Words and Music Archives - Tony Funderburk: Recent Episodes
Tony Funderburk
Wow. It’s America’s 250th birthday. And I bet there’s a good chance you get to enjoy an awesome fireworks display wherever you live. I hope you also get to enjoy the company of family and friends and good food and great fun. After all, on Independence Day, 2026 you can actually sing along to Saturday In The Park by the band Chicago, and the lyrics will actually fit.
Because Independence Day 2026 falls on a Saturday!I read somewhere that won’t happen again until the year 2037. I haven’t verified that. But it seems plausible. Because I sure don’t remember the last time it happened. And it might only mean something to boomers. But I think it’s cool.
Freedom of expression and creativity, the kind we’ve had in America for my whole life, is a big reason why happy, upbeat songs like that ever get written. But most people don’t know that our freedom didn’t start with a declaration of independence from England or a constitution.
And that’s why I take at least a moment on 4th of July to thank God for the ultimate freedom He gave us through the death and resurrection of His Son, Jesus. Yep, without that, I doubt very seriously there’d even be an America that made it to Independence Day 2026.
Here’s my song, in a video, about how truly fortunate we are to live in a country whose founding fathers recognized a dependency on our Creator for our ultimate freedom.
Happy and safe Independence Day 2026 to you. I hope and pray there will be more to come.
Faith working through love…
Let’s praise God for our liberty…
Christ paid off our debt…
Only in Him are we truly free. (lyrics from Freedom) © 2010 TF
If you enjoy this kind of freedom, let’s stay connected. It’s super easy. Here’s how:
Get my Rhyme and Reason Daily Devotional delivered to your inbox for free.It’s good stuff based on the power of God’s love. And, I’ll send you download links to music and The Very First 6 Days (a rhyming book for kids about the creation week) right away. Kids from 3 to 103 can enjoy these fun goodies. Just add your email to the form and let’s connect right away.
The form can be filled in the actual website url.
Stay tuned,
The post Independence Day 2026 with a song in the mix appeared first on Tony Funderburk.
I wrote and produced a small voice song. But it was based on the greatest life in the universe. Yeah, God doesn’t need the destructive forces of nature to show His power. He doesn’t create the chaos in the world to display His majesty. In fact, He communicates most effectively with a still small voice…with anyone who’s willing to listen.
And God’s voice, in these times, is more of a thought in your head. Notice the Bible doesn’t describe it as “a small voice.” Or “a voice”. No, the voice is still. Some dictionaries define the adjective form of the word “still” like this: not moving or making a sound – She sat very still, her eyes closed. He lay still, unable to move.
So, God’s still small voice is like a song that doesn’t actually make a sound.Picture this. The Bible is a collection of writings from prophets, teachers, and apostles. And all those words. perfectly illustrate the power of the still small voice from God. He inspired all the writers to tell a history of the world. And even more importantly, He shows us, through His words, what an awesome, eternal future anyone can have. All you gotta do is believe and ask Him to show you.
That’s why His word says “faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God.”
But I should warn you. When you do believe and ask God to save you and give you eternal life, you might hear that still small voice on a regular basis. And it might make you uncomfortable at times. But it means He cares about you enough to let you know when you’re messing up.
And maybe you’ve noticed, we humans mess up a lot. But God’s grace is sufficient to cover it all. Here are the words to a song I wrote about it. You can hear it in episodes of The Power of God’s Love Podcast.
Still Small VoiceGotta go make some noise
and go drinkin’ out with the boys.
And maybe I’ll watch TV.
It all really sounds good to me.
And where’d I put my guitar?
In the back of my muscle car.
I’m gonna rock some rock n roll…
Jam the music into my soul.
‘Cause I hear a voice all day, and it just won’t go away.
Ain’t no place I can hide from that still small voice inside
Cheerin’ for my football team on the high def satellite stream
Yellin’ when they mess up bad.
Got a runnin’ bet with my dad.
Saturdays in my yard, you can see I really do work hard.
And then I buzz to the video store
And rent maybe two or three more.
‘Cause I hear a voice all day, and it just won’t go away.
Ain’t no place I can hide from that still small voice inside
Still small voice inside me sayin’…
Boy you know you’re only playin’.
Still small voice inside me askin’…
What’s with all the pain you’re maskin’?
Still small voice inside me killin’…
Everything that once was thrillin’…
No, there ain’t no place to hide
From that still small voice inside. © 2009 TF
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. Be the next believer to…
Get my Rhyme and Reason Daily Devotional delivered to your inbox for free.It’s good stuff based on the power of God’s love. And, I’ll send you download links to music and The Very First 6 Days (a rhyming book for kids about the creation week) right away. Kids from 3 to 103 can enjoy these fun goodies. Just add your email to the form and let’s connect right away.
The form can be filled in the actual website url.
Stay tuned,
The post Small voice song is a singalong appeared first on Tony Funderburk.
Is the moon approximately 400 times smaller than the sun? Yes. And that’s not just cool. It’s also on purpose. Because the Son of God made it that way.
And not only is the moon smaller by that much…It’s also about 400 times closer to the earth than the sun. And again that’s on purpose for the same reason I mentioned before.
Check out what the apostle John had this to say about how everything was made:
“All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made.”
Lots of people, for some reason, get stuck on that “nothing was made that was made” part. They “feel” like it’s talking in a circle. But that’s not what’s going on.
It’s a description of what’s made and WHO isn’t.
God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, was not made.
And God, The Son, made everything else.
So, the sun, the moon, the stars, Earth, and all the creatures on the earth are all made. And not like some random act of creativity either. Our beautiful solar system, galaxy, and all the universe function more precisely and more dependably than any clock ever created by human beings.
And my guess is, it pleases God to surprise and delight us.He could have designed the Earth and moon to simply work together efficiently and left it at that. But God loves to throw in the fireworks, add the concert, and raise the spectacle. Why? Well, maybe it’s because He’s the ultimate good and loving father. And maybe it just delights Him to see the looks on our faces.
And which direction do millions of faces point during the eclipse of the sun? Yeah, UP!
Why?Why is the sky blue? Why is the grass green?
Why is the sun gold? What does it all mean?
Why is the air clear? Why is the ground brown?
Why does the earth float and never fall down?
Cause God made skies. He made them blue.
He made the world for me and you
And all because it pleased Him to.
God loves us through and through.
Why is a horse fast? Why is a snail slow?
Why does it get cold when Northern winds blow?
Why is the sea green? Why is the sand white?
Why is the day day? Why is the night night?
Cause God made creatures big and small,
And sand and seas; He made them all.
And even if we trip and fall
God helps us to stand tall.
God’s love is always there.
His love will never die.
And so you can trust in Him
For all your questions why. © 2008 TF
If this landed somewhere good with you, let’s stay connected. It’s super easy. Here’s how:
Get my Rhyme and Reason Daily Devotional delivered to your inbox for free.It’s good stuff based on the power of God’s love. And, I’ll send you download links to music and The Very First 6 Days (a rhyming book for kids about the creation week) right away. Kids from 3 to 103 can enjoy these fun goodies. Just add your email to the form and let’s connect right away.
Stay tuned,
The post Is the moon smaller by that much? Yes, thanks to the Master’s touch. appeared first on Tony Funderburk.
It’s the only family that will last forever. So, there’s that. But there’s so much more to it that it’s difficult to even wrap your mind around it. And that’s pretty cool because as a child of God, the one, true, living, loving Creator of the universe, you’ll get to spend eternity discovering more and more about your original Father.
Many, if not most (or all in some way), families are dysfunctional. The simple definition of dysfunctional is: not operating properly. And that certainly describes most families.
As little kids, my brother and I had to deal with the consequences of our parents’ divorce. So I know more than a little about dysfunctional life. When you have to travel a long distance across three states to leave one of your parents and go see your other parent, that’s definitely a family “not operating properly.”
A child of God can look forward to an eternity of perfect function.I’ve actually heard people say they believe if everything is gonna be perfect, then Heaven will be boring. Are you kidding me?! To quote a character from the movie “The Princess Bride”…
“I do not think that word means what you think it means.”
If something is perfect, then according to the dictionary it has “all the required or desirable elements, qualities, or characteristics; as good as it is possible to be” and it’s “free from any flaw or defect in condition or quality; faultless”
So there. If you can’t take God’s word for it, then at least take the dictionary’s. And if something is perfect, it can’t be boring or have any other fault.
Perfect function in your home in Heaven and in your forever family means you’ll never have to deal with the destructive, dysfunctional issues of life ever again. And that ain’t all. You’ll also never have to deal with death and dying and decay. Imagine living forever in a place of perfect love where disease and death doesn’t exist.
There’s only one Father who can make a home like that for His family.Now, tell the truth…wouldn’t you rather be a child of God instead of stewing in your own private universe with a population of one? I wrote a song about it…and sang it with a sweet, little girl a few years back. I’ll add the song on The Power of God’s Love Podcast. And, in the meantime, here are the lyrics…
Child of the Living GodI am not a silly chance…
Not a random circumstance.
I am not a lucky dance
In an accidental place.
I am not a spark of light
That evolved from darkest night.
If you say I did, I might
Have to make a funny face…’cause…
I am a child of God…child of the Living God…
The One who spoke and made the universe.
I am a child of God…child of the Living God…
The One who saved me from my sinful curse. (repeat)
I did not come out of slime.
That would take way too much time.
You can clearly see that I’m
A whole lot more than simple dirt.
Take a closer look and see
Information runs through me
From The One Who sets me free.
Listen now to my alert…Chorus © 2010 TF
If this made you wanna be part of the family (or glad that you are), let’s stay connected. It’s super easy. Here’s how:
Get my Rhyme and Reason Daily Devotional delivered to your inbox for free.It’s good stuff based on the power of God’s love. And, I’ll send you download links to music and The Very First 6 Days (a rhyming book for kids about the creation week) right away. Kids from 3 to 103 can enjoy these fun goodies. Just add your email to the form and let’s connect right away.
The form can be filled in the actual website url.
Stay tuned,
The post Child of God sings about the perfect things appeared first on Tony Funderburk.
My first true love lasted about four and a half years. Even though I thought it would be the rest of my life. But the relationship didn’t endure a separation that happened when I moved to Texas to be there for my dad who was suffering from terminal kidney failure.
So much for the first true love.And after “getting over” it, I discovered I could actually love again. Another multiple year relationship developed, blossomed, went sour, and ended. So, that’s when I decided to “play the field.” And see what all the “lotsa fish in the ocean” notion was all about.
Because, in spite of my Christian background, I vowed that no other girl was gonna rope me in. Nope. Enough was enough. And I used my professional musician platform (a stage) to impress and woo the opposite sex. Yeah, I vowed that, if any heart was gonna get broken, it dang sure wasn’t gonna be mine.
That worked out great!
Not!
Because then came the pesky consequences.Guilt. Shame. Conscience. A still, small voice would confront me each time I did what I shouldn’t do. I was able to ignore that voice for a few years. But it was there each time anyway.
Oh man. Why wouldn’t that voice let me have my fun?! Why did it have to be there? Every. Single. Time.
Eventually I discovered that’s how my actual first true love works. Confrontation when I needed it. Instruction, deconstruction, accomplishments, and even failures. And most of all, a light on the darkest parts of my heart.
And that’s because my actual first true love was God’s enduring love.
I discovered His love is bigger than problems. It’s more valuable and dependable than “feelings.” His love has endured every stupid mistake I’ve made. And there have been more than I care to admit. Now, that’s amazing Grace.
Thankfully, the consequences of love from God include eternal life.I’m so grateful and thankful God never left me. He never gave up on me. And He still works on me when I stumble back into my self. There’s a comfort and joy in His love that no human being can even remotely match.
All you gotta do is ask Him for it, and you’ll get it. It’ll last forever. And it’s more real than any heartbreak or loss you’ll you’ll ever experience. After studying evidence for decades, I’m more convinced than ever of the reality of our one, true, living, loving Creator. Nothing and no one else could explain love. Love didn’t evolve. It’s a gift from God.
Because I Can LoveWhat made You think
That I was worth the risk You took?
What made You take the time
To write Your Holy Book?
I don’t believe I’d give myself a second look,
But You did because You love.
You made a world
That was as perfect as could be,
But then I broke it
When You gave it all to me…
By going through the gate You made to set me free.
This You did because You love…me.
Because You love me so…in spite of all You know…
Because You did the most that You could ever do…
And because I clearly see…evidence of You in me…
Because I can love…I do love…You!
You put a life
And a will inside my soul.
You knew true love
Would be to give me full control.
But knowing You is all that ever makes me whole.
I trust You because You love…me.
I can live because You live!
I can love because You love! © 2010 TF
Listen up for that song coming up in The Power of God’s Love Podcast.
And if you love (or even like) what I shared, let’s stay connected. It’s super easy. Here’s how:
Get Tony’s Rhyme and Reason Daily Devotional delivered to your inbox for free.It’s good stuff based on the power of God’s love. And, to show my sincere appreciation for your time and attention, I’ll send you download links to music and The Very First 6 Days (a rhyming book for kids about the creation week) right away. Kids from 3 to 103 can enjoy these fun goodies. Just add your email to the form and let’s connect right away.
The form can be filled in the actual website url.
Stay tuned,
The post First true love that was SO far above appeared first on Tony Funderburk.
God is everlasting and everywhere He wants to be. You and I are SO not like that. But if you could take a minute to try and see yourself from God’s perspective, you can get a better understanding of how much trouble He’s gone through to bridge that gap. And that’s true because of one thing, and one thing only.
The power of God’s everlasting Love that’s available everywhere.OK, fair warning. This is gonna be a little bit of a Bible study. So if you’re not into it, drop out now.
In case you didn’t know, there was a guy named Paul who wrote a letter to the Romans, about 2000 years ago, telling them (the ones who were interested) about the Grace of God. And God’s grace is synonymous with His everlasting love. Paul wrote this in his letter: “What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?”
You might look at that second question and answer, “Well, almost everyone is against us.” But the point Paul is making with that question is that even if everyone IS against us…none of it compares with God who is FOR us. And God is for you the moment you trust in His Son as your savior. That’s a crucial and key point.
Because His Son took your punishment.Paul’s letter continues, “He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things? See? There’s that love again. Jesus came to earth as a man to offer everlasting life to anyone who would trust Him. He put His life where His intentions were…and are. And He allowed Himself to be “conquered” by His captors so that we could be more than conquerors. Are you with me so far?
Continuing with his letter to the Romans, Paul wrote, “Who shall bring a charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us.” Wow. That’s amazing. You have an advocate whose everlasting love makes everlasting life a reality for you. And when you choose to believe and trust in Jesus, the deal is sealed…
“Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?Here’s a list of physical obstacles unable to separate you from God: “Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written: ‘For Your sake we are killed all day long; We are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.‘ Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.”
And here’s a list of non-physical obstacles unable to separate you from God: “For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.“
Are you starting to see how important it is to trust Jesus? When you do, your eternal life is sealed and secured. But, like I always say…it’s YOUR choice. No one can make the choice for you…not even God. He lets you freely choose. If you haven’t already, why would you let another day pass without choosing? You might not have tomorrow.
More than conquerors,
Or even world-beaters.
More than warriors
Or non retreaters…
We are loved with an Everlasting Love.
Everlasting and EverywhereI want the Everlasting Work Of Art,
Not just on canvas, but engraved in the heart.
I need the Everlasting Scale Of Worth.
That’s the only Way to perfect peace on earth…
Everlasting and everywhere…
He’s Everlasting and everywhere
I look for Everlasting holy clues
To steel myself through all this negative news.
I dream the Everlasting wide-eyed stuff,
But I’m still aware that dreaming’s never enough. Chorus
You seek the answers to the mysteries of life.
But how much truth can you handle.
And as for me, well, there is only One Fire
That lights the flame on my candle. Chorus
I look to the Everlasting Guiding Star
To make my path straight as I travel so far.
I sing the Everlasting song of man;
Teach us to understand our place in the plan.
Chorus…inst…chorus…bridge…chorus…modulate up and repeat
2 verses and choruses to end © 1992 TF
If this landed somewhere good with you, let’s stay connected. It’s super easy. Here’s how:
Get Tony’s Rhyme and Reason Daily Devotional delivered to your inbox for free.It’s good stuff based on the power of God’s love. And, to show my sincere appreciation for your time and attention, I’ll send you download links to music and The Very First 6 Days (a rhyming book for kids about the creation week) right away. Kids from 3 to 103 can enjoy these fun goodies. Just add your email to the form and let’s connect right away.
The form can be filled in the actual website url.
Stay tuned,
The post Everlasting and everywhere and this love is nothing rare appeared first on Tony Funderburk.
I’ll start this off with a question. Have you ever seen someone for psychiatric care? I haven’t, but I’ve known people who have. And I’ve certainly seen enough movies and TV shows with people seeking therapy that way. But they never act or talk like it actually works.
And I don’t see much care in their psychiatric care.Plus, there’s an unavoidable problem when you tell a doctor your deep, dark secrets. Especially a typical psychiatrist who has no healthy relationship with Jesus. Because, when you share your feelings and secrets with someone who doesn’t love his Creator (and many times even with someone who does), you risk hanging yourself out to dry.
All those notes the doctor takes can be like witnesses against you. If the person taking them ever wanted to turn against you for some dire reason, they have a great reference tool. And if you believe the so-called “doctor-patient confidentiality” thing will protect you, you don’t know human nature.
Years ago I watched an old black and white movie where the main character went to a psychiatrist for some marital or other relationship problems. The star of the movie was only one of a collection of weird characters. And it seemed like they all wanted to be the weirdest one. Funny thing is, I thought they were all successful in their efforts.
Shortly after watching the movie, I heard a story on the evening news about how many people were seeking psychiatric “care.” And not long after that I read an article in the local paper (yeah, we still read newspapers back then) about the same topic.
“Hmm,” I said to myself. “I see a pattern forming.”In all the stories there was never even a tiny mention of God. Far from it.
It’s just not wise to not go to God with your problems? Because He can help you rise above your selfishness. In fact, His words can make you healthy.
God should be your main counsellor. Yes, He does take notes on all of us. But, for those who love Him, He will wipe the slate clean and remembers the notes no more. Why would you ever to tell your story to a note taker who doesn’t do that? Here’s a goofy song I wrote about therapy after seeing the goofy characters in a movie…
TherapyI think I’m going crazy.
I’ve got all the signs.
My hair is wild and wooly.
I’m reciting Shakespeare lines.
My favorite food’s granola,
And I thrive on herbal tea.
I think I’m going crazy.
I could use some therapy.
And I think my mind is slippin’
In and out of space.
I had and out-of-body experience
In another place.
And some beings from Jupiter
Did experiments on me.
Yeah, I think my mind is slippin’.
I could use some therapy.
Therapy…let me tell you all about it.
Therapy…I need someone to relate to.
Therapy…I’ll sell my story to the paper.
Therapy…I know you’ll read it…you can hardly wait to.
I guess I’m not so crazy,
When I look all around.
It seems a lot of people
Have found what I have found.
And these days it’s so hectic
Trying to be first
To be the real bizarre one…
To be the one who’s cursed.
© 1989 Tony Funderburk
If you’d rather look for help in God’s word, let’s stay connected. It’s super easy. Here’s how:
Get Tony’s Rhyme and Reason Daily Devotional delivered to your inbox for free.It’s good stuff based on the power of God’s love. And, to show my sincere appreciation for your time and attention, I’ll send you download links to music and The Very First 6 Days (a rhyming book for kids about the creation week) right away. Kids from 3 to 103 can enjoy these fun goodies. Just add your email to the form and let’s connect right away.
The form can be filled in the actual website url.
Stay tuned,
The post Psychiatric care from the Wisdom up there appeared first on Tony Funderburk.
Let’s say you have a beautiful vision of a loving future where no bad people live and everybody lives forever. If that’s you, I can confidently tell you that your dreams come true. But there is a condition.
Your dreams only come true if you know the Way to make that happen.About 17 years ago, I wrote a collection of lullabies for kids, even though I never raised any kids myself. But with each song I just thought about what I would have sung to them if I had raised my own kids.
And the songs flowed out of me very easily. I wrote lyrics, from scratch, composed the music to go with the words, recorded all the parts, and produced 10 completed songs in 10 days. And the first song was…
In Your DreamsI don’t know if you can see me in your dreams,
But I’ll be here
In case you need a helping hand to pick you up
Or calm your fear.
I don’t know if you can hear me in your dreams
But I’ll be there
To sing a tune and hold your hand or pat your back
And stroke your hair
In your dreams you fly up high
Beyond the clouds, beyond the sky
And the sun and all its beams
Will keep you smiling in your dreams.
Golden birds and rocket ships are in your dreams
To help you roam…
And it don’t matter where you wander in your dreams,
You’ll still come home.
Tell the sandman and the stardust in your dreams
You’ll see them soon.
Every night you’ll go and visit in your dreams
Inside this tune. © 2009 TF
By the Way (pun strongly intended), the way to make your perfect dreams come true, is known as the Way.
If this landed somewhere good with you, let’s stay connected. It’s super easy. Here’s how:
Get Tony’s Rhyme and Reason Daily Devotional delivered to your inbox for free.It’s good stuff based on the power of God’s love. And, to show my sincere appreciation for your time and attention, I’ll send you download links to music and The Very First 6 Days (a rhyming book for kids about the creation week) right away. Kids from 3 to 103 can enjoy these fun goodies. Just add your email to the form and let’s connect right away.
The form can be filled in the actual website url.
Stay tuned,
The post Your dreams come true one day if you know the Way appeared first on Tony Funderburk.
Oh brother, I was so naive. Yeah, I used to believe that Americans were all on the same side. Old people never did bad things. Pretty girls were all saving themselves for marriage. Crazy, I know. But I believed those things. And I assumed most anybody would know I was talking about God when I wrote “higher power” in a song. Boy, was I wrong. And like I said, naive.
Fast forward a couple of decades and I wasn’t so naive anymore.It was a good AND bad thing.
Good because I grew up, matured, and discovered much more actual truth.
Bad because my world wasn’t rosy anymore.
And it would never be that rosy again.
But that’s as it should be. I’m sure you have some sort of similar story you could share. Right? Where your hopes, dreams, and aspirations were crushed by reality?
What do you do when that happens? Well, I can tell you what you don’t do. You don’t give up hoping for better things. Because they’re coming. At least for a few.
The higher power that will save the world is coming.That’s not a headline from a movie trailer. Because the Higher Power is the Creator of heaven and earth and the rest of the universe. And, at the risk of offending many, I’ll mention His name. Jesus.
Going back to when I was so naive, I wrote a song about worry and not worrying. The lyrics are below. And I want you to see if you find yourself in either part, the worry, or not worrying.
If you worry, do you understand why? And if you don’t worry, do you understand why not? Either way you choose to position yourself, there’s only one reason you’re even able to ponder the question. Because you were created with your very own brain. Any questions? Here are the lyrics to help you consider…
The PowerIf I sat down, and I took the time
To correct the lines and absorb them all,
I would sit in place for so long
That the hourglass would surely rust and fall.
But there is no need for me to worry.
I don’t need to see. And I don’t need to feel.
I might expect a change here and there,
But surely you must see,
Or at least you can feel
The power is higher and all we have to do is close our eyes.
If I stood still, and I counted days
And made up ways to collect them all.
I would never move
‘Cause there are no ways
I can save them all and take the time.
But there is no need for me to worry…
‘Cause the power is higher and all we have to do is close our eyes. © 1977-2017 TF
If this landed somewhere good with you, let’s stay connected. It’s super easy. Here’s how:
Get Tony’s Rhyme and Reason Daily Devotional delivered to your inbox for free.It’s good stuff based on the power of God’s love. And, to show my sincere appreciation for your time and attention, I’ll send you download links to music and The Very First 6 Days (a rhyming book for kids about the creation week) right away. Kids from 3 to 103 can enjoy these fun goodies. Just add your email to the form and let’s connect right away.
The form can be filled in the actual website url.
Stay tuned,
The post So naive back then with a clueless grin appeared first on Tony Funderburk.
I lived in a one bedroom one bathroom garden level apartment in Lakewood, Colorado for a couple of years. I finished up the 80s there. And I started out the 90s there. During my first summer, in that complex, I noticed oodles of rainbows after the almost daily short summer rains. And that inspired me to write a song called Rainbow City.
The only recording I have of the song is an MP3 demo version. And when you hear it (and listeners of the power of God’s love podcast can hear it), you’ll notice two voice styles. Because I had intended to make it a collaborative project with another singer. And I wanted to send the demo to him with a different voice, so he could hear where his part would be.
That never happened. So, I just ended up with a funky little demo. And I thought about that old song today as I watched the sun finally emerging after two days of heavy rains here along the Emerald coast. I don’t really see rainbows here like I did in Colorado. And I miss that.
So, I guess that got me feeling nostalgic and I figured I’d share the lyrics to…
Rainbow CityWhy does everybody worry?
Spend so much time fretting and fussing
And you’re bound to end up grey.
Why is everybody faithless?
Detour yourself into the night
And you can’t enjoy the day.
Where is everybody going?
We’re escalating and elevating
And still no ground is gained.
Where can people find an answer?
They put away for a rainy day,
But it already rained.
Don’t you see? We’re living in Rainbow City.
Don’t you know? We own that pot of gold.
Can’t you tell? We’re livin’ in Rainbow City.
Can’t you feel, and come in from the cold?
How can anybody profit?
Give of your hand and not your heart
And no one’s world can change.
When will anybody listen?
When all the deer and the antelope
Lose their home out on the range?
Why does everybody forget?
Their little brick and glass domain
Can’t shield them from the fire.
I wish that we could all be happy.
I know we should and maybe we could
Put our faith a whole lot higher…repeat chorus
I know it’s cold out there…I’ve been to that empty place,
But you can be warm inside…the light can shine on your face.
inst…repeat chorus © 1990 TF
All these years later, the so-called lgbtq movement has attempted to hijack the meaning of rainbows. But, as a Christian, I know it will always be a covenant God made with us. He said He would never again flood the entire earth. And that the bow in the sky, after a rain, would be a sign of His covenant with us. Now, that’s a beautiful use of beautiful colors. Too bad some try to pervert it.
In the end, that won’t work out well for them.
If you support the modern day take on what a rainbow means, you should connect with me. And one good place to start is right here…
Get Tony’s Rhyme and Reason Daily Devotional delivered to your inbox for free.I share it with believers who want to focus on the power of God’s love and rightly divide the word of truth. Spend your time reading, listening, and watching good stuff based on the power of God’s love instead of looking for it. And, to show my sincere appreciation for your time and attention, I’ll send you download links to music and The Very First 6 Days (a rhyming book for kids about the creation week) right away. Kids from 3 to 103 can enjoy these fun goodies. Just add your email to the form and let’s connect right away.
The form can be filled in the actual website url.
Stay tuned,
The post Rainbow City fading away but I thought of it today appeared first on Tony Funderburk.
I’m sure you’ll disagree with me when I say this. But I’m so not cool. And this might be the biggest reason…
I’ve never done any cool drugs. Not even pot.
OK, they say the first step to healing is admitting you have a problem.
So, that’s a load off my mind. And I can see my audience dwindle as they run to find another much cooler dude to follow. G’bye everyone. It’s been real. And it’s been fun. Wait a sec…
If you’re actually leaving, that’s so not cool, too.Aren’t you supposed to support me as I deal with the issues I’ve opened up my heart to you with? Sure, I know this one is not so cool. But, c’mon man. Where’s da luv?
Yeah, this is all tongue-in-cheek. And I know you get the point. You catch my drift. You’re picking up what I’m laying down.
But maybe you wonder why I never did drugs. After all, I was in the entertainment world full-time for years and years. And I probably could’ve gone much “bigger” if I had jumped on at least the pot bandwagon.
Well, I can’t take all the credit for avoiding that nonsense. I give the credit to God. Fortunately I connected with Him when I was 13, thanks to my grandmother. And I wanted to do things and live life in a way that pleased Him. I wish I could say I succeeded all the time. But I failed more times than I care to admit.
Then, again, during my teenage-mind-of-mush years I did do pretty well. At least well enough to stay away from the drugs that would have changed who I was and how my life might’ve gone.
I made a living as a professional singer and keyboard player.During those years I had lots (and I mean lots) of opportunities to partake…especially pot and cocaine. In fact, I remember a time I was playing a very popular spot in Atlanta, Georgia. A very nice looking girl came up to me when I was on break, and said “follow me.” OK, I’m a red-blooded, American guy, so I did. We went into another room where she pulled out her cocaine and offered me some. And because I’m so not cool, it felt really weird. I said “no thanks” and that I had to get back to work.
And lots of times guys would compliment me on a break. And they’d shake my hand and slip a doobie into my palm. Sheesh. If they knew how I’d go flush it down the toilet, who knows what might’ve happened.
Back in the 80’s those things were commonplace in the circles I played. For all I know, musicians and singers might still experience the same things. But it was definitely everywhere back then.
So, you might be asking why I keep saying I’m not so cool. Maybe you think it WAS cool of me to skip the drug scene. But the reason I say I’m so not cool is because the “world” sees anyone who doesn’t fall into the dark side as lame, square, nerdy, or whatever the derogatory term du jour is now.
But it just goes with the territory of being a Christian, a follower of Jesus. He said that the world hated Him and that if we love him, they will also hate us. And He said they persecuted Him and would also persecute those of us who love Him. Maybe His followers thought He was cool. But the Pharisees and Roman officials certainly didn’t. Because He was… wait for it… good. Yeah, that’s definitely a worldly buzzkill.
So, I’m not cool. But I’m cool with that.
Sticking with Jesus is where it’s at.
He’s always with me through thick and thin.
He has a paradise I’ll live in
With everyone else who chose what’s true.
How ’bout it? Are you so not cool, too?
And one of the easiest ways you can be on the uncool list is to…
Get Tony’s Rhyme and Reason Daily Devotional delivered to your inbox for free.I share it with believers who want to focus on the power of God’s love and rightly divide the word of truth. Spend your time reading, listening, and watching good stuff based on the power of God’s love instead of looking for it. And, to show my sincere appreciation for your time and attention, I’ll send you download links to music and The Very First 6 Days (a rhyming book for kids about the creation week) right away. Kids from 3 to 103 can enjoy these fun goodies. Just add your email to the form and let’s connect right away.
Stay tuned,
The post So not cool but also not a fool appeared first on Tony Funderburk.
“Everything has already been said a million times over!”
“Not exactly the way you can say it,” he calmly replies.
“Oh shut up,” I think to myself.
I’ve never had that conversation while sitting alone at my desk.
Well, not more than a million times over.When I finish one of those conversations, I get my hands back on my Macbook keyboard and start typing. And, actually, these days, if I want to write faster, I just use my voice and dictate to my computer. It does a very good job even though I do have to edit and make sure it isn’t autocorrecting incorrectly.
Anyway…
Even I sometimes need a nudge in the creative direction. Because sometimes the ol’ left-brain logical writer, you know and luv, comes out and makes an incorrect deduction about the wants, needs, and desires of the audience. This causes him to pause for too long and stifle his “flow.” Then the so-called logic becomes more and more inflexible and cautious. And the flow becomes a trickle and the trickle fades away.
Then the reliable right-brain writer reminds me…“Use the trick I showed you to jump-start that flow again.”
Of course, I can’t just freely share what that trick is. Because, in the wrong hands, it could be used for evil, villainous purposes. And I don’t want that on my conscience. So that secret stays with me. The point is, it works like a charm every time.
And that’s how I’ve been able to be so prolific for all these decades. Just so you know, I give all the glory of it to God. Because without him, I’d just be wretched, poor, naked, and blind.
In The House of the LordFather God,
You never leave me You never forsake me.
And Your Word…
Gives me courage to go where you take me.
You are with me through each dire upheaval.
With You in me I will fear no evil.
As I walk through the shadow of death…
I will sing till my very last breath…
Green pastures, still waters…
Goodness and mercy for your sons and daughters…
True love dwells in the House of the LORD.
Each person, each nation…
Can be renewed through Your sweet restoration…
True love dwells in the House of the LORD.
Father God,
You made a Way for my total redemption.
I believe…
Jesus died to provide that exemption.
He’s my shepherd through thorns and thru clover.
He’s my new wine, and my cup runs over.
As I walk through the shadow of death…
I will sing till my very last breath…Chorus © 2010 TF
Get Tony’s Rhyme and Reason Daily Devotional delivered to your inbox for free.I share it with believers who want to focus on the power of God’s love and rightly divide the word of truth. Spend your time reading, listening, and watching good stuff based on the power of God’s love instead of looking for it. And, to show my sincere appreciation for your time and attention, I’ll send you download links to music and The Very First 6 Days (a rhyming book for kids about the creation week) right away. Kids from 3 to 103 can enjoy these fun goodies. Just add your email to the form and let’s connect right away.
The form can be filled in the actual website url.
Stay tuned,
The post A million times over in this clever clover appeared first on Tony Funderburk.
It grows from ignorance and selfishness. It spreads, like kudzu, in the minds of fools who claim that hate only exists in others. I’m talking about hypocrisy. Unfortunately hypocrisy tends to be invisible to the hypocrite. And that’s partly why hate grows, like a weed, in this world. OK, now that I’ve rained on the parade, I’ll share some positive news.
God’s love is greater than all the hatred of the world.His love overcomes and endures forever. His love made a way for you and me to live forever, too. Now that’s awesome news!
Need some proof He loves you like that? OK, He made you a person with your own will. You’re not His robot who can do nothing except His bidding. That’s important to keep in mind. Because it means you get to choose whether or not you want to live with God forever. He loves you and wants to show you eternal paradise. But He won’t force you there if you don’t want to go. And that’s just a tiny fraction His love.
It’s THE positive news that should help you shun the hate in the world.But maybe you doubt God even exists. So, you develop a worldview bias based on what only your five senses can tell you. Or maybe you know someone like that. If so, I have a couple of questions. Which of your five senses contain love or hate? Which of your five senses contain your thoughts?
I encourage you to re-think your decision to turn your back on God if you have. As long as you have breath in you (and your brainpower) it’s not too late to change your mind and accept His love. He’s made it easily available. All you gotta do is ask. Because He already made the Way to receive it. And in the entire history of the world, that’s the most positive news EVER.
But, do it before the dark and dreary hate in the world chews you up and spits you into hell.
Give Me The Whole JesusOh 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.
Yes, Give me words…give me courage…
Give me time and a powerful voice.
And when many still may hate me,
Give me Your love and I’ll always rejoice.
Give me the whole Jesus;
The whole Good Lord…
The One who shields the child…
The One who wields the sword.
Give me the whole Jesus
Son of God and man…
‘Cause only Jesus saves…
And only Jesus can! Only Jesus can! Only Jesus can!
Then give me dreams…give me wisdom…
Give me peace at the end of my days.
And give me life…everlasting…
In Your world and in Your higher ways.
Chorus
© 2010 Tony Funderburk
Get Tony’s Rhyme and Reason Daily Devotional delivered to your inbox for free.I share it with believers who want to focus on the power of God’s love and rightly divide the word of truth. Spend your time reading, listening, and watching good stuff based on the power of God’s love instead of looking for it. And, to show my sincere appreciation for your time and attention, I’ll send you download links to music and The Very First 6 Days (a rhyming book for kids about the creation week) right away. Kids from 3 to 103 can enjoy these fun goodies. Just add your email to the form and let’s connect right away.
Stay tuned,
The post Positive news because of my views appeared first on Tony Funderburk.
Yeah, your life is your own, and it’s unique. No one else who ever lived, is living now, or will ever live will have the same life as you. But your life is no different from anybody else’s either. Confused? I’ll explain.
The DNA found in every cell of your body is incredibly complex and singularly yours. The chances of it existing by chance are so small (translate that into nonexistent), you’d be more likely to win the powerball AND get struck by lightning on 3 birthdays in a row.
No, random chance and mutations had nothing to do with the making of you. Your living, loving Creator made you. And He made only one of you. And He put a code inside you that makes sure no one else will be you. Now, I said all that because I want you to know that you can know this is true.
And know that your life is your own. That’s mighty darn special.But having said that, I gotta also say this.
You’re not special, unique, or one-of-a-kind when it comes to how your life plays out.
Because you’ll experience awesome days and disappointing days. You’ll have to go through pain. And you’ll enjoy wonderful pleasures. You will. And so will billions of other people (unless they live under dictators, evil kings, and terrorists, etc.). So did countless other people throughout history. It’s life.
But, just like everybody else in this life, you’ll come to a major fork in the road where you’ll have to choose a direction, an option, and make a judgment call. And your eternal fate will depend on your decision.
Of course, the fork in the road I’m talking about is Jesus.
He designed you. He formed you in your mother’s womb. And He installed that unique code inside you. He knows what makes you tic. And He’s available 24 hours a day. Every day of your life. And He’s as close as your breath. In fact, He’s closer. He’s the Spirit of Life…yours, mine…everybody’s. Without Him nobody would exist. But how do you get to know Him and discover what His advice might be for that fork in your road? His word.
Your Creator’s word says you can plan your way. And it says He will direct your steps. That means He won’t make your decisions for you. And He didn’t plan your life for you. But when you trust Him, He won’t lead you the wrong way. He’ll lead you the direct way. That means you’ll get where you need to be. It’s kind of like the guy who put in the sidewalk that leads up to the front door of your house. He made the clear, easy way for you. But he can’t or won’t force you to walk on the sidewalk.
So, here’s a challenge for you.Give up trusting in yourself today. Start reading God’s word…more…especially the writings from Paul in the New Testament. And find out how much more important and dependable actual truth is than your own truth. Sure, your life is your own. But if you want it to be the best, it can possibly be, humble yourself so God can lift you up.
Worldliness; don’t let your joy turn into heaviness!
Worldliness; don’t let it rob you of your righteousness!
Humble yourselves and God will lift you up!Worldliness won’t put sweet water in your cup!
Get Tony’s Rhyme and Reason Daily Devotional delivered to your inbox for free.I share it with believers who want to focus on the power of God’s love and rightly divide the word of truth. Spend your time reading, listening, and watching good stuff based on the power of God’s love instead of looking for it. And, to show my sincere appreciation for your time and attention, I’ll send you download links to music and The Very First 6 Days (a rhyming book for kids about the creation week) right away. Kids from 3 to 103 can enjoy these fun goodies. Just add your email to the form and let’s connect right away.
Stay tuned,
The post Your life is your own but don’t live it alone appeared first on Tony Funderburk.
Just because some authoritative power makes a rule doesn’t make the rule a good one, a just one, or a fair one. In fact, many rules, policies, and laws are downright bad. But you gotta think and ponder and examine to know which rules are good and which are bad. Before you decide to break rules you’d better be sure you’re on the right side.
But is that possible?
Short answer is yes.
But before you break authoritative rules, check yourself.Maybe you have a lot of self-imposed rules for your life and/or the life of your loved ones. And maybe it would be a good idea to sit down, today, and re-examine whether they’re good ones or not. Here’s how you can know. If your rule shows your love for someone else, it’s a good one. If it doesn’t show love, or if it actually displays selfishness, it’s a bad one. That’s pretty much it. Simple. Right? Well, that depends on if you know HOW to show love.
So, do you?
If you’re not sure you’re any good at showing and sharing love, then I have another simple answer for you. Would you like the rules, you impose on someone else, imposed on you? If you conjure up a silly notion in your head for how someone else should live and treat you, are you willing to live that way and be treated that way? If not, you might’ve made up a bad rule.
I remember this subject came up in a conversation with a nice couple. I met in Tulsa, Oklahoma years and years ago. I was on the road full-time. And I got a booking at a nice hotel in that area. And that couple came in several nights while I was there. They heard a song I wrote, which I’ll share the lyrics to below. And on my break, we all talked about it.
In the end, we all agreed to come down to this: “If I don’t want that done to me, I shouldn’t do it to someone else.” Yeah, get together with the ones you love and talk over what’s going on. If you realize the rules aren’t working, somebody needs to say…
Let’s Break Some RulesWe play it all so careful.
We live within our means.
We don’t wear lots of jewelry or ninety dollar jeans.
We do our own repair work.
We water own lawn.
We’ve minimized the risks we take,
But now the thrill is gone
So let’s break some rules tonight…
Incite a riot in our hearts.
Let’s break some rules tonight…
Get someone else to play our parts.
Let’s create some tension;
Go out and grab some danger,
And they make say we look like total fools,
But at least for awhile…let’s break some rules.
We curse those Monday mornings
We gripe about our pay
We say we’ll make some changes
But it just can’t be today.
Chorus…
Well, who’s gonna do it if we don’t?
Who’ll make it better if we won’t?
I wonder…don’t it make you wonder?!
chorus…etc.
© 1987 Tony Funderburk (April 29)
(psst…if you wanna hear an old recording of this song, Tune in to The Power of God’s Love Podcast)
Get Tony’s Rhyme and Reason Daily Devotional delivered to your inbox for free.I share it with believers who want to focus on the power of God’s love and rightly divide the word of truth. Spend your time reading, listening, and watching good stuff based on the power of God’s love instead of looking for it. And, to show my sincere appreciation for your time and attention, I’ll send you download links to music and The Very First 6 Days (a rhyming book for kids about the creation week) right away. Kids from 3 to 103 can enjoy these fun goodies. Just add your email to the form and let’s connect right away.
The form can be filled in the actual website url.
Stay tuned,
The post Break rules but not like fools appeared first on Tony Funderburk.
By the Grace of God I’ve enjoyed a life filled with music, singing, and songwriting. I’ve been all over the country because of my ability to carry a tune. And I say by the Grace of God because I’ve been a miserable failure in so many other ways…so many times. God never saw fit to take my gifts away. For some reason He still trusts me with them…
Even though I’ve let Him down time and time again.
So, my testimony of conscience, today, is this…I’ve tried to conduct myself with simplicity and godly sincerity in this world. But I freely admit my shortcomings and count myself in the Apostle Paul’s corner as a chief among sinners.
So, does this mean there should be no boasting and I should throw in the towel? Well, if you take it that way, I wonder if you doubt Paul’s sincerity in 2 Corinthians 1:12-14 when he says “for our boasting is this…” And I wonder if you trust one of the follow-up statements “that we are your boast as you also are ours”.
It’s key to know what Paul is talking about in that passage? Those 3 verses begin and end with words about boasting. But the key is in the middle…Grace of God. And shouldn’t that key always be in the middle of your life?
Here are the lyrics to a song that describes my testimony. If you wanna hear the song, tune in to The Power of God’s Love Podcast
You AreI’m not amazing. I’m no king.
No, I’m not the God of anything…
Oh but You are. Jesus…You are.
I’m not a savior. I’m not pure.
No, I’m not the One who has the cure…
Oh but You are. Jesus…You are.
You are…the start and finish
You are…the Morning Star.
Your love will not diminish.
You’re the Life Everlasting.
You’re the Rock of offense.
And You’re the Only Source of Truth
Who makes it all make sense.
If they ask who’s gonna mend
This broken world, I’ll commence
To saying You are. Jesus…You are.
I’m not perfection. I’m not near.
No, I’m not the One anyone should fear.
Oh, but You are. Jesus…You are.
I’m not the True Vine nor The Word.
No, I’m not the Amen that we’ve heard.
Oh, but You are. Jesus…You are.
Chorus 3 times © 2010 TF
Get Tony’s Rhyme and Reason Daily Devotional delivered to your inbox for free.I share it with believers who want to focus on the power of God’s love and rightly divide the word of truth. Spend your time reading, listening, and watching good stuff based on the power of God’s love instead of looking for it. And, to show my sincere appreciation for your time and attention, I’ll send you download links to music and The Very First 6 Days (a rhyming book for kids about the creation week) right away. Kids from 3 to 103 can enjoy these fun goodies. Just add your email to the form and let’s connect right away.
The form can be filled in the actual website url.
Stay tuned,
The post Grace of God for this guy who’s flawed appeared first on Tony Funderburk.
I saw this headline on a social media platform today: Podcast Host Calls White Evangelical Christianity a Cancer – And I could not believe how badly they misspelled the word blessing. I mean, cancer doesn’t even remotely look like blessing. So how could they mix those words up so badly?
Because I’m sure they meant to say white evangelical Christianity is a blessing.At least if they really wanted to share the truth. But I know that’s a rare commodity in journalism these days. So, now that I think about it a little bit more, maybe they actually meant to write the word cancer.
No. Could that possibly be it?!
But could someone actually study the overwhelmingly positive influence of white, evangelical Christianity and actually come up with this illogical, incorrect conclusion? Absolutely they could. Because people who hate God, the one true, living, loving creator of the universe God, will say anything against Him and His followers.
Jesus said that would happen, by the way.
So, if you’re a Christian, and the color of your skin is what the world call white (even though it isn’t), and you share the truth of God’s word and the power of God’s love, you might as well face it. You, my friend, are a cancer in this world.
But never worry, never fear. Your buddy Tony is here. And here are some white evangelical Christianity lyrics to help you deal with it:
In This World But Not Of ItI’m in this world but not of it.
I like this life but don’t love it.
My Savior rises above it.
I’m in this world but not of it.
This world can beat me up.
But this world is not my home.
I have a finer place where I will forever roam.
This world’s no easy street.
This world is not so nice.
It costs a lot to leave,
But my Father paid the price.
So…Chorus
This world has lots of love,
But this world is filled with hate.
One day it won’t be so,
And so I can hardly wait.
This world has moans and groans.
This world has aches and pain,
But soon even this shall pass,
Jesus the King will reign.
Chorus…inst…chorus 3 times © TF 2008
Get Tony’s Rhyme and Reason Daily Devotional delivered to your inbox for free.I share it with believers who want to focus on the power of God’s love and rightly divide the word of truth. Spend your time reading, listening, and watching good stuff based on the power of God’s love instead of looking for it. And, to show my sincere appreciation for your time and attention, I’ll send you download links to music and The Very First 6 Days (a rhyming book for kids about the creation week) right away. Kids from 3 to 103 can enjoy these fun goodies. Just add your email to the form and let’s connect right away.
The form can be filled in the actual website url.
Stay tuned,
The post White Evangelical Christianity a blessing to humanity appeared first on Tony Funderburk.
Have you ever read the list of the perils of Paul? It’s an epic list, to say the least. And it was because he shared the unvarnished, hard truth. About the only peril preachers, in probably 99% of American churches, face these days is obesity. And my guess is, that’s not because they’re sharing that same unvarnished, hard truth in God’s word.
Here’s the list of the perils of Paul, as he wrote it:…in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequently, in deaths often. From the Jews five times I received forty stripes minus one. Three times I was beaten with rods; once I was stoned; three times I was shipwrecked; a night and a day I have been in the deep; in journeys often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils of my own countrymen, in perils of the Gentiles, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren; in weariness and toil, in sleeplessness often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness, besides the other things, what comes upon me daily
Dictionaries typically define peril as: serious and immediate danger
So, Paul certainly found out how correct that definition is.
But he didn’t let any of that stop him from delivering the message that Jesus gave him to share with the world. Of course, the world, most of it anyway, doesn’t want anything to do with the grace gift from Jesus. Because that would require the humility to acknowledge that He is the creator, the sovereign God, who has sealed the fate for anyone who denies who Jesus is.
“But that’s so harsh, Tony.”I guess, in a way, that’s true. But you wouldn’t say that if you had read what they did to Jesus. An innocent person who went around healing people, sharing a message of hope and love, and performing miracles for mostly small-minded people.
His own people falsely accused Him, had Him thrown in prison, and then had Him beaten and crucified. And all because they didn’t like His message. They preferred their tradition and visible pomp and circumstance.
Hmm, that sounds like so-called Christian churches in America these days. Big stages, light shows, fog, machines, loud repetitive mantra music, and anecdotal stories (what I call Sunday TED talks) from the pulpit.
Yeah, pretty much the only peril those so-called preachers face is obesity.
There won’t be a “well done, good and faithful servant” for those actions.
When you tell the actual truth in church today, it will be almost impossible to build a large church. Because most people who go to church fall under the itching ears category. And when you share the “harsh” truth with them, they’ll feel convicted. And they would rather feel good about themselves. So, they go to churches or the so-called pastor or preacher tells them they can live their best life now.
I bet that’s not you. And I bet you would rather live…
In The House Of The LordFather God,
You never leave me You never forsake me.
And Your Word…
Gives me courage to go where you take me.
You are with me through each dire upheaval.
With You in me I will fear no evil.
As I walk through the shadow of death…
I will sing till my very last breath…
Green pastures, still waters…
Goodness and mercy for your sons and daughters…
True love dwells in the House of the LORD.
Each person, each nation…
Can be renewed through Your sweet restoration…
True love dwells in the House of the LORD.
Father God,
You made a Way for my total redemption.
I believe…
Jesus died to provide that exemption.
He’s my shepherd through thorns and thru clover.
He’s my new wine, and my cup runs over.
As I walk through the shadow of death…
I will sing till my very last breath…Chorus © 2010 TF
Cheers to your day free from shipwrecks and prisons.
Get Tony’s Rhyme and Reason Daily Devotional delivered to your inbox for free. I share it with believers who want to focus on the power of God’s love and rightly divide the word of truth. Spend your time reading, listening, and watching good stuff based on the power of God’s love instead of looking for it. And, to show my sincere appreciation for your time and attention, I’ll send you download links to music and The Very First 6 Days (a rhyming book for kids about the creation week) right away. Kids from 3 to 103 can enjoy these fun goodies. Just add your email to the form and let’s connect right away.
The form can be filled in the actual website url.
Stay tuned,
The post Perils of Paul don’t sound like ya’ll appeared first on Tony Funderburk.
OK, we’ve only got a few Christmas spirit days left. Then everything gets turned off again for another eight or nine months. Oh sure, there’ll be a few leftovers. But pretty much once December 25th is done, the lights go out, and that sparkly holiday cheer turns into just another year.
Sorry to throw a wet blanket on your Christmas spirit days.I’m sure they’re probably plenty of good people out there who do their best to make the love lights linger. Cheers to you. And I bet there’s a lot of people who have found ways to keep things going through January. But my guess is it all becomes a distant memory, for most people, by December 26th.
Yeah, I’m a wet blanket all right.
Maybe I can make it up to you with these fun lyrics. And if you tune into Rhyme and Reason Podcast, you might even be able to hear the song…
The Christmas SpiritDidn’t wanna drive and look at no Christmas lights.
Didn’t wanna have to shovel no Christmas snow.
And I didn’t wanna scream out loud in the middle of a Christmas crowd.
Didn’t wanna have to say why I wouldn’t go.
And I didn’t wanna sing no sappy little Christmas songs.
Didn’t wanna see no perky little Christmas kid.
And I didn’t wanna shop at no mall or spend any money at all.
Didn’t wanna leave my house, but I’m glad I did.
‘Cause I could see it. I could hear it.
I could feel the Christmas Spirit.
Every moment, every minute,
I was thankful I was in it.
Now I savor every second when I’m near it, the Christmas Spirit.
Didn’t wanna get up early on Christmas day.
Didn’t wanna eat no ham or no Christmas pie.
And I didn’t wanna have to get dressed for any sort of Christmas guest.
Didn’t wanna smile, but I changed, and here is why…
‘Cause I could see it. I could hear it.
I could feel the Christmas Spirit.
Every moment, every minute,
I was thankful I was in it.
Now I savor every second when I’m near it, the Christmas Spirit. © 2011 TF
Get Tony’s Rhyme and Reason Daily Devotional delivered to your inbox for free. I share it with believers who want to focus on the power of God’s love and rightly divide the word of truth. Spend your time enjoying the entertaining flashes of light instead of looking for them. And, to show my sincere appreciation for your time and attention, I’ll send you download links to books and music, right away. Kids from 3 to 103 can enjoy these fun goodies. Just add your email to the form and let’s connect right away.
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I’ll tell you, right up front, it’s a metaphor for Heaven. And I didn’t come up with the metaphor because I had to. Because if someone told me I had to, I probably would’ve skipped the whole darn thing. Yeah, I guess I’m just one of those hardheaded writers who doesn’t want to be told how or what to write. So, I said all that to explain why I called the song Angel Café.
And I know you can see, right away, how it’s a metaphor for heaven. Right?After all, I’m sure you realize you can’t hang out at the Angel Café here on earth. So, a place with that name must be a place you’ll only be able to visit after you die.
Uh oh. I just did a quick search, online, and it turns out there IS an Angel Café right here on Earth. But I can tell you, with 99.99% certainty, that it’s not THE Angel Café. And I can say that confidently because first it appears to be in Turkey. And there ain’t no angels in Turkey. Second, it. was created by human beings from Turkey. And human beings are not, and never will be, angels.
Anyway…
THE Angel Café it’s just a pigment of my imagination. And because I thought it was a colorful and creative way to describe putting something off till it’s too late I wrote a song about it. I’ve shared the song here on my website (and on my podcast) before. But with the things that have happened in the past couple of months, and other things I’ve observed in my extended family, I thought it might bear repeating.
Is there something you should tell somebody that you keep putting off?Is there something you’d like to share with someone? Or maybe there’s something you wish they would tell you? Regardless, here’s the point. In case you never heard this before, you ain’t getting any younger. No one is.
One of these days, when you least expect it, in most cases, it’ll be too late to say what’s on your mind or get those questions answered. Once you breathe your last breath, all opportunities are lost. And that might be forever. Because you might be separated from that certain person forever.
So I encourage you, today (in fact, right now, if you can), to make and take an opportunity to say or ask what needs to be said or asked. Tomorrow will get here and turn into today. But you have absolutely NO guarantee you’ll still be here then. If the last two months have taught me anything, and they have, it’s that drastic changes can happen in the blink of an eye. I like the song says, don’t put off who you should get to today. Because you might not be able to meet up in the…
Angel CaféYou’ve already been to the mountain,
And you’ve taken your slice of the pie.
You’ve had your cool dips in the ocean;
Tied the knot with a prominent guy.
You work for and live in the good life,
And you’re blessed with the ol’ Midas’ touch.
But you’re not the girl I remember.
And I miss her so much.
You might recall all the tea and conversation.
We stayed up all night just to start it all again.
But now it’s all such a different situation.
You clocked me out just when you were clocking in.
Well time flies away.
Don’t put off who you should get to today.
Time flies away.
Don’t you wait till we meet in the angel café.
Don’t you wait till we meet in the angel café.
I watched as your world got so busy.
I felt all the edges get rough.
And I know you just want a secure life.
But, I ask, is it ever enough?
Is it worth just what it may cost you?
Are you willing to pay off the fine?
Just be wary of what you neglect here.
That’s my own bottom line. © 1992
Subscribe to my FunderFlash Journal. Because the flashes of light I share on my website come directly to your inbox. So you can spend your valuable time reading instead of searching. And, to show my sincere appreciation for your time and attention, I’ll send you download links to books and music, right away. Kids from 3 to 103 can enjoy these fun goodies.
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Who cares if you sing truth to a kid? Especially if it’s a very young kid. Because they’re not even gonna know or care if it’s true or not anyway right? They’ll just trust you. Or whatever grown up is in charge.
Bingo! That right there is why you should sing truth to a kid.Well, at least if singing to, and with, a kid is part of your approach to spending quality time together. But if it’s not, then you can at least talk truth to a kid. Because, no matter, what truth matters. Or maybe I should say THE truth matters.
And here’s the main reason why I say that.
Because THE truth makes them free and gives them hope. But you know what doesn’t do any of that? Being taught that we all just got here by chance. That we all just crawled out of the ocean and started our happy journey toward turning into human beings. That’s right boys and girls. You used to be slime. Then you were a fish. Then you were a monkey. And finally, you were a brilliant human. And everyone lived happily ever after.
The trouble with all that stinkin’ thinkin’ is that it teaches kids to believe they’re just another animal. And you know how animals are. Whatever they feel like doing they do. Including having sex right out in the open. Going to the bathroom wherever they feel like it. And even eating other animals alive.
So I made it a mission of mine to sing truth to kids (from 3 to 103).Because I want everybody to have hope. It’s good to know that you were made in the image and likeness of God. And it’s mighty nice to realize there’s a paradise waiting for you when your time here on earth is over.
Who knows? Maybe if most people knew that, there wouldn’t be so many dark, apocalyptic movies. Maybe there would be a lot more happy ending movies and TV shows. And maybe, now this is a big maybe, positive respectful language could be the norm. And most F-bombs and other filthy talk would just fade away.
I remember, from several years ago, a couple of people we know using foul language around their kids. And Elgielene asked them why they did that. And the mom said “They’re gonna learn it somewhere.”
That’s probably true. But it doesn’t mean they have to learn it in at home. And certainly not from their own parents. Yeesh
I’d rather help little kids grow up, knowing the one true, living, loving creator of the universe will never leave them nor forsake them. And help them have the hope of a glorious, perfect eternal life. So I write that message. And I sing that message. And I share that message just about every chance I get.
Like I did in this lullaby from my Bedtime Buckaroos lullaby songs collection:
Music PajamasIt’s time…to let the daylight fly
Away, but we don’t have to cry
Because…another day will dawn real soon.
So smile…and say a sweet goodnight.
They won’t, if you’ll just slip into this tune.
And wear your music pajamas.
And sing the songs of your mamas
Because they gave you a life of your own.
Through all the cartoons and dramas…
Through all the triumphs and traumas…
Slip on your music pajamas,
And know that God is on His throne.
And you’re never all alone.
Night winds…float down from falling stars.
Lights blink…from Jupiter and Mars.
They bounce…across the water on the grass.
Inside…you’re in a soft cocoon
Of down…the color of the moon.
Dreams come…when you just let the sandman pass.
Chorus
© 2011 Tony Funderburk
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A social media friend of mine shared a link to a video of John Wayne throwing a kid into deep creek. Actually it was John Wayne playing the title character from the movie, Hondo. And the movie was based on the book, by the same name, written by Louis L’Amour. His books were partly the products of imagination and largely a part of Mister L’amour’s exceptional ability to visualize terrain. I didn’t know that before today.
No, his storytelling skill wasn’t just a product of imagination.But his books are fictional accounts of the old west. In fact, if you bring up the subject of old west fiction, anyone who’s lived more than two or three decades will almost immediately think of Louis L’Amour.
My friend’s reference nudged me to do a little research on Louis’ visualization skills. I discovered this:
~ His knack for describing landscapes wasn’t just a product of imagination. It was deeply rooted in his real-life experiences and meticulous research. L’Amour traveled extensively across the American West, working jobs like cowboy, miner, and lumberjack, which gave him firsthand knowledge of the rugged landscapes he later depicted. He walked the trails, climbed the mountains, and crossed the deserts he wrote about. And he absorbed the details that brought his settings to life. ~
And I saw a snippet that mentioned Hondo specifically. It said:
~ For instance, in novels like Hondo, the terrain isn’t just a backdrop; it’s a character. And it helps shape the plot and the people in it as much character descriptions and dialogue. ~
Apparently Louis L’Amour could paint a mental picture of a canyon’s twists or a river’s flow so clearly that readers felt they could navigate it themselves. And that was a result of his habit of studying maps, hanging out in locations, talking to old-timers, and even sketching landscapes to lock them into memory.
L’Amour said he could “see” a place in his mind before writing about it.He said he’d “mentally walk through it.” And that’s how he could visualize the sun’s angle, the scrub brush’s texture, or how a horse’s hooves would kick up dust on a dry ridge.
But there’s nothing mystical about his talent. He honed his skills by actually living in those kinds of places. And he had a genuine, lifelong curiosity about the land’s history and geology. Plus he photographed locations and studied the pictures to double-check his mental images of them. And he researched historical records to be sure his stories were accurate and authentic.
I guess his imagination and ability to visualize stories was pretty good. Because he wrote over a 120 books. Not to mention (but I will) all his short stories and other writings. And plenty of those were turned into big screen, and even made-for-TV, movies.
Sure, that’s all impressive. But I always “see” something else at work when I read or hear about “special skills.” And I know they aren’t just a “product of imagination” or “ability to visualize.” Those talents are gifts from God. And no matter how amazing they might seem, they’re just a shadow of what God wants for us.
Paul put it this way: “For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known.”
In the chorus of my song, Perfect Point of View, I visualized it this way:I fly…till tangled thoughts untie,
Up where my dreams are all true blue.
So high…ideas electrify
And charge a perfect point of view.
And one day, sooner than you might imagine, the Lord of creation is gonna give everyone who loves Him that perfect point of view. I, to that, I say “Hi yo, Hondo! Let’s go!”
Be sure you subscribe to my FunderFlash Journal. Because these flashes of light I share on my website come directly to your inbox. Then, you can spend your valuable time reading instead of searching. And, to show my sincere appreciation for your time and attention, I’ll send you download links to books and music, right away. Kids from 3 to 103 can enjoy these fun goodies.
The form can be filled in the actual website url.
Stay tuned,
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So, this catchy tune popped into my head this morning. And I thought, “Hmm, that might go real nice with some lyrics I wrote a few years ago.” Then, I sat down in my vocal booth and fired up the studio mic. And I hummed along with a salsa beat as pictures of avocado bliss danced in my head.
If you never enjoy avocado bliss, you need a taste buds tuneup.And surely you’d like some avocado bliss on a grass-fed beef burger. If not, maybe you’ll change your mind once you understand how good those green orbs are for you.
Yeah, avocados are actually healthy blessings to your body. Blessings like how they provide:
- Heart-healthy monounsaturated (good) fat.
- Vitamin B5
- Folate
- Vitamin B6
- Vitamin C
- Potassium
- Vitamin E
- Vitamin K
Your health is your best secret weapon. For staying ahead of the competition. And for living as long as long as you can. When you live a long life, you can be more, do more, and serve others more. More AND better.
So, now that you know what and why, let’s sing…
The Avocado SongAvocado and cilantro
And a hint of lime.
Salsa bueno, words you may know
When you take the time
To dip a chip into this dip
Like a foodie would.
Guacamole isn’t holy,
But, man, it sure is good!
(the actual epic song will be in an upcoming issue of the FunderCast podcast.)
Yeah, avocado bliss happens when you toss in those other ingredients. And if you avoid chips because you think they’re unhealthy junk food, no worries. Spoon out some bliss on your burger. Don’t forget your omelette. Maybe even on sweet potato fries for a snazzy surprise. I hear some people boast about eating it on toast.
Whatever you choose, you just can’t lose when you don’t miss some avocado bliss.
And don’t miss any of the encouraging, regular issues of my FunderFlash Journal. Leave your email address, below, and it comes directly to your inbox. So you spend your valuable time reading instead of searching. And, to show my sincere appreciation for your time and attention, I’ll send you download links to 2 of my Christian books for kids and 2 songs, right away, that grownups AND kids can enjoy.
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Here’s the three-step process a hypocrite uses to become one. Point finger. Say stuff. Play the sound of their own voice back in their head.
Now. Who’s ready to start with step one? Point finger.Hmm. I see no hands raised. And, as Martha Steward used to say, that’s a good thing.
Because I know you’re like me. We’ve all certainly done things, in this life, we’re not proud of (or as the school teachers from the olden days would say, of which we’re not proud).
I know my faults and fails stack high.
But thankfully my shortcomings aren’t what keep me out of Heaven. And, by the way, it’s not my good deeds that get me there either. Nope. It’s not about me. It’s not about how wonderful or how miserable I am. And it’s not even about the donations I make to church or charities. It’s not about the people I know or the clothes I wear or the car I drive. Nope. It’s ALL about my relationship with my awesome Creator.
He is THE Christ. The one that, without Him, not even the “great and powerful Oz” would have ever been invented. The one who could actually create a “horse of a different color” if He felt like it. Oops, I didn’t mean to fly over the rainbow there. It was kind of a point finger say stuff moment. Sorry.
Anyway…
How about you and me taking the road less traveled, through the narrow gate? Let’s do our best to think first and not be hypocrites. And how about we follow…
The One True Way To PeaceJudge me; I need to be judged
Correct me; whenever I’m wrong
Save me from thinking my thoughts
I’ve lived in them way too long
Show me what I need to see
Tell me what I have to hear
Give me a voice of wisdom
Thank You for taking my fear
And I have to trust that my God is just
And I feel my boldness increase
I’m a dissident, and I’m an instrument
For the one true Way to peace
Search me for the deeper things
Fill me from Your living well
Free me from the ways of man
Take me off the path to Hell
Listen to my fervent prayer
Bless me so that I can bless
Change me with Your mighty Word
Spare me with Your tenderness
Chorus
Make me to always understand
I’m only mighty in Your mighty Hand
inst…Chorus to end
© Copyright 1998 Tony Funderburk
So…do you call yourself a Christian?
Take a second and join the growing body of believers who’ve already signed up for the FunderFlash Journal. When you do, I’ll send you links to 2 songs and 2 books that adults AND kids enjoy right away. Then, I’ll send you flashes of light from the faith, hope, and the power of God’s love.
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Regardless of what happens today, this weekend, or ever, hold on to the Truth. And just in case you didn’t catch it (but I bet you did), I capitalized the word, Truth. And I just did it again. Because I’m not talking about the truth that can be so manipulated in this world filled with lies and AI’s.
It’s crucial to hold on to THE Truth, now, more than ever.Because now, more than ever, that Truth is the only Way to be truly free. Uh-oh. Now I’ve gone and done it. I capitalized the word “Way.” And just in case you didn’t know it (but I bet you do), it’s capitalized because it’s THE Way. And THE Way is the same as THE Truth.
By the way, if you haven’t already found your Way to the Truth (but I bet you have), don’t put it off even one more minute. Planes falling from the sky in the past few days should show you (and I bet they do) how uncertain your amount of time, here on Earth, is. And that uncertainty should make you curious about all the eternal Life talk Christians are always sharing. If it doesn’t, I hope it doesn’t take a personal tragedy to make you curious.
You caught that capitalized word, Life, didn’t you?
Of course, now I’ve gone full circle. Because Jesus called himself “the Way, the Truth, and the Life.” And He said He’s the only way to eternal life in Heaven. With all that’s going on, so far in 2025, I sure hope you’ve decided to take advantage of His amazing grace. I bet you have. But I bet you know someone who hasn’t. Tell ‘em time’s a-wastin’.
Back in 1985-86 I wrote a song called “Hold On.” I didn’t say to hold on to the truth. But the feel is still kinda there.
Hold OnI would love to take you in my arms
And capture all your dreams that get away
And put them in your heart where they belong
And fill it full of love so they can stay
But I wonder if there’s magic in my hands
And I don’t know for sure what I should do
To make your monsters fade and disappear
So I can only sing these words to you…
Hold on; you know you gotta hold real tight
Gotta keep your dreams where they’re easiest to see
Hold on; I know you gotta hold real tight
If you look behind the Love that’s where they’ll be
I would love to see your smiling face
And know that at least in some small way I was there
When you needed someone to help you through your darkness
And help you get your wings back in the air
Chorus
You got to keep believing in your choices
No one but you can really clear the air
And if you find you’re hearing different voices
Then it isn’t just a passing love affair
Repeat 1st verse and choruses to end
© 1986
Take a second and join the growing body of believers who’ve already signed up for the FunderFlash Journal. When you do, I’ll send you links to 2 songs and 2 books that adults AND kids enjoy right away. Then, I’ll send you flashes of light from the faith, hope, and the power of God’s love.
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Imagine yourself walking up to two big doors one cold morning in January. The door on the left is pure craftsmanship. It’s a rich, cobalt blue with pure silver handles and hinges. There’s a leaded crystal, mirrored window just high enough that you can only see the top of your head. The door on the right appears to be made of old, cracked, and peeling barn wood. The hardware is rusted, including large, bent nails protruding out next to the edges. There’s a clear window next to the top crosspiece with a fascinating red and white light glowing from within. You’re unsure which door to open to go inside and warm yourself, when suddenly a voice like a professional radio announcer says…
“Enter the door on the left, come inside, and relax. Everything your heart desires will be yours. Many servants await your arrival. Your comfort is their command. And your happiness is their pursuit.”
Your slightly hesitant hand turns the knob. But, then, another voice quietly whispers…
“Please, at least look inside the door on the right before you make your choice. There are no servants inside. But you’ll find someone who will walk with you and talk with you and listen to your problems day and night. He’ll ask you to work with him. But he’ll also bring you bread and wine, and you’ll never be hungry or thirsty again.”
So. Your choices are to work or be served. Which would you choose?
Well, the door on the left opens into a world made just for YOU.And it’s a world where you’re more important than anyone else. Your needs will be attended to before anyone else’s. You will be a king, or queen (the only two choices). And there will be none like you. Interested? Come on, now. Be honest. You’re tempted, right? It’s OK to admit it. Everyone else who’s ever lived, lives now, or will ever live knows the same temptation.
Because it’s beguiling to believe the lies you concoct about yourself. And it’s alluring to allow yourself to experience every pleasure. It’s almost irresistible to invite those inner voices to seduce you to surrender.
Now, what if I told you the door on the right opens into the love of God? Yes, it’s a place where you’ll work if you want to eat. Sometimes you might have to work so hard you feel you can’t go on. But it’s also a place where you’ll find rest. A rest that brings you the eternal life that can’t be found anywhere else in the universe.
How do you decide which door to open and go inside? Think big picture. NO, bigger!
Think outside the box of your life here on planet Earth.The years you spend inside your aging, dying body are but a vapor when compared to eternity. Yes, eternity is the big picture. Where do you want to be FOREVER?
Maybe you don’t want my advice. But I recommend you choose to walk into the love of God.
Because He’s your only source of eternal life. And here’s something crucial to understand. God loves you so much He gives you your own will. You get to choose. He knows you might not choose Him. But He also knows that if He didn’t give you the freedom to choose, it wouldn’t be true love. So what do you choose?
Like the whispering voice said, “please, at least look inside the door on the right”. It’s the right choice. If the love of God, and living forever, sounds good to you. Don’t enter the door on the left where, like Seals and Crofts sang, you’ll be the miserable “king of nothing.”
Instead…
Do Right and risk the consequences.
Do Right, and don’t you stand on fences.
Yeah, whatever you do, with all of your might…Do Right.
Take a second and join the growing body of believers who’ve already signed up for the FunderFlash Journal. When you do, I’ll send you some music and a book for kids right away. Then, I’ll send you daily flashes of light from the faith, hope, and the power of God’s love.
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He showed up with a servitude heart. And that was no small detail. Because he was actually a king. No, that’s not quite accurate. He was THE king. Of the whole universe, in fact. But He showed up here in our dirty, little world with a mission to make things right. And His actions, over and over, proved He came here to serve, not BE served.
The ultimate model of a servitude heart.And it makes perfect sense to say He’s the ultimate model. Because He even says that you and I were made in His image and likeness. It’s kinda like He’s the mold (defined: a distinctive and typical style, form, or character AND form or shape, especially the features or physique of a person). And you and I were copies made from that mold.
So, here’s what I think (and you can take what I think PLUS a smartphone and make a call to just about anywhere in the world). God knew, when He made us, and even more now, that us copies would never live up to the original. And He planned out actions He could and/or would take to compensate for, and even wipe out, our stupid decisions AND the consequences for them.
That information about His character inspired me to write a song about how a servitude heart should be our response to His love. You have the freedom to disagree. But I bet you don’t.
Consequential ServitudeGod looked down on me. He knew I was wrong;
Usurped my position I’d held for so long.
Yeah, He just took over where my brain left off.
He knew it was risky. He knew they’d all scoff.
Sometimes I’m so stupid, and so often blind;
Trade reason for feelings; mistakes underlined.
And so again; I behold the outer man
Through God’s condescending attitude.
And I defer to the perfect Architect
And this consequential servitude.
He spirals His thoughts through my barricade.
He knows I am feeble, yet hands me His blade.
And He tells me to rise up from my Phoenix blight
He builds me a fortress of conquering Light.
When my clay is brittle and crumbles to sand,
I long to be putty in my Master’s hand.
And then I can behold the inner man
Through God’s condescending attitude.
Because He chose me as His dwelling place
I choose this consequential servitude.
There were no incantations, no hallelujah chorus.
He succumbed to His detractors; withstood an inquisition.
And then commended His spirit, relinquished His position,
And then He died a death that was for us!
Repeat Ist verse and 2nd chorus…end
© 2001
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I hope you avoid the boomer pharmacy like the plague (How do you like my ironic twist of a phrase, there?). If you’re not a boomer, then obviously that reference doesn’t apply to you. But no matter. Because whatever Gen this or Gen that you are, I hope you also avoid the pharmacy trap. My guess is, you won’t.
Tragically the boomer pharmacy already has too many members.And I say it’s tragic because most of it could be avoided with some lifestyle changes and choices. Lest you think I exaggerate, check out these comments I found on social media today:
Your average baby boomer today has become a prescription drug zombie, on 4-5 pharmaceuticals daily just to function, according to new NHANES data. Is this what health is supposed to look like?
This Boomer had measles, mumps, chicken pox. Vax’s were few (only 3-4), and there were no 6 mo “wellness” visits to the doctor. We kids went to the doc only if we were sick or broke a bone. No one had allergies, autism, ADHD, etc. Just awful what “health care” has become.
I think the reason Boomers started looking awful at 54 is because most of them smoked, never thought much about their diet, and certainly never had an exercise regimen. Younger people have more information about health now and can avoid the fate of the Boomer body with some effort.
Speaking of Medicare I recently read wherein Medicare projections by 2030, up to 70% of hospital beds will be aging Boomers w/ need for chronic pain care, after aging into pained bodies from skilled trades WHY would pain care need to be inpatient?? Serious question?
Boomers do this all the time to downplay vaccine harms and US food being poisoned. “I [did thing] and I turned out fine.” Meanwhile they’re on a cocktail of pharma drugs and getting rapidly worse each year.
There were also a few positive comments.I’m 62. In some of the best shape of my life. Some of us have been awake a LONG time, not buying what the mainstream is selling. And I’ve been around long enough to see the patterns that got a lot of people in a very precarious place.
I pride myself on being 60+ years old, with; no vax, never sick, no alcohol, no sweets, active, no prescriptions, super healthy diet. Most of my friends have all kinds of issues. Not me.
I’ve been in this fitness game for over 27 yrs. I got started as life happened. Went from fit to fat. People ask “what’s ya diet.” I don’t. I eat real whole foods. And I pay attn to how foods affect my body and adapt. In my 60s, fatty-fish & chicken rule.
I have lived cleanly as possible since the 70s. I don’t use any meds and I am 70, college weight, good BP, AIC. And I don’t use drugs, ETOH, Benzos, SSRIs. I walk, exercise, meditate and foster gratitude and joy. And I am mostly immune to psyops and live well. Discipline and gratitude go a long way toward health.
There you have it.You can make your regular trips to the boomer pharmacy. Or you can take your walks in the fresh air and sunshine. And you can shovel frankenfood into your mouth every day. Or you can choose whole foods that haven’t been bastardized with ingredients you can’t pronounce. Junk you surely wouldn’t put in your body if you could see what it is and what it does.
Elgielene went through a health coach course a few years ago. And the doctor who presented repeated a message of how your health can improve at any age and at any stage. But you have to decide where you’ll put your money. In the boomer pharmacy? Or in good food and better choices?
And the best choice you can make is to trust your Maker. Keep in mind:
No one deserves your healing Lord.
But you deserve our praise.
Your great name and your Word
Will lift us up and fill our days,
If we will look to you for strength
And courage to declare
The love and Truth about You
Found in Jeremiah’s prayer.
(from my song Jeremiah’s Prayer)
© 2018
Once you see the benefit, join the growing body of believers who’ve already signed up for the FunderFlash Journal. And I’ll send you daily flashes of light so we can stay focused on faith, hope, and love.
Stay tuned…
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Every year, there are highly effective assassins paid off roughly 500 million, in your tax dollars, to make sure innocent, preborn babies never see the light of day.
Yeah, that group is well- organized, well-funded, and well-equipped to kill over 300,000 little children every year. Let’s face it. They get the job done. So, why would anybody wanna rock that boat? Especially when it means men and women can live promiscuously without consequences.
I guess calling them paid assassins is just mean on my part.About 10 years ago I wrote about how Jesus said we should let our charitable deeds be done in secret. Well, it really shouldn’t be difficult to see how killing unborn children hardly falls under the category of charitable deeds. But, I think the group, ironically named “Planned Parenthood”, believes they’re doing charitable work because they’re somewhat secretive about their deeds.
Wouldn’t it be great if politicians, especially those who say they’re against abortion, made sure that no one ever got paid off again for killing innocent, unborn children?
But what does it take to stop that from happening?
First, please speak up. Use whatever means you have. Because saying and doing nothing will make sure that “legal precedent” continues to cast its dark shadow over what’s right.
Then, don’t support any politician or candidate who would support the abortion status quo.
Sadly, I don’t think many will take my advice. Because the paid off worldview is so darn convenient. Well, maybe not for the unborn children. But, hey, as long as there are no other consequences, then it’s just the price of doing business. Right?
It’s a worldview that’s not for me and you.
It’s a worldview and no empirical thoughts.
Yeah, it’s a worldview. What’s a humanist to do?
Don’t you see you could be in tougher spots?
You gotta be mindful where you cast your lots.
It’s a worldview.
(from my song “Worldview”)
Once you see the benefit, join the growing body of believers who’ve already signed up for the FunderFlash Journal. And I’ll send you daily flashes of light so we can stay focused on faith, hope, and love.
Stay tuned…
The post Paid off, paid out, and no whimper, no shout appeared first on Tony Funderburk.
Biblical knowledge is available to anyone who’s interested in finding out more. And the key points, and truth, of the Bible are easy enough to understand that even a child can learn about the love of our Creator. And that’s … Read the rest
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What I’m about to share probably isn’t for you. But I can almost guarantee it’s good for someone you know or care about. It’s something I shared with others a few years ago. And I asked them this question: If … Read the rest
The post Say yes instead of no and then go, man, go. appeared first on Tony Funderburk.
It was about 2,000 years ago. And today doesn’t mark the exact day and time. But that’s another topic for later. Nevertheless some shepherds were on the job, whatever day and time it was. And their job was to watch … Read the rest
The post Exact day and time have less reason than rhyme appeared first on Tony Funderburk.
Your government’s budget (and every other part) is NOT operating on or in a just and wise system. And if you ran your household like politicians run this country, you’d be a dead duck already. Dead duck. That’s kind of … Read the rest
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Twenty-six years ago I remember hearing somebody say how corrupt our government has become. And they said it felt like people who want to stand up for truth, justice, and the American way (to quote from the old Superman TV … Read the rest
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Another painful day of anxiety. And the effects, of it, range from silent crying to freaked-out scenes in public places to even assaults. Day after painful day after day. Oh, maybe I should clarify. I’m not talkin’ about me. Good … Read the rest
The post Painful day: Fading away? Or ready to slay? appeared first on Tony Funderburk.
Nations and empires fall because of it. Governments become tyrannical and then crumble because of it. And families are torn to shreds because of it. And it’s something you can’t detect with your five senses. But you WILL still suffer … Read the rest
The post Because of it a lotta people quit appeared first on Tony Funderburk.
It’s truly your lucky day! Because, even though I didn’t think I’d ever share this secret again, I’m gonna show you the main ingredients you need in order to be master of the universe. And despite what you might have … Read the rest
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The anchors, the weather and sports reporters, the investigative reporters, and the editorialists all talked a blue streak night after night. So, it was ironic when Theo felt something like the stroke of a paintbrush across his heart. Because it … Read the rest
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Hey, hey, it’s May and May Day. So, what do you say? I say hey! Let’s talk about the May birthstone. And in case you didn’t already know, it’s the beautiful emerald.
Emerald for a May birthstone makes sense when you learn more about it.Because the emerald is considered a symbol of rebirth. And superstitious people believe it has the power to grant the owner foresight, good fortune, and youth. Side note: Elizabeth Taylor owned an emerald pendant that sold for $6.5 million in 2011. So, it apparently was quite the specimen. But Liz still got old and died. Weird, right?
Anyway…
Let’s get back to more practical reasons why an emerald makes a great May birthstone. First, I read how the word emerald comes from the Greek word “smaragdus.” And that translates into green. So, it makes sense that a green gem would be appropriate for the time of year when everything blooms and leaves turn to green.
And second, a polished emerald sparkles like dew on a verdant grass lawn. And while I’m waxing poetic, a couple of years ago I wrote this rhyme that fits nicely into this time of year:
Emerald EmbraceI sat upon an emerald.
The green glow glazed my eyes.
And I beheld the art of God,
His brushstrokes in the skies.
The neon shone through bright chartreuse,
And pine and malachite,
And all the way into my heart
That still and liquid night.
I know, for God, the painting was
A glimpse of what will be,
In Heaven’s emerald embrace,
With Him eternally. © 2022
So, Happy May to you. And Happy May birthday. Oh, and if your kid’s birthday is this month, you should get them the Kiddin’ Around collection of songs. I don’t recall any references to emeralds. But one of the songs is called “Green Monkey.” The color green comes up quite a bit in the lyrics, and it’s a fun, springy tune.
See and listen to a video demo of the songs in the collection here: (https://youtu.be/dTZTtsyZQdk)
And download all 10 songs for $10 at this link: https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=L6MAH2QKHU5J8
Stay tuned,
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Being a parent, especially one with a baby or young child, can be isolating.
That was a headline that caught my eye this morning. And maybe it’s just me (I doubt it), but that kind of parent seems like the selfish type.
But the article included some reasons why being a parent can be isolating.Now, hold on to your hat. Because there are some terrifying things parents do that bring on this problem:
- be sure bills are paid
- feed the kids
- navigate nap times and illnesses
- jam-packed extracurricular schedules and homework
- clean the house
And the article said a survey showed how, due to the demands of parenthood, 66% of the respondents feel isolated, lonely, and “burned out by their responsibilities as a parent.” And “38% of respondents said they don’t have anyone to support them in their parenting role.”
The survey reveals a lot of wimpy parents.Now, my wife and I didn’t experience the blessing of kids. So, on one level, I’m disqualified to pass judgment on parents who DID have kids. But here’s the thing. Stats, from all kinds of sources, say the average American household, in recent years, has about three people. So, for households with kids that means either 2 parents and a kid or 2 kids and a parent.
Any way you look at it, that’s not a lot. So, why all the “overwhelming feeling of exhaustion,” as described by an associate clinical professor at The Ohio State University College of Nursing. She said it like this:
“In this specific role of being a parent, it’s that ability to never really feel like you’re above water. And then that causes other things to start happening. Like feeling more detached from your children and less like you’re a good parent. Loneliness can really exacerbate a lot of those feelings.”
When I was a kid, WAY back in the 20th century, lots of households included more than one kid. In fact, many kids I grew up with came from families with 4 or 5 kids. And that was the case in both households I grew up in.
And even after I flew the coop I never heard my parents mention how burned out and isolated they felt during their full-time parenting years. It wasn’t because they never dealt with any serious issues. Every family has those. No, I believe selfishness has increased exponentially in recent years. Especially since “things” are easy and relationships aren’t.
I hope you’re not a parent who’s feeling detached from your kids.Because kids need parents (and grandparents, aunts, and uncles) who will help them transition into confident, responsible adults. So, my recommendation is to take the focus off self and put it on serving others. Just as the Navy commercials used to say, “It’s not just a job. It’s an adventure.”
And the best gift you give kids is the knowledge of what it takes to live forever. That’s when you store up your treasures in Heaven where no bank, no foreign power, and no tyrannical government can ever take the away from you.
One of the next best gifts you can give kids is a world of imagination they can find in words and music. And it just so happens I know where you can get some mighty fun words and music. In my “Kiddin’ Around” Collection. See and listen to a video demo of the songs here: (https://youtu.be/dTZTtsyZQdk)
And download all 10 songs for $10 at this link: https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=L6MAH2QKHU5J8
Stay tuned,
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I saw a headline that I had to check out. It said: A prominent doctor asks Democrats: “If abortion is healthcare, my question is: what disease are you treating?”
And I say Kudos to the good doctor for the “what disease” question.So, the doctor’s name is Monique Wubbenhorst. And, according to an article clip I ready, she’s “a renowned medical professor and researcher.”
Dr. Wubbenhorst understands what’s going on when an abortion is performed. She knows it has nothing to do with healthcare. So, she boldly asked a group of pro-abortion lawmakers to explain how killing unborn babies is part of good medicine. Here’s her question again:
“If abortion is health care, my question is: what disease are you treating?”
Here’s a little more info I found, about her, in that short article.
She’s a “senior research associate at the de Nicola Center for Ethics and Culture at the University of Notre Dame and a former professor at Duke University School of Medicine.” And the good doctor Wubbenhorst “frequently testifies to lawmakers about the humanity of unborn babies.”
Plus, she “debunks false claims about abortion.”
And I’m impressed with her follow up to that revealing “what disease” question.
She said:“The Dobbs decision presents an opportunity to mitigate abortion’s many harms to women, unborn children, families and community. Abortion not only poses risks to the mother, it is also by definition always lethal to an embryo or fetus, an unborn child who is a human being, a member of the human family, not a clump of cells or a potential child.”
You caught that. Right? Abortion, by definition, is “always lethal to and embryo or fetus.” And I love how she triple emphasized that an embryo or fetus is 1) an unborn child, 2) a human being, and 3) a member of the human family. There’s just NO wiggle room.
Yeah, and when you and I were still wiggling around in the womb, we were members of the human family. The proof is in the pudding. Because look at us now. All we needed was food and water and a helping hand.
Sad to say, but far too many people still believe that it’s fine to kill tiny unborn human beings just because their parents don’t want them. Or just because their father was a criminal.
Thankfully, those tiny souls shoot straight back to Heaven. I’m confident that our living, loving Creator, who made humans in His image and likeness, welcomes them with all the love they need to recover. But that doesn’t make up for how they got there.
Please have another serious talk with anyone you know who might be considering abortion as some sort of “healthcare option.” Ask them the “what disease” question. And explain how that so-called “choice” comes with eternal consequences.
I am not a spark of light
That evolved from darkest night.
If you say I did, I might
Have to make a funny face… ‘cause…
I am a child of God…child of the Living God…
The One who spoke and made the universe.
(from my song “Child of God”)
You won’t find that song on any of my collections. So you should probably jump on the Rhyme and Reason Bandwagon to get stuff like that. https://www.TonyFunderburk.com
Stay tuned,
The post What disease were you before the world saw you? appeared first on Tony Funderburk.
My brother and I had a two-week booking in Erie, Pennsylvania. And we had just arrived. We unloaded our music gear and clothes and took them into the hotel. But I left a few boxes and assorted items in the back of my pickup. Because it was our first night in town. And we were tired from a long drive. Plus, the truck was parked inside the hotel’s “secure” lot for guests. So, no problem, right?
Yeah, no problem for a certain scumbag.The next morning I went down to my pickup to go somewhere for lunch. And, as I approached the pickup, I noticed the hatch lift to my topper was open. Not a good sign. When I went around to look, I found papers and all sorts of things torn and tossed all around. Some of my personal property, including a can with a substantial amount of coins, was gone. As you might guess, I was livid.
Side note: synonyms for livid (and they all apply): furious, angry, infuriated, irate, fuming, raging, seething, incensed, enraged, angered, beside oneself, wrathful, ireful, maddened, cross, annoyed, irritated, exasperated, indignant; informal mad, boiling, wild, seeing red, hot under the collar, up in arms, foaming at the mouth, on the warpath, steamed up
If you’ve never felt violated like that, consider yourself fortunate. When someone crosses the line of your property, even if it’s in the back of your car or pickup, that’s already a violation. But when they steal what you’ve worked hard for, that’s an exponential increase to the violation.
And, in my case, it was even worse than that.Because, of course, nothing was ever recovered. And my insurance wouldn’t cover it because they said I hadn’t properly protected my property. So, property lost. Lividity vented. And lesson learned.
But one of the reasons I brought this up is because of how many Americans don’t seem to even feel the slightest bit violated by criminals crossing our property lines. And so many Americans aren’t livid about how much of our money is stolen, by our own government, to give to those criminals. It’s demented, despicable, and devoid of intelligence.
Trillions of dollars in debt. And yet, somehow, politicians find a way to take YOUR money and give it to criminals. Yes, criminals. Every single person who crosses property lines (aka: the border) without going through the gate, is a criminal.
I don’t care if it’s a family of four who want “a better life.” And I don’t care if it’s a guy who “just wants to get a better job so he can take care of his family.” When you enter someone’s property without an invitation, you ARE a criminal!
But no problem. Right? Or, should I say, “no problemo?” It’s just people moving from one place to another. Hey, I’ve done that a lot of times. And each one of those times was to set up something better.
So, what makes me think I can move around to different parts of the world and others can’t? Nothing. I never said that. But the difference is, I didn’t cross somebody’s property lines illegally. And I didn’t steal money from other people in order to make my move.
Yes, I’m better off than a lot of people in the world.Because I was born into a country where I was at least free enough to pursue my dreams and goals. But even if I wanted to go live somewhere else in the world, I’d be sure to follow their rules for entry and citizenship. As long as they didn’t violate basic human rights to life and liberty, no problem.
So, there you have it. From feeling violated in Erie, Pennsylvania to an eerie violation of our national sovereignty. Do I know how to rant or what?!
Speaking of ranting. Here are the lyrics to a song I wrote after the incident in Erie.
Never NeverlandSometimes 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
© 1989 Tony Funderburk
Why linger in Neverland. Instead, get all my really refreshing Rhymes and Reasons the easy way. Just jump on the Rhyme and Reason Bandwagon. And I’ll send them directly to your inbox. Do it now, and you’re only a couple of clicks or taps away from some complimentary songs and some other surprises: https://www.TonyFunderburk.com
Stay tuned,
The post No problem, no problemo. Oh yeah? Well, here’s the memo. appeared first on Tony Funderburk.
Your whole life here on earth is only the beginning. The fullness of eternity opens up to you, clearly, once you die. That’s the point of no return. Or, as the band, Kansas, said, the Point of Know Return.
Anyway…
If and when you choose to trust your Creator, you wouldn’t want to return anyway.
And when you see what’s in Heaven, I doubt seriously if you’ll have any longing in your heart for whatever you had here. Even if you had billions or even gazillions of pieces of moolah paper.
In your whole life, here, three things matter.Family, friends, health. Those are the important things. Because they can’t be purchased. And you’ll have them with you wherever you are. And your connection to them can last forever. “Material things” aren’t like that.
Almost 41 years ago I wrote down my thoughts and composed a song about it. I started out the song with a double negative. It’s a little bit of poetic license. But see if you can figure out why I use it.
I recorded the song on a very cheap cassette recorder. Not even a 4-track. And I never really produced it. I still think it would be a good song to record. Hopefully I can get my voice back to some sort of decent recording quality. Until then, I’ll share the words with you. And you can tell me if you think I should do an updated recording. Leave a comment, or send me an email. Now, here are the lyrics to…
There’s A TimeYou can’t hold on to nothing when you leave.
It’s only you He will receive,
And only you that means a thing.
So learn to love just who you are,
And though you may not be a star
You still can hear the angels sing.
There’s a time for rejoicing
Between the sunrise and the sunset.
There’s a time for your heart to be free from pain.
There’s a time for believing
This is only the beginning.
There’s a time when your spirit may seem so plain.
That’s when you’ll know
That you’re welcome to go.
You can’t make it to the other side
Till you’ve got nothing more to hide
‘Cause you can’t hide it from His eyes.
So try to learn from your mistakes,
And try to do just what it takes
To live your life away from lies.
(repeat chorus)
Don’t turn your head…
Don’t turn your head and walk away.
Your time just might be today.
© 1983
Don’t spend your whole life jumping online to find all my really refreshing Rhymes and Reasons. Just jump on the Rhyme and Reason Bandwagon. And I’ll send them directly to your inbox. Do it now, and I’ll send you some songs and some other surprises: https://www.TonyFunderburk.com
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The post Your whole life, here, is a chance to hear appeared first on Tony Funderburk.
Forgiveness without repentance is selfish and unwise.
How’s that for an opener?
But I only said it because it’s true.
Forgiveness without repentance kills dogs. Not just people.Yeah, if you won’t apply the proper way to forgive, to and for you, won’t you at least save the little puppies. And before you think I’ve gone completely bonkers, let me show you an example of how this claim is true. But not just any old random example. No, this actually happened to some people Elgielene and I know.
Yesterday, she got a text message from a friend who basically said something like, “Call me when you can. Something tragic has happened.”
Naturally, as you might imagine, that sparked our curiosity. And we hoped it wouldn’t be a message this friend’s husband had died. Or something awful like that.
And the reason our first guess went to the friend’s husband is because he works for the sheriff’s department in the county where he lives. So, it wouldn’t be much of a stretch to think something awful might’ve happened to him in the line of duty.
As it turns out, you could say something DID happen to him in the line of duty.But not his typical county sheriff’s duty.
No, he simply took the family dog, a cute little rescue dog named Lily, out for her morning constitutional. As he walked her down the street, he noticed a guy far down the block eyeballing him in a strange way. Of course, being in the police force, he’s more tuned in to strange behavior than most. But he kept moving along, slowly, as Lily sniffed and did her doggie stuff.
Suddenly, the guy down the block jumped into his car, peeled out of the driveway, turned in the direction of our friend and his dog, and peeled out again. He flew by the first time. But he screeched to a stop at the other end of the block, did a loud turn around, and flew by our friend and his dog again.
Of course, now our friend was on full alert. But, in situations as unpredictable as that, it’s not clear what to prepare for or avoid. Sure enough, the wackadoo spun his car around and headed right back at our friend and little Lily one more time.
But this time, the creep turned his car right at them. And our friend jumped off the sidewalk into a wooden fence, while, at the same time, trying to grab Lily. Unfortunately the driver was upon them so fast he scraped across our friend’s left arm and leg. And the force of that impact, which caused some serious injuries to our friend, knocked off the creep’s mirror. But worse than that, Lily was literally flattened.
This all took place a couple of weeks ago.But the horrible vehicular murder attempt was only the beginning of our friends’ troubles. Because, now, they’re discovering, firsthand, how America no longer has a justice system. Now, it’s JUST A SYSTEM.
And they’re mired in a legal battle to punish a guy who has already been “forgiven” of several previous devious deeds. Yep. Those forgiven deeds, which required no repentance or remorse from the perpetrator, directly led to our friends’ dead dog. You can see it another way, if you choose to, but only if you’re comfortable with being wrong.
Yes, there are so-called “lawyers” working to get the scumbag driver cleared of all charges.
Uh-huh. They’re working to see that he’s not punished. And unpunished crimes ALWAYS lead to more criminals.
Our “open” border with Mexico is a daily illustration of that fact. But, no big deal right? Who cares?
OK, there are a lot of people who would say I talk a mean streak about the problems, but I don’t offer viable solutions. Of course, those are people who never read or hear solutions I’ve written and spoken about. But, to them, I offer this first “step in the right direction.” Whatever we’ve been doing for 50 years (and longer), stop doing THAT.
Yeah. Just stop what we’ve been doing. Because it has NOT worked. And it has zero hope of success. Because you can’t layer law after law after law and expect people to keep the law. Human history proves that.
Circumstances, laws, money, and policies don’t change you.
You only change when your heart of hearts changes. And it can only change when you let the one who created your heart be your guiding Light.
Every day you’re closer to the time when you won’t have the freedom to choose anymore. And this isn’t like a marketing ploy of scarcity. It’s a fact. You’re gonna reach the end of your days, here on Earth. And then you’ll be somewhere else. That location depends on whether you ask for forgiveness or not. But, remember, you can’t try to get forgiveness without repentance.
After all, if you’re not sorry for hurting yourself and others, why should anyone else be sorry for you?
Think about what I’ve shared with you as you walk your dog today. Or as you sit in your favorite sidewalk café enjoying your favorite treat. Or even as you’re shopping at the local farmer’s market. Whatever you might be doing today, it might be the last day you’ll be doing it. Our friends’ story is an example of how quickly everything can change. So, that’s why I said this in a song…
Give Me The LightWell, the light shines, and it’s coming from above.
I can’t ignore it because I know deep down it’s Love,
And it shows me that the time is close at hand,
And I’m beginning to think I might just understand.
I’ve waited so long for the perfect time and place,
And made a whole lot of mistakes I can’t erase.
Destined to live in darkness I supposed,
But you can’t see the Light when your eyes are closed.
So gimme the Light oh give me the Light of Your Love.
Gimme the Light. I wanna see how good it can be.
Gimme the Light oh give me the Light of Your Love.
And gimme the Light that truly sets this blind man free.
Well, I daydream, and I do my best to fly,
But something holds me; it doesn’t matter how I try.
Oh, but someday, when You say the time is right,
I know I’ll fly up and live forever in Your light.
repeat bridge & chorus…inst…repeat chorus twice
© 1984-1998 Tony Funderburk
Stay tuned,
Enjoying my radically rational Rhyme and Reason world? Then, follow the links to even more rooms and regions.
Buy books and music from me:
- (https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B008R08LUG/allbooks)
- https://www.TonyFunderburk.com/author
- https://www.TonyFunderburk.com/singer-songwriter
Or tell those you care about to jump on the Rhyme and Reason Bandwagon: https://www.TonyFunderburk.com OR Subscribe to the Rhyme and Reason Podcast: https://www.TonyFunderburk.com/rhyme-and-reason-podcast
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I don’t fly the unfriendly skies anymore. Because I don’t wanna be stuck in an unsanitary tube, soaring through the air at 35000 feet up, with a passenger list that includes people who hate each other and God.
But, hey, that’s probably just me.
Anyway…
Here’s why I bring up my aversion to airline travel (the same is true for just about any mass transit).
Whatever happens in this world is temporary. When you know you’re gonna live forever with the one, true, living, loving Creator of heaven and earth, you should be able to trust Him and be of good cheer. One day you’ll leave this world full of hardships and filthiness and live forever in a real paradise. And it won’t be some Hollywood, make-believe, physics-defying world of mystical magic. It’ll be a real place with real human beings and real surroundings.
And most importantly, the real God.
Wait. You ARE going. Right?
Please tell me your name is already on the passenger list?Because your ticket has already been paid for and all you gotta do is sign your name, so to speak. Yeah, you definitely need to confirm you wanna make the trip. And all it takes is humility. If you wanna know more about it, I’ll be glad to share whatever I can to help. Because I’d sure like to see you, one day, in that…
Real ParadiseI don’t believe
In magic…hocus pocus.
I do believe
My treasure’s where I focus.
Jesus, Redeemer, Creator of Heaven
Tells every dear Christian who dies…
We will be with him forever and ever.
Now I call that real paradise.
You can receive
A blessing you can’t pay for.
What would you waste
Another single day for?
Jesus, the Savior, and Great Overcomer
Will love you and open your eyes.
There is no sin that His blood will not cover.
Now, I call that real paradise.
Instrumental…
I love the way His promise won’t forsake me.
And there’s no end to where His Grace will take me.
Jesus, the Lamb, without spot without blemish,
The Truth who the world still denies.
The world is against me, but Jesus is for me.
Now I call that real paradise.
© 2001-2009
Stay tuned,
Enjoying my radically rational Rhyme and Reason world? Then, follow the links to even more rooms and regions.
Buy books and music from me:
- (https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B008R08LUG/allbooks)
- https://www.TonyFunderburk.com/author
- https://www.TonyFunderburk.com/singer-songwriter
Or tell those you care about to jump on the Rhyme and Reason Bandwagon: https://www.TonyFunderburk.com OR Subscribe to the Rhyme and Reason Podcast: https://www.TonyFunderburk.com/rhyme-and-reason-podcast
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This dreadful message is dark. Too dark for the front page news and prime time. So, you won’t see or hear it unless you tune into channels where people share the truth even when it’s unpopular. I’ve shared that kind of truth for decades. And I haven’t enjoyed even one day of it. Not even before I lost most of my “friends” because I dared to speak up this way.
Thankfully, these days, I can create my own front page news.Of course, my humble publication is far from a worldwide phenomenon. But it CAN be seen and heard worldwide. At least for now. And I can see, with the help of analytics software, that my posts and podcast episodes are seen and heard by a lot of people in parts of the world I’ll never visit.
And here’s the reason I bring it up. Because, after almost 60 years, there’s still a killing spree going on right here in America (and around the world), and the vast majority of human beings couldn’t care less.
If someone took a so-called “assault weapon” into crowded areas and killed over 1000 people a day, don’t you think they’d be front page news? They’d be top story on every TV “news” channel. And their face would be plastered on every media around the world. Especially if the “news” organization could spin the story into some sort of white and right wing connection.
Of course, if someone could kill that many innocent bystanders, their evil face SHOULD be known to all.
But that sort of killing spree DOES take place every day here in America.And only “right-wing extremists” like me seem to be willing to tell the story.
But I gotta tell you something about me. I Hate, with a capital H, to tell this story. Because it exposes the awful truth about my country. And I love America. But America has gone the way of every other powerful nation or empire in history. We’re no longer the bright, beacon of hope to a wayward world.
I wrote a song about this back in 2002. It’s not an upbeat song. It’s not an anthem. And it’s not a song that’ll ever get any “airplay” or streaming time. But I wanted to write a song about this dark side of our culture in a way that maybe gave the story some humanity. You can let me know if you think it does that.
Side note: the song mentions 40 years. Sadly, another 20 years has been added. Wouldn’t it be awesome to wake up to this front page news, tomorrow? “Legalized Abortion Abolished”
Killin’ SpreeWay down along the river,
Beneath a willow tree,
An awful sight in the damp twilight,
They found the boy named Lee.
His mother can’t believe it.
His father can’t be found.
There’s his battered face, and his dying place
On that muddy Georgia ground.
Been forty years in this killin’ spree…
It’ll lead to ruin…the undoin’ of you and me.
If it weren’t for Jesus, Grace, and Mercy,
We’d all be found guilty…in this killin’ spree!
Inside a broken promise
There lives a shattered dream.
A young girl stands with cradled hands.
Her tears become a stream.
With no one there beside her
She walks in through the door.
She cannot smile or reconcile
Why her heart can feel no more.
chorus
Where we gonna go?
What we gonna do?
And who can we depend on?
Can you tell me who?
Random thoughts and deeds…
And random source of life…
Random is the bride we take
Who becomes a cheating wife.
© 2002
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Before I get into what a mess you are, let me first say Happy Super Tuesday. I have no clue what that means. But apparently there’s some holiday being celebrated, and that’s what they call it. Now, where was I? Oh yeah. You’re a mess. I know you are. Beyond a shadow of a doubt. And I know it because it’s a human condition. Bad choices. And a strong tendency toward selfishness. Trouble is, there’s no cure for it. Because, as a whole, humans don’t learn from their mistakes. We don’t know our history. So, we’re probably doomed to repeat it.
So, here are 3 ways I know this beyond a shadow of a doubt.1. Truth: Control freaks cast shadows on the truth. Truth is their mortal enemy. So they have to pound out lies, with consistent 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 all you need to do to twist a lie into the truth is tell one that’s “big enough and keep repeating it, people will eventually become to believe it.” Of course, that happens all around you, everywhere, every day. All you gotta do is pay attention.
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 their own minds,” 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? So, let’s don’t think about that. Let’s go shopping.
3. Property: Once people realized they could vote the money away from the wealthy and into their own pockets, then the proverbial (and political) genie was out of the bottle. So, politicians run for office (and win) using promises based on redistribution of wealth. It’s not just wrong. It’s evil. Because 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. Ok, where do we sign up?
Well, here’s what I think about it. Beyond a shadow of a doubt…
Nothin’s Sacred AnymoreTake the truth and lock it up, and throw away the key
Winds of change are blowing foul; a dance with destiny
Blur the face of love and sex and say it’s all OK
Tell the child it’s just a choice and melt her soul away
Nothin’s sacred anymore.
Can’t we learn from mistakes when they cut to the core.
Nothin’s sacred anymore.
And should we be surprised since we’ve opened that dark, wide door?
Nothin’s sacred anymore.
Cast your vote for social growth and then say yes to law
Keep the peace, divide the wealth; the vision Adolph saw
Hedge the bets and ride the fence; the middle road’s secure
Then one day you’re head to head with all you must endure
Nothin’s sacred anymore.
Can’t we learn from mistakes when they cut to the core.
Nothin’s sacred anymore.
And should we be surprised since we’ve opened that dark, wide door?
Nothin’s sacred anymore.
More! More space and time. More would be sublime.
Someone else can pay long as I get mine today.
Ain’t nothin’ sacred anymore.
© 2002
(lyrics and song found in one of my songbook journals on Amazon)
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Who wants to listen to (much less, sing) a bunch of old songs with a bunch of thee’s, thy’s, and thou’s? I mean, not only is that stuff not cool, it just sounds weird. Yeah, the old hymns lyrics say stuff that nobody even understands anymore. Right?
Well, old hymns lyrics might be hard to understand. But not impossible.Most of the old hymns lyrics talk about a living, loving Father who shows compassion to all who ask for it. As this example from the song, Great Is Thy Faithfulness, shows. It’s the second verse in most hymnals (and, yes, I know that’s an uncool thing to talk about, too). Here’s the verse:
Summer and winter and springtime and harvest,
Sun, moon and stars in their courses above
Join with all nature in manifold witness
To Thy great faithfulness, mercy and love.
Those lyrics simply show how the almost endless, observable forces of nature and the universe show God’s mercy and love.
And the first verse of the song expresses the hope you can have for each new morning. The hope which can only come from this God. He provides, and has always provided, everything you need.
Great is Thy faithfulness, O God my Father;
There is no shadow of turning with Thee;
Thou changest not, Thy compassions, they fail not;
As Thou hast been, Thou forever will be.
Sure, there are a lot of those TH words.That’s what I call ’em. Thy, thee, thou, thine. But you can basically just change them all to some form of you or your. And then the meaning is clear.
Side note: when those lyrics say “thou changest not,” they allude to God’s nature. He’s always been, is now, and always will be good, living, loving, personal, and relational. But He has also changed over the course of time. A LOT. And all for your sake. And mine.
Your Creator has made an everlasting pardon for your many terrible mistakes available to anyone who asks Him. Anyone who asks with genuine repentance that is. And when you do, you’ll receive the peace that endures forever. Because you’ll receive the Spirit of everlasting Life from Jesus. That message comes through in another verse from the song:
Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth
Thine own dear presence to cheer and to guide;
Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow,
Blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside!
Remember this…God doesn’t give you a spirit of fear. He gave you a “spirit of power, and of love, and of a sound mind“. If you’re not experiencing the strength and hope for a bright tomorrow, it’s most likely because you’re still depending on yourself or your things or something worse. My recommendation is that you don’t have faith in YOUR faith. Have faith in His. As the old hymn’s lyrics say:
Great is Thy faithfulness!
Great is Thy faithfulness!
Morning by morning new mercies I see.
All I have needed Thy hand hath provided;
Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me!
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I think about what she said, more often, these days.
I’m talkin’ about what my Grandmother said, as I sat on her front porch snapping green beans with her. It was during a couple of years when my brother and I lived with our Dad’s parents while he worked on setting up a new home life.
Dad and Mom divorced when I was about four and my brother was two and a half. Since he was given custody of us, he asked our Grandparents to take care of us, most of the time, so he could find another wife and someone who could be the “mother figure” in our lives. This was, of course, before feminism ruined so many households. But that’s another topic for another time.
Anyway…
Back to what my Grandmother said.
And I don’t think enough old people tell young people this stuff these days.I remember it like it was yesterday. Despite the fact that it was decades ago. Grandmother sat on her porch chair, the metal clamshell style, with a large enameled metal bowl, full of green beans from their back yard garden, in her lap. I sat in the other chair with a smaller bowl in my lap. And we snapped green beans. And she talked while I listened.
“Enjoy this peaceful, wonderful day, and don’t take it for granted,” she said. “Because, one of these days, you might be my age and most of, or all of, the people you love will be gone for good.”
I remember thinking to myself, “Why do old people talk this way?” Of course, being a pre-schooler, I couldn’t have seen how Grandmother was speaking from experience. I was too young to grasp the depth of her advice. But, even a young age, I had enough respect for my elders to listen and pay attention.
And for some reason, I enjoyed snapping green beans.
Now, let’s fast forward to THESE days.
I’m about 10 years older than Grandmother was when she gave me that advice. And as of 2021, the fullness of her prediction came true. All those people I loved, except for my brother, are gone for good. In February, it’ll be three years ago already that Mom was the last to go.
They’re all gone.But I’m one of the fortunate ones in this world. Because I have the hope of seeing them again. Because my Grandparents AND my parents believed in and trusted Jesus.
I know. At first you thought I was just gonna share a little of my good ol’ Americana story. But then I had to go and spoil it all by saying something about Jesus. (side note: for some reason Frank and Nancy Sinatra popped into my mind)
But here’s the thing.
I would never have any nostalgic stories to share if it wasn’t for Jesus. And neither would you for that matter. Because He created us. For crying out loud, without a Manufacturer, there are NO manufactured goods. Without a Designer, there’s no design. Without a Creator, there’s no creation. You get the idea. Right?
The image of sitting on the porch with my Grandmother came into my head after I read about a Christian brother whose wife died a couple of days ago. And this has recently happened with a couple of my other friends, too. Fortunately, each of them has the hope of seeing their wives again. And that hope is because of their faith in Jesus.
If you’re reading this without that kind of hope, I hope that changes for you very soon.
Because these days the end of this world is closer than you’ve ever known.You don’t know, for certain, you’ll even make it to lunch. And without the hope of life after death, that uncertainty will only lead to torment. And even though most people in the world ignore the solution to that problem, it’s so easy to avoid. But the solution requires humility. The kind of humility that selfish people don’t wanna think about.
Humility that says there IS a God of creation, you’re NOT Him, and He IS the source of faith, hope, and love.
Most people who read what I write or listen to what I say already know this. But if you just happened to land on my website, or someone else sent you this message, maybe you need to hear that your problems DO have a solution. And if it makes sense and you want the problems solved, don’t put it off. Remember…
“Enjoy this peaceful, wonderful day, and don’t take it for granted. Because, one of these days, you might be my age and most of, or all of, the people you love will be gone for good.”
There’s no difference when going first to last.
Lord we need you like generations passed.
Give us strength for this life.
And help us always focus our gaze,
With our eyes on the Prize, because these…
Are the Bible days.
(from the song of the same name)
By the way I can always use your support to help me keep the nearly 3000 posts I’ve shared on my website available to the world that needs to see and hear about the one, true, living, loving God of creation. So, see if one of my books suits your fancy. Get one for yourself or for someone you love. Here’s a link to check ‘em out:
(https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B008R08LUG/allbooks)
Stay tuned,
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I can hardly believe it’s already been almost 4 years. But the calendar doesn’t lie. And the metadata in the documents I saved doesn’t either. Yeah, almost 4 years since I produced rough cuts to several new songs. And I have a couple of main reasons why I call them “rough cuts.” One of those songs is called “I Can Do.” And, yes, it’s one of the many songs I’ve written where I swim upstream against current trends. But so be it.
It’s part of my job description to swim upstream against the trends of the world.And, no, I don’t get some sort of surreptitious pleasure from going against the grain. In fact, I wish my worldview and songwriting style were more the norm. But that ain’t gonna happen. So I know those opportunities I passed up on, back in the day, for recording deals, are the only ones I’ll ever have.
But I know the One who created me, AND made sure I can live forever, is much more pleased with my choice. And He said the world hated Him before it ever hated me. So, I’m in the best of company.
Anyway…
Back to those songs. There are seven of them. So far. And I have a deep and abiding desire to produce them from rough cuts to smooth. But, to my constant consternation, for six years, respiratory issues have kept me from accomplishing that goal. And my wife and I have moved to two entirely different parts of the country to hopefully help alleviate those issues.
Right now I’m gaining some cautious optimism that maybe I’m making some progress (Your prayers are desired and appreciated). And I hope I can do some recording, soon, and make some tracks. Sadly I’ve had that hope dashed against the rocks a few times in the past six years. But the thing about real hope is, it springs eternal.
So, that being said, here’s a snippet of lyrics from a little song in B flat called…
I Can DoOutside the lines the grass is greener.
But that will not change my demeanor.
Because my life runs like a river.
I’ll take what all my days deliver.
I know the morning sun will shine,
And so, I’ll draw another line.
I’ll keep a box of all my most important things
Inside my heart where they can be
A constant song of joy to me.
I love the sound of optimism when it sings.
I can do…what I need to. I know it’s so, so I can do!
The rest is reserved for when I fully produce this song and the others. Until then, you can dive into lots of my other songs, AND all kinds of books, when you click or tap this link:
(https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B008R08LUG/allbooks)
Stay tuned,
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Do you have siblings? If so, did you ever get into arguments with them when you were kids? No, who does that, right? Seriously, if you have a brother or sister (or a bunch of them like Elgielene does), you most likely had at least a disagreement or three. And you might remember answering the “why” question with the most profound reply of all. Just because, that’s why.
Am I right?
Especially if you were the older sibling. After all, everyone knows the younger siblings are always the most annoying. With their why questions. And their why not questions. And there constant breathing in and out. You older or oldest siblings know what I’m talking about.
“Just because” worked most of the time.At least until those pesky varmints gained a little more vocabulary. Ah, the good ol’ days.
But I didn’t bring up the just because stuff to wax sentimental about bygone days of youth. I’ve got something else on my mind right now. Love.
Now, before you so-called manly men mutter something ridiculous under your breath, this ain’t about the gushy, mushy love stuff. In fact, I’m not even gonna bring up the opposite sex, except to tell you I’m not gonna bring ’em up.
Nope.
It’s more important than that. And it’s the only reason you and I have even a remote ability or opportunity to get or give love. And no matter how manly or aloof you think you are, you need that intangible, most profound emotion of them all. At least if you wanna have a life with depth and meaning.
Of course, I’m talking about how and why love even exists in this messed up world. Ironically, atheists and evolutionists would say it’s “just because.” Or some form of that, since they believe we’re all here by chance. By millions of years worth of random mutations, that began in a chaotic explosion. And that eventually led to all the complex design you can clearly see all around you.
Nope.
We’re all here because of God’s love. And because He gave us the ability to love (or hate) with our own free will. That’s why I wrote a song to acknowledge why I would express love to the unseen God of creation. I’ve shared it, and the lyrics before. But in this time of such a hate-filled world, I’m sharing it again.
Because I CAN LoveWhat made You think
That I was worth the risk You took?
What made You take the time
To write Your Holy Book?
I don’t believe I’d give myself a second look,
But You did because You love.
You made a world
That was as perfect as could be,
But then I broke it
When You gave it all to me…
By going through the gate You made to set me free.
This You did because You love…me.
Because You love me so…in spite of all You know…
Because You did the most that You could ever do…
Because I clearly see…evidence of You in me…
Because I can love…I do love…You!
You put a life
And a will inside my soul.
You knew true love
Would be to give me full control.
But knowing You is all that ever makes me whole.
I trust You because You love…me.
I can live because You live!
I can love because You love!
© 2010
Be sure to get your copy of Because I CAN Love AND a dozen more songs in a single download.
Stay tuned,
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Your safe place isn’t. Because there’s no safe place on Earth. Sure, there ARE places that, on a certain level, are safer than others. That’s just when it comes to the most violent and in-your-face crimes. But there’s nowhere on … Read the rest
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I certainly appreciate the most important things in life. I’m sure you can relate. Great computer, phone, and tablet. Several devices to watch videos and stream content. Internet access to a world so vast I’ll never see or hear it … Read the rest
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It makes me mad how some people feel a deep-down, dastardly need to rule over others. Yeah, for them, rule number one is “Do unto others before they can do unto you.” But that rule number one only lasts a … Read the rest
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It’s summer time. And no doubt you’ve been in the garden yourself, or you know someone who has. Or you’ve been to someplace to get some of the good stuff that comes out of a garden. Right? And I can … Read the rest
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Here’s a tough one, even for Christians. God is not currently in charge of this world. And again, Jesus tells us that. Three times! He WILL rule this world one day. But He currently does NOT rule. And the evidence … Read the rest
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It’s mostly just social media noise. And not actual conversation. Oh sure, I suppose if you grew up in a home where everyone yelled at each other at the same time, and called it conversation, social media seems just fine … Read the rest
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It was fifteen years ago, next month, that some friends of mine attempted to put together and display the largest protest sign ever. The event took place in Golden, Colorado (near Denver) to send a message to the Democratic National … Read the rest
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Update: The CD version of Do Right is currently unavailable. But you can still get the digital download at this link: https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=ZX3MBTG37Q9WA Do you know a kid with a vivid imagination? That’s kind of a loaded question. Because basically ALL … Read the rest
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Imagination can be an awesome and powerful force. But it can be used for good OR evil. So, it can also be a hypocritical and destructive force. You can imagine yourself flying, on your own power, over the clouds and … Read the rest
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Neil Patel, a marketing guy who shares a lot of how-to videos, has a website to help you with keywords and keyphrases for your content. Those are important if you want your website to be found and pull in traffic. … Read the rest
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“We have nothing to fear but fear itself.” That’s a good line. Even though it does come from a former U.S. president who was so wrong on so many things. But back in that time in American history, even FDR … Read the rest
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When I was a kid, there was a show on TV called Hee Haw. And every weekend, through the summer, I remember the family gathered around the TV set to watch all that “cornpone” humor. It was hosted by Roy … Read the rest
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Ideas have consequences. And, naturally, that statement implies both the positive and negative. And I’m gonna share an example of bad consequences for bad ideas. This is a post I found on a social media platform where the discussion was … Read the rest
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As a part of my process into maturity, I had a lot of naive notions blown to bits. But, as I’ve said before, it was a good thing AND bad thing. Good because with more knowledge came more truth. And … Read the rest
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Remind me to tell you my thoughts on human sovereignty one of these days. I’ve got an interesting perspective on it. But that’s not what I’m sharing with you today. Something else occurred to me, today, as I saw the … Read the rest
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So, if the love of your life says he or she (and those are your only two choices) would like there to be more spontaneity in the relationship, RUN! Because that means they don’t believe in the biogenesis theory. Or, … Read the rest
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Do a Google search for “streets of San Francisco,” and you’ll probably only get results that point to the TV show from back in the 1970’s. And some of those results are links to videos of the opening credits from … Read the rest
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Why are there so many people hell-bent on the destruction and torment of other people? It’s like the world is literally filling up with slime from Satan’s cup. And you don’t even have to watch the “six o’clock news” to … Read the rest
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The digitization of so many things has not been completely advantageous. For guys like me, easy access to digital music production is great. But that same easy access takes away the obstacle of actually having to learn music in order … Read the rest
The post Digital art didn’t steal his heart appeared first on Tony Funderburk.
I first shared this song over a dozen years ago. And about eight years ago I showed how the lyrics explained more of the whole person who created you and me. I went through the words a little at a … Read the rest
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Of course, most of that influencer stuff is hype and silliness. Sure, it can definitely be done. But most hard-working business owners and entrepreneurs don’t live that life. Because they're too busy serving the needs of their customers and clients.
But I said all that so I could say this...
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I watched a couple of awful videos today. Somebody shared them on social media. More pieces of evidence that clearly show how the drugs don’t work. Well, unless the goal was to create more whacked-out freakazoids. And thieves and thugs. … Read the rest
The post The drugs don’t work. Did you see that jerk? appeared first on Tony Funderburk.
The first century Christians were committed to one another. Christians today? Not so much. Sure, there are small cliques. But, as a whole, it’s a divided faith. And splintered, sometimes, by just the meaning of a single verse. Or even … Read the rest
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Ever wonder why God made everything the way He did? If you don’t believe in God, you might as well skip past me and my writing. Because I’m gonna be wondering around creation for just a bit. And you might … Read the rest
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It’s a weird and wicked world. And all the worldly dots are connected. And I arrived at this thought due to following along some of those dots just now. One leap led me to discover what a vitriolic sphere is. … Read the rest
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I’m gonna rant and rave. And, although I can’t speak for him (especially since he’s got other things on his mind besides music, these days) I think Buddy Holly would back me up on this. If you’ve never heard of … Read the rest
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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 … Read the rest
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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 … Read the rest
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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 … Read the rest
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It’s so sad that so many people believe you can kill a little boy or girl just because of how they look or where they live. And I mean the very youngest boys and girls. The most innocent boys and … Read the rest
The post Cellular biology was designed for you and me appeared first on Tony Funderburk.
Habitual liars just make up stuff as they go along. I think we can all agree on that. Right? But what we might not agree on are the lies. Most everyone who subscribes to my blog, emails, Rhyme and Reason … Read the rest
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When I led the praise and worship music, at a church in the greater Denver area, I made sure to include old hymns. Because so many of those “old songs” have such meaningful depth. And one of them has remained … Read the rest
The post How Great Thou Art is from the heart appeared first on Tony Funderburk.
When I was a mere lad, back in the ol’ country (America, pre-lamebrainian era), the only people who had tattoos were some servicemen and hardcore bar rats. And you just didn’t see the average Joe or Jane with that “unspeakable” … Read the rest
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This week, back in 1979, I lived and worked in Houston, Texas. My brother and I had established ourselves as one of the more popular music duos. And we had fans we could depend on to come see us as … Read the rest
The post Music duos come and go. Different views can make it so. appeared first on Tony Funderburk.
Cowboys and ranch hands ain’t the only ones who have to mend some fences once in a while. Regular guys who say the wrong thing (yes, it happens) need a good way to do that with their wives or girlfriends, … Read the rest
The post Mend some fences and come to your senses appeared first on Tony Funderburk.
Tomorrow is not the time to start something new. Because tomorrow is a concept. Because humans need that concept to help us understand the flowing of time. And even though it helps to include tomorrow in your understanding of time, … Read the rest
The post Start something new. Not tomorrow. That won’t do. appeared first on Tony Funderburk.
So, grass fed beef, chicken, pork, etc. is better for you. Agreed? Whether you do or not, why would anyone make that claim? And what kind of proof does anyone have that it’s true? Well, there’s a ton of grass … Read the rest
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It’s a mean world. Every day you see and experience the cold, hard truth in this world. Whether you like it or not. And whether you prefer to think positive or be negative. Doesn’t matter if you’re a glass-is-half-full person … Read the rest
The post New normal is crazy so we can’t be lazy appeared first on Tony Funderburk.
Just about everybody has a bedtime routine. It makes sense. Because humans are creatures of habit. Like brushing your teeth and changing into pajamas. Those activities just become something you do without having to put a lot of thought and … Read the rest
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Bob Dylan said it. So, it must be true right? He talked about how you gotta serve somebody. In fact, in one of his songs, he sang “you’re gonna have to serve somebody” quite a few times. So, he must … Read the rest
The post Gotta serve somebody. Oh the nerve of somebody appeared first on Tony Funderburk.
“They” called him the “Chairman of the Board.” How he got the title depends on who you ask. But there’s no denying that Frank Sinatra liked being in charge. And I was never a fan even though he sang a … Read the rest
The post Lost love, the chairman, and something in the air, man appeared first on Tony Funderburk.
🎶 People get ready. There’s a train a-coming. You don’t need no baggage. You just get on board. All you need is faith to hear the diesels humming. Don’t need no ticket. You just thank the Lord. 🎶 Yeah, those are lyrics to the old Curtis … Read the rest
The post Word power in your brain helps you on the right train 🎶 appeared first on Tony Funderburk.
Just in case you haven’t noticed, the world is full of mean people and bad stuff. Nations are at war…all the time. Political parties are in constant power struggles. Murder is consistently at epidemic levels. And man-made pandemics are all … Read the rest
The post My cup runs over through thorns and through clover appeared first on Tony Funderburk.
They say ignorance is bliss. Who are they? And why do they say that? But never mind all that right now. There’s one way ignorance will be anything but bliss. Because you won’t be able to plead ignorance when you … Read the rest
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Back in 2012, right here on TonyFunderburk dot com, I wrote about the longest daylight day of the year. Summer solstice. And I shared how it makes me ponder time. I also shared how so many people say something like, “Wow, time … Read the rest
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Generally speaking, most scientists (and the rest of us, too) believe there’s nothing faster than light. And it’s mighty difficult to imagine that not being true. Because, think about it, when you flip the switch to your kitchen light, it … Read the rest
The post Faster than light to where day becomes night appeared first on Tony Funderburk.
Sleep tight. Don’t let the bedbugs bite. Did you ever hear that when you were a kid? Or, for that matter, any other time? As it turns out, that’s not just a sweet, little thing to say to kids that … Read the rest
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Did you ever watch The Waltons? Either when it was a new show or in reruns? Either way, do you remember how the kids would run out the front door and the screen door would smack shut? That’s because those … Read the rest
The post June bugs, watermelon – It’s nostalgia I’m tellin’ appeared first on Tony Funderburk.
Paramecia don’t become parakeets. And an amoeba will never be an ambulance driver. Not in a million, trillion years. Because changes like that don’t happen. Not by accident. Not on purpose. And certainly not accidentally on purpose. Accidentally on purpose … Read the rest
The post Accidentally on purpose where bad science can’t usurp us appeared first on Tony Funderburk.
Three years ago, around this time of year, I sent a sad and happy song out into the internet. It was in response to a request for me to write a song for a young man battling cancer. A friend … Read the rest
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In 2008, I was part of a pro life group in Colorado that actively advocated for the abolition of abortion. And, believe it or not, that’s not the general consensus in the “pro life movement.” Typical pro life organizations have … Read the rest
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A fairly impressive milestone slipped by me this past week. And that’s even though I told myself to not let it slip past me. What was the milestone, you ask? Well, thanks for asking. Right here, on my humble little … Read the rest
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If you’ve been following along with me here at TonyFunderburk.com for a while, you might recall that I spent a year in Nashville. Yeah, the one in Tennessee. Elgielene and I went there, after a couple of years on the … Read the rest
The post Songwriters in the round where some new songs were found appeared first on Tony Funderburk.
I’ve mentioned before how I enjoyed superhero comic books when I was a kid. And I mentioned how I didn’t dive into them nearly as much as other guys I knew back then. And I bring it up, now, because … Read the rest
The post Hawk and dove and the perfect love appeared first on Tony Funderburk.
Life. Love. And freedom. Hope. Bread. And water. Joy. And a rock-solid promise. Yeah, I’ve definitely got something to sing about. And when I say “sing,” that’s how I cheer. Because, for me, singing is the best form of celebration. … Read the rest
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Elgielene and I were driving down the highway the other day, and we saw a small herd of longhorn cattle. And we both commented on how healthy they looked. We could tell it was at least partly because they were … Read the rest
The post Greener pastures do exist. How’s that for a twist? appeared first on Tony Funderburk.
“It’s not what you know, it’s who you know.” You’ve heard that more than once I bet. And it sure applies to Christian doctrinal differences. Because I see it more and more, with each passing year, how Christians put words … Read the rest
The post What you know that just ain’t so appeared first on Tony Funderburk.
Oh, the dreadful misery. The likes of which the world might never see again. And it’s a miracle anything or anyone survived it. Of course, I’m talking about the Dark Ages of the world of art. It was the time … Read the rest
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They sure had some silly lyrics in the hits from the 50’s. For the most part it was one innocent song of love after another. Love Is A Many-Splendored Thing – You Make Me Feel So Young – When I … Read the rest
The post Innocent song has been gone so long appeared first on Tony Funderburk.
Do you speak Psalms? And how fluent is your Hymns? Or what about Spiritualese? What’s that you say? You don’t speak any of those languages? And you don’t even believe they ARE languages. Well, I guess, technically, they aren’t languages. … Read the rest
The post Speak to me in a melody because it’s neighborly appeared first on Tony Funderburk.
Ode to Joy is a musical and spiritual alloy. Even if Ludwig didn’t mean it that way. And of course, I’m talking about Beethoven’s Symphony #9. Or at least a section of it. If you wanna give your brain a … Read the rest
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Yacht rock. Of course, I had no idea I was listening to music from that genre. And that’s mainly because it wasn’t called yacht rock at the time. Plus, to be completely transparent on this matter (as is the odd … Read the rest
The post Yacht rock, Jayhawk, and the bloomin’ hollyhock appeared first on Tony Funderburk.
Yesterday was that day. Today is that day. And tomorrow will be that day. And by “that day” I mean the day somebody was talkin’ about when they said they’d do, be, or try something. You’ve said it. I’ve said … Read the rest
The post Someday is gonna happen, so keep your fingers snappin’ appeared first on Tony Funderburk.
Even if you’re not familiar with the world of copywriting, you probably read some every day. Because copywriting is the act of using words to sell. That’s the simple definition. And a guy I’ve been following for over 30 years, … Read the rest
The post Ask yourself these questions by someone’s suggestions appeared first on Tony Funderburk.
Which is more important? More essential? And more vital to human endeavors? Peace or liberty? If you chose peace, go sit down in the back of the class and think about what you just did Mr. Man. Or Missy Miss. … Read the rest
The post Peace or liberty, if I can choose just one for me. appeared first on Tony Funderburk.
One of my biggest honors was sharing the stage, at a pro-life event in Denver, Colorado, with Alan Keyes. In case you’re not familiar with him, he’s the former ambassador to the UN under former president, Ronald Reagan. Mr. Keyes … Read the rest
The post Biggest honors come differently to some appeared first on Tony Funderburk.
Horse songs tend to have catchy rhythms. I guess it’s because of the hoofbeats. rimshot Thanks folks. I’ll be here all week. Be sure to tip your bartender and waitresses. Yes, I said waitresses. Don’t git yer stirrups all tangled … Read the rest
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It’s true. We Christians have a different perspective on life. So, we think different thoughts from the rest of the world. And that’s because we know ideas can have eternal consequences. So, we should think a different way. With a … Read the rest
The post Think different thoughts. Don’t be robots. appeared first on Tony Funderburk.
Even in this ridiculous and weird time in history, dreams come true. Not all. But enough of them that it still counts when somebody says “if you work hard, you can still achieve your dreams.” But right now you might … Read the rest
The post Dreams come true. At least they sometimes do. appeared first on Tony Funderburk.
We just watched an old Joel McCrea western last week. And that’s for one reason. Because there are no new Joel McCrea westerns. Joel moved on to that big ranch in the sky many moons ago. But that’s not actually … Read the rest
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The good ol’ American can do attitude. Remember that? If you’re only a couple of decades old (or less), you might not. But it’s what truly made America a force to be reckoned with. Because when you have a nation … Read the rest
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At some point of the year in 1990 or 91, my wife and I lived in Tulsa Time for a couple of weeks. Tulsa, Oklahoma to be exact. And that’s because I was booked in a snazzy hotel to provide … Read the rest
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I’m able to change my mind. And you read that and probably think something like, “Wow. That’s so deep, Tony.” But it IS deep. Because it means I’m not a robot. There’s no one pushing buttons making me do what … Read the rest
The post Able to change and rearrange isn’t strange appeared first on Tony Funderburk.
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 … Read the rest
The post Remember the day of sailing away appeared first on Tony Funderburk.
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 … Read the rest
The post Laughter and love is what I’m thinking of appeared first on Tony Funderburk.
Each and every time America goes through an election cycle there’s a bunch of what I call strange change. And it’s rarely, if ever, for the good. But the presidential election of 2020-2021 goes down as one of the strangest. … Read the rest
The post Hold on for the ride ’cause it’s no time to hide appeared first on Tony Funderburk.
Yeah, I’m gonna have a good day. And I don’t care who tries to stop me. Because it beats the tar, dust, and heck out of the alternative. And I’m gonna have a good day tomorrow, too. Because I want … Read the rest
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In 1989, I had been back in Colorado for about a year. And I was in my little apartment, B17 (yeah, like the old Olivia Newton-John song), listening to the cool variety of music on FM station, KBCO. Because they … Read the rest
The post Feed me, open my eyes. Feed me, conquer the lies. appeared first on Tony Funderburk.
I just read an article on Don Gibson, a songwriter from the 50’s and 60’s. And it said he sat down one hot, summer day, in 1958, and wrote two songs. “Oh Lonesome Me” and “I Can’t Stop Loving You.” … Read the rest
The post Love songs and time – how they pass is sublime appeared first on Tony Funderburk.
Journey with me, back to a time when masks weren’t required to…well…just about anything. Except maybe to rob a bank of convenience store. Back to a time when music and fire fused together for a hit song. And I didn’t … Read the rest
The post Music and fire and a love amplifier appeared first on Tony Funderburk.
Dobie Gray sang “Drift Away.” And it was a big hit for him back in 1973. I remember I liked the song, a lot, from the very first time I heard it. And I think it was Conway Twitty who … Read the rest
The post Drift away or stay forever and a day appeared first on Tony Funderburk.
They might not be household names you’ve ever heard. But if you’ve lived more than a couple of decades, you’ve probably heard them. And is it just me, or do those old Motown songs still make you wanna dance, too? … Read the rest
The post Is it just me or do you hear a symphony? appeared first on Tony Funderburk.
Just because it’s already been done doesn’t mean you can’t or shouldn’t do it. And maybe you could even do it better. “It” isn’t the same thing for everybody. But “it”, for me, is music. So, I love to hear … Read the rest
The post Already been done because it’s under the sun appeared first on Tony Funderburk.
When I was a full time road musician, I had to include country music in my repertoire so I could get more bookings. And I’ve never made it a secret that country music isn’t my favorite. But there are classics … Read the rest
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I remember a line from a movie, but I don’t remember which movie, that applies to current events. And if you remember which movie this came from, let me know, and I’ll be sure to share that update and give … Read the rest
The post Carry on and on because hope isn’t gone appeared first on Tony Funderburk.
Hey ladies and gents. Kids of all ages. It’s time to play Beat The Clock and make your mark for all time. And this is the game where the stakes are high, the prizes are free, and losers never get … Read the rest
The post Beat the clock make your mark or stay lost in the dark appeared first on Tony Funderburk.
Let’s jump into my virtual time machine and zoom back to the third quarter of the twentieth century. As the years zoom past the concave, heat resistant time machine windows, notice the fashion and hairstyle changes. And the cars starting … Read the rest
The post Sing a Psalm in high school even if it’s not cool appeared first on Tony Funderburk.
I hope you’re not rockin the boat today. Because the world has enough troublemakers without you chimin’ in. And if you don’t know what I’m talkin’ about, then you probably shouldn’t even be reading this. Because you just won’t understand. … Read the rest
The post Rockin the boat and hittin the note appeared first on Tony Funderburk.
I can sing a new song any time I feel like it. And I mean a song nobody’s ever heard before. Because I can write that new song. And I know it won’t be music set in place since before … Read the rest
The post Sing a new song and hope others sing along appeared first on Tony Funderburk.
I woke up in the middle of the night, as usual. And while I was still halfway between a dream and awake I heard my own lyrics inside my head. But not just lyrics I’ve already written. No, I also … Read the rest
The post Inside my head and this lyrical thread appeared first on Tony Funderburk.
We try our best to capture life and make time stand still. And we never succeed. No one has ever succeeded. One of the few things the Rolling Stones got right: “Time waits for no one. And it won’t wait … Read the rest
The post Capture life in tiny frames. Remember faces and maybe names. appeared first on Tony Funderburk.
I’ve got a melody in my heart Back in 1977, on one of my trips to the music store (because digital downloads weren’t invented yet) I picked up the brand new cassette from Kenny Loggins. It was his official first … Read the rest
The post The melody in my heart is my spiritual art appeared first on Tony Funderburk.
Do You Look For Life’s Magic Little Moments Life can be hectic. Sometimes even frantic for hard working people. If that describes you, I know you might tend to forget, ignore, or totally miss those magic little moments all around you. But they … Read the rest
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It’s a new day So what! Big deal. A new day comes around every twenty-four hours. So, what makes this one any more special than all the others? And why do so many people try to pump you up with … Read the rest
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Restore my soul because I broke it If you’re a Christian (and if you’re not, you should be), you probably already know how trouble is always close at hand. You can’t swing a dead cornstalk (you thought I was gonna … Read the rest
The post Restore my soul from this lump of coal appeared first on Tony Funderburk.
Live up to your own dream Because I can’t live up to your dream for you. And 99.9% of the people who read my articles or listen to my podcast know this. I’d say 100%, but nothing, here on Earth, … Read the rest
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It might’ve been Für Elise or Therese or Elizabeth As I opened up my laptop to write, just now, Für Elise started playing on my Pandora classical channel. And I love that piece of music. Of course, I don’t think … Read the rest
The post Für Elise is a masterpiece with a mysterious crease appeared first on Tony Funderburk.
Ah, there’s nothing like an uncloudy day And there’s nothing like rainy days and nights to make you appreciate an uncloudy day. Right? Of course, maybe it’s only the dreamers, poets, and songwriters who truly appreciate the ever-changing kaleidoscope floating … Read the rest
The post Uncloudy day, uncloudy sky, and a little bit of the reason why appeared first on Tony Funderburk.
Poetry in motion Back in the 80’s music took a sharp, electronic turn. Synthesizers were ubiquitous in top 40. And even drums were digitized. A lot of it was cheesy. But there were plenty of songs I enjoyed, too. One … Read the rest
The post Poetry in motion and synthesized commotion appeared first on Tony Funderburk.
Hmm…can music change your mood? Spoiler, and short answer…no. Apparently a lot of people use that search phase, can music change your mood, on Google. Because Google serves up a lot of results for the question. But it’s really simple. … Read the rest
The post Can music change your mood? Maybe, with the right attitude. appeared first on Tony Funderburk.
Morning Lullaby What? Whoever heard of a morning lullaby? And who wants to go to sleep in the morning anyway? No, it’s not actually like that at all. You know me. I get these silly notions in my head, and … Read the rest
The post Morning lullaby unless the sun gets in your eye appeared first on Tony Funderburk.
Sing along songs for little buckaroos Way back in history…all the way back to the early 2000’s…there lived a seasoned songwriter. And he wrote whole collections of sing along songs for kids. Parents from far and near would buy those … Read the rest
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Be careful…wishes might come true I talked about this about five years ago. But it’s still just as true as ever. You might be wishing for things to happen. Or not happen. And you might be wishing and hoping for … Read the rest
The post Be careful what you wish for. You might get less. You might get more. appeared first on Tony Funderburk.
An old song with a musical interlude Way, way back in my songwriting life, sometimes I’d worked on something “more than just a song.” And now, when I go through my old notebooks, I see how little I remember about … Read the rest
The post Musical interlude was renewed by the mood appeared first on Tony Funderburk.
Oh well, what can you do? When I was much younger, I wrote more songs with more questions in them. It hadn’t occurred to me before. But I was looking at some lyric files, today, and I saw that pattern … Read the rest
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Yes, music does me good. And you? Whenever I’ve gone through a rough patch in life. Anytime I’ve spent hours, days, or even weeks alone. And basically during any part of life’s up’s and down’s, music was there. And I … Read the rest
The post Music does me good when it’s playing like it should appeared first on Tony Funderburk.
Warning: Flirt Alert They used to be called philanderers. Or maybe you’ve heard ’em called a Casanova, a Don Juan, or Lothario. And more recently you might’ve heard terms like ladies’ man, playboy, or stud. Way back when, you could’ve heard: skirt-chaser, tomcat, and wolf. Whichever … Read the rest
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Analog zone of my own OK, here’s my phone. Now, let’s see. Settings: General: software update. No, not in there. OK, Settings: Wi-Fi. And it’s not in there. Where would it be? Control center? No. Accessibility? No. And it’s not … Read the rest
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Music and math – it all adds up Way back in my school choir days I remember how much I enjoyed when we started learning about music dynamics. Because dynamics give music so much more emotion and depth. And in … Read the rest
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Music is dead – yeah, right I was about to do a little research on the Wizard of Google. So, I clicked into the search bar and started typing “music is…” And before I could type anything else, Google delivered … Read the rest
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Music is communication of choice by your friendly neighborhood RhymeTender To say music is communication is a bit like saying water is wet. Of course it is! But it’s not simple yada yada communication. Because music is the way people … Read the rest
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I love the music and memory connection My friend, Brian, and I were talking about starting to sing in front of a group of people and realizing you don’t remember the first words. He told me this happened to him … Read the rest
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Talk about a very good feeling Imagine yourself in God’s shoes for a minute. Back at the time of creation. Those very first six days when He created Heaven and Earth. And everything in them. You’re looking down at it … Read the rest
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Heart throb of the 80s Yeah, I played music for a living back in the 80’s. A bit before that, and a long time after that, too. But those 80’s were a ton of fun. Straight ahead beats. Bright colors … Read the rest
The post Heart Throb of the 80s – a song about the ladies appeared first on Tony Funderburk.
Is positive reinforcement always positive? Earlier today we were out running errands. And at a traffic light we saw a lady and her dog stop to wait for the green. She looked down at the cute little dude, and he … Read the rest
The post Positive reinforcement with a musical endorsement appeared first on Tony Funderburk.
I captured some moments in time I’ve mentioned before how I spent a year of prolific songwriting in Nashville. It was back in 1992-93. And I was under the mistaken impression that record companies were always looking for something new. … Read the rest
The post Moments in time and a song and a rhyme appeared first on Tony Funderburk.
Who’s singing songs of love? Most recording artists aren’t singing songs of love anymore. Because most of them don’t even know what true love is anymore. And that’s sad. But not surprising. After all…where in the world can they learn … Read the rest
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Someday One Day Today is a mighty big day here in the FunderBungalow. Elgielene and I celebrate 30 years of marriage. Yes, to each other. I know some of my knucklehead friends who’d scarcely miss a chance to take a … Read the rest
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A twist on love and reason Here we are about to finish up the first week of February in 2020. And all you gotta do is go to the grocery store and you’ll know what the next “holiday” is. Yeah, … Read the rest
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The thrills are alive with the Sound of Music You might recall (then again you might not because it was a long time ago.) back in 1965 there was a movie musical called “The Sound of Music.” It starred Julie … Read the rest
The post Sound of music just because our God loves us. Yes, he does. appeared first on Tony Funderburk.
A sleepy-eyed bon fide wee hours wanderer At 2:45 this morning I bumbled out of bed, as I do most every morning, and made my way into the kitchen. An issue I’ve been dealing with, for the past couple of … Read the rest
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Another hit from the extraordinary playlist in life Right at this minute I can’t think of where I saw it. But recently, somewhere on my computer, or my tablet, or my phone, an ad popped up at the top. It … Read the rest
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Once there was a Satellite song… I’m a bit vague on what the news story was. After all, it was 30 years ago. But I remember something in the news on TV about something in space. And I had been … Read the rest
The post Satellite song and I didn’t sing it wrong appeared first on Tony Funderburk.
Mi Amiga – a song about a very special friend If you’ve been following along on your game boards at home, you might have noticed I’ve shared some song stories. And here’s another one. It’s about a song I wrote … Read the rest
The post Mi Amiga – donde esta mi amiga appeared first on Tony Funderburk.
Wielding my poetic power again The underlying theme to everything I do, here in the TonyFunderburk.com galaxy, is Rhyme and Reason. To put it simply, I like to use my poetic power to share logic and reason. For life. Love. … Read the rest
The post Poetic power in a song and who will sing along appeared first on Tony Funderburk.
What’s the “it” in “Keep It On Hold” I’m not really a “country” singer/songwriter. But back in 1992-93, I played one on TV. Well, not TV. But I sort of played one on stages. In Nashville. For what they called … Read the rest
The post Keep it on hold or go out and be bold appeared first on Tony Funderburk.
Be glad you don’t get what you give Do you believe in time going on forever and ever? I do. And I’m a firm believer in the Creator of Heaven and Earth and everything else in the universe. Because without … Read the rest
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Awards shows matter, if… You like dumb chatter? Really? And you seriously don’t mind watching a bunch of fantasy fanatics telling you what’s really important? If you can answer “yes” to questions like that, then I guess awards shows matter … Read the rest
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Make music not war I’m a singer songwriter. So I make music, not war. But I don’t use that slogan to justify ignoring humans doing wicked things to each other. You don’t have to agree with me. And the vast … Read the rest
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The majestic young mountains of Venus Evolutionists believe their theory just falls into place. Literally. And they have a term for that falling: gravitational accretion. But their theory falls apart from the high, rocky slopes of the Mountains of Venus. … Read the rest
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What do love and the afterlife have in common? Most people believe they “go somewhere better”when they die. And I hope they do. But if you’re like most people, do you also believe you go somewhere better because you’ve been … Read the rest
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Timelessness of Eternity Every day holds so many opportunities to witness silliness. Humans seem to have an almost infinite supply of it. And we dream up such empty notions. Just so we won’t have to go where truth and evidence … Read the rest
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Do you have the bond of perfection? If you have millions or billions of dollars, but you don’t love your neighbor as yourself, you have nothing. And if you give to charities, but you don’t care about who receives or … Read the rest
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I’ve been marching to a different drum Christmas morning. 1967. And there it was. A large gift-wrapped box with MY name on it. When I picked it up, it felt kinda heavy, and it made an odd sort of rattling … Read the rest
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This is just for Christian songwriters So, everybody else just go about your business. Nothing to see or hear here. (Are they gone, yet?) OK, I’ve got some encouragement, admonition, and even merch for Christian songwriters. Especially the ones living … Read the rest
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Sharing a new tune and thankfulness on this episode of Rhyme and Reason I love when I first finish a new tune. There’s something magical and rewarding about being able to listen to a recording of what used to only … Read the rest
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I pray I sing with the understanding What am I talking about? The understanding of what I’m singing about. And making sure my message is understandable. When I sing with the understanding that no one wants to listen to garbled … Read the rest
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Jesus is the one way I see social media posts and internet articles talking about the forgiving nature of God. And His immense love. Of course, God forgives and loves. Certainly He does. But, unlike most Christians will tell you, … Read the rest
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The Actual Attributes of God If you do an online search for the attributes of God, you’re liable to find what one pastor calls the “omni’s and the im’s”. You’ve probably heard of them…omnipresent, omniscient, omnipotent…immutable and impassible. Those are … Read the rest
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“From my mother’s womb you have been my God” Several years ago, when I was still the praise and worship music guy for a small Denver area church, our pastor preached a series of sermons from the Psalms. And they … Read the rest
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Law Breaking and Danger Making Rhyme and Reason #306 I’m talking about law breaking in this episode of Rhyme and Reason. Actually I talk about a law you can’t break. Even if you try real hard. And I’m talking about … Read the rest
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A story to tell This episode of Rhyme and Reason has a story to tell. Well, actually two stories within a story. They both come from articles I wrote quite a while back. Anyway, it’ll all make sense when you … Read the rest
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A little story about lip syncing Quite a few years ago, I was playing music in a local club in the Denver metro area. There was a nice crowd, and for the most part, they seemed to be diggin’ up … Read the rest
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The best ever carburetor upgrade In 1989 my little Toyota pickup was only 10 years old. Little did I know I’d be driving it another 30 years beyond that. (including up to this very day) And even though the tough … Read the rest
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Which one do you prefer? I’m gonna share the lyrics to two of my songs. You can also hear them in the podcast. And I’d like your feedback. Which one do you prefer? You can either comment, below, or send … Read the rest
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Humans Require Jazzy Love I enjoy jazz. Not all of it. But then again, I don’t enjoy ALL of any kind of music. And there are plenty of kinds of music I don’t enjoy any of. (ended with a preposition … Read the rest
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Love Birds Songs I love birds. Always have. And love birds songs. Love those, too. All the beautiful colors, the rustling of the wings, and certainly their ability to fly. Wow! Birds are amazing, sparkling creatures. God makes cool stuff. … Read the rest
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A Christian Christmas song or a hoodie? Get both! It’s the middle of November 2018 as I write this, so you know what that means…right? Yeah, Christmas! At least, if you’re tuned in to retail shopping, advertising, and just about … Read the rest
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Three is a magic number. Well, not really, but… It’s more than ironic how many people, who don’t even believe in the God of the Christian faith, believe three is a magic number. It’s a wonderful number. But hardly magic. … Read the rest
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Music and Arts When you put a forward slash between numbers, they can become a fraction. For example: 3/4. But the language I love the most makes different use of that arrangement of numbers. In music and arts composition, 3/4 … Read the rest
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Crazy mama is so mean. Don’t understand her routine If you live in Florida (or several other states in America), you might be familiar with Bahama Breeze. It’s an island-themed restaurant with live island music. They used to have a … Read the rest
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We win when we choose the right team Back in 2009 I was in the middle of my three years as a music leader for a small Denver area church. It was (and is) a church with a strong, abolitionist, … Read the rest
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I might be right. Hey, I’ve been right before. Any time you and I disagree on something, there’s the possibility (even if it’s only a tiny one) I might be right. At least from our limited human perspectives that’s true. … Read the rest
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Drifting sands are rhythm in my hands This morning, like too many mornings this year, I woke up before getting enough sleep. And I’m dealing with some issues that restful, recuperative sleep would help. So, of course, I decided to … Read the rest
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Drawn to You – the story behind the song In late 1986 I wrote the lyrics to a song about a girl I hoped to meet. I called it “Drawn to You”. After working and reworking the music a few … Read the rest
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Jeremiah Thomas – abolitionist, fighter, teenager As far as I can tell, Jeremiah Thomas is about 16 as I write and record this. During those few years, he has been a courageous voice for unborn children. He has understood that … Read the rest
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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, … Read the rest
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Sunday Morning Hymn I invite you to sing along with this old Sunday morning hymn…with an “up” beat. This is my Father’s world, and to my listening ears all nature sings, and round me rings the music of the spheres. … Read the rest
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It’s important to know why you are here Life can challenge you more than you’re prepared for so many times. And it can be easy to give up hope…if you don’t have a firm foundation and an eternal perspective. In … Read the rest
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In this episode of The Truth in Words and Music Podcast” I talked about bad stuff and who’s doing it, getting up early and the best way to start, Psalm 23, and biomarkers. You can go back and read the articles … Read the rest
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This week, on the Truth in Words and Music Podcast, I talked about tithing, condemning, mending broken hearts, and understanding women. Now that’s a combination of topics you shouldn’t miss…right? It may not all tie together with a nice Christmas … Read the rest
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This week, on the Truth in Words and Music Podcast, I talked about hope, trust, rejoicing, good deeds, and God’s hearing. I shared lyrics to one of my old songs, and when you tune into this podcast episode, you can … Read the rest
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In this episode, Tony talks about dark days, indecision, pot, how the wind blows and a baby grows, and even colorblindness. And yet…it’s all positive and upbeat. Seriously. Stay tuned, P.S. Your support for my Words and Music means the world … Read the rest
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Episode 129 of THE Truth in Words and Music Podcast is ready to listen to. Tony talks about hypocritical love, being true to yourself, giving your all to God, and what to do when you’re feeling down and out. If … Read the rest
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Your life is important. Your life is valuable. Your life matters. And those are reasons why you shouldn’t wish your life away. Are you doing that? Well, ask yourself if you wish everything was different. Ask yourself if you wish … Read the rest
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Do you look at the world and wish for better things? I hope so because the world is hurting in a big (and eternal) way. But guess what? It’s nothing new. This world has been a place of hurting for … Read the rest
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Do you feel like this world is getting darker and darker? I sure do. In fact, I see evidence of it all around. Skulls and crossbones on cars and clothing and even cake. Vulgar, profane, useless language fills the air…I … Read the rest
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I’ll let you in on a little secret. Don’t tell anyone else. It’s just between you and me. OK? Good. The secret is…I haven’t been playing music with all my might for the past few years. I used to practically … Read the rest
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It isn’t always easy to do the right thing”is it? And it certainly isn’t always easy to know the right way to go. Life is full of choices. And, if you’re like me, there are times you don’t make good … Read the rest
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Ahh…citrus, music, sunshine, sparkling water…it’s refreshing just to say the words. Or in this case, write the words. (I said ’em out loud, too, so I could see how they sound) Do you love the scents of lemon, lime, orange, … Read the rest
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I’m inserting a podcast player so you can play some music for grownups. I call it that because I’ve spent a great deal of my time for the past few years writing music for kids, ebooks for kids, and even … Read the rest
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What’s this obsession with the dark side of music? I remember when I was growing up how music was so much about fun and storytelling and sharing reasons to be glad to be alive. Now, there’s just so much darkness … Read the rest
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If you can see a Green Monkey in the video below, you either had too much lime Kool-Aid, or you’re tuned into my wacky imagination and music. A few years back I had CD’s of my personalized music for kids … Read the rest
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I’m a writer-singer-illustrator…writing for kids …and it’s true. That’s who I am and what I do. (sometimes adults, too) But through my years online I’ve created several identities for myself. I now believe it was all sort of gently nudging … Read the rest
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This singer songwriter describes music as an aural expression of life. Tightly woven into my life, God gave me this great and constantly compelling gift of music. It’s been my constant companion even through the years when I had no … Read the rest
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A Wedding Song Here’s a wedding song I wrote to help promote a video service: Controlled Burn Media. The name of the tune is called “Here We Are”, and it’s designed for weddings. If you need or want a wedding … Read the rest
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