Tony Funderburk Posted on by

A friend of mine died yesterday, September 12, 2021. But he wasn’t just a friend. He was a guy who taught me (and lots and lots of other people) more of the deep dive information in the Bible. It’s so weird to talk about him in the past tense. Because he had such a powerful presence. And thinking about him moving to his Heavenly home made me remember a Pastor Appreciation Day back in 2010.

On that Pastor Appreciation Day I sang him a song.

But not just any song. Because he wasn’t just any pastor. So, he deserved a song that wouldn’t describe just any pastor. A song that showed appreciation for who he was AND Who he represented.

Because my friend, the pastor, was controversial. To say the least. And if I shared his name, and if you did a search online, you’d find a long list of despicable so-called “news sources” mocking him. Even in death. But, as another friend of mine said, “If the world still hates you when you die, you must’ve done well.”

I have no doubt that, sometime on September 12th, my friend heard words like: “Well done, my good and faithful servant.”

Here are updated lyrics of appreciation for the faithful pastor…

We Appreciate You Doing That

When you chose to serve the Lord,
You didn’t know everything you were in for.
You couldn’t know how long it would last,
Or what your journey through life had in store.

But you didn’t let it stop you.
You found The Way to keep going.
Truth and Life and Persistence…
They’re the seeds you kept sowing.

And we appreciate you doing that.

You didn’t choose the dark, wide path.
You never ran with the “popular people”
Or raise a fortune to build up a church
Made of lies with a high, golden steeple.

But you work to spread the Gospel
And tell the world about Jesus,
And how He’s all that really matters,
And how the world cannot please us.

And we appreciate you doing that.

We know you didn’t prefer the battle.
There must have been times when it got old.
But your life, here, sure made a difference.
You shared His Story as it should be told.  

And we appreciate you doing that.

© 2021 Tony Funderburk

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I used to be an avid runner. And I’ve mentioned before (here on the website and in the podcast) how I ran miles and miles and miles a week. Even entered the famous Peach Tree Road Race in Atlanta, Georgia when I lived there for a year. If you can run, and you live there…and if they still have the race…give it ago. It’s a lot of fun through some nice scenery. Or at least it was back in 1982.

But I’m not here, today, to talk about races you can run in.

Nope. Instead, I’d like you to consider something much smaller. Tiny. In fact, it’s something so tiny, it has no weight or volume whatsoever. But it carries a lot of weight. And the power behind it speaks volumes.

I’ve read blog posts, articles, and stories about it. And I’ve listened to podcasts about it.

But I’ve only read or heard a couple of explanations that properly illustrate this tiny, little “thing.”

And I won’t keep you guessing any longer. I’m talking about the still, small voice mentioned in the Bible. Something that’s actually someone. But have you heard that still, small voice? My assertion is that, if you have, you made up the voice in your head.

But don’t take that to mean I don’t believe you “heard’ God’s voice.

Far from it.

In fact, my assertion is also that, if you’ve studied the Bible for a while, God’s still, small voice will live in your head. Well, actually in your mind. But let’s not quibble.

And it’s awesome how God can talk to you through His written word. He doesn’t need to (and probably doesn’t want to) sit you down and give you a talkin’ to every time you’re on the wrong path. Because His Word is alive. And it’s sharper than a two-edged sword.

It can cut you to the core. And turn you away from your selfish ways. If you’ll just listen.

But that’s (to coin the lyrics from a Kim Carnes song) where the trouble lies. Your self wants what it wants. And so you think you can run and hide. You think you can fill up your head with the noise of the world and drown out God. But you can’t.

And that’s what the character in my song, “Still Small Voice Inside” tried to do. It’s part of the collection of praise and worship songs I’ve been talking about lately. You can get the lyrics to it, and all the other songs, in my Raise The Praise book (which is also a songbook and journal).

PLUS…

You can get all the songs in a single download from a super secret link in the book. That link is below.

“˜Cause I hear a voice all day,
And it just won’t go away.
Ain’t no place I can hide
From that still small voice inside.

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Tony Funderburk Posted on by

I’m a dwelling place. And that’s not a typo. I didn’t mean to say I have a dwelling place. I said what I meant. And I meant what I said.

But when I think of me as a dwelling place, one question comes up.

A one word question. Why? Or it could be a two word question. Why me?

And there’s no mistake. The Bible says I’m a dwelling place for my Creator. That means God, who is the only one in existence who can truly condescend, chose to live in me. And all who believe and trust in Him.

Wow. That’s beyond my power to fully comprehend. And I’m not only humbled at that realization. I’m also grateful. And I also want to use my words and music gifts to serve Him. Not because He orders me to serve Him. But because the love He gives me cries out to be told. And to be sung about.

So, that notion of His “condescending attitude” is included in my song, “Consequential Servitude.” It’s one of the 12 songs in my “Raise The Praise” collection of praise and worship songs. But, be warned. These songs aren’t like the mantra, sugary sweet songs you typically hear in churches these days. And these songs might actually cause you to look up verses in your Bible.

Gasp! Say it ain’t so, Ethel.

Yeah, it’s true. And you can get all the words to “Consequential Servitude” and the other 11 songs in a book (which is also a songbook and journal) by the same name: Raise The Praise. The link is below.

Here’s a clip of some the chorus lyrics to Consequential Servitude.

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.

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Tony Funderburk Posted on by

What I’m talkin’ about, right now, is a far cry from free love. That’s a whole ‘nother story. And maybe I’ll talk about it some time in the near future. But, for now, I’m talkin’ about love freely given. Because I believe it’s the main reason I’m able to share my thoughts with you…and why you’re able to read or listen.

Love freely given means you’re not a robot.

You’re not an automaton, preassembled to carry out some sort of predetermined, coded instructions. 

But how do I know this is true? (I hope you won’t seriously consider asking that question.)

I know it’s true because you’re able to hate. Yeah. You and I can freely hate. Anyone. And everyone. Of course, I don’t hate everyone. And I’m pretty sure you don’t either. But we could. If we wanted.

And it’s all because God is the ultimate risk taker. He created human beings in His own image and likeness. So, He gave us the same freedom to choose to love Him that He has when He chooses to love us. But that’s also why He’s the ultimate risk taker.

Because, in order for us to be able to freely choose to love, we gotta be able to freely choose to hate. Otherwise, it ain’t a free choice. It’s no choice at all.

So, the ability to choose to love shows we have a Creator who loves.

And that’s why I wrote the song, “Because I Can Love.” It’s part of a praise and worship collection I named “Raise The Praise.” And the words to all the songs in that collection are in a book (which is also a songbook and journal) by the same name. You can get your copy at the link below.

By the way, there’s a super secret link in the book you can use to get a free download of all the songs to go along with the lyrics. So, it’s like getting a book, an album, and a journal all in one. Well, it’s like that because it IS that. Here’s the verse to “Because I Can Love…”

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

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Tony Funderburk Posted on by

“To be, or not to be: that is the question: Whether ’tis nobler in the mind to suffer the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune, or to take arms against a sea of troubles, and, by opposing, end them? Yeah, ol’  ShakySpear posed an age old question about how to deal with the world. But like Sir William, we still fail to deliver, even in this modern day, when we have so many slings and arrows.

Thank God He loves us in spite of how we fail to deliver.

But I don’t believe He’s particularly impressed by our shortcomings. Especially when you and I (and all believers) have it easier than anybody did two thousand years ago. And by “it” I mean eternal life.

You and I only need to show humility and ask for it. And everlasting (and undeserved) Grace is poured out. The Grace that was first poured out in the actual, human blood of Jesus. He took on human flesh, experienced human suffering, and died a painful human death for sins and crimes you and I committed.

Why would He do that?

Because for 4000 years humans failed to deliver when it came to fully trusting God. Human beings, throughout history, have been (and still are) determined to rule the universe. Everybody wants to be his or her own king or queen. But there is only one King. Only one source of eternal life.

You and I had a beginning. We were created. Thankfully, by the one, true, living, loving God. And He is the only one who never sinned, doesn’t sin, and never will sin.

So, only He…in the form and life of Jesus…could provide the payment required for eternal life. And that’s why I wrote about Him, from that perspective, in a song called “Your Body, Your Blood.”

It’s about our failures.

But it’s also about redemption. And how easy it is to receive. You can hear the song when you get my book, “Raise The Praise” (which is also a songbook and journal). It’s part of the free download you’ll find in a super secret link in the book.

When you buy the book, you help me continue to share words and music of faith, hope, and love with an increasingly hurting world. And I thank you, in advance, for your support. Here’s a clip from the song…

I fail here in the flesh…
This flesh that pulls me down,
And yet You say I’ll have
An imperishable crown.

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Tony Funderburk Posted on by

In 1975 I worked in a disco. Just writing those words sounds crazy to me now. But it’s true. At that time, disco music was big. And if you don’t know what disco was, then you might be too young to be reading this. So, make sure your parents say it’s OK to proceed.

Anyway…disco music was the thang.

Just do a search for disco music. And you can find some of the awesome (and I use that adjective loosely) pictures of what was going on back then. Or you can save your eyes and skip the search. Just kidding. Sort of

But I didn’t bring up the subject of disco music to discuss whether or not it had any redeeming qualities. No, I have something much more fantastic in mind. A certain Captain, to be more precise. And to be even more precise, I’m talking about “Captain Fantastic.”

In case you’re not familiar with Captain Fantastic, that’s the title of a bestselling album, by Elton John, from way back in 1975.

Now, you might be thinking, “Yeah, yeah…whatever. Tell me more about your disco days.”

Well, that’s just it. I AM. Because, believe it or not, Captain Fantastic actually connects to my days as a bartender in a disco.

One day, during a shift at the disco, I told a fellow bartender that I knew every word to every Elton John album. And that included the “new” one, Captain Fantastic. For some strange reason, that baffles me to this day, the fellow bartender didn’t believe me. And he started challenging me.

But those challenges were shot down again and again.

Because, if I tell you I can do something, I CAN do it. I won’t even bring it up otherwise.

But every time an Elton John song would come up, the other bartender would expect me to sing along without missing any words. And I’d happily oblige. So, word of my lyrical prowess spread through the staff. And, so did word of my singing ability. And that ability got me out of some work at the end of a long evening shift.

Because, at the end of our shifts, we had to clean up after a thousand patrons (no exaggeration). So, that meant tons of drink cups, tables to be cleaned off, floors to be swept, bars to be wiped down, etc. And while we all worked, the disco DJ would play…uh…good songs. NOT disco.

One of those was a song off the Captain Fantastic album, “Better Off Dead.” The other employees asked the DJ to let me sing along with it when he played it (or basically any Elton John song), and the DJ agreed.

So, while my fellow workers cleaned up the place, I sang along with Better Off Dead. I’d do the main vocal, the second harmony, the third, and back again. It was a blast. Here’s the chorus to that song…

‘Cause the steam’s in the boiler, the coal’s in the fire
If you ask how I am, then I’ll just say inspired
If the thorn of a rose, is the thorn in your side
Then you’re better off dead, if you haven’t yet died

Back then, I was a big Elton John fan. It was because of him that I figured out how to make my way around a keyboard. And I could sing Elton John songs better than Elton John (hey, like Babe Ruth said, “It ain’t braggin’ if it’s true.”)

But now, of course, I’ve found out much more about Elton. And I vehemently oppose his lifestyle choice and his worldview. I wish he would repent and trust his Creator and live forever in Heaven. But that certainly doesn’t seem imminent, to say the least.

So, right now, Mr. John would definitely NOT be better off dead. Quite the opposite. He has an extremely comfortable, lavish life in the here and now. His eternity doesn’t look so bright. So, in that regard…

I’m Better Off

I think we can agree…I’m not better than you.
It isn’t very hard to believe that it’s true.
But let me say this now, and I hope you won’t scoff…
Though I’m not better than…I know I’m better off.

I’m better off…
If you say there is no Jesus and no Truth that ever frees us.
I’m better off…
If you say no bright tomorrow can erase all of your sorrow.
I’m better off…
For a multitude of reasons, an eternity of seasons.
I’m better off…
When I leave this dark theater, I’ll go live with the Creator.

So, I’m not better than any person who sins.
No, that’s an argument where no one ever wins.
But try to understand, and don’t grumble and cough,
When I say “trust the Lord“, and you’ll be better off.

© 2014 Tony Funderburk

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I saw something, on a social media channel, that I’ve seen so many (too many) times. And it sounds so ridiculous. But it’s not surprising. A person, who pretended to impart motivational wisdom, said, “Have faith in yourself, and trust the universe (they capitalized the U in universe) to show you the way.”

Yeesh. Nothing could be further from the Truth.

Years ago I shared a series of 12 posts about some reasons for faith. But not just faith in yourself the rest of the world wants to shout out about. Hardly. No, these were reasons for faith in someone you’ve never seen. And you might not see during your whole life.

There’s nothing wrong with having faith in yourself.

Let me clear that up a little. Because if you don’t have faith in your abilities, your skills, your strengths…you could end up bowing to the will of those who do.

But that kind of faith in yourself can only help you through this life. It can’t, doesn’t, and never will help you into and through eternity. There’s only one faith, in that someone I mentioned earlier, that can do that. And here’s what I said about Him all those years ago…

“Jesus wasn’t simply “a good man”, or ‘a nice teacher’, or ‘a humble prophet”. He was Truth…God with us. He was the manliest of men. And yet He was the gentlest of all. He took on human flesh in order that He could endure, in our place, the death we all deserve. He said, Do not think that I came to bring peace on earth…Yet, the only peace that ever existed on earth was in His body and presence.

He showed us how we need to love one another. And He led by example. Since there is no greater love than to ‘lay down one’s life for his friends’, Jesus is the ultimate reason for faith.”

I wrote and published a book (which is also a songbook and journal) with 12 songs about faith, hope, and love. And the cool thing about the book is, there’s a secret link in it where you can get those 12 songs (for free) and sing along.

Then, you can take notes.

Or scribble. Or doodle. Whatever. It’s your book after all.

One of the songs in the book (which is also a songbook and journal) is “Give Me The Whole Jesus.” Here are some of the lyrics. And the link to get the book is below.

Give me the whole Jesus,
The whole, good Lord…
The one who shields the child,
The one who wields the sword.

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Years ago I wrote about what an amazing place America is. And that’s still true. From the fruited plains all the way up to, and past, the purple mountain majesty (which is the mountain shadow where I live). It’s just an awesome place to live.

Except for one thing.

The purple mountain majesty and fruited plains are filled with people.

And that’s not a bad thing in and of itself. I don’t have anything against a large population of people. In fact, if you didn’t have lots of people, you wouldn’t have lots of your favorite stuff.

But with people comes what I call “stupid people stuff.”

And America is overflowing with stupid people stuff.

I’m not talking about mistakes people make. Because everybody makes a lot of stupid mistakes. But stupid people stuff comes from people who’d rather stew in their own selfish desires than serve others with love.

And I don’t mean that stupid, heart-shaped, pink balloon kind of love. That’s not serving others. It’s destroying others. By the millions. And stupid people enjoy doing that. Because anything they can do to thumb their noses at God is A-OK with them.

So, that’s why I prefer the “heavenly country” I’m gonna live in when I leave America.

Yeah, I’m leaving America.

For good.

And I’m never coming back. And it’s not an idle threat like stupid people who make stupid idle threats make. It’s not even a threat. It’s just a pure and simple fact.

And it’s because I believe in more than what you can detect with your five senses. I believe in love. And I believe love (like us) did not evolve. Love came directly from the one, true, living, loving God of creation.

Nothing would exist if it weren’t for Him. And wherever He is, there is life.

And in the God of creation is where you’ll find the heavenly country. I found it. And that’s where I’m gonna move to sooner than you can say the Lord’s prayer. Backwards. Standing on your head, stacking BB’s with boxing gloves on.

In other words, I hope it’s a while before I leave America to go live in that Heavenly country. Because I’d like to annoy atheists, liberals, and other God haters for as long as I can. But, I’ll definitely be moving.

And I hope you’ll be one of the people I see there. One of the people I’ll enjoy eternity with. But if you wanna be sure that happens, you gotta decide now. You don’t need to climb up to the purple mountain majesty or cross the fruited plains to talk to God. Talk to Him from where you are. Right now.

Tomorrow might be too late.
Don’t be stranded at the pearly gate.

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Back when I was the praise and worship music leader for a church in the Denver metro area, I remember announcing, with a quip, a song we were about to sing. I said something like, “This next song is called My Father’s World. But I don’t think this is our Father’s world. Because it’s filled with evil and rebellious people.”

That’s what any praise and worship music leader would say. Right?

Yeah, probably not.

And the following Sunday, I announced we’d be singing the song again. But I mentioned how I thought about it some more. And I decided I was wrong. I said, “You know, this actually IS My Father’s World. He’s just got some really awful renters.”

Yes, it got good laughs. But it’s true. Which is probably why it got good laughs.

As a matter of fact, there’s a back story that proves my point about the bad renters. Turns out that the song, My Father’s World, was written by a minister from New York back in the last part of the 1800’s. His name was Maltbie Davenport Babcock. (Yeah, I checked. And that was his real name)

Well, apparently Malty…uh, Maltbie…caught something called the “Mediterranean fever” during a visit to the Holy Land. And it got bad enough that on May 18th, 1901, he committed suicide. He slit his wrist and ingested mercuric chloride while he was in Naples, Italy.

Now, while I can understand how pain can drive people to the brink, suicide is not the answer. No one has the right to take a life, even their own, just to end pain.

Did that make Maltbie a bad renter? Well, not just because of that. But it didn’t make him look good.

At least he left a very nice, old hymn behind.

This Is My Father’s World

This is my Father’s world,
And to my listening ears
All nature sings, and round me rings
The music of the spheres. 
This is my Father’s world: 
I rest me in the thought
Of rocks and trees, of skies and seas;
His hand these wonders wrought.

This is my Father’s world,
The birds their carols raise,
The morning light, the lily white,
Declare their Maker’s praise. 
This is my Father’s world: 
He shines in all that’s fair;
In the rustling grass I hear Him pass;
He speaks to me everywhere.

This is my Father’s world. 
O let me ne’er forget
That though the wrong seems oft so strong,
God is the ruler yet. 
This is my Father’s world: 
Why should my heart be sad? 
The Lord is King; let the heavens ring! 
God reigns; let the earth be glad!

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What if you drove a truck for a living? And what if you went from driving a truck to singing in a band. And what if your band did so badly that you were told to go back to driving a truck? That’s probably happened more than once in America. But most of them weren’t this famous truck driver.

Maybe you already know which truck driver I mean.

Yeah, it was Elvis Presley. And his story included a time when he was a truck driver. But maybe you recall how he wanted to record a record to give, as a present, to his mother. And maybe you recall how a guy at Sun Records, where he recorded, liked what he heard. And the rest, as they say, is history.

But maybe you didn’t know this.

Elvis’ second single, released by Sun Records, was a song called “Good Rockin’ Tonight.” And to help promote the release, Elvis and his bandmates Bill Black and Scotty Moore were booked at The Grand Ol’ Opry. It was their first appearance. And it happened on this day, September 4, in 1954.

And, of course, the crowd went wild for the King of Rock-n-Roll.

Uh…hardly.

In fact, the crowd hated Elvis’ version of “Blue Moon of Kentucky.” And they didn’t much care for anything else he and his band performed. By every account I’ve read about, Elvis bombed big time.

He bombed so badly, that a manager, Jim Denny, said Elvis should go back to truck driving.

Ouch!

But, as it turned out, Elvis became a household name.

Jim Denny did not.

And Elvis went on to become a highly successful competitor to the Grand Ol’ Opry with his appearances on the Louisiana Hayride. Those shows definitely did not bomb. Unless you consider the explosion of success Elvis enjoyed during that time.

But what’s the moral of this story? Simple.

If you drive a truck and you sing,
You could throw your hat in the ring
Where no one likes your style or the way you smile,
Or skip all that and go and do “your thing.”

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“I’m a man of means, by no means…King of the Road.” Roger Miller recorded that song back in 1964. And I remember hearing it on the radio in my Dad’s car. To this day I can probably sing along with all the lyrics. If you’ve never listened to it, you’ve missed out.

But Mr. Miller’s king of the road was a hobo.

Yeah, that’s what they used to call guys who roamed around with no visible means of support. Hobos. And vagrants. And would you believe they’d arrest them and/or “encourage” them to leave town?

Uh-huh. Times have sure changed.

But I’m not talking about the street zombies right now. I wanna get back to that whole king of the road thing. But I also wanna go way beyond “the road.” Let’s get down to business. Why stop at “the road” when there’s a whole universe out there?

But if you’re gonna be king, it’s a good idea to know what you’re king of…and how it works.

So, here’s what I shared about that…

“First off, you’re gonna need to know how to get the universe going in the first place. And you’ll need a rough idea of how long your materials can last and what they’ll be made of.

Next…get yourself some awesome light sources, water, oxygen, and as many of the elements as you can. You’ll need them to build the right kinds of planets, moons, suns, and other heavenly bodies to form a functioning and cohesive universe. After all…we don’t want it to just splatter all over the place, do we?

Now…if you have all those ingredients, here’s something to ponder…at least for a few minutes or so. You need to have what marketers call an “end game”. In other words, you must answer these two questions…

  1. What do you want the final product to look like? and…
  2. Why do you want to bring it into existence?

OK…got that stuff figured out? Good.”

Sounds easy so far, right?

Of course, you’re gonna need to know how to control the elements. Because they can be pretty darn glitchy. Minor details like how much gravity, oxygen, water, and sunlight will you need.

Uh, wait a second. This is starting to sound like a lot of work. Maybe it’s best just to be you and leave that whole king of the universe idea alone. And…

Thank God

In the best of times, where’s the challenge?
In the worst of times, where’s your choice?
And in the fevered pitch, where’s the silence?
When the love is breached, where’s the voice?

Could you have your very life taken from you
While the world stood at your feet?
Wouldn’t that completely stop and numb you?
Wouldn’t you admit defeat?

Well, thank God He didn’t leave it up to you…
Thank God He didn’t leave it up to you.

In the darkest hours, who’s your Father?
And in the scheme of things, who’s the One?
In the best laid plans, who’s the Spirit?
When your heart is healed, who’s the Son?

Could you let your very blood be taken
For your friends who’d run away?
Wouldn’t all your faith and hope be shaken?
Would you even think to pray?

Thank God He didn’t leave it up to you…
Yes, thank God He didn’t leave it up to you.

© 2009 Tony Funderburk

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There’s a health issue that doctors like to call a “neurodevelopment disorder.” It’s also known as Autism Spectrum Disorder, or ASD. And it can seriously affect a person’s ability to focus, or communicate, or recognize loved ones. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy can provide some relief for ASD.

But before I talk any more about hyperbaric oxygen therapy…

What causes ASD? Apparently a lot of experts believe it can happen due to hypoxia, or a lack of oxygen. But it’s more dastardly than that. Because we’re talkin’ about a lack of oxygen to critical parts of brain tissue. In particular, those parts that are in charge of memory, motor control, and speech.

Yikes!

Pretty important parts of the brain, wouldn’t you agree?

It’s bad enough to think of an adult having to deal with all that. But imagine taking a healthy newborn baby boy or girl home. And everything’s fine. Until the little kid turns two. And somewhere around that time the normal laughing and smiling stops. Then, they don’t seem to be able to see well or focus on their toys, or worse…you.

That’s because ASD affects the brain, spine, and nerves.

And in addition to a lack of oxygen, doctors say ASD can be caused by nutritional deficiencies, toxin poisoning, chemical exposure, and more. But they still don’t know the exact causes. So, it’s difficult to figure out how to treat it. And that’s torture to parents who wanna help their kids but don’t know how.

Fortunately, many doctors are optimistic about hyperbaric oxygen therapy. Especially when someone is diagnosed early and treatments begin right away.

HBOT appears to provide significant relief for patients. There’s an example of one here. Some ASD kids are able to recognize their parents. And put words together into sentences. And even do the simple, yet wonderful, things like smile, laugh, and remember.

Studies are still being made on the benefits of hyperbaric oxygen therapy for autism. And no doubt, doctors don’t all agree. They never do. Right? But I’ve seen, and read, more positive information than negative. And that why I became a part owner of a hyperbaric oxygen chamber business based right here in Colorado.

I’m not just a proponent.

I’ve also been an HBOT patient. And I’ve experienced the benefits firsthand.

If you wanna schedule a chamber delivery or find out more, call or text today to talk to Brian, the founder and CEO of Affordable Hyperbaric Solutions. AHS is an awesome alternative to paying those high clinic prices for HBOT. And Brian is a guy who genuinely wants to help you get well.

But I can also tell you the chambers are booking up quickly now. Word is out. And more and more people are discovering the benefits of hyperbaric oxygen therapy. Like help with head and brain trauma, wound healing, some cancer, bone injuries, and more.

OK, that’s one of my rare promotions. Check out AHS and let me know if you have other questions.

Stay tuned,

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Last year I was interviewed by a fellow podcaster whose focus is on the Christian life. He sent me a list of questions he’d be asking during the podcast. And I wrote down my answers.

After I was interviewed I kept these questions and answers…

What is your daily routine? 

Up at 4 to read & write my post for the day. Then, it’s breakfast with my wife and we enjoy our morning talk. And then I write for clients till lunch. After my lunch break I finish client work. And work on my own business projects till dinner

What time do you set apart to read scripture, pray, and call others to check on them? 

Typically early morning. But sometimes, like anybody, I have to be more flexible. Because, for some reason, the whole world doesn’t revolve around me and my schedule.

What moves you to seek scripture for daily living?

I know the source of Life, and He’s also the source of answers for life.

Favorite verse? Why? What is your understanding?

Well, I don’t really have a favorite. But one I really like”because I’m a singer/songwriter…is Colossians 3:16. “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.” 

What are you feeding on right now besides your bible?
(could be books, devotionals, movies, music) and why?

Mostly the help tools in my Logos Bible software because there’s so much there I’ll never reach the end of it.

What does the end of your day look like?  

More alone time with my wife. And we eat, talk, maybe watch a movie. Then to bed, usually by 10 

How important is community to you?

A community of like-minded believers is getting more difficult to find and hold together these days. So, it’s important to stay connected with at least the closest ones. Of course, Jesus experienced the same thing.

What hope can you leave behind for listeners in any stage of faith?

Even if you feel like there’s no hope in your life, think about your capacity to love. Because you know you can love. And knowing that proves you have hope. Because like 1 Corinthians 13:7 says, Love “bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things””

Being interviewed about my Christian life was easy. Because it’s the only lasting part of who I am.

My faith isn’t something I pick up
When I don’t have something else in my hands.
My faith is the heart of who I am
In the One who makes sure my faith expands.

Stay tuned,

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My Dad didn’t realize (he does now because he’s been in Heaven for 35 years) how deeply it hurt me when I knew I had made him mad at me. And he didn’t understand, at the time, how much I wanted to connect with him. Because, while I was a young boy, he was the authority I needed, wanted, and respected. So, those times I made him angry with me were some of my worst times.

But those worst times weren’t because of disciplinary actions.

No, I’d say most of the time, when I received the “board of education,” I deserved it. Yes, there were times I didn’t. But I attribute those times to my Dad’s human fallibility. We all make mistakes.

But none of that was the cause of those worst times I just mentioned. Those were caused by the disconnect that happened as a result of a lack of obedience or lack of understanding. The disconnect between a father and a son. And the reconnection can only happen with love, repentance, and wisdom.

A great example of how this disconnect feels can be found in the writings of a king from around 3000 years ago. He felt awful about himself. And how he displeased God. So, he wrote…

“O Lord, do not rebuke me in Your wrath, nor chasten me in Your hot displeasure! For Your arrows pierce me deeply, and Your hand presses me down. There is no soundness in my flesh because of Your anger, nor any health in my bones because of my sin.”

Yeah, you can translate that into, “I feel just awful about how I’ve been. And I’m so sorry I made you mad at me.”

It’s an example of why God considered David a man after His own heart.

The worst times in life are when you hurt someone you love. Or, at least if you have any wisdom in you at all, they should be like that to you.

So, if you’ve hurt or wronged someone you love, and they’re mad at you, tell them how sorry you are. And how much you want to reconnect the loving bond.

And don’t depend on or wait till everything is resolved, later, in Heaven. Do it today.

Tomorrow is too late ’cause it’s not real.
Let your loved ones know just how you feel.
Especially when you’re wrong, and please don’t wait too long.
Your loving words create a golden seal.

Stay tuned,

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Income tax brackets. Now, those three words should never go together. Because when they do, they inevitably invite confusion, envy, and thievery. And even knucklehead, one-track-mind musicians can figure that out.

In fact, income tax brackets influenced the name of a #1 album.

That album was called “Atlantic Crossing.” And it was number one on the UK charts on this day (August 30) back in 1975.

And the musician was Rod Stewart. Apparently he decided the 83% top income tax bracket was too much. So, he decided to head to Los Angeles where the lifestyle suited his rockstar ways. (plus…he could keep more of his moolah)

Yeah, even us musicians can figure out when enough is enough. And an 83% tax rate is way beyond enough. You might say (and I’d definitely say) it’s more than 8 times tyrannical.

So, if you do the math, you see that means somewhere above 10% would be a tyrannical tax rate. A nice round number. But you might wonder how I came up with that number or equation. Well, I can’t take credit for it. But my best friend can.

He wrote a book about life. And how we should live it. And what’s best for us. It’s the bestselling book of all time. And I bet you’re catching my drift, right? Yeah, Jesus is the author. He’s the one who established the nice, round number of 10%.

When governments determine the “rich should pay their fair share,” they really mean the rich should fund the self-indulged lifestyles of politicians, lawyers, and judges.

And even rockin’ Rod Stewart didn’t wanna do that at a rate of 83 cents out of every dollar (or whatever that translates into in English pounds) stolen from him.

But it’s really no big deal to the rest of us. Right?

After all, we don’t make the rockstar millions. So, who cares if richie rich rockstars and other celebrities have to pay millions more in taxes. They’ll still have millions left.

If you believe that’s all there is to it, then you’re lost in the matrix. And I fear for your eternal soul. It might be in jeopardy of everlasting confusion and torment.

Because unjust taxation is stealing.
Those who implement it are revealing
Their contempt for what’s right. Pay attention, you might
Find an answer that’s much more appealing.

Stay tuned,

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49 years ago, today (August 28) there was a hit song on the radio about the joy of school being out for the summer. And I remember listening to it that summer. It definitely struck a chord with a lot of people. In fact, it was  #1 on the UK singles chart, 49 years ago, today, for Alice Cooper.

Alice was a different guy when that song was on the radio.

Sounds odd to say that. “Alice was a different guy.” But that’s what Vincent Furnier legally changed his name to when he started gaining momentum in the rock world back in the 70’s.

By the way, that hit song on the radio was “School’s Out.” And I read a blurb that explained how he came up with the idea for the song. Cooper was asked what the greatest three minutes of his life were. And he answered, “There’s two times during the year. One is Christmas morning, the next one is the last three minutes of the last day of school.”

And I know a lot of people, me included, could relate to that.

Alice Cooper was known for his dark stage persona. And that’s putting it mildly. His band was considered the original shock rock act. Stories and rumors were everywhere about how Alice bit off the head of a chicken on stage. (something he didn’t actually do) And there were snakes, ghoulish makeup, and plenty of other dark image paraphernalia.

So, it’s no surprise Alice Cooper is a devil worshipper. Right?

Wrong.

After years of living and working “on the dark side” Mr. Cooper gave his heart back over to his Creator. And I like this other quote, from him, I just read today. He thanks God for taking away his addiction to alcohol. And he said “I mean if He [God] can part the Red Sea and create the universe, He can certainly take alcoholism away from somebody.”

So True.

But I like, even more, something else I heard Mr. Cooper say, in a video I found on YouTube. Because I constantly hear even Christian pastors say “It’s all part of God’s plan.” Or “Remember, God is in control.” But Alice Cooper, a shock rock musician “gets it” better than so many “church leaders.” Because in the video he says, “The world doesn’t belong to us. It belongs to Satan.”

Wow. That’s similar to what I’ve been saying for a long time. And it’s what the Bible has taught even way longer than that. Jesus told us He’s not the ruler of this world. At least three times. And it totally makes sense He’s not the ruler of this world. Because this world is a bad place full of lies and evil.

Yeah, this world belongs to the original shock rocker.

But he’s gonna be removed from the stage. And there might be one reunion tour, which will be a miserable failure and flop. But then the curtains will close on shock rock forever.

And it’ll be like school’s out, Christmas, and a glorious re-birth-day party all rolled into one.

Hey, maybe there’s a hit song in there somewhere.

Stay tuned,

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I’m a big fan of rhythm. In the motion of living and non-living creations. And in music. And even down to syllables in words. That’s because rhythm is more than beats. It’s movement. A syncopated representation of life itself. And that’s why it’s unusual for me to write offbeat poetry. But a few years ago, I was inspired to do just that for Memorial Day 2013.

And I used offbeat poetry (for me anyway) to illustrate a point.

Soldiers are like guardian angels. But not actual guardian angels. And soldiers march to a different beat than you and me. But not an actual different beat. Because you and I should be looking out for one another, too. We don’t do it so much. But we should.

So, if you read back through that last section, and you pay attention to the flow, you’ll see the words fall back on themselves. At least I’d like you to see that. Because I want the words to convey how life is full of dichotomic similarities.

That idea rose up from the inner parts of my brain as I considered the recent events in Afghanistan. And all the senseless loss of life. Once again, soldiers paying the ultimate price for the stupidity of politicians playing fast and loose with truth.

And rather than muddying up the waters any more than I already have, I’ll just share my offbeat poetry from 2013 about soldier and angels. It’s appropriately called…

Soldiers, Angels

Soldiers, angels walkin’ through the green grass
Underneath the blue skies,
Singin’ soft lullabies,
And they carry baubles made of brass.

Soldiers, angels hikin’ up the high road
Lookin’ for the heart light
Gotta make it start right
Now because they have a heavy load.

Soldiers, angels have left us a tutorial
On how to skip mistakes
Like everybody makes…
Then we build a sad memorial.

Soldiers, angels…one becomes the other
Takin’ on a new role
And up goes the death toll.
Why can’t every man just love his brother?

Soldiers, angels…we can’t live without them
Paying for our error
Till God stops this terror…
And that’s why I wrote this poem about them.

Stay tuned,

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Yesterday I talked about country music and how I’m a fan who’s not a fan. And today I’m gonna mention a guy whose music I like very much. Sting. I’m not a fan of his worldview, although, sometimes his lyrics reveal a hint of a spiritual conflict within himself I don’t think he realizes. But, back to my point for the day.

That spiritual conflict can be found in a song from 1987.

Back then I played my CD of Sting’s album, “Nothing Like The Sun,” a lot. And I even included a couple of the songs, from that collection, in my nightly repertoire. They were “Englishman in New York” and “We’ll Be Together.” But the song I’m focused on today is called “History Will Teach Us Nothing.”

Check out this verse from that song…

“If God is dead and an actor plays his part,
His words of fear will find their way to a place in your heart.
Without the voice of reason every faith is its own curse.
Without freedom from the past things can only get worse.”

Naturally (or should I say supernaturally) God is not dead. And He never will be. And without him, words of fear certainly can “find their way to a place your heart.” But God IS the voice of reason. THE voice of reason. Any “faith” that will not acknowledge that is certainly “its own curse.”

And Sting is right about things getting worse “without freedom from the past.” And the ironic point he misses is how that’s exactly what Jesus offers. Freedom from your past.

As you look back through the records, you discover that it’s true. History teaches us nothing. Throughout history, to this very day, humans refuse to learn from the mistakes of the past. It’s willful stupidity.

And we’re all guilty.

History books don’t determine who you are and what you’re worth. But His Story can.

I read an article that quoted Sting as saying, “I would not consider myself a Christian any longer. My beliefs are much wider than that. I don’t believe God is necessarily a Catholic or Islamic or anything else”it’s a much larger concept than that.”

Sadly, Sting misses at least a couple of points. Of course God isn’t Catholic or Islamic. Or any other religion devised by man. And God isn’t an “it.” God is a living, loving personality. And He’s even fully human in Jesus. But Jesus didn’t establish religions. He established the Way for everlasting, loving relationships. Between Him and us. And even among ourselves.

Sting also said he doesn’t consider himself “a Christian any longer.” So, chances are good that he never was. Or he had a hand-me-down “said faith.” Because when you build a loving relationship with the one who made you…and you dive into learning more about Him…you don’t ever wanna let that go or give it up.

I hope Sting continues to consider evidence. Because he’s intelligent. And thoughtful. But if he decides to wander down the path away from God, then history has taught him nothing.

His story teaches us everything.
His life still reaches the ones who seek.
And His love is why I write and sing.
It gives strength to the broken and weak.

Stay tuned,

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If you’ve followed my blog or podcast for a while, you know I’m not a country music fan. And I could share a long list of songs that illustrate why I say that. But sure enough, somebody’s feelings would get hurt because I mentioned one of their favorites. So, I’ll skip the list. All that being said, I don’t dislike all country music.

And apparently I’m not the only closet crossover country music fan.

For example. I didn’t realize this until I read a blurb about it. But back in 1975, on this day (August 26), the number one song on the country singles chart was Rhinestone Cowboy, by Glen Campbell. But that’s not the point. Because his song also became a number one song on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Crossover gold.

But that’s not all.

There were five other “country” songs that hit the top of the Billboard Hot 100 AND the Billboard Hot Country Singles charts. Yeah, six “country” songs crossed over and appealed to a wider audience. And guess what? I liked four out of six of those songs.

Gasp! “Did he just admit to liking four country songs?!”

Yes, I admit it. And that’s not all. There are quite a few others songs in the “country” genre I actually like. And some of them I like a lot. Either because they’re nostalgic, or they tell a good story, or they’re quality music.

But 99.99% of so-called “country” music, these days, misses each of those marks. Nowadays, when I scan radio stations (which is fairly rare), “country” music (and other “genres”) all sound(s) like it wants to be some sort of hip hop. And the lyrics sound like everybody’s got an attitude or an agenda.

And the singers sound like they’re tryin’ too hard to sound “country.”

Those crossover hits, from 1975, didn’t strain to “be country.”

The singers just sang songs that told stories that appealed to more people. And some of them had excellent voices. Not just some “style” or attitude.

Of course, I realize younger music lovers will just consider me dinosaur living in the past. But they don’t realize how wrong they are. So, I leave them to their delusions.

And I’ll leave you with this…

I grew up with country music. And I spent my formative years in Texas, Kansas, and Oklahoma. So, even though I’m not a country music fan, per se, there are plenty of “country” songs that strike a chord with me.

Some days are like a country song
Where someone, somewhere, done me wrong.
But most days I still come out strong.
The birds sing and I sing along.

Stay tuned,

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Regardless of my circumstances or status, I’m blessed to be alive. Because I’m alive. And I’m aware that I’m alive. And somewhere in my soul I know eternity is real. You could almost say the knowledge of eternity is written on the very heart of me. Hmm…wait a minute. Somebody DID say that, didn’t they? 

A few years ago I shared some thoughts on being blessed to be alive.

And I shared a bullet list about what I love about life.

  • smooth sailing,
  • trials and tribulations
  • growing up,
  • gaining knowledge,
  • gaining friends,
  • awards and rewards,
  • challenges and failures,
  • clouds and sunshine,
  • joy and laughter,
  • pain and redemption, and
  • words and music…

 

And life is not a two part journey…it’s a two place journey.

I hope you’re like me in that you’re an eager participant in both. Planet Earth is beautiful. And terrifying. Because it’s a broken reflection of God’s love and creativity. But the next place will be unfathomably kinetic, energizing, and joyous. Blessings beyond comprehension. And without end.

But not for everyone.

And that’s unimaginably sad. Because to enjoy life without end, all you gotta do is believe.

Not in dreams. And not in yourself. Not in a “force”. And not in the “law of attraction”. Not in internal spirits. And not in Mohammed, Confucious, Buddha, or even Allah.

Only in Jesus. But if that name offends you, the second place you live will fill you with unending torment.

And I’m only sharing this because I don’t want to see that happen to you.

You are blessed to be alive.
Keep that blessing in your heart.
And don’t let it slip away.
Every day’s a brand new start.

Stay tuned,

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