When I was somewhere around 5 years old, I went on a long walk with my Grandmother. And we left her house totally out of sight as we journeyed to the grocery store. In my mind it was easily a walk between countries. Or at least to another state. But, as it turned out, the little mom and pop grocery store was only about … The rest of the story…
Category Archives: Tony’s Daily Devotional
It’s true. We Christians have a different perspective on life. So, we think different thoughts from the rest of the world. And that’s because we know ideas can have eternal consequences. So, we should think a different way. With a clear head. And with wisdom. Because it’s for sure that so-called “intellectuals” are constantly on the lookout for ways to trip us up. Way … The rest of the story…
Even in this ridiculous and weird time in history, dreams come true. Not all. But enough of them that it still counts when somebody says “if you work hard, you can still achieve your dreams.” But right now you might be making someone else’s dreams come true. And that’s OK if you’re serving your fellow man. Because when you serve your fellow man, you … The rest of the story…
I remember studying America’s founding documents when I was in school way back in the twentieth century. And I remember something called the “Bill of Rights.” It must’ve been a big deal. Because teachers and politicians always talked about the freedoms it “gave” all Americans. And one of those was the freedom to assemble. Something about people freely getting together…even if it was to … The rest of the story…
Check out this list of synonyms. Publicity, advertising, promotion, marketing, puff, puffery, propaganda, exposure; boost, push, fanfare, buildup; informal plug, plugging, razzmatazz, and ballyhoo. And I shared them with you because they’re all synonymous with moronic politicians. Because they want you to believe the hype that the world, as we know it, is gonna end in just a few years. And it’s all your fault. … The rest of the story…
This Magic Moment, a song written by Doc Pomus and Mort Shuman, was a big hit for Ben E. King and the Drifters back in 1960. And I’ll bet they had no idea they actually created one of the billions of micro moments where certain demographics spend their time.  Yeah, I’m gonna call short, catchy songs what they are. Micro moments. When you … The rest of the story…
I enjoy watching Ray Comfort, from Living Waters, talk to people he meets “on the street.” Because he has an easy-going way of disarming them in order to share God’s love. He lives in California. But he’s originally from Australia. And I think his accent helps a little, too. Ray actually helps people understand they’re not all that and a bag of chips. But … The rest of the story…
31 years ago, today, a beautiful, petite, slender, tan woman said one word that changed my life. Of course, I’m sure I don’t have to tell you what that word was. But I’ll share it anyway. The word was “What?!” Just kidding. The word was “Yes.” Because I had just asked her if she wanted me to stop bothering her. Sorry, just kidding again. … The rest of the story…
We just watched an old Joel McCrea western last week. And that’s for one reason. Because there are no new Joel McCrea westerns. Joel moved on to that big ranch in the sky many moons ago. But that’s not actually the reason we watched the movie. It’s because we like his movies. And we like the good ol’ westerns. Because they remind us of … The rest of the story…
1938. It was a cold day in January. In rural Oklahoma. FDR was in the first year of his second term as president of the U.S. And a second daughter was born to a young couple named Lee and Syona. But it was also a time when America was still struggling to recover from the Great Depression. So, when the little family was ready … The rest of the story…
The good ol’ American can do attitude. Remember that? If you’re only a couple of decades old (or less), you might not. But it’s what truly made America a force to be reckoned with. Because when you have a nation of people who believe most anything, do-able, is possible, watch out. That’s why it’s so sad, to me, to look around and see so … The rest of the story…
At some point of the year in 1990 or 91, my wife and I lived in Tulsa Time for a couple of weeks. Tulsa, Oklahoma to be exact. And that’s because I was booked in a snazzy hotel to provide live music. It was a very pleasant stay. Because the people were so nice to us. In fact, there was a nice, retired couple, … The rest of the story…
I’m able to change my mind. And you read that and probably think something like, “Wow. That’s so deep, Tony.” But it IS deep. Because it means I’m not a robot. There’s no one pushing buttons making me do what I do each day. Good stuff or bad. I can choose to do bad. And then turn right around and choose not to. Whichever … The rest of the story…
“I don’t wanna deal with reality. In fact, I hate reality.” I was just talking with a good friend who said a person he knows told him that. And my wife said a coworker told her something like that, too. So, it would seem there are some people out there who prefer their own little imaginary worlds. And they don’t wanna come out of … The rest of the story…
I remember, even way back in the 20th century when I was a kid, how pastors could get fire-and-brimstone fired up. And how they’d want some feedback. So, a lot of them would say something with particular emphasis and ask, “Can I get an Amen?” And somebody (or multiple somebodies) would shout, “Amen!” Of course, as a little kid, I just thought those adults … The rest of the story…
I’ve talked about how my parents split up when I was around 4. And I’ve talked about how my younger brother and I lived mainly with my grandparents (on Dad’s side) for a couple of years after that. But I’ve never mentioned how my Grandmother forced me to work all hours of the day and night. And how she made me snap green beans … The rest of the story…
Just think if you lived back in the days of gladiators. And imagine if you had to go out and fight for your king with an invisible suit of armor. Sure, it would be much lighter. So, it would be so much easier to stand up than if you wore that heavy metal armor they had back then. But do you think you’d feel … The rest of the story…
Time flies. And time drags. And yet it’s all the same 24 hours every day. But circumstances are what can make those hours feel like they last forever. Or pass by in the blink of an eye. And events can happen to help you remember the day. Or cast it out of your head forever. It was 12 years ago, today, a little two … The rest of the story…
Almost 6 years ago I shared a story about a bad experience I had in Erie, Pennsylvania. (Check out that story) And I talked about how it made me mad and how that inspired a song, Never Neverland. One of the lines says, “I wonder why can’t we all be friends…live and let live and share the dream.” But I didn’t pose that question … The rest of the story…
Laughter and love. Could there be anything better than those two things? And that’s a rhetorical question of course. Because they both are awesome examples of human connection to God. But before you click away, or stop reading and listening to what I’m talking about, try this… 15 seconds of laughter…and love how it feels. But don’t do it in public. You’ll look like … The rest of the story…