John and Caroline page 8

 John and Caroline page 8 by ric gustafson

John and Caroline had memories of their grandparents Joseph Patrick Kennedy was born of a political family in Boston. Joseph's family had emigrated from Ireland in 1848. Joseph's dream was to be President. President Franklin Delano Roosevelt wanted to fight in the war. Joseph Kennedy did not.

In 1914, Joseph married Rose Fitzgerald. She was the daughter of John Francis Fitzgerald. Fitzgerald was Boston's 1st Irish mayor.

The first tragedy of Joseph and Rose's marriage was their 3rd child Rose Marie Kennedy. Nicknamed Rose Mary had a lobotomy in 1941. She came out of the surgery severely handicapped. She visited the Kennedy Compound once or twice a year.

Tragedy struck the family again in 1944. Son Joe Kennedy Jr was killed in a Navy mission over the English Channel. When his son Joe Kennedy Jr died, Joseph did not know who would carry the family's political name. 

All eyes fell on son Jack Kennedy. His nickname was JFK.

research help: ' The Kennedy Heirs' by J Randy Taraborrelli

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

God Reflections: Psalm 51

 God Reflections: Psalm 51 by ric gustafson

God does not desire a sacrifice. God does not desire a burnt offering. According to Psalm 51, God does desire that we come to him with a broken spirit. God will not reject a broken heart. God will not reject a repentant heart.

God wants to give us favor every day. God wants us to be free. God wants us to be energized by his splendid love. The truth is God loves us more than anything else.

research help: Mini Devotions to refresh your heart' by Christian Art Publishers

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

the Firm page 22

the Firm page 22 by ric gustafson

Abby walked into the crowded terrrarium. She sat down and waited for her new friend to arrive. Cautious by nature, it took Abby a while to make new friends. Her new friend Kay Quin was always late. In the short time they have known each other, Kay has become Abby's tour guide, shopping consultant and decorator. 

Kay frowned. " Sorry I'm late".

" That's ok".

" So you are out of school?".

Abby grinned. " Yes until Jan 6".

They both ordered wine.

" What are your plans for Christmas?".

" I'd like to visit my folks in Kentucky". Abby frowned. " I doubt Mitch will be able to join me".

" Because of his work schedule".

" Yes". Abby frowned. " He works seven days a week".

research help: ' The Firm' by John Grisham

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Red Riding Hood page 1

 Red Riding Hood page 1 by ric gustafson

Spring 1386

Violet was sitting on her mule's saddle. In front of her was a basket. In it was her mother's fresh bread and apple cherry cake she had made. Violet tightened the red cloak that her grandmother had given her. There was a chill in the early morning air.

" Whoa Mistress Sally". Violet patted the mule's neck. The mule stopped. They had reached the crossroads near her mother's village.

Two weeks prior, Violet had met a young man riding a warhorse.

" Pardon me". He smiled. " Can you tell me the way to Bilborough?".

" Yes, stay on this road". Violet pointed. " You will reach Bilborough in about 15 miles".

" Thank you". He grinned. " May I ask your name?".

" Violet of Burwelle".

" I am Sir Merek of Dericott".

research help: ' Cloak of Scarlet' by Melanie Dickerson

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Wine page 5

 Wine page 5 by ric gustafson

A lot of grapes can produce about 60 cases or 720 bottles. That varies as far as the amount of juice. Small berries will have less juice than large grape bunches. When grapes are barely pressed, the juice free runs.

Grape vines come in different shapes and sizes. Vine shapes and sizes is determined by grape variety and the climate. Also how the vines are pruned and spaced. 

Pruning is the process of cutting back the vines while they are dormant. Some people consider pruning an art and a science. What is left is the basis for the next year's crop. Pruning can not be too much or too little. 

The spacing of grape vines has become an art. In the past, economics determined vine spacing. The closer grape vines are spaced, their roots compete for the same soil, nutrients and water. The better balanced the vineyard the better the grapes and the better the wine. 

Grapes picked by hand is now a thing of the past. Mechanical harvesting is being used more around the world. There is no perfect yield. Every vineyard has a breaking point. Too many grapes will cause the vineyard to be out of balance. Then the quality of the wine will plummet.

Next we will talk about how wine is made.

research help: ' The Wine Bible' by Karen MacNeil

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

God Reflections: John 14

 God Reflections: John 14 by ric gustafson

In an Upper Room, Jesus tells his disciples the words of John 14. People think they know the way. In John 14, Jesus proclaims I am the way the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. 

Jesus just told his disciples that he was going away. Only Thomas honestly admitted that he did not know the way. 

Jesus knew that he was the only way. Jesus himself is the way. Jesus always spoke the truth. Jesus lived the truth. Jesus was the truth.

Jesus says open your heart. Jesus died on the cross so we could have life. He who has the Son has life. Jesus wants to come into our heart. Let him. Jesus loves you more than anything else.

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

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

the miracle on Titanic page 17

 the miracle on Titanic page 17 by ric gustafson

As David and Charlene gazed up at a spectacular moonlight, Fourth Officer Boxhall was reworking the ship's route on a chart. He was worried about the route Mr Ismay wanted to take. The winter had been very warm and bergs and pack ice was worse this year than normal. Another thing bothering the young officer was a coal fire that was still not put out. The liner was going at full steam. 

First Officer Murdoch walked onto the bridge. " Boxhall, did you get those binoculars?".

" Aye Sir". He handed the leathercase to the officer. " Why can't they have them in the Crow's Nest?".

The officer gruffly replied. " They don't need them".

The next morning April 11, David was looking over the railing at the beautiful Irish coastline. " So the devil had to ask permission before he could tempt Job?".

" That's right". Charlene smiled. " God only allows as much as the person can handle".

They stopped a steward. " Why are we anchoring at this point and not docked?".

" The ship is too large to berth".

David watched as a tug carried new passengers to the huge ship.

They stopped Officer Murdoch. " How many passengers came onboard?".

" 120 I believe".

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

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

God Reflections: I Timothy 6

 God Reflections: I Timothy 6 by ric gustafson

The Apostle Paul knew what he was fighting for. Paul focused on his ministry for Jesus. Because of Paul, Timothy became a Jesus follower. Paul and Timothy had a special relationship. 

In I Timothy 6, Paul challenges Timothy to fight the good fight. Paul tells Timothy to fight the good fight of the faith. Paul tells Timothy to pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. 

Paul tells us to use the Holy Spirit to help us use these qualities. 

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

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

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

AA Milne page 3

AA Milne page 3 by ric gustafson

In 1894, the school year at Westminster School for AA started. School started well for him. At the age of 12, his grades were encouraging. He liked the school and his brother Ken was also attending there. AA's summer term did not go as well. Headmaster Dr Rutherford reported that AA showed little or no ambition.

AA loved being with his brother Ken. Together, they took country walks, rode bicycles and read together. Sports was one thing the boys loved doing together. AA was good at football, cricket and sprinting. Both brothers tried to out do each other.

Both brothers liked to write. In the late 1890's, AA had one major goal for his writing. At this time, only one magazine mattered in the British Empire. The magazine was founded in 1841. It was a weekly magazine of humor and satire. It would get it's name and logo from a famous puppet. Later, when AA had his children's books illustrated it was this magazine that did it. 

This magazine was in drawing rooms, libraries, doctor waiting rooms and dentist waiting rooms. After a couple of years, AA became a regular contributor to this magazine.

The magazine was called ' Punch'.

research help: ' Somewhere a Boy and a Bear' by Gyles Brandreth.

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric 

God Relections: Galatians 5

 God Reflections: Galatians 5 by ric gustafson

This bible chapter talks about the Galatian believers. They know they now have freedom in Jesus. But instead of enjoying this new freedom, they have slipped back into their old ways. They put themselves into law keeping that has made them feel holy. Galatians 5 says now make sure that you stay free don't get tied up again in slavery to the law.

We try for impossible dreams. When we don't reach those goals, we think we have failed. 

Jesus died on the cross so we can be free and filled.

Why? because God loves us more than anything else.

research help: ' Mini Devotions to refresh your heart' by Christian Art Publishers

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

John and Caroline page 7

 John and Caroline page 7 by ric gustafson

Carolyn Bessette on Sept 5 1994, was to find out what the Kennedy family does on Labor Day. The family served breakfast at 6 and 7:30. Carolyn slept in till 9. She missed breakfast. She made sure she was at Eunice and Sarge's for lunch. Before lunch, everyone went sailing. It was a Kennedy tradition. Then after lunch, everyone headed down to the beach.

Then the biggest event of the weekend happened. Ted Kennedy had his famous clambake. He did it at least 4 times a year. It was usually attended by about 150 people. Not only family and friends were invited but also political big wigs. The family considered the event a private affair. There were no pictures allowed. To the Kennedy family, the clambake was a tradition.

John looked forward to seeing his sister Caroline Schlossberg, her husband Ed and their 3 children. Caroline wanted to tell her brother about a new summer home they had bought on Long Island.

research help: ' The Kennedy Heirs' by J Randy Taraborrelli

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

God Reflections: John 19

God Reflections: John 19 by ric gustafson

When Jesus spoke his final words from the cross, The Apostle John was there. Before his death, Jesus was arrested late in the night. During that night and early morning, Jesus had to go through illegal trials by the religious establishment. Jesus was taken to Pontius Pilate. Pilate was the Roman official in charge of Judea. Only the Romans could give Jesus the death penalty. Only the Romans could execute a convict. 

The Romans used the most brutal and painful way for capital punishment. It was called crucifixion.

Jesus's final cry from the cross was one of triumph. He proclaimed ' It is finished'.

Jesus's sacrifice for us on that cross meant that our sins and guilt had been paid in full by Jesus. 

Praise God's name.

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

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Beatles Anthology page 13

 Beatles Anthology page 13 by ric gustafson

My name is Ringo Starr.

I was born on July 7 1940. I was born at number 9 Madryn Street Liverpool 8. Our neighborhood was really bombed during the war. We had to hide in the coal cellar. When I was older, we played on the rubble and in air raid shelters.

We were an ordinary poor working class family. My mother's mother had 14 children. My granddad was Johnny Parkin. When my grandfather's mother remarried, she married a Starkey. So my grandfather changed his name to Starkey also. 

My father was a baker. When I was 3, he left my mother and I. I was an only child. When I was 13, she remarried. I have no real memories of my father. After he left, I only saw him 5 times after that. I was angry he left us. I had to go through therapy for my feelings toward him.

research help: ' Beatles Anthology' by the Beatles

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

God Reflections: Psalm 103

 God Reflections: Psalm 103 by ric gustafson

God has done many good things for us. David reflects in Psalm 103 of the good things God has done for him. In this psalm, David is filled with gratitude and praise. David was far from perfect. The truth is that David was a man after God's heart. David loved worshiping God. 

David says more than once praise the Lord. In this psalm David lists six reasons to give God praise. First, God forgives our sins. Second, God heals our diseases. Third, God redeems us. Fourth, God loves us. Fifth, God gives us good things. Sixth, God renews us. 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 12

Beatles Anthology page 12 by ric gustafson

My name is George Harrison.

When I was in my early teens, the skiffle boom started. In the late 50's, Lonnie Donegan was king of skiffle. He had the highest profile. He was the most successful guitar player of the time. He had a great voice and a lot of energy. He sang versions of Leadbelly songs. He was a hero of mine.

My skiffle band was called the Rebels. I tried to make a guitar. That did not go well. The first decent guitar I had was a Hofner President. I would spend hours trying to learn how to play that guitar.

My first girlfriend was Iris Caldwell. I heard a club was being built at number 8 Hayman's Green. It was in a cellar. The name of the club was to be called the Casbah. There I met Pete Best. Paul and I met Stuart Sutcliffe at Art College. Sutcliffe was thin with glasses. He had a Van Gogh beard. 

Now with John, Paul, myself, Stuart and Pete on drums, we had a band.

research help: ' Beatles Anthology' by the Beatles.

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

God Reflections: John 1

 God Reflections: John 1 by ric gustafson

At the start of John 1:1 is in the beginning. This was written by the Apostle John. God's Word starts with in the beginning. The gospel of John starts with in the beginning. John walked with Jesus. The story of God's Word starts in Genesis. The last words of Jesus come in Revelation. The story in God's Word is about Jesus. John calls Jesus the Word. 

Jesus is divine. Jesus is the source of meaning and purpose in life. 

You are invited to read the gospel of John. Jesus is the Word. The Word was with God. The Word was God. Come to the Word. Come to Jesus. He will give you what you seek. 

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

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

God Reflections: Matthew 14

God Reflections: Matthew 14 by ric gustafson

The disciples were on a boat on the Sea of Galilee. At one point, they see something in the distance. Then they see their master Jesus walking on the water. They were terrified. They thought they were seeing a ghost. 

At first he was terrified, then Peter wanted to do the same thing his master was doing. Jesus agrees. Peter climbs out of the boat. He takes a few steps. Then he looks down. Fear comes over his face. He begins to sink. He cries out to his master.

Jesus reaches out. He catches Peter. Then according to Matthew 14, he asks Peter. " You of little faith why did you doubt?".

There will be a time when Jesus asks us to get out of boat. There will be a call of God in our lives. God will ask us to get out of the boat. Will we do that?. Will we be faithful?. I pray that when we are called by God, we will get out of the boat. Jesus is faithful. When a storm comes, Jesus will hold out his hand and save us. Why?. Because he loves us more than anything else.

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

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Salome page 4

 Salome page 4 by ric gustafson

Salome watched as Zeb was dragging in the last of the day's catch. Zeb was tall, thin and sinewy. He had brown eyes and shaggy hair. He loved to fish. Usually they fished throughout the night because fish were more active at that time.

I found out from Abba that my sister Leah was betrothed to Kadmiel. It was a beautiful wedding. At one point, Jonah came up to me.

" Not dancing tonight Salome?".

" Maybe later".

Jonah looked over at his wife Keturah. " My wife is not interested in dancing tonight either".

" That's because she is large with child".

" Salome,I wanted to apologize for taunting you when we were young".

" I forgive you". I smiled. " It was years ago".

Jonah grinned. " Zeb has become a true and loyal friend".

I smiled. " He is".

research help: ' On Living Stone' by Heather Kaufman

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

God Reflections: Psalm 51

 God Reflections: Psalm 51 by ric gustafson

The Prophet Nathan confronted David about his sin. David confessed his sin. He got honest with God. Psalm 51 is a song David wrote to restore his relationship with God. 

When we sin, we need to get honest with God. Then we need spiritual cleansing. People in the bible needed spiritual cleansing. We do also. 

In Psalm 51, David prays for a pure and cleansed heart. David knows only God can do that. We confess, God gives us a pure heart. A pure heart takes time. It is a lifelong process. 

Ask God to cleanse your heart. The benefit of a purified heart?. We can have a blessed life. Jesus asks that we are truthful and honest with him. Why?. Because he 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 11

 Beatles Anthology page 11 by ric gustafson 

My name is George Harrison.

One day, I had to go to the hospital. I ended up at Alder Hey Hospital for 6 weeks. While I was there, I wanted to get my first guitar. My Mum gave me the money. It was a cheap guitar. It fell apart. I put the pieces in a cupboard for a year. Then my brother Pete fixed it for me.

One day, I met Paul McCartney on the bus. We were on the same bus coming from school. From my house, it took 20 minutes walking to get to the bus. 

On that bus, I noticed that Paul had a trumpet. Paul noticed I had a guitar. Paul was 13. I was 12. At that time, I loved listening to Fats Domino, the Coasters and Elvis. One time in 1956, I got to see Lonnie Donegan, Danny and the Juniors and the Crew Cuts. In 1958, I got to see Eddie Cochran. He was cool. He wore a black leather waistcoat, a raspberry coloured shirt and black leather trousers.

Lonnie Donegan started a music craze called skiffle. I started a skiffle group called the Rebels.

research help: ' Beatles Anthology' by the Beatles

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

the miracle on Titanic page 16

 the miracle on Titanic page 16 by ric gustafson

" Ten degrees port Mr Hichens" Fourth Officer Boxhall bellowed. " Steady as she goes".

First Officer William Murdoch looked up toward the Crow's Nest. " Do you have our binoculars?".

" No Sir" Boxhall replied. " I gave them to Fleet".

" Do we have another pair?".

" No Sir". Boxhall frowned. " I believe it is the only pair we have on board".

Anger came over the First Officer's face. " You make sure that pair gets back to the bridge".

" Aye Sir".

Just then, Captain Smith entered the bridge. His white uniform and white beard struck an instant presence. Behind him was Bruce Ismay. He was the Director of the White Star Line.

Ismay picked up a chart. " When do we arrive at Queensland Captain?".

Captain Smith stroked his white beard. " By noon tomorrow according to my chart".

Ismay glanced at another chart. " What is this course?".

" This is the course Mr Boxhall has laid out for us".

Ismay stared at the Fourth Officer. " Why?".

" It is a safer route". Boxhall smiled. " We can also watch out better for ice".

" Nonsense". Ismay growled. " It will add a day".

Boxhall frowned. " Sir, what about the ice?".

" If you get any reports of ice". Ismay looked at the Fourth Officer. " You bring them directly to me".

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

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

God Reflections: I Timothy 6

 God Reflections: I Timothy 6 by ric gustafson

Some people think that money is the root of all evil. Then you would think that there is something bad about wealth. God's Word does not teach this. God's Word teaches that the love of money is a source of all kinds of evil. 

Wealth can be a good thing. It can be used for wonderful things. It can also be a bad thing for certain people. It can ruin people. In this passage, Paul is writing to a young protege. His name is Timothy. 

Jesus teaches that people use their resources to do good, be generous and be willing to share.

Jesus loves us more than anything else.

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

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

a New Hope page 2

 a New Hope page 2 by ric gustafson

C-3Po and R2-D2 watched as Rebel troops ran into the main corridor. They took up a defensive position near a sealed hatch.

C-3po turned to R2-D2. " We're doomed".

R2-D2 replied with whistles and beeps.

" There'll be no escape for the princess this time".

C-3po could hear strange noises coming from the ship's outer hall. " What's that?".

R2-D2 beeped.

Suddenly, the sealed hatch exploded. As the smoke cleared, an Imperial stormtrooper stepped through the hatch. Wearing a white helmet, he was cut down from Rebel return fire. A second stormtrooper came right behind him. He was cut down also as more stormtroopers poured into the corridor. Rebels began to retreat. C-3po and R2-D2 quickly exited the main corridor.

Then a tall caped figure walked out of the hatch into the corridor. He was dressed fully in black.

research help: ' A New Hope' by Ryder Windham

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

God Reflections: Joshua 24

 God Reflections: Joshua 24 by ric gustafson

Joshua was important in the Bible. He led the nation into the promised land. He conquered Jericho. Forty years after the battle of Jericho, the children of Israel are finally in the land promised to Abraham. 

And now was the passing of another generation. Joshua told this new generation all that God had done for them. God freed them from slavery. God protected them in the wilderness. God delivered their enemies into their hands. And now Joshua tells them they need to make a choice.

 Their choice is who or what are you going to serve?. Whom will you choose?. Joshua tells the people he and his children's choice. Their choice is to serve the Lord.

Jesus wants us to serve him. We have a choice. I pray it is the right one.

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

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

H P and the Deathly Hallows page 6

 H P and the Deathly Hallows page 6 by ric gustafson

Harry walked into the living room. Three people dressed in traveling clothes were waiting for him. Uncle Vernon Dursleys was wearing a fawn Zip up jacket. His Aunt Petunia Dursleys was wearing a salmon colored coat. His cousin Dudley Dursleys was wearing a leather jacket.

Uncle Vernon pointed to an empty chair. " Please Harry sit".

He sat down. He knew what was coming.

" I've changed my mind" exclaimed Vernon.

Harry frowned. " I figured that".

" We're not going anywhere".

" Uncle Vernon, myself, Kingsley and Mr Weasley have warned you".

Vernon scratched his chin. " About this Lord?".

Harry sighed. " Voldemort".

" Don't we qualify for government protection?".

" Uncle, the ministry has been infiltrated".

research help: ' Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows' by J K Rowling

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

God Reflections: II Corinthians 9

 God Reflections: II Corinthians 9 by ric gustafson

The Apostle Paul in this bible verse talks about someone being generous. Paul says when you are generous, you will reap generously. Jesus talked about being generous. Jesus taught that it is more blessed to give than to receive. When we give, Jesus directly showers us with blessings. 

When we give to others, we are showered with blessings from God. Jesus wants us to be a  cheerful giver.

Jesus 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: John 8

 God's Reflections: John 8 by ric gustafson

Are you free?. It's an important question. As Americans we are free. But personally, are you free?. John 8 says and the truth will set you free. In our inner life, are we free?. Jesus says we can have freedom in our lives. We can have freedom in our heart. 

If we abide in God's Word, we can have freedom of the Spirit. Jesus tells us to study his Word. Jesus wants us to read and think about his Word. When we abide, we integrate God's truth into our lives.

Jesus wants us to have inner freedom. Why?. Because he loves us more than anything else.

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

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Wine page 4

Wine page 4 by ric gustafson

The wind is very important to making wine. Each grape vine is called a crown. It will be that way for 20 years. By that time, the trunk will be strong enough to withstand the wind. A gentle breeze is always good. It cools the grapes. A slashing or severe wind is never good. Vines can be damaged. Even a stiff wind is not the best. 

Soil is very important to making wine. In viticulture, you need good drainage. You need good soil to push vines deep to find water and nutrients. Sand, silt, rocks, organic matter, limestone and schist. Color is important in wine making. Soil needs color and the ability to reflect sunlight. 

Grapevines mutate over time as a result of viruses. A population of vines derived from a single vine is called a mother vine. A vineyard of pinot noir can have some vines that are more robust. Some vines might produce smaller berries. A clone of pinot noir could have more intensity of flavor than another. The root system beneath the soil of a grape vine is rootstock. 

Rootstock can be traced back to 3 grape species. Rootstocks can be high or low vigor. They can have shallow or deep roots. Selecting the right rootstock for the location is critical for wine making.

Next, we will look at vineyards and the harvest.

research help: ' The Wine Bible' by Karen MacNeil

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Salome page 3

 Salome page 3 by ric gustafson

I woke up to a sharp distinctive whine. My head hurt. It needed stitches. Then I heard that familiar whine again. Could it be.

" Noy". I jumped. 

My Abba and a man entered the room. The man was holding my dog.

" Noy". I ran over and cupped the dog's face in my hands. " I thought he was dead".

Abba grinned. " Thank you for finding Noy Zebedee".

Zebedee smiled. " I found him roaming the field north of town".

Salome frowned. " And the boys?".

Zebedee pointed a finger at a bruise on his jaw. " They won't be bothering you for a while".

Salome jumped up. She ran over to Zebedee. She gave the tall thin man a big hug. " Thank you".

research help: ' On Living Stone' by Heather Kaufman

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

God Reflections: Acts 1

 God Reflections: Acts 1 by ric gustafson

God's Word talks a lot about power. In Acts 1, Jesus talks about power. He promises to his disciples that he will send the Holy Spirit to them. And that the Holy Spirit will infuse them with power. Jesus's power enables the disciples and us to be the best we can be.

In our spiritual lives, we need something to get us going. And what is that?. We need God's Word and we need the Holy Spirit.

God will give us the power to be the best we can be. He promises that to us. Why?. Because 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's Reflections: Genesis 1

 God Reflections: Genesis 1 by ric gustafson

Everyone has a world view. We view life through a lens. In the 1950's, we viewed the world through a modern yet moral lens. In the 1960's, we were more introspective. Our answers were now being questioned. Our world view changed.

In the 1970's, we were skeptical. We had new hope in the 1980's. 

Genesis 1 talks about in the beginning. Before Genesis 1 there was love, glory and eternal life. In Genesis 1 was God. Elohim was God. God created everything from nothing. God created the heavens and the earth. 

Why would God do that?. Because he loves more than anything else.

research help: ' The Joshua Code' by O S Hawkins

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric