Close your eyes and picture this scene. A long, lush, green meadow gently winds and flows down through a quiet valley. And a herd of sheep, with coats of wool from pure white to chocolate brown, grazing in juicy grass up to their hips. A clear as crystal creek glides peacefully through the meadow. And the vast variety of birds, butterflies, and wildflowers virtually … The rest of the story…
Category Archives: Tony’s Daily Devotional
We try our best to capture life and make time stand still. And we never succeed. No one has ever succeeded. One of the few things the Rolling Stones got right: “Time waits for no one. And it won’t wait for me.” But still, we take pictures, by the billions every day, to capture life. And you hold those elusive images in your … The rest of the story…
When you hear or read about the issues of the day, you see a pattern. And it’s nothing new, by the way. Even though we so-called “modern” humans think we’re more enlightened and evolved than our ancestors, it’s all a smoke screen. Especially since the enlightenment is based on manipulated information. And, oh yeah…we didn’t evolve. Small details, right? Hardly. Smoke screen is … The rest of the story…
When I was about 4 years old, my parents split up. And my younger brother and I lived with our Grandparents for a while. And one thing I remember, fondly, about my Grandmother was how she sang hymns while she did her housework. One hymn went like this: I’ve got the joy, joy, joy, joy down in my heart. Remember that one? And even … The rest of the story…
As I started typing, at 3:30 this morning, I wasn’t sure what I would say. It was another physically challenging night. But I know how writing almost always revives my brain and keeps me going. So, I opened the computer, logged into my WordPress admin area, opened a “new post” and started writing. And just like it almost always goes, rhymes began to float … The rest of the story…
Let me tell you about Old Fourlegs, the fish. I know that sounds weird from the git-go. But I think you’ll get a kick out of it. Because it’s one of the rarest of fish tales. It’s true. Just about all other fish tales pale in comparison. OK, once upon a time (hey, I said it’s a tale) there was a big fish … The rest of the story…
Before I say anything else right now, I want you to know I don’t deny miracles exist. But there’s a long list of things people mistakenly claim as miracles. And I’m talking especially about Christian people. Examples of things that are NOT miracles include: newborn babies, car starts, weather phenomena, a sole survivor of a plane crash, finding the one true love, headaches or … The rest of the story…
Before I dive in, let me assure you, I’m no expert on the subject of makeup. And I’ve never played a makeup artist on TV. So, please understand what I’m about to share with you includes observations and conclusions. That being said, have you ever seen a cosmetic counter, in a ritzy store. And have you ever noticed the different colors of makeup? But … The rest of the story…
Back when I was knee-high to a grasshopper (a term used to describe little kids) I went to Sunday school before the “grownup”church services. And I remember enjoying it. (“Gasp! Did he say he enjoyed it?”) Oh yeah. And not just for the opportunity to show off my verse memorization skills either. Sunday school had some fringe benefits. For anyone who believes Christians … The rest of the story…
Who doesn’t like to break stuff for fun? C’mon, admit it. And if you could make a six figure income just for breaking stuff, wouldn’t you have the perfect job? But who wants a job you gotta show up for when you can break stuff any time, day or night (especially night) without clocking in anywhere? When I hear people say the Bible … The rest of the story…
It’s the last day of August, in case you hadn’t noticed. And when I went outside, early this morning, there was a delicate, cool wind blowing. So, I checked my weather app, and it was 45 degrees. Considerably different than the previous nights. And the dry, cool air transported me back to my boyhood days. When I was growing up, the last day … The rest of the story…
Put on your Sunday best I’m not sure if other parts of the country used that expression. But I grew up mostly in the South. First, as a toddler and juvenile in Oklahoma. And then, from the third grade to the twelfth in Texas. And I remember we used to dress up for things. And I mean dress up. So, it seemed only natural … The rest of the story…
Gotta be careful singing in prison Because singing in prison could cause a jailbreak. What’s that? You think that sounds PREposterous? And you think I’m just gonna make up a story just to get some attention. Well, have I got news for you. Singing in prison DID cause a jailbreak. It really did happen. And it really did actually save lives. But not … The rest of the story…
I’ve got a melody in my heart Back in 1977, on one of my trips to the music store (because digital downloads weren’t invented yet) I picked up the brand new cassette from Kenny Loggins. It was his official first solo album called “Celebrate Me Home.” And if you’ve never listened to that collection, do yourself a favor. Great tunes. But this morning I … The rest of the story…
Are your riches uncertain? Short answer…yes. How do I know this? Because all riches are uncertain riches. In other words, you should never put your trust in your money. No matter how much of it you acquire. Because, I guarantee, it can all be taken away from you in the blink of an eye. And these days it’s easier than ever to do. … The rest of the story…
Only twenty seven days left And for those of you not keeping track, I’m talking about twenty seven days of summer. After that comes my favorite season of the year. Autumn. “Gee, Tony. What’s so special about twenty seven days?” Not a thing. It just happened to be the amount that comes up today as I think and write about it. But it … The rest of the story…
Wow, have I got a deal for you?! Just imagine the hardest thing you could possibly do. And now imagine having all that hard work done for you. But I bet you’re not thinking what I’m thinking. And you should be. Because what I’m thinking is way more valuable to you. (Boy, I’m an arrogant so-and-so aren’t I?) “OK, Tony. I’ll bite. What’s … The rest of the story…
Monday Blues anyone I woke up this morning and the weekend was gone. And I thought it was gonna go on and on and on. But my woman done gave me the terrible news. And now I got a case of the Sunday’s gone Monday Blues. (Sing it with me!) [powerpress[ Did you wake up with the Monday Blues today? Of course, I know … The rest of the story…
Sunday morning memories I’ve mentioned, before, how much I loved those bacon, eggs, and toast days at my Grandparents house. Especially before we’d get ready for church. And this was back when families still did most things together. So, my Sunday morning memories include lots of together time. My Sunday morning memories might seem naive to a lot of people. And I take … The rest of the story…
Day and night and truth and light As I’ve been slowly writing my way through the Psalms, I’ve discovered what a close connection I have to King David. It’s uncanny. And it’s much more than just both of us being songwriters (even though our styles are day and night). Coincidentally, David uses day and night to show truth and light. Like in Psalm … The rest of the story…