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

TALK THRU THE BIBLE by Bruce Wilkenson and Kenneth Boa

Greetings and salutations ya'll...ready any good books lately.

Back in the 70's...Brenda and I attended a seminar called WALK THRU THE BIBLE. It was a weekend seminar...that took you through the Bible with and overview of the Old and New Testament with nifty little memory techniques that will help you recall the unfolding story of salvation.

I remember little things like how to remember where certain books of the Bible are located. For example...if you wanted to remember where the book of Hebrews is found...think about the preceding books that all begin with the letter /T/. The longer ones start off with the book of I Thessalonians, II Thessalonians, I Timothy,
II Timothy, Titus. What do you need with that /T/? Well...you need phi-LEMON. The question now is...what does God do with all of the /T/? Well...HE..BREWS it. To remember the Pauline Epistles of Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians and Colossians...take the first letter of each book and think about this....Gentile (Galatians) Eat (Ephesians) Pork (Philippians) Chops (Colossians). I know...it's silly...BUT...I still know where the books are found.

I first heard of Bruce Wilkenson from the monthly Walk Thru the Bible devotional guides... which lead to going to the Walk Thru the Bible Seminars. I also have Daily Devotion books called (1) Your Daily Walk [365 Daily Devotions to Read Through The Bible In a Year (2) Closer Walk [365 Daily Devotions That Nurture a Heart For God] (3) FamilyWalk [52 Weekly Devotions For Your Family].

NOTE: These are all Recommended Ruminator Reading...within the Recommended Ruminator Reading....more bang for your buck.

Of course...Mr. Wilkinson will probably be more familiar to you from THE BOOK OF JABEZ, SECRETS OF THE VINE, BEYOND JABEZ, EXPERIENCING A SPIRITUAL BREAKTHROUGH, SET APART, and THE DREAM GIVER..and his latest book...YOU WERE BORN FOR THIS (The Seven Keys To a Life of Predictable Miracles). NOTE: No...I do not get a cut of the sales of these books.

NOW...onto TALK THRU THE BIBLE.

I have read through the Bible many times...I have taught various overviews of books of the Bible...but I still find myself wondering about the common thread...the meaning of...the purpose of...the historicity of...the 66 books that are collected into the single volume that we called THE BIBLE. Wow...66 books on one shelf in the library. (See the first book review that we did on THE BIBLE).

Bruce Wilkenson and Kenneth Boa have put together a great resource tool for any Bible lover.
On the cover of my copy it says:

"A unique reference tool to help you easily understand each book of the Bible, its historical context, and its place in Scripture as a whole."

From the introduction of the book:

"The Bible is the greatest work of literature, history, and theology ever written. In its production, preservation, proclamation, and product (changed history, changed lives), it stands as the most unique book in existence. It is a unity out of a diversity of authors, time span, an literary forms. The Old and New Testaments smoothly blend to crate a bold sweep from eternity past to eternity future, from the heights of heaven to the depths of hell. In these sixty-six books we discover our past, understand our present, and attain hope for our future."

I find this book to be theologically challenging...and easy to read...not getting lost in ecclesiastical rhetoric. This is what they call..."BIBLE BASICS AT A GLANCE." Of course...you want to READ THE BIBLE...but this is a great companion to give you insight along the way.

This book has helpful charts, diagrams, and maps along with answering basic Bible questions. Have you not ever wondered..."Who came first...Hezekiah or Samuel?" "What is the purpose of the book of Hebrews?" "Why is the Song of Solomon in the Bible?"

Some of the talking points they give for reading TALK THRU THE BIBLE includes finding:

--The meaning of its name
--Who wrote it
--The date and setting
--The theme and purpose
--It's key words, verses, and chapters
--How Christ is presented (even in the Old Testament)
--It's contribution to the Bible as a whole
--A broad summary of the events and highlights it records
--A detailed outline of the book

"Talk Thru The Bible is a Bible survey designed to give you a quick, clear overview of Scripture. Great for students, teachers, and pastors."

When I am studying the Bible I like to view it from many points of view. I like the INDUCTIVE METHOD as you read a passage and ask the who, what, when, where, why and how questions. Usually...the Bible serves as it's own commentary...but Talk Thru The Bible is a great helper... called along side to help...understand what you are reading.

I give this book 5 BIG moo-moos. I went on Ebay and there are a few copies there for the bidding.

Love and Talking Thru Kisses
Rodney "Talking and Walking...Mooing and Chewing" Boyd

NEVER QUIT by Edwin Louis Cole

Hello Quitters..."Quitters never win and winners never quit." (Unknown). Have you ever thought about quitting...giving up...running away...letting life just happen...Que Sera Sera...whatever will be will be? Hey...me too.

NOTE: There is a time when quitting is good. That would be where you quit doing your own thing and start doing things God's way. When you say yes to God and no to your flesh.

The latest Recommended Ruminator Reading Review is a book by the author of MAXIMIZED MANHOOD...Edwin Louis Cole. Maximized Manhood is another great book about how to deal with stuff that is common to man...the flesh. The quote from Ben Kinchlow on M.M. is worth the cost of the book..."Being a MALE is a matter of birth...being a MAN is a matter of choice."

NEVER QUIT...is a book not necessarily about not quitting... but a book about how to quit properly. It is a book about NEVER QUITTING...TRUSTING GOD. "Winners are NOT those who NEVER FAIL but those who NEVER QUIT." (Edwin Louise Cole)

This book is a combination of three booklets that Mr. Cole had printed...with some added information to tie them together. Those booklets are:

1. Facing the Challenge of Crisis and Change

2. When Life is Just Too Tough

3. Entering and Leaving Crisis and Change

The third booklet is the one that caught my attention a few years ago...and I had lost the booklet...and was delighted when I found this book at McKay's Bookstore (my favorite used bookstore).

The back cover has some great insights to draw you into this book. "If you ever wanted to quit, READ THIS FIRST." "Stress, Change, Crisis! Everyone know what it's like. Everyone has been tempted to walk away, forget it, give up." Crisis is normal to life....but God has a way for you to become a winner in every situation."

Continuing on with the back cover..."Facing the challenge of job loss, mid-life crisis, troubled marriage, moving, financial difficulties and general stress can become the fuel that propels you to your greatest victories and success!"

In this book you will find: (1) What to do in crisis (2) Ten steps to leave the old and enter the new (3) How to transform crisis into overwhelming success (4) What is your part, what is God's part. "When life is just TOO TOUGH...GOD'S FAITHFULNESS IS TOUGHER. Even if you're tempted to QUIT...YOU CAN MAKE IT THROUGH !

"No temptation has overtaken you except such as is COMMON to man; but GOD IS FAITHFUL, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but WITH THE TEMPTATION will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to BEAR IT. Therefore (because of what was just said) my beloved...FLEE IDOLATRY."

(I Corinthians. 10:13-14)

NOTE: Although we are reviewing NEVER QUIT... the book MAXIMIZED MANHOOD is a great companion book to read also.

"You are either in crisis, or about to be faced with one." (Anonymous) "Such is the normal ebb and flow of life." (Edwin Louis Cole).

For me there are three central themes to NEVER QUIT...(1) Crisis is common, normal to life (2) How you leave a crisis situation...will determine how you will leave your current situation. (3) God never fails, quits, ends anything on a negative, GOD IS FAITHFUL (even when we are not).

Well...that is it...go out and find a copy...and NEVER QUIT.

I give this a 5 moo-moos out of 5 moo-moos.

Love and Never Quitting Kisses

Rodney "God Is Faithful" Boyd

THE BOOK OF SPAM

Hello fellow Mooers and Chewers on the Cud of the Word of God.

This Recommended Ruminator Reading is brought to you (unofficially) by SPAM...the unofficial canned meat of the Ruminator Sunday School Class.

I started talking about Spam and my love for Spam...as a joke...that has turned into a running gag in class. Periodically...when someone says something that is interesting, poignant, thought provoking...I will deem it as SPAM WORTHY...and pass out a can of SPAM...if I have one laying around in my bag. Spam...a delightful blend of spices and ham...the unofficial canned meat of the Ruminator Sunday School Class. Spam has even made it into the food that Chris and Tammy has brought in for the class. In reality...I eat Spam every three to four years...fried to a crisp.

When I was looking around McKay's bookstore in Nashville...I came across a book called THE BOOK OF SPAM: A Most Glorious and Definitive Compendium of the World's Favorite Canned Meat. The book is by Dan Armstrong and Dustin Black published by ATRIA Books.

"Reading The Book of Spam is like getting a Ph.D in Canned Meat! (Or at lest a Master's in Awesomeness.)

This book is chock full of vital information...of the most trivial kind...that will give you hours of pleasure. I personally find that this is the perfect book to place in your bathroom library...to read in snippets...as you meditate in the privacy of your personal space.

This is no cheap book thrown together on cheap paper and fuzzy photographs. It is a top notch production with full color photos, time lines, historical facts, and just plain fun stuff.

Not only does this book touch on the history of Spam...but the history of cans and canned meats from ancient times...World War II...Old Time Radio
Monty Python's SPAMALOT Broaway musical ripped off form Monty Python and the Holy Grail, and the history of Spam advertising...and much, much more.

I listen to a lot of Old Time Radio... and heard a Spam Commercial on the George Burns and Gracie Allen Show.

"The first radio jingle for SPAM is also argued to be the first radio jingle ever!" I also heard this on The Burns and Allen Show (at that time the hottest show on radio)...on Old Time Radio. It went a little something like this: " Spam, Spam, Spam, Spam...Hormel's new MIRACLE MEAT IN A CAN...Saves time, tastes fine...to eat something grand...ask for SPAM." George and Gracie even had a pet pig named SPAMMY...."Totally cute...Totally delicious."

Of course we can't overlook the HAWAII SPAM CONNECTION. When Brenda and I went to Hawaii (for our 25th Wedding Anniversary)...we stopped in to McDonalds for a quick bite...and the salads...had Spam and Pineapple on it. "Introduced to the islands during WWII, SPAM quickly became a part of Hawaiian society. Every self-respecting Hawaiian eats it. They say that SPAM is "ono" That means GOOD."

There is even a SPAM MUSEUM at 1937 Spam Boulevard, Austin, Minnesota.

For more information...check out www.spam.com


Well...that's about it. I would give this book...5 moo moos.

Love and Spammy Kisses
Rodney "A Delightful Blend of Spices and Ham" Boyd

A NEW SONG by PAT BOONE

Greetings and Saluatations O Ye Book Worms...welcome to the 2nd Recommended Ruminator Reading post. Of course the first one was about the Book of All Books...that contained 66 Books...The Bible.

This time...we will be reviewing a book by a guy named Charles Eugene Boone...aka Pat Boone.

NOTE: The Ruminatin' Rod's Record Review will be a Pat Boone record also...called Songs From The Inner Court.

Charles...I mean Pat...has been a long time favorite of mine. I love his music...I love his movies...I love his books. Pat was a two time winner of the Ted Mack Amateur Hour... was on the Arthur Godfrey Show...has sold more than 30,000,000 million records....had his own TV show successful movies. He graduated magna cum laude from Columbia University...and was a Church of Christ minister.

His book... A NEW SONG...chronicles how all of his success, money, fame, fortune, religion...did NOT bring him true happiness. He had married Red Foley's daughter Shirley, had four beautiful girls...lived in Hollywood mansions...but this boy from Donelson Tennesee, son to Margaret and Archie Boone...was smiling on the outside but crying on the inside. According to the jacket notes on his book..."His marriage was on the rocks, financial ruin was near, and his career almost shipwrecked--then he discovered A NEW SONG."

NOTE: I have had a couple of encounters with Mr. Boone...(1) I use to see him at a hospital I worked at...and had a couple of times to express to him my appreciation...not only for his singing and movies...but for the impact that his book A NEW SONG had on my life. I was also able to talk with his mother and father, Margaret and Archie Boone also (at the hospital and at various Full Gospel Business Men's Fellowship International (FGBMFI) meetings. (2) I got to see him in a concert at the Centennial Park Bandshell with big band and get his autograph afterwards. I yelled out a request for the song July You're A Woman...and he had responded back...Oh...you're the one who bought a copy.

NOTE: These next two pictures of Randy Stonehill (Born Twice) and Larry Norman (Street Level) are album covers that they recorded...during what was know as the Jesus movement. They were funded by a gift from Pat Boone who gave them $2500.o0. Pat was always on the cutting edge when it came to "Jesus People." As a matter of fact...on Pat's album...PAT BOONE SINGS THE SONGS OF THE JESUS PEOPLE...you hear Pat singing at a concert...making the statement about people asking about the Jesus Movement...that it was simply..."Jesus...moving among people."

Pat also founded Lamb and Lion Records for an outlet for young artist to record their music for Jesus...including himself, Dogwood, DeGarmo and Key, and many more. BUT... this is a book review so back to A NEW SONG.

The first chapter of A NEW SONG was HIGH ADVENTURE..and opens up with Pat and Harald Bredesen..."a black shirted and white collered" minister friend...as they go up in coldwater Canyon area. They began to jog...and pray. As the walked, talked, and prayed...Pat began to sense something that he had never experienced in his life. "Never before had I sensed the earness of God as I did now. Never before had I prayed as I was now praying." Pat was experiencing an encounter with the Holy Spirit...and encounter that would change his life, his wife's life (she had already had the experience), his children's life, many of his fan's lives...and FOR MY LIFE.

Pat's parents...and Pat and his family were in a church that preached against the things that Pat had been experiencing because (1) gifts of the Spirit were only for the establishment of the church (2) these things past away with the last apostle passing away (3) these things past away because the Bible was in it's "final form" and no need for God to speak or move since we have his thought already. Pat was excommunicated from his church for his beliefs...and his mother and father...searched the Bible through so that they could show him in the Scriptures how he was wrong about the Holy Spirit, the gifts of the Spirit, miracles, healings, speaking in tongues...BUT...could not find their "proof text"...and ended up having the same experiences...and also were excommunicated.

Well....this book was released in August of 1970... about the same time the Lord was speaking to me about my relationship...or lack of relationship with Him. Brenda led me to the Lord in the Fall of 1970 by January of 1970 I was in Bible School in Chattanooga and by 1972 I had dropped out of Bible School and back in Murfreesboro...about to get married in July of 1972. I still loved the Lord... but something seemed to be missing. I had the salvation part...I was reading and hungry for his word....but I was not happy....I was getting more discouraged and miserable.

Two things happened that lead me to an overflowing experience with the Holy Spirit. (1) I found a copy of the book in the Bible School bookstore... THE CROSS AND THE SWITCHBLADE by David Wilkerson (Pat played David later in the movie by the same name). What was odd...this particular school did not believe in what was being written about in the book. Chapter 28 in that book started out with the question...
"What is the baptism in the Holy Spirit?"I went to my roommate an ex-marine drill Sergeant and asked him about this book, and his response was..."Well...Nicky Cruz, David Wilkerson and his work with the gangs in New York was good...but you better watch out for those tongues." The book was about how God was changing drug addicts, prostitutes, gang members and delivering them and keeping them free for years...by the power of the Holy Spirit.

NOTE: I had experienced a taste of this experience in the prayer tower next to my dorm in Chattanooga...as I was praying for peoples needs and this overwhelming presence engulfed me and I initially prayed with utterings and groanings I could not understand. I immediately stopped it...because of my conversation with Monk.

(2) When I went home in Murfreesboro....the Jesus Movement was in full force...people were getting saved...revivals in churches were going on for weeks at a time...people who were considered unsaveable were getting saved. At the same time...I was working at a factory...and ran into a man named Vance Akin III who introduced me to the teachings of Derek Prince, FGBMFI, and the baptism of the Holy Spirit. I went into a local Christian bookstore, ran by the same denominational beliefs that Pat was excommunicate from...and where I grew up all my life...and I was looking around...and in their bargain bin of discarded books was a copy of A NEW SONG BY PAT BOONE...for fifty cents.

It was like the perfect storm for me...and as a result...I soon had experienced the same encounter (but individually different) as Pat Boone, David Wilkerson, Nicky Cruz, Derek Prince, Vance Akin...and many many more were experience. Rivers of Living water were flowing from my innermost being...the Word became alive to me even more that it had been, and I began praying differently and expecting different results from my prayers.

Well..I guess this is a book review...as much as a testimony...but I would recommend anyone who is seeking more in their walk with the Lord to read this book. It will point you to many Scriptures...so read it with your Bible next to you...and see what God has for you.

I give this book 5 moo-moos.

NOTE: Be sure to go read Ruminatin' Rod's Record Review of Pat's SONGS FROM THE INNER COURT.

Love and April Love Kisses
Rodney "Yes Lord" Boyd

THE BIBLE: Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth

Howdy Do...how are you?

Welcome to the first...RECOMMENDED RUMINATOR READING. As we continue to tweak the new website...we are adding a few things like the RUMINATIN' ROD RECORD REVIEW... and this review of various books that catch my interest.

I thought it would be appropriate...to start of the RECOMMENDED READING with the BOOK OF ALL BOOKS...the BIBLE.

Of course...the Bible...is not just one book...but a collection of 66 books (1) written over a 1,500 year span (2) written over 40 generations (3) written by over 40 authors from every walk of life including kings, peasants, philosophers, fishermen, poets, statesmen, scholars, etc. (4) written from prisons, wildernesses, dungeons, hillside, palaces, prsion walls, on islands (5) written during times of war and times of peace. (6) written on three continents (7) written in three languages (Thanks and A Tip O Dat Hat to Josh McDowell and Evidence That Demands A Verdict for the above information). NOTE: Another recommended book would be Evidence That Demands a Verdict by Josh McDowell.

The first picture that you see...is the first Bible that I purchased when I became a Christian in the fall of 1970...The Scofield Reference Bible. This is the one I cut my baby teeth on...look closely and you will see the teeth marks...and where I developed a love for the Word of God.
In the Ruminator Sunday School Class...where these next three pictures were taken...we have a passion for THE BIBLE. We study this collection of books... with an expectation for God to reveal Himself to us. It is called the WORD of God...and a word...is the EXPRESSION of a thought. It is spoken, written, revealed thoughts from one source to another. The Bible is the expression of God's thoughts...thoughts for us.

Oh there are many attacks on the validity of this expression of the Heartbeat of God...usually by people who are to intelligent for their on good...unlike us who believe this Book...as a revelation from the Creator of the Universe.

"For the WORD OF GOD is living and powerful/active...and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart."
(Hebrews 4:12)


It is beyond of the scope of this review to do anything but scratch the surface of this book...just to say...that:

"All Scripture is givne by inspiration (God breathed) and profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction/teaching in righteousness, that the man (wo-man, hu-man) may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work." (II Timothy 3:16-17)

One of the best reviews of this book...is found within the book...in the Book of Pslams...chapter 119.

"How can a young man keep his way pure...by keeping it according to THY WORD...THY WORD have I hid (treasured/guarded) in my heart...that I might not sin against thee." (Psalm 119:9,11)

The entire Psalm 119...aka the Longest Chapter in the Bible...is just filled with exhortations about the Word.



NOTE: The third picture shows someone who is hungry for the food on the table...and hungry for THE WORD. You go for it Carlita.

The Ruminator Sunday School class is built on a verse that we once studied in THE TOPICAL MEMORY SYSTERM...Joshua 1:8

"This book of the law (the Word) shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate (ruminate) on it (The Word) day and night...so that you might be careful to do according to all that is written in it (the Word) for then you will make your way prosperous and then you will have good success." (Joshau 1:8)

The gawgeous Mrs. Hart...and her equally as gawgeous Mrs. Snavely checking out the Word... to see if these things are so. NOTE: Never take a teachers word about the Word...always check it out for yourself...then the ultimate Teacher..the Holy Spirit will teach you.

We have found...and I for myself have found that true prosperity (having enough to meet my needs...not my greeds...and an overflow to help others) and true success (accomplishing the purposes of God in my life) are directly linked to my relationship with THE WORD OF GOD.

Let the others poo-poo THE WORD...let others mock it as just another book...let the others bring it down to the level of other writings...as for me...this thing called the Word of God... changed...and continues to change my life.

Years ago...I had my Bible (New American Standard Bible) covered in leather...and had it handtooled with this inscription...MANUFACTURERS HANDBOOK. If ya want to figure out how this life works...go to the one who created it.

Well...that's it for this first Bood review. I give it 5 out of 5...plus another 5 moo-moos.

Love and Reviewed Kisses
Rodney "Love The Word Of God" Boyd