http://larrylundstromministries.org/Blog?blogid=1624&view=post&articleid=May-11-2022&link=1&fldKeywords=&fldAuthor=&fldTopic=0

It is so hard to believe that Mother's Day is quickly approaching!  This year sure seems to be flying by.  As I look back on the prior months and the challenges that we have had with Larry's surgery and recovery, I can look back and  say how thankful I am for my mom, Julie Brooks, who was integral in teaching me, guiding me and most importantly, showing me how to love and lean on Jesus! ( miss her so!)  As we have faced some hard moments and some great joys recently, my mom helped build in my life a solid foundation on which to stand because she showed me that Jesus is the only Rock we can count on each and every day!  I think  of the words to an old song written in 1834:

 

 

My hope is built on nothing less
Than Jesus' blood and righteousness
I dare not trust the sweetest frame
But wholly lean on Jesus' name

On Christ the solid rock I stand
All other ground is sinking sand
All other ground is sinking sand

 

In today's COFFEE & CONNECT LIVE, Larry and I both share on the memories, the characteristics, the sacrifices and the legacies our mothers made.  We are who we are in part due to their love, their prayers and their influence in our lives.  And I just want to take a moment to say, "Mom.....you are needed.  You may not feel seen, you may feel like you aren't making a difference, you may have a broken relationship with your kids, or you may feel like a failure in this moment of time, but please know this....God made you to be the mother of your children.  He chose you for this time and this moment!  You are exactly who they need in their lives!"  I am praying for you that you will know how important you are and that every prayer you pray for your children isn't wasted----if not you---who will pray for them?

 

If you would like to watch the CCLIVE video from today, here is the link to do so:  

 

I wanted to share with you my article from the newsletter this month---A Mother's Love.  Enjoy!

 

Growing up in a rural community with our town’s population “pushing” 3,000 people left lots of room for imagination and creativity. We didn’t have all the extra entertainment a larger city could offer. For that reason, my father always made sure we had enough to keep us busy and occupied, or as he would say “keep us out of mischief.” 

 

 Our big old two story house sat on a quarter city block and the other fourth of a block was our huge family garden. My brothers and I were convinced that Dad planted enough string beans to feed all the hungry all over the world. Much to our dismay, we had to pick those beans day after day all summer long. (Not our favorite thing to do!) Alongside the garden was a little chicken coop that my grandfather and Dad built to house the chickens to satisfy the “itch” my dad had for a little bit of a farm life environment around him. He had grown up living in the western plains of South Dakota. One year Dad bought Bantam chickens. If you know anything about these chickens, they are little, full of spitfire and definitely hot-tempered birds. Even so, I enjoyed having them…most of the time. It was my daily chore to have a regular hunt for eggs as I tried to collect eggs but had to first figure out where they would lay them. They would never lay them in the chicken coop. They laid them under bushes, old tires, in rotting tree trunks, along ditches, in the flower garden… everywhere but the chicken coop! I loved to gather eggs, but it didn’t take me long to learn that these chickens were very protective and possessive of their chicks. They would “fight” for their brood! It didn’t make any difference how big we were. If we crossed their territory or entered into their arena, the mother hen would drop her wings, puff up her feathers and make a beeline for me. She would let out a terrifying squall and would hit the ground which signaled to the chicks to run and hide in all directions. She would then proceed to fly up in the air, pick at me in her attempt to detour me from her precious chicks and nest. Many times, I would get so angry, I would want to reach down and twist her head, but I knew that wouldn’t make my father very happy.

 

It is amazing how time changes things! Now years later, I identify with that mother hen. When I see the enemy coming at my family with temptations and problems trying to wrench them away from God, I find myself like that Bantam hen. By nature I am pretty easygoing—until my family is on the line, then I come out fighting. Larry and I realize the devil is out to destroy families and relationships, and we are no exception. But…we have the KEY! 1 John 4:4 “Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is He that is in you, than he that is in the world.” Luke 10:19 “Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.”  If there is any work of the enemy in my family’s past that seeks to encroach upon the life of my family or your family, we can break it by the power and authority given to us in Jesus Christ. It’s ours. It’s free. It works. Let’s use it!

 

GLORIA

 

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RECIPE

 

This would be a yummy recipe for a Mother's Day brunch!  

 

Streusel Coffeecake

2 cups flour

1/2 cup sugar

3 tsp. baking powder

1 tsp. salt

1/3 cup butter

1 cup milk

1 egg

 

STREUSEL TOPPING:

1 cup nuts

2/3 cup brown sugar

1/2 cup flour

1 tsp ground cinnamon

3 Tbsp firm margarine

 

Heat oven to 350 degrees.  Prepare streusel topping: mix all ingredients until crumbly.  Set aside.

Mix cake ingredients in a large mixing bowl with mixer on low speed for 30 seconds.  Beat on medium speed for two minutes.  

Spread half of batter into greased 9x13 pan.  Sprinkle with half of the streusel.  Top with remaining batter.  Sprinkle with the remaining streusel.

Bake 35-40 minutes.

http://larrylundstromministries.org/Blog?blogid=1624&view=post&articleid=April-11-2022&link=1&fldKeywords=&fldAuthor=&fldTopic=0

 

Greetings from Nashville, Tennessee!  Larry and I just love this time of year as we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ which changed the entire world and certainly changed our destiny for eternity.  We also take this time to further celebrate two families that are very dear to our hearts that came to the Lord during the Easter season!  In 1957, the Lundstroms came to know Jesus as Lord and Savior and in 1952 the Brooks family came to know the Lord. 

 

Truly, every day is Easter to us knowing the abundant life we have and secured eternity we have because of asking Jesus to be Savior and Lord of our lives!

 

So as we walk through this Holy Week, may we remember and celebrate fully the sacrifice and death of Jesus Christ for you and me and all humanity---and may we overflow with thanksgiving and rejoicing for His resurrection from the dead that changed everything! 

 

 

We encourage you to tune into the COFFEE & CONNECT LIVE this week at 11 AM in our Facebook group (https://www.facebook.com/groups/590560935145210)  or watch it later in the day on our website at http://www.larrylundstromministries.org/CC-LIVE.  We will be sharing on the proof of the resurrection and how our families were changed forever through the resurrection!

 

Below is my newsletter article on “Is Good Friday Really Good?”  What was so horrific and devastating was for our good!  How great is our God!

 

I will never forget the moment! Our son, Donovan, was about five years old. We had just finished devotions, and the story for that evening was about Good Friday. With hands tucked under his chin and big blue eyes ready to spill over with tears, he looked at us and asked in confusion, “Dad, was it really a good Friday?” Knowing we always vowed not to intentionally lie to him, Larry and I looked at each other searching each other’s face for an honest answer to that innocent question. God gave us wisdom to answer him.

 

We explained that Good Friday wasn’t good for Jesus… but indeed, it was very good for us. If He hadn’t died for our sins, we wouldn’t be here and we would have no way to go to heaven. God somehow in His mercy enlightened understanding to his young tender heart. I still find it difficult to explain or figure out why bad things happen to good, godly people. Every day we receive news from people in our lives who have experienced tragedies such as untimely deaths, cancer, heart attacks, strokes, Covid, Alzheimers, fractured families, prodigal children, financial hardships…the list could go on and on. Our hearts hurt for each one and we cry out and question, “My God… why have You forsaken them?”

 

Then I revisit those last six hours of Jesus’ life and death. “Those were no normal six hours,” Max Lucado writes, “for during those six hours on that Friday, God embedded in the earth three anchor points sturdy enough to withstand any storm or hurricane.”

 

Anchor #1 My life is not futile or in vain.

The Rock, Jesus, secures the hull of your heart. Its sole function is to give you something you can grip when facing futility. It is the “grasp” on the conviction that there is truth. It reminds me that God will never allow me to go through any more than I can bear so I can make it through the storms of life. God is in control and there is a purpose for which I have to seek God for. In other words, God doesn’t want me to waste my pain or sorrow. It can be turned from tragic to triumph, and from triumph to a testimony!

 

Anchor #2 My failures are not final.

God does not like or approve of what we’ve done wrong, but He forgives us when we ask Him to in sincerity. He is a God of second chances. We don’t have to be a prisoner to failures. “Whom the Son sets free is free indeed.” John 8:36

 

Anchor #3 Death is not final.

If you know Christ, the grave is not the end. It is just a doorway! I can’t imagine believing in a god where the tomb is the end. Jesus knew all along He was born to die and He was obedient unto death. The tomb was just a “stage” for a miracle. When they rolled that stone in front of the tomb, they could just as well have put a piece of tape on it. Jesus only went into the tomb to prove He could come out! When the moment of the miracle happened, Jesus arose triumphant, and the immense stone was rolled away. Death was swallowed in victory!

 

Friend, if it were not for the tragic “Good” Friday events, we would not have the joy and hope of Easter. Praise the Lord! Those three anchors are what I hold on to when it feels like all hope is gone and when the trials and storms of life are raging and feel like they are going to overtake me. The words from Bill Gaither’s song, “Because He Lives” ring every true…Because He lives, I can face tomorrow! Let me encourage you…you can face tomorrow…if only you put your hand in the nail scarred hand of Jesus

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Easter Bread

One 1/4-ounce packet active dry yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons)

6 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for the work surface and kneading

2/3 cup sugar

1 1/3 cups milk

6 tablespoons unsalted butter, plus more for greasing the bowl

1 teaspoon fine salt

2 large eggs, lightly beaten, plus 1 lightly beaten for egg wash

1/3 cup sliced skin-on almonds

1 tablespoon mini white nonpareils

Pour 1/3 cup warm water (about 110 degrees F) into the bowl of a stand mixer. Gently whisk in the yeast, 1 tablespoon of the flour and 1 tablespoon of the sugar. Set aside until bubbly, 5 to 10 minutes. Meanwhile, heat the milk in a small saucepan over medium heat until bubbles start to form around the edges, about 6 minutes. Remove the pan from the heat, and stir in the butter, the remaining sugar and the salt. Set aside to cool, about 10 minutes. Fit the mixer with the paddle attachment, set on medium-low speed and pour the milk mixture into the yeast mixture. Add the 2 beaten eggs. Gradually mix in the remaining flour, and beat until a soft dough forms. Increase the speed to medium-high, and beat until the dough pulls away from the sides and forms a ball, about 5 minutes (the dough will be sticky). Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface, and knead, adding more flour as needed, until smooth and elastic, about 5 minutes. Put the dough in a lightly buttered large bowl, cover and place in a warm spot to rise until doubled in size, about 1 1/2 hours. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Punch down the dough, transfer it to a lightly floured surface and cut it into 3 equal parts. Gently roll out each piece into a 16-inch-long rope. Transfer the ropes to the prepared baking sheet. Press the ropes together at one end, braid them, then gently tuck both ends under to form a long loaf. Cover, and let rise until doubled in size, about 1 hour. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Brush the entire loaf with the remaining beaten egg. Scatter the almonds and nonpareils on top, concentrating them down the middle of the loaf (they will spread as the loaf bakes). Bake until the loaf is dark golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped, 50 to 60 minutes. Let cool about 30 minutes before slicing.

http://larrylundstromministries.org/Blog?blogid=1624&view=post&articleid=March-16-2022&link=1&fldKeywords=&fldAuthor=&fldTopic=0

 

 

 

Hello again!  Yes---we are still here!  While we aren’t currently doing our COFFEE & CONNECT LIVE, rest assured we are staying busy.  Larry is still actively going through rehab.  It has almost been  a month since his back surgery and as you know, we encountered some health speed bumps along the way that we are still working on.  The biggest issue being Larry was diagnosed orthostatic hypotension which causes his heart rate to go low causing dizzy spells/fainting.  They have changed his med and we are overjoyed that the last three days, it has been better.  It isn’t perfect yet, but we are seeing improvement.  The other issue was have faced is that Larry has had extreme weakness.  We are thankful he is in a place where they are working on building his strength back up diligently.  We would appreciate your continued prayers that we would continue to see forward progress in these areas. 

 

 

 

 

 

The good news is Larry is as active as ever witnessing to as many as he can right where he is at.  Many are the staff at the rehab place, and he has been excited to pray with a few.  Of course, he always starts winning them over as a friend with jokes and laughter  and then leads into the more serious conversations.  I love that Larry is the same no matter where he is at---his heart is always to reach people for Christ!

 

Thank you in advance for your continued prayers as Larry is quite anxious to get up and going and out and home.  He is also ready for some home cooked food (It’s not necessarily a gourmet meal service).  Needless to say, I bring him coffee and treats and the family brings him things he likes---burgers, fries, milkshakes and his son-in-law even made him Irish stew.

 

Speaking of treats, how blessed we are to have such wonderful neighbors.  These two little sweethearts, Rosemary and Caroline, brought over these cookies they made with their mom.  They wanted to give them to Larry.  Wow…did that ever put a smile on his face!  And yes…I even gave him some ice cream to go with them!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Now, just to make you smile….here is a little chuckle I recently had:

 

I was in a rush to get dressed and made presentable as I knew I needed to go to the post office, grocery store and the bank before heading through crazy traffic to be with Larry at the rehabilitation center.   I parked at the bank in the handicap spot, and realized I left the handicap card in LaDawn’s car, reparked the car, rushed into the bank to cash a check and was greeted by three tellers asking  “Where’s Larry?”  I proceeded to explain that he is in a rehabilitation center after undergoing back surgery. They chirped,

 “We have missed him lately.  He always has a joke and brings laughter and joy in here!”  To which the gal working at the drive-thru window turns around and says, “Tell him we miss him and his jokes.”  All the while, my teller was busy checking my driver’s license, groaned, continued checking , hesitated and stated “Something is not right.   It keeps coming up you were born in 1900!”

She continued searching as I told her, “Well, you made my day !!!!  I tried to make myself look halfway alive and good this morning.”  As I am waiting, I am thinking to myself, “I certainly look my age today..( not good) but if it says I was born in 1900….. I think I look pretty good for my age of 122 right!”

Then, the teller laughed, “Oh here it is, you’re only 77, just about 78!”

I guess that was supposed to make me feel better!    Guess it did!

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RECIPE

Try this for a little green fun dessert for St. Patrick's Day!

Pistachio Pudding Dessert

5 dozen Ritz crackers, crushed

1 stick margarine/butter

1/2 gal vanilla ice cream

2 boxes pistachio instant pudding

green food coloring

Frozen whipped topping, carton

Butterfinger candy bars

 

Mix crushed crackers and margarine/butter for crust.  Press into a 9x13 pan.  Bake 10-15 minutes at 325 degrees.  Soften ice cream enough to mix in pudding with food coloring as needed.  Pour over cooled crust.  Freeze until firm.  Cover with layer of whipped topping and then top with crushed Butterfinger bars.  

http://larrylundstromministries.org/Blog?blogid=1624&view=post&articleid=February-28-2022&link=1&fldKeywords=&fldAuthor=&fldTopic=0

 

 

Thank you to each and every one who has prayed for us as Larry underwent invasive back surgery and is in the process of recovery. While we would love to be able to report that he is excelling in recovery, that isn’t quite the case. We have hit some speed bumps in the process.

 

 

 

 

 

 

We’ve been on the run to doctors, the ER and a trip back to the hospital in the ambulance. He is being monitored and is in great spirits, but we need to get some answers to some blood pressure issues before he is released again. At this time, the doctors are baffled as to what did happen or what is happening. The family is calling in some additional doctors to make sure we get to the source of the issue. He may spend a few days at a rehab facility before heading home to make sure he is good and strong.

 

 

 

 

So, we would appreciate your continued prayers for him that we would get answers, and he would speedily recover fully. We are ever grateful!

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Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray. Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise.  Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. ¹⁵ And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven. Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. James 5:13-16

http://larrylundstromministries.org/Blog?blogid=1624&view=post&articleid=February-23-2022&link=1&fldKeywords=&fldAuthor=&fldTopic=0

Greetings from Nashville, Tennessee!  I am wearing my nurse hat, but I am so thankful to have Larry back home from the hospital!

 

Larry successfully underwent a 7 hour back back surgery on February 17th to repair five vertebrae where the nerves were being pressed causing immense pain.  The surgery went well, but we are now in the long journey of recovery.  Things going pretty good, but we did just have a little speed bump with this invasive of a surgery.  Larry is experiencing bleeding from his incision that doesn't want to stop so he went back into to get an extra stitch.  We are trusting that will take care of it, and there will be no infection.  He also is experiencing a bit of pain, fatigue and dizziness, but we are working on that and believe it will improve with each day!

 

We appreciate your prayers for him and me as his nurse (to keep him in line).   Please pray that he stays healthy through this process and that he regains strength and mobility as he recovers through physical therapy.  

Thank you!

http://larrylundstromministries.org/Blog?blogid=1624&view=post&articleid=February-9-2022&link=1&fldKeywords=&fldAuthor=&fldTopic=0

 

Greetings from Nashville, Tennessee!  We are excited that today is a sunny warmish day of 55 degrees.  It feels like we have been on a rollercoaster lately with the weather---a wild ride UP and then DOWN and then back UP!   The weather may not know what it wants to do, but I am thankful that we do not have to fear that with the Lord in our lives!  I think of the verse in Psalms 139 where the Lord speaks of us being fearfully and wonderfully made and then makes this declaration, "Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be."  It reminds me that in His perfect love and care as He formed and made me, He also knew what every day would hold and has a future for me!  How amazing is our Lord!

 

It is almost Valentine's Day and on that day many will be celebrating LOVE!  I am so thankful for my sweetheart of over 55+ years.  And we thank the Lord for His love.  A love that gave everything so we could live!  Larry and I hope you will take a moment during the holiday to remember this death-defying, all-giving, perfect love and give the Lord thanks for what He has done.

 

I have placed below some of my reflections of my first love!  I think you might get a chuckle or two!  Happy Valentine's Day and please know that you are LOVED by us and especially by our Lord!

 

Gloria

 

REFLECTIONS OF FIRST LOVE

 

Valentine’s Day has a way of making one sentimental (especially women), and sending us down the path of reminiscing about our present or past loves. As a result of being raised in a family of 10 brothers, I really wasn’t a tender, frilly or petite little girl. I had to be rough, tough and ready to defend myself against one of my brothers or one of their “neighborhood bully-friends.” That was my interaction with boys.

 

Then one day, something happened! I think I was about a 5th grader when I met a boy with dark brown hair and big brown eyes. My heart went “pitter-patter”, and after a quick glimpse of eye-contact between us, I thought, “Well, maybe there is one boy out there who’s not a mean bully!” My heart continued to flutter every time our eyes met. A few years later, this “special” boy told me he was going to go to the football game and asked if I would like to walk with him. Inwardly I was exploding with excitement, but I managed to contain myself and answer rather nonchalantly, “I guess I will.” When he left, I ran to my house, climbed up to my bedroom, threw myself on the bed and thought, “I must be feminine and cute if he asked me to walk with him to the game.” In my mind, I was about to encounter my first “unofficial” date! I couldn’t sleep! All I could think about was my “date” coming up.

 

On that fall Friday evening, I impatiently looked out my second-floor bedroom window so I could see him coming. Sure enough, I caught a glimpse of his plaid jacket and dark hair slowly shuffling his way in the direction of my house. I was so excited! I ran downstairs, grabbed my billfold, and ran out the door. Being a tomboy, and therefore used to “roughing it” with 10-20 neighborhood boys and girls, I wasn’t tiny and tender. I was more like a husky wrestler! So when I saw him walking up the driveway, I couldn’t contain the combustion within me. I flew out the door, dashed down the sidewalk, grabbed him, threw a “half-Nelson” hold on him, pitched him down to the ground, pinned him and grinned!

 

Just then, my “killer hold” was interrupted by my mother who was hollering from the porch, “Missy, Missy, get off of Ronnie and let him up! Come in here right now!” When I looked into the face of my “first love,” lying on the ground, and saw the look on his flushed red face—somehow I knew I must have done something wrong. I slowly walked up to the house. Mother firmly said, “Missy, we need to have a talk. If you like someone, you don’t tackle him and beat him up!” What a revelation! Well, after a five-minute sermon, I sheepishly walked back out the door. There my guy stood, with fear written all over his face. I apologized. He cautiously grinned and said, “Yeah, okay…let’s go.”

 

That was my first episode with my “first love.” You can probably guess that I never married him! I’m sure he thought, “No way will I ever get tangled with a woman wrestler!” Well, thank God, I have changed “some”! HA! But, first love is a special love; you never forget. You may date a hundred people, but that “first flutter love” is never forgotten.

 

In the spiritual sense, I’ve never forgotten my “first love” encounter with Jesus Christ when I was just eight years old. That special Sunday morning, I felt a LOVE like I’d never felt before. It was different from a parent’s or a family’s love. When I prayed and asked Jesus to come into my heart, I didn’t fight or tackle the feeling. I simply melted and submitted to Him. Oh, the joy and the peace that settled upon me! I felt like I was being cradled or snuggled into someone’s arms— and they belonged to Christ Jesus. I pray I’ll never forget the precious feeling of my first love for Christ—for He is my best friend. He loves me when I’m unlovable. When I make mistakes, He gives me a second chance. But, even more than that, His “Valentine,” His “Gift of Love” to me is eternal life with Him in heaven if I remain faithful in my relationship with Him. Yes, Christ captured my heart fully, and I’m totally happy and secure in His care. How about you?

 

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RECIPE

 

For a quick and easy Valentine dessert...try this!

 

Cut-It-Short Torte

 

1 pudding recipe devils food cake mix

8 oz carton whipped topping, thawed

21 oz can cherry pie filling

 

Mix and bake cake as directed on package, in greased and floured 10 inch tube pan at 350 degrees.  Cool.  Split cake into 3 layers.  Spread 1/3 of whipped topping and then top that with 1/3 of pile filling.  Do this with each layer and on top.  Chill until set.

http://larrylundstromministries.org/Blog?blogid=1624&view=post&articleid=January-26-2022&link=1&fldKeywords=&fldAuthor=&fldTopic=0

 

Brrrr….it’s a bit nippy here in Nashville.  It got down to 18 degrees here last night, and we have had three snowstorms in the last three weeks leaving 16+ inches of snow behind, but thankfully it has all melted away.  For a minute or two, I thought we were back in South Dakota!  In reality, as I talked to our home office in South Dakota, this would be a heat wave compared to the temperatures, wind and snow they have been experiencing back there.  It's all about perspective!  People used to say, “The older you get, the colder you feel.”  That is true, and that is exactly why people go SOUTH for the winter!  If the birds have a brain and are smart enough to fly south, shouldn’t we?  LOL!

 

 

 

 

It is hard to believe that this first month is almost history.  Due to the pandemic and not traveling, we are thoroughly enjoying our ministry through COFFEE & CONNECT.  We have had responses and input from all over the United States, Canada, Spain, Africa, Bahamas and Hawaii.  COFFEE & CONNECT has been a great avenue of reaching and ministering to the lost and hurting. 

 

Last week, on COFFEE & CONNECT, I shared a personal testimony of a miracle that took place in my life and I pray you will listen to it as it will give you hope and encourage you….share with a friend.

 

I also wanted to make available my January message from our mail newsletter available to you.

 

HERE IT IS AGAIN....READY OR NOT!

 

A New Year! For some reason the twinkling tree lights don’t seem to twinkle like they did before Christmas. The garbage can is filled with torn and crumpled Christmas wrapping and smashed bows. Leftovers fill the fridge and some snacks that we just had to have for the festivities are no longer fresh and enticing. Even those delicious cookies that were so delightful and melt in your mouth now taste stale so out they go. It all signals that Christmas is over and it is now time to find placement for the gifts we graciously received during Christmas.

 

My memory goes back to my precious mother-in-law and father-in-law. They didn’t have much extra monetarily so we always tried to give them something for Christmas that they just wouldn’t go out and buy. In hopeful expectation we would await their response and it was almost always the same response, “Oh, it’s so nice…it’s too nice to wear or use.” We would readily encourage, “Use it! Wear it! If you wear it out, we will buy you another one.” We would enjoy our time together and like a flash our Christmas vacation days were gone. It was out on the road again for 320-340 days a year. Several years ago after they had both passed away, Larry and I took a crew out to the four story farmhouse to clean it out. Wow!!! We worked our way up to the third floor arriving at the base of the attic staircase. We pushed up on that old door, braced it and carefully tiptoed into the attic of mysteries. To our surprise (or disappointment), before us were multiple shelves holding boxes and boxes with festive Christmas wrap, ripped but still clinging—box after box after box. Seriously there were dozens! Upon closer investigation, we discovered the boxes held years of Christmas gifts still gently nestled in the Christmas tissue—nightgowns, housecoats, purses, blouses, sweaters, appliances, and many of Larry’s father’s gifts as well. There they were all gathering cobwebs and dust from sitting unwrapped, unworn, unused. As I replayed the memory, it honestly stung a bit. They could have used and enjoyed the gifts, but they were “too nice to use”.

 

 

I think of the beginning of the new year where millions make new year’s resolutions. Many pray, “Oh God, I want to be used. I want to be an instrument. Please open doors. Give me wisdom and knowledge. Give me talent.” And yes…God does answer those prayers! He opens doors, allows opportunities to use their gifts and what do so many do? They respond, “Sigh…God, that’s not what I wanted. I don’t want to do that. I can’t do that as good as so and so. They won’t appreciate it.” Sadly and tragically, they throw these unused gifts that God has gifted them and shove them up into the spiritual attic of their lives.

 

Please let me take a moment to remind you, the happiest people are the active, giving, serving, joy spreading people. Your church needs you. Your neighborhood needs you. God needs your God-given gifts to reach out and encourage others. Make phone calls. Physically help and serve people. Visit the lonely. Help the less fortunate. God wants you to share Christ—the very simple Gospel message of salvation. Don’t shove it in the attic. Get involved!  “As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.” 1 Peter 4:10 “There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all.” 1 Corinthians 12:4-6

 

*By the way, I confess…I have been guilty of some of the above. Today is a day to put things to action!

 

GLORIA

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RECIPE

 

Mighty Football Stew

 

2 lbs beef (cut in 1" cubes)

5 medium potatoes, cut in large pieces

5 medium carrots, cut in large pieces

2 medium onions, chopped

1/2 pkg dry onion soup mix

1 can tomato soup

1 can cream of mushroom soup

 

Put meat and vegetables in a large casserole; add the soups and mix together.  Cover tightly (very important) and bake at 250-275 degrees for 4-5 hours!  Uncover and enjoy a hearty stew!

http://larrylundstromministries.org/Blog?blogid=1624&view=post&articleid=December-22-2021&link=1&fldKeywords=&fldAuthor=&fldTopic=0

Merry Christmas! 

 

It’s hard to believe this wondrous time is here again already.  What an action packed year we have had!  There has been good...some bad and ugly...but truly we can say that God has been faithful through it all!  

 

We are so thankful to be here in Nashville close to our kids.  We look forward to having the kids come home to our house on Christmas Eve and hear the laughter, conversation and joy as we are together.  We will also be at our daughters for Christmas Day so much celebrating Christ's birth.  Family is the best!   

 

We pray that this finds you healthy, blessed and thankful for GOD WITH US!   May you feel the presence of God as you gather this Christmas!

 

Larry & Gloria

 

  

 

 

We have included an article that we hope will be a great reminder of WHY Christmas is so vital.  While we celebrate the Babe in the Manger, we don't want to forget the REST OF THE STORY!  Also, below that, we have included our most recent COFFEE & CONNECT which we were able to have all three of our children join us.   It was fun to walk down memory lane and remember some fun moments!

 

 

 

http://larrylundstromministries.org/Blog?blogid=1624&view=post&articleid=November-22-2021&link=1&fldKeywords=&fldAuthor=&fldTopic=0

 

 

Thanksgiving is one of our favorite holidays.  It is always special because we aren't focused on anything else but gathering together, enjoying fellowship and giving thanks to the Lord for all He has given.  This year, we know there will be many experiencing this holiday with empty chairs around them as they have lost loved ones throughout the year.  We pray the vacancy will be not as lonely as you talk and recount the precious memories you have enjoyed with loved ones.   We will be spending Thanksgiving with our family here in Nashville.  We are so thankful to be together with family and blessed to all mostly be in the Nashville area. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We are praying for you and your family that you will find ways to give thanks to the Lord for His abundant blessings, as well as, take this holiday as an opportunity to thank people in your life who have been a blessing!  We are certainly thankful for each and every one of you that have prayed for us along the many miles of our ministry journey and have supported us with encouragement and finances.  Truly, our hearts are filled with gratitude!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Here are some THANKSGIVING REFLECTIONS we hope will encourage and challenge you!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As I reflect over numerous Thanksgivings since then, I continue to ask "What do I love about Thanksgiving?" Here are some answers that came to mind;

 

° Thanksgiving is a special holiday we can enjoy without any additional pressure of gifts and giving. It is simply a time to gather and give thanks for what we already have. ° Thanksgiving is literally a day set aside for families to come together. It revolves around the home and being present.

° Thanksgiving is a time to "be still and know that He is God" recognizing who He is and to thank the Lord for family, provision, protection and guidance. We can even give thanks for the trials and struggles we have faced in the past year that have drawn us closer to Him.

° Thanksgiving is a day of reflection of what our forefathers went through to ensure the freedom we now have in America. May we never take for granted our heritage, blessings and freedom.

 

It is my prayer for you that this Thanksgiving, you would remember and count the many blessings of the Lord. May it be a time of simplicity, gathering and overflow with "THANKS—GIVING."

Happy Thanksgiving!

 

Gloria

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Sweet Potato Casserole

2 large sweet potatoes, baked until very tender, peeled and mashed (about 3-4 cups), they take about 60 min. at 350F.

3 Tbsp. butter

2 Tbsp. 1/2 and 1/2 cream (10%)

Salt to taste

 

PECAN TOPPING

1/2 cup brown sugar

1/4 cup all purpose flour

1 cup pecans, chopped

1/3 cup butter

 

Mashed soft baked sweet potatoes with the butter, cream and salt. Place them in 3-4 ramekins or one larger dish. Mix the brown sugar, flour and butter together until crumbly, add the pecans and place on top of sweet potato. Bake at 350F for 20min. or until the edges are bubbling and the topping lightly browned. Serve immediately.

http://larrylundstromministries.org/Blog?blogid=1624&view=post&articleid=October-14-2021&link=1&fldKeywords=&fldAuthor=&fldTopic=0

Greetings from Tennessee!  Fall is in full swing---visits to pumpkin patches, sipping hot apple cider, the weather beginning to cool down a bit---all signs that we are in a new season.  We are so thankful that this week we will be celebrating seeing 56 years of seasons changing together.  We have know seasons of great joy and seasons of great sorrow, but through ever single season, we have known the faithfulness of God!  He has been present regardless the season, and as we celebrate these 56 years together, we are really celebrating 56 years of walking with the Lord as He leads us!  

 

 

 

In this week's COFFEE & CONNECT LIVE, we dedicated the time to remember "The Tale of Two Lives" and how the Lord brought a country boy and a city girl together with the same calling to serve the Lord and to share the Gospel to the lost and hurting.  With photos, memories, and of course, the Gospel, you can see PART 1 of "The Tale of Two Lives" in the video below.  Make sure to tune in on Wednesday at 11 AM in our Larry Lundstrom Ministries Facebook group to see PART 2!

 

 

Below is an article that Larry wrote for this month's newsletter.  How fitting it was as we recognize that truly our Shepherd has led us!  Enjoy!

 

Gloria

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October 16th is forever etched in my memory. What a moment it was as I stood at the altar and watched my beautiful bride walk down the aisle with her arm locked inside her father's arm and the organ filled the entire church with the wonderful song, Savior Like a Shepherd Lead Us. That glorious processional led then and certainly He has for 56 years now. Gloria and I have spent many hours throughout the years addressing any possible problems that we saw trying to destroy our marriage. Each day, we commit our lives to each other and to God.

 

Those 56 years of ministry living included my lovely bride leaving her home but for only a few days a year, raising three children on the road, becoming an author, singer, and travelling all over speaking to women's conventions across the US, and so much more. In those years, there were also times that because of illness, she struggled between life and death. By the grace of God, she still stands strong and I couldn't be more thankful!  I also thank God for the call to go—together.  Moses received his call from a burning bush, Gloria received her calling from a burning desire to see the Lost come to Christ. God spoke to her heart with confirmation of the choice of mate (me) in the first altar call at our local jail ministering together. Since then, she was willing to join me sharing the load as a team and fellow trench mate. The motto of our wedding was "Each for each other and both for the Lord" and the truth in that statement rings ever true. After a half century together, we still enjoy our daily date. As I reminisce, it is always rewarding to do so because it reminds us of the many miracle moments of protection and provision that fuels our passion to keep on pushing forward.  

 

Covid has caused changes in ministries, even ours. At this time, we now share every Wednesday together during our Coffee & Connect LIVE program about the Lord, and we always do what we have always done sharing the Gospel in a simple way so even a child can clearly understand it. We minister all over the nation with those who are calling for prayer support and we get to work as a team°"Each with each other and both for the Lord." I want to honor and thank my soulmate and best friend for her faithfulness and a Happy 56th Anniversary. Gloria, I love and cherish you always!

 

Larry

 

This was the theme song of our wedding. The words still ring as true today as they did then.  We are commited°each for the other and both  for the Lord.

The Wedding Song

CHORUS:
Each for the other and both for the Lord
Oh, Darling Sweetheart, let the angels record
Vows sweetly spoken, may they never be broken
Each for the other and both for the Lord

VERSE:
We'll walk together, Love,
Through sunshine, through the shade
We'll mingle tears and smiles
And travel unafraid
Halos of happiness will crown each passing day
Til heaven shines ahead and beckons us away.

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Pumpkin Dessert Roll

3 eggs

1 cup sugar

2/3 cup pumpkin

1 tsp lemon juice

3/4 cup flour

1 tsp baking powder

2 tsp cinnamon

1 tsp ginger

1/2 tsp nutmeg

1/2 tsp salt

1 cup finely chopped walnuts

1 cup powdered sugar

2-3 oz packages cream cheese

4 Tbsp  margarine

1/2 tsp vanilla

 

Beat eggs for five minutes on high speed.  Gradually beat in sugar.  Add pumpkin and lemon juice.  Stir together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg and salt.  Fold into pumpkin.  Spread on greased and floured 10 x 15 pan; top with walnuts.  Bake 15 minutes at 375 degrees.  Leave in pan five minutes.  Turn out on a towel sprinkled with powdered sugar; roll and cool.  Meanwhile make filling from the 1 cup powdered sugar, cream cheese, margarine and vanilla.  Beat until smooth.  Unroll the pumpkin and spread the filling over the cake.  Roll and chill.  Freezes great.