Just Us Two

I was fortunate to be born to a middle class family that loved one another—an intact family with a father that was hard working; making a modest living.  He worked many hours to support his family and provide the necessities of life.  There was money to pay bills, buy food and clothing, but little left to spend on, in the words of a child, “The finer things in life”—store bought toys. 

Most of my toys were handmade or hand-me-downs, in that I was the last of four children.  My gun was the index and middle finger extended for those fun times when I played cowboys and Indians, or cops and robbers.  I was the one on the block that always borrowed the other kid’s toys.  I’m not complaining, because Dad did the best he could for us.

There were two boys and two girls in our family.  Our brother was the oldest—thirteen years my senior.  He married at a young age of eighteen and moved out to set up house keeping with his new wife that was fifteen-and-a-half years old.  They lived in a small cottage by the railroad tracks in Martinez, California.

I remember going with my parents to visit them on occasion.  I stood on the porch and listened to the sounds of spinning wheels of a locomotive losing traction as it began to pull its heavy load of train cars, while blowing the warning whistle that echoed off the hills in the distance.  I wondered how my brother could sleep with all the commotion and noise going on all night. 

One day when we were there, my brother took me by the hand and led me outside.  The sun was just setting and a cold breeze was blowing in from the bay.  I’m surprised that Mom and Dad allowed him to take me out-of-doors, because they always kept me inside, out of the night air.  I had allergies and an asthmatic condition.  To this day I believe that my brother snuck me out without them knowing. 

He told me that he wanted to make something that every boy should have.  I was excited!  I didn’t know what it could be, but my big brother was taking time with me, and I loved it.  He said it was for shooting big game like:  bear-cans and deer-bottles.  What could it be?  The suspense was killing me. 

He pointed to the tree in his back yard that had lost its leaves.  “What’s so great about that?” I thought to myself.  “What does it have to do with anything?  Were we going to climb it?”  I pondered.  No, but my brother did; taking with him a handsaw as he shinnied up the trunk. 

I watched intently as he looked at one branch and then another.  I heard him say, “This one will do.”  He cut through it very quickly and let it fall to the ground.  He followed, picked it up, and cut it into the form of a “Y”.  “What are you making?” I asked.  “Just watch.” he said, as he stripped off the bark.  He then took out his pocketknife and cut little notches around the full perimeter of the two upper portions, about one half-inch wide.

He put his hand on my shoulder and took me back inside.  We went into his bedroom and found an old, leather shoe that he didn’t wear anymore.  I stared in wonder as he cut the tongue out of it.  He shaped the tongue just right and then put a hole at opposing ends. 

I followed him into the garage where he removed the inner tube from a bicycle tire that was lying over in the corner.  He cut two; twelve-inch strips from it; one half-inch wide, and picked up a roll of string from a shelf.

He proceeded to tie the ends of the rubber strips around the upper portions of the branch and pulled the other two ends through the holes that he had made in the shoe tongue.  He tied off all the ends very carefully with the string. 

It wasn’t until he picked up a smooth, round stone off the ground, placed it in the leather tongue, pulled it back towards his face and then let go, that I learned what a wonderful contraption that he had made for me.  I would give anything to have that slingshot today.  Thanks big brother; I’ll never forget that night.

He recently went on to his reward in heaven after a battle with cancer.  I shared my writings with him when he was living, via e-mails; the above was one of those writings.  I’m glad that I wrote and sent it his way before he passed; just to say thanks for being my brother.

I believe with all of my heart that my writings had a positive influence on his life.  Toward the end of his days he talked about Jesus and the things of God more than ever before.  His attitude toward God had softened, whereas, before his heart was hard like stone. 

Rather than being hardened toward God as he had been for many years, his attitude and outlook on life changed.  He listened as I shared about the goodness of God and the love that He had for him.  I believe the Bible scriptures that I incorporated in my writings softened him, as they found lodging in his heart as he read each one.

(Isaiah 55:11), “So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; it shall not return to Me void, but it shall accomplish what I please, and it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.”

I saw wonderful changes in the last few months that he lived—kindness, love, and calmness of spirit.  We became quite close.  When we got together it was just us two and the Lord.  I believe that the common bound between us was not blood alone; it was Jesus.  I could talk about the Lord without him taking offense, or becoming defensive. 

(Ezekiel 36:26-27) “I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will take the heart of stone out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh.”  vs.27 “I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes, and you will keep My judgments and do them.”

He loved God at the end and is with Him in heaven.  I miss you big brother!

In that God is speaking to your heart now that you have read these few words; go beyond what you think is reasonable and right when dealing with someone that is away from the Lord.  You may be the only voice that they hear and listen to. 

Go the extra mile in love, while there is yet time.  You have the Words of Life within you—share them.  To be instrumental in a soul coming to Jesus makes His dying for them not in vain.  People need to hear the Good News that Jesus Christ loves them and gave His life on a cross for the remission of sin.  Take someone with you to heaven.

Written by,

Papa Boyd



God—Yes or No

Do we believe or disbelieve in the existence of God?  Is there any tangible evidence that can establish pertinent conformation as to His presence?  Read (Genesis 1 & 2) in the Bible. 

One cannot witness the miraculous birth of a baby without realizing that there is a higher power of creativity at work.  The radiance and splendor of the Milky Way, northern lights, and other celestial bodies in the firmament speak of an incredible designer builder—the creator; God.

As we gaze into the vastness of outer space and all of its grandeur, with the finest, most powerful telescopes, we are reminded of how inept humanity truly is; having the intelligence of a flea in comparison to the intelligence of the creator. 

Mankind is taken-a-back when they think that this spec of life called human, insignificant creatures that we are, could ever hope to commune with God who is awe-inspiring and infinitely beyond mortal, finite man, in all things.  How could holiness look upon the human race and desire to fellowship with us?  I stand amazed to think that He does.

Looking at the magnificence of God’s handiwork, we wonder if God is, and if so, how could He possibly know me in a personal way like the Bible says that He does?  Be assured, He even knows the number of hairs on our head.

The splendor and awesomeness of a sunset, serving as the backdrop behind graceful, rolling hills shout the grandness of God’s perfection.  As the ocean’s waves toss and roll with sea billows blowing over the surface, reveal God’s omnipotent power.  A rainbow adorned in its spectrum of colors, and flowers that are touched by the morning dew, which grow along the shoreline of a babbling brook; and butterflies as they spread their frail, yet beautiful wings that rise gracefully upon the breath of God; all speak of the wonder of His presence.

To suckle a new born baby and feel the warmth of its body against your own, say, “God is alive!”  The God of no beginning and no ending, who has always been, shows Himself through His creation to those with open eyes that are looking for His appearing.  God created everything for our enjoyment and ourselves for His pleasure, to walk and talk with in the cool of the evening.

The towering, majestic mountains shrouded in snow caps that glisten in the sun, with meadows of wild flowers blooming against the horizon of a power blue sky, say, “God lives!”  The fish in the sea, the foul in the air, the four legged beasts in the field, say, “Almighty Creator!”  Thunder crashing, lightning flashing, winds howling, earth rumbling, say, “See and believe; hear and know; God lives!”

God exists even though Madeline Murray, an atheist, said otherwise when she was living.  Sadly, it is too late for this misguided, unbeliever to make things right with God.  I am sure that she knows now that there is a God, wherever she may be. 

Do you doubt God’s existence?  Place your hand over your heart and feel the perfect rhythm as it keeps time with God’s time clock.  He speaks life with every single beat.  Do we have a twin somewhere in the world?  There is no other person anywhere that looks exactly like you or me.  How can this be?  It is God! 

No person’s finger prints are alike.  Is this amazing, because of God, or just coincidence?  Every snow flake that falls with its own unique shape and design tells of God’s attention to detail and beauty. 

Are these all happenstance, or a master designer and creator at work?  Was it the “Big Bang” theory, or God?  God was, is, and will be in control no matter what we think or believe. God reveals Himself through nature to those that seek to know Him. 

In God we live, not by our own means and strength lest any man should boast.  Shamefully, we are a prideful people, selfishly exalted in ourselves, haughty, and self-absorbed, yet God loves us. 

We should live to please the Lord.  He breathed life into our mortal bodies at conception and provides all needs to sustain our existence.  He is life and much, much more.  He is the true and living God—God Supreme.  He is the I Am, who is present everywhere, yet resides in my heart.  “I believe!”

Written by,

Papa Boyd

Does God Really Care

In the beginning God spoke into existence the heavens and the earth and created all living creatures.  At the end of six days of work God saw everything that He had made, and indeed it was very good.  On the seventh day God rested and blessed that day and sanctified it.  (Genesis 1:1-31)

For the lack and want of other more refined, explicit words, the following words will have to suffice when relating to creation: awesome, amazing, perfect, and miracle.  Seven letters make up each word—God’s perfect number. 

Two other words having the same numerical perfection are newborn and parents, which express the creativity of God via humanity.  God thought it good to bring forth perfection through the miracle of conception, using man and woman. 

Amazing as it is, God chose imperfect people to bring excellence and purity into His perfectly formed world to replenish the earth with creatures of innocence made in God’s likeness.

To try and understand the depth of God’s love, who is the very essence of love, is like trying to understand creation, people, or calculus—and we know how difficult that is.  Finding a needle in a haystack would be an easier task than trying to comprehend how much God really cares for mankind.

As an example, visualize the experience of watching the miracle of birth—a baby being born.  Consider the awesomeness of the moment—the love experienced—the tenderness of touching new, soft skin—the sound of a first cry—the beauty of their little face, and magnificence of tiny fingers and toes.  It is an incredible, indescribable wonder and marvel of God. 

The depth of mankind’s commitment to parenthood can be measured by the joy that comes when two people have created a living being.  We try to understand, as parents, the enormous responsibility, dedication, and commitment that we must provide for our child, which boggles the mind. 

Reality at the moment of birth struggles to find lodging in awestruck minds, because emotions are soaring high; as high as eagles fly—it’s a new life; a gift from God; and you and your mate are responsible!

The degree of God’s commitment to humanity never wavers, nor does it falter.  He is an ever giving Father.  The depth of God’s love is immeasurable and limitless, and the breadth is inexhaustible and boundless.  God wants us to experience His love.

God saw that it was good that we love our own creations and be committed to them.  In order to bring it closer to home, these two questions can be asked.  “Is God’s commitment to us deeper than our commitment to our newborn baby?” and “How much greater love does God have for us than we have for our own child?” 

The answer is simple.  The single word is, infinitely.  He loves us to the deepest depths of His love—to the point of giving His only Son to die on a cross for our sins.

(John 3:16), “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.”

(John 15:13), “Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.”

So when we look into the face of our newborn child for the first time and experience ecstasy; in comparison to God’s love, our love is like a single grain of sand on a sun kissed beach in Hawaii, or the twinkle of a single star in the heavens. 

When God looks at us, He loves without limitation, because His love is without end.  Our love, though deeply felt, is with limitations.  There is no love on earth that compares to the agape love that God has for his children.  He is committed to His own—for eternity. 

If a time comes that doubt fills your heart, and you begin to wonder if God really cares for you, take a moment to remember your emotions at the birth of your child and realize that God loves you every moment of every day of your life, without ceasing.  He cares about the infinitesimal areas that involve His children.

(Matthew 7:7-11), “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.”  vs.8 “For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened.”  vs.9 “Or what man is there among you who, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone?”  vs.10 “Or if he asks for a fish, will he give him a serpent?”  vs.11 “If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him?”

In that the Bible says that God will give you the desires of your heart, you need only to be patient, because His very best is just around the corner.  Expect a miracle.

(1 Peter 5:6-7), “Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time,” vs.7 “casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.”

Written by,

Papa Boyd

Dream or Reality

We live in a present world of our own making.  We pillow our head at night, exhausted, because of the mental strain from pressures around us.  The compromises created for ourselves cause us to fall prey to fatigue not only at work, but home as well.  It is a relentless, never ceasing demand to perform.  Life becomes a mental whirlwind of hurry up, rush here, and dash there.

When a vacation to a popular resort avails itself, we often take our laptop computer, cell phone, and palm pilot to remind us of those all-important calls that must be made, leaving little time to stop and smell the roses, or to just kick back and refresh oneself.  Looking inward at our own psyche to examine and understand what the inner thoughts might be saying doesn’t happen. 

If we are not careful, failure to allow needed time for our mind to unwind and regenerate itself can easily ensue.  Future dreams and goals can not be nurtured in quietness, therefore, dreams evade us.  

The Bible has several documented incidents concerning dreams; the understanding of dreams; and how they impacted not only individuals, but nations.  The interpretations of dreams were earnestly sought after, because of strong beliefs that they were doors to the inner psyche of individuals and to the unseen, spiritual world around them.  They believed that dreams provided insight to now and future events. 

People of that day valued the understanding of dreams, not like the inhabitants of our present world.  They took whatever time needed to search out someone that could provide the interpretation, in a relaxed environment.

Many people today view rest and relaxation as a waste of time.  “Get it done at any cost” is the driving force that motivates success, thus, becoming the norm for society.  The person that runs out of hours at the end of the day is the same individual that believes they are the deciding factor for success, and the only means to an end.  Nothing else matters, and no one can do it better than they.  Their thought process goes something like this:  “Who has the time to dwell on foolish dreams, let alone seeking out someone for the interpretation?”  In their opinion, the ramifications of rest and relaxation are deemed unsuccessful and fruitless.

Another group of people are those that look at “play” as their number one goal in life.  The time wasted attempting to decipher a dream that they had the night before is time taken away from their quest for pleasure.  “Who has time for this kind of nonsense?” they question.  They could care less about that mumbo-jumbo.  Dreams don’t interest them, but having fun does.  

As I pen these words, my spirit is uneasy.  The burning sensation in my stomach tells me that there are issues that I must deal with.  My only reserve is not knowing how this writing will be received by the person I am troubled about when he reads it.

God placed a young man in my life that I feel a kindred spirit toward.  I am genuinely concerned for his well-being and future.  It’s not by chance that our paths crossed a few years back when he was pulling wire as an electrician, working in the same city that I work for. 

A host of events took place that directed our paths in such a way that he is now employed by the same city as me.  We share the same office, and he sits at the desk next to mine. 

Before I retire and we part company, I pray that I can be a positive influence on him.  I trust that opportunities will present themselves, whereby, I am able to share thoughts of a positive nature and perhaps touch his life in a helpful way.  I am sure he will touch mine. 

God knows his name, station in life, and cares for him deeply.  God wants to share important things that will revolutionize his life.  I believe for this purpose God orchestrated our meeting earlier, to bring him to the same department that I’m in.  The future holds all of the reasons why.  I’m looking forward to finding out what they are.

I took an instant liking to this fellow the moment I met him.  His charismatic, likeable, and sure of himself personality impressed me.  He’s just that kind of guy.  He has an, “If I can’t do it, it can’t be done,” attitude.  He reminds me of myself when I was much younger;  raising a family; doing what was needed to earn a buck; and stretching it as far as I could to make ends meet.  I endeavored to keep ends tucked in, but found they were becoming frayed and unmanageable at times.   

From the moment we met, to the present, I believe that circumstances directed his path to me.  I call him Kid and he calls me Papa Boyd.  I’m Twenty-Two years his senior.  I like him and he likes me.  What could be nicer?  We have a mutual respect for one another. 

He’s my friend and I’m his, although, it’s not a friendship where we spend a lot of time at each other’s house barbequing, or going fishing, which is the one thing he loves to do best.  We are just buddies, and that’s okay.  He’s a friend that I want to see happy on the inside, although he puts on a “happy go lucky” aura on the outside. 

There is a common bond between us that allows me to relate to him a little deeper than most of the other personnel in our office.  He recently lost someone dear to him.  She was only Fifty-Eight years old at her passing—his mother. 

I felt his pain and sorrow.  Empathy gripped my heart, because I too lost my mom at the same age.  My desire was to comfort him; throw my arms of compassion around his neck; and just hold him tightly.  But I didn’t; I wish now I would have. 

One morning, while drinking our first cup of coffee together, my friend shared a bizarre and confounding dream with me that he had the night before.  After he told me the contents of the dream, including drawings and diagrams on the chalkboard of the details he remembered, I said to him, “Do you want me to give you the interpretation?”  He quickly responded, “I don’t want a Christian’s interpretation of it.”  Then he chuckled and said, “I’m only kidding?”

I sensed by his comment that he already knew what the dream held as life changing information for him, but didn’t want confirmation of it.  I had a few thoughts pertaining to the dream, but I am not a prophet, nor am I a son of one.  Commenting on a perplexing dream as this should only be done if spiritually discerned, and prompted by the Holy Spirit to do so; not off the top of my head.  Time prohibited further discussion, because the affairs of the day were pressing.

It wasn’t until Sunday morning, two or three days later, that clarity of thought manifested itself to me.   I was getting ready for church, like any other Sunday morning, when my mind’s eye was opened.  I saw like I had never seen before. 

I was standing in the shower meditating on my friend’s dream, replaying every image in my mind, thinking about the details that he shared with me when something happened.  Images became words.  The events of his dream began to unfold and meaning took place.  It was as if I were caught up in a different realm of thinking somewhere beyond the norm, yet still in my right mind.

My friend told me that in his dream he was walking down a sidewalk minding his own business, while in the midst of the general hustle and bustle of other people.  It was there he came upon what appeared to be three, blade-like objects of equal length.  The widths were all the same and they were independent of each other.  They were lying in plain sight on the sidewalk directly in his path of travel.  It was as if they were waiting just for him to pass. 

These objects were intriguing enough that my friend reached down and picked them up.  A closer examination revealed that each blade resembled the shape of an old, western style coffin, somewhat like the kind that would have been built by a local carpenter or town’s undertaker in those days. 

Still curious and looking closer, he observed the number 6 imprinted on the top of each blade...three blades, three sixes, and all three shaped like coffins.  The blades were yellow in color.

Fumbling around with them, he tried to manipulate the blades into some sort of semblance.  He took time to work with them rather than tossing them aside and continuing on his way.  The blades finally came together in a strange, but suspicious singular unit at the moment he placed the upper end of each blade at a center point, abutting each other.  They meshed together, interlocking with each other, becoming a solid unit in the shape of a three bladed propeller. 

The unit began to spin at a high rate of speed and became airborne.  Lifting into the air, it hovered like a helicopter.  Suddenly it began to zoom here and there, to and fro, diving at an accelerated speed trying to hit him.  This aggression continued as he dodged the blades, stooping to prevent certain death from its attack. 

He lost sight of the object for a period of time, but then felt something striking him sharply at the back of his neck.  It had returned from behind him and was attempting to decapitate his head.  He awakened from the dream very troubled.

As I pondered these things, it was obvious what the 666 represented—evil and corruption at its worst.  It is the mark of the beast, which is the anti-Christ spoken of in the last book of the Bible; chapter 13 of Revelation. 

The number 6 is the number of man; 2 legs, 2 arms, 1 body, and 1 head; adding up to 6.  The number 666 is his name.  He is the devil that incarnates into human flesh, thus becoming the great deceiver. 

666 represent evil at its base, unclean, and contemptible level of shame.  It is the baneful spirit of Lucifer who takes on the corruptible form of flesh.  The mark 666 is the symbol that mankind will take in their forehead or hand, which seals their doom in hell.  Satan is the enemy of our soul that is going to and fro in a relentless quest to conquer human souls.

When these blades became airborne, they represented powers in high places that are waging war against my friend and those he holds dear.  These principalities and powers of the air are seeking to destroy his life anyway they can.  The spinning blades, zooming here and there, symbolize the devil going about as a roaring lion seeking whom he may kill and devour.

My friend losing sight of the blades is telling him that he’s losing sight of past teachings that warned against the tricks of the devil and his surprise attacks.  The battles waging between good and evil in the cosmos are because of past and present prayers that ascended into heaven on his behalf by those that love him, including the ones that are concerned for his future and well-being now.  Because of these prayers, my friend has been able to ward off the onslaught of 666, and dodge the attempts to take his life.

Taking time to play with the blades and manipulating them is saying that my friend is losing sight of the straight path ahead; becoming taken up with things that will prove to be devastating not only to himself, but to his loved ones at a later time if he doesn’t toss unneeded things aside and quit tinkering with them.  He is allowing his better judgment to be clouded by trivial, unimportant things that can be instrumental in bringing spiritual or physical death. 

The three blades, shaped like coffins, represent one coffin for him and the others for two loved ones.  The blades are trying to take off his head, because he is the priest and head of his household.  In him lie the responsibilities of this position, as being the protector of his home and members thereof. 

I believe he is being given a choice to take up his spiritual sword and protect all those that are precious to him, or he can continue down the same path and be overcome and devoured by the adversary, Satan.  The disruption of his home and relationships are at stake.  If the devil can take him down, chances are this family circle will be destroyed.

The color of the blades is significant.  Yellow is a symbol of jealousy and deceit.  In the middle ages, actors portraying the dead in stage plays wore yellow.  In Spain, executioners wore yellow at one time.  In Egypt and Burma, yellow signifies morning for the dead.  Yellow is often used as a color of warning, because it has good visibility.

I believe that my friend is quickly approaching crossroads in his life.  The path that he chooses to travel will determine life or death for his loved ones, including himself.  He has the final say.  In him lies the power of life and death.  The decision is his to make.  No-one else can make it for him.

God has placed me in my friend’s path not to condemn, ridicule, or judge, but to pray for him and his family, because God loves and desires life for them.  The dream was given as a warning of the devil’s plot to destroy everything my friend holds dear.  It is a heads-up call to act now before it is too late to make things right. 

Written by,

Papa Boyd 

A Bundle of Joy

Have you ever asked yourself, “What is a bundle of joy, and what significance does it hold for its recipient?”  With the next few words I will endeavor to share with you my feelings on this wonderful topic.

I am sure that you have heard the expression, “Dynamite comes in small packages”, referring to different aspects of life for which it may apply.  But does a bundle of joy fall in the same category as dynamite in a small package?  I believe it does.  Both have the potential of bringing with them an explosion of excitement and an overwhelming emotion of awe, which may very well ignite feelings that have never been experienced here-to-fore.

To understand the full impact that a bundle of joy can have on the average person, they must experience it for themselves.  Close friends, loved ones, or even experts on the matter can only use mere words to convey their experiences or knowledge, but until an individual is blessed with this reality first hand, they will fall short of understanding the full impact, inner joy, and awesomeness that accompany the moment. 

My daughter asked me if I would like to witness the birth of her first child and accompany her and her husband into the delivery room.  My emotions rose higher than the ceiling.  To attend the birth of my first granddaughter was almost more than I could handle, emotionally—my baby was having a baby of her own, and I was going to see it happen!  Amazing!  I was so full of anticipated glee that the days leading up to the due date were filled with wonder and smiles. 

It wasn’t until that early morning telephone call from my daughter that I finally grasped the inspiring awe of the long awaited hour.  She was being admitted to the hospital! It was time!  Reality was soon to present herself in the form of a baby girl—the prize of all prizes—a bundle of joy! 

I almost hyperventilated after hanging up the phone, with my mind racing in fourteen different directions.  It was my dear wife that took control and helped me to compose myself; helped me to get dressed; and helped me to get to the hospital in one piece. 

You see, this little person that we have been waiting for all of these months was about to make her debut appearance and she wasn’t waiting for anyone.  I was afraid that I would miss this awesome event.

On our way to the hospital my mind reflected to an evening that I placed my hand on my daughter’s tummy and felt this precious little bundle of joy moving around inside her.   I thought what a special prize we were going to be blessed with—a gift from God—a package of great price—a little bit of heaven, named, Juliann Marie.  I considered how great God was to entrust the care and rearing of this dear child to my daughter and son-in-law, and what great responsibilities lay ahead of them. 

In the delivery room, after what seemed an eternity, my eyes beheld my first granddaughter; a perfect little bundle of joy; an angel for sure!  Tears of joy coursed down my cheeks as I saw her for the first time.  Our little princess was finally here. 

Words cannot express to you the height of emotion, endearing love, and pride that I was feeling at that moment.  As my daughter tenderly held her baby, I could hear the first words that she spoke to Juliann, “I can’t believe you’re mine.” 

This miracle child was not only wanted, but I have full confidence that this bundle of joy was truly sent from God to complete the unity of two people that loved each other, and trusted and served God in all that they did.

God said that He would give us the desires of our hearts.  I can say with assurance He did precisely that, because it was most difficult for my daughter to conceive.  God blessed our families beyond measure with the birth of this little girl—God’s bundle of joy to us.

(Psalm 37:4-5), “Delight yourself also in the Lord, and He shall give you the desires of your heart.”  vs.5 “Commit your way to the Lord, trust also in Him, and He shall bring it to pass.”

(Philippians 4:19), “And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.”

Written by,

Papa Boyd

Captured Heart

When I look into your face and see you smile, my heart skips a beat and goes pitter-patter.  You cause wonderful things to happen inside of me that bring out my tender side. 

As I listen to you communicate your inner feelings, it makes me to know that not too many things in this world can compare with the times that I spend with you. 

When I hold your hand and kiss your cheek, my eyes are opened, which help me to see and appreciate the richer things in life that God has blessed me with.  You see darling, you are the answer to my prayer that I had sincerely asked God for. 

God said that He would give us the desires of our heart if we would only ask Him and He truly heard my request.  I feel I have been blessed far greater than most men in my position. 

I can hardly wait for the day when you lean over to my ear and whisper these words, “I love you Papa.” 

As I cradle you in my arms, I thank God for blessing us with such a beautiful granddaughter as you.  Juliann Marie, you are indeed the apple of Papa’s eye.  You have captured my heart and won’t let it go.  I love you more than words can say.

Written by,

Papa Boyd

My Valentine

It seems only yesterday that I was living with my mom and dad trying to save a little money for the big event…finding a mate and getting married.

God gave me the desires of my heart when He brought me the most wonderful, caring companion a man could ever hope for.  Her genuine concern for others is just the surface of her deep commitment in helping people less fortunate than herself.

Her personal needs come second to the needs of others.  She gives and gives some more.  There are times when she is a little naïve and doesn’t recognize when people are taking advantage of her goodness and generosity.

Though this is the case, her long suffering goes beyond what most people that love her consider acceptable, and she keeps giving anyway.  This quality is the very thing that drew me to her.  It is what I fell in love with…pure love, wrapped up in one, cute, female body.

How many times have we seen a person give without an ulterior motive?  My wife is this type of person.  She is genuine, without an underlying agenda for the good that she does.  What you see is what you get.  She is who she is; a person that cares for and sees the good in others.  For this, I love her.  She is my one and only true Valentine.  There is no other.
                                                              

                                                                 —

       

When pressures pursue me, like demons in heat

There’s one standing by me, not yielding defeat

She calms troubled waters, with words not her own

Her strength seldom falters, though mine has flown

Her kindness not willing, to turn in retreat

Stands tall and unmoving, she will not be beat

Though Satan is roaring, she pays him no mind

He’s toothless and boring, in Christ she does bind

Her man needing strength, she makes a quick call

A prayer of such length, to God who is tall

A need to be carried, till trials subside

The woman I married, is still at my side

God gave me a mate, there’s strength in two

Her name is Kate, our love’s always true

My Valentine sure, I write you this note

Our love is made pure, it’s warm like a coat

~~HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY~~

Written by,

Papa Boyd



Guilty by Association



The phrase, “Birds of a feather flock together” can be interpreted as meaning, the company that an individual keeps.  It is a direct reflection of who they are or want to be; and how others perceive them.  “You are what you eat” also speaks of external influences that play an important part in the general make-up, attitude, and nature of people.

I believe, deep down inside, that most everyone cares what others think about them, and strive to rise above the so-called, “mediocre existence,” which brings us to the crux of this writing. 

The environment that we are associated with can produce a heavy stigma that affects not only our success in life, but the success of our offspring as well.  Where and how we raise our children can dictate the type of person they become and the kind of people they hang with, date, and marry.

Please notice that I used the word, can.  Life is not a cookie cutter affair.  There are variations in all walks of life; in all backgrounds and surroundings.

Just as proper nutrition is important to a healthy body, where we place our allegiance directly impacts not only ourselves, but on those that we have influence.

“Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” speaks of choices we make in life that determine accountability and responsibility.  Being careful to not build a makeshift existence is something that we should all strive for.  The dividends are numerous. 

Our life touches so many other lives that it boggles the mind to think how many people that we persuade through our actions, verbiage and the company we keep.  We are guilty by association in the eyes of others.  How we live our life; the involvements and attachments we maintain; are very influential and most significant, to say the least. 

Some of these onlookers will more than likely pattern their life after ours, whether we want them to or not.  This can be a positive or negative influence depending upon what we view as important—taking into account where and what type of treasures we pursue. 

(Matthew 6:19-23), “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal;” vs.20 “but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal.”  vs.21 “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”  vs.22 “The lamp of the body is the eye.  If therefore your eye is good, your whole body will be full of light.”  vs.23 “But if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness.  If therefore the light that is in you is darkness, how great is that darkness!”

Written by,

Papa Boyd

Everlasting Satisfaction



Is there anything at all in this world that can offer unlimited and lasting satisfaction?  This question is asked by many people that insist on spending money on material things hoping to find that special something that can fill the vacuum in their heart with peace rather than despair. 

This question is nothing more than unsatisfied expectations.  The void in their heart is in the shape of Almighty God and literally impossible to fill with things.  To expect things to bring lasting satisfaction is futile.

A person’s obsessive search to obtain such things is pointless and in vain.  Nothing in this world can fill this space to its full capacity except God.  Everything else is smokescreen and mirrors—disguised as hope—just a cover-up and facade for that which is real. 

How many times have you bought something that you wanted, only to find after having it a short time that the newness wore off and the satisfaction of possessing it faded with the excitement?  Things cannot and will not bring lasting fulfillment to anyone searching for happiness.  Satisfaction is brief and short lived at best. 

There is nothing wrong with possessing things as long as things don’t possess you.  Things cannot be expected to fill the longing that God placed in our heart, which draws us to Jesus.  Only He can satisfy. 

How many people do you know that are forever dissatisfied with what they have, or what they are doing?  It is never enough and not at all up to their expectations.  These people will always be searching for something better, newer, and bigger; something to give them another high.  The search will continue until they find Jesus Christ to fill the emptiness in their heart.

When things take the place of God, the soul becomes unfulfilled and miserable.  In a person’s obsession to find peace and contentment, the source of satisfaction may be obscured from view, because of their desire for things rather than God. 

Binge buying, and involving themselves in compulsive behaviors that bring momentary pleasure, become a life style full of frustration and unrest.  They left God out of the picture not realizing that He is the only true, everlasting satisfaction. 

God is ready and willing at any time to fill them with overflowing joy, but they must see their need for Him first.  God is the only true source of living water, yet He does not force Himself on anyone.  When I saw my need for the Lord and invited Him into my heart, this was the turning point in my life.

The Holy Spirit is the gift that Jesus promised would be sent after His ascension to the Father in heaven.  When the Lord died for our sins and resurrected the third day, God sent His Spirit back to dwell in the hearts of those desiring the Comforter—to anyone wanting everlasting satisfaction in their heart.

(John 7:37-39), “On the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, ‘If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink.’” vs.38 “‘He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.’” vs.39 “But this He spoke concerning the Spirit, whom those believing in Him would receive; for the Holy Spirit was not yet given, because Jesus was not yet glorified.”

(John 3:16-18) “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”  vs.17,  “For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.”  vs.18 “He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.”

Written by,

Papa Boyd