Titanic 2022 page 7

 Titanic 2022 page 7 by ric gustafson

The wreck site is still there. The bow shows corrosion from salt water and rusting. There are new holes in the metal. The bow went into the ocean floor at an angle of 15 to 30 degrees. The bow went 60 feet into the ocean mud. It will never come out. Decks, hallways  and staterooms are still intact. 

The stern of the liner is also stuck in mud. The rest is leveled flat. Ten decks have already collapsed. The grand staircase ripped from the stern and disappeared.The debris field for the huge liner was five different fields.

How long will the wreck survive?. Nobody knows.

According to the British report, Lifeboat number 6 was the first to be lowered from the port side of the huge liner. The time was 12:55. Crew included Seamen Hitchens and Seamen Fleet. A male passenger named Major Peuchen was asked to help out. Female passengers included Miss Bowerman, Mrs J J Brown, Mrs Candee and Mrs Rothschild.

research help: ' Titanic First Accounts' by Tim Maltin and Nicholas Wade

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Jesus: no ordinary night

 Jesus: no ordinary night by ric gustafson

It was a beautiful night. Ordinary. An ordinary sky. There was sheep and shepherds. They were peasant shepherds. They smelled like sheep and spent the night with them. They were simple shepherds. 

All of a sudden, brightness filled the dark sky. The next, they were staring at an angel. According to Luke 2, the angel told them that in the city of David a Savior who is Christ the Lord would be born. That night was no ordinary night. God had entered the world as a baby. God with us. Praise Jesus's name.

research help: ' Jesus the God who knows your name' by Max Lucado

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Jesus: born to you this day

 Jesus: born to you this day by ric gustafson

Jesus understands us. According to Hebrews 4:15, Jesus understands our weaknesses. Jesus is called Immanuel which means God with us. Jesus says I am with you always to the very end of the age. Jesus is with us. 

One day, the angel Gabriel got a slip of paper with a Nazarene address. It read that God will become a baby. He was to tell the mother to name the child Jesus. He was also told to tell her not to be afraid. 

Gabriel had his orders. He took the message to Mary. Mary was no queen. She was a peasant Jewish girl.

The child of Mary became the Son of God. Praise the name of Jesus.

research help: ' Jesus the God who knows your name' by Max Lucado

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Titanic 2022 page 6

 Titanic 2022 page 6 by ric gustafson

The headline came on Sept 3 1985. A young navy oceanographer named Robert Ballard wanted to find the Titanic. Their ship ' The Argo' had dozens of cameras searching the ocean floor. The first thing they discovered was a boiler. That led them to the wreck. Ballard had made a deal with Ronald Thunman. He would build the ' Argo' so Ballard could find the famous liner. In exchange, Ballard using ' Argo' would find two nuclear submarines that had sunk in the North Atlantic. He discovered the subs for Thunman. He was given 12 days to find the Titanic.

When Ballard found Titanic, he found a propeller and plates and bowls. Ballard recognized the liner's bow right away. The bow was frail and old with worn down railings. The railings were covered in debris and rust. 

But Ballard knew he had found what he was searching for. It was the Titanic.

research help: ' Sinkable' by Daniel Stone

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Our Daily Bread: Titus 2:10

 Our Daily Bread: Titus 2:10 by ric gustafson

Titus chapter 2 describes the good news of Jesus. Verse 1 reflects the truths of our faith. Verse 10 says living like Christ makes the gospel attractive. Verse 12 says God's grace helps us live self controlled upright and godly lives. God wants us to be a representative of the gospel.

God loves us more than anything else.

research help: Our Daily Bread October 2022

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Titanic 2022 page 5

 Titanic 2022 page 5 by ric gustafson

In 1958, a film was being shot about the Titanic. It was called ' A Night To Remember'. Every detail was not spared for this film. Hundreds of extras were used for the lifeboat scenes. One of those who wanted to be an extra in those scenes was 80 year old Lawrence Beesley. On the real Titanic, Beesley was by Lifeboat 13. Beesley saw no more women or children so he jumped into the Lifeboat. Because he was not a union man, he was denied the chance to be in the film. The film was praised by critics, had rave reviews and became the definitive account of the tragedy.

The Titanic was built with 10 decks. This was divided into cabins, social areas and cargo. When the liner went down to the ocean floor, it's decks were still largely intact. Steel had buckled and columns had snapped. Some areas were destroyed and others remained intact. By 1968, the ten decks likely had been reduced to six or seven. After 50 years, the two halves of Titanic were in decent shape.

By 1981, only four or five decks remained of the liner. By the 1980's, interest in the liner was growing. Where was the liner located?. How do we get to it?.

research help: ' Sinkable' by Daniel Stone

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Titanic 2022 page 4

 Titanic 2022 page 4 by ric gustafson

When the Titanic hit the bottom of the ocean, lifeboats were floating on top. Survivors could hear horrifying screams. The next morning, the survivors were saved by the liner Carpathia.

When Senator William Alden Smith heard about the disaster, he had to act quickly. The senator from Michigan knew there would be outrage and hunger for details. He would need a set of common facts. He knew he would have to get as many witnesses as possible. 

His largest witness would have to be Joseph Bruce Ismay. He was the chairman of the White Star Line. He was also one of the survivors. Smith gave him a subpoena. The hearings took place in the East Room at the Waldorf Astoria hotel. Smith questioned Ismay with outrage and hysterics. Smith asked Ismay how he survived when most of the men did not. Eventually, the hearing moved back to Washington. In all, 86 witnesses testified. The transcript file was nearly 1200 pages long.

research help: ' Sinkable' by Daniel Stone

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Titanic 2022 page 3

 Titanic 2022 page 3 by ric gustafson

To survive the Titanic was difficult. There was the cold and the wind. The survivors on the lifeboats witnessed horror in front of them. The men rowing the lifeboats heard arguments. Should they return and look for others?. There was only 12 survivors on Lifeboat number one. This was the captain's boat and had a capacity of 40. Charles Hendrickson was on Lifeboat 1. He wanted to go back and look for others. It was overruled. A fashion designer named Lucy Duff Gordon was on Lifeboat 1. She spent the rest of her life trying to salvage her and her husband's reputation.

The liner's first telegraph message for help was CQD. Later, ships would use SOS. It had it's limit. Three hundred miles in daylight. Before this ships had to use colored flags or bursts of light. 

In 1909, construction began on the Titanic. First, a keel was laid down. Then plates of steel were drilled with holes. These holes were filled with rivets. When a rivet was inserted, two men hammered it in. It took 3 million rivets to build Titanic. Steel rivets were used for the central hull. Iron rivets were used for the bow and the stern.

research help: ' Sinkable' by Daniel Stone

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Our Daily Bread: Matthew 2

 Our Daily Bread: Matthew 2 by ric gustafson

Wise men had come from the east. They came to worship Jesus. King Herod was disturbed by this news of a rival King. Herod told them to find the child and then report back to him. In a dream, these wise men were warned not to go back to Herod. These men returned to their country by another route. God promises to guide our steps. God can see down the road that we cannot see. God will protect us as we travel down the road of life. Praise God's name.

research help: Our Daily Bread Oct 2022

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Titanic 2022 page 2

 Titanic 2022 page 2 by ric gustafson

Why is the Titanic story still popular today?. Large ships have failed before. In 1854, the SS City of Glasgow went down with 480 people. The SS Naronic went down in 1893 with 74 on board. Icebergs were common by 1912. 

So what is all the fascination with the Titanic?. The liner was built with human confidence. It was a symbol of a new era. It was the embodiment of modernism. What happened to Titanic was a tragedy. It killed a lot of people.

The story of Titanic stayed alive because of the survivors. Eva Hart, Charlotte Collyer and many others told their stories for decades. The Titanic story is a classic story. There was an iceberg, loss of life and human overconfidence. 

So how did the ship go down?. A theory is based on mass, ocean current and distance. At one point, the huge liner ripped into two. The bow swung down and barely hung unto the stern. When it finally went down, it went down from zero to six hundred feet. This was called the surface ocean. Then the bow went into a free fall steering straight for the ocean bottom. The bow went down at 30 miles per hour. 

The stern of the liner lagged behind. The stern followed the bow down to the bottom of the Atlantic Ocean.

research help: ' Sinkable' by Daniel Stone

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Our Daily Bread: I Samuel 17:48

 Our Daily Bread: I Samuel 17:48 by ric gustafson

The giant Goliath was taunting those before him. He said " come here and I'll give your flesh to the birds and the wild animals". Goliath began to taunt David. Did David run?. No he did not. He had confidence in God. He shouted at Goliath and ran at him with smooth stones and a slingshot. It's natural to run away. God tells us to run toward the fight. He will protect us always. Praise God's name.

research help: Our Daily Bread Oct 2022

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Titanic 2022 page 1

 Titanic 2022 page 1 by ric gustafson

Fifteen thousand years ago, fernlike snow began to fall in Greenland. It began to form into a frozen ice sheet. This landmass soon was covered in ice two miles thick. So for thousands of years, nothing bothered this landmass. About four miles a year, this landmass moved toward the west coast of Greenland. Over time, some of this mass would come off and fall into the ocean. This is how icebergs form.

In the summer of 1909, from this icemass some fell off to form an iceberg. That iceberg began to drift toward infamy. This iceberg was two miles wide and one hundred feet tall. 

At that time, not many people studied icebergs. This iceberg traveled south through the east strait of the Grand Banks. This was in eastern Newfoundland which had the nickname of ' iceberg alley'. 

This iceberg for three years from 1909 to 1912 spent time in Arctic waters. Only one in several thousand icebergs would make it to 41 degrees north. This was the transatlantic shipping lanes.

On one night in 1912, fate would bring this iceberg and the liner that was called unsinkable together. Even after all these years. people are still fascinated about this maritime disaster.

research help: ' Sinkable' by Daniel Stone

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a Prodigal Son Thanksgiving page 7

 a Prodigal Son Thanksgiving page 7 by ric gustafson

Father stared at the cake in front of him. His two sons were on either side of him.

" Thank you for the cards and this retirement cake". He smiled at everyone gathered. " I have something special to say".

He smiled at his sons. " I love my sons equally".

Jeff knew what his father was about to say.

" I'm going to let both of my sons run the plant".

" What!". Jeff stared at his father. " You can't be serious".

" That is my decision".

" Joseph doesn't have the skills to run this plant".

" I've watched him work". Harry the plant foreman stood up. " I think he has the skills".

Jeff stood up. " Father, you can't do this".

" Brother". Joseph stood up and embraced his brother. " It's time to bury the hatchet".

Father walked over. He embraced his sons. " It's time to bury the hatchet".

Jeff began to cry. " Ok".

The End.

research help: original story

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a Prodigal Son Thanksgiving page 6

 a Prodigal Son Thanksgiving page 6 by ric gustafson

Father closed his office door. He stared at his son. " Aren't you happy that your brother came home?".

" How could you have a party for him?".

" I prayed that he would come home". Father smiled. " And he did".

" I have faithfully worked for you". Anger was beginning to show on his face. " Not once did you give me a party".

" I'm sorry son". Father frowned. " I did not know you felt this way".

" Instead you have a party for a lazy bum of a son who left for two years and spent all of his inheritance money".

" Jeff, I love both of you equally".

Jeff began to walk toward the door. " Father, I'm so angry with you right now".

" Jeff, please try to understand".

Jeff opened the door. " Father, right now I can't".

research help: original story

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a Prodigal Son Thanksgiving page 5

 a Prodigal Son Thanksgiving page 5 by ric gustafson

Jeff and Harry walked into the breakroom. Streamers saying Welcome Home were scattered around. Jeff looked around the crowded room. He noticed his father standing next to some of his coworkers. He walked up to him. 

" Father, what's going on?".

He smiled at his older son. " Son, we're having a party".

" Why Dad?".

" Because your brother has come home".

" Hello brother".

Jeff turned around to see Joseph standing behind him.

" Father, no one is manning the machines". Anger was beginning to show in his voice. " We're losing money".

The father grinned. " It's time to celebrate son".

Joseph opened his arms. " A hug brother".

" Father, I'm angry". He turned away from Joseph. " We need to talk in your office".

Father sighed. " Ok".

research help: original story

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a Prodigal Son Thanksgiving page 4

 a Prodigal Son Thanksgiving page 4 by ric gustafson

Jeff walked among the machines. He was tired. It had already been a long day. He looked around. He was surprised that nobody was manning the machines. 

He stopped. He craned his ear. He thought he heard laughter coming from the breakroom. Then he saw Harry the Plant Foreman walking by carrying paper plates and napkins.

" Harry, what's going on?". Concern was on Jeff's face. " Where is everybody?".

Harry looked perplexed. " Didn't you hear the news Jeff?".

" Hear what news?".

" Your brother". Harry smiled. " He came back".

" Joseph".

" Yes". He began to walk toward the noisy breakroom. " Your father is having a party for him in the breakroom right now".

Jeff followed him.

research help: original story

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a Prodigal Son Thanksgiving page 3

 a Prodigal Son Thanksgiving page 3 by ric gustafson

Father walked into the sparse office. He sat down at the desk. He yawned. Because of new orders, the plant was busier than normal. He closed his eyes to relax.

There was a quiet knock on the door. It opened. The person walked in.

" Hi Dad".

He looked up to see a young man with a backpack.

" Well hi Joseph". He smiled as he got up. He walked over. He embraced his son. " I've missed you so much".

" I'm so sorry Dad". Joseph began to cry. " I'm sorry I disappointed you".

" Joseph, my son". Father son embraced again. " Everything has been forgiven and forgotten".

Fear came over Joseph's face. " I need a job Dad".

Smiling, the Father picked up the phone. " Harry, do we have any open positions on the line?".

" Dad, I'll do anything".

" You do good". He smiled at his son. " I have another favor to ask".

research help: original story

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Our Daily Bread: Genesis 1:3

 Our Daily Bread: Genesis 1:3 by ric gustafson

God created the dark and formless earth. Then God created the dawn. According to Genesis 1:3, God said let there be light. Instead of darkness and chaos, light entered the world. According to Genesis 1:4, when God created the light he said it was good. God sees us in the light not the darkness.

Praise God's name

research help: Our Daily Bread Oct 2022

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a Prodigal Son Thanksgiving page 2

 a Prodigal Son Thanksgiving page 2 by ric gustafson

Joseph put some clothes into a backpack. His friend walked in.

" What are you doing Joseph?".

" Going home Breako".

" I realize you have already spent all of your inheritance money". His friend smiled. " I'll cover you until you find another job".

" My last job was working on a pig farm". His stomach growled. " I'm tired and I'm hungry".

Breako looked concerned. " What is your father going to say?".

" I don't know". Joseph kept putting clothes into his backpack. " I'm going to ask for his forgiveness".

" But why?".

" I have no money and I'm hungry". He zipped up the backpack. " Even my father's workers are doing better than I am".

Breako frowned. " Goodbye my friend".

They embraced.

" Thank you for being my friend". 

Joseph put on his backpack and left.

research help: original story

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Our Daily Bread: John 14:20

 Our Daily Bread: John 14:20 by ric gustafson

Jesus lives and dwells inside of us. How does he do that?. It is the Holy Spirit. Jesus is in his Father. We are in Jesus. Jesus is in us. Jesus said this on the night of his last supper. He was telling his disciples that he would make a home and dwell in them by the Holy Spirit. 

Jesus lives in us. He guides us. And with the Holy Spirit's help, we can be more like Jesus.

Praise God's name.

research help: Our Daily Bread Oct 2022

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Parables: a house built on a rock

 Parables: a house built on a rock by ric gustafson

This story could be called the wise and foolish builders. Is the foundation we have built on going to survive the rough times?. A house built on sand looks solid but is it?. When the storms of life come will it stand?. A house built on a rock will survive the storms of life. Is our spiritual life a rock or sand?. 

The truth is we need Jesus. He is our rock in good and bad times. Like a rock, when we need him he is there to protect us. He will always be there for us. Praise God's name.

research help: ' the economics of the Parables' by Robert Sirico

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a Prodigal Son Thanksgiving page 1

 a Prodigal Son Thanksgiving page 1 by ric gustafson

As Joseph took a bite of turkey, he looked in love at his family. " Henry, what are you thankful for?".

The young man put down his glass of milk. " I'm thankful for my friends at school".

Joseph smiled at his wife. " Honey, what are you thankful for?".

Rose took a bite of cranberry sauce. " I'm thankful that we are all here and safe".

Joseph took a bite of mashed potatoes. " Adrian, what are you thankful for?".

" I'm thankful that Christmas is coming". She grinned. " Presents".

" Dad". Henry took a bite of a roll. " Tell us again how you and Uncle Jeff inherited the plant".

Joseph took a bite of green bean casserole. " You don't want to hear that story again".

All three exclaimed. " Yes".

" Ok".

research help: original story

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Our Daily Bread: Deuteronomy 10:18

 Our Daily Bread: Deuteronomy 10:18 by ric gustafson

All of us are called to reflect God's love. In verse 21, Moses says he is the one you praise he is your God. God instructs us to be his hands and feet. God says we can serve as his hands and feet. Moses talks about the fatherless and the widow. God tells us to love the foreigner. God extends his love to us. God tells us to do the same for others.

Praise God's name.

research help: Our Daily Bread October 2022

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Parables: the King going to War

 Parables: the King going to War by ric gustafson

Jesus is telling a story about the cost of Christian discipleship. Jesus is telling us in this story that the cost is everything. It cannot be half. Jesus says that everything must be surrendered. Jesus does not want us to start something and then not finish it. 

Jesus says the struggle will be hard and long. If we are unwilling to go the distance, Jesus does not want us to begin at all. It takes courage and commitment. Jesus will give us both.

Praise God's name.

research help: ' The economics of the Parables' by Robert Sirico

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down at the Witches Brew page 3

 down at the Witches Brew page 3 by ric gustafson

Miss Mabel picked up the stack of tarot cards. Across from her was a stranger who had just walked in. Each time she tried to put them into a spread, they fell on the floor.

She heard the phone ring. She walked over and picked up the phone by the cash register. " Witches Brew this is Miss Mabel". She listened intently to the call. 

" Hi Martin". She stared at the stranger. Something about him sent chills down her spine.

" You're not coming". She frowned at the stranger. " I was looking froward to showing you a tarot spread".

" Are you sure?". She gave a frustrated cackle. " Ok".

She put down the phone. " That's too bad".

She picked up the cards. She tried to put them in order. They fell on the floor again.

" I almost had him".

Jesus shook his head. " You can't have him".

She recognized that voice. " Nazarene".

Jesus put his scarred hands on the table. " He's confused but he believes in me".

" I should of known it was you".

Jesus stared at the witch. " Do not tempt him any longer with your sorcery".

She shook her black hair. " Suit yourself".

She heard the door bell ring. " There will always be someone else".

She began to walk toward the door. She turned around. The Nazarene was gone.

There was a young woman standing under the cobwebs.

" Welcome to the Witches Brew".

The End

research help: original story

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the witches of Oz page 3

 the witches of Oz page 3 by ric gustafson

Margaret Hamilton fell in love with theater as a child. Her father was a prominent Cleveland attorney. He insisted that she get a day job. So for a number of years, Margaret taught kindergarten. At the same time, she remained active in theater productions. 

During the 1930's, Margaret worked as a supporting character actress in films. Before the war, she was in over 70 films. It was a long day in makeup for Margaret to play the Wicked Witch of the West. It started at 6 am and lasted 3 hours. During filming, one mishap sent Margaret to the hospital. She was supposed to drop through a trap door out of Munchkinland. A mistimed explosion gave her first degree burns on her face. She also had a second degree burn on a hand.

In 1956, CBS obtained the television rights to the film. The film gained a whole new audience.

Margaret Hamilton died in 1985. She had a 50 year film and theater career.

The End

research help: Closer Magazine Oct 10 2022

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the witches of Oz page 2

 the witches of Oz page 2 by ric gustafson

Billie Burke was the daughter of a circus mime. She was groomed for the stage. She became the darling of Broadway before World War I. At a New Year's Eve party in 1913, she met Florenz Ziegfeld Jr. He was the creator of the Ziegfeld Follies. Her friends warned her that he had no money. She eloped with him anyway. It was not an easy marriage. 

The stock market crash of 1929 depleted their wealth. Ziegfeld died in 1932. This left Billie deep in debt. At the age of 48, Billie moved to Hollywood to become a character actress. The role of Glinda for Billie at 54 gave her a chance to relive her earlier career. Billie Burke died in 1970 at the age of 84. She had a successful film career with over 90 film credits. 

research help: Closer Magazine Oct 10 2022

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Women of the Bible: the mothers of I Kings 3

 Women of the Bible: the mothers of I Kings 3 by ric gustafson

Two women with a baby came before King Solomon. Both women claimed the baby. What was the King to do?. Solomon decided that the child be cut in half with a sword so the women could share him. 

Why did he do this?. Solomon knew that the woman who was willing to give up the baby was the real mother. Solomon knew that she would put the child's safety first. The mother wanted the child to live.

God loves us more than anything else. Praise God's name.

research help: ' Women of the Bible' by Dianne Neal Matthews

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down at the Witches Brew page 2

 down at the Witches Brew page 2 by ric gustafson

As Todd and Martin walked through the doorway, cob webs hit their faces.

Todd felt something against his right leg. He looked down.

He yelled in fear. " A black cat".

" Felix". The cat was picked up by an older woman dressed totally in black. " Welcome boys to the Witches Brew". She gave a slight cackle. The cat jumped down and ran into a dark corner. " What can I do for you?".

" We're lost" Martin replied. He glanced around at the spooky decor. " My parents live on Ridgewood Avenue".

" I'm not sure where that is".

Todd turned toward the front door. " Sorry to bother you".

" Wait, you boys look hungry". She cackled and pointed toward an empty booth. " You can be my last customers today".

" No thanks". Todd walked toward the door. " I'll wait for you outside".

The witch frowned. " That's a shame".

" Sorry to bother you". Martin walked toward the door. His friend walked out. Martin opened the front door.

The witch gave an evil grin. " I also do tarot readings".

Martin grinned. " I have a good friend whose into that".

" Come back tomorrow at 7 and I can show you what it is".

" Ok". He smiled. " What street is this?".

" This is Endor Lane".

research help: original story

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the witches of Oz page 1

 the witches of Oz page 1 by ric gustafson

In the classic 1939 film, Dorothy Gale is asked a question. " Are you a good witch or a bad witch?. For generations of children, there were only two. Glinda the Good was portrayed by actress Billie Burke. The Wicked Witch of the West was portrayed by actress Margaret Hamilton. Glinda embodied the warm light. The Wicked Witch embodied terrifying darkness. Neither actress knew that their performances would go down in movie history,

Billie Burke was a beauty from a bygone age. Margaret Hamilton was a single mom and a former schoolteacher. Both needed the work. Their performance in the Wizard of Oz will go down in movie history. We will look at both actresses and their amazing lives.

research help: Closer Magazine Oct 10 1922

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Parables: the Talents

 Parables: the Talents by ric gustafson

This is one of the best known stories Jesus spoke about. A man gives talents to three servants. This parable from Matthew differs from a similiar parable from Luke 19. In this parable from Matthew, Jesus talks about what God entrusts to us. This is a story about capital, investment and proper use of resources. 

The master in this parable leaves and makes his servants caretakers of his property. He gave talents to each according to their ability. The first two servants doubled the masters money. The third put his money into a hole. The master returned. The first two servants received praise from their master. The third his reward was swiftly taken away. 

The master is Jesus. When we are faithful and fruitful, an eternal reward is given. Our work for Jesus is to be fearless and total. Jesus does not want us to hide our gifts. We are to use them for his Kingdom

Jesus loves us more than anything else.

research help: ' the economics of the Parables' by Robert Sirico

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down at the Witches Brew page 1

 down at the Witches Brew page 1 by ric gustafson

Todd Reed slowly walked off the bus. He stared down the dark street.

Martin Gardner walked off. He now stood by the bus bench. He looked around. He pointed. " I think we need to go this way".

" Are you sure that is the quickest way home?". He looked around as fear came over his face. " That street looks spooky".

" I'm sure". Martin pointed toward the west. " Follow me".

They began to walk down the deserted street. Leaves blew around them. Almost at the end of the street, Martin noticed a building with their lights on.

They walked across the street.

Todd noticed a sign above the building. It read ' The Witches Brew Cafe and Tarot Readings'.

They walked up to the front door.

Todd looked worried. " I have a bad feeling about this".

They walked in.

research help: original story

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Devil's Food page 3

 Devil's Food page 3 by ric gustafson

Roy was reading the newspaper in his brown recliner. He heard the doorbell ring. He opened the door to reveal a young boy dressed as a pirate. Standing next to him was a young girl dressed as a princess.

" Trick or treat" yelled the small pirate and princess.

They both stuck out orange pails.

Roy picked up two baskets. He opened the screen door. " Would you like a candy bar or a Devil's Food zinger?".

" Roy, what are you doing?".

" Handing out Halloween treats".

Margaret gave her husband a serious stare. " Put down those zingers".

" I thought the kids might like them".

" Think about children's interests instead of your own".

With a frown, Roy put down the zingers. He put a candy bar into their pails.

" Thank you". The two kids ran back to their parents who were waiting for them.

The next morning, Roy was handing out Devil's Food zingers to his co workers.

The End

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Parables: the Two Debtors

 Parables: the Two Debtors by ric gustafson

God in this story is a banker or money lender. This story deals with vulnerable people. This parable is about sin and forgiveness. The first part of the story takes place at a banquet. A woman anoints Jesus's feet with her tears and expensive ointment. Jesus forgave the sins of the sinful woman.

Then Jesus talks about two debtors. One owed a small amount. The other owed a large amount. The creditor forgave both debtors. A loving God forgives everyone.

Jesus saw the sinful woman as a person of dignity in need of love and redemption. Jesus sees us in the same light. Jesus loves us more than anything else.

research help: ' the economics of the Parables' by Robert Sirico

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Devil's Food page 2

 Devil's Food page 2 by ric gustafson

Roy's grocery cart made an irritating noise as he turned into the seasonal aisle. He noticed a sign that explained that the candy bar minatures were on sell. He stopped at the long candy rack, He began to put bags of the Halloween treats into his cart. As he began to leave the aisle, he noticed a white display. 

" Hostess" Roy exclaimed loudly. He stopped the cart at the display. He noticed the crumb cakes and the chocolate donuts. Then he smiled. 

" Devil's Food zingers". He put a box into his cart. Then a thought came to him. He wondered if trick or treaters would like them too. He stared at the box. He knew he was only supposed to buy minature candy bars. He looked at the box. He loved the chocolate outside and the creamy filling inside.

" I'll just take a few boxes home with me and mix it with the candy bars". He put the boxes into his cart. Wirh a sense of accomplishment, Roy paid for the groceries and went home.

research help: original story

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Parables: the Rich Fool

 Parables: the Rich Fool by ric gustafson

A brother asked Jesus to get involved in a personal family conflict. Jesus tells him it is not his place to act as an arbiter in a legal dispute. In the brother, Jesus sees sin and greed. Jesus was not flattered. Both the older and younger sons think they are right. The younger son came to Jesus about his inheritance. 

So Jesus told a story about a man who came to wealth. It transformed him. He was only happy when he acquired wealth. So this man decided to store up things. And then he dies. What did he show for his efforts?. What did he do for the Kingdom of God?. To Jesus, he was a fool. Instead of his bank account, he should been concentrating on his spiritual life. We do not need to worry about the future. Jesus has and always will take care of us. We can take that to the bank.

research help: ' The economics of the Parables' by Robert Sirico

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Devil's Food page 1

 Devil's Food page 1 by ric gustafson

Roy McReed pressed the white garage door button to shut the garage door. He opened the kitchen door. He walked into a spacious newly remodeled kitchen. " Hi sweetie".

" Hi honey" replied Margaret McReed. She put down a carving knife. " I'm just finishing up our halloween pumpkin".

Roy yawned as he put his brown briefcase on top of their wooden hutch. " Work was really busy today". He walked over to a white refrigerator. He opened it. He peered inside. " Have you seen my Hostess treats?".

" Yes, right next to your cheese slices".

He pulled out a familiar red, white and blue package. He opened it and took a big bite. " I love these things".

" What are they called?".

" Hostess Devil's Food zingers".

" Oh, I need you to do something for me".

He gave her a peck on the cheek. " What's that?".

" I need you to go to the store and buy our halloween candy for tomorrow".

" Ok".

research help: original story

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

the pumpkin patch page 3

 the pumpkin patch page 3 by ric gustafson

One day, Alex heard a noise. " Someone's coming".

" I hear him" Doreen replied with joy. " And he's carrying a basket".

The elderly man in white reached down and picked up Miguel.

" He picked me" the pumpkin squealed.

The elderly man put him into his basket.

" He picked me too" Doreen smiled with happiness.

The man put the pumpkin into his basket.

" He won't pick me" Alex said in frustration. 

The elderly man smiled and put the pumpkin into his basket.

" Hooray he picked me" Alex screamed.

Later, God washed off the pumpkins. He cut off the tops, scooped out the insides and carved new smiling faces into each one. He put all three by the front door.

On the night of Halloween.

" Smile everyone" Doreen said with a joyful voice. " The kids are coming".

The End

research help: original story

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

the pumpkin patch page 2

 the pumpkin patch page 2 by ric gustafson

Miguel heard the silence. The last of the large family left. " Doreen, are you still here?".

" Yes". There was hesitation in her voice. " They did not pick me".

" Alex, are you still here?".

" Yes, I'm still here". There was silence. " I was not picked".

" What's wrong with me?". Doreen began to cry. " I'm a good pumpkin with a nice roundness".

" I don't know" Miguel sighed. " I'm a good looking pumpkin also".

" I'm scared". Alex began to cry. " What will happen to us if we are not picked?".

" Don't worry" replied Doreen in a reassuring voice. " God knows we are here".

Alex smiled. " I sure hope you are right".

research help: original story

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

the pumpkin patch page 1

 the pumpkin patch page 1 by ric gustafson

Doreen wasn't sure who was there. " Miguel, are you there?".

" Yes, I am" a voice replied. " I'm just over to your right".

" Are you here Alex?".

" Yes, I'm in the back".

Doreen was excited. " I sure hope we get picked today".

Just then, Miguel spoke up. " I hear something".

" A large family is coming" Alex shouted. " Everyone get ready".

All three pumpkins waited patiently so they could be picked.

research help: original story

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Parables: the laborers in the vineyard

 Parables: the laborers in the vineyard by ric gustafson

This parable talks about that a crop is ready to harvest. In order to harvest, the vineyard needs workers. Yes some of the workers worked all day long. The workers were paid a wage that was agreed upon. They were not defrauded or treated unjustly. Later, more workers helped with the harvest. They were paid the same wage as the earlier workers. 

Salvation can come to anyone at any time. It can be early in life or at the end of life. The landlord was generous. Jesus is generous that anyone at anytime can become one of his own and spend eternity with him. Praise God's name.

research help: ' The economics of the Parables' by Robert Sirico

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

the return of Peter Rabbit page 3

 the return of Peter Rabbit page 3 by ric gustafson

Nigel Basil Jones smiled as he showed Bea a poster. " Bea, we would like to have your book be about the individual rabbits".

Bea smiled. " Like who?".

" Let's talk about Benjamin".

Peter smiled. " The smart and wise one".

" Cotton Tail".

Peter smiled again. " The firecracker".

" Flopsy and Mopsy".

Peter grinned. " The Dynamic Duo".

" Yes" squealed the two female rabbits.

" And now Peter".

Peter's ears perked up.

" The Bad Seed".

Peter looked astonished. " What?". Dejected, he hopped out of the room.

research help: ' Peter Rabbit 2' by Frederick Warne

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Parables: The Sower

 Parables: The Sower by ric gustafson

Jesus explains the meaning of this parable. Jesus explains that this story refers to the response to the Word of God. The Sower is a preacher and the seeds are truth. The harvest is the Kingdom of Heaven. The land represents people. For some people, the Word is received but not appropriated. Sometimes the Word is accepted but superficially. And sometimes the Word is received, accepted and it goes deep into the soil to sprout in good ground. God wants the Kingdom of God to be accepted and cultivated so it can grow. Will we take that seed and do what we need to do to make it sprout and grow?.

research help: ' The Economics of the Parables' by Robert Sirico

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Our Daily Bread: James 1:25

 Our Daily Bread: James 1:25 by ric gustafson

In the book of James chapter 1, our life is like a mirror. What do we see when we look at our life?. Do we see the word of truth from God?. Have we grown as believers?. James cautions us not to stray away from God's Word?. The Bible tells us how to live wisely. Jesus says meditate and digest my word. If we need to be changed, Jesus will do that for us. Why?. Because he loves us more than anything else?.

research help: ' Our Daily Bread Sept 2022' by Our Daily Bread Ministries

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Women of the Bible: the women from Acts 17

 Women of the Bible: the women from Acts 17 by ric gustafson

There were some Berean women from Acts 17 who were listening to Paul and Silas. They did not take them at face value. The women studied God's Word at length to make sure that the two were telling the truth. 

Some people who profess to be Christians know little about the Bible. Some people attend bible studies and then don't apply the Scriptures to their life. Some people really study God's Word only to slack off at some point. Jesus wants us to read and study his Word daily.

These women from Acts 17 were women of the Bible.

research help: ' Women of the Bible' by Dianne Neal Matthews

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Parables: the Pearl of Great Price

 Parables: the Pearl of Great Price by ric gustafson

This parable talks about finding something of great value and giving up everything to obtain it. The parable is about a merchant. He wants to make a deal. Jesus is teaching that people value things at different levels. This parable invites us to contemplate our actions.

A pearl is not an essential purchase. You cannot eat it. It is a luxury good. Obtaining pearls was not easy. They had to be discovered.  Jesus portrays the merchant as wise. A pearl is small and insignificant. The pearl was high value to the merchant. He took a huge risk to obtain it.

The Kingdom of Heaven comes at a price. It is cost and valuation. 

Nothing is of greater value than to spend eternity with Jesus. Praise God's name.

research help: ' The economics of the Parables' by Robert Sirico

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Parables: the Hidden Treasure

 Parables: The Hidden Treasure by ric gustafson

This parable from Matthew 13 talks about the kingdom of God. It talks about how to attain it. This treasure seizes people attention and draws them in. This treasure makes people willing to surrender there present path and seek out a new path. 

What is the treasure in this parable?. Treasure could of been wisdom. The treasure does not find us. We have to search it out and recognize it.

This parable points us to the Kingdom of Heaven. The person in this parable sold all his possessions for joy. This joy of the Kingdom that we should put the highest value on.

Jesus loves us more than anything else.

research help: ' The economics of the Parables' by Robert Sirico

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Women of the Bible: Lydia

Women of the Bible: Lydia by ric gustafson

There was a woman named Lydia. She was a Gentile. She worshiped the God of Israel. In Philippi there were no synagogues. She met with a small group of women on the Sabbath to pray. 

One day, God answered Lydia's prayers. According to Acts 16, Paul and Silas came to where Lydia and the other women were. Lydia listened to the Apostle and became the first convert in that area. She played a crucial role in the growth of the church in that area of the world.

Lydia was a woman of the Bible.

research help: ' Women of the Bible' by Dianne Neal Matthews

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric