through the eyes of a child page 11 by ric gustafson
" She loved jogging and walking along this trail" Jessica said as she, Charles and Katie walked along the wooded trail.
" Why is the park so popular?".
" Students use this trail all the time especially during the summer when school is out".
" Would Kelly just use this trail?" Katie asked quietly as they kept walking and students were rollerblading around them.
" Yes, this is the only trail around this park".
About half way around the trail, the three walked up to an open area. They sat down on a park bench that faced the street.
" Is this the only open area in the park?".
" Yes, Kelly liked to stop at this park bench to rest".
They got up to resume their walk.
" Jessica, do you know of anybody who would harm our baby?" Katie asked as tears formed in her tired eyes.
" Mr and Mrs Brown, honestly I can't think of anybody who would want to harm Kelly".
Charles and Katie smiled at each other.
As they resumed their walk, Charles noticed a small business card that was showing underneath the trash can. He picked it up and glanced at it. It simply said ' Big Springs Cabins'. Charles shrugged and put the card in his back pant pocket.
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Monday, January 30, 2012
through the eyes of a child page 10
through the eyes of a child page 10 by ric gustafson
He put the steel cart up to the edge of the grey checkout belt as he started fishing through his pockets. " Where is that thing" he quietly muttered to himself as the checkout clerk was helping a talkative senior citizen,
" Hi, how are you?" the young clerk said as began to scan the items he had put on the belt.
He had an annoyed look on his face as he kept searching for something in his pocket.
" Paper or plastic" asked the young sacker who smiled at him.
He put the last of the items from the cart on the belt. " Paper". He gave up searching his pockets.
The young sacker finished putting the paper sacks into the cart.
" Your total is going to be $120.50".
He gave the young clerk a frown as he gave him $120 in cash and two quarters.
" I seem to have lost the directions to a cabin I was looking for" he said with a grin. " I'm looking for Big Springs Cabins".
" Yes, I know where it is" the young clerk exclaimed as he began to help the next customer. " It is just ten miles up North Highway 4 and you'll see a sign on your right".
" Thank you" he replied as the young sacker wheeled the big steel cart out the double doors toward the white van.
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
He put the steel cart up to the edge of the grey checkout belt as he started fishing through his pockets. " Where is that thing" he quietly muttered to himself as the checkout clerk was helping a talkative senior citizen,
" Hi, how are you?" the young clerk said as began to scan the items he had put on the belt.
He had an annoyed look on his face as he kept searching for something in his pocket.
" Paper or plastic" asked the young sacker who smiled at him.
He put the last of the items from the cart on the belt. " Paper". He gave up searching his pockets.
The young sacker finished putting the paper sacks into the cart.
" Your total is going to be $120.50".
He gave the young clerk a frown as he gave him $120 in cash and two quarters.
" I seem to have lost the directions to a cabin I was looking for" he said with a grin. " I'm looking for Big Springs Cabins".
" Yes, I know where it is" the young clerk exclaimed as he began to help the next customer. " It is just ten miles up North Highway 4 and you'll see a sign on your right".
" Thank you" he replied as the young sacker wheeled the big steel cart out the double doors toward the white van.
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
what are we here for? page 1
what are we here for? page 1 by ric gustafson
I John 4:11- ' Since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another".
Nicholas yawned as he walked toward the basketball court. His shift at the bank had ended and he was walking home. He decided to take a shortcut and save some time. As he walked by the court, he noticed a familiar face. Playing hoops with some high school kids was the Creator. He waved to him and then sat down on a wooden bench inside the court.
The Creator walked over and took a sip from some bottled water. " Hi Nicholas".
" I was walking home from work".
He pointed toward the high school kids. " Would you like to join my community of friends?".
" No" came a tired reply. " What is a community of friends?".
" My Word calls it fellowship with others".
" Sometimes that's hard to do".
" I know" the Creator said as he hugged his young friend. " We must learn to love, it is a choice".
" I try to love others".
" It is my greatest commandment".
research help: ' Better Together' by Rick Warren
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
I John 4:11- ' Since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another".
Nicholas yawned as he walked toward the basketball court. His shift at the bank had ended and he was walking home. He decided to take a shortcut and save some time. As he walked by the court, he noticed a familiar face. Playing hoops with some high school kids was the Creator. He waved to him and then sat down on a wooden bench inside the court.
The Creator walked over and took a sip from some bottled water. " Hi Nicholas".
" I was walking home from work".
He pointed toward the high school kids. " Would you like to join my community of friends?".
" No" came a tired reply. " What is a community of friends?".
" My Word calls it fellowship with others".
" Sometimes that's hard to do".
" I know" the Creator said as he hugged his young friend. " We must learn to love, it is a choice".
" I try to love others".
" It is my greatest commandment".
research help: ' Better Together' by Rick Warren
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Sunday, January 29, 2012
1001 Gatekeeper Square page 3
1001 Gatekeeper Square page 3 by ric gustafson
The door opened to reveal a young dark bearded man. " Come in Joan".
She recognized the voice as the Lord's. " A voice I don't recognize is trying to find me".
" I know" he said with a grin as he took her hand and she walked in. " I am the Gatekeeper, you will be safe here".
Just then, there was a knock on the door.
Joan had a look of fear on her young face.
" Don't worry, you are safe here".
Jesus opened the door to reveal a stranger wearing black.
" I'm searching for Joan".
" I am the Gatekeeper" Jesus said as he pointed at Joan. " My sheep recognize my voice".
" Joan, come with me".
She did not move.
" Be gone".
" I'll be back Joan".
Jesus closed the door.
The End- dedicated to Tom E
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
The door opened to reveal a young dark bearded man. " Come in Joan".
She recognized the voice as the Lord's. " A voice I don't recognize is trying to find me".
" I know" he said with a grin as he took her hand and she walked in. " I am the Gatekeeper, you will be safe here".
Just then, there was a knock on the door.
Joan had a look of fear on her young face.
" Don't worry, you are safe here".
Jesus opened the door to reveal a stranger wearing black.
" I'm searching for Joan".
" I am the Gatekeeper" Jesus said as he pointed at Joan. " My sheep recognize my voice".
" Joan, come with me".
She did not move.
" Be gone".
" I'll be back Joan".
Jesus closed the door.
The End- dedicated to Tom E
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
1001 Gatekeeper Square page 2
1001 Gatekeeper Square page 2 by ric gustafson
" Joan ".
The unknown voice scared Joan and for a moment wasn't sure what to do.
A small voice spoke to her. " Run Joan".
She ran up to the light and noticed that the street sign said ' Gatekeeper Square'. She ran across the street and looked back to see a shadowy person following her.
" Joan, come here".
She ran up to the first door on the block and rang the doorbell.
The sign above the door said ' 1001'.
research help: a Pastor Dietz sermon
Everyone take care. Love Ric
" Joan ".
The unknown voice scared Joan and for a moment wasn't sure what to do.
A small voice spoke to her. " Run Joan".
She ran up to the light and noticed that the street sign said ' Gatekeeper Square'. She ran across the street and looked back to see a shadowy person following her.
" Joan, come here".
She ran up to the first door on the block and rang the doorbell.
The sign above the door said ' 1001'.
research help: a Pastor Dietz sermon
Everyone take care. Love Ric
Saturday, January 28, 2012
1001 Gatekeeper Square page 1
1001 Gatekeeper Square page 1 by ric gustafson
Joan Beckman poured coffee into a pot and slowly walked back toward the booth. Her feet hurt and her shift was about over. She walked up to the booth and poured the stranger a cup. She put the pot on the table. " Did you decide on eating?".
The stranger smiled and put his menu on the table. " A slice of peach pie would be nice".
A short time later, she brought the dessert and put it in front of the stranger.
" Thank you Joan".
She gave him his bill and then walked toward the back to clock out. As she put her coat on and looked at the stranger one more time, she did not recognize him or his voice.
She walked out the back door of the restaurant and put her hand on the driver door to open it. Just then something startled her.
" Joan".
Panic entered her heart. She did not recognize the voice.
research help: a Pastor Dietz sermon
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Joan Beckman poured coffee into a pot and slowly walked back toward the booth. Her feet hurt and her shift was about over. She walked up to the booth and poured the stranger a cup. She put the pot on the table. " Did you decide on eating?".
The stranger smiled and put his menu on the table. " A slice of peach pie would be nice".
A short time later, she brought the dessert and put it in front of the stranger.
" Thank you Joan".
She gave him his bill and then walked toward the back to clock out. As she put her coat on and looked at the stranger one more time, she did not recognize him or his voice.
She walked out the back door of the restaurant and put her hand on the driver door to open it. Just then something startled her.
" Joan".
Panic entered her heart. She did not recognize the voice.
research help: a Pastor Dietz sermon
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Friday, January 27, 2012
through the eyes of a child page 9
through the eyes of a child page 9 by ric gustafson
Detective Springer quietly walked up to the park bench as young people biked past him. He sat down on the left end of the black steel bench. He opened up his notebook and finding a pen in his shirt pocket began to write some observations down.
He sipped from the Starbucks paper cup as he looked around the open area. For the past hour, he had walked the trail around the park searching for anything that would help him. After decades of cases, he knew that the trail led to this spot in the park. Sipping his coffee, he knew that this was the only open area of the park and the logical place for something to happen to Kelly.
He sipped the last of his coffee and threw the paper cup in the trash can. He stared at the curb and thought to himself that this would the ideal spot for something bad to happen to her.
As he started to walk back toward the trail, the wind picked up and little pieces of garbage began to swirl around the trash can and park bench.
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Detective Springer quietly walked up to the park bench as young people biked past him. He sat down on the left end of the black steel bench. He opened up his notebook and finding a pen in his shirt pocket began to write some observations down.
He sipped from the Starbucks paper cup as he looked around the open area. For the past hour, he had walked the trail around the park searching for anything that would help him. After decades of cases, he knew that the trail led to this spot in the park. Sipping his coffee, he knew that this was the only open area of the park and the logical place for something to happen to Kelly.
He sipped the last of his coffee and threw the paper cup in the trash can. He stared at the curb and thought to himself that this would the ideal spot for something bad to happen to her.
As he started to walk back toward the trail, the wind picked up and little pieces of garbage began to swirl around the trash can and park bench.
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Thursday, January 26, 2012
women of the bible: Abijah
women of the bible: Abijah by ric gustafson.
In the 29th chapter of II Chronicles, we read about a woman named Abijah. She and her husband named Ahaz had a son named Hezekiah.
Hezekiah was probably influenced by his mother who believed in God and trusted him. Hezekiah became the king of Judah and reigned in Jerusalem for 29 years.
research help: ' the top 100 women of the bible' by Pamela L McQuade
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
In the 29th chapter of II Chronicles, we read about a woman named Abijah. She and her husband named Ahaz had a son named Hezekiah.
Hezekiah was probably influenced by his mother who believed in God and trusted him. Hezekiah became the king of Judah and reigned in Jerusalem for 29 years.
research help: ' the top 100 women of the bible' by Pamela L McQuade
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
through the eyes of a child page 8
through the eyes of a child page 8 by ric gustafson.
He tightened the ropes and checked the duct tape over her mouth. She watched him with scared eyes. He got out, opened the garage door, got behind the wheel and started the engine. He slowly backed it out of the garage. He got out, closed the door and got back in.
He slowly backed out onto Monroe Road and started driving toward the east.
Wilma Palmer looked up from her flower bed just in time to see her quiet neighbor leave in a van she had never seen before.
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
He tightened the ropes and checked the duct tape over her mouth. She watched him with scared eyes. He got out, opened the garage door, got behind the wheel and started the engine. He slowly backed it out of the garage. He got out, closed the door and got back in.
He slowly backed out onto Monroe Road and started driving toward the east.
Wilma Palmer looked up from her flower bed just in time to see her quiet neighbor leave in a van she had never seen before.
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
through the eyes of a child page 7
through the eyes of a child page 7 by ric gustafson
Jessica blew her nose as Charles handed her another tissue. " Thank you" she replied as she dabbed her eyes because of her crying.
" What time did Kelly leave the dorm room to go jogging?" Detective Mark Springer asked as he opened up his small black notebook and looked around the small dorm room.
" About 8:00 am" she replied as she kept drying her eyes. " After her jog, she was planning on taking a shower and then driving home".
" She was already packed" Charles asked as he noticed two small burgundy suitcases sitting by the front door.
" Yes, she was so excited to come home and spend the summer with the two of you".
Detective Springer walked over to the window and stared toward the wooded park across the street. " Jessica, was Kelly familiar with the park as far as where to go jogging?".
" Of course, she went jogging there a lot after classes were over".
" Do you remember what Kelly was wearing when she went on her jog?".
Jessica thought for a moment. " I believe a yellow and white jogging outfit and she was also wearing a ball cap".
" Jessica, is there anybody you know of who would want to hurt our baby?" Katie asked with a concerned look.
" No, everybody liked her".
" Any boyfriends?" asked Detective Springer as he wrote in his notebook.
" No" all three replied. " If there were, she would of told us" Katie exclaimed.
" That's all the questions I have for right now" the Detective said as he stood up and shook Charles's hand. " I'm going over to the park to look around". " I will be in touch".
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Jessica blew her nose as Charles handed her another tissue. " Thank you" she replied as she dabbed her eyes because of her crying.
" What time did Kelly leave the dorm room to go jogging?" Detective Mark Springer asked as he opened up his small black notebook and looked around the small dorm room.
" About 8:00 am" she replied as she kept drying her eyes. " After her jog, she was planning on taking a shower and then driving home".
" She was already packed" Charles asked as he noticed two small burgundy suitcases sitting by the front door.
" Yes, she was so excited to come home and spend the summer with the two of you".
Detective Springer walked over to the window and stared toward the wooded park across the street. " Jessica, was Kelly familiar with the park as far as where to go jogging?".
" Of course, she went jogging there a lot after classes were over".
" Do you remember what Kelly was wearing when she went on her jog?".
Jessica thought for a moment. " I believe a yellow and white jogging outfit and she was also wearing a ball cap".
" Jessica, is there anybody you know of who would want to hurt our baby?" Katie asked with a concerned look.
" No, everybody liked her".
" Any boyfriends?" asked Detective Springer as he wrote in his notebook.
" No" all three replied. " If there were, she would of told us" Katie exclaimed.
" That's all the questions I have for right now" the Detective said as he stood up and shook Charles's hand. " I'm going over to the park to look around". " I will be in touch".
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
the spear soldier page 9
the spear soldier page 9 by ric gustafson
Cassius walked inside the gallery and found his friend resting.
" How are you Abenadar?".
" Tired Cassius" his friend replied with tired eyes. " I was talking to Rabbi Josaphat".
" About what?".
" He and some of the other Pharisee leaders found the wife of Boz bar Sebulun in the very act of adultery".
" What did they do?".
" They took her to the Temple where the Rabbi from Galilee was teaching and demanded what sentence he would impose".
" I'm sure he was trying to trap him" Cassius replied with a smirk. " So what happened?".
" He said whichever of you is free from sin cast the first stone at her".
Cassius smiled at his friend. " Impressive".
" Oh, one more thing to tell you".
" What's that?".
" Bar abbas and his two henchmen are scheduled to be crucified".
research help: ' The Spear' by Louis de Wohl
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Cassius walked inside the gallery and found his friend resting.
" How are you Abenadar?".
" Tired Cassius" his friend replied with tired eyes. " I was talking to Rabbi Josaphat".
" About what?".
" He and some of the other Pharisee leaders found the wife of Boz bar Sebulun in the very act of adultery".
" What did they do?".
" They took her to the Temple where the Rabbi from Galilee was teaching and demanded what sentence he would impose".
" I'm sure he was trying to trap him" Cassius replied with a smirk. " So what happened?".
" He said whichever of you is free from sin cast the first stone at her".
Cassius smiled at his friend. " Impressive".
" Oh, one more thing to tell you".
" What's that?".
" Bar abbas and his two henchmen are scheduled to be crucified".
research help: ' The Spear' by Louis de Wohl
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Sunday, January 22, 2012
women of the bible: Abihail
women of the bible: Abihail
In the 11th chapter of II Chronicles, we learn about a woman named Abihail. She was the daughter of Jesse's first son Eliab and her uncle was King David himself.
Abihail married one of King David's sons and they had a daughter named Mahalath.
Mahalath married a king named Rehoboam. Abihail watched as the kingdom fell apart.
research help: ' the top 100 women of the bible' by Pamela L. McQuade
Everyone take care. Love Ric
In the 11th chapter of II Chronicles, we learn about a woman named Abihail. She was the daughter of Jesse's first son Eliab and her uncle was King David himself.
Abihail married one of King David's sons and they had a daughter named Mahalath.
Mahalath married a king named Rehoboam. Abihail watched as the kingdom fell apart.
research help: ' the top 100 women of the bible' by Pamela L. McQuade
Everyone take care. Love Ric
three wishes page 3
three wishes page 3 by ric gustafson
Harlan yawned as he ate the last bite of his stale plain donut. This long morning meeting was starting to make him tired.
" Before you leave I have one more item to discuss". Their boss, Frank Miller, grinned at them. Harlan and everyone at the conference table groaned.
" As of friday, I am retiring from this company". He stared at the confused faces of his employees. " Harlan, can you please come up here?".
Harlan quietly stood up and walked up to his boss.
" After a lot of thought, I have decided that I would like Harlan to be the next president of this company".
" Thank you Frank" Harlan said as he shook his hand. He couldn't wait to get back home and rub that magic lamp.
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Harlan yawned as he ate the last bite of his stale plain donut. This long morning meeting was starting to make him tired.
" Before you leave I have one more item to discuss". Their boss, Frank Miller, grinned at them. Harlan and everyone at the conference table groaned.
" As of friday, I am retiring from this company". He stared at the confused faces of his employees. " Harlan, can you please come up here?".
Harlan quietly stood up and walked up to his boss.
" After a lot of thought, I have decided that I would like Harlan to be the next president of this company".
" Thank you Frank" Harlan said as he shook his hand. He couldn't wait to get back home and rub that magic lamp.
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Saturday, January 21, 2012
through the eyes of a child page 6
through the eyes of a child page 6 by ric gustafson.
Charles turned into the two car long driveway. He got out of the dark colored Tahoe and walked up the five concrete steps toward the front door. They had lived in this two story house for over twenty years since right before Kelly was born. He opened the door to reveal a small dopey eared beagle sauter over.
" Tobey" he said as he knelt down and petted the happy dog. The dog licked Charles's face and then quietly left. He walked into the large modern looking kitchen and put his car keys on the counter.
Katie Brown ran into the room and embraced her husband. " Charles, what's happened to our baby?".
" I don't know" he replied as tears began to form in his eyes. " A Detective Springer from the missing person's unit called saying that he had talked to Jessica".
" Kelly's roommate" she replied in horror.
" Jessica reported to the Detective that Kelly had gone jogging at the nearby park yesterday morning and never came back".
" Never came back" she replied loudly as tears came down her face. " Our baby would never do that".
" I know" was his reply as he quickly peeked at the mail that was on the kitchen table. " The Detective would like us to come down to their dorm and we can talk to Jessica together".
" Ok".
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Charles turned into the two car long driveway. He got out of the dark colored Tahoe and walked up the five concrete steps toward the front door. They had lived in this two story house for over twenty years since right before Kelly was born. He opened the door to reveal a small dopey eared beagle sauter over.
" Tobey" he said as he knelt down and petted the happy dog. The dog licked Charles's face and then quietly left. He walked into the large modern looking kitchen and put his car keys on the counter.
Katie Brown ran into the room and embraced her husband. " Charles, what's happened to our baby?".
" I don't know" he replied as tears began to form in his eyes. " A Detective Springer from the missing person's unit called saying that he had talked to Jessica".
" Kelly's roommate" she replied in horror.
" Jessica reported to the Detective that Kelly had gone jogging at the nearby park yesterday morning and never came back".
" Never came back" she replied loudly as tears came down her face. " Our baby would never do that".
" I know" was his reply as he quickly peeked at the mail that was on the kitchen table. " The Detective would like us to come down to their dorm and we can talk to Jessica together".
" Ok".
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
women of the bible: Abigail
women of the bible: Abigail by ric gustafson.
In I Samuel chapter 25, we read about a woman named Abigail. She was intelligent and beautiful and was married to a man named Nabal.
One year at sheep shearing time, Nabal offended King David. Abigail prepared food for David's men and tried to plead to the King on behalf of her husband.
King David was going to get revenge against Nabal but changed his mind because of Abigail's kind actions.
One day, Nabal got drunk and died.
King David asked for Abigail's hand in marriage. Abigail became King David's wife.
research help: ' the top 100 women of the bible' by Pamela L. McQuade
Everyone take care on this cold Saturday. Love Ric
In I Samuel chapter 25, we read about a woman named Abigail. She was intelligent and beautiful and was married to a man named Nabal.
One year at sheep shearing time, Nabal offended King David. Abigail prepared food for David's men and tried to plead to the King on behalf of her husband.
King David was going to get revenge against Nabal but changed his mind because of Abigail's kind actions.
One day, Nabal got drunk and died.
King David asked for Abigail's hand in marriage. Abigail became King David's wife.
research help: ' the top 100 women of the bible' by Pamela L. McQuade
Everyone take care on this cold Saturday. Love Ric
Thursday, January 19, 2012
the spear soldier page 8
the spear soldier page 8 by ric gustafson.
Abenadar walked into the small room and noticed that his friend was asleep on a couch.
" Wake up Cassius" he said as he shook his friend.
The centurion opened his eyes.
" What's wrong Abenadar?".
His friend walked over to a window and looked out toward the north. " Those rebels are still burning houses to the north".
" We saved the Prefect Abenadar or have you forgotten".
" Some good news, we took over the rebel's arsenal and they are holding in the west tower a prisoner you might be interested in".
" Who might that be?".
" The rebel who got away from you".
" Bar Abbas". Cassius scratched his chin in thought. " What's going to happen to the rebel?".
" I predict he's going to be hung on a cross as a warning".
research help: ' The Spear' by Louis de Wohl
Everyone take care on this very cold night. Love Ric
Abenadar walked into the small room and noticed that his friend was asleep on a couch.
" Wake up Cassius" he said as he shook his friend.
The centurion opened his eyes.
" What's wrong Abenadar?".
His friend walked over to a window and looked out toward the north. " Those rebels are still burning houses to the north".
" We saved the Prefect Abenadar or have you forgotten".
" Some good news, we took over the rebel's arsenal and they are holding in the west tower a prisoner you might be interested in".
" Who might that be?".
" The rebel who got away from you".
" Bar Abbas". Cassius scratched his chin in thought. " What's going to happen to the rebel?".
" I predict he's going to be hung on a cross as a warning".
research help: ' The Spear' by Louis de Wohl
Everyone take care on this very cold night. Love Ric
the towel bearer 2012: prelude
the towel bearer 2012: prelude by ric gustafson
Jesus looked with love at his disciples even though quietly they were discussing which of them should be considered the greatest. After a cup of wine had been passed around and a ceremonial washing happened, Jesus knew the time had come to tell those he loved some truth. He got up from the reclining table and as he moved toward the right, he took off his middle garments and laid them down. He found a towel and girded it around his middle. He found a basin and filled it with water.
He walked to the disciple on his extreme right, put the basin down and took his dirty feet into his loving arms. He gently put the feet into the basin and carefully washed the dirt off. One by one on his knees he put each of their dirty feet into the basin, washed the dirt off of them and then wiped them off with the towel.
Jesus walked up to Peter.
" Lord, do you wash my feet?".
Jesus looked at the burly fisherman. " What I am doing you do not realize but you will understand later".
" Never shall you wash my feet".
" If I do not wash you, you have no part with me".
Peter looked at Jesus with a startled look, " Lord, not my feet only but also my hands and my head".
" He who bathes needs to wash his feet and is completely clean, you are clean but not all of you".
He finished washing their feet, put his middle garments back on and sat back down. He looked at them in love. " Do you know what I have done for you" he said as he studied their faces. " I have washed your feet, you should also wash one another's feet".
research help: ' The Murder of Jesus' by John Macarthur
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Jesus looked with love at his disciples even though quietly they were discussing which of them should be considered the greatest. After a cup of wine had been passed around and a ceremonial washing happened, Jesus knew the time had come to tell those he loved some truth. He got up from the reclining table and as he moved toward the right, he took off his middle garments and laid them down. He found a towel and girded it around his middle. He found a basin and filled it with water.
He walked to the disciple on his extreme right, put the basin down and took his dirty feet into his loving arms. He gently put the feet into the basin and carefully washed the dirt off. One by one on his knees he put each of their dirty feet into the basin, washed the dirt off of them and then wiped them off with the towel.
Jesus walked up to Peter.
" Lord, do you wash my feet?".
Jesus looked at the burly fisherman. " What I am doing you do not realize but you will understand later".
" Never shall you wash my feet".
" If I do not wash you, you have no part with me".
Peter looked at Jesus with a startled look, " Lord, not my feet only but also my hands and my head".
" He who bathes needs to wash his feet and is completely clean, you are clean but not all of you".
He finished washing their feet, put his middle garments back on and sat back down. He looked at them in love. " Do you know what I have done for you" he said as he studied their faces. " I have washed your feet, you should also wash one another's feet".
research help: ' The Murder of Jesus' by John Macarthur
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
who's time is it?
who's time is it? by ric gustafson
When we breathe our very first breath, the clock starts ticking. Our human lives are wrapped around time and sometimes we don't realize just how much it does. The alarm clock tells us it's time to get up. We get ready for work, school, eat breakfast and look at the clock to see what time it is. Is it God's time or ours?.
The clock is ticking and the world is wired for time. At work and school, we wear watches and stare at the clock on the wall. We come home from work and school and have only so much time before the day is over. When the day is finished is it God's time or ours?.
Compared to eternity, we are not on this earth very long. God has already determined how many years we will be here and it's very short. I believe that God wants us to serve him, love him and talk to him always. I wonder to myself is it God's time or ours?.
I feel that God wants us to study his Word and always pray to him. I believe that God wants us to spend time with other believers and that's why I spend time with my church friends.
Our time here is short and the question I ponder in my heart is who's time is it God's time or ours?.
The End- dedicated to Tom E.
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
When we breathe our very first breath, the clock starts ticking. Our human lives are wrapped around time and sometimes we don't realize just how much it does. The alarm clock tells us it's time to get up. We get ready for work, school, eat breakfast and look at the clock to see what time it is. Is it God's time or ours?.
The clock is ticking and the world is wired for time. At work and school, we wear watches and stare at the clock on the wall. We come home from work and school and have only so much time before the day is over. When the day is finished is it God's time or ours?.
Compared to eternity, we are not on this earth very long. God has already determined how many years we will be here and it's very short. I believe that God wants us to serve him, love him and talk to him always. I wonder to myself is it God's time or ours?.
I feel that God wants us to study his Word and always pray to him. I believe that God wants us to spend time with other believers and that's why I spend time with my church friends.
Our time here is short and the question I ponder in my heart is who's time is it God's time or ours?.
The End- dedicated to Tom E.
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
the return of Henry page 3
the return of Henry page 3 by ric gustafson
Georgia took the tract home that night and after repenting her sins and the opening of her sin filled heart, she gave her life to Christ.
The following Saturday, she had to work and found out Amanda was off that day. It was toward the end of her shift and she was starting to get tired when an elderly woman with a full cart walked up to her belt line. She bagged up her items and put them into the cart.
" Dear" she said with a sweet smile as she put her wallet back into her tiny red purse. " Can somebody help me out to the car?".
Georgia glanced at her watch to see that she had ten minutes left in her shift. " Rhoda" she said loudly. Her supervisor walked over. " I'm going to take her cart out".
" Ok" her supervisor replied as she turned off her lane light and took out her cash drawer. " As soon as you come back in, go ahead and clock out".
" Ready".
" Yes dear" she replied as Georgia pushed the steel cart toward the east entrance.
As they walked out the double doors, she thought about the bible tract Amanda had given her. ' Oh God' she thought as they neared the elderly woman's car. ' Please give me a sign that now I am truly one of yours".
Just as they reached the elderly woman's car, Georgia was violently pushed against it.
A stranger held a gun to the lady she was helping. " Ok lady, give me your purse".
" God help us" Georgia cried out loud as tears came to her eyes.
Just then, the robber was hit over the head and knocked out.
A store security guard walked up carrying a black baton. " Are you two ok?".
" Yes" was Georgia's reply as she pulled Amanda's tract from her back pocket.
She opened her hand and the tract blew away with the wind.
The return of Henry continued.
The End- dedicated to Tom E.
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Georgia took the tract home that night and after repenting her sins and the opening of her sin filled heart, she gave her life to Christ.
The following Saturday, she had to work and found out Amanda was off that day. It was toward the end of her shift and she was starting to get tired when an elderly woman with a full cart walked up to her belt line. She bagged up her items and put them into the cart.
" Dear" she said with a sweet smile as she put her wallet back into her tiny red purse. " Can somebody help me out to the car?".
Georgia glanced at her watch to see that she had ten minutes left in her shift. " Rhoda" she said loudly. Her supervisor walked over. " I'm going to take her cart out".
" Ok" her supervisor replied as she turned off her lane light and took out her cash drawer. " As soon as you come back in, go ahead and clock out".
" Ready".
" Yes dear" she replied as Georgia pushed the steel cart toward the east entrance.
As they walked out the double doors, she thought about the bible tract Amanda had given her. ' Oh God' she thought as they neared the elderly woman's car. ' Please give me a sign that now I am truly one of yours".
Just as they reached the elderly woman's car, Georgia was violently pushed against it.
A stranger held a gun to the lady she was helping. " Ok lady, give me your purse".
" God help us" Georgia cried out loud as tears came to her eyes.
Just then, the robber was hit over the head and knocked out.
A store security guard walked up carrying a black baton. " Are you two ok?".
" Yes" was Georgia's reply as she pulled Amanda's tract from her back pocket.
She opened her hand and the tract blew away with the wind.
The return of Henry continued.
The End- dedicated to Tom E.
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
through the eyes of a child page 5
through the eyes of a child page 5 by ric gustafson.
Charles slowed down the SUV as the light turned to yellow. It turned to red and he put his foot down hard on the brake. He turned up the volume as the harmony sound of the Gaither Vocal Band came through the car speaker. The gospel group relaxed him and he smiled as he began to sing along. The light turned green and the Tahoe slowly began to move again. He knew that he was almost home. As the CD changed to another song, Charles's bluetooth rang.
" This is Charles Brown". " Yes, Detective Springer".
" I'm sorry to disturb you Mr Brown".
" That's ok Detective" he said as he stopped at another red light. " I was just on my way home".
" Yes Detective, I did speak to Jessica" he exclaimed as he watched the cars around him". " No, she was too distraught to give me any information ".
Charles listened very intently to what the Detective had to say. " Yes Detective, we will meet you at their dorm room".
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Charles slowed down the SUV as the light turned to yellow. It turned to red and he put his foot down hard on the brake. He turned up the volume as the harmony sound of the Gaither Vocal Band came through the car speaker. The gospel group relaxed him and he smiled as he began to sing along. The light turned green and the Tahoe slowly began to move again. He knew that he was almost home. As the CD changed to another song, Charles's bluetooth rang.
" This is Charles Brown". " Yes, Detective Springer".
" I'm sorry to disturb you Mr Brown".
" That's ok Detective" he said as he stopped at another red light. " I was just on my way home".
" Yes Detective, I did speak to Jessica" he exclaimed as he watched the cars around him". " No, she was too distraught to give me any information ".
Charles listened very intently to what the Detective had to say. " Yes Detective, we will meet you at their dorm room".
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
the return of Henry page 2
the return of Henry page 2 by ric gustafson.
Amanda walked into the small lunchroom and noticed her friend Georgia was already sitting at a table. " Lots of customers today" she said as she pulled an egg salad sandwich from her lunch bag and slowly began to eat it.
" For a weeknight, it's been busier then usual" her friend replied with a slight sigh as she kept eating an orange she had brought. " Amanda, tell me about this christian stuff Henry got you into".
" One day at lunch, Henry asked if he could give me something". She took a sip from a milk carton. " I took it even though I had a sinful heart".
" What did he give to you?".
She pulled something from her back pocket. " It is a bible tract that simply says that I need to make the most important decision of my life". She handed the tract to her friend.
" What decision is that?".
" Where we will spend eternity" Amanda said with a grin. " Either with God in heaven or forever seperate from God and Jesus in Hell".
" I never thought of that before" Georgia replied in a sad voice as she finished her lunch and threw her sack in the trash can. " Can I take the tract and look at it some more?".
" Sure".
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Amanda walked into the small lunchroom and noticed her friend Georgia was already sitting at a table. " Lots of customers today" she said as she pulled an egg salad sandwich from her lunch bag and slowly began to eat it.
" For a weeknight, it's been busier then usual" her friend replied with a slight sigh as she kept eating an orange she had brought. " Amanda, tell me about this christian stuff Henry got you into".
" One day at lunch, Henry asked if he could give me something". She took a sip from a milk carton. " I took it even though I had a sinful heart".
" What did he give to you?".
She pulled something from her back pocket. " It is a bible tract that simply says that I need to make the most important decision of my life". She handed the tract to her friend.
" What decision is that?".
" Where we will spend eternity" Amanda said with a grin. " Either with God in heaven or forever seperate from God and Jesus in Hell".
" I never thought of that before" Georgia replied in a sad voice as she finished her lunch and threw her sack in the trash can. " Can I take the tract and look at it some more?".
" Sure".
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Monday, January 16, 2012
the return of Henry page 1
the return of Henry page 1 by ric gustafson
Amanda yawned as she walked up to the register, turned the key, put her drawer in and turned on her aisle light. She turned to her friend, Georgia who was working in aisle 4 and already checking out customers.
Amanda yawned as her first customer came up to be checked out.
" Why so tired?" her friend asked.
" I've only gotten a few hours sleep" she replied with a sleepy grin as the customer left with their cart. " Our church high school group was at camp all weekend and I barely got any sleep".
" You really have embraced this christian stuff after you converted".
" Henry was the reason I became a christian".
" I know" Georgia said as a customer walked up. " Sometimes I miss that old man".
" I regret how I treated him when he worked here" Amanda said with a tear in her eye. " I can't bring him back".
" We'll talk at lunch".
" Ok, we'll talk later".
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric.
Amanda yawned as she walked up to the register, turned the key, put her drawer in and turned on her aisle light. She turned to her friend, Georgia who was working in aisle 4 and already checking out customers.
Amanda yawned as her first customer came up to be checked out.
" Why so tired?" her friend asked.
" I've only gotten a few hours sleep" she replied with a sleepy grin as the customer left with their cart. " Our church high school group was at camp all weekend and I barely got any sleep".
" You really have embraced this christian stuff after you converted".
" Henry was the reason I became a christian".
" I know" Georgia said as a customer walked up. " Sometimes I miss that old man".
" I regret how I treated him when he worked here" Amanda said with a tear in her eye. " I can't bring him back".
" We'll talk at lunch".
" Ok, we'll talk later".
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric.
Sunday, January 15, 2012
Spiritual Pathways 101 page 1
Spiritual Pathways 101 page 1 by ric gustafson
Joseph Freeman walked into the classroom and walked up to the small wooden podium. He put down his worn brown briefcase and then turned toward the white blackboard. In the middle he wrote ' Spiritual Pathways 101'.
At 6:00, he stopped writing and then turned toward the students. " Welcome".
He opened his briefcase and then handed out the syllabus. " Hopefully you are in the right class".
" Any questions before we begin?".
A young man raised his hand.
" Yes".
" Mr Freeman, what is a pathway?".
" A spiritual pathway is a way that we sense God's presence and experience spiritual growth".
research help: ' God is closer than you think' by John Ortberg.
Everyone take care. Love Ric
Joseph Freeman walked into the classroom and walked up to the small wooden podium. He put down his worn brown briefcase and then turned toward the white blackboard. In the middle he wrote ' Spiritual Pathways 101'.
At 6:00, he stopped writing and then turned toward the students. " Welcome".
He opened his briefcase and then handed out the syllabus. " Hopefully you are in the right class".
" Any questions before we begin?".
A young man raised his hand.
" Yes".
" Mr Freeman, what is a pathway?".
" A spiritual pathway is a way that we sense God's presence and experience spiritual growth".
research help: ' God is closer than you think' by John Ortberg.
Everyone take care. Love Ric
through the eyes of a child page 4
through the eyes of a child page 4 by ric gustafson.
Charles was finishing up the executive meeting when the intercom rang. The investment firm he had founded was doing great business and at the moment was very prosperous. He glanced out the large window and witnessed the beautiful spring day. He thanked God for the beautiful weather and all the blessings God had given to him. He and his wife Katie were looking forward to the return of their daughter Kelly from college. She was going to live with them but work during the summer.
" Mr Brown, Michelle wants to speak with you" Jack Westin said as he whispered from the side of the conference table.
Charles frowned as he picked up the phone. His secretary normally never called him during a meeting unless it was an emergency. " Yes Michelle".
" Mr Brown, I'm sorry for interrupting the meeting" her voice said as it cracked. " I have a family call you should probably take in your office".
" Gentlemen, I'm sorry to stop the meeting but I have an urgent call I need to take". Worried, he walked out of the conference room and walked down the carpeted hallway to his office. He closed the door and sat down at the large oak desk that was a sanctuary from the chaos of the office.
The phone rang. He picked it up. " Hello, this is Charles Brown".
" Jessica, slow down and try to speak a little more clearly" he said quietly into the phone. " I cannot understand you".
As the caller talked on, Charles's face turned ashen.
" Lord, help me" he said loudly as he put his face onto the desk and began to cry.
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Charles was finishing up the executive meeting when the intercom rang. The investment firm he had founded was doing great business and at the moment was very prosperous. He glanced out the large window and witnessed the beautiful spring day. He thanked God for the beautiful weather and all the blessings God had given to him. He and his wife Katie were looking forward to the return of their daughter Kelly from college. She was going to live with them but work during the summer.
" Mr Brown, Michelle wants to speak with you" Jack Westin said as he whispered from the side of the conference table.
Charles frowned as he picked up the phone. His secretary normally never called him during a meeting unless it was an emergency. " Yes Michelle".
" Mr Brown, I'm sorry for interrupting the meeting" her voice said as it cracked. " I have a family call you should probably take in your office".
" Gentlemen, I'm sorry to stop the meeting but I have an urgent call I need to take". Worried, he walked out of the conference room and walked down the carpeted hallway to his office. He closed the door and sat down at the large oak desk that was a sanctuary from the chaos of the office.
The phone rang. He picked it up. " Hello, this is Charles Brown".
" Jessica, slow down and try to speak a little more clearly" he said quietly into the phone. " I cannot understand you".
As the caller talked on, Charles's face turned ashen.
" Lord, help me" he said loudly as he put his face onto the desk and began to cry.
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
the story of Martha page 18
the story of Martha page 18 by ric gustafson
Martha watched Jesus as he was teaching at the Temple on Solomon's Porch.
The Jewish leaders were taunting him. " How long will you keep us in doubt" spat one of the leaders. " If you are the Christ, tell us plainly".
Jesus looked at the man. " I told you and you do not believe".
Martha observed the leaders reaction.
" You do not believe because you are not of my sheep".
Martha began to understand what the Rabbi was talking about.
" My sheep hear my voice and I know them and they follow me".
" Are you calling us sheep?".
" I and my Father are one".
Anger fell over the Jewish leaders and some of them began to pick up stones.
Horror came to Martha's face as she realized that they were going to stone Jesus.
The leaders walked toward Jesus to seize him.
Lazarus, Martha and Mary watched in amazement as Jesus calmly walked away and left the Temple.
research help: ' Martha' by Diana Wallis Taylor
Everyone take care. Love Ric
Martha watched Jesus as he was teaching at the Temple on Solomon's Porch.
The Jewish leaders were taunting him. " How long will you keep us in doubt" spat one of the leaders. " If you are the Christ, tell us plainly".
Jesus looked at the man. " I told you and you do not believe".
Martha observed the leaders reaction.
" You do not believe because you are not of my sheep".
Martha began to understand what the Rabbi was talking about.
" My sheep hear my voice and I know them and they follow me".
" Are you calling us sheep?".
" I and my Father are one".
Anger fell over the Jewish leaders and some of them began to pick up stones.
Horror came to Martha's face as she realized that they were going to stone Jesus.
The leaders walked toward Jesus to seize him.
Lazarus, Martha and Mary watched in amazement as Jesus calmly walked away and left the Temple.
research help: ' Martha' by Diana Wallis Taylor
Everyone take care. Love Ric
Saturday, January 14, 2012
the story of Martha page 17
the story of Martha page 17 by ric gustafson
Lazarus stared at Martha as she vigorously sweeped the courtyard.
" Martha, it is just Jesus and his followers who are coming". He shook his head at his two sisters.
Later, Lazarus heard a knock at the back gate. He opened it to reveal the Rabbi and three of his followers.
Jesus, Matthew and Thomas greeted the three. Judas Iscariot just stood and did not greet them.
Later, Martha saw that Mary was sitting at Jesus's feet as he talked about prayer. She frowned as she walked back in to prepare the meal. She made fresh bread, a bowl of fresh beans and a bowl of olives. She made her usual lentil stew. She was hoping that her sister could help her put all the food on the courtyard table. She looked out again into the courtyard and noticed that her sister was again sitting at Jesus's feet listening to him. In frustration, she walked over and now stood in front of him.
" Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve you alone, please tell her to help me".
Jesus smiled at her. " Martha Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things". He smiled at Mary. " One thing is needed and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away".
research help: ' Martha' by Diana Wallis Taylor
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Lazarus stared at Martha as she vigorously sweeped the courtyard.
" Martha, it is just Jesus and his followers who are coming". He shook his head at his two sisters.
Later, Lazarus heard a knock at the back gate. He opened it to reveal the Rabbi and three of his followers.
Jesus, Matthew and Thomas greeted the three. Judas Iscariot just stood and did not greet them.
Later, Martha saw that Mary was sitting at Jesus's feet as he talked about prayer. She frowned as she walked back in to prepare the meal. She made fresh bread, a bowl of fresh beans and a bowl of olives. She made her usual lentil stew. She was hoping that her sister could help her put all the food on the courtyard table. She looked out again into the courtyard and noticed that her sister was again sitting at Jesus's feet listening to him. In frustration, she walked over and now stood in front of him.
" Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve you alone, please tell her to help me".
Jesus smiled at her. " Martha Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things". He smiled at Mary. " One thing is needed and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away".
research help: ' Martha' by Diana Wallis Taylor
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
the story of Martha page 16
the story of Martha page 16 by ric gustafson
Martha watched as the girl left and Jesus went back to his teaching.
A Pharisee pointed a finger at the Rabbi. " You bear witness of yourself, your witness is not true".
Jesus looked at the man. " My witness is true for I know where I came from". " I am with the Father who sent me".
Another Pharisee spoke up. " Where is your Father?".
" You do not know me or my Father" Jesus replied. " If you knew me, you would know the Father also". " I am going away and where I go you cannot come".
The Pharisee leaders began to murmur among themselves. Then they began to question him again.
Jesus whispered something to Thomas. The young man quietly walked over to Martha. " The Master wishes to come over to your house tonight".
" Thank you Thomas" Martha said with a smile. " We will be glad to have all of you there".
research help: ' Martha' by Diana Wallis Taylor
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Martha watched as the girl left and Jesus went back to his teaching.
A Pharisee pointed a finger at the Rabbi. " You bear witness of yourself, your witness is not true".
Jesus looked at the man. " My witness is true for I know where I came from". " I am with the Father who sent me".
Another Pharisee spoke up. " Where is your Father?".
" You do not know me or my Father" Jesus replied. " If you knew me, you would know the Father also". " I am going away and where I go you cannot come".
The Pharisee leaders began to murmur among themselves. Then they began to question him again.
Jesus whispered something to Thomas. The young man quietly walked over to Martha. " The Master wishes to come over to your house tonight".
" Thank you Thomas" Martha said with a smile. " We will be glad to have all of you there".
research help: ' Martha' by Diana Wallis Taylor
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Thursday, January 12, 2012
the story of Martha page 15
the story of Martha page 15 by ric gustafson
Martha stood next to the Temple steps and listened to Jesus teach on forgiveness.
All of a sudden, a group of scribes and Pharisees came in and were dragging a young woman in front of them. They stopped in front of Jesus and forced the young woman unto her knees.
One of the Pharisees stepped forward. " Teacher, this woman was caught in the very act of adultery".
Martha observed the sneers on the mens faces.
" Moses, in the law, commanded us that such should be stoned". He stared at Jesus. " What do you say?".
The crowd was silent.
Jesus stooped down and wrote on the ground. Then he raised himself up and stared at the men. " He who is without sin among you, let him be the first to throw a stone at her".
The scribes and Pharisees looked at each other in shock. One by one each dropped their stone and walked away.
Jesus looked up and noticed that the unruly crowd was gone. " Woman, where are your accusers?".
Martha looked around and saw no one.
" Has no one condemned you?".
" No one Lord".
" Neither do I".
Someone threw a cloak around her and helped her up.
" Go and sin no more".
research help: ' Martha' by Diana Wallis Taylor.
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric.
Martha stood next to the Temple steps and listened to Jesus teach on forgiveness.
All of a sudden, a group of scribes and Pharisees came in and were dragging a young woman in front of them. They stopped in front of Jesus and forced the young woman unto her knees.
One of the Pharisees stepped forward. " Teacher, this woman was caught in the very act of adultery".
Martha observed the sneers on the mens faces.
" Moses, in the law, commanded us that such should be stoned". He stared at Jesus. " What do you say?".
The crowd was silent.
Jesus stooped down and wrote on the ground. Then he raised himself up and stared at the men. " He who is without sin among you, let him be the first to throw a stone at her".
The scribes and Pharisees looked at each other in shock. One by one each dropped their stone and walked away.
Jesus looked up and noticed that the unruly crowd was gone. " Woman, where are your accusers?".
Martha looked around and saw no one.
" Has no one condemned you?".
" No one Lord".
" Neither do I".
Someone threw a cloak around her and helped her up.
" Go and sin no more".
research help: ' Martha' by Diana Wallis Taylor.
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric.
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
through the eyes of a child page 3
through the eyes of a child page 3 by ric gustafson
Kelly put two small burgundy suitcases by the front door as her friend and roommate Jessica came out of her room.
She noticed that her friend was wearing a yellow and white jogging outfit. " I thought you were going to start for home".
" I thought that I would go for a quick jog" she said as she adjusted her ball cap. " Then I'll shower and head for home".
" I need to go to the library to study for my last final" Jessica said as she hugged her friend goodbye. " Enjoy your summer and tell your parents hello". She picked up her black backpack, smiled and then walked out.
Jessica looked at her watch to see that it was about 8:00. ' I can't wait to see my parents' she thought as she picked up a rag to blot out a stain that she had noticed on her jogging suit. She put the rag back on the sink and then walked out.
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Kelly put two small burgundy suitcases by the front door as her friend and roommate Jessica came out of her room.
She noticed that her friend was wearing a yellow and white jogging outfit. " I thought you were going to start for home".
" I thought that I would go for a quick jog" she said as she adjusted her ball cap. " Then I'll shower and head for home".
" I need to go to the library to study for my last final" Jessica said as she hugged her friend goodbye. " Enjoy your summer and tell your parents hello". She picked up her black backpack, smiled and then walked out.
Jessica looked at her watch to see that it was about 8:00. ' I can't wait to see my parents' she thought as she picked up a rag to blot out a stain that she had noticed on her jogging suit. She put the rag back on the sink and then walked out.
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
through the eyes of a child page 2
through the eyes of a child page 2 by ric gustafson
Vinnie Deegan opened his eyes as he heard the doorbell. He had fallen asleep as he was watching the football game.
" Get down Rodger Dodger" he said to the white cat who was resting on his lap. The cat jumped off and he got up and put on his black slippers. He walked over and barely opened the door. " Yes".
" I saw your ad in the van section" said a short pudgy man who wore glasses. " The ad was about a white van for sale".
" Oh yes" he replied as he pointed toward the closed garage. " I will come out and show it to you".
He put on his tennis shoes and his brown summer coat. He fully opened the door and now with the stranger behind him, walked up to the garage door. He took a key from his key ring and opened the door. It revealed a small white van with no markings.
" It's not a very large van as you can see" Vinnie said as the two of them slowly walked around it and studied it. " Why did you need it for?".
" I'm going to use it for a delivery service that I'm going to start" he said with a grin as he took a wallet out of a back pant pocket. " I'll take the van and I would like to pay cash for it".
After the sale was finalised, they walked toward the end of the garage. The stranger glanced over toward one corner of the cluttered garage. " Are you going to use that pile of rope?".
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Vinnie Deegan opened his eyes as he heard the doorbell. He had fallen asleep as he was watching the football game.
" Get down Rodger Dodger" he said to the white cat who was resting on his lap. The cat jumped off and he got up and put on his black slippers. He walked over and barely opened the door. " Yes".
" I saw your ad in the van section" said a short pudgy man who wore glasses. " The ad was about a white van for sale".
" Oh yes" he replied as he pointed toward the closed garage. " I will come out and show it to you".
He put on his tennis shoes and his brown summer coat. He fully opened the door and now with the stranger behind him, walked up to the garage door. He took a key from his key ring and opened the door. It revealed a small white van with no markings.
" It's not a very large van as you can see" Vinnie said as the two of them slowly walked around it and studied it. " Why did you need it for?".
" I'm going to use it for a delivery service that I'm going to start" he said with a grin as he took a wallet out of a back pant pocket. " I'll take the van and I would like to pay cash for it".
After the sale was finalised, they walked toward the end of the garage. The stranger glanced over toward one corner of the cluttered garage. " Are you going to use that pile of rope?".
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Monday, January 9, 2012
through the eyes of a child page 1
through the eyes of a child page 1 by ric gustafson
Kelly held tightly unto her father's right hand as they slowly walked through the green summer grass.
" There's the stand with the cool dessert I like" she said with a squeal as she hung tightly to her father's hand.
" Oh yes the funnel cakes" he replied with a big smile as he adjusted his ball cap to the early afternoon sun. " Later on I think we can have one".
" Yea" she exclaimed as she clapped her small hands in joy. " I love the powered sugar that's on top".
Charles Brown was happy that he had brought his daughter for an afternoon of fun at the Baxter County Fair. He did not spend as much time with her as he wished. His job as CEO of an investment firm kept him for long hours away from his family. After three hours of riding the Black Spider, playing skee ball and every carnival game a person could think of, Charles's fair tickets were just about gone.
" Before we get a funnel cake" he said to the delight of his seven year old daughter. " I have enough tickets for one more ride".
" The bumper cars Daddy" she screamed with joy as she ran toward the tent next door.
They quickly got in line and Kelly got into a car up front while Charles got stuck in a car on the right side.
A ride worker walked over and said something to Charles. He got out of the car and walked over to the entrance.
The ride started and as cars banged into each other, Kelly could not see her father. " Daddy, where are you?" she yelled as cars kept banging into hers.
When the ride stopped, a crying Kelly saw her father at the entrance and ran to him. " Daddy, where were you?" she said as tears ran down her face.
" Sweetheart, I could not ride the car so I was standing here watching you the whole time".
" Daddy, promise me you will never leave me".
" I promise" Charles said amid tears as he tightly embraced his daughter.
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Kelly held tightly unto her father's right hand as they slowly walked through the green summer grass.
" There's the stand with the cool dessert I like" she said with a squeal as she hung tightly to her father's hand.
" Oh yes the funnel cakes" he replied with a big smile as he adjusted his ball cap to the early afternoon sun. " Later on I think we can have one".
" Yea" she exclaimed as she clapped her small hands in joy. " I love the powered sugar that's on top".
Charles Brown was happy that he had brought his daughter for an afternoon of fun at the Baxter County Fair. He did not spend as much time with her as he wished. His job as CEO of an investment firm kept him for long hours away from his family. After three hours of riding the Black Spider, playing skee ball and every carnival game a person could think of, Charles's fair tickets were just about gone.
" Before we get a funnel cake" he said to the delight of his seven year old daughter. " I have enough tickets for one more ride".
" The bumper cars Daddy" she screamed with joy as she ran toward the tent next door.
They quickly got in line and Kelly got into a car up front while Charles got stuck in a car on the right side.
A ride worker walked over and said something to Charles. He got out of the car and walked over to the entrance.
The ride started and as cars banged into each other, Kelly could not see her father. " Daddy, where are you?" she yelled as cars kept banging into hers.
When the ride stopped, a crying Kelly saw her father at the entrance and ran to him. " Daddy, where were you?" she said as tears ran down her face.
" Sweetheart, I could not ride the car so I was standing here watching you the whole time".
" Daddy, promise me you will never leave me".
" I promise" Charles said amid tears as he tightly embraced his daughter.
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
the roof crashers page 3
the roof crashers page 3 by ric gustafson
" Great idea Mag" Keli said as he looked at the others. " Let's do it".
" Mikno, can you quickly get some strong ropes and get back as soon as you can".
He came back shortly. They picked up the mat and walked quietly up the outer staircase.
On top, they picked out a spot where the Rabbi was probably sitting. They attached ropes to the ends of the mat and then began to punch holes in the reed and dried mud roof.
Those closest to the Rabbi were listening very intently to his every word. All of a sudden, They could feel bits of reed and dried mud falling on them.
Jesus stopped talking, looked up and saw that four men were lowering a man who was lying on a mat.
When they had stopped lowering him, Jesus smiled at them because of their faith.
Jesus stared at the man on the mat. " Son, your sins are forgiven". He looked at him with love and forgiveness. " Get up, take your mat and go home".
The man slowly got up, rolled up his mat and then left.
The End- dedicated to Tom E.
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
" Great idea Mag" Keli said as he looked at the others. " Let's do it".
" Mikno, can you quickly get some strong ropes and get back as soon as you can".
He came back shortly. They picked up the mat and walked quietly up the outer staircase.
On top, they picked out a spot where the Rabbi was probably sitting. They attached ropes to the ends of the mat and then began to punch holes in the reed and dried mud roof.
Those closest to the Rabbi were listening very intently to his every word. All of a sudden, They could feel bits of reed and dried mud falling on them.
Jesus stopped talking, looked up and saw that four men were lowering a man who was lying on a mat.
When they had stopped lowering him, Jesus smiled at them because of their faith.
Jesus stared at the man on the mat. " Son, your sins are forgiven". He looked at him with love and forgiveness. " Get up, take your mat and go home".
The man slowly got up, rolled up his mat and then left.
The End- dedicated to Tom E.
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Sunday, January 8, 2012
the roof crashers page 2
the roof crashers page 2 by ric gustafson
The four friends walked into their friend's room and picked up his mat.
" Where are we going?".
" To a nearby house where the Rabbi Jesus is teaching" Celo said as he picked up his corner of the mat. " We think he can help you".
" How can he help me?".
" We have heard that he can heal people" Mag replied as he picked up his corner of the mat. " We better get going".
Keli and Mikno picked up their corners of the colorful mat and carefully carried him outside.
They arrived at the house to see that a large crowd had gathered.
" Mag, can you go and check out the situation to see if we can get in?".
They put their friend down and then rested against a tree as they waited.
Mag came back. " There is no room inside or outside to put our friend down".
" At least we tried" Celo replied with a frustrated look on his face. " Let's go back".
" There is one possibility" Mag said as he studied the house. " We could make a hole and lower him through the roof".
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
The four friends walked into their friend's room and picked up his mat.
" Where are we going?".
" To a nearby house where the Rabbi Jesus is teaching" Celo said as he picked up his corner of the mat. " We think he can help you".
" How can he help me?".
" We have heard that he can heal people" Mag replied as he picked up his corner of the mat. " We better get going".
Keli and Mikno picked up their corners of the colorful mat and carefully carried him outside.
They arrived at the house to see that a large crowd had gathered.
" Mag, can you go and check out the situation to see if we can get in?".
They put their friend down and then rested against a tree as they waited.
Mag came back. " There is no room inside or outside to put our friend down".
" At least we tried" Celo replied with a frustrated look on his face. " Let's go back".
" There is one possibility" Mag said as he studied the house. " We could make a hole and lower him through the roof".
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Saturday, January 7, 2012
the roof crashers page 1
the roof crashers page 1 by ric gustafson
The four friends watched as their friend was sleeping on his mat.
" I feel so sorry for him" Keli said as he wiped a tear from his eye. " He can't do things that we can do".
" We must try to help him" Celo replied quietly so he wouldn't wake his friend. " But I'm not sure what we can do".
" I have one idea" Mag exclaimed as he sat down next to the wall.
" What is that?".
" A Rabbi named Jesus is coming to town to teach" he said with a grin as he yawned. " I've heard that he heals people".
" A healer" Celo replied as he smiled and then stood up. " That's it".
" What's it?" Keli asked as he now stood up so he could listen more intently.
" We get him to this meeting and ask this Jesus to heal our friend".
" Yes" Celo exclaimed as he grinned and stared at his friends.
" Let's do it" Mikno said in a reassuring voice.
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
The four friends watched as their friend was sleeping on his mat.
" I feel so sorry for him" Keli said as he wiped a tear from his eye. " He can't do things that we can do".
" We must try to help him" Celo replied quietly so he wouldn't wake his friend. " But I'm not sure what we can do".
" I have one idea" Mag exclaimed as he sat down next to the wall.
" What is that?".
" A Rabbi named Jesus is coming to town to teach" he said with a grin as he yawned. " I've heard that he heals people".
" A healer" Celo replied as he smiled and then stood up. " That's it".
" What's it?" Keli asked as he now stood up so he could listen more intently.
" We get him to this meeting and ask this Jesus to heal our friend".
" Yes" Celo exclaimed as he grinned and stared at his friends.
" Let's do it" Mikno said in a reassuring voice.
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Ismay page 8
Ismay page 8 by ric gustafson
In July of 1916, a judge stopped claims against White Star. $ 664,ooo was paid out to victims for loss of life and luggage. The price of a life was $30,ooo.
In 1927, White Star was bought by the Royal Mail Steam Packet Company. In 1933, Cunard bought their rival White Star and the company became White Star Limited.
J Bruce Ismay now led a quiet life and still worked for the London North Western Railroad. He spent summers in Ireland and stayed out of the limelight.
J Bruce Ismay died in October of 1937 and was buried in a cemetery in south London.
April 2012 marks the 100th anniversary of the sinking.
The End- dedicated to Tom E
research help: ' the sinking of J Bruce Ismay' by Frances Wilson
Everyone take care. Love Ric
In July of 1916, a judge stopped claims against White Star. $ 664,ooo was paid out to victims for loss of life and luggage. The price of a life was $30,ooo.
In 1927, White Star was bought by the Royal Mail Steam Packet Company. In 1933, Cunard bought their rival White Star and the company became White Star Limited.
J Bruce Ismay now led a quiet life and still worked for the London North Western Railroad. He spent summers in Ireland and stayed out of the limelight.
J Bruce Ismay died in October of 1937 and was buried in a cemetery in south London.
April 2012 marks the 100th anniversary of the sinking.
The End- dedicated to Tom E
research help: ' the sinking of J Bruce Ismay' by Frances Wilson
Everyone take care. Love Ric
Ismay page 7
Ismay page 7 by ric gustafson.
" Can you please state your name for this inquiry?".
" Quartermaster Robert Hichens".
" Can you please tell this inquiry where you were when the tragedy occured?".
" I came on duty at 10:00 and was told to helm the wheel".
" And what happened next?".
" At 11:40, we received three gongs from the lookouts and then a phone call from Mr Fleet".
" What did he say?".
" He said iceberg right ahead".
" Then what happened?".
" Officer Murdoch ran in and told me to put the helm to starboard".
" You did what you were ordered to do".
" I was given the order for hard a starboard and that's what I did".
" How were you saved Sir?".
" Officer Lightoller told me to get into Lifeboat 6 along with Frederick Fleet".
research help: ' the sinking of J Bruce Ismay' by Frances Wilson
Everyone have a great Saturday. Love Ric.
" Can you please state your name for this inquiry?".
" Quartermaster Robert Hichens".
" Can you please tell this inquiry where you were when the tragedy occured?".
" I came on duty at 10:00 and was told to helm the wheel".
" And what happened next?".
" At 11:40, we received three gongs from the lookouts and then a phone call from Mr Fleet".
" What did he say?".
" He said iceberg right ahead".
" Then what happened?".
" Officer Murdoch ran in and told me to put the helm to starboard".
" You did what you were ordered to do".
" I was given the order for hard a starboard and that's what I did".
" How were you saved Sir?".
" Officer Lightoller told me to get into Lifeboat 6 along with Frederick Fleet".
research help: ' the sinking of J Bruce Ismay' by Frances Wilson
Everyone have a great Saturday. Love Ric.
Friday, January 6, 2012
Ismay page 6
Ismay page 6 by ric gustafson.
" Please continue Officer Lightoller".
" After I helped as many people as I could get into the port side boats, I waited until the ship descended".
" And then what happened?".
" I fell into the water and was immediatelly drawn to one of the ship's air shafts".
" Did you become injured?".
" No, a blast of air came out and forced me to the water's surface".
" And then what happened?".
" When I came to the surface, I was next to one of the collapsible boats that had overturned".
" Did you get in?".
" Yes and then I helped aboard as many men as I could find".
research help: ' the sinking of J Bruce Ismay' by Frances Wilson
Everyone take care. Love Ric
" Please continue Officer Lightoller".
" After I helped as many people as I could get into the port side boats, I waited until the ship descended".
" And then what happened?".
" I fell into the water and was immediatelly drawn to one of the ship's air shafts".
" Did you become injured?".
" No, a blast of air came out and forced me to the water's surface".
" And then what happened?".
" When I came to the surface, I was next to one of the collapsible boats that had overturned".
" Did you get in?".
" Yes and then I helped aboard as many men as I could find".
research help: ' the sinking of J Bruce Ismay' by Frances Wilson
Everyone take care. Love Ric
Thursday, January 5, 2012
three wishes page 2
three wishes page 2 by ric gustafson
Harlan began to put the lamp back into the trunk.
" Rub me".
He looked around the attic. " Greg, did you say something?".
" No Dad".
He put it back in the trunk.
" Rub me"
He took it back out. He began to rub on it when something pushed him to the ground. He dropped the lamp. It hit the floor and then a blue fog began to come out of the spout. Harlan watched in horror as the fog spoke.
" You have freed me from the lamp" the strange voice said. " You have three wishes".
Harlan thought for a moment. " I would like to have more power at work".
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Harlan began to put the lamp back into the trunk.
" Rub me".
He looked around the attic. " Greg, did you say something?".
" No Dad".
He put it back in the trunk.
" Rub me"
He took it back out. He began to rub on it when something pushed him to the ground. He dropped the lamp. It hit the floor and then a blue fog began to come out of the spout. Harlan watched in horror as the fog spoke.
" You have freed me from the lamp" the strange voice said. " You have three wishes".
Harlan thought for a moment. " I would like to have more power at work".
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
the story of Martha page 14
the story of Martha page 14 by ric gustafson.
Martha was tending her garden when she noticed a man walking on the road coming toward her. He was walking by himself and Martha squinted her eyes in the sun trying to see who it was.
The stranger stopped in front of her and flung back the hood of his cloak.
" Simon".
" Yes Martha, it is I".
She began to hug him and then pulled back in horror.
" Simon, do you still have the disease?".
" Leprosy, no Martha I don't"he said with a smile. " I was completely healed by the Rabbi Jesus".
" I am so happy for you Simon".
" Martha, I am a believer in the Rabbi now" he said as he showed Martha his now normal skin. " Because of the miracle he did for me".
" Simon, you need to show the village elders that you have become declared healed".
research help: ' Martha' by Diana Wallis Taylor
Everyone take care. Love Ric
Martha was tending her garden when she noticed a man walking on the road coming toward her. He was walking by himself and Martha squinted her eyes in the sun trying to see who it was.
The stranger stopped in front of her and flung back the hood of his cloak.
" Simon".
" Yes Martha, it is I".
She began to hug him and then pulled back in horror.
" Simon, do you still have the disease?".
" Leprosy, no Martha I don't"he said with a smile. " I was completely healed by the Rabbi Jesus".
" I am so happy for you Simon".
" Martha, I am a believer in the Rabbi now" he said as he showed Martha his now normal skin. " Because of the miracle he did for me".
" Simon, you need to show the village elders that you have become declared healed".
research help: ' Martha' by Diana Wallis Taylor
Everyone take care. Love Ric
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
come to the water page 6
come to the water page 6 by ric gustafson
Acts 3: 19-20- ' now turn from your sins and turn to God so you can be cleansed of your sins. Then wonderful times of refreshing will come to you from the presence of the Lord and he will send Jesus your Messiah to you again'.
Sin in our lives produces a wasteland that is dry and parched. The solution to this wasteland is repentence. When we turn from sin and walk back to Christ, our hearts will open. God's pure water will flood our wasteland and refresh our soul.
research help: ' Flowing in the River of the Spirit' by Larry Keefauver
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric.
Acts 3: 19-20- ' now turn from your sins and turn to God so you can be cleansed of your sins. Then wonderful times of refreshing will come to you from the presence of the Lord and he will send Jesus your Messiah to you again'.
Sin in our lives produces a wasteland that is dry and parched. The solution to this wasteland is repentence. When we turn from sin and walk back to Christ, our hearts will open. God's pure water will flood our wasteland and refresh our soul.
research help: ' Flowing in the River of the Spirit' by Larry Keefauver
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric.
Monday, January 2, 2012
the story of Martha page 13
the story of Martha page 13 by ric gustafson
Martha heard the knock at the back gate. She opened it to reveal the Rabbi Jesus and three of his disciples.
" Greetings Martha" Jesus said as they walked into the courtyard. " You remember my friends Thomas, Judas son of James and John".
" Yes Rabbi I do".
Mary fetched a basin and some clean water to wash their feet.
" Thank you Mary" Jesus said with a loving smile after she had finished.
Lazarus walked into the courtyard and embraced Jesus. " Rabbi, I'm so sorry about your cousin John".
" Thank you my friend" Jesus replied as they entered the house and sat down on some cushions.
Young Judas and Thomas told Lazarus, Mary and Martha about their recent journey into Samaria. They told them about their encounter with the Samaritan woman at Jacob's Well.
After two days, Jesus and his disciples left.
" We will come back at Passover".
research help: ' Martha' by Diana Wallis Taylor
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric.
Martha heard the knock at the back gate. She opened it to reveal the Rabbi Jesus and three of his disciples.
" Greetings Martha" Jesus said as they walked into the courtyard. " You remember my friends Thomas, Judas son of James and John".
" Yes Rabbi I do".
Mary fetched a basin and some clean water to wash their feet.
" Thank you Mary" Jesus said with a loving smile after she had finished.
Lazarus walked into the courtyard and embraced Jesus. " Rabbi, I'm so sorry about your cousin John".
" Thank you my friend" Jesus replied as they entered the house and sat down on some cushions.
Young Judas and Thomas told Lazarus, Mary and Martha about their recent journey into Samaria. They told them about their encounter with the Samaritan woman at Jacob's Well.
After two days, Jesus and his disciples left.
" We will come back at Passover".
research help: ' Martha' by Diana Wallis Taylor
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric.
come to the water page 5
come to the water page 5 by ric gustafson.
Revelation 22: 1-2 ' and the angel showed me a pure river with the water of life, clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb, coursing down the center of the main street'.
There is a pure river of the Water of Life that starts from the Throne room of God. This pure river flows down the main street of our heavenly home. God wants us to be a tree planted by this pure water. God wants our roots to be nourished by this water so that we will bear good fruit and enjoy life.
research help: ' Flowing in the River of the Spirit' by Larry Keefauver
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Revelation 22: 1-2 ' and the angel showed me a pure river with the water of life, clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb, coursing down the center of the main street'.
There is a pure river of the Water of Life that starts from the Throne room of God. This pure river flows down the main street of our heavenly home. God wants us to be a tree planted by this pure water. God wants our roots to be nourished by this water so that we will bear good fruit and enjoy life.
research help: ' Flowing in the River of the Spirit' by Larry Keefauver
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Sunday, January 1, 2012
three wishes page 1
three wishes page 1 by ric gustafson
" Greg, can you work in the garage next?" Harlan Bergmann asked as he pulled down the dusty wooden stairs.
" Sure" his sixteen year old son replied as he grabbed some tall kitchen bags. " Grandma sure had a lot of stuff".
" Yeah she did". He slowly walked up the rickety steps onto the dusty attic floor. He noticed an old black trunk sitting in one of the dusty corners. He had come up into the attic to straighten it up as a promise to his mother before she passed on. He opened the trunk and pulled out some old picture albums of some of his parents trips. He pulled out some trinkets from those trips when he eyed what was at the bottom of the trunk.
He pulled out an old discolored lamp like you would see in an old arabian movie. He was about to put it back when he heard something. " Rub me".
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
" Greg, can you work in the garage next?" Harlan Bergmann asked as he pulled down the dusty wooden stairs.
" Sure" his sixteen year old son replied as he grabbed some tall kitchen bags. " Grandma sure had a lot of stuff".
" Yeah she did". He slowly walked up the rickety steps onto the dusty attic floor. He noticed an old black trunk sitting in one of the dusty corners. He had come up into the attic to straighten it up as a promise to his mother before she passed on. He opened the trunk and pulled out some old picture albums of some of his parents trips. He pulled out some trinkets from those trips when he eyed what was at the bottom of the trunk.
He pulled out an old discolored lamp like you would see in an old arabian movie. He was about to put it back when he heard something. " Rub me".
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Ismay page 5
Ismay page 5 by ric gustafson
" Sir, could you please state your name?".
" Charles Lightoller, Second Officer on the Titanic".
" Can you please tell this inquiry where you were the night of the sinking?".
" I was about to drop off to sleep when I heard a faint grinding noise".
" And then what did you do?".
" In only my pjamas, I went up to the bridge".
" Who was on the bridge?".
" Captain Smith and First Officer Murdoch".
" The Captain told me everything was under control so I went back to my room and slept for ten minutes".
" Only ten minutes".
" Fourth Officer Boxhall woke me up so I put my clothes on and walked up to the port side of the ship".
research help: ' the sinking of J Bruce Ismay' by Frances Wilson
Everyone take care. Love Ric
" Sir, could you please state your name?".
" Charles Lightoller, Second Officer on the Titanic".
" Can you please tell this inquiry where you were the night of the sinking?".
" I was about to drop off to sleep when I heard a faint grinding noise".
" And then what did you do?".
" In only my pjamas, I went up to the bridge".
" Who was on the bridge?".
" Captain Smith and First Officer Murdoch".
" The Captain told me everything was under control so I went back to my room and slept for ten minutes".
" Only ten minutes".
" Fourth Officer Boxhall woke me up so I put my clothes on and walked up to the port side of the ship".
research help: ' the sinking of J Bruce Ismay' by Frances Wilson
Everyone take care. Love Ric
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