God's Word: Psalm 51

 God's Word: Psalm 51 by ric gustafson

After the Garden of Eden, sin changed everything. Still, God blessed Adam and Eve with children. They had two sons. Their names were Abel and Cain. Psalm 51 talks about sacrifice. Cain was a farmer. Abel was a shepherd. Both brought sacrifices to God. God was pleased with Abel's sacrifice. God was not pleased with Cain's. Because of rage and jealousy, Cain killed Abel. He tried to hide his sin. Abel gave his best to God. Cain did not.

Are we giving our best to God?. We should be. Why? Because God loves us more than anything else.

research help: ' Heroes of the Bible Devotional' by Joshua Cooley

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

a Charlie Brown Christmas page 13

 a Charlie Brown Christmas page 13 by ric gustafson

Mendelson entered a restaurant in San Francisco. The upscale eatery was called Original Joe's. There Mendelson met Vince Guaraldi. Mendelson immediately liked him. The jazz musician had long sideburns, black eyeglasses and a large mustache.

Mendelson explained to the jazz musician that he was producing a documentary about Peanuts creator Charles Schulz. Mendelson asked Guaraldi if he was interested in working on a soundtrack for the documentary. The jazz musician said yes right away. He loved Peanuts and read it to his two young children.

About 2 weeks later, Guaraldi was also driving over the Golden Gate bridge. Inspiration hit him. Right away, he began composing a tune. When he was finished with it, he played it for Mendelson. The producer was enchanted by what he heard.

' A Boy named Charlie Brown' was never sold. Guaraldi's song was put into the Charlie Brown Christmas Special. The song was titled ' Linus and Lucy'

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

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Psalms: Psalm 5

 Psalms: Psalm 5 by ric gustafson

Psalm 5 says at dawn I bring my plea expectantly before you for you O God delight not in wickedness no evil man remains with you the arrogant may not stand in your sight. Humans are caught in a net of good and evil.

You hate all evildoers you destroy all who speak falsehood the bloodthirsty and the deceitful the Lord abhors. When Jesus comes in his glory he will separate the sheep from the goats.

But I because of your abundant kindness will enter your house I will worship at your holy temple in fear of you O Lord. Tell Jesus about changes you will make in your life.

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

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

God's Word: Romans 5:8

 God's Word: Romans 5:8 by ric gustafson

Adam and Eve lived in the Garden of Eden. It was paradise on earth. It was a perfect sinless home. Then Adam and Eve decided to rebel against God and eat the forbidden fruit. Instead of God, they chose their own way. 

God could have destroyed us. Instead God chose a different path. God provided a path of salvation. God sent his perfect Son to die for our sins.

We are sinful rebels who need a Savior. God sent who we needed. Why?. Because God loves us more than anything else.

research help: ' Heroes of the Bible Devotional' by Joshua Cooley

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

a Charlie Brown Christmas page 12

 a Charlie Brown Christmas page 12 by ric gustafson

In late June early July 1965, Neil Reagan traveled to the home of Charles Schulz. Reagan was to attend a presentation by Schulz, Lee Mendelson and Bill Melendez. They walked Reagan through their story boards and a pencil test animation. They showed Reagan pencil sketches of the characters and scenes. Reagan's reaction to what was shown to him was negative. Reagan suggested that the 3 concentrate on the color and the music.

One day, Mendelson was driving south across the Golden Gate bridge. He was listening to radio station KSFO. On the AM station Mendelson was listening to a local jazz program. At one point, Mendelson was listening to a song that just captivated him. The song was ' Cast Your Fate to the Wind'. 

Mendelson found out the jazz artist on the song was Vince Guaraldi. Mendelson called a friend Ralph Gleason. He wanted to find out if Gleason knew this Guaraldi. He did. Mendelson asked his friend to set up a meeting.

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

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Fall and Rise page 3

 Fall and Rise page 3 by ric gustafson

It was Monday Sept 10, the time was near midnight. Cee Cee Lyles was sharing an apartment with four other flight attendants. The apartment was near Newark International Airport. 33 year old Cee Cee spent a lot of time on the phone with her husband Lorne. Lorne was a police officer in Fort Myers Florida. Cee Cee became a flight attendant after leaving a stressful job as a police detective. The night of Sep 10, she could not sleep. She was scheduled to leave Newark Airport at 8:00 am Sept 11for a flight leaving for San Francisco. The flight was United Airlines flight 93.

In Rome New York, 43 year old Major Kevin Nasypany was the Mission Control Commander at the Northeast Air Defense Sector. Kevin was tired. He had planned an exercise for Sep 11. That night before the exercise, Major Nasypany did not sleep well. The code name for the exercise was ' Vigilant Guard'

For the Fallen

Edelmiro Abad was a father of three daughters. People called him Ed. Abad was born in Spain. Abad and his family lived in Brooklyn New York. Abad worked on the 90th floor of Tower Two. Abad was a Senior Vice President with Fiduciary Trust Company. Edelmiro Abad was 54.

research help: ' Fall and Rise' by Mitchell Zuckoff

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

a Charlie Brown Christmas page 11

 a Charlie Brown Christmas page 11 by ric gustafson

In the summer of 1965, Neil Reagan was a busy man. He supervised the LA office of McCann Erickson. He also helped his younger brother Ronald Reagan's political campaign. Ronald Reagan wanted to be Governor of California. The New York office of McCann Erickson asked Neil Reagan to fly to San Francisco and report back about the progress of their animated Christmas special.

Neil Reagan was the perfect choice for the assignment. He had an extensive background in entertainment. Reagan started out at KFWB radio station owned by the Warner Brothers movie studio. Then Reagan became a Director at CBS. Then Neil Reagan was recruited by the LA manager of McCann Erickson. His name was Clarence Olmstead. When Olmstead retired, Neil Reagan took over.

Neil Reagan wanted the assignment for two reasons. First, he loved children. Second, he loved the Christmas holiday.

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

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Beatles the early years page 5

 Beatles the early years page 5 by ric gustafson

Shortly after the war, John Lennon's mother Julia had found a new man. His name was John Dykins. Not far away in the Dingle, Johnny and Annie Starkey were taking care of their grandson. His name was Richy. Annie noticed right away her grandson was left handed. Richy started school at St Silas. Because Elsie's husband left her and Richy, the two of them had to move to 10 Admiral Grove.

Paul McCartney at age 3 had a steady home life. Paul's father Jim was quiet and mild mannered. Paul's mother Mary was also quiet.

George Harrison had a strong family. His father Harry was a bus driver. The family lived at Arnold Grove. Photos of George showed a blond haired boy with his father's smile. John Lennon started school on November 12 1945. The school was Mosspits Lane Primary School. It was not far from Newcastle Road. Julia worked at the nearby Coffee House. In his nursery class, John enjoyed reading, writing, painting and drawing. In March 1946, Julia and John moved in with Bobby Dykins. Eventually, John moved in to the house on Menlove Avenue with his Aunt Mimi and his Uncle George. In May 1946, John switched schools to Dovedale Road infant school.

research help: ' Tune In' by Mark Lewisohn

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Cleopatra page 1

 Cleopatra page 1 by ric gustafson

My name is Cleopatra. You can dislike me, love me or hate me. I was born a girl and a goddess. I will be a future queen. I have enemies. Including members of my own family. 

But I am not entirely alone. Charmian is with me. She has been my slave and my servant since I was born. She tends to me. We are inseperable. When I began to speak, I chose her name. Charmian means giver of joy. She is my slave. She does not want to be free. We are chained by love. 

I belong to her also.

research help: ' I Am Cleopatra' by Natasha Solomons

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Fall and Rise page 2

 Fall and Rise page 2 by ric gustafson

Two year old Christine Hanson was excited. She was going to California to see Namma her grandmother. Eunice was so excited to see her granddaughter. Christine told Namma she was going to Disneyland. She was going to see Mickey Mouse and Pluto. Christine's father Peter Hanson knew early in September he needed to fly to California for business. Peter decided to make the trip into a family vacation. In California, they would visit Christine's mother's family. The family flew out on Sep 11 for California. They left on United Airlines Flight 175.

In Virginia, Barbara Olson was getting herself ready to fly to LA. Her husband Ted's birthday was on Sep 11. Barbara was a lawyer and a political insider. Her husband Ted was the top legal strategist for the White House. While in LA, Barbara was going to be a guest on Bill Maher's show called ' Politically Incorrect'. Barbara left the next day for LA. Her flight was American Airlines Flight 77.

The Fallen

Gordon Aamoth Jr was from Minneapolis Minnesota. He was 32. He was captain of his high school football team. He played hockey. He went to Babson College. He earned a business degree. People called him Gordy.

Gordon Aamoth Jr was an Investment Banker Vice President at Sandler Oneil and Partners. The firm was located on the 104th floor in the South Tower.

research help: ' Fall and Rise' by Mitchell Zuckoff

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Psalms: Psalm 4

 Psalms: Psalm 4 by ric gustafson

Psalm 4 says when I call answer me O my just God you who relieve me when I am in distress have pity on me and hear my prayer. Has God's face shined down on you?.

Know that the Lord does wonders for his faithful one the Lord will hear me when I call upon him. Is our heart filled with calm?. 

O Lord let the light of your countenance shine upon us you put gladness into my heart. When things close in on us do we panic?.

As soon as I lie down I fall peacefully asleep for you alone O Lord bring security to my dwelling. Jesus kept calm in the worst situations. Can we?.

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

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

God's Word: Isaiah 43: 6-7

 God's Word: Isaiah 43: 6-7 by ric gustafson

Why did God create you?. What's your purpose in life?. The truth is God created you to worship him. We will start to shift from our selfish desires and put it on God. Life is about God. We live to worship God. Worship is giving God the glory he deserves. We should glorify God in everything we do. 

How do we worship God?. We pray, read God's Word, help and tell others about God.

research help: ' Heroes of the Bible Devotional' by Joshua Cooley

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

a Charlie Brown Christmas page 10

a Charlie Brown Christmas page 10 by ric gustafson

Director Bill Melendez answered the phone.

Producer Lee Mendelson was on the line. " Bill, can we do an animated half hour in 6 months?".

" Of course" replied Melendez.

Melendez had met Schultz when he had directed some Ford Motor Company commercials. 

The three men got together at Schultz's studio. They looked at the one page outline Coca Cola had received. Elements in the outline included a winter scene with ice skating. There was a Christmas play, There was a scene with a biblical element. And there was a mixture of jazz and holiday music.

Mendelson suggested a Christmas tree could be added to the script. The musical soundtrack was also discussed. Guaraldi's piece ' Linus and Lucy' would be included in a scene. 

The one element Schultz would not budge was the scene where Linus recites from the book of Luke. Lastly, a budget for the special was set.

research help: ' Charlie Brown's Christmas Miracle

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

John 8:12 page 4

 John 8:12 page 4 by ric gustafson

" Jack". Mr Kincaide was glancing at his file. " You have a very impressive file".

Jack squinted his eyes in the semi darkness. " Thank you".

" You have been the top salesman here for five years now". He looked up from the file. " What's your secret?".

Jack smiled. " Mr Kincaide, my work and my life is based on John 8:12".

" Sorry, the bible doesn't mean anything to me".

" John 8:12 says I am the light of the world".

Mr Kincaide gave Jack a strange look. " What does that mean?".

" He who follows me will not walk in darkness but will have the light of life".

" I'm not sure what that means".

" Is there something you wanted to talk about Mr Kincaide?".

" Jack". Mr Kincaide stared at his employee. " I would like to try lower wattage light bulbs".

" Lower wattage?".

" The lower the wattage". Mr Kincaide smiled. " People will want to buy more light bulbs".

Jack frowned. " Sounds deceitful to me Sir".

" We're here to make money Jack".

research help: the Ryrie Study Bible

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Beatles the early years page 4

Beatles the early years page 4 by ric gustafson

Sometimes Paul would go over to John's house. Paul knew a short cut to get there. Paul would walk across the Allerton Municipal Golf Course. From there, Paul would walk onto a bank above Menlove Avenue. This was opposite of John's house. Usually John and Paul would walk everywhere carrying their guitars without the case. 

Previous owners had called John's home Mendips. It was a semi detached suburban villa. John's Aunt Mimi ran the home. She let John and Paul use the porch to play their guitars and try to write songs. On that porch, 20 songs came into being. The best of those early Lennon McCartney songs was ' Love ME Do".

To Paul. John's upbringing was middle class. Paul was impressed that John was a poet, a songwriter and a guitar player. John was impressed by Paul's talent and his burning ambition. 

research help: ' Tune In' by Mark Lewisohn

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

God's Word: Genesis 1:1

 God's Word: Genesis 1:1 by ric gustafson

God tells us in Genesis 1:1 that he can create something out of nothing. God created everything. God has limitless creative abilities. God spoke and created the universe. God created everything. God rules over everything also. Nothing would exist without God. God is an awesome and powerful God. 

We were created for a reason. We answer to a higher authority. We are here on this sinful earth to serve God who created us. In God we can have a life of meaning and purpose.

research help: ' Heroes of the Bible Devotional' by Joshua Cooley

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

a Charlie Brown Christmas page 9

 a Charlie Brown Christmas page 9 by ric gustafson

At the time in 1965 that Schultz and Mendelson were asked to put together a Christmas Special, Schultz and Peanuts were on top of the world. Peanuts was reaching 60 million people. The strip was being published in 771 newspapers. It was translated into a dozen languages. The comic strip was on the cover of Time Magazine on April 9 1965. But even with all the success including two years as Cartoonist of the Year. Schultz was struggling in his personal life. He suffered from symptoms of anxiety and depression. He lost weight and had constant stomach problems.

At the same time, Mendelson had submitted a one page outline to Coca Cola's headquarters in Atlanta. Nervously, Mendelson had to wait 3 weeks for an answer from John Allen. Coca Cola bought the special. That was the good news. The bad news was that they only had 6 months to make the special. Mendelson needed a Director who could do the impossible. 

In Mendelson's mind, there was only one Director who could pull it off.

Mendelson picked up the phone.

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

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

John 8:12 page 3

 John 8:12 page 3 by ric gustafson

Jack yawned as he turned off his computer. He picked up his purple workout bag from underneath his cubicle. The overhead light above his desk flickered. He had done all of his light bulb visits earlier in the day. He was ready to leave. He stood up and put his bag over his right shoulder. As he reached the entrance of his cubicle, somebody walked into the entrance.

" Sorry to bother you Jack". Roger Francis grinned. " Mr Kincaide would like to see you for a few minutes before you leave". 

" Ok". Jack walked out of his cubicle. He began to walk down a dimly lit hallway. He looked up. The overhead light was flickering. He stopped in front of a door that said ' Glen Kincaide'. Jack knocked.

" Come in".

Jack opened the door to reveal a dimly lit office. The only light in the scantly furnished office was a small lamp on a big wooden desk. 

Wearing a dark suit, a small serious looking man walked over to Jack. He shook Jack's hand. " I'm Glen Kincaide'. 

Jack shook his hand. " Jack Dallas".

" Please Jack". He gave Jack a strange smile. " Please have a seat".

research help: ' Ryrie Study Bible' 

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

a Charlie Brown Christmas page 8

 a Charlie Brown Christmas page 8 by ric gustafson

On May 5 1965, Lee Mendelson finally got the phone call he had been waiting for. He quickly dialed Charles Schultz. " I think I just sold your Charlie Brown Christmas Special".

" Who called?".

" John Allen of McCann Erickson". His voice hesitated. " He asked if you and I would like to make a Christmas Special for December this year".

" What did you tell him?".

" I did not hesitate". His voice hesitated. " I told him yes".

The next morning, Mendelson made the drive to Sonoma County which was north of San Francisco. Mendelson found Schultz and his wife Joyce on a 28 acre property. In order to talk, Schultz stopped his daily writing of panels of his strip. Both men sat down. 

Schultz began telling Mendelson story scenes, themes and ideas. Schultz wanted the special to deal with the true meaning of Christmas. Schultz wanted a Christmas play to be part of the story. Schultz wanted Jazz music for the special. Schultz loved a local San Francisco Jazz composer. His name was Vince Guaraldi.

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

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Psalms: Psalm 3

 Psalms: Psalm 3 by ric gustafson

Psalm 3 says O Lord how many are my adversaries many rise up against me many are saying of me there is no salvation for him in God. Are there storm clouds and hard times in your life?.

But you O Lord are my shield my glory you lift up my head when I call out to the Lord he answers me from his holy mountain. Did Jesus think of this psalm in the Garden of Gethsemane?.

When I lie down in sleep I wake again for the Lord sustains me I fear not the myriads of people arrayed against me on every side rise up O Lord save me my God.

Think of Jesus in the garden and in a dungeon later that night praying Psalm 3

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

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

a Charlie Brown Christmas page 7

 a Charlie Brown Christmas page 7 by ric gustafson 

In Feb 1965, James Aubrey had a long talk with Frank Stanton. Stanton was the president of CBS. After talking, it was decided that Aubrey and CBS would part ways. Aubrey had a talk with the Chairman of CBS Bill Paley. Despite a plea, Aubrey and CBS parted ways.

Now with Aubrey gone, CBS could now broadcast specials. A holiday special that Coca Cola was going to sponsor was ' Alice's Adventures in Wonderland'. Because of production delays, the special could not be broadcast until March of 1966. Coca Cola now run by J Paul Austin wanted a holiday special for Thanksgiving Christmas 1965.

One day, a McCann Erickson executive named John Allen noticed a Time Magazine cover about Peanuts and Charles Schultz. The date of the Time Magazine cover was April 9 1965. Allen had seen the documentary about Schultz and Peanuts. Allen knew that Lee Mendelson produced the documentary. 

Could Mendelson and Schultz pull off a Christmas special in a short period of time?.

Allen picked up the phone.

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

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Fall and Rise page 1

 Fall and Rise page 1 by ric gustafson

Sept 10 2001

Captain John Ogonowski walked in the door of his farm house in Dracut Massachusetts.

" Dad, please help me with my math".

The 50 year old pilot gave a tired smile to his 16 year old daughter and his wife Peg. John was tired. He had just driven to their 130 acre farm 30 miles north of Boston. He had just piloted American Airlines Flight 11 from LA. After 23 years as a commercial pilot, he was tired. He enjoyed coming to his farm to rest.

After dinner of chicken cutlets and ice cream, John wanted to try and get someone to cover his six hour shift for the next morning. His shift the next morning Sept 11 was a 6 hour return trip to California. There were things he needed to do on his farm. 

John went to the TV room. He turned on the desktop computer. He logged into the American Airlines scheduling system. But it was to no avail. John  had to do the shift. He was going to be again the Captain of American Airlines Flight 11. The flight was nonstop from Boston to LA.

research help: ' Fall and Rise' by Mitchell Zuckoff

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

John 8:12 page 2

 John 8:12 page 2 by ric gustafson

Jack talked through the door. " I'm a light bulb salesman". Jack's voice hesitated. " I noticed your house was totally dark".

" Get off my property".

" If you could give me five minutes". Jack listened for a response. " I would love to show you what's in my bag". 

The door opened slightly. " Come in".

Jack slowly walked in. The house was completely dark.

" What's in your bag?".

" Light bulbs". Jack took one out of his bag. " May I put one in one of your lamps?".

" No". A voice shrieked. " I like it dark in here".

Jack quietly walked up to a lamp. He put a new bulb in. A bright light came on. He noticed someone crumpled against a wall.

" Take it back out".

Jack put a new bulb into another lamp. More light came on.

" Take it out". Then the shrieking stopped.

Jack ran over to a young man crumpled next to a wall. 

He was crying. " Help me".

Jack showed the young man John 8:12. " I am the light of the world".

research help: Ryrie Study Bible

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric