Operation Overload page1

Operation Overload page 1 by ric gustafson


In one of the briefing books for Operation Overload, it was noted that an operation of this nature and size had never been attempted. First, this operation was to be staged across the English Channel. Winston Churchill had reservations about a seaborne invasion. They preferred to invade North Africa and Italy.
The United States originally planned a small scale invasion in 1942. Then they promised Joseph Stalin in 1943 that they would invade France in 1944. General Dwight D Eisenhower was chosen to lead the invasion. The name ' Overload' was chosen by Churchill. The Germans thought that a port city would have to be captured first. They were wrong.
The largest seaborne invasion in history fell on one man's shoulders.


research help: ' D Day' by Time


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Psalm 23: he restores my soul

Psalm 23:  he restores my soul by ric gustafson


Everyday, we live in a jungle. Our jungle could be failing health, job loss or a broken heart. Sometimes our life feels empty and that we have no hope.
How can we restore that jungle?. David tells us in Psalm 23. First, we need someone to lead us out of our jungle. Second, we need a vision to get out of our jungle. And third, we need direction to get out of our jungle.
Our jungle will not change but we will. Jesus is our Great Shepherd. He comes to give us hope,joy and peace. Jesus restores our soul. Praise God.


research help: ' Traveling Light' by Max Lucado


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Psalm 23: He leads me beside the still waters

Psalm 23: He leads me beside the still waters by ric gustafson


All of us worry. Some people more than others. Worry has been linked to diseases. David proclaims in Psalm 23 that he leads me beside the still waters. With every storm that comes in life, God is there holding our hand and leading us. God will always hold our hand and guide us through life. David proclaims that. God promises us that he will do that. Praise God.


research help: ' Traveling Light' by Max Lucado


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Psalm 23: He makes me to lie down in green pastures

Psalm 23: He makes me to lie down in green pastures by ric gustafson


I'm always tired. Not only our bodies but our soul is tired. We are eternal creatures. In order to sleep, we need to know that we are safe. David writes that we are sheep who need a savior. God knows us very well. God wants us to take one day a week and rest. Green pastures were not the natural terrain of Judea. A shepherd can make any place a green pasture. Jesus is our Shepherd and watches over us his sheep. We can rest knowing Jesus will always love and protect us. Praise God.


research help: ' Traveling Light' by Max Lucado


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Psalm 23: I shall not want

Psalm 23: I shall not want by ric gustafson


We are a people in want. We want something bigger, nicer and right now. David in Psalm 23 talks about not wanting. Our stuff is not ours. Our stuff is not us. According to Jesus, we are defined by what we have. When we have Jesus, we have everything we need. It does not matter to God how much or how little we have. God loves us more than anything else.


research help: ' Traveling Light' by Max Lucado


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Psalm 23: is my shepherd

Psalm 23: is my shepherd by ric gustafson


We want to do things our own way. That is our problem. We are sheep and we need a shepherd. Jesus gives us all of his attention. God loves and cares for us. We need a shepherd yet keep one away. Jesus wants to be our shepherd. We need to say yes Jesus yes.


research help: ' Traveling Light' by Max Lucado


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Psalm 23: the Lord

Psalm 23: the Lord by ric gustafson

David starts this Psalm saying who he believes in and loves. He loves Yahweh. That is God's name and David loves him. God says I Am. God never changes and he is our shepherd. God never changes. He is uncaused and ungoverned. We need a Yahweh. We need a God who never changes and who we can always count on. We have one. His name is Yahweh the God David and I love.


research help: ' Traveling Light' by Max Lucado


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bible verses: John 16:33

bible verses:  John 16:33 by ric gustafson


The book of John focuses on Jesus being the Son of God. It was written by the Apostle John whom Jesus loved. John discusses in this passage the gift of the Holy Spirit.
Jesus in this passage is saying goodbye to his disciples. He is trying to teach them wisdom. They are lost, confused and need reassurance. Jesus was always there for them. He is always there for us.
Praise God.


research help: ' 52 bible verses you should have in your heart' by B and H Publishing Group


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

bible verses: Job 19:25

bible verses:  Job 19:25 by ric gustafson


The book of Job is about it's main character. He lost everything. The book is about how he dealt with it. Job faced the ultimate suffering but always held up his strong faith in God. Job knew that God would be faithful to him.
When storms come to our life, can we be like Job. Our faith will be tested. How do we handle it?. We need to let God take care of it. He will he promises us that. Praise God.


research help: ' 52 bible verses you should have in your heart' by B and H Publishing Group


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

bible verses: Hebrews 4:15

bible verses: Hebrews 4:15 by ric gustafson


The book of Hebrews places value on Christian discipline. It was written to exult Jesus. It stresses that Jesus is the connection between God and man. This book ties back to the Old Testament. In chapter 4, the author focus on Jesus's faithfulness. This book says that Jesus is the high priest. Jesus is the connection between God and the people.
Jesus is at the right hand of God and knows everything about us. We can go to God about anything. He loves us more than anything else.


research help: ' 52 bible verses you should have in your heart' by B and H Publishing Group


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

I am Mary page 7

I am Mary page 7 by ric gustafson


One day when my son had already started his public ministry, we were on the north side of the lake. My son was tired because of his cousin's death and pressure from his disciples.
He spoke about seeds, plants and growing things. I did not understand what he was talking about. Later, Simon Peter explained it to me. The seeds were Jesus's words. The different kinds of soil were us. Later, two events happened that strengthened our love for my son.
First, my son fed thousands with just a few loaves of bread and a couple of dried fish. The second event was that Simon Peter, showing his love for my son, was walking on water.
I spent so much time with Jesus, my other children were getting envious.


research help: ' My Son the Savior' by Melody Carlson


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

I am Mary page 6

I am Mary page 6 by ric gustafson


When I was close to giving birth, I found out that all citizens must be registered. My husband Joseph was born in Bethlehem. Joseph bought a donkey for me to ride on. When we reached our destination, we found out there was not a vacant room anywhere. I knew it was time to give birth to God's Son. All Joseph could find was a humble stable.
Joseph made a bed of fresh straw for me. He covered the straw with woolen blankets. After several pushes, I cried out to Jehovah. On the next push, the baby emerged. He was cleaned up, bundled up and handed to me. Joseph put straw into a wooden trough. Here was God's Son in my arms.
I felt blessed. Praise God.


research help: ' My Son the Savior' by Melody Carlson


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

bible verses: Isaiah 55:8

bible verses: Isaiah 55:8 by ric gustafson


The book of Isaiah is the first of the Major Prophets. This prophet is quoted in the New Testament more than anyone else. Isaiah's prophecies were about the coming Messiah. This book is complex and filled with poetic imagery. The prophet came to show the people that their sin was rebellion against God. The prophet was giving a final comfort to God's people.
God asks us to trust him and follow where he leads us. We cannot understand God fully. We need to trust God because his ways are bigger than our ways. Praise God.


research help: ' 52 bible verses you should have in your heart' by B and H Publishing Group


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

I am Mary page 5

I am Mary page 5 by ric gustafson


Joseph and I did not have a large wedding. It was a joyous one. I wore my finest clothes and the special things that Elizabeth gave me. We had good wine, music and food. Our guests stayed long into the night. I could see love and joy on Joseph's face.
I loved Joseph and could tell why God chose him to be my son's earthly father. I know that Joseph loves me. I love him with all of my heart.


research help: ' My Son the Savior' by Melody Carlson


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

bible verses: II Peter 3:9

bible verses: II Peter 3:9 by ric gustafson


II Peter was written for believers. The apostle talks about practical Christian living and warns against false teachings. Peter reassures believers of Jesus's return. Peter talks about the second coming of Jesus. The early church was waiting for his return. Today, we who are Jesus's followers wait for his return. We are patient because we already know we have eternal life. We know that Jesus will return. That is his promise. Jesus loves us more than anything else.


research help: ' 52 bible verses you should have in your heart' by B and H Publishing Group


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

bible verses: Numbers 23:19

bible verses: Numbers 23:19 by ric gustafson


The book of Numbers happens while the Israelites were wandering in the wilderness. Christian scholars think Moses is the author. Moses is the central character in the book. The book describes the Exodus and thirty nine years in the wilderness.
What God promises will happen. God's promises will be fulfilled. God never changes, he is always faithful and always honest. The truth is God loves us more than anything else.


research help: ' 52 bible verses you should have in your heart' by B and H Publishing Group


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

bible verses: I Peter 3:15

bible verses: I Peter 3:15 by ric gustafson


The book of I Peter was written by the burly fisherman. The apostle wrote it for fellow believers who are suffering persecution. Peter is encouraging believers to be faithful in adversity and that this earth is not our permanent home. Our suffering here will not last forever. Eternal life awaits us in heaven.
When we suffer, Peter says we are blessed and we should honor Jesus. Peter says we can have strength in our troubled situations. With personal gain, we can help others who are going through hard times. God loves us more than anything else.


research help: ' 52 bible verses you should have in your heart' by B and H Publishing Group


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

bible verses: Joshua 1:8

bible verses: Joshua 1:8 by ric gustafson


The book of Joshua talks about the history of the Israelites in the generation that came after Moses. Joshua renewed the covenant between the people and God. Moses had just died and it was time for the people to cross the Jordan and claim their land.
God spelled out his truth and instruction to the people. Joshua had to tell the people to just follow it. As believers we need to be grounded in God's Word. We need to read  it, study it and apply it to  our lives. Praise God.


research help: ' 52 bible verses you should have in your heart' by B and H Publishing Group


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

I am Mary page 4

I am Mary page 4 by ric gustafson


Elizabeth told me that her husband Zacharias was unable to speak.
" What happened?".
" He doubted God". She sighed. " He could not believe we would have a child at our age". She frowned at Mary. " So God made him mute".
She made some beautiful  clothes for me to wear and bring home. I stayed with Elizabeth and Zacharias for three months.
The day I left, Elizabeth and I really embraced each other. She was about to deliver. When I left, Asher was waiting for me. He smiled and asked me about the new clothes I was wearing.
When I got back home, I knew I had to talk to Joseph.


research help: ' My Son the Savior' by Melody Carlson


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

bible verses: Hebrews 4:12

bible verses:  Hebrews 4:12 by ric gustafson


The book of Hebrews talks about Christian discipline. It was meant to be encouragement for endurance and to remember Jesus. Hebrews ties together the Old and New Testament.
This book says that Jesus did not take anything away from the law. Holy Scripture is alive and sharp. Instead of our desires, we need to focus on God's desires. God's Word is alive and active.
Praise God.


research help: ' 52 bible verses you should have in your heart' by B and H Publishing Group


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

I am Mary page 3

I am Mary page 3 by ric gustafson


Clutching my clothes to my chest, I stared at the beautiful stone floor. My cousin's home seemed like a palace to me. Our floor back home was hard packed dirt.
"Mary". A woman, dressed like a queen, approached me.
" Cousin Elizabeth". We greeted each other warmly.
Just then, she clutched her mid section. " Oh!".
" Are you all right?". I ran to her side. " Should I call for help?".
Then she smiled. " Mary, you are so blessed among women". She took my hand. " You're also highly blessed because of the babe that sleeps in your womb".
" How did you know?".
She grinned. " When I saw you, the babe inside me leaped".
In joy, Elizabeth and I laughed and clapped our hands/
I'm glad I came.


research help: ' My Son the Savior' by Melody Carlson


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

I am Mary page 2

I am Mary page 2 by ric gustafson


It was hard to explain to my mother that I was with child. She did not believe me. She reminded me about being betrothed. I knew what would happen to unmarried women with child. They were humiliated and then stoned. That night, I could not sleep. I walked outside to the garden. I poured my heart to Jehovah. He gave me an answer.
The next morning, I asked mother if I could visit my cousin Elizabeth. She agreed. On the morning after Sabbath, my brother Asher and I started out for Judah.


research help: ' My Son the Savior' by Melody Carlson


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

I am Mary page 1

I am Mary page 1 by ric gustafson


One of my earliest memories is a garden. Whenever my mother went into this garden, I trailed behind her. I loved digging in the dirt and feeling the soil beneath my feet. I believe a garden is God's promise to us. I enjoyed working in a garden. I enjoyed the freshness of a new day. From a garden, I came to understand life, love and truth. In a garden, I felt close to the Lord God.
One day in the garden, a being came to me. Was it an angel?. Why would it come to me?. I was no different from any other girl in the village. I was going to marry a friend of the family. His name was Joseph.
When this angel came, I dropped my basket. He told me that I was blessed among women. He told me that I would conceive and then give birth to God's own son. I asked the angel how this could be. I was a virgin. The angel told me that with God, nothing is impossible. The angel departed. What he had proclaimed began to happen in my young body.


research help: ' My Son the Savior' by Melody Carlson


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

the miracle on Titanic page 17

the miracle on Titanic page 17 by ric gustafson


First Officer Murdoch walked onto the bridge. He noticed Fourth Officer Boxhall reworking the ship's route on a chart. " Boxhall, did you get those binoculars?".
" Aye sir". He handed the leathercase to the officer. " Why can't they have them up in the crow's nest?".
" They don't need them" he replied gruffly. " We can see in here with them probably better than they can".
The next morning.
David was staring at the beautiful Irish coastline. " So the devil had to ask permission before he could tempt Job".
" That's right". Charlene was glancing at the bible passage. " God only allows as much as the person can handle".
They stopped a steward. " Why are we anchoring in Queensland and not docked?"
" The ship is too large to berth"..
David watched as Officer Boxhall checked in new passengers who had come in on a tug.
They found out later that seven second class and one hundred and thirteen third class passengers had come on board.


research help: ' Murder on the Titanic' by Jim Walker


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

70's tv: WKRP in Cincinnati

70's tv:  WKRP in Cincinnati by ric gustafson


In 1978, CBS came out with a very unique show. WKRP in Cincinnati was sly, smart, greatly cast and very funny. It was only on for four seasons from 1978  to 1982. It starred Gary Sandy. He portrayed the program director for a struggling radio station. The confused station manager was played by Gordon Jump. Other members of the great ensemble cast included Tim Reid, Frank Bonner, Jan Smithers, Loni Anderson, Richard Sanders and Howard Hesseman.



research help: ' All in the Decade' by Jim McKairnes


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

70's tv: Taxi

70's tv:  Taxi by ric gustafson


In 1978, a show called Taxi started. It's star was Judd Hirsch. It became an ensemble show. It's producers were James L Brooks, Stan Daniels, David Davis and Ed Weinberger. The premise of the show was the daily life of a New York City taxi company. They wanted to focus on blue collar male experience. The show won three Emmys for outstanding comedy.


research help: ' All in the Decade' by Jim McKairnes


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

the miracle on Titanic page 16

the miracle on Titanic page 16 by ric gustafson


" Ten degrees port Mr Hichens". The Quartermaster held tightly onto the wheel. " Steady as she goes".
First Officer Murdoch stared at the Fourth Officer. " Mr Boxhall, do you have our binoculars?".
" No sir" was the reply. " I gave them to Fleet who is up there".
" Do we have another pair?".
"No, I believe it is the only pair we have on board".
Anger came over the First Officer's face. " You make sure he brings that pair back to the bridge when he is done".
" Aye sir".
Captain Smith entered the bridge. Behind him was Bruce Ismay. Ismay was the Director of the White Star Line.
Ismay picked up a chart and began to study it. " When do we arrive at Queensland Captain?".
Captain Smith stroked his grey beard. " We should arrive there by noon tomorrow".
Ismay frowned. " What is this course on this chart?".
" This is the course Mr Boxhall has laid out for us".
He gave the Fourth Officer a frustrated look. " Why?".
" It is a safer route". Boxhall's voice hesitated. " We can watch out better for ice".
" Nonsense" Ismay growled. " It will add a day and I will not allow it".
" Sir, what about the ice?".
" If you get any reports of ice". He walked toward the bridge railing. " You bring them directly to me".


research help: ' Murder on the Titanic' by Jim Walker


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric