Spiritual Roots: Prayer

Spiritual Roots: Prayer by ric gustafson


Prayer is a privilege that God gives us as his children. Philippians 4:6-7 says in everything by prayer and petition present our requests to God. God promises to hear us when we pray and answer our prayers in his time. In prayer God wants to know everything about our lives. I Thessalonians 5:17 says that God wants us to pray to him continually. No matter what storm comes into our lives, God wants us never to give up praying to him. Using prayer, our spiritual roots will grow and strengthen.


research help: ' Nearing Home' by Billy Graham


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Spiritual Roots: Holy Spirit

Spiritual Roots: Holy Spirit by ric gustafson


When we give our life to God, he comes to live in us. God's presence in us is the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is fully God. Even though we cannot see the Holy Spirit, it is active and working in us. When we give our lives to God, the Holy Spirit in us assures us of our salvation. The Holy Spirit helps us to discover God's will for us. The Holy Spirit encourages us to yearn for God. In times of trial, the Holy Spirit encourages us and helps us to overcome. God uses the Holy Spirit in us to change us from the inside. The Holy Spirit helps us to be more like Jesus. With the help of the Holy Spirit, our spiritual roots will grow strong.


research help: ' Nearing Home' by Billy Graham


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Spiritual Roots: God's Word

Spiritual Roots: God's Word by ric gustafson


The Bible is God's Word and God gave it to us for a specific reason. God wanted to teach us his truth and guide us through life. Isaiah 48:17 says I am the Lord your God who teaches you what is best for you and who directs you in the way you should go. We need God's Word if we are to be rooted in him. God's Word points us to the truth about God and ourselves. God's Word tells us about Jesus and his love for us. God's Word shows us principles, values and goals to live by. God's Word gives us practical wisdom for daily living. God's Word is filled with promises about love, peace and help in turmoil. God uses his Word for our spiritual roots to flourish and grow.


research help: ' Nearing Home' by Billy Graham


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Clue: the mystery at Oak Manor page 1

Clue: the mystery at Oak Manor page 1 by ric gustafson


The office felt cold like eating a bowl of ice cream. I walked toward the tiny office window. It was December 5th and I could see that it had started to snow. They were predicting several inches by the next morning and I was trying to finish up so I could go home. Business had been slow all year and I was looking forward to going home, heat up a Swanson dinner and watching Charles Stanley until it was time for bed.
I was about to turn off the green antique lamp that was on my cluttered desk when I heard a knock on my office door. I opened it to reveal a female who looked determined to talk to somebody. She had on a fancy blue dress and carried a red handbag.
" You are Mortimer Snelling the private eye?".
" Yes I am". She walked slowly into my tiny office. " Please have a seat".
She stood by my wooden chair that always falls apart. I scooped up the old newspapers that were on it. " Sorry about the clutter, I was just about to leave".
She sat down. " Your door sign says that you are a christian private investigator".
I sat down in my desk chair. " That's true I am".
" Can we talk Mr Snelling?".


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

the man who fed the birds and squirrels page 5

the man who fed the birds and squirrels page 5 by ric gustafson


Robbie raked up the last of the maple tree's leaves. He raked them into a pile and then put them into a paper yardwaste bag. He began to pick it up when he noticed a stranger putting bird seed into Mr Barnes's birdfeeder. Robbie walked over and opened the gate. He quickly walked over to the stranger. " Hi, I live next door".
" You must be Robbie".
" That's me".
" I'm Kevin". A sad look came over the stranger's face. " I'm sorry I have to tell you but my father recently passed away after a sudden heart attack".
Tears began to form in Robbie's eyes as he remembered the good times he had with Mr Barnes. " I'm sorry".
" Thank you". He smiled and took a piece of paper out of his back pocket. " Dad wanted you to have this". He walked away.
Robbie wiped the tears from his eyes and looked at the sheet of paper.
" My dearest Robbie, I am going home soon and I wanted you to have something very precious to me".
A tear came to Robbie again.
" Please take care of my birdfeeder, I know you love God's creations as much as I do".
Robbie smiled and then put the note in the bottom of the birdfeeder. He took it home, put birdseed in it and then put it by their back fence.

The End- dedicated to Tom E


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

names of God: Majesty on High

names of God: Majesty on High by ric gustafson


Hebrews 1:3- ' sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high'


This term refers to God the Father. Majesty means a grandeur imposing character having greatness. Kings and Queens are referred to as Your Majesty. The writer of this passage is telling people that instead of prophets, God speaks through his son Jesus. Jesus has been raised up and now sits at the right hand of God. God is the true unflawed Majesty on High.


research help: ' Beloved Names of God' by David McLaughlan


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

the man who fed the birds and squirrels page 4

the man who fed the birds and squirrels page 4 by ric gustafson


Robbie turned on the electric trimmer and began to trim around their fence. As he trimmed around the fence next to Mr Barnes's yard, he noticed that he was leaning against his wooden deck. To Robbie, it looked like something was wrong.
He turned off the trimmer, laid it down and ran toward his open gate. He quickly walked over to his friend. " Are you ok Mr Barnes?".
" Yes, my chest hurts a little bit" he said as he pointed toward his back fence. " Robbie, look over at the back fence near the bird feeder".
Robbie looked at the fence and saw a beautiful huge bird on top of it. " What kind of bird is that?".
" That my young friend is a hawk".
" It's beautiful".
" It sure is" Mr Barnes said as they walked closer.
All of a sudden, the bird slowly flew away into the sky.
" Look at that wingspan" Robbie said as the hawk disappeared over the trees.
" That's why I put bird seed out for the birds and squirrels" the old man said as he smiled. " Because they are all God's creations".


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

names of God: Dwelling Place

names of God: Dwelling Place by ric gustafson


Psalm 90:1- ' Lord, thou hast been our dwelling place'


This term refers to God the Father. The writer of this Psalm uses this term to signify a place where humankind really belongs. This passage draws a picture of man venting destructive notions and then hearing disapproval from God. God has always welcomed us back to him. On this earth we live in man made structures but as followers of God we know he is our dwelling place.


research help: ' Beloved Names of God' by David McLaughlan


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Taste page 7

Taste page 7 by ric gustafson


The second basic taste is bitter. In small amounts bitter like caffeine and alcohol can be a comfort. In larger doses these things can be lethal. Most people avoid bitter things. Many foods taste bitter. These include amino acids, lactone and peptides. Coffee is famous for it's bitter taste and that's because of it's phenolic acids. The bitterness of tea and chocolate comes from the same acids.


research help: ' Taste what you're missing' by Barb Stuckey


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Manumba page 2

Manumba page 2 by ric gustafson


Bryson watched his crops on Farmville. He felt a tap on his shoulder.
" Bryson, look at this large help wanted ad". Lewis handed his friend the help wanted section.
" Attention young unemployed christians" he said loudly. He turned toward his friend. " Well that certainly means us".
Lewis pointed at the ad. " It says if you want a change in your life, come to Manumba, work for us and get paid well". He smiled and looked at his friend. " Let's do it Bryson".
Bryson stared at the ad again. " It says that the train leaves at 7:00 tomorrow morning".
Lewis smiled. " Let's do it Bryson, what do we have to lose".
Bryson stared at the small print at the bottom of the ad. " It says to bring only one small suitcase".

Psalm 1:1-4 page 1

Psalm 1:1-4 page 1 by ric gustafson


' How blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked'

Psalm 1 starts with this passage. God does not want us to seek direction from those who do not know the Lord. Even if someone has a degree or much experience does not guarantee godly advice. Even christians are not always spiritually mature or wise. There is only one true path to godly advice and that path is the Scripture. By using the Word of God, there is no contradiction.


research help: In Touch June 2012


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Manumba page 1

Manumba page 1 by ric gustafson


Bryson Dawson picked up the green alley ball and wiped it off with a white towel. He stepped up to the arrow and looked to his left and right. Seeing nobody , he walked up and threw the ball. It hung on the gutter and then knocked down four pins. " Boy, I can't bowl today" he said with a sigh as he stared at the overhead score board. " Just like my luck trying to find a job".
" It's hard nowadays" his friend Lewis Neigh exclaimed as he watched his friend pick up his ball. He threw it and missed the spare. " I can't find one either".
" Want to go to the library?" Bryson asked as he picked up his ball to throw it. " Maybe we'll get lucky and see something in the want ads".
" Sure".

names of God: Restorer

names of God: Restorer by ric gustafson


Psalm 23:3- ' He restoreth my soul'


This term refers to God the Father. The term restore means to make things good as new. Psalm 23 is one of the most beloved passages in the bible. It starts with ' the Lord is my shepherd'. ' Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death' describes Jesus's path to eternal life. King David wrote that he restoreth my soul. God as the Restorer will restore our sinful souls for his name's sake.


research help: ' Beloved Names of God' by David McLaughlan

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Taste page 6

Taste page 6 by ric gustafson


The first basic taste is salt. Pure salt taste is a compound called sodium chloride. This compound we know as table salt. Salt makes savory foods taste better. We need a certain amount of sodium to regulate water balance in our cells and it helps our nerve and muscle function. We lose salt in our bodies through urine, feces and sweat. We crave salt when we lose sweat through exercise. When we add salt it overpowers tastes such as bitter or sour. Just a pinch of salt can make bad things taste better.
When we eat a lot of salty foods our blood pressure goes up. Campbell's and Frito Lay have made a large effort to reduce sodium in their foods.


research help: ' Taste what you're missing' by Barb Stuckey

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Taste page 5

Taste page 5 by ric gustafson


Now we are going to look at the sound of taste. A food company did a study that determined that background sounds affect how we think of food flavor. The study showed that when noise levels increased, patrons viewed food less salty and less sweet. When noise decreased, those taste perceptions increased. Loud music will boost alcohol sales and the music's tempo will affect how quickly patrons eat their meals. Hearing is important as you chew your food. You want to hear what you are eating.


research help: ' Taste what you're missing' by Barb Stuckey


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

names of God: Emmanuel

names of God: Emmanuel by ric gustafson


Matthew 1:23- ' And they shall call his name Emmanuel'


This term refers to God the Son. Emmanuel means God with us. Joseph being an honorable man was espoused to Mary but the marriage was not consummated when she was impregnated by the Holy Ghost. Joseph was going to quietly send her away when an angel came and explained the true nature of the child. The assurance that God is always with us is a blessing. If God is for us, who can be against us.

research help: ' Beloved Names of God' by David McLaughlan

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Taste page 4

Taste page 4 by ric gustafson


We looked at taste regarding texture and feel of food. Now we will look at what we see in regard to taste. In food development, sight is critical. When someone says that people eat with their eyes, it is so true. Our sense of sight is quicker than our sense of smell. Our hearing and our sight is external but we need to have food up close in order to smell and has to be in our mouths to taste. At the grocery store, you use your eyes to make sure that what you are buying is what you want. We use our eyes to determine how much we want to eat.


research help: ' Taste what you're missing' by Barb Stuckey


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

names of God: Seed of the Woman

names of God: Seed of the Woman by ric gustafson


Genesis 3:15- ' And I will put enmity between thee and the woman and between thy seed and her seed'


This term refers to God the Son. Jesus is prophesized as the Seed of the Woman and therefore a descendant of Eve. Jesus being a descendant of Eve fulfilled the promises God made in Eden. After the Fall, God said that Adam would toil away at the earth. He also said that Eve would bear children in pain. God then told the serpent that he would be ultimately defeated.


research help: ' Beloved Names of God' by David McLaughlan


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Taste page 3

Taste page 3 by ric gustafson


After looking at the building blocks of taste and smell, we come to touch. When we touch something like a ripe tomato, after we smell it we want to taste it. There is complexity to food texture. Touch is called the sensory homunculus. We use texture of food through touch along with sight, hearing, taste and smell. Food texture is determined by molecules in a food. This makes a banana different from a pear. Fruits and vegetables have a different texture because of their cell walls. Consistency is the key to food texture.
You use your teeth to feel texture by biting and chewing and using nerve fibers. You use your tongue inside your mouth as a muscle. Saliva is used to identify and appreciate food texture. Without saliva, we would not be able to swallow. The sound of the food we eat is important to texture.


research help: ' Taste what you're missing' by Barb Stuckey


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Life Goals: Affirmation

Life Goals: Affirmation by ric gustafson


Matthew 24:33 says that we are to recognize that he is near. Everyone wants to be recognized and feel that they are valued. God respects everyone whether they are a volunteer or get paid for a job. God knows the importance of a name and calls us friends. God wants his followers to value family, friends, co workers, colleagues and associates. God values everyone and wants us to do the same.


research help: ' Minute Motivators for Leaders' by Stan Toler


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

rest for the weary bed and dinner Inn page 2

rest for the weary bed and dinner Inn page 2 by ric gustafson

Shari Monroe's teeth chattered as she stared at the flap of her threadbare tent. She could not sleep because she was so cold. She tried to close her eyes but the wind and snow outside the tent made her open them again.
All of a sudden, she noticed that someone was outside the flap of the tent.
" Shari".
She smiled. It was the voice of the nice lady from the homeless shelter. She opened the flap. " Hi".
" Hi Shari, remember me".
" Yes". " You are the nice lady from the homeless shelter".
" That's right" she replied as she smiled. " I came to see how you are doing".
" I'm tired" Shari said as she yawned. " I'm also hungry and cold".
" Remember the blue house with the white picket fence I showed you the last time I was here".
" The nice quiet place that seemed like a sanctuary".
" Somebody there is waiting for you with a warm meal and a warm bed". " Will you try it if I take you there?".
" Yes".


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

comfort food: deviled eggs

comfort food: deviled eggs by ric gustafson


Stuffed hard boiled eggs started in the 15th century. The following century, eggs were boiled, the yolks removed and then mixed with spices. The yolk mixture was then put back into the shells.
In the 17th century, the eggs were seasoned with pepper and mustard. Because the spices were heated up, the nickname deviled eggs started.
In 1791, the term deviled eggs began to appear in print. As the years have gone by, a variety of spices have gone on top of the eggs including paprika, parsley and chives.


research help: ' Who put the Devil in Deviled Eggs?' by Ann Treistman


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Life Goals: Character

Life Goals: Character by ric gustafson


Hebrews 13:5 says I will never desert you nor will I ever forsake you. God wants his followers to do what is right at all times. God would rather that we do the right thing than in doing things right. God wants our motives to be right and honest. God wants us to do the right thing and that involves tough choices. God will help us with the moral, spiritual, ethical choices we need to make and will help us to make the right choices.

research help: ' Minute Motivators for Leaders' by Stan Toler


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Life Goals: Association

Life Goals: Association by ric gustafson


Romans 12:16 says that we are to be of the same mind toward one another and associate with the lowly. Christians need others with the same mind and spirit to keep us on the right track. We need christian mentors who will help us to succeed in our faith walk. II Thessalonians 3:14 says that if someone does not obey their instruction, we are not to associate with them. Success by association calls for us to rub shoulders with christian mentors to help us on our faith walk with God.


research help: ' Minute Motivators for Leaders' by Stan Toler

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

the stranger who came to town page 14

the stranger who came to town page 14 by ric gustafson


Parnell Richards walked into the cool service station lobby and put the $25.00 on the counter. " Morning Linda". He shook his head in frustration. " When are these horrible gas prices finally going to go down?".
" Hopefully soon" she replied as she put the money in the cash register. " That was $25 on pump 1".
" Yes". He watched as a stranger was talking to Mr Phipps.
Linda noticed him. " Mr Tang" she said loudly as she waved at him.
Homer walked in.
" Remember me" she said. She shook Mr Tang's hand. " I was sitting next to you in church yesterday".
Homer thought for a moment and then gave a sly grin. " Oh yes I remember you, how is your left shoulder?".
" Much better" was her reply as she gave change back to a customer. " Thanks to you".
Homer turned to leave.
" Mr Tang".
" Yes".
" To show my gratitude, would you like to come over tomorrow night for dinner with my husband and myself" she quietly asked as she looked out the large glass window for drive offs. " I make great pot roast".
" I would be delighted to".


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

works of mercy: counsel the doubtful

works of mercy: counsel the doubtful by ric gustafson


Sometimes counseling is difficult because doubt is not always bad. Matthew 11:3 points out that John the Baptist doubted both Jesus and himself. Matthew 26:31 Jesus warns his disciples including doubting Thomas that all of them would fall away. All christians doubt at one point or another. We might doubt Jesus, the church or the bible and these feelings could be emotions, intellect or will.
We are to worship God with our minds as well as with our hearts. Those who counsel the doubtful need to direct them to the truth. If someone is not interested in the truth, we need to pray for them.
God wants us to be honest doubters and not dishonest ones.


research help: ' The Work of Mercy' by Mark P Shea


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

names of God: The Way

names of God: The Way by ric gustafson


John 14:6- ' I am the way and the truth and the life'


This term refers to God the Son. The term The Way translates from the Hebrew meaning road or highway. Jesus was telling his disciples that he was going to his Father's house to prepare a place for them. Thomas asked how they would know the way. He told them that he was the way. Jesus is our ticket to heaven. He gives it to us and all we have to do is ask. Jesus simply says to us follow me.


research help: ' Beloved Names of God' by David McLaughlan


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

the Seven Spirits of God: the Spirit of Holiness

the Seven Spirits of God: the Spirit of Holiness by ric gustafson


Romans 1:4 states that the Spirit of Holiness is the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit's job is to work that holiness into all who believc in Jesus. The Holy Spirit leads and guides us through life. When we are born again, the Spirit of Holiness is planted in us as a seed. As the seed is watered with God's Word, we grow into a tree of righteousness. We need all areas of our heart to be opened for the Holy Spirit.
Hebrews 12:14 says that we are to pursue holiness. If our hearts are set on that pursuit, the Spirit of Holiness will aid and help us.

The End- dedicated to Tom E

research help: ' Knowing God Intimately' by Joyce Meyer


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

the Seven Spirits of God: the Spirit of Adoption

the Seven Spirits of God: the Spirit of Adoption by ric gustafson


Romans 8:15 shows us that the Holy Spirit is the Spirit of Adoption. We were sinners serving Satan but in his great mercy, God redeemed us. Anyone who loves Jesus and accepts him as their Savior is adopted by God. We are brought into the family of God and joint heirs with God and Jesus. God's traits and ways are to be duplicated in us.
The Holy Spirit slowly draws us into the family of God. Because we are a son or daughter of God, we are a legal joint heir with Christ.


research help: ' Knowing God Intimately' by Joyce Meyer


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

names of God: Eternal Spirit

names of God: Eternal Spirit by ric gustafson


Hebrews 9:14- ' who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God'


This term refers to God the Holy Spirit. The term Eternal Spirit refers to the relationship between God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit. This passage from Hebrews reminds the people to put old ways aside and move ahead in the guidance of the Holy Spirit. We need to always remember to thank the Eternal Spirit for everything.

research help: ' Beloved Names of God' by David McLaughlan

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

the Seven Spirits of God: the Spirit of Supplication

the Seven Spirits of God: the Spirit of Supplication by ric gustafson


According to Zechariah 12:10, the Holy Spirit is the Spirit of Supplication. The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of prayer. When we have the desire to pray, the Holy Spirit gives us that desire. The Holy Spirit not only leads us to pray but helps us to pray. We need to embrace the Spirit of Supplication  and let the ministry of pray flow through us.

research help: ' Knowing God Intimately' by Joyce Meyer

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

GPS page 1

GPS page 1 by ric gustafson


Coach Harold Snow smiled as he waited patiently for the excited players and their parents to sit down. " Please sit down" he said as the boys patted each other on the back and talked excitedly. " The faster you sit down the faster the pizza will come out".
Gino Mclaine tiredly walked out the swinging door and put six large pizzas on a long serving table. He smiled at the boys as Coach Snow lifted up the large trophy. " First of all, I wanted to thank Gino for letting us use this room for our celebration party".
The boys and their parents hooted their appreciation.
" Second, without Gino's financial help with our uniforms, there would be no league trophy". Coach Snow looked at Gino. " You have my thanks".
Gino stared at the hungry ball players. " The pizza is here, come and get it". As the boys ran and opened the boxes, Gino wiped his hands on his apron and walked back into the kitchen. He looked up toward heaven. " One more brownie point for me".


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

names of God: Living Stone

names of God: Living Stone by ric gustafson


I Peter 2:4- ' To whom coming as unto a living stone'


This term refers to God the Son. The living stone is the fullfillment of the prophecy which started with the arrival of the Chief Cornerstone. With Jesus as the Chief Cornerstone, Peter in this passage is encouraging people to join in a spiritual foundation. We as followers of Jesus are the building blocks in this spiritual foundation . Starting with Jesus the Chief Cornerstone, the foundation of God's Church will go up and we God's building blocks will make it stronger and taller.


research help: ' Beloved Names of God' by David McLaughlan


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

the Seven Spirits of God: the Spirit of Truth

the Seven Spirits of God: the Spirit of Truth by ric gustafson


John 16:13 says that when He the Spirit of Truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth. In this passage, Jesus is referring to the Holy Spirit as the Spirit of Truth. Jesus also refers to himself as the Way the Truth and the Life. The Holy Spirit works in our lives as much as we are able to handle. Because the Holy Spirit is the Spirit of Truth, it will guide us into all truth. Jesus does not want us to be afraid of the truth. Revelation from the Holy Spirit will not come until we are ready. God wants us to trust him and not our feelings.


research help: ' Knowing God Intimately' by Joyce Meyer


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

the return to the land of Dante page 10

the return to the land of Dante page 10 by ric gustafson


Aaron and the old man walked down the concrete steps and stopped in front of a steel door.
" This door will lead us to circle four".
" That's right" the old man replied. " If you kick the door handle, it will likely come off".
Aaron smiled and then kicked the handle with his left leg.
It came off just like the old man predicted.
Aaron opened the door and they walked out toward what looked like the rim of a landfill. As they watched, a strange event was happening. A bulldozer run by a demon was pushing broken furniture and rusty appliances and other junk down into the landfill. People down in the landfill were cursing the bulldozer and bringing the items back up to the rim.
" Old man, who are those poor people?".
" Wasters and Hoarders" he said as he pointed at the people on the rim who were throwing junk over the rim. " Those people were sent here and they will be doing that for all of eternity".
" Old man, where are we going now?".
" The River of Hate or in Greek the River Styx".


research help: ' My visit to Hell' by Paul Thigpen


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

the story of Sarai page 17

the story of Sarai page 17 by ric gustafson


A servant of Pharaoh was inspecting some of the donkeys and camels that were to be given to Abram. Sadness came to Abram's face. ' Adonai Elohim, how do I get my wife back' he thought. A slave ran up to them. " On orders of Pharaoh, you must come back".
" What happened?".
" Illness has befallen Pharaoh's sons, wives and his daughters". The servant and slave left.
Abram began to worry about his wife and hoping she was safe. He knew that he needed to form a plan to get his beloved wife away from this terrible situation.
Hagar quietly walked into the mosaic tiled foyer of Pharaoh's court. She walked up to her father who was sitting next to Pharaoh. " Father, I must speak to you".
Osahar stared at her daughter. " Yes Hagar".
" I know the reason for the court's illness".


research help: ' Sarai' by Jill Eileen Smith


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Hershey page 3

Hershey page 3 by ric gustafson


Milton Hershey bought the first car in Lancaster and advertised his chocolate. In 1907, Milton invented a little piece of chocolate and put it in tin foil. The Hershey's Kiss was born. Milton treated his employees well and built parks, an amusement park and a zoo for them to enjoy. During the Great Depression, none of his employees lost their jobs. Milton and his wife Kitty started a school for orphaned boys.
In 1915, Kitty Hershey died. In 1918, Milton gave his entire fortune to the Milton Hershey School. On October 13, 1945 Milton Hershey died. He was 88 years old and his chocolate factory in Hershey Pennsylvania is still the largest chocolate plant in the world.

The End- dedicated to Tom E

research help: ' Milton Hershey Chocolate King Town Builder' by Charnan Simon


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Hershey page 2

Hershey page 2 by ric gustafson


Back home in Lancaster, Milton Hershey scraped enough money together to try one more candy business. This time he began to make caramel candies made with fresh milk. Milton knew from past experience that milk kept the candy fresh. He started a company called the Lancaster Caramel Company.
His company was making him a huge success but in 1893 all that would change. Milton went to the 1893 Chicago Exposition and he watched a demonstration of chocolate making equipment. Milton's factory began to make chocolate candies. In 1900, Milton sold his caramel factory for one million dollars and began to focus on chocolate. Milton built a factory for making chocolate in Derry Pennsylvania. Milton came up with the idea of building a town strictly for his employees.
The town of Hershey started with two streets, Chocolate and Cocoa Avenues. The Hershey Chocolate Company was successful because it concentrated on one thing, a simple milk chocolate candy bar.


research help: ' Milton Hershey Chocolate King Town Builder' by Charnan Simon


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Hershey page 1

Hershey page 1 by ric gustafson


Milton Snavely Hershey was born in Derry Pennsylvania on September 13 1857. Milton attended a one room school called Derry Church School. By the time Milton turned thirteen, he had attended six schools. Milton's mother Fanny Hershey found Milton a job working in an ice cream parlor making candy. By the time he was sixteen, Milton was an apprentice candy maker.
In Philadelphia Pennsylvania, Milton borrowed money from his uncle Abraham and set up his first candy shop. The business failed and Milton moved to Denver and set up a candy shop. That candy business failed along with one in Chicago, New Orleans and New York. Twenty nine year old Milton moved back home in 1886 after every candy shop he started failed.


research help: ' Milton Hershey Chocolate King Town Builder' by Charnan Simon


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

rest for the weary bed and dinner Inn page 1

rest for the weary bed and dinner Inn page 1 by ric gustafson


Harry Monroe and the young real estate agent walked up the cracked sidewalk and tried to open the wooden gate. Agent Hank Kowalski tried to pull on the black handle. " As you can see the place needs some TLC". He pulled once more and the gate opened.
They walked past a Kroeker Real Estate sign that was on the edge of the weed covered lawn. They walked up the chipped sidewalk and stopped at a blue door that was starting to lose it's paint. Both men stared at the rundown house.
" Because of the condition of the house, the price has been greatly reduced" Hank said as he smiled. " Why did you want to find a house downtown?".
" My dream is to find a rundown house, fix it up and start a ministry here downtown". He stared at the house again. " How much are you asking for?". The young agent took out a sheet from his manila folder and told Harry the numbers.
" I'll take it".


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

names of God: Fountain of Living Waters

names of God: Fountain of Living Waters by ric gustafson


Jeremiah 2:13-' They have forsaken me the fountain of living waters'


This term refers to God the Father. In this passage, God through his prophet Jeremiah is telling the people he is frustrated that they are once again turning to false gods. Even solid rock cisterns that collect water are cracking. In this passage, God is calling himself the fountain of living waters. Jesus and the Holy Spirit are life sustaining waters. God is the fountain from which this living water flows.


research help: ' Beloved names of God' by David McLaughlan


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

the story of Sarai page 16

the story of Sarai page 16 by ric gustafson


A servant showed Sarai a room with white tiles. Outside the wall was a courtyard garden. " This will be your room for the next month" she said as she opened a chest and took out a sheer robe. She handed the robe to Sarai. " If the king is pleased with you, he will marry you". " And if not, you will become one of his concubine".
" What do I use the robe for?".
" It is part of your nightclothes" she said as she pointed at the chest. " The rest of your clothes are in here".
" What is your name servant?".
" I am called Hagar".
" How old are you Hagar?".
" Sixteen my lady".
" I'm hungry".
Hagar smiled. " I will bring some fish, bread and honey".


research help: ' Sarai' by Jill Eileen Smith


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

comfort food: cobb salad

comfort food: cobb salad by ric gustafson


In 1937, Robert H Cobb was looking for a midnight snack. He mixed together the ingredients that he could find. Lettuce, avocado, romaine, tomatoes, chicken breast, an egg and french dressing. The chicken and avocado offset the cheese and bacon.
The Brown Derby restaurant in Hollywood loved the Cobb Salad. Hollywood stars such as Clark Gable and Humphrey Bogart loved the new salad the restaurant had on it's menu.


research help: ' Who put the Devil in Deviled Eggs?' by Ann Treistman


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

a life of purpose 2012 page 2

a life of purpose 2012 page 2 by ric gustafson


Nicholas ate the last bite of his wheat toast and then looked at the clock on the stove. He took a sip of his coffee and then dumped the rest of it down the drain. He knew he was already late for work. As he opened the hallway closet to put his coat on, he heard the doorbell.
" Who could that be this early in the morning?" he muttered. He walked down the wooden steps to the marble landing and opened the door. It was the Creator.
" Good morning Nicholas" he said with a smile. " I was jogging and thought that I would stop and say hello".
Nicholas stared at his watch. " I'm sorry I can't talk right now I'm late for work".
" Were you able to do your personal devotions this morning?".
" No" was his reply as he put his coat on. " I stayed up too late and woke up late this morning".
" You were created to be with God first and then with others".
" It's easier for me to have personal devotions at night than in the morning".
" That's great, you cannot have two masters".
" Two masters?".
"  Either you love God first or everything else first".
" I love God first"
" Great" the Creator replied. He opened the door to leave. " I better let you get to work".
" Goodbye".


research help: ' The Relationship Principles of Jesus' by Tom Holladay


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

through the eyes of a child page 13

through the eyes of a child page 13 by ric gustafson


Kelly listened as the van turned off the main road onto what seemed like a gravel road. She wasn't sure how long they had been driving since the gas station. Her mouth was sore from the masking tape and she was really thirsty. After a while on the gravel road, the van finally stopped. Kelly saw the back door of the van open and for the first time, she really studied the man who had kidnapped her.
A short pudgy man who wore spectacles reached over and Kelly thought he was going to harm her. " If you promise not to scream, I will take the tape off". He gave her a stern look. " Promise".
Kelly nodded yes.
He slowly took the tape off of her mouth.
" I'm really thirsty".
He opened up a small black bag and took out a thermos. He poured some of it into a cup and handed it to her. " Drink this".
She felt uneasy as she lifted the cup to her mouth. She was so thirsty that she did not care. She drank the entire cup. After a few moments, she felt woozy and could not think or see straight.
" Lord, please protect me". Her eyes closed.


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

a life of purpose 2012 page 1

a life of purpose 2012 page 1 by ric gustafson


Nicholas walked up the steps toward the front door. He noticed that the lawn was getting long and needed mowing. He had not seen his neighbor Mabel for a while and was beginning to worry that something was wrong. He rang the doorbell. The door opened and a smile came to Nicholas's face. It was the Creator.
" Hello Nicholas".
" Hi" he replied. " I came over because I was worried about Mabel".
" That's great" he said with a smile. " Nothing is more important than relationships". " Can you trim the lawn while I mow?".
" Sure".
The Creator opened the garage door. He got the mower out and began to fill it with gasoline. " Nicholas, how do you feel about relationships?".
" I try to have a good relationship with everyone".
" Good" he said as he handed Nicholas the electric trimmer. " Relationships must be given the highest of values".
" Ok".
" I created you for relationships".


research help: ' The Relationship Principles of Jesus' by Tom Holladay


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

the stranger who came to town page 13

the stranger who came to town page 13 by ric gustafson


Mark Phipps put the rag and cleaner back on the hook and then put the nozzle back on the pump latch. " That will be thirty even Mrs Doyle" he said as he noticed the green Saturn Ion drive into pump number two.
" These prices are horrible" she said as she handed him a twenty and a ten. As she drove off, he noticed a young man, who was wearing a red shirt and dark sunglasses, pumping gas into the Saturn. Because he had never seen the stranger before, he walked over to pump number two.
" Can I help you?".
" Yes, my name is Homer and I've been hearing strange noises under the hood".
" I'll take a look for you" he said with a smile as he pointed with his finger. " Just drive into the first shop bed".
Homer put the nozzle back on the pump latch, locked the cap back on and then drove the car into the shop bed.
Mark opened the hood and peered inside. " It looks like one of your belts needs to be replaced".
" How long will that take?".
" Not long". He wiped his dirty hands off with a rag. " I have that belt in stock and it wouldn't take long".
Homer heard his name being called from inside the station lobby. He gave Mark a strange grin and then walked into the lobby.


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

comfort food: caesar salad

comfort food: caesar salad by ric gustafson


In 1924, Caesar Cardini an Italian immigrant had opened a restaurant in Mexico. One night after a huge influx of unexpected patrons, the restaurant was running out of salad ingredients. He brought out some unique ingredients, tossed them together in a bowl and the caesar salad was born.
Some food historians argue that Italian immigrant Giacomo Junia tossed the first caesar salad in Chicago. Junia named his salad after Julius Caesar.
In 1948, Cardini marketed a unique salad dressing called the original caesar dressing.


research help: ' Who put the Devil in Deviled Eggs' by Ann Treistman


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Beatitudes 2012 page 9

Beatitudes 2012 page 9 by ric gustafson


I walked up to the young man to thank him.
" Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness for theirs is the kingdom of heaven".
" Thank you for your talk" I said with a smile as I shook the young man's hand.
" Roger, have you ever felt persecuted?".
" Sometimes". I pondered that thought for a moment. " I feel like that at work".
" You are on a journey of perseverance and growing in faith".
" How long is this journey?".
" For a period of time but do not worry" he said as he grinned at me. " Your victory is secured".
" How do I know?".
" Be at peace because God and I love you very much".
I glanced at my watch. It was time to return to work. I looked up to notice that the young man had disappeared. I walked back to the office with peace in my heart.


The End- dedicated to Tom E


research help: ' A Beautiful Offering' by Angela Thomas


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric