Father's Day is here again. I miss my dad. He's been gone for 11 years. He was definitely one of a kind. When God created Him - He broke the mold - HA! I have a lifetime of memories that keeps him alive in my life. All these memories bring laughter and joy, mixed with tears. As you know relationships are fragile. Dad and I had a wonderful relationship, but not without a few bumps at times in our life. Now that I am a parent…and a grandparent, I understand that I too was probably a handful to manage! "Who me?" HA!
The following is a life-changing event that happened in my relationship with my father:
One night in a bus, years ago, I was tossing and turning until it finally dawned upon me that God was trying to wake me up to talk to me. I stumbled up front, propped myself on the couch and still dragging and sleepy I asked, "OK, God, here I am. What do you want me to do-pray? For whom or for what?"
The Lord began to speak, "Gloria, I want you to write a tribute to your father and put it in your hometown paper by June 21."
I was still half asleep. Again, the Lord repeated the same words. Finally I said, "Well, why? For what reason?"
"Gloria, when you were 15 years old, your dad said something to you one night that really hurt you and has left a scar in your relationship. I want you to forgive him. Write a tribute telling your father how much you appreciate him. Let him know you haven't been a perfect daughter, but that you love him. This will release forgiveness and patch up the little crack in your relationship with him."
I was so tired, I said, "OK, Lord, I'll do it another time…"
The Lord said, "NOW!"
I argued, "Why now, Lord? I want to sleep. It's so quiet and the bus is still; I want to sleep!"
The Lord again commanded, "NOW! What's My blessing worth in your life?" So, I took my pen and paper, wrote from my heart a loving tribute and sent it to the Sisseton Courier. It appeared in the weekly newspaper the week of Father's Day. I then realized why God had given me that special date. As soon as I sent the letter, I felt a renewed love for my dad, more than I ever had before.
A week after my article was in the newspaper Larry and I were eating at a local restaurant. When we got up to the cashier, the waitress greeted us, hesitated and placed the food ticket down on the counter. With tear-filled eyes she struggled, "Gloria, I read your article about you and your father. It really touched me. My father and I had a falling out a couple of years ago, and I pulled away from him. I wanted to go back and make things right and apologize, but my pride kept me from doing it. Then, two weeks ago, he died unexpectedly of a heart attack. He was only in his mid 50's. I guess I thought that he would live forever and I would have lots of time to make it right. I was so wrong!" Tearfully she confessed, "I'll have to live with this regret for the rest of my life. I wish your article had been in the Courier two weeks earlier." I quietly encouraged her and said a soft, quiet prayer for her right there before we left.
Life is too short to live with regrets of past hurts and words left unspoken. By choosing to not forgive, we are the ones who live on "Bitterness Boulevard". Anger will soon steal our joy, peace and purpose in life. I know; I was there!
George Herbert, a seventeenth century English poet wrote, "He that cannot forgive others, breaks or burns the bridge over which he himself must pass over if he would ever reach heaven." Satan delights in damaging family relationships. Mark 3:25 states, "If a house be divided against itself it cannot stand." In other words, it's doomed.
Can I encourage and challenge you today? If there is division or unforgiveness in your family or relations, please go make it right. LIFE IS TOO SHORT TO LIVE IN REGRET! Write a note, make a phone call, send an email-whatever you feel is best, but do it…NOW! Like me, you will once again be set free to experience the fullness of joy and peace in your life which the Lord intends for you to have.
"Forgive all those who have offended you, not for them, but for yourself." --Harriet Nelson
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Ministry Update: Can it be…two weeks of June is history? The summer is going to fly by.
June has given us two wonderful weekends of ministry so far in Cavalier and Grand Forks, North Dakota. On June 6th, we journeyed up to Cavalier, ND which is just a stone's throw from the Canadian border. Pastor Thomas Simmons and his wife Lynn warmly greeted us. God did some real special things in the lives of many. A great number of prodigals who had fallen away from God had returned home. I love those altar reunions! God's Word says if we call upon Him, He will hear us and answer our prayers. Many of us are praying for our children and we must hold onto God's promises.
"On the Sunday following the
Lundstrom's visit with us I asked the church if they appreciated having
the Lundstroms come and minister with us. There were praises and smiles
all around! We were blessed by the decisions made for Christ and
grateful for a "prodigal" visitor who teared up when we spoke of the
Lundstrom's time of ministry showing God ministering to her in a pretty
powerful way. They're both fun people and we sure enjoyed having them
here!"
for Christ."It was a true blessing to have Larry and Gloria minister in each of our morning worship services. I appreciate their faithfulness to the Lord and their unswerving dedication to their evangelistic calling.
Whenever Larry and Gloria minister, you know there are going to be people who will dedicate their lives to the Lord. It was no different at Freedom Church. It was moving to watch a number of people receive Christ. For many of them, it was a first time commitment. Praise the Lord!"
"I talk and talk and talk, and I haven't taught people in 50 years what my father taught by example in one week." -- Mario Cuomo
By: Author Unknown
My child arrived just the other day,
He came to the world in the
usual way.
But there were planes to catch and bills to pay,
He
learned to walk while I was away;
And he was talkin' 'fore I knew it,
And
as he grew he'd say, "I'm gonna be like you, Dad,
You know I'm gonna
be like you."
And the cat's in the cradle and the silver spoon
Little boy blue
and the man in the moon.
"When ya comin' home, Dad?" "I don't know
when,
But we'll get together then,
You know we'll have a good time
then."
My son turned ten just the other day,
He said, "Thanks for the
ball, Dad, come on let's play.
Can you teach me to throw? "I said,
"Not today, I got a lot to do."
He said, "That s okay." And he walked
away, but his smile never dimmed,
It said. "I'm gonna be like him,
yeah, You know I'm gonna be like him."
Well, he came from college just the other day,
So much like a man,
l just had to say, "
Son, I'm proud of you, can you sit for awhile?"
He
shook his head and he said with a smile.
"What I'd really like Dad,
is to borrow the car keys.
See you later, can I have them please?"
I've long since retired, my sons moved away.
I called him up just
the other day. I said, "I'd like to see you if you don't mind.
"He
said, "I'd love to, Dad, if can find the time.
You see, my new jobs a
hassle and the kids have the flu,
But it's sure nice talkin' to you,
Dad, It's been sure nice talkin' to you."
And as I hung up the phone it occurred to me,
He'd grown up just
like me, my boy was just like me.
And the cat's in the cradle and the silver spoon,
Little boy blue
and the man in the moon. "When you comin' home, Son?"
"I don't know
when, But we'll get together then, Dad, We're gonna have a good time
then."
"Don't allow this to happen in your lives. These precious moments --each experience and stage of life--can only be lived once."
1/2 cup Mayonnaise
PIC OF THE WEEK
2 Tbsp.
chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
2 Tbsp. fresh lime juice
2 tsp.
honey
1 tsp. ground cumin
Kosher salt and freshly ground black
pepper
1 medium head green cabbage, finely shredded
2 large
carrots, finely shredded
1 small onion, halved and thinly sliced
1/4
cup chopped fresh cilantro
Combine mayonnaise, chipotle
peppers in adobo sauce, lime juice, honey and cumin in large bowl.
Season, if desired, with salt and black pepper. Stir in remaining
ingredients. Cover and refrigerate at least 20 minutes before serving.
Kabob tips
- Keep all ingredients about the same size so they cook evenly.
- If you're cooking foods with very different cooking times (like pork and cherry tomatoes), keep the same foods on one skewer. Cherry tomatoes, which cook in about 2 minutes, will overcook in the time it takes to cook pork, about 10 minutes.
- Metal skewers are best for foods that take longer than 5 minutes to cook.
- Bamboo skewers should be soaked in water for 30 minutes before adding the food so they don't burn in the intense heat.
did everything, plus more, that needed to be overseen in the ministry. She and her husband, Rev. Mark Bittner, are living in Fargo, ND. 
Assembly of God with Pastor Van Berry.
Breakfast. Praise the Lord, over forty responded to the invitation to accept Christ.
Our niece, Londa Lundstrom-Ramsey, is now Senior Pastor of Celebration, along with Pastors Lowell and Connie Lundstrom. Last Sunday morning, May 2nd, Larry and I sang and preached at the two morning services. Celebration is experiencing a fresh anointing! About 
1,200-1,400 were there from the two services. The worship time was exhilarating and soul-searching. Truly, there was an air of excitement and anticipation of what God was going to do that was definitely evident. There were 27 decisions - nine first time - that responded to the altar call. Their tears of joy and repentance made all the road miles and weariness of the past couple weeks worth it. We say it all the time and it's still true, seeing people come to Christ is a "transfusion" of joy and much needed energy. 
Larry and his wife, Gloria, were with us. Our congregation enjoyed their music and the message that Larry shared. It was a strong clear call to commitment. Over twenty stepped forward at the invitation to receive Christ or to renew their relationship with the Lord.
who is currently working with Celebration Church.
in McCook. We held a Saturday night, Sunday morning and Sunday evening service while we were there. The crowds weren't huge, but God's loving presence was and again God touched lives. 
many new dedications to Christ and many rededications to Christ, from young children to mature adults. The way that they tie everything together is so powerful and the Holy Spirit flows throughout the service. The services went smoothly and were just AWSOME!! Anyone would be blessed to have them come be a part of their services. Thank You Larry and Gloria!!
I am always amazed at the lessons that God teaches us along the journey of life. On April 9th while we were preparing our motor home for the trip to Nebraska, I made one more walk around the parking lot to see this intriguing ant hill. I had been observing the ant hill for several days. The first time I saw it I was determined to stomp it out when I saw a line of hundreds of ants, like an army marching back and forth in two lines across the gravel parking lot. They looked so organized and intense I decided to withhold my urge to stomp them out and have mercy on them, really just so I could watch to see what they were doing. For days I watched this army of ants that had its troops traveling about 50 feet or more over to a fence line where there were sparse patches of green weeds amidst the gravel and sand. They were carrying little bitty pieces of grass
and minute pieces of twigs taking them to their ant fortress and using all of that to build a barricade around the ant hill. I stood there that day totally amazed at the detail and design, the work ethic and effort, those hundreds and hundreds of ants went through to achieve their quest and build their fort. I guess my thought was, "Isn't it great and amazing how much we can actually get done if we all pull together, put our own whims, wishes and whines aside and work for 'one purpose'." It's kind of a sermon on its own isn't it? Ants can teach us a lot. The scripture says, "Go ye into all the world and preach the gospel". If we, the church, would stop bickering and fighting, catch the vision of the burden to reach the lost, pull together, take orders, and carry the load, we can and will see more people come to Christ. Thank God for many churches who are doing just that. There are still so many that need to catch the vision! If there is ever a time to work for the kingdom - it's now. Jesus is coming soon-are we quickly going out? Let's fulfill the great commission God has given.
on the stove. She boiled the eggs and cooled them while I set out and prepared about 15 cups of boiling water, put the color dye tablet in and a touch of vinegar (don't ask me why, I just did it because I was told -ha!). Then, about 6 of us kids began dipping the eggs in the variety of color dyes and decorating them. It all started out fun, but believe me, I was happy when we got to the last dozen eggs. Going through the first 100 eggs was alright, but after that it became more of a chore. With all the eggs colored, it was time to pull the Easter baskets out of storage. It was my delight to be able to fill them with eggs, candies and chocolates. Early on Easter morning, I would get up before anyone else and place a basket by each of my brother's pillows. Thinking back, I should've been a little smarter as more often than not, they would roll over, knocking the Easter basket off the bed creating all the grass, candies and chocolates to go flying all over the floor. But hey, it was fun!
baskets, a new dress and shoes. Then, when I was 8 years old, our family was invited to church and heard the Easter story during the message. I was so touched and amazed that this man named Jesus, as I was told, loved me so much that he was willing to die for me and to pay the penalty for my sins that I had committed. The preacher encouraged us that if we would pray and ask Jesus to come in to live in our hearts that he would always live in and with us. They told us he would be our friend forever. Then the preacher told of the promise that if we live for Jesus, when we died he would take us to live with Him in heaven for all eternity. Wow, what a deal! That's one we didn't want to refuse. 
we 'had to go listen to those people'. He could not tell us what they said, just that we had to hear them. The next night we went and they really made believers out of us. We marvel how they have endured the miles over the years and are still ready to energize us with their music, messages and their love. There is no question that God is in control of their lives." 
30 feet towards the beautiful blue Arizona sky. I've always admired this cactus and as I stood there this time, letting my eyes take it all in, I saw something I'd never seen before. There in the center of that cactus, surrounded by prickly needles, was a perfect heart shape. The heart shaped hole had been constructed and hollowed out by birds. I directed my brother and his wife to look at it. They too had never noticed it before. 
of some people that we meet or know?" They appear to be big and prickly, void of personality, sometimes even heartless. They've been through some hurt or life situation and their hearts' seem hidden. Until, through an up close encounter with them the prickly needles appear to fade away, and we notice their heart. When we get to know them, and the trials they are going through, we are privileged to really see their heart and appreciate them in a new way. I just stood there and prayed, "God, help us to look for the heart in all that we come in contact with so we can encourage them. Let us never miss that moment to touch a life of someone who is hurting."
It was interesting to find out that his father came to Christ under Lundstrom Ministries many years ago in Bangor, Maine. Now his son pastors here. Hearing stories like that always makes the hard work on the road worthwhile. Pastor Brown along, with his evangelism pastor, Kelly Bashore and associate Pastor Bob Roche, are doing a great job rebuilding the congregation. Great things are happening! 
Oak Creek, Wisconsin. In those few hours we had so much fun and even squeezed in a pizza party. When we are on the road so much we seldom get to see family, so I cherish every moment we can see any of them.
but it will come quickly. Thanks for letting us share our island travels with you and we'll connect with you in two weeks when we're back ministering in Arizona!
to be back at Ewa Beach Assembly of God ministering with pastor friends, Bob and Kathy Stalcup. Kathy was responsible for bringing me over to the islands in 1990 to speak at a Women's conference for all the Hawaiian islands. It was held at the big island in Kona. Since that conference we've been privileged to return every 2 years to minister. We've met many friends through the years that have remained true friends and that would definitely describe pastor Bob and Kathy. 
with people hungry for God. Sunday night I spoke and entitled my message "So you're having a bad day!" It focused on encouraging hurting people how to walk through the dark valleys and trials. I figure of all the trials Larry and I have gone through as a couple and family by now I should've gained some insight to help others- HA! 
mid-nineties. God has blessed them with great personalities and the joy of the Lord and is using them in ministry in the local church. After a lunch with them Debbie emailed, 
Larry and Gloria always say is, 'Laughter is a good medicine.' And believe me, they laugh and the make us laugh. We love them. 
minister at Pastor Janet Cordeiro's church. What a precious woman of God. We've also ministered there every 2 years since the late nineties. Again when the invitation of Christ was given many flooded the altars making rededications of their lives. There were 3 teenagers who made first time commitments as well as first time decisions for John and Raynette Solto's parents. They have prayed for them for many, many 
years and invited them to our morning service. When I asked John's father if he and his wife had ever prayed a prayer like this before to ask Jesus in to his heart he said, "I prayed through the years, but never like this…" with a big grin he added, "this is good!" For the last 10-12 years when we've come to Waimanalo, John and his wife Raynette, who were the worship leaders, always went out of their way to help us set-up, run sound, or whatever we needed, and had us to their home for meals. After all these years - God rewarded their prayers - how thrilling! 
challenge me, "Even as the Son of Man came not to be ministered on to, but to minister, and to give His life a ransom for many." I have to keep remembering and challenging myself to be diligent in ministering out of my need and hurts and He will minister back to me. And He does! If you are hurting, facing a trial or suffering, find someone else who is hurting and love and encourage them. Believe it or not, you will be just as blessed as the person you are ministering to. Not to mention that you will feel much better and be happier. Blessings on you!