God Reflections: Proverbs 26

God Reflections: Proverbs 26 by ric gustafson

Stress is a part of our lives. Sooner or later, we must learn to manage it. If it involves tricks and tools, we must do it. We must use stress in a positive way. Deadlines and drawbacks can hold us back. 

Sometimes when we have stress, we just want it to go away. Then stress waits for us. 

And not only stress comes but also fear, depression and anxiety. God says do not ignore stress. God says to us give me your stress I will take it away from you. That is a promise he gives to us.

Why?. Because God loves you more than anything else.

research help: ' Mini Devotions to refresh your heart' by Chrstian Art Publishers

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

God Reflections: John 16

 God Reflections: John 16 by ric gustafson

Life is complicated. Lose your job, lose a loved one, lose your car keys something always happens. Jesus tells us in John 16, trouble will happen. Complications in this life will feel it is beyond our power to manage. 

When troubles and storms come into our lives, Jesus says take heart. We can't know what's coming and can't always control it. Jesus knows we can make a good choice in those events. We can trust Jesus. In John 16, Jesus says I have overcome the world. We can trust Jesus. Why?. Because he has overcome the world.

research help: ' Mini Devotions to refresh your heart' by Christian Art Publishers

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Red Riding Hood page 2

 Red Riding Hood page 2 by ric gustafson

As Violet reached her grandmother's cottage front door, she thought about Robert Mercer. Robert's father was a landowner who lived on the other side of the stream. Violet did not like him. He did not want to directly want to talk to her. He said he loved Violet. He did not show it. Her mother wanted her to marry Robert Mercer. She did not.

" Grandmother, it's me Violet" Violet exclaimed loudly as she entered the cottage.

Her grandmother walked over, kissed her cheek and gave her a big hug. " I was wishing for a visit from you".

Violet gave her grandmother the basket. " I brought you some bread, cake and cheese".

" Thank you my sweet Violet". She gave her another hug. " Your red riding cloak goes with your dark brown hair".

" Are you feeling ok Grandmother?".

" Physically yes, money wise no".

" What happened?".

" Brigands came and took all my money".

research help: ' Cloak of Scarlet' by Melanie Dickerson

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

God Reflections: John 10

 God Reflections: John 10 by ric gustafson

Sometimes it seems we live on rations. God does not ration us. God does not have a miserly existence. God is a boundless God. God is everywhere. God has all time power. God has wisdom and kindness. To show his limitless love to us, he sent his only Son to save us from eternal death.

John 10 says that I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. 

God's love to us is overflowing and never stops.

research help: ' Mini Devotions to refresh your heart' by Christian Art Publishers

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

John and Caroline page 8

 John and Caroline page 8 by ric gustafson

John and Caroline had memories of their grandparents Joseph Patrick Kennedy was born of a political family in Boston. Joseph's family had emigrated from Ireland in 1848. Joseph's dream was to be President. President Franklin Delano Roosevelt wanted to fight in the war. Joseph Kennedy did not.

In 1914, Joseph married Rose Fitzgerald. She was the daughter of John Francis Fitzgerald. Fitzgerald was Boston's 1st Irish mayor.

The first tragedy of Joseph and Rose's marriage was their 3rd child Rose Marie Kennedy. Nicknamed Rose Mary had a lobotomy in 1941. She came out of the surgery severely handicapped. She visited the Kennedy Compound once or twice a year.

Tragedy struck the family again in 1944. Son Joe Kennedy Jr was killed in a Navy mission over the English Channel. When his son Joe Kennedy Jr died, Joseph did not know who would carry the family's political name. 

All eyes fell on son Jack Kennedy. His nickname was JFK.

research help: ' The Kennedy Heirs' by J Randy Taraborrelli

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

God Reflections: Psalm 51

 God Reflections: Psalm 51 by ric gustafson

God does not desire a sacrifice. God does not desire a burnt offering. According to Psalm 51, God does desire that we come to him with a broken spirit. God will not reject a broken heart. God will not reject a repentant heart.

God wants to give us favor every day. God wants us to be free. God wants us to be energized by his splendid love. The truth is God loves us more than anything else.

research help: Mini Devotions to refresh your heart' by Christian Art Publishers

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

the Firm page 22

the Firm page 22 by ric gustafson

Abby walked into the crowded terrrarium. She sat down and waited for her new friend to arrive. Cautious by nature, it took Abby a while to make new friends. Her new friend Kay Quin was always late. In the short time they have known each other, Kay has become Abby's tour guide, shopping consultant and decorator. 

Kay frowned. " Sorry I'm late".

" That's ok".

" So you are out of school?".

Abby grinned. " Yes until Jan 6".

They both ordered wine.

" What are your plans for Christmas?".

" I'd like to visit my folks in Kentucky". Abby frowned. " I doubt Mitch will be able to join me".

" Because of his work schedule".

" Yes". Abby frowned. " He works seven days a week".

research help: ' The Firm' by John Grisham

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric