Friday, April 11, 2025

Psalms: Psalm 84

 Psalms: Psalm 84 by ric gustafson


Better is one day in your courts. Than a thousand elsewhere. I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God. Than dwell in the tents of the wicked. For the Lord God is a sun and shield. The Lord bestows favor and honor. No good thing does he withhold. From those whose walk is blameless. Lord Almighty. Blessed is the one who trusts in you.
Have you ever felt of being in God's presence?. Have you ever felt near to God?.


research help: ' Paws in his Presence' by Jennifer Marshall Bleakley


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Born in the USA page 4

Born in the USA page 4 by ric gustafson


In 1993, Bruce Springsteen inducted John Fogerty and Creedence Clearwater Revival into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. As Springsteen prepared ' Born in the USA' his praise of Fogerty was immense. Springsteen wanted happy sounding sad songs. In the late 60's and early 70's CCR had a string of hits. This included ' Who'll Stop The Rain' ' Suzy Q' and ' Proud Mary'.
Springsteen studied the success of CCR for the creation of ' Born In The USA'. There were several parallels between John Fogerty and Bruce Springsteen. Both started in bar bands when they were teenagers. Both men were loners and control freaks. Just like CCR, Springsteen merged mass taste with elitist taste. 
Springsteen wanted to paint a picture of taverns and no nonsense men and women. Springsteen wanted to show small town working class laborers, 
Springsteen used Fogerty and his music as a starting point for ' Born In The USA'.


research help: ' There was nothing you could do' by Steven Hyden


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Thursday, April 10, 2025

Psalms: Psalm 142

 Psalms: Psalm 142 by ric gustafson


I cry aloud to the Lord. I lift up my voice to the Lord for mercy. I pour out before him my complaint. Before him I tell my trouble. When my spirit grows faint within me. It is you who watch over my way. In the path where I walk. People have hidden a snare for me. There is no one at my right hand. No one is concerned for me. I have no refuge. No one cares for my life. I cry to you Lord. You are my refuge. My portion in the land of the living.
What lies heavy on your heart and mind?. Do we pretend everything is fine?. How has God provided for you?.


research help: ' Paws in his Presence' by Jennifer Marshall Bleakley


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

McCartney page 10

 McCartney page 10 by ric gustafson


The very next day after their first recording session, tragedy struck young John Lennon. His mother Julia was killed by a speeding car as she crossed a road. Her death devasted John. Writing music became his healing balm.
John started at the Liverpool College of Art in the autumn of 1957. The Institute where Paul and George went to school and the College of Art where John went was seperated by a small yard. At lunch time, Paul and George joined John and practiced guitar playing. In order to see John, Paul had to wear a black jacket and a white shirt.
John and Paul began trying to write songs together. At first, they tried at John's college. They determined it was more productive to write in private. They tried to write in John's room at Mendips. John's Aunt Mimi was always bothered by their loud music. She sent them to the front porch.
It turned out Paul's house was the better option for the two to write. The best time was in the afternoon when Paul's dad was at work.
John, Paul and George were devestated on Feb 3 1959 when they heard the news that Buddy Holly had died. Holly died in a plane crash along with J P Richardson and Ritchie Valens. They adored Holly and his 3 chord songs and riffs.


research help: ' Paul McCartney the life' by Philip Norman


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Wednesday, April 9, 2025

Psalms: Psalm 28

 Psalms: Psalm 28 by ric gustafson


Praise the Lord. For he has heard my cry for mercy. The Lord is my strength and shield. I trust him with all my heart. He helps me. My heart is filled with joy. I burst out in songs of thanksgiving. The Lord gives his people strength. He is a safe fortress for his anointed king. Save your people. Bless Israel your special possession. Lead them like a shepherd. And carry them in your arms forever.
Has God shown you mercy?. When did God strengthen you?. Are you in a difficult season right now?.


research help: ' Paws in his Presence' by Jennifer Marshall Bleakley


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric

Tuesday, April 8, 2025

Psalms: Psalm 118

 Psalms: Psalm 118 by ric gustafson


Open for me the gates where the righteous enter. And I will go in and thank the Lord. These gates lead to the presence of the Lord. And the godly enter there. I thank you for answering my prayer. And giving me victory. The stone that the builders rejected. Has now become the cornerstone. This is the Lord's doing. And it is wonderful to see. This is the day the Lord has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it.
When have you experienced joy and grief?.  Are you in a season of a new beginning?. What is making your heart glad today?.


research help: ' Paws in his Presence' by Jennifer Marshall Bleakley


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric



Monday, April 7, 2025

Countdown 1960 page 5

 Countdown 1960 page 5 by ric gustafson



Day 273
Feb 10 1960


Since the start of his political campaign in New Hampshire in Jan, Senator Kennedy had been campaigning non stop. In two weeks, he had traveled to New Mexico, California, North Dakota and today Corvallis Oregon. This two day swing through Oregon was to include a reception and a chamber of commerce dinner. The stop in Corvallis was short. That was the Kennedy way.
Senator Kennedy had the most dedicated and talented campaign team. Everywhere he went, Kennedy attacked the Eisenhower Administration. The most important person on Senator Kennedy's team was his brother Bobby. 
Bobby Kennedy had stopped his own political career to help his brother get to the White House. Kennedy needed his brother's help. Bobby had been helping his brother's political campaigns since 1952.
Senator Kennedy's campaign team included his Press Secretary Pierre Salinger. Also part of the team was Ted Kennedy the youngest brother of the family. 
The campaign was totally funded by Joe Kennedy the father of the family.


research help: ' Countdown 1960' by Chris Wallace and Mitch Weiss


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric