Laws of Growth: Law of Awareness by ric gustafson
In order for us to grow as christians and individuals, we need to know ourselves. To know ourselves includes our strengths, weaknesses, and interests. We need a sense of where we have been and where we are now. God wants us to have our potential and to do that we need to know where we want to go and where we are right now. God wants us to have direction and a destination.
Some people in life are frustrated because they are not sure where they are in life and where they want to be. Some people are confused in life and don't have a strong sense of purpose or direction. Some people in life do know themselves, know their purpose and are fulfilled in life.
One way to explore ourselves is to explore our passions. One way to explore our passions is to ask ourselves what do we enjoy doing. We can also ask ourselves what would we like to do. We need to ask ourselves why we want to do what we would like to do.
The first step in growth is awareness of where we are and the choices that we have. Then we need to take action and initiative. Then we need to take our goals public. Then we need to find people who do what we would like to do. Learn from those people and that will help with your growth. Are you willing to pay the price to do what you want to do.
God wants us to be happy here as we serve him. Using the talents and gifts God has given to us, we can be.
research help: ' The 15 Invaluable Laws of Growth' by John C Maxwell
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Thursday, January 31, 2013
the great egg souffle caper page 4
the great egg souffle caper page 4 by ric gustafson
After the 8:00 service started, more egg souffle came. Elnora and the others warmed up more hot cross buns and poured more orange juice. She figured that she had just enough for the crowd that was coming but only had one egg souffle dish in case the crowd was larger than expected.
When the service ended, the line began to form down the stairs.
" How is it going Elnora?" Pastor Greerson asked.
She noticed he was one of the first in line.
" We're doing fine so far".
" I got in line because I'm hungry". He filled a plate and sat down.
" We need some more egg souffle upstairs".
Elnora turned to notice a young man who was dressed casually in jeans and a t shirt. She did not recognize him but figured he was helping Marjorie upstairs. " I have an extra egg souffle dish warming up". She wiped the sweat from her brow. " You can take it". She got the dish and handed it to the young man.
" Thank you". He carefully picked up the dish and ran up the stairs.
After the crowd had died down, Elnora began to pray that more egg souffle would be coming.
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
After the 8:00 service started, more egg souffle came. Elnora and the others warmed up more hot cross buns and poured more orange juice. She figured that she had just enough for the crowd that was coming but only had one egg souffle dish in case the crowd was larger than expected.
When the service ended, the line began to form down the stairs.
" How is it going Elnora?" Pastor Greerson asked.
She noticed he was one of the first in line.
" We're doing fine so far".
" I got in line because I'm hungry". He filled a plate and sat down.
" We need some more egg souffle upstairs".
Elnora turned to notice a young man who was dressed casually in jeans and a t shirt. She did not recognize him but figured he was helping Marjorie upstairs. " I have an extra egg souffle dish warming up". She wiped the sweat from her brow. " You can take it". She got the dish and handed it to the young man.
" Thank you". He carefully picked up the dish and ran up the stairs.
After the crowd had died down, Elnora began to pray that more egg souffle would be coming.
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Wednesday, January 30, 2013
Peacemaker: adapting peace
Peacemaker: adapting peace by ric gustafson
Romans 12:8 says live at peace with everyone. Peaceful relationships are not the norm anymore. Divorce, failed marriages a stressful society is the norm now. The Bible says that in the last days, stress, trouble will cause people to avoid peace.
In these dark times, Jesus wants us to be a light in the darkness. As peacemakers, we must maintain and preserve peace. Matthew 5:9 says peacemakers will be called the sons of God.
As Peacemakers, we need to give people freedom to be themselves. To have peace in our lives, we need to accept others as God has created us. To avoid strife and stay in peace, we need to be adaptable.
When we can adapt to the needs of others, peace will come into our lives.
research help: ' In Pursuit of Peace' by Joyce Meyer
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Romans 12:8 says live at peace with everyone. Peaceful relationships are not the norm anymore. Divorce, failed marriages a stressful society is the norm now. The Bible says that in the last days, stress, trouble will cause people to avoid peace.
In these dark times, Jesus wants us to be a light in the darkness. As peacemakers, we must maintain and preserve peace. Matthew 5:9 says peacemakers will be called the sons of God.
As Peacemakers, we need to give people freedom to be themselves. To have peace in our lives, we need to accept others as God has created us. To avoid strife and stay in peace, we need to be adaptable.
When we can adapt to the needs of others, peace will come into our lives.
research help: ' In Pursuit of Peace' by Joyce Meyer
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
the great egg souffle caper page 3
the great egg souffle caper page 3 by ric gustafson
Elnora looked at her watch and knew there was only twenty minutes to go.
" Happy Easter Elnora" Sylvia Chase said with a smile as she carried in her hands an egg souffle dish. " The egg souffle is here".
Soon, a couple more church members brought more egg souffle and then helped her warm up the hot cross buns. Others helped Elnora pour orange juice into paper cups. She began to feel as if a weight was coming off of her shoulders.
The first of the sunrise service parishoners started to come down the stairs.
" Happy Easter Elnora" Mildred Gerch said as she hugged her friend. " Christ is risen".
" Christ is risen indeed". She handed her friend a plate of egg souffle and a hot cross bun.
The sunrise service crowd was small. Elnora had just enough egg souffle and hot cross buns to go around. When the traffic had died down, she sat down to rest.
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Elnora looked at her watch and knew there was only twenty minutes to go.
" Happy Easter Elnora" Sylvia Chase said with a smile as she carried in her hands an egg souffle dish. " The egg souffle is here".
Soon, a couple more church members brought more egg souffle and then helped her warm up the hot cross buns. Others helped Elnora pour orange juice into paper cups. She began to feel as if a weight was coming off of her shoulders.
The first of the sunrise service parishoners started to come down the stairs.
" Happy Easter Elnora" Mildred Gerch said as she hugged her friend. " Christ is risen".
" Christ is risen indeed". She handed her friend a plate of egg souffle and a hot cross bun.
The sunrise service crowd was small. Elnora had just enough egg souffle and hot cross buns to go around. When the traffic had died down, she sat down to rest.
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Tuesday, January 29, 2013
No Time chapter 1 page 1
No Time chapter 1 page 1 by ric gustafson
Bryson Mitchell put his hand into his jeans pocket to get some coins out. He dropped some onto the cold floor of the telephone booth. " Come on" he muttered as he dropped down to try and pick them up. ' Dumb watch' he thought as he began to thumb through the beat up phonebook. He found the page for watch repair and set the phonebook on the cold steel ledge.
He put the coins in and dialed a number.
" Hello Watch Shoppe".
" Yes, may we help you?".
" Yes, my watch broke and I need to have it repaired as soon as possible".
" Of course". The voice hesitated. " I'm sorry but we recently switched to just fixing clocks".
" Is there another watch repair place you would recommend?".
" Yes, Father's Time which is on Advocate Road".
" Thank you". He hung up the cold phone and reached into his pocket for some more coins. He could not find any more. ' I must of lost some of them' he thought as he jipped up his black and red Columbia winter coat. He opened the cold door and walked out into the cold Nebraska winter.
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Bryson Mitchell put his hand into his jeans pocket to get some coins out. He dropped some onto the cold floor of the telephone booth. " Come on" he muttered as he dropped down to try and pick them up. ' Dumb watch' he thought as he began to thumb through the beat up phonebook. He found the page for watch repair and set the phonebook on the cold steel ledge.
He put the coins in and dialed a number.
" Hello Watch Shoppe".
" Yes, may we help you?".
" Yes, my watch broke and I need to have it repaired as soon as possible".
" Of course". The voice hesitated. " I'm sorry but we recently switched to just fixing clocks".
" Is there another watch repair place you would recommend?".
" Yes, Father's Time which is on Advocate Road".
" Thank you". He hung up the cold phone and reached into his pocket for some more coins. He could not find any more. ' I must of lost some of them' he thought as he jipped up his black and red Columbia winter coat. He opened the cold door and walked out into the cold Nebraska winter.
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
the great egg souffle caper page 2
the great egg souffle caper page 2 by ric gustafson
Roger finished setting up the chairs and then put the rolling rack into a corner. " Marjorie is upstairs getting everything in order".
" Good". She set up a basket on the serving table for a freewill offering.
" Happy Easter Elnora".
She turned around. " Pastor Greerson, I did not hear you come down".
" I just came down to see how you were doing". He quickly glanced around the room. " The sunrise service is about to begin".
" Marjorie is handling upstairs and we are doing fine down here".
" Good". He walked back upstairs.
After she and Roger had finished setting up the two long serving tables, she looked at her watch. She wanted to see when she had to start warming up the hot cross buns. She sat down and began to wait for her help and the egg souffle dishes to arrive. She began to pray that the morning would be uneventful.
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Roger finished setting up the chairs and then put the rolling rack into a corner. " Marjorie is upstairs getting everything in order".
" Good". She set up a basket on the serving table for a freewill offering.
" Happy Easter Elnora".
She turned around. " Pastor Greerson, I did not hear you come down".
" I just came down to see how you were doing". He quickly glanced around the room. " The sunrise service is about to begin".
" Marjorie is handling upstairs and we are doing fine down here".
" Good". He walked back upstairs.
After she and Roger had finished setting up the two long serving tables, she looked at her watch. She wanted to see when she had to start warming up the hot cross buns. She sat down and began to wait for her help and the egg souffle dishes to arrive. She began to pray that the morning would be uneventful.
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Monday, January 28, 2013
the great egg souffle caper page 1
the great egg souffle caper page 1 by ric gustafson
Elnora Jensen walked quietly down the carpeted steps and turned on the lights. The large downstairs room was used as a youth room, confirmation classes and this morning Easter breakfast. She walked over and opened the heavy purple curtains to show a beautiful Easter sky. As she turned around, she noticed the smiling face of Roger Corby, the church's custodian and handy man.
" Happy Easter Roger" she said as she checked the refrigerator to make sure they had plenty of orange juice.
" Happy Easter to you too Elnora" he replied as he pulled up a rolling rack of folding chairs and began to set them up.
She glanced at the long tables that were set up by Roger. " Did the hot cross buns get here from the store?".
" Yes, they did". He kept setting up the chairs. " And we should have plenty of napkins and paper plates also".
" Good". She began to set up the coffee pots and put the napkins, paper plates and paper cups on the serving table. " How is the upstairs doing?".
" Just fine".
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Elnora Jensen walked quietly down the carpeted steps and turned on the lights. The large downstairs room was used as a youth room, confirmation classes and this morning Easter breakfast. She walked over and opened the heavy purple curtains to show a beautiful Easter sky. As she turned around, she noticed the smiling face of Roger Corby, the church's custodian and handy man.
" Happy Easter Roger" she said as she checked the refrigerator to make sure they had plenty of orange juice.
" Happy Easter to you too Elnora" he replied as he pulled up a rolling rack of folding chairs and began to set them up.
She glanced at the long tables that were set up by Roger. " Did the hot cross buns get here from the store?".
" Yes, they did". He kept setting up the chairs. " And we should have plenty of napkins and paper plates also".
" Good". She began to set up the coffee pots and put the napkins, paper plates and paper cups on the serving table. " How is the upstairs doing?".
" Just fine".
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
a great cloud of witnesses page 4
a great cloud of witnesses page 4 by ric gustafson
As Charlie ran toward the finish line, he could feel his stamina increase. He looked for one more water station but did not see one. Instead, he looked toward his right and saw a small set of stands sitting by the finish line. As he came toward the finish line, he noticed some people starting to sit down in the stands.
As he neared the finish line, he could see Noah, Moses and Uncle Frank were sitting in the stands and cheering him on. As he reached the finish line, he realized that he would not have made it if it wasn't for those three cheering him on. He smiled because he had finished the race.
The End- dedicated to Tom E
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
As Charlie ran toward the finish line, he could feel his stamina increase. He looked for one more water station but did not see one. Instead, he looked toward his right and saw a small set of stands sitting by the finish line. As he came toward the finish line, he noticed some people starting to sit down in the stands.
As he neared the finish line, he could see Noah, Moses and Uncle Frank were sitting in the stands and cheering him on. As he reached the finish line, he realized that he would not have made it if it wasn't for those three cheering him on. He smiled because he had finished the race.
The End- dedicated to Tom E
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Saturday, January 26, 2013
a great cloud of witnesses page 3
a great cloud of witnesses page 3 by ric gustafson
Charlie slowly ran up to the nine mile marker and knew he could not go any farther. His legs hurt, his eyes were really stinging from the heat and he was getting very tired. He saw the water station on the right. He ran up and stopped under the flap. An old man, wearing a faded white robe and carrying a wooden staff, smiled and handed him a cup of water.
" You look thirsty young man".
" I am" Charley tiredly said as he gulped down the water. " Thank you I needed that".
" Your welcome". He smiled at Charlie. " I know what it is like to be in intense heat and not have much to drink".
He stared at the old man. " You sound like Moses in the desert".
He grinned. " That's interesting that you said that". He handed water to another runner. " Because my name is Moses".
" You mean the burning bush Moses".
" That's right Charlie" he said as he gave water to another runner. " I'm here to give you encouragement".
" Encouragement?".
" Yes, to encourage you to run that last three miles and not to give up".
Charlie ran out of that tent with renewed vigor.
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Charlie slowly ran up to the nine mile marker and knew he could not go any farther. His legs hurt, his eyes were really stinging from the heat and he was getting very tired. He saw the water station on the right. He ran up and stopped under the flap. An old man, wearing a faded white robe and carrying a wooden staff, smiled and handed him a cup of water.
" You look thirsty young man".
" I am" Charley tiredly said as he gulped down the water. " Thank you I needed that".
" Your welcome". He smiled at Charlie. " I know what it is like to be in intense heat and not have much to drink".
He stared at the old man. " You sound like Moses in the desert".
He grinned. " That's interesting that you said that". He handed water to another runner. " Because my name is Moses".
" You mean the burning bush Moses".
" That's right Charlie" he said as he gave water to another runner. " I'm here to give you encouragement".
" Encouragement?".
" Yes, to encourage you to run that last three miles and not to give up".
Charlie ran out of that tent with renewed vigor.
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Friday, January 25, 2013
Laws of Growth: Law of Intentionality
Laws of Growth: Law of Intentionality by ric gustafson
God gives us dreams, goals and aspirations and to achieve them we need to grow. Growth gaps happen which can hold us back from that growth. Sometimes we assume that we will automatically grow by simply living but we must improve ourselves. Sometimes we say I don't know how to grow instead of planning to grow intentionally. Sometimes we say it's not the right time to grow but instead we need to say to ourselves now is the time.
Sometimes we say i am afraid of making mistakes but we need to make mistakes in order to grow. We need to tell ourselves over and over to just do it. We need to tell ourselves that growth is a lifetime process and that we need to start now instead of later. God wants us to grow in our faith and we need to get over our fears and trust in him.
research help: ' The 15 Invaluable Laws of Growth' by John C Maxwell
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
God gives us dreams, goals and aspirations and to achieve them we need to grow. Growth gaps happen which can hold us back from that growth. Sometimes we assume that we will automatically grow by simply living but we must improve ourselves. Sometimes we say I don't know how to grow instead of planning to grow intentionally. Sometimes we say it's not the right time to grow but instead we need to say to ourselves now is the time.
Sometimes we say i am afraid of making mistakes but we need to make mistakes in order to grow. We need to tell ourselves over and over to just do it. We need to tell ourselves that growth is a lifetime process and that we need to start now instead of later. God wants us to grow in our faith and we need to get over our fears and trust in him.
research help: ' The 15 Invaluable Laws of Growth' by John C Maxwell
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
a great cloud of witnesses page 2
a great cloud of witnesses page 2 by ric gustafson
Charlie could feel it in his legs and on his face. The sun was affecting his running and his legs were getting tired. ' I want to quit this race' he thought to himself as the six mile marker came up. " I'm going to quit" he muttered as he slowed down. He was about to stop when he saw the water station up ahead.
He walked in and was handed a cup of water.
" How are you Charlie my boy?".
He looked up to see the smiling face of his favorite uncle.
" Uncle Frank". He gulped down the water. " What are you doing here?".
" I am here to encourage you to stay in this race and not to give up".
" Uncle Frank, my legs hurt and sweat is stinging my eyes". He gulped down the rest of the water. " I can't go on any farther".
" Remember Charlie when I would tell you when I would get discouraged in my faith".
" Of course I remember" he replied as he noticed other runners running by the tent. " I encouraged you the whole time".
" And that is what I am doing for you right now". He gave him a big hug. " Encouraging you to hang in there and not give up".
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Charlie could feel it in his legs and on his face. The sun was affecting his running and his legs were getting tired. ' I want to quit this race' he thought to himself as the six mile marker came up. " I'm going to quit" he muttered as he slowed down. He was about to stop when he saw the water station up ahead.
He walked in and was handed a cup of water.
" How are you Charlie my boy?".
He looked up to see the smiling face of his favorite uncle.
" Uncle Frank". He gulped down the water. " What are you doing here?".
" I am here to encourage you to stay in this race and not to give up".
" Uncle Frank, my legs hurt and sweat is stinging my eyes". He gulped down the rest of the water. " I can't go on any farther".
" Remember Charlie when I would tell you when I would get discouraged in my faith".
" Of course I remember" he replied as he noticed other runners running by the tent. " I encouraged you the whole time".
" And that is what I am doing for you right now". He gave him a big hug. " Encouraging you to hang in there and not give up".
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Thursday, January 24, 2013
a great cloud of witnesses page 1
a great cloud of witnesses page 1 by ric gustafson
Charlie Hansen stretched his legs and tried to relax. He noticed the other runners were doing the same routine. This was his first twelve mile race and it was very warm out. He had doubt about being able to finish the race.
The gun went off and he began to run in the middle of a pack. After about three miles, he fell out of the pack because of the heat. He was already thirsty and then he noticed a water station ahead. He stopped under the tent and a grizzled old man handed him a cup of water.
" Thank you" Charlie replied as he quickly drank the water.
" I'm Noah" the old man said as he gave another runner a cup of water. " I'm here to give you encouragement".
Charlie ran out of the tent with renewed vigor.
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Charlie Hansen stretched his legs and tried to relax. He noticed the other runners were doing the same routine. This was his first twelve mile race and it was very warm out. He had doubt about being able to finish the race.
The gun went off and he began to run in the middle of a pack. After about three miles, he fell out of the pack because of the heat. He was already thirsty and then he noticed a water station ahead. He stopped under the tent and a grizzled old man handed him a cup of water.
" Thank you" Charlie replied as he quickly drank the water.
" I'm Noah" the old man said as he gave another runner a cup of water. " I'm here to give you encouragement".
Charlie ran out of the tent with renewed vigor.
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Wednesday, January 23, 2013
Peacemaker: esteeming peace
Peacemaker: esteeming peace by ric gustafson
To have peace in our lives, we need to be humble and esteem others. We have an enemy and that is pride. God wants us to be humble and consider others higher than ourselves. Our flesh on the other hand thinks I am first not others. God's Word tells us to be humble in mind and think others better than ourselves. When our pride appears, we need God's Word to strengthen us.
Pride shows up when we do not want to admit fault or take responsibility for our actions. Ephesians 4 warns us not to grieve the Holy Spirit. We are not to judge others but we are to examine our own actions. We are to pray for others and not judge them.
Our pride cries that I am right but God wants us to be humble and think of others more than ourselves. If we do that, we will have peace in our lives.
research help: ' In Pursuit of Peace' by Joyce Meyer
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
To have peace in our lives, we need to be humble and esteem others. We have an enemy and that is pride. God wants us to be humble and consider others higher than ourselves. Our flesh on the other hand thinks I am first not others. God's Word tells us to be humble in mind and think others better than ourselves. When our pride appears, we need God's Word to strengthen us.
Pride shows up when we do not want to admit fault or take responsibility for our actions. Ephesians 4 warns us not to grieve the Holy Spirit. We are not to judge others but we are to examine our own actions. We are to pray for others and not judge them.
Our pride cries that I am right but God wants us to be humble and think of others more than ourselves. If we do that, we will have peace in our lives.
research help: ' In Pursuit of Peace' by Joyce Meyer
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Tuesday, January 22, 2013
Peacemaker: control our peace
Peacemaker: control our peace by ric gustafson
People cannot see our thoughts but they can see the results of them. If our peace is troubled, we will not live a peaceful life. Jesus wants us to be a maintainer of peace. Isaiah 26:3 says that if we keep our minds on the Lord, he will give us perfect and constant peace. Satan will try to give us his thoughts and we have a decision to make. We can either entertain those bad thoughts or replace them with God's thoughts. Satan is a liar and will try to make us believe his lies. One way that we can renew our minds is through God's Word.
When we get depressed, discouraged or angry, we need to examine our thoughts. Keeping good thoughts is a lifetime battle. Jesus wants us to fight the good fight of faith. We need to forget our past and focus on the future. We need to set our minds on things above and not on things on earth.
When we have godly thoughts God is pleased and our peace will be controlled.
research help: ' In Pursuit of Peace' by Joyce Meyer
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
People cannot see our thoughts but they can see the results of them. If our peace is troubled, we will not live a peaceful life. Jesus wants us to be a maintainer of peace. Isaiah 26:3 says that if we keep our minds on the Lord, he will give us perfect and constant peace. Satan will try to give us his thoughts and we have a decision to make. We can either entertain those bad thoughts or replace them with God's thoughts. Satan is a liar and will try to make us believe his lies. One way that we can renew our minds is through God's Word.
When we get depressed, discouraged or angry, we need to examine our thoughts. Keeping good thoughts is a lifetime battle. Jesus wants us to fight the good fight of faith. We need to forget our past and focus on the future. We need to set our minds on things above and not on things on earth.
When we have godly thoughts God is pleased and our peace will be controlled.
research help: ' In Pursuit of Peace' by Joyce Meyer
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Monday, January 21, 2013
Peacemaker: a financial peace
Peacemaker: a financial peace by ric gustafson
Financial pressure can create stress and cause problems with our peace. Financial problems is the cause of many suicides and divorces. Some of these problems are caused by us and some are caused by other situations. If financial problems are causing us to lose our peace, we need to ask God for help. If the problems are because of bad choices, we need God to help us make good choices.
Psalm 35:27 says that the Lord takes pleasure in the prosperity of his servant. To have financial peace, we need to be wise about using our credit cards. God gives us what we need including time, energy, gifts, talents and finances. Financial peace involves a lot of discipline and self control. God wants us to spend some, save some and give some. Tithing ten percent is a good way to give some back to him that he has given to us. God wants us to have financial peace.
research help: ' In Pursuit of Peace' by Joyce Meyer
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Financial pressure can create stress and cause problems with our peace. Financial problems is the cause of many suicides and divorces. Some of these problems are caused by us and some are caused by other situations. If financial problems are causing us to lose our peace, we need to ask God for help. If the problems are because of bad choices, we need God to help us make good choices.
Psalm 35:27 says that the Lord takes pleasure in the prosperity of his servant. To have financial peace, we need to be wise about using our credit cards. God gives us what we need including time, energy, gifts, talents and finances. Financial peace involves a lot of discipline and self control. God wants us to spend some, save some and give some. Tithing ten percent is a good way to give some back to him that he has given to us. God wants us to have financial peace.
research help: ' In Pursuit of Peace' by Joyce Meyer
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Sunday, January 20, 2013
The Daily Grind: enjoy freedom
The Daily Grind: enjoy freedom by ric gustafson
When storms hit our lives, our life can be dulled. Freedom and joy could be a thing of the past. Life is not fun if we are not free to play anymore. God wants us to have the freedom to walk with him daily. All of us have several prisons that we are comfortable with. Insecurity, anger and work are three examples.
Our daily grind journey comes to an end when we seek God to end our destructive prisons and strongholds. God wants us to come to him and he will give us freedom. Galatians 5 says that Christ set us free so that we could be free. In Christ, Paul was set free from his prisons.
When something has a total hold on our lives, that is a prison. Lies become slavery to something and it gets deep into us. Only God can unlock our prison cell and set us free. Once God unlocks our cell and releases us, we need to work at keeping our freedom.
When God frees us and gives us freedom, we need to pray and give him thanks.
The End
research help: ' Fresh Brewed Life' by Nicole Johnson
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
When storms hit our lives, our life can be dulled. Freedom and joy could be a thing of the past. Life is not fun if we are not free to play anymore. God wants us to have the freedom to walk with him daily. All of us have several prisons that we are comfortable with. Insecurity, anger and work are three examples.
Our daily grind journey comes to an end when we seek God to end our destructive prisons and strongholds. God wants us to come to him and he will give us freedom. Galatians 5 says that Christ set us free so that we could be free. In Christ, Paul was set free from his prisons.
When something has a total hold on our lives, that is a prison. Lies become slavery to something and it gets deep into us. Only God can unlock our prison cell and set us free. Once God unlocks our cell and releases us, we need to work at keeping our freedom.
When God frees us and gives us freedom, we need to pray and give him thanks.
The End
research help: ' Fresh Brewed Life' by Nicole Johnson
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Saturday, January 19, 2013
The Daily Grind: enrich relationships
The Daily Grind: enrich relationships by ric gustafson
Sometimes it's hard to be in a relationship. It's easy to feel insecure in a relationship. A key ingredient to a relationship is trust. One important relationship that we need to always work on is our relationship with God. When we trust God, our relationship with him will change our lives. When we don't trust God's love, bitterness and mistrust can happen.
God wants us to have a relationship with him and when we do, our relationships with others will flourish also.
research help: ' Fresh Brewed Life' by Nicole Johnson
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Sometimes it's hard to be in a relationship. It's easy to feel insecure in a relationship. A key ingredient to a relationship is trust. One important relationship that we need to always work on is our relationship with God. When we trust God, our relationship with him will change our lives. When we don't trust God's love, bitterness and mistrust can happen.
God wants us to have a relationship with him and when we do, our relationships with others will flourish also.
research help: ' Fresh Brewed Life' by Nicole Johnson
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Friday, January 18, 2013
The Daily Grind: change your world
The Daily Grind: change your world by ric gustafson
We were created to have purpose and meaning in our lives. When we are bogged down by the daily routines in our lives, anything else sometimes seems impossable. The thought of how can I change the world? seems like a silly thought. Doing something different in our lives involves change out of chaos.
We think to ourselves that what I do doesn't really matter. We think that what we contribute to this life doesn't mean much. We downplay our accomplishments and feel that we are not good enough. God wants us to face our fears so we can use our gifts for him. We can serve God when we face our fears and use what he has given to us. We can change our world when we use our time wisely. When we find a passion in life, we need to ask God's direction for guidance. We need the attitude that our life can start again. God wants us to see the extraordinary in the ordinary.
research help: ' Fresh Brewed Life' by Nicole Johnson
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
We were created to have purpose and meaning in our lives. When we are bogged down by the daily routines in our lives, anything else sometimes seems impossable. The thought of how can I change the world? seems like a silly thought. Doing something different in our lives involves change out of chaos.
We think to ourselves that what I do doesn't really matter. We think that what we contribute to this life doesn't mean much. We downplay our accomplishments and feel that we are not good enough. God wants us to face our fears so we can use our gifts for him. We can serve God when we face our fears and use what he has given to us. We can change our world when we use our time wisely. When we find a passion in life, we need to ask God's direction for guidance. We need the attitude that our life can start again. God wants us to see the extraordinary in the ordinary.
research help: ' Fresh Brewed Life' by Nicole Johnson
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Thursday, January 17, 2013
Trains page 2
Trains page 2 by ric gustafson
Now that the problem of track was solved, the development of a power source had to be solved. Steam power could be used but there were obstacles to that. The first steam engines were devised probably by Thomas Newcomen in the early eighteenth century. One of the first ideas was to have a piston within a cylinder exploit the power of steam. Newcomen worked on the development of a working engine that could be used to pump water. Boulton and Watt of England became the first builder of steam engines. This same company provided the engine for the first steamboat, the Charlotte Dundas.
Because of Boulton and Watt, the use of steamboats became popular in America. River transportation became very important and was about the only way to reach a lot of America. But there were obstacles to river transportation including swift currents and shallow water at times. The farther west they went, the more obstacles there were. Steamships transformed the rivers and the villages and towns themselves. In 1807, the North River Steamboat became the first commercially successful paddle steamer. In 1811-1812, the steamboat New Orleans became the first steamship to navigate the western waters of the United States.
research help: ' The Great Railroad Revolution' by Christian Wolmar
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Now that the problem of track was solved, the development of a power source had to be solved. Steam power could be used but there were obstacles to that. The first steam engines were devised probably by Thomas Newcomen in the early eighteenth century. One of the first ideas was to have a piston within a cylinder exploit the power of steam. Newcomen worked on the development of a working engine that could be used to pump water. Boulton and Watt of England became the first builder of steam engines. This same company provided the engine for the first steamboat, the Charlotte Dundas.
Because of Boulton and Watt, the use of steamboats became popular in America. River transportation became very important and was about the only way to reach a lot of America. But there were obstacles to river transportation including swift currents and shallow water at times. The farther west they went, the more obstacles there were. Steamships transformed the rivers and the villages and towns themselves. In 1807, the North River Steamboat became the first commercially successful paddle steamer. In 1811-1812, the steamboat New Orleans became the first steamship to navigate the western waters of the United States.
research help: ' The Great Railroad Revolution' by Christian Wolmar
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
The Daily Grind: longings
The Daily Grind: longings by ric gustafson
Longings can happen in our lives when we say to ourselves is this all there is?. We were formed by God for more than the world can offer us. Our longings, hopes and cravings are telling us that nothing on this earth can totally satisfy us. We will always want more because we were made to want more. Psalm 38:9 says all my longings lie open before you Lord. God wants us to listen to our longings and not run from them. Longings are desires that are out of our reach. God wants us to have longings, wishes and dreams.
Disappointment does come into our lives. Relationships, loss lead to disappointment and resentment. Because we are afraid of pain, we try to avoid disappointment. God gave us longings and he does not want us to ignore them. God has longings that we will become one of his children. God wants us to seek him and be thirsty for him. When we have longings for God and find him, he will open his arms and welcome us.
research help: ' Fresh Brewed Life' by Nicole Johnson
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Longings can happen in our lives when we say to ourselves is this all there is?. We were formed by God for more than the world can offer us. Our longings, hopes and cravings are telling us that nothing on this earth can totally satisfy us. We will always want more because we were made to want more. Psalm 38:9 says all my longings lie open before you Lord. God wants us to listen to our longings and not run from them. Longings are desires that are out of our reach. God wants us to have longings, wishes and dreams.
Disappointment does come into our lives. Relationships, loss lead to disappointment and resentment. Because we are afraid of pain, we try to avoid disappointment. God gave us longings and he does not want us to ignore them. God has longings that we will become one of his children. God wants us to seek him and be thirsty for him. When we have longings for God and find him, he will open his arms and welcome us.
research help: ' Fresh Brewed Life' by Nicole Johnson
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Wednesday, January 16, 2013
The Daily Grind: a journal
The Daily Grind: a journal by ric gustafson
The day that you give your life to Jesus, is a joyous occasion. In the years after, that is when Satan tries to trip us the most. A journal is a good way to record your gratitude to God. It could be as simple as a spiral notebook to write down your thanks to God. Writing in a journal forces us to slow down and think about our lives. When you write down your thoughts, you are thinking and feeling. We need to find the right journal, a window of time to write in it and a comfy quiet place to do it. As you write in a journal, listen for God. Satan will try to keep you from writing your thoughts, don't listen to him. Being able to write down our thoughts is a blessing from God.
research help: ' Fresh Brewed Life' by Nicole Johnson
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
The day that you give your life to Jesus, is a joyous occasion. In the years after, that is when Satan tries to trip us the most. A journal is a good way to record your gratitude to God. It could be as simple as a spiral notebook to write down your thanks to God. Writing in a journal forces us to slow down and think about our lives. When you write down your thoughts, you are thinking and feeling. We need to find the right journal, a window of time to write in it and a comfy quiet place to do it. As you write in a journal, listen for God. Satan will try to keep you from writing your thoughts, don't listen to him. Being able to write down our thoughts is a blessing from God.
research help: ' Fresh Brewed Life' by Nicole Johnson
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Tuesday, January 15, 2013
Trains page 1
Trains page 1 by ric gustafson
It was July 4 1828 and the first sod was turned for America's pioneering railroad. The Baltimore and Ohio was not the first railroad entity but the first modern railroad.
A railroad was a concept that involved traction and track, the funds to build it, a legal framework and the labor to construct it. Before there were trains, wagonways consisted of wagons pushed by animal or human power. In ancient times, The Greeks used tracks to drag boats and the Romans used a track of heavy stone blocks. By the seventeenth century, a demand for coal prompted a better system.
Stone blocks were replaced with wooden tracks and tracked wagonways appeared in Germany and France. These wagonways hauled coal or slate out of the mines.
Britain which was the cradle of the Industrial Revolution started the Tanfield Way in 1725. As loads became heavier, the wood was covered with a layer of steel to protect the rails. Eventually, iron covered rails were introduced.
The next hurdle, was how to keep the wagons from slipping off the rails. Different ideas were tried such as sinking the rails into the ground. Keeping the wheels on the track involved either turning up the edge of the rails or making an L shape to guide the wheel. Another idea was to fit the wheels with a flange or a protective rim.
In 1789, William Jessop came up with the design of transverse ties which greatly helped with the laying and fixing the rails.
In July 1803 in London, the first public railroad was open for everyone.
research help: ' The Great Railroad Revolution' by Christian Wolmar
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
It was July 4 1828 and the first sod was turned for America's pioneering railroad. The Baltimore and Ohio was not the first railroad entity but the first modern railroad.
A railroad was a concept that involved traction and track, the funds to build it, a legal framework and the labor to construct it. Before there were trains, wagonways consisted of wagons pushed by animal or human power. In ancient times, The Greeks used tracks to drag boats and the Romans used a track of heavy stone blocks. By the seventeenth century, a demand for coal prompted a better system.
Stone blocks were replaced with wooden tracks and tracked wagonways appeared in Germany and France. These wagonways hauled coal or slate out of the mines.
Britain which was the cradle of the Industrial Revolution started the Tanfield Way in 1725. As loads became heavier, the wood was covered with a layer of steel to protect the rails. Eventually, iron covered rails were introduced.
The next hurdle, was how to keep the wagons from slipping off the rails. Different ideas were tried such as sinking the rails into the ground. Keeping the wheels on the track involved either turning up the edge of the rails or making an L shape to guide the wheel. Another idea was to fit the wheels with a flange or a protective rim.
In 1789, William Jessop came up with the design of transverse ties which greatly helped with the laying and fixing the rails.
In July 1803 in London, the first public railroad was open for everyone.
research help: ' The Great Railroad Revolution' by Christian Wolmar
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
The Daily Grind: Surrender to God
The Daily Grind: Surrender to God by ric gustafson
God wants us to have a relationship with him. God wants us to let go of our sinful lives and let him take over. When we give totally to God which includes body, spirit, soul and mind he begins to change us. Have you ever thought to yourself who am I?. Like onions, God wants to peel away our layers. When we surrender to God, he can come to the deepest place in our hearts.
When we surrender to God, we take him at his word and rest in it. Jesus surrendered to God and prayed not my will but thine be done. When we surrender our lives to God, his love will pour over us.
research help: ' Fresh Brewed Life' by Nicole Johnson
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
God wants us to have a relationship with him. God wants us to let go of our sinful lives and let him take over. When we give totally to God which includes body, spirit, soul and mind he begins to change us. Have you ever thought to yourself who am I?. Like onions, God wants to peel away our layers. When we surrender to God, he can come to the deepest place in our hearts.
When we surrender to God, we take him at his word and rest in it. Jesus surrendered to God and prayed not my will but thine be done. When we surrender our lives to God, his love will pour over us.
research help: ' Fresh Brewed Life' by Nicole Johnson
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Monday, January 14, 2013
the embrace: embrace grace
the embrace: embrace grace by ric gustafson
Hebrews 4:16- ' Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence'
This passage from Hebrews says that we can find grace to help us in our time of need. God has plans for us and can use us wherever we are. I Peter 4:10 says that we should use whatever gift we have recieved to serve others. God has his own agenda and timetable for our lives. God takes our weaknesses and our pain and gives us strength. God selected us and chose us to to great things for him. It has been a journey from doubt to grace. Thanks for coming on the journey.
The End- dedicated to Tom E
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Hebrews 4:16- ' Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence'
This passage from Hebrews says that we can find grace to help us in our time of need. God has plans for us and can use us wherever we are. I Peter 4:10 says that we should use whatever gift we have recieved to serve others. God has his own agenda and timetable for our lives. God takes our weaknesses and our pain and gives us strength. God selected us and chose us to to great things for him. It has been a journey from doubt to grace. Thanks for coming on the journey.
The End- dedicated to Tom E
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
the embrace: embrace repentence
the embrace: embrace repentence by ric gustafson
Mark 1:15- ' The time has come repent and believe the good news'
When we sin, make mistakes and fail, it is easy to keep traveling down that road. But that is not what God wants us to do. God wants us to turn around and travel on the right road. God will never turn his back on us and waits patiently on us to want to change. He wants us to have a change of heart and a shift in direction. If we are sorry but keep sinning, God knows our heart.
To repent means to say I'm sorry, quit the sinning, turn around and go back into God's loving arms. Mark 10:18 says no one is good except God alone. After we repent, we need to always hold God's hand for strength. God loves us so much, he will never let us go. Once forgiven, we can focus on God and move forward in our lives with confidence.
research help: ' Embrace Grace' by Liz Curtis Higgs
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Mark 1:15- ' The time has come repent and believe the good news'
When we sin, make mistakes and fail, it is easy to keep traveling down that road. But that is not what God wants us to do. God wants us to turn around and travel on the right road. God will never turn his back on us and waits patiently on us to want to change. He wants us to have a change of heart and a shift in direction. If we are sorry but keep sinning, God knows our heart.
To repent means to say I'm sorry, quit the sinning, turn around and go back into God's loving arms. Mark 10:18 says no one is good except God alone. After we repent, we need to always hold God's hand for strength. God loves us so much, he will never let us go. Once forgiven, we can focus on God and move forward in our lives with confidence.
research help: ' Embrace Grace' by Liz Curtis Higgs
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Friday, January 11, 2013
the embrace: embrace forgiveness
the embrace: embrace forgiveness by ric gustafson
I John 2:12- ' I write to you dear children, because your sins have been forgiven on account of his name'.
Romans 3:23 says all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. We all sin and fall short of perfection. In Christ we have grace because the cost has already been paid in full. Grace is a free gift and all we need to do is say thank you. Romans 6:23 says for the wages of sin is death. Because we are sinners we don't focus on the rest of the passage. The passage finishes with but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. The gift of grace is wonderful and indescribable. The gift of forgiveness is given from God to us. We are broken but forgiven by God.
The Lord declares us forgiven and that is a good feeling indeed.
research help: ' Embrace Grace' by Liz Curtis Higgs
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
I John 2:12- ' I write to you dear children, because your sins have been forgiven on account of his name'.
Romans 3:23 says all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. We all sin and fall short of perfection. In Christ we have grace because the cost has already been paid in full. Grace is a free gift and all we need to do is say thank you. Romans 6:23 says for the wages of sin is death. Because we are sinners we don't focus on the rest of the passage. The passage finishes with but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. The gift of grace is wonderful and indescribable. The gift of forgiveness is given from God to us. We are broken but forgiven by God.
The Lord declares us forgiven and that is a good feeling indeed.
research help: ' Embrace Grace' by Liz Curtis Higgs
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Ruby page 1
Ruby page 1 by ric gustafson
Roger Snow walked into the smokey club and sat down in a table in the back. He watched as the jazz combo played a lively number. As he waited for his friend, his stomach growled. He was broke and had not eaten in a couple of days. His friend from the West side, Jake Rubinstein, heard about his job plight and offered to meet with him about a job.
" Hello Roger".
His friend sat down across from Roger. He had thinning black hair and tiny black eyes. " Thanks for meeting me here".
" How's Dallas Jake?".
" Ok". He put a hand through his black hair. " My clubs there are still doing well".
" Thanks for the job Jake".
" Your welcome" he said with a smile. " To start your job, I need you to visit a friend of mine".
" Who is that?".
" His name is Lee Osborne".
research help: ' Target Lancer' by Max Allan Collins
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Roger Snow walked into the smokey club and sat down in a table in the back. He watched as the jazz combo played a lively number. As he waited for his friend, his stomach growled. He was broke and had not eaten in a couple of days. His friend from the West side, Jake Rubinstein, heard about his job plight and offered to meet with him about a job.
" Hello Roger".
His friend sat down across from Roger. He had thinning black hair and tiny black eyes. " Thanks for meeting me here".
" How's Dallas Jake?".
" Ok". He put a hand through his black hair. " My clubs there are still doing well".
" Thanks for the job Jake".
" Your welcome" he said with a smile. " To start your job, I need you to visit a friend of mine".
" Who is that?".
" His name is Lee Osborne".
research help: ' Target Lancer' by Max Allan Collins
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Thursday, January 10, 2013
what Jesus has done for us: he gives us confidence
what Jesus has done for us: he gives us confidence by ric gustafson
Hebrews 10: 19,22 - ' let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith'
When Jesus died on the cross for our sins, the Temple curtain was torn in two. The wall that was between us and God was shattered. Through Jesus, anytime that we need God we can come into his presence. God adopted us through his Son's blood and that is a wonderful feeling. We can come to God with confidence knowing that he loves us more than anything else.
research help: ' 101 things Jesus has done for you'
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Hebrews 10: 19,22 - ' let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith'
When Jesus died on the cross for our sins, the Temple curtain was torn in two. The wall that was between us and God was shattered. Through Jesus, anytime that we need God we can come into his presence. God adopted us through his Son's blood and that is a wonderful feeling. We can come to God with confidence knowing that he loves us more than anything else.
research help: ' 101 things Jesus has done for you'
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Wednesday, January 9, 2013
Peacemaker: a protective peace
Peacemaker: a protective peace by ric gustafson
Good health is a treasure and a gift from God. 3 John 1:2 says Beloved, I would that you prosper and be in health, even as I know your soul prospers. It is hard to have peace when we do not feel well. Stress destroys the immune system and it takes a long time to get it back to full health. We need to get enougn rest, eat good and live a balanced life. Stress makes our immune system weak and sickness and depression can set in.
God is a God of restoration and he will restore us. To keep from getting burned out, we need to learn to say no. God does not want us to overcommit ourselves which will rob us of joy, peace and health. Peace from God brings restoration and outer peace can develop into inner peace. When we take the time to pray, our weaknesses can turn to strengths. When we have peace, we can minister peace to others.
research help: ' In Pursuit of Peace' by Joyce Meyer
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Good health is a treasure and a gift from God. 3 John 1:2 says Beloved, I would that you prosper and be in health, even as I know your soul prospers. It is hard to have peace when we do not feel well. Stress destroys the immune system and it takes a long time to get it back to full health. We need to get enougn rest, eat good and live a balanced life. Stress makes our immune system weak and sickness and depression can set in.
God is a God of restoration and he will restore us. To keep from getting burned out, we need to learn to say no. God does not want us to overcommit ourselves which will rob us of joy, peace and health. Peace from God brings restoration and outer peace can develop into inner peace. When we take the time to pray, our weaknesses can turn to strengths. When we have peace, we can minister peace to others.
research help: ' In Pursuit of Peace' by Joyce Meyer
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
the embrace: embrace sin
the embrace: embrace sin by ric gustafson
I John 1:8- ' If we claim to be without sin we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us'
Because of sin, our lives are a mess. Everyone sins all the time. Romans 1:20 says that men are without excuse. Sin seperates us from God and also from one another. We hide because of our guilt but God wants us to come to him. He delights when we come to him and confess our sins. Because he loves us so much, then he will our wounds. God wants a relationship with us not because we are good but because he is good. God wants to hear the whole truth and to hold nothing back.
research : ' Embrace Grace' by Liz Curtis Higgs
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
I John 1:8- ' If we claim to be without sin we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us'
Because of sin, our lives are a mess. Everyone sins all the time. Romans 1:20 says that men are without excuse. Sin seperates us from God and also from one another. We hide because of our guilt but God wants us to come to him. He delights when we come to him and confess our sins. Because he loves us so much, then he will our wounds. God wants a relationship with us not because we are good but because he is good. God wants to hear the whole truth and to hold nothing back.
research : ' Embrace Grace' by Liz Curtis Higgs
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Flavius Artemis- the centurion page 21
Flavius Artemis- the centurion page 21 by ric gustafson
Two of Flavius's best soldiers brought up from the dungeon two common thieves who were to be executed along with Jesus. All three were led from the Hall of Judgment into the street.
Flavius pointed to two of his men. " Keep that jeering crowd back". He and another soldier put a crossbeam on the backs of the two thieves. A crossbeam was also put on the torn bloody back of Jesus.
The two thieves were put up front and Jesus was put behind them. With Flavius up front keeping the crowd at bay, the procession began. Slowly the three men tried to walk with the heavy crossbeams on their backs. By this time, Jesus was very weak from the scourging and fell down.
" Halt" Flavius said loudly. He walked over and helped Jesus get back on his feet. The procession started again and Flavius knew it was a short walk to the northwest gate of the city. Outside that gate was a hill called Calvary and in greek Golgotha. The place was familiar to Flavius because of all the crucifixions they had done there.
Jesus fell down again.
Frustrated, Flavius looked at the growing crowd of people. He noticed an african bystander who looked strong. " You" he said to the bystander. " Pick up that crossbeam and follow us". The heavy crossbeam was put on his strong shoulders and the procession was started again.
research help: ' The Murder of Jesus' by John Macarthur
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Two of Flavius's best soldiers brought up from the dungeon two common thieves who were to be executed along with Jesus. All three were led from the Hall of Judgment into the street.
Flavius pointed to two of his men. " Keep that jeering crowd back". He and another soldier put a crossbeam on the backs of the two thieves. A crossbeam was also put on the torn bloody back of Jesus.
The two thieves were put up front and Jesus was put behind them. With Flavius up front keeping the crowd at bay, the procession began. Slowly the three men tried to walk with the heavy crossbeams on their backs. By this time, Jesus was very weak from the scourging and fell down.
" Halt" Flavius said loudly. He walked over and helped Jesus get back on his feet. The procession started again and Flavius knew it was a short walk to the northwest gate of the city. Outside that gate was a hill called Calvary and in greek Golgotha. The place was familiar to Flavius because of all the crucifixions they had done there.
Jesus fell down again.
Frustrated, Flavius looked at the growing crowd of people. He noticed an african bystander who looked strong. " You" he said to the bystander. " Pick up that crossbeam and follow us". The heavy crossbeam was put on his strong shoulders and the procession was started again.
research help: ' The Murder of Jesus' by John Macarthur
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Monday, January 7, 2013
Flavius Artemis- the centurion page 20
Flavius Artemis- the centurion page 20 by ric gustafson
Jesus raised his head, looked at Pilate but did not say a word.
" Why don't you answer me?". He stared at Jesus. " I have the power to crucify you and I also have the power to release you".
" You could have no power over me at all unless it was given to you from above".
Pilate walked back to the door. " The punishment this man has had is enough".
" If you let this man go, you are no friend of Caesar".
Pilate sat down on the Judgment Seat. " Behold your King".
" Crucify him".
" What, shall I crucify your King?".
" We have no King but Caesar".
Pilate shook his head in frustration. He clapped his hands for a servant. " Bring me a basin of water".
Shortly, the servant came back with the basin.
Pilate dipped his fingers into the water as he looked at Jesus. After he was done, he stared at the crowd. " I am innocent of the blood of this man".
" May his blood be on us and our children".
Pilate pointed to Flavius. The centurion walked over to the Roman Govenor. " Gather four of your best soldiers and wait for my orders".
research help: ' The Murder of Jesus' by John Macarthur
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Jesus raised his head, looked at Pilate but did not say a word.
" Why don't you answer me?". He stared at Jesus. " I have the power to crucify you and I also have the power to release you".
" You could have no power over me at all unless it was given to you from above".
Pilate walked back to the door. " The punishment this man has had is enough".
" If you let this man go, you are no friend of Caesar".
Pilate sat down on the Judgment Seat. " Behold your King".
" Crucify him".
" What, shall I crucify your King?".
" We have no King but Caesar".
Pilate shook his head in frustration. He clapped his hands for a servant. " Bring me a basin of water".
Shortly, the servant came back with the basin.
Pilate dipped his fingers into the water as he looked at Jesus. After he was done, he stared at the crowd. " I am innocent of the blood of this man".
" May his blood be on us and our children".
Pilate pointed to Flavius. The centurion walked over to the Roman Govenor. " Gather four of your best soldiers and wait for my orders".
research help: ' The Murder of Jesus' by John Macarthur
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Sunday, January 6, 2013
the Potter and the Clay 2013 page 2
the Potter and the Clay 2013 page 2 by ric gustafson
Myron woke up and his eyes darted around the large room. There were several large windows and a fire crackled in a nearby fireplace. He noticed pitchers and vases on top of a mantel. Along the walls were wooden shelves filled with clay pots.
" Myron, how do you feel?".
" I hurt all over".
" You have a lot of cuts and scrapes".
" Some young men beat me up".
The young man picked up a broken clay pitcher from a shelf. " Myron, would you like to see my studio?".
" Sure".
They walked to the back of the house. They entered a studio that looked sparse.
The young man put the cracked pitcher on a table.
" What are you planning on doing with that broken pitcher?".
Tears began to form in the young man's eyes. " I'm going to crush this pitcher into dust and start over".
research help: ' Master Potter' by Jill Austin
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Myron woke up and his eyes darted around the large room. There were several large windows and a fire crackled in a nearby fireplace. He noticed pitchers and vases on top of a mantel. Along the walls were wooden shelves filled with clay pots.
" Myron, how do you feel?".
" I hurt all over".
" You have a lot of cuts and scrapes".
" Some young men beat me up".
The young man picked up a broken clay pitcher from a shelf. " Myron, would you like to see my studio?".
" Sure".
They walked to the back of the house. They entered a studio that looked sparse.
The young man put the cracked pitcher on a table.
" What are you planning on doing with that broken pitcher?".
Tears began to form in the young man's eyes. " I'm going to crush this pitcher into dust and start over".
research help: ' Master Potter' by Jill Austin
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
the Potter and the Clay 2013 page 1
the Potter and the Clay 2013 page 1 by ric gustafson
Myron Lindell opened one of his eyes. 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 his eyes again and then tried to look around. He noticed in the dark that he was lying on a mountain of pottery shards. Because he could not get up, he closed his eyes to die.
" Son, let me help you get up".
Myron took the young man's hand and he slowly stood up.
" Looks like you've had a busy day".
In the dark, Myron stared at the young man. He sported a dark beard and wore a white robe.
" Let's get you inside the house". He smiled at Myron. " So you can start to recover".
Myron leaned on the young man's shoulder and then the two walked into the plain white house.
research help: ' Master Potter' by Jill Austin
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Myron Lindell opened one of his eyes. 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 his eyes again and then tried to look around. He noticed in the dark that he was lying on a mountain of pottery shards. Because he could not get up, he closed his eyes to die.
" Son, let me help you get up".
Myron took the young man's hand and he slowly stood up.
" Looks like you've had a busy day".
In the dark, Myron stared at the young man. He sported a dark beard and wore a white robe.
" Let's get you inside the house". He smiled at Myron. " So you can start to recover".
Myron leaned on the young man's shoulder and then the two walked into the plain white house.
research help: ' Master Potter' by Jill Austin
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Flavius Artemis- the centurion page 19
Flavius Artemis- the centurion page 19 by ric gustafson
Pilate pointed to Flavius. " Take this Jesus into the inner courtyard and scourge him".
" Govenor, I do not disobey orders but I do not want to be in charge of this task".
Pilate pointed at Maeiminus Rausticius. " Will you perform this task?".
" Yes Govenor".
After a period of time, two soldiers dragged a half dead Jesus back into the Hall.
Pilate was sitting in his Judgment Seat.
Jesus was still wearing his own clothes but now had a makeshift crown of thorns that had been roughly put on top of his head.
Flavius could not believe what they had just done to him.
Jesus was propped up and Pilate walked over and then stood next to him.
Flavius walked over and now stood on the other side of Jesus.
Pilate pointed at Jesus. " Behold the man".
" Crucify him, Crucify him".
" I find no fault in him, you crucify him".
" By our law he ought to die, he made himself the Son of God".
This troubled Pilate. He pointed to Flavius and Jesus was led over to the Judgment Seat.
" Where do you come from?".
research help: ' The Murder of Jesus' by John Macarthur
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Pilate pointed to Flavius. " Take this Jesus into the inner courtyard and scourge him".
" Govenor, I do not disobey orders but I do not want to be in charge of this task".
Pilate pointed at Maeiminus Rausticius. " Will you perform this task?".
" Yes Govenor".
After a period of time, two soldiers dragged a half dead Jesus back into the Hall.
Pilate was sitting in his Judgment Seat.
Jesus was still wearing his own clothes but now had a makeshift crown of thorns that had been roughly put on top of his head.
Flavius could not believe what they had just done to him.
Jesus was propped up and Pilate walked over and then stood next to him.
Flavius walked over and now stood on the other side of Jesus.
Pilate pointed at Jesus. " Behold the man".
" Crucify him, Crucify him".
" I find no fault in him, you crucify him".
" By our law he ought to die, he made himself the Son of God".
This troubled Pilate. He pointed to Flavius and Jesus was led over to the Judgment Seat.
" Where do you come from?".
research help: ' The Murder of Jesus' by John Macarthur
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Saturday, January 5, 2013
Flavius Artemis- the centurion page 18
Flavius Artemis- the centurion page 18 by ric gustafson
Flavius led Jesus from Herod's house and entered the Hall of Judgment. He led Jesus to Pilate who was sitting on the Judgment Seat. As Jesus was standing before Pilate, a servant came and handed him a piece of folded paper. The note was from his wife warning him to have nothing to do Jesus.
Outside the Praetorium, the crowd was getting worse by the minute.
Pilate walked outside and faced the angry crowd. " You have brought this man to me" he said as he pointed at Jesus. " I have examined him and I find no fault in him". He gave the crowd a serious look. " Therefore I will chastise him and let him go".
" Traitor" the crowd yelled.
The Roman Govenor looked for any compassion from the crowd. " There is a custom that I release a prisoner during Passover week". He pointed a finger at Jesus. " Should I release the King of the Jews?".
" Or should I release Barabbas?". Pilate did not want to release the criminal who had tried to lead a rebellion and was found guilty of murder. He was hoping that the crowd would want Jesus released instead. " Which of the two shall I release, Barabbas or Jesus who some call the Christ?".
" Barabbas, please release Barabbas".
The Roman Govenor held up his hand to silence the crowd. " And what shall I do with Jesus of Nazareth?".
" Crucify him".
research help: ' The Murder of Jesus' by John Macarthur
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Flavius led Jesus from Herod's house and entered the Hall of Judgment. He led Jesus to Pilate who was sitting on the Judgment Seat. As Jesus was standing before Pilate, a servant came and handed him a piece of folded paper. The note was from his wife warning him to have nothing to do Jesus.
Outside the Praetorium, the crowd was getting worse by the minute.
Pilate walked outside and faced the angry crowd. " You have brought this man to me" he said as he pointed at Jesus. " I have examined him and I find no fault in him". He gave the crowd a serious look. " Therefore I will chastise him and let him go".
" Traitor" the crowd yelled.
The Roman Govenor looked for any compassion from the crowd. " There is a custom that I release a prisoner during Passover week". He pointed a finger at Jesus. " Should I release the King of the Jews?".
" Or should I release Barabbas?". Pilate did not want to release the criminal who had tried to lead a rebellion and was found guilty of murder. He was hoping that the crowd would want Jesus released instead. " Which of the two shall I release, Barabbas or Jesus who some call the Christ?".
" Barabbas, please release Barabbas".
The Roman Govenor held up his hand to silence the crowd. " And what shall I do with Jesus of Nazareth?".
" Crucify him".
research help: ' The Murder of Jesus' by John Macarthur
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Friday, January 4, 2013
the embrace: embrace truth
the embrace: embrace truth by ric gustafson
Psalm 119: 89- ' Your word O Lord is eternal it stands firm in the heavens'
God wants us to read his Word which is full of poetry, stories and wisdom. If we want to learn more about the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, the Bible is for us. God loves his church, his body of believers. The Bible is the best selling book of all time because it's pages are full of truth. God wants his Word to seep into our heart and stay there. God's Word is truth.
research help: ' Embrace Grace' by Liz Curtis Higgs
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Psalm 119: 89- ' Your word O Lord is eternal it stands firm in the heavens'
God wants us to read his Word which is full of poetry, stories and wisdom. If we want to learn more about the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, the Bible is for us. God loves his church, his body of believers. The Bible is the best selling book of all time because it's pages are full of truth. God wants his Word to seep into our heart and stay there. God's Word is truth.
research help: ' Embrace Grace' by Liz Curtis Higgs
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Flavius Artemis- the centurion page 17
Flavius Artemis- the centurion page 17 by ric gustafson
Herod Antipas was lying on a cushion being fanned by a servant when another came in and whispered something into his ear. He smiled because the servant had just relayed an important message. Pilate, the Roman Govenor was sending over someone he had wanted to meet for a long time. He had been hearing many things about this Rabbi from Galilee who was performing miracles and called himself a King. He was curious to see this Rabbi perform a miracle for him.
After a short while, Flavius led Jesus into a hall of Herod's residence.
Herod now stared at a silent Jesus. The young man's face was bruised and swollen from physical abuse and was standing up thanks to the help of Flavius.
" I have been looking forward to meeting you for a long time" he said as he stood up from his cushion. " I hear you perform miracles and heal the sick".
Jesus stayed silent and did not raise his head.
" Please perform a miracle for me".
Jesus remained silent.
" Just one, that is all I ask".
" So you won't perform a small miracle for me". Anger began to fill his mind. " I believe a King needs a robe". He clapped his hands and a servant ran to get one.
Flavius watched as the servant returned with a robe of different colors.
The servant put the robe on Jesus.
" Here is a robe fit for a King". Herod watched as his soldiers bowed down and mocked Jesus. After a while, he got tired of the game.
" Take the robe off of him". He fell back onto his cushion. " Take him back to Pilate".
Later, Herod and Pilate became friends.
research help" ' The Murder of Jesus' by John Macarthur
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Herod Antipas was lying on a cushion being fanned by a servant when another came in and whispered something into his ear. He smiled because the servant had just relayed an important message. Pilate, the Roman Govenor was sending over someone he had wanted to meet for a long time. He had been hearing many things about this Rabbi from Galilee who was performing miracles and called himself a King. He was curious to see this Rabbi perform a miracle for him.
After a short while, Flavius led Jesus into a hall of Herod's residence.
Herod now stared at a silent Jesus. The young man's face was bruised and swollen from physical abuse and was standing up thanks to the help of Flavius.
" I have been looking forward to meeting you for a long time" he said as he stood up from his cushion. " I hear you perform miracles and heal the sick".
Jesus stayed silent and did not raise his head.
" Please perform a miracle for me".
Jesus remained silent.
" Just one, that is all I ask".
" So you won't perform a small miracle for me". Anger began to fill his mind. " I believe a King needs a robe". He clapped his hands and a servant ran to get one.
Flavius watched as the servant returned with a robe of different colors.
The servant put the robe on Jesus.
" Here is a robe fit for a King". Herod watched as his soldiers bowed down and mocked Jesus. After a while, he got tired of the game.
" Take the robe off of him". He fell back onto his cushion. " Take him back to Pilate".
Later, Herod and Pilate became friends.
research help" ' The Murder of Jesus' by John Macarthur
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Sunrise Edition page 2
Sunrise Edition page 2 by ric gustafson
Alfred walked into the foyer of the office.
" May I help you?" asked a young woman who had heard him walk in.
" Yes, I have a question about my paper".
" I'll get the Circulation Director for you". She walked away.
Five minutes later, a young dark bearded man walked up. " Hi, I'm Joseph Ficone". He shook Alfred's hand. " How can I help you?".
" I went outside this morning and noticed that I had received the Sunrise Edition".
" What is your address?".
" 17516 Stony Ash Court".
" Oh yes, that is my route". He smiled at me. " Isn't your birthday tomorrow?".
" The 5th, it sure is". Alfred gave him a strange look. " How did you know my birthday was tomorrow?".
" My father wanted to tell you that he loves you and wanted to wish you a happy birthday". " Excuse me for a moment". He quickly left the room.
One minute later.
" Hi, Joyce told me that you needed some help".
" I was just talking to Joseph the Circulation Director".
" Are you sure?" John Hayes said with a perplexed look on his face. " We haven't had a Circulation Director here for three months".
" Sorry". Alfred left the building pondering what the young bearded man had said to him.
The next day, Alfred had one of the best birthdays he had ever had.
The End- dedicated to Tom E
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Alfred walked into the foyer of the office.
" May I help you?" asked a young woman who had heard him walk in.
" Yes, I have a question about my paper".
" I'll get the Circulation Director for you". She walked away.
Five minutes later, a young dark bearded man walked up. " Hi, I'm Joseph Ficone". He shook Alfred's hand. " How can I help you?".
" I went outside this morning and noticed that I had received the Sunrise Edition".
" What is your address?".
" 17516 Stony Ash Court".
" Oh yes, that is my route". He smiled at me. " Isn't your birthday tomorrow?".
" The 5th, it sure is". Alfred gave him a strange look. " How did you know my birthday was tomorrow?".
" My father wanted to tell you that he loves you and wanted to wish you a happy birthday". " Excuse me for a moment". He quickly left the room.
One minute later.
" Hi, Joyce told me that you needed some help".
" I was just talking to Joseph the Circulation Director".
" Are you sure?" John Hayes said with a perplexed look on his face. " We haven't had a Circulation Director here for three months".
" Sorry". Alfred left the building pondering what the young bearded man had said to him.
The next day, Alfred had one of the best birthdays he had ever had.
The End- dedicated to Tom E
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Thursday, January 3, 2013
names of God: Righteous Servant
names of God: Righteous Servant by ric gustafson
Isaiah 53:11- ' By his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many'
This term refers to God the Son. A righteous servant is a good and faithful servant and in this passage, Isaiah predicts the life, death and resurrection of Jesus. The word travail is used earlier in the passage and this word means torture or torment. Even thou he did not have to, Jesus came to us in human form. Because he was human, Jesus understood our weaknesses and can speak for us on Judgment Day. Jesus became our Righteous Servant and died on the cross for our salvation.
research help: ' Beloved Names of God' by David McLaughlan
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Isaiah 53:11- ' By his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many'
This term refers to God the Son. A righteous servant is a good and faithful servant and in this passage, Isaiah predicts the life, death and resurrection of Jesus. The word travail is used earlier in the passage and this word means torture or torment. Even thou he did not have to, Jesus came to us in human form. Because he was human, Jesus understood our weaknesses and can speak for us on Judgment Day. Jesus became our Righteous Servant and died on the cross for our salvation.
research help: ' Beloved Names of God' by David McLaughlan
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Peacemaker: a priority peace
Peacemaker: a priority peace by ric gustafson
Everyone has priorities every day. Some are good options and some are not. When we are setting up our priorities, we need to remember that Jesus is the holding power in our lives. Colossians 1:17 says ' and in him all things consist'. To have peace, Jesus has to be our top priority.
God wants us to seek his kingdom and one way is to establish grace as a priority. Grace's simple fact is that Jesus loves me and that he gives me unmerited favor and graciousness. God wants us to have peace in our lives while he takes care of our needs. God wants us to trust him and not worry or be frustrated. We cannot have perfect peace if we are worrying all the time.
I Peter 5:6-7 says ' cast the whole of your care on him'. God needs to be the top priority in our lives at all times. When we do that, we will have peace.
research help: ' In Pursuit of Peace' by Joyce Meyer
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Everyone has priorities every day. Some are good options and some are not. When we are setting up our priorities, we need to remember that Jesus is the holding power in our lives. Colossians 1:17 says ' and in him all things consist'. To have peace, Jesus has to be our top priority.
God wants us to seek his kingdom and one way is to establish grace as a priority. Grace's simple fact is that Jesus loves me and that he gives me unmerited favor and graciousness. God wants us to have peace in our lives while he takes care of our needs. God wants us to trust him and not worry or be frustrated. We cannot have perfect peace if we are worrying all the time.
I Peter 5:6-7 says ' cast the whole of your care on him'. God needs to be the top priority in our lives at all times. When we do that, we will have peace.
research help: ' In Pursuit of Peace' by Joyce Meyer
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Flavius Artemis- the centurion page 16
Flavius Artemis- the centurion page 16 by ric gustafson
The Roman Govenor could not believe what he was hearing.
" My Kingdom is not from here".
Pilate stared at Jesus. " Are you a King?".
" You say rightly that I am a King, for this reason I was born and came into this world". Jesus looked intently at Pilate. " Everyone of the truth hears my voice".
Pilate was silent, looked at Flavius and wasn't sure what to say next. He knew that this prisoner was no threat and that there was no truth to the charges. He also knew that he had to please the growing mob outside. He looked at Jesus. " What is truth?". Before he let the prisoner answer, he walked up the steps to the open balcony. He faced the growing hostile crowd. " I find no fault in him at all".
Many in the crowd shook their fists. " He stirs up the people, teaching all over Judea starting from Galilee".
Pilate stared at the crowd with a startled look. " Is this man a Galilean?". He clapped his hands.
Flavius heard the clap and walked up the stone steps.
" Centurion, take this prisoner to Herod".
research help: ' The Murder of Jesus' by John Macarthur
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
The Roman Govenor could not believe what he was hearing.
" My Kingdom is not from here".
Pilate stared at Jesus. " Are you a King?".
" You say rightly that I am a King, for this reason I was born and came into this world". Jesus looked intently at Pilate. " Everyone of the truth hears my voice".
Pilate was silent, looked at Flavius and wasn't sure what to say next. He knew that this prisoner was no threat and that there was no truth to the charges. He also knew that he had to please the growing mob outside. He looked at Jesus. " What is truth?". Before he let the prisoner answer, he walked up the steps to the open balcony. He faced the growing hostile crowd. " I find no fault in him at all".
Many in the crowd shook their fists. " He stirs up the people, teaching all over Judea starting from Galilee".
Pilate stared at the crowd with a startled look. " Is this man a Galilean?". He clapped his hands.
Flavius heard the clap and walked up the stone steps.
" Centurion, take this prisoner to Herod".
research help: ' The Murder of Jesus' by John Macarthur
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Wednesday, January 2, 2013
Flavius Artemis- the centurion page 15
Flavius Artemis- the centurion page 15 by ric gustafson
Flavius led Jesus up the steps and through the entrance door of the Praetorium. As they went through the doorway, he led Jesus into a small room off to the right.
From the balcony, Pilate walked down some steps to the sparsely furnished room. He walked up to the centurion and the prisoner. He saw before him a tired young man who had already suffered much physical and emotional abuse. To Pilate, this young man did not look like a King. " Are you the King of the Jews?".
" Are you speaking for yourself or did others tell you concerning me?".
" Am I a Jew, your own nation and chief priests have delivered you to me". He looked intently at Jesus. " What have you done?".
" My Kingdom is not of this world".
Pilate gave Jesus a confused look.
" If my Kingdom were of this world, my servants would fight".
research help: ' the Murder of Jesus' by John Macarthur
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Flavius led Jesus up the steps and through the entrance door of the Praetorium. As they went through the doorway, he led Jesus into a small room off to the right.
From the balcony, Pilate walked down some steps to the sparsely furnished room. He walked up to the centurion and the prisoner. He saw before him a tired young man who had already suffered much physical and emotional abuse. To Pilate, this young man did not look like a King. " Are you the King of the Jews?".
" Are you speaking for yourself or did others tell you concerning me?".
" Am I a Jew, your own nation and chief priests have delivered you to me". He looked intently at Jesus. " What have you done?".
" My Kingdom is not of this world".
Pilate gave Jesus a confused look.
" If my Kingdom were of this world, my servants would fight".
research help: ' the Murder of Jesus' by John Macarthur
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Flavius Artemis- the centurion page 14
Flavius Artemis- the centurion page 14 by ric gustafson
Flavius led Jesus to the entrance of the Praetorium. He could not take him inside because Rabbinical tradition said that if Jews entered the home of a Gentile they would be defiled and unable to partake the Passover feast. The Sanhedrin demanded to see Pilate outside the residence.
Flavius watched as the Roman Govenor appeared on the balcony above them. He looked tired after being woken up at the early hour.
Pilate stared at the crowd before him. " What accusation do you have against this man?".
" If he were not an evildoer, we would not have delivered him to you".
Pilate scratched his head. " You take him and judge him according to your law".
" It is not lawful for us to put anyone to death".
Pilate could sense this situation was starting to get out of hand.
" We found this person perverting the nation".
Pilate knew this was not true.
" He does not pay taxes to Caesar".
Pilate knew the Sanhedrin would not charge him with that.
" He calls himself the Christ a King".
A worried look came to Pilate's face. He decided to bring the prisoner inside and examine him himself.
research help: ' the Murder of Jesus' by John Macarthur
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Flavius led Jesus to the entrance of the Praetorium. He could not take him inside because Rabbinical tradition said that if Jews entered the home of a Gentile they would be defiled and unable to partake the Passover feast. The Sanhedrin demanded to see Pilate outside the residence.
Flavius watched as the Roman Govenor appeared on the balcony above them. He looked tired after being woken up at the early hour.
Pilate stared at the crowd before him. " What accusation do you have against this man?".
" If he were not an evildoer, we would not have delivered him to you".
Pilate scratched his head. " You take him and judge him according to your law".
" It is not lawful for us to put anyone to death".
Pilate could sense this situation was starting to get out of hand.
" We found this person perverting the nation".
Pilate knew this was not true.
" He does not pay taxes to Caesar".
Pilate knew the Sanhedrin would not charge him with that.
" He calls himself the Christ a King".
A worried look came to Pilate's face. He decided to bring the prisoner inside and examine him himself.
research help: ' the Murder of Jesus' by John Macarthur
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Tuesday, January 1, 2013
the Talents scene 1
The Talents scene 1 by ric gustafson
Scene 1
A middleaged man is in a doctors office buttoning a shirt
A doctor is washing his hands
Bernard Talent
Dr Robinson [ beat] is it stress again?
Dr Robinson
I believe so [ beat] the tests show that your heart is fine
[ The doctor gave Bernard a serious look]
Dr Robinson
This constant stress level is going to cause you major problems down the road
Bernard
My book stores are very important to me
Dr Robinson
Can't your sons help you more with the business
Bernard
I'm sure they could
Dr Robinson
You need to reduce your stress
Bernard
What do you suggest Doctor?
Dr Robinson
My suggestion is a year vacation from all your stress
Bernard
A year!
[ He gave the doctor a startled look]
Bernard
I don't know if I can do that
Dr Robinson
Let your sons run the business for a while [ beat] you deserve the rest
[ Bernard pondered that thought as he left Dr Robinson's office]
Scene 1
A middleaged man is in a doctors office buttoning a shirt
A doctor is washing his hands
Bernard Talent
Dr Robinson [ beat] is it stress again?
Dr Robinson
I believe so [ beat] the tests show that your heart is fine
[ The doctor gave Bernard a serious look]
Dr Robinson
This constant stress level is going to cause you major problems down the road
Bernard
My book stores are very important to me
Dr Robinson
Can't your sons help you more with the business
Bernard
I'm sure they could
Dr Robinson
You need to reduce your stress
Bernard
What do you suggest Doctor?
Dr Robinson
My suggestion is a year vacation from all your stress
Bernard
A year!
[ He gave the doctor a startled look]
Bernard
I don't know if I can do that
Dr Robinson
Let your sons run the business for a while [ beat] you deserve the rest
[ Bernard pondered that thought as he left Dr Robinson's office]
the unopened gift scene 4
the unopened gift scene 4 by ric gustafson
Scene 4
Jeffrey opens the closet to take out a suit
He accidently bumps into the red box
Jeffrey
Ouch!
[ Monica is sitting at her dressing table putting on her makeup]
Monica
Jeffrey [ beat] what's wrong?
[ He winces and touches his right knee]
Jeffrey
I bumped into that box in the closet
[ She glances at the clock on her nightstand]
Monica
We need to get to the choir concert in an hour
Jeffrey
I know
[ He puts on a pair of black slacks and begins to button a white shirt]
Jeffrey
I'll be ready
[ She puts earrings into her ear lobes]
Monica
The choir music we are doing today is beautiful [ beat] I can't wait to perform my solo
[ He puts on a pair of black dress shoes]
Jeffrey
You'll be great
[ Monica walks over to the closet, begins to take out a vest and bumps into the box]
Monica
Jeffrey
Jeffrey
Yes
Monica
I'm ready to open that box
Jeffrey
Are you sure Monica?
Monica
Yes Jeffrey, I'm sure
[ He brings out the big red box and puts it at her feet]
[ They smile at each other]
[ She opens the box]
The End
Scene 4
Jeffrey opens the closet to take out a suit
He accidently bumps into the red box
Jeffrey
Ouch!
[ Monica is sitting at her dressing table putting on her makeup]
Monica
Jeffrey [ beat] what's wrong?
[ He winces and touches his right knee]
Jeffrey
I bumped into that box in the closet
[ She glances at the clock on her nightstand]
Monica
We need to get to the choir concert in an hour
Jeffrey
I know
[ He puts on a pair of black slacks and begins to button a white shirt]
Jeffrey
I'll be ready
[ She puts earrings into her ear lobes]
Monica
The choir music we are doing today is beautiful [ beat] I can't wait to perform my solo
[ He puts on a pair of black dress shoes]
Jeffrey
You'll be great
[ Monica walks over to the closet, begins to take out a vest and bumps into the box]
Monica
Jeffrey
Jeffrey
Yes
Monica
I'm ready to open that box
Jeffrey
Are you sure Monica?
Monica
Yes Jeffrey, I'm sure
[ He brings out the big red box and puts it at her feet]
[ They smile at each other]
[ She opens the box]
The End
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