the Reluctant Beatle page 41

 the Reluctant Beatle page 41 by ric gustafson

The first person signed to George's Dark Horse label was Ravi Shankar. George decided to name his next album Dark Horse as well. A tour was planned for 43 cities in November and December 1974. For a touring band, the first person George picked was a saxophonist from California named Tom Scott. George wanted Dark Horse to be run different than Apple.

Dark Horse opened an office in Los Angeles in August 1974. One day, George surprised everyone by showing up alone. A female in the Marketing Department named Olivia Arias was happy to show him around. The 26 year old Arias was from a Mexican family. Her father was a dry cleaner. Her mother was a seamstress. Smitten, George asked her to work for him. When ' Dark Horse' was released, the reviews were dismal and sales were low.

To George, his 1974 Dark Horse tour was a tiresome chore. He was fighting throat problems and chain smoking. The only positive for George was Olivia Arias. They were always together. George was invited to visit Gerald Ford in the White House. On December 15 1974, John Lennon and May Pang saw George's show on Long Island.

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

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

the Story: God's got this

 the Story: God's got this by ric gustafson

Pharaoh could see the dry land leading to the Hebrew slaves. He was thinking to himself why did I let them go?. He and his army were pursuing them. He could see them in the distance. God had gotten them to the other side safely. Pharaoh kept pursuing them.

God told Moses to stretch his hand over the sea. He did and the water flowed back over the Egyptians. Not one of the Egyptian army survived. 

When you are making a decision, look to God for guidance. He is in control.

research help: ' The Story 365 devotions' by Zondervan

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

the Reluctant Beatle page 40

the Reluctant Beatle page 40 by ric gustafson

Early in 1973, George began working on a new album. It was called ' Living In The Material World'. When it was released May 30 1973, both the album and a song ' Give Me Love Give Me Peace On Earth' shot up to the top of the chart.

Realizing that Paul was right about Allen Klein, his contract was not renewed. With the help of Billy Preston, Marc Bolan and Harry Nilsson, Ringo Starr recorded his first solo album. From the album, ' Photograph' became a hit song. The song topped certified gold in the US. At the same time, George broke a Beatles rule. He began an affair with Ringo's wife Maureen. 

In 1974, Eric Clapton was turning his life around. He overcame heroin addiction with neuroelectric therapy. He recorded a new album called ' 461 Ocean Boulevard'. He had a hit with a song called ' I Shot The Sheriff'. 

George broke his contract with Apple. He started his own label. He called it Dark Horse.

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

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

the Story: the waters were divided

 the Story: the waters were divided by ric gustafson

The people were frightened. They were on the bank of the Red Sea. Their backs were to the wall. The people could see the Egyptians coming in the distance. They were terrified. Even in their worst moment, Moses prayed.

God answered Moses's prayer. Moses stretched out his hand. God drove the sea back and turned it into dry land. The waters divided. God's chosen people were able to pass through on dry land.

research help: ' The Story 365 devotions' by Zondervan

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

the Reluctant Beatle page 39

 the Reluctant Beatle page 39 by ric gustafson

All of the Beatles were afraid of copyright infringement. The first to get snared by it was George. An American publishing company called Bright Tunes Music sued George. This complaint involved George's song ' My Sweet Lord' and a song by a black female group called the Chiffons. The Chiffons song was ' He's So Fine'. Allen Klein tried to do an out of court settlement. The case lasted for four years. 

In March 1971, West Pakistan became Bangladesh. George wanted to help them. His idea was to do a benefit concert with Ravi Shankar's Eastern music and George's Western music. The venue planned was Madison Square Garden. The bad news was the whole thing had to be planned in five weeks. George along with some of his famous friends put on two very successful shows. Proceeds from the shows were channeled to those who needed it through UNICEF. There was a dispute over which record company would release the triple disc album. Capitol won. 

In Feb 1972, George and Pattie were involved in a car crash. Both were taken to Maidenhead General Hospital. George was prosecuted for careless driving. He also lost his license for the second time in a year.

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

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

the Story: a pillar

 the Story: a pillar by ric gustafson

The people of Israel were a mixed group. But they all knew the way to go. According to Exodus 13, The Lord led the people along the way they needed to go. During the day, a pillar of cloud led the way. At night, a pillar of fire led the way. 

Today, God leads his people with the help of his Word. God's Word will give us the direction we need to go. That is God's promise to us.

research help: ' The Story 365 devotions' by Zondervan

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

the Reluctant Beatle page 38

 the Reluctant Beatle page 38 by ric gustafson

On New Year's Eve 1970, Paul McCartney filed a lawsuit against Apple and his former bandmates. The reason for the legal action was to take the Beatles finances out of Allen Klein's control. For many reasons, Paul wanted the dissolution of the band. John and George knew the tax implications if Paul's lawsuit was successful. 

On Feb 17 1971, the High Court met before Mr Justice Stamp. Paul was the only Beatle present. John George and Ringo sent written statements to the court. On March 12 1971, the High Court ruled in favor of the band not Allen Klein.

One day, Pattie received an urgent express letter. In it, Eric Clapton confessed adoration for her. To show her it was real, Clapton called her and verified his feelings for her. When George was recording ' All Things Must Pass', Clapton was in charge of his all star studio band. 

George found out Clapton's true intentions about Pattie at a party at Robert Stigwood's house. George found Pattie outside in the garden with Clapton. Eric told George he was in love with his wife. Clapton wrote a song called ' Layla' to profess his love for Patti.

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

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the Story: and go

 the Story: and go by ric gustafson

Pharaoh had had enough. He summoned Moses and Aaron. He told them to gather their people and go. He said take your flocks and herds and people and go. He said hurry and leave the country.

After being in Egypt for 430 years, 600,000 men had to quickly leave. Adding women and children made it 1 to 2 million. All of these people were now on the move. 

Who can handle the logistics of that many people at the same time?. The people needed food and water to survive. Nothing is too complex for God. 

research help: ' The Story 365 devotions' by Zondervan

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

the Reluctant Beatle page 37

 the Reluctant Beatle page 37 by ric gustafson

George began working on his first solo vocal album. ' All Things Must Pass' was a song George presented to the band for ' Get Back'. The song was rejected. George had 17 songs ready to go. He recorded the album at Abbey Road. Producing the album was Phil Spector. Helping George with the album was Eric Clapton, Ringo Starr, Billy Preston, Peter Frampton and Phil Collins. 

' All Things Must Pass' became the title of the album. The album had to be made quickly because John and the Plastic Ono Band was scheduled to record a new album at Abbey Road. Instead of two months, it took five months for George to finish it.

George's mother Louise died on July 8 1970. She was 59 and had brain cancer. His father Harold agreed to live at Friar Park with George and Pattie.

' All Things Must Pass' was released in November 1970. The triple album was a success with mostly positive reviews. It topped the chart in England for eight weeks. In America, it topped the chart for seven weeks. One of the songs on the album was ' My Sweet Lord'. It became the first single by a solo Beatle to reach number one.

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

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

the Story: instructions

 the Story: instructions by ric gustafson

How do you handle instructions?. Do you follow them loosely?. Some people follow instructions in every detail. 

In Exodus 12, God gives the people specific instructions. God told the people that the Destroyer was coming to decimate the Egyptian population. God's specific instructions was for each Hebrew family to kill a lamb. Then they were to use a branch of hyssop and put some of the lamb's blood on the top and both sides of the door frame. God said that the Destroyer when he sees the blood will pass over that doorway. God's instructions are for our good.

research help: ' The Story 365 devotions' by Zondervan

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

the Reluctant Beatle page 36

 the Reluctant Beatle page 36 by ric gustafson

By the release of ' Let It Be', the band members had now gone their seperate ways. John had several projects involving Yoko which included two singles and a live album. Paul had a new solo album with Linda. Ringo had a new album of standards. George already had two instrumental albums out. Paul's new album was coming out April 17 1970. The band's new album ' Let It Be' was scheduled to come out May 8 1970. Ringo's new album ' Sentimental Journey' was scheduled to come out March 27 1970. On ' Let It Be' George had two songs on it. The first was ' I Me Mine'. The second was ' For You Blue'.

One day, George came home from Apple with a new assistant. Her name was Chris O'Dell. She joined another personal assistant Terry Doran.

O'Dell noticed right away three sides to George. George could be friendly, funny and gossipy. Another side to George was that he could be uptight, hypercritical and always making sarcastic remarks. The third side to George was his chanting under his breath and performing spiritual rants. Instead of dressing like a rock star, George began wearing old gardening clothes, shapeless hats and rubber boots.

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

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

the Story: a stubborn heart

 the Story: a stubborn heart by ric gustafson

Human beings deal with rivalry, conflict and competition. Sometimes the stakes are high. The stakes were high for Moses and Pharaoh. 

Moses and Aaron went before Pharaoh. Aaron's staff became a snake. Aaron held his staff over the Nile. The Nile became blood. Moses and Aaron commanded frogs to fill Egypt. All of these things Pharaoh's magicians were able to do the same. Every time God sent a plague including gnats, flies, boils, hail, locusts and darkness, Pharaoh told Moses take the people and go. Each time Pharaoh changed his mind. Each time, Pharaoh's heart hardened even more. Every time a plague came, God's people were not harmed. 

How can God soften a stubborn heart and fill it with hope?.

research help: ' The Story 365 devotions' by Zondervan

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

the Story: I am the Lord

 the Story: I am the Lord by ric gustafson

God promises his presence. But sometimes you feel all alone. He promises us strength. Sometimes we feel lack of joy. When Moses first visits Pharaoh, it does not go well. The Hebrews suffered because of it. Pharaoh punished the Hebrews by making them gather their own straw for brick making. Their quota of bricks did not change.

The Hebrews grumbled about Moses. Moses went to God for answers. He told Moses again about his promises. Moses chose to believe God's promises.

research help: ' The Story 365 devotions' by Zondervan

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

the Reluctant Beatle page 35

 the Reluctant Beatle page 35 by ric gustafson

When George saw Friar Park for the first time, he fell in love. It was built in the 1890's by a wealthy London solicitor. His name was Sir Frank Crisp. The property was late 19th century Gothic architecture. It had spires, turrets, pointed arches and grimacing gargoyles. Friar Park had 25 bedrooms, a library, a ballroom, a fireplace twenty five feet high and a curving staircase. Crisp had a Disney mind set. The 65 acre grounds had tunnels, caves and a lake with skipping stones. Sir Frank Crisp died in 1919. The property had fallen on hard times. If George and Pattie had not bought the property, it would of been demolished.

George and Pattie bought Friar Park and moved in in March 1970. George had just turned 27. As a small boy, George loved architecture. With maps and blueprints, George went to work right away transforming Friar Park to Victorian pomp.

The abandoned ' Get Back' project became an album called ' Let It Be'. Two of the powerful songs on the album were ' The Long and Winding Road' and ' Let It Be'. Producer Phil Spector punched up ' Hey Jude'. This made Paul outraged. The documentary was also called ' Let It Be'.

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

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

the Reluctant Beatle page 34

 the Reluctant Beatle page 34 by ric gustafson

Allen Klein was determined to get rid of anyone harming Apple finances. While George worked on two solo instrumental albums, the  first at Apple to be let go was Ron Kass. He was the American boss of Apple Records. George helped with Billy Preston's first album on Apple. On August 22 1969, the band posed for their last group photograph.

The band's contract with Capitol was about to expire. Paul and his new family had retreated to a farm in Scotland. John had formed a band called the Plastic Ono Band. A rumor had started that Paul was dead. ' Abbey Road' was released on September 26 1969. It was successful for the band. The album sold 4 million copies in 2 months. George's song ' Something' was the album's showpiece track.

' Something' was about the Harrison's marriage. George did not know about Eric Clapton's infatuation with his wife Pattie. Pattie had been dealing with George's coldness, obsessive meditating and blatant infidelities.

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

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

the Story: please send someone else

 the Story: please send someone else by ric gustafson 

Moses was tongue tied. God asked Moses to go to Egypt and liberate his people. Moses told God he was not eloquent and he was slow of speech and tongue. Moses was tongue tied. God told him that he would help him speak and will teach him what to say. Then Moses told God to please send someone else. Then God got angry with Moses. God got Aaron to go with Moses. 

God's plan would continue.

research help: ' The Story 365 devotions' by Zondervan

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

the Story: I will be with you

 the Story: I will be with you by ric gustafson

God could not look away from the suffering of his people in Egypt. He had seen the misery his people was going through. God had heard their crying. God was concerned about their suffering. 

God had a plan. He was going to send Moses to Pharaoh to bring his people out of Egypt. God made a promise to Moses. He told Moses " I will be with you".

research help: ' The Story 365 devotions' by Zondervan

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

11-13-2022 page 1

 11-13-2022 page 1 by ric gustafson

Michael Kohberger yawned as his plane landed at the Moscow Idaho Regional Airport. The twin engine Embraer E170 jet took an hour or so to fly there from Seattle. It was a long walk from the jet to the squat single story terminal. It was a northwest winter. The small airport was lonely, desolate and very cold.

To Michael's relief, his 28 year old son Brian Kohberger had come to pick him up.

From the Moscow Idaho Airport, it was just a 12 minute drive across the state line to Pullman Washington. At Washington State University, Brian had just finished his first semester as a PHD candidate in criminal justice. That accomplishment was an academic success story. Brian was just a mediocre high school student. After high school, Bryan went to a local community college. Then he earned a BA in psychology. Then Bryan got a Master's in criminal justice. Then Bryan was accepted into Washington State University's acclaimed doctoral program. 

So why did Michael Kohberger make a trip all the way across the country to meet up with his 28 year old son?.

research help: ' When The Night Comes Falling' by Howard Blum

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

the Story: Here I Am

 the Story: Here I Am by ric gustafson

Sometimes God makes himself known subtly. And sometimes he makes himself known with his power and presence. God usually chooses a unique way to make his presence known. So how did he make his presence known to Moses?.  God set a bush on fire in a sandy desert. From the bush, God called for Moses. Moses replied " Here I Am". God told him not to come any closer to the bush, it was holy ground. 

Moses hid his face. He was afraid to look at God.

Life is a mystery. Look for God's presence.

research help: ' The Story 365 devotions' by Zondervan

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

4-3-1882 page 9

 4-3-1882 page 9 by ric gustafson

Jesse felt sweat on his brow. " Boy, it's hot outside". He took off his black coat and black vest. He folded them and put them on an oak bed. Then Jesse took off his two holsters and put the revolvers on the mattress.

Then Jesse noticed a picture of a racehorse on a nearby wall. Jesse noticed that the picture was dusty. From a wicker sewing basket, Jesse pulled out a furniture duster. To reach the picture, Jesse moved a chair over a rug. He climbed up on it. As he dusted the picture, his back was facing Bob and Charley.

Bob moved in between Jesse and his two revolvers. Bob pulled out his .44. Charley pulled out his Smith and Wesson. Bob aimed his revolver one inch to the rear of Jesse's right ear.

Bob Ford pulled the trigger.

The End

research help: ' The Assassination of Jesse James by the coward Robert Ford' by Ron Hansen

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

4-3-1882 page 8

 4-3-1882 page 8 by ric gustafson

The next morning April 3 1882, Bob woke up at sunrise. Jesse's wife Zee was already making breakfast. Bob put on nut brown trousers and boots.

Jesse yawned as he walked out of the master bedroom. " I could of slept longer".

Bob and Jesse sat down for breakfast. While Zee served them fresh biscuits and jam, Jesse began to look at the morning edition of the Kansas City Times.

Jesse frowned. " This article talks about the surrender of Dick Liddil".

Charley looked surprised. " You don't say".

Jesse stared at Bob. " You told me you did not know anything about Liddil?".

" I don't".

Jesse scratched his chin. " It says Liddil turned himself in 3 weeks ago".

Jesse looked at Charley. " Are you ready to go?".

Charley stared at Bob. " I will be by noon".

research help: ' The Assassination of Jesse James by the coward Robert Ford' by Ron Hansen

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

4-3-1882 page 7

 4-3-1882 page 7 by ric gustafson

4-2-1882 was Palm Sunday. While the others went to church, Bob stayed home. When they returned, Bob was oiling his revolver. Jesse, Zee, Charley and Bob enjoyed a picnic lunch along a river.

At one point, Jesse looked at Bob. " Can we talk a minute Bob?".

" Sure". He smiled. " I've got nothing better to do".

" Someone told me you've been spending a lot of time in Kansas City?". Jesse's voice hesitated. " Is that true?".

" Yes, that's true".

Jesse frowned. " Have you seen Dick Liddil lately?".

" No".

Later, Charley and Bob were trying to fall asleep in a shared bed.

" I'm scared Bob".

" Why?".

" On our trip tomorrow to rob the Platte City bank?".

" Yes".

" Jesse's going to slit our throats while we are in the woods".

" No, he's not". Bob shook his head. " Go to sleep".

research help: ' The Assassination of Jesse James by the coward Robert Ford' by Ron Hansen

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

the Reluctant Beatle page 33

the Reluctant Beatle page 33 by ric gustafson

The Apple rooftop performance brought the band to a halt. The band left their abandoned ' Get Back' album to the care of George Martin and Glyn Johns. The two also became in charge of the television documentary.

In the spring and summer of 1969, the band and George Msrtin started working on what became their last album. Titled ' Abbey Road', the band decided on a simple cover photograph. The band walked out the front entrance of EMI studio and in single file walked across the zebra crossing. 

Songs on the last album included ' Maxwell's Silver Hammer', ' Octopus's Garden', ' Because' and ' Sun King'.

George had two songs on the album. The first was ' Here Comes The Sun'. The song was inspired by a day in Eric Clapton's garden. The second song many have argued is the best song George has ever written.

The song is called ' Something'.

With the release of ' Abbey Road', the band went their seperate ways for good.

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

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

the Story: crime of passion

 the Story: crime of passion by ric gustafson

Moses watched his own people suffer working at hard labor. He watched in horror as an Egyptian was beating a Hebrew. Then Moses did what some people call a crime of passion. He did an unpremeditated action. 

What crime of passion did Moses do?. He killed the Egyptian. Then Moses hid the body in the sand. Moses could not stand idly by. 

When Pharaoh found out, he tried to kill Moses. Moses knew he had to leave Egypt. He had a price on his head. Moses had to flee to the desert. He did so for 40 years. Then God had another plan for Moses.

research help: ' The Story 365 devotions' by Zondervan

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

4-3-1882 page 6

 4-3-1882 page 6 by ric gustafson

On Jan 5 1882, Bob Ford walked into a law office. A young apprentice attorney at law looked at Bob. " Can I help you?".

" I'm looking for Commissioner Craig?".

The young man stared at Bob. " What business do you have with the Commissioner?".

" I have information about the James Gang".

" Wait here". The young man walked into a different room. After a while, the young man returned with a man in his late forties following behind.

" I'm Commissioner Craig". He smiled. " My assistant says you have information about the James Gang".

" Yes, I want to being them to justice".

Craig stared at Bob. " The whole James Gang".

" Just one at a time".

" Who sent you?".

" Sheriff James Timberlake of Clay County".

research help: ' The Assassination of Jesse James by the coward Robert Ford' by Ron Hansen

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

October 1962 page 10

October 1962 page 10 by ric gustafson

The Cabinet Room was filled with men President Kennedy trusted. The President stared at General Carter. " Tell us what's going on?".

The General passed out photographs to everyone in the room. " These photographs were taken October 14 from a U-2 flight".

The President looked at the photograph. " General, what does this photograph show?".

" This photograph shows a Soviet missile launching site near San Cristobal".

Bobby held up the photograph. " General, can you be more specific?".

" Sure". The General's voice hesitated. " The vehicles you see are carrying fuel".

" Continue General".

" What you see sheltered upon trailers are missiles".

President Kennedy frowned. " How long are they General?".

" Eighty feet long".

" General, do you think these missiles have nuclear warheads?".

" Not from this photo Mr President". The General's voice hesitated. " The length tells me they are medium range ballistic missiles".

" General, we will monitor those bases with U-2 flights". President Kennedy smiled. " Thank you General".

research help: ' The Shadow of War' by Jeff Shaara

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

the Story: I drew him out of the water

 the Story: I drew him out of the water by ric gustafson

According to Exodus 2, the mother took the baby and nursed him. The child grew older. Then the mother took the child to Pharaoh's daughter. The child had been raised by Hebrew parents. But now the child was going to be raised in Pharaoh's palace. The child was going to be given a different kind of education. Now he was going to learn about leadership and the workings of the Egyptian government. The palace was now his home. The Egyptian language his adopted tongue. 

Pharaoh's daughter named her son Moses. His name meant ' I drew him out of the water'.

research help: ' The Story 365 devotions' by Zondervan

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

4-3-1882 page 5

 4-3-1882 page 5 by ric gustafson

Jesse James walked up to the cabin door. He noticed Ed Miller on the other side of the door holding a gun.

Ed snarled. " You come by for a visit Jesse?".

" Are you going to let me in Ed?".

He opened the door. Jesse walked into a messy kitchen, Dishes were stacked on a kitchen table. Food in a kitchen sink were getting moldy.

" Not much of a housekeeper are you Ed?".

Ed put his gun on a table. " I get the feeling this is not a social call".

Jesse looked around the unkept house. " You ought to get yourself a wife Ed".

He shrugged a shoulder. " I'll think about that".

" It's a beautiful day Ed". Jesse walked up to a window and looked out. " Let's go for a ride".

" Ok". Ed got his gun. They walked out and got on their horses.

They rode into a nearby cluster of trees.

" I've been hearing things Ed".

" Whatever you heard is a lie Jesse". He nervously fingered his gun. " Jim Cummins and I are not going to turn you in for reward money".

Before Ed could draw his gun, Jesse pulled his out and shot Ed in the cheek. He fell off his horse dead.

Jesse quietly rode away. " You ought to get better at lying".

research help: ' The Assassination of Jesse James by the coward Robert Ford' by Ron Hansen

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

the Story: a basket among the reeds

 the Story: a basket among the reeds by ric gustafson

The mother loved this 3 month old baby so much, she made a basket large enough for the baby, The mother also waterproofed the basket so the basket could be in the waters of the Nile. 

God had a plan. Pharaoh's daughter came out to bathe just as the basket with the baby inside floated by. The baby cried. Pharaoh's daughter heard the cry. Then God planned for a Hebrew woman to nurse the baby. Pharaoh's daughter agreed to this. So the baby's actual mother came to nurse the baby.

God has a plan for everyone to be where he wants and needs them to be.

Praise God's name.

research help: ' the Story 365 devotions' by Zondervan

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

The Reluctant Beatle page 32

 The Reluctant Beatle page 32 by ric gustafson

When George found out about Allen Klein, he was recovering from a tonsillectomy at London's Union College Hospital. He had to be hospitalized for several days. When his voice got better, George met with Allen Klein and Lee Eastman. John, George and Ringo voted for Klein to help them. Paul chose Lee Eastman instead.

On March 12, Paul married Linda Eastman in a civil ceremony. On the same day, Detective Sergeant Pilcher paid a visit to George and Pattie's house. With the help of a sniffer dog, hashish was found in one of George's shoes. No one in the band went to Paul's wedding. 

George and Pattie were arraigned and had to make bail. At the same time, John and Yoko were getting married at the Rock of Gibraltar.

On March 31, George and Pattie pleaded guilty to possessing cannabis. At the same time, John and Yoko were having a bed in in Amsterdam.

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

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

the Story: civil disobedience

 the Story: civil disobedience by ric gustafson

When there is a change of leadership, it is not always smooth. The new leader is not always respected. A change of regime could be disastrous. This was true for the Hebrews under Pharaoh. Pharaoh was aware of the vast number of Israelites. He was afraid that  the Hebrews would become Egypt's enemies. So what was Pharaoh's solutions?. One was brutal slavery for God's chosen people. The other was the ruthless slaughter of Hebrew baby boys. 

But one woman ignored that slaughter. According to Exodus 2, she hid a Hebrew baby boy for 3 months. The stage was now set for God to work. She chose God's law not the world's rules.

research help: ' The Story 365 devotions' by Zondervan

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

the Reluctant Beatle page 31

 the Reluctant Beatle page 31 by ric gustafson

George was really mad at Paul. " Okay, see you around the clubs". He left the building and drove home. John asked Neil Aspinall if Eric Clapton was available. George told Pattie he had walked out of the band. John, Yoko and Ringo tried to get him to come back. 

George came back under two conditions. First, the band would work on the new album at 3 Savile Row instead of Twickenham. Second, Billy Preston was asked to come and play on the new album. Instead of George Martin, John did not want editing or overdubbing.

The band was upset because Apple was draining most of their money. Yoko was a regular now in the studio. Also coming now was Linda Eastman, her daughter Heather and sometimes Pattie. The band decided that their one off concert would be on the roof of the Apple building.

For the band's legal issues, John sought out New Jersey born accountant Allen Klein. Klein promised the band that he would clean up their mess at Apple. Paul complicated matters even more by asking Lee Eastman Linda Eastman's father to take care of the Apple mess.

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

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

the Story: Don't be afraid

 the Story: Don't be afraid by ric gustafson

When we become a Christian, we tend to look at our past. Events that made no sense then make perfect sense now. Painful and pointless things that happened in our earlier life now become very clear. 

Joseph's story starts with his brothers evil and jealous motives. Joseph was sold into slavery. God took care of Joseph and put him in a position of authority and power. Even though Joseph's father Jacob died, Joseph does not want revenge. 

Because of God, Joseph was kind to those who hurt him the most. God makes beauty out of ashes.

research help: ' The Story 365 devotions' by Zondervan

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

October 1962 page 9

 October 1962 page 9 by ric gustafson

President Kennedy was sitting in the conference room. Sitting across from him was CIA counsel John McCone and Defense Secretary Robert McNamara. As usual, Bobby was standing in a corner.

McCone spoke up. " Why Mr President did you pull the U-2 flights away from Cuban airspace?".

" We moved the flights". Bobby stared at the counsel. " To avoid another shoot down".

" Mr President, the U-2 is the most effective reconnaissance we have".

The President spoke up. " Why would the Soviets want to install offensive missile systems in Cuba?".

McCone frowned. " Because Cuba is in direct proximity to the US".

The President scratched his chin. " What would you suggest counsel?".

" I suggest Sir we use the U-2 planes again to do a fly over of the western end of the country especially San Cristobal".

" Ok counsel". President Kennedy nodded his head. " That is what we'll do".

research help: ' The Shadow of War' by Jeff Shaara

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

The Story: God sent me here

 The Story: God sent me here by ric gustafson

Joseph could have put blame on his brothers. But he didn't. Joseph decided to rest in God's sovereignty. Joseph celebrated the goodness not the painful, lonely dark years he experienced. Joseph saw God's redemptive actions. Joseph extended God's grace to his brothers. Joseph's life now made sense. Joseph rejoiced in God's story. Joseph now knew he was sent there for a special purpose.

research help: ' The Story 365 devotions' by Zondervan

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

the $ 2.15 Christmas dinner page 2

the $ 2.15 Christmas dinner page 2 by ric gustafson

Agnes recognized Santa right away. " Pop". She walked over and hugged him.

Pop put down his red bag. " I have missed all of you".

Agnes smiled. " I was hoping you would come back".

Pop took a present out of his bag. He handed it to Duncan. " Merry Christmas Duncan".

" Merry Christmas Pop".

Pop took a present out of his bag. He handed it to Yvonne. " Merry Christmas Yvonne".

" Merry Christmas Pop".

Pop took a present from his bag. He handed it to Agnes. " A free gift to a special friend". Pop smiled. " Merry Christmas Agnes".

Agnes smiled back. " Thank you Pop".

" I must be going". Pop stood up with his bag. " I have a lot more presents to hand out tonight".

Agnes frowned. " Will we see you again?".

" Of course". Pop smiled. " I will be back on New Year's Eve".

Later, Agnes opened her gift. Enclosed was a little card. On that card were the words ' Eternal Life'.

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Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

The Story: a family reunion

 The Story: a family reunion by ric gustafson

Family reunions can be emotional. Emotions such as old hurts, buried feelings and unresolved issues could surface. In Genesis 45, we have a family reunion. Joseph had a meal for his brothers. Then Joseph put a cup in Benjamin's bag of grain. This was so the youngest brother looked like a thief. 

The ploy worked. Benjamin was sentenced to become Joseph's slave. The other brothers could not return without their youngest brother. Jacob would die of a broken heart. 

Joseph knew it was time. He looked at his brothers. " I am Joseph".

research help: ' The Story 365 devotions' by Zondervan

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

The Reluctant Beatle page 30

 The Reluctant Beatle page 30 by ric gustafson

For the first two years of their marriage, George was sweet and kind to Pattie. Then the obsessive meditating and chanting began. This led George to be moody and irritable. George forced Pattie to give up her successful modeling career. When Pattie and George got together with Clapton and his girlfriend Charlotte Martin, Pattie never noticed that Clapton was gazing at her.

After the success of the ' White Album', Paul was already thinking about what the band could do next. Paul knew the band did not want to go on the road again. Paul came up with the idea of a television documentary of the band working on a new album. This was to take place in a studio. The climax would be a one off live performance. 

Paul's song ' Get Back' would be the title of the album and documentary. The project began on Jan 1 1969. The studio was the Twickenham Film Studio. Instead of George Martin, the band picked Glyn Johns to be the producer. For the documentary, Michael Lindsay Hogg was chosen to direct it. Along with Yoko, Paul's girlfriend Linda Eastman was taking a lot of pictures. After a while, tensions began between Paul and George. George hated being there.

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

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

The Story: hunger pangs

 The Story: hunger pangs by ric gustafson

When we have access to food, famine is hard to imagine. Jacob and his family had eaten all the grain Joseph had given them. They were hungry again. They knew they would have to go back to Egypt and ask Joseph for more food. They also knew that if they go back, they would have to bring Benjamin with them. 

The brothers did not want to do that, they had no choice. They all had hunger pangs. They had no choice. So they went back to Egypt this time with Benjamin.

research help: ' The Story 365 devotions' by Zondervan

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

October 1962 page 8

 October 1962 page 8 by ric gustafson

Bobby watched the silver haired gentleman as he entered his office. He stood up and shook Anatoly Dobrynin's hand. He pointed toward a heavy leather chair. " Have a seat".

The man sat down. " Thank You Mr Attorney General".

" So Mr Ambassador". Bobby sighed. " This meeting  is at your request".

" The Premier is concerned about what Senator Keating has been saying?".

" Senator Keating is a talker". Bobby frowned. " Midterm elections are coming up in November".

" We are supplying the Cuban people with the means to better defend themselves".

" I will be blunt Mr Ambassador". Bobby's voice lowered. " Does that include ground to ground missiles?".

" Please reassure President Kennedy that only ground to air antiaircraft batteries are being placed".

Bobby gave Dobrynin a stern look. " Which means?".

" They are short range". The Ambassador grinned. " They will do no harm to the United States".

research help: ' The Shadow of War' by Jeff Shaara

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

The Story: you are spies

 The Story: you are spies by ric gustafson

Because of Pharoah, Joseph became the governor of the land. Joseph's brothers arrived to see him. They needed grain to live. When they came before Joseph, they bowed down to him with their faces to the ground. They did not recognize their brother. Joseph recognized them right away. Joseph asked where they came from?. Joseph accused them of being spies. Joseph gave them food on the condition that he could see Benjamin their youngest brother. One of Joseph's brothers had to stay as collateral.

research help: ' The Story 365 devotions' by Zondervan

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

the Reluctant Beatle page 29

 the Reluctant Beatle page 29 by ric gustafson

Ahead of the band's double album, Paul came in with a new song. He was worried about John's 5 year old son Julian. The little boy had been watching the collapse of his parent's marriage. When Paul first played ' Hey Jude' to the others, George right away came up with a lead guitar part. Paul nixed it right away. He wanted his own piano with backing vocals.

One day, George was reading from an ancient Chinese text. The first two words he read was ' gently weeps'. George wrote a song called ' While My Guitar Gently Weeps'. George asked Eric Clapton to come to Abbey Road and play on the recording. Paul was at the studio and helped George and Eric finish the song. 

The double album was finished on October 14. George had 4 songs on the double album. The first was ' While My Guitar Gently Weeps'. The second was ' Savoy Truffle'. This was based on a certain kind of chocolate. The third was ' Long Long Long'. The fourth was ' Piggies'. George finished the song with the help of his mother Louise. The new album was nicknamed ' the White Album'.

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

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

the $ 2.15 Christmas Dinner page 1

 the $ 2.15 Christmas Dinner page 1 by ric gustafson

Duncan handed Marsha a plate of baked ham. " Merry Christmas Marsha".

The young woman smiled. " Merry Christmas to you".

Agnes gave a plate of mashed potatoes and gravy and cranberries to the young woman. " Merry Christmas Marsha".

" Merry Christmas to you too Agnes". She put the plate on her tray. " Because of you, I will have a nice dinner today". She sat down at a table.

Yvonne, after making sure everyone had dessert and coffee, walked over to Agnes and Duncan. She put her coffee pot on a tray. " Marsha was the last in line". She smiled at her two helpers. " Now we can eat".

After the three had eaten, Duncan dabbed his mouth with a napkin. " That was a great Christmas dinner".

" Thank you Duncan". Yvonne smiled. " We cannot do this year after yesr without volunteers like you and Agnes".

Just then, the front door opened. Someone dressed like Santa walked in. He was holding a red bag.

" Merry Christmas".

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Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

The Story: God's bigger plan

 The Story: God's bigger plan by ric gustafson

What God had told Joseph came true. There was seven years of a bountiful harvest. Then came seven years of famine. The famine was severe in Egypt along with other areas including Canaan. Canaan is where Jacob's family lived. Jacob and his sons were hungry.

Jacob knew what he had to do to get food for his family. Jacob knew his family would have to come to the court of Pharaoh. 

Everything that was happening to Jacob and Joseph was part of God's good plan.

research help: ' The Story 365 devotions' by Zondervan

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

October 1962 page 7

 October 1962 page 7 by ric gustafson

Anastas Mikoyan stared at the Premier. " You know the Americans will be outraged that we violated their Monroe Doctrine". 

" Anastas, your concerns are noted".

" Premier, I'm concerned about my children". His voice hesitated. " A nuclear exchange of atomic bombs will destroy everything".

" Prime Minister Mikoyan, we are going to place missiles in Cuba in complete secrecy".

" In complete secrecy?".

Khrushchev grinned. " Then the Americans will have to accept things as they are".

" And how do we do that?".

" We are taking every precaution ensuring utmost secrecy".

Foreign Minister Gromyko stared at the Premier. " Castro has approved this plan?".

" Yes". Khrushchev smiled. " He wants to be powerful and invincible just like anybody else".

Mikoyan shook his head. " Premier, this is a huge gamble".

" President Kennedy will not want a world war". He frowned. " Neither do we".

research help: ' The Shadow of War' by Jeff Shaara

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

The Story: you shall be in charge

 The Story: you shall be in charge by ric gustafson

Joseph was in the right place at the right time. Being in jail did not seem like the right place for Joseph. Meeting the baker and the royal cupbearer was probably no big deal to Joseph. To God, meeting those two was part of his plan for Joseph. 

So when Pharaoh told Joseph about his strange dreams, God explained to Joseph what they meant. The dreams were about cows and grain. Nobody could interpret these dreams. Joseph knew because God had explained them to him.

Since Joseph could correctly interpret his dreams, Pharaoh put him in charge of saving grain in the good years and rationing that grain in the bad years. 

God is in charge of Joseph's life. God is in charge of our lives. Praise God's name.

research help: ' The Story 365 devotions' by Zondervan

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

The Story: the source of dreams

 The Story: the source of dreams by ric gustafson

Do you remember your dreams?. Joseph knew about dreams. Two dreams alienated Joseph from his brothers. In prison, he helped two prisoners understand their dreams. One of them was freed from prison. Two years later, this prisoner remembered Joseph. Pharaoh was having disturbing dreams. Even his wise men of Egypt could not interpret the dreams. 

Joseph knew about dreams. Joseph knew the source of his ability to understand dreams. That source was Almighty God. Joseph yielded to God's power. Joseph knew the source of dreams. 

research help: ' The Story 365 devotions' by Zondervan

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

October 1962 page 6

 October 1962 page 6 by ric gustafson

Bobby stood under a tree in the small park. A short round man walked up to him. Bobby pointed to  an empty park bench. The two men sat down.

Bolshakov grinned. " Bobby, you asked to see me".

" We can't just pull out of Berlin".

" Chairman Khrushchev made a pledge to you and your allies".

" You mean withdrawing from the city".

" You rejected that pledge".

" Yes, we did".

" And now the eastern portion of the city is now run by the East German government".

" Citizens of the eastern part of the city are coming through Checkpoint Charley into West Berlin".

Bolshakov frowned. " That will be ending when the barrier is finished".

Bobby stared at Bolshakov. " When will that happen?".

The Soviet looked at Bobby. " August 13".

research help: ' The Shadow of War' by Jeff Shaara

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

the Reluctant Beatle page 28

 the Reluctant Beatle page 28 by ric gustafson

Sixteen months after the band's manager passed away, the band's future had changed greatly. Peter Brown, Neil Aspinall and Derek Taylor were filling in as manager. The band's Apple corps had moved to 3 Savile Row. 

On July 17 1968, the band gathered at a London Pavilion Cinema for the premiere of a new Beatles film. This time it was an animated film. ' Yellow Submarine' was based on one of Paul's songs he had written for ' Revolver'. The film became a pop art masterpiece. The film gave a boost to British animation. On July 31 1968, the Apple boutique store closed after only 6 months.

The slow going of the new Beatles album continued. John and Paul wanted the album to be in a new double disc format. George Martin disagreed with their plan. John and Paul prevailed. Tensions mounted at Abbey Road studio. Yoko Ono's presence in the studio increased the tensions. Even patient Ringo Starr briefly left the group. He came back.

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

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

October 1962 page 5

 October 1962 page 5 by ric gustafson

The Oval Office was empty except for President Kennedy and his brother.

" It was a disaster Bobby".

Bobby stared. " What happened Jack?".

" He came in all smiles and heavy handshakes".

" President and Premier give and take". Bobby looked at his brother. " What did Krushchev talk about?".

The President pounded a fist on a table. " He wants to divide Berlin using a barrier".

" What did you do?".

" I gave speeches". Jack's voice hesitated. " I embarrassed myself".

" Did the Premier mention our Civil Rights mess?".

" No". President Kennedy scratched his chin. " How is that situation?".

" Jack, it's a mess".

" Bobby, I want you to talk to your Soviet contact?".

" Okay Jack".

research help: ' The Shadow of War' by Jeff Shaara

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

The Story: worth the cost

 The Story: worth the cost by ric gustafson

While Joseph was in prison, the Lord was with him. Even though Joseph felt the high cost of integrity, he did not have a bitter hardened heart. He could of felt injustice, unfairness, betrayal and blackmail, but he didn't. Joseph loved God. God loved Joseph. 

In prison, Joseph experienced trouble. Right action from Joseph led to hard times. God used those hard times by Joseph to give him a blessed heart. Yes, Joseph had to pay a big price to live God's way. He did and it was worth the cost. God blessed Joseph.

research help: ' The Story 365 devotions' by Zondervan

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

the Reluctant Beatle page 27

 the Reluctant Beatle page 27 by ric gustafson

George met Eric Clapton in 1964. Clapton was in a band called the Yardbirds. The group was on the bill for the Beatles annual Christmas show. The two quickly struck up a relationship. The two enjoyed talking about guitars. Clapton's love for Delta Blues gave him the idea to join a group called ' John Mayall's Bluesbreakers'. A year later, Clapton formed a supergroup called ' Cream'.

George visited Clapton at his King's Road flat. Clapton was living with a French fashion model. Her name was Charlotte Martin. Both George and Eric worshiped Jimi Hendrix.

At the same time that the band's record label, music publicity, film company and boutique was starting to take off, the band needed to start working on a new album. 

In May 1968, the band started working on thirty odd songs. These songs were mostly written while the band was in India. Yoko Ono had now joined John full time in the studio. The most vocal band member against this situation was George. After Clapton gave George a red Gibson Les Paul, he began playing it more than the sitar.

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

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

October 1962 page 4

 October 1962 page 4 by ric gustafson

Nikita Khrushchev tried to get up. He was poking at the dirt. His son Sergei helped him up to his feet.

He smiled. " I'm glad I'm a leader not a farmer".

Sergei grinned. " You command a nation and it's programs".

Khrushchev thought for a moment. " I learned to make friends powerful useful friends".

" Father, what successes are you most proud of?".

" I am proud that we launched a rocket that carried a man into space".

" What else are you proud of Father?".

" We shot down that American V-2 spy plane".

Sergei frowned. " Father, our nation must expand".

" I know son". Khrushchev smiled. " Cuba, Vietnam, Laos even Germany".

" Are you going to go to Vienna and meet this young Kennedy?".

" He has already made a huge blunder in Cuba".

" Father, he is young and untried".

" Yes, I will go". Khrushchev smiled again. " I will continue this cold war".

research help: ' The Shadow of War' by Jeff Shaara

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric