First Ladies: Martha Washington

 First Ladies: Martha Washington by ric gustafson

Martha Washington was the First Lady. She was smart, brave and compassionate. She was a patriot. She was part of the revolution that created the United States of America. She always stayed true to the American Revolution's spirit. 

She was brought up wealhy. She was skilled at riding horses. She was taught at an early age to read and write. When she was 26, her first husband died. She was left with 17,500 acres of land and nearly 300 slaves. When she met George Washington, Martha was wealthy. 

She married George in 1759. He was a military leader in the French and Indian War. And in Virginia, he was a political leader. He was kind to Martha's two children. In 1775, Washington became Commander in Chief of the Colonial Army. The American Revolution lasted eight years. 

After Washington became President, they moved to New York City in 1789. Then they moved to a mansion in Philadelphia. This became the temporary capital of the country. 

Martha and George moved to Mount Vernon in 1797. George died in 1799. Martha could not bounce back following his death. Martha Washington died in 1801 at age 70.

Abigail Adams described Martha Washington as modest, unassuming and dignified.

research help: ' America's First Ladies' by Kathleen Krull

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Heart of God: a protective God

 Heart of God: a protective God by ric gustafson

According to Psalm 18, he is a shield to all who trust in him. We are imperfect human beings. We live imperfect lives. As believers, we have assurance of salvation. Still we fret over the details of our life. God understands our concerns. God addresses them. In Matthew 6 , Jesus addresses our concerns. God knows that we have worries about our life, our basic needs. The fact is God has a protective and caring heart. We worry by nature. God will always protect and watch over us. He always will. He always will.

God loves us more than anything else.

research help: ' Heart of God' by Elisabeth Elliot

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

the Great Oz page 7

 the Great Oz page 7 by ric gustafson

Oscar and Theodora walked out of a clearing. " How wicked is this witch?".

" She poisoned her own father".

" Really".

Theodora grinned. " My sister is anxious to meet you".

Just then, they heard a shout for help. They found a monkey dressed like a bellhop. He was wrapped up in a large vine. 

Oscar took a knife and tried to cut the vine. Oscar heard a noise behind him. A lion was just about to pounce on the monkey. Oscar took some pellets out of his jacket and threw them in front of the lion. Smoke appeared in front of the lion. Scared, he quietly went away.

Theodora smiled. " That was wonderful Wizard".

Oscar cut the vine and freed the monkey.

They turned to walk away.

" Wait". He ran in front of them. " I've been hiding from the witch's monkeys".

Theodora stared at the monkey. " Why?".

" My name is Finley". The monkey looked at Oscar. " I will be your loyal and faithful servant".

" You'll just be in the way".

" Please Wizard". He began to cry. " You saved my life".

Oscar looked at Theodora.

" All right, come along".

Later in the distance, Oscar saw a glittering city with green towers and turrets. " Theodora, what is that?".

Theodora smiled. " The Emerald City".

research help: ' Oz the Great and Powerful' by Mitchell Kapner

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Heart of God: an awesome God

 Heart of God: an awesome God by ric gustafson

According to Jeremiah 32, there is nothing too hard for you. We say this is awesome. We say this person is awesome. The truth is only God can make that claim. From God's heart come his love for us. God's love is not burdened by boundaries or limitations. God's love is infinite and beyond our comprehension. While we cannot understand God's heart, we can worship, praise and marvel at its beauty. When we worship God, we invite him into our hearts. God loves us more than anything else.

research help: ' Heart of God' by Elisabeth Elliot

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

J Lennon page 37

 J Lennon page 37 by ric gustafson

In January of 1977, John attends the inaugural gala for President Jimmy Carter. John, who is now 36, enjoys being home with his toddler son. John tries to be Sean's teacher and best friend. In November of 1977, John receives an extortion letter. John does not comply but instead contacts the FBI. In Feb of 1978, John and Yoko purchase land in Delaware County north of Manhattan.

In early 1980, John and Yoko purchase a home on the north shore of Long Island. While Yoko was spending all of her time amassing their wealth, John was dreaming a trip on a sailboat. At the Dakota, John was being bothered by a photographer named Paul Goresh. It got to a point where Goresh was banned from Dakota property.

Yoko consulted someone named. Takashi Yoshikawa. Yoshikawa prescribed that John clear the clouds over his life and creativity. It was suggested that John sail to the island of Bermuda.

John left on June 5 1980 aboard a boat called the ' Megan Jaye'. The trip was to be over 5 days and 650 miles.

research help: ' The Last Days of John Lennon' by James Patterson

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

God's Promises: his constant comfort

 God's Promises: his constant comfort by ric gustafson

God wants to comfort his people. He comforts his people through sadness, loss, pain and persecution. When life is tough, God is there with us. God will strengthen us so we can do what he calls us to do. When God comforts us, he wants us in return to comfort others.

God loves us more than anything else.

research help: ' God's Promises for New Believers' by Jack Countryman

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric
 

Heart of God: a diligent God

 Heart of God: a diligent God by ric gustafson

According to Philippians 1, that he who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ. In this life, we will start many things. Good intentions that were never acted upon. The truth is God is not like that. God has never started anything he has not finished. God has a diligent heart. God gave us the gift of his Son. Romans 5 says while we were still sinners Christ died for us. God paid that price for us. God loves us more than anything else.

research help: ' Heart of God' by Elisabeth Elliot

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

the Great Oz page 6

 the Great Oz page 6 by ric gustafson

Just then, Oscar heard a loud screech from deep in the forest. " What was that?".

The woman's face turned ashen. " The Wicked Witch's monkeys". She pointed toward the forest. " She sent them to kill you".

Oscar gave her a puzzled look. " What do we do now?".

" My suggestion". She pointed toward the forest. " Is run".

They ran across ravines and down hills. Eventually, they found a cave by a waterfall. They crawled inside to hide.

Oscar frowned. " I don't like witches".

She smiled. " That's interesting".

" Why is that?".

" I am a witch". She grinned. " I'm Theodora the Good".

Just then, Oscar heard a loud screech by the cave's entrance. " What was that?".

Theodora frowned. " One of the witches monkeys". She stared at Oscar. " Wizard, is there anything you can do?".

Oscar reached into his coat pocket. He took out a dove. He let it fly out the entrance to the cave. The screeching stopped.

" Smart idea Wizard".

research help: ' Oz the Great and Powerful' by Mitchell Kapner

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Heart of God: a God of purpose

 Heart of God: a God of purpose by ric gustafson

Romans 8 says to those who are the called according to his purpose. God has a plan for your life. If we seek to fulfill that plan, we must make decisions pleasing to God. The most important is that we accept Jesus as our personal Lord and Savior. Then you can ask " what now Lord?". Jesus will tell us in time. 

Our purpose begins in the heart of God. God has a direction for our lives. It is a divine calling. When we begin a relationship with God, he will begin to make his purposes known. God created us for a reason. He has important work for us to do. Let's get started.

research help: ' Heart of God' by Elisabeth Elliot

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Heart of God: a peace giving God

 Heart of God: a peace giving God by ric gustafson

According to Ephesians 2, by the blood of Christ for he himself is our peace. John14 tells us that the heart of God is the source of our peace. Jesus alone offers us peace. When we have the peace of Jesus, we can share it with others. The peace of Jesus transforms us. When we ignore the gift of peace, we can not share it. Jesus can give us inner peace. According to Philippians 4, the peace of Jesus Christ that surpasses all understanding. Praise God's name.

research help: ' Heart of God' by Elisabeth Elliot

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

J Lennon page 36

 J Lennon page 36 by ric gustafson

One day, John was talking to Yoko. " Whatever we have to do". He smiled at his wife. " I want to prosper like my old bandmate".

Yoko gave John a curious look. " Who Paul?".

" Yes". He handed her a time line he had written out. " I want to be a house husband the first five years of Sean's life".

" I can make that happen". Yoko thought for a moment. " It'll take me a couple of years to do that".

John smiled. " Let's do it".

Right away. Yoko began to accumilate property. At the Dakota, Yoko acquired five apartments, two seventh floor residences, a ground floor studio for an office. 

While Yoko was taking care of their wealth, John was making bread and preparing his son's meals. 

On July 27 1975, John and Yoko stood in front of Judge Ira Fieldsteel. John wanted a green card so he could stay in America. Several people vouched for John. The Judge granted John's green card.

research help: ' The Last Days of John Lennon' by James Patterson

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Heart of God: an all knowing God

 Heart of God: an all knowing God by ric gustafson

According to Psalm 139, behold O Lord you know it altogether. The Heart of God is all knowing. Even when we are not watching, God is. God sees our actions. God rewards righteousness and punishes sin. Nothing that we do or say escapes God. We are not perfect and we make mistakes. 

Next time we want to do something or say something hoping God will not see it, it is impossible. God says don't try. He knows everything. He sees everything. God loves us more than anything else.

research help: ' Heart of God' by Elisabeth Elliot

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Heart of God: a loving God

Heart of God: a loving God by ric gustafson

According to I John 4, God is love. God's heart is a loving heart. God loves you and I. God's love is more than we can ever imagine. We were made in God's image. His affection is deeper than we can imagine. God gave us salvation through his Son. God's love transforms us. When we are loved by God, we want to love others. God's love is overflowing for us. Praise God's name.

research help: ' Heart of God' by Elisabeth Elliot

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

J Lennon page 35

 J Lennon page 35 by ric gustafson

Mark Chapman looked at the dresser in his room. He is not planning on coming back. He knows after he shoots John Lennon, they will be searching the room. He puts a few items on top of the dresser. Two photographs of himself, his old passport and a Wizard of Oz photo. Then Chapman put an open bible on top of the dresser. He had opened it to the Gospel of John. This was because of John Lennon.

Earlier that morning, Chapman had walked over to the Dakota. He noticed a new security guard.

" Would you know if John Lennon is coming out today?".

The security guard shook his head. " I'm not sure".

Chapman showed the guard his copy of Lennon's new album. " I was hoping he could sign it for me".

Frustrated, Chapman decided to sit at a nearby park bench. He stared at the Dakota. He was wondering what Mr Lennon was doing right then. He noticed a governess taking young Sean Lennon for a walk.

Later, Chapman asks the security guard again. " Have you seen Mr Lennon today?".

The security guard grinned. " Yes, you just missed him".

Chapman frowned. Dejected, he walked back to Central Park.

research help: ' The Last Days of John Lennon' by James Patterson

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

the Great Oz page 5

 the Great Oz page 5 by ric gustafson

Oscar stood up. Standing on the shore was the most beautiful woman Oscar had ever seen. She was wearing dark pants, a white shirt, riding boots and a large red jacket.

" Thank goodness". Oscar grinned at the woman. " I thought Iwas a goner".

She smiled. " I saw you fall from the sky".

Just then, Oscar felt a stab on one of his legs. " Ouch, what was that?".

" River fairies". She pointed at the water. " I would get out of there if I were you".

Oscar quickly got out of the water. He looked around. " Where am I?".

" You're in Oz".

" Really". He grinned. " My friends call me Oz".

" So you have come to claim your throne?".

Oscar stared at her. " What throne?".

" The prophecy is that a great wizard will descend from heaven and save us all".

Oscar looked at her intently. " And you think I am that wizard?".

She smiled. " Are you?".

Oscar thought for a moment. " Yes I am".

research help: ' Oz the Great and Powerful' by Mitchell Kapner

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

J Lennon page 34

 J Lennon page 34 by ric gustafson

In January of 1975, John does backing vocals and guitar on a number one single for his friend Elton John. It is called ' Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds'. At this time, John becomes friends with David Bowie. They had met in September of 1974 at a party Dean Martin was throwing for his son Ricci. Bowie had just turned 28 on Jan 8. John helps his new friend with a song he had been working on. It was released on July 25 1975. It becomes Bowie's first number one hit. It was called ' Fame'.

On March 1 1975, John and Yoko tell everyone live that they are back together. Yoko had even more important news to tell John. He was going to be a father again. John was happy and concerned at the same time. Yoko was now 42 and had a series of miscarriages.

By October of 1975, John was enjoying happy times again. October 9 was his 35th birthday. Two days prior, John wins his immigration case in open court. Lastly, Yoko gives birth to a healthy eight pound boy.

They name him Sean Taro Ono Lennon.

research help: ' The Last Days of John Lennon' by James Patterson

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Heart of God: a guiding God

 Heart of God: a guiding God by ric gustafson

According to Proverbs 3, he shall direct your paths. God will guide us through the peaks and valleys of our life. We could be at the top of the mountain. Or we could be at the darkest depth of the valley. God will always be there to rejoice with us. Because we were saved, we can live with joy. Jesus already won the battle for us. He died on a cross. We need to lean on God's promises and pray to him. God is our Protector and our Deliverer. Praise God's name.

research help: ' Heart of God' by Elisabeth Elliot

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

the Great Oz page 4

 the Great Oz page 4 by ric gustafson

" Oh no" Oscar screamed as the balloon rose toward what looked like a tornado funnel. He cut the sandbags loose hoping the balloon would rise higher. Wind lashed the basket. Rain began to fall. To no avail, the basket entered the cyclone's funnel. 

Oscar sat down as the wind bashed and battered the basket. Oscar stood up after hearing a strange noise. He witnessed a sign, a mailbox and a carnival trailer fly by. The basket felt like it was going to tear apart. Oscar was scared. He could see lighting and thunder.

" Please give me a chance". Oscar screamed in terror. " I promise I can change".

All of a sudden. the balloon lifted itself out of the cyclone. Oscar stood up. The balloon was floating toward some strange mountains.

When the balloon finally fell through the clouds, it floated down toward some rock formations. Then the basket fell into a rushing river. Then it went over the edge of a waterfall. Oscar sat down in the basket thinking he was going to die. Oscar closed his eyes. " Please help me".

Then Oscar felt the basket hit the bottom of the waterfall. It stopped.

research help: ' Oz the Great and Powerful' by Mitchell Kapner

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Heart of God: the grace of God

 Heart of God: the grace of God by ric gustafson

According to II Corinthians 12, my grace is sufficient for you for my strength is made perfect in weakness. From God's heart flows grace. If we open our hearts to God, we will receive his grace. Then we will receive abundance, joy, peace and eternal life. Ephesians 2 says for by grace you have been saved through faith. We are saved because of God's mercy. Because of our faith in Jesus, we are saved. God's grace is a gift beyond compare. It is the ultimate gift. 

God loves us more than anything else.

research help: ' Heart of God' by Elisabeth Elliot

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

the Great Oz page 3

 the Great Oz page 3 by ric gustafson

Mavis stared out the window of the trailer. " Oscar, a mob is coming".

He frowned. He picked up a magic sheet. " Sorry Mavis, this happens to me all the time".

She smiled, She gave him a peck on the cheek. " You better go".

A knock came on the door. " Open up Oscar". The knocks came louder. " Come out you phony".

Oscar put the sheet over himself.

Freckles the Clown burst through the door. " Where is he?".

" Zim Zim Zallah Bim".

The clown walked toward the sheet. Then the sheet dropped. The clown stopped.

Oscar was gone.

Oscar stepped down from under the trailer. He looked around for any signs of the mob.

" There he is".

Oscar ran toward the circus's hot air balloons. He jumped into the basket of the nearest one.

Freckles the Clown ran up to the basket. " Now I got you".

Oscar hit the clown hard in the shin. 

The clown doubled over in pain.

Oscar took a knife and cut the rope holding down the basket.

The balloon began to rise into a dark and stormy Kansas sky.

Freckles the Clown slowly got up. " Serves you right you phony".

research help: ' Oz the Great and Powerful' by Mitchell Kapner

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Heart of God: a rejoicing God

 Heart of God: a rejoicing God by ric gustafson

According to Isaiah 62, so shall your God rejoice over you. God wants our love for him to be above our own personal desires. When we do this, God rejoices. When we worship God with humility and love, God rejoices. Zephaniah 3 says he will rejoice over you with gladness. So what do we have to do for God to rejoice over us?. We let God be in charge of 100 percent of our life. When God rejoices over us, our heart is filled with joy. God loves us more than anything else.

research help: ' Heart of God' by Elisabeth Elliot

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

the Great Oz page 2

 the Great Oz page 2 by ric gustafson

Oscar stared through the flickering torch at the audience. " Watch as my assistant will rise in her chair into the atmosphere". He put his hands slowly over Mavis. Then the chair began to rise.

The audience gasped.

" Arise my dear and float in the sky".

Mavis rose up from the chair. She began to float in the air.

Oscar smiled. The show was going well.

Just then, a man pointed up. " I see a wire".

Oscar stared at the man. " You must be mistaken Sir".

" No. I see a wire". The man pointed above Mavis. " See it's right there".

" Folks, this is magic". Oscar smiled. " I don't need wires".

" He's a fake". A woman pointed toward Mavis. " I see a wire too".

Oscar took out a knife. He cut the wire releasing Mavis. 

She landed in Oscar's arms. " Run Oscar".

He ran out the back flap of the tent.

research help: ' Oz the Great and Powerful' by Mitchell Kapner

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Heart of God: a humble God

 Heart of God: a humble God by ric gustafson

According to Philippians 2, he humbled himself and became obedient to the point of death even the death of the cross. Jesus is a sovereign God. Jesus humbles himself. Jesus has a humble heart. Jesus emptied himself and made himself nothing. Jesus came to earth to live and die for us. Jesus submitted himself to death even death on a cross. Jesus has a humble heart. Jesus loves us more than anything else.

research help: ' Heart of God' by Elisabeth Elliot

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

The Great Oz page 1

 the Great Oz page 1 by ric gustafson

Oscar Diggs walked down the muddy path toward the circus tent.

" Come Come" said the carnival worker. He pointed toward the open tent. " Come see Miss Bettylou Gumption the sharpshooting beauty".

" Oscar" a female voice said as Oscar walked up to a small trailer. " You only have five minutes to get ready".

" Come and see the master of magic". The barker pointed to the open tent. " Come in and experience the Great Oz".

Five minutes later, Oscar came out of his trailer wearing a turban and a magician's coat.

Oscar and Mavis walked toward the back of the tent.

" Mavis, do you remember what I need you to do during the act?".

She smiled as she opened the tent flap. " Of course Oscar".

He smiled at his assistant. " Let's do it".

research help: ' Oz the Great and Powerful' by Mitchell Kapner

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

J Lennon page 33

 J Lennon page 33 by ric gustafson

In the spring of 1974, John and May Pang return to New York. They decide to stay at the Pierre Hotel on Fifth Avenue. John's friend Elton John is also staying at the hotel. John starts working on a new album. It is called ' Walls and Bridges'. John is depressed because his former band mates all have had number one hits. 

Elton John predicted that a song titled ' Whatever Gets You Thru The Night' could be the number one song John is searching for. On October 9 1974, John celebrated his 34th birthday. On October 22, ' Walls and Bridges' is certified gold. On November 16, ' Whatever Gets You Thru The Night' becomes number 1 on the Billboard chart. John celebrates by performing at Elton John's gig at Madison Square Garden.

On December 19 1974, John's former band mates and their lawyers gathered at the Plaza Hotel. The only reason they were there was to sign the papers to dissolve the band. Ringo had already signed the papers. Paul and George who were in attendance signed. John, who was not in attendance, hesitated signing. On December 29 1974, John signed the papers. John had started the group. Now he ended the group.

research help: ' The Last Days of John Lennon' by James Patterson

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Heart of God: a jealous God

 Heart of God: a jealous God by ric gustafson

God loves us more than anything else. Because he is that way, he is a jealous God. God wants us to worship him and him only. God's jealousy is a righteous jealousy. God wants the best for us. God does not want us to make idols or gods to worship. God wants our attention, our love and our worship. What God offers is the very best. The truth is God loves us more than anything else.

research help: ' Heart of God' by Elisabeth Elliot

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

J Lennon page 32

 J Lennon page 32 by ric gustafson

It is late summer 1973. John and Yoko's marriage had been falling apart. Yoko wanted time and space away from John. An idea came to Yoko's mind. Yoko approached 22 year old May Pang. Pang was one of the couple's assistants. Yoko told Pang that she and John were going to be apart for awhile. She asked Pang if she would be willing to be John's girlfriend during this time. Pang, who was single, said no. Over time when John became interested in her, Pang changed her mind.

Before leaving for Los Angeles with Pang, John finished up a new album. It was called ' Mind Games'. John and Pang flew to California in late summer 1973. This time period in John's life had been dubbed ' the Lost Weekend'. It was actually a productive time in John's life. John finished up three solo albums. John's son Julian joined him and they reestablished a relationship. John met Elton John. They became fast friends. May tried to keep John heading down a positive path.

By April of 1974, John is ready to return to New York.

research help: ' The Last Days of John Lennon' by James Patterson

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Heart of God: a forgiving God

 Heart of God: a forgiving God by ric gustafson

The heart of God is a forgiving heart. God loves to forgive. No matter how big our mistakes, God will forgive us if we repent. Our sin grieves God's heart. God loves to forgive us. Forgive means to release or let go. If somebody hurts us, we need to give it to God. 

When we are forgiven, we need to forgive others. The heart of God is a forgiving heart.

God loves us more than anything else.

research help: ' Heart of God' by Elisabeth Elliot

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

God's Promises: his divine protection

 God's Promises: his divine protection by ric gustafson

There are people out there in this world who try to attack our faith in God. The truth is that God is always on our side. God promises to protect our minds and our hearts. Satan thinks he is stronger and deadlier. The fact is God protects us and is always on our side. God promises to protect us from Satan. Psalm 27 says the Lord is my light and my salvation. God loves us more than anything else.

research help: ' God's Promises for New Believers' by Jack Countryman

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Heart of God: God is the Good Shepherd

 Heart of God: God is the Good Shepherd by ric gustafson

God has a shepherd's heart. God cares for his flock. No matter the weather, God cares for his sheep. If one of his sheep becomes lost, he will leave the others and search for the one that is lost. The shepherd found water and pasture for the sheep. When something threatened the sheep, the shepherd protected them. The shepherd put his life on the line for the sheep.

God is the supreme Good Shepherd. He always cares for his flock. The care of his flock rests with God. Do you have a need, go to the Shepherd. Do you feel threatened?, go to the Shepherd.

God has a Shepherd's heart. He loves us more than anything else.

research help: ' Heart of God' by Elisabeth Elliot

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

J Lennon page 31

 J Lennon page 31 by ric gustafson

On March 6 1972, John receives a notice from the Immigration and Naturalization Office. The notice was to inform him that his visa to stay in America was expiring. He is to leave the country by March 15. Thanks to the quick thinking of John's business manager Allen Klein and a phone call, John was given four additional weeks. John could sense his FBI file was getting larger and larger. President Nixon had opened John's FBI file in 1969. John was starting to get paranoid. He was beginning to think that his phones were being tapped and that government agents were following him and Yoko everywhere.

On November 7 1972, Richard Nixon was reelected as President for a second term. A short time later, John's FBI file was closed.

By February of 1973, John and Yoko decide to move from their Greenwich Village apartment. They hear of an apartment opening at the Dakota building. The building located at 1 West 72nd Street on the Upper West side was regarded as the city's first luxury apartment building. The seventh floor apartment had a sweeping view of Central Park. The couple moved in in April of 1973.

research help: ' The Last Days of John Lennon' by James Patterson

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Heart of God: God is faithful

Heart of God: God is faithful by ric gustafson

According to Lamentations 3, great is your faithfulness. The heart of God is always faithful. In this life, we will have troubles and problems. God will preserve us in our difficulties. In our valley of life, we do not have to walk it alone. God will walk through it with us. God is faithful to his people, his Word and faithful to us. We need to trust God always. God loves us more than anything else.

research help: ' Heart of God' by Elisabeth Elliot

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

J Lennon page 30

 J Lennon page 30 by ric gustafson

Mark Chapman walked up to the doorman. He was holding his copy of ' Double Fantasy'.

" Is Mr Lennon around?".

" I don't know". The young man scratched his chin. " He might be out of town".

Mark frowned. He glanced around. " Do you mind if I wait and see?".

" It's a public sidewalk". The young doorman gave Chapman a stern look. " As long as you don't block the driveway".

Chapman glanced at the young man. " I won't".

" Then you can stand anywhere you want".

Chapman waited for three hours holding his album. After all that time and no Lennon, Chapman thought to himself ' enough is enough'. He hailed a cab.

" The nearest bookstore please".

At the bookstore, Chapman finds a copy of his favorite book.

It was called ' The Catcher in the Rye'.

research help: ' The Last Days of John Lennon' by James Patterson

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Heart of God: a God of justice

 Heart of God: a God of justice by ric gustafson

According to Isaiah 30, the Lord is a God of justice. Has somebody done something unjust to you?. Have you been unjustly criticized or wrongly accused?. What should we do about it?. We could take the matter into our own hands. Or we can turn it over to God. God will make it right in his own time. God has always been a just God. We may not see that justice is at work. But it is. We must be patient. God's timing is not our timing. God is a Father of justice.

research help: ' Heart of God' by Elisabeth Elliot

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

J Lennon page 29

 J Lennon page 29 by ric gustafson

In September of 1971, John releases his second solo album. It is called ' Imagine'. It was a huge success in the UK and America. It was number 1 on the UK chart. It was number 3 as a US single. 

Trouble was brewing between John and Paul McCartney. Paul's solo album ' Ram' was released in May of 1971. On that album was a song criticising John and Yoko's activism. To get back at Paul, John wrote a song for his album titled ' How Do You Sleep?".

McCartney's cover art for ' Ram' was he grabbing a ram by the horns. John made fun of that in ' Imagine' with himself grabbing a pig's ear. To add to Paul's misery, George Harrison played slide guitar on John's album.

In December of 1971, Paul released ' Wild Life'. Paul also revealed that he had formed a new band with his wife Linda. The group was to be called ' Wings'.

John was not amused at his former writing partner.

research help: ' The Last Days of John Lennon' by James Patterson

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Heart of God: Jesus wept

 Heart of God: Jesus wept by ric gustafson

According to John 11, Jesus wept. Jesus stood outside the tomb of his friend Lazarus. He was overcome with grief. Jesus wept. He knew he was going to raise his friend from the dead. To see how sin causes so much misery and suffering, Jesus wept. 

God's heart is a lamenting heart. God's heart feels our pain. When we feel suffering, God does also. God understands our sadness. God says come to me when you suffer and feel sad. In his own time, God will heal our pain. God loves us more than anything else.

research help: ' Heart of God' by Elisabeth Elliot

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

God's Promises: Hope

 God's Promises: Hope by ric gustafson

We have hopes and dreams. We hope for certain things to happen. As Christians, our hope is centered on Jesus on the cross. Our hope is Jesus's resurrection. Our hope is that we will live in heaven forever with Jesus. Our hope is the forgiveness of our sins. Our hope is to be in Jesus's heavenly family.

Praise God, Praise Jesus and Praise the Holy Spirit.

research help: ' God's Promises for New Believers' by Jack Countryman

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Heart of God: he cares for you

 Heart of God: he cares for you by ric gustafson

According to I Peter 5:7, casting all your care upon him for he cares for you. Do you ever wonder if anyone cares for you?. The answer is yes. God cares for you. God loves you with a tender and loving heart. God says give me your worries, fears and anxieties. God will show us how much he loves us.

The Apostle Peter tells us to cast our cares. God tells us to cast our burdens on his shoulders. 

God says cast your burdens on my shoulders and leave them there. Why? because the Heart of God cares for you. Praise God's name.

research help: ' Heart of God' by Elisabeth Elliot

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

J Lennon page 28

 J Lennon page 28 by ric gustafson

On September 26 1969, the band releases ' Abbey Road' in the UK. It became the band's bestselling album. George Harrison's song ' Something' was singled out as his best written song yet. On October 20, John and Yoko release ' Wedding Album'. John changed his name to John Ono Lennon. On November 25, John returns his MBE medal which was awarded to him in 1965 by the Queen. Feb 6 1970, John releases a song called ' Instant Karma'.

Turmoil was brewing with the band. The band released their final album called ' Let It Be'. The band let Paul McCartney release his first solo album ' McCartney' on April 17 before ' Let It Be'. When ' Let it Be ' was released on May 8, it went on the chart at the same time as McCartney's. 

John and Yoko were livid.

research help: ' The Last Days of John Lennon' by James Patterson

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

J Lennon page 27

J Lennon page 27 by ric gustafson

On May 26 1969, John and Yoko check into the Queen Elizabeth Hotel in Montreal Canada. While there, they wanted to stage a bed in. They wanted to be close to the New York Press Corps. John tried to get a visa so he could return to America. It was denied because of a 1968 drug possession. As he talks to reporters, John is working on a new song. It was named ' Give Peace A Chance'. It was released on July 4 1969.

On July 9 1969, a worried band finds out that John and Yoko are alright following an auto accident in the Scottish Highlands. On July 21, John begins recording a new song for the band. He rewrote the song so it could be included on the band's new album. It was originally written for Timothy Leary's Governorship campaign. The song was called ' Come Together'. The band named their new album ' Abbey Road'. The famous album cover was photographed outside the recording studio.

research help: ' The Last Days of John Lennon' by James Patterson

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

J Lennon page 26

 J Lennon page 26 by ric gustafson

On March 20 1969, John was ready to marry Yoko Ono. With the Rock of Gibraltar as a backdrop, John and Yoko arrived for the ceremony. Yoko was dressed in a white minidress, white boots, a wide brimmed hat and sunglasses. John wore a white jacket, courduroys and tennis shoes. The ceremony only lasted ten minutes. From there, they were driven to Amsterdam. There they stayed for a week at the Hilton.

John and Yoko used their hotel room number 902 to stage a bedin for peace. Two dozen reporters were invited up to the hotel room. John was asked why he used his honeymoon suite to promote peace. John thought it was as good a place as any.

On March 21, Allen Klein was appointed Apple's business manager. On April 14, John and Paul began writing a new song. It was called ' The Ballad of John and Yoko'. Even though the two enjoyed writing together, it was the last single to land at the top of the chart.

research help: ' The Last Days of John Lennon' by James Patterson

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

God's Promises: Joy

 God's Promises: Joy by ric gustafson

Happiness and Joy are not the same. Happiness is based on life's circumstances. Joy is not. When things are going well, we can have happiness. But we can have joy even in suffering. We can have joy knowing that we have eternal life with God in heaven. Heaven is a place without pain, tears or sadness. Knowing this brings us joy. John 15 says that my joy may remain in you.

Praise God's name.

research help: ' God's Promises for New Believers' by Jack Countryman

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

J Lennon page 25

 J Lennon page 25 by ric gustafson

Mark Chapman stared out the window toward the west edge of Central Park. From room 2730 of the Sheraton Centre, he could see the Dakota in the distance. From the hotel on Second Avenue, Chapman could see the seventh floor of the Dakota. Chapman knew that John and Yoko's living room was on the seventh floor.

Chapman decided to ride the subway back to the Dakota. As he listened to cassetes of the Beatles on his Walkman, he walked into the 72nd Street subway station. He smiled and walked over to a male who was standing next to a station wall. Chapman recognized the male as singer James Taylor. He walked over to him. 

" I'm a musician like you". He smiled. " I'm working on a project with John Lennon".

Taylor gave Chapman a startled look. " Is that right?".

Chapman grinned. " You know him right?".

" I gotta go". Taylor quickly leaves.

Later after the murder, Taylor remembered the creepy person he met at the subway station.

research help: ' The Last Days of John Lennon' by James Patterson

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Battlefield of the Mind: just obey

 Battlefield of the Mind: just obey by ric gustafson

Many people don't understand the gospel. The gospel said that God sent his Son Jesus to die on a cross. Jesus died on that cross so that we can live forever with Jesus. Jesus always obeyed his Heavenly Father. Non Christians think what Christians do is foolish. Satan tries to fill our minds with foolish thoughts. God says grasp obey and not reason. Sometimes God asks us to do something for him we do not understand. What we are asked to do, we do not understand. But we listen and do it because we believe,

Praise God's name.

research help: ' Battlefield of the Mind devotional' by Joyce Meyer

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

God's Promises: answered prayer

 God's Promises: answered prayer by ric gustafson

A key to our relationship with God is prayer. In I Thessalonians 5, it says God calls you to pray without ceasing. God wants to know about our concerns, hurts and our challenges. God will give us wisdom, guidance and reassurance. God will always hear us. God listens for our prayers. He promises to answer our prayers. The answer could be yes. The answer could be no. The answer could be wait. God promises to answer our prayers. That is a promise from God to us.

God loves us more than anything else.

research help: ' God's Promises for New Believers' by Jack Countryman

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

God's Promises: eternity with him

 God's Promises: eternity with him by ric gustafson

To spend eternity with God, a perfect sinless sacrifice had to be made. Only God's Son could be that sacrifice. With Jesus dying on a cross for our sins, it gave us a chance to have God's forgiveness and fellowship with him. It also gave us the chance to be in heaven for all eternity with God. Every human being will live forever in one of two places. Only believers in God can have life forever in Heaven with his Son. In Heaven we will be free from death, sorrow and pain. We will have joy, love and peace that only God can give.

Praise God's name.

research help: ' God's Promises for New Believers' by Jack Countryman

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

J Lennon page 24

 J Lennon page 24 by ric gustafson

On May 31 1968, the band starts recording a new album. John and Yoko had been watching the news. Stories about Vietnam and the Kennedy and Martin Luther King assassinations were affecting them. The word revolution was swirling in John's mind. In order to keep Yoko around, John had to break a band pact. That agreement among the band members was that wives and girlfriends were forbidden from recording sessions. One day, the band came to a recording session and noticed Yoko sitting on top of one of the amps. Paul, George and Ringo were not happy.

Trouble was brewing for John and Yoko. One day, John and Yoko's relationship became international news. It was the biggest scandal in John's life since his comment two years earlier that the band was bigger than Jesus. 

By the summer of 1968, the band put out a seven minute single called ' Hey Jude'. The B side was called ' Revolution 1'. ' Hey Jude' was Apple Records first release. It was a huge success selling more than 5 million copies.

research help: ' The Last Days of John Lennon' by James Patterson

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Battlefield of the Mind: a confused mind

 Battlefield of the Mind: a confused mind by ric gustafson

James 1 talks about a doubleminded man. This is a person who has an opinion and then right away switches to another opinion. We doubt and question reasoning. But God wants us to be open minded and not doubleminded. Satan will try to get us to be indecisive. We are afraid we will make the wrong decision. Satan wants to sneak in and steal God's will from us. God gives us the Holy Spirit who will help us not be confused and doubleminded.

God loves us more than anything else.

research help: ' Battlefield of the Mind devotional' by Joyce Meyer

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

God's Promises: the return of his Son

 God's Promises: the return of his Son by ric gustafson 

What is the greatest promise in God's Word?. God promises that his Son will come back to earth and take his children back to heaven. No one knows what day or time that will occur. Every believer can trust that promise. We are promised a victory over death. That promise is eternity in heaven. Jesus died on a cross so that we can spend eternity with him. That is God's promise to us.

God, his Son and the Holy Spirit love us more than anything else.

research help: ' God's Promises for New Believers' by Jack Countryman

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

J Lennon page 23

 J Lennon page 23 by ric gustafson

On Feb 16 1968, the band lands in Delhi India. They came to spend a month with a guru they had met in August of 1967. His name was Maharishi Malesh Yogi. He spoke about Transcendental Meditation. George Harrison right away became an early convert. He convinced the rest to come and try it. During that month, Paul and John wrote most of the songs for their next album. This angered George Harrison.

In May of 1968, the band announced the launch of Apple Records. The reason was the band needed a place to produce music but also film and clothing. 

On the plane flight back from India in April, John confessed everything to his wife Cyn. He told her about numerous transgressions he had done during their marriage. He also told her that he had never been faithful. After this, he began to spend more time with Yoko.

With Yoko by his side, John had never been happier.

research help: ' The Last Days of John Lennon' by James Patterson

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Battlefield of the Mind: a peaceful mind

 Battlefield of the Mind: a peaceful mind by ric gustafson

Nighttime is Satan's favorite time of day. At that time of day, we are usually tired and weary. At that time, Satan wants to have a battle for our mind. Philippians 4 tells us to think on good things. God wants us to think about things that are honorable, pure and lovely. With the Word of God, we can defeat Satan and his plan. We can do that even in our weakest hour. We can ask God for rest and for peace.

research help: ' Battlefield of the Mind devotional' by Joyce Meyer

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric