The TRUTH Will Set You Free - The blog from - Page 81 of 164

Posted on June 12, 2020 by TonyJune 13, 2020

Fail early sounds squirrely and makes you sound girly

Why would you want to fail early? Or at all?

Yeah, it came up again. And again. Yesterday and today. I saw more entrepreneurs and “influencers” sharing that silly fail early stuff on social media. And I sure hope you’re not buying it. Because it might make a “cool” soundbite, but it’s not a strong position to take in this mean ol’ world. It sounds girly. Which is OK for girls, but…

Success doesn’t happen because you fail early.

And it doesn’t happen because you fail often. Or fail forward. Success happens because you refuse to accept failure. And you keep moving forward. You fight forward. Like the apostle Paul said, you “fight the good fight of faith” with your eyes on the prize.

You and I have certainly had our share of obstacles to overcome in this life. Right? Physical challenges. Health problems. Clunky business ideas. Family issues. Lost loved ones. And the list goes on…

But did you succeed at anything because you were willing to fail early? No. Your success came when you refused to quit. And you refused to take on a victim mentality. Or a loser’s perspective.

So, that’s why I say don’t embrace failure. Embrace persistence. Stamina. Courage in the face of adversity. And fight forward. Which means you’ll have to climb over obstacles sometimes. And you’ll have to pick yourself back up when you fall occasionally.

And don’t embrace failure.

Because you only fail when you stop moving forward. When you give up.

In spite of what you might hear, read, or see out there in media land, there’s no such thing as a famous failure.

People love to use Thomas Edison as an example of the whole “fail forward, fail often” silliness. But Mr. Edison agreed with me about the giving up definition of failure:

“Many of life’s failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up.”~ Thomas A. Edison

See? Failures give up. So, should you give up early and give up often? I’m sure you know the answer.

Fight forward every day you’re alive.
Ask God to give you wisdom and drive.
It won’t give me a bit of surprise
When He helps you keep your eyes on the prize.

Stay tuned,

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Posted on June 11, 2020 by TonyJune 11, 2020

Music is wrong - don't sing along - ignore this song

Music is wrong these days

Or maybe it’s right. Wait a minute. Maybe I shouldn’t say music is wrong because there’s no right or wrong in music. But what about music you can’t sing along to? Wouldn’t that be wrong? Or how about music with lots of vulgar language and themes? Can that kind of music be good for anything? Maybe none of this matters to you. If so, tune me out and go back to your iTunes.

Headlines say music is wrong these days. And they say it’s more awesomer than ever.

But both those opinions lack depth and clarity. Because music…real music…will never be wrong. And it’s certainly not the best it’s ever been. Not by a long shot.

Of course, I could offer up the usual “my generation’s music was the best” argument. But I’m not gonna. Because my generation’s music wasn’t the best. Apologies (sort of) to all my fellow baby boomers. But before you other generations, who came after us, start high-fiving, your music stinks. Compared to real music. Real composed and arranged music. By truly skilled composers.

Not simple singer songwriters.

And I say that as a singer songwriter. So, if I’m biased, it’s a bias even against myself.

But why do I even bring it up? Well, I wouldn’t, except I saw yet another online generational debate about it. And even as I read the opinions Moonlight Sonata floated up into my brain. (Thank goodness.) The major to minor transitions gently glided and guided me back into a solid, sensible combination of imagination and reality.

Great music does that.

True compositions from highly gifted composers rise above and beyond overused terms like “awesome” and “amazing.” And they can take you there too. But it requires more than “taste.” You’ll need to hone your appreciation.

And when you appreciate the songs you hear,
It’s like the still, small voice of God can draw near.
And if you’re not moved to faith and hope by a song,
Then maybe that’s when the music you hear is wrong.

Stay tuned,

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Posted on June 10, 2020 by TonyJune 17, 2020

When stars collide or just go on a joyride

Ain’t it nice when stars collide?

Yeah, usually that expression, when stars collide, brings on visions of falling in love. But what about when actual stars crash into each other? It’s all bliss and fun till somebody gets hurt. Right?

Fortunately it’s a rare event when stars collide.

So rare that scientists had never seen it happen until recently. At least that’s what I found in one article. But you sort of have to take that article with a shaker of salt. Because they included a video with words. And they told a fairy tale that started out with “About 130 million years ago, two neutron stars, in a nearby galaxy, were spiraling toward each other.” So, it’s virtually impossible to take anything else they say seriously.

And that’s not all to the fairy tale. It continued with “As they did, they distorted space and time, making ripples in the fabric of spacetime.” No, I’m not making this up. They already did that. Yeah, it’s a made up theory. Because there’s no way to distort time. It’s not material. And it’s certainly not fabric.

But I’m not a scientist. And I’ve never played one on TV. I’m just a singer and a writer and an entrepreneur.

So, maybe you should totally disregard what I say about deep scientific matters.

But what if I told you this? In our galaxy, “about 60% of all stars are grouped in closely spaced pairs called binaries.” And what if I told you “these fast binary stars did not evolve from larger stars, because larger stars orbiting so closely would collide.” I bet you’d look at that information and say something like…

“If two stars cannot evolve into a condition that has them orbiting each other every 11 minutes, one wonders whether stars evolve at all.”

And I’d have to agree with you.

But I know my Christian worldview means I’m biased against science. Right?

Wrong.

I’m biased against bogus science. The kind of science that starts out each of its fairy tales with “millions of years ago.” Or something like that. Yeah, that rubbish is so debunked. So twentieth century.

But if you wanna believe in evolution fairy tales,
Then you should get yourself a job in telemarketing sales.
Because you could earn so much you could fill a black hole.
But you could gain the whole wide world and lose your soul.

Stay tuned,

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Posted on June 9, 2020 by TonyJune 17, 2020

Music and color wires crossed for something gained and something lost

The music and color connection

No, it’s not the same thing as the rainbow connection, Kermit. Imagine your brain seeing music and color. Sounds a little odd, but very interesting to me. For the longest time I’ve connected music and other sounds to colors. And I always thought it was just my imagination. But, as it turns out, I might have my wires crossed.

Connecting music and colors is a disease.

Not really. But it apparently IS a brain condition. And, of course, researchers have come up with a name for it. Synesthesia. And they say there’s a part of your brain that recognizes letters and words. Then, there’s another part of your brain that perceives colors. And those two parts are right next to each other.

So, some of those researchers believe those two areas can activate each other. Or at least they do in about 4% of the population.

What that means is someone with synesthesia can see a letter or a number, and other neurons in their brain activate color cells. And so it’s almost as if they can’t help but see the letters and numbers as colors.

Some people who are affected by synesthesia believe it helps them remember numbers and math. Others say it’s not so simple. Because certain colors that represent numbers don’t add up. (pun slightly intended)

But I don’t take the whole scientific approach to it. And I don’t worry about whether or not it’s genetic. Or learned. Or both. Because I don’t think much of that matters to me. And I don’t suffer in any way as I connect colors to music. Far from it. In fact, it adds to the beauty I’m able to see and hear in songs.

And I can’t prove this, but I wouldn’t be completely surprised if maybe the whole music and color connection is gloriously reconnected when we get to Heaven. Of course, that would be just a minor added bonus to being with the Creator of the universe forever.

I hear the color blue in my head,
And it blends like a cloud into red.
Then the cloud turns to droplets of green
Splashing into an aquamarine
Ocean of cool morning dew.
And it transports me right back to blue.

Stay tuned,

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Posted on June 8, 2020 by TonyJune 17, 2020

Fight the good fight

Do you fight the good fight? Or do you avoid it altogether? Or worse yet, do you allow yourself to be a punching bag for all those knuckleheads out there fighting the bad fight? And does it even matter?

By the way, you don’t have to be a Foreman or Tyson to fight the good fight.

Because the “good fight” isn’t about your pugilistic prowess. And it’s actually not about your physical fitness. But it IS about your willingness to go “round after round” with your opponents. So, it’s a good idea to be ready.

I’m not gonna “tease” the answer and then write a long, profound dissertation. I’ll just cut to the chase and tell you this is about your faith. In eternal life and the One who provides it.

And it’s a lifelong battle. Because the whole world would love to see you lose your faith. Or denounce it. In fact, recently there have been a few somewhat high-profile people announcing their “walk away from the faith.” And I’m sure demons and dummies all around the world lust over that news.

When you know most of the world is against you, it can seem like you’re up against an unbeatable foe. And if that happens, you’re being selfish.

Uh-oh. Maybe I just started a fight with that.

Now, hang on. I’m not talking about selfish in the “this is mine and you can’t have any” way. I mean you’re focused on your own limited abilities. And that’s not a winning strategy.

Instead…guard your faith with wisdom from your Creator. And trust He’ll give you strength, courage, and the words to do and say what needs to be said and done. Otherwise, you’ll find yourself turning away from the Truth that sets you free. And you could end up like those high profile knuckleheads who trust “…the profane and idle babblings and contradictions of what is falsely called knowledge…” AND “by professing it some have strayed concerning the faith.”

Knowledge can lead to understanding. And understanding can lead to wisdom. And wisdom leads to eternal life with your Creator. So, chin up. Eyes on the prize. And don’t keep it to yourself. There’s probably someone close to you who needs to hear about it.

Guard your faith. Guard your heart.
Every day’s a brand new start.

Stay tuned,

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Posted on June 7, 2020 by TonyNovember 6, 2024

I like the sound of a music heartbeat

I’ve shared, a few times here on the website, how music can be good for your brain. And I’ve also talked about how music is good for heart healing. And now I’d like to add a little bit of the benefits of what I’ll call your music heartbeat.

So how can music help your heartbeat?

Well according to something I read, “a study from Wisconsin evaluated 45 patients who had suffered heart attacks within the previous 72 hours.” I didn’t see a link to that study, but the information I found on the Harvard Medical School website looked legitimate. Anyway…

The study also said those patients were all stable, and they were “randomly assigned to listen to classical music or simply continue with routine care” for about 20 minutes. And the report said the ones who listened to music almost immediately showed drops in their heart rates and breathing rates. Plus, their hearts didn’t seem to need as much oxygen to function.

Listening to music didn’t seem to lower blood pressure. But the benefits it DID have lasted at least an hour after the patients stopped listening. And they appeared to have less anxiety…which is typically high with heart attack patients.

Of course, when something works, you wanna find out how to make the most of it. Right? And those researchers wanted to see if short term benefits of listening to music could last longer. So, they came up with a some other tracking ideas. They chose over 700 patients, who were scheduled for heart catheter surgery, to receive either the standard care or care with some “extras.”

And they came up with standard care plus prayer, or standard care with prayer and music, standard care and MIT (a combination of music, imaging, and touch therapy), or just MIT.

From what I could tell, they didn’t come up with conclusive data to show long-lasting effects of any of those combinations. But, after six months, they did say the MIT patients experienced less “anxiety and emotional distress.” And they were apparently “65% less likely to die” after surgery. But wouldn’t you know, they had to add, “prayer was not associated with any potential benefit.”

So, while they said, “It’s impossible to know if music was the key component,” they had no problem with a definitive statement about prayer.

But what about your spiritual music heartbeat?

Sure, it’s great that listening to music can help increase your blood flow by 26% or more. But that helps your physical heart and health for a little while. And even if it extends your life by years, you’re still gonna run out of gas one day. And then what?

Well, that’s where the benefits of prayer come kick in. Because good arteries, blood pressure, and heart health won’t get you into Heaven. And wouldn’t you rather go to Heaven and live forever than exist as a dark, lonely bodiless soul in hell?

I gotta say, the joy and hopeful anticipation of living forever in Heaven is music to my ears AND heart.

My music heartbeat is the rhythm to my soul.
And it will beat for me forever and a day.
‘Cause my Creator is the healthplan I can trust.
And He’s the song of life I sing along the Way.

Stay tuned,

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Posted on June 6, 2020 by TonyJune 6, 2020

Freedom from oppression is in serious regression

Freedom from oppression? Uh, no.

What do China and Leavenworth federal penitentiary have in common? Answer”most everyone in each place would like to get out. Well, that’s probably true about China. But Leavenworth? Hmm…I’m not so sure the inmates feel the need for freedom from oppression in prisons anymore. In fact, I’m sure there are plenty of them who prefer the security of all their needs being met. But maybe that’s just me. And maybe I’m wrong. That happened to me once before.

Freedom from oppression is not the same as peace.

China and Leavenworth both have a fair amount of daily “peace”going on. As long as you don’t rock the boat in those places, you can live your daily life in relative peace. But there’s no freedom. And true lovers of liberty would gladly trade their peaceful existence, in prison or under tyrannical governments, for freedom.

America was founded on the principles of freedom. Freedom from”and freedom to.

Freedom from religious oppression and tyrannical leaders. Freedom to assemble, speak, bear arms, etc. And our freedoms are often the tools would-be tyrannical leaders use against us. It’s ironic but true.

As a writer, I’m thankful for the freedom I still have (at least for now) to express myself. Like I am right now. And it’s awesome to be able to compose, arrange, and produce songs for my own pleasure, for businesses, and for audiences.

But I’m just like anybody else. I’ve taken my freedom for granted. And that’s the enigma of freedom. It makes a free people lackadaisical about how and why they’re free. So, they begin to assume and believe freedoms will never be taken away. But if history teaches us anything, and for most people it never does, it’s that freedoms CAN be taken away.

And are.

And they’re being taken from us right now. From under our very noses, as we bury them in our digital devices.

But maybe the oppressors just wanna take a little.

Yeah, that’s just how it works.
Turn a blind eye to the jerks
Who just want a piece of your life and your peace
And maybe a few of the perks.

Stay tuned,

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Posted on June 5, 2020 by TonyJune 5, 2020

Perfect point of view that I wrote this to imbue

I have a perfect point of view

Hmm…maybe I should clarify. I’m not talking about a perfect opinion on some idea of the day. Although my opinions tend to suit me, perfectly. No, the perfect point of view I’m talking about (and singing about) is an attitude.

A grateful attitude gave me the perfect point of view.

Recently I went through a sixty day challenge. And my self-imposed challenge was to write, arrange, and produce 10 to 12 tracks for a music project. I mentioned this in other posts. But I’m singling out one of those tracks today. Because it’s a sparkly little tune with an appreciation for how life is full of wonder.

Huge. And tiny wonder. All around us.

And it’s not a difficult job for me to close my eyes, lean back, and see a kaleidoscope of wonder. Because I’ve always worked on, and developed a sparkling imagination. Based on a combination of reality and pure make believe.

It’s why I’ve enjoyed creating multiple music projects for kids. Because they appreciate the silliness of a peppermint pony. And the possibility of flying through the air. Even all the way to other planets.

But this recent music project wasn’t designed for kids. Although, they might like ’em, too. These latest songs are to inspire optimism and hope. Gratitude and fortitude. And just plain, plump and juicy positivity.

One of the songs is only a little over two minutes long. So, it doesn’t stand out as a big deal. But out of all thirteen new tracks, this tune keeps popping up in my brain. And I keep whistling it. Hmm…wonder if there’s something to that?

I fly”till tangled thoughts untie
Up where my dreams are all true blue.
So high”ideas electrify
And charge a perfect point of view.

Stay tuned,

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Posted on June 4, 2020 by TonyJune 5, 2020

Color of evolution won't be starting a revolution

Ah, the color of evolution

If you have the right hue and a bright shining light, are you more evolved than somebody else? Well, maybe. At least if you’re a star. And at least if you’re willing to let your theory be “sprung.” Now, I don’t mean a celebrity. I’m talking about actual stars and their color of evolution. Allow me to explain…at least a little.

The color of evolution, for stars, is supposed to show movement and time.

A couple of people, named Hertzsprung and Russell, (that’s all I know about ’em) came up with a diagram for stellar (star) evolution. And they did it by arranging a bunch of stars on paper according to color and absolute brightness.

Now, according to these, uh, scientists shall we say? you could know each star’s age by where it’s placed on the diagram.

Of course, my first question is…who gets to determine where those positions will be?

Anyway…

There’s a problem with the diagram. Astronomers know that stars in big star clusters had to form at just about the same time. But many times the Hertzsprung-Russell diagram assigns “drastically different ages” to those stars.

But what does all that have to do with you and me in our little ol’ lives down here on planet Earth? Well, the age of those stars isn’t gonna change what we have for dinner. Or where we’re gonna take our next vacation. Or even how long we’re gonna live.

So the age of those stars really isn’t a big deal.

Unless…

Unless you wanna be accurate with how everything in the universe formed. And if you wanna get a good handle on how old everything is. Yeah, if any of that matters to you…and it should…it’s a good idea to study the evidence. Not manipulate it.

And the evidence will take you to forever
Where you’ll never die again. And I mean never.
So, I urge you to double-check your diagram,
And be sure it doesn’t ignore the great I Am.

Stay tuned,

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Posted on June 3, 2020 by TonyJune 3, 2020

Which color is right? Red, yellow, black, or white?

Do you know which color is right?

Black and white issues, in the world, aren’t so black and white. And the main reason I say that is because I’ve never met an actual black man or woman. And I’ve never met an actual white woman or man. But I’ve seen lots of different shades of brown, tan, and beige. And I’ve never had a problem figuring out which color is right.

So, “Which color is right?” is a trick question.

Because they’re all wrong. Unless you’re trying to pick a color for the trim in your house. But if you’re talking about human beings, they all tend to be wrong. And there aren’t any “good” colors.

Here’s an excerpt from something I wrote five years ago. Notice how it totally fits today’s news…

“Sadly, many people who claim to be “non-judgmental”when it comes to the color of a person’s skin are some of the first to bring skin color up when a heinous crime has been committed. I’m sure you’ve heard, over and over in the news, how white cops are killing black people. Or how blacks are attacking whites. And so on and so on. The point is”if you’re gonna be non-judgmental when it comes to skin color, why wouldn’t you just report one human being committing a crime against another? Why would you even think to make it a racial issue? If someone murders someone else, I don’t care what the skin colors were (other than to hunt down the perpetrator). I care that a precious life was snuffed out at the hands of a murderer.”

And here are some lyrics to a song I wrote even further back in 1987. Race/color was just as much an issue way back then as it is today. There’s nothing new under the sun. And humans will never make enough laws to change hearts. Because laws aren’t love.

Colorblind

Look in the mirror tell me what do you see
A person who’s as normal as a person can be
You watch your money right down to the last dime
You know that life’s a struggle but you’re gonna make the climb
Wouldn’t it be nice if we could all keep the pace
Instead of having to be judged by the color of our face”
And be colorblind”let’s be colorblind

Well we’re equal when we’re born; so some famous men have said
But there’s still some crazy notions in a lot of people’s heads
They don’t want to face the future while they’re living in the past
We’ve got to learn to live together and we’ve got to make it last
Do you think that God in Heaven would be proud of what he sees
I think He wants us all to stop and get rid of this disease
And be colorblind”let’s be colorblind

inst”

Colorblind; it’s just a state of mind
Why on earth can’t we believe it
Colorblind; a gift we give ourselves
So why on earth can’t we receive it and be colorblind”let’s be colorblind

We share the stars and the world keeps spinning round
We share the sun, and it never lets us down
Why can’t we share with all the peoples of the earth
Because colors don’t determine what another person’s worth
I’d love to see it but perhaps I never will
“˜Cause the devil’s doing damage and it’s hard to keep him still

Stay tuned,

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Posted on June 2, 2020 by TonyJune 2, 2020

Opinions are mostly wrong (in my opinion)

Yeah, even your own. Because, here’s an eye-opener for lots of people. You’re not infallible. And before you even think I’m thinking I am, I’m not. I found out, a long time ago, how opinions are mostly wrong. And “wrong” knows no boundaries of gender, race, color, ethnicity, or religion. But I’m talking about the human aspect only.

Since opinions are mostly wrong, it’s a good idea to form one with wisdom.

But that requires work. And the kind of work the vast majority of people on our planet want to be as far away from as the East is from the West. So, what you end up with are opinions of all shapes and sizes.

And those opinions turn into debates. Debates turn into arguments. Arguments turn into pushing. Pushing into shoving. Shoving into kicking. Kicking into killing. And before you know things start to get really serious.

So, what’s a fallible human to do?

Start over with a different opinion? No, I think that would just lead to another serpent devouring itself. Maybe the solution isn’t found in opinions. Maybe it’s found in truth. And what if there’s a trustable truth? A truth so trustable it deserves a capital T. And a capital T because it represents the very source of trustable Truth.

Wouldn’t that be cool?

Well, what if I told you (like I’m telling you now) that trustable Truth is real? And I’ve got proof. How would you like that? You know what my experience has been with that idea? People don’t generally like it. In fact, they hate it. Because it takes away their silly human sovereignty. And replaces it with absolute sovereignty. And like the title to a Kim Carnes song says, “That’s Where The Trouble Lies.”

So, I’ll just leave you with this. You can learn to trust the Source of Truth now. Or you can see if you’re able to move past the extreme limitations of your dying self and selfishness. I’m betting on the first choice. Because it’s the only real choice.

But maybe that’s just my opinion, and…

Everybody’s Got One

Jesse says he wants equality; says we’ve got goals to reach
Jimmy’s war is with iniquity; says he’s got souls to teach
Norma claims that it’s her right to make her own decision
Nancy wildly disagrees; they’re on a one-way collision

Every time you know you’re right
Your opinion’s like a stick of dynamite
And everybody’s got one!

Danny says he wants respect; says he’s got a job to do
But David jabs and pokes his fun; just the same as me and you
Pat declares we all should pay to clean up our environment
And Joan believes it’s federal; so leave it to the government

Every time you know you’re right
Your opinion’s like a stick of dynamite
And everybody’s got one…everybody’s got one

Everybody’s got one
Sometimes it’s right, but sometimes we put it in the wrong place
Everybody’s got one
Sometimes we should hold back,
And those times we end up with egg on our face
It’s our right, but we’re not always right…not always right,

But everybody’s got one

Scott insists that we evolved; that Darwin proved it years ago
But Tony’s faith is with his God; the Holy Spirit tells him so
And Sue defends the life she leads; calls herself a working girl
But Kathy says she sold her soul,
And that’s the problem with the world

Every time you know you’re right,
Your opinion’s like a stick of dynamite
And everybody’s got one…everybody’s got one

Chorus…inst…chorus to end

Stay tuned,

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Posted on June 1, 2020 by TonyJune 1, 2020

Normal people aren't cool. What you lookin' at fool?

Remember normal people?

Quite a few years back, I remember hearing my father-in-law mention how he mowed the lawn for “an old lady” down the street. For free. Not as part of business or anything like that. He was already retired. No, he just did it to help her out. Because she didn’t have any children or other family dropping in on her to help. So, my father-in-law just did what “normal people” used to do.

Normal people ain’t cool no mo, bro.

And I know using the term “bro” isn’t even cool anymore. (I never cared for it anyway, but…)

People who just wanna “sit and visit” with neighbors with a glass of lemonade or tea. And people who don’t wanna sit around telling dirty jokes while they “watch the game.” And people who don’t have tattoos from head to toe. Yeah, those all used to be normal people.

But that ain’t cool now.

And there’s only one thing more important than being cool. No wait. There’s nothing more important than being cool. ‘Cause coolness is the ticket to paradise. Right? Coolness gets you in “all the right places.” Seen with “all the right peeps.” So with all your getting, get cool. Nix normal.

Normal is so 20th Century. It’s so silver screen. And it’s only for the boring bourgeois. Oops. Bourgeois is probably too normal. So, I might have just revealed my numbskull normalcy (aka normality). If so, so be it. Give me the old norm over the so-called “new norm” any day, week, month, or year.

Does it make me your enemy if my norm doesn’t match yours?

Probably. Because people are so easily offended these day. And they’re so quick to anger. And so slow to wisdom. But guess what? That’s not new. You might believe you’re part of the cream of the cause du jour. But you’re only doing what human beings have done for thousands of years. Rebelling against God.

And I know the “cool peeps” aren’t gonna listen to a knucklehead from the old norm, like me. But your rebellion against God won’t go well for you. So, I urge you to spend a little less time on tattoos and tough talk and a lot more time working on wisdom.

Hey! What was that? Looked like a tiny bee. Oh wait. No, it was my words going in one ear and out the other.

Normal people used to smile and then say hi
When they saw you on the sidewalk passing by.
But nowadays I guess that kind of stuff’s not cool.
If you do it, they’ll all know that you’re old school.
So, remember when you go somewhere today,
There ain’t nothin’ that you need to do or say
To acknowledge anybody you might see.
Just be cool because it’s all you need to be.

Stay tuned,

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Posted on May 31, 2020 by TonyMay 31, 2020

Yeah, sometimes the bad guys win

When the goalposts are pushed further and further back, it’s no wonder justice can’t “score”anymore. And if you’re up on human nature at all, you realize bad guys win because of sin.

And I know this is gonna sound controversial…even to many (if not most) Christians. But bad guys win because bad guys sin. And not because God or the devil made “˜em do it.

All this riot stuff going on (mostly at night, by the way) is happening because humans are choosing to do it. Not because God predestined or preordained them to do it. I gotta tell you…I’m amazed I even have to make a point like that.

Seems like it would be a natural thought process in the mind of every Christian believer. A process that says, “Hmm…God so loved the world (us), He offered His Son as a sacrifice for all the despicable things we do. So, it makes sense He wouldn’t pre-program us to do all those despicable things. Because that would just be sadistic to his incarnate Son.

No, bad guys win because bad guys choose to be bad.

You know, in your heart, there are plenty of times in your life…maybe even in your everyday life, when those dark thoughts come up in your mind. And you also know, in your heart, you could easily choose to go through with them.

But you don’t because you’d rather choose to be more like your Creator would like you to be. And you know you wouldn’t want to have bad things done to you. So, you don’t do bad things to others.

And it’s so cool how that works, right?

It’s interesting how choosing to live life God’s way makes life so much better. Of course, it can also mean others might hate you and persecute you. But they can only do that for a little while. Because the death rate is still 1:1. Nobody gets out of this world alive.

All those who choose to ignore God and do horrible things to their fellow humans will definitely pay for their stupid choices. Maybe not (in many cases, probably not) in this lifetime. But they will stand before the Judge of all heaven and earth one day.

And when that time comes, there won’t be any new designer sneakers or big screen TV’s cool enough to plea bargain their way out of punishment.

Think of it this way…

So, even through your darkest days and nights
When hardly anyone respects your rights,
Remember no injustice goes unseen.
The Lord will one day choose to intervene,
And with His love and justice He’ll peace
With life, to all who love Him, that won’t cease.
Then bad guys won’t be busting down your door
Because there won’t be any…anymore.

Stay tuned,

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Or how about some music for kids

Posted on May 30, 2020 by TonyMay 30, 2020

Interstellar gas will never pass for Classical Gas

Your theory has to pass through interstellar gas

First off, what is interstellar gas? And why should anybody care? Well, you might be sorry you asked. But here goes. It’s the “gas in ionic, atomic, and molecular form, as well as dust and cosmic rays.” And it’s found in the space between stars. And you should care because it’s more evidence against theories like evolution and the Big Bang. As if anyone believes those anymore.

Interstellar gas never won a Grammy, but it’s still instrumental.

It occurs to me, some readers (or listeners) might not know what I’m talking about when I mention Classical Gas. To that I say, “What?! Are you kidding me?!”

OK, I get it. Not everybody who’s old enough to be curious was even born when Classical Gas was a hit. Too bad. Because it was on the radio, a lot, starting way back in 1968. And it’s still one of my all time favorite guitar instrumentals. Plus, it won 3 Grammy’s in 1969. And BMI gave Mason Williams a “Citation of Achievement” for being their “all-time number-one instrumental composition for radio air play.” Not too shabby, right? Here…give it a listen…

And as awesome as Classical Gas is, it’s still light years away from interstellar gas. Literally. And figuratively. Because some scientists still say stars and planets formed from interstellar gas. And a universe that’s even six billion times older than everybody who can remember Classical Gas wouldn’t be old enough for that to happen.

In fact, according to Fred Hoyle and Chandra Wickramasinghe, “…there is no reasonable astronomical scenario in which mineral grains can condense.“By the way, Fred Hoyle and Chandra Wickramasinghe were astronomers who came up with theories and ideas like stellar nucleosynthesis, panspermia, and how dust in space is mostly organic. (proved true)

So, since stars and planets didn’t form from gases, how did they get here?

I know, if you’ve read much of what I’ve ever shared, you’re ahead of me. Yeah, they were created. And that’s a much more logical and loving way to look at how the universe, and everything in it, got here.

A loving God made a universe so vast
That it makes us curious about our past.
But the evidence is clear how God wanted us all here.
Love’s the only logic that remains steadfast.

Stay tuned,

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Posted on May 29, 2020 by TonyMay 29, 2020

Sound and light can make you feel alright

Traveling at the speed of sound and light

About 20 years ago, I remember reading a book (don’t remember the title right now) about the three essential parts of a human being. Body, soul, and spirit. And it mentioned how it’s hard to comprehend the soul and spirit because you can’t see them. But then the author talked about light being undulatory and corpuscular. I love those words. They’re so full of rhythm. And they just mean light is made of waves and particles. So far, it appears sound is only waves. But sound and light both have unseen benefits.

Sound and light contain something you can’t see.

What if you could sanitize your water bottle just by closing it? Wouldn’t that be cool? Well, some of your Christmas lights might just do the trick. And I’m only halfway kidding.

Apparently there’s a company, in California, that have a “state-of-the-art water bottle capable of cleaning itself and purifying the water that’s inside it”. And they say it “utilizes environmentally-friendly UV-C technology to purify up to 99.9999% of bacteria and 99.99% of viruses when it’s set to its highest mode.”

I’m not a wackadoo “environmentalist” who believes the environment is as important as (or even more important than) human beings. But I do love it when we humans discover how sound and light can help us get and stay healthier. And that water bottle is a great example. It has tiny UV LEDs in the lid that only comes on when the bottle is closed.

You just push the lid down to activate the lights. And the company says the lights “eradicate bacteria and viruses in 60 seconds.”

Mighty cool.

UV-C light, which is in those tiny LEDs, is deadly to bacteria and viruses, including that virus you’ve been reading about so much. And there are already companies working on making the technology more powerful AND cheaper.

His goal is to make those LEDs more powerful, robust and cheaper.

What if watching TV with surround sound is actually good for you?

Keep in mind, I’m not talking about the programming. Because about 99.9% of that is bad for you. And always will be unless people stop watching it.

No, I’m talking about the light from the TV screens. And the sound (aka music) from the speakers.

TV manufacturers are figuring out ways to utilize micro-LEDs that emit the entire spectrum of light, including infrared and ultraviolet. And they’ll rave about the more dazzling colors and contrast. But what if they can figure out a safe way to use the virus killing benefits of LEDs in their screens? I can just imagine watching TV as viruses and bacteria are being invisibly destroyed.

And it shouldn’t only be TV’s.

We don’t even have a TV here in the FunderBungalow. But there’s another screen I sit in front of day after day as I work. I know you’re way ahead of me. Yeah, I bask in the glow my MacBook and iPad pretty much every day. And there’s a lot of talk (mostly weird stuff) about unhealthy radiation from computers, tablets, and smartphones.

But what if the manufacturers start figuring out cost-effective ways to use LEDs. In fact, there are “rumors” Apple is working on some products, like iPads and MacBooks, with mini-LEDs. And those LEDs are already in camera viewfinders. So, it seems like a natural fit.

See and hear – healing and faith

Try this information connection on for size. The Bible mentions how Light came into the world to save us. You might call it (and I am calling it, which is also “Him”) healing. And the Bible also says “faith comes by hearing.” So…

Traveling at the speed of sound and light,
On a collision course with what is right,
Focus on the prize. You’ll never lose sight
Of Who will take you through the darkest night.

Stay tuned,

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Posted on May 28, 2020 by TonyFebruary 24, 2025

Doodles and poodles

Doodles and poodles and noodles. What do they have in common? Well, duh. They all rhyme, of course. But even more than that, they’re all found in one song for kids. And, yeah, that song happens to be one written by your favorite RhymeTender…me.

Doodles and poodles and a certain monkey

Way back in 2001 I wrote and produced some personalized music for kids. And I started selling CD’s (You remember those, right?) on another one of my websites. Then, Elgielene and I went to kids’ stores all around the Denver, Colorado metro area (and up in the mountains) and got our CD’s in several of them.

The first kids’ store to include our CD’s in their inventory was called Monkey Doodles. And they were in a small shopping center in Evergreen, a small town in the foothills of the Rockies.

The owners of the store (and their purchase manager) loved the songs. So, they put our colorful display right up on their front counter. Talk about prime retail real estate! And I don’t know how many CD’s we sold. But it was oodles. People loved the songs. And many customers bought special order CD’s of names we didn’t have yet.

We ended up selling thousands of CD’s through that store, about seven others, and on our website. And one thing I did, to show our appreciation to those stores, was create custom songs with the store names in them. Of course, since Monkey Doodles was first, their song was first.

Here are the lyrics.

Monkey Doodles

Swirling, whirling, colored brushes
Painting green skies and orange crushes
Yellow donkeys, purple poodles
What we’ve got are Monkey Doodles.

See the blue horse and its blue colt
In a lemon thunderbolt?
Look, they’re eating Neptune noodles!
What we’ve got are Monkey Doodles.

Monkey Doodles…just for fun
By the oodles…by the ton
They don’t look real when they’re done…
Monkey Doodles just for fun.

You should jump on the The TRUTH and be part of the growing band of ne’er-do-wells who understand that life has Rhyme and Reason because God made us.

Stay tuned,

Posted on May 27, 2020 by TonyMay 27, 2020

Serious as a heart attack. Music helps your heart heal back.

You know me. Always serious as a heart attack.

Side note (right here at the front of this article): apparently there are people who look up what “serious as a heart attack” means. Seems like it’s self-evident. But I guess that’s just me. Anyway…what’s any of this got to do with anything I ever talk about? Plenty.

You might have already guessed I’m not always as serious as a heart attack.

In fact, I’m almost never that serious. But the reason I bring up the saying, or phrase, or whatever you wanna call it is to share a connection with music again. Yeah, music and heart attacks.

Another article about it popped up on my radar today. And it mentioned how some doctors believe “music therapy can help all patients after a heart attack.” And after monitoring heart attack patients they also said, “Thirty minutes a day of listening to music reduced anxiety, pain sensation and pain distress.”

So music can help. And it doesn’t hurt. Hmm…that sounds like something worth adding to protocols for better recovery. Because anything that can help alleviate anxiety, fear, and pain for any of life’s challenges is worth having. Right? And since the Bible says “faith comes by hearing”, then it seems reasonable to think health comes by listening.

Of course, doctors don’t recommend music as the only treatment for heart attack patients. They recommend adding it to the regimen of proper medications and exercise. But I thought it was mighty cool how much credence was given to music for its healthy benefits. And that brings up the obvious question…

Which one IS the best medicine? Laughter? Or music? (hint: it’s a trick question)

Laughter And Love

And so, for the moment”dream
Of the days to come
When you’ll learn to run in fields of green.
You’ll laugh when you’re feeling right.
When you’re feeling wrong,
You will cry for things you’ve not yet seen.

Oh, but your laughter means so much more, you’ll see.

So, think of the life you’ll live,
Of the smiles you’ll give,
And remember love to all you know.
For years come and go so fast,
Present fades to past
All that’s left is pastel afterglow.

Yes, but your laughter means so much more, you’ll see.

Living a life that is empty of joy
Can be no more than living in pain,
But a life that is lived much in laughter and love
Can be relived again and again.

Stay tuned,

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Or how about some music for kids

Posted on May 26, 2020 by TonyMay 30, 2020

Brain computer interface could put a smile on your face

Hey hon, where’d I put my
brain computer interface?

Apparently there’s a way to connect a computer to your brain and possibly help control your feelings. I know what you’re saying right off. “Where can I get me one of those, Tony?” Right? Well, I know it sounds a little weird, but you can actually buy a brain computer interface.

Yeah, I found a brain computer interface for sell.

Now, before you pile on your little clever remarks, I wasn’t looking for a brain computer interface. Because my brain is already computer enough for me. And I’m an eternally loyal customer of the Manufacturer.

No, I saw an article about connecting brains and computers. And it said this could be, “…a first step towards new brain-driven music therapies, by enabling a better understanding of the relationship between our emotions and what happens in our brain as we listen to music.”

And the same article described it as “…a new form of neural technology that is able to interface directly between our brain and music.”

Maybe it works. And maybe it’s just a pathway to mind control from Big Brother (I doubt that). One book on the subject calls it “Cognitive Analysis and Control Applications.” And the acronym might tell the right story. (You might have to look closer to get my jab.)

But whether or not it’s true, right now, imagine this.

Let’s say you’re a person who deals with depression on a daily basis. (I’ve heard those people do exist.) And let’s say you “hook up” your brain to a tiny computer you can wear. Maybe on your head or your arm. And let’s say that tiny computer can monitor your EEG, and it detects when you start feeling depressed.

What if that computer could generate some appropriate music to make you feel happier?

Wouldn’t that be great? And are you ready to get yours? Sorry, I’m not an affiliate for any interfaces like that. So, I don’t have a link to share with you. And you should do a lot more research on your own. I’m just putting it out there for your consideration.

Of course, I’m a firm believer in the power of music to help with depression. And lots of other ailments, too. Because I’m a personal friend of the music Manufacturer. And His warranty beats any others anywhere.

A brain computer interface
Might put a smile upon your face.
But it won’t last unless you know
The place where you can always go
For happiness beyond compare.
I recommend that you start there.

Stay tuned,

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Or how about some music for kids

Posted on May 25, 2020 by TonyMay 25, 2020

Taps for America played when Liberty was betrayed

Taps and lights out

I remember (at least a little) when Taps was played during the funeral proceedings for President Kennedy. But I didn’t remember the bugler’s clinkers during the minute long song. Not until I looked at old video footage. And, of course, people feel the need to make fun of the guy for “missing” notes. But it was a cold day, which is extremely tough on brass instruments. And probably more than just a little pressure to play a farewell song for an assassinated president.

Taps for soldiers is one thing, but…

As I’m writing this, it’s Memorial Day 2020. And American patriots are taking time to remember all those soldiers who died fighting for our freedoms. I’m certainly grateful for their supreme sacrifices. Because they helped ensure the rest of us could live our lives doing what we choose to do. Like writing words and music and rhymes and reasons.

Here, in America, we’ve been able to live and thrive, for generations, because of freedom. Liberty. And even love for our neighbors. But it’s beginning to look like Taps will be played for our country much sooner than previous generations would have imagined. And the trouble is…there might not be any freedom-loving patriot left to play the song when that time comes.

But I could be (and I hope I am) wrong.

Maybe lovers of life and liberty will soon say, “Enough of this shameful behavior, America. It’s time to water our roots in our God-given rights again. And it’s time to prune off the dead branches of selfishness, socialism, and superstition.”

Yeah, that would be cool to see. But I’m not holding my breath.

And just in case you’d like to put some words to the music next time you listen to Taps…

Day is done, gone the sun,
From the lake, from the hills, from the sky;
All is well, safely rest, God is nigh.

Fading light, dims the sight,
And a star gems the sky, gleaming bright.
From afar, drawing nigh, falls the night.

Thanks and praise, for our days,
‘Neath the sun, ‘neath the stars, neath the sky;
As we go, this we know, God is nigh.

Sun has set, shadows come,
Time has fled, Scouts must go to their beds
Always true to the promise that they made.

While the light fades from sight,
And the stars gleaming rays softly send,
To thy hands we our souls, Lord, commend. ~Horace Lorenzo Trim

Stay tuned,

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Posted on May 24, 2020 by TonyJuly 29, 2020

Conversation in a song and a couple of words I'll pass along

A conversation in a song stayed
in the back of my mind

The technical definition of a fugue, in music, is: “a contrapuntal composition in which a short melody or phrase (the subject) is introduced by one part and successively taken up by others and developed by interweaving the parts.” I like to think of it, simply, as a conversation in a song. Either with different instruments, or with voices. And an example of that is a song, from the musical “Guys And Dolls”, called “Fugue for the Tinhorns.”

They had a conversation in a song…about a horse.

It’s been so long since I saw the movie, but I can remember this song from “Guys And Dolls.” And Stubby Kaye, a fairly round guy, sang the main part, with a couple of other guys jumping in. Here’s their conversation:

I got the horse right here

The name is Paul Revere

And here’s a guy that says IF the weather’s clear

Can do, can do, this guy says the horse can do

If he says the horse can do, can do…can do.

The only reason I bring up the movie and the song is because of those two little words. Can do. They’re part of a song I recently wrote called “I Can Do.” It’s part of an optimistic collection of songs I’ve been putting together for a licensing project.

Apparently positive words and music are “a thing” when it comes to ads, certain movies, and other places where songs are included. Go figure.

And I figure, since I’m basically a positive guy, why not write a bunch of positive songs and put ’em all together?

Sounds good, right? Or should I say, sounds positive?

Anyway…here are some of the lyrics to “I Can Do.” And if you’re a The Power of God’s Love Podcast listener, you’ll hear some of this in this episode.

I know the morning sun will shine,
And so, I’ll draw another line.
I’ll keep a box of all my most important things
Inside my heart where they can be
A constant song of joy to me.
I love the sound of optimism when it sings.
I can do”what I need to. I know it’s so. So, I can do.

One last thing…I didn’t write my latest songs to promote the power of positivity. Because there’s no actual positive power apart from the Creator of music. In fact, when you focus on your own power, and leave God out of the equation, you won’t go far.

But you can look into it and see how right I am about it, or you can ignore it at your peril.

Your choice.

Stay tuned,

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Or how about some music for kids

Why would you want to fail early? Or at all?

Success doesn’t happen because you fail early.

And don’t embrace failure.

Music is wrong these days

Headlines say music is wrong these days. And they say it’s more awesomer than ever.

Great music does that.

Ain’t it nice when stars collide?

Fortunately it’s a rare event when stars collide.

But I know my Christian worldview means I’m biased against science. Right?

The music and color connection

Connecting music and colors is a disease.

Fight the good fight

By the way, you don’t have to be a Foreman or Tyson to fight the good fight.

Uh-oh. Maybe I just started a fight with that.

I like the sound of a music heartbeat

So how can music help your heartbeat?

But what about your spiritual music heartbeat?

Freedom from oppression? Uh, no.

Freedom from oppression is not the same as peace.

I have a perfect point of view

A grateful attitude gave me the perfect point of view.

Ah, the color of evolution

The color of evolution, for stars, is supposed to show movement and time.

So the age of those stars really isn’t a big deal.

Do you know which color is right?

So, “Which color is right?” is a trick question.

Colorblind

Opinions are mostly wrong (in my opinion)

Since opinions are mostly wrong, it’s a good idea to form one with wisdom.

Everybody’s Got One

Remember normal people?

Normal people ain’t cool no mo, bro.

Does it make me your enemy if my norm doesn’t match yours?

Yeah, sometimes the bad guys win

No, bad guys win because bad guys choose to be bad.

Think of it this way…

Your theory has to pass through interstellar gas

Interstellar gas never won a Grammy, but it’s still instrumental.

So, since stars and planets didn’t form from gases, how did they get here?

Traveling at the speed of sound and light

Sound and light contain something you can’t see.

What if watching TV with surround sound is actually good for you?

See and hear – healing and faith

Doodles and poodles

Doodles and poodles and a certain monkey

Monkey Doodles

You know me. Always serious as a heart attack.

You might have already guessed I’m not always as serious as a heart attack.

Laughter And Love

Hey hon, where’d I put my brain computer interface?

Yeah, I found a brain computer interface for sell.

But whether or not it’s true, right now, imagine this.

Taps and lights out

Taps for soldiers is one thing, but…

But I could be (and I hope I am) wrong.

A conversation in a song stayed in the back of my mind

They had a conversation in a song…about a horse.

Sounds good, right? Or should I say, sounds positive?

Hey hon, where’d I put my
brain computer interface?

A conversation in a song stayed
in the back of my mind