The TRUTH Will Set You Free - The blog from - Page 42 of 164

Posted on December 12, 2022 by TonyMarch 5, 2023

You fell for it. And you did what had to be done. “They” said it’s YOUR choice. And you certainly made it. So, after you fall for a choice, like this, what’s left? Well, a glorious life filled with endless choices that can lead to your fulfillment and happiness. Right? Hmm. Let’s go to the video replay. And let’s see what others say.

Yep, the women in the video chose themselves over the life of an unborn baby. And they figured it would all be over once “it” was over. But that didn’t prove to be true. It wasn’t all “they” pumped it up to be?

How is your life after abortion? I’m guessing that, if you’re genuinely honest about it, your answer is similar to the people in the video.

But here’s the truth, even after you fall.

You have not committed the unpardonable sin if you’ve chosen the abortion option. The unpardonable sin would be to deny that Jesus is your Creator and the only one who can save you from yourself. Imagine living the torment those people in the video described. And then imagine that you eventually die and “exist” in a one-person universe for all eternity. That would be infinitely worse.

It’s easy to escape. Simply acknowledge what all of creation clearly illustrates.

There IS a God. You’re not Him. And He has the power and life of eternity in Him.

Clearly, there are at least 3 victims for every abortion. The baby. The mother. And the father. For the unborn baby there is no life, here on Earth, after abortion.

But for the mother and father, there’s the potential for a forgiven, abundant life. A life where you can help others to choose life. Or there’s the potential for nagging, gnawing internal torment.

Let me recommend the first of those two options.

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.

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Posted on December 11, 2022 by TonyDecember 11, 2022

Katy, bar the door. Because I’m gonna share some truth from a Russian. (gasp!) Yeah, you read that right. I found the one Russian who was understood truth and actually shared it. And I don’t want anyone leaving till everyone has heard or read this. So, let me repeat…

Katy, bar the door.

(side note): Have you ever wondered where that phrase, Katy bar the door, originated? It might have been from this poem, The Old Smithy, published back in 1841. It said…

“The snow is drifting on the ground,
And loud the east wind roars;
Come, men and maidens, hide you in;
Kate, bar those creaking doors.

“Call in the dogs, rouse up the fire;
And, mistress, do you hear?
Heat us a jug of elder wine,
For the night is chill and drear.”

But, let’s get back to more meaningful point.

I found this testimonial quote from that Russian, Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn:

says, “”Over a half century ago, while I was still a child, I recall hearing a number of old people offer the following explanation for the great disasters that had befallen Russia: ‘Men have forgotten God; that’s why all this has happened. Since then I have spent well-nigh 50 years working on the history of our revolution; in the process I have read hundreds of books, collected hundreds of personal testimonies, and have already contributed eight volumes of my own toward the effort of clearing away the rubble left by that upheaval. But if I were asked today to formulate as concisely as possible the main cause of the ruinous revolution that swallowed up some 60 million of our people, I could not put it more accurately than to repeat:

‘Men have forgotten God; that’s why all this has happened.”

Solzhenitsyn also said, WAY back in the 70’s, that America was “deChristianized.” And he added that American people suffered from a “decline in courage” and a “lack of manliness.” What?! Apparently he wasn’t aware of America’s obvious toxic masculinity.

And get this. Aleksandr also criticized and accused the Western news media of left-wing bias. And he said the media just worked to fill up the “immortal souls” of their audience with celebrity gossip and other “vain talk.” I guess he just didn’t understand their superhuman skills of tolerance and celebration of diversity.

That Russian knew then, what most Americans don’t know NOW. By the way, Mr. Solzhenitsyn would be 104 today, December 11, if he was still alive. And if he WAS still alive, he’d see it’s still true that…

Nothin’s Sacred Anymore

Take the truth and lock it up, and throw away the key.
Winds of change are blowing foul; a dance with destiny.
Blur the face of love and sex and say it’s all OK.
Tell the child it’s just a choice and melt her soul away.

Nothin’s sacred anymore…
Can’t we learn from mistakes when they cut to the core?
Nothin’s sacred anymore…
And should we be surprised since we’ve opened that dark, wide door?
Nothin’s sacred anymore

Cast your vote for social growth and then say yes to law.
Keep the peace, divide the wealth; the vision Adolph saw.
Hedge the bets and ride the fence; the middle road’s secure.
Then one day you’re head to head with all you must endure.

More, more space and time.
More would be sublime.
Someone else can pay
Long as I get mine today.

Ain’t nothin’ sacred anymore.

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Posted on December 9, 2022 by TonyDecember 9, 2022

Here’s another one of those connections I mentioned recently. This time it’s a very slight connection between the ten lords a leaping you’re hearing everywhere you go right now, and a poet.

He’s not the poet who wrote “ten lords a leaping.”

But he’s still a very famous poet who lived from 1809 to 1892. He came from a large family. And that’s putting it mildly. 11 brothers and sisters. And I’ve read that all of them had at least one severe mental breakdown. One of the brothers couldn’t beat his addiction to drugs. Another brother was put in an insane say for most of his life. And still another brother was confined once in a while, because of alcoholism, and died fairly young.

And yet the guy I’m talking about became a poet. Even a poet laureate.

And that’s in spite of the fact that he believed he inherited epilepsy from his father. He believed that condition caused him to fall into trances now and then.

Yeah, his life seemed to be troubled, to say the least. But he still wrote poetry that professors, teachers, and students study to this day. That includes me. I remember reading and discussing his works in high school.

What I don’t recall in those high school discussions is how, as a boy, this poet would think up lines and phrases and then memorize them till he could find a way to put them in a poem. Apparently it was more important to him to be sure the rhythm and language flowed the way he wanted than to clarify a message.

Also, he used writing as a tool to focus on life instead of the troubles of life.

And I can totally relate to those descriptions. They sound a lot like my writing style. My gigantic collection of spiral notebooks, through the decades, prove what I’m talking about. But it’s starting to sound like I forgot about the lords a leaping connection. So, here it is.

The poet I’m talking about was Alfred Lord Tennyson. His poem, Charge of the Light Brigade was published on this day, December 9, back in 1854. Now, your mission is not to question why. Your mission is to do or die. Well, don’t do the die part till you read this beautiful poem by a possible leaping lord.

Strong Son of God, Immortal Love

Strong Son of God, immortal Love,
Whom we, that have not seen thy face,
By faith, and faith alone, embrace,
Believing where we cannot prove;

Thine are these orbs of light and shade;
Thou madest Life in man and brute;
Thou madest Death; and lo, thy foot
Is on the skull which thou hast made.

Thou wilt not leave us in the dust:
Thou madest man, he knows not why,
He thinks he was not made to die;
And thou hast made him: thou art just.

Thou seemest human and divine,
The highest, holiest manhood, thou:
Our wills are ours, we know not how;
Our wills are ours, to make them thine.

And our little systems have their day;
They have their day and cease to be:
They are but broken lights of thee,
And thou, O Lord, art more than they.

We have but faith: we cannot know;
For knowledge is of things we see;
And yet we trust it comes from thee,
A beam in darkness: let it grow.

Let knowledge grow from more to more,
But more of reverence in us dwell;
That mind and soul, according well,
May make one music as before,

But vaster. We are fools and slight;
We mock thee when we do not fear:
But help thy foolish ones to bear;
Help thy vain worlds to bear thy light.

Forgive what seem’d my sin in me;
What seem’d my worth since I began;
For merit lives from man to man,
And not from man, O Lord, to thee.

Forgive my grief for one removed,
Thy creature, whom I found so fair.
I trust he lives in thee, and there
I find him worthier to be loved.

Forgive these wild and wandering cries,
Confusions of a wasted youth;
Forgive them where they fail in truth,
And in thy wisdom make me wise. ~Alfred Lord Tennyson

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Posted on December 8, 2022 by TonyDecember 8, 2022

Make the connections from different directions

I can make the connections from some quirky directions sometimes. They’re not always important. And often they’re probably only interesting to me. This might be one of those times. But a couple of unrelated articles connected in the eccentric region of my brain this morning. And I’m gonna share a little of what the U.S. Mint has in common with rock music.

If you don’t make the connections, that’s OK.

Feel free to believe it comes from a life of drugs, sex, and rock-n-roll. That’s the polar opposite of the truth. But feel free to believe it.

Anyway…

A few years further back than I can even remember, the U.S. Mint, in Philadelphia, produced 1,758 of the first silver dollars ever. From what I’ve read, there are probably only about 130 of the left. So, that makes ’em rare and valuable.

In fact, it might have been the very first one of those silver dollars that sold for a record $10 million in 2013. It’s a coin that features Lady Liberty on one side, and it’s also called the “Flowing Hair” dollar.

So, there’s a nice investment tip for you. If you have one of those silver dollars, you could turn it into millions. Boom! One coin. One nice retirement nest egg.

But how’s that all connected to rock music, you might ask?

Well, a songwriter, who also was a co-founder of a very famous southern rock band, wrote a song called “Midnight Rider.” It was supposedly about a fictional character. And, from what I’ve read about the origin of the song, it was more than a little influenced by some sort of burning weed.

But, now, here’s how I make the connections.

That songwriter I mentioned was Gregg Allman. He was a member and co-founder of the Allman Brothers Band. And he wrote “Midnight Rider.” Gregg was easily recognized by his long, flowing hair. And the lyrics mention, in every verse, how the midnight rider’s “got one more silver dollar.”

So, pretty cool connection. Right?

Gregg Allman died in 2017 from complications of liver cancer. I didn’t know him personally. So, I have no idea where he is now. Yes, I know that sounds weird to people who think your days here on Earth are all you’re gonna have. But Gregg IS somewhere right now.

But more importantly, to the whole connections thing, is the fact that today, December 8, marks his birthday. He’d be 75.

Here’s a link to a video of the song Midnight Rider, performed by Gregg Allman, Zac Brown, and Vince Gill. Copy and paste the link. I really like the song and its mournful, bluesy feel.

(https://youtu.be/TLbnWr1-Qsc)

Well, I’ve got to run to keep from hidin’And I’m bound to keep on ridin’And I’ve got one more silver dollarBut I’m not gonna let ’em catch me, noNot gonna let ’em catch the midnight rider

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Posted on December 6, 2022 by TonyMarch 5, 2023

God made trees. Sure, I’m stating the obvious. But the obvious isn’t so obvious to the oblivious. So, even if you don’t believe the Bible, I have poetic proof of God’s hand in the creation of trees.

First, did you ever hear the hit song, “A Boy Named Sue,” from Johnny Cash? It’s about a guy whose dad named him Sue so he’d have to either get tough or get whooped. Boy, talk about toxic masculinity. These days, that guy’s dad would be tossed in a padded cell for child abuse. OR he’d be celebrated as progressive for transgendering his boy. Yeesh.

Anyway…

The song was written by one of my favorite writers, Shel Silverstein. And it tells the story of how “Sue” hates his name and vows to kill the man who named him. As a grown man, he finally meets his dad in a bar. And they fight. And just as they pull guns on each other, the dad tells his son why he named him Sue. Then, yada yada, they make up.

So. There you go. God made trees.

Oh wait. I left something out. Let’s see. What was it? Oh yeah, I remember. Another guy had to go through his life with a girl’s name. But he didn’t vow to kill the man who named him. At least I can’t find any evidence that he did. And, in fact, he did something a guy with a girl’s name should probably never do. He wrote poetry. Yikes!

There are those (and I won’t single you out) who’d like to ridicule a guy with a girl’s name for writing poetry. And those people would like you to believe that guy would certainly have to be light in his loafers. But those people wouldn’t take the time to discover how that guy with a girl’s name, who wrote poetry, enlisted to fight in World War 1.

And they wouldn’t care to find out how that guy with a girl’s name was married, had five kids, and was killed in battle. Nope. They’d just laugh at a guy named Joyce.

But Joyce, whose last name was Kilmer, provided the poetic proof that God made trees. In his famous poem…

Trees

I think that I shall never see
A poem as lovely as a tree.
A tree whose hungry mouth is prest
Against the earth’s sweet flowing breast;
A tree that looks at God all day,
And lifts her leafy arms to pray;
A tree that may in Summer wear
A nest of robins in her hair;
Upon whose bosom snow has lain;
Who intimately lives with rain.
Poems are made by fools like me,
But only God can make a tree. ~Joyce Kilmer

There you go. Cased closed. Take that all you unprogressive progressives.

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Posted on December 5, 2022 by TonyDecember 5, 2022

Three weeks from yesterday I will still have this to say

2022 has been a mighty fast year. I mean, it’s difficult to think it’s already three weeks from yesterday till Christmas. Of course, it’s not like you don’t see evidence for Christmas for literally months in advance. It’s just so odd to think it’s already here again. And that’s still a really good thing, too.

Because, for the next three weeks, the whole world knows.

Whether they like it or not, they can’t deny there was somebody, somewhere, who sure left a lasting impression in this world. And that’s the understatement of the century.

Jesus left an impression in this world that will never be totally erased. Never. Well, at least not until this whole planet is erased. But that’s another story for another time.

Right now, I’m just gonna start my annual Tony Sings Christmas Music extravaganza. Christmas music I’ve sung (and even written) will be heading your way for the next three weeks. And usually I save this song for last. But this year, I’m makin’ it first. Because…

I Believe In The God of Christmas

Some believe there’s just today.
And then we die and fade away…
Such a sad and hopeless life to lead.

Others say we never die.
We all live on above the sky…
Disregard the theft and hate and greed.

But I believe in the God of Christmas,
And I believe in His Gift to us all,
And I believe that He died to save us
And that He rose to recover our fall.
Yes I believe in the God who loves us,
And I believe in the God who lives,
Yes I believe in the God of Christmas.
He gave His love, and He still freely gives.

One day soon we just may find
So many millions left behind
In a world where truth is torn apart.

Then no lights, no Christmas trees,
No arts and no humanities,
Will bring peace to any broken heart.

(choruses)

If you can’t see the video, copy and paste this link into your browser:

(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zdcDUknj9NM)

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Posted on December 3, 2022 by TonyMarch 5, 2023

Gift of life, for me, is Heavenly eternity

Today is particularly appropriate to share something I wrote 9 years ago about the gift of life. And I’m not sure who needs to read or hear this. But if it’s you, let me know so we can be glad together. Here’s the message…

The moment you were conceived, you were given the indescribable gift of life.

It’s an indescribable gift because no one can truly describe life. In fact, to merely “describe” it somewhat implies we have a good understanding of what it is. I believe we can perceive life, but we can’t really describe it. How many times have you heard the age-old question, “What’s the meaning of life?”

And why should anyone call it the “gift of life?”

We fragile human beings hurl ourselves at the future oftentimes without genuine appreciation of the now. And now is the only place in time you can function. Certainly we can know we have a past, but we can never go back there and change even one millisecond. We also have a future, but the only control we have over it depends on what we do with “now”.

Right now, do you love yourself? Seems like a question of arrogance doesn’t it? It’s really not. Even God says you are to “love your neighbor as yourself”. Simply put…we are to love ourselves. Not as the world might have you believe, but with respect to and for the indescribable gift of life we have from God. I’ll bet you feed, water, and groom yourself. Right? You make sure you stay warm in winter and cool in summer. You clothe yourself and you’ve given yourself many, many gifts.

And you absolutely should do these things.

And you should seek to do them for others as well. Remember…your neighbor, whether it’s next door or thousands of miles away, has been given the indescribable gift of life, too. But maybe their life isn’t going so well right now. Do what you can to comfort them, and if they’re willing, share some things they can do to be healthier in body, soul, and spirit. Show them how what they eat directly affects their body. Share with them how what they feed their eyes and ears directly affects their soul and spirit.

This doesn’t guarantee a changed heart, soul, or person. But even if they refuse to hear, receive, and implement the information, you’re still doing what God would have you do. And that shows how you appreciate what He’s done for you. As the Apostle Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 9:15 “Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift”.

If you’ll only say you do believe
In the gift of Life, you can receive.
It’s a priceless gift we all received on Christmas.
It’s a shining light inside of you,
But you really have to want it to.
So, open up this gift to you on Christmas

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Posted on December 1, 2022 by TonyMarch 5, 2023

A long, catchy melody line is a thing of beauty. And, for the most part, it’s a thing of the past. Pop music, in almost every genre, tends to seek out a vowel and repeat it over and over these days. Well, when it’s not touting body parts and one-night stands.

And here’s why I mention a long, catchy melody line.

I thought about a road trip, toward the end of summer between my junior and senior year. My brother and I were heading back to Texas from our summer in Kansas with Mom. And I had the radio of my ’65 Plymouth Fury tuned to a local station as we drove along highway 69 somewhere between Eufala and Crowder, Oklahoma. The DJ featured what he called Twofer Thursday. And that meant he’d play two hits in a row by the same artists.

And as we sat at a red light “Alone Again Naturally,” a song by Gilbert O’Sullivan came on. Now, if you’re someone who’s gotta have edgy, dark music you might be one of those who’d poke fun at Gilbert’s music. Yes, he was a quirky dude. But he knew (and probably still knows) how to create a long, catchy melody line. “Alone Again Naturally” is an upbeat tune about a guy who’s considering suicide after being left at the altar.

I recommend you give that song a listen. And pay attention to how the melody line carries through from verse to chorus and even to the bridge. And don’t be surprised if you end up humming it to yourself or hearing it in your head for a while.

Right after “Alone Again” finished the DJ played “Clair,” another hit from Mr. O’Sullivan that year. And it’s another example of a long, catchy melody line. Again, right from the verses to the chorus and through the bridge. It’s a song about his manager’s little daughter. And the lyrics are clever enough to fool you into thinking it’s just another love song until you pick up on the clues.

If you’re not too dark and edgy, give those songs a listen.

Heck, even if you ARE too dark and edgy. Because they might just shine enough light into your heart to help you come on over to the Light.

And by the way. The reason I thought about that road trip and Gilbert O’Sullivan’s songs is because today, December 1, is his 76th birthday. From what I’ve been able to find out, Gilbert’s been married since 1980. So, it looks like he won’t be Alone Again Naturally today. Happy birthday, Ray.

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Posted on November 30, 2022 by TonyMarch 3, 2023

Grass fed process and what we can access

So, grass fed beef, chicken, pork, etc. is better for you. Agreed? Whether you do or not, why would anyone make that claim? And what kind of proof does anyone have that it’s true?

Well, there’s a ton of grass fed nutrition information “out there.”

And I decided, some time ago, that it was compelling and convincing enough to make me choose grass fed meats over the alternatives.

But I read some more information about the behind-the-scenes process that goes on when cows graze on grass. And how so much of nature is even way more fine-tuned than a complex symphony. You might say infinitely way more fine-tuned. In fact, I just said it.

And for an example, check out this description of what else goes on as cows graze in grassy fields.

“Meanwhile, the grass roots match the length of the above-ground stalks. This means that the root-ends die off with every graze, providing food for thousands of species of tiny bacteria, fungus, and protozoa, teeming invisible beneath the surface of the soil.

All of this activity is affected by the rhythms of the sun, the clouds, and the rain; by irrigation; by the rotational grazing and resting of the pastures; by migratory birds that eat bugs and drop nitrogen-rich manure; by coyotes that eat gophers and other rodents; by vultures that clean up decaying animals; and by pollinator insects that rely on wildflower blossoms.

All of this is, in the words of the Psalmist “Fearfully and wonderfully made.” The miracle of nature is that every part is designed to support and rely on every other part. The complexity of nature results in peace and balance, and its harmony surpasses the bounds of human understanding.

This should inspire nothing but reverence. We should remember God’s words in Job 38: ‘Where wast thou when I laid the foundations of the earth?… Who hath cleft a channel for the water flood…to satisfy the waste and desolate ground, and to cause the tender grass to spring forth?’

None other than the Lord Himself.”

Sure, it makes sense that the complex God of creation can set that up.

But why would He go to all that trouble? And why would He make sure “every part is designed to support and rely on every other part?” I think it’s this simple…

Why?

Why is the sky blue? And why is the grass green?
Why is the sun gold? What does it all mean?
And why is the air clear? Why is the ground brown?
Why does the earth float and never fall down?

Cause God made skies. He made them blue.
He made the world for me and you
And all because it pleased Him to.
God loves us through and through.

Why is a horse fast? And why is a snail slow?
Why does it get cold when Northern winds blow?
And why is the sea green? Why is the sand white?
Why is the day day? And why is the night night?

Cause God made creatures big and small,
And sand and seas; He made them all.
And even if we trip and fall
God helps us to stand tall.

God’s love is always there.
His love will never die.
And so you can trust in Him
For all your questions why…

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Posted on November 29, 2022 by TonyNovember 29, 2022

I remember seeing, as I drove from Texas to Kansas, a road sign for the turn-off to Tahlequah, Oklahoma. It was a long time ago, after my junior year in high school. But that’s an unusual name. A Cherokee name. And you might wonder what significance a town of about 17,000 people could have. Yeah, you might shrug it off as just another wide spot in the road. But that’s only if you don’t care about rock n roll roots.

No, rock n roll roots didn’t start in Tahlequah, Oklahoma.

But there IS a connection between Tahlequah (home of Thunderbowl) and rock n roll.

And that connection started way back in 1917 in another little town. Rosewood, Kentucky. Because that’s where Tin Ear Tanner was born. You remember him. Right? Yeah, ol’ Tin Ear signed on with Bel-Tone Records. And he “invented” the “Travis Style” guitar pickin’ method. Chet Atkins (a more famous guitar player) took that style further.

By now you might be wondering how country music has any connections with rock n roll roots. And that’s understandable. Because Tin Ear Tanner definitely didn’t play rock n roll. But he DID write a famous song, “Sixteen Tons,” that was a number 1 hit for Tennessee Ernie Ford back in 1955.

But just as important as that, or maybe even more important, is the fact that Tin Ear invented the first solid body electric guitar. Yeah, the wheels on the bus are going ’round, in your head, now. Right?

Because I’m sure I don’t have to tell you how much solid body guitars have impacted rock n roll. More than maybe all the other instruments put together.

Oh yeah, here’s some more about ol’ Tin Ear I can’t leave out.

His real name was Merle Robert Travis. And today, November 29, is his birthday. He was born in 1917. And he died October 20, 1983. In that little wide spot in the road, Tahlequah, Oklahoma. Yep, he’s been gone a long time. But his impact on our music culture lives on.

So how about that? You can thank (or blame) a country music hall of fame guitar picker for rock n roll.

I never would’ve thunk it all those years ago as I drove past the sign for highway 62 that headed up Northeast to Tahlequah, Oklahoma.

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Posted on November 25, 2022 by TonyNovember 25, 2022

Friday after Thanksgiving in the land of the living

Wow. It seems like this happens every year. It’s a Friday after Thanksgiving. And according to a lot of businesses and retailers, this day started days ago. Now, I’m not a professional time traveler, so correct me if I’m wrong. But I don’t see how today could have started days ago. Am I missing something? Because it seems, to me, like…

A black Friday after Thanksgiving should start on FRIDAY!

I mean, c’mon, man. Isn’t that just good ol’ common sense? Oops, I forgot. Common sense ain’t so common any more. Especially when you consider how many people believe boys and girls can switch genders.

But I’m not going down that rabbit (one of the new gender identities) hole right now.

Anyway…

I’ve shared my black Friday bullet list before. But I’m gonna share it, here, again. Because there might still be a couple of people in the world who haven’t seen it. And maybe you still haven’t used it as a guideline for today.

Go into the red to help someone else get in the black
Pay lots more in the future for what I take home now
Stand in line for something that will be there next week at the same price
Become part of a frenzied crowd or mob
Change my mind about what’s a truly good deal
Allow any hype to change my mood or my attitude
Buy into the retail message of Christmas while forfeiting the real message

I know most of my friends (you included?) don’t even like the brick and mortar shopping experience anymore. And who can blame them (or me) when you consider the almost non-existent customer service in most places? But there are apparently still millions of people who buy into (literally) the hype about the Friday after Thanksgiving.

Commercials push out the message they want you to believe is true.

How a visit with your friends, family, and relatives is such an awful strain. It’s boring at best. And confrontational at worst. Retailers want you to buy like no other day of the year can possibly match the “bargains” of today.

Poppycock. Balderdash. Gobbledygook. And codswallop.

Traditional retailers kick off their “holiday season” sometime in August now. Because they need to make up for the rest of the year. And the escalating tyranny of our government, with taxation on literally almost every part of life, means this trend will continue.

I’m not at all for taking the gift-giving out of Christmas. I love getting and giving gifts. But I want love, not profits, to be the motivation for that. And I believe it’s possible to serve others well, all year, with that in mind.

Feel free to totally disregard my somewhat jaded tips. You won’t be in the minority if you do. But I hope you’ll at least remember the end game. Which is, this life ain’t the end. Because your Creator, the actual “reason for the season,” has the gift of eternal life neatly wrapped up and ready for you to open.

And that beats figgy pudding any day.

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Posted on November 24, 2022 by TonyNovember 24, 2022

Scurvy, dead fish, and malnutrition. Happy Thanksgiving. Oh yeah, freezing cold death. Pass the turkey.

Hope you’re hungry. ‘Cause it’s Thanksgiving Day, here in America. So, it’s time to EAT. And as you do, let’s remember those people who started the tradition way back in the 1600’s. And, pilgrim, you better believe their celebration was a little less easy peasy than yours.

Hey, I said, “Pass the turkey!”

Anyway…

The Plymouth settlers arrived too late to plant crops and reap a harvest before winter. And, as a result, that first winter they lost over half of the original 102 passengers who landed there on the Mayflower. Yeah, they had to deal with the terrible effects of global warming 400 years ago. And that meant, you guessed it, a bitterly cold winter.

You’d think a winter like that would motivate the 44 survivors to head back to Europe at their first opportunity. But, according to records, not one of them returned when the Mayflower sailed back the following spring.

Hmm…they must have had stronger backbones back then.

Oh yeah, I mentioned dead fish earlier. Well, that was a reference to what one local “Indian,” named Squanto, taught the Pilgrims to use for fertilizer. When they did, they reaped a great crop of corn. Well, it wasn’t Green Giant corn, but it was still pretty darn good. Especially considering how close they had all come to freezing deaths.

“Hey, would somebody please pass the turkey for cryin’ out loud?”

Let’s see. Where was I? Oh yeah, eventually the Plymouth colony elected William Bradford to be their second governor. (the first one suffered one of those aforementioned freezing deaths) And Mr. Bradford did a good job. He was able to build a good relationship with the local natives.

By the following Autumn, the Pilgrims had a nice harvest. Nice enough, in fact, that they invited those local natives to help them celebrate an English tradition called “Harvest Festival.” And apparently they all dined on turkey (And I still don’t see any turkey heading my way, HELLO?), venison, duck, goose, fish, and even cornbread. Yeah, they all had plenty to be thankful for, and they made their “thanksgiving day” a yearly tradition.

Finally, President Lincoln declared Thanksgiving a national celebration in 1863.

The Plymouth Pilgrims celebrated their survival. Fortunately you and I didn’t barely survive the previous winter and year. We can get together just because we want to. And, sadly, more and more Americans take it all for granted. Many of them don’t have a clue how Thanksgiving Day even started.

But most importantly, the vast majority of them are clueless about Who we give thanks to. And, as a result, the winter of their discontent will be much longer and harsher. If you know someone like that, be a good Indian and share your bounty with them.

Happy Thanksgiving 2022. “And, once and for all, pass the turkey!”

Thank God I’m not alone on any day.
Thank God He gave His Son to be The Way
For me to live a life that never ends.
Thank God that He and I are best of friends.

Thank God for every moment you’re alive.
Thank God because, in Him, you can survive
The trials and tribulations when you say…
“Thank God for love,” on this Thanksgiving Day.

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Posted on November 23, 2022 by TonyNovember 23, 2022

I recently read a funny pun/meme that ties in nicely with what I’ve been sharing lately. The pun/meme said, “Elton John bought a treadmill for his pet rabbit. Yeah, it’s a little, fit bunny.” In case you’re not quite up to speed on Elton John songs, that’s a play on the lyrics to “Your Song” when he sang, “It’s a little bit funny, this feelin’ inside.”

And when I saw that meme, it took me back to a fun high school memory.

I also sang those same words, “It’s a little bit funny, this feelin’ inside.”

It was for a presentation by a group of young ladies who performed for a wide variety of high school functions. They were called the Eagle Escort. And they put on an annual show called Eagle Escort Review. Each year they voted for their Eagle Escort Beau who would be the Master of Ceremonies for that show.

In my senior year, they voted me as their Eagle Escort Beau. And I was very surprised. Because they usually picked a football star. Or some other sports guy. But my high school girlfriend, who was a member of the Eagle Escort said they wanted me because I was popular and could sing.

Of course, my ego was boosted big time.

And for a few weeks I got to attend rehearsals with dozens of beautiful young ladies. And we practiced how I’d introduce each act, what the order of the presentation would be, and of course the song they wanted me to sing. It was almost surreal to me. Because it was almost like I daydreamed something and it came true.

Lots of girls picking ME to be their beau. AND getting to sing a song by my favorite singer/songwriter (at the time). When I think about it now, it’s difficult to believe it was so long ago. Because I can picture it in my head as though it was only a week ago.

And that’s a little bit funny and a little bit melancholy.

Because it’s more proof that this life is just a repetitive procession of days for anyone without hope. Despair is your reward if you deny your Designer. I think about how King Solomon, who had massive riches and “wisdom,” viewed this life as futile and vain. He shared his despair in the book of Ecclesiastes. Read that if you need or want to escape his fate.

King Solomon understood that hundreds of women and countless accolades couldn’t and wouldn’t satisfy his life. But instead of looking to God for hope, Solomon relied on Solomon. And he’ll probably pay for that forever.

And the name of that tune’s not even a little bit funny.

So, what’s Your Song gonna be?

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Posted on November 22, 2022 by TonyMarch 3, 2023

In the morning, when I rise and the sun shines in my eyes

Maybe you already know that Kenny Loggins has a brother named Danny. And if you do, then you probably already know that Kenny wrote “Danny’s Song” for his brother as a gift for the birth of his brother’s son. And if you know all that, you’re probably familiar with the line, “In the morning, when I rise, you bring a tear of joy to my eyes…”

But you have no idea how many times I sang that line.

Yeah, when my brother and I first started our full-time music careers, “Danny’s Song” was one of the staples of our repertoire. And we sang several other Loggins and Messina songs, too. Like, “House at Pooh Corner,” and “Your Mama Don’t Dance,” and “Watching the River Run.”

Back then I had long hair and a beard. Still have the beard, but the hair is short and shall we say, silver. Anyway, I could also sing Kenny Loggins songs and sound a lot like him. And because he also had long hair and a beard people constantly compared us. Of course, that’s not fair to Kenny. But I’m sure he’s OK with it now. He got the money. But I got the dream girl.

So, I only shared that tidbit of Tony history because it’s the wee hours as I write this. Long before the sun comes up. And in the morning, when I rise, I often like to ponder the gift of music.

Several years ago I wrote about how music is found in the creation all around you. But you have to Be Still and listen, so you can hear the…

Music in the Morning

Listen to the music in the morning.
Open up your windows, let it in.
No violins or brass…
Just flowers, trees, and grass
To greet you as enchanting notes begin.

Listen to the music in the morning
Carried on the wings of bustling birds.
Squirrels that scamper by
And airplanes in the sky
Add to this composition with no words.

Listen to the music in the morning.
Let not your hearts be troubled any way.
Just listen and applaud
The awesome love of God
In every morning and through every day.

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Posted on November 21, 2022 by TonyFebruary 28, 2023

I can see very well this story I'm gonna tell

It would be a bit of a stretch to say I can see very well. At least, without my glasses, it would be a stretch. And even though I’m more vision-challenged now than when I was younger, my eyesight was never 20/20.

But thankfully I can see very well with my cool, round glasses.

Now, I shared all that to lead into another snippet of my professional music history. Let’s adjust the Wayback Machine to the year 1981, Sherman, and be quickly on our way.

And, notice just down there, to the right, a well-known restaurant and live music establishment in Houston, Texas. The Railhead. Let’s go inside and check out the act, a four-piece variety band called Mhoon, Stone, and Greenlee. Yeah, I know that’s only three names. But, trust me, it’s a four-piece band. And I oughta know.

Because I was the fourth member.

Yep. That’s me. In the back. On the white drums. Keepin’ the beat. And singin’ every now and then. Matter of fact, the band just stopped, and I’m gettin’ up and comin’ out front.

The rhythm guitar player, Glen Stone, is playin’ a recognizable song. I’ve got a microphone in my hand. And listen as I start singin’…

I can see…very well…

There’s a boat on the reef with a broken back,And I can see it very well.There’s a joke…and I know it very well.It’s one of those that I told you long ago.Take my word I’m a madman, don’t you know.

Even if YOU don’t recognize those lyrics, the crowd sure did that night. And they started clapping the minute I started singin’ those words from “Madman Across The Water,” by Elton John and Bernie Taupin.

Glen and I did an entirely “unplugged” acoustic version of the song. Just him on guitar and me vocalizing. And when we finished, a couple of hundred people stood up and cheered. It was a surprise to me. Because I was the new guy in the band. The other guys were established performers in Houston and in Atlanta, Georgia.

They decided their trio of guitars and bass needed a drummer. And we all knew each other from paths crossing in the different venues around Houston. So, when they heard my duo act had split up, they invited me to join them.

Their fans certainly gave me a warm welcome.

And I thought about all that because I just saw that today marks 51 years since the release of Elton John’s album, “Madman Across The Water.” My brother bought me a copy of the album, way back in the 70’s, and it was the source of inspiration for me to teach myself the piano.

It had a simple, but cool album cover design. I just found out that embroidery, featured on the cover was created in a two-week span by Janis Larkham. She was the wife of the album art director David Larkham. And she did all that artsy needlework on the back of an old Levi’s jacket. Elton John got the original. But I had one of the first copies.

OK. Enough of the walk down memory lane. Just thought I’d share something a little different with you this time. If you’ve heard this story before, just nod and smile. I’m really not a madman. And, remember, I can see very well with my round glasses. Well enough to know if you’re laughing with me or AT me. (bwa-ha-ha-ha-ha)

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Posted on November 20, 2022 by TonyNovember 20, 2022

Black Friday Blues? Don't pay your dues.

I hope you don’t wake up next Saturday morning with the Black Friday Blues (cue…or queue the music). Because it’s so avoidable if you follow a couple of simple guidelines. And remember, the first step is to admit you have a problem.

Yeah, the first verse, to the Black Friday Blues, is about YOU.

OK, I admit I’m a guy. Worse yet, a white guy with toxic masculinity. Worst of all, a so-called old white guy with toxic masculinity. So, I’ve never been a shopaholic. Because I’m such a stereotypical guy on the issue of shopping. And that means Black Friday doesn’t really affect me directly.

I don’t have anything against shopping, mind you. In fact, I love me some music gear. And tech gear. And studio gear. But I hardly ever go to brick and mortar shops anymore. Even when I DO go, I don’t go just to “shop.” I either go (mostly online) to buy gear I need or items that make me money. And here’s why.

I really, really, really don’t like a frenzied crowd when I need to buy something. And I’m certainly not gonna buy something simply because “it’s that time of year.” Or because “everything’s on sale right now.”

But I said the first verse, to the Black Friday Blues, is about YOU. And that’s because YOU might be part of the majority of people who still fall into the “holiday season” trap. If so, here’s what I suggest. And this might sound a little controversial and uncomfortable to you.

Do what we do, here in the Funderhouse.

Skip the “holiday season” altogether. Yep, that’s right. Don’t celebrate the “holiday season.” And definitely don’t fall for the Halloween or “Black Friday” kickstarters.

But I said Funderhouse. Not Mr. Scrooge’s residence. We absolutely celebrate Thanksgiving Day and Christmas. Because we grew up with those traditions. And on both of those days we’re extra special thankful to God for our lives and for His love. But we sure don’t need lots of presents and/or an over abundance of food to make us remember to be thankful.

Because they’re not necessary. They lead to those heartbreakin’ Black Friday Blues.

And we don’t need a “holiday season” to help us remember to be thankful every day. The reason for the “season” is the same reason all year long. And that reason is the Who and why any of us exist.

My liberated heart can spread its wings
And consume these smoky sunrays today.
My thirsty eyes soak in all the splendor,
Before this mountain moment fades away.
My mind enters this twilight lucid dream
And pauses to create a déjà vu.
A thousand thankful thoughts rise up to God,
Who helps me write this short story to you.
The words become a precipice to me,
A rocky peak of pictures in my brain.
Reality or not? Now, I wonder
How long I’ll wander through this vast terrain.
Long enough for me to write this sonnet,
While the setting sun’s light is upon it.

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Posted on November 18, 2022 by TonyFebruary 27, 2023

Kinetic energy on my wrist and how long I will exist

Way, way back in time, Elgielene put some kinetic energy on my wrist. And that’s my poet brain way of saying she bought me a Seiko Kinetic watch. If you’ve never seen one or had one, check ’em out. They’re pretty cool. And getting a little more rare these days. I’ve had mine for 26 years now.

Seiko found a way to store kinetic energy in a tiny capacitor.

And that’s no small feat. Well, it IS actually a small feat when you consider how small the parts are inside my watch. But it’s a big deal to be able to sort of combine the best of automatic and quartz movements in a single timepiece.

Seiko was able to do that by charging a capacitor instead of an adding tension to a spring. So, the Seiko Kinetic watch has an oscillating weight that converts the motion of my arm or wrist into electricity. And stores it in that capacitor. And that powers the quartz movement.

A very cool feature I like is the back of the watch is clear glass. So, I can watch those tiny parts move around inside. According to some stats I saw, the watch’s “motor” spins at somewhere between 10,000 and 100,000 rpm.

Wow. I don’t even feel that when I wear it.

And it’s so cool to think there’s a precise little machine, strapped on my arm, with an internal electrical generator working ’round the clock (no pun intended). Yeah, that little generator is powered up and charged just by my movements.

And the rechargeable battery hasn’t been replaced in 15 years. It’s just now starting to show signs of not holding a charge completely like it should. But when you consider I’ve only had the battery changed once in 26 years, that’s pretty awesome.

Seiko came up with the Kinetic watch because sustainability issues became “a thing” back in the 1980s. That’s when so many lithium batteries were being used and then disposed of in typical quartz watches.

Hmm…side note: Electric cars have much bigger batteries. And they use lithium. But, hey, it’s probably all OK now. Right?

Anyway…

My Seiko watch is about as close to a perpetual motion machine as any of us are gonna get. Because nothing (NO thing) is perpetual. Thank God HE is. And thank God He’s gonna wind up anybody and everybody who chooses to live in Heaven with Him. And we’ll be just like kinetic capacitors kept charged by the motion of His love. That reminds me of the chorus from one of my old songs, “Kinetic Love.”

I got kinetic love…I got potential love
And there’s a kingdom come waiting down the line
I got a lavish love…and I got a simple love
And I gotta share this love ‘cause it ain’t just mine

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Posted on November 17, 2022 by TonyFebruary 25, 2023

Northern lights are beautiful sights on cold dark nights

The famous northern lights show up at high latitudes around the world. It’s especially to see them near the Arctic Circle, in Alaska, Canada, Greenland, and Norway. But they can also be seen as far south as northern Idaho.

One popular theory about the northern lights is full of hot air.

Well, soar wind to be a little more clear. Apparently there are disturbances on the sun that shoot off a stream of electrons and protons. And then, some electromagnetic waves (aka: Alfvén waves) energize the electrons and protons and speed them on their way to earth.

Then, the theory says those particles fly through earth’s magnetic field. And when I say (or they say) “fly,” I mean FLY!. Like 45 million miles per hour. Side note: I’d like to see the radar detector they use to clock those speeds. Anyway, when they zoom that fast and smash into oxygen and nitrogen molecules in the ionosphere, that whole process creates the aurora borealis.

Until recently, no one had verified that Alfvén waves could travel at such high speeds into earth’s atmosphere. But some new, controlled tests and measurements show that Alfvén waves actually DO accelerate electrons and protons.

Have you read or heard this quote?

“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights.” Yeah, that’s from the Bible. And it’s another indicator, or should be to anyone who truly desires truth-filled answers, that it pleases God to delight us. And the Northern lights conjure up all sorts of delightful images such as this short rhyme…

Clothed in deep purple
And pale violet,
A chromium glow,
And green amulet,
With wings made of light
He brings us reward,
This Amethyst Angel
Sent down from the Lord.

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Posted on November 16, 2022 by TonyFebruary 24, 2023

Depression disorders with no video recorders

I’m suffering from depression. Right now. Exactly at the moment I’m typing these words. If you’ve followed my posts or podcast episodes, you might think I’d never be one of those people who deals with depression disorders. But here it is. And I gotta say, it hasn’t helped one bit to open up about this.

There are a lot of depression disorders out there. But mine is weird.

So, I guess, in a way, that makes mine special. Because my depression is apparently cortical. And it might even be spreading.

OK, I know this sounds cryptic. But that’s only because I made it sound that way on purpose.

As I started writing this post I was dealing with what doctors and scientists call “cortical spreading depression.” And here’s how they describe this weirdness, “a wave-like pattern of electricity in your brain. This pattern changes the blood flow and chemical activity in your brain, which may lead to migraine aura and other symptoms.”

Good news is, I’ve suffered with these wave-like patterns of electricity in my brain since my early 20’s. And they’ve never caused bbbbrain damage. (no “clever” remarks from the peanut gallery) But I HAVE dealt with a lot of massive headaches as a result. There isn’t always a headache afterwards. But there IS always a sparkly, wavy aura. And it DOES always interfere with my vision. But thankfully it goes away after a bit.

So, it’s one of those intermittent depression disorders.

And I need to clarify this one point. I’m not actually depressed. Not in the least. And these migraines have never caused me to be the depressed type. Because depression, that falls under the pity party category, is a waste of time.

And that kind of depression means you’re focused on YOU. Not your Creator. In sports, they call that “taking your eye off the ball.” And you know what happens when you do that. Right? Yeah, you get hit in the head (or another part of your body) with a ball.

I hope you’ve never had to deal with cortical spreading depression and migraine auras. But I know you’ve absolutely had to deal with other challenging physical, mental, and emotional issues. So, my hope is also that you know where you can turn for true help. Because if you don’t know, one day a massive headache will be the least of your problems.

My Head Hurts

I don’t like the way I feel when my head hurts.
And I don’t like the way it crinkles up my face.
I don’t like to moan and groan when my head hurts,
I don’t like the grounding pounding in my space.

But I love to know about how God designed me,
And I love to know His Word is always true,
And I love to know He’ll never, ever leave me,
And I hope you know He’ll always love you, too.

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Posted on November 15, 2022 by TonyFebruary 23, 2023

Great ideas in history illuminate life's mystery

Nikola Tesla was a fascinating character. And he was a great example of how great ideas started out with dreams. Like, have you ever heard how he had a dream to harness the power of Niagara Falls?

I’ve been to Niagara Falls. I’m not sure anyone is gonna harness it.

But Mr. Tesla had a knack for making his great ideas come true.

Before he put his mind to work on electrical current, DC (direct current) was the method of the day. But DC electricity could only travel about 100 yards. And then it could only take enough power to light a bulb.

So, Tesla developed a system of alternating current, which you probably recognize as AC. It’s the same kind of current you use in your home right now. And that AC electricity enabled power from Niagara Falls to transmit great distances. And his system was put into use on November 15,1896. That transmitted electric power from Niagara Falls to Buffalo.

I don’t think he actually harnessed Niagara Falls. But he DID harness the electricity the Falls could generate. And his AC power “dream” revolutionized the way we all can use electrical current now.

People considered Tesla to be a genius. I do, too. And to remember and honor him, there’s a statue of him near the Table Rock area at Niagara Falls.

I believe (and Nikola now knows if I’m right or not) that God gives you and me to power to come up with great ideas. And I believe God designed dreaming as part of the rest your brain gets when you sleep. I don’t currently (See what I did there?) have proof of that. But my left and right brain are in agreement on this.

Dream The Dreams

Waking up from silly dreams
Isn’t silly as it seems
Because dreamers are what makes the world go ‘round.
With those pictures in your head
As you rise up out of bed
You might find the thing that needed to be found.

You might dream of flying cars
That go cruising through the stars,
Then design a brand new turbo rocket ship.
You might wake up from your sleep
With an awesome way to keep
People safer when they’re going on a trip.

What if you could dream a dream
That, to some, could sound extreme…
But your idea helped to ease a lot of pain?
Well, put on your dreaming hat
‘Cause we need more dreams like that,
And they’re waiting to be dreamed inside your brain.

If you’re eager to create…
And you find you just can’t wait…
And your dreams are overflowing from your ears,
Take a breath and write ‘em down…
With a smile and not a frown.
Then your dreams become ideas you’ll have for years.

When you dream, don’t think it’s odd.
Dreams are thoughtful gifts from God.
They can help to give your weary mind some rest.
So relax and dream away.
Every day’s a brand new day
To begin to dream the dreams that you dream best.

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