Born in the USA page 6

 Born in the USA page 6 by ric gustafson

Roy Bittan brought a CS-80 to the ' Born in the USA' sessions. This synth had helped Toto and Michael Jackson's ' Thriller'. 

Springsteen began recording ' Born in the USA' in Jan 1982. Recording was at the Hit Factory in New York. Recording was worked on until April and May 1982. The band took a break from recording until summer and fall of 1983. The band took another break. Recording resumed in early 1984. 

' Born in the USA' was released on June 4 1984. Many track lists of the songs were created. Every track list had ' Born in the USA' as the opening track. One of the album's co producers Chuck Plotkin suggested a song be the final song on the album. 

The first track was uplifting. It was suggested that ' My Hometown' be the album's last song. ' My Hometown' was a quiet and thoughtful track. The song addressed race. Springsteen witnessed race first hand in Freehold in the late 1960's. Springsteen's neighborhood was integrated. He had black friends.

' Born in the USA' represented the boomer generation.

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

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Psalms: Psalm 21

 Psalms: Psalm 21 by ric gustafson

When we make mistakes, do we accept them as the way they will be. Do we say our life will not change. When we feel that way, did it come from God?. We may feel that everything is over. God has other plans for us. 

Psalm 21 says you have given him his heart's desire. God says get in agreement with me. We can start expecting again. God will have new things in store for you. Don't believe in Satan's lies. Start dreaming. God has gifts and promises coming your way.

God loves us more than anything else.

research help: ' Psalms Proverbs for everyday life' by Joel Osteen

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Born in the USA page 5

 Born in the USA page 5 by ric gustafson

In the spring of 1983, Bruce Springsteen was happy. Now 33, he was financially secure for the first time. He was able to buy a home in the Hollywood Hills. But underneath the surface, Springsteen was physically and spiritually adrift. Even with riches and accolades, Springsteen felt alone.

To try and get over his funk, Springsteen created a studio in his LA garage. He recorded several songs with the E Street band. This included ' Born in the USA' ' I'm on Fire' ' Glory Days' ' I'm Going Down'. 

Springsteen recorded several songs himself. This included ' Sugarland' and ' Little Girl'. Some of the songs for ' Born in the USA' changed over time. The title track for the new album changed from a downbeat bluesy to a hard rocking number. ' Working on the Highway' became a rockabilly party jam. ' Downbound Train' became an uptempo rocker.

Compared to the mellow folk music of ' Nebraska', Springsteen wanted something totally different 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 20

 Psalms: Psalm 20 by ric gustafson

God is our provider. According to Psalm 20, we trust in the name of the Lord our God. God asks that we put our trust in him. If we believe in the trust of God, we can have peace and rest. We can know that God is in control. God can give us victory. We can concentrate on the problem or we can concentrate on the one who wants to solve it for us. That is God. 

We can try to solve our problems ourselves, Instead of better, it will be worse. Satan does not want us to have God solve our problems. But God says give your problems to me. I will solve them. I promise.

Why?. Because God loves us more than anything else.

research help: ' Psalms Proverbs for everyday life' by Joel Osteen

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Proverbs: Proverbs 3

 Proverbs: Proverbs 3 by ric gustafson

Sometimes people need words of faith into them. You can see things in people they cannot see. You have what they need. We need to encourage people. We need to let them know we believe in them. 

With our encouragement, gifts will come and their passion will come back. They will be stepping into new levels. 

It's as easy as a compliment. We can text. We can call. God wants us to lift people. Why?. Because God loves us more than anything else.

research help: ' Psalms Proverbs for everyday life' by Joel Osteen

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Psalms: Psalm 18

 Psalms: Psalm 18 by ric gustafson

God wants us to think each day as a victory. Psalm 18 says you armed me with strength for battle. When we have problems, God does not want us to feel defeated and weak. God wants us to be a warrior armed with strength. Things will happen to us in this life, big and small. We were made in the image of God. 

We have seeds of greatness. God says step into your greatness. Start seeing yourself the way God intended you to be. God loves you more than anything else.

research help: ' Psalms Proverbs for everyday life' by Joel Osteen

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

do you believe in God? page 8

 do you believe in God? page 8 by ric gustafson

Cassie began attending the youth group at West Bowles Community Church. Over time, Cassie made new friends including Jamie. Between freshman and sophmore years, Cassie told me she wanted to transfer to Columbine High School. There, she made friends easily. She did not flaunt her new faith.

When Cassie said yes to Dylan and Eric, it became a national headline. People began calling my daughter a martyr. I did not like people calling her that.

I'm proud of my daughter standing firm to those two killers. She had principals and morals. She was not ashamed of them. When I heard what Cassie had done, I was very proud of her. She's stronger than I will ever be. I don't think Cassie would of wanted to be singled out for praise.

I think it is unnecessary to call Cassie a martyr. I'm just proud of her standing up for what she believed. At that point in her life, Cassie was happy. Jesus was living in her. That makes me happier than anything else.

Thank you for reading my story.

The End

research help: ' She said Yes' by Misty Bernall

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

do you believe in God? page 7

 do you believe in God? page 7 by ric gustafson

One day, Cassie brought over a new friend. Her name was Jamie. She was short and had a bleach blond haircut. She wore grungy attire. To me, she did not look like a nice Christian girl. But she was warm and had a unself conscious manner. I was happy Cassie had found a new friend.

Jamie told me they had met shortly after Cassie had started at CFS. The two had the same guidance counselor. The counselor told Jamie that Cassie was struggling and needed a friend. One day, they said hello. They quickly became good friends.

In spring 1997, Jamie invited Cassie to come with her to a youth retreat. Cassie agreed to come. During that retreat, there was a nighttime praise and worship service. The person talked about the temptations of evil. The person also talked about breaking out of a selfish life. Jamie told me Cassie's walls began to break down. When I picked her up from the retreat, I could tell my daughter had changed.

research help: ' She said Yes' by Misty Bernall

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

the end of days page 24

 the end of days page 24 by ric gustafson

The two followers by the Wailing Wall knew what day it was. They had 1260 days to preach, prophesy and try to convert people to Christ. They knew their time to be overcome had arrived.

Rory and a large crowd watched as a long motorcade of black limos stopped where the followers were. Out of the first limos were One World officials. Out of the last limo was Carlo Simpato. He had a rifle in his hand. Carlo smiled at Rory. He walked up to the two followers.

" What do the two of you have to say now?".

The two followers were silent.

" Where are your locusts?". Carlo raised his arms. " Where are your horses that spew smoke and flame?".

The two followers were silent. 

" I now pronounce judgement". Carlo turned toward the crowd. " The judgement is death".

The two followers looked up toward heaven.

Carlo walked behind them. He pointed the rifle and shot both followers in the back of the head.

Carlo smiled. He got back into the limo and drove away.

For three and a half days, Rory and the crowd danced around the remains of the two.

After 3 and a half days, Rory and the crowd began to disperse and leave. 

Rory began to walk away.

" Look, he's moving" yelled someone from the crowd. Rory watched in horror as the two followers slowly stood up. Their blood stains disappeared. Their bodies transformed before Rory's eyes.

" Come here".

The two followers rose and vanished into a cloud.

Stunned, Rory walked back to his vehicle. The sky turned black. Rain began to fall around the Wailing Wall.

research help: ' Assassins' by Tim Lahaye and Jerry B Jenkins

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Psalms: Psalm 16

 Psalms: Psalm 16 by ric gustafson

Sometimes when we get up in the morning, we do not want to be in God's presence. We do not want to read the bible. We do not want to pray. Psalm 16 says you will show me the path of life. God asks that we spend time with him every day. Psalm 16 proclaims that in God's presence there is fullness of joy, peace and victory. 

So how do we spend time with God?.  We sit quietly in God's presence. We pray and read our bible. Throughout the day, we meditate on God's promises. God wants to be first in our life. When we do that, that is the right path for our life.

research help: ' Psalms and Proverbs for everyday life' by Joel Osteen

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Psalms: Psalm 9

 Psalms: Psalm 9 by ric gustafson

In the legal system, a court ruling can be appealed to a higher court. The Supreme Court is the highest authority and can overrule a lower court decision. In Psalm 9, the psalmist says that the enemies coming against you is not permanent. 

God is the Most High God. God is the Supreme Court. God is about to rule in your favor. God will overrule things. We will get a new verdict. God will turn things around. There will be a breakthru in your health. Doors will open. God will give you divine directions. The right people will come into your life. Then a new level will begin in your destiny.

research help: ' Psalms and Proverbs for everyday life' by Joel Osteen

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Idaho 4 page 6

 Idaho 4 page 6 by ric gustafson

Kaylee was looking forward to her new IT job in Austin Texas. Sept 1 2022, Xana was showing Emily's mother her room at 1122 King Road. Xana was now working at the Mad Greek. By Oct 27, 1122 King Road had become a university fixture. Kaylee was anxious to graduate in November.

At 2:00 pm November 12 2022, the girls wanted a group photo. They took one. Then they wanted another photo this time with Ethan in it. Kaylee sends her mother and also Maddie's mother a photo.

At 7:00 pm, The Chapin family is celebrating Maizie's formal. Their mother Stacy Chapin wanted lots of photos. By 9:30 pm, the Chapin brothers are back at the Sigma Chi fraternity house. This house was on Nez Perce Drive. It was near 1122 King Road.

It was a Saturday night. Everybody was tired.

research help: ' The Idaho 4' by James Patterson and Vicky Ward

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

searching for Jesus page 2

 searching for Jesus page 2 by ric gustafson

Jesus Christ was fully human and fully divine. What does that mean?. Jesus was flesh and blood. He was real life. He was an honest to God man. Like every man, Jesus was born, he lived and then he died. The child called Yeshua entered the world as a newborn. He was dependent on his parents.

Jesus had a body like you and me. He ate, drank and slept. When he became an adult, Jesus felt joy, sadness and laughter. Jesus felt frustration and enthusiasom. Just like us, Jesus was weary at the end of the day. Sometimes Jesus got sick. Sometimes he sweated and sneezed. 

So where do we start searching for Jesus?. I believe we should start at the beginning. To a backwater town only an hour or so from Capernaum. In Jesus's time, it was a hamlet with only 200 to 400 residents. 

Now this town is populated by Muslims and Christians. The town is now dominated by the Basilica of the Annunciation. 

The town's name is Nazareth. 

research help: ' Jesus a pilgrimage' by James Martin

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

searching for Jesus page 1

 searching for Jesus page 1 by ric gustafson

" Who do people say that I am?".

The disciples were caught off guard. They were embaressed. They wanted to ask him that question.

One spoke up. " John the Baptist".

Another spoke up. " Others Elijah".

Another spoke up. " One of the prophets".

That was popular opinion of the time. Herod thought that Jesus might have been John the Baptist come to life. Some believed that Elijah's return would herald the reign of God. There were similarities between prophets and Jesus.

Jesus looked right at his disciples. " But who do you say that I am?".

To start our pilgrimage to find Jesus, we must start at the beginning.

research help: ' Jesus a pilgrimage' by James Martin

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Proverbs: Proverbs 3

 Proverbs: Proverbs 3 by ric gustafson

It's easy to take care of our emotional and physical parts of our life. The spiritual is a different matter. We will have a more fulfilling life when we have a relationship with the Creator. Proverbs 3 says put God first. God breathed life into us. God wants us to make him a part of our lives. 

We need to make God a priority in our life. We need to put God first always.

Why because God loves us more than anything else.

research help: ' Psalms and Proverbs for everyday life' by Joel Osteen

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Idaho 4 page 5

 Idaho 4 page 5 by ric gustafson

Ethan Chapin was part of the Chapin triplets. The family grew up in Mount Vernon Washington. One of the triplets Hunter was close to Ethan. The third triplet was Maizie. She played varsity soccer. Both young men decided to try for Sigma Chi. On October 3 2021, there was a party hosted by Xana, Emily and Josie. 1118 King Road became the school's party central. At the party, Ethan became enthralled watching Xana. He was hooked. They began spending all of their time together. That Christmas of 2021, Xana and Emily spent Christmas together. Xana met Emily's parents. Emily's father Matt Alandt was an army veteran. Emily's mother Karen Alandt looked like her daughter.

Ethan Chapin worked at a restaurant on Beautiful Priest Lake. Ethan and Xana's relationship was going strong. For the fall semester of 2022, Xana was going to move into a rental house at 1122 King Road.

In June of 2022, Maddie was excited. For her senior year, she would be able to have a home away from home. Her best friend Kaylee was moving into 1122 King Road. Xana was also going to live at the house. Taking the last two rooms were friends Dylan Mortensen and Bethany Funke.

research help: ' The Idaho 4' by James Patterson and Vicky Ward

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

My Father: the Adventuring Father

 My Father: the Adventuring Father by ric gustafson

We live life. But can we define it?. This definition affects our family, time and our talents. Some people define life in a negative way. We just endure it. And yet some people embrace life. They want to get the most out of it. 

Life itself is a gift from God. Every breath we take is a gift from God. God wants us to enjoy our short time here. That started with Adam and Eve. But they disobeyed God. But all was not lost. God sent his Son so that we could have redemption. 

And now God wants us to have an adventure helping others. There is danger in that. The apostle Paul calls the Christian adventure a spiritual war. God wants us to bear fruit for him. 

We can go on this grand adventure with Jesus every day. Jesus loves us more than anything else.

research help: ' Like Father Like Son' by Pete Alwinson

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Psalms: Psalm 8

 Psalms: Psalm 8 by ric gustafson

When we became one of God's own, he breathed life into us. He put a crown of honor and glory on our head. According to Psalm 8 we were given a crown of glory and honor. This crown represents God's blessing and favor on our life. Because of this crown, we are royalty a child of God. 

This crown is a crown of honor. Jesus does not want us to lose this crown. People will try to take it away from us. Jesus says don't lose it. 

research help: ' Psalms and Proverbs for everyday life' by Joel Osteen

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

the end of days page 23

 the end of days page 23 by ric gustafson

Rory peeked out from underneath the picnic table. The horse and rider had turned away. Now, Rory noticed that the tail of the horse was actually a serpent with fangs. Rory quietly stood up and began running toward a large maple tree. Then Rory heard the hiss of a serpent. Rory was thrown headfirst into a maple tree branch.

And now with a throbbing head, a blurry eyed Rory got up and ran across the street toward the bank, When he reached the entrance, he stopped. He watched as a fellow employee was trying to hit a horse with a tree branch. Rory watched in horror as the horse spewed flames from it's nostrils and burned the co worker into ashes. Rory ran into the building.

In his office, Rory put an ice pack on his forehead. He turned on the TV.

A One World reporter came on. " It has been reported all over the world that giant horses are spewing flames and sulphur and killing people by the thousands". The reporter's voice hesitated. " Our leader Carlo Simpato will address the the One World Community tonight at 7:00". The voice hesitated again. " And now to Jerusalem for a live report".

A camera was now showing the two followers by the Wailing Wall.

" This plague was to reach you by a loving God who is running out of patience".

Someone from the crowd yelled. " A loving God?".

" Turn to God or your time will run out".

research help: ' Assassins' by Tim Lahaye and Jerry B Jenkins

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Psalms: Psalm 5

 Psalms: Psalm 5 by ric gustafson

It's hard to pray and then wait. This verse from Psalm 5 tells us to do just that. David prayed and then waited with expectation. He had his hopes up. David went looking for God's goodness. David expected God's favor. When you pray, know that the Creator of the universe hears it and goes to work for you. God is a faithful God. 

When God promises you something, he will do it. You may have to wait longer than you wish, but God always delivers. Why, because God loves you more than anything else.

research help: ' Psalms and Proverbs for everyday life' by Joel Osteen

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Idaho 4 page 4

 Idaho 4 page 4 by ric gustafson

Maddie told Kaylee about a sorority sister she had just met. Her name was Xana Kernodle. Xana had grown up in Post Falls Idaho. Because of addiction problems, Xana's mother gave up custody of Xana and her sister Jazzmin. Jeff Kernodle worked hard at his job to take care of his two daughters.

Maddie and Kaylee decided they wanted to live in the same house off campus. Kaylee began looking for a house close to campus. One day Kaylee finds one. The house was 1122 King Road.

Maddie found a new boyfriend. His name was Jake Schriger. He was a junior in Delta Tau Delta fraternity. Helping Kaylee at her off campus apartment was her boyfriend Jack DuCoeur. Jack lived nearby in a house full of fraternity brothers. Jack and Kaylee shared a dog together. It was goldendoodle named Murphy. Jack was an all state tennis player. He had strawberry blond hair and had freckles.

Jack was quiet and calm. Kaylee was not. Kaylee had already made connections to start working for an IT firm in Austin Texas.

research help: ' The Idaho 4' by James Patterson and Vicky Ward

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Proverbs: Proverbs 3

 Proverbs: Proverbs 3 by ric gustafson

We want to figure out everything on our own. Proverbs 3 says trust God from the bottom of your heart don't try to figure out everything on your own. When we have hurts and disappointments, we try to say to ourselves what happened.

God says you won't understand it, leave it to me. We want answers right now. Instead of trying to understand it ourselves, God says give it to me.

God wants us to move forward. God does not want us to figure out everything on our own. Just tell God I don't understand it. Leave it to God and move on.

research help: ' Psalms and Proverbs for everyday life' by Joel Osteen

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Idaho 4 page 3

 Idaho 4 page 3 by ric gustafson

At the University of Idaho, Aug 18 2019 was an important day. It was Bid Day. Best friends Kaylee Goncalves and Maddie Mogen were in the school's auditorium. Holding envelopes, the two freshmen were hoping they were going to be chosen into the same sorority. The sorority they wanted was Alpha PHI or Aphi for short. 

Both Maddie and Kaylee had lofty goals in mind at the University of Idaho. Maddie wanted to pursue marketing. For Kaylee, it was IT. Kaylee had four siblings and was an extrovert. Maddie was an only child so she was quieter than her best friend. When the time had come, both girls opened their envelopes. Kaylee was accepted by Aphi. Maddie was chosen by Pi Beta Phi.

In March of 2020, Covid hit. Both Maddie and Kaylee struggled with their sorority houses and Covid health and safety protocals. Kaylee and Maddie had to pay to stay in their sorority houses. Covid dictated them to stay away.

Through it all, the two stayed best friends.

research help: ' The Idaho 4' by James Patterson and Vicky Ward

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Psalms: Psalm 4

 Psalms: Psalm 4 by ric gustafson

David in this psalm is in a time of adversity. King Saul was trying to kill him. Earlier in his life, he faced a giant. Right now, we face adversity every day. Trouble sets us back. But David discovers something. And so do we.

We need to pray and tell God I love you. Even though I have this adversity, I know you are in charge. I trust you. I know you are in charge of my life.

God will give us talent, courage, favor and greatness. God will give us new growth. God will give us promotion and freedom. Why because God loves us more than anything else.

research help: ' Psalms and Proverbs for everyday life' by Joel Osteen

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Idaho 4 page 2

 Idaho 4 page 2 by ric gustafson

Officer Nunes called Sergeant Gunderson. " This is serious".

As Gunderson headed toward 1122 King Road, he called Commander Tyson Berrett. Berrett was Commander of the Campus Police. Berrett was an experienced cop. He was in charge of Moscow Idaho's previous homicide in Jan 2015. Berrett had a personal connection to the school. He was a former student. His daughter was currently a student there.

When Berrett arrives at 1122 King Road, Officer Nunes had already put tape around the perimeter. A neighbor lady was standing near the front door.

" Ava, do you know the people inside?".

Sadly she did. " Yes".

Berrett knew which Detectives needed to be called. Berrett also knew the other people who needed to be called.

research help: ' The Idaho 4' by James Patterson and Vicky Ward

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

the end of days page 22

 the end of days page 22 by ric gustafson

Rory, with a lunch sack in his hands, walked across Peach Street. He entered a little park that was popular with the bank's employees. Rory liked the park, it was quiet. He sat down at one of the park's wooden benches. He sat down and opened his paper sack. As he began to munch on a ham sandwich, he thought about recent events in his life.

Rory had been comforting his mother since his father disappeared with millions in an event called the Rapture. Rory felt his neck. As he munched on a carrot stick, he remembered an incident recently that shook him. 

Rory, Carlo and many others suffered a painful bite from giant locusts with tails like scorpions. It made Carlo and Rory very bitter toward God. Rory's mother kept warning Rory to stay away from Carlo Simpato.

Just when Rory had finished his lunch, he began to smell a faint odor of smoke. Rory frowned. The last time he smelled smoke, he was stung by a locust. 

All of a sudden, Rory jumped under the picnic table. He peeked up. Fear came over his face. Next to the table was a horse twice the size of a normal horse. Rory noticed the horse was not touching the ground. Flames and smoke was coming out of his nostril and mouth. The horses head was wide like the head of a lion. The rider of the horse looked like he was ten feet tall. He wore a breastplate that showed yellow, blue and red. Behind this lead horse in Rory's eyes looked like horses lined up as far as Rory could see.

research help: ' Assassins' by Tim Lahaye and Jerry B Jenkins

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Proverbs: Proverbs 1

Proverbs: Proverbs 1 by ric gustafson

We are always feeding ourselves. Our thoughts are feeding our inner man. If we hear gossip, disrespect and jealousy, that is what we are feeding ourselves. If we feed on negative thoughts, we will feed doubt, fear and mediocrity.

Proverbs 1 says they will eat the fruit of their ways and be filled with the fruit of their schemes. God wants us to feed on faith, hopes and dreams. We were fearfully and wonderfully made. We are a masterpiece made in the image of God. God wants us to feed on his values.

research help: ' Psalms and Proverbs for everyday life' by Joel Osteen

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric 

Idaho 4 page 1

 Idaho 4 page 1 by ric gustafson

Chief James Fry of the Moscow Idaho Police Department got an urgent call. He and his wife were driving back from Wenatchee Washington. He recognized the voice as Captain Tyson Berrett.

" There was a mass homicide". The voice hesitated. " 1122 King Road".

Captain Berrett was only able to give Chief Fry just a few details. It was four young people. Most likely University of Idaho students. They were stabbed. The house was right near the college campus.

Even though he was a small town police chief, he had experience with murder. He has dealt with three homicides in the past. 

" Captain Berrett, did you contact County Prosecutor Bill Thompson?".

" On his way" replied Berrett.

" Forensics? State?".

" On their way".

" Detective Corporal Payne?".

" On his way".

One strange thing was mentioned to him by Berrett. He said a knife sheath was found next to one of the victims.

research help: ' The Idaho 4' by James Patterson and Vicky Ward

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

my Father: the freedom giving Father

 my Father: the freedom giving Father by ric gustafson

Our nature is to be wild and make our own decisions. God gives us that freedom. We have one fatal flaw we sin. David confesses to being born to sin. Men do a lot of bad things. They steal, leave their wives and leave their children. 

Sin is a result of the fall. We sin. Sin can destroy us. Freedom is central to the gospel. Jesus came and lived as a free man. Jesus loved his Heavenly Father. Jesus loves us. He offered his life on the cross in place of ours. 

John 3:16 promises that those who believe in Jesus will not perish but have eternal life. For the believer, there is no fear of condemnation. There is freedom from self justification. There is freedom from addiction. There is freedom from people pleasing.

God the Father gives us the freedom to love him. He loves us more than anything else.

research help: ' Like Father Like Son' by Pete Alwinson

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Timothy page 1

 Timothy page 1 by ric gustafson

Paul and Timothy stopped at one of Jerusalem's gates. 

Paul smiled at his friend. " Now we can enter the Holy City".

Timothy grinned.

Paul frowned. " Be careful walking the streets my friend".

" Why?".

" You look like a Greek Jew".

Timothy began to protest. " I am a circumcised Jew".

" They might think you are a Gentile trying to sneak into the Temple".

Timothy shook his head. " So what do I have to do?".

" You must go before a tribunal of priests and prove to them you are a circumcised Jew".

" And you?".

" I must go to the Temple and complete my vow".

research help: ' The Timothy Diary' by Gene Edwards

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Psalms: Psalm 3

 Psalms: Psalm 3 by ric gustafson

It is easy to have problems pile up. In Psalm 3, David says that his enemies are multiplying. It would of been easy for David to give in and say forget it. Instead David says but you O Lord are a shield for me my glory and the One who lifts up my head. David knows no matter how much trouble he's having, the Lord is my shield. 

Don't let the enemy have the last word. Let God instead have the last word.

research help: ' Psalms, Proverbs for Everyday Life' by Joel Osteen

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

the end of days page 21

 the end of days page 21 by ric gustafson

Carlo and Rory were walking back to their vehicle. Rory looked up and noticed that the sky was black as pitch. Rory heard a strange noise. " Do you hear that strange noise Sir?".

" What noise Rory?".

" Sir, it sounds like metal against metal". Rory sounded worried. " The darkness smells like smoke".

Just then, out of the smoke came hideous and ugly creatures. They looked like locusts with scorpion tails.

Rory and Carlo ran toward the car. 

Rory got to the car first. " Mr Simpato please run".

Just before Carlo got to the car. several locusts got on Carlo and began to sting him.

" Rory, help me". Carlo began swatting at them.

Rory ran back to Carlo. As he did, a locust latched itself unto Rory's neck. It bit him. Rory grabbed Carlo and dragged him to the car. They quickly got in. 

Carlo felt his bitten face and neck. " What is that horrible insect Rory?".

Rory felt his bitten neck. " I don't know Sir?".

The two watched the locusts. They had a two part abdomen. Their body resembled a horse. Their torso had seven segments. Plus the insects had what looked like a metallic breastplate. It had a scorpion tail and hair like a woman.

Carlo felt his bitten face. Rage entered it. He looked at Rory. " I know where they came from?".

Rory felt his bitten neck. " Where Sir?".

Carlo raised a fist toward heaven. " You will not defeat me".

research help: ' Apollyon' by Tim Lahaye and Jerry B Jenkins

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Psalms: Psalm 2

 Psalms: Psalm 2 by ric gustafson

God does not want us to pray small, weak and limited prayers. God says pray bold dreams to me. Bold prayers open doors we could never open. When we pray boldly, you are releasing your faith. We say God  you are the all powerful creator of the universe. God you can take me where I can't go on my own. God says ask me. What do you want me to do for you?. God says ask me. Watch what I will do for you.

research help: ' Psalms and Proverbs for Everyday Life' by Joel Osteen

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Psalms: Psalm 1

 Psalms: Psalm 1 by ric gustafson

The best decision of your life was when you made God the center of your life. So what happens next?. It is to grow in your relationship with God. In order to start producing fruit for God, we need to stay connected to him. Just like a relationship, growth happens over time. God doesn't expect us to be perfect. He just wants us to move forward with him one step at a time.

God wants to always be in our life. Then we can walk in his blessings.

research help: ' Psalms and Proverbs for Everyday Life' by Joel Osteen

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

do you believe in God? page 6

 do you believe in God? page 6 by ric gustafson

Earlier in her school life, Cassie began withdrawing from us emotionally. She wanted nothing to do with us. It got to a point where we tried to get her involved with youth group activities. That also did not work.

In late 1996, Brad and I began finding graphic letters written by Cassie. In them, Cassie talked about killing us and herself. Brad and I decided to transfer Cassie to a private Christian school.

Of course, Cassie was mad at us because we found those graphic letters. She was also mad at me for contacting the sheriff. Cassie was also mad because she could not speak to her friends.

Cassie's friend Annette told me that conversations about violence and death was common conversation now. Brad and I did not know if these graphic letters were idle threats or real?.

When Cassie started at Christian Fellowship School, we were hoping that environment would help her. At first, Cassie blamed us again for ruining her life. Brad and I prayed daily for a miracle in Cassie's life.

Then one day, it did.

research help: ' she said Yes' by Misty Bernall

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

the end of days page 20

 the end of days page 20 by ric gustafson

Rory yawned as he walked into the large room. He noticed several Global Community scientists looking through telescopes into space.

Carlo looked up from one the telescopes. " Rory". He frowned. " Come take a look at this".

Rory walked over to the telescope. 

" Mr Stevens". Carlo grinned. " Can you show my friend what you just told me?".

" Sure". The scientist looked through one of the telescopes. " For some time now, we have been observing what looked like a falling star". The scientist gave Rory a worried stare. " But we were wrong".

Rory looked up from the telescope. " Wrong?".

" This shooting star was actually a falling object".

Carlo stared at the scientist. " Falling object?".

" When it hit earth, it created a deep crevice".

Rory looked baffled. " A deep crevice?".

" This deep crevice has triggered volcano like activity beneath the earth's surface".

Carlo looked at his assistant. " Rory, what do you make of that?".

Rory scratched his chin. " Sir, I don't know".

research help: ' Apollyon' by Tim Lahaye and Jerry B Jenkins

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Do you believe in God? page 5

 Do you believe in God? page 5 by ric gustafson

The first fear I had to face was going to the cemetery. Watching your daughter being lowered into a grave is one thing. Coming back to the cemetery is another. When I come there, I hope Cassie sees me and knows that I still love her and care about her.

My second fear was knowing I had to come back to Columbine High School. We were the first parents to come back to the scene of the shooting. We saw blood, broken glass and bullet holes. After an hour, I had seen enough. I was in shock.

Right now, helping others helps me. The ones coming up to us the most are Cassie's classmates and youth group friends from church. We share common pain. We work through the same grief.

Was my daughter's death without a purpose?. Was it part of a divine plan by God?. Was my daughter's death a senseless tragedy?.

The pain of her loss is intense.

research help: ' she said Yes' by Misty Bernall

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Do you believe in God? page 4

 Do you believe in God? page 4 by ric gustafson

After that Tuesday, I only had memories of my daughter. A few weeks before she was killed, we took Chris and Cassie skiing at Breckenridge. On prom night, Cassie did not have a date. So she dressed up and came to a work party I was hosting. The last night I was with my daughter, we ate together. Then she spent the rest of the night catching up on her homework.

My daughter Cassie was born on November 6 1981. She was our first child. She was a daddy's girl. At certain times, I have memories of my daughter. Cassie's first kitten was named Tiger. A pet duck was named Jenka. A mixed black Lab was called Scamper. 

Cassie loved the outdoors. She loved fishing, swimming and rock climbing. Since my daughter's death, I've been unable to sleep without a sleep aid.

Then one day, I knew I had to face my worst fears.

research help: ' she said Yes' by Misty Bernall

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

the end of days page 19

 the end of days page 19 by ric gustafson

A large crowd of Simpato followers were gathered at the slope of the Mount of Olives. Carlo was talking to two of his guards. Then he smiled at his followers. " Please consider the benefits and privileges of being part of the United Global Village". Carlo cleared his throat. He took a sip from a bottle of water. He spitted it out. It was blood. Carlo frowned. " Who did this?". Then he noticed the two witnesses at the back of the crowd.

One of the witnesses pointed a bony finger at Carlo. " Woe to the one who would threaten the vessel of the Most High God".

Carlo pointed at the two guards. They quietly began to walk through the crowd toward the two witnesses.

Carlo pointed at the two followers. " Your time is coming". Rage came over his face. " I swear I will kill you both".

" Woe to the imposter of the sealed followers of the Messiah".

" You are to stay by the Wailing Wall". Carlo began to yell. " Or you will be shot".

" Woe unto you who would not listen to the warning of the chosen ones".

The two Global soldiers were now getting close to the two followers.

" You are doomed". One of the followers pointed a bony finger at Carlo. " Your souls are beyond redemption".

The two guards were now less than 100 yards from the two followers.

" Sir, the guards are within firing range".

Carlo smiled. " Shoot and kill them".

Before the guards could shoot, white light burst from the mouths of the two followers. The flesh of the two guards ignited. Their flesh became ashes.

The crowd ran away in panic and fright.

research help: ' Apollyon' by Tim Lahaye and Jerry B Jenkins

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

do you believe in God? page 3

 do you believe in God? page 3 by ric gustafson

I found out from Crystal, one of Cassie's closest friends, what had happened in the library. About 11:15 am, Cassie, with her backpack on her shoulder, entered the library. She was there to work on a homework assignment. Also with my daughter were two of her good friends. Their names were Sara and Seth. 

After about 5 minutes, a teacher ran in. He yelled that there were kids with guns in the hall. At first, my daughter and her friends thought it was a senior prank. Then they heard gun shots down the hall. Then they heard the gunshots getting closer and closer. As a teacher named Mrs Nielsen called 911, my daughter and her friends got underneath the table.

Then Eric and Dylan entered the library. They started shooting. Right before getting to Cassie's table, the two shooters left the library. They had to reload their weapons. When they returned, they walked up to Cassie's table. 

They saw my daughter under the table. They asked my daughter a simple question. Eric or Dylan asked her the question. Do you believe in God?. My daughter responded yes. Eric or Dylan shot her and killed her.

research help: ' She said Yes' by Misty Bernall

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

do you believe in God ? page 2

 do you believe in God? page 2 by ric gustafson

My son Chris was found early in the afternoon. He had fled school and went to a neighbors home. But where was Cassie?. Many students were injured and were rushed to hospitals. Others were still in the school hiding in classrooms and closets. Around 5:00 pm, we were told the last busload of students was going to arrive at the nearby Leawood Elementary School. 

We quickly drove over. It was a terrible drive. The streets near the high school were barricaded. There were TV trucks and vans from every media outlet in Denver. I could hear TV helicopters and sirens. I was filled with anxiety.

When we reached Leawood Elementary School, we waited for the last busload. I was sad and still hoping Cassie was on that bus. That my daughter was safe. 

By 9:30 pm, I was still hoping that Cassie was hiding and had found a safe place to be. Brad and I decided to drive home. That night, I could not sleep. I kept having a nightmare involving Cassie. That dreaded phone call came on Thursday around 2:00 am. No parent wants to get a call from the coroners office.

They had Cassie's body.

research help: ' She said Yes' by Misty Bernall

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Cain Abel sacrifice page 4

 Cain Abel sacrifice page 4 by ric gustafson

Abel's sacrifice was met with praise. Cain's was not. Cain's sacrifice was insufficient. Just like the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, there is a moral order. We are to honor that moral order. Cain rejects that moral order. Cain tries to shape his world. When he can't, the spirit of bitterness enters him. He rejects the advice of God. 

Instead Cain kills his brother. Cain kills his brother to obtain vengeance against God. This is bitterness and hatred toward God. Cain was tempted by the spirit of sin itself. The biggest sin is that of pride.

Because of Cain's creative union with the spirit of sin, he is vengeful. Cain is vengeful, he does not want to change. According to Matthew, sin against the Holy Spirit is unforgivable.

Instead of repenting, Cain in his self justified anger kills his brother. Cain destroys God's favorite because he desires to be like Abel. God has a moral order. That order was broken by Abel's death. 

When that moral order is violated, there is consequences. For Cain, the unforgivable sin was committed. There is no chance for a further relationship with God.

God tells Cain he is cursed from the earth. Cain has to wander and hide forever. Cain knows he is lost.

This wandering and hiding will affect Cain's children and their children. In Genesis 4, One of Cain's descendants named Lamech kills a man.

Why did God mark Cain?. It was the protection of God. The spirit of the law. It was to stable society and protect perpetrator and victim. After God marked him, Cain leaves. He settles in Nod east of Eden. Cain went out from the presence of the Lord. That is the worst thing that can happen to a person.

The End

research help: ' We Who Wrestle With God' by Jordan B Peterson

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric