Tony Funderburk

Slipping Slowly Away From Me

Posted on March 16, 2015 by TonyFebruary 4, 2023

Today I’m gonna do something I don’t often do. I’m gonna share an old melancholy love song I wrote for no one. And even more than that, I’m gonna share the only recording I have of it. The song’s called “Slipping Slowly Away From Me”. I recorded it on my old Yamaha 4-track cassette recorder. And I used my Yamaha DX7 (the granddaddy of digital keyboards) along with my Yamaha RX-11and RX-21 drum and percussion machines.

When I was on the road full time, I’d have plenty of time to dedicate to songwriting. And the technology of the day, the 4-track cassette recorder meant that I had to become adept at ping-ponging and bouncing tracks. However, this song was just me singing, playing the electric piano setting on my DX-7 (to a programmed beat on the RX-11) and recording it all in one take. No ping-ponging. No bouncing. I think the song actually stands up pretty well. Maybe I should update it with my new Mac studio.

What do you think?

Slipping Slowly Away From Me

Even now I can feel your love slipping slowly away from me
I want to be yours and I want to be mine,
And I know there’s no way that can be

It’s a paradox of my heart and my soul,
But I can’t change my ways, if I won’t change my goal.
Well, maybe someday I will find I was wrong,
And there won’t be a place where my heart can belong,
And even now I can feel your love slipping slowly away from me.

Day by day I can feel your warmth slipping slowly away from me
I want you to stay, but I think you should leave
And these two thoughts are killing me.

You can’t expect much from a person like me.
I’m not sure what I am or for sure what I’ll be.
I can’t make demands on a heart that’s so dear
“˜Cause I’m always so far when you want me so near,
And day by day I can feel your warmth slipping slowly away from me.

Slowly, you’re slipping slowly away,
And I long for the day when we met.
Slowly, yea you’re slipping slowly away
And I wanted to say…that I won’t forget.

Instrumental…repeat choruses to end

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Swelling Words of Emptiness Lead to Nowhere

Posted on March 14, 2015 by TonyMarch 14, 2015

What kind of word picture does your mind conjure when I use the expression “swelling words of emptiness”? Do you see anything at all? Concentrate on it for a minute. Now do you see anything? Me neither.

I think that’s the point. You’ll find the reference to “swelling words” I’m talking about by clicking on the link I just inserted. Those kinds of words lead people where they really don’t wanna go. And unfortunately most people in the world believe ’em. What a shame.

Don’t be like most people. Be the unique, wonderfully created person God designed you to be. Trust Him to know you better than you know yourself. Then you won’t fall for those swelling words of emptiness that people who don’t care whether you live or die try to feed you. The alternative is…

You Just Don’t Get It (click here to listen to this song)

You want to live the way you want to live
You want to be your own king
You think you’re wise enough to rule your world
And handle everything
But how much happiness is in your life
How many friends do you know
Who would give up their lives to give you yours
Do you think any would show

Well you idolize with your idle eyes
Your body wants what it wants, and you let it
You identify what you deify
You’ll see the kingdom, but you just don’t get it

You can’t submit to any higher will
You’d rather live in the dark
Well, you can have exactly what you say
Look where you’re making your mark

Chorus

Don’t you think you should think about it
Do you know all there is to know
There’s a choice; you can’t live without it
You can be sure where you’re gonna go…

inst…chorus…repeat to end

Stay tuned…

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Posted on March 12, 2015 by TonyApril 11, 2024

Hold on to your dreams. Keep them where they’re easy to see. Don’t let naysayers have even a toehold into separating you from them. Your dreams don’t define who you are, and they do accent your individuality. You’re not the exact same as anyone else on the planet. You were uniquely designed by your living, loving Creator. God gave you gifts, talents, dreams, and even your one-of-a-kind fingerprints. So, hold on to your dreams and leave your fingerprints all over ’em. It’s like saying “thank you, God.”

Hold On

I would love to take you in my arms
And capture all your dreams that get away
And put them in your heart where they belong
And fill it full of love so they can stay

But I wonder if there’s magic in my hands
And I don’t know for sure what I should do
To make your monsters fade and disappear
So I can only sing these words to you…

Hold on; you know you gotta hold real tight
Gotta keep your dreams where they’re easiest to see
Hold on; I know you gotta hold real tight
If you look behind the Love that’s where they’ll be

I would love to see your smiling face
And know that at least in some small way I was there
When you needed someone to help you through your darkness
And help you get your wings back in the air

Chorus

You got to keep believing in your choices
No one but you can really clear the air
And if you find you’re hearing different voices
Then it isn’t just a passing love affair

Repeat 1st verse and choruses to end

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Posted on March 11, 2015 by TonyMarch 10, 2025

Would you believe there are still guys who travel from town to town with the ol’ love ’em and leave ’em motto etched in their minds? This is something I sang about a few years back in a song called “Lightning Love”.

As you know, lightning love strikes quickly and never in the same place twice.

And it almost always leaves a negative, indelible mark. Guys who take advantage of girls and their more loving and trusting ways are like this. I’d say most guys in America are guilty of this. Unfortunately I was that way back in my life as a full-time road musician. It’s not something I like to admit, but I don’t want to sing my song as a hypocrite.

If we lived in a world where no one got hurt by our indiscretions, then none of this would matter. It would be pointless to point it out, to sing about it.

But the truth is…many get hurt. Some (unborn children for example) even die as a result of this kind of selfishness. So, I hope you’ll listen to this song and…if you’re a guy, stop doing this sort of thing. Respect the ladies. And if you’re a girl, understand you’re worth so much more than the love ’em and leave ’em kind of a guy. You deserve real love. You don’t deserve…

Lightning Love

Blue sky backdrop…
A million miles on the blacktop…
What can possibly save him now?

Greener pastures…
He broke her heart when he past hers.
Love stopped; she never quite knew how.

Lightning love can spark the coldest hearts,
And he filled the empty parts with lightning love,
Oh but lightning love can burn the strong house down,
And so they ran him out of town for lightning love.

Beer signs…neon…
What road could he now be on?
Shut down; letting the days go by.

Time creeps…world turns…
The headaches and the heartburns…
Drive on; dying inside the lie!

chorus

Endeavor to be debonair,
Gregarious, extraordinaire…
But still there’s really nothing there?
So nebulous with savoir faire!

Blue sky backdrop…
A million miles on the blacktop…
What can possibly save him now? © 2002

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Will Your Last Home Be In The House of the Lord?

Posted on March 10, 2015 by TonyMarch 11, 2015

My last home will be In The House Of The Lord.

It’s a great and reassuring feeling to know I’m gonna live in the house of the Lord forever. I wish everyone could know that feeling and understand how important it is not to throw life away. But the vast majority of human beings would rather BE god than TRUST God. And so they’ll exist forever, but they won’t LIVE forever. Do you know the difference?

One of the most famous and well-known verses in the Bible is Psalm 23. King David is credited as the writer of this Psalm, as well as many of the others. Maybe I relate to a Psalm more closely because it’s basically a song. Being a songwriter I look for the rise and fall of the verse…the rhythm of the syllables, the possible layers of meaning.

In Psalm 23 I found the inspiration for one of my own Praise and Worship songs. Read the verses from the Bible I’ve inserted below. Then check out my lyrics below that. I think you’ll see a direct connection. Then, I’d love for you to listen to the song. There’s a link to it next to the lyrics title. See if it speaks to you. And let me know…

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He makes me to lie down in green pastures;
He leads me beside the still waters.
He restores my soul;
He leads me in the paths of righteousness
For His name’s sake.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil;
For You are with me;
Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;
You anoint my head with oil;
My cup runs over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
All the days of my life;
And I will dwell in the house of the Lord
Forever.
(a Psalm of David)

In The House of the Lord (listen to this song here)

Father God,
You never leave me You never forsake me.
And Your Word…
Gives me courage to go where you take me.

You are with me through each dire upheaval.
With You in me I will fear no evil.
As I walk through the shadow of death”
I will sing till my very last breath…

Green pastures, still waters…
Goodness and mercy for your sons and daughters…
True love dwells in the House of the LORD.
Each person, each nation…
Can be renewed through Your sweet restoration…
True love dwells in the House of the LORD.

Father God,
You made a Way for my total redemption.
I believe…
Jesus died to provide that exemption.

He’s my shepherd through thorns and thru clover.
He’s my new wine, and my cup runs over.
As I walk through the shadow of death…
I will sing till my very last breath”

Chorus

Stay tuned…

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Give Up Control and Restore Your Soul

Posted on March 9, 2015 by TonyMarch 3, 2024

As a Christian, I can say it’s not a matter of “what” but “who” can restore your soul. I have complete confidence that the Bible is the Word of God and the whole Truth about His abounding grace toward me. And I also know that no matter how much I believe and trust this, it isn’t necessarily true to everyone who might be reading this. That’s why I keep thinking of songs and stories to share…just in case another twist of a noun or verb might be just the ticket to open another heart to God’s love.

You can’t make yourself live forever. There is no magic herb, organic plant, or hallucinogen that will ever change this fact. But that doesn’t mean there’s no way to live forever. You simply need to come to the full realization there IS a God…you’re not Him…and He really and truly loves you. Enough, in fact, to make eternal life freely available to you.

The body you’re living in now won’t last forever. So don’t waste one more day worrying about your mortality. Sure, take good care of yourself. Eat sensibly…the best foods you can afford. Drink plenty of water. Move around more and get fresh air and exercise. But don’t fool yourself into believing you’ll find the answer to immortality anywhere besides your Creator.

The great news is…once you give up control, once you acknowledge your finite shortcomings, once you trust in the one true, living, loving God who created you and knows even the number of hairs on your head…

…your faith will be in the One who does restore your soul. And you might sing out something like…

Your Love Restored My Soul

From my mother’s womb You have been my God…
Even if I didn’t always know it.
And I’ve loved You since my salvation day…
Even if…I didn’t always show it.

I believe Your Son is the only Way
To the life I know is never-ending…
So I cast my lot with the King of Kings
And His Truth I trust is never bending.

Jesus…Your love restored my soul.
You gave Your life to make me whole.
I’d be a lifeless lump of coal…oh
But Jesus…Your love restored my soul.

On my darkest days I am not alone.
You indwell me with Your Holy Spirit.
And Your “still small voice”is an open book
And Your grace is there if I draw near it…

And in that open Book is the one True God…
And the words revolve around His story.
And the words are turned into flesh and bone,
And He shares, with each of us, His glory.

Chorus twice

Your love restored my soul”.your love restored my soul
Your love restored…your love restored my soul.

Download this song and bunch of others with a link in the Raise The Praise songbook journal.
(https://www.amazon.com/Raise-Praise-Songbook-Journal-Funderburk/dp/B095WRJBF1)

Stay tuned…

Tony

Why Can’t You Leave Your Troubles Behind?

Posted on March 6, 2015 by TonyMarch 3, 2024

If I told you to leave your troubles behind and move forward, would you get mad at me? Would you explain to me that I can’t possibly understand your troubles and therefore don’t have the right to tell you such a thing? Well, what if I told you this message is from God? What would you say then?

Yeah, a reading of the New Testament will show you how no one gets through this life without troubles, trials, and tribulation. In fact, Jesus said there WILL be those things in this life. Not maybe. WILL! So, does that mean you respond with exasperation, frustration, or consternation? Nay nay, dear reader. On the contrary. We’re supposed to leave our troubles behind and keep “reaching forward for those things which are ahead.” Time only progresses in one direction. And that’s the direction to focus.

So, you see…it isn’t wrong to leave your troubles behind. In fact, it’s the right thing to do. Keep your eyes on the prize…your Creator. I sang about it years ago in a song called “I Wanna.” It’s one of the songs from my old “Motel Sessions” collection. Hmm…maybe I’ll re-do it. What do you say?

I Wanna

I wanna dance through this life.
I wanna sing myself out of the blues.
I wanna feel this whole world.
I wanna walk through the air without any shoes.

I wanna climb to the top.
I wanna see what it’s like on the other side.
I wanna glide to the moon.
I wanna jump on a cloud and go for a ride.

Can it be wrong to leave our cares so far behind?
Is it for real or just a fate that we’ve designed?
I do believe that we can change the way we’ll go.
Just find the strength and then say yes instead of no.

I wanna get to the passion.
I wanna make my dreams all come true.
I wanna go for the limit.
I wanna burst the limit and go on through.

I wanna sing through this life.
I wanna know my life had some meaning.
I wanna share with my friends.
I wanna count on them when I’m leaning.

Can it be wrong to leave our troubles far behind?
Is if for real or just a dream that we’ve designed?
I do believe that we can steer the way we’ll go;
Just change our minds and then say yes instead of no.

Stay tuned…

Tony

Posted on March 5, 2015 by TonyApril 16, 2025

There are lots of different kinds of heart problems. Everybody suffers from one kind or another. Everybody. For example…I was born with a deformed heart. My “condition” is called “bicuspid aortic valve.” Where a normal heart has 3 parts to the aortic valve, mine has only 2. So, it tends to be what one doctor described to me as “leaky.” And it doesn’t push blood as well as a heart with all 3 parts to the valve. Well, that’s the way the heart beats.

But one way or another, all our heart problems end up being temporary. All of them except one that is. Can you guess what that one is? I won’t make you guess. I’ll tell you. It’s when you turn your heart against God and reject His word, His Son, and His love for you. That problem can go on forever.

Christians call that heart problem a “hardened heart.” It doesn’t take any plaque or calcium buildup to cause a hardened heart. In fact, it doesn’t take any physical action at all. It simply comes from a person deciding to be his or her own god. Anytime anyone decides that, they’ve chosen to skip all the evidence for a Creator God and rely merely on “self.” Big mistake.

As always, I’d like to encourage anyone reading this who hasn’t accepted Jesus as their Savior to consider it before the old ticker stops ticking. I’ll be glad to help you discover God’s love for you. I’ll send you songs, stories… whatever it takes to convince you of the greatest love ever known to man. It’s love from the one called “The Way, The Truth, and The Life.” It’s the love that cures all heart problems.

Stay tuned,

Tony

Your support means more than you know. And in case you’d like to know how you can…

Buy books and music from me:

(https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B008R08LUG/allbooks)
https://www.TonyFunderburk.com/author
https://www.TonyFunderburk.com/singer-songwriter

Or tell those you care about to jump on the The TRUTH: https://www.tonyfunderburk.com/heart-problems OR

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Posted on March 4, 2015 by TonyApril 10, 2024

Never say never. Never again. Or never is a long, long time. Never give up. And of course…Neverland. It seems there’s no end to the way we humans use that word. I’m no exception. I used it twice in the title of one of my old songs, “Never Neverland”. I don’t tend to write many songs based on negative or bad experiences. But this song is one.

Back in the 80’s I was touring the U.S. getting paid to sing and play songs every night. It was a great part of my life. One I’ll always remember with a gleam in my eyes. However…

There was a block of that time where it seemed like every thief had my name in his little black book. I was ripped off so many times I began to feel like a bankrupt pawn shop for musical equipment.

One such time I happened to be in Erie, Pennsylvania.

My brother and I had a nice two week booking, and we had just arrived. We unloaded the gear and clothes out of our vehicles, but I left a few boxes and assorted items in the back of my truck. It was our first night in town, we were tired from a long drive, and the truck was parked inside the hotel’s “secure” lot for guests. What could happen, right?

The next day I went down to my truck to go somewhere for lunch and noticed the hatch lift to my topper was open. Not a good sign. When I went around to look, I found papers and all sorts of things torn and tossed all around. Some of my personal property, including a can with a substantial amount of coins, was gone. As you might guess, I wasn’t pleased.

Nothing was ever recovered, and my insurance wouldn’t cover it. So, property lost, emotions vented, lesson learned. That wouldn’t be the last time, though. While I was staying in Erie I wrote the following song to sort of convey my exasperation.

Never Neverland

Sometimes this world brings my bad side out
I get so mad I could scream
I wonder why can’t we all be friends
Live and let live and share the dream
So much depending on tomorrow
Heaven only knows where tomorrow goes
Why must we beg and steal and borrow
A temporary fix; an empty bag of tricks

And it’s just like the drifting of the sand
Living in Never Neverland
Where the mind is always quicker than the hand
Living in Never Neverland

Sometimes I need just to air things out
Let the sun shine on my face
Then maybe I’ll keep emotions in check
And I’ll still trust the human race
So much at stake; so much to lose now
Can’t we understand and open up our hands
There’s so much more we could be doing
If we would only do what we’re intended to

Repeat chorus…inst…ad lib chorus to end

Why linger in Neverland. Instead, get all my really refreshing Rhymes and Reasons the easy way. Just jump on the The TRUTH. And I’ll send them directly to your inbox. Do it now, and you’re only a couple of clicks or taps away from some songs and some other surprises: https://www.TonyFunderburk.com

Stay tuned,

Did You Know Life And Love Can’t Be Separated? Podcast 96

Posted on March 3, 2015 by TonyMay 19, 2015

Life and love are forever connected. It’s not an accident either. Your Creator loves you so much because He made you. He is THE source of life. In fact, Jesus calls Himself “The Life”. And He gives you access to His eternal life by simply trusting Him. In case you haven’t heard how much He sacrificed to provide you with this awesome gift of Grace, please borrow or buy a Bible and discover for yourself. If you’d like to hear more of my take on it, listen to this week’s…

I’ll be sharing songs and stories about…

OK, turn up the volume, and enjoy Words And Music Podcast – Episode 96.

And remember”

God gave you a spirit of “power and of love and of a sound mind“.

Stay tuned…

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Posted on March 2, 2015 by TonyApril 16, 2025

“Breaking Up Is Hard To Do” was a hit song for both Neil Sedaka and Shelley Faberes back in the 60’s.

The lyrics started out with: “Don’t take your love away from me…Don’t you leave my heart in misery”. It was a corny song about someone not wanting to break up with someone else. Pure and simple. I love this picture of Shelley Faberes record. It might be hard to believe, but I can remember when records looked like this. Or do I just remember my parents telling me about it?

If you decide you’re gonna put your trust in the Word of God, then you’re entering a relationship with the only one who’ll never leave you. The one true, living, loving God who says nothing can take you away from Him. The Apostle Paul said you can’t be separated from the love of Christ by…

Tribulation
Distress
Persecution
Famine
Nakedness
Peril, or
Sword

That leaves…well…nothing.

So, once you’ve made the decision to love God back (remember He loved you first), you’re relationship is sealed. You’ve just become a child of the living, loving God who created all there is. He’ll never let you down. In spite of all of you’ve done, are doing, or ever will do that He’d prefer you didn’t do. He’ll love you and give you eternal life.

If there’s something about that you don’t like, tell me. Because I can’t imagine not wanting to live forever in the presence of the very Source of Life and Love. And as for me, like I said, where my relationship with Jesus is concerned, breaking up is hard to do…impossible, in fact.

Stay tuned,

Your support means more than you know. And in case you’d like to know how you can…

Buy books and music from me:

(https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B008R08LUG/allbooks)
https://www.TonyFunderburk.com/author
https://www.TonyFunderburk.com/singer-songwriter

Or tell those you care about to jump on the The TRUTH: https://www.TonyFunderburk.com OR

Get the The Power of God’s Love Podcast: https://www.tonyfunderburk.com/fundercast

Posted on March 1, 2015 by TonyAugust 3, 2024

Are you wishing for more wealth? More power? More things? Maybe you’ve heard this old saying: “Be careful what you wish for.” Yes? I remember when I was getting to know my wife, over long-distance phone calls, she mentioned that her mom had said that more than once. The reason you need to be careful is…your wish might come true.

The Bible says if you trust in riches, you’ll fall. This means fail. And this isn’t just a stumbling along life’s pathways kind of fall. This can also be a permanent, eternal fall. Riches are for provision, not protection. Riches can only supply your natural needs. But here’s the catch…

…natural ain’t all there is.

Whether you believe in the God of the Bible, or any other god you’ve chosen to follow or be…you know somewhere deep inside you that you’re more than merely what meets the eye. Admit it. You know there’s gotta be something more. You can feel it, can’t you? Well, that’s because eternity has been written in your heart.

While you ponder that thought for a while, here are the lyrics to an old song of mine about it. I also have an old recording I made of my song with the “be careful” message. It was recorded on a 4-track recorder back in the 80’s, so it’s very low quality. But, who knows? Maybe I’ll share it on a The Power of God’s Love Podcast episode.

Be Careful What You Wish For

You’ve got a house and your privacy;
A brand new car; you’re in the driver’s seat.
But you believe there’s a bigger dream you have to follow.

And so you work for your daily bread
And wish for something that could get you ahead,
Because losing the race would be such a hard pill to swallow.

Be careful what you wish for.
Look out ’cause it might come true.
You never, ever really know what’s in store.
So be careful…be careful what you wish for.

She feeds the kids and sends ’em off to school.
She never breaks or even bends a rule.
But in her mind she’s convinced that something is missin’.

And so she spends what her husband makes
And doesn’t think about the toll it takes.
Her mother tried to tell her once, but she wouldn’t listen.

Chorus

Now that old world can get its hands on you,
But only if you stop and let it.
You have the right to change your mind.
But somebody might just regret it…don’t forget it

Chorus to end

Stay tuned…

I Have To Believe The Truth

Posted on February 28, 2015 by TonyAugust 18, 2024

There is one truth in any given situation. It’s not merely a matter of perspective. It’s truth. I remember a couple of lines out of a Don Henley song where he said, “There’s three sides to every story babe: There’s yours and there’s mine and the cold, hard truth.” And I also remember when Jesus said “The Truth shall make you free“. I have to believe that Truth.

What would hold you back from wanting to believe in a living, loving Creator God who designed you to have eternal life? If you don’t believe in that kind of God, I know it isn’t because you can’t. It’s because you won’t.

You don’t have to believe the Truth.

But I’d like you to consider what you’re giving up. Lay aside your disbelief for second. Let’s say, for the sake of illustration, that I’m correct. Let’s say you actually CAN have eternal life…even after you die and leave this life. And let’s say the only way you can have it is to trust that Jesus is real. That He really is God who really did come to earth as a real man. That He really did suffer a horrible death on a cross and rose from the dead to pay for the real, eternal consequences of your sins. Let’s say that all you have to do to is accept His free offer and you’ll have eternal life, too. Nothing else is required. No good deeds. No tithing. And no sacrifices. Nothing.

Eternal life is a gift from God freely given to you by Jesus. If you don’t want that, I have to believe you prefer to be your own god. And all I can say to that is…

Have To Believe

I can hear my heart, but I just can’t feel my life.
I can feel You cut, but I just can’t see the knife.
You slip Yourself inside of me
To show me what I’m meant to be;
Unlock me with Your golden key;
Protect me from the wizardry
Of this world far below.

(chorus)

And I have to believe…You did everything for me.
‘Cause what I have to believe
Is the truth that sets me free (repeat)

Stay tuned,

No-cost, low-cost, and premium ways you can show your support…

Tell everybody you know to subscribe to Tony’s Daily Devotional
(emails with good stuff for Fa-Ree)

Get my Rhyme & Reason Podcast delivered right to your device. (also Fa-Ree)

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

Or how about some music for believers, dreamers, and thinkers

Do You Speak The Universal Language?

Posted on February 27, 2015 by TonyFebruary 27, 2022

Maybe you’ve heard that music is the universal language. Yes? Well, do you speak it? Does everyone you know speak it? My guess is…no.

But here’s the cool thing. You don’t need to speak music in order to understand it. If a song or composition speaks to you, you’re filled with understanding. You’re transported into a connection you can’t make any other way. And that’s awesome. And…

…I believe that’s by design. Sorry if you’re not a believer. You might be ready to change the channel, click outta here, or hold your fingers in your ears while yelling, “la la la la la la la”.

That’s OK. It wouldn’t be the first time I’ve experienced that. But in case you’re still here, I’d like to invite you to listen to some of my songs. Read some of my stories. I have a lot of both right here on the website, and they won’t cost you one thin dime. While you’re listening or reading, think about this little detail…

…how is your brain actually processing the info?

I propose that the words and music aren’t just digits going into your brain for processing. I believe you’re hard-wired, by your Designer, to not only be able to process and see and hear music…but also enjoy it. Let me emphasize the word ENJOY.

Enjoy doesn’t fall under the heading of touch, smell, hearing, seeing, or tasting. It’s not one of the five senses, but it’s maybe even more real than all of them. Feelings come from within you somewhere. And feelings should point you to a feeling Creator. If they don’t, please share with me why not. And if you can’t quite put it into words yourself, send me a song that expresses your feelings…because…I DO speak the universal language.

Stay tuned,

Tell everybody you know to subscribe to Tony’s Daily Devotional
(emails with good stuff for Fa-Ree)

Get my Rhyme & Reason Podcast delivered right to your device. (also Fa-Ree)

My books are also on Amazon.com or Apple Books

Grab yourself an un-cool T-shirt

Or how about some music for kids

Posted on February 26, 2015 by TonyFebruary 24, 2022

How do you answer the mysteries of life?

Some people think there are many mysteries of life. Those people never seem to find satisfactory answers to their burning questions. I have. But then…maybe I’m just simple-minded.

There are some who say true science never really finds the answers, and that it’s always seeking and willing to process new information. But you won’t be able to make sense of anything, if you can’t know that you can know. In fact, if you can’t truly know anything, you may even begin to question your own existence. And that’s a self-defeating whirlpool of thought. And so pointless.

If you can read this…if you can think thoughts…if you can form pictures in your mind based on words…and even if you just have questions, you exist. More importantly, you’re not here accidentally. You’re a created being. Created by the living, loving God who created everything. He is the answer to all the mysteries of life. And He is the…

Everlasting Everywhere

I want the Everlasting Work Of Art;
Not just on canvas, but engraved in the heart
I need the Everlasting Scale Of Worth.
That’s the only Way to perfect peace on earth

Everlasting and everywhere…
He’s Everlasting and everywhere

I look for Everlasting holy clues
To steel myself through all this negative news
I dream the Everlasting wide-eyed stuff,
But I’m still aware that dreaming’s never enough

Chorus

You seek the answers to the mysteries of life
But how much truth can you handle
And as for me, well, there is only One Fire
That lights the flame on my candle

Chorus

I look to the Everlasting Guiding Star
To make my path straight as I travel so far
I sing the Everlasting song of man;
Teach us to understand our place in the plan

Chorus…inst…chorus…bridge…chorus…

modulate up and repeat

2 verses and choruses to end

Stay tuned…

Tony

Love God And Live Longer

Posted on February 22, 2015 by TonyFebruary 23, 2022

So…here’s my 1 step plan to a longer, richer life. Ready? Got a pen and paper or computer handy? Here goes. Love God and live longer.

Whew! Are you tuckered out? Yeah, I know…it’s a pretty grueling regimen. But you know what they say…no pain, no gain. So, if you truly wanna live a longer life, you’re gonna need to open your heart and let your love flow to God. That might be more painful for some than others.

But here’s the payoff, when you love God…

…eternal life.

And here’s a key point I’m always sharing here in my letters as well as when I’m talking to people in person…

…you get to choose. Exercising your body keeps you healthier, but you have to decide to do it. You choose. In fact, until you choose, you won’t see any positive results. It’s completely up to you. And eternal life with God in His Heavenly paradise is completely up to you, too.

But maybe you don’t think God, the God I’m talking about, exists. Or maybe you think He doesn’t love you. Or maybe you think you couldn’t love a god who would allow you to have the unfulfilled life you’re living. Or maybe you have some other stubborn reason for choosing yourself over God.

I’d like to suggest you give up those reasons. Give up the need to BE a god. Give up the desire to be served and start looking for ways to serve. Maybe you could start by simply serving your family or friends. You might be surprised at how much better you’ll feel when you take the focus off you. And I wouldn’t be at all surprised to hear that you decided to take your love to the next level. In fact, I’d get to rejoice with the angels when I get to hear you’ve decided to love God and live forever.

When you do, let me know. Seriously.

Stay tuned,

Tony

Stand Before The Throne of God In Love

Posted on February 21, 2015 by TonyFebruary 20, 2015

You can one day stand before the throne of God in love. I hope you’ll choose to do so. But it’s your choice. You don’t have to choose Jesus as your Savior. He won’t force you to. He loves you, but He won’t force you to love Him in return. But I think once you discover what kind of God your Creator is, you might choose to love Him. He’s so much more than a bunch of words that start with i-m or o-m. Of course, you know the words I’m talking about…omnipotent, omniscient, omnipresent. And immutable and impassible. Those words just don’t show the true living, loving God…the God you can talk to and tell your troubles.

Our God Is Living Personal Relational Good And Loving
(you can listen to this song here)

The world is…obsessed with death and dying.
They’re drowning…in bitterness and crying.
It’s such an awful shame.
They could call upon the name of Jesus.
As followers we say
We know He’s the only Way that frees us
From the sins we hide deep inside.
They…can’t please us.
Our bodies…become the dust that scatters.
If that’s it…then nothing really matters.
We may as well give in
When we feel the world begin to seize us.
Who needs all that guilt and blame
You get calling on the name of Jesus?
But it’s not like that.
It’s a fact…Jesus sees us.

He’s living and He’s life…
He’s personal to talk to…
Relational with every son and daughter.
He’s good and so much more….
He’s loving to the core…
Jesus is the Living Water.
And each time a soul is saved all the angels above sing…
Our God is living, personal, relational, good…and loving.

Our souls know…infinity is calling.
But temptation…can keep our spirits falling.
So we need to fix our eyes
On the true eternal prize of Jesus.
When we stand before the throne,
He knows our lives, alone, won’t appease us.
No, we need the blood of the lamb…we need Jesus.

Stay tuned…

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The End of Life Is Not The End of Living

Posted on February 20, 2015 by TonyFebruary 24, 2023

What do you suppose happens when you reach the end of your life? Well, for most, the worst is yet to come. But for some (millions), the end of this life isn’t the end of living. It’s really a matter of where you put your faith. Where is yours? In dirt? Or in God. Can I make a recommendation?

Dirt will always keep you down and dirty. God will lift you up higher than the universe. He’ll show you eternal love and give you eternal life. But…

…not if you don’t want it. Why would you want to serve yourself for all eternity? Why would you want to be alone with your thoughts for all of eternity? Why would you ever want to be your own god? Why? Why? Why?

Sorry, but why? is not my favorite question. In fact, I prefer to think about the solution. Give up wanting to be god. Let God have that title. Show Him the respect He deserves for creating all living matter. You might just enjoy eternal life in paradise with Him. But if you think you wouldn’t, you certainly can make sure the end of your life is the end of living. It’s up to you…

The Living End

How can I explain the numbers in the rain?
I’d like to help illuminate the pathways to your mind.
But I am just a man; I’ll do the best I can
I’ll show you where to look, and I’ll tell you this:
It isn’t behind…

It’s a firecracker and a windchime
It’s a loudspeaker and a street mime
It’s the friction of invisible wind…It’s the living end

I should write a book; give back what I took
It’s the kind of thing that multiplies
When you give it away
The knowledge and the lack;
The rails that make the track
Tend to open doors and open hearts
To what they can say…

It’s a sand pebble and the fired glass
It’s a skyscraper and a mountain pass
It’s the friction of invisible wind…It’s the living end

Oh, and I’m sure I can’t make you believe
If it’s not within your will
Oh, and it’s been around since Adam and Eve
And it never stood still

How can I extol the matters of the soul?
I was never one to shake my fist and preach in the square.
No, I just always knew that faith would lead me through,
And there has to be a larger life that lasts forever out there

(repeat 1st chorus)

Stay tuned,

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

Tell everybody you know to subscribe to Tony’s Daily Devotional
(emails with good stuff for Fa-Ree)

Get my Rhyme & Reason Podcast delivered right to your device. (also Fa-Ree)

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

Or how about some music for believers, dreamers, and thinkers

Rainbow City Residents Should Never Worry

Posted on February 19, 2015 by TonyFebruary 18, 2015

This is not a weather report. This is a short explanation of why Rainbow City residents should never worry. They worry all the time, and they don’t seem to realize that worry is a form of sin. Does this matter? Yes. Allow me to show you why, and I’ll even share one of my old songs with you about it.

It’s interesting to me how Jesus (who created us all by the way) told us not to worry about what to eat, what to drink, or what to wear. He even said we shouldn’t worry about tomorrow. There’s a clear indicator that worrying about things means you’re not trusting God. Tell me that isn’t you…OK?

Of course, not worrying about things doesn’t make them magically disappear. But worrying about them doesn’t either. And worry is a sign you’re leaning on yourself and not trusting in the love of God. This is especially troubling if you’re a Christian. Because if you’re a Christian, you’re already a resident of “Rainbow City”. Here’s the song about it…

Rainbow City

Why does everybody worry?
Spend so much time fretting and fussing
And you’re bound to end up grey.
Why is everybody faithless?
Detour yourself into the night
And you can’t enjoy the day.
Where is everybody going?
We’re escalating and elevating
And still no ground is gained.
Where can people find an answer?
They put away for a rainy day,
But it already rained.

Don’t you see? We’re living in Rainbow City.
Don’t you know? We own that pot of gold.
Can’t you tell? We’re livin’ in Rainbow City.
Can’t you feel, and come in from the cold?

How can anybody profit?
Give of your hand and not your heart
And no one’s world can change.
When will anybody listen?
When all the deer and the antelope
Lose their home out on the range?
Why does everybody forget?
Their little brick and glass domain
Can’t shield them from the fire.
I wish that we could all be happy.
I know we should and maybe we could
Put our faith a whole lot higher

repeat chorus

I know it’s cold out there…I’ve been to that empty place,
But you can be warm inside…the light can shine on your face.

inst…repeat chorus

Stay tuned…

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You And Me Were Meant For Each Other

Posted on February 18, 2015 by TonyFebruary 17, 2015

Tell romance to go sit on the sofa for a minute because I wanna show you how we were meant for each other. And I don’t want you to get the wrong idea or anything. Give romance a nice, warm beverage and explain that you’ll be back in a few minutes. Everyone comfy? Good. Here goes…

You were designed with communication skills. You’re hard-wired, so to speak, for interaction with other human beings. Coincidentally (and thankfully) they’re hard-wired to interact with you. See where this is going? We humans share language along with emotions. And our five senses are the same no matter which language, ethnic background, or part of the world you identify with.

You don’t have a good excuse not to love your neighbor as yourself. But you also should let love be without hypocrisy. When you realize God created us to be there for one another, this is so much easier. We were meant for each other to watch out for one another. I know there will be some…many in fact…who simply won’t let you live in love. Or rather, they refuse to receive your love in the way you intend. What do you do about them?

Well, even if they hate you just because of your beliefs, or skin color, or heritage, you can still love them. Love them enough to tell them about the choice they need to make. Heaven or hell. Life or death. If you don’t love them, you won’t say anything. Apathy is hate. But that’s not you. Right?

God’s love is readily available to you. To anyone who wants it. If you already know that, tell someone else about it today. If you don’t already know that, tell me. I’ll be glad to talk to you about it because we were meant for each other, and…

We’re All A Part of the Song

I climbed inside my radio
And walked along the wires.
I heard the beat of timpani
And saw some distant fires…
Somehow, I feel this is where I belong.
It’s music, and I’m just a part of the song.

It’s analog, and it’s digital,
And it’s wireless remote.
It doesn’t run on batteries
‘Cause there’s life in every note.
It flies, and it always takes me along.
I go, ’cause I’m just a part of the song.

We’re all a part of the song.
Whether you like it or not.
We’re all a part of the song,
A part of this big melting pot.
If we’d open our eyes and just see how time flies,
We would see that we’re not here so long,
And we’re all a part of the song.

I jumped inside a compact disc
To seek the rainbow’s end.
I heard it in those colored lights
And felt the hard times bend…

We’re all a part of the song.

Stay tuned…

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