The TRUTH Will Set You Free - The blog from - Page 77 of 164

Posted on August 30, 2020 by TonySeptember 17, 2020

Put on your Sunday best

I’m not sure if other parts of the country used that expression. But I grew up mostly in the South. First, as a toddler and juvenile in Oklahoma. And then, from the third grade to the twelfth in Texas. And I remember we used to dress up for things. And I mean dress up. So, it seemed only natural to hear, “Put on your Sunday best,”when it was time to go to church.

Sunday best meant a dress shirt, slacks, and tie at the least.

And during cooler and colder weather, it also meant a sport jacket. Because when you went out for church, it was important to remember it wasn’t just another day of the week.

But times change. So do styles. And I’m as guilty as the next person of wanting to be comfortable. And I’ve never been comfortable in a tie. So, as dressing up for church started to decline, I certainly didn’t protest.

And I’m not protesting now.

Because I know, beyond a shadow of a doubt, what a person wears to church has no influence over what that person learns…or doesn’t learn.

And some of the best dressed congregations in America are some of the worst informed on what’s in the Bible.

So, my suggestion is…be comfortable. Don’t worry or obsess on what to wear to church. And don’t be the least bit concerned over whether or not someone else looks better than you. Or worse.

That’s all temporary anyway.

But you might consider learning how to judge rightly. And the proper way to address forgiveness (hint: it’s not what you see on social media). Consider examining the extremely important difference between Paul’s message and the message of the other apostles. It’s crucial to understanding and addressing doctrinal disputes.

Make a deeper study of God’s word your Sunday best,
‘Cause He wants you to be wise. Forget the rest.

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Posted on August 29, 2020 by TonySeptember 17, 2020

Singing in prison and some souls are risen

Gotta be careful singing in prison

Because singing in prison could cause a jailbreak. What’s that? You think that sounds PREposterous? And you think I’m just gonna make up a story just to get some attention. Well, have I got news for you.

Singing in prison DID cause a jailbreak.

It really did happen. And it really did actually save lives. But not just any lives. In fact, one of the lives was a man who would write some of the most important words the world would ever read.

Back around 1998 to 2000 I was part of prison ministry. In fact, I was the music part. And I remember singing for and sharing God’s word with a group of women first…followed a little later by a group of men.

I took my small sound system because it was a small room with only about 25 people at a time. And even though the amp and speaker were smaller, they could still be too loud for the room.

And yet, I never stirred up any earthquakes.

But about 2000 years before that a couple of guys named Paul and Silas “were praying and singing hymns to God“while they were in prison. And they didn’t have a sound system at all. But as they were singing, “there was a great earthquake.”

And it was a big enough earthquake to shake the prison foundations, open all the doors, and even make the chains fall off the prisoners.

Now, that’s rockin’!

And something really cool happened after that. All the shaking woke up the warden. He ran down and saw all the open prison doors. And he figured they all escaped and he knew he’d be blamed. So, he decided to kill himself.

And he was just about to do that when Paul yelled for him not to do it. He said, “We are all here.”And the warden “called for a light, ran in, and fell down trembling before Paul and Silas.”And he took them all out and turned to them and said, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?”

Now, that’s a rockin’ prison ministry. So, the next time you’re wrongfully imprisoned, stay hydrated and warm up those vocal pipes. But don’t leave out the key ingredient…direct your praying and singing to God.

Anything else might just be noise.

Behind four walls with no way out,
Warm up your voice and twist and shout.
And if your cause is just and true,
God might break down those walls for you.

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Posted on August 28, 2020 by TonySeptember 17, 2020

The melody in my heart is my spiritual art

I’ve got a melody in my heart

Back in 1977, on one of my trips to the music store (because digital downloads weren’t invented yet) I picked up the brand new cassette from Kenny Loggins. It was his official first solo album called “Celebrate Me Home.” And if you’ve never listened to that collection, do yourself a favor. Great tunes. But this morning I remembered one of the songs, in particular, as I heard a certain melody in my heart.

I’ve Got The Melody (Deep in My Heart)

That was the second track on side two of Kenny’s album. And, of course, it struck a chord with me. Because for as long as I can remember, I’ve always had melodies and rhythms playing in my head and heart. To this very morning (as I write this, it’s not even 4 a.m.) the music bounces through my brain and neurotransmitters.

And I don’t believe it’s an accident.

What possible evolutionary function could a melody in my heart ever have. All that non-physical musical information doesn’t make me more fit…or stronger. So, it serves no survival purpose. At least not from a “survival of the fittest” perspective.

But when you consider how music magnifies the evidence for a Creator who promises eternal life, bam! Now, that’s what I call real survival.

Music and singing play important parts in the Bible.

And Paul even told Timothy to speak “to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord…”

And I believe that’s because no language speaks so clearly to so many people more than music.

So, I think God put music in me in hopes I’d use it to talk about Him. But I haven’t always done that. And I remember my Grandmother talking to me about that, shortly after my Granddaddy’s funeral. Because she knew I was earning a living as a musician. But she told me I should be “singing for the Lord.”

Of course, I was full of “youthful wisdom.” And I knew that if I wanted to make a living with my voice, I’d need to sing and perform secular music. And I did that for a long time.

But during a lot of that secular music time I also wrote songs for my own pleasure. And many of those songs at least alluded to my Christian faith.

So, thankfully, I never turned my back on it.

And these days, as I listen to the melody in my heart, or hear the rhythm in my head, I try to focus on how I can share the love of God. Because, as you might have noticed, the world’s quickly becoming a much meaner place. And people who hate God, and hate themselves, are getting bolder. But in the darkest hours is when the light of God’s love can shine brightest.

And God’s love shines brightest in a song.
So, I want to sing my whole life long.
And the music makes the message clear
To the souls who will open up and hear.

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Posted on August 27, 2020 by TonySeptember 17, 2020

Uncertain riches won't scratch where it itches

Are your riches uncertain?

Short answer…yes. How do I know this? Because all riches are uncertain riches. In other words, you should never put your trust in your money. No matter how much of it you acquire. Because, I guarantee, it can all be taken away from you in the blink of an eye. And these days it’s easier than ever to do.

Plus, your uncertain riches won’t exist forever like you will.

And I know most people who read and listen to what I share already know that. But just in case you’re new to my Rhymes and Reasons, and just in case you don’t know this…you’re gonna exist forever.

But that doesn’t automatically make you immortal.

Far from it. Immortality is life without end. And you can only get that by making the choice to believe and trust in Jesus. Yeah, I know, to most people, that sounds so old-fashioned. So twentieth century Bible thumper. But keep in mind, most people won’t experience eternal life. Because most people care more about what the world thinks of them than what their Creator thinks.

And so you end up with people believing they can build their wealth and somehow become immune to reality. But I bet you could find former rich people in countries like Spain, Greece, and Venezuela who could tell you stories to the contrary.

My recommendation is the same one Paul gave to his protégé, Timothy.

“Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy.”

And look at how Paul tells Timothy to “command” those who are rich. Wow. That seems a little harsh and intolerant. Right? No. Paul understood (and still understands, by the way) the urgency of the situation. He knew souls were at stake. Lives would be lost or saved by the consequences of decisions.

So, if you’re gonna be rich, be ready to give.
Share with others what kind of life they can live.
You’ll store up a gold foundation you can trust,
Not the riches, here, which turn to dust and rust.

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Posted on August 26, 2020 by TonyApril 24, 2024

Twenty seven days till the cooler season plays

Only twenty seven days left

And for those of you not keeping track, I’m talking about twenty seven days of summer. After that comes my favorite season of the year. Autumn.

“Gee, Tony. What’s so special about twenty seven days?”

Not a thing.

It just happened to be the amount that comes up today as I think and write about it. But it has rhythm. And I love the rhythm in words and phrases. So, I figured the timing provided timing for my rhyming. (See what I did there?)

Anyway…

For me, Autumn has always been the season of re-energizing. Because the hot temperatures of Summer tend to slow things down. And we live in a one hundred year old bungalow with no air conditioning. So, slowing down is essential.

But when those first nights drift in with temperatures in the low fifties, the fan in the window becomes an air conditioner. And those crisper, cooler morning temps seem to fire up the nitric oxide in my blood. And I can hardly wait to get out for the longer, refreshing walks.

I know a lot of people prefer hot beaches.

But give me Autumn. And if there could only be one season year “˜round, make it Autumn. Highs in the sixties and maybe low seventies. Colorful falling leaves. And the expectation of the festive times ahead. Oh yeah…Autumn.

There are twenty-seven days left until fall.
Twenty-seven days of Summer, and that’s all.
Then the days will cool down, softly and serene,
If ol’ Winter doesn’t stop by in between.
And I love the changing colors and the air
Blowing through the tresses of my lover’s hair.
As we walk up through a golden aspen grove.
Every trail reveals another treasure trove
For our camera’s eye to capture and conceal
Little details that we didn’t see or feel.
Yes, you might detect how I anticipate
Summer changing into Autumn. I can’t wait.
Twenty-seven more days as the old clock ticks.
But tomorrow there will just be twenty-six.

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Posted on August 25, 2020 by TonySeptember 3, 2022

Work done for you. Get this deal I implore you.

Wow, have I got a deal for you?! Just imagine the hardest thing you could possibly do. And now imagine having all that hard work done for you. But I bet you’re not thinking what I’m thinking. And you should be. Because what I’m thinking is way more valuable to you. (Boy, I’m an arrogant so-and-so aren’t I?)

“OK, Tony. I’ll bite. What’s all this hard work done for you stuff?”

I’m glad you asked. Because the fate of the world is resting on your decision. Well, maybe not the whole world. But certainly YOUR whole world.

But what did you think of when I said to imagine the hardest thing you could possibly do? Was it to work 80 hours a week at hard labor in the blazing sun? Or did you think of those fishermen who have to brave the cold arctic waters in search of lobsters?

How about digging down deep in the earth in a coal mine all day? Yeah, that sounds miserable and difficult. Or what about working in crawl spaces under houses to get rid of pests like giant snakes, rats, and other critters?

I could go on and on. And I’d probably leave out lots of extremely difficult jobs.

But none of them even remotely compare to the actual hardest work you could ever possibly do. In fact, if you try to do this work, on your own, you’ll never ever be able to do it. And I don’t care how impressive your six pack or low body fat is.

You’re not physically able to do what a lot of people are gonna end up trying to do.

And it’s a cryin’ shame they (or you) would be stupid enough to try.

Ok. Are you ready for me to reveal this mystery? Are you tired of me beating around the bush about it? And should I ask a few more questions to really get you mad at me?

No, I won’t do that.

The most difficult…in fact impossible…work you’d ever have to do is…pay for your own sin. And I say impossible because your little ol’ self ain’t righteous. So, your little ol’ self ain’t got what it takes to make all the payments.

And if you try to pay for your own sin, you’ll be working, forever, in a miserable, hot, lonely place. And it won’t be some silly 80 hour work week either. It’ll be work without end.

But if you’ve been following my writings for any length of time, you know I’m not all about the doom and gloom. And this time is no different.

You don’t have to do all that hard work. In fact, with one act of humility, and one easy choice, you have all of it done for you. Another fact is…it’s already been done. But only if you choose wisely.

Here’s what I wish for you.

That God would “grant you according to your heart’s desire, And fulfill all your purpose.” And when you choose to skip all the hard work, I’ll “rejoice in your salvation…”

But don’t let another day pass.
Today you could run out of gas.
And your life will run dry as you just wonder why
It was burned up like dried up old grass.

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Posted on August 24, 2020 by TonySeptember 12, 2020

Monday blues are all about the path you choose

Monday Blues anyone

I woke up this morning and the weekend was gone. And I thought it was gonna go on and on and on. But my woman done gave me the terrible news. And now I got a case of the Sunday’s gone Monday Blues. (Sing it with me!) [powerpress[

Did you wake up with the Monday Blues today?

Of course, I know you might be in a part of the world where it’s not Monday now. And you might have found me talking about this at some other time on some other day in your week. But just in case it’s Monday where you are, I hope it ain’t got you down.

And just in case it’s not quite the day you hoped for, I believe you have a choice to make. Make it a mighty Monday (or whatever day of the week it is). Or make it a messy one. And by that I mean, you could choose to be miserable.

But it’s important to recognize the choice is yours.

Mom can’t make you happy. Dad can’t. Wifey can’t. And hubby can’t. Because nobody can make you happy. This is ALL on you.

But that’s good news.

Because you don’t have to wait for anybody to show up. Since it’s all on you, the person in charge is with you no matter where you go. And you couldn’t choose to not be you even if you had all the money and resources in the world.

Because only you can be you. And the good news is…your Creator gave you a wonderful brain. You can either super charge it full of good stuff…or pack it full of self-loathing. Only one of those choices is gonna work well. And no matter how you feel, I’m sure you know which one.

So I encourage you to sing a song and smile.
Give it a shot, and try it for a while.
And remember how it’s something you can choose.
It could end the blues. What do you have to lose?

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Posted on August 23, 2020 by TonyApril 2, 2023

Sunday morning memories

I’ve mentioned, before, how much I loved those bacon, eggs, and toast days at my Grandparents house. Especially before we’d get ready for church. And this was back when families still did most things together. So, my Sunday morning memories include lots of together time.

My Sunday morning memories might seem naive to a lot of people.

And I take that as a compliment. Yes, I was naive back in those days. But I’m talking about the “natural and unaffected; innocent” definition of the word. Of course that describes me. And I wish it described most people. But these days the natural innocence of children is often lost before the first grade. Such a shame.

Anyway…

Back to reminiscing.

After breakfast, and before church, Grandmother read the local paper. And when she got to the “funnies” section, she’d read those out loud to my brother and me. And she’d pause to be sure we understood the humor. Plus, she’d teach me the words…which helped me to be able to read long before I ever went to school.

Once it was time to go, Granddaddy would go out and warm up the car. Then, we’d all pile in and make the short drive to church. And I remember how most of the people in church knew my Grandmother. So, there’d be all those greetings and comments about the weather and “how’s your family” stuff. Then, we’d go take our place in the pew.

The preacher would usually talk about the merits of Heaven and the horrors of hell. And I’d sit there, in wide-eyed wonder, looking forward to the stick of Juicy Fruit gum my Grandmother would fish out of her purse.

If it hadn’t been for the gum, I don’t think my brother would have survived.

It helped me lot of times, too.

At the end of the sermon, the preacher would do the “call.” And he’d say something like “With all heads bowed and all eyes closed, if you wanna come to know Jesus as your personal savior, come up here and pray with me.”

And I’d feel a little nudge in the ribs from my Grandmother. But I was strong. I resisted every time.

After church we’d all go back home to a nice, big Sunday afternoon lunch. Usually it was fried chicken, potatoes, corn, and bread and butter. And, if things went the way I thought they should, there’d be peach cobbler, too.

I wish more kids, these days, could experience Sunday mornings like that. Because I believe those kids would turn into caring, loving adults. And if a nudge in the ribs, from Grandma, would be the hardest part to endure, I believe most kids could take it. And they’d have warm, fuzzy memories of those days for the rest of their lives.

Sunday morning isn’t like the other mornings.
Maybe most will never know the reason why.
But I hope you find the fondest kind of memories
When another Sunday morning has gone by.

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Posted on August 22, 2020 by TonySeptember 12, 2020

Day and night the truth and light is a beautiful sight

Day and night and truth and light

As I’ve been slowly writing my way through the Psalms, I’ve discovered what a close connection I have to King David. It’s uncanny. And it’s much more than just both of us being songwriters (even though our styles are day and night).

Coincidentally, David uses day and night to show truth and light.

Like in Psalm 19 where David even says “the heavens declare the glory of the Lord.”And how he anthropomorphically describes the sky and the sun. And when you allow yourself to imagine, you can practically see them come to life.

So, I get this strong feeling David could look toward the heavens and get the same feelings as me. A strong desire to write it down. And make the attempt at the impossible. Describe the indescribable.

And so you can clearly see the stark similarity between David and me. Right?

Plus…

He was King of Israel. I’m a Colorado native. He spoke Hebrew, one of God’s prime languages. I speak American English, the other of God’s prime languages. David slew Goliath. And I’ve gone out in public without a mask.

So, you can see, it’s almost like we’re twins, separated at birth. And, for me, it’s like looking in a mirror. I could go on with our identical attributes. But I think you get the point.

Main thing is…

You can tune in to David or me
For descriptions of Divinity.
You can trust that we both wanna show
That there’s only one way you should go.
And that way is the Truth and the Light.
And without those you’ll never be right.
Step outside and look up at the sky.
Soak it in. It can answer your “why.”

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Posted on August 21, 2020 by TonyApril 24, 2024

By the light blue sky

In the wee hours, those hours when most people are still asleep, sometimes my thoughts toss me phrases. And I think it’s my subconscious watching to see what I’ll do with them. If I’m awake enough, I take on the challenge. And it used to be with my physical sword. Well, my trusty Bic pen. But nowadays I rely on the lightning in my fingertips. (aka my computer keyboard) And today’s challenge was the phrase: light blue sky, blue moon, and I. So…

I think I’ll make the light blue sky my friend. Not just an object of beauty.

And while I’m at it, I might as well have the blue moon be part of the gang. Right? After all phrases and challenges, like this, only come around once in a…don’t worry…I’ll leave out the rest of the pun.

Now, let’s see. Where do I start? And what should my new friends and I be doing? Can you tell I’m stalling while I think up some rhymes? Hey, if you can do it any faster, feel free to chime in.

Alright. I think I’ll just write a couple of verses to share a quick story. And maybe it’ll go a little something like this…

The light blue sky, blue moon, and I were lounging by the lake.
Our friendship is my favorite kind. Foundational, not fake.
We told our tales of tempered times with tiny, twisted lies
To build a better book, we’d write, filled with bold alibis.

And as the day dwindled away, blue sky bid us adieu
Then, blue moon bid a fond farewell, as he had work to do.
And it’s as if it all became evaporated dew,
Like I’m the only one who’ll know…except, now…so do you.

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Posted on August 20, 2020 by TonySeptember 12, 2020

Love and Music

Picture this. A middle aged woman grabs her husband’s arm and says, “It must be the dopamine that makes me love this dope of mine.” Because dopamine plays such a huge part in the love and music connection. Right? So it would seem.

But love and music don’t connect just because of a hormone.

And that hormone didn’t just magically appear in human genes. Or any other genes.

It’s comical, and sad, how many so-called “intellectual studies” and so-called “scientific studies” dive into the mechanics of why love exists. See the irony? Love isn’t mechanical. And it’s not physical. So, mechanics and physics can never explain it. That’s Never. With a capital Nev.

Oh yeah…I almost forgot. Music isn’t physical either.

So, how and why did love and music evolve? (Of course, that’s a rhetorical question to illustrate a point.)

What evolutionary purpose would they serve? After all, evolution isn’t about feelings. And that’s another ironic twist. Because these days kids are raised in Godless schools with the notion that feelings are way more important than logic. And feelings are easy. Logic hurts the brain because it feels too much like work.

“Well, if it’s not about human evolution, what’s it all about, Alfie?”

Shortest answer? Connection.

Even though they’re not physical, love and music can connect souls. (and no, that’s not why we have soul music) And I believe God designed us to need that connection. To each other. And more importantly, to Him.

So, yes, I’m bringing God into the mix yet again. Because ultimately nothing matters, on any level, if He isn’t involved. And I mean absolutely nothing matters. Not feelings. Not logic. And certainly not questions and answers about how we got here and why.

But if you’re diametrically opposed to God or anyone who’d dare defer to Him, then you go ahead with your feelings. And I hope (and I mean this) you have a good, long life. Plus, I hope all your wildest dreams come true. And I hope you’re wealthy beyond words.

Because the time you enjoy all that will feel like the blink of an eye in your existence. And you’ll recall these thoughts of mine in a place where no dreams or wealth exist.

Consider this…

You can live without God, but not long.
And you might think you’re right, but you’re wrong,
If you think you’re in control of where your eternal soul
Will forever reside or belong.

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Posted on August 19, 2020 by TonySeptember 5, 2020

Sing with understanding while the fools are still commanding

Do you sing with understanding right now?

“Golly gee, Tony. What does that even mean? And why do I need to sing with understanding? What’s that gonna prove?”

Uh…it won’t prove anything to most people. But it might prove a lot to a few.

It’s certainly always a goal of mine to sing with understanding.

Because singing has always been like bread and wine to me. Or meat and potatoes. Or…insert your favorite survival, or can’t-do-without, metaphor.

And I wanna do more with music than build a beat and climb a chart. Of course, I’ve written and sung plenty of songs, like that, just for fun. Because, whether you believe it or not, I was young and wild once.

But if you’re young and wild right now, I recommend skipping my stupid mistakes and going for the gold.

And I’m not talkin’ gold records. Nothin’ wrong with those. I just recommend going for the gold that’ll hold its value forever.

“Uh-oh, dude, he’s talkin’ about that forever stuff again.”

Well, yeah. Because it’s real. And you don’t get to skip it any more than anybody else on the planet. Forever isn’t just a sci-fi movie concept. In fact, it’s written on the tablet of your heart. Yes, yours! (mine, too)

So, like every other part of life, it’s pretty darn important to even understand how your singing (and your songs) affect you…and others. And when you do, you can add more layers to your music. And you’ll be more prepared to deal with life when it gets crazy stupid like it is right now.

“But Tony, I don’t even sing or write music. What am I supposed to do?”

Listen to music with more depth and meaning.

I’ve mentioned examples a lot of times here on my website. And on my podcast. But I believe you know, somewhere deeper inside you, what I mean. And I bet you can find music to listen to that’ll help open the eyes of your understanding.

When you do, don’t be surprised if you start feeling energized and more creative. And don’t be surprised if you also start craving even more understanding.

You were created that way
By the one who wants to give
A life you can keep and forever live.
But you can turn it all down
And choose to be your own king,
But that lacks so much understanding.
Because you’ll give up real life
And trade it in for a lie
And end up all alone when you die.

Stay tuned,

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Posted on August 18, 2020 by TonyFebruary 24, 2025

See ya later is truer for data than people

Back when I was on the road, full time as a professional musician, I wrote a song called See Ya Later. You can click the link and find out a little more about it if you like. But I’m not talking about that right now. Because this is about the here today, gone tomorrow world of digital data.

And I said see ya, sayonara, and so long to a bunch of data yesterday.

Because my external hard drive…the one I store almost 2 terabytes of data on…decided to not show up for work last week.

And by “show up”I mean the hard drive wouldn’t show up in my list of accessible drives from my computer. Of course, lesser humans would have panicked. But Rhyme & Reason Man was not phased.

Well, maybe phased. But not fractured.

Because I dived into my Disk Utility app, on my laptop, and discovered the external hard drive apparently caught a cold. Or maybe it was a virus. There’s a lot of that going around I hear.

Anyway…

Turns out, something had messed with the hard drive’s partitions. And it showed as having more data than it even holds. What?! Sort of reminds me of a scene from an old Monty Python movie (I never saw). A huge guy says, “If I eat another bite, I’ll explode.”But he got talked into it. And, sure enough, he exploded.

Back to the external hard drive.

No repair modes worked. And no amount of begging, pleading, or banging was able to coax the hard drive back to work.

So, I lost all the data I have. And everything I’d ever worked on in my entire life vanished into thin air. Plus, my wife left me. And now, I’m sitting here, in a gutter somewhere near downtown Loserville, writing this with the last few minutes left on the battery of my little iPad.

Yeah, right!

Actually, what I did was totally erase my external hard drive. And now it shows up as accessible from my laptop. Pretty keen, right?

But wait! Where’s all my data?!

Ha! Backed up in a Blaze. On my BackBlaze cloud backup account that is. So, all my data is still accessible. I just have to go through a slow, lengthy process of prepping giant zip files. And then I download them to my external hard drive. Finally I de-zip them, and they’re back in business again.

That’s the great thing about the digital world.

Files aren’t gone for good unless you go out of your way to make sure they are.

But you?

Well, you’re not digital. In fact, you’re way more analog than you might even imagine. And when you get erased, and you WILL get erased, there’s no man-made way to bring you back.

No transfers from the cloud(s).

And absolutely no return from Nowheresville. Just gone. Finito.

Unless…

You decide to make sure you can still go on
After everything you are here is all gone.
And you trust in your Creator. So when you say, “See ya later”

You’ll be heading for the everlasting dawn.

Take a second and join the growing body of believers who’ve already signed up for the TRUTH Journal. And, to show my sincere appreciation for your time and attention, I’ll send you download links to 2 of my books and 2 songs, right away, that grownups AND kids can enjoy. Then, I’ll do my best to encourage you to sing a new song with the power of God’s love.

Stay tuned,

Posted on August 17, 2020 by TonyAugust 3, 2024

Humble and kind doesn’t equal doormat

It’s trendy to be assertive and vulgar. And many so-called “leaders in their field” love to express their inner darkness with tattoos, disheveled hairstyles, and profanity. And I’m sure they think it’s “cool” or “sick” to make a lot of money but look more like a street person. So, they parade, back and forth, on a stage. In front of a large group of people who prefer a badass attitude over someone who’s humble and kind. Because goodness gets stomped by badness every time, don’t you know. But like Huey Lewis said, “Sometimes bad is bad.”

But humble and kind are qualities with infinitely more strength.

My computer dictionary app uses these words as synonyms for humble:

meek, deferential, respectful, submissive, diffident, self-effacing, unassertive; unpresuming, modest, unassuming, self-deprecating; subdued, chastened

But true, lasting humility, based on Biblical principles, doesn’t line up with all those. In fact, I’d erase all of them except meek, respectful, modest. I might add deferential and submissive back in with caveats.

In order to show humility and kindness, you don’t have to put yourself down. Or never assert yourself. And you don’t have to be a wallflower. Or lack confidence to stand up for yourself.

But you DO have to have a big picture perspective on life.

And the big picture is…you’re not the sovereign authority of the universe. In fact, even if you’re one of the most remembered people in history, you could still be totally forgotten one day. Almost as though you never existed.

“Well, Tony…that sounds like I should blast myself out there, man. Better to sizzle than to fizzle. Right?”

Yeah, you should definitely do that.

At least if you plan on making this puny, earthly (limited time) existence your claim to fame.

Because if your 60, 70, 80, 90, or more years is all you’re gonna have, then fire it up! Why just flicker out when you can go out in a blaze of glory?

But then again…

I might be right about this eternal life thing. (actually, there’s no “might”)

And if I AM right, then your blaze of glory is a precursor to the blazes yet to come. And they could have all been avoided with a simple act of humility.

You’re not all that. You’re not a king or queen
Of anything more than can now be seen.
But what is seen now will soon fade away.
So humble yourself and do it today.

Stay tuned,

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Grab yourself a cool tee

Or how about some music for kids

Posted on August 16, 2020 by TonyAugust 29, 2020

Magic Little Moments are like riding in a bumper car

Do You Look For
Life’s Magic Little Moments

Life can be hectic. Sometimes even frantic for hard working people. If that describes you, I know you might tend to forget, ignore, or totally miss those magic little moments all around you. But they ARE there. And I like to capture them in song whenever I can.

The following lyrics represent a couple of scenes from Anytown, U.S.A. at Christmas time. Maybe you’ll remember something like this from where you live.

First, there’s a group of oddballs on a street corner at Christmas time. Then there’s another little “vignette” about a little cat in a big house who found great entertainment in simplicity. Maybe you’ve known an animal like Orion. Anyway…hope you enjoy. And I hope you take the time, each day, to see some…

Magic Little Moments

There was a ukulele lady on a corner by a Christmas tree
And a banjo bandolero with a turquoise pinky ring
Behind “˜em was a biker who was tapping on a tambourine
And a girl whose lips were moving but you couldn’t even hear her sing

And the shoppers did that shuffle that they do when the snowflakes fall
Every now and then a spark would dance through a neon light
The taxicabs would jockey for position by a store’s front door
And that quirky band of minstrels played their music for nothing all night

Oh, those magic little moments…
Oh, that somehow slip by
And oh, those magic little moments…
Those sacred vignettes that fade out with the blink of an eye

There was a crystal chandelier in the foyer of a grand estate
And the sun created prisms that would decorate the empty hall
There was marble on the floor that they waxed maybe twice a week
And a cat named Orion who was sure he was the king of it all

Late at night he would prowl for a while just to keep himself in shape
But he knew he had appointments in the morning that he couldn’t be late for
He was up at the crack of dawn and headed downstairs fast
So he could chase those little prisms and go sliding cross the marble floor

Chorus…instrumental…chorus twice and end

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Posted on August 15, 2020 by TonyAugust 16, 2020

Music and feelings float through all the ceilings

What’s with music and feelings?

Yeah, the unseen connection between music and feelings. And I’ve mentioned, before, how music can trigger dopamine production. And that’s how your body helps you relieve stress. Pretty cool, right? But it’s also pretty complex. So, how and why did human bodies evolve this dopamine producing, stress relieving ability?

(buzzer) Your body didn’t evolve the ability to connect music and feelings.

It was a trick question. Sorry all you monkeyman maniacs.

And I know you can manage to manipulate evolutionary data to accommodate your disdain for God. But your data don’t add up. And even if you add billions more years to your evolution timeline, you still won’t account for the complexity of just an eyeball. Forget about the rest of the human design.

But I care about you. Probably more than you care about yourself. So, I’m always gonna share the only message of hope and love which can lead to faith that leads to living forever. And if you’re like most of the people in the world, you’re gonna hate me for it.

I’d prefer you didn’t hate me. But I also know it comes with the territory. And I also know hatred aimed at me is also aimed at the One who created me. And He isn’t gonna let that ride forever.

So, I hope and pray you know who you are
And where you’re going one day.
Because like a flash your life, here, will end
And you’ll be going away.
It’s so sad to think you’d give up your soul
Because you choose to deny
The One who proves evolution is false.
Please re-examine that lie.

Stay tuned,

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Grab yourself a cool tee

Or how about some music for kids

Posted on August 14, 2020 by TonyApril 22, 2023

Music box vacuum cleaner - No, I'm not a drunk careener

Music Box Vacuum Cleaner Dancer

At the age of 35, a young German guy named Gustave Brachhausen established the Regina Music Box Company in America. And he set up shop in the cultural center of the universe, New Jersey. No…really. And you might ask, “But Tony, what does that have to do with vacuum cleaners?” Well, don’t rush me. I’m gonna tell you.

The first Regina Music Box models were 11 inches and 15.5 inches.

But apparently ol’ Gustave was one smart cookie. He acquired multiple patents. And he came up with a 50% wholesale offer to retailers, which helped him go nationwide. Plus, one of his patents was for an automatic disc changer (yeah, long before Sony or Panasonic). And his company set up a coin-operated service for their music boxes and discs.

Talk about ahead of your time. This was way before juke boxes and Elvis.

But those phonograph records on those juke boxes did arrive.

And the stiff competition convinced Gustave to change the company named to just Regina. Then, they started adding products like copying presses, player pianos, and…wait for it…

Yeah, you guessed it, vacuum cleaners.

But their first model pretty much bombed.

And unfortunately the company went bankrupt in 1922. They were down. But not out. And in 1930 Regina got back into the vacuum cleaner business and eventually came up with something you might recognize. The ElectrikBroom, a stick model vacuum. And during World War II, Regina made bomb fuses. (sort of appropriate for a company who’s first vacuum cleaner bombed…but moving along…)

The rest of the story for Regina is a far cry from that initial success in the world of music boxes. And you can look it up online. So, I’m not talking about that here. But I will say they went bankrupt again and the company went through several ownership changes. And it appears they relaunched their brand just this year, 2020.

Why do I bring any of this up?

Partly because I think it’s an interesting story. And partly because it gives me a great comeback if anybody ever says my music sucks. I’ll just say,

“Obviously you wouldn’t know good music if somebody dropped it, like a bomb, on your head because you live in a vacuum.”

Yeah, I’m loaded and ready for bear.
So, hecklers and rude dudes beware.
My comebacks are loaded and you’ll be railroaded
Back to the wide open nowhere.

Stay tuned,

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Or how about some music for kids

Posted on August 13, 2020 by TonyAugust 25, 2020

Can you believe we have a mask debate in America?

I bet our ancestors and forefathers would not have imagined we’d ever have a mask debate right here in the land of the free and the home of brave. And why would they? After all, back when men didn’t allow themselves to be shamed into being less than manly, fear didn’t rule public policy. And emotions took back seat to logical, level-headed thinking.

But now it appears a bunch of girls are in charge.

Before you get too offended by that, I know there are a few (very few) exceptions. Some women, in political positions, appear to have backbone and wisdom. And a few (very few) men, in political positions, are willing to take the lead like real men. But mostly it’s just girls…from the female AND the male persuasions.

And you know what girls do, right?

Yeah, they giggle, whine, cry, and throw tantrums. All based on out-of-control, hormone-induced “feelings.” But that’s only the start of the problem. Because everything becomes an emotional tsunami when millions of American citizens VOTE these girls into power.

And the next thing you know, a fear frenzy is whipped up based on false and/or misleading data.

Then, the complicit media help feed the fire with false and/or misleading headlines and stories based on that data.

And then the frenzy feeds on itself because a government indoctrinated society falls for anything and stands for nothing.

So, you end up with people who can be served the truth on a silver platter, but they prefer lies on a pile of garbage.

And I’m not gonna share data to support my take on the mask debate.

You can go find it in a wide variety of places online. But most people won’t take the time and effort to truly research it. Because that would require logic and reason. And by golly, “I already know how I feel about it.” So, no amount of data I share would sway those kind of girls.

But just in case you wanna know what’s true
And how it all might affect me and you,
Start with those who don’t burn and destroy
And those who know the true source of joy.

Stay tuned,

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Grab yourself a cool tee

Or how about some music for kids

Posted on August 12, 2020 by TonyJune 20, 2023

A Place in the Sun and THE place in the Son

A place in the sun with hints of wisdom

Elgielene and I enjoy watching old black and white movies. Because so many of them are entertaining without vulgarity and profanity. And because a lot of them have either happy endings or good moral endings. Like the movie, A Place in the Sun, from 1951 starring Elizabeth Taylor and Montgomery Clift. In real life, neither one of them were exactly shining examples of morality. But some scenes and dialogue in the movie actually landed on the right side of moral issues.

If you’ve never seen A Place in the Sun, this might be a slight spoiler…

Montgomery Clift plays a young man who gets a position in his uncle’s manufacturing business. And as he works his way up, he’s attracted to one of the worker girls, played by Shelly Winters. She’s sort of pretty, in a plain Jane way. But when he’s invited to his uncle’s house for a “society party” he sees Elizabeth Taylor’s character. And he’s immediately smitten with her socialite beauty.

A “problem” comes up when Montgomery and Elizabeth actually get together and fall in love. And the problem is…Shelly’s character is already pregnant. And, of course, the young man no longer wants the plain Jane when he can actually have the socialite.

So, the young man takes his plain Jane girlfriend to see a doctor…at night. And the pregnant girl tries to talk the doctor into “helping” her out of her circumstances. That’s when one of the hints of wisdom sneaks in. Because the doctor tells her there’s no way he could “help” her other than to make sure she had options like adoption.

Plain Jane can tell her boyfriend is no longer interested and starts to pressure him to do the right thing. But the boyfriend can only think of his new, true love. And things get extremely serious and tense. To the point where the young man takes the pregnant girl out on a lake until after dark, knowing she can’t swim, and contemplates drowning her.

Yikes. That’s anything but sunny, right?

But the young man discovers he can’t go through with it. But as he’s deciding to take her back to shore, she gets all worked up about how she can see he doesn’t care about her. One thing leads to another, and they both end up in the lake. And she drowns while he makes it back to shore. And he sneaks back to his car and tries to cover it all up.

But the truth catches up with him. And he’s hauled into court, stands trial, is found guilty, and is sentenced to death by electric chair.

One of the final scenes in the movies was another couple of hints at wisdom.

The young man’s mother, a religious woman, comes to visit her son on one of his last nights in prison. She brings a minister with her. And the mom tells her son he needs to get right with God. The young man is still confused as to whether he’s guilty of murder or a slight victim of circumstances. And he shares that with the minister.

And the minister calmly asks, “When you were with the girl on the lake…and you both fell into the water…who did you think of? Was it the girl in the water? Or was it the other girl?”

And the young man’s face expresses the realization of the truth.

And the minister says, “You’re heart was murder.”

Then the young man realized his fate was deserved.

Nowadays, Hollywood movies are almost completely confused over right and wrong. Moviemakers love to obfuscate and stay in the so-called “gray areas.” Because they want to do what’s right in their own minds. Not what’s actually right.

And what’s right is not a place in the sun
It’s an unearned place in the Son.

Stay tuned,

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My books are also on Amazon.com or Apple Books

Grab yourself an un-cool tee

Or how about some music for kids

Posted on August 11, 2020 by TonyAugust 25, 2020

Disappointment and expectations

It’s weird how often disappointment and expectations are connected to each other. And I’m sure I don’t have to tell you (although I’m about to tell you) that it’s because people tend to base decisions on feelings. And not logic and reason. Now, I can see how tempting it is to go with feelings. Because we should feel. Especially when it comes to fellow human beings. But life is about so much more.

I’ve had my own disappointment and expectations this past week.

And they’re all connected to feelings. But not emotional feelings. In this case, it’s how I’ve had to deal with some setbacks, I didn’t expect, after the sinus surgery a few weeks ago.

During the first 10 days after the surgery I felt like everything was improving daily. And then it all sort of leveled off. And in the past week, I’ve dealt with what feels like some setbacks. I haven’t improved. In fact, it feels like I’ve gone backwards quite a bit. But I know (because logic and reason tell me so) that healing and “normal” don’t just happen in a few days. But I’d be lying if I told you I don’t wish they would.

Anyway…

The reason I’m sharing this with you is not for any poor, poor pitiful me stuff. It’s just to let you know how life’s disappointments don’t have to define you. And they happen even to people, like me, who are always writing and singing about faith, hope, and love.

Plus…

It’s extremely important to remember how none of your life’s challenges were caused by some predetermined plan from God. Far from it. In fact, God wants each and every person on the planet to have perfect health. But sin keeps that from happening. But guess what?

Sin won’t win
When you let Jesus in.

Stay tuned,

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My books are also on Amazon.com or Apple Books

Grab yourself a cool tee

Or how about some music for kids

Put on your Sunday best

Sunday best meant a dress shirt, slacks, and tie at the least.

That’s all temporary anyway.

Gotta be careful singing in prison

Singing in prison DID cause a jailbreak.

And yet, I never stirred up any earthquakes.

Anything else might just be noise.

I’ve got a melody in my heart

I’ve Got The Melody (Deep in My Heart)

Music and singing play important parts in the Bible.

So, thankfully, I never turned my back on it.

Are your riches uncertain?

Plus, your uncertain riches won’t exist forever like you will.

My recommendation is the same one Paul gave to his protégé, Timothy.

Only twenty seven days left

I know a lot of people prefer hot beaches.

“OK, Tony. I’ll bite. What’s all this hard work done for you stuff?”

And it’s a cryin’ shame they (or you) would be stupid enough to try.

Here’s what I wish for you.

Monday Blues anyone

Did you wake up with the Monday Blues today?

But that’s good news.

Sunday morning memories

My Sunday morning memories might seem naive to a lot of people.

It helped me lot of times, too.

Day and night and truth and light

Coincidentally, David uses day and night to show truth and light.

Main thing is…

By the light blue sky

I think I’ll make the light blue sky my friend. Not just an object of beauty.

Love and Music

But love and music don’t connect just because of a hormone.

“Well, if it’s not about human evolution, what’s it all about, Alfie?”

Consider this…

Do you sing with understanding right now?

It’s certainly always a goal of mine to sing with understanding.

Listen to music with more depth and meaning.

See ya later is truer for data than people

And I said see ya, sayonara, and so long to a bunch of data yesterday.

Back to the external hard drive.

But you?

Humble and kind doesn’t equal doormat

But humble and kind are qualities with infinitely more strength.

Yeah, you should definitely do that.

Do You Look For Life’s Magic Little Moments

Magic Little Moments

What’s with music and feelings?

(buzzer) Your body didn’t evolve the ability to connect music and feelings.

Music Box Vacuum Cleaner Dancer

The first Regina Music Box models were 11 inches and 15.5 inches.

But their first model pretty much bombed.

Can you believe we have a mask debate in America?

But now it appears a bunch of girls are in charge.

And I’m not gonna share data to support my take on the mask debate.

A place in the sun with hints of wisdom

If you’ve never seen A Place in the Sun, this might be a slight spoiler…

Yikes. That’s anything but sunny, right?

Disappointment and expectations

I’ve had my own disappointment and expectations this past week.

Plus…

Do You Look For
Life’s Magic Little Moments