Tony Funderburk

Posted on June 3, 2018 by TonyJune 29, 2018

No i in team - but I AM is in the design of life's teams.

There is no i in TEAM

How many times have you heard that said on TV, in movies, or on the sidelines at sporting events? There is no i in team – And have you noticed how many movies are starting to put teams together to solve a problem? Action movie heroes and antiheroes, like Rambo or The Terminator or 007 were the norm for years. But now there seems to be a trend of gathering “heroes” together as a cohesive unit to solve problems. Nothing wrong with either approach. But I’m gonna talk about the team thing for just a bit. If you prefer to listen rather than read, here’s the The Power of God’s Love Podcast episode 226:

No i in TEAM and no TEAM without design

Way, way back in the fourth quarter of the twentieth century I bought a cassette tape of comedy by Steve Martin. It was called “Let’s Get Small”. Keep in mind I was young and not so concerned with being a “good Christian.” And the comedy on Steve Martin’s tape had some inappropriate language. It was extremely mild compared to most of today’s comedians, but it shouldn’t have been there. Mr. Martin was plenty funny without it.

Anyway…the title bit, “Let’s Get Small” was about getting small instead of getting high. His play on words and innuendo were great. And when he went a step further and said, “Let’s get REALLY small”, it just took it all to an even funnier level for me. I listened to the whole tape on a 45 minute drive home, and when I got there, I had to listen to it again to catch the parts I missed while laughing.

Why did I share all that with you? Because I wanna get really small and talk about why there’s no i in team when it comes to how your body works.

Teams were designed by I…Am.

You probably know how important your white blood cells are…right? If you didn’t have them, you wouldn’t survive long. They’re amazing little devices that seek out and destroy harmful bacterium in your body. And they have to be able to tell whether something in your body is a “friend” or the “enemy”. And they’ve got to be working 24 hours a day.

Dr. Walt Brown wrote, in his book “In The Beginning”, about white blood cells and their functions. He said, “The equipment for each function requires careful design. Unless all this worked well from the beginning of life, a requirement that rules out evolution, bacteria and other agents of disease would have won, and we would not be here to marvel at these hidden abilities in our bodies.”

It makes total sense. The functioning “team” of equipment in each white blood cell had to be there from the beginning. Waiting for all the parts to come together by chance (evolution) or depending on individual parts would have meant no other cells could have survived. And that means no higher life forms would have ever come into existence.

The information in your DNA makes you both unique and a complex individual. You can exist, function, live, and love because the loving Creator of Heaven and Earth made you, loves you, and wants you to live forever.

So, while it’s true there is no i in TEAM, the great I AM is in every i…you and me. At least if you want Him to be. No pressure. It’s just a matter of eternal life or death. Maybe something to think about as you get your teamwork done this week.

Stay tuned,

Posted on May 28, 2018 by TonyMay 25, 2024

The Power of Branding

A few years ago I was over at a friend’s house, and he told me about his new racquetball shoes and how much he liked ’em. I’m not gonna mention the brand, but it’s a big, famous one. When he mentioned how much he paid for the shoes, I asked him why he was willing to pay that much. About $100. He said, “Because they’re the best brand. I’ve been buying them ever since I found out about them.” Flash forward to now, and I’m thinking, “Wow! That’s the power of branding.”

My buddy and I used to play racquetball or tennis on a regular basis. He always had top of the line gear, state-of-the-art racquets, and of course…primo shoes. On the other hand, I always wore a decent pair of tennis shoes, got myself a “nice” racquet, and usually played in shorts and shirts I found on sale. I wasn’t a brand loyalist. And yet, (with truth in my words and modesty as my sidekick) I never lost a game to my friend. Never. One. Game.

And my friend never gave up trying to get the correct brand of sports gear.

The power of branding for the right audience builds stubbornly loyal fans.

Put your customers or clients in the spotlight. Help them to see how amazing they can be when they don’t try to be anyone else. Show them they’re not one of the crowd. Prove to them how individuality doesn’t mean you have to go it alone. Encourage them to “be yourself”. By all means…give them hope. And you know what helps you sink that message into their hearts and minds so deeply they’ll come back to you over and over again?

Music.

Personalized music takes the power of branding and gives it superhero powers. I can help you discover and put your branding superpowers to good use with your own sound. And I’ll help you focus on the YOU that is your audience.

Now, jump on the The TRUTH. And be part of the growing band of believers who wanna show the world that life has Rhyme and Reason because God is Real.

Stay tuned,

Posted on May 27, 2018 by TonyMay 25, 2024

Double Trouble

Recently I told you about the “one Gospel” found in the Bible…in Paul’s writings. But I wasn’t being completely truthful with you. Paul was, but I wasn’t. So, I’ve got double trouble for you today. Especially if you think the one Gospel Paul talked about in Galatians is the only one. I’m about to burst that bubble. (If you prefer to listen, here’s the The Power of God’s Love Podcast episode 223…

Here’s what I said in my “one Gospel” article: “Not every worldview or perspective or even so-called ‘gospel’ can be true. The word ‘gospel’ comes from an old English word, ‘godspell’ which simply means good news or glad tidings. And that word comes from a Greek word that means ‘good message’. When the apostle Paul wrote about there being only one gospel, he was referring to the ‘gospel of Christ’ There can only be one ‘good news’ of Christ. That good news is simply this”that Jesus came to die for his people, the Jews. They rejected Him, and so He took His message of eternal life to the Gentiles through His Apostle Paul.”

Here’s where the double trouble comes in.

There’s another Gospel found in the New Testament. Gasp! And it’s also the “one Gospel.” Uh…what? Yeah, there are two Gospels in the New Testament…and they’re each the “one Gospel.” Sort of depends on who you are.

I’ll let you in on a not-so-well-kept secret. I’m not a Jew. I’ve never been one, and I never even played one on TV. So, the other “one Gospel” found in the New Testament isn’t for me. Because it’s for Jews. You can start to sort this out once you know who’s writing to whom. Here’s a hint: if you’re not a Jew, the Apostle Paul’s writings are to YOU. If you ARE a Jew (at least one who wants to trust and believe in Jesus as savior), then all those other books in the New Testament are to YOU.

Peter, James, John, and the other nine apostles (excluding Paul) wrote letters (those books) to Jews who wanted to trust Jesus to be the Messiah…but…who just couldn’t seem to give up following the Law of Moses.

Paul wrote letters (those other books in the New Testament) to anyone who wanted to believe in Jesus based on faith alone. Mostly those people were known as Gentiles. Anyone not a Jew. Like me. And you? So, almost by necessity (unfortunately) two Gospels rose up. Peter (and the twelve) took what Paul called a “circumcision” message to the people of Israel. And Paul took what he called the “uncircumcision” message to the Gentiles.

I call it double trouble because it can burst your Gospel bubble.

You can doubt me or disagree with me, but you’ll be doubting and disagreeing with the Bible, too, if you do. That’s entirely up to you. But again…don’t take my word for it. Go read the Bible. I promise…the proof is found in one of Paul’s letters. But you gotta be ready to have your bubble burst. Are you ready to roll the rock?

Now, jump on the The TRUTH. And be part of the growing band of believers who wanna show the world that life has Rhyme and Reason because God is Real.

Stay tuned,

Posted on May 23, 2018 by TonyMay 25, 2024

Relaxing music plays and the audience still stays

Relaxing Music – it ain’t just for sleepin’

The vast majority of the time I listen to music, these days, it’s on my iPhone using either my Apple music app or Pandora. While I do love some power-up music for fun, a lot of my listening is relaxing music. Either to go to sleep, or to get some work done. (If you prefer to listen, here’s the The Power of God’s Love Podcast episode 222)

According to some studies, listening to classical music can actually increase your IQ…at least temporarily. Somebody came up with the clever term, Mozart effect. And a knucklehead politician in Georgia even came up with a knucklehead idea to propose a budget that made sure every kid in Georgia got a Mozart CD. Yeesh.

Don’t get me wrong. I believe listening to classical music can do way better things for your brain than say…rap, metal, punk, hip-hop, etc. etc. etc. And nothing on pop music stations even remotely compares with the musical strength and emotion of even the most basic Beethoven composition. Nothing! That’s why I say…

Relaxing music can be power music.

These days, you don’t need to use grinding power chords or massive beats to set yourself apart from the crowd. In fact, doing just the opposite might be a much more successful strategy. I call it…going against the flow of the status quo.

When everyone else is yelling and screaming, whisper. If everyone else is zigging, you zag. Every time everyone else turns left, you go right. And you won’t go wrong. So, tonight…when you normally play your favorite songs on your way home…or when you start some music as you’re making dinner…or whatever…try some relaxing music instead. I’m not sayin’ you gotta do this all the time. Just experiment. You might discover you like it so much that it might also work in your advertising. But what do I know? (I know it works, that’s what I know) By the way…

Now, jump on the The TRUTH. And be part of the growing band of believers who wanna show the world that life has Rhyme and Reason because God is Real.

Stay tuned,

Posted on May 20, 2018 by TonyMay 25, 2024

Only One Gospel Will…Make You Ask How Long Till

Below are the lyrics to the song in this episode of the The Power of God’s Love Podcast. Tune in and discover why it’s important to know there’s only one real Truth for the whole world. And see why if that’s not true, I’m such a big fool.

How Long Till?

How long till we see the vengeance?
How long till You make things right?
Lord, how long till the trumpet blows
And calls us into flight?
How long till we see the Savior?
How long till the end of night?
How long till Your trumpet blows
And takes us out of sight?

We need the Truth! The world doesn’t care.
They can’t see design; though it’s everywhere.
No absolutes, and they’re absolutely sure.
They worship time and bow down to chance.
They give themselves up to circumstance.
I have to say I don’t comprehend the allure.

(repeat chorus)

Our bodies ache; You can hear the groans.
We twist Your words into sticks and stones
And wield them around like giants in a trance.
This posturing while the world looks on
Just makes them ask where our minds have gone,
And I don’t blame them; it’s such a silly dance.

(repeat chorus…inst…repeat chorus to end)

Now, jump on the The TRUTH. And be part of the growing band of believers who wanna show the world that life has Rhyme and Reason because God is Real.

Stay tuned,

Posted on May 15, 2018 by TonyMay 25, 2024

Blend in the message you're sendin' - The Power of God's Love Podcast 210

Here’s the step-by-step formula for how to blend in and not stand out when you advertise. This is a short excerpt from my upcoming book on audio branding. When used properly, it works pretty much 100% of the time. And I suggest you freely share it with all your competitors.

Now, jump on the The TRUTH. And be part of the growing band of believers who wanna show the world that life has Rhyme and Reason because God is Real.

Stay tuned,

Posted on May 14, 2018 by TonyMay 25, 2024

Can poets and writers be action igniters?

In a word…Yes! Words and music have been at the center of my life for as long as I can remember. There’s nothing more satisfying than writing a new book, poem, or song, playing it for someone for the first time, and getting a smile or a nod of approval. And I remember how much I loved studying famous poets and writers when I was in high school.

If you prefer to listen, here’s the The Power of God’s Love Podcast Episode 216

About the time I became a junior in high school I started writing poems to market myself to girls. My parents divorced a little before I entered grade school. And my younger brother and I spent school time in Texas and summer time in Kansas. So, I didn’t get to play organized sports…which meant there was no chance of wooing the opposite sex with my prowess on the “field of battle”. What I lacked in sports I made up for with poetry and singing.

It worked like a charm…and more than 3% of the time (hint: that’s an impressive percentage in the marketing world). If only my shyness hadn’t interfered with my follow-through…because I usually had something like a 98% approval rating. I couldn’t reach the coveted 100% mark because…well…nobody’s perfect.

Poets and writers need to eat, too.

A few years after high school I became a professional musician. Yeah, people paid me for live performance. Sometimes a lot…imagine that! And I got paid to play for years until I decided I didn’t want to do it full time anymore. That’s when I returned to my first love…writing. Only this time, I knew I needed something more lucrative than poetry. Fortunately, the internet affords poets and writers some great options for using writing skills to make money.

During my time as an entertainer I started writing and producing radio commercials. Then I learned copywriting, which is simply writing for business, and I’ve been doing both of these for quite a while now. I discovered how poets and writers can use their powers of persuasion and creative insight to ignite readers to take action. And when that action leads to sales, the payoff can be very rewarding.

When you’re ready to ignite some action in your business, look no further than a poet to help. Well, at least no further than the poet you’re reading right now anyway.

Now, jump on the The TRUTH. And be part of the growing band of believers who wanna show the world that life has Rhyme and Reason because God is Real.

Stay tuned,

Posted on May 10, 2018 by TonyMay 25, 2024

Music affects behavior - The Power of God's Love Podcast 209

It makes a bigger difference than you might think. Match your music and sounds you’re using in your business to your brand. Take a giant leap in front of your competition because they’re probably still just playing the radio.

Now, jump on the The TRUTH. And be part of the growing band of believers who wanna show the world that life has Rhyme and Reason because God is Real.

Stay tuned,

Posted on May 3, 2018 by TonyMay 25, 2024

Here are the lyrics to the song I’m featuring in this episode of the The Power of God’s Love Podcast…

Crazy Mama’s So Mean

That crazy mama’s so mean”
Don’t give me rice with my beans.
I was a fool for those eyes;
Bluer than Mardi Gras skies.
But she’s hidin’ something I ain’t ever seen
That crazy mama’s so mean!

Yeah, That crazy mama’s so mean”
Said she don’t like New Orleans.
Don’t let no bon temps roulle;
She scared the gators away.
Sure, on the outside, she’s shiny and clean, but
That crazy mama’s so mean!

She don’t take no for an answer,
But then again she don’t take yes.
What it would take just to please her
I’m sure is anybody’s guess.

Yeah, That crazy mama’s so mean”
Don’t understand her routine.
Her bark’s as bad as her bite;
Sleep one eye open at night.
Goes from bad to worse;
Don’t get caught in between cause
That crazy mama’s so mean!

She’s mean I tell ya.

Now, jump on the The TRUTH. And be part of the growing band of believers who wanna show the world that life has Rhyme and Reason because God is Real.

Stay tuned,

Posted on April 29, 2018 by TonyMarch 2, 2025

Immune systems fight more than viruses and bacteria

Did you know even plants and animals have immune systems? They do. And their immune systems work like ours. They’re able to spot an nasty invader like a virus or bacteria and immediately build up defenses against it. And they can even remember details about the attack so they function even faster next time. But imagine if each of those plants and animals would’ve had to wait for evolution to “create” those immune functions.

What would happen to you and your household if you had no defense against invaders? Or if you had only started building your defense strategies when you were attacked? Yeah, you’d probably be destroyed. And the same could be said of the first animals and plants…if they were depending on evolution to form them.

Immune systems have to be preprogrammed.

If those first animals and plants hadn’t already had immune systems in them, they would have been destroyed by the first bacteria, toxin, or virus that came along. And it would have been pretty difficult to build up any other beneficial genetic changes if they were dead, don’t you think? There’s just too much complex genetic information in immune systems for them to have formed slowly, over time, depending on evolutionary changes. It’s just crazy talk (and blind faith in unobservable processes) to think otherwise.

It should be blatantly obvious that in order for species to survive the onslaught of infections their immune systems would have to be in place from the beginning. As I’ve looked at information like that, over the course of my life, I’ve always been thankful and grateful to God for creating the way He did. It makes perfect sense how a living, loving sovereign Creator could build a universe, planets, and stars…and then build creatures who could live and interact.

But it doesn’t make any sense whatsoever to believe everything could have come from nothing. Maybe it’s just my immune system putting up defenses against such nonsense. And if it is, thank God it’s working.

Share my rhymes and reasons with your friends and family. Choose one or all of these ways…

Jump on the one-of-a-kind The TRUTH
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Or choose any of the social media links below

Stay tuned,

Posted on April 23, 2018 by TonyAugust 3, 2024

Video and Audio - this is what you oughta know

Video and Audio – be seen AND heard –

I remember, 20 years ago, when I started working online, how even having a website was a challenge for most businesses. And expensive. There were website design companies sometimes charging tens of thousands of dollars to build a business website. And 99% of them had no video and audio. These days, brand videos are necessary for most small and medium business owners. Video is no longer an option if you want to stay competitive online. Of course, they’re not free…unless you can produce them yourself. And even then, you should consider the time investment before jumping in.

Video and audio don’t have to be complicated, but they do have to BE.

According to surveys, you’re probably more likely to prefer websites with video over websites with just words and pictures. I know I do. Who wants to browse through endless sites with only text and stock images, when you can watch a video and connect on a deeper level? Those surveys also say video is key to driving conversions. And that means more potential for selling more stuff. Of course, that’s only important if making money is important to you and your business.

The great news is”if you wanna stand out from the crowd online, you still can. Use video and audio. Like I did. Did you watch this message, or just read the article? Yeah, that’s what I thought.

Video marketing statistics agree with me”

One-third of online activity is spent watching video.
More than half of video content is viewed on mobile devices
Audiences engage mostly with videos 2 minutes and under
Landing page videos can increase conversions by 87%

Even though 85% of Facebook videos are watched without sound, if you wanna be seen AND heard AND remembered, go to the next level with a custom commercial song. You’d immediately set yourself apart from video makers who don’t use sound…or have awful sound. I know it’s self-serving for me to mention that, but hey”I’m online to sell stuff too. And I’ve seen the power of deeper connection with a target audience using video AND brand music. And isn’t that what you’re working hard to do? Connect with your clients, customers, or audience in a way they’ll never forget?

You can think it over. But keep in mind…every day lots of other savvy business owners are committing to custom video and audio. Some of them might be your competition.

Stay tuned,

Posted on April 19, 2018 by TonyAugust 3, 2024

Minions and Opinions - The Power of God's Love Podcast 207

Here are the lyrics to the song I’m featuring in the The Power of God’s Love Podcast.

Everybody’s Got One

Jesse says he wants equality; says we’ve got goals to reach
Jimmy’s war is with iniquity; says he’s got souls to teach
Norma claims that it’s her right to make her own decision
Nancy wildly disagrees; they’re on a one-way collision

Every time you know you’re right
Your opinion’s like a stick of dynamite
And everybody’s got one!

Danny says he wants respect; says he’s got a job to do
But David jabs and pokes his fun; just the same as me and you
Pat declares we all should pay to clean up our environment
And Joan believes it’s federal; so leave it to the government

Every time you know you’re right
Your opinion’s like a stick of dynamite
And everybody’s got one…everybody’s got one

Everybody’s got one
Sometimes it’s right, but sometimes we put it in the wrong place
Everybody’s got one
Sometimes we should hold back,
And those times we end up with egg on our face
It’s our right, but we’re not always right…not always right,
But everybody’s got one

Scott insists that we evolved; that Darwin proved it years ago
But Tony’s faith is with his God; the Holy Spirit tells him so
And Sue defends the life she leads; calls herself a working girl
But Kathy says she sold her soul, and that’s the problem with the world

Every time you know you’re right,
Your opinion’s like a stick of dynamite
And everybody’s got one…everybody’s got one

Chorus…inst…chorus to end

Stay tuned,

Posted on April 19, 2018 by TonyAugust 3, 2024

Opinions can be wrong

If you have any social media accounts, you might have noticed how people don’t seem to be shy about sharing their opinions on just about anything and everything. And a lot of the time their opinions lash out at someone. With expletives, name-calling, and other assorted pleasantries. But it’s important to know opinions can be wrong. So, when you’re about to call somebody out, and you’re about to do it where the whole world can see…be right. And there’s a way to be sure you’re right.

Because opinions can be wrong base yours on truth.

Uh-oh, that’s a sticky point isn’t it. Truth. People will say there’s no way to know what’s true. Of course, that begs the question, “Is that true?” And those same people know better, but they’ve bought into the nonsense in order to avoid responsibility for decisions and commitments.

OK, what’s true? And what truth can you base your opinions on? Well, here’s an example of something that’s true. The sun shows up in the Eastern sky each morning. Never in the Western sky. Here are some more examples of truth. The sun is larger than the moon. It’s hot. It’s far away from the Earth. The earth has dirt, water, and air. Humans breathe air and drink water. I’m just scratching the surface of what’s true. None of those things are my opinion. They’re true.

Now, I could also get into the more philosophical side of truth, and talk about how it comes from the living, loving God of creation. But that’s where people are trying to avoid going when they say truth is negotiable. So, I’ll just say again, opinions can be wrong. And if you care about your fellow human beings…truly care…be sure you’re right. When you stick with Biblical principles, you can’t go wrong. It makes good business sense. Just remember, it’s a way of branding yourself that other people might not like. Are you ready for that?

Jump on the one-of-a-kind The TRUTH

Stay tuned,

Posted on April 16, 2018 by TonyAugust 3, 2024

Walking With the Enemy

I just saw a short video clip of the so-called “leaders” of China and North Korea walking down a long hallway…smiling and talking like good friends. And a couple of thoughts popped into my head immediately. First, don’t we here in America do an awful lot of buying from China? I mean, it seems like 9 out of 10 things I see in just about any store were made in China. That means they’re getting tons and tons and tons of money from us. The second thing that popped into my head was…”Hey! Isn’t that Rocket Man from North Korea? Isn’t he a brat tyrant who murders his own people? And isn’t he our enemy?” Well, why is the so-called “leader” of China walking with the enemy?

Could it be that Xi-Xi and Kimmy aren’t enemies?

Gasp! Say it ain’t so Sam. Ah, but I’m guessing it IS so. Sure, they might not be true fishing buddies. But they’re not exactly enemies either. In their own ways, each of them would just as soon see America be assimilated into their despicable cultures. But since that can’t happen…yet…they’ll satisfy themselves to rake in the money and use it to develop more ways to destroy us from within.

Maybe I’m just crazy for thinking such things. Or am I? Does it make sense to give up what you cannot lose to gain what you cannot keep? Think about that, and see if it applies to the actions in China and North Korea.

Anytime you’re walking with the enemy, you’ll be dealing with temptation, trouble, and tribulation. That applies to your home life, business, family, and friends. Choose wisely.

I remember, when my Dad was in the middle of a nine year battle with kidney failure, he told me most people can expect 5 or less true friends to show up at their funeral. Emphasis on TRUE friends. It was true of his funeral, and I’ve seen a number of others where it was true as well. Just because someone isn’t your true friend doesn’t mean they’re your enemy. But it does mean you have to be cautiously aware at all times.

Walking the enemy isn’t always noticeable at first.

You might decide to compromise on a service you offer. Or you might “forget” to give your customer back their change. It could be something as inconspicuous as saying something false about your competitors. Whatever it is, it’s good to be on guard against it. That way you can ward it off before it happens. But that’s gonna take probably more brain power and willpower than you have on your own. So, what can you do?

Apply Christian principles. Even if you’re not a Christian, you can’t fail when you apply principle from the one person who knows everything about you. Jesus said you should do unto others as you would have them do unto you. And that’s a good rule to live by whether you believe there’s an eternal afterlife or not.

Who have you been walking with?

Share my rhymes and reasons with your friends and family. And be sure to jump on the one-of-a-kind The TRUTH

Stay tuned,

Posted on April 15, 2018 by TonyNovember 19, 2024

Branding Yourself a Christian

Last week I read an article about business brands. It mentioned how you should seriously consider branding yourself…because if you don’t someone else will. Well, I’ll let you in on a little secret I’ve observed…

Sometimes branding yourself brings out other branding irons.

When you brand yourself a Christian, for example, most people in the world form an immediate opinion and dish out their own brand for you. I’ve been called “arrogant” and “bigoted” and “a nazi” and “ignorant” and “old-fashioned” and many more. Many times those labels (or brands) came from “friends and family”.

Most of the time branding yourself a Christian means losing “friends” and losing to your more “tolerant” competition. At least if you’re not willing to compromise your true, Christian faith. And I’m not.

I know there are still plenty of people (business owners, entrepreneurs) out there who appreciate the Christian values applied to business. Even if they don’t outwardly admit how much they appreciate someone not lying to them or about them. Or working with someone who won’t steal from them. Even if they’re not Christian.

Boost your brand boldly.

So, if you’re a Christian doing business in this more “tolerant” and “accepting” world of ours, don’t be surprised, as you’re branding yourself, when people make fun of or refuse to work with you. In fact, take it as a compliment…a sign that you’re on the right track.

More importantly…you’re on the right team.

Have you been branded?

Stay tuned,

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Posted on April 11, 2018 by TonyAugust 3, 2024

Tony Funderburk talks about the brain benefits of listening to or playing music.

Tune in to the The Power of God’s Love Podcast, episode 206, with your host, Tony Funderburk. Discover how music is just plain good for the brain.

Jump on the one-of-a-kind The TRUTH

Stay tuned,

Posted on April 10, 2018 by TonyAugust 3, 2024

Music and the Brain

Recently I noticed my demeanor wasn’t as cheerful and uplifting as it typically is. And I didn’t like that because it feels good to feel good. You know what I’m talking about, right? You can sense something’s not right, but at first you don’t quite know what it is. Well, not one to mope, I pondered what was different. And “Eureka!” I figured out how much less music I was absorbing. And I know, from experience, music and the brain are a healthy combination.

Music and the brain are like body and the gym.

There’s certainly no shortage of audio, video, and websites talking to you about how important it is to stay physically fit. But guess what’s way more important than your body…yeah, your mind. If your mind ain’t sharp, your six-pack abs ain’t gonna do you all that much good. And the good news is, you can help keep your mind (and soul) sharper by listening to and/or playing music. How cool is that?!

Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have been trying to understand how music can have such healthy mental benefits. And they’ve discovered that “music is structural, mathematical, and architectural.” Even better than that, they discovered how music is “based on relationships between one note and the next.” That makes total sense, when you consider how human beings were designed to have relationships. And healthy relationships are good for you.

I’ve written and talked about the power of music before. But I haven’t been following my own advice in the past few months. That’s gonna change. Starting this last week…I added new gear to my recording studio, and I added new software to my computer. But more importantly, I started listening to music with renewed love again. I decided, instead of just writing words about it, I would sing. Listen. Revive.

Guess what? It’s working. Just putting the hands on my music keyboard more, and a little less on my typing keyboard, has already rejuvenated my mind.

The connection between music and the brain is undeniable.

So, my recommendation to you today is to worry less about “what’s in your wallet” and consider what’s in your head. Play some music you don’t normally play and discover how those little relational notes lift you up. I’m gonna go take my own advice right now and play some tunes. What’s your favorite brain-boosting song?

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Posted on April 4, 2018 by TonyAugust 3, 2024

Gotta Say Wow…Can you hear me now?

In this episode of the The Power of God’s Love Podcast I’m sharing a powerfully compelling update on my studio. (tongue-in-cheek) I’m asking the question, “Can you hear me now?” because my whole studio is in a state of transition. I’m also making a video version of this episode, so be sure to tune in on YouTube to watch the awesome, high-tech, stunning special effects version of my update.

The reason I’ve been off my audio and video marks is my MacBook Pro has basically reached the end of its productive days and will need to be put out to pasture. But before I can do that, I have to set up a new way of composing, editing, mixing, and producing audio and video.

It’s not in the budget, at this time, to get an updated MacBook Pro…and I might not be going that way at all anyway. But, as I thought it over, it dawned on me that I have an even more powerful, faster, and updated computer in the house. My iPhone 8! Bam!

Can you hear me now?

I thought to myself (because no one else would have listened to my lunatic rants) “Hey! I can micro-size my studio and use my phone as the hub for all my work.” So, that’s what I’m doing. In fact, I’m writing this post on my phone using my new Bluetooth full-sized keyboard. It works like a charm. And the latest episode of the The Power of God’s Love Podcast and YouTube video was recorded and mixed entirely on my iPhone setup.

I’ll be working this way for the foreseeable future as an experiment to see if maybe I can run my entire business and production studio on my iPhone. I’m inviting you to join me in the digital journey. And if you have any helpful suggestions or stories to share about something similar you’re trying or have tried, share them with me.

I’ll check back in soon. And here are the lyrics to the song I shared in this podcast episode.

Choose Life

Well you hid your heart in a so-called safe place,
And you locked your love in a big, black box,
And you had no hope,
But you built your brave face,
And you ran your rat race…through the tics and tocs.

Well, the bluebells bloomed in ideal intentions
As you tilled the truth into lifelong lies,
And you dug in deep making many mentions
Of your pretty pensions…always alibis.

You can’t run away from real truth.
And every word of truth is a knife.
A captivating voice might pigeonhole your choice,
Cut free…and choose life.

When your daydreams die and you feel half-hearted,
And your love is lost in a soulless sky,
Try to train your thoughts when your brain’s bombarded
By the stuff you started”learn to love the lie.

Choose life…choose life…choose life

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Posted on March 22, 2018 by TonyOctober 4, 2024

Can you spare some change? I need to rearrange.

The more things change, the more they stay the same. And the only thing constant is change. So what does all this have to do with what I’m talking about on this episode of the The Power of God’s Love Podcast? Well, tune in and find out.

Here are the lyrics to the song I shared in this episode, but you’ll have to tune in to hear the song.

Keep It On Hold

I looked around and you; you broke my heart into
Too many times you made me wonder what to do
You rode your horses wild, wild flower-power child
Child you would never let me spend my time with you

You’ve got some good somewhere inside
But you keep it on hold…you keep it on hold
I might believe you if you tried
But you keep it on hold…you keep it on hold

What do you think you’ll do
When it all comes down on you
What do you think you’ll say
At the time of the judgement day
Who do you think you’ll see
When you see things clearer
And it’s only you and the mirror

repeat chorus…inst

You say you don’t need me; me and my sympathy
Sympathy isn’t what my time is all about
I almost have to laugh; laugh at your better half
Half of the time your mind is struggling with the doubt

chorus…bridge…repeat chorus to end

Now, maybe you don’t know me well enough to buy something from me, yet. Ok, let’s change that. Get to know more about me and my worldview. Join the growing body of believers who’ve signed up for the Tony’s Daily Devotional . And bask in daily, delightful flashes of light from the power of God’s love.

Stay tuned…

Posted on March 16, 2018 by TonyAugust 4, 2024

World sleep day is an opportunity to get a jump on your competition.

It’s World Sleep Day so I’ll just keep away

If I hadn’t logged into my Twitter account a few minutes ago, I never would have known it’s World Sleep Day today. Wow. I’ve gotta get with the times. Like a fool, I got up way before dawn without realizing the rest of the world is asleep. What’s a guy like me to do?

I guess there’s nothing I can do about it. You won’t be reading this today anyway. Unless today is actually the day after World Sleep Day…or week after…or whatever. Yeesh. I don’t know how to deal with this. It’s never come up for me before. Does this happen every year? Are you asleep right now and you don’t care?

OK, why fight it? If you can’t beat ’em, join ’em. Right? Well, I gotta get in the sleep mood first because I just had my second cup of coffee, and I don’t feel like a true World Sleep Day player yet. So, let’s see…maybe some soothing lyrics…

Yes, my love…I do adore you.
Hear my heart…it’s beating for you.
Private memories we will keep,
But for now…fall fast asleep.
Leave the world and cares behind you.
I’ll make sure they cannot find you.
You’ll be safe in slumber deep…
So for now…fall fast asleep.

Nope, still not asleep.

OK, how about these?

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.

Oh forget it. Nothin’s workin’. So, I’m gonna go ahead and stay awake for World Sleep Day. That’s OK, I’m not supposed to conform to the world anyway. And I’ll be a day ahead of my competition from now on. Bam!

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