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Everyone has a right to life. Seems simple enough. And most people walking around probably appreciate getting to exercise that right. Even if they don’t realize it. And most don’t. In fact, most people are completely clueless when it comes to why human life is so valuable.
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At the time, pro life organizations and individuals were gathering signatures to put the Personhood Amendment on the ballot for that election year. And I was asked to write and sing some songs to go with the movement. Here’s one of those songs…
When tiny seeds take root in tiny eggs,
Then you get tiny eyes, ears, arms and legs.
Then tiny babies form inside their mother’s womb,
And then the human life begins to bloom.
I was an unborn child until the day I was born.
I lived inside my mom until the cord was torn.
Then I began to grow and grew up “big and strong”
And learned to cherish life…and so I sing this song.
Everyone has a right to life.
A gift from God before it even starts.
Everyone has a right to life.
Your right is wrong when it stops innocent hearts…
Innocent hearts deserve a right to life. (Repeat chorus)
When you’re born, and someone lets you live,
You only take cause you’re too small to give.
But the joy a tiny baby brings
Is way beyond all those other things.
Give yourself some room to think about
What your “right”might do…who you’re leaving out.
Put yourself right there in that baby’s place.
Either way you “choose”you’ll see a baby’s face.
Everyone has a right to life.
A gift from God before it even starts.
Everyone has a right to life.
Your right is wrong when it stops innocent hearts.
(Repeat…modulate up then repeat twice more)
Let’s defend the innocent and life.
© 2008 Tony Funderburk
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Transpire. I like that word. Because it feels like it has more depth and meaning than the word, “happen.” And, after all, if it “feels” right, it must BE right. Right? So, that’s part of why I chose the word “transpires” to rhyme with the phrase “a thousand fires.” Wow, I’m using a lot of quotation marks. Wonder if I’ve used my quota for the day, yet.
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Patience, good Pilgrim. All in good time.
First, let’s talk about climate change.
“Honey, where’s the TV directory? I gotta change the channel. This guy’s talkin’ about climate change.”
No, not really. Well, yeah. But not the way the silly Chicken-Little-sky-is-falling wackadoos talk about it. Because I DO believe in climate change. But we used to just call it travel. Or the Four Seasons. (no, not Frankie Valli & the Four Seasons…the actual seasons of climate change)
Anyway…
I’m confident that good ol’ seasonal climate change isn’t gonna destroy our little blue planet. And I’m fully aware of how and why most people on our little blue planet won’t share my confidence. But, after multiple decades of living on this little blue planet, I’ve discovered Truth actually exists. And I mean perfectly, trustable Truth.
And I’m talking about the Truth that says, “While the earth remains, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, winter and summer, and day and night shall not cease.”
Call me crazy (you wouldn’t be the first), but doesn’t that sound way more reassuring than the trendy “climate change” rhetoric?
By the way, that’s a metaphorical reference that means a lot of fires. Not literally 1000 fires. In fact, according to some data, there might have been over 7000 fires…just in California. But, who’s counting?
Even when you add up all the fires around the globe, you still discover something amazing and wonderful.
“Wonderful? What’s so wonderful about the world burning up, Tony?”
That’s just it. Do a little digging, and you’ll see the vast majority of the world is NOT burning up.
And that takes me right back to where I started this little story. As life and time transpires, it offers up opportunities to perpetuate either truth…or lies. Most of the people, on our little blue planet, prefer to believe and perpetuate the lies. Because they’ve chosen to believe the lies can invalidate God.
But Truth (which originates in God) can’t be invalidated. It will continue to rise through to the surface, be revealed, and come to be known. Those are examples of the origins of the word, transpire.
When the Truth is revealed, it transforms
And establishes reconciled norms.
And the people who care are both humble and rare,
Well-equipped to extinguish firestorms.
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Woke up after only one hour of sleep last night. And I quietly dragged myself out to the living room where I was greeted, with glee, by Sleepy Man. One of the most dastardly, sinister, and passive aggressive villains you’ll ever encounter. Because I’m not even sure he understands he’s a villain.He has something much worse. Stupor powers.
Yeah, those are so much worse. Because with a single glance, from his dark and deep-set, slitted eyes, he can control your mind. And banish your mental powers to the foggy hinterlands. And struggle as you might, you can’t quite seem to wake up enough to fight the fog.
Fortunately, after I had been awake for just a few minutes, I discovered one of nighttime’s most coveted treasures. An extremely comfortable sleeping position. And I was able to fall back asleep for another four hours.
But then, I felt a tug on my shoulder. And I opened my eyes to find Sleepy Man’s face just a couple of inches from mine. And immediately, even in the darkness, I saw the sinister, control freak snarl on the corner of his evil smile.
“Thought you could go back to your dreams and avoid me, eh?” he hissed with his silent voice.
“No,” I said. “Just thought I’d catch some more sleep so I be ready for the day.”
“Ha! Ready for the day?! And just why would YOU need to be ready for the day?” he snapped back.
“Uh…you know. I wanna be ready to write. And it would be nice to have a clear head to do that.” I said.
“Well, change of plans, my little lackey,” he snarled. “You’re workin’ for me today.”
Sure enough, here I sit. In the hours before dawn. Cup of strong coffee. And a foggy mission to do the bidding of a formless fiend. Simply because internal physical issues have conspired to keep me in chains. At least a while longer. And until I find the solution, I’ll be…
Talkin’ to the Sleepy Man today.
I wanna know what he might have to say.
But he hardly speaks, for goodness sake.
‘Cause he can barely keep himself awake.
Still he holds the keys to my reprieve,
Devising different ways he can deceive,
Knowing he controls me with a yawn.
I can’t break free until the break of dawn.
But you don’t have to wait till dawn to get encouraging, regular issues of my TRUTH Journal. Your email address brings it directly to your inbox. So you spend your valuable time reading instead of searching. And, to show my sincere appreciation for your time and attention, I’ll send you download links to 2 of my Christian books for kids and 2 songs, right away, that grownups AND kids can enjoy.
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During my “dating days” (way back in the 20th century) I probably dated two or three girls who were “into meditation.” And I’m talking about the actual sit-down, pose with palms on the knees and pointed upwards kind of meditating. I also knew a couple of guys who were into it. But I never knew what their preferences were. Because 1: it wasn’t a subject we talked about. And 2: I didn’t find it interesting or compelling enough to discuss. But if you were to tell me you like to “meditate on the word,” you might get my attention.
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“Uh, OK Tony. What words?”
Well, I know how so many people love lists. Right? Are you one of those? I get it. Lists can help you remember stuff. And they’re easy to share. Plus, it’s cool when you can go down your list and check off the ones you’ve done. Because it gives you a feeling of forward motion. Accomplishment. And accountability.
So, I’m gonna give you a list of words to meditate on. And they’re connected to things you should have in your life already. Ready?
Good. Your list includes whatever things are…
And here are a couple of bonus words for you: virtue and praiseworthy. If you can find anything with those, meditate on them, too.
Maybe no good at all. Because maybe you’ll get bored. And you won’t get the point. And I don’t know…maybe you don’t have anything in your life that connect to any of these words. If that’s the case, I recommend shifting some priorities. Because I don’t see how you couldn’t have anything connected to any of them. That’s too sad to imagine.
But this might the best reason to focus and think about these words you’re gonna find.
Because when you’re focused on and thinking about things that are true, noble, just, pure, lovely, and of good report, it’s almost impossible to focus on the dark side of life.
And no one on God’s green Earth is immune to dark side thoughts. Not on your own anyway.
So, here’s one more recommendation. Ask God to help you with this little exercise. That’s right. Let Him know you’d like some help. He loves that. And when you do, don’t be surprised as “the God of peace will be with you.”
It’s not a rule you have to follow,
Not a law you must obey.
But when you’re feeling lost and hollow,
Focused thoughts connect The Way.
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Imagine this for a little bit. All your life you’ve had a great relationship with your dad. And I know that’s a hard pillow to swallow for most people these days. But that’s why I said “imagine this.” Ok, you and your dad have always been able to talk to each other. And you’ve always agreed about everything. And the close bond has built into what feels like an everlasting, unshakeable love. But one day, you get in BIG trouble. A crowd surrounds you, in your car, after a quiet dinner with your friends. And you get a strong feeling your life is in danger. So, you call your dad, but you can’t reach him. And he doesn’t return your calls.
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And it’s hard to imagine how discouraged and distressed you’d feel in that situation.
But let’s make it even worse.
OK, you’re sitting in your car, surrounded by a mob who seem to want you dead, and your phone goes dead. Not just a signal problem. There’s no battery left. So, you can’t call anybody. And it’s almost like that feeds the mob’s lust for blood. (I know this whole mob attack thing would never happen. But bear with me.)
In fact, the angry mob starts yelling, “Kill him! Kill him!”
Hey, wait a minute. This is getting intense. Sounds like they mean business.
Then the mob starts shaking your car back and forth. And they manage to turn it over with you inside. Then, the bust open the rear window. And some of them get inside and drag you out.
And you keep thinking “This can’t be happening. Surely they’ll stop. I haven’t done anything to them.”
In fact, they’re getting louder. “Kill him! Kill him!”
And four of their biggest thugs grab your arms and legs, and they pin you up against the bricks of a nearby building. And it’s almost like a part of you is watching the whole sick scene play out. Because it’s almost unimaginable this could be happening to YOU.
But it instantly becomes completely real again when one of the maniacs thrusts a knife in your side. Someone has their hand over your mouth. So, you can’t even scream out for help. And you gasp for air. But it’s no use. Your lungs won’t fill up anymore. And your life begins to painfully flow out of you.
Then, there’s a blackness like you’ve never known. It’s not just the lack of light. It’s a feeling of a total loss of your life. And a feeling of being completely and utterly alone for the first time ever.
I hope you never have to face anything like that. But I know someone who did. In fact, he had to go through something a thousand times worse. And storytellers all over the world still talk about his torment. Because it was so horrendous. Way worse than the big trouble scenario I just described.
Another guy wrote about the torment, and what happened afterwards. Remind me to share with you why this other guy’s description is so important. But you can read his account here.
In the meantime your life is still yours,
With its challenges, critics, and cures.
While you still have a voice and you still have a choice,
Be sure you know what it procures.
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Close your eyes and picture this scene. A long, lush, green meadow gently winds and flows down through a quiet valley. And a herd of sheep, with coats of wool from pure white to chocolate brown, grazing in juicy grass up to their hips. A clear as crystal creek glides peacefully through the meadow. And the vast variety of birds, butterflies, and wildflowers virtually takes your breath away. You, my friend, have left the shadow of death and entered the gates of a whole ‘nother community.
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How many times have you watched a funeral scene, in the movies, where some sort of minister reads the words, “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil“?
And, of course, who can deny the poetic, idyllic feel and sound of Psalm 23? Just read it out loud and experience peace in your troubled heart and mind. And who wouldn’t want to lie down and bask in the glow of a meadow like I described earlier? With butterflies and wildflowers and the scents of grasses along the creek.
I’m ready to pack a picnic lunch and go right now.
But notice how King David, the author of Psalm 23, isn’t covering up the cold, hard facts with his lyrics. He acknowledges there IS evil in the world. And he knows, without a doubt, that he has enemies.
David recognizes how the journey through this life is like a “walk through the valley of the shadow of death.” Yeah, this present life, you and I are living, is in death’s shadow. And that shadow eventually overtakes this life entirely.
But just as David’s words explain, that doesn’t have to be the end of the story. Because God restores dead souls. And He’ll lovingly lead you down the path of eternal life. And He’ll help you overcome fear and worry.
None of Heaven’s blessings will ever be forced on anyone who doesn’t want them. And it amazes me, every day, how most people in the world want nothing to do with them. But I can tell you, if there was even only a slight chance the words in Psalm 23 were true (and there’s no “chance” about it), I’d want that chance.
I’d want my cup to run over. And I’d want “goodness and mercy” to “follow me all the days of my life.” And I’d want to “dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”
Because I love life. And I want it to go on and on and on. So, I guess I’m part of the crazy minority who asked, “What must I do to be saved?” And I discovered, the hard work’s all been done. I just gotta believe.
Green pastures, still waters…
Goodness and mercy for your sons and daughters…
True love dwells in the House of the LORD.
Each person, each nation…
Can be renewed through Your sweet restoration…
True love dwells in the House of the LORD.
© 2010 Tony Funderburk (excerpt from the song)
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We try our best to capture life and make time stand still. And we never succeed. No one has ever succeeded. One of the few things the Rolling Stones got right: “Time waits for no one. And it won’t wait for me.”
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And you hold those elusive images in your hands. And think about what just happened. Maybe it’s an important memory you wanna come back to again and again. Or maybe it was just something goofy. And you can always hit the delete button and take more pics.
That’s sort of a window to the soul of mankind.
The ol’ do-over.
And, in this digital age, it’s more evident than ever. Because if you don’t like what you wrote, delete it. Or go through the automated revisions and see which one comes closest to what you want. And if you don’t like that last brush stroke in your drawing, hit control or command Z, and it’s like it never happened.
And if you’re in the recording studio singin’ your heart out, but you miss a note, no problem. A couple of taps in your digital workstation, and you’re right back where you were. Ready to start over or fix with magical recording tools. With no concern about sound quality loss. Because there’s no tape involved anymore. Just data. And data equals do-over heaven.
“Uh-oh, Peggy Sue. He just said the word “heaven.” So, I think he’s pullin’ that conversation switcheroony on us again.
Yeah, you guessed it.
Those magic little moments you try to capture in pictures and videos will fade away. No matter how high your camera’s resolution is. Millions, billions, and even trillions of pixels will never equal one second in the presence of the one who loves you enough to offer eternal life. And the best part of it is, those pixels won’t be needed anymore. Because you won’t be worried about how much time you have left. And that’s because time will go on without end.
But there IS a catch. You knew there had to be one, right.
Yeah, that catch is…you gotta make a conscious decision as to whether or not you wanna go to Heaven. And if that whole time without end thing sounds appealing to you, you’re gonna have to do something you might not like. You’re gonna have to humble yourself.
But if you can do that, and if you can admit God exists, and that you’re not Him, you can look forward to a total do-over.
My recommendation? Do it. And don’t put it off till tomorrow. Events like 9/11 and even the horrendous amount of daily murders should tell you tomorrow is not a guarantee to anyone. If you’ve already done it, then I’m glad to call you my brother or sister.
Here we are,
Livin’ life each minute, so glad that we’re in it.
Every day,
And forever after, sharin’ love and laughter
Holdin’ on in every kind of weather.
Here we stand,
While the clock is tickin’ we’re alive and kickin’
Time moves on,
But we must remember, keep a burnin’ ember.
Let’s go out and capture life together.
Here we go
With our hearts on fire, reachin’ ever higher
Days go by,
So we’ll keep a token of the love unspoken
Let’s go out and capture life together.
Yeah, let’s go out and capture life together.
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In the nineteen years since September 11, 2001 I don’t believe I’ve ever written anything about it. And I’m not really gonna dwell on it right now either. Because just about everything that could be said about it has been said. But I do want to make the easily observable claim of how it was a cowardly hit and run. Typical of people who hate God and hate anyone who loves God.
And I just read a clip where a muslim American soldier recalled that day in 2001, and said “Why did the terrorists have to be people who claimed to follow my beautiful Islam ? In hindsight it probably wasn’t the right sort of thinking.” Yeah, that guy is probably one of the many muslims who believes theirs is a religion of peace. And that’s as uninformed as Christians whose favorite Bible verse is the “judge not” verse.
But the main reason Islam is foolish, at best, and evil, at worst, is because there is no allah.
The allah found in their so-called holy book was a figment of Mohammed’s despicable imagination.
“Uh-oh, honey. Tony’s gone completely off the deep end this time. He’s talkin’ trash about somebody else’s religion.”
OK, I’ll ease up. And I won’t share any more details of Mohammed’s life. Especially not his incest or pedophile side. Who’d wanna hear something so gross anyway. Right? But it might be worth your time to look up information on the guy. Because it shows how his so-called religion creates rapists, murderers, and hit-and-run, cowardly terrorists.
And on this September 11, 2020, I hope you’ll pause for a minute and thank the one, true, living, loving God of creation for His love. And for the mountains of evidence that prove Jesus was and IS who the Bible says He is.
It’s important to believe who you believe in.
It’s important to have faith and hope and trust.
Because you’ll exist forever and forever
As a saved soul or a tortured soul of rust.
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When you hear or read about the issues of the day, you see a pattern. And it’s nothing new, by the way. Even though we so-called “modern” humans think we’re more enlightened and evolved than our ancestors, it’s all a smoke screen. Especially since the enlightenment is based on manipulated information. And, oh yeah…we didn’t evolve. Small details, right? Hardly.
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Because there are so many communities in California, Oregon, and Washington that are dealing with ferocious fires. And some of the pictures I’ve seen of some of those areas look like someone’s standing at the entry gate to hell. Dark, orange skies in the middle of the day. Just breathing must be an awful challenge.
And there are some who would say, “See. It’s God’s wrath flowing down on those sinful places.” But I won’t be one of those people. Because God is so much smarter than that. And He knows He doesn’t have to send down fire and brimstone to teach lessons. No, we’re living in the dispensation of Grace. But, keep in mind, the offer of Grace is for a limited time only.
Now, that takes me back to where I said there’s a pattern to the issues of the day. And that the pattern is nothing new. The pattern is how human beings, corporately, never seem to learn from history.
So we repeat it. Over and over and over.
There’s a guy I follow, in the writing world, who just said the classic definition of insanity is wrong. You know how it goes. The definition of insanity is doing the same things over and over and expecting different results. This guy says that only by doing things over and over can you truly overcome mistakes and get good at something.
Certainly repetition is a great tool for learning a new skill. But repeating the mistakes of history, while expecting different results, still fits the classic definition of insanity.
After all, how good should we get at building new nations and empires only to let them deteriorate and disintegrate from within? How many revolutions should we seek out in order to form a more perfect union? And how many times should we go to war over ideologies…most of which are anti God?
And that’s the elephant in the room.
Leaving God out of the equation.
If you can’t see how only faith and trust in God can change the world, then you’ll find yourself fighting a thousand fires. And creating a smoke screen, to work behind, for those who hate God.
So, the issues of the day turn into violent and even murderous clashes. But not because people can’t understand the difference between right and wrong. It’s because they won’t understand. They refuse to understand.
Not coincidentally, I’m sure, that’s why the Bible boils all of God’s laws down to two. Love the Lord, your God. And love your neighbor as yourself.
So when you think you know the answer for the day,
But you leave out the Truth, the Life, and, yes, the Way,
Then anything you choose to do or choose to say
Can only help you lose your spiritual bouquet.
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When I was about 4 years old, my parents split up. And my younger brother and I lived with our Grandparents for a while. And one thing I remember, fondly, about my Grandmother was how she sang hymns while she did her housework. One hymn went like this: I’ve got the joy, joy, joy, joy down in my heart. Remember that one? And even though I was a young boy, I could tell my Grandmother definitely had joy in the Lord down in her heart.
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But David’s songs weren’t quite the same as Grandmother’s. In fact, when you read through his lyrics, you get the idea that David’s joy wasn’t just the peace, love, and joy kind of joy.
Like in Psalm 21. Check out these lines…
“Your hand will find all Your enemies;
Your right hand will find those who hate You.
You shall make them as a fiery oven in the time of Your anger;
The Lord shall swallow them up in His wrath,
And the fire shall devour them.”
Somehow I can’t picture my Grandmother singing those words with her apron on.
But that’s part of the awesome difference between men and women. And I’m talking about real men and real women. Women feel the joy on a much deeper, visceral level. And men feel it on more of a mental level. That’s not a hard and fast rule. And I don’t mean women don’t think about it or that men don’t feel it.
We’re just different. Thank God.
But he apparently loved to sing about it using words that accounted for what God had done in his life.
Which one are you? Do you simply feel the joy down in your heart? Or do you have a list of reasons why joy reigns in your heart?
Either way your joy expresses,
In your heart and then progresses,
Share it with somebody else today.
I’m convinced that if they try it,
They’ll be hard-pressed to deny it.
And their life might go another way.
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As I started typing, at 3:30 this morning, I wasn’t sure what I would say. It was another physically challenging night. But I know how writing almost always revives my brain and keeps me going. So, I opened the computer, logged into my WordPress admin area, opened a “new post” and started writing. And just like it almost always goes, rhymes began to float to the top of my mind.
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Of course, it makes total sense when you think about it. I mean, what could be more important than sharing a message of eternal hope with people? Right?
And if it’s not true, if I’m wrong, have I harmed anyone by sharing a message of eternal hope? Even if there’s no hope…even there’s only empty darkness when you die…what’s wrong with having hope until then? Because hope is often the only thing that helps humans through their dark days.
“But Tony, if there’s really no hope of eternal life, aren’t you deceiving people with a message of hope?”
Nope.
First…the evidence to support my claim of hope is overwhelming. At least to anyone willing to see or hear it. And second…it’s more deceitful (and harmful) to regurgitate a hopeless message.
But if you don’t want to see or hear this Christian good news message I’m always singing and talking about, tune out. Stop reading or listening to me right now. And as Fleetwood Mac sang, “go your own way.” And don’t let the digital door hit you on the backside as you leave. I won’t chase after you begging you to please understand.
You’re a big boy or girl. And your Creator has given you a will of your own. So, it’s important to know, and remember, it’s YOUR choice where you’ll spend eternity. So…
Some words that swirl around inside my head
Might live on long after I’m gone.
Because my thoughts of love become the words
To form a final denouement.
And who knows who might find the saving Truth
In words I was willing to share?
It would be awesome to find out one day
I helped a few, from here to there,
To understand the one Way life makes sense
And what their part is in the plot.
So I’ll keep sowing my small seeds of Life.
They might grow into food for thought.
© 2020 Tony Funderburk
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Let me tell you about Old Fourlegs, the fish. I know that sounds weird from the git-go. But I think you’ll get a kick out of it. Because it’s one of the rarest of fish tales. It’s true.
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OK, once upon a time (hey, I said it’s a tale) there was a big fish that lived in the ocean. Let’s call the fish, Sheila. Sheila was a coelacanth…pronounced SEE-la-kanth. And that just sounds cool, right? Sheila, the coelacanth.
Anyway…
Sheila had lungs, a large brain, and, best of all, she had four bottom fins that did an amazing thing. Those fins evolved into legs. Because Sheila, and her family, had been planning, for millions of years, to crawl out of the ocean and go see what was up there on dry land.
So, sure enough, she crawled out of the ocean, and up on to the beach. And poof! She became the first four-legged land animal. Sheila was only the first. Because lots of other fish had been curious what it was like on dry land, too. But they were too scared to go find out. But after seeing Sheila do it, lots more of them did it too.
And those fish started turning into amphibians, birds, dinosaurs, reptiles, and mammals. And a lot of those creatures eventually turned into people. Wow! All because Sheila the coelacanth had a dream.
“But, what about Old Fourlegs?” you ask.
Yeah, eventually Sheila and her whole family became extinct. In fact, many scientists thought they had been extinct for 70,000,000 years. But one day, in 1938, a coelacanth was caught, by fishermen, in the Indian Ocean. Then lots more were caught and even sold. And that started some (thinking) people to thinking.
Hmm…how could those coelacanths die out without any fossils for 70,000,000 years?
You’re probably way ahead of me now, right? Yeah, believe it or not, there’s a lot of fiction in this fish tale. And back in 1956, a well-known fish expert from South Africa, J.L.B. Smith, studied coelacanths. He’s the one who came up with the nickname, Old Fourlegs, and wrote his book with that as the title.
The fish were dissected to study their design…oops…their evolutionary processes. And would you believe it? They didn’t have lungs and a large brain. And when some German scientists studied some living coelacanths, underwater, in 1987, the fish didn’t crawl around on their legs/fins.
No, not Friday night dinner and a movie dating. Radiometric dating. And how it’s misleading at best and completely false at worst. And radiometric dating starts out with assumptions. I’m sure I don’t have to tell you where that can lead. But what do you expect from people who assume there is no God.
When you believe our world has existed for millions…and even billions…of years, it’s no wonder you might make other flawed assumptions. Like how radioactive decay has been constant for all those years. And there’s a simple, little kindergarten word for that. Let’s see. Where did I put it? Oh here it is. Uniformitarianism.
And that’s flawed thinking. Because a lot of so-called radioactivity is really connected to a worldwide flood that happened only about 5000 years ago.
But who wants to quibble and argue and debate?
Far be it from me. Because I’d rather tell the tale of Sheila the coelacanth. Old Fourlegs.
Time is all you need to create
Evolution. There’s no debate.
And when fish turn into people, you’ll never need a steeple.
It’ll turn out fine. You just wait.
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Before I say anything else right now, I want you to know I don’t deny miracles exist. But there’s a long list of things people mistakenly claim as miracles. And I’m talking especially about Christian people. Examples of things that are NOT miracles include: newborn babies, car starts, weather phenomena, a sole survivor of a plane crash, finding the one true love, headaches or toothaches going away without aspirin, and the list goes on.
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But I also know how they tend to lead people away from God. Not TO Him. Plus, I know God is currently working on this world through the Body of Christ. And not with miracles. Because He saw how most of His own people rejected Jesus despite the awesome miracles He performed.
And God wants us to want to have an eternal relationship with Him because we love Him. Not because we love His gifts. Imagine being an earthly dad (or mom) with kids. Or, if you ARE one, picture them right now. And imagine how you’d feel if the only time your kids showed you “love” was when you gave them gifts. That would be awful. Because you could never be sure they loved you or the gifts. Right?
Well, God is an infinitely wiser “dad” than anybody here on Earth. And He’s been watching all us knuckleheads for a few thousand years now. So, at different times in human history, He constructed different plans and worked different ways to keep us on track. To build relationships with us.
And in case you didn’t already know this, “faith comes by hearing.” And not by sight.
Yeah, I know it’s not popular, in Christian circles, to say miracles tend to promote unbelief. So, why would I go against the grain, so to speak?
Because I choose to go with what the Bible says. And the Bible backs me up on this. In fact, there’s so much evidence to support what I’m saying here…it’s almost miraculous.
I don’t want a pocketful of miracles.
And I don’t want to watch a magic show.
I want the Creator who gave me His word,
A Savior I can truly trust and know.
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Before I dive in, let me assure you, I’m no expert on the subject of makeup. And I’ve never played a makeup artist on TV. So, please understand what I’m about to share with you includes observations and conclusions. That being said, have you ever seen a cosmetic counter, in a ritzy store. And have you ever noticed the different colors of makeup? But I’ve never seen a display with fifty shades of makeup. Most have much less.
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Look closely at the picture I just shared. And notice the names of the colors. You might have to zoom in to see them. But they’re names like espresso, mocha, toffee, cinnamon, caramel, honey, ivory, and creme.
I don’t know about you, but those all sound yummy to me. And they sound like natural products from good ol’ planet Earth. And that makes total sense. Because humans are also from good ol’ planet Earth. Have you noticed that?
But colors you won’t find on skin or in makeup displays are red, yellow, black, and white. And do you know why you won’t find those colors on makeup counters? Because they’re not skin colors.
“Uh-oh, Ethel. He done went all political on us with this makeup thing. I knew it was a trick.”
Yeah, it’s weird (and stupid). But skin color is a YUGE political issue. And people seem to literally lose their minds over it. Well, that is, if they ever had a mind to lose in the first place. But so many people, all over the world, go berserk over non-existent skin colors.
And I’ve always wondered why anybody wants to claim red, yellow, black, or white as their skin color. Because all the rich, dark chocolates and velvety, smooth honeys are way more interesting. Just like the many cultures.
The human race.
So, to have a bias against any particular skin tone is to be a racist against yourself. Let that sink in.
I guarantee if darkest skin woman marries a lightest skin man…or if a darkest skin man marries a lightest skin woman, they’ll never have black or white children. No, their kid’s skin will always end up somewhere in the fifty (or more) shades of earth tones. And their race will always be human.
And their gender will always be either boy or girl. So, please, let’s have no confusion over that either.
It would be great if humans could just see other humans as…well…human. Not better. And not worse. Because the only way to BE better is to trust in the One who IS better.
Do I have to say who that is?
Or don’t you see it clear as day?
We should all be true shades of Him,
‘Cause we’re created by The Way.
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Back when I was knee-high to a grasshopper (a term used to describe little kids) I went to Sunday school before the “grownup”church services. And I remember enjoying it. (“Gasp! Did he say he enjoyed it?”) Oh yeah. And not just for the opportunity to show off my verse memorization skills either.
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For anyone who believes Christians are prudes who only concern themselves with outdated propriety, this might come as a surprise. But for actual Christians, it should ring a bell. Because it’s real.
Yeah, when I was a little boy, I never went through that phase of not liking girls. I always liked them. And I was always smitten with them. Because they were so delightfully different from boys.
And I didn’t put those feelings on hold when I attended Sunday school.
In fact, I looked forward to being in the smaller classroom that smelled like old books. And I looked forward to seeing what Bible verse we’d be asked to memorize. And I looked forward to seeing that special girl with her freshly brushed hair and sparkling eyes. (Imagine a young girl smiling at the camera, a flash of light on her pearly whites, and a ping sound effect.)
I couldn’t wait to impress that special girl with my Bible verse memorization skills. Because, as everyone knows, nothing impresses girls more than that. (Hold on. Do I hear snickering?)
But mostly I couldn’t wait till the class was over and church was over and everyone headed out the front doors of the church. Because then I could go up to the girl and say hello.
But what could I, a mere shy boy with amazing Bible verse memorization skills, ever say to a pretty girl? And who was I to think she’d ever want to hear anything I might fumble around and say?
Ah yes…good times.
But, even though it’s painful to admit how shy I was around girls, I’m proud to admit I always liked them.
And fortunately my shyness gave way to total confidence…eventually. Because it was my confidence that ultimately won the heart of the girl of my dreams. And she’s been at my mercy for over 30 years now.
So, if you are a guy who is unsure
Of what to say to girls, there is a cure.
Build confidence up high, and you could be the guy
With irresistible charm and allure.
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Who doesn’t like to break stuff for fun? C’mon, admit it. And if you could make a six figure income just for breaking stuff, wouldn’t you have the perfect job? But who wants a job you gotta show up for when you can break stuff any time, day or night (especially night) without clocking in anywhere?
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When I hear people say the Bible is just a dusty, old, irrelevant book, I know they haven’t read it. Because there’s no book on Earth more relevant. Particularly nowadays when people are getting meaner and meaner.
Tell me if any of these descriptions of people fit anything you’ve seen or read in the news lately.
Yeah, you don’t have to look very long before you see news stories and videos of those kinds of people. Maybe you even know some, personally. And every one of those descriptions came right out of the Bible. They’re in a letter Paul wrote to Timothy. He was talking about the “last days.” I’m not saying right now we’re in the last days. But you gotta admit, we appear to be heading there.
And, ironically, have you noticed how lawbreakers especially like to do their deeds at night. Hmm…that’s another point where the “irrelevant” Bible gets it right. And it says how men “loved darkness rather than light because their deeds were evil.” (By the way, that’s true for women, too.)
Duh! Give up of course.
After all, what can you do? Because if you start spouting off teachings from the “irrelevant” Bible, you’re just an old-fashioned, out of touch fool. And you’re grossly outnumbered. So, why would anybody listen to you?
On the other hand, you could remember to “continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them…” And you should remember God’s word is “able to make you wise for salvation through faith…”
So, before you give up, look up.
Remember you’re never alone,
At least if you choose to believe
In the One who is still on His throne.
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I’ve been accused of being corny more than once in my life. And just because the accusations have been tossed out there doesn’t mean I’m guilty. I AM guilty. But not just because of the accusations. And it looks like I’m about to pile on some fodder because I’m interested in the Corn Moon this year.
Some say it was native Americans who came up with the name. But America wasn’t even America at the time. So, how could they be native Americans? Am I the only one who ponders these details?
Anyway…
Apparently they named the different full moons according to something that was happening at the time. So, when the moon was full during corn harvesting time, well, you see how it is.
And some of those people came up with the name, “Barley Moon,”because barley is harvested around that time, too. So, you can call it full, or barley, or corn. But don’t call it the Harvest Moon. Because that’s a whole “˜nother story. Something to do with being the full moon closest to the Autumnal Equinox.
Wow. This is getting complicated. And you might be wondering why I bring it up at all. Especially since it seems like it doesn’t fit in with what I usually talk about. But if you go back through my nearly 1800 articles/posts, you’ll see I talk about a lot of different things.
Because astronomers (and even the Farmer’s Almanac) tell us precisely when the moon phases will happen. Even before they happen. And when I say precise, I don’t mean they say, “Yeah, you should be able to see the full moon around midnight one night this week.”
No, they share times like this…
Full moon: September 2 1:23 a.m. EDT. Last Quarter: September 10, 5:26 a.m. EDT. New Moon: September 17, 7:00 a.m. EDT. And First Quarter: September 23, 9:55 EDT.
See what I mean? Isn’t that cool? But how can they be so precise? Especially in a solar system that’s part of a universe that all happened by accident millions and billions of years ago?
It’s because the precision is by design. And it’s as far from an accident as politicians are from the truth.
Yeah, the moon is such a nice light for the night
It was put there by the true Lord of the light.
And it really just reflects the golden sun
So we get a night light when the day is done.
In the morning, when you think of how it shined,
Don’t forget, it was designed in God’s great mind.
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A quick scan of my weather app confirms what the calendar shows. September is here. And I see, in the next ten days, highs projected to be in mostly the 70’s, with some 60’s. And even one day shows a high in the 50’s. Of course, there are still some possible high 80’s. After all it’s still officially Summer. But Summer is getting nudged aside as our part of the world inches away from the sun.
“Yeah. So, what’s the big deal, Tony?”
Gee whiz, Wally. Don’t cop an attitude. I’m just waxing poetical over here. Is it a crime to ponder the changing of the seasons with a sense of dreamy-eyed nostalgia?
I say “Nay, nay.”
There’s a lot of mean stuff going on in the streets of America…and other parts of the world. And I don’t feel like piling on to all that right now. Because, like Paul said (uh, I’m talking about the Paul in the Bible) in his letter to the Romans, “If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.”
So, as I sit here, quietly, with my morning cup of wake up, and talk about the joy of milder temps, I’m doing my part to live peaceably. And if you don’t like it, you can just…
Calm down, Tony. Peaceful thoughts. September breezes. Gentle, falling leaves. Harvest time. The pumpkin patch. And soft sweaters. And longer walks under bluer skies.
Ahh, Tranquility base here. This eagle has landed once again.
Now. Where was I?
Oh yeah. I don’t know about you. But I wanna be able to enjoy all the peace and tranquility this time of year has to offer. And I’d love to see all those “peaceful protestors” who’d rather kill and destroy things, be kicked to kingdom come. And that might sound harsh. But it’s actually what would bring peace to neighborhoods again.
But I don’t believe that peace will rule the day,
Not as long as selfish people have their way.
Because selfish indicates they’re more than flawed.
No, they also have a deep contempt for God.
And it’s sad because He wants to heal their hearts
And bring life to all their broken, barren parts.
So, as I enjoy this cool, September wind
I’m indebted to my best, Forever Friend.
Even though I won’t be able to repay,
I’m OK because He says, “I am the Way.”
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It’s the last day of August, in case you hadn’t noticed. And when I went outside, early this morning, there was a delicate, cool wind blowing. So, I checked my weather app, and it was 45 degrees. Considerably different than the previous nights. And the dry, cool air transported me back to my boyhood days.
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And it meant going back to school. But, unlike so many kids, I liked that. Because it also meant I’d be diving into new worlds of learning. And those first days of school, back in southern Texas were the most pleasant of the year. Autumn was the only time the temperatures were nice enough to comfortably keep the classroom windows open.
And there’s just something special about reading a new book to the sounds of birds chirping and squirrels chattering. Even as I write this, I can almost feel the breezes wafting through the windows. And the scent of new school books, erasers, ink pens, mimeographed papers, and magic markers.
Ah…if only I could time travel back to those halcyon days of high school…(*record scratch sound effect)
No way! I wouldn’t return to those idyllic school days for all the stolen money in politicians’ pockets. Not for all the tea in China or England. And not for all the ice in Iceland. (For whatever good that would do me.)
And by the “skin of my teeth” as they say. Although why they say that makes little sense to me.
Anyway…
I was fortunate to be able to attend a school where morality still reigned. And the name of God was in every school assembly and most every sports event. Plus, we had no gender issues. Because guys wore pants. And girls wore dresses and skirts. Sounds unimaginable these days. But it’s true.
It’s interesting how I can be thinking of the last day of August, today, and before you know it, I’m talking about pants and dresses. But that’s just another cursory look at how awesome the human brain is designed.
And I thank God for the way I’m designed,
For the way my thoughts can be intertwined,
And how one, cool day can often remind
Me of how much God has done for mankind.
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