a great cloud of witnesses: Thomas Aquinas

 a great cloud of witnesses: Thomas Aquinas by ric gustafson

So who was Thomas Aquinas?. Aquinas was one of the Medieval Church's intellectual leaders. Aquinas was a philosophical theologian. He was born near Naples Italy. He joined a Dominican Order when he was a teenager. At school, Aquinas was nicknamed ' The Dumb Ox'. 

Before long, Aquinas had a deep understanding of Scripture, church writings, Greek philosophy and Jewish thought. But what Aquinas really had was a huge love for Jesus. Aquinas had a talent for writing. He wrote about God's mysteries and the beliefs of the Western medieval church. 

One day, Aquinas had a vision from God. This vision kept him surrounded by God's love. On his deathbed at age 48, Aquinas went to the eternal garden to be with God.

research help: ' Our Church Speaks' by Ben Lansing and D J Marotta

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

A great cloud of witnesses: Mary Slessor

 A great cloud of witnesses: Mary Slessor by ric gustafson

In the country of Nigeria, Mary Slessor is revered. She was a messenger of mercy and showed the gospel of hope. She grew up in Scotland. Slessor was inspired by African missionary David Livingstone. Slessor studied African languages.

In 1875, Slessor got a teaching position in Nigeria. In Calabar Nigeria the transatlantic slave trade had a horrible reputation. Slessor helped those suffering from smallpox. Slessor helped abandoned children. Slessor preached the good news of Jesus wherever she went.  Because of her humility and servant attitude, she gained respect from conflicting tribes. She became an outpost of compassion, healing and the light of Christ.

research help: ' Our Church Speaks' by Ben Lansing and D J Marotta

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

a great cloud of witnesses: Gregory of Nazianzus

 a great cloud of witnesses: Gregory of Nazianzus by ric gustafson

Gregory of Nazianzus was a Bishop of Constantinople and a Teacher of the Faith. The time of his life was the 4th Century. It was during a pivotal time in church history when God called a poet named Gregory. Why did God call him for?. God chose him to minister to the church. God equipped him with good friends to help him.

Gregory was the son of Greek landowners in Cappadocia. Both of his parents were Christian. Gregory wanted to be a poet and a scholar. While on a ship to Athens during a storm, Gregory dedicated his life to Jesus. 

Eventually, Gregory and a friend Basil became bishops of the Cappadocians. Their hard work preserved and advanced the Christian faith through the use of the Nicene Creed. In his old age, Gregory became the bishop of Constantinople.

research help: ' Our Church Speaks' by Ben Lansing and D J Marotta

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Trusting God: I Corinthians 6:19

 Trusting God: I Corinthians 6:19 by ric gustafson

According to I Corinthians 6, your body is the Temple of the Holy Spirit. If our body is the Temple where God dwells, we should keep it in the best condition we can. This is the same with our relationship with God, we should keep it in shape as well as we can. 

We need to protect what we use for God. This includes our voice, our mind and our heart.

God loves us more than anything else.

research help: ' Trusting God day by day' by Joyce Meyer

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

SNL page 8

 SNL page 8 by ric gustafson

In Season 2 of SNL, there were many notable moments.

There was a sketch called ' The Right to Extreme Stupidity League'. In the sketch Fern played by Candice Bergen and Lisa played by Gilda Radner. Bergan flubbed a line and made the sketch funnier. It showed things happen in live television. 

A sketch created by Dan Aykroyd and Tom Davis. The sketch was called the ' Coneheads', The sketch became a huge hit. Aykroyd played Beldar Conehead. Beldar, Prymaat and Connie Conehead lived in New Jersey. 

On Feb 20 1977, Lorne Michaels took SNL live to Mardi Gras. Dan Aykroyd played President Jimmy Carter. Laraine Newman played First Lady Rosalynn Carter. The biggest problems for Michaels was not the show itself on location but problems with the parade itself. 

There was a new sketch with Dan Aykroyd playing a character named Leonard Pinth Garnell. Bill Murray played a character named Ronnie Bateman. Bateman introduced stunningly bad performances.

Bill Murray introduced a new character named Nick the Lounge Singer. Murray started this character at Second City. 

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

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Cain page 2

 Cain page 2 by ric gustafson

Lilleth ran through the flap that hung from the arched marble entryway. She noticed Eve with holding wool and needles in her hand. 

" What's wrong Lilleth?".

Lilleth looked concerned. " Have you seen Abel?".

Eve shook her head. 

" I can't find him". Fear came across her face. " He was gone all night".

" When was the last time you saw him?".

" Last evening". She thought for a moment. " He was happy because the Almighty had accepted his offering".

" Where did he go?".

" He told me he was off to the pastures".

" For the last two years, the Almighty has been protecting us".

" Can you please ask Adam to help look for him?".

" I will".

research help: ' Cain' by Brennan S McPherson

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Wicked page 6

 Wicked page 6 by ric gustafson

Glinda clutched her parcel of clothes. She stared at the man sleeping across from her. She heard the conductor " Wittica Wittica next". This was the longest train ride she had ever been on. Everyone in Frottica came to say goodbye. She was the first from her town to be accepted to Shiz University.

At Railway Square, Galinda walked off the train with a couple of porters dragging her luggage. Luckily, a carriage and a human driver was able to take her to Crage Hall. Greeting Galinda in the atrium was the Headmistress. She was a fish faced upper class woman. She was clothed in a currant colored gown.

She stared at Galinda. 

" My name is Madame Morrible". She grinned. " We'll have tea in the parlor and then assemble in the Main Hall".

The parlor was filled with pretty young women. They were wearing green or blue and black shawls. 

Madame Morrible began pairing the new students and then sending them to their new rooms.

After a while, Galinda was just about the last left in the parlor.

" Madame, who is going to be my roommate?".

Madame smiled. " Miss Elphaba".

research help: ' Wicked' by Gregory Maguire

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Trusting God: II Corinthians 5:17

 Trusting God: II Corinthians 5:17 by ric gustafson

When we receive Jesus into our lives, he gives us a new nature. Jesus gives us his nature. Jesus gives us discipline and control. Jesus gives us a sound mind. This way we can think about things properly without being controlled by emotion. Our old self passes away. And then Jesus gives us what we need for a new way of thinking. We must choose spirit over the flesh. We must choose right over wrong. Our renewed soul will begin to control our outer body.

Without Jesus's help. we eat too much, spend too much and talk too much. Jesus wants us to establish new habits. Jesus guides and leads us. Jesus loves us more than anything else.

research help: ' Trusting God day by day' by Joyce Meyer

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Cain page 1

 Cain page 1 by ric gustafson

Adam heard a human baby crying. He smiled at Eve. He cleaned the baby and cut the cord. He handed it to Eve. 

She accepted it with rapture. " I have delivered a boy". She grinned at Adam. " We should call him Cain".

Adam smiled his approval. " He is our firstborn".

Just then, Eve cried out. 

" Something's wrong".

" What's wrong?".

Eve bared her teeth. " I think another child is coming".

Through sweat, blood and water, another baby came.

Compared to the first baby who came with dark hair, this second baby had lighter hair.

Adam smiled. " Let us call him Abel".

research help: ' Cain' by Brennan S MCPherson

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Trusting God: Ecclesiastes 5:18

Trusting God: Ecclesiastes 5:18 by ric gustafson

When we do things over and over again, we get bored. We get aggressive and do things for ourselves. In Ecclesiastes 5, God says do something different instead. God wants us to have variety in our life. That is part of God's plan for us. It will keep our life here more exciting.

God gives us the gift of a new day. God gives us a day to live and enjoy. According to John 10, Jesus wants us to enjoy life. If we refuse that, it is our fault. God wants us to have joy and peace each day.

research help: ' Trusting God day by day' by Joyce Meyer

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Trusting God: Romans 7:15

 Trusting God: Romans 7:15 by ric gustafson

There is a war going on inside us. The inner person wants to do what is right. The outer person wants to do what is wrong. Our renewed spirit craves holiness and righteousness. Our carnal fleshly spirit craves worldly things. In Romans 7, the Apostle Paul wants to do what is right, But he fails to carry it out. He fails to do good when he wants to. Instead, he does evil. 

Paul knows that only Jesus can deliver him his fleshly urges. He had to learn to lean on Jesus always for strength. He had to will to do good over evil. We can also. We need to lean on Jesus.

research help: ' Trusting God day by day' by Joyce Meyer

Peace and God's blessings. Happy Easter. Love Ric

Wicked page 5

 Wicked page 5 by ric gustafson

Frex was back from his two week mission at Three Dead Trees. One day, he was smoking from a sallowwood pipe. " I believe my mission is to the downtrodden  and humble".

Turtle Heart spoke up. " Lots of downtrodden in Quadling County".

Melena stared at Turtle Heart. " Why did you leave Ovvels anyway?".

" Horrors".

" What sort of horrors?".

Elphala squeaked. " Horrors".

Turtle Heart looked startled. " That's the first time the child has spoken".

" What kind of horrors Turtle Heart?".

" Workers from the Emerald City came".

" What happened?".

" They see that Quadling County is sitting on deposits of real rubies".

Melena looked in horror. " A road made of rubies is not yellow brick".

Elphaba squeaked. " Horrors".

Frex stared at Melena. " We need to go to the Emerald City and help Turtle Heart plead his case".

Melena looked at Frex. " I can't".

" Why not?".

" I am with child".

research help: ' Wicked' by Gregory Maguire

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Trusting God: Philippians 3:12

 Trusting God: Philippians 3:12 by ric gustafson

God does not try to make people guilty of anything. The one who makes people feel guilty is Satan. Philippians 3:12 says the Messiah Christ Jesus has laid hold of me and made me his own. God does not try to make us feel guilty. Instead, God gives us the chance to change and progress. 

We are not built for guilt. God sent his Son to redeem us from guilt. We have been set free from the power of sin. God wants us to have right behavior. 

Your future has no room for your past. How much time do we waste feeling guilty?. No one is perfect.

God loves us very much just the way we are.

research help: ' Trusting God day by day' by Joyce Meyer

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Trusting God: II Corinthians 10:5

 Trusting God: II Corinthians 10:5 by ric gustafson

So how do you become successful?. Successful people make a plan. They talk about that plan constantly. II Corinthians 10:5 says we capture their rebellious thoughts and teach them to obey Christ. We think on purpose. Do you choose your thoughts?. Or do they fall into your head. What do you want out of life?. 

According to this bible passage, do we capture our thoughts and submit them to God. We can change. Our mind is a battlefield. With our minds, we can win the battle or lose. Your thinking can change, It takes time. God thinks it is worth it.

research help: ' Trusting God day by day' by Joyce Meyer

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Trusting God: Matthew 12:36

 Trusting God: Matthew 12:36 by ric gustafson

We talk a lot about feelings. Good, bad, happy or sad feelings. Feelings are ever changing. Matthew 12:36 says on the day of judgment men will have to give account for every idle word they speak. We tell people how we feel. We feel fine we tell others. When we don't feel well, we tell others. We usually offer our negative feelings first. 

God wants to know our feelings. Good or bad, God wants to know. God says try to make right choices, With faith, God will give us strength to have positive feelings.

research help: ' Trusting God day by day' by Joyce Meyer

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Holding Heaven page 8

 Holding Heaven page 8 by ric gustafson

Joseph sat down with his son. " I will continue the story".

" Your mother and I presented you to the priest. Afterwards, an old man came up to us".

" Forgive me". He smiled. " May I hold your son".

" He told us his name was Simeon. He was a local resident. He had been praying for years for the Messiah to come".

Joseph smiled at his son.

" The old man told me God's Holy Spirit revealed to him that he would not die until he saw the Christ".

Joseph grinned at his son. " God's Spirit led him to you".

" He held you aloft. He praised God. He said now he could die in peace".

" I have seen the Savior". The old man smiled at Jesus. " You have given to all the people".

" After he left, an old prophetess came up to us. She was an old widow. She was in her 80's, She worshiped God in the Temple day and night. After seeing you, she began telling everyone she could find who you were".

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

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Trusting God: Exodus 20:17

Trusting God: Exodus 20:17 by ric gustafson

How do you feel about your life?. Love it, like it or wish you had a different one?. Do you want what others have?. Wanting what others have is called coveting. It is forbidden by God. It is one of the Ten Commandments. 

God says do your best with that I have given you. Exodus 20 says you shall not covet anything that is your neighbors. Nobody has a perfect life. God says be content with this life. We need to be happy where we are. God wants us to enjoy the gift of life.

research help: ' Trusting God day by day' by Joyce Meyer

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Angels 101 page 1

 Angels 101 page 1 by ric gustafson

Homer Jacobs began writing on the white board as the students came in. When it was 6, all of the seats were full.

" It's 6 let's get started". Homer glanced around the room. The class was pretty much half male half female.

He pointed at the board. " Welcome to Angels 101". He smiled at the students. " In the 90's there was an angel craze". He pointed at the board. " Can anyone give me your first impression of angels?".

A male raised his hand. " They have wings and can fly anywhere".

" The angel craze changed our thinking about angels".

A female raised a hand. " Are there dangerous angels?".

" Yes, Satan likes to masquerade as an angel of light".

Another male raised his hand. " So Satan disguises himself as an angel".

" Yes".

Later, Homer looked at the time. " That is all for today".

research help: ' Angels' by Dr David Jeremiah

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Psalms: Psalm 37

Psalms: Psalm 37 by ric gustafson

Trust in the Lord and do good. Then you will live safely in the land and prosper. Take delight in the Lord. And he will give you your heart's desires. Commit everything you do to the Lord. Trust him and he will help you.

What is the desire of your heart?. How do you delight in the Lord?. How can you commit to God today?. 

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

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Psalms: Psalm 84

 Psalms: Psalm 84 by ric gustafson

Better is one day in your courts. Than a thousand elsewhere. I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God. Than dwell in the tents of the wicked. For the Lord God is a sun and shield. The Lord bestows favor and honor. No good thing does he withhold. From those whose walk is blameless. Lord Almighty. Blessed is the one who trusts in you.

Have you ever felt of being in God's presence?. Have you ever felt near to God?.

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

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Born in the USA page 4

Born in the USA page 4 by ric gustafson

In 1993, Bruce Springsteen inducted John Fogerty and Creedence Clearwater Revival into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. As Springsteen prepared ' Born in the USA' his praise of Fogerty was immense. Springsteen wanted happy sounding sad songs. In the late 60's and early 70's CCR had a string of hits. This included ' Who'll Stop The Rain' ' Suzy Q' and ' Proud Mary'.

Springsteen studied the success of CCR for the creation of ' Born In The USA'. There were several parallels between John Fogerty and Bruce Springsteen. Both started in bar bands when they were teenagers. Both men were loners and control freaks. Just like CCR, Springsteen merged mass taste with elitist taste. 

Springsteen wanted to paint a picture of taverns and no nonsense men and women. Springsteen wanted to show small town working class laborers, 

Springsteen used Fogerty and his music as a starting point for ' Born In The USA'.

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

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Psalms: Psalm 142

 Psalms: Psalm 142 by ric gustafson

I cry aloud to the Lord. I lift up my voice to the Lord for mercy. I pour out before him my complaint. Before him I tell my trouble. When my spirit grows faint within me. It is you who watch over my way. In the path where I walk. People have hidden a snare for me. There is no one at my right hand. No one is concerned for me. I have no refuge. No one cares for my life. I cry to you Lord. You are my refuge. My portion in the land of the living.

What lies heavy on your heart and mind?. Do we pretend everything is fine?. How has God provided for you?.

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

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

McCartney page 10

 McCartney page 10 by ric gustafson

The very next day after their first recording session, tragedy struck young John Lennon. His mother Julia was killed by a speeding car as she crossed a road. Her death devasted John. Writing music became his healing balm.

John started at the Liverpool College of Art in the autumn of 1957. The Institute where Paul and George went to school and the College of Art where John went was seperated by a small yard. At lunch time, Paul and George joined John and practiced guitar playing. In order to see John, Paul had to wear a black jacket and a white shirt.

John and Paul began trying to write songs together. At first, they tried at John's college. They determined it was more productive to write in private. They tried to write in John's room at Mendips. John's Aunt Mimi was always bothered by their loud music. She sent them to the front porch.

It turned out Paul's house was the better option for the two to write. The best time was in the afternoon when Paul's dad was at work.

John, Paul and George were devestated on Feb 3 1959 when they heard the news that Buddy Holly had died. Holly died in a plane crash along with J P Richardson and Ritchie Valens. They adored Holly and his 3 chord songs and riffs.

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

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

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