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 8-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&M's or raisins? Maybe."

Merry Christmas!



 


 

 





 

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 8-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&M's 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 they read the true story of Christmas…a baby born in a manger. I remember singing, "Away in a Manger". That year I was invited to be in the Christmas program. Wow, that was exciting for an 8-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 angel 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 the other ones were the wisemen. Then we proceeded to recite our lines that we had learned for 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 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 of our first Christmas. May we never forget the true meaning of Christmas - knowing the Babe in the manger, knowing He lived, knowing He died for each one of us and knowing that He rose from the grave and lives today. What joy and peace He brings! May you feel His presence this Christmas and always.


 

 

Gloria

 

 





 

 

 


 

 

From our family to yours….

May His love surround you at Christmastime and always!


From: Liam, LaShawn, Myanna, Larry, Gloria,

LaDawn, Dante' and Donovan

 






 

Larry and I just returned Monday evening, December 7th from our Fun and Fellowship tour to Branson, Missouri. We were honored to have 34 guests join us for 6 days and 5 nights of action-packed activities. All the way to Branson, we visited, sang, played games, and ate Christmas goodies that our guests brought. There's nothing like fellowship!

December 9, 2009



 

It's beginning to look like Christmas! The snow is falling and…so is the temperature. It was 5 degrees below zero last night - OUCH! Larry and I are definitely not ready for this. I've heard the old saying, over and over, "When you get older your skin gets thin (and that you are always cold)"…well…I'm older…(chuckle).


Larry and I just returned Monday evening, December 7th from our Fun and Fellowship tour to Branson, Missouri. We were honored to have 34 guests join us for 6 days and 5 nights of action-packed activities.


Connie Simons & Marilee TrosenAll the way to Branson, we visited, sang, played games, and ate Christmas goodies that our guests brought. There's nothing like fellowship! Of those that joined us, I think about 12 of them have gone with us on several of our previous tours. It is become a yearly tradition of a "friends gathering". Once they go on a tour, they often go again and again. It was a joy to have Connie Simons and Marilee Trosen join us another year. It's always fun to have them come along!


We attended several Branson shows. I guess I'd say our favorite one was at the Sight and Sound theater that presented The Miracle of Christmas. We all left the production feeling like we had been to Bethlehem and took part in the miracle of the Christ-child. The production and the worship music were so anointed. Another highlight for the group was the Wissman family from Seward, NE. They have 13 children and they all play instruments and sing. The little 3 year old daughter stole our hearts. Of course, this family reminded me of Larry and I and of our days in ministry when we had all of our children with us. At one time we had 3 Lundstrom couples, and 8 little Lundstroms who all sang and took part in the Lundstrom TV specials, rallies and crusades. Yes…this Momma got emotional, I miss those days.


On Sunday morning we held a church service for our guests in a meeting room at our hotel. To our pleasant surprise, we had 5 other unexpected guests join us. They were from Hope, AR and heard that we were Larry on Sunday morninggoing to be in Branson and found out where we were. We met one of the couples in the 1980s at a church rally and they've been following us through our newsletters ever since.


We met lots of people that we've met before. One gentleman walked up to me, gave me an intense look and said, "WOW-you've aged…you're getting old." I responded, "Yes, it's been 25 years since you last saw us…that's what you call aging." He kind of chuckled and said, "Well, I guess we'll all get older like that, huh?" I chuckled (slightly) and thought, "Wow, just what I needed to build my self-confidence and self-worth." (Just had to share that cute tidbit)


LaShawn & Liam

 

Oh yes, the week before we hosted our tour we made a quick 3 day trip to Nashville to see our daughter LaShawn, her husband Liam and our son Donovan. We had an early Thanksgiving dinner together at LaShawn and Liam's home. Needless to say, it was so special being Us with Donovanwith them as we've only seen them once this year for just a few hours each. Also, Happy second Anniversary, LaShawn and Liam - today!

 

 

 

 

 

On Thanksgiving, Larry and I were at separate places this year. Larry, spent Thanksgiving with LaDawn and the grandchildren, and his brothers (Lowell and his wife Connie and Leon and family). Please remember Lowell, Larry and LeonLowell in prayer, as he is struggling with Parkinson's. I went back to Sisseton to be with my Mother, brother and family for Thanksgiving.

 

Our grandson, Dante

On December 4th, our grandson, Dante, turned 17 years old. He's only 6'4 with a size 14 shoe!!! I can hardly believe he's grown up so quickly. His sister, Myanna, has a part in the Country Christmas production at the Celebration church in Lakeville, MN which is pastored by her uncle Lowell and aunt Connie. She sure enjoys all the action.

 

 

 

Now we are at home…and am I ever glad to be out of the cold. We look forward to having our family come home, even if it is for just 3 or 4 days. There's nothing like having family home for the holidays. We pray that you'll have a wonderful Christmas and that you will feel and experience the true joy and peace that comes from the Christ-child.  May He guide, comfort, protect, supply your needs, and heal you. May you experience what Isaiah 9:6 proclaims, "For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."

 

Larry and I wish you not only a Merry Christmas, but a blessed Christmas.

 

 

 

Gloria

 

 






QUOTE

 

"Christmas gift suggestions:

To your enemy, forgiveness.

To an opponent, tolerance.

To a friend, your heart.

To a customer, service.

To all, charity.

To every child, a good example.

To yourself, respect."

- Oren Arnold


 






CHUCKLE

 


Twas the weeks before Christmas…


*When all through our land,*


*Not a Christian was praying*


*Nor taking a stand.*


*See the PC Police had taken away,*


*The reason for Christmas - no one could say.*


*The children were told by their schools not to sing,*


*About Shepherds and Wise Men and Angels and things.*


*It might hurt people's feelings, the teachers would say*


* December 25th is just a 'Holiday'.*


*Yet the shoppers were ready with cash, checks and credit*


*Pushing folks down to the floor just to get it!*


*CDs from Madonna, an X BOX, an I-pod*


*Something was changing, something quite odd! *


*Retailers promotedRamadanandKwanzaa*


*In hopes to sell books by Franken & Fonda..*


*As Targets were hanging their trees upside down*


* At Lowe's the word Christmas - was no where to be found.*


*At K-Mart and Staples and Penny's and Sears*


*You won't hear the word Christmas; it won't touch your ears.*


*Inclusive, sensitive, Di-ver-is-ty*


*Are words that were used to intimidate me.*


*Now Daschle, Now Darden, Now Sharpton, Wolf Blitzen*


*On Boxer, on Rather, on Kerry, onClinton!*


*At the top of the Senate, there arose such a clatter*


*To eliminate Jesus, in all public matter.*


*And we spoke not a word, as they took away our faith*


* Forbidden to speak of salvation and grace*


*The true Gift of Christmas was exchanged and discarded*


*Thereason for the season, stopped before it started.*


*So as you celebrate 'Winter Break' under your 'Dream Tree'*


*Sipping your Starbucks, listen to me.*


*Choose your words carefully, choose what you say*


*Shout MERRY CHRISTMAS,


Not HappyHoliday!*


Please, all Christians join together and


Wish everyone you meet during the


Holidays a


MERRY CHRISTMAS


* Christ is The Reason for the Christ-mas Season! *









PIC OF THE WEEK


 

Tell Santa, All I want for Christmas is some rest after a long year on tour!

 












RECIPE

 


Raw Fruit Cake


1 c. raisins, ground                1 c. bread crumbs


1c. dates, chopped            1 c. fruit juice (pineapple or your choice)


2 c. dried apricots               1 c. sunflower seeds


¾ c. water


 

Soak dried fruits in water and fruit juice for 2 hours. Add bread crumbs and sunflower seeds. Pack into a floured mold. Let set for a couple of days in the refrigerator.

 

 

** Submitted by MaryAnn Tschetter and featured in our new cookbook Tastes of Friendship.

 

 

SPECIAL OFFER

 






 

For a limited time,

with the purchase of Tastes of Friendship ,

you will receive one of

our best selling cookbooks,

Lunchies, Munchies and Household Hintsfor FREE!

 

 

To take advantage of this offer,

click hereto go to our online store,

 

and add Tastes of Friendship to your cart only. 

You will receive your free cookbook in the mail shortly after. 

You may also call the office at 605-698-7007.  Enjoy!

 

 


               

 





HOUSEHOLD HINT

 


Before setting the table with your candles, try putting them in water just deep enough to cover them, add 2 teaspoons of salt and soak. This is suppose to cut down on the amount of dripping when they're lit.

Hello...by the time you receive this Larry and I will be on board a plane leaving sunny Arizona en route to Minneapolis, MN. The past two weeks have been a whirlwind as we are trying to catch up on our "road" year-end work. We drove our motorhome from Nebraska to Glendale/Phoenix, Arizona two weeks ago and parked it at the Harvest Church which is pastored by our friends Ron and Sue Rockwell. We are excited to have a service with them when we return in February. They are building a new sanctuary with retired seniors called the "RV'ers"!

November 18, 2009



 

Hello...by the time you receive this Larry and I will be on board a plane leaving sunny Arizona en route to Minneapolis, MN.

The past two weeks have been a whirlwind as we are trying to catch up on our "road" year-end work. We drove our motorhome from Nebraska to Glendale/Phoenix, Arizona two weeks ago and parked it at the Harvest Church which is pastored by our friends Ron and Sue Rockwell. We are excited to have a service with them when we return in February. They are building a new sanctuary with retired seniors called the "RV'ers"! They have this nickname because they are retired seniors who travel from place to place living in their motorhomes doing construction, electrical, etc. and helping churches. Anyway, Harvest is so gracious to let us park the motorhome there alongside the workers motorhomes where we know it will be safe and watched over.


Larry spent three days washing our motorhome, literally inch by inch, with cleaner and cloths. When we started cleaning I kidded Larry, "It looks like it has been through the 10 plagues-flies, bugs, rain, wind, tar, hail, snow, sleet and fog!" It looked like a huge rolling mudball, ha! Anyway it now looks great again. We also gutted out all the bay areas doing year-end inventory and reorganization of our ministry equipment and products. We left South Dakota last August 11th and the motorhome, which is our office, won't return to Sisseton until next May, 2010. As you well know paperwork and "stuff" piles up! Larry has been busy booking 2010 and I've been kept busy with office work and phone calls. What better place to have to work than in toasty Arizona.


Amidst all that I never tire of seeing is the Arizona sunrise and sunset. I'm sure in just a few days we'll be back to the real world of mid-west weather-which means snow and cold!

 

 

 


As the sun was setting a few nights ago I stood there mesmerized at the sight. The longer I watched the more beautiful and brilliant the colors became. At that point my busy and hectic day began to dissipate at the beauty and silence of the sunset. I was spell-bound! It was so peaceful. I sat there until the darkness deepened and the moon and the stars came out. What an experience!


In the book of Revelations, John keeps repeating, "The heavens opened and I saw, then I saw, then I beheld, over and over."  We can't even imagine all that John saw as the heavens opened. But soon-and very soon and just as I beheld that Arizona sunset, we will look up and just as we are expressing our awe in the beauty of the sight, Jesus will appear in the clouds and we shall behold him in all His glory. Yes, He will come to sweep His believers away from this crazy, messed up world with all its corruption. We'll be taken up to be with Him for all eternity. Imagine: no tears, no worries, no stress, pressure, evil, wars, poverty, taxes, bills, and no more sickness or death. For when He comes and takes us home it will be only His glory and His goodness. I'm anxious-how about you! Just to be in His presence-will be worth it all!


 


Gloria

 

PS.  If you've enjoyed our "On the Road" updates, we'd love to know.  Please email us at llmin@venturecomm.net with your comments!


 

 

 

*  One of the staff in our home office recently had another little one.  We are happy for their family and welcome little Madeline Eve!

Steven, Tricia, Elliot & Maddie






QUOTE

 

"When I admire the wonder of a sunset or the beauty of the moon, my soul expands in worship of the Creator."

 

- Author Unknown

 






CHUCKLE

 


A Piece of Pie


Jolene was only 8 years old and lived with family in the country with her parents and brother. Consequently they did not often have visitors from the city. One day Jolene's mother said that father was bringing two guests home for Thanksgiving supper.


After they had enjoyed the turkey, Jolene went to the kitchen to help her mother, and proudly brought in the first piece of pumpkin pie and gave it to her father. He then passed the plate to a guest. When Jolene came in with the second piece and gave it to his father, he again gave it to a guest.


This was too much for Little Jolene, who blurted out, 'It's no use, Daddy. The pieces are all the same size.'


Ode to Thanksgiving


May your stuffing be tasty
May your turkey plump,
May your potatoes and gravy
Have nary a lump.
May your yams be delicious
And your pies take the prize,
And may your Thanksgiving dinner
Stay off your thighs!






PIC OF THE WEEK

 


 

Happy Thanksgiving!

 












RECIPE

 


Baked Pheasant


1 pheasant, quartered            1 (4 oz.) can mushrooms, sliced


1 can mushroom soup              ¼ c. parmesan cheese


½ c. sour cream                         ¼ c. chopped onion


 

Place meat in 9 x13 pan, skin side up. Blend together soup, sour cream, mushrooms, cheese and onion. Spread over meat. Bake at 350 degrees for 1 ½ to 2 hours. Baste occasionally with sauce.

 

 

** Submitted by Bernice R. Geiser and featured in our new cookbook Tastes of Friendship.

 






 

For a limited time,

with the purchase of Tastes of Friendship ,

you will receive one of

our best selling cookbooks,

Lunchies, Munchies and Household Hints for FREE!

 

 

To take advantage of this offer,

click here to go to our online store,

 

and add Tastes of Friendship to your cart only. 

You will receive your free cookbook in the mail shortly after. 

You may also call the office at 605-698-7007.  Enjoy!

 

 


               





HOUSEHOLD HINT

 


Whenever possible, cut meat across the grain; this will make it easier to eat and also give it a more attractive appearance.

Greetings from sunny Arizona! Doesn't the name "Arizona" just warm you up thinking of it? What a blessing after the weather we've been through in the last few weeks. A week ago we were in the state of Nebraska for services. We had intended to make a quick trip back to Sisseton to the office and to see my Mom. She had her third pacemaker put in a few weeks ago. Nearly seventeen years ago she had the first one put in. She was about 77 years old then…the surgeon told me, "This one will last her…till she leaves this Earth. It'll last a good 8-10 years." I chuckled, pointed my finger at him and said, "You don't know my mother…she's a tough Norwegian!"

 November 4, 2009



 


 

 

Greetings from sunny Arizona! Doesn't the name "Arizona" just warm you up thinking of it? What a blessing after the weather we've been through in the last few weeks.

A week ago we were in the state of Nebraska for services. We had intended to make a quick trip back to Sisseton to the office and to see my Mom. She had her third pacemaker put in a few weeks ago. Nearly seventeen years ago she had the first one put in. She was about 77 years old then…the surgeon told me, "This one will last her…till she leaves this Earth. It'll last a good 8-10 years." I chuckled, pointed my finger at him and said, "You don't know my mother…she's a tough Norwegian!" Now here she is, almost 94, and has outlived two pacemakers. She's amazing! She continues to share Christ with everyone she comes in contact with. When the doctors comment, "Your blood pressure is like a twenty year old, you've got a strong heart, and all your blood tests are good. How do you do it?" It's at that point, after they open the gate, she gallops off sharing the goodness of the Lord.


Anyway, I was telling you that we were going to go home to see her. We thought we better check the weather forecast for the week and was disappointed when they predicted severe storms, snow, heavy rain, and below normal temps. If we went to Sisseton, we were going to leave our motor home in Gothenburg, NE, but the temp was to drop to 23 degrees and it was to be one of the pivotal points of the storm. At that point we had to abandon our plans and make a quick decision to get out of Nebraska. We definitely didn't want to get caught in a snow storm and have the plumbing and pipes freeze and explode. We quickly packed up and headed off. The first day we drove from Nebraska to Kansas, into the corner of Oklahoma and on to Texas. The second day we scurried in to Albuquerque, NM with the storm nipping at our heels all the way. Just as we pulled into Albuquerque, about 2 hours later, the rain poured and temps dropped to 30 so we hunkered down next to the Victory Family church to wait for it to pass. The next day, Albuquerque had what we'd call a South Dakota snowstorm. While the storm was dumping a load of snow, Pastor Jerry and Geanette Bernard looked at us and said, "Larry and Gloria, did you bring this? We haven't seen a storm like this in many, many years." We confessed, "Maybe we did -ha!"


On Saturday, October 31st, we called back to Pastor Randy Dilts in Gothenburg, NE and he said, "Larry and Gloria, it's a good thing you got out of here, because we got dumped with over 14 inches of snow and everything today is shut down…it's a mess." Thank the Lord we got ahead of it!


 

 

Let me back up, before we left Nebraska, we had two wonderful services. On Wednesday night we were in O'Neill, NE where three Pastors had joined together for a wonderful evening service. There was excitement in the air and we were all thrilled to see those who made decisions for Christ.

 

 

"What a blessing to have Larry and Gloria back in the O'Neill area. Their music and message of salvation touched a lot of people in our congregation. We hadeight go forward for rededicaton of their lives and two first time decisions for Christ. We thank the Lord for their ministry and look forward to having them back again next year."

 

Pastor James Loutzenhiser
Word of Life Assembly of God
Pastor James, Wayne & Mike

"It was indeed a blessing to be in service with Larry and Gloria Lundstrom. They presented a real life giving message that touched people's lives, a message that could and would change their lives forever. I look forward to their return to this area for I know that lives will be forever changed. God's Word spoken in love will never return void. Thank Larry and Gloria for your willingness to serve, and dedication to God."


Rev. Wayne Smith

Full Gospel Church



"Thank you, Larry and Gloria, for a wonderful time of ministry here in O'Neill, NE. Our people were touched by the wonderful music, and the down-to-earth life changing Gospel presentation. We especially appreciated the Lundstrom's heart for ministry and the personable approach. You are very open to the leading of the Holy Spirit, and I appreciate your attention to detail. You are true evangelists in every sense of the word, introducing people to a message that will change their lives for all eternity. Thanks again for coming back to this area and we look forward to seeing you again soon!"

 

Pastor Mike Durre
O'Neill Assembly of God


 

Then we drove onto Gothenburg, NE to minister Saturday night and Sunday at Gothenburg First United Methodist Church. It's always a joy and fun to be back with our pastor friends, Pastor Randy and Deb Dilts. We've been following them in their ministry since the early 80s. Every place they have ministered, they have Gothenburg, NE altar callinvited us to come. They put a lot of effort and prayer into the outreaches and God has definitely honored it. Sunday morning, there were close to 60 who responded to the altar call. This included several young families - what a thrill! When I looked in the counseling room and saw those precious families, it brought tears to my eyes. It's those moments of people coming to Christ that keep us going. God is so faithful, and we are still willing to go.

"We were so blessed to have Larry & Gloria come for a Saturday evening and Sunday morning rally! We had several on Us with Randy and Deb DiltsSaturday evening and well over 50 people go forward on Sunday morning; many for the first and many of those were children and young people. Words like faithful and consistent should be used in describing Larry & Gloria's ministry. They very unselfishly lift up Jesus Christ and allow Him to draw "all" unto Himself. They come to build up a church by kindling a relationship between people and Jesus Christ. Thank you for coming and for your incredible faithfulness!"


Parson Randy & Deb Dilts

Gothenburg First United Methodist Church

 

 

 

Well, it's time to get into the office mail. Thanks for following us on our On the Road journeys. You are all very special to us.

 

 

Gloria

 

PS.  If you've enjoyed our "On the Road" updates, we'd love to know.  Please email us at llmin@venturecomm.net with your comments!


 

 





QUOTE

 


"Don't tell God how big your storm is, tell the storm how big your God is!" - Author Unknown


 






CHUCKLE

 


*What is the Mexican weather report?
  Chili today and hot tamale.


*Although he was a qualified meteorologist, Hopkins ran up a terrible record of forecasting for the TV news program. He became something of a local joke when a newspaper began keeping a record of his predictions and showed that he'd been wrong almost three hundred times in a single year. That kind of notoriety was enough to get him fired. He moved to another part of the country and applied for a similar job. One blank on the job application called for the reason for leaving his previous position. Hopkins wrote, "The climate didn't agree with me."


*An honest weatherman says, "Today's forecast is bright and sunny with an 80% chance that I'm wrong."





PIC OF THE WEEK


 


 

 

 












RECIPE

 


Macaroni Tuna Casserole


1 pkg. macaroni and cheese


1 can cream of celery soup


1 can tuna


½ c. milk


1 c. shredded Cheddar cheese


Prepare macaroni and cheese according to directions on the package. Stir in the soup, tuna and milk. Pour into a greased 9 x13 pan. Sprinkle with the cheese. Bake at 350 for 20 minutes.


 

 

** Submitted by Tonya Graff and featured in our new cookbook Tastes of Friendship.

 






 

For a limited time,

with the purchase of Tastes of Friendship ,

you will receive one of

our best selling cookbooks,

Lunchies, Munchies and Household Hints for FREE!

 

 

To take advantage of this offer,

click here to go to our online store,

 

and add Tastes of Friendship to your cart only. 

You will receive your free cookbook in the mail shortly after. 

You may also call the office at 605-698-7007.  Enjoy!

 

 


               





HOUSEHOLD HINT

 


If your brown sugar has turned into a rock, grate the amount you need. Then, place a slice of soft bread in a sealed container with the rock-hard brown sugar. It should soften in a few hours. Remove the bread and seal the sugar in an air-tight bag or container.

WHEW…let me take a big breath…we just arrived back to the state of Nebraska from the state of Maryland. Again we were greeted by colder than usual weather and peppered with snowflakes. I'm still waiting for summer… for some reason I think we skipped a season somewhere. We had a wonderful service in Cumberland, MD at Friendship Haven with Pastor Floyd and Marsha Bender. On Saturday night Larry and I met with a group from his congregation who were interested in Soul Winning. Of course, that's our button.

  October 21, 2009


 


 

 

 

WHEW…let me take a big breath…we just arrived back to the state of Nebraska from the state of Maryland. Again we were greeted by colder than usual weather and peppered with snowflakes. I'm still waiting for summer… for some reason I think we skipped a season somewhere.

 

 


Pastor Floyd & Marsha Bender
We had a wonderful service in Cumberland, MD at Friendship Haven with Pastor Floyd and Marsha Bender. On Saturday night Larry and I met with a group from his congregation who were interested in Soul Winning. Of course, that's our button. Larry encouraged them and gave them some effective tools. Pastor Bender and the church had been praying for weeks that God would bring in new people and that many would come to Christ. Their prayers were answered, as on Sunday morning many responded to the altar call, with many prodigals coming back home. The tears of repentance Cumberland, MD Altar calland tears of joy made the trip out east worth every soul that came to Christ.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jim & Bonna Brown

 

It was great seeing friends that we met many years ago again. One couple was Jim and Bonna Brown from Hagerstown, MD. They worked with the chaplaincy for truckers for many years and have been partners with this ministry since the beginning. We thank God and them for their faithfulness.

 

 

 

Paul and Linda Yoder from the Cumberland area were instrumental in bringing us in to Friendship Haven.Paul & Linda Yoder We also met them in the early years of our ministry and are thankful that their burden for the Lost and their influence to bring us in saw a great harvest come to fruition. They shared:

"You have been blessing our lives since the late 60's. This past Sunday when you were at Friendship Haven Church you once again were a blessing and an encouragement to us. About ten minutes into the service my eight year old granddaughter leaned over to me and whispered 'Larry is funny!' That hasn't changed, nor has the message of salvation you proclaimed. Thank you for being obedient to the Lord."


 

The youth pastor, Brad Yoder, shared the impact of the service on him as well as many teens:

Brad Yoder"I saw 6 or 7 youth who recommitted their lives to God. One of them had professed to be a Christian but didnot remember the specific time when he accepted Christ as his savior, so this became his moment of personal decision. I think several others had accepted Christ in the past and had come to the point where the cares of the world were having a bit of asmothering effect on them. Through your ministry on Sunday, I believe that God spoke to them and rekindled the flame of their commitment. I also had the opportunity to speak to another young believer about the assurance of salvation, which I believe he had been seeking, and I pray that God will use this moment as a time to which he can look with assurance that Christ is Lord of his life. In addition to these happenings, I thank you for giving Shanita the opportunity to be a counselor to the younger children. I think it was really good for her. And I appreciated the challenge that you have given me to look outward more than I do. That's an ongoing process that God is working in me."


 

The following day, we began our long 1500 mile trip from Cumberland, MD (about an hour from Baltimore) way back to Illinois and to Nebraska. Our first stop was in Dubuois, PA to visit a partner, Walt Clutter, who had open heart surgery. We walked into the intensive care and he looked up and grinned at us and said, "I can't believe you're really standing here - what an encouragement." He definitely was happy that we could stop by to see him and pray for him. Several hours later we were in Ohio. I wish we would've had full sunshine so we could enjoy the fall scenery. One interesting site was a flock of geese heading south. Watching them, I remarked, "Larry, look at all those geese." He looked up and heard them honking and he said, "Well if that won't give you hunting fever." I commented, "Boy they are really moving fast - they feel that chill in the air and are heading south- I think they're smarter than us, we are heading north." Just then I saw about 15-20 geese going the opposite direction - north! I figured they must have an instinct and a compass like me, which is not good! I can get lost in direction by just blinking my eyes.

Those geese flying in the wrong direction reminded me of people living without God. Instinct tells them there is a God and what is right and wrong, and which direction to go, but their own fleshly free Will and rebellion tells them, "Do what you want, live how you want, it's all about me, it's my life." What they don't know or want to believe is that their own free Will is going take them to an eternal destination that they won't like and when they get there it will be too late to turn around.


Larry and I continue to chase the flocks going the wrong direction to encourage them to turn around, and to receive Christ that they may have eternal life. Be challenged! If you know someone heading the wrong direction spiritually, call them, love on them, invite them to church…be a compass in this crazy world. You won't regret it.


Have a great week - we love all of you!


Gloria


 

 





QUOTE

 

"For the Son of Man came to find and restore the lost."  

 

- Luke 19:10, The Message

 






CHUCKLE

 


Hunting Humor


* Two Polish hunters were driving through the country to go bear hunting. They came upon a fork in the road where a sign read "BEAR LEFT" so they went home.


* What's the difference between a hunter and a fisherman? A hunter lies in wait. A fisherman waits and lies.


* Two guys are out hunting deer. The first guy says, "Did you see that?" "No," the second guy says. "Well, a bald eagle just flew overhead," the first guy says. "Oh," says the second guy. A couple of minutes later, The first guy says, "Did you see that?" "See what?" the second guy asks. "Are you blind? There was a big, black bear walking on that hill, over there." "Oh." A few minutes later the first guy says: "Did you see that?" By now, the second guy is getting aggravated, so he says, "Yes, I did!" And the first guy says: "Then why did you step in it?"





PIC OF THE WEEK

 


 

"Now that's what you call a real Ohio outhouse!"

 












RECIPE

 


Corn Bake


½ c. butter                              1 box Jiffy Cornbread Mix


1 med. Onion                         3 eggs


½ green bell pepper            1 c. sour cream


1 can whole kernel corn     1 c. shredded cheddar cheese


1 can cream style corn


Chop onion and bell pepper and sauté in ½ cup butter. Drain can of whole kernel corn. Mix with can of cream style corn. Add Jiffy cornbread mix. Add 3 eggs and stir into the onion and pepper mixture. Pour in baking dish. Mix together sour cream and cheese and spoon on top of corn mixture. Bake 1 hour at 350 degrees.


 

 

** Submitted by Linda Kriz and featured in our new cookbook Tastes of Friendship.

 






 

For a limited time,

with the purchase of Tastes of Friendship ,

you will receive one of

our best selling cookbooks,

Lunchies, Munchies and Household Hints for FREE!

 

 

To take advantage of this offer,

click here to go to our online store,

 

and add Tastes of Friendship to your cart only. 

You will receive your free cookbook in the mail shortly after. 

You may also call the office at 605-698-7007.  Enjoy!

 

 


               





HOUSEHOLD HINT

 


To prevent cheese from sticking to a grater, spray the grater with cooking spray before beginning.



Greetings from the road! Fall is here…ready or not. I love fall! Larry and I made a marathon run beginning in Minnesota out to the East Coast taking us through the states of Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Pennsylvania, Vermont, Massachusetts and Connecticut. This entire trip has been engulfed by endless rain.

  
October 7, 2009

 

Greetings from the road! Fall is here…ready or not. I love fall! Larry and I made a marathon run beginning in Minnesota out to the East Coast taking us through the states of Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Pennsylvania, Vermont, Massachusetts and CoThe beautiful autumn colors!nnecticut. This entire trip has been engulfed by endless rain. We left our motor home in Wisconsin to make this quick trip as needless to say, traveling with the car is much cheaper than the motorhome. Unfortunately, we had service cancellations which left us two weeks without services. I encouraged Larry, "Honey, maybe God knew we needed a few days of quiet and rest from a heavy year of ministry and travel."

Amidst the pouring rain we had a spot here and there where the sun peeked through so we could enjoy the fall scenery. Arriving in the beautiful state of Vermont, I was mesmerized by the countless white steeples of churches peeking through the fall leaves displaying their brilliant colors of red, yellows and oranges. As we were driving down the road, we saw a bumper sticker that read "I live in Vermont…..and I can do whatever I want." That sticker resonated the reality of the mindset of a godless generation. I am sure if you follow the news, you are aware that on April 15, 2009, the VermVermont's State Capitalont Supreme Court judges passed the law of same sex marriages. Plain and simply put, it made it legal for a man to marry a man or a woman to marry a woman. You and I definitely know this is not God's law. Vermont is also the home of the infamous "Ben and Jerry's Ice Cream". The day the law was passed and men began marrying men, Ben and Jerry's made a special ice cream advertising it for same sex wedding celebrations. They switched the name from "Chubby Hubby" to "Hubby Hubby". How appalling! As you know, several states are following suit on same sex marriage. The bumper sticker "I live in Vermont ... and I can do whatever I want" is a very apparent outward burst of rebellion. While in Vermont, Larry and I talked to many college age students and young couples and inquired intVermont Supreme Courto their view of the new law. The overwhelming answer we received was "Well ya, I agree it is kind of weird, but now we are used to it, and ya, that's just the way it is". God help us not to continue to "get used to sin", and the collateral damage it is causing the upcoming generations. Christian moms and dads…grandpas and grandmas…stand up and fight for your children and grandchildren while we can still make a difference. We need to do it while we still can. Ok, so you can see I am fired up, but frankly we need to be! Our children and grandchildren's futures are too important to stay silent!


Yesterday we left CThat is one happy Larry and one very sad lobster!onnecticut and drove through New York City (sure glad Larry was driving as I was a stress wreck). The more I saw the graffiti, the more I prayed our car wouldn't break down. Ha. From New York we drove on to Philadelphia and arrived just in time for rush hour traffic. We pulled off downtown Philly and hunted down a small restaurant that has been there since the early 1900's. Our daughter LaShawn keeps telling us you can't go out East without having a fresh lobster. She said, "Mom and Dad, it is only $20 for a 2# lobster." That got Larry's attention as "I found a car about my same age!  HA!"well as mine. We drove through the old streets of Philly where they are so narrow that I am sure they were built only for Model T's or today's smart cars. We finally reached our destination and happily ordered the lobster. It was scrumptious, as you can see by the photo of Larry. Of course, I had my own. It may be several years before we get lobster so I figured, "Why not? Yummy!" We are now in Pennslyvania and are making our way towards Cumberland , Maryland, for weekend services.


We thank God for all the many blessings in life, for our dear friends and our precious family. A few days ago my mother Julie Brooks, almost 94 years old, was very ill and taken to the hospital. We prayed for a miracle healing and God did it. God is so good! She is currently in an assisted living center and she has made a 99% turn around. She has now outlived two pacemakers and will have a third one put in October 23rd. The nurse told her yesterday in Fargo, ND, "I can't believe your heart is so good and how sharp you are at 94." I know she has lived a long, full and blessed life…..but…we, as a family, are not ready to give her up yet. We need and cherish her prayers. She is such a joy to all of us. Just a note…. my father passed away 10 years ago, Oct 5, 1999. I can hardly believe he has been gone 10 years. We miss him greatly, but what a joy it is to know he is in heaven. His memory lives on every day in our lives.


Well, we must hit the road again. Have a great week. We love and appreciate you!


Gloria


 

 





QUOTE

 

"We don't change the message, the message changes us."

~Anonymous

 






CHUCKLE

 

A sweet grandmother telephoned Mount Sinai Hospital.  She timidly asked, "Is it possible to speak to someone who can tell me how a patient is doing?"  The operator said, "I'll be glad to help.  Dear, what's the name and room number?"  The grandmother in her weak tremulous voice said, "Holly Finkel in room 302."

 

The operator replied, "Let me check.  Oh, good news.  Her records say that Holly is doing very well.  Her blood pressure is fine; her blood work just came back as normal and her physician, Dr. Cohen, has scheduled her to be discharged on Tuesday." 

 

The grandmother said, "Thank you.  That's wonderful!  I was so worried!  God bless you for the good news."  The operator replied, "You are more than welcome.  Is Holly your daughter?"

 

The grandmother said, "No, I'm Holly Finkel in room 302.  Dr. Cohen doesn't tell me anything!"

 




PIC OF THE WEEK

 


 

"Did someone say something about an acorn?"

 












RECIPE

 


Slow Cooker Pumpkin Pudding


1 small can pumpkin                                                2 eggs, beaten

1 can evaporated milk                                           2 Tbsp butter, melted

3/4 cup sugar                                                             1 tsp pumpkin pie spice

1/2 cup Bisquick                                                        1 tsp cinnamon

1 Tbsp buttermilk powder                                     1 tsp vanilla

 

Mix all ingredients and pour in slow-cooker and cook for 6-7 hours.

 

 

** Submitted by Pat Jensvold and featured in our new cookbook Tastes of Friendship.

 






 

For a limited time,

with the purchase of Tastes of Friendship ,

you will receive one of

our best selling cookbooks,

Lunchies, Munchies and Household Hints for FREE!

 

 

To take advantage of this offer,

click here to go to our online store,

 

and add Tastes of Friendship to your cart only. 

You will receive your free cookbook in the mail shortly after. 

You may also call the office at 605-698-7007.  Enjoy!

 

 


               





HOUSEHOLD HINT

 

Do you want to have a nice subtle aroma in your home?


 

Take an orange and about a dozen whole cloves. Poke the pointy end of each clove into the orange, in an attractive pattern, if you like, until all that shows is the head of each clove. You'll end up with an orange studded with cloves.
Tie it with string and hang it in a corner (if you leave it on a plate, the orange will flatten and rot), and the cloves will slowly leech the juice from the orange and evaporate a lovely clove-orange scent into the air. It will last a few weeks.

Greetings from Dekalb, Illinois! Does that city name ring a bell? Of course it does if you are familiar with agriculture…Dekalb seed corn! We are parked in a church parking lot about 25 feet from a massive corn field. On the way here, we felt like we were literally traveling through a maze of cornfields all the way from Rockford, IL.

We drove from Whitehall, WI (located near Black River Falls, WI) where we were kept quite busy with several types of ministry. We held two services, participated in a TV interview and spoke at a bike tent rally. It was a fun active week!

It was good to be back with Pastor Allen and Wanda Skroch for these various outreaches to the lost and hurting. One visiting pastor commented, "I have never been to anything like this before. God did a new work in my life." Even those in ministry need encouragement and a "shove" every once in a while.

September 23, 2009

 

 Greetings from Dekalb, Illinois! Does that city name ring a bell? Of course it does if you are familiar with agriculture…Dekalb seed corn! We are parked in a church parking lot about 25 feet from a massive corn field. On the way here, we felt like we were literally traveling through a maze of cornfields all the way from Rockford, IL.

 

  

 

The altar call in Whitehall, WI

 

We drove from Whitehall, WI (located near Black River Falls, WI) where we were kept quite busy with several types of ministry. We held two services, participated in a TV interview and spoke at a bike tent rally. It was a fun active week!

 

 

 

Larry and Gloria with Allen and Wanda Skroch

 

It was good to be back with Pastor Allen and Wanda Skroch for these various outreaches to the lost and hurting. One visiting pastor commented, "I have never been to anything like this before. God did a new work in my life." Even those in ministry need encouragement and a "shove" every once in a while.

 

 

Fran & Ellie Davids

 

It was also a pleasure to see many friends and partners that we have met in our almost 44 years of ministry together.  One of those couples was Fran & Ellie Davids.  It is a true delight staying in touch with so many!

 

 

 

After our time in Whitehall, we made a quick trip back to Minneapolis. Just before hitting the road again, Larry wanted to go to what he dubs his second home…..Perkins….for pancakes. We were driving our Suburban and with directions in hand, we were in hot pursuit for pancakes. We followed the (unfortunately) misleading directions and found ourselves in the middle of a residential district.

What happened next I will do my best to describe, but honestly you would have just had to have been there to fully enjoy the craziness of the moment. Following our directions, we exited off on a wrong exit and not knowing where to go, Larry and I said simultaneously, "We need to get directions again." We at once noticed that there was a Sheriff's car parked about 200 feet ahead of us. "Perfect!" we thought! Certainly we would be able to get directions from the sheriff as this is his/her territory. Larry pulled the Suburban up close to the Sheriff car, and I motioned to the uniformed individual in the car hoping to get a response, but there was no response. I waved again and again, and after still being unable to attain a response, it dawned on me that the sheriff had fallen asleep on duty. Giving the benefit of the doubt I told Larry, "It must be time for his lunch break and he's taking a little nap."


Not wanting to give up as we were still on a mission…to find Perkin's pancakes, I decided to get out of the car and get a little closer hoping to initiate a response. However, I found myself in a bit of a conundrum. There was a glare on the driver's window and I was hesitant to knock on the window as I didn't want to startle him thus getting myself in trouble! HA! It was becoming clear that this just wasn't a good situation! I kept peering at the policeman and realized he was not moving…at all.

 

The mannequin  AKA the Sheriff!

 

Just then, a businessman was crossing the street in front of the car. He looked at me, stared at the man in the car who was in a rather slumped position and panicked, "Oh…is he dead?" I carefully stepped up even closer to the window, and to my very apparent surprise, there was a mannequin occupying the driver's seat. I motioned for Larry to come on over. Larry sauntered over, looked at what I was looking at and literally fell over in laughter. (I was so glad I had my little camera with me). In disbelief Larry exclaimed, "It's a dummy!"

 

 

Still in pursuit of directions to a Perkins, we eventually made our way down the street hoping to find someone willing to help. We finally found a lady willing to help and relayed our curious experience. She said she had driven down the street for weeks and never realized it was a dummy in there; the whole time she thought it was a real policeman. It goes to show "Things are not always as they appear!"


Getting the wrong directions, getting off the wrong exit and putting ourselves in a potentially interesting situation was, in the end, worth the hours of laughter it provided.


That was the fun side of the week. The rest of the week followed with literally a flood of phone calls, e-mails and letters from friends, partners and families whose lives have been shattered by untimely news of breast cancer, death of an evangelist friend who had battled cancer, death of a 23 year old daughter by a car accident, a young mother strolling her newborn who was struck and killed by a car, another partner and wife whose motorhome blew a tire resulting in it flying 75 ft airborne causing significant injuries, another partner who is facing very serious financial decisions, a partner struggling with eyesight issues and the trials continue on and on.


Again, I am reminded how fragile life is. I become aware of how dependent we are on God as well as for praying friends to help carry us through trials and tribulations. Today I have been drawn to Isaiah 43:1-4 (NKJV),


"But now, thus says the LORD, who created you, O Jacob, and He who formed you, O Israel:


"Fear not, for I have redeemed you;
I have called you by your name; You are Mine.
2 When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;
And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you.
When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned,
Nor shall the flame scorch you.
3 For I am the LORD your God, The Holy One of Israel, your Savior…
4 Since you were precious in My sight, you have been honored,
And I have loved you…"


It appears everyone that I meet is facing a life changing challenge. We need to remain faithful to pray for each other like we have never prayed before. It is prayer that makes the difference in lives. Take a few moments right now to pray for those God brings to your mind.


May God bless you and may you feel His presence and love!

 

Gloria


 

 





QUOTE

 

"Prayer:  don't give God instructions---just report for duty!"

~Anonymous

 

"Prayer is where the action is!"

~John Wesley
 





CHUCKLE

 

* The Sunday School teacher asks, "Johnny, now tell me frankly...do you say prayers before eating?"

"No sir," Little Johnny replies, "I don't have to, my mom is a good cook."

 

* A mother overheard her little girl praying:

"Now I lay me down to rest.

I pray I pass tomorrow's test.

If I should die before I wake,

That's one less test I'll have to take."

 




PIC OF THE WEEK

 


 

 

It is hard to believe it is that time of year again!

 












RECIPE

 


Baked Zucchini


3 zucchini, sliced (1-2 inches thick)                            salt and pepper

1 Tbsp butter or margarine                                          1/4 cup chopped onion

1/2 cup chopped celery                                               1 cup ground beef or sausage

1 slice bread, cubed                                                      1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese                             Italion seasoning, optional                             

Cook zucchini in boiling salted water until almost done, drain.  Season with salt and pepper.  Melt butter; add onion, celery and meat.  Cook until lightly browned.  Add bread cubes, zucchini, and sauce with spices.  Place in baking dish.  Sprinkle with cheese.  Bake at 375 degrees for 30 minutes.  Serves 6.


 

 

** Submitted by Lila Douglas and featured in our new cookbook Tastes of Friendship.

 






 

For a limited time,

with the purchase of Tastes of Friendship ,

you will receive one of

our best selling cookbooks,

Lunchies, Munchies and Household Hints for FREE!

 

 

To take advantage of this offer,

click here to go to our online store,

 

and add Tastes of Friendship to your cart only. 

You will receive your free cookbook in the mail shortly after. 

You may also call the office at 605-698-7007.  Enjoy!

 

 


               





HOUSEHOLD HINT

 


Purchase a new coffee grinder and mark it "spices".  It can be used to grind most spices.  However, cinnamon bark, nutmeg and others must be broken up a little first.  Clean the grinder after each use.


 

Greetings from the beautiful and breathtaking dairy state of Wisconsin! What a perfect September day! It seems September has rushed in before I hardly knew it. My father-in-law used to tell me, "Gloria, the older you get, the faster life goes." I used to chuckle knowing that wasn't the truth. Time is time. However, I must say that now…I think the same way! It does seem that life travels at a much faster pace these days.

September 9, 2009

  


 

 

 

 

Greetings from the beautiful and breathtaking dairy state of Wisconsin! What a perfect September day! It seems September has rushed in before I hardly knew it. My father-in-law used to tell me, "Gloria, the older you get, the faster life goes." I used to chuckle knowing that wasn't the truth. Time is time. However, I must say that now…I think the same way! It does seem that life travels at a much faster pace these days.

Before August vanished, I had the honor on August 28-29th to speak at a women's retreat in Park Rapids, MN, associated with the Park Rapids Assembly of God church. The theme was Raise Me Up Above My Circumstances. We had a precious time of encouraging in the Lord. Joyce Woods and Sandy Gjorvik did an outstanding job in directing it.


On Friday night, the lodge was decorated with helium-filled balloons. Joyce handed each in attendance a women prayingsmall piece of paper with a string attached. She asked that we write our prayer requests on it and tie it to a balloon. She then beckoned us to go out onto the balcony of the beautiful A-framed lodge that was nestled among hundreds of towering pine trees. In a quiet moment, we prayed over the requests represented and then released the balloons (along with the needs/burdens represented) go. They soared up, up, up and soon were in infinity.


Oh yes…also on that little piece of paper attached to the balloon along with our prayer request were also the words, "If you find this balloon, please call Park Rapids Assembly of God at this number to let us know where you found this balloon."


GET THIS! Twelve hours after the balloons' lift off, the church received a call from a man in Cleveland, OH, stating that he found the balloon on his farmland. Evidently at least one balloon ascended into the jet stream and sailed from North Central Minnesota to Cleveland, OH, in just twelve hours. Wow…isn't that something!


Even more thrilling than that however, is to know that even before we pray, God knows our heart's prayers, needs, desires and requests. They hit the throne room faster than the speed of light. We never pray in vain, and His Word instructs us to pray without ceasing; to never give up; and to pray through our circumstances. I hope that thought will bless you as it did me.

 

Pastor Dave & Melissa Oler

From Park Rapids, we drove to Hibbing, MN, for two Sunday morning services with Pastor Dave and Melissa Oler. They have a wonderful staff working alongside them and the church continues to grow with many incoming new couples and families. Pastor Dave is another young pastor with a passion to reach the Lost. He is definitely not a "maintainer"; he's a "Kingdom mover"!


"Larry and Gloria gave our families much needed encouragement. Larry communicated the gospel effectively and in a way which honors God's Word. We are thankful for the fruit of their ministry here in Hibbing."



Rev. Dave Oler


Hibbing, MN altar call

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Us and Donovan

 

 

After Hibbing, MN, which is located in the Iron Range of Minnesota, we continued our journey taking us through Minneapolis, MN. Our son Donovan was working in Minneapolis for a few days. We were able to catch a few hours with him between both of our schedules. We hadn't seen him since Christmas so it was truly a cherished time together. We loved every minute!

 

 

Jon, Joan and I

 

 

 

We then traveled onto Oak Creek, WI, a suburb of Milwaukee, for a double-header weekend. Our nephew, Jon Brooks, son of Pastor Jerry and Sherry Brooks, got married. We were so happy to be there for his and Joan's wedding.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Oak Creek congregationOn Sunday morning, Larry and I sang and ministered in the two morning services at Oak Creek Assembly of God. It has been a joy to watch my brother's church grow through the years from less than 20 to over 2300. Jerry and Sherry's hearts beat for the lost and hurting and so do ours, so we are a good fit for ministry. We love that church. They never fail to welcome us with open arms and an excess of love! It is always exciting to see what God is going to do next at Oak Creek Assembly of God.

 

 

"We had a great soul-winning morning on Labor Day weekend with Larry and Gloria. Larry presented the message of salvation in a way that anyone could clearly understand, whether they came from a churched or unchurched background. 88 decisions for Christ were registered that morning, with many of them being first-time decisions.Thank you for being such a great blessing to all of us at Oak Creek Assembly of God!"

Pastor Jerry Brooks


Oak Creek Assembly of God


Oak Creek, WI


A mother whisked up to me as the service was dismissed and tearfully hugged me. "Thank you, thank you, thank you! I have been praying and praying for my 19 year old son, and this morning when Larry gave the Oak Creek altar callinvitation for those to come to Christ, he raised his hand and went forward. You know how tough 19 year olds are to reach, but without hesitation, he responded to receive Christ this morning. Your trip here would have been worth it even if it were just for my son."


 

 

 

 

We then hit the road again as Monday night we ministered in Appleton, WI, with our friends Leo and Dorothy Marks of Nationwide Travels and Tours. They extended an invitation for us to sing and minister atLeo & Dorothy a private meal and evening gathering. Several prayed the prayer of salvation that evening answering the prayer of Leo and Dorothy that lives would be changed.

This week we will continue to minister in Wisconsin….on the road. We are looking forward to great decisions made for Christ. We pray this finds you well and we pray you have a blessed day and week! Also, if you are a grandparent, we pray blessings on you for Grandparents Day! May you be honored and may you never forget the vital role that you play in the lives of your grandchildren!


 


Gloria


 

 





QUOTE

 

 


"What children need most are the essentials that grandparents provide in abundance. They give unconditional love, kindness, patience, humor, comfort, lessons in life. And, most importantly, cookies."


~Rudolph Giuliani



 





CHUCKLE

 

* When my grandson asked me how old I was, I teasingly replied, I'm not sure." "Look in your underwear, Grandma,"he advised. "Mine says I'm four to six."


* My grandson was visiting one day when he asked, "Grandma, do you know how you and God are alike?" I mentally polished my halo while I asked, No, how are we alike?" "You're both old," he replied.


* After putting her grandchildren to bed, a grandmother changed into old slacks and a droopy blouse and proceeded to wash her hair. As she heard the children getting more and more rambunctious, her patience grew thin. At last she threw a towel around her head and stormed into their room, putting them back to bed with stern warnings. As she left the room, she heard the three-year-old say with a trembling voice, "Who was THAT?"









PIC OF THE WEEK

 

 


 

 

 












RECIPE

 


Slow Cooker Pumpkin Pudding


1 sm. can pumpkin                              2 eggs, beaten


1 (12 oz.) can evaporated milk       2 T. butter, melted


¾ c. sugar                                               1 tsp. pumpkin pie spice


½ c. Bisquick                                           1 tsp. cinnamon


1 T. buttermilk powder                        2 tsp. vanilla

 

Mix all ingredients and pour in slow-cooker and cook for 6-7 hours.


 

 

** Submitted by Pat Jensvold and featured in our new cookbook Tastes of Friendship.

 






 

For a limited time,

with the purchase of Tastes of Friendship ,

you will receive one of

our best selling cookbooks,

Lunchies, Munchies and Household Hints for FREE!

 

 

To take advantage of this offer,

click here to go to our online store,

 

and add Tastes of Friendship to your cart only. 

You will receive your free cookbook in the mail shortly after. 

You may also call the office at 605-698-7007.  Enjoy!

 

 


               





HOUSEHOLD HINT

 


To protect a cast iron skillet, place a coffee filter in it to absorb moisture and prevent rust.


 

On August 16th, we were in Grand Rapids, MN for a Sunday morning service with our friends pastor Brian and Bonnie McGuire. It was a joy to be back with them again. There were a host of visitors at the service who we've met through the years. We had a precious service and altar call; there were over 20 decisions for Christ, with over half of those being first-time decisions.

August 26, 2009

  

Greetings from the great state of Minnesota - Land of 10,000 lakes. The drive here from South Dakota was beautiful with all the towering pines, lakes, wildflowers - it truly has all the looks and perks of vacation land. The roads were crowded with traffic of tourists and families trying to squeeze in the last vacation before school starts.


Pastor McGuire and family

 

 

 

On August 16th, we were in Grand Rapids, MN for a Sunday morning service with our friends pastor Brian and Bonnie McGuire. It was a joy to be back with them again. There were a host of visitors at the service who we've met through the years. We had a precious service and altar call; there were over 20 decisions for Christ, with over half of those being first-time decisions. After the service I was sifting through the decision cards and Altar call in Grand Rapids, MNwas so touched to see people of all ages and all walks of life who turned to God.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jason Reed and familyThere was a joy of a testimony like that of Jason and Carol Reed from Cohasset, MN. Jason sauntered up to me and said, "My parents came to Christ under your ministry years ago and our family and our lives were never the same again. Thanks for being at the right place at the right time." His wife Carol added, "Oh, I have followed your ministry for years and years, since I was a little girl." (wow - that made me feel old -ha!) The Reed's are such a sweet family.

 

 

 

The night before, Larry went into McDonald's for an ice cream cone (can you imagine that), and the employee, Linda Linda SchumacherSchumacher, greeted Larry at the counter and said, "Larry, I know you. I'm coming to see you and Gloria tomorrow. Larry, my dad got saved in your service here 3 years ago. He now has terminal cancer and is in his last days - but thank God, we know he'll be in Heaven and we'll see him again." When I talked to Linda on Sunday I told her the trip here 3 years ago would've been worth it, even if only for her father. With tears in her eyes she acknowledged, "Yes, it would've been." It's those testimonies that give us the strength to keep pushing on to win the Lost.

 

 

 

 


Pastor Art & Joyce Woods
The following Sunday, we had the true privilege of returning to Park Rapids Assembly of God with our long-time friends, Pastor Art and Joyce Wood.  This is "another" great ministry couple that have been doing a wonderful job of shepherding their flock for many years.  We had a great service and altar call!

 

"Sunday,  August  23, was a very special service.  Truly, it was a very uplifting time.  The Lundstrom's  ministered  powerfully  the Gospel message of salvation and  a  committed  walk with Christ.  Resulting from the altar call, there were three new converts, two adults and one teen, and eight that rededicated their lives to the Master.  Not only did they minister effectively in the Church but also in the community wherever they went.   We are really looking  forward to them coming back this  coming weekend for a  ladies  retreat where Gloria will be  ministering to many ladies from the area.


 


We were very pleased with their ministry and our people really enjoyed the genuiness and joy Larry and Gloria exude.  Altar call at Park Rapids, MNLarry and Gloria will  always be  welcomed by our people at  Park Rapids Assembly of God Church."

 

Pastor Art & Joyce Wood

Park Rapids Assembly of God

Park Rapids, MN

 

 

 

 

 

Travis & Larry

 

 

 

The youth pastor, Travis Cerven, at Park Rapids Assembly of God shared this with me after the service,

 

"I really, really enjoyed you guys.  You have a special connection with teenagers and young couples and that was proven at the altar call.  Larry, I also really appreciated you sharing some soulwinning tips with me."

 

 

 

 

 

 

Myanna & Dante at the lakeI was just sitting here thinking about how quickly this summer has passed by, especially with all the events and busyness. I was thinking back to a couple weeks ago when LaDawn and Dante and Myanna spent a couple days with us in Minnesota. The grandkids begged Grandpa to come into the lake and swim with them. Being the kid he is… he did. They played, had water fights, giggled and laughed. After they ran out of energy, Myanna got on her green river raft and was floating in the water. Amidst all the fun, Myanna noticed that she had floated out to a depth over her head, panicked and hollered for Papa! Quickly he dashed towards her and soon was up to his chin in the water. She hollered again as Larry stretched out his arms into the deep water to grab the raft. Successfully, he was able to grab a corner and pull her into shallow water. Relieved, but still a bit scared, I heard Myanna say to Dante, "Dante, Grandpa would've been willing to die to save me." What a touching compliment.

 

 

How grateful I am that Jesus was willing to die for the entire world…that we would and could be saved from eternal damnation. I am grateful…aren't you?

Have a great week - blessings on you!

 
Gloria


 

 





QUOTE

 

 


"Love is to the heart what the summer is to the farmer's year - it brings to harvest all the loveliest flowers of the soul."


- Author Unknown



 





CHUCKLE

 

Give a man a fish and he will eat for a day.

Teach a man to fish and he will go out and buy expensive fishing equipment, stupid looking clothes, a sports utility vehicle, travel 1000 miles to the "hottest" fishing spot, and stand waist deep in cold water just so he can outsmart a fish.


(Average cost per fish: $395.68)









PIC OF THE WEEK

 


 

 

Welcome to the dog days of Summer!

 












RECIPE

 


Hawaiian BBQ Chicken


1 bottle Russian dressing with honey


1 env. Dry onion soup mix


1 (4 oz.) jar apricot preserves


1 cut up chicken

 

Mix together dressing, preserves and onion soup mix; pour over chicken. Bake at 350 for 2 hours.


 

 

** Submitted by MaryAnn Tschetter and featured in our new cookbook Tastes of Friendship.

 






 

For a limited time,

with the purchase of Tastes of Friendship ,

you will receive one of

our best selling cookbooks,

Lunchies, Munchies and Household Hints for FREE!

 

 

To take advantage of this offer,

click here to go to our online store,

 

and add Tastes of Friendship to your cart only. 

You will receive your free cookbook in the mail shortly after. 

You may also call the office at 605-698-7007.  Enjoy!

 

 


               





HOUSEHOLD HINT

 


Store your open chunks of cheese in aluminum foil. It will stay fresh much longer and not mold.


 

Hello---what a beautiful August day! It couldn't be more perfect! Larry just arrived back home from Orlando, FL. (Yes, you heard me right… Orlando, FL, in August…yikes! Hot, hot!) Larry was invited by Pastor John and Naomi Brady of the Minot Assembly of God Church in North Dakota to help host a group of young people and their chaperones to the General Council Convention of the Assemblies of God.

August 12, 2009

  Pastor John & Naomi Brady

Hello---what a beautiful August day! It couldn't be more perfect!


Larry just arrived back home from Orlando, FL. (Yes, you heard me right… Orlando, FL, in August…yikes! Hot, hot!) Larry was invited by Pastor John and Naomi Brady of the Minot Assembly of God Church in North Dakota to help host a group of young people and their chaperones to the General Council Convention of the Assemblies of God. Many of the teenagers were involved in the Fine Arts Festival in which several thousand young people compete with their various talents through music, drama, singing, preaching and many other avenues.


Larry told me the attendance at the conference was about 27,000---now that is a lot of people on the move! This conference is held every two years somewhere in the United States in the month of Crossing the Florida state line!August. Larry has had the privilege to attend every General Council since 1961. It is a good opportunity for him to reconnect with pastors and old friends, as well as, to make new friends and open the doors for scheduling rallies in fresh areas with newly acquainted pastors. The trip from Sisseton to Orlando and back was a total of 3,600 miles. That is a long trip! Larry also served as a relief driver for the bus driver during this marathon trip. I would say that Larry has had enough experience driving motorcoaches to be of help! (Chuckle!) He was also excited to be able to spend time with the young people in order to challenge them in soulwinning and to encourage them that they can be a light in a dark world making a profound impact on their peers' lives. We Some of the kids on "Beach Day"desperately need this young generation to reach others in their generation. There are so many that are already lost, broken and hurting at such young ages. Who will reach them?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mom and INow…for me…I stayed at our home office and alternated between keeping fires going and putting fires out. I am on the road about 9-10 months out of the year so I long for this time to be "home". I capitalized on this time and took the privilege of spending extra moments with my precious mother who is 93 years young. She is amazing and so full of fun and life. I also had a surprise….our daughter, LaShawn, from Nashville, TN, came through this area so I was able to spend nearly two days with her. It is a rare occurrence with both of our traveling schedules---if we are here…she is there…and vice versa! I miss my children and grandchildren so much; if we are anywhere close, we try to grab the opportunity to see them whenever we can. Larry was also able to sneak in some time with LaShawn on his way back to Sisseton.  All in all, it was a busy but enjoyable week. Any time with family is precious!

 

 

 

 

 

In the midst of all of the above, I tried to tackle two closets that desperately needed some attention. To put into simple terms…they were too full so they had to be sorted and I needed to determine what things to get rid of as they were taking up prime space. I decided to take some of the better pieces of clothing to a consignment shop that was suggested to me. I carried into the store three armloads along with a couple of bags. A very pleasant lady went through the items piece by piece, smiled at me and said, "These are really nice clothes, but they are too mature for the clientele we serve. We carry clothes for teenagers and college students." I was deflated! Wearily, I hauled them back to the car and laid them back in the trunk. A college student (I think she felt sorry for me) offered to help me carry out one of the last loads and then said to me, "I know another place but I think you have to have an appointment," and she proceeded to give me the store's phone number. I called the number hoping to be able to get this business done as quickly as possible, but unfortunately, I wasn't able to get in until the next day.

Early the next morning, my daughter and I scurried down to the other consignment shop. The owner bid me to come in and bring my things so she could assess them. This time I had LaShawn to help me with this task for which I was so thankful. Out of breath, carrying the last load of hangers, I laid my items on the counter. The owner looked over her glasses at me and said, "I want you to know right now that I am not easy to work with." I smiled at her statement and thought to myself, "Please just make me happy and take these clothes." Again she barked, "I don't take winter, fall or seasonal clothing. I don't take stained, dirty, torn, wide collared, or padded shoulder clothing," and then added dramatically, "or anything pink!" Somehow I got the feeling, she was correct in her self-assessment…she wasn't going to be easy to work with.


As she sifted through the piles, she responded, "Too seasonal, too warm, too dressy, don't need mens' suits, too dark," and then added as she picked up the next few pieces, "dated…dated…dated…dated." By this time, my ego and self-confidence were getting shredded. One store sent me away saying my clothing is too "mature" and then at the next, they are too "dated". When all was said and done, she kept about 8-10 pieces of my wardrobe and then sent me off with, "Take these…I don't want them." She peered at me over her glasses and announced emphatically, "I told you…I'm hard to deal with." Arms loaded with most of what I had carried in, I graciously thanked her for the few pieces she took, completed the paperwork and headed on my way.


Long story short….I drove to the Boys Ranch Thrift Store. The back doors were open with people working. I backed my vehicle up to the doors, and one by one I removed my once dearly loved but dated and mature clothing, and gave them to the young employee. I smiled a smile of relief as I drove away. Wow! After the experience was all over, LaShawn and I had a good chuckle together. I discovered it is easier to buy clothes than to get rid of them.


Lesson learned….I am sure glad that when I came to Christ (and I am sure when you think back of when you came to Christ), He didn't bark to your heart, "You're too old. You're too young. You've failed too many times. You are a horrible sinner. There is no hope for you." I am so grateful that He didn't doom us to hell but He instead says, "Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." (Matthew 11:28) He displays His love for us in John 3:16-17, "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. 17 For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved."


Christ simply bid us to come just as we were and promised He would stay with us and mold us into what He wants us to become. When I came to Christ at the age of 8, I was young and He has stayed with me as I "mature".


Well, that is my life lesson learned for this week. I am so thankful that Jesus Christ is no respecter of persons and He deeply loves each one of us. I pray that you will remember and rediscover how deep, how wide, how great is His love for you!


 
 
Gloria


 

 





QUOTE

 

 


"Middle age is when you choose your cereal for the fiber, not the toy."


-Author Unknown



 





CHUCKLE

 

I've sure gotten old. I've had two By-pass surgeries. A hip replacement, new knees. Fought prostate cancer, and diabetes. I'm half blind, can't hear anything quieter than a jet engine, take 40 different medications that make me dizzy, winded, and subject to blackouts. Have bouts with dementia. Have poor circulation, hardly feel my hands and feet anymore. Can't remember if I'm 85 or 92. Have lost all my friends.

But.....Thank God, I still have my Florida driver's license!









PIC OF THE WEEK

 

 


 

 

 












RECIPE

 


Pineapple Au Gratin

 

2 (20 oz) cans pineapple, drained                      1 c. sugar

2 c. grated cheddar cheese                               1 stick butter


6 T. flour                                                                      ½ c. crushed Ritz crackers


Preheat oven to 350. Mix pineapple, cheese, flour and sugar. Pour into a 2-quart baking dish. Sprinkle Ritz crackers over this and drizzle butter over crackers. Bake for 30 minutes.


 

 

** Submitted by Donna Kroh and featured in our new cookbook Tastes of Friendship.

 






 

For a limited time,

with the purchase of Tastes of Friendship ,

you will receive one of

our best selling cookbooks,

Lunchies, Munchies and Household Hints for FREE!

 

 

To take advantage of this offer,

click here to go to our online store,

 

and add Tastes of Friendship to your cart only. 

You will receive your free cookbook in the mail shortly after. 

You may also call the office at 605-698-7007.  Enjoy!

 

 


               





HOUSEHOLD HINT

 


When you buy a container of cake frosting from the store, whip it with your mixer for a few minutes. You can double it in size. You get to frost more cake/cupcakes with the same amount and you can also eat less sugar and calories per serving.


 

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