Articles that reference the book of John: Recent Episodes
Tony Funderburk
A train can’t make turns at the next intersection the way your car or pickup can. They have to follow the tracks. But even trains can go just about anywhere. Because there isn’t just one set of tracks.
But they don’t get to follow the tracks in more than one direction at a time.Not only is it impossible, it’s a misguided idea to even try.
So, what does this have to do with anything in your life? Maybe nothing. In fact, I know most of the people who read what I write or listen to what I say on my podcast don’t have an issue with trying to follow multiple tracks in life. But you might not be one of them. And you might be someone who, like Mary MacGregor sang back in 1976, is torn between two lovers. One of them is YOU. And the other is the “higher power” you sense is “somewhere out there.”
All this fuzzy philosophical stuff came up in my brain when I looked at a picture someone shared on social media. It’s an account filled with amazing photography and art. Beautiful colors. Amazing settings. Just plain fun to see.
One of the pictures was of what appeared to be lighting on some railroad tracks. And, in my fat-headed poet brain, the image represented the journey you and I take in this life. So many people want to know the meaning of life. But way too many of them believe it can be discovered if you just “follow your heart.”
And then, before they know it, in a FLASH, it’s over.If you’re still young, that won’t have nearly the impact it does on people who’ve lived several decades. But it’s SO true anyway. And when you consider how long eternity will be, your time on earth will eventually seem faster than the time it takes lightning to strike.
So, my recommendation is to pick a “lover.” But I highly recommend you check into the “higher power” option. Because there most definitely IS a higher power. And He created you. He has the most famous name ever. And, sadly, way too many people are uncomfortable with the mention of it.
But you’re only here because Jesus made it possible for you to be alive. And He made it possible for you to have the option of eternal life. There IS a sort of catch. He is the ONLY way to that eternal life. You might say He laid the tracks and it’s up to you to choose to follow those tracks. In fact, I just said it.
So, will you do that? Or will you just be another flash of…
Lightning On The TracksLightnin’ on the tracks
And dancin’ in the sky.
Electrical collusion
In the quest for knowing why
We are here.
Parallel begins
The journey to one place,
Away from Earth’s delusion
And straight into God’s grace
With no fear.
© 2023
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The post Follow the tracks as the light that refracts appeared first on Tony Funderburk.
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,
The post I Can Do. And in B flat, too appeared first on Tony Funderburk.
I don’t know why it is. But fat, old guys seem to be the typical Harley riders. And before you look for the page turn or delete button, I’m not gonna ramble on about fat, old guys on motorcycles. I’m … Read the rest
The post Fat old guys out in front of your eyes appeared first on Tony Funderburk.
Just so you know, right up front, I don’t believe humans turn into angels when they die. Because angels are not the same kind of creation. And they’re already created. And they’ll always BE angels. You and I are already … Read the rest
The post Already created and I am elated appeared first on Tony Funderburk.
Nine years ago I wrote that we live in “particularly dangerous times.” And I’m happy to report that the worst has blown over and you’re safe once again. Go back to your daily routine without worry. And without fear. But … Read the rest
The post Daily Routine in this man-made machine appeared first on Tony Funderburk.
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
The post Vitriolic sphere is a fear so near appeared first on Tony Funderburk.
I read another article about brain cell connections to music. Yeah, I’m a nerd when it comes to that kind of information. And I love a quote from that article that said, “Neurons that fire together, wire together.” Of course … Read the rest
The post Brain cell connections that follow directions appeared first on Tony Funderburk.
I watched a well-made movie, starring Robert Duvall, the other night. And he’s a very good actor who can keep you engaged. I wish he’d learn how stupid he sounds as he takes God’s name in vain in just about … Read the rest
The post Relationship is key to a blessed eternity appeared first on Tony Funderburk.
I enjoy watching Ray Comfort, from Living Waters, talk to people he meets “on the street.” Because he has an easy-going way of disarming them in order to share God’s love. He lives in California. But he’s originally from Australia. … Read the rest
The post Living Waters flow where they’re allowed to go appeared first on Tony Funderburk.
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.
“Hey! Shut up! Don’t lie to me. You think I’m blind. But I’ve got eyes to see.” Yeah, a lot of what’s going on in America reminds me of those first couple of lines from Bonnie Raitt’s song “Have a … Read the rest
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“God is in control.” And “God’s got this.” Or how about, “Just gotta remember it’s all part of God’s plan, so wait for His perfect timing.” If you’ve been saying any of those things…or anything that sounds like them, then … Read the rest
The post Stop saying that in every place you chat appeared first on Tony Funderburk.
Answers and insights. Those were the promises of search technology in the age of information. And the promises have been kept. But, at the same time, corruption crept in. Just like it always has in the endeavors of mankind. … Read the rest
The post Answers and insights and freedom in our sights appeared first on Tony Funderburk.
“Why do you write so much about love, Tony? It’s not exactly a manly topic.” Yeah, I’ve been asked that. And when I hear a question like that, I immediately think, “Hmm…sounds like somebody who hasn’t read the Bible.” Because … Read the rest
The post Manliest man and his love plan – for all you naysayers appeared first on Tony Funderburk.
Life in this topsy turvy world I wish the good people I know had all the great successes in life. And I wish the people who thumb their noses at God were the most miserable failures in the world. Yeah, … Read the rest
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What can living water do? Imagine, for a moment, you’ve just crossed a long, hot, dry desert. You’ve probably watched a movie about the old West where some cowboys found themselves in that predicament. Right? OK, put yourself in their … Read the rest
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Life Makes No Sense If you’ve listened to my Rhyme and Reason episodes at least once, you’ve heard my tag line. “There IS a rhyme and reason to life because…God made you.” So, you might be wondering why my headline … Read the rest
The post Life makes no sense without God’s love and recompense appeared first on Tony Funderburk.
What was the highest price ever paid for anything? It wasn’t that nearly billion dollar airplane or that $4.5 billion luxury yacht. And it wasn’t even that $15 billion building in Saudi Arabia. None of those even come close to … Read the rest
The post The highest price ever paid to help you live life unafraid appeared first on Tony Funderburk.
What God said can raise the dead. Ain’t that cool?! If you’ve been a Christian for any length of time at all, you know how many (probably most) people think you’re a little touched in the head. They think you’re … Read the rest
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I need mercy on me. How about you? I’ve lived an interesting life so far. I’ve already lived longer than my Dad and his two brothers. And it’s already longer than several other relatives and friends I’ve known. But I … Read the rest
The post Mercy on me – it protects me from hopelessness appeared first on Tony Funderburk.
“Because I can” is actually a good answer. Did you ever get into stupid kid arguments when you were a kid? Well, when I was kid, arguing with a brother or sister like most kids do, I was as good … 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
The post Don’t Wish Your Life Away appeared first on Tony Funderburk.
When you put your faith in The Way, The Truth, and The Life known to all the world as Jesus, you receive grace…a free gift of God. But have you ever thought about how much it cost Him? I don’t … Read the rest
The post Gift of God appeared first on Tony Funderburk.
You look around and all you see is bad news. Every TV news channel reports the murders, the wars, the stealing, and all the other constant crimes of man’s inhumanity to his fellow man. In the middle of all this…not … Read the rest
The post Be Of Good Cheer appeared first on Tony Funderburk.
Have you ever felt like throwing your hands up in frustration at the lack of response (or even downright obstinance) from unbelievers? I certainly have, and if I only depended on myself, I’m certain I would have retreated into my … Read the rest
The post Living In The Household of Faith appeared first on Tony Funderburk.
If you’re in a room that’s so dark all you can see is the darkness, what’s the one thing you’re gonna be looking for all the time? Right…light. Gotta find that light switch. At best it’s a clumsy feeling to … Read the rest
The post The True Light appeared first on Tony Funderburk.
Two Doors Into The Love Imagine yourself walking up to two big doors one cool, crisp morning in October. The door on the left is finely crafted out of oak. It’s a rich, cobalt blue with pure silver handles and hinges. There’s … Read the rest
The post Into The Love appeared first on Tony Funderburk.
Where is your mind? Where is your spirit? And where is your soul? These intangible parts of you define you infinitely better than your body ever could. I’ve never felt my mind, but I know without a doubt I think … Read the rest
The post My Soul Knows Very Well appeared first on Tony Funderburk.
Can you imagine a world with no hatred? The problem is…currently it can only be imagined. It doesn’t exist except in the mind of dreamers, visionaries, and those who refuse to see reality. And it appears that mankind will remain … Read the rest
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