TOP TEN REASON WE HAVE BEEN TOGETHER FOR SO LONG

Hello Lovebirds. Gather 'round and I will tell you a story...a Love Story. Brenda and I have been together for 41 years...we have been married for 38 years (as of July 14, 2010). Many people want to know..."What is the reason that you two lovebirds have been together for so long."

Well...after pondering this question... I have come up with THE TOP TEN REASONS WE HAVE BEEN TOGETHER FOR SO LONG.

#10 I am a stud muffin. I was walking by a construction site once and they grabbed me and nailed me into a wall...and sheet rocked over me. To find me...they had to get one of those newfangled stud finders to located me.

#9 It helps to be married to a goddess.

#8 I keep her entertained with many witty, funny, hilarious jokes. She never gets tired of me commenting on the ARNO ROAD EXIT SIGN...by saying..."Don't go down that road...there ARE NO ROAD."

#7 Brenda has practiced the Ruth Graham method that Ruth used on Billy for many years. Brenda has never thought of the word DIVORCE. She has thought of MURDER a couple of times...but not DIVORCE. NOTE: I am the HEAD of the house...but she is the NECK...and the NECK turns the HEAD...anywhere she wants it to go. NOTE: I have learned the two magic words...YES DEAR.

#6 Brenda first saw me at a band practice of the old group I was part of called THE BLIND DISTORTION For 41 years...she has hung onto the hope that one day...I will be a rich rock star. Keep Hope Alive baby...

#5 We were destined to be. In the photo collage...the pictures of us talking on the phone was a sign. RODNEY: Hello...Brenda...can I come over to play? BRENDA: Sorry...I got to go to church. DAN BOGLE: Boyd...are you trying to date a missionary. NOTE: The real story is that I tried multiple times to call her...and she was always at church...and Dan did make that comment. My plan...go to church and get me some more BRENDA TIME. Little did I know that my Brenda time would turn into JESUS TIME.

#4 It helps when you marry a PRO-VERBS 31 WOMAN. Barnabas was known as the Son of Encouragement. Brenda has always been a Barnette to me...the Wife of Encouragement. Now matter what phase I was going through (the good, the bad, the ugly)...Brenda always encouraged me.

#3 They say that opposites attract. Years ago we did a personality test...and Brenda primary personality was one of a faithful Golden Retriever...and I was a fun loving Otter. Brenda: The Carpenters...Me: Resurrection Band (music to raise the dead)

#2 Phillip Stephen Boyd...21 of those 41 years...keeps a husband and wife on their toes. If for nothing else...we have to keep our heads together to figure out this raising a child thang.

AND THE NUMBER ONE REASON THAT BRENDA SUE BOYD AND RODNEY LEWIS BOYD HAVE BEEN TOGETHER FOR 41 YEARS (38 OF THAT MARRIED)....

JESUS IS LORD

Well...there ya have it. That's my story...and I am sticking to it.

Love Story Kisses

Rodney "I Am A Blessed Man" Boyd

D.B.R...HOAX OR FACT?

Greetings and salutation in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Grace, mercy, and peace from the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. In other words...Howdy Do.

Between 1969 and 1973...there was a group called Mason Profitt. This group were helping to forge a sound of music comprised of folk, country, rock and blues. It is said that they picked up where groups like the Byrds and Buffalo Springfield left off...and influenced groups like the Eagles and subsequent groups. At this time in our musical history people like Jackson Brown, Wayne Berry, The Eagles etc...were weaving colorful stories in their music.

After 5 albums The Talbot Brothers (Terry and John Michael)...the driving force of Mason Proffitt...left the band and began singing Christian music to reflect there deep faith in Jesus Christ.

Their album REBORN is a classic...again reflecting their faith. Terry and John recorded various solo projects throughout the years and then came together again to record THE PAINTER with the song Create In Me A Clean Heart (an accapella masterpiece).
John became a Monk and released multiple, multiple, multiple worship albums...Terry continued to release worship albums and teamed with Barry McGuire to record and tour.

You must be asking yourself..."Self...why is Rodney going on and on about the Talbot Brothers...and what does this have to do with the title of this Rambling...HOAX OR FACT?" Well...Self...I'm glad you asked. HE IS RISEN! This is not only a historical fact on the time-space continuum...but also the title of a song on John Michael Talbot's first solo project. Since April 4th 2010...we will be celebrating what is known as Easter (but really should be called Resurrection Day and not named after a fertility goddess whose egg fell in a river and rolled up on shore). Thank God that the blood of bulls, goats, turtle doves...and a cute fuzzy bunny rabbit was not crucified on the cross in place for my sins. Here is the song HE IS RISEN with a little Ruminator Commentary along the way.

HE IS RISEN (John Michael Talbot)

(Verse 1)
There's a Voice in the wind can you hear it? A Story echoes in the wind, can you hear it? It's an answer for prayer for peace come true...and it comes now from me to you...can you hear it?

NOTE: This story...extends as far back as God. The Old Testament echoes over and over again the story of Jesus...the Prince of Peace. From Genesis 3:15 where the prophecy of the conflict on the cross is first breathed...until the actual event the story reverberates throughout history. Can you hear it?



(Verse 2)

There was a Prophet in the land, do you remember? He said He was more than just a man, do you remember? He told of us a love that was so true...How it would last the ages through...do you remember?

NOTE: Jesus was a teacher, preacher, manifestation of God in the flesh, a prophet, the exact representation and radiance of God. Over and over and over again...He underscored that He was God In The Flesh...He was before Abraham...He was I AM. He expressed His love not necessarily by saying the words..."I love you."...but by demonstration. "He demonstrated His own love toward us...in that while we were YET sinners...Christ died for us." (Romans 5:8)

(Chorus)

Halle-lu, Halle-lu, He is LIVING...Halle-lu, Halle-lu...He is LIVING...Halle-lu, Halle-lu...He is LIVING

NOTE: Jesus was a historical figure...who was born a baby (by Virgin Birth)...grew up in the family of a carpenter...followed the Jewish customs...grew in wisdom and stature...and at 30 years old...ministered for 3 years teaching, proclaiming the Kingdom, and healing the sick. He was anointed with yoke breaking, burden lifting, oppression removing, healing power of the Holy Spirit and dynamic ability (Power/Dunamis)...and went about with this anointing doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil (little d)...for God was with Him. Jesus manifested...the will of God on earth as it was in Heaven...and destroyed the works of the devil.

(Verse 3)

But they took this Nazarene, can you hear them screamin'...they took this Man of Peace, in confusion they're screamin'...tearin' His clothes they stripped Him bare...They scourge His back 'til His skin did tear, hear them screamin'

NOTE: The passion of Christ was a bloody mess. They mocked Him, spit upon Him, tore His beard out with their hands, beat Him with a cat o nine tales (made up with bits of bone/metal), gave Him 39 lashes until the meat came off of His body...and then forced Him to carry His own means of death...the cross upon His back. You can almost hear the demons speak in their screams and see the hatred for the true Love.

(Verse 4)

And the hammer it did fall to the tree as they nailed Him...And the hammer it did fall to the tree as they nailed Him...In sorrow and pain His blood was shed, For peace He wore a crown of thorns on His head...as they're screamin'

NOTE: In Talbot's song...when he sang and the hammer it did fall...you hear a hard drum beat and the rap of a fist on a guitar...giving the somber sound of nails being driven through His hands...and his feet. He was CRUCIFIED...reserved for rabble rouser, political rebels, and thief's. He was crucified on the equivalent of a modern day electric chair...to die. He was placed between two thieves...one who mocked and the other who asked for mercy. They came to break His legs...but He was already dead...and they thrust a spear in His side...and a mixture of blood and water (fluid from around His heart)...flowed. Water and Blood...He died of a broken heart. The thing is...NOBODY...Jews or Gentile killed Jesus. We did not take His life from Him...He gave it willingly.



(Verse 5)

When they laid Him in His grave, thought it was over...When they laid Him ins His grave they thought themselves that much bolder...BUT when they turned and they looked...he was alive and well...come back from the dead, conquered the gates of hell..NOW HE IS RISEN...NOW HE IS RISEN.

(Chorus)

Halle-lu...Halle-lu...HE IS LIVING
Halle-lu...Halle-lu...HE IS LIVING
Halle-lu...Halle-lu...HE IS LIVING

WOW! As I am writing this Rambling...just coming off of the season of Lent...chills are going up and down my spine...when I realize what my Lord and Saviour did for me. He became the propitiation...the substitute...the satisfaction for my sins.

Do a cursory survey of graves of political leaders, religious leaders, movie stars, recording artists and you will come up with graves full of rotting flesh, corpses, bleached bones, dust to dust and ashes to ashes. The word OCCUPIED would be written on their tombs and graves. On Jesus' tomb...VACANCY is written. Check out Confucius's' grave...no confusion...Confucious bones...check out Buddah's tomb...Buddah Bones...check out Mohammed's grave...Islamic Koranic bones...George Washington's grave...bones, wig, wooden teeth. Elvis's shrine...bones that are ALL SHOOK UP. Even Napoleon's grave has bones-a-part.

But this thing called the HOAX OR FACT...is the birthplace of Christianity (followers as we know it). The tomb is empty...He is not there...He has risen...HE HAS RISEN INDEED.

Oh I know...I know...you can't force anyone to believe this stuff...but I do. I know that the Death, Burial, and Resurrection...D.B.R...nothing more...nothing less...is real in my life. I can't see the wind...or the air that I breath...but that does not stop me from breathing in deep and living...or feeling or seeing the effect of the blowing wind. So it is in my life...since 1970...when I first received Jesus...when I heard the truth...the Gospel...and faith came...and I believed in my heart...and I confessed with my heart and righteousness and salvation became alive in me... I am still standing in the Lord. If you believe this...finish this sentence/declaration and send it back to me...HE IS RISEN....

Love and Saved By Grace Kisses
Rodney "D.B.R...Nothing More...Nothing Less" Boyd (aka A Fool For Christ...tell me whose Fool you are)

THE OUTLAW

Greetings fellow Chewers of the Cud. The saga continues. In 1968...I was a sophomore at Central High School...hiding out in my room. In my room...I had everything I needed. I had a radio...a T.V...my guitar...books (comic and other). It was in this room that I watched the Elvis Christmas special...later renamed...the 68 Comeback Special. I had a few friends...but was more and more...staying in my room. As mentioned in previous Ramblings...Dan Bogle and Bruce Fortner rescued me from my room by enlisting me to play in a band...later known as THE BLIND DISTORTION. 1969 brought a relationship with Brenda...which led to a relationship with Jesus.

I played my last gig with the Blind Distortion at the Moose Lodge...and then quit playing guitar...because that's what I thought I was suppose to do. I thought I would be limited to listen to bad singers sing old songs. I did write one song...called THE JESUS SONG...that was a peppy little ditty about Jesus...but other than that...no music...UNTIL...Larry Norman. He wrote songs like...WHY SHOULD THE DEVIL HAVE ALL THE GOOD MUSIC...and THE ROCK THAT DOESN'T ROLL...READER'S DIGEST...WATCH WHAT YOU'RE DOING...and many others.

One song...that became a favorite about Jesus was called THE OUTLAW. Jesus to the Jesus Freaks...was considered to be outside the mainstream...religious...church world...an OUTLAW. Of course He was not on the level of those outside of the LAW...but he was the fulfillment of the LAW.

The song THE OUTLAW...was an ode to who or what people thought Jesus was...outlaw, poet, politician, sorcerer. The question finally leaves us with the question...WHO DO YOU SAY JESUS WAS? This is the question we all have to answer...sooner or later...either now on planet earth or before the Father. You answer determines your destiny.

As mentioned in C.S. Lewis' book MERE CHRISTIANITY...the choice does not include a great teacher or a prophet...those are not options. As Lewis writes... the choices are...Jesus is either...a LUNATIC...a LIAR...or who He said He was... LORD.

THE OUTLAW (Larry Norman from Only Visiting This Planet)

Some say He was an OUTLAW...that he roamed across the land
With a band of unschooled ruffians and a few old fishermen
No one knew just where he came from, or exactly what he'd done
But they said it must be something bad that kept him on the run


Some say he was a POET , that he'd stand upon the hill
That his voice could calm an angry crowd and make the waves stand still
That he spoke in many parables that few could understand
But the people sat for hours just to listen to this man

Some say a POLITICIAN who spoke of being free
He was followed by the masses on the shores of Galilee
He spoke out against corruption and he bowed to now decree
And they feared his strength and power so they nailed him to a tree

Some say he was a SORCERER, a man of mystery
He could walk upon the water, he could make a blind man see
That he conjured wine at weddings and did tricks with fish and bread
That he talked of being born again, and raised people from the dead

Some say He was the Son of God, a man above all men
That He came to be a servant and to set us free from sin
And that's who I believe he is cause that's what I believe
And I think we should get ready, cause it's time for us to leave

Well...great song...makes you think. People have their own image about who Jesus is. There is nothing new under the sun...that same question was posed to the disciples..."Now when Jesus came into the district of Ceaserea Philippi...He began ASKING His disciples, saying...'WHO DO PEOPLE SAY THAT THE SON OF MAN IS?" (Matthew 16:13)

They answered....(1) John the Baptist (2) Elijah (3) Jeremiah (4) one of the prophets. (Matthew 16:14)

Jesus then brings the point home..."BUT WHO DO YOU SAY THAT I AM?"
(Matthew 16:15)

At this point Peter stepped up to the plate and boldly declared..."THOU ART THE CHRIST, THE SON OF THE LIVING GOD." (Matthew 16:16)

Jesus response to Peter's perspective of who Jesus was..."Blessed are you Simon Barjona...because FLESH AND BLOOD did not REVEAL this to you...but MY FATHER WHO IS IN HEAVEN." (Matthew 16:17)

Jesus then contrasts Peter's strong revelation from the Father...with Peter's weak name...reflective of his character. "And I also say to you that you are...peter (petros...little stone)...and upon this ROCK (petra...massive rock) I will build my church...and the gates of Hades shall not overpower it (the church). (Matthew 16:18) The church will not be built on an earthly man...but will be built on the DIVINE REVELATION that JESUS (God is Salvation/Immanuel/God with Us) is the CHRIST/MESSIAH (anointed with yoke destroying, burden lifting, oppression removing, healing power of the Holy Spirit [Acts 10:39] )...the SON OF THE LIVING GOD (God in the flesh...in the beginning, with God...was God John 1:1). NOW THAT REVELATION IS THE ROCK THAT THE GATHERING OF THE SAINTS WILL BE BUILT ON...THE FOUNDATION OF THE APOSTLES REVELATION OF WHO HE IS...and who they are NOT. (Matthew 16:17)

Along with this revelation...there is not only the roots of the church...but authority of the church (not a building...but the people...who adhere to the revelation that Jesus is the Christ the Son of the Living God). "I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; and whatever you shall bind on earth shall have been bound in heaven , and whatever you shall loose on earth shall have been loosed in heaven." (Matthew 18:19)

FINAL THOUGHTS...FINALLY

Well we know who Larry Norman said Jesus was...and we know what other people of Jesus' day said He was...and we know what Peter's impression of who Jesus was...and we know who Jesus knew He was (notice He did not refute Peter's revelation but underscored the accuracy of the revelation)...we know who C.S. Lewis reasoned that Jesus was and was not...BUT...the question is NOT who other people say Jesus was...BUT...WHO DO YOU SAY JESUS WAS...AND MORE IMPORTANT...WHO HE IS NOW. Your answer will set the course of your destiny.

Love and Outlaw Kisses
Rodney "I Choose The Christ, the Son of the Living God" Boyd

NUFF SAID

Love and Nuff Said Kisses
Rodney "The Wordinator" Boyd

THE NAME DROPPER

Hello to everyone who has a NAME. Did I ever tell you that I once met Johnny Rivers (Secret Agent Man), Arte Johnson (of Laugh In fame), Sherry Lewis (along with Lamb Chop), Vincent Price (lecturing on gourmet cooking and art), Ray Peterson (Tell Laura I Love Her)...and oh yes..I met ELVIS PRESLEY at RCA Recording Studio back in 1967. I can tell you are impressed by all of the names that I have just DROPPED on you. My Pastor...Ronnie Meek is quick to tell you if you ask him, "Whatcha know?"...he will respond back, "It's not WHAT you know...It's WHO you know." Of course...he is talking about KNOWING JESUS that will make the difference.

As you look at the first picture...realize that if you know Rodney Boyd...you will be comforted. Not only me...but I am backed up by people who work for me in the comforting business...and I can back that up Biblically. In Psalm 23:4... it is stated...Thy ROD and Thy STAFF, the comfort me. Sorry...I dropped my own name...and it broke.

When Jesus' disciples asked the Master to teach them to pray...he responded with what we have termed...THE LORD'S PRAYER. He shows us how to direct our prayers to the One who can answer our prayers...and the location of the Prayer Answerer. Then He makes the declaration that..."Hallowed, revered, holy BE YOUR NAME.

Now a name...is our point of IDENTIFICATION...that we know who is who and what is what. When you say ELVIS...you are most likely going to think PRESLEY...or even COSTELLO. When you think RODNEY...depending on your experience...you will either think DANGERFIELD...KING...or possibly BOYD. You have an image in your minds...of looks, characteristics, character, memories (good, bad, or ugly). The NAME evokes something in us that either brings us comfort, pleasure, disgust, assurance, etc. Again...a name is the point of IDENTIFICATION...that we base our reactions, responses, our interaction with that NAMED INDIVIDUAL.

JABEZ...is a name that literally means PAIN... because of his mother's identification with the PAIN that she suffered with JABEZ in childbirth. As you read the Prayer of Jabez (that was an actual prayer before it was a best seller written by Bruce Wilkerson)...you see that JABEZ rose above his NAME...and was more favored/blessed than his brothers. (I Chronicles 4: 9,10)

Sometimes we are limited by our vocabulary...which limits our ability to express ourselves. When we take a NAME...and limit it to mean one thing...then we must come up with other names or words for our point of identification or need. GOD cannot be boxed in with ONE NAME.

There are MANY NAMES to describe the ONE GOD. It is not like Greek or Roman Mythology where you have MULTIPLE gods...but there are many facets to God's character...that appear to line up with our many facets of NEEDS.

In the Old Testament...God is referred to as JEHOVAH/YAWHEH. He revealed Himself to Moses as I AM. When Pharaoh asked who sent Moses...Moses was to declare that I AM has sent him. I AM...THAT I AM. There are what is known as the COMPOUND NAMES of God...that reveals the nature and character of God...where we can use as POINTS OF IDENTIFICATION for our needs.

For example...if you needed healing in your life...you would be able to call upon...JEHOVAH-RAPHA (The Lord That Heals). If you needed someone with a ROD and STAFF to COMFORT you...you would call upon JEHOVAH-RAAH (The Lord Is My Shepherd). If you need provision in your life (when the bill collector is breathing down your nose or there is a shift in your job status, etc)...you would need to be down on your needs praying to JEHOVAH-JIREH (The Lord Will Provide).

Remember...we are not praying to POLYTHEISTIC BEINGS...many gods
BUT we are praying to ONE GOD...with many aspects. If you needed healing...you would not pray for JEHOVAH-SIDKENU (the Lord my Righteousness)...because you need a touch from JEHOVAH-RAPHA (the Lord that HEALS).

NOTE: In your time of need...God is not waiting until you get the proper NAME in order...so He will know how to respond to your prayer. If you got down on your knees....and screamed out HEEELLLLLLLLP!!!!...He is a big enough God to know what you need. This Rambling is just to let you know...that God is not limited by one name...that we tag Him with. His nature, character, ability, overflows in to a multiplicity of points of identification for us. He is known as Elohim (the Creator), El Roi (the God who sees), El Shaddai (The All Sufficient One), Jehovah Y' shua (The Lord My Savior), Adonia (The Lord My Master), Jehovah-Nissi (The Lord My Banner, Jehovah Mekoddishkem (The Lord Who Sanctifies), Jehovah-Shalom (The Lord is Peace), and the bottom line name for me... is JEHOVAH-SHAMMAH (The Lord is THERE). Whatever you need... HE IS THERE.

Of course we know that the exact representation of the Father God and the Fathers will on earth as it is in heaven (check out the gospels and see Jesus as he manifests the will of God)... is His Son Jesus the Christ...the anointed one...anointed with yoke destroying, burden lifting, oppression removing power.
(See Acts 10:38; The 4 Gospels; Hebrews 1:1-4)

Remember...a NAME is merely something that we have attached to something to identify what it is to us. A name can be a PROPER NAME like Rodney...or a name can be a noun used to describe a person, place or THING. Any sickness or disease has a NAME attached to it. That name can bring much fear and consternation in our lives. Names are powerful...BUT...we have a NAME THAT IS ABOVE ALL NAMES....the name of Jesus. (Philippians 2:9-11)

JESUS' name is above the name of cancer. JESUS' name is above poverty. JESUS' name is above corporate logos. JESUS' name is above fear. JESUS' name is above schizophrenia. JESUS' name is above hopelessness about whatever situation you are in at the moment.

Our friend JABEZ...called on THE GOD OF ISRAEL...because he knew that this NAME could provide him the answer to his prayer request. Knowing this...JABEZ...prayed with expectancy:

1. Oh that Thou wouldst BLESS ME INDEED
2. ENLARGE my border/territory/realm of influence
3. That THY HAND would be WITH ME
4. That Thou woulds KEEP ME FROM HARM
5. That it may NOT PAIN ME

The cause and effect of this simple, straightforward prayer:

AND GOD GRANTED HIM WHAT HE REQUESTED.

PAIN knew the source of RELIEF...THE NAME OF GOD.

I encourage you to drop the name of God on the name of your need...and get ready for God to grant you what you request...as His Kingdom comes...His will be done...on EARTH...as it is in HEAVEN. As of last check...there was no sickness, disease, poverty, fear, anxiety, worry and tension in heaven. Lord...my Thy Will Be Done...IN YOUR NAME...AMEN!!!!!

NOTE: As I am going through STUFF...like you are going through STUFF...last night I was overwhelmed by the STUFF in my life. My pastor Ronnie Meek...heard from God...and had those who had STUFF in our lives to come down front...and had people who at that point in time were strong (sometimes I'm strong and I get to pray for those who will have weak moments). It was a great time of release. My brother Hal... came up to me later that night after our class...and encouraged me..to WRITE A RAMBLING TO MYSELF. Hal...this is it brother. Thanks.

Love and Namely Kisses
Rodney "Standing Strong In The Word" Boyd