Psalms: Psalm 89:8

 Psalms: Psalm 89:8 by ric gustafson

God wants our prayers to be positive not negative. God says don't cancel your prayers with negative talk. We cannot pray for victory and talk defeat. Psalm 89 says your faithfulness surrounds you. 

We must think when we pray that things will work out in our failure. 

God is more than enough. God is our provider. God is our healer. God is all sufficient. God is faithful. God will finish what he starts. 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 18:21

 Proverbs: Proverbs 18:21 by ric gustafson

Words that you speak can be helpful. The words must be used in the right way. Words can also be used in the wrong way. Proverbs 18 says the tongue has the power of life and death. Whether we speak positive or negative words, we will reap what we sow. We will be miserable always speaking words of failure and defeat. 

God says to us speak positive words and fill them with life. God is life. 

We all face obstacles that look like mountains. God says give me your mountains. God is greater than any mountain. 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

Kings of Broken Things page 1

 Kings of Broken Things page 1 by ric gustafson

Karel Miihlstein was new to Omaha. He was 11 and just off a boat. He was from Salzburg. His father repaired musical instruments. His mother had died back in Europe. 

By the summer of 1917, Karel knew what was the most important thing on Clandish in Omaha. In order to fit in with the other boys, Karel had to learn how to play baseball.

The boys on Karel's street were 11, 12 and 13. They divided into teams. Karel did not know how to play. Everybody had an equal shot at every position. Some of the boys did not have gloves. They had to use their hands. On Clandish, Karel lived near his school. Two teams picked Karel. One was led by Jimmy Mac. He was a skinny redhead with long arms. The other team was led by Alfred. He was short, compact and dark.

Jimmy and Alfred asked Karel lots of questions about the war. They asked what work Karel's father did. Karel explained how his father got his job at Musik Verein. The two boys asked Karel how their family fled Central Europe. After a while, Karel got tired about talking about his family. Sometimes memories became painful.

research help: ' Kings of Broken Things' by Theodore Wheeler

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Psalms: Psalm 84:11

 Psalms: Psalm 84:11 by ric gustafson

What God has in our future, we cannot accomplish it on our own. He will take us places we cannot get to ourselves. There will be obstacles and impossible dreams. On our own doing, we will get stuck. Psalm 84 says the Lord bestows favor and honor. 

God gives us favor. God gives us good breaks. God opens doors. We honor God. God will be faithful to us. 

If things happen we did not work for or deserve, that is the favor of God. 

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

the Nine page 6

 the Nine page 6 by ric gustafson

My name is Ruth Bader Ginsburg

I was born on March 15 1933. I was the second daughter of Celia and Nathan Bader. My older sister Marilyn called me ' Kiki". The nickname stuck. My dear sister died at the age of 6. I do not have much memory of her. 

I grew up among Irish, Italian and Jewish neighbors. My parents rented a floor of a small gray stucco row house. The Brooklyn home had a furnace but no air conditioning.

My first public school was the Brooklyn Public Elementary School number 238. The school was only a block from our home. I walked to school with my cousin Richard. My best friend at this time was an Italian Catholic named Marilyn. I enjoyed English, History and Social Studies. I loved spending time at the local library. I was an avid reader.

At age 8, I heard the news about Dec 7 1941. This was while I was on a Sunday drive with my parents. Because of gasoline rationing, we spent most of our time in Brooklyn.

research help: ' My Own Words' by Ruth Bader Ginsburg

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Psalms: Psalm 81:10

 Psalms: Psalm 81:10 by ric gustafson

Are we limited?. Do we feel that we do not have the training or the connections we need. Sometimes even good people will try to get us to accept mediocrity. Psalm 81 says open your mouth wide and I will fill it with good things. 

As God's people, we only have one source. It is God and he is unlimited. Look for him. He can take you from lack to abundance. God says open wide your mouth. He will feed it with what you need. Abundance starts with our thinking. Be a believer not a doubter. 

God says get in agreement with me. 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

the end of days page 47

the end of days page 47 by ric gustafson

Carlo was looking through some high powered binoculars toward the plain below. In the valley below, thousands of horses and One World horsemen were gathered ahead of the largest army ever assembled. 

" Look Rory". Carlo handed his right hand man the binoculars. " I have gathered all of the armies of the world into a One World army".

Rory looked down below. " Why Sir?".

" My goal is to defeat that so called God and his Son".

" What is your ultimate goal Sir?".

" I want to establish myself as the Christ of this world".

" Impressive goal Sir?".

" That God of theirs will not be able to defeat my glorious army".

The sky above Rory was getting dark quickly. " It's getting dark Sir".

Carlo looked up at the dark sky. " Rory, I need your help financially one last time".

All of a sudden, a streak of lightening appeared going up and down in the sky. Then, another streak of lightening flashed across the previous streak. It resembled a cross.

" Oh no" Rory cried out as he pointed up. " It looks like the cross of Christ".

" What?". Carlo began to laugh. " You must be kidding".

Rory put down the binoculars. " My mom said it would happen".

" You just have the financial resources ready". Carlo smiled. " Nothing will stop me from reaching my goal".

research help: ' Glorious Appearing' by Tim Lahaye and Jerry Jenkins

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Psalms: Psalm 78

 Psalms: Psalm 78 by ric gustafson

What has God done for you?. The Israelites saw amazing miracles. Psalm 78 tells us that they did not remember them. They needed faith to move forward into the Promised Land. 

When we face challenges and obstacles that look too big for us, we need to remember what God has done for us. Remembering what God has done for us, it will give us faith and confidence. 

God is in control, he has you in the palms of his hands. Satan will try his hardest. But it will not be enough. Thank God for what's he's done for you. Faith will rise in our heart. 

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

the Firm page 11

 the Firm page 11 by ric gustafson

The alarm clock sounded at 5:00 am. Mitch shut it off. He got up quietly so he would not wake up his wife. He took a quick shower. Then he let the dog out. When the dog came back in, Mitch quickly kissed his wife goodbye. Mitch left. The office was only ten minutes from his house. 

He arrived at 5:30 am. A guard was already at the gate. Mitch lowered the window. He showed the guard a plastic card with his picture on it.

The guard looked at the card. " You must be the new guy".

" I am". He smiled. " Mitch McDeere".

" I'm Dutch Hendrix".

" Pleased to meet you Dutch".

Mitch parked in a spot near the building. His name was on a parking spot. His name was spray painted between the yellow lines. Mitch grabbed his burgundy attache case from the backseat of the BMW. He walked into the Bendini Building. 

He was the first to arrive.

research help: ' The Firm' by John Grisham

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

before Dorothy page 8

 before Dorothy page 8 by ric gustafson

Emily looked the window of the motorcar. Dorothy was sleeping next to her arm. She looked peaceful. Emily knew her niece would need a new hat, new cotton dresses and a decent pair of boots. After a while, they stopped at the entrance to the Gale farm.

Emily woke up her niece. " Dorothy, we are almost there".

Dorothy looked out the window. " Where's the white picket fence?".

Emily pointed out the window. " Right over there dear".

" It's all alone Aunt Em".

" It's not alone".

" Where are the wild horses and the pretty wildflowers?".

The car stopped in front of a little clapboard house. The two got out of the car.

Dorothy studied the house. " It's very small".

Just then, a man came out. " Well, if it isn't the one and only Dorothy Gale".

Dorothy stared at Emily.

" Dear, that's your Uncle Henry".

research help: ' Before Dorothy' by Hazel Gaynor

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

the end of days page 46

 the end of days page 46 by ric gustafson

Carlo and Rory watched below from the helicopter. Three hideous robot looking creatures sat across from them. Carlo stared at the plain below.

Carlo smiled at his right hand man. " Do you know why we are going to win this last battle Rory?".

Rory looked at his boss and friend. " Tell me Sir".

Carlo pointed at the three unclean spirits. " First, Ashtaroth, Baal and Cankerworm will gather all of my armies to the plain below". Carlo clapped his hands. The three vanished. " Second, the Euphrates River has dried up". Carlo smiled. " That will not hinder my armies".

" What else Sir?".

Carlo pointed down. " This plain this valley is 14 by 25 miles 350 square miles long". He smiled at Rory. " It will hold more troops, trucks and weapons than in any other time in history".

Rory grinned. " Very impressive Sir".

Carlo patted the shoulder of his friend and right hand man. " Rory, we cannot lose".

research help: ' Armageddon' by Tim Lahaye and Jerry Jenkins

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

the end of days page 45

 the end of days page 45 by ric gustafson

Carlo, Rory and several One World leaders were sitting around a huge conference table.

The leader of the African States stood up. " Thank you Mr Simpato for a very inspiring rally".

" I thought the rally was a success also". Carlo smiled as he stood up and walked to a nearby chalkboard. " What I am going to explain to you next is even more important". He put a map on the chalkboard. He picked up a pointer. He pointed at the map. " This is a map of Israel". He frowned. " Here in the north is the Plain of Megiddo". He grinned. " It's also called the Plain of Jezreel".

" Here". Carlo slammed a fist on the map. " I will defeat that so called Messiah who has been sending those plagues against my people".

The leader of the Asian countries stood up. " What do you mean?".

" Thanks to the financial backing of the One World financial network". Carlo smiled at Rory. " I plan to assemble the largest army ever mustered".

The leader of the European Countries stood up. " Why?".

Carlo smiled. " For thousands of years, I have been waiting for my chance to destroy their God and his Son once and for all". 

Then Rory stood up. " Using the One World financial network, we will mass the largest arsenal of weapons and firepower the world has ever seen".

Carlo looked at the world's leaders. " Do I have everyone's approval?".

Rory and the world's leaders clapped their hands in approval.

research help: ' Armageddon' by Tim Lahaye and Jerry Jenkins

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

U-505 page 21

 U-505 page 21 by ric gustafson

On March 11 1944, U-505 quietly departs from Brest France. The boat leaves under cover of darkness. The mood of the crew is somber. No one is sure if they are going to make it back alive. Skipper Lange informed the crew that their new destination is the coast of West Africa. On March 25 1944, Lange radioed in U-505's position. What Lange did not know was that the Allies had already cracked the Kriegsmarine military code. The Allies now knew every move U-505 made.

At the same time in Norfolk Virginia, Captain Gallery was conducting a predeparture meeting for Task Group 22.3. At the meeting, Gallery gave the Task Group Commanders a bomb shell. Gallery wanted to capture a U-boat intact. Then he wanted to tow it back to the US. The Commanders were stunned. Gallery explained that he wanted an inspecting party to seize the boat, climb inside, close the scuttling valves and disarm all booby traps. Then using a towline tow the U-boat back to the US.

Gallery told the Commanders their new orders. The destination of Task Group 22.3 was the coast of West Africa.

research help: ' Codename Nemo' by Charles Lachman

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

the end of days page 44

 the end of days page 44 by ric gustafson

Rory was sitting in a plain wooden chair. He was looking through a thick glass window. Down below, a row of enforcement devices were busy beheading believers. Rory stared through the glass as he heard the familiar sound of the blade coming down. Thud after thud after thud. Rory sighed. He was thinking about his mother. He tried to convince her to give up her Christian religion. She went where all of the people he was observing were going to go. Rory heard the door open and close.

" Hello Rory". Carlo sat down next to his right hand man. He looked through the glass window. " Have you been watching the proceedings down below?".

" Yes". Rory sighed. " When I watch that, I think about my mother".

Carlo kept looking down below. " I know you tried to convince her to do the right thing".

" Did you need me Sir for something?".

" Rory, I do". Carlo grinned. " There is something you can do for me".

" What's that Sir?".

" Do we have enough money in the budget for one more huge One World rally?".

" I think so Sir".

" Good". Carlo smiled. " Now, here is my plan".

research help: ' Armageddon' by Tim Lahaye and Jerry Jenkins

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Proverbs: Proverbs 16:28

 Proverbs: Proverbs:16:28 by ric gustafson

Sometimes people want to stir you up. They want to bait you into strife. Proverbs 16 says a dishonest man spreads strife. 

God says don't let people stir you up. Do not listen to rumors and false accusations. Do not listen to negative things. Keep all that out of your spirit. God says don't let people stop your destiny. 

God says don't listen to negative things. Leave it in God's hands. Stay in peace. 

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

the end of days page 43

 the end of days page 43 by ric gustafson

Rory stopped at the doorknob. He stopped to catch his breath. It was so dark it had taken him a half hour to locate the front door of his apartment. He could not see anything as if he was blind. He slowly opened the front door of his apartment. He walked quietly into the dark and murky hallway. Then he winced. He had stubbed his toe on a small table. Silently, he scratched the two sores on his lower left leg. The sores had festered. They were giving him great pain. As he groped the wall of the hallway, he noticed a pinprick of light.

" Rory".

Rory recognized his leaders voice. " Mr Simpato".

" Rory, can you recognize a light in the distance".

" Barely". Rory squinted his eyes as he looked down the dark hallway. 

" Do you see it?".

" Barely, but yes I do see a very small light".

" Rory, I want you to keep heading toward that light".

" Ok". 

" Because that light is me".

Rory slowly inched toward the light. When he had reached it, it was Carlo. He had a strong light surrounding him. They embraced.

" Sir, why do I feel like I am totally blind".

In anger, Carlo pointed toward heaven. " It's one of his plagues".

" Thank you for saving me Sir".

" Your welcome". Carlo smiled at his right hand man. " Right now I really need your help".

research help: ' Armageddon' by Tim LaHaye and Jerry Jenkins

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Psalms: Psalm 69

 Psalms: Psalm 69 by ric gustafson

Is there someone who dislikes you without a cause?. Do people judge you from a distance?. People will make fun of you with lies. Psalm 69 says those who hate me without cause outnumber the hairs on my head. 

These are tests we need to pass. Satan will try to get us offended. But God says to us don't take the bait. God does not want us to get distracted and away from our destiny. King David says do not give them the time of day. 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

before Dorothy page 7

 before Dorothy page 7 by ric gustafson

It was morning. Emily and Dorothy were standing outside Union Station. Emily glanced at the downtown skyscrapers one last time. They quickly walked to the Golden State train line. Luckily, the train was on time. Emily and Dorothy took their seats in the second class carriage. She looked over at her niece. The child was holding her toy lion and tin man up to the window. Emily looked at her niece. Memories of her sister came back. She knew Dorothy was heading into an uncertain future.

Then an idea came to her. She felt in her coat pocket. She smiled. She took out the small piece of rock.

" Dorothy, hold out your hand". She placed a little green stone into her niece's hand.

Dorothy studied it. " What is it?".

" It's an emerald stone dear". Emily smiled. " From Ireland".

" Ireland?". She stared at the stone. " Can I take it to Kansas?".

" Of course dear".

Dorothy showed the lion and tin man her stone. " We're taking Ireland to our new home in Kansas".

research help: ' Before Dorothy' by Hazel Gaynor

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

before Dorothy page 6

 before Dorothy page 6 by ric gustafson

Emily walked into the bedroom. Dorothy was trying to pack a small suitcase. Emily handed Dorothy the tin woodcutter. " I thought you might like this".

Dorothy took the little man in her hands. She studied it closely. 

" It belonged to your mother".

Dorothy put the tin woodcutter on her nightstand. " What's his name?".

" Twig".

" Hello Twig I'm Dorothy". She held up her toy lion. " And this is Lion". Dorothy smiled. " We're going to live in a place called Kansas". She closed her suitcase. She fastened the buckles. " Why can't I take all of my toys to Kansas?".

Emily sighed. " First, we don't have room for them all".

A tear came to Dorothy's eyes. " Where are the other toys going to go?".

" Probably an orphanage".

Dorothy stared at Emily. " Am I an orphan?".

" Of course not dear". Emily smiled. " You are my special niece".

research help: ' Before Dorothy' by Hazel Gaynor

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

before Dorothy page 5

 before Dorothy page 5 by ric gustafson

Cora walked into the bedroom. Emily had lot's of her sister's things on the bed. There was a little bit of everything. Clothes, glassware, tableware and books. 

Cora smiled. " I could help you sort through all of this stuff". They began to sort. Most of it did not appeal to Emily. At one point, Emily lifted a tin man out of an old snuff box.

" I had forgotten all about him".

Cora stared at the little tiny man of metal. " Is that an axe he's holding?".

" Yes, he's a woodcutter".

" Did your father work at a steel factory?".

" Yes, he always said if you left him out in the rain, he would rust".

" How did your father die?".

" Factory fumes and smoke damaged his lungs". Emily sighed. " Father died during the influenza epidemic".

Cora took out a pair of silver shoes from a box. " Whose shoes were these?".

Emily grinned. " my sister's".

research help: ' Before Dorothy' by Hazel Gaynor

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

before Dorothy page 4

 before Dorothy page 4 by ric gustafson

Emily sat down in a chair next to a desk. Mr Keogh Senior glanced over at Dorothy. " So how is she doing?". 

Both observed Dorothy having a conversation with her toy lion.

" She talks to her toys a lot". She smiled. " Dorothy has a very vivid imagination".

" How old is Dorothy?".

" Seven".

He put some papers from a filing tray onto his desk. " Now, let's get down to business".

It took a while for Emily to sign all the forms. After a while, she signed the last one.

" That's everything Mrs Gale". Mr Keogh smiled. " You and Henry are now Dorothy's legal guardians".

Emily stood up. " Thank you Mr Keogh".

" I did not know that your husband and Annie's husband were cousins".

Emily grinned. " That is true".

research help: ' Before Dorothy' by Hazel Gaynor

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Psalms: Psalm 68:19

 Psalms: Psalm 68:19 by ric gustafson

There are seasons in our life where we wonder if we will make it through. We lose loved ones and we deal with sickness. It's easy to feel overwhelmed and worried. Psalm 68 says praise the Lord praise God our Savior. 

King David says that every day God carries us in his arms. God says don't worry I am carrying you. 

On our own, we can't make it through the sickness, financial setbacks or divorce. We can smile knowing that God is carrying us. We can rest in faith. 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

before Dorothy page 3

before Dorothy page 3 by ric gustafson

Emily was sitting next to Dorothy on the floor of the bedroom. Surrounding them were toy animals and teddy bears. Emily pointed at the toy animals. " Are they having a tea party?".

Dorothy frowned. " There at a funeral".

" Oh dear, I'm sorry".

" I'll never see Mommy and Daddy again". Dorothy handed Emily a stuffed monkey. " It's not fair".

Emily thought to herself how do you explain to a child that your Mommy and Daddy had drowned in a boating accident.

" I'm so sorry Dorothy". A tear came to Emily's face. " I miss your mother too".

Dorothy snuggled against Emily. " Tell me about Mommy?".

" Her birthday was Feb 14". Emily grinned. " Your eyes are the same color as hers".

Dorothy smiled. " Emerald green".

" That's right".

research help: ' Before Dorothy' by Hazel Gaynor

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Psalms: Psalm 66:12

 Psalms: Psalm 66:12 by ric gustafson

When things are out of control, it could feel like a fire or a flood. That is one of Satan's lies. God has you in the palm of his hand. Psalm 66 says but you brought us to a place of abundance. God has not abandoned you. Your time is coming. We do not have to face life on our own. 

On the other side of flood and fire is abundance. You will have a turnaround. God will give you joy, strength and great fulfillment. Why?. Because God loves us more than anything else.

research help: ' Psalms Proverbs for every day life' by Joel Osteen

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

before Dorothy page 2

 before Dorothy page 2 by ric gustafson

Cora and Emily stood inside the doorway of the dayroom. Cora walked over to the little girl. The little girl looked like her sister. She had soft curls and emerald green eyes. Emily walked up to the girl. She was wearing red shoes with silver buckles.

" Hello Dorothy".

The little girl looked at her. " Hello".

" I am Emily your mother's sister".

" Hello".

" You can call me Auntie Em or Aunt Em".

Dorothy smiled. " Em is a pretty name".

" You are going to come and live with me and Uncle Henry on a farm in Kansas".

" A farm?". Dorothy showed Emily her toy lion. " Are their lions on this farm?".

" No". Emily grinned. " But we do have horses, pigs, a cow and some little chicks".

Dorothy held out her toy lion. " Can Lion come too?".

" Of course".

research help: ' Before Dorothy' by Hazel Gaynor

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Proverbs: Proverbs 16:9

 Proverbs: Proverbs 16:9 by ric gustafson

In this life we have desires, plans and goals. The truth is God is directing your steps. Proverbs 16 says but the Lord directs his steps. David, Nehemiah and Esther are examples of this. 

We have our plan. But don't limit yourself. God's ways and plan for us is far better than ours. He has fabulous plans for our future. God is going to plant desires in our heart. They will boggle our minds. We will not be talked out of it. His plan for our life is greater than any doubt or fear we might have.

God asks that we wait for his perfect plan for our life. Why?. Because he loves us more than anything else.

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

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

before Dorothy page 1

 before Dorothy page 1 by ric gustafson

Emily Gale arrived at her sister's South Shore row house. " Courage Em Courage" were Henry Gale's last words to her. She looked up at the now dull brownstone building. She frowned. She now felt sorrow, uncertainty, grief and guilt. Then she remembered what Henry had told her. Courage.

She lifted the heavy iron knocker. Then she let it fall. Nothing happened. She did the knocker again. Then the door slowly opened. A woman stepped forward into the doorway.

" Mrs Gale?".

" Yes, Emily Gale". She smiled. " I'm Annie's sister".

" I'm Cora McNulty". She grinned. " I am the housekeeper".

" Come in Mrs Gale". Cora took Emily's traveling case. " You must be tired after your long journey".

Emily stepped into the familiar wood paneled entrance hall. She smiled as she glanced around. She recognized the ceiling and the glittering chandelier.

Then she stopped. She grinned. She heard a child's voice.

research help: ' Before Dorothy' by Hazel Gaynor

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Psalms: Psalm 62:8

 Psalms: Psalm 62:8 by ric gustafson

When things are going our way, it's easy to trust God. But when our prayers are not answered, we ask God why are our prayers not answered?. Psalm 62 says trust in him at all times for God is our refuge. The problem is we want our prayers answered our way. This is conditional trust. The problem with conditional trust is if it does not work out. Then we ask God why didn't it work out my way. 

God wants us to accept his answers. God is sovereign. He knows what he is doing. We may not understand everything that happens. God has our best interest at heart. It is part of his plan. God wants us to have simple faith in him. Why?. Because he 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 61:2

 Psalms: Psalm 61:2 by ric gustafson

Are our why's unanswered?. Many people get soured on life because their why's are not answered. There are things in life that will not make sense. But God knows why. Psalm 60 says lead me to the rock that is higher than I. God knows what he is doing. God would not allow things to happen in our life if it didn't work out for our good. That is where faith comes in. 

God will not keep you from your destiny. Only you can stop you. You can be negative and bitter. That will keep you from God's best. God will give us difficulties. God is preparing us to be taken higher.

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 60:12

 Psalms: Psalm 60:12 by ric gustafson

God wants us to face big challenges. Why?. God does not send big problems to people with small futures. Psalm 60 says through God we will do valiantly. The bigger the challenge the larger the promotion. Satan knows something amazing is in front of us.

It is easy to get discouraged by big challenges. Because of the big challenge, God has something big in our future. In our future, God sees healing and favor. Challenges is a setup for new levels of our destiny.

Why does God bless us in adversity?. Because he loves us more than anything else.

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

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

I found the Titanic page 5

 I found the Titanic page 5 by ric gustafson

My name is Robert D Ballard. I found Titanic

On Sunday April 14 1912, passengers were relaxing on deck chairs. Some passengers were reading or taking naps. Some passengers played cards or wrote letters. Because it was Sunday, church services were held in the morning. Captain Smith led the first class service.

Two more ice warnings were received around lunch time. Harold Bride only had time to deliver one to the bridge. Until the late afternoon, things were quiet. In the late afternoon, the temperature dropped rapidly. When a bugle call announced dinner, it was beginning to get dark out.

At 7:30 pm, the radio room received three new ice warnings. One was from a steamer called ' Californian'. It reported three large icebergs. Phillips and Bride were tired. They had received seven ice warnings in one day. The last ice warning was from the ' Californian'. It had to stop for the night because it was trapped in a field of ice. It was 19 miles north of Titanic.

research help: ' Exploring the Titanic' by Robert D Ballard

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

U=505 page 20

 U-505 page 20 by ric gustafson

Gallery walked into the U-boat tracking room. Looking at the wall map was Fleet Admiral King and Commander Knowles.

Knowles smiled. " Admiral, this is Captain Gallery".

" Captain, what do you think of our U-boat tracking room?".

Gallery stared at the wall map. " Impressive Admiral".

Commander Knowles grinned. " Captain, please tell the Admiral your idea you told me".

Gallery pointed at the wall map. " Admiral King, using Task Group 22.3 I want to capture a German U-boat intact".

Admiral King smiled. " I think I know why".

" Yes Admiral". Gallery grinned. " The Kriegsmarine code books". Gallery smiled. " And the big prize".

Admiral King grinned. " The Enigma cipher machine".

" Yes Admiral".

research help: ' Codename Nemo' by Charles Lachman

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Proverbs: Proverbs 15:14

 Proverbs: Proverbs 15:14 by ric gustafson

Our eyes and ears are the gateway to our soul. So what feeds us?. Is it what we watch or listen to?. Do we feed ourselves with things that are negative and full of gossip. This will not make you strong in the Lord. Proverbs 15 says a wise person is hungry for knowledge.

What kind of values do we have?. Is it wholesome?. If not, we need to make changes. God says don't fill your mind with trash. Fill it with good thoughts. Why?. Because God loves you more than anything else.

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

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Schindler's List page 1

 Schindler's List page 1 by ric gustafson

It was autumn 1943. A tall young man comes out of a fashionable apartment building on Straszewskiego Street. The building was on the edge of the ancient center of Cracow Poland. The young man wore a double breasted dinner jacket and an expensive overcoat. His name was Herr Oskar Schindler.

Oskar Schindler was not a man of virtue. He kept house with a German mistress. He had a long affair with his Polish secretary. Schindler's wife Emilie spent most of her time at their home in Moravia. Schindler was a drinker. He drank with associates, bureaucrats and SS men.

In an Adler limousine, Schindler was driven past Hawel Castle. This was Hans Frank's headquarters. The limo took Schindler past the Podgorze Bridge checkpoint. Shortly, the limo reached the destination for the evening. It was Labor Camp Plaszow. The dinner was at the villa of the camp's Commandment. His name was Amon Goeth.

research help: ' Schindler's List' by Thomas Keneally

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Psalms: Psalm 56:9

 Psalms: Psalm 56:9 by ric gustafson

There are things in life we hope for. A dream, our health to turn around or to meet the right person. Sometimes we pray a long time for those things. Sometimes we don't see anything happening. Sometimes we feel our prayers are not doing anything. Psalm 56 says God is for me.

The truth is God is at work behind the scenes. Satan tries to tell us our praying is a waste of time. The truth is God not only hears our prayers, he is already acting on them. God is already changing things in our favor. 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

I found Titanic page 4

 I found Titanic page 4 by ric gustafson

My name is Robert D Ballard

I found Titanic

First Wireless Operator Jack Phillips quickly wrote down the message. He turned to his young assistant Harold Bride. " It's another iceberg warning". He looked wearily at the young assistant. " You better take it up to the bridge".

Both men were tired. They had been up for hours trying to get caught up sending out personal messages. Bride took the message and stepped out onto the Boat Deck. It was a sunny but cold Sunday morning. It was the huge liner's fourth day of it's maiden voyage. On a calm sea, the liner was steaming at full speed. 

Harold Bride was happy that morning. At just 22 years old, Bride had a job on the biggest ship in the world. By this time, he only had 9 months experience operating a wireless set.

Bride walked onto the bridge. He saw Captain Smith. He handed the Captain the iceberg message.

" It's from the Caronia Sir".

Captain Smith read the message. He put it on the Officer's bulletin board.

research help: ' Exploring the Titanic' by Robert D Ballard

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Psalms: Psalm 55:22

 Psalms: Psalm 55:22 by ric gustafson

Sometimes we carry around in this life heavy burdens and troubles. We try to carry all that heavy weight in our own strength. Psalm 55 says cast your burden upon the Lord. 

Are you letting God carry you?. If you give God your heavy burdens, he will carry them for you. God will carry you. God works where there is faith.

God wants to carry your worry, regrets and feelings of frustration on his shoulders. Let him.

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

The Firm page 10

 the Firm page 10 by ric gustafson

A limo stopped on a side street between two tall buildings. Avery and Mitch got out and walked toward a black metal door.

Avery walked up to the driver's window. " Be back at 2".

The two walked into a foyer. They got into a gold plated elevator. They stopped at the tenth floor. They walked out.

" Where are we going to lunch?".

" Right here". Avery smiled. " The Manhattan Club".

They walked up to the Maitre d.

" Good day Mr Tolar". He grinned. " Would you like your usual table?".

" Yes, thank you".

They sat down at a table in the corner.

" What would you like to drink Mitch?".

" I'll have tea with ice".

Avery stared at the waiter. " Bring me a Bombay martini on the rocks".

Shortly, the drinks came.

" Mitch and I will have the broiled fish and a baked potato".

The power lunch was done by two.

Back in the limo, Avery looked at Mitch. " Be here at 8:30 sharp".

research help: ' The Firm' by John Grisham

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Proverbs: Proverbs 15:4

 Proverbs: Proverbs 15:4 by ric gustafson

Sometimes people say hurtful things about us. Hurtful words can feel like wounds. God does not want us to act that way. Proverbs 15 says gentle words cause life and health. Healing words from us can break people's chains. Our words can lift people up. Saying ' I love you' are healing words. It could be a simple word of encouragement or a complement. 

Kind words can lift someone's spirit. It can cause people to believe in themselves. When we lift others, God will lift us. 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

I found the Titanic page 3

 I found the Titanic page 3 by ric gustafson

My name is Robert D Ballard

I found the Titanic

On May 31 1911, the hull of the Titanic was launched at the Harland and Wolff shipyard in Belfast Ireland. A crowd of 100,000 came that day. 22 tons of soap, grease and oil was used to slide the huge ship's hull into the water.

For the next 10 months, the Titanic was outfitted and prepared down to the last detail. The huge liner was 882 feet long. It had 9 decks and was the length of 4 city blocks. She boasted four funnels and three enormous anchors. She was the biggest ship in the world. 

Guiding this huge liner on it's maiden voyage was Captain Edward J Smith. Smith was the senior captain of the White Star Line. He had an excellent safety record. He was popular with crew members and passengers. 

When the Titanic cast off on April 10 1912, everyone could hear the whistles from her huge funnels. The huge liner began moving down the River Test. It passed two ships. The pull from the huge liner made the ' New York's' mooring ropes snap. The stern from the ' New York' began drifting toward the Titanic. Thanks to Captain Smith and a tugboat captain, a collision did not happen.

It was not a good sign for a maiden voyage.

research help: ' Exploring the Titanic' by Robert D Ballard

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Psalms: Psalm 50:15

 Psalms: Psalm 50:15 by ric gustafson

There will be times when we will have troubles. No matter the trouble we are in, God says trust me. Psalm 50 says trust me in your times of trouble. God will not leave you in your troubles or heartache. 

Satan tries to tell us our troubles are permanent. That is a lie. Our story does not end there. God will take our troubles and turn things around. We will see breakthroughs and promotions. 

We need to keep praying, believing, expecting and doing the right thing. We need to do our part. God will take care of the rest. 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

the Nine page 5

 the Nine page 5 by ric gustafson

When Ronald Reagan was president, judges and lawyers found an agenda and a voice. These were the political goals of the conservative wing of the Republican Party. 

One Chief Justice served from 1953 to 1969. His influence over American law was powerful and lasting. That Chief Justice was Earl Warren. Warren was appointed by Dwight D Eisenhower. Warren was a former California governor. Warren's agenda was to fight state sponsored racism.

Starting with Brown v Board of Education in 1954, for at least 12 years the justices fought against official segregation. Earl Warren's record on civil rights gave him moral authority. 

Warren and William Brennan Jr pushed law in more liberal directions.

Earl Warren transformed American law. This included freedom of speech and the field of privacy.

research help: ' The Nine' by Jeffrey Toobin

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Psalms: Psalm 46:10

 Psalms: Psalm 46:10 by ric gustafson

We get frustrated and discouraged when our dreams don't come to pass. God does not remove every frustration. He does not take away everything that is bothering us. Psalm 46 says be still and know that I am God. When we are frustrated, we want to change things ourselves. We try to be like God. We want to fix things ourselves. 

God says do what you can. Then turn it over to God. Let God take care of the rest. Stay in peace. Know that God is always in control.

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

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

the end of days page 42

 the end of days page 42 by ric gustafson

Rory walked into the dark command center. Carlo was looking intently at a monitor. Carlo watched as his friend and right hand man sat down.

" Hello Rory". Carlo frowned. " Didn't your mother teach a bible study on Revelation at one time?".

" She did Sir".

" Did she ever mention Revelation 16: 8-9?".

" The 4th Bowl Judgment". Rory frowned at his master. " She did".

" Rory, I'm looking at this monitor screen". Hate was in his eyes. " People out in the sun without that buffoon's seal are being burned alive".

Rory glanced at the monitor. " I see that Sir".

" Rory, did you see my response on GC TV?".

" No Sir, I did not".

" I looked up at heaven and told that buffoon that I will see him on the Plain of Megiddo".

Rory grinned. " The final battle Sir?".

" No Rory". Carlo smiled. " Armageddon".

research help: ' The Remnant' by Tim Lahaye and Jerry Jenkins

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

the end of days page 41

 the end of days page 41 by ric gustafson

Carlo and Rory watched as GC soldiers got their weapons ready.

Carlo smiled at the Commander. " Please tell me your plan again for Zhenszhov Commander Tung".

" We will storm their little enclave". The Commander grinned. " We will be fully armed". He frowned. " We hope they do not resist".

" That's good Commander". Carlo smiled. " I want them to be a living example".

Rory spoke up. " And if they don't have the mark".

" We will march them to the loyalty mark application site".

" Perfect". Carlo grinned. " The application site is only 6 blocks from their hideout".

" That's my plan Mr Simpato".

" Good". Carlo smiled. " And if they refuse my mark Commander?".

Commander Tung frowned. " They will take the blade Sir".

" Thank you Commander".

research help: ' The Remnant' by Tim LaHaye and Jerry Jenkins

Peace and God's blessings, Love Ric