Going home again Every person on Earth was once a thought in the mind of God. So, you and I originated in Him and that makes Him our first home. Whether you agree or not makes no difference. It’s still true. But only a few (relatively speaking) will ever be going home again. And by that, I mean going home to stay. Only people … The rest of the story…
Category Archives: Tony’s Daily Devotional
Music is dead – yeah, right I was about to do a little research on the Wizard of Google. So, I clicked into the search bar and started typing “music is…” And before I could type anything else, Google delivered up some “suggestions.” One of the main ones was “music is dead.” Of course, I couldn’t resist finding out why that would be a … The rest of the story…
Let’s talk about music and the devil Remember the movie, Footloose? And how the so-called “minister” in a small midwestern town banned rock-n-roll and dancing? Everyone was told music and the devil went hand in hand. So, of course music had to be banned. At least some music. Well, what if I told you there’s something to that whole music/devil connection? It’s important … The rest of the story…
Music is communication of choice by your friendly neighborhood RhymeTender To say music is communication is a bit like saying water is wet. Of course it is! But it’s not simple yada yada communication. Because music is the way people share words, ideas, and emotions on a deep level. Even if they don’t speak the same language. Name something else that can do that. … The rest of the story…
I love the music and memory connection My friend, Brian, and I were talking about starting to sing in front of a group of people and realizing you don’t remember the first words. He told me this happened to him recently. But he was impressed by how the music started, and when it came time to sing the first word, he just remembered. And … The rest of the story…
Talk about a very good feeling Imagine yourself in God’s shoes for a minute. Back at the time of creation. Those very first six days when He created Heaven and Earth. And everything in them. You’re looking down at it all and how perfect it is. Can you imagine? Wouldn’t it give you a very good feeling like never before? Well, that’s what God … The rest of the story…
Beware of my brain manipulation superpower Hide your kids. Or at least cover their ears. Unless you’re willing to let them be controlled by my brain manipulation superpower. I’m able to activate their different brain lobes all at the same time. And even their brain’s motor center. They cannot resist my superpower. And there’s nothing they can do about it. (insert evil scientist laugh … The rest of the story…
Heart throb of the 80s Yeah, I played music for a living back in the 80’s. A bit before that, and a long time after that, too. But those 80’s were a ton of fun. Straight ahead beats. Bright colors and pastels. Pushing up the sleeves on sports jackets. Big hair…on both guys and girls. And back then, the term “heart throb” was still … The rest of the story…
Is positive reinforcement always positive? Earlier today we were out running errands. And at a traffic light we saw a lady and her dog stop to wait for the green. She looked down at the cute little dude, and he did a perfect dog sit. Then, he looked up at her expectantly, and Elgielene and I both said, “Oh, he’s about to get some … The rest of the story…
I captured some moments in time I’ve mentioned before how I spent a year of prolific songwriting in Nashville. It was back in 1992-93. And I was under the mistaken impression that record companies were always looking for something new. No, this isn’t sour grapes. Because I know I’m basically not a country and western singer/songwriter. And the nice folks in the land of … The rest of the story…
Who’s singing songs of love? Most recording artists aren’t singing songs of love anymore. Because most of them don’t even know what true love is anymore. And that’s sad. But not surprising. After all…where in the world can they learn about true love? Certainly not in schools. And unfortunately, probably not even in the homes where they grow up. Because, there, they watch TV … The rest of the story…
Do you trust your gut? And should you trust your gut? Look around the world wide web and you’ll find articles on all sides of that. One says, yes. Another says, no. Others say it’s psychological. And still others say the research is up for grabs. But one thing they all have in common. They’re not talking about your actual gut. When you trust … The rest of the story…
Alone in the universe It sounds so sad. Right? We’re all alone in the universe. Just saying the words brings on anxiety, depression, and a deep, drowning sense of dread. Hit the record scratch sound effect. Not me! I’ve never felt that way a day in my life. Because I have a secret weapon. And I know how special our little, blue planet is. … The rest of the story…
Guacamole Song I’m singin’ the guacamole song today. Because we bought a batch of avocados, and every one of them were excellent. If you don’t like avocados, or especially if you don’t like guacamole, I have to wonder about you. Elgielene made some excellent guacamole, her recipe. And we’ve been enjoying it on some awesome grass-fed beef. Why am I telling you this? And … The rest of the story…
Faith and hearing (even without ears) “Hey, Siri. Find faith and hearing online.” Use that command and phrase on your iPhone or iPad, and Siri will give you some interesting results. Not because Siri heard you. Because Siri can’t actually “hear” you. Your voice activates two main technologies, voice recognition and natural language processing. Also, Apple integrates that with machine learning. Then, speech recognition … The rest of the story…
Someday One Day Today is a mighty big day here in the FunderBungalow. Elgielene and I celebrate 30 years of marriage. Yes, to each other. I know some of my knucklehead friends who’d scarcely miss a chance to take a jab there. And I’m sharing the lyrics to a song I wrote to Elgielene for our one year anniversary. The Power of God’s Love … The rest of the story…
Men and Women Are Not Equal “Well, Tony just jumped off the deep end again. Probably gonna tell us how and why men are more important than women.” Yeah, right. That’s exactly what I’m gonna do. Because I’ve never valued the beauty, creativity, love, and emotional connection women possess in vast quantities. And I’ve certainly never personally connected with any of them. Because, well…I’m … The rest of the story…
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] … The rest of the story…
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]
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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 … The rest of the story…