Beatles the early years page 3

 Beatles the early years page 3 by ric gustafson

When John and Paul would get together in the afternoon to write music, they would have a routine. John would leave the Liverpool College of Art. Paul would leave the Liverpool Institute. From Catharine Street they would get on a green double decker bus number 86. They would then go down Upper Parliament Street past Sefton General Hospital. Then they would take the roundabout at Penny Lane to Allerton. Paul's house was at 20 Forthlin Road. Paul's house in the afternoon was quiet and empty. Paul's father was at work.

John and Paul would sit in the front parlor by the fireplace. They would sit opposite of each other. Starting with 3 chords of Buddy Holly, they would attempt a song. Another influence on the lads were the Everly Brothers. The first 3 Lennon McCartney songs they attempted were ' Too Bad About Sorrows' ' Just Fun' ' Because I Know You Love Me So'. 

There was no competition between the two. John always came first.

research help: ' Tune In' by Mark Lewisohn

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

John 8:12 page 1

 John 8:12 page 1 by ric gustafson

Wearily, Jack Dallas walked up and put his heavy bag by the front door. He had been trying to sell light bulbs to someone in this neighborhood all day. He was tired. He wanted to go home. 

As he was leaving the area, he noticed one home that was completely dark. He picked up his bag and walked up to the front door. He took out a small black bible. He rang the doorbell. Jack opened the bible to John 8:12. ' I am the light of the world'. Nobody opened the door. Jack rang the doorbell 2 more times. No answer. Frustrated, Jack picked up his bag. He began to walk toward his car.

" What do you want?".

Smiling, Jack turned. He began walking back toward the front door..

research help: Ryrie Study Bible

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Beatles the early years page 2

 Beatles the early years page 2 by ric gustafson

Both John and Paul loved American rock and roll music. Both of them loved hearing it and playing it. They knew nothing about rock and roll music two years prior. They made up for lost time.

Both John and Paul loved a singer from Macon Georgia. His name was Little Richard. Paul did a great imitation of the singer. John and Paul also loved Carl Perkins, Gene Vincent, Eddie Cochran and Jerry Lee Lewis. But there was one person both lads worshiped. That was Elvis Presley.

A group called the Crickets were led by leader Buddy Holly. Holly was a big influence on John and Paul. The Crickets introduced John and Paul to the group sound. The sound of vocal, electric guitar, bass and drums. 

Buddy Holly and the Crickets encouraged skiffle groups to change to rock and roll. In honor of Holly and the Crickets, John and Paul began writing songs to the Cricket sound.

research help: ' Tune In' by Mark Lewisohn

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

A Charlie Brown Christmas page 6

 A Charlie Brown Christmas page 6 by ric gustafson

The success of the Dec 6 1964 stop motion Christmas special ' Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer' gave Coca Cola's advertising agency McCann Erickson an idea. Coca Cola wanted to do their own Christmas TV Special. To the CEO of McCann Erickson, this was going to be a huge challenge.

To find a network willing to broadcast an animated Christmas special by December 1965. That challenge fell on the shoulders of Marion Harper Jr.

In August of 1955, McCann Erickson secured their largest account. It was Coca Cola. Led by Marion Harper Jr, the agency secured the 15 million dollar deal. To an Oklahoma City boy raised by his mother, life could not be better. Neal Gilliatt was chosen to oversee the Coca Cola account.

Gilliatt knew Harper Jr and McCann Erickson were hoping to make an animated TV special for December 1965. NBC already had plans to show Rudolph again. That left only ABC and CBS. The head of CBS's programming was James T Aubrey. Aubrey already had a policy against broadcasting specials. Marion Harper Jr knew he had a rough road ahead.

research help: ' Charlie Brown's Christmas Miracle' by Michael Keane

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Psalms: Psalm 2

 Psalms: Psalm 2 by ric gustafson

Psalm 2 says why do the nations rage and the peoples utter folly the kings of the earth rise up and the princes conspire together against the Lord and against his anointed let us break their fetters and cast their bonds from us. Do we put our trust in the Lord?.

He who is throned in heaven laughs the Lord drides them then in anger he speaks to them he terrifies them in his wrath I myself have set up my king on Zion my holy mountain. Is Jesus the King of Kings and God's true Son?.

I will proclaim the decree of the Lord the Lord said to me you are my  son this day I have begotten you ask of me and I will give you the nations for an inheritance and the ends of the earth for your possession You shall rule them with an iron rod you shall shatter them like an earthen dish.

How can we best serve Jesus today?.

research help: ' The Psalms for Today' by Mark Link

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Psalms: Psalm 1

 Psalms: Psalm 1 by ric gustafson

The psalmist starts Psalm 1 with happy the man who follows not the counsel of the wicked nor walks in the way of sinners nor sits in the company of the insolent but delights in the law of the Lord and meditates on his law day and night. According to Matthew 12:33, what did Jesus mean by a tree is known by it's fruit?. 

He is like a tree planted near running water that yields its fruit in due season and whose leaves never fade whatever he does prospers. According to Luke 3:9, what did Jesus mean by every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire?.

Not so the wicked not so they are like chaff which the wind drives away for the Lord watches over the way of the just but the way of the wicked vanishes.

What kind of fruit is your life bearing?. How can your life become more fruitful?.

research help: ' The Psalms for Today' by Mark Link

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Psalms: Psalm 143:9

 Psalms: Psalm 143:9 by ric gustafson

God wants us to commit to living our life for him. God wants to lead us on a steady path. Psalm 143 says may your good Spirit lead me on level ground. What is a level path?. First, God gives us the right desires. Then God will advise us, instruct us and watch over us. Anything that causes us to have wrong desires or wrong doors will be taken out by God.

God wants us to freely worship him and to serve him. Why?. Because he loves us more than anything else.

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

Happy Thanksgiving. Love Ric

Beatles the early years page 1

 Beatles the early years page 1 by ric gustafson

Jim McCartney was not sure about the boy hanging around his son Paul. They came home in the afternoon until 5. Paul's father noticed smoke and dirty dishes. By five, the two had written a new song. Jim warned his son that his new friend would get him in trouble.

In 1956-57, John Lennon was 16 years old. He started a skiffle group called the Quarry Men. Lennon was the front man. In truth, Lennon wanted his group to be more rock than skiffle. When he turned 17, Lennon asked Paul to join his group. 

Paul knew that John was two years older than he was. To Paul, John was a grownup Teddy Boy. He smoked. swore and went to college. John had Elvis Presley sideburns, an upturned collar and hunched shoulders. John was funny, abrasive and sometimes rude. He was literate and creative.

John had a huge impact on Paul. In 1957, Paul got a guitar. He was hooked. Paul was the oldest of two brothers. Paul was a storyteller, a mimic and a cartoonist. John and Paul realized early on they had the same interests. They enjoyed the same books and television shows. ' The Goon Show' consumed them.

They became fast friends.

research help: ' Tune In' by Mark Lewisohn

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Psalms: Psalm 128

 Psalms: Psalm 128 by ric gustafson

It is easy to worry about people's opinion of you. People can think anything about you. God says whatever people think about you is none of my business. God has blessed us with a destiny filled with blessings and prosperity. With obedience to God, our destiny can happen. 

Don't waste time trying to get other people's approval. God has already approved 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

Proverbs: Proverbs 25:28

 Proverbs: Proverbs 25:28 by ric gustafson

Do your feelings control you?. Do you have walls of defense?. The enemy can come and run your life. God has given us self control. We must discipline ourselves for self control. We must say no to our flesh. 

God says say no to your ordinary impulses. God wants us to work on spiritual maturity. Spiritual fruit turns into fruit for God. Are we ruling over our emotions?.

God loves us more than anything else.

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

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

a Charlie Brown Christmas page 5

 a Charlie Brown Christmas page 5 by ric gustafson

Producer Lee Mendelson, with the approval of Charles Schulz, developed a documentary about Schultz and Peanuts. Lee took it to all of the networks including NBC. Nobody wanted it. The documentary was called ' A Boy Named Charlie Brown'. To Lee, it was a flop. Lee knew he needed a sponsor for the project to be a success. 

In Atlanta Georgia, J Paul Austin was walking into the lobby of the Coca Cola headquarters. Austin was the President of the company. He was born on Feb 14 1915. He graduated from Harvard Law School in 1940. Austin became President of Coca Cola in 1962.

In 1964, Austin joined the Board of Directors of General Electric. General Electric was producing a stop motion animation program for Dec 1964. GE's holiday special was based on a Montgomery Ward booklet called ' Rudolf The Red Nosed Reindeer'. The special was broadcast December 6 1964. The holiday special became an instant hit. Because of that, Coca Cola now wanted it's own holiday special.

research help: ' Charlie Brown's Christmas Miracle' by Michael Keane

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

a Charlie Brown Christmas page 4

 a Charlie Brown Christmas page 4 by ric gustafson

So who was the producer that Charles Schulz put all of his trust in for his TV special?.

Leland Maurice Mendelson was born in San Francisco on March 24 1933. He was the only child of Palmer and Jeanette Mendelson. As a boy, Lee, as everyone called him, loved comic strips and radio programs. Lee graduated from San Mateo High School. Then he began attending Stanford University. He studied English Literature. Then Lee was drafted and served three years in the Air Force.

After the Air Force, Lee wanted to get into the new field of television. Lee got a job with a local CBS affiliate KPIX-TV. His job was that of a production assistant. After a while, Lee wanted to do longer format documentaries.

Frustrated at the station he was at, Lee left and started his own office. He became an independent producer. He produced an hour long documentary about pitcher Willie Mays. NBC bought the documentary. Then Lee wondered what his next documentary was going to be about. Then a thought came. He had always loved Charles Schulz and Peanuts. He picked up the phone.

research help: ' Charlie Brown's Christmas Miracle' by Michael Keane

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Psalms: Psalm 126

 Psalms: Psalm 126 by ric gustafson

The Israelites had been taken into captivity. It had taken a long time for the return and the restoration of Jerusalem. Some people had waited for this return their entire lives. Their joy was beyond containment. They were amazed that the day of the return and restoration was finally here. Psalm 126 says our mouths were filled with laughter. 

We dream about a lot of things. To get out of debt, meet the right person and finish college. It might feel as if the odds are stacked against you. It might seem laughable. But God is ready to surprise you. We will be amazed at what God has done for us. 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

Proverbs: Proverbs 24:16

Proverbs: Proverbs 24:16 by ric gustafson

Everyone has disappointments. Things that don't make sense. We can say life is unfair so I will not pursue my destiny. 

It is not our fault we got knocked down. Proverbs 24 says though the righteous fall 7 times they rise again.

It is our responsibility to get back up. It's ok to hurt. God gave us feelings. But we have to get back up. God wants us to go forward in faith. We need to trust God to make it up to you.

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 119:29

 Psalms: Psalm 119:29 by ric gustafson

We need to be honest with ourselves. Psalm 119 says God keep me from lying to myself. Sometimes we want to keep things hidden. Sometimes we don't want to pray. We don't want to deal with things that are uncomfortable. 

God wants us to be honest and open. God wants us to live out of humility. God has places in our lives in which we need to grow. 

God says do not hide your doubts, fears or shortcomings. Do not run from the truth.

God loves you and me more than anything else.

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

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Psalms: Psalm 118:24

 Psalms: Psalm 118:24 by ric gustafson

Even heroes of faith had routine days. Moses experienced one miracle after another. Most days are ordinary days. Some days are exciting. Most are ordinary days.

What does God have for you right now?. This is the day the Lord has made. It might be routine. A routine day with a good attitude could prepare you for new things God has in store for you. 

The fact is you will not be promoted if you're not doing your best where God has you right now.

The fact is God loves you and me more than anything else in the world.

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

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Psalms: Psalm 112:4

 Psalms: Psalm 112:4 by ric gustafson

At times, life can seem dark. We all have problems at times that seem insurmountable. In times of difficulty, God is present. Psalm 112 says when darkness overtakes him, light will come bursting in. 

God is most visible in our storms and difficulties. When it's dark and seems as if there is no way out, God's light comes forth. 

God promises that his light will come out. God's light will be favor, strength and healing. God will propel us forward not backwards. 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 109: 21

Psalms: Psalm 109:21 by ric gustafson

When people use false accusations against you, God says take a seat. Stay in peace. Imagine that God has prepared a feast. God has a seat for you. God is going to honor and favor you. Those who disrespected you and tried to push you down, will not be promoted and honored. 

God wants us to guard our heart. To not get offended. God says don't get into battles that don't matter.

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 22:1

 Proverbs: Proverbs 22:1 by ric gustafson

Our reputation is very valuable. It can come with great riches. It can be despised. You can be looked down and seen as shady. God wants us to be people of integrity. Proverbs 22 says a good name is more desirable than great riches. To God, your name is very important. Integrity will take us farther than dishonesty. God loves and respects a man of integrity. 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

Mini Devotions: Hebrews 11:1

 Mini Devotions: Hebrews 11:1 by ric gustafson

What determines our relationship with God?. It is faith. How we deal with God?. How we see God?. Because of faith, we hold the truth in God's Word. God gives us his holy fire. Faith rests it's weight on his Word. In faith, we look to God. We trust his promises. In faith, we believe God and trust in his Word.

research help: ' The Power of Prayer' by E M Bounds

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

a Charlie Brown Christmas page 3

 a Charlie Brown Christmas page 3 by ric gustafson

The story of a Charlie Brown Christmas starts in 1965. The United States was starting to get involved in Vietnam. The Civil Rights of black Americans was a big issue. Martin Luther King led a march in Selma Alabama. Malcolm X was killed in New York City. 

In 1950, a cartoonist named Charles Schulz started a comic strip. It was called Peanuts. It started out in a handful of newspapers. By 1965, the cartoon strip was being published in 700 newspapers in the US alone.

30 year old Lee Mendelson was an independent producer. He lived in the San Francisco Bay area like Charles Schulz. He loved the Peanuts comic strip just like everyone else. His favorite character was Charlie Brown. He could relate to the lovable loser who always found a way to move forward in life.

Mendelson had just finished a well received documentary about San Francisco Giants center fielder Willie Mays. Mendelson wondered what his next project would be. Then one day, an idea came. The producer made a phone call. Charles Schulz answered the phone.

research help: ' Charlie Brown's Christmas Miracle' by Michael Keane

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

a Charlie Brown Christmas page 2

 a Charlie Brown Christmas page 2 by ric gustafson

Charles Schulz was working on a new project. In 1950, Schulz started a new comic strip. It was called ' Peanuts'. Schultz wanted to bring his Peanuts characters to a new medium and a new audience. Schultz also wanted to have a message of faith included in the TV special. Schultz wanted the character of Linus to recite from the book of Luke chapter 2. Schultz wanted Linus to tell the true meaning of Christmas.

Schultz was told by his partners that someone reciting bible passages on a tv special was suicide. Schultz wanted his tv special to go where no tv special had gone before. Arguing with his two partners only gave Schultz more resolve. Schultz wanted his tv special to communicate the true meaning of Christmas. 

Lee Mendelson flew to New York to screen ' A Charlie Brown Christmas' for CBS programming executives. Schultz knew his conviction and resolve might succeed or be career suicide.

Schultz nervously waited to find out.

research help: ' Charlie Brown's Christmas Miracle' by Michael Keane

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Psalms: Psalm 107:2

Psalms: Psalm 107:2 by ric gustafson

Words have creative power. You want to give life to what you are saying. We need to believe that we are blessed. When we declare that we are blessed, blessings will come our way. Psalm 107 says let the redeemed of the Lord say so. To overcome or break something, we need to start declaring it.

It's easy to have big dreams. It won't happen until you stand on God's promises. When we speak good breaks, ideas and promotions, God will make them happen.

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 

a Charlie Brown Christmas page 1

 a Charlie Brown Christmas page 1 by ric gustafson

For cartoonist Charles Schulz, his problems were mounting. The 42 year old did not feel well. He had lost 20 pounds. He felt nervous, anxious and reluctant to leave home. In the summer of 1965, Schulz's doctor could find nothing physically wrong with the cartoonist. 

Schulz knew what was wrong with him. In his life was a lot of stress. He suffered from an anxiety disorder for years. He was a WW II veteran. He suffered from PTSD. 

He also had a lot of stress because he was asked to create a television Christmas special. To Schulz, the new project was ambitious and risky.

research help: ' Charlie Brown's Christmas Miracle' by Michael Keane

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

 

Mini Devotions: Mark 11:23

 Mini Devotions: Mark 11:23 by ric gustafson

In order to have genuine authentic faith, your faith must be free of doubt. We can believe in the goodness and power of God. There is more to it than that. Through prayer and faith, God's promises will be done.

There must be development in our faith. Growth and tidings. Mark 11 says God wants us to show prayer that gets results. We must have faith that has no doubt or fear. We need faith in our prayers.

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

research help: ' the Power of Prayer' by E M Bounds

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Psalms: Psalm 105

 Psalms: Psalm 105 by ric gustafson

There will be times when people will say things behind your back. We cannot stop that. God says don't waste time and energy on what you cannot change. That is God's job not yours. Your reputation is in God's hands. Psalm 105 says do not touch my anointed ones. 

God says do not touch my anointed. We are God's anointed. God knows who tries to slander about us and spread rumors. God will defend you. Don't sink down to someone's level. We have an anointed blessing from 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

Psalms: Psalm 103

 Psalms: Psalm 103 by ric gustafson

Events will happen in our lives that will seem monstrous. Obstacles, bad medical reports or a breakup will seem like we'll never be able to get through it. 

But God does not see it that way. Psalm 103 says forget not all his benefits. God can turn around even the worst of your situations. God gives you the strength to get through it. Was it a coincidence?. No, it was the hand of God. 

Our present struggles are preparing us for our future. Because of our struggles, we have a history with God. Thank God for his mercy and goodness. Thank God for protection, promotion, healing and being restored. 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 49

 the end of days page 49 by ric gustafson

The eyes of the Son of Man shone like flames of fire. On his white robe was ' the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords'. His head and hair were white as snow. In his right hand were seven stars. Behind him was the army of Heaven. Everyone was in white and on top of white horses.

Jesus looked down. " I am the Alpha and the Omega". " The First and the Last". " The Beginning and the End".

When he had said this, thousands of Carlo's troops died on the spot. 

" I am he who lives and was dead". Jesus's voice hesitated. " Behold I am alive forevermore Amen".

Rory could not believe what he was hearing.

" I have the keys of Hades and Death".

Thousands of Carlo's troops keeled over and died on the spot.

Carlo turned his horse around. " Fall back".

" I am the Lamb that was slain".

Thousands more of Carlo's troops died on the spot. Now, thousands upon thousands upon thousands of Carlo's best troops had died from Jesus's words. Some of Carlo's troops had screamed and ran away. Some of Carlo's soldiers were trying to dig holes to avoid Jesus's words. A huge cloud of birds had now started feasting on the bodies of Carlo's troops.

" Rory Johnston".

Rory turned around. He knew Jesus was talking directly to him.

Carlo turned his horse around. " Are you ready for the final attack Rory?".

Rory smiled at his master. " Yes Sir".

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

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

the end of days page 48

 the end of days page 48 by ric gustafson

On a huge majestic black horse was Carlo. On another black horse next to him was Rory. Then Carlo and Rory turned their horses around. They were now facing their glorious army.

" My fellow One World soldiers". Carlo raised a silver sword skyward. " Our time is now". He smiled. " Nothing will stop us".

Rory was worried because darkness had covered the land for the last two hours.

" Onward my glorious army". 

Carlo and Rory began slowly moving forward. Behind them was tanks, armored carriers and millions of foot soldiers. As they advanced in the darkness, Rory noticed a huge white cross illuminated on a hill. To Rory's surprise, when Rory and Carlo reached the hill the cross disappeared.

As the army advanced, the sky became pitch dark. Only tank headlights were visible. Rory became scared. He could barely see in front of him.

Just then, a bright light filled the sky. Rory put his hands over his eyes the light was so bright.

Carlo knew what the source of the light was. " My One World soldiers". Carlo smiled. " It is time to defeat my enemy once and for all". He raised his sword. " Fire on my command".

Then Rory looked upward. Heaven opened and in plain view was a white horse. 

Both Carlo and Rory knew who was on it. It was Jesus Christ the Son of the Living God.

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

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

the Firm page 13

 the Firm page 13 by ric gustafson

Avery handed Mitch a thick file. " This is part of the Capps file".

" Capps?".

" Sonny Capps is one of our clients".

Mitch grinned. " How much is our client worth?".

" About 30 million".

" What's his business?".

" He has the largest towing service on the Mississippi River".

Mitch smiled as he began studying the file. " Impressive".

" We do 80 percent of his legal work".

Mitch put down the file. " What would you like me to do?".

Avery grinned. " Mitch, I would like you to read the file?".

" Ok".

" Then I would like you to prepare a rough draft of the partnership agreement".

" How much is this worth to the firm?".

Avery smiled. " About 65 million dollars".

research help: ' The Firm' by John Grisham

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

the Firm page 12

 the Firm page 12 by ric gustafson

Mitch turned on the light switch in his office. He put his attache case on his desk. He went to the coffee room. He started the industrial coffee machine. With coffee in hand, Mitch went to work. On his desk were three cardboard boxes full of books, files and legal pads. What he was looking for was in Box number 3.

Just then, Mitch heard a noise. Somebody was standing in his office doorway. 

" I'm Nathan Locke". He shook Mitch's hand. " I don't believe we've met".

" I'm Mitch McDeere". He smiled. " I'm the new man".

" I see your an early riser".

" Yes".

Nathan smiled. " Good to have you". Then he disappeared down the hallway.

Mitch closed his office door.

At 8:30 am, Nina arrived with donuts. She pointed at the files and notes on his desk. " What's that?".

" Our project for the day". Mitch frowned. " We need to organize this stuff".

" Ok". 

Mitch looked at his watch. " I need to go see Avery".

research help: ' The Firm' by John Grisham

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Proverbs: Proverbs 21:23

 Proverbs: Proverbs 21:23 by ric gustafson

It is easy for someone to push our buttons. We get upset and say things we shouldn't. God is testing our character. Proverbs 21 says watch your tongue and keep your mouth shut. Under pressure, God wants us to grow to change. 

How do we pass God's test of our character. First, we keep our mouth closed. We keep our emotions in check. We need to pray to God to control our tongues. We need to walk away from conflict. 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 11

 Before Dorothy page 11 by ric gustafson

Dorothy's eyes got big as the scary woman walked in. She walked up to the candy counter.

" Do you have the money to pay for that?".

Frightened, Dorothy put the candy back on the counter. She ran back to Emily.

Wilhelmina West frowned at Emily. " She's with you".

Emily stared at her. " Yes, she's with me".

" Oh yes, your sister's child". Her voice hesitated. " Didn't mean to startle her".

Emily gave the woman a stare. " You shouldn't throw accusations at innocent children".

" Children are nothing but trouble". Shaking her head, Wilhelmina walked out of the store. She got back on her bicycle. She rode away in a huff.

Emily picked up the box. She opened the store's front door. " Thank you again for the box Laurie".

Emily and Dorothy walked toward the car.

" Aunt Em, that scary lady looked like a witch".

research help: ' Before Dorothy' by Hazel Gaynor

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Psalms: Psalm 101:2

 Psalms: Psalm 101:2 by ric gustafson

Reputation is a foundation of our personal integrity. A person of integrity does the right thing when no one is watching. Psalm 101 says I will walk with integrity. You can have talent, vision and determination but without integrity you won't reach your full potential.

Integrity starts in your private life. God says show me that I can trust you. Integrity with God is that God can trust you no matter what. Why?. Because loves you more than anything else.

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

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Psalms: Psalm 100:4

 Psalms: Psalm 100:4 by ric gustafson

God wants to have a personal relationship with us. Psalm 100 says to enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise. We should not come to God empty handed. But what can we give to God?. The answer is our praise, thanksgiving and worship. Our offering of thanksgiving must come from the heart. 

Praise is gratefulness to God. Our praise gets God's attention. When God shows up, the enemy flees. If we open the door, God will come in.

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

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Before Dorothy page 10

 Before Dorothy page 10 by ric gustafson

Emily and Laurie Miller watched as Dorothy ran off toward the candy counter.

" How is she doing?".

Emily frowned. " She screamed last night". Emily frowned again. " She was having a bad dream".

" So what did you do?".

" I gave her some water". Emily glanced over at her niece. " Then I told her the story of the little people".

" Did that help?".

Emily grinned. " She did go back to sleep".

" Oh!". Laurie went to the back of the store. She came back with a big cardboard box. " I collected some things for Dorothy".

Emily looked in the box. She pulled out a book. It was ' Anne of Green Gables'.

" I loved this book". She put the book back in the box. " I'm sure Dorothy will enjoy it too".

research help: ' Before Dorothy' by Hazel Gaynor

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Psalms: Psalm 94:13

 Psalms: Psalm 94:13 by ric gustafson

It's easy to want to have revenge. People don't keep their word. People betray you and make you look bad. We say do to them what they did to us. This is a test from God. So what are we made of?. When someone is rude to us, it's easy to be rude back. 

God wants us to be uncomfortable. God gives us challenges to test our quality. God does not want us to use revenge, use pride or sarcasm. Instead God says 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

U-505 page 22

U-505 page 22 by ric gustafson

When Task Group 22.3 had reached the Cape Verdes Islands off the coast of West Africa, Captain Gallery asked his five destroyer escorts to organize their loading parties.

On the Pillsbury, Lieutenant Commander George Casselman asked Lieutenant Junior Grade Albert Leroy David to do the job. Lieutenant David picked nine men to be his boarding party. 

Signalman Second Class Gordon Hohne was picked to communicate on the U-boat's conning tower using semaphone flags. Chief Machinist's mate George Jacobson was chosen to secure the U-boat's main control room and stabilize the valves and controls. Torpedoman Third Class Arthur Knispel was chosen to be the first into the U-boat. His job was to shoot Germans who resisted them. Motor Machinist mate First Class Zenon Lukosius was picked to secure the boat's control room and the sea water valve. Gunner's Mate First Class Chester Mocarski was chosen to help Arthur Knispel secure the boat and help dispel German resistance. Boatswain Mate Second Class Wayne Pickels was chosen to secure the boat's Enigma machine and code books. Electricians Mate Third Class William Riendeau was chosen to secure the boat's electrical power control station. Radioman Third Class Stanley Wdowiak was chosen to secure the boat's radio shack.

research help: ' Codename Nemo' by Charles Lachman

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Psalms: Psalm 92:12

 Psalms: Psalm 92:12 by ric gustafson

This psalm talks about a palm tree. Psalm 92 says the righteous will flourish like a palm tree. God knows we will face difficult times. Palm trees do get bent by strong winds. When storms are over, the palm tree is stronger than it was. 

That's what God does for us in difficult times. After storms are over, God makes us stronger. God will make us healthier, wiser and better off. Like the palm tree, our roots will make us stronger.

Why will God do that for us?. 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 9

Before Dorothy page 9 by ric gustafson

" Come inside". Henry opened the front door. " Then I'll show you around the farm".

Dorothy and Emily walked in.

" I made corn cakes". He smiled at Dorothy. " Have you ever had corn cakes?".

" No". Dorothy glanced around her new surroundings. " Is it like chocolate cake?".

" No". Henry scratched his chin. " Is chocolate cake your favorite?".

" Yes".

He placed his hands on his hips. " Mine too".

Dorothy began to walk through her new home. She began asking Emily and Henry question after question. 

When they reached a closed curtain, Henry stopped. He opened the curtain. Dorothy walked in. It was a makeshift bedroom.

Henry grinned. " This is where you'll sleep Dorothy".

Dorothy noticed on her new pillow a little doll made of straw.

She smiled. " What is this Uncle Henry?".

" It's for you Dorothy". He smiled. " I made it myself".

" Thank you Uncle Henry". She put the little doll on the window sill next to her toy lion and tin man.

research help: ' Before Dorothy' by Hazel Gaynor

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

I found the Titanic page 6

 I found the Titanic page 6 by ric gustafson

My name is Robert D Ballard

I found the Titanic

It was 11:40 pm on April 14 1912. Fred Fleet was up in the Crow's Nest of the Titanic. It was bitterly cold out. Fleet and the other lookout were tired and cold. Both men were anxious to end their watch for the night. It had been a quiet one. The sea was dead calm.

Suddenly, Fleet saw something. It was a huge dark shape. It was directly ahead of the ship. Fleet knew what is was. He quickly sounded the alarm bell three times. He picked up the phone.

The duty officer answered. " What did you see?".

" Iceberg right ahead".

The officer on the bridge ordered the wheel turned as far as it would go. The engine room was told to reverse the engines. A button was pushed to close the doors to the watertight compartments.

Everyone waited. Did they avoid disaster?.

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

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Proverbs: Proverbs 19:21

 Proverbs: Proverbs 19:21 by ric gustafson

God sees and knows the big picture of our lives. God knows what has to happen to accomplish his purpose for our life. To accomplish God's plan for our life, God will ask us to do things that are uncomfortable. Proverbs 19 says many are the plans in a person's heart. God will ask us to stretch  and push past our fear and uncertainty. When we obey God, blessings happen. 

Things will feel hard at first. To let go of hurts and to forgive. We have a choice. Do we listen to Satan's loud voice and try not to change. Or do we listen to God's small voice. It is our choice. Which will you choose?. The truth is 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 91:1

 Psalms: Psalm 91:1 by ric gustafson

Every Christian should have a secret place in our relationship with God. This should be a place where we don't allow everything in. It should be a place without offense, worry or bitterness. This place in our heart should be a place of peace, hope, rest and faith.

Our secret place should be free of negative things. 

God says give me a secret place where I can dwell. Where I can have peace and joy. Not storms.

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