Rhyme and Reason Podcast with Tony Funderburk

Posted on April 4, 2023 by TonyMay 4, 2023

Crude oil advantages with no ego bandages

I love how I can charge up my mobile devices and take them with me and use them for hours without even plugging in. Because it would be awful if I had to take a gas-powered generator with me everywhere. And keep it running while I got my work done. Can you visualize a bunch of remote workers, in coffee shops trying to talk (or think) over all that racket? But there ARE some crude oil advantages over solar and wind power options. And they’re significant.

Just saying “crude oil advantages” triggers a lot of people.

And I refer to people who’ve invested practically their whole intellect into the myth of fossil fuels. Of course, those are the same people who’ve invested their whole belief system into the millions of years myth.

What if I told you that “scientists in the US have worked out how to convert algae into crude oil in less than 60 minutes?” Seems, to me, like that would be something a world so myopically focused on the “scarcity of resources” should look into. But, maybe that’s just me (it’s not, by the way).

Turns out, I didn’t make up that algae idea out of thin air. Here’s a description of the process…

“Looking much like pea soup, a mixture of green algae and water is subjected to a temperature of 350°C and pressure of 3,000 PSI, which breaks the algae down into oil and gas. The scientists learned that a mixture of up to 80 to 90% water made the best algal ‘slurry’ for the process.

Just like crude oil that comes out of wells, the resultant oil can be easily refined into aviation fuel, gasoline, diesel and other products, and the gas can be converted to natural gas, with multiple uses such as household heating and cooking, and powering cars.”

Wow. 60 minutes to make crude oil we could use to do all those things we currently use crude oil to do. If only an established news program would spread the news. But who? Hmm…hey, wait a minute. 60 Minutes. Yeah, talk about having a marketing bonanza dropped in your lap! Hang on. I forgot. They believe the evolution fairy tale. So, even though they buy into that “trust science” mantra, they only trust evolutionary science.

So, stop the presses.

Evolutionary “science” claims it took millions of years to form from algae, plants, and other buried organic material. And that supposedly was the time required for the earth’s heat and pressure to turn it into crude oil.

But according to non-evolutionary science, the right heat and pressure can “form oil in ultrashort time periods.” Naturally, that science also backs up the Biblical account of a worldwide flood. And we certainly can’t have that. Because when you start spreading that news, people might believe God is real. And we certainly can’t have that.

But, back to the crude oil advantages.

Doesn’t it make sense to take advantage of a process that could ensure our efficient crude oil based technology and machinery runs on renewable energy? And since we can grow algae and turn it into crude oil in “ultrashort time periods” that makes it easily and efficiently renewable. AND affordable.

But, there’s the rub. Affordable and efficient and renewable crude oil. Well, that would mean government couldn’t control individual liberties with the flip of a switch. And the control freaks in “high places” certainly can’t have that.

So, the journey toward hell, in a handbasket, continues for America.

And the world. But, hey. At least we won’t go there with an atmosphere filled with “hydrocarbon emissions.”

We want to live in a fat-free environment, and
We want to make sure the ozone is intact,
And so we watch all those service commercials, and
It’s just so easy to sit back and react.

Is it just melodrama…for me to feel this way?
I wonder…is it just me,
Or does it all sound so cliché?
Does it sound that way…so cliché? (From the song, Cliché, off the Do Right Collection)

Here’s the whole song: (https://youtu.be/IuTNFMXIbfw)

Stay tuned,

Share this link with everybody you know, so they can jump on the Rhyme and Reason Bandwagon
(My regular emails about the essentials of life, AND some music and other good stuff, for Fa-Ree)

Posted on March 29, 2023 by TonyMay 3, 2023

Oh yeah. You better believe I’m gettin’ my fair share. And I don’t care how many rich people have to ante up till I get it. Because I’m an American. And I want my piece of the American dream. I earned it. It’s my birthright as an American citizen. And, by golly, I’m gonna get it.

So, I’m gonna vote for candidates who’ll make sure I get my fair share.

Because voting is not only my right. It’s also my duty. So, my duty is to make sure the government keeps things fair. Sometimes that means you gotta take more from those who have more and give to those who have less. Who could possibly argue with that flawless logic?

Evidently, some “fools” believe they CAN argue with that flawless logic.

And those “fools” even include a former American President. Would you believe we’ve actually had someone in the highest office in our land who did NOT believe democracy is awesome? It’s true. I shared his view on the subject 10 years ago:

“America’s 2nd President, John Adams, had multiple negative things to say about this. He talked about how a democracy “soon wastes, exhausts, and murders itself. There is never a democracy that did not commit suicide.” And I hear a lot of modern day “conservatives” lauding the constitution as our source of enlightenment and freedoms. President Adams said this about that… “Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other.”

Yeah, 10 years ago (and even decades ago) I wrote negative things about the form of government we have. Of course, that’s not a popular opinion. Because Americans have been raised to believe democracy is the hottest brand going.

And maybe you’ve heard of this quote attributed to Alexander Fraser Tytler, a Scottish judge, historian, and writer: “A democracy cannot exist as a permanent form of government. It can only exist until the voters discover that they can vote themselves largesse from the public treasury. From that moment on, the majority always votes for the candidates promising the most benefits from the public treasury with the result that a democracy always collapses over loose fiscal policy, always followed by a dictatorship. The average age of the world’s greatest civilizations has been 200 years.”

Based on Tytler’s assessment of democracy, I’d say America is mighty close to the dictatorship phase. Because our multi-trillion dollar deficit is clear evidence of our loose fiscal policy.

But, hey, as long as the government gets me my fair share, who cares?

Right?

So, it’s important to elect Robin Hood politicians. And give them the power to take from those filthy rich people and spread the wealth around. Because we, the people, are the bosses. And those politicians work for US.

Yeah, right.

Here’s what Mr. Tytler had to say about that notion: “The people flatter themselves that they have the sovereign power. These are, in fact, words without meaning.”

If you truly believe your “vote” has the power to change your country for the better, you’re running with your eyes closed. Especially in light of the fact that America currently has a person with dementia installed in the highest office in the land. And another person, high on laughing gas, installed in the second highest office in the land.

Moronic marionettes.

But at least their puppeteers will manipulate them into doing what’s necessary to get me my fair share. And that’s all I (and all other good democratic citizens) need for a good life in this world.

‘Scuse me sir. Would you hand me my fair share?
Yeah, that rich guy has it, right over there.
I’ll be sure to vote for you, when you do.
Because I know you’re promises are true.

Stay tuned,

Share this link with everybody you know, so they can jump on the Rhyme and Reason Bandwagon
(My regular emails about the essentials of life, AND some music and other good stuff, for Fa-Ree)

Posted on March 22, 2023 by TonyMay 2, 2023

If I’m elected, I’ll do my best to restore whirled peas. And bring hominy to every household. Because, c’mon people. Can’t we all just get along? After all, we’re one race. So, that’s a great starting point.

And speaking of whirled peas and hominy.

Let’s talk about how segregation can be a useful tool. That shouldn’t offend anybody. Right? Hello?

Hey, I’m talkin’ about the law. And since we’re a “nation of laws” (ha! That’s a good one!) I’m sure you’ve heard of “Mendel’s Law of Genetics”. It’s also sometimes called the “Law of Segregation”. That has nothing to do with race. It’s all about about your gene makeup. And mine.

Johann Mendel was the guy behind the science behind the “Law of Segregation.”

When Mendel was a boy, he learned the art of “grafting” by working in the orchards of his father’s landlord. That knowledge served him well. And it got him through most of his education. But, when it seemed he wouldn’t be able to continue, his physics teacher recommended he enter the monastery where he would be able to finish his studies.

He later became an Augustinian monk and was given the name Gregor. And Gregor showed how important even little peas can be.

Between 1856 and 1863 Gregor cultivated around 29,000 pea plants and discovered that different combinations of genes can be formed through the generations. But, here’s the clincher. New genes are never formed. In other words, he could never graft any pea genes and get corn or beans.

But why is that important?

Well, it confirms the many verses in the Bible where God says “according to its kind” or “after its kind.” There’s that little detail.

And it also illustrates how God’s amazing creativity provides a ton of variation within each species. But He gave each species its own genetic code. So a duck will never be a deer. A bug will never be a bird. And a monkey will never be a man.

NEVER. Not even if some man monkeys around with genetics.

But maybe I’m wrong. Maybe God doesn’t exist (I’d have to be a fool to actually make that claim). And if that’s true (and it’s not), then it’s all a moot point. And we’ll probably never have whirled peas and hominy. But…

What If I’m Right?

You think it’s wrong to talk of only one Way.
Live and let live is something you always say.
How could there be a God who no one can see?
When bad things happen, you say “Where can He be?”

You want some proof; maybe a word or a sign
That our existence could be all by design.
I say the proof is in the feel of a song.
But it’s invisible so you say I’m wrong.

But what if I’m right? What if it’s true
All of these things I’ve been sayin’ to you?

What if you die and it’s not the end?
What if your life is nothing you can defend?
You think I’m wrong…that I don’t walk in the light,
But what if I’m right?

So many people living inside a dream
Making a choice that even God won’t redeem.
I say choose Jesus because this life’s not long.
You say it’s nonsense, and you tell me I’m wrong.

But what if I’m right?

Stay tuned,

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

Tell everybody you know to Jump on the Rhyme and Reason Bandwagon
(emails with good stuff for Fa-Ree)

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

Get digital Bible stuff from the same company I do.

My books are also on Amazon.com or Apple Books

Grab yourself an un-cool T-shirt

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

Stay tuned,

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

Tell everybody you know to Jump on the Rhyme and Reason Bandwagon
(emails with good stuff for Fa-Ree)

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

Get digital Bible stuff from the same company I do.

My books are also on Amazon.com or Apple Books

Grab yourself an un-cool T-shirt

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

Posted on March 15, 2023 by TonyMay 1, 2023

I worked in a disco. Yep. It’s true. I was a bartender. And I also worked as what they called a “floorwalker.” That was one of the guys who (you guess it) walked around the floor to make sure they were having a good time and behaving. And at the end of the night, I sang Better Off Dead.

(Are you with me so far?)

I didn’t sing Better Off Dead every night.

But it was often. And it was because my fellow workers found out I could sing. And they challenged me to see if I truly knew every word to every Elton John song. Which I did. At the time. And one of those songs was from his Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy album.

It was the shortest song on the album. Just two minutes and about thirty-seven second. But it was super catchy. And the other workers, in the disco, dared me to get on the club’s huge sound system and sing the high harmonies. So, I did it. Then, they “demanded” I do it almost nightly. And I was happy to oblige.

The chorus to the song goes like this:

‘Cause the steam’s in the boiler, the coal’s in the fire.
If you ask how I am then I’ll just say “inspired.”
If the thorn of a rose is the thorn in your side.
Then you’re better off dead if you haven’t yet died.

Since my disco days I’ve gone through a lot of changes. From my musical position. To my musical preferences. And now to my musical musings on TonyFunderburk.com and in my emails, etc.

I discovered, to my dismay, that Elton John was a homosexual. And I’ve felt sorry for him ever since. Not because of his life on Earth. Because he’s rich enough to want for nothing. But for his eternal soul. Because Elton is an old man now. And each day he’s much closer to finding out what comes next.

Sadly, if my worldview is right (and the evidence says it is), Elton’s soul is in great peril. Yes, I know that he’s got millions of dollars and millions of fans. And I know I’m not better than him. But…

I’m Better Off

I think we can agree…I’m not better than you.
It isn’t very hard to believe that it’s true.
But let me say this now, and I hope you won’t scoff…
Though I’m not better than…I know I’m better off.

I’m better off…
If you say there is no Jesus and no Truth that ever frees us.
I’m better off…
If you say no bright tomorrow can erase all of your sorrow.
I’m better off…
For a multitude of reasons, an eternity of seasons.
I’m better off…
When I leave this dark theater, I’ll go live with the Creator.

So, I’m not better than any person who sins.
No, that’s an argument where no one ever wins.
But try to understand, and don’t grumble and cough,
When I say “trust the Lord“, and you’ll be better off.

Stay tuned,

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

Tell everybody you know to Jump on the Rhyme and Reason Bandwagon
(emails with good stuff for Fa-Ree)

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

Get digital Bible stuff from the same company I do.

My books are also on Amazon.com or Apple Books

Grab yourself an un-cool T-shirt

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

Posted on March 8, 2023 by TonyMay 1, 2023

It’s the story of a lilypad, lake, a frog, and a snake. And it shows how what you think about yourself isn’t necessarily what anyone (or everyone) else thinks about you.

This lilypad lake story starts out like this:

So, once there was a lilypad that no frog ever used.
You wouldn’t think a lilypad could get its feelings bruised.
But sure enough this lilypad cried to itself each night,
And each day did its very best to stay out of plain sight.

It’s the latest children’s book from your favorite number 1 Rhyme and Reason guy. No, not him! I’m talkin’ about me. You’re such a kidder.

Anyway…

The book is called “The Lonely Lilypad.”

And you should get the paperback version over at that tiny, online book store. Let’s see. What’s that name again? Hmm. I just can’t remember. Doesn’t matter. You can simply click THIS LINK and get right to the book.

OR…

If you’re one of the first three, you can Venmo me a tip of $20 (and your address) and I’ll send you a signed copy. Directly from me to you. My Venmo handle is @TonyWrites. And I only have 3 of the signed ones available right now. So, don’t delay. Get one for your little one today.

Unless, of course, they don’t like bedtime stories and coloring and drawing books. Especially the kind where you can scan a link, with your phone, and get the audio of me reading the book. Yeah, I suppose there might be some goofy kids who could be like that.

And this…

Bedtime stories aren’t for me.
I’m just too old to sleep.
I’ve got better things to do.
I just don’t need bopeep.
There are planets I’ll go find
After you leave the room.
And I must protect the house
From aliens of doom.
Bedtime stories are for kids
Who only want to sleep…
Silly kids whose eyes will close
Because they counted sheep.
But I’ll be in my rocket ship
And back home before dawn.
So, read to all those other kids.
I need to leave and…”yawn”.

Stay tuned,

Here’s the long, ugly link to The Lonely Lilypad on Amazon: (https://www.amazon.com/Lonely-Lilypad-Tony-Funderburk/dp/B0BMSR73XV) Copy and paste it if you don’t see the automatic link.

Posted on February 27, 2023 by TonyApril 26, 2023

Fly up to the sky in the blink of an eye

You can learn to fly. And it won’t cost you lots of money for oodles of hours of training. AND you’ll be able to fly up to the sky much faster than technology can take your text across the globe. What do you say? Interested?

All you gotta do, to be able to fly up to the sky like that, is learn from your mistakes.

Uh-oh. The proverbial fly in the ointment. Right? Because humans seem to be very good at making mistakes. But it’s not quite so easy to learn from them. In fact, you might be one of those who’s good at repeating the same mistakes over and over.

Sound familiar? Me too.

We don’t seem to learn from history. And so we “doom” ourselves to repeat it. A few years ago, I shared three ways humans don’t learn from their mistakes. And they’re even truer now.

1. Truth: Those who want to control others cast shadows on the truth. Truth is their mortal enemy. So they have to pound out lies with great resolve until the truth becomes nothing more than a cloudy concept. Truth becomes “whatever you make of it”. Or whatever is “right in their own minds”. Nazis believed if you told a “lie big enough and keep repeating it, people will eventually become to believe it”. Do you see that happening all around you today?

2. Morality: This is another area under constant attack by those who want to justify their behavior. When you reduce right and wrong to whatever is right in your own mind, you produce a culture where anything goes. Then everything goes…out the window. Who knows where that might lead? You might even find adults killing babies. Well, at least that couldn’t happen here in America. Right?

3. Property: Once people realize they can vote the money away from the wealthy and into their own pockets, the genie is out of the bottle. And it’s difficult to impossible to get him back in. Politicians run for office (and win) using promises based on redistribution of wealth. It’s not merely wrong. It’s evil, and it destroys lives. But who cares, right? It’s just the way things are. The status quo. I’m gonna get mine as long as the gettin’s good.

Yeah, none of that has gotten better.

But just because that’s the way it is for the rest of the world doesn’t mean you can’t learn to fly above it. Because the rest of the world can only keep you from the truth if you let it.

But like Carol King sang in her song, “You’ve Got a Friend…”

“They’ll hurt you and desert you.
They’ll take your soul if you let them.
Ah, but don’t you let them.”

Let today be the day you learn what it takes to fly up to the sky in the blink of an eye. Talk to and trust your Maker. And, if everybody starts to make fun of you, just remember these lyrics from another favorite songwriter:

Oh give me love…give me justice…
Give me Grace and the strength to endure.
When the world comes against me,
Give me Your Spirit steadfast and sure.

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

Tell everybody you know to Jump on the Rhyme and Reason Bandwagon
(emails with good stuff for Fa-Ree)

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

Get digital Bible stuff from the same company I do.

My books are also on Amazon.com or Apple Books

Grab yourself an un-cool T-shirt

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

Posted on February 18, 2023 by TonyApril 25, 2023

Dream town is off the map until you take a nap

Dream Town. I remember playing a multi-timbral sound on my fairly new Korg Triton keyboard several years ago. And the ethereal setting immediately set my imagination in motion. It was one of those magical moments songwriters love almost as much as anything. At least I do.

And that particular moment took me to Dream Town.

If you’re a songwriter, you know what I mean when I say the song flowed out and fell into place. Basically, as I played around on the keyboard, the lyrics slid right into the melody. And I didn’t even have to compile a collection of sounds to get the feel I wanted.

They were just there. So, all I had to do was let my fingers go with the flow. And before I knew it, the song was born. And even though it was one of the first songs I composed for the personalized songs for kids I used to sell, it ended up closer to the end. Because it just sort of felt natural (maybe even supernatural) to end up in…

Dreamtown

And now…where you will go
The clouds all hang low
To soften the sun and the moon.

The rain…falls on your hand
And all of the land
Is blurred in the mist of this tune.

You can’t get there with open eyes.
You’ll travel faster lying down.
And on the wings of alabaster butterflies
You’ll float away to Dreamtown.

Instrumental

And there…’round that sweet bend
The world is your friend
And nothing can take that away.

So go…and don’t you look back
Hold fast to the track
And leave all the cares of the day.

Chorus…inst…end

Stay tuned,

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

Tell everybody you know to Jump on the Rhyme and Reason Bandwagon
(emails with good stuff for Fa-Ree)

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

Get digital Bible stuff from the same company I do.

My books are also on Amazon.com or Apple Books

Grab yourself an un-cool T-shirt

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

Posted on February 4, 2023 by TonyApril 24, 2023

Melancholy art with a part from the heart

Several years ago I shared an old love song I wrote. It wasn’t for anyone in particular. I guess it was sort of a culmination of feelings and thoughts from different relationships. But I’d be willing to bet this melancholy art is a reflection of more than just MY experiences.

I’m sharing the lyrics to this melancholy art, down below.

And I’m gonna share the only recording I have of it in the Rhyme and Reason Podcast version of this post. The song’s called “Slipping Slowly Away From Me.” I recorded it on my old Yamaha MT 1X 4-track cassette recorder. And I used my Yamaha DX7 (the granddaddy of digital keyboards) along with my Yamaha RX-11and RX-21 drum and percussion machines.

Did I mention this recording took place in my motel studio? Yeah, when I was on the road full time, I’d have plenty of time to dedicate to songwriting and recording. But all the recording was done in a makeshift studio setup in whatever motel room I was in at the time.

And the technology of the day was my trusty 4-track cassette recorder. So, that meant that I had to ping-pong and bounce tracks. However, this song was just me singing, playing the electric piano sound in my DX-7 (to a programmed beat on the RX-11) and recording it all in one take. No ping-ponging. No bouncing. I think the song actually stands up pretty well. In fact, I might just do a makeover in my Mac studio.

As I mentioned, the song isn’t and wasn’t for someone in particular.

It was just words that worked their way to the surface as I thought about a melody and rhythm I played. But they sort of remind me of some lines from King David’s Psalm 51. His terrible deeds had been discovered. And he didn’t want to lose his connection to God. Read those words here. And see how gut-wrenching his anguish was.

Anyway, here are the lyrics to the song. Be sure to tune in to the podcast if you wanna hear my raw version from over 30 years ago.

Slipping Slowly Away

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

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

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

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

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

Stay tuned,

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

Tell everybody you know to Jump on the Rhyme and Reason Bandwagon
(emails with good stuff for Fa-Ree)

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

Get digital Bible stuff from the same company I do.

My books are also on Amazon.com or Apple Books

Grab yourself an un-cool T-shirt

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

Posted on January 26, 2023 by TonyApril 22, 2023

Power of love is a serious thing. It makes angels sing.

Huey shared the news back in the 80’s. Jennifer Rush wrote about it back in 1984. And Céline Dion repeated Jennifer’s message in 1994. That message was about the power of love. And people evidently were open to the idea. Because they all had big hits with their songs.

But none of them had a clue about the never-ending power of love.

And, of course, I don’t mean the power of love two people experience when they meet and get to know each other. Yeah, that can be (or at least feel like) a powerful force. But it pales in comparison to the power of God’s love.

I recently led a small group through a look at Paul’s letters to everyone from the Galatians to Philemon. And I told my listeners that it wouldn’t be a Bible study on the history of any of those people. And it wouldn’t be an apologetic, hermeneutic, eschatological, or critically interpretive Bible study. Because I’ve found the thread that runs through Paul’s letters to be love. And how love’s power provides us Grace.

Each week, when I’d mention the power of love, I’d say how “I’m not talking about the Huey Lewis kind of power.” And everyone would laugh and laugh. (oops, sorry. I must have drifted off there a second.)

Anyway…

When you read through Paul’s letters to the churches he ministered to, it’s easy to see how much he cared about, and for, them. If you’ve never read his letters, do yourself a favor. And pay close attention to how many times Paul mentions love and grace. I don’t know the exact number. But it’s a lot.

And here’s the reason I took those listeners through his letters with love as the focus.

I’d like you to zoom out from all the details in the Bible.

And when you zoom out and see the big picture, it should become clear that it’s a love letter, to you and me, from God. He loves His human creations so much that He’s worked, the entire time we’ve existed, to be sure we could be with Him forever in paradise.

But you know us humans. We just gotta do it “My Way.” But my way, and your way, ain’t THE Way. And THE Way is the only way to get to Heaven and stay. Of course, THE Way is Jesus. But I know the mere mention of His name shows how out of touch with the times I am.

So, I guess I’ll just leave it at that. Do with it what you will. As for me? Well, Huey sang, “The power of love is a curious thing. Make one man weep. Make another man sing.”

I’m the singing one.

You can be strong in Grace.
And be sure your life is worthwhile.
You can be glad for every moment you’re alive.
And when you’re strong in Grace,
You can face the day with a sure smile
Knowing one day soon the Savior will arrive.

Stay tuned,

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

Tell everybody you know to Jump on the Rhyme and Reason Bandwagon
(emails with good stuff for Fa-Ree)

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

Get digital Bible stuff from the same company I do.

My books are also on Amazon.com or Apple Books

Grab yourself an un-cool T-shirt

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

Posted on January 25, 2023 by TonyApril 21, 2023

The butterfly effect and chaos theory originated in hopeless minds. There. I said it. And it’s up to you to convince me I’m wrong. Otherwise, I’m right. But just because those minds were hopeless doesn’t mean there’s not an infinite amount of reasons to remain hopeful. Far from it.

The butterfly effect doesn’t account for Truth.

And truth provides the conclusion that this complex planet, and all the life in it, is not an “accident.” Brilliant (and hope-filled) minds have determined that overwhelming evidence points to a created universe. A complex, designed universe that most definitely had an even more complex designer.

And even if none of those brilliant minds, or the rest of the world agreed with me, I’d still say we are all created beings, not accidents. And a completely different butterfly effect is one of the reasons I say that.

Have you ever watched a mama butterfly nurture her baby butterflies? It’s just the cutest…uh, wait. No, you haven’t ever seen that. Know why? Because it doesn’t happen. And that’s because butterflies start out as an egg that becomes a larva, aka: caterpillar. Then, the larva becomes a pupa, or chrysalis, and that’s where it really gets interesting.

Enter, Metamorpho, shape-shifting Superhero.

Actually, let’s leave the lame DC comic book hero out of this and get back to the real hero.

The pupa/chrysalis goes through metamorphosis. And that’s when it turns to “mush” inside its own cocoon. And that, my dear Watson, could never happen in a quintillion years, without a process already coded into place. Because, think about it. How could “mush” function on its own? Much less turn into a butterfly.

I’ll tell you how.

God created life.

And that includes butterflies, obviously. Did you know there are 750 species of butterflies in America? But that’s nothin’. There are over 17,000 species in the world. Wow!. That’s a whole lotta butter flying around.

And they’re beautiful, delicate creatures that reveal a glimpse into God’s infinite creativity. But they’re not the part of His creation He favors most. That would be YOU. And me.

And anyone who wants to live forever in a paradise where even the most beautiful creatures pale in comparison. His only requirement is based on Love.

God’s love provided eternal life. A free gift. Paid for by the one named Jesus. And turns out Jesus went through His own metamorphosis in order to be able to pay off the whole world’s debts. He lived through eternity past as a Spirit, the second part of the Triune nature of God.

You don’t have to fully comprehend that any more than you can fully comprehend the metamorphosis of a butterfly. But when you can trust the truth of it, based on thousands of years of evidence, the reward is eternal. And your life will forever bask in the butterfly effect of God’s love.

Butterflies Are For Kids

Those butterflies they flutter by
And never make a sound.
Some soar up high into the sky…
Some just above the ground.

They land on flowers in the yard
And gently stretch their wings.
And then they fold them up again
To tend to other things.

Some little kids with little nets
Run barefoot through the yard.
They try to catch some butterflies,
But find out that it’s hard…

‘Cause butterflies fly up and down
And back and forth so well.
For kids who want to capture one
It’s like a magic spell.

They laugh and squeal in sheer delight
They nearly flip their lids.
And that’s why I’m quite sure that God
Made butterflies for kids.

Stay tuned,

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

Tell everybody you know to Jump on the Rhyme and Reason Bandwagon
(emails with good stuff for Fa-Ree)

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

Get digital Bible stuff from the same company I do.

My books are also on Amazon.com or Apple Books

Grab yourself an un-cool T-shirt

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