Greetings from beautiful Spearfish South Dakota! What a breath-taking part of western SD! It has hills, streams, pines, canyons, and myriads of wild flowers. The residents here tell us, "If you want to learn fly fishing this is the place to give it a try." Last Sunday morning after church, I was visiting with some of the locals who were bragging about their great trout streams and trout farms around here. In the course of the conversation they asked if I like to fish, to which I responded, "Yes...if I could catch one." I chuckled and shared with them about an experience I had about 25 years ago when our girls were in their early teens. We ventured out on a four day camping trip in Woodland Park outside of Colorado Springs, Colorado. My children and Larry were teasing me about my lack of talent in catching fish. I couldn't even pull in one fish!
One afternoon while taking a drive, we saw a huge sign advertising a trout farm. The blonde that I am--- I had no idea what a trout farm was. Larry explained that you could pay a fee and that they would let you into the trout farm. They would furnish you with a fishing pole and you could go over to a huge tank, throw in your line and you were guaranteed to catch a trout. Feeling like I had to redeem my fishing integrity, I pleaded with Larry to let me selfishly spend the $5.00 so I could prove to my family that I could actually catch a fish. I thought this would really impress them. It wasn't if, but when I would land my fish. I knew they would jump up and down and holler, "Yea, Mom...you did it! You caught a fish!" Larry just rolled his eyes, but finally consented. The kids and I were pumped. We drove in, Larry paid the fee and they handed me a fishing pole. I really played it up how I was going to catch the biggest trout in the tank. They cheered me on, "Go Mom! Show us you can fish!" Confidently, and I might add quite proudly, I walked over to this huge tank that appeared totally black with thousands of trout. We couldn't even see a space between the fish. I announced, "Watch this! TaDa...I'm going to be the queen fisher woman of the day." They chanted, "Go, Mom, go Mom!"
I carefully dropped the pole with the bait into the water. It swooshed on the backs of the fish, and finally found a place to drop into the water. Gleefully I shouted, "Watch, here it goes!" I knew it would only take a minute or less to catch my big trout. But, I kid you not, I stood there swooshing the bait and not one trout went for it or my fishhook. I dragged the bait over their backs, over their heads and even their mouths but to no avail. They acted like I wasn't even there. By this time, my sweet, supportive husband, along with our daughters, LaShawn and LaDawn, were lying on the ground in hysterical laughter. No matter what I tried, or how long I tried ( I don't remember how long it was), I never got one bite! It was so totally unbelievable that I finally fell apart in laughter with them. I pulled my line out of the tank and finally admitted, "Okay, that proves I'm not a fisherman. Let's go!" If I remember correctly, Larry grabbed the pole, lowered the line and a huge trout grabbed the bait in a second. What could I say to that? End of subject!
How in the world did I get onto that subject? I guess I was talking about Spearfish, SD, and the story went on. Now, back to last week...a week ago, Wednesday, on our way out west we stopped by Huron, SD, for a service. Due 
to severe thunderstorm warnings we couldn't have our rally in the park as planned so we gathered instead at First Assembly of God with Pastor Tom Brantner. Pastor Tom has been the pastor in Huron for nearly ten years. He definitely looks too young to have been there that long. He's a tenacious young pastor and is doing a great job there. We had three other churches join us for this outreach and we had a wonderful altar call. Wouldn't you know the camera went on the blink just as I was shooting the altar call, so I don't have a picture for you this week. When Pastor Tom introduced us, he told that audience he knew us when he was a kid. Ouch! That hurts! Pastor Tom shared the following with us,
"I remember first being introduced to the Lundstroms about 26 years ago at a rally in Bedford, Pennsylvania. I was about five years old, yet remarkably, I remember it well. Even as a young child, I enjoyed their music and ministry to the family. I even remember meeting them at a Pizza Hut after the rally and 
getting autographs from them. From then on, I have always enjoyed the songs and ministry of the Lundstroms. I so appreciate Larry and Gloria and their interaction with the people as well as the 'practical' ways they share their faith through song, testimony and preaching. They have been with us in Huron three times in the nine years we have been here and each time we have had an overwhelming response to their ministry. This past visit brought one brand new salvation and sixteen rededications. Larry and Gloria have a ways of making people comfortable, but speaking the truth straightforward enough that people must choose to accept or reject Christ. Thank you both for your faithfulness to Kingdom building!!!"
The next day we moved on through the prairies of SD to Spearfish. Sunday morning we had two services and had wonderful decisions and rededications for Christ. Pastor Dan and Lori Kent are a loving, caring couple that are doing a great job as pastors of Spearfish Assembly of God. They always make us feel like family when we come. 
the flush button. I am not sure what happened, but something backfired, and the stool kicked out about 3 or 4 gallons of water back at me! I was blue from head to toe. My blonde hair was sprinkled with big blue blobs, small bits of blue toilet paper plastered my face and my good white top was now all blotched blue along with my yellow slacks. I looked in the mirror at myself in disbelief and looked at the bathroom walls and floor and everything was blue with toilet paper and you name it all over! I hollered, and Larry and Myanna came running. They took one look at me and didn't know whether to laugh at me or save their lives by keeping quiet and helping me clean up. Guess which one they chose? BOTH...once we got it cleaned up, then they laughed! In the midst of this clean-up, Pastor Kent came to the coach and Larry invited him in. The pastor looked at me and after Larry explained what had happened, said with his sweet mischievous grin, "Oh, my my!" Trying to encourage me he continued, "That's a good outfit for Halloween or an Easter egg hunt, blue hair and all!" We all got a chuckle out of that. In this blue crisis I had to make a quick choice, "Blow up, or clean it up!" I tried to convince myself that it could have been worse. (I don't know how, but I'm sure it could have been. HA!)
As you know by now, life is full of these interruptions. Each situation or event will draw an action or reaction out of us. I had a choice! I could make the already bad situation worse or I could ask God to help me get a grip and move on. It's at those times I have to remember, this is not a matter of life and death. It's just a mere inconvenience. Well, I took a break and I've showered, scrubbed, and powdered myself. I have two scented candles burning and I still smell like bathroom stool deodorizer. Oh well, so it goes.
This weekend we will be speaking in Custer, SD, for Father's Day. I encourage you that if you still have your father, call him, take him out to eat, honor him and tell him how much you love him as you never know how long you will have him with you. One of the ten commandments says to "Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long", and I might add, that you'll have no regrets.
Have a great week!
Proverbs 16:32 "He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit, than he that taketh a city."
Dad and the Dehydrated Son
A small boy was sent to bed by his father. About 5 minutes later, he cried out, "Dad..."
"What is it?" asked the father.
"I'm thirsty. Can you bring me a drink of water?"
"No," the man replied. "You had your chance earlier. Lights out!"
About 5 minutes later, the boy moaned, "Dad..."
"What?" the frustrated father answered.
"I'm THIRSTY. Can I have a drink of water?"
"I told you, NO!" the father said. "If you ask me again, I'll have to spank you. Now go to sleep."
Five minutes later, the boy once again whined, "Dad....."
"What!" The man cried.
"When you come to spank me, can you bring me a drink of water?"
His soul was white as snow.
He never went to Sunday School
Cause Daddy wouldn't go.
He never heard the Word of God.
That thrills the childish mind,
While other children went to class,
This child was left behind.
As he grew from babe to youth,
Dad saw to his dismay,
A soul that once was snowy white,
Became a dingy grey.
Realizing that his son was lost,
Dad tried to win him back.
But now the soul that once was white,
Had turned an ugly black.
Dad even started back to church,
and Bible study too;
He begged the preacher,
"Isn't there a thing you can do?"
The preacher tried, failed, and said
"We're just too far behind;
I tried to tell you years ago,
But you would pay me no mind."
And so another soul was lost,
That once was white as snow;
Sunday School would have helped,
But Daddy wouldn't go.
- Pulpit Helps
No Fat Fruit Dip
8 oz fat free cream cheese, softened
8 oz strawberry or any flavored nonfat yogurt
Beat cream cheese until smooth. Add yogurt, mixing until blended. Refrigerate. Serve with assorted fresh fruit.
Need soft butter in a hurry?
One stick of butter or margarine will soften in one minute when microwaved at 20% power.
Last Friday, Saturday and Sunday, Larry and I had the privilege of speaking at the Dakota German Conference which was held at Trinity Bible College in Ellendale, ND. Friday night, we sang and I shared on So What's So Good About Heaven. Saturday morning, we both spoke in a session titled, What Makes You Tick...or Ticked, which focused on personality traits and culture. Saturday night, after our concert, Larry communicated on Passing the Torch, addressing legacies we give and leave for our children. There were also several great breakout sessions presented by several pastors and wives. 
ity Bible College student and also pastors a church and is a father to three beautiful children. They had this to say about the weekend, 
service. Larry and I have known them for years. In fact, Naomi is from our home town of Sisseton and babysat our daughters, LaShawn and LaDawn, when they were little. They loved her as a babysitter. Wow...as you guessed, that was a long time ago! Pastor John and Naomi have been married for 30 years and are an exceptionally sweet couple who have a great zeal for Christ and are doing a wonderful job pastoring in Ellendale. 
The entire weekend was laced with fun, fellowship, laughter, and delicious food. Special thanks to our friend, Joan Niles, who is the head cook at Trinity Bible College. Every bite was delicious. Thanks, Joan!
with us on the road. Dante' is now 14 ½ years old and has some part-time jobs for the summer so he will be unable to join us this year. He has been with us every summer since he was a baby. It's a little sad that they grow up so quickly, but we will see him off and on this summer. 
was necessary in order to solve a larger problem. I had to put my faith in Dr. Carlson that he knew what was best for me. I kind of whined and fussed when he first told me I needed this procedure, but then I had to accept the fact it was essential and have the minor surgery knowing in time it will get better and will benefit me in the long run.
Another great action-packed week has passed filled with graduation, open houses, family gatherings and Memorial Day activities all wrapped up in three days. It was an emotional weekend. Larry and I are usually on the road for most holidays so we were thrilled to be able to attend two grandnieces' graduation and open houses which brought a large number of family, friends and relatives together. Of course, with those ingredients we also had lots of laughter and lots of delicious food. 
servicewomen headstones representing all ages. Only too often, we get caught up in our busy lives consumed by our jobs and activities forgetting those who have fought and sacrificed their lives so we could have freedom yet in America. I'm afraid our freedom is frequently taken for granted. As Larry and I stood there, we watched families as they stood by their loved ones grave(s). I couldn't help but wonder what was going through their minds at that very moment. What pain they must have felt as they relived the day of their loved one's birth to then only be flooded with the memories of the moment they heard the news of the death of that husband, father, brother, son, wife, mother, daughter, sister, etc. I watched on feeling helpless, wanting to provide comfort but all I could do was pray a silent prayer for them. 
rtained us. From there, we sauntered over to my grandparents' headstones. I recalled all the fun and fond memories I was privileged to have with them while I was a child. Just a few feet away from their headstone lies a small marble marker that bears the name of my one and only sister. I placed pink flowers on her grave and knelt somberly for a few moments. Janet was only one week old when she died of heart problems. She would have been three years olde
r than me. As I have many times before while standing by her little grave, I threw out an inaudible question, "Why, God? Why did she have to die? I would have loved having a sister." I have tried to imagine what she would have looked like, what type of personality she would have had, if she and I would have resembled each other? What and where would her life have taken her? Would she have been as goofy as me? Would we have been close doing things together all through the years? 
Sandwiched in between all of the above, it was especially fun to have our 
daughter, LaDawn, and our grandchildren, Dante' and Myanna, come home for the long weekend. We hadn't seen LaDawn since early January so it was a sweet coming together. Dante' and Myanna loved seeing all of their cousins and relatives. Of course, they also brought the "granddog" along with them. What a circus! Those three days went by only too quickly. Now...it's back to work!
oan Clutter, in Clarion, PA. I've made it and it is scrumptious!
A year ago, Larry and I marked our May 2007 calendar designating May 21-25 as a work week on the house. It is amazing to me that things fall apart even when we are gone. So, this week, we have six dear friends from Nebraska and Minnesota who set aside five 
days to come help us work and repair. The list for these five days includes: fix the leaky roof, tear down and replace the dissolving chimney, painting, bulldozing over half of our lawn to reroute the flow of water contributing to our water issues, tear out some bushes and a tree that were ruined by an ice storm a year ago. Well that about sums it up! Those tasks are what is on the slate for five days along with the urgents of the ministry. 
Last night, after we came in, we were feeling our consecutive 13-hour days. We all collapsed as we sat around the table and agreed that we just aren't as young as we used to be. Much of the work done yesterday was done in drenching outbursts of rain and stifling heat. (The weather forecast predicted a few possible thundershowers.) At one point, during a heavy rain squall, I peere
d up on the roof and three of the men had made a tent out of heavy plastic holding it over the chimney opening. All I could see was Larry's backside protruding outside of the tent with rain literally running off it. Sorry, but I just laughed out of control because I thought it just couldn't happen to a nicer guy! Isn't it great how God allows us moments of laughter amidst detours in our planned schedules! 
Out of the window, I can see all of the progress that has taken place up to this point. In all reality, it appears a demolition crew was just here with the way it is all tore up. Iit almost takes my breath away. My mother used to often say, "Missy, sometimes things have to look worse before they get better." It is really true in this case. At this stage, I have to encourage myself that this too shall pass. It will get better; I have full confidence in that fact. Believe me, it won't be done in five days but we will have accomplished a lot with the generous assistance of our wonderful friends. 
has called us to go and preach the Gospel to the bikers and prisoners. This has been a ministry which has definitely stretched our comfort zone but we have seen God do some awesome things. Many lives are being changed for eternity. 
her sister, LaShawn. They flew up to Toronto, Canada, to see their brother, Donovan, and LaShawn's fianc
grandkids...ohhhh...and the new grand-dog named Paris. (Can you imagine a black pug names Paris?-chuckle) She brought with her a whole new form of entertainment. Of course, I told the kids before they came, "The dog stays outside or in the entryway!" They just couldn't believe that Grandma could be so heartless not allowing the dog the rule of the house. I have been through that game twice before with my kids and it didn't work. HA! I do have to admit, however, the grand-dog stole our hearts as well.
We had a great Mother's Day weekend. I had the privilege of speaking on Mother's Day at our home church in Sisseton, SD, with Pastor Vern and Mary Donnell. We are so blessed to have a wonderful sweet-spirited pastor and wife who are great people of prayer and have a burden to reach the lost. We were especially honored to have my 91 ½ year old mother, Julie Brooks, there. I had the opportunity to publicly and personally honor her along with all mothers on that special day. It was indeed a precious time.
song. It was so special! Julia Hills, (grandmother) 90 years old sang along with her daughter, Gloria Slaamot (secretary of our home church), and her two daughters, April and Holly. Grandma Hills still has a strong singing voice. WOW! She encouraged me to keep on singing! It was precious to see this three generation family singing together.
Gloria Slaamot shared the following: "First of all, I appreciate the graciousness of Gloria to allow us to sing our three generation trio that morning. Mom just turned 90 in April and I thought it would be fun to sing together on Mother's Day. I didn't want to get in the way of what Gloria had planned for that morning but when I called her, she was so very sweet and said it would be fine. Like Gloria said in the service, what a heritage some of us have in regards to having Godly mothers who helped us find our way to God. I love the fact that Gloria is so 'REAL', letting us know that she and Larry go through struggles, too, but with God's help, they make it encouraging us to do the same! They are always a blessing and we love them dearly!"
I missed not having my son and daughte
rs with me for Mother's Day but I was so happy to have my grandkids and some of my family. After church, three of my brothers, along with Larry and I, grilled chicken and had all the yummy trimmings to 
go with it. To top off the day, Larry took Dante' and Myanna out to the Lundstrom farm to ride horses with our nephew, L. J. Lundstrom and little Zach. The kids were ecstatic!
are now in our home state of South Dakota! What a good feeling...although I wondered for just a moment when we got caught in the path of torrential rains,
flash floods and 30-50 mile per hour winds. There were 20 tornadoes that ripped through the state of South Dakota last weekend. I was as nervous as a cat on a hot tin roof! I'm not usually anxious but the wind was swooping-- lifting and shaking our motorcoach like it was cotton candy. This is the first storm we have experienced in nearly 40 years that had me totally unnerved. I think if Larry would have had a tranquilizer gun, he would have given me a big shot! 
en on earth. 
Pastor Hofer had this to say about the meetings: "What a refreshing time we had with Larry and Gloria. We saw that they have not left their calling in soulwinning. We had to set up chairs for the Sunday morning service with many making choices to follow after the Lord. Many first time commitments were made to the Lord. Larry has not lost his humor which is important in sharing the Gospel to show the Christian life can be full of joy. We were blessed by their servanthood at the youth night on Saturday. We had Angel Dean sing and Chad Moser speak. Larry did the altar call with ten people making commitments for Christ. What a great weekend!" 
night he felt the Spirit of God tugging at his heart's door. When Larry gave the invitation, Scott Aldering stepped forward, along with his daughter, and made peace with God. 
There were so many outstanding Christians at the weekend outreach. Two of them that really caught our attention helped Larry load out our equipment. If anyone was having a bad day or was discouraged, all they would have to do is meet Jason Pearson and Jim Meyer because Christ absolutely pours out of them to all they meet. They were a real inspiration to us and to others. 
Speaking of nostalgic...on our journey, our eyes beheld the sight of an old yellow 1965. Of course, our bus wasn't that new, ours was a 1948 model built in Laudinville, Ohio. Larry, his brother, Lowell, and wife, Connie, found it in California and purchased it for the grand price of $1500. The proper name for is was Flexible. That particular bus was used by the state of California. They wo
uld take it to disaster scenes and set up office in it. Thinking back to all the experiences we had in that old bus, we definitely paid about $1400 too much for it! HA! 
r or bathroom. When it rained outside, it also rained inside. When it snowed and the winds blew, the snow filtered in through the emergency door and would create a tidy 3-6 inch snow drift on the foot of our bed. I would have to put our daughter, LaShawn, in her snowsuit when I 
put her to bed to keep her warm. I cringe every time I think about it! There were four adults and two children living in that blue and white wonder bus. We always wondered if we would make it to the next destination without a major breakdown. That old bucket of bolts broke down almost every trip. Larry had repairs down to a science! He could drop the transmission out and shove it back in within a ½ hour. Why? Because he had to!
Right after we met at the church, Pastor Graham informed us that he remembered us from ministering at Central Assembly in Springfield, MO, in 1972 at a youth rally. He said, "I still remember Larry playing the big, upright bass. Wow, that was a long time ago." Pastor Larry smiled and gently said, "I was just a young man at the time and you were still with Lowell and Connie Lundstrom ministering together as two couples. You left a great impact on my life." 
ifetime. 
Sunday morning and see Carolyn Johnson, one of the board members of Larry Lundstrom Ministries sitting out there.
They shared the following comments with us: "We thoroughly enjoyed your ministry at First Assembly in Carthage, MO. Your passion for souls was evident through your uplifting music, ministry and altar service. Your smiles, love for the Lord, and for each other have remained genuine throughout the years. We left the service feeling revived and with a stronger desire to always have a happy spirit and a passion for souls." 
would say, "And now the rest of the story..." Email me and I will send you a copy of Larry's cancer testimony entitled, Rendezvous with Victory. You'll cry, you'll laugh and you will rejoice with us through this thrilling story. Read it and share it with a friend who needs encouragement.
Alabama and onto Nashville, Tennessee. En route, we stopped in Birmingham, AL, to see our friends, Bill and Joyce Simmons, former employees of Lundstrom Ministries. It was fun seeing them again. Years ago, Bill and Joyce, and their three sons lived with us in our old bus along with Larry and I and our three children for several years. Imagine...
two families which consisted of two couples and six children living in a 40 foot long, 8 foot wide bus. In the natural, that is not easy, but we were best friends. Bill is now working with a large church in Birmingham, AL, and Joyce is a conference speaker. Each month, you can see Joyce's financial article on page 4 of our newsletter and under the Family Matters-Financial Words to the Wise-section of our website. Even though, we hadn't seen them for over 2 ½ years, as soon as we connected, it was as if we were never apart. We just picked up from where we had left off and went on from there. That is what true friendship is about!
We then proceeded up to Nashville. Two of our 
children, LaShawn and Donovan, make their residence in Nashville but are away most of the time traveling due to their jobs. It just so happened that they were both home this week. Were we ever thrilled! I had sent them Easter cards and told them if they were going to be home when we came through Nashville, I would fix them a 
belated Easter dinner. They quickly responded they would be home and requested a turkey dinner with all of the trimmings. I spent all Monday preparing the meal and goodies. What fun! We laughed, told stories on each other, and of course, they always have stories they tell on Mom and Dad. We laughed until our sides hurt. There is just nothing like family! I sure miss my children when we are gone. Next month we will be able to see LaDawn and the grandkids...we are looking forward to that. 
your stomach. There are many people still missing among the rubble. It is interesting that after a year and a half, it looks like the devastation just occurred. One ironic fact is there are places nearby that were missed by the hurricane and are functioning with life as usual while other areas continue to be at a complete sta
ndstill.
hose who survived and whose homes were spared...miracle story after miracle story. But, after looking at all the unimaginable destruction and loss, I was tempted to ask, "Why, God?" I tried to dismiss that question in a hurry. We will probably never know the why unless God chooses to reveal it to us when we get home...but then, again, when we get to heaven, the past will be erased and it simply won't matter. We will sit and bask in His presence. 
Larry preached the Easter story focusing on the fact that the cross became our rescue. The altar call was given and as you can see by the photo, lives were touched. There were first time commitments as well as many prodigals returning home to Jesus. What a great Easter! 
the historical French Quarter located off of Canal Street. They called and asked if we could walk down to meet them. Of course, we quickly obliged. They led us into a jewelry store where Liam had just purchased LaShawn's engagement ring. They wanted us to share that special moment. What a joy! Her ring is absolutely beautiful but the love they have for each other is even more precious! Now, we are waiting for a wedding date to be set. Don't I sound like an impatient mother! I keep reminding them, "I have my date book right here in my hand." LaShawn just laughs and politely says, "Mother...when we set the date, you and Dad will be the first ones to know." They say that to try and settle me down. It works-slightly. 
change your mind. Your destiny will be in motion. 