December 5, 2012
http://www.larrylundstromministries.org/apps/articles/default.asp?blogid=1624&view=post&articleid=83095&link=1&fldKeywords=&fldAuthor=&fldTopic=0
By Gloria Lundstrom
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's
promises."
"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.
