the Reluctant Beatle page 20

 the Reluctant Beatle page 20 by ric gustafson

George was still seeing Patti Boyd. George met Patti's parents Jock and Diana. Patti met George's parents Harold and Louise. Dating George, Patti received hate mail. Patti was friendly with Cynthia Lennon. She had more in common with Paul's girlfriend Jane Asher. In Feb 1965, Ringo married hairdresser Maureen Cox. Dr Walter Strach helped George find a house in Esher. It was called ' Kinfauns'.

It was decided that the band would make a second film. It would be called ' Help'. There was a soundtrack album for the film. The title song was written by John Lennon. There were two songs on the soundtrack album written by George. The first was ' You Like Me Too Much'. The other was ' I Need You'. 

In June 1965, the Queen awarded each Beatle an MBE. In August of 1965, the band played New York's Shea Stadium. The audience was 55,000. Twelve days later, the band met one of their heroes. They met Elvis Presley. 

George started playing an India instrument called a sitar. A composer of the sitar was Ravi Shankar. George really wanted to meet him. Their new album was going to be called ' Rubber Soul'. One of the tracks on it needed something extra added. George Martin thought George playing the sitar was just what he needed.

research help: ' George Harrison the Reluctant Beatle' by Philip Norman

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

the Reluctant Beatle page 19

the Reluctant Beatle page 19 by ric gustafson

The Beatles came out with an album in December 1964. It was called ' Beatles for Sale'. There was not an original George song on the album. He was frustrated because he thought of himself and Ringo as minorities in the group. He was frustrated about his royalties and his minority status around John, Paul and George Martin.

Even in the studio, John and Paul would bring in songs. Then George and Ringo would fill in with guitar and drums. In their American shows, George only had one lead vocal. It was a song he knew well. It was called ' Roll Over Beethoven'. 

Beatle fans in America knew George loved jelly babies. The American version was hard and sugar coated. Fans liked to throw them on stage. The shows gave the band discomfort, annoyance and sometimes mortal danger. The band arrived in a city under riot conditions. They had to hide in ambulances and delivery trucks. 

Joining the band on their US 1964 tour was Neil Aspinall and Mal Evans. Evans was a former Cavern Club bouncer. Now he was the band's roadie and bodyguard. During the tour, George wanted to meet his rock and roll hero's. This included Chuck Berry and Fats Domino.

research help: ' George Harrison the Reluctant Beatle' by Philip Norman

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

the Story: on their way

 the Story: on their way by ric gustafson

Abraham took the wood for the burnt offering and placed it on his son Isaac. Abraham waited 25 years for the birth of his son. God had promised Abraham an heir. Isaac was the key to the fulfillment of God's covenant. Abraham was going to carry the fire and the knife.

" The fire and wood are here". Isaac looked at his father. " But where is the lamb for the burnt offering?". 

God was now asking Abraham to sacrifice the precious blessing of his son. 

Abraham looked at his son. " God himself will provide the lamb for the burnt offering my son".

Then Abraham looked toward Moriah. Then the two started toward the unthinkable.

research: ' The Story 365 devotions' by Zondervan

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Rapture: the Resurrection

 Rapture: the Resurrection by ric gustafson

When Jesus descends from heaven, he will give a shout. He will give a shout to summon those who have fallen asleep. Paul used the term ' those who are asleep' for Christians who have died. The end of human life is not the end. It is an intermission. Death will have it's resurrection. 

Christians who have died will rise first according to I Thessalonians 4. Those Christians will be caught up with Jesus first. Then those Christians still on this sinful earth will join them in the presence of Jesus. 

God created us with eternity in our hearts. We were made for more than this sinful earth. The Apostle Paul in I Corinthians 15 said foolish one what you sow is not made alive unless it dies.

God says do not worry about the sting of death. We need to die in order to get new eternal life bodies. 

research help: ' The Great Disappearance' by Dr David Jeremiah

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

the Reluctant Beatle page 18

the Reluctant Beatle page 18 by ric gustafson

When the Beatles flew into John F Kennedy airport on Feb 7 1964, what happened was unexpected. The band was astonished to see shrieking terraces of fans awaiting them. Then the band had it's first encounter with the American media. Despite stomach trouble and being overtired, George seemed fine.

The band settled into a suite of the 12th floor of the Plaza Hotel. George attended the first rehearsal for their appearance on the Ed Sullivan Show. 

Then George came down with a case of influenza. Brian Epstein was worried about George. He had strep throat and a temperature of 104. Luckily, George's sister Louise came and nursed him back to health. 73 million people tuned in to the Ed Sullivan Show to watch the Beatles.

On Feb 25 1964, George turned 21. The band decided to film a movie quickly for United Artists. It was directed by Richard Lester. With a rock bottom budget, it had to be completed in five months. On the movie set, George met a fashion model named Pattie Boyd. They immediately started dating. The film called ' A Hard Days Night' featured a soundtrack album. Hit songs on the album included ' Can't Buy Me Love' and ' I Love Her'. The album was a critical and commercial smash.

research help: ' George Harrison the Reluctant Beatle' by Philip Norman

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Mr President page 10

 Mr President page 10 by ric gustafson

First Lady Dolley Madison rescued the East Room portrait of George Washington. British troops were terrorizing the nation's capital. British troops were burning government buildings down one at a time. The sky was orange because of the flames. Citizens of Washington were fleeing the city.

It was not easy for First Lady Madison to take the painting. It was bolted to the wall. Dolley now 46 had a steward and a gardener hack away at the frame. Dolley was determined. Compared to her husband the President, Dolley had charm and social grace.

Dolley's husband President James Madison had gone out to a Maryland battlefield to watch the fighting. He had not returned yet. Dolley did not want the painting to fall into the hands of the British. Once she has the painting, she entrusts it to two visitors. One was financier Jacob Barker. The other was shipping merchant Robert De Peyster. She also gives the two the family silver and her husband's official papers. Dolley also takes a copy of the Declaration of Independence. Then Dolley flees only hours before the British troops come. Where is President James Madison?.

research help: ' Confronting the Presidents' by Bill O'Reilly and Martin Dugard

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

the Reluctant Beatle page 17

 the Reluctant Beatle page 17 by ric gustafson

In the autumn of 1963, Brian Epstein moved NEMS to London. John and Cynthia had a son named Julian. Paul moved into the home of his girlfriend's parents. George and Ringo moved into a flat at Whaddon House.

The Beatles album ' With The Beatles' was released in November 1963. It's advance sales reached 500,000. George wrote one song for the album called ' Don't Bother Me'. It was largely ignored by John and Paul. It brought George his first songwriter royalty check. ' The Times' paper named John and Paul British composers of the year.

George flew to Benton Illinois to visit his older sister Louise. George experienced drive ins, huge barbecues and a camping trip to Shawnee National Forest.

In Jan of 1964, the Beatles next single was released. It was called ' I Want To Hold Your Hand'. It reached number one on the cashbox chart. On Feb 7 1964, the band made the most important trip of their career. They flew to the US for the first time.

research help: ' George Harrison the Reluctant Beatle' by Philip Norman

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Rapture: if we die

 Rapture: if we die by ric gustafson

Our journey on this earth will some day end. Either we will experience death. Or we will experience the Rapture firsthand. Some people consider death terrifying. We are afraid to speak about death. God's Word is not. Around 900 times it is mentioned in Scripture. God's Word describes death as a transition into something new. 

Death means separation. God's Word speaks about 3 kinds of death. The first is physical death. Our souls and spirits are separated from our bodies. Spiritual death is the separation of man from God. The third is the second death. This is when those judged at the Great White Throne judgment are banished to Hell. Those who are believers in God and Jesus will never die again.

We face the future with fear or with faith. With faith, we will not fear. Satan the Prince of Death has been defeated. Death is a journey not a destination. Death is a shadow not a reality. Death is lonely but we are never alone.

research help: ' The Great Disappearance' by Dr David Jeremiah

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

the Reluctant Beatle page 16

 the Reluctant Beatle page 16 by ric gustafson

Brian Epstein hired a former dance band singer to run the band's new venture. His name was Dick James. James set up a company called Northern Songs to handle the work of the band. The band would be almost equal partners.

1963 was called Beatlemania year. The band remained based in Liverpool. During lunchtime during the week, the band was popular at the Cavern. The band enjoyed being a part of two package tours. The first was with Tommy Roe. The second was with one of the band's idols Roy Orbison.

The previous summer, John married his art college sweetheart Cynthia Powell. She was already pregnant. George was still seeing Bernadette Farrell. George exchanged his Ford for a Jaguar Mark 2. At the Royal Albert Hall, Paul met a 17 year old actress. Her name was Jane Asher. 

When the band's fourth single ' She Loves You' came out, hardcore Beatles fans took over. They played their records. They ogled their photos in teen magazines. They got Beatle haircuts. They wore polo necks like George did. They bought Beatle merchandise. It was the year of Beatlemania.

research help: ' George Harrison the Reluctant Beatle' by Philip Norman

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Jake and Elwood page 12

 Jake and Elwood page 12 by ric gustafson

The film ' Animal House' premiered on July 27 1978 at New York's Astor Theater. The crowd included National Lampoon staffers, executives and critics. Some critics loved the film. Some hated it. Paul Shaffer helped John and Dan put together a Blues Brothers band.

First, they needed a drummer. Steve Jordan the SNL drummer was hired. SNL saxophonist Lou Marini was hired. Trumpeter Alan Rubin and trombonist Tom Malone were hired. For the guitarist, bluesmaster Matt Guitar Murphy was hired. Steve ' The Colonel' Cropper and Donald ' Duck' Dunn were also hired to fill in the band. 

John and Dan booked studio space to rehearse for their shows at the Universal Amphitheatre. After 3 days of rehearsals, the band began to click.

On September 9, John Landis wed his girlfriend Deborah Nadoolman. Afterwards, the new couple went to the Universal Amphitheatre to see John and Dan perform in front of 5,000 fans.

research help: ' The Blues Brothers' by Daniel de Vise

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric                        

Rapture: the Return

 Rapture: the Return by ric gustafson

One day, there will be three sounds that will signal the Rapture. The Rapture will be the start of the Tribulation. The Rapture will be a rescue mission where Jesus will rescue his people from the chains of death and bring his people from this world on the brink of chaos.

The first Rapture sound will be the shout of Jesus. Jesus will shout ' Come forth'. Every believer in a grave and all tombs will be opened. All resurrected believers will fly skyward to be with Jesus. Then there will be a shout from the archangel Michael. He is the only archangel named in Scripture and is the chief of all the angels. Michael and his angelic warriors will keep Jesus's believers safe. The third sound at the Rapture will be the trumpet of God. The apostle Paul calls this the ' last trumpet'. This trumpet will call all Christians to rise from the earth and meet Jesus in the air. From there, all believers will go to heaven.

research help: ' The Great Disappearance' by Dr David Jeremiah

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

the Reluctant Beatle page 15

 the Reluctant Beatle page 15 by ric gustafson

On June 6 1962, George Martin and the Beatles met at EMI studio. The studio was in Abbey Road north London. The studio practiced extreme formality.

George Martin was tall, handsome and had a cut glass accent. Martin came from a modest north London background. Martin was hoping this band could be the music success his small label needed. On August 23, Mersey Beat magazine reported that Pete Best had quit the band. Then the news came that Ringo Starr had become the new drummer of the Beatles.

Martin was eager to record the band's first single. Martin chose a song from an audition tape. That song was called ' Love Me Do'. The B side was called ' P.S. I Love You". On Jan 11 1963, the band released a single called ' Please Please Me'. In April of 1963, a song called ' From Me To You' was released. These four songs were on the band's first album. The album was an LP for long playing. The album stayed on the Record Retailer Magazine's chart for 30 weeks.

research help: ' George Harrison the Reluctant Beatle' by Philip Norman

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

The Story: an unpredictable God

 The Story: an unpredictable God by ric gustafson

Do you know an unpredictable person?. Is it us?. God had promised Abraham and Sarah a son in their old age. God delivered to them what he had promised. 

Then God commanded Abraham to do something that is unpredictable, unexpected and unimaginable. God told Abraham to take his son Isaac and sacrifice him as a burnt offering. We do not know Abraham's reaction, his thoughts or if he had a conversation with God. 

The next morning, Abraham got up and loaded his donkey. Abraham obeyed God and prepared for what he had to do. What God asked Abraham to do was incomprehensible. But Abraham always obeyed God and prepared to do what God wants. Abraham loved God. God loves us.

research help: ' The Story 365 devotions' by Zondervan

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

the $ 2.15 Thanksgiving Dinner page 2

 the $2.15 Thanksgiving Dinner page 2 by ric gustafson

Agnes yawned as she checked how much mashed potatoes and gravy she had left. A lot of people had come through her serving station. The last person in line intrigued her. He wore all white and had a dark beard.

He walked up to Duncan. " Hello Duncan".

He put some turkey on a plate. " Happy Thanksgiving Pop".

He walked up to the next serving station. " Hello Agnes".

She handed him some mashed potatoes and gravy. " How do you know my name?".

He smiled. " I know everybody here".

Yvonne walked over and put her two coffee pots on a side table.

" Hello Pop". Yvonne smiled. " It looks like you are the last person in line".

Cranberries and dessert were put on Pop's tray.

" I would like some company to enjoy this Thanksgiving dinner". Pop smiled. " I have paid the $2:15 for everyone's dinner".

Agnes frowned. " I don't have $ 2.15 to pay you back".

" You served my people just now". Pop grinned. " This Thanksgiving dinner is on me".

research help: advertisement in mail

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Rapture: the Noah factor

 Rapture: the Noah factor by ric gustafson

According to Matthew 24, the coming of the Son of Man be. Only God the Father knows when his Son will be coming back. In the days of Noah, people were drinking eating giving in marriage until the day Noah entered the ark. Jesus explained that right before the Rapture, people will be focusing on the present. Even with warnings and predictions, People will only be focusing on the present and their physical comfort. There will be prophetic warnings. People will ignore them.

Right now we are living in a corrupt generation. The earth is corrupt and violent. When the Rapture comes, the current generation will be caught off guard. Jesus explains that one will be taken and one will be left. Our hope is that we will be the one taken not left.

Jesus loves us more than anything else. 

research help: ' The Great Disappearance' by Dr David Jeremiah

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

The Story: Sarah laughed

 The Story: Sarah laughed by ric gustafson

According to Genesis 17, Abraham laughed at being a father at 100. According to Genesis 18, Sarah laughed at the thought of being a mother at her old age. God delivered on his promise that he would give the couple a son. They named their son Isaac. Isaac means laughter.

God fulfilled his promise to Abraham and Sarah. He will do the same for us.

God loves us more than anything else.

research help: ' The Story 365 devotions' by Zondervan

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

The Story: worth the wait

 The Story: worth the wait by ric gustafson

Are you in a season of blind obedience?. Will you act on a bare bones call?. Will you put one foot in front of the other and watch for God's reassuring presence?. According to Genesis 21, At the age of 100, Abraham and Sarah had a son. They named him Isaac. 

God had promised Abraham a son as an heir and descendants as countless on the seashore. Abraham and Sarah were blessed with Isaac. God asks that we step out in faith.

God loves us more than anything else.

research help: ' The Story 365 devotions' by Zondervan

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Rapture: the Rapture in 3 passages

 Rapture: the Rapture in 3 passages by ric gustafson

There are 3 passages in God's Word that talk about the Rapture. We begin with John 14: 1-3. Jesus is talking with his disciples in an Upper Room four days before he is crucified. He tells them to not let their heart be troubled. He tells them he is preparing a place for them. Then he tells them that he will come again and receive them to himself. The second passage is I Corinthians 15: 51-58. The Apostle Paul says that we shall all be changed in a moment in the twinkling of an eye at the last trumpet. Paul says that the trumpet will sound and the dead will be raised. Paul says we will be changed. The last bible passage is I Thessalonians 4: 13-18. The Apostle Paul comforted the members of this congregation by saying that God will bring all of his children to himself even those who have already fallen asleep. He told them that the dead will rise first on the day of the Rapture. Then those still here will be caught up with Jesus. Paul reassured them that we will always be with God and Jesus. Praise God's name.

research help: ' The Great Disappearance' by Dr David Jeremiah

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

The Story: blind obedience

 The Story: blind obedience by ric gustafson

When has God called you to blind obedience?. When has God called you to a bare bones call or command?. God wants us to put one foot in front of the other in faith and wait for his presence. God told Abraham to go. He did not tell him where. He did promise him a son as an heir. He promised descendants as countless as the sand on the seashore. When we ask questions to God that don't get answered, that is room for faith and trust. God will not disappoint us. God is faithful. God gives us grace.

research help: ' The Story 365 devotions' by Zondervan

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

the Reluctant Beatle page 14

 the Reluctant Beatle page 14 by ric gustafson

At the time that Brian Epstein was talking to Parlophone's George Martin, the band was scheduled to fly to Hamburg Germany. They were to help open a new club called the Star Club. George caught German measles and had to fly out the next day with Brian Epstein.

While waiting at the Manchester Ringway Airport, the two were met by the mother of Stu Sutcliffe. She informed George and Brian that her son had just passed away. Sutcliffe was a close friend of John Lennon. He was a member of the band in it's early days. George was always friendly with Stu.

In Hamburg, the band helped open a new 2000 capacity club called the Star Club. Performing with the Beatles was Tony Sheridan, pianist Roy Young and Tex Roberg and the Playboys.

The new club's employer was Manfred Weissleder. He was feared by the whole Reeperbahn district. He was the area's biggest strip club operator. It was rumored that Weissleder had close ties with the Hamburg mafia. Keeping the boys safe on this trip was Horst Fascher. He was a bouncer now employed by the new club. The Beatles knew him from previous working trips to Hamburg.

research help: ' George Harrison the Reluctant Beatle' by Philip Norman

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Rapture: A Great Day

 Rapture: A Great Day by ric gustafson

There is a Great Day coming. It won't be long. It will lift our spirits. The truth is Jesus Christ is coming back for us and soon. In II Timothy, the Apostle Paul described a great day of the Lord is near. That great day is the day of the Rapture. That date is circled on God's calendar. 

The Rapture is an event when all of us living or deceased who have put their trust in Jesus Christ for salvation and eternal life will be caught up with Jesus in the heavens. There we will be united with loved ones. We will be met by Jesus himself. Then Jesus will usher us into Heaven. There we will live in perfect fellowship with God. The Rapture is a central event in biblical prophecy.

The Rapture is a great day of hope. The Rapture is a great day of homecoming. The Rapture is a great day of healing. The Rapture will bring us a great day of happiness. The Rapture will be a great day of holiness. On that day, we will leave behind our faults, failures, shame, weaknesses and woes. On that day, we will become holy in every thought, word, deed and attitude.

The Rapture will be the greatest of all great days.

God loves us more than anything else.

research help: ' The Great Disappearance' by Dr David Jeremiah

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

The Story: Helping God

 The Story: Helping God by ric gustafson

Sarah was only trying to help God. God doesn't need our help. Sarah knew about childlessness. God's ways and our ways are not the same. Sarah suggested that Abraham sleep with their maid Hagar. Abraham agreed. Hagar conceived. Sarah was now jealous. Sarah sent her away. 

Life became very complicated for Sarah, Abraham, Hagar and her son. Complications from that union have extended to today. Muslim, Jew and Christian conflicts still abound today.

God does not need our help to fulfill his plans.

God loves us more than anything else.

research help: ' The Story 365 devotions' by Zondervan

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Rapture: chaos on earth

 Rapture: chaos on earth by ric gustafson

An event is coming that will change everyone and everything. That day will start just like any other day. People will be eating, drinking, marrying and celebrating birthdays. The news will be the same. Wars, earthquakes, famines and nation rising against nations. People will be out walking, worried about their relationships, their money, sports and music.

One day, there will be a Great Disappearance. Billions of people gone in a flash. Bodies will disappear from coffins. Patients will vanish from hospital beds. Babies from their cribs. Children from their classrooms. Cars will have missing drivers. Planes will have missing pilots. Churches will be nearly empty. 

People will be frantically searching for their loved ones. For those left behind, it will be total chaos. 

What is the Rapture?. In the twinkling of an eye, Jesus will come back for his people. A trumpet will sound and Jesus will shout with authority. As a believer, I can't wait for that moment.

research help: ' The Great Disappearance' by Dr David Jeremiah

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

The Story: count the stars

 The Story: count the stars by ric gustafson

God had promised Abraham that he would be a great nation. Abraham and Sarah were childless. So how can God keep his promise?. Abraham asked God how he was going to keep his promise?. God took Abraham outside. God told Abraham to look up and count the stars if indeed he could. God promised Abraham that so shall his offspring be. 

God gave Abraham no specific time. God did not give Abraham a due date. God gave him no real specifics. 

Sometimes, God will answer with only his presence. His presence will sustain you. 

Abraham believed God. It was credited as righteousness.

God loves us more than anything else.

research help: ' The Story 365 devotions' by Zondervan

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

the $2.15 Thanksgiving dinner page 1

 the $2.15 Thanksgiving dinner page 1 by ric gustafson

Agnes Schon walked through the swinging door from the kitchen. She stopped along with the other servers. She straightened her serving apron. She felt her threadbare jeans. She could not afford a new pair. She yawned. She was tired. This was her second meal to help serve today. Even though she was tired, she smiled. Today was Thanksgiving Day. For the shelter, it was an important day. 

She did not believe in God. But Agnes knew somebody was watching out for her. Somebody led her to the shelter and away from the streets.

Shelter Director Yvonne Nickles quietly walked out to the group. She nervously straightened her badge. She stopped and smiled.

" Happy Thanksgiving".

Everyone smiled.

" Here are your serving station assignments for the Thanksgiving meal?". She smiled. " Duncan will be serving turkey, Agnes will be in charge of mashed potatoes and gravy, Franklin will be in charge of cranberries, Otto will be in charge of dessert and I will serve coffee".

Duncan pointed. " Looks like people are coming".

Yvonne grinned. " Everyone to your serving station".

research help: shelter advertisement

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

The Story: obeyed and went

 The Story: obeyed and went by ric gustafson

According to Hebrews 11, by faith Abraham when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance obeyed and went. Abraham had faith. When God calls on us we need faith to say yes I will go. 

God called Abraham to leave his homeland. Abraham did that not knowing where he was going.

We honor God when we choose to trust and obey him.

God loves us more than anything else.

research help: ' The Story 365 devotions' by Zondervan

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

the Reluctant Beatle page 13

 the Reluctant Beatle page 13 by ric gustafson

To Brian Epstein, getting the band on a British label was the first order of business. Epstein chose Decca. The label's roster included Bill Haley and the Comets, Buddy Holly and the Everly Brothers. A Decca staff producer named Mike Smith came to the Cavern to hear the band. He was impressed. A formal audition was planned for Jan 1 1962.

The audition did not go well. Producer Mike Smith kept the band waiting. The band had to use Decca's amplifiers. The band played R and B, pop, country, jazz and Broadway show tunes. Instead of all black leather, the band was told to start wearing matching suits, shirts and ties. The new suits would be grey tweed. 

At this time, George Harrison was now 19. Paul began to date Bernadette Farrell. Then she started a relationship with George. At this time, George acquired his first car. It was a blue Ford Anglia. 

Brian Epstein began talking to 36 year old George Martin after finding out that Decca had rejected the band. Martin was head of a small label called Parlophone.

research help: ' George Harrison the Reluctant Beatle' by Philip Norman

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Mr President page 9

 Mr President page 9 by ric gustafson

In 1803, President Jefferson purchased 828,000 miles of land west of the Mississippi River. He paid France fifteen million dollars or roughly four cents per acre. President Jefferson used his executive power. Jefferson used the national bank to advance his own personal agenda. Jefferson's Louisiana Purchase was ratified on October 20 1803 by the Senate.

President Jefferson got back at Alexander Hamilton by eliminating his whiskey tax. He reduced the national debt. To explore the land of the Louisiana Purchase, Jefferson sent Meriwether Lewis and William Clark. 

When Jefferson is elected for a second term, he is 61 years old. His behavior becomes eccentric. When his time in office was finished, President Jefferson was anxious to return to Monticello. 

His coach came to take him home. The country waited patiently for the next President.

research help: ' Confronting the Presidents' by Bill O'Reilly and Martin Dugard

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

The Story: so Abram went

 The Story: so Abram went by ric gustafson

We like and need specific instructions in our life. When we plan trips, we plan how long the trip is and how will we get there. We are finite human beings we need details. It gives us some control.

God plans trips differently. God told Abram go from your country to the land I will show you. God gave Abram specific instructions. Go where I will show you. It is a definition of faith. 

So Abram went. God loves us more than anything else.

research help: ' The Story 365 devotions' by Zondervan

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

The Story: Never Again

 The Story: Never Again by ric gustafson

It's hard for us to keep our promises. But God always does. God always keeps his promises. In Genesis 9, God sent a flood to cover the earth. After the water receded, God made a promise. He promised never again destroy all life by the water of a flood. 

God put a rainbow in the clouds. It is the sign of a covenant between us and God. So when you see a rainbow in the sky smile, because it is God keeping his promise to us, 

research help: ' The Story 365 devotions' by Zondervan

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

The Story: come out of the ark

 The Story: come out of the ark by ric gustafson

Noah and his family spent time on the ark before the rain came. Then there was forty days and nights of rain. The flood lasted for 150 days. The water receded after 150 days. After 40 days, Noah sent out a raven and then a dove. The dove came back with an olive leaf.

God said to Noah " come out of the ark". So what did Noah do?. He built an altar, worshipped God and then thanked him for his faithfulness. 

Noah and his family loved God. We should do the same.

research help: ' The Story 365 devotions' by Zondervan

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Jake and Elwood page 11

 Jake and Elwood page 11 by ric gustafson

Because of the small budget, Landis decided to shoot his film at the University of Oregon. Landis encouraged his actors to embrace their roles. In Oregon, hardly anybody knew John. In New York, John was always followed by a crowd. Landis tailored the script to John's antics. He trimmed John's lines. He told John to act with his face and body. John's scenes were brief and in explosive segments. Landis only had 32 shooting days. John improvised most of the time.

After a November after party, Dan and John performed as the Blues Brothers at the Lone Star Cafe. For the Feb 18 1978 show, Chevy Chase returned as the host. It was sweeps month. Michaels was hoping Chase could help the ratings.

On April 22 1978, Paul Shaffer introduced the Blues Brothers to an SNL audience. Jake and Elwood performed ' Hey Bartender'. For that show, Steve Martin returned as host. Dan and Jane Curtin performed 'Weekend Update'. Martin performed a new musical sketch called ' King Tut'. 

John and Dan decided to cut a Blues Brothers album with Atlantic Records.

They opened for Steve Martin at the Universal Amphitheatre.

research help: ' The Blues Brothers' by Daniel de Vise

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Zevi and Yochana page 2

 Zevi and Yochana page 2 by ric gustafson

Zevi stood near the flap to the tent. He was waiting to talk to his Commander. He was thinking about his cousins. Gavriel joined one of Saul's divisions. Avidan had settled in Naioth with a new wife. He had also continued his Levitical studies.

All of a sudden, the tent flap opened.

" Captain". A 14 year old aide smiled. " He's ready for you now".

The Commander was sitting at a low table at the far end of the tent.

" Zevi". Commander Merotai smiled. " Come have a seat".

Instead, Zevi sat on the ground.

" I'll be brief Zevi". The Commander frowned. " We're going to war".

Zevi stared at the Commander. " When do we march?".

" Not yet, we still have some time". Merotai grinned. " I have a task for you".

" Anything Commander".

" I need you and the other Captains to call to arms your tribesmen". His voice hesitated. " King Saul also needs skilled metal workers and weavers".

" I will do my best Commander".

Merotai smiled. " I see promotion in your future".

research help: ' Shield of the Mighty' by Connilyn Cossette

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Mr President page 8

Mr President page 8 by ric gustafson

President Jefferson began to lay out his plan for the United States. The first thing set up was the ' Revolution of 1800'. Jefferson wanted to weaken the federal government. Jefferson believed that the Founding Fathers wanted the states to have most of the control. President Jefferson wanted to pay off the national debt. Jefferson wanted to get rid of the standing army. Jefferson wanted to heal the national divide. Jefferson spent his first night as President at the boardinghouse he was staying at. On March 19 1801, President Jefferson moved into the President's house.

President Jefferson was raised by his father Peter in western Virginia. He died when Thomas was just 14. Young Jefferson studied at William and Mary College and earned a degree in law. Jefferson began building a large plantation he named ' Monticello'. Four years later, he married Martha Wayles Skelton. Tragedy struck in 1782. Martha died suddenly after giving birth to their 6th child. Martha was only 33. Of the six children, only daughters Mary and Martha would survive to adulthood. President Jefferson never remarried.

Jefferson spent a lot of time redesigning and rebuilding ' Monticello'. He had a daily routine that he followed. He rose at dawn. He had a breakfast of coffee, hot corn bread with butter. He spent time writing letters in his study. When he was alone at home, he had a light dinner of vegetables and meat.

research help: ' Confronting the Presidents' by Bill O'Reilly and Martin Dugard

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Jake and Elwood page 10

Jake and Elwood page 10 by ric gustafson

John burst into Landis's room at the Drake. He started making demands about the script and his character. John did not like Hollywood types. Belushi complained about the scant time on film and the dialogue. Landis explained that John's character Bluto would not be in every scene. John's manager Bernie Brillstein negotiated a contract so John could be in the film. Landis knew John had no film experience. At the same time, John signed on for a film called ' Goin South'. His contract was for five weeks.

The new season premiered on Sept 24 1977. The name of the show changed to ' Saturday Night Live'. Dan and host Steve Martin introduced a new sketch about two wild and crazy Czech immigrants. Dan started doing ' Weekend Update' with Jane Curtin.

Landis decided to shoot ' Animal House' at the University of Oregon. Cast and crew assembled in Eugene Oregon in October 1977. John would work on ' Animal House' Monday through Wed. Then John would fly back to New York to do ' Saturday Night Live'. 

Eventually, John got tired of all the traveling back and forth. He was doing three things at the same time. He was doing ' Saturday Night Live'. He was flying down to Durango Mexico to film ' Goin South'. He had also started working on ' Animal House'.

research help: ' The Blues Brothers' by Daniel de Vise

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

The Story: in the ark

 The Story: in the ark by ric gustafson

According to Genesis 7, the flood kept coming on the earth for forty days. The waters flooded the earth for a 150 days. There were peacocks, pandas, polar bears and other animals. You could hear caws, growls, roars and other animal sounds. You could touch porcupines, kittens, snakes and other small animals. You could smell intense smells. When God calls, we need to obey. Noah obeyed God. 

God loves us more than anything else.

research help: ' The Story 365 devotions' by Zondervan

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Zevi and Yochana page 1

 Zevi and Yochana page 1 by ric gustafson

Zevi hid in the weeds. Next to him were his three cousins. They were watching the tribal leaders down in the valley.

" Long live King Saul".

" The King is huge" exclaimed Gavriel. " I can't wait to see them run".

Avidan smiled at Gavriel. " Cousin, the bits and pieces you found have become a sword".

Shalem grinned at Zevi. " Can you believe the new King is Saul?". He frowned. " I wish I could fight too".

" You will someday". Zevi grinned. " As long as the Philistines are crushed once and for all".

The cousins watched as the prophet Samuel lifted a scroll. " These are the words of Adonai Elohim". Samuel gestured for Saul to kneel on the ground. " Do you hear these words Saul ben Kish?". Samuel's voice hesitated. " Do you heed them until your final breath?".

Saul hesitated. " I will".

Samuel anointed Saul king of Israel.

research help: ' Shield of the Mighty' by Connilyn Cossette

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Mr President page 7

 Mr President page 7 by ric gustafson

Thomas Jefferson was eager to become President of the United States. It was to be in Washington DC. He woke up early at the Washington boardinghouse he was staying at. He shaved and had breakfast at 8:00 am. The boardinghouse was on the corner of New Jersey Avenue and C Street. He enjoyed a breakfast of coffee, muffins and cold ham. 

Jefferson's inauguration was a just a few blocks from where he was staying. He decided to walk to the Capitol Building. Jefferson was 57 years old. He decided to wear just a simple plain suit. Behind him as he walked was a crowd of police officers, local militia, congressmen and senators. It was a winter day but not too cold. Jefferson walked up the Capitol steps. He then entered the Senate Chamber. It was filled by more than a thousand guests. Supreme Court Chief Justice John Marshall gives the oath of office.

President Jefferson had his critics including President Adams and Martha Washington. But there were others who liked Jefferson including James Madison of Virginia. Madison will become President Jefferson's Secretary of State. Now President Jefferson needed to hash out his plans for the United States. 

research help: ' Confronting the Presidents' by Bill O'Reilly and Martin Dugard

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

The Story: did I hear you right?

 The Story: did I hear you right? by ric gustafson

God said to Noah so make yourself an ark. Noah thought to himself ' did I hear you right?. God gave Noah specific instructions. The ark was to be 300 cubits long. Fifty cubits wide. Thirty cubits high. The ark was to be huge. 

What would the people watching think?. Rain? falling from the sky?. 

Noah's assignment was not easy. On top of that, two of all living creatures will be coming on the ark. 

Noah loved God. He did exactly what God wanted him to do.

research help: ' The Story 365 devotions' by Zondervan

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Jake and Elwood page 9

 Jake and Elwood page 9 by ric gustafson

Matty Simmons, Doug Kenney, Chris Miller and Harold Ramis wrote a 114 page film treatment. It was called ' Night Of The Seven Fires'. Simmons shopped the treatment to all of the studios. Nobody wanted to read it. The only one who finally agreed to read it was Ned Tanen. Tanen was the production chief at Universal Pictures. Tanen gave Ivan Reitman two million to make the film.

The four writers spent several months working on a script. The title of the film changed to ' Animal House'. Ivan Reitman was going to direct the film. Universal balked at the choice. The LA comedy troupe the Kentucky Fried Theater Group had hired a director to direct their own film. The troupe's film was called ' The Kentucky Fried Movie'. That young director's name was John Landis.

John David Landis was born in Chicago. Then the family moved to LA. Later on, Landis worked in the mailroom at 20th Century Fox. 

When the script for ' Animal House' was finished, Sean Daniel gave Tanen the script to look at. Tanen loved it. He greenlit the film and gave permission to Landis to direct it. 

Landis flew to New York to meet the four writers. He decided to stay at the Drake Hotel.

research help: ' The Blues Brothers' by Daniel de Vise

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Mr President page 6

 Mr President page 6 by ric gustafson

President John Adams will only serve one term in office. He accomplished some great things while in office. He developed the American navy into a juggernaut. He forged peace with France.

But there were two people Adams had hatred toward. One was Vice President Thomas Jefferson. And the other was a man named Alexander Hamilton. Adams is worried about Hamilton's Federalist Party. Hamilton wanted war against France. President Adams refused. 

Hamilton wanted war. President Adams wanted peace. Adams wins with the Convention of 1800, war with France ends. It was a huge victory for President Adams. Hamilton fought back by supporting Thomas Jefferson for President. 

The 1800 presidential campaign and election is marred by rumor and mudslinging. It became one of the nastiest presidential campaigns in history. When the election results came in, Adams came in third behind Thomas Jefferson and Aaron Burr. Then came another vote by each state. Jefferson received 8 votes Burr received 6. President John Adams left office on March 4 1801. 

The country waited patiently for the next President.

research help: ' Confronting the Presidents' by Bill O'Reilly and Martin Dugard

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Prayer: Prayer 101

 Prayer: Prayer 101 by ric gustafson

Prayer begins with God. God is sovereign, all powerful, all present and all knowing. We pursue God because that is in us. Prayer is our natural response. First we must have a relationship with God. A conversation follows a relationship. God calls us to a relationship with him and prayer. 

No matter how good or bad our life is right now, God simply asks us to believe. Satan will always be lurking around trying to trip us up in our prayer life. 

We must come to prayer in helplessness. That is the indication of a praying heart. In helpless prayer, we make no demands. Demands to God in prayer are inappropriate. Helpless prayer is to be humble and broken before God. 

Do you know what makes God happy?. It is when we pray to him and simply say God I love you.

God loves us his children more than anything else.

research help: ' Approaching God' by Steve Brown

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Jake and Elwood page 8

 Jake and Elwood page 8 by ric gustafson

In Jan of 1977, John Belushi hurt his left knee. He had to miss out on the first show of the year. Michaels was worried. Now Chase was gone and John was out. For the Jan 15 show, Michaels introduced Bill Murray. Dan stole the show by introducing a new group of characters called the Coneheads. John returned for the Jan 22 show.

Dan, Michaels and everyone close to John were worried about him. His drug use was increasing. He was late for cast meetings and rehearsals. He always butted heads with Michaels. Michaels would fire John and then hire him back. Over time, John wrote less with Dan. Because of the drugs, John began to look sickly and pale. Yet, the audience loved him.

Dan had fallen in love with Rosie Shuster. She was a writer on the show. Because Dan and John wrote less with each other, they spent less time performing together. By the end of the second season, Dan and John were less friendly with each other.

During the summer hiatus, a script came to John. It was for a film called ' National Lampoon's Animal House'.

research help: ' The Blues Brothers' by Daniel de Vise

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Prayer: prayer of suffering

 Prayer: prayer of suffering by ric gustafson

The prayer of suffering is the suffering love. We do not pray our needs and wants. In this prayer, we give to God our difficulties and trials. Luke 23 says Father forgive them for they do not know what they are doing. We have been invited to share in Jesus's suffering. 

Redemptive suffering This suffering enriches lives and brings healing to the world. In redemptive suffering, we stand with people in their sin and in their sorrow. We pray in suffering. When we do, we are changed. Joy not misery is behind redemptive suffering. I Peter 4 says rejoice as you are sharing Christ's sufferings. 

When we suffer, we need to endure them patiently putting our trust in God. God takes our suffering and uses them to heal the world. God loves us more than anything else.

research help: ' Prayer finding the heart's true home' by Richard J Foster

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Jake and Elwood page 7

 Jake and Elwood page 7 by ric gustafson

Right before the premiere of season two, Tom Shales of the Washington Post informed Michaels and ' Saturday Night' that Chevy Chase might leave. His contract was up. Chase made a new deal with NBC to produce specials. The salaries of the cast jumped because of the Emmys and the rising ratings. 

The first show of 1976 had Lily Tomlin as host. On the October 2 show, Joe Cocker was the musical guest. He was not happy with Belushi's portrayal. Belushi quit doing the character. The October 30 show was the last for Chevy Chase. The host for the show was Buck Henry. After the show, Dan and John took a weeklong road trip. After Chase left, cast members began to wonder how long they were going to be there before leaving?.

Judy kicked John out of the house because of his increasing drug use. John crashed at Penny Marshall's. Dan's love life was improving. Dan had dated Gilda Radner and Laraine Newman. After Chase's departure, the mood of the cast was grim. Everybody was defensive.

Hosting the show's Christmas episode was Candice Bergen. During the show, Bergen was sad. By the end of the show, she could tell the show had lost it's soul. 

John and Judy got married on December 31 1976.

research help: ' The Blues Brothers' by Daniel de Vise

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Prayer: healing prayer

 Prayer: healing prayer by ric gustafson

Healing prayer should be a part of our Christian life. It needs to be a regular aspect of our spiritual journey. It should be the nature of our faith. Redemption in Jesus involves body, soul, will, mind, emotions and spirit. The healing ministry of Jesus is intended for the total person. 

Not everyone we pray for gets healed. Some are and we thank God. Some people are improved. Some people do not get healed. We do not blame the one we are trying to heal. We should put the blame on ourselves. It could be our lack of faith or our sin. One thing we need to do is show compassion.

God loves us more than anything else.

research help: ' Prayer finding the heart's true home' by Richard J Foster

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

The Story: God had regret

 The Story: God had regret by ric gustafson

A heavy burden we have is regret. We cannot rewind the clock. God had regret. He regreted that he had made human beings. Yet, when God had regret he also had a plan of action. It was a radical action. God's plan was to wipe from the face of the earth the human race he had created. 

God was troubled because human beings were sinful. They did not love him or live according to his ways. God's heart breaks when people turn away from him.

Yet God found someone who did love him. God saved Noah and his family. When we are faithful to God, he smiles. When you see a rainbow, you know that God will not do that again.

research help: ' The Story 365 devotions' by Zondervan

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Prayer: intercessory prayer

 Prayer: intercessory prayer by ric gustafson

God has given us the gift of intercessory prayer. God has given us a way to love others. God wants us to pray for others more than prayers for ourselves. God wants us to pray for others. 

Jesus is the one who intercedes for us. Jesus wants us to intercede for others. We can intercede for others because Jesus intercedes for us. 

In John 15, Jesus says abide in me ask for whatever you wish and it will be done for you. Intercession can be done individually and corporately. God loves us more than anything else.

research help: ' Prayer finding the heart's true home' by Richard J Foster

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Mr President page 5

 Mr President page 5 by ric gustafson

President John Adams loathed the press. At the turn of the 19th century, the press is partisan and personal. The second President was described as old, bald and blind. Newspapers are everywhere. 

One of the big questions in the press was should the United States get involved in European wars. Diplomatic relations between the US and France was strained. When Adams took office, he tried to clear that matter up by sending three diplomats to Paris. Anti French sentiment began. The President's Federalist Party wanted war against France. President Adams knew war would ruin the country. 

Federalist Alexander Hamilton demands the President declare war on France. Hamilton was an avowed enemy of President Adams. 

The presses hatred toward President Adams was getting worse. Adams rose at 5:00 am. He did a five mile walk. President Adams son 12 year old John Quincy walked with him. Adams had dinner at 3 with Abigail. The President and Abigail enjoyed entertaining. Abigail was 53 and the mother of 5. She managed the family farm and their cash flow. She was unafraid to share her opinions.

research help: ' Confronting the Presidents' by Bill O'Reilly and Martin Dugard

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Jake and Elwood page 6

 Jake and Elwood page 6 by ric gustafson

John Belushi had his 27th birthday on Jan 24 1976. On the March 13 show, John performed a new character. During Chase's ' Weekend Update' John became a meteorologist. John did everything he could to stymie Chase's growing popularity on the show. No matter what Belushi did, Chase remained the star. Aykroyd performed a sketch called ' The Super Bass O Matic 76'. The inspiration for it came from watching his Aunt Helene Gougeon's Canadian talk show.

The following week, Lorne Michaels was sitting at a desk. Then he addressed John, Paul, George and Ringo the Beatles. He offered the group $ 3,000 dollars to sing three songs on the show. They refused.

For the May 8 episode, Dan and John did a sketch about the Nixon presidency. Belushi played Henry Kissinger and Aykroyd played Richard Nixon. On May 17, the show won 3 Emmy awards. For the May 29 show, Dan and John did a parody of Star Trek. 

A few weeks before the premiere of Season 2, there was trouble brewing behind the scenes of ' Saturday Night'.

research help; ' The Blues Brothers' by Daniel de Vise

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Mr President page 4

 Mr President page 4 by ric gustafson

On November 2 1800, President John Adams is having breakfast in the East Room. The 65 year old Adams and his wife Abigail had just moved into the Presidents House. The mansion was far from complete. The roof leaked and the outer walls was not done yet. Because the rooms were barely furnished, official business was conducted on the ground floor. Family quarters was on the second floor. An attic was on the third floor. The East Room was where Adams always ate his breakfast. 

President Adams was 8 inches shorter than President Washington. Adams likes to talk. Washington was quieter. Adams thinks about Washington a lot. They worked together for eight years. Both men worked on the Declaration of Independence. As Vice President, Adams mostly had to cast tiebreaking votes in the Senate. Adams was not invited to cabinet meetings nor did Washington ask for his advice. 

President Adams believed in American democracy. He was a diplomat in London and Paris. He signed the Declaration of Independence. 

After breakfast, Adams heads for his new presidential office. He is a solitary man and likes things quiet.

research help: ' Confronting the Presidents' by Bill O'Reilly and Martin Dugard

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

The Story: sin is crouching at your door

 The Story: sin is crouching at your door by ric gustafson

The Lord looked with favor on Abel and his offering. But the Lord did not look with favor on Cain's offering. Cain was very angry. 

Why did God reject Cain's offering?. Maybe Cain did not offer his best to God. Maybe the attitude of his heart was not right. Maybe Cain's offering was more duty than a gift of gratitude. God knew Cain's heart. 

God cautioned Cain. He told Cain that sin was crouching at his door. Cain was angry and jealous. Cain killed his brother. 

research help: ' The Story 365 devotions' by Zondervan

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Mr President page 3

 Mr President page 3 by ric gustafson

President Washington's Secretary of the Treasury was a 34 year old former military aide. His name was Alexander Hamilton. In Jan 1791, Hamilton proposes taxing alcohol distilled in the US. Congress passes the bill. The first true challenge to federal authority happens. The farmers refuse to pay the tax. President Washington tries to persuade the farmers to go along with the tax. Washington fought the farmers for three years.

In 1794, 62 year old President Washington had seen enough. He had moved the nation's capital to Philadelphia. He likes it there compared to New York. Now in his second term, he has been dealing with crisis after crisis. British warships have been seizing American merchant vessels. In 1793, Thomas Jefferson resigns as Secretary of State. President Washington leads 13,000 men against the whisky rebels. Not a shot was fired. The whiskey rebels flee. A strong central government is affirmed.

On March 4 1797, President Washington is ready to become a gentleman farmer again at Mount Vernon. His farewell address was to reassure the people that the Constitution was strong and can stand on it's own. Then President George Washington stepped aside leaving America stronger than it was. America quietly awaits the next President.

research help: ' Confronting the Presidents' by Bill O'Reilly and Martin Dugard

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

an uncluttered Christian life: get your mind off yourself

 an uncluttered Christian life: get your mind off yourself by ric gustafson

God never intended us to have a self centered life. We were never intended to focus on ourselves that intensely. God wants us to help others. God will take care of us. To have an uncluttered life, we need to think about others than ourselves. Our lives can be so much happier if we trust God and help others. God will provide for our needs. 

Our natural nature is to worry about ourselves and that's it. But God promises to always take care of us. We do not need to worry about it. Our new nature and uncluttered life means to worry less about ourselves and more for other people.

research help: ' the joy of an uncluttered life' by Joyce Meyer

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Mr President page 2

 Mr President page 2 by ric gustafson

President George Washington's office and residence is at I Cherry Street in Manhattan New York. The three story mansion is 240 miles northeast of Mount Vernon. It was home to George and Martha and their household staff. The residence is open, there is no security detail. In addition to members of Congress, the judiciary and foreign diplomats could visit. Tuesday and Friday, others could come 

Martha Washington was not a New York gal, she was a Mount Vernon gal. She despised dressing formally and being active in the local community. Martha Washington was 57, plump and fair complexion. 

April 30 1789 was Inauguration Day. Washington was taken by carriage to Federal Hall. He steps onto a public balcony. Robert Livingston, chancellor of New York, performs the oath of office. 

Wearing a brown coat, matching vest and pants with white stockings. With his long gray hair pulled back off his face and his right hand on a bible, Washington repeats the 35 word oath of office. 

Washington picks four people to be his Cabinet. They are Thomas Jefferson, Alexander Hamilton, Secretary of War Henry Knox and Attorney General Edmund Randolph.

research help: ' Confronting the Presidents' by Bill O'Reilly and Martin Dugard

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

The Story: garments of skin

 The Story: garments of skin by ric gustafson

When Adam was placed in the garden, there was one rule. Adam and Eve broke that rule. God gave them consequences. God also gave them grace and compassion.

First, God clothed Adam and Eve. God killed an animal. This garment of skin covered the nakedness of Adam and Eve. Then Adam and Eve were sent out of the garden. The garden was now fallen populated by sinners. 

Because of Adam and Eve, our disobedience and sin has continued. But 2000 years ago, more blood was shed. The blood of Jesus paid the price for our sins. Jesus's blood has enabled us to be in relationship with God now and forever.

God loves us more than anything else.

research help: ' The Story 365 devotions' by Zondervan

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Mr President page 1

 Mr President page 1 by ric gustafson

Sitting at a small wooden desk in his study is George Washington. He was a Revolutionary War hero, Now he is a citizen farmer. He was now nearly 55 years old. He was heavily involved with the formation of the new United States of America. It was early in the morning and Washington was sorting through paperwork. He owned an 8000 acre plantation. He was meticulous in keeping financial records. 

It was February of 1787 and in two months he was going to Philadelphia to be part of a Constitutional Convention. Delegates from twelve states were going to determine the best way to choose a national leader. Other issues to be discussed were how many representatives each state will have in Congress. Also to be discussed was how to count slaves for taxation and representation.

Washington's father Augustine died of a fever. George inherited the bulk of his father's property. George's mother Mary lived on a small plantation outside Fredericksburg. She was always asking her son for money. Martha, George's wife, was embarrassed by Mary's financial requests. 

George's mother Mary Washington died on August 26 1789. Six months earlier her son on Feb 4 1789 became President of the United States.

research help: ' Confronting the Presidents' by Bill O'Reilly and Martin Dugard

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

The Story: because you have done this

 The Story: because you have done this by ric gustafson

Adam and Eve disobeyed God. But neither asked forgiveness or repented. God gave them a curse. But within this curse are reasons for hope. The serpent was cursed. Eve would experience pain in childbirth. Adam would have to work hard to wrest food from the ground. 

Yet, there are promises and hope. God's holy wrath did not mean the end of the human race. Eve and all women would know the joy of being a mother. 

With God, there is consequences and promises. There is judgment and mercy. There is God's justice and his love for humanity. That is here in Eden.

research help: ' The Story 365 devotions' by Zondervan

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Jake and Elwood page 5

 Jake and Elwood page 5 by ric gustafson

A typical ' Saturday Night' work week began on Monday. Around 5:00 pm, Lorne Michaels would have a meeting in his office. He would introduce that week's host. Then the writers would make pitches to Lorne. Their pitches could be a few words or a walkthrough of a six minute sketch.

Then the writers would leave Lorne's office. The writers would get into a team of two or three. They would eat dinner and then work on ideas until dawn. On Tuesday, writers polished scenes until dawn. On Wednesday afternoon, Michaels and the host listened to the writer's finished sketches. Then Michaels would decide which sketches would make it or not. 

For sketches that made it, work started on sets, costumes, sound effects and props. Thursday afternoon, set pieces came along with everything else needed for the sketches. 

Thursday and Friday were the blocking sessions. After dinner on Friday, the performers were fitted for costumes. Saturday afternoon was the run through of the whole show. Around 8:30 pm on Saturday was the dress rehearsal. The show started at 11:30 pm.

Dan and John had a window less office. They nicknamed it ' The Cave'.

research help: ' The Blues Brothers' by Daniel de Vise

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Jake and Elwood page 4

Jake and Elwood page 4 by ric gustafson

As the first season of ' Saturday Night' went along, John was fuming. He thought he was supposed to be the focus of the show. Instead, he noticed Chevy Chase was getting most of the attention. After an after show party, Steven Spielberg told John about a new film he was going to do. The premise of the story was about Los Angeles being seized by fear after Pearl Harbor. Spielberg thought John would be perfect to play a Japanese submarine captain. John showed Spielberg his samurai character.

After John and Dan took a cross country road trip, they both got ready for the rest of the 1975 season. For the Jan 17 episode, Michaels asked Buck Henry to be the host. John was asked to do ' Samurai Delicatessen. Toward the end of the show, Howard Shore, Paul Shaffer and the band came out dressed as bees. Aykroyd was wearing amber tinted sunglasses. He also had his harmonica. John asked the audience if they wanted to hear some blues music?. John began to sing an old Slim Harpo tune. It was called ' I'm a King Bee'. Then John did some cartwheels. The audience cheered.

Lorne Michaels could tell from the audience's reaction , something special was happening. 

The Blues Brothers was born that night.

research help: ' The Blues Brothers' by Daniel de Vise

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Prayer: Petitionary prayer

 Prayer: Petitionary prayer by ric gustafson

God wants us to ask him for things in prayer. For ourselves, it is called petitions. When it is for others, it is called intercession. Asking has to be at the heart of it. To petition is to make a request. God's Word is filled with petitionary prayer. Jesus gave the disciples instructions about prayer. It is called ' The Lord's Prayer'. Matthew 7 says for everyone who knocks the door will be opened. 

God wants us to bring our daily needs and desires to him. Why should we pray for daily needs and desires?. The reason is God wants to be asked. God is our Abba we need to pray to him.

What if our prayer is unanswered?. God knows our best interests. Maybe that's why not all prayer is answered. Sometimes God withholds his gifts from us for our good. God knows best for us.

God loves us more than anything else.

research help: ' Prayer finding the heart's true home' by Richard J Foster

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Holy Land page 2

 Holy Land page 2 by ric gustafson

On the buffet table, I see wedges of cheese, steel bowls of fruit and baskets of pastries. The table had white tablecloths, serving spoons and more plates. My coffee an espresso is put on the table. I say Toda thank you. There is watermelon a bowl of pale orange cantaloupe and cubes of cool green honeydew. There is pineapple, orange and grapefruit wedges. There are green and red grapes. There is white apple slices.

There is a bowl of dates. There is a bowl of Kalamata olives. There is green olives and black wrinkled olives. There is a bowl of diced tomatoes, red peppers, cucumbers and scallions. There is pink tuna salad in a nest of lettuce leaves. 

There is cheese. Wedges of white, yellow and orange. There is a bowl of hardboiled eggs. There is bread. There is a basket of croissants. There is sliced bread and small iced buns. There is puff pastries. And more.

Lastly, there is that herbed yogurt looking dish?. What is that called?. I heard the name Laban or Labneh?. And what is that mix of cucumbers, peppers, tomatoes and scallions?. Is it Israeli Salad?.

Whatever these dishes and food is I love them!. 

It is my first taste of Israel. So from this restaurant to the walls across the little valley a ravine actually I see low white buildings on the forested sides of Mt Zion. I see the belltower and that blue round roof.

I ask the waiter for a cappuccino?. He brings it. I say Toda. He says Bevakasha. 

Now I will tell you the story of what happened when I arrived at the airport and met Shmuel.

research help: ' Gather the Olives' by Bret Lott

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Jake and Elwood page 3

 Jake and Elwood page 3 by ric gustafson

The first person Lorne Michaels thought about for his new cast was Gilda Radner. Radner was 28 and impressed Michaels while performing in ' Godspell'. In Toronto, Dan Aykroyd was leading a cast of newcomers. These newcomers included Catherine O'Hara, Andrea Martin and Dave Thomas.

In June of 1975, Michaels and Ebersol looked at performers on the West Coast. One person they found was Loraine Newman. Back in New York, they found a black playwright and actor named Garrett Morris.

Then Michaels found Chevy Chase. He was hired to be a writer but quickly joined the new cast.

Michaels wanted to check out John Belushi at a National Lampoon show. He was impressed. He hired him. Then Michaels hired Dan Aykroyd. Michaels called his new cast the Not Ready for Prime Time Players. Michaels hired Jane Curtin.

On October 11 1975, ' Saturday Night' began. The first show George Carlin was host. Lorne Michaels manager Bernie Brillstein convinced John to a sign a contract at the last minute.

The show took place in NBC's Studio 8H. The second show featured a reunion of Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel. Michaels asked Rob Reiner to host show number 3. Candace Bergen hosted show number 4.

research help: ' The Blues Brothers' by Daniel de Vise

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

an uncluttered Christian life: keep things in perspective

an uncluttered Christian life: keep things in perspective by ric gustafson

We easily get offended  by what other people say or do. Nobody says or does things perfectly all the time. We can say no to worrying about things we have no control over. We can choose to stay in peace. Our lives can get cluttered because we get upset or offended about something or someone. 

Our lives can be uncluttered if we let unimportant things and feelings go. Satan will try to upset us. We can remain at peace. Little things can cause big problems. I Corinthians 13 says do not keep a record of wrongs. 

We need to let go of past offenses. God does not want us to lose our peace and joy. Our life will be happier and uncluttered if we forgive and forget. God loves us more than anything else.

research help: ' The joy of an uncluttered life' by Joyce Meyer

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric