I’m not sure I would have left my love for the drums if he hadn’t existed. Because, I’ve always really loved playing the drums. But then I heard some catchy hit songs on the radio. And then my brother gave me an album as a high school graduation gift. And suddenly my musical desires marched to a different drum. And that different drum was … The rest of the story…
Category Archives: Rhyme and Reason
I saw an article that said “imagination is everything.” That’s so wrong. And it sends a deceptive message. Especially to little kids. And even to teens for that matter. To say imagination is everything is like claiming it as your god. “Oh now, c’mon Tony. Really? You really believe that?” Yeah. I do. I can’t say your kid’s life will be completely better because … The rest of the story…
Imagine somebody who could conjure up designs for the universe and everything in it. And now imagine somebody who could get it all built in only six days. This doesn’t sound like some ordinary person. Right? The sun, moon, and stars. Animals. Birds. Fish. Reptiles. And…oh yeah, human beings. Yeah. God is definitely no ordinary person. Surely I don’t have to tell you that. All … The rest of the story…
He’s THE good Father. The only good Father. And He’s the foundational reason I can hear music in the morning. So, if He says “the purpose of the commandment is Love,” then so it is. And love is new in the morning. So, every morning is an opportunity to show love to your family, friends, and (Dare I say it? Yes, I dare.) even … The rest of the story…
What’s that expression? Everything old is new again. Yeah…I’m gonna have to disagree. Because even as we’re in just the second day of a new year, 2022, the world is still spewing out the same old junk. Hate, willful ignorance, intolerance disguised as tolerance. You know, fun stuff like that. So, everything old is still old. There’s nothing new about people thumbing their noses … The rest of the story…
Ball of Fire was a hit movie, a romantic comedy, back in 1941. And it starred Gary Cooper and Barbara Stanwyck. Mr. Cooper played an academic who, with several other, older academics, withdrew from the outside world in pursuit of knowledge. Ms. Stanwyck played the girlfriend of a gangster. I really enjoyed the movie. And there was a remake a few years later called … The rest of the story…
I get it. You gotta do what is important to you. Because if you never do, or you’re never allowed to, it can mess with your insides. Literally AND figuratively. But what is important to you might not be to anyone else. And you could even be fooling yourself about what’s important. It doesn’t matter how much you achieve in this life. And it … The rest of the story…
Eight years ago, at about this time of the year, I wrote about how an unselfish life is not illustrated and/or perpetuated in (or by) evolution. And the whole altruism philosophy can be summed up in a dictionary definition. One dictionary defines altruism as the “selfless concern for the well-being of others”. And it’s very cool that we can even observe different species concerned … The rest of the story…
Six years ago to this very day, I shared a message in my own way. A rhyme time post about what I love most. And you might already clearly see what’s about to come from me. And for anyone who missed it the first time around… Here’s the rhyme time about something sublime: – I find it difficult to write anything without trying to … The rest of the story…
OK, this is for the guys. So, if you’re a woman, you can skip this one. And I’d like to start by quoting the most famous author of all. “Wisdom is the principal thing; Therefore get wisdom. And in all your getting, get understanding. Exalt her, and she will promote you; She will bring you honor, when you embrace her. She will place on your head an ornament of grace; A crown of glory … The rest of the story…
Wow! It’s hard to believe. But it’s been 25 years since I recorded my first collection of Christian songs and sold those CD’s all around the country. And it all started with a song about consequences. Inspired by a talk show host and the words he said to end his nightly show. Do right and risk the consequences. It’s ironically odd to say there’ll … The rest of the story…
Last year I was interviewed by a fellow podcaster whose focus is on the Christian life. He sent me a list of questions he’d be asking during the podcast. And I wrote down my answers. After I was interviewed I kept these questions and answers… What is your daily routine? Up at 4 to read & write my post for the day. Then, it’s … The rest of the story…
My Dad didn’t realize (he does now because he’s been in Heaven for 35 years) how deeply it hurt me when I knew I had made him mad at me. And he didn’t understand, at the time, how much I wanted to connect with him. Because, while I was a young boy, he was the authority I needed, wanted, and respected. So, those times … The rest of the story…
Yesterday I talked about country music and how I’m a fan who’s not a fan. And today I’m gonna mention a guy whose music I like very much. Sting. I’m not a fan of his worldview, although, sometimes his lyrics reveal a hint of a spiritual conflict within himself I don’t think he realizes. But, back to my point for the day. That spiritual … The rest of the story…
I’m part of a resellers Facebook group (and I hate Facebook, by the way), run by The Legendary Perry. And the subject of hoarding comes up occasionally. Because, I guess, reselling can feel like, or even turn into, hoarding…for some. But you know who’s definitely not a hoarder? Mr. Young Moon. Mr. Young Moon sounds like an Asian cult leader. But he’s not. In … The rest of the story…
I’ve shared some of my stories about the beginnings of my writing journey in life. How, at first, my writing was a way to impress “the ladies.” And then I looked for any and every opportunity to drive around the countryside in Kansas and Texas…to find subjects to write about. My “write about” is sort of like Crocodile Dundee’s walkabout. It’s therapeutic. Good for … The rest of the story…
I don’t remember if I’ve shared this before. But this morning, while reading some creation science material, I recalled some fun times in the shallow end of the pool during those long ago summers in Kansas. Not because I couldn’t swim; I completed lifeguard training. No, my memories were about tossing my little brother, who’s nearly ten years younger than me, up in the … The rest of the story…
It’s not what you know, but who you know. And that’s always been true. But probably not like most people in the world think about it. But if you take the sum total of what most people in the world believe and put it in a basket, you’d still have lots of room left for eggs. Or bread. Or even flowers and berries. Whatever … The rest of the story…
Kindness and grace are two qualities you’ll find in the best friend you’ll ever have. They’re not the only qualities, of course. But they assure you’ll sit in the most special, heavenly place. And that doesn’t interest you, then I feel sorry for you. And you can stumble off to some other temporary fix or empty promise. But maybe you could use some kindness … The rest of the story…
You could call me a digital pamphleteer. And I wouldn’t challenge you to a duel. Because it’s a good, although partly old-fashioned, description. Now, I should tell you I hadn’t heard of the word “pamphleteer” before I read a little biographical information about Thomas Paine. He, of course, is the originator of the phrase we use, “No Paine, No Gain.” And pamphleteer means someone … The rest of the story…