Proverbs: Proverbs 1:10

 Proverbs: Proverbs 1:10 by ric gustafson

Satan wants us to not follow God. Satan tries to lead us into sin. God says do not listen or follow Satan. God says to us follow me above all else. Some people do not have our best interest at heart. 

Like a shepherd guarding sheep, God says listen for my voice. 

We are God's children. God wants to mature in his Word. Studying God's Word leads to life and goodness. Satan knows it's easy to stray off of God's path. God will lead you. Stay on his path.

research help: ' Bible Word Search devotional' by Broad Street Publishing

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

the Firm page 20

 the Firm page 20 by ric gustafson

Oliver walked into DeVasher's office. DeVasher smiled. " We found Ray McDeere".

" Where?" replied Oliver.

" Brushy Mountain State Prison".

Oliver scratched his chin. " Tell me about him?".

" Raymond McDeere 31 no family dishonorable discharge from the Army".

" How did you find him?".

" Mitch visited him yesterday".

" On another note". Oliver frowned. " Has Mitch mentioned the FBI to his wife?".

" No".

" Good". Oliver smiled. " I knew he wouldn't".

" Oliver, I think Mitch is ready to go to Grand Cayman with Avery".

" You think he's ready".

DeVasher thought for a moment. " I think so".

" I'll arrange it".

research help: ' The Firm' by John Grisham

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Proverbs: Proverbs 1: 8-9

 Proverbs: Proverbs 1: 8-9 by ric gustafson

When discipline is abusive, it can lead to a misunderstanding. Loving parents correct their children. God's discipline is laced with kindness. God only wants his best for his children. As God's children, we need his correction and guidance. When we heed God's discipline, our lives will change. 

Maybe we did not have great earthly parents. We have a heavenly Father who loves us and tries to lead us down the right path. 

We will walk in wisdom when we do not despise God's hand of correction. Sometimes life lessons are heard to learn and feel harsh. But if we are teachable, we will reap God's blessings.

research help: ' Bible Word Search devotional' by Broad Street Publishing

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

William Jefferson Clinton page 1

William Jefferson Clinton page 1 by ric gustafson

My name is Bill Clinton.

I was born on Aug 19 1946. I was born in Hope Arkansas. Hope is located in Southwest Arkansas 33 miles from the Texas border. My father was William Jefferson Blythe Jr. He met my mother in 1943 when she was a nurse in Shreveport Louisiana. She was training to be a nurse. They married after dating for just two months.

My father went to war. He repaired jeeps and tanks. After the war, my father came back to Hope Arkansas to get my mother. They moved to Chicago. My father got his old job back at the Manbee Equipment Company. They bought a house in Forest Park. My mother, pregnant with me, decided to stay in Hope until the house was ready. When Dad drove back to Hope to pick up my mother on May 17 1946, my father was in a car accident. He died at age 28.

research help: ' My Life ' by Bill Clinton

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

closer to God: Matthew 19:26

 closer to God: Matthew 19:26 by ric gustafson

Many people want to get to point Z and not thinking about point A to Z. Many people do not know what their gifts are. Many people do not know what God has called them to do in this short life. People are afraid to step out in fear of failing and making mistakes.

Matthew 19 says all things are possible with God. Everyone has undeveloped potential. God says step out in faith. Believe that in God, nothing is impossible. 

Satan wants us to think that we have no potential or future in God. But God tells us different. We do have potential. We can make a difference for God. God says step out and be bold.

research help: ' Closer to God each day' by Joyce Meyer

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

the Firm page 19

 the Firm page 19 by ric gustafson

Avery, Royce McKnight, Oliver Lambert, Harold O'Kane and Nathan Locke were nervously sitting around a small conference table. Mitch walked in.

" Have a seat Mitch". Nathan frowned. " Tell us everything".

" I was eating lunch at Lansky's Deli yesterday". Mitch's voice hesitated. " He walked up and sat down at my table".

Locke stared at Mitch. " Had you seen this man before?".

" No". Mitch stared at Locke. " He showed me a badge he said his name was Special Agent Wayne Tarrance FBI".

" What did he ask you?".

" Even though it was only a five minute conversation". Mitch hesitated. " Two things he said really bothered me".

" And what are those?" replied Locke.

" He warned me not to trust anyone". Mitch stared at Locke. " He also told me the deaths of Kozinski and Hodge were not accidents".

" Mitch, we have had trouble with the FBI and the IRS before".

" Why?".

" Mitch, we have been slugging it out with the FBI and the IRS in tax litigation for the past 20 years".

Mitch grinned finally. " That makes sense".

Locke stared at Mitch. " Just let us know if it happens again".

research help: ' The Firm' by John Grisham

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Proverbs: Proverbs 1:7

Proverbs: Proverbs 1:7 by ric gustafson

Proverbs 1:7 starts with the fear of the Lord. What is the fear of the Lord?. God does not want us to hide from him like Adam and Eve. God wants us to worship and obey him. God is King of the universe. God is worthy of our respect and honor.

Sin is direct disobedience against God. Sin carries consequences. God is merciful. God wants to liberate us from our sins. You need a willing and repentant heart to have holy fear. 

When we fear God, we can understand how great he is. God loves us very much.

research help: ' Bible Word Search devotional' by Broad Street Publishing

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

the Firm page 18

the Firm page 18 by ric gustafson

After all the hoopla at the firm over his passing of the bar exam, Mitch quietly entered the deli. It was a quiet place with few customers and greasy chili dogs.

Mitch was reading a prospectus. He did not notice the stranger who had walked in. The stranger sat down opposite Mitch.

" Are you McDeere?".

" Yes". Mitch frowned. " Who are you?".

" Special Agent Wayne Tarrance". He grinned. " FBI".

" What can I do for the FBI?".

" I heard you are the new man at Bendini Lambert and Locke?".

Mitch sighed. " Why should that interest the FBI?".

" I came here to warn you about the firm".

Mitch stared at the FBI agent. " I'm listening".

" First, don't trust anyone". " Number 2, everything you say is likely being recorded". Tarrance handed Mitch a card. " Here's my card". 

" Ok".

" Use it only from a pay phone". He smiled as he stood up. He walked toward the front door. " Remember Mitch, they are listening".

research help: ' The Firm' by John Grisham

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Proverbs: Proverbs 1:6

 Proverbs: Proverbs 1:6 by ric gustafson

Proverbs 1:6 talks about the wise and their riddles. To understand God's Word, you do not need a kingship, education or good upbringing. God does not speak in riddles to confuse us. Riddles is to seperate those who desire to learn from those who do not want to learn. 

We have access to God's wisdom. We have the ability to become wise. It is a gracious invitation. When we receive wisdom, we need to pass it on. We need to receive God's wisdom and learn from God's life.

God loves us more than anything else. God wants us to pass his wisdom to others. Praise God.

research help: ' Bible Word Search devotional' by Broad Street Publishing

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Proverbs: Proverbs 1:5

 Proverbs: Proverbs 1:5 by ric gustafson

God uses wisdom to better prepare us to help others. Wisdom can apply to every relationship we have. God's wisdom is communal. God's wisdom is amplified in our communities and our families. God's Word is full of wisdom. The wisdom of God's Word is accessible and understandable to everyone. 

God wants us to always grow in wisdom and understanding. God says learn more from me and my ways. 

Pride tries to keep us from true wisdom. A humble heart receives it.

research help: ' Bible Word Search Devotional' by Broad Street Publishing

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

the Firm page 17

 the Firm page 17 by ric gustafson

Mitch walked up to Nina. She was working on some letters and documents. " Going home soon".

" I think so". She smiled. " You?".

" Probably not".

She put on her coat. " Oh, Mr Lambert wants to see you in the first floor library".

Mitch walked into the crowded library. It was filled to the brim with associates and partners.

" Mitch, we just got a call from Nashville". Lambert frowned. " It's about your bar exam".

" I'm sorry Mr Lambert". Mitch frowned. " I tried to study for it as much as I could".

" There's only one thing left to say Mitch". Mr Lambert stood up and shook Mitch's hand. " Congratulations Counselor".

Mitch was stunned. " What?".

" Mitch, you got the highest score on the bar exam".

research help: ' The Firm' by John Grisham

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

the Firm page 16

 the Firm page 16 by ric gustafson

At the same time that Mitch and Abby were enjoying being Oliver Lambert's dinner guests, two men had quietly entered their home. One of the men put a microphone in Mitch's kitchen phone. A small receiver was installed in the attic. Mikes were hidden in the bedrooms. A small antenna was attached to the roof decking. 

It only took the two men ten minutes to completely bug the house. Then they drove away as quietly as they came. They quickly drove Mitch's BMW back to the party.

Because of the long hours put in by Mitch, the Capps deal was finished three days early. Because of Mitch, the Koker Hanks deal was on schedule as well. But because of the long hours, it was hard for Mitch to get ready for the bar exam. Avery gave Mitch two weeks to prepare for it. 

On the first Monday in August, Portraits of Martin Kozinski and Joe Hodge were unveiled in the first floor library. 

Mitch was now arriving at the office at 5:00 am. It was the perfect time for him to study for the upcoming bar exam.

research help: ' The Firm' by John Grisham

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Proverbs: Proverbs 1:4

 Proverbs: Proverbs 1:4 by ric gustafson

How do you manage your affairs?. Do you show level headedness and discernment?. Or do you not?. Prudence is when you are able to discipline yourselves and weigh the best option when faced with a dilemma. A person showing prudence has skill and uses good judgment when using personal resources. A person with prudence will show discretion and caution in the face of danger. 

Prudence is a gift given to even the youngest and simplest of people. Those who seek will find. No matter our past, God makes wisdom available to us. Wisdom is a gift. Praise God's name.

research help: ' Bible Word Search devotional' by Broad Street Publishing

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

the Firm page 15

the Firm page 15 by ric gustafson

Mitch walked into Mr Lambert's office.

" Good morning Mitch". He pointed to a nearby couch. " Please sit down".

Mitch sat down on a couch.

" I hear you are already really busy with clients".

" Yes, mostly the Sonny Capps deal".

" Mitch, my wife and I would like to invite you and Abby to a dinner next Saturday?". His voice hesitated. " It's at 7 can you come?".

" Of course".

" There is one other thing Mitch". He frowned. " We don't discuss a client's business with anyone".

" I know that Mr Lambert".

" Not with other lawyers or spouses".

" I understand Mr Lambert".

" One more thing Mitch".

" Yes Mr Lambert".

" Sonny Capps would like the deal finished in twenty days".

research help: ' The Firm' by John Grisham

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Proverbs: Proverbs 1:3

 Proverbs: Proverbs 1:3 by ric gustafson

The Word of God has true insight and understanding. The Book of Proverbs addresses what wisdom looks like. It is not always easy to follow the path of wisdom. Wisdom will challenge you to think and to act different. Wisdom will lead you toward integrity. 

It is hard to get out of our comfort zone. Excess can lead us from the life God intends for us. To be wise is to be successful and disciplined. God wants us to be right, fair and just. That comes from living with integrity.

research help: ' Bible Word Search devotional' by Broad Street Publishing

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Before Dorothy page 16

Before Dorothy page 16 by ric gustafson

Dorothy opened her eyes. In fear, she glanced around the hospital room. " Auntie Em, where am I?".

Emily quietly walked to the edge of the bed. She knelt down. " It's your Aunt Em dear".

Dorothy looked around. " Where's Toto?".

" With your Uncle Henry". She frowned. " We were so worried about you".

" Where am I Aunt Em?".

" You are in a hospital room dear". She frowned again. " How do you feel?".

" I had a strange dream". A frightened look came over her face. " You, Uncle Henry and Toto were there".

" You need to rest now". She smiled. " Get your strength up".

Dorothy gave her Aunt a sad stare. " Don't you believe me Aunt Em?".

" Of course I do".

" Do you know what I kept thinking to myself while I was gone?".

Emily shook her head. " What's that dear?".

Dorothy gave her Aunt a big hug. " There's no place like home".

The End

research help: ' Before Dorothy' by Hazel Gaynor

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Before Dorothy page 15

 Before Dorothy page 15 by ric gustafson

Dorothy's eyes were closed. Her hands were out in front of her. 

" Dorothy, no peeking". Emily put a pair of shoes in Dorothy's hands. " Dorothy, open your eyes".

She saw the shoes. " Mommy's dancing shoes". She put them on. She began to totter around the room. " Thank you Auntie Em".

Uncle Henry walked in. " I wish I had a pair of magic silver shoes".

Dorothy's ears perked up. " Magic?".

Henry smiled. " Of course".

" To make them magic". Emily thought for a moment. " You need to tap your heels three times and make a wish".

Dorothy tapped the shoes heels three times.

Henry looked at his niece. " Now make a wish".

Grinning, Dorothy closed her eyes.

research help: ' Before Dorothy' by Hazel Gaynor

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Proverbs: Proverbs 1:2

 Proverbs: Proverbs 1:2 by ric gustafson

In this passage from Proverbs, Solomon wants us to understand wisdom in our lives. Proverbs 1:2 says they teach wisdom and self control they will help you understand wise words. God's Word is a seed planted in our heart. We become mature believers as it grows. 

We cannot grow without fertile ground in our heart and mind. God wants us to be openhearted and willing to change. 

Our heart needs to open and teachable to change. This will lead to wisdom and self control. Then the Holy Spirit will work in us to understand God's Word and plan for our life.

research help: ' Bible Word Search Devotional' by Broad Street Publishing

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Before Dorothy page 14

 Before Dorothy page 14 by ric gustafson

Henry put the small puppy into Dorothy's hands.

" A puppy". Dorothy squealed. She scooped the puppy into her arms.

" Thank you Auntie Em and Uncle Henry".

Henry grinned. " I guess he's staying".

Dorothy smiled. " I love him more than anything in the world".

Using an old tomato case lined with newspaper, Henry made a bed for the dog.

Henry looked at his niece. " Dorothy, have you thought of a name?".

Dorothy thought for a moment. " Toto".

Henry grinned. " Toto it is".

Later, Em petted the dog's head. " Welcome to the family little Toto".

research help: ' Before Dorothy' by Hazel Gaynor

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

The Firm page 14

The Firm page 14 by ric gustafson

Oliver Lambert and Nathan Locke walked into the office. DeVasher was sitting at a desk studying some papers.

" Morning Ollie".

Nathan stared at DeVasher. " Oliver and I are worried".

" Why is that?".

" Chicago is asking some tough questions".

" I told them all the leaks have been plugged". He smiled at the two men. " No problems".

Oliver spoke up. " You wanted to see us".

" Chicago wants us to bug the home phones of all non partners".

" When?" asked Nathan.

" Next week or so". DeVasher scratched his chin. " It'll take a few days".

" Even McDeere?" replied Nathan.

" Yes".

" I will give him credit". Nathan sighed. " He was the first one in the office this morning".

DeVasher frowned. " I know 5:32 am".

research help: ' The Firm' by John Grisham

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

4343 Tulip Lane page 1

 4343 Tulip Lane page 1 by ric gustafson

Peter, Philip and the other apostles became silent. All of them were sad.

Jesus looked at them all with affection and love. " My little children I will be with you only a little while". Jesus grinned. " Where I go you cannot come".

All of them were perplexed. What was he saying.

" A new commandment I give you". Jesus's voice hesitated. " That you love one another as I have loved you".

Jesus knew how they were feeling.

" Do not let your heart be troubled". He smiled. " You have faith in God have faith in me also".

Jesus knew their troubled hearts.

" In my Father's house are many rooms". He smiled. " If it were not so I would not of told you".

Jesus looked at his friends.

" I am going for the purpose of preparing a place for you".

The apostles grinned at each other.

" And after I have prepared a place for you". Jesus grinned. " I will come back to take you home with me".

Jesus looked at his friends. " Of course you know the way I am going".

Thomas stared at Jesus. " Lord, we do not know where you are going". His voice hesitated. " How do we know the way?".

Jesus smiled at Thomas. 

" I am the Way the Truth and the Life". Jesus smiled. " No one comes to the Father except through me".

research help: ' The Day Christ Died' by Jim Bishop

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

closer to God: Matthew 6:7

closer to God: Matthew 6:7 by ric gustafson

When we pray, do we feel that our prayers are good enough?. Are you not enjoying prayer because you feel that your prayers are not acceptable. Matthew 6:7 says and when you pray do not heap up phrases as the Gentiles do. Too often, we get caught up in our own works concerning prayer. We try to pray too long, loud  or fancy. When you pray, you are conversing with God. God doesn't care how long or how loud you pray. What God wants is our heart to be sincere in prayer. We must be confident that God hears us and will answer us. If it is in his will, he will answer our prayer. Praise God's name.

research help: ' Closer to God each day' by Joyce Meyer

Peace and God's blessings. Happy New Year love Ric

Before Dorothy page 13

 Before Dorothy page 13 by ric gustafson

Dorothy ran toward the fortune teller's tent. As she passed wagons with open sides, she smiled at Uncle Henry. " Look Uncle Henry". She pointed. " Lions, tigers and bears".

Emily and Dorothy stopped at the entrance to the tent. They walked in. The tent was dark except for a flickering candle. On a table was a crimson velvet cloth. On the cloth was a crystal ball. At the table was a woman. Her faced was veiled except for her eyes. 

" Come closer dear and your daughter". She smiled. " Let us look into the crystal".

" This is not my daughter". Em looked at Dorothy. " She's my niece".

Dorothy sat down opposite the fortune teller. She gave her a nickel.

" I see a pretty lady, a man and a baby girl".

Dorothy smiled. " That was my father and mother".

" Now you live in Kansas with your Aunt and Uncle".

" That's right". Dorothy stared at the crystal ball. " What else do you see?".

The fortune teller grinned. " I see a dog".

Em frowned. " A dog?".

" Can we have one Auntie Em?".

" Oh no!" shrieked the fortune teller. " I see a dark cloud and a swirling wind".

research help: ' Before Dorothy' by Hazel Gaynor

Peace and God's blessings. Happy New Year love Ric