The Nine page 10

 The Nine page 10 by ric gustafson

My name is Ruth Bader Ginsburg

I married Marty Ginsburg in June 1954. I had just graduated from Cornell. Marty had just finished his first year at Harvard Law School. 

Let me tell you about our daily routine in our Marble Palace. At the start of each day, we shake hands. Six to eight of us would eat lunch together in the Justices Dining Room. While eating, we would talk a lot about our children and grand children. Sometimes, guests would come and eat with us. Sometimes we would have dinners for new federal judges. We would visit universities and law schools. I have been in jurist meetings all over the world.

Our Supreme Court work is challenging, time consuming and satisfying. We are always thinking, reading and writing. Of course, we are all different. We have differences on issues. But through it all, we have mutual respect for each other.

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

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

God reflections: Matthew 14

God reflections: Matthew 14 by ric gustafson

Have you ever looked carefully at the ocean?. Sometimes it is calm. Sometimes it is stormy. Oceans are huge. It reminds us of God's vast love for us. 

Sometimes we can get scared by the vastness of the ocean. We can feel very small compared to the vastness of the water. 

In Matthew 14, Peter was confident. He wanted to walk to Jesus on the water. Jesus said come. Peter began literally walking on water toward his Lord. Then Peter like us began to doubt. He became worried. He began to sink. He cried out Lord save me. 

Jesus pulled him out. " Take courage It is I don't be afraid".

When we doubt, Jesus tells us the same thing. " It is I don't be afraid".

research help: ' God Reflections' by Roma Downey and Mark Burnett

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Beatles Anthology page 6

Beatles Anthology page 6 by ric gustafson

My name is Paul McCartney.

I traded my trumpet for a Zenith acoustic guitar. Because I'm left handed, I had to learn to play it upside down. So now at age 14, I wrote my first song. It was called ' I Lost My Little Girl'. It was an innocent little song. ' Michelle' and ' I Saw Her Standing There' I also played the Zenith. 

John was the local Ted. He acted the way he did because of his rough upbringing. When he was four, his father left him. Instead of living with his mother, John lived with his Aunt Mimi and his Uncle George. John loved his Uncle George. One day, his Uncle died. Then John's mother died. John had to endure tragedy after tragedy.

On July 6 1957, Paul McCartney's life changed forever. He was 15.

research help: ' Beatles Anthology' by the Beatles

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

McKinley page 3

 McKinley page 3 by ric gustafson

William McKinley Jr was born on Jan 29 1843. He grew up in small town isolation. The family attended the local Methodist Episcopal Church. Young McKinley embraced a sense of duty and patriotism. When McKinley was 9, the family moved to Poland Ohio. McKinley enrolled in the Poland Seminary. McKinley was popular, friendly and enjoyed attending religious camp meetings. At school, he created a student group. Young McKinley was voted the group's first president.

At 17, young McKinley entered Allegheny College. This was in Meadville Pennsylvania. Regarding slavery, the McKinley family were abolitionists. Young McKinley was only at the college for one year. McKinley contracted an illness. He had to drop out of college.

When the South fired on Fort Sumter, McKinley knew he had to join the army. The unit was called the Ohio Guards.

research help: ' President McKinley' by Robert W Merry

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

God reflections: Psalm 1

 God reflections: Psalm 1 by ric gustafson

What are the Psalms?. They are lyrics to songs sung in the Temple. David the king of Israel wrote about half of them. Psalm 1 is about God's Word. When we engage in God's Word, we will have prosperity. 

God says delight in the truth of my Word. Meditate on God's Word day and night. 

God wants us to prosper. There is a reason why God created us. God wants us to have a blessed life. Why?. Because God loves us more than anything else.

research help: ' God Reflections' by Roma Downey and Mark Burnett

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Beatles Anthology page 5

 Beatles Anthology page 5 by ric gustafson

My name is Paul McCartney.

My Mum passed away when I was 14. In my teenage years, it was a big shock. At the time she died, I did not know it was from cancer. When Mum died, Dad cried. It was the first time seeing him like that. It was a terrible blow to our family. You grow up very quickly. I put a shell around me. I carried on.

A big bond quickly happened between John and I. We both lost our Mums early in our lives. We had to deal with it. We were teenagers. We could not talk about it.

With Mum gone, there were more chores to do. On Tues, Aunt Milly and Aunt Jinny came over. I learned how to cook.

My father bought me a trumpet. After a while, I traded the trumpet for my first guitar.

research help: ' Beatles Anthology' by the Beatles

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

God reflections: II Corinthians 4:18

 God reflections: II Corinthians 4:18 by ric gustafson

The journey of life can be hard. The journey can be stormy and long. The burdens we carry on our shoulders can be heavy. II Corinthians 4 says but what is unseen is eternal. Things happen. Jobs are lost. Loved ones pass away. Challenges outweigh strength. It is discouraging to not see a light at the end of the tunnel.

God says be encouraged. God never promised an easy road. God does promise a light at the end of the dark tunnel of life. God brings light out of darkness. That is his promise to us. Praise God.

research help: ' God Reflections' by Roma Downey and Mark Burnett

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Beatles Anthology page 4

 Beatles Anthology page 4 by ric gustafson

My name is Paul McCartney

I was born on June 18 1942. My mum was a Catholic. My father was a Protestant. They were married quite late. My mother was a midwife. We lived in Speke. Speke was the outskirts of Liverpool. I have one brother. His name is Michael.

As a child, we played on bomb sites. We would go down to the docks a lot. We would go down Dungeon Lane to the beach. When I was 10, some boys stole my watch. My father got it back for me. 

I went to an ex public school called the Liverpool Institute. It was a dark dank place.

My father was a musician. He played trumpet in a little jazz band. My Uncle Jack played the trombone. My father would play the piano at home. My family was very musical.

research help: ' Beatles Anthology' by the Beatles.

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

God reflections: Romans 12:2

 God reflections: Romans 12:2 by ric gustafson

Butterflies are the winks of God. God sends encouragement in a butterfly. Butterflies teach us. Metamorphosis is derived from a Greek word. In Romans 12, Paul talks about spiritual transformation. 

I will face challenges and difficulties in this life. I want God to rescue me and free me from my struggles. We are trying to overcome. God loves you. He is always transforming your life. Then you will be able to spread your wings and fly.

God loves you more than anything else.

research help: ' God Reflections' by Roma Downey and Mark Burnett

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Beatles Anthology page 3

 Beatles Anthology page 3 by ric gustafson

My name is John Lennon

After that show in Woolton, I met Paul McCartney. He was playing guitar backstage. He was playing ' Twenty Flight Rock' by Eddie Cochran. I was impressed. I was impressed because Paul could play guitar, trumpet and piano. I could play the mouth organ and two chords on a guitar. Paul had a greater musical education. I was playing a five string guitar like a banjo.

Paul introduced me to George. I wanted to watch him play. He played a song called ' Raunchy'. I could tell he knew more chords than Paul and I knew. Compared to Paul, I wasn't quite sure about George. 

After Quarry Bank, I started at art school. When Paul and George were at grammar school, I was at art school. At art school, I dressed like a Teddy Boy. I started painting.

When I was at art school, I met Cynthia.

research help: ' Beatles Anthology' by the Beatles

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

God reflections: James 1:22

 God reflections: James 1:22 by ric gustafson

In order for God to speak to us, we need to have an open heart and mind. The Holy Spirit uses God's Word to speak to us. God wants us to hear and respond. If there is no response, we deceive ourselves. God's Word produces transformation. When we do what God's Word teaches, we can experience transformation. 

James 1 says do not merely listen to the Word, do what it says. find a quiet place. Read God's Word. Ask God to speak to you. He will. He wants to. Why?. Because he loves us very much.

research help: ' God Reflections' by Roma Downey and Mark Burnett

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

God reflections: James 1:17

 God reflections: James 1:17 by ric gustafson

Our children are a gift from God. God gives us his love. James 1 proclaims that every good and perfect gift is from above. God wants us to pray for his will in your life. God will choose our life partner. I had suggestions. I wrote qualities that were important to me. God found my life partner. 

What do you need in your life?. Do you have needs from wants?. God has good gifts for us. God knows what's best for us. God's timing will give us everything we need. That's God's promise.

God loves us more than anything else.

research help: ' God Reflections' by Roma Downey and Mark Burnett

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

McKinley page 2

 McKinley page 2 by ric gustafson

The carriage carrying President McKinley and his wife Ida stopped at an Exposition building called the Esplanade. A huge crowd greeted them. People were excited to listen to McKinley speak. McKinley was popular with the people. He seemed solid and a product of Ohio Midwest values.

At a podium, McKinley spoke about economic energy. He talked about global commerce. He talked about cross border trade. He talked about international trade. McKinley's secretary George Cortelyou tried to dissuade the President from attending a reception event the day after his speech. He rebuffed any suggestions anybody had about the matter.

In the shadows of McKinley's receiving line visit at the Temple of Music was an obscure anarchist. His name was Leon Czolgosz. His plan was to make history through one simple destructive act.

research help: ' President McKinley' by Robert W Merry

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Doc Holliday page 1

 Doc Holliday page 1 by ric gustafson

John Holliday put a shirt over his thin frame. His pants were too big. He knotted his tie.

Tom Eckhart stared at his friend. " How much weight have you lost John?".

" 20 pounds". John frowned. " Maybe more".

" John, you should of come to me sooner".

John coughed. " I thought it was pleurisy".

" Actually John, you have pulmonary tuberculosis".

John stared at Dr Eckhart. " How bad is it?".

John was silent for a moment. " How long do I have?".

" A year". The doctor's voice hesitated. " Maybe longer if you relocate to a drier climate".

" Any suggestions?".

" Somewhere out west".

research help: ' Doc Holliday' by Matt Braun

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

the miracle on Titanic page 11

 the miracle on Titanic page 11 by ric gustafson

David and Charlene quietly walked through the second class section of the huge ship.

" Are you of the Moton Construction Company?".

" Yes, my father started the company". They walked up a spiral staircase to first class. " My father's company was an advisor with the construction of this beautiful ship".

They walked to the end of a hallway. They opened two massive doors. They found themselves staring at the most crowning feature of the massive ship. They gazed at the wrought iron and glass dome overhead.

David looked up. " This Grand Staircase is a work of art".

" So David, what are you doing in Southampton England?".

" I came with my mother to visit my grandparents".

Charlene pointed to a carved panel that contained a clock. They approached a bannister. They looked down below.

David smiled at Charlene. " And what are you doing in England?".

" I'm a second year bible student at a private college here". Her right hand clutched her bible. " I'm going back to California to see my family".

David noticed the bible in her hand. " Are you a Christian Charlene?".

" Yes, David I am".

research help: ' Murder on the Titanic' by Jim Walker

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

God reflections: Psalm 46:10

God reflections: Psalm 46:10 by ric gustafson

Our lives are so noisy. Psalm 46 says be still and know that I am God. God says be still. God says find a quiet space and be still. In that quiet space, we can hear God speak to us. God says to us every day wait, listen and feel. 

Our ears should be open to hear. Our eyes should be open to see. God's voice is strong. God says watch me and listen carefully. God says listen to me carefully. God says trust me. 

God says be still and listen. He loves us more than anything else.

research help: ' God reflections' by Roma Downey and Mark Burnett

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

God reflections: Genesis 1:1

 God reflections: Genesis 1:1 by ric gustafson

The Bible is the greatest book the world has ever seen. God is real. God is the Creator. He has spoken. We can know him. The Bible is the story of God. 

The Bible is the book. The Bible tells the story of God and his people. Life has meaning and purpose. God created everything. God created us. God wants to communicate with us. God speaks to us through the Bible. 

God wants us to open our heart to him. God wants a relationship with us. God wants to spend time with us. Why?. Because God loves us more than anything else.

research help: ' God Reflections' by Roma Downey and Mark Burnett

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

McKinley page 1

 McKinley page 1 by ric gustafson

On the evening of Sept 4 1901, President William McKinley arrived in Buffalo New York. McKinley's train came into the city's Terrace Station at 6:30 pm. Then a carriage took him to the north gate of the Pan American Exposition. The Exposition had started on May 20 1901. It featured exhibits, spectacles and the latest technological wonders. This included an x ray machine and the alternating of current using long distance power lines.

At the start of the twentieth century, President William McKinley was changing America with resolve and confidence. America was becoming a global power. America had won a war with Spain. America had planted a flag in Puerto Rico and Guam. America acquired Hawaii. The Exposition was to foster diplomatic and economic brotherhood among nations.

So who was this 58 year old President who was now in his second presidential term?.

research help: ' President McKinley' by Robert W Merry

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

words of Jesus: come and rest

 words of Jesus: come and rest by ric gustafson

Is life draining you?. There is more tasks than time. Jesus does not want us to burn out serving him. Mark 6 says rest a while. There is a place where there are no demands. Jesus invites us to rest with him. 

Do we ever take time for just us?. Do we neglect our own needs?.  We need rest and play like everyone else. Jesus does not want us to neglect ourselves. 

If we do not rest, it could lead to resentment and tiredness. Take time to rest in Jesus's arms. He loves us more than anything else. 

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

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

words of Jesus: plenty of room

 words of Jesus: plenty of room by ric gustafson

The Kingdom of God is not small. It is not for an exclusive few. According to John 14, Jesus tells us there is many rooms in his Father's house. Jesus told us he was preparing a room for us. Not just his disciples but us as well. 

Jesus is bigger and better than we are. Because he prepared a place for us, we need to help get others to join us. Jesus says there is plenty of room where I am. He tells us and others. Come join me.

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

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

the miracle on Titanic page 10

 the miracle on Titanic page 10 by ric gustafson

" Mother, I'm going to go talk to somebody for a minute".

Camille looked toward the young woman who was sitting at the other table. " Ok".

David stood up and started walking toward the young woman's table. All of a sudden, she stood up and left with her male companion. They walked out some doors. 

David followed them into an area that contained a set of spiral iron stairs. They went through some doors. They now stood on the rear deck of second class. 

The young woman was now wearing her red hat and clutching her bible. She whispered something to her male companion. He walked toward the Well Deck.

She turned around. She smiled at David. " You've been following me".

David blushed. " I'm David Sharpston".

" As in Sharpston Steel?".

" Yes". David smiled. " My grandfather started the company".

" Hey you two". An officer walked up to the pair. " This leads to third class steerage".

" Sorry officer". He led the young woman up the stairs to the Aft Well Deck.

David smiled at her. " I don't know your name".

" I'm Charlene Moton".

research help: ' Murder on the Titanic' by Jim Walker

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

words of Jesus: turn the other cheek

 words of Jesus: turn the other cheek by ric gustafson

Jesus's ways are different than our ways. It is human nature to strike back when someone hits us. Matthew 5 says if someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn the other cheek to him also. Jesus has the power of humble love. 

Jesus says do not resist the attack of someone. Jesus displayed this love. So how do we handle hate from others?. Jesus says turn the other cheek. That is what Jesus would do. He wants us to do the same.

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

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Beatles Anthology page 2

 Beatles Anthology page 2 by ric gustafson

My name is John Lennon.

At Quarry Bank grammar school, I tried to be tough. I got into fights a lot. At 12, I thought I was a genius. I played the guitar, I painted and I wrote poetry. I stayed away from Teddy Boys even though I dressed like them. I act like a tough guy even though I'm not.

We took in students so Aunt Mimi could keep the house. Sometimes I would go visit my mother. Her new husband was Robert Dykins.

Before rock and roll. I listened to folk, blues and country western. I loved listening to Elvis Presley, Eddie Cochran, Gene Vincent and Little Richard..

About 1955, a music craze started. It was called skiffle. My first guitar was a cheap one. Lonnie Donegan started skiffle. I wanted to start my own skiffle group. Because I went to Quarry Bank school, I named my group the Quarry Men.

research help: ' Beatles Anthology' by the Beatles

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

the Nine page 9

 the Nine page 9 by ric gustafson

In the fall of 1950 after her mother's death, Ruth Bader's father drives her to Cornell University. Ruth had been awarded a full scholarship. Ruth's major was government. Professor Cushman encouraged Ruth to go to law school. Cushman hired Ruth to be his research assistant. Ruth's first assignment was to research Senator Joseph McCarthy and his assault on civil liberties.

Ruth's first published legal argument was to the editor of the Cornell Daily Sun. The argument dealt with the regulation of wiretapping to be left to Congress. Law students cited a Supreme Court case. It was Olmstead vs United States. 

In her first year at Cornell, Ruth met a sophmore boy. Marty Ginsburg was 18. To Ruth, he was handsome, brash and brilliant.

research help: ' My own words' by Ruth Bader Ginsburg

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

words of Jesus: yes or no

 words of Jesus: yes or no by ric gustafson

There is power in honesty. We must say what we mean. Then we must follow through on what we say. Matthew 5 talks about being true to our word. To Jesus, it is better to be true to our word.

Jesus knows the power of a promise. Jesus wants us to be clear about what we can and can't do. Jesus's teachings are based on goodness, truth and kindness. Jesus loves us more than anything else.

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

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

the miracle on Titanic page 9

 the miracle on Titanic page 9

" Why don't we try the Parisian Cafe for a bite to eat". David pointed. They were walking back from the deck. He was studying a brochure of all that the great ship offered." It 's supposed to be just like you are actually eating at a Paris Cafe".

" Ok" Camille replied. They walked a short distance and found it. " It does look like a Paris Cafe". 

They sat down in some wicker furniture. An actual French waiter walked over and took their order.

David observed silk ferns up the lattice work. They waited for their order.

The food arrived. As they ate, they listened to a string trio from the reception room next door.

Then David noticed the young woman he had seen earlier. She was sitting on the other side of the room. She smiled at him. He decided right then to introduce himself.

research help: ' Murder on the Titanic' by Jim Walker

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

the miracle on Titanic page 8

 the miracle on Titanic page 8 by ric gustafson

David and his mother stood on the deck. They heard the huge propellers begin to turn. Each measured over 16 feet. They churned up the water as the huge liner came up to two small liners that were moored nearby.

One of the two small ships was named the ' New York'. It bobbed up and down due to the large swell from the Titanic. The small liner's ropes that kept her secured snapped. The small liner began to drift toward the Titanic.

Captain Smith saw in horror what might happen. He threw the massive engines into reverse. A tug threw a line onto the small ship. It stopped it. The huge liner barely missed being hit by the small ship. 

Fourth Officer Boxhall swung the wheel hard to port.

Captain Smith put a hand on the young officer's shoulder. " That was very close Mr Boxhall".

Officer Lightoller smiled at the young officer. " That was very good steering Mr Boxhall".

" Aye Sir". He grinned as he swung the wheel back to starboard.

Captain Smith smiled. " All ahead slow Mr Boxhall".

Officer Boxhall grinned. " All ahead slow".

research help: ' Murder on the Titanic' by Jim Walker

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

U-505 page 33

 U-505 page 33 by ric gustafson

David orders everyone out of the submarine. Pickels quietly looks around for souvenirs. Hohne informs the USS Pillsbury that the U-505 will have to be towed. 

The USS Chatelain stops next to the German raft. Officers and sailors of the U-505 are rescued. Skipper Harald Lamge and Paul Meyer are treated for their wounds. They are happy. For them, the war is over. Gallery finds out the submarine is the U-505 and that Harald Lange is the skipper.

Gallery orders Commander Earl Trosino and Lieutenant Deward Hampton to take a boarding party and do whatever they have to do. The U-505 must be towed to a naval base. 

Shortly, two whaleboats led by the two American officers head toward the U-505.

research help: ' Codename Nemo' by Charles Lachman

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

words of Jesus: such great faith

words of Jesus: such great faith by ric gustafson

We do not need a legacy of being a Christian or a lifetime of understanding. We just need to believe in Jesus and take him at his word. Luke 7 talks about a story. It is the story of Jesus and a Roman captain. It is a story of remarkable faith.

This Roman captain knew he had authority. He knew the chain of command. This Roman captain also knew the glory of Jesus. He could of asked Jesus to come to his home. He asked Jesus from where he stood to heal his servant. This Roman captain knew that Jesus would heal him instantly.

Jesus proclaimed that he had not found such great faith not even in Israel. 

This Roman captain did not doubt like Thomas. Jesus wants us to have faith like this Roman.

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

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

U-505 page 32

 U-505 page 32 by ric gustafson

Not only was an Enigma machine found on the U-505, but also German code books. The radio room was stripped bare. Then Lieutenant David headed toward the captain's cabin. The cabin contained a small desk, sink and a bunk. David found the Skipper's safe. He opened it with a crowbar. Pickels breaks open locked drawers. Pickels finds the submarines official logbook. He finds out the boat's name. It is the U-505. David walks into the forward torpedo room. He finds several demolition charges. Luckily, the charges had not been activated.

Then David walked into the engine room. Jacobson was still trying to figure out how to shut down the electrical system. German words on the dials and levers were confusing him. Luckily, Jacobson throws a switch. The electric motors stop. Hohne yells that water is coming in the hatch. He closes the watertight hatch. The electrical system is turned back on to keep the submarine from sinking to the bottom of the ocean.

research help: ' Codename Nemo' by Charles Lachman

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

words of Jesus: all authority

 words of Jesus: all authority by ric gustafson

Jesus rose from the grave. He had defeated death and sin. He was finished with his assignment on earth. At this point, Jesus was given all the authority of the universe. According to Matthew 28, I have been given all authority. Jesus still has that power. 

We need to embrace Jesus as a loving Lord. Jesus wants us to walk in his ways. He wants us to teach others to do the same. Jesus has authority over everything and everyone. We have nothing to fear.

Jesus is always near us. Taking care of us. Praise Jesus's name.

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

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Beatles Anthology page 1

 Beatles Anthology page 1 by ric gustafson

My name is John Lennon. I was born on October 9 1940. I am not the oldest of the Beatles. Ringo was born on July 7 1940. My mother and father split up when I was four. Then I was sent to live with my Aunt. Her name was Mimi. My mother was a housewife, comedienne and a singer. I soon forgot my father.

The first place I lived was in Penny Lane. The house was on New Castle Road. It was a red brick house with three bedrooms. When I moved in with Aunt Mimi, her house was at 251 Menlove Avenue. This was in Woolton.

Liverpool, where I grew up, was a port. It was a very poor city and tough. 

From our house, I could see two famous houses. One was Gladstone. It was a reformatory for boys. The other was an old Victorian house. It had been converted for Salvation Army orphans.

It was called Strawberry Field.

research help: ' The Beatles Anthology' by the Beatles

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric