Psalms: Psalm 28

 Psalms: Psalm 28 by ric gustafson

Praise the Lord. For he has heard my cry for mercy. The Lord is my strength and shield. I trust him with all my heart. He helps me. My heart is filled with joy. I burst out in songs of thanksgiving. The Lord gives his people strength. He is a safe fortress for his anointed king. Save your people. Bless Israel your special possession. Lead them like a shepherd. And carry them in your arms forever.

Has God shown you mercy?. When did God strengthen you?. Are you in a difficult season right now?.

research help: ' Paws in his Presence' by Jennifer Marshall Bleakley

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Psalms: Psalm 118

 Psalms: Psalm 118 by ric gustafson

Open for me the gates where the righteous enter. And I will go in and thank the Lord. These gates lead to the presence of the Lord. And the godly enter there. I thank you for answering my prayer. And giving me victory. The stone that the builders rejected. Has now become the cornerstone. This is the Lord's doing. And it is wonderful to see. This is the day the Lord has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it.

When have you experienced joy and grief?.  Are you in a season of a new beginning?. What is making your heart glad today?.

research help: ' Paws in his Presence' by Jennifer Marshall Bleakley

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Countdown 1960 page 5

 Countdown 1960 page 5 by ric gustafson

Day 273

Feb 10 1960

Since the start of his political campaign in New Hampshire in Jan, Senator Kennedy had been campaigning non stop. In two weeks, he had traveled to New Mexico, California, North Dakota and today Corvallis Oregon. This two day swing through Oregon was to include a reception and a chamber of commerce dinner. The stop in Corvallis was short. That was the Kennedy way.

Senator Kennedy had the most dedicated and talented campaign team. Everywhere he went, Kennedy attacked the Eisenhower Administration. The most important person on Senator Kennedy's team was his brother Bobby. 

Bobby Kennedy had stopped his own political career to help his brother get to the White House. Kennedy needed his brother's help. Bobby had been helping his brother's political campaigns since 1952.

Senator Kennedy's campaign team included his Press Secretary Pierre Salinger. Also part of the team was Ted Kennedy the youngest brother of the family. 

The campaign was totally funded by Joe Kennedy the father of the family.

research help: ' Countdown 1960' by Chris Wallace and Mitch Weiss

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Holding Heaven page 7

 Holding Heaven page 7 by ric gustafson

" Four men and a boy walked in. I could tell they were shepherds".

An older shepherd spoke up. " Is there a baby here?".

Joseph stared at the shepherd. " Why do you ask?".

" We mean no harm". The elder shepherd grinned. " An angel of the Lord told us to come and not be afraid".

" What did this angel tell you?".

" He was bringing us good news of great joy". The young boy was staring at the baby. " This is my son Shimon".

" What was the good news the angel proclaimed?".

" That the Messiah was born tonight in Bethlehem".

" How did you know where we were?".

" The star up above and that the baby was in a manger wrapped in strips of cloth".

" They came in. You were settled next to your mother. They knelt before you. They thanked God for you".

Jesus yawned. 

" We need to get you back". Joseph smiled. " I will continue the story later".

research help: ' Holding Heaven' by Jerry B Jenkins and Ron DiCianni

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Holding Heaven page 6

 Holding Heaven page 6 by ric gustafson 

Jesus looked at Joseph.

" I will continue my story".

" After thanking the Innkeeper, I secured the donkey. I grabbed a rake and made a private area made of hay for your mother. From the last of our foodstocks, I ate. Your mother did not. I made a bed of hay for your mother. Then her labor started. I built a small fire. While your mother was in labor, I held her hand".

" When you came, I did what the midwife told me to do. Your mother wiped you dry and then wrapped you tightly in cloth. When your mother could no longer keep her eyes open, she asked me to hold you. When I had you in my arms, I felt as if I was holding heaven. Later while I slept, your mother was holding you. 

When we were both awake holding you, I heard a noise from the entrance to the stable. Then I heard a strange voice.

" This has to be the place".

research help: ' Holding Heaven' by Jerry B Jenkins and Ron Dicianni

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Psalms: Psalm 37

 Psalms: Psalm 37 by ric gustafson

Be still before the Lord. And wait patiently for him. Do not fret when people succeed in their ways. When they carry out their wicked schemes. Refrain from anger and turn from wrath. Do not fret it leads only to evil. For those who are evil will be destroyed. But those who hope in the Lord will inherit the land. A little while and the wicked will be no more. Though you look for them they will not be found. But the meek will inherit the land. And enjoy peace and prosperity.

What fears are you facing today?. How do you respond to fear?. Do you fret?. So how do we hope in the Lord?.

research help: ' Paws in his Presence' by Jennifer Marshall Bleakley

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Countdown 1960 page 4

Countdown 1960 page 4 by ric gustafson

Fidel Castro was pacing in his office. Earlier in the day, 104 people had been convicted of trying to overthrow his government. Castro turned the coup attempt into a media triumph. Castro was popular across the Caribbean. Castro acted larger than life wearing fatigues and always having a Cuban cigar.

Castro worked hard for the people. He also gained new enemies. He needed new friends. He turned to the Soviet Union. Castro had an open hostility toward the US. He was mad because the US was trying to squeeze his country out of the sugar market. That would ruin Cuba's economy.

Castro was determined not to let the US ruin his country. He met with Soviet Deputy Premier Anastas Mikoyan. The two countries signed a trade deal. Mikoyan hoped it would help sustain the Soviet economy. Castro was eager to exchange sugar for Russian fuel.

Above all, Castro wanted to hang onto his power.

research help: ' Countdown 1960' by Chris Wallace and Mitch Weiss

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

an uncluttered Christian life: I John 5:21

 an uncluttered Christian life: I John 5:21 by ric gustafson

For our lives to go well, we need to keep God number one. We must strive to keep God number one. To strive, we must put effort into it. Instead of God, many things can become a priority. I John 5 says keep yourselves from idols and false gods.

It is easy to cling to what we have and lose what is most important. God says don't do that. We must keep God first always. 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

Countdown 1960 page 3

 Countdown 1960 page 3 by ric gustafson

Day 289

Jan 25 1960

Massachusetts Senator John F Kennedy arrived at his first stop on his presidential campaign. The town was Nashua New Hampshire. Hundreds of Kennedy supporters waited patiently on a very cold Jan morning for a glimpse of Kennedy's motorcade. 

The motorcade stopped in front of city hall. Getting out of the motorcade, Senator Kennedy began shaking supporters hands. Senator Kennedy was wearing a dark wool overcoat.

Inside, Kennedy greeted the town's mayor. His name was Mario Vogge. Then Senator Kennedy held a news conference in the city hall's auditorium. He answered questions about Cuba and the primaries.

After the news conference, Kennedy walked along Main Street talking to people along the way. People had questions about the Soviets and the threat of nuclear war. The most important question being asked was about the economy. Nashua's economic growth had slowed. Union jobs were being pushed out. Coming in were cheaper wages. Kennedy listened.

When Jackie Kennedy found her husband, it was time to leave Nashau New Hampshire.

research help: ' Countdown 1960' by Chris Wallace and Mitch Weiss

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Countdown 1960 page 2

 Countdown 1960 page 2 by ric gustafson

Vice President Richard Nixon had just landed at the Miami Airport. Along with the Vice President was his wife Pat, staffers and a few reporters. In public, Nixon was determined and ambitious. In private, Nixon was reserved and insecure. Nixon was an energetic campaigner.

In November 1946, Nixon won his first political campaign. It was against Democrat Jerry Voorhis. Nixon won with 56 percent of the vote. After 8 years, President Dwight D Eisenhower could not run again. So who would take his place?. His Vice President of course.

So who would run against Nixon?. Would it be Nixon's Republican rival New York Governor Nelson A Rockefeller. No, he dropped out. What about Texas Senator Lyndon Johnson?. Nixon was not worried about Johnson. 

There was one opponent Nixon was worried about. This person knew about the Cold War with the Soviet Union. This person knew about the situation with Cuba. 

Nixon was worried about Jack Kennedy.

research help: ' Countdown 1960' by Chris Wallace and Mitch Weiss

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Psalms: Psalm 126

 Psalms: Psalm 126 by ric gustafson

When the Lord brought back his exiles to Jerusalem. It was like a dream. We were filled with laughter. And we sang for joy. Yes, the Lord has done amazing things for us. What joy. Restore our fortunes Lord. As streams renew the desert. Those who plant in tears. Will harvest with shouts of joy. They weep as they go to plant their seed. They sing as they return with the harvest.

Have you ever been in a season of exile?. What emotions did you have?. How did God provide for you during that time?. What brings you joy?.

research help: ' Paws in his Presence' by Jennifer Marshall Bleakley

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

McCartney page 9

 McCartney page 9 by ric gustafson

Paul and John wanted to write songs. But they needed someone or something for inspiration. That inspiration came in the late 1957 into 1958. The band was the Crickets. The Crickets leader was 21 year old Buddy Holly. Holly played lead guitar, had a unique stuttering voice. He also wrote most of his material.

John and Paul observed this Texan who played a Fender Stratocaster guitar. He wore horn rimmed glasses. John bought some Holly style horn rims. John and Paul fell in love with Holly. They studied Holly as far as being a song writer.

The Quarrymen could not afford the bulky reel to reel recorders of 1958. It was too expensive for the band. Then John found out about a Liverpool electrical retailer. His name was Percy Phillips. John found out that anyone could book time and have a recording made into a disc. 

The Quarrymen which now consisted of John, Paul, George a pianist and a drummer went to Phillips studio in Kensington. One disc was made of the two songs the band recorded. The first song was Buddy Holly's greatest hit ' That'll Be The Day'. The second song was a McCartney song titled ' Tryin to get to you'. The one and only disc disappeared. The recording session was July 14 1958

research help: ' Paul McCartney the life' by Philip Norman

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Psalms: Psalm 71

 Psalms: Psalm 71 by ric gustafson

God you have taught me from my earliest childhood. I constantly tell others about the wonderful things you do. Now that I am old and gray. Do not abandon me O God. Let me proclaim your power to this new generation. Your mighty miracles to all who come after me. Your righteousness O God reaches to the highest heavens. You have done such wonderful things. Who can compare with you O God?. You have allowed me to suffer much hardship. But you will restore me to life again. And lift me up from the depths of the earth. You will restore me to even greater honor. And comfort me once again.

Are you in a season of hardship?. Talk to God about it. 

research help: ' Paws in his Presence' by Jennifer Marshall Bleakley

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

the People vs O J Simpson page 6

the People vs O J Simpson page 6 by ric gustafson

Officer Riske walked into 875 South Bundy. He noticed right away that nothing was out of place. Their were no signs of ransacking or theft. He walked upstairs to a bathtub full of water. Riske noticed a young girl asleep in one bedroom.  A young boy was asleep in the other bedroom.

Riske walked back downstairs to call investigators on his portable walkie talkie. As he called, he noticed several family pictures with O J Simpson in them.

Riske called the sergeant in charge of the West Los Angeles Police Department. His name was Supervisor David Rossi. Rossi called six officers to proceed to 875 South Bundy. The first to arrive was Sergeant Marty Coon. Officer Riske helped put up yellow crime scene tape. 

The two children were taken to the West LA station. Two officers began ringing doorbells to talk to the neighbors. 

Then Captain Constance Dial arrived. In charge of the West LA homicide unit was Ron Phillips. Phillips assigned 875 South Bundy to Detective Mark Fuhrman.

research help: ' The run of his life' by Jeffrey Toobin

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

an uncluttered Christian life: Proverbs 22:7

 an uncluttered Christian life: Proverbs 22:7 by ric gustafson

Financial debt creates a chokehold on our lives. It puts a huge burden on families and marriages. By using credit, we can buy now and pay later. We are impatient and live for the moment. We care little about the future. We purchase out of emotion. Then we experience the pain of paying off that credit card.

Proverbs 22:7 says the rich rule over the poor. The borrower is servant to the lender. God says buy what you need. God says save for what you want. God says don't go into debt to do that.

If you are in debt, commit to get out of it. We will have to sacrifice to pay off the debt. God says it will be worth it. 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

Holding Heaven page 5

 Holding Heaven page 5 by ric gustafson

Joseph and Jesus sat down on a different part of the roof. " I'll continue my story"

" One night while sleeping, I had a dream. An angel visited me in my dream. I knew the angel was real because he called me by name and knew I was a son of David. The angel told me not to be afraid to marry your mother. The angel told me we would have a son. We were told to name you Jesus. The angel told me that you will save his people from their sins.

Joseph smiled at his son. " I believe you are Immanuel ' God is with us". " Your mother and I married immediately".

From the rooftop, Joseph took Jesus to a tiny cypress grove.

" When your birth came near, your mother and I were excited. Then the news came. We had to go to Bethlehem for registration and taxing. Mary, even in her condition, insisted on coming. We reached Bethlehem late one chilly night. Your mother needed to stop and rest. The first Inn I approached was full. I pleaded with the Innkeeper that my wife was great with child. He could only think of one solution to our problem. He took me to a stable behind his Inn where his tenants animals were kept.

I shook my head no.

" It's shelter". Mary sighed. " I must lie down".

We took it.

research help: ' Holding Heaven' by Jerry B Jenkins

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Holding Heaven page 4

 Holding Heaven page 4 by ric gustafson

Jesus snuggled into Joseph's arms.

" I will continue my story".

" One day while working in my shop, your mother came in". 

" I'm sorry to interrupt you Joseph". Mary smiled. " I'm going to visit my cousin Elisabeth in Judah for a few months".

" We were not yet husband and wife. All I could do was pray for her safety. I was relieved when I found out she had arrived there safely. She stayed with her cousin for three months. When she came back, something was different about her.

Jesus snuggled close to his father.

" Let me tell you something little one".

" Your mother not only told me her cousin was with child, she also told me she was with child. I was stunned. I thought to myself how could someone betrothed leave for three months and then come back with child. She told me she was with child before she left. She told me she had not been unfaithful to me. 

Joseph smiled at his son.

" She told me the angel Gabriel greeted her. He told her not to be frightened. God had chosen to bless her. She was to have a son. She was to name him Jesus. He was to be called ' The Son of the Most High'.

research help: ' Holding Heaven' by Jerry B Jenkins

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Psalms: Psalm 104

 Psalms: Psalm 104 by ric gustafson

He makes springs pour water into the ravines. It flows between the mountains. They give water to all the beasts of the field. The wild donkeys quench their thirst. The birds of the sky nest by the waters. They sing among the branches. He waters the mountains from his upper chambers. The land is satisfied by the fruit of his work. All creatures look to you. To give them their food at the proper time. When you open your hand. They are satisfied with good things.

What are God's fingerprints?. How has God provided for you?. What have you received from God's open hand?.

research help: ' Paws in his Presence' by Jennifer Marshall Bleakley

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

the People vs O J Simpson page 5

 the People vs O J Simpson page 5 by ric gustafson

Patrolling West Los Angeles at 12:09 am on June 13 1994 was Officer Robert Riske. At 12:09 am, Officer Riske got a call reporting a crime at 874 South Bundy. In four minutes, Riske and his partner pulled up in front of the home. Outside was Boztepe and Rasmussen. Next to them was a dog. It was an Akita named Kato. Boztepe took Officer Riske across the street at 875 South Bundy. Seeing something on the ground near the entrance to the home, Riske pointed his flashlight at it. It was the corpse of Nicole Brown Simpson.

Officer Riske noticed that Nicole's body was lying at the base of four stairs that led to a landing and the front door. Blood covered much of the walkway leading to the stairs. Then Riske noticed another body slumped against a metal fence. The name of the young victim was Ronald Goldman. 

Along the northern length of the property, Riske only noticed one single set of bloody shoe prints. 

The front door of 875 South Bundy was open. Riske decided to go in and investigate.

research help: ' the run of his life' by Jeffrey Toobin

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Holding Heaven page 3

 Holding Heaven page 3 by ric gustafson

Joseph studied his son's face. It was attentive.

" I shall continue the story".

" Your mother's cousin Elisabeth is married to an old priest named Zacharias. They live in the hills of Judah not far from Jerusalem. One day, Zacharias was in the holy place of the temple. It was his turn to offer incense on the altar.

Joseph looked at his son. " I hope I'm not boring you with the story". 

" Later at home, Elisabeth opened the door. She knew right away something was wrong. Zacharias could not speak. Writing on a tablet, the old priest explained to his wife what happened. While in the Temple, the angel Gabriel appeared to Zacharias. He explained to the old priest that his wife Elisabeth would bear a son. They were to call him John. He was to be the forerunner for the long promised deliverer".

research help: ' Holding Heaven' by Jerry B Jenkins and Ron DiCianni

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Countdown 1960 page 1

Countdown 1960 page 1 by ric gustafson

Day 312

It was Jan 2 1960. US Senator John Fitzgerald Kennedy from Massachusetts had just entered the Senate Caucus Room. He stepped up to a bank of microphones.

" I am running for President of the United States".

Just returning from a nearly two week vacation in Jamacia, Senator Kennedy looked tan and well rested. He was wearing a tailored pin stripe suit, white shirt and blue necktie.

Senator Kennedy promised a new decade of global leadership. He promised to deal with the Soviet Union and Communist China. He promised to extend prosperity to all Americans.

After years of practice, he had his speech down pat. Since 1957, he had traveled all over the country introducing himself to voters. He had made numerous speeches and done many campaign appearances.

Kennedy's goal was to win over primary voters. He knew they would follow him to the general election.

After Kennedy's speech, the audience cheered. Kennedy flashed a grin.

John Fitzgerald Kennedy wanted to be more than just a handsome war hero.

research help: ' Countdown 1960' by Chris Wallace and Mitch Weiss

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

an uncluttered Christian life: I Peter 5:8

 an uncluttered Christian life: I Peter 5:8 by ric gustafson

When we become excessive and don't know when enough is enough, we are not living a balanced life. This opens the door for Satan to come in. He wants to steal our joy and push us to excess. Excess complicates our life and causes problems. Excess of any kind is the devil's playground.

God says don't be afraid to cut back what you don't need. God wants to prune us. God says give possessions to someone who doesn't have enough.

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

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Psalms: Psalm 25

 Psalms: Psalm 25 by ric gustafson 

My eyes are ever on the Lord. For only he will release my feet from the snare. Turn to me and be gracious to me. For I am lonely and afflicted. Relieve the troubles of my heart. And free me from my anguish. Look on my affliction and my distress. And take away all my sins. May integrity and uprightness protect me. Because my hope Lord is in you.

What snares have you found yourself in?. Do you feel trapped?. How can God free you from your snares?. How does God give us integrity, uprightness and hope?.

research help: ' Paws in his presence' by Jennifer Marshall Bleakley

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Holding Heaven page 2

 Holding Heaven page 2 by ric gustafson

Joseph and his son Jesus were sitting on a rooftop. Joseph held his son so he could see the moon, the stars and the olive tree branches. " Isn't it beautiful?".

Hearing his father's voice, Jesus settled.

" It seems my tired voice comforts you". Joseph smiled at his son. " What shall I tell you?".

Jesus looked at his father.

" Little one, your mother and I were very much in love. She was selected for me. I was pleased with his choice. One day, our fathers finalized the contract. After my work day, I fashioned works of art as gifts for your mother. In a ceremony at her home, we were promised to each other. A year later, we were married.

Jesus was listening to his father's words.

" We lived in Palestine. Nazareth was our home. Like my countrymen, I long for a deliverer. The prophet Malachi prophesized a forerunner to that deliverer. Son, I believe that your cousin is that forerunner".

research help: ' Holding Heaven' by Jerry B Jenkins

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

the end of Camelot page 7

 the end of Camelot page 7 by ric gustafson

The CBS camera was rolling as Jackie Kennedy walked down a hallway. Her outfit and lipstick were red. She had a bouffant hairdo and full lips. 

In black and white, she was giving 46 million Americans a televised tour of the White House. She pretended that the camera was not even there. In fact, Jackie had written the script herself. She did not want anyone calling her ' First Lady'. Everyone adored her.

The Bay of Pigs had tarnished the President's image. Not so with Jackie. She enjoyed telling the American people the history of the White House. She had an emotional attachment to the presidential home.

After the special was over, Jackie was tired. It took 7 hours to record the 1 hour special. It became one of the most watched specials in television history. Jackie won an Emmy that year for the special.

America loved Jackie Kennedy.

research help: ' Killing Kennedy' by Bill O'Reilly and Martin Dugard

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Two from Galilee page 25

 Two from Galilee page 25 by ric gustafson

During the night, Joseph took care of the donkey and comforted Mary during her moaning.

At one point, Mary was crying. " Joseph, forgive me".

Joseph tried to comfort her. " Cry if it helps".

At one point, Mary began screaming. " It's coming Joseph".

Joseph bent down. " Mary, I can see the head". He looked at Mary. " Bear down  Bear down".

Mary did. With one final push, it came out.

Smiling, Joseph lifted him up. In his arms was the Son of God.

The End.

research help: ' Two from Galilee' by Marjorie Holmes

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

the People vs OJ Simpson page 4

 the People vs OJ Simpson page 4 by ric gustafson

At 10:00 pm on June 12 1994, Pablo Fenjves was watching the local news with his wife Jai. They were watching the tv from their third floor master bedroom. Their home was about 60 yards north of Nicole Simpson's home. 

In 1994, Pablo Fenjves was 41 years old. He wrote screenplays for a living. After 10 that night, Pablo and his wife began to hear a dog barking. At the trial, Fenjves testified that he began hearing the dog around 10:15 pm.

Another of Nicole Simpson's neighbors also heard a dog barking. Steven Schwab also enjoyed watching reruns of Dick Van Dyke at 10:00 pm. Like Fenjves, Schwab was also a screenwriter. 

At 10:30 pm when the rerun was over, Schwab took his dog Sherry for a walk. Schwab always took his dog along a specific route in Brentwood. At 10:55 pm, Schwab and his dog passed the alley behind Nicole's Simpson's home. Schwab noticed that the barking dog they kept hearing was an Akita barking at Simpson's home. The Akita followed Schwab home.

At home, was a friend of Schwab. His name was Sukru Boztepe. He agreed to watch the Akita while Schwab tried to figure out who the Akita's owner was. Boztepe decided to take the Akita for a walk. The Akita led Boztepe to the front of Nicole Simpson's home.

Boztepe noticed the Akita stopped at the entrance of a pathway that was behind a gate. When Boztepe began to walk down the pathway toward the front door, he stopped in horror.

Across the pathway was a lady lying down full of blood.

research help: ' The Run of his Life' by Jeffrey Toobin

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

an uncluttered Christian life: I Corinthians 14:33

 an uncluttered Christian life: I Corinthians 14:33 by ric gustafson

I Corinthians 14:33 says for God is not a God of disorder but of peace. Does clutter overwhelm you or do you tend to hold on to things?. God gives us what we need. God wants us to give some things away. When we are given gifts, we want to hold on to them. We don't want to get rid of gifts. If we do give gifts away, we worry we will hurt the givers feelings. 

God wants us to have things in peace. God wants us to be free of clutter in our lives.

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

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Two from Galilee page 24

 Two from Galilee page 24 by ric gustafson

" Joseph oh Joseph". Mary tried to talk with clenched teeth. " I need to tell you something".

" Yes, my beloved".

" If I die in this". She looked at her husband. " You must know I did not sin".

" You won't die". He stroked her hair. " God would not allow it".

Now relaxed. Mary dosed off.

Joseph unloaded the donkey and fed it.

Mary woke up. Joseph brought her a ladle of soup.

" Sip a little of this". He fed her. " You will need your strength".

" Did you send for the midwife?".

" She will be here soon".

" If not". She gave Joseph a weak smile. " I have instructions for you".

" Ok".

" I will need swaddling clothes, hot water and a knife to cut the cord".

Joseph stared at Mary. " A knife?".

" Yes, it must be done".

" Ok".

research help: ' Two from Galilee' by Marjorie Holmes

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Holding Heaven page 1

 Holding Heaven page 1 by ric gustafson 

Joseph laid on his back in the darkness. His hands were behind his head. Mary was sleeping to his left. Next to her was their son Jesus. A strange child. He never slept through the night. Only months old, he cried a lot. Joseph had built a wooden frame for his son to sleep on. Still, he cried a lot.

Luckily, both Joseph and Mary were light sleepers. When Jesus would awaken and begin to cry, one or both of them would get up and try to comfort him. Even when he would be warm and dry, he would still cry.

When it was Joseph's turn, he would pull Jesus's blanket away and put his good hand under Jesus's nightshirt. He covered his son's belly and torso with his palm. Jesus's dark eyes darted around the low lights. Then his eyes stopped at Joseph's face. Jesus looked directly into his earthly father's eyes. 

Joseph looked at Mary. He wanted her to sleep. He knew what he had to do. Joseph took a thick shawl and put it over his shoulder. 

Mary began to stir.

" Sleep". Joseph smiled. " I'm going to walk with him".

research help: ' Holding Heaven' by Jerry B Jenkins

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Two from Galilee page 23

 Two from Galilee page 23 by ric gustafson

Joseph led Mary and the donkey into the entrance of the stable. Joseph looked around. He noticed a vacant manger stall. He cleaned the stall and put down new straw.

" Mary, it's the best I can do".

He helped her down from the donkey. He helped her down into the new straw.

" Fetch me some water".

" Ok".

" Also go and get a midwife".

" Ok".

Joseph walked up to some herdsmen who were at the entrance to the stable. " My wife is in labor". Joseph frowned. " She needs water and a midwife".

A tall man in striped robes smiled. " Friend, we do have water we can share". He pointed to a pot on some coals. " We also have some barley soup that might bring comfort to your wife".

" Thank you".

The man looked at one of the boys. " Joab, go into the village and see if you can find a midwife".

Joseph, carrying the water, led the tall man with the soup back to the stall.

" Thank you my friend". Joseph took the water and the soup into the stall.

research help: ' Two from Galilee' by Marjorie Holmes

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Two from Galilee page 22

 Two from Galilee page 22 by ric gustafson

Joseph walked into the inn. An innkeeper was serving wine.

" Please help us".

The innkeeper shook his head. " I'm sorry we're full up".

" My wife is in labor". Joseph's voice hesitated. " She is about to bear a child".

The innkeeper kept serving the wine. " Sorry, there is simply no room".

" Please, you must help us".

He scratched his chin. " Well, there is a stable".

" Can my wife and I have privacy?".

" There are some caves that would be quieter and warmer".

" We'll take it".

" Great". The innkeeper smiled. " Just circle the inn and go down the path".

research help: ' Two from Galilee' by Marjorie Holmes

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

McCartney page 8

 McCartney page 8 by ric gustafson

When Paul McCartney met John Lennon, Lennon had already had a rough life. His father Alfred left when John was 7. John's mother Julia had trouble coping and gave John to her sister Mimi to take care of. He was a gifted boy with a talent for art and writing.

John attended Dovedale Primary School and then Quarry Bank High School. His mother Julia gave him his first guitar. With a four string banjo, Lennon formed the Quarrymen. Classmates from Quarry Bank High School became his band mates. Starting on October 18, Paul began to play with the Quarrymen on a regular basis. The band was getting 2 or 3 gigs a week. The venue was usually a municipal or church hall.

John needed Paul to teach him the proper guitar chords. Paul knew that John was the leader of the band. John and Paul were not total opposites. Both had passion for rock and roll. Both are artistic and have the same sense of humor. When Paul joined the band, there were more serious rehearsals. Because of Paul  and the fact that he could play ' Raunchy' by Bill Justis, George Harrison became a member of the Quarrymen.

research help: ' Paul McCartney the life' by Philip Norman

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the end of Camelot page 6

 the end of Camelot page 6 by ric gustafson

By nightfall on April 19 1961, Operation Zapata was a total disaster. For the US, in addition to the disaster on the ground, Castro had sunk about a dozen invasion vessels and shot down 9 B-26 bombers. The defeat was a major humiliation for President Kennedy. He had to have a press conference. He took full blame for what happened.

A week after the Bay of Pigs debacle, President Kennedy met with his advisers in the Cabinet Room. Under Secretary of State Chester Bowles read a statement absolving the State Department of what happened with the Bay of Pigs. 

To the surprise of President Kennedy and Bobby, the President's approval rating rose to 83 percent. The American people stood behind the President's actions against Castro. 

April 1961 taught President Kennedy and Bobby that they were on their own. Meanwhile in the Soviet Union, the State Department returned Lee Harvey Oswald's American passport. Now he was allowed to return home.

research help: ' Killing Kennedy' by Bill O'Reilly and Martin Dugard

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Two from Galilee page 21

 Two from Galilee page 21 by ric gustafson

Joseph woke up Mary. " We must get started".

She did not want to get out of bed. " Forgive me Joseph".

Quickly, they both bathed and got dressed. They quickly ate. Then Joseph put Mary on a donkey. They started down a road. For four days, they traveled south through Nain and Jezreel. Then they went east to the Jordan. Then they reached the hills of Judea. Near Jericho, they stopped.

" Mary, we should reach Bethlehem tomorrow".

By the time they reached Jerusalem, Mary was getting worse.

" Hurry Joseph". She frowned. " I don't know how much longer I can go on".

The six miles to Bethlehem was very slow. The road was cluttered with people and their mounts, litters and carts. 

At the Bethlehem gate, were the tax collectors. Joseph had to take everything off the donkey and show them. One of the tax collectors was a large nosed man about 30.

" Ia that all?".

" Yes".

" 5 dinars". He waved them on. " Pay up, pack up and move on".

After getting everything back on the donkey, they passed through the gate.

Joseph stopped at an entrance to an inn.

research help: ' Two from Galilee' by Marjorie Holmes

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Two from Galilee page 20

 Two from Galilee page 20 by ric gustafson

Mary walked into Joseph's shop. He had a worried look on his face. " What's wrong Joseph?".

" A decree just went out from Caesar". His voice hesitated. " They are going to take a new census".

" A census?".

" Each adult male citizen must be registered and counted at the place of their birth".

Mary stared at Joseph. " You mean Bethlehem?".

" Yes".

" I want to go with you".

" Mary, you can't". Joseph had a scared look on his face. " It's winter and you might lose the child".

" I must go with my husband".

" I don't know Mary".

" I will go with you to Bethlehem".

research help: ' Two from Galilee' by Marjorie Holmes

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Charlotte's Web page 2

 Charlotte's Web page 2 by ric gustafson

" Don't kill it". Fern was crying. " It's unfair".

Mr Arable stopped walking. " Fern, control yourself".

With tears coming down her face, she tried to take the ax out of her father's hand.

" Fern, I know about raising a litter of pigs more than you do".

Fern kept crying. " But it's unfair".

" Fern, we're talking about a little runty pig".

" This is injustice Papa".

John Arable sighed. " Ok Fern".

Fern smiled. " You mean it".

" Go back to the house". He sighed again. " I will bring in the runt when I come in".

Fern gave her Papa a hug. " Thank you Papa". She ran into the house. As she was putting on dry sneakers, her father walked in. He put a carton on Fern's chair.

research help: ' Charlotte's Web' by E B White 

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Two from Galilee page 19

 Two from Galilee page 19 by ric gustafson

The donkey that Mary was on stopped. She noticed that Joseph was wearing a garment of sackcloth.

" Joseph, why are you in mourning?".

" My father Jacob".

" Oh no". A tear began to come her face. " He was a wonderful man".

" What brings you back from Nazareth?".

Mary grinned. " It is time for Elizabeth to give birth".

Both Joachim and Hannah heard a commotion. They came to investigate.

Both of them noticed their oldest daughter. They walked over and gave her a hug.

Mary smiled. " Joseph is coming soon to take me to his home".

Hannah frowned. " Our Mary living in a crowded cave of a house".

Joachim grinned. " Let's be happy Joseph wants our daughter for his wife".

Hannah shook her head. " Joseph has always wanted Mary to be his bride".

Mary felt her bulge. " This child is destined to be our deliverer".

Joachim stared at Mary. " What did your Aunt have to say about everything?".

" She knew".

research help: ' Two from Galilee' by Marjorie Holmes

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McCartney page 7

 McCartney page 7 by ric gustafson

Jim McCartney let his son trade his trumpet for a guitar. Paul picked a Zenith acoustic guitar. Paul's friend Ian James taught Paul the basic one finger chords. This was G and G7. After his mother's death, the guitar became Paul's salvation. Using the right handed guitar, Paul learned how to play left handed. Paul tried to write a song for the first time. He wanted to write about his mother's death. The song was called ' I Lost My Little Girl'. 

One day, Paul was asked to come to a gig at Woolton's Parish Church. The band playing outside was called The Quarrymen'. The leader of the band was John Lennon. At the gig, Paul observed the leader. John Lennon wore a plaid shirt and jeans. He played a steel strung Spanish guitar. Compared to other skiffle groups, the Quarrymen had a washboard, a tea chest bass, a second guitarist, a banjo player and a drummer. Lennon loved playing ' Come Go With Me' by the Del Vikings. After the second set, the band had to leave to play at a dance that evening.

Ivy Vaughn brought Paul to Church Hall to show John what he could do. He had not brought his guitar. Paul borrowed John's or Eric Griffith's guitar. Right there on the spot, Paul began playing ' Twenty Flight Rock' by Eddie Cochran.

John was impressed.

research help: ' Paul McCartney the life' by Philip Norman

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MASH page 7

 MASH page 7 by ric gustafson

After two new cast members had settled into the show, another curveball was thrown at MASH. In 1976 After the end of the 4th season, producer Larry Gelbart told everyone he was leaving the show. For his last episode, the episode was titled ' The Interview'. It was done in black and white like a documentary. It was a two part episode. The interviewer in the episode was Clete Roberts. Roberts was an actual war correspondent during the Korean War.

A year later, producer Gene Reynolds told everyone he was leaving the show. He was going to create a new show called ' Lou Grant'.

In order to have a hit show, you need a great cast. There was only one main female cast member. Actress Loretta Swit was chosen to play Margaret Houlihan. In the beginning of the show, Houlihan was given the nickname ' Hot Lips'. She was the head nurse for the 4077th MASH. She was crazy about the high ranking surgeon and second in command Major Frank Burns. She was feared and sometimes ridiculed by her staff. 

Two major events happened for Houlihan in Season 5. In an episode titled ' The Nurses', true feelings of Houlihan's and the nurses finally came out. In the end, Houlihan finally earns the nurses respect and loyalty. In another Season 5 episode, Houlihan marries Donald Penobscott.

research help: ' MASH' by Dotdash Publishing

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Psalms: Psalm 18

 Psalms: Psalm 18 by ric gustafson

The cords of death entangled me. The torrents of destruction overwhelmed me. The cords of the grave coiled around me. The snares of death confronted me. In my distress I called to the Lord. I cried to my God for help. From his temple he heard my voice. My cry came before him into his ears. He reached down from on high and took hold of me. He drew me out of deep waters.

How do you feel about death and destruction?.  Does anxiety and depression feel like cords of death?. How can God draw us out of deep waters today?.

research help: ' Paws in his Presence' by Jennifer Marshall Bleakley

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Charlotte's Web page 1

 Charlotte's Web page 1 by ric gustafson

Mrs Arable was setting the table for breakfast.

8 year old Fern watched her father walk outside with something.in his hand. " Where's Papa going with that ax?".

" I believe out to the hoghouse". She kept setting the table. " Some pigs were born last night".

" Why does he need an ax?".

" One of the pigs is a runt". She put a pitcher of cream on the table. " It's very small and weak, it won't amount to anything".

Fern looked at her mother. " So?".

" Your father has decided to do away with it".

" You mean kill it?".

" Don't yell Fern". Mrs Arable sighed. " The pig would die anyway".

With horror on her face, Fern pushed her chair back. She got up and ran out the door. 

It was springtime, As she ran, her sneakers were getting wet from the grass.

Finally, she caught up to her father.

research help: ' Charlotte's Web' by E B White

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Psalms: Psalm 19

 Psalms: Psalm 19 by ric gustafson

The heavens declare the glory of God. The skies proclaim the work of his hands. Day after day they pour forth speech. Night after night they reveal knowledge. They have no speech they use no words. No sound is heard from them. Yet their voice goes out into all the earth. Their words to the ends of the world.

What is consuming your thoughts and attention today?. What do the heavens reveal about God?. What have you learned about God through nature?.

research help: ' Paws in his Presence' by Jennifer Marshall Bleakley

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

SNL page 7

 SNL page 7 by ric gustafson\

There were many highlights from Season 1 of SNL. A sketch called ' Candygram' was popular. The character in this sketch was the Land Shark. The character of the Land Shark in 1975 came from the popularity of the movie Jaws. Gilda Radner came up with a character named Emily Litella. Radner based this character on a nanny she had growing up. John Belushi came up with a character which was a Japanese samurai. Belushi loved the films of Japanese director Akira Kurosawa. Gilda Radner also did an imitation of Barbara Walters. The character was called BABA Wawa. John Belushi did an imitation of Marlon Brando from the Godfather.

Dan Aykroyd perfected a character who was a fast talking television pitchman. And then there was a sketch called The Last Voyage of the Starship Enterprise. Elliot Gould played an NBC executive who comes on the board the Enterprise and tells John Belushi playing Captain Kirk and Chevy Chase playing Mr Spock that the show had been canceled due to poor Nielsen ratings.

research help: ' The SNL Companion' by Stephen Tropiano and Steven Ginsberg.

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Psalms: Psalm 111

 Psalms: Psalm 111 by ric gustafson

Praise the Lord. I will thank the Lord with all my heart. As I meet with his godly people. How amazing are the deeds of the Lord. All who delights in him should ponder them. Everything he does reveals his glory and majesty. His righteousness never fails. He causes us to remember his wonderful works. How gracious and merciful is our Lord. He gives food to those who fear him. He always remembers his covenant.

This psalm reminds us to remember God's amazing deeds. How has God been merciful and gracious to you?. How can we extend mercy and grace to someone today?.

research help: ' Paws in his Presence' by Jennifer Marshall Bleakley

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Psalms: Psalm 61

 Psalms: Psalm 61 by ric gustafson

Hear my cry O God. Listen to my prayer. From the ends of the earth I call to you. I call as my heart grows faint. Lead me to the rock that is higher than I. For you have been my refuge. A strong tower against the foe. I long to dwell in your tent forever. And take refuge in the shelter of your wings.

What is the cry of your heart today?. Take your hurts, hopes and fears to God. Can we be tucked into the presence of Almighty God?.

research help: ' Paws in his Presence' by Jennifer Marshall Bleakley

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Psalms: Psalm 148

 Psalms: Psalm 148 by ric gustafson

Let every created thing give praise to the Lord. He issued his command and they came into being. He set them in place forever and ever. His decree will never be revoked. Praise the Lord from the earth. You creatures of the ocean depths. Fire and hail snow and clouds. Wind and weather that obey him. Mountains and all hills. Fruit trees and all cedars. Wild animals and all livestock. Small scurrying animals and birds. Kings of the earth and all people. Rulers and judges of the earth. Young men and young women. Old men and children. Let them all praise the name of the Lord. For his name is very great. His name is very great. His glory towers over the earth and heaven.

Have you stopped to praise God?. What has God done in your life?. How has God worked in your life?.

research help: ' Paws in his Presence' by Jennifer Marshall Bleakley

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

McCartney page 6

 McCartney page 6 by ric gustafson

Paul McCartney usually rode a bus to the Institute. On that bus, Paul met a fellow student from the Institute. His name was George Harrison. Harrison was a pale solemn looking boy who lived in Upton Green Speke. Harrison's father Harry was a bus driver for Liverpool Corporation. Sometimes George's dad would be driving the bus the boys were on. Even though George was a year younger and a class behind Paul's, the two became fast friends.

Paul and George loved talking about Elvis Presley. The two boys loved everything about him. They loved his voice, his clothes and his guitar. George told Paul he had a guitar.

Other than George, Paul liked spending time with Ian James. Both boys were obsessed about their hair and clothes. Once both boys owned a guitar, they were set.

Around this time, a new musical craze had started. It was called skiffle. When poor whites could not afford musical instruments, instruments were improvised. This included kitchen washboards, jugs and kazoos. There was only one star of the skiffle craze. His name was Lonnie Donegan. In November 1956, Donegan was appearing at Liverpool's Empire Theatre. Paul attended the show. The ' King of Skiffle' wore black. He performed Lead Belly and Woody Guthrie songs. After the show, Paul wanted to sing and play guitar.

research help: ' Paul McCartney the life' by Philip Norman

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SNL page 6

 SNL page 6 by ric gustafson

So what influences inspired Lorne Michaels to take a risk on a live show on Saturday Night?.

From 1950 to 1957 there were two shows starring the same person. ' Your Show of Shows' and ' Caesar's Hour influenced Michael's greatly. Both shows starred Sid Caesar. Caesar's shows were ninety minutes filled with sketch comedy and broadcast live. Caesar had a company of players including Imogene Coca, Carl Reiner and Howard Morris. Caesar had a team of Jewish comedy writers. This included Carl Reiner, Mel Brooks, Neil Simon, Danny Simon and Mel Tolkin. 

Caesar used verbal and physical comedy, parodies of television shows and films, musical sketches and recurring character sketches. All of these aspects Michaels used on SNL. 

What influenced SNL's Weekend Update was BBC and NBC news coverage of the day's events. The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour influenced Michael's with their musical performances, comedy sketches and verbal sparring. Rowan and Martin's Laugh In influenced Michael's use of many talented performers. Lastly, Lorne Michael's was influenced by Monty Python's Flying Circus. The Pythons were the best at absurd to the silly.

research help: ' The SNL Companion' by Stephen Tropiano and Steven Ginsberg

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Psalms: Psalm 51

 Psalms: Psalm 51 by ric gustafson

Have mercy on me O God. According to your unfailing love. According to your great compassion. Blot out my transgressions. Wash away all my iniquity. And cleanse me from my sin. For I know my transgressions. And my sin is always before me. Create in me a pure heart O God. And renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me from your presence. Or take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation. And grant me a willing spirit to sustain me.

In what ways have you been shown mercy?. Why should we confess our sin to God?. What does a pure heart mean to you?. How does salvation and God's mercy restore joy?

research help: ' Paws in his Presence' by Jennifer Marshall Bleakley

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Two from Galilee page 18

 Two from Galilee page 18 by ric gustafson

Joseph could not sleep. Rain was coming down. Also his thoughts were keeping him from sleeping. He knew three courses were open to him. First, public denunciation of Mary. Second, consummate the marriage and assume the legal paternity of the child. Third and the course he decided to do was to go to the authorities and divorce Mary without scandal.

Just then, a bright light shined through an open door. 

" Who is it?". Joseph was scared. " What do you want?".

" Fear not Joseph". It was a calm voice. " I am a messenger sent from God".

Joseph began to cry. " Don't mock me".

" You must not fear to take Mary as your wife". The light was blinding. " That which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit".

Joseph kept crying.

" She will bear a son". The quiet voice continued. " And you shall call his name Jesus".

Joseph wiped away a tear. " Jesus?".

" He will save his people from their sins".

When Joseph totally woke up, the bright light was gone.

The house was quiet.

research help: ' Two from Galilee' by Marjorie Holmes

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

SNL page 5

 SNL page 5 by ric gustafson

On October 11 1975 was the premiere of Saturday Night Live. George Carlin was chosen to be the first guest host of the show. The show opened with what is called a cold open. A cold open is a sketch to hook the audience. For this first cold open, a sketch was performed by Michael O'Donoghue and John Belushi. Then Chevy Chase came out wearing a headset and holding a clipboard. He smiles into the camera. " Live from New York it's Saturday Night".

Instead of appearing in sketches, George Carlin performed 4 monologues. Included in the first show was a fake commercial. Then Billy Preston performed a song called ' Nothing from Nothing'. The first official SNL sketch was called ' The Trial'. Then Andy Kaufman does one of his many bizarre routines called ' Here I come to save the day'.

Then Janis Ian sang ' At Seventeen'. The second sketch was called ' Victim of Shark Bites'. ' Jamitol' was the name of the second fake commercial. Then there was Weekend Update with Chevy Chase. The third fake commercial was called ' Triopenin'. Then the Muppets did a sketch called ' the Land of Gorch'.

Then there was a short film by Albert Brooks. Then there was a sketch called ' Bee Hospital'. Then there was a fake commercial called ' Academy of Better Careers'. Then there was a comedy bit by Valri Bromfield. Then there was a fake Public Service Announcement called ' Show us your guns'. Then Billy Preston sang ' Fancy Lady'. 

Then there are two fake commercials in a row. ' Trojan Horse Home Security' and ' Because you'll believe anything'. Then Janis Ian sang ' In the Winter'. Then George Carlin and the cast said goodnight.

Some of the critics liked the show. Some did not. 

research help: ' The SNL Companion' by Stephen Tropiano and Steven Ginsberg

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Two from Galilee page 17

 Two from Galilee page 17 by ric gustafson

Joseph stood at the unfinished home. He needed something to occupy his time. There had been talk. Much talk. " Where is Mary?". " When is she coming back?". He told everyone that asked that she was coming back soon.

He did not go up to the Feast of First Fruits. He wanted to see Mary. But his father had fallen ill. So when Joachim decided to go to the Festival, Joseph asked him to give Mary a message.

When Joachim returned from the Festival, Joseph went to him.

" Joachim, did you see Mary?".

" Yes, I saw her".

" How is she?". He lowered his voice. " When is she coming back?".

" Joseph". Joachim's voice hesitated. " Have you brought dishonor to my house?".

" I love Mary". He looked at Joachim. " I would never bring dishonor upon her or her people".

" Joseph, I believe a deliverer will come to this place".

" I believe that also".

" You must do whatever seems to you the right thing to do".

" Ok".

" I just ask one thing". Joachim frowned. " Deal with my daughter mercifully".

research help: ' Two from Galilee' by Marjorie Holmes

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Psalms: Psalm 116

 Psalms: Psalm 116 by ric gustafson

The Lord cares deeply. When his loved ones die. O Lord I am your servant. I am your servant born into your household. You have freed me from my chains. I will offer you a sacrifice of thanksgiving. And call on the name of the Lord. I will fulfill my vows to the Lord. In the presence of all his people. In the house of the Lord. In the heart of Jerusalem. Praise the Lord.

Have you ever experienced a grief that shook your faith in God?.  Has a death shaken your faith?. How might you invite God into your grief and pain?. Have you ever praised God through tears?.

research help: ' Paws in his Presence' by Jennifer Marshall Bleakley

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

SNL page 4

 SNL page 4 by ric gustafson

Now that Lorne Michaels had his creative team together, it was time to find his Not Ready for Prime Time Players. Michaels went up to Canada where he was from. He went to Toronto where there was a Second City troupe. He wanted to look at someone named Dan Aykroyd. Aykroyd was currently on a Canadian sitcom called ' Coming Up Rosie'. Aykroyd was a human chameleon. He could do impressions and play people on the spot. Michaels wanted him in the cast.

Cornelius Crane Chase, whose nickname was Chevy, was hired by Michaels to be a writer, He had experience by writing for the Smothers Brothers and Channel One Underground Television. He became a performer for Michaels when he fell outside in the street one day. Michaels was impressed. Chase became a member of the cast. 

Michaels went to see a Boston improv group called the Proposition when they were in New York. There he noticed a performer named Jane Curtin. Michaels noticed she was great at impressions and doing recurring characters. He wanted her in his cast. Garrett Morris was hired by Michaels to be a writer. He was encouraged to audition to be a performer. His audition impressed Michaels. He became a member of the cast.

Michaels and Lily Tomlin went to Los Angeles to visit an improv group called the Groundlings. There they observed a female who was great at impressions and doing characters. Michaels wanted her in his cast. Her name was Laraine Newman. 

The first person Michaels wanted for his cast he knew from Toronto. She was an original member of the Toronto Second City troupe. She had a talent for really getting into her characters. Her name was Gilda Radner. The last person Michaels asked to be part of his troupe was the hardest to find. One day, Michaels went to see the National Lampoon Show. There he was blown away by someone named John Belushi. Belushi had joined Second City at age 21. He could do funny voices and do funny characters. Everybody loved him. Michaels wanted him in his troupe.

Michaels finally had his Not Ready for Prime Time Players.

research help: ' The SNL Companion' by Stephen Tropiano and Steven Ginsberg

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

MASH page 6

 MASH page 6 by ric gustafson

When MASH was in it's third season, McLean Stevenson asked to be let off the last two years of his contract. Stevenson wanted to do other things. He guested the Tonight Show and NBC offered him his own sitcom. 

The Producers wanted his last episode to show people that some do not come home from the war. They came up with an episode called ' Abyssinia Henry'. The episode aired March 18 1975. Nobody in the cast except for Alan Alda knew about the final scene. After all the scenes were shot, the end of the season cast party started. Then the main actors were handed a sheet of paper with the last scene on it. Everyone was in disbelief including Stevenson. In the final scene, Radar O'Reilly walks into the OR and informs everyone that Colonel Henry Blake's plane was shot down. There were no survivors.

The death of Colonel Henry Blake outraged fans and viewers of the show. Hundreds of letters were sent to the three producers.

At the same time, Wayne Rogers wanted out of the show also. His leaving was more abrupt than Stevenson's. In the episode ' Welcome to Korea'. Hawkeye comes back from Tokyo to find out that Trapper John had already left to go home.

Colonel Henry Blake was replaced by Colonel Sherman T Potter. This role was played by Harry Morgan. Replacing Trapper John was BJ Hunnicut. This role was played by Mike Farrell.

research help: ' Mash' by Dotdash Publishing

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SNL page 3

 SNL page 3 by ric gustafson

After a successful pitch to NBC by Dick Ebersol. Michaels started forming a creative team to help him with the show's creation. Michaels hired writer Anne Beatts. She was the first female editor of ' National Lampoon'. Along with Rosie Shuster, they created many characters for the show. Al Franken and Tom Davis were hired as writers. The two writers met at a prep school in Minneapolis. They performed as a comedy duo before being hired by Michaels. As production and costume designers, Eugene Lee and Franne Lee were hired. They were a husband and wife design team who did work on Broadway. Marilyn Suzanne Miller was hired as a writer. She helped with certain kinds of sketches. As head writer, Michaels hired Michael O'Donoghue. He was one of the founding members of ' National Lampoon' magazine. 

To be the announcer of the show, Michaels hired Don Pardo. Prior to SNL, Pardo was an announcer on several game shows including the original Jeopardy from 1964 to 1975. Another veteran writer hired by Michaels was Herb Sargent. He was hired to write and be a script consultant.

Tom Schiller, Rosie Shuster and Alan Zweibel were hired as writers. For musical director, Howard Shore was hired. For director, Dave Wilson was hired.

Now with a creative team put together, Michaels concentrated on finding the Not Ready For Prime Time Players.

research help: ' The SNL Companion' by Stephen Tropiano and Steven Ginsberg

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Psalms: Psalm 84

 Psalms: Psalm 84 by ric gustafson

How lovely is your dwelling place. My soul yearns even faints. For the courts of the Lord. My heart and my flesh cry out. For the living God. Even the sparrow has found a home. And the swallow a nest for herself. A place near your altar. Lord Almighty my King and my God. Blessed are those who dwell in your house. They are ever praising you.

What is your soul yearning for today?. In what situation do you feel lost?". What blessings are found in God's presence?.

research help: ' Paws in his Presence' by Jennifer Marshall Bleakley

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Two from Galilee page 16

 Two from Galilee page 16 by ric gustafson

Mary watched from the roof of Elizabeth's home. She was hoping Joseph would come. She fell asleep. At one point, a servant woke her up.

" Someone is here to see you". The servant's voice hesitated. " It is a man".

Mary ran downstairs. She ran outside. She smiled. It was her father. She ran into his arms.

" Father". She began to cry. She looked around. " Are you alone?".

" Yes". He smiled. " Your mother did not feel up to coming".

" Did Joseph come?".

" No". Joachim opened a hamper. " Your mother packed a few gifts for you" He took out a jar of wild honey. " This is for Elizabeth".

" Thank Hannah for me".

Joachim turned to see his wife's sister standing behind him. " And some of Mary's favorite cheeses".

" Thank you father".

He looked at Mary. " When do you want to come home?".

" Not yet father".

" Your mother says you can stay as long as you want".

research help: ' Two from Galilee' by Marjorie Holmes

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

SNL page 2

 SNL page 2 by ric gustafson

So how does the Saturday Night Live story begin?. It actually started with Johnny Carson. In the 1970's, Carson was NBC's biggest star. His Tonight Show was one of the network's biggest moneymakers. Carson had just negotiated a new contract. President and CEO of NBC Herbert Schlosser was hoping Carson would do his show six days a week or agree to a rerun on Saturday night. Carson nixed both ideas.

Then Schlosser thought of something new possibly for Saturday night. Why not have a show that would be from 11:30 pm to 1:30 am. Then the time was changed to from 11:30 to 1:00 am. The show would originate from Studio 8H in 30 Rockefeller Center. It would be a variety show. There would be a different host each week. There would be a different musical guest each week. A new guest host was not an original concept but made SNL unique. In regard to the show, Michaels was to develop new young talent. The show was to be live.

ABC gave Howard Cosell a live show right before Saturday Night debuted. It was a bomb. When ABC yanked it, NBC changed their show to Saturday Night Live. With proper production and promotion, Schlosser was hoping his show could be a hit.

Dick Ebersol who was the director of weekend late night programming hired 31 year old Lorne Michaels. Michaels was a writer, producer and comedy performer. Michaels and Ebersol spent the first part of 1975 developing the show in Los Angeles. 

research help: ' The SNL Companion' by Stephen Tropiano and Steven Ginsberg

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

SNL page 1

 SNL page 1 by ric gustafson

SNL is an American institution. It is the longest running sketch comedy show on television. It is a total of 968 episodes over 49 seasons. This is through May 2024. The show debuted on October 11 1975. It was originally titled Saturday Night. The key elements of the show have always stayed the same. There is a repertory cast of players. There is a new guest host. There is a new musical guest each week. There is an opening monologue. There is Weekend Update. There are commercial parodies. 

To be on top that long, SNL has had to change and evolve. Even when the show fell off the radar for a while a new cast member or more has come and energized the show. What the show has counted on is it's critical and true fans. These are fans who have remained loyal to the show all of these years. 

research help: ' The SNL Companion' by Steven Tropiano and Steven Ginsberg

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Two from Galilee page 15

 Two from Galilee page 15 by ric gustafson

Mary stared at her Aunt.

" Aunt Elizabeth, I am betrothed to a man named Joseph".

Elizabeth looked surprised.

" We are to be married when I return home".

" Mary, are you sure about this?".

" Joseph knows what happened".

" He understands and accepts it".

" He will". Mary smiled. " He loves me".

Concern came over Elizabeth's face. " I hope so Mary".

" This child I carry". Mary felt her bulge. " He is to be the Messiah".

" Mary, we don't know". Elizabeth smiled. " I do believe he's coming".

One day, Elizabeth took Mary to the Feast of the First Fruits.

Mary exclaimed. " I hope my father comes".

research help: ' Two from Galilee' by Marjorie Holmes

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Psalms: Psalm 24

 Psalms: Psalm 24 by ric gustafson

Lift up your heads you gates. Be lifted up you ancient doors. That the King of glory may come in. Who is this King of glory?. The Lord strong and mighty. The Lord mighty in battle. Who is he this King of glory?. The Lord Almighty. He is the King of glory.

What does the phrase ' King of Glory mean to you?. How has God proved himself strong and mighty?. What distracts you from God's presence?. How can you open your heart to Jesus today?.

God loves you more than anything else.

research help: ' Paws in his Presence' by Jennifer Marshall Bleakley

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric