The TRUTH Will Set You Free - The blog from - Page 35 of 164

Posted on June 26, 2023 by TonyAugust 3, 2024

Well, you can call me Tony Splendorburk. Because I meet the criteria for that title. And it took me a long time to earn it. So I’m gonna own it. That means this post is gonna contain a lot of me me me talk. But it’s really not about me.

Really.

First, a little back story.

I’ve already lived over six decades. And I’ve got the silver/gray hair and the extra lines in my face to prove it. And that’s the criteria for my “Splendor” title I mentioned.

Wow, six decades. It seems like only last week I learned what a decade was and then mentioned to my grandparents that I was “a decade old” on my tenth birthday. Time flies when you keep getting up and having coffee every morning.

Anyway. Back to me me me.

Over the course of those six decades I’ve experienced some awesome and some awful stuff. I’ve traveled across the United States multiple times. And I’ve sung thousands of songs thousands of times for hundreds of thousands of people. I’ve made lots of friends. And I’ve seen most of them turn away once I decided to follow my Christian faith more boldly.

And I’ve witnessed many family and other loved ones die along the way.

I’ve written books, songs, poems, and articles for fun AND for profit. Yeah, at times I’ve made mucho moolah. And other times I’ve struggled to make ends meet. I’ve met and shaken hands with some famous people. And I’ve had some brushes with fame myself. Thankfully they were only brushes and not hammers.

But no matter how many awesome, or awful, things I’ve done or seen, it’s all gonna be like the flower of the grass one day. Mowed, raked, burned, and forgotten. Unless I go to Heaven.

And I’m going to Heaven.

Because the Creator of all life on Earth made a way I could do that. And He made it possible to live forever. AND He gives every person the freedom to choose whether to go there or not. But only a fool would choose not to go there.

And when I go to Heaven, most of what I did, here on Earth, will be like the flower of the grass, withered and forgotten. Because it didn’t mean anything.

But what won’t be burned up or forgotten will be the things I said and did that pointed to God. The poems and songs I wrote for Him. And the times I talked about Him to anyone who would listen. Yeah, those things will, forever, be part of who I am.

So, see how this post isn’t just about me me me?

It really all led to sharing how the same is true for YOU. And it’s all in your hands to choose. But you have to choose while you’re still here on Earth. One millisecond after your last breath will be too late to choose. So, choose wisely, grasshopper.

You can’t run away from real truth.
And every word of truth is a knife.
So, cut free. And choose life.

Stay tuned,

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Posted on June 24, 2023 by TonyJuly 12, 2023

Alabama is one of those states in the so-called Bible Belt. So, it might surprise you to hear that even in small towns, in Alabama, police have to deal with perverts. Yeah, even in public shopping areas. In broad daylight (is there a such thing as narrow daylight?)

Small towns, in America, are no longer much different from big cities.

For example, check out what police said in this headline from one of those small towns:

“…dozens of people are victims of man who sexually pleasured himself in public stores.”

But, in the very first sentence, under that headline, there’s a clue as to why perverts are doing these things on a huge scale. The news article said…

“Police say dozens of people across our area are victims of 23 -year-old Marcus McKillion. He’s charged with public indecency after they say he performed various sexual acts in public places. He was arrested today and taken to jail. Tonight, police want to jeep him behind bars. So far, 2 victims have come forward. Investigators believe there are more. They say they need more victims to come forward to keep McKillion behind bars.”

Do you see the clue?

Police need “more victims to come forward to keep McKillion behind bars.” Yeesh. I gotta break that down a little bit. Because there are some layers to that irritating onion.

Keeping perverts behind bars does not solve the problem. And they have “2 victims” and plenty of video evidence. And that’s enough to hand down a serious sentence on this perv. You don’t need “more victims” to prove the crime. So, this 23 year old perpetrator/perv should have already faced his charge, heard his sentence, and experienced his punishment.

But we don’t have an actual justice system in America.

We just have a system that pads the pockets of lawyers and judges and other “law system” workers.

So, we not only get perverted perpetrators, but we get repeat perverted perpetrators. Yeah, the headline I shared is from this week. But the scumbag was also “taken into custody” back in May for doing the same thing in a Walmart. AND there’s evidence he did the same thing back in January. Another police department sergeant said “He had exposed himself to a victim. There are multiple videos, and it is despicable and disturbing.”

The article added that there have been “Dozens of victims in 5 months.”

But a police chief said, “So, it’s my intent to prosecute every single case that we can make on him, and we can only do that if the victims come forward.”

Do you see how stupid that sounds? How stupid that IS?

The article also said

“Right now, McKillion has 2 misdemeanor charges for public indecency, which means he’s eligible for bond.” The police chief said, “People who commit these type crimes have a high tendency to do them again.” Uh…ya think?

Then, get this, the authorities admit, “There’s a lot of these videos that depict very explicit things that he was doing in public… the videos were showing that he was more brazen per video there are victims that are victims of more than just indecent exposure.”

And THEN there’s the big “I” word: “IF that’s the case, he says, sexual assault charges could come out of this case.

Police officials said, “If you saw something, don’t stay silent.”

And I say, since you DID see something, punish the perv.

Public flogging to start. And escalate as needed.

Ironically, the vast majority of people in America will say I’m hard-hearted. And they’ll call me a bigot or racist because I’d dare to call for the public punishment of a flagrant pervert. And they’ll say stupid stuff like “Who are you to judge?” Or “You don’t know the whole story.” Or pick your regurgitated sound bites.

But I predict that, if my suggestion doesn’t become the norm (and I’m under no delusion that it will), you can expect small towns to become reduced reflections of big cities. The process started long ago.

Do you think we should just accept that sort of behavior as we shop in local markets?

After all, the man who’s “pleasuring himself” in front of you (and even in front of your kids) is just doing what’s right in his mind. Yeah, come to think of it, who am I to judge? Well, I’m a son of the one, true, living, loving God of creation.

There’s that, for starters.

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Posted on June 23, 2023 by TonyJune 24, 2023

Power cord, power strip, and here's today's power tip

This past week I rearranged my desk because, well, I’m the CEO of my desk and I can rearrange it if I darn well choose to. (semi) Seriously, I had to move things around, get my devices more properly placed (for functionality), and rope in the “wires.” Because I wanted to get a bulky power cord and power strip off the desk to make more room for my microphone setup, MacBook, and iPad.

Then, there were the power cords under the desk.

And, even though I wanted to reduce power strips from 4 to 2, I could only scale down to 3. Improvements. But not what I had hoped. So, I gave up, pitched a fit, went to my fortitude of solace, and drank about a bottle of potato vodka.

Oops, that’s not right. I have WAY too much toxic masculinity to ever take that route. Nope. I determined to enjoy the improvements and get back to work. Busyness doesn’t equal productivity. And I’ve been working on projects that won’t look or sound better at the bottom of a vodka bottle.

Side note: You probably didn’t know this, but power strips go back almost a hundred years. Some guy, named Carl Petersen, filed a patent for a device he called the Table Tap. So, just in case you think you’re all modern with your office plugins, think again.

Anyway…

As so often happens, Sara and Dipity popped into the room after I had cleared out some of the clutter. They were chuckling about something. And almost instinctively I asked them what was so funny. They said they’d been leafing through my “very old” notebooks. And they found a “very old” rhyme that went right along with my power cord clutter.

Well, I don’t know about that. But to humor them, so they’ll stop their silly giggling, here’s the poem.

The Power

If I sat down, and I took the time
To correct the lines and absorb them all,
I would sit in place for so long
That the hourglass would surely rust and fall.
But there is no need for me to worry.
I don’t need to see. And I don’t need to feel.
I might expect a change here and there,
But surely you must see,
Or at least you can feel
The power is higher
And all we have to do is close our eyes.
If I stood still, and I counted days
And made up ways to collect them all.
I would never move
‘Cause there are no ways
I can save them all and take the time.
But there is no need for me to worry…
‘Cause the power is higher
And all we have to do is close our eyes.

Stay tuned,

Posted on June 22, 2023 by TonyJuly 7, 2023

Enigmatic sounds and roasted coffee grounds

What do these words have in common: abstruse, Delphic, incomprehensible, indecipherable, inexplicable, oracular, paradoxical, recondite, and unfathomable. According to the dictionary, they’re all synonyms of enigmatic. Sounds like I’m about to give a language lesson. But I’m not. This is about music’s mystery.

Enigmatic sounds might not be your cup of tea.

And, if you think jazz-fusion is as enjoyable as fingernails on a chalkboard, then you might as well move on to something else right now. Because I just had a few jazz-fusion thoughts pop into my head, and, as I’m so often wont (no, not won’t, spellchecker) to do, I’m sharing them here.

Two streams of thoughts sprang out of something I read about the origin of everyone’s favorite instrument. That’s right. The little violin. It’s an instrument that can provide a wide variety of enigmatic sounds. From the lush arrangements in Beethoven compositions, to the fiery fiddle in Charlie Daniels’ Devil Went Down To Georgia.

But where the violin really goes off the charts is in the hands of a jazz-fusion artist. The one I’m most familiar with is playing in my earbuds as I write this. Jean-Luc Ponty. A record story clerk told me about him way back in 1977 as I purchased the Dan Fogelberg Netherlands album I mentioned recently. And the clerk suggested Ponty’s album, Enigmatic Ocean. It goes nicely with my fresh-brewed dark roast coffee.

I bought it.

Don’t listen to it if you don’t like jazz, especially jazz-fusion. Don’t buy it if you don’t care for music from the 1970’s. And definitely don’t even look for it on YouTube (https://youtu.be/Maau6OPVMz8) if improvisation without the benefit of vocals ain’t your thang.

But, if you appreciate a group of musicians playing in sync so well it sounds like they’re using the same brain, then you might find Enigmatic Ocean interesting. And if a rocked-out electric violin piques your interest, Jean-Luc can certainly show you.

As enigmatic the sounds coming off this album are, they’re not my favorite violin expressions. I still say you can’t go wrong with the Maestro, Beethoven. Here’s a nice concerto: (https://youtu.be/hyMfJa8qN2Q)

And there’s nothing like Celtic strings to tug at your heartstrings in an emotional movie scene.

Recently, someone, on social media, shared a picture of the inside of a violin. And they noted how it looks like an amazing concert hall in there. And, sure enough, it does. So, that inspired me to write about the construction of our little friend, the violin. Here’s that tribute…

The Violin

Maple and Spruce and Ebony
Make their way to the symphony.
And intestinal fortitude,
From overture to interlude,
Exude from deep within the space
Beneath a pensive, focused face.
A Pernambuco arrow glides,
And firmly wound white horse hair slides
Across fine-tuned Pirazzi strings.
Divine, inspired, a high voice sings,
Revealing Heaven from within
The soul inside the violin.

Posted on June 21, 2023 by TonyFebruary 9, 2025

Defend your livelihood and here's why we should

You have a right to defend your livelihood. And this will come as a surprise to way too many people these days. But your right to do that doesn’t come from the government or the constitution. Nope. Rights don’t come from people.

And just because some guy named “Bill” mentioned rights doesn’t change that fact. Nope. Rights come from God.

So, you have the right to defend your livelihood.

Because your livelihood is your “means of securing the necessities for life,” according to the dictionary definition of the word. Even “Bill” acknowledges your right to life. So, there you go. Protect yours.

Now, here’s the reason I bring it up. Because I read a short news blurb, this morning, that talked about how politicians in California are trying to pass a law that makes it illegal to stop (or try to stop) a thief from looting a store. And the blurb added a subhead that said, “You could go to jail for defending your own business.”

Get that?

It could be against the law to defend your business from those who break the law. That’s a sign (one of so many) of how depraved and broken our governmental system is in America. And it’s difficult (although not impossible) to believe there were enough voters to elect politicians that stupid. Maybe those politicians didn’t/don’t need enough voters. Maybe they just need enough of a particular voting machine and system. Just sayin’…

Those politicians don’t work on laws like that because they care about those poor people just trying to make ends meet, as they load up bags of expensive cosmetics and iconic sportswear. No, they hate those people. But they hate hard-working (evil) business owners even more. Because entrepreneurs represent free and independent thinkers. And we sure as shootin’ can’t have that.

That political nonsense reminds me of something I shared years ago.

When I was a kid, I’d go to work with my Dad on Saturdays. He was a milkman for a long time, and this is when milkmen would have to get up at 3 in the morning to be sure to have the milk delivered in time for breakfast for most of their customers. I remember around daybreak we’d stop somewhere for a hearty breakfast of bacon, eggs, and toast. And I also remember seeing a sign in many places that said “We reserve the right to refuse service to anyone.”

And that absolutely should be a right of any business owner, for any type of business. Of course, there WILL be stupid business owners who shoot themselves in the foot by refusing service to someone based on skin color. And ethnicity and perceived status. But if they prefer to risk their livelihood by being that stupid, that’s their right.

It’s THEIR business. And it’s YOUR right with YOUR business. You should be able to defend your livelihood. And refuse service to anyone. Even if it’s just because they…

Have piercings and look dirty
Smell bad
Are an ethnicity you don’t agree with
Are loud
Live under a bridge
Are too snooty
Are too blonde
Aren’t the right color (Uh-oh, that’s a big one, right?)
Don’t speak English (whoa, Tony…how dare you?)
Fall under any category you come up with

No one has the right to force someone else to run their business a certain way. Even when you passionately disagree with their methods, choices, or worldview, it’s still their business. Not yours. And vice versa. Protect yours.

I’ll always defend your right to life. But I’ll never defend your right to someone else’s life or freedoms.

So work hard and take time to pray
For lives to be saved every day.
True love won’t give up or give in.
Hang in there. It’s worth it. We win.

Stay tuned,

Share this link with everybody you know, so they can jump on the The TRUTH (My regular emails about the essentials of life, AND get some music and other good stuff, for Fa-Ree)

Posted on June 20, 2023 by TonyJuly 5, 2023

$Contemplation and action and special light's refraction$

Back in the day a rainbow was a rainbow. And, for a relatively small group of people, it also represented a promise from God; that He would never flood the earth again. I consider His promise to be proof of contemplation and action. Because I believe God contemplates His actions toward us based on ours toward (or away from) Him.

So it goes. In that order. Contemplation and action.

And I believe that because I see so much evidence throughout His bestselling book. Of course, younger, so-called, pastors say we probably shouldn’t use the Bible when we talk to people about God. And their reasoning is because if they don’t believe in God, then they just don’t care about your “good book.”

What a load of Bulgarian whale dung.

Obviously those nicer-than-God pastors prefer self-indulgent action, without contemplation in God’s word, over what has been true for millennia.

Anyway…

Back to the rainbow. An ironic perspective twist popped into my brain this morning. Rainbows occur when light is refracted (bent, deflected) through water. And, yes, I know the same thing happens through a crystal prism. For the sake of my point this is about water rainbows.

Before the worldwide flood (Remember? The one with Noah, his family, and all those animals?) the world had never seen rainbows. Some Christians say there was no rain either. But some others say that’s not necessarily true. Doesn’t matter.

The point is, there weren’t rainbows.

But once God flooded the whole planet, He decided to tell Noah He wouldn’t do that again. So, He said, “This is the sign of the covenant which I make between Me and you, and every living creature that is with you, for perpetual generations: I set My rainbow in the cloud, and it shall be for the sign of the covenant between Me and the earth.”

Now, God didn’t have to invent rainbows. Because He created water. And He created “lights” and placed them above the Earth. Then, the “natural laws” of physics did the rest. Light shined into the water, refracted, and split into the colors you see in each rainbow.

Here’s where the ironic and twisted twist, I mentioned earlier, butts in. A group of people, who prefer to thumb their noses at God and claim their sin as their identities, has also staked a claim to the month of June. They say it has something to do with pride (ironic twist #1 since that’s what happens before destruction). Because they not only claim their sin as their identity, but they also want everyone else to acknowledge and accept their “right” to it.

And they staked a claim to the rainbow (and here’s ironic twist #2) and cast their darkened hearts over the refracted light of God’s promise.

But those darkened hearts don’t (and will never) diminish the Truth of the rainbow. So, the most they can do is sew some different colored fabrics together and make a flag. Sure, they can wave those flags around and stir up their own frenzied hysteria in an attempt to elevate their self-indulgence. But, in the end, it’s just fabric and futility.

They definitely don’t connect wise contemplation and action. And they definitely aren’t well represented by rainbows.

And you should know, I don’t hate them.

But I DO hate them. Uh-oh, it’s another one of those bigoted (and apparently confused), hater Christians. Because, how is it possible to hate and not hate at the same time?

That’s a legitimate question if you’re a new, or baby, Christian. Or if you’re someone who’s easily offended by the Truth. And truth is hate to those who hate the truth.

If you’re someone who’s hell-bent on claiming your despicable and destructive sin as your identity, I love you enough to tell you that leads to eternal torment. And I hate you for doing that to yourself and others. Because you destroy SO much more than you even realize. Especially if you partake in so-called “pride” parades where you flaunt your perversion even in the face of children.

I do NOT enjoy writing or talking about this. I’d much rather spend that time in deep thought about how to connect rhythms, syllables, and words together into beautiful pictures for the mind. Especially if those pictures help show the glory of God and His love. And that reminds me of this snippet in time…

Once upon a magic moment there was a young poet who sat, for a little while, in a meadow filled with spring flowers. The clear, yet slightly opaque blue, spring sky added the finishing touch to the idyllic scene. Putting pen to paper, this poet wrote about what he saw all around him AND what he saw in his mind’s eye. And the result was…

Contemplation

There was nothing but a pretty, blue sky…
But then a redbird joined the high.
Always, there’s nothing that’s alone.
How can there be a heart of stone?
That’s why I contemplate:
Why does anybody hate?
If they would only wait for an answer,
They would find
There are some who are kind.
They’re standing right behind to lend an answer.

There was nothing but a pretty, clear brook…
But then someone wrote about it in a book.
Always, alone shall gather friends
With joy that lasts and never ends.
That’s why I contemplate:
Why does anybody hate?
If they would only wait for an answer,
They would find
There are some who are kind.
They’re standing right behind to lend an answer.

Stay tuned,

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Posted on June 19, 2023 by TonyJune 19, 2023

I’d like to make Monday great. So, I’m gonna talk about the wind. I believe it does what it does by design. Some might call that “bold talk for a one-eyed fat man.” But I have enough true grit to stand by my assertion. And I believe humans can ride the wind by design. Not exactly like birds, that can fly with only feathers and bird seed. We might need more mechanics, but we go a lot faster.

I’d like to encourage you to make Monday great, too.

Think about something ordinary, in life, and figure out a way to connect it to the brilliance of God’s design. I’ll go first. And continue with the whole humans in flight thing.

According to science and research, there are four forces needed for an aircraft to fly. : And they are lift, weight, thrust, and drag.

And the “Beginner’s Guide to Aeronautics” from NASA describes them like this: “Forces are vector quantities having both a magnitude and a direction. The motion of the aircraft through the air depends on the relative magnitude and direction of the various forces.”

So, the point is, when you study what it takes to fly, it’s most definitely not a random set of circumstances. Can you imagine hopping on a “big ol’ jet airliner” and hoping a random set of circumstances will help you reach your destination? Yeah, I don’t think even Virgin Atlantic airlines could sell many tickets.

Personally, I’m thrilled to know I can trust forces such as combustion, gravity, and wind. But I no longer ride planes. So, that’s not why. No, it’s because trustworthy forces of nature point to a trustworthy Creator.

And that not only makes Monday great. It also makes life worth living. With joy, knowledge, and love.

On that note, I’ll leave you with a Monday morning rhyme I wrote, for kids, ten years ago. Get out and soar today!

Ride The Wind

Monday morning, put your wings on tight.
Wouldn’t wanna lose ’em in the middle of a flight.
Don’t forget wings for your one best friend.
You need a navigator, when you’re gonna ride the wind.

Check the weather. Is the blue sky blue?
Just a little lightning is enough to throttle you.
Wear your goggles, and I recommend
You take along some gloves when you’re gonna ride the wind.

Nothing better than to fly up high,
Soaring with the eagles, it’s like dancing in the sky.
Don’t you worry when it has to end.
There’s always tomorrow when you’re gonna ride the wind.

Stay tuned,

No-cost, low-cost, and premium ways you can help me spread the Word…

Tell everybody you know to subscribe to The TRUTH Journal
(emails with good stuff for Fa-Ree)

Get my Rhyme & Reason Podcast delivered right to your device. (also Fa-Ree)

Get digital Bible stuff from the same company I do.

My books are also on Amazon.com or Apple Books

Grab yourself an un-cool T-shirt

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

Posted on June 18, 2023 by TonyOctober 23, 2025

Father's Day 2023 to each of you from me

Father’s Day 2023. Wow, can’t believe that I’ve seen 38 Father’s Days go by since the last one I was able to share with my own Dad. But I know he’s been with our Heavenly Father. And I know I’ll see him again one day.

I salute all you dedicated dads out there. Keep up the good work. And God blesses you as you bless your family.

So, for the Father’s Day 2023, here’s my annual tribute:

Our Father’s Day

We have eyes and ears, a heart and mind.
If we truly seek, God’s not hard to find.
As we leave this broken world behind,
Only His Truth and Love are the ties that bind.

We have hours or days or weeks or years
To be reconciled from our hopeless fears.
Think of this before your last day appears…
Only a loving God wipes away your tears.

He gives life and love and light.
Only He makes all things right.
And we’re here, so we should say”
Every day’s our Father’s Day.
With each day our daily bread…
Every thought that’s in our head…
Should illuminate the Way
Every day’s our Father’s Day.

We can see design upon His land…
Even in an unborn baby’s hand,
And when life is not the way we planned,
Only a living God helps us understand.

Stay tuned,

Posted on June 17, 2023 by TonyJuly 4, 2023

19000 days. Yes, that’s nineteen thousand days. And that’s a lotta days. But I didn’t just pick a number off the top of my head. No, it’s the approximate number of days I’ve written poetry.

Some might say that’s a huge waste of a large number of days.

To those I say, “Ouch. You hurt both my feelings.”

So, the number of days also closely represents the number of poems and songs and short stories. Yes, I’ve written something nearly every one of those days. And there were many times I wrote multiple rhymes in a day.

But I didn’t bring that big number up to brag. I’d like to emphasize how inexhaustible information is. Because it’s non-material. No matter how many words are written. by every writer who ever lived, lives now, or ever will live, we will never be able to use up all the words.

And I’m not a proponent of miracles, when it comes to faith. I don’t look for signs and wonders to point me to the Creator of Heaven and Earth. So, when I talk about the miraculous wonder of our information based existence, I mean it’s a miracle that God allows us this life we willingly destroy.

Or, at the very least, it’s a wonder He still has any patience for any of us. But I believe He does have patience and tender mercy because at least some of us love this gift of Life He gave us.

I pity the fools who place their trust in materialism.

Theirs is a hopeless existence. Because they believe it to be temporary and nihilistic. And in only what their senses tell them.

But that’s just not sensible.

Three years ago, I woke up in the wee hours, and worked on some “rewrites” of some of my writings. And, as I wrote, a few other thoughts popped in. Here’s what I said:

“A materialistic worldview says everything that exists is made up of nothing but matter and energy. But it’s a self-refuting position. Because the thoughts behind that statement are non-material and non-physical.

And that’s good news.

Unless your whole philosophy in life relies on the absence of a Creator God.

Then, non-physical information becomes a thorn in your side. A stumbling block you can’t move out of the way with more anti God rhetoric. And the sad news is, the opponents of God don’t care about evidence. So, their agenda is clear.

Mock and ridicule Christians for believing in “someone or something invisible in the sky.”

Which, of course, we don’t do.

But they don’t care about our intellectualism and scientific knowledge. Only that we believe in the God who is the ultimate standard of right and wrong.

And it’s only 4 a.m. I can only imagine what this new day will bring.”

Then, of course, I finished my morning journal entry with a poem…

This day, I know, will be awesome and so lyrical
‘Cause this life we all live is a such a miracle.
If you choose to be doubtful and satirical,
One sad day you’ll find my faith is quite empirical.

Stay tuned,

Share this link with everybody you know, so they can jump on the The TRUTH (My regular emails about the essentials of life) AND get some music and other good stuff, for Fa-Ree)

Posted on June 16, 2023 by TonyJuly 2, 2023

I’ve talked about it before. But something popped up, online, this morning, that brought back a good and sad memory. And it’s about sticks. But not just any kind. I’m talkin’ about Pick Up Sticks. A game that used to be popular with kids before technology took the soul out of games.

Anyway…

Back to the memory.

My brother and I used to ride the Santa Fe Big Chief twice a year. And we didn’t live in Santa Fe. And there was no Indian giving us piggyback rides either. No, it was a train ride. From Houston, Texas to Kansas City, Missouri in the first week of June. And from Kansas City back to Houston at the end of August.

But what does that have to do with Pick Up Sticks?

Well, aren’t you the impatient one. I was just getting to that.

We took those train rides, twice a year, because my parents divorced when my brother and I were young. And they moved far apart. Mom went to Missouri and then Kansas. Dad went to Texas. But they worked out terms for us to see both of them for long periods of time. Not just every other weekend.

So, every year, at the end of nine months in school, my brother and I were put on the Big Chief and sent off to Union Station in K.C. And then we’d spend the summer with Mom.

Toward the end of summer, she’d take us to get some new school clothes. And most of the time she’d also get us something to occupy our minds and time during the 19 hour train trip. Usually it was some sort of road trip game. And one year she bought us a tube of Pick Up Sticks.

They looked like large, multi-colored toothpicks. And here’s how you play. You sorta just empty the sticks out the tube and let them fall into a pile. Then, the object is to pick up a stick without making any other sticks fall out of place. Once you get your first stick, you can also use it to be more precise in the movements. And the winner is the one with the highest points based on the color of the sticks.

Keep in mind, we played that game on a moving train.

So, picking up the sticks without them rolling out of place wasn’t as easy as you might think. We had fun. And the game DID help to pass the time. But on a sad note (well, for my brother), he was never able to beat me. At least, that’s how I recall it. He might remember it differently. But he was the younger brother, so…nope.

As you can see, it’s a fond memory for me. But it’s also sad. Because it shows some of the tough stuff kids have to go through when husbands and wives ignore God’s recommendations for marriage. And, even though I’ve always managed to put a positive spin on it, my parents’ divorce showed the consequences of selfishness.

But enough of the downer stuff. Ten years ago, I shared a poem, for kids, about the wonder of old-fashioned games. Here it is again.

Tiddlywinks and Pick Up Sticks

Tiddlywinks and pick up sticks
And rainbows and balloons…
Maybe add some marbles, too,
And silly, happy tunes.
Funtime in the bright sunshine
To while the hours away…
Oh, and what I wouldn’t give
To be a kid today.
I’d set up the checkerboard
And play a game or two…
Then go grab my bag of jacks
And see how well I’d do.
Maybe I’d go find my friends,
And we could fly a kite
Tied onto our fishing pole…
We’d send it out of sight.
Then we’d reel it in again
And go and get our bikes…
And we’d ride to secret lands
‘Cross levees and ‘cross dikes.
After that I’d say goodbye
And we’d all go our ways.
Yes, I guess that’s just how my
Imagination plays.

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Posted on June 15, 2023 by TonyJuly 2, 2023

Tucson, Arizona. Central New Mexico. Music. Moonlight. Dan Fogelberg. Storytelling. All parts of “the road” from a long time ago. And, early this morning, I thought about an incredible, singular experience I had during a full moon drive. Strangely enough, it was a motion-sensor light that triggered that full moon memory.

Huh? A motion-sensor light and a full moon drive?

Yeah, I got out of bed and started to get dressed in the dark. Just as I always do. Because a beautiful wife should have all the beauty sleep she can get. So, flipping on the overhead light would just be rude and uncalled for. And I’m nothing if not considerate and called for.

Anyway…

As I dressed, the motion-sensor light in back of the house suddenly lit up and seeped through the window blinds. It wasn’t as bright as the overhead bedroom light would have been. But it definitely gave the room a sort of moonlit glow. And I peeked out the window to be sure there were no prowlers or ferocious animals I’d have to slay. No intruders in sight. Probably just a bird flying by that triggered the light.

So, I finished dressing and went to the kitchen to brew some wake up elixir, as I always do. And as I measured out the dark-roasted coffee beans, and drew the pure water from our gravity filter, I kept thinking of how that fluorescent light reminded me of that full moon drive, years ago.

The memory of the wavy road, in the wee winter hours, reminded me of when I first learned about metaphors and similes in school. My English composition book shared examples of each. And one of the examples of a metaphor was “the road was a ribbon of light.” I remember thinking, “Hey, I’m on that road all these years later.”

Back to the drive.

Dan Fogelberg released his eighth album, Windows and Walls, in 1984 (the year of my full moon drive). And one song was called “Tucson Arizona (Gazette). He said he wrote the song based on a story he read in that paper. And the song is a little over eight and half minutes long. But if you like Spanish-sounding guitar riffs and percussion (I DO), the song certainly doesn’t feel long.

And that’s the song I played several times over as I drove my little Toyota pickup through the cold, New Mexico night. On a secondary highway heading north toward I-40. The full moon reflected on the road. And there were basically no other cars. So, I turned off my headlights and skimmed across that ribbon of light.

I could see almost as easily without the headlights. Because the reflection from the road seemed to amplify and magnify the moonlight. It was exhilarating. And obviously a sensory experience I’ll never forget.

And all these years later, something else comes to mind.

None of that experience, nor any others like it, could ever happen without the love of God. Because, without Him, there would only be darkness and void. In fact, he inspired Moses to describe the light He made for us. So, Moses wrote this:

“Then God made two great lights: the greater light to rule the day, and the lesser light to rule the night. He made the stars also. God set them in the firmament of the heavens to give light on the earth, and to rule over the day and over the night, and to divide the light from the darkness.”

Think about that. Those lights RULE. You and I have zero control over whether the sun and moon will shine or not. So, in a sense, they rule their light over us. Day WILL be lit up by the sun. And the moon lights the nights. Well, the stars, too. But the main light is the moon.

And those lights in the sky are indicators of how important light is to God. Then, when you go to the other end of the Bible, you discover that, in Heaven, there won’t be a sun and moon. What? If light is so important to Him, why would Heaven have no sun or moon? Simple. Yet almost impossible to imagine. God will BE the light.

And that Ribbon of Light will wrap around anyone who chooses to be there. That includes you. Right?

If not, consider taking a full moon drive, out West, the next chance you get. Turn off your headlights. And think about what could happen if you accidentally ended up in a ditch because you missed something on the road. And think about if you ended up like Tony and Mary, in Dan Fogelberg‘s song. Where would you go or be?

I hope you’d ride the ribbon of Light to Heaven.

But that could only happen if you had already chosen wisely. Otherwise, you could just be another side story in a small newspaper. And Dan won’t write a song about you. Because he left this planet years ago. And even I might not be around to write a song about you.

So, don’t put it off. Choose your Creator and you’ll feel (and be) more alive than you can imagine.

You’ll thank me later.

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Posted on June 14, 2023 by TonyJune 30, 2023

Benefits of Christian music and hope for my forever land

Love, peace, and music. I wish those for you. And now, let’s get down to business. No, I’m not smokin’ any halo tobacco. It doesn’t take a dope-smokin’, long-haired, hippy freak to talk about the finer parts of life. And, while we’re on the subject, that leads me into some of the benefits of Christian music.

First, there’s no cursing.

Second, there’s no sex.

Third, there’s no cursing.

And did I mention there’s no sex?

Oh yeah, those are the big 4 benefits of Christian music.

But then, another HUGE benefit of Christian music is that it’s an indicator of your NEW character. What’s that you say? You’re curious about the NEW character stuff? Good. Because I was just getting to that.

Paul (that guy who claimed his own Gospel) wrote a letter to the Colossians. And he described what you can see when a man (or woman) has a new character. No, not a part in a movie. An actual compilation of who they/you/he/she are/is. (Sorry, I got too inclusive for a second there.)

Anyway…

Paul said the “new man” should and would follow this outline:

“But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection. And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful.”

See? Love and peace. Yes, thankfulness is in there, too. But then Paul went and spinned the tables when it came to music. Because he had the audacity to say you should use music to instruct others and even get on to them. What? With music? Uh-huh.

He actually said it more like this:

“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.”

That’s not exactly what you’ll find in churches these days. So, I don’t think churches truly receive the true benefits of true Christian music. And, yes, that’s a lotta true-based stuff. But for a reason. Because what’s trying to pass for praise and worship music these days are actually repetitious, cotton candy choruses.

But when you try to give churches, and the “pewple” inside, more meaty music, they turn a deaf ear. Mostly.

I speak from experience.

I’m not bitter about it. I AM sad about it. But I also won’t be spinning any cotton candy. So, I pray the music I’ve composed and compiled over the years will be an indication of the treasures I’ve stored up in Heaven. And if that IS how it turns out, then I’ll rejoice at the eternal benefits of my Christian music. And I’ll do my best not to admonish anyone who turned a deaf ear.

And then I can behold the inner man
Through God’s condescending attitude.
Because He chose me as His dwelling place
I choose this consequential servitude.

(from my song Consequential Servitude)

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Posted on June 13, 2023 by TonyJune 30, 2023

Why is Christian music so bad? This doesn't make me glad.

Neil Patel, a marketing guy who shares a lot of how-to videos, has a website to help you with keywords and keyphrases for your content. Those are important if you want your website to be found and pull in traffic. So, with his keyword tool, you can type in a couple of words and get a bunch of questions being asked online. I typed in “Christian music,” and many of the questions asked “Why is Christian music so bad?”

Have you typed why is Christian music so bad into your browser?

If you do, let me know what you come up with.

This Christian music rabbit hole led me to a song I think is called Why. Or maybe it’s Why Why Why. Not sure. But I DO have to wonder why it’s considered a Christian song. And I wonder why so many songs can only find approximate rhymes and almost no phrasing rhythm. But that’s probably just me being out of touch with the times. So be it.

Anyway…

I found the lyrics to Why. And the songwriting credits are listed as Amy Moody Corbett and Christopher Joel Brown and Steven Furtick. It doesn’t say who wrote what. So, I don’t know if one wrote the music and the other two wrote the lyrics. Or if it’s vice versa. Or if they just all contributed words AND music.

But the sad point is, this could be a “love song” (full of confusion) to anyone. And about anyone. I realize they capitalized the word “You.” But when you listen, your brain doesn’t pick up on spelling and capitalizations.

Then, they pass off the words “said” and “breath” as rhyming words. Approximate. And the words sung, enough, and one as rhyming words. Barely approximate. Then, the chorus drifts into neverland as it says “I’ll never know why You love me like you love me.”

A Christian should know why.

Because a Christian should know that the answer to that question is found in the Bible. From more than one perspective. And from more than one of the contributors to its content.

I’m not gonna pick apart every jot and tittle. But there’s one section I particularly don’t like. Where the words drone into how no matter what you do, God loves you. Certainly there’s no sin that is not covered by the death and resurrection of Jesus. But that doesn’t mean you can “make my bed in hell” and it’s all good. Or that when you “don’t even love myself” it’s all good. Or that you can curse God and it’s all good.

Especially when you read how Jesus condensed all the commandments down into just two. Love the Lord your God. And love your neighbor as yourself. So, you’re commanded to love God and love yourself.

God won’t force you to obey those commandments. Because that would take away your freedom to choose. And He wants love to be freely given. But if you don’t follow those commandments, freely, your freedom to choose will come to an end. And that end will torment you forever.

I’ll leave you with the words to “Why.” And see if you’re left asking why is Christian music so bad?

Why

What can I say of Your loveThat has not already been said?Were I to tell all the things You have doneI would run out of breathSo many songs have been sungBut how can I praise You enough?So here’s another one

WhyYou love me like You love meI’ll never know
(repeat)Your love isBetter than silverAnd better than goldBetter than anything I’ve ever knownI’ll never knowWhyYou love me like You love meI’ll never know

Real joy doesn’t always feel like laughter, noBlessings don’t always come from the places I thought they wouldYour love doesn’t look anything like it does in HollywoodYou don’t walk out when it’s overThat’s when I need You the most

I’ll never know

Even when I turn my backYou love meEven when I curse Your nameYou love meAnd even when I broke Your heartYou love me (repeat twice)And when I make my bed in hellYou love meWhen I don’t even love myselfYou love meYou’re not the kind to cut and runYou love meYou love meYeah You love me

WhyYou love me like You love meI’ll never knowWhyYou love me like You love meYour love isBetter than silverAnd better than goldBetter than anything I’ve ever knownI’ll never knowWhyYou love me like You love meI’ll never know

Songwriters: Amy Moody Corbett / Christopher Joel Brown / Steven Furtick

Posted on June 12, 2023 by TonyJune 29, 2023

Defensive positions and weak suppositions

“We have nothing to fear but fear itself.” That’s a good line. Even though it does come from a former U.S. president who was so wrong on so many things. But back in that time in American history, even FDR understood that fear creates the wrong kind of defensive positions.

Fearful defensive positions lead to lights under baskets.

Yes, that’s a thinly-veiled reference to a Bible verse. And it’s one of those verses written in red. So, you know what that means. Right? As a friend of mine used to say, “Truth is about to be uttered.”

Fear can drive you so far into defensive positions that you won’t speak up when humans enslave other humans. Or you won’t speak up when adults traffic little kids for sex. Or you won’t speak up when men use underage girls, and then take them to abortion clinics. In fact, maybe you’ll even close your eyes and ears so you don’t have to see or hear.

How many times have I read some full-grown male talk about “crying in the fetal position?” And about what? What in the world could drive a full-grown male to that point? The answer is in the question.

The world.

And right now the world wants to erase, nullify, subjugate, and annihilate real men. Because the world (which is controlled by a tyrannical, will-bending, unrelenting ruler) fears real men. Especially those who love Jesus. But that ruler is cunning. He uses that fear as his greatest strength. If you allow it.

And if you’re a Christian, you won’t allow it. For one simple reason.

God didn’t give you a spirit of fear. He gave you a spirit of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

Now, what can you do with all that?

Well, how about “all things” for starters?

That just about covers everything. Right? So, why haven’t you done ALL things through the One who made you? Same reason I haven’t And the same reason no one else has. Because you lean on your own understanding, not God’s. Yeah, we’ve all been there. And that can lead to a constant or consistent state of fear which stems from a weak supposition. That is, you don’t believe God will help.

Let’s look at it from His perspective for a moment…

God knows He created you. He gives you power, love, and a sound mind. He gives you freedom to choose your own path. And He offers His wisdom and understanding of how the world and everything in it works.

So, all you gotta do, to tap into that wisdom and understanding, is read His Word and enjoy the renewing of your mind which comes from it. You might be surprised at how fast you could leave defensive positions behind.

In 1998, I wrote a song, which was a form of a prayer, about leaving fear behind. It’s called, “The One True Way To Peace.” Here’s the first verse…

Judge me; I need to be judged.
Correct me; whenever I’m wrong.
Save me from thinking my thoughts.
I’ve lived in them way too long.
Show me what I need to see.
Tell me what I have to hear.
Give me a voice of wisdom.
Thank You for taking my fear.

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Posted on June 10, 2023 by TonyJune 10, 2023

Even if this video I’m sharing with you didn’t have subtitles, I’m sure you’d pick up on the powerful love this Thai woman has for her family. Keep in mind, this video is a commercial. From a lingerie company.

Yeah, that’s right. I’m sharing a lingerie video ad. And it’s not a case of me using sexy stuff to get you to tune in to my social media channels or website. I shared this ad several years ago. But it’s so good, I need to share it again for any and all who didn’t see it the first time.

This Thai woman is not a supermodel.

But her husband considers her “My Beautiful Woman.” Check out the ad…

Here’s the link to the video if you don’t see it automatically: (https://youtu.be/NFG6W2_iiQE)

That Thai lingerie company might not have intended to make a pro life commercial. However, it’s a powerful pro life message. You won’t find a lingerie ad in America with this kind of message. In fact, you’re not likely to find much more than women walking or standing around in their undies. These days even fat women are in the ads. But the ads still just promote sexy. I guess it’s in the eyes of the beholder.

Anyway…

A far stretch from a husband and wife struggling with birth due to a battle with cancer.

That just wouldn’t be sexy.

But this video proves a lingerie ad doesn’t have to be about sex to be effective.

Too bad all ads don’t elevate life the way this one does.

And it’s easy to share a “pro life” message when you share how life is the most important thing there is. It’s as easy as showing how your products, services, and information improve the quality of life.

And this video shows that a pro LIFE message touches hearts and changes minds.

I believe it’s the kind of message that connects us to our Creator, too. It’s the love your neighbor kind of stuff.

Your life is my life and our lives are theirs,
‘Cause it’s the same life that everyone shares.
The life we share came from only one place,
Flowing from Jesus straight out if His grace.

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Posted on June 9, 2023 by TonyJune 28, 2023

Today, I found out, once again, how fragile the hearts and minds of most people are. And it happened with some censored words. And, just in case you think Elon Musk is one of the good guys because he allowed people on Twitter to speak a little more friendly, he’s not. Or at the very least, his algorithms on Twitter would make it seem that way. But I hold people responsible.

Algorithms only block censored words they’re programmed to block

And I got a slap on the social media wrist, today, when I posted a simple statement. It said, “Tyranny and Tranny are SO similar. Y is that? Just a little play on words and letters. And did I say something that isn’t true?

But I got a message that said, people wouldn’t be able to see my tweet because “this Tweet may violate Twitter’s rules against Hateful Conduct.”

What did I say that’s hateful? And see why I say it’s people? Because an algorithm wouldn’t know what I meant by the word, “tranny.” And, I’m smart enough to know that’s brought on my censored words.

Many years ago, I talked about how these days would come. And not so long ago I reiterated the message and shared lyrics from 1996. Here’s what I said:

I’m not a pessimist. In fact, most people who have ever known me would probably tell you I’m a very “up” person. And I’m proud to be an American. This is not the country it once was, but it’s still the best place to be on the planet. Consider that I’m able to sit here in my studio/office and type these words into a laptop computer and hit “publish” and watch my words go out to the world. Not just words approved by the state. Or words censored by a totally depraved and tyrannical government.

No. These are…my words.

I’m still free enough to write words of chastisement toward my country without fear of the gallows, or dungeons, or banishment to some frozen wasteland.

At least for now.

But I’m concerned that the day is coming when my words will not be allowed to go out to the world. The day is coming when my Christian belief will immediately label me a “hater”. Think not? Think again. That day is essentially already here. I’m not surprised about it. Jesus said it would happen. He even said “whoever kills you will think he does God a service“.

Don’t you see that happening in other parts of the world? Is there any reason to think it can’t happen here? Or where you are? I say, no. But if you’d like to make sure it happens to as few people as possible…

Say Yeah!

Would you like to reach the top
And never have the journey stop? Say Yeah! Say Yeah!
Could you try to hold a hand
Just to help somebody stand? Say Yeah!

Would you give a word or two
To win a soul or win a few? Say Yeah! Say Yeah!
Do you want to change the way
Public servants act today? Say Yeah!

How many laws have to be passed
Before we’re obscured in the shadows they cast?
And how many plans must we invent
Before we can step beyond mere intent?

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!

How many cuts are we to take
Before we can see just whose blood is at stake?
We can’t leave the job to the land of the free
Cause when it boils down…that’s just you…you and me.

If we don’t watch, someone’ll be watching for us.
If we don’t care then how can we complain.
We don’t have to give it up and say it’s over.
We can change it here, we don’t have to live in fear.
And we don’t have to cry in vain.

Stay tuned,

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Tell everybody you know to subscribe to The TRUTH Journal
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Get digital Bible stuff from the same company I do.

My books are also on Amazon.com or Apple Books

Grab yourself an un-cool T-shirt

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

Posted on June 8, 2023 by TonyJune 27, 2023

Chlorophyll benefits more than just a few tidbits

How much grass have you eaten lately. NO, I didn’t ask how much you smoked, you knucklehead. And I’m not an advocate of grazing out in your yard. But I bring it up because there are apparently some chlorophyll benefits to eating grass. Well, to eating greens, that is.

And when I mention chlorophyll, I mean that green pigment, present in all green plants and in cyanobacteria. The stuff that’s responsible for the absorption of light to provide energy for photosynthesis. And its molecule “contains a magnesium atom held in a porphyrin ring.”

Yeah. You know what I’m talkin’ ’bout.

So, here are a few chlorophyll benefits found in greens:

“They” say it…

Increases energy
Is anti-aging
Promotes red blood cell growth
Supports healthier skin
Makes it easier for wounds to heal
Is a free radical scavenger, and
Is a natural deodorant

Naturally, it depends on who you check with. Because there are people on both sides of the health fence when it comes to chlorophyll benefits. According to one article I read, “research to support these claims is both lacking and conflicting.”

I’m not so sure about that. But I know that since foods contain chlorophyll, they were designed to be that way. And the Designer (aka: Jesus) originally created a world where “every green herb” would be food for us. Thankfully, the Designer is so much smarter than us.

But you know us humans (or I hope you do).

We always find a way to mess things up. And that includes the food supply. But, to reiterate, the Designer is so much smarter than us.

He knew there would be problems with “every green herb” for a while after the worldwide flood (which was our fault, by the way). So, he told Noah (the guy who built the ark, not Russell Crowe) that “every moving thing that lives shall be food for you.”

Because God knew the animals could turn bad greens into good meat. And guess what’s found in beef that comes from cattle that eat grass. Yep, chlorophyll benefits. Well, chlorophyll, to be more precise. And to be even more precise, allow me to quote from a government website:

“Because grass-finishing alters the biochemistry of the beef, aroma and flavor will also be affected. These attributes are directly linked to the chemical makeup of the final product. In a study comparing the flavor compounds between cooked grass-fed and grain-fed beef, the grass-fed beef contained higher concentrations of diterpenoids, derivatives of chlorophyll call phyt-1-ene and phyt-2-ene, that changed both the flavor and aroma of the cooked product.”

OK, I’m not a phyt-1-ene or phyt-2-ene expert.

And I don’t know about that flavor altering. But I know how yummy a grass fed burger or steak is. Because I eat that stuff every day. Sure, it increases my toxic masculinity. But that’s a side effect I’m willing to live with. Or is it “with which I’m willing to live?” Doesn’t matter. I’m willing.

Over the years I’ve tried a wide variety of “healthy” foods and supplements. We even had a wheatgrass juicer in the FunderHaus for a while. So, I can tell you, from experience, that chlorophyll benefits are much tastier in grass fed beef than they are in “every green herb.”

But as tasty as a juicy steak is, and as tasty as a burger with real butter and sea salt is, I’ll be glad to never eat any more of them one fine day. And that day IS coming. Maybe soon.

Whether it’s soon or a thousand years, the truth is, one day no animals will ever have to die again in order for me to eat a healthy meal. And that will be Heavenly. Speaking of greens…

Avocado and cilantro
And a hint of lime.
Salsa bueno, words you may know
When you take the time
To dip a chip into this dip
Like a foodie would.
Guacamole isn’t holy,
But, man! It’s sooo good!

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Posted on June 7, 2023 by TonyJune 24, 2023

Beautiful people can also see we should live eternally

It’s an event where business owners and entrepreneurs go to “spot trends, build partnerships, or secure brand rights for your products.” It’s the Licensing Expo. And it was held in Las Vegas this year. A 60 year old woman, you might have heard of, was there. For a long time she’s been one of those so-called “beautiful people.”

But it turns out, she’s quite a bit more than one of the beautiful people.

She was also the youngest woman to enter Licensing Hall of Fame. And she was the “youngest Icon in the Furniture Industry,” an award from the IHFRA (International Home Furnishings Representatives Association).

So, one of the beautiful people and yet connected to the home furnishings industry, eh?

Sounds kinda quirky to me. But it doesn’t stop there. She’s also on the board of “the James Madison Committee at Princeton University, NFL PI, WNBPA, International Youth Chair, and National Pediatric Cancer Foundation.” Plus she’s apparently an “Ambassador (and major donor) to the Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation.”

Well, who is the person already? Right?

Would you believe she’s a former famous swimsuit model? I hope you’d believe it. Because she was. But now she’s considered a mogul. Yeah, her company, Kathy Ireland ® Worldwide is huge. And she’s got her entrepreneurial fingers in a lot of pies.

Oh, did I mention she’s Kathy Ireland? Uh-huh. Remember her from those Sports Illustrated covers and features?

Yeah, me neither.

But one subject most people wouldn’t associate Kathy with is abortion. And yet, in the video I’m sharing, you’ll see she uses scientific logic and reason to show why she became pro life.

Just in case you don’t see the video, automatically, here’s the link: (https://youtu.be/oMjeddIJCqU)

You and I might not be considered one of the “beautiful people” in this world. But you and I have a voice. That’s one of the few benefits of this social media world we inhabit now.

So, even if you can’t talk, write down your thoughts and use your voice. Tell people about the eternal value of human life. And it DOES have eternal value because it comes from the one true, eternal, living, loving Creator of Heaven and Earth. And your life, fashioned after God Himself, makes you one of the beautiful people after all. Yeah, me too.

So, anytime somebody tells you only weirdo Christians are pro life, share this video. It’s proof that even swimsuit models can understand that every person is a person, no matter how small.

If you take a stand and you stand for Life,
People might laugh and make fun.
And Jesus didn’t say it was gonna be easy,
But you’ll be with Him when this life is done.
No more livin’ like this;
By the sweat of your brow,
And if you want God’s paradise,
You better take a stand right now.

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Posted on June 6, 2023 by TonyJune 16, 2023

Adult entertainment act was just sidetracked

It’s crazy weird. But most people still believe there are some people qualified to “make law.” And nothing could be further from the truth. I have a quirky, murky sign of a turkey who illustrates what I mean. And it has to do with something called the “Adult Entertainment Act.”

Adult Entertainment Act might be the right name for it.

Because it sounds like it comes out of the third ring of a three-ring circus. And it’s all an act. A dog a pony show (sorry to insult dogs and ponies, my favorite two animals). It’s just distractions to make voters believe some sort of positive changes have been enacted. Sadly, the rug is continually pulled out from under the very people who supported the distractions.

The Adult Entertainment Act was “enacted” by the state of Tennessee, recently. And it was put in place supposedly to ban “drag shows and adult cabaret entertainment for children.”

I have no issue with a state banning that kind of entertainment. Especially when it involves children. But I can just about guarantee there were already so-called “laws” on the books that, if enforced, could shut those kinds of venues down. Why make more? Just so you can give it a more modern name?

But, not to worry. Those kinds of so-called “laws” are just Gollum versus Smeagol theater.

Just in case you doubt me, consider this. A federal judge, who was appointed by Donald Trump, has “struck down” that Adult Entertainment act. Gollum gee. Hardly seems fair. And get this. Judge Thomas Parker, the so-called “judge” published his “opinion” (yeah, that’s solid-as-a-rock stuff there).

That “opinion” said Tennessee’s Adult Entertainment Act is an “unconstitutional restriction on free speech under the First Amendment.” He’s a “judge” from the “U.S. District Court for the Western District of Tennessee.” And he made sure the district attorney there could not enforce the so-called “law.”

Does that makes you mad?

Don’t worry. The “law” only applies to Shelby County in Tennessee. That’s where Memphis is. So, the ban is still in effect in all the other counties. For now.

So, what lesson can be gleaned from all that?

Well, obviously it’s that the home of the blues, Memphis, must be somewhere near those famous crossroads the famous old blues singers sang about. I know there are those who’d tell you the crossroads are in Mississippi. But my guess is, there are more and more crossroads every day. So, it’s gettin’ easier, all the time to go down there and make a deal with da devil.

I remember when adult entertainment was safe. Because it was family entertainment. Families could watch the old black and white TV shows, together. And most of those shows included mostly adults who entertained and amused. Without the need for covering kid’s eyes or ears.

Most American families appreciated what was then called “common decency.” Men didn’t feel empowered and entitled to walk around, in front of kids, naked or dressed like painted ladies. Not real men anyway. Thankfully, real men still don’t feel that way. But there are too few of us.

And there are even fewer who’ll say enough is enough.

Maybe that’ll change. I hope so. But right now it isn’t looking promising.

Stay tuned,

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Posted on June 5, 2023 by TonyJune 23, 2023

Wishing you all the best during your tough test

I just want you to know I’m wishing you all the best today. Because I know you’re going through a lot. And I know it can sometimes feel like you’re being tested every day.

So, yeah. I’m wishing you all the best.

Doesn’t it make you feel a whole lot better when someone’s tells you that? And don’t all your cares and troubles seem to magically fade away or disappear? Yeah. Words are truly powerful.

(cue the needle scratch sound)

NO! When somebody tells you they’re wishing you all the best, your problems don’t vanish. Certainly not if they’re real problems. Because wishing doesn’t have that power. Despite what some woman in a crystal bubble might tell a girl who wears ruby red slippers.

So, why would a grown up adult tell you what they wish for you? Especially, when they KNOW their so-called “wish” won’t do a darn thing to ease your pain?

Well, maybe it’s because they know it might help to ease your pain.

Wait a second. Didn’t I just say it wouldn’t ease your pain? Yeah. I just went back a couple of sentences, and there it is. I definitely said a wish “won’t do a darn thing to ease your pain.” So, why would I follow that up with the very next sentence that says a wish might help ease your pain? Oh brother (or sister), it’s all so complicated.

Except it’s not complicated, when you realize the relational aspect of comforting words. When you hurt, or you have to deal with a serious challenge in life, another person’s comforting words can sometimes make all the difference. And I’m talking about the difference in your attitude.

This world can be a dark, harsh place.

And the only reason it’s not totally saturated in everlasting darkness is because there’s still a flicker of God’s light. And that light shines brightly enough to keep hope alive. If you’re a Christian, a member of the Body of Christ, you are a ray of that light. Use your light to help someone through their darkness, today. Or at the very next opportunity.

Because it would be a shame if you kept that light under a basket and somebody you care about ended up in eternal torment. So, you know what I’m wishing for you today. Right?

Here’s something I wrote about wishing, many years ago.

What I Wish

There are people of the past
And people of today.
They’re standing in lines and passing away.
Let’s not talk about that.
Let’s go find us some fun,
Burn our candles at both ends,
Let our wild sides run.

We don’t wanna hear it.
We don’t wanna know why
‘Cause maybe we’ll feel near it,
And we’ll break down and cry.

Oh, I wish our world was better.
I wish our world was fair.
I wish we’d get together
And end the grief out there.
I wish our world was perfect.
And I wish our world was sane.
I wish there was no hatred
And more than earthly gain.
That’s what I wish.

There are innocent children
Who are losing their dreams.
All their dreams have exploded,
Blown apart at the seams.
They can’t trust in their mothers
Or their fathers for help.
No, their parents can’t help them
‘Cause they won’t help themselves.

We don’t wanna hear it.
We don’t wanna know where,
Just as long as it’s not us,
Who are we to care?

Stay tuned,

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Tell everybody you know to subscribe to The TRUTH Journal
(emails with good stuff for Fa-Ree)

Get my Rhyme & Reason Podcast delivered right to your device. (also Fa-Ree)

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My books are also on Amazon.com or Apple Books

Grab yourself an un-cool T-shirt

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

Anyway. Back to me me me.

And I’m going to Heaven.

Small towns, in America, are no longer much different from big cities.

Do you see the clue?

Do you see how stupid that sounds? How stupid that IS?

Public flogging to start. And escalate as needed.

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Then, there were the power cords under the desk.

The Power

Enigmatic sounds might not be your cup of tea.

I bought it.

The Violin

So, you have the right to defend your livelihood.

That political nonsense reminds me of something I shared years ago.

So it goes. In that order. Contemplation and action.

The point is, there weren’t rainbows.

And you should know, I don’t hate them.

Contemplation

I’d like to encourage you to make Monday great, too.

Ride The Wind

Our Father’s Day

Some might say that’s a huge waste of a large number of days.

I pity the fools who place their trust in materialism.

Which, of course, we don’t do.

But what does that have to do with Pick Up Sticks?

Keep in mind, we played that game on a moving train.

Tiddlywinks and Pick Up Sticks

Huh? A motion-sensor light and a full moon drive?

Back to the drive.

And all these years later, something else comes to mind.

I hope you’d ride the ribbon of Light to Heaven.

Oh yeah, those are the big 4 benefits of Christian music.

He actually said it more like this:

Have you typed why is Christian music so bad into your browser?

A Christian should know why.

Why

Fearful defensive positions lead to lights under baskets.

Now, what can you do with all that?

This Thai woman is not a supermodel.

But this video proves a lingerie ad doesn’t have to be about sex to be effective.

Algorithms only block censored words they’re programmed to block

No. These are…my words.

Say Yeah!

So, here are a few chlorophyll benefits found in greens:

But you know us humans (or I hope you do).

OK, I’m not a phyt-1-ene or phyt-2-ene expert.

But it turns out, she’s quite a bit more than one of the beautiful people.

Yeah, me neither.

Adult Entertainment Act might be the right name for it.

Does that makes you mad?

So, yeah. I’m wishing you all the best.

This world can be a dark, harsh place.

What I Wish

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