New Year Joy: the joy of adversity by ric gustafson
God hides hidden purposes in the adversity he allows. The Apostle Paul wrote several letters in the New Testament which are referred to as the Prison Epistles. He wrote these letters while in prison. He wrote about the hard and difficult times he faced there. Yet the Apostle Paul knew that the suffering and pain he endured was part of God's plan for his life. His adversity in prison gave him the chance to witness to the guards guarding him and others. Paul's adversity provides courage to us and fellow believers. Adversity can strengthen our character in regard to our friendships with others. Adversity can provide growth for our lives. Adversity can purify our motives. Adversity can help us to see better life now and death to come.
research help: ' Turning Toward Joy' by David Jeremiah
Peace and Joy. Love Ric
Monday, December 30, 2013
Friday, December 27, 2013
Matthew 20: 1-16 page 2
Matthew 20: 1-16 page 2 by ric gustafson
About 9:00, Diane was helping a potential worker fill out an application form. Her phone rang. " Diane, this is Doreen". The tired voice continued. " That landowner called and he needs more workers".
" Ok, I'll ask those who are here". She looked up from her phone. " Is there anybody willing to do a one day outside job for $240".
Several hands shot up.
" There is a van outside to take you to the landowner's property". This occurred again at 12 noon and around 3:00. At about 5:00, she noticed that Roger Allen was still sitting in the waiting area. " Roger, why are you still sitting here?".
" Nobody 's given me a job today".
Her phone rang.
" Roger, would you like a quick job for an hour doing an outside labor project for a local landowner?".
Joyfully he stood up. " You bet".
" The van is outside to take you to the job".
Roger ran out to the van.
At 6:00, the landowner came and gave Doreen a folder full of pay envelopes to give to the workers.
At 6:30, the workers came back and waited in the waiting area to receive their wages.
Doreen handed Bobby and John their pay envelopes. They smiled when they saw $ 240 in cash. They were very tired and sunburned.
Roger opened his pay envelope and was totally surprised. Even though he worked only one hour, he still had $240 in cash in his envelope.
" Wait a minute" Bobby said out loud as he noticed what Roger was just given. " John and I worked all day in the sun and got sunburned and Roger who worked only one hour got the same amount we did".
The landowner walked out of Doreen's office and now stood next to her. " I have done no wrong because you agreed to the wage I paid you". He raised his hand to end the arguing. " Take what is yours and go".
" The first shall be last and the last first".
The End.
research help: original story
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
About 9:00, Diane was helping a potential worker fill out an application form. Her phone rang. " Diane, this is Doreen". The tired voice continued. " That landowner called and he needs more workers".
" Ok, I'll ask those who are here". She looked up from her phone. " Is there anybody willing to do a one day outside job for $240".
Several hands shot up.
" There is a van outside to take you to the landowner's property". This occurred again at 12 noon and around 3:00. At about 5:00, she noticed that Roger Allen was still sitting in the waiting area. " Roger, why are you still sitting here?".
" Nobody 's given me a job today".
Her phone rang.
" Roger, would you like a quick job for an hour doing an outside labor project for a local landowner?".
Joyfully he stood up. " You bet".
" The van is outside to take you to the job".
Roger ran out to the van.
At 6:00, the landowner came and gave Doreen a folder full of pay envelopes to give to the workers.
At 6:30, the workers came back and waited in the waiting area to receive their wages.
Doreen handed Bobby and John their pay envelopes. They smiled when they saw $ 240 in cash. They were very tired and sunburned.
Roger opened his pay envelope and was totally surprised. Even though he worked only one hour, he still had $240 in cash in his envelope.
" Wait a minute" Bobby said out loud as he noticed what Roger was just given. " John and I worked all day in the sun and got sunburned and Roger who worked only one hour got the same amount we did".
The landowner walked out of Doreen's office and now stood next to her. " I have done no wrong because you agreed to the wage I paid you". He raised his hand to end the arguing. " Take what is yours and go".
" The first shall be last and the last first".
The End.
research help: original story
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Thursday, December 26, 2013
crimes of the century: John Wayne Gacy
crimes of the century: John Wayne Gacy by ric gustafson
Starting in January 1972 and escalating in 1975, young boys and young men were disappearing in Chicago. During a six year wave of terror, at least 33 boys and young men were murdered. One day, the murder of 15 year old Robert Piest led investigators to the home of John Wayne Gacy. A background check had revealed that Gacy had been in an Iowa prison for sodomizing a teenage boy. A December 1978 search of Gacy's home revealed 27 bodies had been buried under the house, in the backyard and the garage. Piest's body and others were in a nearby river.
Gacy was convicted of the killings in 1980 and executed by lethal injection 14 years later.
research help: Enquirer Special Investigation
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Starting in January 1972 and escalating in 1975, young boys and young men were disappearing in Chicago. During a six year wave of terror, at least 33 boys and young men were murdered. One day, the murder of 15 year old Robert Piest led investigators to the home of John Wayne Gacy. A background check had revealed that Gacy had been in an Iowa prison for sodomizing a teenage boy. A December 1978 search of Gacy's home revealed 27 bodies had been buried under the house, in the backyard and the garage. Piest's body and others were in a nearby river.
Gacy was convicted of the killings in 1980 and executed by lethal injection 14 years later.
research help: Enquirer Special Investigation
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Matthew 20: 1-16 page 1
Matthew 20: 1-16 page 1 by ric gustafson
Diane Snyder yawned as she unlocked the door. She turned on the main lights and then sat down at her desk. She enjoyed working at the temp agency but sometimes it was very hectic. She noticed that her supervisor's office light was on and that her supervisor was talking to someone. She prepared the coffee pot and turned on the machine.
Her supervisor and a client walked out of the office. He walked out.
" Diane" Doreen Greene said as she walked toward her desk. " That was Mr Rogness and he is a big landowner here in town". She smiled. " He has a one day project until 6 tonight and needs a lot of workers". She thought for a moment. " Oh, he has agreed to pay $ 240 for a day's work which is very generous".
Just then, two of their early morning workers came in.
" Diane" Bobby Long said as he stopped at her desk. " John and I were wondering if you had any day jobs available".
" Actually I do". She handed him an explanation sheet. " It's a one day outside labor job and the client is paying $ 20 an hour".
Bobby smiled at his friend. " Great, we'll take it".
Diane grinned. " There's a van outside to transport you to the job site".
" Thanks Diane". Bobby and his friend walked out to the white van.
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Diane Snyder yawned as she unlocked the door. She turned on the main lights and then sat down at her desk. She enjoyed working at the temp agency but sometimes it was very hectic. She noticed that her supervisor's office light was on and that her supervisor was talking to someone. She prepared the coffee pot and turned on the machine.
Her supervisor and a client walked out of the office. He walked out.
" Diane" Doreen Greene said as she walked toward her desk. " That was Mr Rogness and he is a big landowner here in town". She smiled. " He has a one day project until 6 tonight and needs a lot of workers". She thought for a moment. " Oh, he has agreed to pay $ 240 for a day's work which is very generous".
Just then, two of their early morning workers came in.
" Diane" Bobby Long said as he stopped at her desk. " John and I were wondering if you had any day jobs available".
" Actually I do". She handed him an explanation sheet. " It's a one day outside labor job and the client is paying $ 20 an hour".
Bobby smiled at his friend. " Great, we'll take it".
Diane grinned. " There's a van outside to transport you to the job site".
" Thanks Diane". Bobby and his friend walked out to the white van.
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Wednesday, December 25, 2013
James 4: 13-17 page 2
James 4: 13-17 page 2 by ric gustafson
Wilma walked out the front door and down the concrete steps. She walked up to the white minivan and then leaned on it. She started to stretch her legs to do her daily jog.
Her husband Mick pulled into the driveway and got out of the green Saturn. He walked over to the blue wooden mailbox and took out their mail. He bent down and picked up their newspaper. " How was the bible study?".
" It was fine" she replied as she began to run in place. " How was your meeting with Mr Jameson?".
" He postponed it until tomorrow but I know I'll get the promotion".
" How do you know that?".
" As much profit as I have earned for them, I know he's going to give me the promotion".
She kept stretching her legs. " Have you ever read James 4?".
" No". He gave her a quizzical stare. " I don't read the bible very much".
" James 4 says that we are like a vapor that appears for a little while and then vanishes".
" What does that mean?".
" Instead of boasting, you should say if the Lord wills, it will happen".
The next day
She was in the garage putting some gardening tools away when she heard her husband's Saturn pull up into the driveway.
She took a paper bag and knelt down in the front lawn to pick up some leaves. " How did the meeting go?".
He glumly walked toward the front door. " I did not get it".
The End
research help: a Pastor Tyler sermon
Everyone take care. Love Ric
Wilma walked out the front door and down the concrete steps. She walked up to the white minivan and then leaned on it. She started to stretch her legs to do her daily jog.
Her husband Mick pulled into the driveway and got out of the green Saturn. He walked over to the blue wooden mailbox and took out their mail. He bent down and picked up their newspaper. " How was the bible study?".
" It was fine" she replied as she began to run in place. " How was your meeting with Mr Jameson?".
" He postponed it until tomorrow but I know I'll get the promotion".
" How do you know that?".
" As much profit as I have earned for them, I know he's going to give me the promotion".
She kept stretching her legs. " Have you ever read James 4?".
" No". He gave her a quizzical stare. " I don't read the bible very much".
" James 4 says that we are like a vapor that appears for a little while and then vanishes".
" What does that mean?".
" Instead of boasting, you should say if the Lord wills, it will happen".
The next day
She was in the garage putting some gardening tools away when she heard her husband's Saturn pull up into the driveway.
She took a paper bag and knelt down in the front lawn to pick up some leaves. " How did the meeting go?".
He glumly walked toward the front door. " I did not get it".
The End
research help: a Pastor Tyler sermon
Everyone take care. Love Ric
James 4: 13-17 page 1
James 4: 13-17 page 1 by ric gustafson
Wilma Heinrich put down the study of Job she was working on. She walked over to the foyer closet, opened it and took out a green vacuum cleaner. As she plugged it in, she heard her husband walk into the kitchen.
" Hi honey" Mick Heinrich said as he put his dark brown briefcase on the new countertop. " Guess what happened at work?".
She sat down and began to work on her bible study. " What?".
He walked over and gave her a peck on the cheek. " At the meeting today we found out profits are up, sales are up and mostly because of me".
She sipped from a bottled water. " Really".
" Tomorrow, I have a meeting with Mr Jameson" he exclaimed as he glanced at the mail. " I have a feeling that I will be getting that Vice President promotion".
She got up, walked over to the dishwasher and opened it to empty it out. " How do you know that?".
" I just know it". He smiled at his wife. " Just you wait and see".
He watched her as she took a washcloth and began to wipe down the countertop. " Why are you cleaning the house?".
" God willing, I'm going to have bible study here tomorrow".
" Oh that's right" he replied with a grin as he began to walk upstairs. " I'll let you know about my new job promotion".
research help: a Pastor Tyler sermon
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Wilma Heinrich put down the study of Job she was working on. She walked over to the foyer closet, opened it and took out a green vacuum cleaner. As she plugged it in, she heard her husband walk into the kitchen.
" Hi honey" Mick Heinrich said as he put his dark brown briefcase on the new countertop. " Guess what happened at work?".
She sat down and began to work on her bible study. " What?".
He walked over and gave her a peck on the cheek. " At the meeting today we found out profits are up, sales are up and mostly because of me".
She sipped from a bottled water. " Really".
" Tomorrow, I have a meeting with Mr Jameson" he exclaimed as he glanced at the mail. " I have a feeling that I will be getting that Vice President promotion".
She got up, walked over to the dishwasher and opened it to empty it out. " How do you know that?".
" I just know it". He smiled at his wife. " Just you wait and see".
He watched her as she took a washcloth and began to wipe down the countertop. " Why are you cleaning the house?".
" God willing, I'm going to have bible study here tomorrow".
" Oh that's right" he replied with a grin as he began to walk upstairs. " I'll let you know about my new job promotion".
research help: a Pastor Tyler sermon
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Tuesday, December 24, 2013
the heist of the century
the heist of the century by ric gustafson
On Aug 8 1963, twelve men robbed a Glasgow to London Royal Mail train. The men switched the signals and made the driver stop in the darkness. The robbery netted the men 125 sacks of banknotes worth more than 50 million today.
Ronnie Biggs was caught and jailed. He escaped from a London prison and his running from the law became a media sensation. He turned into a British folk hero. To escape British justice, Biggs moved to Brazil.
In 2001, he returned to England and was sentenced to thirty years. 15 months into his sentence he escaped from London's Wandsworth Prison. He fled to France, Australia and Panama. He spent thirty years in Brazil making a living from his notoriety. He died recently at the age of 84.
research help: an Omaha World Herald article
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
On Aug 8 1963, twelve men robbed a Glasgow to London Royal Mail train. The men switched the signals and made the driver stop in the darkness. The robbery netted the men 125 sacks of banknotes worth more than 50 million today.
Ronnie Biggs was caught and jailed. He escaped from a London prison and his running from the law became a media sensation. He turned into a British folk hero. To escape British justice, Biggs moved to Brazil.
In 2001, he returned to England and was sentenced to thirty years. 15 months into his sentence he escaped from London's Wandsworth Prison. He fled to France, Australia and Panama. He spent thirty years in Brazil making a living from his notoriety. He died recently at the age of 84.
research help: an Omaha World Herald article
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
crimes of the century: the Unabomber
crimes of the century: the Unabomber by ric gustafson
From 1978 to 1995, someone was sending homemade bombs across the country. Three people were killed and injured 23 more. A million dollar reward and an eighteen year search were unable to track down and capture this person.
A manifesto rambling about society was published in the New York Times and the Washington Post. David Kaczynski recognized the writing and contacted the authorities. His brother, Ted was arrested in 1996 in a remote cabin in Lincoln Montana. He pleaded guilty in 1998 and is serving a life sentence in a federal prison in Colorado.
research help: Enquirer Special Investigation
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
From 1978 to 1995, someone was sending homemade bombs across the country. Three people were killed and injured 23 more. A million dollar reward and an eighteen year search were unable to track down and capture this person.
A manifesto rambling about society was published in the New York Times and the Washington Post. David Kaczynski recognized the writing and contacted the authorities. His brother, Ted was arrested in 1996 in a remote cabin in Lincoln Montana. He pleaded guilty in 1998 and is serving a life sentence in a federal prison in Colorado.
research help: Enquirer Special Investigation
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Monday, December 23, 2013
Christmas Greetings from the Bob Lewis Museum page 2
Christmas Greetings from the Bob Lewis Museum page 2 by ric gustafson
I drove up a long hill and then noticed a small yellow house that was surrounded by a white picket fence. I stopped the car in the large snowy driveway. A sign in the front yard said ' The Bob Lewis Museum come on in'. Doris and I got out and quietly walked across the yard to a screen door. I knocked.
A big burly man wearing coveralls opened the door. " Hi, I'm Bob Lewis".
" Hi" I replied as Doris smiled. " My wife and I saw your billboard and was curious about your museum".
" Great". He shook my hand. " That'll be two dollars to see it".
I took out my wallet and gave him two ones.
" Follow me, the museum is outside in my barn".
As we walked toward the front door, he pointed toward a side table. " Would you like a Christmas cookie that my wife just baked?".
" No thanks" I replied with a shrug of my head. " I'm diabetic".
We walked out the screen door and walked across the snowy ground. We walked up to what looked like a typical farmer's barn. He opened the latch on the door and slowly opened it. He turned on an inside light. When the light lit up the inside of the barn, my jaw dropped. I saw row after row of everything that you could think of. " What is all this stuff?".
" I opened the Museum to show people my treasures". He smiled at me. " Here I'll show you".
He walked over to a shelf and pointed at an old waffle iron. " My mother made the best waffles".
Doris walked over to an old tractor that was in a corner of the barn. " Jack, my father had a tractor just like this one on the farm where I grew up".
Jack thought for a moment. " Thinking about all this stuff reminds me about Matthew 6".
" About not hoarding treasure but stockpile treasure in heaven".
" You know the bible passage".
" Actually someone years ago showed me that passage". He grinned at Jack. " I'll tell you what I told him".
" What 's that?".
" I enjoy having my treasures with me".
A voice came from the house. " Bob, it's time to eat".
He smiled. " Well, I better lock up".
As we walked out the barn door, he locked it. " Thanks for coming and looking at my Museum". He shook my hand and then walked into the house.
As Doris and I left to continue our journey back home, I pondered what had just happened.
The End.
research help: original story
A Merry Christmas to all of you. Love Ric
I drove up a long hill and then noticed a small yellow house that was surrounded by a white picket fence. I stopped the car in the large snowy driveway. A sign in the front yard said ' The Bob Lewis Museum come on in'. Doris and I got out and quietly walked across the yard to a screen door. I knocked.
A big burly man wearing coveralls opened the door. " Hi, I'm Bob Lewis".
" Hi" I replied as Doris smiled. " My wife and I saw your billboard and was curious about your museum".
" Great". He shook my hand. " That'll be two dollars to see it".
I took out my wallet and gave him two ones.
" Follow me, the museum is outside in my barn".
As we walked toward the front door, he pointed toward a side table. " Would you like a Christmas cookie that my wife just baked?".
" No thanks" I replied with a shrug of my head. " I'm diabetic".
We walked out the screen door and walked across the snowy ground. We walked up to what looked like a typical farmer's barn. He opened the latch on the door and slowly opened it. He turned on an inside light. When the light lit up the inside of the barn, my jaw dropped. I saw row after row of everything that you could think of. " What is all this stuff?".
" I opened the Museum to show people my treasures". He smiled at me. " Here I'll show you".
He walked over to a shelf and pointed at an old waffle iron. " My mother made the best waffles".
Doris walked over to an old tractor that was in a corner of the barn. " Jack, my father had a tractor just like this one on the farm where I grew up".
Jack thought for a moment. " Thinking about all this stuff reminds me about Matthew 6".
" About not hoarding treasure but stockpile treasure in heaven".
" You know the bible passage".
" Actually someone years ago showed me that passage". He grinned at Jack. " I'll tell you what I told him".
" What 's that?".
" I enjoy having my treasures with me".
A voice came from the house. " Bob, it's time to eat".
He smiled. " Well, I better lock up".
As we walked out the barn door, he locked it. " Thanks for coming and looking at my Museum". He shook my hand and then walked into the house.
As Doris and I left to continue our journey back home, I pondered what had just happened.
The End.
research help: original story
A Merry Christmas to all of you. Love Ric
Saturday, December 21, 2013
New Year Joy: the joy of community
New Year Joy: the joy of community by ric gustafson
An attitude of love is humility. Being a servant is a title of dignity and humility. Love thrives through unity. Saints literally means the set apart ones. Saints are not meant for isolation but for community. Fellowship is central to followers of Jesus Christ. The Spirit of Unity is used by Grace the Gentile greeting and Peace the Jewish greeting.
Intimacy is the action of love. To love someone is one thing, to express that love is something else. We need a spirit of gratitude to always tell God thank you for everything. The affirmation of love is security. God wants us to grow in four aspects of our spiritual lives. The first is that he wants us to grow in our spiritual devotion. God wants our love to deepen and intensify. Second is that God wants us to grow in our spiritual discernment. God wants our grace to grow. Third is that God wants us to grow in spiritual development. God wants us to be real in our walk with him. Fourth is that God wants us to grow in spiritual deportment. God wants our hearts and minds to produce a rich spiritual harvest.
The joy of community is loving each other just as God always loves us.
research help: ' Turning toward Joy' by David Jeremiah
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
An attitude of love is humility. Being a servant is a title of dignity and humility. Love thrives through unity. Saints literally means the set apart ones. Saints are not meant for isolation but for community. Fellowship is central to followers of Jesus Christ. The Spirit of Unity is used by Grace the Gentile greeting and Peace the Jewish greeting.
Intimacy is the action of love. To love someone is one thing, to express that love is something else. We need a spirit of gratitude to always tell God thank you for everything. The affirmation of love is security. God wants us to grow in four aspects of our spiritual lives. The first is that he wants us to grow in our spiritual devotion. God wants our love to deepen and intensify. Second is that God wants us to grow in our spiritual discernment. God wants our grace to grow. Third is that God wants us to grow in spiritual development. God wants us to be real in our walk with him. Fourth is that God wants us to grow in spiritual deportment. God wants our hearts and minds to produce a rich spiritual harvest.
The joy of community is loving each other just as God always loves us.
research help: ' Turning toward Joy' by David Jeremiah
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Noah's wife page 4
Noah's wife page 4 by ric gustafson
We traveled away from the Nile and the ground was hard baked because of no rain. Noah was protective of me and my stomach because he wanted me to bear him some sons. I asked him if he was going to bestow upon me a name.
" On to Sorum my wife" he said with a grin. " My flock awaits".
Sorum was the last place I wanted to go. As we approached, I noticed how barren the land was. There was no vegetation but just some scrub brush. I asked Noah about that.
" This barren land are the crops of sinners".
" What about the women of the town?".
" Most are prostitutes".
" And the children?".
" They are too".
" Who rules this land?".
" Nephilim".
research help: ' Sinners and the Sea' by Rebecca Kanner
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
We traveled away from the Nile and the ground was hard baked because of no rain. Noah was protective of me and my stomach because he wanted me to bear him some sons. I asked him if he was going to bestow upon me a name.
" On to Sorum my wife" he said with a grin. " My flock awaits".
Sorum was the last place I wanted to go. As we approached, I noticed how barren the land was. There was no vegetation but just some scrub brush. I asked Noah about that.
" This barren land are the crops of sinners".
" What about the women of the town?".
" Most are prostitutes".
" And the children?".
" They are too".
" Who rules this land?".
" Nephilim".
research help: ' Sinners and the Sea' by Rebecca Kanner
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Christmas Greetings from the Bob Lewis Museum page 1
Christmas Greetings from the Bob Lewis Museum page 1 by ric gustafson
Jack McCloud looked at the speedometer. " Honey, I think we should fill the gas tank".
Doris McCloud looked up from the map she was studying. " Why is that?".
He stared at the snowy concrete road. " There is not a gas station for miles and I'm worried it's going to snow again before we get home".
" That's fine" she replied with a smile. " I don't want to get stranded right before Christmas". She looked at the map. " Where are we?".
" There's a small town coming up".
He turned off the highway and came up to a sign saying to slow down entering the town. As he applied the brakes to the blue Saturn, he noticed a small billboard to the left. It read ' Christmas Greetings from the Bob Lewis Museum'.
Doris grinned. " That's a strange name for a museum".
" The billboard says it's open right now" he said as he noticed a service station on the right. " I'm curious about it". He glanced at the speedometer. " Let's fill up and then stop at this museum quick on our way out of town".
" Ok".
research help: original story
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Jack McCloud looked at the speedometer. " Honey, I think we should fill the gas tank".
Doris McCloud looked up from the map she was studying. " Why is that?".
He stared at the snowy concrete road. " There is not a gas station for miles and I'm worried it's going to snow again before we get home".
" That's fine" she replied with a smile. " I don't want to get stranded right before Christmas". She looked at the map. " Where are we?".
" There's a small town coming up".
He turned off the highway and came up to a sign saying to slow down entering the town. As he applied the brakes to the blue Saturn, he noticed a small billboard to the left. It read ' Christmas Greetings from the Bob Lewis Museum'.
Doris grinned. " That's a strange name for a museum".
" The billboard says it's open right now" he said as he noticed a service station on the right. " I'm curious about it". He glanced at the speedometer. " Let's fill up and then stop at this museum quick on our way out of town".
" Ok".
research help: original story
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Friday, December 20, 2013
Noah's wife page 3
Noah's wife page 3 by ric gustafson
Father slightly opened the tent flap. " Daughter, your future husband is here".
I heard the tribesmen outside. " You've come for that demon girl".
" Welcome" Father exclaimed as the stranger walked in.
" I have come for your pure and righteous daughter". He stared at me. " Arrat told me that you are a righteous family who worships the God of Adam".
" My daughter and I worship the God of Adam with each breath". He gave Noah olives, nuts, apricots, bread, cheese and dried goat meat for the journey.
I stared at my future husband. He was old and wrinkled and had bushy eyebrows. I walked out of the tent toward a waiting donkey. My future husband looked strange and ancient. He had a long scraggly beard and thin wrinkled skin.
Father helped me up onto the donkey. He put the gifts into some saddlebags. " Daughter, by showing devotion to your husband you please God".
" Ok Father".
Noah led the donkey past several of the tribesmen who had gathered.
' Goodbye Father' I thought to myself as I watched Father walk back to the tent.
research help: ' Sinners and the Sea' by Rebecca Kanner
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Father slightly opened the tent flap. " Daughter, your future husband is here".
I heard the tribesmen outside. " You've come for that demon girl".
" Welcome" Father exclaimed as the stranger walked in.
" I have come for your pure and righteous daughter". He stared at me. " Arrat told me that you are a righteous family who worships the God of Adam".
" My daughter and I worship the God of Adam with each breath". He gave Noah olives, nuts, apricots, bread, cheese and dried goat meat for the journey.
I stared at my future husband. He was old and wrinkled and had bushy eyebrows. I walked out of the tent toward a waiting donkey. My future husband looked strange and ancient. He had a long scraggly beard and thin wrinkled skin.
Father helped me up onto the donkey. He put the gifts into some saddlebags. " Daughter, by showing devotion to your husband you please God".
" Ok Father".
Noah led the donkey past several of the tribesmen who had gathered.
' Goodbye Father' I thought to myself as I watched Father walk back to the tent.
research help: ' Sinners and the Sea' by Rebecca Kanner
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Thursday, December 19, 2013
Noah's wife page 2
Noah's wife page 2 by ric gustafson
Father applied some potion to my mark.
There was a knock on our tent flap. In walked Arrat the Storyteller. " Eben, I have some news".
" Daughter, can you leave us alone for a while?".
I walked out.
" Some of the tribesmen found Mechem who sold you the potion for your daughter". He stared at my father. " His body was found at the edge of the river".
" What does that have to do with my daughter?".
" Some of the tribesmen think your daughter used her demon influence to kill him".
" She is a motherless child".
" There is a way that I can save your daughter from being killed".
" What's that?".
" There is a man who lives five days journey west of here".
" Have you spoken of him before?".
" No, he is upright and a man of God".
" Which God?".
" The God of Adam".
" What is the name of this man who is looking for a wife?".
" Noah".
research help: ' Sinners and the Sea' by Rebecca Kanner
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Father applied some potion to my mark.
There was a knock on our tent flap. In walked Arrat the Storyteller. " Eben, I have some news".
" Daughter, can you leave us alone for a while?".
I walked out.
" Some of the tribesmen found Mechem who sold you the potion for your daughter". He stared at my father. " His body was found at the edge of the river".
" What does that have to do with my daughter?".
" Some of the tribesmen think your daughter used her demon influence to kill him".
" She is a motherless child".
" There is a way that I can save your daughter from being killed".
" What's that?".
" There is a man who lives five days journey west of here".
" Have you spoken of him before?".
" No, he is upright and a man of God".
" Which God?".
" The God of Adam".
" What is the name of this man who is looking for a wife?".
" Noah".
research help: ' Sinners and the Sea' by Rebecca Kanner
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
the Science of Sin: Pride
the Science of Sin: Pride by ric gustafson
Pride is a deadly sin. It can help us aim higher or it can turn deadly. Pride is an emotion that happens when people feel good about themselves. It can bring out the best and the worst in us. Researchers have determined two types of pride, hubristic and authentic.
Authentic pride motivates people to do the things that make them feel good about themselves. Some acquire status and some power. Pride makes us want to put forth extra effort to succeed.
Hubristic pride brings behaviors that we need to be dominate. Arrogance, superiority, intimidation are some examples. Both prides help us to secure social status. We need authentic pride to reach the peak of success. Hubristic pride could cost us friendships, relationships and our mental health.
Being too dependent on pride can be very dangerous.
The End.
research help: Scientific American Mind November December 2013
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Pride is a deadly sin. It can help us aim higher or it can turn deadly. Pride is an emotion that happens when people feel good about themselves. It can bring out the best and the worst in us. Researchers have determined two types of pride, hubristic and authentic.
Authentic pride motivates people to do the things that make them feel good about themselves. Some acquire status and some power. Pride makes us want to put forth extra effort to succeed.
Hubristic pride brings behaviors that we need to be dominate. Arrogance, superiority, intimidation are some examples. Both prides help us to secure social status. We need authentic pride to reach the peak of success. Hubristic pride could cost us friendships, relationships and our mental health.
Being too dependent on pride can be very dangerous.
The End.
research help: Scientific American Mind November December 2013
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Wednesday, December 18, 2013
Noah's wife page 1
Noah's wife page 1 by ric gustafson
When I was born, my father did not give me a name. The reason being is that I have a mark above my left eye. My father did everything he could to get rid of it. He rubbed it with a sheep's hoof, anointed it with olive oil even offered the gods a finger if they would make it go away. As I grew up, tribes people would ignore and shun me. I blamed myself when father told me that mother had died a year after I was born. Tribe women gossiped that because of me and my mark that she had died. Father said that that was not true and that she had choked to death.
The only people who would spend time with me were the traders. They came to Father to haggle for his olives. They brought fruit, nuts, honey, spices, incense and grain. They talked about a Town of Exiles. An old trader named Arrat the Storyteller told stories that interested me. Now I was nineteen and prayed to the Gods to take this mark away.
Then I met Mechem the Magical.
research help: ' Sinners and the Sea' by Rebecca Kanner
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
When I was born, my father did not give me a name. The reason being is that I have a mark above my left eye. My father did everything he could to get rid of it. He rubbed it with a sheep's hoof, anointed it with olive oil even offered the gods a finger if they would make it go away. As I grew up, tribes people would ignore and shun me. I blamed myself when father told me that mother had died a year after I was born. Tribe women gossiped that because of me and my mark that she had died. Father said that that was not true and that she had choked to death.
The only people who would spend time with me were the traders. They came to Father to haggle for his olives. They brought fruit, nuts, honey, spices, incense and grain. They talked about a Town of Exiles. An old trader named Arrat the Storyteller told stories that interested me. Now I was nineteen and prayed to the Gods to take this mark away.
Then I met Mechem the Magical.
research help: ' Sinners and the Sea' by Rebecca Kanner
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Tuesday, December 17, 2013
the Science of Sin: Wrath
the Science of Sin: Wrath by ric gustafson
Intimate terrorism is the desire to establish power and control in a relationship. The resulting violence is usually one sided and prone to escalate over time. Situational couple violence is mutual and emerges from relational conflict that gets out of hand. Intimate partner aggression is far more common than intimate terrorism.
How much self control we have dictates our ability to control an angry rage. That level of self control depends on personality, recent events and stress level. Researchers found that men use domestic violence to establish power and control. Other researchers found that instead of trying to establish power and control, people used violence as a result of partner conflicts.
People in love need to practice good conflict management skills and a concentrated effort to increase their self control.
research help: Scientific American Mind November December 2013
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Intimate terrorism is the desire to establish power and control in a relationship. The resulting violence is usually one sided and prone to escalate over time. Situational couple violence is mutual and emerges from relational conflict that gets out of hand. Intimate partner aggression is far more common than intimate terrorism.
How much self control we have dictates our ability to control an angry rage. That level of self control depends on personality, recent events and stress level. Researchers found that men use domestic violence to establish power and control. Other researchers found that instead of trying to establish power and control, people used violence as a result of partner conflicts.
People in love need to practice good conflict management skills and a concentrated effort to increase their self control.
research help: Scientific American Mind November December 2013
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Monday, December 16, 2013
the Ginormous Juice Stand page 3
the Ginormous Juice Stand page 3 by ric gustafson
Barbara yanked on her friend's right arm. " Missy, that is an atheist church".
Missy gave her a perplexed look. " What's an atheist?".
" Missy, they are people who do not believe in God".
" Actually" Mark replied with a big smile. " We consider ourselves good charitable people with broad minds".
" Missy, I feel uncomfortable here". She stared at her friend. " Let's go".
" I take it you are one of those Jesus people".
" I am, I'm Lutheran".
" That's great" he replied as he smiled at other grocery patrons as they walked by. " We don't bash believers in any way".
Missy opened the pamphlet. " What does your brochure promote?".
" Our church is having a service on New Year's Eve". He smiled at the two young women. " Anyone is welcome to attend".
Barbara stamped her foot again. " Missy, let's go".
" Can I take the pamphlet?".
" Sure".
She put one of the Ginormous Juice bottles into her cart. " My back feels better already". She smiled at Mark. " I'll think about the service".
The End
research help: An Omaha World Herald article
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Barbara yanked on her friend's right arm. " Missy, that is an atheist church".
Missy gave her a perplexed look. " What's an atheist?".
" Missy, they are people who do not believe in God".
" Actually" Mark replied with a big smile. " We consider ourselves good charitable people with broad minds".
" Missy, I feel uncomfortable here". She stared at her friend. " Let's go".
" I take it you are one of those Jesus people".
" I am, I'm Lutheran".
" That's great" he replied as he smiled at other grocery patrons as they walked by. " We don't bash believers in any way".
Missy opened the pamphlet. " What does your brochure promote?".
" Our church is having a service on New Year's Eve". He smiled at the two young women. " Anyone is welcome to attend".
Barbara stamped her foot again. " Missy, let's go".
" Can I take the pamphlet?".
" Sure".
She put one of the Ginormous Juice bottles into her cart. " My back feels better already". She smiled at Mark. " I'll think about the service".
The End
research help: An Omaha World Herald article
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
the Science of Sin: Sloth
the Science of Sin: Sloth by ric gustafson
When we procrastinate, we know what we want to do and yet settle for mental diversions. We want to seek fun now rather than wait. When we face emotional conflict and tension, sometimes we procrastinate. Procrastination is an engine of regret and has been around since the start of time.
We can procrastinate about anything including work, exercise, a diet or sending birthday cards. Procrastination has been defined as the voluntary delay of any action that we know that we need to do now. Those who display chronic procrastination can suffer from depression and anxiety. Studies have shown that negative emotions diminish self control. Self control is needed to manage our internal state.
One way to combat procrastination is cognitive reappraisal. This involves altering our emotional response to procrastination. When cognitive reappraisal is used for our focus, enthusiasm and performance, procrastination is diminished.
Another way to prevent procrastination is to forgive ourselves. This is because criticism fuels procrastination. We need to believe in our self worth and to practice self control.
research help: Scientific American Mind November December 2013
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
When we procrastinate, we know what we want to do and yet settle for mental diversions. We want to seek fun now rather than wait. When we face emotional conflict and tension, sometimes we procrastinate. Procrastination is an engine of regret and has been around since the start of time.
We can procrastinate about anything including work, exercise, a diet or sending birthday cards. Procrastination has been defined as the voluntary delay of any action that we know that we need to do now. Those who display chronic procrastination can suffer from depression and anxiety. Studies have shown that negative emotions diminish self control. Self control is needed to manage our internal state.
One way to combat procrastination is cognitive reappraisal. This involves altering our emotional response to procrastination. When cognitive reappraisal is used for our focus, enthusiasm and performance, procrastination is diminished.
Another way to prevent procrastination is to forgive ourselves. This is because criticism fuels procrastination. We need to believe in our self worth and to practice self control.
research help: Scientific American Mind November December 2013
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Sunday, December 15, 2013
the Science of Sin: Greed
the Science of Sin: Greed by ric gustafson
In today's society, greed motivates competition and that is essential for today's markets. Yet greed has historically had a bad reputation. Most people shun greedy behavior. Since the start of time, greed has been viewed as a moral violation. The Bible's tenth commandment says ' thou shall not covet'. Most people have a view of fairness and not to take advantage of others. When we have competition, it can lead to market gain or harmful negative results.
Sports for example. Competition can lead to achievements and awards but can also wreak havoc on person lives involving family and friends. Financially, it could ruin us when we have to have bigger and better things than our next door neighbors.
There are a lot of people who do not give in to greed. They help others in need and donate money to charities. A lot of people donate their time for the benefit of others.
Does greed make you happier?. Research has shown that that is not true.
research help: Scientific American Mind November December 2013
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
In today's society, greed motivates competition and that is essential for today's markets. Yet greed has historically had a bad reputation. Most people shun greedy behavior. Since the start of time, greed has been viewed as a moral violation. The Bible's tenth commandment says ' thou shall not covet'. Most people have a view of fairness and not to take advantage of others. When we have competition, it can lead to market gain or harmful negative results.
Sports for example. Competition can lead to achievements and awards but can also wreak havoc on person lives involving family and friends. Financially, it could ruin us when we have to have bigger and better things than our next door neighbors.
There are a lot of people who do not give in to greed. They help others in need and donate money to charities. A lot of people donate their time for the benefit of others.
Does greed make you happier?. Research has shown that that is not true.
research help: Scientific American Mind November December 2013
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
the Ginormous Juice stand page 2
the Ginormous Juice stand page 2 by ric gustafson
Mark grinned. " You have an ache or pain?".
Missy looked at her friend. " Actually my back has been bothering me".
Barbara glanced at her watch. " Missy, we need to go".
He poured some juice into a small plastic cup. " Here, just try it".
She took the small cup and gulped it down. Instantly, she felt warmth in her lower back. " I think it's working already".
Barbara stamped her foot. " Missy, let's go".
She handed him the now empty cup. " Sorry I have to go". As she turned, she noticed a stack of pamphlets on the right corner of the table. " What are those?".
He smiled and handed her one. " It's for the church that I belong to".
Missy glanced at it for a second. " What church is that?".
" It's right down the street". He pointed. " It's called ' The Who Cares About God Megachurch'.
Mark grinned. " You have an ache or pain?".
Missy looked at her friend. " Actually my back has been bothering me".
Barbara glanced at her watch. " Missy, we need to go".
He poured some juice into a small plastic cup. " Here, just try it".
She took the small cup and gulped it down. Instantly, she felt warmth in her lower back. " I think it's working already".
Barbara stamped her foot. " Missy, let's go".
She handed him the now empty cup. " Sorry I have to go". As she turned, she noticed a stack of pamphlets on the right corner of the table. " What are those?".
He smiled and handed her one. " It's for the church that I belong to".
Missy glanced at it for a second. " What church is that?".
" It's right down the street". He pointed. " It's called ' The Who Cares About God Megachurch'.
Saturday, December 14, 2013
the Science of Sin: Envy
the Science of Sin: Envy by ric gustafson
Socrates called envy the ulcer of the soul. Envy has been described as the pain of occupying an inferior position relative to another and a desire for something that another person has. Among the seven deadly sins, it is the sin that is not fun. Envy can cause us to hurt others and possibly take pleasure in their suffering. Envy can also motivate us to try harder and perform better.
We usually start out with a little envy because it is painful and unpleasant. We try to discontent or transform our emotions. We can also exaggerate desires.
research help: Scientific American Mind November December 2013
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Socrates called envy the ulcer of the soul. Envy has been described as the pain of occupying an inferior position relative to another and a desire for something that another person has. Among the seven deadly sins, it is the sin that is not fun. Envy can cause us to hurt others and possibly take pleasure in their suffering. Envy can also motivate us to try harder and perform better.
We usually start out with a little envy because it is painful and unpleasant. We try to discontent or transform our emotions. We can also exaggerate desires.
research help: Scientific American Mind November December 2013
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
the broken Christmas pitcher page 8
the broken Christmas pitcher page 8 by ric gustafson
The next morning, Myron gave the young man a big hug. " Thank you for everything".
Jesus gave him a loving smile. " It's been my pleasure".
" It's so peaceful here I hate to go". He opened the front door to leave.
" Before you go, I have something for you".
Myron closed the door.
Jesus went upstairs and returned with a red decorated Christmas box. " Merry Christmas Myron".
He opened the box to reveal his now completed Christmas pitcher. " Thank you".
" Myron, my father will always be there to put the broken pieces of your life back together again".
Myron thought for a moment and then handed the pitcher to Jesus. " Please put this with all the other mended pitchers that you have".
" I will" Jesus replied as he put it on a nearby table. " My father and I love looking at all the pitchers of our followers that we have helped over the centuries".
" Goodbye" Myron said as he opened the door and gave Jesus a final hug. " Thank you again".
" Remember Myron, God loves you and so do I".
The door closed.
The End
research help: original story
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
The next morning, Myron gave the young man a big hug. " Thank you for everything".
Jesus gave him a loving smile. " It's been my pleasure".
" It's so peaceful here I hate to go". He opened the front door to leave.
" Before you go, I have something for you".
Myron closed the door.
Jesus went upstairs and returned with a red decorated Christmas box. " Merry Christmas Myron".
He opened the box to reveal his now completed Christmas pitcher. " Thank you".
" Myron, my father will always be there to put the broken pieces of your life back together again".
Myron thought for a moment and then handed the pitcher to Jesus. " Please put this with all the other mended pitchers that you have".
" I will" Jesus replied as he put it on a nearby table. " My father and I love looking at all the pitchers of our followers that we have helped over the centuries".
" Goodbye" Myron said as he opened the door and gave Jesus a final hug. " Thank you again".
" Remember Myron, God loves you and so do I".
The door closed.
The End
research help: original story
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Friday, December 13, 2013
the broken Christmas pitcher page 7
the broken Christmas pitcher page 7 by ric gustafson
The young man reached down and picked up the broken pottery piece. He handed it to Myron. " It looks like this is your last broken piece".
He took it and put some glue on it.
" How is your relationship going with Daphne?".
Myron put the piece into the broken pitcher. " Ok, I guess". He gave the young man a sad stare. " Actually we've decided to put our relationship on hold for awhile".
" How do you feel about that?".
" I love her and it's breaking my heart to not have her with me".
" Pray to God and he will help you through this trial".
" I pray to God all the time".
The young man smiled. " Good, keep it up because God is listening".
Myron thought for a moment. " I've decided to go home in the morning".
" That's fine because your Christmas pitcher is done".
research help: original story
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
'
The young man reached down and picked up the broken pottery piece. He handed it to Myron. " It looks like this is your last broken piece".
He took it and put some glue on it.
" How is your relationship going with Daphne?".
Myron put the piece into the broken pitcher. " Ok, I guess". He gave the young man a sad stare. " Actually we've decided to put our relationship on hold for awhile".
" How do you feel about that?".
" I love her and it's breaking my heart to not have her with me".
" Pray to God and he will help you through this trial".
" I pray to God all the time".
The young man smiled. " Good, keep it up because God is listening".
Myron thought for a moment. " I've decided to go home in the morning".
" That's fine because your Christmas pitcher is done".
research help: original story
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
'
Thursday, December 12, 2013
the Ginormous Juice stand page 1
the Ginormous Juice stand page 1 by ric gustafson
Mark Hested yawned as he set down the large cardboard box. He noticed that the grocery store did set up his table as he requested. He took off his blue parka and put it on the back of the plain aluminum chair. He yawned again as he opened the box. He took out a placard and put it on the front of the table. From out of the box, he took out several plastic juice cartons and set them up on the table. He yawned a third time as he sat down. He took a long sip of hot coffee and then began to wait.
A mother and young girl went by.
" Good morning". He smiled. " Care to try some Ginormous Juice?".
" No thanks". She hung onto her young daughter's hand as they quickly walked away.
Mark grinned as two young women approached the table.
" Good morning" he said as he pointed toward the plastic cartons. " Would you like to try some Ginormous Juice?".
" No thank you" Barbara Hemphill said as she began to walk away. " Missy come on".
Her friend began to walk away. " Sorry".
Mark smiled as they walked away.
" It will take away your aches and pains".
Missy Memphon stopped and turned around.
Mark Hested yawned as he set down the large cardboard box. He noticed that the grocery store did set up his table as he requested. He took off his blue parka and put it on the back of the plain aluminum chair. He yawned again as he opened the box. He took out a placard and put it on the front of the table. From out of the box, he took out several plastic juice cartons and set them up on the table. He yawned a third time as he sat down. He took a long sip of hot coffee and then began to wait.
A mother and young girl went by.
" Good morning". He smiled. " Care to try some Ginormous Juice?".
" No thanks". She hung onto her young daughter's hand as they quickly walked away.
Mark grinned as two young women approached the table.
" Good morning" he said as he pointed toward the plastic cartons. " Would you like to try some Ginormous Juice?".
" No thank you" Barbara Hemphill said as she began to walk away. " Missy come on".
Her friend began to walk away. " Sorry".
Mark smiled as they walked away.
" It will take away your aches and pains".
Missy Memphon stopped and turned around.
Wednesday, December 11, 2013
crimes of the century: Ted Bundy
crimes of the century: Ted Bundy by ric gustafson
In January of 1974, several women began to vanish in Seattle Washington. From 1974 to 1978, someone preyed on young women luring them to his car or asking for help. These victims he would take to secluded areas where he raped and murdered them.
A handsome well spoken intelligent man named Ted Bundy confessed that during that time period he murdered more than thirty females in a coast to coast killing spree.
After being stopped in a routine traffic operation, he was found with burglary tools in his car. He was sentenced to one to 15 years for attempted kidnapping. While awaiting trial for murder in Colorado, he escaped and fled to Florida. He killed more people in Florida before being stopped in Pensacola. After being linked to the Florida murders, Bundy was sentenced to death.
On Jan 24, 1989 Bundy was executed in the Florida State Prison's electric chair.
He confessed to 36 murders and authorities think that there might be more.
research help: Enquirer Special Investigation
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
In January of 1974, several women began to vanish in Seattle Washington. From 1974 to 1978, someone preyed on young women luring them to his car or asking for help. These victims he would take to secluded areas where he raped and murdered them.
A handsome well spoken intelligent man named Ted Bundy confessed that during that time period he murdered more than thirty females in a coast to coast killing spree.
After being stopped in a routine traffic operation, he was found with burglary tools in his car. He was sentenced to one to 15 years for attempted kidnapping. While awaiting trial for murder in Colorado, he escaped and fled to Florida. He killed more people in Florida before being stopped in Pensacola. After being linked to the Florida murders, Bundy was sentenced to death.
On Jan 24, 1989 Bundy was executed in the Florida State Prison's electric chair.
He confessed to 36 murders and authorities think that there might be more.
research help: Enquirer Special Investigation
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
the Science of Sin: Gluttony
the Science of Sin: Gluttony by ric gustafson
Gluttony starts out with the occasion of eating too much. We eat more chips than usual or eat more helpings of pie than we should. Our brain can be tricked into eating more based on how it tastes or feels in our mouth. Our brain responds to high sugar and high fat foods. When we eat for pleasure rather than hunger, gluttony can happen.
Eating is a great pleasure and a dire necessity. We have a system of hormones and neurotransmitters that make us hungry when we need energy and full when we have had enough. Take a potato chip for example. When we bite into one, we feel crunchy, salty and rich. We will stop eating them when we are tired of eating them. This is called sensory specific satiety. This is processed in the orbitofrontal cortex of our brain. Neurons respond when we first take a bite of something and then get weaker the more bites we take. Gluttony can happen when the wrong food is right in front of us. When someone has overindulged, the likelihood of continuing is greater. Some foods are more prone to gluttony than others. These include ice cream, chocolate, cookies and candy.
research help: Scientific American Mind November December 2013
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Gluttony starts out with the occasion of eating too much. We eat more chips than usual or eat more helpings of pie than we should. Our brain can be tricked into eating more based on how it tastes or feels in our mouth. Our brain responds to high sugar and high fat foods. When we eat for pleasure rather than hunger, gluttony can happen.
Eating is a great pleasure and a dire necessity. We have a system of hormones and neurotransmitters that make us hungry when we need energy and full when we have had enough. Take a potato chip for example. When we bite into one, we feel crunchy, salty and rich. We will stop eating them when we are tired of eating them. This is called sensory specific satiety. This is processed in the orbitofrontal cortex of our brain. Neurons respond when we first take a bite of something and then get weaker the more bites we take. Gluttony can happen when the wrong food is right in front of us. When someone has overindulged, the likelihood of continuing is greater. Some foods are more prone to gluttony than others. These include ice cream, chocolate, cookies and candy.
research help: Scientific American Mind November December 2013
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
John 9: 1-41 page 3
John 9: 1-41 page 3 by ric gustafson
He squinted his eyes as he again walked up to the Pharisees. They had asked him to see them a second time.
A Pharisee pointed at him. " We know that this man is a sinner".
" A sinner I don't know". He grinned at them. " What I do know is that I was blind and now I see".
" How did he open your eyes?".
" I told you already and you did not listen". He sighed. " You do not want to become his disciples too, do you?".
One of them sneered at him. " We are disciples of Moses".
" You do not know this man and yet he opened my eyes". He smiled. " Unless he was from God, he could do nothing".
" You were born in sins and you are teaching us!". One pointed his arm in furious anger. " Get out of here!".
Later, Jesus heard what the man had said to the religious leaders. He encountered him later that day. " Do you believe in the Son of Man?".
" Who is he that I may believe in him?".
Jesus looked at him with compassion in his eyes. " You have seen him and he is the one talking with you".
The End
research help: The Ryrie Study Bible
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
He squinted his eyes as he again walked up to the Pharisees. They had asked him to see them a second time.
A Pharisee pointed at him. " We know that this man is a sinner".
" A sinner I don't know". He grinned at them. " What I do know is that I was blind and now I see".
" How did he open your eyes?".
" I told you already and you did not listen". He sighed. " You do not want to become his disciples too, do you?".
One of them sneered at him. " We are disciples of Moses".
" You do not know this man and yet he opened my eyes". He smiled. " Unless he was from God, he could do nothing".
" You were born in sins and you are teaching us!". One pointed his arm in furious anger. " Get out of here!".
Later, Jesus heard what the man had said to the religious leaders. He encountered him later that day. " Do you believe in the Son of Man?".
" Who is he that I may believe in him?".
Jesus looked at him with compassion in his eyes. " You have seen him and he is the one talking with you".
The End
research help: The Ryrie Study Bible
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
John 9: 1-41 page 2
John 9: 1-41 page 2 by ric gustafson
He went to the Pool of Siloam which was at the southern end of Hezekiah's tunnel. As he slowly washed out his eyes, colors and shapes came back and he began to notice people around him.
Someone pointed at him. " Isn't this the man who used to beg?".
He replied in a loud voice. " I am he, I am the one".
Another person pointed at him. " How then were your eyes opened?".
He smiled. " The man Jesus made clay, put it on my eyes and said go to Siloam and wash". He showed them his now open eyes and that this Jesus had given back his sight.
" Where is he?".
He shook his head. " I don't know".
The people brought the beggar to the Pharisees.
" How did you receive your sight?".
" This man Jesus applied clay to my eyes, I washed and now I see".
A Pharisee sneered at him. " This man is not from God because he does not keep the Sabbath". Another one pointed a finger at him. " What do you say about him now?".
" He is a prophet".
The Pharisees turned to the parents. " Is this your son who was born blind but now can see?".
" This is our son who was blind but now can see". He shook his arms in frustration. " How or why we do not know". He stared at the Pharisees. " Ask him yourself".
research help: The Ryrie Study Bible
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
He went to the Pool of Siloam which was at the southern end of Hezekiah's tunnel. As he slowly washed out his eyes, colors and shapes came back and he began to notice people around him.
Someone pointed at him. " Isn't this the man who used to beg?".
He replied in a loud voice. " I am he, I am the one".
Another person pointed at him. " How then were your eyes opened?".
He smiled. " The man Jesus made clay, put it on my eyes and said go to Siloam and wash". He showed them his now open eyes and that this Jesus had given back his sight.
" Where is he?".
He shook his head. " I don't know".
The people brought the beggar to the Pharisees.
" How did you receive your sight?".
" This man Jesus applied clay to my eyes, I washed and now I see".
A Pharisee sneered at him. " This man is not from God because he does not keep the Sabbath". Another one pointed a finger at him. " What do you say about him now?".
" He is a prophet".
The Pharisees turned to the parents. " Is this your son who was born blind but now can see?".
" This is our son who was blind but now can see". He shook his arms in frustration. " How or why we do not know". He stared at the Pharisees. " Ask him yourself".
research help: The Ryrie Study Bible
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Tuesday, December 10, 2013
crimes of the century: Son of Sam
crimes of the century: Son of Sam by ric gustafson
On July 29 1976, Donna Lauria was murdered as she talked to a friend. Three months later in nearby Queens New York, Carl Denaro was shot in the head. On November 26 1976, Joanne Lomino and her friend Donna DeMasi were shot. After Christine Freund was shot twice in the head, hundreds of New York cops were drafted to find the killer.
By May 1977, two more people had been shot in the head. A parking ticket belonging to a 23 year old former Army marksman named David Berkowitz was traced to the scene of one of the final murders.
Berkowitz pleaded guilty in June 1978 and was sentenced to 365 years in prison. Even though he is eligible for parole, he has no interest in seeking it.
research help: Enquirer Special Investigation
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
On July 29 1976, Donna Lauria was murdered as she talked to a friend. Three months later in nearby Queens New York, Carl Denaro was shot in the head. On November 26 1976, Joanne Lomino and her friend Donna DeMasi were shot. After Christine Freund was shot twice in the head, hundreds of New York cops were drafted to find the killer.
By May 1977, two more people had been shot in the head. A parking ticket belonging to a 23 year old former Army marksman named David Berkowitz was traced to the scene of one of the final murders.
Berkowitz pleaded guilty in June 1978 and was sentenced to 365 years in prison. Even though he is eligible for parole, he has no interest in seeking it.
research help: Enquirer Special Investigation
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Monday, December 9, 2013
crimes of the century: Jimmy Hoffa
crimes of the century: Jimmy Hoffa by ric gustafson
On July 30 1975, Teamster boss Jimmy Hoffa went to a restaurant named Machus Red Fox near Detroit. The 62 year old was to meet two Mafia bigwigs named Anthony Giacalone and Anthony Provenzano. Hoffa had done time for jury tampering, attempted bribery and fraud. Hoffa did not come home. His wife reported him missing. His car was found at the restaurant but Hoffa was never found.
Theories have surfaced as far as the fate of the Teamster Boss.
Hoffa was declared ' presumed dead' in 1982.
research help: Enquirer Special Investigation
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
On July 30 1975, Teamster boss Jimmy Hoffa went to a restaurant named Machus Red Fox near Detroit. The 62 year old was to meet two Mafia bigwigs named Anthony Giacalone and Anthony Provenzano. Hoffa had done time for jury tampering, attempted bribery and fraud. Hoffa did not come home. His wife reported him missing. His car was found at the restaurant but Hoffa was never found.
Theories have surfaced as far as the fate of the Teamster Boss.
Hoffa was declared ' presumed dead' in 1982.
research help: Enquirer Special Investigation
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
the broken Christmas pitcher page 6
the broken Christmas pitcher page 6 by ric gustafson
Myron put glue on the broken piece.
" Myron, tell me about high school?".
" High School was very hard for me" he said as he put the piece into the broken pitcher. " I was very shy and self conscious about myself".
" How did you deal with that?".
" I spent time with church friends and participated in activities that I felt comfortable doing".
The young man smiled. " God did that for you".
" He provided counselors at school so I could graduate on time".
" God is good".
Myron smiled back. " He sure is".
research help: original story
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Myron put glue on the broken piece.
" Myron, tell me about high school?".
" High School was very hard for me" he said as he put the piece into the broken pitcher. " I was very shy and self conscious about myself".
" How did you deal with that?".
" I spent time with church friends and participated in activities that I felt comfortable doing".
The young man smiled. " God did that for you".
" He provided counselors at school so I could graduate on time".
" God is good".
Myron smiled back. " He sure is".
research help: original story
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Sunday, December 8, 2013
the broken Christmas pitcher page 5
the broken Christmas pitcher page 5 by ric gustafson
The young man handed Myron a broken piece of the pitcher. " Tell me about the safety patrol in the 5th grade?".
Myron thought for a moment and then put some glue on the piece. " The kids on the safety patrol and others made fun of me and my name".
" They made fun of the name Myron".
He put the glued piece on the broken pitcher. " Yes, and it made me feel very self conscious about myself".
He hugged Myron. " How did you deal with it?".
" In the 6th grade, I started writing funny stories so the kids would like me".
Both stared at the broken pitcher. " Myron, God would never make fun of you".
" I know".
" Let's take a break and work on this later".
" Ok".
research help: original story
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
The young man handed Myron a broken piece of the pitcher. " Tell me about the safety patrol in the 5th grade?".
Myron thought for a moment and then put some glue on the piece. " The kids on the safety patrol and others made fun of me and my name".
" They made fun of the name Myron".
He put the glued piece on the broken pitcher. " Yes, and it made me feel very self conscious about myself".
He hugged Myron. " How did you deal with it?".
" In the 6th grade, I started writing funny stories so the kids would like me".
Both stared at the broken pitcher. " Myron, God would never make fun of you".
" I know".
" Let's take a break and work on this later".
" Ok".
research help: original story
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Saturday, December 7, 2013
crimes of the century: Patty Hearst
crimes of the century: Patty Hearst by ric gustafson
Patty Hearst was a student in Berkeley California and was the granddaughter of media mogul William Randolph Hearst.
On Feb 4 1974, she was dragged away from her apartment and kidnapped. The Symbionese Liberation Army led by Donald Defreeze left a bizarre ransom note. Hearst was blindfolded, gagged, tied up, raped by Defreeze and beaten up. To stop what was happening to her, she agreed to participate in their activities,
She participated in a bank heist where the video camera caught her holding a rifle. Two witnesses were shot during the heist. Instead of a victim, now she was wanted as a fugitive. Over the next seventeen months, she participated in several robberies and shootings. She was caught on Sept 18 1975.
She was sentenced to seven years in prison. President Carter commuted her sentence after two years. President Clinton gave her a full pardon in 2001.
research help: Enquirer Special Investigation
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Patty Hearst was a student in Berkeley California and was the granddaughter of media mogul William Randolph Hearst.
On Feb 4 1974, she was dragged away from her apartment and kidnapped. The Symbionese Liberation Army led by Donald Defreeze left a bizarre ransom note. Hearst was blindfolded, gagged, tied up, raped by Defreeze and beaten up. To stop what was happening to her, she agreed to participate in their activities,
She participated in a bank heist where the video camera caught her holding a rifle. Two witnesses were shot during the heist. Instead of a victim, now she was wanted as a fugitive. Over the next seventeen months, she participated in several robberies and shootings. She was caught on Sept 18 1975.
She was sentenced to seven years in prison. President Carter commuted her sentence after two years. President Clinton gave her a full pardon in 2001.
research help: Enquirer Special Investigation
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
through the eyes of a child revision page 18
through the eyes of a child revision page 18 by ric gustafson
Charles walked along the trail slowly as he looked around. He was hoping that maybe he would see something that would give them a break in the case. A small quiet voice had told him to take another stroll around the park. As he walked toward the clearing where his daughter disappeared, tears came to his eyes. Silently, he prayed to God that his daughter was safe. He walked up to the park bench and sat down.
" Mr Brown".
He turned and noticed the grinning face of a young female jogger.
" I'm Jenni Morris and I'm in two of Kelly's classes" she said as she took off some headphones. " I pray that she will be ok".
He gave her a big hug. " Me too".
He returned to the bench. As he turned to leave, he noticed a sheet of paper stuck to the bottom of one of the rungs. He knelt down and picked it up. As he began to read what was on it, his eyes got big with sudden fear. In horror, he quickly glanced around the clearing. He took out his cell phone and put in a number. He stared at the street ahead of him. " Detective Springer please". He hesitated. " Hello Detective". A slight smile came to his face. " Detective, I think I've discovered our first clue".
Charles walked along the trail slowly as he looked around. He was hoping that maybe he would see something that would give them a break in the case. A small quiet voice had told him to take another stroll around the park. As he walked toward the clearing where his daughter disappeared, tears came to his eyes. Silently, he prayed to God that his daughter was safe. He walked up to the park bench and sat down.
" Mr Brown".
He turned and noticed the grinning face of a young female jogger.
" I'm Jenni Morris and I'm in two of Kelly's classes" she said as she took off some headphones. " I pray that she will be ok".
He gave her a big hug. " Me too".
He returned to the bench. As he turned to leave, he noticed a sheet of paper stuck to the bottom of one of the rungs. He knelt down and picked it up. As he began to read what was on it, his eyes got big with sudden fear. In horror, he quickly glanced around the clearing. He took out his cell phone and put in a number. He stared at the street ahead of him. " Detective Springer please". He hesitated. " Hello Detective". A slight smile came to his face. " Detective, I think I've discovered our first clue".
Friday, December 6, 2013
through the eyes of a child revision page 17
through the eyes of a child revision page 17 by ric gustafson
Kelly's stomach growled as she struggled against the heavy rope securing her to the bed.
He came in carrying a tray with two bowls of something to eat. He sat down in an old wicker chair and began to eat.
She stared at him as her stomach growled. " What is that?".
He ate a spoonful. " I call it homemade beef stew".
" I'm really hungry". She struggled against the rope. " Can I have some please?".
" Ok, on the promise of no funny business". He moved toward her. " Otherwise my rifle is right over there and I won't hesitate to use it".
" I promise".
He quietly untied one of her hands and put the other bowl of stew on her lap.
She began to eat and studied her captor. He was short, pudgy, wore glasses and she could tell he was an introvert.
" I figured your father would go back to the scene of the crime". He began to drink from a bottled water. " So I put a ransom note there".
Kelly kept eating. " He will figure you out from your handwriting".
" No he won't" he replied loudly as he stood up and took away her bowl and spoon. " I cut out the letters from magazines to write out the ransom note".
He tied the rope around her hands and then walked away.
" My father will find me" she said with hope in her eyes. " He will".
Kelly's stomach growled as she struggled against the heavy rope securing her to the bed.
He came in carrying a tray with two bowls of something to eat. He sat down in an old wicker chair and began to eat.
She stared at him as her stomach growled. " What is that?".
He ate a spoonful. " I call it homemade beef stew".
" I'm really hungry". She struggled against the rope. " Can I have some please?".
" Ok, on the promise of no funny business". He moved toward her. " Otherwise my rifle is right over there and I won't hesitate to use it".
" I promise".
He quietly untied one of her hands and put the other bowl of stew on her lap.
She began to eat and studied her captor. He was short, pudgy, wore glasses and she could tell he was an introvert.
" I figured your father would go back to the scene of the crime". He began to drink from a bottled water. " So I put a ransom note there".
Kelly kept eating. " He will figure you out from your handwriting".
" No he won't" he replied loudly as he stood up and took away her bowl and spoon. " I cut out the letters from magazines to write out the ransom note".
He tied the rope around her hands and then walked away.
" My father will find me" she said with hope in her eyes. " He will".
Thursday, December 5, 2013
crimes of the century: Watergate
crimes of the century: Watergate by ric gustafson
During the early morning of June 17 1972, five men were arrested as they tried to bug the Democratic National Committee's offices at the Watergate apartment and office complex. At first, the motive for the crime was unclear but that changed. A White House phone number was found in the burglar's belongings.
At first, President Nixon denied involvement and proclaimed that he was not a crook. But he was involved and tried to pay off the break in team. Secret Oval Office audiotapes showed that Nixon knew about the break in and even ordered it.
On Aug 9 1974, Nixon resigned instead of being impeached. He was later pardoned by President Gerald Ford. President Nixon died on April 22 1994 at age 81 from a stroke.
research help: Enquirer Special Investigation
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
During the early morning of June 17 1972, five men were arrested as they tried to bug the Democratic National Committee's offices at the Watergate apartment and office complex. At first, the motive for the crime was unclear but that changed. A White House phone number was found in the burglar's belongings.
At first, President Nixon denied involvement and proclaimed that he was not a crook. But he was involved and tried to pay off the break in team. Secret Oval Office audiotapes showed that Nixon knew about the break in and even ordered it.
On Aug 9 1974, Nixon resigned instead of being impeached. He was later pardoned by President Gerald Ford. President Nixon died on April 22 1994 at age 81 from a stroke.
research help: Enquirer Special Investigation
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
through the eyes of a child revision page 16
through the eyes of a child revision page 16 by ric gustafson
" How about this table?" Charles asked as his eyes darted around the crowded cafeteria. He knew at this time of day it was going to be hard to find an open table.
" This one is ok". She put the McDonald's sack on it, pulled out a chair and sat down. She handed a double cheeseburger and fries to her husband.
His cellphone buzzed. He took a bite of a French fry. He opened it. " Hello". He unwrapped the cheeseburger and put more ketchup on it. " Hi Detective Springer".
Katie sat down with two large cups of water. She handed him one.
" I see". He mouthed a thank you to his wife. " Ok, keep in touch". He closed it and put it back into a front pant pocket. As he tried to open a ketchup packet, it fell onto the floor. As he reached down to get it, he noticed the business card that he had found by the park bench. He put it into his wallet without glancing at it.
" Who was that?".
" Detective Springer". He nervously bit into his cheeseburger. " He said the van was untraceable because there was no markings on it and no license plates".
" I'm scared what they might do to our baby" Katie said with a fearful look as she dabbed her mouth with a napkin. " I've hardly been able to sleep since it happened".
" I know". He put a loving arm around his wife. " Let's pray right now for guidance and assurance that Kelly is alright".
" Ok".
The two of them bowed their heads and prayed to God to protect their daughter from harm.
" How about this table?" Charles asked as his eyes darted around the crowded cafeteria. He knew at this time of day it was going to be hard to find an open table.
" This one is ok". She put the McDonald's sack on it, pulled out a chair and sat down. She handed a double cheeseburger and fries to her husband.
His cellphone buzzed. He took a bite of a French fry. He opened it. " Hello". He unwrapped the cheeseburger and put more ketchup on it. " Hi Detective Springer".
Katie sat down with two large cups of water. She handed him one.
" I see". He mouthed a thank you to his wife. " Ok, keep in touch". He closed it and put it back into a front pant pocket. As he tried to open a ketchup packet, it fell onto the floor. As he reached down to get it, he noticed the business card that he had found by the park bench. He put it into his wallet without glancing at it.
" Who was that?".
" Detective Springer". He nervously bit into his cheeseburger. " He said the van was untraceable because there was no markings on it and no license plates".
" I'm scared what they might do to our baby" Katie said with a fearful look as she dabbed her mouth with a napkin. " I've hardly been able to sleep since it happened".
" I know". He put a loving arm around his wife. " Let's pray right now for guidance and assurance that Kelly is alright".
" Ok".
The two of them bowed their heads and prayed to God to protect their daughter from harm.
Wednesday, December 4, 2013
John 9: 1-41 page 1
John 9: 1-41 page 1 by ric gustafson
The blind man sat with the other beggars along the wall. He stretched out his arm with a cup in his hand. " Alms for the blind". He had been sitting here with the others for as long as he could remember. He had been blind since birth and begging was all he knew what to do. He held out his cup. " Alms for the blind, Alms for the blind".
One day as he held his cup out, Jesus and his disciples walked by.
One spoke up. " Rabbi, who sinned this man or his parents that he would be born blind?".
Jesus looked at them. " Neither the parents or the man sinned but that the works of God might be displayed in him". He smiled at his followers. " As long as I am in this world, I am the light of the world".
The blind man could hear someone quietly walk up next to him.
Jesus spat on the ground and made a clay from the spittle.
The blind man could feel something strange being applied to his eyes.
" Go and wash in the Pool of Siloam".
research help: original story
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
The blind man sat with the other beggars along the wall. He stretched out his arm with a cup in his hand. " Alms for the blind". He had been sitting here with the others for as long as he could remember. He had been blind since birth and begging was all he knew what to do. He held out his cup. " Alms for the blind, Alms for the blind".
One day as he held his cup out, Jesus and his disciples walked by.
One spoke up. " Rabbi, who sinned this man or his parents that he would be born blind?".
Jesus looked at them. " Neither the parents or the man sinned but that the works of God might be displayed in him". He smiled at his followers. " As long as I am in this world, I am the light of the world".
The blind man could hear someone quietly walk up next to him.
Jesus spat on the ground and made a clay from the spittle.
The blind man could feel something strange being applied to his eyes.
" Go and wash in the Pool of Siloam".
research help: original story
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
through the eyes of a child revison page 15
through the eyes of a child revision page 15 by ric gustafson
Kelly opened her eyes and noticed a long rope attached to her hands. She was lying on a small smelly bed that had just a single sheet and a tiny pillow on it. She looked around to see a window that was closed and a small wooden dresser that was near the bed. She thrashed around but the heavy rope was tight around her small delicate hands. " Help me" she screamed as she yanked on the rope and tried to get loose.
" Stop screaming" her kidnapper said as he walked in and put a cardboard box on the dresser. " Nobody can hear you".
" Please somebody save me" she cried as tears began to stream down her young face.
" There is not another cabin for several miles" he said with a grin as he opened the box. He took out some of Kelly's personals. " That's why I picked this cabin".
" God and my Daddy will come and rescue me" she softly replied as her drying tears stung her eyes. " They will come".
He put her personal things into the dresser's drawers. " God doesn't care about you and your Daddy is in his office counting his millions".
" That's a lie!" she said loudly and gave him a stern stare. " Just you wait and see".
He shrugged his shoulders and left the room.
Kelly thrashed against the heavy rope.
Kelly opened her eyes and noticed a long rope attached to her hands. She was lying on a small smelly bed that had just a single sheet and a tiny pillow on it. She looked around to see a window that was closed and a small wooden dresser that was near the bed. She thrashed around but the heavy rope was tight around her small delicate hands. " Help me" she screamed as she yanked on the rope and tried to get loose.
" Stop screaming" her kidnapper said as he walked in and put a cardboard box on the dresser. " Nobody can hear you".
" Please somebody save me" she cried as tears began to stream down her young face.
" There is not another cabin for several miles" he said with a grin as he opened the box. He took out some of Kelly's personals. " That's why I picked this cabin".
" God and my Daddy will come and rescue me" she softly replied as her drying tears stung her eyes. " They will come".
He put her personal things into the dresser's drawers. " God doesn't care about you and your Daddy is in his office counting his millions".
" That's a lie!" she said loudly and gave him a stern stare. " Just you wait and see".
He shrugged his shoulders and left the room.
Kelly thrashed against the heavy rope.
the madman of Gadara page 5
the madman of Gadara page 5 by ric gustafson
Hakim used his staff to keep his swine herd in one place. He had a good fertile place for them with a cliff on one side and the Sea on another. He looked across the field toward the caves. There was a rumor of a madman who lived there.
Two days before the incident, he could tell that a huge storm was brewing on the Sea. His swine herd was acting different and restless and the Sea was getting more choppy. The day of the incident, the storm came very quickly and powerfully. As he stared at the dark choppy Sea, he noticed a small boat in the distance. Then he saw a tall dark bearded man stand up at the back of the boat and put his arms up into the air. To Hakim's amazement, the wind immediately died down, the waves stopped and the Sea became calm as glass.
Hakim watched as the small boat pulled up to the shore and two men holding oars got out. All of a sudden, Hakim saw the madman rush out of a cave rattling his chain. He ran toward the boat screaming. The two men raised their oars to defend the others. The tall bearded man quietly got out of the boat.
He stopped in front of the madman.
" What business do you have with me, Jesus the Son of God" bellowed the madman. He fell flat on his face in the sand.
Jesus pointed. " Come out of this man". He stared at the madman with love in his eyes. " What is your name?".
A strange voice came out of the madman's mouth. " Legion".
Hakim heard another strange voice come out of the madman. " Don't send us away". Then a hesitation. " Send us into that swine herd instead".
Jesus looked over at Hakim's herd. " Go".
Hakim heard a loud squeal and then in horror, watched his herd start to rush toward the edge of the cliff. He ran after them but it was too late. The herd went over the edge, fell into the Sea and then drowned. Horrified, Hakim ran as fast as he could back to town.
The End
research help: original story
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Hakim used his staff to keep his swine herd in one place. He had a good fertile place for them with a cliff on one side and the Sea on another. He looked across the field toward the caves. There was a rumor of a madman who lived there.
Two days before the incident, he could tell that a huge storm was brewing on the Sea. His swine herd was acting different and restless and the Sea was getting more choppy. The day of the incident, the storm came very quickly and powerfully. As he stared at the dark choppy Sea, he noticed a small boat in the distance. Then he saw a tall dark bearded man stand up at the back of the boat and put his arms up into the air. To Hakim's amazement, the wind immediately died down, the waves stopped and the Sea became calm as glass.
Hakim watched as the small boat pulled up to the shore and two men holding oars got out. All of a sudden, Hakim saw the madman rush out of a cave rattling his chain. He ran toward the boat screaming. The two men raised their oars to defend the others. The tall bearded man quietly got out of the boat.
He stopped in front of the madman.
" What business do you have with me, Jesus the Son of God" bellowed the madman. He fell flat on his face in the sand.
Jesus pointed. " Come out of this man". He stared at the madman with love in his eyes. " What is your name?".
A strange voice came out of the madman's mouth. " Legion".
Hakim heard another strange voice come out of the madman. " Don't send us away". Then a hesitation. " Send us into that swine herd instead".
Jesus looked over at Hakim's herd. " Go".
Hakim heard a loud squeal and then in horror, watched his herd start to rush toward the edge of the cliff. He ran after them but it was too late. The herd went over the edge, fell into the Sea and then drowned. Horrified, Hakim ran as fast as he could back to town.
The End
research help: original story
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Monday, December 2, 2013
crimes of the century: the Zodiac Killer
crimes of the century: the Zodiac Killer by ric gustafson
By October 1971, five people were murdered in San Francisco. They were killed by someone wearing an executioner's hood and killing them in cold blood. This person preyed on lovers in parked cars and killed on specific dates based on astrology. The killer was nicknamed ' the Zodiac Killer' and he taunted the San Francisco Chronicle with his letters to the editor.
In all, there were five murders including a cab driver named Paul Stine. After Stine's murder, the killings stopped but the taunting by the killer to investigators continued. Possible suspects over the years have included Arthur Leigh Allen who died in 1992. Others included Bruce Davis who was a former Manson follower, Jack Tarrance, Larry Kane and Richard Marshall.
No one has ever been charged with the murders.
research help: Enquirer Special Investigation
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
By October 1971, five people were murdered in San Francisco. They were killed by someone wearing an executioner's hood and killing them in cold blood. This person preyed on lovers in parked cars and killed on specific dates based on astrology. The killer was nicknamed ' the Zodiac Killer' and he taunted the San Francisco Chronicle with his letters to the editor.
In all, there were five murders including a cab driver named Paul Stine. After Stine's murder, the killings stopped but the taunting by the killer to investigators continued. Possible suspects over the years have included Arthur Leigh Allen who died in 1992. Others included Bruce Davis who was a former Manson follower, Jack Tarrance, Larry Kane and Richard Marshall.
No one has ever been charged with the murders.
research help: Enquirer Special Investigation
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Christmas: a Silent Night
Christmas: a Silent Night by ric gustafson
It is now December and it is a busy one. School programs, trips, shopping, office parties and entertaining. God wants us to put one thing at the top of that list, time with him. Among all the busyness of the season, we need to spend quality time with Jesus our Lord. Matthew 6:6 talks about a secret place where we can spend quiet time with God and Jesus. God wants us to plan a silent quiet night where we can study God's Word and talk to him.
That night, turn off the world, close the door and pray to Jesus to bless your evening. Tell Jesus that you plan to spend the evening with him alone. Then have a good old fashioned bible study. Read Christmas passages in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke. Read through the Gospel of John in one sitting. Then praise the Lord and thank him for all the blessings he gives to you. Let the Holy Spirit fill your heart and the room. Confess sins that need to be confessed.
Let this time be a Christmas present to Jesus and it will make our hearts calm and bright.
research help: Turning Points December 2012
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
It is now December and it is a busy one. School programs, trips, shopping, office parties and entertaining. God wants us to put one thing at the top of that list, time with him. Among all the busyness of the season, we need to spend quality time with Jesus our Lord. Matthew 6:6 talks about a secret place where we can spend quiet time with God and Jesus. God wants us to plan a silent quiet night where we can study God's Word and talk to him.
That night, turn off the world, close the door and pray to Jesus to bless your evening. Tell Jesus that you plan to spend the evening with him alone. Then have a good old fashioned bible study. Read Christmas passages in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke. Read through the Gospel of John in one sitting. Then praise the Lord and thank him for all the blessings he gives to you. Let the Holy Spirit fill your heart and the room. Confess sins that need to be confessed.
Let this time be a Christmas present to Jesus and it will make our hearts calm and bright.
research help: Turning Points December 2012
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
the broken Christmas pitcher page 4
the broken Christmas pitcher page 4 by ric gustafson
The young man smiled, knelt down and picked up some pieces that were still together. He walked over to a work bench and picked up a glue gun. He picked up a piece of the broken pitcher from the floor and handed it to Myron. " Can you indulge me again and glue this piece to the pitcher?".
" What?".
" And while you are doing that, tell me why those young men were beating you up?".
Myron put some gloves on and put glue on the piece. " I met them at college". He set the piece in the broken pitcher. " I thought they were going to be my friends". Tears began to form in his eyes.
" Myron, my friend". He gave him a big hug. " You need to find some different friends".
" Ok".
The young man stood up. " Let's have lunch". He opened the studio door. " We'll work on this later".
research help: original story and ' Mended' by Angie Smith
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
The young man smiled, knelt down and picked up some pieces that were still together. He walked over to a work bench and picked up a glue gun. He picked up a piece of the broken pitcher from the floor and handed it to Myron. " Can you indulge me again and glue this piece to the pitcher?".
" What?".
" And while you are doing that, tell me why those young men were beating you up?".
Myron put some gloves on and put glue on the piece. " I met them at college". He set the piece in the broken pitcher. " I thought they were going to be my friends". Tears began to form in his eyes.
" Myron, my friend". He gave him a big hug. " You need to find some different friends".
" Ok".
The young man stood up. " Let's have lunch". He opened the studio door. " We'll work on this later".
research help: original story and ' Mended' by Angie Smith
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Sunday, December 1, 2013
the broken Christmas pitcher page 3
the broken Christmas pitcher page 3 by ric gustafson
The young man opened the heavy wooden door and turned on a nearby light. It revealed a sparse studio with large wooden shelves on all four sides.
Myron noticed that they were filled with beautiful pottery pitchers.
" Have a seat my new friend".
He sat down next to a large steel work table.
The young man took a pitcher from a shelf and put it down on the table in front of Myron. " How do you like this pitcher?".
Myron picked it up and studied it. " It's beautiful".
He smiled. " Myron, there is something that I would like you to do for me?".
" What's that?".
" I would like you to smash this pitcher on the floor".
" What!". He gave the young man a puzzled look.
" Please indulge me" he replied with a smile. " Please smash this on the floor".
" It will smash into a million pieces".
" I know" he said with a wide grin. " That's the idea". He handed Myron the pitcher. " Please".
" Ok". He picked up the pitcher, raised his right arm and threw it hard toward the floor. As predicted, it smashed into a million pieces.
research help: original story and ' Mended' by Angie Smith
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
The young man opened the heavy wooden door and turned on a nearby light. It revealed a sparse studio with large wooden shelves on all four sides.
Myron noticed that they were filled with beautiful pottery pitchers.
" Have a seat my new friend".
He sat down next to a large steel work table.
The young man took a pitcher from a shelf and put it down on the table in front of Myron. " How do you like this pitcher?".
Myron picked it up and studied it. " It's beautiful".
He smiled. " Myron, there is something that I would like you to do for me?".
" What's that?".
" I would like you to smash this pitcher on the floor".
" What!". He gave the young man a puzzled look.
" Please indulge me" he replied with a smile. " Please smash this on the floor".
" It will smash into a million pieces".
" I know" he said with a wide grin. " That's the idea". He handed Myron the pitcher. " Please".
" Ok". He picked up the pitcher, raised his right arm and threw it hard toward the floor. As predicted, it smashed into a million pieces.
research help: original story and ' Mended' by Angie Smith
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Christmas: follow that star
Christmas: follow that star by ric gustafson
The New Testament starts with a story of Persian astrologers who followed a strange star to the crib of the Christ child. These astrologers were probably students of the Word. They probably studied the Prophet Daniel and probably studied Hebrew scriptures. This group of Magi must of had hearts that burned for the longing of the promised Messiah. Like the Magi, we should study God's Word with longing and anticipation of his coming. The Magi were persistent in their following of the star. We do not know exactly where they came from, but we do know that it was a long journey. Coming into Jerusalem, they inquired about a newborn ' King of the Jews'.
Just like the Magi, we need a heart of joy, worship and giving. During this Christmas season, we need to lift our eyes to the star on top of the tree. We need to study his Word, long for his presence and appearing, follow him daily and worship him always with joy.
research help: Turning Points December 2012
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
The New Testament starts with a story of Persian astrologers who followed a strange star to the crib of the Christ child. These astrologers were probably students of the Word. They probably studied the Prophet Daniel and probably studied Hebrew scriptures. This group of Magi must of had hearts that burned for the longing of the promised Messiah. Like the Magi, we should study God's Word with longing and anticipation of his coming. The Magi were persistent in their following of the star. We do not know exactly where they came from, but we do know that it was a long journey. Coming into Jerusalem, they inquired about a newborn ' King of the Jews'.
Just like the Magi, we need a heart of joy, worship and giving. During this Christmas season, we need to lift our eyes to the star on top of the tree. We need to study his Word, long for his presence and appearing, follow him daily and worship him always with joy.
research help: Turning Points December 2012
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Saturday, November 30, 2013
crimes of the century: Helter Skelter
crimes of the century: Helter Skelter by ric gustafson
On a hot August night in 1969, followers of Charles Manson killed actress Sharon Tate who was married to movie director Roman Polanski. Four others were murdered that night at a Benedict Canyon home. Killed were Tate, Jay Sebring, coffee heiress Abigail Folger, Wojciech Frykowski and Steven Parent.
The next night, Manson along with Charles Watson, Patricia Krenwinkel and Leslie Van Houten went to the home of Leno LaBianca and his wife Rosemary. They were murdered and the walls of the home defaced with the slogan ' Helter Skelter' in blood.
Manson and the others got life sentences because California banned the death penalty in 1972. Manson now 78 is still in Corcoran State Prison and has been denied parole 12 times.
research help: Enquirer Special Investigation
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
On a hot August night in 1969, followers of Charles Manson killed actress Sharon Tate who was married to movie director Roman Polanski. Four others were murdered that night at a Benedict Canyon home. Killed were Tate, Jay Sebring, coffee heiress Abigail Folger, Wojciech Frykowski and Steven Parent.
The next night, Manson along with Charles Watson, Patricia Krenwinkel and Leslie Van Houten went to the home of Leno LaBianca and his wife Rosemary. They were murdered and the walls of the home defaced with the slogan ' Helter Skelter' in blood.
Manson and the others got life sentences because California banned the death penalty in 1972. Manson now 78 is still in Corcoran State Prison and has been denied parole 12 times.
research help: Enquirer Special Investigation
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Christmas: doing good for others
Christmas: doing good for others by ric gustafson
There is a powerful lesson that we can learn about Christmas. Doing good for others is a big part of the Christmas spirit. God has done everything for us and we should do the same for others. We demonstrate God's grace when we touch other lives. Christmas represents everything that God has done. He sent his Son Jesus to the world for our salvation. God sacrificed himself for us and he wants us to do the same for others. Where the Spirit of God is, the Spirit of good will come also.
As God's people, we need to show kindness to others now and throughout the year. A gift, a meal, an invitation, a letter, a kind word or another kind of blessing.
I Peter 3:9 says that we will be blessed when we bless others.
research help: Turning Points December 2012
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
There is a powerful lesson that we can learn about Christmas. Doing good for others is a big part of the Christmas spirit. God has done everything for us and we should do the same for others. We demonstrate God's grace when we touch other lives. Christmas represents everything that God has done. He sent his Son Jesus to the world for our salvation. God sacrificed himself for us and he wants us to do the same for others. Where the Spirit of God is, the Spirit of good will come also.
As God's people, we need to show kindness to others now and throughout the year. A gift, a meal, an invitation, a letter, a kind word or another kind of blessing.
I Peter 3:9 says that we will be blessed when we bless others.
research help: Turning Points December 2012
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Friday, November 29, 2013
the broken Christmas pitcher page 2
the broken Christmas pitcher page 2 by ric gustafson
Myron woke up and his eyes darted around the large room. The scrapes and bruises that he had felt had been worked on while he slept. In this bedroom, he saw three large bay windows and a fire that crackled in a corner fireplace. He closed his eyes in peace because of the peaceful surroundings of the room. After a while, he heard the bedroom open and then close.
" Myron, how do your feel?".
He tried to raise his head but couldn't. " I'm sore all over".
" Yes, those young men beat you up pretty good".
" Where am I?".
" My spare bedroom". He walked over and opened the white blinds to reveal bright sunshine. " How do you like my clay pitchers?".
Myron raised his head a little and noticed wooden shelves filled with clay pitchers and pots. " They are very nice".
The young man smiled. " After you have recovered from your wounds and feel better, would you like to see my studio?".
" Sure".
research help: original story and ' Mended' by Angie Smith
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Myron woke up and his eyes darted around the large room. The scrapes and bruises that he had felt had been worked on while he slept. In this bedroom, he saw three large bay windows and a fire that crackled in a corner fireplace. He closed his eyes in peace because of the peaceful surroundings of the room. After a while, he heard the bedroom open and then close.
" Myron, how do your feel?".
He tried to raise his head but couldn't. " I'm sore all over".
" Yes, those young men beat you up pretty good".
" Where am I?".
" My spare bedroom". He walked over and opened the white blinds to reveal bright sunshine. " How do you like my clay pitchers?".
Myron raised his head a little and noticed wooden shelves filled with clay pitchers and pots. " They are very nice".
The young man smiled. " After you have recovered from your wounds and feel better, would you like to see my studio?".
" Sure".
research help: original story and ' Mended' by Angie Smith
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Christmas: be joyful
Christmas: be joyful by ric gustafson
We would love to have a Norman Rockwell painting Christmas but it never turns out that way. Instead, it becomes a stressful time of year with traveling, shopping, spending, baking, partying, entertaining and so on. This is not what God wants.
One thing we can do to have joy this Christmas is to have a joy verse. Choose a bible verse about joy such as Nehemiah 8:10, Psalm 27:6, Psalm 35:9 or Psalm 118:24. Next, we can try to identify what is killing our holiday joy such as overscheduling or handling memories the wrong way. After that, we can put together a joy plan such as fewer decorations, focusing on a tree or using inexpensive candles. We can do less shopping and stick to a budget. We can do less entertaining and be selective where we go and whom we invite. Lastly, we can be a joy giver with a smile, a cheerful word, a kind look or a warm embrace. The most important thing at Christmas and all year long is that Jesus Christ is the most important thing in our lives.
resource help: Turning Points December 2012
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
We would love to have a Norman Rockwell painting Christmas but it never turns out that way. Instead, it becomes a stressful time of year with traveling, shopping, spending, baking, partying, entertaining and so on. This is not what God wants.
One thing we can do to have joy this Christmas is to have a joy verse. Choose a bible verse about joy such as Nehemiah 8:10, Psalm 27:6, Psalm 35:9 or Psalm 118:24. Next, we can try to identify what is killing our holiday joy such as overscheduling or handling memories the wrong way. After that, we can put together a joy plan such as fewer decorations, focusing on a tree or using inexpensive candles. We can do less shopping and stick to a budget. We can do less entertaining and be selective where we go and whom we invite. Lastly, we can be a joy giver with a smile, a cheerful word, a kind look or a warm embrace. The most important thing at Christmas and all year long is that Jesus Christ is the most important thing in our lives.
resource help: Turning Points December 2012
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Thursday, November 28, 2013
Mary of Magdala page 7
Mary of Magdala page 7 by ric gustafson
Mary began to have intermittent nightmares. She was always in that dingy room with that man leaning over her. She could hear his mocking laughter. Just when he reached to grab her, she woke up in a sweat. Her mother would come in and hold her until she would go to sleep.
She tried to go to the market with her mother but strangers made her cringe. At night, shadows came and filled her with terror. One night, she tried to talk to her mother and a strange sound erupted from her mouth.
" It is HaSAtan, the evil one".
Jared went to the synagogue and talk to the local Rabbi. He asked him about a exorcism.
" Gather a group of ten men and we will gather here tomorrow".
Mary was eager to be free from her torments.
research help: ' Mary Magdalene' by Diana Wallis Taylor
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Mary began to have intermittent nightmares. She was always in that dingy room with that man leaning over her. She could hear his mocking laughter. Just when he reached to grab her, she woke up in a sweat. Her mother would come in and hold her until she would go to sleep.
She tried to go to the market with her mother but strangers made her cringe. At night, shadows came and filled her with terror. One night, she tried to talk to her mother and a strange sound erupted from her mouth.
" It is HaSAtan, the evil one".
Jared went to the synagogue and talk to the local Rabbi. He asked him about a exorcism.
" Gather a group of ten men and we will gather here tomorrow".
Mary was eager to be free from her torments.
research help: ' Mary Magdalene' by Diana Wallis Taylor
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Wednesday, November 27, 2013
the broken Christmas pitcher page 1
the broken Christmas pitcher page 1 by ric Gustafson
Myron Lindell opened one of his eyes. He could feel snow flakes on them. He closed them again because he hurt so much. He could only remember that a group of young men had chased him into the yard. He opened them again and then tried to look around to see where he was. He could feel snow coming down on his face and then he noticed that he was lying on a mountain of pottery shards. He felt that he could not get up. He closed his eyes to die.
" Son, let me help you get up".
Myron blinked and tried to adjust his eyes to the dark. " The Potter". He had heard rumors over the years about a strange man who lived on the edge of town. He stared at a young dark bearded man who had a white robe on.
" Looks like you have had a busy night".
Myron took the young man's outstretched hand and slowly stood up.
" Let's get you inside the house".
They slowly walked across the pottery sharded ground toward the front door of the plain white house.
research help: original story and ' Mended' by Angie Smith
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Myron Lindell opened one of his eyes. He could feel snow flakes on them. He closed them again because he hurt so much. He could only remember that a group of young men had chased him into the yard. He opened them again and then tried to look around to see where he was. He could feel snow coming down on his face and then he noticed that he was lying on a mountain of pottery shards. He felt that he could not get up. He closed his eyes to die.
" Son, let me help you get up".
Myron blinked and tried to adjust his eyes to the dark. " The Potter". He had heard rumors over the years about a strange man who lived on the edge of town. He stared at a young dark bearded man who had a white robe on.
" Looks like you have had a busy night".
Myron took the young man's outstretched hand and slowly stood up.
" Let's get you inside the house".
They slowly walked across the pottery sharded ground toward the front door of the plain white house.
research help: original story and ' Mended' by Angie Smith
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Mary of Magdala page 6
Mary of Magdala page 6 by ric gustafson
Rachel cried as Eliab carried Jared through the gate. She was overjoyed to see Mary walking behind him. " Eliab, you found Mary".
The burly slave put Jared on his bed.
Merab the faithhealer came over and examined Jared. " His stab wound is clean and no serious organs were involved". She smiled. " I think he will be alright".
Mary shivered in fright. " Mama, that man wanted to hurt me".
She held her daughter tight in her arms. " Mary, you are safe now".
That night as she slept, she woke up in a cold sweat from a nightmare.
research help: ' Mary Magdalene' by Diana Wallis Taylor
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Rachel cried as Eliab carried Jared through the gate. She was overjoyed to see Mary walking behind him. " Eliab, you found Mary".
The burly slave put Jared on his bed.
Merab the faithhealer came over and examined Jared. " His stab wound is clean and no serious organs were involved". She smiled. " I think he will be alright".
Mary shivered in fright. " Mama, that man wanted to hurt me".
She held her daughter tight in her arms. " Mary, you are safe now".
That night as she slept, she woke up in a cold sweat from a nightmare.
research help: ' Mary Magdalene' by Diana Wallis Taylor
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Production # 1060 page 6
Production # 1060 page 6 by ric gustafson
MGM knew that the Wizard was a major role in the Wizard of Oz. They went to great lengths to find just the right actor. Mervyn Leroy wanted comedian Ed Wynn for the role. Freed and Harburg wanted W.C. Fields for the role. Wynn would have been emotionally and physically zany. Fields would have acted like a con man, blustering and boisterous. They decided to look at their contract players as an option.
Frank Morgan made sixty eight pictures at MGM from 1933 to 1949 when he died in his sleep. In his films, he portrayed a man who stammered his way through life. He was one of eleven children and had followed his brother Ralph onto the stage.
He begged for the role, got up on stage and adlibbed a test. He won the role.
Charley Grapewin got the role as Dorothy's Uncle Henry and Clara Blandick got the role of Dorothy's Aunt Em.
research help: ' The Making of the Wizard of Oz' by Aljean Harmetz
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
MGM knew that the Wizard was a major role in the Wizard of Oz. They went to great lengths to find just the right actor. Mervyn Leroy wanted comedian Ed Wynn for the role. Freed and Harburg wanted W.C. Fields for the role. Wynn would have been emotionally and physically zany. Fields would have acted like a con man, blustering and boisterous. They decided to look at their contract players as an option.
Frank Morgan made sixty eight pictures at MGM from 1933 to 1949 when he died in his sleep. In his films, he portrayed a man who stammered his way through life. He was one of eleven children and had followed his brother Ralph onto the stage.
He begged for the role, got up on stage and adlibbed a test. He won the role.
Charley Grapewin got the role as Dorothy's Uncle Henry and Clara Blandick got the role of Dorothy's Aunt Em.
research help: ' The Making of the Wizard of Oz' by Aljean Harmetz
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Tuesday, November 26, 2013
the story of Cletus ' Apple' Pie page 2
the story of Cletus ' Apple' Pie page 2 by ric gustafsonapple
Hello there!. Thank you for reading about me today. There are many myths as far as how I became popular. The first takes place during our colonial period. Humans grew apples for cider and apple dishes began to appear. Apple pies started to become popular. At this time, a price drop for grain and a large migration of Germans to the US. Beer became popular so with a glut of apples and cheap wheat flour, apple pies became popular. Apple trees flourished in the US and because of folklore such as Johnny Appleseed, apple pies became popular. During the Civil War, both sides took green apples and made their own apple pies.
Next time we chat, I will talk about a big part of my makeup, pieflakes and piecrust.
research help: ' Apple Pie an American story' by John T Edge
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Hello there!. Thank you for reading about me today. There are many myths as far as how I became popular. The first takes place during our colonial period. Humans grew apples for cider and apple dishes began to appear. Apple pies started to become popular. At this time, a price drop for grain and a large migration of Germans to the US. Beer became popular so with a glut of apples and cheap wheat flour, apple pies became popular. Apple trees flourished in the US and because of folklore such as Johnny Appleseed, apple pies became popular. During the Civil War, both sides took green apples and made their own apple pies.
Next time we chat, I will talk about a big part of my makeup, pieflakes and piecrust.
research help: ' Apple Pie an American story' by John T Edge
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Monday, November 25, 2013
the story of Cletus ' Apple' Pie page 1
the story of Cletus ' Apple' Pie page 1 by ric gustafson
Hello there. My name is Cletus Pie. When I was young, someone gave me the nickname ' Apple'. My name has been Cletus ' Apple' Pie since. Now that the Christmas season is here, I figured that it was a good time to tell you my story.
Before I tell my story to you, I do want to mention something that has been on my mind. Lots of people have told me over the years that I am as American as apple pie. If that is true, I am honored. In 1976, M.F.K Fisher wrote on the occasion of our nation's bicentennial that I was a national institution. I am honored to hear that. Now I will tell you some little stories about how I became what I became. I hope you enjoy it.
research help: ' Apple Pie an American love story' by John T Edge
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Hello there. My name is Cletus Pie. When I was young, someone gave me the nickname ' Apple'. My name has been Cletus ' Apple' Pie since. Now that the Christmas season is here, I figured that it was a good time to tell you my story.
Before I tell my story to you, I do want to mention something that has been on my mind. Lots of people have told me over the years that I am as American as apple pie. If that is true, I am honored. In 1976, M.F.K Fisher wrote on the occasion of our nation's bicentennial that I was a national institution. I am honored to hear that. Now I will tell you some little stories about how I became what I became. I hope you enjoy it.
research help: ' Apple Pie an American love story' by John T Edge
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Sunday, November 24, 2013
Production # 1060 page 5
Production # 1060 page 5 by ric gustafson
Buddy Ebsen was tall at 6 foot three. In April 1938, MGM wanted him to play the Scarecrow in the Wizard of Oz. He was in a two year contract at a salary of $ 1,500 a week. He came to MGM in December 1934. Later, he played Jed Clampett in the Beverly Hillbillies. At the age of sixty six, he played a private investigator as Barnaby Jones. In the end, Ray Bolger became the Scarecrow and Ebsen was to play the Tin Woodman. Two weeks into the production, because of health problems related to the Tin Woodman costume, he was replaced by Jack Haley. Ebsen's career slumped after that until 1956.
research help: ' The Making of the Wizard of Oz' by Aljean Harmetz
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Buddy Ebsen was tall at 6 foot three. In April 1938, MGM wanted him to play the Scarecrow in the Wizard of Oz. He was in a two year contract at a salary of $ 1,500 a week. He came to MGM in December 1934. Later, he played Jed Clampett in the Beverly Hillbillies. At the age of sixty six, he played a private investigator as Barnaby Jones. In the end, Ray Bolger became the Scarecrow and Ebsen was to play the Tin Woodman. Two weeks into the production, because of health problems related to the Tin Woodman costume, he was replaced by Jack Haley. Ebsen's career slumped after that until 1956.
research help: ' The Making of the Wizard of Oz' by Aljean Harmetz
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Saturday, November 23, 2013
Production # 1060 page 4
Production # 1060 page 4 by ric gustafson
In March of 1938, Ray Bolger was called into Mervyn Leroy's office. He was told that he was to be the Tin Woodman in the Wizard of Oz. His response was not enthusiastic. Bolger was interested in playing the Scarecrow instead. Fred Stone who played the Scarecrow in the 1902 version was an idol of Bolger's.
Bolger started in vaudeville and then went to Broadway. In 1935, he did one picture for MGM at $ 20,000 a week. On April 11 1936, he signed a long term contract for $ 3,000 a week. On set, he enjoyed playing the races and watching his bookie show up every Friday. One month after the Wizard of Oz wrapped, Bolger asked to be released from his contract.
Bolger's largest success came a decade later with a musical called ' Where's Charley' in which Bolger would star for nearly four years.
In the end, Bolger would get his wish and play the Scarecrow in the Wizard of Oz.
research help: ' The Making of the Wizard of Oz' by Aljean Harmetz
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
In March of 1938, Ray Bolger was called into Mervyn Leroy's office. He was told that he was to be the Tin Woodman in the Wizard of Oz. His response was not enthusiastic. Bolger was interested in playing the Scarecrow instead. Fred Stone who played the Scarecrow in the 1902 version was an idol of Bolger's.
Bolger started in vaudeville and then went to Broadway. In 1935, he did one picture for MGM at $ 20,000 a week. On April 11 1936, he signed a long term contract for $ 3,000 a week. On set, he enjoyed playing the races and watching his bookie show up every Friday. One month after the Wizard of Oz wrapped, Bolger asked to be released from his contract.
Bolger's largest success came a decade later with a musical called ' Where's Charley' in which Bolger would star for nearly four years.
In the end, Bolger would get his wish and play the Scarecrow in the Wizard of Oz.
research help: ' The Making of the Wizard of Oz' by Aljean Harmetz
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Friday, November 22, 2013
Production # 1060 page 3
Production #1060 page 3 by ric gustafson
Judy Garland entered the MGM system on September 27 1935. This was three months after her 13th birthday. She was signed to a seven year contract with seven options. By the fall of 1937, her salary was $400 a week. By September 1939, she was making $600 a week. By August 1940, she was earning $2000 a week.
She made six pictures before the Wizard of Oz including Broadway Melody of 1938 and Everybody Sing. She made eight pictures with Mickey Rooney. On February 24 1938, it was reported that Garland was to be cast as Dorothy. At this point, she had been at MGM for two and a half years. Shirley Temple was MGM's first choice for Dorothy but Darryl Zanuck of 20th Century Fox would not loan her out. Judy Garland was cast as Dorothy.
research help: ' The Making of the Wizard of Oz' by Aljean Harmetz
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Judy Garland entered the MGM system on September 27 1935. This was three months after her 13th birthday. She was signed to a seven year contract with seven options. By the fall of 1937, her salary was $400 a week. By September 1939, she was making $600 a week. By August 1940, she was earning $2000 a week.
She made six pictures before the Wizard of Oz including Broadway Melody of 1938 and Everybody Sing. She made eight pictures with Mickey Rooney. On February 24 1938, it was reported that Garland was to be cast as Dorothy. At this point, she had been at MGM for two and a half years. Shirley Temple was MGM's first choice for Dorothy but Darryl Zanuck of 20th Century Fox would not loan her out. Judy Garland was cast as Dorothy.
research help: ' The Making of the Wizard of Oz' by Aljean Harmetz
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Thursday, November 21, 2013
Production # 1060 page 2
Production # 1060 page 2 by ric gustafson
On February 28 1938, Herman Mankiewicz was assigned to write a screenplay for the Wizard of Oz. He was one of ten screenwriters selected by MGM for this task. By 1928, he had received credit for seventeen pictures. Mankiewicz had a compulsive gambling addiction and was fired by Mayer in 1939 for unpaid gambling debts. In 1940, he wrote Citizen Kane which won an Academy Award in 1941. Mankiewicz came up with the idea of having the Kansas sequence in black and white and then OZ in color. On March 22 1938, Noel Langley turned in a forty three page screenwrite for the Wizard of Oz. Langley's screenwrite became the framework for the finished film. Langley's screenwrite introduced Miss Gulch who became the Wicked Witch of the West and the two farmhands who became the Scarecrow and the Tin Woodsman. The farmhand Zeke who became the Cowardly Lion did not show up until the final script. Things such as the Cowardly Lion pulling on his tail and talking apple trees were in the final script. By the time Langley was removed from the project, four more writers were assigned to the project. Herbert Fields worked on the project from April 19 to April 1938 and Samuel Hoffenstein from May 31 to June 3 1938. On June 3 1938, Florence Ryerson and Edgar Allan Woolf were assigned to the project. Jack Mintz worked on the project from August 3 to September 2 1938. Sid Silvers was assigned to the film from October 17 to October 22 1938. The last writer for the Wizard of Oz was John Lee Mahin who worked on the film from October 27 1938 to Jan 10 1939.
research help: ' The Making of the Wizard of Oz' by Aljean Harmetz
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
On February 28 1938, Herman Mankiewicz was assigned to write a screenplay for the Wizard of Oz. He was one of ten screenwriters selected by MGM for this task. By 1928, he had received credit for seventeen pictures. Mankiewicz had a compulsive gambling addiction and was fired by Mayer in 1939 for unpaid gambling debts. In 1940, he wrote Citizen Kane which won an Academy Award in 1941. Mankiewicz came up with the idea of having the Kansas sequence in black and white and then OZ in color. On March 22 1938, Noel Langley turned in a forty three page screenwrite for the Wizard of Oz. Langley's screenwrite became the framework for the finished film. Langley's screenwrite introduced Miss Gulch who became the Wicked Witch of the West and the two farmhands who became the Scarecrow and the Tin Woodsman. The farmhand Zeke who became the Cowardly Lion did not show up until the final script. Things such as the Cowardly Lion pulling on his tail and talking apple trees were in the final script. By the time Langley was removed from the project, four more writers were assigned to the project. Herbert Fields worked on the project from April 19 to April 1938 and Samuel Hoffenstein from May 31 to June 3 1938. On June 3 1938, Florence Ryerson and Edgar Allan Woolf were assigned to the project. Jack Mintz worked on the project from August 3 to September 2 1938. Sid Silvers was assigned to the film from October 17 to October 22 1938. The last writer for the Wizard of Oz was John Lee Mahin who worked on the film from October 27 1938 to Jan 10 1939.
research help: ' The Making of the Wizard of Oz' by Aljean Harmetz
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Production # 1060 page 1
Production # 1060 page 1 by ric gustafson
In 1923, Mervyn Leroy and Arthur Freed met on a silent picture set. Leroy was hired as a gag man and Freed played background music on an organ. Fourteen years later in 1937, LeRoy was a producer at MGM and Freed was a songwriter for the studio.
MGM was the largest and most exclusive of the Hollywood studios. It's quota was one picture per week for fifty two weeks. Production # 1060 was one of forty one pictures released by MGM in 1939. Samuel Goldwyn formed his own production company in 1915. In 1924, he brought in Louis B Mayer to form Metro-Goldwyn. In February 1938, Mayer gave the studio the ok to option L Frank Baum's children story The Wizard of Oz. Once the option was bought, Mayer appointed LeRoy to produce the movie and for Freed to be his assistant.
Mervyn LeRoy in 1938 was thirty seven. He was a director at Warner Bros and was a son in law to Harry Warner. In his first year and a half with MGM, LeRoy will produce four films including the Wizard of Oz.
Production # 1060 was budgeted at slightly over $ 2 million and cost more and took more time than any other picture in 1939. It took over twenty years for the Wizard of Oz to earn it's money back for the studio.
research help: ' The Making of the Wizard of Oz' by Aljean Harmetz
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
In 1923, Mervyn Leroy and Arthur Freed met on a silent picture set. Leroy was hired as a gag man and Freed played background music on an organ. Fourteen years later in 1937, LeRoy was a producer at MGM and Freed was a songwriter for the studio.
MGM was the largest and most exclusive of the Hollywood studios. It's quota was one picture per week for fifty two weeks. Production # 1060 was one of forty one pictures released by MGM in 1939. Samuel Goldwyn formed his own production company in 1915. In 1924, he brought in Louis B Mayer to form Metro-Goldwyn. In February 1938, Mayer gave the studio the ok to option L Frank Baum's children story The Wizard of Oz. Once the option was bought, Mayer appointed LeRoy to produce the movie and for Freed to be his assistant.
Mervyn LeRoy in 1938 was thirty seven. He was a director at Warner Bros and was a son in law to Harry Warner. In his first year and a half with MGM, LeRoy will produce four films including the Wizard of Oz.
Production # 1060 was budgeted at slightly over $ 2 million and cost more and took more time than any other picture in 1939. It took over twenty years for the Wizard of Oz to earn it's money back for the studio.
research help: ' The Making of the Wizard of Oz' by Aljean Harmetz
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Wednesday, November 20, 2013
the Butterball Turkey fitness class
the Butterball Turkey fitness class by ric gustafson
Anita Cobb nervously bit her fingernails as she waited by the front desk. She smiled as a young woman entered carrying a blue workout bag. She shook Anita's hand. " Hi, I'm Pamela Cross".
" Anita" was her reply as she opened the door leading to the stairs. " We're glad you are here to teach the class at the last minute".
" I'm not sure what the class is" she said as they reached the bottom and turned toward a room on the right. " But here I am".
They reached the room and walked in. Pamela did not see anyone there except for six loud gobbling turkeys. " Where's the fitness class?".
Anita pointed at the turkeys.
" They are turkeys" she exclaimed loudly as the turkeys gobbled louder. " What's going on here?".
" Butterball has a mystery on their hands".
" What do you mean?".
" These turkeys did not get plump enough for Thanksgiving".
" You mean skinny turkeys".
" Keep your voice down" Anita said as the turkeys gobbled louder. " They are very self conscious".
" Butterball doesn't know what happened".
" No" she replied in a hush tone. " Could be antibiotics, they are not sure".
" No turkey for Thanksgiving" Pamela retorted as she walked out to change in the dressing room. When she returned, Anita had an angry look on her face. " Thanks to your loud remark, all the turkeys ran out and escaped".
Pamela could not believe what she was hearing.
" Butterball is not going to be happy".
Pamela left the YMCA with a puzzled look on her face.
research help: an MSN.com article
Peace and a happy Thanksgiving to all. Love Ric
Anita Cobb nervously bit her fingernails as she waited by the front desk. She smiled as a young woman entered carrying a blue workout bag. She shook Anita's hand. " Hi, I'm Pamela Cross".
" Anita" was her reply as she opened the door leading to the stairs. " We're glad you are here to teach the class at the last minute".
" I'm not sure what the class is" she said as they reached the bottom and turned toward a room on the right. " But here I am".
They reached the room and walked in. Pamela did not see anyone there except for six loud gobbling turkeys. " Where's the fitness class?".
Anita pointed at the turkeys.
" They are turkeys" she exclaimed loudly as the turkeys gobbled louder. " What's going on here?".
" Butterball has a mystery on their hands".
" What do you mean?".
" These turkeys did not get plump enough for Thanksgiving".
" You mean skinny turkeys".
" Keep your voice down" Anita said as the turkeys gobbled louder. " They are very self conscious".
" Butterball doesn't know what happened".
" No" she replied in a hush tone. " Could be antibiotics, they are not sure".
" No turkey for Thanksgiving" Pamela retorted as she walked out to change in the dressing room. When she returned, Anita had an angry look on her face. " Thanks to your loud remark, all the turkeys ran out and escaped".
Pamela could not believe what she was hearing.
" Butterball is not going to be happy".
Pamela left the YMCA with a puzzled look on her face.
research help: an MSN.com article
Peace and a happy Thanksgiving to all. Love Ric
Tuesday, November 19, 2013
attributes of God: the goodness of God
attributes of God: the goodness of God by ric gustafson
Psalm 84:11 says for the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord gives grace and glory; no good thing does he withhold from those who walk uprightly.
Jesus wants to be the master of every area of our lives. God wants to be in charge of our lives. God is so good that he gave us his most precious gift, his Son. It is easy to think that God does not have my best intentions at heart. Thus I could not believe that he was good. God's goodness is kind and full of good will toward men. God is tenderhearted, full of sympathy and is open frank and friendly to all. He bestows blessings to all and takes pleasure in the happiness of all people. God is infinite, eternal and holy in his goodness. We are the objects of his affection and that will never stop.
God reveals his goodness to us through natural blessings. He also reveals his goodness through a specific deliverance. A classic example of this is Psalm 107 which states to give thanks to the Lord for he is good and his lovingkindness is everlasting. God also reveals his goodness through his Son Jesus.
How are we to respond to God's goodness?. First, we must repent of our unbelief and ingratitude. Second,We must also rest in his goodness when we encounter adversity. Third, we risk stepping out in faith like never before.
The promise from God is that no good thing will be withheld from us from those who walk uprightly in him. God's goodness is unlimited power, wisdom, compassion and an eternal guarantee.
research help: ' God as he longs for you to see him' by Chip Ingram
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Psalm 84:11 says for the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord gives grace and glory; no good thing does he withhold from those who walk uprightly.
Jesus wants to be the master of every area of our lives. God wants to be in charge of our lives. God is so good that he gave us his most precious gift, his Son. It is easy to think that God does not have my best intentions at heart. Thus I could not believe that he was good. God's goodness is kind and full of good will toward men. God is tenderhearted, full of sympathy and is open frank and friendly to all. He bestows blessings to all and takes pleasure in the happiness of all people. God is infinite, eternal and holy in his goodness. We are the objects of his affection and that will never stop.
God reveals his goodness to us through natural blessings. He also reveals his goodness through a specific deliverance. A classic example of this is Psalm 107 which states to give thanks to the Lord for he is good and his lovingkindness is everlasting. God also reveals his goodness through his Son Jesus.
How are we to respond to God's goodness?. First, we must repent of our unbelief and ingratitude. Second,We must also rest in his goodness when we encounter adversity. Third, we risk stepping out in faith like never before.
The promise from God is that no good thing will be withheld from us from those who walk uprightly in him. God's goodness is unlimited power, wisdom, compassion and an eternal guarantee.
research help: ' God as he longs for you to see him' by Chip Ingram
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Fall: treasuring family and friends
Fall: treasuring family and friends by ric gustafson
At this time of year, God wants us to strengthen our relationship with friends and family. God wants us to tell those close to us what they mean to us. For kids, the social reunion at school with their friends is important. For church life, fall is the time when friends come back to church and small groups start again. The anticipation of Thanksgiving is a fall event everyone looks forward to. It's the one time of year when we open our doors, tell people to bring a dish and thank God for all the blessings that he gives to us every day. Thanksgiving is the holiday of food and fun and Christmas is the holiday of love. During the Christmas season, God wants us to draw closer to those we love as family and friends.
The End- dedicated to Tom E
research help: Turning Points September 2013
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
At this time of year, God wants us to strengthen our relationship with friends and family. God wants us to tell those close to us what they mean to us. For kids, the social reunion at school with their friends is important. For church life, fall is the time when friends come back to church and small groups start again. The anticipation of Thanksgiving is a fall event everyone looks forward to. It's the one time of year when we open our doors, tell people to bring a dish and thank God for all the blessings that he gives to us every day. Thanksgiving is the holiday of food and fun and Christmas is the holiday of love. During the Christmas season, God wants us to draw closer to those we love as family and friends.
The End- dedicated to Tom E
research help: Turning Points September 2013
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Monday, November 18, 2013
Fall: fall in love with Jesus
Fall: fall in love with Jesus by ric gustafson
We spend a lot of time planning our summer vacations. This fall, why don't we plan on spending more time with Jesus?. We can make a plan to spend more time with Jesus. We can sit down and make a plan to study his Word more each day. We should plan to spend more time each day praying and speaking to Jesus about whatever we want too. He will always listen to us. Lastly, we should make a plan to serve Jesus and help others in need. God has a personal ministry for each of us and when the Holy Spirit controls our schedule, we can serve him.
Let us this fall make a plan to love Jesus, spend time with him, pray and talk to him and serve him by helping others.
Next we will talk about this fall treasuring family and friends.
research help: Turning Points September 2013
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
We spend a lot of time planning our summer vacations. This fall, why don't we plan on spending more time with Jesus?. We can make a plan to spend more time with Jesus. We can sit down and make a plan to study his Word more each day. We should plan to spend more time each day praying and speaking to Jesus about whatever we want too. He will always listen to us. Lastly, we should make a plan to serve Jesus and help others in need. God has a personal ministry for each of us and when the Holy Spirit controls our schedule, we can serve him.
Let us this fall make a plan to love Jesus, spend time with him, pray and talk to him and serve him by helping others.
Next we will talk about this fall treasuring family and friends.
research help: Turning Points September 2013
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
elevator no.4 page 8
elevator no.4 page 8 by ric gustafson
" I can't believe you are thinking of food at a time like this" Mark exclaimed in a loud voice. " We might die in here".
" No we won't". Justin pulled a tiny black bible from his back pocket. " The bible says that God will always protect us".
Anita took a plastic fork and put some mashed potatoes into her mouth. " How do you know that?".
Justin turned some pages. " John 3:16".
" What does that verse say?".
" For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life".
Mark rolled his eyes. " Oh brother".
Anita bit into some of the turkey. " God can love even a sinner like me".
" Of course" Justin replied as he took a bit of turkey. " All you have to do is admit that you are a sinner and that you want to change".
Tears began to flow down her face. " I want to".
Mark shook his head. " I don't believe this".
She got down on her knees and bowed her head.
" Tell God that you are a sinner and that you want to change".
She repeated the words.
" Ask God to come into your heart and be in charge of your life".
She repeated the words as more tears streamed down her face.
" Thank you God Amen".
" Thank you God Amen".
Just then, the elevator opened.
" Sorry folks" said the hotel employee they had seen earlier. " I got it open as quick as I could".
Mark yelled as he walked out. " Get me out of here!".
Justin gave Anita his little black bible. " Anita, welcome to God's family".
" Thank you" she said with joy as she hugged him. She walked out of elevator no.4 with a look of joy and peace on her face.
The End- dedicated to Tom E
research help: original story
Happy Thanksgiving to you all. Love Ric
" I can't believe you are thinking of food at a time like this" Mark exclaimed in a loud voice. " We might die in here".
" No we won't". Justin pulled a tiny black bible from his back pocket. " The bible says that God will always protect us".
Anita took a plastic fork and put some mashed potatoes into her mouth. " How do you know that?".
Justin turned some pages. " John 3:16".
" What does that verse say?".
" For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life".
Mark rolled his eyes. " Oh brother".
Anita bit into some of the turkey. " God can love even a sinner like me".
" Of course" Justin replied as he took a bit of turkey. " All you have to do is admit that you are a sinner and that you want to change".
Tears began to flow down her face. " I want to".
Mark shook his head. " I don't believe this".
She got down on her knees and bowed her head.
" Tell God that you are a sinner and that you want to change".
She repeated the words.
" Ask God to come into your heart and be in charge of your life".
She repeated the words as more tears streamed down her face.
" Thank you God Amen".
" Thank you God Amen".
Just then, the elevator opened.
" Sorry folks" said the hotel employee they had seen earlier. " I got it open as quick as I could".
Mark yelled as he walked out. " Get me out of here!".
Justin gave Anita his little black bible. " Anita, welcome to God's family".
" Thank you" she said with joy as she hugged him. She walked out of elevator no.4 with a look of joy and peace on her face.
The End- dedicated to Tom E
research help: original story
Happy Thanksgiving to you all. Love Ric
Sunday, November 17, 2013
elevator no. 4 page 7
elevator no. 4 page 7 by ric gustafson
Justin pushed the elevator button as he held onto the Styrofoam container. The door opened and he held it open.
" Thank you" replied the young woman as she walked inside.
He held the door open for the young man with the scowl. He did not smile or say thanks.
Justin walked in and then the door closed. He pushed the button for the first floor. " Is everyone going down to the first floor?".
Both nodded yes.
Justin pushed the first floor button again and then felt the elevator jolt.
Anita felt the jolt. " What happened?".
" I'm sure it's nothing". He pushed the button again. Nothing happened.
" That's just great" Mark said as he gave them a stern look. " It's Thanksgiving and I'm stuck in an elevator".
Justin pushed the call button.
" Yes".
" There are three of us stuck in elevator no.4 on the 3rd floor".
" Stay calm, we are currently working on the situation".
Mark shook his head at the other two. " Just when I thought my day couldn't get worse".
" God will protect us" Justin said as he opened the Styrofoam container. " Would either of you like to share some leftover Thanksgiving turkey and mashed potatoes and gravy with me?".
research help: original story
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Justin pushed the elevator button as he held onto the Styrofoam container. The door opened and he held it open.
" Thank you" replied the young woman as she walked inside.
He held the door open for the young man with the scowl. He did not smile or say thanks.
Justin walked in and then the door closed. He pushed the button for the first floor. " Is everyone going down to the first floor?".
Both nodded yes.
Justin pushed the first floor button again and then felt the elevator jolt.
Anita felt the jolt. " What happened?".
" I'm sure it's nothing". He pushed the button again. Nothing happened.
" That's just great" Mark said as he gave them a stern look. " It's Thanksgiving and I'm stuck in an elevator".
Justin pushed the call button.
" Yes".
" There are three of us stuck in elevator no.4 on the 3rd floor".
" Stay calm, we are currently working on the situation".
Mark shook his head at the other two. " Just when I thought my day couldn't get worse".
" God will protect us" Justin said as he opened the Styrofoam container. " Would either of you like to share some leftover Thanksgiving turkey and mashed potatoes and gravy with me?".
research help: original story
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Saturday, November 16, 2013
elevator no.4 page 6
elevator no.4 page 6 by ric gustafson
Mark closed the door and slowly walked toward the elevator.
" Hello" a hotel employee said as he listened to his work cell phone. He pointed at the elevator. " Hopefully the elevator is ok to use".
" That's just great" he muttered to himself as he watched a woman approach the elevator. " This elevator better be working". He couldn't wait to go down to the hotel's bar and drink away his sorrows. ' What else can go wrong with my life' he thought as he noticed an older gentleman approach the elevator holding a Styrofoam container. As he approached the elevator, a scowl came to his face. " Who needs God".
research help: original story
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Mark closed the door and slowly walked toward the elevator.
" Hello" a hotel employee said as he listened to his work cell phone. He pointed at the elevator. " Hopefully the elevator is ok to use".
" That's just great" he muttered to himself as he watched a woman approach the elevator. " This elevator better be working". He couldn't wait to go down to the hotel's bar and drink away his sorrows. ' What else can go wrong with my life' he thought as he noticed an older gentleman approach the elevator holding a Styrofoam container. As he approached the elevator, a scowl came to his face. " Who needs God".
research help: original story
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Friday, November 15, 2013
elevator no, 04 page 5
elevator no. 04 page 5 by ric gustafson
Anita closed the door and started to walk toward the elevator. She noticed an older gentleman who was carrying a Styrofoam container. It looked like he was talking to a hotel employee. The employee walked fast toward her. " This elevator should be ok" he said as he pointed toward it. " We've been having problems with them all day". He quickly walked away as he talked into his cell phone.
She walked up to the elevator and nervously stared at her outfit. She was hoping that this business outfit would help her at the job conference downstairs. She watched as the older gentleman and a young man with a scowl on his face approached the elevator.
research help: original story
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Anita closed the door and started to walk toward the elevator. She noticed an older gentleman who was carrying a Styrofoam container. It looked like he was talking to a hotel employee. The employee walked fast toward her. " This elevator should be ok" he said as he pointed toward it. " We've been having problems with them all day". He quickly walked away as he talked into his cell phone.
She walked up to the elevator and nervously stared at her outfit. She was hoping that this business outfit would help her at the job conference downstairs. She watched as the older gentleman and a young man with a scowl on his face approached the elevator.
research help: original story
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Wednesday, November 13, 2013
elevator no.4 page 4
elevator no.4 page 4 by ric gustafson
Justin held onto the styrofoam container as he closed the room door. He took two steps and then bumped into someone.
" I'm sorry" said a hotel employee as he tugged on a tool belt that was around his waist. " I should watch where I am going".
" What's all the rushing around?".
" We've been having trouble with the elevators". His cell phone sounded. He opened it. " This is Mike". He listened intently to the call. " Ok, I'll be right there". He smiled at Justin as he walked away. " For right now, they are working ok".
As Justin walked toward the elevator, he noticed two other people approaching. One was a young man with a scowl on his face and a young woman wearing a business suit.
research help: original story
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Justin held onto the styrofoam container as he closed the room door. He took two steps and then bumped into someone.
" I'm sorry" said a hotel employee as he tugged on a tool belt that was around his waist. " I should watch where I am going".
" What's all the rushing around?".
" We've been having trouble with the elevators". His cell phone sounded. He opened it. " This is Mike". He listened intently to the call. " Ok, I'll be right there". He smiled at Justin as he walked away. " For right now, they are working ok".
As Justin walked toward the elevator, he noticed two other people approaching. One was a young man with a scowl on his face and a young woman wearing a business suit.
research help: original story
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Fall: simplicity and order
Fall: simplicity and order by ric gustafson
I Corinthians 14: 33 and 40 says God is not the author of confusion but of peace let all things be done decently and in order. God does not want us to have havoc in our lives and fall is a good time to tackle those things. It could be balancing your checkbook, emptying your inbox, working in your closet and putting away your summer clothes. We need to ask ourselves what fall reorganizing do we need to do.
A To Do list helps to organize our tasks. Jesus told us not to worry about tomorrow so we should only tackle one messy day at a time. As we have quiet time with God, we can ask him what he would like us to do today. If we take care of our minutes and hours, God will take care of our seasons and years. Fall is a great time to de-clutter our lives and learn the art of sanctified simplicity.
Next we will look at rekindling our love for Jesus in the fall.
research help: Turning Points September 2013
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
I Corinthians 14: 33 and 40 says God is not the author of confusion but of peace let all things be done decently and in order. God does not want us to have havoc in our lives and fall is a good time to tackle those things. It could be balancing your checkbook, emptying your inbox, working in your closet and putting away your summer clothes. We need to ask ourselves what fall reorganizing do we need to do.
A To Do list helps to organize our tasks. Jesus told us not to worry about tomorrow so we should only tackle one messy day at a time. As we have quiet time with God, we can ask him what he would like us to do today. If we take care of our minutes and hours, God will take care of our seasons and years. Fall is a great time to de-clutter our lives and learn the art of sanctified simplicity.
Next we will look at rekindling our love for Jesus in the fall.
research help: Turning Points September 2013
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Tuesday, November 12, 2013
Fall: God's people for all seasons
Fall: God's people for all seasons by ric gustafson
There are two seasons in every day, daylight and darkness. There are two seasons in every week, six days for work and one for rest and worship. There are four seasons in the year and as God's people, we should be spiritual people for all seasons.
Ecclesiastes 3:1 says that to everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven. God has given us the seasons into our lives for our benefit. God uses the seasons as part of the rhythms and cycles God has built into creation.
Let us be spiritual men and women of all seasons. Let us use the fall season to reaffirm, restore and realign ourselves to God. We need to be focused, faithful and focus on fellowship with God.
Next we will look at having simplicity and order in the fall season.
research help: Turning Points September 2013
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
There are two seasons in every day, daylight and darkness. There are two seasons in every week, six days for work and one for rest and worship. There are four seasons in the year and as God's people, we should be spiritual people for all seasons.
Ecclesiastes 3:1 says that to everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven. God has given us the seasons into our lives for our benefit. God uses the seasons as part of the rhythms and cycles God has built into creation.
Let us be spiritual men and women of all seasons. Let us use the fall season to reaffirm, restore and realign ourselves to God. We need to be focused, faithful and focus on fellowship with God.
Next we will look at having simplicity and order in the fall season.
research help: Turning Points September 2013
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
crimes of the century: the death of Bobby Kennedy
crimes of the century: the death of Bobby Kennedy by ric gustafson
On June 5 1968, Bobby Kennedy was celebrating his win in the California Democratic presidential primary. Just after midnight at the Ambassador Hotel in Los Angeles, Kennedy and some campaign workers were trying to leave the hotel through the hotel kitchen. A 24 year old man named Sirhan Sirhan stepped forward and shot Kennedy with a .22 caliber pistol. Kennedy died on the hotel kitchen floor from a bullet to the head.
Sirhan was convicted of killing Kennedy on April 17, 1969. Since then doubts about the killing have come up. Evidence has shown that Kennedy was killed from a single shot behind and below his right ear. Sirhan was not close enough to shoot that fatal shot. An eyewitness who was standing behind Kennedy at the time he was shot claimed that she heard between 12 to 14 shots being fired instead of the maximum of eight from Sirhan's gun. The conclusion is that there was more than one shooter.
L.A. Police Sgt Paul Sharaga noticed two people running past him away from the scene including a woman in a polka dot dress.
Right now, Sirhan Sirhan sits in California's Pleasant Valley State Prison.
research help: ' Enquirer Special Investigation'
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
On June 5 1968, Bobby Kennedy was celebrating his win in the California Democratic presidential primary. Just after midnight at the Ambassador Hotel in Los Angeles, Kennedy and some campaign workers were trying to leave the hotel through the hotel kitchen. A 24 year old man named Sirhan Sirhan stepped forward and shot Kennedy with a .22 caliber pistol. Kennedy died on the hotel kitchen floor from a bullet to the head.
Sirhan was convicted of killing Kennedy on April 17, 1969. Since then doubts about the killing have come up. Evidence has shown that Kennedy was killed from a single shot behind and below his right ear. Sirhan was not close enough to shoot that fatal shot. An eyewitness who was standing behind Kennedy at the time he was shot claimed that she heard between 12 to 14 shots being fired instead of the maximum of eight from Sirhan's gun. The conclusion is that there was more than one shooter.
L.A. Police Sgt Paul Sharaga noticed two people running past him away from the scene including a woman in a polka dot dress.
Right now, Sirhan Sirhan sits in California's Pleasant Valley State Prison.
research help: ' Enquirer Special Investigation'
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Monday, November 11, 2013
the madman of Gadara page 4
the madman of Gadara page 4 by ric gustafson
The voices in my head had multiplied so much it seemed as if a million voices were telling me what to do. The voices were telling me that trouble was coming from the Sea. As I stared at the raging storm, I saw what looked like a small boat being battered against the wind and rain. Then I noticed a tall bearded man get up and stretch his arms. All of a sudden, the violent wind and the huge waves calmed down and the Sea became quiet and tranquil.
The boat came toward shore and the voices inside told me to destroy this man and his friends. A couple of men with oars in their hands jumped out of the boat. The voices told me to attack. I ran toward them shrieking and rattling my chain. The two men lifted their oars to protect the bearded one.
The bearded man got out of the boat and quietly walked up to me. He pointed a finger at me " come out of him". The voices inside me shrieked loudly and made me lie face down in the sand. " What is your name?" asked the bearded one.
Several voices inside shrieked at the same time " legion".
A loud voice inside shrieked " do not send us to the pit we beg you".
Another voice inside shrieked " send us into that herd of pigs".
I convulsed, thrashed around and then fell to the ground.
I heard squealing and then saw the herd of pigs run over the cliff and drown in the Sea below.
The bearded one smiled and then helped me to my feet.
I smiled back. " Can I come and follow you?".
Jesus shook his head. " Go back to town and tell people what had just happened to you".
research help: original story
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
The voices in my head had multiplied so much it seemed as if a million voices were telling me what to do. The voices were telling me that trouble was coming from the Sea. As I stared at the raging storm, I saw what looked like a small boat being battered against the wind and rain. Then I noticed a tall bearded man get up and stretch his arms. All of a sudden, the violent wind and the huge waves calmed down and the Sea became quiet and tranquil.
The boat came toward shore and the voices inside told me to destroy this man and his friends. A couple of men with oars in their hands jumped out of the boat. The voices told me to attack. I ran toward them shrieking and rattling my chain. The two men lifted their oars to protect the bearded one.
The bearded man got out of the boat and quietly walked up to me. He pointed a finger at me " come out of him". The voices inside me shrieked loudly and made me lie face down in the sand. " What is your name?" asked the bearded one.
Several voices inside shrieked at the same time " legion".
A loud voice inside shrieked " do not send us to the pit we beg you".
Another voice inside shrieked " send us into that herd of pigs".
I convulsed, thrashed around and then fell to the ground.
I heard squealing and then saw the herd of pigs run over the cliff and drown in the Sea below.
The bearded one smiled and then helped me to my feet.
I smiled back. " Can I come and follow you?".
Jesus shook his head. " Go back to town and tell people what had just happened to you".
research help: original story
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Sunday, November 10, 2013
the madman of Gadara page 3
the madman of Gadara page 3 by ric gustafson
I sat under a tree in the middle of Gadara and waited for someone to approach me. I'm not as famous or should I say infamous as I used to be. It's been a long time since the incident happened but I remember as if it had just happened. When people come up to me and ask if I was the madman, I simply nod my head and say yes.
When the young bearded man and his friends came in their boat, the voices began telling me to do whatever it took to keep them away. The voices knew they were coming. These voices had me under their control for most of my life. The voices told me that I was no good and not worthy of anything.
When the voices started to multiply, my behavior changed dramatically. The voices made me violent and I began to yell and hit townspeople. I was given the name ' the madman of Gadara' and forced to leave town.
I retreated to the caves and the voices kept multiplying. The voices made me wear animal clothing and have wild hair. I began wearing a huge chain that rattled and I began to shriek like a ghost. The fishermen and the swine herdsmen in the area began to avoid the caves where I lived.
One night, a violent storm arose on the Sea and I retreated to one of the caves to avoid the storm.
research help: original story
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
I sat under a tree in the middle of Gadara and waited for someone to approach me. I'm not as famous or should I say infamous as I used to be. It's been a long time since the incident happened but I remember as if it had just happened. When people come up to me and ask if I was the madman, I simply nod my head and say yes.
When the young bearded man and his friends came in their boat, the voices began telling me to do whatever it took to keep them away. The voices knew they were coming. These voices had me under their control for most of my life. The voices told me that I was no good and not worthy of anything.
When the voices started to multiply, my behavior changed dramatically. The voices made me violent and I began to yell and hit townspeople. I was given the name ' the madman of Gadara' and forced to leave town.
I retreated to the caves and the voices kept multiplying. The voices made me wear animal clothing and have wild hair. I began wearing a huge chain that rattled and I began to shriek like a ghost. The fishermen and the swine herdsmen in the area began to avoid the caves where I lived.
One night, a violent storm arose on the Sea and I retreated to one of the caves to avoid the storm.
research help: original story
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Saturday, November 9, 2013
crimes of the century: Martin Luther King Jr
crimes of the century: Martin Luther King Jr by ric gustafson
There was a man whose powerful orations and dreams of ending racism rallied the nation. His name was Martin Luther King Jr. During a speech in Memphis, he appeared to foretell his own demise. " I've seen the promised land" he said at the Mason Temple Church April 3 1968. The next day on April 4 at 6:01 pm, a sniper's bullet struck King in the neck as he stood on the balcony of the Lorraine Motel.
King was rushed to a hospital but damage to his heart could not be repaired. A hunt for his killer started. A man was seen fleeing the area after the shooting. A two bit criminal named James Earl Ray was spotted at the scene and his fingerprints were on a rifle that was seized.
On March 10, 1969 Ray confessed to the crime and was sentenced to 99 years in prison. On April 23, 1998, Ray died in prison at age 70 from liver failure.
research help: Enquirer Special Investigation
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
There was a man whose powerful orations and dreams of ending racism rallied the nation. His name was Martin Luther King Jr. During a speech in Memphis, he appeared to foretell his own demise. " I've seen the promised land" he said at the Mason Temple Church April 3 1968. The next day on April 4 at 6:01 pm, a sniper's bullet struck King in the neck as he stood on the balcony of the Lorraine Motel.
King was rushed to a hospital but damage to his heart could not be repaired. A hunt for his killer started. A man was seen fleeing the area after the shooting. A two bit criminal named James Earl Ray was spotted at the scene and his fingerprints were on a rifle that was seized.
On March 10, 1969 Ray confessed to the crime and was sentenced to 99 years in prison. On April 23, 1998, Ray died in prison at age 70 from liver failure.
research help: Enquirer Special Investigation
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Friday, November 8, 2013
crimes of the century: The Boston Strangler
crimes of the century: The Boston Strangler by ric gustafson
In Boston during the summer of 1962, Anna Slesers aged 55 was murdered in her apartment. Thus began a 19 month killing spree. During that time period, at least 11 women were raped or murdered.
The murders stopped when a blue collar maintenance worker named Albert Desalvo was arrested. While locked up in prison, he confessed to the murders. He was sentenced to life in prison and six years later, was stabbed to death in the prison infirmary.
Fifty years after his death, his body was dug up and his DNA was extracted. His DNA matched that of victim Mary Sullivan.
The city of Boston was finally convinced that they had their man.
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
In Boston during the summer of 1962, Anna Slesers aged 55 was murdered in her apartment. Thus began a 19 month killing spree. During that time period, at least 11 women were raped or murdered.
The murders stopped when a blue collar maintenance worker named Albert Desalvo was arrested. While locked up in prison, he confessed to the murders. He was sentenced to life in prison and six years later, was stabbed to death in the prison infirmary.
Fifty years after his death, his body was dug up and his DNA was extracted. His DNA matched that of victim Mary Sullivan.
The city of Boston was finally convinced that they had their man.
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Tuesday, November 5, 2013
the madman of Gadara 2013 page 2
the madman of Gadara 2013 page 2 by ric gustafson
The Teacher woke up and looked around. He slowly stood up and stretched out his arms. " Quiet, settle down" he said in a loud voice. The wind and the Sea calmed down. The Teacher turned and pointed a finger at us. " Don't you have any faith at all".
All of us were amazed that the wind, rain and the Sea obeyed him.
We rowed into the sand of Gadara. Myself and another follower jumped out of the boat to pull it in. As we were doing this, what looked like a madman ran toward us. He was wailing and rattling a huge chain that hung around him. We had oars in our hands and were ready to defend the Teacher. This madman fell onto his knees at the Teacher's feet.
A strange voice came out of his mouth. " What business do you have here Jesus Son of God?".
Jesus stared at the man. " What is your name?".
" Legion".
" Come out of him!".
" Please don't send us away" a voice shrieked from the man. " Send us into that herd of swine".
Jesus looked at the swine herd. He nodded his ok.
The demons entered the swine. The whole herd went over the cliff and drowned in the Sea below.
Somebody helped the madman get up and he began to talk in a normal voice. He asked the Teacher if he could join our group. The Teacher hugged him and told him to stay and tell everyone what had just happened to him.
research help: original story
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
The Teacher woke up and looked around. He slowly stood up and stretched out his arms. " Quiet, settle down" he said in a loud voice. The wind and the Sea calmed down. The Teacher turned and pointed a finger at us. " Don't you have any faith at all".
All of us were amazed that the wind, rain and the Sea obeyed him.
We rowed into the sand of Gadara. Myself and another follower jumped out of the boat to pull it in. As we were doing this, what looked like a madman ran toward us. He was wailing and rattling a huge chain that hung around him. We had oars in our hands and were ready to defend the Teacher. This madman fell onto his knees at the Teacher's feet.
A strange voice came out of his mouth. " What business do you have here Jesus Son of God?".
Jesus stared at the man. " What is your name?".
" Legion".
" Come out of him!".
" Please don't send us away" a voice shrieked from the man. " Send us into that herd of swine".
Jesus looked at the swine herd. He nodded his ok.
The demons entered the swine. The whole herd went over the cliff and drowned in the Sea below.
Somebody helped the madman get up and he began to talk in a normal voice. He asked the Teacher if he could join our group. The Teacher hugged him and told him to stay and tell everyone what had just happened to him.
research help: original story
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
crimes of the century: Bonnie and Clyde
crimes of the century: Bonnie and Clyde by ric Gustafson
In 1930, Bonnie Parker was nineteen and married to a man who had killed. Clyde Barrow was twenty years old and a small time Texas thief. He was imprisoned for a time for petty crimes.
In February 1932, Barrow was paroled and shortly after, met Bonnie Parker. They stole a car and drove to Joplin Mo where they killed two cops. Next, they drove to Hillsboro Texas where they executed a man. Then, they traveled to Stringtown Ok where they killed a sheriff.
In March 1933, Clyde's brother Buck Barrow and his wife Blanche joined them. The group was caught in a Joplin garage where Clyde was wounded but they still were able to kill two more officers.
Eventually, Buck becomes fatally wounded fighting law men and Blanche is captured. Bonnie and Clyde kill three more cops.
In May 1934, a posse led by Frank Hamer catch the duo in Ruston La. A gunfight ensues and both bank robbers were killed. Their dead bodies were displayed by lawmen for everyone to see.
Bonnie Parker was 23 and Clyde Barrow was 25.
Their lives were immortalized in a 1967 movie called ' Bonnie and Clyde'.
research help: ' Enquirer Special Investigation'
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
In 1930, Bonnie Parker was nineteen and married to a man who had killed. Clyde Barrow was twenty years old and a small time Texas thief. He was imprisoned for a time for petty crimes.
In February 1932, Barrow was paroled and shortly after, met Bonnie Parker. They stole a car and drove to Joplin Mo where they killed two cops. Next, they drove to Hillsboro Texas where they executed a man. Then, they traveled to Stringtown Ok where they killed a sheriff.
In March 1933, Clyde's brother Buck Barrow and his wife Blanche joined them. The group was caught in a Joplin garage where Clyde was wounded but they still were able to kill two more officers.
Eventually, Buck becomes fatally wounded fighting law men and Blanche is captured. Bonnie and Clyde kill three more cops.
In May 1934, a posse led by Frank Hamer catch the duo in Ruston La. A gunfight ensues and both bank robbers were killed. Their dead bodies were displayed by lawmen for everyone to see.
Bonnie Parker was 23 and Clyde Barrow was 25.
Their lives were immortalized in a 1967 movie called ' Bonnie and Clyde'.
research help: ' Enquirer Special Investigation'
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Sunday, November 3, 2013
crimes of the century: Lindbergh baby
crimes of the century: Lindbergh baby by ric gustafson
Charles ' Lucky Lindy' Lindbergh was an American hero. On March 1 1932, his twenty month son named Charles Jr was snatched from his crib. A ransom note was given to Lindbergh and his wife Anne demanding $ 50,000 for the return of their son. Everyone helped the Lindbergh family because he was the first man to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean.
America was stunned when Lindbergh's son was discovered in a shallow grave just a few miles from their home. Later, a gas station discovered ransom money had been used there. That marked bill led to a German immigrant named Bruno Hauptmann. He was convicted of the kidnapping and death of Charles Lindbergh Jr. He was put to death on April 3 1936.
research help: ' Enquirer Special Investigation'
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Charles ' Lucky Lindy' Lindbergh was an American hero. On March 1 1932, his twenty month son named Charles Jr was snatched from his crib. A ransom note was given to Lindbergh and his wife Anne demanding $ 50,000 for the return of their son. Everyone helped the Lindbergh family because he was the first man to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean.
America was stunned when Lindbergh's son was discovered in a shallow grave just a few miles from their home. Later, a gas station discovered ransom money had been used there. That marked bill led to a German immigrant named Bruno Hauptmann. He was convicted of the kidnapping and death of Charles Lindbergh Jr. He was put to death on April 3 1936.
research help: ' Enquirer Special Investigation'
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
crimes of the century: St Valentine's Day Massacre
crimes of the century: St Valentine's Day Massacre by ric Gustafson
Chicago crime boss Al Capone had a stronghold on the city. He controlled bootlegging, gambling and prostitution in the city.
On Valentine's Day Feb 14 1929, seven men from a rival gang run by George ' Bugs' Moran were caught. Moran was the archenemy of Capone's for the control of Chicago. In a garage, the seven men were lined up against a wall and executed. The men were surprised by men posing as cops that were actually Capone's men. No one was ever convicted for these murders.
The bullet ridden bricks are now on display in the Las Vegas Mob Museum which opened in 2012.
research help: ' Enquirer Special Investigation'
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Chicago crime boss Al Capone had a stronghold on the city. He controlled bootlegging, gambling and prostitution in the city.
On Valentine's Day Feb 14 1929, seven men from a rival gang run by George ' Bugs' Moran were caught. Moran was the archenemy of Capone's for the control of Chicago. In a garage, the seven men were lined up against a wall and executed. The men were surprised by men posing as cops that were actually Capone's men. No one was ever convicted for these murders.
The bullet ridden bricks are now on display in the Las Vegas Mob Museum which opened in 2012.
research help: ' Enquirer Special Investigation'
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Saturday, November 2, 2013
the madman of Gadara 2013 page 1
the madman of Gadara 2013 page 1 by ric gustafson
This day I will remember for a long time. The other followers of the Teacher along with myself were listening to him tell us a story about some seeds sprouting and growing. As with most of his stories, we asked him to explain it because we did not understand.
Later that day, the Teacher said to us " let us go across to the other side of the Sea'. When he got into the small boat, he looked very tired. He walked to the back of the boat, laid his head on a cushion and went to sleep.
As we started to go across, the weather was fine but as we kept rowing the sky got darker and darker. The waves got choppier and then it started to storm.
Waves began to come over the side and we all began to panic. I thought that we were going to die. I ran up to the Teacher and woke him up. " Teacher, we are all going to drown".
research help: original story
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
This day I will remember for a long time. The other followers of the Teacher along with myself were listening to him tell us a story about some seeds sprouting and growing. As with most of his stories, we asked him to explain it because we did not understand.
Later that day, the Teacher said to us " let us go across to the other side of the Sea'. When he got into the small boat, he looked very tired. He walked to the back of the boat, laid his head on a cushion and went to sleep.
As we started to go across, the weather was fine but as we kept rowing the sky got darker and darker. The waves got choppier and then it started to storm.
Waves began to come over the side and we all began to panic. I thought that we were going to die. I ran up to the Teacher and woke him up. " Teacher, we are all going to drown".
research help: original story
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
elevator no.4 page 3
elevator no.4 page 3 by ric gustafson
Room 320
Mark Dodge watched as a woman named Joyce Meyer preached about having a joy filled life with God. ' Who needs God' he thought with a sneer as he put a spoonful of turkey into his mouth and slowly chewed. ' I can't believe Maureen wants a divorce' he thought to himself as he kept watching this woman. She was beginning to disgust him.
" What a holiday this turned out to be" he muttered to himself as he turned the channel to the History Channel. He took a bite of a slice of pumpkin pie and then threw the container into a trash can. He smiled as an idea came to him. ' I'll go down to the hotel bar and drown my sorrows' he thought as he turned off the lights and opened the door. " Who needs God" he said to himself as he closed the door\.
Peace and holiday blessings. Love Ric
Room 320
Mark Dodge watched as a woman named Joyce Meyer preached about having a joy filled life with God. ' Who needs God' he thought with a sneer as he put a spoonful of turkey into his mouth and slowly chewed. ' I can't believe Maureen wants a divorce' he thought to himself as he kept watching this woman. She was beginning to disgust him.
" What a holiday this turned out to be" he muttered to himself as he turned the channel to the History Channel. He took a bite of a slice of pumpkin pie and then threw the container into a trash can. He smiled as an idea came to him. ' I'll go down to the hotel bar and drown my sorrows' he thought as he turned off the lights and opened the door. " Who needs God" he said to himself as he closed the door\.
Peace and holiday blessings. Love Ric
crimes of the century: Fatty Arbuckle
crimes of the century: Fatty Arbuckle by ric gustafson
Roscoe ' Fatty' Arbuckle was a silent film comedian and was one of Hollywood's biggest stars. He was adored by millions and was the first movie star to earn $ 1 million a year.
On September 5 1921, he threw a huge bash in San Francisco and invited a party girl by the name of Virginia Rappe. After the party she fell ill and it was determined that she was suffering from alcohol poisoning. She died four days later and a friend of hers accused Arbuckle of raping her and crushing her bladder.
Arbuckle went through two trials in which both ended with a hung jury. He was acquitted in April 1922 but the damage was already done to his career. On June 28 1933, he signed a new contract with Warner Brothers. It was short lived as he died that night at age 46 from a heart attack.
He died penniless.
research help: ' Enquirer Special Investigation'
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Roscoe ' Fatty' Arbuckle was a silent film comedian and was one of Hollywood's biggest stars. He was adored by millions and was the first movie star to earn $ 1 million a year.
On September 5 1921, he threw a huge bash in San Francisco and invited a party girl by the name of Virginia Rappe. After the party she fell ill and it was determined that she was suffering from alcohol poisoning. She died four days later and a friend of hers accused Arbuckle of raping her and crushing her bladder.
Arbuckle went through two trials in which both ended with a hung jury. He was acquitted in April 1922 but the damage was already done to his career. On June 28 1933, he signed a new contract with Warner Brothers. It was short lived as he died that night at age 46 from a heart attack.
He died penniless.
research help: ' Enquirer Special Investigation'
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Wednesday, October 30, 2013
what's behind Door number 2 page 2
what's behind Door number 2 page 2 by ric gustafson
Reginald leaned into the microphone. " And now the game show where you have to make a choice". He hesitated. " What's behind Door number 2".
Total silence.
" And now your host Russell Oldeborg".
" Thank you Reg" Russell replied as he stepped out from behind a heavy purple curtain. " And welcome to a very unique game show". This is a game show with no audience" he said as he pointed around the empty studio. " But the implications of this show are very important for all of eternity". " Let's meet today's first contestant". " She is a bank teller from Forest Bank Maine". His voice hesitated. " Please welcome Sara Lockhart".
A young woman walked out from behind the purple curtain and quietly walked down the steps.
Russell pointed to a chair near him. " Welcome Sara".
She nervously sat down. " Thank you Russell".
" Sara, please tell us about yourself".
" I'm a senior at Forest Bank College and I work part time as a bank teller".
" Are you ready to play the game?".
She began to nervously play with her hair. " Yes, I am".
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Reginald leaned into the microphone. " And now the game show where you have to make a choice". He hesitated. " What's behind Door number 2".
Total silence.
" And now your host Russell Oldeborg".
" Thank you Reg" Russell replied as he stepped out from behind a heavy purple curtain. " And welcome to a very unique game show". This is a game show with no audience" he said as he pointed around the empty studio. " But the implications of this show are very important for all of eternity". " Let's meet today's first contestant". " She is a bank teller from Forest Bank Maine". His voice hesitated. " Please welcome Sara Lockhart".
A young woman walked out from behind the purple curtain and quietly walked down the steps.
Russell pointed to a chair near him. " Welcome Sara".
She nervously sat down. " Thank you Russell".
" Sara, please tell us about yourself".
" I'm a senior at Forest Bank College and I work part time as a bank teller".
" Are you ready to play the game?".
She began to nervously play with her hair. " Yes, I am".
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
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