Psalms: Psalm 16

 Psalms: Psalm 16 by ric gustafson

God is the God who gives. You Lord are all I have. You give me all I need. My future is in your hands. How wonderful are your gifts to me. I praise the Lord because he guides me. He is near and nothing can shake me. You will show me the path that leads to life. Your presence fills me with joy. 

Do we find comfort in knowing your future is in God's hands?. What are some of the gifts God has given you?.  Can we recall a time when God guided you?. God is here.

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

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

the end of Camelot page 1

 the end of Camelot page 1 by ric gustafson

On Jan 20 1961, eight inches of snow had fallen on Washington DC. Twenty thousand people endured the snow and cold to watch the special event in person. On television, 80 million Americans were watching.

At the Capitol Building, Chief Justice Earl Warren waited with a bible. Standing next to the. Warren gave Kennedy the Presidential Oath of Office. Kennedy had a refined manner of speaking and was born into wealth.

A lot of people loved Kennedy. Some did not. Kennedy won the popular vote by a razor thin margin over Richard Nixon. Next to now President Kennedy were three people close to him. The first was President Kennedy's brother Bobby. He became his brother's Attorney General. Next was the new Vice President Lyndon Johnson. The third was the President's wife Jackie Kennedy. Mrs Kennedy already had tragedy in the first seven years of their marriage. She lost her first two children. But then was blessed with a boy and a girl. Caroline and John Jr. With Dwight Eisenhower, Richard Nixon and Harry Truman in appearance, the Secret Service was on high alert.

In his inaugural address, " ask not what your country can do for you". President Kennedy made a promise to the American people. " But what you can do for your country".

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

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Psalms: Psalm 62

 Psalms: Psalm 62 by ric gustafson

Psalm 62 talks about the God who offers us rest. My soul finds rest in God. My hope comes from him. He is my rock and my salvation. He is my fortress. My salvation and my honor depend on God. He is my mighty rock my refuge. Trust in him at all times you people. pour out your hearts to him. For God is our refuge. 

What can we ponder from this psalm?. What kind of rest is being described here?. What is the difference between soul rest and physical rest?.  How can we remind our soul to rest today?.

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

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Born in the USA page 2

 Born in the USA page 2 by ric gustafson

When Bruce Springsteen began working on ' Born In The USA', he wasn't sure what kind of album he wanted or what the new album would be about. Springsteen had scores of songs for the new album. Would it be a rock album? or a brooding album like ' Nebraska'.

When Springsteen was finished with the album, Jon Landau was not satisfied. He wanted one more song. Springsteen was livid at his friend, record producer and manager. Landau wanted a hit song.

Springsteen wrote a hit song. ' Dancing In the Dark' was an angry song. The lyrics were angry. The music video was shot on the night of the first stop of Springsteen's ' Born in the USA' tour. The director was Brian De Palma. 

Springsteen began his journey to fame with an album called ' Born to Run'. Then Springsteen became a top arena rock artist in the late 70's early 80's. Then in 1984, ' Born in the USA' came. Springsteen's idea of rock music was to bring the masses together. Springsteen wanted his songs to be played on the radio. Up to that point, he had only a few that made it to the radio.

He was gambling with ' Born in the USA'.

research help: ' There was nothing you could do' by Steven Hyden

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

the Story: people are watching

 the Story: people are watching by ric gustafson

Rahab observed the spies she was protecting. She observed their conversations. She observed how they acted around her. Before the spies went to sleep that night she was protecting them she told them. Rahab knew God had given them the land. Rahab knew God had dried up the water of the Red Sea for the people to come through. Rahab knew about heaven above and the earth below.

Rahab knew a lot about God. She had heard about God's wonders. She knew that God had given them that land. The spies were probably the first believers she had met. Rahab staked her life on God.

research help: ' The Story 365 devotions' by Zondervan

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

October 1962 page 18

 October 1962 page 18 by ric gustafson

Bobby was watching the International Horse Show with his two daughters.

All of a sudden, his driver and another man walk up to Bobby.

" Sir, there is an important call for you".

" Thank you". Bobby walks over to a nearby ticket table. He picks up the phone. " Hello, this is the Attorney General". He recognized the voice. " Hello Rusk".

" Bobby, we received word from the Russians".

" And?".

" They are agreeing to withdraw their missiles from Cuba".

My fellow citizens

I want to take this opportunity to report on the conclusions this government has reached on the basis of yesterday's photographs. The Soviet missile bases in Cuba are being dismantled. Missiles and related equipment are being crated. Fixed installations at these sites are being destroyed. 

The United States intends to follow closely the completion of this work. We will continue to keep the American people informed on this vital matter.

Thank you.

The End

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

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

October 1962 page 17

 October 1962 page 17 by ric gustafson

President Kennedy and Bobby were sitting in the Oval Office. The door opened. Rusk ran in. " Mr President, with me is ABC News John Scali".

The balding reporter smiled. " Mr President, my Soviet source Mr Alexander Fomin has a message for you from Khrushchev".

The President perked up. " What is the message?".

" Khrushchev has three specific proposals to end this crisis".

President Kennedy looked at Bobby. " And those proposals are?".

" First, dismantle the missiles and return them to the Soviet Union".

" Second proposal?".

" Castro would never again accept offensive weapons".

" And the third?".

" The United States will not invade Cuba".

President Kennedy looked at Rusk. " What do we know about this Fomin?".

" He's a KGB operative".

" Send them a response". President Kennedy sighed. " These proposals are possible".

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

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Born in the USA page 1

 Born in the USA page 1 by ric gustafson

In the spring of 2022, fashion brand Tommy Hilfiger forged a partnership with a 23 year old Canadian pop star. His name was Shaun Mendes. The commercial was for a campaign called the ' Classics Reborn'. 

What song should Mendes do for the commercial?. Mendes decided on a cover of an artist which to Mendes was a role model. It was a song about a man who's very much alone and extremely dissatisfied with himself. 

Mendes wrote a song called ' When You're Gone'. Mendes's song was about a young lover who does not want a girlfriend to break up with him. Mendes got his start by doing short form videos on a site called the Vine.

What was the song Mendes ended up using for the video?. The song was called ' Dancing In The Dark'. The artist was Bruce Springsteen.

research help: ' There was nothing you could do' by Steven Hyden

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

October 1962 page 16

 October 1962 page 16 by ric gustafson

Khrushchev paced through the office. There was a knock on the door. " Enter".

Marshal Malinovsky ran in holding a piece of paper. " Nikita, things are not going well".

" Marshal, what has happened now?".

" General Pliyev has been told that no nuclear missiles is to be in Cuba without your direct orders".

" I respect Pliyev".

" There is also Castro to deal with".

Khrushchev shook his head. " What now?".

" He wants to fire the missiles". Malinovsky frowned. " He wants a first strike".

" Do we have another option?".

" Yes Nikita, we do".

" Explain Marshal".

" We send Alexander Fomin to Washington and propose a different solution".

" What solution is that?".

" The missile sites would be dismantled". His voice hesitated. " The missiles would be sent back to the Soviet Union".

" What about the United States?".

" They would pledge not to invade Cuba".

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

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

 

the Story: be strong

 the Story: be strong by ric gustafson

God makes a promise to Joshua. God says I will give you every place where you set your foot. God promised to always be with Joshua. God tells Joshua to be strong and courageous. He told Joshua to obey all the laws Moses gave him. God told Joshua not to be afraid or discouraged. God promised Joshua that he would be with him where ever he goes.

God loves us more than anything else.

research help: ' The Story 365 devotions' by Zondervan

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

October 1962 page 15

 October 1962 page 15 by ric gustafson

McNamara lowered the paper. " Mr President, the Merucla was stopped, boarded and searched".

President Kennedy sighed. " Any contraband discovered?".

" No Mr President". McNamara frowned. " The ship was allowed to go on her way".

The President sighed. " This quarantine is not working".

McNamara stared at the President. " There is one other option".

The President shook his head. " An invasion of Cuba would result in substantial casualties".

" I know Mr President".

" An invasion has always been my last option".

Rusk spoke up. " We could keep the quarantine going for right now".

" If we keep antagonizing them". Bobby looked worried. " They could still fire their missiles at us".

McNamara stared at the President. " Which would mean?".

President Kennedy sighed. " War gentlemen".

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

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

the Story: true to his word

 the Story: true to his word by ric gustafson

God told Moses go and see Canaan. Moses was told because he broke faith that he would only see the land from a distance. So Moses climbed Mt Nebo. There, God showed Moses the whole land. Then Moses died.

Moses had to face the consequences of his sinful act. We do not understand all of God's decisions. But we must have faith that God's decisions are the right decisions. Praise God's name.

God loves us more than anything else.

research help: ' The Story 365 devotions' by Zondervan

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

October 1962 page 14

 October 1962 page 14 by ric gustafson

" We have heard from all of our allies". President Kennedy smiled. " There is complete support for what we are doing".

Bobby spoke up. " The British, Germans and the others have never taken our feeling about Castro seriously".

Bundy took a sip of coffee. " Soviet missiles are on Germany's doorstep". His voice hesitated. " They live in the shadow of war".

" Is Rusk speaking to the OAS?".

McCone spoke up. " Mr President, we have learned that Soviet submarines are heading toward the quarantine zone".

Bobby stared at his brother. " Khrushchev did say that he would order his ships to push through the quarantine".

The President frowned. " How far away are the Soviet ships?".

McNamara spoke up. " The first ship should reach the line tomorrow".

" Bobby, I would like you to chat again with the Soviet Ambassador?".

" Okay".

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

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

The Story: parting words

 The Story: parting words by ric gustafson

Moses was about to go to heaven. He told the people that God had blessed them in all the work of their hands. God had watched over their journey through the wilderness. In forty years, God had been with the people and the people lacked nothing.

Moses told the people to love God with all of their heart, soul and all their strength. Moses told the people to have the commandments on their hearts. And also to impress them on their children.

Moses passed the mantle to Joshua. Moses told everyone one more thing. Remember who you are and to whom you belong.

research help: ' The Story 365 devotions' by Zondervan

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

the Story: stiff consequences

 the Story: stiff consequences by ric gustafson

The people again were grumbling and complaining. The people again wanted water. Moses had reached his breaking point. Again God provided. 

God gave Moses specific instructions. Moses took a staff. Moses and Aaron gathered the people in front of a rock. Moses was supposed to speak to the rock. Instead, Moses struck the rock twice with his staff. Water came out for the people.

Moses did not do what God commanded. Because of that, a stiff consequence came. God told Moses that he nor Aaron would enter the Promised Land.

We are to obey God always.

research help: ' The Story 365 devotions' by Zondervan

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

October 1962 page 13

 October 1962 page 13 by ric gustafson

Khrushchev was sitting in his office. There was a knock at the door.

His son Sergei walked over and opened it.

Malinovsky walked in. " Ambassador Dobrynin has wired us the text of Kennedy's speech".

Khrushchev sighed. " Just give me the short points".

" They have discovered the missiles".

" I knew they would discover them".

" They are now implementing a blockade around Cuba".

" Do you think they will invade the country?".

" Kennedy claims there will be no invasion".

Khrushchev scratched his chin. " Action must be met with action".

Malinovsky spoke up. " You need to inform the Presidium what has happened".

Khrushchev grinned. " I will prepare a response to Kennedy's words".

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

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

the Story: consequences

 the Story: consequences by ric gustafson

Consequences are good parenting tools. God who is our perfect parent also gives us consequences for our sin. God does this to help teach us what we need to learn.

After Moses's request, God did forgive the people. God sent 12 spies to explore the land of Canaan. After their return, only two Caleb and Joshua were eager to conquer the land. The other spies stirred up the people to grumble and rebel. God struck the people with a plague. 

Then God gave the people a consequence. The people would not be able to enter the land. 

research help: ' The Story 365 devotions' by Zondervan

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

McCartney page 2

 McCartney page 2 by ric gustafson

On a Sunday morning, we get on the blue minibus. We head out along Liverpool's waterfront. The Waterfront had been revitalized with espresso bars and boutiques on one side and river view apartments on the other. At James Street is the former headquarters of the White Star shipping line. 

The minibus goes through Toxteth. Then to Sefton Park. Then along Smithdown Road. Then Queen's Drive where the family home of Brian Epstein was. 

Then the minibus comes to an area fondly remembered by Paul McCartney. McCartney wrote a song for the B side of ' Strawberry Fields Forever'. The place is now a Beatles shrine. It is called Penny Lane.

After stopping at John Lennon's boyhood home, the minibus stops at Paul McCartney's boyhood home.

20 Forthlin Road is a two story terraced home. In the 50's the home was considered ultramodern. Now run by the National Trust, it has a resident custodian who acts like a tour guide.

Inside the home to the left is the sitting room. This is where Paul began writing songs. Wooden doors led to a tiny dining room and a kitchen. Upstairs was a tiny bedroom used by Paul. The large bedroom was given to Paul's brother Michael.

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

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

McCartney page 1

 McCartney page 1 by ric gustafson

The pale blue minibus tour starts at the Albert Dock in Liverpool. Starting at the dock is the Beatles Story Museum. This museum recreates the Beatles whole story. From there, the minibus travels to Mathew Street. This street is nicknamed the Cavern Quarter. It is a boulevard of souvenir shops and themed bars. There is a replica of the Cavern very near the site of the original. Next, the minibus can take you to North John Street. There you can find a hotel called the Hard Day's Night Hotel. The hotel even has a John Lennon and a Paul McCartney suite. There is also a Magical Mystery Tour that will take you around the Pier Head, St George's Hall, Lime Street station and the Empire Theatre.

The minibus can also take you to 251 Menlove Avenue. This is John Lennon's boyhood home. The minibus can also take you to 20 Forthlin Road Allerton

Let's go.

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

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

the Story: pray boldly

 the Story: pray boldly by ric gustafson

The Lord said to Moses in Numbers 14, how long will these people treat me with contempt. God told the people about all the signs he had performed among them. God had had enough. He told Moses he was going to strike them all down with a plague and destroy them. God was angry.

First, Moses reminded God of his reputation. Then Moses reminded God that he is slow to anger, abounding in love and he forgives sin and rebellion. The last thing Moses did was ask God to forgive the people's sin.

God did.

research help: ' The Story 365 devotions' by Zondervan

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

the Story: the Lord is with us

 the Story: the Lord is with us by ric gustafson

God's people at the border of Canaan did not know what the next chapter would give them. Joshua and 

Caleb said the land was good. It was a land flowing with milk and honey. Joshua and Caleb said let us go into the land the Lord will give it to us.

But there were those who said don't go in. They said the land devours those living in it. So do they or don't they?.

You don't know what is coming next in our life?. God says have faith he is always with us. Because God is with us, we should not be afraid.

research help: ' The Story 365 devotions' by Zondervan

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Wicked page 3

 Wicked page 3 by ric gustafson

Melena looked at Elphaba. " Shall we pick the last of the winter berries and make a pie?". She smiled at her daughter. " Yes let's shall".

Elphaba pointed a finger toward the gate.

A man was standing by the gate. " Please forgive a stranger at your gate".

" Forgiven". Melena smiled. " Come in Come in".

He walked through the gate. " I'm trying to find the inn at Three Dead Trees".

" Why don't you clean up?". She smiled. " Please join me for breakfast?".

" Thank you". He washed up at a nearby pump. She made up two plates of eggs and mashed tar root. They sat down at a bench.

" I am Melena".

" I am a Quadling". He took a bite of the eggs. " My name is Turtle Heart". He took a bite of the mashed tar root. " I come from the outreaches of Ovvels".

" And what do you do in Quadling country?".

" I am a glass blower".

research help: ' Wicked' by Gregory Maguire

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Matthew: Matthew 1:1

 Matthew: Matthew 1:1 by ric gustafson

Jesus Christ comes from the Greek words Iesous Christos. The original Hebrew is Yeshua Ha Mashiach. Yeshua means Yahweh saves. Ha Mashiach means the anointed. Matthew in this first verse says that Jesus was the Son of David. When Matthew uses son of David and son of Abraham, he is referring to Jesus. Jesus is the true King of Israel. Jesus will bring salvation to the nations. Matthew uses verse 1 to set the stage for the rest of his gospel. Praise Jesus's name.

research help: ' Matthew the Hebrew Gospel' by Carroll Roberson

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

the Story: eyes of faith

 the Story: eyes of faith by ric gustafson

God told Moses to send some men to explore the land of Canaan. At the end of 40 days, the men returned. The men reported that the land does flow with milk and honey. They also reported and showed fruit that was plentiful.

God was giving this rich land to his people. The men also reported large fortified cities and powerful people. The men reported pros and cons about this land.

Caleb said let's do it let us possess this land. God's perspective prevails.

research help: ' The Story 365 devotions' by Zondervan

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

the Story: serious business

 the Story: serious business by ric gustafson

To God, sin is serious business. The people took gold, Aaron threw it in a fire and out came a calf. The people worshiped it. God deals with sin seriously. 

So what did God do?. First, three thousand people lost their lives. Moses knew he needed atonement for the people's act. Moses approached God and offered his life. Instead, God struck his chosen people with a plague. To God, sin is serious business.

research help: ' The Story 365 devotions' by Zondervan

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

a Beatle at 80 page 1

 a Beatle at 80 page 1 by ric gustafson 

In April of 2009 was the 10th annual Coachella Festival. It was three days of rock and roll in the Southern California desert. McCartney was onstage closing day one. Coachella had been a successful open air rock out stage for young people. It was an emotional day for McCartney. His late wife Linda had been gone for 11 years already. 

At 80, Paul McCartney was still a vibrant force on the music scene. He likes to connect contemporary sounds with his style of music. In 2021, McCartney came out with an album called ' McCartney III Imagined'. The songs had been remixed from his 2020 album ' McCartney III'. The album was recorded and produced by McCartney during the pandemic lockdown.

There are only two Beatles left. McCartney and Ringo Starr. McCartney has been making music for more than six decades. He started making music to console himself over the death of his mother. Making music helped him release emotions that had been bottled up. Paul McCartney is driven. There has never been anyone like him. Now let us go back to the beginning of the Paul McCartney story.

research help: ' A Beatle at 80' by Life Magazine 2022

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

the Story: righteous anger

the Story: righteous anger by ric gustafson

" Go down" God tells Moses. " Your people have become corrupt". " They have turned away from me already". God tells Moses the people made an idol in the shape of a calf. God tells him the people have bowed down to it and sacrificed to it. God calls them a stiff necked people. God told Moses to leave him alone. God's righteous anger now burns. He is going to destroy these people.

Moses pleads with God. He tells God not to forget his promises to Abraham. God relents. Moses gets angry on the way back down the mountain. He throws down the tablets. They break into pieces.

research help: ' The Story 365 devotions' by Zondervan

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Blackbird page 5

 Blackbird page 5 by ric gustafson

When the Beatles left for Hamburg in 1960, the song they sang as they departed was ' Bye Bye Blackbird'. McCartney remembered this song from singing it at family gatherings. He got to know the chords for it. At family get togethers, he became the family piano player. It became the family's sing song. Ringo Starr recorded it for his first solo album in 1970. The album was called ' Sentimental Journey'. It was a tribute to Ringo's mother and stepfather.

When McCartney wrote ' Blackbird', he used light dark motifs from ' Bye Bye Blackbird'. In ' Blackbird', the bird is encouraged to come out of the darkness. ' Bye Bye Blackbird' reminded the Beatles of their musical and cultural roots in Liverpool.

In the late 50's, John, Paul and George were influenced by a black musician named Lead Belly. At that time, a music art form called skiffle was the rage. Leading the skiffle craze was a guitarist named Donegan. Skiffle came from the blues. For a skiffle group, all you needed was a washboard, a tea chest, string, a broom handle and a guitar. To John Lennon, Lead Belly influenced him as much as Robert Johnson and Sleepy John Estes. A skiffle favorite was Lead Belly's ' Grey Goose'.

research help: ' Blackbird' by Katie Kapurch and Jon Marc Smith

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

the Reluctant Beatle page 48

 the Reluctant Beatle page 48 by ric gustafson

By March 2001, George Harrison knew the end was near. A checkup at the Mayo Clinic revealed his cancer had now entered his lungs. To prepare for the end, George bought a house in Switzerland. That way he could be close to his cancer doctor. But George never forgot about his music. With his son's help, he began to record demos for his last album. After his father's death, Dhani along with George's friend Jeff Lynne finished the album. It was called ' Brainwashed'.

At the end, many people came to see George. Paul and Ringo came. George's sister came. One of the last was Eric Idle George's friend from Monty Python.

George Harrison died in Los Angeles on November 29 2001.

He was cremated and his ashes were scattered in the River Ganges.

The End

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

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

the Reluctant Beatle page 47

 the Reluctant Beatle page 47 by ric gustafson

In Jan 1996, the court ruled in George's favor. He was awarded $11 million in damages. Denis O'Brien appealed the decision. George's son Dhani was now attending Brown University in Rhode Island. 

In July 1997, George noticed a lump in his neck. It was cancerous. He was treated at two hospitals in England and at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester Minnesota. Cancer had already taken one of George's friends Derek Taylor and Paul's wife Linda McCartney. George's hero Carl Perkins died from a series of strokes in 1998.

In the early hours of December 30 1999, George's greatest fear occured. An intruder broke through the perimeter fence of Friar Park. From there, he was able to enter the house. George and Olivia had just gone to bed. The intruder broke a small statue outside and used it to smash one of the glass patio doors. 

Olivia heard a noise. She woke up George. George quickly dressed and went downstairs to investigate. 

There George encountered a young man holding part of the outside statue and in the other hand a kitchen knife. George began fighting with the young man. He began stabbing George in the upper body. 

Olivia came downstairs with a brass handled poker. Hitting the young man with it did not work. She picked up a nearby lamp and bashed the young man's head with it. 

The police arrived within 12 minutes. Dhani rushed in and did what he could to save his father's life. George ended up surviving. 

Michael Abram was arrested. He was denied his chance at a second Beatle death.

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

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

the Reluctant Beatle page 46

 the Reluctant Beatle page 46 by ric gustafson

In the first part of 1991, the Traveling Wilburys released a second album ' Traveling Wilburys vol 3'. It did not do as well as the first album. Eric and Pattie Clapton divorced in 1988. In 1994, Handmade Films was sold to Paragon Entertainment Group for $ 8.5 million. 

George's financial salvation came from the band George was always trying to get away from. Someone the Beatles trusted was Neil Aspinall. Over the years, he had gathered a film documentary. It was titled ' The Long and Windy Road'. The project was fine with George with one exception. George wanted the title to be changed. It was changed to ' The Beatles Anthology'. George, Paul and Ringo agreed to do some new music for the documentary. Yoko Ono gave Paul a cassette tape with four demos that John had done. She gave the three permission to overdub the recordings. The first song on the tape the three worked on was a song called ' Free As A Bird'.

In Jan 1995, George's lawsuit against Denis O'Brien came before Los Angeles County Superior Court. George's complaint was 18 pages. O' Brien was accused of drastically reducing and reorganizing George's finances and business holdings without his knowledge or consent.

' The Beatles Anthology' was released in November 1995. Anthology 1 sold 450,000 it's first day. Anthology 2 and 3 did well also.

George was very pleased about the royalties.

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

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

the Reluctant Beatle page 45

 the Reluctant Beatle page 45 by ric gustafson

In 1987, George became friends with Jeff Lynne. The friendship was immediate. Lynne was from Birmingham England. He loved Formula I racing and playing the ukulele. The two decided to make an album together. They titled it ' Cloud Nine'. The first song the two worked on was called ' When We Was Fab'. The lyrics of the song made fun of the Beatle years. Reviewers loved ' Cloud Nine'. Some said it was the best album George had recorded since ' All Things Must Pass'. A hit single from the album was ' I've Got My Mind Set On You". In Jan 1988, the Beatles were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

In the spring of 1988, George was visiting his friend Tom Petty in LA. George's friend Jeff Lynne was also in town. Another of George's friends Roy Orbison was also in town. George asked all of them including Bob Dylan to record a B side for a ' Cloud Nine' single. The five finished the song. George named the song ' Handle With Care'. George took it to Mo Ostin at Warner Bros Records. He loved it. He suggested the five record an entire record together.

The Traveling Wilburys was born. ' The Traveling Wilburys Vol 1' sold two million copies in six months. It went triple platinum and won a Grammy. 

George was heart broken when his friend Roy Orbison died two months after the album's release.

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

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Wicked page 2

 Wicked page 2 by ric gustafson

The midwives were carrying an infant in the rain. They protected the infant from the rain drops. When they came to their destination, they began to wash off the infant. No matter how much they scrubbed off, the infant was a shade of pale emerald.

The fishwife sighed. " Is it a boy?".

The crone shook her head. " It's a girl".

The new baby had a long head and scratchy little nails. She had green skin and salmon blush cheeks and belly. 

The maiden frowned. " Let's kill it, you know what people will say".

Then the child yawned.

The child's father walked over. " She's the wrong color".

The child's nanny picked up the infant. " What is the baby's name?".

Frex sighed. " Elphaba".

" After Saint Aelphaba".

" Yes". Frex sighed again. " We need to tell Melena".

research help: ' Wicked' by Gregory Maguire

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

the Story: make us gods

 the Story: make us gods by ric gustafson

The people wondered where Moses was?. The truth was Moses was with God on the mountain for forty days and forty nights. So what did the people do?. They asked Aaron to make us gods who will go before us. The people gave their earrings to Aaron. Aaron made an idol for the people cast in the shape of a calf. The people proclaimed that the calf idol was their God who had brought them out of Egypt.

Sometimes we get distracted from God. We worship status, income and material possessions instead. We need to focus on God and God alone.

research help: ' The Story 365 devotions' by Zondervan

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Blackbird page 4

 Blackbird page 4 by ric gustafson

The spiritual ' I'll Fly Away' is flight themed. The ' Fly Away' theme is profound in Negro spirituals. A group called the Swan Silvertones were nicknamed ' The Beatles of Gospel'. The group had an influence on black and white pop artists. The lead singer was Reverend Claude Jeter. The group's music went back to the days of slavery. Spiritual hymns gave enslaved people sky bound hope. From the late 50's to early 60's, the group recorded on Vee Jay. The Chicago label was the first to release Beatle records in the US.

In 1967, the song ' Flying' was credited to all four Beatles. The band wrote many songs with birds as a theme. The Beatles had a profound love for black music. The group used birds as song objects. Paul McCartney was a life long bird lover. Birds abound in the folk arts of the British Isles.

Chuck Berry was influenced by plantation songs. John Lennon was influenced by Chuck Berry. Lennon called Berry a rock poet. Berry was a hero to all of the Beatles. Berry's ' Maybelline' influenced ' Ticket To Ride' ' Day Tripper' and ' The One After 909'.

research help: ' Blackbird' by Katie Kapurch and Jon Marc Smith

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

the Story: putting it in stone

 the Story: putting it in stone by ric gustafson 

The people did not want to get these fundamental laws wrong. So what did Moses do?. Moses read the Book of the Covenant to the people. He sprinkled blood on the people. By doing this, Moses established the covenant with the Lord.

Then God called Moses to come upon the mountain and stay there. He told Moses he would give him tablets of stone. On these tablets of stone were the law and commandments. The law and commandments were for the people's instruction. Praise God's name.

research help: ' The Story 365 devotions' by Zondervan

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

October 1962 page 12

 October 1962 page 12 by ric gustafson

Monday October 22 1962

Bundy spoke up. " You know Mr President the Republicans are going to say you knew about the missiles for weeks".

" You know I only knew about these missiles a week ago".

" How did they know?".

Bobby spoke up. " From the CIA people in Miami".

" They can claim anything they want". Cone frowned. " They have no specifics".

Bobby spoke up again. " The Quarantine should be aimed at the Soviets not Cuba". His voice hesitated. " I also think we should have United Nations inspectors overseeing the missile sites".

President Kennedy shook his head. " No, I don't think they would serve no real purpose". He frowned. " I know what Khrushchev will say?".

" What's that Mr President?".

" He'll say invade Cuba we'll fire the missiles".

Bobby looked at Jack. " That means nuclear war".

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

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

the Story: you shall have no other gods

 the Story: you shall have no other gods by ric gustafson

Has a buildup in your life ended up being anticlimactic. According to Exodus 20, that was not the case on Sinai. Thunder rumbled. Lightning crackled. Smoke came from the mountaintop. A thick cloud covering the mountain made it eerie. 

Then God through Moses gave his people clear instructions on how they should live. Moses gave God's people ten of the best rules humankind had ever seen.

research help: ' The Story 365 devotions' by Zondervan

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

October 1962 page 11

 October 1962 page 11 by ric gustafson

Sunday October 21 1962

McCone handed the gentlemen some photographs. " We are certain Mr President ". McCone's voice hesitated. " That eight to twelve Soviet medium range missiles are operational".

General Taylor spoke up. " I believe an air strike is called for and quickly".

McNamara spoke up. " I agree Khrushchev is a wild card".

General Taylor frowned. " We need to bomb the missile launcher sites themselves".

President Kennedy held up a hand. " Gentlemen, your input is appreciated". He frowned. " At our last meeting, the decision was made".

" And what was that decision Mr President?".

" I am going to tell the American people tomorrow evening that we will be instituting a quarantine of Cuba".

Later, at another EXCOMM meeting.

President Kennedy stared at his Chief of Naval Operations. " Admiral Anderson, can you please fill us in as to your plans?".

" Mr President, your quarantine line will be at a point 800 miles from Cuban territorial waters".

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

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

the Story: be prepared

 the Story: be prepared by ric gustafson

The Boy Scouts have a motto ' be prepared'. According to Exodus 19, God wants his people to be ready and to be prepared. Moses told the people to wash their clothes and be ready by the third day. Why?.

Because on the third day, God was going to come down on Mount Sinai in the sight of all the people.

Some day when we go before God, he wants our prepared hearts to be overjoyed with awe and respect. 

Everyday, God wants us to be in a quiet place with him. He wants our love.

He deserves our love and respect.

research help: ' The Story 365 devotions' by Zondervan

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

the Reluctant Beatle page 44

 the Reluctant Beatle page 44 by ric gustafson

In the summer of 1980, George came out with an autobiography. It was titled ' I Me Mine'. Then tragedy struck the Beatle family. 40 year old John Lennon was shot five times in the back. He died in the emergency room. Because of his death, Lennon's new album ' Double Fantasy' shot up to the top of the charts. 

In 1981, George released an album titled ' Somewhere In England'. One song titled ' All Those Years Ago' was a tribute to John. The song shot up to the top of the chart. After John's death, George increased security at Friar Park.

In 1982, George recorded an album called ' Gone Troppo'. One song was called ' Dream Away'. It was used in Terry Gilliam's film ' Time Bandits'.

From 1982-1985, life was quiet for George. He spent a lot of time with Olivia and Dhani. He bought a 63 acre lot on a bluff in Maui. He began to play the ukulele.

In 1985, Handmade released a film called ' Water'. In Jan 1986, George was part of a tribute special to one of his heroes. His hero was Carl Perkins. In March 1986, George and Handmade decided to make a film with Madonna and Sean Penn. The film was called ' Shanghai Surprise'. It was a total flop.

George started smoking again.

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

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

the Story: time out

 the Story: time out by ric gustafson

God instructed Moses to tell the people what he did to Egypt. Moses told the people that God carried them on eagles wings and brought them to himself. Then God said that if the people obeyed him fully they would be his treasured possession.

The Hebrews needed a time out. It had been two months since they left Egypt. Now the people were camped in front of Mount Sinai. Through Moses, God reminded the people all that he had done for them. God wanted the people to obey him. God wants us to obey him also.

research help: ' The Story 365 devotions' by Zondervan

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Wicked page 1

 Wicked page 1 by ric gustafson

The witch stared out from the topmost bough of a black willow tree. She quietly watched as the four approached the tree, When the four had stopped, she tucked her broom under her arm. She quietly scuttled down the tree. Now she was only twenty feet from her prey.

There were four of them. One was a huge cat possibly a lion. One was a tin woodman. One was an animated scarecrow. The fourth was a girl.

" What a witch". replied the Lion. " Psychologically warped insane".

The Tin Woodman spoke up. " She was castrated at birth".

The Lion frowned. " She's a despot and a tyrant".

Just then, the witch noticed the girl. She was a good size farm girl. She was dressed in blue and white. In her lap was a little dog.

The girl frowned as she looked toward the distance. " There is a storm coming".

" We're safe here" replied the Tin Woodman.

" No, we're not". The girl looked worried. " Let's run to that shed up ahead".

The four ran off.

Then the witch noticed the sparkly shoes the girl was wearing. Those were her sister's shoes.

research help: ' Wicked' by Gregory Maguire

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Blackbird page 3

 Blackbird page 3 by ric gustafson

A biography of Paul McCartney came out in 1997. The author was Barry Miles. McCartney explained to Miles his inspiration for ' Blackbird'. He told Miles he had in mind a black woman than a bird. It was the days of the Civil Rights movement. The song was from him to a black woman and what she was experiencing. McCartney hoped that the song would encourage people to keep trying, keep your faith and hope.

McCartney wanted something symbolic so he picked a bird. McCartney cloaked the civil rights message so listeners could apply the song to whatever problem they were facing.

' Blackbird' at a basic level is lyrics about a bird. The lyrics talk about flying and singing. McCartney had a bird book. He picked the blackbird to be his visual. He had picked the name Wings for his post Beatles band.

The Beatles loved and respected black musicians. One of their favorites was Billy Preston. Preston became a good friend and was in on many of their recordings. His nickname was the 5th Beatle. Preston's own interpretation was of a gospel sensibility. 

Disco Queen Sylvester did a 1979 version of ' Blackbird'. That interpretation addressed liberation.

research help: ' Blackbird' by Katie Kapurch and Jon Marc Smith

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

the Reluctant Beatle page 43

 the Reluctant Beatle page 43 by ric gustafson 

In 1977, George and Olivia traveled and enjoyed the quiet of Friar Park. One of George's frequent guests was Peter Sellers. One hobby George started was being a Formula I race driver. He started racing in the 1977 season while Olivia was pregnant. George divorced Pattie in June 1977. George married Olivia in Sept of 1978.

A son was born to George and Olivia on August 1 1978. They named their son Dhani. The rest of 1978 George spent with his wife new son and Eric Idle.

In 1980, George started a business partnership called Handmade Films. He let Denis O'Brien handle the business end of the partnership. George mostly stayed away from business affairs. George had two friends watch Handmade for him. The first was Beatles former press officer Derek Taylor. The other was a close friend. His name was Ray Cooper. A young accountant named Steve Abbott who started working with George noticed shady dealings with George's money. O'Brien had set up shady accounts in Panama, Dutch Antilles and Swiss bank accounts. George knew nothing about them. 

Eric Clapton married Pattie Harrison in March 1979.

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

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

the Story: no water

 the Story: no water by ric gustafson

God's people had no water to drink. They grumbled and complained to Moses. Moses cried out to God for help. God told Moses to strike his staff against a rock. God told Moses water will come out. It did.

Once again, God provides for his people. God provides for us every day.

research help: ' The Story 365 devotions' by Zondervan

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Blackbird page 2

 Blackbird page 2 by ric gustafson

In 2020, Blues Hall of Famer Bettye LaVette released an album called ' Blackbirds'. On the album was her first person interpretation of Paul McCartney's song ' Blackbird'. LaVette knew about the civil rights origin of the song. She had heard McCartney's stories of the origin of the song. Realizing that black musicians were using the song to give them hope about their own recordings and live performances. LaVette gave ' Blackbird' a first person perspective.

For the Beatles, it started before their arrival in the US in 1964. A black owned label called Vee Jay. It was founded by Vivian Carter and her husband Jimmy Brocken. The label's representative was Barbara Gardner Proctor. In 1962, the Beatles were unknown in the US. Proctor flew to London and traded songs with EMI Records. EMI Records included Parlophone. This was the Beatles label.

Billy Preston recorded with Vee Jay in 1964 and 1965. Preston would later become part of the Beatles legacy. Preston said that the Beatles had great respect for black music. They were not threatened by it. The Beatles had great respect for American rhythm and blues.

So what was Paul McCartney's inspiration for ' Blackbird'?.

research help: ' Blackbird' by Katie Kapurch and Jon Marc Smith

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

the Reluctant Beatle page 42

 the Reluctant Beatle page 42 by ric gustafson

On December 19 1974, the Beatles business partnership was terminated. Only Paul and George were there to sign. After the tour ended, George and Olivia went to Hawaii. Patti moved into Eric Clapton's mansion in December 1974. George's next album turned out to be Apple's last album. The album was called ' Extra Texture Read All About It'. ' You' was a love song to Olivia. ' You' made it to number 20 on the Billboard singles chart.

George loved the silly comedy of the British troupe Monty Python. One of the troupe was Eric Idle. George and Idle became fast friends. In Feb 1976, the ' My Sweet Lord' lawsuit played out in Manhattan District Court. Because of Allen Klein's involvement in the case it was put on hold for another 5 years.

In May of 1976, George was diagnosed with hepatitis B. This was a liver disorder caused by excessive alcohol use. George's next album was called ' 33 1/3'. George missed the deadline to turn in the album. 

CEO of Warner Brothers Records Mo Astin saved George by giving him a great deal. George had to give A and M Records 4 million. George was able to keep Dark Horse going. And he gave ' 33 1'3' to Mo Ostin. From the new album ' This Song' became a top 25 hit. Sales for the album did better than George's previous two albums.

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

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

the Story: what is it?

 the Story: what is it? by ric gustafson

God's people were cranky, grumbling and hungry. God heard them and acted. In the morning, God sent a layer of dew around their camp. When the dew was gone, thin flakes appeared on the desert floor. 

God's people did not know what it was. What is it?.

The thin flakes was called manna. The people were given this manna morning and evening by God. 

Everyday, God provided for his people. He does the same for us every day.

research help: ' The Story 365 devotions' by Zondervan

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Blackbird page 1

 Blackbird page 1 by ric gustafson

In 2018 was the 50th anniversary of an album the Beatles put out on November 22 1968. The album was simply called ' the White Album'. It was the only double album the group put out. One of the songs on the album was ' Blackbird'. 

' Blackbird' was written by Paul McCartney. As far as the motivation to write the song, it goes back to a dark time in American history. At that time, McCartney was paying attention to what was happening here. 

McCartney was watching what was happening in the South regarding civil rights. McCartney was watching what was going on in Alabama and Little Rock.

McCartney wanted to write a song about what those people were going through. He hoped the song would give people there a little hope. The song was his way to support black people fighting for civil rights.

But why the blackbird as a metaphor?.

research help: ' Blackbird' by Katie Kapurch and Jon Marc Smith

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric