Happy Thanksgiving! We are so thankful for each and every one of you. Gloria shares some reasons why this holiday is one of her favorites. May you know the peace and presence of Jesus.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

 

 

I can hardly believe it is almost Thanksgiving again.  Time sure flies!

 

 

As a child, I loved Thanksgiving!  First of all, it meant we didn’t have to go to school and that alone was enough to be thankful for!  The night before I loved watching my mother prepare the 20-25 pound turkey.  I was always amazed how she could “throw stuff together” without a recipe and it always turned out delicious!  The kitchen became alive with the aroma of pumpkin pies baking in the oven.  We would tidy the house, bring out the good china that we used only for SPECIAL HOLIDAYS.  Carefully I’d help Mom wash and dry them all set the table to get a head start on the big day. 

 

There was nothing like waking up during the night and smelling that turkey baking.  It made my taste buds dance with anticipation.  Morning always came early with Mom and I bustling around.  By midmorning the kitchen was full of aromas of turkey, squash and pies.  The table was loaded with goodies---what a sight for hungry eyes!

 

As noon approached, the anticipation of our entire family coming home along with our aunts, uncles and cousins was almost more than I could contain!  With great expectation and hunger pains, about 25-30 of us would gather around the big table for prayer.  That moment was always emotional for me.  Even as a child, my heart was overwhelmed and choked up by the “coming together” and “oneness” I felt.  After a prayer of Thanksgiving and gratitude, it was time to dig into the turkey, trimmings and fun!

 

As I reflect back over the past Thanksgivings, I ponder, “What is it that I like about Thanksgiving?”

 

Here’s what I discovered:

 

1)     It is a special holiday we can enjoy without the peer pressure of gifts and giving!  It hasn’t (as of yet) been commercialized by buying and spending money on gifts.

 

2)    It is a day set aside for families to come together.  It still revolves around the home!  It is a carefree day to unwind and relax however you want-indulging in a turkey, trimmings , pie, indigestion, games, football games on TV or many other “together activities”.

 

3)    It’s a time to “BE STILL AND KNOW THAT HE IS GOD.”  It is a day set aside to thank God for family, provision, protection, and guidance.  A time even to thank Him for the trials and struggles we’ve gone through, but I’m thankful for growth and that He walks with me through my darkest hours of hurt and disappointments.

 

4)    It’s a day of reflection of what our forefather traversed to ensure the freedom we enjoy in America.  May we never take for granted our rich heritage and America for it truly is the land of blessings and freedom. 

 

As you have read some of my remembrances, I pray it spurs in your heart a reminder of how special Thanksgiving is.  From the bottom of our hearts, Larry and I pray for you a very blessed Thanksgiving!

 

We thought you might enjoy this oldie but goodie, "I'm Thankful, Lord" from the Lowell Lundstrom Team.  Blessings!

 

 

GLORIA

 

KIDS KORNER

 

We have enjoyed some birthdays of our great grandkids!  Tarran turned seven and Nova turned four!  We love having them around!  We are so thankful for every moment and their life, energy and that they love to come to Papa and Gigi's house!

 

 


 

RECIPE

This is a great recipe to use up some leftover turkey!

 

TURKEY ALMOND CASSEROLE

2 cups cooked turkey, cut up

2 cans cream of mushroom or chicken soup

2 cups celery, diced

2 Tbsp minced onion

1 cup slivered almonds

Dash of salt and pepper

3 cups of cracker crumbs (can use crushed Ritz/butter crackers or bread crumbs)

 

Preheat oven to 325 degrees.  Mix chicken soup, celery, onion, nuts, salt and pepper.  In a 2 quart casserole, place layers---mixture, crumbs, mixture, crumbs, etc---make sure to end with crumbs.  Bake uncovered for 50-60 minutes.

 

 

An update on the health journey of Gloria and the beauty of JOY in the midst of it all!

 

Whew!  Talk about hot!  It was nearly 100 degrees the last few days and the heat index showed 112 degrees yesterday .  Larry informed me it was so hot that the birds are using hot pad holders to pull the worms out of the ground. (Groan---would you expect anything different out of Larry?)   I thank God he is happy or I would have a big 6’3, 224 pound problem on my hands.  HA!  I love his upbeat, positive and always happy attitude.  In fact a couple of minutes ago, he hung up from a business call and the company manager said, “Thanks for the jokes and the laughs—you made my day better!”

 

As you know, we were never promised all sunshiney days, but God has promised His everlasting love and much joy if we remain close to Him.  Larry and I choose JOY!  We have been on a long health journey with more than enough detours and painful speed bumps along the way.  I am rejoicing as I have completed and come through more-than–anticipated heart issues and procedures.  It is bad when you get rolled into surgery and you are surrounded by 12 members of a surgical team and they look at the chart and exclaim, "Gloria Lundstrom…you again?  Weren’t you just here a couple weeks ago?"  It is a bit unsettling when they have thousands go through the Vanderbilt University/Medical Facility and they recognize you---not due to popularity but medical necessity. 

 

Regardless, I am happy to tell you that the pacemaker implant is humming along.  I had to go back to the clinic and have it tweaked and reprogrammed due to some unfortunate side effects---namely my body did not like having a foreign object in it which caused lots of pain, but they are deciding to get along and things are getting better.  I’m looking forward to more energy returning.  I have been waiting.  I think it lost my address but hoping it will find me real soon.  Until then, I am learning the art of patience.

 

Thanks for all of your prayers the past several weeks.  We appreciate it more than you will every know.  This summer has flown by and soon it will be fall.  Larry and I keep busy ministering by phone, email, mail, texts and through COFFEE & CONNECT LIVE.  We have had a number of deaths in our extended ministry family the past few months.  It is truly an honor to walk the journey with them, praying and encouraging them through these difficult times.

 

 

Just a little humor....Vanderbilt University & Medical System is a huge enterprise.  Of course, with Larry’s imagination, he came up with his own homemade joke.  We have encountered dozens of doctors, nurses and staff the past few weeks and when they are all in a serious mode, he says, “Do you know what kind of belt the Dutchman wears here at the Medical Center? “  After a short pause, he says, "A Vander-belt."  Of course, they chuckle. 

 

 

Truly, a merry heart doeth good like a medicine.  (Proverbs 17:22)  Larry and I encourage you to choose joy and choose laughter!  Even though sometimes I think Larry may sometimes get over medicated, I love his joy and he shares it!  This cartoon feels a little close to the truth today, but we can sure laugh about it!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Just a little something to make you smile---Tarran started first grade and loves his teacher and school.  Nova is three attending a daycare academy and is loving her new friends!

 

 

Gloria

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

RECIPE

*This is a great dessert to help cool you down in these hot August days!

 

BUSTER BAR DESSERT

1 lb Oreo cookies

1/2 gallon vanilla ice cream

1 1/2 cup evaporated milk

2/3 cup chocolate chips

12 oz Spanish peanuts

1 cup butter

2 cups powdered sugar

1 tsp vanilla

 

Crush the cookies and then mix with 1/2 cup butter.  Pat mixture into a 9x13 pan.  Refrigerate for one hour.  Soften ice cream and spread over the cookie mixture.  Freeze.  Combine milk, chocolate chips, powdered sugar and 1/2 cup butter.  Boil for 8 minutes, stirring constantly.  Remove from heat.  Add vanilla.  Cool.  Sprinkle peanuts over ice cream.  Pour sauce over peanuts.  Freeze.  Enjoy on a hot day!

Happy Father's Day! We appreciate you and please know that we need your boldness to stand for Christ!

Whew!  It has been kind of a crazy and busy month since I last checked in here. 

 

As you may know, I had a heart ablation in May in hopes that it would get my heart out of Afib and settled into a normal heartbeat. While the procedure went well, a few hours later, it returned to an irregular rhythm. They tried to correct it with medications, but eventually, it needed to be shocked back into rhythm. Unfortunately just a little while later, it jumped out of rhythm again and so it was back to the drawing table as to what to do to so the heart would stay in a sustained rhythm. It was decided another heart ablation would be done but this one is specifically done when others are unsuccessful. I had that surgery yesterday on June 13th. The surgeon said the procedure went well. He was able to work on the electrical part of the heart and was encouraged that it was remaining in rhythm and the blood pressure and heart rate were where they needed to be. I am thankful to say that Lord willing, I am heading home to heal with instructions to take it easy, let your heart heal and pray that it will stay in rhythm. I am happy and relieved, and Larry is very, very happy! Thank you for all your prayers. It means so much . Your prayers made it happen. God bless you all my dear friends.

 

 

 

 

This month is also the month that we celebrate Father's Day and Larry's 80th birthday!  I will do another web update for Larry's birthday, but I wanted to take a moment to wish all of the father's a very HAPPY FATHER'S DAY and if I could look you each in the eye, I would tell you how needed you are!  In today's soceity, we need bold fathers that will courageously lead their families in the ways of Christ even when is counter-culture!  We need fathers who will lead with their lives making the way clear by the steps they take which always lead to the Heavenly Father.  We need fathers who will love unconditionally and continually remind their children WHOSE they are!

 

 

 

I so appreciate Larry and how he is such a great father, grandfather, great grandfather, leader and mentor!  Perfect?  No!  Willing and teachable?  Yes!  He has had this statement under the glass on his desk to remind himself each day WHO HE IS and WHY HE DOES WHAT HE DOES!  I hope it encourages you and empassions you as well!

 

 

 

 

The Fellowship of the Unashamed

I am part of the fellowship of the unashamed. I have Holy Spirit power.

The die has been cast. I have stepped over the line. The decision has been made. I am a disciple of Jesus Christ. I won’t look back, let up, slow down, back away or be still.

My past is redeemed. My present makes sense. My future is secure. I’m finished with low living, sight walking, small planning, smooth knees, colorless dreams, tamed visions, worldly talking, cheap giving, and dwarfed goals.

I no longer need preeminence, prosperity, position, promotions, plaudits, or popularity. I don’t have to be right, first, tops, recognized, praised, regarded or rewarded. I now live by faith, lean on His presence, walk by patience, am uplifted by prayer and labor by power.

My pace is set. My gait is fast. My goal is heaven. My road is narrow. My way rough. My companions few.  My Guide is reliable and my mission is clear.

I cannot be bought, compromised, deterred, lured away, turned back, deluded or delayed. I will not flinch in the face of sacrifice, hesitate in the presence of the adversary, negotiate at the table of the enemy, pander at the pool of popularity or meander in the maze of mediocrity.

I won’t give up, shut up, let up, until I’ve stayed up, stored up, prayed up, paid up, preached up for the cause of Christ.

I am a disciple of Jesus. I must go till He comes, give ’til I drop, preach till all know, and work till He stops me. And when He comes for His own, He’ll have no problem recognizing me. My banner will be clear.

 

*The author of this work was a Rwandan man in 1980 who was forced by his tribe to either renounce Christ or face certain death.  He refused to renounce Christ and killed on the spot.  The night before he had written this commitment which was found in his room.

 

 

Honestly that just fires me up a little bit!  And as I think about our lives, I have seen Larry live ALL IN for the sake of the Gospel.  He shared a bit about the UNEXPECTED ADVENTURE in a recent COFFEE & CONNECT LIVE that you can watch here if you would like....

 

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!

Gloria

 

 

 

 

 

RECIPE

 

Sweet & Sour Chicken Wings

3 lbs chicken wings

beaten eggs

1 cup flour

1 tsp seasoned salt

1 tsp garlic salt

3/4 cup sugar

1/2 cup apple cider vinegar

1/4 cup water

1/2 cup pineapple juice

2 Tbsp soy sauce

3 Tbsp ketchup

Mix together the flour, seasoned salt and garlic salt.  Dip the wings in beaten eggs and then roll in the flour mixture.  Brown on both sides in vegetable oil.  Mix together the sugar, apple cider vinegar, water, pineapple juice, soy sauce and ketchup.  Pour over the browned wings in a 9x13 pan.  You can top with pineapple chunks if desired.  Cover with foil and bake at 350 degrees for 30-45 minutes.  You want them falling off the bone tender.  Uncover carefully and bake an additional 15 minutes.

Some remembrances of what being a "real" mama is like and a prayer request for Gloria.

How can it be May already, and we are even a week into it!  Time sure flies.  With May comes all sorts of things....Mother's Day, graduation celebrations and Memorial Day picnics.  So much life lived and remembered!

 

 

I have a special memory to share with you where my daughter, LaDawn, challenged me about being a "real mom".  We can sure laugh about it now---an apron in her eyes made one a real mom.  Now she knows the truth of all that a "real mom" entails.

 

 

"Real moms" have hard days.  And I, Gloria, have a special prayer request as on Wednesday (the 10th), I am undergoing another heart ablation.  I have been having some recurrent A-fib issues and we are hopeful another ablation will help rectify them.  However, the last time, we did experience some complications so we covet your prayers that all will go smooth, as planned and will have great results!

 

 

 

 

And now here....is how to be  REAL MOM....

 

“Here, Mom, put this apron on so you can be a real mother!”  There stood little blond haired, blue eyed, five year old LaDawn extending to me a white lace apron I had gotten years ago when serving coffee at a friend’s wedding. Busy making dinner and caught off guard I asked, “What did you say?”

Shoving the lace apron into my hand, she commanded, “Put this on so you can be a REAL MOM…REAL MOMS wear aprons.”  With that statement, she insisted again that I put it on. Appeasing her request, I wrapped it around me and tied it. Needless to say, I looked silly frying hamburgers with a white lace apron and pink ribbons adorned with little white plastic wedding bells around my waist.

However, the grin on her little face as I put it on was worth a $1,000,000! She looked proud as punch and so pleased that she had transformed me into a REAL MOM!

I have relived that humorous memory many times. I often rewind and play the diary of my life and the role of having been a mother of three children living in a confining bus and traveling on the road over 300 days each year. What was my role as a mother? As far as my memory recollects, I was usually the one that woke up the children, got them showered and dressed for the day, fed them, homeschooled them, and read storybooks to them. I was usually the one who wiped runny noses and bloody noses and bandaged scraped knees and cut fingers. I was the one who washed and curled the girls’ hair and laundered the clothes. I was the one who usually took them to doctor appointments and made sure they got their vaccinations and fed them their daily vitamins. I was the one who helped them decorate the bus for each holiday and taught them the songs to sing on stage, as well as, the script to memorize for television specials. I bought their clothes, played dolls, and played favorite games of Sorry and Don’t Break the Ice with them. I was the one who helped them with bus chores and stayed awake in the night nursing colds, flu, chicken pox and croup. On the sidelines, I made them hundreds of peanut butter sandwiches. That was just part of my role, not even mentioning my jobs in ministry.

BUT…in LaDawn’s eyes…in order to be a REAL MOM, I needed to wear an apron. HA!   

Mothers, wouldn’t life be a piece of cake if the only requirement to being a REAL MOM was to put on an apron?  Now LaDawn is a mother and grandmother, and I can tease her a little. One day, a few years later, LaDawn was having a frustrating day. She directed her frustration to me, “Life is easy for you. All you have to do is be a mom!” I didn’t even waste my breath to disagree. I thought, “Your day is coming when you will understand.” And yes, it has, as I watch her juggle her work, two grown children and two grandchildren. And let me add, she does a great job navigating all her roles as a working mom. Often she calls me and chuckles, “Mom, it is so hard being a mom. I’m so tired and get exasperated trying to keep it all together and going. It’s hard.” Then tongue-in-cheek, she says, “Can I come home and be a little girl again with no responsibilities?  Now I know all the things you did as a mom that I didn’t see or know about. I’m tired!!!” 

I encourage her, “Cheer up! You have just begun. The easiest days were when they were little.  Now with your two little grandchildren and your children…they are your heritage and your mission field because you are helping to shape their lives for all eternity.

“And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.” Deuteronomy 6:6-9

If all moms would allow that sobering fact to sink in, we would certainly change what things we deem priorities to what things are really priorities when raising children. We get so caught up in the “have to’s” and “to do’s” that we often fail to do what they really require and desire. (I have certainly been guilty of this).  They truly yearn for our trust, encouragement, Godly example and instruction. They crave piles of patience and praise for doing good. They also long for a listening ear, loads of fun and laughter and forgiveness—not to mention a 24/7 prayer line for them.

In other words, THEY NEED MORE THAN YOUR APRON STRINGS!

Gloria

 

LEMON CHEESE BARS

 

1 yellow cake mix

1/3 cup oil

2 eggs

1 8 oz pkg cream cheese, softened

1/3 cup sugar

1 tsp lemon juice

 

Mix dry cake mix, 1 egg and 1/3 cup oil until crumbly.  Reserve 1 cup of this mixture.  Pat remaining mixture in an ungreased 13 x 9 inch pan.  Bake 15 minutes at 350 degrees.  Beat cream cheese, sugar, 1 egg and lemon juice until light and smooth.  Spread this over baked layer.  Sprinkle top with reserved crumb mixture.  Bake 15 mintues longer.  Cool and cut into bars.

EASTER is coming! Let's prepare our hearts as we remember what Christ did for you and me!

April is just around the corner and the first week we celebrate all that Christianity hangs on---the sacrifice and death of the Son of God (Good Friday) and the defeat of death forever as Jesus Christ resurrected and became our LIVING HOPE!  

 

Can I just say that in this world in which we live with all the violence, chaos, tragedies, instability---I am so thankful for a LIVING HOPE!  My HOPE is not in an idol made by hands, or in my intellect/strengths, or in man's successes and institutions because we have seen all of those fail.  No, my HOPE is in Jesus Christ and He is ALIVE FOREVERMORE!!!

 

As we walk through this next week, it is my prayer that we will all REMEMBER THE MOMENT, we put our trust and hope in Jesus Christ and TELL SOMEONE about that moment and how we are forever changed!  You never know who needs to hear about the HOPE you have!

 

Here is a great message that Larry shared on COFFEE & CONNECT LIVE.  I think you enjoy it---EASTER:  MYTH, MIRACLE, MEANING.

 

Also, here is an article I wrote looking at Easter from a mother's viewpoint.  I can't imagine the pain and heartache that Mary endured as she watched her son suffer and die, but oh the JOY...when He arose!

 

Imagine the joy Mary must have felt when she knew that the child she was carrying was truly the Messiah, the Christ Child, the Savior of the world.  Even though she lived in poverty and had been chosen to give birth to a King, it never changed her “down-to-earth” character. 

Imagine the night Jesus was born and how His mother, Mary, rejoiced along with the angels at the royal birth—that would, in time, change the destiny of the world.

Mary was a very common normal mother who raised Jesus, along with her other children, and did not give Him special treatment or preference.  His earthly father, Joseph, was a carpenter.  I am sure, as normal children, Jesus and His siblings often played in the carpenter shop.  Jesus may even have bruised His thumb a time or two while missing the target with His daddy’s crude bulky tools.

His mother, Mary, was a special woman.  She exhibited a true and genuine piety.  Luke, the physician, speaks of her having a quietness of spirit, meditative heart, inwardness of disposition, admirable self-control, devotion, a gracious gift of sacred silence ( I assume she was not caught up in coffee-time gossip), and a mind saturated with the spirit and promises of the Old Testament.  Someone wrote of Mary, “She was the most pure, tender, faithful, humble, patient and loving of all who ever bore the honored name of Mary!”  Wow!  What a character reference! 

Now about motherhood:  What must not be forgotten is the fact that Mary not only bore Jesus, but also “mothered” Him for thirty-three years.  Thus from childhood to manhood, she did everything a devoted mother could do for her son, whom she knew was no ordinary man.  I am sure she often pondered in her heart, “What will the future hold?”

One day when her infant son, Jesus, was to be dedicated in the temple, the aged, godly Simeon, took the baby Jesus in his arms and blessed Him.  He said to Mary, “A sword shall pierce through thine own soul also.”  (Luke 2:35)  I am sure she was in the dark as to what that really meant.  I just know she pondered that statement much as she watched her “firstborn” go out to fulfill His mission.  (You know how overly protective we mothers are.)  Even though He was a grown man, she was still a mother!  Can you, as a mother, imagine how she felt the “piercing” as He was spoken against and schemed against in ministry?  We cannot even conceive of the bitter trials, testings and accusations of her son—especially during the last 3 ½ years.  She loved Jesus beyond words.  When He left to preach, I am sure her heart was pierced by loneliness.

No doubt, Mary’s deepest sword piercing came, while in agony, she stood beneath that rugged cross and witnessed the degradation, desolation and death of the one she had brought into this world and intensely loved.  She heard the blasphemies and reviles of the priests and the people, as she watched her son die.  (If that were you at the foot of the cross, and Jesus was your child, imagine how you would feel.)  If Calvary was our Lord’s crown of sorrow, it was likewise Mary’s—yet, how courageous she was.  Others may have sat and watched the suffering Christ, but Mary stood by the cross.  She stood where she knew He could see her.  She stood strong to be a strength to her son.  Before His last breath, Jesus summons John to care for His mother.  (John 19:26)  What love!

As He dies, she stands in silence.  No one could ever comprehend the grief she was going through, but she knew in her heart the reason that He was born:  so that He could die—that we might live.    God had blessed her with love, patience, endurance, meekness, humility, faith, forgiveness and a fortitude to face all the trials and “Pierces of the heart” that were dealt her.  God truly blessed her with courage!

But, thank God for Easter Sunday, when the stone was rolled away.  He had risen!  What joy replaced her grief.  Her son--He was alive, alive forevermore.  At that moment, all the pondering and piercing of her heavy heart disappeared, and she was filled with everlasting joy and hope for all eternity!

Lord, I pray that as I read the Easter story again, let me, as a mother, live, love and forgive, as You would have me do when I, too, encounter the piercing and disappointments of life!  Give me strength and wisdom, just as you blessed Mary.  Thank you, Jesus, for being obedient all the way to the cross, that we might have live and have more abundantly!

 

Gloria

 

 

RECIPE

Fruit Pizza

Pie crust dough

8 oz pkg cream cheese

1/3 cup white sugar

1/2 tsp vanilla

Topping:

Assorted fresh or canned, drained fruit, such as peaches, grapes, strawberries, blueberries, bananas

1 cup white sugar

1/4 tsp salt

2 Tbsp cornstarch

1 cup pineapple juice

1/4 cup lemon juice

3/4 cup water

Roll out pie crust dough and place in 14" pizza pan.  Bake at 375 degrees for about 12 minutes.  Cool.  Combine cream cheese, sugar and vanilla and beat until blended.  Spread this mixture onto cooled crust.  Arrange fruit in circle formations over cream cheese layer.  Cook remaining ingredients in a saucepan.  Stir.  Bring to a boil and cook one minute.  Cool completely and pour over fruit arrangement in pizza pan.

Happy Valentine's Day! We are excited to be celebrating over 57 Valentine's Days together and have learned a few things through those years. Enjoy!

Greetings from Tennessee!  We are fully into February, the month known to celebrate LOVE!  There are hearts, glitter, candy galore, jewelry commercials and all things pointing to the celebration of Valentine's Day seemingly everywhere.  As I take but a moment to reminisce, I realize that Larry and I have been married and celebrated over 57 Valentine's Days together.  That is a lot!  And I can honestly say that I LOVE him more today than I did over 57 years ago when we celebrated our first Valentine's Day.  We have "grown in love" and we cherish every day that we continue to be together.  Throughout those years, we have learned a few things that have kept us together!  We share them in the article below.

 

Also, we did a special COFFEE & CONNECT LIVE recently where we shared some of these truths.  We think you will enjoy it!

 

 

 

WE HAVE COMMITTED!

 

 

 

Many times as we traveled on the road, we would come across people who thought we had the perfect marriage.  Please let me clear that up now....“No. We have not had a storybook marriage.” Certainly, we have had over 57 years of collecting chapters for a grand novel, but every chapter of our life together has had its challenges. True love doesn’t have a happy ending; true love doesn’t even have an ending! Let me explain. It is a continual process of living, striving, giving and forgiving. As I take some time to reflect on all that has become part of our story together, I can easily see that in our first couple of years of married life, I could have run away many times just to get away from the struggles and the hardships. I am sure that Larry had similar thoughts. Life was tough and our love was tested, but we had some ideals and values that held us strong…and they still do! These have enabled us to keep writing our story!

 

• We have committed our hearts to God. We both have made a life-long commitment to God, and that isn’t changing.

 

• When we made our vows to each other, we committed ourselves to each other. We stand on our vows and remember them until death do us part, no matter what the circumstances.

 

• We have committed our hearts to forgive and forge on. It is not easy to put down the ax when you would like to retaliate or seek revenge when the other knowingly or unknowingly hurts you. Starting over and over and over again is essential in our relationship. Forgive—Forget—Move on!

 

• We have committed to build one another up! Marriage isn’t an “I” or “me” situation. It is a time of building each other spiritually, mentally and intellectually. There is a truth that happens when you build each other up—you both grow stronger! Marriage is not a competition. It’s companionship!

 

• We have committed to determine to grow through and grow up in tough times. Literally, there have been hundreds of times when we were up against the wall of despair and discouragement, but we committed to not fall apart or draw apart. Instead, we determined to hold fast to God and one another. Through God’s Word and much prayer, we are refined by the fires which make us stronger. We allow our “misery” to be turned into “ministry” to others who are struggling with the same trials. Don’t waste your trials!

 

• We have committed to never let our hearts grow cold toward each other. We still date every day. We invest time in our relationship. We believe in being each other’s best friend and enjoying it. Best friends do all they can to protect their friendship and loyalty. When all goes wrong, what a joy it is to have your best friend right there with you.

• We have committed to love, respect, honor and enjoy our children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. They are the sunshine and joy of our lives. What we have invested in each of them throughout the years has come back tenfold. As a family, we have vowed to “never, never, never let anyone or anything ever come between us.” We are a unit. We all protect one another. We are there for each other no matter what!

 

• We have committed to laugh together. Laughter has been a great buffer to help carry us through the storms of life and it is great medicine!

 

• We have committed our hearts and lives to win people to Jesus no matter what! We hold dearly to our call to reach the Lost. We are committed to go and tell the Good News to our very last breath. At times we may have had to adjust the “how” we do it, but our hearts continue to burn to see everyone come to know Jesus as Lord and Savior.

 

• We have committed to pray together. Prayer is the glue that has held us together all through the years and continues to do so. And, it is really hard to pray with an enemy so it helps us keep our relationship free and clear of offense towards one another.

 

These are just a few of the commitments that have kept us close, sane, loving and still together in this wild and crazy world. Keep God first and your marriage and family will reap great dividends now and for all eternity.

 

Gloria

STRAWBERRY OATMEAL BARS

 

When Valentine's Day rolls around, who doesn't love a great reason to enjoy some strawberries!  This is a somewhat healthy recipe as you can make substitutions if needed.  Enjoy!

 

For the Strawberry Bars:

  • 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats 
  • 3/4 cup white whole wheat flour or substitute all-purpose flour 
  • 1/3 cup light brown sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter melted (or substitute melted coconut oil to make vegan/dairy free)
  • 2 cups small-diced strawberries about 10 ounces, divided
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch
  • 1 tablespoon  freshly squeezed lemon juice from about 1/2 small lemon
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar divided

 

For the Vanilla Glaze (optional)

  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar sifted
  • 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon milk any kind you like

 

Instruction to Bake:

  • Place a rack in the center of your oven and preheat to 375 degrees F. Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper so that the paper overhangs two sides like handles.

  • In a medium bowl, combine the oats, flour, brown sugar, ginger, and salt. Pour in the melted butter and stir until it forms clumps and the dry ingredients are evenly moistened. Set aside 1/2 cup of the crumble mixture, then press the rest into an even layer in the bottom of the prepared pan.

  • Scatter half of the strawberries over the crust. Sprinkle the cornstarch evenly over the top, then sprinkle on the lemon juice and 1/2 tablespoon of the granulated sugar. Scatter on the remaining berries, then the remaining 1/2 tablespoon sugar. Sprinkle the reserved crumbs evenly over the top. You will have some fruit showing through.

  • Bake the bars for 35 to 40 minutes, until the fruit is bubbly and the crumb topping smells toasty and looks golden. Place the pan on a wire rack to cool completely (you can speed this process along in the refrigerator).

  • While the bars cool, prepare the glaze: In a medium bowl, briskly whisk together the powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk until smooth. Feel free to add more milk if a thinner consistency is desired. Using the parchment-paper handles, lift the bars from the pan. Drizzle with glaze, slice, and serve.

  • The recipe can be doubled and baked in a 9×13-inch baking pan. The bars will be a bit thicker but will still be delicious. 

https://www.wellplated.com/strawberry-oatmeal-bars/

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from the Lundstroms! Enjoy some reminiscing back to a First Christmas!

Merry Christmas from our family to yours!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This year has brought many changes into our lives, ministry and family.  We rejoice in God’s goodness and faithfulness through this new journey.  We want to thank you, our extended family, our partners and dear friends for your prayers that have sustained us.  Thank you, also, for your gifts that have brought support  to keep the ministry reaching out and touching lives with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  You have helped make it happen and this Christmas, our hearts are overwhelmed with thanksgiving and gratitude for you!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We look forward to being home in Tennessee with our family this Christmas.  We are excited about time together and eating lots of treats!  We also greatly anticipate receiving your cards, letters and photos as we love hearing from you and being updated on what is happening in your lives.  We are happy to rejoice with you and to pray with you for the needs you face. Please know we love and appreciate you!  Have a very blessed Christmas!  

 

 

 

 

 

 

Two things we thought you might enjoy:

 

1)  On our COFFEE & CONNECT LIVE this past Wednesday, we were excited to host our dear friend, Jeff Nordin.  He shared some amazing testimonies, an encouraging word and his musical talent as he played some of our favorite Christmas carols as only he can!  You can listen below:

 

2)  Here is an article about the FIRST REAL CHRISTMAS I experienced as our family came to know Christ.  Christmas was forever changed, as well as, our lives!

 

MY FIRST REAL CHRISTMAS

 

Snowflakes softly falling like lace doilies, Christmas carols playing ,lights twinkling on the trees, and family coming home all bring back memories of Christmases past. I still remember the first Christmas after I asked Jesus into my heart. I was eight years old. Christmas changed!

 

 

Up until then, Christmas was all about Santa Claus (even though I really questioned that story because I couldn't imagine that anyone―most of all a jolly fat Santa―could actually get down our chimney carrying gifts, no less). I was thinking, "Gifts? No. M&Ms or raisins? Maybe."   Besides that, our house didn't have the fireplace opening that all the Christmas storybooks depicted. I often wondered if he'd end up in our attic.

 

This first Christmas, we were attending church and the true story of Christmas was read about a baby born in a manger.   I remember singing, "Away in a Manger."   This was my first year I was invited to be in the Christmas program.   Wow, that was exciting for this eight-year-old!  I got to be an angel watching over the baby Jesus in the play. Of course, my brothers knew I wasn't an angel at home...but in church I was! I still remember the homemade costume with a halo made out of sparkly pipe cleaners twisted together to make me look angelic. It was all so new and fun to me.

 

This first Christmas, I remember I was so intent to see that same "bright star in the east." I'd pile on the layers and squeeze into my snowsuit, run out into the mammoth snow banks and lie down. I'd stretch out my arms and paddle them as fast as I could to make a snow angel. Then I'd lay there, in the silence of the night, and gaze up into the heavens in hopes (and determination) that I could find that same bright shining star that announced the birth of the Christ -child.

 

This first Christmas, "Home" was totally different. My brothers and I made a makeshift manger where I laid my doll wrapped in a blanket. I was Mary, one brother was Joseph, and all the others  were wise men. Then we proceeded to recite our lines that we had learned from the church Christmas program. I remember Mom reading the Christmas story as we sat and listened intently.  Then, KABOOM! It was time to open presents.  Can you imagine seven boys and me and the accompanying noise and squealing that filled the air as we ripped open our gifts? If I remember correctly, we each received one larger gift, which mine was always a doll, and then something like a paint set, coloring books or crayons.

 

Yes...as I think back to my first real Christmas, knowing Jesus as my personal Savior, it was truly an unforgettable experience.

 

I don't know about you, but I often long for those seemingly simple but unforgettable Christmases of days past. In the midst of the busyness and rushing this year, may we all take time to reminisce our first Christmas.  And if you have yet to experience your first real Christmas….it isn’t too late! Pray right now:

 

THE SALVATION POEM

 

Jesus, You died upon the cross (Romans 5:8)

And rose again to save the lost (John 3:16)

Forgive me now of all my sin (1 John 1:9)

Come be my Savior, Lord and Friend (Romans 10:9)

Change my life and make it new  (2 Cor. 5:17)

And help me, Lord, to live for You.  (Colossians 2:6)

 

-Matt & Sherry McPherson, 2021 Salvation Poem Foundation Inc

 

May you feel His presence this Christmas and always.

Gloria

Happy Thanksgiving! We have so much to be thankful for, and we are most thankful for you!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

 

We can hardle fathom that tomorrow we will be celebrating Thanksgiving together as a family.  Where has the time gone this year?   As we look back over the year, we can definitely say that we have so many reasons to be thankful!  Today...here are just a few:

 

 

 

 

 

LARRY IS HOME!  After undergoing a second back surgery recently which meant a stay in the hospital and then a resulting stay in a rehabilitation center, we are so thankful that he is now home and in time for Thanksgiving.  He is very happy to be in his own nest.  This farm boy was ready for a farm meal---roast, mashed potatoes, squash and the fixings.  He will continue with outpatient therapy for 6-8 weeks, and we expect to see him grow stronger each day.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FOOTBALL WITH FAMILY!  Who's ready for football? One of our newer traditions now that we are able to be together for holidays after all the years of being on the road and not being able to gather....is enjoying football games with family.  Our great granddaughter is ready!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TOOTH SURPRISES : Our great grandson recently lost his second tooth.  He discovered after losing the first tooth that if he put it under his pillow, it was replaced with a surprise ($)!  He got right on wiggling out the second tooth.  I think he would go through them all but we are trying to make sure he knows he has a limited supply.  HA!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  • YOU :   We are ever grateful for you---our wonderful faithful partners---who have stood with us and continue to stand with us through your prayers, love and support.  We just wouldn't be able to continue to do what we do without you!

 

 

  • OUR LORD & SAVIOR :  We remember daily the moment we came to Christ and came to know Him as Lord and Savior.  What a journey and adventure it has been giving Him our whole lives, but so rewarding.  Until our last breath---we are Yours!

 

 

Obviously, there is so much more we are thankful for---family, health, provision, creation, staff, America---the list is great, but we thought you would enjoy the above.  We pray you are taking the time to be intentional and thank the Lord for the many blessings you have.  I love the quote, "Be grateful and thankful, and you will always have something to be grateful and thankful for."

 

Here are a few Thanksgiving letters we have received we wanted to share:

 

  • "We really enjoy both of you and love to read your newsletters.  You are both so precious in the sight of God.  Your reward will be great!"  -Gene & Marion Knudson

 

  • "Blessings to our dear friends, Larry and Gloria.  We have enjoyed you for years and we hope you continue to serve the Lord, Our Savior, for years to come."  -John & Helen Monson

 

  • "Thank you for going out in our place; there are so many cheering you on in heaven."  -Ron & Karen Meroney

 

  • "I always enjoy your COFFEE & CONNECT times.  Lots of times I catch it on the rerun.  Today was an extra special one---loved it!  Truly, I enjoy those times together with you two.  You both look great, happy, healthy and praising Jesus." -Marie Lay

 

  • "Thank you for your lifelong commitment to bring the message of salvation to the lost and hurting.  You have paid such a great price to pull people out of the fire and show them the way of life in Christ Jesus!"  -Joe & Dorothy Swisher

 

As always, we have enjoyed being able to minister through COFFEE & CONNECT LIVE.  As we are entering the holiday season, in the most recent CCLIVE, I shared how we can look at these family gatherings as opportunities FOR GIVING and for FORGIVING!  Every person has a need and you may be able to help meet that need through your actions, words and the presence of Jesus in and through you.  You can listen here:

 

 

WHY THANKSGIVING IS IMPORTANT

 

Thanksgiving is important because it reminds us how thankful we are for you.

You are important because you enrich our lives in countless ways.

You are strength; you are support; you are encouragement.

You are sunshine, lighting up the dark corners of our lives.

Thanksgiving is important because it prompts us, each year...

To tell you how much you mean to us!

Happy Thanksgiving!

 

By Joann Fuchs   https://www.poemsource.com/thanksgiving-poems.html

 

 

 

 

 

RECIPE

 

Pumpkin Pecan Pie

 

3 eggs, beaten

1 cup canned pumpkin

1 cup sugar

1/2 cup dark corn syrup

1 tsp vanilla

1/2 tsp cinnamon

1/2 tsp salt

1 cup chopped pecans

 

Mix all ingredients, except pecans.  Pour into an unbaked pie shell.  Sprinkle pecans over top.  Bake at 350 degrees about 45 minutes.

Larry and Gloria celebrate 57 years of marriage and ministry! God has been so faithful---"Each for the other...both for the Lord!" continues to be their motto.

 

 

October 16, 1965....I can still hear the church bells chime melodically signaling the long awaited moment had arrived.  The church that memorable day was packed with 500 friends and family waiting in expectation as the organist began to play the song that we had chosen, "Savior, Like a Gentle Savior Lead Us."  I looked down the long aisle and saw the one I would be committing my life to and Larry looked down the aisle seeing his bride standing arm in arm with her daddy, the evening sunset shimmering off our shoulders as the "walk of our lives" began.  Gazing at one another, hearts throbbing, each slow and purposeful step bringing us closer together!  We had both prayed for years for God's mate for both of us.  Our eyes met, I kissed my father and Larry took my hand walking me to the altar where we would share our sacred vows.

 

 

Our theme song was "Each for the other...both for the Lord."  How blessed and honored we are 57 years later that we've invest 57 years of ministry together.  Larry came to Christ in 1957 and how wonderful we now celebrate 57 years of marriage.  What a gift and what a joy to wake up together each day of our lives!

 

 

 

As we are celebrating this momentous milestone in our lives, we also celebrate each and every one of our friends and partners who have been gifts to us along our journey.  You have stood behind us with love, prayers and support and with God's empowering, helped us reach over 80,000 people with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  Thank you from the bottom of our hearts!

 

 

This past Wednesday (12th), we had a delightful time on COFFEE & CONNECT LIVE sharing some keys and insights that have helped our marriage hold strong all through the years.  The time went by so quickly as we remembered, we laughed and we cherished the moments.  Here is the video if you would like to watch:

 

 
 

 

 

 

Also, we do have a special treat for you next week (the 19th) as we are showing a special "throwback" interview we did for TCT television with Gary McSpadden many years ago.  Besides enjoying the hairstyles, you will hear more history of the Lundstroms, scriptural nuggets, some songs and prayers prayed.  Thought the years pass by and things change, the truth of His Word does not!

 

 

 

 

We pray you are having a great fall!  The seasons change so quickly!  Enjoy the moments!

 

Gloria

RECIPE

 

Fall Football Stew

 

2 lbs beef (cut into 1" cubes)

5 medium potatoes, cut in large pieces

5 medium carrots, cut in large pieces

2 medium onions, cut up

1/2 package dry onion soup mix

1 can tomato soup, undiluted

1 can cream of mushroom soup, undiluted

 

Put meat and vegetables in a large casserole baking dish.  Mix in the soups and make sure all ingredients are thoroughly mixed together.  Cover tightly (very important) and bake at 250-275 degrees.   When it is time to watch the football game, serve this delicious and filling stew!

A fun story about the Queen and how sometimes we can easily jump to the wrong conclusions!

 

 

 

Today will certainly go down in history as honored and memorable as Queen Elizabeth is mourned and laid to rest.  She served her country for over 70 years traversing changes she probably would never have believed possible in her lifetime.  Yet, even as earthly royalty, a day would come when only one decision would matter as she breathed her last---what did she decide about Jesus for this would be the decision that determines eternity.  Regardless of our titles here on earth, there is one title that we can know and have--CHILD OF GOD!  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

"The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. 17 Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory." Romans 8:16-17

 

"But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. 10 Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy." 1 Peter 2:9-10

 

 

 

This makes us heirs with Christ and a royal priesthood.  We don't have to wonder, guess or gamble.....we can KNOW that we are a CHILD OF GOD!   This Wednesday @ 11 AM, Larry will be sharing a marvelous message on COFFEE & CONNECT about that very thing---what are you counting on for eternity?  You can go to our Facebook page>> https://www.facebook.com/groups/590560935145210  to watch or by Wednesday afternoon, the video will be posted here>> /CC-LIVE.

 

In honor of the Queen's memory, here is an unforgettable Queen story and life lesson:

 

Years ago, Larry and our ministry team was traveling in Canada. We pulled our coach into Regina, Saskatchewan, and we were looking for the auditorium where we were to have a concert/rally that evening. Streets were blocked off in every direction.  We tried and tried to find an alternate route.  We drove this way and that and each time discovered the main road we needed was blocked off when we got to it. 

 

People, hundreds and thousands of them, were lined up.  We actually got to the main street only to find it was also roped off--a dead end again!  Frustrated, I remember expressing, “What on earth! We need to get through this!  We are running late!!!!”  Larry was driving, and I was in the  "buddy seat" fuming and thinking, “Well, it must be an annual parade, how ‘unlucky’ can we be to get stuck in all this traffic standstill.  We can’t go across, can’t back up.  What are we going to do?" as exasperation and a bit of panic began to set in.

 

Just then, music started, and we watched as the English with all of their royal pomp, glamour and glitter strode before us along with the Royal Canadian Mounted police abreast on their majestic horses, followed by a Royal Canadian marching band . It was all happening about 15-20 feet in front of our windshield!   I was still wondering, “What on earth is all of this?”   

 

Then we saw following the procession, an open air stunning black limousine convertible, was inching in front of us.  To our great surprise, it was Queen Elizabeth!!!!!!  We gasped in shock and awe as she waved to the crowds of spectators, turned our direction, and smiled and waved to us!  

 

We had just encountered the presence of the Queen of England!!  While embarrassed by our previous frustration, we cracked up laughing hysterically, thinking how upset we were to be detained and sidetracked by this interruption----“The Queenof England"!

 

Lesson learned: never allow the frustration of a delay “get cha”… you never know what’s really coming into your daily life. God has it all under control!

 

With that, have a lovely week.  Please know that Larry and I continue to pray for you and thank the Lord for you!

 

Gloria

 

Cream Puffs

 

1 cup water

1/2 cup butter

1 cup sifted flour

4 eggs

 

Heat water and butter to a rolling boil.  Turn heat to low and stirl in flower vigorously until mixture leaves the sides of hte pan and forms a ball.  Remove from heat; beat in eggs, one at a time and mix until smooth and velvety.  Drop from spoon onto ungreased baking sheet.  Bake at 400 degress.  You can make 8 large puffs and bake 40-50 minutes or 14-15 small puffs and bake 20 minutes.  Cool.  Fill with whipped topping, ice cream or custard!

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