Tony Funderburk

Posted on February 27, 2021 by TonyMarch 16, 2021

I’m a word nerd. And I’m certain I was born that way. So, you need to just love and understand me. And accept me for the identification I choose for myself. OK, now that I’ve gotten that heated rant off my chest…I only brought it up because of an online dictionary. I just got off the Merriam-Webster website where I found the word of the day. And I wasn’t even looking for it.

I was actually there to compare a definition of a word I had just looked up on my computer’s dictionary app. But when I tapped into Merriam-Webster’s site, right there at the top, it said:

Word of the Day and Words At Play

No, I’m not kidding. They rhymed their links. And that’s not all. Just a little further down the page, they had a link that said, “Word nerds! Save words plus keep track of all your lookups.”

But why am I making such a big deal out of this? And who cares what a dictionary website says anyway? Right? Well, it’s like your computer and devices know almost as much about you as you know yourself these days. And they serve up stuff you thought you only thought about. And because your mind was already on the subject, you click the links.

It’s digitally freaky is what it is.

Of course, I’m kidding (mostly) about the Merriam-Webster website. Because they’re a dictionary. So, naturally they’d be all about words. Even the word of the day. And words at play. And word nerds.

But there’s a whole lot of that behind-the-scenes “listening” going on. If you think not, then either you don’t have a smartphone or computer connected to the internet, or you just haven’t noticed it yet.

And the “listening” part got me thinking about the difference between human listening and God listening. And that difference boils down to one word.

Grace.

That word sums up the glory of God and the shortcomings and failures of man.

Because God hears what we humans say, every day, and He still offers the Grace of eternal life to anyone with the humility to ask for it. You and I have done nothing, and never do anything, to deserve it.

But God doesn’t listen to you with an agenda to trip you up or sell you something. He hears with a pure heart. And He wants us to have that, too. So, the only commandment He makes, during this dispensation of time is to love.

Wow, who’d have thunk that my dictionary lookup, of an entirely different word, would lead to this short message about Grace and Love?

No other doctrine or fable, no genealogy
Compares to creation, with love, cosmology.
So, I turn to the Lord of all understanding
With the goal to do this one thing He’s commanding.

Love.

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Posted on February 26, 2021 by TonyMarch 27, 2024

Stand up straight on the count of eight.

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 4 blocks away. And I remember my Grandmother telling me to stand up straight or I’d grow up to be a hunchback.

If anyone knew how to stand up straight, it was Grandmother.

She came from a family of straight standers. And tall, too. My oldest uncle (her oldest son) was around 6’4″. So, obviously he must’ve listened to his mom when they went walking.

What made me remember all this was a bit of information I read about singing and posture. It mentioned how, when you sing, you “naturally” sit up or stand up straighter. Of course, you’ll see exceptions to that rule. But the best singers know you have to keep your diaphragm open. And good posture is the best way to do that.

And singing with good posture helps you take better care of your lungs. So, there’s that added benefit, too. Plus, there are groups of muscles called the intercostal muscles that run in between your ribs to help your chest move when you breathe. And when you sing, you give those muscles a nice little workout.

Another side benefit of singing is how it exercises your facial muscles. So, you’ll be able to smile bigger or frown with more intensity. (choose smiling, you’ll look much better)

Wow. I never realized how much Grandmother was preparing me for a career in music. Yeah, there’s a lot of sneaky wisdom in old people…if you care to listen.

Now, stand up straight and sing a song.
Even if nobody sings along.
I’m sure it’s the funnest exercise
To help you grow older, well, and wise.

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Posted on February 25, 2021 by TonyMarch 14, 2021

Think different thoughts. Don't be robots.

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 back in 1992 I wrote a song about it. And I used my allegorical powers to personally become thoughts.

And it illustrates how to think different thoughts and and transform into actions.

Because, when you think about it (pun somewhat intended), everything begins with a thought. Even the creation of our planet and every living thing on it. Also, all the other planets and stars and galaxies in the universe. It all started as thoughts in the mind of God.

And I say jump on that…

Train of Thought

I run through undiscovered countries
I feel the earth beneath my feet
And I dance around an open campfire
I know that life is short and sweet
I’m part of an elite “˜cause I don’t have to eat

I sneak aboard a quiet starship
I float in levitated bliss
And I drive the complicated software
I know what living really is
Don’t have to be a whiz” you can get next to this

Just open up your mind to your train of thought
Quit standing in the line, jump on your train of thought
It surely doesn’t take a lot
And it’s one thing that can’t be bought
Just open your mind to your train of thought

I drop the water on the brush fire
I push the plow upon the land
And I help the sad forget their heartaches
And I’m the first to take a stand
To weave a tighter strand and fill the empty hand

chorus instrumental

Train of thought…
Use your train of thought.
Ride that train of thought…
Catch that train of
Train of Thought.

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Posted on February 24, 2021 by TonyMarch 14, 2021

Dreams come true. At least they sometimes do.

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 can pursue your dreams and maybe even reach them.

But it’s more and more difficult to serve your fellow man with joy these days. Because so many people are walking around in fear. And ignorance. And so many of them are looking for someone to project their fear and ignorance onto. People who, because of their fear and ignorance, believe they have the right to tell you how to breathe.

How. To. Breathe.

It sickens and angers me that so many Americans have totally lost their minds when it comes to masks and viruses. And I’m tired of how many of them believe their feelings and emotions are more important than facts.

I’d love to see them seek wisdom and ask God for forgiveness. But it doesn’t seem likely.

That’s why I believe it’s important for Christians to do all they can to support one another. Buy from businesses owned by clear-thinking Christians. Support only the social media channels where Christian beliefs aren’t censored. Move away from businesses and organizations with a clear anti God agenda.

And I realize we’d have to leave the planet to avoid them all. But I wanna do my best not to help pagans lead lavish, God-hating lifestyles. So, I’m gonna…

Move It

Tired of makin’ dreams come true for everybody else
I’ve got lots of ideas in my head.
I just need to break free from these chains that hold me down
And make much more than my daily bread.

The status quo’s gotta go,
I’m gonna get better yet”
A paradigm for the time”
The light to shine is all mine.

I gotta get shakin'”ain’t no mistakin’,
Can’t be no fakin’ changes I’m makin’
And it can’t be proven while a mountain needs movin’
So, I’m gonna go move it.
Yeah, I’m gonna go move it.

Who knows? Maybe I can take it further than I thought
And make sure my friends can come along
All the way to where my once elusive dreams come true
Where ideas grow faster and get strong.

I’ll stay afloat like a boat
When I keep my eyes on the prize.
And I’ll break through deja vu.
No goin’ back on the track.

Move it. Move it. I’m not standin’ still here anymore.
Move it. Move it. Better than I ever did before.

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Posted on February 23, 2021 by TonyMarch 14, 2021

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 “petition the government for a redress of grievances.”

Yeah, America’s founding fathers wrote up something called a constitution. And they had some arguments about how much power it might give to the federal government. So, some of those guys opposed the constitution until others added that “Bill of Rights.” That’s apparently what they called the first several amendments to that constitution. And the opposing guys must’ve been OK with the “Bill of Rights” because it became a permanent part of the document.

I think the reason this all might have been the way it worked out is because they were so profound in their use of the American language. For example, here’s one of the first lines in those amendments…

“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.”

Hey, I told you it was high-brow.

Well, I’m told it was pretty great living in America while that “Bill of Rights” was in place. And I even have vague memories of it myself…being a boomer type dude. But now, even churches aren’t allowed to gather together and worship and sing without the fear of the pastor getting tossed into jail.

Oh well. Time marches on. And rules change. So, who am I to grumble and reminisce? And what good would it do? Yeah, I think I’ll just use one of my last ounces of freedom to assemble these words together and fade gently into that viral, dark night…

Freedom

I’m gunning for the gold medal”aiming for the sun dance.
Don’t wanna be a drifter all my life, I gotta take a new chance.
I’ve driven down the pipeline. I’ve seen so many street signs.
I’m headed back where I began to try to make it mine; all mine.

And if I’ve even learned one thing,
It’s that the music never stops.
And if you dream inside a bubble,
You’ll be surprised when the bubble pops.
Oh, when the bubble pops!

Freedom; don’t want to lose my freedom.
I want to make my choice; make my voice be heard.
Freedom; I’m glad I have my freedom.
If all the world could see,
It would have to be the word…Freedom!

I’m shooting for the north star.
And I’m tickling the silver strings.
I’m glad I have the chance to chase ideas
And turn them into real things.
I’ve been down lots of broken roads,
Forgot about my Guiding Light.
But now I’m going back where I belong.
And everything is alright.

And if I’ve even learned one thing,
It’s that the music never dies.
And if you never reach your rainbow,
At least you’ll see the bluer skies.
Oh yeah, the bluer skies.

Chorus…inst…repeat chorus

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Posted on February 22, 2021 by TonyMarch 10, 2021

Believe the hype if you're the gullible type

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.

And it’s proof, yet again, that holding a high political office doesn’t mean you’re smart.

In fact, far from it in most cases.

One of the latest examples is a stupid former secretary. Let’s call him Secretary Kerry. Yeah, I like it. Because it rhymes. And I’m all about the Rhymes.

Secretary Kerry says that things are gettin’ badder.
Better pay attention ’cause your gases really matter.
He says that warming causes freezing, and it must be true
‘Cause even with the sun above the sky is cold and blue.
“The world has only nine more years,” he says without a smile.
But all this kind of talk of his has gone on for a while.
He spews out all this garbage, and he spews out carbon, too.
A hundred tons of it each year. You know? Like me and you.
Oh wait, we don’t fly private jets around the world and back.
We only drive our cars to jobs that underwrite this quack.
But maybe we won’t have to work in only nine more years.
Because we’ll either all burn up or drown in leftist tears.
But just in case, in ten years, we can live on Earth safely,
I hope we have more open eyes to this hypocrisy.

Don’t believe the hype.

I admonish anyone who’s not willing to look into the real science. And, like Dr. T, I pity the fools who continue to buy into the sky-is-falling philosophy. Because those are the souls who will follow the so-called leaders down into the rabbit hole that leads to eternal “global warming.”

There was one quote, from Kerry, I read in an online article, where he got it right. He said…

“There’s no room for B.S. anymore.”

Yep, there’s no room for Bumbling Stupidity.

But there sure are a lot of humans trying to squeeze more of it in.

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Posted on February 21, 2021 by TonyFebruary 21, 2021

All white but not all white. Craw, not craw.

I’ve mentioned it before. But way, way back in 1981-82 I was a drummer and singer in a popular band in Atlanta, Georgia. And we did a fairly wide variety of music. From country, to top 40, easy listening, and what would now be called “classic rock.” And I remember our first night debut, in a favorite locals hangout in the northern section of Atlanta, we finished our first set with a Kenny Loggins song, “I’m Alright.” Remember that one? Our band also provided comedic “relief” during each set. And one “joke” of mine was to sing I’m Alright in the Elmer Fudd style. So, it became “I’m all white. Don’t nobody wuhwe ’bout me.”

“Why you got to give me a fight? Why can’t you just wet me be?”

And I did my “all white” version for years…even after that band broke up.

And get this. People laughed. Not once, in all the times I ever did that, did anyone come up to me, all offended, and tell me to stop. No, they laughed. Why? Because it’s innocently funny.

You can change the meaning to a lot of lyrics when you sing them in the Elmer Fudd style. And when it happens, it’s a good idea to laugh. It’s a bad idea to get offended.

And if you’re offended because somebody’s all white, you know what that’s called? Racism. Yep, it’s not just for white folks. Anybody can be a racist. It’s super easy. And apparently you can even gain money and power when you express your hatred or disgust with people with different skin shades than yours.

So, I’m thinkin’ of gettin’ my gear together and start bookin’ my all white one man band again.

What do you think? Would it be all white with you? Or would you be offended and yell at me through your germ-infested mask of hate?

I’m just cuweus.

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Posted on February 20, 2021 by TonyFebruary 21, 2021

Diffusers and more. That's what we're here for.

Quite a few years ago, Elgielene got into essential oils. And when I say “got into,” I mean learning about them, using them, and even reselling them. She bought them for the aromas, the topical benefits, and even for taking internally. So, we had (and still have) bottles of essential oils, droppers, and diffusers.

If you’ve never used essential oils for anything, you don’t know what you’re missing.

Yeah, I know some people are allergic to certain plants. And even the scent of them. So, if that’s you, you’re probably ready to stop reading this and click away. But I have a good reason for bringing it up, so don’t go away just yet.

Now, back to the diffusers again.

I really enjoy dripping a few drops of peppermint, or peppermint and lemon, into our diffuser (with filtered water). And I love how those scents open up my sinuses and clear my head. Of course, I might have an extra bias because of the respiratory issues I’ve dealt with the past 3 years. But I loved the scents of essential oils in the house long before all that.

Anyway…

It’s so cool, how diffusers vaporize the oils and water. And they do it so quietly. But the end result is so pleasantly powerful. The feeling of a whole room can change as you breathe in those aromas. It’s one of life’s little pleasures.

I guess those are some of the reasons why Paul (in the Bible) metaphorically described Christians as diffusers. It’s true. He put it this way…

“Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge in every place.”

That’s so cool. And it makes me feel like my two thousand articles, well most of them, are like essential oils. And I’ve diffused “the fragrance of His knowledge” in my own way. Through Rhyme and Reason.

Hmm…maybe I should start my own brand of diffusers. What do you think?

But there’s a catch to letting God use you to diffuse the fragrance of His knowledge. Just like some people are allergic to certain plants and their oils, most people find the fragrance of God’s knowledge offensive, too. Paul talked about that this way…

“For we are to God the fragrance of Christ among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing. To the one we are the aroma of death leading to death, and to the other the aroma of life leading to life.”

So, here’s what I think about that…

The fragrance of knowledge is essential.
Diffuse it. Don’t keep it confidential.
To some, it’s like roses. Some turn up their noses.
Your results will be quite consequential.

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Posted on February 19, 2021 by TonyMarch 10, 2021

Micro moments here and now can change your woes to wow

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 listen to a song like that one from Ben E. King and the Drifters, it only takes about two and half minutes and it’s over. And you just experienced something that was easy to access, easy to click and listen to, and didn’t take much of your time.

Years ago, I wrote about the short attention span of readers and consumers. And I saw internet marketing “gurus” talk about how “long form copy” will never die. And maybe for a certain group (or groups) of people that will be true.

But apparently millennials don’t fit into those groups. Because I just read an article that said smartphones are their favorite device to work on. And for a large percentage of them, 70%, their smartphone is their go-to device every day. In fact, millennials are highly likely to do everything on their phone. And they like short, fast, content and interactions.

Plus, they wanna be able to find an answer when they think about it. And that means they don’t wanna wait till they get to their laptop or desktop. Why do that when you can just ask your phone?

So, of course, the great and powerful Oz…uh, Google…chimed in on micro moments.

Their research showed how a huge amount of what goes on, online, is broken up into short and fast connections. And most of it’s done on a smartphone. So, they called ’em micro moments.

And they said if you’re a company who’d like a slice of the millennial spending pie, you better make sure your website or other online buying experience can deliver quickly.

Think about it.

When you wanna get a fast answer to something, and you’re not at your desk, do you just wait till you get home? No way. You pop out your phone and either ask Siri or Google or Alexa or type in a search term, and voila! You get your answer (or millions of answers) in about a second.

It’s an amazing time to be alive.

But guess what? You could also be gone in a micro moment. In the blink of an eye. And by “gone” I mean you could leave your body and move into the next phase of your existence.

And you have two choices where you’ll exist. Life forever in Heaven. Or death forever in hell. And if you haven’t made your choice before you die, you won’t even have a fraction of a micro moment to decide. Because your choice has to be made in the here and now.

So, here’s a suggestion.

Ask Siri or Google or Alexa to help you find a Bible. And then turn to the New Testament and look for Paul’s letters. They’ll be listed as sections or books. But they’re actually letters. And you’ll find them listed from Romans to Philemon.

The reason I suggest reading Paul’s letters is because he was the apostle or messenger to the Gentiles. And if you’re not a Jew, you’re a Gentile. So, his letters give you a clear understanding of what you need to do to make a wise decision for where you’ll be forever.

Or you can skip my suggestion and just pop out your phone and listen to Ben E. King and the Drifters again.

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Posted on February 18, 2021 by TonyFebruary 20, 2021

“Get a haircut you longhair hippie.” If I had a dime for every time I heard that when I was full-time in the music business. No, just kidding. Sort of. Because I didn’t hear that a lot, oddly enough. A lot of guys did, back in the day. But at least back then it wasn’t a crime if you didn’t get your hair cut…or did.

Imagine having to pay a fine because someone tells you they wanna get a haircut.

And I’m talking about a $1000 fine.

Yeah, let’s say you own a hair salon. And, unfortunately, you own a hair salon in a country steeped in socialism. So, you’ve been told you can only open your business to sell hair products. But not for any haircutting services. Well, of course, that’s criminal. But it gets worse.

Now, let’s say you’re in your salon, and, as usual, you have no customers because…well…because people who want you to cut their hair are against the law. (Yeah, this is really happening.) And then someone knocks on the salon door (because no one can just walk in anymore). You let the woman at the door come in, and she asks for a haircut.

Well, haircuts are how you make your money and feed your family. And you’re hanging on to your shop by a hair (awful pun intended), so you agree to cut her hair.

And for a second, you think to yourself, “Finally, a little bit of income.”

Not so fast.

The woman then tells you she’s a health inspector from Alberta Health Services and that you have just broken the law.

Yeah, it’s crazy. It’s weird. And it’s happening all over Canada. And I wish I could say events like this weren’t happening here in America. But we still have California, New York, and some other places like that. So, this despicable stuff is happening here, too.

But one huge mistake people in both countries are making is trying to fight this by leaning on so-called “constitutional right.” Or constitutional freedoms.

That’s a huge mistake because your rights and freedoms don’t come from those flawed documents. They come from God. You have the God-given right to earn a living for you and your family. You have the God-given right to trade goods and services with others who also have those rights.

And just because a piece of paper acknowledges some of your God-given rights doesn’t mean it’s where you should place your defense. Because the document can be changed. God’s enduring commands cannot. So, wouldn’t you rather put your faith where it will be protected forever?

No, God’s word doesn’t explicitly define your right to get a haircut.

But you’ll find the principles for commerce and freedom and liberty all through the Bible. And if you don’t agree or go along with the principles you find there, I’m willing to bet you won’t be fined $1000 by any Christians.

Get a haircut…no, don’t you dare cut
Or we’re gonna tell big brother on you.
Don’t be illicit. Just be complicit.
Go along to get along in this coup.

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Posted on February 17, 2021 by TonyMarch 10, 2021

Living Waters flow where they're allowed to go

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 he does it in a way that makes them think. And you can see the difference in their faces as logic and reason begin to push out long-held emotion-based beliefs.

And the name, Living Waters, seems to be a bit of a nudge.

Because some might think it’s a ministry name from a reference Jesus made to Himself. But there’s a subtle difference…that shows the power of a single alphabetical letter. And, in this case, that letter is S.

To think of God as living water that quenches your thirst, forever, is a cool metaphor. But take the metaphor one more step. Because Jesus said believers follow Him. And that means we’re supposed to be like Him. Not exactly, of course, because we’re flawed and He is perfect. We sin, and He is sinless. But we’re called to follow His example.

So, we should be living waters.

You and I can be tributaries off the main river of water of life. And when you look closely at maps that show rivers and their tributaries, the metaphor is even easier to see. Because the main river covers a lot of territory. Sometimes from one end of a country or continent to the other end. And the tributaries flow into much smaller areas. But a lot more of those areas.

Maybe Ray and his team didn’t come up with the name for the ministry for that reason. But I think it works very nicely.

And as living waters, you and I can (or should) work to get people to think. Give them logical, reasonable things to consider. Because we might get them to start listening to that…

Still Small Voice

Gotta go make some noise and go drinkin’ out with the boys.
And maybe I’ll watch TV.”¨ It all really sounds good to me.
And where’d I put my guitar? In the back of my muscle car.
I’m gonna rock some rock n roll…”¨Jam the music into my soul.
“˜Cause I hear a voice all day, and it just won’t go away.
Ain’t no place I can hide from that still small voice inside

Cheerin’ for my football team on the high def satellite stream
Yellin’ when they mess up bad.”¨ Got a runnin’ bet with my dad.
Saturdays in my yard, you can see I really do work hard.
And then I buzz to the video store”¨ And rent maybe two or three more.
“˜Cause I hear a voice all day, and it just won’t go away.
Ain’t no place I can hide from that still small voice inside

Still small voice inside me sayin’…
Boy you know you’re only playin’.
Still small voice inside me askin’…
What’s with all the pain you’re maskin’?
Still small voice inside me killin’…
Everything that once was thrillin’…
No, there ain’t no place to hide
From that still small voice inside.

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Posted on February 16, 2021 by TonyFebruary 21, 2021

You would not believe how hard it was to achieve

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. No, I had just asked her another, slightly different, kind of question. And you would not believe what I had to go through to get to that point.

I say “you would not believe” but I’m gonna tell you anyway.

Because this story is a true tale of persistence that paid off.

It all began, as stories often do, with a chance meeting. And I say “chance” because it wasn’t planned in any way, shape, or form. My four piece band had just been booked for an entire month in a snazzy Hilton Hotel overlooking Pensacola Bay in…you guessed it…Pensacola, Florida.

And we were all excited, naturally, to spend the month of June (1985) playing music at night and hittin’ the beach every day. By the way, those beaches, with sand as white as table sugar, and with water every shade of blue to green, are some of the best in America. If you’re an avid surfer, Pensacola’s not gonna light your fire. But the rest of it is pure coastal delight.

So, that set the mood for a great month.

And it was on our first or second night there, on a band break, when I spotted a beach babe I couldn’t take my eyes off. But I didn’t wanna look like a dork. So, of course I’d avert my attention anytime there was a chance she’d look in my direction. Gotta be cool. Right?

But I just couldn’t keep from watching her move around the room. She served drinks in the hotel’s posh, first-floor nightclub where our band played. So, naturally, there were lots of opportunities to stare. And I’m a guy…a musician type guy…so of course I stared. Duh.

Well, I could go on and on just with those kinds of details. But I know you want me to get to the good stuff. And I’m eager to share that with you, too.

So, I introduced myself to her one night on a break. And she was so easy to talk to. Not all beautiful girls are. But she was. And she even laughed (probably out of feeling sorry for me) when I made a dorky reference to the Chuck Berry song, Maybellene. (You had to be there, and I’m glad you weren’t.)

There were a few other bits of casual conversation during my month in the Pensacola Hilton. But that was that. Plus, the babe was married. And I had a girlfriend in another city at the time. So, booking ends. Band leaves. End of story.

Not so fast

Because about 10 months later, I was re-booked back into the Pensacola Hilton. Only that time I was a solo. And I was booked up in the swanky, intimate nightclub on the 15th floor. As a house act, which meant the booking was ongoing. And my room literally shared a wall with the nightclub. So, my commute to work was about a 10 yard walk.

But better than all that…

On my first night to play, there she was. The babe from the year before. And she worked full-time in the same place I played music. (Be still my incredibly rhythmic, beating heart.)

And guess what? She remembered me. And she was just as nice, and easy to talk to, as before. We would be “working” together a lot. So, that was a huge plus.

As it turned out, we became friends. Or at least friendly enough to feel like we were friends. And when the workers decided to “go out for a drink” or head to the all-night diner after work, she (and others) would invite me along. Uh…yeah…I wasn’t gonna pass up any opportunities to see more of her.

Now, before you start to think ahead to things you think we might have done. We didn’t. And that’s in spite of the spark we both began to notice. But, for some ridiculous reason (probably had something to do with paying attention to my moral conduct) I didn’t make any attempts to break down her resistance. And she did nothing to cause me to believe her resistance could be broken down.

Nothing.

We stayed friends only.

But, here’s a little catch. And a little curled up edge in the protective layer where I saw the potential for an opportunity that could lead to a chance. That chance a guy looks for when he believes he’s found “the one.”

And that little “catch” was I knew her husband. A part-time conga player and all-around cad. A ne’er-do-well. And you would not believe how much of a particularly stupid philanderer. I call him that because…well…”Have you SEEN your wife?” I thought to myself.

So, I knew…well…I believed in my soul…that the stupid conga player would eventually mess up his marriage beyond repair. And that’s in spite of his wife’s willingness to continue to try and work things out. By the way, that’s part of what appealed to me about her. She still believed in working on a marriage. And she lived out that belief.

I decided, before I left my Pensacola booking for good, that I wanted to be with her. Or at least somebody exactly like her. So, that meant her. Because nobody’s exactly like her.

And with that belief firmly established in my brain, I wrote a birthday card and note to her a month after I left to hit the road. I addressed it to the Hilton. And she got it. She later told me it made quite an impression with her fellow workers.

Then, every once in a while, I’d write another short note and mail it to her in care of the hotel. And I carried on like that for almost three years. Keep in mind, these weren’t love letters. In fact, I usually just sent funny cartoons. Or quizzes. Or drawings. Not to profess love and adoration. I’m not that weird. Just to stay on her radar and help her get to know my incredible sense of humor. That way she’d know I wasn’t just another incredibly handsome Adonis.

And only once in a great while would she reply. But only to tell me to stop writing. Or to tell me I should find someone in my own town.

Trouble was…for those three years…my “own town” changed about every week or two.

Finally, though, I got off the road and landed in the Denver, Colorado metro area. And I wrote to the girl in Pensacola to let her know I was off the road. And she wrote to tell me that I should be able to “find somebody local, now.”

So, I finally (and reluctantly) gave up. Except to send a Christmas card or some sort of card. I don’t remember which. Anyway…I gave up. And that was that.

But then…

A couple of months passed, and I received a letter from Pensacola. Yes, from her. And in it she said if I was still interested, her divorce had been finalized several months before. And she said she had been thinking about me because of all those cards, letters, and notes. Score one for the persistent paperwork.

She said I could call if I still wanted to and included her phone number. So, I played it cool and waited a while, till after lunch, and called. And our phone call turned into another. And another and so on. This was back when a long distance call could be a hard hit to the old budget. And our phone bills racked up into triple digits.

But I also started writing her more. Every day in fact. For months. Sometimes two and three letters a day. Until one day we decided I should go to Florida and see her. So, I hocked a keyboard, bought a plane ticket, and flew to Pensacola where I spent a few days discovering the amazing woman I figured she’d be. And she lived in the lower half of a house, on Perdido Bay, that she and her parents bought together. And one of her 5 sisters lived right next door.

So, I got to meet the whole family on that trip. In addition to her 5 sisters, there were 2 brothers, about 19 kids, the siblings’ wives and husbands, and even friends of the family. And I think they all wanted to see the long-haired mountain man who had come to call.

After that, she visited me, in Denver, on her way to California for another visit with friends out there. And by that time she was obviously hopelessly hooked. And she knew, whether she’d ever admit this or not, there would or could be no other for her.

So, on my final visit to her place in Pensacola, a couple months later, I offered her the opportunity to spend the rest of her life with me. And she said that one word I mentioned at the start of this story…yes.

That was August 7, 1989. And on February 16, 1990 we both said yes. And we’ve been together the whole 31 years since then. I can’t speak for myself. But I can say she feels totally blessed by it all. And because she does, I wrote her a song somewhere around our second anniversary. Here are the words…

Believe and Begin

Summer in those eyes;
I know they hide no lies.
That gaze behind the lace
Takes me to a faraway place
Where day is never done.
We chase the midnight sun
And raise the golden chalice
To toast the Aurora Borealis.

Oh, I know that it’s not quite so,
But we have to believe and begin.
Yes it’s true; it’s just me and you,
But we have to believe and begin.

Those Paris green delights
That warm me through the nights…
That down, vanilla voice
Talks me out of a foolhardy choice.
Let’s ride the western wind
To just beyond the bend
It could be an illusion
But that’s not such a foregone conclusion.

So let’s go…make the small plans grow
“˜Cause we have to believe and begin.
Me and you and the Spirit too,
But we have to believe and begin

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Posted on February 15, 2021 by TonyApril 11, 2021

Human weakness shows like broken dominoes

You know what the greatest human weakness is? Ironically, it’s the unwillingness to admit weakness. And I’m not talking about how much a guy can bench press. Or how much pain women can take. No, humans are unable to make life last…forever. Billions of people and still no one figures out how to get out of this life alive.

And it’s not from lack of trying.

And it’s certainly not from a lack of so-called “scientists” who believe if we can only find the right gene, eureka! (or voila! if you prefer) Yeah, they actually believe life, on our little blue planet, sprang up from non life. So, if we can just put the right ingredients together with the right circumstances, we can conquer this ugliness called death.

But that’s where their human weakness creeps in.

Yes, it’s a weakness when you can’t express humility and admit you’re wrong. That’s actually human pride. And pride can be your downfall. Some might even say pride can lead to your destruction.

But that sounds kinda harsh. So, let’s just call it weakness.

But maybe you think, “Wait a minute, Tony. Weakness sounds harsh, too.”

No. Think about it. Just because you’re weak doesn’t mean you can’t get strong. Or at least a little stronger. Weak muscles can be strong muscles with some resistance training. And weak minds can become stronger by acquiring more knowledge and wisdom. If that was a lie, God wouldn’t have said it.

And the reason I’m bringing this up, today, is because human weakness is empowering the worst people in the world. Those people who hate God. And they hate anyone who would dare love God. So, they use invisible weapons to instill fear and manipulate the masses into compliance.

But it’s not compliance with actual reality. It’s a reality (what some call the narrative) they’re able to control as long as people bow down to the fear of the unknown.

And that’s why, over and over, God says “fear not.” Or “do not fear.” Or “be of good courage.” They’re not just idle words spoken by some unfeeling, conjured-up, stone deity. Quite the opposite. God shares those firm, foundational words of encouragement because He has experienced, first-hand, the pain and suffering of this life.

He knows we’re weak.

And He knows we are our own worst enemies. So, that’s why He made a Way for you and me to be made stronger. A way that works with just words. A way that works so well, we can live forever.

But I don’t wanna bore you with the details.

Because you’re probably as strong as you need to be. And you probably don’t know anybody who needs to hear (or cares to hear) more “religious” talk.

So, just forget I even brought it up. Go enjoy President’s Day (or whatever holiday it is where you are), and enjoy that leftover Valentine’s Day chocolate. And I’ll stop pestering you with this stuff. I guess it’s just a weakness of mine.

Resurrect me out of this weakness, Lord.
And make me strong and whole.
Give me words to share with my fellow man
With faith and self-control.
Give me strength to last as long as I can
And help me not to fade
Till that great and beautiful day comes, when
Your glory is displayed.

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Posted on February 14, 2021 by TonyFebruary 14, 2021

Valentines Day, the Roman way, is not for today

Ah, Valentines Day. I’ve been looking forward to this day since February 15th last year. Haven’t you? And I love buying expensive chocolates to celebrate Lupercalia and stay connected to that ancient deity who protected herds from wolves. Especially since that deity was an equal opportunity protector who used a she-wolf to do that. The same she-wolf that nursed Romulus and Remus. I know you’re probably getting pumped up for some chocolate now, too. Right?

OK, I know Valentines Day is different now.

And it’s all about love and adoration. And the chocolates and cards and romantic dinners are just ways for lovers to express all that lovey dovey stuff. (by the way, I’m not using the apostrophe because search engines still don’t know what they are…yeesh)

But it’s hard to forget all those other awesome customs, too. Like celebrating the coming of Spring. Or how about fertility rites. And we certainly can’t leave out how they used a lottery to pair women to men. I can just see guys popping into 7-Eleven to get those two dollar tickets every Wednesday and Saturday. Can you say, “Whole lotto love?”

Now, before you mistake me for a bah humbug dude when it comes to romance, I wrote the book. Well, actually I wrote a bunch of songs and put them in a love songs collection.

And now that I think about it, I’m still mighty attracted to my beautiful wife. So, maybe I should put some logs in the fireplace this evening and cue up my love songs collection. And then, maybe I should grill a ribeye and lay it on a plate next to some greens covered in olive oil and sea salt.

Mm..mm.

I’d be lying if I said I don’t like dessert after a hearty steak dinner. So, hmm…maybe some dark chocolate would be nice, too.

Yeah, maybe I can just forget about that whole Roman pagan nonsense and just focus on love. Because who cares about an imaginary she-wolf when there’s a real life she (or a he for you females) in the house? Am I right?

Happy Valentine’s Day. (Now, where’d I put my lottery ticket?)

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Posted on February 13, 2021 by TonyFebruary 21, 2021

Awesome America sigh and a western lullaby

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 how awesome America used to be. And could be again if it weren’t for all the people who hate God.

Yep. An awesome America is as close as humility.

And as far away as rebellion.

But I know you don’t wanna hear or read all this talk about God and humility. And I’m sure you’ve got much better things to do than to worry about whether America will fall into evil hands. Right?

So, I won’t trouble you with news about freedoms being sold out from under us to the highest bidders. And I won’t bother you with ideas about how liberty is lost when people are complacent. I’ll just share the words (and music if you subscribe to the The Power of God’s Love Podcast) to a nice relaxing lullaby you and your kids can use to fall asleep.

Sweet dreams everyone…

Cowpoke Lullaby

As the fingernail moon
Scratches on the noggin of the sky…
And the stardust turns to sleepdust
In the corner of your eye”
On the top of the hill
You can hear the coyotes cry…
As the world falls asleep
To a cowpoke lullaby.

Yodel ay ee ay…yodel ay ee ay ee ay

As the crickets in the grass
Chirp at all the cattle walkin’ by,
And the twilight turns to midnight
While the Northern star shines high…
When your eyes start to close,
You can hear a gigantic sigh…
As the world falls asleep
To a cowpoke lullaby.

Yodel ay ee ay…yodel ay ee ay ee ay

Under the big mesquite tree
That’s where sweet dreams will greet me.

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Posted on February 12, 2021 by TonyFebruary 11, 2022

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 to travel, they piled into their sedan and headed west to California.

The cold day in Oklahoma turned to west coast warm.

And the young couple went to work, as countless other migrant workers did, picking produce and fruit from the fertile California farms and orchards. But times were tough. And even the Golden State didn’t provide enough work and wages for Lee and Syona to take “proper care” of their two daughters.

So, they sent Donette, the oldest, and Doris, who was 2 years younger, back to Oklahoma to stay with their maternal grandparents. And Poodle and Poppy, as the kids called the old couple, were happy to take them in to their home “on the farm.”

There would be multiple trips back and forth between parents and grandparents. And there would be hardships far beyond what many Americans would call hardships these days. Hunger from sometimes only one meal a day. Worn out clothes. Barefoot walks to school because there wasn’t enough money for shoes. And every day life in shantytowns.

But, as life often turns out, the young sisters made it through those hard times. With the loving help of Poodle and Poppy. But both girls yearned to venture out on their own. And, while they were still kids (young teens) themselves, they both married and started having children of their own.

From this point on, the story will focus on Doris.

She married a young man named Dwight who attended the same school as her in Norman, Oklahoma. And, before long, they had two boys. They were the typical young couple adding to the baby boomer population. But their own youthful inexperience proved too much of a hurdle. And they divorced, after only 4 years.

So, on another cold day, Doris started looking for her next step.

After some bumps and stumbles, she found and married a young man named Bill. And after a stint in the Army, Bill went to work for General Motors in the Kansas City area. He and Doris also had two kids. A girl and then a boy. Plus, the two boys from Doris’ first marriage would join the four of them each summer.

And that life went on for several years until the two older boys had graduated high school and left to start their own lives. Sadly, Bill and Doris began to drift apart till one day they also divorced. They worked out the details for the care of their two younger kids. And they went their separate ways.

Once again Doris faced a “cold day” on her own.

I’d like to tell you her life rebounded onward and upward like a comeback story in an old Hollywood movie. But, for years, quite the opposite was true. And I won’t dwell on the dreary details. Just know that there were considerable obstacles for her to overcome. Some she created with her own choices. And others were thrust upon her.

After a couple more seriously broken dreams, Doris trained for restaurant management. And she worked her way through Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Kansas. Either as a manager or assistant manager for restaurants like Village Inn and Sambo’s. Usually it was to be near one or more of her kids and grandkids.

After years in the restaurant business, Doris became a dispatcher for a transportation company based in the Kansas City area. And she lived and worked there until she retired and moved into her tiny, one bedroom apartment in the small community of Gardner, Kansas.

And she remained in Gardner until late in 2020.

Her health declined for several years leading up to that time. And, on a walk from her bedroom to the living room, she fell, injured her head, and required several stitches. She bounced back somewhat, but dealt with more frequent bouts of headaches and dizziness.

Then, on January 8th of this year (2022), one day after her 83rd birthday, Doris suffered a stroke. And her health and stamina began to slowly deteriorate until she died in her sleep in her daughter’s home.

She is survived by her four kids, 10 grandkids, 6 great-grandkids, and 4 great-great-grandkids.

And I shared some of her story with you because she was my Mom. She died yesterday morning. February 11, 2021

Dorsie, as she was affectionately called by family and friends, will be remembered as a Mom, Memaw, Great-grandma, sister, aunt, and friend who always finished her good-byes with “I love you.”

And we all love you, too.
Your gracious love shone through
The darkest days, like songs of praise,
To those you loved and knew.

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Posted on February 11, 2021 by TonyFebruary 21, 2021

Can do attitude because of paid-for latitude

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 many people so scared of life.

And depending on where you choose to gather your information, there are either “serious” health reports or funny memes. I take ’em both with more than a dash of sea salt. But I prefer the humor. Because at least those memes don’t come from a position of fear.

They hearken back to the old American can do attitude.

(Yes, hearken is a word.)

But the reason I bring this up isn’t to stir up the patriotic pot (iron…not plant). It’s because the get-things-done attitude I grew up in, here in America, has its roots in faith. Christian faith to be more precise.

What helps build confidence better than just about anything else in this life? Freedom. And what makes a person free? Is it a document signed by a group of men who were tired of tyranny? No. Is it a certain amount of so-called “laws” legislated, adjudicated, and executed by branches of government? No.

You and I are free (or should be) because we’re made in the image and likeness of God. Our Creator.

And true freedom was paid for, in a way we can’t fully comprehend, by that same Creator.

That same Creator who inspired the Apostle Paul to write “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” And that’s where the latitude (scope for freedom of action or thought) for freedom originates.

Read the story about how the One who made you paid for your freedom. And you’ll discover the Truth that truly does set you free. I don’t know about you. But it makes me wanna sing a new song.

I know the morning sun will shine,
And so, I’ll draw another line.
I’ll keep a box of all my most important things
Inside my heart where they can be
A constant song of joy to me.
I love the sound of optimism when it sings.

I can do”what I need to.
I know it’s so. So, I can do.

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Posted on February 10, 2021 by TonyMarch 13, 2022

Tulsa time and a song to dance to all night long

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, Tom and Norma, who came in several nights, during the booking, and danced. And they particularly liked to dance to a couple of my original songs. One of those songs was “Be Careful What You Wish For.”

And I’ll have to think about what the other song was. It’s not at the top of my mind right now. But I’ll go through my lyrics files and find it. And maybe I’ll share it later on.

Anyway…

If you’ve followed me for a while, you probably remember me saying I’m not a country music fan. And back when I was a full-time road musician, country music fans weren’t typically fans of mine either. Because I didn’t fit the stereotype. Cowboy hat. Boots. Twang. Country music repertoire.

In fact, my presentation was mostly the opposite. Un-country looking long hair and beard. Bright-colored Converse sneakers. Wild print vests. No twang. And a repertoire that went from western to rock to smooth jazz to pop to…well…just about anything but country. Or at least not country by definition at the time.

Certainly not much that fit into the Tulsa Time category.

But Tom and Norma, in Tulsa, liked what I sang anyway.

So much that they’d make extra trips to the hotel lounge just to hear me sing. And to sit and talk with my incredibly beautiful wife. (No, that’s not the reason…I know what you’re thinking.)

They even invited us to their house on a couple of occasions. And made wonderful food for us. And they even kept in contact with us for a few years after we left Tulsa Time. I remember both of them told me they liked my “Be Careful…” song because the words fit parts of their lives so well.

And that’s the kind of compliment or story a songwriter likes to hear.

I think I’ve shared the lyrics to the song before. But here they are again. Maybe they fit into some part of your life. Or the life of someone you know. If so…

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

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Posted on February 9, 2021 by TonyFebruary 20, 2021

Able to change and rearrange isn't strange

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 way I go, it’s my choice.

And you can, too.

And so can everybody else on the planet. Of course, there are limitations of choice due to different levels of freedom in the different countries of the world. But the general principle applies. And speaking of different levels…guess who else has the freedom to choose.

God.

Yeah, you’d think that would be as obvious as the face on your nose. But guess what? Millions of people (including people who say they trust Jesus) don’t believe God is free to choose or change His mind.

But He can.

And He has changed His mind on plenty of occasions. He’s done that to give us every opportunity at eternal life. Plus, He’s a person. And He feels. Not only His own emotions, but ours, too. So, there have plenty of times when He changed His mind about what he’d do to (and for) mankind.

And because He’s able to change His mind, I can change my mind. You can change yours.

Because He loves you and me so much, He gives us our freedom to choose. And that even includes whether we choose to love and trust Him or not.

But He must not have thought that through, though. Right? Because have you noticed how most of the world wants nothing to do with God. In fact, the world is moving away from Him faster than I’ve ever seen before in my life.

If you know someone who’s included in that exodus from God, pray for them (or keep praying for them) to stop running away. Because, as long as there’s life, there’s hope. And another reason is…

Because I Can Love

What made You think”¨ that I was worth the risk You took?
What made You take the time”¨ to write Your Holy Book?
I don’t believe I’d give myself a second look,
But You did because You love.
You made a world”¨ that was as perfect as could be,
But then I broke it”¨ when You gave it all to me…
By going through the gate You made to set me free.
This You did because You love…me.

Because You love me so…in spite of all You know…
Because You did the most that You could ever do…
And because I clearly see…evidence of You in me…
Because I can love…I do love, You!

You put a life”¨ and a will inside my soul.
You knew true love”¨ would be to give me full control.
But knowing You is all that ever makes me whole.
I trust You because You love…me.

I can live because You live!
And I can love because You love!

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Posted on February 8, 2021 by TonyFebruary 8, 2021

Index fossil that's so small and colossal

If you’ve been around more than a couple of decades, you’ve probably seen it. The classic scene in a Western movie where One-eyed Jack, outside a saloon, yells to someone inside. “Hey Bart! I’m callin’ you out! You yellow-bellied-two-faced-lily-livered-hook-nosed-varmint. And if you ain’t out here in 15 seconds, I’m comin’ in!” Then, of course Bart gets up from the poker table, adjusts his hat, calmly walks through the bar’s swingin’ doors, and out into the street. Where One-eyed Jack shows him the index fossil he just found next to his gold mine.

Remember that scene? Yeah, it’s probably flooding back into your memory. Right?

Well, maybe it didn’t go exactly like that. But it could have.

Because index fossils were discovered back in the old west days.

That might not have been the first time anybody saw similar index fossils in similar layers of rock. But that’s when some started to believe that fossils in lower rock layers must be older than fossils above them. And that started a free-fall away from facts.

Because then came the theory of evolution. And real science and discovery has suffered, enormously, ever since. But fortunately, there are still scientists who choose to follow where evidence genuinely goes. And thankfully, one of them, Dr. Walt Brown, wrote an awesome evidence-filled book overflowing with scientific information to refute evolution.

One of those bits of information talks about the fossilization process. And Dr. Brown says those geologists from the 1800’s “did not realize that a hydrodynamic mechanism, liquefaction, helped sort organisms in that order during the flood.”

Of course, you don’t have to believe liquefaction is a “real thing.” You can go on believing in the evolution fairy tale, if that floats your boat.

But I prefer real science.

And real science is willing to look at evidence and go where it leads. Instead of manipulating evidence to go where you prefer. Evidence like a trilobite fossil squashed under the fossil of a human shoe print.

Now, if you believe the evolution fairy tale, it’s hard to explain how that could be. Because trilobites supposedly went extinct 240 million years before human beings evolved. So, how could a trilobite index fossil and human shoe fossil be in the same rock layer?

If you still believe evolution is a fact and not a fairy tale, then I’m callin’ you out.

But not for a shootout. I just wanna help you stop walkin’ around in circles. Yeah, you’re liable to believe silly things like the ages of fossils are based on the layers of rock…and the ages of the layers of rock are based on what fossils are in them.

And I don’t want you to stay dizzy while you walk around in those circles. Because dizzy people don’t make the best decisions.

For example, walking around in those circles might make you decide there is no God. And that thinking will only lead to an eternity of doubt and despair.

So, go where the evidence leads.
Truth is the cure your heart needs.

Stay tuned,

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