously offered to 'pick bugs' again for a penny each?  And you graciously offered me the same money deal?  Like a flash, I ran to the garden, 'knowing' there would be lots of bugs!" I wonder why!?!

 

 

 

 

 

 

After my confession about the "potato bugs" story, Dad didn't say a word.  He just grinned his silly grin, and I knew I was forgiven.  What a relief!  Then he later chided, "I should have known!"

 

Isn't that something, after all those years of keeping a secret, it felt so good to let it out!  Now, it has become a "family confession" story that brings laughter at family get-togethers.  

 

I'm thankful for having such a wonderful father and friend!  Through the years, both of us  made mistakes, but we forgave each other and chose to dwell instead on the wonderful times and the precious relationship we had.  I cherish every moment I had with Dad.  He always gave me much advice and lots of laughs.

 

 I'm also very thankful for my heavenly Father!  I'm thankful I don't have to be afraid to confess my faults or sins.  I know I can openly tell Him and ask Him for forgiveness.  The Scripture in I John 1:9 tells us, "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness!"  What peace He gives us after confession!  It's great! 

 

Do you have anything to confess?  Get it out!  It's worth the peace you'll receive!

 

Gloria

 

ANNOUNCEMENT

 

In this time where we aren't able to be out on the road, we have missed greatly our connection with our friends and partners!  So...we are stretching and trying something new.  We are endeavoring to connect with you via Facebook during a special time we call "COFFEE & CONNECT LIVE".  On Wednesday's at 11 AM, we go LIVE in our special Larry Lundstrom Ministries group and take some time to share with you what is on our hearts for the week, as well as, as some stories, scripture and prayer.  If you would like to be a part of this and are on Facebook, you can click this link to ask to JOIN the group.  https://www.facebook.com/groups/590560935145210/

 

 

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Feeling overwhelmed...here's the answer!

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ON THE LIGHTER SIDE....KEEP LAUGHING EVERY DAY! 

 

I found this clipping in my mom's stuff.  If my mom, mother of 11 children, took the time to cut this out, I'm sure it was an encouragement!

 

And another funny for the times we live in....

 

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RECIPE

 

Rhubarb Jam

 

Ingredients:

5 cups rhubarb

4 cups sugar

1 can crushed pineapple

1 small package raspberry or strawberry Jello

 

Directions:

Mix rhubarb and sugar and let stand overnight.  In the morning, boil for 15 minutes.  Add crushed pineapple Jello; let jam thicken.  Pour into clean jars, keep in refrigerator.  Makes 2 quarts.