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

Red Riding Hood page 1

 Red Riding Hood page 1 by ric gustafson

Spring 1386

Violet was sitting on her mule's saddle. In front of her was a basket. In it was her mother's fresh bread and apple cherry cake she had made. Violet tightened the red cloak that her grandmother had given her. There was a chill in the early morning air.

" Whoa Mistress Sally". Violet patted the mule's neck. The mule stopped. They had reached the crossroads near her mother's village.

Two weeks prior, Violet had met a young man riding a warhorse.

" Pardon me". He smiled. " Can you tell me the way to Bilborough?".

" Yes, stay on this road". Violet pointed. " You will reach Bilborough in about 15 miles".

" Thank you". He grinned. " May I ask your name?".

" Violet of Burwelle".

" I am Sir Merek of Dericott".

research help: ' Cloak of Scarlet' by Melanie Dickerson

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Wine page 5

 Wine page 5 by ric gustafson

A lot of grapes can produce about 60 cases or 720 bottles. That varies as far as the amount of juice. Small berries will have less juice than large grape bunches. When grapes are barely pressed, the juice free runs.

Grape vines come in different shapes and sizes. Vine shapes and sizes is determined by grape variety and the climate. Also how the vines are pruned and spaced. 

Pruning is the process of cutting back the vines while they are dormant. Some people consider pruning an art and a science. What is left is the basis for the next year's crop. Pruning can not be too much or too little. 

The spacing of grape vines has become an art. In the past, economics determined vine spacing. The closer grape vines are spaced, their roots compete for the same soil, nutrients and water. The better balanced the vineyard the better the grapes and the better the wine. 

Grapes picked by hand is now a thing of the past. Mechanical harvesting is being used more around the world. There is no perfect yield. Every vineyard has a breaking point. Too many grapes will cause the vineyard to be out of balance. Then the quality of the wine will plummet.

Next we will talk about how wine is made.

research help: ' The Wine Bible' by Karen MacNeil

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

God Reflections: John 14

 God Reflections: John 14 by ric gustafson

In an Upper Room, Jesus tells his disciples the words of John 14. People think they know the way. In John 14, Jesus proclaims I am the way the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. 

Jesus just told his disciples that he was going away. Only Thomas honestly admitted that he did not know the way. 

Jesus knew that he was the only way. Jesus himself is the way. Jesus always spoke the truth. Jesus lived the truth. Jesus was the truth.

Jesus says open your heart. Jesus died on the cross so we could have life. He who has the Son has life. Jesus wants to come into our heart. Let him. Jesus loves you more than anything else.

research help: ' God Reflections' by Roma Downey and Mark Burnett

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric