the end of days: rapture page 2

the end of days: rapture page 2 by ric Gustafson


" Where are we going Dad?" Robbie asked as he glanced at a passage from Psalms.
" I thought I would show you and your mother my new office". Jim slowly drove the SUV out of the driveway and then headed east. " And then treat the two of you to Pizza Village for lunch".
" Alright pizza" their son shrieked as he put his bible on the car next to him. " Can we have ham and pineapple?".
" Of course" Agnes replied with a weak smile. " Jim, can you explain to me again how you got the promotion?".
" I was promoted to head of finance because of our new relationship with the UN".
" The UN?".
" United Nations Mom" Robbie replied as he opened his bible to the book of Revelation.
" Their new representative Carlo Ritelo Simpato wants to do financial business with our bank".
" Don't do business with him Dad" their son said with alarm in his voice. " Our youth bible study group has discussed that he might be the Antichrist".
" Son, I can't believe that someone who is trying to unite this world could be that bad". As he stared through the windshield, fear came over his face.
" What's wrong Jim?".
" Cars are going erratically and one is heading right for us".
Robbie began to pray out loud. " Please God, help us".
Jim turned the wheel sharply to avoid a head on collision.
The SUV began to roll over.
Agnes looked into the back seat before her eyes closed. " Jim, where's Robbie?".


research help: original story and ' Left Behind' by Tim Lahaye and Jerry B Jenkins


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

the end of days: rapture page 1

the end of days: rapture page 1 by ric Gustafson


Jim Harris pushed the button to close the garage door. He walked into the small well kept kitchen.
Agnes Harris was cutting up some fruit and putting them into a small bowl. " How was your day?".
" Busy as usual". He put his worn brown briefcase on top of the hutch. " The bank seems to be doing well".
" That's good". She put a pitcher of ice water on the kitchen table.
" Where's Robbie?".
" Outside against the tree reading his new bible".
He frowned. " Sometimes I wish the church had never given him that".
" Robbie" she yelled out the open kitchen window. " Come in for supper".
The thirteen year old walked in and put his bible next to his dad's briefcase. He sat down.
She poured water into their glasses. " What was the meeting at work about?".
Jim put some roast beef onto his plate. " The new UN representative from Italy Carlo Simpato wants to do business with our bank".
" Who's working on that deal?".
" Rory Johnston".


research help: original story and ' Left Behind' by Tim Lahaye and Jerry B Jenkins


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Stephen page 3

Stephen page 3 by ric Gustafson


" Kill him" screamed one of the Council members.
A crowd formed and forced Stephen to walk out of the chamber. The angry mob dragged him through the Dung Gate and into the Valley of Death.
The crowd stopped at a grove of desert pine trees. Standing by the grove was a man named Saul of Tarsus. The Council members dropped their cloaks at Saul's feet and picked up large stones.
The first large stone hit Stephen. He lifted his eyes up to heaven. " Lord Jesus, receive my spirit".
The large stones kept hitting him. " Lord, do not charge them with this sin".
After Stephen died, the Council members took their cloaks from Saul and left.

The End


research help: ' The Hidden Flame' by Davis Bunn and Janette Oke


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Stephen page 2

Stephen page 2 by ric Gustafson


Stephen cleared his throat. " The God of glory appeared to our father Abraham".
There was a stir among the Council members.
" Israel rebelled against God while Moses went up to receive the Law".
A bigger stirring began.
" Solomon built the first Temple but the most high does not dwell in temples made with hands".
The Council members began to stare at each other.
" Why are you stiff necked and resist the Holy Spirit" Stephen said as he pointed a finger at the Council members. " You are betrayers and murderers because you do not keep the Law".
Anger began to show on the faces of the Council members.
Stephen lifted his face toward the ceiling of the chamber. " I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God".


research help: ' The Hidden Flame' by Davis Bunn and Janette Oke


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Soul Food 5

Soul Food 5 by ric Gustafson


Today's Soul Food is Matthew 13: 24-30. Counterfeit Christians are hard to detect. They sound, act and pretty much believe like them. But Jesus is missing. That's the difference between an eternity in heaven or hell.
In Matthew 13, Jesus tells a story about a man who sowed good seed in his field. The enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat and went away. The wheat sprouted and also the weeds. Jesus explained that the wheat  are those who believe in him and the weeds don't. The harvest is the Judgment Day.
Jesus's death on the cross paid for our sins. His resurrection is our hope of eternal life. Surrender to Jesus and we will be with him forever.


research help: ' Soul Food' by Ron Hutchcraft


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Stephen page 1

Stephen page 1 by ric Gustafson


Stephen stood before the Sanhedrin. His hands were chained with a guard on each side.
Someone yelled from the crowd behind him. " He is trying to blasphemy against the Temple and the Law".
The long table where the Council sat was on a dais so they could stare down at the accused.
Another person yelled. " He says that Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place".
Stephen's face had a glow of no worry or fear in it.
One of the Council members yelled at Stephen. " What do you say about these accusations?".
Stephen looked up at his accusers with God's love in his eyes.


research help: ' The Hidden Flame' by Davis Bunn and Janette Oke


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Soul Food 4

Soul Food 4 by ric Gustafson


Today's Soul Food is 2 Corinthians 1:3-4. These two verses talk about God being the God of all comfort. He comforts us in all of our troubles so that we can comfort those in trouble. God is going to give us what we need to get through our times of trouble.
God wants to heal us of our past hurts. First, we need to experience God's forgiving love, comfort and healing. Then, we need to comfort and give hope to others.
To experience this, we must be willing to take our eyes off ourselves and to look beyond our help. God will take the garbage of our lives and recycle it into something beautiful.


research help: ' A Daily Word' by Ron Hutchcraft


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Soul Food 3

Soul Food 3 by ric Gustafson


We can overeat spiritually. We can spiritually be lethargic and not be enjoying their faith. In Amos 6:1, talks about people who are comfy in their pasture.
God wants us to eat spiritually and get plenty of spiritual exercise. God does not want us to live a passive Christian life. He does not want us to be spiritually bored and living in false security. We are to run in God's pasture and not graze.


research help: ' A Daily Word' by Ron Hutchcraft


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Soul Food 2

Soul Food 2 by ric Gustafson


Today's Soul Food is Joshua 8:18. The focus of Joshua chapter 8 is mission focused leadership. Joshua's job was to keep pointing the people toward the goal. Never moving, never looking back, never giving up.
In Psalm 142, David took his feelings to the Lord not the people. Our leaders need our prayers and our encouragement.


research help: ' A Daily Word' by Ron Hutchcraft


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

the two suitors of Zoie Malone page 2

the two suitors of Zoie Malone page 2 by ric Gustafson


Orlando blew on his cold gloved hands as he gazed to the west. ' Boy, I hope it comes quickly' he thought as he stamped his feet. ' The bus usually comes around this time' he thought as he blew into his gloves and stamped his feet again. He grinned as he noticed the large white bus approach. It stopped and the large door opened.
" Good morning" Orlando said to the driver as he took off his dark winter gloves. He reached into a pant pocket and pulled out a rumpled dollar bill and a quarter. He smiled and put them in the metal slots.
The driver grinned, closed the door and then the bus started.
Orlando slowly walked toward the back of the bus. As he reached and sat down in an empty seat, he saw her. She was sitting across from him and was writing in a journal or something. He looked out the window too embarrassed to look at her.
She had long blonde hair and was wearing a long red winter coat.
She had been riding on that bus for two months and he did not have the courage to talk to her.


research help: original story


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Soul Food 1

Soul Food 1 by ric Gustafson


Today's Soul Food is based on Jeremiah 33: 2-3

This bible passage talks about a King who made all the other kings. God is saying to us call on me and I will answer you. I will tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know. Ephesians 3:20 says that he is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine. God wants us to pray for things so big that only he can do them.
God wants us to pray in ways that are worthy of him.


research help: ' A Daily Word' by Ron Hutchcraft


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

the Accountant of Auschwitz

the Accountant of Auschwitz by ric Gustafson


Yesterday April 21, former SS SGT Oskar Groening told a German court that he watched as Jews were led from cattle cars to the gas chambers of Auschwitz death camp. The 93 year old former camp guard has been charged with 300,000 accounts of accessory to murder. During the opening of his trial, he told the court that he witnessed atrocities but did not participate in them.
The trial was being held in Lueneburg state court in northern Germany. Groening testified that he volunteered for the SS in 1940 and served at Auschwitz from 1942 to 1944. He testified that he helped on the ramp and also to collect and tally money. His job was to deal with the belongings stolen from the people arriving. He told Judge Franz Kompisch that the money belonged to the state and was sent back to Berlin.
One of the survivors of the camp testifying was 81 year old Eva Kor of Indiana. She told the Associated Press that she lost both of her parents and her two older sisters at the camp. She and her twin sister Miriam were subjected to horrific experiments by camp doctor Josef Mengele.
This trial came about because of a new line of German legal reasoning. Prosecutors are now arguing that anyone who was a guard at a death camp can be charged as an accessory to murders committed at the camp even without evidence of involvement in a specific death.
If convicted, Groening could receive the maximum of 15 years in prison.


research help: an Omaha World Herald article


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

the two suitors of Zoie Malone page 1

the two suitors of Zoie Malone page 1 by ric Gustafson


Orlando swallowed the last of his buttered wheat toast as he watched the morning weatherman.
" The high today is only going to be 2 degrees" he said as he pointed at the screen. " So dress warmly as you go out the door".
Orlando walked quietly into the small kitchenette and poured himself another cup of coffee. ' I wish I was more of a morning person' he thought as he put one more slice of Rotella wheat bread into the small black toaster. As he walked, he yawned again. As the toast came up, he yawned a third time. He buttered it as he glanced at the clock that was built into the white stove. " Wow, look at the time" he exclaimed out loud as it read 5:50. " I need to leave".
He turned off the coffeemaker. He poured out the remains of his cup into the kitchen sink. He put on his good shoes, walked into the bathroom and brushed his teeth. He put on his heavy coat and then picked up the remote.
The young forecaster smiled. " Stay warm and have a great Monday".
Orlando turned off the TV and then quickly left the apartment. He did not want to miss his bus.


research help: original story


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

James 2:8 page 2

James 2:8 page 2 by ric Gustafson


Orlando smiled as he dabbed his mouth with a napkin. " Mrs Nowell, that is some of the best meatloaf I have ever eaten".
" I'm glad you enjoy it" she replied as she put fish crackers on Nici's highchair.
" Fish fish" the little girl squealed as she took one and popped it into her mouth.
Josh took a sip of water. " Tell us about yourself Orlando".
" There's not much to tell" Orlando replied as he took a bite of mashed potatoes. " My childhood was not the happiest".
" You're a good looking young man" Janelle said with a grin as she put more crackers in front of her young daughter. " Any girlfriends?".
Orlando thought for a moment. " There was one once".
" What was her name?".
He thought some more. " Zoie Malone".

The End


research help: original story


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

James 2:8 page 1

James 2:8 page 1 by ric Gustafson


Orlando dropped his small brown suitcase on the foyer floor. A little girl ran over and put her tiny hands on the bag. " Bag Bag".
" Hello Orlando" Janelle Nowell said as she walked in wiping her hands off with a hand towel. " I see you've met our daughter Nici".
" Big bag" Nici said as she tried to drag the bag forward. " Big brown bag".
" Make yourself at home" she said as she smiled and walked back into the kitchen. " Dinner is just about ready".
" Hey Orlando" Josh Nowell said as he walked down the blue carpeted steps and stopped next to his daughter. " Have you recovered from helping Captain Muncie?".
Orlando sighed. " I think so".
Josh picked up his daughter. " Nici, this is our new friend Orlando".
" Lando, Lando" she exclaimed in a loud squealing voice as she hugged her father tightly.
" Ok, you three" she said as she stood in the doorway grinning. " Dinner is ready".


research help: original story


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Vice Presidents: Thomas Jefferson

Vice Presidents: Thomas Jefferson by ric Gustafson


Thomas Jefferson was born on April 13 1743 in Albemarle County Virginia. He was the third child of Peter Jefferson and his wife Jane Randolph. At age 14 his father died at age 49. At Williamsburg, he attended College of William and Mary. At age 19, he graduated and was admitted to the Virginia bar in 1767. In 1769, he took a seat in the Virginia House of Burgesses. He became part of the Virginia delegation to the Second Continental Congress. In 1779, he was elected governor of Virginia. In 1782, Jefferson's wife Martha died after giving birth to their seventh child.
In 1789, he became Washington's first secretary of state. In 1800, Jefferson decided to run against Adams. Jefferson along with political associate James Madison and propagandist James Callender, they went to work campaigning.
On February 11 1801, then President of the Senate and Vice President to John Adams Thomas Jefferson became President of the United States.


research help: ' the American Vice Presidency' by Jules Witcover


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the Forgotten page 4

the Forgotten page 4 by ric Gustafson


After what seemed like forever, Captain Muncie slowed the boat.
Orlando looked out and thought to himself that they were in the middle of nowhere.
The Captain cut the motor and dropped the anchor. He stared at the three. " Ready to work".
" Sure" was all three's reply.
Orlando followed the Nowell's to the ship's cargo hold. The Captain went below and started the lift. " As the bags come up, please put them on the edge of the deck.
As Orlando and the Nowell's dragged the heavy black bags to where the Captain asked them to, Orlando noticed something odd. Every bag had a small tag on it that said ' past sins'.
Captain Muncie lit his pipe. " Now we are going to throw them overboard".
All three shook their heads and did what the Captain said.
After all the bags had been thrown overboard, the Captain smiled. " That is all for tonight". He put down the lift and closed the cargo hold. He started the engine, pulled up the anchor and eased the boat toward home.
Later, Orlando asked the Captain a question. " Why did we just throw all those bags overboard?".
The old captain smiled. " The boss hired me a long time ago for one task".
" What task was that?".
" Past sins are forgotten, thrown into the deepest sea and remembered no more".
Orlando frowned. " I wish I had a place to stay".
The Nowell's smiled at each other and then at Orlando. " You can stay with us".

The End


research help: original story


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Vice Presidents: John Adams

Vice Presidents: John Adams by ric Gustafson


John Adams became the first Vice President after returning from Europe where he was the country's minister to Great Britain. Adams was born in Braintree Massachusetts in 1735. He graduated from Harvard in 1755 and taught school while studying law at night. As a member of the Boston bar, he played a key role in the Stamp Act.
In 1774, he was elected to the Continental Congress and helped draft the Declaration of Independence. As Vice President, he had to deal with a lot of pressures. He cast twenty nine votes while in office against certain bills. Two major issues came up that mostly sidelined Adams's views. One was where the permanent capital of the country would be located. The other was the huge public debt the country had after the War of Independence.
In November of 1792, George Washington and John Adams were reelected. Their second term was spent mostly dealing with foreign policy crises in which Adams played a small role.
On March 4 1797, John Adams and Thomas Jefferson became the second President and Vice President of the United States.


research help: ' The American Vice Presidency' by Jules Witcover


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Landmines: Insecurity

Landmines: Insecurity by ric Gustafson


There will be a time when God will lead us to a point where more is required of us than we believe that we can do. What do we do then?. The landmine of insecurity can be dangerous and destructive.
What causes insecurity?. Sometimes it is because we feel inadequate. We feel as if we have no direction and may wonder what the future holds. It can be because we feel threatened, off balance or on edge. It can be the death of a family member, a financial loss or divorce. Unrealistic rules and regulations can stifle our natural creativity.
Having a poor image of our bodies or not receiving positive feedback from others can hurt us. Being overshadowed by siblings can hurt us deeply.
To change our thinking, we first need to solely focus on Jesus and not on negative thoughts. We are children of God and he wants us to live up to our full potential. When we accept Christ as our Savior, God seals our lives by the presence of the Holy Spirit.
First, we need to admit our insecurity. Then we need to make the decision to overcome our feelings of insecurity. We need to start building self esteem, positive qualities and to stop comparing ourselves to others. Lastly, we need to reward ourselves when we do the right thing.
God loves us more than anything else. As his children, he does not want us to feel insecure.


research help: ' Landmines in the path of the believer' by Charles F Stanley


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Landmines: Pride

Landmines: Pride by ric Gustafson


Sometimes our Christian walk starts great. Our focus and our hearts are fully committed on God. And then without warning, pride rises up and prevents us from being all that God wants us to be. God hates pride and he despises it. Pride is one of Satan's favorite weapons because we take our eyes off of God.
Pride is evil, dark and a snare. It shows no mercy and is very sinister. It whispers arrogance, conceit and self importance. Pride isolates us from God and keeps our eyes off of him. God knows it can wreak havoc in our lives and be a stumbling block.
To overcome pride, we need to pray for guidance and to focus solely on God. We need to trust God and not to open the door for that landmine to enter our lives.


research help: ' Landmines in the path of the believer' by Charles F Stanley


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

do you have a problem? About Others

do you have a problem? About Others by ric Gustafson


Hardly a day goes by without problems or trials. Support groups have been around for decades. God created man to enjoy fellowship. We enjoy oneness with God and oneness with others. We need to take our problems to God in prayer. God wants us to go through our problems with the help of others. Together with others we can share our problems and our solutions.
The body of Christ is God's ordained support group. We need to share problems with other believers.
We need to live together as Christians. According to Galatians 6:2 to fulfill the law of Christ we need to love one another.

The End


research help: Turning Points March 2015


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do you have a problem? About Scripture

do you have a problem?  About Scripture  by ric Gustafson


When we are troubled, depressed, anxious, euphoric or discontented, we need God's Word for the prescription. Only the Bible can help us understand our problems and ourselves. Without God's Word, we would be helpless against sin and suffering. The Bible gives us the framework for understanding life from God's point of view. Our problems reveal our need for God's Word.
Our spiritual health is most important to God. Our problems reveal our need for God's Word.


research help: Turning Points March 2015


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

the Forgotten page 3

the Forgotten page 3 by ric Gustafson


" I need a job" Orlando said as he looked at the old captain. " I would like to help you".
" Great". He began to pull up on the anchor. " Come upstairs while I start the boat".
They walked up the short steps to the wheelhouse. They walked inside and Orlando noticed an older couple sitting on an old yellow couch.
The male stood up and shook Orlando's hand. " Hello, I'm Josh Nowell and this is my wife Janelle".
She smiled back. " We are also helping Captain Muncie".
" Great" Orlando replied as he sat down in an open chair.
Captain Muncie started the boat and pulled in the jetty ropes. The old boat eased out of the harbor. The vessel started going west.
Orlando looked out at the endless water. " Captain, we are we going?".
The old captain lit up his old black pipe. " The boss has instructed me where the deepest part of the sea is". He smiled. " That is where our work is today".


research help: original story


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Hello my name is Jesus 2

Hello my name is Jesus  2  by ric Gustafson


My name is Jesus. Let my love enfold you in the radiance of my glory. Spend time in the light of my presence and receive my peace. Come to me and I will bless you.
Because of our relationship, we are being transformed from the inside out. Come to me and let me set the tempo of your life.
Hold my hand in childlike trust and I will guide your way.


research help: ' 40 days with Jesus' by Sarah Young


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Hello my name is Jesus 1

Hello my name is Jesus  1  by ric Gustafson


Hello, my name is Jesus. I would like you to taste and see that I am good. I am the Living One who sees you and wants to be active in your life. I am always showering you with blessings. Some of my blessings come to you through pain and trouble. At these times, you need to trust me and stay close to me. My gift of peace I give you because I know your anxious thoughts. Listen to me and dwell in my peace every day.


research help: ' 40 days with Jesus' by Sarah Young


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

do you have a problem? About God

do you have a problem? About God by ric Gustafson


In order for the character of God to be revealed, we must preserve through our trials. Unshakeable faith that God is in our storms with us the Bible calls perseverance. God will either calm the storm or calm me. If God doesn't remove the trouble, he will move me through it.
David through his psalms declares that God and God's Word sustains us through his trials. God is in control of all things, nothing happens outside of his will. When trouble enters our lives, it comes with God's permission. Our suffering through trials is because God has a plan for our life. In the midst of trouble, God loves us.


research help: Turning Points March 2015


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

the Forgotten page 2

the Forgotten page 2 by ric Gustafson


Orlando looked at the piece of paper that had directions on it. He got out of the cab and then hand his last $ 30.00 to the foreign sounding cab driver. He glanced across the street toward the marina. " You are sure this is the place".
He pointed through the open window. " Positive, it's right there". He grinned and then drove off in a cloud of exhaust.
Orlando crossed the street onto a wooden jetty. He began to walk past boats of all sizes and shapes. He had the name of a boat that needed a deckhand and the Captain's name. As he came to the end of the dock, he noticed a boat on his right. As he walked up the small wooden gangplank, he figured the boat to be a typical deep sea vessel. The boat was mostly white and had a huge cargo space below deck. Inside the cargo space was huge burlap bags. He could not tell what was in them.
A grizzled old man with a black pipe in his mouth walked up from the deck below. " Hello, I'm Captain Jack Muncie". He shook Orlando's hand. " What can I do for you?".
" I'm looking for a boat called ' The Forgotten'.
" This is it" the old captain exclaimed as he pointed around the boat. " She's old but reliable".


research help: original story


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Titanic 2015: Wallace Hartley

Titanic 2015: Wallace Hartley by ric Gustafson


Wallace Hartley was a hero on that fateful night because he kept the ship's eight member orchestra playing until water washed them off the deck. In the town of Colne, Hartley is a local hero.
Hartley was born in Colne on June 2 1878. By 1912, his family had moved to Dewsbury in Yorkshire. Colne is a textile town and by 1824 there were twenty two cotton mills in town. The Hartley's were Nonconformists. Details about Hartley's life before Titanic are scant and in short supply. At age 12, he began taking violin lessons. By age fifteen, he was giving solo concerts.  Hartley was part of two opera companies, the Carl Rosa and the Moody Manners Opera Company.
Hartley was hired by Cunard as an orchestra leader. White Star gave him a huge pay raise to be on the Titanic as the bandleader.
On the Titanic, Hartley had seven musicians under his direction. There was pianists Theodore Brailey and P.C. Taylor. There was violinist Jock Hume, cellists Roger Bricoux and J.W. Woodward. There was bass violist Fred Clark and violist George Krins. The musicians played on Sunday, the reception room on B Deck, the Café Parisien and the a la carte restaurant. The musicians played until 11:00 pm when most passengers had gone to their rooms.
After the ship struck an iceberg, Captain Smith asked the group to play. They played in the first class lounge and then moved to the Boat Deck level of the Grand Staircase. Eventually, the moved to the Boat Deck itself.
A controversy has become a Titanic myth. What tune was played as the ship went under?. Some say it was ' Nearer My God To Thee' or another song.
Hartley's family took his body home after it was found with his violin case still wrapped around him. He was buried in the family's plot in Colne.


research help: ' Titanic A Night Remembered' by Stephanie Barczewski


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

American Dream: AMC AMX

American Dream: AMC AMX by ric Gustafson


In the midseason of 1968, AMC launched a new compact sports coupe with as choice of three V8 engines. The 1970 AMX sported a new grill with air vents, an improved interior, revised graphics and optional 15 inch wheels. A 1970 AMC AMX muscle car is sought after by collectors.
This vehicle had a wishbone front suspension, coil springs, shocks and an anti roll bar. The rear of the car had semi elliptic leaf springs, right axle and telescopic shocks. The standard engine was a 225 V8. Only 19, 134 of these coupes were built. The car had a bulging hood, short wheelbase, a two seat interior, chrome sills, sporty rear styling and racing paintwork.


research help: ' American Cars' by Chartwell Books


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Do you have a problem?: About You

Do you have a problem?: About You by ric Gustafson


Problems say a lot about our character, our strength and our weaknesses. Sometimes our problems reveal our weaknesses and show where we need help. When we approach a problem with unbelief, we cannot solve it successfully. We are condemned to fail.
Sometimes our problems reveal our strengths. Using God's Word, we can find and claim the promises of God. God will give us grace and guidance in every situation that comes our way.
Without problems, we could not trust God. Without problems, we would not rely as much on prayer. Without problems, there would not be a life of faith. Without problems, we would not cast our cares on Jesus and see how he cares for us. Our problems reveal our spiritual condition and help us grow in faith. In John 16:33, Jesus says that we will have tribulations but to be of good cheer. Jesus has overcome the world.


research help: Turning Points March 2015


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Titanic 2015: Jack Phillips

Titanic 2015: Jack Phillips by ric Gustafson


John George Phillips was born on April 11 1887 in Farncombe Surrey. The Phillips family was typical of local tradespeople. Jack's father and mother managed a drapery shop called Gammons. Jack as he was called by everyone attended Farncombe School and then Godalming Grammar School. After school, he became a telegraphist for the Godalming Post Office.
In March 1906, he enrolled at the Marconi training school in Liverpool. Phillips spent six months at the school studying the theory and practice of wireless, electricity, magnetism and telegraphy. He also studied  how to use and repair various kinds of equipment. In 1906, he spent two years at sea. In 1908, he was transferred to a Marconi station on the west coast of Ireland.
In 1911, he was told that he was to become the senior wireless operator on a brand new ship called the Titanic. In April of 1912 as the ship went on it's sea trials, Phillips and junior officer Harold Bride worked hard to get the new wireless operational. The Marconi setup was powerful with a 400 mile daytime range and an antenna that ran for three quarters of the ship.
As the voyage started, they were swamped by messages from passengers eager to try out the system. Phillips and Bride staggered their shifts so someone was always on duty. On the afternoon of April 12, the first ice warning came in from the French liner La Touraine. On Sunday April 14, a total of seven ice warnings were received. Some of these warnings never made it back to the bridge.
The heroism of Phillips was brought to life by the testimony of Harold Bride. Phillips sent a distress call by CQD and then by the new SOS. After Captain Smith released them from their duty, Phillips continued to try to contact a ship for help.
Because of Harold Bride, Jack Phillips was hailed as a hero.


research help: ' Titanic, A Night Remembered' by Stephanie Barczewski


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Real Christianity: Loving

Real Christianity: Loving by ric Gustafson


To be a real Christian is to help and love our neighbors. In the Good Samaritan story of Luke 10, Jesus tells his listeners to go and do likewise. At the beginning of the book of Acts, Jesus tells his disciples to go everywhere and help everyone in need. Jesus loved everyone and we are to do the same. John 13 :35 says the world will know we are disciples by our love.
Jesus wants us to love the outsiders, the unlovely and the lost people of this world. Jesus came to seek and to save the lost. We are the Church, the hands and feet of Jesus and the body of Christ.
Jesus wants us to do good for all those we find in his name.


research help: Turning Points April 2015


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Locker 107 page 1

Locker 107 page 1 by ric Gustafson


Rebecca Harris pulled into an empty parking space in the deserted parking lot. She turned off the grey SUV and then picked up the newspaper from the passenger seat. She glanced at it to make sure she had the right address. She smiled as she noticed a fading large sign near the entrance to the deserted building. The sign said ' Moton Construction Company'.
The large building had been closed for years and nobody had bought it. She was lucky to have seen the newspaper article saying that the building was going to be torn down tomorrow. She got out and began to walk down a fading and crumbling front sidewalk. As she walked up to the front door, she noticed that one car was parked by the door. She was hoping that someone could help her.


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Real Christianity: Authentic

Real Christianity: Authentic by ric Gustafson


To die for God and be a martyr is to have authentic faith. What does it take to be an authentic Christian?. Each and every day, we need to live for God and be his witnesses. We need to back up our real Christianity with authentic godliness. To be a real Christian we need to practice what we preach.
We need to be authentic in our commitment to Jesus. We need to be authentic in our conduct involving integrity and honesty. We must be authentic with our compassion and our good works.
As God's instruments, we need to be authentic in all that we say and do. People are watching.


research help: Turning Points April 2015


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

the Forgotten page 1

the Forgotten page 1 by ric Gustafson


Mavis Pickrell nervously scratched her chin as she looked at the resume. " I see that you lost your job at the hospital five years ago".
" Our department was taken over by an outside company and my position was eliminated".
She studied the resume. " Have you worked since then?".
" Mostly just temporary work".
" Orlando, I will be frank with you" Mavis said with a frown. " We have many people wanting jobs and few openings right now".
Orlando looked at her with sad eyes. " Mrs Pickrell, I am currently homeless and really need a job".
" Well, I do have one possibility". She picked up an index card from her desk. " This opening just reached my desk".
Orlando smiled. " Whatever it is I'll take it".
" A boat at the marina needs a deckhand". She smiled. " Are you interested?".
" Yes".
" Good". She handed Orlando the index card. " You need to report to the marina, find a boat called ' The Forgotten' and ask for Captain Jack Muncie".


research help: original story


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric