Tony Funderburk

Posted on February 7, 2021 by TonyFebruary 7, 2021

Life can feel so dark and dreary when you’re focused on self all the time. And it’s so easy to focus on self when you live alone. And it’s so easy to end up alone when you’re not willing to work through the tough times, in relationships, and rely on the light of God’s word to help you. But when you DO trust God to help, you can avoid the dark and dreary. Because you’ll be a spark.

And that advice hits close to home. Because my mom has spent the last 30 (or more) years of her life on her own. And the last 20 years have been increasingly lonely for her. To the point where her loneliness would enter almost every phone conversation we’ve had the last couple of years.

Now, it appears Mom is in the last months or weeks or days of her life. Fortunately my sister has taken Mom into her small home and is watching over her. Because, these days, if you put a loved one into a facility of some sort (hospice, nursing home, etc.), good luck even getting to see them again before they die. I’ve read stories and watched videos of families not getting to be with their dying loved ones.

But…back to the point…

I believe Mom could have avoided the dark and dreary loneliness by sharing God’s love with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Because it’s amazing how helping others helps you overcome so much in your own life.

And, of course, that’s not accidental.

God made you and me to be relational. And going against that design is the recipe for loneliness.

But sharing God’s love and His word helps you store up your treasures in Heaven and…

Avoid the Void

You say you live in a house that has no soul
You feel your time has come and gone
And so you begin to plan for the end
And you hope that it’s better farther on

You say your friends have gone their separate ways
And that they no longer know you exist
Their progress was fine, but it never came to you
Your watch is a handcuff on your wrist

No, you can’t avoid the void
The darkness wraps around your heart like a glove
You can’t avoid the void
Without God’s Love

You sit and wait for the phone that never rings
Then play your records from the past
You did find some who shared romantic hopes
But you never found love that would last

So tell me what’s it gonna be
Are you gonna give up”
Or let Jesus in”
And begin to live again?

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Posted on February 6, 2021 by TonyFebruary 13, 2021

Deal with reality in this present duality

“I don’t wanna deal with reality. In fact, I hate reality.” I was just talking with a good friend who said a person he knows told him that. And my wife said a coworker told her something like that, too. So, it would seem there are some people out there who prefer their own little imaginary worlds. And they don’t wanna come out of them.

But you gotta deal with reality whether you prefer it or not.

Trouble is…there’s a ginormous drug epidemic in America. And it’s caused by many people (maybe millions of people) who think the way to push reality away is to medicate it or smoke it away.

But that only makes their reality a befuddled blur. And something even worse happens.

Other people, who choose to take on the world with a clear head, end up paying for those drugged and dull-thinking dips. Either directly or indirectly. Because the world continues to spin. And time continues to tick away. And just because you’re baked or bombed or high or hallucinating doesn’t change that.

So, what we all end up with is a country (and a world) increasingly unable to think and reason. And then we find ourselves dealing with an “opioid crisis.” And people living in makeshift tents under bridges, smoking pot, drinking booze, vaping, shooting up, and urinating and defecating on themselves.

Then, more and more, we become a nation of enablers. Because when you call these things “social issues,” you ignore human nature. And when you consistently provide bags of free goodies at “missions,” it’s uncanny how many more of those missions you “have to” start.

I’ve seen this, up close, right here in Colorado Springs over the past 6 years. This beautiful place is losing its luster more and more each day.

And it makes me sad to think how most people don’t care about those people on the streets. Because most people think you can donate the problem away. But again…most people don’t know human nature.

So, deal with this reality however you want. But one recommendation I have for you is…stay clear-headed. Because this world is probably gonna rev up its rebellion against God. And you won’t be able to drug or needle or smoke away the consequences.

Beat The World

Every time you turn your back
There’s somebody there to pick your pockets
And so you see there’s more to life
More than love and rockets
Deal with reality the best that you can
Try to remember there’s a higher plan
That’s the only way to beat the world at its own game

Yeah”every time you make your mark
There’s somebody there to erase it
And people say that’s just the way it is
And boy you’d better face it
But you believe there’s gonna be a better day,
So you pray for strength and better words to say
That’s the only way to beat the world at its own game

C’mon and beat the world, and try to leave a dent
But don’t regret the time that you’ve spent
C’mon and beat the world, and try to leave a bruise
You need to know the life that you choose
Is gonna beat the world”

Every time you see the morning news
They talk about another killing
It’s beyond my power to comprehend
How the taking of life could be thrilling
Banish the dark side; live in God’s light
Rise and shine and you can win this fight
That’s the only way to beat the world at its own game

Oh, can you imagine”if we were all serving the True God,
Would we still be living this way?

Instrumental”repeat chorus to end

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Posted on February 5, 2021 by TonyFebruary 6, 2021

Child abuse or lame excuse to set somebody loose

Here’s the headline: “Mother Murders Child”. But here’s what a so-called professional (Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus R. Vance Jr.) practicing “law” said after hearing the verdict in the case: “The poisoning and killing of an 8-year-old boy is a premeditated act of child abuse.”

Since when is murdering your child an “act of child abuse”?!

A woman, named Gigi Jordan, who appears to be worth approximately $40 million, was found guilty of killing her autistic son, Jude, in a New York City hotel room. He was 8 years old. It was around 8 years ago. Wanna know why she murdered him? She said it was “to keep him safe from her ex-husband who was planning to kill her and take her money, leaving Jude defenseless to more sexual torture“. She also said she tried to kill herself, too. Hmm…

…how does killing your child keep him “safe”?

Apparently the Manhattan Supreme Court Judge, Charles Solomon (who lacked the wisdom of his namesake), didn’t believe her story that her nearly mute, autistic child was repeatedly abused. He said, multiple times, that no credible evidence on the record substantiated those claims. So, what? If there had been credible evidence, would it have justified murder?!

Here’s why our justice system is broken. It’s run by dysfunctional and unscrupulous “law experts” with very little regard for justice…

Even though Ms Jordan was charged with murder, a jury found her guilty of a lesser manslaughter charge. They decided she suffered from “extreme emotional disturbance”. After all, what other reason could justify a mother murdering her child? Right? It’s incredible that a person cannot be found guilty of murder who has admitted killing her child.

No excuses or reasons ever justify murdering another human being.

The judge marveled that this woman never said she was sorry. OK, she never showed remorse after murdering her own child. That should be enough to convict her of murder. But nope. In fact, for murdering her son she received an 18 year prison sentence…the time she’s already spent in jail gets to be counted toward that sentence. So, the most time she’ll serve is about 10 more years. But she probably won’t even serve that. So…what’s the use of going through the motions of a trial, a verdict, and a sentencing?

Well…the lawyers and judges have lifestyles to maintain. There’s that.

And here’s another wacky thing Ms Jordan said: “I hoped that somehow I could get some kind of justice for him,” referring to her dead son. Again…

…how does killing your child get any kind of justice?

An assistant district attorney said the system failed Jude when psychologists in Wyoming released Ms Jordan and found she wasn’t a threat to herself and anyone else.

The system failed Jude?!

No. His mother failed him. Don’t you agree? What other conclusion could you reach when a mother murders her child and its called child abuse?

They broke the system a long time ago
When they said there’s really no way to know
Whether humans living inside a womb
Are persons who should be allowed to bloom.

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Posted on February 4, 2021 by TonyFebruary 13, 2021

Can I get an Amen? Yes, again and again.

I remember, even way back in the 20th century when I was a kid, how pastors could get fire-and-brimstone fired up. And how they’d want some feedback. So, a lot of them would say something with particular emphasis and ask, “Can I get an Amen?” And somebody (or multiple somebodies) would shout, “Amen!”

Of course, as a little kid, I just thought those adults were playing some sort of game. But as the years passed, and the “game” went on, I began to suspect something else must be going on.

Nowadays “Can I get an Amen?” has been replaced with just “Amen?”

Yeah, now you can just say the word with a question tone in your voice, and it’s enough to get somebody to repeat it back to you.

And I’ve seen people, who are most likely not Christians, do the Amen thing. So, it’s nice to know Christian influence is still affecting the populace, even if they don’t know it.

And the reason I bring it up is because you can get an Amen anytime you want. Matter of fact, I’ll Amen you when you get my new Amen Songbook and Journal. And here’s what the book description says…

“When you open up your brand new Amen songbook, you’ll discover more than just lyrics. Because there’s a secret link to a free download of all the songs. And not only that…you’ll be able to jot down all your best ideas and inspirations before they slip away. Of course, you should keep your new journal forever. Because you never can tell when one of your own ideas might be ready for publishing, too.”

The songs and lyrics included are:

How Long Till?
Book of Life
Drawn to You
The One True Way to Peace
High Horses
The Pure Place
The Master’s Knife
Worldliness
Give to Gain
King of Hearts
The Way
You Just Don’t Get It, and
Amen

Here’s the link to get your songbook and journal: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08CJWKTSH

So…like I always say (or at least anytime I think about it) why just say it when you can sing it? Am I right? Yes? Hello?

Can I get…well…

You know.

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Posted on February 3, 2021 by TonyFebruary 9, 2021

I’ve talked about how my parents split up when I was around 4. And I’ve talked about how my younger brother and I lived mainly with my grandparents (on Dad’s side) for a couple of years after that. But I’ve never mentioned how my Grandmother forced me to work all hours of the day and night. And how she made me snap green beans till my fingers bled.

But that’s only because that never happened.

Well, I DID snap green beans.

But it was only when the beans in my grandparents garden were ripe enough to pick and snap. And it wasn’t all hours of the day and night. Just a little while until a large bowl full of beans were all snapped. But here’s the kicker…

I liked it.

If you’ve never snapped fresh, ripe green beans, you don’t know what you’re missing. That snappy little “snap!” sound they make after they’re briskly washed under cold water…Oh yeah.

My mom (who’s not doing well right now) recently told me a story about me helping her snap green beans, too. She said we snapped ’em so long one day that I must’ve dreamed about ’em. Because, in my sleep, I was telling my brother he wasn’t doing it right.

Yeah, that sounds like me alright.

See, you can’t just break ’em in half, toss ’em in a bowl, and you’re done. No, not hardly. It’s important to get a quick overview of the bean pod. A few, quick, but precise and mindful calculations. If it’s really short, maybe then you can snap it in half. But a lot of the bean pods are up to four inches long. Some even longer. And then you gotta snap one pod into three or four pieces. Or more.

It’s not just a science. It’s an art.

But you might never snap any green beans, so I’ll get to the real reason I’m sharing this with you.

What I remember, distinctly, about my snappy time with Grandmother, on her front porch, was her “old person’s” advice. That’s how I saw it back then. But I loved her. And I listened.

And I’ll never forget how she said, with a large bowl of beans sitting on her handmade apron in her lap, “You should always hug your loved ones goodbye when they leave. And tell ’em you love ’em. Because, before you know it, they won’t be around to hug anymore.”

Of course, I remember thinking, “Why do old people talk like that?”

But, wouldn’t you know it? Her words came to pass. And way, way faster than I could have imagined.

Now, I’m actually older than Grandmother was when she told me those things. And almost all the adults I knew then are gone. In some cases, long gone.

So, what’s the moral of this story?

Time sure flies. Everybody dies.
Nobody ever cheats death.
So…
Snap green beans, and yes, by all means,
Trust God before your last breath.

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Posted on February 2, 2021 by TonyFebruary 3, 2021

Bye bye American pie and music lost in the sky

Back in my school days, there was a spunky and long song with a chorus that said, “Bye bye Miss American Pie.” It was written, performed, and recorded by Don Maclean. And lots of people thought the song was about Buddy Holly when it said, “…the day the music died.” But Mr. Maclean says maybe, maybe not.

One thing’s for sure. The bye bye certainly fits Buddy Holly’s last day.

And the only reason I bring it up is because Buddy Holly’s last day was February 3rd, back in 1959. It was also the last day, on planet Earth, for Ritchie Valens, and “The Big Bopper,” J.P. Richardson.

From what I’ve heard and read, the whole tour for the collection of 50’s bands, was a disaster in the making. They all had to drive lots of miles between appearances. And it was all during what one reporter said was “one of the deadliest winters the Midwest had seen in decades” And I can tell you, from experience, how awful it can be to drive through Iowa and the Midwest in the middle of winter. (ask me about my truck on I-35 one howling night)

But the show must go on.

So, the bands kept making it to each “gig.” And what ended up being the last show, for some of them, was in Clear Lake, Iowa. People who were there said it was something they’d never forget. So, I guess Buddy and the gang were fired up. And that’s good.

Because after the show, the doomed musicians got on a small, chartered plane. And it crashed not long after takeoff. So, fans around the world had to say bye bye to some big names in rock-n-roll.

And whether or not American Pie mentions them, they found out, in an instant, how quickly your soul can be removed from your body.

That’s more important to know than anything else you’ve got going on in this world. Because you and I are eternal beings. But our bodies only last so long. And circumstances you never dreamed of can change the whole direction of your eternity.

So, be sure you sing a new song
With the Word that you can take along
Through the years that forever brings
And way beyond all these earthly things.

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Posted on February 1, 2021 by TonyFebruary 1, 2021

Be a star. But not a rockstar. Be the star you are.

When I first started passionately pursuing music, I was in junior high. And my love for music went supernova while I was in high school. But it took a few years after high school before I started to think I might “be a star” one day. Not because I had visions of fame and glory. But because I wanted music to be my vocation.

And I actually had opportunities to “be a star.”

In fact, there were multiple times, during my full-time musician career, when I brushed up against that “next level.” For years, I kept a copy of a letter I received from Capitol Records. Because they had gotten a demo tape I sent and were interested in talking to my “representative.”

The lady who wrote to me said everyone who listened to my music thought I sounded like Kenny Loggins. And she added that the other ladies in the office that I was “much cuter.” And that I had caused quite a stir. (Ah, the halcyon days of my prime)

But I’m not sharing this with you to brag. Or to get you to think I’m something special. Far from it.

It’s just another example, in an endless parade of examples, of how short your time is here on Earth. And how fast it goes by. One day you cause a stir with a group from the opposite sex. And the next day you’re decades away. And the day after that, you’re a footnote in a tiny book.

But that’s just the here and now.

Fortunately, that doesn’t have to be the whole you. Because, you’re an eternal being. Not your body. YOU. And despite what you see when you look in the mirror, you’re a star. Because God made you in His image and likeness.

So, get up and conquer your day.
Be the star you are, your own way.
And even though certain parts fade,
Remember the Way that you’re made.

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Posted on January 31, 2021 by TonyFebruary 9, 2021

Just think if you lived back in the days of gladiators. And imagine if you had to go out and fight for your king with an invisible suit of armor. Sure, it would be much lighter. So, it would be so much easier to stand up than if you wore that heavy metal armor they had back then. But do you think you’d feel powerful and safe?

I bet you’d be more likely to feel vulnerable. Right?

But what if your king promised you’d win the war and you’d get a mansion for your efforts? Now, it’s starting to sound better. But invisible armor? How’s that gonna work?

Well, you and I don’t have to stand up in the gladiator days.

But if you’re a Christian, then you’re expected to get up every day and put on your invisible armor. General Paul issued the order way back when. And you might recall…he said you should stand…

“having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God…”

So, what do you think about that invisible armor now? Does it make you feel less vulnerable to know it’s made of eternal material? It should. Because all that heavy metal stuff turns to rust. And all the weapons formed against God will not prosper. So, that should sort of put it in a better perspective.

But remember, when you wear the armor…and when you shine your light…you could lose friends. And people who tend to condemn “judgmental people” will start judging you. And lots of other people might laugh at you. They’ll probably look for opportunities to mock and ridicule you in public.

But if that happens, you know you’re on the right track. So, bravely put on your armor, smile, and…

Take A Stand

If you take a stand and you stand for the Way,
You might never be rich.
But no gold here beats the treasure in Heaven,
And you’ll know which is which.

Angels are gonna rejoice,
And we’re gonna get to see how
The Lord will judge the ones who wait.
So better take a stand right now.

If you take a stand and you stand for the Truth,
You could lose a good friend.
But if you lose the whole wide world
And keep your soul, you win in the end.

All eyes are gonna look up.
All knees are gonna bow,
And when that time comes it’s too late.
You gotta take a stand right now.

If you take a stand and you stand for Life,
People might laugh and make fun.
And Jesus didn’t say it was gonna be easy,
But you’ll be with Him when this life is done.

No more livin’ like this;
By the sweat of your brow,
And if you want God’s paradise,
You better take a stand right now.

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Posted on January 30, 2021 by TonyFebruary 6, 2021

Time flies. And time drags. And yet it’s all the same 24 hours every day. But circumstances are what can make those hours feel like they last forever. Or pass by in the blink of an eye. And events can happen to help you remember the day. Or cast it out of your head forever.

It was 12 years ago, today, a little two year old girl lost her battle with cancer. And I didn’t know her. Didn’t know her family…except for her maternal grandparents. And I watched them go through days of anguish as they watched little Tuesday fight, rally, and then eventually succumb.

For some reason, it affected me enough to write a song about it. Because I could see how time was dramatically altered, at least in their perception, by the harsh struggles that little girl went through. And maybe if you’ve ever had to endure watching a child or grandchild go through it, you’ll understand.

If so…feel free to replace Tuesday’s name with your loved one’s name. And remember the day. And then remember how you’ll see them again one day.

Remember Tuesday

Years are short, and days are long…
And we forget the time when lives go wrong,
But we will remember…we’ll remember Tuesday.

Precious plans and hopes and dreams
Fade away like evening’s last sunbeams,
But we will remember…we’ll remember Tuesday.

Tuesday…a life gone by…so few days…
Tuesday…we will rejoice your new days.

Years may pass, and dreams may fade,
And we’ll forget the desperate way we prayed,
But we will remember…we’ll remember Tuesday.

Tuesday…a life gone by…so few days…
Tuesday…we will rejoice your new days.

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Posted on January 29, 2021 by TonyMay 19, 2023

Live and let live is not so determinative

Almost 6 years ago I shared a story about a bad experience I had in Erie, Pennsylvania. (Check out that story) And I talked about how it made me mad and how that inspired a song, Never Neverland. One of the lines says, “I wonder why can’t we all be friends…live and let live and share the dream.” But I didn’t pose that question because I didn’t know the answer. I wanted to make a point that’s so blatantly obvious that billions of people don’t see it.

And selfishness is why people refuse to live and let live.

Yeah. Selfishness.

I’ve mentioned before (many times) how every single person on Earth would benefit by following two commands. Love God. And love your neighbor as yourself. And notice how neither command focuses on YOU?

That’s how the expression, live and let live, should work. Because when you’re not focused on what you can get from others or how to force others to do what you want, that’s sowing the seeds of love.

But most people, on our beautiful blue planet, are tuned in to the world systems. And they believe (and perpetuate) selfish lies and affirmations. Like, “I am indestructible.” And “My ability to conquer my challenges is limitless; my potential to succeed is infinite.” Or how about “My efforts are being supported by the universe; my dreams manifest into reality before my eyes.”

No, No, and No. You are NOT indestructible. Death is still a 1:1 ratio for every human being. You are also a finite person with limitations. And dreams do not simply “manifest into reality.”

And it’s painful to listen to or read the nonsense humans come up with to avoid (or at least try to avoid) God. Like this, “What is most important is to establish a profound communication with the universe.”

Seriously? Do you seriously believe you can communicate with the universe?! Because the universe is also finite. And it’s filled with stars and plants and debris. But it doesn’t have much life-giving oxygen anywhere but right here on our beautiful blue planet.

So, I predict you’ll never hear back from that universe. Never in a humongazillion years. And if you spend your whole life trying to, instead of connecting with your Creator, you’ll create your own tiny universe in a dark corner of your very own…

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

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Posted on January 28, 2021 by TonyJanuary 31, 2021

Laughter and love are what I'm thinking of

Laughter and love. Could there be anything better than those two things? And that’s a rhetorical question of course. Because they both are awesome examples of human connection to God. But before you click away, or stop reading and listening to what I’m talking about, try this…

15 seconds of laughter…and love how it feels.

But don’t do it in public. You’ll look like a lunatic. Wait till you’re in a private place. Then, smile. Yep, just smile. But let your smile get bigger and bigger till you feel your cheeks almost come up to your eyes. And then, start laughing. And really let it go. But don’t allow yourself to feel weird about it. Just love the feeling in the moment.

Are you doing it? You can lie to me. But you can’t lie to yourself. So, are you doing it? Or are you gonna do it? Because I dare you to feel anything but better when you do.

I had a memorable laughing moment, way back in 1977. And it felt so good (even though I don’t remember what I laughed about), that I wrote a song about it. But I never recorded it. But I think I’m gonna. Here are the words…

Laughter And Love

And so, for the moment”dream
Of the days to come
When you’ll learn to run in fields of green.
You’ll laugh when you’re feeling right.
When you’re feeling wrong,
You will cry for things you’ve not yet seen.

Oh, but your laughter means so much more, you’ll see.

So, think of the life you’ll live,
Of the smiles you’ll give,
And remember love to all you know.
For years come and go so fast,
Present fades to past
All that’s left is pastel afterglow.

Yes, but your laughter means so much more, you’ll see.

Living a life that is empty of joy
Can be no more than living in pain,
But a life that is lived much in laughter and love
Can be relived again and again.

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Posted on January 27, 2021 by TonyOctober 29, 2024

Kiss babies. Shake hands. And eat at mom and pop restaurants that exude Americana. OK, what do those statements make you think of? Bam! That’s right. Politicians. And let’s not leave out all that talk they do about division and unity. Division bad. Unity good. Sound familiar?

But let’s think about division and unity a little more. Shall we?

And let’s do a quick glance at American history. No need to include the whole world because it’s just more of the same sort of things.

First…a lot of people who lived in “the colonies” during the 1700’s noticed England’s increasing oppressive demands. Higher taxes. More production for less profit. Etc. And a significant number of colonists began to divide their views from those in the “mother country.”

Of course, I’m oversimplifying the struggles for American independence. Because I’m not trying to write a history book for you. Just wanna highlight the general idea.

There still were colonists whose loyalties remained unified with England. But obviously (and thankfully) their feelings of continued unity didn’t win the day.

Now, let’s move ahead to the late, middle 1800’s.

Just in case you don’t remember those years…that’s when America was divided over the idea and industry of slavery. So divided, as a matter of fact, that our country was split between “the North” and “the South.” And again, it’s more complicated than this. But “the North” opposed slavery. And “the South” wanted slavery to remain.

Which side would you choose? Because, back then, if you had said something as inane as “America is an idea, that’s the uniqueness of who we are. I assure you that this is a temporary state of affairs” you might have been tarred and feathered by either or both sides. (by the way, some guy named Joe said that recently)

No, Americans from both sides took a stand. And we had a civil war that was anything but civil. More American soldiers died in that war than any foreign war. And why? Because enough people divided themselves from the insidious idea of owning other people. And they opposed it with such passion that many of them fought and died to end it once and for all.

OK…fast forward to World War II. And again, I’m not gonna go through this in detail. Just an overview of worldviews. And just in case you’re not aware of who started the mess, it was Adolph Hitler in Germany. And Japan jumped in with their own ideas of world domination.

Germany was pretty solidly unified in its hatred for the Jews. After all, how else could Hitler and his henchmen murder so many Jews unless the people went along? Yeah, it was a serious case of “go along to get along.” But it’s still true, and despicable, how committed to “the Fatherland” most Germans were. But there were voices of division.

And thankfully a few like Dietrich Bonhoeffer stood in divided opposition.

If you haven’t read anything about his story, I highly recommend it. Because he showed how refusing to unite with tyrannical political ideologies is a wise choice.

But let’s take one more spin through the years.

In the late 1960’s and early 1970’s America took a drastic turn to the dark side. A case went before the “supreme court” (hardly a proper name since that court is actually not on Earth). And you might recall it. Roe vs Wade. Also known as Roe v Wade. But whatever you call it, the point is, it “legalized” murder.

And that’s not the worst part. Because the worst part is…it “legalized” the murder of the most innocent Americans. Citizens who never committed a crime. People who never even stole a piece of candy.

And the vast majority of politicians, these days, want us all to stand together in unity and support these murders. Yeah, that includes democrats AND republicans. Both male AND female. Almost all senators, congressmen (and women), governors, and even some guy named Joe support these murders.

And they want you and me to support them as they support (and regulate) the killing.

But I don’t support them.

And I won’t. And I don’t care how much they redefine words like division and unity. Division is always good when it means you divide from evil ideas. And unity is alway bad when it means you stand united with thieves and murderers.

I know this isn’t my usual tone.
But I know I don’t stand here all alone.
I’m certain that more of you think this, too.
Don’t be afraid to speak up if you do.

Let’s get to know each other better and stay connected. Join the growing body of believers who signed up for the TRUTH Journal. And receive daily, delightful dashes of salt and flashes of light from the power of God’s love.

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Posted on January 26, 2021 by TonyJanuary 31, 2021

Climate crisis is so much sneakier than Isis

I’m sure you’ve noticed, if you’ve lived more than a couple of decades, how we continue to suffer through a climate crisis. Every year it’s the same thing. You can’t depend on seasons because they consistently (oops, should I say “consistently”) change. And every 90 days or so (oops, should I say “every”) the weather takes another turn. What are we gonna do? And where can we go?

It’s like climate crisis is here to stay.

Sure, every winter it feels like you live in a meat freezer. But you know it’s inevitable…when summer, arrives, it’ll feel like you live in a greenhouse. Can I get an amen? (and awomen)

And speaking of greenhouse, what dastardly and devilish effects will living on a warm planet bring us? I mean besides all those extra plants and their extra long growing seasons. Because that’s easily solved by just chopping them down, grinding them up, and using them to fuel the more efficient wind turbines.

No, I’m talking about the more serious problems for all us energy inefficient humans.

Like…what are we supposed to do with all those winter clothes when the planet stops freezing for months at a time? Oh sure, we could put them in the closet or storage bins like we always have. But does that really fix anything?

And then there are serious economic catastrophes ahead for states that depend on tourism. For example, here in Colorado, where I live, what’s gonna happen when no one comes to ski anymore? And what’s Florida gonna do when the shorelines rise all the way up to Disneyworld?

There oughta be a law. Or maybe a thousand more laws.

Because somebody’s gotta get this planet back in alignment with the sun. And somebody’s gotta address the elephant in the room…the root problem…we gotta turn down the thermostat on the sun. Or at least figure out a way to mount a thermoshield around our little, blue greenhouse.

But I’m guessing none of that will happen. And our climate crisis is here to stay.

Yeah, Isis might have been able to terrorize people for a little while. But this warm weather might go on for the rest of our lives. Oh, the humanity!

So, I’ve made a decision not to fear
What the weather might do to us here.
And I’ve chosen to trust what God said
About how long we’ll have this homestead.

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Posted on January 25, 2021 by TonyJanuary 31, 2021

Anyone who knows me knows I’ve always been a big admirer of women. I appreciate ’em so much, in fact, that I married one 31 years ago. But, as usual, women are at the heart of a Yuge problem. And many of them, if not most, don’t seem to care to even try to fix it. Of course, by now, I’m sure you’ve guessed what that problem is. Right? Yeah, if we don’t get more gender inclusive mighty quick, I hate to think of where this world is headed.

And it’s glaringly apparent women are the least gender inclusive.

I mean…c’mon. Just look at the word, women. Or even the singular form, woman. Are you kidding me? They’ve got the words, men and man, in them. In fact, they wouldn’t even be words without men and man. How inclusive is that?

I guess it’s not the fault of women. I mean, after all, if you’re a woman, I’m sure you didn’t come up with that word for yourself. Because if it was up to you, wouldn’t you come up with a word that’s more inclusive of the many wonderful forms and personalities you guys…er…ladies…uh…people are?

Maybe you’re not sure what other word you could use. Well, never worry, never fear. Tonyman is over here. With a solution that makes so much sense, I can’t imagine why no one thought of this before.

Just leave the men and man out.

I can virtually hear the cheers building up inside of the “people” who are already ahead of me on this. Yeah, leave the men and man out. And from now on go with Wo.

Think about it. When a man first sees a beautiful woman, he thinks to himself (or says out loud) “Wo!” Right? And when a woman says something a man doesn’t agree with or can’t understand (which is so rare, by the way), he thinks to himself (or says out loud) “Wo, now wait a minute!”

And when a man believes all his troubles are the direct result of that woman he’s with, he thinks to himself (or says out real loud), “Oh wo is me!”

Plus…this should be the final straw for you as a woman…uh, Wo. Just in case you didn’t know it, you’ve been called a woman all this time because…get this…a man said so.

“Say it ain’t so, Wo!”

But it is. Adam stuck Eve with that gender exclusive label. And you women…uh Wo’s, have been forced to endure it ever since.

So, I say, free yourself from the shackles of the men and man. Not as an order from me. Just a suggestion. Because I’d never wish to enslave you with a noun you didn’t choose.

And to all the men I say, “Go with the Wo.
You can free yourself, too. ‘Cause you just don’t know
When you might get the chance to make it all right.
Avoid that shoulder with the low fahrenheit.”

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Posted on January 24, 2021 by TonyJanuary 28, 2021

Encouraging words speak louder than thunderbirds

I just listened to a young, 20 year old man’s pro life (aka abolish abortion) speech he gave just a few days ago. And his exhortative, yet encouraging words, impressed me in a unique way. Because I know this guy. And because, other than his parents, I’m probably the first person to sing to him when he was a baby.

And I say encouraging words because he’s only 20.

When I was his age, I didn’t even know America had an abortion problem. And that wasn’t long after Roe v Wade became the so-called “law of the land.” So, it’s mighty nice to know there are younger people who understand the need to stand up for the most innocent human beings on the planet.

And it’s encouraging to know this 20 year old guy stands on the right side of the wall. If you’d like to know more about him or hear his speech, let me know, and I’ll share some links.

If You Stand Behind That Wall

There’s a wall here between life and death
Where the unborn are denied their first breath.
There are guards here making sure that life ends
And they don’t care that they’re killing our friends.

Well you can’t plead ignorance…You don’t stand blameless
When you stand in the middle of it all.
As you discard the innocent you shake foundations.
If you stand behind that wall, you will fall.

There’s a clear line between right and wrong.
Listen close, please, to the words of this song.
We were all, once, where those babies are now.
Mothers kept us…we all made it somehow.

Well, the martyred little ones your choice keeps nameless
Never had any single choice at all.
Please don’t discard the innocent…they’re God’s creation.
If you stand behind that wall, you will fall.

You will fall from Grace to a hopeless place
With eternal, mournful cries.
And the sound you’ll hear ringing in your ear
Is the sound of your own lies.

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Posted on January 23, 2021 by TonyJanuary 26, 2021

“A healthy lifestyle is the slowest form of death.” That quote always makes me smile. It’s funny because it’s ironic truth. But I don’t think most Americans have anything to worry about. Have you seen those lines at the fast food restaurants? Apparently there are plenty of people who’d just as soon take the faster forms of death. But then again…are those “bad for you” foods really the problem?

Processed foods are bad for you. Right?

Hmm…what would Daisie Adelle Davis say? You probably don’t remember her, since she was born in 1904. But at one point in her life, Time Magazine called her the “high priestess of the new nutrition religion.” And she believed we shouldn’t eat processed food. And she wasn’t shy about her opinions either.

Ms Davis thought we should be eating whole-grain breads and cereals. And get this. She also recommended eating liver at least once a week. Crazy talk I tell you. But I remember how liver was on our plates, regularly, when I was a kid.

Daisie (who dropped that name because it reminded her of pigs and cows on the childhood farm) became a well-known speaker. And her ideas about eating organic food instead of “ultra-processed” food got more popular in the 50’s and 60’s.

(Side note: those whole-grain breads, grass-fed meats, healthy fats, and low-carb foods are processed)

Before you assume I’m dissing Daisie, let me share a couple of things. Elgielene and I eat mostly organic. And we prefer healthy fats over weird margarines and oils. And we have a high quality gravity water filter. Plus, we love to get out and walk as much as possible and enjoy the Rocky Mountain fresh air.

So, no…I’m not making fun of Ms Davis. But here’s another tidbit about her.

She died from multiple myeloma at the age of 70. Not exactly a model of the “slowest form of death.” Multiple myeloma is apparently an incurable (so far) form of blood cancer. And from the little bit I’ve read on it, you sure don’t want to have to deal with that vicious malady.

But here’s why I bring up Ms Davis and her nutritional views.

Just like Euell Gibbons, the guy I wrote about yesterday, it’s more proof that a so-called “healthy lifestyle” isn’t where your ultimate focus should be.

I’m not advocating for an ongoing diet of McDonald’s and Krispy Kreme. But I also don’t believe avoiding them altogether will turn you into some sort of super healthy superhero. In fact, you might still not live past your 60’s or 70’s. So, I recommend paying more attention to what Paul said…

“For bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come. This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance.”

Now, get outside and take a walk today
Unless it’s cold and there’s no sun today.
Then stay inside and take a break today
And read The Word, for Heaven’s sake, today.

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Posted on January 22, 2021 by TonyJanuary 25, 2021

Wild hickory nuts. Are they healthy food shortcuts?

If you were born after about 1964, you might not remember “wild hickory nuts.” And even if you remember, you might not care. But I’d like to share a little something about Euell Gibbons.

Euell Gibbons ate some Grape-Nuts and said, “Reminds me of wild hickory nuts.”

And you say, “So what. Don’t know the guy. Never met him.”

But here’s why I bring it up.

Mr. Gibbons wrote books on the art and science of living off the land. And I mean literally living off the land. Apparently he could go into the wild with nothing but a backpack of clothes and some utensils and forage for all the food he needed.

He could find wild greens, mushrooms, and seeds for salads. And he knew where to get edible nuts, honey, and lots of other goodies. Plus, in his books, he shared his recipes for everything from casseroles to salads to muffins and more.

And I read how he had a pretty colorful life before he became an expert forager. Evidently he built boats, sailed, worked as a cowboy, became a surveyor, and was even a professional beachcomber.

Then, he honed his skills at survival in the wild.

And he lived what people today would call a naturalist’s life. But there’s an odd twist to the story.

Mr. Gibbons made that commercial for Grape-Nuts in 1974. And he died, the very next year, of a ruptured aortic aneurysm. He was only 64.

Of course, you know how people can make up their own rumors. And how lots of people will take a story like Euell’s and stir up some humor. Right? Yeah, that’s what happened. So, the rumor wranglers shared the story that he died of food poisoning while he was living off the land.

Regardless of what the actually cause of death was, one thing is true. A more “natural” lifestyle doesn’t mean you’ll live longer. Or even healthier for all that matters.

And that’s why I encourage readers and listeners to get the right insurance policy. And the right one is the one that’s already been paid for.

But you certainly don’t have to listen to me. After all, I might just be another one of those wild hickory nuts thumping on a book full of mean, judgmental words.

Yeah, that might be true.
I might be scamming on you.
But then again I might not.
And my policy’s bought.

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Posted on January 21, 2021 by TonyJanuary 31, 2021

Do the right thing and stay on the upswing.

Some time, around the middle decades of the twentieth century, a 16 year old girl discovered she was pregnant. Of course, she knew how it happened. And this was at a time in American history when young people were supposed to “do the right thing” and get married. So, she married the 19 year old young man (soon to be 20), who also knew the moral norms, and they started figuring things out.

And just because you “do the right thing” doesn’t mean it’ll be easy.

In fact, as I’m sure you know, it’s often a much more difficult thing to do. But it’s especially difficult when the mother and father to be are still somewhat in their formative years.

So, this young couple had to move things along sooner than they imagined. And the young man determined the best way to take care of his new family was to join the Air Force and master some skills. But that meant he’d need to leave the girl with his parents once he enlisted. Because he found out he’d have to go through basic training far away from their hometowns in Oklahoma.

And after setting things up with his parents, the young man flew off to his new work adventure. And the girl stayed behind in Oklahoma.

But after only a few, short months, the young girl decided she didn’t like the arrangements. So, she asked her uncle and aunt and grandparents for some traveling money. And she got on a bus to Colorado. Without letting the young man know, by the way.

When she showed up at the Denver bus station, she made her way to a pay phone (Yes, it was a real thing), and called Lowry Air Force Base. Naturally, the young man was surprised (to say the least). But he quickly made arrangements to meet her at the bus station. And once he got there, the two of them went in search of a place to live.

A 16 year old girl, who was about 5 1/2 months pregnant, and a young Air Force mechanic-in-training…still green around the edges.

I won’t take you through the rest of the details right now.

I’ll just let you know, they found a place to live. And a few months later, in December, the result of them doing the right thing, was born. An incredibly amazing and beautiful baby boy.

That boy was me. And I stand by the description. Eyewitness accounts back me up on it.

And today, I’m making a drive to Kansas to see that young girl who’s now past 83 and possibly in her last months on Earth.

I’m not sure what to expect because…well, you know how long distance health reports can be. But something that brings me comfort is knowing my mom also did another right thing.

Many years ago, she trusted Jesus to be her savior and source for eternal life. So, I know that no matter how many (or few) days she has left, she’s going to the place where I’ll see her again one day. Because I did that too, and I also know there is no life apart from the One who gave it to us.

You know life can be full of surprises,
And they’re not always on the upswing.
But each day a new sun surely rises
With new hope we can do the right thing.

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Posted on January 20, 2021 by TonyJanuary 20, 2021

So, maybe before I shared this with you, you didn’t know there was such a thing as an ironic beard. Don’t feel left out or less hip. Because I didn’t either…which is ironic. (psst…I have a beard)

But through some odd search results, for an entirely different topic, I found out about “hipster facial hair.” Apparently there was (and is?) a hipster subculture that started this weird facial hair fad back around 2005-06. And as I read about half the article (I can’t read nonsense all the way through) it clicked how I’ve been seeing the strangest beards for the last few years.

From what I gathered, in the article, some guys grow horrible looking long beards just for the “celebration of unattractiveness.” And other guys grow their beards to accentuate what they perceive to be their good looks.

Yeesh.

But regardless of what their motives were, beard-growing gained popularity. Even among “celebrities.” And, suddenly, it was “the thing” to grow plenty of facial hair.

So, as it turns out, an ironic beard isn’t exactly ironic.

To call it that is really more on the moronic side of things.

Because facial hair isn’t good or bad. It isn’t about demographics. Yeah, I read that before the hipster stuff back in the early 2000’s full beards were found basically just on older males. But because of the whole hipster thang, young guys started sporting them, too.

Now, I personally find that ironic. Because when I was 20…which I considered to be young (still do)…I grew my beard out for the first time. And I’ve had facial hair for just about all the hundred and forty years since then. But I never grew or kept my beard to make a fashion statement. Or to be hip.

I just preferred not to shave my whole face. And it always was (and is) mainly a matter of comfort. And then it became my “look” so much that now even my own mom has said she can’t imagine me without it.

Now, that’s a little ironic…coming from a mom. Don’t you think?

Anyway.

I didn’t intend to talk about hair
That grows on a face ’cause, good grief, who’d care?
But sometimes the news maneuvers me there.
Ironic, it is…so full of hot air.

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Posted on January 19, 2021 by TonyNovember 27, 2024

Infinitely creative with love that's qualitative

Infinitely creative. That’s the way you might imagine somebody who could conjure up designs for the universe and everything in it. And if you found out that the same person could get it all built in only six days, you might start to think, “This is no ordinary person.” And that would be the understatement of all time.

Because there’s one who can be infinitely creative.

Surely I don’t have to tell you who that is. Right?

Oh sure, I know your first thought was probably, “Hey, Tony’s talking about himself. What an arrogant so and so.” But then you remembered, “Wait a minute…Tony’s not infinite. Maybe it’s not him!

And then it probably occurred to you, “Oh, I know. I’ll bet he’s talking about God.” Followed by the obligatory forehead slap. Then, it all started flooding back into your mind.

All those amazing designs that sprang into existence during The Very First 6 Days of creation. Our tiny minds can hardly imagine how all that could have happened just because God commanded it.

He just spoke the words. And the universe appeared.

I love letting my imagination wander when I read the story of creation in Genesis. And that’s why I decided to write a rhyming book for kids. So they could hear the rhymes and imagine it, too.

I’m sharing the section from the first day. Get the whole colorful paperback, on Amazon, for your kids. It makes the days of creation easy to understand and remember. Because it rhymes. Kids love that.

Before there were created things like water and fresh air…
No world or human beings were existing anywhere.
Then God created earth and sea and all the heavens too.
There was no sun, no moon, no stars, and only God shone through.

He looked down at the waters and the dark face of the deep.
The earth was still and quiet just as we are when we sleep.
He said, “Let there be light” the way a perfect, true God could,
And then He saw the brand new light and knew that it was good.

Then God divided light and dark, and darkness He called Night.
The light would be called Day, and it was pleasing in His sight.
That evening and that morning wouldn’t be the total sum…
No, that was just the very first day…five were yet to come.

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