The TRUTH Will Set You Free - The blog from - Page 33 of 164

Posted on August 18, 2023 by TonyAugust 18, 2023

Deep in thought about what you ain't got

Imagine yourself deep in thought. And your thoughts seem to transport you out of your body and into the air. Then, in the blink of an eye, you realize you’re sitting in a wifi café, in the middle of a conversation with a gray-haired stranger. And the gray-haired stranger asks…

“Did you think you would get here in the blink of an eye?”

And you have no idea what the stranger is talking about. Because you’re unsure of the whole scene. Questions pop into your brain like champagne bubbles. Who IS this stranger? Where IS this place? And how DID I get here? And was it really in the blink of an eye?

Well, maybe you blinked while you were deep in thought.

Because one second you’re just peacefully pondering your life. And the next you’re confronted by someone you don’t recognize. In a place you’ve never seen before.

But, as your dazed and confused mind tries to sort things out, the stranger says, “Bet you never thought you’d be here did you? And I bet you’re probably wondering where here is and how you got here. Am I right?”

Before you can even form your lips to speak the first word of your reply, the stranger says, “Of course you’re wondering where you are and how you got here. Everybody wonders that when they first get here. And I suppose it’s only natural. Because you never pictured yourself in a place like this.”

And, with that last sentence, the stranger’s hand motions around the dark gray walls. That’s when you notice.

There’s no art on the walls.

And no music in the background.

In fact, except for the stranger and the black table between you, there’s nothing else in the room.

So, you turn back to the stranger to ask what’s going on.

But once again, before you can form the words, you hear these words,

“You should go back while you still can.”

Then, your words come gushing out without you even having to think them, “Go back while I still can?! What does that mean? Go back where? I was sitting at home, thinking, and not bothering anybody. Then, suddenly I was here, listening to you ask me senseless questions. In a room that doesn’t make any sense! And why did you say while I still can?”

The stranger nods, ever so slightly, and then you notice the eyes. There’s something about the eyes. Something terrifyingly familiar about the eyes.

And then it dawns on you.

The.

Stranger’s.

Eyes.

Are.

YOURS!

You realize you’re staring directly into your own eyes, into your own future.

And the future feels full of fear.

Then, the stranger (who starts to look more and more like an old version of YOU) says, “You should know. You don’t actually have to be here. In fact, you could leave this place just as fast as you got here. Yeah, you could be gone in the blink of an eye.”

And you answer, “Really? How?”

And you (uh, I mean the stranger…no, it IS you) answer back:

“Close your eyes, humble your heart, and pray.

Then, before you even have a chance to say anything else, you suddenly open your eyes. And you’re right back in your comfy chair. But with one nagging question in your head.

“Humble my heart and pray to who?” (even though you know it should be whom)

Well, my recommendation is you pray to the one, true, living, loving Creator of Heaven and Earth. Because all other prayers to all false gods are just whispers in the wind. Signifying nothin. Set aside a few minutes to get back deep into thought. And meditate on something like this:

Instead

Don’t try to pray away all the pain.
You could be disappointed, disillusioned, disenchanted.
Don’t ask God to save you from the hurt.
You could live to see that the prayer has not been granted.

Instead, give thanks for all His love.
Instead, be glad for all He’s done.
Our sin could torture us forever.
Instead, He gave His only Son.

Don’t be so quick to ask for an end
To the hard times, rocky roads, and fire and rain.
Don’t cry out for a wonderful sign
And when it doesn’t appear, throw your hands up in vain.

Instead, give thanks for all His love.
Instead, be glad for all He’s done.
Our sin could torture us forever.
Instead, He gave His only Son.

There will be trials…and tribulation,
In every life…in every nation.
You could give up…but bow your head
And thank your loving Lord instead.

Then, get yourself a Bible and read Paul’s letters. They’re known as the Grace “books” of the Bible from Romans to Philemon. And that will get you pointed in the right direction.

Stay tuned,

Posted on August 17, 2023 by TonyAugust 17, 2023

Here by design, and that's not just a line

Everything happens for a reason. Nothing happens by chance. It’s all part of God’s plan. And we’re here by design. So, obviously there are no accidents in God’s plan.

I agree. We’re here by design.

But I disagree, or at least take issue, with ALL those other statements.

We’re definitely not accidents and random chunks of meat that evolved from some primordial soup. I’ll leave that fairy tale to the fairies. But not everything that happens is part of God’s plan. Some things DO happen simply by chance.

You dare to disagree with me?

If so, then you also dare to disagree with your Creator. Because Jesus, Himself, expressed the idea that things can happen by chance. In fact, He used that exact two word phrase, by chance, directly, and through men He inspired to write the Bible.

And God said, more than once that men did stuff He didn’t command or even think of. What?! How could that be if everything has always been part of His plan? Short answer: He doesn’t/didn’t ordain and/or plan everything that has ever happened. Because He wants love to be freely given. And men and women who can’t do anything besides what God programmed them to do can give love freely.

And LOVE is the bottom line key ingredient to whatever God does or wants us to do. Forget all the other parts of the Bible, or even life, if you can’t find it in your heart to love. Not wimpy, namby pamby love like the dazed and confused, rainbow-colored hair pinheads attempt to pass off.

No, I’m talkin’ powerful, life-changing, world-building LOVE. And you can see it in…

All Of Creation

All of creation points to the Savior.
We are all here by design.
All the environment and complex behavior…
The Glory of God makes it shine.
All of creation holds information…
Encoded within every cell…
All of the best minds in each generation
Won’t banish what Christians know well…
That all of creation is here by the Word of God.
And all of creation mirrors His mind.
All of creation is saved by the Love of God.
All of creation…Jesus defined.

Before you go, share this link with everybody you know. Tell ’em to jump on the The TRUTH AND get some music and other fun stuff, for Fa-Ree.

Stay tuned,

Posted on August 16, 2023 by TonyAugust 16, 2023

Electric cars, rock guitars, and CEO's on Mars

If you’re a fan of these following songs, just remember, diversity and tolerance. Because I’m not a fan of Free Bird, Stairway to Heaven, The Chicken Dance, The Hokey Pokey, or The Electric Slide. And, in all my years as a professional musician I never played Free Bird or Stairway to Heaven. I played recordings of those other songs at wedding receptions. But not “live” versions. And speaking of electric cars…

Don’t you think electric cars should have shorter driving ranges?

I mean, that makes sense. Right? Shorter driving ranges means lower prices on electric cars. And isn’t that what truly counts in the greater environmental protection scheme/plan/manifesto?

After all, if more people can “afford” electric cars, then think of all that wonderful fresh air we’ll “save.” So, that must be why Elon Musk (and his Tesla company) is putting the “standard range” versions of the Model S and Model X cars back in the lineup. Thankfully they’ll be much more “affordable” so more people can scoot around in their snazzy, battery-operated cars.

Well, one article I read, put it this way. Those cars offer “a slightly more accessible option for consumers at the cost of reduced battery capacity.”

But I’m a curious kinda guy. So, I wonder why any company that makes electric cars would want to make shorter range options on purpose. Because, isn’t the goal to reduce to carbon emissions? So, shouldn’t the goal be to make the longest lasting batteries possible? And for as many consumers as possible?

And yet, according to what I read, “the company has even introduced new trims by simply limiting the capacity of the battery pack through software.” So, the battery is capable of longer range, but you limit that range “through software.” Uh, yeah. No potential for dastardly intentions there. Right?

But it’s just bidness, ya’ll.

And as long as an expanded customer base is happy with the “more affordable” $78,490 shorter range electric cars, then bidness is good. Who cares if your car can actually go 405 miles? If you can jump into world-saving e-tech and save $10,000, your 320 miles range will be just dandy.

Plus, you can still pat yourself on the back for not burning even one little fossil to get where you’re going. (side note: gasoline powered cars don’t burn even one fossil because fossils aren’t fuel.) Of course, there is that tiny detail of where the electricity originates. But let’s not get bogged down in details.

OK, you can probably tell (if not, maybe you need a caffeine jolt) I like the idea of electric cars (at least the way they’re currently being manufactured and marketed) as much as I like The Electric Slide. On the surface they’re sorta cool. Quiet, no smelly exhaust. But below the surface, it’s quite a different story.

Yeah, they both rub me the wrong way. And the hokey pokey motion, the proponents of the so-called “emerging technologies” make, illustrates an agenda. Not an “awareness of our need to save the planet.” Yeah, their refusal to acknowledge how our current, highly efficient combustible fuel is a renewable resource, is just another chicken dance.

I’m thankful I’m still a Free enough Bird to not be forced into owning an electric car. I just wish more people understood there’s no elevator, escalator, or even Stairway to Heaven on Earth. No amount of “environmental protection” or “environmental legislation” will ever compensate for control freaks and their agendas.

That’s my prediction.

Stick around and watch. Or if you’re unable to watch from here on Earth, be sure you’ve got a seat in the true Heaven. Your ticket has already been paid for, if you want it. And you can trust that your Manufacturer won’t lock your extra miles with a future software update.

But you won’t get that same guarantee from CEO’s who think Mars might be inhabitable.

Before you go, share this link with everybody you know. Tell ’em to jump on the The TRUTH AND get some music and other fun stuff, for Fa-Ree.

Stay tuned,

Posted on August 15, 2023 by TonyOctober 11, 2023

Just because I can. That's why I do, man.

Do you have siblings? If so, did you ever get into arguments with them when you were kids? No, who does that, right? Seriously, if you have a brother or sister (or a bunch of them like Elgielene does), you most likely had at least a disagreement or three. And you might remember answering the “why” question with the most profound reply of all. Just because, that’s why.

Am I right?

Especially if you were the older sibling. After all, everyone knows the younger siblings are always the most annoying. With their why questions. And their why not questions. And there constant breathing in and out. You older or oldest siblings know what I’m talking about.

“Just because” worked most of the time.

At least until those pesky varmints gained a little more vocabulary. Ah, the good ol’ days.

But I didn’t bring up the just because stuff to wax sentimental about bygone days of youth. I’ve got something else on my mind right now. Love.

Now, before you so-called manly men mutter something ridiculous under your breath, this ain’t about the gushy, mushy love stuff. In fact, I’m not even gonna bring up the opposite sex, except to tell you I’m not gonna bring ’em up.

Nope.

It’s more important than that. And it’s the only reason you and I have even a remote ability or opportunity to get or give love. And no matter how manly or aloof you think you are, you need that intangible, most profound emotion of them all. At least if you wanna have a life with depth and meaning.

Of course, I’m talking about how and why love even exists in this messed up world. Ironically, atheists and evolutionists would say it’s “just because.” Or some form of that, since they believe we’re all here by chance. By millions of years worth of random mutations, that began in a chaotic explosion. And that eventually led to all the complex design you can clearly see all around you.

Nope.

We’re all here because of God’s love. And because He gave us the ability to love (or hate) with our own free will. That’s why I wrote a song to acknowledge why I would express love to the unseen God of creation. I’ve shared it, and the lyrics before. But in this time of such a hate-filled world, I’m sharing it again.

Because I CAN Love

What made You think
That I was worth the risk You took?
What made You take the time
To write Your Holy Book?
I don’t believe I’d give myself a second look,
But You did because You love.

You made a world
That was as perfect as could be,
But then I broke it
When You gave it all to me…
By going through the gate You made to set me free.
This You did because You love…me.

Because You love me so…in spite of all You know…
Because You did the most that You could ever do…
Because I clearly see…evidence of You in me…
Because I can love…I do love…You!

You put a life
And a will inside my soul.
You knew true love
Would be to give me full control.
But knowing You is all that ever makes me whole.
I trust You because You love…me.

I can live because You live!
I can love because You love!

Be sure to get your copy of Because I CAN Love AND a dozen more songs in a single download.

Stay tuned,

Posted on August 14, 2023 by TonyOctober 10, 2023

Abortion ban is certainly NOT in the can

I wonder how many teenagers realize they’re walking, ticking timebombs. Have they seen the headline, “An Abortion Ban Made Them Teen Parents.” And do they know they could save themselves just by moving to another state? Because, for now, they might be safe in about 41 states.

But who knows when an abortion ban might transform those states, too?

Yeah, it could be just a matter of time before killing babies will be against the law in every state. And think of the dehumanizing and forced effect that’s gonna have on countless teens. Imagine how many of them will be made into “teen parents” against their own wills.

And there’s the rub. You and I can only imagine.

Because even those so-called abortion bans in the 9 (or so) states don’t actually ban abortions.

Uh-huh. That wasn’t a typo. None of those 9 states ban abortions. NONE.

And if you’re about to take issue with me, be sure you read your state’s so-called abortion ban “law.” You WILL find words like after, except, exception, until, health of the mother, life of the mother, risk, and without consent. Those are wiggle room words.

In Missouri, their governor tweeted on X (the platform formerly known as Twitter) that their state was the first in the nation to “effectively end abortions.” But when you look at the fine print in the legislation he signed, you find an interesting phrase:

“NOW, THEREFORE, I, MICHAEL L. PARSON, GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF MISSOURI, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the State of Missouri, specifically Section 188.017, RSMo, do hereby notify the Revisor of Statutes that it is reasonably probable that Section 188.017, RSMo will be upheld by the courts as constitutional. Further, in accordance with Dobbs, Section 188.017, RSMo is hereby effective as of the date of this order.”

I found more wiggle room words.

Maybe I’m just the annoying kind of “words mean things” guy. But I see a section there where it says it’s “reasonably probable” that Section 188.017 RSMo will “be upheld by the courts as constitutional.”

I didn’t say it must be held up. Or will be held up. It said it’s reasonably probable.

But what if members of the legal community aren’t feeling reasonable?

Oh well, at least it made a good sound bite and headline to say the state has an abortion ban.

And I understand you’d rather I’d shut up about it. This topic isn’t nearly as fun and interesting as music history. Or the healing power of music. Or tales of imagination written into colorful poetry. Yeah, compared to those subjects, abortion is the Stephen King novel of topics.

But here’s the thing.

As I take the time to share anything and everything else I share, tiny and defenseless human beings are torn to pieces. With the consent of their very own parents. And most people on the planet couldn’t care less. Because since they can’t see the dastardly deeds, maybe none of it’s really happening.

Trouble is, it’s really happening. And the only thing that can stop the vast majority of it (because nobody can stop it all) is an abortion ban with NO exceptions.

Just like the end of slavery required the abolition of it, so will the end of abortion.

They didn’t make exceptions to slavery, thanks to abolitionists.

And that’s how it will have to be with abortion. Regardless of how many “feminists” scream out that it’s “my body, my choice.” Because it’s not their bodies being torn to bits and discarded into trash bins or sold for parts to the highest bidders.

So, the messy truth needs to be told. And an abortion ban will greatly reduce that mess.

And not everybody wants to lose friends and followers and talk about that.

But I’ve done it. And I count all that kind of loss as gain, even if it’s not fun. I hope you do, too.

You can’t run away from real truth.
And every word of truth is a knife.
A captivating voice might pigeonhole your choice,
Cut free…and choose life.

Before you go, share this link with everybody you know. Tell ’em to jump on the The TRUTH AND get some music and other fun stuff, for Fa-Ree.

Stay tuned,

Posted on August 11, 2023 by TonySeptember 3, 2023

Not alone with a phone or heart of stone

Elgielene is visiting her sister this week. Because they’re gonna celebrate their birthdays (which are 2 days apart) together, along with a niece who’s birthday is the same as Elgielene’s. Normally, I wouldn’t bring it up. But yesterday two items popped up on my devices that made it seem like maybe I’m not alone.

So, I quickly checked all the dozens of bedrooms and bathrooms. Then, I checked the kitchen. Even behind the fridge. And, yes, I opened the doors to the laundry closet. Plus, while I was there, I poked my head out to check the garage. Nothing and no one in any of those rooms, or any other rooms or closets.

“Surely I’m not alone,” I thought to myself.

But my self just laughed and said, “Of course, you’re not alone. I’m right here!”

“Shut up,” I replied.

And self started to say something smart aleck. But I held up my hand and gave “the look.” Because, it was starting to get weird. I’m sure you know what I mean.

Anyway…

Technology can certainly give you that feeling that you’re never truly all alone. Because, as you might have noticed, you can talk about something and then see an ad for that sort of thing on your phone. It’s weird. But it’s the kind of world we inhabit now.

So, what were the two things that popped up on my devices? I’m glad you asked. They were ironically opposite things about loneliness.

The first was a video ad, on YouTube, about some amazing qualities of people who enjoy a lot of alone time. Remember, this is during a time when I’m alone. The second thing was a link to an article about “10 Things To Do When You Feel Alone.”

I found the video interesting, although not new.

But the article was filled with psychological trivialities.

For example, it recommended that you acknowledge your sense of loneliness.

And it said, “Don’t waste your energy fighting your feelings or trying to suppress your emotions. Everyone feels lonely sometimes. And feeling alone doesn’t mean you’re a loser and it doesn’t mean you’re weak. It just means you’re human. Studies have found that labeling your feelings can reduce the intensity of them So simply putting a name to loneliness might help your brain make sense of how you’re feeling and instantly help you feel a little less lonely.”

So, you take the time to label your feelings, and the best you get is to “feel a little less lonely.” Does that sound like a solution to you? It doesn’t to me.

It’s funny (odd, not ha-ha) that 99.99% of the so-called “solutions” for loneliness never mention establishing or re-establishing a connection with your Creator. And that’s where Christianity is far superior to all other ways and means of conquering loneliness. Because it helps you to understand that you’re…

Alone Not Alone

We are alone in the universe.
But we’re never all alone,
Unless we choose to reject design
Like we got here on our own.

We have a great place, this planet Earth.
And it stands out here in space.
It’s the world where the Creator was
Sacrificed to give us Grace.

Millionaires and even billionaires
Spend their money just to prove
Maybe brilliant, advanced aliens
Paused here when they made a move.

Sure, it sounds silly, but it’s just sad
But the truth will take this tone.
And if you trust aliens, not God,
Get used to it, you’re alone.

Before you go, share this link with everybody you know. Tell ’em to jump on the The TRUTH AND get some music and other fun stuff, for Fa-Ree.

Stay tuned,

Posted on August 10, 2023 by TonySeptember 1, 2023

Your safe place isn’t.

Because there’s no safe place on Earth. Sure, there ARE places that, on a certain level, are safer than others. That’s just when it comes to the most violent and in-your-face crimes.

But there’s nowhere on this planet that isn’t wicked. You can’t get away from it even in the small towns. And that’s where you used to be able to leave your house and car doors unlocked at night. Ancient history now.

No doubt. It’s bad. Even in (maybe especially in) the country that was once the last place you’d expect to be this bad. Fact is, there was only one time in history our little blue planet was worse. And that’s when it got so bad God was sorry He even made human beings. So, He broke the planet and killed all but 8 people.

And that was really for the sake of only ONE of those people.

And that was because God has a “big picture” perspective for His creation.

Since He has that kind of perspective, it’s mighty important to have a better understanding of that big picture. Here’s how it goes. You WILL exist forever somewhere. You can live in the fullness of life with your Creator in paradise. Or you can exist totally separate from Him, forever.

So, if you’re looking for your safe place, you have two options.

Option 1: God’s Kingdom. The only safe place.

Option 2: your “kingdom.” Not safe. And, in fact, your desire for safety will never end there.

But you get to choose. Because God loves you so much He won’t even force you into paradise if you don’t wanna go there. I hope you consider Option 2.

Some acquaintances of mine, who understood where true safety can be found, chose a song for their wedding that reflected that. The song talks about a couple who go through life as one. And they understand that life is filled with challenges and obstacles. But the key is to keep smiling and keep looking up. Because where God dwells is the only place you’ll be…

Safe And Sound

Down on our luck but not out of the game,
We both go the distance and cover some ground,
And still our love is safe and sound.
We learned to be part of each other’s dreams.
Some time was lost but look what we found,
Knowing our love is safe and sound.

We laugh like there’s no tomorrow.
We’re touched by the hand of God.
So what if there’s no new sunrise.
So what if the world won’t spin around.
We’re safe and sound.

Miles have gone by; we dared to go see
The wide open space and seldom we frowned.
Look how our love is safe and sound.
Deep in our hearts and inside our minds
We capture the words and they keep us bound,
Saying our love is safe and sound.

We laugh like there’s no tomorrow.
We’re touched by the hand of God.
So what if there’s no new sunrise.
So what if the world won’t spin around.
We’re safe and sound.

So many give up when one knee is down.
But we’re down on both and now we’re safe and sound.

This song and a dozen more are in the classic Do Right collection.

Get your downloadable version and enjoy the music just minutes from now: https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=ZX3MBTG37Q9WA If the link doesn’t automatically work for you, copy and paste it into your browser.

Stay tuned,

Posted on August 9, 2023 by TonyAugust 9, 2023

Multiple gods and silly ways humans named the different days

Back when people were way more superstitious, they made up multiple gods to worship. No, I’m not talking about yesterday. Or the 2020 elections. Even further back. Like in the “ancient times.” OK, I realize younger people might think that’s the 1980’s. But these “ancient times” were hundreds of years ago.

Way back when so-called “Germanic” people created multiple gods.

And the top dog god (hey, that’s a palindrome…squirrel!) is a name you might recognize if you’re a fan of recent Thor movies. Odin. But here’s how languages get fascinating and jumbled up. Odin, in Old English (or is it Olde English) is Woden. And those wacky people back then named the fourth day of the week after him.

So, they came up with “day of Woden,” or “Woden’s Day.” And that became Wōdnesdæg. And, with weird letters and phonetics like that, we need to be grateful for the English who turned it into Wednesday.

Wait a sec. Come to think of it, that’s crazy, too. The good ol’ American English pronunciation is Wenzday, or Wenzdy. But either way you say it, the D gets left out. So, what’s up with that? Oh well, I don’t have time to sit around and worry about why we don’t say Wed ness day. It’s enough to be glad it isn’t Wōdnesdæg.

Depending on when you read this, it might not be immediately apparent why I’m talking about how the fourth day of the week got its name. But today (as I write this) is Wednesday.

People who struggle, or even glide, through a five day work week, call it Hump Day. I’ve called it “Whimsical Wednesday.” But today I’m just sharing a rhyme about when to start a positive attitude. And how the one, true, living, loving God of all creation vaporizes all the other multiple gods.

Wednesday.

I hope you don’t mind if I don’t join in
With the people who just naysay.
I think you might find, if you just begin,
You might feel the very same way.
Life can get real dark like a starless night.
So, be glad when the Lord sends day.
Go and make your mark without fear or fright.
And you might as well start Wednesday.

Before you go, share this link with everybody you know. Tell ’em to jump on the The TRUTH AND get some music and other fun stuff, for Fa-Ree.

Stay tuned,

Posted on August 8, 2023 by TonySeptember 1, 2023

Most important things still tug at certain strings

I certainly appreciate the most important things in life. I’m sure you can relate. Great computer, phone, and tablet. Several devices to watch videos and stream content. Internet access to a world so vast I’ll never see or hear it all.

As a pre-teen and teenager, my family called me “technical Tony.” They didn’t always mean it as a term of endearment. But let’s not go there right now. The point is, I enjoy technology. Seeing how the latest, greatest mobile device or laptop works enthralls and intrigues me. I think it’s all so incredibly cool.

Ah yes. The most important things.

(cue the record scratch sound effect) Wait a second! The coffee must not have kicked in yet. Did I just say the most important things in life are devices and digital content?!

Incredible! And you didn’t even try to stop me. Thanks a lot!

Actually, if you’ve followed any of my Rhyme and Reason shenanigans here on the website or on my podcast, you already know that was a tongue-in-cheek lead-in. And you already know that I know what’s most important in this life. Relationships.

Because they’re the only “thing” you can take with you through eternity. But, sadly, even most relationships won’t make that journey.

And that’s why I don’t place the value of my digital devices even close to the value of my relationships. And here on Earth neither one of them last all that long.

For example, my Dad.

For most of his working life he was a hard-working milkman. And that was back in the days when a milkman would deliver dairy products door-to-door.

I remember going to work with him on a LOT of Saturdays. So, when I say he worked hard, I know what I’m talking about from personal experience. Out of bed around 3 a.m. to be at the dairy plant in time to load the milk truck before dawn. And I can still “smell” and “feel” the cold chill of the milk truck’s storage area. Stacked with cases of gallons, half gallons, and quarts of milk. And juice, butter, bread, ice cream, and more.

Dad worked two routes each week. One was his Monday, Wednesday, Friday route. The other was Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday. He delivered milk in some neighborhoods in Texas near NASA. In fact (as a side note) several of his customers were some of the first “right stuff” astronauts.

Another side note (and true story) Dad surprised me, on one of those Saturdays I was with him. He arranged for me to personally hand deliver a half gallon of ice cream to Neil Armstrong. For those of you born in this century, Neil Armstrong was the first man to set foot on the moon. And Technical Tony handed him a container of Dutch chocolate rocky road ice cream! (at least I believe that was the flavor)

OK, back to the story. And why I’m sharing it.

Even on those long Saturdays, when I helped Dad deliver milk, he spent lots of time with me. Not just telling me what to do. No, we’d also have conversations about the most important things in life. He was interested to know what I’d learned in math, science, and language classes. And we’d talk about other things, like family, and where I’d go when I die. Yeah, even that.

Those one-on-one times with my Dad were priceless. And I wouldn’t trade a second of them for all the cool technology in the world.

But he died when he was only 51.

Just so you know, life with Dad wasn’t always a Norman Rockwell painting. He was a strict disciplinarian. And when I failed to do the right (which, obviously was rare) sometimes there were serious consequences.

But those memories never overshadow the learning and productive times with Dad. Like when he showed me how to use tools and work on lawnmowers, bicycles, and even my first car. Or the times he spent building (yes, building) go-karts for my brother and me to test drive around the block.

Dad even showed us how to fly kites using our saltwater fishing rods and reels. He’d throw the football with us, in the street, during football season. He taught us the finer points of throwing a baseball with either hand. I remember even getting him to play tennis with me when I started up that sport in high school. And I remember it was the first sport that I could beat him. Guys might identify more with me on that. You know how it feels to beat your dad, for the first time, at anything. Right?

My Dad was only 20 years older than me. He’s now been gone longer than he was around during my life. I’ve already lived quite a few years longer than he did. And I still think of him and so many of those special times almost daily.

I’m not sure if he knows, right now, how important a role he played in my life. But I AM sure he knows, without a doubt, what the most important things in life are.

He was (and is) a Christian. So, I know my Dad is “present with the Lord” right now. And he’s experienced, firsthand for over 32 years, the ultimate relationship. It’s an awesome and incredible HOPE I have. To know I’ll see him again someday. And to know we’ll be eternal brothers in the presence of the one, true, living, loving Father (and Creator) of us all.

Try out an eternal perspective.

As you check your texts, instant messages, social media accounts, YouTube and Instagram videos, and even your eCommerce stats, pause. Look up. Look around. Pay attention to the ones you love. And talk to them.

Embrace. Laugh. Enjoy the time.

They won’t be here forever.

You won’t either.

But you’ll all be somewhere forever. Talk about that. And be sure you know where you’re going. It matters more than any other message you’ll receive from any other source. Metaphorically, I call it…

Fandango Street

Dwight was a boy anybody would employ
‘Cause he worked his fingers to the bone
But he said he had to fly, get a piece of the sky
So he took off for the great unknown
Everybody said no, no, no But he still had to go
To make his whole life complete
And look for Fandango Street

He took himself a wife as he made the change of life
And the boy became a regular man
They had a couple kids just like everybody did
But it really wasn’t in the plan
And his spirit said no, no, no
That’s not the way you should go
Should be pointing your feet On up to Fandango Street

Oh, but somewhere the world took over
And left him thirsting for more
Where was the milk and the honey
He had dreamed of all those years before

He was moving right along feeling permanently strong
Thinking all he had to do was behave
But a terminal disease slowly drove him to his knees
And it took him to an early grave
And his family said no, no, no
But he still had to go
To make the journey complete and look for Fandango Street

And to this day I say no, no, no
But I know he had to go
To make the journey complete and look for Fandango Street
I hear him tapping his feet up on Fandango Street
And so his life is complete…he dance on Fandango Street!

Before you go, share this link with everybody you know. Tell ’em to jump on the The TRUTH AND get some music and other good stuff, for Fa-Ree.

Stay tuned,

Posted on August 6, 2023 by TonyAugust 19, 2023

Rule number one? Well, it usually isn't done.

It makes me mad how some people feel a deep-down, dastardly need to rule over others. Yeah, for them, rule number one is “Do unto others before they can do unto you.”

But that rule number one only lasts a little while.

I know you realize we have a very short time here on planet earth. There’s a one-to-one ration of births to deaths. And nobody gets out of this life any other way.

So, given that fact, don’t you think rule number one should still be “do unto others as you’d have them do unto you? I know it’s an old-fashioned idea, but it’s still the truth. And, as I’ve said before, we need the truth. And, of course I’m talking about THE Truth found in the person of Jesus.

Yeah, I know that’s a hard pill to swallow for most people. But that doesn’t change the facts.

Because, if there’s no absolute standard of truth, then there are about 7 billion standards. That’s called chaos and confusion. And God is not the author of confusion. His Truth is crystal clear and health to your bones and spirit. That’s why we need the Truth.

How Long Till

How long till we see the vengeance?
How long till You make things right?
Lord, how long till the trumpet blows
And calls us into flight?

How long till we see the Savior?
How long till the end of night?
How long till Your trumpet blows
And takes us out of sight?

We need the Truth! The world doesn’t care.
They can’t see design; though it’s everywhere.
No absolutes, and they’re absolutely sure.
They worship time and bow down to chance.
They give themselves up to circumstance.
I have to say I don’t comprehend the allure.

(repeat chorus)

Our bodies ache; You can hear the groans.
We twist Your words into sticks and stones
And wield them around like giants in a trance.
This posturing while the world looks on
Just makes them ask where our minds have gone,
And I don’t blame them; it’s such a silly dance.

(repeat chorus…inst…repeat chorus to end)

Before you go, follow rule number one. Tell others to jump on the The TRUTH AND get some music and other good stuff, for Fa-Ree.

Stay tuned,

Posted on August 5, 2023 by TonyAugust 19, 2023

I wrote a rhyme called Face to Face. And it talked about how glorious it’ll be when you see Jesus in person. It WILL be indescribably beautiful and wonderful. Believers will experience all of God’s love for eternity.

I also wrote a song, as a tribute, to a young man who died of cancer a few years ago. The song is called “Jeremiah’s Prayer.” I took poetic license with a prayer Jeremiah shared on his social media accounts. And thousands of people enjoyed how the song showed his courage as he looked forward to meeting the Lord “face to face.”

And it’s true. That face to face meeting is the “hope of glory” Paul wrote about. And Heaven will be where we’ll live, in God’s peace and promises, forever.

But not all of God’s love is reserved for Heaven.

And that’s not to say, as some mistakenly do, that Earth is part of Heaven. Sure, it was supposed to be that way. And it was that way. Until Adam and Eve opened the door to sin. Then, it “flooded” paradise and we’ve all been dealing with the consequences ever since.

But that’s not to say this world isn’t abundantly filled with awesome beauty. Just get away from your devices and distractions and go outside. Take a look. And from the tops of the redwood trees to bottom of the ocean, God’s love can be seen in His creation.

From the telescopic views of galaxies to the microscopic peeks into the human genome, God’s love and infinitely brilliant mind are clearly seen.

And that’s only a part of why no one will have an excuse when they see Him face to face one day. And no doubt about it, that day is inevitable. So, that’s why I share something about the comforting hope I have, just about every day. Because I hope that hope flows into someone else who needs it.

Now, if that’s you, and you just haven’t caught sight of your Creator yet, step outside and look at…

All Of Creation

All of creation points to the Savior.
We are all here by design.
All the environment and complex behavior…
The Glory of God makes it shine.

All of creation holds information…
Encoded within every cell,
All of the best minds in each generation
Won’t banish what Christians know well.

That…

(Chorus)
All of creation is here by the Word of God.
And all of creation mirrors His mind.
All of creation is saved by the Love of God
All of creation…Jesus defined.

Before you go, share this link with everybody you know. Tell ’em to jump on the The TRUTH AND get some music and other good stuff, for Fa-Ree.

Stay tuned,

Posted on August 4, 2023 by TonyAugust 4, 2023

Climate change fairy tale is such an easy sale

More chapters have been added to the climate change fairy tale. And you can expect more to come. Because the enemy of Truth is tireless in his attempts to pervert and subvert data.

And they love to write the climate change fairy tale in hot weather.

Because that’s when more people will actually believe we’re all gonna be incinerated in a fiery explosion of greenhouse gases. Especially those people who live in the asphalt jungles.

They (those who want you to fear) will tell you “projections of climate change” have been “remarkably accurate at predicting the rate at which global temperatures would rise.” And they’ll say things like “for decades, climate change has proceeded at roughly the expected pace.”

Yeah, they’ll share their data calmly. With a cool demeanor (irony intended). Until they get to what they call the “consequences of our actions.” Then, it’s Katy bar the door. Fear must be served. So, fear-filled adverbs, adjectives, nouns, and verbs flow like Niagara Falls in the Spring. Like these examples:

The Southwest is sweltering under a heat dome.
Vermont saw a deluge of rain, its second 100-year storm in roughly a decade.
Early July brought the hottest day globally since records began…surpassed again the following day.
We may be careening toward so-called tipping points
Incremental steps along the same trajectory could push Earth’s systems into abrupt or irreversible change

The so-called scientists, who peddle the climate change fairy tale, want you to believe your evil use of natural resources plays a huge role in their doomsday scenario. But I doubt you’ll ever hear them talk about the 42 million tires being burned, right out in the open, in Kuwait. Yeah, that seems harmless. As long as you watch your thermostat.

Just in case you think I exaggerate their agenda, check this out.

“Some natural systems, if upended, could herald a restructuring of the world.”

A restructuring of the world? And I’M the exaggerator? Yeah, right.

Need more? Seriously?

How about when their climate change fairy tale talks about the sea levels? Yeah, they love to talk about melting glaciers and ice caps and snow caps. And they love to slip in their absolutes: “which would guarantee the glacier’s eventual collapse. How that plays out will help determine how much sea levels will rise, and thus the future of millions of people.”

Uh-oh. The future of millions of people. THEY said that. But it’s ME who exaggerates?

If you live long enough, and I have, AND you pay attention, you’ll see total opposite fairy tales. Yep, in the not-too-distant-past Leonard Nimoy (Mr. Spock) talked about the “coming ice age.” And he said it could happen quickly. Within the lives of “our children or grandchildren.” He was young enough, at that time, that it could have meant in his own lifetime, too.

But the years came and went. And the ice age melted into global warming. And that gave way to the climate change fairy tale. Because this story has to be told, over and over. After all, that’s how kids and grandkids grow up in fear.

I’m thankful that God gave me a spirit of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

This minute is your minute.
Go ahead and jump in it.
One sparkle and one twinkle,
One snowflake and one sprinkle.
Be sunny and be cheerful.
Skip worried and skip fearful.
Keep smiling and keep living.
This minute is for giving.

Before you go, share this link with everybody you know. Tell ’em to jump on the The TRUTH AND get some music and other good stuff, for Fa-Ree.

Stay tuned,

Posted on August 3, 2023 by TonyAugust 17, 2023

Here’s a quote that was included in a meme I saw being shared on social media this week. It said, “Do everything with a good heart and expect nothing in return, and you will never be disappointed.”

Seems like a “nice” Hallmark greeting card. But it falls flat.

Because you don’t have a good heart.

Now, don’t get your feelings hurt. Neither do I. And neither does anybody else. Even the people who think they do.

The Designer of human beings says, “The heart is deceitful above all things, And desperately wicked; Who can know it?” Yeah, that’s in the Bible. But, ouch! It doesn’t feel good to hear it. Right?

But why would God say such a thing about us?

Maybe (and I use that word loosely) it’s because He’s watched us for a few thousand years. And He’s seen what terrible ideas we come up with. And those ideas originate from the heart. Not the physical pump. But the very core of who we are. So, you can bet, that if God says we have a heart problem, we do.

It was this kind of perspective that triggered the following from almost ten years ago.

Imagine, for a minute, that there are 7 layers of the heart.

The first layer is a deep, dark indigo where the heart is conceived. The second layer is a rich, regal purple where the heart is created. Then, the third layer is a magnetic, cobalt blue where the shape of the heart is formed. Next, the fourth layer is a fertile, emerald green where love can grow. After that, the fifth layer is a warm, glowing orange where emotions are kindled. The sixth layer is a lilting yellow where faith and hope mingle. And the seventh layer is a luscious, rose red where the embers of life never die out.

Now, imagine all those layers of the heart are poured out quickly and form a beautiful work of art. And imagine everyone who walked by wanting to know who the artist was.

“Oh my,” says one passer-by. “I’ve never seen such spectacular colors. It must’ve taken the artist years to create such a masterpiece.”

But it just so happens, the artist is right behind the canvas in the next aisle. And he comes around to face the observer and says…

“Not at all. I created this piece before lunch one day.”

“Impossible,” replies the observer. “Because no one could create such a wonderful work of art in only a few hours.”

“And yet, I tell you I did.” The artist begins to appear frustrated. “And if you won’t believe me in this small matter, what would you ever believe?”

Here’s the deal…

I wrote this story about a heart to describe our beautiful layered world. The artist is actually the Creator of the universe and all the matter in it. He did that in 6 days. And when, in His wise judgment, He flooded the world one time about 4,000 years ago, many beautiful layers of sediment were deposited in many places. It all happened in days…not millions of years. And now, 4,000 years later, we can still see those amazingly parallel strata in places like the Grand Canyon.

It’s awesome to celebrate design in our world and universe.

Because it helps you to avoid a lifetime of uncertainty found in random chance. When you know you’re created, it can light up all the layers of your heart.

Before you go, share this link with everybody you know. Tell ’em to jump on the The TRUTH AND get some music and other good stuff, for Fa-Ree.

Stay tuned,

Posted on August 2, 2023 by TonyAugust 16, 2023

No such thing as transgender and one day you'll return to sender

There’s no such thing as actual transgender. Sure, you can make up words and apply whatever touchy feely definitions you devise in your own mind. But just saying it doesn’t make it true.

You can identify. But it doesn’t change your identity.

And Christians should know that better than anyone.

So, it seems almost unthinkable that someone who call himself a Christian would also “identify as a transgender man.” And that last sentence is blurry since I’m talking about someone who “identifies” as a “transgender man.” Because that person was born a female.

At so-called “news report” started out with “Caught between his Christian faith and what some Americans view as a deepening assault on transgender rights, Zayn Silva remembers the moment he decided to fight back.”

Apparently Zayn was denied admission to a seminary after identifying as a transgender man. If Zayn truly believed in tolerance and diversity, that would have been that. But, nope. Zayn wouldn’t think of allowing opposing views on gender identity and so-called “sexual orientation.” Because wants to receive tolerance. Not give it.

There’s no such thing as true tolerance in the LBT+GQRSTUV world.

They don’t want to simply “coexist.” They want Christian believers, those who believe the Bible is true (even the “mean parts”) to not exist at all. Of course, they won’t say that. And they deny that truth. But, remember, they also deny their own chromosomal design.

So, the article I read about Zayn shared this:

“Silva is one of dozens of LGBTQ+ Americans suing the U.S. Department of Education, challenging a law that allows religious colleges to discriminate based on the sex of students and applicants, even when those schools receive millions in federal funding.”

I see three main irritating points in that little paragraph.

First, Silva’s intolerance of the rights of religious colleges. Second, the fact that people any Americans can sue the government or its departments at the cost of their fellow taxpayers (and even themselves). And third, the evil theft that has to occur in order for there to be federal funding for ANY school, even religious ones.

But, we’ve gotten to the point, in America and the world, where the wrong has become the norm.

The article said Zayn’s lawsuit “has arrived at a moment when federal courts, including the Supreme Court, are increasingly siding with religious groups over gay and transgender rights.”

Sadly, that’s not likely to remain true.

OK, the “Supreme Court backed a graphic artist who will decline to design wedding websites for same-sex marriage.” And “a federal appeals court, in Cincinnati this month, ruled that a Tennessee ban on gender-affirming care for transgender minors may be enforced for now.”

But those are system results.

Not a recognition of right and wrong.

And, if you call yourself a Christian, it means you acknowledge there IS such a thing as right and wrong. And you also acknowledge that God is the one who determined that, long before you were born. Plus, you know the Bible is a recording of God’s word. And you know what God’s word says about homosexuality. (hint: He’s anti gay)

This trans agenda is not to gain recognition and rights. It’s to find even more ways to thumb noses and flip certain fingers at God. That’s why I love my dazed and confused neighbors enough to tell them that their “lifestyle choice” is a ticket to hell. AND I hate them for what they do to themselves, to children, and to others who have to tolerate them.

Their gender confusion and delusion even convolutes journalistic reports. For example, reporters end up writing sentences like this: “Silva said it was an especially challenging time, given his upbringing and faith, when he realized at around age 12 that he was no longer comfortable as a female.”

That’s whacko. “He was no longer comfortable as a female.”

Then people, like Zayn, get even more insidiously confused. As in this sentence from the article: “After years of fighting it, Silva decided to align his faith with his identity, helping young people at his church and their parents navigate their own sexuality and gender identity.”

I don’t even want to imagine being a parent who’s actually willing to listen to a female claiming to be a male. Much less being a parent who’d take any advice from that person who also claims to be a Christian.

However, I’m just an old, white guy.

I’m a guy who identifies as a person in need of a savior. And I identify as a guy because my chromosomes, included in my genetic makeup at conception, prove I’m a guy. My gender isn’t determined by my feelings.

God created only male and female. Not people who can trans into whatever they feel like.

Zayn apparently said, “Plenty of religious families are looking for ways to reconcile their faith and sexuality without being humiliated or ostracized to help them accept and feel loved.”

See? Feelings. Not Truth. Feelings.

And those dazed and delusional feelings often lead to costly, lengthy court battles these days.

But right and wrong are determined by the constitution, the courts, or even popular conformity. And when a person, like Silva, can say, “This journey has increased my faith significantly,” it emphasizes the main point:

Faith in who? Self? Or the one, true, living, loving God of all creation?

You don’t have to agree with God’s word in the Bible. You can be your own god if you prefer.

But I highly recommend you reconsider, if that’s you. Because ideas have consequences. And there’s no such thing as neutral territory with God.

Do you see the pattern form
How the wrong becomes the norm? Say Yeah! Say Yeah!
Would you like to stop the ride;
Could you dare to take a side? Say Yeah! Say Yeah!

Stay tuned,

Posted on July 30, 2023 by TonyAugust 15, 2023

Future security in spite of your iniquity

You don’t have to look far to find a financial “guru” who has the solution to your retirement income problems. And they often say your future security depends on your present investments. But the future they talk about is chicken feed. Tiny grains of sand in the amount of time you have ahead of you.

So, most of the talk about future security is a whisper in the wind.

I should make it clear that your total future security does depend on your present investment. But not an investment of your money or other material assets. It depends on where you invest your soul.

Will you sink your soul into the mutual bonds of short-term promises most of the world pursues? Or will you dive into a risk-free joint venture with your Creator.

Oops. I just tossed a monkey wrench into your stock portfolio. But I make no apologies.

Because there’s important. And then there’s crucial.

It’s important what you and I do in this life. No doubt about it. But there’s no real protection. You can’t protect yourself from rainy days any more than you can stop the rain from falling from the sky. But go ahead and save (or invest) for those rainy days. As long as you realize it only helps a little. Just like exercise only helps a little.

But you know what would be a shame? If you invested wisely, made huge profits (and margins), and had plenty of moolah for your so-called “retirement.” What? That doesn’t sound like a shame? Oh wait. I didn’t finish. I left out the part where you enjoyed your retirement and then died and went to hell.

Yeah. That’d be a shame.

Because one other investment could have been the icing on the cake. The pièce de résistance. The everlasting crown of achievement. And that’s the aforementioned investment of your soul. That’s the only one that lasts.

Have you made that investment? Do you have that sense of future security?

Or maybe you think you’re just headed toward total nothingness. And maybe you think people like me are simpletons who bow down to some invisible nobody.

Of course, you can put your faith in you. At least you’re somebody you can see. And you can put your faith in your way with words, your money manipulation skills, or your physiology.

Yeah, you could be like billions of other people on Earth. Sure, you could trust in self and ignore Truth.

What have you got to lose, besides everything?

Swallowed Up By Life

I’ll be swallowed up by life
That will never fade away,
When I leave my body here
On an ordinary day.
I won’t mourn the things I lose
‘Cause there’s so much more to gain.
And my spirit will rejoice,
When I leave this earthly plane.
I’ll be swallowed up by life,
And I’ll never more know death.
I will just begin to breathe,
When I breathe my final breath.

Before you go, share this link with everybody you know. Tell ’em to jump on the The TRUTH AND get some music and other good stuff, for Fa-Ree.

Stay tuned,

Posted on July 29, 2023 by TonyAugust 12, 2023

Well, it’s all over but the whinin’. Yeah, for all intents and purposes, July is done. And is it just me, or does it seem like there were more than a couple of hot days this month? Yeah, probably just me.

OK, July is done. But you know what that means.

Uh-huh. August, with its brisk, sweater weather days and frost-biting nights. Oh wait. Darn grammar checker. That was supposed to be brisk, Lipton tea, sweatier days and A/C testing nights.

Anyway…

Point is, there are plenty more hot days where these recent ones came from. (“Teacher, Tony ended a sentence with a preposition!” – “Quiet, Judy! Nobody likes a tattletail.”)

Sorry, just had a flashback to my days as Theodore Cleaver. No, wait. That was Jerry Mathers. Well, if I’m not him, then who am I? Wow, apparently July is NOT done with its heat damage. My brain is playing tricks on me. And I’m sitting in my office, in the cool comfort of A/C protection.

So, the damage must’ve occurred when I hauled 2000 bales of hay yesterday. No, wait. That was way back when I was a teenager during my summer days in the hay fields of Kansas. Wow, this is getting ridiculous.

I should probably see Dr. Clooney, uh, I mean Dr. Ross to find out if there’s something I can do about all this brain fog and heat exhaustion confusion. Wait a second. Dr. Ross is actually a fictional doctor played by Doctor, uh, George Clooney. Oh no!

Even more dazed confusion.

Just kidding.

Really had you going there. Didn’t I?

What’s all this silliness got to do with anything? Well, it’s got everything to do with nothing. Because everything I’ve shared so far makes about as much sense as the constant blabbermouth nonsense passing itself off as climate change science.

And those who love to shout it from the rooftops, bully pulpits, and airwaves, love to use an especially hot summer to, as they they think, emphasize their point. But they actually manipulate facts to articulate fiction. And I’m not a climate denier. That’s a descriptive non sequitur. Of course, climate changes. Every year.

I’ve seen it with my own eyes for over 6 decades. Some hotter than others.

But don’t take my word for it. After all, I’m a Christian who might have “an agenda.” Let’s take a look at what an atheist, a guy who won the Nobel Prize in physics for 2022, said about it:

Dr. John Clauser is quoted as saying, the climate emergency “narrative” is “a dangerous corruption of science that threatens the world’s economy and the well-being of billions of people.”

And his opinion has been widely accepted and welcomed.

NOT!

Dr. Clauser was supposed to give a talk at the International Monetary Fund, on climate change models. But his talk was cancelled. Other talks have been cancelled as well. Probably just a coincidence.

The good doctor (who needs to get right with the only actual good person there is) also argues that carbon dioxide emissions are beneficial to life on Earth. And he believes so-called “climate science” has “metastasized into massive shock-journalistic pseudoscience.” Whoa, pardner. Them there’s fightin’ words. But Dr. Clauser doesn’t stop there. He says “business marketing agents, politicians, journalists, government agencies, and environmentalists” are in on the pseudoscience.

He made it easy to interpret his meaning by saying, “In my opinion, there is no real climate crisis.”

Now, I’m not saying that Dr. Clauser is the world’s leading authority on climate or weather. But I figured he’s a good source to share so I can show you this isn’t just a “Christian perspective.”

You can easily see the silliness when you watch the “marketing agents” on social media, TV, and in movies, commercials, and political circles through the years. For example, Mr. Spock (Leonard Nimoy) told us, that perhaps in “our kids’ and grandkids’ lives” the planet could become an uninhabitable frozen wasteland.

Don’t believe me? Check out this video: (https://youtu.be/yCzjSDwGSF8)

But here we are. Frying eggs on the sidewalk.

Chicken little, chicken little,
That old, darn sky just won’t fall.
But I guess that doesn’t matter
Long as they can fool us all
Into thinking that the climate
Is an enemy we’ve made
Just by breathing and by living.
It’s a heat wave masquerade.
But discerners don’t believe it.
Yes, we know where Truth is found.
And we know the sky will not fall
And the Earth will spin around
For as long as God determines.
He has made that point quite clear.
So, go spout your hoaxes elsewhere.
Earth will still be fine next year!

Before you go, share this link with everybody you know. Tell ’em to jump on the The TRUTH AND get some music and other good stuff, for Fa-Ree.

Stay tuned,

Posted on July 28, 2023 by TonyAugust 3, 2024

Take it to the limit and you can’t just skim it

Right now he knows if I (and many others like me) am a liar or not. And he found out you can take it to the limit and barely be started.

Yeah, he fully knows the take it to the limit part.

First, he was the guy who wrote and sang the hit song, “Take It To The Limit,” with fellow Eagles, Glen Frey, Don Henley, and Bernie Leadon.

And even though he was the group’s bassist, which is typically one of the band members who shun the spotlight, Randy Meisner sang lead on that song. For the recordings and for the live performances. According to what I’ve read about him, it appears he wasn’t comfortable (to say the least) with the live performance focus. And that apparently was a big part of why he left the band.

The reason I’m talking about Mr. Meisner today is because he died yesterday. He was 77. And reports say his death was a result of “complications from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.”

When a well-known musician dies, my first thought isn’t about his fame.

Because that’s all gone. So is his estate and all his earthly belongings. They all belong to someone else now. Or soon will.

My first thought is, “I hope he was right with God.”

Because an “astonishing vocal range” won’t get you into Heaven. And a “way with words” won’t either. In fact, there’s nothing you can do, nothing you can have, and nothing you can buy that will get you there.

No, once you take it to the limit, in this life, there’s only one Way to secure a place in eternal life. You gotta believe and put your trust in the one who called Himself “The Way.” And look out, here comes his name, Jesus.

I just read a short news article that described the last ten years of Randy’s life as “a less happy affair, though, dotted by struggles with alcohol abuse, health issues, and tragedy.”

And the article also said, “He was placed for a brief time under a conservatorship in 2015, with a judge citing his issues with substance abuse; the next year, his wife Lana died after what was ruled to be an accident with a rifle she was holding in their home.”

Tragedy isn’t a barrier to eternal life.

And thank God for that or none of us would have any hope. But I couldn’t find any stories or accounts of how Randy overcame his tragedies by giving his heart to the Lord. Maybe he did. I hope he did. But I couldn’t find any evidence for it.

Here’s the thing. You can keep runnin’ down the road away from Truth. But you won’t find some sort of witchy woman, one of these nights, who can cast a spell on you and make you immortal.

Without Jesus you’ll eventually check into a place much worse than Hotel California. And there’s NO passage back to the place you were before. You won’t be able to check out any time you like. And you can NEVER leave.

I certainly hope Randy Meisner didn’t take it to that limit. Because I certainly wouldn’t wanna be in those shoes.

Stay tuned,

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Posted on July 27, 2023 by TonyAugust 11, 2023

Something invisible inside that only you can hide

If you could carry around something invisible that could almost immediately transport you across the world, you’d do it. Right? Well, you’ve got something like that. And you have a way to access it almost anytime you like.

Your phone or tablet or laptop give you access to something invisible.

And magical. And you probably already use it, like that, in some way or another. But maybe not the way I’m thinking of right now. At least not as often as other ways. Like videos. Or games. Or pictures.

No, what I’m talking about is imagination. It’s better than all the video games. Because, with them, you can only do what someone else pre-programmed. But your imagination can take you to the edges of the universe. To the land of giants. And even down to the hidden wonders of the microscopic world.

For example, have you ever seen the stunning variety of of color, shapes, and movements in a human eye when viewed in photo magnification? Wow! So much intricate design contained in so little space.

Then there’s the other end of the spectrum. Did you know there are 40,000 muscles in an elephant’s trunk? Yeah, it’s true. And an elephant can use its trunk to lift up to 770 pounds and crush large fruit. Plus, it can pick individual leaves off trees. Human engineers can only attempt copycat designs. No matter how many times they try.

It sparks my imagination to think how all the big and tiny creatures could have come into existence as a result of spoken words. Something else invisible and powerful. Sadly, most people believe it sounds too far-fetched. And on the flip side , it sounds too far-fetched to me to imagine it could have all merely big banged into existence.

I’m glad I can see the design in everything around me. And I’m glad the Designer saw fit to give me imagination. And that’s how I can write, day after day, and never use up all the words or numbers. Like the big time I had writing…

Tiny Time

Look under the leaves of the sunflower plant…
Way back in the dirt you’ll see Arnold the Ant.
He works at his desk where he thinks up a rhyme,
And writes it all down in his own tiny time.

Now look over there in the bark of the tree.
A beetle’s as busy as beetles can be.
He chews for a while, and then starts to climb,
And keeps moving up in his own tiny time.

Have you seen the tadpoles that live in the pond?
They turn into frogs without using a wand.
They take a deep breath and swim under the slime
And only come up in their own tiny time.

There’s something invisible inside your head
When you are awake or asleep in your bed…
So small it can live in the sound of a chime…
Your imagination in sweet, tiny time.

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Grab yourself an un-cool T-shirt

Or how about some music for believers, dreamers, and thinkers

Posted on July 26, 2023 by TonyAugust 9, 2023

Hypnotic groove, but what does it prove?

“It has a very hypnotic groove, a samba, which has a tremendous hypnotic power, rather like good dance music. It doesn’t speed up or slow down. It keeps this constant groove. Plus, the actual samba rhythm is a great one to sing on, but it’s also got some other suggestions in it, an undercurrent of being primitive. Because it is a primitive African, South American, Afro-whatever-you-call-that rhythm.”

What are we talkin’ about here?

Obviously a song. But what song? There are basically countless songs to choose from that fit that description. And so many of them entice your toes to tap, your fingers to snap, and your heart to chance a little dance.

But this particular hypnotic groove is asking for a little sympathy.

Well, if you care about your fellow man (aka: love your neighbor as yourself), then it’s probably easy to prepare to offer sympathy. Especially if it can help ease someone’s pain and suffering. Right?

Yeah, fair enough. But the hypnotic groove I refer to, here, isn’t asking for sympathy for your neighbor or fellow man. Far from it.

In fact, the lyrics request sympathy for the one who has NO sympathy for you, me, or any human being. Rather ironic, to say the least.

The song, with the so-called hypnotic groove, takes the first person narrative perspective. And the “person” it represents is your most dangerous enemy. The one who wants your soul to endure eternal torment in a place so awful that mere words fail to thoroughly describe it.

Does that sound like someone you wanna show sympathy?

I don’t.

But Mick Jagger (and possibly Keith Richards) thought there might be reason enough to show Sympathy For The Devil. So, way back in 1968 they recorded the song with that title.

Actually, on a certain level, their lyrics revealed truth.

Of course, that truth is overshadowed by the songwriter’s bias. But the overall concept is that Lucifer, or Satan, or the Devil, was around for all the worst atrocities in history. And that’s basically true.

But take this verse, for example:

I was ’round when Jesus Christ
Had his moment of doubt and pain
Made damn sure that Pilate
Washed his hands and sealed his fate

I don’t take issue with any of those lyrics except the word, doubt. So, some truth peppered with some misinformation. Then, some blame game lyrics that lack wisdom:

I watched with glee while your kings and queens
Fought for ten decades for the gods they made.
I shouted out, “Who killed the Kennedys?”
Well, after all, it was you and me.
Let me please introduce myself.
I’m a man of wealth and taste
And I laid traps for troubadours
Who get killed before they reach Bombay.

Yes, humans are to blame for much of the evil in this world. But individually. Not corporately. You commit your crimes and sins. And I commit mine. So, somebody “killed the Kennedys.” But it wasn’t you. And it wasn’t me. Also, the devil is not a man. So, he has no wealth and taste. Unless you count the souls he’s destroyed as wealth and his attention to chaos, confusion, and corruption as taste.

After all of my sort of negative review, here’s a curve ball for you.

I enjoy the percussive, samba beat to the song. And the instrumentation, too. I’ve never been a fan of Mick’s vocals. So, even if the song wasn’t peppered with bias and misinformation, it still wouldn’t be hit material in my world. Clear up those lyrical problems and insert Michael McDonald’s voice or Kenny Loggins voice, and then you got the goods.

And I most likely wouldn’t have talked about this song at all except it popped up on my radar, that it’s Mick Jagger’s 80th birthday. I don’t know this for a fact, but my guess is the 80 year old Mick probably still has the same perspective as the 25 year old Mick. I hope, for his sake, that he comes to realize his misplaced sympathy. And wouldn’t it be cool if he came up with a hypnotic groove for the One who will defeat the devil once and for all?

Yeah, it’s enjoyable to daydream.

Before you go, share this link with everybody you know. Tell ’em to jump on the The TRUTH AND get some music and other good stuff, for Fa-Ree.

Stay tuned,

Posted on July 25, 2023 by TonyAugust 8, 2023

Byline author shares the reason why he cares

I’m the only byline author here on TonyFunderburk.com. And, of course, that makes sense since the website bears my name. In case you’re not familiar with journalism jargon, a byline is just a title of the article and who wrote it, who it’s “by.”

And so I’m the byline author of this whole website.

So, whether it’s blame or credit that’s dished out or given, I’m the receiver.

And that’s a fact. Not a brag. Because I can’t (and don’t) make the claim that all my writings are epic works of art. Far from it. But they’re art from the heart. And science from reliance (feel free to ask me about that).

This website of mine is flows from a heart changed by the art and science of what I can clearly see AND what I don’t see at all. Reality, itself, is a clear indicator that there’s a force greater than all the gravity in the universe. And I’m perfectly willing to acknowledge that force flows from another, greater heart. The heart of God.

You’re free to disagree.

But I believe, whole-heartedly, that you’ll do so at your own peril. Naturally, it seems somewhat logical to believe you can be your own king. Because you make your own decisions about when to eat, sleep, and be merry. And you’re the only one who’s with you 24 hours a day. But your reign, here on Earth, is a very very short one.

So, it’s important to find out if I (or anyone else who makes the claims I make) share the Truth. Or am I just making up a fairy tale one step at a time? Sure I could do that. In fact, a while back I shared how I can just write one line after another and create rhymes I didn’t even know existed in my brain.

And then I shared an example of that. I opened my text editor without a clue of what I was gonna write. But I had NO doubt I’d write something. But I had nothing to start with. So, I took the idea of having nothing to start with and started. And here’s what happened…

ByLine

I didn’t have a thing to say when I first started out.
And I believe that sort of thing can fill your mind with doubt.
But then ideas began to form. I quickly wrote them down.
It felt so good to clear the dust from my mental ghost town.

Hey, have you ever felt like that, not sure of what to say?
And if you did, what did you do to make it go away?
Or did you find yourself at odds with even your own brain
And watched, as every thought you had, went swirling down the drain?

Well, may I recommend the treatment I just put me through?
I think you’ll find it might replace what’s missing inside you.
Just write your foggy, fractured thoughts down slowly line by line.
Then share the words and walk away. Don’t worry. You’ll be fine.

So, you read all that and you might not be ready to believe what I say and go all in. Because, if I can do it with a rhyme, surely I can do it with my so-called “Truth.”

Yeah. No.

Because the Truth I’ve shared in some way or another almost 3000 times, here on the website, is not something I conjured up out of thin air. I found it in someone else’s writings. In a book that is time-tested and proved, over and over to be the most reliable source of Truth and love in existence. And it’s from the ultimate byline Author.

It can clarify, edify, and quantify your ideas, thoughts, and words.

And those are all conceptual examples of how life has Rhyme and Reason because God made you.

AMEN!

Stay tuned,