The TRUTH Will Set You Free - The blog from - Page 80 of 164

Posted on July 2, 2020 by TonyJuly 12, 2020

Running out of time and stopping on a dime

You’re running out of time

I’ve mentioned, before, how my Dad was a runner. And he was a health nut before being a health nut was cool. He bought a juicer over 50 years ago. And I remember being the only kid in our house who enjoyed the juices he and my step-mom would make. Plus, Dad would buy produce and baked goods from a “health food store.” That was way before places like Whole Foods or Natural Grocers. Yeah, Dad was ahead of his time in the world of healthy living. So, that made it an even bigger shock when a doctor told him, at age 42, he was running out of time.

Running out of time, for my Dad, was a diagnosis of terminal kidney failure.

Doctors told him he had two to four years to live. Imagine being told that when you’re only 42. And you’ve lived a healthy lifestyle for years and years. Talk about a blow to your psyche.

But my Dad was no quitter. Not by a long shot. He defied the doctors odds and lived another nine years after his diagnosis. And that’s while enduring dialysis three times a week for four hours each time. I remember going with him to several of those sessions. Not for the faint of heart. The inside of the needle they’d stick in the fistula of his arm could easily hold several sewing needles.

And the tremendous headaches Dad would have to suffer as a result of all his blood running through a man-made filter. Many times even the heavier pain medications wouldn’t ease the pain. And he’d want me to massage his neck. He’d really lay it on thick and say, “It must be your piano playing. Because your strong fingers are a lot more effective.”

And I’d say, “Can I get some pancakes with all that butter?”

Then, in January of 1986, Dad lost his fight. At the ripe old age of 51.

Now, why did I share this with you? After all, his struggle wasn’t unique. Millions of other people have suffered and died. But I don’t know their stories. So, I shared my Dad’s story. Because every person needs to understand and remember…

There’s a time limit to this life.

Even if you’re one of those invincible twenty somethings, you’re running out of time. Because one day, and believe me it’ll come much sooner than you can imagine, your life will be stopping on a dime.

But that’s only this part. This time you’re spending here on good ol’ planet Earth. It’s the time you have to decide where you’ll spend eternity. And just in case you didn’t know…eternity is time without end. Where will you spend your time?

Because we’ve all been diagnosed with a terminal disease. It’s sin. And unlike a pandemic, which affects a percentage of the population, sin nails every single one of us.

Of course, you might think I’m off my rocker. You might think I’ve got it all wrong.

But what if I’m right? What if it’s true
All of these things I’ve been sayin’ to you?
What if you die and it’s not the end?
What if your life is nothing you can defend?
You think I’m wrong…that I don’t walk in the light,
But what if I’m right?

Stay tuned,

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Posted on July 1, 2020 by TonyOctober 23, 2025

“Why is love so hard?”

Wow. I’ve heard that question so many times. In real life. And in movies, tv shows, and talk shows. But most people who ask, why is love so hard, actually don’t have a clue what love is. So, it’s only an empty concept. And they never reap the benefits of true love.

Maybe you do amazing things and still ask, “Why is love so hard?”

Maybe you’ve been able to move mountains of obstacles and you’ve created successful businesses. Great. But even if you build up unimaginable riches, if you don’t have love, you have nothing.

“Well, I’ve donated my time and money to help the poor and hungry, Tony.”

Awesome. But if you do those things without love, no big deal. I’m not impressed. Especially if you bragged about it on Facebook or Instagram. Or fill in the blank with your favorite social media channel.

But you wanna know what WOULD impress me? Hope so, ’cause I’m gonna tell you.

If you’ve suffered through difficult relationships and you were able to still be kind, I’d say you know a little something about love. And if you’ve ever done something wonderful for someone and never told anyone, you probably know about love. Plus, if you prefer to behave respectfully, not allow yourself to be provoked, think good thoughts, and be glad when you discover truth, boom! You know a little something about love.

People come and go.

Life on earth is here today, gone tomorrow. Cities and towns grow and fade. And even empires rise and fall. But true love never fails. Like one of my favorite quotes says, “And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.”

By the way, love is not a weakness. And it’s not just a feminine trait. The manliest man who ever lived knew how to love better than any other person who ever lived. And He laid down His life for His friends to prove it.

That elusive commodity
That perpetual oddity.
So, I do it all for love.

Subscribe to The TRUTH Journal, my ongoing Devotional that’s Logical AND Emotional. Because then the flashes of light I share on my website come right to your inbox. So you can spend your valuable time reading and listening instead of searching. And, to show my sincere appreciation for your time and attention, I’ll send you download links to books and music, right away. Kids from 3 to 103 can enjoy these fun goodies.

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Posted on June 30, 2020 by TonyJuly 12, 2020

Life makes sense

Nuh-uh. Uh-huh. Does not. Does, too. You’re dense. No, you’re dense. Ha! I’m rubber. And you’re glue. Bounces off me. And sticks to you. Oh yeah! Well, you’re stupid to infinity. Too late. That bounces off me and sticks to you. Oh yeah! Yeah! Well, you don’t even remember what I said. Yes, I do. You said life makes sense. And I said nuh-uh. And you said…

Yeah, life makes sense. Unless you wanna be childish about it.

Otherwise, life is so amazingly sensible. And wonderfully predictable. And dependable. But, of course, I’m not talkin’ about the daily ups and downs of life. Those can be totally unpredictable…and make no sense at all.

No, I’m talkin’ about life. Existence.

You and I are here because we were made. By design. No random mutations could have ever created something as complicated, sophisticated, and conjugated as you and me. Well, I’ll speak for myself anyway.

Because maybe you’d rather believe you DID happen by accident. And if you did, then there’s no way life makes sense. And no wonder so many people ask those age old questions.

“What’s the meaning of life?”

“Why am I here?”

“What happens when I die?”

Etc, etc, etc…

But guess what feels, looks, and sounds better.

The Creator of Heaven, Earth, and all the universe designed you. With love. And He gave you the ability to love in return. But in order for you to be able to truly love Him in return, you should have the ability to hate.

And if you’re like the vast majority of people on the planet, you probably do hate God.

I know you don’t think you hate Him. Or anybody else for that matter. But if you don’t love God, there’s only one other option. Because claiming ignorance or apathy is hate to Him.

But if you’re reading this…or someone is reading it to you…or you’re listening to it on the The Power of God’s Love Podcast, it’s not too late. You can completely change the direction of your eternity. And I urge you to do that. Because you won’t like the alternative. Do it today. And don’t be surprised to notice life starting to make more and more sense every day.

You can thank me later
For this info today.
And I know you’ll be glad
That I showed you the Way.
But I know you’ll be mad
If you don’t change your mind.
You’ll see I’m right when you
Leave this old world behind.

Stay tuned,

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Posted on June 29, 2020 by TonyJuly 12, 2020

Time fills the space while you're living in this place

Time fills the space so there’s no space

“But that doesn’t make any sense, Tony. Of course there’s no space if time fills the space. But how can time fill a space?” It’s all so confusing isn’t it?

When I say time fills the space, I don’t mean that “final frontier” up yonder.

But, in a way, you could say time fills that space, too.

“Oh brother, what’s this guy even remotely trying to say?”

Well, I guess it sort of came up in my mind because I saw yet another time-travel storyline in a program yesterday. And, of course, the writers, actors, and producers most likely all believe time travel is possible.

Before I slam that nonsense, let me say this. I get a kick out of time-travel themed movies and other shows. And it’s fun to imagine all the what-ifs. But all the what-ifs in the universe won’t make back and forth time travel a reality.

Because time only travels in one direction. Forward. And it’s more accurate to say we move forward through time. Time’s not an organic entity. Or any other kind of entity for that matter. Or anti-matter.

Time exists because God exists. And because He has always existed, time has always existed. And here’s where you might jump off this bandwagon. God does NOT exist outside of time. Which makes Him all the more awesome when you think about it.

The Creator of the universe has no beginning. And even though you can’t even begin to wrap your mind around that, it’s true. But you and I had a beginning. A starting point in the never-ending invisible thread known as time.

And on that note, I have some great news. For a few. Most people won’t give a rip about this next tidbit I’m gonna share. Because it requires something they’d rather not deal with. Humility. And the willingness to accept a savior.

Oh no…one of those religious S words.

Yeah, I know. It’s old-fashioned. Out of style. And it’s not inclusive, tolerant, and diverse.

But, the main reason most people don’t want any part of God is…personal responsibility. I hope that’s not you. And I hope you decide, sooner rather than later, that you don’t want your time to be forever filled up with empty space. Think about it.

If we can’t get what we want,
We dig more.
If we can’t have what we want,
We look down.
When we can’t say what we mean
We miss out
And trade our life for what looks
Like a crown.

Here’s to songs and stories told…
To living life and being bold…
And seeing what we have to hold…
When time fills up with gold.

Stay tuned,

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Posted on June 28, 2020 by TonyJanuary 9, 2023

Confidence Bible verse in case things might be feeling worse

Wanna read a great confidence building Bible verse?

Anyone who’s focused on the regular news regurgitation might be feeling a little worse right now. After all, a lot of reports are saying there’s an alarming rise in virus cases. And there’s all these protests. And riots…and destruction. So, what’s a God-fearing, peace-loving person to do? Well, may I suggest reading a confidence Bible verse?

“Honey, did he just say to read a confidence Bible verse?”

Yeah, I know it might sound a bit esoteric and vacuous, on the surface. But I know it can work wonders for you in times like these. When panic seems to have reached global proportions. And the verse I’m talking about can help put things in perspective.

You and I are regular people. Right? And by regular I mean we’re citizens. We work. And we go out and spend our hard-earned money on groceries, gas, and other goods. But we’re not in charge of the direction our country takes. Oh sure, we can vote. But that’s problematic. Because even voting doesn’t necessarily take things in the right direction. But the main thing I want to emphasize is that we’re not in charge. So, we face challenges.

Every day.

But imagine actually being the one in charge. And still facing challenges. In fact, facing challenges like lots of people looking for opportunities to kill you. Yikes! But that’s exactly what King David faced. And even in the middle of all those monumental challenges he had confidence in his salvation from God. So, he wrote this, in Psalm 17:

“Keep me as the apple of Your eye; Hide me under the shadow of Your wings, From the wicked who oppress me, From my deadly enemies who surround me. They have closed up their fat hearts; With their mouths they speak proudly. They have now surrounded us in our steps; They have set their eyes, crouching down to the earth, As a lion is eager to tear his prey, And like a young lion lurking in secret places.”

And with all he was facing, David finished the Psalm with this: “As for me, I will see Your face in righteousness; I shall be satisfied when I awake in Your likeness.”

I hope you feel that confidence in you
And know how God will always see you through.
But if you don’t, I hope you’ll stop and pray
And ask God to build up your faith, today.

Stay tuned,

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Posted on June 27, 2020 by TonyJuly 20, 2023

Lullabye goodnight and you might need a book light

Lullabye goodnight, but wake up now. Alright?

Remember that age old song parents would sing to their little kids? Lullabye and goodnight. Now, the daytime is over. Nice music. And I’m getting sleepy just thinking about it. But right now I’m talking about another lullabye. And it’s not just for sleepin’.

Lullabye and goodnight. Now, the fun time is starting.

Way back around 2008 to 2009 I spent 10 days in a row in my downstairs studio. And on each one of those days I wrote, composed, arranged, rehearsed, and recorded a lullabye song. And after 10 days I had 10 songs “and a little ditty.”

Since then, I’ve sold I don’t know how many CD’s of those songs. And I named the collection, “Lullabye Bye.”

Recently I started creating and publishing books to go along with my collections of music for kids. And even though Lullabye Bye was the first collection of lullabies, it’s the third collection to become a sing along, coloring, and drawing book. The songs are…

In Your Dreams – a jazzy song sung to a sleeping child by a reassuring parent
Peppermint Pony – about an imaginary pony in the sky (duh, who would’ve guessed it would be imaginary, right?)
Feather Dance – the first of 4 1/2 instrumentals – close your eyes and watch the feather dance
Rest Easy – a calming lullabye after a hard day of playing in the back yard
Now I Lay Me Down – a new take on an old bedtime prayer
Lullabye Bye – this one should be inside a teddy bear
Drifting Off – another instrumental designed to create heavy eyelids
Fall Fast Asleep – a melancholy melody of comfort
Blue Celtic Cloud – a hypnotic song and a fan favorite
Milky Way Bouquet – you’ll almost feel like you’re checking out the galaxy aboard the Hubble space telescope

And a 20 second sign-off instrumental

The cool thing is…these songs are all free downloads when you get the Lullabye Bye bedtime songs sing along, coloring, and drawing book. Right now it’s only available on Amazon. So, don’t delay. Get your kids this entertaining book right away.

And be sure to look for my other books, too.

In your dreams you fly up high
Beyond the clouds, beyond the sky
And the sun and all its beams
Will keep you smiling in your dreams.

Stay tuned,

My books are also on Amazon.com or Apple Books

Posted on June 26, 2020 by TonyJuly 11, 2020

One thing I do…

Social media is so anti-social. Because many (if not most) people spending a lot of time there are clueless about how conversation works. Interaction. Exchanges of ideas. So, one thing I do, when I’m on social media, is keep my mind focused on truth. And yes, there IS truth. Even universal truth. But only for those who don’t hate the truth.

Here’s another example of one thing I do.

This was written by a man who had to endure a lot to share the message of truth with you and me. The apostle Paul wrote this to new Christians in Philippi.

“Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

Therefore let us, as many as are mature, have this mind; and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal even this to you. Nevertheless, to the degree that we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us be of the same mind.”

I’ll leave you with a couple of key points about Paul’s writings.

He’s pointing out how we’re not perfect. And we’re not expected to be. But we should leave our imperfections behind. And keep moving forward toward perfection which is only found in “God in Christ Jesus.” Also, remember, when Paul says “let us be of the same mind,” he’s only talking to AND about believers.

The rest of the world might hate you
‘Cause they hate the One who made you.
But keep seeking more Word and keep moving forward.
Let God’s loving Truth persuade you.

Stay tuned,

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Posted on June 25, 2020 by TonyJune 27, 2020

Hey, I’m just kiddin around over hear. Fuggetaboudit.

Can you pick up on my Brooklyn accent in that headline? Or is it the Bronx. I can never remember which one of those New Yorkers talks like dat. But I hope you at least can tell I’m just kiddin around. And I know I misspelled here. Because it’s a thinly stretched pun to illustrate what I’m talkin’ about. Knowhamsayin?

Anyway…Kiddin Around is a brand new song book for kids.

The songs have been around a while. And you can even still get a CD version (remember those?) if you so happen to be inclined. Yeah, I realize there’s still a few of you (smart ones) who understand the value of a hard copy of music.

But for those of you who prefer the convenience and expeditious delivery of a bundle of joy for your kids, der’s anudda way.

Maybe you’ve heard of a little online shopping site called Amazon. Yeah? Good. Well, all’s you gotta do, is follow dis link and you’ll find dis book I’m talkin’ about. When you get der, you’ll see dis description…

“Kiddin’ Around is a collection of fun, goofy songs in one of the funnest sing along with me books you’re gonna find. Because when you open this book, somewhere inside is a link to all the downloadable free MP3s. There’s a song about all the things you’re not supposed to do…that you can’t do. Songs about monkeys, cool kids who gotta keep it real, islands, bellies, and even toys. You’ll enjoy watching your kids sing-along as they color and draw in this fun book, by author Tony Funderburk. Just what you’d expect from a writer whose last name starts with FUN.”

And I ain’t sayin’ you gotta buy da book. But I AM sayin’ da boss ain’t gonna be happy if you don’t get a copy or two. Or at least tell your friends to, so dey don’t go swimmin’ wit da sharks. And if you’re find wit da boss bein’ unhappy, den…it’s your swimming pool…uh, I mean…it’s your party.

Hey…till next time…

Stay tuned,

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Posted on June 24, 2020 by TonyJune 24, 2020

Dissonance art is an added part near to my heart

Is dissonance art? Or just sound?

Short answer? Art! Nine years ago, at around this time of June, I wrote about dissonance art. But I didn’t call it that. I just mentioned something I like to do when I’m writing songs. And that’s never changed.

Here’s my take on dissonance art (from nine years ago).

“I really like irregularity in a chord. Because so many times, it just doesn’t sound irregular to me. There’s just something full and rich about 3 notes very close together in a chord. They fill it up. They give it depth. They take it up a notch. Scratch that…they take it up 2 notches. Yeah, that’s better.

The next time you’re sitting at a piano, play an F minor 3 note chord. (F, Aâ™, C) It’s a nice mood setter. But then simply add G and gee! So much richer, fuller, smoother. Maybe it’s just me, and you can “dis” me if you like, but I love this kind of dissonance in music.”

But there is a dissonant sound I don’t like in music. And that’s when junk attempts to pass itself off as music. Maybe you’ve heard some of this junk. It’s not difficult. After all, the worst junk tends to be played loudest. Usually from vehicles with dark, tinted windows. And as chance would have it, there’s one idling at the red light close to our house right now. Fortunately I can’t hear it well enough to discern what’s being said. Thank goodness for little favors.

Let’s move along from that little rabbit trail…

And as much as I enjoy writing songs with tidbits of dissonance, I truly appreciate masterful compositions that use it. On that note (half-hearted pun intended) I’d like you to check out this piece by none other than the maestro himself. Ludwig von Beethoven. This bit of music is called “Les Dissonances” from his 5th Symphony.

You say vowel, I say consonant.
Opinions soon become dissonant.
But let’s not argue. Let’s agree
And live our lives harmoniously.

Stay tuned,

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Posted on June 23, 2020 by TonyJune 27, 2020

Restore my soul because I broke it

If you’re a Christian (and if you’re not, you should be), you probably already know how trouble is always close at hand. You can’t swing a dead cornstalk (you thought I was gonna say something else, didn’t you) without trouble showing up. And I don’t know about you (well, I do a little bit because you’re human) but I’m my own worst enemy. So, that’s why I’m so grateful there’s a true, living, loving God of all creation who can and did restore my soul.

And since I know God can restore my soul, I know He can restore yours.

Because your problems and troubles and challenges are not too big. Oh sure, they might feel too big. And many times they’re way more than you’d ever want to endure. But they’re not too big. Not for your living, loving Creator. And that’s partly why I wrote a song about it for my little church to sing, way back when I led worship there.

I hope you get some soul relief from these lyrics. And be sure to tune in to my The Power of God’s Love Podcast to hear it.

Your Love Restored My Soul

From my mother’s womb You have been my God”
Even if I didn’t always know it.
And I’ve loved You since my salvation day…
Even if…I didn’t always show it.

I believe Your Son is the only Way
To the life I know is never-ending…
So I cast my lot with the King of Kings
And His Truth I trust is never bending.

Jesus…Your love restored my soul.
You gave Your life to make me whole.
I’d be a lifeless lump of coal…oh
But Jesus…Your love restored my soul.

On my darkest days I am not alone.
You indwell me with Your Holy Spirit.
And Your “still small voice”is an open book
And Your grace is there if I draw near it, and

In that open Book is the one True God…
And the words revolve around His story, and
The words are turned into flesh and bone,
And He shares, with each of us, His glory.

Chorus twice

Your love restored my soul”repeat

Stay tuned,

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Posted on June 22, 2020 by TonyJune 22, 2020

Clothes are overrated and this cannot be debated

Doesn’t matter what you say, clothes are overrated.

I took a look in my closet yesterday. Nope. Not impressed. And I thought about my different closets through all my adult years. Again, nope. Not impressed. No matter where they come from or how much (or little) I paid for them, all my clothes are overrated. And they always were. So, I’m glad I’m gonna stop wearing them.

And I hope you already know how your clothes are overrated, too.

Don’t try to impress me with designer labels. And forget about wowing me with your name-dropping brands. Or your vast collection of Italian leather shoes. Not even your first-run Hollywood evening gowns and tuxes will get me to bat an eyelid. They’re all overrated. And you should stop wearing them.

In fact, I predict that, in spite of all your emotional connection to your clothes, you WILL stop wearing them. Because you’ll either come to your senses. Or your senses will come to you. And you might not like it. But I predict it’s gonna happen. Not because I’m some sort of genius prognosticator (well I guess I am, in a way). But I don’t have to be a genius prognosticator to know it’s gonna happen.

And part of how I know is because it’s happened for every other generation who ever lived.

Yeah, they all came to a stark realization.

No fancy closet full of fancy schmancy designer clothes would or could hold a candle to a wardrobe of pure white.

Unfortunately, most people choose to stick with their overrated clothes. And they follow the furious fading fads no one will remember years from now.

But I urge you, choose garments of white
And live in the heavens of light.
And your clothes won’t wear out.
You’ll be thankful about
Your decision to choose what is right.

(By the way…I hope you understand how I’m talking about the difference between now clothes and Heaven clothes. For now, keep wearing clothes. But invest in the clothes that never wear out. You’ll thank me later.)

Stay tuned,

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Posted on June 21, 2020 by TonyJune 21, 2020

Father’s Day 2020

Happy Father’s Day 2020 to all you dads out there. I know it’s been a mighty weird world so far this year. But I also know this world has always been pretty weird. Because of that weirdest of all creatures: Humans. So, I just wanna encourage you to look beyond all of this craziness right now. Keep your eyes on the prize. And on the big picture.

Father’s Day 2020 is another opportunity to focus on the first Father.

When I was the music leader in a small, Denver area church for three years, I wrote a song for the first Father. And I share it each year at this time. Be sure to tune in to the The Power of God’s Love Podcast. Because then you’ll have songs like this delivered right to your favorite podcast and/or music player.

Or you can look for it here on the website. Here are the lyrics…

Our Father’s Day

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

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

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

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

Stay tuned,

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Posted on June 20, 2020 by TonyJune 27, 2020

Brotherly love longest day and other things that fade away

Pondering brotherly love on the longest day

It’s Summer Solstice time. The longest daylight day of the year. And I know you’re probably out frantically buying your last minute Solstice gifts, the Solstice tree, and all your yummy Solstice treats. But relax. Because it’s the longest day. So, you’ll have plenty of time to pause and read my story of brotherly love that faded away. Sounds fun, right?

Who wants to hear about fading brotherly love on this first day of summer?

Probably nobody. So, I’ll write this to get it out of my head. And I’ll move on as though it never happened. Sound good? Great.

It all started several decades ago. My parents split up when I was only about 4 and my brother was only about 2 1/2. And they both remarried and eventually moved two large states apart. Dad moved to Texas. And Mom moved to Kansas. And when my brother and I were old enough, we’d be put on the train, in Houston (at the end of each school year) and make the 18 hour ride to Kansas City. There we’d meet Mom and stay in Kansas for the summer. Then, she’d put us on the train, around Labor Day, and we’d return to Texas.

So, the only person I saw year round was my “little brother.”

And I remember each time a parent would put us on the train, there’d be tears and heartache. And they’d tell me to “watch out for your brother.” Which wasn’t easy. Because he could be quite the little mischief maker. But I’d do my best. (sort of, I was a kid, too) And somehow we always made it to our destination safely.

As the years passed, and as my “little brother” and I became teenagers, the train trips became routine and fun. I still remember the real silver utensils, and the white, cotton tablecloths in the dining car. It seemed like dinner was usually somewhere around Oklahoma City. And a porter would come through each car, ring a dinner bell and say, in a deep voice, “Dinner is served.”

Anyway…

Then, after my junior year in high school, my Dad agreed to let me drive us to Kansas. In the first car I bought with the money I made as a grocery sacker/carry out guy. My $265 1965 Plymouth Fury. Engine was 363 cubic inches of raw horsepower. And I later found out it had been a cop car for a while. That was after I found some bullets behind the glove compartment.

Anyway…

I can remember Dad took me to the side and said,

“Watch out for your brother. Drive the speed limit. And check your oil every time you fill up.”

There it was even then. “Watch out for your brother.”

Then, in a flash, school years came to an end. And my “little brother” and I were out on our own. And I recall, for a brief time, we lived in the same apartment complex, in Houston. Our apartments were in separate buildings. But not far apart. And one day I went to his place for one reason or another, and we got into a heated discussion about something. Don’t even remember what it was. But I remember something (in brotherly love) led to me saying, “Hey, I’m just trying to watch out for my little brother.”

And he yelled back, “I’m not your little brother.”

So, I had to adjust my thinking. And I never called him that again.

But there were plenty of times when I still tried to “watch out” for him. And every single one of those times turned into something awful. Without fail.

He and I even started out our full time professional musician careers together. We were a popular duo in the Houston area for a couple of years. But even that went sour, due to an increasingly apparent difference in our worldviews.

Eventually, after moving to different areas, my marriage, and his marriages, I discovered my “little brother” was some sort of unitarian universalist metaphysical “new thought” guy. Just about as far away from Christianity as you can get. And I also discovered what disdain he had for my Christian faith and Christians in general. Even though he preached tolerance and diversity.

Our brotherly relationship decayed completely. To the point of one evening, in my house, we were “debating” some issues. And the discussion reached a boiling point. My “little brother” dropped some F bombs against Jesus and God. And I told him he’d have to leave the next day and not darken my door again.

Ideas and words have meaning and consequences.

From that moment on, my “little brother” disowned all his family. I guess he figured, if he ever visited me, he’d have to darken my door. So, his interpretation of what I said was probably more like, “I never want to see you again.”

To this day he won’t let even his own Mom know where he is or his phone number. And the last email conversation I had with him was over two years ago, when he told me he’s afraid of me. Because I had tried, three times, to see him during some trips to Florida. And each time he “couldn’t make it” for one reason or another.

Why did I share all this? Because today is his birthday. And I’m almost certain he’s still playing the victim. He’s most likely convinced himself his brothers, sister, and mother only want to brainwash him with Christianity. Because we’re unenlightened fools who believe there IS a God, we’re not God, and that eternal life is only provided through Jesus.

And we just won’t shut up and let him go to hell peacefully. (Of course, he believes everything is part of the “god force”, so there’s no hell) So, we’re just unfit for contact.

The brotherly love I always felt for him never left. But I know he did. And he’s apparently happy with his choice to disown his family. And nothing I can say to him will ever change his mind. So, there’s a good chance I’ll never see him again. Not now. Not through eternity.

And he’ll never know how sorry I am that my “little brother” will exist forever in solitary solitude.

Truth is hate to those who hate the truth.
And lies can be so enticing.
Life, here and now, isn’t all there is,
So know what you’re sacrificing.

Stay tuned,

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Posted on June 19, 2020 by TonyJune 27, 2020

Live up to your dream not beyond your self esteem

Live up to your own dream

Because I can’t live up to your dream for you. And 99.9% of the people who read my articles or listen to my podcast know this. I’d say 100%, but nothing, here on Earth, is perfect. But why do I even bring it up?

If I can’t live up to your dream for you, is it even worth mentioning?

Short answer? No.

Longer answer is…this is just basically about some lyrics I wrote a long time ago. During a darker time, as far as relationships go. And I wasn’t in a particularly benevolent mood when I wrote ’em. As you’ll see when you read ’em. And if you tune into the The Power of God’s Love Podcast, you’ll hear the dark sounding motel session demo recording. (once I update this post)

It doesn’t even sound like the Tony I know. Too somber and dreary.

I Can’t Live Up To Your Dream

You want so much to make me perfect
You try so hard to give me wings
But there’s no way that I can make it
I’m just a guy who plays and sings

You see the world through tinted glasses
But you don’t see the total scheme
And I’m so rough around the edges
Give up, give up,
I can’t live up to your dream [repeat]

You want a miracle; not a man
Someone to change your life with the wave of his hand
And you want a hero; not a regular guy
Someone who’s bigger than life with the sky in his eye

Well, give up, give up, I can’t live up to your dream

You say your love has made me better
But still I fail to make the mark
I wish that I could light your vision
But I can barely light the dark
Give up, give up,
I can’t live up to your dream

inst…repeat chorus to end

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Posted on June 18, 2020 by TonyJune 27, 2020

FÃ¼r Elise is a masterpiece with a mysterious crease

It might’ve been FÃ¼r Elise or Therese or Elizabeth

As I opened up my laptop to write, just now, FÃ¼r Elise started playing on my Pandora classical channel. And I love that piece of music. Of course, I don’t think I’ve kept it a secret that Beethoven is my favorite composer. And this piece of music is an example of why. But today, I decided to look up who Elise was. Turns out, she might not have been who the music was written for.

If you can believe Wikipedia (and a couple of other sources) FÃ¼r Elise might have been Therese.

A woman, with the long name of Therese Malfatti von Rohrenbach zu Dezza (whew!) was one of Beethoven’s students. And some say that a guy named Ludwig Nohl transcribed the music, which he found about 40 years after Beethoven died. But Nohl might have transcribed the wrong name. And the web gets even more tangled.

A guy named Klaus Martin Kopitz did another study of the music. And he decided there’s evidence the piece was written for Elisabeth RÃ¶ckel, a 17 year old soprano. Apparently a priest called her Elise. But also apparently she called herself Betty. Can you imagine how this beautiful piece of music might have been passed over if it was called FÃ¼r Betty?

And there’s yet another idea of who might have been the female in question. Rita Steblin, a musicologist from Canada, thinks the music might have been dedicated to a “child prodigy” named Elise Barensfeld. But as I read the explanation for that, it seems like a bit of a stretch. Even though the name fits.

So, how does all this speculation, conjecture, and educated guessing affect the music?

Short answer? It doesn’t. Not. One. Bit.

It’s a beautiful, timeless piece of music. No matter who it’s fÃ¼r. Check out this cool version…

It doesn’t matter who the music’s for.
Enjoy the trip through the musical score.

Stay tuned,

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Posted on June 17, 2020 by TonyAugust 20, 2024

Positive words for the day won't keep challenges away

Some positive words for the day

I shared a few sections of positive words for the day on another website I used to have. And this is something from around 15 years ago. And it still applies. But read to the end. Because there’s a caveat to all this positivity.

Seven points of positive words you can bank on

1. Smile

“Are you kidding me?! Did he just say smile?” Yeah. I did. When I was a young kid, my dad was an avid runner. And I wanted to go with him. But it was difficult to keep up. He told me to smile as I was running, and it would keep my attitude more positive. I didn’t believe him, and it felt goofy, but it worked.

2. Focus on what you do; not what you don’t.

When things don’t go so well on any given day, it’s easy to focus on what you did wrong. And that’s OK to a point. But only to learn from your mistakes. Sometimes it’s not a mistake. Sometimes it’s just a difference in perspective. So, eep in mind, you’ve worked hard to learn what you know. And just because someone doesn’t agree with you doesn’t change that at all.

3. Speak “up.”

Because the words that come out of your mouth aren’t just heard by others. You hear them, too. So, make sure your words lift you up, too, whenever possible.

4. Eat better.

Words coming OUT of your mouth can certainly affect you. And the food going IN your mouth can, too. So, if you’re filling your “tank” on sugars and caffeine to keep going, your tank’s gonna get a lot bigger. And it’s mighty hard to think of positive words when that happens.

5. Filter the news.

It’s a good idea to stay informed. But it doesn’t help you to hear about the countless crimes and misdemeanors every day. And you don’t have to hear about them to know they happened. In a fallen world, it’s guaranteed they’ll happen. So, get a dose of information from your various sources. But then, read a good book or work on your next project.

6. Move it.

OK; I know you hear this everywhere you look or listen. But it really does help your positive outlook. Get away from your desk or TV or whatever it is you sit in front of too much. And even if you only take a walk around your neighborhood, you’ll get more oxygen into your blood. And oxygenated blood goes to your brain, and you know what your brain does….

7. Love.

You really never have to look far to find someone to love. And I don’t mean the kind of love you find on the cover of the newsstand magazines. I mean the giving kind of love. And if you don’t have a wife or husband or potential, you can still love your fellow human beings. Love them enough to say an encouraging word now and then. When you do that, you’ll be working on suggestions 3 & 7 at the same time. And when you combine suggestions”.look out; you might just be a positive person!

OK…here’s the caveat. It’s all well and good to talk about positive words. But until you take action, they’re just words. And it’s difficult to take action, on a regular basis, if you depend only on yourself. And you’ll need to take action every day. Because challenges don’t go away just by having good thoughts. So, my suggestion is to follow these wise words from the Bible:

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.”

Positive words, alone, can leave you feeling odd.
So combine them, starting now, with the love of God.

Stay tuned,

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Posted on June 16, 2020 by TonyJune 26, 2020

Cliché away, all you who stray, until your final day

Your Cliché is as old as dirt

It’s ironic how many people claim the moniker of “new age.” Because so much of what they say is just cliché. And worse than that, many of those clichés are almost as old as the Earth. But I know why they say what they say. Even if they don’t know.

A new age cliché is just another rebellious act.

And whether they know it or not, they’re acting out a part. In a play destined to have a short run. And it’ll close to a packed and miserable audience who will not leave the “theater.”

Are you catching on to my analogies and metaphors? Because while I’m waxing poetic, it’s not painting a flowery, poetic picture.

Save the ozone. Save the whales. End hunger. World peace. Climate change. ____Lives Matter

There oughta be a law. Because what do all those phrases have in common?

Virtue signaling that refuses to acknowledge a power and personality above human existence. In other words…they’re all…

Cliché

We want the answers to all of our questions, and
We want the world in the palm of our hand
We want to rise up; rise up and conquer
Let all the world know just where we stand

We want to live in a fat-free environment, and
We want to make sure the ozone is intact,
And so we watch all those service commercials, and
It’s just so easy to sit back and react.

Is it just melodrama…for me to feel this way?
I wonder…is it just me,
Or does it all sound so cliché?
Does it sound that way…so cliché?

We lend our money to so many nations, and
Still we struggle to pay off our own debts.
We hope for world peace and ending the hunger,
But will we ever do what no one has done yet?

We train ourselves and prepare for the future, but
Each day the future takes on a new look.
We might do better to look inside our own hearts, and
We might discover it’s not in some law book!

Is it just melodrama for me to feel this way?
I wonder…is it just me, or does it all sound so cliché?

Does it sound that way…so cliché?

Stay tuned,

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Posted on June 15, 2020 by TonyJune 26, 2020

Uncloudy day, uncloudy sky, and a little bit of the reason why

Ah, there’s nothing like an uncloudy day

And there’s nothing like rainy days and nights to make you appreciate an uncloudy day. Right? Of course, maybe it’s only the dreamers, poets, and songwriters who truly appreciate the ever-changing kaleidoscope floating above us all. But I’ll bet when I say that, plenty of other kinds of people beg to differ. Or maybe they don’t beg, they demand to differ. Anyway…

Uncloudy Day was written for me to sing, about 110-130 years before I did.

What can I say? Sometimes it takes me a while to get around to things. And, yes, I’m using a little tongue-in-cheek humor to show a musical connection. Between me and a guy named Josiah Kelley Alwood. Because he’s the guy who wrote the song I’m talking about. Back then, he called it “The Unclouded Day.”

And if Wikipedia can be believed on this, Josiah said this is how the song came to him. “It was a balmy night in August 1879, when returning from a debate in Spring Hill, Ohio, to my home in Morenci, Michigan, about 1:00 a.m. I saw a beautiful rainbow north by northwest against a dense black nimbus cloud. The sky was all perfectly clear except this dark cloud which covered about forty degrees of the horizon and extended about halfway to the zenith. The phenomenon was entirely new to me and my nerves refreshed by the balmy air and the lovely sight. Old Morpheus was playing his sweetest lullaby.”

The next morning he got up. And that whole image was still burning in his brain. So, he spent a little while, the next day, composing the tune. And about a day and a half writing the lyrics.

Then…tick tock tick tock. And about 110 years slipped away. Along comes this singer songwriter (who lives in my body). For some reason, he puts together an arrangement of it, and adds it to his nightly playlist.

But then another 20 years tick tock away, and I added the song to the praise and worship playlist I led each Sunday morning in a small, Denver church.

As it turns out, this song has been recorded by several well-known singers besides me.

Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, Don Henley, Brad Paisley, and others have their versions, too. And my version is most like Don Henley’s. Because it was a slight hit way back in the 80’s.

Anyway…

The reason I bring it up is to encourage you to remember you can alway have an uncloudy day. At least metaphorically speaking. In fact, your cloudless days can go on forever. But it comes down to a choice.

And that choice has got to be made soon. And, by the way, not choosing is choosing. So choose wisely. Soon.

Stay tuned,

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Posted on June 14, 2020 by TonyJune 16, 2020

I like your style 'cause it makes me smile at least for a while.

And he said, “I like your style. It always makes me smile.”

Way back in 1989 there was a guy who was, shall we say, increasingly enamored with a certain girl. Trouble was, he lived about 1500 miles away from her. So, the best he could do, to stay on her radar, was write letters and a long-distance call now and then. On one of those calls, she said something he liked a lot. And he replied, “Wow, I like your style!”

And “I Like Your Style” became a song.

Matter of fact, it was just one of the many songs that guy would write and sing for that girl. But did she appreciate any of them? Or did she just turn up her nose and move on?

I’ll never tell.

Well, maybe I will. But first, I’ll have to find out if the two people I’m talking about are OK with me sharing the whole story. Because you know how people can be these days. Some love the attention. And others recoil at the very thought of it.

You know, come to think of it, there’s a 2020 version of the song. And I actually like it much better than the original. Maybe I should share the two versions in an upcoming episode of the The Power of God’s Love Podcast. What do you think? Would that be of any interest to you at all? Or should I leave the old version out? Or maybe I should skip the new one.

Well, until I know for sure, here’s the chorus to the new version.

I like your style…oh yeah
Cool as a crocodile
Patiently makin’ your move; watch out!
I really like your style…oh yeah
Rock “˜round the clock profile
When you show up on the scene; watch out!
And I like your style…

Stay tuned,

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Posted on June 13, 2020 by TonyJuly 20, 2023

Activity books for kids with earlobes and eyelids

Other activity books for kids don’t have this…

Bedtime songs. And certainly not my bedtime songs. A friend of mine, who had little rug rats a few years ago, told me about activity books for kids. Till then, I didn’t think of it as a special category. I just figured all books for kids could fit into that category. Because reading is an activity. And I figured even listening, while someone else read, could qualify too. But that just shows you how I didn’t know. what I didn’t know. Right?

As it turns out, activity books for kids ARE a thing.

And imagine your kid singing along with the lyrics in a book. And then, how about being able to draw and color in the same book while listening to the songs in the book. Now you’re really bookin’. (sorry, that’s probably an out-of-date reference)

Anyway…

Keep in mind, I didn’t create a book with lots of bells and whistles. There aren’t any popups. And no buttons to push. Or even any prompts, silly voices, or pre-made, cutesy cutouts. Because I believe kids DO still have imaginations. And creativity. And I believe kids can still color and draw and listen to fun music without all the video characters or battery powered gadgets.

Maybe I don’t know what I’m talking about. And maybe kids don’t wanna color and draw anymore while they listen to wholesome songs. If your kids don’t like to do that, then don’t buy this book. And definitely don’t look for the super secret link to the matching songs.

But if your kids DO like to color, draw, and listen to wholesome songs, then they’re the kind of buckaroos I made it for.

And this book has ponies, eagles, coyotes, buffaloes, stars, angels, and even a blue-eyed armadillo. So, what more could a Bedtime Buckaroo ask for? And the songs are:

Till Mornin’ Skies
Music Pajamas
The Silver Horse
Cowpoke Lullaby
Drifting Sands
Windy Saddle
The Lariat Loop
Pony Dreams
Bedtime Buckaroos

Get your copy of Bedtime Buckaroos Here

Hi yo…in your midnight dream rodeo
You win, there’s no way that you could lose.
Ki yi…keep that twinkle in your eye.
Drift off, ’cause it’s bedtime, buckaroos.

Stay tuned,

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