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

Jake and Elwood page 2

Jake and Elwood page 2 by ric gustafson

John asked Dan if he wanted to join his National Lampoon touring company. Aykroyd did but some complications stood in the way. One was that he had just signed on for another Second City show in Toronto. Plus, someone had to run his 505 Club. John understood. They agreed to meet again in New York.

In New York, John assembled his National Lampoon road show. The first to arrive in Sept 1974 was Harold Ramis. John started his new stage show in Philadelphia. The show's material was Second City and Lampoon. Others in the new show included Gilda Radner, Joe Flaherty and Bill Murray.

During the July 4th 1974 weekend, NBC President Herb Schlosser wanted to talk to Dick Ebersol. Schlosser asked Ebersol about developing a weekend late night show.

One day, a young Canadian named Lorne Michaels pitched an idea to NBC executives. By Feb 1975, Michaels was pitching a late night Saturday show called ' Saturday Night'. The show would be live from the RCA building in New York City. On April 1 1975, Michaels signed a contract for 17 shows. Now, Michaels had to find a cast.

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

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Holy Land page 1

 Holy Land page 1 by ric gustafson

I walked into the Mishkenot Sha'ananim. It 's a restaurant that looks like a guest house. It looks like a small private hotel. It caters to artists, authors, musicians and thinkers. The restaurant was maybe twenty tables. Each table had a crisp white tablecloth and a small vase of fresh flowers in the center. It was early in the morning and only one person was there. After saying Shalom, he told me to take any table I wanted. I looked out at the walls of the old city which was only 300 yards away. To the left was a low rocky valley. Limestone walls were white and streaked with age. Other limestone buildings included a white belltower, a blue cone roof on another white building. You could see Mount Zion itself. 

He puts a napkin and utensils on the table. He pulls out a chair. " Coffee?. 

" Yes and Bevakasha please".

And then I look behind him. The breakfast buffet.

research help: ' Gather the Olives' by Bret Lott

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Jake and Elwood page 1

 Jake and Elwood page 1 by ric gustafson

Pulling up to the 505 Club, John Belushi was happy. He had just performed a night of improv with the Toronto Second City troupe. The 505 Club was an after hours speakeasy. One of the Second City performers that night was Dan Aykroyd. He was usually shy around new people. For some reason, he felt at ease around John. The two felt an instant bond.

Dan and John talked for hours. John loved the blues records Aykroyd was playing on the club's phonograph. John told Dan he was from Chicago. Dan played for John blues records by Fenton Robinson and Magic Slim.

Dan told John about an idea he had for an R and B duo modeled on Sam and Dave. One of the two had been in Joliet Prison. A friend Howard Shore suggested the two call themselves ' The Blues Brothers'.

Both Aykroyd and Belushi loved that name.

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

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Prayer: pray the ordinary

 Prayer: pray the ordinary by ric gustafson

By praying the ordinary, we turn ordinary into prayer. We need to pray for ordinary days and ordinary people. We can discover God in the ordinary. Our prayer needs to be a prayer in action. Work wise whatever we do, we can offer it to God. I Corinthians 10 says do everything for the glory of God. Our prayer life must be lived. Prayer and life must be interwoven. All good work is pleasing to God. Prayer needs to be turning in the direction of God. We can pray while we are waiting in this life. 

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

no crying in baseball page 30

 no crying in baseball page 30 by ric gustafson

So what happened to those involved in ' A League Of Their Own'?.

Tracy Reiner, Penny's daughter, acted with Tom Hanks in ' Apollo 13' and ' That Thing You Do'. After portraying Marla Hooch, Megan Cavanagh had a child and became a steady working actress. Two years after ' A League Of Their Own', Rosie O'Donnell made a film called ' The Flintstones'. O'Donnell also had a very successful talk show. Tom Hanks won a Best Actor Oscar for ' Forrest Gump'. He has had many successful films including ' Toy Story'. Madonna became the biggest star on the planet.

In early 1993, Lori Petty was fired from a movie called ' Demolition Man'. She got a role in a family film called ' Free Willy'. In 2008, Petty became a director of a film called ' The Poker House'. For Geena Davis, she was cast in ' Hero' with Dustin Hoffman. She was in ' Speechless' with Michael Keaton. She also played a pirate in ' Cutthroat Island'. In 1999, she was in ' Stuart Little'.

For Director Penny Marshall, her female baseball film made over $ 130 million. Up to that point, it made more money than any other baseball film. Because of that, directing offers came her way. For Disney, Penny directed ' Renaissance Man'. In Sept of 1995, Penny directed a film called ' The Preacher's Wife'. In August 2000, Penny directed a film called ' Riding In Cars With Boys'. 

Penny Marshall died on Dec 17 2018.

The End

research help: ' No Crying In Baseball' by Erin Carlson

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

no crying in baseball page 29

 no crying in baseball page 29 by ric gustafson

On a Saturday in September, nine thousand extras tried to get into Bosse Field. It was the day Penny was going to film the Women's World Series. Penny gave raffle prizes and had publicity to get all the extras they needed that day. An Evansville news station did a segment called ' Searching for Madonna'.

Penny needed a boy to play Evelyn's son Stilwell. The audition came down to Justin Scheller and a boy who looked like Dennis the Menace. Scheller got the part. The scene was for him to get hit by a mitt and then fall over. Hanks could not do it. Instead, a grip threw it. It took 40 takes to get it right. When Lori Petty as Kit had to hit a long ball, a hidden crew member threw the ball at her.

To film the home plate pileup Geena, Lori and their doubles staged the scene. When Kit runs to home plate, she collides with Dottie. Dottie drops the ball. Kit's team wins. When Penny wanted to shoot at Cooperstown, she only had 24 hours to do so.

Then the production ended. Everyone including Penny were tired. Then Penny started on the long editing process. A song called ' This Used To Be My Playground' was used for the ending credits. Madonna sang the song.

research help: ' No Crying In Baseball' by Erin Carlson

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Andy and Don page 3

 Andy and Don page 3 by ric gustafson

Andy Samuel Griffith was born on June 1 1926. Andy's parents Carl and Geneva Griffith lived on the south side of Mount Airy North Carolina. The neighborhood where the Griffith's lived was home to people who worked at the local hosiery mills and the furniture mills. Andy's father Carl worked at one of the furniture mills.

Young Andy had blonde hair and was an only child. Andy's mother pampered him. She sewed Andy's clothes. He was not like the other boys. He did not stay out late or run wild. He seldom got dirty. He was clumsy. The other boys thought he was spoiled. For Andy, it was a constant battle with bullies. Andy was shy, scraggly and not sure how to express himself. 

In grammar school, Andy told funny stories to make the kids laugh and like him. Andy did this for self protection. Andy only lived a half mile south of Rockford Street Grammar School. 

Andy loved his father. He would sometimes come to the furniture factory and watch his father work. Thanks to Andy's mother, there was always music playing in their home.

research help: ' Andy and Don' by Daniel de Vise

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Prayer: prayer of the heart

 Prayer: prayer of the heart by ric gustafson

The prayer of the heart is intimacy with our Father God. We want God to hold us and hold our hand. According to Luke 13, we want God to love us. This prayer is also called the ' Abba Prayer'. God wants to commune with us. When we are close to Jesus, we are close to our Father God. God says to us come to me. Come to me and laugh, weep, be hugged and worship. 

The Prayer of the Heart is the Holy Spirit praying within us. We can get into the Word one passage at a time. We can speak in tongues. We can experience holy laughter. 

God through his Son and Spirit will guide us in this Prayer of the Heart.

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

Prayer: unceasing prayer

 Prayer: unceasing prayer by ric gustafson

God wants us to pray to him constantly. God wants a constant touch with him. How can we pray to God all the time with everything else going on in our life?. This has to be a process of practiced living. In I Thessalonians 5, The Apostle Paul says pray without ceasing. Romans 12 says be constant in prayer. God wants unbroken communion with us. 

We are a distracted people. We feel hurried and breathless. With our constant prayer to God, we will feel peace and stillness. To pray constantly, we must want it and want it with a passion. 

For constant prayer we need outward discipline. Then prayer moves into our heart. With prayer comes love. 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

Andy and Don page 2

 Andy and Don page 2 by ric gustafson

Jesse Donald Knotts was born on July 21 1924. Home for Don was in Westover West Virginia. Across the Monongahela River was Morgantown. By 1924, the family moved to Morgantown. Don was named for his father William Jesse Knotts. Don's father bought derelict farms, fixed them up and then sold them. When William Knotts health began to decline, Don's mother Elsie had to tend to the family's finances. 

After Don was born, the family had to move in town. Don, being the youngest of their children, had a bleak childhood. Don's father William resented his youngest son for taking away his wife's attention. Don was afraid of his father. William Knotts was twice confined to a state mental hospital.

Compared to his father, Don adored his mother Elsie. To Don, his mother was a saint compared to his father. Don loved his older brother Shadow. He was a natural comedian and always made Don laugh. Don's brother Bill was 17 years older and already on his own. Don's brother Ralph ran away from home, married and already had a child. 

Don loved his Uncle Lawrence. He owned a barbershop. He would cut Don's hair for free. Don's father Jesse Knotts died in 1937 at age 55.

research help: ' Andy and Don' by Daniel de Vise

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

no crying in baseball page 28

 no crying in baseball page 28 by ric gustafson

First thing in the morning, the female baseball players had to report to hair and makeup. The head hairdresser was Francesca Paris. She gave Geena Davis a youthful look. Madonna had her dark curls parted down the middle. Lori Petty's black hair became red.

Madonna enjoyed harassing Sam Hoffman the new assistant director. When she started coming late to the set, she sent a written apology Greenhut.

One day without warning, Bitty Schram found out she was going to do her crying scene with Tom Hanks. Only in the business for ten months, Schram cried every take. When Hanks yelled " There's no crying in baseball" Schram cried. Penny could see and hear everyone laugh. The first AD Mike Haley got the chance to play the umpire in the scene. Penny could tell right away " there's no crying in baseball" was going to be the funniest line in the whole film. Even when he wasn't required to be on the set, Hanks normally hung around anyway. His son Colin helped out on set doing various things. Sometimes Tom got to be the third camera director. He was hoping any experience behind the camera would help him with his dream of becoming a director himself one day. 

research help: ' No Crying In Baseball' by Erin Carlson

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Prayer: the prayer of rest

 Prayer: the prayer of rest by ric gustafson

All around us is confusion and chaos. Frustrations distract us. In Matthew 11, Jesus says come to me all that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens and I will give you rest. We need to rest our body, mind and spirit. Life exhausts us. But God says to us come free from strain and anxiety. God rested. We can rest in God. 

God has invited us into his Sabbath rest. The Prayer of rest is intense stillness quiet alertness. To do the Prayer of rest, we need solitude. We stop our normal activities. We simplify we come to God alone. We must also reflect. The third thing we must do is focus our mind, heart and spirit.

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