The TRUTH Will Set You Free - The blog from - Page 87 of 164

Posted on February 14, 2020 by TonyFebruary 14, 2020

Happy Valentines Day
Does your love look this way?

My wife and I don’t actually “celebrate” Valentines Day. Not because we’re opposed to it. And not because it goes against anything we stand for. It’s because a much more important day for celebrating, for us, comes two days later. That being said, I’ll still wish all you romantical knuckleheads a Happy Valentines Day.

But I hope it represents true love for you. Not those fly-by-night representations of love you see almost everywhere. And in case you’d like to be sure the love you’re celebrating today is real, I’ve set up an informal test.

Take this test ONLY if you want to know how to love correctly.

Here’s the standard, for love, each and every human being should aspire to reach.

“Love suffers long and is kind, love does not envy, love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails.”

Now, see how many you get right

Long suffering and kind (Have you suffered a long time and been able to remain kind?)
Envious love (Have you ever wished for someone else’s life or possessions?)
Love does not parade itself. (Do you feel the need for indiscreet displays of affection in public?)
Puffed up (Have you bragged about your love life to others?)
Rude behavior (Have you argued with your loved one in public?)
Selfishness (Do you always try to win an argument instead of listening to understand?)
Easily provoked (Can a “wrong” word make you fly off the handle?)
Evil thoughts (Have you ever wished andy kind of harm to or problems on your loved one?)
Immoral without remorse (Are you glad when you “get away with it?”)
Love truth (Do you know what truth is? And are you glad about it?)
Can you bear, believe, hope, and endure all things? (That’s a lot of things)
And have you ever stopped loving that special person for any reason?

OK, how’d you do? Did it ruin your Happy Valentines Day?

Whether you came out smelling like a Valentines rose or not, let me know. And by the way, it’s not a bunch of trick questions. Or questions to try to make you feel inadequate in any way. In fact, I can honestly say I came out smelling like a rose. So, if a former road musician can do well, I’m sure you can too.

But if not, it’s not too late to do better. It’s important to work at it. Because in all things, the greatest of these is LOVE.

Love is the greatest gift of all.
Without it everything would fall.
If you don’t know how, then talk to God right now.
His love’s the perfect protocol.

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Posted on February 13, 2020 by TonyFebruary 15, 2020

Come on over to the light side

It’s counterintuitive to me. And I wish it was to every musician. I’m talking about going “dark”with the art and craft of music. Darkness is so prevalent in the music business that going to the light side is what makes you counterculture. That’s not just sad…it’s predictable. And I thought cool dudes didn’t wanna be predictable. [powerpress_player]

Staying on the light side of music is healthier.

Short term. Long term. You want better mental health? Keep your music happy. Positive. Even if you suffer heartbreak, health issues, and even deep emotional loss, don’t go dark. Because there’s always a silver lining. Always. Oh wait…

You might not know where the silver lining is. Yeah, that could be a problem. In fact, it IS a problem for most people on planet Earth. Most. In fact, the vast majority of human beings live out their whole lives in the dark. So, I guess it only makes sense, in a convoluted way, how music creators would go there, too.

But I’ve never been one to want to just be in with the “in”crowd. Because, for most of my life, I’ve known the “in”crowd is outta luck when it comes to real life.

And real life isn’t all about sex, drugs, and rock-n-roll.

Real life, the kind that goes on forever, is so much more fulfilling to write and sing about. After all, it’s gonna be life without end. What’s not to love about that. And doesn’t it all come down to love? It’s only true love, especially unselfish love, that can keep you on the light side.

Love is a force so strong, it could only have originated with God. And He didn’t create love. He IS love. So, I plan to keep writing and singing with happiness in my heart as a result. Because it’s a privilege to reflect His light on this dark world.

The light side of life is the right side of life.
And it takes you where you truly wanna go.
So make a new start. It’s healthy for your heart
And you’ll thank me for this, one fine day, I know.

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Posted on February 12, 2020 by TonyJanuary 1, 2022

Writing it down till it's the talk of the town

I’m writing it down anyway…

No. Don’t try to stop me. Not gonna listen. *fingers in ears* la, la, la, la, la. No matter what you say. No matter how much you plead. I’m gonna find out what’s true. And I’m gonna keep on writing it down. [powerpress_player]

What good does writing it down do?

For the most part, in this world, my words fall on willfully deaf ears. And shuffle past willfully blind eyes. So, for most people, my writing is for nothing.

But even though I”™m writing TO everyone, I realize it”™s not FOR everyone. Only those people who have enough humility to realize truth when they see or hear it. And even that statement, right there, is enough to deeply offend most people.

Sorry, if you”™re not willing to listen to logic and reason. Especially since I share it in poems and songs. I mean, c”™mon…what”™s not to like. And what”™s the worst that could happen, if I”™m right? Well, forget that for now. What”™s the best that could happen, if I”™m right?

You could go to Heaven and live forever with God.

Hard to believe how most people think that”™s a fate worse than death. And that”™s the epitome of irony. Because nothing”™s worse than death. Except dying a second time…which is the only option other than living forever with God.

OK…that”™s all I want to say today. Because tomorrow might turn into today. And if it does, I”™ll have something else to say. Here”™s another rhyming thought about it.

Even One

What’s the use of writin’ anything down?
These kind of words ain’t the talk of the town.
Most people don’t wanna hear what I say.
“˜Cause it doesn”™t always brighten their day.

But if it’s true, then it makes sense to share.
At least if I wanna show that I care
About the lives of the people who read.
The more they ignore, the greater their need.

So, I guess I”™ll keep on writin”™ away
With the hope in mind that maybe today
Someone”™ll read it, and it”™ll make sense
And they”™ll change their mind and jump off the fence.

And they”™ll see my rhymes and reasons are true,
Pointing to the God who loves me and you.
And another soul will hear angels sing.
Helping even one is worth everything.

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Posted on February 11, 2020 by TonyJanuary 9, 2023

I bet you have personal hopes and dreams

Unless you live under a tyrannical government, in slavery, you’re probably pursuing your hopes and dreams. And I hope yours are not totally self-centered. In other words, I hope you’re looking for a way to serve others. Because serving yourself is an exercise in futility. You’ll never satisfy your selfish desires. But you can serve others and achieve satisfaction only surpassed by eternal life in Heaven.

Why am I bringing up individual pursuits today?

Because America is in that awful “election season” cycle again. And I’m seeing rhetoric of all colors, shapes, and sizes bandied around the internet. Sometimes peacefully. Other times forcefully. But almost all times selfishly.

At least 90% (and that might be too conservative a number) of all political opinions are selfish. Probably a big part of that number falls under the heading of “good intentions.” But, as I recall, there’s a road, somewhere, paved with those. And by “selfish” opinions, I mean forgetting what God says on the subject of government. And focusing on R vs D.

I wish Democracy was a good solution. Because America, the land of my birth…and the land I love…identifies as one. But it’s a horrible solution. The right to vote is a HUGE reason for the exponential rise of crimes, hate, and sin. Selfishness influences voting. And that leads to voting for candidates who promise what they can only steal from taxpayers. Then, the downward spiral feeds on itself.

So, we’re doomed. And there’s no way out.

Except…

There IS a way. But so few choose it. So, the doomsday prophecy is most likely true. Thankfully not for me. And I pray you can say the same thing. But it’s crucial to know and understand where the key to the gate out of this place is. It’s not in the hands of anyone who’s running for president. Not in the hands of a democratic system. And certainly not in the hands of the masses who’d just as soon omit God from every section of life.

You can hold the key out of here in your heart. It’s in a word. THE word. But don’t wait too long to or you’ll give up your…

Hopes and dreams and honey sunbeams
And blue sky butterfly thoughts,
Musical notes shine in your heart like
Gossamer, gold polka dots.
I wish life was filled with those things,
And void of self-centered screams.
But since it’s not I’m thankful God
Still reigns in my hopes and dreams.

Stay tuned,

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Posted on February 10, 2020 by TonyFebruary 15, 2020

Man is good, except for most of the time

I saw a Christian, on social media, quoting Ronald Reagan. And the quote was, “I know in my heart that man is good, that what is right will always eventually triumph, and there is purpose and worth to each and every life.” I enjoyed listening to Mr. Reagan. He delivered engaging and entertaining speeches. But that time he was wrong. [powerpress_player]

To say man is good is to totally ignore history.

And if you’re a Christian, you know (or should know) Jesus Himself said the total opposite. And who are you gonna believe? Ronald Reagan? Or Jesus? (I hope that’s a rhetorical question, but I’m not so sure.)

History books are laid out on the framework of man’s inhumanity to his fellow man. And day-to-day news is played out the same way. Human beings murder other human beings with heartbreaking ferocity. And the voracious lust for blood seems to be increasing with each new year.

How could anyone dare say man is good?

And yet, there are potentially redeemable qualities in each and every one. Otherwise, I don’t believe Jesus would have suffered such a tortured death. He created us. And His desire is that none of us should perish. So, He willingly allowed Himself to be nailed to a cross, high on a hill where everyone could see. And He endured an agonizing, humiliating death just so you and I could live forever.

But if man was truly good, that would’ve never happened.

Now, I get it. Maybe you want to choose to see the good in everyone. And if you’re doing that with the same motive as Jesus, fine. But I know most people who say man is good are just ignorant (willfully most times) of the truth. And remember, it’s the Truth that’ll set you free. Not what you feel like is true. But what IS true. Say that.

If I Didn’t Know Better

If I didn’t know better, I’d say you were right,
When you said what you said that dark and fateful night.
But you got it all wrong when you said, “man is good.”
And that’s a conclusion I’ve never understood.

If I didn’t know better, I’d say that you care.
But a person who knows the Truth would never share
Anything contrary to what our Maker said.
So, it’s vital to get the truth into your head.

If I didn’t know better, I’d leave it alone.
And I’d shelter myself inside my comfort zone.
But I know it’s essential to rightly divide
The Word of Truth with the world that just wants to hide.

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Posted on February 9, 2020 by TonyJune 8, 2024

It’s time to scatter
a little space, time, and matter

I haven’t talked about this in a little while. And I love this topic. So, I wanna share a little tidbit about space, time, and matter. I know. Not a very deep subject. Right? Yeah, right. Just think about how much space there is “out there.” But how did it get there. And how much time did it take? And why does it even matter?

It’s a funny (not funny ha-ha…funny odd) question. Why do space, time, and matter…matter?

I coined a phrase several years ago, “If matter’s all there is, then nothing really matters.” And that’s because it should be self-evident that matter is most certainly NOT all there is. Case in point: how much matter is found in thoughts about matter?

In my favorite scientific book on the subject of our origin, “In The Beginning”, Dr. Walt Brown says it this way, “No scientific theory exists to explain the origin of space, time, or matter. Because each is intimately related to or even defined in terms of the others, a satisfactory explanation for the origin of one must also explain the origin of the others.”

And just in case, you’re one of those billions of people who’d rather leave God out of the equation, consider this. How much time does it take you to think up your theories? And how did time come into existence? Was it sitting someplace waiting for some matter to start taking up space. If so, where did the space come from? And how long was it there? Or is there any way to know how long, if time didn’t exist yet?

See what I mean?

To try to separate the three is an exercise in futility. Almost an insane endeavor.

Thankfully, you don’t have to trust in random circumstances with no guidance. You’re not forced to accept theories that have been shredded to pieces by actual evidence. But you CAN choose to do that. I recommend you don’t choose to do that. Because I’m confident, beyond a shadow of a doubt, you’ll regret that choice. Forever. And that’s a mighty long time. And so avoidable.

Why do space, time, and matter…matter?
Is it all just some idle chatter?
No, you’ll be in for certain hurtin’
If you don’t raise the blinding curtain.
You will see the Creator, later.
Put your trust in the Mediator.

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Posted on February 8, 2020 by TonyAugust 10, 2022

Lazy Gluttons

Uh-oh. Mom! Tony just started calling names! He called some people lazy gluttons. Don’t know what a glutton is, but pretty sure it’s not good. Because it comes after lazy. [powerpress_player]

Why in the world am I talking about lazy gluttons?

Because America (and I’m sure the whole world, too) is full of ’em. But why did this even come up? And why am I writing about it today? Well, it’s partly because of a picture I saw on Twitter this morning (which I wish I could unsee). A woman, apparently named, or going by the name of Lizzo, was photographed walking on the beach in a red bikini.

No big deal, right? Wrong. It was a BIG deal. Because she’s BIG. And by big I mean rolls and billows of bigness from top to bottom. In other words, Lizzo is obese.

And you might think anyone who truly cares about her would be doing whatever they could to help her lose weight. But you’d be wrong. In fact, anyone who even remotely suggests she’s fat is ridiculed for saying so. I read comments in different posts about her. And the vast majority of the comments “supported” her choice to be fat. They called her beautiful. And an inspiration.

That’s how far feelings and emotions will knock the sense right out of logic and reason. If you let them.

And most people choose feelings and emotions over logic and reason. Because feelings and emotions can be manipulated to make you feel good about yourself. And even your bad decisions and choices.

But most people rebel against God. So most people can reject His wisdom even to the point of rejecting what’s healthy. And choosing to be lazy gluttons is unhealthy. Can even lead to an early death.

But who cares, right?

As long as you’ve got a fan base and you can “rock that red bikini” in peace.

Who really cares about you?
People who will say
Give it up and live it up,
You look good that way?
No, they don’t care about you
Or where you will end.
They don’t see your poverty,
And they’re not your friend.
But there’s always One who cares
Right down to your soul.
And if you just ask Him for
Help with self-control,
Wisdom will guide your choices.
What you’re looking for
Can be yours, when Jesus cures
You forevermore.

Stay tuned,

No-cost, low-cost, and premium ways you can help me spread the Word…

Tell everybody you know to subscribe to The TRUTH Journal
(emails with good stuff for Fa-Ree)

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Get digital Bible stuff from the same company I do.

My books are also on Amazon.com or Apple Books

Grab yourself an un-cool T-shirt

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Posted on February 7, 2020 by TonyFebruary 15, 2020

Your worldview is stupid if…

You don’t even know if you’re real. And when you’re willing to say individualism leads to more “anxiety, depression, and self-harm”, you need a reality check. But that won’t work. Because you question whether or not you’re just “living in a simulation.” Yeah, you might think it sounds intellectual, but your worldview is stupid. [powerpress_player]

If it sounds like I’m more than a little passionate about this, that’s because I am. This morning, as I skimmed through my news app, I came across a story pushed out by the BBC (Banal Blabbering Confusion). It was apparently from the “Science Focus Magazine.” (the very title is oxymoronic)

The headline read: “The illusion of individualism helped us succeed as a species, but now the scales are tipping.” Those last three words are particularly clever. Get it? Scales?

Anyway…

In addition to lots of typos and grammatical errors, the article, which didn’t give a byline (can’t imagine anyone wanting to take credit for it) was based on a stupid book. Yes, stupid. The long title is: “The Self Delusion: The Surprising Science of How We Are Connected and Why That Matters” And it’s by Tom Oliver. Now, even though I’ve never met Tom, and he might actually be a nice guy, I can still say, with total confidence…

“Your worldview is stupid.”

“But Tony…have you read the book?” Nope. Sure haven’t.

“So, how in the world can you say the book is stupid? Or that Mr. Oliver’s worldview is stupid?”

Because evolution is stupid. And it has been debunked so many times, it probably boggles their lizard brains. And evolutionists refuse to see it because they refuse to shake the scales off their eyes. No new theory, disguised as facts or science, refutes the amazing information-based design in each and every one of us.

And every book, like this one, that starts with a false assumption, is only a misinformed collection of words. Worse than that, these theories lead to fairy tale land. A land where the inhabitants will believe in aliens from space, Santa Claus, leprechauns, and even Cupid, rather than believe in the Creator God.

And that’s not good science. It’s a stupid worldview going nowhere.

Individual

Give me a thoughtful individual
Any old day of the week.
One who can think for himself or herself
And isn’t afraid to speak
About the wonders of the human race.
No doubt we all were designed.
Life doesn’t rise from electrical sparks
Or how the stars are aligned.
Yes, we’re connected, if we choose to be.
And we really should applaud
How each person has more value because
Life is connected to God.

The spark of life you have, and that you can share, is an electrical example of how life has Rhyme and Reason because God made you.

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Posted on February 6, 2020 by TonyFebruary 15, 2020

A twist on love and reason

Here we are about to finish up the first week of February in 2020. And all you gotta do is go to the grocery store and you’ll know what the next “holiday” is. Yeah, Valentine’s Day. We’re in the month of love and roses and chocolate. Love and roses is one thing. But love and reason? Well, that’s a little winged, bow-carrying angel of a different color. [powerpress_player]

What’s love and reason got to do with it?

Yes, I know. I borrowed a little catchphrase from Tina Turner and stretched it out of shape. But I’m making a quick point, so there’s somewhat of a method to my “madness.”

A lot of what’s trying to pass itself off as love, these days, is really just…well, let’s call a spade a shovel. It’s lust. Pure and simple. Hmm…maybe not the pure part. But you catch my drift. And lust doesn’t deserve roses and chocolate. In fact, lust is like that rude uncle who tells inappropriate jokes. Shouldn’t be in the same room with love.

That’s why I’m talking about love and reason. And lust. Because love and reason actually DO go together. But not lust and reason. Nay, nay. They’re the oil and water of emotions. And any attempts to fuse them together typically lead to bad words, slamming doors, and broken stuff. The only possible good (if you can call it that) you can get from mixing it all up is some fun music. (Think Hard-headed Woman by Elvis…or Any Man of Mine by Shania Twain)

So, on that note (yeah, pun intended. What of it?) I’m gonna throw a monkey wrench in with my typical lyrics today. And I’m not gonna go the roses and chocolate Valentine’s route. Nope. I’m takin’ the low road. And I’m…

Done

I don’t believe you truly meant to share
Those words you said to show me that you care.
Because there is no evidence, today,
You ever even had a word to say.

You’re hardly recognizable to me.
You’re not the girl who you pretend to be.
Sure, I could make believe I’m trusting you.
But that’s something I’m never gonna do.

‘Cause you’re not my soulmate,
Not the only one.
I’m not gonna hyperventilate.
Never gonna run.
Let’s just call it what it is…
And what is…is done!

(to be continued)

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Posted on February 5, 2020 by TonyMarch 8, 2025

The last word from your lips flows from your fingertips

The last word is most remembered

In a heated argument, it often seems like everyone wants to be the one to get in the last word. Sometimes it’s because they really DO have the most important thing to say. But most times it’s just to “win.” And that’s the kind of argument I recently overheard from a couple in a nearby booth at a restaurant.

Each time the last word popped out, it ended up not being the last word.

The girl kept letting the guy know how he never listened to her. And the guy kept telling the girl, “Of course I listen! How can I not? You tell me over and over!”

Their conversation would get a little quieter for a couple of minutes. And I couldn’t tell if they were still arguing. But then, something would set them off again. And words got more heated. Biting jabs. Slicing remarks. Hurtful attacks. I started wishing I had ordered my food to go. And I kept hoping one of them would actually stop and think about what they were saying. And who they were saying it to.

But for the entire 20 minutes or so, I was there, their “lovers quarrel” played on.

I wish I could say I’d never seen or heard anything like that before. But that wouldn’t be the case at all. Because I’ve seen and heard way too many hard-hitting battles of the sexes. And rarely did they ever turn out well. But I said “rarely.” Not never. Once in a great while, men and women actually work things out and end up with a stronger love. And it’s almost always due to one thing.

They set aside their selfishness. And they think about what God says about love. When they do that, it turns out right. It’s not the easiest thing to do. I know too well. But it’s always the right thing to do.

If you find yourself in that position, not where you’d like to be with your loved one, stop trying to win. Just let love win. God will help.

The Last Word

Keep a bolt of lightning in your brain
And a jar of honey in your heart.
Let love be the last word from your lips
Whether you’re together or apart.

Lightning is your passion over pain.
Honey is your holy hope within.
Send those feelings through your fingertips
And remember, always let love win.

(to be continued)

Feelings are more intangible examples of how life has Rhyme and Reason because God made you.

Your email address is all it takes to get encouraging, regular issues of my TRUTH Journal. It comes directly to your inbox so you spend your valuable time reading instead of searching. And, to show my sincere appreciation for your time and attention, I’ll send you download links to 2 of my Christian books for kids and 2 songs, right away, that grownups AND kids can enjoy.

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Posted on February 4, 2020 by TonyJune 8, 2024

Letter by letter, word by word, line by line

Letter by Letter – Line By Line

Anything you do in life can’t be done all at once. At least not anything worth doing. You can’t even breathe all at once. There’s an inhale and an exhale. And I could literally come up with a thousand other examples. But I know you get the point. Each journey is made up of steps. In the process of writing, it involves going letter by letter, word by word, and line by line. Until you reach a resolved destination. And don’t fall for that nonsense of a something not needing to be resolved in order to be good. Balderdash.

When I just write one line after another, I can create rhymes I didn’t even know existed in my brain.

The three stanzas, below, are the perfect example of what I’m talking about. When I opened my text editor, I had no clue what I was gonna write. But I knew, absolutely KNEW, I was gonna write something. But I had nothing to start with. So, I took the idea of having nothing to start with and started. And here’s what happened…

ByLine

I didn’t have a thing to say when I first started out.
And I believe that sort of thing can fill your mind with doubt.
But then ideas began to form. I quickly wrote them down.
It felt so good to clear the dust from my mental ghost town.

Hey, have you ever felt like that, not sure of what to say?
And if you did, what did you do to make it go away?
Or did you find yourself at odds with even your own brain
And watched, as every thought you had, went swirling down the drain?

Well, may I recommend the treatment I just put me through?
I think you’ll find it might replace what’s missing inside you.
Just write your foggy, fractured thoughts down slowly line by line.
Then share the words and walk away. Don’t worry. You’ll be fine.

Ideas, thoughts, and words. Conceptual examples of how life has Rhyme and Reason because God made you.

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Posted on February 3, 2020 by TonyJune 8, 2024

Who’s afraid of Old Man Winter?

As I write this, it’s the third day of February in the year 2020. Yesterday was almost warm enough to be part of early summer. But, according to all the weather forecasts I see, Old Man Winter is gonna slap us back into reality starting today. With a drop of 40 degrees to start with. And a splash of snow in our faces. [powerpress_player]

I’ve lived long enough to see this sort of thing happen over and over. But I don’t remember ever liking it. I mean, who would? Going from a blue sky, sunny, warm day with a high around 74 to a blustery day less than half as warm. But there’s a silver lining, even as we watch the white flakes cover the ground. And that’s knowing this Arctic blast won’t last.

So, I don’t tend to complain about the weather. Even when it’s way colder than I’d prefer. Because I realize, before you know it, the days are gonna get hotter than I prefer. And it’s always been that way. And always will be that way. Until God makes everything new again. So, who’s afraid of…

Old Man Winter

The bottom dropped out when Old Man Winter
Woke up and saw a summer day
Right at the start of February,
And he blew it back to the middle of May.
He yelled, “Wake up!” as he dropped icicles
With unforgiving fortitude.
Yeah, Old Man Winter’s a little scary
And more than just a little rude.
But every year it’s the same old story.
Spring shows up with hardly a peep,
With calming winds and gently sings
Old Man Winter right back to sleep.
I’ve seen this happen so many times,
And never has it been controlled.
So, I have faith warm days will get here.
But where’s my coat, ’cause man it’s cold!

Seasons are more examples of how life has Rhyme and Reason because God made you.

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Posted on February 2, 2020 by TonyFebruary 13, 2020

They shall fall and perish at the presence I cherish

They shall fall and perish – OK, who are they?

There’s a ginormous group of people on planet earth who are not gonna like how things eventually play out. And there’s a verse, in the Bible, that says “they shall fall and perish.” And by perish, it means their fate is permanent from that point on. Wow. Sounds kinda harsh, right? But what’s gonna cause this?

Life is full of choices. Probably the vast majority of them are fairly insignificant, in the grand scheme of things. Which socks should you wear? Bacon or sausage for breakfast? Take 8th Street or 21st to the store? But other choices can lead to more serious consequences.

“They shall fall and perish at Your presence.” Sounds like pretty serious consequences.

So, who in the world could this be talking about? Actually. No one. In the world, that is. Of course, if you’ve read or listened to my words for any length of time, you know I’m talking about our Creator. God is the only one whose very presence has the power to cause anyone to perish. And, like I mentioned, it sounds so harsh to say He would be so fiercely judgmental. But is it harsh? Or just?

Well, King David, in Psalm 9, wrote that sentence I quoted. And the subhead, shown in the Bible, says the Psalm is about David’s “Prayer and Thanksgiving for the Lord‘s Righteous Judgments.”

David often rejoiced when God was judgmental. What?! Rejoiced? Yes. Because David understood, just like we should, that justice is symmetrical, when it’s righteous. At the same time God is judging the wicked for punishment, He’s avenging the loss of innocent blood.

Psalm 9 has 16 verses. And the first eight are about the tough side of His love. The second eight verses are about the benefits of His love and mercy for those who are humble enough to trust Him. Pure symmetry. In case you never knew this before…God is perfectly fair and balanced. And anyone who will ask for his eternal mercy, will receive it and not perish. But it’s your choice. Choose life. And choose now.

I’m Not Gonna Fall

I’m not gonna fall and lose it all.
That’s because one day I found The Way.
And I have a choice to hear His voice.
So, that’s why I pray to hear Him say
“Do not be afraid, your debt is paid.
And you only need a tiny seed
Of a faith in me to set you free.
Then you will succeed. It’s guaranteed.”

(to be continued)

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Posted on February 1, 2020 by TonyJune 8, 2024

The will to carry on, while I'm here and after I'm gone

Hang on to the will to carry on

Way, way back in about 1975 I was just getting started writing lyrics more than poems. And I also worked in a disco. Yes, a disco. As a bartender and floorwalker. (Remind me to tell you the story about getting beaten by a motorcycle gang.) Anyway…I got to be friends with quite a few of the people who worked there. And one night after work, a group of us met an apartment and had some “deep talk”to become more acquainted. One guy shared how he was struggling, a bit, to hold on to the will to carry on. And one thing led to another, and a couple of them said I should use some of his story to write some lyrics. So, I did.

Of course, a theme about the will to carry on isn’t exactly lighthearted.

So, the song was way more somber than I enjoyed writing or singing. And I don’t really remember the tune or melody anymore. But I think that’s just as well. Because I don’t wanna revamp it. It’s dreary just reading it again. Hopefully you’re strong enough to read it and still enjoy your day. Here’s the lyrics…

Limb of Good

Everyone made me what I am.
I had no choice, no voice at all.
And like the silent birds above,
I’m flying in circles and answering calls.
Show me a sign, Lord, that I have a heart.
Show me that I am an important part.
Give me the will to carry on,
And give it to my children after I’m gone.
Though all the leaves are turning red,
They’re all still hanging overhead.
They’ve got a limb on which to cling.
I’d give my life for anything.

Mercy on me, Lord, salvage my soul.
Pick up my pieces and make me whole.
Give me the worth I had at my birth.
Mercy on me, Lord, salvage my soul.

And when the curtains close,
I hope that everyone knows
That I’m no longer what they made me.
They merely delayed me
From becoming what I should have been all along.
For a little while…I went wrong.

You never have to feel that way as long as you remember life has Rhyme and Reason because God made you.

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Posted on January 31, 2020 by TonyJune 8, 2024

Time is of the essence. Yeah, that makes sense.

Surely you realize time is of the essence.

I looked up the usage and/or meaning of the phrase: time is of the essence. And oddly enough, it’s most common usage is in English and Canadian law. Of course, my right brain kicked in and began to connect dots from the phrase, to the passage of time, and to law. Here’s what I came up with, and I think it works…

“Time is of the essence”works well with law because time is a law.

Time only goes in one direction. From now to the past. From here in our face to there, over our shoulders. Of course, the future exists, conceptually. But it doesn’t exist now. So, since I can make absolute statements like that with a confident sense of authority, time is a law. And laws are absolutes. Not those silly things our governments on Earth manufacture on a daily basis.

But why does all that mean time is of the essence?

Well, here’s a short definition of essence from the Merriam-Webster dictionary: “the most significant element, quality, or aspect of a thing or person” So, tell me. What’s the most significant element or aspect of your life? And I mean apart from the relationships and emotions.

Time.

You have an unlimited supply of time ahead of you. Unfortunately your body does not have that same luxury. So, in order for you to truly enjoy that unlimited future, you’ve got some quick decisions to make.

196

The quintessential essence of those seconds ticking by,
The moments of your lifetime, with each blinking of the eye,
And add to those the daily beats your heart accumulates…
The pendulum of time moves forward as it oscillates.

A never ending future is available for free,
Explicit and subliminal, so anyone can see,
Without a glimmer of a doubt, decisions resonate
Throughout the halls of Heaven and will never dissipate.

The problematic differences philosophies devise,
Attempting obfuscation and a clouding of the eyes,
Will deepen and intensify those unrelenting weights
Around the hopeless minds of he or she who hesitates.

In case your understanding doesn’t show you what this means,
I hope another dawning day shines down and intervenes.

The essence of time is one of the key examples of how life has Rhyme and Reason because God made you.

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Posted on January 30, 2020 by TonyJune 8, 2024

Somewhere between dreams and reality is my early morning mental locality

“Where is he Doc?”
“Somewhere between dreams and reality.”

I’m sure you’ve watched at least a movie or two where the main star struggles with issues of sanity. It’s a pretty common theme in mystery, sci-fi, and horror movies. And a lot of times the person wanders through weirdness feeling stuck somewhere between dreams and reality.

Waking up is sometimes like that

When I was a pre-teen, and even into my twenties, I woke up each day completely ready to be awake. And I could hardly wait to see what life had in store for me. Early on, it was all about school. And reading. I loved to read. Hundreds of books. On whatever was at the tip of my interest at the time. History. The great wooden sailing ships and early explorers. Mysteries. Football (yeah, I once had a dream of playing football.) Novels about the old West and mountaineers. Poetry.

And that last one, poetry, took hold. It kindled my imagination into an eternal flame. Well, as eternal as we can get in this space/time continuum. But the idea of putting words together with rhythm and rhyme seemed like the perfect way to immortalize thoughts. And somewhere around the 10th or 11th grade I started writing simple poems into my spiral notebook journals.

Before I knew it, schooldays turned into weeks. Weeks turned into years beyond school. And years morphed into the decades I can now peer back into with a combined old and new perspective.

That metaphorical dichotomy, somewhere between dreams and reality, is where I often find myself in early morning moments.

Like this morning. I woke up, looked at the hands of my watch, glowing in the dark, and thought it was 6:15. These days I don’t usually sleep till 6:15. So, I attempted to get my bearings and shuffle off to the kitchen to brew some coffee. When I got there, I discovered it was actually 5:14. Cool. I had just bought another hour of awake time, and all it cost me was a little forward motion.

After getting the coffee started, I sat at our dining table to relish my “in between” time. And I opened one of our laptops and began to type down some of those corresponding thoughts. They’re often the ones I enjoy most. Because, even if no one else enjoys them, or understands what I’m saying, it doesn’t matter. What matters is…I captured, in rhythm and rhyme, those subatomic, weightless, particles of everything and nothing that give me glimpses into the unimaginable creativity of God.

Here’s what I saw but didn’t see this morning…

Somewhere Between A Dream And Awake

The sleep is still there in my brain
As I walk through the house in the dark.
Ideas drive my head, like a train,
Subatomic inside of a quark.

Crescendo, andante, surreal
In a beckoning, billowing dream,
Come thoughts both abrupt and genteel,
All painted with vanishing cream.

I know they are there just for me,
And I must have a mental keepsake
Of the life I see but don’t see
Somewhere between a dream and awake.

Even though quarks haven’t been directly observed, they’ve been confirmed using theoretical predictions based on their existence. And I’ll call those subatomic examples of how life and Rhyme and Reason because God made you.

Stay tuned,

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Posted on January 29, 2020 by TonyAugust 3, 2024

The thrills are alive with the
Sound of Music

You might recall (then again you might not because it was a long time ago.) back in 1965 there was a movie musical called “The Sound of Music.” It starred Julie Andrews and Christopher Plummer. And several famous songs popped out of it. But I don’t actually wanna talk about the movie. “So, why’d you bring it up, Tony?” I’m glad you asked. Because I’m not talkin’ about the hills being alive with music. I’m talkin’ about the thrills IN music.

Reduce fat and stress and increase strength and conditioning with the sound of music.

Sounds like I’m writing up a weight loss product. Right? And it probably sounds a little farfetched, too. But there are more and more studies showing benefits of music that prove it’s not all in your head. Or should I say ears? No, I’ll stick with head. Anyway…here’s an example. Some interesting research shows how music reduces stress. And that reduces the amount of the stress hormone, cortisol, released into your body when you’re stressed.

And a boring page of research indicates music can improve running and strength conditioning. (please don’t go to that page…I’m still trying to adjust my eyes.)

And by the way…if you like to listen to audiobooks (I sure do), that’s great. But if you want to listen to something to help you sleep better, skip the audiobooks and listen to Beethoven. Or Mozart. Or Chopin. Tune in for about 45 minutes before you go to bed, and you’ll sleep better. As my good friend, Greg Perry, likes to say, it’s just good science.

Now, why do I bring this up today? To sell you some music? Not really. Although if you discover you simply have to do that, I won’t try and stop you. No, I’d actually like you to consider why music has all these wonderful benefits. Why does music even exist? What evolutionary process does it enhance? Of course, the answer is…it doesn’t. But there’s definitely a reason for music. And it’s more valuable and important than any of the health benefits. It’s simply because God loves you.

So He designed our bodies to respond, beautifully and wonderfully, to something we can’t even see. He wants us to not only enjoy music…but to also live more abundantly with it.

Music will always be a mystery,

But it will also be so clear to me.
Preludes and etudes,
Life is a symphony
Composed by the Master
Who loves you and me.

Stay tuned,

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Posted on January 28, 2020 by TonyJune 11, 2024

Grasping for the wind

Have you ever tried to grab yourself a good handful of wind? Simple. Right? Yeah, hardly. OK, now imagine you’ve literally been given the keys to the kingdom. In fact, you’ve been made the king (or queen) of the kingdom. And you got all the riches and authority that came with it. You start out all bubbly and you tell everybody, “I have attained greatness, and have gained more wisdom than all who were before me.” But before you get to the end of your life that great feeling turns to, “And I set my heart to know wisdom and to know madness and folly. I perceived that this also is grasping for the wind.” Wow, what could turn things around so harshly?

Grasping for the wind is like falling out of a plane with no parachute.

And anytime you’re gonna take a leap…whether it’s out of a plane, or into faith…you need a parachute. At least if you wanna have any chance of survival. The parachute for the plane is like bulky baggage you gotta carry. The parachute for faith is as light as a thought.

But thoughts can weigh heavy on you, too. Figuratively. And the king I described, before, was a real king. Solomon. Former king of Israel. Son of David. You remember David, right? The guy who killed Goliath, the giant Philistine. Anyway…you could say Solomon was given more than just about anybody before or since. And yet he considered most of his life to be all in vain. Talk about sad.

If you’ve never read about Solomon, check him out. You’ll discover an amazing example of how to become a miserable failure. And that’s in spite of being given more wisdom and riches than anybody. I hope you’re holding and not grasping…

You Can Hold

I don’t wanna be grasping for the wind
When the days of my life come to an end.
I believe I can stem the rising tide
With the Spirit I have living inside.

Under Heaven, it’s said, there’s nothing new.
But the word of God proves that’s just not true.
Maybe everything in this world is old,
But there’s more than this world that you can hold.

(to be continued)

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Posted on January 27, 2020 by TonyJune 11, 2024

A sleepy-eyed bon fide wee hours wanderer

At 2:45 this morning I bumbled out of bed, as I do most every morning, and made my way into the kitchen. An issue I’ve been dealing with, for the past couple of years, typically won’t let me sleep more than about four hours at a time. But starting on the first day of this year, I decided to put my sleepy-eyed hours to good use. Writing regular rhymes.

This morning’s starter sentence contained the adjective, sleepy-eyed.

You can see my previous post that explains what I mean by “starter sentence” here. Anyway…

I wasn’t quite awake. And I’m pretty sure anyone could tell it by looking at my face. So, sleepy was as good a place as any to start the rhyme for today. And I remembered how often, when I was a full-time road musician, I’d pull into a town after driving all night. Then, some words started to form. And they flowed into the storytelling lyrics you’re about to see. The cool thing is…they were new to me, too.

But I love it when something in my head begins to write itself. Can’t explain it. But I love it. And that’s what happened during the wee hours of this 27th day of 2020. I have a feeling this will become a song…

Sleepy

A sleepy-eyed drifter drove into town
With the radio on and the windows down.
He wasn’t quite sure just where he would go,
But he wasn’t upset that he didn’t know.

He knew he’d be fine when he found a stage.
His songs kept him fed and got better with age.
And no fear of failure clouded his dream.
No, fears lit him up like a meteor stream.

He rolled up the windows and locked the car
And walked down the sidewalk but didn’t get far.
A coffeeshop window sign caught his eye,
And anyone else would have just passed it by.

But there, on the sign, was the name and face
Of the one who had gifted him with her grace.

(to be continued)

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Posted on January 26, 2020 by TonyApril 20, 2024

Talk is cheap so I'm going back to sleep

Since talk is cheap, I’m goin’ back to sleep

It’s the wee hours of the morning. So, if I can’t make sense of this, I’m going back to sleep. Unless you’re a recent public school graduate, you probably know what the saying, talk is cheap, means. And it’s always been used, sarcastically, when someone’s skeptical of what someone else said. It sort of illustrates how words don’t cost anything. No purchase necessary. Just set ’em free. And see what happens. But, with the new ways of communicating, your words might cost you more than you could imagine.

Talk is cheap. But it’s never been free.

Here in America, think about how much other people gave up so that you and I could enjoy “free speech.” Especially during the 20th century. Two world wars. And many men and women fought and died to get rid of evil dictators and despicable governments. The ultimate sacrifice for God-given rights. Thomas Jefferson made a half-hearted attempt at recognizing where our rights originate when he composed the Declaration of Independence.

He said “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”

Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness certainly covers it. But, unfortunately, it’s becoming less and less self-evident to so many people these days. Especially the part about rights coming from “their Creator.” And I’m amazed, but not surprised, at how many American citizens would rather censor speech than admit they have a Creator.

OK, at this point, I’m a little more awake. And I realize I’ve gone somewhere with this I had no idea I would go when I started. Writing is like that sometimes. Particularly when you’re writing in your sleep. So, I think I’ll make some coffee, bacon, and eggs, and leave you with the cheap talk in this short rhyme…

Talk Delight

Talk is not as cheap as it used to be.
It can cost so much when the world can see.
But you still should say what is right.
It might even bring kings delight.
Think before you speak is still good advice.
Keep in mind the ultimate sacrifice
Many others made for your right.
And speak up for one King’s delight.

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Happy Valentines Day Does your love look this way?

Take this test ONLY if you want to know how to love correctly.

Now, see how many you get right

OK, how’d you do? Did it ruin your Happy Valentines Day?

Come on over to the light side

Staying on the light side of music is healthier.

And real life isn’t all about sex, drugs, and rock-n-roll.

I’m writing it down anyway…

What good does writing it down do?

You could go to Heaven and live forever with God.

Even One

Why am I bringing up individual pursuits today?

So, we’re doomed. And there’s no way out.

Man is good, except for most of the time

To say man is good is to totally ignore history.

But if man was truly good, that would’ve never happened.

If I Didn’t Know Better

It’s time to scatter a little space, time, and matter

It’s a funny (not funny ha-ha…funny odd) question. Why do space, time, and matter…matter?

See what I mean?

Lazy Gluttons

Why in the world am I talking about lazy gluttons?

But who cares, right?

Your worldview is stupid if…

“Your worldview is stupid.”

Individual

A twist on love and reason

What’s love and reason got to do with it?

Done

The last word is most remembered

Each time the last word popped out, it ended up not being the last word.

The Last Word

Letter by Letter – Line By Line

ByLine

Who’s afraid of Old Man Winter?

Old Man Winter

They shall fall and perish – OK, who are they?

“They shall fall and perish at Your presence.” Sounds like pretty serious consequences.

I’m Not Gonna Fall

Hang on to the will to carry on

Of course, a theme about the will to carry on isn’t exactly lighthearted.

Limb of Good

“Time is of the essence”works well with law because time is a law.

Time.

196

“Where is he Doc?” “Somewhere between dreams and reality.”

Waking up is sometimes like that

That metaphorical dichotomy, somewhere between dreams and reality, is where I often find myself in early morning moments.

Somewhere Between A Dream And Awake

The thrills are alive with the Sound of Music

Reduce fat and stress and increase strength and conditioning with the sound of music.

Music will always be a mystery,

Grasping for the wind

Grasping for the wind is like falling out of a plane with no parachute.

You Can Hold

A sleepy-eyed bon fide wee hours wanderer

This morning’s starter sentence contained the adjective, sleepy-eyed.

Sleepy

Since talk is cheap, I’m goin’ back to sleep

Talk is cheap. But it’s never been free.

Talk Delight

Happy Valentines Day
Does your love look this way?

It’s time to scatter
a little space, time, and matter

“Where is he Doc?”
“Somewhere between dreams and reality.”

The thrills are alive with the
Sound of Music