the water of life page 3 by ric gustafson
Brett saw the mile sign. " Only 15 miles to go".
" We have not formally introduced ourselves".
" Sorry" he said as he turned up the radio. " I'm Brett Rowson".
" People call me J. C.".
" Nice to meet you". Brett looked around the car as if he was looking for something. " I'm really thirsty".
" I have two bottles of water in my bag" J.C. said as he noticed the 12 mile sign. " You can have one of them". He took two bottles out of his fanny pack and unscrewed the top on one. He handed it to Brett.
" Thanks". He lifted the bottle and deeply drank. He saw the 7 mile sign. He drank deeply again. " Only seven miles".
J.C. grinned as he sipped from his bottle.
For six miles, both drank in silence.
Brett saw the 1 mile sign. " One mile". He handed the now empty water bottle to J.C.. " Thank you for the water".
" You are welcome Brett".
End of Chapter 1
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
the water of life page 2
the water of life page 2 by ric gustafson
" Luck sometimes" the stranger said as he picked up his suitcase and began to walk away.
" Where is your car?".
" Actually it's a couple of miles down the road" he said with a grin. " My car broke down also".
" I'd be happy to give you a lift" Brett said as he opened the trunk. " Where are you heading?".
" Waterville".
" Really, that's where I'm going" he said as he put the stranger's suitcase into the trunk and closed it. " Why are you going there?".
" Traveling water salesman". " How about you?".
" College summer vacation" he said as the stranger got into the passenger seat. " Actually, my father is the Mayor of Waterville".
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
" Luck sometimes" the stranger said as he picked up his suitcase and began to walk away.
" Where is your car?".
" Actually it's a couple of miles down the road" he said with a grin. " My car broke down also".
" I'd be happy to give you a lift" Brett said as he opened the trunk. " Where are you heading?".
" Waterville".
" Really, that's where I'm going" he said as he put the stranger's suitcase into the trunk and closed it. " Why are you going there?".
" Traveling water salesman". " How about you?".
" College summer vacation" he said as the stranger got into the passenger seat. " Actually, my father is the Mayor of Waterville".
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Monday, February 27, 2012
the water of life page 1
the water of life page 1 by ric gustafson
Brett Rowson opened up his cell phone and dialed a number. " AAA?".
" Yes, do you need roadside assistance?".
" Yes, my car's engine just quit and I'm at". He stopped when he noticed someone standing behind him.
" Need some help?".
Brett turned around to see a young bearded man who had a large brown suitcase sitting next to him.
" Need some help with your engine" the stranger said as he walked over and looked under the open hood. A moment later, his head came back out. " I think it's one of your belts".
" Sir, do you need roadside assistance?".
" No".
" Get in and start it up".
Brett closed his cell phone and then got behind the wheel of the Chevy Malibu. He put the key into the ignition and turned it. It started up.
The stranger smiled as he closed the car's hood.
" How did you do that?".
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Brett Rowson opened up his cell phone and dialed a number. " AAA?".
" Yes, do you need roadside assistance?".
" Yes, my car's engine just quit and I'm at". He stopped when he noticed someone standing behind him.
" Need some help?".
Brett turned around to see a young bearded man who had a large brown suitcase sitting next to him.
" Need some help with your engine" the stranger said as he walked over and looked under the open hood. A moment later, his head came back out. " I think it's one of your belts".
" Sir, do you need roadside assistance?".
" No".
" Get in and start it up".
Brett closed his cell phone and then got behind the wheel of the Chevy Malibu. He put the key into the ignition and turned it. It started up.
The stranger smiled as he closed the car's hood.
" How did you do that?".
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Saturday, February 25, 2012
Taxman c
Taxman c by ric gustafson
The next morning, the two set out to find the Rabbi. They walked for a while and could not find him. A short time later, Julius saw the Rabbi and some of his followers sitting under a large sycamore tree talking to themselves.
As they approached the Rabbi, he looked at them with a grin on his face as if he already knew what they were doing.
Eamon walked up to the Rabbi. " Teacher". He hesitated not knowing what to say next.
Julius took a coin from his pocket and put it into his friend's hand.
" Teacher, my friend and I know that what you speak and teach is right and true".
Jesus looked at the two.
Eamon felt the coin in his hand. " Teacher, is it right for us to pay taxes to Caesar or not?".
Jesus smiled as if he knew exactly what they were trying to do.
Jesus put his hand out. " Show me a coin".
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
The next morning, the two set out to find the Rabbi. They walked for a while and could not find him. A short time later, Julius saw the Rabbi and some of his followers sitting under a large sycamore tree talking to themselves.
As they approached the Rabbi, he looked at them with a grin on his face as if he already knew what they were doing.
Eamon walked up to the Rabbi. " Teacher". He hesitated not knowing what to say next.
Julius took a coin from his pocket and put it into his friend's hand.
" Teacher, my friend and I know that what you speak and teach is right and true".
Jesus looked at the two.
Eamon felt the coin in his hand. " Teacher, is it right for us to pay taxes to Caesar or not?".
Jesus smiled as if he knew exactly what they were trying to do.
Jesus put his hand out. " Show me a coin".
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
the spear soldier page 11
the spear soldier page 11 by ric gustafson
Pilate stared at Jesus. " Will you not speak to me" he said as he drummed his fingers nervously on the table. " Do you not understand that I have authority to release you or to crucify you?".
Jesus looked up. " You could have no power over me unless it had been given you from above".
Pilate, in amazement at his answer, stood up and then walked outside to the growing crowd.
Someone from the crowd yelled " if you release this man, you are not Caesar's friend".
Worried and afraid after hearing that, he had Jesus brought back out.
" Here is your King".
" Crucify".
" Why, what evil has he done?".
" Crucify, Crucify".
" Shall I crucify your King?".
" We have no King but Caesar".
research help: ' The Master' by John Pollock
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Pilate stared at Jesus. " Will you not speak to me" he said as he drummed his fingers nervously on the table. " Do you not understand that I have authority to release you or to crucify you?".
Jesus looked up. " You could have no power over me unless it had been given you from above".
Pilate, in amazement at his answer, stood up and then walked outside to the growing crowd.
Someone from the crowd yelled " if you release this man, you are not Caesar's friend".
Worried and afraid after hearing that, he had Jesus brought back out.
" Here is your King".
" Crucify".
" Why, what evil has he done?".
" Crucify, Crucify".
" Shall I crucify your King?".
" We have no King but Caesar".
research help: ' The Master' by John Pollock
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Friday, February 24, 2012
Taxman b
Taxman b by ric gustafson
" How long have you been standing there?" Caiaphas asked as the two knelt and bowed their heads.
" A short time" Julius said.
" We saw your sign and came in" Eamon exclaimed as he kept bowing his head.
The Chief Priest grinned at the two. " So you saw my sign for work, I see".
One of the priests reached over and whispered into Caiaphas's ear.
Caiaphas smiled at the two. " We are looking for two men like yourselves to do some work for us". " Are you interested?".
Eamon and Julius could hear their stomach's growling. " We agree".
" Good" Caiaphas said as he clapped his hands with joy. " Here is what we want you to do".
One of the priests spoke up. " There is a Rabbi from Galilee named Jesus that we want to trick into saying something we can arrest him for".
" Do it any way you wish as long as you can trick him" Caiaphas said as he threw a bag of coins at their feet. " Now go".
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
" How long have you been standing there?" Caiaphas asked as the two knelt and bowed their heads.
" A short time" Julius said.
" We saw your sign and came in" Eamon exclaimed as he kept bowing his head.
The Chief Priest grinned at the two. " So you saw my sign for work, I see".
One of the priests reached over and whispered into Caiaphas's ear.
Caiaphas smiled at the two. " We are looking for two men like yourselves to do some work for us". " Are you interested?".
Eamon and Julius could hear their stomach's growling. " We agree".
" Good" Caiaphas said as he clapped his hands with joy. " Here is what we want you to do".
One of the priests spoke up. " There is a Rabbi from Galilee named Jesus that we want to trick into saying something we can arrest him for".
" Do it any way you wish as long as you can trick him" Caiaphas said as he threw a bag of coins at their feet. " Now go".
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Thursday, February 23, 2012
Taxman a
Taxman a by ric gustafson
Eamon and Julius were walking through the courtyard of the Antonia Fortress and noticed they were both starting to get very hungry. Times were tough for both of their families and work was scarce. As they were walking through the courtyard looking for work, they noticed a little sign nailed by the entrance door. The sign stated that individuals were wanted to work for Caiaphas, the Chief Priest of the Court.
They stepped inside the doorway and stood along the outside wall. As they stood there very quietly, they saw two long tables with several men standing next to them. Several teachers of the Law were there along with some of the priests of the court. Caiaphas stood in the middle of the group and next to him was his servant Malchus.
" This Rabbi from Galilee is stirring up the people with his teachings and the people are believing him" yelled one of the teachers of the Law.
One of the Pharisees spoke up. " This man corrupts the people with his parables and lies and he needs to be stopped before he ruins us".
Caiaphas stared at the priest. " How do you propose we do that?".
Another priest spoke up. " We have sent soldiers before to arrest him but to no avail".
Just then, Caiaphas noticed Eamon and Julius standing by the back wall.
" You two back there" he said as he pointed a finger at them. " Come forward".
The two slowly walked toward Caiaphas.
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Eamon and Julius were walking through the courtyard of the Antonia Fortress and noticed they were both starting to get very hungry. Times were tough for both of their families and work was scarce. As they were walking through the courtyard looking for work, they noticed a little sign nailed by the entrance door. The sign stated that individuals were wanted to work for Caiaphas, the Chief Priest of the Court.
They stepped inside the doorway and stood along the outside wall. As they stood there very quietly, they saw two long tables with several men standing next to them. Several teachers of the Law were there along with some of the priests of the court. Caiaphas stood in the middle of the group and next to him was his servant Malchus.
" This Rabbi from Galilee is stirring up the people with his teachings and the people are believing him" yelled one of the teachers of the Law.
One of the Pharisees spoke up. " This man corrupts the people with his parables and lies and he needs to be stopped before he ruins us".
Caiaphas stared at the priest. " How do you propose we do that?".
Another priest spoke up. " We have sent soldiers before to arrest him but to no avail".
Just then, Caiaphas noticed Eamon and Julius standing by the back wall.
" You two back there" he said as he pointed a finger at them. " Come forward".
The two slowly walked toward Caiaphas.
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
the great egg souffle caper page 3b
the great egg souffle caper page 3b by ric gustafson
Dumbfounded, Elnora began to walk back downstairs when she noticed the back door to the church was ajar. She walked out onto a small sidewalk, looked to the right and noticed the young man who had taken the hot dish standing next to a dumpster across the street. She walked across the street and quietly walked up to the dumpster. She peeked around the corner and could not believe what she was seeing.
She noticed the young man, probably his wife and four young children eating the egg souffle dish as if they had eaten in days.
" What are you doing with our egg souffle dish?" Elnora yelled as she got out her cell phone to call the police.
" Please don't call" the young man pleaded as tears came to his eyes. " You have everything and we have nothing and I figured you would not miss it".
Elnora looked at the family and with tears in her eyes put the cell phone back into her pant pocket. She turned around and walked back into church pondering what had just happened. They did end up with plenty of egg souffle as they did every year and everything was fine. Elnora knew that what had just happened to her this morning was God showing her the true meaning of Easter.
The End- dedicated to Tom E
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Dumbfounded, Elnora began to walk back downstairs when she noticed the back door to the church was ajar. She walked out onto a small sidewalk, looked to the right and noticed the young man who had taken the hot dish standing next to a dumpster across the street. She walked across the street and quietly walked up to the dumpster. She peeked around the corner and could not believe what she was seeing.
She noticed the young man, probably his wife and four young children eating the egg souffle dish as if they had eaten in days.
" What are you doing with our egg souffle dish?" Elnora yelled as she got out her cell phone to call the police.
" Please don't call" the young man pleaded as tears came to his eyes. " You have everything and we have nothing and I figured you would not miss it".
Elnora looked at the family and with tears in her eyes put the cell phone back into her pant pocket. She turned around and walked back into church pondering what had just happened. They did end up with plenty of egg souffle as they did every year and everything was fine. Elnora knew that what had just happened to her this morning was God showing her the true meaning of Easter.
The End- dedicated to Tom E
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
the great egg souffle caper page 3a
the great egg souffle caper page 3a by ric gustafson
" Elnora, we're getting a lot more people than expected" Lucille Gass said loudly as she gave a loaded tray to a church member.
" How are the hot cross buns and orange juice doing?" Elnora asked as she surveyed the long line still coming through. A worried look overcame her as she remembered she had just given her only extra egg souffle dish for upstairs.
" Elnora, we need some more egg souffle upstairs".
In disbelief, she turned around to see her friend George Weiler.
" I gave the dish to someone to bring up there" she said with an expression of horror. " You never got it".
" No" George replied.
Elnora ran upstairs to find her friend Marjorie preparing more hot cross buns to take out. " Marjorie, did that egg souffle dish ever come up?".
" No" her friend replied as she poured orange juice into paper cups. " We're just about out too".
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
" Elnora, we're getting a lot more people than expected" Lucille Gass said loudly as she gave a loaded tray to a church member.
" How are the hot cross buns and orange juice doing?" Elnora asked as she surveyed the long line still coming through. A worried look overcame her as she remembered she had just given her only extra egg souffle dish for upstairs.
" Elnora, we need some more egg souffle upstairs".
In disbelief, she turned around to see her friend George Weiler.
" I gave the dish to someone to bring up there" she said with an expression of horror. " You never got it".
" No" George replied.
Elnora ran upstairs to find her friend Marjorie preparing more hot cross buns to take out. " Marjorie, did that egg souffle dish ever come up?".
" No" her friend replied as she poured orange juice into paper cups. " We're just about out too".
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
the great egg souffle caper page 2b
the great egg souffle caper page 2b by ric gustafson.
After the 8:00 service started, more egg souffle came. Elnora and the others warmed up more hot cross buns and poured more orange juice. Elnora figured that she had enough for the crowd that was coming but only had one spare egg souffle dish in case the crowd was bigger than she expected.
When the service ended, the crowd began to form down the stairs.
" How is it going Elnora?" Pastor Greerson asked as she noticed that he was one of the first in line.
" We're doing fine so far".
" I got in line quick because I'm hungry" he said with a chuckle as he loaded a plate and then sat down at a table.
" We need some more egg souffle upstairs" said a young man who was dressed more casually than most people on Easter.
Elnora did not recognize the young man but figured he was helping Marjorie upstairs. " I have an extra egg souffle dish warming up" she replied as she swept the sweat from her brow. " You can take that one".
" Thank you". He carefully picked up the hot dish and ran up the stairs.
Later on as the crowd died down, Elnora prayed that more egg souffle would be coming.
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
After the 8:00 service started, more egg souffle came. Elnora and the others warmed up more hot cross buns and poured more orange juice. Elnora figured that she had enough for the crowd that was coming but only had one spare egg souffle dish in case the crowd was bigger than she expected.
When the service ended, the crowd began to form down the stairs.
" How is it going Elnora?" Pastor Greerson asked as she noticed that he was one of the first in line.
" We're doing fine so far".
" I got in line quick because I'm hungry" he said with a chuckle as he loaded a plate and then sat down at a table.
" We need some more egg souffle upstairs" said a young man who was dressed more casually than most people on Easter.
Elnora did not recognize the young man but figured he was helping Marjorie upstairs. " I have an extra egg souffle dish warming up" she replied as she swept the sweat from her brow. " You can take that one".
" Thank you". He carefully picked up the hot dish and ran up the stairs.
Later on as the crowd died down, Elnora prayed that more egg souffle would be coming.
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
the great egg souffle caper page 2a
the great egg souffle caper page 2a by ric gustafson
Elnora looked at her watch and knew their was only twenty minutes to go.
" Happy Easter Elnora" Sylvia Chase said with a smile as she carried in her hands an egg souffle dish. " The egg souffle is here".
Soon, a couple more reliable church members brought more egg souffle and helped her warm up the hot cross buns. They helped fill orange juice paper cups and Elnora soon felt as if a weight was coming off her shoulders.
The first of the sunrise service people were starting to filter in.
" Happy Easter Elnora" Mildred Gerch said as she was one of the first in line. " Christ is risen".
" Christ is risen indeed" she replied as she handed her friend a plate of egg souffle and a hot cross bun.
The sunrise service crowd was small so Elnora had just enough egg souffle and hot cross buns to go around. When the traffic had died down, Elnora sat down to rest for a minute.
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Elnora looked at her watch and knew their was only twenty minutes to go.
" Happy Easter Elnora" Sylvia Chase said with a smile as she carried in her hands an egg souffle dish. " The egg souffle is here".
Soon, a couple more reliable church members brought more egg souffle and helped her warm up the hot cross buns. They helped fill orange juice paper cups and Elnora soon felt as if a weight was coming off her shoulders.
The first of the sunrise service people were starting to filter in.
" Happy Easter Elnora" Mildred Gerch said as she was one of the first in line. " Christ is risen".
" Christ is risen indeed" she replied as she handed her friend a plate of egg souffle and a hot cross bun.
The sunrise service crowd was small so Elnora had just enough egg souffle and hot cross buns to go around. When the traffic had died down, Elnora sat down to rest for a minute.
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Monday, February 20, 2012
the great egg souffle caper page 1b
the great egg souffle caper page 1b by ric gustafson.
Roger finished setting up the chairs and putting the rolling rack into a corner. " Marjorie is upstairs getting everything in order".
" Good" Elnora replied as she set up a basket for the freewill offering.
" Happy Easter Elnora" a familiar voice said.
She turned around.
" Pastor Greerson" she said with a strange look. " I did not hear you come down".
" I just came down to see how you were doing" he said as he looked around. " The sunrise service is about to begin".
" Marjorie is handling things upstairs and we are doing fine down here".
" Good" he replied with a chuckle as he walked back upstairs.
After she and Roger had finished setting up the two long serving tables, Elnora knew she had to wait for the help and the egg souffle dishes to come. She looked at her watch to see when she had to put in the hot cross buns to warm up before the sunrise service crowd came in.
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Roger finished setting up the chairs and putting the rolling rack into a corner. " Marjorie is upstairs getting everything in order".
" Good" Elnora replied as she set up a basket for the freewill offering.
" Happy Easter Elnora" a familiar voice said.
She turned around.
" Pastor Greerson" she said with a strange look. " I did not hear you come down".
" I just came down to see how you were doing" he said as he looked around. " The sunrise service is about to begin".
" Marjorie is handling things upstairs and we are doing fine down here".
" Good" he replied with a chuckle as he walked back upstairs.
After she and Roger had finished setting up the two long serving tables, Elnora knew she had to wait for the help and the egg souffle dishes to come. She looked at her watch to see when she had to put in the hot cross buns to warm up before the sunrise service crowd came in.
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
the great egg souffle caper page 1a
the great egg souffle caper page 1a by ric gustafson
Elnora Jensen walked quietly down the carpeted steps and turned on the lights. The large downstairs room was used as a youth room, confirmation classes and this morning Easter breakfast. She walked over and opened the heavy purple curtains to show a beautiful Easter sky. As she turned around, she noticed the smiling face of Roger Corby, the church's custodian and handy man.
" Happy Easter Roger" she said as she checked the white refrigerator to make sure they had plenty of orange juice.
" Happy Easter to you too Elnora" he said as he pulled up a rolling rack of folding chairs and began to set them up.
" Did the hot cross buns get here from the store?" she asked as she surveyed the long tables that were just set up by Roger and was to be used as their serving tables.
" Yes they did" he replied as he kept setting up the chairs. " And we should have plenty of napkins and paper plates too".
" Good" she said with a smile as she set up two coffee pots and began to set up the napkins, paper plates and the paper cups for the orange juice. " How is the upstairs doing?".
" Just fine".
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Elnora Jensen walked quietly down the carpeted steps and turned on the lights. The large downstairs room was used as a youth room, confirmation classes and this morning Easter breakfast. She walked over and opened the heavy purple curtains to show a beautiful Easter sky. As she turned around, she noticed the smiling face of Roger Corby, the church's custodian and handy man.
" Happy Easter Roger" she said as she checked the white refrigerator to make sure they had plenty of orange juice.
" Happy Easter to you too Elnora" he said as he pulled up a rolling rack of folding chairs and began to set them up.
" Did the hot cross buns get here from the store?" she asked as she surveyed the long tables that were just set up by Roger and was to be used as their serving tables.
" Yes they did" he replied as he kept setting up the chairs. " And we should have plenty of napkins and paper plates too".
" Good" she said with a smile as she set up two coffee pots and began to set up the napkins, paper plates and the paper cups for the orange juice. " How is the upstairs doing?".
" Just fine".
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
the spear soldier page 10
the spear soldier page 10 by ric gustafson.
Cassius watched as two soldiers brought the prisoner to Pilate. The prisoner wore a tattered scarlet cloak and a crown of thorny twigs on his head. His eyes were closed because of blood and in his right hand was a reed that looked like a scepter.
Pilate pointed at Jesus. " Behold the man".
" Crucify" yelled the crowd.
Pilate tried to shout back but was drowned out by the yelling of the crowd.
A priest yelled " we have a law and by that law he ought to die".
Pilate stared at the crowd.
" He claimed to be the Son of God".
Pilate raised his finger that they should go inside. He sat down at a table and now the prisoner was standing in front of him. " Where do you come from?
Jesus stayed silent.
research help: ' The Spear' by Louis de Wohl
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Cassius watched as two soldiers brought the prisoner to Pilate. The prisoner wore a tattered scarlet cloak and a crown of thorny twigs on his head. His eyes were closed because of blood and in his right hand was a reed that looked like a scepter.
Pilate pointed at Jesus. " Behold the man".
" Crucify" yelled the crowd.
Pilate tried to shout back but was drowned out by the yelling of the crowd.
A priest yelled " we have a law and by that law he ought to die".
Pilate stared at the crowd.
" He claimed to be the Son of God".
Pilate raised his finger that they should go inside. He sat down at a table and now the prisoner was standing in front of him. " Where do you come from?
Jesus stayed silent.
research help: ' The Spear' by Louis de Wohl
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Sunday, February 19, 2012
the Prodigal Son 2012 page 6
the Prodigal Son 2012 page 6 by ric gustafson
I walked into my office and sat down at my desk. Because of new orders at the plant, work has been busier than normal. I closed my eyes and tried to relax. All of a sudden, I heard someone quietly walking up the steps toward my office. There was a quiet knock on the door. The door opened and the person walked in. I looked up to see a young man with a backpack on and who looked a lot thinner than the last time I had seen him.
" Hi Dad" Joseph said as he slipped off the backpack and put it on the ground.
I walked around my desk and gave my son a long embrace.
" I'm so sorry Dad" he said as he began to cry. " I'm sorry I disappointed you".
" My son, everything that has happened in the last two years has already been forgiven and forgotten".
Excited, I picked up the phone. " Marcus, stop the machines and have the workers gather in the breakroom". " My son who was gone has now returned".
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
I walked into my office and sat down at my desk. Because of new orders at the plant, work has been busier than normal. I closed my eyes and tried to relax. All of a sudden, I heard someone quietly walking up the steps toward my office. There was a quiet knock on the door. The door opened and the person walked in. I looked up to see a young man with a backpack on and who looked a lot thinner than the last time I had seen him.
" Hi Dad" Joseph said as he slipped off the backpack and put it on the ground.
I walked around my desk and gave my son a long embrace.
" I'm so sorry Dad" he said as he began to cry. " I'm sorry I disappointed you".
" My son, everything that has happened in the last two years has already been forgiven and forgotten".
Excited, I picked up the phone. " Marcus, stop the machines and have the workers gather in the breakroom". " My son who was gone has now returned".
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Sunday nites at Starbucks page 2
Sunday nites at Starbucks page 2 by ric gustafson
Gerald walked up to the table. " Mind if I sit down?".
The young man looked up from his white laptop. " No".
He moved the chair back, put down his latte and sat down. He blew into his mug and observed the young man across from him. He wore a blue stocking cap and sported a full dark beard. He wore a blue parka because it was a cold December Sunday nite. He blew into his mug again and extended his hand. " I'm Gerald".
The young man looked up from his laptop with a curious look. " Bobby"
Gerald was curious what the young man was drinking. " What are you drinking?".
The young man looked up again. " Regular hot chocolate".
" How about you?".
Gerald smiled as he held up his mug. " A skinny latte".
After a while, the young man shut down his laptop and then stood up. " I have to go" he said as he put his now empty mug on the ledge by the trash can. " Nice meeting you Gerald".
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Gerald walked up to the table. " Mind if I sit down?".
The young man looked up from his white laptop. " No".
He moved the chair back, put down his latte and sat down. He blew into his mug and observed the young man across from him. He wore a blue stocking cap and sported a full dark beard. He wore a blue parka because it was a cold December Sunday nite. He blew into his mug again and extended his hand. " I'm Gerald".
The young man looked up from his laptop with a curious look. " Bobby"
Gerald was curious what the young man was drinking. " What are you drinking?".
The young man looked up again. " Regular hot chocolate".
" How about you?".
Gerald smiled as he held up his mug. " A skinny latte".
After a while, the young man shut down his laptop and then stood up. " I have to go" he said as he put his now empty mug on the ledge by the trash can. " Nice meeting you Gerald".
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Saturday, February 18, 2012
the Prodigal Son 2012 page 5
the Prodigal Son 2012 page 5 by ric gustafson
I looked out through my office glass window and saw my older son Jeff working very hard as usual. I love Jeff as much as I love Joseph but sometimes I worry about him. He followed in my footsteps and had risen through the ranks at the plant.
I worry about him because of his jealousy and anger issues. He has been going to counseling meetings to help with these issues and his life is getting better. He has a girlfriend now and just moved into an apartment. His problems started when he got very jealous of his younger brother and also would get mad at me.
He always did well in school and graduated with honors. He became jealous of Joseph because he did not graduate from high school and never had to work. He also got mad at me for letting Joseph leave home and now he has used up all of his inheritance money.
I feel that Jeff believes that I love Joseph more. That is not true. I hope that someday my son will understand that I love them both equally. With open arms, I am waiting for my younger son to return. When he does come home, I hope that Jeff will forgive him also.
I love both of them so much.
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
I looked out through my office glass window and saw my older son Jeff working very hard as usual. I love Jeff as much as I love Joseph but sometimes I worry about him. He followed in my footsteps and had risen through the ranks at the plant.
I worry about him because of his jealousy and anger issues. He has been going to counseling meetings to help with these issues and his life is getting better. He has a girlfriend now and just moved into an apartment. His problems started when he got very jealous of his younger brother and also would get mad at me.
He always did well in school and graduated with honors. He became jealous of Joseph because he did not graduate from high school and never had to work. He also got mad at me for letting Joseph leave home and now he has used up all of his inheritance money.
I feel that Jeff believes that I love Joseph more. That is not true. I hope that someday my son will understand that I love them both equally. With open arms, I am waiting for my younger son to return. When he does come home, I hope that Jeff will forgive him also.
I love both of them so much.
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
the Prodigal Son 2012 page 4
the Prodigal Son 2012 page 4 by ric gustafson
I walked into my office and tiredly sat down. I closed my eyes to relax and my mind wondered to the events of the last two years.
My youngest son, Joseph has been gone for two years now. He called yesterday to tell me that he had spent all of his inheritance money and wanted to come home. He had found a job on a pig farm and was shoveling slop to hogs. He told me he got so hungry at times that the slop was starting to look inviting.
I love Joseph so much and I hope that he does come home. For two years now, I've wondered if I made the right decision to let him go on his own. Joseph did not finish high school and had a lot of problems. I thought if I would let him be by himself for awhile that he would decide on his own to straighten himself out.
My wife passed away early in my son's lives, so it was up to me to raise them. I built my plant from the ground up and I am proud of it. Even with the long hours, I still had time for my sons and their activities.
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
I walked into my office and tiredly sat down. I closed my eyes to relax and my mind wondered to the events of the last two years.
My youngest son, Joseph has been gone for two years now. He called yesterday to tell me that he had spent all of his inheritance money and wanted to come home. He had found a job on a pig farm and was shoveling slop to hogs. He told me he got so hungry at times that the slop was starting to look inviting.
I love Joseph so much and I hope that he does come home. For two years now, I've wondered if I made the right decision to let him go on his own. Joseph did not finish high school and had a lot of problems. I thought if I would let him be by himself for awhile that he would decide on his own to straighten himself out.
My wife passed away early in my son's lives, so it was up to me to raise them. I built my plant from the ground up and I am proud of it. Even with the long hours, I still had time for my sons and their activities.
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
the Prodigal Son 2012 page 3
the Prodigal Son 2012 page 3 by ric gustafson.
One day, Joseph asked Father for the investment money that had been invested for him. He wanted to go see the world and experience life. I'm upset at Dad because he allowed Joseph to take his inheritance and go do whatever he wants. I slave away at the plant, never take any time off for vacation and what do I get for it. No matter what I do to get Dad's attention, he only talks about Joseph and not me.
For the next two years, I worked hard at the plant and did whatever I could to please my father. Every once in a while, Joseph would call and talk to Dad. I don't want to talk to him because I'm so upset at him. I graduated from high school with honors and work hard at the plant. Joseph has not even graduated and Father still dotes on him.
I started counseling sessions to help with my jealousy issues. With Joseph gone, my life began to settle down. I found a girlfriend and got my own apartment. Just when my relationship with Father was getting better, Joseph called. He told Father all of his investment money was gone and that now he was working on a pig farm. He told Father that he was tired and wanted to come home. He said that he was going to start for home tomorrow.
What will happen next, I don't know.
Everyone take care. Love Ric
One day, Joseph asked Father for the investment money that had been invested for him. He wanted to go see the world and experience life. I'm upset at Dad because he allowed Joseph to take his inheritance and go do whatever he wants. I slave away at the plant, never take any time off for vacation and what do I get for it. No matter what I do to get Dad's attention, he only talks about Joseph and not me.
For the next two years, I worked hard at the plant and did whatever I could to please my father. Every once in a while, Joseph would call and talk to Dad. I don't want to talk to him because I'm so upset at him. I graduated from high school with honors and work hard at the plant. Joseph has not even graduated and Father still dotes on him.
I started counseling sessions to help with my jealousy issues. With Joseph gone, my life began to settle down. I found a girlfriend and got my own apartment. Just when my relationship with Father was getting better, Joseph called. He told Father all of his investment money was gone and that now he was working on a pig farm. He told Father that he was tired and wanted to come home. He said that he was going to start for home tomorrow.
What will happen next, I don't know.
Everyone take care. Love Ric
Thursday, February 16, 2012
Sunday nites at Starbucks page 1
Sunday nites at Starbucks page 1 by ric gustafson
Gerald Mckray opened the front door and walked in. Using his black cane for support, he slowly walked toward the young man behind the counter.
" Hi Gerald" the young man said with a smile as he handed a hot mug of coffee to another customer. " Would you like your usual tonight?".
" Yes" was the reply as he looked around the room for an empty table. " A skinny latte please".
" Will do" the young man said as he took a mug and began to make it.
Gerald waited patiently and studied the tables. The place was full and every table had people sitting at them.
" Here you are Gerald" said the young man as he put the hot mug on the edge of the counter. " Have a good week".
He smiled and began to walk toward the only table that had an empty seat.
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Gerald Mckray opened the front door and walked in. Using his black cane for support, he slowly walked toward the young man behind the counter.
" Hi Gerald" the young man said with a smile as he handed a hot mug of coffee to another customer. " Would you like your usual tonight?".
" Yes" was the reply as he looked around the room for an empty table. " A skinny latte please".
" Will do" the young man said as he took a mug and began to make it.
Gerald waited patiently and studied the tables. The place was full and every table had people sitting at them.
" Here you are Gerald" said the young man as he put the hot mug on the edge of the counter. " Have a good week".
He smiled and began to walk toward the only table that had an empty seat.
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
just passing through page 3
just passing through page 3 by ric gustafson
Darrin put on his heavy black gloves and opened up the cold garage door. It looked like several inches of snow had fallen and he had a long tiring job ahead of him. He got the shovel and started down the middle of the driveway. As he stopped at the edge of the driveway, he noticed the Green's house and could not believe his eyes. Their was a red and white For Sale sign on the edge of the Green's lawn. He noticed a lady was getting out of a car and putting brochures into the sign. He put the shovel down and walked along the curb toward her.
" Hello" she said as she looked up to see Darrin coming toward her. " Are you interested in seeing the house?".
" Actually I'm their next door neighbor" he said as he straightened his gloves. " I was curious as to wether they had moved out or not".
" Yes they have" she replied as she dusted the snow off of the sign. " They told me they were just passing through".
" I asked him what he mean't by just passing through".
" Walker told me that he and his wife were only going to be here a short time".
Darrin shook his head in confusion and walked back to his driveway. As he shoveled, he began to ponder the events that had just occurred.
The End- dedicated to Tom E
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Darrin put on his heavy black gloves and opened up the cold garage door. It looked like several inches of snow had fallen and he had a long tiring job ahead of him. He got the shovel and started down the middle of the driveway. As he stopped at the edge of the driveway, he noticed the Green's house and could not believe his eyes. Their was a red and white For Sale sign on the edge of the Green's lawn. He noticed a lady was getting out of a car and putting brochures into the sign. He put the shovel down and walked along the curb toward her.
" Hello" she said as she looked up to see Darrin coming toward her. " Are you interested in seeing the house?".
" Actually I'm their next door neighbor" he said as he straightened his gloves. " I was curious as to wether they had moved out or not".
" Yes they have" she replied as she dusted the snow off of the sign. " They told me they were just passing through".
" I asked him what he mean't by just passing through".
" Walker told me that he and his wife were only going to be here a short time".
Darrin shook his head in confusion and walked back to his driveway. As he shoveled, he began to ponder the events that had just occurred.
The End- dedicated to Tom E
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
the Prodigal Son 2012 page 3
the Prodigal Son 2012 page 3 by ric gustafson
I'm tired I thought to myself as I got a diet coke out of the refrigerator. As I sat down at the kitchen table, I thought to myself how working at the plant really takes a toll on me. The house was quiet since I was the only one there. My younger brother, Joseph called last night and said he was coming home after being gone for two years.
My father is still at the plant working long hours because he is the CEO. I've just returned from attending a counseling session for jealousy issues. I have been very jealous of my younger brother for a long time now and also mad at my father. My mother passed away when I was young so father raised Joseph and I by himself.
I always admired my father and have always wanted to be just like him. When I was old enough, I started working at the plant. Joseph on the other hand, could care less about the plant or responsibilities at all. He only cares about cars, girls and having a good time. I have always worked hard at the plant trying to please my father. I became jealous of Joseph when I work hard and Joseph can do whatever he wishes with no responsibilities. I'm also upset at my father because it seems that he cares more for Joseph than me.
Peace and God's blessings. love Ric
I'm tired I thought to myself as I got a diet coke out of the refrigerator. As I sat down at the kitchen table, I thought to myself how working at the plant really takes a toll on me. The house was quiet since I was the only one there. My younger brother, Joseph called last night and said he was coming home after being gone for two years.
My father is still at the plant working long hours because he is the CEO. I've just returned from attending a counseling session for jealousy issues. I have been very jealous of my younger brother for a long time now and also mad at my father. My mother passed away when I was young so father raised Joseph and I by himself.
I always admired my father and have always wanted to be just like him. When I was old enough, I started working at the plant. Joseph on the other hand, could care less about the plant or responsibilities at all. He only cares about cars, girls and having a good time. I have always worked hard at the plant trying to please my father. I became jealous of Joseph when I work hard and Joseph can do whatever he wishes with no responsibilities. I'm also upset at my father because it seems that he cares more for Joseph than me.
Peace and God's blessings. love Ric
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
the Prodigal Son 2012 page 2
the Prodigal Son 2012 page 2 by ric gustafson
During the summer before my senior year, I asked Dad for some of my investment money so I could travel, relax and try to discover myself. Dad was not happy but thought maybe this time to myself might help me. Jeff began to get jealous of me because he was working hard at the plant and I wanted to go out and enjoy the world.
I left with just a backpack on and my investment money looking forward to seeing the world. For the next two years, I worked from town to town and state to state. I stayed in motels, ate at greasy diners and once in a while would buy alcohol or drugs. During this time, I heard that my father still loved me and was patiently waiting for me to come home. Jeff was getting more and more jealous of me and getting angry at my father. After two years, my investment money ran out and I could not afford a place to live or eat.
I had trouble finding a job because I did not have a high school diploma. Finally, I got a job working on a pig farm shoveling slop to hogs. I got so hungry that I considered eating what I was feeding to the hogs. I started thinking about our middle class home and that we had plenty to eat. My stomach now was always growling and I was starving. I decided to go back home, get on my knees and apologize to my father. I hope that Jeff will forgive me also.
The next morning, I put on my backpack and started for home.
Everyone take care. Love Ric
During the summer before my senior year, I asked Dad for some of my investment money so I could travel, relax and try to discover myself. Dad was not happy but thought maybe this time to myself might help me. Jeff began to get jealous of me because he was working hard at the plant and I wanted to go out and enjoy the world.
I left with just a backpack on and my investment money looking forward to seeing the world. For the next two years, I worked from town to town and state to state. I stayed in motels, ate at greasy diners and once in a while would buy alcohol or drugs. During this time, I heard that my father still loved me and was patiently waiting for me to come home. Jeff was getting more and more jealous of me and getting angry at my father. After two years, my investment money ran out and I could not afford a place to live or eat.
I had trouble finding a job because I did not have a high school diploma. Finally, I got a job working on a pig farm shoveling slop to hogs. I got so hungry that I considered eating what I was feeding to the hogs. I started thinking about our middle class home and that we had plenty to eat. My stomach now was always growling and I was starving. I decided to go back home, get on my knees and apologize to my father. I hope that Jeff will forgive me also.
The next morning, I put on my backpack and started for home.
Everyone take care. Love Ric
Monday, February 13, 2012
the Prodigal Son 2012 page 1b
the Prodigal Son 2012 page 1b by ric gustafson
Dad would always come home from work and the three of us would eat together and talk. Jeff would listen intently as Dad talked about the plant. I would listen but frankly I could care less about the plant. I told Dad about my cool friends and the awesome car I had just fixed up.
When I started high school, I got involved with kids who started me down the wrong path. I started taking drugs, drinking and my school grades really suffered. My father naturally was upset but tried to get me the help I needed. Jeff got good grades in high school and in his senior year, began to work at the plant. When I started 11th grade, my drinking and drug problems got worse and I was skipping a lot of classes.
Jeff graduated from high school with honors and was enjoying working for my Dad at the plant. The plant was doing well and Dad was establishing investments for both Jeff and I.
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Dad would always come home from work and the three of us would eat together and talk. Jeff would listen intently as Dad talked about the plant. I would listen but frankly I could care less about the plant. I told Dad about my cool friends and the awesome car I had just fixed up.
When I started high school, I got involved with kids who started me down the wrong path. I started taking drugs, drinking and my school grades really suffered. My father naturally was upset but tried to get me the help I needed. Jeff got good grades in high school and in his senior year, began to work at the plant. When I started 11th grade, my drinking and drug problems got worse and I was skipping a lot of classes.
Jeff graduated from high school with honors and was enjoying working for my Dad at the plant. The plant was doing well and Dad was establishing investments for both Jeff and I.
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
the Prodigal Son 2012 page 1a
the Prodigal Son 2012 page 1a by ric gustafson
How to start my story, I thought to myself as I stared outside from my bedroom window. I took a sip of bottled water and thought about the events that had happened the last two years. My older brother Jeff was down at the plant helping my father so the house was quiet. My father was a hardworking Swede who built a steel plant in our hometown.
Jeff decided to follow in my father's footsteps and work for him at the plant. Through hard work, he prospered and has been able to rise quickly through the ranks at the plant. His jealousy toward me and what transpired the last two years has probably influenced his drive for excellence. My brother and I were raised in a typical middle class home. Our mother passed away when I was young so Dad has raised us most of our lives.
Take care. Love Ric
How to start my story, I thought to myself as I stared outside from my bedroom window. I took a sip of bottled water and thought about the events that had happened the last two years. My older brother Jeff was down at the plant helping my father so the house was quiet. My father was a hardworking Swede who built a steel plant in our hometown.
Jeff decided to follow in my father's footsteps and work for him at the plant. Through hard work, he prospered and has been able to rise quickly through the ranks at the plant. His jealousy toward me and what transpired the last two years has probably influenced his drive for excellence. My brother and I were raised in a typical middle class home. Our mother passed away when I was young so Dad has raised us most of our lives.
Take care. Love Ric
three wishes page 7
three wishes page 7 by ric gustafson
Harlan closed the phone and rubbed the lamp. His cell phone rang again. He opened it. " This is Harlan Bergmann".
" Harlan, this is your financial advisor Mark Moho".
" Hi Mark" was his reply as he threw the lamp against a wall.
" I'm sorry to tell you this Harlan" said the voice as it cracked. " The stock that you put that money into is not doing good and you are going to lose a lot of it".
" What!" Harlan screamed as he picked up the battered lamp. " I'll be in touch Mark".
Clutching the lamp, Harlan walked down the attic steps and then walked out to his Tahoe.
He drove off and thought to himself how he could get rid of the lamp.
He stopped at a light and noticed a church on a corner of Wayward Street.
He turned right and drove into the driveway of the church.
Harlan stopped the Tahoe, got out and threw the battered lamp into the church's large trash bin.
The End- dedicated to Tom E.
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Harlan closed the phone and rubbed the lamp. His cell phone rang again. He opened it. " This is Harlan Bergmann".
" Harlan, this is your financial advisor Mark Moho".
" Hi Mark" was his reply as he threw the lamp against a wall.
" I'm sorry to tell you this Harlan" said the voice as it cracked. " The stock that you put that money into is not doing good and you are going to lose a lot of it".
" What!" Harlan screamed as he picked up the battered lamp. " I'll be in touch Mark".
Clutching the lamp, Harlan walked down the attic steps and then walked out to his Tahoe.
He drove off and thought to himself how he could get rid of the lamp.
He stopped at a light and noticed a church on a corner of Wayward Street.
He turned right and drove into the driveway of the church.
Harlan stopped the Tahoe, got out and threw the battered lamp into the church's large trash bin.
The End- dedicated to Tom E.
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Saturday, February 11, 2012
three wishes page 6
three wishes page 6 by ric gustafson
Harlan rubbed the lamp. As he rubbed it, he noticed that the blue fog was not coming out. " Come on" he said out loud as frustration started in his voice.
His cell phone rang. He opened it. " This is Harlan Bergmann".
" Harlan, this is Frank Miller".
Harlan kept rubbing the lamp. " Hi, Mr Miller".
" Are you ok Harlan?".
" Yes, Mr Miller" he said as he kept rubbing the lamp. " Something at home is really frustrating me at the moment".
" Harlan, I have some bad news".
" What is that Sir?".
" I'm sorry Harlan but this decision is out of my control" the voice hesitated. " The Board of Directors are considering Andrea Gold for President of the company".
" What!" Harlan yelled as he kept rubbing the lamp.
" I'm sorry Harlan".
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric.
Harlan rubbed the lamp. As he rubbed it, he noticed that the blue fog was not coming out. " Come on" he said out loud as frustration started in his voice.
His cell phone rang. He opened it. " This is Harlan Bergmann".
" Harlan, this is Frank Miller".
Harlan kept rubbing the lamp. " Hi, Mr Miller".
" Are you ok Harlan?".
" Yes, Mr Miller" he said as he kept rubbing the lamp. " Something at home is really frustrating me at the moment".
" Harlan, I have some bad news".
" What is that Sir?".
" I'm sorry Harlan but this decision is out of my control" the voice hesitated. " The Board of Directors are considering Andrea Gold for President of the company".
" What!" Harlan yelled as he kept rubbing the lamp.
" I'm sorry Harlan".
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric.
three wishes page 5
three wishes page 5 by ric gustafson
Greg walked into the kitchen and put the mail on the kitchen table. " Here is the mail Dad".
Harlan opened the white colored dishwasher to start putting the clean kitchen dishes away. " Anything interesting in the mail?".
Greg began to look through them when one made him stop. He opened the envelope and took out a piece of paper. " Dad, this one is from the Police Department".
" What does it say?".
As Greg read it, a smile came to his face. " Dad, do you remember that sack of money you found while you were walking at Ginger Park?".
Harlan sighed. " Yes I do, I had to turn it in".
" This letter says that no one has claimed the money, the time to claim it has expired, the money is ours".
Harlan smiled as he hugged his son. " How much is it?".
" Ten thousand dollars".
" We learned in investment class that it is wise to invest in the stock market".
" Ok".
Just then, Harlan thought about the magic lamp.
He was already thinking about his third wish.
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Greg walked into the kitchen and put the mail on the kitchen table. " Here is the mail Dad".
Harlan opened the white colored dishwasher to start putting the clean kitchen dishes away. " Anything interesting in the mail?".
Greg began to look through them when one made him stop. He opened the envelope and took out a piece of paper. " Dad, this one is from the Police Department".
" What does it say?".
As Greg read it, a smile came to his face. " Dad, do you remember that sack of money you found while you were walking at Ginger Park?".
Harlan sighed. " Yes I do, I had to turn it in".
" This letter says that no one has claimed the money, the time to claim it has expired, the money is ours".
Harlan smiled as he hugged his son. " How much is it?".
" Ten thousand dollars".
" We learned in investment class that it is wise to invest in the stock market".
" Ok".
Just then, Harlan thought about the magic lamp.
He was already thinking about his third wish.
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
just passing through page 2
just passing through page 2 by ric gustafson.
Darrin drove the brown Tahoe into the double garage driveway, got out, opened the trunk and took out his golf clubs. He enjoyed playing with his friends every Saturday morning and today was no exception. As he put his clubs away, he noticed his new neighbor, Walker Green working on his fall leaves and bagging them up. He walked over as he started to wash off his green mower. " Good afternoon Walker".
" Hello Darrin" was the reply as he turned off the nozzle. " I've been trying to keep this lawn kept up".
" You are doing a great job". He glanced at the house. " I love the new roof and the new paint job".
" Thanks" Walker exclaimed as he flipped the green mower over to it's side and began to spray the bottom of it. " We're trying to do as much as we can in the short time we are here".
" What do you mean a short time?".
" My wife and I are going to be here for just a short time" he said as he turned off the nozzle and put the mower back up. " We are just passing through".
" What do you mean just passing through?".
Darrin heard his wife's voice. " Darrin, can you please come in?".
" Walker, I wanted to ask if you and Joyce wanted to come over to a barbecue tonight with some of our friends".
" Thank you for the invitation" Walker said as he tied up a grass clipping bag. " But I think my wife and I will stay home and have a quiet evening".
research help: ' The Spirit of Happiness' by T Byram Karasu
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Darrin drove the brown Tahoe into the double garage driveway, got out, opened the trunk and took out his golf clubs. He enjoyed playing with his friends every Saturday morning and today was no exception. As he put his clubs away, he noticed his new neighbor, Walker Green working on his fall leaves and bagging them up. He walked over as he started to wash off his green mower. " Good afternoon Walker".
" Hello Darrin" was the reply as he turned off the nozzle. " I've been trying to keep this lawn kept up".
" You are doing a great job". He glanced at the house. " I love the new roof and the new paint job".
" Thanks" Walker exclaimed as he flipped the green mower over to it's side and began to spray the bottom of it. " We're trying to do as much as we can in the short time we are here".
" What do you mean a short time?".
" My wife and I are going to be here for just a short time" he said as he turned off the nozzle and put the mower back up. " We are just passing through".
" What do you mean just passing through?".
Darrin heard his wife's voice. " Darrin, can you please come in?".
" Walker, I wanted to ask if you and Joyce wanted to come over to a barbecue tonight with some of our friends".
" Thank you for the invitation" Walker said as he tied up a grass clipping bag. " But I think my wife and I will stay home and have a quiet evening".
research help: ' The Spirit of Happiness' by T Byram Karasu
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Thursday, February 9, 2012
just passing through page 1b
just passing through page 1b by ric gustafson
Darrin walked out onto their new wooden deck and began to put cans of soda into one of the coolers. Life was good and he was looking forward to a party tonight with friends. He noticed the falling leaves and thought now would be a good time to pick them up and bag them.
He walked into the garage and got his rake and leaf bags. As he walked toward the large maple tree on the north side of the house, he noticed his new neighbor was hammering nails into their wooden fence. He stopped. " Hi, I'm Darrin Nicholls your neighbor".
The young man stood up and put down his hammer. " I'm Walker Green" he said as he shook Darrin's hand. " I'm your new neighbor".
" Nice to meet you". Darrin observed the work his neighbor had done. " I see that you are fixing up the house already".
" That's right" Walker replied with a grin as he started hammering again. " My wife and I are just passing through".
research help: ' The Spirit of Happiness' by T Byram Karasu
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Darrin walked out onto their new wooden deck and began to put cans of soda into one of the coolers. Life was good and he was looking forward to a party tonight with friends. He noticed the falling leaves and thought now would be a good time to pick them up and bag them.
He walked into the garage and got his rake and leaf bags. As he walked toward the large maple tree on the north side of the house, he noticed his new neighbor was hammering nails into their wooden fence. He stopped. " Hi, I'm Darrin Nicholls your neighbor".
The young man stood up and put down his hammer. " I'm Walker Green" he said as he shook Darrin's hand. " I'm your new neighbor".
" Nice to meet you". Darrin observed the work his neighbor had done. " I see that you are fixing up the house already".
" That's right" Walker replied with a grin as he started hammering again. " My wife and I are just passing through".
research help: ' The Spirit of Happiness' by T Byram Karasu
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
just passing through page 1a
just passing through page 1a by ric gustafson
Darrin Nicholls brought outside the red and white cooler and set it in a corner of the large wooden deck. He opened a large bag of ice and began to fill it. He brought out another cooler and filled it with ice. He brought out two cases of beer and began to fill the coolers. He opened up the small Weber grill and began to clean it out when he noticed his new neighbor fixing their wooden fence on the south side of their house.
He walked back inside to see his wife Jolene washing the noon dishes. " I see the new neighbor is working on their wooden fence".
" I met Walker's wife yesterday" she said as she dried her hands with a towel. " She seemed very nice"
" What are their names again?" he asked as he carried two cases of pop under his tired arms and slowly walked toward the deck door.
" Walker and Joyce Green".
research help: ' The Spirit of Happiness' by T Byram Karasu
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Darrin Nicholls brought outside the red and white cooler and set it in a corner of the large wooden deck. He opened a large bag of ice and began to fill it. He brought out another cooler and filled it with ice. He brought out two cases of beer and began to fill the coolers. He opened up the small Weber grill and began to clean it out when he noticed his new neighbor fixing their wooden fence on the south side of their house.
He walked back inside to see his wife Jolene washing the noon dishes. " I see the new neighbor is working on their wooden fence".
" I met Walker's wife yesterday" she said as she dried her hands with a towel. " She seemed very nice"
" What are their names again?" he asked as he carried two cases of pop under his tired arms and slowly walked toward the deck door.
" Walker and Joyce Green".
research help: ' The Spirit of Happiness' by T Byram Karasu
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
three wishes page 4
three wishes page 4 by ric gustafson.
" I'm going over to Robbie's house" Greg said as he put his high school jacket on. " I'll be back by dinner".
Harlan heard the garage door close and then he walked upstairs to the small kitchen. ' Should I' he thought as he got a drink of water from the sink. " Why not" he said to himself as he smiled.
He walked up the carpeted steps to the upstairs landing and then pulled out the attic steps.
He climbed the dusty steps to the attic floor. He saw the old black trunk in the corner and walked over to it. He slowly opened it and pulled out the lamp.
He carefully held it with one hand and with the other, slowly rubbed it. A blue fog began to come out.
" What is your wish?" said a strange voice.
Harlan thought for a moment. " My wish is for more wealth".
Everyone take care. Love Ric
" I'm going over to Robbie's house" Greg said as he put his high school jacket on. " I'll be back by dinner".
Harlan heard the garage door close and then he walked upstairs to the small kitchen. ' Should I' he thought as he got a drink of water from the sink. " Why not" he said to himself as he smiled.
He walked up the carpeted steps to the upstairs landing and then pulled out the attic steps.
He climbed the dusty steps to the attic floor. He saw the old black trunk in the corner and walked over to it. He slowly opened it and pulled out the lamp.
He carefully held it with one hand and with the other, slowly rubbed it. A blue fog began to come out.
" What is your wish?" said a strange voice.
Harlan thought for a moment. " My wish is for more wealth".
Everyone take care. Love Ric
Lazarus and Mr Tucker page 6
Lazarus and Mr Tucker page 6 by ric gustafson.
" Father Abraham, have mercy on me and send the old man so that he may dip the tip of his finger in water and cool off my tongue" Lloyd loudly pleaded. " For I am in agony in this flame".
" Child, remember that during your life you received your good things and likewise Lazarus had his things, but now he is being comforted here and you are in agony".
The lack of water was beginning to affect Lloyd.
" Besides between you and me is a great chasm" he pointed out with his hand. " Those who wish to come over from here to you cannot and none can cross over from there to us".
" Then I beg you father that you send the old man to my father's house for I have five brothers that he might warn them not to come to this place of torment".
" They have Moses and the Prophets, let them hear them".
Lloyd thought for a moment. " No Father Abraham but if someone goes to them from the dead, they will repent".
" If they do not listen to Moses and the Prophets, neither will they be persuaded if someone rises from the dead".
The End- dedicated to Tom E
research help: the Ryrie Study Bible
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
" Father Abraham, have mercy on me and send the old man so that he may dip the tip of his finger in water and cool off my tongue" Lloyd loudly pleaded. " For I am in agony in this flame".
" Child, remember that during your life you received your good things and likewise Lazarus had his things, but now he is being comforted here and you are in agony".
The lack of water was beginning to affect Lloyd.
" Besides between you and me is a great chasm" he pointed out with his hand. " Those who wish to come over from here to you cannot and none can cross over from there to us".
" Then I beg you father that you send the old man to my father's house for I have five brothers that he might warn them not to come to this place of torment".
" They have Moses and the Prophets, let them hear them".
Lloyd thought for a moment. " No Father Abraham but if someone goes to them from the dead, they will repent".
" If they do not listen to Moses and the Prophets, neither will they be persuaded if someone rises from the dead".
The End- dedicated to Tom E
research help: the Ryrie Study Bible
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Monday, February 6, 2012
Lazarus and Mr Tucker page 5
Lazarus and Mr Tucker page 5 by ric gustafson
Lloyd and Fred walked out of the elevator into the dimness of the underground parking.
" Lloyd, you haven't stopped smiling since you heard the news".
" I can't help it" he replied as they stopped at his Lexus. All of a sudden, chest discomfort made him slump to the ground. " Fred, call 911" Lloyd said as he held onto the driver door handle because of the pain. " I feel like I'm dying".
Lloyd opened his eyes and looked around the pitch black room. ' Where am I' he wondered as the unknown began to invade his thoughts. He could see a window on the side wall. He inched toward it. He was already thirsty but could not see any relief in the room.
What bothered him the most was that he felt totally alone as if even God had left him. He began to feel as if he was in a continous flame.
He stared through the window and could not believe what he saw. He saw what looked like Father Abraham and in his loving arms was the old man from his work gate.
Thirst and the constant flame was beginning to drive him mad.
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Lloyd and Fred walked out of the elevator into the dimness of the underground parking.
" Lloyd, you haven't stopped smiling since you heard the news".
" I can't help it" he replied as they stopped at his Lexus. All of a sudden, chest discomfort made him slump to the ground. " Fred, call 911" Lloyd said as he held onto the driver door handle because of the pain. " I feel like I'm dying".
Lloyd opened his eyes and looked around the pitch black room. ' Where am I' he wondered as the unknown began to invade his thoughts. He could see a window on the side wall. He inched toward it. He was already thirsty but could not see any relief in the room.
What bothered him the most was that he felt totally alone as if even God had left him. He began to feel as if he was in a continous flame.
He stared through the window and could not believe what he saw. He saw what looked like Father Abraham and in his loving arms was the old man from his work gate.
Thirst and the constant flame was beginning to drive him mad.
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Sunday, February 5, 2012
Lazarus and Mr Tucker page 4
Lazarus and Mr Tucker page 4 by ric gustafson
Fred Jones walked up to the security booth and watched as Gordon opened the gate to let him in. He glanced over to see that the old man was not sitting by the gate. " Good morning Gordon".
" Morning Mr Jones".
" Gordon, what happened to the old man?".
" It was the strangest thing" the security guard said as he opened the gate to let a car in. " I clocked in and then walked toward the booth".
" What happened?".
" I glanced over and noticed that the old man had slumped over".
" Then what did you do?".
" I called 911 and then rushed over and then tried to revive him".
" Were you able to?".
" No, he died in my arms" Gordon said as tears began to form in his eyes. " Then the strangest thing happened".
" What was that Gordon?".
" As he died in my arms, I thought I heard angels singing".
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Fred Jones walked up to the security booth and watched as Gordon opened the gate to let him in. He glanced over to see that the old man was not sitting by the gate. " Good morning Gordon".
" Morning Mr Jones".
" Gordon, what happened to the old man?".
" It was the strangest thing" the security guard said as he opened the gate to let a car in. " I clocked in and then walked toward the booth".
" What happened?".
" I glanced over and noticed that the old man had slumped over".
" Then what did you do?".
" I called 911 and then rushed over and then tried to revive him".
" Were you able to?".
" No, he died in my arms" Gordon said as tears began to form in his eyes. " Then the strangest thing happened".
" What was that Gordon?".
" As he died in my arms, I thought I heard angels singing".
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Saturday, February 4, 2012
Lazarus and Mr Tucker page 3
Lazarus and Mr Tucker page 3 by ric gustafson
Lloyd put down his half eaten sandwich and took a sip from a diet coke. " That is a pitiful sight". He was staring at the old man.
" He's not bothering anybody" replied Fred Jones as he bit into a potato chip and tried to change the subject. " So what are your plans this weekend Lloyd?".
" I'm going to be playing golf with three of my five brothers".
" That should be interesting".
Lloyd put a hand on his chest.
" What's wrong Lloyd?".
" I've been having some chest discomfort lately" he said as he took another sip of his coke. " It comes and it goes".
" You should get yourself checked out" Fred said as he stood up from the large picnic table and threw his empty plastic sack into the nearest trash can.
" Ok" Lloyd said as he stood up and threw his trash away. He felt the chest discomfort as he stared at the old man again. He walked back to his office.
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Lloyd put down his half eaten sandwich and took a sip from a diet coke. " That is a pitiful sight". He was staring at the old man.
" He's not bothering anybody" replied Fred Jones as he bit into a potato chip and tried to change the subject. " So what are your plans this weekend Lloyd?".
" I'm going to be playing golf with three of my five brothers".
" That should be interesting".
Lloyd put a hand on his chest.
" What's wrong Lloyd?".
" I've been having some chest discomfort lately" he said as he took another sip of his coke. " It comes and it goes".
" You should get yourself checked out" Fred said as he stood up from the large picnic table and threw his empty plastic sack into the nearest trash can.
" Ok" Lloyd said as he stood up and threw his trash away. He felt the chest discomfort as he stared at the old man again. He walked back to his office.
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Lazarus and Mr Tucker page 2
Lazarus and Mr Tucker page 2 by ric gustafson.
Lloyd pushed the button for line 1. " Good morning Police Chief Littler". " Were you able to find out anything based on what we talked about".
" Mr Tucker" replied the voice on the phone. " I checked with City Attorney Boysen and he said that the old man can stay as long as he doesn't bother anybody".
" He bothers me Chief Littler" Lloyd said in disgust as he looked out the window at the old man. " He wears tattered rags and is covered with sores".
" Mr Tucker, is he bothering anybody going through your security gate?".
" No, I have had no complaints" he replied with a frown. " But I have seen dogs come up and lick at his sores".
" Mr Tucker, I realize that you don't want him there" the voice said with a pause. " But according to city law, outside of your security gate is city property".
" And as long as he doesn't bother anybody, he can stay".
" That's correct Mr Tucker".
" Thank you Chief Littler" Lloyd said as he loudly hung up the phone.
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Lloyd pushed the button for line 1. " Good morning Police Chief Littler". " Were you able to find out anything based on what we talked about".
" Mr Tucker" replied the voice on the phone. " I checked with City Attorney Boysen and he said that the old man can stay as long as he doesn't bother anybody".
" He bothers me Chief Littler" Lloyd said in disgust as he looked out the window at the old man. " He wears tattered rags and is covered with sores".
" Mr Tucker, is he bothering anybody going through your security gate?".
" No, I have had no complaints" he replied with a frown. " But I have seen dogs come up and lick at his sores".
" Mr Tucker, I realize that you don't want him there" the voice said with a pause. " But according to city law, outside of your security gate is city property".
" And as long as he doesn't bother anybody, he can stay".
" That's correct Mr Tucker".
" Thank you Chief Littler" Lloyd said as he loudly hung up the phone.
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Friday, February 3, 2012
Lazarus and Mr Tucker page 1
Lazarus and Mr Tucker page 1 by ric gustafson
Lloyd Tucker turned on the left blinker and looked over at the security gate. He frowned as he stared at the old man who was lying by the gate. The light turned green and he slowly turned toward the gate. He stopped next to an old red security shack. A familiar figure stood next to it.
He lowered the window. " Good morning Gordon".
" Good morning Mr Tucker" the middle aged security man replied as he smiled and pushed the gate button.
" Gordon, has that old man been causing any trouble?".
" No, Mr Tucker" he exclaimed as the gate went up. " He just sits there and causes no trouble".
Lloyd frowned as he drove down into the underground parking lot. He parked in his designated spot, got out and then walked into the elevator. The elevator opened onto the 19th floor. He walked up to their new receptionist. " Good morning Rhonda".
" Morning Mr Tucker" she said as her phone rang.
Lloyd began to walk toward his office.
She answered the call and then raised her hand. " Excuse me Mr Tucker".
" Yes Rhonda".
" There is a phone call for you on line 1".
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Lloyd Tucker turned on the left blinker and looked over at the security gate. He frowned as he stared at the old man who was lying by the gate. The light turned green and he slowly turned toward the gate. He stopped next to an old red security shack. A familiar figure stood next to it.
He lowered the window. " Good morning Gordon".
" Good morning Mr Tucker" the middle aged security man replied as he smiled and pushed the gate button.
" Gordon, has that old man been causing any trouble?".
" No, Mr Tucker" he exclaimed as the gate went up. " He just sits there and causes no trouble".
Lloyd frowned as he drove down into the underground parking lot. He parked in his designated spot, got out and then walked into the elevator. The elevator opened onto the 19th floor. He walked up to their new receptionist. " Good morning Rhonda".
" Morning Mr Tucker" she said as her phone rang.
Lloyd began to walk toward his office.
She answered the call and then raised her hand. " Excuse me Mr Tucker".
" Yes Rhonda".
" There is a phone call for you on line 1".
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
what are we here for? page 2
what are we here for? page 2 by ric gustafson.
John 13:34- ' A new command I give you: love one another. As I have loved you so you must love one another'
Nicholas watched as Pastor Stevens fell into the dunk tank. He noticed that everyone who had come to the church's Summerfest was having fun. As he walked toward his car to leave, he spotted his friend.
" Hello Nicholas" the Creator said with a smile as he handed a young boy a bean bag to throw. " Have you been enjoying today's community event?".
Nicholas looked around. " Everybody seems to be having a fun time".
" We must decide to love another" he said with a grin as he handed a bean bag to a young girl. " It is one of my commands that we love each other, believer and non believer".
" I try to".
" I know" the Creator said as he hugged the young boy who had just won the bean bag toss. " Love requires community, we need to be connected like at this event today to love one another".
research help: ' Better Together' by Rick Warren
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
John 13:34- ' A new command I give you: love one another. As I have loved you so you must love one another'
Nicholas watched as Pastor Stevens fell into the dunk tank. He noticed that everyone who had come to the church's Summerfest was having fun. As he walked toward his car to leave, he spotted his friend.
" Hello Nicholas" the Creator said with a smile as he handed a young boy a bean bag to throw. " Have you been enjoying today's community event?".
Nicholas looked around. " Everybody seems to be having a fun time".
" We must decide to love another" he said with a grin as he handed a bean bag to a young girl. " It is one of my commands that we love each other, believer and non believer".
" I try to".
" I know" the Creator said as he hugged the young boy who had just won the bean bag toss. " Love requires community, we need to be connected like at this event today to love one another".
research help: ' Better Together' by Rick Warren
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Veronica
Veronica by ric gustafson
I was in a large crowd that surrounded the Rabbi. I was not in a very good mood because I hurt from this bleeding going on inside me. This bleeding has been going on for twelve years and always makes me feel miserable. For years, doctors have tried to help me and I've spent all my money. I keep hoping my bleeding would get better but it actually got worse. I had heard about the Rabbi and the miracles he had performed. I thought maybe he could heal me.
I walked up behind him to touch his cloak when a synagogue ruler walked up to the Rabbi and asked him a question.
" My little daughter is dying, please come and put your hands on her so that she can be healed". The ruler's name was Jairus.
The Rabbi turned to go with him when I decided to do what I felt I had to do. I stood behind the Rabbi and touched the fringe of his cloak. Immediately, the horrible bleeding inside of me felt like it had finally stopped.
The Rabbi turned around. " Who touched my clothes?".
His followers replied ' you see the people crowding against you and yet you can ask who touched me".
As the Rabbi looked around to see who had done it, I tried to melt into the crowd. He looked right at me and I knew I could not hide. I fell at his feet trembling and told him the whole story.
" Daughter, your faith has healed you, go in peace and be freed from your suffering".
I looked out the window of the house and saw the procession coming. I knew why it was coming and where it was going. I knew that the condemned man being led to the Skull to be crucified was the Rabbi who healed me of my bleeding. As I stared out the window, I saw the Rabbi fall from the weight of the cross. The procession stopped right in front of my house. I felt compassion because the Rabbi did not look the same as he had before. His face was bloodied, his back appeared torn up and he kept falling. I decided to take a risk.
I picked up a cloth, ran out the door and up to the Rabbi. He had fallen again from the pain and exhaustion. I kneeled in front of him and wiped the blood from his face. The soldiers were stunned and astonished at this sudden act of kindness. Before the soldiers could react, the Rabbi looked at me and thanked me with his eyes.
" Woman, get out of the way" said one of the soldiers as he pushed me to the edge of the narrow sidewalk. I walked back into the house as the slow procession headed on it's way. I held the bloody cloth and cried into the night.
The End- dedicated to Tom E.
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric.
I was in a large crowd that surrounded the Rabbi. I was not in a very good mood because I hurt from this bleeding going on inside me. This bleeding has been going on for twelve years and always makes me feel miserable. For years, doctors have tried to help me and I've spent all my money. I keep hoping my bleeding would get better but it actually got worse. I had heard about the Rabbi and the miracles he had performed. I thought maybe he could heal me.
I walked up behind him to touch his cloak when a synagogue ruler walked up to the Rabbi and asked him a question.
" My little daughter is dying, please come and put your hands on her so that she can be healed". The ruler's name was Jairus.
The Rabbi turned to go with him when I decided to do what I felt I had to do. I stood behind the Rabbi and touched the fringe of his cloak. Immediately, the horrible bleeding inside of me felt like it had finally stopped.
The Rabbi turned around. " Who touched my clothes?".
His followers replied ' you see the people crowding against you and yet you can ask who touched me".
As the Rabbi looked around to see who had done it, I tried to melt into the crowd. He looked right at me and I knew I could not hide. I fell at his feet trembling and told him the whole story.
" Daughter, your faith has healed you, go in peace and be freed from your suffering".
I looked out the window of the house and saw the procession coming. I knew why it was coming and where it was going. I knew that the condemned man being led to the Skull to be crucified was the Rabbi who healed me of my bleeding. As I stared out the window, I saw the Rabbi fall from the weight of the cross. The procession stopped right in front of my house. I felt compassion because the Rabbi did not look the same as he had before. His face was bloodied, his back appeared torn up and he kept falling. I decided to take a risk.
I picked up a cloth, ran out the door and up to the Rabbi. He had fallen again from the pain and exhaustion. I kneeled in front of him and wiped the blood from his face. The soldiers were stunned and astonished at this sudden act of kindness. Before the soldiers could react, the Rabbi looked at me and thanked me with his eyes.
" Woman, get out of the way" said one of the soldiers as he pushed me to the edge of the narrow sidewalk. I walked back into the house as the slow procession headed on it's way. I held the bloody cloth and cried into the night.
The End- dedicated to Tom E.
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric.
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