WADO RYU: A Fighter's Perspective by Sensei Bill Taylor

Greetings and Salutations karatekas and non-karatekas alike.

A karateka is someone who is a practitioner of the art of karate (the art of the empty hand).
Wado Ryu is the study of the "way of harmony...the way of peace."

Many years ago...back the early 70's (1973-74)...I placed myself in a position where I was having to defend myself on the side of a road...in full view of a factory ending a shift, busy rush hour traffic, in front of God and the world. With a lucky punch...I put down the giant that was attacking me (along with his little friend)...and then I made a quick exit (well it took four cranks of my green Vega to start up so I could make a quick exit)...looking in the review mirror as the giant running...chased my car with a tire tool down Murfreesboro Road.

After a period of licking my wounds...I saw an article in the Daily News Journal...of a school of karate... where the cost would be $15.00 a month. Well...I had a long history of interest in the martial arts since I watched the Mr. Moto movie series...where Mr. Moto...an oriental detective...would use judo to toss around the bad guys. Combined with the The Green Hornet (with Bruce Lee as The Green Hornet's sidekick (literally) Kato)...Bruce Lee movies...Billy Jack...the Kung Fu T.V. show...and even Carl Douglas' song Kung Fu Fighting (where the kicks were "fast as lightning") all were calling me. The School was BUSHIDO SCHOOL OF KARATE. We first met in the basement of Crichlow School...but quickly moved into a storefront on Vine Street. At that time Mr. Newton Harris was the owner (someone I knew from school)...later owned by Mr. Bill Herzer...and then later by Mr. Bill Taylor. NOTE: Mr. Cecil T. Patterson was the American connection between Japan and America for Wado Ryu).

It was there that I first met Mr. Taylor. He was a young kid...who had a natural ability...around 11 years old (I think). I remember blocking a kick by Mr. Taylor...and remember vividly here in 2011 the pain that went up my arm from that kick.

I dropped out after a while...BUT Mr. Taylor continued on...eventually getting his black belt and eventually becoming the owner of BILL TAYLOR'S BUSHIDO SCHOOL OF KARATE.

Many years later...in 2001...when I turned 50 years old...I started back taking karate (a dream and a passion) and continue practicing to this day (2011).

I said all of that...to say this. I have been blessed to be part of a school (Bill Taylor's Bushido School of Karate). Mr. Taylor has released a book entitled WADO RYU: A Fighter's Perspective. The original book was issued in 1995...and this new, expanded, improved edition was issued in 2010.

NOTE: This edition was edited by third degree black belt...Dr. Steven Morris (who began back when I did). Great job Mr. Morris.

This expanded edition...is written from the perspective of a "fighter." Mr. Taylor took what he learned in the school...and utilized it in practical application within the squared circle... the kickboxing realm (under the instruction of Mr. Bill Herzer).

Mr. Taylor kick boxed as Billy "The Kid" Taylor...and won many fights and became a world contender. When he retired from the ring...he took over the ownership of Bushido School of Karate and built the school into one of the oldest and largest martial arts schools in Tennessee.


The purpose of this book is explained in the preface..."This book is being written as a GUIDE for the serious student of Wado-Ryu. I feel the information contained here will GREATLY ENHANCE some one's understanding of this dynamic form of Karate." (Preface Wado Ryu: A Fighter's Perspective)

This book is a great history book. It lays out the roots of Wado including the historical/political times, the perspective of Master Hirinori Otsuka who created our style of karate, the philosophy of Wado Ryu, the techniques of Wado Ryu, the Pinan series of kata (the backbone of Wado, the advanced kata's, and much, much more.

While WADO RYU: A Fighter's Perspective is NOT an instructional manual (books like WADO RYU by Master Hirinori Ostuska and Karate Katas of Wado Ryu and Introduction To Karate by Shingo Ohgami are excellent and recommended by Mr. Taylor)...it is a valuable resource to glean principles that are foundational for this art that we practice. Of course you can read a book all day long...and never become a practitioner of karate...so come and join us.

FINAL THOUGHTS...FINALLY

At 60 years old...I am still kicking...and plan on continuing. I have learned a lot over the years... but with WADO RYU: A Fighter's Perspective...I continue to learn. Check out Bill Taylor's Bushido School Of Karate at: http://www.bskonline.com/

In Wado Ryu...karate always begins and ends with respect. The word used to bow in respect is REI. At this time...I would like to give a collective bow to Mr. Taylor and all the instructors and students at Bill Taylor's Bushido School of Karate. I have much REI-spect for all of you.

Rodney Boyd Ni-Dan

MOO GOT MAIL

Greetings O Ye Mooers and Chewers of the Cud of the Word of God.

Three words for you...(1) Moo (2) Got (3) Mail.

Back when I had America On Line (AOL)...when ever I would get e-mail...it was announce by the words..."You Got Mail). Well...the title of this book MOO GOT MAIL...is a collection of emails sent from me to others...entitled THE RUMINATOR RAMBLINGS.

NOTE: The cover for this collection is by Richard Jacobson...who turned me on to the art of blogging...and who captures the flavour and colour of these Ramblings.

FORWARD with the FOREWORD

This is the opening explanation, reason, excuse for the collection of Ramblings.

You are holding in your hands a collection of The Ruminator Ramblings. These are a series of collected e-mails that I have sent out over the years. It started out as an extension of a Sunday School Class that I was teaching called THE RUMINATORS.

It was taken from Joshua 1:8 that speaks of meditating (hawgaw; ruminate) on the Word of God...or chewing on the Word like a cow (or any other ruminant) chewing a cud. I have been threatening to release this collection for you ...and now the cow is out of the barn...and my threat has been made good. This book is totally unedited...e-mails with all the warts, grammatical errors, spelling errors and bad (depending on how you look at it) humour. I hope they make you laugh, make you think, and inspire you to seek a closer walk with God.

NOTE: The picture is a piece of art by Mr. Randy Bullard...who personalized it for me. It's always time to "chew on the Word."


NOTE: The next picture is the cover of RUMINATOR UNPLUGGED. This is a little project of songs that were written and sung in the 70's. It is like the book...rough, raw, and truly unplugged. Thanx and a Tip O Da Hat to Shane Atkinson (who recorded and produced it) and Jim Oliver and Andrew McKay (who packaged it for me).

The dedication to the book (updated from the first printing of the book) goes as follows:

1. My lovely wife of 39 years (33 years at the time of the first release)... Brenda Sue Boyd. You have experienced first hand many of the things written about...and you still love me...and I still love you...but most importantly, God still loves us both.

2. My pride and joy for the past 23 years (16 years at the time of the first release)...my son Phillip Stephen Boyd. Son...I hope that you have seen me walk out my faith...not perfectly... but at lease passionately. My prayer continues to be...that you would have your own relationship with the Father. I love you son.

3. Anyone who considers themselves to be a Ruminator...after all...once a Ruminator...always a Ruminator. I've got one word foy you...MOO! Thanks and a Tip O Da Hat to Richard Jacobson for the mooooooving cover art work...and tipping me off to the world of blogging. It took the Ramblings to the next level. (This book is pre-blogging days).

4. The leadership of Springhouse Worship and Arts Center (formerly Smyrna Assembly of God)...who has given me the opportunity to practice the gift of teaching. You are brave people...and wonderful brothers and sisters. Thanx and a Tip O Da Hat to...(1) Pastor Ronnie Meek (Senior Pastor) (2) Pastor Barbie Loflin (Assistant Pastor) (3) Pastor Bruce Coble (Missions Pastor) and (4) Pastor Wayne Berry (Creative Arts/Worship Pastor.

5. Bruce and Jill Coble...who are constant sources of encouragement to me and my family...by living their faith out loud.

(6) Last...BUT NOT LEAST...my God, my Lord, my Saviour, my Holy Spirit. My decision to follow Jesus in the fall of 1970 has changed my life forever. From the day...that I asked Brenda in her driveway..."What do I have to do to get saved?"...it has been an adventure. I have found that "The steadfast love of the Lord NEVER CEASES...His mercies never COMES TO AN END...they are new every morning...GREAT IS HIS FAITHFULNESS...(even when I am not)." (Lamentations 3:22-33)

NOTE: This last picture is one of The Ruminator Sunday School Class... a gathering of the herd...who love the Lord with all their hearts. They get to hear the Ramblings live.

FINAL THOUGHTS...FINALLY

Well...there ya go...a shameless review and recommendation of my own book. It is a collection of Ramblings about the mouth, top ten lists, vampires/zombies, attitudes, anger management, being laid low in the wilderness, words, sin, restoration, repentance, stumbling blocks, trials, troubles, tribulations, testings, unrestrained thoughts and words and actions, and everything else in between.

How much does a copy costs? Well...it's FREE...but if you get one in your hands...give whatever you think the fair market value is...to missions, missionaries, or someone who truly needs some money.

Mooey Gracias
Rodney "Mooin' and Chewin'" Boyd

PRAY TO WIN (God Wants You To Succeed)

Greetings O Ye Winners.

Before we begin...let me just say that I realize that there are people who think that Christians are and should be poor losers. Their spirituality is linked to their poverty which they equate with their humility...and anyone who implies that God wants you to WIN and SUCCEED is tantamount to the anti-Christ...and they have their guns loaded with scriptural ammunition to shoot down this heresy.

Of course compared to 3rd world countries...they ARE winning and succeeding...and as of yet...have not sold everything they have and given it to the poor. They like to complain from the comfort of their American dream home and type things out on their computers...as they sip a cool iced tea in their climate controlled rooms...and consider this the spartan lifestyle.

NOTE: I realize there are extreme abuses of money...and overlooking of the poor...but this book is not about the attitude of the abusers...who ascribe to the root of all evil (which is not money...but the love of money). This book is about PRAYER. With that said...here is a RECOMMENDED RUMINATOR READING. In 2011...there is a lot of talk about WINNING (good and negative). The most recent negative is the actor Charlie Sheen...who was released from his T.V. show Two and A Half Men...due to his destructive lifestyle and strange tirades against the creator/producer of that show. The spotlight was on Charlie...as he released twitters with many..."sheenisms." These "sheenisms" became fodder for the media...and he would usually end with a defiant statment about his progress...by saying "WINNING." This is not the "winning" that Pat Boone is talking about...it is more about winning...by...losing.

Pat Boone is one of my favorite singers, movie star, and author. As a singer he has sold 45 million albums and recorded 38 top 40 hits...along with being an early rock pioneer in the since (for good or bad) homoginized black music (Ain't That A Shame, Tutti Frutti, etc.) He made this type of music accessible to the world. He was a musical contemporary to Elvis Presley (they were friends). As a movie star he was in 12 movies (along with having his own T.V. show in the 50's/60's). As an author...he has written over 25 published books. In the early 70's... Pat funded Randy Stonehill and Larry Norman's first albums (without Pat Boone...no Jesus Music)and then founded Lamb and Lion Records for contemporary Christian artists...including himself. Pretty good for a local boy from Donelson Tennessee...a direct descendent of Daniel Boone and cousin to Richard Boone and Randy Boone.

Pat's singing and writing were influential in my spiritual walk as I was encouraged by his Christian albums (Songs From The Inner Court is one of Pat's best)...and his books (A New Song, Dr. Baalam's Talking Mule, A Miracle A Day Keeps The devil Away, etc.) Today's review is on one of those overlooked jewels...PRAY TO WIN (God Wants You To SUCCEED).

On the surface it looks like this is another one of those motivational, positive thinking, get rich quick books...BUT...it is not. Oh it is motivational...it is positive...and encourages you to not think negatively...but it is a book about SUPERNATURAL COMMUNICATION with the Creator of the universe.

As a Speech-Language Pathologist (who is writing my own book about Speaking and Hearing The Words of God from the perspective of a Speech-Language Pathologist)...I was intriqued and delighted to read the first chapter of PRAY TO WIN...entitled LANGUAGE WITHOUT LIMITS: An Introduction to Prayer Probes. This is in Part I called...HOW TO START A SUPERNATURAL CONVERSATION.

The book jacket describes the contents of the book:

--The nine prerequisites for effective prayer
--How to distinguish His true answers from false messages
--The key to meaningful reading of the Scriptures
--How to discover His will for you
--The power of group prayer
--His two special communication codes
--How to become an effective participant in His answer to your prayer

I love Pat's style of writing...because it draws you in...and you feel as if he is talking to you. It is very down to earth...not overly theologized...but nitty gritty. It is filled with humor and stories of first hand accounts of answered prayer...and reported accounts of answered prayer from people know personally to Pat...some famous...some infamous...some not so famous.

When you finish reading PRAY TO WIN...I believe you will be motivated to PRAY.

"Commit to the Lord whatever you do...and your plans will succeed." (Pro-Verbs 16:3)

"The Lord delights in the way of the man whose steps He has made firm...though he stumble, he will not fall. For the Lord upholds him with His hand. I was young and now I am old, yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken or their children begging bread. They're always generous and lend freely, thier children will be blessed." (Psalm 37:23-26)

" But seek first His Kingdom and His Righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." (Matthew 6:33)

These are the three verses that ends PRAY TO WIN (God Wants You To Succeed). I would like to add one more about prosperity and success.

"This book of the Law (the Word) shall not depart from your mouth (where you are speaking) but you shall meditate (ruminate/chew on it) day and night (all the time)...for then (cause and effect of speaking and meditating on the Word) you will make (as you do what you meditate) your way prosperous (overflow) and then you will have good success (accomplishement)." (Joshua 1:8)

True Biblical prosperity and success to me means (1) prosperity=enough to meet your needs and an overflow to help meet the needs of others (2) success=accomplishing the purposes of God in your life. Of course we have to learn "the secret" found in Philippians 4:10-19 as God supplies all your needs and strengthens you.

If you combine PRAY TO WIN...with Ed Coles book NEVER QUIT (see the Recommended Ruminator Reading review on Ed's book)...you have a one-two punch to knock the devil out.

I give this book five hooves up...along with a big Moooooooooooooooo.

Love and Winning Kisses
Rodney "Succeeding" Boyd

WHAT THE BIBLE IS ALL ABOUT BY HENRIETTA C. MEARS

Greetings O Ye Bible Lovers.

QUESTION: What do people like Bill Bright (founder of Campus Crusade for Christ) , Luis Evans Jr., Dawson Trotman (founder of The Navigators), Billy Graham, Richard Halverson, and thousands upon thousands of people have in common?

ANSWER: Henrietta C. Mears

Ms Mears...according to the blurb on her book WHAT THE BIBLE IS ALL ABOUT BIBLE HANDBOOK ..."(1890-1963) was one of the great Bible teachers of the 20th century. While Christian Education Director at First Presbyterian Church of Hollywood, she built one of the largest Sunday Schools in the world and wrote curriculum that was in such high demand that to publish it, she founded Gospel Light in 1933. Billy Graham said of Dr. Mears, Here enthusiasm for the Lord Jesus Christ was contagious."


WHAT THE BIBLE IS ALL ABOUT BIBLE HANDBOOK is one of my tools in my SPIRITUAL TOOL BOX that I use to study of the Word of God. When I want a clear, concise overview of a book of the Bible...or I want some unique insight into the events taking place within the Word....my first choice of resource is Ms Mears' "User-Friendly Bible Handbook".

According to the back cover..."Everyone who has a Bible should have a copy of WHAT THE BIBLE IS ALL ABOUT BIBLE HANDBOOK."

I agree. Wherever you read the word...you should have close at hand this handbook. It is not large book...but oh how large it is in depth of insight. "It gives you an excellent overview and understanding of every book in the Bible--and makes it come alive as never before..."

Of course when you read these blurbs on the jacket/covers of books, they tend to be bias...to build up the book...to make you want to buy the book...but for my money...it is not just HYPE but FACT.

Here are some of the features that make it a worthwhile purchase (and I get no money or kickbacks for this review):

1. Shows the Bible is one book, one history, one story
2. Provides a complete overview of the Scriptures
3. Introduces the key people in the Bible
4. Gives historical background on every key event in the
Bible
5. Explains how Jesus is revealed in the Old and New
Testaments
6. Underscores the main themes in the Bible
7. Contains reading plans, maps and other study helps
8. Glossary with clear definitions of Bible Words
9. Reading plans, maps, commentary and other study
helps.

FINAL WORD...FINALLY

Billy Graham has described Henrietta C. Mears as..."One of the greatest Christians I have ever known." I know for a fact...that I have never met this lady...but she has impacted my life greatly, because she points me to the Word of God...for me to study for myself...and position myself for God to speak to me. She has another book called WHAT JESUS IS ALL ABOUT.

NOTE: As of this writing...you can buy WHAT THE BIBLE IS ALL ABOUT BIBLE HANDBOOK at Sam's in the book section.

I give this book 5 out of 5 MOO-MOOS.

Love and Classic Best-Seller Kisses
Rodney "What Is The Bible All About" Boyd

7 HABIT OF UNCOMMON ACHEIVERS by KATE MCVEIGH

Greetings O Ye Uncommon Achievers....how's your habitual life?

A habit is defined as "a behavior pattern acquired by frequent repetition or physiologic exposure that shows itself in regularity or increased facility of performance; an acquired mode of behavior that has become nearly or completely involuntary; a way of acting fixed through repetition." (Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary, 11th Edition) "In other words, a habit is doing the same thing consistently so that eventually you do it without thinking." (Kate McVeigh)

As believers in the D.B.R. (Death, Burial, Resurrection of Jesus the Anointed One)...we are called not to just be conquerors and victorious...but we are called to be MORE than conquerors and have SURPASSING victory.

"Yet amid all these things we are MORE than CONQUERORS and gain SURPASSING VICTORY through Him Who loved us." (Romans 8:37)

So it is with ACHIEVERS. There are many...many...many...many.. did I say many...books written about positive mental attitude (PMA)...and just as many if not more people who preach the gospel of success. Of course nothing is new under the sun (unless you are under THE SON). There are a plethora of books about positive thinking and success that forged the thinkers, movers and shakers, entrepreneurs of the day including people like J. Clemont Stone, Napoleon Hill, Norman Vincent Hill, Dale Carnegie, Anthony Robbins, Zig Ziglar, Stephen Covey, The Chicken Soup Books, Joel Osteen, Rick Warren...and the list just keeps going on and on. One common thread throughout these books and writers...positive mental attitude...and Biblical principles. The problem is...while there are Biblical principles (that work for the Christian and non-Christian alike)...sometimes (not always) there is a missing component of submitting to the Lordship of Jesus.

Of course you will always have the debate of success versus poverty and who is more spiritual... and this is review is not meant to prove one or the other...but it is a review of a book...that to me...has the best of both worlds of positive thinking and the Lordship of Jesus.

7 HABITS OF UNCOMMON ACHIEVERS...by Kate McVeigh is a positive, encouraging, challenging, convicting book about how habits determines your future. "Kate McVeigh graduated from Rhema Bible Training Center in 1987. She is a respected evangelist and teacher of the Gospel who emphasizes healing the sick and winning the lost. Through her down-to-earth and often humorous teaching of the Word, many people have been saved, healed, and encouraged to attain God's highest for their lives." (Bio from book jacket)

"Did you know that what you do DAILY determines what you become PERMANENTLY? Your DAILY HABITS are creating your FUTURE. You are a result TODAY of YESTERDAY'S HABITS...GOOD or BAD." This is true in every area of life. " (Kate McVeigh)

As I read this statement...it rings so true in my life. Choices that I have made in my past...affected my future. Oh for sure God can...did...and continues to redeem my sins and mistakes and choices...and causes good to come out of the good, bad, ugly things in my life... but there are things in my life that I DID NOT HAVE TO ENDURE...simply because of DAILY CHOICES.

I truly believe that God's heartbeat is PROSPERITY and SUCCESS...but not as the world views prosperity and success.

"This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth...but you shall meditate on it day and night so that you may be careful to DO according to all that is written in it...for then you will MAKE YOUR WAY PROSPEROUS... and then you will HAVE GOOD SUCCESS." (Joshua 1:8)

True Biblical prosperity is having enough to meet your needs and an overflow to meet the needs of others...and Biblical success is accomplishing God's purposes and directives in your life....and it is hinged on your response to the Word of God as you take your faith and combine it with corresponding actions. Of course...you can be spiritually wealthy...and financially decreased...as long as you know the SECRET found in Philippians chapter 4...of BEING CONTENT in whatever STATE you are in...having plenty and having nothing. This will position you to be able to say...My God will SUPPLY all my NEEDS (not your greeds) according to His riches in glory IN CHRIST JESUS." (Philippians 4:19)

Well...as you are on your journey with the Lord...I believe that this book will help you along the way. Here are the HABITS listed:

Habit #1 Write The Vision
Habit #2 Develop a Prayer Habit
Habit #3 Create a Strong Spirit
Habit #4 Practice Organization
Habit #5 Take Control of Your Thought Life
Habit #6 Cultivate the Power of Positive Confession
Habit #7 Grow in Your Love Walk

On a closer and more personal level...I attend church with a lovely couple by the names of Steve and Jill Grossman. These two are encourager's. As a matter of fact...Steve and Jill practice what they preach. Steve has started a new business venture...that will utilize his giftings in helping personal and corporations to reach their goals, maximize their potential...and to be who they were created to be. I highly recommend Steve. You can check out his website at:

www.stevegrossmanonline.com

FINAL THOUGHTS...FINALLY...NO REALLY...FINALLY

I give this a POSITIVE ruminatin' hoofs up with 5 out of 5 moo-moos.

Love and Positive Kisses
Rodney "Uncommon Achiever Wannabe" Boyd

THE HAYFORD CONNECTION: Pointing To The Word of God

Greetings and Salutations O Ye Lovers of The Word of God. Have ya read the Word lately? If not...why not?

I am sitting in my office at home...surrounded by a plethora of books about multiple topics including: theology, martial arts, Speech Pathology, multiple versions of the Bible, Bible study aides (lexicon's, handbooks, concordances, dictionaries, MAD magazine collections, guitar, pop culture, etc. Sometimes...I am overwhelmed by words, thoughts, books.

Ever since 1970...I have been in love with The Word of God...a written expression of the heartbeat of God for mankind and a written expression of THE Word of God...Jesus. It is by hearing this Word of God...that faith comes...that I believe...that I confess...that has continually changed my life. (Romans 10:6-17) I have found that this Word of God....when I hide it in my heart that I am able to keep my way pure and I decrease my sin factor. (Psalm 119:9-11) I can apply this God breathed living document and by it I can be taught, reproved, corrected, and trained that I may be adequate for every good work. (II Timothy 3:16-17) I guess the question arises...IF the Bible...the Word of God...is so important...why would I waste time reading books about THE BOOK....or for that matter...why read any other book other than the 66 books collected into one volume called THE BIBLE. I said all of that...to say this....I LOVE BOOKS.

One of my favorite theological authors...that brings a practical application...to be walked out on planet earth...is Jack W. Hayford. Papa Jack...as some affectionately call him was for years Senior Pastor of Church On The Way in Van Nuys California...a Four Square Church. Mr. Hayford is known as the pastor's pastor....who is able to speak to many people in many denominations. He is Spirit-Filled...but very balanced and practical. "Dr. Jack Hayford is Founding Pastor of The Church On The Way, The President of King's Seminary (an interdenominational ministry training center), speaker at pastoral leadership conferences (speaking to an average of 20,000 leaders annually) and author of more than 30 books.

I have called this Recommended Ruminator Reading Review...THE HAYFORD CONNECTION: Pointing To The Word of God...because it is hard for me to choose just one book. I have placed a few pictures of some of my favorites...but unable to place pictures of all the pictures of the covers. Other books includes: Pastors of Promise (a book in the Pastor's Series), The Leading Edge (Keys To Sharpen Your Effectiveness As A Leader), Church On The Way (a history of this cutting edge church of servanthood), The Key To Everything, The Power and Blessing, as well as Hayford's Bible Handbook and The Spirit-Filled Life Bible.

The first book picture is the first book I read by Pastor Jack called PRAYER IS INVADING THE IMPOSSIBLE. It is a window into how prayer is more than just an intellectual exercise in futility...but is a practical exercise of how our prayers can pierce the heavenlies...and the Creator of the universe hears us.

The next book pictured is GROUNDS FOR LIVING (Sound Teaching for Sure Footing in Growth and Grace). I love this book. In this crazy mixed up thing we call life...if you don't have sure footing...it is easy to slip, stumble, and fall. It lays out a thoughtful overview of: (1) The Holy Scriptures (The Fountainhead of Truth) (2) The Eternal Godhead (The Glory of the Trinity) (3) The Fall of Man (Knowing Revealed Anthropology) (4) The Plan of Redemption (God's Restoration Program) (5) Salvation Through Grace (His Glory In Our Humanity) (6) Baptism and the Lord's Supper: Ordained Ordinances (7) The Baptism with the Holy Spirit (River of Release) (8) The Second Coming of Christ (Our Blessed Hope) (9) Heaven (The Ultimate Reward of God's Grace...Hell (The Ultimate Cost of Rejecting God (10) Tithes and Offerings (The Cycle of Abundance) (11) Divine Healing (A Covenant for Life and Strength).

As the back cover underscores..."Grounds For Living represents Jack Hayford's vision to disciple and train mature, spiritually vibrant, biblically strong, theologically balanced, Spirit empowered Christians. His desire is that all followers of Christ would be equipped to serve Him boldly and effectively."

The next book pictured is Living The Spirit Formed Life (Growing In The 10 Principles of Spirit-Filled Discipleship)

The prologue sets the tone of the purpose of the book with Galatians 4:19 "My little children, for whom I labor in birth again until CHRIST IS FORMED (made solid) IN YOU."
There are 3 Disciplines covered: (1) The Spirit-Formed Disciple (2) The Disciplines of the Spirit (3) The Disciplines of Prayer. Each discipline has multiple disciplines from forgiveness, the power of baptism, feeding on the Word of God etc.

"In a world with so much competing for our attention, it's easy to neglect or lose sight of the importance of the spiritual disciplines the Lord has given us for victorious living in Christ. Jack Hayford, author of Worship His Majesty, shows new believers and mature Christians alike how to rediscover the power and blessings of such basic disciplines as prayer and fasting, daily worship and the release of repentance and forgiveness." (Blurb on back of the book)

Pastor Jack served as Editor of the New Spirit Filled Life Bible...along with multiple editors and many people to comment on Kingdom Dynamics, Word Wealth, Truth In Action, Book Introductions, Outlines, Notes with an emphasis on the Spirit Filled aspects of the believer.

At the beginning of each book there is information on Background, Occasion and Date, Purpose, Content, Personal Application, Christ Revealed and The Holy Spirit at Work. The is also the obligatory Outline of the Books and maps, concordance, etc.

It is the New King James Version (I am a New American Standard Version man)...but again...always a fresh perspective to help break the rut of our preferred translations.

I like what the front cover says..."KINGDOM EQUIPPING THROUGH THE POWER OF THE WORD."

Well...that's it for now. Many books...so little time. If you had to choose between the WORD OF GOD...or Jack Hayford's books...CHOOSE THE WORD OF GOD! However...if you use ANY book by ANYBODY...as a tool...a resource...something to point you to the Word of God...and gives you further insight of the historical, the practical, the spiritual...then it is a good thing.

I give THE HAYFORD CONNECTION review of multiple Jack Hayford books a big 5 moo-moos out of 5. Instead of thumbs up...I give a big hoofs up.

Love and Well Read Kisses
Rodney "Library Man" Boyd

THE PURPLE BOOK and ONE 2 ONE

All righty boys and girls...get out your pens and Bibles...and lets do a little Bible study.

I have been known to write a Bible study or two in my time. My particular means of study is...the inductive method of asking the WHO, WHAT, WHEN, WHERE, WHY, and HOW of the surrounding context of what I am studying. Thus...when I write my workbooks...I ask a question... give you the Scripture reference where you find the answer...and then ask another question.

I recommend THE PURPLE BOOK. You may ask your self..."Self...what is the Purple Book." It is the brain child of two of the co-founders of Every Nation...Rice Broocks and Stever Murrell.

"The Purple Book is a 12-part Bible study designed to help you stand firm and grow strong in your Christian life. The Purple Book guides you into a solid understanding of the Bible."

There are 12 chapters in the Purple Book...each one chock full of lessons to mine for nuggets from the Word of God. Chapters includes:

1. Sin and Salvation
2. Lordship and Obedience
3. Repentance and Baptism
4. The Holy spirit and Spiritual Gifts
5. Spiritual Hunger and God's Word
6. Discipleship and Leadership
7. Spiritual Family and Church Life
8. Prayer and Worship
9. Faith and Hope
10. Biblical Prosperity and Generosity
11. Evangelism and World Missions
12. Resurrection and Judgment.

This is a great book for personal study, family devotions, small groups or Sunday School classes. The question is...WHY? "Because you need a FOUNDATION that no storm in life can demolish--and a heart that's shaped and guided by the knowledge of God's Word."

A great companion book is called ONE 2 ONE in the Discipleship Series...PERSONAL FOLLOW-UP AND DISCIPLESHIP by Steve Murrell.

ONE 2 ONE is a twelve-lesson follow-up and discipleship guide to help believers start right in their walk with God. Topics includes:

1. A New Start: Salvation
2. A New Master: Lordship
3. A New Direction: Repentance
4. A New Heart: Forgiveness
5. A New Standard: The Bible
6. A New Power: Prayer
7. A New Victory: Faith
8. A New Gift: The Holy Spirit
9. A New Life: Water Baptism
10. New Relationships: The Church
11. A New Mission: Evangelism
12. A New Enemy: Spritual Warfare

The idea is..."Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a NEW CREATION: The old has gone...the new has come." (II Corinthians 5:17)

These two books gives a great start on the NEW journey.

The section called A NEW MASTER: LORDSHIP is worth the price of admission form me.

"Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, BOTH...LORD AND CHRIST." (Acts 2:36)

"Lordship is one of the central messages of the Bible. Jesus is referred to as "LORD" ninety-two times in the book of Acts and 747 times in the whole New Testament, while being referred to as "SAVIOUR" only twice in Acts and twenty-four times in the New Testament. The Biblical emphasis is overwhelmingly on the concept of LORDSHIP. Lord means master, the one who calls the shots, the one who makes the decisions" (excerpt from Chapter 2)

Old Ruminatin' Readin' Rod...gives these two projects...5 moo-moos.

Love and Purple...One 2 One Kisses
Rodney "Chewing The Cud" Boyd