On the Road

February 26, 2013

First of all I apologize for not getting to you sooner! I was swallowed up in the midst of the crisis with dead cell phones, no chargers, no computer.....

GOOD NEWS! We brought Larry back from the Orlando Medical Center and he is doing soooooo much better.

{ February 26, 2013 }

Hello from Orlando,

First of all I apologize for not getting to you sooner! I was swallowed up in the midst of the crisis with dead cell phones, no chargers, no computer.....

GOOD NEWS! We brought Larry back from the Orlando Medical Center and he is doing soooooo much better. We thank you for all your prayers, as we know God definitely protected him from a major stroke.

I cannot go into all the details, but I will try and give you the short version. We had just come out of church. Our daughter, LaShawn, was with us as she was on a tour, had a day off and asked to spend it with us. (How awesome is God in His timing!) We were en route to a restaurant and Larry was driving. I noticed something was unusual with Larry, like he was in a daze. We pulled off to get something to eat. At this time, we definitely noticed he was in a daze, his speech was slurred, and his memory was struggling. LaShawn and I immediately knew something was seriously wrong. I gave him 3 baby aspirin while Lashawn called the medical center. I noticed he wasn't getting any better so I gave him 2 more baby aspirin, and we headed to the hospital. They rushed us in and started an IV. In about a 4 hour timeframe, his speech and memory started coming back.

They admitted him, did all the tests, and all looks well, except an artery in the back of his neck, which is very narrow. We asked about putting in a stint, and they said, "NO", as it is too dangerous. They have tried in the past and the patient died! So we voted that idea down. They said this may never happen again (happened 7 years ago) or it could happen in a hour, day, months or whatever. They changed his medication to something stronger to hopefully blast out any swimming clots that would surface.

So here we are, knowing through all the prayers that God brought us through another valley. We just have to "live life", be wise, and slow it down to a good pace (which is the reason we have taken a few weeks sabbatical, because Larry ~and I~ were just overly tired.)

Thank-you for your prayers. We will do the "turtle" pace for the next week and move on to Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas on a slow paced schedule. Please continue to remember Larry in your prayers. Thanks for bringing him thru the valley with all your prayers. It means soooooo much! Love all of you!!!

Gloria

P.S. Below is the original entry regarding Larry from yesterday. Also, we discovered that when when our web site hosting updgraded the programs, there was an error and some of you may have not received the recent "On the Road" updates. We have included links to them here in case you want to "catch up". Blessings on all of you and thank you for being our ministry family!

February 14th

January 30^th

January 16^th

{ February 25, 2013 }

Dear Friends,

Greetings from Florida! How great are the mercies of the Lord! That song has danced through my head most of the night…His mercies are forever and ever!

Unfortunately, we hit another speed bump yesterday with Larry as he experienced a TIA (mini-stroke---impending stroke). We rushed him to the hospital. An excellent hospital staff hurried him through the crowded ER room as it was apparent he was struggling with his memory and his speech. He was doing considerably better hours later.

We are on our way back to the hospital this morning to get the results of the MRI, CAT scan, bloodwork and other tests. We appreciate your prayers for Larry and for us.

We love all of you! God bless you! We will keep you updated as we can!

Gloria

{ Quote }

"God is our refuge and strength. An ever-present help in trouble."

- Psalm 46:1

{ Chuckle/Reflection }

If you know Larry at all...I am sure the nurses heard a joke like this at least once....HA!

"Did you hear about the guy who lost his whole left side?"

HE'S ALRIGHT NOW!

or maybe like this one...

Q: Why did the cat go to the hospital?

A: To have a cat scan of course!

or maybe like this one....

"Doctor, Doctor. I feel like a bucket."

"You do look a little pail."

or maybe even this one....

"Doctor, Doctor...my little boy has just swallowed a roll of film."

" Well, let's just wait and see if anything develops..."

{ Pic of the Week }

Larry was ready to go home!

{ Recipe }

Lemon Chiffon Salad

1 pkg Lemon Jello pudding

1 pkg whipped cream

2 cups marshmallows

1 pkg lemon Jello

1 can crushed pineapple

1-2 bananas sliced

Mix pudding as directed. Set aside. Mix Jello as directed and let set till jelly-like. Fold in whipped cream. Mix all together. Then add the pineapple (drained), the marshmallows, and bananas. Let set for about two hours.

{ Household Hint }

To hang those adorable scarfs in your wardrobe, put shower rings on a hanger and hang each scarf through a shower ring!

February 14, 2013

Happy Valentine's Day! The focus of today, for many, is LOVE - how to show it, how to get it, how to give it. While it's wonderful to set aside special time to remember our loved ones, we believe an ongoing appreciation and commitment is love in its purest form; the kind of love that changes hearts, binds us together and makes us better people.

{ February 14, 2013 }

I wanted to share Larry's article in our latest newsletter on this very topic. May we be challenged to walk in love, every day.

Remember the Commitment

"'Till death do us part!" Those words should be written in several places in our homes to remind us of our binding agreement to stay together. A few years ago I saw a TV program that showed a couple being married in church. I was stunned as I heard their vow, "As long as we both shall love."

Marriages are becoming like the thousands of products advertised as "disposable." We live in a society of throwaway bottles, cans, diapers, towels, shavers and even disposable swimsuits. The "disposable" mindset has also spread and we now have disposable marriages, children, parents, churches, religion and God. The new philosophy is, "If you don't like it, throw it away!" One hundred and fifty years ago when the oath, "'Till death do us part" was taken, a determination was instilled in those tough pioneers that no matter how difficult the marriage might be, they would stay with it. Even if they had thought of divorce or running away, where would they run and how could they get there? Transportation and jobs were scarce and towns were far apart. Those brave people determined, "We'll make it!"

I was reared in a family of 13, with ten brothers...five older and five younger than myself. I was sandwiched right in the middle. Dad was a car dealer, and he worked hard to support us. Mom should have been given a purple heart award for keeping her sanity with eleven children who were always into something. One day when my brother, Larry, was about seven years old, he asked, "Mom, don't you have days when you feel like running away?" She laughed and responded, "Oh yes, but where would I go, how would I get there and who would want to keep me? So I guess I will stay right here at home with you sweet kids." She was actually saying, "I'm staying right here. I will make it!"

At one time, years ago, we were involved in one-night rallies for months on end. That was tiring enough, but I had never been able to sleep while the bus is rolling. Usually, fatigue would eventually catch up with me and I tended to become a bit crabby. Late one night, Murphy's Law ("Anything that can go wrong will go wrong.") was in full operation. The bus had been hitting and bouncing over a seemingly infinite number of section lines on the concrete interstate and secondary roads. I felt like I was trapped inside a giant paint shaker. "I can't handle it anymore," I thought to myself. "I just can't stand one more bump in the road. I'm jumping off!" Half asleep, I ran up the aisle to tell the bus driver, "Let me out. I can't stand anymore!" At that moment, I glanced out a window and discovered that we were traveling through a rough section of Chicago. The sight I beheld of drug addicts, gang members and general darkness overwhelmed and shocked me. Suddenly I calmed down as my perspective quickly changed, "Oh well, I guess riding in the bus is better than being out there." I went back to bed.

Today...more money, newer cars, better jobs, adult peer pressures, social clubs and all kinds of entertainment and new technologies are taking a toll on marriages. If things get rough, a woman is tempted to think, "My husband doesn't even know I exist. I'll show him. I'm just going to do my own thing." Before long, being a wife and mother just isn't fulfilling any longer. She begins to think she's married to a deadbeat so she disposes of husband number 1 and tries husband number 2. After a time when he doesn't bring fulfillment and excitement, then she tries husband number 3, then number 4 and possibly on and on. This same type of disillusionment happens to her husband. He's caught up in his work, too busy making money to remember that he has a wife and children at home. He becomes more and more involved in his business, in dinner meetings and completely immerses himself in a different world than one that includes his wife and children. He meets many attractive women. When he does come home, he finds thathis wife isn't as beautiful and intriguing as the lady business executive he just met. The thoughts begin that he would rather not be tied down to a wife and children. He would just as soon leave the house with its mortgage payments and upkeep. He thinks, "I will get rid of it all. I want to be free!" He disposes of his marriage and leaves behind a broken home and broken hearts.

Please understand...in both examples above, these people haven't truly alleviated their problems. They have just acquired more complicated and complex problems. Many marriages breakup because people had unrealistic expectations of living happily ever after and weren't prepared to face the responsibilities of the real world. There is no such thing as a perfect storybook marriage, but there are happy, and thriving marriages. They are the result of people's commitment to each other and to the Lord, combining their ambitions, goals, efforts, love and determination to make it work.

If you've ever felt like giving up - CHEER UP! You can make it! Remember your commitment to your mate and to the Lord. First Corinthians 13:7-8 gives us a great guideline for what love really means when you feel like giving up, "{Love} beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. {Love} never faileth." Please pray with me that God will help you to remember and renew your commitment.

Jesus, I come to You with praise and thanksgiving for Your total commitment to Your Heavenly Father. Your commitment and obedience led You to death on the cross of Calvary so that I might live. Now I ask that You would instill within me that same love, insight, obedience and commitment to you and to my mate. Help me daily to commit myself, my will, ambitions and goals to You and to the one to whom I've committed my life in marriage. In these rough times, renew a right spirit of love and forgiveness within me and give me the stamina to keep persevering. Help me to keep my eyes upon You as the perfect example of commitment. Amen.

May you have a day full of expressions of love and opportunities to show His love to everyone around you - and yes, I mean everyone! We love you sweet friends!

Gloria

{ Quote }

"Life has taught us that love does not consist in gazing at each other but in looking outward together in the same direction."

- Antoine de Saint-Exupéry

{ Chuckle/Reflection }

"If falling in love is anything like learning how to spell, I don't want to do it. It takes too long." -- Glenn, age 7

"My mother says to look for a man who is kind. That's what I'll do. I'll find somebody who's kinda tall and handsome." --Carolyn, age 8

"A man and a woman promise to go through sickness and illness and diseases together." -- Marlon, age 10

"Love will find you, even if you are trying to hide from it. I been trying to hide from it since I was five, but the girls keep finding me." -- Dave, age 8

"Tell your wife that she looks pretty even if she looks like a truck!" -- Ricky, age 7

{ Pic of the Week }

Back in South Dakota, the snow totals reached up to 21 inches this past week!

{ Recipe }

Fudge Brownies

1 stick butter, melted

1 cup sugar

1 cup chocolate syrup

4 eggs

1 cup plus 1 T. flour

1 tsp. vanilla

Mix ingredients together and put in ungreased 13x9 pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 15-20 minutes. Sprinkle miniature marshmallows on top and melt. Frost with chocolate frosting.

{ Household Hint }

To check baking powder to see if it is still good, put a pinch in a cup of warm water. If it fizzes immediately, it is still good.

January 30, 2013

Wow…January 2013 is almost history! One twelfth of this year almost gone, yes, time flies!
Larry and I have dedicated the past couple of weeks to prayer, study, booking and office work and seeing God's will and direction for the future.

{ January 30, 2013 }

Wow…January 2013 is almost history! One twelfth of this year almost gone, yes, time flies!

Larry and I have dedicated the past couple of weeks to prayer, study, booking and office work and seeing God's will and direction for the future. As usual, January is a tough month to book rallies as churches are "recovering" from the busyness of all of the December Christmas programs and activities. For churches, January is usually the month for refocus and in house fasting and prayer as they prepare for the 2013 church calendar. We have taken the past three Sundays to attend different churches here in Florida. It has been so refreshing to "sit and take in". One never knows how spiritually hungry they are until the spiritual hunger pangs hit! I was feeling it and the messages have been so inspiring and challenging.

I tell Larry, "I want to attend church but I want to be anonymous"…(hard to do when Larry is so recognizable and "talky" - ha!). Because of our hearts for people and the nature of evangelism, we are often the ones to be ministering to others. We truly feel this is our calling and we genuinely love all the ways God uses us to connect His heart to others. But, there are times I feel the need to be able to be in a service for the sole purpose of soaking in truth and basking in His presence. I just love that connection with Jesus…I just need to feel His touch, hear His voice, drink in and let His Word give strength to move ahead. Again, let me reaffirm something here, I love people and I love to minister and to be with people, but then there are those times that I just need the focus and stillness of Psalms 46:10, "Be still and know that I am God." I know God has a hard time getting me to just being still. I am a go-do-go-do person. I'm sure there are many of you who can relate. There are times I just need to stop…and listen. So, for me, this time of focus, study and stillness has been precious.

Forty-some years ago my mother gave me this poem with the instructions, "Missy, read it, and do what it says." (I still need more practice on this one). Please enjoy and share with others!

Slow Me Down, Lord

Slow me down, Lord.

Ease the pounding of my heart by the quieting of my mind.

Steady my hurried pace with a vision of the eternal reach of time.

Give me, amid the confusion of the day, the calmness of the everlasting hills.

Break the tensions of my nerves and muscles with the soothing music of the singing streams that live in my memory.

Teach me the art of taking minute vacations - of slowing down to look at a flower, to chat with a friend, to pat a dog, to smile at a child, to read a few lines from a good book.

Slow me down, Lord, and inspire me to send my roots deep into the soil of life's enduring values, that I may grow toward my greater destiny.

Remind me each day that the race is not always to the swift, that there is more to life than increasing its speed.

Let me look upward to the towering oak and know that it grew great and strong because it grew slowly and well.

- Orin L. Crain

Is this what you call multi-tasking? HA!

These last few weeks have also been a time of making phone calls and connecting with many partners and friends who are facing terminal illnesses, loss of loved ones, financial crisis and attacks on marriages and families. If ever we need to be there for each other…it's now. Let's be that encourager, listening ear and sunshine in someone's life. Let's be that intercessor and prayer warrior for those who have prayer needs. Let's be those who lift up and bring perspectives of life and hope to those struggling around us.

Well, if you are in the Midwest or in the subzero temperatures, I hope that you're staying warm. If you are in the warm temperatures and have sunshine, palm trees and sand, I hope you are enjoying it and not taking it for granted - ha! Be blessed until we talk again.

Gloria

{ Quote }

"A friend is one of the nicest things you can have, and one of the best things you can be."

- Douglas Pagels

{ Chuckle/Reflection }

Friendship

Alone I can SAY,

but together we can SHOUT.

Alone I can SMILE,

but together we can LAUGH.

Alone I can enjoy,

but together we can CELEBRATE.

That's the beauty of Friendship.

{ Pic of the Week }

A clever and fun message in the sky: "U + GOD = smiley face"

{ Recipe }

Homemade Chili

1 lb. hamburger

1 onion, chopped

2 T. shortening

1 pt. canned tomatoes or tomato juice

½ c. rice

1 T. salt

2 tsp. chili powder

Pinch of dried red pepper

1 pt. canned kidney beans

1 ½ c. water

Put meat, onion and shortening in pan. Place beans and spices on top of that and stir. Add rice and tomatoes. Mix well. Bake at 300 degrees for 2 hours, covered.

{ Household Hint }

After cooking vegetables, pour any water and leftover vegetable pieces into a freezer container. When full, add tomato juice and seasoning to create a money-saving "free soup".

January 16, 2013

Greetings from the sunny state of Florida! It's a balmy 84 degrees today. What a wonderful relief to be out of the bitter Midwest cold. Last Thursday Larry and I drove to Minneapolis, MN to catch a plane on Friday morning.

{ January 16, 2013 }

Greetings from the sunny state of Florida! It's a balmy 84 degrees today. What a

wonderful relief to be out of the bitter Midwest cold.

Last Thursday Larry and I drove to Minneapolis, MN to catch a plane on Friday morning. Thursday night it began to sprinkle, then came light rain, heavy rain, dropping temperatures and then freezing rain. The highways quickly became a skating rink. We had a tough time getting out of our car without slipping under it. I chuckled to myself, "We can only slip so far - as our Christmas overflow pounds would've prevented us from slipping all the way under the car - ha!" We were concerned whether our flights would be going out the next day, but the temperature went up overnight, Praise God, and we had a wonderful flight to Florida.

Our cousins, Gary and Janet Stubenrach offered to pick us up at the airport. Waiting at the curb of the terminal, we looked like eskimos with heavy sweaters, gloves and our big winter coats draped over our arms. They laughed, "You won't need all that hot stuff here, as it is 83 degrees." May I add, it was a welcomed 83 degrees. Seriously, our hearts go out to all of you having to deal with this cold weather. Every time we have a tour going to Florida, my brother Bill says, "Boy aren't you glad that people in warm weather need Jesus and encouragement too - ha!" Yes, we are glad.

Our cousins presented us with a bag of fresh, sweet oranges and avocados. Boy, are they big! Larry says, "These oranges are 'sweet as candy'." Which is quite a statement coming out from the "candyman" himself.

Larry loves one-on-one witnessing and yesterday we had the opportunity to visit with a very successful business man for about 2 hours. When he found out that we were in ministry and Larry was a preacher, he shared his story and personal journey with us. He went from a background with no church to Mormonism, in which he became a student of the Bible and memorized most of it and was a missionary for two years. He was so steeped in the Word that he was allowed to read, that after a while the Word began to convict him that there was something wrong. The Word convinced him that Mormonism was not for him. He admitted, "They are good people who work hard and eat right, but use works to make it to heaven." The more he read the Word, it made him dig deeper to find out who God really was and the truth about this man, Jesus.

In his deep hunger and desire to know more, the pendulum swung to the extreme, and he came to a conclusion that not everything is convincing about the Bible and believed there is possibly a heaven, but no hell. As he continued to share, he admitted that he is really now confused as to what he believes and why.

Larry joyfullyshared Christ with him, we were serious, we laughed, and we shared. When we got ready to leave, this business man smiled, "You two should be in sales...you could really sell. You're happy, you truly believe what you believe, and you are convincing...in fact...I can tell that what you represent is real. You both show the joy and it's very convincing that you definitely have something that I need to think about."

Well, we didn't get to pray with him...but we planted a seed and were able to be a part of God showing Himself in that man's life. One of his statements was, "What you believe is so simple and convincing." We took that as a compliment.

The Gospel is not brain surgery...it is heart changing. In this new year, may God help each of us to demonstrate and display the love of Jesus. Take the challenge: Each person you meet or come in contact with, sow a seed and water with love...and prayerfully it will grow, creating hunger for God, and change their lives.

Gloria

{ Quote }

"Philosophers can debate the meaning of life, but you need a Lord who can declare the meaning of life."

- Max Lucado

{ Chuckle/Reflection }

Airplane Announcement

"As you exit the plane, please make sure to gather all of your belongings. Anything left behind will be distributed evenly among the flight attendants. Please do not leave children or spouses."

{ Pic of the Week }

The delicious oranges are Larry's favorite - like a kid in a candystore!

{ Recipe }

Here's a good soup recipe to stave off some of the cold:

Burger Beef Soup

1 ½ lb. ground beef, browned

1 large can V-8 juice

1 can cream of celery soup

½ cup chopped onion

½ cup chopped celery

2 carrots, shredded

1 tsp. sugar

1 bay leaf

½ tsp. basil

Simmer all ingredients until vegetables are soft. Remove bay leaf before serving.

{ Household Hint }

Garlic cloves can be kept in the freezer. When ready to use, peel and chop before thawing.

January 2, 2013

Happy New Year! Larry and I are home again after spending a fun filled time for Christmas in Nashville, TN with our daughter LaShawn, her husband Liam, daughter LaDawn, our grandson Dante, his girlfriend Alex, granddaughter Myanna, and our son Donovan with his girlfriend Claudia.

{ January 2, 2013 }

Happy New Year!

Larry and I are home again after spending a fun filled time for Christmas in Nashville, TN with our daughter LaShawn, her husband Liam, daughter LaDawn, our grandson Dante, his girlfriend Alex, granddaughter Myanna, and our son Donovan with his girlfriend Claudia.

We made so many fun memories! I can't even explain how awesome it was to be together. The time flew by so quickly...but the memories will last a lifetime.

The only downside of this wonderful time was that by the time we left...our clothes were fitting a bit too snug! The last day we were there I told Larry, "Eat all you want because when January 2^nd comes, the food cop (me) goes on fulltime duty to help us get back in shape and stay healthy." Yes, Christmas is our splurge time. We just enjoy each bite of everything. When I told Larry that food cop day was coming, he just groaned. A doctor a few years ago told me, "You are what you eat." With that in mind, I reminded Larry that he didn't want to look like two scoops of mint chip ice cream with hot fudge dripping all over him! Ha!

As always, I dread that good-bye hug from the family. Due to distance of them living in Nashville and all the work schedules we seldom connect during the year so this was so special. Our family truly treated us like royalty.

On December 29^th LaShawn took us to the Nashville airport and we arrived at 12:00 for a 2:00 flight. Of course, the lines were extremely long due to holiday travel (oh, did I fail to tell you that when we arrived at the airport in Fargo, ND on December 19^th and Larry went to give the ticket agent his driver's license as his ID that it was missing? At that second my holiday joy and peace turned into complete panic. Thank God and for favor from the security and TSA, they were so kind to work with us and we came up with enough identification to get us through.

When they gave us the "go" sign, I felt like I definitely needed a fresh application of deodorant and two aspirin!)

Anyway, back to my airport story. Due to bad blizzards and weather racing across the US, there were hundreds of airport delays. We sat patiently relaxed for the first 30 minute delay thinking, 'this is no big deal". Then it moved to a one hour delay...to a two hour delay...and a three hour delay...and then an indefinite delay. Hundreds were standing or sitting in the United Airlines terminal at Gate 3 for departure. Tensions were rising among passengers, as they knew they were going to miss their connecting flights, which was throwing them into a panic. After sitting 4-5 hours, we too were tired and wanted information - any information, any hint, of what or when. Babies were crying, children were crabby, a young rock band was furious that they missed their flight to perform in Chicago for a New Years Eve event, a family of 8 from Belize were weary and just wanted to go home, a young lady with MS waiting in a wheelchair...and on and on. People were struggling and pushing, standing in line for an hour or so, hoping to change their flights to another airline. Soon people's patience turned into anger.

I must admit, I too was getting tired after a 4:30 AM wake up and was also tempted to become crabby. In the midst of my self-pity, I saw this tear-stained young lady who I had watched standing in line at the ticket counter for over an hour, finally get to the desk. She burst into tears as she pleaded, "Please help me...my mother is dying, please help me get home." My heart broke. All of a sudden I calmed down and realized for me, the delay was a mere inconvenience. But for her it was a matter of life and death, which meant whether she would see her mother before she passed away. I silently prayed for her and that the ticket agent would be able to help her. Thank the Lord, they did.

I was reminded again; it's not always about me. Often we are tempted to whine and fuss and complain about things that 100 years, or even one year, from now...won't make a bit of difference. It's not always about me...it's others. I like the verse in Philippians 2:3-4, " When you do things, do not let selfishness or pride be your guide. Instead, be humble and give more honor to others than to yourselves. Do not be interested only in your own life, but be interested in the lives of others."

In this new year, I pray that I will be more patient, understanding, love and caring about the hurting and those without hope. It's my prayer that every time someone sees me they would receive the love of Jesus in my eyes and in my life.

As you embark on the new year of 2013, be reassured with one of my favorite verses, Deuteronomy 31:6, "He will never leave you nor forsake you..."

Gloria

{ Quote }

"One resolution I have made, and try always to keep, is this: To rise above the little things."

-John Burroughs

{ Chuckle/Reflection }

Airport Day

Larry and I were sitting there along with countless hundreds of stranded and weary travelers whose patience was far spent. Just then a message comes across the terminal loud speaker system. "Attention, we would like to remind you at this time to direct you to concourse 3 in the terminal to the medical center if you'd like your blood pressure taken."

I burst out laughing. Duh...would you guess that anyone needed a blood pressure check? I'd say, yes!

{ Recipe }

After all the holiday goodies, here's an easy and healthy option:

Apple Salad with Feta Cheese

1 large head of lettuce, torn in bite-sized pieces

1 large red delicious apple, diced

2 ounces Feta cheese, crumbled

¼ cup fat-free raspberry vinaigrette

Dice apples right before serving and toss with raspberry vinaigrette. Combine with other ingredients. Serves 4.

{ Household Hint }

It is easy to remove the white membrane from oranges -for fancy desserts or salad- by soaking the oranges in boiling water for 5 minutes before peeling.

December 19, 2012

Softly falling snowflakes, carolers singing, trees brilliantly adorned, lights twinkling, packages brightly decorated , cookies bursting with the aroma of Christmas, families gathered, nativities exhibited, Jesus Christ glorified...all of these together spell Christmas! This year, we are excited as we will share a Tennessee Christmas with Donovan, LaShawn and her husband, Liam, as well as LaDawn and her children, Danté and Myanna. The few days together will fly by only too quickly but the memories will last a lifetime.

{ December 19, 2012 }

Christmas...

This year, we are excited as we will share a Tennessee Christmas with Donovan, LaShawn and her husband, Liam, as well as LaDawn and her children, Danté and Myanna. The few days together will fly by only too quickly but the memories will last a lifetime.

As the years roll by, Christmas changes. Babies become toddlers, toddlers become children, children grow into teenagers and then on to adults, newlyweds, parents, etc. It changes again when loved ones pass on. Those "empty chairs" tearfully remind us of how quickly time passes by which is why it is important to enjoy every opportunity you have with your family. Don't miss the moments and memories.

We are preparing to leave Sisseton for Tennessee, but we have really enjoyed hearing from our family, friends and partners in these last couple of weeks before Christmas. We highly anticipate your cards, photos and Christmas letters. We thank you for your faithful prayers and gifts that enable us to keep presenting the "Gift" that keeps giving...Jesus Christ! It truly means more than words can say. May love, peace and joy be yours this Christmas and New Year!

Gloria & Larry

December 5, 2012

It's December...Christmas is in the air...the aroma of fresh baked cookies and Christmas carols, twinkling lights, church programs and parties- the hustle and bustle is upon us. It is Christmas.

{ December 5, 2012 }

It's December...Christmas is in the air...the aroma of fresh baked cookies and Christmas carols, twinkling lights, church programs and parties- the hustle and bustle is upon us. It is Christmas.

Larry and I had the privilege to be the special guests at a Christmas brunch on last Saturday at Fargo First Assembly in Fargo, North Dakota.

It was a great way to start the Christmas season. Wayne and Janet Fischer, director of Senior Ministries, along with all their staff and volunteers went above and beyond in preparing and it all turned out absolutely fabulous.

"I liked the visual of the demonstration of our nature. The cat that was trained to carry the tray on his paws while walking on his hind feet and dropped it to chase the mice. " (Janet)

"Thanks so much for your ministry to our 50 Plus group. Everyone enjoyed it so much. I felt we got more than I could imagine in a message and songs thatwere pointed and relevant to our church body. We are the body of Christ and if so, we should be about His mission. 'Not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to eternal life.'"

Your brother in Christ,

Pastor Wayne Fischer

The decorations were beautiful and the food was delicious. Larry and I sang, told stories, laughed (Larry's jokes, hmmm), and highlighted the event by Larry sharing "How to give a gift that keeps giving - the plan of salvation."

He challenged and asked how many would share Christ with someone in this coming week and if they would stand to make a commitment to do so.

Over 90 responded. That's truly what Christmas is all about - Jesus - God's gift to us, not just in the month of December, but always.

Here are some comments from those who attended:

"I'm glad I'm not the only one with dumb Dad jokes. But they are funny."

"Their songs always tell an uplifting message of God'spromises."

"That was a fun way to start the Christmas season."

"The Lundstroms are true to God's message of love and salvation. That has brought God's annointing and blessings to their ministry."

"Songs about Jesus put me in the Christmas mood."

It's our prayer that this Christmas that you too will reach out to those who are lonely, depressed, struggling and hurting - to be a friend, share Christ in the hope that He gives.

Larry and I are now settled in to our home and home office, booking, finding rallies and events for 2013. It's good to be settled for a few weeks before we hit the road again. I love my chair in the living room and our stationary bed, with no wheels under it - ha! Larry loves being in his home and enjoying home cooking. I should say he loves to eat, period. I always tease him when I tell people, "Larry is truly a light eater - as soon as it gets light...he starts to eat...and he eats all day." HA!

We know that December is a busy month, and often there is more stress than rest. But it's our prayer for us personally, and for you, that you would take the moments to relax and to be grateful for what the real reason is for Christmas. It's a reminder of the hope, peace and comfort that He can give to us all year long.

Gloria

{ Quote/Joke }

Three Wise Women!

Do you know what would've happened if there had been three WISEWOMEN instead of three WISEMEN? The THREE WISEWOMEN would've asked for directions, arrived on time, helped deliver the baby, cleaned the stable, made a casserole and brought disposable diapers as gifts!

{ Chuckle/Reflection }

An Ode to Christmas

T'was the month before Christmas and all through the house

Cookies and goodies crammed me and my spouse.

Food in the freezer, food in the fridge,

Under the bed and stuck in my bridge.

It began with Thanksgiving and hasn't stopped yet.

At one pound a day, how fat can I get?

I tried and tried to push cakes and goodies aside

But as each piece goes by, I just open wide

And fill my sweet face with whatever is there.

At times like this, how can I care?

The office, the home, it's that time of year -

Just give me some more eggnog, or holiday cheer.

I'd like to be good, and stay slim and svelte but the truth is, Santa, I need a new belt!

{ Pic of the Week }

Soooo darling!

{ Recipe }

Holiday Ribbon Pie

1 (8 oz) pkg semisweet chocolate chips

1 (12 oz) carton Cool Whip, thawed

1/3 cup water

1 (8 oz) pkg cream cheese, softened

1 (6 oz) graham cracker crust

¼ cup sugar

1 box Andes mints or 2 heath bars, broken up

Stir chocolate chips with water over low heat until melted (cool). Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth; add chocolate mixture. Fold in 3 ½ cups Cool Whip. Spoon half the mixture into crust; sprinkle with candies, pressing down gently. Spread remaining chocolate mixture on top. Chill 3 hours.

{ Household Hint }

To prevent the crust from becoming soggy in a cream pie, sprinkle the crust with powdered sugar.

November 21, 2012

First of all, Larry and I want to wish you a blessed Thanksgiving! We feel so blessed to have you as part of our On the Roadfamily. Many of you will be gathering with friends and family, making a special time of connection and building or rebuilding relationships.

{ November 21, 2012 } Making our way towards home!

On the Road News: Cumberland, MD

We ministered at Friendship Haven Church, an inner-city church in Cumberland, Maryland on Sunday, November 11th. After the altar call a man in his mid-thirties walked up to me, clasped my hand with tears in his eyes said, "Thank you, thank you, thank you, for your message and altar call. I needed this. I needed God. You saved my life today... and then he choked up and said, "No, I mean it. You really saved my life today. This was for me." It was God's appointed time for him. Larry and I couldn't save him, but he didn't know how to explain it. But God was there and met his need.

We were blessed to be back with Pastor Floyd Bender and his wife Martha. Pastor Bender says, "Every time you come, lives are changed, touched and challenged."

"We enjoyed your service and it's so nice seeing you again! I enjoyed helping Larry with the equipment set up and tear down and also helping Larry wash the bus. He always has jokes and is funny." - Crionnie

We want to say thanks Crionnie for your help! A 45 foot long 13 foot high motorhome is a huge washing job, which Larry usually does alone - you were a blessing!

It was also fun to reconnect with our friends that we met in the late 1960s. They were Amish, hungry for something else, found God and have been active in their churches and in ministry since then. More of their testimony will be in our January newsletter.

"Larry and Gloria, your love for God and people are very evident. Your service was powerful and encouraging. God bless your ministry!" - Laura

"I enjoyed your service at our church immensely. Salvation was made so clear and easy for everyone to understand. Thank you for your encouraging service." - Arikina Ariky

We arrived home last night (Tuesday) from our 6 week east coast tour. Last Sunday we parked out motor home at a friend's place in Lake Wales, Florida which is near Orlando. On Monday we flew from Orlando to Minneapolis and came back to Sisseton last night. It was truly and exciting ministry tour!

I think the enemy knew it was a tour of transformation of lives and didn't like it and tried to put a monkey wrench in every time he could. He tried to discourage us...but it didn't work. We've had our motor home for almost 7 years and we've sailed along smoothly, but on this tour, Larry struggled everyday trying to keep things working and to keep us up and going. There was literally a major problem that we faced every day.

We had trouble with our slide-outs that didn't want to slide out...and if we got them out, they didn't want to slide back in...not good because you can't travel down interstate with your slides hanging out - ha! New parts and a thousand dollars later we were up and going. Next the motor home air valve went haywire so Larry rolled up the motor home on blocks, crawled underneath - much to my worry and intense prayer - and fixed it. I was so nervous that the coach would roll and crush him underneath because of the lack of air pressure. Needless to say, Larry is claustrophobic, so that didn't help any - ha! The third time it went out was last Thursday night, while we were traveling through South Carolina, going through road construction and hit a bump in the road that I thought was going to shake our teeth out - instead it took the air valve off again. Thank God that Larry has had 50 years of experience of fixing buses. We had electrical problems, heat pump went out, etc. and we're so blessed that friends along the way were so gracious to help to get it up on the road again and again for 6 weeks. We made the whole tour even in the midst of breakdowns! We've come back tired and this momma has some shattered nerves, but so thankful that God was so good. We have so much to be thankful for.

When we got to Maryland, we needed to have an urgent wheel alignment done. The garage mechanic drove the motor home over the pit and a few minutes later beckoned Larry to come and look underneath. He showed Larry the front tires and the 3-5 inch splits and cracks an 1/8 inch wide on each tire. Evidently they had rotted from the heat. Larry said when he saw them that his heart skipped a beat. The mechanic looked at Larry and said, "You are very, very lucky that your front tires didn't blow out. If they would've it could've caused a deadly accident and probably your life." If we hadn't been in for that wheel alignment, we would've never known until something bad happened. God is so good!

Now to add to that story: Last night, after we arrived home Larry and I unpacked the car and I dashed up to see my 97 year old mother at the assisted living. I hadn't been in the room very long, just a little while and she looks at me and factually says, "Missy...a couple of weeks ago, about 10:00 in the morning, God gave me such a burden to pray for you and Larry. I began to pray and I had such an urgency to pray for protection over your motor home. Then God began to prompt me to pray for your tires." A cold chill ran up and down my spine...as I hadn't shared any of the mechanical problems - which were many - with her at all. She knew nothing about it. The words gushed out of me, "Thank you, Mom, for praying!" Then I shared all that had happened. Then she calmly looked at me and said, "Oh, that's why God told me to pray." Thank God for praying mothers and others. That is my most recent "thanksgiving" testimony. And boy, are we full of thanks!

Larry and I will be home in Sisseton in our home office for most of December. We are doing a Christmas brunch at Fargo First Assembly on December 1^st. If you could join us, we'd love to have you come! You can contact the church here: 701-232-0003. We are also looking forward to seeing many friends from that area.

Before we end this On the Road Update, I want to share this article from our newsletter several years ago that seemed to ring true for today in light of Thanksgiving:

I sense such a grip of worry, fear, and anxiety on God's people. Philippians 4:6 says, "Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God." In another version, "be careful" is interpreted as "don't worry" or "don't be fearful" for nothing.

Overwhelming fear and worry of the unknown can sap our emotional, spiritual and physical capabilities to believe for the "now" miracle. Doctors' offices, hospitals, mental facilities, counseling centers are filled with people overtaken by fear and worry. They are looking for any type of sedatives, drugs or tranquilizers to help numb them to the worries, pressures and crises of life that they don't know how to deal with.

Let me address this verse a bit further. "Be careful for nothing"...When you fear or worry, you sacrifice your faith - like gas and water, faith and worry don't mix. Notice the Scripture continues on, "but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God."

One great lesson I've learned is from my precious mother-in-law, Julie Brooks. Whenever someone in the Brooks or Lundstrom family is sick, in the hospital, facing major health issues, etc., she "calls on" the troops (a family of over 100) to link together in prayer. As she leads in prayer, she lets the requests be known to God believing God to intervene and then she always closes with these words "and...we EXPECT a great report!" Her prayers always end with an exclamation point not a question mark. Praise God, we have seen so many of our heartfelt prayers answered with a good report.

If during this Thanksgiving season, you are worried or overtaken by crisis, loss, disappointments, deteriorating health, financial stress...call out to God right now...address the need of Him and then verse 7 of Philippians 4 will kick in, "...and the peace of God which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." That's His promise! Smile....in spite of it all...give thanks! God is good!

Smile....in spite of it all...give thanks! God is good!

This Thanksgiving...despite what trials you are going through, choose to thank Him and praise Him and see what happens next!

Have a blessed Thanksgiving! We'll chat again in a few weeks!

Gloria

October 24, 2012

We had a wonderful weekend in Wisconsin. We left Sisseton last Wednesday, October 17th, to begin the five week east coast tour. We arrived in Oak Creek, WI (suburb of Milwaukee) Friday evening, to prepare for our Sunday service at my brother's church, the Oak Creek Assembly of God.

{ October 24, 2012 }

Greetings from the road! Today we are parked in Nappanee, Indiana - a beautiful Amish community. We are parked in an RV repair center getting some tweaking done on a sticky slide out on our motorhome. One nightmare that no one wants, especially me, is the experience that a slide out will not slide out - or will not retract! It's been going half way out and sticking, so we are in the mode of having to get it fixed NOW. As you can guess, you can't drive down the interstate with a motorhome slide out sticking out 5 feet. So...this momma has been whining to get it checked. The RV mechanic just came in, looked it over, looked at Larry, groaned and said, "Yah, we can fix it, for a price," (we are holding our breath on his price... but it has to be done). In the meantime, we're enjoying the scenery and remembering the weekend.

We had a wonderful weekend in Wisconsin. We left Sisseton last Wednesday, October 17^th, to begin the five week east coast tour. We arrived in Oak Creek, WI (suburb of Milwaukee) Friday evening, to prepare for our Sunday service at my brother's church, the Oak Creek Assembly of God.

We are very proud of him, his wife Sherry, and their family. Pastor Jerry started in a little tiny church building, not much bigger than the size of a country school, back in 1979. Now the church is running around 2,500 for attendance. It is truly a soul-winning center. It has a huge campus with dozens of outreach programs, illustrated sermons, weekly television and events that reach thousands, as well as a huge participation in missions work. God is truly blessing their efforts.

It was also great to see our neices and nephews and their mates at Oak Creek. They are all involved in ministry with their parents. We love all of you and are proud of each one of you!

Sunday morning we were honored to sit back, take in and be fed by Pastor Jerry. It was a wonderful message of encouragement...and I needed it.

As always, it's a joy to be with my brother, Jerry!

Sunday night we ministered and there were visitors there who had followed us clear back to the 1960s. In the service I joked, "You all came just to see if we were still alive! " That got a good laugh from the congregation. But, as always, the most rewarding part of the evening was to see many respond to the altar call. Seeing people come to Christ never gets old...it is precious gold. It's truly what keeps Larry and I going. What's genuinely exciting is that the simple gospel message reaches all ages, races, the rich and the poor. Today there is a desperate cry for hope in a messed up world. We love giving them Jesus, HE is the answer to their hearts cry - and only Him.

We also wanted to share this precious story: This photo is of Michael Sutton with his children, Leyla age 9, and Luke, age 7. Luke gave his heart to Christ that night and his father said, "Thank you Larry and Gloria for coming to Oak Creek, I was deeply touched tonight, especially when my son wanted to respond to the altar call. It was a thrill to see all of those people make commitments for Christ when you presented the invitation."

While we were in the second service on Sunday morning, we learned of that fatal shooting that occurred in an upscale spa in Brookfield, Wisconsin (just a few miles from where we were in Oak Creek). A person's heart breaks to think that lives can get so messed up... to become so miserable and then do some crazy act and lose their soul for all eternity. That tragedy was blamed on deep embedded hatred. It prompts me to pray, "God, help us to be a source of hope and strength to everyone we meet. Give them You, before they would commit such a horrific crime." Our prayers go out to the innocent families who lost their loved ones.

Today, Wednesday, we will be ministering in South Bend, Indiana and then going on into Camden, Michigan for services on Sunday morning. From Michigan we'll be off to Pennsylvania for services. The miles are piling up quickly!

We pray that you will have a great week and please be sure to pray for the upcoming election and take advantage of your duty and privilege to vote. Thank God for the privilege that we still have.

Gloria

Happy 45^th birthday to our first born, LaShawn! You are such a joy to us. Thanks for being such a wonderful daughter!

{ Quote}

"The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor.

He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners,to proclaim the year of the Lord 's favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn,and provide for those who grieve in Zion-
to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor."

- Isaiah 61:1-3

{ Chuckle/Reflection }

A group of students were asked to list what they thought were the present "Seven Wonders of the World." Though there were some disagreements, the following received the most votes:

1. Egypt's Great Pyramids

2. Taj Mahal

3. Grand Canyon

4. Panama Canal

5. Empire State Building

6. St. Peter's Basilica

7. China's Great Wall

While gathering the votes, the teacher noted that one student had not finished her paper yet. So she asked the girl if she was having trouble with her list. The girl replied, "Yes, a little. I couldn't quite make up my mind because there were so many."

The teacher said, "Well, tell us what you have, and maybe we can help."

The girl hesitated, then read, "I think the 'Seven Wonders of the World' are:

1. To See

2. To Hear

3. To Touch

4. To Taste

5. To Feel

6. To Laugh

7. To Love

The room was so quiet you could have heard a pin drop. The things we overlook as simple and ordinary and that we take for granted are truly wondrous! A gentle reminder - that the most precious things in life cannot be built by hand or bought by man.

{Pic of the Week }

The last few minutes before we left Sisseton on this tour, Larry decided to fulfill my

Christmas wish - lights on an evergreen outside our window.

He decided it was easier to do it in 70 degree weather versus 40 below...hmm, wonder why?

Thanks Larry!

{Recipe}

My sister-in-law, Sherry, is a great cook - here is a recipe for her brown bag apple pie.

Brown Bag Apple Pie

½ cup sugar

2 Tbsp. flour

1 tsp. cinnamon

Mix together and set aside. Peel and slice 6 large apples. Mix with above ingredients and put in an unbaked pie crust. Mix the following topping ingredients and put on top of apples.

Topping:

½ cup sugar

½ cup flour

¼ cup soft butter

Put pie in large brown bag and fasten with paper clips. Put on a cookie sheet, so the bag is not hanging over the edges. Bake for 55 minutes at 450 degrees. Enjoy!

{Household Hint}

Store your best silver in Ziploc plastic bags. It helps prevent tarnish.

October 17, 2012

In light of the Presidential Debate last night and Election Day drawing nearer, I was reminded of Larry's article in our October newsletter and wanted to share it with you, dear friends. May you find it to be both an encouragement and a challenge: A few weeks ago, millions sat spellbound, including Gloria and I, as we viewed the Republican and Democratic Conventions on television. Nervously and yet with anticipation, we held our breath praying that we would hear the right answers and solutions for a world that has clearly "gone wrong" As the cameras panned over the masses of people, zooming in randomly to different faces amongst the crowds, it exposed fear and anxiety etched on people's faces and yet hope that someone "the right person" can veer this country off its current path and back to its roots.

{ October 17, 2012 }

A few weeks ago, millions sat spellbound, including Gloria and I, as we viewed the Republican and Democratic Conventions on television. Nervously and yet with anticipation, we held our breath praying that we would hear the right answers and solutions for a world that has clearly "gone wrong" As the cameras panned over the masses of people, zooming in randomly to different faces amongst the crowds, it exposed fear and anxiety etched on people's faces and yet hope that someone "the right person" can veer this country off its current path and back to its roots.

Question: "Are we still ONE NATION UNDER GOD?" If not, "What are we then?" Please make no mistake, America was founded on the bedrock of biblical principles. Dwight D. Eisenhower said, "The purpose of a devout and united people was set forth in the pages of the Bible...(1) to live in freedom, (2) to work in a prosperous land...and (3) to obey the commandments of God...This biblical story of the Promised Land inspired the Founders of America. It continues to inspire us.

Christian statesman who gave shape to the Republic had great confidence in citizens like you and me when they proclaimed in the Declaration of Independence, "Governments are instituted among men deriving their just power from the consent of the governed." Our brilliant constitution created a government that was severely limited in its power, and was ordained for only one purpose: to serve the people.

Is it just me or does is seem Congress and certain government agencies are continuing to pass laws and bills that are actually working against our freedoms and interests? Look at the billions of dollars spent on unnecessary and intrusive programs that are literally choking our precious freedoms to death.

It appears our government believes that "We, the peopleâ€ will continue to accept weak explanations for their deplorable behavior and that we are too fearful and ignorant to speak out. Don't forget, our government was created "by the people, and for the peopleâ€ and WE, THE PEOPLE intend to take it back! If you share this frustration and don't fully identify with the political parties and what they are saying, you can still be heard. Make those calls to your senators and state representatives. Bow your knee..."If my people, who are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land, 2 Chronicles 7:14. Help take control of this trolley that is running out of control. You ask, "Isn't it too late?" It is never too late if we pray, seek God and His wisdom and make a stand for our constitutional rights. James 5:16 says, "The prayers of a righteous man availeth much." We may not receive all the answers we pray for in the way we want them and in the timing we want them,

but we will get more results and see more changes than if we just sit, give up and do nothing.

It is in our hands. Please vote! It is your privilege and responsibility. Your vote makes a difference. Do it!

We join in prayer with you and citizens all across this great Nation - that we would turn to God, the only True Source for our hope and change, and let Him move us forward.

Gloria

{ Quote}

"This nation will remain the land of the free only so long as it is the home of the brave."

- Elmer Davis

{ Chuckle/Reflection }

America To Your Knees

America to your knees! Your only hope is prayer;

The world is filled with strife, confusion and despair,

But God is still in Heaven, His power is over all;

America to your knees in supplication call.

America to your knees! Night shadows lengthen fast

Soon judgment will descend, the day of mercy passed;

Our only hope is God on Him we must rely;

America to your knees! He will hear our cry.

America to your knees! Your forefathers of old, loved God

And served Him faithfully for righteousness were bold;

They read and lived God's Word, honored the Sabbath day;

America to your knees! Confess your sins and pray.

America to your knees! Now is no time for pride;

In humble pleading call on God that He be on our side.

We've sinned and disobeyed, we've wandered far astray;

America to your knees! Return to Christ today.

- Esther Kerr Rusthoi

{Pic of the Week }

Need a pumpkin, anyone?

{Recipe}

Marshmallow Squares

½ cup peanut butter

2 (6 oz.) pkg. or 1 (12 oz.) pkg. chocolate chips

½ cup butter

1 pkg. miniature marshmallows

Melt peanut butter, chocolate chips and butter together. Mix well and cool slightly. Add marshmallows. Pour into 9x13 inch pan. Let set then cut into squares.

{Household Hint}

To remove the "wild game taste" from deer, elk and bear, pioneers had several methods: soak the meat overnight in salt and water; for toughest cuts, soak in a mixture of vinegar, water and spices for several days; soak in milk.

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