our daily bread store page 1 by ric gustafson
Fran took a sip of her coffee and stared across Highway 86. " What do you think George?".
" Well, as your grandson and your accountant" the young man said as the sun beat down on him. " It's possible".
" Great". She smiled at her grandson. " I've wanted to own my own bread store since I was a little girl".
" Your mother enjoyed baking bread".
" Oh yes". She adjusted her red hat and stared across the busy highway. " Every day that I would come from home from school, I would smell fresh bread".
" And that has always been your dream".
" Yes". She kissed her grandson on the cheek. " Thank you for helping me fullfill my dream".
" Your welcome Grandma".
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Thursday, February 28, 2013
Bambi page 1
Bambi page 1 by ric gustafson
The baby deer stood on his unsteady legs as his mother washed him off with her gentle tongue. He watched for the first time the thicket and the forest glade where he was. He saw the magpie and the other birds flying overhead. He had a beautiful red coat and a baby face to match. He began to see hazel bushes, tall maple trees and blackthorns. The forest resounded with new sounds of birds including wood thrushs, blackbirds, doves and bluejays. All that the baby deer could feel was his mother's licking of his coat and his mother's body next to his.
" Bambi" the mother whispered as she kept her newborn close to her.
The newborn deer was happy and content.
" My little Bambi".
research help: ' Bambi, a life in the woods' by Felix Salten
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
The baby deer stood on his unsteady legs as his mother washed him off with her gentle tongue. He watched for the first time the thicket and the forest glade where he was. He saw the magpie and the other birds flying overhead. He had a beautiful red coat and a baby face to match. He began to see hazel bushes, tall maple trees and blackthorns. The forest resounded with new sounds of birds including wood thrushs, blackbirds, doves and bluejays. All that the baby deer could feel was his mother's licking of his coat and his mother's body next to his.
" Bambi" the mother whispered as she kept her newborn close to her.
The newborn deer was happy and content.
" My little Bambi".
research help: ' Bambi, a life in the woods' by Felix Salten
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
First Century kitchen page 5
First Century kitchen page 5 by ric gustafson
Herbs and spices were used in the first century to help enhance the flavor of foods. Herbs are plants that are used to prepare food. Herbs were fresh and then dried. Spices impart flavor and aroma. Spices used in the first century included roots, seeds, bark, fruit and flowers.
Herbs such as oregano, basil and rosemary were used in Greek and Italian cooking. Some herbs and spices were very common including mint, parsley, mustard, dill and cumin. Other ingredients used for food preparation included wine, vinegar and honey. Salt was used as a flavoring agent and as a preservative. Next we'll look at the role of bread in a first century diet.
research help: ' The Food and Feasts of Jesus' by Douglas Neel and Joel Pugh
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Herbs and spices were used in the first century to help enhance the flavor of foods. Herbs are plants that are used to prepare food. Herbs were fresh and then dried. Spices impart flavor and aroma. Spices used in the first century included roots, seeds, bark, fruit and flowers.
Herbs such as oregano, basil and rosemary were used in Greek and Italian cooking. Some herbs and spices were very common including mint, parsley, mustard, dill and cumin. Other ingredients used for food preparation included wine, vinegar and honey. Salt was used as a flavoring agent and as a preservative. Next we'll look at the role of bread in a first century diet.
research help: ' The Food and Feasts of Jesus' by Douglas Neel and Joel Pugh
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
betrayer postlude
betrayer postlude by ric gustafson
I climb one of the olive trees and then put the rope around my neck. I look out over the Hinnom Valley and see trash burning as if it was an eternal flame. As I tighten the noose and begin to gasp for air, I wonder what people will think of me. I wonder if they will call me a betrayer who turned him in for thirty pieces of silver shekels. I wonder if they will say that I was greedy and turned against my master.
I tighten the noose more and my eyes begin to bulge. I hear a dog bark and then sound leaves my ears. I begin to see a dark light and now I am afraid. Now I feel cold and hear a noise that sounds like cloven hooves. As cold darkness covers my eyes, I am afraid because all I see is darkness. My bowels release and I shake because I have a feeling I am walking toward Sheol and cold total darkness.
research help: ' Iscariot' by Tosca Lee
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
I climb one of the olive trees and then put the rope around my neck. I look out over the Hinnom Valley and see trash burning as if it was an eternal flame. As I tighten the noose and begin to gasp for air, I wonder what people will think of me. I wonder if they will call me a betrayer who turned him in for thirty pieces of silver shekels. I wonder if they will say that I was greedy and turned against my master.
I tighten the noose more and my eyes begin to bulge. I hear a dog bark and then sound leaves my ears. I begin to see a dark light and now I am afraid. Now I feel cold and hear a noise that sounds like cloven hooves. As cold darkness covers my eyes, I am afraid because all I see is darkness. My bowels release and I shake because I have a feeling I am walking toward Sheol and cold total darkness.
research help: ' Iscariot' by Tosca Lee
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Monday, February 25, 2013
the tangled vines page 2
the tangled vines page 2 by ric gustafson
" I'm not sure if I can go to Jimmy's game or not" Mitchell said as he heard the doorbell ring. " I have a lot of work to do this afternoon". He wondered who was at the door at 7:30 in the morning. He opened it to reveal a young man with a dark beard who was wearing a white sweatshirt and white coveralls.
" Hi, I'm Jack Nates" he said as he pointed toward his white truck. " Nates Pruning".
" Oh yes, the big bush in the back". He looked at his watch. " I wasn't expecting you this early in the morning".
" I like to start early".
Mitchell led around the side of the house to the bush. " Here it is".
Jack studied the tangled vines. " I'll get started on it right away".
Mitchell stared at his white coveralls.
" Aren't your clothes going to get dirty?".
" In all the years that I have been doing this" he said with a wide grin. " I have never gotten these white clothes dirty".
" Ok".
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
" I'm not sure if I can go to Jimmy's game or not" Mitchell said as he heard the doorbell ring. " I have a lot of work to do this afternoon". He wondered who was at the door at 7:30 in the morning. He opened it to reveal a young man with a dark beard who was wearing a white sweatshirt and white coveralls.
" Hi, I'm Jack Nates" he said as he pointed toward his white truck. " Nates Pruning".
" Oh yes, the big bush in the back". He looked at his watch. " I wasn't expecting you this early in the morning".
" I like to start early".
Mitchell led around the side of the house to the bush. " Here it is".
Jack studied the tangled vines. " I'll get started on it right away".
Mitchell stared at his white coveralls.
" Aren't your clothes going to get dirty?".
" In all the years that I have been doing this" he said with a wide grin. " I have never gotten these white clothes dirty".
" Ok".
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
the tangled vines page 1
the tangled vines page 1 by ric gustafson
Mitchell Vine hurridly took the slice of wheat toast from the small white toaster and put some butter and apple jelly on it. He put it on a plate and then sat down at the small island.
" Mitchell" Louise Vine said as she stared out the small kitchen window at a large bush. " You need to prune that tangled bush before winter comes".
" I know".
She poured a glass of orange juice and handed it to him.
" I am so busy with work right now". He glanced at the time. " I just don't have the time".
" Then call someone who prunes bushes to come and do it". She stared at the bush again. " It needs to be done".
" Ok".
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Mitchell Vine hurridly took the slice of wheat toast from the small white toaster and put some butter and apple jelly on it. He put it on a plate and then sat down at the small island.
" Mitchell" Louise Vine said as she stared out the small kitchen window at a large bush. " You need to prune that tangled bush before winter comes".
" I know".
She poured a glass of orange juice and handed it to him.
" I am so busy with work right now". He glanced at the time. " I just don't have the time".
" Then call someone who prunes bushes to come and do it". She stared at the bush again. " It needs to be done".
" Ok".
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Sunday, February 24, 2013
First Century kitchen page 4
First Century kitchen page 4 by ric gustafson
Meat was enjoyed by first century people. Common red meats were goat and lamb. Meat was used in stews and soups and could feed a large family. Poultry was a first century food source. Chickens and geese provided eggs and feathers. Smaller birds such as doves and pigeons were pickled or eaten whole. Pork was popular except by Jews. Egyptians did not eat pork but Greeks and Romans did.
Fish was an important part of a first century diet. Fish were caught in the Sea of Galilee and it was usually dried and salted. The fish was soaked and then added to soups and stews. Israelites liked grilled fish. Romans and Greeks enjoyed saltwater fish.
Milk was used to make cheese, yogurt and butter. Yogurt was a soft cheese and butter was used for flavoring and frying foods.
research help: ' The Food and Feasts of Jesus' by Douglas Neel and Joel Pugh
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Meat was enjoyed by first century people. Common red meats were goat and lamb. Meat was used in stews and soups and could feed a large family. Poultry was a first century food source. Chickens and geese provided eggs and feathers. Smaller birds such as doves and pigeons were pickled or eaten whole. Pork was popular except by Jews. Egyptians did not eat pork but Greeks and Romans did.
Fish was an important part of a first century diet. Fish were caught in the Sea of Galilee and it was usually dried and salted. The fish was soaked and then added to soups and stews. Israelites liked grilled fish. Romans and Greeks enjoyed saltwater fish.
Milk was used to make cheese, yogurt and butter. Yogurt was a soft cheese and butter was used for flavoring and frying foods.
research help: ' The Food and Feasts of Jesus' by Douglas Neel and Joel Pugh
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Saturday, February 23, 2013
Peacemaker: pursue peace
Peacemaker: pursue peace by ric gustafson
God has provided everything that we need for a life of peace. Hebrews 12:14 says strive to live in peace with everybody. The word strive means to follow or pursue. God wants us to find peace with people. He wants us to build people up in the faith not tear them down. We need to pray for others and encourage each other. Jesus wants us to enjoy peace but we must pursue it.
Satan will try anything to steal our peace. His lies steal our peace but God's truth sets us free. We must find out what our peace stealers are so we can avoid them. Peace is power and we have power over Satan. As followers of Jesus, we are required to be peacemakers. We have to make an effort to be a peacemaker but with God and Christ and grace, we can do it.
The End- dedicated to Tom E
research help: ' In Pursuit of Peace' by Joyce Meyer
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
God has provided everything that we need for a life of peace. Hebrews 12:14 says strive to live in peace with everybody. The word strive means to follow or pursue. God wants us to find peace with people. He wants us to build people up in the faith not tear them down. We need to pray for others and encourage each other. Jesus wants us to enjoy peace but we must pursue it.
Satan will try anything to steal our peace. His lies steal our peace but God's truth sets us free. We must find out what our peace stealers are so we can avoid them. Peace is power and we have power over Satan. As followers of Jesus, we are required to be peacemakers. We have to make an effort to be a peacemaker but with God and Christ and grace, we can do it.
The End- dedicated to Tom E
research help: ' In Pursuit of Peace' by Joyce Meyer
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Friday, February 22, 2013
Peacemaker: a quiet peace
Peacemaker: a quiet peace by ric gustafson
To have peace in our lives, we need to be calm and still. We need to have the Lord fight our battles in order to hold our peace. When we spend time meditating on God's promises, a deep peace will fill our lives. God created us in his image and we need to demonstrate that to others. God wants us to have an inner peace and bless others with grace. We need to meditate on God's goodness and keep our Temple full of peace. God wants us to be still and calm when life's storms come our way. To have peace we need to have an inner quiet. When we have turmoil and are upset, we do not listen to God.
When we have an inner quiet, we listen to God's quiet voice and have peace in our heart.
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 calm and still. We need to have the Lord fight our battles in order to hold our peace. When we spend time meditating on God's promises, a deep peace will fill our lives. God created us in his image and we need to demonstrate that to others. God wants us to have an inner peace and bless others with grace. We need to meditate on God's goodness and keep our Temple full of peace. God wants us to be still and calm when life's storms come our way. To have peace we need to have an inner quiet. When we have turmoil and are upset, we do not listen to God.
When we have an inner quiet, we listen to God's quiet voice and have peace in our heart.
research help: ' In Pursuit of Peace' by Joyce Meyer
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Thursday, February 21, 2013
Moses page 8
Moses page 8 by ric gustafson
Moses sat at the feet of the elder. " Tell me more about the Hebrew tradition".
" Jacob had twelve sons and they became the twelve tribes of Israel". The toothless Hebrew elder looked at Moses. " Do you know anything about your ancestry my son?".
" No Zuriel I do not".
" You are from the tribe of Levi" he said with a reassuring smile. " Levi was one of the twelve sons".
" Zuriel, what are the Hebrew people waiting for?".
" My son, our people are waiting for the Great Redeemer to come and save us".
Later, he told his mother where he had been.
Kali gave her son a worried look. " My son, I worry about your safety".
" Because of Jafari".
" Yes, his spies are following you everywhere".
" Mother, I will be careful". He gave her a peck on the cheek. " I must worry about my brothers".
research help: ' By Way Of The Wilderness' by Gilbert Morris
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Moses sat at the feet of the elder. " Tell me more about the Hebrew tradition".
" Jacob had twelve sons and they became the twelve tribes of Israel". The toothless Hebrew elder looked at Moses. " Do you know anything about your ancestry my son?".
" No Zuriel I do not".
" You are from the tribe of Levi" he said with a reassuring smile. " Levi was one of the twelve sons".
" Zuriel, what are the Hebrew people waiting for?".
" My son, our people are waiting for the Great Redeemer to come and save us".
Later, he told his mother where he had been.
Kali gave her son a worried look. " My son, I worry about your safety".
" Because of Jafari".
" Yes, his spies are following you everywhere".
" Mother, I will be careful". He gave her a peck on the cheek. " I must worry about my brothers".
research help: ' By Way Of The Wilderness' by Gilbert Morris
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Declarations page 2
Declarations page 2 by ric gustafson
I declare that I will experience God's faithfulness. Everyone of us has dreams and goals. When these dreams and goals take a long time, we begin to think negative and think that it will never happen. We get discouraged and give up way too soon. Even thought it's taking longer than we would like, God is still working on our dreams and plans.
God is faithful and he will fulfill his promises to us. We must do our part and God will do his. It may not be exactly as we planned but God knows what's best for us. Hebrews 13 says that God will not let us down. Everything will work out because God is in control. God will not let our problems overcome us. When we completely trust God, we will have a place of peace.
research help: ' I Declare' by Joel Osteen
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
I declare that I will experience God's faithfulness. Everyone of us has dreams and goals. When these dreams and goals take a long time, we begin to think negative and think that it will never happen. We get discouraged and give up way too soon. Even thought it's taking longer than we would like, God is still working on our dreams and plans.
God is faithful and he will fulfill his promises to us. We must do our part and God will do his. It may not be exactly as we planned but God knows what's best for us. Hebrews 13 says that God will not let us down. Everything will work out because God is in control. God will not let our problems overcome us. When we completely trust God, we will have a place of peace.
research help: ' I Declare' by Joel Osteen
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Peacemaker: an offensive peace
Peacemaker: an offensive peace by ric gustafson
We will have battles and conflicts in our lives. As God's people we need to pick our battles and ignore little issues that come up. Satan uses personality conflicts between people to steal our peace. It is hard to ignore offenses and behaviors of others because we do not want to get hurt. God wants us to trust him that he will protect us when people hurt us emotionally.
God wants us to be Peacemakers not Peacebreakers. As we follow the Holy Spirit, we can let offenses go and keep our peace. When we are upset at others, we cannot hear from God. People in Christ have a choice to get upset after being offended or not. To live in peace means we need to be willing to be adaptable to people in all circumstances. In John 14, Jesus says stop allowing yourselves to be agitated and disturbed. When we let the little things go, we will have peace.
research help: ' In Pursuit of Peace' by Joyce Meyer
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
We will have battles and conflicts in our lives. As God's people we need to pick our battles and ignore little issues that come up. Satan uses personality conflicts between people to steal our peace. It is hard to ignore offenses and behaviors of others because we do not want to get hurt. God wants us to trust him that he will protect us when people hurt us emotionally.
God wants us to be Peacemakers not Peacebreakers. As we follow the Holy Spirit, we can let offenses go and keep our peace. When we are upset at others, we cannot hear from God. People in Christ have a choice to get upset after being offended or not. To live in peace means we need to be willing to be adaptable to people in all circumstances. In John 14, Jesus says stop allowing yourselves to be agitated and disturbed. When we let the little things go, we will have peace.
research help: ' In Pursuit of Peace' by Joyce Meyer
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Northfield page 4
Northfield page 4 by ric gustafson
Clell Miller stood outside as Jim Younger walked into the store.
He noticed a man combing a bay thoroughbred. " We would like to buy eight horses from you" he said quietly as he stared at the slim and tall man. " And no questions asked".
" Horse traders?".
" No". He gave the man $ 110. " Will this cover the horses?".
" Yes".
Later, all eight men reconvened in an abandoned barn outside town.
Frank looked at the men. " Cole, how was it west of here?".
" Charlie Pitts and I checked it out, no good".
" Jesse, how was Red Wing?".
" No good, the escape routes are too difficult".
" Jesse and I will ride out later and check out Mankato and Northfield". He spit into an empty bucket. " Clell and Jim will check out St Peter".
" After that, we will meet here again and decide what to do".
research help: ' Northfield' by Johnny D Boggs
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Clell Miller stood outside as Jim Younger walked into the store.
He noticed a man combing a bay thoroughbred. " We would like to buy eight horses from you" he said quietly as he stared at the slim and tall man. " And no questions asked".
" Horse traders?".
" No". He gave the man $ 110. " Will this cover the horses?".
" Yes".
Later, all eight men reconvened in an abandoned barn outside town.
Frank looked at the men. " Cole, how was it west of here?".
" Charlie Pitts and I checked it out, no good".
" Jesse, how was Red Wing?".
" No good, the escape routes are too difficult".
" Jesse and I will ride out later and check out Mankato and Northfield". He spit into an empty bucket. " Clell and Jim will check out St Peter".
" After that, we will meet here again and decide what to do".
research help: ' Northfield' by Johnny D Boggs
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Wednesday, February 20, 2013
Moses page 7
Moses page 7 by ric gustafson
" Sire, Moses is here".
The High Priest wiped off his mouth. " Show him in". Jafari watched as the tall, stocky man walked in. " Where have you been Moses?".
" O High Priest of Ra". He bowed down before him. " I have been studying the Hebrew slaves and how they make bricks".
" Really".
" Sire, my suggestion is that if the Hebrew slaves were well fed and you let them rest at times, they would be more productive".
" Moses, Hebrew slaves must be kept weak so that they will not rebel".
" Sire, if we took care of them they would make more bricks and better the economy".
" Moses" Jafari said loudly as he hit the table with a closed fist. " Be careful because you are being watched".
" Sire, I am not afraid".
" Moses, you have been warned". He pointed a finger toward the door. " Now get out".
Moses walked out.
Jafari clapped his hands. An aide walked over. " Nodi, watch him".
research help: ' By Way Of The Wilderness' by Gilbert Morris
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
" Sire, Moses is here".
The High Priest wiped off his mouth. " Show him in". Jafari watched as the tall, stocky man walked in. " Where have you been Moses?".
" O High Priest of Ra". He bowed down before him. " I have been studying the Hebrew slaves and how they make bricks".
" Really".
" Sire, my suggestion is that if the Hebrew slaves were well fed and you let them rest at times, they would be more productive".
" Moses, Hebrew slaves must be kept weak so that they will not rebel".
" Sire, if we took care of them they would make more bricks and better the economy".
" Moses" Jafari said loudly as he hit the table with a closed fist. " Be careful because you are being watched".
" Sire, I am not afraid".
" Moses, you have been warned". He pointed a finger toward the door. " Now get out".
Moses walked out.
Jafari clapped his hands. An aide walked over. " Nodi, watch him".
research help: ' By Way Of The Wilderness' by Gilbert Morris
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Tuesday, February 19, 2013
Declarations page 1
Declarations page 1 by ric gustafson
I declare incredible blessings over my life. You may be in a situation that you think is impossible. God wants you to be ready for blessings that will be coming your way. The word explosion is defined as sudden widespread increase. God wants us to have blessings when we don't expect it. He wants us to have widespread increase so that we know it has to be God. Ephesians 2:7 says that we will see the unlimited, immeasurable greatness of God's favor. God wants us to have widespread increase.
research help: ' I Declare' by Joel Osteen
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
I declare incredible blessings over my life. You may be in a situation that you think is impossible. God wants you to be ready for blessings that will be coming your way. The word explosion is defined as sudden widespread increase. God wants us to have blessings when we don't expect it. He wants us to have widespread increase so that we know it has to be God. Ephesians 2:7 says that we will see the unlimited, immeasurable greatness of God's favor. God wants us to have widespread increase.
research help: ' I Declare' by Joel Osteen
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Peacemaker: boundaries of peace
Peacemaker: boundaries of peace by ric gustafson
In order to have peace in our lives, we need to have boundaries. Boundaries protect us and keep us safe. When we don't set up boundaries in our lives, our health and peace could be in danger. We need boundaries to protect our privacy. We need boundaries to keep the wrong people out of our lives. If we are around someone with a behavior God would disapprove, we might be tempted to do that behavior. We should stay away from other's problems or entanglements. Hebrews 12:1 says that we are to avoid encumbrance and sin that could entangle us. We need to let the Holy Spirit produce good fruit in our lives such as boundaries and that will bring peace into our lives.
research help: ' In Pursuit of Peace' by Joyce Meyer
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
In order to have peace in our lives, we need to have boundaries. Boundaries protect us and keep us safe. When we don't set up boundaries in our lives, our health and peace could be in danger. We need boundaries to protect our privacy. We need boundaries to keep the wrong people out of our lives. If we are around someone with a behavior God would disapprove, we might be tempted to do that behavior. We should stay away from other's problems or entanglements. Hebrews 12:1 says that we are to avoid encumbrance and sin that could entangle us. We need to let the Holy Spirit produce good fruit in our lives such as boundaries and that will bring peace into our lives.
research help: ' In Pursuit of Peace' by Joyce Meyer
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Monday, February 18, 2013
Peacemaker: idle peace
Peacemaker: idle peace by ric gustafson
The Bible tells us to avoid idle talk which are vain useless words which do not benefit the speaker or hearer. God wants us to speak words that are full of his truth that will build up and encourage. Proverbs 13:3 says that he who guards his mouth keeps his life. Idle words can cause a lot of damage in our lives and take away our peace.
On the Day of Judgment, we will have to give account for every idle word we speak. Proverbs 16:23 says that the mind of the wise instructs his mouth. Idle words sabotages the power of peace. If our heart is not in line with God, our words will reflect that. When we stop using idle words, we will have peace in our lives.
research help: ' In Pursuit of Peace' by Joyce Meyer
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
The Bible tells us to avoid idle talk which are vain useless words which do not benefit the speaker or hearer. God wants us to speak words that are full of his truth that will build up and encourage. Proverbs 13:3 says that he who guards his mouth keeps his life. Idle words can cause a lot of damage in our lives and take away our peace.
On the Day of Judgment, we will have to give account for every idle word we speak. Proverbs 16:23 says that the mind of the wise instructs his mouth. Idle words sabotages the power of peace. If our heart is not in line with God, our words will reflect that. When we stop using idle words, we will have peace in our lives.
research help: ' In Pursuit of Peace' by Joyce Meyer
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Northfield page 3
Northfield page 3 by ric gustafson
" I don't like this idea Frank" Cole Younger said as he spit some chew onto the dusty barn floor. " I don't like this at all".
" Then don't go" Frank James replied as he looked at the people gathered. " Is there anybody else with reservations?".
" Bob" Ma James said as she handed him a sack filled with corn dodgers and cold ham. " Here is some food for your journey".
" Thank you Ma James" Clell Miller said as he put down his pipe on a stump and hugged the large farm woman. " I'm sorry about the arm".
The poor woman had lost one of her arms when the Pinkerton's had raided the farm last year.
" You are good Clell Miller". She gave him a smile. " Please take care of my boys".
When it got dark out and Ma James had gone back inside. Frank opened the barn door. " Chadwell, Jesse and I are riding to Council Bluffs to meet someone". He got on his horse. " The rest of you take the rail to Albert Lea and we will meet you there".
Clell gave Frank a strange look. " Who's Albert Lea?".
" A town in Minnesota where they have a good livery".
research help: ' Northfield' by Johnny D Boggs
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
" I don't like this idea Frank" Cole Younger said as he spit some chew onto the dusty barn floor. " I don't like this at all".
" Then don't go" Frank James replied as he looked at the people gathered. " Is there anybody else with reservations?".
" Bob" Ma James said as she handed him a sack filled with corn dodgers and cold ham. " Here is some food for your journey".
" Thank you Ma James" Clell Miller said as he put down his pipe on a stump and hugged the large farm woman. " I'm sorry about the arm".
The poor woman had lost one of her arms when the Pinkerton's had raided the farm last year.
" You are good Clell Miller". She gave him a smile. " Please take care of my boys".
When it got dark out and Ma James had gone back inside. Frank opened the barn door. " Chadwell, Jesse and I are riding to Council Bluffs to meet someone". He got on his horse. " The rest of you take the rail to Albert Lea and we will meet you there".
Clell gave Frank a strange look. " Who's Albert Lea?".
" A town in Minnesota where they have a good livery".
research help: ' Northfield' by Johnny D Boggs
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Sunday, February 17, 2013
Northfield page 2
Northfield page 2 by ric gustafson
Bill Stiles silently counted to three. " Three". Both men put handkerchiefs over their faces.
Hobbs Kerry kicked in the back door. " All right" Stiles said loudly as he put a burlap bag into the face of a nearby passenger. " Hand over all your valuables and no funny business".
A sound came from four rows up. " Rock of ages cleft for me".
" Sounds like we have a preacher among us" Hobbs said as he put a wheat sack in front of a frightened passenger. " Be quiet!".
" Let me hide myself in thee".
" I said hush up".
" Let him be" Stiles growled as he pointed his six shooter at a passenger and they put a watch into the sack. " He's not hurting anybody".
" Lord help us".
" Thank you ladies and gentlemen" Kerry said as he opened the opposite door of the train car. " Have a good evening".
They met Clell Miller and Charlie Pitts as they came out of the other passenger car. They jumped onto their horses and rode up to the front of the train. Jesse, Frank and Cole Younger had just emptied the express car. Stiles ungagged the night watchman and then they all rode away.
Later, Jesse figured the take from the robbery was more than $15,000.
research help: ' Northfield' by Johnny D Boggs
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Bill Stiles silently counted to three. " Three". Both men put handkerchiefs over their faces.
Hobbs Kerry kicked in the back door. " All right" Stiles said loudly as he put a burlap bag into the face of a nearby passenger. " Hand over all your valuables and no funny business".
A sound came from four rows up. " Rock of ages cleft for me".
" Sounds like we have a preacher among us" Hobbs said as he put a wheat sack in front of a frightened passenger. " Be quiet!".
" Let me hide myself in thee".
" I said hush up".
" Let him be" Stiles growled as he pointed his six shooter at a passenger and they put a watch into the sack. " He's not hurting anybody".
" Lord help us".
" Thank you ladies and gentlemen" Kerry said as he opened the opposite door of the train car. " Have a good evening".
They met Clell Miller and Charlie Pitts as they came out of the other passenger car. They jumped onto their horses and rode up to the front of the train. Jesse, Frank and Cole Younger had just emptied the express car. Stiles ungagged the night watchman and then they all rode away.
Later, Jesse figured the take from the robbery was more than $15,000.
research help: ' Northfield' by Johnny D Boggs
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Saturday, February 16, 2013
Northfield page 1
Northfield page 1 by ric gustafson
The night watchman held his lantern in front of him as he walked along the edge of the track. He was asked to guide the Number 4 Express that was coming from Kansas City.
All of a sudden, he was knocked to the ground.
" Clell, you and Charlie pile up some railroad ties on the track so the train will stop". Bob Younger said as he got off of his horse and took some rope out of a saddle bag. " While I tie up our friend here".
The man pleaded for his life. " Please don't kill me".
Bob tied him up and gagged him.
Cole Younger, Frank and Jesse James waited on the other side of the track.
" Are you sure this is a good spot?" Jesse asked as he stared down the dark track.
" Yes, because the train has to slow down as it comes around the bend".
They smiled when they heard the train whistle in the distance.
Bill Stiles and Hobbs Kerry helped Clell and Charlie put timbers and ties on the track to slow down the train.
As the train slowed, the men rode up to it shooting their 6 shooters.
research help: ' Northfield' by Johnny D Boggs
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
The night watchman held his lantern in front of him as he walked along the edge of the track. He was asked to guide the Number 4 Express that was coming from Kansas City.
All of a sudden, he was knocked to the ground.
" Clell, you and Charlie pile up some railroad ties on the track so the train will stop". Bob Younger said as he got off of his horse and took some rope out of a saddle bag. " While I tie up our friend here".
The man pleaded for his life. " Please don't kill me".
Bob tied him up and gagged him.
Cole Younger, Frank and Jesse James waited on the other side of the track.
" Are you sure this is a good spot?" Jesse asked as he stared down the dark track.
" Yes, because the train has to slow down as it comes around the bend".
They smiled when they heard the train whistle in the distance.
Bill Stiles and Hobbs Kerry helped Clell and Charlie put timbers and ties on the track to slow down the train.
As the train slowed, the men rode up to it shooting their 6 shooters.
research help: ' Northfield' by Johnny D Boggs
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
temptation pizza parlor page 7
temptation pizza parlor page 7 by ric gustafson
" This combination pizza is good" Merle said as he took a bite and then wiped off his mouth with a napkin. " The spicier the better".
Eddie took a bite of his pizza. " This ham and pineapple is good too".
Sal looked at Eddie. " Eddie, you know that God doesn't want you to give in to temptation".
" Eating this pizza and not having the money to pay for it".
" Go ahead and do it". Merle took a bit of his pizza. " Nobody will notice or care if you leave and don't pay".
Sal shook his head. " God's Word says that lying and stealing is a sin".
As all three ate in silence, Eddie contemplated what each had said.
The waitress came and put the check on the table.
" Eddie, it's time to decide".
He thought for a moment and then looked at them both. " Because I'm a christian and I do not want to go against God's Word". He hesitated. " I will talk to the manager and explain my situation".
Sal smiled and then vanished.
Merle scowled and then vanished.
Eddie asked for the Manager.
The End- dedicated to Tom E
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
" This combination pizza is good" Merle said as he took a bite and then wiped off his mouth with a napkin. " The spicier the better".
Eddie took a bite of his pizza. " This ham and pineapple is good too".
Sal looked at Eddie. " Eddie, you know that God doesn't want you to give in to temptation".
" Eating this pizza and not having the money to pay for it".
" Go ahead and do it". Merle took a bit of his pizza. " Nobody will notice or care if you leave and don't pay".
Sal shook his head. " God's Word says that lying and stealing is a sin".
As all three ate in silence, Eddie contemplated what each had said.
The waitress came and put the check on the table.
" Eddie, it's time to decide".
He thought for a moment and then looked at them both. " Because I'm a christian and I do not want to go against God's Word". He hesitated. " I will talk to the manager and explain my situation".
Sal smiled and then vanished.
Merle scowled and then vanished.
Eddie asked for the Manager.
The End- dedicated to Tom E
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Friday, February 15, 2013
temptation pizza parlor page 6
temptation pizza parlor page 6 by ric gustafson
Merle sat back down.
Sal stood up and pushed his chair in. " I need a little fresh air before the pizza comes". He walked away.
" I can't believe what Sal just told me".
" What's that?".
" He just told me that he was an angel".
" Oh!" he exclaimed as he put down a menu. " I used to be one".
" What do you mean that you used to be one?".
" My boss was beautiful and wise" he said with a strange smile. " In fact, his name was Son of the Morning".
" What happened?".
" One day, he decided that he wanted to be worshiped just like God the Father". He took a sip of his Coke. " He convinced a third of us to follow him".
" What's your boss's name?".
" Lucifer".
" So you are a demon".
" Yes". He gave a strange chuckle. " I am one of Lucifer's followers".
" That explains why you and Sal don't get along".
Just then, Sal sat back down. " The pizza is here".
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Merle sat back down.
Sal stood up and pushed his chair in. " I need a little fresh air before the pizza comes". He walked away.
" I can't believe what Sal just told me".
" What's that?".
" He just told me that he was an angel".
" Oh!" he exclaimed as he put down a menu. " I used to be one".
" What do you mean that you used to be one?".
" My boss was beautiful and wise" he said with a strange smile. " In fact, his name was Son of the Morning".
" What happened?".
" One day, he decided that he wanted to be worshiped just like God the Father". He took a sip of his Coke. " He convinced a third of us to follow him".
" What's your boss's name?".
" Lucifer".
" So you are a demon".
" Yes". He gave a strange chuckle. " I am one of Lucifer's followers".
" That explains why you and Sal don't get along".
Just then, Sal sat back down. " The pizza is here".
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Thursday, February 14, 2013
The Passion 2013: blasphemy
The Passion 2013: blasphemy by ric gustafson
Caiaphas took a deep breath and then looked at Jesus. " I adjure you, are you the Messiah the Son of God?".
Jesus knew the time had come. " I am". He stared at the chief priest. " Furthurmore, a day is coming when you will see the Son of Man return with his angels descending in a cloud of glory".
When Caiaphas heard this, he began to tear his garment. " Blasphemy". He turned to the members of the Sanhedrin. " Who needs more evidence?". He pointed at Jesus. " This Galilean has witnessed against himself and against our God".
A priest stood up. " This heretic is a man not worthy of life".
Caiaphas stared at the members of the council. " I call for a verdict".
" Guilty".
research help: ' The Day I Was Crucified' by Gene Edwards
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Caiaphas took a deep breath and then looked at Jesus. " I adjure you, are you the Messiah the Son of God?".
Jesus knew the time had come. " I am". He stared at the chief priest. " Furthurmore, a day is coming when you will see the Son of Man return with his angels descending in a cloud of glory".
When Caiaphas heard this, he began to tear his garment. " Blasphemy". He turned to the members of the Sanhedrin. " Who needs more evidence?". He pointed at Jesus. " This Galilean has witnessed against himself and against our God".
A priest stood up. " This heretic is a man not worthy of life".
Caiaphas stared at the members of the council. " I call for a verdict".
" Guilty".
research help: ' The Day I Was Crucified' by Gene Edwards
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Wednesday, February 13, 2013
The Passion 2013: Caiaphas's home
The Passion 2013: Caiaphas's home by ric gustafson
After a short meeting with Annas the oldest of the high priests, Flavius led Jesus through a courtyard to the home of Caiaphas the chief priest. He had been watching the members of the Sanhedrin gather in his hall.
He watched as Flavius led Jesus toward him. He noticed the physical condition of the prisoner. " This is the carpenter from Galilee?".
The temple guard nodded his head. " Yes Sire it is".
" Bring him into the hall and then bring in the witnesses".
Flavius led Jesus into the hall.
Several witnesses gave testimony against Jesus.
After a while, Annas whispered to Caiaphas. " We will never convince the Roman Govenor to put this man to death based on these witnesses".
The chief priest shook his head in agreement.
" There is only one thing we can do".
research help: ' The Day I Was Crucified' by Gene Edwards
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
After a short meeting with Annas the oldest of the high priests, Flavius led Jesus through a courtyard to the home of Caiaphas the chief priest. He had been watching the members of the Sanhedrin gather in his hall.
He watched as Flavius led Jesus toward him. He noticed the physical condition of the prisoner. " This is the carpenter from Galilee?".
The temple guard nodded his head. " Yes Sire it is".
" Bring him into the hall and then bring in the witnesses".
Flavius led Jesus into the hall.
Several witnesses gave testimony against Jesus.
After a while, Annas whispered to Caiaphas. " We will never convince the Roman Govenor to put this man to death based on these witnesses".
The chief priest shook his head in agreement.
" There is only one thing we can do".
research help: ' The Day I Was Crucified' by Gene Edwards
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
The Passion 2013: Malchus's ear
The Passion 2013: Malchus's ear by ric gustafson
Flavius Artemis pointed to a nearby soldier. " Bring some rope".
Just then, Peter took a small sword from beneath his garment. He swung wildly and struck the ear of a nearby servant.
Malchus fell to the ground as blood gushed from his torn ear.
Jesus gave Peter a stern look. " Put away your sword". He quickly knelt down and restored the ear. " Now is not the time for battle but for the cup". He stood up and looked at the crowd. " You come searching for me but I openly taught in the Temple". He stared at Flavius. " Why did you not arrest me then?".
All the disciples then ran off into the night. The last was a small boy named John Mark.
Jesus was bound by rope and led away.
research help: ' The Day I Was Crucified' by Gene Edwards
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Flavius Artemis pointed to a nearby soldier. " Bring some rope".
Just then, Peter took a small sword from beneath his garment. He swung wildly and struck the ear of a nearby servant.
Malchus fell to the ground as blood gushed from his torn ear.
Jesus gave Peter a stern look. " Put away your sword". He quickly knelt down and restored the ear. " Now is not the time for battle but for the cup". He stood up and looked at the crowd. " You come searching for me but I openly taught in the Temple". He stared at Flavius. " Why did you not arrest me then?".
All the disciples then ran off into the night. The last was a small boy named John Mark.
Jesus was bound by rope and led away.
research help: ' The Day I Was Crucified' by Gene Edwards
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Tuesday, February 12, 2013
First Century kitchen page 3
First Century kitchen page 3 by ric gustafson
Not only did vegetables and nuts play a role in a first century diet, fruit did also. Fresh fruit was only available during harvest time. The problem with fruit was storage. Fresh fruit was only good for a period of time. Most fruits were preserved by drying. Dried fruit such as apricots, dates and figs were eaten as a side dish. Some fruits were used for juice and some were used for wine.
Figs and dates were popular fruits and they were eaten fresh or dried. Some were made into cakes or added to stews or soups. Pomegranates, carobs, melons and citrons were also popular fruit. Black ripe olives were used to make olive oil and green olives were eaten.
research help: ' The Food and Feasts of Jesus' by Douglas Neel and Joel Pugh
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Not only did vegetables and nuts play a role in a first century diet, fruit did also. Fresh fruit was only available during harvest time. The problem with fruit was storage. Fresh fruit was only good for a period of time. Most fruits were preserved by drying. Dried fruit such as apricots, dates and figs were eaten as a side dish. Some fruits were used for juice and some were used for wine.
Figs and dates were popular fruits and they were eaten fresh or dried. Some were made into cakes or added to stews or soups. Pomegranates, carobs, melons and citrons were also popular fruit. Black ripe olives were used to make olive oil and green olives were eaten.
research help: ' The Food and Feasts of Jesus' by Douglas Neel and Joel Pugh
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
temptation pizza parlor page 5
temptation pizza parlor page 5 by ric gustafson
Sal sat down and handed Eddie a glass of Mountain Dew. " The pizza will be done shortly".
Merle stood up. " I'm going to order a combination pizza". He gave them a strange grin. " The spicier the better".
Eddie looked at Sal. " I get the feeling the two of you know each other pretty well".
He gave Eddie a sad stare. " That's true, we have sat down at this table many times over the years".
" How did you know I liked Mountain Dew?".
" Eddie, I know a lot about you". He put down the menu he was glancing at. " I also know that you don't have the money to pay for your pizza".
" You already knew that!".
" Of course". He noticed he had spilled something on his white coat. " My boss has told me everything about you".
" You sound like an angel".
Sal looked at the young man. " Actually, I am an angel".
" Why are you eating with me tonight?".
" Eddie, I'm here to tell you that you are heading down a dangerous path".
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Sal sat down and handed Eddie a glass of Mountain Dew. " The pizza will be done shortly".
Merle stood up. " I'm going to order a combination pizza". He gave them a strange grin. " The spicier the better".
Eddie looked at Sal. " I get the feeling the two of you know each other pretty well".
He gave Eddie a sad stare. " That's true, we have sat down at this table many times over the years".
" How did you know I liked Mountain Dew?".
" Eddie, I know a lot about you". He put down the menu he was glancing at. " I also know that you don't have the money to pay for your pizza".
" You already knew that!".
" Of course". He noticed he had spilled something on his white coat. " My boss has told me everything about you".
" You sound like an angel".
Sal looked at the young man. " Actually, I am an angel".
" Why are you eating with me tonight?".
" Eddie, I'm here to tell you that you are heading down a dangerous path".
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Monday, February 11, 2013
temptation pizza parlor page 4
temptation pizza parlor page 4 by ric gustafson
" I shouldn't even be here" Eddie said in a fearful voice as he looked around the now crowded restaurant.
" Why is that?" Merle replied without looking up from his menu.
" Actually, I have no money to pay for my pizza".
" Really". He put down the menu. " So what's the problem?".
" I don't have any money for my dinner and I feel guilty about it".
" Why feel guilty about it" he said with a strange grin. " Enjoy the pizza and then just quietly walk out".
" I can't, that's morally wrong".
" No it's not" Merle replied in a loud voice. " You're not hurting this restaurant".
" I'm not".
" Of course not" he replied as he gave Eddie a smile. " One customer walking out is not going to hurt them".
Eddie began to think that maybe Merle was right. He was about to say something when Sal sat back down.
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
" I shouldn't even be here" Eddie said in a fearful voice as he looked around the now crowded restaurant.
" Why is that?" Merle replied without looking up from his menu.
" Actually, I have no money to pay for my pizza".
" Really". He put down the menu. " So what's the problem?".
" I don't have any money for my dinner and I feel guilty about it".
" Why feel guilty about it" he said with a strange grin. " Enjoy the pizza and then just quietly walk out".
" I can't, that's morally wrong".
" No it's not" Merle replied in a loud voice. " You're not hurting this restaurant".
" I'm not".
" Of course not" he replied as he gave Eddie a smile. " One customer walking out is not going to hurt them".
Eddie began to think that maybe Merle was right. He was about to say something when Sal sat back down.
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Sunday, February 10, 2013
temptation pizza parlor page 3
temptation pizza parlor page 3 by ric gustafson
Eddie picked up one of the menus and looked at the stranger in black. " Would you like to look at a menu?".
" No thanks" he replied with a strange grin. " I already know what I'm going to have".
All of a sudden, a man wearing a white suit coat and white sneakers sat down. " Sorry I'm late". " I'm Sal". He shook Eddie's hand. " I see that you've already met Merle".
" I see that mr goody two shoes is wearing the same dull white outfit again".
Sal ignored the remark and opened a menu. " Eddie, what kind of pizza interests you tonight?".
Eddie knew he had no money in his pocket. " Ham and pineapple sounds goods to me".
" Boring". Merle rolled his eyes. " How about a combination pizza with some spice in it".
" I don't think so" Sal exclaimed as he got up and began to walk toward the ordering window. " Eddie, Mountain Dew to drink".
" How did you know that?".
Sal smiled.
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Eddie picked up one of the menus and looked at the stranger in black. " Would you like to look at a menu?".
" No thanks" he replied with a strange grin. " I already know what I'm going to have".
All of a sudden, a man wearing a white suit coat and white sneakers sat down. " Sorry I'm late". " I'm Sal". He shook Eddie's hand. " I see that you've already met Merle".
" I see that mr goody two shoes is wearing the same dull white outfit again".
Sal ignored the remark and opened a menu. " Eddie, what kind of pizza interests you tonight?".
Eddie knew he had no money in his pocket. " Ham and pineapple sounds goods to me".
" Boring". Merle rolled his eyes. " How about a combination pizza with some spice in it".
" I don't think so" Sal exclaimed as he got up and began to walk toward the ordering window. " Eddie, Mountain Dew to drink".
" How did you know that?".
Sal smiled.
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Saturday, February 9, 2013
temptation pizza parlor page 2
temptation pizza parlor page 2 by ric gustafson
Eddie opened the brown wooden door and immediately noticed the decor. It contained beautiful fans, plenty of booths and the place was full of patrons.
A young woman walked up to him. " How many in your party?".
" Just myself".
She glanced around the crowded room. " That might be difficult, we are really busy right now".
" That's ok". He turned to walk out.
" Wait a minute". She walked off and then came back. " I have a table for three but the other two are not here yet".
Eddie wasn't sure what to do.
" Right now it is all I have".
His stomach grumbled. " I'll take it".
She picked up three menus and led him to a quiet booth in a corner of the room.
Eddie noticed a vase of red and white flowers sitting on the table.
He sat down and glanced at one of the menus.
" Good evening".
He looked up from his menu to see a man who was wearing a black winter cape and black pants. " I'm Merle O'Brien and I'm one of your table mates for dinner".
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Eddie opened the brown wooden door and immediately noticed the decor. It contained beautiful fans, plenty of booths and the place was full of patrons.
A young woman walked up to him. " How many in your party?".
" Just myself".
She glanced around the crowded room. " That might be difficult, we are really busy right now".
" That's ok". He turned to walk out.
" Wait a minute". She walked off and then came back. " I have a table for three but the other two are not here yet".
Eddie wasn't sure what to do.
" Right now it is all I have".
His stomach grumbled. " I'll take it".
She picked up three menus and led him to a quiet booth in a corner of the room.
Eddie noticed a vase of red and white flowers sitting on the table.
He sat down and glanced at one of the menus.
" Good evening".
He looked up from his menu to see a man who was wearing a black winter cape and black pants. " I'm Merle O'Brien and I'm one of your table mates for dinner".
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Friday, February 8, 2013
temptation pizza parlor page 1
temptation pizza parlor page 1 by ric gustafson
Eddie Chapman shivered as he noticed the cold wet sidewalk in front of him. In the cool October night, he had both hands inside his warm coat. He could hear his stomach grumbling. Money was tight and he had two days left till next payday. The shipping plant had cut his hours to part time and after his bills were paid, their was not much money left over.
His stomach grumbled again as he walked past an old warehouse. He noticed a wooden sign that said ' Pizza Parlor'. The first word was blotted out. Eddie's stomach grumbled again and pizza at the moment sound very inviting to him. He walked through the front door knowing that he had no money in his pocket.
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Eddie Chapman shivered as he noticed the cold wet sidewalk in front of him. In the cool October night, he had both hands inside his warm coat. He could hear his stomach grumbling. Money was tight and he had two days left till next payday. The shipping plant had cut his hours to part time and after his bills were paid, their was not much money left over.
His stomach grumbled again as he walked past an old warehouse. He noticed a wooden sign that said ' Pizza Parlor'. The first word was blotted out. Eddie's stomach grumbled again and pizza at the moment sound very inviting to him. He walked through the front door knowing that he had no money in his pocket.
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Beautiful Gate page 4
Beautiful Gate page 4 by ric gustafson
As Peter was speaking to the crowd, the captain of the Temple guard approached with some of his men and some priests and Sadducees.
" Seize them". The crowd quickly dispersed. " For teaching and proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection of the dead".
Peter and John were put into jail.
The next day, the two were brought in and now stood in front of the rulers, the elders and the scribes. The man who was healed now stood next to the two.
One of the rulers spoke up. " By what power or in what name have you done this?".
Peter was now filled with the Holy Spirit. " Rulers and elders of the people" he said in a loud commanding voice. " That by the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene whom you crucified whom God raised from the dead by this name this man stands in front of you in good health". He stared at his accusers. " He is the stone which was rejected by you but now has become the chief cornerstone".
All of them were amazed because these were uneducated men. " We must confer with each other".
After a while, one of the rulers spoke up. " We command you not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus".
Peter replied. " We cannot stop speaking about what we have seen and heard".
They let the two men go.
The End- dedicated to Tom E
research help: The Ryrie Study Bible
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
As Peter was speaking to the crowd, the captain of the Temple guard approached with some of his men and some priests and Sadducees.
" Seize them". The crowd quickly dispersed. " For teaching and proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection of the dead".
Peter and John were put into jail.
The next day, the two were brought in and now stood in front of the rulers, the elders and the scribes. The man who was healed now stood next to the two.
One of the rulers spoke up. " By what power or in what name have you done this?".
Peter was now filled with the Holy Spirit. " Rulers and elders of the people" he said in a loud commanding voice. " That by the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene whom you crucified whom God raised from the dead by this name this man stands in front of you in good health". He stared at his accusers. " He is the stone which was rejected by you but now has become the chief cornerstone".
All of them were amazed because these were uneducated men. " We must confer with each other".
After a while, one of the rulers spoke up. " We command you not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus".
Peter replied. " We cannot stop speaking about what we have seen and heard".
They let the two men go.
The End- dedicated to Tom E
research help: The Ryrie Study Bible
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Thursday, February 7, 2013
Beautiful Gate page 3
Beautiful Gate page 3 by ric gustafson
Peter, with authority in his voice, addressed the large crowd. " You disowned the holy and righteous one and asked for a murderer to be granted to you".
The captain of the temple guard listened intently to the burly fisherman.
" You put to death the Prince of Life, the one whom God raised from the dead, a fact to which we are witnesses".
The crowd was listening intently.
" And on the basis of faith in his name, it is the name of Jesus which has strengthened this man whom you see and know and the faith which comes through him has given him this perfect health of you all".
The captain kept listening.
" And now brethren, I know that you acted in ignorance just as your rulers did also".
The captain frowned at that statement.
" But the things which God said beforehand by the mouth of all the prophets that the Christ would suffer, he has thus fulfilled". Peter pointed a finger at the crowd. " Therefore repent and return so that your sins may be wiped away in order that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord".
With disgust in his eyes, the captain of the Temple guard walked away.
research help: The Ryrie Study Bible
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Peter, with authority in his voice, addressed the large crowd. " You disowned the holy and righteous one and asked for a murderer to be granted to you".
The captain of the temple guard listened intently to the burly fisherman.
" You put to death the Prince of Life, the one whom God raised from the dead, a fact to which we are witnesses".
The crowd was listening intently.
" And on the basis of faith in his name, it is the name of Jesus which has strengthened this man whom you see and know and the faith which comes through him has given him this perfect health of you all".
The captain kept listening.
" And now brethren, I know that you acted in ignorance just as your rulers did also".
The captain frowned at that statement.
" But the things which God said beforehand by the mouth of all the prophets that the Christ would suffer, he has thus fulfilled". Peter pointed a finger at the crowd. " Therefore repent and return so that your sins may be wiped away in order that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord".
With disgust in his eyes, the captain of the Temple guard walked away.
research help: The Ryrie Study Bible
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Wednesday, February 6, 2013
The Passion 2013: the kiss
The Passion 2013: the kiss by ric gustafson
Jesus touched Thomas's shoulder. " Arise, my betrayer has arrived".
He stood up and rubbed his eyes. " Are those Roman soldiers or Temple guards coming with torches?".
The disciples stared at the approaching lights coming in the darkness.
When the lights stopped, Jesus stepped forward in front of his disciples.
Judas, holding a torch, walked forward and then looked around searching for his Master. After a minute, he saw him and walked up closer. " Is that you Master?". When he was certain it was, he walked closer and then kissed Jesus on the cheek and neck.
Jesus stared at his disciple. " Is it by a kiss you betray me Judas?".
Jesus looked at the crowd. " Whom do you seek?".
One of the soldiers spoke up. " We are looking for Jesus of Nazareth".
" I am the one you are seeking".
Startled, the soldiers stumbled backwards.
research help: ' The Day I Was Crucified' by Gene Edwards
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Jesus touched Thomas's shoulder. " Arise, my betrayer has arrived".
He stood up and rubbed his eyes. " Are those Roman soldiers or Temple guards coming with torches?".
The disciples stared at the approaching lights coming in the darkness.
When the lights stopped, Jesus stepped forward in front of his disciples.
Judas, holding a torch, walked forward and then looked around searching for his Master. After a minute, he saw him and walked up closer. " Is that you Master?". When he was certain it was, he walked closer and then kissed Jesus on the cheek and neck.
Jesus stared at his disciple. " Is it by a kiss you betray me Judas?".
Jesus looked at the crowd. " Whom do you seek?".
One of the soldiers spoke up. " We are looking for Jesus of Nazareth".
" I am the one you are seeking".
Startled, the soldiers stumbled backwards.
research help: ' The Day I Was Crucified' by Gene Edwards
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Monday, February 4, 2013
Robert Todd Lincoln page 1
Robert Todd Lincoln page 1 by ric gustafson
In 1885, Robert Todd Lincoln, the only surviving child of Mary and Abraham Lincoln finished his term as Secretary of War. He was forty five, a Chicago attorney and had just served under President James Garfield and Chester Arthur. By 1888, he was thinking about running for President.
Robert Todd Lincoln was the oldest of the Lincoln's four sons and the only one to live to maturity. He graduated from Harvard and then started to practice law in Chicago. He became a leader of the Pullman Car Company and died a multimillionaire.
He never used his middle name but went by T. He protected his father's reputation and his personal letters and artifacts. He was a hardworking man, a family man, businessman and did not allow his father's legacy to control his life. He always refused a biography of himself to be done.
research help: ' Giant in the Shadows' by Jason Emerson
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
In 1885, Robert Todd Lincoln, the only surviving child of Mary and Abraham Lincoln finished his term as Secretary of War. He was forty five, a Chicago attorney and had just served under President James Garfield and Chester Arthur. By 1888, he was thinking about running for President.
Robert Todd Lincoln was the oldest of the Lincoln's four sons and the only one to live to maturity. He graduated from Harvard and then started to practice law in Chicago. He became a leader of the Pullman Car Company and died a multimillionaire.
He never used his middle name but went by T. He protected his father's reputation and his personal letters and artifacts. He was a hardworking man, a family man, businessman and did not allow his father's legacy to control his life. He always refused a biography of himself to be done.
research help: ' Giant in the Shadows' by Jason Emerson
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
The Passion 2013: tears of blood
The Passion 2013: tears of blood by ric gustafson
Jesus stared into the cup. He saw all the sins of all mankind. He saw idolatry, murder, hate, lies and deceit.
Jesus cried " Abba Father".
Tears as blood poured onto the ground. His body began to shake in terror. An angel appeared and the cup faded away. Jesus struggled to his feet and quietly walked back to his disciples. He noticed they were sleeping. " You could not stay the night with me".
Jesus went back to pray. As he prayed, again his tears flowed unto the ground like blood. He saw what was in the cup.
" Oh Father, if there is any way please remove this cup from me!". He cried to his Father. " But if not then your will be done". Jesus collapsed onto the ground in a puddle of his own blood.
Jesus yielded to his Father's will and again an angel ministered to him.
He walked back to his sleeping disciples.
research help: ' The Day I was Crucified' by Gene Edwards
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Jesus stared into the cup. He saw all the sins of all mankind. He saw idolatry, murder, hate, lies and deceit.
Jesus cried " Abba Father".
Tears as blood poured onto the ground. His body began to shake in terror. An angel appeared and the cup faded away. Jesus struggled to his feet and quietly walked back to his disciples. He noticed they were sleeping. " You could not stay the night with me".
Jesus went back to pray. As he prayed, again his tears flowed unto the ground like blood. He saw what was in the cup.
" Oh Father, if there is any way please remove this cup from me!". He cried to his Father. " But if not then your will be done". Jesus collapsed onto the ground in a puddle of his own blood.
Jesus yielded to his Father's will and again an angel ministered to him.
He walked back to his sleeping disciples.
research help: ' The Day I was Crucified' by Gene Edwards
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Sunday, February 3, 2013
Beautiful Gate page 2
Beautiful Gate page 2 by ric gustafson
Peter and John walked through the entrance into the Temple.
Someone ran ahead of them. " Praise God" yelled the man that they had just healed. He leaped into the air and came down on his now strong legs.
People were staring and talking among themselves as they observed the ruckus.
One man pointed at him. " Isn't this the lame man who used to beg for alms?".
Another man spoke up. " Yes, right outside at the entrance to the gate".
A gathering crowd stopped the three as they stood at the Portico of Solomon.
As the man continued to dance, jump and praise God, Peter raised his arm to silence the crowd.
" Men of Israel, why are you amazed at this that by our own power we had made him walk".
As Peter talked to the crowd, the captain of the temple guard stood next to a wall and listened to him.
" The God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, the God of our fathers has glorified his servant Jesus".
The captain noticed that the now large crowd was listening to the burly fisherman.
" The one whom you delivered and disowned in the presence of Pilate, when he had decided to release him".
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Peter and John walked through the entrance into the Temple.
Someone ran ahead of them. " Praise God" yelled the man that they had just healed. He leaped into the air and came down on his now strong legs.
People were staring and talking among themselves as they observed the ruckus.
One man pointed at him. " Isn't this the lame man who used to beg for alms?".
Another man spoke up. " Yes, right outside at the entrance to the gate".
A gathering crowd stopped the three as they stood at the Portico of Solomon.
As the man continued to dance, jump and praise God, Peter raised his arm to silence the crowd.
" Men of Israel, why are you amazed at this that by our own power we had made him walk".
As Peter talked to the crowd, the captain of the temple guard stood next to a wall and listened to him.
" The God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, the God of our fathers has glorified his servant Jesus".
The captain noticed that the now large crowd was listening to the burly fisherman.
" The one whom you delivered and disowned in the presence of Pilate, when he had decided to release him".
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
No Time chapter 1 page 2
No Time chapter 1 page 2 by ric gustafson
Bryson walked through the doorway. He heard what he thought was the ticking of watches. He walked by rows of watches toward an old time cash register that was sitting on a front counter. A black bell next to it simply read " ring bell for help". He rang the bell.
A young woman wearing a white lab coat walked through a black curtain. " May I help you?".
He took off his silver watch and handed it to the young woman. " I really need to have this repaired".
" It's a beautiful watch". She studied it for a moment. " I'm just an assistant, I'll have to have Father Time take a look at it". She rang the black bell.
An elderly man came out. " Jessica, did you need me?".
" Father Time?".
" Actually my name is Lester Tyme". He smiled at Bryson. " I'm elderly and I work on watches so people call me Father Time".
" I really need to have this repaired".
" Can I see it". Jessica handed it to him.
" It's a beautiful watch". He handed it back to Bryson
" I'll repair it for you but someday you won't need it".
" Why not?".
" In eternity, there is no time".
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Bryson walked through the doorway. He heard what he thought was the ticking of watches. He walked by rows of watches toward an old time cash register that was sitting on a front counter. A black bell next to it simply read " ring bell for help". He rang the bell.
A young woman wearing a white lab coat walked through a black curtain. " May I help you?".
He took off his silver watch and handed it to the young woman. " I really need to have this repaired".
" It's a beautiful watch". She studied it for a moment. " I'm just an assistant, I'll have to have Father Time take a look at it". She rang the black bell.
An elderly man came out. " Jessica, did you need me?".
" Father Time?".
" Actually my name is Lester Tyme". He smiled at Bryson. " I'm elderly and I work on watches so people call me Father Time".
" I really need to have this repaired".
" Can I see it". Jessica handed it to him.
" It's a beautiful watch". He handed it back to Bryson
" I'll repair it for you but someday you won't need it".
" Why not?".
" In eternity, there is no time".
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Saturday, February 2, 2013
Beautiful Gate page 1
Beautiful Gate page 1 by ric gustafson
Two friends slowly walked along carrying their friend on their shoulders. They knew the route and they knew where to place their friend. They stopped and placed him on the concrete next to the Beautiful Gate. The Gate was right next to the entrance of the Temple.
" Alms" he yelled as he raised his tin cup.
Peter and John were walking toward the entrance. Peter noticed the lame man.
" Alms" he yelled as he tried to get their attention.
The two disciples walked over.
Peter knelt down. " Look at us".
The lame man stared at Peter as he shook his tin cup.
" I do not possess silver and gold but what I do have I give to you". Peter looked at him with love and compassion. " In the name of Jesus Christ walk". Peter held him with his right hand and slowly raised him up. The lame man's feet and ankles were strengthened.
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Two friends slowly walked along carrying their friend on their shoulders. They knew the route and they knew where to place their friend. They stopped and placed him on the concrete next to the Beautiful Gate. The Gate was right next to the entrance of the Temple.
" Alms" he yelled as he raised his tin cup.
Peter and John were walking toward the entrance. Peter noticed the lame man.
" Alms" he yelled as he tried to get their attention.
The two disciples walked over.
Peter knelt down. " Look at us".
The lame man stared at Peter as he shook his tin cup.
" I do not possess silver and gold but what I do have I give to you". Peter looked at him with love and compassion. " In the name of Jesus Christ walk". Peter held him with his right hand and slowly raised him up. The lame man's feet and ankles were strengthened.
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
the great egg souffle caper page 6
the great egg souffle caper page 6 by ric gustafson
Elnora ran upstairs into the small kitchen. " Marjorie, I sent a young man up here with my last egg souffle dish".
" I haven't see him". Tiredly, she was getting ready some hot cross buns. " I sure could use it right now".
Dumbfounded, Elnora began to walk back downstairs when she noticed the back door to the church was ajar. She walked out onto a small sidewalk, looked to the right and noticed the young man who had taken the hot dish. He was standing next to a green dumpster across the street.
She walked across the street and quietly walked up to the dumpster. She peeked around the corner and could not believe what she was seeing. She noticed the young man, a young woman and four young children eating the egg souffle dish as if they hadn't eaten in days.
" What are you doing eating our egg souffle dish?". She pulled out her cell phone to call the police.
" Please don't call" the young man pleaded as tears came to his eyes. " You have everything and we have nothing".
Elnora put her cell phone away.
" I figured you would not miss it".
With tears in her eyes, Elnora walked back into the church. They did end up with plenty of egg souffle to go around. When it was all over, Elnora knew that what had just happened to her was God showing her the true meaning of Easter.
The End- dedicated to Tom E
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Elnora ran upstairs into the small kitchen. " Marjorie, I sent a young man up here with my last egg souffle dish".
" I haven't see him". Tiredly, she was getting ready some hot cross buns. " I sure could use it right now".
Dumbfounded, Elnora began to walk back downstairs when she noticed the back door to the church was ajar. She walked out onto a small sidewalk, looked to the right and noticed the young man who had taken the hot dish. He was standing next to a green dumpster across the street.
She walked across the street and quietly walked up to the dumpster. She peeked around the corner and could not believe what she was seeing. She noticed the young man, a young woman and four young children eating the egg souffle dish as if they hadn't eaten in days.
" What are you doing eating our egg souffle dish?". She pulled out her cell phone to call the police.
" Please don't call" the young man pleaded as tears came to his eyes. " You have everything and we have nothing".
Elnora put her cell phone away.
" I figured you would not miss it".
With tears in her eyes, Elnora walked back into the church. They did end up with plenty of egg souffle to go around. When it was all over, Elnora knew that what had just happened to her was God showing her the true meaning of Easter.
The End- dedicated to Tom E
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
Friday, February 1, 2013
the great egg souffle caper page 5
the great egg souffle caper page 5 by ric gustafson
" Elnora, we're getting a lot more people than expected" Lucille Gass said loudly as she gave a loaded tray to a church member.
Elnora quickly surveyed the long line still coming through. " How are the hot cross buns and orange juice doing?".
" Fine".
A worried look overcame her as she remembered she had just given her only extra egg souffle dish for upstairs.
" Elnora, we need some more egg souffle upstairs".
In disbelief, she turned around to see her friend George Weiler.
" I gave the dish to someone to bring up there". An expression of horror came over her tired face. " You never got it".
" No".
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
" Elnora, we're getting a lot more people than expected" Lucille Gass said loudly as she gave a loaded tray to a church member.
Elnora quickly surveyed the long line still coming through. " How are the hot cross buns and orange juice doing?".
" Fine".
A worried look overcame her as she remembered she had just given her only extra egg souffle dish for upstairs.
" Elnora, we need some more egg souffle upstairs".
In disbelief, she turned around to see her friend George Weiler.
" I gave the dish to someone to bring up there". An expression of horror came over her tired face. " You never got it".
" No".
Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
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