Happy New Year - 2015!

 

Seems like I just get to the end of 2014 - and I feel like I'm on top of a monster roller coaster getting ready to descend on this New Year…ready or not! Ha!

 

Larry and I were so delighted to be able to spend Christmas with all of our family that live in Nashville, TN. They treated us like royalty and spoiled us with lots of fun, events and laughter. Of course…lots of delicious food and treats. 

 

Until three Christmases ago, they all fought blizzards, snow and icy roads and frigid temps to come home, and then they approached us and said, "It's much easier to bring you and Dad here to Nashville for Christmas with all of our work schedules." We thought about it and so yes, this is our third Tennessee Christmas in Nashville, and we love it!

 

 

After a full year "on the road", and coming home in November/December exhausted, we love looking forward to this new tradition. It gives us something to really look forward to after a long tour on the road. The first day we spent in the recording studio preparing for a new CD to come out at early summer to celebrate our upcoming 50th wedding and ministry together anniversary, which will be in October.

 

 

Part of the vacation we stayed at LaShawn and Liam's and then moved over to be LaDawn's with her and near our two grandchildren.  It was also so much fun spending a lot of time with Donovan. Just being with him…is entertainment. We had a beautiful Christmas Eve at LaShawn's and Christmas Day dinner there. The highlight of the vacation was when LaShawn hosted a music night at her home.  LaDawn brought over her drum kit, LaShawn on her piano, and Larry on a big upright dog-house bass. It was just like the old days, "The Larry Lundstrom Family."  We were a bit rusty, but we sure had fun and made great memories.

 

 

 

We flew back to South Dakota on December 29th and have been busy preparing to leave January 8th for Florida (I know, I know…someone has to suffer in warm, sunshine climate - ha!). 

 

We are excited to spend time in preparation for this coming year. We've been busy booking and it's going to be a wonderful year for evangelism! We are anxious to share the simple Gospel story and the privilege of giving the free gift of salvation to all who wish to receive it. Jesus says in Revelations 22, "Behold, I come quickly…" We believe that quickly is coming soon, and we anxiously want to have a part in seeing people's lives changed by the power of God.

 

We pray that you too will look forward with anticipation in 2015 to draw closer to Christ than ever before - we need Him now more than ever!  God bless!

 

 

Gloria

 

 


{Quote}

 

"Approach the New Year with resolve to find the opportunities hidden in each new day."

 - Michael Josephson

 

 


{Reflection}

 

 

A New Year's Prayer

 

A whole new year is mine today…

May I be wiser, Lord, I pray!

I'd strengthen friendships, old and true

And learn to cherish new ones, too;

To keep on learning and to grow

A little deeper as I go.

To cast aside each grudge and grief

And hold fast to a firm belief

That life is joyous, gracious, good,

When lived in terms of brotherhood.

To welcome fun, and play awhile,

To lighten work with a pleasant smile!

To thank the Lord and every day

Remember Him, and kneel to pray,

In gratitude for strength and health

And blessings which are all my wealth.

This year's a gift from God to me

To spend, or use, or set me free…

A whole new year is mine today…

May I be wiser, Lord, I pray.

 

 

 


 

{Recipe}
 
 
Cheesy Wild Rice Soup

 

1 c. wild rice

2 c. water

2 T. butter or margarine

1 medium onion, minced

4 c. milk

2 cans potato soup

1 lb. Velveeta cheese

10 strips bacon crumbled, optional

 

In separate sauce pan, prepare wild rice according to directions (add rice to 3 cups boiling water, return to boil and then simmer 50-60 minutes, covered).  Saute onion in butter until tender. Add water, milk and potato soups.  Increase heat to medium, stirring occasionally.  When mixture is hot, add cheese in chunks to speed melting.  When creamy, add rice and bacon.

 

 

 

{Household Hint}
 
 

To remove fingerprints from stainless-steel appliances, place a small amount of baby oil on a napkin and wipe the affected areas. The fingerprints will just wipe away.

 

 
 
 
 
 
Merry Christmas from Nashville, TN!  We are delighted to be able to celebrate Christmas with our children who reside in Nashville.  We came down a little early to spend a day in the recording studio which was fun!  We are cherishing every moment with our family as the time seems to go by so quickly and we just aren't able to all be together very often between us being "on the road" and their work schedules.  Not a moment is wasted and we choose to make the moments MERRY!  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
With that in mind, I wanted to share the following article with you....
 
 
 
Where Did the "Merry" Go?

Unfortunately this Christmas, our world is in chaos.  Uncertainty has clouded the "merry" in Christmas.  

Newspaper columnist Joseph Szalay wrote of serving with the 102nd Infantry Division during World War II. Christmas 1944 found him in combat in Germany. He gave gifts to the men in his section. The gifts were his personal possessions wrapped with paper from packages from home. "It was a Christmas I will long remember," he said. "All we prayed for was to see another Christmas."


His next Christmas was spent at sea in a terrible storm. "We prayed we would live through it." Arriving home in January of 1946, he celebrated a late Christmas with the family he hadn't seen in two years. "This was the happiest Christmas I can remember," he said. "I haven't missed Christmas with my family since then and I thank God for all the Christmases since coming home from the war."


As I read this story, my heart aches for all of our military families who will miss Christmas with their families because of distance and wars. What is equally tragic, is that others will miss Christmas because of disinterest. They have lost the love and desire to make it "home" to family.  Others will miss the "merry" this Christmas because of broken relationships-many will miss the "merry" because of the root of unforgivness that has poisoned their hearts. Yet others will miss the "merry" in Merry Christmas because of the empty chairs of those loved ones who have passed away leaving a vacancy and hurt. Still others will miss the "merry" in Christmas because of hardships, loss of jobs, sickness and financial burdens.


Please let me say this-Christmas is more than the "merry"-it is the meaning that we often miss. Too frequently, Jesus is the side dish and not the main course in Christmas. The true meaning of Christmas is not the lack of "merry" as much of the lack of "Christ." Jesus came, not to make us merry, but to seek and save those that were lost, "For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost." Luke 19:10, to forgive us of our sins and provide eternal life (For God so loved the world that He gave His 

only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.) He came to give us peace in an unpeaceful world, sustaining joy when all falls apart, and relentless hope in a world full of despair. Christ is the ANSWER…the ONLY ANSWER! Seek Him.


Have a blessed and MERRY Christmas!  And, thank you, thank you, thank you for being a part of our lives and helping us to share the Good News of the Babe that was born to save the world....we couldn't do it without you!

 

Gloria

 

 


{Quote}

 

"The Son of God became a man to enable man to become sons of God." C.S.Lewis
 

 

 


{Reflection}

 

 

 

*Image shared from Incourage

 


 

{Recipe}
 
 
Quick Cranberry Punch

 

1 can frozen pink lemonade concentrate, thawed

1 bottle (32 oz.) cranberry juice cocktail, chilled

2 cans (12 oz)  ginger ale, chilled

 

 

Make lemonade as directed in large pitcher.  Add the cranberry juice.  Just before serving, add the ginger ale.  Enjoy!

 

 

 

{Household Hint}
 
 

What do you do with all the adorable Christmas cards you receive?  Try stapling them to long ribbons and hang the ribbons up wherever you need some extra festive decorations!  

 

 

It's nearly Christmas!  Excitement is in the air.  Christmas carols ring, Christmas programs entertain, twinkling lights shine, and egg nog fills our cups!  All of these Christmas festivities let us know that Christmas is coming full-speed ahead.

 

Larry and I aren't usually home this early from the road so it has been nice that we have been able to attend several Christmas events.  After a Christmas dinner last night, I told Larry, "I'm so glad we can come HOME where it is warm and not have to still be out there fighting ice, snow and bad weather on the road."

 

 We have had an awesome year of evangelism with hundreds making decisions for Christ.  Now, we are excited to slow the pace down and spend Christmas with all of our family in Nashville, TN.  With all of their busy work schedules, they have determined and requested for us to come and spend Christmas with them.  So again, we will enjoy a Tennessee Christmas!  We miss all of them so much and we are greatly anticipating seeing them soon!

Last week, we spent four days having check-ups in Rochester, MN.  In the doctor's office, one of the first things they did was hand me an 8 ½ x 11 sheet and requested that I place a checkmark by the symptoms I was experiencing.  There were well over 100 different boxes to check covering a full gamut of  conditions including heart disease, cancer, other maladies, surgeries, aches and pains, and much more.  Guess what….I checked only four boxes!  I turned to my doctor and exclaimed, "Wow!  I feel really good after reading all of that-I am blessed!"  Of course, one can't be my age without a few ouches-but after walking through the halls of the hospital and meeting so many people struggling with numerous various diseases---Larry and I both feel blessed.  We haven't gotten our test results yet but we are trusting God for good reports (as good as they can be) and that we will be good to run another 100,000 miles!

 

In this joyous season, we realize that many are sad, broken-hearted, and have felt great grief over the past year as they have lost loved ones.  There will be many empty chairs at the Christmas dinner table.  I would like to share this following poem with you as it is so timely.

 

I've had my first Christmas in heaven, a glorious and wonderful day.

I stood with the saints of the ages, who found Christ, the truth and the way.

I sang with the heavenly choir.  Just think!  I, who loved to sing.

And oh, what celestial music we brought to our Savior and King.  We sang the glad songs of redemption, how Jesus to Bethlehem came.   And how they had called His name Jesus, that all might be saved through His name.

We sang with the angels the song they sang that blest morn, when shepherds first heard the glad story that Jesus the Savior was born. 

Oh family, I wish you had been there.  No Christmas on earth could compare with the beauty and glory I've witnessed in these few days that I've been here.

You know how I always loved Christmas, it was such a very special day, with all of my family around me.  Yes, now I can see why I loved it, and oh, what joy it will be when all of you are with me to share in the glories I see. 

So dear ones on earth, here's my greeting.

Look up 'til Jesus appears.  And oh, what a Christmas awaits us beyond all our partings and tears.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Please remember to take moments to share about Jesus, the Christ Child, with those that are lost, hurting, and broken.  In the midst of all the busyness of Christmas, may you still focus on the Christ, who is the Giver of Peace and Life!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gloria

 

 


{Quote}

 


" Who can add to Christmas?  The perfect motive is that God so loved the world.  The perfect gift is that He gave His only Son. The only requirement is to believe in Him.  The reward of faith is that you shall have everlasting life."

 

- Corrie Ten Boom

 

 


{Reflection}

 

 

 

*Image shared from Dayspring Cards

 


 

{Recipe}
 
 
Caramel Rice Chex Mix

 

1 medium box Rice or Corn Chex (12.8 oz)

1 can mixed nuts (11.5 oz)

1 cup butter

2 cups brown sugar

1/2 cup light corn syrup

 

Bring butter, brown sugar and corn syrup to a boil in a large sauce pan.  Boil for 1 1/2 minutes.  Take off burner.  Pour caramel mixture over Chex and mixed nuts mixture in bowl.  Mix well.  Put in microwave on high for 4 minutes.  Stir after each minute.  Lay out on cookie sheet (sprayed with cooking spray) to cool.

 

 

 

{Household Hint}
 
 

Christmas get-togethers can also mean some accidental spills.  Here is a tip in case a glass or mug accidentally breaks.  Pick up slivers of glass by using a slice of bread.

Greetings from Sisseton, South Dakota! Brrrr! With this early onset and blast of winter, I've been telling Larry every day that I'm so happy we are not fighting this weather on the road in some mountain area or other dangerous venture.  After a long year, it's nice to be in our cozy warm house and have the opportunity to work out of our Home Office.  Here is the article Larry wrote for this month, as well as a quick note of thanksgiving:

 

Let Me Be Thankful First….

 

What if there was not a Thanksgiving? What if a day of the year wasn't designated to it? For Americans, there is a tradition of observing Thanksgiving Day each November. It's promoted as a National Holiday and happily so - but it makes me wonder, if there wasn't a holiday, how much giving of thanks would there be?

 

Gloria often prays, "God, thank you for the bad things that never happened today that we'll never know about until we get to Heaven."

 

How often has God intervened at a moment to protect us from an accident, storm, fire, tornado, or some other crisis? I believe there were many times we were delayed for some reason, and only God knows what that reason was…and we benefit. The famous bible scholar Michael Henry was once accosted by thieves and robbed of his wallet. He wrote these words in his diary:

 

"Let me be thankful first because I was never robbed before; second, although they took my wallet, they did not take my life; third, because although they took my all, it was not much; and fourth, because it was I who was robbed, not I who robbed." 

 

What a great attitude of thanksgiving! We can always find something to be thankful for. Recently, Gloria and I encountered a couple taking a vacation by Amtrak train. Frustrated she complained, "When we left Nevada, the engine on the train caught fire. We had to go back and get another engine and were delayed a few hours. Heading off again for California, we almost hit a man walking on the train tracks, and we had to stop, so we were delayed again. We were so frustrated until we got the breaking news that the earthquake hit Napa Valley, which was our destination."  She smiled thoughtfully, "You know what, I guess if it hadn't been for the fire in the engine, and the man on the tracks that delayed us, we well could have been in that earthquake and only God knows if we would have wrecked. So I guess it turned out for good."

 

If we really would take the time to think and thank God for all He has protected us from, and all that He has given us, we'd all have a more grateful and thankful heart and appreciation for God. Our mailbox is filled with letters of gratefulness sharing what God had done - provided for them, protected them, healed them.  Even more touching, are the grateful hearts that are thanking God for bringing them through the tests and trials, loss of finances, loss of mate or child - they have found that God is truly sufficient and will be there for and with them. God inhabits the praises of thanks from His people.

 

 

 

Larry and I are always grateful, but during Thanksgiving week especially, we are reminded of God's faithfulness and blessings to us. We are so thankful that we were called to evangelism and have invested 49 years in ministry (we don't "spend it" on the road we invest it on the road).  We're thankful for all the lives that have been changed, and for all our friends, families and partners who have prayed for us and supported us, sending us to reach the lost. Thank you, thank you! 

 

We pray that you have a wonderful thanksgiving this week with your friends and family. Take the time to appreciate them. Life is uncertain and you never know when you will have the opportunity again.

 

Larry and I plan to spend Thanksgiving with my mom and family.  She turned 99 last week and we are so grateful to be spending another holiday together!  Have a great week - don't eat too much, ha! Go for it!

 

 

Gloria

 

 


{Quote}

 

"The thankful receiver bears a plentiful harvest."

- William Blake

 

 


{Reflection}

 

 

 

 

 


 

{Recipe}
 
 
Lemony Velvet Salad

 

½ pint whipped cream

1 can lemon pie filling

1 med. Can fruit cocktail, drained

1 can mandarin oranges, drained

½ cup miniature marshmallows, colored

 

Measure cream before whipping.  Mix all ingredients and chill.

 

 

 

{Household Hint}
 
 

 

Apply mineral oil over your shower doors and tile surface. That delays the mineral build-up in future use.

 

 

 

Greetings from Sisseton, South Dakota!  Larry and I just flew into Fargo, ND from Florida. 

 

We drove our motorhome out there to get it into a safe and warm climate, away from the upcoming arctic and snowy South Dakota winter that we're sure will be upon us soon. 

 

It was 82 degrees when we left Florida and it's supposed to be down to 28 degrees tonight in South Dakota - ouch. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We will be glad to be here for my mom's 99th birthday on November 16th. What a milestone! She gave birth to twelve children, which now with all the marriage and children there are about 130 in our immediate family.  She's been doing amazingly well until about a couple weeks ago when we nearly lost her.  This family knows how to hit the throne room for prayer, and she's made a huge turnaround. The doctors are amazed.

 

I am blessed and have been grateful to have her in my life for 70 ½ years - wow. We will have a small party for her, not a big one as originally planned, due to her health.  She is truly been such a blessing to all of us and her love for family, God, the Word and for prayer have truly created a legacy.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Larry and I celebrated our 49th wedding anniversary with our friends Bob and Sharon Conklin from Hutchinson, MN.  It was nice to visit with friends that we've known for many, many years and who used to do scheduling for us.  Now we start our journey toward our 50thanniversary in 2015…time flies!  I thank God every day for my wonderful husband, who is my best friend, a great father to our children and grandchildren and a passionate evangelist. 

 

With this being Thanksgiving month, Larry and I are reminded we are so thankful to have friends and family like you who are so precious to us.  The other day my brother Dale sent me an email that I want to share with you. It is challenging and hopefully it will bless you like it did me:

 

WHAT HAPPENS IN HEAVEN WHEN WE PRAY?

 

I dreamt that I went to Heaven and an angel was showing me around. 

We walked side-by-side inside a large workroom filled with angels.  My angel guide stopped in front of the first section and said, "This is the Receiving Section. Here, all petitions to God said in prayer are received."

I looked around in this area, and it was terribly busy with so many angels sorting out petitions written on voluminous paper sheets and scraps from people all over the world.

Then we moved on down a long corridor until we reached the second section.

The angel then said to me, "This is the Packaging and Delivery Section. Here, the graces and blessings the people asked for are processed and delivered to the living persons who asked for them."

I noticed again how busy it was there. There were many angels working hard at that station, since so many blessings had been requested and were being packaged for delivery to Earth.

Finally! At the farthest end of the long corridor we stopped at the door of a very small station. To my great surprise, only one angel was seated there, idly doing nothing. "This is the Acknowledgment

Section, "my angel friend quietly admitted to me. He seemed embarrassed.

"How is it that there is no work going on here?" I asked. "So sad," the angel sighed. "After people receive the blessings that they asked for, very few send back acknowledgments."

"How does one acknowledge God's blessings?" I asked.

"Simple," the angel answered. Just say, "Thank you, Lord."

"What blessings should they acknowledge?" I asked.

"If you have food in the refrigerator, clothes on your back, a roof overhead, and a place to sleep you are richer than 75% of this world. If you have money in the bank, in your wallet, and spare change in a dish, you are among the top 8% of the world's wealthy."

"And if you get this on your own computer, you are part of the 1% in the world who has that opportunity."

"If you woke up this morning with more health than illness, you are more blessed than the many who will not even survive this day."

"If you have never experienced the fear in battle, the loneliness of imprisonment, the agony of torture, or the pangs of starvation, you are ahead of 700 million people in the world."

"If you can attend a church without the fear of harassment, arrest, torture, or death, you are envied by and more blessed than three billion people in the world."

"If your parents are still alive and still married, you are very rare."

"If you can hold your head up and smile, you are not the norm. You're unique to all those in doubt and despair."

"Okay. What now? How can I start?"

 

If you can read this message, you just received a double blessing in that someone was thinking of you as very special, and you are more blessed than over two billion people in the world who cannot read at all. Have a good day. Count your blessings. And if you care to, pass this along to remind everyone else how blessed we all are!

 

 

Gloria

 

 


{Don't Forget to Vote!!}

 

 

 

Be sure to vote today! 

What a privilege it still is to have a part in making decisions... Do it!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


{Pic of the Week}

 

 

 

 

 


 

{Recipe}
 
 
Apple Crunch

1 c. oatmeal

1 c. flour

1 stick margarine

1 c. brown sugar

7-8 apples, peeled and sliced

1 c. sugar

Cinnamon to taste

 

Crumble together the oatmeal, flour, margarine and brown sugar.  Take half of the mixture and put in 8x8 or 9x9 pan. Add apples. Sprinkle the sugar and cinnamon over the apples.  Take the remaining crumble mixture and top the apples.  Bake for 45-60 minutes at 350 degrees.

 

 

 

{Household Hint}
 
 

Here is a use for those single socks we all have around. Fill one with long grain rice or dried beans and tie a knot in the end of the sock or sew it up on end. Microwave for 2 minutes whenever you need a heating pad for a sore neck, back, etc.

 

 

 

,

Greetings from Florida!  1800 miles later, and here we are in the Sunshine state.  When we left Sisseton,  it was 28 degrees and it is now a toasty 89!  

 

By the Biltmore

 

We had a marvelous Fun & Fellowship tour before we left.  Once again we traveled to the National Quartet Convention with over 40 guests.

 

We also had stops along the way at various attractions. The Biltmore Estate in Asheville, North Carolina,  was absolutely breathtaking.  The Creation Museum was a treat to visit and would make a believer out of anybody.  A definite favorite of the group was definitely visiting the Billy Graham library…what an experience it was! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Larry will share the Gospel wherever we go!

I love that no matter where we are, what we are doing or who we are with, Larry's heart beats for evangelism...sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ.  He doesn't miss an opportunity and the Fun & Fellowship tour proved the same.  Above---he is taking a moment to visit and share!  Below---which one is the real one...HA!

 

The Creation Museum

 

As was mentioned earlier, the visit to the Billy Graham Library was very impactful.  As we toured through the various displays, we were so deeply challenged by watching his life story unfold.  As he says, "It's not about Billy Graham; it's about what God can do in one who seeks Him."  Larry and I were challenged to "finish well", and acquired a new determination for the journey, for as long as the Lord wills.  

 

Billy Graham Library

 

 

Also, the beautiful music and showcases from the National Quartet Convention were just wonderful.  We had so much fun with the other tour goers and made many memories that we will treasure for a lifetime!

at the Quartet Convention

The whole group!

 

 

Larry and I are thanking God for the safe journey here to Florida.  God spared us from what could have been two tragic accidents.  It was definitely miraculous!  Five miles from our destination after 

we had just pulled off the interstate filled with crazy traffic, the bolt that holds the safety chain

 on our trailer with our Yukon on it sheared off and the trailer fell to the ground.  We were dragging the trailer 

for about a block on the highway until we could get the rig off the road.  Thank God, because another few feet and the chain would have completely broken and the trailer would have either gone into traffic or a steep ditch!  God is good!  Our protecting angels want to take a sabbatical and so do we - ha!  Larry will have a few repairs but we are still grateful and thankful.  I love the verse that says, "He will give His angels charge over thee."

 

finally parked in Florida, safe and sound

 

Thank you for sharing all your letters of testimony of what God has done in your life.  Through the years it has encouraged us to keep going and given us faith for much more than we can imagine.  We will be flying back to South Dakota on November 4th and be working from the home office.  God bless you!

 

Have a wonderful end of October - we'll connect again in November!

 

Gloria

 

 


 

 

 

,

Hello, from the road!  We are currently in the middle of our Fun & Fellowship Tour to the National Quartet Convention with over 40 guests, a big bus and lots of laughs! We left Sisseton, SD on Tuesday, September 23rd and will pull in at home on October 2nd.  After enjoying three nights of talented musical showcases, we have started the treck home.  We are looking forward to a few stops along the way as we really make the most of this tour.  This morning, we will be visiting the Billy Graham Library and then taking in the wonders at the Creation Museum and the Amana Colonies in the next couple of days before arriving home. 

 

singing away on the bus!

Enjoying the National Quartet Convention

 

You can "follow" our adventures and view other photos by clicking this link below!  It's a blog from friends and fellow tour-goers, Al & Sue Doering:

http://www.ffvillage.blogspot.com/

 

Have a wonderful end of September - we'll connect again in October!

 

Gloria

 

 


 

 

 

 

September 3rd… can it be?  It seems that we just came home from our 4 month winter tour in May and here we are now preparing for a fall tour. Yikes!

 

What a great Labor Day weekend it was! We held a special rally at Twin Lakes Christian church with Pastor Percy and Debbie Kallevig.  We remember him since he was about 7-8 years old. What a joy to watch him grow up and do so well in ministry.  They are very special to us and our family.

 

Larry & Pastor Percy Kallevig

"We always get good results at the altar when you come!"

Percy Kallevig

Senior Pastor

Twin Lakes Christian Center

Elk River, MN

 

There was no labor in the Sunday morning service - it was total freedom! It was also exciting to see so many drive in to join us for the special service.  Two women, who are sisters, touched my heart as they approached me and thanked us for staying on the road all of these years, as their father came to Christ under the Lundstrom ministry, and lived for God until the day he died.  They tearfully smiled, "Because you have been faithful to share Christ, we know Dad is in heaven." 

 

altar call in Elk River, MN

 

Larry and I always enjoy seeing our long-time friends who drive in to see us. These are peopleGloria, Fern and Sandy who we have had a connection with for many years - like Fern Bolin and daughter Sandy Schwartzkopf.  Many years ago, Larry and I used to host Holy Land tours and Fern and her husband, Pat, and family graciously kept our two daughters for us while we were gone.  Our girls were just little and loved all the excitement of being out of the bus, in the country, and in a big house with a play room and a family who dearly loved them.  Fern must be all of 4 foot 11 inches and now LaShawn and LaDawn are 5 foot 9" and 5 foot 10"!  Wow!  How the years have flown by. Thanks Fern and Sandy for being a blessing to us!

 

 

Larry with Lyn & LonnaWish I had time to take photos of all the facebook friends who came out like, Darwin and Marie Lay, or Paul and Karolyn Apple, who have been faithful partners for many, many years. Another couple we were delighted to see was Lyn Sahr and his wife, Lonna, who is the Executive Director for Ruby's Pantry, a food distribution from Pine City, MN . 

He said, "What a thrill it was to be at the Twin Lakes Christian Church in Elk River to reunite with you. It brought tears to my eyes to see the two of you singing and sharing Christ as a testimony to his faithfulness. In 1981 you were at our small mission church in Wisconsin and we experienced 14 inches of snow in mid-April but God was there and souls were won. It is our prayer that you will have many years of victories to come!"

 

As I write this, the radio is on and the world news makes one tremble…as another journalist is be-headed.  Thank God for the Holy Spirit, who can give us peace in these troubled times.  There's a song that is going through my mind right now, entitled, "Where Would I Be Without Jesus".  How true.  How could we sleep at night? How could we have any peace amidst all the chaos in the world?  It would be impossible, if we didn't have His promises of "I will never leave you nor forsake you."  If ever we needed the Lord, we need Him now. 

 

Looking toward the future, we have a weekend of ministry planned at:

 

Verndale Family Life Church

402 NE Clark Dr.

Verndale, MN  56481

Saturday, September 6th at 6:00pm

Sunday, September 7th at 10:30am

 

For more information, please call the church at: 218-445-5568.

 

We'd love to have you join us for an exciting weekend!

 

Gloria

 

 


 

 


 

{Quote}

 
 

"Life is a succession of lessons which must be lived to be understood."

- Helen Keller

              

 

{Chuckle/Reflection}
 
 
 

After the service on Sunday morning a delightful classy, mid-aged woman walked up to us and smiled, "I love the music, the joy and the fun, the sermon and the altar call!"  Then she added, "Were you and Larry ever on Hee-Haw??" 

Hmmmmm….nope!

 

I laughed so much this morning remembering…what a nice dose of humor!

 

 


 

{Recipe}
 
 
Broccoli with Sour Cream

1 cup sour cream

2 T. brown sugar

2 T. cider vinegar

¼ tsp. salt

½ tsp. mustard

1 lb. broccoli, cooked

 

Heat sour cream with brown sugar, vinegar, salt and mustard.  Pour over hot broccoli; serve.  Yield: 4 servings. 

 

 

 

{Household Hint}
 
 
 

Potatoes will bake in a hurry if they are boiled in salted water 10 minutes before popping into a very hot oven.

 

 

What an exciting summer of church services!  We have criss-crossed South Dakota and Minnesota for these months.

 

It was such a privilege to minister in Lowry, MN, at the Lowry Community Covenant Church with Pastor Ted Graf.  Lowry is located near Alexandria, MN, and is known as "A small community with a big heart."  We sure found that to be true.  What a wonderful loving group of people!  We had so many friends that drove in for the morning service…a couple from Arizona, Iowa, and even one from out East who were on vacation. 

 

Pastor Ted & JoAnn Graf

 

 "You have been with us in Benson and Herman and now here in Lowry.  We are always excited to have you come.  Our people love you and there is always a good altar call."

Rev. Ted & Joann Graf

Lowry Community Covenant Church

Lowry, MN

 

 

 

 

 

Our most recent rally was in Watertown, SD, at Christian Life Assembly of God.  It was kind of a de'ja vu experience.  As we walked into the church, my memory bank flooded with memories of coming to this same church as a teenager when our youth group would travel the one hour trip to attend youth rallies and church fellowships.  (Now you know...that was a long time ago…I never say I am getting old, I like to use the word older as it makes me feel younger.)

 

As we loaded into the church, we were greeted with such an atmosphere of expectation.  One middle-aged lady said, "We are so glad you and Larry are back here again. "  She grinned and then added, "You have been on the road longer than I have been born."  Did I mention she was in her 50's?  I laughed, "Thanks for making me feel ancient!"  She quipped, "No…I am just amazed that you are still going and ministering.  I have been coming to see you since I was a young girl and now my children are grown." (That statement didn't make me feel any younger either.  HA!)

 

Christian Life always has a wonderful group of teenagers in attendance who fill the pews up front and they cheer us on.  When the altar call was given, three of them stepped forward along with others to dedicate their lives to Christ.  I love seeing "prodigals" returning home and being witness to the sweet hugging reunions.  God is good! 

 

Thanks, Pastor Sheldon and Pastor Harris, for allowing us the privilege of being back at Christian Life.  It was truly great!

 

 

 

 

"I so very much enjoyed the happiness that you two bring through ministry.  I so appreciated hearing how faithful you have been for so many years, and thank you for speaking the truth.  Please stay out there!"

Roy & Carrie Brownlee

Watertown, SD

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

"I love music!  It always brings me closer to the Lord and I feel such a connection with Him through it.  What I am saying is thank you for your music and all the joy you brought Sunday morning."

Lindy Kopas

Watertown, SD

 

 

 

 

 

 

 "We have heard about your ministry for years.  We were so excited to be able to come and see you in person.  The words to your songs so ministered to our hearts…love that country flavor.  Sunday was definitely a highlight!"

Darrel & Gerry Crocker

Watertown, SD

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 "About four years ago, my husband Damian and I attended your service in Sisseton, SD, and it was that morning that Damian and I decided it was our time to give our lives to Christ.  When Larry gave the altar call, we responded.  We didn't want to miss today as we enjoy your service so much.  We LOVE the music and it is fun and exciting to watch all the people giving their lives to Christ."

Damian & Courtney Bostrom

Watertown, SD

*Courtney is my (Gloria's) great niece.  She is attending Christian Life Assembly and is serving as a part time secretary.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 "I so enjoyed heading up the counseling and seeing those that responded to the altar call. "

Cecil Martinez

Watertown, SD

 

 

 

 

 

 

Yesterday I ran into a huge chain supermarket to pick up a couple of things.  As I approached the checkout counter, the young man serving as my cashier looked at me and gave his required greeting asking, "And how are you today?"  I answered, "Good."  Still scanning the items, he looked up at me and asked, "Are you really good?"  To which I smiled, "Yes."  He then proceeded to inquire, "Why?"

 

I responded, "I was able to get out of bed today; I am able to walk on my own; there are no bombs or wars here in South Dakota;  I have a house for shelter and food for sustenance and if I die, I know where I am going!"  Without taking a breath I shot back, "And how about you?" 

 

Stunned, he looked and me and said, "What?"  I answered, "If you died, do you know where you would go…heaven or hell?"  He put his hands up in the air and waved at me, "No, no, no….I don't allow my brain to think about that."  I smiled as there was a lineup of customers behind me and gave my final statement, "Well you are a nice young man. I would seriously encourage you to think it over.   If in question, you can always pray.  Have a nice day." 

 

And off I went!  I was walking toward the exit where there was also a young man (about 6'4) stationed near the door standing like a tin soldier.  I took about eight steps backwards, walked over to him and looked up, "Hi.  How are you doing today?"  He groaned, "Okay, I guess."  I continued, "I love to talk to young people like you and ask questions."  He groaned, "Yeah?"  I proceeded, "Tell me…do you believe in a heaven or hell?"  Stunned he grabbed his ears and rattled, "No…I don't go there.  I don't allow myself to think of that." 

 

Again, I smiled and told him, "You are a nice young man.  If I were you, I would allow myself to think about it because they do exist…and…if you would really like to know, you can always pray and ask God to show you the truth."  He stammered, "Ugghhhh…yeah."  I bid him, "Have a nice day."  He responded with a look like he had just been shot by a stun gun. 

 

Larry and I are saddened by the large number in this generation that willfully live in the land of denial or as we call it "lala land".  They choose to not want to hear truth or about spiritual things.  They only live in the NOW and not the THEN.  The scripture says, "In the last days, they will be lovers of pleasure more than lovers of God." Let's all take the challenge to reach out in love and to give these young people something to think about.  Prayerfully they will reach out and up for Truth…Jesus Christ.

 

Here are our upcoming services.  If you are in the area, please come and visit us!

 

Aug. 31 AM     Elk River, MN, Twin Lakes Christian A/G, 763-241-1111

Sept. 6  PM & Sept. 7 AM   Verndale, MN, Verndale Family Life Church, 218-445-5568

 

Gloria

 


 

You may register until the morning of Monday, August 18th!!!!  Four spots left!!!


 

 


{Pic of the Week}
 
 
 
 
 
The train's a-coming!
 
 

{Quote}

 
 

"Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to an all-knowing God."

- Corrie Ten Boom

              

 

{Chuckle/Reflection}
 
 
 

The story of Adam and Eve was being carefully explained in the children's Sunday School class. Following the story, the children were asked to draw some picture that would illustrate the story. Little Bobby drew a picture of a car with three people in it. In the front seat was a man and in the back seat, a man and a woman. The teacher was at a loss to understand how this illustrated the lesson of Adam and Eve. Little Bobby was prompt with his explanation. "Why, this is God driving Adam and Eve out of the garden!"
 

-beliefnet


 

{Recipe}
 
 
Stuffed Peppers

6 peppers

1 lb ground beef

2 Tbsp onion, chopped

1 cup cooked rice

1 tsp salt

1/8 tsp garlic salt

1 15 oz can tomato sauce

3/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

 

Cook cleaned peppers 5 minutes in boiling water.  Brown ground beef with onion.  Add cooked rice, salt, garlic salt and 1 cup of the tomato sauce.  Stir together and put mixture in peppers.  Add remaining tomato sauce.  Stir together and put mixture in peppers.  Add remaining tomato sauce on top.  Cover and bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes.  Uncover, add cheese on top and back an additional 15 minutes.  (1 1/2 times the recipe will fill the peppers fuller.)

 

 

{Household Hint}
 
 
 

With vacations, camping trips, and back to school activities all happening, you often have a lot of stuff!  One way to easily keep your "stuff" from getting mixed up from others "stuff" is to purchase one of the fun bright designed duct tapes that are now available and mark your items.  It is a fun way to ornament your items...whether coolers, tents, backpacks, lunchboxes, etc...and keep them from getting lost!

Greetings from Sisseton!  I was just sitting here in awe and was commenting to Larry how nice it has been to be based out of our home in South Dakota since May.  We drive out for Saturday and Sunday ministry returning home Sunday evenings gloriously exhausted from ministering but what comfort it is to come back to our home, sleep in our own bed, wake up to coffee perking and having the aroma rejuvenating me and inspiring me to work from our home office.  I told Larry, "Wow!  The older I get, the more the desire swells to come back home---there is just something about home."

 Speaking of coming home---it is always thrilling and emotional to see prodigals spiritually come back home.  In every service, someone's loved one is winding and finding his or her way back to the Heavenly Father.  What rejoicing!

 

 

We had a wonderful and exciting service at Calvary Assembly of God in Sioux Falls, SD last Sunday.  Dozens of our friends and partners we have known through the years joined us for the morning of ministry.  Many of them have followed us on our ministry journey---some from a year, to twenty years to even fifty years.

 

Pastor Todd and Goldie Leininger gave us such a warm welcome and made us feel so at home.  We have known them for years.  Sunday morning when Pastor Todd introduced us he said,

"About ten years ago Larry and Gloria came to a church we were pastoring and as always at the end of the service Larry made an altar call.  A little boy made his way to the altar that morning to accept Jesus as his personal savior.  It was our little boy, Bret.  Bret is not so little anymore in fact he stands six feet tall and in a few short Pastor Todd & Goldie Leiningerweeks will be leaving our home for a college dorm but the commitment he made that day remains firm in his heart.  This is one mom and dad who are very grateful the ministry of Larry and Gloria."

 

Todd and Goldie Leininger

 

 

I know kids hate to hear us say, "We remember you since you were in diapers or in a high chair," BUT with Todd and Goldie's son, Bret---we really do remember him since he was a toddler in a high chair.  He always had such a great smile and gentle spirit.  We are proud of you!

Bret Leininger

 

"As I step into adulthood I am so thankful for the relationship I have with Jesus Christ.  He is the rock I stand on when everything around me is changing.  

Thank you Larry and Gloria for being part of my journey with Jesus."

-Bret Leininger  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It was also a joy to see Don and Vickie Hagen, formerly of Sisseton.  They were so kind to take Don & Vicky Hagenspecial interest in our girls when they were teenagers.  When we would come home off a long tour, they always invited our girls out to their home to fellowship with their teenagers. 

 

They always had the gift of hospitality and made our girls feel so accepted and loved. 

 

Don and Vickie continue to pour out the love of Jesus!  Thank you! 

 

 

 

Their son, Jim, a friend of our girls, is the head of the Department of Tourism in South Dakota.  He is doing a superb job promoting our great state!  Speaking of…often in our services, Larry will tell the people where we are from…then…with that mischievous grin asks, "How many have heard of our famous rock group in South Dakota?"  A bit shocked and not knowing how to respond, Larry then adds, "It's Mount Rushmore!  They are carved out of rock."  Get it…HA!  That's my Larry!

 

We travel thousands of miles each year but we are seldom in an area where we have relatives so we were excited to have several of the Brooks' cousins come out to join us last Sunday as well.

 

Here are my Brooks' Cousins: Loretta Silcott, Deanna Hanly, Jackie & Earl Brown, Nancy & Lonnie Peterson.

 

"The service was so much fun.  We really enjoyed the music and message.  We are so glad we got to come."

 

 

 

 

Steven & Rachel Schaible

 

 

We were also honored to have the District Superintendent of the South Dakota Assemblies of God, Steve Schaible and his wife, Rachel, attend the service. 

 

They are truly a special couple and we are so privileged to have them lead our fellowship in South Dakota. 

 

"It was such a privilege to be in the service at Sioux Falls Calvary Assembly on Sunday with long time friends, Larry and Gloria.  The music was refreshing and inspiring.  The message was encouraging. But the best past was when two young boys went forward to give their hearts to Jesus, along with two mature men.  The angels were rejoicing!"

 

Rev. Steven & Rachel Schaible

 

 

 

Before heading to Sioux Falls, we were in Huron, SD on July 13th, which is a joy each time we return!  Wow….as always…it was great to have a number of partners and friends that drove in to join us for the morning.  The sanctuary was filled with anticipation and excitement of what God was going to do…and it happened at the altar call! 

Huron, SD altar call

 

The Lead Pastor, Rev. Tom Brantner, was gone on vacation but the Associate Pastor, Jon Molan, and his wife Heather did a wonderful job!  It was a pleasure working with them!  We loved their excitement soulwinning and reaching the lost.  They truly were an encouragement to us as you could see their passion for evangelism.  We were so thrilled at all those that responded to the altar call that morning!

 

Pastor John & Heather Molan - such a beautiful family!

"Having the Lundstroms come to Huron First Assembly was such a blessed time. It is evident that they carry the Spirit's presence wherever they go. It was great seeing so many guests and familiar faces respond to Jesus' Spirit beckoning them.

Their trip was much appreciated, and it would be wonderful to have them back again!" 

Pastor Jonathan Molan

Huron, SD

 

 

 

 
 

We can't forget to wish a Happy 16th Birthday to Myanna!!!  Our granddaughter from Nashville has grown so quickly from a toddler to a teenager.  She now gets her driver's license…oooh…Mom gets to pray more! 

 

Myanna, we love you and are proud of you.  Never forget, God has great plans for your life!

 

 

 

 

We hope you are enjoying your summer! If you are in the area, please join us for the following services:

 

SUMMER UP & COMING SCHEDULE

 

Aug. 3   AM    Lowry, MN, Lowry Community Covenant Church, 320-424-0560 

Aug. 10  AM    Watertown, SD, Christian Life Assembly of God, 605-886-3392

Aug. 31 AM     Elk River, MN, Twin Lakes Christian A/G, 763-241-1111

 

 

Gloria

 



 

 


{Pic of the Week}
 
 
 
 
 
 
Just had to snap a picture of this lovely and friendly gal!
 
 

{Quote}

 
 

"Home is a place you grow up wanting to leave, and grow old wanting to get back to."

- John Ed Pearce

              

 

{Chuckle/Reflection}
 
 
 

Come to Me, and rest in My loving Presence.  You know that this day will bring difficulties, and you are trying to think your way through those trials.  As you anticipate what is ahead of you, you forget that I am with you - now and always.  Rehearsing your troubles results in experiencing them many times, whereas you are meant to go through them only when they actually occur.  Do not multiply your suffering in this way!  Instead, come to Me, and relax in My Peace.  I will strengthen you and prepare you for this day, transforming your fear in to confident trust.

 

Matthew 11:28-30; Joshua 1:5, 9

 

Excerpt from the  Jesus Calling devotional by Sarah Young

 
 
 

 


 

{Recipe}
 
 
Buttermilk Salad

1 large can crushed pineapple

1 large box strawberry Jell-o

1 3/4 cup buttermilk

1 cup pecans

1 medium size Cool-whip

 

Bring to a boil 1 large can crushed pineapple and 1 large box strawberry Jell-o.  Cool and add the buttermilk, pecans and cool-whip.  Mix well and refrigerate.

 

 

{Household Hint}
 
 
 

To remove a stain from the bottom of a vase, try filling it with water and dropping in two Alka-Seltzer tablets.  Alka-Seltzer also cleans jewelry.  Drop two tablets into a glass of water.  Immerse jewelry for about two minutes, and it comes out shining!

 
 
 

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