Tony Funderburk: Recent Episodes

Tony Funderburk

Author, Music Producer, Singer Songwriter, Podcaster

I enjoy dreaming up metaphors for kids. Plain and simple. Because, when I write, I like to hide the deeper meaning just a little below the surface. Try to get ‘em to think. Not just react.

I love rhymes. But I also love reason. And by “reason,” of course I mean logic. Read my Rhyme and Reason blog posts and so many of my rhymes can seem illogical. On the surface. That’s because I create colorful characters from things you do AND don’t find in life. Then I apply Truth and reality.

Some people take a couple of words like “dazzle candy” and use them to describe drugs or a mind altering experience. So, I’m gonna stake my claim on those same words and use them for doing good. It’s a shame to let colorful, whimsical, and shining words get hijacked for darker purposes.

It won’t give you cavities. It has no calories. And it could actually be good for you. Let me know if you have any side effects when you enjoy some…

Dazzle CandyWhen you don’t feel fine and dandy,
Find yourself some dazzle candy.
You could munch on lightning sweets
And tons of fat-free thunder treats.

‘Cause dazzle candy isn’t bad.
It doesn’t leave you feeling sad
Or longing for another bite.
It satisfies your soul just right.

Things that truly come in handy…
You can find in dazzle candy.
Inspiration, motivation,
Knowledge of your own creation…

Make yourself a heartfelt promise,
And don’t be a doubting Thomas…
Seek the Truth that makes you free…
That’s where you’ll find dazzle candy. © 2013 TF

If God’s love dazzles you, let’s stay connected. It’s super easy. Here’s how:

Get Rhyme and Reason 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 Metaphors for kids are found in rhyme and reason ground appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

My love for letters and words began long before I set foot in a school. Some of my earliest memories are of my Grandmother and my Mom reading stories and the Sunday “funnies” to me. I think the word pictures those stories and comic strips helped me create led to my lifelong habit of people watching. Especially goofy kids and their families. (By the way; all kids are goofy)

Anyway…

So, here’s how I see it. People watching stirs up all kinds of thoughts.Thoughts create ideas. And ideas create words. Words create sentences. Sentences create paragraphs. Paragraphs create verses or chapters or books. So, it’s like people watching sells pens. Because it gets a writer writing. But even the best pen runs out of ink. Then you gotta gettanudda.

(Side note: this obviously doesn’t apply to my computer keyboard.)

What do you think? Do you prefer to leave writing to those of us who can’t seem to stop our ideas from flowing out? Or do have an interest, like people watching, that makes you invest in pens or stay up to date on your word processor.

Well, whether you write, or prefer to read, I hope ideas and words dance around in your thoughts today and everyday. Here are a few of mine that turned into…

Ink For The PenThe little girl who fell and bruised her knee on the ground
Didn’t know her tears were some more ink for the pen.
The little boy who ran and laughed and jumped all around
Didn’t know his giggles were more ink for the pen.

The dog that chased a ball and caught it right in the air
Didn’t know its wagging tail was ink for the pen.
The ducks that saw the dog and then scattered everywhere
Didn’t know they quacked up some more ink for the pen.

The loved ones who were here but have since passed away
Didn’t know their lives provided ink for the pen.
Until I leave this world and my body’s cast away
I’ll write about this love that brings me ink for the pen. © 2013 TF

If you enjoy observing God’s creations, let’s stay connected. It’s super easy. Here’s how:

Get Rhyme and Reason 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 People watching turns into things I write and send to you appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

I could make this more complicated, but my story is pretty basic.

I’ve always been a dreamer and and an optimist. This world can beat down dreams and optimism. But I don’t depend on this world for my inspiration. And I don’t depend on this world for esteem. And even if it sounds old-fashioned and out-of-touch, I believe in and trust God. He’s the ultimate source for optimism and dreams. Without Him, I wouldn’t even be here to write.

There’s the rub. When you publicly admit your faith in God, you most likely won’t win any more popularity contests. But no prob. I haven’t won anything like that in decades. And I don’t care if the whole world hates me. Because God loves me. And He’s the architect and author of…

My StoryMy story is a simple one to tell.
I hope it touches nerves. And I hope it rings a bell.
I tried to do the very best I could.
I loved my fellow man…not always like I should.
There were some words and deeds I should have skipped.
Sometimes I stood up proud, and after that I tripped.
As I grew up, I loved to laugh and smile.
When others joined right in, it made it all worthwhile.
So I began to write, compose, and sing.
My music and my words were there through everything.
I found that children loved my silly rhymes.
Their grace reminded me of bygone simpler times.
Then I began to write some picture books
And drew some characters with loony, loopy looks.
I wrote about imaginary dreams
With universal Truth and happy ending themes.
The writer’s life was mine for many years.
With consonants and vowels I wrote of smiles and tears.
I think I touched some lives for just a bit.
I tried to kindle hope and keep it brightly lit,
But then I passed away with no farewell…
My story is a simple one to tell.

If you have a similar story to mine, let’s stay connected. It’s super easy. Here’s how:

Get Rhyme and Reason 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 My story as a dreamer and a silly sunbeamer appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

Where I am, right now, is not a place to let a breeze drift in through open windows. Not here and now. Maybe after a couple more months. But here, along the Emerald Coast, it’s still mighty hot and humid. Not open window weather.

Here’s why I brought up where I am.Because it was exactly on this day, the 8th of August, over a dozen years ago, when I wrote about how nice it was to have cool breezes blowing through open windows. What a difference a few years, AND a whole ‘nother part of the country make.

Maybe you’re having hot, humid summer weather, too. And I’m sure we’ll have a lot more. Because that’s just how it is this far south along the coast. So, I have to imagine and reminisce about cool breezes flowing through the house in August. Those are my Rocky Mountain memories.

But, no matter where I am, I’m blessed to be free. And freedom keeps you healthier and certainly can increase how long you live. No matter where you are right now, take a minute or two, and say a prayer of thanksgiving for how God’s love makes you free. Regardless of the weather.

That freedom might even help you solve this Rhyme and Reason riddle I wrote on that different August day…

Where I Am NowCan you guess where I am now?
I am hiding in plain sight.
You might think I’m in the grass,
And you’d almost be just right.

But the grass is just close by.
It can see me. So can you,
If you know right where to look…
If you read this riddle through.

I’m in something you might love
And on something you might see
In the front yard or in back.
Take a look and you’ll see me.

Little bugs crawl on my face,
And some worms dig down inside.
Where my wrinkles crinkle up,
There are places they can hide.

But now here’s a little twist…
I am somewhere else as well.
In a puppy? In a dog?
Read this riddle…it will tell.

If that puppy sees a cat
Climbing up the Aspen bough,
Then the clues will all spill out
Showing you where I am now. © 2013 TF

If you trust God despite the weather, let’s stay connected. It’s super easy. Here’s how:

Get Rhyme and Reason 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 Where I am is in the middle of a recollected riddle appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

Most of the people in the world would never even remotely consider the option to have fun with me. And not because I’m just a boring, old white guy. But because I say things like no one goes to heaven, except through Jesus. Yeah, that’s the kind of talk that’s not gonna win you lots of friends.

And if you hate God, you’re not gonna have fun with me.Because I enjoy telling people about Him. If you don’t look for opportunities to serve others that way, it might sound a little wackadoo to you. But serving others instead of always thinking about yourself is the way to get so much more out of life.

You might not make their problems all go away, but the important part is to be there. Be there for your friend, your family, your neighbor. And by “be there” I mean look for ways to give without having to be asked. You need other people. And everybody needs help sometimes. It’s OK, too. That just means there are opportunities all around you to help someone else have a fun day. Or at least a better one.

You might see an old man or woman who seems to be lost. You can offer to help them find their way or find something. Maybe you’ll be walking near someone who drops a bag of groceries or purse or something. You can pick it up (or at least offer) and smile as you hand it back to them.

You have a great imagination. So, you don’t need me to tell you all the ways you can help. All you need to do is keep your eyes and ears open. And keep your smile ready. Use it every chance you get. Because no matter how mean or tough this world can get, you and I can still trust God, serve others, and…

Have a fun day…Whatever you do.
Someone else might…
You might as well, too.
Whether there’s sun
Or whether there’s rain,
When life has lemons,
Grab a sugar cane.
Never can tell
When your neighbor might
Benefit from
Your bouncy, bright light.
Something you do
Or something you say
Might help somebody
To have a fun day. © 2013 TF

If you think God’s world can be fun, let’s stay connected. It’s super easy. Here’s how:

Get Rhyme and Reason 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 Have fun with me and be set free appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

You’ve probably heard or read some version of this. Small minds talk and think about people. Average minds talk and think about things. And great minds talk and think about ideas.

Well, today I decided to think about things.But I don’t believe that automatically means I have no more than an average mind. In fact, I think it puts me in infinitely good company. Because I remembered it’s God who created all things. And He did it through Jesus Christ. So, my guess is that He had to think about those things before He could create them. Can I get an amen?

And before you try to figure out a way to correct me, I realize God didn’t create mediocre things like we humans do. No, He created all the materials needed to make everything you and I can make. And by materials, of course, I mean dirt, water, breathable air, trees and all the other plants, animals, fish, birds, and human beings. Whatever He thought was good to create, He spoke the words and created them.

But make no mistake. God thought about things before He created them. (side note: the implication there is that he is not outside of time because he did things before, and after, and there must be time in order for that to happen)

OK, let’s get past that rabbit trail and go on another one. A few years ago, I wrote a rhyme for kids and posed a brain challenge for them. I said this…

Quick! Before anything else happens to distract you…think about nothing.

You can’t do it, can you? If you think you can, then you just thought about something.

And that proves you can’t think about nothing.Oh no, it feels like we’re going in circles.

If you think about it (ha ha), there’s really no such thing as nothingness. So you couldn’t think about it even if you could think about it. Because if there really wasn’t anything, then there wouldn’t be you, and you couldn’t be here challenge your brain this way.

Are you starting to get a headache from all this brain strain? Well, that’s because you’ve got something in your thoughts. Yeah, it might not be huge or important. But there IS something there. So, since we’ve already figured out you can’t think about nothing, take a few seconds more to…

Think about nothing
As fast as you can.
Then try to make up
A fantastic plan
With all those thoughts
About nothing you thought.
Then, what will you do?
Well, nothing…that’s what.
‘Cause nothing is nothing
You can think about.
It doesn’t exist
So you can’t leave it out.
Oh, all of this thinking
Makes my head feel light.
So I’ll think about nothing…
Else tonight. © 2013 TF

If you think about things God made, let’s stay connected. It’s super easy. Here’s how:

Get Rhyme and Reason 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. Super duper easy peasy.

Stay tuned,

The post Think about things and ring a ding dings appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

Who says you can only prepare and cook food in the kitchen? Think about it. Isn’t the kitchen where most everybody ends up when there’s a special occasion? Exactly. That’s where all the good sniffs and tastes are. Right?

If you make mealtime more fun, you might be surprised at how many health benefits you’ll get from it. It’s true. Smiling, laughing, and even dancing burn more calories and lift your spirits. Here, at the FunderBungalow, there’s a real goofy guy who turns on the big sound system and does some very goofy dances at dinnertime. He moves around making funny faces, and he even makes the dogs follow him around in circles. And everyone laughs. And before you know it, dinner’s ready, and everybody’s hungry.

What do you do at dinnertime? Does the family gather around and tell stories of the day? Share some fun or funny things you and your family do when it’s time to…

Dance In The KitchenCookin’ up black beans…
Biscuits and butter…
I’ll be the chopper…
You be the cutter.
We need a salsa…
Also a salad.
Put on some music…
Bach or a ballad.
Dance in the kitchen…
Turn up the laughter…
Times like this live
Here ever after.
Pepperjack cheese on a
Crisp tortilla…
A dash of salt and
Some mantequilla.
Dance in the kitchen
With a song and smile.
Times like this
Make life worthwhile. © 2013 Tony Funderburk

If you “dance before the Lord,” let’s stay connected. It’s super easy. Here’s how:

Get Rhyme and Reason 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 In the kitchen here’s how you pitch in appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

Elgielene and I just got back from running errands. And I gotta tell you, the August heat, here along the Emerald Coast, is a lot more intense than all the Augusts I spent in Colorado. In fact, it made me think of how I described it way back in 2013.

This is what I said about the August heat there…The August sky was hot and blue today here in Colorado.

Then, in the evening things cooled off with some rain and mountain breezes. Ahh…it’s so great to live in a place that can be in the 90’s during the day and cool off into the low 60’s at night. If you’re like me, you might enjoy the scent of rain sprinkling on the lawn and quenching the thirsty streets. Here at the FunderRanch we love to sleep with the windows open so the night breezes fill the room. It’s so much more refreshing than plain ol’ air conditioning.

I’ve noticed a lot of back-to-school commercials and advertising lately. It’s weird to think it’s already that time again. We’re almost three fourths of the way through with 2013. This time of year brings back memories like…

the last barefoot days of the season
a train trip from Kansas to Texas
getting new school clothes
looking forward to all my new school supplies
cooler weather

And here’s my favorite part about the August sky.

It marks the end of the hot weather. Sure, September can have some hot days, but then the cool, crisp days of Autumn sweep in and revive me.

That’s why I wrote…The August sky is full of colors
And sometimes drops of rain.
It makes me think of bygone summers
And riding on a train.
The golden sun, like Kansas wheat,
Would bake the fields of corn,
And I bucked endless bales of hay
And all my jeans were torn.
I still remember pools of blue
And going to “the game.”
My bike was candy apple red
And “Flyer” was its name.
So many memories are there
Up in the August sky.
The colors still shine brightly
As I watch the years fly by. © 2013

Here’s my updated version for the “sunshine state.”In Florida, the August heat
And bucketloads of rain
All make me long for mountain drives
Through rocky high terrain.
Relentless heat, humidity,
And barely any breeze
Can stifle you and wilt you
Into finding remedies
For swimming ’round in pools of sweat
While grabbing cubes of ice
To cool off just a little bit.
Relief would be so nice.
So many memories return
Into my brain of days
That blurred into a single thought,
My Colorado haze. © 2026 TF

If you know God’s love never leaves you even in the August heat, let’s stay connected. It’s super easy. Here’s how:

Get Rhyme and Reason 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 August heat is not a treat appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

I like to think there’s a light in my eyes that makes people curious. Because I’d love to use that as a springboard of opportunity to tell them how it got there. But I know I’m a little over optimistic on that. And I know that most people, even if they see it, don’t care about that light.

Because the light in my eyes didn’t come from the sun.It came from the Son. Jesus the Christ. And I know most people in the world don’t wanna get me started on that. No, let’s talk about anything but that. Things. People. TV shows. Movies. Concerts. Anything but Jesus. And that’s tragically ironic. Because Jesus is the only reason you and I have eyes. Much less light in them.

A few years ago, I shared how He created our solar system and put the moon 400 times closer to us than the sun. And, by design, He created the moon 400 times smaller than the sun. And that’s more than just a little interesting. Because it’s how we can get an almost perfect solar eclipse. Very cool.

There’s a whole lot more I could say about the design of the moon, stars, and sun. But I’ll just share a rhyme that I wrote for kids years ago. Feel free to share it with your kids or grandkids. And don’t be surprised when you see a glow from the light in their eyes as you read it. Kids eat this stuff up…

There’s a moon in my room…
And the light is in my eyes.
It came in through the window
Just as soft as lullabies.
There’s a smile on its face
As it floats up on the wall.
I love the way it flitters
Without any sound at all.
And I’d love to fly up there,
With the moon, into the sky.
But the sandman just stopped in…
So, for now, I must say “bye.” © 2013 TF

If you love the lights God created, let’s stay connected. It’s super easy. Here’s how:

Get Rhyme and Reason 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 Light in my eyes will never tell me lies appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

Did you know the month of August was named after Augustus Caesar (or Caesar Augustus if you prefer) and was lengthened to 31 days by Julius Caesar? And did you know that Caesar never ate a Caesar salad because it wasn’t invented until 1924?

Well…with that information and a smartphone, you can connect to the internet and even make long distance calls. ha!

Caesar Augustus didn’t decree this, but…I wondered what a month would have to be called if it were named after me. Let’s see, using my nickname, Tony, we might have the month of Tonyary. Or Tonus. Or Tonember. Yeah, I think I like the sound of that last one. Because my birthday is in December. And we could maim two birds with one pickleball racquet with that month. What do you think? Sound good?

Here’s a rhyme about it, decreed by yours truly…

On August 1 2014
The congress did declare
A new month named Tonember
To people everywhere.
And every person big and small
Began to clap and cheer.
“Oh we can hardly wait,” they said,
Until Tonember’s here.
We’ll gather up the chocolate chips
And cashews and pecans
And bake Tonember cookies
Till they’re delicately bronze.
We’ll visit friends and family.
This year we’ll top the last.
Don’t hesitate to celebrate.
Tonember, please come fast. © 2014 TF

Science shows the earth revolves around the sun.So, scientifically speaking, there’s no such thing as a sunrise. But, when you know you were created by the one, true, living, loving, artful God of all of creation, the sun does rise.

A sunrise is a metaphor, an allegory, or even a simile. It’s how your creative mind “sees” things. Either as you’d like them to be, or as they appear to be. In both cases you get a sense of the imagination forged into your spirit. God didn’t have to give you imagination. He could have just designed you to see whatever He wants you to see. And to perceive only things He says are necessary for survival.

Yeah, He could’ve created your mind to work just like animals and bugs.

But God loves to see what you come up with. Not that silly here-today-gone-tomorrow kind of Hollywood luv. His is a real and enduring love. And your imagination is an intangible proof of His love. You can think with logic and reason. But you can also imagine and create worlds of your own. You can soar into the skies, dive into the depths of the oceans, paint rainbows into the leaves of trees, and even rise above whatever physical limitations you have.

So, where will you go…

When the sun does rise,And it surely will,
We will run straight to
The aroma hill.
We will pluck one rose
From its thorny vine,
And refresh our lips
With a sip of wine.
We will find delight
In the sweet bouquet
Of this flowered hill…
Of this brand new day.
It will be a feast
For the nose and eyes,
And it all begins
When the sun does rise. © 2014 TF

If you prefer the God-given gift of imagination over Caesar Augustus, let’s stay connected.
It’s super easy. Here’s how:

Get Rhyme and Reason 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 Caesar Augustus and imagination for just us appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

It’s Saturday as I write this. And I hope you have better things to do today than just go shopping or watch TV. Because it’s important, especially with everything going on in the world, to guard your heart and mind.

In Philippians 4:8-9 Paul shows you that focus is so important.

And I know focus is a buzzword, these days. Because it’s used by motivational speakers, marketing gurus, and so-called influencers. But the focus they talk about almost never helps you to see how the God of peace will be with you.

So, I’ll show you one of the better things to do today.But first, picture this in your mind’s eye. From the window in your kitchen you see a sunflower in your front yard. Standing there all alone in the middle of rocks and weeds. Bright and beautiful. So you open up your trusty camera app and snap a quick photo you can share with all your social media friends.

But the trouble is they don’t get the full effect. Because they see the rocks and weeds and whatever else shows up in the picture.

Now, imagine you take your camera outside, kneel down, and really focus in on the sunflower. And you capture the bright yellow petals with hues of sunset orange blended into interconnecting spirals.

Focused in like that you can clearly see the fruit and seeds of the flower. And it’ll help you appreciate that you have a camera with enough pixels to do it justice. Now, when you take this snapshot, you’ll have a picture that really shows off the beauty that caught your eyes. And most likely anyone who sees the picture will notice, even if it’s only subconsciously.

All because you just changed the focus.And, just like you focused in on the sunflower, you’ll get a much clearer picture of God’s peace when you focus in on better things.

Paul actually used a synonym for “focus” when he wrote a letter to the Philippians. He wrote the word “meditate.” And to meditate on something just means to think deeply and carefully. Then, he shared a focus list. One of the better things you can do today is go over whatever things are:

true,
noble,
just,
pure,
lovely,
of good report,
having any virtue, and
anything praiseworthy.

So, learn to do what you hear and see Paul doing. Because he learned by hearing and seeing what Jesus did. Then, the God of Peace will be with you. That sounds like something I’d like to work on today. How about you?

If you wanna focus more like this, let’s stay connected. It’s super easy. Here’s how:

Get Rhyme and Reason 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 Better things to do today to help keep the blues away appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

American kids, in the middle of the 20th century, used to love the sound of the ice cream man’s truck coming down the street. At least all the kids I knew did.

If you’re old enough to remember the 50’s, 60’s, or 70’s (and maybe 80’s), maybe that’s a nice memory for you, too. Yeah, we could hardly wait to flag down the ice cream man in front of our house and get him to open up the back of his truck where the tastebud treats were.

My favorite was the drumstick, a waffle cone filled with vanilla ice cream and frozen chocolate and nuts on top. And my second favorite was the frozen milkshake. It came with its own small wooden spoon. And the cup said, “spoon and dip or thaw and sip.” I never sipped.

But something else beat everything from the ice cream man.You probably already guessed. Yeah, HOMEMADE! Woo-hoo!

Back then mom whisked up some sweet ingredients and gave the creamy, delicious mixture to dad to put in a metal container. Then dad would lower the metal container down into the wooden churning bucket. And he’d lock it in place, surround it with ice, add melting salt on the ice, and start rotating a metal crank. And the (naive) kids got to help.

Wow! Does that, or does that not sound like some magical fun?

But the real magic happened as the crank got harder and harder to turn. When it really wouldn’t turn much at all anymore, dad (and sometimes us kids) would stop and remove the container. We could hardly wait for the lid to be popped off so we could get some of ice cream in our bellies. Yuh-um!

The last week has been a scorcher here on the Emerald Coast (and probably in your area, too). So, I figured I’d just cool you off with some tasty memories and a little…

Ice Cream MagicIn the back of the freezer in mom’s refrigerator
Is a tub of vanilla, and we’re gonna eat it later.
It’s ice cream magic and your spoon becomes a wand
With some sweet imagination and a black cape donned.

Conjure up an ocean of chocolate and strawberries
With marshmallow icebergs inhabited by fairies
We see popsicle breezes and the rainbow twinkles
And there’s Ol’ Man Winter blowin’ cinnamon sprinkles.

Look, some rootbeer raindrops and a candy cane straw.
No one’s ever gonna think we really saw what we saw.
But we’ll forgive their kidding, and our feelings won’t get hurt
‘Cause it was ice cream magic, a very dreamy dessert. © 2013 TF

If you believe ice cream is one of God’s blessings, let’s stay connected. It’s super easy. Here’s how:

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Nope, the future does not exist. But you can still pretty much take some things for granted. Typical things like the sun rising in the East tomorrow morning. But there’s really no guarantee that everything will be the way it’s always been.

Just because the future does not exist doesn’t mean nothing does.So, there’s no reason to be upset with me for saying this about the future. I just share it to point out how important it is to get as much learning and understanding as you can. Understanding what makes human beings tic is a key to treating each other better. The future, utopian or dystopian, does not exist today.

That’s my point. Matter of fact, I’ll go one giant step further than that.

I believe if human beings would learn to enjoy serving one another instead of stealing from and murdering one another, that description you find in the Revelation, at the end of the Bible, wouldn’t have to come true. Nope. I don’t believe, for a second, that our loving Creator decreed all that before the foundation of the world. Yeah, I believe He would love to see it not come to pass. But, will it? It’s kinda like this…

Maybe, Maybe NotWill the sun rise in the morning?
Will the temperature be hot?
Will the sky be blue and sunny?
Well, maybe…maybe not.

Will the songbirds all be singing?
Will the breezes blow a lot?
Will the leaves lift up their laughter?
Well, maybe…maybe not.

Will some words of wisdom visit?
Will the books all have a plot?
Will we read some happy stories?
Well, maybe…maybe not.

Will the world go on forever?
Will the getting all be got?
Will we all be nice to others?
Well, maybe…maybe not. © 2013 TF

I challenge you to read that poem to your kids or grandkids. And when you do, by the time you get to the second verse, you can say well, maybe, and point to them. And don’t be surprised if they say maybe not. It’s just a theory I have. Test it out and see if those little rugrats substantiate my theory.

If you have a blessed hope for the future, let’s stay connected. It’s super easy. Here’s how:

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When you were conceived, they called your mom an “expectant mother.” But what exactly was she expecting?

An apple pie?
A new car?
New shoes?
A phone call?
None of the above?

Yep, the answer is “none of the above.”

An expectant human mother expects a human baby.It’s been that way for all of human existence. So, you would think you wouldn’t have to explain that to anybody anywhere. But millions and millions of abortions all across the world prove that human beings are willfully ignorant on a massive scale. Especially in this age of high resolution ultrasound.

It’s gotten so bad that nowadays a lot of people can’t acknowledge that unexpected mother can only give birth to a boy or a girl. No, fools and weirdos like to pretend there are lots of genders. And they angrily demand that we participate in their delusion. Of course, anyone who has received even a small amount of wisdom from God will never join in with that.

You and I know that God wrote, in his best selling book of all time, that he made them male and female. And “them” refers to human beings. Plus, he made every one of us unique from everyone else. For example, think about how no one else in the world has the same fingerprints as you. No one else has the same DNA. And those are just two major ways to show how you are…

YouNeekOK, look at your fingers, and what do you see?
Look at them now, and don’t point them at me.
On each of your fingers you have fingertips.
Maybe your mom touched hers to your lips.

Your fingertips make their very own prints
Like no one’s before and no one else since.
It’s true of the billions of people on earth.
It means you have value. It means you have worth.

And something inside you too tiny to see
Says you will be you and never be me.
It was God who designed it and made it that way.
He gave you a code, and it’s called DNA.

It controls if your eyes will be brown, green, or blue.
It makes you a human, not an odd kangaroo.
And under a microscope what do we find?
That your DNA makes you into one-of-a-kind.

OK, never forget to remember this news
There will never be three or even two you’s.
And even the voice you use when you speak
Will show the whole world you’re truly unique. © 2013 TF

If you agree with why you’re unique, let’s stay connected. It’s super easy. Here’s how:

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None

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:

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They, whoever they are, say that patience is a virtue. But I’ll let you in on a little secret. I have a lot of room for improvement in that area. How ’bout you? If so, what if I told you God is willing and can help you be patient?

Interested?

First, I bet you don’t always lett God help you be patient with all. Because you’re human. And you fail and fall. Just has all the rest of us do. So, believe me, I’m telling myself this same stuff, too. Because I need to hear it as much as anybody (and more than a lot of people).

Sure, patience is a virtue. But can too much hurt you?Here’s a little rabbit trail sort of on that question.

Colorado legalized pot back in 2014. And I drove on Colorado highways, a lot, for 30 years. But something I noticed, after they legalized pot, was the scent of pot coming through the vents and windows of my pickup just about everywhere I drove. And it wafted through the air during walks through the neighborhoods. And that includes the so-called “nice” neighborhoods.

If you’re a dope smoker, here’s a statistic I’m sure you won’t care about. But it’s still true. When you smoke weed, your reaction time is significantly slower. Sorry to be such a killjoy, but da facts is facts.

And that means the minority of us who don’t smoke pot have to just be patient with those who do. We have to tolerate the nuisance of the smell, the slow reaction times, and every other negative thing that comes with it.

But I can’t be that patient without God’s help.I had to deal with what I call “drifters” as I made my way across town or across the state. I’m talking about drivers who couldn’t seem to be deliberate in their actions. They’d drift into different lanes. Or they seemed to have to make up their mind about turning. And then sort of drift around the corner. And if I added up all the time I waited on those drivers to respond to the changing lights, I could possibly add a few days to my life.

That’s what I mean about me lacking patience. And about needing God’s help.

(side note: those drifters are in every state, even here in “conservative” Florida)

OK, I know there are lots of reasons people resort to smoking pot. They use excuses like pain, depression, or physical “conditions”. And they’ll say a guy like me, who never smoked pot, will never understand. On some level, I suppose that’s correct. But I DO know that inhaling smoke of any kind is not a better answer than real foods, fresh air, sunshine, and plenty of good water.

You should read about the real harm weeds does to you.But if you’re a pothead, you probably won’t. So, I’ll just have to…

“Be patient. Be wary. Sing songs and be merry.
Then focus your attention on more than this world’s dimension”
(excerpt from the lyrics to my song, “Worldliness”)

If you’d rather get high on the power of God’s love, let’s stay connected. It’s super easy. Here’s how:

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For about 20 years evolutionists and the media made the silly claim that human DNA and chimpanzee DNA were about 99% the same. Now keep in mind, no one had completed sequencing human DNA. And sequencing of chimpanzee DNA hadn’t even started. Sheesh. And evolutionists like to make fun of Christians for prophecy and predictions. But I guess you gotta expect such behavior from adults who believe in fairy tales and fables.

Ladies, you’re actually closer to call your man a “snake in the grass” instead of a big, dumb ape. According to evolution snakes should be more closely related to other reptiles. But a computer-based study found the genetic distance between a particular protein, cytochrome, from a snake was actually closer to the cytochrome protein from a man.

Wow! Imagine the poisonous fairy tales and fables and sci-fi movies around that.And speaking of computer-based measuring of genetic distance, the number of organisms that have had their genes sequenced is doubling every year? So, that means our molecular information bank has increased exponentially. And on the molecular level, there’s no evidence to support the evolutionary fairy tales and fables of how life began. None.

Now, I realize Christians are just supposed to have blind faith in “a god” we “created in our own image as a crutch.” But the Christian Faith is based on so much more evidence. And that’s important because Christians place their faith and hope in someone they’ve never seen. I say He’s the one true, living, loving Creator of the universe. And the universe of evidence backs up that claim. By the way., the Bible (bestselling book of all time and only book supported by evidence almost daily) talks about evidence and how important it is.

So, don’t monkey around with evolutionary monkey business.Even though only about 4% of human DNA differs from that of chimpanzees, that 4% represents “thirty-five million single-nucleotide changes, five million insertions or deletions, and various chromosomal rearrangements.” And the differences between the males from each species is around 30%.

See what I mean, ladies? Guys are not apes. Nope. We’re just as fearfully and wonderfully made as you. Even if we aren’t the eye candy you are. Hey, too much candy isn’t healthy anyway.

Anyway…

For more information on genetic distance and the way it relates to how we all got here, click on most of the links I just shared. They’ll take you to Dr. Walt Brown’s online book, “In The Beginning“. While you’re there, be sure and check out so many other compelling reasons to believe in the Creator rather than evolution.

And save the fairytales and fables for reading to the kids at bedtime.

In awe of all creation and how it all could be,
The fairy tale illusions increase with every year.
The wrinkled plans expand, exponentially,
Until one day, perhaps, a duck becomes a deer. (yeah, right)
(from my song, Fast Forward)

If enjoyed this science-based shot of reality, let’s stay connected. It’s super easy. Here’s how:

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Imagine a journey into one of the trillions of cells inside your body. One of the first things you’d notice is how many chemicals there are. Lots of those chemicals are acidic. And many others are known as base or alkaline. But guess what happens if some of the wrong chemicals get mixed up! Dangerous chemical reactions. And you don’t want that to happen down deep in your cells. So, what keeps that from happening?

Your cells were designed to protect against chemical reactions.If life just evolved, then all those barriers and buffers would have evolved, too. And how could they develop with all those chemical reactions destroying all the building materials? Plus, how could it all happen at just the right time in the right way? And for millions of different species? And enough times for a single cell to become something more complex? Short answer? It couldn’t happen that way. Accidents don’t create. But God does. And He did.

The Bible says you’re “fearfully and wonderfully made.” And that’s one of the great things about living in these times. Science and technology can see deeper inside us than ever. And what they discover is evidence for the Creator and how amazing He is to love us as He does.

Not evidence that a bunch of chemical reactions could create this complex life we enjoy.

If human life is just sown by chance, then
Nothing we know could be bad or be good.
If we’re just embryonic particulate matter,
Then we could know there is no personhood…
But we hope and we pray
And we live for the day,
When our love becomes broad
In the image of God. (from my song, Personhood)

If you like this kind of Creator/creation connection, let’s stay connected, too. It’s super easy.

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. So, add your email to the form and let’s connect right away.

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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.

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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:

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Knowing God is real helps me make sense of the world, the solar system, the galaxy, and the universe. I can only imagine the sense of hopelessness inside the hearts and souls of atheists. The sense of time running down and out. Life coming to an end. A black hole of nothingness in the not-too-distant future. No. Thank. You.

If you think there’s no way of knowing God, I encourage you to reconsider.And if Christians are like fingernails on a chalkboard to you, at least consider actual evidence. And when it gives “the appearance of having been designed for a purpose”, just ask this question:

“Hmm, I wonder if it was?”

And, as you wonder, you’ll use one of the strongest pieces of evidence for the complexity in life coming from an even more complex designer. Yeah, that’s your brain.

If you’ve never wondered how complex life could have come from nothing, plenty of people have. And that includes famous scientists, philosophers, and even atheists.

One noted (and boldly affirmed) atheist, Richard Dawkins said this about life: “Biology is the study of complicated things that give the appearance of having been designed for a purpose.” (The Blind Watchmaker, page 1) He’s not the only one who at least acknowledges “the appearance” of design.

Plenty of Darwinian scientists agree with that much. After all, they have powerful microscopes. And they can see a complex design doing amazing things inside a single cell.

But most Darwinian scientists say no to the complexity of life affirming a designer.So, instead of knowing God, they ignore where the evidence appears to lead. And they choose to go where they’d prefer the answer to be, based on false assumptions.

That’s not science, by the way. It’s a religion. It requires faith. And a blind adherence to that faith.

For example, to say even a single cell could have emerged from proteins, even if the whole world was full of proteins, ignores how each cell in your body is a “membrane-encased, self-reproducing, self-repairing, metabolizing” unit.

Every part in one single cell had to be there from the beginning in order for the cell to function. Every part! That means it had to be completely assembled at one time by a highly intelligent assembler. It couldn’t have worked any other way.

Scientists, who deny the existence of the Creator God, have been trying for hundreds of years to show how life could have come from non-life. Yet, they’ve never been able to demonstrate how even one cell could have formed from proteins without some outside help.

If you enjoy knowing God, or would like to, 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.

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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.

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Just about everywhere you look or go people seem to be mad about something. And a lot of them don’t seem to have any problem letting that anger, inside, out for everyone to see.

But when the anger inside comes out, so does the ugliness of sin.People are walking around with chips on their shoulders. That’s what we used to call it anyway. Or you could say they’re carrying grudges in their hearts. And that would be bad enough. But at least it would be invisible to just about everyone. Trouble is, they don’t stop the anger inside from coming out. And a lot of it even leads to escalated physical harm.

But I’ll let you in on a little secret about the root cause. Selfishness.

Yeah, selfishness is at the heart of almost all anger issues. It’s difficult to manage your anger, when all you care about is how he or she or the whole world wronged you.

And you find a way to justify your own anger, when you don’t take responsibility for your actions. I’ve been dealing with this with someone I’ve known for a very, very long time. He believes I’ve wronged him in the past (issues from 20 years ago and beyond). And he has told me I’ve never apologized or shown any remorse.

I’m not gonna share the whole sob story. But I can say with a clear conscience that this person has ripped me off multiple times, left me in the lurch multiple times, and F-bombed Jesus in my house. And, to this day, he’s never once apologized or shown any remorse for his actions. Some say this is narcissism. And I don’t disagree.

But again, the root cause is selfishness. And rebellion against God.The person I’m talking about doesn’t care what God says about anger. But, to quote from Paul’s writing in Ephesians, “be angry and do not sin.” And when Paul wrote that, he was actually quoting from one of King David’s Psalms where it said, “Be angry, and do not sin, Meditate within your heart on your bed, and be still.”

But people obsess over problems, challenges, and obstacles in everyday life. That makes it easy to form a tunnel vision where the tunnel always leads to SELF.

And that leads to projecting those problems onto others. And that leads to self harm. Physical, mental, and emotional harm. You might not realize the full negative consequences of letting the anger inside out while you’re young and strong. But they’ll show up eventually. And the older you are, the more harmful the consequences.

There are even studies that say anger encourages cancer.I’m not saying those studies are absolutely true. But it might be more than coincidence that the rising rate of cancer in the world happens at the same time there are more angry people than ever.

So, what about you? What rules in your life? Anger? Or joy? I wrote this rhyme about it years ago…

If you’re angry, just don’t sin.
Open up your heart and let God in.
He can help you work it out.
And He’ll show you what it’s all about.
Life is better, when you trust
The One who is Holy, right, and just.
Give it up, and I know…
You’ll be glad where God will help you go.

If this didn’t make you mad, 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 Anger inside out can take a harmful route 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.

As I write this, it’s Sunday. So, time for a Bible study. And, now, anyone who’s still here, I’ve got this question for you. Why is it so difficult for most people to admit the Creator of the universe is real?

After all, the actual Creator of the universe left evidence literally everywhere.It’s simple really. When you look at a building, you know automatically that someone built it. Or when you spot a painting on a canvas, immediately you know someone painted it. And when you’re driving somewhere, you have no question in your mind of how cars got here. Or roads. You simply know someone built it all.

So, why is it so difficult for so many people to look at the complexity and variety of life on our planet and agree there must be a Creator of the universe?

And let’s just talk about your eyes for a sec.

No, not YOURS personally. Eyes in general.

They’re WAY more complex than any building, painting, or car you’ll ever see. But so many people blindly believe (pun strongly intended) they just happened by chance. You know. Because, like, well, everything evolved, dude.

Oh yeah? Well, splain this to me, then.

Each of your eyes has a muscle, known as the Superior Oblique muscle. And it’s attached to the top of the eye AND threaded through a tiny sling. That tiny sling is known as the Trochlea. But why does that tiny muscle go through that sling instead of just attaching directly to the forward part of your eye?

Well, it solves space requirements and improves things like angle of torque. And those are design considerations. Evolution or natural selection would require at least a little bit of the design to already be working in order to “evolve” further. And, as they say in certain circles, that don’t make no sense.

But I’ll tell ya what DOES make sense. All things were created by Jesus.Uh-oh. I just went and done it, didn’t I? Because most fools, uh folks, believe it’s a silly, outdated, and dogmatic notion to believe the whole world was created by a “science fiction” character named Jesus.

But, since this is a Bible study I’m sharin’, I’m here to say it’s a silly, outdated, and dogmatic notion to believe all the complexity in the universe evolved from nothing.

Because you can’t get everything from nothing. No matter how much you might want it to be true, it just isn’t possible. Even if you believe all you can know is what your five senses tell you, none of your five senses will detect something from nothing.

Logic and reason (which are not part of your five senses, by the way) should lead you to admit design requires a designer. And, in the case of the universe, that designer is Jesus.

Like I started out saying…it’s simple really. Unless you don’t want to answer to the Creator of the universe. That’s not you, is it?

All of CreationAll of creation points to the Savior.
We are all here by design.
All the environment and complex behavior…
The Glory of God makes it shine.

All of creation holds information…
Encoded within every cell…
All of the best minds in each generation
Won’t banish what Christians know well…

That all of creation is here by the Word of God.
All of creation mirrors His mind.
All of creation is saved by the Love of God
And all of creation…Jesus defined.

If you agree with the evidence for the existence of God, 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, when you send me your email address, 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. So, don’t wait another minute. Here’s the form.

The form can be filled in the actual website url.

Stay tuned,

The post Creator of the universe can save you from a fiery curse 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.

I don’t know about you (well, I have a pretty good idea about you). But I know I’m not the byproduct of some scientific process. I prefer to think of me as God described it, “fearfully and wonderfully made.”

That sounds so much more creative than scientific process.And it sounds that way because it IS that way. The fact that you and I were made, designed, by the infinitely creative and one, true, living, loving God sounds just plain wonderful. And it’s much cooler to be here on purpose instead of accidentally.

Now, I know you’ve heard of a double helix. Right? It’s the best illustration scientists have come up with, so far, to represent Deoxyribonucleic Acid. You probably know it better by its initials, DNA. And DNA is scientific proof (not process) you and I are fearfully and wonderfully made.

Not just carbon copies of carbon lifeforms.

Yeah, even the term “carbon lifeforms” contradicts itself.

Anyway…

I’ll share some tidbits of information about information that’s inside you right now.

Almost all the 30,000,000,000,000 (that’s trillion, by the way) cells in your body contain duplicate copies of your DNA.
Each human cell contains 46 segments.
You got 23 segments from your mom and 23 from your dad.
No one else on Earth has the same DNA as you.

(facts and figures from “In the Beginning” by Dr. Walt Brown)

Cool, huh? And the information in the DNA is like a blueprint for how to build you. Only you! How you’ll look, much of how you’ll act, and how every cell in your body will function during your life.

But it gets even more interesting.If you took out all the DNA from one of your cells and uncoiled it, then you connected and stretched it out, it would be about 6 feet long. But It would be so thin you couldn’t see it. Not even with the most powerful microscope in existence today.

The coded information found in just one cell could fill a library with somewhere around 4,000 books. And if you took all the DNA in your body and stretched it out end-to-end, you could go to the moon and back more than 165,000 times. I call that mighty impressive. And how about this?

The information found in your DNA could fill books that could fill the Grand Canyon almost 30 times. But you could take one set of DNA from one cell of every person who ever lived, put them all in a spoon, and they’d weigh less than an aspirin.

When you ponder the power of the scientific discoveries we’ve made so far, you should start to get an idea of how fearfully and wonderfully made you truly are. And ain’t it better to know you’re made instead of just an accidental scientific process?

No matter what you believe about how life got here, you made a choice to believe it. No one (at least virtually no one) is being forced to believe how we all got here.

So, question. Why would you want to believe you’re just the random result of trillions of mutations? Especially when there’s so much information inside you that proves how wrong that is.

You’re an information-based life form.And the fact that so much information is coded into your DNA proves there must be a super coder. The good news is…that coder loves you. He made you a human being in His image and likeness. And He allows you to choose whether to love Him back or not. Choose wisely. Remember…

You are fearfully and wonderfully made.
There is information locked inside your cells.
When you choose to discover why you’re here,
You’ll find out what the information tells.

And you’ll see you’re not just an accident
Fumbling through the hours, days, and weeks, and years.
All the evidence is pointing out the way.
Trust your Maker. He’ll erase your doubts and fears.

By the way, kids who are sent off to government, indoctrination camps, also known as public schools, will most likely never learn those facts I shared with you. But a lot of parents, who homeschool their kids, make sure they get this kind of knowledge too. Because they realize how much it helps kids grow up with a happier, healthier perspective.

If homeschooling sounds like something you’d like to do for your kids or grandkids, but you don’t know where to get started, consider the Charlotte Mason homeschool method.

Stay tuned,

The post Scientific process would just make a big mess appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

When I was a young boy, my mom saved S&H Green Stamps. They were like rewards you get on your apps these days. Stamps a shopper received at stores, gas stations, or just about anywhere housewives shopped. Yeah, I know. “Housewives” is a politically incorrect term. But it wasn’t back then. Ah…the good old days.

Especially the S&H Green Stamps good old days.Because when a woman saved enough Green Stamps, she could redeem them for all sorts of household items she found in the S&H catalog. It was like free money. I remember my mom talking with her friends and family about some clock radio or dish set she just got with her stamps. It made for fun, and sometimes lively, conversation. And they’d share the news of double stamps days at the local grocery store. Then, bam! Time to storm the grocery store.

Speaking of time, how is time like Green Stamps? And that’s not actually a trick question.

Answer. They can both be redeemed. Well, I don’t think Green Stamps can anymore. Because I don’t think there’s that kind of rewards program around anymore. But time can still be redeemed.

Dan don’t believe me? Don’t think you could redeem time and get something “for free?”

Well, you can. And guess what you get? OK, I won’t make you guess.

The answer is more time.Yeah, I don’t mean you can turn 24 hour days into 30 hour days. But you can buy more time by making good use of the time you have here on planet Earth. In fact, you can buy time that never runs out. How cool is that?!

But you can’t just sit on your time. You gotta redeem it. Here’s how you do that. First, become a Christian. And if you’re already a Christian, you gotta “Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one.” That’s getting a lot harder to do. Because more and more the world doesn’t wanna hear the name Jesus mentioned under any circumstances. So, it’s important to emphasize the “grace” and “salt” part.

I do that here on my blog. I’m redeeming the time I have left by sharing the power of God’s love and His enduring message of eternal life with anyone who cares to listen and/or read.

Now, are you paying attention to the clock? Because there’s a lot more than green stamps at stake.

“All I need is some time to hold in my hands.
All I want is some time to hold in my arms.” ~Tony Funderburk

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 Green stamps, good stuff, and it was all good enough appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

Hey kids. Have you noticed, when you go to the grocery store, how you see the word enriched in just about everything? And did you know most of the time, if not all, that’s not a good thing?

But there is a time when it’s awesome to see enriched in everything.And that is when we’re talking about, get this, YOU. And me. Or anyone who’s not ashamed to call himself or herself a Christian.

For just a second or two think about the grace of God, which was given to you by the one whose name you use to describe yourself as a Christian. There’s a place in 1 Corinthians that shows how grace made sure you were enriched in everything by Him in all utterance and all knowledge, even as the testimony of Christ was confirmed in you so that you come short in no gift

Hey, who doesn’t like gifts? How much would you be willing to give for those gifts? But wait! There’s more! Because in that same section of 1 Corinthians it says Jesus will also confirm you to the end, that you may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Hang on. I don’t know about you, but that sounds glorious to me. Because I know if there’s one thing I’m not, in this life and in this world, it’s blameless.

And I’m gonna go out on a limb and say you probably aren’t blameless either. But Jesus made sure that we will appear that way when we stand before God one day. And He did that by taking our blame and covering us in…

The GloryYou got the glory in you,
The glory of God.
When people don’t understand,
You just smile and nod…

And trust the good things in you,
The Spirit, The Word.
And you can know that it’s true,
This good news you heard.

One day, when Jesus comes back,
To make things all right,
He’ll lift you high up because
You walked in His Light. © 2013 TF

If you know you’re enriched in everything, 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 Enriched in everything is a good reason to sing 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.

Lately I’ve been telling, anyone who would listen, that public schools are horrible. In fact, quoting me, here is what I keep saying: “If you truly love your kids, get them out of the filthy government indoctrination camps.” And I’ve mentioned how homeschooling is the best option. Recently, I came across the Charlotte Mason Homeschool method. And I’m impressed to say the least.

The Charlotte Mason Homeschool curriculum includes:* Art Instruction * Bible * Foreign Language * Geography * Good Habits * Handicrafts * History * Hymn Study * Literature * Music Study * Nature Study * Picture Study * Poetry * Scripture Memory * Shakespeare

Here’s the snippet of info you’ll find all over the internet when you look up the founder:

This style of homeschooling gets its name from Charlotte Mason, a British educator who lived in the late 1800 and early 1900s. The approach uses rich literature and real objects to present ideas to students through a variety of methods based on the way children naturally learn, and is designed to emphasize lifelong good habits along the way. Instead of multiple-choice worksheets, this style asks the student to retell everything he can remember from the reading or lesson. It also seeks to “spread a feast” of a wide variety of subjects throughout the school week in short-yet-focused lessons, such as art, music, nature study, and handicraft, as well as the usual academic subjects.

I like what this mom said after learning about the Charlotte Mason homeschool method:

She said to educate by faith…is to have an understanding that God has endowed our little persons with curiosity. It is calming to realize how big a part curiosity plays in a child’s learning. It is not the only feature, but it is capable of doing the lion’s share of the teaching. When a baby reaches his tiny hand for the colorful rattle you hold out to him, he does so out of curiosity. His first steps from crawling to walking are taken out of curiosity. Throughout the day my 2-year-old grandson can be heard to ask, “Wus tha?” as he points to one object after another, inside and outside the house, for the pleasure of hearing his mother name the bird at the feeder, the rain on the windowpane, the car in the driveway. His mother is, in a sense, cooperating with curiosity. She is cooperating with the work of the Holy Spirit in the child’s life.

I especially like that last line that talks about cooperating with the work of the Holy Spirit in the child’s life. If and when you cooperate with the Holy Spirit, you’re on the winner’s track.

And that is exponentially true when it comes to educating kids. Because then you’re storing up treasures in heaven, potentially. And, if nothing else, I’m making sure your kids are taught by someone who actually loves them. Not just by someone getting a paycheck who couldn’t care less about where kids go when this life is over.

If you have kids or grandkids in those filthy government indoctrination camps, that some people call public schools, I urge you and encourage you to check out the Charlotte Mason homeschool 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 Charlotte Mason Homeschool is a kid person tool appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

Here’s a short PSA to the world. Looks can be deceiving. And what you see in this world doesn’t last forever. But grace lasts forever. And that’s how humility is a virtue. Because God gives grace to the humble.

But being humble isn’t something to brag about.Yeah, that sort of cancels out your humility.

It’s OK to be confident. In fact, if you’re a Christian, you should be confident. Because you’ve been saved from a fate worse than death. Literally. If you’re not a Christian, the opposite is true. I didn’t make that up. Here are some key things to remember about God’s perspective. He…

Says the “perverse person is an abomination”
Keeps a secret counsel with upright people
Curses the houses of the wicked
Blesses the homes of the just
Scorns the scornful

Knowing all that, it would be a wise choice to choose to love God and His ways. It would be a wise choice to humble yourself because, like I mentioned before, God gives grace to the humble. And it would be a wise choice to realize you’re not God and that you need a savior.

And that’s how humility is a virtue.So be wise when it comes to your eternal fate. When you are, you’ll inherit glory. When you aren’t, you can only leave behind a legacy of shame. Will you humble yourself before God today? Or will you make a foolish decision with negative eternal consequences.

Grace to the humble.
Grace to the wise.
And grace to the ones who
Choose truth over lies.

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 Humility is a virtue and selfishness will hurt you appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

“If matter’s all there is, then nothing really matters.” I’ve said that many times over the years. And for a very good reason. Because you are the only you. And the enormous amount of information found in just one of your trillions of cells shows how true that is as it reveals your unique story.

Yeah, truth proves that you are the only you.But there’s something really interesting about truth. People either love the truth or hate it. And that’s because the truth either sets them free or convicts them. And freedom is great. But that whole conviction thing is a horse of a different color. And people don’t want that different color. Most of them prefer neutral tones.

I’m as fond of gray as the next guy, when it comes to painting things around the house. Because it goes with just about everything. But when it comes to truth, going with gray, or neutral tones, is a recipe for turning you into God puke. Take that off your to-do list.

But let’s get back to your unique story. The reason I write entertaining books for you (especially for kids) is because your story matters. (by the way, “reason” isn’t found in matter)

ThatAnd your story matters because you were created by the original, infinitely brilliant storyteller. You didn’t just happen. And the story of who you are and why you look and sound the way you do is written inside the cells of your body. It’s like a secret code.

But it’s not a secret anymore.Technology now gives us access to DNA where your code (your story) is written.

Your code is yours and no one else has the your code. That’s how and why you are the only you. And this is true of every person on the earth. Big or little. Fat or skinny. Blue or pink, so to speak.

If we took the code inside of you and used a special decoder ring, we could read the one book in the world written just about you.

It would tell us why your singing voice is so nice. Or why you can’t carry a tune in a bucket. It would tell us how you grew up to be a 7 foot basketball player in the NBA. Or a 5 foot jockey in the Kentucky Derby. Well, your code wouldn’t tell us how you won a place in the NBA or the Kentucky Derby. But it would show us why you’re tall or short.

Imagine how many other things we could learn about you by reading the teeny, tiny instructions in each of the trillions of cells in your body. But then there wouldn’t be time to read or do anything else. You can just be sure that…

Your Story MattersInside a trillion tiny cells
Where no one’s eyes can see…
A trillion times your story flies
On sparks of energy.

That energy is life itself
The fire to light your way
To write your story and to live
And love someone today.

Be thankful for your source of life
And bow or smile and nod…
Because your story matters most,
When it reveals our God. © 2013 TF

Your email address matters, too. It’s what I need so I can send you Tony’s Rhyme and Reason Daily Devotional. Get lots of fun stuff delivered right to your inbox. 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 The Very First 6 Days, a rhyming book for kids about God’s creation week and 2 songs, right away. Fun for kids AND not too cutesy. So grownups enjoy it, too. Your email address is all it takes to get it almost right away.

The form can be filled in the actual website url.

Stay tuned,

The post You are the only you and truth makes that true appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

None

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.

Just imagine if God said something like this: I call heaven and earth as witnesses today against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life, that both you and your descendants may live…

Wow, that almost sounds like God says you can choose between life and death.But there are a lot of people who call themselves Christians, who say that everything that happens is part of God’s plan. And they say that includes who will live forever and who won’t. And they say there’s nothing you can do to change it because it’s all part of God’s will. In other words, you can’t choose because God already chose your destiny for you.

But that statement, I said to imagine that God said, IS something God actually DID say. In the book of Deuteronomy in the Bible. And it shows a much more loving God who wants you and me to be able to freely love him. Because true love must be freely given. Otherwise, everyone is just a robot who can only do what we’re programmed to do.

But I don’t believe that for even a nanosecond. Because I’ve read too many beautiful passages in the Bible that completely contradict that kind of a creator. The power of God’s love is revealed on just about every page in every book of the Bible. Old Testament. And New Testament.

That’s why a few years ago I shared a bullet list of why I love life. Here’s what I said…

I love life and the opportunity to live it.I love the:

smooth sailing,
trials and tribulations
growing up,
gaining knowledge,
gaining friends,
awards and rewards,
challenges and failures,
clouds and sunshine,
joy and laughter,
pain and redemption, and
words and music…

Those are all components that help make up this journey through life. It’s not a two part journey. It’s a two place journey. And I’m eager and privileged to participate in both. This place we’re in right now is amazing and difficult. The next place will be unfathomably kinetic, energizing, and joyous. More reasons why I love life.

But the next place won’t be like that for everyone.That’s a shame because it’s really not difficult to achieve. You just need to believe. But here’s another bullet list of where you should not place your faith:

Dreams
Yourself.
a “force”
The “law of attraction”
Internal spirits
Mohammed
Confucious
Buddha
Allah
Oprah
Obama
and least of all, satan

Put your faith only in Jesus. I’m sure thankful I did that a long time ago. Because that one name is the key to choosing between life and death.

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 Life and death in the very same breath 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.

So many so-called pro athletes, movie stars, musicians and other artsy fartsy freakazoids are full of angst and aggression these days.

And I’m not saying they don’t have a good reason.

But I DO say their angst and aggression sure sounds stupid most of the time.And I’m talking about the ones who make millions of dollars for just playing with a ball, or memorizing lines, or looking good on a screen, or for recording some lunatic lyrics with a catchy beat. Yeah, ironically, those who make the most money seem to do the loudest complaining about the free enterprise system we have here in America.

Talk about biting the hand that feeds you. Sheesh.

Sorry, but they just don’t have a good reason for being so full of dark angst and aggression. And don’t try to tell me they’re just looking out for the little guy, you and me. Puhleez.

I know a lot of those pop icons would call me lame. Or a Bible-thumping-do-gooder. And I know a lot of them like to poke fun at Christians and say they have no grasp on reality. They love to attempt to condescend with statements, like, “Go ahead and pray to your little friend in the sky.“ But I really don’t care.

I prefer to remain a hope-filled optimist.Because the Christian message is true (an overwhelming amount of evidence says it is). So, I’m already on the winning team. My so-called “little friend” just happens to be the Head Coach of all creation. And He will lead my team to victory over ALL other opposing teams.

The leader of my pack is not only the True Alpha male. He’s also the Omega Man! And that helps me sing and write angst and aggression free. I gotta tell ya, that’s a huge boost to my endorphins and a significant reduction to any potential cortisol issues. In other words, Jesus is the ultimate stress reducer. He’s the cure. And I’m just a supplement. But I’m blessed to even be that.

And here’s what I recommend for your health. Don’t watch the TV or cable news. Filter out the mainstream from all your social media and internet connections. Stick with me, of course. And, by all means, skip, the namby-pamby, ne’er-do-well, yada-yada rants made by privileged celebrities who think they’re all that plus the bag of chips.

Your body, soul, and spirit will thank you. And don’t be surprised if you start smiling more.

When I’m being optimistic
I know I’ll be fine.
Asking why is realistic;
Knowing why, divine. © 1987 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.

Stay tuned,

The post Angst and aggression from a privileged profession 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.

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“Gotta pay your dues if you wanna sing the blues. And you know it don’t come easy.” If you’re old enough, you might remember those lyrics from a song that Ringo Starr made famous. And another verse said,

“I don’t ask for much, I only want trust. And you know it don’t come easy.”Those lyrics popped up in my brain this week when I thought about how God tells us to “love your neighbor as yourself.” Because I see Islamist people doing despicable Islamist things. And I see illegal aliens, also known as illegal immigrants, doing other despicable illegal things. Then I see black Americans doing despicable things to white Americans. And white Americans doing despicable things to black Americans.

And I used the word despicable because it’s a very effective word to emphatically inflect audible disdain. Another great word is contemptible. So, I might use that as I continue. Because human beings seem hell-bent on making it impossible to love your neighbor these days.

So, it’s more important than ever to know how.

Love doesn’t mean you have to be a doormat, always turn the other cheek, or simply keep your mouth shut. In fact, most of the time, doing those things can show how you don’t love your neighbor as yourself as much as you think you do. Yeah, like I said, it don’t come easy.

The main thing to focus on, when it comes to loving someone you don’t feel like loving is how your words, deeds, and actions will affect them. And you do that by keeping an eternal perspective first. Everything else is secondary to that. After all, what’s more important? 80 years of living here on earth, with all its chaos and confusion? Or an eternity of perfection with the one true, living, loving Creator of Heaven and life? (here’s a hint…go with the second choice)

When you have an eternal perspective, you’ll understand how important it is to make sure your neighbor understands there IS a God, there IS a Heaven, and there IS a choice to be made here and now. If God wishes that “none should perish”, we should too. But to love your neighbor as yourself means you’re willing to share the whole Truth. Not just the peace, love, joy, and forgiveness.

You don’t do your neighbor a favor to automatically forgive him of something.Not when he doesn’t even show remorse or ask for forgiveness. Remember, if Jesus doesn’t do it that way, you and I shouldn’t either.

You don’t truly love your neighbor, when you watch him drink himself to death. don’t be selfish. Speak up when you get the opportunity.

And you don’t truly care about your neighbor if you never say anything to him (or her)about Jesus?

If you truly want to do what God asks you to do, you have to truly love your neighbor as yourself. You don’t want your self to go to hell. So you shouldn’t want that for them. But, as I said, it don’t come easy. Because there are so many, let’s call them people for now, who could not care less what the one true, living, loving God of creation says or requires.

And that means they won’t care what you say either.So, you can fully expect to stir up the demon soup when you tell them there is only one way to live forever in paradise with God. Just say the name, Jesus, and it will be like you just dumped a box of hot coals on their head. But here’s the thing. When they stand before God one day, and they will, they will be fully aware that someone showed them compassionate love and they despised and rejected it.

And you might hear the words, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”

The truth is worth the risk.

So go ahead and pay your dues. One day you won’t have to sing the blues.

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

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 It don’t come easy especially when your neighbor is sleazy appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

I’ve been encouraging anybody who would read what I write and listen to what I say to remain optimistic in tough times. But I don’t just say the words. I also share why it’s not just good advice. It’s important to your health down to the marrow of your bones.

Remain optimistic in tough times because the alternative should be unthinkable.The subject came up in my thoughts this morning for a particularly personal reason. Today, April 17, 2026 marks the one year “anniversary” of a stroke that challenged me to follow my own advice. But I believe I can honestly say that, despite challenges, I never dreamed I would face, I have remained optimistic in the tough times of the past year.

I won’t tell you what all the challenges were/are. But they include a left arm and hand that won’t hold things very well without wavering in the air. And a left leg that refuses to take normal steps during a walk. Plus most things on my left side operate with much less efficiency than they did a year ago. That includes my left lung and blood circulation on that side. And probably the weirdest thing that happened was the development of a neurogenic bladder.

Most of the information you’ll find on a neurogenic bladder deals with incontinence, urgency, etc. But what happened to me is something they call an under active bladder. And that means the nerves that alert you to the need to go and allow you to start a stream and go don’t work now. So, I have to insert a catheter four or five times a day, to empty out. Not my idea of a fun time.

And I’ve only shared this personal information with you because I hope it helps somebody understand how crucial it is to remain optimistic, even during rough times like what I described. I know it isn’t always easy. But it’s always necessary. And it’s always doable when you remember that, if you believe and trust in Jesus, one day, sooner than you might imagine, you will see Him…

Face To FaceWhen we’re born into this world,
We’re empty-handed.
We can’t speak, and we can barely even see.
As we grow we see this life,
In which we landed…
Is a thread of well-designed complexity.

Each and every one of us
Had a beginning…
And, so very small, a spark of life sufficed.
Then we turned away from God
And started sinning…
And that put us face to face with Jesus Christ.

Face to face with Truth…face to face with Life.
Yeah, the Way to paradise is face to face
With the One who died and who lives inside.
Jesus Christ even loves us face to face.

When we leave this world, we’re
Leaving empty-handed.
We can go to that eternal, perfect place.
When we make the choice of Life,
We won’t be stranded.
And we’ll get to see our Savior’s loving face. © 2020 TF

Get my Tony’s Rhyme and Reason Daily Devotional. 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.

The form can be filled in the actual website url.

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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.

It’s true. Tomorrow is a concept. Not a reality.

If someone came to you asking for a ride because their car broke down, would you tell them to come back tomorrow? Probably not. Right? What if they needed to borrow money, and you have plenty you could lend? Would you tell them to wait until tomorrow? Hmm, that’s a little different. Or is it? There’s a place in the Bible where it says if you’re able to help someone, don’t hold back. And don’t wait till tomorrow. Do your good deeds today.

Because tomorrow is a concept.You never actually get to it. And it might seem like a small detail. But it’s important enough to be included in the Bible.

When you’re able to help your neighbor, that’s a great way to “love your neighbor.” And if you’re a Christian, loving your neighbor is one of the main things God asks you to do. So, why would you wait till tomorrow? What’s gonna be different tomorrow? No, it’s important to live in today. Love in today. Act today. Don’t believe that nonsense that says “no good deeds go unpunished.”

Because this world doesn’t want your good deeds.

So, trust God to be faithful. He knows your heart. And He knows where your true treasures are.

If someone asks you for help today, and if you’re able to give them that help, give it. Today if possible, since tomorrow is a concept. You won’t be able to give them the help tomorrow. And it’s not a matter of doing good deeds for the sake of deeds. It’s a matter of your heart. And it’s a great way to have a healthy heart. So, is your heart healthy toward others? Here’s a rhyme to help you remember…

Give your help to someone who needs.
Have a good heart. It’s love that feeds.
What you do now is planting seeds.
It’s so much more than just good deeds.

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 Tomorrow is a concept about time that we can accept appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

Healthy life. Peaceful life. Wealthy life. Joyful life. Do any (or all) of those describe you in your life? If not, my first question is: Do you love your neighbor after you love yourself first?

Yeah, I said after you love yourself first.I started thinking about something I wrote somewhere around 10 years ago after I read the second half of Paul’s letter to the Philippians this morning. It ties in very neatly to the letter he wrote to the Galatians, too. And it’s an ongoing thread through his writings. So, how did you answer the question?

If you answered “yes”, then the next question is…do you serve one another? After all, it’s only when you serve others that you can achieve a healthy or peaceful or wealthy or joyful life.

Sure, you can choose to serve yourself. And you can choose to expect others to serve you. But that kind of expectation won’t take you down the primrose path, to say the least. You probably don’t need my help on the subject. but, just in case, here are three things to focus on to help you serve others…particularly if you’re a Christian…

Whatever things are true – it doesn’t matter that more and more people in the world wanna say truth is relative and experiential. There are some things that are absolutely true. For example, the morning sun never “rises” in the west. And it never “sets” in the east. Right? Some things are absolutely true, and dependable. Focus on them.
Whatever things are pure – I know this can be a difficult area to focus on with so much grit and grime and despicable behavior in the world. But there are pure things. A newborn baby. A blue sky from a mountain top. A genuine love between a husband and his wife. I’m sure you can find other pure things if you look. Focus on them.
Whatever things are praiseworthy – Look for some way to compliment someone. It could be as simple as telling your barista how delightful your cuppa java is today. Or tell your mom how nice she looks in her new coat. How about telling your co-worker or employee what a great job they did yesterday? It’s actually difficult not to see praiseworthy things.

Focus on them.There are several other areas of life you can focus on to improve your circle of influence. I’ve shared them here on my website. But I want you to know how your focus can change how well you serve one another. If you’re only focused on the mistakes other people make, you’ll never run out of them. And you’ll never be satisfied. Neither will they. That focus helps no one…serves no one. There’s a time for healthy critique. But never waste an opportunity to build someone up. Your soul will thank you for it. Because that’s how you love others.

But you can only do that when you love God and then love yourself first.

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 Love yourself first doesn’t make you the worst 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.

Yeah, maybe you never thought about it this way. Because maybe you don’t think about how God hates. I know most Christians wanna focus on how much he loves. And that’s fine.

Well, ironically His love is why He hates. And here are 7 things God hates:

A proud look
A lying tongue
Hands that shed innocent blood
A heart that devises wicked plans
Feet that are swift in running to evil
A false witness who speaks lies
And one who sows discord among brethren

See? it ain’t crazy talk. Even though it’s not your typical devotional material, it’s important to know.

I’d like you to pay special attention to what each of those things has in common. Know what it is? They’re all physical. A look is on a face. Physical. Tongue…physical. Hands…physical. Heart…physical (although a physical heart doesn’t actually devise plans). Feet…physical. And the last two are the whole person…somebody who speaks lies or somebody who mumbles and grumbles. God doesn’t just hate the intangible, unseen “force of sin.” He knows it couldn’t exist apart from human flesh. So, He lists what He hates in a way you and I can understand.

And, thankfully, God loves at the same time.He loves you enough to make a way out of your sin forever.

But He won’t force you to choose that Way (aka: Jesus). And His love for you will lift you into eternal life when you choose Him. But He hates you if you choose “self love” over His love. so much so that He made a place where you can go and be separated from Him and those of us who love Him forever. I advise against that choice. And yes, you do have a choice.

Choose now. And don’t just hate the sin and love the sinner. Learn to love and hate with God’s wisdom and discernment leading the way.

Read Paul’s writings and you’ll discover a man who fell deeply in love with the love, forgiveness, power, AND judgment of Christ. You’ll discover words, inspired by God, telling you to judge. He says the “saints will judge the world“. And he asks if you’re “unworthy to judge even the smallest matters”. When you read that passage, you’ll discover how important it is to be able to judge rightly and wisely.

Let’s love what God loves
And hate what He hates.
And be thankful and glad
His enormous love waits.

Stay tuned,

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 post God hates while His love waits appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

Let’s say you’re gonna write a book about what subject where you might be considered an expert. Or maybe you’re going to paint a work of art in a medium where everyone considers you the number one artist. In other words, you’ve got a project that you want to make as awesome as it can be. And you’ve got six days to get it done so you come up with your own six days of creation to-do list.

Now, you might start out with something like get supplies. And follow that up with set up your desk, or easel, or other work surface. Then you might follow that up with setting up your outline, or sketching a drawing. And the rest of the list would naturally follow your own ideas and what it would take to accomplish them.

OK, let’s compare that to what God might have had on his mind when he created the universe. It might have gone like this:

Light bursting forth on Day 1.
The sky and seas on Day 2.
Dry land, bursting with grass, trees, and plants on Day 3.
The sun, moon, and twinkling stars filling the heavens on Day 4.
Birds soaring through the air and fish swimming the oceans on Day 5.
On Day 6, land animals to roam the earth, and the formation of the first man and woman in His own image.

Yeah, when you read the creation account in the book of Genesis in the Bible, that’s pretty much how it went.

And that six days of creation list was completed for one main reason.Simply because it pleased God to do it.

Now, the best you and I can do, in this broken, fallen world is to attempt to think and say God’s words after Him. And that’s what I attempted to do in a book I wrote, called the very first six days. I wrote the book in a way that’s easy enough for young kids to understand. Each day is its own poem, and all the poems are joined together to fill out the 6 days creation list in a rhyming and illustrated book for kids.

OK, there are two ways you could get this fun book for your kids or grandkids. Actually, there are kind of three ways to get this book. But the main two I’m talking about today are as a paperback that sells for $20 on Amazon. If that’s your style, here’s your link:

(https://www.amazon.com/Very-First-6-Days/dp/1515251330)

But if you don’t need or want or gotta have the paperback version, which includes drawing and coloring pages and a link where you can access the audio of me narrating the book, here’s another option.

Get it for no moolah at all.The digital downloadable version is yours for the taking. All it takes is for you to go to tonyfunderburk.com and add your email address to Tony’s Daily Devotional. That’s the email devotional I send to my subscribers to hopefully encourage and inspire them/you to be hope-filled in a hopeless world. With words I share, inspired by the power of God’s love found in His book.

So, there you have it. There’s your choice. Because I believe America is still free enough for you and me to have at least these kinds of choices. You can pay $20 on Amazon for a very snazzy paperback version of The Very First 6 Days. Or you can let me know you want the free version, by adding your email address in the form on my homepage: tonyfunderburk.com And when you do that, I’ll send you some other free stuff too. Just because I wanna show you how much I appreciate your time and attention.

Now, exercise your right to choose. And I look forward to connecting with you. Oh yeah, if you’re already an email subscriber of mine, and you became one before I made this offer, let me know that you would like the digital version too. I’ll be glad to send it to you. Because you’ve already shown your support, and I want to show you how much I appreciate it. Here’s a sample from the book:

The Very First DayBefore there were created things, and darkness filled the air…
No world or human beings were existing anywhere.
Then God created earth and sea and all the heavens too.
There was no sun, no moon, no stars, and only God shone through.

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

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

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 6 days of creation list that generations have dissed appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

The Very First 6 Days

We’re all alone in the dark universe. When you read that, does it bring on anxiety, depression, and a deep, drowning sense of dread? Yeah, me neither. I’ve never felt that way a day in my life. Because I have a secret weapon. I bet you do too. And I know how special our little, blue planet is.

Sure, we’re alone in the dark universe. But we’re not alone.And that’s not a contradiction.

Of course, you’re free to choose to be completely alone. But I don’t recommend it. And it isn’t gonna happen by a random set of circumstances. And solitude is certainly not a predestined destiny (redundant on purpose). Because every person born is an eternal being. From the moment you and I were conceived, we became inhabitants of eternity.

“Wow! That’s deep, man.”

You bet it’s deep. And wide. In fact, there’s a fountain flowing deep and wide. A fountain of living water. But you don’t have to drink from the fountain. And you don’t have to enjoy the benefits of never being thirsty again. It’s all up to you. The choice is there. Life. Or death. Love. Or a total separation from the power of God’s love.

But if you choose life and love, you will never (with a capital NEV) be alone in the dark.

So, Relroy (nobody will get that reference) who do you choose?

Alone Not AloneWe are alone in the universe.
But we’re never all alone,
Unless we choose to reject design
Like we got here on our own.

We have a great place, this planet Earth.
And it stands out here in space.
It’s the world where the Creator was
Sacrificed to give us Grace.

Millionaires and even billionaires
Spend their money just to prove
Maybe brilliant, advanced aliens
Paused here when they made a move.

Sure, it sounds silly, but it’s just sad
But the truth will take this tone.
And if you trust aliens, not God,
Get used to it, you’re alone.

© 2020 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.

The form can be filled in the actual website url.

Stay tuned,

The post Alone in the dark is a walk in the park appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

I read how some Finnish, American, and British researchers (I’ll call ’em the FAB team) used a technique called sonification to “hear” how certain proteins function. Those researchers believe “listening” to proteins, and how they work, might help doctors discover and treat diseases more effectively.

Sonification occurs when composed music and mathematical algorithms interconnect.Have you ever listened to Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9? That link, I just shared, is to a video of a very recognizable section of the symphony. Not the whole symphony. But every bit of it is worth your time. By the way, Ludwig composed this beautiful music when he was nearly totally deaf. And that’s maybe one of the most inspiring examples of why you should remember you’re an overcomer. Because you’re a child of the living, loving Creator of the universe and all life here on planet Earth.

You and I shouldn’t allow fears (and those who spread them) to take root. Instead, be a Beethoven. Make a daily note to yourself to stay composed. (pun completely intended)

By the way, staying composed, with music like Symphony number 9, can also help reduce your heart rate (if it needs it) and help prevent hypertension and cardiovascular disease. Because it matches the natural rhythms of your body. So, your body actually physically responds to it. And that gets back to the power of sonification I already mentioned.

A study, back in 2013, said heart disease patients can get great results with music. It said those who exercised and listened to music they enjoyed for 30 minutes every day had the highest rate of heart function improvement.

Yeah, music and exercise can make your heart health rise.Who knew?

Well, my bet is that the Inventor of music knew. That’s who.

The healing power of music is still being discovered. Sure, some research might prove to be wishful thinking. But I don’t discard the potential. Because I know how much God loves us. And it would be just like Him to put healthful benefits in something that’s all around you every day.

So, here’s my recommendation for you today. Get yourself some sonification. Listen to some music that matches the natural rhythms of your body. Because you can’t beat it. (yeah, another pun completely intended) And when you do…

Your mind and your body will thank you
For the sounds and potential healing.
And what better way to be healthy?
And what else could be more appealing?
Except maybe living forever
With the One who invented the way
We can all live better with music.
Yeah, that’s more beneficial, I’d say.

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 Sonification is yet another indication appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

I’ve shared the story before how my younger brother and I lived with my grandparents, my dad’s parents, for a little while. This was way back closer to the middle of the last century. In Norman, Oklahoma. And my parents were getting divorced. So my dad made sure my brother and I had a stable home to stay in while they went through the process. And that’s where I first learned about peach preserves, as well as other kinds of fruit preserves.

But peach preserves stand out above the rest. And I’ll tell you why.Because I’m a peachy kinda guy. OK, that’s not the real reason. True, but not the real reason. The real reason I remember, peach preserves, even more than the rest is because of my Grandmother’s peach cobbler and a little story she and I share.

One time, as she was making one of her peach cobblers from scratch, she gave me one of the peach pits. And she told me to open it up and find the seed. Being the highly curious five year-old boy I was, I did that. I remember thinking how the pit felt like wood. And it even had sort of a crisscross lattice look. So, I was certainly surprised to find a somewhat soft seed inside the “wooden” pit.

“Grandmother,” I blurted out. “Look! I found it!”

“Do you know what that seed can turn into?” she asked.

“No. What?” I replied.

She said, “Take this old spoon outside and dig a small hole and plant that seed inside it and then cover it up with the dirt.”

So, that’s exactly what I did.And that was that. At least that’s all there was to it for almost another 20 years. But it was about that many years that I was back at their house as an adult, with a lot of extended family, celebrating my grandparents 50th anniversary. And you know how it goes. The three sons, one of which was my dad, brought the families, and each family brought some goodies. So, plenty of good food, relative, seeing each other for the first time in a while, and one particularly delightful treat for me.

Right there on the kitchen counter was a cobbler made with homemade peach preserves.

As I was serving up a slice for myself, Grandmother came in and asked me how I liked it. Of course, I said I loved it. And she said, “Would you believe I got the peaches from that tree right out there in the yard where you planted a seed when you were a little boy?”

I thought that was so cool. Still do. And I doubt that I’ll ever forget that story. What brought it to mind for me today was a line from the second letter. Paul wrote to his protégé, Timothy. It made me think about what God does that. Nobody deserves. He sort of makes us into some peachy preserves. Here’s the line from Paul’s letter:

And the Lord will deliver me from every evil work and preserve me for His heavenly kingdom.

That’s what I wish for you and me today. And here’s some more of…

What I WishThere are people of the past
And people of today…
They’re standing in lines,
And they’re passing away.
But let’s not talk about that.
Let’s go and find some fun…
Burn our candles at both ends…
Let our wild sides run.

We don’t wanna hear it.
We don’t wanna know why…
‘Cause then maybe we’ll feel near it,
And we’ll break down and cry.

Oh, I wish our world was better.
I wish our world was fair.
I wish we’d get together
And end the grief out there.
Yes, I wish our world was perfect.
And I wish our world was sane.
I wish there was no hatred
Or quest for earthly gain…
That’s what I wish.

There are innocent children
Who were living on dreams.
Now their dreams have exploded
Blown apart at the seams.
And they look to their mothers
And their fathers for help.
But their parents can’t help them
‘Cause they can’t help themselves.

We don’t want to hear it.
We don’t want to know where…
Just as long as it’s not us…
Who are we to care?

Oh, I wish our world was better.

I wish our world was fair.
I wish we’d get together
And end the grief out there.
Yes, I wish our world was perfect.
And I wish our world was sane.
I wish there was no hatred
Or quest for earthly gain…
That’s what I wish. © 1988

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 Peach preserves and what no one deserves 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.

Here are the links to the flashes of light, from the week of Dec 29 – Jan 2, 2025, I shared in Tony’s Rhyme and Reason Daily Devotionaland on the The Rhyme And Reason Podcast Episode 1022:

Harry Houdini loved magic and was still tragic
Get wisdom and understanding and change where you’ll be standing
Pelican landing memory brought to you by me

Get Tony’s Rhyme and Reason Daily Devotional, my ongoing Devotional for believers who want to focus on the power of God’s love and rightly divide the word of truth. Enjoy the convenience of having these flashes of light delivered, for free, right to your inbox. Then, you can spend your valuable time reading and listening 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. 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 Houdini, the trace, and a pelican in the place – the power of God’s love podcast episode 1023 appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

Here are the links to the flashes of light, from the week of Dec 29 – Jan 2, 2025, I shared in Tony’s Rhyme and Reason Daily Devotional and on the The Rhyme And Reason Podcast Episode 1022:

Happy new year 2026 and cheers to getting your kicks
Spotify stats and dot com back pats
Two days one night now to do what is right

Get Tony’s Rhyme and Reason Daily Devotional, my ongoing Devotional for believers who want to focus on the power of God’s love and rightly divide the word of truth. Enjoy the convenience of having these flashes of light delivered, for free, right to your inbox. Then, you can spend your valuable time reading and listening 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. 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 Old year new year and God’s love is still here – The Power of God’s Love 1022 appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

If there is no God, then I’ve spent most of my life hoping for something that doesn’t exist and it will never be a reality for me or anyone else.

Yeah, there’s no hope for the world, if there is no God.Plain and simple.

Because without the hope of at least some sort of access to eternal life, there’s not even a good reason 41 to even exist. And if there is no God, hope for an eternal life is just a figment of your imagination. At best.

Here’s what I said about this idea a dozen years ago was a introduced my Christmas song, “I Believe In The God of Christmas.”

~ Most people don’t believe in the God of Christmas. And I can only imagine the inner sense of hopelessness and futility that stirs up.

The God of Christmas is THE one and only God.He’s the God who created the heavens and the earth. He’s the God who created us and every living creature and inanimate thing on the earth. And He’s the God who knows every detail of what is best for us. And there is no absolute Truth without Him. Yeah, nothing you can depend on except yourself. And that’s a recipe for hopeless chaos, confusion.

Have you noticed chaos and confusion in this world? Even the short tweets/posts on X.com (formally known asTwitter) highlight the chaos and confusion in this world.

Most people are looking for an answer to their hopelessness. But most refuse to believe their hope could be found in Jesus. Some Jewish carpenter who “possibly” lived 2,000 years ago couldn’t possibly be the God of Christmas. So, how could He possibly be the hope of the world.

But He is.

You don’t have to believe that.

But one day you will. And if that day isn’t during your current time here on Earth, then it will be too late. You will have already chosen to be your own god. You will rule and reign in a universe of one for eternity.

But that terrible fate is so avoidable.

It appears the complicated blueprint for what you need to do to avoid it.

Believe.

And trust.

Let me know if you need me to go back over all the steps with you.

But I believe it is so easy. Even though it’s so excruciatingly impossible for most. I pray that you’ll start to dig deeper than the physical, if you haven’t already. And certainly deeper than the so-called metaphysical. In fact, take a deep dive into your own soul today. Listen very very closely. And I pray that you’ll hear that “still, small voice” and begin to understand what I mean when I say…

I Believe In The God of ChristmasSome believe there’s just today.
And then we die and fade away…
Such a sad and hopeless life to lead.

Others say we never die.
We all live on above the sky…
Disregard the theft and hate and greed.

But I believe in the God of Christmas,
And I believe in His Gift to us all,
And I believe that He died to save us
And that He rose to recover our fall.
Yes I believe in the God who loves us,
And I believe in the God who lives,
Yes I believe in the God of Christmas.
He gave His love, and He still freely gives.

One day soon we just may find
So many millions left behind
In a world where truth is torn apart.

Then no lights, no Christmas trees,
No arts and no humanities,
Will bring peace to any broken heart.
(choruses) © 2011 TF

Of course, if there is no God, the one you find when you open your eyes to the truth, then even my time spent writing that song was wasted. I don’t believe it was. How about you?

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.

The form can be filled in the actual website url.

Stay tuned into The Power of God’s Love,

The post If there is no God then my hope is flawed appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

A lot of people still wish for it, hope for it, and pray for it. And the ironic thing is, peace on earth actually began about 2000 years ago, give or take.

But soon after peace on earth began, it ended.Another ironic thing is that even when there was peace on earth, it wasn’t a peaceful place to live. But how is that even possible?

Because the only time peace ever came to our planet, was when God became a man. He was born the same way any other human baby was born. But of course he was no ordinary, run-of-the-mill human baby.

And, as he grew up and became a man, news about his abilities to heal, and do other miracles, spread around the whole part of the world where he lived and spoke. Anyone with eyes to see and ears to hear should’ve been able to see and hear that he was truly the only chance for peace on earth.

But you know how people are. Right?

Yeah, they were that way back then too.

So, Jesus offended the wrong people (or the right ones, depending on how you look at it). And those people decided he needed to be shut up, shut down, and shut out. And to accomplish that, they had him crucified. End of story.

Except that here we are a little over 2000 years later still celebrating his birthday. Oh sure, probably most people don’t realize that’s what’s going on. But that is why Christmas exists.

Because God became a man and dwelt among us for a little while.

And for about 33 years, the length of his life on earth, peace on earth was actually here and available. But it won’t be available again until Jesus returns to rule the Earth.

And, yet again, most people won’t want anything to do with him. Even though he is the only reason for this Christmas season and all its warm and fuzzy feelings that inspire love, hope, and even songs:

Christmas Is The One DayYou wake up on Christmas
And find that the whole world’s dressed in Grace,
A whole different place.
It’s only on Christmas
And no other day rings half as true It’s ringin’ for you.
And Christmas is the one day
When God became a man…
When Peace on earth began…
And ended…so fast.

But Christmas is the one day
The hope can rise again…
Inside the hearts of men…
So why don’t…we make…it last?

When you’re livin’ in Christmas
And keepin’ the Gift inside your heart,
It’s like a new start.
There’s nothing like Christmas
To give you back what you gave away.
So, tell me, what do you say…?

Chorus

It’s not about your riches
That will leave you when you die.
It’s the Love of The Creator
That should keep your spirit high. © 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.

The form can be filled in the actual website url.

Stay tuned into The Power of God’s Love,

The post Peace on Earth began when God became a man. 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.

The form can be filled in the actual website url.

Stay tuned,

The post Christmas spirit days and my wet blanket ways appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

Here are the links to the flashes of light, from the week of Dec 8 – Dec 14, 2025, I shared in Tony’s Rhyme and Reason Daily Devotional and on the The Rhyme And Reason Podcast Episode 1018:

All the good things that real hope brings
All things are pure to the pure and that’s for sure
Stringed instruments and my rhyming sentiments

Get Tony’s Rhyme and Reason Daily Devotional, my ongoing Devotional for believers who want to focus on the power of God’s love and rightly divide the word of truth. Enjoy the convenience of having these flashes of light delivered, for free, right to your inbox. Then, you can spend your valuable time reading and listening 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. 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,

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Here are the links to the flashes of light, from the week of Dec 1 – Dec 7, 2025, I shared in Tony’s Rhyme and Reason Daily Devotional and on the The Rhyme And Reason Podcast Episode 1017:

Lifetime membership and benefits will never dip
Number 3 you can see is about more than even me
December 5 comes alive when these facts arrive

Get Tony’s Rhyme and Reason Daily Devotional, my ongoing Devotional for believers who want to focus on the power of God’s love and rightly divide the word of truth. Enjoy the convenience of having these flashes of light delivered, for free, right to your inbox. Then, you can spend your valuable time reading and listening 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. 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,

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Here are the links to the flashes of light, from the week of Nov 24 – Nov 30, 2025, I shared in Tony’s Rhyme and Reason Daily Devotional and on the The Rhyme And Reason Podcast Episode 1015:

Geometry spot where your brain will not rot
Too late for regrets as you pay off the debts
Active not passive makes your faith more massive

Get Tony’s Rhyme and Reason Daily Devotional, my ongoing Devotional for believers who want to focus on the power of God’s love and rightly divide the word of truth. Enjoy the convenience of having these flashes of light delivered, for free, right to your inbox. Then, you can spend your valuable time reading and listening 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. 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,

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Here are the links to the flashes of light, from the week of Nov 17 – Nov 13, 2025, I shared in The TRUTH Journal and on the The Power of God’s Love Podcast Episode 1015:

Lives in the balance so I use my talents
Charts and graphs and lotsa laughs
Take me out past the roundabout

Get The TRUTH Journal, my ongoing Devotional for believers who want to focus on the power of God’s love and rightly divide the word of truth. Enjoy the convenience of having these flashes of light delivered, for free, right to your inbox. Then, you can spend your valuable time reading and listening 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. 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,

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Here are the links to the flashes of light, from the week of Nov 10 – Nov 16, 2025, I shared in The TRUTH Journal and on the The Power of God’s Love Podcast Episode 1014:

Kids and puppies playing makes this worth saying
Putting feelings into words is not all rainbows and bluebirds
Zinc benefits from the start, including the most interesting part

Get The TRUTH Journal, my ongoing Devotional for believers who prefer to focus on the power of God’s love and rightly divide the word of truth. Enjoy the flashes of light I share on my website when they come right to your inbox. Then, you can spend your valuable time reading and listening 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. 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,

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Here are the links to the flashes of light, from the week of Nov 3 – Nov 9, 2025. I shared in The TRUTH Journal and on the The Power of God’s Love Podcast Episode 1013:

Liquid glass and what will come to pass
God is great in spite of all the hate
Perfect people don’t exist. If you think so, please resist.

Get The TRUTH Journal, my ongoing Devotional that’s Logical AND Emotional. Because then the flashes of light I share on my website come right to your inbox. So you can spend your valuable time reading and listening 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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Here are the links to the flashes of light, from the week of October 27-Nov 2, 2025. I shared in The TRUTH Journal and on the The Power of God’s Love Podcast Episode 1012:

Brand new and the least I could do for you
Patina paint on this here saint
Pony expressed is not like the rest

Get The TRUTH Journal, my ongoing Devotional for believers who prefer to focus on the power of God’s love and rightly divide the word of truth. Enjoy the flashes of light I share on my website when they come right to your inbox. Then, you can spend your valuable time reading and listening 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. 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,

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Here are the links to the flashes of light, from the week of October 13-19, 2025 I shared in the TRUTH Journal and on the The Power of God’s Love Podcast Episode 1009:

Time limit here on Earth and what you are worth
The good times will outlast your present and past
Nothing new under the sun but my last name starts with fun

Get The TRUTH Journal, my ongoing Devotional that’s Logical AND Emotional. Because then the flashes of light I share on my website come right to your inbox. So you can spend your valuable time reading and listening 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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I’m not a scientist. And I don’t play one on TV. And I’m not a physicist or alchemist or biologist. I’m a Christian writer and poet. A words and music guy. A guy made up of as much carbon as anyone in those other professions. But I’m a guy, who like those other guys, has a time limit on my LIFE here on earth.

And when my time limit is up, my carbon will still be here.So my life did not arise from or depend on carbon. And true science (not the pseudoscience you see on TV) shows the undeniable complexity in human DNA. The code in a just one of your cells contains volumes of design information.

Yeah, you have your own unique DNA. So does everyone else. My finite mind can barely apprehend (and certainly not comprehend) the implications of that. But I can say this without hesitation. DNA clearly shows we’re information based, not carbon. And without information this whole world. would be lifeless. So, that certainly begs the question, “Where did all that information originate?”

Well, I believe in the unpopular idea that it didn’t all come from nothing.

Of course, when I say “unpopular,” that doesn’t mean hardly anyone agrees with me. In fact, millions and millions of people agree with me. But there are billions who disagree. And I predict eventually that will not go well for them.

I wish scientists who trust in carbon would get real and go where life’s information leads. Because I believe they get a much better understanding of life, love, and design. And they might even learn to trust in the Designer. I’ll just go ahead and say it, Jesus is that designer.

Secret MissionIn the first ray of light there was a message
That no one else, but me, could even see.
And I had to squint my eyes to decipher
A secret mission plotted just for me.
There were no dots or dashes or impulses.
No man-made codes and no neurology
Could infiltrate and then translate the mission,
The expedition meant for only me.
Then a voice, filled with thunder, in a whirlwind,
Spoke to me about peace and sanctity.
And my soul realized the secret mission
Is for everyone and not just for me.
I appeal, with an urgency of purpose,
To your heart where you’ll find eternity
Written down, as a not so secret mission,
To share God’s love for all with eyes to see. © 2025 TF

Subscribe to my FunderFlash Journal, the ongoing Devotional that’s Logical AND Emotional. Because then the flashes of light I share on my website come right to your inbox. So you can spend your valuable time reading and listening 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.

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Put a few drops of peppermint, or peppermint and lemon, into a diffuser (with filtered water). And I think you’ll love how those scents can open up your sinuses and clear your head.

Anyway…

It’s so cool, how diffusers vaporize the oils and water. And they do it so quietly. But the end result is so pleasant and so powerful. A whole room can transform as you breathe in those aromas. It’s one of life’s little pleasures.

I guess those are some of the reasons why Paul (in the Bible) metaphorically described Christians as diffusers. I’m not making that up. Here’s what he said…

“Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge in every place.”

That should clear your head about who you are.I know it does that for me. And it makes me feel like my 3200 articles, well most of them, are like essential oils. And I’ve diffused “the fragrance of His knowledge” in my own way. Through Rhyme and Reason.

Hmm…maybe I should start my own brand of diffusers. What do you think?

But there’s a catch to letting God use you to diffuse the fragrance of His knowledge. Just like some people are allergic to certain plants and their oils, most people find the fragrance of God’s knowledge offensive, too. Paul talked about that this way…

“For we are to God the fragrance of Christ among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing. To the one we are the aroma of death leading to death, and to the other the aroma of life leading to life.” Sounds kinda like a life and death situation, doesn’t it?

Well, here’s a reasonable rhyme about that…The fragrance of knowledge is essential.
Diffuse it. Don’t keep it confidential.
To some, it’s like roses. Some turn up their noses.
Your results will be quite consequential.

Subscribe to my FunderFlash Journal, the ongoing Devotional that’s Logical AND Emotional. Because then the flashes of light I share on my website come right to your inbox. So you can spend your valuable time reading and listening 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.

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Of course, I don’t know what your preferences are or your taste in design. But I’m pretty confident you’d have to agree there’s nothing quite like neon trees.

What’s that? You’ve never seen neon trees?Oh Matilda, say it ain’t so. Because, especially around this time of year, neon trees are almost everywhere. Not so much here along the Emerald Coast but certainly in many other places around America. From the Smoky Mountains to New England, from the Ozarks to the Rocky Mountains, and from the great Southwest to the vast Northwest. Beautiful neon blowing in the breezes.

OK, by now (or even sooner) you probably figured out I’m talking about autumn art as the leaves change from different shades of green to the bright, fiery colors of fall. I hope you make time to get outside check out the change. Because not only is it a blast, but it’s just plain good for you. It’s a great way to reinforce and reinvigorate your brain to remember how it’s all part of God’s design and intentions.

In His bestselling book of all time, God inspired Moses to write:

“While the earth remains,
Seedtime and harvest,
Cold and heat,
Winter and summer,
And day and night
Shall not cease.”

That should bring you comfort, if you need comforting, that this planet isn’t gonna be destroyed by so-called climate change or whatever other knucklehead scheme they come up with. God’s word and His promises always bring me comfort. And I believe he indirectly inspired me to write about neon trees.

Well, maybe not neon trees specifically. But I do believe He gave me a creative mind that I can use to write rhymes like the following two. They were written years apart. And I didn’t realize how connected they would be until this morning. As I read the words out loud to myself I get the same visual I did when I wrote these…

Singing silent solo songs…
Looking up redeems the poorest.
Don’t doubt where belief belongs.
Threaded through the days of living
Light librettos linger low
Thankful to be sources giving
Blue, green, orange, red, and yellow. © 2022 TF

AND…Walking in the woods of wonder…
Leaping off a limb of lights…
Slipping down a secret scots pine…
Kiwi trees are flying kites.

All around are dancing aspens…
With their white and wondrous wings…
Bristling branches and sweet breezes…
Where a speckled sparrow sings.

Rainbow redwoods rake the blue sky…
Mystic music mingles in…
Dragons drift by in their dreamboats…
Lemon larkspurs live within.

Walking in the woods of wonder…
Thinking thoughts of thrilling things…
Life’s a lilac filled with lightning…
We’re all wearing water wings. © 2013 TF

I hope you get inspired in some way to use your creativity and express your delight in God’s design.

Subscribe to my FunderFlash Journal, the ongoing Devotional that’s Logical AND Emotional. Because then the flashes of light I share on my website come right to your inbox. So you can spend your valuable time reading and listening 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.

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Good or bad, most Americans used to take responsibility for the things they did. And some still do. But I don’t see it so much anymore.

People running the country don’t take responsibility. So why should YOU?Hang on for a sec, and I’ll tell you why. But first a word or two about the top dog knuckleheads in America.

Yeah. Governors, state and federal, senators, and members of state and federal congress love to blame and point their fingers at members of the opposite “party.” But rarely, if ever, will you find even one of them willing to take responsibility for the bad stuff. And there’s bukoo bad stuff.

They love to create a maze of committees for just about anything you can think of. And that makes it super easy for no one person to ever actually take responsibility for anything. Unwise policies continue to bankrupt our country and even destroy lives. But it’s no ONE’s fault. So, here’s the saddest truth hidden in plain site.

All those people who devised all these destructive laws, policies, and side deals, were either elected or appointed by others who were elected.

Elected.

11 years ago I wrote some lyrics about this problem. And I said it’s about taking…

ResponsibilityI heard…my sweet dreams shatter…
Blue skies fell around my feet.
My plans…they just don’t matter…
Big lies and elite deceit.

Same thing…throughout the ages.
Same words out of different lips.
False hopes…on empty pages…
Crash course with a truth eclipse.

And it all seems helpless, hopeless
In a world that’s full of brokenhearted,
Reckless, faithless,
From the ones still here and the dear departed.
When was all this madness started?
When we began to flee
From responsibility.

I saw the spotlight lifted.
Dark days covered all the hearts.
Don’t know when the whole thing shifted.
Who cares once the damage starts.

I wrote a sad life story.
Just words one could soon forget.
Learn from this allegory
“Too late” hasn’t happened yet. © Tony Funderburk 2014 (1/14)

Subscribe to my FunderFlash Journal, the ongoing Devotional that’s Logical AND Emotional. Because then the flashes of light I share on my website come right to your inbox. So you can spend your valuable time reading and listening 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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Forgiveness is divine. And I’m very picky where I give mine. And that’s biblical by the way.

Yeah, it’s in the Bible. So forgiveness is divine. But not everyone gets it..Nope. You’re not supposed to forgive everybody? It’s true. And that’s in the Bible, too. So that’s how you can know it’s true. The only one who has the brain power and authority to offer forgiveness to everybody is God. And as you already discovered, if you’ve been paying attention to my stories, you and I are not God.

I shared some insight on this with kids a few years back. This is what I said…

Here’s a secret, that’s not a secret.

Even God doesn’t forgive everybody. Uh-oh! Does that sound right? Well, it’s true. He makes sure forgiveness is available to anyone who wants it. But here’s the key. You gotta ask for it. Anyone who asks God for forgiveness can get it from Him. Now you know how to forgive and be happier. Right? Wanna know more? OK.

There’s a place in the Bible where it says you need to “be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another.” It sorta sounds like you’re just supposed to do it, no questions asked. Right? But it’s important to read the very next 7 words. They say, “even AS God in Christ forgave you“. So you’re supposed to forgive others the way God forgave you. Do you remember what you had to do for God to forgive you?

Yep, that’s right. You had to repent and ASK.So, if somebody does something wrong to you, it’s a good idea to let them know what they did that hurt you. Maybe they didn’t even realize they had done it. That’s why it’s good to go right to them and tell them. Then, you know what they should do? They should ask you to forgive them. And if they ask, you should forgive them. That’s how God, through Jesus, forgives you.

Ain’t that cool? When you do things God’s way, they can work so much better. When you choose to do things your own way, you can get mean, bitter, mad, and downright evil. Not cool. Wouldn’t you rather be happier instead of meaner? Yeah, me too.

How about it? Do you think you could learn how to forgive someone today? The way God forgave you? Try it out and I think you’ll see how it’s a better way to forgive. When you do, let me know.

And here’s a rhyme to help you remember…Learn how to forgive and be happy
Knowing it’s what God wants you to do.
Don’t go through your life being snappy
At the ones who love and cherish you.
Learn how to forgive and be happy.
It’s a way to make the good Lord smile.
Share this good idea with everybody.
Forgiveness is what makes this life worthwhile.

Subscribe to my FunderFlash Journal, the ongoing Devotional that’s Logical AND Emotional. Because then the flashes of light I share on my website come right to your inbox. So you can spend your valuable time reading and listening 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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Using vibrational sound therapy for healing sounds pretty darn appealing to me. Especially since I’ve been interested in and connected to sound all my life. In fact, I recall how fascinating it was when I first discovered tuning forks. Because it wasn’t just sound to me. The vibration and tone were like a secret connection to God.

But is it logical to think you could use vibrational sound therapy for healing?Well, a few years ago I read something interesting about a French composer/biologist and another French biologist. They conducted a laboratory study using low-volume (about 30-40 decibels) acoustic sound on uterine cancer cells. And they pointed a camera on the petri dishes where the cells were.

The results, according to them, and caught on camera, showed how the sounds disintegrated the cells.

And you’ll never guess what they said the most effective and interesting sound was. So, I’ll just tell you. It was a human voice. And they said a human voice would “explode” those cancer cells in only nine minutes.

After that, those two French biologists worked with a couple of women diagnosed with breast cancer. And they had some more amazing results. They documented their treatment and wrote how “the cancer cells show evidence of cell nuclei incapable of maintaining their structure as the sound wave frequencies attack the cytoplasmic and nuclear membranes.”

They came up with a theory that “tumor cells aren’t in resonance with the human body.” Which means it appears uninterrupted resonant sound can destabilize and destroy cancer cells.

Wow. The right sounds might be good cancer fighting tools.Even if it doesn’t work for everyone, it’s certainly a much safer first choice than chemo and radiation.

And sound and light are much more likely to develop hope than those harsh treatments. Watch and listen to this video and see what it does for you if anything. I don’t have personal experience with sound therapy healing anything in my body. But it makes total sense that God would put healing properties even into sound. Because He is the ultimate brilliant designer. And His original design for us was a perfect world where we could remain perfectly healthy and live forever.

Watch and listen to this video and see what it does for you if anything. And let me know your results.

(https://youtu.be/0MzHdxXhUwQ?si=56S3XYBsy6kNNvdp)

Could good vibrations help you heal
In some ways medicine cannot?
Well, if they can, it just makes sense.
Sounds come from God’s own train of thought.

Subscribe to my FunderFlash Journal, the ongoing Devotional that’s Logical AND Emotional. Because then the flashes of light I share on my website come right to your inbox. So you can spend your valuable time reading and listening 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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Scientific curiosity led to the discovery that the earth revolves around the sun. So, scientifically speaking, the sun don’t rise. But you and I know we were created by a living, loving, artful God. So, we know we can say the sun does rise. Every day. Because you and I understand the difference between literal and metaphorical.

Yeah, don’t tell me the sun don’t rise.Because I’ve seen it with my own eyes. For over seven decades.

A sunrise is a metaphor, an allegory, or even a simile. It’s how your creative mind “sees” things. Either as you’d like them to be, or as they appear to be. In both cases you get a sense of the imagination forged into your spirit. God didn’t have to give imagination. He could have just designed you to see whatever He preferred you to see. Or to perceive only those things necessary for survival.

But God loves. Not that ridiculous worldly love that’s here today and gone tomorrow. His love is real and enduring. And your imagination is intangible proof of His love. You can think with logic and reason. But you can also imagine and create. You can soar into the skies, dive into the depths of the oceans, paint rainbows in the leaves of trees, and even rise above whatever physical limitations you might have.

But those limitations will never make you say the sun don’t rise.

Where will you let the gift of imagination take you today?

When the sun does rise,
And it surely will,
We will run straight to
The aroma hill.
We will pluck one rose
From its thorny vine,
And refresh our lips
With a sip of wine.
We will find delight
In the sweet bouquet
Of this flowered hill…
Of this brand new day.
It will be a feast
For the nose and eyes,
And it all begins
When the sun does rise.

Subscribe to my FunderFlash Journal, the ongoing Devotional that’s Logical AND Emotional. Because then the flashes of light I share on my website come right to your inbox. So you can spend your valuable time reading and listening 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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Here are the links to the flashes of light, from the week of September 22-28, 2025 I shared in the FunderFlash Journal and on the FunderCast Episode 1007:

Last gasp of summer is definitely not a bummer
Autumn attire inspires fire from higher
No rhyme or reason or need for appeasin’

Subscribe to my FunderFlash Journal, the ongoing Devotional that’s Logical AND Emotional. Because then the flashes of light I share on my website come right to your inbox. So you can spend your valuable time reading and listening 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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Through the course of my life, as a poet, I’ve written lots of pieces with no rhyme or reason to them. Well, I guess I can’t say no rhyme. Because I like the poetry to rhyme. But it’s a figure of speech meaning I just wrote them to have fun writing them. There was no underlying or covert motive. Just pure enjoyment.

And that’s exactly how the poem I’m about to share with you came to be. I read an article that used the word homunculus. And I hadn’t heard that word before. So I looked it up. And that was all it took to motivate me to write a short story rhyme with homunculus in it. But I decided that it wouldn’t be the focus word for rhyming. In fact, because of something else, I read in that article I decided to use words that rhyme with swoosh.

If you’re not into quirky poetry, this might not be your cup of tea (or coffee, or hot chocolate, or whatever). But if you can appreciate fun for fun’s sake, and the inner workings of a brain designed by our creative God, maybe you’ll get a kick out of this one for…

No Rhyme Nor ReasonThe light revealed the interstice,
Through which he would debouch.
This slender, blue homunculus,
Who wore a red tarboosh,
Was undeniably annoyed
As he tied his babouche
And straightened up his sweater
Made of ibex shahtoosh.
He blinked three times and ran to catch
A burgundy barouche.
And once inside he opened up
His journal and cartouche
To write a sonnet of his love
For Rosalinda Ruesch
And her delectable dessert
Of citrus croquembouche.
And now you have enjoyed one tale
Of Lazlo Link Latouche. © 2022 TF

Subscribe to my FunderFlash Journal, the ongoing Devotional that’s Logical AND Emotional. Because then the flashes of light I share on my website come right to your inbox. So you can spend your valuable time reading and listening 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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Where we are right now, in the heart of the heartland of America, mother nature is putting on her Autumn attire. Fall officially started yesterday. So it’s still too early for the colors to be vibrantly on fire. But there are hints of the beautiful shades to come all around.

The so-called autumn attire is an annual reminder, too.You probably recall what Jesus said, in the book of John, when he talked about death that brings life. He said, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it produces much grain. He who loves his life will lose it, and he who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life.”

Side note: When he said “he who hates his life in this world,” it’s actually an expression of someone who urgently desires eternal life and realizes how this life here now doesn’t compare at all to that.

Anyway…

I wrote a short rhyme about it, inspired by a beautiful photograph of a small cabin, surrounded by and autumn attired forest. It all looked quite cozy. So I wrote….

Nestled In NatureNestled in nature, in evergreen fire,
A small cabin sits in its Autumn attire.
Some leaves have fallen and many remain
For just a while longer, to sing a refrain
Whispering breezes have brought to this place.
It’s so solitary and so full of Grace.
A scene so serene you might wonder why
The world goes berserk in the blink of an eye.
Answers are simple, and life can be, too.
Your Creator wants to restore it in you.
Silence and music, in sync and in tune,
Reveal His love from this burnished doubloon. © 2022 TF

Subscribe to my FunderFlash Journal, the ongoing Devotional that’s Logical AND Emotional. Because then the flashes of light I share on my website come right to your inbox. So you can spend your valuable time reading and listening 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,

The post Autumn attire inspires fire from higher appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

As I write this, the last gasp of summer, officially, is taking place. Tomorrow marks, the autumnal equinox, also known as the first day of autumn or first day of fall. My favorite time of year.

It sounds funny to say last gasp of summer.But that’s the kind of phrase lots of people use to describe when something is on its way out. Of course seasons are just measurements of time. Not entities that feel or do anything human like. But we humans like to put our own personalities on things like animals, inanimate objects, and basically just about anything. Because we’re creative. And that’s just what we do. No biggie.

The great thing about autumn taking over, after the last gasp of summer is expelled, is that the new life of spring will rise up from the dying plants and leaves. It’s a great design. Jesus showed how glorious new life can practically explode out of old life passing away.

A social media friend of mine shares a lot of beautiful seasonal photographs. And a few years ago, she shared one that highlighted the beauty in the colors of autumn. Reds, oranges, yellows, and other colors in between practically lit up the trees and the forest. It was the kind of scene that inspires painters, quilters, songwriters, and just about anybody who enjoys the glories of nature. I wrote this following rhyme based on her title…

MosaicWinter is an etching,
Alabaster and blue.
Spring’s a watercolor
Swirled in every new hue.
Summer’s an oil painting,
A sunshine waterfall,
And Autumn’s a mosaic of them all © 2022 TF

Take advantage of this last gasp of summer and subscribe to my FunderFlash Journal, the ongoing devotional that’s Logical AND Emotional. Because then the flashes of light I share on my website come right to your inbox. So you can spend your valuable time reading and listening 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.

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The post Last gasp of summer is definitely not a bummer appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

Heaven holds a place for everyone who wants to live with, and love, the one true, living, loving creator of the universe. There another place for everyone else. And I recommend avoiding that place with all your heart, mind, and soul.

I remember a guy who visited a church I attended in the Denver metro area years ago. As I recall, he ran a camp where young kids and teenagers from broken homes could ride horses as a form of therapy. And I was impressed by how well young people could bond with those amazing animals. Horses are some of God’s best designs. And I think they find a favor with Him too. They are highly regarded in the Bible.

Anyway…

Hearing that man talk about his camp, inspired me to write a song about the bond between a horse and its owner for rider. And I sent a copy of the song to him, and I know for a while it was on his website. I didn’t do a fancy full production of the song. Just a quick recording with a simple beat and minimal instrumentation. I’ll share the song in an upcoming podcast episode. In the meantime, here are the lyrics to…

My HorseHeaven holds a place for my horse
Standin’ straight and strong and tall.
All the trails we’ve taken; even when her legs were achin’,
She never lets me down at all.

God was great when He made my horse…
Perfect since she was a foal.
Ranchin’ skills to master; no horse learned ’em faster
There’s a bonfire in her soul.

So, Lord don’t take my horse too early.
We’ve got lots of work to do.
Chasin’ cattle, lots of ropin’, and it’s silly but I’m hopin’
I can ride her all the way to You.

I’m at home when I’m on my horse.
Across the prairies we will fly.
With her nostrils flarin’ and the people starin’
We could race into the sky. © 2008 TF

Subscribe to my FunderFlash Journal, the ongoing Devotional that’s Logical AND Emotional. Because then the flashes of light I share on my website come right to your inbox. So you can spend your valuable time reading and listening 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.

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The post Heaven holds a place for those who leave a trace appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

You could even have the right stuff and your ideas could still bomb out. So, now that I’ve inspired you with that little tidbit, go out and make it a great day.

But wait a sec. One time even the right stuff didn’t have the right stuff.I’m talking about the movie that was released in 1983 about the original American astronauts. I thought it was a hit. But today I found out it didn’t do well in theaters. Here’s what Wikipedia says about it:

“The Right Stuff was a box-office bomb, grossing about $21 million (domestically) against a $27 million budget. However, it received widespread critical acclaim and was nominated for eight Oscars at the 56th Academy Awards, four of which it won. And the film was a huge success on the home video market. In 2013, it was selected for preservation in the United States National Film Registry by the Library of Congress as being ‘culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant.’ The film was ranked #19 on the American Film Institute’s most inspiring movies.”

None of that stuff makes a difference one way or the other with me. Probably you too. And, for me, that’s because I know no one is truly made of the right stuff. There was only one person, who ever lived (the One who has always lived), who’s not only right, but perfect. And He is your only chance of having what it takes to make the grade and not bomb out.

He’s the one who can give you the courage and strength to be a doer; a person who shares love with…

More Than SayingSaying you love someone is easy to do,
But showing your love should be, too.
Starting today, with the words that you say,
Share all the best parts of you.
Saying you love someone is not quite enough
And backing it up might seem tough,
But make it your plan, I’m sure that you can
Because you’re made of the right stuff. © 2022 TF

Subscribe to my FunderFlash Journal, the ongoing Devotional that’s Logical AND Emotional. Because then the flashes of light I share on my website come right to your inbox. So you can spend your valuable time reading and listening 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,

The post The right stuff makes you tough enough appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

This is what AI says about it: A moon illusion occurs when the moon appears larger as it’s near the horizon compared to when it is higher in the sky. This effect is due to how your brain perceives the moon’s size in relation to surrounding objects and the horizon. And that’s even though its actual size remains constant.

You’ve seen that happen. Right? It’s pretty cool, even if it isn’t really happening.

I believe it’s just another one of millions and billions of examples of how God designed things to delight, inspire, and light up our imagination. Yeah, when you know that Jesus is your best friend, common occurrences and every day things transform into reasons to remember how incredibly blessed you are.

And that’s despite the fact that you don’t deserve any of it. In fact, we should look for opportunities to thank God we don’t get what we deserve. And for the fact that we have minds that can appreciate and apprehend complex beauty, even if we can’t fully comprehend it. Knowing that is what helps me to look at a photograph and compose a thankful rhyme like…

Moon IllusionThe moon illusion caught my eyes
As the wings of butterflies
Fluttered past the dandelions in the yard.
The gentle breezes through twilight
Coaxed the crickets, out of sight,
To compose a rhythm synced to that postcard.
As it unfolded to full view,
With moonbeams in every hue,
Well, my mind could barely even comprehend.
And so I simply sat and sighed,
Knowing what I know inside;
Every bit of it was made by my best Friend. © 2024 TF

Subscribe to my FunderFlash Journal, the ongoing Devotional that’s Logical AND Emotional. Because then the flashes of light I share on my website come right to your inbox. So you can spend your valuable time reading and listening 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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When you see your primary care provider or some other kind of doctor, and they order lab work, it usually means you’re gonna give some blood. Isn’t that a warm and fuzzy description of what’s gonna happen? Yeah, no. There’s not much warm and fuzzy going on in those places anymore.

Just so you know, here’s some of what they look at in your lab work:* BUN * Creatinine * eGFR * BUN/Creatinine Ratio * Sodium * Potassium * Chloride * Carbon Dioxide * Calcium * Protein * Albumin * Globulin * Bilirubin * Alkaline Phosphatase * AST * ALT

And they don’t just look to be sure you have those things in your blood. They want to see how much or how little you have of each of those things. Because if your numbers don’t fall within certain guidelines, you could have problems that require a little more attention.

I’ve experienced quite a bit of lab work time over the past 4 1/2 months. And I’ve seen those kinds of numbers being scrutinized by “experts.”

And I put quotation marks around the word experts for a reason. Because I firmly believe the complexity found in a single drop of blood can only be fully understood by the one and only Expert. And of course, that would be the expert who invented blood. I used the word invented loosely. Because He created blood. Yours, mine, and the blood of every other living creature.

But there’s something in the blood of humans thus far more important than anything else on that bulleted list I shared above. A little something called life. The life that’s contained in the information in your DNA. And it’s the life that comes directly from your Creator.

A wise man (or woman) knows that’s true. Only a fool would say otherwise.

A few years ago I saw a picture of a man-made heart that was very interesting. I seem to remember that the person who shared it marveled at the idea that we humans could come up with such a design. And that inspired me to write a rhyme, aimed at kids, to show them how the design of a real heart is infinitely more marvelous. Here’s that rhyme…

Middle of a HeartbeatIn the middle of a heartbeat
Something small stirs…
Like the sound that a kitten makes
With pulsing purrs.
Your blood goes whooshing through your veins
From head to toe,
And you might just kinda wonder
What makes it go.
It’s the code down deep inside you,
It’s yours alone,
A gift from the eternal King
On His white throne.
So, hold your breath, be very still,
And then you’ll hear,
In the middle of a heartbeat,
A love so dear. © 2023 TF

Subscribe to my FunderFlash Journal, the ongoing Devotional that’s Logical AND Emotional. Because then the flashes of light I share on my website come right to your inbox. So you can spend your valuable time reading and listening 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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Luciferin light happens when oxidization produces compounds. I bet you’ve been waiting all week long to find out about that. Well, glad I could help. You’re welcome. See ya next time.

Wait! I almost forgot. I want to say a couple more things about luciferin light.That image, in my glasses at the top of this page, is a photograph that shows bioluminescence rippling in small ocean waves. It’s also known as luciferin light or luciferin emissions. And, if you’re a Christian, that might ring some sort of bell in your memory banks.

Yeah, you might recall there’s a certain character in the Bible who transforms himself into an angel of light. And, of course, he’s known by several names. But one very familiar name is Lucifer.

And I think it’s kind of strangely ironic that a chemical process that produces such beautiful lit up colors, here on earth, ends up with such a devilish name. But maybe that’s just me. It’s not something to fight about. Certainly not in this world where just about everybody fights about just about everything.

Once I saw the photograph, and how beautiful the blue light in the ocean water is, it inspired me to write a short rhyme to describe the picture. Plus, it’s another opportunity and one of millions of reasons to love and appreciate God’s amazingly beautiful designing power. Here’s my rhyming tribute to…

Luciferin LightBioluminescence, like diamonds in dreams,
The light is delightful, but not as it seems,
Where oxidization produces compounds,
Aqua light in the night that truly astounds.
“Luciferin emissions” sounds wicked, and yet,
They’re what occurs as we view this vignette.
Labyrinth liquid, one of many designs,
Establishes essence of brilliant blue lines,
And creates conundrums for science to solve.
But one thing’s for sure, it could never evolve. © TF

Subscribe to my FunderFlash Journal, the ongoing Devotional that’s Logical AND Emotional. Because then the flashes of light I share on my website come right to your inbox. So you can spend your valuable time reading and listening 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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The post Luciferin light by the beach at night is quite a sight appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

Jade green. That color has always been stored in my mind ever since I was a little boy. Because my grandmother had a beautiful jade plant in her house that captivated me for some reason.

And every time I see a Jade green stone, I think of that plant.But I also have a jade green memory from just a few years ago. And that memory was captured in some pictures at Pensacola Beach in Florida. There’s a whole section of the floor of panhandle known as the Emerald Coast. So, it’s not rare to be able to photograph Jade green water. I think most people prefer to get pictures of the blue or aquamarine colors. But the greens are beautiful too.

I took some pictures below one of the piers that stand along the beach. And when I get home, where I could see the pictures better, I was delighted to find some emerald water shots. I added a short poem to one to create a card of sorts that I gave to Elgielene. Other people enjoyed the picture too. And here’s the poem…

No mirrors.
No smoke.
Just an
Emerald cascade
Reflecting
The moments
Which,
Too quickly, fade.
Dive into
The memories
Soon after
They’re made
While gazing
At pictures
Of liquified jade. © 2017 TF

I thought I remembered Jade being mentioned in a place or two in the Bible. But in the version I use, it’s not there. Some people say that it is mentioned in Exodus 20:17-21.

But my Bible says this…“And you shall put settings of stones in it, four rows of stones: The first row shall be a sardius, a topaz, and an emerald; this shall be the first row; the second row shall be a turquoise, a sapphire, and a diamond; the third row, a jacinth, an agate, and an amethyst; and the fourth row, a beryl, an onyx, and a jasper.”

That passage is talking about designing a breastplate for armor. Can you imagine going in the battle with all those stones sparkling in your enemy’s eyes? It sounds dazzling. But I don’t see Jade. An emerald is in there. But that’s not the same thing. Do you see Jade in your version of the Bible?

This isn’t the most important thing you’re gonna deal with all day of course. It’s just something that popped into my head. And I hope it entertains you and inspires you to find beauty and the small things around you.

Subscribe to my FunderFlash Journal, the ongoing Devotional that’s Logical AND Emotional. Because then the flashes of light I share on my website come right to your inbox. So you can spend your valuable time reading and listening 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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The post Jade green was not on the scene appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

Here are the links to the flashes of light, from the week of September 1-7 2025 I shared in the FunderFlash Journal and on the FunderCast Episode 1006:

Before sunrise with crystals in his eyes
Restful sleep in slumber deep helps a heap
Green eyes book gets another look

Subscribe to my FunderFlash Journal, my ongoing Devotional that’s Logical AND Emotional. Because then the flashes of light I share on my website come right to your inbox. So you can spend your valuable time reading and listening 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.

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The post Sleepy eyes, sunrise, and sighs FunderCast 1006 appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

Who needs a green eyes book? Yeah, that might be the question anyone with blue, brown, hazel, or some other eye color might ask.

But you shouldn’t ask that question about this green eyes book.Because this isn’t a book about some silly run-of-the-mill green eyes. It’s a book about a young boy who asked to deal with a very unique problem. One that keeps him awake at night. A problem you wouldn’t wanna have. No matter what color your eyes. In fact, you might find it difficult to get anyone to even believe you.

Grady, the young boy in this book, didn’t understand why his green eyes glow glowed at night. And I’m sure I don’t have to tell you what a lack of understanding can do. It can make you feel hopeless and helpless. Especially at night. Thankfully, you and I live in the real world. So, we can ask God for help.

But Grady is a fictional character I made up out of thin air. And his course of action, in the book, is to follow the advice of an even more fictional character. But I can’t tell you more. Because that would give away the ending.

Here’s a short snippet to stir up your interest…

Grady’s Green EyesGrady had green eyes and it was great…
At least until it started getting late…
‘Cause even though he wouldn’t make a peep,
Grady’s green eyes wouldn’t let him sleep.

Grady’s green eyes glowed when it was dark…
Which sometimes made his dog, Beethoven, bark.
But what’s a glowing, green-eyed boy to do?
Even with closed eyelids they shined through.

What do you think Grady should do?Pretty soon, you’ll be able to download your own copy of this delightful, illustrated green eyes book for kids. And then you can find out what Grady actually did about his glowing problem. I’ll be sharing an updated version of Grady’s Green Eyes that will include the audiobook version. That’s where I can read the book to your kids or grandkids for you. Neato, keeno. Be sure to check this link to see if the book is available yet or not.

https://www.TonyFunderburk.com/books

Subscribe to my FunderFlash Journal, the ongoing Devotional that’s Logical AND Emotional. Because then the updates I share on my website come right to your inbox. So you can spend your valuable time reading and listening 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 enjoy these fun goodies.

The form can be filled in the actual website url.

Stay tuned,

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Restful sleep is a combination of deep sleep and healthy breathing. Pretty simple, right? So why do so many people have such a hard time at night?

Why don’t YOU get plenty of restful sleep?You can hear and watch a thousand different naturopaths, functional medicine practitioners, and standard western medicine doctors and you might get 1000 different answer answers to that question. Or at least a thousand different variations. But here’s the one thing they all have in common.

Not one of them knows why you don’t get plenty of restful sleep. Not one.

Oh sure, they can make educated guesses. And they might guess right. But they won’t know until after they make the guess, run some tests, and follow up with you. Because you are an individual. Yes, you were made in the image and likeness of God, just like every other human being, but you are uniquely YOU.

You might have a lot on your mind. Or you might have some sort of genetic predisposition to certain sleep patterns. And you could even be dealing with a health issue. There are lots of reasons why people don’t get as much sleep as they should. One night, about 11 years ago, I just had a mind filled with ideas and those ideas apparently affected my dreams. Then, one of the dreams woke me up. And I wrote a story about it. This one…

Kato cruised Clear Creek in his canoe.His mind was filled with ideas and dreams. So, he didn’t look back. What was behind was gone. And he didn’t even want the memories. So he pointed his bow toward the horizon above the tall pines and rowed toward the future.

“Freedom is ahead,” he thought to himself. “With freedom I can try out my ideas and chase my dreams. And maybe even sleep well again.”

It was true, Kato hadn’t slept well in months. Even when he could remember the soft sounds of his mama’s voice reading his favorite stories or singing lullaby songs, he just couldn’t fall fast asleep. Because his eyes just wouldn’t close. There were too many dangers in his life.

Kato was much stronger than other ten year old boys. And he could work all day on a couple of bowls of potato soup and a cup of cold coffee. That was all the food he got each day from the slavers. But he stayed strong in his mind. And that helped him stay strong in his body. He knew one day he’d find a way out.

That day was this day.The night guard had fallen asleep in his chair by the front door to the cabins. So, Kato slipped out the back window. He made his way through the dark forest to the creek. Because that’s where he had hidden his hand-carved canoe under deadwood logs. With the silence of a butterfly he had slipped the canoe, and its one small oar, into the creek. Then he made himself as flat and still as possible. And he let the currents of the creek sweep him away.

Safely out of anyone’s view, Kato sat up and paddled with all his might . And, as the sun rose above the treetops, so did the hope in his heart.

Sunbeams darted through the tree limbs like tiny elves. So, Kato decided to drift downstream in the shade. He leaned back on his elbows and took a deep, long breath of fresh morning air. Ah…the scents of the forest, the dampness of the dew, and the smoke from someone’s fire…way better than the sweaty cabins he’d suffered in for two years.

Then, like his canoe, Kato’s thoughts drifted.Gently he floated further and further back to a better time. A time when he lived with his parents, his sister, and his brother in a much happier cabin. And he could almost smell a big, black pot of beans his mama cooked in the fireplace. Mm…mm…and some fried potatoes…and cornbread baked in bacon grease. Man, that was livin’. And he couldn’t wait to get back there.

Kato remembered his poppa reading out of a worn out hand-me-down Bible. One of his favorite verses was about hope. Hmm…how did that go? It was something like “I get up before sunrise and cry for help…I hope in your word, God”. He knew he didn’t remember it the same way poppa read it. But he was sure it went something like that.

Hope. Couldn’t ever let that die. Especially since Poppa said hope is always near because God is always near…near as your very next breath. Kato heard himself breathe. And that meant God must be very close. So freedom must be very close, too.

Then he heard dogs barking somewhere in the distance. Oh no. The slavers must be chasing him after all. So, Kato jumped up, grabbed his oar, and started paddling with all his strength. Luckily the current was faster in this part of the creek, so his canoe felt like a motorboat. In fact, he was suddenly aware of more rocks and more waves. Uh-oh…there were some rapids not too far ahead.

Imagine how you’d feel if you were in a little homemade canoe. And imagine crashing through rough water filled with big, jagged rocks. Kato wasn’t sure his little boat could take the beating of the waves. But he was sure it was certain doom if it hit any of those rocks.

Suddenly Kato couldn’t hear the dogs or smell the air or remember the past.He could only hear the pounding of his heart. He could only smell the water splashing in his face. And he could only think about staying alive. So, he frantically slapped his oar in the water…first on the left side…then on the right. Then, he used the oar to keep from hitting a rock. Then, he smacked the oar back in the water. Again on the left. Then on the right. And back and forth and back and forth, and…pow!

Kato didn’t see the limb hanging low above the water. And it smacked him right in the shoulder and knocked him out of his canoe. The water splashed over him. And he swallowed a big mouthful. But he managed to somehow keep his head above water. He caught a quick glimpse of his canoe just as it slammed into a big rock in the middle of the creek. It broke into pieces and floated away downstream ahead of him.

The waves of rushing water were getting even bigger. The noise drowned out everything else.

And Kato’s arms began to feel like lead weights.“Not…sure…how much longer…I can swim,” he thought. “I’ll never see you again mama and poppa. I’m sorry I wasn’t stronger.”

All at once, it felt like the whole world fell out from under him. Kato kept paddling his arms. But there didn’t seem to be any water to swim in. Without knowing, he had tumbled over a waterfall. It was only two or three seconds, but everything went into slow motion. Kato could see a deep pool of clear water below as he fell. And he hoped he wouldn’t hit a rock.

With a splash and a plunk, Kato hit the pool and sank deep into the sparkling, clear water. He opened his eyes and saw the image of his mama’s face floating in the millions of bubbles. And he reached for her and started to call her. But his mouth filled up with water. For some reason he wasn’t scared. In fact, he felt very calm. Then, he remembered another Bible verse his poppa read that said, “be still and know that I am God“.

Kato relaxed and fell into a deep, restful sleep.All the bright and beautiful colors of the world danced before his eyes like carnival characters. He wasn’t thinking of where he’d been. And he wasn’t afraid of where he was going. He just knew somehow it was all going to be alright.

And the next time he opened his eyes, Kato was sure he was in Heaven. Before he could even see, he smelled cornbread. And it smelled just like mama’s. He opened his mouth to ask where he was, and a soft finger touched his lips. Then a face stooped over in front of him. He still couldn’t see very well. But it looked a little like a woman’s face. She must be an angel to welcome him into Heaven.

“Where am I?” Kato gurgled.

“Shh…lie still, Kato,” the voice answered. “You’re safe now. Your mama’s here. And you’re gonna be just fine.”

“Mama? Mom!” Kato blurted out. “Is it really you?”

“Yes, dear. You’re home. And we’re gonna make sure you stay.”

“But how did I get here?” Kato asked. “I thought I drowned.”

“No sweetie. Your poppa found you by the creek. And you nearly drowned, but he found you in time. See…we never gave up on finding you. And we knew if there was ever any way for you to make it home, it would be on Clear Creek. So your poppa was there almost every day watchin’ for you.”

It was a miracle…plain and simple.Yep, it must have been a miracle. But whatever it was, Kato was thrilled to be home. And in that moment the still, small voice of God rose up in his mind saying…

“Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”

And, as Kato heard those words in his heart, his mama hugged him close against her breast and sang…

Fall Fast AsleepYes, my love, I do adore you.
Hear my heart, it’s beating for you.
Private memories we will keep,
But for now, fall fast asleep.

Leave the world and cares behind you.
I’ll make sure they cannot find you.
You’ll be safe in slumber deep.
So for now, fall fast asleep.

Fall fast asleep. I’ll sing to you,
And I will keep you near.
Fall fast asleep, and when you wake,
You’ll find me waiting here.

No, my love, there’s nothing frightful.
Close your eyes it’s so delightful.
When you do, you’ll take the leap,
And you’ll see you’ll fall fast asleep.

© 2009-2020

As it turns out, that’s actually one of the songs of my Lullabye Bye collection of jazzy sounding lullabies for kids of all ages (mostly young of course). And you can download the accompanying book and get all the songs from a secret link in the book. Just look for the FunderBooks link on my website. Or click this link:

https://www.TonyFunderburk.com/books

The post Restful sleep in slumber deep helps a heap appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

It was a clear cool morning about three years ago. Or wait. Maybe it was three years from now. I suppose it doesn’t matter. The point is, little Ivanto woke up, before sunrise, and saw beautiful colors swirling around his room in glass bubbles. There were thousands of these little orbs, and every few seconds one would smash into the wall and burst. And tiny shards of light would fade away into the air, like fog in sunlight.

Little Ivanto rubbed his eyes and looked again. But the swirling orbs didn’t disappear. In fact, there were more than ever. And many more of them crashed into the wall with a flash of light, and then they faded away.

“What’s all this?” he wondered. “Am I still asleep?? Am I dreaming? Yeah, that’s gotta be it.”

But just then a voice in the center of the swirling colors whispered…

“Do you want to see more?”Little Ivanto pulled the covers up to the bottom of his nose. But he couldn’t…no, he didn’t dare look away.

“Uh…yes…yes, I do.”

“Well then…hold out your right hand,” the voice commanded. And Ivanto did as he was told.

One of the swirling orbs almost instantly flew over the bed. And it hovered and rotated just above Ivanto’s little outstretched hand.

“Look closely,” the voice whispered.

Ivanto pulled his hand toward his face, and the orb followed. He looked deeply into the clear crystal circle and saw a tiny boy running. He squinted his eyes, and he could see the boy was chasing something. What was it? He couldn’t quite make it out. It was pretty and had a nice form, but he just couldn’t tell what it was.

“Look deeper,” the voice whispered a bit louder.

And as he did, Ivanto could see the boy was him. And whatever it was he was chasing started to come into focus and take form. With each second it that more beautiful. Little Ivanto could feel a sense of joy wash over him. It was all beginning to make sense. And joy filled his heart. As it did, the tiny version of him dived forward and wrapped both arms around the beautiful bubble.

And it burst into a thousands of light crystals that floated into Ivanto’s eyes. And he fell back asleep.

When he woke up before sunrise the next morning, he remembered.And he shimmied out of bed, found his note paper, and scribbled down five words. And he kept that piece of paper with him for the rest of his life.

Those five words changed his life forever. And they were…

_____ _____ _____ _____ _____

(Leave me a comment and tell me what 5 words you’d use to finish the story)

Subscribe to my FunderFlash Journal, the ongoing Devotional that’s Logical AND Emotional. Because then the flashes of light I share on my website come right to your inbox. So you can spend your valuable time reading and listening 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,

The post Before sunrise with crystals in his eyes appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

Here are the links to the flashes of light, from the previous week, I shared in the FunderFlash Journal and on the FunderCast Episode 1005:

Island Day Spa where I say rah rah
Just a poet with soul seeking God’s loving control
Key to happiness pitch that comes without a hitch
Peachtree Road Race and my game face

Subscribe to my FunderFlash Journal, my ongoing Devotional that’s Logical AND Emotional. Because then the flashes of light I share on my website come right to your inbox. So you can spend your valuable time reading and listening 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,

The post Day Spa Rah Rah Road Race Game Face FunderCast 1005 appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

I remember way, way back in the 1980’s, I lived in the Atlanta, Georgia area. And, just in case you didn’t know this, they have a famous 10k run every year. It’s called the Peachtree Road Race. And it goes through sections of Atlanta that include some fairly large hills. Yeah, it’s a challenge. But I decided to take it on.

So, I bought my expensive, fancy schmancy Peachtree Road Race running gear.Oh wait. No, I didn’t. I just:

put on my basic blue sweatshirt and sweat pants
pulled a pair of running shorts over them
slipped on my basic sneakers, and
took off from my apartment to go run the neighborhood.

I started my training in January because the 10k run would be around the 4th of July. And I knew I’d need months to prepare. So, like I said, I left my apartment for the first run.

There was a small school nearby, with a running track. And I figured going around in circles for a while would be a better start than trying to tackle the hills right away. So, I headed over there. And the track was covered with about three inches of snow, the kind that gets a slightly crunchy shell on top. But I started running in crunchy circles. And after about three laps, I had a smoother surface.

After about two weeks of running on the track, I decided I needed a change of scenery.

So, I took off for a run through the extended neighborhood. And it was going well enough until I turned one corner and faced “the monster.”

“The Monster” was a steep neighborhood close to the beginning of my run. In other words, before I even got warmed up there it was. And the first time up it was slow. Like S. L. O. W. slow. But I struggled through and made it to the top. Then, a large section of the run was either level or somewhat downhill.

And I gotta say I didn’t like that setup.At first. Increased.

But after days, then weeks, of tackling that hill I noticed something mighty cool. I wasn’t struggling to barely make it up the monster. In fact, I conquered the monster with a bounce in my steps. Take that, monster!

Then, I noticed something else. Without much of a conscious decision I started running further (or was it farther?) And each week I increased my mileage. Because that 10k (aka 6.213712 miles) was the goal. I didn’t want to just “make it through” the Peachtree Road Race. I wanted to run it, finish with a smile, get my accomplishment t-shirt, and have plenty of fuel left for anything else I wanted to do that day.

So, I trained. And I ran every day. Through rain or snow (which was only a couple of times in Atlanta) or heat and humidity. And I added the miles until it was no big deal to run 6 miles. Or even more.

And I got to that point some people call the “runner’s high” or the “second wind.” That was awesome. I could run till I got my second wind. And then it felt like I could run for however long I wanted. And it felt grrrreat!

And I owed it all to “The Monster.”Because the tough stuff made me tough enough to reach and surpass my goals.

So, I think that’s a little example of why Paul told the Philippians (and you and me) to keep pressing on toward the goal for the prize. But he wasn’t talking about some silly t-shirt at the end of the Peachtree Road Race. He said the prize is the “upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” And that ain’t 10k. That’s solid gold.

Reach out through the tough stuff.
Press on through the pouring rain.
And you’ll find enough stuff
To turn your loss into gain.

Stay tuned,

Subscribe to my FunderFlash Journal, my ongoing Devotional that’s Logical AND Emotional. Because then the flashes of light I share on my website come right to your inbox. So you can spend your valuable time reading and listening 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,

The post Peachtree Road Race and my game face appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

I’ve got a key to happiness pitch that comes out a hitch. And I’m always amazed by how many people pass up the opportunity without as much as a second glance.

Maybe that’s because I call it a key to happiness pitch.So maybe the flood of advertising and marketing you have to go through every single day makes you leery of hearing some knucklehead’s key to happiness pitch. I guess I can understand that.

But let’s say that’s not exactly it. And instead, let’s say your scenario sounds something like my following description (and subtle pitch).

Maybe where you are right now is a place full of anger, bitterness, and turmoil. There’s a way to be happy instead. Or maybe your life is going great, but you think something is missing. And you can’t quite put your finger on what would make that go away.

Well, there IS a way to clear that up.

If physical prowess is the key to happiness, then pro athletes should be some of the happiest people in the world. But I read alarming reports of drug abuse, dysfunctional and abusive relationships, murder, and suicide in most sports.

And if money is the key to happiness, why do some of the unhappiest stories come from celebrities with millions of dollars in their accounts?

Then, of course, there’s work and vacations. Many successful people say work keeps them happy. Others say they get regular recuperative rest in their vacation destination.

While there’s nothing inherently wrong with those solutions. But they don’t last. Otherwise, you’d be able to determine an end game. In other words, you’d know when enough was enough.

So, how can you know how to be happy?The Apostle Paul, in Philippians 4:10-23 talked about how to “be abased” and “to abound.” and he explained how to “both be full and to be hungry” and how to “abound and to suffer need.” In those verses he explained how to be happy where you are right now.

When I read that passage, I get a sense that Paul enthusiastically rejoiced for and with the Philippians. He acknowledged their care for him and how it uplifted him to the point of rejoicing. Obviously, Paul knew the key to happiness, lasting and real happiness. And I know what that is, too. In fact, the key is what inspired me to write….

Swallowed Up By LifeI’ll be swallowed up by life
That will never fade away
When I leave my body here
On an ordinary day.
I won’t mourn the things I lose
‘Cause there’s so much more to gain
And my spirit will rejoice
When I leave this earthly plane.
I’ll be swallowed up by life
And I’ll never more know death.
I will just begin to breathe
When I breathe my final breath. © 2014 TF

P.S. If you truly want to know how to be happy where you are right now, look up and kneel down.

P.S.S. 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 free music and words that adults AND kids enjoy right away. Then, I’ll send you flashes of light from the faith, hope, and power of God’s love.

Stay tuned,

The post Key to happiness pitch that comes without a hitch appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

Alright. I know you love me. And I know it’s not because I’m just a poet with soul. Even though I write to delight and ignite. But here’s the thing.

You don’t love me the way God does.Now I don’t think, for even a nanosecond, that knowing that truth makes me appreciate your love, even one millimeter less. It’s just that your love, compared to the power of God’s love, is tiny. Still shiny. But tiny. Just like my love for you is.

Yeah, I can put my heart and soul into loving my neighbor (you). But the distractions of this world can alter or blur or otherwise deter my focus. God doesn’t have those kinds of issues or problems. And that’s despite the fact that He also listens to and answers prayers 24 hours a day.

Yikes!

If I have to answer two phone calls in a day, my brain has to be hung out to dry.

God created you and me. And He made us alive again even after we rebelled against and/or disobeyed Him. Yeah, you could say we were kinda like children of wrath. But you wouldn’t have to say it. Because the apostle Paul already did.

It sounds crazy. But you and I have given in to the ruler of this world, who isn’t currently God by the way, and yet He still loves us enough to make a way for us to live forever with him.

And that’s just a tiny, tiny fraction of why I put so much emphasis on the power of God’s love. Because it’s powerful enough to overcome and de-throne the prince of the power of the air. So, because of that love, I’m more than…

Just a poet with soulI’m just a poet
whose iambic pentameter
Drives words that live
inside the Christian parameter.
But maybe time will show that
these rhymes and these reasons
Helped some kids live with joy
through some difficult seasons. © 2024

Subscribe to my FunderFlash Journal, my ongoing Devotional that’s Logical AND Emotional. Because then the flashes of light I share on my website come right to your inbox. So you can spend your valuable time reading and listening 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,

The post Just a poet with soul seeking God’s loving control appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

It’s not exactly an island like you might have pictured in your mind. Especially since it isn’t way out in the South Pacific or some place exotic like that. So, it’s not really an island day spa. But I’m gonna take some poetic license and stick with my assertion.

Because it sure feels like an island day spa.Yeah, you’ve got the beautiful blue and green clear ocean waters. And there’s sugary white sand. Plus there are lots of seagulls, pelicans, and other seaside birds making their presence known. And on the right days, it can all add up to a very therapeutic look and feel.

And Elgielene and I will be calling that part of the country home. Again.

She did a lot of her growing up there. It’s the area where we met all those years ago. And we have quite a few extended family members there. I won’t go into why that’s a big factor, right now. But just know we’re both looking forward to it. And we believe it will be a very beneficial move. And the move is only a few weeks away now.

Where, you ask? The Emerald Coast of Pensacola, Florida.

So, that’s why I’m in sort of an island spa mood right now. And that reminds me of a song I wrote for kids of all ages to enjoy. Here are the lyrics to….

Island DayOver in the mango tree
Toucan looking straight at me
Starfish in the ocean waves
Dolphin, laughin’, misbehaves

Oh, oh, oh, it’s an island day
And Oh, oh, oh sail your cares away
Oh, oh, oh, cross the seven seas
Oh, oh, oh, on a clear cool Breeze

Parrot is a private eye
Big Blue whale don’t tell no lie
Swordfish out there watching you
Wonders what you’re gonna do

Chorus

If you want to roam,
A little while away from home,
Let’s catch the rising sun
Never will the fun be done…

King crab with his mighty claw
Claims that he’s from Antigua
And he says, “Hey, if you please,
Set a course-up to The Keys?” © 2008 TF

Subscribe to my FunderFlash Journal, my ongoing Devotional that’s Logical AND Emotional. Because then the flashes of light I share on my website come right to your inbox. So you can spend your valuable time reading and listening 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,

The post Island Day Spa where I say rah rah appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

Here are the links to the flashes of light, from the previous week, I shared in the FunderFlash Journal and on the FunderCast Episode 1004:

In the house of the Lord is no need of a sword
Tuesday thoughts determine the spots
Medical school requirements ignore what entire meant
Fetal-maternal microchimerism and love is her prism
Letter from Paul really covers it all

Subscribe to my FunderFlash Journal, my ongoing Devotional that’s Logical AND Emotional. Because then the flashes of light I share on my website go right to your inbox. So you can spend your valuable time reading and listening 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,

The post Right time right place for Grace FunderCast 1004 appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

Here’s just a small section, in a letter from Paul, to Philemon, that shows part of why I always talk about the power of God’s love.

I thank my God, making mention of you always in my prayers, hearing of your love and faith which you have toward the Lord Jesus and toward all the saints, that the sharing of your faith may become effective by the acknowledgment of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus. For we have great joy and consolation in your love, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed by you, (Philemon 4–7, NKJV)

In that same letter from Paul to Philemon you discover Paul’s motivation.Let me have joy from you in the Lord; refresh my heart in the Lord. (Philemon 20, NKJV)

It’s a mighty good thing to have your heart refreshed in the Lord. And there’s nothing like great joy and consolation in love to make that possible.

But the kind of love that has the power I always mention can only happen when you acknowledge who is the King of kings. And the good news is; that King’s love is what holds the entire universe together. And the better news is He says he’ll never leave you nor forsake you. When I think about that, I think about how I wanna…

Shine In Your GloryMy love for You, Lord, Is like a river.
Your love is like…the infinite sky.
You guide my steps through this worldly desert,
And I will hold your name most high.

And I will shine in Your glory…
And I will raise my hands to the sky…
Yes I will shine in Your glory…
And I will praise my Savior on high.

My joy is flowing out into your ocean.
Your grace rains down…in my open heart.
You take my hand when the road is narrow,
And you’re my Light when things get dark.

And I will shine in Your glory…
And I will raise my hands to the sky…
Yes I will shine in Your glory…
And I will praise my Savior on high.

Shine in your glory… Shine in your glory
repeat

Lyrics © Cristina Miller 2010 Music © TF

Subscribe to my FunderFlash Journal, my ongoing Devotional that’s Logical AND Emotional. Because then the flashes of light I share on my website come right to your inbox. So you can spend your valuable time reading and listening 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,

The post Letter from Paul really covers it all appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

I first heard about fetal-maternal microchimerism on a radio program a friend of mine used to produce and host in the Denver Metro area. And to say it’s a fascinating subject is an understatement. I just read about this phenomenon a couple of days ago. And here’s what the writer shared…

~ During a woman’s pregnancy, the cells of the baby migrate into the mother’s bloodstream and then circle back into the baby.

And that’s called “fetal-maternal microchimerism.”For 41 weeks, the cells circulate and merge backwards and forwards. And after the baby is born, many of these cells stay in the mother’s body. That leaves a permanent imprint in the mother’s tissues, bones, brain, and skin. And it can often stay there for decades. Plus, every child a mother has after that will leave a similar imprint on her body.

So, ladies, even if a pregnancy doesn’t go to full term, or if you have an abortion, these cells still migrate into your bloodstream.

Research has shown that if a mother’s heart is injured, fetal cells will rush to the site of the injury and change into different types of cells that specialize in mending the heart. Yeah, the baby helps repair the mother, while the mother builds the baby.

How cool is that?

This is often why certain illnesses vanish during pregnancy.

It’s incredible how mothers’ bodies protect the baby at all costs. And it’s just as incredible how the baby protects and rebuilds the mother so that the baby can develop safely and survive.

Studies have also shown cells from a fetus (simply a Latin word for little one or baby) in a mother’s brain 18 years after she gave birth. Wow!

How amazing is that?”If you’re a mom, you know how you can intuitively feel your child even when they are not there? Well, now there’s scientific proof that moms sort of “carry” their kids for years and years even after they have given birth to them.

You should thank your Mom ’cause she thought of you as a person.
From the very start she was calling you her daughter or her son.
And though life isn’t easy; our Moms still believed we would make it.
Now some call life a choice, but it’s still a precious life.
We can’t take it.
We can’t forsake it! © TF 2007

Subscribe to my FunderFlash Journal, my ongoing Devotional that’s Logical AND Emotional. Because then the flashes of light I share on my website come right to your inbox. So you can spend your valuable time reading and listening 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,

The post Fetal-maternal microchimerism and love is her prism appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

Most western medicine doctors will probably talk about medical school requirements only if and when it’s complimentary to what they went through to get where they are. But once in a while, you can find an honest one.

Dr. Howard Luks shared this about medical school requirements:“I’ve Been a Surgeon for 25 Years. Here’s What I Wish They Told Me in Medical School. Medical school taught me anatomy, physiology, and pathology. It taught me how to memorize, how to endure, and how to work longer hours than most people thought possible. But what it didn’t teach me was how to practice medicine with a full view of the human experience, mine included.

Here’s what I wish I had known from the start:

You’re not just treating anatomy. You’re treating a person.The MRI is not the patient. And the labs aren’t the story. People bring fears, histories, habits, and hopes into every visit. So, learn to listen. Not just diagnose.
Health is more than disease management.We were trained to treat disease, not to foster health. But so much of what patients need isn’t found in a prescription pad. It’s in their daily habits. And how they move, eat, sleep, and connect.
You can’t outrun burnout with productivity.Medicine rewards stamina. But 80-hour weeks and constant pressure come at a cost. I learned the hard way that rest, boundaries, and life outside of medicine aren’t indulgences. In fact, they’re necessary for longevity in this field.
The best medicine is often “time,” not a scalpel.When you’re trained to operate, everything looks like a surgical problem. But many of the best outcomes I’ve seen came from patience, movement, and education—not the OR.
The system is broken. You have to decide if you’ll break with it.You’ll face pressures to treat charts, hit RVUs, and please insurers. But your real job is to be an advocate for your patients. And for your integrity. That may mean saying no to bad incentives.
Never stop learning. But know what’s worth learning.You’ll never be done training. But the most valuable lessons won’t always come from journals. They’ll come from patients, from mistakes. And from stepping back far enough to see the bigger picture.
Who you are matters as much as what you know.Clinical skill matters. But so does humility. So does presence. And so does being the kind of doctor your patient wants to talk to. Especially when they’re scared, in pain, or overwhelmed.

I’ve spent decades refining surgical technique. But the real mastery came from learning how to be a better human in the room. So, we need to teach that just as seriously as we teach how to suture.”

I certainly appreciate a doctor who will share something like that. Because it isn’t easy for someone who met all the medical school requirements, and makes plenty of money going the pharmaceutical route, to go against that grain. So when doctors do, it’s important for us to support them when we can.

Now, I can’t prove, beyond the shadow of a doubt, that a good attitude and joy actually help you stay healthy. But I bet you can’t prove they don’t either. And that’s why I say things like…

Wake up with joy in the morning And a wink and a smile.
Then show your love to your neighbor
As you walk every mile.
And show the light of the Spirit
Wherever you may go.
And when you wake in the morning,
Your joy will start to flow. © 2010

Subscribe to my FunderFlash Journal, my ongoing Devotional that’s Logical AND Emotional. Because then the flashes of light I share on my website come right to your inbox. So you can spend your valuable time reading and listening 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,

The post Medical school requirements ignore what entire meant appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

About a dozen years ago, as I went through a streak of over 100 days of writing rhymes for kids, I had some Tuesday thoughts I figured they would enjoy.

And, coincidentally, Tuesday thoughts, sort of trended on social media today.OK, the hashtag was actually #TuesdayVibe. But that’s just a minor detail. It’s all the same thing right? Tuesday thoughts. #TuesdayVibe. The point is it’s all about Tuesday. And that’s the theme of what I wrote in a rhyme back in 2013. It talked about how Tuesday thought he was all that AND the bag of chips. Matter of fact, he basically figured he was…

The First Day of The WeekTuesday thought he was the first day of the week.
Others waved and smiled, but Tuesday would not speak.
He thought the sun rose just for him
‘Cause he was tall and sleek and slim.
He didn’t know it’s not about a day’s physique.

Tuesday thought the other days had moved away.
He called out and none of them would come to play.
But then the others came to chat.
They said, “Tuesday, you’re such a brat,
And here’s a couple more things we came here to say…

Monday really is the first day of the week,
But without you everything would look so bleak,
‘Cause seven is the right amount.
So, every one of us still count.
Now, Tuesday thinks that being second day is chic.

© 2013 TF

Subscribe to my FunderFlash Journal, my ongoing Devotional that’s Logical AND Emotional. Because then the flashes of light I share on my website go right to your inbox. So you can spend your valuable time reading and listening 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,

The post Tuesday thoughts determine the spots appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

In the valley of the shadow of death, apparently you will find enemies and evil. But one place you will never find those things is in the house of the Lord. And that’s particularly exciting, at least if you trust Jesus, because that’s the house you’re gonna live in forever.

By the way, my educated guess is it’s not the kind of house you and I are used to.

Yeah, I bet just about all typical houses, even in the good parts of town, are locked at night. At least they are if the residents are sensible. Because evil people, in search of evil things to do, lurk in the dark. That’s just how they operate. And so it makes total sense to lock your doors at night.

But thank God, none of that will be necessary in His house. Forever.

Back when I was the praise and worship leader at a small church in the Denver metro area, I wrote a collection of praise and worship songs based on the pastor’s teaching from a series, he based on the book of Psalms. And one of those songs I wrote is based on what is probably the most famous song. Psalm 23. Here are the lyrics to…

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

The post In the house of the Lord is no need of a sword appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

Here are the links to the flashes of light I shared in the FunderFlash Journal and on the FunderCast Episode 1003:

Son of God and man and I know who can
Envy is a sin you don’t wanna be in
Pride and self promotion don’t have to cause commotion
Iridescent lights caught in disappearing fights

Subscribe to my FunderFlash Journal, my ongoing Devotional that’s Logical AND Emotional. Because then the flashes of light I share on my website come right to your inbox. So you can spend your valuable time reading and listening 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,

The post Jesus or sin Which one are you in? FunderCast 1003 appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

“showing luminous colors that seem to change when seen from different angles” – That’s the definition of iridescent I just read in the dictionary app on my computer. It certainly describes the kind of iridescent lights I saw in a picture a friend of mine shared online.

You were probably a fun-loving, American kid once upon a time. Right? So, you probably enjoyed a time or three of chasing bubbles around the yard. And I’m talking about the big, colorful and sparkling bubbles that fly out of those hoops your mom or somebody would use to make the bubbles appear.

Are you with me?Yeah, if you had an experience like that, you are a lucky ducky. Because you got to experience the exhilaration of pure delight from the simplicity of life.

I know our amazing digital devices can conjure up some dazzling images. But they absolutely cannot provide the multisensory experience of going outside, in the good old, summertime, and chasing bubbles. Devices will never provide or replace that kind of delight.

When my friend shared the picture (which you can see part of in the blue eyeglasses that go with this post) of bubbles in a meadow at sundown, memories flooded my mind.

So, I quickly jumped on my computer keyboard (no I didn’t write down my thoughts with a pencil) and captured a few of those memories in this short rhyme…

Iridescent Lights Disappearing In FlightsThere were effervescent circles,
Shining iridescent lights,
On the svelte, magenta cosmos.
Almost no one saw the sights.
But then someone with a camera,
And creative appetites,
Captured just a hint of Heaven
In those iridescent lights. © 2022 TF

Subscribe to my FunderFlash Journal, my ongoing Devotional that’s Logical AND Emotional. Because then the flashes of light I share on my website go right to your inbox. So you can spend your valuable time reading and listening 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,

The post Iridescent lights caught in disappearing flights appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

Pride and self-promotion can lead to the pursuit of likes, followers, or other forms of validation. And even Christians can start to prioritize self-glorification over humility, the opposite of biblical teachings on servanthood and modesty.

So, avoid all social media and you’ll avoid pride and self promotion.There’s your solution. I done did all the research for ya. No need to thank me. But you’re welcome.

Of course, you might be thinking,” Wait a minute. I have a solo business to run. And I don’t have a budget to hire an advertising agency or publicist or some other kind of company to promote my business. So I have to self promote.”

Yeah, you might be thinking that. And you might also think social media is a great tool to do that. And that’s correct.

But you wanna avoid pride and self-promotion problems. Right?

So, here’s what you do. Self promote as much as you need, want, or desire. Put your name and your information, products, and services out there for everyone to see. Use whatever social media tools you have at your disposal. And just don’t make it all about YOU. Don’t brag about YOU. Because that’s how pride sneaks in. And there’s no need for it.

Besides that, as the old marketing saying goes: “People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.” And if they get the impression that you care about YOU more than helping them, you’re dead in the water.

That being said, yourself promotion should still show that you’re confident you can do what needs to be done. And here’s what I recommend to help you keep a check on your pride versus your self promotion.

Read what the Bible says about pride.And it has a lot to say about it. And it ain’t good. Especially in the Proverbs.

Then, once you get your head on right about it, you can securely sing, along with the words to this song:

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!

Inside the lines the route is shorter.
Outside the box there’s no recorder.
Some days your view is from the summit.
Some nights your dreams might let you plummet.

But 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. © 2020

Hey, 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 Pride and self promotion don’t have to cause commotion appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

Proverbs 14:30 says it like this: “A sound heart is life to the body, But envy is rottenness (aka: a sin) to the bones.”

Yikes! Rottenness to the bones. Yeah, envy is a sin alright.But even though they know that’s true, a lot of Christians have a lot of envy in their lives. And you see it all over social media. That’s where too many Christians compare their lives, ministries, or spiritual journeys to others. And that fosters envy or feelings of inadequacy. They see curated and idealized posts and feel like they don’t measure up.

And even though social media is only a faint shadow of real life, too many people put WAY too much emphasis and value on what is shared on those platforms. Especially when it comes to political issues. Take taxes, for example.

Just think how much more efficient and effective our country would be if taxes were used to keep the utilities infrastructure safe from pollutants and poisons. And if our tax dollars were used to keep bridges safe…and roads safe and smooth, and night lights shining, and a military with state-of-the-art equipment to defend us against all aggression. Personally I’d be OK if my taxes were for that. And it could all be done for approximately 5% of each person’s earnings. Amazing huh? But…

•A government who takes my money and gives it to corporate idiots who’ve run their businesses into the ground? No.

•A government who takes my money and gives it to bankers and insurance company owners who’ve squandered their assets? No.

•A government who takes my money and gives it to people who won’t work, or others who spend it on abortions, or others who spend it on athletic shoes, or flat screen TV’s, or satellite radio and mp3 players for their cars…No, No, No, and No.

Those things cause envy, bitterness, and resentment. And you can see it literally all over the world right now. So, that’s why I wrote…

God Over GovernmentRights don’t come from government.
They only come from God.
Man’s words might acknowledge this,
But they can be outlawed.
No one here is sovereign.
And no one here is good.
And nations will disintegrate
Until that’s understood.
Truth will not prevail upon
The ones who choose to hate
The One who is the Truth, the Life,
The Way, and narrow Gate.
“Freedom isn’t free,” they say.
And you won’t disagree,
When you find out just what it took
To bring you liberty.
The man-made “constitution,”
Amended to add rights,
Barely reflects the message
From the one Father of lights.
He said perfect life awaits
For “who believes in Me.”
So, choose God over government.
His Truth shall make you free.

photo by: @CertainHope Words © 2023 TF

Subscribe to my FunderFlash Journal, my ongoing Devotional that’s Logical AND Emotional. Because then the flashes of light I share on my website come right to your inbox. So you can spend your valuable time reading and listening 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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The post Envy is a sin you don’t wanna be in appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

Apprehend: to understand or perceive – great art invites us to apprehend beauty. I shared that definition to emphasize how you and I can somewhat understand or perceive how the son of God can also BE God.

But we can’t completely comprehend how the son of God can BE God.One day, we will be able to understand, completely. But our puny mortal minds can’t take in that information right now. The apostle Paul said this about this idea: “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.”

So, knowing that should encourage you and me (Christians) to remember there’s a whole lot more to Jesus than the teacher who went around, healing people and doing other miracles. In fact, those were the parts of Him that He de-emphasized. Yeah, he told people to go and tell no one after he performed a miracle. But He emphasized His identity in and relationship to God, the Father.

And as my friend, Bob, used to say, that shows how Jesus, your Creator, is living, personal, relational, good, and loving. And all this understanding inspired me to write the song…

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.

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

Subscribe to my FunderFlash Journal, my ongoing Devotional that’s Logical AND Emotional. Because then the flashes of light I share on my website come right to your inbox. So you can spend your valuable time reading and listening 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.

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Chronic stress and inflammation. What a lovely way to start a post. Right? Well, maybe it’s a bit on the trigger side of things. But let’s just say that’s the good bad news and I won’t leave out the good news. Sound good?

Consider these key things about with chronic stress and inflammation. Because stress:* Isn´t just mental * Damages your lungs * Weakens lung immunity * Increases airway inflammation * Triggers shallow, chest breathing (which means less oxygen and higher risk of infections)

But don’t let all that stress you out either.Especially when you find out that God gives you a three word solution to chronic stress and inflammation. And you can find that three word solution seven times in the New Testament. In fact, all seven times are found in the Gospel writings. I’m sure you’ve heard that “the Gospel” is also known as “the good news.” So, this three word solution to stress is good news.

Just in case you’d rather not read that information directly from the Bible, here’s the solution:

Do not worry.

And I know a lot of people will say that’s a big case of oversimplification. But here’s the thing. It must be doable or Jesus wouldn’t have said it. Point. Set. Match.

One thing I used to do, back in my younger days, to relieve a lot of stress, was bicycling every chance I got. Across America’s heartland, in cities, in neighborhoods, and cool trails in the Rockies. I enjoyed it so much I wrote a song about the part of the bicycling experience when you get to enjoy coasting. That part is when you…

FreewheelIt’s another day in the land of everything
It’s another day to raise our expectations
We wanna work less hours and make a lot more money
It’s another day of stress and losing patience

Is it in our souls? Are we born this greedy?
Can we change our minds and keep our bodies soaring?
We can find a way to make it more than another day
There’s a finer way; a way that’s never boring

I wanna freewheel back to my own free will
I wanna pedal away at the speed of light
If we could freewheel back to our own free will
Maybe then we could see we don’t have to squeeze so tight
Freewheel!

There’s another life in the land of everything
There’s another life, but with different expectations
We could push real hard from a new perspective
We could end the stress and regain a lot of patience

chorus

I don’t mean to say I have all the answers
But I don’t begin to say that I know it all.
I just wish that we could see through our illusions
But everyday we build a bigger wall.

chorus…inst…chorus…to end © 1988 TF

Subscribe to the FunderFlash Journal, my ongoing Devotional that’s Logical AND Emotional. Because then the flashes of light I share on my website come right to your inbox. So you can spend your valuable time reading and listening 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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The post Chronic stress and inflammation and some good news information appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

You never heard of the old TV show, To Tell The Truth, so you probably won’t be able to relate to what I’m gonna share with you right now. It’s about an episode we watched, here in the FunderBungalow, yesterday evening. One of the three contestants was asked why fingerprints are different and she answered, “Well, because God made them that way.” Elgielene and I cheered and clapped for her. And even cooler than that was that the other two contestants agreed with her.

The celebrity panel seemed surprised at the “because God made them that way” answer.But, of course, that is absolutely the correct answer. We sure loved hearing it on TV. Every person on the planet has their own unique fingerprints. Because God made them that way. A few years ago, I went into more detail, with a very scientific explanation, about why any of this is important.

No, wait. I mean a very unscientific and poetic explanation for why you have…

Your Unique PropertiesOK, look at your fingers, and what do you see?
Look at them now, and don’t point them at me.
On each of your fingers you have fingertips.
Maybe your mom touched hers to your lips.

Your fingertips make their very own prints
Like no one’s before and no one else since.
It’s true of the billions of people on earth.
It means you have value. It means you have worth.

And something inside you too tiny to see
Says you will be you and never be me.
It was God who designed it and made it that way.
He gave you a code, and it’s called DNA.

It controls if your eyes will be brown, green, or blue.
It makes you a human, not an odd kangaroo.
And under a microscope what do we find?
That your DNA makes you into one-of-a-kind.

OK, never forget to remember this news
There will never be three or even two you’s.
And even the voice you use when you speak
Will show the whole world you’re truly unique.

Subscribe to my FunderFlash Journal, my ongoing Devotional that’s Logical AND Emotional. Because then the flashes of light I share on my website come right to your inbox. So you can spend your valuable time reading and listening 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.

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The post Because God made them that way is what you say appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

Human beings have probably thought about or wondered whether there is life beyond the sky and beyond the stars. I’m not an astronomer, and I don’t play one on YouTube. But I’m convinced beyond the shadow of a doubt that the answer to those questions and dreams is yes…

There is DEFINITELY life beyond the sky.In fact, infinite life is up there somewhere beyond or behind the whole universe. It’s as close to you as your next breath. Or maybe I should say your last breath. And that’s actually the best news you’re ever gonna hear. Because infinite life is found only in your Creator… no matter who you are or who you claim to be. And he offers it as a free gift to anyone who is willing to admit God DOES exist, no created being is God, and He came to earth to become a man and pay the price of admission into eternity. That price was His earthly life. It cost Him dearly and eternally.

For the most part, I realize I’m “singing to the choir,” as they say. But I share this message, in one form or another, over and over because you never know when some world-weary straggler might stumble on something I’ve said that clicked for them. Plus, there are lots of different ways to say what needs to be said.

And people need hope. And knowing there is eternal life beyond the sky is a very hope-filled message. No, it’s not a fairytale. It’s backed by archaeological evidence, manuscript evidence, the science of statistical probabilities, and fulfilled prophetic evidence.

If what I believe turns out to be a lie (and I know it won’t), then I was one of the biggest fools who ever lived. But when it turns out to be the Truth, everyone who did not trust in Jesus, will be the biggest fools who ever lived.

So, I recommend

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

Subscribe to my FunderFlash Journal, my ongoing Devotional that’s Logical AND Emotional. Because then the flashes of light I share on my website come I’m sorry I know you’re right to your inbox. So you can spend your valuable time reading and listening 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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The post Beyond the sky you will not die that is no lie appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

Here are the links to the flashes of light I shared about skies, eyes, hearts, and more on the FunderCast Episode 1002:

Stormy skies and lies and do not divert your eyes
God knows your heart and not just the physical part
Heart of God is physical and that might make you quizzical
Chicken Little feared the sky falling down on you and I
In the blink of an eye it will all pass you by

Subscribe to my FunderFlash Journal, my ongoing Devotional that’s Logical AND Emotional. Because then the flashes of light I share on my website come right to your inbox. So you can spend your valuable time reading and listening 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.

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The post Skies eyes hearts and sighs FunderCast 1002 appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

If you’re a Christian, and you have kids or grandkids, or had kids or grandkids at one time, maybe you’ve considered Christian rhyming books for them.

By the way, Christian rhyming books aren’t actual Christians.Because inanimate objects can’t be Christians. And I added that in there because there are some people who have some sort of aversion or opposition to using the word Christian as part of a label. So, I just wanted to clear that up for ya.

Anyway…

I read some information about why there does seem to be a significant portion of the Christian community who enjoys or likes Christian rhyming books. And here’s what the article said are reasons for that:

“Educational Value: Rhyming books can help with language development, including phonemic awareness, which is crucial for early reading skills. They make learning fun and engaging, which is particularly appealing to young children.
Moral and Spiritual Lessons: Books that rhyme can convey Christian values, Bible stories, or moral lessons in a memorable way. The rhythm and repetition can aid in memorization of key messages or prayers.
Entertainment: Rhymes are naturally appealing to children due to their musical quality. This can make reading time more enjoyable, encouraging a love for reading from a young age.
Cultural and Religious Identity: For Christian families, books that combine faith-based content with rhyming can serve as a tool for passing down religious traditions and teachings in an accessible format for young minds.

Some popular examples might include Bibles for children that:* Use rhyme to simplify and explain scriptures. * Include Christian morals like sharing, kindness, or the story of Jesus, told through rhymes * Share prayers written in poetic form

However, preferences can vary widely based on individual family values, the specific denomination of Christianity they follow, and their approach to child-rearing. Some might prioritize books with explicit religious content. And others might be more focused on general moral lessons. The kind that align with Christian values but aren’t overtly religious.”

I’ve never written any Christian rhyming books to help with language development or phonemic awareness. But I DO hope they are fun and engaging and that they convey Christian values, Bible stories, or moral lessons in a memorable way. Parents who’ve bought have said they appreciate the Christian messages I’ve shared and that their kids enjoyed them. So I’ll take them at their word.

And because that feedback I’ll keep writing and publishing Christian rhyming books that say things like:

Spiral through the galaxies
And circle through the stars.
Rocket to your earthly home
Past Venus and past Mars.
Make a landing, safe and sound,
And look up at the skies
And know, for sure, God made it all.
You’ll know ’cause you’ve got eyes. © 2021

The form can be filled in the actual website url.

Stay tuned,

The post Christian rhyming books have some different looks appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

Man, it all goes by in the blink of an eye. I bet, if you’ve lived a few or more decades, you’ve heard somebody say something like that. Right? Yeah, me too. And we know why.

Because, man, it all really does go by in the blink of an eyeWhen I was a little boy, living with my grandparents in Norman, Oklahoma, I used to wonder why old people talked about time the way they did. But then a bunch of time passed, and I became one of those old people. And I don’t wonder that kind of stuff no mo.

I don’t know how much time I have left in this earthly life. But one thing I do know. I have way less time left than I’ve already lived. Unless, of course, God decides He wants to miraculously caused me to live another hundred years. And I can’t imagine, for the life of me (pun definitely intended), why He would need or want to do that.

The reason I bring this up is because I saw a few social media posts where young people talked about being bored. That’s hard to wrap my mind around. Because there’s so much to do, and so little time to get it all done. In fact, it’s not realistic to think or believe you ever will get it ALL done.

And that could discourage, dishearten, or dismay, the faint hearted who don’t currently have a hopeful future. A future that goes on forever in the heavenly paradise that God promises to those who love Him.

Most people who read or listen to what I say have that hope.Not because of anything special I’ve done. But because they decided to go where the overwhelming evidence led them. And that was to the truth that there is a God, none of us are Him, and He did an amazing thing to make sure anyone who wants it can have eternal life.

But if you’re not one of those people who already believe and trust that’s true, I hope you do before too many more blinks of your eyes. Because when you do, it can be like this for you…

In the blink of an eye
It will all pass you by,
But the future is bright for the free;
The ones who will trust
That this house made of dust
Is a shadow of life that will be
When your soul travels on
And, forever, is gone
To the good Lord’s divine jubilee. © 2025

The form can be filled in the actual website url.

Stay tuned,

The post In the blink of an eye it will all pass you by appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

If you’ve walked on this here terra firma for more than just a tiny little bit, you’ve heard the story of chicken Little. And you get the gist of it. Right?

I saw this description of what Chicken Little means:An article said that bird character “has become almost synonymous with alarmism, with the term being used to describe people who needlessly stoke fear among people.”

And that’s because Chicken Little ran to tell the king that the sky is falling. Along the way she told Henny Penny, Goosey Loosey, Ducky Lucky, Turkey Lurkey, and others. And she said she had first-hand evidence that it was gonna happen.

These days, in real life (or what passes for it on social media platforms), there are more Chicken Littles then you can shake a…well…dead chicken at. At. just about any hour of any given day somebody’s running around telling anyone who’ll listen that we’re all gonna burn up here on planet Earth. Or that we’re gonna run out of our natural resources. Or something similar to those notions.

When you choose to buy into that kind of thinking, you end up weak, hateful, and unable to think clearly. I don’t wanna end up that way. It’s the total opposite of what God is willing to give you. Paul described it like this: “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.”

I urge you to take that as the gospel truth and let it guide your day. And definitely don’t be…

Chicken LittleChicken little, chicken little,
That old, darn sky just won’t fall.
But I guess that doesn’t matter
Long as they can fool us all
Into thinking that the climate
Is an enemy we’ve made
Just by breathing and by living.
It’s a heat wave masquerade.
But discerners don’t believe it.
Yes, we know where Truth is found.
And we know the sky will not fall
And the Earth will spin around
For as long as God determines.
He has made that point quite clear.
So, go spout your hoaxes elsewhere.
Earth will still be fine next year! © 2023

Subscribe to my FunderFlash Journal, my ongoing Devotional that’s Logical AND Emotional. Because then the flashes of light I share on my website come right to your inbox. So you can spend your valuable time reading and listening 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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The post Chicken Little feared the sky falling down on you and I appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

OK, this might get a little controversial for you. But I believe the heart of God is physical. Even though God, the Father, is, and always has been, the sovereign Spirit who holds all life together.

So, how could the heart of God be physical?Well, first, I have to clear up a little detail. When I say that about the heart of God, I base it on what I call metaphorical personification. Now there’s a silver dollar term for you. The metaphorical part comes from describing God’s non-physical core as a physical heart. And the personification part explains what I mean. Because I believe Jesus is God’s heart.

Now don’t get all wound up on theological theses and theories. Because, as I say at the bottom of my posts, my ongoing devotional (the FunderFlash Journal – aka this website’s blog), my content is logical AND emotional. So, I guess you could say this falls under the emotional part. It’s a feeling I have.

I hope you do too. And if you trust the power of God’s love, I bet we’re in agreement.

The day begins, while night remains,
A little while, through window panes.
The sun sneaks up into the skies
And opens up resisting eyes.
A coffee pot, with rhythmic sounds,
Takes water and some coffee grounds,
And turns them into morning words,
While just outside the songs of birds
Bounce off the trees into the air.
The signs of grace are everywhere.
So, as I write this message down,
I want each verb and every noun
To see, acknowledge, and applaud
How life is from the heart of God. © 2021

Subscribe to my FunderFlash Journal, my ongoing Devotional that’s Logical AND Emotional. Because then the flashes of light I share on my website come right to your inbox. So you can spend your valuable time reading and listening 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.

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The post Heart of God is physical and that might make you quizzical appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

You and I could get to know each other very well, and I would still never know your thoughts. At least any of your unspoken thoughts. So, I can judge you by what I see and hear. But I can never truly judge your heart. And you can’t judge mine. But God can. Because God knows your heart. And He knows the hearts of every other person on this beat up broken planet.

Yeah, God knows your heart, and He’s still willing to save you.So, here’s something I recommend. If you have anything against Him or some reason not to believe and trust in Him (and the power of His love), let Him know. But don’t speak to Him with pseudo intellectualism, you know, as though you already know all the answers and you just want to tell Him what for. Because, remember, God knows your heart. And that means He knows if you really are interested in the truth and where it can take you.

There are many millions of men and women (and even young girls) who have taken part in the abortion of unborn human babies. Probably most of them don’t even give it another thought after it’s done. But I know there are many who deal with a guilty conscience.

By the way, that guilty conscience is proof that God knows your heart. Because He wrote eternity into it. And a guilty conscience is one way He helps you to understand you need Him in order to have abundant life throughout that eternity.

So, take the first opportunity and deal with that guilty conscience.Because, personally, I would love to know that you took my recommendation and had a heart-to-heart with your Creator. That would make my day, week, month, year, and more. And if none of this applies to you, share it with someone you believe it might help. And urge them to consider this…

No matter how tiny, no matter how small,
Right down to conception,
The Lord loves them all.
They just need some love
And a place they can grow.
Unborn babies are persons.
God knows that you know. © 2022

Subscribe to my FunderFlash Journal, my ongoing Devotional that’s Logical AND Emotional. Because then the flashes of light I share on my website come right to your inbox. So you can spend your valuable time reading and listening 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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The post God knows your heart and not just the physical part appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

It was a picture of a rainbow that had appeared as stormy skies headed for the horizon. And there was a flock of geese flying in the opposite direction. The photographer titled the picture as Faith Over Fear. And I’m sure that’s because Christians should remember what God said about rainbows after He flooded the whole world.

And “stormy skies” is a metaphor for troubles.And just in case you didn’t already know this, but I’m sure you did/do, you’re gonna have troubles in this life. So, that means you’re gonna have stormy skies. But, thankfully, when you trust in the power of God’s love to help get you through those skies, you’re also gonna have rainbows.

Here in America, it seems as if almost everyone is trying to live trouble-free and pain-free. And so many are so willing to take drugs, or drink in excess, or do something else like that to just numb it all away. The problem with that is… it never works. In fact, it almost always makes things WAY worse.

Yeah, your Creator (aka: Jesus) even says “you will have tribulation” (aka: troubles). But right after He says that He says, “but be of good cheer…”

What?!

You read that right. Be of good cheer. So you’re gonna have problems, but don’t worry, be happy? How in the world can He expect you and me to do that? Well, He says it’s because…

“I have overcome the world.”A-ha! And I believe that’s where the faith over fear part comes in. Yeah, your faith that Jesus is telling the truth when He says He has overcome the world helps you overcome fear.

That section of the Bible, where Jesus says those things is a time when He prays for Himself, then He prays for His disciples, and then He prays for all believers. So obviously prayer, which is a conversation with God, the father, is an important and powerful faith tool.

I encourage you, and me, to put that tool to use. Every. Single. Day. And let’s keep our…

Faith over fear,
Like a rainbow, landed here.
As I navigated through the stormy skies.
I could feel eternal love
From the One, so far above,
Who created such a painting for my eyes. © 2022

Subscribe to my FunderFlash Journal, my ongoing Devotional that’s Logical AND Emotional. Because then the flashes of light I share on my website come right to your inbox. So you can spend your valuable time reading and listening 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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The post Stormy skies and lies should not divert your eyes appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

Here’s what I’m talking about in episode 1001 of the FunderCast:

- Hilux pickup has run into a hiccup
- Emerald northern lights or just some preview sights?
- Everything from nothing is silly and not believable, really
- No one here is good enough or made of the right stuff
- CS Lewis quote sure does float my boat

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The post From a truck to a boat on a high note – FunderCast 1001 appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

Here’s one of my favorite CS Lewis quotes: “I believe in Christianity as I believe that the sun has risen: not only because I see it, but because by it I see everything else.”

And I think it ties in nicely with this CS Lewis quote:“One of the most cowardly things ordinary people do is to shut their eyes to facts.”

Back in 1996 I had never heard of either one of those quotes when I wrote to the lyrics you’ll see below. But I think my compulsion was similar to Mr. Lewis’. And for similar reasons. I’ll just leave you with the lyrics, and you be the judge.

Have To BelieveI can hear my heart, but I just can’t feel my life.
I can feel You cut, but I just can’t see the knife.
You slip Yourself inside of me
To show me what I’m meant to be;
Unlock me with Your golden key;
Protect me from the wizardry
Of this world far below.

I can feel Your love; though I never see Your face,
And whenever I’m alone, You still fill the empty space.
I never have to reach for You.
You always seem to pull me through.
You do the things that I can’t do;
Not even if I wanted to…not even if I tried.

And I have to believe…You did everything for me.
‘Cause what I have to believe…is the truth that sets me free (repeat)

You must know my dreams
Because you’re making them all come true.
I know that You’re the One
Because no one could but You.
Your steady hand is always near.
With perfect love You conquer fear.
You brush away the dark veneer,
And suddenly it’s all so clear which way I should go.
(repeat chorus)

Well, I’m not sure if l deserve it.
I’m lighter than air and soaring like a bird,

And if l can love You any better,
Just say the Word! © 1995

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Ultimately, no one here, on this snazzy little blue planet, is the boss of me. Because I know who created this planet, all the other planets, the entire solar system, all the other solar systems, and the whole universe.

And no one here did that.Sure, the One who DID create it all has been here on the planet. But he left for a while And that person IS the ultimate boss of me. But you’ll never find a better boss. Because you’ll never find anyone else who will love you into, and through, eternity. Matter of fact, you’ll never find anyone else who COULD do that, much less would.

Yes, I’m talking about God. And to clear it up even more, I’m talking about Jesus. The one whose image you and I were made in. Way back, in the beginning, He spoke words, and this whole world appeared. Then He spoke some more words and all the animals, birds, fish, and reptiles appeared. But there were still no one, and nothing, here that looked like a man or a woman.

So, God created a man first. And He finished up His work of creation by creating a woman. And those two people were made in His image. And because all this is true, you and I can know who is ultimately in charge of everything.

So, it only stands to reason that the one who created us should be the one who makes the rules. Because He knows what’s best for us and how every tiny detail of our bodies function best. And God is all about abundant life, eternal life. And His rules are in place to be sure you and I have that eternal life.

Yeah, anything that comes from man-made committees and systems will either acknowledge that information or fail. That’s why I think it’s so sad to see our government officials working full-time to “make” so-called laws. Because…

Rights Come From GodRights don’t come from government.
They only come from God.
Man’s words might acknowledge this,
But they can be outlawed.
No one here is sovereign.
And no one here is good.
And nations will disintegrate
Until that’s understood.
Truth will not prevail upon
The ones who choose to hate
The One who is the Truth, the Life,
The Way, and narrow Gate.
“Freedom isn’t free,” they say.
And you won’t disagree,
When you find out what it took
To bring you liberty.
The man-made “constitution,”
Amended to add rights,
Barely reflects the message
From the Father of lights.
He said perfect life awaits
For “who believes in Me.”
Choose God over government.
His Truth shall make you free. © 2023

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I’ve seen everything. And nothing is a waste of time. Yep. I said it. And I stand by it. So, I’ll say it again.

Nothing is a waste of time.Because nothing is nothing.

(This next part is something I shared a few years back. But it bears repeating.)

~ The reason I bring this up is because of a senseless meme I saw on social media. It posed the question, “If God made everything from nothing, where did He get nothing?”

Seriously?

Yeah, even people who consider themselves to be thinkers and intellectuals show themselves for the fools they are when they try to define nothing. Like famous atheist, Richard Dawkins.

Here’s the link to watch this fool in action: https://youtu.be/dWyN7Jlulo8

So, now you see why I say nothing is a waste of time. Right?

And the complexity of our world and our universe can’t be explained by everything coming from nothing. In fact, the complexity of your own thoughts proves there is a loving Creator. Unless you avoid the Truth like a plague.

For example, here’s something I wrote, several years ago, about ideas.

“Ideas aren’t some random results of random processing of random information. Ideas are thoughts formulated into an intelligent mental picture as a result of processing logical, reasonable information. But how did all that information get from one source…say your Bible app…into your brain? The answer is simple. But it befuddles (and even angers) most of the so-called “thinkers” of the world.

Your ideas get into your brain by processing and pondering the information you discover using a system designed by…

God.That system is called logic and reason. Your brain is the user interface. You might call it the the most powerful UI ever designed. And make no mistake…it IS design. Not random chance.

It’s uncanny and ironic, to me, how many times I hear the same information bandied around saying the world, and everything in it, came from nothing. At best, that’s a scientific theory. An idea. Yet, that idea can’t explain how ideas are stored. That idea can’t explain logic and reason. That so-called “scientific theory” leads to mankind believing mankind is either the pinnacle of evolution or just another insignificant segment of it.”

And nothing could be further from the Truth. It’s crucial to know this sooner than later, because…

Everything From NothingEverything from nothing
Is just silliness, squared.
No man-based philosophy
Holds up when it’s compared
To all the love, forgiveness,
And eternal life you get
When you accept your Savior’s love
And leave this short vignette. © 2021

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A social media friend of mine who shares photographs, by her and other skilled photographers, posted a picture that captured the emerald northern lights. And she called it. Emerald Embrace. The picture, and her title, inspired me to write a rhyme using one of my faves.

Alliteration? Absolutely.In this case, I focused on alliteration in only one line and in the title. Not in every line, the way I generally like to work it out. There’s no deep or hidden meaning as to why I did that. I just decided to do it that way. That’s all. And none of that means much of anything to anybody but me.

But here’s what I hope DOES mean something to at least someone. How I connect the physical and ethereal components of our world to the one true living, loving God of creation. Because without him there would be nothing to see and no one here to see it.

And I know, that the northern lights (aka: Aurora Borealis) or not actual brushstrokes from the so-called “art of God.” It’s a metaphor, Mickey. Let’s move on. But I used the metaphor to illustrate how even the most beautiful things we can witness here on earth are just previews of coming attractions in Heaven.

So, look into the glasses at the top of this post and you’ll see a small version of the emerald northern lights in the picture that inspired…

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. © 2023

Subscribe to my FunderFlash Journal, my ongoing Devotional that’s Logical AND Emotional. Because then the flashes of light I share on my website go right to your inbox. So you can spend your valuable time reading and listening 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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It was around this time of year, the summer of 1979 to be more precise, when I bought a little blue Hilux pickup from a Toyota dealership in Houston Texas. I remember the test drive. It was a hot, humid day, very normal for Houston, and I actually ran out of gas from the test drive.

So, I had to sit in a very hot Hilux pickup till the dealership brought more gas.And that was after a walk to a convenience store to find a payphone. Because, yeah, that’s what you had to do back in those ancient days. Virtually no one drove around with a cell phone or mobile phone. And so-called smart phones were even invented yet, of course.

Anyway…

I had already done test drives in just about every other make, and model a small pickups their were back then. And I had narrowed my choice down to be either a black Datsun pick up or the blue Toyota. I liked that the Toyota had more headroom so it didn’t feel so small. And I liked how spunky it was.

So, I had kind of a World According to Garp moment. And I figured, hey, I’ll take the running out of gas as a sign that this should be my choice. After all, how likely would it be to do that again anytime soon. Especially since running out of gas gave me a clear indication of how the meters on the dash worked.

Win win.

OK, I shared all that with you to give you a little peek into the origin of my time as a small pickup owner.

Fast forward 46 years, and that little Hilux pickup is still in my garage.

But…The recent turn of events in my personal health (or lack of health) have put my decades long relationship with Ol’ Blue in jeopardy. For one thing, the pick up has a standard transmission, and that requires working three pedals, and that third pedal requires the use of my left leg and foot. And they are not what they want were, let’s just say that.

Plus, Elgielene and I or looking at some changes to compensate, hopefully, for my less than optimum motor control. And those changes might have to include selling Ol’ Blue. If you’ve never kept a vehicle for 46 years, or you’ve never literally explored America, over the years, in a trustworthy car, you won’t understand my dilemma. And when I say trustworthy, I mean like my pickup, which to this day still runs like a top.

Yeah, to say that parting with Ol’ Blue would make me sad is a significant understatement.

But I might have to face the facts that I’ve always known. Nothing in this life lasts forever. Life throws you curveballs. And time moves on. And there’s nothing you can do about that.

You don’t know all my circumstances. So I can’t really get a definitive solution to my dilemma from you. But if you have any ideas about how a couple of old buddies can stay together and maybe cruise few more miles together, drop me an email and let me know. It’s silly, I know. But it’s like this…

Tony And His Little Blue TruckTony kept his tools in a little blue truck.
It ran like a top, and it helped him make a buck.
He drove through the country of the brave and free
And saw lots of places most people don’t see.

The little blue truck kept rolling for years.
There must have been magic in each of its gears.
It did more work than any ten trucks should.
Maybe there were angels underneath its hood.

Tony kept the truck when he bought other cars…
In spite of its age and in spite of its scars.
He just wouldn’t part with his rusty old friend.
They still had to go up around the next bend.

Some people say they’ve seen those two drive by
With the headlights off in a moonlit sky.
If it’s true what they say, this might bring you luck…
Wave and smile at Tony and his little blue truck. © 2013

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Here’s what I’m talking about in episode 1000 of the FunderCast:

How all things might or might not be pure
Your life and how it compares to eternal life in heaven
What you can catch with your arms open wide
Music and brain health, and
Small, mediocre, or great minds and people and things

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I bet you’ve heard some version of this expression: Small minds talk about people, mediocre minds talk about things, and great minds talk about ideas. You’ve heard something like that. Right?

It sure makes people and things appear to be less significant topics.And I totally agree if you talk about people and things the way most people do these days. But it occurred to me, recently, when I thought about what Paul wrote in Philippians 4:8-9 how he talked about people and things. You remember that section. It’s where he told the Christians in Philippi how to focus their meditation and thoughts. And I don’t believe anyone who’s actually read Paul’s writings could say he had a small mind.

Many motivational speakers and marketing gurus love to talk about focus. And they love to categorize it into those three levels; small minds, mediocre minds, and great minds.

I’m gonna share a word picture analogy, about focus, that I shared around 12 years ago. But before I do I’d like you to think about what you can actually take to Heaven with you when your life, here on earth, is done. Sure, they say “you can’t take it with you” and “you won’t see a hearse pulling a U-Haul trailer.” But you certainly don’t have to go empty-handed. Metaphorically or figuratively speaking.

Anyway…

Picture this in your mind’s eye:From the window in your kitchen you see a sunflower in your front yard. It’s standing there all alone in the rocks and grass or whatever happens to be in your yard. It’s beautiful, colorful, and downright delightful. So you pop out your trusty camera and snap a quick pic. But when you share the photo with friends, they don’t get the full effect. They also see the rocks and weeds and how your fence needs a paint job.

But, now picture this. You take your camera outside, kneel down, and really focus in on the sunflower itself. You capture the bright yellow petals with hues of sunset orange blended into interconnecting spirals. Your photo. clearly shows the fruit and seeds of the flower. And it’s great that you have a camera with enough pixels to show so many details. That helps you get a shot that vividly shares the beauty that caught your eyes.

And Paul wanted people to be able to get a much clearer picture of God’s peace. So he compiled a list of things to focus on. Uh-oh, that almost seems like Paul put his mind on people and things.

But that definitely wasn’t small-minded of him.

So you could say the small minds, mediocre minds, and great minds perspective is kind of a rule of thumb. But you don’t have to say it. Because I just did.

You’re welcome.OK, did you think about what you can take to Heaven with you? Well, it’s the treasures Jesus talked about. And those treasures are based on relationships with people. And other eternal things. So, people and things are important to your Creator. Not just as something to talk about with no regard or love for them.

So, how ’bout it?

Will you give your love today
In the little things you do?
Will you think of words to say
That will help your neighbor, too?
Will you think before you speak
And say things you might regret?
Will you think up ways to care…
Ways you haven’t thought up yet?
Will you try to keep your love
In a secret hideaway?
Jesus gives you ALL of His…
So, you should give your love today. © 2015

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When it comes to brain health, give me songs, real songs, any day of the week. And I think it’s important to add that little reference to “real songs” because there are a lot of fake ones out there now.

So, give me real songs, please, to help my brain.I’ve shared quite a bit of information, here on TonyFunderburk.com, about the benefits of sound healing. Music is a powerful medicinal-like tool. Little did I know, as I shared that info, how relevant it would be to ME.

But, as I’ve said many times, life sure can throw you some curveballs. And the curveball I’m dealing with right now, aka stroke, has shown me just how important it is to maintain your brainwave connections. It seems like something you shouldn’t have to think about, pun completely intended, but you do. At least if you would like to live longer and healthier.

Of course, if you don’t care how long you live, and you don’t care about being healthy, pay no attention to anything I’m about to say.

I know you love music. Because you’re a regular human being. And regular human beings love music. And that’s great. Because it can help you if and when you have to deal with a brain injury. If I’m talking to no one, but myself, that’s OK because I know I’ll listen. And here’s why…

Give Me SongsGive me songs to wake the brain waves
Through my often cluttered mind.
Give me sonic repercussions
No one else will ever find.
And a musical sensation
With connections to the Source
Of all music and creation.
Yes, please give me that, of course. © 2022

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Is there something or someone you can see yourself standing in front of with your arms open wide? And I’m talking about the way people stand ready to welcome something or someone they’ve been looking forward to. Can you think of anyone or anything right now?

Remember. Arms open wide might catch more than your bargain for.O Corinthians! We have spoken openly to you, our heart is wide open. You are not restricted by us, but you are restricted by your own affections. Now in return for the same (I speak as to children), you also be open.

Do you suppose those Corinthians got to the point of looking forward to a visit from Paul with their arms open wide? And that’s not a trick question. I just wonder if they might’ve enjoyed his visits that much since he admonished them, to say the least.

Just so you know, this “letter” of mine isn’t intended to admonish anybody. It’s just another opportunity. I took to hopefully get you to think about the relational perspective in Paul’s letters. And to encourage you to notice the ever present power of God’s love in his messages.

I produced a song a few years back that’s a fictional and imaginary perspective of looking up, where your hope lies, with arms open wide. I only have one recording of it. And unfortunately, the recording is from a time when my voice was less than optimum due to respiratory issues. But I’m sharing the lyrics here. And I’ll share a link to a video version with the recorded audio.

Catch The MoonSee the ball of light
In the deep blue night
Shines like a big white whole note
On a musical flight
Floating through space and through time
Like a hot air balloon

Feel the cool night air
Dancing through your hair
Laugh right out loud and then watch
Stars light up everywhere
Look up with your arms open wide,
And you will Catch The Moon.
Catch The Moon…Catch The Moon…Catch The Moon

Modulate up a step to (Instrumental) Repeat Chorus

Music fills the skies
As you harmonize
Lyrics line up and fall down
And they land in your eyes.
Look up with your arms open wide,
And you will Catch The Moon. © 2019

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The post Arms open wide to let what or who inside? appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

The woods of wonder, where I wander in my imagination, don’t look the same as the beautiful forests I’ve wandered through across the Rocky Mountains in Colorado. Of course, those forests, in the majestic Colorado mountains, are beautiful. But they don’t even remotely compare with the ones in my mind.

Reminds me how Paul compared life here on Earth to Heaven.He wrote a letter to the new Roman Christians and said, “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.”

Of course, the sufferings of this present time don’t even remotely compare to the glory that’ll be revealed in us. Because that glory is the one true living, loving God of creation. So how could anything be compared to Him? Hint: it can’t.

Yeah, the creator of the universe and all life on our little blue planet lives IN those who believe and trust in him. And that’s the reason why you even have an imagination. And I believe it’s why your imagination can dream up visions that go far beyond the pale shades of this broken world.

That being said, you couldn’t imagine beyond yourself without the pale shades and creations of this broken world. And that’s why I thank God for creating me in the world I can enjoy as I walk through the…

Woods of WonderWalking in the woods of wonder…
Leaping off a limb of lights…
Slipping down a secret scots pine…
Kiwi trees are flying kites.
All around are dancing aspens…
With their white and wondrous wings…
Bristling branches and sweet breezes…
Where a speckled sparrow sings.
Rainbow redwoods rake the blue sky…
Mystic music mingles in…
Dragons drift by in their dreamboats…
Lemon larkspurs live within.
Walking in the woods of wonder…
Thinking thoughts of thrilling things…
Life’s a lilac filled with lightning..
We’re all wearing water wings. © 2003

Subscribe to my FunderFlash Journal, my ongoing Devotional that’s Logical AND Emotional. Because then the flashes of light I share on my website go right to your inbox. So you can spend your valuable time reading and listening 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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“To the pure all things are pure, but to those who are defiled and unbelieving nothing is pure; but even their mind and conscience are defiled.” Paul wrote those words to Titus. And I get what he meant/means by that. Especially when I remember my young, naïve self.

Yeah, I remember a time when I thought all things are pure.And that’s despite the fact that I could recall, clearly, the loud, angry, bordering on violent arguments. My young parents had before they divorced. I was about four years old when all that took place. But to this day, I remember thinking, even as a young boy, how wrong those arguments were.

Once they separated, and soon divorced each other, my younger brother and I were sent to my grandparents house (my dad’s parents) and we lived there for a year or two. And that’s where, due to the Christian influence of my grandmother, I started taking all things are pure again.

But guess what shattered and destroy that illusion for me. Never mind. Don’t try guessing. Because I’ll just come right out and tell you. My pure illusion (or delusion if you prefer) quickly disappeared once I entered into our great and glorious government school system.

I know the government school system, also known as government indoctrination camps, is much worse than it was back when I was a young kid. But it was already terrible even back then.

Government should have no business running schools.Gigantic bureaucratic committee systems always, always, always go into anti-God mode. Whether they start that way or eventually end up that way. In America is living proof how true that is.

When I first started, school, elementary schools were still fairly safe for little kids. And particularly in the south where I started, Oklahoma and Texas, there was still a little bit of Christian influence. But once I advanced into junior high, where kids came from a wider variety of neighborhoods, I started to hear “dirty” jokes, and crude remarks from the boys about the girls.

Up to that point I had been raised to know that a potty mouth kid would get his mouth washed out with soap. And I knew I wanted no part of that. Even as a little kid I didn’t see the point of talking like that.

But, as the world would have it, my little light didn’t shine brightly enough to keep all things pure around me. So, the jokes and crude remarks increased as I went from junior high to high school.

And, we’re all adults here. So, I’m sure I don’t have to ‘splain it to you how eventually the pure illusion transformed into the profane and debased world we live in now. But what’s even more troubling than that is how the world I thought was pure, when I was a kid, was already profane and debased. And it gets even worse than that. Because the world was that way as far back as you can go in time.

Maybe you could say the very first generation was OK.But even that generation, made up of only two people, messed up bad. And they found out, real fast, how God wants purity. And they found out the consequences of not doing what He says. We’ve all been finding out ever since then. No generation has figured out how to learn from the mistakes.

And that’s why Paul told Titus that those ” to those who are defiled and unbelieving nothing is pure.”

And when nothing is pure, as a friend of mine used to say, there’s no bottom to that abyss.

So, that’s why so much of what I write contains flights of fancy and impossible, imaginary scenes and colors and light. Because I want to create at least some tiny droplets where all things are still pure andpoint to the source of hope and purity. Then I like to pour those little droplets into the dried up ground of the world that needs Jesus.

Reading The RaindropsLittle notes fall on the flowers in the garden
From a cloud that’s floating just above the trees.
I can hear the whole sky play
A little song for me today.
Reading the raindrops I can sing along with ease.

And the tympani is thunder pounding rhythm.
The conductor holds the lightning in his hand.
It’s a symphony, a song,
And it plays the whole day long.
Reading the raindrops I’m the singer in the band.

All the instruments are needed for the music.
It’s so beautiful that frozen hearts are thawed.
When I give up self-control,
It flows deep into my soul.
Reading the raindrops, little love notes, straight from God. © 2013

Subscribe to my FunderFlash Journal, my ongoing Devotional that’s Logical AND Emotional. Because then the flashes of light I share on my website go right to your inbox. So you can spend your valuable time reading and listening 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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The post All things are pure. Is that right? Are you sure? appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

We’re finishing up the first half of July 2025. And this is the weekly edition of the FunderCast. This week I talk about the when where and why of it. Here’s the down low you need to know:

Subscribe to my FunderFlash Journal, my ongoing Devotional that’s Logical AND Emotional. Because then the flashes of light I share on my website go right to your inbox. So you can spend your valuable time reading and listening 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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You might realize the incredible elephant and man similarities. But I’m gonna share a little article. I discovered this morning that I think shows even more than the writer imagined.

The connections between elephant and man¶ When an elephant needs to be transported by plane from one country to another, for example, from India to the United States, they are placed in its cage… of baby chicks.

Yes, you read that right: tiny baby chicks.

Why ? Because, despite its imposing mole, the elephant is extremely afraid of hurting it. For this reason, during the entire flight, it remains perfectly still, so as not to risk crushing a single one.

This is how you maintain the balance of the plane. And it’s also the first proof of its noble nature.

Fascinated by this behavior, some scientists have studied the elephant’s brain. They’ve discovered the presence of fusiform cells, extremely rare neurons, also found in humans. They are those connected to self-awareness, empathy and social perception.

In other words, the elephant isn’t just big physically: it’s also big emotionally. Feel, understand, act with silent wisdom.

Leonardo da Vinci, deeply fascinated by nature, wrote about him: “The elephant embodies uprightness, reason and temperance. ”

And they added: He enters the river and bathes with a kind of solemnity, as if he wanted to cleanse himself of all evil. If you meet a lost man, he gently escorts him to the right path. You never walk alone: always in group, always led by a leader.

It’s pudgy.They only mate at night, far from the pack, and before returning to their peers, they wash. And if you meet a herd on the path, move it gently with the proboscide, so as not to hurt anyone.

But what moves me more than anything is this: when the elephant feels the end is near, it moves away from the herd and goes to die alone, in a remote place. Why does he do that? To save the young ones the pain of seeing him die. For the stink. Out of compassion. Because of dignity. Three rare virtues.

Even among men. ¶

Wow! I didn’t know some of that stuff about elephants. But it’s still just one of millions of reasons to acknowledge and appreciate a common designer of all the creatures here on earth.

Kinda makes me wonder if elephants and man (women too, of course) we’ll both be in Heaven. They certainly seem cool and lovable enough to be there. But then again, as you know, being lovable is not how you get to Heaven. If it worked that way, I’m sure this guy could get in…

Marimba the Yellow ElephantThey got a lotta pretty, white beach in Puerto Rico
Where you can hear the tambourines and castanets,
But the finest thing they got is a yellow elephant.
He named Marimba, a friend you can’t forget.

You may say you never heard of a yellow elephant,
But it’s true, and Marimba, he quite a lucky guy.
You see he stays as yellow as Puerto Rican bananas
By basking ‘neath the balmy Puerto Rico sky.

Marimba, Marimba…you lucky elephant…
Lying in the sand like a seashell.
You got Mister Blue Ocean to put you to sleep.
You get oh so drowsy from the stories he tell.

They got places down there that look like pictures.
They got weather that is sunny all day long,
But nothing can compare with the yellow elephant.
I ask you, am I right or am I wrong?

Come to Puerto Rico.
Come to see the sights,
But most of all come to see Marimba.
It’s like looking at a thousand yellow lights. © 1989

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I read the phrase, works of the law, this morning, and the theme song from the TV show COPS popped into my head. Bad boys, bad boys, whatcha gonna do?

Bad boys need to know works of the law ain’t the way to go.By the way, according to Jesus Himself, all boys are bad boys. In case you didn’t already know, works of the law is just another way of saying things you do or good deeds. Or in street talk, you might hear stuff you does with the word stuff being replaced by filthy language, of course.

And the reason I say those so-called good deeds ain’t the way to go is because that’s exactly what Paul said when he wrote a letter to the Galatians. Here’s a direct quote:

“…knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law but by faith in Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Christ Jesus, that we might be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the law; for by the works of the law no flesh shall be justified.”

That’s a crystal clear statement.So, why do many, if not most, Christians seem to prefer the bondage of the law? I’ll tell you why I think they do. Because then it takes the responsibility of their sins off their own shoulders and sloughs it off to God.

But maybe you disagree with that. Maybe you believe that getting baptized, tithing your 10%, and doing good deeds in your community is somehow a “necessary” extension of your faith. It isn’t.

Those things certainly aren’t evil. And they won’t get you banned from Heaven. But they won’t get you into Heaven either. And calling them an outer expression of your inner commitment doesn’t change those facts at all.

So, my recommendation is to read Paul’s letter to the Galatians again. And be sure to ask the good Lord to open your eyes, fully, to his message. You might even see the Bible’s plot, twist and find…

FreedomFaith working through love…
Let’s praise God for our liberty…
Christ paid off our debt…
Only in Him are we truly free.

Love leads into joy…
Law leads back into slavery…
God gave us The Way.
Just believe, and we’re truly free.

Freedom from the law that kills,
Freedom with our own free wills,
Freedom from the world of sin…
Just let Jesus in, let the joy begin
Share a hopeful grin, with the Lord “We Win”!
Praise God for what we can become
With our freedom.

What law couldn’t do
Jesus did with finality.
He rose up from the dead
And promised the same life for you and me.

So we have…

Chorus…instrumental…chorus twice © 2010

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You had no control over it. So, you were born into a cursed world and you have to struggle with that your whole life. How’s that for starting off an encouraging message for you? Well, never worry and never fear. Because Funderman is here with some wisdom Bible verses to help you understand how God provides the tools you need to overcome the curses.

So, here’s a list of wisdom Bible verses.First a few Psalms:37:30 – The mouth of the righteous speaks wisdom, And his tongue talks of justice.

49:3 – My mouth shall speak wisdom, And the meditation of my heart shall give understanding.

51:6 – Behold, You desire truth in the inward parts, And in the hidden part You will make me to know wisdom.

90:12 – So teach us to number our days, That we may gain a heart of wisdom.

104:24 – O Lord, how manifold are Your works! In wisdom You have made them all.

111:10 – The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; A good understanding have all those who do His commandments.

136:5 – To Him who by wisdom made the heavens, For His mercy endures forever;

Now a few Proverbs:1: 7 – The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, But fools despise wisdom and instruction.

2:2 – So that you incline your ear to wisdom, And apply your heart to understanding;

2:6 – For the Lord gives wisdom; From His mouth come knowledge and understanding;

2:7 – He stores up sound wisdom for the upright; He is a shield to those who walk uprightly;

2:10-11 – When wisdom enters your heart, And knowledge is pleasant to your soul, Discretion will preserve you; Understanding will keep you,

3:13 – Happy is the man who finds wisdom, And the man who gains understanding;

3:19 – The Lord by wisdom founded the earth; By understanding He established the heavens;

OK, that’s all for now. I shared seven short verses from each section to get you started. I think you can see how important wisdom is to God. And here’s a rhyme I wrote, 30 years ago, as I read the Bible and pondered wisdom one day. Just in case something a little more contemporary might help…

Get WiseDon’t drink the wine of violence
Or eat the bread of hate.
You might just get away with it.
Can you afford to wait?

Don’t push and shove the simple.
Seek knowledge just like gold.
And in so doing you’ll lay up
Your treasures manifold.

A word to the confounded…
Pour light into your eyes.
If you expect more than neglect,
Get wisdom; yeah get wise.

Get wise to the deceiver.
Don’t harken to his lies.
Keep commanding understanding.
Get wisdom; yeah get wise.

Don’t walk, you, with the wicked.
Beware the scornful tongue.
Let never part your loving heart
And live forever young.

© 1995

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Why would God issue something as a commandment? Do you think it’s just because He enjoys bossin’ us around? Or maybe you think it’s his preferred way of showing us who’s in charge? I think those things might be true now and then. But did you know that sometimes his purpose is love. Like when Paul wrote a letter to Timothy and explained how the purpose for a certain commandment was “love from a pure heart, from a good conscience, and from sincere faith” (1 Timothy 1:5, NKJV)

GASP But it’s supposed to come from a pure heart. Yikes!And I thought the Bible teaches how your heart is wicked. And it says “who can know it?” Golly gee, Wally, it’s too confusing.

But let’s see if we can sort this out a little better. Are you with me? You know what’s more than just a little bit important when you wanna get yourself a nice chunk of wisdom out of the Bible? Yeah, if you said, “context,” you’re more than a little bit right. Because if you take things out of context, the Bible, like any other book, is a lot more difficult to wrap your mind around.

When Paul wrote his first letter to Timothy, he wanted his spiritual son to understand how false teachers, with ulterior motives, had wormed their way into the church at Ephesus. And he encouraged and guided Timothy to keep a pure heart motivated by love for those people and their need to hear more about the new dispensation of grace.

It’s another one of many, many times love plays the dominant role in Paul’s message. You could almost glide past that passage without a second thought about the pure heart part. But my guess is that Paul wanted Timothy to understand that his do this don’t do that counseling was necessary for the young church that needed a leader who would bring order.

On your own, you don’t have, and you never could have a pure heart. So thankfully you and I do have the Way to be seen by God as do we do have that kind of heart. And that’s why I wrote a praise and worship song that says…

Your Love Restored My SoulFrom my mother’s womb You have been my God…
Even if I didn’t always know it.
And I’ve loved You since my salvation day…
Even if…I didn’t always show it.

I believe Your Son is the only Way
To the life I know is never-ending…
So I cast my lot with the King of Kings
And His Truth I trust is never bending.

Jesus…Your love restored my soul.
You gave Your life to make me whole.
I’d be a lifeless lump of coal…oh
But Jesus…Your love restored my soul.

On my darkest days I am not alone.
You indwell me with Your Holy Spirit.
And Your “still small voice” is an open book
And Your grace is there if I draw near it…

And in that open Book is the one True God…
And the words revolve around His story.
And the words are turned into flesh and bone,
And He shares, with each of us, His glory.

Chorus twice

Your love restored my soul… © 2010

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Temptation and desire don’t just happen to atheists and pagans. As a writer of an article, I read a couple of days ago, said, “They can affect Christians who have too much exposure to inappropriate content, such as sexual imagery, materialism, or divisive rhetoric.”

So, temptation and desire can even challenge Christians. Imagine that.Don’t you wish there was something in the Bible that could help you and me with that??

Yeah, it would be great if God wouldn’t just leave us in the dark when it comes to things like temptation, certain desires, and the dark, sinful side of life. Sure He wrote a bunch of complicated laws on some stone tablets for Moses to take to the Israelites. But that somehow doesn’t seem to apply to all the stuff we have to deal with here in 2025.

I guess God never imagined we would have access to so much information and technology as He wrote on to stone.

Of course I’m being facetious. Because you and I, and the whole world put together, could never devise, construct, or even imagine a computer or technology that’s even a fraction of God’s mind. And He does give us help with temptation and desire. And you can find that wonderful help all through the apostle Paul’s letters. I think some of the best help is in 1 Corinthians.

If you take the time to use that link, I recommend you read the whole letter. Chapter 13, especially. Because that’s a key chapter that illustrates why I’m always talking about the power of God’s love. If you haven’t already tapped into that power, there’s no better time than right this second.

Even in this life, you can start living…

Larger Than LifeWe live in a greed land…take more than we need land.
We go for the gusto…creating a dustbowl.
A media earful…is leaving us fearful.
It may come to haunt us…someday doesn’t want us.

More money, more persona…everyone’s a prima donna.
Can’t we understand that it’s larger than life?
Another car and another diamond…
The way we take is like a crime, and
Can’t we understand that it’s larger than life?

We’re living much faster…we flirt with disaster.
We use our resources as conquering forces.
And we don’t hear the drumming…the enemy’s coming.
We still have a Savior…let’s change our behavior.

More money, more persona…everyone’s a prima donna.
Can’t we understand that it’s larger than life?
Another car and another diamond…
The way we take is like a crime, and
Can’t we understand that it’s larger than life?

There’s so much more than just the here and now.
This isn’t nearly all there is.
But there are too many here who will never know how
This isn’t nearly all there is…

Life is larger than life. © 1988

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Comparison and envy. Thank goodness Christians don’t have to deal with that stuff. Right? Because comparison kills creativity. And envy kills joy. Matter of fact, it even kills people. Yikes!

It’s not an exaggeration to say envy kills joy and people.You can find it in one of the oldest books of the Bible, in Job, where it says, “For wrath kills a foolish man, And envy slays a simple one.”

Solomon, who at one point in time was considered the wisest man, wrote this: “A sound heart is life to the body, But envy is rottenness to the bones.”

Even when you dive into the book of Acts, in the New Testament, it pops up again: “…when the Jews saw the multitudes, they were filled with envy; and contradicting and blaspheming, they opposed the things spoken by Paul.”

I’d say those three examples show how envy kills joy. And those aren’t, by any means, the only examples I could share. But I think you get the point. Right?

Envy bad.

I read somewhere (probably on social media) where social media often leads Christians to compare their lives, ministries, or spiritual journeys with others. And it added how that “fosters envy or feelings of inadequacy when seeing curated, idealized posts.”

So. Envy is like poison.But just like with other poisons, there’s an antidote. Thank God.

You can find a recipe for the antidote in lots of forms throughout the best selling book of all time. Yeah, the Bible. I believe the easiest form of the recipe is found in one of the two Commandments Jesus said, supersede the others. And, of course, that commandment is.” love your neighbor as yourself.”

It’s amazing, but not surprising, how much and how often the theme of love comes up throughout the Bible. You owe every second of your life to love. I do too. But not just any love. Because not just any love could hold the trillions of cells in your body together. Let alone all the material that makes up the universe.

But God’s love can do that. And more.

You’re free to not give it another thought today. And you’re even free to ignore His love your entire life, and be separated from Him and everyone who loves Him, forever. But I don’t recommend that choice. Because I wouldn’t be a bit surprised if you ended up in the whirlpool of envy. And you remember? What envy does, right?

Yeah, and kills joy.

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You do go through fire in this life. No matter who you are. No matter how much or how little money you have. And no matter how many connections in high places you have. Nobody gets out of it. The important thing is, where do you end up after the fire?

And you WILL end up somewhere after the fire of this life burns out.I know you already know that. But I also know, if comments on social media are any indication, that even many Christians appear to be confused and filled with negativity. And they pray, and ask others to pray for God to clean house. But that kind of prayer fails to remember something called the Body of Christ. You might recall how Paul described and defined the role of the Body of Christ in this dispensation of Grace.

As members of that Body, you and I called upon to share that amazingly beautiful and free gift of Grace with anyone who is willing to listen to it. Plus, you and I have a fantastic guidebook to help us be more effective with that message. In fact, that guidebook is where we got the information that tells us we have a choice to make and a limited time to make it.

And lots of people you know (maybe most of the people you know) don’t already know they have a choice and that time is running out.

So here’s my suggestion for the day. You can pray and ask God to take away your problems. And you can wait until after the fire in your life burns out before you try to help someone else avoid it. Or you can do this…

InsteadDon’t try to pray away all the pain.
You could be disappointed, disillusioned, disenchanted.
Don’t ask God to save you from the hurt.
You could live to see that the prayer has not been granted.

Instead…give thanks for all His love.
Instead…be glad for all He’s done.
Our sin could torture us forever.
Instead…He gave His only Son.

Don’t be so quick to ask for an end
To the hard times, rocky roads, and fire and rain.
Don’t cry out for a wonderful sign
And when it doesn’t appear, throw your hands up in vain.

Instead…give thanks for all His love.
Instead…be glad for all He’s done.
Our sin could torture us forever.
Instead…He gave His only Son.

There will be trials…and tribulation,
In every life…in every nation.
You could give up…but bow your head
And thank your loving Lord instead.

© 2010 Tony Funderburk

Subscribe to my FunderFlash Journal, your Daily Truth Devotional that’s Logical AND Emotional. Because then the flashes of light I share on my website go right to your inbox. So you can spend your valuable time reading and listening 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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He was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1970. And that happened mostly because of just one song. So, that must’ve been quite a song. Right? You got it. So good that you’ve probably sung it at least once in your life, probably way more. Can you guess which song it is? I’ll give you a hint. The words were inspired by something the writer saw one early morning. And back in 2022 I wrote some other words to go with the tune of that song. And my words were inspired by what I call morning star designs I saw in a photo a friend of mine took.

You can see a little bit of that picture in the glasses that go with this blog post. I love how the pinks, yellows, and oranges blend into the lavenders, magentas, and blues. And it all happens in an actual sunrise.

But maybe you wonder why I mention morning star designs?And, then again, maybe you don’t. Either way, I’m gonna tell you. I use it as a reference to a reference you find in a verse close to the very end of the Bible. In fact, there are only five other verses after it so, in Revelation 22:16 you see Jesus, calling Himself, the Morning Star.

To be even more accurate, he calls Himself “the Bright and Morning Star.”

And maybe remember what Babe Ruth said. “It ain’t braggin’, if it’s true.”

And I’m here to tell you, it’s true.

By the way, Lord willing, I’ll be here to tell you that again tomorrow. And the day after and the day after and so on till my days here on this floating blue ball in space are finished. That final day, for me, will be my personal Independence Day. Because that’s when I’ll be set free from the shackles of the depreciating constraints of my broken body.

I don’t expect there will be any fireworks. But it will be glorious. And speaking of glorious, cheers to a happy, healthy, and safe, American Independence Day. And check out the colors, I mentioned earlier, stars in this…

Morning Star Spangled CreationOh say, can you see…
From the coconut tree,
The pastels and the blues…
Changing shape, changing hues?

And, serenely, the skies
Reach your soul through your eyes,
And the ripples reflect
The Divine Intellect.

So, the sun still shines on
Whether it’s dusk or dawn,
A glimpse of the love
From the Heavens above.
Oh say, can you behold this
Indifferently and not be awed
By complexity, design…
The creation of God? © 2022

Did you guess the name of the Songwriters Hall of Fame lyricist? Francis Scott Key. He wrote that little ditty you might’ve heard in a ball game: the Star-Spangled Banner. And you can actually sing the words I wrote to that same tune. How cool is that?

Subscribe to my FunderFlash Journal. Then, the flashes of light I share on my website come directly to your inbox. That way 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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No doubt about it. It’s how you started in this life. Empty-handed. And no matter what you do or don’t do, with your life, it will end that very same way.

But empty-handed doesn’t have to equal branded and stranded.Yeah, despite what some people will tell you, God did not already decide who will go to Heaven, and who will go to hell. In fact, He made the way (Jesus IS the Way) for anybody and everybody to go to Heaven and live forever. Well, I should clarify that, of course. Because there is a condition (sorry, not sorry, if that interferes with the silly notion of unconditional love). Anybody and everybody who believes in Jesus can look forward to living forever in Heaven.

Everybody else? Not so much.

So, it most definitely DOES come down to which you will choose. Life? Or the alternative?

When you reach that final empty-handed moment in your life, you prepare to meet your Creator…

Face To faceWhen we’re born into this world,
We’re empty-handed
We can’t speak, and we can barely even see.
As we grow we see this life,
In which we landed…
Is a thread of well-designed complexity.

Each and every one of us
Had a beginning…
And so very small a spark of life sufficed.
Then we turned away from God
And started sinning…
And that put us face to face with Jesus Christ.

Face to face with Truth…face to face with Life.
Yeah, the Way to paradise is face to face
With the One who died and who lives inside.
Jesus Christ even loves us face to face.

When we leave this world,
We’re leaving empty-handed.
We can go to that eternal, perfect place.
When we make the choice of Life,
We won’t be stranded.
And we’ll get to see our Savior’s loving face. © 2020

Here’s why I bring it up.Because you’ll even find Christians, all over social media, who will tell you that what I just said is incorrect. They will say clichés like:

God is sovereign in His decisions over life and death.
God’s plan was established before the foundation of the world
He never changes
You have no say over where you will spend eternity

But here’s the thing. All you have to do to find out those ideas aren’t biblical read the Bible. Just that simple. For example, Deuteronomy 30:19 clearly says: “I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life…”

If you have no choice in the matter, why would God say something like that? Hmm…

I’ll leave you to ponder that until we meet again. In the meantime, if you haven’t already…

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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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.

The form can be filled in the actual website url.

Stay tuned,

The post Metaphor for Heaven story at eleven appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

If you care about your health, and you certainly should, you probably know how important digestive enzymes are. But did you know that as you get older, your body doesn’t do such a good job of making enough of them?

But we live in a time when you can get digestive enzymes in a bottle.How cool is that? I’ll tell you how cool that is. VERY cool. I’ll tell you this too. Elgielene and I keep a bottle of chewable, papaya based digestive enzymes in our kitchen cabinet. The ones we get are by a company known as NOW. You don’t have to get the ones we get in order to enjoy better digestion. Plenty of other brands work, too. We just found some we like, and we tend to stick with that brand because we know they work. They’re convenient and they taste good.

And that leads me to butterflies. Not because they taste good. Because there’s a connection between butterflies and enzymes. There’s even an enzyme known by its nickname, the butterfly enzyme. It’s also known as cocoonase. Clever, right?

Anyway…

There’s a butterfly, known as the heliconius, that lives a long life. Well, long for a butterfly anyway. It can live as long as six months and most butterflies only live a few weeks. The people who observe and study this stuff, say the heliconius butterfly “has learned to harvest cocoonase from flowers, and not just nectar. And the cocoonase is about 20% protein.”

And that gives Mr. Helio (that’s the nickname I’ll give him) an advantage over the butterflies who only harvest nectar. See kids? Don’t be trying to live just on all those sugar waters out there. If you wanna live longer and be stronger, you gotta get plenty of good ol’ protein.

Even a flittery, fluttery butterfly knows that.NOW that brings us back to digestive enzymes (see what I did there?).

Side note: by the way, butterflies are actually crawling caterpillars who use enzymes to turn themselves into a bag of fluid and then turn themselves back into a beautiful flying insect. And if you can hear or read that information and still not believe in God, I’m not sure if there’s any hope for you.

By the way, if you click on any of my product links, you’ll end up on a page where you can get your own tasty enzymes. Yes, I will make a little commission if you do. But it won’t add anything to the cost, and your support, even that way, helps me do what I do here.

And one of the things I do here, better than the average bear, is connect important and valuable information to entertaining rhymes like this one, right here:

Butterflies Are For KidsThose butterflies they flutter by
And never make a sound.
Some soar up high into the sky…
Some just above the ground.
They land on flowers in the yard
And gently stretch their wings.
And then they fold them up again
And tend to other things.
Some little kids with little nets
Run barefoot through the yard.
They try to catch some butterflies,
But find out that it’s hard..
‘Cause butterflies fly up and down
And back and forth so well.
For kids who want to capture one
It’s like a magic spell.
They laugh and squeal in sheer delight
They nearly flip their lids.
And that’s why I’m quite sure that God
Made butterflies for kids. © 2022

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.

The form can be filled in the actual website url.

Stay tuned,

The post Digestive enzymes and silly kid rhymes appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

Yeah, I’ve got a sneaky way of saying things. Not every word or sentence I write. But certainly in some key places. Including places like books and music for kids. There are others who use this tactic for more sinister reasons?

The difference between me and them is I just told you about my sneaky way.And actually, the sinister crowd is getting bolder these days. They realize there’s no real reason to hide or disguise their despicable deeds. Because even the Christian community has decided that you’re not supposed to judge.

That’s not only non-biblical, it’s a nonsensical destructive message/mantra.

I’ll tell you right now that if you’re a “judge not” person, either from a Christian or secular perspective, you should probably avoid buying any of my books and/or music. Especially the ones for kids. Because I can’t imagine you’d like the way I encourage kids to use their brains the good Lord gave them. And that’s because I encourage them to ask God (and trust Him) to help them make better choices, decisions, and judgments.

I’ll include the lyrics to one of the songs in my Bedtime Buckaroos lullaby songs collection that has a very subtle example of my sneaky way. See if you can figure out what and where it is in these lines:

The Silver HorseIn a night where colors drifted
Through the air on threads of light,
And the sounds of darkness shifted…
Came an incandescent sight.
All the creatures of the prairie
Were as still as they could be,
But it wasn’t something scary
As they all would clearly see…

The Silver Horse with diamond eyes…
It flew across the turquoise skies
And landed with a mighty force
And stars shined on the Silver Horse.

There were whispers in the gold wheat
And some rumors in the rye,
But the creatures all got cold feet
When it came to asking why…
Any horse with such a shimmer
Would be in this humble place.
But their hope began to glimmer
Just by gazing at the face…

Of The Silver Horse with diamond eyes…
That flew across the turquoise skies
And landed with a mighty force
And stars shined on the Silver Horse.

Then a tiny prairie sparrow
Flew up on the horse’s head.
It was nervous to the marrow,
But still here is what it said…
“Why would such a stunning creature
Choose to grace us with its light?
We don’t have one glowing feature.”
And the horse said “Cause it’s right.” © 2012

Get the book with the secret link to the songs when you click or tap the link below:(https://www.amazon.com/Bedtime-Buckaroos-Sing-along-color/dp/B0898WLZ5L)

If you’re not ready to buy anything, you should 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.

The form can be filled in the actual website url.

Stay tuned,

The post Sneaky way of saying what I say appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

Bedtime Buckaroos: Sing along draw and color

Today I read a few snippets of articles that talked about the value of scripture memorization when it comes to teaching kids about faith in Jesus and His word. That brought back memories of vacation Bible school in a small eastern Kansas town.

The VBS teacher certainly encouraged scripture memorization.So, being the eager sort of nerd I was to show teachers and other adults how well my brain worked, I decided I would memorize more than the others in my class. Keep in mind vacation Bible school only lasts two weeks in the summer. And that’s not enough time to memorize the entire Bible. So that wasn’t my goal. Just wanted to impress the teacher. (and Linda, the cute girl who sat on the other side of the table from me). Yeah, I don’t remember a time when I didn’t like girls.

Anyway…

I don’t recall the number of Bible verses I memorized. But I do recall memorizing more than the other kids. I also don’t recall all the verses I memorized. But I do recall memorizing them.

Hmm, I see a pattern forming here.

In case you don’t, the pattern is this. I can remember what I DID. And that leads me to why I’m sharing this with you right now. Because I believe that pattern exposes at least a little too much focus on self. And not enough focus on the meat of the message I memorized.

One article I read, about it, said:“Scripture memorization is the process of committing Bible verses to memory for easier recall and application in daily life. Techniques include repetition, using flashcards, and engaging multiple senses through writing or listening to the verses.”

My technique, or process, of choice was repetition. I have a method, I developed during my school years, that I used to make that more effective. Remind me to tell you how that came in handy in my junior year for an important music test. But that’s another story for another time.

“OK,” you say, “So if scripture memorization is off the table as a way to teach kids about Jesus and His word, then what in the world do you recommend Mister Tony?”

Well, let’s not take it entirely off the table. But there’s a better process of repetition that’s way more effective.

AND fun.

And I won’t make you guess what it is. In a word, it’s rhymes. Yes, I realize that’s a little bit self-serving. Especially since I’ve used the phrase rhyme and reason, for years to describe what I do here on my website and on my podcast. But even if I didn’t, it would still be true that rhymes are powerful. And you can supercharge those rhymes when you songify them. I just made up that word. Don’t you dare steal it and use it anywhere else.

Songs don’t have to use actual Bible verses word for word.But they should tell about and point to the nature of God’s holiness, righteousness, justice, and love. And be based on the truth of God’s word. Then the rhymes, the beat, and the joyful sounds make it fun to learn about our creator and what He he’s done for us. And, you never can tell (except when you can), you might get some young voices, singing new songs to the Lord.

Speaking of new songs to the Lord, I’ve written quite a few of those in my lifetime. Many of them aren’t all that new anymore. But they might be new to you or a kid you care about. And the only way you’ll know for sure is if you click or tap the link below and check ’em out. How about that? You don’t even have to memorize the link.

(https://www.tonyfunderburk.com/fundersongs/)

If you’re not ready to do that, then 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.

The form can be filled in the actual website url.

Stay tuned,

The post Scripture memorization and this self realization appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

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

Get the Bedtime Buckaroos coloring and drawing songbook delivered to your inbox and start enjoying it with your special kid or kids or grandkids in just a few minutes from now. https://www.TonyFunderburk.com/books Click or tap on the link, and scroll down to about the middle of the page where you’ll find it.

Stay tuned,

The post Sing truth to a kid. Yeah, that’s what I did appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

I’m sure this doesn’t apply to you because I’m sure your brain is way too sharp. But just in case you know somebody who might be feeling like their thoughts and ideas drift away a little too easily, I have some time-tested advice. Write it down.

Even if you don’t have a specific idea, write it down.Because you can always turn vague stuff into clear stuff later on. And sometimes you can even turn vague stuff into the main stuff. Here’s a rhyme to show you what I mean:

ByLineI didn’t have a thing to say when I first started out.
And I believe that sort of thing can fill your mind with doubt.
But then ideas began to form. I quickly wrote them down.
It felt so good to clear the dust from my mental ghost town.

Hey, have you ever felt like that, not sure of what to say?
And if you did, what did you do to make it go away?
Or did you find yourself at odds with even your own brain
And watched, as every thought you had, went swirling down the drain?

Well, may I recommend the treatment I just put me through?
I think you’ll find it might replace what’s missing inside you.
Just write your foggy, fractured thoughts down slowly line by line.
Then share the words and walk away. Don’t worry. You’ll be fine.

© 2020 Tony Funderburk

See what I did there? You could say I wrote about not having anything to write about. And when I started to write it down, I had no idea where the next lines would take me. But I just went with it. And, looky there. Three verses later, I have a new creation.

And if you think this is just a waste of time, write it down and send your complaints to you state or local representative. Certainly not to me.

Then, 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.

The form can be filled in the actual website url.

Stay tuned,

The post Write it down and then don’t frown appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

I just scanned two or three dozen social media posts that all sounded almost identical. And they all said something similar to this: On June 14, 1777, the Continental Congress adopted the Stars and Stripes as America’s flag. So, as of Flag Day 2025, it’s been a symbol of freedom, patriotism, and strength for 248 years.

Wow, Flag Day 2025 marks nearly 2 1/2 centuries of the famous red, white, and blue.I especially like this quote I found that’s attributed to George Washington. He said:

“We take the stars from heaven, the red from our mother country, separating it by white stripes, thus showing that we have separated from her & the white stripes shall go down to posterity, representing our liberty.”

American Patriots are using words like liberty, freedom, strength, values, and unity. As for me, I don’t see much of any of those anymore. And in some cases, I see a whole lot more of the opposites. America is definitely not a collection of united states. Lots of our freedoms have disappeared or have been literally taken from us. A quick scan through TV programming or online movie channels will show you how badly our values have tanked. And surely you can’t disagree that the strength of our fat population doesn’t even remotely compare with Americans from previous decades.

I’d still rather be here in America than any other place on earth. Because there are still plenty of Americans who understand what true freedom and liberty are and how much it costs to maintain them. But my ultimate allegiance isn’t something I’ll be celebrating just on Flag Day 2025. No, I celebrate that allegiance every day. To my Creator. After all, without Him there would be no America, no stars and stripes, and definitely no freedom.

Talk DelightTalk is not as cheap as it used to be.
It can cost so much when the world can see.
And I still gotta say what is right.
It might even bring kings delight.
Think before you speak is still good advice.
Keep in mind the ultimate sacrifice
Many others made for your right.
And speak up for one King’s delight.

© 2020

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.

The form can be filled in the actual website url.

Stay tuned,

The post Flag Day 2025 and the real reason we’re alive appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

Sure, I could’ve (and maybe should’ve) said daily bread instead of daily grain. But that wouldn’t have rhymed with the retrain your brain part. So, I took some poetic license. And there you have it.

Now, what’s all this retrain your brain talk?Well, I could be talking about anxiety and depression, in which case I might give you a list of cognitive distortions like someone else did on another website. Here’s the list they shared.:

Mental Filters: Mental filtering is when we filter out the positives of a situation and only focus on the negative. For example, that student left during my presentation because my presentation was not good.
All-or-Nothing Thinking: Also known as black-and-white or polarized thinking, all-or-nothing thinking is when we believe there is no middle ground—something is perfect or a failure. For example, I missed that one question, so I did poorly on the test.
Overgeneralization: Overgeneralization is when we conclude that, because of one bad experience, all events will have the same negative outcome. For example, I failed that test. This is going to be a horrible term.
Magnification: Also known as catastrophizing, magnification involves exaggerating shortcomings and problems while downplaying positive qualities. For example, I failed that test. What if I flunk out of school?
Jumping to Conclusions: We jump to conclusions when we make a hasty judgment or believe something to be true without considering the facts or initial assumptions. For example, she gave me that funny look. I think she hates me.
Personalization and Blame: This is a cognitive distortion where we take everything personally and compare ourselves (e.g., He made that comment in class to get at me). With blaming, you place full blame on yourself or someone else for a situation that, in reality, was influenced by multiple factors beyond your control. For example, you’re the reason I had a bad day.
Emotional Reasoning: Emotional reasoning is judging yourself or your situation based on emotions, assuming negative feelings reflect reality. For example, I feel guilty. I must be a bad person.
Labeling: Labeling is a cognitive distortion that defines a person by their actions rather than viewing behavior separately from identity. For instance, you might call yourself a failure.
Should Statements: Should statements focus on what you believe you should or must do. They create a constant sense of obligation, leading to anxiety and guilt. This mindset can make you feel like you’re always falling short.
Discounting the Positive: This is a cognitive distortion where you overlook or dismiss the good things that have happened to you. For instance, instead of feeling proud of your achievement from hard work, you credit it to mere luck, disregarding your talent and effort.

But I’m not anxious or depressed.And the number one reason for that is because God tells me not to be. Plus, it’s bad for your brain which makes it much more difficult to retrain. So I recommend living in joy and gratitude. Yeah, we should all be extremely grateful. We’re not getting what we deserve (you’re not getting those wages you actually deserve, right?).

My educated guess is that if you ARE anxious and/or depressed, you’re way too focused on YOU.

But sometimes things happen and you find yourself forced to focus more on YOU. Or at least parts of you. And that’s where I find myself currently. So that’s why I’ve been talking about it more lately.

Brain injuries, or other forms of head trauma, like stroke, are a challenge to the neuroplasticity of your brain and nervous system. And since that’s the boat, I find myself in, at this time, the information I find is fascinating. Here’s the basic gist of it that I found in an article:

~The brain rewires itself through neuroplasticity.Brain cells send messages, which are the neural connections around the brain. However, when an individual experiences a stroke, the stroke damages some of the connections inside the brain in addition to the connection between the brain and the rest of the body. Rehabilitation activities help the brain make new neural connections in the healthy parts of your brain. And more neural connections can improve your brain’s ability to control your body and perform daily activities. Every time you take an extra step, say a new word or do an exercise, it helps the brain make new connections.~

My first gut reaction to all that is:

God is good. God is great.
He designed with love, not hate.
Each step I take, each word I say
Keeps me connected to the Way.
And so I’m thankful for each hour,
Every sunbeam, every flower,
Each connection in my brain,
And each one that I can retrain. © 2025 TF

By the way, I’m also extremely grateful you’re here reading this. I want you to know it’s no small thing to me that you have spent some of your precious, valuable time checking out what I share. I hope it blesses you in some way. And if there’s anything else you’d like me to focus on, don’t hesitate to ask.

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.

The form can be filled in the actual website url.

Stay tuned,

The post Retrain your brain with a good daily grain appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

I just saw multiple lists of company websites that were down and not functioning properly. Go down the line of this following list to see how much danger your life is in right this minute. Hurry. Do it now. I’ll wait.

Twitch
Discord
Google Cloud
Etsy
Google Drive
Mailchimp
Amazon Web Services
OpenAI
Cloudflare
Anthropic
DoorDash
Supabase
Cursor
Google AI

OK, did you go all the way down the line?Now, can you see why you should be afraid? Why you should be very very afraid? Hmmm?

Or maybe you can see why I’m being very very sarcastic?

Yeah, I’ve got a few years on me. So, I can remember when absolutely none of those names even existed. And the world was not a scarier place. In fact, I believe there are a lot of people who are with me on this who would agree the world was actually a LOT more enjoyable.

Can I get an amen?

Anyway…

Apparently, a lot of the Internet, including down the line of some of the biggest names, was down (or is down). And a lot of people are at a loss for what to do.

I personally don’t have anything to do with any of those companies, currently, so I’m unaffected. And that means I can operate my recording studio, do the audio editing I need to do, and upload files to stay current with my clients and their audiobook projects.

But I can empathize with people who use those services. Because I’ve been affected by similar circumstances. And I know how disruptive it can be to not have access to your regular goods and services. And I bet you can remember how disruptive it can be to just not be able to get paper goods. Right?

So here’s my recommendation to anyone affected by downed services.Do your best to make sure you have alternatives. Of course nobody can plan for anything and everything. Because, despite what some would have you believe (like everything happens for a reason, or it’s all part of God’s plan), things do happen by chance. And no one can be fully prepared for chance.

Maybe. Maybe not.Will the sun rise in the morning?
Will the temperature be hot?
And will skies be blue and sunny?
Well, maybe…maybe not.

Will the songbirds all be singing?
Will the breezes blow a lot?
And will leaves lift up their laughter?
Well, maybe…maybe not.

Will some words of wisdom visit?
Will the books all have a plot?
And will we read some happy stories?
Well, maybe…maybe not.

Will the world go on forever?
Will the getting all be got?
And will we all be nice to others?
Well, maybe…maybe not.

© 2022

I know this much for sure, though. I hope to see you down the line and up in heaven forever.

In the meantime, subscribe to my FunderFlash Journal. Because the flashes of light I share on my website come directly to your inbox. That way. 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,

The post Down the line but I’m just fine appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

Complex molecules make up every little bit of your body. Your DNA is so complex it boggles the mind. And it’s so unique that you’re the only one exactly like you. Well…aren’t you something?!

But there’s no need to get the “big head” from this revelation.

The same is true of every other person on the planet. So “you” means any person who happens to be reading this at right now. Or even later for that matter.

So, it boggles the mind, even the ones unaffected by age and health problems.And while you ponder that, eyeball this. Your eye. See if you can wrap your retinas around this: if you tried to simulate, on a computer, just 10 milliseconds of the complete processing of a single nerve cell from one retina, here’s what your computer would have to be able to do.

It would have to be able to solve 500 simultaneous nonlinear differential equations 100 times. Remember…that’s every 10 milliseconds…and it’s only one nerve cell in one retina. That would require a super duper supercomputer. And when you consider that there are “10 million or more such cells interacting with each other in complex ways, it would take a minimum of 100 years of [1985] Cray time to simulate what takes place in your eye many times every second.”

And that’s just one eye. Even though that data boggles the mind, you might have noticed, a lot of people have two.

Here’s a couple more little facts about complex molecules and organs.

Just in case that last tidbit didn’t impress you. An adult human brain contains 1014 electrical connections. That’s a hundred thousand billion, and it’s more than all the soldered electrical connections in the whole world.

And that’s one brain.OK, now, think about your heart. It’s only about 10 ounces. And it’s a pump that keeps pumping on its own for about 75 years. Dude. That’s complex.

But of course, you can still pass this off as serendipitous fate if you prefer. But as I always say, give me God. I’d much rather take my “chance” with Him than silly chance and circumstance.

All Of CreationAll of creation points to the Savior.
We are all here by design.
All the environment and complex behavior…
The Glory of God makes it shine.

All of creation holds information…
Encoded within every cell…
All of the best minds in each generation
Won’t banish what Christians know well…

That all of creation is here by the Word of God.
All of creation mirrors His mind.
All of creation is saved by the Love of God
All of creation…Jesus defined. © 2016

And here’s something else you shouldn’t leave to chance and circumstance:

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.

The form can be filled in the actual website url.

Stay tuned,

The post Boggles the mind what you can find in mankind appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

Sleepiness is something I have to deal with a lot more of during my recovery process. Over the course of my life napping didn’t interest me. Because it always felt like a waste of good daylight. But, as it turns out, napping has become a necessity. Yikes!

Because sleepiness has become a frequent, almost relentless visitor.Here’s a snippet of an article I read that talked about the why and what for of this phenomenon:

~ Many stroke patients report weariness and sleepiness during the early stages of stroke recovery. While the brain generally consumes 20% of total body energy, that number rises in the weeks and months after a stroke. This is because the brain takes additional energy to fix the damage, leaving less energy available for normal processes like remaining attentive. ~

And the article pepper in some benefits from getting enough, or at least more, sleep. Here’s what it added:

~ Getting enough sleep is critical for general health and well-being, particularly for stroke survivors. Adequate and restful sleep may help the body heal and renew and ease stroke symptoms such as excessive drowsiness. Some of the advantages of getting enough sleep after a stroke are as follows:

Improved cognitive function: Adequate sleep is necessary for the brain to operate correctly and may enhance cognitive function, memory, and learning.
Reduced risk of depression: Sleep difficulties are strongly connected to depression and anxiety, and getting enough sleep may help you avoid acquiring these mental health illnesses.
Reduced risk of stroke recurrence: Sleep deprivation has been associated with an increased risk of stroke recurrence. A good night’s sleep may assist in lessening this risk.
Improved cardiovascular health: Sleep is essential for maintaining cardiovascular health, and getting enough sleep may help reduce the risk of hypertension, diabetes, and obesity. ~

So, I guess I can nap without the guilt of wasting daylight now.

Because napping won’t just be a way to get out of work or other responsibilities. Now it can be a part of my health and wellness and recovery regimen. And when you’re not sleeping, you’re not nearly as sloppy. Hot Diggity! OK maestro, a little (or original) sleep music if you please…

Now I Lay Me DownI wish the day would never end…
So maybe I will just pretend
I’m going to my secret place
Where darkness won’t conceal my face.
I’m just gonna lay down…lay down and think.

Or maybe if I think real fast
This sleeping time will soon be past.
Then I’ll be free to fly around
And fill the air with happy sound.
I’m just gonna try it…try it and see.

Now I lay…lay me down
Blink and wink, my dreams come and take me.
Now I lay…lay me down
If I’m gone too long, come and wake me.

But I don’t really want to go.
There must be some way, do you know
To stay awake both day and night
Let’s think on it with all our might.
Yeah, we should just lay down…lay down and think.

Chorus

© 2001-2018 Tony Funderburk

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Molotov cocktails. And my original music. What do they have in common? Boulder, Colorado.

Maybe you already read about that terrorist in Boulder Colorado today.He actually tossed Molotov cocktails into a crowd and burned people. And if we had an actual justice system in America, he would be put to death early tomorrow morning. But don’t hold your breath for that.

So, let’s not focus on the dark side of this Boulder, Colorado connection. Because I believe you’ll find it much more enjoyable to watch a video of one of my songs.

It’s a song called “Feed Me”. And it was actually played on KBCO, a radio station in Boulder, Colorado. This was way back in 1989 when I lived in Lakewood, Colorado, a suburb of the Denver Metro area. KBCO featured it in a segment they called “Home Grown”. Little did they know what they were playing. Anyway…hope you get a kick out of it…

The lyrics go by pretty fast in the video. So here they are just in case you wanna follow along:

Feed MeI don’t wanna leave this moment.
I don’t wanna get to the future.
And I don’t wanna find out I was wrong.
I just wanna be successful.
And I don’t wanna be a failure.
I want more of what can keep me strong.
If I leave it up to you, will you show me what to do.
If I give my total trust, will you wash away the dust, and

Feed me…keep me alive.
Yeah, feed me…give me the drive…feed me.
Feed me…open my eyes
Feed me…conquer the lies…feed me.

I don’t wanna be alone now.
And I don’t wanna live in a dark cloud.
I need to know the light is just ahead.
I don’t wanna be an old man,
But I don’t wanna be a young man.
I just wanna be me till I’m fed.
If I leave it up to you, will you show me what to do.
If I give my total trust, will you wash away the dust, and

Chorus…long instrumental…repeat chorus to end

© 1989 Tony Funderburk

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A wise man once wrote “For bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come.”

Yeah, no amount of bodily exercise can prepare you for that which is to come.But the good news is that which is to come is WAY better than the best shape you’ll ever be in here on earth. And that’s mainly because the future is forever, but the here and now is SO temporary. When I say temporary, I mean, you’re gonna be thinking blink-of-an-eye warp speed when your life is over.

The events that have taken place, for me, in the past few weeks, have vividly driven home these facts. Even though I was already keenly aware that my life, here on earth, is most likely around 3/4 complete. Thankfully, I’m also keenly aware of the hope I have because of my faith in my Creator. And I have that faith because He actually wrote a book, the best selling book of all time, and included eternal promises to those who choose to love and trust Him. So, I can just read his book and enjoy the blessed comfort of His…

Abounding GraceIf this was the last day of my life…
If this was the last sunrise I’d see…
I’d still thank the Lord for my days
And His abounding Grace to me.

If this was the last thing I could write…
If this was my final poetry…
I’d still thank the Lord for His word
And His abounding Grace to me.

If this was the last time I could pray…
If this had to be my closing plea…
I know I could say, “I love the Lord
And His abounding Grace to me.”
© 2018

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Note: the last podcast episode said it was number 995. But it was actually 994. And this episode is actually 995. OK, back to your regularly scheduled whatever it was you were doing before I interrupted you.

Mindfulness is the cognitive skill, usually developed through meditation, of sustaining metacognitive awareness towards the contents of one’s own mind in the present moment.

I recommend practicing mindfulness and self-awareness… less.Because the information you see about mindfulness and self-awareness, all over the place these days, really focuses on that one word: self.

And from what I’ve been able to determine, through a variety of articles, they lead away from God. Here’s an example of what I mean taken from the ultimate internet authority, wikipedia:

~ The term mindfulness derives from the Pali word sati, a significant element of Buddhist traditions, and is based on Ānāpānasati, Chan, and Tibetan meditation techniques. Though definitions and techniques of mindfulness are wide-ranging, Buddhist traditions describe what constitutes mindfulness, such as how perceptions of the past, present and future arise and cease as momentary sense-impressions and mental phenomena. ~

So, what does all that mean?

Two words. Mumbo Jumbo. OK, I’ll add one more word, Dumbo.

If your “perceptions of the past, present and future arise and cease as momentary sense-impressions” (aka feelings), your life ain’t got no foundation. And if you put any kind of trust in mental phenomena, you’re just liable to be tossed “to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine.”

Of course, none of that means you can’t or shouldn’t meditate.Because meditation, that doesn’t focus on self, can be a very powerful mental and emotional tool.

I recommend that your meditation (or mindfulness) should focus on things that are:

true,
noble,
just,
pure,
lovely, and
of good report

Of course, you already know that, if you’ve been connected with me for even a little while. So this information and recommendation is for the uninitiated, the newbies, and anyone willing to trust truth over feelings and phenomena.

It’s not a rule you have to follow,
Not a law you must obey.
But when you’re feeling lost and hollow,
Focused thoughts connect The Way.

This all has even more meaning for me now. Because part of my occupational and physical therapy, for better stroke recovery, includes exercising my brain. It sounds like it would be the easy part, but when parts of your brain are zapped due to a blood clot, you might be surprised how quickly the old think tank can run out of gas.

So, I’m gonna take my own advice right now and trust the Truth to help me.

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The post Mindfulness and awareness: done this way it’s meaningless appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

I did some reading earlier today about this fatigue feeling I’ve experienced since that fateful day, last month, when my personal fuel injector went a little haywire. There are times when I feel like I REALLY need a nap. And, over the course of my life, I haven’t been what you would call a napping kind of guy. So, I’ve been dealing with a feeling of guilt for not being able to keep going the way I typically do.

Turns out the fatigue feeling is “normal.”Yay! I’m normal. I know let’s not get carried away right?

Anyway…

Since the stroke I’ve had to readjust my focus on work. In a way it’s been a very good thing because my focus has returned to voice work instead of other more physical endeavors. Voice work is something I did several years back before I had to deal with respiratory issues. Yeesh, I sure sound like a geezer. No comments from the peanut gallery.

But I’ve discovered that even sitting in front of my computer, hands on the keyboard, and talking into my studio microphone, for even a little while, can tire me out as though I had lifted weights for an hour. And that’s disheartening to say the least.

Here’s part of what I read, this morning, in an article about this effect.

~ Your fatigue feeling can be an overwhelming tiredness and lack of energy that can occur after a stroke. It’s different from the normal tiredness you might experience after a long day or a strenuous activity.

Post-stroke fatigue can be persistent and may not always improve with rest.

This type of fatigue can affect you both physically and mentally. You might find it challenging to carry out everyday tasks or engage in activities you once enjoyed. It’s important to recognize that post-stroke fatigue is a real symptom and not a sign of laziness or lack of motivation. ~`

Seriously, I sure was glad to read that last phrase.“…not a sign of laziness or lack of motivation.”

If you’ve dealt with some head drama, stroke, or other brain related uncommon stress, maybe you can relate to all this. And you and I need to remember to give ourselves some grace. Of course, that doesn’t mean we can use it as an excuse to slow down and back off for good. But it’s important to acknowledge that recovery takes more time than you probably prefer. I know it’s certainly going much slower than I would like. But I’m sure glad to be here and glad to be able to talk about it with you.

Now, as soon as I get this next nap out of the way, I look forward to continuing the good fight.

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One day you’re imagining and planning out your multitude of great ideas. Then, a stroke. And suddenly you’re calculating where your left foot needs to go next. Paul wrote to the Thessalonians “that the day of the Lord so comes as a thief in the night.” And I’m here to tell you that a serious change in your health can come like that too. That’s why I’m so thankful that you and I don’t walk around oblivious to the consequences of not being prepared for that time when we’ll leave good ol’ planet Earth.

Because that thief in the night ain’t gonna be able to take our true treasure.Nope. And that’s because you and I stored that up in Heaven.

Yeah, what good is a treasure if it only lasts as long as you do? Well, it’s an awesome treasure, if you’re gonna last forever. Because then it will too. So, there’s that.

But where’s that?

In order for something to last forever, it’s gonna have to be somewhere where things don’t break down, or rust, or get chewed up by moths, worms, and other little critters. It’s gonna have to be in a place where there’s no compromised atmosphere that can oxidize and turn you and your stuff into dust.

Fortunately, there IS a place that meets all that criteria and WAY more. It’s the place I wrote and sang about several years ago. And it’s the pure, perfect place where everyone is invited but so few choose to go. That’s why I’m so thankful that you and I will know each other forever…

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…
(repeat chorus)
© 2010

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The post Thief in the night doesn’t like the Light appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

Read the following list of names and see if you can tell me what the common denominator is with them.

– Ferguson’s suicide-by-cop Michael Brown
– Aurora theater murderer James Holmes
– Islamic Boston Bomber Dzhokhar Tsarnaev
– Miami cannibal Rudy Eugene
– Trayvon Martin
– Baltimore’s Freddie Gray
– Vegas Strip murderer Lakeisha Holloway
– Planned Parenthood shooter Robert Lewis Dear
– Infamous murderer Jodi Arias
– Devin Kelley murdered 26 at church massacre
– Chattanooga’s Islamic terrorist Muhammad Abdulazeez
– Tucson massacre mass murderer Jared Lee Loughner, and many more including:
– Japan’s pothead legalization activist Satoshi Uematsu killed 19 handicapped people
– England’s Manchester jihadist Salman Abedi killed 22
– France’s Bastille Day jihadist killed 86 at the beach.

Do you know the common denominator?And for those of you who attended public school in the last 20 years, do you even know what a common denominator is? I’m not asking that question to publicly ridicule you. It’s a legitimate question because public schools don’t tend to teach beyond feelings anymore. Mathematical terms, like common denominator, aren’t common in your everyday feelings and emotions. So, why spend any time teaching something nobody’s gonna use anyway? Right?

Well, let’s get back to that list. Yeah, all the people on that list have something in common. It’s something other than the fact that they murdered people. They all have a substance in common. And that substance is pot. Weed. Wacky tobacky. Now, if you love your smoke, just can’t live without it, and you know you would never murder anybody, you probably would rather I would just move on to and talk about something else. And in fact, I don’t tend to talk about marijuana all that much here on my website or in my newsletter or podcast.

The only reason I brought it up now is because someone recently mentioned how it might help my recovery process from the recent stroke I went through. I suppose their recommendation came from a place of “good intentions.” But, when someone recommends mari jane’s can o’ biscuits or products related to those, I immediately think they just haven’t read enough about it to make a good decision. At least I hope that’s all it is.

I’ve read and watched enough to know that pot ain’t the way to go.Of course, if you’ve followed me here for a while, you know, I’m not a fan of pharmaceuticals either. But generally speaking, they have more guidelines and monitoring in place for the dosage you get. Plus, you can find all kinds of information about the side effects that come with them. And most people don’t wanna talk about side effects from lighting up those little smoky joysticks. Especially when one of the side effects can be murder.

I don’t like the way the left side of my body feels (or should I say doesn’t feel) at this point. But I’m not willing to sacrifice mental acuity for a false and temporary “warm glow.”

And I’m grateful to God for keeping me on that path throughout my life. That saved me a lot of money. And it also kept me from a potentially destructive lifestyle that could’ve been way worse than a stroke.

If you’d like to know a lot more about how harmful weed can be, let me know. And I’ll send you a link to some excellent peer reviewed information. It’s the same page where I got the list of names above.

See how many drug references you can find in the lyrics to this song I wrote way back in the 80s:

Nothin’s Gonna Happen To YouWell you’re human and it’s hum-drum
So you find yourself in front of a screen
The remote control slowly takes its toll
Then you’re thumbing through a magazine
Years a go you had to know
You had to stand out brave and true
You said, “Don’t wait for nothin’, or
Nothin’s gonna happen to you”.

You were Ghengis Khan and Napoleon
You were king of cool to all your friends
But the juggernaut fell into the pot
And so this is how the story ends
But I have to know what could change you so
I have to see what cut you through
And don’t tell me nothin’, or
Nothin’s gonna happen to you

Why the empty stare…nothin’ nothin’
Tension in the air…nothin’ nothin’
You just can’t admit…you’re too mortal to conquer it
And nothin’s gonna happen to you

Well, it’s so posh how you whitewash
And the truth starts falling through the crack
So your winter scheme is a broken dream

And the pieces stab you in the back
Time gone by can make you cry
And the tears can freeze inside your heart
But don’t obsess in that icy mess
Blow the danger and the pleasure apart
On the inner side it feels like a ride
And you rollercoast into the sky
But the outer side shows the demon lied
Give him anything to keep you high
Years from now they’ll wonder how
How it ever got to you
And I’ll just say “nothin’
Nothin’ ever happened to you.”

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Yes, miracles are real. And I believe God can manifest one anytime He wants or desires. Are you with me so far? Well, get ready to jump off this train. Because I’m about to make a stop where many, if not most, Christians (and pretty much everybody else) don’t wanna go.

Miracles are real. But God isn’t using them right now.And that’s mostly because He observed how miracles don’t tend to change hearts. And the most important example of that is the miracle of the resurrection of Jesus. He literally predicted He would rise from the dead in three days, then He did, and there were lots of eyewitnesses. But to this day, 2000 years later, most people in the world don’t wanna believe in a miracle, don’t wanna hear about it, and prefer to mock anyone who does. Jesus also predicted it would be that way:

He said,”If they do not hear Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded though one rise from the dead.”

I found this definition of the word miracle in my digital dictionary: a surprising and welcome event that is not explicable by natural or scientific laws and is therefore considered to be the work of a divine agency: (the miracle of rising from the grave.) It’s interesting how they used the rising from the grave example.

Anyway…

The reason I bring it up is because of my current, and recent handicapped status. I’ve been dealing with it about five or six weeks now. And not once have I prayed for a healing miracle. As I’ve already said, it’s not because I don’t believe miracles are real. And it’s not because I don’t have enough faith that God could heal me.

I still pray the way I did before I had a stroke. Each prayer is a message of thanks for the multitude of blessings. I receive every day. Blessings I receive in spite of my human selfishness.

I do ask God to give me strength.And I ask Him to help me to lean on His love through each and every step of my recovery process, however long it takes. That kind of prayer focuses on my relationship with Him instead of the wondrous things He can do. And the more I read Paul’s letters, the more I believe those are the kinds of prayers. God prefers from us. The prayers that show we want Him to be with us no matter what. The prayers that acknowledge, just as He told Paul, His grace is sufficient.

So, even if the left side of my body never fully recovers, I’m gonna bask in that grace, knowing that one day I’ll receive a flawless, new, glorified body that will never suffer this kind of stuff again.

And that reminds me of a song I wrote, seven years ago, for a young man who bravely fought a battle against cancer. He lost the battle, but he praised the Lord. So I know he’s in paradise forever. Here are the lyrics:

Jeremiah’s PrayerI don’t deserve your healing Lord.
But you deserve my praise.
Your great name and your Word
Will lift me up and fill my days.
Oh Lord, please give me strength
So I can fight this battle well”
And courage even satan will
Remember down in hell.

You’re the breath in my lungs.
And you’re the song upon my tongue.
You’re the source of life no doubters can erase.
And through sickness and health,
Lord I consecrate myself
And I just can’t wait to see you face to face.

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.

© 2018 Tony Funderburk

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If this was an article for a health and wellness client, I couldn’t actually say food is medicine. In order to protect my client from lawsuits and such, I would have to say “food can be medicine.”

But since I’m sharing my own opinions, I can say food is medicine.Yeah, don’t get too excited. Because that doesn’t mean ALL food is medicine. So, even though I like to joke that vitamin C stands for cookie, you might not see any health benefits from your favorite chocolate chippers. Sorry to boost your bubble. Or should I say crumble your cookie?

Anyway…

So, where do vitamins originally come from? And where does nutrition start? Food. As I said, food is medicine. And I’ve never been able to kick the eating habit. Yeah, I literally feed my habit, you might say (well, you probably wouldn’t say, but I just did) every day. And I don’t even.want to kick the habit. I love food. I’ll be the first (or second) to admit I don’t always eat what’s best for me, but it;s a high priority in my life.

Your body isn’t lacking pharmaceuticals. It needs efficient, sufficient nutrition. But most doctors sit at a computer keyboard, type in data, and wait for software to tell them which meds to prescribe. Just in case you didn’t already know this, that’s not healthcare. In fact that process read to neither health nor care.

So, let’s talk about what can lead to health and care.

And here’s some information about me you’ve ever asked for, but I’m gonna share anyway. I can’t swallow typical vitamins without chewing them. And 99% of vitamins taste horrible. I know for a fact! So, that’s why Elgielene and I focus on…you guessed it…

Better Food.We made the switch back to basics. Just plain ol’ food. We buy as much organic as we can. But that’s WAY more expensive. Right? Not so fast. Because the money you can save on doctor’s bills can more than pay any difference in price you find. And here’s something even more important. Food doesn’t tend to overwork your internal organs like processed vitamins. Don’t take my word for it. Look into it. I think you’ll enjoy food a lot more than the alternatives.

All that being said, genetics still play a huge role. And, as I discovered recently, you can eat healthy, nutritious food, get plenty of fresh air and sunshine, and walk 6000 to 10,000 steps a day, and still suffer a stroke.

So, it still comes down to how nobody gets out of this life alive. And that’s why even more than bodily exercise and nutrition, it’s important to have a healthy relationship with your Creator. That way all the rough stuff you go through in this life is temporary, and the joy-filled, glorified life in paradise is forever. So is the unappealing alternative.

Just some Food For Thought on a nice, Spring day…

You know what? You should 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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The post Food is medicine that doctors don’t get us in appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

A few years ago I visited a functional medicine doctor. And he suggested some biomarker testing. In particular, a blood test, known as the A1C or HA1C. Because he wanted to take a closer look at what might be going on in my blood.

Of course, after the recent turn of events in my health, I recalled some of the results and thought it would be interesting to look at them again now. Here’s what I shared from almost 10 years ago.

~ The doctor went over my results with me, and I guess I failed to stay within preferred levels for pretty much all of the 5 main biomarkers he recommends monitoring. I’ll share those markers with you, what their levels should be, and what mine were.

My biomarker testing results included these:1. Homocysteine: This is now the gold standard, for many doctors, as a means for judging whether or not someone is at risk for cardiovascular disease and incidents. Healthy levels should show up in your results between 4-8 umol/L (symbol for micromole) When your levels fall within that range you may consider yourself fortunate and possibly healthy. My level was 17.8 2. CRP (C-reactive protein): This is a protein produced in the liver, and it’s associated with inflammation. Truly healthy levels should fall between 0 mg/L and 0.5 mg/L – That’s not much of a range because it should ideally show up as 0. My level was 1.53 3. Vitamin D: It’s so cool how your body actually converts cholesterol derivatives into Vitamin D. Take note…your body creates cholesterol, and here’s one of the main reasons why. Healthy levels of Vitamin D (which is actually a hormone by the way) should show up right around 50 ng/ml. And the bare minimum recommended by almost all doctors is 30 ng/ml. My level was 20.7 4. Hemoglobin AC1 (HA1C or A1C): This indicates how much glycosolation is going on in your blood. And that’s all about sugar binding to proteins. Most standard testers say you’re OK in the range between 4.8%-5.6%. My doctor says he gets “nervous over 5.4%”. My level was 5.6%…not outlandish, but combined with my other high levels…not good. 5. Fasting Insulin: This has everything to do with insulin regulation. And while many labs say a level lower than 25 mIU/L is OK, some others say you shouldn’t go above 8. Another source says an ideal decent range is between 2 and 5. My level was 100.

OK…I failed the 5 biomarkers.So, I’m in trouble. But does being in trouble mean you throw your hands in the air and give up? Certainly not. What you do is find out the adjustments you need to make in your lifestyle, emotions, and diet…then make those adjustments. And for a Christian, the primary response should be to ask God for wisdom and discernment. And for strength to follow through. I’ve done that, and I’m continuing to do that. I’m also fortunate to have a beautiful health coach living with me…my wife.

What about you? Have you gone through any biomarker testing lately? ~

Yes, I made some healthier lifestyle choices. But I also dealt with some environmental and genetic issues. The environmental issues caused respiratory problems which weakened my body’s ability to fight off problems. And the main genetic issue has been a deformed heart and erratic heartbeat. And, according to doctors who looked me over last month, the erratic heartbeat, led to atrial fibrillation. And they believe that led to the stroke.

So what does it all mean?Basically that no matter what you do you’re doomed. Just kidding. Sort of. Yeah, the truth of the matter is somethings gonna get ya. So here’s what I suggest. Don’t let it be negativity. Don’t let it be stress. And don’t let it get you before you get right with your Maker. Because no matter what bad stuff you gotta go through in this life, none of it would even remotely compare to eternal torment in hell. And the good news is not even your predetermined genetics can force you into hell.

The Last Word

Keep a bolt of lightning in your brain
And a jar of honey in your heart.
Let love be the last word from your lips
Whether you’re together or apart.

Lightning is your passion over pain.
Honey is your holy hope within.
Send those feelings through your fingertips
And remember, always let love win.

© 2020 Tony Funderburk

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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The old expression says “the means justify the ends.” But I’m here to tell you that just ain’t true. Not when it comes to stealing other people’s money. And stealing other people’s money is the means your government uses to carry out your so-called “good intentions.” I heard Milton Friedman say it like this:

“Bad means corrupt good intentions.”

Now, THAT is true. As an elderly pastor friend of mine used to say (he’s no longer on Earth), “truer words were never spoken through falser teeth.”

Anyway…

I hope you know about the means your government uses to play benefactor.Yeah, too many people DO know and still don’t care. Because as long as they can “feel good” about themselves, helping “those less fortunate,” who cares how it’s done. The main thing is, it gets done and all those people don’t have to get their hands dirty. At least that’s what they think.

I talked about this kind of stealing a few years ago. Here’s a snippet of what I said back then. And it is still as true as ever.

~Remember where your benevolent government got the money in the first place.

They stole it from taxpayers. Because government isn’t business. Just in case you thought it was, it’s important to know and understand government makes no goods for sale. It provides no services. And at best, it merely distributes information. Or more likely misinformation.

If it sounds like I’m bitter about it, there’s a good reason. Because I am. America was once a shining example of how freedom helps people flourish. But once the people realized they could “vote” for money to be taken from some and given to others, the genie was out of the bottle.

And we’ve never been able to get the genie back in.

And the genie is a meanie.

I’ll hammer this point in place one more time. Your government isn’t giving you anything even if they put a gazillion dollars into some sort of “stimulus package.” Because the only reason they have a bunch of bucks to spend is…they took it from you in the first place. So, they’re really only giving back what they shouldn’t have taken in the first place.

By the way. I’m not anti-tax. But I AM anti tyrannical tax. And a tax rate of 10% or higher is tyrannical. Anything on those levels is stealing. And God forbids stealing, in the ten commandments. Because stealing takes lives.

And if you are OK with more taxes, than you are OK with stealing from your friends.

And here’s a little rhyme to highlight the point.

If you love your neighbor as yourself, don’t steal.
The reason for this is a pretty big deal.
Even if you don’t believe in God, it’s true.
His enduring Truth is still for me and you.

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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The post The means corrupt the end and rip off your friend appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

No, I haven’t taken up golfing. So, the one stroke I speak of is the kind of stroke you don’t wanna get even once. But on April 17, yeah, just last month, I had one sneak up on me and knock me down pretty hard.

That one stroke, put me in the ICU and rehab for three weeks.It’s one thing to read about, or watch what someone deals with in a movie, or hear somebody tell a story about relearning how to walk and do simple things like pick something up. But it’s another thing entirely to actually have to do it yourself. And yet that’s where I find myself now.

It all started, as I said, on the evening of April 17th. I had just a few hours to go before I would drive to the airport to pick up Elgielene at the airport. She was getting back home around midnight from a two-week trip to see her sister in Florida. I had just gotten off the phone with her and her sister, after a conversation about flight numbers and times. Then I got up from my desk, walked to the kitchen to get a glass of water, and a weird feeling, came over me. It was something I haven’t felt before, so, being a typical American tough guy, I decided to.” walk it off.” And I started pacing back-and-forth from room to room.

Unfortunately, the pacing didn’t help. I couldn’t walk it off. Matter of fact, I noticed my left leg started not responding so well and it bumped into things. Then, I started to have suspicions that something dastardly was taking place in my brain. So, I started quoting the first couple of lines from Lincoln’s Gettysburg address to see if my speech was OK. Oddly. enough, my speech was pretty much fine.

But I tried to walk again and my left leg refused to cooperate. It just felt like a heavy weight that I couldn’t even drag. Well, that was enough to get me to dial 911 and put in a call for an ambulance.

In very short order, a couple of very nice female paramedics showed up at my door, came inside, checked my vitals, and recommended that I waste no time getting to the emergency center of a nearby hospital.

The crew in the hospital very quickly diagnosed that I had experienced one stroke, and that I needed to go into the ICU for quick treatment.

Meanwhile, I couldn’t reach Elgielene because she was on a plane.I was only able to leave her a voicemail that told her what happened and that I had been taken to the emergency room at this particular hospital. Imagine her surprise when she got off the plane and found that I wouldn’t be there to pick her up at midnight. And not only that, I was also in intensive care at the hospital. How’s that for a wake up call after a long day of connecting flights between Florida and Kansas?

Anyway…

It’s nearly a month since that took place and I just got back home four days ago. And it’s quite a drastic change in the Funderburk lifestyle. Before, I did all the driving because, well, I’m a man, and that’s what real man do. But now I’m not allowed to drive. Elgielene has really stepped up her game. And she’s taking great care of me.What a blessing! She has to do everything she was doing before plus help me do things that I don’t do so well now. My physical and occupational therapists told me they expect what they call “activation” to return to my left side eventually.

So, there’s the word I’m dealing with right now. Eventually.

This is my first message out to anyone who has connected with me online. And I expect to share more updates as my eventual recovery progresses.

There are some people who know about the stroke, and I know there have been a lot of people praying for me. For that I’m eternally grateful. Thank you for including me in your prayers. And thank you for the awesome encouragement and support.

Here’s a rhyme that I wrote way back that needs my personal attention now:

Happy Healthy HumanHey, I’m talkin’ to you man…
Be a healthy happy human.
It’s not so hard to do man,
But don’t wait one more day.

Think about what you’re eatin’…
Those brain cells you’re mistreatin’…
Bad habits will keep repeatin’
Unless you stop and say…

“I’m a healthy happy human
‘Cause I know what to do man.
I’m changin’ through and through man,
I’m goin’ outside and play.”

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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Resurrection Day 2025. And no matter what the weather is like where you are, the Light of Life shines as brightly as ever. Because the Son shines his Light on anyone and everyone in the world who wants it. I sure do. How ’bout you?

Also known as Easter. But, believe it or not, there are still people who don’t know what it means. And they don’t understand the way it all came about. So, my resurrection song is about that…

ï»¿

I think it’s a pretty good song. Even if that recording of it’s not the best. Sure, it’s no Peter Cottontail song. But I did have a guy tell me he thought it was just about the best contemporary Christian song he’d ever heard. And, I won’t feign false humility, shuffle my feet, and say, “Aw, you’re just sayin’ that.” But I WILL say it’s one of the best compliments I ever got.

Because my resurrection song comes from the heart.And just in case you didn’t catch all the lyrics, here they are, and Happy Easter 2021!

The WayAnd it came to pass one day on a mountain far away
That a soul was taken and a life forsaken
Because someone had to pay
For the heart of all mankind. There was no untarnished mind.
So one life was spent Who was innocent,
But He left His Word behind…

Forgive them for they know not what they do.
Redeem them and I give My Blood to You.
We can rise up No matter how much the guilt might weigh.
He said…”I am the Way!”

Now so many years have gone And we love with blinders on.
How we tolerate is a form of hate.
Where’s the Rock He stood upon?
For the Truth is absolute and it’s foolish to dispute.
It confounds the wise but it opens eyes,
And it saves the destitute

Chorus

Now don’t turn to the left don’t turn to the right.
Just run straight to Him with all your might!

inst…chorus to end

© 1996 Tony Funderburk

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It’s Wednesday. So, you know what I’m thinkin’ about. No, not burgers. Well, not JUST burgers. I’m also thinkin’ about being a wise guy. And I know you’ve heard what the first step is. Right? Yeah, wisdom is knowing when to speak. Well, that’s what “they” say.

But I say, wisdom is also knowing when NOT to speak.Here’s an example of when someone didn’t answer a direct question. And it was one of the most important questions, at one of the most important times, in history.

~ Then Pilate said to Him, “Do You not hear how many things they testify against You?” ~

Of course, you know he spoke to Jesus who was on trial for His life. And Jesus said what?

~ But He answered him not one word, so that the governor marveled greatly. ~

Just imagine this. You’re God in the flesh. You literally have the power to bring down legions of angels to rescue you. And your judge gives you an opportunity to defend yourself. And you don’t say a single word.

Now, THAT, is the ultimate epitome of restraint. The ultimate example of knowing when NOT to speak.

Wow, you rarely see that these days. Especially with the power of the internet and social media at your fingertips. Most people, who probably run off at the mouth in real life, almost constantly pull the trigger on their word weapons.

To that I say…I hope you don’t mind if I don’t join in
With the people who just naysay.
I think you might find, if you just begin,
You might feel the very same way.
Life can get real dark like a starless night.
So, be glad when the Lord sends day.
Go and make your mark without fear or fright.
And you might as well start Wednesday.

© 2020

If you just gotta say something about something today, make sure it edifies. Or at least make sure it entertains. I hope this additional Wednesday rhyme does that.

Whimsical WednesdayWhimsical Wednesday…wonderful breeze
Leaving us breathless…swaying like trees.
Syllables settle inside our ears
Sounding quite silly…calming our fears
Making us mimic cows in the field…
Funnybones flapping…giggles revealed
Whimsical Wednesday…tickles the tongue
Lilting and loving…keeping us young.
Melodies mingle with bubbles and dots…
Whimsical Wednesday living in thoughts.

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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I remember that year like it was, well, day before yesterday. But it was almost 50 years ago. Wow. And that’s the year NASA launched Voyager 1 into space. And that little spaceship is still traveling through space. In fact, I just read a cool, short blurb about it. The headline said…

Voyager 1: A Time Capsule Still Exploring The CosmosThey followed that up with…

Over 15 billion miles from Earth, Voyager 1 runs on 69 KB of memory, an 8-track tape recorder, and code written in FORTRAN. It’s controlled using 50-year-old blueprints and takes 22 hours to receive a single command.

Why it still works?

Rugged, radiation-hardened parts
Simple, reliable design
Backup systems
Engineers who think like it’s 1977

And they finished up the blurb with “A true marvel of human ingenuity.”

Then, they showed a rendered picture (because there aren’t photographers snapping shots of it) of Voyager 1 superimposed over a backdrop of the Milky Way.

And as I checked out the picture, I thought about what the “great minds” of aerospace, in their ongoing search for extraterrestrial intelligence, would say if something that simple wandered into Earth’s orbit.

No doubt, they’d be all a-flutter. And they’d rave on about finally finding proof of other intelligent life “out there.”

Because they’re goo goo gaga over a spaceship in the cosmos.But the cosmos?

Not so much. Naw, it’s just a big bunch of space to explore. Oh sure, they love to bandy their big numbers around. This is 2 trillion light years away from that. And the speed of light is 299,792,458 meters per second. And how the largest black holes in the universe are more than 70-80 billion times bigger than the sun.

But those YUGE numbers are mostly to reinforce their big bang skewed idea that there MUST be other intelligent life “out there.”

And that’s ironic, since the cosmos, itself, is the evidence.

Yeesh.

Little Voyager 1 runs on a fraction of one megabyte of memory. That’s tiny. The whole spaceship wouldn’t even be a fraction of a dimple in God’s smile. But people are amazed at how it can still operate all those miles from Earth. And they’re so impressed with engineers who could design such an amazing thing.

And that awestruck amazement runs through brains that are exponentially more complex. Brains so complex they can run a system of systems, your body, even while you’re asleep and not even consciously aware of it.

But that’s just the start.Because your body lives on a planet ideally suited for human life. And that planet is part of solar system that runs consistently and dependably through the galaxy.

And the galaxy moves consistently and dependably through the universe. A universe (aka: the cosmos) that is observably stable enough to contain everything in it. A universe that’s the ultimate sign of intelligent life. And design.

Design ALWAYS points to a designer.

I’m not foolish enough to look at the big, beautiful sky, day or night, and say there is no God and that it all happened by chance. Sadly, most people ARE that foolish.

I know just about all my listeners and readers aren’t that foolish. So, I urge you to not give up on those who are. Because their eternal souls depend on us sharing the hope of the power of God’s love. And the power of that love made eternal life available to all.

If you’re like a little Voyager 1, traveling through the vast space of non-believing or skeptical people, remember, you have WAY more than 69 kilobytes of memory to draw from. You can use your incredibly complex brain to tap into the infinite source of Life. So, ask God to help you increase your knowledge, understanding, and wisdom.

Then, remember, you are…

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

© 2008

And as long as you’re in this world, subscribe to my FunderFlash Journal. Because then the flashes of light I share on my website and podcast 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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It sounds silly when you say it out loud over and over. Try it. Gimme Gimme Gimme. In case you’re not familiar with what the word is (I can only imagine who wouldn’t be), it’s pronounced like you’re saying give me, but in a fast, slang way. Clear? Good.

Now, Gimme Gimme Gimme what’s mine.And what’s yours is mine. Just kidding. Sorta. OK, I gotta get to the point. Because I’m not one of those knuckleheads who grew up thinking I “deserve better.” Or more. Nope. I’m not that kind of entitled. But there are some gimme gimme gimme’s that I DO wanna make known.

As I write this, it’s Sunday. And I haven’t been the praise and worship leader in a church for a long time. But when I was I wrote a couple of “Give Me” songs. And I’m just gonna share the lyrics with you today and hope they bless you in some way. (psst…if you’re subscribed to the FunderCast podcast, you’ll be able to hear ’em)

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.

Give me words…give me courage…
And 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

Give Me What I DeserveYou gave me life…
Gave me love, and gave me freedom.
You took my sins…
And You nailed ‘em, and You beat ‘em…

‘Cause this person who you bought never had the nerve.
So I’m glad that you did not…
Give me what I deserve.

You gave me hope,
Gave me bread and living water.
You gave your blood…
When I led you to the slaughter.

But you never even fought or let your focus swerve.
And I’m glad that you did not…
Give me what I deserve.

Lord, don’t give me…what I deserve.
If I stand in the middle of the road,
Nudge me to Your side.
Lord, don’t give me…what I deserve…
‘Cause I’m the reason and the cause
Why Jesus died…But then He rose again!

You gave me joy…
Gave Your word you’d leave me never.
You gave Your life so that I could live forever.

And on this earthly azure dot I can choose to serve.
So I’m glad that you did not…
Give me what I deserve.

© 2010

Subscribe to my FunderFlash Journal. Then, 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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There I was again. A very young boy in a trance. Or that must’ve been how it looked to any adults who might’ve watched me when it happened. But it wasn’t a trance. It was just me, fascinated with the tiny particles I believed I could see. Maybe I was just affected by the numbers 3 6 9. As in, 369 Hz. But I think the particles I could see (and still do) weren’t just the product of a young imagination. I’ll get back to that shortly. But here’s a connected rabbit trail (no, silly, that’s not a reference to Easter).

3 6 and 9 are just numbers.(side note: I say “just numbers” but numbers are powerful because you can’t use them up)

Anyway…

When you put them together and add the Hz to the end, that’s when the magic happens. And where I say magic, Nikola Tesla said it’s the “key to the universe.” Because he believed the 369 Hz frequency holds the secrets of energy, vibration, and resonance.

(‘nother side note: I totally disagree with the “key to the universe” reference, definitely not true)

Tesla, and I’m sure lots of other scientists, believed that energy, vibrating at different frequencies, provides the building blocks of the universe. And they believe the vibrations can be measured and quantified using numbers. And something I found very interesting, in an article I read this morning, is how they believe “One of the most important numbers in this context is 3.”

Those scientists will tell you that the number 3 “represents the basic structure of the universe, as it is made up of three dimensions, length, width, and height.” And they believe “these dimensions are what allow us to perceive the physical world around us.”

I get their point. But they’re wrong. Because the number 3 represents the Creator of the universe. God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit.

Yeah, I done went and dropped a Bible bomb on ya.But Christians are the gate watchers. And we gotta keep it real ’round here.

So, here’s a snippet of how those studious students of science connect 3 with 6 and 9. The article I just read said this about them:

~ The number 6, on the other hand, represents the way energy is structured in the universe. It is the number of protons, neutrons, and electrons in an atom, which are the basic building blocks of matter. The properties of matter, like its weight, color, and ability to conduct electricity, depend on how these particles are arranged.

The number 9 is particularly interesting, as it represents the highest level of vibration in the universe. It is the number that all other numbers collapse into, as it is the final digit in the decimal system. This number represents the highest level of consciousness and spiritual enlightenment, which is why it holds such a special place in many spiritual traditions. ~

By the way, even though I disagree with energy and/or frequencies being the building blocks of the universe, I’m still fascinated by how the numbers connect so well with the Bible. Which, I’m sure, was not their intention at all.

And speaking of intention, I’ll get back to my initial intention. The reason I started this out with how the adorable Tony boy saw particles.

I remember staring, mesmerized, at the sky.Not up toward the sun. Just through the sky that reached all the way down to my level. And I’d “see” sky particles. As though I could actually see the molecules of nitrogen and oxygen wiggling around in front of me. Sometimes I’d put my finger in the air to see if it affected the wiggling. I wasn’t sure if it did or not.

But I was absolutely sure I could see the particles.

That was WAY back in the middle of the 20th century. Before the dawn of human enlightenment (as so-called “brilliant minds” these days would prefer you believe). And there weren’t any transmission electron microscopes or TEMs. But there are now. And just the other day I watched a video that took me right back to my particles watching days.

I believe the video was part actual video and part virtual simulation. But what impressed me most was how it started with hair on a woman’s head. And it kept zooming in closer and closer. Then it zoomed in on a single strand. Then a single section of that strand. And the zooming went right down into the cellular level. All the way down to the point where it all turned to particles.

OK, here’s where I go all particlelicular (I made up that cool word) on you. I believe you and I ARE made up of particles. But I don’t believe energy is what holds the particles together. Otherwise, it would make sense for live things to disintegrate immediately when they die. But they don’t.

So, I believe all the particles are held together by information. But information doesn’t create itself. And it’s childish to believe it does. No, the information comes from the source of information. God. Who also happens to be the source of life and light. And He installs that information into DNA particles.

And maybe that’s partly how a little boy could see sky particles.I didn’t say it IS how. It’s just a maybe thing. But maybe the idea of particles can help explain how Jesus could suddenly appear to His disciples. And then, suddenly, disappear too. Maybe He manipulated the particles to move back and forth between Heaven and Earth. And maybe that’s the Way for the 3 6 9 combination to make a lot more sense.

Numerologically speaking 3 is the number of God. 6 is the number of man. And when you believe in and trust God, He dwells in you. Then you’re seen in Him when you get to Heaven. So, the combination of 3 plus 6 is…everybody together…9. Very good! Now, put those particles, that make up your hands, together, and give yourself a round of applause.

Thanks for humoring me as I made my way from Tony boy to TEMs. Now, off ya go.

But before you do…

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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Stay tuned,

The post 3 6 9 and these numbers are yours and mine appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

30 thousand miles, added to the odometer of my new ‘73 Ford Maverick, in one year. And that’s a lot of miles for a guy whose drive to work was only about a mile and a half. But it’s also a lot of other stuff.

A lot of miles, memories, and consonants and vowelsI racked up so much more than just a bigger-than-normal number on the odometer. Because I always had my trusty Bic pen and spiral notebook on the seat beside me. And I ran more than one Bic pen dry. Plus, I eventually filled up a couple dozen spiral notebooks.

Now, I’ve heard (and read), I don’t know how many times, people think Kansas is boring and flat. So, how could I have racked up so many miles on my car…in Kansas? There’s nothing to see. Yeah, it’s true. Boring and flat. So, I suggest you drive on around, past, or through. Don’t stop in Kansas.

“There are no trees”

I’ve been alone before,
But never knowing such peace
As when I sat before that audience of trees.

“There are no hills”

Wind blowing through snowflake hills,
Ice castle all crumbling down.
Winter, in silence, is gone.
I watched it go with a frown.
Then, with a sigh, I remember saying good-bye
To Autumn the very same way.

“It’s just so boring”The Autumn sky is full of colors
And sometimes drops of rain.
It makes me think of bygone summers
And riding on a train.
The golden sun, like Kansas wheat,
Would bake the fields of corn,
And I bucked endless bales of hay
And all my jeans were torn.

Sure, if the only part of Kansas you ever see is through the car window, on Interstate 70, you’ll get a somewhat monotonous perspective of it. But I didn’t rack up all those miles, on my Maverick, driving the interstate.

I meandered many dirt roads through scenery I might never see again. But I dilly dallied through delights from the mind of God that ink and words and spiral notebooks couldn’t contain them all. Big things I saw. Tiny things, too.

Just Imagine And You’re ThereThere’s a house in the ferns and the petals of the dahlias.
All you have to do is imagine and you’re there…
Breathing in the dew-fresh air.
Life is a breeze, mellow in the trees,
And Joy is there…you need only say please.
You can eat some watermelon
And drink dewdrop tea.
You can sleep until ten thirty…
Oh, it’s heavenly.
There’s a beach by a puddle
Where you’ll lie in the sun.
The fun will never end,
And the days will pass with care.
All you have to do is
Just imagine and you’re there.

All the poetic stuff I just shared was written as a result of driving a lot of miles through “boring” and “flat” Kansas. I hope the majority of people who see it that way always see it that way. And that they never break the heart of the Heartland.

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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It was over a dozen years ago. And I asked the question if ebooks online would take the place of traditional books. Back then, I said…

~ I don’t think so. Not very soon anyway. Why? A little thing called electricity. If you use an eReader or tablet or mobile or laptop to read ebooks for kids or any other ebooks, you need electricity to read ’em. And if there was an extended outage (hurricane damage for instance), you’d be without your reading material. So, the good ol’ paperback or hardbound book would look pretty awesome right about then. ~

But there are still ebooks online AND physical ones, too.And that’s because of people like me.

And you.

As for me, I’m extremely fond (putting it mildly) of the digital medium. Yeah, at any given moment I’m carrying around a bunch of books. Some of them are links to ebooks online. And a lot more are stored on my iPhone.

I actually enjoy reading ebooks on my iPhone. Super handy. It’s there when I’m ready. I don’t have to remember an extra thing to carry around. And I don’t lose my place in the text. And I can send myself (or others in social media circles or email) notes, clips, and more.

Plus, I have easy and almost instantaneous access to the Bible. Not just one version. But many versions. Complete with reference materials.

And I can even listen to the audio.So, yeah, all that convenient access to ebooks online, and on my phone, means I have to remember to keep it charged in case of electricity outages. My portable generator helps, too. But I’d have to keep it charged even if I was just gonna use it to make phone calls (who does that anymore?)

Maybe you prefer the good ol’-fashioned physical book. And that’s OK. You still have enough freedom (barely) to live in the dark ages (ironically, you can’t read a physical book in the dark either). And vivé la difference. That’s Italian for “Hey, that’s NOT Italian!”

Just thought I’d meander through some controversy with you. Feel free to return to whatever you were doing before I interrupted your flow. But before you go…

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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The post Ebooks online and this art form of mine appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

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,

The post Product of imagination and gift of visualization appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

All I said was, “Thank you for your help.” But I said it to a faker. An AI tool. And it took over 2200 words to figure out how it would respond to my thanks. Enjoy the full Vulcan journey. Or tldr it and skip to the end.

The user’s question is “Thank you for your help”Which seems like a polite closing statement rather than a question that requires an answer. However, since the instruction is to use the internet to answer the question, I need to interpret this as a prompt to continue providing assistance or perhaps to acknowledge the thanks in a way that might lead to further interaction.

But let’s think carefully. The user has said “Thank you for your help”, which typically indicates the end of the conversation. However, the instruction specifically says to use the internet to answer the question, which implies that there might be more to it.

Perhaps the user is thanking me in advance for helping with a question that they haven’t asked yet, or maybe they expect me to anticipate their needs. But that seems unlikely.

Maybe the user is testing my ability to handle polite closuresOr to see if I can recognize when no further action is needed. But the instruction is clear: “Please reason step by step.” and “You must write out at least 3 Searching: Ok, so I’ve got the search results from my web search on “how to respond to thank you for your help as an AI assistant”. Let’s see what we’ve got here.

The first result is from the Google Assistant Community, where someone is asking if they can set Google Assistant to say “You’re welcome” after being thanked. That’s interesting, but it’s more about configuring the assistant rather than how to respond as an assistant.

The second result is from Quora, discussing whether it’s necessary to say “please” and “thank you” to AI assistants like Siri or Alexa. The answer suggests it’s not necessary. But it’s polite. And it might become important if AI becomes sentient. That’s a bit philosophical, but it does touch on the etiquette aspect.

The third result is from TechSeven Partners, talking about AI etiquette and why you should say “please” and “thank you” when using AI. It mentions that using basic etiquette can improve the quality of AI responses. That’s relevant because it suggests that politeness can affect how AI interacts.

The fourth result is from GrammarlyIt’s about using AI to write a thank-you note, which is the opposite of what I need—I’m looking for how to respond to a thank-you, not how to write one.

The fifth result is from the OpenAI Developer Community, where someone is asking for help with getting an AI assistant to follow instructions, specifically about counting interests. That’s not directly related to my query.

The sixth result is from Medium, with an article titled “Longer responses when you say “Please” and “Thank You” to AI?” It discusses whether politeness affects AI responses. That seems very relevant.

The seventh result is another Quora answer, this time about what it’s called when you say “thank you” to an automated AI like Alexa. And the answer says it’s called manners, which is straightforward.

The eighth result is from Vengreso, about how to respond to “thank you” in general, not specifically for AI assistants. It talks about professional email greetings and showing appreciation.

The ninth result is from Sapling, providing templates for saying “thank you for your prompt response.” And that, again, is about expressing thanks, not responding to it.

The tenth result is another Quora answerAnd this time is about how to reply to an email when someone has assisted you. It suggests adding something specific to make it more personal, like “Thank you for helping me with [specific thing].”

From these results, the most relevant ones seem to be the third (TechSeven Partners) and the sixth (Medium). Because they directly address how AI assistants should respond or how politeness affects AI interactions.

Let me take a closer look at those.

First, the TechSeven Partners article: It says that using “please” and “thank you” can improve the quality of AI responses. It also mentions that when the AI responds, you should express gratitude, which in this case, since I’m the AI, means I should acknowledge the user’s thanks.

The article also talks about how treating AI with respect can lead to better interactions, which makes sense in terms of user experience.

Now, the Medium article: The title suggests that saying “please” and “thank you” might elicit longer or more cooperative responses from AI. The content likely discusses how polite language in prompt engineering can lead to better outputs from AI models.

This is interesting.Because it implies that the way users interact with AI can influence the AI’s behavior, even if the AI doesn’t have feelings.

So, based on these, it seems that as an AI assistant, responding politely to “thank you” is important for maintaining a good user experience and potentially even for optimizing the interaction.

Common polite responses to “thank you” include “you’re welcome,” “my pleasure,” “happy to help,” etc.
Since I’m an AI assistant, I might want to choose a response that is both polite and indicative of my readiness to assist further.

For example, “You’re welcome! I’m here to help with any other questions you might have.”

Or, “My pleasure! Feel free to ask me anything else.” These responses acknowledge the thanks and also encourage further interaction, which is typical for assistant roles. Let me see if there are any specific recommendations for AI assistants in these articles.

In the TechSeven Partners article, it says: “When the AI responds, express gratitude. A simple “thank you” goes a long way. Acknowledging its help not only ensures graciousness in return but also enhances the AI’s responsiveness and performance.”

Wait, that’s about the user expressing gratitude to the AI, not the other way around. But in my case, the user has already expressed gratitude (“Thank you for your help”).

So I need to respond to that.Perhaps I can infer from the general principle of politeness that I should respond in a way that is gracious and appreciative of the user’s courtesy.

In human interactions, when someone says “thank you,” a common response is “you’re welcome,” which acknowledges their gratitude. Similarly, in customer service or assistant roles, responses like “happy to help” or “glad I could assist” are common. Since I’m an AI assistant, I can use similar phrases.

Let me check if there are any specific guidelines for AI assistants in the search results.

Looking back, the first result from Google Assistant Community is about setting the assistant to say “you’re welcome,” which implies that “you’re welcome” is a standard polite response. Also, in the Vengreso article, it mentions that in professional settings, responses like “you’re welcome” or “it was my pleasure” are appropriate. So, it seems that “you’re welcome” is a universally accepted response to “thank you.”

Moreover, since I’m an AI assistant, I can add something to indicate my ongoing availability, like “I’m here if you need further assistance.” Let me formulate a response.

First, acknowledge the thanks: “You’re welcome!”
Then, offer further help: “I’m here to assist with any other questions you might have.”
That seems straightforward and polite.
I could also say: “My pleasure! Feel free to ask me anything else.”
Or: “Happy to help! Let me know if there’s anything else I can do for you.”

All of these seem appropriate.Now, since the instructions emphasize using the internet to answer, and I’ve done that by searching for how to respond, I think I’ve fulfilled that requirement. I don’t need to use any other tools like browsing a specific page because the search results have given me enough information to formulate a response.

However, to be thorough, maybe I should browse one of these pages to get more detailed information.

For example, let’s browse the TechSeven Partners article, as it seems directly relevant.

Browsing… Hmm, that’s strange. The browse function didn’t return any readable text from that URL.
Let me try another one. How about the Medium article?

Browsing… Ok, so from the Medium article, it says that using “thank you” in prompts can signal to the AI that its previous response was on the right track, encouraging more of the desired output. But in my case, I’m the AI, so when the user says “thank you,” it’s acknowledging my previous help. The article mentions that AI models are designed to understand linguistic cues, including politeness, which can influence their output.

However, it doesn’t directly say how AI assistants should respond to “thank you.”It talks more about how users should interact with AI by using polite language to get better responses. But indirectly, it suggests that AI should be responsive to such cues. Since the article didn’t provide a direct answer, perhaps I should look at another source.

Let’s try the Vengreso article, as it seems to be about general professional responses.

Browsing… Great, this is more helpful. The Vengreso article provides specific guidance on how to respond to “thank you” in professional settings, which is exactly what I need since I’m acting as a professional AI assistant. It lists several formal responses: “You’re welcome,” “It was my pleasure,” “I’m glad I could help,” and “Thank you for your appreciation.”

It also emphasizes the importance of being formal and avoiding casual responses like “no problem” or “sure thing,” which might seem insincere in a professional context. Additionally, it mentions considering the context and the recipient’s position, but since I’m an AI assistant, the user is typically in a position where they are seeking help, so a standard polite response should suffice.

The article also talks about cultural norms.But since the user’s query didn’t specify any particular cultural context, I can assume a general professional standard. So, based on this, I can choose one of the suggested responses.

Let me pick “You’re welcome” as it’s the most straightforward and universally accepted.

To make it more engaging as an AI assistant, I can add something like “I’m here to help with any other questions you might have.”

So, my final response would be:“You’re welcome! I’m here to help with any other questions you might have.”
But wait, the instructions say to include citations in the final answer. Since I’ve used the web search and browsing tools, I should cite the sources that informed my response.

In this case, the Vengreso article was the most directly helpful.So, I can cite that. Also, the initial search results led me to that article, so I should mention that as well.

But typically, citations are for direct quotes or specific facts, and in this case, it’s more about general guidance.
Nevertheless, to follow the instructions, I’ll include a citation.

Let me format my final answer. The user’s query is “Thank you for your help,” which is an expression of gratitude rather than a question requiring a factual answer. So, I will respond politely while adhering to the guidelines of using internet resources to inform my response. Below is my reasoning and the final answer.

Step-by-Step Reasoning:1. Understanding the User’s Query:

The user has expressed gratitude with “Thank you for your help.” This is not a question but a polite acknowledgment.
However, the instructions specify that I must use the internet to answer the query, even though it is not a traditional question.

Interpreting the Requirement:Since the query is not asking for specific information, I need to interpret it as a prompt to determine how an AI assistant should respond to such an expression of gratitude.
This means I should use the available tools (like web search) to find guidance on how AI assistants or professionals should respond to “thank you” in a helpful and appropriate manner.
Using the Web Search Tool:I performed a web search with the query: “how to respond to thank you for your help as an AI assistant.”
The search results provided insights into professional etiquette and how AI assistants should handle polite interactions.
Relevant results included:
A discussion on AI etiquette from TechSeven Partners, emphasizing the importance of politeness in interactions with AI.
An article from Medium on how polite language can influence AI responses.
A Quora thread on whether it’s necessary to say “please” and “thank you” to AI assistants.
A Vengreso article on how to respond to “thank you” in professional settings.
Analyzing the Search Results:The Vengreso article was particularly helpful as it provided specific examples of formal responses to “thank you” in professional contexts, such as “You’re welcome,” “It was my pleasure,” or “I’m glad I could help.”
It also emphasized the importance of being formal and sincere, avoiding casual responses like “no problem” or “sure thing.”
Additionally, it highlighted the need to consider context and cultural norms, though a general professional standard can be applied here since no specific cultural context was provided.
Formulating a Response:As an AI assistant, my response should be polite, professional, and indicative of my readiness to assist further.
Based on the guidance from the Vengreso article, a suitable response would be “You’re welcome,” followed by an offer to help with any future questions.
For example: “You’re welcome! I’m here to help with any other questions you might have.”
Ensuring Compliance with Instructions:The instructions require me to use at least three function calls before providing a final answer. I have already used:

Web search to find relevant information.
Browse action on the Medium article (though it didn’t provide direct guidance on responding as an AI).
And a browse action on the Vengreso article, which provided clear guidance on professional responses.
Since I have already met this requirement and have sufficient information, I can proceed to the final answer.

Citations:The instructions require including citations for any information gathered from the web. The Vengreso article was the most directly relevant source for formulating my response.

Final AnswerYou’re welcome! I’m here to help with any other questions you might have.

Tony here again. I don’t know about you, but I thank God real intelligence isn’t like the artificial stuff. And I’m so grateful He tempered our logic and reason with emotion. And vice versa. AI is super fast at compiling tons of data. And it’s also exhausting in its exhaustive processes.

Fortunately the process is simple for you to subscribe to my FunderFlash Journal. Just add your email address, and 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.

The form can be filled in the actual website url.

Stay tuned,

The post Thank you was all I said and here’s what I read appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

We can all be wrong. Or some can be right and some wrong. But we can’t all be right. And I say the inexplicable universe makes total, logical sense. Because it’s designed by a Creator who is greater than all the ingredients in the universe. His words created all of them. And I just know you agree with me. Right?

Surely you don’t think all the ingredients are like Lucky Charms.Just magically delicious. And just showed up out of giant explosion. From nothing to something. Oodles and oodles of years ago. Surely (he said, tongue-in-cheek, and eyes rolling up) you don’t believe something that incredibly childish.

No, I know you don’t. Because you’re one of the people who agrees with me and others who say, daz crazy.

Yeah, because your own logic and reason should scream out to you that logic and reason don’t rise up out of any kinds of soup. Least of all the primordial kind.

No, it isn’t arrogant of me to say the irreducible complexity found in a single human cell blows that evolutionary chicanery out of the water. Because all the ingredients in a single human cell had to be there, from the moment it was conceived, in order for it to exist. No part could have been left out. Or else it wouldn’t live.

But if you insist on believing the fairy tale, I wrote this song for you.

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

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

But what if I’m right? What if it’s true
All of these things I’ve been sayin’ to you?
What if you die and it’s not the end?
What if your life is nothing you can defend?
You think I’m wrong and that I don’t walk in the light,
But what if I’m right?

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

But what if I’m right?

© 2008

Stay tuned,

P.S. 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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Back To The Future. I’d say there’s a good chance you saw that movie. So, you probably remember that certain song by Huey Lewis and the News. The power of Love. It’s catchy. Huey sings it well. And it’s got a good beat.

But the Power of Love song is just a song.The real POWER of love I’m always harpin’ on is only found in one place. And that place is actually one Person. And that one Person is, let’s all say it together, Jesus. I know I’m preachin’ to the choir right now. But “the choir” needs to speak up more about the whole Jesus. Here’s what I tell people. And I hope you do, too. Of course, you can put your own personality into it and use your own words. But tell them. Because most churches don’t now.

The world (and many Christians) say “God is love.” But God doesn’t say that. He says He is:

The way
The truth, and
The life

I just did a search in His book. And I couldn’t find anywhere in there where He says, “I am love.” No, when God describes Himself, you’ll find a lot of references to the effective power of His love. But no references to Him BEING love. He’s the source of it. But He’s the God of justice AND mercy. Because He loves you.

Yes, that’s completely sensible. Because God understands that in order for love to be true, it MUST be freely given. So, He freely gives His to anyone who will receive it. Yep, you get to choose whether or not you will. Because God gave you your own will.

And the POWER of His love provided (and still provides) the way you can know the truth and receive eternal life. But He never has, doesn’t now, and never will force you to believe in, trust in, or love Him. You are free to be your own little god. The person who is nicer, wiser, and more loving than anyone. I suggest you wise up and don’t choose that option. Because nobody in the whole world has ever done anything to deserve His

Abounding GraceIf this was the last day of my life…
If this was the last sunrise I’d see…
I’d still thank the Lord for my days
And His abounding Grace to me.

If this was the last thing I could write…
If this was my final poetry…
I’d still thank the Lord for His word
And His abounding Grace to me.

If this was the last time I could pray…
If this had to be my closing plea…
I know I could say, “I love the Lord
And His abounding Grace to me.”

© 2018

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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It was in the story of The Good Samaritan. And it’s been right here in the good ol’ U S of A for my whole life. And even further back than that. Yeah, the apathy is all around.

And the apathy grows colder and colder now.I wrote about it in a harsh song about 34 years ago. And the lyrics are more true now than then.

Cold Hard TruthYou face the future like a heart attack.
Your palms are sweaty; you’re a jumping jack.
Can’t believe the world has come this far,
And still we’re living on a dying star.

You put your faith into the promised land.
You feed the dog and still he bites your hand.
Maybe you decide you have no choice,
But you just need to learn to raise your voice.

Be unrelenting like the tiger’s tooth
And face the cold hard truth!

We hear the speeches; see the banners wave.
They sell the dreams of all the lives they’ll save.
But in between the lines are pretty lies.
They seem so right behind that straight disguise.

No reason it can never happen here.
This is the place and time to face your fear.
Financial plans end up rhetorical.
The errors made aren’t simply clerical.

Be never-yielding like the tiger’s tooth
And face the cold hard truth!

Spoon-feed the apathy and watch it grow into the cold hard truth,
And if you never care, then you will never know…
It’s such a cold hard truth…cold hard truth!

You see the party junkies everywhere.
Behind their buzz you’ll find a long, blank stare.
Their windows shut; another right goes by
Without them ever realizing why!

Live for the weekend and the gin and vermouth
And face the cold hard truth!
Endangered species aren’t the only ones who face the cold hard truth.
We’re gazing straight into the paper guns

Through all the cold hard truth…cold hard truth!

instrumental…repeat chorus….end

© 1991

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I woke up this morning and saw the same stories in the news again. Too many fires. And too many people with questions. And not many who shared how Living Water is the answer. So, you know what that means.

Too many more fires to come.But this ain’t about too many fires burning down forests, prairies, or houses. It’s about a focus on problems when you should be focused the solution.

A long time ago, if you wanted to tell God something, you had to follow a bunch of rules. And if you wanted God’s help with your problems, you had to ask a high priest to let God know your request.

But then Jesus lived, died, and rose from the dead to make a way to change that. Now, you can pray to God anytime and every time you want, and He’ll listen. It doesn’t matter how many fiery problems are burning across your landscape right now. Because Jesus, who called Himself the Living Water, can help you put them all out.

He loves to hear from you, by the way.

So, try this idea.

Talk to God today and ask Him for some peace and quiet. Then, be still and listen for His word. I should say, that last part works if and when you’ve been in His word and His word is in you. If that’s not quite how it is, then grab yourself a Bible and read Paul’s letters. You can find them way over in the right side of the book. He wrote 13 of them. And they’re the ones from Romans to Philemon.

Paul certainly knew a thing or two about too many fires.He was beaten with rods. And he received 195 lashes on his back. He was stoned. Shipwrecked three times. Dangerously adrift at sea. Thrown in prison, where he almost died, several times. And he listed a bunch of perils:

waters
robbers
my own countrymen
the Gentiles
in the city, and
the wilderness
in the sea, and
among false brethren

Wow. Every way he turned. But those weren’t the only issues. He also dealt with:

weariness and toil
sleeplessness often
hunger and thirst
fastings often
cold and nakedness, and
the other daily issues like his deep concern for all the churches

But Paul understood how prayers put your focus on the solution.And he knew when you focus on all the fires (issues), you just end up with too many fires. So, I hope you’ll follow my suggestion and stop listening to and reading what everyone, who gets their unwise wires crossed, says about it. Forget about all the sky-is-falling people running their potty mouths, full time, about the bad news of the day.

Because the Good News is as close as your thoughts.
And you’re not just one of those programmed robots
Who can only see the fires that result from those crossed wires
Used so foolishly by ignorant crackpots.

Stay tuned,

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Sometimes I remember better days like this. Lying on a warm sidewalk, in the first week of June. Just a young boy, on Summer vacation, in a small Kansas town, with nothing much to do but enjoy the warm sidewalk and ponder big thoughts.

Yeah, when I remember better days, big thoughts are always included.Because I always wanted to figure out things like:

Why do some rocks sparkle and others only shine?
How does blood get down into those ten toes of mine?
How do fish breathe in water and birds fly up high?
Will I find out the answers or just wonder why?

There’s nothing evil about remembering better days in your past. But I saw something, in the Bible, this morning, that got me back to reality. King Solomon, who lived to regret most of what he did in his life, said this: Do not say, “Why were the former days better than these?” For you do not inquire wisely concerning this.

In other words, he figured out it wasn’t wise to live in the past. And that’s still SO true. Because out of the three times you have in your existence: past, present, and future, it’s the one you can’t do anything about.

I think that’s why the old saying (which older people created) goes: Youth is wasted on the young.

Because you’re only a youngster for a little while.If only you had enough wisdom, during those years, to understand how valuable that short time was. When you had time to ponder rocks and fish and birds. Because someone else was responsible for clothes, food, and shelter. And if you only had enough wisdom, then, to appreciate how soon those people would be gone.

But I’m not sharing any of this to make you sad. In fact, I believe it’s good news that nobody lasts all that long here on planet Earth. Because it’s a broken, mean world. A world full of rebellious, selfish people. People who probably don’t remember better days the way we do.

So, why would anyone wanna stick around here any longer than necessary?

Well, the rebellious, selfish people wanna live as long as possible because they believe life on Earth is all you ever get. Thankfully you and I know about eternal life in paradise. Right? Because that gives us hope. And that makes for better days NOW.

If you know someone who doesn’t know that, be sure to share where you get your hope and joy.

Is there a day you go back to when you think of better days?
Or do you think that day is somewhere up ahead?
But either way it’s a day when all your cares will melt away,
And then your life will be fulfilling dreams instead.

Well, let me say, I’m for living with that hope inside your heart.
I do believe in looking for a better way.
But cares won’t go until you know your Creator loves you so.
That’s how the better times you need begin today. ~Tony

Stay tuned,

P.S. Your email address connects you with download links to 2 of my Christian books for kids and 2 songs, right away. Fun for kids AND not too cutesy. So grownups enjoy it, too. Subscribe, today.

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The post Remember better days and be glad for hopeful ways appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

It’s such a blast to make music. I’ve been doing it since I was a little kid. I can remember getting a very small metal set of drums for my birthday when I was 5. At least I think it was my fifth birthday. But that’s not the point. The point is that I bet my parents and grandparents regretted giving me that present.

Because a five year old doesn’t make music on a set of metal drums.Yeah, he makes a lot of noise. But it ain’t music.

Then, I remember when I started to sing. And my stepsisters were impressed enough to keep asking me to sing one Saturday as we all spent some time on the school playground. They told me how much they liked my voice. I was embarrassed. But after some flattering they talked me into it. Once I saw how they seemed to be impressed, I was hooked.

And I’ve been singing my heart out almost all the rest of my life since then.

Then, a few years ago, I discovered that even when you make music (not noise) just for fun, you can actually flip your genetic switches. And you can even “reverse your own genomic stress signature.”

Those are just some high-falootin’ words that mean you can feel better when you play music. Not just listen to it. And I read about a music therapist who built her own healing drum kit to help you beat away stress.

Well, it’s been a long time since I was five. But that still sounds pretty good to me.

Think about it. God designed you with all kinds of rhythm in your own body. You’ve got:

heartbeats
your sleep cycle
brain waves, and
even the rhythm of your neurotransmitters firing (when they work the right way)

That’s a lotta rhythm and motion in your body at all times.Even when you relax and don’t move. Yeah, you can sit on the couch or lie in bed. And your heart still beats out that rhythm. Your blood flows back and forth through your veins. And don’t forget all those neurotransmitters. Especially the ones that fire up your dopamine (That’s the only dope I endorse, by the way). Because it’s the feel-good, healing hormone you need. And healing hormones, and the way they can be turned on with music, are in your body by design.

So, you can make music, or at least make healing sounds, because God created and loves music.

No, your healing powers don’t come from you.
They come from God who designed them to
Work even when you’re not thinking about
What you can and cannot live without.
So beat out a rhythm to heal today.
And be thankful God has made you this way.

Your email address is the key to my FunderFlash Journal. It’s how you get fun stuff delivered right to your inbox. 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. Fun for kids AND not too cutesy. So grownups enjoy it, too.

The form can be filled in the actual website url.

Stay tuned,

The post Make music and it won’t make you sick appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

Okie dokie. Get out your comfortable bamboo mat and get in a cross-legged sitting position on the floor in your favorite room. And welcome to Meditation for Beginners. It’s a class for kids from 8 to 80. And after this first lesson, if you’re not ecstatic about how much better you feel, I’ll triple your money back. Are you ready? Great!

Meditation for Beginners: Lesson one.First step? Forget the bamboo mat and that silly, uncomfortable sitting position on the floor. For cryin’ out loud, make yourself comfortable. Brew up your favorite wake-up beverage. Grab your physical OR digital Bible. And check out what Paul said you should meditate on, in Philippians 4:8-9. And he said it’s how you get the “peace of God.”

Wow. That seems like a mighty nice thing to get from some focused meditation. Right?

There are lots of people who’ll get up in front of an audience and talk about how important focus is. And it is. Because you can achieve your dreams and goals with focus. But that kind of focus is better for temporary things than it is for a lasting, loving relationship with your Creator. Yeah, it’s just meditation for beginners.

And Paul says to meditate on whatever things are true, noble, just, pure, lovely, of good report, having any virtue, and anything praiseworthy. Because those are forever things. You can’t see ‘em right now. But one day you WILL.

Here’s how and why…

Jesus is the reason you can love.
He’s the only reason that you’re here.
If it weren’t for Jesus and His love,
All the universe would disappear.

Jesus is the one way you can live
For a while and then forever, too.
So, start smiling and get up and show
How the fullness of God lives in you.

Your email address is the key to my FunderFlash Journal. It’s how you get fun stuff delivered right to your inbox. 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. Fun for kids AND not too cutesy. So grownups enjoy it, too.

Stay tuned,

The post Meditation for beginners is for losers, not for winners appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

Hey kiddos! Have you read or heard someone say, “If matter’s all there is, then nothing really matters.” Whether you’ve heard or read it or not, I’m the one who said it. And I said it for a very good reason. Because you’re the only you. But, come to think of it, who cares? Right?

If nothing really matters, then neither do you.Because you’re nothing more than a bunch of carbon cells clumped together in a weird shape. You’re obviously not as cute a puppy. Because nothing is. You’re not as helpful as a tree. Because trees can provide shade, fuel, and even materials to build shelter. And you’re not as essential as water. Because, “scientists” say water is the source of life.

So, Mister Man, or Missy Miss, you just don’t stack up so much, do you?

Nope. You’re just gonna live out your life and be gone one day. And nobody’s gonna miss you. And it’ll be like you were never here. Born one day. And back into an eternal black, empty hole before you know it.

Wow. That’s sad and hopeless.

So, I hope it’s not how life seems to you. And I hope there’s no one teaching you that foolishness.

You DO matter. And your story matters. Because you, my fine-featherless-friend, were created. Nope, you didn’t just happen. And your story is written inside the cells of your body. It’s like a secret code, only it’s not a secret anymore.

Your code is yours and no one else has the your code. It’s what makes you who you are. And it’s the reasoning behind why you look and sound the way you do And this is true of every person on the earth. Big or little. Fat or skinny. Blue or pink.

It’s kinda like this:Let’s say we could get a special decoder ring. And we use it to read the code inside of you. Then, we could read the one book in the world written just about you. Sorta like the owner’s manual to your body.

It would tell us why your singing voice is so nice. Or why you can’t carry a tune in a bucket. It would tell us how you grew up to be a 7 foot basketball player in the NBA. Or a 5 foot jockey in the Kentucky Derby. Of course, your code wouldn’t tell us how you won a spot on a team in the NBA. And it wouldn’t show us how you won the Kentucky Derby. But it would show us why you’re tall or short.

And those tiny instructions are in each of the trillions of cells in your body. So, just imagine how many other things we could learn by reading all your information.

Yeah, thank goodness you and I don’t believe that nothing really matters. And that’s how we know that…

Your Story MattersInside a trillion tiny cells
Where no one’s eyes can see…
A trillion times your story flies
On sparks of energy.

That energy is life itself
The fire to light your way
To write your story and to live
And love someone today.

Be thankful for your source of life
And bow or smile and nod…
Because your story matters most,
When it reveals our God.

Your email address matters, too. It’s what I need so I can send you my FunderFlash Journal. Get lots of fun stuff delivered right to your inbox. 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. Fun for kids AND not too cutesy. So grownups enjoy it, too.

The form can be filled in the actual website url.

Stay tuned,

The post Nothing really matters as existence scatters appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

(this is for adults, don’t watch kiddos) One of my collections of real kids songs is called Kiddin’ Around. When it first came out, I sold a bunch of CD’s. Yes, those plastic discs that you actually had to put in a CD player to be able to hear the music. Crazy, right?

The reason I call them real kids songs is real kids enjoy them.And I’ve got proof.

A teacher at a Christian school in the Denver area told me she’d like to use some of my songs for a presentation her kids were gonna do. She asked if it would be OK. I said…

“Sure. That would be cool.” Or something like that.

Anyway…

The day came for the kids to put on their “show.” And I took my little hand-held digital video camera and went to the school. And I sneaked (some even say snuck) way up in the balcony. The lighting wasn’t great from up there. So, the video quality ain’t that great. But I think you’ll see how cute the kids were anyway.

And it really was cool to see the little people kiddin’ around to real kids songs.

Just in case you don’t see the video, here’s the link:
(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z3rHn_ii2xs)

Of course, this is in no way a guarantee that your kid(s) will enjoy these songs, too. After all you might have kids that don’t like to have fun. How could I possibly know. But, most red-blooded, American kids have enjoyed these songs for a long time. So, there’s a pretty good chance yours will too.

If you’re too old for kids, or even grandkids, you probably still know a special kid or two somewhere in the world. And I feel sure they wouldn’t be mad at you for making sure they have some fun tunes before the rest of their friends do.

Just be sure you don’t share this link with anyone else who has kids. Because you don’t want them to beat you to it.

https://www.TonyFunderburk.com/fundersongs

Stay tuned,

The post Real kids songs where the school bell ding dongs appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

If you wanna get somebody to do whatever you tell them to, whenever you want them to, then fear is the key. Because somebody’s who’s afraid of you or what you might do to them is so much easier to control.

I learned how fear is the key way back in the 7th grade.Because I was what, these days, you might call a nerd. Or a geek. Or gearhead, dork, or wonkhead. Doesn’t matter. They’re just words. And I was in what they called “accelerated” classes. Because I took some tests in grade school that said I was too brainy for the normal school lessons.

So, they put me in those classes. And “normal” kids called me those names.

Fun stuff. Good times.

Anyway…

The name calling sort of led to why I mentioned how I learned fear is the key to controlling people. Yeah, there were a couple of guys in one of my normal classes who got their jollies from bullying me. And I was the kind of guy who preferred to avoid confrontations. Because I was at school to learn. Not fight.

But none of that mattered to the bully boys. They sat behind me so they could smack me in the head if I even thought about not letting them cheat off me. One guy was a smart aleck who was basically the same size as me. But the other guy was a big dude.

They’d whisper how, if I didn’t let them see my answers to test questions, they wait for me after school, and…well, maybe you can imagine. I sure could.

So, I’d accommodate them. Most of the time. But sometimes I’d do something to get out of showing them my papers. And then I’d make sure to take a different way home after school. And that went on most of my 7th grade year.

But in the 8th grade something happened that changed my whole outlook. Be sure to ask me what that was.

I think you’ll get a kick out of the story.Anyway, here’s another example of how fear is the key to control. Check out these climate change headlines:

The evidence in support of these predictions has now begun to accumulate so massively that meteorologists are hard-pressed to keep up with it.
A study released last month by two NOAA scientists that the amount of sunshine reaching the ground in the continental U.S. changed by 1.3%
Telltale signs are everywhere…the thickness of polar ice…animal migration
Global temperature must now stand alongside nuclear war as a likely source of wholesale death and misery for mankind

Can you say #Yikes?

But here’s the thing. Those headlines were all about global cooling. Yep. The Earth wasn’t getting hotter. It was getting cooler. And many goofballs predicted an ice age where the whole Earth, and most or all of the people, would freeze to death.

Unless “we do something now.”But guess what that means. OK, no need to guess. Because I’ll tell you. It means somebody wants more money from good people who work hard and raise kids and make the world a better place. And they know fear is the key to getting you to go along.

But here’s the key to not falling for THAT key. Trust God who says “do not fear.” Plus, God promises that global warming, or cooling, or so-called climate change won’t end the world. So, here’s what I say to kids (or their owners) whenever I can:

God is great, and God is strong.
And He made all there is.
So don’t fear this fearful world.
Remember, champ, you’re His.
If He says a thing is so,
Then you can bet it’s true.
Trust His promise to us all.
And trust Him to come through. © 2015

And there’s no need to fear missing out on any issue of my FunderFlash Journal. Add your email address and get lots of fun stuff delivered right to your inbox. 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. Fun for kids AND not too cutesy. So grownups enjoy it, too.

The form can be filled in the actual website url.

Stay tuned,

The post Fear is the key that they use endlessly appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

So, as I write this, there’s only one more week of March winds. Because there’s only one more week of March 2025. And as much as they’ve been blowing around here in the heart of the heartland, there oughta be plenty of April showers.

What do March winds have to do with April showers?You didn’t seriously just ask that question, did you? Because, if you did, it means you don’t know the time-tested and true poems about March winds. There used to be one we read in schools that said:

March winds bring April showers.
April showers bring May flowers.

And then that poem went on to describe the rest of the year by what happened in months and seasons.

A few years ago I wrote a few rhyming lines about what young people can do in the Springtime. But I need to warn you. These are things you shouldn’t do if March winds turn you into a dreary person. Or a person who prefers being bored, gripey, or mean. Nope, if any of those sound like you, just skip this rhyme. Because it’s gonna be stuff that’s WAY too hard for you to do.

So, don’t even read the next few lines:Go skateboard when the sun shines…
Can’t be bored when the sun shines…
Shoot some hoops when the sun shines…
Ride some loops when the sun shines…
Hike a trail when the sun shines…
Go set sail when the sun shines…
Show your style when the sun shines…
Find your smile when the sun shines.

OK, if you DID read those lines, then you must be the kind of person who knows that life and springtime are signs that God loves you. And, in that case, I’m happy you read my rhyme. And I look forward to next time.

Your email address is the key to my FunderFlash Journal. It’s how you get lots of fun stuff delivered right to your inbox. 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. Fun for kids AND not too cutesy. So grownups enjoy it, too.

The form can be filled in the actual website url.

Stay tuned,

The post March winds for a few good friends appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

There I stood. In between the guitar player’s loud amp and the drummer’s crash cymbal. That’s where my equipment had been placed on a stage in front of business executives. Things had already fallen behind a bit. So, there was no time to rearrange anything. So, that’s where I was for an hour and a half. And take my advice. If you ever get the chance to be in that position, pass it up.

Because a loud amp and crash cymbal are bad for your ears.And I’m not sure which was worse. The piercing guitar in my right ear. Or the crash cymbal in my left. Maybe it was a tie. Anyway, I can tell you my hearing was damaged, at least a little, from that day on.

But you know what’s worse than having your ears damaged? It’s having your soul damaged by somebody trying to impress you with their fancy skills just because it makes them feel “special.” And a wise man, named Paul, wrote about what happens to anyone who tries to do that. He talked about people who had special gifts from God like being able to predict things and speak other languages.

He said, “Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal.”

Yikes. That ain’t good. And as I already showed you, a clanging (crash) cymbal can hurt your ears. So, if and when you’re like that, there’s a good chance you might be hurting more than just ears. Because someone might think you’re just trying to show off. So, they won’t even wanna listen to your noise.

Now, here’s something you gotta understand.You wouldn’t even be here if it wasn’t for the power of God’s love. Yeah, He loved the world (which is another way of saying you and me and all the people) so much that He put Himself into a human body to be punished for all the bad stuff He did.

Wait a second! Read those last 6 words again.

NO. He wasn’t punished for all the bad stuff HE did. He let people beat Him, make fun of Him, and even put Him to death because of all the bad stuff YOU did. And all the bad stuff everybody did.

So, what He did is WAY more important than any so-called “special gifts” you and I might have. And He did it because of His love. That’s why you don’t wanna be a crash cymbal in this world. But that’s exactly what you’ll be if you go through your day without love. Because…

Without love there’s just no way out
Of all that noise in your head.
So, before you show off and shout,
Try sharing God’s love instead.

And I’d love for you to get encouraging, regular issues of my FunderFlash Journal the easy way. Just add your email address and they’ll come to you and you won’t have to look for them. And, to show my sincere appreciation for your time and attention, when you do, 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.

The form can be filled in the actual website url.

Stay tuned,

The post Crash cymbal is kinda like a crash symbol appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

Maybe he’s visited you in the middle of the night. Or the wee hours of the morning before the sun even starts to wake up. I hope not. Because he’s one of the darkest, meanest, sneakiest bad guys you’ll ever meet. He’s SleepyMan.

And he loves the wee hours because that’s when his powers are mighty.His stupor powers. Not stupid powers. I said stupor powers. And those are so much worse. Because SleepyMan can use his sleepy eyes to control your mind. And he can make everything around you look foggy and dark. And no matter how hard you try, you can’t quite seem to wake up enough to fight the fog.

There IS one way to hold him off now and then. It’s like your own secret weapon. And it’s just a very comfortable, cozy sleeping position. If you can find yours while SleepyMan is staring at you with his sleepy eyes, you can hold him off for a while.

But don’t be surprised if you feel a tug on my shoulder and wake up to see his face right in front of yours. If that happens, don’t let his evil, snarly smile scare you. And don’t listen to him if he says something like,

“Thought you could go back to your dreams and avoid me, eh?”

No, you just look at him and smile a cozy smile and say,

“No, Just thought I’d catch a few more zzz’s so I’ll be ready for the day.”

Sleepy man hates smiles. And he hates happy talk. In fact, he hates just about everything nice.

So…If you’re talkin’ to the SleepyMan today,
And you wanna know what kind of things to say,
Then put on your loving smile for goodness sake.
Love and happiness are more than he can take.

Then, just tell him that, no matter what, today
Is another day the Lord is still your Way.
From the wee hours till you lay your head to rest
God is with you and will help you do your best.

Yeah, SleepyMan might not fly away right away. Be he won’t know what to say.

And don’t let Sleepy Man keep you from getting encouraging, regular issues of my FunderFlash Journal. Especially when all it takes is your email address. 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 2 of my Christian books for kids and 2 songs, right away, that grownups AND kids can enjoy.

The form can be filled in the actual website url.

Stay tuned,

The post Wee hours and your super powers appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

Hey kiddos. Repeat after me. Metamorphosis. Wow. Now, that’s a word they should change into something easier to say. Right? Hey, wait a second. Eureka! That’s it! We could use the word, change.

But metamorphosis is a drastic change.Like what a caterpillar goes through to become a beautiful butterfly. Yeah, you just about can’t find a more drastic change than that metamorphosis.

A caterpillar actually has to liquefy itself before it can become a butterfly. Can you imagine?! I’m sure glad I never had to liquefy myself. But what if you could do that to people and make ’em better?

Like, what if you could do that to a bully? Or a potty mouth. Just stick him in a specially designed cocoon and liquefy him? And wait a little while for him to turn into a solid person again. And what if you let him back out, and he was a nice guy? Wouldn’t that be awesome?

If only it was that easy.

Well, guess what? It’s even easier than that. Or at least it can be. Wanna know how? And why? I hope so. Because I’m gonna tell ya.

Bad people can morph into better people just by making a good choice. For WAY too many people the choice is too hard to make. So, they don’t do it. And that’s so sad. Because of all the change someone went through to make it so easy to do.

I’m talking about the biggest change there ever was.When God became a man and came to Earth to live with us. Talk about change! You and I can even understand how He could have lived forever in the past. Because we had a beginning. God didn’t. He just always existed. As a Spirit that cannot die.

But one day, a long time ago, He decided to create a couple of human beings. He made them in His image and likeness. That just means we look like Him just as any kids who look like their parents. And He created a perfect place for those human beings to live without a worry in the world. And He said the whole world was all theirs. Except for the fruit of one certain tree.

And, wouldn’t you know, they decided to eat the fruit on THAT tree.

Well, there’s a whole lotta bad stuff that happened after that. And the bad stuff is still happening. Every day. And everywhere in the world. But there’s also good news that happened because of the bad stuff.

After God became a man (the man you probably heard of named Jesus), He went through another drastic (and horrible) change. But it was the change that made sure you and I could have the best present ever. No, I don’t mean your own phone. WAY better than that. You can live forever. Because Jesus took responsibility for every bad thing every person ever did, does, or will do.

And all you gotta do to live forever is believe and trust that He did it for YOU. Then you can make a beautiful change because of His drastic change. And you can find out why God made…

Butterflies For KidsThose butterflies they flutter by
And never make a sound.
Some soar up high into the sky…
Some just above the ground.
They land on flowers in the yard
And gently stretch their wings.
And then they fold them up again
And tend to other things.
Some little kids with little nets
Run barefoot through the yard.
They try to catch some butterflies,
But find out that it’s hard…
‘Cause butterflies fly up and down
And back and forth so well.
For kids who want to capture one
It’s like a magic spell.
They laugh and squeal in sheer delight
They nearly flip their lids.
And that’s why I’m quite sure that God
Made butterflies for kids.

Your email address is all it takes to get encouraging, regular issues of my FunderFlash Journal. 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.

The form can be filled in the actual website url.

Stay tuned,

The post Drastic change to rearrange what became strange appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

She just wanted to grab a few things at the grocery store. But after she paid for the groceries, she went out the store’s front door and was hit in the face with a gust of wind filled with snow. The ground was already covered with about four inches of the white powder. That meant the canyon road home was too.

Thankfully, it was only a short drive on the canyon road.But when it was snowy, it could get mighty slick and dangerous. And even though she knew better, she made her way to her car and slid into the driver’s seat. The little Kia Soul started right up, as always, and she put the defogger on full blast. After just a couple of minutes she was ready to go.

So, she pulled out of the grocery store parking lot and eased on to the snowy, slick road. Her hands squeezed the steering wheel so tightly it almost looked as though no blood ran through her fingers.

Then, she whispered a quick prayer,

“God, please don’t let me slide off into the ditch or the creek. Please help me make it home.”

She could barely see even 10 feet in front of the headlights. And they got dimmer, from layers of freezing snow sticking to them. A few times the tires lost grip and slid a little bit. And the young woman’s whole body would jerk as she gasped and panicked a little. But she kept gently easing the car forward, careful to look for the white and yellow lines in the road. But she could only see them here and there.

This drive, on the short canyon road, which would normally be about five to seven minutes, took half an hour. She felt like kicking herself for not letting her family know what time she left the store. Because, through the canyon she didn’t have any phone signal.

But she finally reached the main road that would get her home. So, she figured she’d made it through the worst. Wrong.

Wouldn’t you know?Even though the main road was well-lit, it was also covered in about 4 or 5 inches of snow. And it felt even slicker than the other road. Plus, now she had to deal with multiple other “crazies” who didn’t seem slow down for the conditions at all. But she didn’t care if they didn’t like it, she slowed WAY down.

As she slogged along at only about 20 miles an hour, other cars whizzed by and splashed magnesium chloride slush all over her windshield. But she was determined. And she vowed to make it home to her loved ones. No matter what.

And she did.

But it wasn’t because she wasn’t afraid. It was because she decided to not give into the fear. Yes, fear IS an option. So, you CAN choose to fear. Or you can choose to do what God says to do.

Fear not.

Maybe you’ve got to deal with a blizzard in your life today. We’ve got a real one blasting through our city today. And that’s after almost 80 degrees yesterday. And maybe your challenge is something else. No matter what you’re up against, Fear Not is your best option. Or if fear hits you, out of the blue, at least don’t give in to it.

Choose to hold onto the promise God gave you: the “spirit of power and of love and of a sound mind“.

That won’t magically make the “blizzard” go away.But it WILL give you the courage and strength to keep driving toward home.

The keys are in your hand. It’s up to you.
Take the wheel and conquer that canyon road.
You’re never all alone in what you do.
Let God’s word relieve your heavy load.

By the way, I send encouraging, regular issues of my FunderFlash Journal to my subscribers. 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.

The form can be filled in the actual website url.

Stay tuned,

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What if you were the first person on Earth that God ever created? First thing is, you’d be a man. Because God created a man, first. But then, what if He brought you a lot of animals and birds and asked you to name them? Can you even imagine what you might say?

Remember, you’d be the first person on Earth.And you just arrived. And you wouldn’t even know what all the animals and birds could do. Much less know what to name them. Sounds more like a job for God. Right? Not the first person on Earth.

So, what would YOU do?

My guess (which isn’t a guess at all) is that you’d name all the animals and birds. And I bet you’d have a blast doing it. Because that’s EXACTLY what the first person on Earth, Adam, did. When God brought Adam all the animals and birds He created, to “see what he would call them,” Adam named them.

Period.

And I believe it pleased God, as any loving father would be pleased, to see what Adam could do. God made Adam in His image and likeness. So, that meant He also gave Adam a perfect brain, and He enjoyed watching him use it.

It wouldn’t make any sense at all for God to plan everything Adam could and would do. Because, then why would He need to put animals and birds in front of Adam to “see what he would call them?” If God had already planned it all, He’d already KNOW what Adam would call them.

So, God didn’t know, ahead of time, what Adam would come up with. But I bet He was a proud Father.

And I bet He still loves to see what you and I come up with.Because I’m sure He loves wonderful surprises, too. And if He already knew everything we’ll do, what a boring, predictable eternity He’d have to sit through.

Thankfully, the living, loving Creator of the universe DID make a plan to save us from ourselves. And He made Himself accessible to anyone who’s willing to take responsibility for his or her own actions. To anyone with enough humility to ask Him for help and wisdom.

The Power of His love created you.

And the sovereignty of His life can sustain you forever.

But He didn’t build you to be a robot or mindless machine to do His bidding.

Nope. He made you so you know you exist. And you can choose to love or even hate. He even gives you the choice of eternal life or death. He said, and I highly recommend you choose Life. Make love be…

The Last WordKeep a bolt of lightning in your brain
And a jar of honey in your heart.
Let love be the last word from your lips
Whether you’re together or apart.

Lightning is your passion over pain.
Honey is your holy hope within.
Send those feelings through your fingertips
And remember, always let love win. © 2020

Your email address is all it takes to get encouraging, regular issues of my FunderFlash Journal. 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.

The form can be filled in the actual website url.

Stay tuned,

The post The first person on Earth really showed off his worth appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

So, I reached the end of the comic book, but I kept reading. Because in the back of the magazine was a way to get a sea monkeys kit. And what blonde-haired, blue-eyed American boy wouldn’t want one of those?

What?! You think there’s no such thing as a sea monkeys kit?Well, it was advertised right there in a real life comic book. So, what more proof do you need. Or, if you didn’t want the sea monkeys kit, you could always get the secret to turn a 90-pound weakling into a real He-Man. And they couldn’t advertise all that if it wasn’t true.

Yeah, that’s all a bunch of silliness. The sea monkey kit just had some freeze-dried tiny shrimp that sort of came to life when you added water. And the “secret” to turn a 90-pound weakling into a real He-Man was the same as it always is. Work out. Eat sensibly. And stay as healthy as you can.

Plus, remember, those silly ads were (and are) in comic books where imagination is center of it all.

But there was once a guy named Ernst who drew some goofy drawings of human babies with gills. And he told some fibs about how humans go through phases, in mom’s womb, that resemble stages of evolution. What a knucklehead. You were made in the image and likeness of God. And He gave you imagination.

So, maybe you could use imagination to pretend you CAN breathe underwater. Then you could take an imaginary trip through the deep, blue sea. And you don’t have to hold your breath. And you don’t have to be like a fish. Let fish breathe their way. And you breathe your way. Just be you and enjoy the journey.

Here’s a rhyme to get little minds of mush (kids, grandkids, nieces, nephews, etc,) started off in the right direction when it comes to imagination like that.

Swim With FishI want you to come with me
Down in the deep, blue sea
Where a sea horse grins and spins its fins
And says we can swim for free.
We won’t have to stop for air
The whole time we’re under there.
We can swim with fish if we make a wish.
It’s a make-believe we’ll share.
So tell me, what do you say?
Would you like to go today?
We can tell our tales, how we swam with whales
And then we went our merry way. © 2020

You don’t have to believe in sea monkeys to get encouraging, regular issues of my FunderFlash Journal. 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.

The form can be filled in the actual website url.

Stay tuned,

The post Sea monkeys kit? Yeah, you better believe it. appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

There I was, a nine year old boy in the attic of a very old country house at the end of a dusty Kansas road. Well, it wasn’t actually the end of the road if you had the right kind of vehicle. The kind that could drive down the rocky incline, through the shallow creek, and up the other side where the dusty road continued.

But let’s get back to that boy in the attic.That year was, I think, the third year my brother and I went to live with my mom and stepfather in Kansas for the summer. They had moved from my step-grandparents’ hotel, in old Kansas City, Missouri, to the middle of nowhere in rural Kansas.

They rented a very old house that, these days, might be called “off grid.” It wasn’t totally. Because it had a telephone, electric lights, and indoor plumbin’. But it certainly looked off grid. Even had an old worn out tire swing on a fibrous old rope hangin’ from an old limb in an old tree. Least that’s how it looked to me.

One of those hot Kansas summer days I went exploring up in the attic. I had seen the odd looking door up past the second floor and finally decided to sneak in and see what mysteries I could find.

As you might guess, everything in there was dusty. Some old chairs, a strange-looking lamp, and even a few toys. My nine year old mind imagined how the kids who played with those toys might’ve looked. And as I thought about that, I rummaged through a beat up old box and found a dusty, hardcover copy of The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.

I opened it up and started reading the first few pages. And I was hooked.

And I don’t know long I read, but I was deep into the story when I heard my mom call out my name. So, I took the book and went downstairs to find it was time for lunch. I showed her the book and she said she didn’t even know it was up there. Then, she told me to be sure and finish it. Because she figured I’d enjoy the adventures.

Yeah, to say the least.Little did I know, at the time, how much that time in the attic would influence my life. I believe it jumpstarted my lifelong love for words and stories. After that I became an eager reader of writers such as Edgar Allen Poe, Walt Whitman, and Herman Melville. And poets such as Robert Frost, T.S. Eliot, and Rudyard Kipling.

Eventually my main focus was poetry and short stories. And I always carried my trusty Bic pen and spiral notebooks with me wherever I went.

All these years later, I’ve created a collection of rhyming books and short stories that I hope can help young kids find a love for reading and writing. And have a laughing good time as they read and listen. And speaking of that, be sure to listen to my FunderCast because many episodes feature readings of those poems, stories, and even some songs.

My guess is, if you (or your kids or grandkids) enjoy Dr. Seuss books, you (and they) will enjoy mine, too. But it’s only a guess unless you let me know like these parent and grandparents did:

Please keep writing! Pajamas & music go together like no other ~Jennifer Warne
Thank you for walking in the spirit. stay powerful! ~ David Hein
I truly enjoy your writing. I’m looking forward to listening to the Podcast. ~ Andrea Struble
My kids still get a smile when they hear your music for them. Thanks Tony! ~ Bob Enyart
Very well done! So well that I’m going to share this with my kids. ~ Cristina Miller

Of course, I love feedback like that.And if you ever buy a book from me and don’t feel that way, remember my money-back guarantee. I guarantee you won’t get your money back.

OK, thanks for riding along with me during my trip down memory lane (and in the attic). If there’s something special you’d like me to write about, that you think kids will enjoy, let me know. And I’ll see what I can do.

Sunday morning isn’t like the other mornings.
Maybe most will never know the reason why.
But I hope you find the fondest kind of memories
When another Sunday morning has gone by.

In the meantime, your email address is all it takes to get encouraging, regular issues (like what you just read) of my FunderFlash Journal. 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.

The form can be filled in the actual website url.

Stay tuned,

The post In the attic where visions were automatic appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

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.

The form can be filled in the actual website url.

Stay tuned,

The post Avocado bliss you don’t wanna miss this appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

Let’s climb into my time travel ship and zoom way, way back to 1964. And let’s fly over the hilly countryside of Eastern Kansas. Look way down there. See those two little ants? Wait. Let’s fly down a little lower. Hey, those aren’t ants. It’s two young knuckleheads. Riding bikes down a trail in between a field of corn and a tree-lined creek. But hang on. Those aren’t just ANY two knuckleheads. They’re my younger brother and me.

Riding bikes was a HUGE part of our lives.Because that was how we discovered whole new worlds. In the bright, Kansas summer sun. But also beyond sight and sound. Places that were 50 percent real. And 1000 percent imagination.

You might not believe me. But, back then, it was completely normal to do stuff that made you move your whole body. Or at least more parts of it than your thumbs and eyeballs. And, back then, if someone had said, “Let’s play some online games,” we’d probably ask, “Which line? Those lines in the street? Or the clothesline? Or maybe draw some lines, with chalk, on the sidewalk?”

Yeah, we would’ve thought about what kind of action-packed fun we could invent.

These days, most kids don’t get outside much. We hardly ever see them riding bikes. Weird thing is you can find more old men riding bikes than kids, now. And I know that’s not everywhere all the time. But it’s the norm.

Maybe kids forgot how to use their imagination to have fun. And maybe they need to ease back into it. So, maybe these simple ideas could jumpstart some action. Because these are games kids can even play on the front porch. Don’t even need to move into the yard if you’re not ready.

Check out these 5 games you can play on the front porch:1. Porch Chalk Obstacle Course * What You Need: Sidewalk chalk * How to Play: Draw an obstacle course on the porch with chalk. And include lines to hop along, circles to jump into, and arrows to follow. Kids can take turns navigating the course. And they can time each other or race side by side if the porch is wide enough. Add fun challenges like “spin 3 times” or “touch the railing.” 2. I Spy: Porch Edition * What You Need: Nothing! * How to Play: One child picks something visible from the porch (e.g., a plant, a mailbox, or a car) and says, “I spy with my little eye, something [color/shape].” Then, the others guess what it is. And they take turns being the “spy.” It’s a great way to keep them entertained even as they sit still. 3. Porch Bowling * What You Need: Plastic cups or empty bottles, a small ball * How to Play: Set up the cups or bottles in a triangle at one end of the porch. And kids take turns rolling the ball from the other end to knock them down. Count how many they hit each time for a fun scorekeeping twist. 4. Simon Says: Porch Actions * What You Need: Nothing! * How to Play: One child is “Simon” and gives commands like “Simon says touch the door,” “Simon says hop twice,” or “Simon says sit on the steps.” But if they say a command without “Simon says,” anyone who follows is out. And kids take turns as Simon. 5. Bubble Blast Porch Challenge * What You Need: Bubble solution and wands (or a homemade soap/water mix) * How to Play: Kids blow bubbles and compete to see who can pop the most before they hit the ground or who can blow the biggest bubble. And they can try “bubble tag,” where one kid blows bubbles and others race to pop them while staying on the porch.

These games are easy to set up and safe for the porch. And they can help young kids burn off energy and energize their imagination!

Here are some other ideas I wrote about a long time ago:Tiddlywinks and pick up sticks
And rainbows and balloons.
Maybe add some marbles, too,
And silly, happy tunes.
Funtime in the bright sunshine
To while the hours away…
Oh, and what I wouldn’t give
To be a kid today.
I’d set up the checkerboard
And play a game or two.
Then go grab my bag of jacks
And see how well I’d do.
Maybe I’d go find my friends,
And we could fly a kite
Tied onto our fishing pole…
We’d send it out of sight.
Then we’d reel it in again
And go out riding bikes…
And we’d ride to secret lands
‘Cross levees and ‘cross dikes.
After that I’d say goodbye
And we’d all go our ways.
Yes, I guess that’s just how my
Imagination plays. © 2013

Now, stop imagining and add your email address to get encouraging, regular issues of my FunderFlash Journal. 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.

The form can be filled in the actual website url.

Stay tuned,

The post Riding bikes with no worries about likes appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

So, I’m sitting at my desk. And I found this in-depth review of my website. Part of it said:

Tony Funderburk’s website paints a picture of a man who is:

Boldly Convicted: Unapologetic about his Christian beliefs, he uses his platform to proclaim his faith and values.
Creatively Versatile: As a writer, musician, and illustrator, he blends media to craft a unique, engaging experience.
Emotionally Authentic: His heartfelt content reflects a genuine desire to connect with his audience.

In short, https://www.TonyFunderburk.com is a cozy, faith-filled corner of the web. And a space where Tony, the “#1 Righteous Rhymester,” shares his preacher-poet perspective through rhythm, rhyme, and relatable stories. Made for those who enjoy God-centric content with a playful twist.

Yeah, that defines why I’m at my desk alright.Because I care about YOU. And I care about what’s gonna happen to you. Not just today. Every day. And that includes all the days that flow into an endless future. Because you DO have an endless future. And eternal life and death are yours for the choosing. So, I suggest this:

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

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

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

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

Choose life…choose life…choose life © 2013

If you wanna talk about it, I’ll probably right here at my desk. Email me.

Speaking of email, your email address is all it takes to get encouraging, regular issues of my FunderFlash Journal. 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.

The form can be filled in the actual website url.

Stay tuned,

The post At my desk and feeling Shakespeare-esque appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

It all started with a dream. An idea. Just some invisible thoughts in my head. Then, I wrote the thoughts down and they became words that I put into this little white box where you could see them. And that’s when the magic happened

I took invisible thoughts out of my head and put them into yours.And you didn’t feel a thing. It didn’t hurt. It wasn’t weird at all. Right?

But, then, even more magic happened. Your thoughts turned into pictures in your mind. You could see those pictures just by thinking about the words. And all that, my fumble-fingered friend, is how dreams are made.

So…no matter what you plan to do with your life…

No matter where you plan to go…

No matter how you plan to start and finish, remember to use the dreams in the invisible thoughts in your mind to thank God. Because He’s the one who makes sure that…

Dreamers DreamDream a little dream a lot
And dream away your frown.
Dream up stardust Christmas lights
To sparkle every town.
Dream at night and in the day
And never let dreams end…
Because they come from Jesus,
A dreamer’s truest friend. © 2014

And one more thing. Be sure your dreams don’t steal from others. There are lots of people who would like to come into your home and steal your dreams instead of working on their own.

And there are other people who wanna say…“But it’s dreamers we’re talkin’ about.
We can’t just simply kick them out.”

And to that I say:

‘Les they sneaked in and then hid.
Huh, you say that’s what they did?
Why can’t they dream in their own land?
Why is it hard to understand?
When what’s not yours enters your scheme,
You steal from someone else’s dream.

So, YES, be the YOU that God made you to be and use your own invisible thoughts to dream and make great things happen. But don’t steal from others to make it happen. Deal? Deal!

By the way, I like to encourage people who follow Jesus with regular issues of my FunderFlash Journal. 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.

The form can be filled in the actual website url.

Stay tuned,

The post Invisible thoughts you can see and you got them from me appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

There I was, in my grandparents’ living room. It was a hot, Oklahoma summer day. And my Dad and Uncle were putting a weird-looking box through a window. I didn’t know what it was, at the time, because I was only about five years old. But my grandmother sure looked happy about it. I could tell she thought that box was a good thing.

Turns out she was happy about it because it was cool.No. I mean actually cool. Not just cool like something you like is cool. The big box in the window pushed cool air into the house once they got it hooked up. What I didn’t know then was that my Dad and Uncle installed an evaporative cooler. Also known as a swamp cooler. And, wow, it made a big difference in how it felt in that living room.

By the way, that was a bunch of decades ago. Yeah, believe it or not, summers were mighty hot way back then. I’m not kiddin’. Oklahoma summer days could easily reach 100 degrees on a regular. Basis. Hmm…kinda like now.

Yeah, as it turns out, the Earth’s climate has been changing for just about as long as anybody has ever kept a record of it. And they’ve kept records for thousands of years.

You might not believe me, when I tell you this. But for most of my long life we called all that so-called “climate change” seasons. Seasons changed every year. And everybody was happy about it. Because every season has its own magic. Nothing to fear. It ain’t gonna kill you.

But you don’t have to take my word for it.Here’s what your Creator says about our planet.

While the earth remains,
Seedtime and harvest,
Cold and heat,
Winter and summer,
And day and night
Shall not cease.

And here’s something I wrote about this climate change thing

God is great, and God is strong.
And He made all there is.
So don’t fear this fearful world.
Remember, champ, you’re His.
If He says a thing is so,
Then you can bet it’s true.
Trust His promise to us all.
And trust Him to come through. © 2015

Your email address is all it takes to get encouraging, regular issues of my FunderFlash Journal. 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.

The form can be filled in the actual website url.

Stay tuned,

The post Happy about it much more than without it appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

I read a blurb that said kids still like to do things kids have done for decades. Like turn a spoon into a spaceship. Or turn a cardboard box into a castle. But now kids do funny things online because…well, because they can.

What I read said, “toddlers try to vlog with their parents’ phones. They narrate their snack time like mini influencers.” Where do they come up with those notions (rhetorical question because obviously adults nudge them)?

I also read that kids do other funny things like:* those wild TikTok dance challenges with zero coordination and maximum enthusiasm * invent games like “floor is lava” * pretend the couch is a pirate ship and the dog’s the captain * Ask Alexa or Siri stuff like “Why don’t dinosaurs wear socks?”

But, in that list, I noticed something missing. And it confirms what you can easily notice when you take a walk through just about any neighborhood in America. Kids don’t tend to do sunny things.

Yeah. They don’t play outside like kids used to.But that’s no big deal. Right? Well, it’s no big deal if unhealthy kids is no big deal. And unhealthy kids is what you get when they do all, or at least most, of their funny things indoors. Because the only vitamin D you’ll find indoors will be in a bottle. And it doesn’t even remotely compare to the absolutely free vitamin D they can get playing outdoors.

I’m not gonna go through a whole list of why vitamin D is important. Just know that it’s a fat-soluble vitamin that acts as a mineral-controlling hormone in the body. And it helps maintain normal blood levels of calcium and phosphorus. Plus, a decent amount of it helps prevent nutritional rickets and osteomalacia (soft bones) in kids.

So, if you get a kick out of the funny things kids do, encourage them to do more of it outside in the sunshine. And you don’t have to make it a command. Just tell ’em to outside and start…

Being SillyYou could shine just like a diamond in sunlight.
You could be a star and light the whole dark midnight.
And you could be a daffodil or tiger lily,
But nothin’ quite compares to being silly.

You could make a frown and wrinkle up your whole face
You could walk into a room and freeze the whole place.
By why would you want to make someone so chilly,
When nothin’ quite compares to being silly?

You could be a superhero on a mission
Or a genie helpin’ people with their wishin’.
You could make a funny face at Uncle Willy.
Yeah, nothin’ quite compares to being silly.

Your email address is all it takes to get encouraging, regular issues of my FunderFlash Journal. 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.

Stay tuned,

The post Kids do funny things but not very sunny things appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

This morning I remembered a mad conversation, between a young couple, I overheard in a burger joint a few years ago. And they were parents of a couple of young kids. I know that because the kids were in the booth with them. So, the sad part is how the kids had to listen.

And that’s the sad part because of what those kids were learning.I hoped and wished one of them would actually stop and think about the words gushing out their mouths. And I wished they could see the looks on their kids’ faces. AND those little faces reminded me of my younger brother and me. We went through a bunch of that, too. Mom and Dad exchanging loud insults and accusations. Dad slamming doors. Mom crying.

Then, after the yelling and crying phase, my brother and I endured most of 10 years of train rides from Texas to Kansas and back every year. At the end of a school year, our Dad and stepmom put us on a train, in Houston, that took us to Kansas City. And we lived in Kansas for the summer. Then, toward the end of summer, our Mom put us on the train back to Houston.

(funny side story: Mom had two more kids. And when they got old enough to talk, they thought the Kansas City train station was Texas. Because that’s where Mom dropped us off. And she told them she had to send us back to Texas. Ah, good times.)

Anyway…

Let’s get back to the young couple.Their argument lasted for the entire 20 minutes or so, I was there. At least they kept the volume to a level where they didn’t stir up the whole restaurant. I could just see that turning into a viral video from the perspective of dozens of phones in the joint. I’ve witnessed way too many of those scenes in recent years. Bet you have, too.

The sad part about most of those arguments is how they just continue day after day. But once in a great while, men and women actually work things out and end up with a stronger love. And it’s almost always because of one thing.

They set aside their selfishness. And they decide to follow what God says about love. When they do that, it turns out right. It’s not the easiest thing to do. I know too well. But it’s always the right thing to do.

If you find yourself in that position, not where you’d like to be with your loved one, stop trying to win. Just let God in and let love win. Especially if you have kids who see and hear you. And if you do, share this little rhyme with them to plant some love in them, too.

The Last WordKeep a bolt of lightning in your brain
And a jar of honey in your heart.
Let love be the last word from your lips
Whether you’re together or apart.

Lightning is your passion over pain.
Honey is your holy hope within.
Send those feelings through your fingertips
And remember, always let love win. © 2020

Your email address is all it takes to get encouraging, regular issues of my FunderFlash Journal. 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.

The form can be filled in the actual website url.

Stay tuned,

The post The sad part is the broken heart is just the start appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

“They” used to say, “Man, I’m on such a high right now,” when something made you big-time happy. And some said that when they inhaled certain kinds of smoke. But let’s not go there. The reason I brought it up is to talk about a rainbow high.

And the rainbow high comes from an actual rainbow.Not just some bright colors in an arch, or on a flag, or painted across a unicorn. No, I’m talkin’ about the beautiful colors you see after it rains and the sun shines on the water high in the sky. Yeah, a real, refracted light rainbow.

I remember, back in the 80’s, when I enjoyed seeing rainbows almost every afternoon from the patio of my apartment in Lakewood, Colorado. There were so many that I wrote a political song called “Rainbow City.”

Anyway…

There’s a large group of people who’ve done their unbalanced best to steal the meaning of the rainbow. They’ve tried to adopt it to their lifestyle choices, which contradict what God says.

Speaking of God, He invented light and colors, in case you didn’t know, but I’m sure you do. And He’s the one who said it’s a sign of His pledge with every creature on the Earth.

That’s why I wrote this short story and poem a few years ago.Rainbow riders are very special people. In the first place, they wear special boots that help them jump real high into the sky. Then they can jump on a brand new rainbow and ride it all the way around the world. And rainbow riders love to eat colorful fruits and berries. They fill their plates with cantaloupe, watermelon, strawberries, blueberries, honeydew, and pineapple. They know if they eat plenty of fruit they’ll be able to jump higher and ride away into the sunset.

Now, if you just sit back and close your eyes and look real hard, you might just see some of those rainbow riders riding rainbows behind your eyelids.

Now, THAT’S what I call a rainbow high.

And if you really focus, you might be able to jump up and join the…

Rainbow RidersRiding on a rainbow after all the raindrops fell…
Little rainbow riders didn’t hear the dinner bell…
So they kept on riding through the sky above the clouds…
High above the weather and away from all the crowds.

They could see the sailing ships and fishes in the sea…
They could see the pyramids and lands of mystery…
All the world was like a book with video and sound…
And they could turn the pages just by going ’round and ’round.

Little rainbow riders ride the rainbows till they fade…
Then they land on earth and have a picnic in the shade…
They fill their bowls with berries and juicy melons too…
And fall asleep and dream of riding rainbows through the blue. © 2013

Your email address is all it takes to get encouraging, regular issues of my FunderFlash Journal. 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.

The form can be filled in the actual website url.

Stay tuned,

The post Rainbow high up in the sky and the reason why appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

This world is getting darker and meaner every day. And there are fewer kids doing wholesome kid stuff with each passing year. But I think you’ll find that the sights and scents of a flower garden can still attract kids almost as much as they attract bees.

So, stop what you’re doing and make the most of it. So what if you had an appointment. Be a little late. So what if you’re on the way to work or the kids are on the way to school (which I recommend is in your own home). What you can teach them in a single, precious moment can have eternal benefits. And that trumps the daily routine any time.

With each passing year you have fewer chances to make a difference.Here’s the main reason you and the kids should stop and smell the flowers. Because it’s a simple, effective connection you and they can make to your living, loving God who made the flowers. He’s the Creator who spoke words and all the universe exploded into existence. That’s powerful stuff packed into each flower. And right down to the very fragrance that wafts up into your nose. I call it…

The Scent of HeavenTake a look at the colors in a flower.
They’re as beautiful as anything you’ll see.
And God knows just exactly what they all need
To bring joy and delight to you and me.

Even more than the best and brightest flower
God loves you every moment of the day.
So the next time you stop and smell a lily
Take a minute just to thank the Lord and say…

“Lord I love to smell the lilies of the valley
And the roses, lavender, and lilacs too.
I love to know they come back every springtime.
Best of all I know the flowers came from You.” © 2015

Your email address is all it takes to get encouraging, regular issues of my FunderFlash Journal. 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.

The form can be filled in the actual website url.

Stay tuned,

The post Each passing year flowers show the Truth here appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

I never met a honey bee I didn’t like. And, maybe it’s just my imagination (because I have a powerful imagination), but I think they like me, too.

Because every honey bee I see smiles at me.Now, I gotta tell ya. It takes a special way of squinting your eyes in order to be able to see a honey bee smile. But I’ve been working on my squint since I was a very young boy. And, at the risk of sounding braggy, I’m probably the best honey bee smile-finding squinter in the world.

Maybe that’s because I’ve always enjoyed honey. On, and in, all kinds of good stuff. I put honey on walnuts and blueberries and heavy cream. I put it in my coffee with butter and coconut oil. And, back when I still ate peanut butter, I added honey to my sandwich instead of jelly. Mm, mm, more gooder.

And I enjoyed the amber goodness before I ever found out how the honey you find close to where you live is a natural antibiotic. Isn’t that cool? It’s also a tasty way to help you fight off germs inside your body. Bet you can’t find any jellies that can do that for you.

So, you see, those little bees are watching out for you. They just think they’re gathering nectar for their hives. And maybe that’s why they buzz by me with tiny smiles on their bee faces. Hmm, maybe they understand how they were designed to help us humans have a better, longer life. I can’t prove that’s true. But it wouldn’t surprise me if it is.

OK, Spring is almost here. And that means you’ll start seeing honey bees gathering nectar from flowers. So, if you see one of ‘em buzzing around you, don’t be scared. Just work on your bee smile-finding squint. And when you get good at it, give the fuzzy little bee a wink. Then, go in the house and ask your mom for some…

Peanut Butter And HoneyPeanut butter and honey
Sittin’ on a slice of bread.
Peanut butter said “Honey…
You and me should wed.
We should be together
And nevermore be apart.
Honey, I really mean it,
And this comes from my heart.”
Honey said “Peanut butter,
We don’t need to get wed.
I’m just a natural sweetener.
You’re just a sandwich spread.
Let’s just stick together
Through every crunch and munch.
They’ll have us back on Tuesday.
The kids love us for lunch. © 2013

I say this all the time because it’s true: Your email address is all it takes to get encouraging, regular issues of my FunderFlash Journal. 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.

Stay tuned,

The post Honey bee and me, we get along, you see appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

X marks the spot where I read what a homeschool mom said about the idea that homeschooled kids don’t get enough social interaction. She said:

Homeschooled kids:

leave their homes,
talk to people,
read books,
play sports,
go to dances,
play instruments,
debate,
create art,
work jobs,
drive cars,
build things,
perform science experiments, and
grow up to live in the real world.

And then she finished with this tongue-in-cheek remark:

“It’s almost as if they don’t need the public school system at all.”

And I said X marks the spot because I read all that on X.comIn case you don’t know about that social channel (and it almost seems impossible that you wouldn’t) it used to be Twitter. But Elon Musk bought it. And he likes all his businesses to have some sort of connection to the letter X. Whatever.

Anyway…

Just imagine. A kid stays home to learn the three R’s from mom and dad, but he can still talk to other people. Wow, that’s explosive news. But that ain’t all. Learning at home also doesn’t stop kids from reading books or drawing and painting. And that woman expects us to believe those same kids can also learn to play musical instruments and even debate?!

Plus, those socially deprived kids drive cars, build things, and grow up in and go out into the real world.

I can ONLY imagine how difficult it must be for them to order off a burger joint’s menu. Because that’s gonna require skills they surely missed out on in those dastardly home schools.

Yeesh.

Look. If you’re a kid, and your mom and/or your dad are your teachers, you’re one of the luckiest kids in the whole, wide world. Because you get to learn from people who actually LOVE you and want you live up to the potential God put in you.

And speaking of Him, here’s what I recommend…Start learning about the one, living Lord.
Put knowledge inside your head,
And when you read something He has to say,
Go back and read what you read.
As you get older you’ll see what I mean…
Go add and subtract and spell.
Then learn all about the one, living Lord.
He made you and loves you well.

Plus, He died on a “cross.” And that X marks the spot where Grace was paid for, forever.

Your email address is all it takes to get encouraging, regular issues of my FunderFlash Journal. 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.

The form can be filled in the actual website url.

Stay tuned,

The post X marks the spot where I got this thought appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

Where I live it can get pretty windy. In fact, the current Funderburk home town is the fifth windiest city in America. We have an average wind speed of 11.5 mph. And the strongest recorded wind speed is over 101 mph. Wow, that’s a lotta gusto.

All that windy talk reminds me of when my dad showed my brother and me how to hook up our kites to our saltwater rods and reels. And it was SO cool how we could get the kites into the air with no help needed from someone else. We just lifted the rod and let the wind catch the kite wings and let out the line.

And, in almost no time at all, our kites would be soaring a 100 yards in the air. Then, the coolest part was how easy it was to get ’em back down. Just reel ’em in.

Brilliant!

So, tomorrow never comes.

Huh? What’s that got to do with kites and wind speed?Hang in there, you restless wrangler. I’m gittin’ to that.

Yeah, tomorrow never comes. But there’s always tomorrow. That’s the peculiar puzzle known as time. And it’s why I say…

Ride the wind when it’s windy.
Drink up when it rains, and
Sunbathe when others complain about the heat.

Because your days here on earth are very, very short. Don’t take yourself so seriously. Be like excited kids with kites on rods and reels.

Kids know how to laugh at things no one else can even see. Kids know how to be goofy and not care that mud got on the knees of their pants. And kids know how to love uncontrollably, hug unabashedly, and give undeniably. And most of all…kids know how to…

Ride The WindMonday morning put your wings on tight.
Wouldn’t wanna lose ’em in the middle of a flight.
Don’t forget wings for your one best friend…
Need a navigator, when you’re gonna ride the wind.

Check the weather. Is the blue sky blue?
Just a little lightning is enough to throttle you.
Wear your goggles, and I recommend
You take along some gloves when you’re gonna ride the wind.

Nothing better than to fly up high
Soaring with the eagles, it’s like dancing in the sky.
Don’t you worry when it has to end…
There’s always tomorrow when you’re gonna ride the wind. © 2013

Add your email address to get regular flashes of light, like this, sent 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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Stay tuned,

The post Wind speed and the need to plant a seed appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

When I was a boy, most parents, across America, actually cared about their kids’ health. And well-being. Yeah, I know it sounds like a fairy tale. But it was true. Most homes had a stay at home mom. And that’s a HUGE advantage over what goes on in America these days.

My stay at home mom was better than any superhero.She didn’t just make sure I was fed. She also bought, prepared, and cooked the food. Show me some guy who dresses up in spandex with a spider or large S on his chest who ever did that. Sorry, you won’t be able to show me that. Because it never happened.

Plus, my stay at home mom didn’t just make sure I was dressed properly. She also bought or made my clothes. And she washed and ironed those clothes. And she did that for multiple kids in the house. GASP! That’s gotta be a typo. Because that doesn’t even sound real.

But it was total reality back in the day.

I pity the vast majority of households in America who don’t have a stay at home mom. It’s tragically sad to know the enormous benefits they’re missing out on.

Moms AND dads, back then, for the most part made sure their kids watched G-rated programs and movies. Thankfully they had lots to choose from that had positive messages. Even if they were just messages of friendship, honesty, perseverance, and teamwork.

And positive faith-filled messages (without technology overload) sparked imagination and creativity.

Yeah, it ain’t no coincidence that clear minds create better.An increasing number of people want you to believe there’s no such thing as a coincidence. Of course, that’s not true. Most times things happen because of your choices. But sometimes the way things are is by design. And one example is how much better your mind works when it’s filled with better things.

I’m so glad my stay at home mom AND my work hard dad gave me a life of lots more better things. Because that sparked my imagination and creativity. And that spark grew into a flame that’s never burnt out.

The color of music notes is in your head,
In circles and parallelograms,
And in abstract and translucent bowls.
And it’s all held together by sonic thread.

The colors keep dripping down into the song
Like jellies and marmalades and jams.
And they take on sweet lives without souls.
And that’s where you’ll find yourself floating along.

Your email address is all it takes to get encouraging, regular issues of my FunderFlash Journal. 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.

The form can be filled in the actual website url.

Stay tuned,

The post Stay at home mom was da benefits bomb appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

According to research, rhyming books can “help with language development, including phonemic awareness, which is crucial for early reading skills.” And apparently rhyming books “make learning fun which is particularly appealing to young children.” Hmm. I guess that might all be true. But I just write ’em for the funny looks.

Yeah, kids get funny looks on their faces with the right rhymes.And call me goofy (I’ve been called worse), but I just get a kick out of those funny looks. Puzzled looks. Faces that show obvious consternation (love that word). Because it shows me they hear what I wrote, and maybe even enjoy it, even if they don’t quite understand.

When I was the music “minister” for a small Denver church, for 3 years, I almost always had a crowd of kids visit me on the stage after church was over. They called me Mister Tony (which is why I use that name for my animated alter ego). And I had always enjoyed messing with their minds by calling them by wrong names. Or by turning their statements upside down or inside out.

Like, I’d ask them if they were gonna go outside and enjoy the beautiful green skies that day. And they’d get funny looks on their faces. “Not green skies. Blue,” they’d say. And I’d give them a certain look and act like I was amazed they thought such silly things.

My wife and I didn’t receive the blessing of our own kids. But I always learned a lot about what kids like by watching nieces and nephews and my friends’ kids. And those kids in church.

For over 20 years I’ve put my rhyming skills to work in Christian books and music for kids. Because rhymes can help make Christian values, Bible stories, and even moral lessons easy and fun for kids to remember.

Then there’s the entertainment value.Rhymes, in a song, appeal to kids because, I believe, they can almost “know” what’s coming. And the anticipation of it tickles their fancy. And I believe that’s true because that happened for me when I was a kid. That might have been a big part of why I wanted to dive into music even when I was very young.

Another part of the entertainment value comes when you perform music and aim it at kids. Especially when you use your own funny looks or movements to see if they’re paying attention. I remember singing for kids, parents, and teachers at a Christian school’s spring festival. And I got a kick out of how some little girls laughed at the words to my song, “Don’t.” I was impressed at how well they got the gist of it.

An article I recently read said “books that combine faith-based content with rhyming can serve as a tool for passing down religious traditions and teachings in an accessible format for young minds.” And it added that “some popular examples might include:

Bibles for children that use rhyme to simplify and explain scriptures.
Books on Christian morals like sharing, kindness, or the story of Jesus, told through rhymes.
Prayer books for kids where prayers are written in poetic form.”

I’m fine with all that. And I’ll actually keep working on providing those kinds of resources. But, between you and me…my favorite part is still the funny looks.

Take a second and join the growing body of believers who’ve already signed up for the FunderFlash Journal. And, to show my sincere appreciation for your time and attention, I’ll send you download links to 2 of my books and 2 songs, right away, that grownups AND kids can enjoy. Then, I’ll do my best to encourage you to sing a new song with the power of God’s love.

Stay tuned,

The post Funny looks because of rhyming books appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

Be aware. Be very aware. At all times. And in all places. Especially if you’re a female, a child, or a weakened old person. Because you best believe there are scumbags out there who are aware of who’s not aware.

So, once again. Be what? Yeah! Be aware.Years ago I wrote a short story about a young boy who wasn’t the least bit aware. And the story shows what he had to go through as a result. Of course, this is the kind of story that leads to lots of child trafficking and missing persons in general. I hope this never happens to you.

It was a very hot summer day. But Curtis didn’t mind. He was standing in front of the ice cream freezer at the grocery store. Holding the door open he felt the fresh, cold air blow through his short, blond hair. He remembered his mom telling him to stay close, so he slammed the freezer door and turned around.

“Mommy, this feels good,” he chirped. But Mommy wasn’t there. He froze like a vanilla popsicle. “Where’s my mommy?” he thought. Oh no!

Suddenly Curtis ran to one end of the aisle. He looked left. He looked right. No Mommy. He saw those big, gray boxes where grownups slide stuff and put their money in. No Mommy. He ran to the front door of the store and looked outside. No Mommy. He ran all the way down the aisle with the yellow bags of potato chips he loved. He didn’t even see them. And when he got to the other end…no Mommy.

He remembered Mommy saying, “Stay close, Curtis.”He sure wished she was close right now. But she was still nowhere in sight. Then he saw a woman by the big, green watermelons with a red shirt on. Mommy was wearing a red shirt. He flew across the floor as fast as his short legs could go. As he got to her he yelled, “Mommy!” But it wasn’t her.

“Are you lost, little boy?” asked the lady in the red shirt. Curtis just shook his head and took off again. This time he ran past the shelves with that purple cough medicine he hated. He didn’t even care. Mommy wasn’t there. A man behind a glass window pointed his finger and said something. But Curtis didn’t stop. He just knew Mommy had to be here somewhere.

And he kept remembering her say, “Stay close, Curtis.”

He ran past the sweet smelling flowers in the back of the store. And he heard a crackly, voice from those black boxes in the ceiling. “Blah, blah, blah…little boy…blah, blah, blah,” said the voice. Curtis didn’t listen. He had to find Mommy.

Then he remembered something else. Mommy said she needed to buy some dog food. He knew where that was because Mommy always let him help. So he zoomed over to all the pet stuff. A man was sweeping some crunchy, brown dog food off the floor. But still…no Mommy.

The man shouted, “Here he is!”But Curtis was already running again. He plopped past the plastic bags of paper towels. He soared past the cereal. And he bolted past the broccoli. No Mommy here…no Mommy there…no Mommy anywhere.

His heart was beating fast. He felt like crying. But he kept running.

He turned to run down the cookie aisle and nearly fell down. But, finally, there she was!

“Mommy!” Curtis screamed with delight. He ran straight to her and grabbed her leg.

“Curtis, you had me so worried,” she said. “I’ve been looking all over the store for you.” He knew he was in trouble. But he also knew everything was going to be alright. “What do I always tell you, little man?” Mommy asked. “I know, Mommy, I know,” Curtis answered. “Stay close.”

Yeah, these days this story is crucial to understand. Because this world is meaner and more dangerous than ever. So, I hope it inspires you to be aware. At all times and everywhere. It’s bad enough what might happen to you if you’re not. But even worse is how you wouldn’t be around to stay connected with me.

And we can’t have that.

Take a second and join the growing body of believers who’ve already signed up for the FunderFlash Journal. And, to show my sincere appreciation for your time and attention, I’ll send you download links to 2 of my books and 2 songs, right away, that grownups AND kids can enjoy. Then, I’ll do my best to encourage you to sing a new song with the power of God’s love.

Stay tuned,

The post Be aware, everywhere, who is and ain’t there appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

Way back in the 20th century, in a little Kansas town, of barely 1500 people, T-bud enjoyed summertime. In fact, he didn’t just enjoy it, he could barely wait for it every year. Yeah, you’d have a hard time finding anyone in the whole world who loved summertime more than T-bud.

Every year he begged his mom, for weeks, to let him go barefoot.Matter of fact he always asked her so much that, in her aggravated mom voice, she’d say, “Theophilus Arthur Buddington! If you ask me one more time, I won’t let you go barefoot at all this summer!”

And that’s when he knew he had to just hang tight and wait.

Because he loved to feel the dusty Kansas backroads and soft, grassy fields and rolling hills on the bottoms of his feet. Now, the summer he was ten, T-bud was on one of those walks, under a mighty hot summer sun. So, he found a shade tree and walked over to find a place to sit for a while. And he was just about to do that when he spotted a rusted, old tin can sittin’ on a stump right by the creek.

He still had plenty of time to get back home before mom would get worried. So, he looked around and picked up a pocketful of rocks. Because he felt the urge to test his aim by throwing rocks at the can. Once he was satisfied he had enough good rocks, he lined up for target practice.

He got the feel of the first rock in his palm, bounced it around a couple of times to be sure, and fired off his first throw. Rats! The rock missed the can by a mile and splashed into the water. So, he threw a second rock and it bounced off the trunk of a willow tree nearby. Alright, that was it. Now, it was time to get serious. So, T-bud squinted his eyes and grabbed the smoothest, best-shaped rock.

And he threw a beautiful straight fast pitch.And the rock caught just enough of the bottom right side of the can to make a little “tink” noise. Not the result he hoped for. But it encouraged him to keep trying.

For days, and even weeks, T-bud returned to that same stump and can and threw hundreds, maybe even thousands of rocks. So many he just plain lost count. But he didn’t just throw for the sake of throwing. He studied his own moves. And the way different shaped rocks would fly through the air. Every hit AND every miss gave him more information to help him adjust his stance and arm and wrist.

He finally got so good that he almost never missed. Yeah, you’d have to wait a long time if you watched him just to see when he’d miss. And he got that good at longer distances, too. It was unbelievable. Other kids would come by sometimes and, to them, T-bud’s rock throwing skills almost looked like a magic trick.

But summer came to an end. Then Autumn passed on by. And that ended up being the last time T-bud would throw so many rocks. Every year after that took him further away. Other summers came and went, and other interests popped up. And one of those interests changed his life forever. T-bud discovered the charm and allure of…wait for it…girls.

Then, it was all over.Carefree summer days, strolling along with nothin’ to do but think and throw, it was all gone to the land of fond memories and distant dreams. Just like it happens, every year, for everybody.

But one day, many years later after T-bud turned into Theophilus (most called him Theo) full-time, he found his way back to that little Kansas town. And he climbed across a gate and strolled out into the green Kansas field that led to that creek and willow tree. The tree was gone. But the old stump was still there.

Theo looked around for a can or something to set up on the stump. No cans to be found. But he DID find an old piece of barn wood. So, that would have to do. Then, he found three good rocks. Yep, they were just about as good as he could hope for, and he bounced them around in his palm to get a feel.

He walked back about 50 feet. Then, he got into what he hoped was his best rock-throwing stance. And he cradled the first rock in his fingers, wound up his pitch, and threw a fast one. A miss! But he only missed by about two feet.

OK, now he got even more ready. Good stance. Loose shoulder. Good grip. Let ‘er fly. And the rock bounced off the old stump only about two inches in front of the can. Well, only one rock to go.

Theo saw little T-bud, in his mind’s eye. The kid who wouldn’t stop till he could hit the target every time. The image of himself as a boy on a mission to be the best rock thrower ever inspired Theo to put his whole heart and soul into his third and last throw.

“Here…you…go…”The rock left Theo’s hand with just the right feel. And he felt that old, familiar feeling of a successful throw. It seemed as though the rock sailed through the air in slow motion. And it was almost as if he was able to watch himself and the rock from somewhere else. Wow, what a glorious moment in his life.

And the rock…

Uh-oh. I seemed to have misplaced what happened next. Oh man! That’s frustrating. Right when you’re about to find out the end to the story, the writer misplaces it.

Tell you what.

How ’bout you tell me what you think the ending was or should be? Yeah, send me your version of the ending. And if it’s the one that fits best, I’ll add it to the story and tell everybody you’re the one who sent it.

Sound good? Great. I’ll be watching for it. In the meantime…

Take a second and join the growing body of believers who’ve already signed up for the FunderFlash Journal. And, to show my sincere appreciation for your time and attention, I’ll send you download links to 2 of my books and 2 songs, right away, that grownups AND kids can enjoy. Then, I’ll do my best to encourage you to sing a new song with the power of God’s love.

Stay tuned,

The post Every year when summertime was here appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

There are lots of bad guys (and that includes the female part of “guys” too) out there everyday. You can’t swing a metal jump rope without hittin’ at least one.

In fact, I could tell you a story, three stories in fact, that happened one after another on three consecutive nights way back in the 20th century. Well, I’ll just share the short version of the first one.

I was beaten by a motorcycle gang. Yep. True story. A group of them arrived at a place where I worked, and I had been advised to let them know they wouldn’t be allowed in. The establishment had a dress code. And, as you might imagine, the bikers didn’t come close to meeting the standard.

They didn’t like being told to leave.And they started to, let’s say, “raise some cane.” One thing led to another, and I found myself locked outside with no other workmates. And the biker dudes threw me on the hood of a VW and commenced to pound the daylights out of me. I knew I couldn’t take them on, so I just rolled onto my belly and protected my face and head as much as possible.

After what felt like too long, I heard sirens, and they hopped on their hawgs and took off.

Workers opened the front door after hearing the sirens and motorcycle engines. And they found me lying on the sidewalk. Of course, the management saw the huge swollen spots on my face and rushed me to a nearby hospital to be checked out. Fortunately I ended up with only minor cuts, bruises, and a concussion.

That was just the first night. Remind me to tell you what happened the next two nights.

But bad stuff ain’t all. There’s something else out there everyday, too.The Way to be alert and aware. The Way to be prepared to avoid all, or at least most, of the baddies out there everyday. And the Way to get wiser and not just smarter.

Since too many good guys don’t have a clue how to properly handle bad guys, it’s a good idea for YOU to learn how to discern. And that’s just a fancy word that means figger some things out. But never worry. Never fear. Because, as I said, your Way is here.

Or at least the Way is a close as your bookshelf, table, or even your phone. That’s where I go when I need or want to know more about how to handle bad guy stuff. Here’s how it works:

When you wear the full armor of God,
You’ll be ready when the enemies attack.
You can’t see ’em, but beware, they are out there everywhere.
But with God’s help you can always fight them back.

Take a second and join the growing body of believers who’ve already signed up for the FunderFlash Journal. And, to show my sincere appreciation for your time and attention, I’ll send you download links to 2 of my books and 2 songs, right away, that grownups AND kids can enjoy. Then, I’ll do my best to encourage you to sing a new song with the power of God’s love.

Stay tuned,

The post Out there everyday so stay in the Way appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

Maybe you think of “A Christmas Story” when I share the term, BB gun. Or maybe you remember wanting one yourself once upon a time. Hopefully you’re not a scaredy cat who’s triggered (pun definitely intended) by any use of the word gun.

Whatever you think of, I’ve got a funny story about a goofy BB gun.Once or twice upon a time Dad brought home a pellet rifle, he’d found during his workday, and gave it to my younger brother and me. OK, you probably think, “Tony, you’re supposed to be telling a BB gun story. What’s that got to do with a pellet rifle?”

Gosh, aren’t you the little detective? Sure, I know the two guns aren’t the same. But they are the same KIND. Because they both use air to fire off the ammo.

Anyway…

Dad had to work on the little rifle’s pump and trigger to get it to work well enough to use. And he did a great job because the gun worked just right after he finished. He even bought us a box of pellets. And we had some target practice for a few days till the pellets ran out.

Then, my brother and I took a quick bike trip to the sporting goods store nearby to get some more. But we discovered something extremely important. BB’s were a lot cheaper than pellets. And we figured since an air rifle can shoot either one, we’d go for the BB’s.

And the only problem would be how to aim and shoot.As long as we aimed at something straight across or up no problem. But we couldn’t shoot at anything that was down. Because, after loading a single BB in the barrel, it would just roll back out if it was pointed down.

Kinda silly. Right? Yeah, but hey. We saved who knows how many pennies by buying BB’s. So, it was totally worth it. And for a lot of the shooting we did, we could make do.

One time, during a bike and hike journey into the wilderness, we took the BB gun to get some practice shooting at bugs and limbs and other stuff. The wilderness was just some land that followed the path of a bayou down in South Texas. We had plenty of BB’s. And a couple of our buddies came with us. We all had a blast. And we were probably out there for a few hours.

But, as young boys often do, we all got hungry and knew it was time to go home. My brother discovered his bike had a flat. I told him I’d watch it for him, after one of our friends offered to give him a ride home to get a tire patching kit. So, he jumped on the bike with his buddy and they rode across the trail.

When they were about 75 yards away, I got a crazy notion to just aim the BB gun in the air and shoot in their direction. In my young mind of mush I had pictured the BB landing in the dirt somewhere just to spook ’em.

But wouldn’t you know? (I sure wouldn’t.)The BB fell out of the air and hit my brother on his neck. It wasn’t flying fast enough to break his skin. But I know it stung. Because he flew off the bike, turned around and saw me, and started running back at me yelling bloody murder.

If you were ever an older brother, or if you’re one now, you know how hard it would be to not laugh. Darn near impossible. But if you were ever the younger brother, or you’re one now, you can probably remember the frustration (and pain) of dealing with an older, bigger brother. Ah, good times.

OK, the morals of this story are:

Don’t turn a pellet rifle into a BB gun
Make sure you have a bike tire patch kit, especially if you’re a younger brother
Never fire any kind of gun in the direction of someone you don’t intend to hurt
Make sure your loved ones know you love them (because crazy things happen in life)

Well, there you go. An epic story of adventure from back when epic stories of adventure happened daily. Hope you enjoyed it. If you say no, I’ll go see if I still have some BB’s around here somewhere.

Take a second and join the growing body of believers who’ve already signed up for the FunderFlash Journal. And, to show my sincere appreciation for your time and attention, I’ll send you download links to 2 of my books and 2 songs, right away, that grownups AND kids can enjoy. Then, I’ll do my best to encourage you to sing a new song with the power of God’s love.

Stay tuned,

The post BB gun wasn’t fun when the exploring was done appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

Do these sound like masculine traits? Decisiveness, assertiveness, and confidence? I think they certainly SHOULD sound like masculine traits. And I believe those traits can be instilled into boys in ways that help them develop leadership skills.

Let me ask you this? Do you think that’s happening in America these days? I don’t. At least not as a rule. Only as the exception. The general rule has turned to females in charge of little boys. And a majority of those little boys have turned into pasty-faced, video-playing mama’s boys who act way too feminine.

And that brings me back to why a boy needs to develop leadership skills?Well, here’s some reasoning I read in a bullet list somewhere online. It said, “Boys who are taught to lead with integrity and respect can become leaders in their communities, workplaces, and families, promoting positive change and setting examples for others.”

Yeah, OK. Nothing particularly wrong about that. But it uses two overused clichés. “Promoting positive change.” And “setting examples for others.”

And I exiled those two phrases to cliché status because they don’t actually say anything. For example, what one person might call “positive change” another person might say is too crazy to even consider. And what kinds of examples should be set for others? Who gets to determine what they should be?

I’ll tell you who, here in the FunderSphere, gets to say what positive change is and what kinds of examples should be set. Mister Tony. That’s who. Uh-oh. Did I just put myself in charge of what’s right and wrong? You bet I did. But before you go ballistic, berserk, and bonkers on me for doing something so unthinkable, let me use some of my hard-earned leadership skills and ‘splain it just a step or two further.

Because no one is good but God.And since that includes me, I look for real truth. I found real Truth when I was only 13. And every time I’ve zig-zagged away from that Truth, I knew it was me who moved. Not Truth.

So, when I want to share actual, man-building truth with kids (at least the male kids), I go to the Manufacturer’s manual. And I look for the solid answers there that are always right. Always on target. And always based in God’s love for anyone who loves Him.

Then, I take those answers I find, in the manual, and I convert them into easy-to-understand nuggets of knowledge and insert them into Christian books for kids, rhymes, songs, and videos.

Here’s a short, to-the-point example:

There’s a life inside of you, and it comes from God,
And He wants you to live and to always enjoy
And remember He made you the person you are,
Yes, a girl is girl and a boy is a boy.

And that ain’t never gonna change no matter how much haters try to change it.

Now, take a second and join the growing body of believers who’ve already signed up for the FunderFlash Journal. And, to show my sincere appreciation for your time and attention, I’ll send you download links to 2 of my books and 2 songs, right away, that grownups AND kids can enjoy. Then, I’ll do my best to encourage you to sing a new song with the power of God’s love.

Stay tuned,

The post Leadership skills that true love instills appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

“They” say if you’re gonna write Bible stories for kids, then those stories should be adapted to their ability to understand. I agree. To a degree.

Because I also believe Bible stories for kids can entertain with facts.But what do I know. I never had kids. So, I have nothing to go by. Wait a sec. Believe it or not, once upon a time, back in the olden days, I WAS a kid. And I remember enjoying Bible stories that came directly from the Bible and delighted my senses.

And just about 99.99% of the time those stories were told in rhymes. I know. Big surprise. But there was always something about rhythm and rhyme that sent words into the stickiest places of my brain. And there they remain. I bet you had similar experiences. Right?

Anyway…

I brought up Bible stories for kids because, as you might know, I’ve shared a few of them right here in the FunderSphere. And some of them have magically (or at least methodically) turned into books for kids.

Did someone mention books for kids?

Oh yeah, that was me.Par dona moi. That’s Lithuanian for “oops.” Or Portuguese. Or some language or another. No matter.

Back to the books thing. I’ve been making some entertaining updates to my book “The Very First 6 Days.” And I’ve also been working on a more efficient buying experience for you. Because if there’s anything you need, it’s a better way to get FunderBooks into your kids’ hands faster.

So, that techie stuff is on its way. In the meantime, here’s a snippet from the book. Appropriately it’s…

The Very First DayBefore there were created things, and darkness filled the air…
No world or human beings were existing anywhere.
Then God created earth and sea and all the heavens too.
There was no sun, no moon, no stars, and only God shone through.

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

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

Take a second and join the growing body of believers who’ve already signed up for the FunderFlash Journal. And, to show my sincere appreciation for your time and attention, I’ll send you download links to 2 of my books and 2 songs, right away, that grownups AND kids can enjoy. Then, I’ll do my best to encourage you to sing a new song with the power of God’s love.

Stay tuned,

The post Bible stories for kids will entertain your Jack and Jill appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

Here’s a little more sharp talk for ya. And, just so you know, I’m not a Greek expert. Actually not even a Greek amateur. But there are some who dig more deeply into Greek translation to get a better understanding of what different parts of the Bible mean. Here’s an example of that, from Ronald Giese Jr., using the word “sharpen.”

“This is how the ancient Greek translations of the Hebrew Bible may have understood the meaning of the word ‘sharpen.’ They translate it with a Greek term that can mean ‘to urge or stimulate’ but also ‘to provoke or irritate’ (παροξύνω). And in the rest of the Greek Old Testament, that verb is only ever used to mean ‘to provoke” (e.g. Num 14:11; Deut 1:34; 9:19; Ps 106:29; Hos 8:5). ‘Sharpening’ someone else, then, could mean provoking or irritating them.”

Ok, if you have a different understanding of that sharp talk, let me know.But, from what I’ve seen, it makes sense. And it certainly plays out in the so-called “discussions” I’ve seen Christians place on social media for the world to see (not the best idea).

Now, to continue with what Mr. Giese shared, check out what he calls…

“The Practicalities of Sharpening Iron

In the ancient world, the concept of ‘ironing sharpening iron’ would be easily associated with the use of an iron hammer to form a heated weapon or tool. What this iron hammer does not do is ‘sharpen’ the other tool. When we think of ‘sharpening’ today, we think of sharpening pencils or sharpening knives. But ancient iron tools could not be used to ‘file’ or ‘sharpen’ other iron tools. And what would happen is that both iron pieces would become dull.

‘Iron sharpening iron’ refers to the preparation of a weapon, of something ready for battle. Paired with the second half of Proverbs 27:17, the sharpening of someone’s face, this proverb concerns provoking another person so that they become antagonistic toward you. And the context of the verse doesn’t suggest what is the cause of this ‘sharpening.’ But Giese Jr. suggests that it may be if two people spend too much time in conversation, it may lead to heated or foolish discussion.”

Just like what I mentioned above and in my last post.Those heated discussions can be found just about everywhere. And I remember Paul told Timothy to not to “give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which cause disputes rather than godly edification which is in faith.” Paul understood how human recollection can be biased and flawed. So, it serves no useful purpose for Christians to “sharpen” one another in those ways. As Mr. Giese said, that has caused us to go…

“Backwards the Whole Time.” He explained it this way:

“This seems so straightforward. So, how could we have missed it? Strangely, it’s the English translation of ‘sharpening’ that has caused us to presume that the phrase ‘iron sharpens iron’ means something good. We’ve read our own understanding of ‘sharpening’ back into Proverbs 27:17. But as we have seen, that’s not what it meant in the original context of the text. And a further problem we have is that the expression ‘iron sharpens iron’ still does mean something positive for the majority of English speakers out there. And it’s unlikely that we will be able to change that usage. What we can change, however, is our understanding of Proverbs 27:17.”

And this is how Mr. Giese finished up his point (which I believe is totally valid):

“In our world today, social media has made ‘iron sharpening iron’ an everyday occurrence. But not in a good way. The constant bickering on Facebook, notifications about replies to your comments, and share features which invite strangers to reply to your posts in all caps have led to all of us spending too much time in heated discussion. Add a pandemic and we have the perfect forge for iron to sharp iron. Maybe we should take some time away from being ‘social’ online. Then maybe we’ll be able to stop ‘sharpening’ each other’s faces.”

I sang about that sharp talk in a song I wrote way back in 1999.

High HorsesUp on the foothills of peace,
Leaving the cares of the world so far below,
Riding the crest; not the crease,
We have, and we give some back so we can know.

Long as we don’t hurt the weak,
Refrain from the covetous thoughts and deeds in kind,
We can remain on the peak,
Covered and out of harm’s way, but we’re so blind!

We’re riding our high horses.
We’re wearing our best leather and lace.
Yeah, we’re riding our high horses,
Hoping to ride them away,
Ride them to favor and grace!

Up on the mountains of self,
Looking inside of our hearts, we think we see.
Fallible searchers are we.
Without a standard to judge, how high we can be!

repeat chorus – short instrumental

To think ourselves wise we soon become fools!
We’re panning for gold while we give up our jewels!

repeat chorus and end with instrumental

© 1999

Take a second and join the growing body of believers who’ve already signed up for the FunderFlash Journal. And, to show my sincere appreciation for your time and attention, I’ll send you download links to 2 of my books and 2 songs, right away, that grownups AND kids can enjoy. Then, I’ll do my best to encourage you with the power of God’s love.

Stay tuned,

The post Sharp talk for this here walk appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

The number 9 took on a whole new value for me this morning. Hopefully you’ll find this so fascinating you’ll say, “Wow, Tony. It’s amazing how well you entertain us with your knowledge of insignificant and trivial things.”

Well, hopefully the number 9 will keep you in that state of awe.Did you know, for example, that the number 9 always retains its identity? This is uncanny. It’s almost unbelievable. In fact, it puts the un in Funderburk. That’s how undeniably amazing it is. What’s that you say? What do I even mean? And why don’t I show you what I mean? OK, how’s about this?

You can multiply the number 9 by any number. And eventually it reduces back to its numerical value. Try 9×2. That equals 18. Then you add 1 + 8 and you get 9. 9×3 equals 27. And (you already see it) 2 + 7 equals 9. So, in numerology, this quality symbolizes power, strength, and stability.

Not impressed yet?

How ’bout this?I’m an open Theist. A friend of mine, who was also an open Theist pastor, used to say “God can create a new butterfly if He wants. And He could write a new song if He so desired.” And I couldn’t agree more. But I’ll go one more step. I believe God, the Son, IS the ultimate New Song.

He was crucified and died at hour 9 of that day, or 3 p.m., to make the way of salvation open to everyone. And that was a new Way never before available to everyone.

Plus, that new Way provided what we know as the “fruit of the Spirit.” And there are nine of them: faithfulness, gentleness, goodness, joy, kindness, long suffering, love, peace, and self-control. When Paul wrote about them, it was something new. Attributes the long, long years of the law hadn’t produced:

You might say, a new song in your heart. Well, you might not say that. But I certainly will.

Here’s another factoid I luv. Jesus made live appearances 9 different times after He resurrected from the dead. Once to Mary Magdalene. Once to two men traveling to Emmaus. Then once to a group of 500 believers and his half-brother James. And then, He showed himself five other times to different apostles.

OK, here’s something that’s really gonna gitcha. At least if you have a soul.I just discovered that “The phrase, new song, occurs nine times in Scripture. Six times in the Psalms. Once in Isaiah. And twice in Revelation. In every instance, the reference is to a song of praise addressed to God, usually because of his salvation of people.”

So, here’s how I see it. When you sing a “new song” to THE New Song, you take music to a whole ‘nother level. And that’s like pouring Living Water on all those fruits of the Spirit. And that, my friend, is powerful (like the number 9) with a capital POW.

That kind of info inspired me to write lyrics like this:

I’m gonna leave my cares and troubles far behind
I’m gonna live this brand new life that I’ve designed?
And I’m gonna love discovering which way to go.
I’m gonna laugh and then say yes instead of no.

Take a second and join the growing body of believers who’ve already signed up for the FunderFlash Journal. And, to show my sincere appreciation for your time and attention, I’ll send you download links to 2 of my books and 2 songs, right away, that grownups AND kids can enjoy. Then, I’ll do my best to encourage you to sing a new song with the power of God’s love.

Stay tuned,

The post The number 9 is mighty fine and kinda like a sign appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

35 years ago, today. That’s when my beautiful Elgielene became my wife. We zoomed up high in the Denver, Colorado skyline (for real) and shared our vows to stay together through come-what-may. Then, lo and behold, we’ve done it.

And when I say we’ve been through some amazing things together, it’s no exaggeration. Those amazing things included 2 years of living together “on the road” full-time as I played music all around America. Not quite from sea to shining sea. But certainly across the fruited plains and purple mountain majesty.

Not long after our road life started, we shared our first anniversary in Springfield, Illinois of all places. I had a booking at a very nice hotel there. And I spent most of the day before our anniversary on the stage and on my keyboard composing a love song present for my bride.

I wanted to show her that I understood what she had gone through before we got together. And I wanted her to know how much character it showed to put her heart out there for me after all that. Plus, I wanted to be sure she understood I’d make her my top earthly priority. So I wrote her this song and sang it for her, from the stage, that evening of our first anniversary. My mom had even come there to be part of the party. The song:

Someday One DaySomeday; I’ll make it all worth your while
For sharing my life and never losing your smile.
It’s not that easy, but you tough it out.
You keep within what you’re doing without.

And I swear…

Someday; I’ll make it all worth the wait.
With all you’ve been through, still you harbor no hate.
You could be bitter, but you choose to forgive.
You took the punches but you live and let live

And I swear…

Someday; I’ll make it easier
One day; I know our world will be fair
Someday; one day…we’ll get there

One day we’ll make them stand up and stare.
We’ll laugh at their doubts,
But we’ll remember to care.
And for believing, my heart’s in your hand.
You take in stride what almost no one can stand

And I swear…

repeat chorus…inst…repeat chorus to end

© 1991

Amazing to think the journey started 35 years ago.

Take a second and join the growing body of believers who’ve already signed up for the FunderFlash Journal. And, to show my sincere appreciation for your time and attention, I’ll send you download links to 2 of my books and 2 songs, right away, that grownups AND kids can enjoy. Then, I’ll do my best to encourage you to sing a new song with the power of God’s love.

Stay tuned,

The post 35 years ago, today, we both promised to stay appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

“Iron Sharpens Iron” is just about 99.99% always used as a positive expression. Christians, especially men, love to use it as though it’s a good thing to do to/for a friend or colleague to “help” them get closer to the true meaning of scripture. And I believe it’s a good thing to sharpen your understanding of God’s word. Even more important than how you might sharpen your skills for work or sports or hobbies.

But the emphasis should be on how you sharpen YOUR skills.Not how you attempt to sharpen the wills and wits of your friends or colleagues by using the idiom, “iron sharpens iron,” from Proverbs 27:17.

I’ve always thought that when guys use that verse, they tend to use it mostly when they believe they have more insight into God’s word. And that whoever they say it to should acknowledge that. I know many would probably say they want that iron used on them, too, if and when needed.

But I believe they don’t truly mean that.

Anyway…

In the past couple of years I’ve come across information that reaffirms my take on this. So, naturally, if something is gonna prove me right, then I’ve just gotta gloat and share it. Right?

No, that’s not how I rock-n-roll.

A guy named Ronald Giese Jr. recently shared info that shows “when we look at the language of this verse in its Hebrew Bible/Old Testament context, it doesn’t have the kind of positive connotation that is now associated with it.”

He said that text actually talks in a way that’s more about “sharpening people’s faces.” And then he added:

“The problem starts with the idea of sharpening someone’s face. How does this happen? It’s certainly not literal. Because people don’t sharpen people’s faces. And if they do it’s a criminal offense. If it’s a metaphor, then, what then could it mean? There is no other mention of “sharp faces” in the OT, but there is mention of “sharp” features of the face. Like a sharp tongue (Psalm 57:4; Psalm 52:2) or sharp eyes (Job 16:9). In these instances, such sharp features do harm to others and can “devise destruction” (Ps 52:2). Tongues are sharpened like snakes ready to give a poisonous strike (Psalm 140:3).”

Yeah, that doesn’t sound like positive reinforcement.And Mr. Giese said it’s more like this: “The idea of sharpening someone else’s face, then, is not about doing something positive for your friend, but aggravating them to the point where they become your enemy.”

And I agree. Because I see people attempting to use their “iron” to “sharpen” someone else’s “iron.” And then I see, most of time, how that goes over like an iron balloon.

I’m firm believer that Christians absolutely should judge others and rightly divide the Word in order to do that without hypocrisy. But I’m also a firm believer that too many go the route of wielding “iron” rather than the life-saving power of God’s love.

So, if you’re an ironer, I encourage you to sharpen your skills in sharing the power of God’s love you can find all through Paul’s letters. Sing a new song from that perspective and come down from…

Up on the mountains of self…
Looking inside of our hearts, we think we see.
Fallible searchers are we…
Without a standard to judge, how high we can be!

We’re riding our high horses.
We’re wearing our best leather and lace.
Yes, we’re riding our high horses…
Hoping to ride them away…
Ride them to favor and grace © 1989

Take a second and join the growing body of believers who’ve already signed up for my 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.

Stay tuned,

The post Sharpen your skills but not other wills appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

Years ago I wrote about the reality of love. And this is another take on that message…

Love needs consistent care and attention. It doesn’t have a “one-size-fits-all” option like some gloves do. In fact, you’ll discover, over the course of your life, how your love can go through many changes. Young love, for example, is full of emotional passion. And it’s too often confused with and mixed with unrequited lust. Add some years to your life and you’ll notice you become much more focused about it. You do it on purpose.

The reality of Love is that it’s the smallest, most gigantic force there is.As the length of your remaining days shortens, you discover it’s like the old song says, “a many splendored thing.” Or at least you should find that out. It turns into someone who:

kisses your forehead when you’re sleeping
brings you a bowl of hot soup or a cool cloth on your forehead when you’re sick
lets you know when you’ve said more than you should
cleans up the broken glass you dropped
does way more than I can list here

Love is an understanding ear opposed to a demanding mouth. It lifts up instead of lashing out. It’s a compliment instead of complaint. And it searches for solutions instead of pointing out problems. Love is found in kindness, not candy. And it endures, engages, and expects.

You wouldn’t exist it it weren’t for the love that flows from your Creator. So, you can’t believe in it, if you don’t believe in your Creator. And if that’s the case, no amount of candy, cards, romantic dinners, or romantic getaways will ever bring you love.

And here’s a song I wrote for my lifetime Valentine before she was mine. It’ll be in the FunderCast, soon:

Holding Out For The DreamSmiling eyes and rosy lips
I’m waiting for the rhythm of those fingertips…through my hair.
Day and night I act it out.
No one else is sure of what I’m all about…but I don’t care…
Because I’m holding out for…I’m holding out for…
I’m holding out for the dream.

Violet skies and mountain tops…
I’m waiting for the kind of love that never stops…never dies.
A sailing ship; a crystal sea…
No one understands this inner part of me…this paradise.
And so I’m holding out for…I’m holding out for…
I’m holding out for the dream.

Sometimes the dream is the only thing…that sees me through.
Sometimes it seems it’s the only thing that I can do.

Quiet talk; a crackling fire.
I’m waiting for the kind of love that won’t expire…or fade away.

Instrumental…repeat chorus to end

© 1987 Tony Funderburk

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

Stay tuned…

The post Reality of love is that it’s not a glove appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

I like the way you walk. Well, say that you’ll be true. Well, say that you’ll be mine. If you’ve been around long enough to recognize those three sentences, you’re (shall we say) not exactly a young person. Or you could be a young person who’s into vintage swamp rock.

Yeah, you read that right. Swamp rock.And swamp rock didn’t originate in the U.S. congress. Even though the name might make you think it did. It didn’t. Now, I know you’re all distracted and you wanna go make a meme about swamp rock and congress. But stick with me for just a little bit. Your meme can wait.

Anyway…

Speaking of Susie Q (wait, were we speaking of Susie Q or was I just thinking out loud?), you probably didn’t know that Creedence Clearwater Revival didn’t write that song. If you thought they did, it’s a common mistake since they have the most famous version of it.

But actually it was written, at least in part, by Dale Hawkins. He recorded his version of it way back in the “rockabilly era” of 1957. And most people who know anything about him would probably tell you that’s just about his best known recording. Yeah, he was no Elvis or Chuck Berry or Buddy Holly.

Even though you might’ve never heard of him, Dale became a record producer. And I saw an article that said he worked with artists such as Michael Nesmith, Bruce Channel and Harry Nilsson. Michael Nesmith was a member of the Monkees. Bruce Channel had a hit with one of my oldies favorites, “Hey Baby.” And of course, I’m a big fan of Harry Nilsson. And that’s despite the fact that Greg Perry, the Ultra-advanced eBay Guy, likes him, too.

So, what am I rambling on and on about here?Well, as it turns out Dale Hawkins died from colon cancer on this day, February 13, back in 2010. He was 73. Mr. Hawkins was inducted into the Louisiana Music Hall of Fame and the Rockabilly Hall of Fame. I don’t know much more about him of any importance.

But when I read music history articles about musicians who left the planet, I always wonder if they’re singing a new song of joy now.

Or do they only hear never-ending tormented blues now?

Whichever it is, it’ll go on forever because of a choice they made while they were still here. I don’t know about you, but I say give me JOY. Sweet, never-ending new songs of JOY.

I will probably never be inducted into any hall of fame here in America. But I’m looking forward to the halls of Heaven where my name is in THE book of Life.

Who’s with me?

If you haven’t already, take a second and join the growing body of believers who’ve already signed up for my 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 power of God’s love.

Stay tuned,

The post Swamp rock, old stock, and tick-tock appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

Here’s something I didn’t learn from my Dad: It’s important that certain traits are taught alongside empathy. Because they foster respect for all genders and emotional intelligence which helps ensure that masculinity is not reduced to harmful stereotypes. And that can encourage a spectrum of positive attributes that can benefit everyone.

So, what do you think of me now?

Surprised by the respect for all genders part?Yeah, that’s definitely not me or my view, or the scientific view, at all. When you say “all genders,” and you mean more than two, you’re incorrect. Period.

I read that blurb I shared with you (up at the top) in a report about how to raise boys with a “positive understanding of masculinity.” And it seems slightly wacky that you’d have to even consider how to raise boys with a positive understanding of masculinity. Because, over the years of my life, it was the most natural thing in the world. Boys like being boys.

Yeah, there are circumstances that can influence that natural occurrence. And the most damaging circumstance is almost always when there’s no man in the house as the boy is growing up. Because moms, as awesome as they are, don’t know how to be men.

And if you don’t know how to do or be something, you can’t very well teach someone else. But a boy doesn’t just need any ol’ man around the house. He needs a man who also had a man’s influence. And the best influence comes from the man who’s the father.

But a father might be one of those two genders only guys.So, what do you do if that’s the case? Celebrate. Because at least he knows that truth. But maybe you end up with a father who’s not a good man. Uh-oh. What then?

I can tell “what then” from experience. Because my dad was not a good man.

“Gasp! But Tony, you’ve quoted your Dad. And you’ve written songs about his influence on you. How can you drop this bomb now?”

Easy. It’s true.

And here’s the thing. Your dad is/was not a good man either.

Boom! How’s that for dropping bombs?!

But hang in there. It gets worse before it gets better. There ain’t NO good men.

In fact, there was only one man, who ever lived on Earth, who had a good Father. That was Adam. And he rebelled against his Father. So, evidently even having a good father (translate: Perfect Holy and Righteous Father) doesn’t necessarily lead to a positive understanding of masculinity.

God created Adam and Eve (all the genders).Then, He did something only a true loving Creator would do. He gave them their own will. Their own ability to choose to love Him and be good. Or choose themselves and the consequences that would come with that.

I’m sure I don’t have to tell you what they did. And what happened to everyone else after that. But maybe you don’t connect what that has to do with a boy’s masculinity.

If not, be sure to remind me to share more about it soon. In the meantime, remember to share this with kids so they never forget:

There’s a life inside of you, and it comes from God,
And He wants you to live and to always enjoy
And remember He made you the person you are,
Yes, a girl is a girl and a boy is a boy.

And that’s all genders accounted for.

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.

Stay tuned,

The post All genders accounted for. Who could ask for more? appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

OK, this is only for the guys. And I mean the real guys. Guys who are men. And men who understand the importance of being men. If you fit this category and criteria, then this is a public service message you need to take to heart and practice for the rest of your days. Five simple words. Forget about Valentine’s Day 2025.

And not just Valentine’s Day 2025. Make it a lifelong habit.And the key to why I implore you to do this is found in this description of Valentine’s Day I saw on Wikipedia.

“It originated as a Christian feast day honoring a martyr named Valentine. And through later folk traditions it has also become a significant cultural, religious, and commercial celebration of romance and love in many regions of the world.”

Did you spot the key?

It’s in the last phrase, “commercial celebration of romance and love…”

And THAT is why you see such a huge push, this time of year, for you to buy chocolates and roses and champagne, etc. But I think it’s small-minded to fall for this commercialism of romance and love. Why in the world would you put such emphasis on ONE DAY to show your romance and love for your wife or girlfriend?

The answer is: you shouldn’t! Whatever “feels” you get from going the commercial route should NOT be relegated to one day out of the year. If you’re truly a real man, you look for opportunities, every day, to show her the romance and love.

Every. Day. Bam!Now, that being said, a much better option, if you just gotta get her something (and this applies to women who gotta get him something), is romantic music. Because it doesn’t have an expiration date. It doesn’t include ingredients that are harmful to your teeth, blood sugar, or waistline. And it literally can be accessed any time. Day or night.

Of course, your ol’ pal, Tony, has just the ticket. A collection of love songs. All made in America, by an American who puts America first. So, even though they aren’t brand new songs, they were built to last a lifetime. Definitely don’t get ’em if you prefer junk made overseas by people who couldn’t care less about your special love.

Here’s a clip from the title song:

In case you can’t see it, here’s the link: (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x7SJTvpFLwg)

And here’s where you can get a download of all the songs. So, even if you’re totally last minute stressed to find something, I’ve got you covered.

Thanks for your support of a fellow American. And Happy Valentine’s Day 2025.

Stay tuned,

The post Valentine’s Day 2025 and a habit to keep alive appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

Faith over fear. Make that your motto. Your creed. Or the sticky note you put on your computer. Whatever works.

Here’s one reason, I found in an article, about why it’s a good idea:

Because faith over fear Promotes Positive Action Over ParalysisHmm…sounds a little psychoanalytical. But here’s the rest of what they said:

“Faith encourages proactive behavior and resilience. When people have faith, whether in themselves, others, or in a higher power, they are more likely to take action despite uncertainties. And this can lead to personal growth, innovation, and community building. But fear often leads to inaction or defensive behaviors. And those can stagnate personal and collective progress. Faith inspires one to move forward. But fear might keep one stuck or retreating.”

OK. That’s a big nay-nay from over here in FunderWorld.

The article also said this about faith over fear:

“It Enhances Mental and Emotional Well-being.”Well, I see nothing wrong with doing that. So, how did they illustrate this?

“Faith provides a sense of peace, hope, and security. And it can act as a psychological buffer against stress and anxiety. Plus, it comforts in times of uncertainty or hardship. Studies have shown that faith or spiritual beliefs can correlate with better mental health outcomes. And that includes lower levels of depression and anxiety. But fear can contribute to chronic stress, anxiety disorders, and a host of other mental health issues. Because it comes from negative anticipation and worry.”

Yeah, that gets a big, fat goose egg on the Tone-O-Meter.

So, let’s see how they did with their final reason to choose faith instead of fear:

“Faith Fosters Connection and Community: Faith often leads to communal bonds through shared beliefs, rituals, or goals. This can create supportive networks where individuals feel part of something larger than themselves. And that fosters a sense of belonging and mutual support. So, these connections can be invaluable in times of personal or societal crisis. But even though fear can unite people in emergencies it more often isolates individuals. Because fear responses can be individualistic and survival-focused. And that can potentially lead to division rather than unity.”

And that completes the NO THANK YOU trifecta.Because not once did any of that information mention God the Father, God the Son, or God the Holy Spirit. Nope. It was all selfish mankind focus. And it attempted to make it sound inclusive and thoughtful and intelligent. But that kind of thinking makes you foolish.

Because here’s the real reason faith over fear is superior. God says it is. In fact, it appears that there are 365 times, in the Bible where God says not to fear. Once for every day of the year. And since He knows, better than you and me, how things work, I have faith in that.

Well, your dead-end dreams left you lacking laughter
And you lived your life in a smile-free shade.
And you found no faith in an ever after,
From the floor to rafter
Your foundation laid. © 2015 & 2024

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 power of God’s love.

Stay tuned,

The post Faith over fear makes it bearable here appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

February days have been a bit tricky, so far, here in the heart of the Heartland. Only a few days ago people walked in and out of stores in t-shirts and shorts. But for three days in a row, it’s been like Don Mclean sang,

But February made me shiver with every paper I’d deliver.

As I stood at the post office counter, yesterday, I overheard one of the clerks talking with a customer about this somewhat rollercoaster weather. The customer mentioned how he’d worn a t-shirt and shorts a few days ago. And now he had to wear his coat again. And the clerk chuckled and said, “Yeah, the only thing we enjoy about the weather in Kansas is complaining about it.”

Then, I smiled to myself because I’ve lived in several parts of America. And I’ve noticed that, in every one of those parts, people say the same kinds of things.

February days inspire these comments all around the world.“You don’t like the weather here, wait an hour. It’ll change.”

“The one thing you can depend on about the weather here is that you can’t depend on it.”

“Yeah, the weather here in (fill in the blank) ain’t like weather anywhere else.”

Here’s what I say about it. You might as well be happy no matter what the weather is right now. Because you sure can’t control it. But you CAN control YOU.

What’s that you ask? How can you be happy when the world is so filled with cold and cold-hearted people?

Well, a man named Paul, wrote a letter to some people in Philippi, in Greece about how he could talked about how he could be content whether he a lot or a little. And he explained how to be happy where you are right now. He gave them the five letter solution:

J-E-S-U-S.

And Paul explained the reason for that five letter comment.Because Jesus is able to “supply all your need according to His riches in glory.”

Did you catch that? Not according to YOUR earthly riches that He supplies all your needs. It’s according to “His riches in glory”. And His riches are all fulfilled and offered by Jesus. So, if you truly want to be happy where you are right now, look up and kneel down.

Then these February days won’t freeze your heart.
Every day’s another loving work of art.
From the moment that your feet hit the floor your heart will beat
With the faith that gives believers a head start.

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.

Stay tuned,

The post February days and their slicky tricky ways appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

Imagine you’re hired for a new job. The company has a reputation for getting a lot done. And you’re fine with that. Because you know it means you won’t be bored. But then they hand you your itinerary for the first week. They tell you to assemble this list of products before the end of the day on Saturday.

Heavens
Earth
Sea
Light (that will separate days from nights)
Sky
Waters to go above and below the sky
Dry land in one place
More waters gathered waters into seas
Grass
Herbs
Fruit trees
Lights (sun, moon, stars)
Sea creatures
Birds
Land creatures (lots of kinds including creeping things)
Man
Woman

Whoa! And THAT’S just the first week.What kind of job have you gotten yourself into? But that list isn’t the toughest challenge.

Yeah, when you go to your supervisor and ask where the raw materials are, he says:

“Raw materials?! There ain’t no raw materials around here! I mean, do you SEE any raw materials around here?! No, you don’t. And you know why? ‘Cause we ain’t got any raw materials ’round here!”

You, like a fool, ask: “Well, what do I use to make all this stuff?”

And your supervisor blurts out, “Words! Start talkin’ more and botherin’ me less, rookie!”

OK, let’s say you’re thick-skinned, and you don’t let a drill sergeant kinda boss intimidate you. But NOW what’re you gonna do?

Nuthin’, rookie! This is a story. Not reality.

But you know what IS reality? God used words to create that entire list of previously mentioned products. Because He didn’t have any raw materials either. He had to MAKE even the raw materials from scratch.

The very first dayBefore there were created things, and darkness filled the air,
No world or human beings were existing anywhere.
Then God created earth and sea and all the heavens too.
There was no sun, no moon, no stars, and only God shone through.

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

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

You’ll have to get the book to find out about the rest of the first week. But you can get a copy, real fast, in the Rhyme and Reason Bookshop: https://www.tonyfunderburk.com/rhyme-and-reason-bookshop

Or, if you don’t know me well enough to buy something yet, then 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 regular flashes of light from the faith, hope, and the power of God’s love.

Stay tuned,

The post The first week and what made it all unique appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

Ipecac. No, I’m not talking about the story of the headless horseman. I’m talking about syrup. And this ain’t from Aunt Jemima or even Cousin T’s.

Ipecac syrup is some kinda tough stuff.In fact, ipecac is what they use in medical situations (poisonings, etc.) to induce vomiting. So, obviously it’s not something your body needs or wants.

And yet, would you believe people have used it (and somebody probably is even as you read this) to look good? Well, sort of.

One famous example is Karen Carpenter, who died at the prime age of 32. She died of a cardiac arrest at her parent’s house on this day, February 4, back in 1983. And the coroner’s report listed the cause of death as “imbalances associated with anorexia nervosa.” Yeah, Karen used ipecac syrup to vomit so she could lose weight and look slim and good, according to her misguided standards.

What a sad story. And a sad loss. Because she was SO talented. In fact, she had one of the purest voices in pop music. Ever. Plus, she could even play drums so well that she was voted best rock drummer of 1975. Go figure.

Karen, and her brother Richard, better known as The Carpenters, won Grammy awards for best song and best performance by a pop duo, for We’ve Only Just Begun, in 1971. They won the Grammy for best album of the year again in 1972. And they won the American Music Awards best pop duo in 1975. They were also nominated for lots of other awards. Back when awards weren’t some weird freak show.

Yeah, looks can deceive.Because soon after their first awards and successes in 1970 Karen’s self image problems started. And they never really went away until she finally did in 1983.

It’s a little bit ironic that someone who appeared to have a heart to help and please others would die from ipecac syrup which destroys the heart muscles.

If you’ve never heard Karen sing, do yourself a favor today. Watch her sing “Superstar.” You can see it on YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SJmmaIGiGBg

Check out what the world lost because of a low self-image problem. And I hope it inspires you to trust in God’s view of you instead of your own. Because once life on Earth is done the next phase is forever.

UnderstandingIt isn’t always easy.
It isn’t always hard.
The choice is yours to play
The winning or losing card.
It isn’t always visible.
It isn’t always hidden.
There is a light so beautiful,
You’ll think that it’s forbidden.

Oh, I believe in understanding,
In understanding each other.
Sooner or later you’ll find the key,
The key to the heart of your brother.

It isn’t always peaceful.
It isn’t always loud.
Sometimes you find yourself alone.
Sometimes you’re in a crowd.
It isn’t always happy.
It isn’t always sad,
And with a little understanding…
It isn’t always bad.

© 1978

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.

Stay tuned,

The post Ipecac, a heart attack, and things you just can’t get back appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

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.

Stay tuned,

The post Point finger, say stuff, that shows you don’t know enough appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

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.

Stay tuned,

The post Hold on to the Truth like permanent bluetooth appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

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.

Stay tuned…

The post Door on the left is so bereft appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

Anyone who truly knows me might tell you, if cornered, that I’m definitely anti touchy feely ushy-gushy stuff. So, I make it a point to write books for kids with a good balance of love AND strength. And I believe that’s the example you can see in the bestselling life manual of all time.

Yeah, God overflows with both love and strength.And I’m confident I’ll be at my best when I’m following the example you can easily see in Jesus. Plus, I think that’s fairly easy to see in my writing. If you think I’m wrong about that, feel free to show me why you think that way.

Anyway…

I shared all that because of a summary I found of one of my most recent books for kids. The book is called “The Lonely Lilypad.” And, as I said, I believe it shows that nice balance of love and strength. But the summary mentions a bunch of touchy feely ushy-gushy stuff. Here’s what it says:

“The Lonely Lilypad” by Tony Funderburk explores several themes, including:

Loneliness: The central theme revolves around the feeling of being alone or isolated, as depicted by the lonely lilypad’s initial state in the story.
Friendship: The narrative progresses to show how relationships and companionship can transform loneliness into joy, emphasizing the importance of friendship and connection.
Hope: The story conveys a message of hope, demonstrating that even in solitude, there’s potential for change and happiness through new relationships or unexpected friendships.
Kindness: There’s an underlying theme of kindness where characters help each other, suggesting that acts of kindness can lead to meaningful connections.
Community: The story might also touch on the idea of community, where individuals come together, illustrating how a community can support its members, making everyone feel included.
Nature: As the setting is in a natural environment, there’s an appreciation for nature and its creatures, subtly teaching about the ecosystem and the beauty of the natural world.

And the summary ended with this:

“These themes are woven into a narrative that aims to teach children about emotional resilience, the value of friendship, and the beauty of life’s surprises through a simple yet engaging story.”

So, how ’bout that?Evidently I wrote a book that emphasized feelings, transformations, more feelings, acts of kindness, community, inclusivity, more feelings, and even lessons about our ecosystem and “natural world.”

Wow. I didn’t realize I could be so progressive. But there you have it. In red and yellow (and black and white, so we can keep it inclusive). Now, I’m not even sure I can recommend you to my own book. And maybe I shouldn’t share the link, to get this crazy coloring and drawing book, with my email subscribers. But what the hey. I will. Because I think they’ll understand and forgive me.

Now, how did those first lines go…?

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

Do you have kids, grandkids, or know someone who does? Well, if you’re the forgiving (and inclusive) type, too, maybe you should subscribe to my FunderFlash Journal so you can grab the link to “The Lonely Lilypad.” But, remember I warned you about the ushy-gushy stuff.

Stay tuned…

The post Love and strength are found in the water, not on ground appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

You know the time between dates is measurable. So, I know you know those measurements are called days or weeks or months or years, etc. Because those are the words we use to describe measurements of time. Alright. I think we’re good on that.

But wait. Some people think there’s not time between dates.Uh-oh. I think I just kicked my figurative toe on a figurative can of figurative worms. Well, that figures. I do that kind of thing all the time when I start talking about golden calves (I’ll just leave that there).

Anyway…

I saw again today where a Christian, on social media, said certain things don’t affect God the way you might think because He’s “outside of time.”

And once again, I can’t just not reply. Nope. Because God can no more be outside of time than you or me. Or even Dick Van Dyke (not-so-obscure old guy reference humor). Because ALL of existence, including God exists IN time. Because time exists because God exists.

Wow, those last couple of thoughts contained a lot of becauses (not a real word, but it makes a point). And that’s to highlight the point.

God thinks one thought after another. It takes time to do that. God created the different components of the Earth, solar system, galaxies, and universe on different days. It takes time to do that. And God is the ultimate intelligent designer, so it didn’t take more than six days for Him to make it ALL.

But there WAS time between dates, so to speak.

God called those measurements of time (which He was fully IN as He created) days. Not periods of time. Days. And not some esoteric days. Nope. He mentioned a morning and an evening.

I’m not gonna dive deeper into whether or not God is out of time. Because I’m put together some thoughts (which takes time) and share a fun reason-filled rhyme about this. But I DO think you’ll enjoy a deeper dive on the subject. So, try this God outside of time article. It’s great. Before you do, maybe you should consider…

Playtoe’s DilemmaSo, Playtoe was a guy who couldn’t speak
Because he had no time, and he was weak.
Too weak to speak a syllable because his time was still and full.
But what brought on this time, no time, mystique?

Well, Playtoe wasn’t sure, but he just knew
His own ideas described God right and true;
That He’s in an eternal now, but no one seems to know quite how
He does what it takes time for Him to do.

Yeah, Playtoe said God lives outside of time.
But that thought has no reason and no rhyme.
When one thought follows other thoughts, a sequence then connects the dots,
And not to call it time would be a crime.

If Playtoe could have only learned to trust
That God can change His mind and still be just,
And perfect from forever past, and in Whom all of time will last,
He would have never ended up nonplussed.

Ol’ Playtoe DID find out the Truth one day.
But, sadly, much too late to find his way
To where man-made philosophies, run by those gods with little g’s,
Will nevermore befuddle and betray.

© 2025

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 the power of God’s love.

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Music isn’t the only thing that makes you human. And it’s not even the main thing. But music is real. And that’s true even though it’s totally invisible and void. You can’t hold it, touch it, or physically feel it. So, it’s an amazing and complicated marker, among many markers, for what makes us human.

Music is real and everybody knows it.Unless you’re deaf, you know how real music is. What it does to you, working from the inside out after it travels from the outside in to you.

And, I need to walk the “deaf” comment back a little. Because way, way back in the day I dated a wonderful woman who was deaf. And I remember how much she liked to dance. One time, after a spin around the dance floor, I asked her how she did it since she couldn’t hear. And she explained she could “feel hear” the beat of the loud music through the floor. So, she was able to move to it.

I thought that was so cool. And I’ve never forgotten it.

A few years ago I shared an article about how people with advanced dementia can make sudden, remarkable improvements in cognition when they hear familiar music. “Scientists” discovered how music can “wake up” brains that are almost completely gone. And they said the results they saw were “sometimes truly magical and inexplicable.” (side note: their use of inexplicable is why I put quotation marks around “scientists”)

Anyway…

Those “scientists” said those dementia sufferers seem to “come back” for a bit as they listen to familiar songs they love. And they call music a “proto-language.” Think of it as how parents talk to a baby.

So, they think music is a language, eh? Hmm…I believe I’ve mentioned that a lot more than once here on my website. And I’ve talked about how that’s just one of many indicators that music is real and evolution is a stupid theory. Even those “scientists” theorized that “music appreciation appears to be embedded or wired into nearly all regions of the brain.”

“Wired into.” Uh, that would imply somebody did some wiring. Because something that complicated would not have created itself out of primordial soup. Wonder who could’ve “wired” music to brains?

Those same “scientists” also said that “music seems to be tied in closely with love and relationships.” What possible evolutionary purpose would that serve? (that was a rhetorical question)

Finally, the research shows that music has a “clear, powerful physiological effect” on social bonding. And, because of that, the conclusion appears to be self evident. It’s so important to your brain’s design that music is really an “indispensable part of what makes us human.”

Give Me SongsGive me songs to wake the brain waves
Through my often cluttered mind.
Give me sonic repercussions
No one else will ever find.
And a musical sensation
With connections to the source
Of all music and creation.
Yes, please give me that, of course.

Take a few seconds and join the growing body of believers who’ve already signed up for the FunderFlash Journal. You’ll never have to go looking for this good stuff. I’ll send daily flashes of light to your inbox so we can stay focused on 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

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 the power of God’s love.

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A while back I shared some hillbilly ideology I found online. And it got some funny additional comments and feedback. Recently somebody asked if I would share it again. So, yeah, I’m glad to oblige.

And the picture that went along with the text is a big part of what made me read through. Because it was an old guy with long and gray hair. He sat on a tree stump and held a large, single-shot rifle. So, I figured if there was anyone who fit the bill, it was this guy.

He didn’t call it hillbilly ideology.He just said it was plain ol’ hillbilly Wisdom:

Your fences need to be horse-high, pig-tight, and bull-strong.
Keep skunks, bankers, and politicians at a distance.
Life is simpler when you plow around the stump.
A bumble bee is considerably faster than a John Deere tractor.
Words that soak into your ears are whispered, not yelled.
The best sermons are lived, not preached.
If you don’t take the time to do it right, you’ll find the time to do it twice.
Don’t corner something that is meaner than you.
Don’t pick a fight with an old man. If he is too old to fight, he’ll just kill you.
It don’t take a very big person to carry a grudge.
You cannot unsay a cruel word.
Every path has a few puddles.
When you wallow with pigs, expect to get dirty.
Don’t be banging your shin on a stool that’s not in the way.
Borrowing trouble from the future doesn’t deplete the supply.
Most of the stuff people worry about ain’t never gonna happen anyway.
Don’t judge folks by their relatives.
Silence is sometimes the best answer.
Don‘t interfere with somethin’ that ain’t botherin’ you none.
Timing has a lot to do with the outcome of a rain dance.
If you find yourself in a hole, the first thing to do is stop diggin’.
Sometimes you get, and sometimes you get got.
The biggest troublemaker you’ll ever have to deal with watches you from the mirror every mornin’.
Always drink upstream from the herd.
Good judgment comes from experience, and most of that comes from bad judgment.
Lettin’ the cat outta the bag is a whole lot easier than puttin’ it back in.
If you get to thinkin’ you’re a person of some influence, try orderin’ somebody else’s dog around.
Live a good, honorable life. Then when you get older and think back, you’ll enjoy it a second time.
Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly. Leave the rest to God.
Most times, it just gets down to common sense.

There you go. Which one(s) float(s) your boat? Or are you like me and you’re just gonna go for ALL the hillbilly ideology?

And, by the way, once you see the benefit, join the growing body of believers who’ve already signed up for the FunderFlash Journal. I’ll send you daily flashes of light so we can stay focused on faith, hope, and the power of God’s love.

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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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One week in (as of tomorrow). So how did 2025 start out for you? Has one week in been healthy? I hope so. Because you need your health. It’s not just something that’s nice to have around. It’s the core … Read the rest

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You have enough to think about today. So, don’t add tomorrow’s worries to today. And that’s not just some anecdotal thing I came up with. It’s advice that can also be found in red letters in the Bible. (for those … Read the rest

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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 … Read the rest

The post Paid off, paid out, and no whimper, no shout appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

It was four years ago, to the day, today. And a few minutes ago I ran across something I shared that day. I can see it, in my mind’s eye, almost as clearly as if I were looking right at … Read the rest

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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

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It’s so cool how fast little kids learn to talk. You’re so young when you start talking that your parents have to tell you about your first words. My mom told me I spoke way before I was a year … Read the rest

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I enjoy listening to Elon Musk. Especially since he bought Twitter, which he now calls X, and allowed free speech on that platform. And he seems to truly love America. So, he’s got that going for him, too. Obviously he’s … Read the rest

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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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You might believe what I’m about to share with you from an American food ingredient checker. You might, but I think most Americans won’t believe it. Here’s some data the ingredient checker discovered. ~ These ingredients are banned in Europe. … Read the rest

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Some people, even some Christians, say that what’s going on, in the Southeast, is God getting our attention. Or maybe that He’s sending down some wrath on haters. Have you heard anything like that? I even watched a young woman, … Read the rest

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Here’s a quick reminder. Back in 2009 I was in the middle of my three years as a music leader for a small Denver area church. The pastor did an excellent job of equipping the saints. And it was a church with a strong, abolitionist, pro life foundation. So, a definite win-win place to worship God.

Plus, they led the charge to establish the personhood of the child in the mother’s womb. That whole movement was not only up against the abortion industry but also the other Christian and “pro life” organizations who thought (and think) the abolition stand is unworkable.

They refuse to see the win-win.I wanted to do what I could to encourage them to keep going. So I wrote the song, We Win, and my friend Jason Troyer produced a video.

(Here’s the link to the video in case you don’t see it
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3_hmwU0n6sA)

We win because God wins.I’m talking about Christians of course. And when I say “we win,” it’s about the struggles all human beings face in this life. As you know, too many people, most in fact, would rather serve themselves and thumb their noses at God and His command to love and serve others. That’s a recipe for losing and losers.

And that’s why I’m grateful and thankful for YOU. Because you understand and follow the “golden rule.”

But just in case you know someone who’s NOT on the side against God, I urge you to talk to them while it’s still not too late. And it’s only too late when they take their last breath. I also want to encourage you to hang in there during all the talk about how the world is circling the drain. It could be that the final “freedom flush” is just around the corner.

But remember, the last book in the Bible gives us a peek at what’s coming. And it’s amazing.

So, hang in there.

We WinIt should be so easy
To just see we’re not free
As long as the innocent die.

To say that it’s legal
We spit on the eagle
Who stands for what we once held high.

It’s hard when we count up the cost,
And a million more lives have been lost.
True love won’t give up or give in.
Hang in there. It’s worth it. We win.

It’s not law. We got law.
And we saw that each law
Kept taking us further from truth.

When logic and reason
Don’t have their due season,
The lies end up long in the tooth.

So work hard and take time to pray
For lives to be saved every day.
True love won’t give up or give in.
Hang in there. It’s worth it. We win.

Hang in there…we have to see it through.
It’s worth it…watch how it changes you.

© 2009 Tony Funderburk

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

Stay tuned…

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Before I share the key to success, let me assure you that my guess is you already know this. And I think it would be a good idea to define success. Don’t you? After all, if it’s only a vague concept, how will you ever know if you’ve reached it? Plus, if you never know if and when you’re successful, your life will feel meaningless and out of control. And who doesn’t like to feel in control. OK, here’s the definition of success.

Truly successful people will live forever.That makes sense. Right? Did you think I was gonna share some internet marketing secrets? Or maybe some special tips on how to think positive and be positive?

Nothing wrong with those things. But you and I know they don’t truly define success. You can build empires, employ tens of thousands of people, and change the world even for the better. But if you never trust your Creator, you will lose your soul.

And that’s the complete opposite of success. That’s failure on a scale you can’t imagine.

OK, so I’ve talked about what success isn’t.

So, now I’m gonna share the key to success in only 13 letters?

Is it like the DaVinci code using 13 special letters in an obscure alphabet? Far from it. In fact, no letters could be less obscure than these. You’ll find them in the best selling book of all time.

I’m talking about the 13 letters Paul wrote to the Romans, Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, Thessalonians, and Timothy, Titus, and Philemon. Over and over in those letters Paul shares the key to success. And it’s clearly trusting in Jesus to change you and give you eternal life.

Without eternal life all your efforts missed the key to success.What are you doing that’s going to make a difference for now and forever? Do you think a new computer software, or artificial intelligence, or self-driving car is gonna be a lasting legacy? Will you be able to create something so powerful the world will never forget your name? If so, I say…think again. But feel free to leave me a comment or send me a message showing me where I miss the point.

A word to the confounded,
Pour light into your eyes.
If you expect more than neglect,
Get wisdom; yeah get wise.

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

Stay tuned…

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Allegory. Metaphor. Simile. I enjoyed learning about those words, and what they meant, in high school English composition class. And I love to find ways to use each one. It was mostly allegory that helped me tell the following story in a story. With a little more from Mr. Metaphor.

I wrote this after reading an article about an ill-fated trip down the Colorado River.

Down The RiverDown the river there’s a ripple and a wake
That doesn’t seem to end like it does in a lake.
It doesn’t need a storm or a deep earthquake
To shimmer and shudder and shiver and shake.

Down the river there’s a mile-high sky
That changes real fast as the rocks roll by.
It doesn’t share a smile or a mournful sigh.
It darkens and lightens and closes one eye.

Down the river there’s a story to tell
That a few old-timers and their dogs know well.
A tale of woe when the river did swell…
And sent all the rafters to Heaven or Hell.

Down the river, where the rapids break free,
Is a place you’ll be glad that you got to see.
It’s where you’ll decide if you ever will be
Back down the river to the landing tree.

© 2014

Yeah, there’s a story in a story inside those four verses.And it might only make sense to me. Maybe no one else will EVER get the inside message. Or maybe you’ll read it and see the extra meaning right away. I’ll never know if you keep it to yourself. But, hey, this used to be a free country. You can’t always share opinions. But you’re still free to withhold opinions.

Anyway…

Just thought I’d share a little brain food with you today. Hopefully it’s marbled with healthy fat.

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

Stay tuned…

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The Hollies sang about the symbiotic relationship between humans and plants. What? You didn’t know that? Well, then you obviously never heard them sing, “All I need is the air that I breathe” in one of their hit songs. Sorry you missed it. Nice song with great harmonies.

“What’s that? You don’t understand how that’s symbiotic?”OK, here’s the bare bones explanation of the symbiotic relationship between us and plants. You and I exhale carbon dioxide. And trees (and plant life in general) need carbon dioxide to thrive. At the same time, trees, and the rest of the plant kingdom, produce oxygen after taking in carbon dioxide. See? We need plants, and they need us.

So, I’m gonna go out on a limb (see what I did there?) and leap to the conclusion that we must have all been created at about the same time.

Still not convinced on how this symbiotic stuff works?

Want another example of these relationships?

OK. How about honeybees? I love honeybees. Because they’re cute little creatures who stay busy all day gathering pollen from flowers just to make the sweetener for my coffee.

How thoughtful.So, pollen-bearing plants need honeybees. And honeybees need those plants and other bees. The queen bee, worker bees, and drones all need each other. Because if any one of them had evolved without the other, they wouldn’t have been able to survive.

Creation explains and clarifies their existence. Evolution doesn’t.

I’m gonna keep on sharing the story of how creation beautifully explains our existence and how everything makes so much sense. It’s all because all of creation had a common designer. Not a common ancestor.

Jesus made you. He’s logical, sensible, personal, reasonable, and loving. And it makes so much more sense to believe in being designed by someone like that than simply popping up out of slime. Because being designed inspires trust and hope. Mutating into existence doesn’t.

The Very First DayBefore there were created things, and darkness filled the air…
No world or human beings were existing anywhere.
Then God created earth and sea and all the heavens too.
There was no sun, no moon, no stars, & only God shone through.

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

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

© 2013

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

Stay tuned…

The post Symbiotic. Not hypnotic and robotic. appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

I’m a big fan of a popular singer named Nilsson. Well, he’s a former popular singer because he’s no longer with us here on terra firma. Anyway. Nilsson (aka: Harry Nilsson) understood that independence is an illusion. And he sang about that in one of my favorite songs of his. It was called “Without You.” And the main line said, “Can’t live, if living is without you.”

Now, you might call that a metaphorical dependent variable. Well, you might not. But I would. In fact, I have called it that before.

Yeah, love is actually a way to show how independence is an illusion.Here’s what I shared about the dependent variable about seven years ago.

OK, you’ve heard me talk about DNA (if you’ve listened to my FunderCast), or you’ve read some of the things I’ve written about it here on the blog. Right? Maybe you’ve heard me mention how proteins are the building blocks for DNA. Yes? Alright…it’s important to talk about them both at the same time because…

DNA and proteins are each a dependent variable for the other.

In other words, you can’t have one without the other. And yet they’re separate components. Do you realize what the means? One couldn’t evolve without the other. One component couldn’t simply wait however long it took for the other to evolve into something useful. Each one is too complex. It simply couldn’t happen. But being put in place at the same time by the most brilliant scientist in existence makes perfect sense.

God designed proteins to do things like decode, store, transcribe, assemble, and protect. In fact one protein, known simply as p53, stifles cancer and protects DNA. So, how could DNA have ever survived some lengthy evolutionary process without p53 being there from the beginning?

Short answer? It couldn’t.

There are intangible reasons why I trust Jesus to be my savior and creator. His love and goodness and righteousness immediately leap to mind. But I believe it’s important to share tangible, scientific evidence for God’s existence in this day and age. Because more and more people think science doesn’t require God. And actually quite the opposite is true.

You’re a dependent variable whether you like it or not.You wouldn’t exist if it weren’t for the one, true, living, loving Creator. It’s scientifically, mathematically, and statistically impossible that the complexity found in your 30 trillion cells could have happened and function so well simply by chance. And I don’t know why anyone would prefer it to be another way. Oh wait. Yes I do. Because most people would rather be their own selfish god. Why serve, when you can be served…right?

(Ironically, even that shows how independence is an illusion. Think about it.)

I know that you know there are mountains and oceans of evidence for creation. So, I hope you’ll share some of it with someone whose soul might be dependent on you speaking up. Picture yourself like this:

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.

If that doesn’t work for you, look up to God and sing that Harry Nilsson song.

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

Stay tuned…

The post Independence is an illusion. So drop that confusion. appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

It was once a larger than life, imaginary-like concept. But now it’s a reality.

No, I’m not talking about cheese crust pizza! C’mon, get your head in the game. This is WAY more fun than pizza. OK, so maybe that’s going a little too far. But check it out.

The larger than life thing I’m talking about is robotic surgery.I know you’ve heard about it. What am I saying?! Maybe you’ve even had it performed on you. If so, why did doctors do that? I’m glad you asked. Because they’ve shared why at the Mayo Clinic. Here’s what they say:

“Surgeons who use the robotic system find that it can increase precision, flexibility and control during the operation. The robotic system also allows them to better see the site, compared with traditional surgical methods. And with the use of robotic surgery, surgeons can perform delicate and complex procedures that may be difficult or impossible with other methods.”

(side note: that’s not artificial intelligence because there’s no such thing)

Anyway…

I’m gonna segue into another train of thought and take you with me. Don’t worry, I already paid for the tickets. You’re good to go. And I think you’ll be interested. If you end up bored, at least you didn’t have to pay for the tickets.

So, 36 years ago I wrote lyrics to a song for the year 2024. OK, I didn’t really. But the lyrics sure sound like I did. When you read ’em, see if you make the connection to how life in America is right now. Greedy. Media issues. Fearful people. And the powers that be using resources (or the lack of them as they’d have you believe) to divide and conquer.

Too bad, and so sad, that SO many human beings are willfully ignorant of the relationship they could have with their Creator. Because they need to know the one who is even more precise than robotic surgery. Yeah, God can divide souls from spirits and bones from marrow. Robots no can do. Wouldn’t it great if they could see how THE Life is so much…

Larger Than LifeWe live in a greed land; take more than we need land.
We go for the gusto, creating a dustbowl.
A media earful is leaving us fearful.
It may come to haunt us; someday doesn’t want us.

More money, more persona. Everyone’s a prima donna.
Can’t we understand that it’s larger than life?
Another car and another diamond.
The way we take is like a crime, and
Can’t we understand that it’s larger than life?

We’re living much faster and flirt with disaster.
And we use resources as conquering forces.
We don’t hear the drumming. The enemy’s coming.
We still have a Savior. So, let’s change our behavior.

More money, more persona. Everyone’s a prima donna.
Can’t we understand that it’s larger than life?
Another car and another diamond.
The way we take is like a crime, and
Can’t we understand that it’s larger than life?

There’s so much more than just the here and now.
This isn’t nearly all there is.
But there are too many here who will never know how
This isn’t nearly all there is.

Life is larger than life.

© 1988 Tony Funderburk (November 10)

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

Stay tuned…

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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 show) just face impossible odds. Of course, it can feel like that. These days it can feel like that way more than back then. But I mentioned, then, and I’ll say it again. There’s an easy cure. But it appears to be WAY too difficult for most people on the planet.

The easy cure is to put your faith in the one who created you.Now just because it’s an easy cure doesn’t mean there won’t be any problems for anyone who does that. In fact, as you probably well know, people who dare call themselves Christians are seeing persecution all around the world.

If you know someone who’s facing a steep uphill battle right now, be sure to encourage them with more than just saying the words, “I’ll pray for you.” Tell them you’ll be glad to do whatever you can to help them. And follow up the words with action. Because you might be their answer from God. You might be how He helps them face…

Impossible OddsYou say you’re feeling empty and it doesn’t go away.
And you live for your tomorrow and suffer in today.
You need to blow your trumpet to tear down all the walls
And keep your heart wide open to hear God when He calls.

You say you don’t believe me and you couldn’t be that sure.
Why do you want to shiver when there’s such an easy cure?
Just wrap your faith around you and keep your hope alive.
And soon you’ll see your answer on golden wings arrive.

You can’t begin the day; it’s impossible.
You don’t know what to say; it’s impossible.
And so you seem to pray to impossible gods.
But let God take a turn; it’s possible.
To make that image burn; it’s possible
You still could overturn impossible odds.

So you drink from human water and you taste the bitterness.
And you listen to their words, but you’re hearing even less.
The solution can’t be found here with the wave of any hand.
You can rise out of your ashes if you live the High command.

Chorus…inst…repeat chorus and end

© 1999 Tony Funderburk

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

Stay tuned…

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I bet you can think of more than one example of when somebody used roses in a song. Right? Yeah. There are plenty of songs where roses play a big part. Because there’s just something about that one flower. And it would probably be just as unique even if it had another name.

So, obviously, when I put roses in a song I wrote, it was no big deal.Except it was when I was a singer songwriter in Nashville, back in 1992-93. So, it was kind of an interesting deal even if it was no biggie. I’ve shared why that’s the case, before. But here’s the short version.

I was almost always the only keyboard player on showcase nights. And on one of those nights I presented an offbeat song with a key signature played mostly on the black keys. One of the other songwriters, a guitar player who sat behind me, commented to the host that he really liked it. Apparently he knew his way around a keyboard, too. Because he mentioned how I played the notes on “the black keys.” Then, he pointed out how that’s not a key most country songs use. And he said he’d like to hear it again. And the host agreed and asked me to play it again.

So, naturally, I did.

It’s a song about how important certain flowers are when couples “make up” after a, let’s say, disagreement.

Here are the lyrics. If you wanna hear how I used roses in a song, you’ll have to Subscribe to my Podcast. It’ll be in an episode very soon.

Roses To The RescueShe says he’s not the boy he used to be.
He slams a door in a fit of disgust.
It’s bitter and crude; they’d better change their attitude
So another statistic bites the dust.

He says he’s sure he’s not the one to blame
And she insists that it wasn’t her.
It’s all by the book; they’d better take another look
So another statistic won’t occur.

They need some:

Roses to the rescue…apologies and candlelight
Roses to the rescue…’cause no one’s wrong and no one’s right.
If you hope to pass this ancient test, you…
Better find you some roses to rescue.

She says that he can just go sleep alone
And he yells that would be just fine.
Well they need to know where this argument will go
‘Cause another statistic’s on the line

They need some… Chorus

I don’t know why they have to fight
I only know it isn’t right…it isn’t right

We need some
Chorus..inst..repeat chorus to end

© 1992-2011

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

Stay tuned…

The post Roses in a song when the world goes wrong appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

The world is a very serious place to me now. I wrote that on my blog over 11 years ago.

And, as you might imagine, it’s an even more serious place now.But I don’t wanna finish this last Tuesday of September 2024 all dreary on ya. I’ll just share the little story and explanation from back in 2013. Oh yeah, there’s also a rhyme and a reason for it, too.

I know my writing and songwriting reflect this serious perspective, but they didn’t always. And I don’t wanna let the doom and gloom dominate my thoughts. So I figured I’d just start tossing in a bunch of my carefree writing from recent days and yesterdays. I came across a little poem I wrote way back in April of 1974 called “Tiny Boat”, and as I read it, I began to see some of the same word pictures I saw the day I wrote it.

I remembered how one day in the spring of that year I had been lying down on some very soft meadow grass in East central Kansas. A feathery wind had whisked across my face, through my hair, and tickled my ears all afternoon. As fate (the fate I created each time I went out) would have it…I had my trusty 19 cent Bic pen and spiral notebook with me.

For some reason, I closed my eyes to think.And I remembered a Sunday drive with my Grandparents and Uncle and Aunt. I’ve shared a bit of that story on a podcast episode. On that drive we went out into the countryside in rural Oklahoma. We crossed a large steel spanned bridge. And I looked down through the metal beams where I could swear I saw a tiny boat with tiny people on it.

Well, my family had quite a laugh out of it. But I knew what I saw. Fast forward about 20 years to 1974. And there I was lying on the grass with a poem forming in my head. It’s not an awesome poem. It’s a simple collection of thoughts from that more carefree time. And I thought I’d share it with you here, today. If you have thoughts from a more carefree time, I invite you to share them with me in the comments section below.

Tiny BoatI laid in the meadow grass soft as feathers.
I let the wind blow through my hair,
And I didn’t try to get my thoughts together.
I whistled a song called “Tiny Boat”
A pretty, little melody.
And then I remembered the words to it
And I sang it cheerfully:

“With sails so white…and wood so strong
You let the wind help you along.
Is it my love that makes you float?
If so, I love you Tiny Boat.
Tiny Boat, sailing rivers by the trees.
Pretty, tiny boat…
Take me with you please.”

Ok, that helped make the serious place just a little more bearable. Now, back to your regularly scheduled programs.

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

Stay tuned…

The post Serious place put that look on his face appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

She played the song many times on that Hi Fi record player from the 60’s. And she said it was one of her all-time favorites. I was a young whippersnapper. So, I had no idea that the piano instrumental of a song called “Autumn Leaves” had been a number one hit on the Billboard charts. But that’s what I found out today

Roger Williams’ version of Autumn Leaves went to #1 in 1955.And the “she” I’m talking about was my step-mom. She had the Roger Williams Greatest Hits vinyl album. I can still see the cover. And I’ve whistled or hummed that song at some point of every year since way back then. It’s ingrained in my brain. Ask Elgielene. She’ll tell you how much she loves my scat version of Roger’s Autumn Leaves. Of course, she might try to act like she doesn’t. But she digs it big time.

Anyway…

My step-mom definitely did NOT fit the stepmother stereotype. I loved her very much. She was my second mom. And I called her Mom. And I like to think my feelings for her were mutual. She certainly made it seem that way when she made my angel food, strawberry shortcake birthday cake for me. But that’s another story.

Mom went to heaven back in 2000 when she was the same age as I am right now. Yikes! Time flies.

So, all this reminiscing is the result of seeing some Autumn leaves on some of the trees around the neighborhood. And we’ve seen quite a few drifting past the windows in the past week. Plus, cooler temperatures fell into place almost on cue for the equinox. That was a great relief. Because just a few days ago it made it to triple digits yet again.

Summer went out like a roaring lion.OK, since my favorite season is here I’m gonna share a little more reminiscing in a rhyme I’ve shared before. But, just like the pumpkin spice everything that shows up every year at this time, this rhyme fits the time.

The Autumn sky is full of colors
And sometimes drops of rain.
It makes me think of bygone summers
And riding on a train.
The golden sun, like Kansas wheat,
Would bake the fields of corn,
And I bucked endless bales of hay
And all my jeans were torn.
I still remember pools of blue
And going to “the game.”
My bike was candy apple red
And “Flyer” was its name.
So many memories are there
Up in the Autumn sky.
The colors still shine brightly
As I watch the years fly by.

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

Stay tuned…

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Sunday. A day of peace and quiet. Yeah, maybe that’s true for you. But the world is filled with horrible, terrible things that humans are doing to other humans even as you read this.

So, still ready to enjoy some peace and quiet today?Well, I hope so! In whatever way makes you happy. As long as it doesn’t dishonor God and it isn’t illegal (that last part leaves out millions of people in this country). Because it’s a GOOD thing to leave peaceably. And it’s a very good thing to be quiet. Because it’s a lot more difficult to tune in to what your Creator wants you to hear when your day, your life, and your mind is filled with noise.

For as long as I’ve been alive I’ve heard people talk about peace on earth. And they sing about it. And make it part of political to-do lists. But, as long as I’ve been alive it has never been a reality. Have you noticed that? Year after year, decade after decade, real peace never comes.

But I bet you know that God wants you to have peace. Right? And He knows the world is full of war, full of evil, and full of people who want to rob you of your peace. But He IS the God of peace.

In fact, Paul said God’s peace “surpasses all understanding.”

Can you even imagine how peaceful that must be? I can’t. Oh sure, I can conjure up images in my head of walking through flowing fields of green grass, under a warm sun, with a cool breeze across my face. But God’s peace surpasses that. So, maybe you can see yourself lying under a bright blue sky, enjoying blissful peace and quiet with only the sounds of birdsongs and the wind. But God’s peace surpasses that. Like the verse said, it “surpasses ALL understanding”. And, in that case, all means ALL.

I hope your day is filled with that kind of peace today.Even if it’s not totally quiet. And if it’s not heading in that direction, I know you know where to focus your attention. (hint: not you)

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.

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

Stay tuned…

The post Peace and quiet is something I get appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

You’re getting a treat. I’m gonna share The Ten Commandments 2.0 for Liberals, Re-publicans, and Legalists with you. And these aren’t written in stone (that I know of), so get a grain of salt handy. These were shared many moons ago on TheologyOnline.com And the co-authors’ names are at the end.

The Ten Commandments 2.0 (for Liberals)1. You shall have no other gods, besides yourselves, before Me.
2. You shall not engrave the Commandments 1.0 in public.
3. You shall not take the name of God in vain except when excited.
4. Remember the Sabbath day for celebratory drinks at noon.
5. Honor your mother and paternity-tested father.
6. You shall not murder unless your name is Roe, or any other name.
7. You shall not commit adultery except by consent.
8. You shall not steal from anyone in your tax bracket.
9. You shall not bear false witness against anyone except under oath.
10. You shall not covet without meeting the criteria laid forth in 6, 7, & 8.

The Ten Commandments 2.0 (for Re-publicans)1. You shall have no other gods between campaigns.
2. You shall not imagine for yourself absolutes.
3. You shall not take His name in vain; God bless the USA!
4. Remember Election Day to keep it holy.
5. Honor your father and mother with nursing home subsidies.
6. You shall not murder except by exceptions.
7. You shall not prohibit adultery.
8. You shall not steal except by faith-based initiative.
9. You shall not bear false witness except to rate Re-publicans 100% pro-life.
10. You shall not covet principles over party.

The Ten Commandments 2.0 (for Legalists)1. You shall have no other gods before Me.
2. You shall not make for yourself a carved image.
3. You shall not take the name of thy God in vain.
4. Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy.
5. Honor your father and mother.
6. You shall not murder.
7. You shall not commit adultery.
8. You shall not steal.
9. You shall not bear false witness.
10. You shall not covet.

by Tony Funderburk & Bob Enyart

Yeah, I think it’s safe to say this information falls under the “Reason” part of my Rhyme and Reason content. And I hope you enjoy it in the spirit it’s shared.

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

Stay tuned…

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You’re probably never gonna grab a needle and thread and sew anything. So, on the surface, maybe what I’m about to say won’t interest you at all. But bear with me.

Because I’m gonna connect a needle and thread to God.“I call that mighty bold talk for a one-eyed fat man,” you say, quoting a line from True Grit.

OK, setting my fragile feelings aside, after that snide remark from the peanut gallery, I’ll continue for the sake of the mind that seeks wisdom and understanding.

Let’s say you get a crazy notion to grab some notions, needle, and thread and tackle an easy sewing project. But, as you look around your crafting area, you can’t find a needle. Fear not. Worry not. I have the solution for you, oh intrepid one.

D.I.Y.

Yep. Make your own needle. What’s that? You think that would be too difficult? And it’s too silly to even consider? Well, then you obviously haven’t researched the subject. Or else you’d see how easy it is. As in these instructions I found this morning.

“An essential tool for hand sewing is the humble sewing needle. While sewing needles can be purchased very cheaply, there is something deeply satisfying about crafting your own from scratch. If you’re short on time, here’s the quick answer to making your own sewing needle: Select a thin, straight piece of steel wire. File the tip to a sharp point on one end and insert into a needle blank (wood, plastic, or bone). Sand any rough edges. Make an eye hole on the blunt end and thread your needle!”

Voila! Presto! And Shazam! I told you it would be easy.And that info came straight from the internet. So, they couldn’t say it if it wasn’t sew. Uh, I mean, so. Now, I could share the more complex, 11-step instructions on how to create your own sewing needles. Seriously. I could. But, as I mentioned earlier, I doubt you’re ever gonna sew anything from scratch. Especially if scratch includes making your own needles.

Anyway…

The reason I brought it up in the first place is because of how tiny those handy little devices are. Yeah, needles can be extremely tiny. So, the hole where you slip the thread through (aka: the eye) is even tinier. In fact, it’s so tiny that sewing machine manufacturers came up with a way for the machine to thread a needle for you. It’s ingenious. Elgielene sews. And I’ve watched the process in action. It’s fascinating. And fast.

If you’ve ever tried to thread a needle, you understand the value of that.

But I didn’t just bring up needles and thread to talk about how small they are. Or even to talk about sewing for that matter. Nope. I brought it up because God says it’s “easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.”

And I thought about all this, earlier this morning, after I re-read four lines of poetry I wrote a while back. And I wrote the four lines in response to some social media discussion about Jeff Bezos and his yacht.

The little boat is named “Koru.”It’s 417 feet long. If you like sports comparisons, that means it’s as long as a football field PLUS another 117 feet.

An article I read said that’s a “Māori phrase” for “new beginnings.” Which I think is a little bit ironic. Because I don’t think Mr. Bezos realizes how much he’ll need a new beginning one day in the not-too-distant future. I hope he changes his status before it’s too late. Because, even though his head is totally shaved, he ain’t ridin’ that yacht through the eye of a needle.

Coffee on a yacht is better than not
Having either a coffee or yacht.
And on second thought, if one must be not,
Give me coffee and not the yacht.

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

Stay tuned…

The post Needle and thread of what I saw and read appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

Nope. I’ll never be on one of those New York Times bestseller lists.

But I’m fine with that. And here’s why.

Because it’s the New York Times.And they don’t wanna associate with the likes of people like me who talk about the power of God’s love so much. They’s rather promote the wimpy, limp-wristed, “tolerance and diversity” nonsense that attempts to pass itself off as love these days.

The New York Times doesn’t acknowledge or care about THE powerful love that makes sure the moon revolves around the Earth. The love that designed the sun to be just the right amount of distance from us to provide light and warmth instead of incineration.

I write articles, books, and songs about the complex, yet logical, reasonable universe that’s also beautiful and magical. I write about how it’s unbelievably huge but understandable.

For that kind of complex universe to exist, there MUST be a Designer even more complex.

I’d be a fool to say otherwise.And I frequently point out how the scientific evidence points to a Designer. Plus, I say it’s a good idea to see if there’s more we can know about that person. And, as it turns out, there’s a LOT more. Yeah, He wrote a bestselling book. No, that’s wrong. He wrote THE bestselling book of all time. The Bible.

And I’ll never have a New York Times bestseller because I trust that bestseller to be the Truth.

Oh well. I suspect I’ll survive without getting on their radar.

I’ve lived more than a half a century without ’em. But, thankfully, I decided to trust God when I was 13. And through decades I’ve been able to see love throughout the Bible.

That’s helped me understand how and why the fullness of real love can only be known and experienced when you connect with the source of real love. And this song explains why I’m gonna keep on sharing the cause and effect of it with YOU:

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

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

Stay tuned…

The post New York Times won’t share my rhymes appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

Now and then, with a keyboard or pen, I go back where I’ve been.

That’s what I say now. And “then” I said this:I find it difficult to write anything without trying to make it rhyme in my head. Or without pondering the rhythm of the words. It isn’t obsessive. But it IS almost constant. And dare I make a mention of the need for this attention to words? Oops. I did it again. Well, it’s no sin.

Drat! There I go without even trying. You gotta believe I’m not lying when I tell you I don’t mean to. It’s just something that I do. And there’s no lasting purpose to it. I don’t know what makes me do it.

When I asked my good friend, Emma to help me with this dilemma, she let out a snicker. Then I wondered “why’d I pick her?” I could solve this on my own and then leave the rhymes alone. But if you have a solution to my rhyming execution, would you send me a note and tell me?

A little help, please.

Yeah, I guess everybody could use a little help now and then.Maybe your problem isn’t as serious as mine. But when you lay it on the line, it’s important. We’re all here for each other. Every sister, brother, and mother. And father. But so much of the time we’re so disconnected, misdirected, and unaffected. What’s wrong? Where did we shift? What caused this rift?

It’s not a matter of some mystical, magical hocus pocus. It’s a simple shift in our focus. We follow our own hearts. And that’s where the trouble starts. Your heart is not a good leader. In fact, it’s often a bottom feeder going for the lowest common denominator. In doing so, it becomes a terminator of wisdom. And wisdom is the key. For you. And for me. For anyone who’d rather benefit from lessons learned instead of getting burned over and over.

Is wisdom discovered? Uncovered?

Or is it something you’re born with and have to practice? Please, please. It’s none of these. It’s knowing the difference between wrong and right. And seeing the light of truth. OK. Where does truth originate. I don’t mean to agitate. But the answer is God. Without Him, it’s a matter of opinion, and every little minion has one of those.

So, in my rhyming way, today, as I do most every day, I’d like to offer a little help. It would be more than nice if you took my advice, but I’ll leave it up to you.

Here’s what I suggest you do…Look into God’s word. Don’t just go on what you’ve heard. Discover what He actually says. I believe you’ll find truth you never knew that can completely change you and your eternal destination. And to show my dedication, I promise to help you when I can because God says to help my fellow man.

Now and then, if you have any questions, share them with me. And I’ll do my best to help you see…

God’s love.

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

Stay tuned…

The post Now and then I go back where I’ve been appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

I know you’re a busy person. You’ve got appointments. Calls to make. And people to see. Not to mention (but I will) mouths to feed and broken things to fix. And you gotta do all this while bad things happen all around the world. It’s maddening. It’s saddening. And it’s almost more than a mere human being can bear. So, you might not have time for me to share 8 things you can focus on to keep the God of peace with you.

But they’re only 8 things to focus on. Surely you can at least consider ’em.After all, your joy and your life depend, a lot, on where your focus is. I know that you know that you were designed by the one true, living, loving God. And you know you were created to live and love. That makes sense. Right?

So, it only stands to reason that He knows what you need to function at optimum levels. And that’s why I’m gonna share 8 things He says you can focus on so that “the God of peace will be with you.”

True things: No matter how many people might prefer to think otherwise, there truly are some things that are just plain true. Like, how the sun “rises” in the East and “sets” in the West. Our atmosphere is full of oxygen which our lungs so vitally need. Water is essential to life. And your thoughts have no form and substance. (but they do exist every bit as much as you exist)
Noble things: Picture an old gentleman whose wife passed away. But instead of locking himself inside an empty house, he goes to others in similar circumstances and listens to their problems.
Fair things: Remember times when the “good guys” win. Look for opportunities to help the “good guys” win. And don’t forget that justice is inevitable. Even if it comes much later than you’d like.
Pure things: Imagine a little, newborn baby just home from the hospital sleeping soundly in that brand new crib. Or the couple who “saved themselves for marriage” standing at the altar. And pure crisp air blowing through cloudless and deep blue skies.
Lovely things: A summer bouquet of fresh-cut flowers in a cobalt, blue vase. The sunlight sparkling in the verdant green of your lover’s eyes. And an old couple who still hold hands as they stroll through the neighborhood.
Good news: Your son is coming home from his tour of duty overseas. Your best friend’s wife has overcome a battle with a disease. And that organization you support just received a donation that will propel them to victory.
Virtue: Concentrate on being the husband, wife, mother, father, son, or daughter your loved ones need. Own up to shortcomings. Love your neighbor as yourself. And, always remember, do unto others as you’d prefer to have done to you.
Praiseworthy things: Don’t forget to compliment the little kid who painted a picture or picked some flowers just to show his love. Give a bear hug to the young singer who just gave her all but placed last in her vocal competition. And try to find and remember a politician who actually kept his or her campaign promises. Especially the ones where lives are at stake.

Well, there you have 8 simple things to focus on.Take your eyes off the trials and tribulations of your everyday life. They’ll always be here in this life. But that doesn’t mean you can’t look up, with a heart filled with gratitude. And help others do that, too.

Choose joy and life and love
Because they’re yours to choose.
Drop angry ugly moods.
What do you have to lose?

Well, you could lose your soul
Forever to the dark
Recesses of despair,
Where anguish makes its mark.

So sing those kinds of songs
That show the attitude
Reflected in your heart
Filled up with gratitude.

© 2020 Tony Funderburk

Maybe you don’t know me well enough to buy something from me, yet. Ok, then get to know more about me and my worldview. Join the growing body of believers who’ve signed up for the FunderFlash Journal. And enjoy my daily flashes of light from the power of God’s love.

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The post 8 Things To Focus On Before Your Peace Is Gone appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

If you even think evil thoughts, you’ve sinned. How’s that for a cheerful start to your week? I had one main reason why it came up in me to say that. Because of the kinds of things that transpired over the weekend as millions of Americans enjoyed beer and football. Their thoughts and deeds were mostly benign.

But the thoughts and deeds of many others were malevolent.Would you believe there were even some people with murder in their hearts? (gasp!) I know. It’s unthinkable. No, wait. It’s totally thinkable. Because people have been thinking it almost as long as there have been people.

But these days, you and I live in a diluted system and a deluded society. Where cheating, stealing, and murdering are slap-on-the-wrist incidents. So, it’s no wonder the thoughts and deeds of so many turn to whatever devious plans their selfish minds and wicked hearts can devise.

Yeah, if you think the owner of a store has too much, and you have too little, then you should be able to go grab a thousand dollars worth of his products and walk out. No questions asked. Because, no harm no foul. So foul.

And if you disagree with a political candidate’s views, kill him. Because YOUR view is superior and supreme.

Of course, it’s not surprising (to anyone who’s been paying attention for decades) that our world has gotten to this point. Because, for decades, governments (through schools and politics) have taught kids it’s OK to do whatever YOU think is right.

“If it’s right for YOU, then it’s right.”And that even includes destroying anyone who inconveniences you. Regardless of age or stage of life.

As I read some articles and blurbs about another assassination attempt against Donald Trump, I thought about a news story I read in the Atlanta Journal way back in 1981-82. It was so sad. A young boy had been missing for days. And someone finally found his beaten body next to the Chattahoochee River.

Imagine the immeasurable anguish a mom or dad would have to deal with in that situation. But, on the flip side, millions of moms and dads are responsible for a crime even worse. They destroyed their own unborn children. And only because those children were inconvenient.

Every person on Earth (and that includes YOU) is guilty enough to receive the death penalty. And every person on Earth will receive it, even if no government carries it out. But, never fear. You know (or should know by now) that I’m a silver lining kind of guy. And the silver lining is that your death sentence CAN be temporary. In fact, you might even be fortunate enough to experience it in the twinkling of an eye.

But there’s only one Way to make sure. If you don’t know what that is, find out. If you do, share it today.

Because this world is hellbent for destruction. That’s why we’ve had generations of this…

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?
Who can we depend on?
Can you tell me who?
Random thoughts and deeds,
Random source of life,
And random is the bride we take

Who becomes a cheating wife.

© Tony Funderburk 2002

Maybe you don’t know me well enough to buy something from me, yet. Ok, then get to know more about me and my worldview. Join the growing body of believers who’ve signed up for the FunderFlash Journal. And enjoy my daily flashes of light from the power of God’s love.

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Lily was here. That’s what she wrote, with her finger, in the sugar-like sand of the west Florida beach. And she sat there, doodling, for a couple of hours. Alone, with only her trepidation. Yeah, that was the word. She remembered when she first heard that word. Back in high school. “That’s me, alright,” she thought.

Miss Trepidation. Some might call it butterflies. Others have described it as jitteriness, a blue funk, or the heebie-jeebies. Lily had even heard her feelings described as the willies and plain ol’ cold feet. But she figured Miss Trepidation sounded almost dignified. She even said it out loud, with a British accent. Jolly good.

But let’s step back a little to see why Lily was here on this beach.She had always loved to paint. And she often said the feel of a brush against canvas was “her sanctuary.” But, in the past couple of years, self-doubt had sneaked in behind her back.

Truth be known (as it rarely is), a harsh review from an art critic had shattered her confidence. After that, she only painted in isolation. And none of her wonderful paintings saw the light of day, so to speak.

But about a week before this solo trip to the beach an old friend, who loved Lily’s art, called to invite her to feature her paintings in a local gallery showcase. And Lily felt her face flush from just the thought of it.

She asked for a couple of days to think it over. And her friend said the show was in two weeks, so she’d check back in three days if she hadn’t gotten a call by then.

So, Lily was here on this beach to think of the best way to bow out.

But somewhere, in the halls of her memories, she heard her high school art teacher’s voice. Ms Robertson often said, “Art is not about perfection; it’s about expression.” And she also said, “The only critic who matters is YOU.” Those words hit her like a a splash of ice cold water.

(Cue Bonnie Tyler singing “I Need A Hero”)

Lily stood up, dusted off the sand, and trotted back to her car. On the way home, she called her friend to say she’d be ready for the showcase no matter what. And her friend was thrilled.

Then, Lily gave herself a bold goal.She decided to complete ten brand new paintings for the showcase. Go big or stay home. Right?

Her first work was a frustrating mess. But she refused to let is stop her. Because she got those brushstrokes on the canvas took her back to “her sanctuary.” And she poured her soul onto the canvases. With a couple of works completed she figured out her theme. And that increased her passion to meet her goal.

Longer story somewhat shorter? Lily DID complete the ten paintings. But on the way to the gallery, Mr. Anxiety jumped in the car with her and sneeringly asked, “What if no one likes your paintings?”

Fortunately Ms Robertson’s voice, “Paint for you, first. The rest will take care of itself.”

So, Lily made it to the gallery early. And her friend helped her set up her ten newly finished paintings, and she raved about each one as the removed them from their cases. “They’re beautiful, Lily. This will be awesome.”

Sure enough, as visitors mingled around the gallery, Lily heard lots of whispered praises for her paintings. And for the first time, in a long time, she felt totally connected to her childhood dream of being an artist.

Yeah, there’s nothing like the power of perseverance.Lily learned that’s how you build courage and strength to face life and brush off doubt and fear.

And, as the song that bears her DNA says:

But 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.

Maybe you don’t know me well enough to buy something from me, yet. Ok, then get to know more about me and my worldview. Join the growing body of believers who’ve signed up for the FunderFlash Journal. And enjoy my daily flashes of light from the power of God’s love.

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It’s not impossible. Although sometimes it can certainly feel that way. And you definitely don’t have to accept it if you don’t want it. So, think it over before you accept or reject your secret mission. Because the fate of the world is in your hands.

Well, actually, your secret mission doesn’t determine the fate of the world.But it DOES have some immeasurable consequences for YOU.

So, what do you say, Ethan? Does this sound like a secret mission you’re willing to accept? Keep in mind, the “Secretary” will disavow any knowledge of you if you’re caught. But that’s no big deal compared to when your Creator disavows you. “I never knew you” are words you never wanna hear.

OK, enough with the Mission Impossible references. But one last comment on that subject. I think Tom Cruise, and his team, did an excellent job of serializing the last two installments of those movies. I’m very interested to see “Dead Reckoning: Part 2.” How ’bout you?

Anyway…

None of that truly has anything to do with why or what I’m sharing with you this time. The following four verses, in a rhyme/poem called “Secret Mission” was started sometime last year. And as I spent some time clearing my computer’s desktop this week, I found the first two verses in an unfinished Pages document.

So, I made it my mission, this morning, to finish it. And my motivation for sharing it with you, today, is that I hope it helps motivate you to share God’s love with someone else as soon as you get a chance. If so, here’s your…

Secret MissionIn the first ray of light there was a message
That no one else, but me, could even see.
And I had to squint my eyes to decipher
A secret mission plotted just for me.

There were no dots or dashes or impulses.
No man-made codes and no neurology
Could infiltrate and then translate the mission,
The expedition meant for only me.

Then a voice, filled with thunder, in a whirlwind,
Spoke to me about peace and sanctity.
And my soul realized the secret mission
Is for everyone and not just for me.

I appeal, with an urgency of purpose,
To your heart where you’ll find eternity
Written down, as a not so secret mission,
To share God’s love for all with eyes to see.

© 2024 Tony Funderburk

Maybe you don’t know me well enough to buy something from me, yet. Well, let’s fix that.

Get to know more about me and my worldview when you join the growing body of believers who’ve signed up for the FunderFlash Journal. And enjoy my daily flashes of light from the power of God’s love.

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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 heavens, no! I trust that Jesus Christ loves me and that He’ll never leave me nor forsake me. So, I’m covered by the Creator and source of Life. No anxiety here in Funderland. Well, I might get a little anxious if the power goes out while I’m writing this. But even then, I have a backup.

The anxiety I described is posted thousands, maybe even millions, of times a day on social media. For example, I’m gonna copy and paste 6 posts off X (formerly Twitter). And there are so many more I couldn’t go through them all if I spent my whole day scrolling.

But here’s the 6 samples:~ I wonder if I’m the same. I had a kind of psychotic breakdown from anxiety and have been on drugs for eight years and feel worse not better

~ Some members of this generation will film themselves crying in the car over social anxiety. It’s all in their heads. Reopen the asylums.

~ Are we too soft on our kids? What’s happening with teen anxiety? Why are so many boys taking medication for ADHD?

~ I don’t like this. I feel like I’m overwhelming her with my anxiety, my unexplainable fear of her doing indecent things behind my back. And I’m fighting my own thoughts. She’s truly a good girl. And I’m the crazy one. I’m afraid that i might push her away with my neediness.

~ A man in the video posted a flag on a facebook post and the UK police showed up to arrest him for causing “gross offense with a menacing character which caused someone anxiety.”

~ Intelligence without courage leads to anxiety because you will spend your time overthinking instead of acting, taking risks, improving your life.

The 6th one mentioned an interesting cause.There were also lots of people who showed their concern that most anxiety happens because people are self-focused instead of nurturing a relationship with God. Yeah, I’ve mentioned that right here on my humble, little website, too.

And I found another hashtag post that simply stated a cure: Action Alleviates Anxiety

I like that one. A lot. In fact, it reminds me of a time, back in 1990, when a particularly tough migraine hit me. I can take a lot of pain. But that painful day was more challenging than usual. So, I wrote a song about it. And I used some indignantly angry personification. Your results might vary…

Mister PainHe’ll come and jump into your arms.
He’ll stay and try to steal your heart.
And he’ll push and make you say his name.
He’ll shove ’cause he makes force an art.

He’s tough. he turns you inside out.
He’s mean; he means to have it all.
And he’ll push and make you scream his name.
He’ll shove, but don’t you ever fall…

For Mister Pain…he can be seen through.
Mister Pain…you can be mean to
Mister Pain…leave me alone.
Oh, oh, oh Mister Pain…he can be lied to.
Mister Pain…least that’s what I’d do.
Mister Pain…leave me alone.

He’ll smile and stab you in the back.
He’ll pound when he’s inside your head.
And he’ll grab and pull you to your knees.
He’ll yell, but you yell back instead.
Yell back at…

Repeat chorus

(bridge) You’ve got a reason to live,
A reason to be in this place.
Take all the pain he can give,
And throw it right back in his face

Instrumental…repeat chorus to end

© 1990 Tony Funderburk

Maybe you don’t know me well enough to buy something from me, yet. Ok, then get to know more about me and my worldview. Join the growing body of believers who’ve signed up for the FunderFlash Journal and get my daily flashes of light from the power of God’s love.

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Yeah, it’s true. Real scientists actually do still exist. But there are so many others I describe as
“so-called scientists” that you won’t typically find the real ones on TV or radio.

Thank goodness we have the internet for the real scientists.Because, over the past couple of decades, real scientists have been working on the genetic code in humans. And they found out something so incredible you’d almost have to have a working brain cell or two to believe.

They found out humans fall into two categories or sets of chromosomes. The XY set. And the YY set. XY chromosomes are found in males. And YY chromosomes are found in females. Why? Why?! It’s by design. And not the design of some kook with a test tube.

Nope. God gave you twenty-three chromosomes from each of your parents. So, your physical design, is found in those forty six chromosomes.

Now, here’s a vitally important part to this information that’s completely ignored and even shunned by so-called “pro choice” advocates.

Forty six chromosomes are all present from the moment of conception.Here’s what that means. The moment a human sperm fertilizes a human egg, you have a brand new human. Everything a person needs, to be a unique person, is found in those forty six chromosomes at conception. Are you with me so far?

Great.

Your chromosomes determine whether you’ll be tall or short, portly or lean, blue eyes and blond hair or green eyes and brown hair, and rich or poor.

Just kidding on the “rich or poor” part. Just checking to see if you’re paying attention.

But the cool thing is that you get to work on the rich or poor part yourself.

And I don’t know if you realize this or not, but science actually agrees with God on this subject. So, you’d think it would be a no-brainer. Case closed. End of discussion. And verdict reached. A human embryo is a human. Next case.

But, sadly, that’s not the case.

Too many selfish (even to the arrogant level) people ignore the facts. You’re a person. And your physical design is in motion from the moment of conception. And, please, let’s not argue over when the moment of conception is. If we can’t agree on when that moment is, can’t we at least agree not to kill IT until after we know what IT is?

Here’s a little mathematical equation I came up with. Let me know what you think. Because your opinion is just as important as other real scientists.

23 + 23 = 1I got a little bit from my mom
I got a little bit from my dad
And I got my DNA from the great Yahweh
And it’s the only life I’ve had

Twenty-three plus twenty-three is one
Chromosomes were a mystery
But that mystery is gone.
Twenty-three plus twenty-three is one.
Until we learn to add it up…
The lesson isn’t quite done.

Maybe you don’t know me well enough to buy something from me, yet. Ok, then get to know more about me and my worldview. Join the growing body of believers who’ve signed up for the FunderFlash Journal. And enjoy my daily flashes of light from the power of God’s love.

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The post Real scientists exist. But so many fake ones still persist. appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

Ella loves bedtime stories. Big shocker, right? I mean, you’ve probably never heard of a little kid who loves bedtime stories. But, maybe what you didn’t know was how many kids enjoy books on iPad. And that’s Ella.

“Read me some books on my iPad, mommy.”That’s a big part of Ella’s new night time routine now. Because her mom and dad got her a new iPad for her 4th birthday. Sure, she loves her fun games and videos. But her favorite part is when mom reads books on her iPad and she can just lie there and listen to mom’s loving voice.

And another part that makes bedtime stories so special is how the two of them snuggle up under her favorite blanket with the only light in the room coming from the glow of the iPad.

“Which book do you want me to read tonight?” Her mom asked, as she tapped the screen to open the digital library. She had a good idea of Ella’s favorites. But it was part of the fun to ask and watch Ella’s face start looking at the book cover pictures.

“Read The Very First 6 Days,” Ella said. “And start on the third day. ‘Cause that’s where I think I fell asleep last time.”

“OK,” Mom smiled.She swiped through their treasure trove of books on the iPad. And with a simple tap, the colorful cover of their chosen book lit up the screen.

As she read the first page, mom showed Ella how to use her finger to swipe to the next page. Ella giggled with delight. Because it was fun to watch how her finger made the picture and words on the page for the 4th day of creation magically appear. And mom read…

Now after three days you might wonder
What else God could do.
But He was only warming up.
He’s not like me and you.
See, God had plans to build a world
Where every living thing
Would live forever in His rest
To love and laugh and sing.

Ella lay there imagining a place where everybody would love and laugh and sing forever. “That must be a very special place,” she thought to herself.

And mom continued…So God made lights up in the skies
To split the day from night.
The nighttime had…

But the little girl was just too tired to stay awake for the rest. It had been an exciting Labor Day weekend with lots of good food and fun. And she had already stayed up a little past bedtime.

Oh well. That’s why God invented tomorrow night. Right? And if you read books on iPad, you could click on the link I shared earlier in this story. It’ll take you right to the same book Ella and her mom are reading.

It’s $6.99. Plus, there’s a link to another free book and some music. AND you and some special kid(s) will have it all in a few minutes. Slow shipping is for other people. Not YOU!

But maybe you don’t know me well enough to buy something from me, yet. Ok, then get to know more about me and my worldview. Join the growing body of believers who’ve signed up for the FunderFlash Journal. And enjoy my daily flashes of light from the power of God’s love.

Stay tuned…

The post Books on iPad make some kids really glad appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

Ten years ago I snapped another picture of some sunflowers that overlooked a beautiful, expansive view on the Western slope of Colorado. When I got home and enlarged the snapshot on my computer, I noticed telephone lines right across my “work of art.” Then, I looked at it again, several days later. And words popped into my head about how artists so often feel a need to get something perfect. And it occurred to me that the so-called “perfect” is staying inside the lines. I don’t think that’s a problem. Do you?

Inside The LinesInside the lines the grass is greener.
Outside the box the air is cleaner.
Some days your life runs like a river.
Some nights you only quake and quiver.

And then the sun begins to shine,
And then you draw another line,
And then the box becomes a place to store your things.
And then the flowers start to grow,
And the your words begin to flow,
And then you’re glad to join in when the whole world sings.

Inside the lines the route is shorter.
Outside the box there’s no recorder.
Some days your view is from the summit.
Some nights your dreams will let you plummet.

And then the sun begins to shine,
And then you draw another line,
And then the box becomes a place to store your things.
And then the flowers start to grow,
And the your words begin to flow,
And then you’re glad to join in when the whole world sings. © 2014

Those words morphed into another picture, in a song.I scrambled them, a little, and repurposed the words into lyrics for the song, “I Can Do.” Unfortunately, the only recorded version I currently have is from a few years back during the time I struggled the most with my breathing problems. But Elgielene says it sounds good enough for me to share it with you.

So, be sure to tune in to the FunderCast. Because that’s the only place you’ll find it. At least for now.

Maybe you don’t know me well enough to buy something from me, yet. Ok, then get to know more about me and my worldview. Join the growing body of believers who’ve signed up for the FunderFlash Journal. And enjoy my daily flashes of light from the power of God’s love.

Stay tuned…

The post Another picture appears in the grinding gears appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

I have hope within. But not for cliché things like “world peace” or “random acts of kindness” or how we can all “coexist.” No, my hope is for the Creator God of the universe to one day return to earth and put an end to our human selfishness. And this hope flows to and from my soul and spirit because of the Truth.

And too many people are without that hope within.If there is no absolute Truth you can depend on, then any hope you muster is likely to fade at the first sign of trouble. Sure, you might feel empowered by a mantra or meditation or mentor. But without the strength of absolute Truth, it’s basically just an opinion. And you know what they say about those.

I know, in this day and age, most people don’t like to hear something so bold as “absolute Truth.”

But that phrase shouldn’t make anybody uncomfortable or irritable. Because it should help you to know there just might be something out there you can depend on. And rely on and trust, no matter what this world dishes out.

And the Word of God is that Truth. By the way, the Word and the Truth are two “nicknames” for Jesus.

So, it only makes sense to say Jesus is the reason for the hope within me. I know I don’t win any “cool” points in this world anymore for saying that. But I have the big picture in mind. Eternity. The picture doesn’t get any bigger than that. If there’s a possible eternal life waiting for me, and there IS, I want it. Jesus died a horrible death (and rose from the dead) to show me it’s there. So, I want it.

I will never lose the reason for the hope within me because I’m bought and paid for. I am God’s and He is mine. I’m absolutely certain eternal life in Heaven with Him awaits me.

I want that. Do you?Same thing…throughout the ages…
Same words out of different lips.
False hopes…on empty pages…
Crash course with a truth eclipse.

Maybe you don’t know me well enough to buy something from me, yet. Ok, then get to know more about me and my worldview. Join the growing body of believers who’ve signed up for the FunderFlash Journal. And enjoy my daily flashes of light from the power of God’s love.

Stay tuned…

The post Hope within helps me grin and win 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 because of it.And the “IT” I’m talking about is selfishness. The cruel selfishness that leads some people to want to steal, lie, cheat, and even murder other people. The bitter selfishness that fuels harsh words between members of a family. And even the fearful, hopeless selfishness that leads to suicide.

You can’t control everyone, thank God. So, you can’t do anything about those first two kinds of selfishness. And you and I WILL suffer (in fact, we already suffer) from the side effects of what those people do. But you CAN do something about the fearful, hopeless selfishness.

About 10 years ago I share three reasons to be drawn to life. I’ll share them again, here and now.

Your life is real.

And it’s the only one you’re ever gonna get. You’re not living in a dream world. When you hear Christians talk about being reborn, they’re talking about your spirit. And your spirit is the only place where true and everlasting life can reside. Have you ever felt a pulling on you from within? It’s a sort of longing to know there’s more to life than what your five senses can tell you. Well, that’s your spirit’s sense of connection to your Creator. He put eternity in your heart. He IS life, and He wants you to be drawn to life. And it’s the kind that lasts forever.

Hope.

Without it, you can easily become another sad statistic like the countless, nameless others. The living, loving God of the Bible wants you to know that you’re valuable to Him. And He also wants you to know that life in this current space/time continuum won’t last. Torment, torture, and tyrants will be done away with by the Prince of Peace. So, knowing that He’ll do this AND give you eternal life should provide you Hope.

Eternity is a long time.

As I’ve mentioned many times, forever is forever. It isn’t the absence of time. That’s an impossible paradigm. It’s time without end. Time will go on and never, ever end. So, it’s important to give some thought and consideration to where you’ll be during that time. My Christian worldview says you can live forever in paradise with the one, true, living, loving God who created you. Sure, you can exist apart from Him (and therefore apart from life) forever somewhere else. Just know, it won’t be paradise. And it won’t be enjoyable. But the choice is yours.

So, there are my three simple reasons to be drawn to life.And I mean the Life of God. You can live forever because of it.

In case you’re on the fence about it, here are some lyrics to nudge you along. (hint: subscribe to the FunderCast and you can hear the song, too.)

Drawn To YouMaybe it’s Your grace. I don’t know.
It could be Your Word. I’m not sure.
But You have a way of refining my thoughts.
Your Will is my strength. Your Will is my cure.

Anytime it’s me making it up
Show me I’m wrong to just forget You.
You barely lift a finger, and You change my whole direction.
What else can I say? What more can I do?

I’m drawn to You
Like a June-bug to the light.
I’m drawn to You
Like a boxer to the fight.
I’m drawn to You
Like a sweet tooth and ice cream,
And it may all sound extreme,
But I’m drawn to You.

Maybe I’ll wake up…maybe soon
And find You take me home…Who can say?
‘Til then I’ll live it out…’til then I’ll follow through
And see how many more might feel the same way.

Chorus

Jesus, help me, won’t You take me to my heart’s desire?
Nothing could mean more than having You to be my fire!
Take me higher…draw me near.

Chorus…instrumental…repeat chorus to end

© 1998 Tony Funderburk

Maybe you don’t know me well enough to buy something from me, yet. Ok, then get to know more about me and my worldview. Join the growing body of believers who’ve signed up for the FunderFlash Journal. And enjoy my daily flashes of light from the power of God’s love.

Stay tuned…

The post Because of it a lotta people quit appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

“Who is creating the conditions for people to find hope and possibility?” That was a question Seth Godin posed to the person who interviewed him for her podcast audience. The two of them were talking about AI (for those of you who’ve been living in an underground bunker, that stands for artificial intelligence). And he mentioned how it can replace mediocre tasks and people.

Then, he said that for people who can provide conditions for hope and possibilities, “there’s an unlimited market for that.”

So, knowing that, do you enjoy the benefit of hope and possibility in your life?And, if not, where do you think you’ll be able to find it? For that matter, what would give you the feeling of hope and possibility? I think it’s very important. Because I see a lot of unhappy and angry people in America. In real time, on the streets. And on every social media channel I visit.

Plus, there’s no shortage of YouTube videos where people seem to be out of their minds with rage. Or drugs. And they fill the air with foul language, vulgar expressions, and indecent exposure. They sound the way I imagine demons sound.

So, the world gets darker and darker. But, unlike Seth, I don’t believe anyone (not even me and my daily flashes of light) can directly provide conditions for hope and possibility.

Indirectly it’s do-able. Because you and I can share the power of God’s love. The power, and light, that will eventually even replace the sun for anyone who dares to love the one who created us all.

It’ll also be like this. Close your eyes. OK, Just imagine a pure river of water of life. Clear as crystal. Now imagine a tree so full of life that it bears twelve fruits every month. And even the leaves can heal nations. Can you see it? Wouldn’t it be great to live somewhere like that forever?

Well, that’ll be Heaven. And my biggest hope is for the possibility of seeing you there. I believe I can give you a better glimpse of Heaven than AI can. But you gotta go to the source for the best view. So…

I hope you hope for bigger hope,
The kind where Jesus lives.
Just ask Him for His love and grace.
I promise you…He gives.

Stay tuned,

The post Hope and possibility instead of blank senility appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

She said, “Life is screaming at me.”

And I thought to myself, “Hmm, I think there’s a song in that.”

Elgielene and I had one of those “long distance romances” you’ve heard about. You know. The kind that never work out.

And during that time, she lived in Florida, where I first met her. And I lived in Colorado. But I had written to her, from different places while I was “on the road” full time, for about 2 years before I settled in Colorado. And then almost another year after my move-in. Yeah, 3 years of failed attempts to win her over.

I’ve shared that saga before. So, I won’t go through all that again. Just know that once she finally responded to one of my letters, we changed over to phone calls. A lot of phone calls. And that was before smartphones and unlimited long distance. So, that means very large phone bills. On the YIKES level.

But that was a price I was willing to pay.On one phone call she told me how things were hitting her from all sides. That’s when she shared that line about life screaming at her.

Thankfully it wasn’t doomsday kinda talk. Just an explanation for how filled up her schedule was. But that line stuck with me. And that’s how “good ideas” are for a songwriter or poet. They pop up in front of you even without spending any time thinking about them.

But I take that up a notch or three. And I try to make it a purpose of mine. In other words, I keep a sharp ear open to things people say. Internet marketers and copywriting coaches call this “getting in tune with your target market.”

I just call it listening.

And just as “faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word,” ideas come by listening.

If you find yourself also saying “life is screaming at me”, maybe you need to tune out a few things and tune in to that “still small voice.” Listen to the voice you can only hear when you trust God and read His book.

Life Is Screaming At MeLife is screaming at me, “Give me your best shot!
Don’t dream it all away;
You gotta give back what you got!
It’s no big deal to gain the world
‘Cause you can’t take it with you.
But work to keep your soul, and give it your best shot.”

© 1996 Tony Funderburk

(Tune in to the FunderCast and you might find the episode with the whole vintage song in it.)

Oh, by the way. 35 years later I guess you could say the long-distance romance worked out.

Now, maybe you don’t know me well enough to buy something from me, yet. Ok, then get to know more about me and my worldview. Join the growing body of believers who’ve signed up for the FunderFlash Journal. And enjoy my daily flashes of light from the power of God’s love.

Stay tuned…

The post Screaming at me she said by the sea appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

A long time ago isn’t worthy to be compared to a long time to come. Unless your future depends on you.

Ok. I should probably explain that. Because, on the surface, it might sound like philosophical silliness. And I certainly don’t wanna sound silly, except for the times I’m being silly on purpose.

Can you imagine the hopeless feeling a person must get when they ponder the extent of endless time apart from a living, loving God? Can you imagine what sort of aching in the heart must exist for the person who believes eternal blackness awaits them? I know, with all my being, that life came from Life. But there are billions of people who believe life arose from non-living matter. Of course, they don’t bother to explain where that matter came from in the first place. So, it’s kinda like matter doesn’t matter.

And, yet, they believe that matter is all that matters. Well, matter and the here and now. And they believe you can only know what you can know with your five senses. But they never explain which of the five senses tells them that.

A long time ago, even as a young boy, I understood this truth.All life came from Life.

God created us. And He’s made a way for us to live and be with Him through endless time. It doesn’t matter that we can’t truly comprehend endless time. Just trust it’s time without end. No more death and dying. No more broken-down bodies. And no more dark hearts living in a world of darkness.

I’m hope-filled and hopeful. Because I believed this Truth a long time ago. How about you? I hope you have that kind of confidence in your heart, too. Or do you feel helpless and hopeless like the person in this poem?

Forever Is ForeverSilence hanged over the night
Like an English fog over the bay.
The moon was a million silver candles
Shining through a black velvet curtain.
I heard the wind sing through the grass
And a coyote howl on a hill.
“Forever is probably like this,” I thought,
“And if it is, I won’t be around to know it;
So what of it?”
That must be why there are questions.
If they all had answers
That we knew of,
We wouldn’t ask them.
Yes, forever is a night,
But a night passes on
While forever is forever.
Will there always be the foggy silence?
The million silver candles?
The black velvet curtain?
Will there always be the singing wind?
And coyote’s howl?
These things we can only ponder,
And we may ponder…
Forever.

Maybe you don’t know me well enough to buy something from me, yet. Ok, then get to know more about me and my worldview. Join the growing body of believers who’ve signed up for the FunderFlash Journal. And enjoy my daily flashes of light from the power of God’s love.

Stay tuned…

The post A long time ago is all if you don’t know 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 thought, up until this moment…

You are NOT already the master of the universe.But I’m here for you. You’re my digital neighbor. And the Bible says to love your neighbor as yourself. So, keep reading. And in almost no time at all your master of the universe status will change. Oh, and by the way, don’t let those scientists who say the universe is expanding throw you off course. It’s do-able if you have the right stuff and never give up.

So, are you ready? Good, let’s get to it.

First off, you gotta gather up the ingredients to get the universe going in the first place. And you’ll need a rough idea of how long your materials can last and what they’ll be made of. No worries. You can do all the calculations on the handy device of your choice.

(note to self: build a master of the universe ingredients calculator app. money in the bank)

So, go get yourself some awesome light sources, water, oxygen, and as many of the elements as you can. Remember, you’re gonna build the right kinds of planets, moons, suns, and other heavenly bodies to form a functioning and cohesive universe. This ain’t gonna be some lean-to chicken hut for crying out loud. And you don’t want it to just splatter all over the place. Right?

OK, once you have all those ingredients, it’s a good time to pause, at least for a few minutes or so, to ponder your “end game.”

And your end game has to be able to answer these two questions…1. What’s your “why?” 2. Who’s your target audience? (or, in this case, who will be serving you?)

Alright. Great! You’ve got the ingredients. And you’ve answered the two questions for your end game.

I’m sure you’re probably like most people who want to be master of the universe. Your WHY is already answered in your goal. And your target audience is made up of the fairly intelligent creatures you’ll control. All those so-called “people” who’ll tend to the planets, moons, and stars so you can relax.

So, it would probably be a good idea to take some of those ingredients you gathered up and see if you could stir them together and make some interactive beings. Personally I think this would be the hardest part of the whole thing. But maybe you’ve already got some good ideas on how you’ll do it.

And once you have a couple of those “beings” formed, see if you can devise a way for them to procreate. You certainly don’t want to have to go make new ones every time you turn around or get bored. Am I right? And if they make new ones, that just means you’ll have even more of them to control.

Win-WinOK, now you’ve got a bunch of self-replicating creatures building stuff and working on “their own ideas.” So, move in and show them how it’s all done. After all, they wouldn’t even be here if it wasn’t for you. And they’ll probably just bend over backwards trying to find ways to thank you for controlling their lives.

And that’s when you’ll have an irresistible urge to send me thank you gifts. Not necessary. Seriously.

I’ve gotta be transparent and tell you something. For the vast majority of people I’ve shared al this information with, it all sounds like too much work. Yeah, I get it. If you’ve gotten this far, you might be at that crossroads, too. If so, there’s another option.

You could just leave the whole universe in the hands of someone who really knows what He’s doing. That’s the option I’ve chosen. And I gotta tell you, it’s the only option you’re most likely gonna be able to commit to long term. And long term is much longer with this option. Plus, it’s such a relief to know you’re not in charge of things like…

Gravity
Oxygen
Water
Sunlight
Moon dimensions…etc…etc…etc

So, if you decide to take a pass on the whole master of the universe thing, consider the prayer option.

Pray to the God of Creation and thank Him that He made you, the world, the universe, and everything in it. Thank God He didn’t leave it up to men and women. Because we haven’t even mastered which clothes go in which cycle of the washing machine.

Thank GodIn the best of times, where’s the challenge?
In the worst of times, where’s your choice?
And in the fevered pitch, where’s the silence?
When the love is breached, where’s the voice?
Could you have your very life taken from you
While the world stood at your feet?
Wouldn’t that completely stop and numb you?
Wouldn’t you admit defeat?
Well, thank God He didn’t leave it up to you…
Thank God He didn’t leave it up to you. (repeat)

In the darkest hours, who’s your Father?
In the scheme of things, who’s the One?
And in the best laid plans, who’s the Spirit?
When your heart is healed, who’s the Son?
Could you let your very blood be taken
For your friends who’d run away?
Wouldn’t all your faith and hope be shaken?
Would you even think to pray?

Thank God He didn’t leave it up to you…
(repeat twice)

Lyrics © 2009 (me)

Maybe you don’t know me well enough to buy something from me, yet. Ok, then get to know more about me and my worldview. Join the growing body of believers who’ve signed up for the FunderFlash Journal. And enjoy my daily flashes of light from the power of God’s love.

Stay tuned…

The post Master of the universe: one is better, one is worse appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

Maybe you’re familiar with the expression, “It was a real red letter day.” But just in case you’re not, maybe you’ll find this next part interesting.

Current usage of “red letter day” is like decaf coffee.You get the flavor. But none of the oomph.

One language origins site describes current usage like this:

“In modern usage, a red letter day is often associated with positive experiences and happy memories. It can be a time for reflection on past achievements and looking forward to future opportunities. And whether it’s a wedding anniversary, graduation ceremony, or national holiday, these moments are often marked by joyous celebrations and special traditions.”

So, happy, positive, funtime. Yippee skippy.

But back in medieval times, it was a whole ‘nother thing. Red letter days were religious feast days marked on calendars with red ink. And those days were considered holy. So, they stood out from ordinary days.

OK, so they were holy days. But that doesn’t explain the red color. Unless you understand the connection between the color, red, and holy days and things.

Of course, for Christians who were raised in traditional homes with traditional Christian values, the color red is always associated with the blood shed by Jesus. And it’s such a big deal (the biggest ever) that there are even “red letter editions” of the Bible. Both my physical AND digital Bibles are that kind.

And here’s a section that ties in nicely with what I’ve mentioned here lately.Remember, these words are in red. So, you know what that means.

“You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men.

You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.”

So, here’s my hope for the day, which, as I write this, is a Saturday.

Go make it a red letter day. From both the medieval perspective AND the modern.

Be happy. Be thankful. And remember to share your salt and light. Now, get up and get going!

By the way…

Maybe you don’t know me well enough to buy something from me, yet. Ok, then get to know more about me and my worldview. Join the growing body of believers who’ve signed up for the FunderFlash Journal. And enjoy my daily flashes of light from the power of God’s love.

Stay tuned…

The post Red letter day is the Way for today appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

I gotta share this story I just saw again today. Maybe you’ve seen some version of it. But it’s about what happened when a young cashier told an older woman “you should bring your grocery bags next time. Because plastic bags aren’t good for the environment.”

And the older woman shared some actual good for the environment facts.Here’s the story version I saw:

The woman apologized, “We didn’t have this green thing back in my day.”

The young clerk said, “Your generation didn’t care enough to save the environment for future generations.”

So, the woman gave him a firm stare and a hard grin and said…

“Back then, we returned milk bottles, soda bottles, and beer bottles. And the store sent them back to the plant to be washed sterilized and refilled. So they could use the same bottles over. They were recycled.

Grocery stores bagged our groceries in brown paper bags which we reused for numerous things. We walked upstairs because we didn’t have an escalator in every store and office building. And we walked to the grocery and didn’t climb into a 300-horsepower machine every time we had to go two blocks.

Back then, we washed the baby’s diapers. Because we didn’t have the throwaway kind. And we dried clothes on a line. Not in an energy-gobbling machine burning up 220 volts. Wind and solar power did dry our clothes back in our day. And kids got hand-me-down clothes from their brothers or sisters. Not always brand-new clothing.

Back then, we had one TV, or radio, in the house.Not a TV in every room. And the TV had a small screen the size of a handkerchief. Not an energy draining screen the size of the state of Montana. In the kitchen, we blended and stirred by hand. Because we didn’t have electric machines to do everything for us.

When we packaged a fragile item to send in the mail, we used wadded-up old newspapers to cushion it. Not Styrofoam or plastic bubble wrap.

And back then, we didn’t fire up an engine and burn gasoline just to cut the lawn. We used a push mower that ran on human power. We exercised by working. So we didn’t need to go to a health club to run on treadmills that operate on electricity.

And we drank from a fountain when we were thirsty instead of using a cup or a plastic bottle every time we had a drink of water. We refilled writing pens with ink instead of buying a new pen. And we replaced the razor blades with a razor instead of throwing away the whole razor just because the blade got dull.

Back then, people took a bus and kids rode their bikes instead of turning their moms into a 24-hour taxi service. We had one electrical outlet in a room. Not an entire bank of sockets to power a dozen appliances.

And we didn’t need a computerized gadget to receive a signal beamed from satellites 23,000 miles in space to find the nearest burger joint. But the current generation laments how wasteful we old folks were just because we didn’t have the green thing.”

The cashier stood there still and quiet as the old lady found her wallet to pay.Then, the lady turned to leave. But she stepped back and turned toward the cashier.

And she said “You have a world of knowledge in that little device in your hand. Pity you just use it to gossip, take pictures, and waste time. It would do you good to search a bit of history before you embarrass yourself like this again.

I love that story. I don’t know if I’m as old as the old lady. But I can relate to every example she shared. And, in fact, I can remember living in a house where the cooking was done entirely with a wood-burning stove. For a long time there was an ice box instead of a refrigerator. And we ate food that came from a chicken, cow, pig, or garden just outside the farmhouse doors.

But today younger people think THEY know what’s good for the environment because of the regurgitated nonsense they soak up in schools, from TV, and online.

That’s why I wrote, a long time ago:

We want to live in a fat-free environment, and
We want to make sure the ozone is intact.
And so we watch all those service commercials, and
It’s just so easy to sit back and react.
Is it just melodrama for me to feel this way?
I wonder. Is it just me? Or does it all sound so cliché?

Stay tuned…

Before you go, sign up for The FunderFlash emails. And join the growing body of believers who get my daily Flash of light from the power of God’s love.

The post Good for the environment statement didn’t make a dent appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

Wild animals and other creatures breathe. But the breath of the wild things isn’t the same as the breath that goes in and out of you and me.

And by “breath of the wild things” I don’t mean plain ol’ oxygen. I noticed how God created the Earth, separated the water from dry land, put “lights” into the heavens, and blessed the ground with all the plants that could reproduce “according to its kind.” Then He created all the land, sea, and air creatures and gave them the ability to reproduce “according to its kind.”

And finally He created Man.

But here’s the difference between Man and all the rest of the creatures and creation. The Bible says “And then the Lord God formed man of the dust of the earth, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life.” He didn’t do that to any other creature.

Only humans received life directly from God’s life. His life entered into us. And us alone. And only humans were made in the “image and likeness of God.” No other creatures.

We’re unique. Don’t let anyone tell you you’re just another animal on the planet. You’re not.

If you’re unsure if you have the breath of life from God in you, do this.Look in the mirror. Do you see a human being? Then you have it. If you see some sort of freak with turquoise hair on one side of your head, while the other side is bald, and you’re a man who prefers she/her pronouns, all bets are off.

But, either way, keep this in mind. If you’ve never made the decision to trust God and trust that His Son, Jesus, died for your sins, then that breath of life will exhale from you forever when you breathe your last breath here on Earth. And then you might as well have had the breath of the wild creatures in you. Because your hope of glory is gone.

Are you gonna let that happen? It’s a complicated problem with a simple answer. Either the God and Savior of the Bible is real or He isn’t. Either you can prove He doesn’t exist, or you can’t. When I considered the mountain of evidence FOR the existence of Jesus, I chose to trust Him. And I chose life.

I recommend you choose life, too. Don’t let torment choose you. While there is still the breath of life in you, it’s not too late to choose.

Stay tuned…

Before you go, sign up for The FunderFlash emails. And join the growing body of believers who get my daily Flash of light from the power of God’s love.

The post Breath of the wild and breath of the child appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

Sure, you could say Tino loves music. If you’re trying to win the “understatement of the year” contest, you could say that.

Or another “understatement of the year” could be…“He’s no quitter.”

Boy oh boy, is THAT putting it mildly.

Because Tino’s efforts in the cutthroat music world were almost legendary. First, he got fed up with traditional gatekeepers who rejected his work. Next, he got sick of “all the fairness” as he called it. And, finally, he took matters into his own hands.

He thought to himself, “Hey, why not use the power of the internet? It seems to be workin’ pretty well for some of those YouTubers and Instagramers.”

So, he set up an independent music publishing label entirely online. He found an affordable hosting company, DreamHost, where he could serve up a user-friendly website. But he didn’t make it all about him and his music.

Tino decided to make his platform a place where hard-working artists could upload their music and communicate directly with their fans. Plus, for a little extra, they could even manage their merchandise sales without the enormous fees that come with traditional labels.

Yeah, that could go a long way toward beating that old-school music world.He understood you gotta make money or else it’s just a hobby. So, Tino set up a subscription-based model. For a small monthly fee, fans could subscribe to get exclusive access to new releases, behind-the-scenes content, and live-streamed studio sessions.

And that move helped to provid a steady income for the artists. Plus, it helped them build a loyal fanbase willing to support their favorite musicians directly. Without label gatekeepers.

Here’s another understatement of the year contender.

Tino was an idea guy.

Yeah, that’s serious tip-of-the-iceberg stuff right there.Because he used social media channels and digital marketing strategies to promote his artists. He knew how to create compelling content to showcase their unique stories. And built an even stronger connection with their fans and potential fans. And he made sure email marketing was a BIG part of the whole fan connection process.

Should I share more of Tino’s world-beating story?

How about I just tell you that he made great use of:

Streaming technology
Multiple payment gateways
SEO strategies

Tino (and the other artists) loved how it didn’t feel like their pockets were being picked by promoters, publishers, and recording studios and labels anymore.

And fans loved the much more direct connection they could make with their favorite singers and bands. In just a few years, Tino carved what looked like a permanent niche for himself in the music world.

That’s right.He found that, with the right tools and strategies, artists could indeed beat the music world at its own game.

Wow, his story reminds me of the 8th song on my Do Right collection. Beat The World. In fact, check out these lyrics (that Tino didn’t write).

~ Every time you turn your back
There’s somebody there to pick your pockets.
And so you see there’s more to life,
More than love and rockets. ~

And then, there’s this verse:

~ Yeah…every time you make your mark
There’s somebody there to erase it.
And people say that’s just the way it is
And boy you’d better face it. ~

Get the rest of the lyrics, and all the lyrics to ALL the songs when you get your own Do Right Songbook Journal.

You’ll also get lots of pages where you can journal, take notes in church, or just doodle if you prefer. AND you can download ALL the songs (at no extra charge) from a secret (not secret) link in the book.

Just go to the Rhyme and Reason Bookshop and get yours today.

https://www.tonyfunderburk.com/rhyme-and-reason-bookshop

Let me know if you have any problems getting the book. I’ll make sure you get it!

Stay tuned,

The post Understatement of the year is maybe right here appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

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 wasn’t the same feeling as a physical paintbrush stroke.

It was more like a blue streak of cool light.And it happened as he listened to a late night, local talkshow host talk about something in the Bible. But the host didn’t sound like a preacher. He sounded more like a reporter who related current events to verses in the Bible. And every time he pointed out another truth, it tore away another layer of darkness from Theo’s eyes. The truth sort of pierced right into him like a needle in the hand of skilled nurse. No pain.

So, night after night, Theo would tune in. And night after night he’d hear more truth that he hadn’t heard from churches and other religious organizations. Plus, the talk show host included hilarious entertainment by taking calls from people, all around the country, who disagreed with him.

Theo noticed a pattern form. Many people from all around the country clearly despised the talk show host. And most of them could only express their contempt for him with insults and complaints. They refused to believe the words he read, directly from the Bible, were actually words in the Bible. Because, like me, they also hadn’t heard those messages in church. Or from any Christians they knew.

So, Theo tuned in to the show, for months. He couldn’t find any points of contention or disagreement with the talk show host.

And he enjoyed how the host ended his shows with “Do right. And risk the consequences.”

Then, one day, after watching a particularly entertaining episode of the show, Theo’s brain lit up with some lyrics. Oh yeah, I forgot to mention. Theo’s an excellent songwriter. So, he wrote down the words, editing as he wrote (because that’s the best way). And he twiddled around with some chords and progressions as he ironed out the verses and chorus.

I’ll bet you can see why his first line was…“There’s a blue streak like a paintbrush stroke through my heart.”

Right? You picked up on that whole connection I’ll betcha. And I bet you get this next line, too.

“It’s a cool light and it tears the darkness apart.”

How about it? The lyrics make a lotta sense, since you read a little bit of the backstory. Can I get an Amen? So, any guesses on the next line? Try these next two lines:

“I’m so near it; though it pierces me I don’t fear it.
Like a needle; the Word sews into my spirit.”

I don’t know about you, but that gave me goosebumps. OK, maybe little goslingbumps. But I really enjoy observing a maestro’s mind at work.

Well, I’ve been writing up a blue streak about this story. So, I’m not gonna share the whole rest of the laborious and intense songwriting process with you. But you can rest assured, Theo included the line, “Do right and risk the consequences.”

You know what you should Do Right now?Go get your own digital download of the Do Right Songbook Journal. And when you get your own copy, you’ll get all the lyrics to ALL the songs. Not just this Do Right song I wrote about.

Plus, there are tons of pages where you can journal, take notes in church, or just doodle if you prefer. AND you can download ALL the songs (at no extra charge) from a secret (not secret) link in the book.

Just go to the Rhyme and Reason Bookshop and get yours today.

https://www.tonyfunderburk.com/rhyme-and-reason-bookshop

Let me know if you have any problems getting the book. I’ll make sure you get it! Till next time…

Stay tuned…

P.S. If you already have your copy of this classic music, refer the link to someone else. Thanks!

The post Blue streak, take a peek, it’s unique appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

Mateo walked through the shin-deep snow on that cold February night in 1996. And one thought kept echoing through the dark chambers of his mind, “I can hear my heart, but I just can’t feel my life.”

But he couldn’t figure out what “feel my life” meant.Because it wasn’t like he had NO feelings. Of course he had feelings. Lots of ’em. Passionately exasperating feelings. But feelings just the same.

And, after another mile, or so, of trudging through the snow, Mateo heard his own voice say, “I can feel you cut, but I just can’t see the knife.”

What?! He nearly slipped and fell as he quickly turned to look behind him. No one there. But why would there be? The voice was clearly his own. After all, he’d lived long enough to recognize the sound of his own voice, thank you very much.

But why would his own voice taunt him with talk about feeling the cut but not seeing the knife? That was serious cloak and dagger stuff right there.

So, he gathered up the small amount of logic his brain could muster in that moment, and he started to pray, “Dear God, would You slip Yourself inside of me, now, and show me what I’m meant to be? My heart feels like a dark, locked box. Would you please use the golden key of your Word to unlock it. And protect me from the wizardry of this dark, fallen world down here?”

And he added,“Even though, right now, I can’t feel my life, I CAN feel Your love.”

Mateo knew God’s love was real even though he’d never met Him face to face.

Faith.

Yeah, that’s what they call it. So, he thought to himself, “Faith knows that whenever I’m alone, You still fill the empty space. And faith helps me know I never really have to reach for You, Lord. Because You always seem to pull me through. And You do the things that I can’t do. Not even if I wanted to. And not even if I tried.

As those words flooded into his mind, his doubts and worries started to fade away, like the dwindling snowflakes in the frigid, night air.

So, he tapped into the source of his strength. And he sang,

I have to believe You did everything for me.
‘Cause what I have to believe is the truth that sets me free.

Then, he said out loud, “Now, I know why I couldn’t feel my life. Because I forgot my life is not my own. No, God spent more than the whole world could ever repay to buy my life. And I’m sure I don’t deserve it. But, now, I’m lighter than air and soaring like a bird.”

OK, there’s a glimpse into part of one night in the life of Mateo.By the way, his name means “Gift from God.” And He sprang to life just a few minutes ago when I decided to create his moment of angst to point to the song, “Have To Believe.” It’s the first song in the Do Right collection.

You’ve heard of the Do Right collection, no doubt. Because you’re familiar with how the whole collection is somewhat connected to a local Denver night time talk show host from way back. Right? You know that story. Right?

Well, it doesn’t matter if you do right now. Because right now I’m telling you how to get your own digital download of the Do Right Songbook Journal. And when you get your own copy, you’ll get all the lyrics to all the songs. Plus, there are tons of pages where you can journal, take notes in church, or just doodle if you prefer. AND you can download all the songs (at no extra charge) from a secret link in the book.

Just go to the Rhyme and Reason Bookshop and get yours today.

https://www.tonyfunderburk.com/rhyme-and-reason-bookshop

I’ll wait here and…

Stay tuned…

P.S. If you already have your copy of this classic music, refer the link to someone else. Thanks!

The post Feel my life and that invisible knife appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

You’ve heard how there was no joy in Mudville when Mighty Casey struck out. Well, I assume you’ve heard that or read it. And I know what happens when you assume. So, maybe I should have given a spoiler alert. But the poem first appeared back in 1888. So, for cryin’ out loud, if you haven’t read it or heard it by now, then shame on you.

Anyway…

Mighty Casey struck out. But that’s nothing compared to Wyler’s woes.I know you’ve never heard of Wyler James. And I’ll explain how I know that, shortly. Just know for now, that when it comes to someone who knows what it feels like to be struck out, you don’t have to look any further than Wyler.

He started out on a what looked like a fast track to stardom. Because his first 3 songs were covered by some Nashville names big enough to make him a fair sum of money as it made them a lot more. So, that was mighty cool.

And Wyler gained a considerable amount of recognition from his appearances in the Nashville venues that featured songwriters “in the round.” People just plain liked him. And they liked those first 3 hits, a trio of soulful love songs.

But one gray day Wyler hit two metaphorical, but solid, stone walls that stalled out his career.

First, the music industry moved into a time where his style of soulful love songs just were “not what the public wants to hear,” according to publishers, promoters, and radio execs. So, that was a pretty big slap. Because Wyler wasn’t a “viral hits” and “dance tracks” kind of songwriter they said they needed.

But the other stone wall was where he really got the rug pulled out from under him.

And that wall was Wyler’s worldview.Yeah, it’s safe to say he didn’t tow the creative community’s party line. Because Wyler not only considered himself a Christian AND a conservative. He actually voiced his opinion. A lot.

GASP!

Can you imagine? (Yeah, you probably can, right?)

So…

Former so-called “friends” faded into the background. Or should I say into the woodwork? And publishers, and other songwriters, treated him as persona non grata (that’s Italian for persona non grata). And I can tell you, from experience, a persona with non grata has a much harder time paying the bills.

So, Wyler’s desk filled up with past-due bills. And he headed toward total bankruptcy. Because the memories of the days of radio hits, sold-out shows, and awards motivated him to stick with his true love. Music.

And, in a world that increasingly doesn’t appreciate the Christian worldview, Wyler seemed to face impossible odds.

But he wasn’t the kind of guy who bet the odds.And night after night he’d go to his guitar, strum and hum, and look for “that song.” The one his heart wanted to sing to (and FOR) everyone who faced seemingly impossible odds because they dared to speak their Christian faith.

Finally, one night he found some chords and strums that fit just right with 4 lines of lyrics that kept popping into his brain. And he wrote…

You say you’re feeling empty and it doesn’t go away.
And you live for your tomorrow and suffer in today.
You need to blow your trumpet to tear down all the walls
And keep your heart wide open to hear God when He calls.

Suddenly Wyler felt revived.And it was as if his soul filled up with renewed hope, love, and determination. Then, he set up his computer studio, positioned his mic, and recorded the whole song in only a couple of takes.

He listened to the finished song about 10 times. And every time he heard it, he liked it more. Then, he got this crazy idea that he’d just skip the Nashville publishing, promoting scene. He’d just put his song directly in front of the fans he still had on his social media pages.

As it turned out, there were still plenty of fans and followers who loved his music. And many of them shared his new song. Before he would have ever dreamed it could happen, the song became one of those viral hits. Yeah. And that’s in spite of it not being a dance track.

Go figure.I won’t bore you with the rest of the details of what happened after that. Because here’s the part of the story where I share with you how I know you never heard of Wyler James.

You never heard of him because he didn’t exist before I wrote this story. But the lines to his song existed. Because I wrote them way back in the 90’s. And the song, Impossible Odds, was included on my Do Right CD. Yes, CD.

Now, you can get a digital download of the Do Right Songbook Journal in the Rhyme and Reason Bookshop. We just added it to the digital bookshelves today. You’ll get the lyrics to all the songs, lots of pages to journal or doodle on, and a link to download all the songs to your favorite device, included at zero dinero. Don’t be struck out watching that offer pass you by.

But if you don’t know me well enough to spend money on a book, then jump on the Rhyme and Reason Bandwagon. Get to know me better. Just so you know, Wyler’s worldview is mine, too.

Join the growing band of believers who enjoy my books, daily rhymes, songs, and videos about the Rhyme and Reason and power of God’s love.

Stay tuned…

The post Struck out, struck down, and washed up in this town appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

So you see the title, Typhoon Tycoon, and you think to yourself, “Self. That’s obviously the most important thing I’ve got to read today. So, read it NOW!”

Am I right? Yes?

I knew it. Because who wouldn’t wanna know more about such an odd topic?

But now that you’re here I gotta tell ya. It was a ruse. A ploy. A diversion to make you look at my left hand while my right hand performed the magic. And that’s the key today.

To get you to look somewhere else. And change up your routine to add more love and care. For yourself. And for your neighbor. Here’s my recommendation.

As you go through your day today, as you check your texts, instant messages, social media accounts, YouTube and Instagram videos, and even your eCommerce stats, take a pause.

Look up. Look around. Pay attention to the ones you love. And talk to them. Embrace. Laugh. Enjoy the time. They won’t be here forever. And you won’t either. But you’ll all be somewhere forever. So, talk about that. And be sure where you’re going. Because it matters more than any other message you’ll receive from any other source.

Are you good to go? Then, I’ll tell you…

The Tale of the Typhoon TycoonLorenzo Lanune, the Tycoon,
Stored his gold inside a typhoon.
Though most thought he must be a loon,
He trusted his moolah monsoon.
Each day he’d compose a new tune.
At night, on his contrabassoon,
He’d play, by the light of the moon,
And birds from Kowloon to Rangoon
Flocked to trees to listen and croon.

And every third week the tycoon
Put more gold inside his typhoon.
And it turned into a balloon
That looked like a golden doubloon.
Then, one day, exactly at noon,
In the month there’d be a blue moon,
He sailed away from his lagoon,
On the wild winds of his typhoon,
Like the famous fork and the spoon.

See, Lorenzo was not immune
To the words in a local tune
Where they called him a picaroon.
It’s not likely he’ll return soon.
The lyrics were like a harpoon
Intended to lightly lampoon.
So Lorenzo left a festoon
On the statue of John Calhoun,
And he turned into a cartoon.

© 2024 TF

Before you go, jump on the Rhyme and Reason Bandwagon. And join the growing band of believers who enjoy my books, daily rhymes, songs, and videos about the Rhyme and Reason and power of God’s love.

Stay tuned…

The post Typhoon Tycoon whose feeling were strewn appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

OK kiddos from 3 to 103. I’ll just let you know, right up front, that I’m here for you. Because I know that you fit into one of these categories. You are the:

Cream of the crop
Top of the heap
Bee’s knees
Cat’s meow
Best thing since sliced bread

And maybe you’ve even come up with something else you think describes your effervescent and irresistible personality. If so, good for you. Or is it, good ON you these days? No matter.

You know what you are. We’ll leave it at that. Just know I’m here for you.And I bet just knowing that relaxes you to your very soul. Right? Yeah, because until I popped into your email inbox, you were fretting about something. And you know what they say about fretting, don’t you? Well, I don’t know what they say. But I’m sure it isn’t complimentary or reassuring.

Anyway…

Back to why and how I’m here for you.

I’m here for you because you need a break from the negativity, vulgarity, and instability of the news and the “newsmakers.” And you need a reason to smile, forget about who said what about whom, and just remember that God is gonna make everything beautiful, bright, and completely right again one fine day.

I had some special words I wanted to share with you about that. But I seem to have misplaced them. I’ve searched under my computer. Down the side of my desk. And even under my cap. But the words appear to have vanished into thin air (because nothing vanishes into thick air).

Well, there’s my quandary. My dilemma, plight, and predicament.

So, I scratch my head and ask:Did I put the words in a bag
With a tag that looks like a flag?
Did I stick the words in a shoe
Painted blue to make it look new?
Did I hide the words in a drum
Which, to some, could make me look dumb?
Did I let the words out the door
Where they’ll soar and come back no more?
Did I leave the words in my head
To be read by no one instead?
Nope, I found the words in my eyes,
So surprise! They’re here for you guys.

© 2014 Tony Funderburk

As always, thanks for joining me on another ride on the rails of Rhyme and Reason.

Before you go, jump on the Rhyme and Reason Bandwagon. And join the growing band of believers who enjoy my books, daily rhymes, songs, and videos about the Rhyme and Reason and power of God’s love.

Stay tuned…

The post Here for you but what DID I do? appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

Once upon an old West morning, in the little town of Glenwood Springs, the scent of freshly baked bread and coffee wafted through the air. And it woke up one of the most famous young doctors ever.

He got up, walked to the window, opened the curtain, and sunshine flooded the room like liquid gold. And, from downstairs he heard a voice yell out..

“Good morning, birthday boy! Rise and shine. Coffee’s in the cup. Time to get up!”

So, he got dressed, splashed some water on his face, and drifted down the stairs. And as he turned the corner into the kitchen, his wife, Kate, slipped a blindfold over his eyes from behind.

Naturally, he was taken by surprise. But he played along. “What in the world?! Who is this? And what’s the big idea?” he asked.

“Young doctors need plenty of fresh air and sunshine,” was the reply.And with that answer, he heard the screen door squeak as Kate led him out the back door. She led him slowly down the 7 steps into the back yard. They walked a few steps through the cool, soft grass. And she sat him down at their backyard picnic table.

“Ok,” he said. “So, we’re having breakfast in the back yard. Great. ‘Cause I’m hungry.”

“That IS good,” Kate answered. “You better be hungry. Because here’s a mighty big breakfast!”

And, as she said the word, breakfast, she removed the blindfold. And all around them, gathered in the big back yard, was just about the entire town of Glenwood Springs. But how they had managed to stay so quiet is anybody’s guess. Because there were kids holding balloons, adults holding coffee cups and plates and forks, and a big, waving banner that read, “Happy Birthday, Doc!”

It was almost as if removing the blindfold flipped the switch on to a big celebration. The kids started playing, the adults started eating and drinking, and the breezes snapped the banner back and forth.

Then, Mayor Silverton stepped forward and handed Doc a beautifully carved wooden box.

“This is for you, Doc. From all of us,” he said warmly.So, Doc opened the box and found a gold pocket watch. It was artistically engraved with the words…

“To our Hero and Friend. Happy Birthday.”

Doc was overwhelmed by that outpouring of love. And, at first, he didn’t know what to say.

But he held the watch close. And thought about for a minute or so. Then he somehow managed to say, “I’ve faced many challenges in my life, but nothing has touched me as deeply as this. Thank you all.”

As the day turned to dusk and the sky turned dark blue,
Under twinkling stars, and as if right on cue,
Everyone sang out loud, “Happy, happy birthday!”
What a way to show love for their Doc Holliday.

And that’s exactly the way it was on that special birthday for one of the most famous young doctors ever. Doc Holliday, who’d be 173 today. Because he was born August 14, 1851.

(FYI: it’s not really the way it was. But it might have been if he had made some different choices.)

Anyway…

Before you go, jump on the Rhyme and Reason Bandwagon. And join the growing band of believers who enjoy my books, daily rhymes, songs, and videos about the Rhyme and Reason and power of God’s love.

Stay tuned…

The post Young doctors of fame can’t outdo this name appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

Kris and Themum woke up to a thunderstorm filled with bright flashes of lightning. Thank goodness they had taken extra time to secure their tents and position them for protection. Because the thunderstorm turned into what Uncle Paulo would describe as “a real frog drowner.” But they weren’t gonna let a little rain put a damper on reaching the goal for the day.

Because the goal for the day was the ultimate hiker’s prize.The summit. The peak. A couple more vertical miles, and they’d see the tip-top of the goal they’d talked about for a long time. And they both thought about that as they fired up the little backpack grill to make breakfast and coffee.

Neither one said anything. Kris had pointed out, before they even started their climb, that he wasn’t a morning talker. And Themum said he just wasn’t a morning person, period. So, that worked out. Even though it sounds funny to say it, they could just enjoy the mountain sounds in silence.

After breakfast, and a jolt of adrenaline thanks to their Italian roast coffee, the guys gathered up their gear to get ready to press on.

And as most climbers (the honest ones at least) might tell you, they didn’t even fully understand WHY they pressed on. Because the thin air increased the challenge with each step up in elevation. So, it wasn’t like it was just a walk in the park.

But when set a goal, you gotta keep your eyes on the goal.Otherwise your mind, and aching muscles, can conjure up all kinds of reasons to turn back. And Kris and Themum certainly faced those distractions way up there above the tree line. But the awesome beauty of the summit, bathed in the orange-red-yellow glow of the morning sun, urged them forward.

After a few more switchbacks, the trail turned considerably narrower. And rockier.

As they approached a sharp turn, next to a wind-worn tree trunk, Themum felt a pebble in his hiking boot. So, he stopped to lean on the tree trunk for support and remove it. But just as he started to lift his foot to unlace the boot his other foot twisted slightly on another rock. And his hand slipped off the tree trunk. And he tumbled off the edge of the trail.

Kris had just made the sharp turn when he looked back to see Themum disappear over the edge. And, as you can well imagine, he dashed back down the trail to where his friend had fallen out of sight. He was afraid of what he might find. Or not find. But he quickly calmed that fear with faith.

“Themum!” he called out.

And thankfully Themum replied, “I’m right down here. Good thing there was a shrub to break my fall. But it’s pretty small. And I don’t know if it can hold me for long.”

So, Kris answered back, “OK, don’t worry. I’ll help you get back up here.”

And with that promise, Kris quickly looked around for something to hand down to his friend. There wasn’t much to choose from. But he DID find one solid limb, about 4 feet long, that looked like it had fallen off that wind-worn tree.

Then, he carefully approached the edge of the trail again.“Ok, buddy. I’m gonna hand you a branch to grab on to. Can you do that without falling?” he asked.

Themum answered, “Yeah, I think so. But I think we’d better hurry. The roots of this shrub seem to be shifting around a little bit.”

So, Kris grabbed on to another shrub with his left hand and lowered the branch down to his friend. And it was a good thing the branch was about 4 feet long. Because they needed every inch of it.

“Now, we’ve gotta sync up just right, buddy,” Kris told Themum. “When I pull, you gotta get the best footing you can and push at the same time. Are you ready?”

Themum dug his right hiking boot into the ground and answered, “Ready!”

“OK,” said Kris. We’re one unit. One force. Keep your eyes up here. On three. One! Two!”

And they both grunted out, “THREE!”Kris pulled the limb. Themum pushed into the ground and reached up to grab another root. And they repeated those moves a few more times till Themum was safely back on the trail. They both laid there in the warm sunlight, breathing deeply, and saying silent prayers of thanks. Because they had combined their efforts into one force, they got the job done right.

In case you’re wondering, yes, they DID go on to the summit. And they enjoyed reaching the goal they had weeks before. There were selfies. And pats on each other’s backs. Plus, they had a nail-biting adventure story they could share with their kids and grandkids.

Aren’t you glad you don’t have to rescue anybody off a mountainside today? And aren’t you glad you can just share stories with kids and grandkids the easy way? Just by going to the Rhyme and Reason Bookshop.

Yeah, do that today. And join the growing band of believers who enjoy my books, daily rhymes, songs, and videos about the Rhyme and Reason and power of God’s love.

I can see a dip in the mountainside
Where the wind shakes the pines like a rattle,
But no matter where I roam or ride
I dream best in the cool windy saddle.

Stay tuned…

The post The goal, the prize, and where to point your eyes appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

Finnar and Sami were what you might call “fast friends.” Well, I certainly would anyway. Because that’s an old and established way to describe a solid friendship built on mutual trust.

And only a solid friendship could have done what they did.Keep in mind, now, every word you’re about to read is based on hand-me-down information. So, you know what that means. Yep. Rock-solid data with no room for mistakes.

OK, imagine, if you will (and you will because you can) ships full of Vikings. Can you see them? Good. Now, imagine the bluest, greenest, coolest, cleanest lights in the world. The Aurora Borealis. Yes, there you go. See ’em flicker and dance in the North sky? Like the light of God’s love.

Finnar and Sami saw those same lights, as they jumped onto the shore of Finnmork. And they were instantly hypnotized. And I mean actually hypnotized. Neither one of them could move a muscle. And none of their shipmates could even move them. In fact, the only parts that moved, on Finnar and Sami, were their eyes.

And their eyes followed each flickering dance of the lights of the Aurora Borealis. Sort of like the pendulum of a grandfather clock.

Only quicker.Alright, here’s where the story gets a little blurry. Because some say Finnar and Sami never moved again. And they say the two of them eventually petrified into stony statues. But others tell another tale. And I tend to believe those others because they’re the older, wiser ones. THEY say Finnar and Sami were rescued by Angels of Light.

Apparently, the Angels of Light flew down and hovered just in front of Finnar and Sami’s faces and gently placed their hands over their eyes. And, as fate (or something even better) would have it, Finnar and Sami were immediately released from their hypnotic trance.

And, at the exact time, the Angels of Light disappeared.

The rest of the crew, and the crowd from town, cheered. And the two men were totally surprised by that reaction. Because they didn’t even realize they had been hypnotized.

I’m telling you, it was the craziest thing. Sadly, no one thought to record any of it on their phones or tablets. But don’t think too badly of them. Because those devices weren’t invented yet.

But that story was passed down for generations.And everyone kept their own version of the story in their own hearts. That way they could explain to kids and grandkids how their beautiful homeland was named.

And, to this day, Finland is a place of beauty and wonder. With a positive reputation. The Northern Lights shine as brightly there as they ever did. In fact, if you get a chance to visit, be careful not to stare into them. You don’t want to end up like Finnar and Sami. Unless you enjoy a solid friendship with someone who’ll help you get free.

I’m just kiddin’. If you ever go there, stare as long as you like. And you could even enjoy some wonderful conversations, rhymes, and reasons, in the background, as you do. Because I received a very interesting email about your ol’ buddy, Tony. It said:

“I have some cool information that might interest you. Your podcast Rhyme and Reason with Tony Funderburk has good performance in Apple Podcasts rankings (last 30 days):

Position 68 in the category Christianity (Finland)
Position 164 in the category Religion & Spirituality (Finland)”

That was from a podcast monitoring service. And they send out notices when your podcast does well. So, who would’ve guessed. My Rhyme and Reason is enjoyed in the land of Finnar and Sami.

It all reminds me of a rhyme I wrote to go with a beautiful picture of the Northern Lights.

When Angels SingWhen angels sing from Finland skies,
Aurora Borealis eyes
Perceive a glass kaleidoscope
Of crystal lights lit up by Hope.
The angels send a message through
The frozen night of opaque blue
And bid the world to come behold
This place of peace, this crown of gold.
So, if you hear a rustling wing,
Be set to go when angels sing. © 2022

As you call it a day, today, be sure to thank the good Lord for angels, beautiful lights and colors, and most of all for Faith, Hope, and Love.

Then, jump on the Rhyme and Reason Bandwagon. And join the growing band of believers who enjoy my books, daily rhymes, songs, and videos about the Rhyme and Reason and power of God’s love.

Stay tuned…

The post Solid friendship, northern lights, land of wonder and delights appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

It probably wasn’t on your radar. Nope. You probably weren’t wondering about my process for stringing words together to create the rhymes and reasons I share with you. So, when I say I started a 3-verse rhyme with the phrase “nothing more to say,” you roll your eyes. Or yawn. Or both.

But this morning I wondered, “What if there was nothing more to say?”So, I did what I usually do when I wonder. I wrote it down. Typed it, to be completely accurate. Because I type 99% of what I write these days. And that’s because the vast majority of what I write has to end up on a digital page when it’s all said and done. So, why physically write it down when I’ll just have to type it down?

Anyway…

Let’s get back off that little rabbit trail.

Sometimes all I have to do to get started, on my blank page/screen, is write down that certain phrase or word. Then, it’s kinda like seeing it pulls the trigger to that rhyming section of my brain. Suddenly other words pop in to form the first thoughts. And then I can make sense of what the first line should be.

Once I have the first line, the second tends to slide in pretty quickly. And after a couple of lines I start to see where I need to go with the rhymes.

Yeah, that’s what happened in the wee hours this morning. And since this morning is a Sunday morning, it only seems reasonable that this rhyme for the day would point to the one, true, living, loving God. The One who spoke things into existence and created the seven days the whole world understands. So, here you go…

Nothing More To SayAs for yesterday, there’s nothing more to say,
Except what I will say, today.
I know there’s no way to change one yesterday,
So, I’m glad that I know The Way.

The Truth, The Life, in me, the One who made me free,
Has made sure I can see that He
Put eternity inside the heart of me,
And so I’ll be, eternally.

Glad for what’s ahead, because of what I’ve read
In God’s book where He clearly said
His son bore and bled and came back from the dead.
So hope replaces dread ahead. © 2024

Just so you know, I’ve got lots more to say. And as long as I remain on planet Earth, with the ability to type, or even speak, words onto a digital page, I’ll share why the world needs Jesus.

If you haven’t already, jump on the Rhyme and Reason Bandwagon. And join the growing band of believers who enjoy my books, daily rhymes, songs, and videos about the Rhyme and Reason and power of God’s love.

Stay tuned…

The post Nothing more to say, so goodbye yesterday appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

“Maestro, a little night music, please.”

And with that one command/request, the young songwriter retreated to his chamber to compose himself. Oh yeah, and also to compose the music.

By some accounts it was a warm summer night in Vienna. And as Wolfie sat at his desk he could hear people enjoying themselves in the streets below the window of his room. But somehow he managed to tune them out and tune into his own thoughts and imagination.

The command had been for “a little night music.”But he was too awake to compose a simple lullaby. And certainly not on demand. The revelry outside and the flickering of the candle shadows on the wall was just too much movement to be ignored.

So, sure enough, Wolfie quickly dipped his quill into the inkwell. And just as quickly, he started to dash out a flurry of eighth, sixteenth, and even thirty-second notes. He could hear the violins in his head. Smooth. And agile on the scale. With important things to say. So, naturally he wrote them a captivating conversation.

And even the sound of quill on the parchment inspired him to fill the page with that collection of notes he not only heard, but also saw in his head. In fact, he started to feel as though the notes wrote themselves. As if he was just a conduit. The method for how the ink made it from the well to the page.

Then, as Wolfie approached the second movement, a gentle Romanze, he decided to capture the quiet intimacy of a moonlit garden. A place where lovers wandered. And where sometimes cads and rogues whispered sweet nothings into the accommodating ears of young maidens.

Then, he composed the Menuetto.It was inspired by the spirited dances he had seen at court. And he made sure to give it an elegant appeal.

Ironically, Wolfie completed the night music, at the break of dawn, with what’s known as his jubilant Rondo. And since his home was in Prague (and because of the command he’d received) he called his new composition “Eine Kleine Nachtmusik.”

And that all happened on this day, August 10, back in 1787. Of course, you no doubt already realize that Wolfie is Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.

Just so you know, this is my own fictional account. But I feel certain it all happened exactly the way I described. Because of the songwriter’s connection code. I don’t wanna bore you with how it works. Just know it works. And it’s probably divinely decreed. So, there’s nothing anyone can do to change it.

Anyway…

You know who’d love a little night music? Kids. And/or grandkids. No, they absolutely don’t know that they’d love it. And maybe you don’t even know it either. So, take my word for it. They’ll LUV it. Especially if you play it in the background as they read (or you read to them) the Ginormous Humongous Tremendous Book of Rhymes And Bedtime Stories for Kids. Get yours in the https://www.tonyfunderburk.com/rhyme-and-reason-bookshop

Stay tuned…

The post A little night music, please, with familiar melodies appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

Oliver Treze was born to write bright. And that was his answer when anyone asked what he did for a living. He’d smile a quarter smile and reply, “I write bright.”

So, every morning, he sat in the shade of olive trees to write bright words.Words to wake the whimsy. Words to wake the joy.
All for flights of fancy. Words he could employ
To work his own magic, filled with opal light.
Nothing dark and tragic. No, he must write bright!

Maybe you noticed a kohwinkydink already. Did you catch it? Here’s a hint.

When Oliver Treze did his bright writing, he sat in the shade of olive trees.

Get it? Oliver Treze under the olive trees.

Yeah, ain’t it grand how kohwinkydinks pop up a lot of times when you least expect them? And ain’t it grand when they can give you a sort of magical aura brain massage? Yeah, those things are grand. Too bad most adults don’t even pick up on ’em.

Because if they could tune in to kohwinkydinks and dilly dally for even a few minutes, they might get to enjoy a whole ‘nother world. And I’m talkin’ about a world where trees talk to the stars. And where daydreams play Red Rover with Night Dreams.

But Oliver Treze never worried about what adults might or might not see.Because he had millions of ideas swirling around in his head. And he knew if he worried about what anybody could or couldn’t see, that took away from bright writing time.

And that was time he was NOT willing to waste.

So, Oliver wrote. And wrote. And sometimes he’d stop to eat or sleep. But after that he wrote some more. And anyone who walked by would never imagine all the wondrous words that flowed out of his head into his pen. Or sometimes he’d take his trusty techie tablet and type a tapestry or two or three. Or thirty-three.

That’s how it was when, in one day, he wrote about two hundred pages. It was a ginormous, humongous, tremendous amount of poems. I happened to be sitting nearby just as he finished for the day. And the oddest thing happened. Oliver started to fade away.

I started to ask if there was something I could do to help. But he held up his hand to motion for me to come closer. So, I did.

And in a faint voice he said,

“I had to write bright.
But I wrote out my own light.
So, I know it’s right
That you take these words tonight.
Add them to the book
That I have here. Take a look.
Turn it into fun.
Do this for me. I…am…done.”

And, with those last three words, he faded away completely. With a quarter smile on his face.

So, I looked down at the last bright writing he did. And here’s what I saw…

Woods Of WonderWalking in the woods of wonder…
Leaping off a limb of lights…
Slipping down a secret Scots pine…
Kiwi trees are flying kites.
All around are dancing Aspens…
With their white and wondrous wings…
Bristling branches and sweet breezes…
Where a speckled sparrow sings.

There’s more to the poem. But to see Oliver’s very last lines, you’ll need to beam over to the Rhyme and Reason Bookshop and get your own downloadable copy of:

Ginormous Humongous Tremendous Book of Poems and Bedtime Stories for Kids

© 2003-2024

Stay tuned…

The post Write bright or write right? It’s right to write bright. appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

Theo loved drawing and coloring from the moment he could hold a crayon. And his bedroom walls were papered with creations straight out of his wild imagination. Just about every other day he’d ask his mom or dad to get him some more drawing paper, crayons, and pencils.

His parents chose to encourage his drawing and coloring.So, more often than not, they’d be sure to provide Theo with his supplies. After all, since it obviously wasn’t a passing phase, they knew the supplies could help train him up in the way he should go. Of course, they knew they’d have to show Theo how to stay within a budget and make his supplies last. Thankfully he understood that his mom and dad loved him. So, he never whined when they had to say no. Which wasn’t often.

Early one sunny Saturday morning, Theo showed his latest art to his tech-savvy older sister, Lena.

“Hey, Lena. Check it out. What do you think of my drawing of this city built into a mountain side? Pretty cool, huh?” And he handed her the paper. Lena look up from her iPad and sort of nodded, “Uh-huh.”

“You didn’t even really look. C’mon. I’d like to know what you think,” Theo pleaded.

So, Lena knew that tone in his voice. And she knew he wouldn’t let up until she really looked at his drawing.

“OK, give it here,” she said.

And she saw it was really good. She liked it. Yeah, Theo was most definitely good at drawing and coloring.

But then, Lena had an idea.“Hey, you know what? You should try something really different. And I think you’ll like it a lot. Wanna know what it is?”

“Uh, yeah. I guess so. What is it?” Theo asked.

And Lena showed him a drawing and coloring app on her iPad.

“Oh, yuck,” he said. “I don’t wanna draw on some slick screen with a fake pencil.”

But Lena showed him a screen cover she used when she took notes for school. And it made the slick surface of the iPad screen feel more like paper.

“Here. Feel it,” she insisted.

At first, Theo thought it just felt weird. Not at all like the texture of his sketch paper. But then Lena handed him her digital pencil and let him try it out. After just a few stroked he started to get the hang of it. Then Lena showed him how he could work with layers, tons of digital brushes, and colors that never ran out.

Theo was hooked.So, I’m sure you can guess what he asked his parents for next. Right? Yep. His own iPad. But they worked out a deal with him to be sure he eventually paid for it himself. That way he’d appreciate the value of ownership.

Once he got his hands on his own iPad, it almost became a part of him. Everywhere he went, the tablet was always with him. Because he didn’t want anything to stop him from drawing and coloring at a moment’s notice.

Then, Lena showed Theo where he could watch online lessons. And where he could learn even way more about the world of digital art. He soaked it up. And little by little he figured out more and more of the almost unlimited possibilities of creating art on a tablet. He loved how he could wipe out mistakes with a tap, blend colors and undo them if they weren’t right, and experiment without ever running out of paper.

And, sure, I could tell you more about the story of Theo and his digital art. But I’m sure you’d like to work on your own. Or, if you’re the parent or grandparent of kids like Theo, you’d like to be encouraging like his parents.

So, start ’em off right.With a big bang at the Rhyme and Reason Bookshop. And I’ll let you in a little secret. I just added a book so big, so full of pages for drawing and coloring, that you’d have to spend a bunch of dough to get in a paperback. But if you’ve got access to an iPad, boy oh boy can you save a TON!

Go to the Rhyme and Reason Bookshop and look for the book with the long title and lots of colorful pictures. Click on that picture and you can download over 200 pages of drawing and coloring and rhymes. And forget about paying those crazy prices on that site named after a Brazilian river.

Stick with me and we’ll enjoy the pure river of water of Life.

Stay tuned,

The post Drawing and coloring art into the digital part appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

Elara lived in the star-island village of Millezza (pronounced milletsa, with the accent on the et). I’m sure you never heard of her or her hometown. Because they’re located at the Northwest corner of the Milky Way Galaxy.

Of course, I know you’ve heard of the Milky Way Galaxy.After all, anyone who lives on planet Earth knows our entire solar system is contained within the Milky Way Galaxy.

I’m just sayin’ you never heard of Elara or Milletsa. Let’s leave it at that. Yeesh.

Anyway…

Elara had a passion for bouquets. But her bouquets were made of the stardust she gathered during her walks through the Millezza Meadows. After she collected her celestial clippings, she’d take them back to her stardust studio to arrange them.

Every little speck shined and shimmered beyond imagination. And far beyond the color spectrum you and I can see. But, to Elara, it was all quite normal. She had been creating her bouquets for thousands of years.

So, it was all in a day’s work.And, on one of those days, a space traveler, named Evan, landed in Millezza Meadows just as Elara was about to head home with her daily finds. You and I might think that was mighty strange. But Elara had entertained other travelers before. So, she had sort of come to expect visitors once in a while.

As it turned out, Evan was a writer. And he fancied himself to be a musician, too. And he loved to travel through the Milky Way Galaxy writing songs and stories about the stars and the heavens.

Elara invited him to join her for dinner. And without hesitation he simply said, “Excellent.”

That evening, when he arrived at her bungalow, Evan was delighted to see the wide variety of bouquets in lead glass crystal vases. One glowed a deep indigo blossom from within and its edges were dusted with silver like iridescent stardust. Another one shined like a deep, rich violet neon sign. It had tiny threads of luminous gold weaving all around. And it reminded him of a cosmic dawn he had passed through on his travels.

But one stood out from the rest.Not because of bright colors. In fact, maybe it stood out so much because of the absence of bright colors. And Evan couldn’t take his eyes off it. It drew him in like a cosmic funnel of enigmatic joy. Translucent shards of white light floated, counterclockwise above the crystal vase. But an unseen force held them in their orbits.

Evan felt the irresistible urge to reach out and touch the lights. And as he did, the tiny shards danced across his fingers and around his hand. And they glowed even brighter and lit up his face in full spectrum light.

Elara could see the bouquet’s effect on Evan. So, she told him how the stardust in that arrangement came from the purest and most distant reaches of the Milky Way Galaxy. And she explained how the shards of light had the power to fill creative, inquisitive minds with knowledge and wisdom and stories. It was almost as if they tapped into the mind of the Creator of the cosmos. And she told Evan she believed they actually did.

Then, much to his surprise, she gave him the bouquet.

And once again, without hesitation, Evan simply said, “Excellent!”

Elara carefully packed the Milky Way Bouquet into a box made of Millezza Meadows mahogany. And Evan put it carefully on board his ship. He understood that he had found something and someone as bold and boundless as the heavens he loved so much.

She understood how much she was giving away.And they both understood how the gift would be a bridge between their hearts and minds.

Now you know the story behind the tenth song on the Lullabye Bye collection of lullaby songs for kids. And every word of it is as true as your best mid-winter dream.

By the way, you can hear a sample of “Milky Way Bouquet,” as well as all the other songs in the Lullabye Bye collection, here: (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VV4pKjLJWgg)

Then, don’t stop to pick any bouquets. Just jump on over to the Rhyme and Reason Bookshop to get your special kids their very own Lullabye Bye coloring, drawing songbook. And I’ve said it before, but I’ll say it again. There’s a link, in the book, to download all the songs?

So, download your Lullabye Bye book in the Rhyme and Reason Bookshop right now.

Stay tuned…

The post Milky Way Galaxy in a place you’ll never see appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

OK, you’ll enjoy this story much more if you use your best Irish or Scottish accent as you read. Even if you read it to yourself and you don’t read it out loud. You’re already doin’ it. Aren’t ya? Yeah, the way that power of suggestion works is a mystical phenomenon.

And speakin’ of a mystical phenomenon.Have you ever heard of the Blue Celtic Cloud?

Some say it’s not just a vapor. Not just part of the sky. And some will swear the Blue Celtic Cloud is even more than just a mystical phenomenon. They’ll swear it’s a living, shimmering “entity” that floats above the verdant highlands and rugged coastlines of Eire.

In fact, I heard a story about it. And I’ll share the story with you now. Word for word.

(by the way, your accent is delightful)

Anyway…

Rhiannon, a young druidess, was the guardian of the aforementioned Blue Celtic Cloud. She had inherited this sacred duty from her grandmother, Maeve. And Maeve had whispered tales of the cloud’s power into Rhiannon’s ears ever since she was a child.

Maeve told her the Blue Celtic Cloud was no ordinary puff of vapor. Not at all. Because it contained the dreams and hopes of the Celtic people. And it could transform those dreams and hopes into healing rain to nourish the earth and all who with open hearts to music.

And one crisp morning, during the last few days of Spring, as a mist kissed the heather-covered hills, Rhiannon felt a drop of water on her forehead. The Blue Celtic Cloud was swirling with a luminous energy. Even as the rest of the world was quiet and still.

Emerald greens, rich purples, and sunlit golds shined from within.So, Rhiannon chanted ancient incantations she learned from her grandmother. And the Blue Celtic Cloud descended and surrounded her in a soft, glowing mist.

A gentle rain began to fall. But the strange thing about it was that Rhiannon didn’t get wet. Because the rain fell directly into her heart. Or at least it felt that way. And she could also feel the dreams and hopes of the Celtic people as beautiful music also found its way to her heart. And, without even realizing it, the song made her smile.

It sure was a whimsical, wonderful mystical phenomenon. But sadly, Rhiannon had no one to share the song with. So, she sang it to the Blue Celtic Cloud. And she asked the Cloud to send it to someone, someday, some way, who could and would pass it on to others.

And the Blue Celtic Cloud promised to do just as she asked.Finally, hundreds of years later, the Cloud found an unsuspecting, but willing, songwriter to write down the words and compose the song.

And that’s how the ninth song on my Lullabye Bye collection of lullaby songs for kids came about. Cross my heart and hope to fly.

Listen to a sample of “Blue Celtic Cloud,” as well as all the other songs in the Lullabye Bye collection here: (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VV4pKjLJWgg)

And it shouldn’t take a mystical phenomenon for you to jump on over to the Rhyme and Reason Bookshop to get your special kids their very own Lullabye Bye coloring, drawing songbook. And did I mention, there’s a link, in the book, to download all the songs?

Well, there is. So, download your Lullabye Bye book in the Rhyme and Reason Bookshop right now.

Stay tuned…

The post Mystical phenomenon, in this song, goes on and on appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

Amelia sat by the window. And the soft glow of the evening sunset shined warm shades of orange and yellow across the nursery. As twilight settled on the crib, she hoped tonight would be different. Because her baby, Lily, had struggled with sleep for a week.

But Amelia decided to try something new. She she gathered her ukulele, her songbook journal, her favorite pen, and her favorite chair into her favorite corner of her favorite room.

And in that soft glow of the evening sunset she wrote a lullaby.And she started out by softly humming to herself until she found a melody that felt good. And she knew she had to keep it simple so Lily could easily recognize it each night. Naturally the song had to be personal. So, she thought about their times together.

Amelia’s love for minor keys took her to the first and second lines of the lullaby. As she pictured herself holding Lily next to her heart, she wrote:

“Yes, my love, I DO adore you.
Hear my heart. It’s beating for you.”

Then, she thought about how those special one-on-one moments would only go on forever in her own mind. Lily wouldn’t remember them. But SHE would. So, she wrote:

“Private memories we will keep.
But, for now, fall fast asleep.”

Next, Amelia wanted words to help Lily feel safe and loved. So, she wrote the next 4 lines:

Leave the world and cares behind you.
I’ll make sure they cannot find you.
You’ll be safe in slumber deep…
So for now…fall fast asleep.

Two verses were done.And, almost like a gift from God, the chorus flowed right out of her.

Amelia added one more verse. Then, she rehearsed the whole lullaby a few times so she could tweak the words and melody until it felt just right.

And, as she gently rocked Lily to sleep, in what was left of the evening sunset, she sang the new lullaby. Lily’s little mouth opened into a cute yawn, and her little blue eyes hid behind her eyelids closed. And Amelia felt a more peaceful connection to her baby than she’d ever felt before.

So, as you might imagine, that new lullaby became their nightly ritual. And the one special song to help Lily Fall Fast Asleep into sweet dreams.

OK. Just so you know, I’m actually the one who wrote the song “Fall Fast Asleep.” There might be a mom named Amelia who wrote a lullaby for her daughter, Lily. But any relation or similarities to them, found in this story, are purely coincidental.

Listen to a sample of “Fall Fast Asleep,” as well as all the other songs in the Lullabye Bye collection here: (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VV4pKjLJWgg)

Then, before you fall asleep, jump on over to the Rhyme and Reason Bookshop to get your special kids their very own Lullabye Bye coloring, drawing songbook. By the way, you’ll find a link, in the book, to download all the songs. AND they’re included in the cost of the book. For absolutely no dinero, yen, rubles, dolares, or any other kinds of moolah.

Download your Lullabye Bye book in the Rhyme and Reason Bookshop right now.

Stay tuned…

The post Evening sunset she will never forget appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

What’s with all these hypnic jerks who bug you just when you’re drifting off to sleep. How incredibly rude! And embarrassing. Sort of. Maybe it’s just me.

Have you ever had to deal with ’em as you’re drifting off to sleep?I mean, can’t they get your attention before that point? Because that’s the part of sleep that puts the La La in La La Land. That moment you relax and start drifting…off…to…slee

Where was I?!

Oh yeah. Those hypnic jerks. Turns out that’s the name somebody gave to those twitches or sudden jerks that happen right when you’re drifting off to sleep. I experience them once in a while. Thankfully I haven’t had to deal with one in public.

But it still feels weird. Even in private. Because it’s almost like your brain got some sort of electrical shock but only passed the twitching jerk to your muscles. No electricity.

I read somewhere that when you sleep soundly, your body is basically paralyzed. And they said that, for the most part, even during the most active dreams your muscles stay relaxed and still. And if someone watched you at that time they wouldn’t even be able to tell.

But, apparently, there’s also this thing called “brain battle.”You’ve probably heard of R.E.M. sleep. No, not the 80’s band. The rapid-eye movements during sleep time. During that time your eyes can “follow” the activity you dream about. For example, you see an airplane fly by in your dream. And your eyes follow it across the sky.

Rapid-eye movements, in your dream world, escape the normal sleep paralysis. And they show up in the awake world. If you’ve ever seen a sleeping person’s eyes move, you got to watch them as they dreamed.

But then the brain battle part happens when hypnic jerks come to town. Those movements don’t reflect what’s going on in your dream. In other words, just because you dream of riding a bike, it doesn’t mean you’ll start to move your legs in circles. In fact, those jerks seem to be evidence that your motor system can still control your body, a little bit, as sleep paralysis starts to kick in.

So, it appears to be that the part of your system that helps you sleep sometimes sort of battles your system that helps you stay awake.

Well, aren’t you the complicated little creation?But guess what’s NOT complicated. The simple instrumental lullaby called “Drifting Off.” Listen to a sample of it, as well as all the other songs in the Lullabye Bye collection, here: (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VV4pKjLJWgg)

Science shows these lullabies can help you get rid of the hypnic jerks. Remember, trust the science. It’s just good science.

Then, jump on over to the Rhyme and Reason Bookshop to get your special kids their very own Lullabye Bye coloring, drawing songbook. By the way, you’ll find a link, in the book, to download all the songs. AND they’re included in the cost of the book. That makes ’em, shh, eff are E E.

Download your copy of the Lullabye Bye book in the Rhyme and Reason Bookshop right now. And enjoy the experience with your kids or grandkids tonight.

Stay tuned…

The post Drifting off to sleep till the jerks start to creep appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

I’m not a fan of hot weather conditions. Yeah, there’s a pun hiding in plain sight, there. But I’m not gonna pun-ish you, more, right now. If you’ve been staying inside to lounge in the coolness of air conditioning, believe me, I’m with ya man. And it IS a manly thing to do. Here’s why.

Hot weather conditions can wring rhymes right out of the air.At least they can for the writer who dares to relax in the air conditioning with his (or her, and those are the only two choices) head in the metaphorical clouds. Oh, and his mind off things that don’t matter.

Aye, as they say in olde Arland (that’s Irish phonics for Ireland), and that’s just what I allowed m’self ta do just a sprinklin’ over 10 years ago. And the result is this Rhyme Time riddle. Forget the hot weather conditions for a few minutes. And see if the wee lads and lassies can solve it and tell me…

Where I Am NowCan you guess where I am now?
I am hiding in plain sight.
You might think I’m in the grass,
And you’d almost be just right.

But the grass is just close by.
It can see me. So can you,
If you know right where to look…
If you read this riddle through.

I’m in something you might love
And on something you might see
In the front yard or in back.
Take a look and you’ll see me.

Little bugs crawl on my face,
And some worms dig down inside.
Where my wrinkles crinkle up,
There are places they can hide.

But now here’s a little twist…
I am somewhere else as well.
In a puppy? In a dog?
Read this riddle…it will tell.

If that puppy sees a cat
Climbing up the Aspen bough,
Then the clues will all be there
Showing you where I am now.

© 2013 Tony Funderburk

Before you go, jump on the Rhyme and Reason Bandwagon. And join the growing band of believers who enjoy my books, daily rhymes, songs, and videos about the Rhyme and Reason and power of God’s love.

Stay tuned…

The post Hot weather conditions, poetic transitions appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

Wow. August the first. And this month started out the same way July ended. HOT! Blazing, triple digits hot. A/C running almost continuously all day hot. And did I mention it was hot?

I just looked at my weather app. August the first ain’t the end of it.I’m in the heart of the heartland of America now. But 10 years ago, on August the first, it was a whole ‘nother story. Here’s what I wrote about THAT day:

“Then, in the evening things cooled off with some rain and mountain breezes. Ahh…it’s so great to live in a place that can be in the 90’s during the day and cool off into the low 60’s at night. If you’re like me, you might enjoy the scent of rain sprinkling on the lawn and quenching the thirsty streets. Here at the FunderRanch we love to sleep with the windows open so the night breezes fill the room. It’s so much more refreshing than plain ol’ air conditioning.”

Yeah, that makes me homesick for Colorado. For sure. But I don’t let climate change (and that’s what climate always does, it changes) ruin my day, week, month, or year. Because I know “to everything there is a season.” The Byrds told me so.

And August always takes me back to some nostalgic summertime memories like…

the last barefoot days of the season
a train trip from Kansas to Texas
getting new school clothes
looking forward to all my new school supplies
cooler weather

So, here’s my favorite part about August the first.It marks the beginning of the end of the hot weather. Sure, there’s still 30 more days of August. And September can have some hot days, too. But then the cool, crisp days of Autumn swoop in from the Northwest and revive me.

That’s why I wrote…

The August sky is full of colors
And sometimes drops of rain.
It makes me think of bygone summers
And riding on a train.
The golden sun, like Kansas wheat,
Would bake the fields of corn,
And I bucked endless bales of hay
And all my jeans were torn.
I still remember pools of blue
And going to “the game.”
My bike was candy apple red
And “Flyer” was its name.
So many memories are there
Up in the August sky.
The colors still shine brightly
As I watch the years fly by. © 2013

Before you go, jump on the Rhyme and Reason Bandwagon. And join the growing band of believers who enjoy my books, daily rhymes, songs, and videos about the Rhyme and Reason and power of God’s love.

Stay tuned…

The post August the first and some of the worst appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

I remember learning the Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep prayer way before I “went to school.” Naturally, I didn’t get the full meaning of it, at the time. Because I was a little kid. I just loved the sound of the rhyme.

“Now I lay me down to sleep. I pray the Lord my soul to keep.”Did you ever learn that one? And when I say “one,” I gotta add that I didn’t realize there were several versions of that little poem. Here’s the famous version I learned.

Now I lay me down to sleep,
I pray the Lord my soul to keep.
If I should die before I wake,
I pray the Lord my soul to take.

After I got older I started to think of that one as a little bit morbid. Or pessimistic. So, when I found this next version, I immediately liked it more.

Now I lay me down to sleep,
I pray the Lord my soul to keep;
Angels watch me through the night,
And wake me with the morning light.

Not that dying in my sleep, and going to be with the Lord in Heaven is morbid or pessimistic. Quite the opposite. But that first version still seems pessimistic to teach to a little kid who’s just getting started in life. You can see that, right?

And this third, longer version, takes it a step further.Matthew, Mark, Luke and John,
Bless the bed that I lie on.
Four corners to my bed,
Four angels round my head;
One to watch and one to pray
And two to bear my soul away.

No, I’m gonna go with the second version. Because it’s filled with hope for a new day. But I guess I’m just a hopeful romantic. Or, in this case, hopeful optimist. Of course, I’ve read the ending to the bestselling book of all time. So, I know there’s massive logic to feeling optimistic. And it’s nice to lie down to sleep that way.

But, believe it or not, some kids don’t wanna lie down to sleep.Gasp! Can that be true?! Yes. And I hear tell that some of them fight nap time with all their might. I know older people think, “Fight nap time? Why?!” But put yourself in a kid’s place. They’ve got a whole world of brand new things to learn. And sleep just robs them of time to do that.

I wrote a song about a kid who doesn’t wanna lay down to sleep. And when you read or hear the three verses, you can almost see a little kid who’s fighting sleep with all he’s got. He thinks he has good reasons, too. And you almost can’t argue with his logic. But he’s also losing the battle of mind over nap time.

That’s why the chorus says:

Now I lay…lay me down,
Blink and wink, my dreams come and take me.
Now I lay…lay me down,
If I’m gone too long, come and wake me.

So, I referenced two famous bedtime poems in the chorus.I’m sure you could easily see the connection to Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep. But did you notice the “nod” to another famous one, when I said “blink and wink?”

Anyway…

Listen to a sample of “Now I Lay Me Down,” as well as all the other songs in the Lullabye Bye collection here: (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VV4pKjLJWgg)

Then, after you have a nice nap, jump on over to the Rhyme and Reason Bookshop to get your special kids their very own Lullabye Bye coloring, drawing songbook. By the way, you’ll find a link, in the book, to download all the songs. AND they’re included in the cost of the book. That’s called Fuh-Ree.

Download your copy of the Lullabye Bye book in the Rhyme and Reason Bookshop right now.

Stay tuned…

The post Down to sleep with a soul to keep appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

It’s triple digits temps around here again. Multiple triple digits already. And multiple more to come. As a next-door neighbor used to say, “It’s brutal.” And if you don’t have the convenience of modern air conditioning, I can’t imagine you’ll rest easy when it’s 80 degrees at night.

In order for me to rest easy it’s gotta be cool at night.Maybe that’s some sort of connection to being born in Colorado. I don’t know. But I DO know I’m a big fan of the guy who invented air conditioning that cools a whole house. Because triple digits and weather just ain’t cool, man. (pun completely intended)

Speaking of cool. Have you ever read the poem “Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening?” It’s a classic by Robert Frost.

And have you ever seen the movie, “Telefon” with Charles Bronson and Donald Pleasance?

Since Robert Frost was born in 1874 and the movie Telefon debuted 103 years later, you might think there wouldn’t be a connection. But some lines from Mr. Frost’s poem made their way into the movie. In fact, they were code words. And when secret sleeper agents answered their phone and heard them, they’d be triggered into doing terrible things.

But the poem is about a peaceful pause alongside a snowy wooded area during a sleigh ride home.

And the last words are the famous ones used in the movie:“The woods are lovely, dark and deep,
But I have promises to keep,
And miles to go before I sleep,
And miles to go before I sleep.” ~Robert Frost

OK, as long as we’re on this poetic ride, I’ll share a few lines from William Wordsworth’s “I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud.” A blurb I read, that described what he’s writing about said the poem “portrays the restorative power of nature.” And that it “recounts the speaker’s encounter with a field of daffodils, which brings a sense of calm and tranquility.”

“For oft, when on my couch I lie
In vacant or in pensive mood,
They flash upon that inward eye
Which is the bliss of solitude;
And then my heart with pleasure fills,
And dances with the daffodils.”

Yeah, you really get your words’ worth from Mr. Wordworth. We don’t talk like that anymore. But I’d much rather hear that kind of talk than the f-bomb-riddled stuff you find literally everywhere these days.

Here’s the last poetic punch I’ll throw at you. I wrote these lyrics in the song “Rest Easy.”

Rest easy dear child.
May your dreams all be mild.
Rest easy dear one,
For this time of your life is soon gone.

Listen to a sample of the song here: (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VV4pKjLJWgg)

And then I know you’ll want to scoot on in to the Rhyme and Reason Bookshop to get your special kids their very own Lullabye Bye coloring, drawing songbook. By the way, you’ll find a link, in the book, to download all the songs. AND they’re included in the cost of the book. So that makes ’em Fa-Ree.

Download your copy of the book in the Rhyme and Reason Bookshop right now.

Stay tuned…

The post Rest easy dear child, may your dreams all be mild appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

If you’ve ever seen the movie “Forrest Gump” you might remember seeing a feather dance around him and his surroundings at the bus stop. Of course, I’m sure you’re all savvy enough to know that little feather didn’t make all those moves all on its own. Right?

I read an interesting description for how they made that feather dance.According to the transcription for a video, it went something like this:

“You could use a man in a green suit to puppeteer the feather. But Mister Green can’t fly. And so the feather sequence was done by first filming the entire shot without the feather. And then filming a feather on a wire in front of a blue screen and then superimposing and animating its position on top of the footage. However, aside from it needing to make reflections on a car, or on a wet pavement, the feather still needed to transition from superimposed to real. And this is where vFX came in handy. On the original plate they lent a real feather against Tom Hanks’ shoe which was then digitally painted out. Then, by using a cg feather, they were able to make the transition from blue screen feather to cg feather and then finally animate it to fall and be crossfaded into the real feather.

If you haven’t seen the movie and don’t know what I’m talking about, check it out. And you’ll get a visual feel for an instrumental song included in the Lullabye Bye collection. I didn’t have that scene in mind when I put the music together. But after I read that description of how they did it, it fit kinda nicely.

Feather Dance is one of four and a half instrumental lullaby songs.And it has soft, plucky sounds dancing around to the rhythm of somewhat subdued percussion. So, it’s just right for little ears to take in as little eyelids get a little heavy.

Oh, and if you wondered why I said four and half instrumentals, you should get yourself a copy of the Lullabye Bye coloring, drawing songbook. Because hidden somewhere in the book is a link to download all the songs. And they’re included in the cost of the book. So that makes ’em Fa-Ree.

You can download your copy of the book in the Rhyme and Reason Bookshop.

Or you can hold off till you get to know me better. And you can do that a lot faster when you jump on the Rhyme and Reason Bandwagon. Join the growing band of believers who enjoy my books, daily rhymes, songs, and videos about the Rhyme and Reason and power of God’s love.

Stay tuned…

The post Feather dance not by chance in this circumstance appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

Red and white. Red is a bold, beautiful primary color. And white, as I learned in art class (but isn’t absolutely scientifically true) is the absence of color. Put the two of them together, in stripes, and you’ve got a combination that modern people have loved for millions and millions of years.

Yes, red and white peppermint goes back millions of years to the Greeks.If you’re buying this so far, let’s keep going. I read an article on the origin of peppermint. And according to one section of that article, peppermint is…

“Thought to have originated in Northern Africa or the Mediterranean, peppermint gets its name from Greek mythology. As the legend goes, the god Hades was having an affair with a nymph named Minthe. When his wife found out about his infidelity, she turned Minthe into a common plant that grew like a weed and was constantly under foot. To soften his lover’s fate, Hades altered the curse. He left Minthe a weed but gave her a sweet, calming scent to remind others of her presence as they walked over her. That’s love!”

~ Side note: Call me zany (but don’t let me catch you saying it). But I always wondered why gods who “altered” curses couldn’t do better. I mean, if you can alter a curse, why not alter it so that your “true love” doesn’t still get walked over. Yeesh. ~

Anyway…

Maybe you already know about the benefits of peppermint.According to some “experts” some are just psychological. Like those cooling sensations you get when you enjoy a red and white peppermint candy. Those sensations elicits don’t actually change anything physically. But, hey, if it makes you “feel” better, then skip that so-called “expert” naysay.

Peppermint, the scent or oil, can:

Help extend your workouts
Ease inflamed tissues
Calm muscle spasms and cramps
Reduce the growth of bacteria and microorganisms
Relieve pain
Prevent infections
Speed up production of enzymes in your stomach and intestines
Stimulate the gastric lining in your stomach to help break down food
Aid in your weight loss
Suppress your appetite and food cravings
Alleviate hunger
Relieve or reduce your headache pain

Wow!Who knew those little red and white candies could do so much. Well, to be more accurate, it’s not the candies. Because of sugar and all. But the power of peppermint is why after-dinner mints were developed in the 1960s. And restaurants all around America offer them for free after you dine there.

So, what does all that have to do with horses?

Well, not a darn thing.

Until you find yourself listening to a song that some mentholated musician wrote a few years ago. A song called “Peppermint Pony.” I mean, c’mon. Seriously? Who thinks this silliness up? It’s goofy. Silly. Zany (there’s that word again…watch out, buster). In case you think otherwise, check out this verse:

A lemon star is like a gumdrop.
We take a bite and do a flip-flop.
We find a watermelon mountain and land right on the tip-top.

See what I mean?Are actual human beings gonna listen to anything with words like that?

Hmm…turns out the human beings known as kids get a real kick out words like that. And there are plenty more where those came from, in Peppermint Pony. Plus, they’re in several other songs in the Lullabye Bye coloring, drawing, songbook.

And you can download a coloring, drawing, songbook that has all the words AND a secret link to ALL the songs. Just takes a click or tap to get you into the Rhyme And Reason Bookshop. Scroll down the page and you’ll find it. Get a copy today and test it on your kids or grandkids as early as tonight.

And if you’d rather find out more about me before you hand over your hard-earned dough to buy something from me, jump on the Rhyme and Reason Bandwagon. That’s where you’ll join the growing band of believers who enjoy my books, daily rhymes, songs, and videos about the power of God’s love.

Stay tuned…

The post Red and white equestrian delight appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

I never raised any kids of my own. And, for that matter, I never raised anyone else’s kids either. And some people might say that disqualifies me to write songs for kids. But I disagree. Because I WAS a kid. And one of my superpowers is the ability to think back to those days. All those glorious get outta bed times each morning. And all the way through to dreamy time each night.

And I remember dreamy time started even before going to sleep.I recall one particular memory of dreamy time. It happened as my Mom read the story of Wynken, Blynken, and Nod. As the five lines of first verse rolled out, I felt as though I could SEE their little wooden boat sailing through the stars.

And I was only about four. So, I’m sure by the second and third verses my eyelids were drooping into Dreamtown. The old moon laughing. The kids throwing stars into the foam of the night sky. And the herring fish swimming through it all. Yeah, it all blurred together as I entered my own dream.

It was those kinds of memories that helped inspire me to write the first song on my first collection of lullaby songs for kids. The collection is called “Lullabye Bye.” And the first song is “In Your Dreams.”

I imagined what it would be like to read to a little kid. What it would be like to hold a little boy or girl who’s still too young to even talk. And I pictured him or her (and those are the only two choices by the way) being lulled into dreamy time by the sound of my voice.

Then I thought about what might go on in that tiny, growing brain.So, I decided to ask unanswerable questions in a song. And then provide the answers.

And they’d be unanswerable questions because no tiny child can tell you what they dream. I certainly don’t remember any of my infant sleep wanderings. But it seems logical that babies CAN dream. Even if they don’t remember or understand them. AND it seems logical that those dreams can be affected by the sound and words that come from a parent.

Then, I figured if I sang something to my child, it would come from me. And I’d sing something to let them know I’d be there. Even “In Your Dreams.” That way they could float, peacefully into dreamy time. And beyond that into Dreamtown.

So, with that in mind, these first words came out:I don’t know if you can see me in your dreams,
But l’ll be here
In case you need a helping hand to pick you up
Or calm your fear.

In Your Dreams is one of the dozen lullaby songs on the Lullabye Bye Collection. And you can download a coloring, drawing, songbook that has all the words AND a secret link to ALL the songs. Just takes a click or tap to get you into the Rhyme And Reason Bookshop. Scroll down to the third book.

You could be sharing it all with your dreamy time kid as early as tonight.

And if you’d rather find out more about me before you hand over your hard-earned dough to buy something from me, jump on the Rhyme and Reason Bandwagon. That’s where you’ll join the growing band of believers who enjoy my books, daily rhymes, songs, and videos about the power of God’s love.

Stay tuned,

The post Dreamy time before the night takes you up into flight appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

There’s old-fashioned. And there’s new-fashioned. And sometimes they might be the exact same thing but they don’t sound alike at all. For example, the expression “holding fast” to something. I bet you don’t many, if any who say that. No, it’s a lot more likely you’ll hear “hangin’ on” to something.

And how in the world can holding fast be the same as hangin’ on?Well, let’s not get distracted by HOW it happened. Or you’re liable to start wondering how “going to” ended up as “gone to.” Or how abbreviated words transformed into possessive words. Etc. Etc.

Just know that holding fast and hangin’ on mean the same thing. At least in the case of what I’m sharing with you today.

This is still part of Paul’s description of the qualifications to follow for appointing bishops and elders in your church. He left Titus in Crete to “set in order the things that are lacking.” And apparently Paul’s prescribed qualifications were commands. Not requests. Because he actually told Titus to “appoint elders in every city as I commanded you…”

Paul laid it all out clearly. And the way he said it makes it sound like it’s not a popularity contest. And it’s certainly not about power and affluent influence. Check it out. I believe you’ll find it very eye-opening.

And as you read it, you’ll find the answer to this rhyming quest.It’s a very short letter. So, it won’t take you much time to get through it. And somewhere in the letter is the answer you’ll need to fill in the final word that finishes the rhyme below. Think you can do it? Remember, don’t overthink it. The answer might be in plain sight.

If and when you think you know, don’t just keep holding fast to it. Be sure to leave a comment, or send an email with your answer.

Here’s the rhyme:

A bishop must be blameless and
Self-willed, not quick-tempered.
Not violent, he’s able to
Hold fast the faithful __________

There’ll be other challenges. So, there’ll be other chances to get your name in one of my upcoming books of Rhymes and Reasons. If you wanna get a jump on the competition and know when the next one is, jump on the Rhyme and Reason Bandwagon.

That way they’ll come to you, and you won’t have to go lookin’ for ’em.

(I’ll give you a hint: the next one is tomorrow)

Stay tuned,

The post Holding fast to what can last appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

I’m not here to give you a history lesson on ancient Greece and Italy. But I AM gonna share a little bit about Nicopolis, Greece, a city near the shore of the Ionian Sea which leads to the Mediterranean Sea.

Nicopolis, Greece was named after Little Caesar’s Pizza.Oops, that’s a willful typo. Yes, those exist here in my Rhyme and Reason Realm.

Actually, it was Caesar who founded and named Nicopolis Greece. According to a Roman historian named Suetonius (I gotta tell ya, I don’t like that sound of that name, it’s, shall we say, precarious).

Anyway…

According to Suetonius, Caesar was victorious in a battle near the city of Actium in Italy. And three years later, he returned “memorialize his momentous victory. And to “perpetuate his memory, he founded a city called Nicopolis near Actium, and provided for the celebration of games there every five years; enlarged the ancient temple of [his patron god] Apollo…”

OK, now there’s a cool connection to Caesar’s city of victory. And that connection is Paul. Yeah, THAT Paul. The guy who wrote 13 epistles (aka: letters) on the power of God’s loving grace.

Here’s the cool part.According to an article I read, about 90-something years after Caesar was there, Paul spent some time in Nicopolis to strategize how to spread the victorious message of Grace.

Part of that strategy was to summon Titus to come join him in Nicopolis.

And get this.

Titus shared his name with Caesar’s famous general at the Battle of Actium.

Now, maybe you don’t get a kick out of those kinds of connections. But I sure do. Because they’re tiny glimpses into the unfathomable depths and heights of God’s brilliance. And those glimpses inspire me to keep writing and sharing the power of His love. The love that gives this life Rhyme and Reason.

And speaking of ongoing contests, here’s another quest into the letter Paul wrote to Titus.

All you gotta do, is read Paul’s letter to Titus.It’s a very short letter. So, it won’t take you much time to get through it. And somewhere in the letter is the answer you’ll need to fill in the final word that finishes the rhyme below. Think you can do it? Remember, don’t overthink it. The answer might be in plain sight.

If and when you think you know, be sure to leave a comment, or send an email with your answer.

Here’s the rhyme:

And, Titus, you must come see me.
Nicopolis is where
You’ll find I have decided to
Live out the winter ________

There’ll be other challenges. So, there’ll be other chances to get your name in one of my upcoming books of Rhymes and Reasons. If you wanna get a jump on the competition and know when the next one is, jump on the Rhyme and Reason Bandwagon.

That way they’ll come to you, and you won’t have to go lookin’ for ’em.

(I’ll give you a hint: the next one is tomorrow)

Stay tuned,

The post Nicopolis Greece in a history piece appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

In some circles it’s a sort of miter-shaped chess piece that can move diagonally across any number of unoccupied spaces. And you might know this (I didn’t), but it can also be mulled port spiced with oranges, sugar, and cloves. And one well-known circle it’s the title for a high-ranking Christian cleric. You win this round if you hit the buzzer and said, “What is a bishop?”

(Side note: I remember how, when I first learned to play chess, as a kid, I thought it was cool how the bishop could move diagonally across the entire chessboard. That, and a smartphone will get you a text.)

Anyway…

So, let’s look at that Christian cleric definition for a second or two.

In the Christian world, what is a bishop supposed to do?And is it a job anyone in a church can get? Well, there’s at least a couple of places where the Apostle Paul shared a fairly comprehensive list of requirements a potential bishop should meet. One of those places is in his letter to Titus. But I’m not gonna tell you where you can find his list.

Because this is another challenge. And if you rise to meet the challenge, you’ll have a chance to add your name to one of my upcoming books. Here are the simple “rules.”

All you gotta do, is read Paul’s letter to Titus. It’s a very short letter. So, it won’t take you much time to get through it. And somewhere in the letter is the answer you’ll need to fill in the final word that finishes the rhyme below. Think you can do it? Remember, it helps answer the question, “What is a bishop?”

If so, be sure to leave a comment, or send an email with your answer.

Here’s the rhyme:

It’s not about your selfish will.
Bad temper is not fine.
And neither are the side effects
That come with too much __________

There’ll be other challenges. So, there’ll be other chances to get your name in one of my upcoming books of Rhymes and Reasons. If you wanna get a jump on the competition and know when the next one is, jump on the Rhyme and Reason Bandwagon.

That way they’ll come to you, and you won’t have to go lookin’ for ’em.

Stay tuned,

The post What is a bishop for? No, not the kind you pour. appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

I bet your name is NOT Titus. Because that’s not one of the more common names these days. At least not in English speaking countries. But, according to some information I found, Titus was once “one of the most common first names in the old world.”

(HEY KIDS: be sure to read through this whole post. Because, if you do, you can win a chance to get your name in one of my books of Rhymes and Reasons.)

I think it’s fair to say uncommon names can certainly make a mark.And there’s a lot of info that says the name, Titus, means something like “title of honor.” Even if you don’t speak Greek or Latin or some other old language, it seems pretty easy to make that connection. Some other connections people have made with the name Titus include:

Honor
Strength, and
Leadership.

And some say that people who are named Titus are “thought to be confident, assertive individuals who possess great charisma and the ability to inspire and lead others. They are often seen as natural leaders, with a strong sense of responsibility and a deep sense of duty to those they love.”

Maybe those are some of the qualities the Apostle Paul saw in his follower, Titus. And Paul wrote Titus a letter which became one of the “books of the Bible.” The letter/book is pretty short. But Paul wrote it to offer Titus some encouragement and wisdom.

And Paul told Titus how to complete his assigned job of establishing elders for the churches under his care. Paul described how these leaders should be. Plus, he wanted Titus to know how all believers should relate to each other. And know how to be and act with nonbelievers, too.

All with a base in Grace.So, here’s your challenge. And your chance to get some fame for your name. Even if it’s one of the uncommon names.

All you gotta do, is read Paul’s letter to Titus. It’s a very short letter. So, it won’t take you much time to get through it. And somewhere in the letter is the answer you’ll need to fill in the final word that finishes the rhyme below. Think you can do it? If so, be sure to leave a comment with your answer.

Here’s the rhyme:

Obey the ones who are in charge,
And speak no evil when
You’re under their authority.
Be humble with all ____________

There’ll be other challenges. So, there’ll be other chances to get your name in one of my upcoming books of Rhymes and Reasons. If you wanna get a jump on the competition and know when the next one is, jump on the Rhyme and Reason Bandwagon.

That way they’ll come to you, and you won’t have to go lookin’ for ’em.

Stay tuned,

The post Common names and simple claims appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

According to some information I read, recently, Christian books for kids are supposed to “beautifully blend faith, morals, and storytelling.” And that should help provide “essential tools for young readers’ spiritual and moral growth.”

And apparently Christian books for kids come in various genres.Because the variety helps children “enjoy and grasp the content appropriate to their developmental stage.”

So, here are some types of Christian Books for Kids1. Bible Storybooks: Simplified retellings of Bible stories meant for young audiences. And they often feature bright, engaging illustrations and interactive elements to help kids internalize the lessons. 2. Devotional Books: Short, daily readings that connect to scriptural lessons. And they often include a mix of Bible verses, prayers, and practical applications to help kids start their days with spiritual reflection. 3. Moral Stories and Parables: Designed to teach specific moral lessons or Christian values. And they use familiar characters and engaging plots to illustrate key teachings in an accessible format. 4. Interactive Books: Often with comicbook style illustrations to make Bible stories more appealing, especially to older kids. And that dynamic design is said to hold children’s attention better.

What do you think? Does that sound about right to you so far? I’m pretty sure I’ve seen books from all those genres in bookstores and online. But do you think there are other genres or types? I kinda do.

But why should there be specific kinds of books aimed at kids?I found some more information about what kids should get out of books with a Christian worldview. And it seems like there are three main benefits. These books should:

Nurture Faith: Captivating stories and relatable characters help kids learn about God’s love, the life of Jesus, and why we even have biblical teachings.
Builds Moral Foundation: Based on values like honesty, kindness, and compassion. Stories often present characters facing moral dilemmas to help guide kids through similar situations in their own lives.
Enhance Family Bonding: Families that read and discuss Christian books together tend to connect better on a spiritual level. And that helps kids feel comfortable enough to explore and ask questions about their faith.

So, that’s what other sources say.

I believe I’ve written Christian books for kids that fall into one or more of those categories. But, for the most part, I also go one more step. And maybe it’s a step most kids and/or their parents don’t prefer. Or maybe they DO.

Either way, the extra step I take is to connect Rhyme and Reason.Because, I’ve always believed that it’s almost easier to remember something when it rhymes. Especially when the rhyme has rhythm connected to the reader’s heart. And when that rhyme is connected to logic and reason, not just emotions, I believe the benefits can be eternal. I call it sort of a stick-to-your-spiritual-ribs kind of message.

But what do I know?

I’m just a poet whose iambic pentameter
Drives words that live inside this Christian parameter.
But maybe time will show that these rhymes and these reasons
Helped some kids live with joy through some difficult seasons.

That’s my hope.

If you’re like that, too, jump on the Rhyme and Reason Bandwagon. And join the growing band of believers who enjoy my books, daily rhymes, songs, and videos about the power of God’s love.

Stay tuned,

The post Christian books for kids that might stick to their ribs appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

Milktoast. Also sometimes spelled milquetoast, but only people who care about which word is proper and which one is what’s popular. But I didn’t bring up the word to share a grammar or spelling lesson. No, I actually wanna share a couple of things about communal parenting. And I realize you’re probably all for it. But hear me out.

There are some mildly important reasons not to go with communal parenting.Certain studies show that communal parenting creates the “potential for inconsistent parenting methods and values.” And those studies also show that, “When multiple adults are involved, there can be conflicting rules, expectations, and disciplinary methods.” But worse than that is how that “inconsistency can confuse children and hinder their sense of security and stability.”

What?! Well, who could’ve ever foreseen that problem?

You know what? I think you’re gonna find this incredibly difficult to believe. But according to research, “Strong attachment bonds are essential for a child’s emotional and psychological development. So, when a child is raised by a village, the attachment between the child and their primary caregivers might get diluted. And this can negatively impact the child’s sense of trust and emotional security.”

Hey, wait a second. This information isn’t helping to build trust in communal parenting. So, maybe we should move on to more solid ground. On to something the community can really provide. Accountability.

Oops.

Turns out that “in a village-style upbringing, there might be a diffusion of responsibility, where no single adult feels fully accountable for the child’s upbringing.” Uh-oh. That sounds like potential for a “not my job” attitude. But maybe that’s just me.

OK, then. Let’s at least admit the benefit of multiculturalism.Hmm…nope. That’s another area where communal parenting doesn’t shine (I’m seein’ a pattern form here). No, apparently “different members of a community may have varying cultural, social, and moral values.” No kidding.

And this differences can “lead to conflicting influences on the child.” And all that conflict can “make it challenging for the child to develop a clear, coherent sense of identity and values.”

Don’t tell me there are still some old-fashioned backwoods people who are still concerned about that nonsense.

Actually you don’t have to tell me. Because I KNOW there are wonderful people who still passionately care about their kids’ (yes, their kids, not the community’s kids) identities and values. And I know there are MANY Americans who are passionately opposed to so much of what the community says is “good for kids.” Especially when it comes to the health and wellness of those kids.

And, according to more data, “legal responsibilities and rights of caregivers may become complicated in a communal environment. Because without clear, accountable, legal guardianship, there can be issues regarding who makes decisions for the child’s health, education, and welfare.”

So, all of those are good reasons to oppose the village.But there’s one reason that tops them all.

Because a family with parents and children is designed by God. One man, married to one woman. And the two of them procreate kids. And those kids are human beings who should be raised by a dad and mom who love them. Plus, they should be raised with a love that helps the kids know their gifts and talents. Raised by the ones who made them. With the kind of love those parents received from the One who made THEM.

All I’ve shared with you here is just a glimpse into why I write rhymes and reasons filled with salt and light. And why I share messages of faith, hope, and love with kids AND adults instead of dystopian darkness.

So, if you believe more of that kind of writing should be available, I’d certainly appreciate your support in my Rhyme and Reason Bookshop. It’s a little light in choices right now because I have tons of files to work on. But there’ll be more for you to download and enjoy with the kids before long.

Jump on the Rhyme and Reason Bandwagon. And join the growing band of believers who are getting updates on when more books will be available. Plus, I’ll send you a free book and some music just for jumping on. Till then…

Stay tuned,

The post Communal parenting. Is that a real thing? appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

Generally speaking, I’m not an AI guy. But I AM a tech enthusiast. Always have been. So, I like to see what new technology can do. And I like to see if it’ll help or hinder. OK, that’s a summary of me and my view ON artificial intelligence.

Now, here’s a summary of me BY artificial intelligence:~ TonyFunderburk.com is the official website of Tony Funderburk, who is an author, singer-songwriter, and musician. The site primarily focuses on providing a variety of creative content and resources. And these include music, books, poetry, and articles. Its content aims to inspire, entertain, and educate its audience, often embedding messages of faith and encouragement.

Main Features:1. Music and Songwriting: * Tony showcases his songwriting prowess and musical talent, offering songs that span across genres and themes with a notable focus on faith. * The site includes audio samples, lyrics, and the stories behind the songs,. And that provides a deeper connection for the audience. 2. Books and Poetry: * Tony’s work as an author is prominently displayed. The site features his books and poetry, often enriched with themes of hope, faith, and inspiration. * Written works cater to children and adults, offering diverse literary experiences. 3. Faith-Based Content: * A significant portion of the site is dedicated to faith-based content, reflecting Tony’s Christian beliefs. * Articles and posts often include insights and reflections. And teachings aimed at encouraging and uplifting the readers. 4. Blog and Articles: * Regular blog posts and articles cover a wide range of topics including creativity, life lessons, and faith. * The content is designed to be engaging and thought-provoking. And it aims to add value to the reader’s life.

Goals and Mission:The mission of TonyFunderburk.com is to use creativity and talent to spread positive and faith-based messages. And Tony aims to connect with his audience on a personal level through his music, writing, and teachings, encouraging them to find hope and inspiration in their daily lives.

The site is user-friendly, with easy navigation to various sections such as music, books, blogs, and contact information. And that ensures visitors can easily explore and appreciate the breadth of Tony’s work. ~

Well, there you go. AI’s summary of me sure included a lot of aiming. But it actually made valid point. Because my aim, goal, and mission is to share a Christian faith-based message of hope and, most importantly, the power of God’s love.

What do you think? Did artificial intelligence make it sound real?

I say, “Maybe.”

But it definitely didn’t make it sound human. But then again, by definition, it’s not. So there’s that.

Anyway…

OK, chances are good you got nothing out of this. So, I’ll leave you with something real:

All of creation points to the Savior.
We are all here by design.
All the environment and complex behavior,
The Glory of God makes it shine.
All of creation holds information
Encoded within every cell.
All of the best minds in each generation
Won’t banish what Christians know well,
That all of creation is here by the Word of God.
All of creation mirrors His mind.
All of creation is saved by the Love of God
And all of creation, Jesus defined.

Before you go, jump on the Rhyme and Reason Bandwagon. And join the growing band of believers who enjoy my books, daily rhymes, songs, and videos about the Rhyme and Reason and power of God’s love.

Stay tuned,

The post Summary of me created artificially appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

It’s not just weird. It’s a shameful commentary on the education system that people don’t understand there shouldn’t be a need for an “abortion ban.” Because it should be crystal clear that murder is wrong. Always has been. Always will be. And abortion is the murder of an innocent baby. It’s not a woman’s “right to choose” whether a baby lives or dies.

You don’t have a right to choose murder.And every “successful” abortion kills at least one person. Sometimes two.

And every abortion seriously damages lives…or destroys them.

I know this is an uncomfortable topic. I thoroughly hate writing about it. Especially since I put it on a blog that publishes onto the world wide web where people far and wide can despise me. But we live in a time when most people won’t even talk about it in the privacy of their own homes.

So, there you go.But here’s the thing. So many millions and millions of Americans (and people around the world) have experienced the extreme guilt and sadness of “a woman’s right to choose.”

But don’t expect an “abortion ban” to change the hardened hearts of millions of others. And those hearts are so hardened that people will actually cheer a presidential candidate because he’s willing to support the killing of fewer unborn babies than his opponent.

But that last statement doesn’t really represent the truth. Because when you say you’re against abortion with exceptions, it means you support abortion. At least enough to never ban it.

And that’s where we are in America.The people who claim to be members of the most Christian political party support (and even applaud) many things God says are abominable. All in the name of “inclusion.” And all for getting enough votes to beat the opposing political power.

I left out the words democrat and republican on purpose. Because you could put either word in either part of those statements, and it would still be true.

Well, thankfully my JOY is not (and never will be) found in this world. True JOY only comes when you know Jesus Owns You. And His grace is sufficient for me to get through all the bad (and stupid) news of each and every day. And it’s my right to choose to believe that.

Now, my recommendation to you, if you’re not already doing it, is to…

Jump into Jesus JOY,
Every girl and every boy.
Let is splash over you.
Enjoy what His JOY can do.

Before you go, jump on the Rhyme and Reason Bandwagon. And join the growing band of believers who enjoy my books, daily rhymes, songs, and videos about the Rhyme and Reason and power of God’s love.

Stay tuned,

The post Right to choose is the way to lose appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

OK, it’s Monday, as I write this. So, you know what that means. Exactly. Time to talk about everybody’s favorite topic. The umbilical cord. What’s that you say?

The umbilical cord is NOT your favorite topic?Oh come now. Who are you tryin’ to kid. I was born in the morning. But it wasn’t yesterday morning. So, let’s dig into this. Now, I know your belly button isn’t a deep subject. (*rim shot)

But I bet you didn’t know that. There are a couple of different types of hernias that can “erase” the belly button of a child in the womb. And, just in case you’re into fascinating factoids, those hernias are known as gastroschisis and omphalocele. (Yes, these will be on the pop quiz.)

When a little baby boy or girl has one of those hernias, they end up with a hole in their abdominal wall or next to the umbilical cord. And their intestines protrude through that hole.

Sounds like a dangerous thing for a baby to have. But apparently it’s fairly easy to correct. And the kid ends up with just a slight indention where you and I have what we call the belly button.

I remember, a few years back, early in the morning, I thought to myself, “Hey, wait a minute. How can it be called a button, when it clearly looks more like a button hole?” Of course, I realize some people have outies.

But us normal people have innies.And they definitely fall into the category of buttonhole. Uh-oh. Now I’ve struck an umbilical cord.

Speaking of tying things together. That reminds me of our connection to a kids’ store in Denver.

And it was called “The Belly Store.” Back then we sold tons of CD’s for kids in stores all across Colorado. And that store was near the Cherry Creek Mall. But the first time we went in, we weren’t able to meet with the owner. So, we made an appointment to meet with her a few days later. And I took that time between appointments to write and record “The Belly Song.”

When we met with the owner, we played the song for her.

She actually cried a little.

And I remember how she was genuinely touched to hear a song so connected to her store. And she ordered a bunch of our “Kiddin’ Around” CD’s that included her store song. And they sold out. More than once. But sadly, a year or two later, they sold their business and move on.

But the song lives on.And it’s one of 10 songs kids have gotten a kick out of for a long time. And now, you can get all the songs for YOUR kids, for zee-row dollars, when you order the Kiddin’ Around songbook (which is also a coloring book and drawing book).

Because the songbook has a super secret link where you can go to download all the songs in the book. Then you and your little kids can sing along to the lyrics in the book. Or your little kids can color and draw, on their own, while they listen. It’s not like there’s an umbilical cord anymore.

But if the government ever finds out how much fun it is, they might ban the book.

Just kiddin’ around. Or am I?

Just in case that might end up being true, you better get your copy today. The link is below.

I was in a belly;
You were in a belly.
We all were belly babies…once upon a time

© 2007 Tony Funderburk

Get your kid the Kiddin’ Around songbook today. And if you don’t know me well enough to buy something from me, then get to know me better, for cryin’ out loud.

Jump on the Rhyme and Reason Bandwagon, today, and join the A-list of people who’ve been enjoying my words and music for years. Plus, I’ll send you my thanks with some music and a book.

https://www.TonyFunderburk.com

Stay tuned,

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I remember watching certain kinds of sci-fi movies, way back in decades past, that showed unbelievable scenarios for the future. But here we are, IN that future, and some of those things actually came true. One thing, in particular, is how easy it has become to terminate people just because they annoy you.

Yeah, it has become acceptable to terminate people of ALL ages.Starting in the womb.

Your own internet browser will give you the evidence for this. They’re called “suggestions.” Type something into your browser search bar. You don’t even have to type the whole phrase “terminate people.” Just type the word, terminate. Then, add a space. And then start to go through the alphabet. You won’t have to go past A to find the evidence I’m talking about.

Because one of the “suggestions” after you type “terminate a” is “terminate a pregnancy.” The other suggestions include contract, lease, and process. No problem. But then there’s pregnancy. Why is that a suggestion? Because that’s what people search for.

And that’s because nobody wants to do a search for “how to kill a baby in the womb.” That just sounds so bigoted, hateful, and mean. Why would anybody say that about a terminated pregnancy? They must be old or republican or something.

But have you noticed how many people act as thought they don’t even know what that is in a mother’s womb? And that’s in spite of the fact that ultrasound technology has made it SO simple to see it’s a baby.

So, what’s the problem, in these “more enlightened” days?It has turned into a debate over location and connection.

One of the main reasons so many people are comfortable calling a baby in the womb just a “lifestyle choice” is the baby’s location. In the womb.

You’d have to be willfully ignorant (aka: X-tra Stupid), to see a woman who’s 6 months pregnant and not know what’s making her belly protrude. (side note: I know the explosion of grossly obese women has blurred this distinction a little. But the point stands.)

Anyway…

Point is, even if you’re a person who CHOOSES to act stupid, you know what it means when a woman is pregnant. There’s a baby in there.

So, when you “terminate pregnancies,” you terminate people. Period.

And if you support the murder of the most innocent human beings, where will you draw the line? The answer is, you won’t draw a line. Because you’re willing to buy into the idea that murder is an actual solution to problems.

So, since you can terminate an “unplanned pregnancy” it’s only a short step terminating people you disagree with or don’t like.

And one of the most disagreeable, unlikeable people you’re likely to run across is someone who holds the opposite political opinions.

You might have seen that in action on July 13th.I haven’t been a Donald Trump supporter because of his willingness to compromise on the termination of babies whose fathers were criminals. And his willingness to turn his head when it comes to certain other issues that, let’s say, don’t meet with God’s approval.

That being said, I DO believe Mr. Trump is an American patriot on a fairly high level. But even if I disagreed with him on everything, including his compromise on abortion, it would never enter my mind to want him terminated.

I don’t even want that despicable, poor excuse for a human being, who currently occupies the big white house in Washington, D.C. to be terminated by a bullet. I WILL rejoice when I see God’s vengeance on him and all other God haters one day, though.

But someone decided it would be fine to put a bullet in Donald Trump’s head. And that person, with the backing of who knows who, came within an inch or two of doing exactly that.

Oh how I wish that close call would clarify Mr. Trump’s respect for human life. I wish he’d think, “Wow, that bullet zing across my ear hurt bad. I can only imagine what an unborn baby must feel when those cold steel clamps tear his or her arms and legs off. We’ve got to abolish abortion.”

But, sadly, I believe the close call will be another self-serving opportunity.And if Donald’s brush with death helps seal a win for him this November, at least he won’t destroy America the way Joke Biden has. But without a connection to the True moral compass of the one, true, living, loving Creator, NO administration will save America from destruction.

Trump will possibly slow down the process, somewhat. But a nation that kills 3000 innocent babies every day, and teaches evolution in government indoctrination camps, will not last. And America has already been doing that for 50 years and more. Time is running out.

My audience is very small, compared to the population of the world. But thanks to internet technology, my message can be seen and heard around the globe. So, if you see or hear this, I hope it inspires you to do what you can to share the saving grace of Jesus.

Because as long as the idea that it’s OK to terminate people grows, you have a bullseye on your head, too. And you don’t have a secret service team to shield you from the assassin’s bullet.

It’s all in this rhyme:Time is all you need to create
Evolution. There’s no debate.
And when fish turn into people, you’ll never need a steeple.
It’ll turn out fine. You just wait.

Before you go, jump on the Rhyme and Reason Bandwagon. And join the growing band of believers who enjoy my books, daily rhymes, songs, and videos about the Rhyme and Reason and power of God’s love.

Stay tuned,

The post Terminate people and forget the steeple appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

Elgielene and I buy frozen blueberries. And we don’t thaw them out. Just thought I’d share that with you. Ha! No, I brought it up for a reason. And not because she says the frozen blueberries are like tiny, round popsicles. I mentioned them because they remind me of a frozen embryo story I wrote about.

You know a frozen embryo is a human being. Right?Well, if it’s a frozen human embryo, it is. And the story I wanna share (again) is about the human kind. And I wanna share this story again because it’s so awesome for multiple reasons. Here you go:

Imagine you’re a 5 year old girl and a doctor tells your parents you have sickle-cell anemia. By the ripe ol’ age of 11 you get so sick your parents move to another country. Because they want to make sure you can get a bone transplant from your brother. Then, at 13, doctors decide you’ll need chemotherapy. They say kids endure this treatment much better than adults. But they also know you show signs of puberty. And they know chemo has a high risk of damaging your ovaries.

Are you with me so far? Great.

Now, imagine doctors and/or parents who have so much foresight they remove part of your right ovary and freeze it. Because they hope someone will be able to graft it back in when you mature.

Wow. That’s really thinking ahead. And it’s very optimistic (which I admire).

Anyway…

Let’s say about 10 years later doctors DO graft four parts of that frozen ovarian tissue back into your remaining ovary. Do you think that ovary could grow eggs? Even if it did, could that lead to pregnancy? Would you believe me if I told you it happened?

Yep, this is a true story.It’s not some tale fresh out of my fruitful imagination. And the young woman, in her middle twenties, became pregnant and gave birth to a baby boy. A healthy baby boy who weighed in at almost 7 pounds. I’ve read a couple of articles about this event. And everyone is happy about how it turned out.

But I’ve yet to read if anyone else thinks it’s an incredible display of God’s design. Because the human gene pool is so diluted and broken now that it almost seems impossible to reuse a frozen ovary, much less a frozen embryo.

So, it’s like this. It’s one thing to remove and freeze a part of a 13 year old girl’s ovary. But it’s even more amazing to graft that part back in about 10 years later. And it’s even more amazing for the young woman to produce eggs. And, to top it off, the young woman gets pregnant?! Now, that’s design!

And not just any design. That’s infinitely complex and wonderful design only a loving God could or would do. He placed key information into each cell of your body. And from His Spirit, He poured life into that information. We humans have come a long way in our ability to understand that information. So far, in fact, that we can now freeze embryos and body parts and put them back into use years later.

We still can’t create Life.We can only procreate.

So, it’s important to be grateful to the one true, living, loving God who designed you that way. Because He encoded your cells with information that determined the color of your eyes and hair. And whether you’d be a male or female (the only two choices) with human body parts.

And that information determined your heart would beat on its own, your brain would interpret sensory experiences, and your eyes would encode and decode images in nanoseconds.

God’s information is in your cells and your very soul. So, you have life. AND you can also be aware of your own existence. And He designed you to be fruitful and multiply. Even if you started out as a frozen embryo. So, pass on this information boldly. And with all the love you can muster.

Here’s a life-affirming rhyme to help you remember:

Intelligent design and DNA,
Scholars can’t explain it all away.
Get ready to be awed
By the handiwork of God.

Before you go, jump on the Rhyme and Reason Bandwagon. And join the growing band of believers who enjoy my books, daily rhymes, songs, and videos about the Rhyme and Reason and power of God’s love.

Stay tuned,

The post Frozen embryo has an afterglow appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

Wouldn’t it be great if you could condense the time it takes to learn valuable information from 6 years down to just 6 weeks? And wouldn’t that be even cooler if you could do that early on in your life? If you answered yes to those questions, then you might like this quote I just saw on social media:

“Homeschooling showed me you can teach the K-5 math curriculum to a 6 year old in six weeks with 1 hour of instruction per day.”

Yeah. Let that simmer in your head for a few seconds.

6 weeks for a 6 year old to learn 6 years worth of math.Wow! You could call that the 6-6-…oh wait. Never mind. Let’s just call it a wonderful homeschool advantage, and leave it at that.

Anyway…

You’ve probably noticed I’ve been rattling on about homeschooling lately. And, of course, that’s not an accident. I’ve been sharing this info with my relatively small audience because I know how back-to-school messages will be everywhere very soon.

And I’d like all parents to consider the HUGE advantages, long-term AND short-term of homeschool. Not the least of those advantages would be how your 6 year old could go through 6 years of math in just 6 weeks. And remember, that’s with just “1 hour of instruction per day.”

Imagine taking one hour a day with your kids to help them go through all that learning in just 6 weeks.

Your kids are worth that. Right?!OK, here’s another tip to help your kids learn better as you homeschool them (because I know you want to do that now)

I’ve shared this before, but it’s awesome enough to share it again.

Researchers say that listening to music “helps organize the firing of nerve cells in the right half of the cerebral cortex.” Because music helps tap into some other benefits of healthy neurons.

And I believe listening to more complex music gives your brain a much better workout. That’s probably why I have, oops, I mean, so many musicians have “unusual mathematical abilities.”

But, just to be clear, this isn’t a brain fix thing.In other words, you can’t just listen to Mozart and become brilliant. The research also showed the effect might be somewhat temporary. But you certainly won’t be stupider. After all, the benefits of exercise are always temporary, too. That’s why you gotta keep exercising. Can I get an Amen?

So, if you’re looking for a way to build up your brain muscles, try some music from my favorite composer. And here’s a mathematical, musical rhyme to remember:

Workin’ out my brain as I sing a song’s refrain
Makes me smarter or at least that’s how it seems.
So, I’ll just sing my tunes mornings, evenings, afternoons,
And I’ll solve some math equations in my dreams.

Before you go, jump on the Rhyme and Reason Bandwagon. And join the growing band of believers who enjoy my books, daily rhymes, songs, and videos about the Rhyme and Reason and power of God’s love.

Stay tuned,

The post 6 weeks 6 years to add math gears appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

There’s a scene in an episode of one of those old western TV shows where some “concerned citizens” are talking to a father who doesn’t send his son to school. And the citizens tell the dad that, of course, he’s free to teach his son however he sees fit. But they insist that his son will miss out on a more complete and well-rounded education.

Good thing that father was “free to teach” his own son.Because, as those concerned citizens found out, the man’s son knew history facts even the public schoolmarm didn’t know. Plus, the boy could add, subtract, multiply, and divide above his age level. And his learning didn’t stop with readin’, writin’, and arithmetic.

No, the boy also had hands-on experience with botany and biology. Because he had to tend to the garden and the family livestock on a daily basis. So, that meant he had real-world skills for feeding a family a solid diet of meat and vegetables.

The man and his son were able to satisfy even the silly concerned citizens’ requirements for education. But several of them still believed the man wasn’t educating his son properly.

So typical.

Here in the 21st century, you are “free” to teach your kids in your own home. And that’s true across America. Of course, some states put more regulations on homeschooling than others. But it’s not difficult to find out what those regulations are.

I saw some great comments on homeschooling this morning. Here’s a few I’ll share with you:

“The success of homeschooling is based on freedom. Freedom to pick and choose curriculum. Freedom to pick the learning environment. And freedom to take breaks when needed. Freedom to pause and discuss concepts. ⁠Even freedom to let your child explore his or her interests. Every child is different and should have the freedom to learn in a safe, loving environment at their
own pace.”

(And that’s the way ALL education should be.)Here’s another quote:

“Archery and Muy Thai for PE today. My helo squadron motto was: ‘Protect the Innocent, Punish the Guilty.’ I’m raising my boys to do just that. #raisingmen and #homeschooling”

I particularly like that one. Because it’s a dad who understands how important it is to raise MEN.

Someone else had this insightful recommendation:

“If you’re on the fence about homeschooling because you think you’ll mess up your kids, you should take a cursory look at what public school is doing: failing academics, confused biology, social justice…You can provide a completely different education and a better childhood.”

Yeah, if you believe your kid(s) will be better off learning how to feel than how to think, then, by all means, send them to your favorite government indoctrination camp.

Here’s a quote from Kevin Sorbos, the actor:“Because of their grit, a potential revolution in U.S. public education is underway. Taking responsibility for their children’s education, parents across America are starting to turn away from Secularism’s indoctrinational teaching of fabricated principles.”

And I think many parents have “woke” up because of what’s described in this next quote:

“THINGS I NEVER LEARNED IN SCHOOL

How to do taxes
What taxes are
How to manage money
Anything to do with banking
How to grow food
How to handle rejection
How to handle interviews
How to buy my first home
How to survive in the wild
How to handle myself in dangerous situations

But I sure am glad I know the Pythagorean Theorem.”

That last part is funny. And I linked it to something I wrote about that theorem. There’s a little something more I said about it below, too.

Anyway…Naturally, if it’s not important to you that your kid knows how to handle those essential parts of life, then, by all means, send them to your favorite government indoctrination camp. But if it IS important to you, and I believe most of my readers and listeners would say it is, then homeschool.

That’s the best way to follow God’s word when He says, “Train up a child in the way he should go.” And do it while you’re still free to teach your own kids. And here’s the theorem rhyme I mentioned:

Geometric shapes and angles
Help you understand triangles.
But they can show you even more,
Like what we’ve all been put here for.
Unless, of course, you’d rather not
Go where math leads and change your thought.
If that’s your choice, you’ve cooked your goose
And burned up your hypotenuse.

Before you go, jump on the Rhyme and Reason Bandwagon. And join the growing band of believers who enjoy my books, daily rhymes, songs, and videos about the Rhyme and Reason and power of God’s love.

Stay tuned,

The post Free to teach using your own free speech appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

When it comes to truth, most politicians would rather not. I hope that’s not true, when it comes to YOU. And I hope you don’t leave yourself in a compromised position when it comes to life and truth.

Because compromise can sear your soul when it comes to you.That doesn’t make you a special target. Compromise can sear any soul who gives in to it.

And, for the sake of easy-to-understand clarity, I’m not talking about the compromise you make on which music to listen to, or which curtains to buy, or which appetizer to order. A little compromise, in those kinds of decisions, can make life more pleasant.

But when it comes to life and truth, compromise should sound like profanity to you.

Eight years ago, around this time of year, I wrote an unpopular opinion post. Sure, I know. I write those all the time, and that’s why the number of people connect with me is small.

Anyway…

The reason my post was so unpopular was because I dared to say you shouldn’t vote for Hillary or Donald. I said, “I understand not wanting her for a president. But I’d like you to consider something much more important…the issue of life.”

But, as I suspected, my recommendation fell on mostly deaf ears.And I read comments like:

“I’ll just hold my nose and vote for Trump.”

“Well, when these are your choices, you have to pick the lesser of two evils.”

“Sure, he’s not completely pro life, but he’s closer than Hillary. And he loves this country.”

“If you don’t vote for one of the 2 parties’ candidates, you’re throwing your vote away.”

Yeah, that last comment came around a lot. But nothing could be further from the Truth. Because you NEVER have only two choices in elections and politics. There’s ALWAYS a third option. Always.

The third option is to not compromise the Truth. Jesus is that Truth. And He told his followers that if someone does harm to the “little ones,” it would be better to be thrown into the sea tied to a large stone. Yikes!

Of course, we’d never do that now.We’re much too caring, civilized, and loving. So, we reward child abusers and molesters with a lifelong studio apartment, three meals a day, and all their needs met.

But, back to those silly little presidential candidates and their ideas on what’s good for America.

If your presidential candidate compromises on the issue of life (our first and foremost God-given right), then what issue(s) do you suppose he or she won’t compromise? Budgets? Spending? Foreign policy? Entitlement programs? All of the above?

Let’s say, for the sake of thinking things through a little further, there was one candidate who compromised on all the financial and foreign policy issues. But let’s say that candid wouldn’t budge on the right to life of every human being. And that includes the whole life, from conception to natural death. You could still make a compromise and vote for that candidate.

Because no office holder can live up to a perfect standard. Nobody can.

But if a candidate comes right out and says (and they all do) they’ll compromise on how many unborn babies to kill, that one issue disqualifies them. Period.

It’s better to obey God and let the chips fall where they may. And Jesus said (in red letters) “inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these, my brethren, you did it to Me.”

Look at that statement carefully.Jesus used words purposefully and meticulously. He said “one of the least.” He didn’t say “some” or “part” or “all.” And He said “one of the least of these.” And you can’t get any more “least” than unborn babies. When you take the compromising position that it’s OK to abort even one unborn baby, you disqualify yourself from having any wisdom.

And what America needs, in a leader, is wisdom. Not just somebody who can beat the opponent.

I know there are Christians who struggle with this issue of life because of their own past.

But, when it comes to YOU, remember that Jesus died for ALL your sins. And He wants you to use wisdom to help others see further down the road than you did. Just because you made poor decisions in your life doesn’t mean you can’t use and share God’s wisdom with others who might be struggling with the same decisions you once faced.

And one way you can help them is to show them you will no longer compromise on the basic human, and God-given, right to life.

And remember, God hopes you’ll stand up for His Truth.He’s much more concerned about your eternal soul than who is elected president.

Elections, presidents, and even countries and nations will pass away. But God’s word will never pass away. And He says it’s never right, for any reason, to shed innocent blood.

So, consider whether or not your vote will leave you compromised with God’s word. And consider whether or not your vote endangers the eternal soul of your candidate.

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

Before you go, jump on the Rhyme and Reason Bandwagon. And join the growing band of believers who enjoy my books, daily rhymes, songs, and videos about the powerful Rhyme and Reason of God’s love.

Stay tuned,

The post When it comes to you, what will you do? appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

From the moment you were conceived you took on the human form. Not that body you’re walking around in now. The body that has endured the harsh rays of sun, drops of rain, sheets of ice, and blasts of wind.

No, your human form started as one, tiny cell.But here’s something you might not have thought about. Even before you were that one, tiny cell you were an idea in the mind of God.

Boom! Let that one sink in a second or two.

You. Were. Not. An. Accident.

But sadly, and shamefully, millions of people have bought into the everything-from-nothing fairy tale. And so, if some cell just happened to appear in a woman’s womb, that doesn’t mean it’s anything special. After all, that happens literally every day.

And every day, according to everything-from-nothing fairy tale believers, people just have to choose to leave the tiny cell alone and see what happens. Or NOT.

Yeah, this life is full of choices. And that tiny cell, inside a woman’s womb, is just one of them.

But we’re human beings. And we live in a world full of sin and temptation. So, we choose the stupid things. A LOT. Have you noticed this in your life. I know I have in mine.

Some bad choices have little or no consequences.For example, you could wear a plaid shirt with striped pants. Sure, you’d look like a dork. But besides a little embarrassment, nobody gets hurt. Or you could have a third cup of coffee on an empty stomach, if you’re willing to deal with some backtalk from your stomach. But no big deal. Right?

Because nobody else is affected.

But when your choice causes someone else to suffer negative consequences, that’s a huge line you just crossed. And there’s NO justification for that choice when consequences include death.

Advocates of the so-called “pro-choice” movement are moving away from that label. Because they know it doesn’t measure up to the term “pro life.” After all, what does pro-choice mean in just about all circumstances? It means an unborn baby will be murdered with the mother’s consent.

In the vast majority of cases where a pregnant woman goes into an abortion clinic, a death occurs.

But the death is almost never the mother. It’s almost always an unborn baby who was given no opportunity for choice whatsoever. What’s “pro-choice” about that? And don’t even start to say “it’s a women’s health issue. Since when did it become necessary to kill an unborn baby, that tiny human form inside its mother’s womb, to assure a woman’s health?

Yes, life is full of choices.Don’t you wish they were just choices about which job you take? Or what kind of car to buy? Or whether or not you’ll wear plaid with stripes?

If you’re reading this, you’re a person. You’ve been a person your whole life. And your whole life began at the beginning. And even if you can’t say for sure when that beginning was, you know, without a doubt, the human form you now inhabit, had a beginning.

Simple, easy logic. Someone I know would call that pure Rhyme and Reason.

Former President, Ronald Reagan, is quoted as saying something like: “I notice everybody that is for abortion has already been born.” Yeah, you’ve already been born. Because someone nurtured that tiny human form that turned into the one and only YOU.

Why not let others enjoy that right to life?

If you support abortion, I encourage you to stop being so selfish. You’re not more special than those other people who are being killed every day because horrible choices.

So, here’s a “crazy” idea.Let’s make “choice” a beautiful word again. Choose to live. And to let live. Sure, life can be tough. But not as tough as what abortion does to tiny human forms.

Choose life. And that’s what I call a PRO CHOICE.

Everyone has a right to life, a gift from God before it even starts.
Everyone has a right to life. Your right is wrong when it stops innocent hearts.

Before you go, jump on the Rhyme and Reason Bandwagon. And join the growing band of believers who enjoy my books, daily rhymes, songs, and videos about the Rhyme and Reason and power of God’s love.

Stay tuned,

The post Human form, from a brilliant brainstorm, is the norm appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

I haven’t counted them, personally. But I’ve read, from reliable sources, that the Bible gives instructions to “fear not” 365 times. So, clearly, you should live in fear. Right?

I can hear the voice of Spock, “That’s most illogical, Tony.”

And it IS most illogical to live in fear.On the other hand (which would be the left one, by the way), this world is filling up with some mighty spooky things. But it’s important to understand that this didn’t start in the past 3 1/2 years.

Matter of fact, the destruction of America started probably close to the time America got started. And the plans to bring down the “American way” really kicked into gear during the twentieth century.

We were only about three-fourths of the way through the twentieth century when I started writing about the slippery slope of giving away freedom. And I wrote about that because, even my public school brain could see where that would lead.

After all, if you’ll believe that you evolved from apes, what will you NOT believe?

About 9 years ago I wrote a post, here on my website that mentioned a song I wrote 24 years before that. So, let’s see. If my math is correct (and if memory serves), that’s about 32 or 33 years ago now. But I’ll take you back to 9 years ago and show you what I said then:

~ In 1992 I wrote a song called “Say Yeah!.” In it I sang about how the United States (and the rest of the world) was headed toward self-destruction. And in the 24 years since, I’ve seen matters only get much worse.

I’m not a pessimist.In fact, most people who have ever known me would probably tell you I’m a very “up” person. And I’m proud to be an American. This is not the country it once was, but it’s still the best place to be on the planet. Consider that I’m able to sit here in my studio/office and type these words into a laptop computer and hit “publish” and watch my words go out to the world. Not just words approved by the state. Or words censored by a totally depraved and tyrannical government.

No. These are MY words.

I’m still free enough to write words of chastisement toward my country. And, at least for now, I can do that without fear of the gallows, or dungeons, or banishment to some frozen wasteland.

(emphasis on “at least for now”)

But I’m concerned that the day is coming when my words will not be allowed to go out to the world. The day is coming when my Christian belief will immediately label me a “hater”. Think not? Think again. That day is essentially already here. I’m not surprised about it. Jesus said it would happen. He even said “whoever kills you will think he does God a service“.

Don’t you see that happening in other parts of the world?Is there any reason to think it can’t happen here? Or where you are? I say, no. ~

Well, there you go. That was from 2015. And it referred back to 1992. And I’ve just mentioned how I talked about this back in the 70’s. But the “powers that be,” who prefer you to live in fear, started sowing lies into the fertile soil of free minds over 100 years ago.

Good news is, God said “fear not” thousands of years before that. And His message is evergreen.

So, if you understand how it’s good to fear God and not the world, join me in these lyrics:

Say Yeah!Would you like to reach the top
And never have the journey stop? Say Yeah! Say Yeah!
Could you try to hold a hand
Just to help somebody stand? Say Yeah!

Would you give a word or two
To win a soul or win a few? Say Yeah! Say Yeah!
Do you want to change the way
Public servants act today? Say Yeah!

How many laws have to be passed
Before we’re obscured in the shadows they cast?
And how many plans must we invent
Before we can step beyond mere intent?

Do you see the pattern form
How the wrong becomes the norm? Say Yeah! Say Yeah!
Would you like to stop the ride;
Could you dare to take a side? Say Yeah! Say Yeah!

How many cuts are we to take
Before we can see just whose blood is at stake?
We can’t leave the job to the land of the free
Cause when it boils down…that’s just you…you and me.

If we don’t watch, someone’ll be watching for us.
If we don’t care then how can we complain.
We don’t have to give it up and say it’s over.
And we can change it here, we don’t have to live in fear.
We don’t have to cry in vain.

© 1992 Tony Funderburk ~

Before you go, jump on the Rhyme and Reason Bandwagon. And join the growing band of believers who enjoy my books, daily rhymes, songs, and videos about the Rhyme and Reason and power of God’s love.

Stay tuned,

The post Live in fear as your freedoms disappear appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

Let’s say, for the sake of starting a conversation about it, that you’re out in your back yard with kids. And let’s say, for the sake of setting up this little scenario a little more clearly, that a flower garden is there. Now, that’s what I’d call a blessed and beautiful opportunity.

And it’s a beautiful opportunity for a couple of reasons.One is how it’s a great teaching moment. And the other is how it’s a great immune builder moment. The teaching part should be obvious. Because you can talk about flowers. Scientifically. AND from a perspective of how their beauty reflects a loving Designer.

Of course, the science part is about, well, parts. Like this:

Sepals: the protective, leaf-like outer parts of a flower.
Petals: the often colorful structures that attract pollinating animals to the flower.
Stamens: the male parts of a flower. Each stamen consists of a stalk called a filament and a pollen-producing tip called an anther. The stamens of many flowers are designed to shed pollen onto a pollinating animal such as a bee or hummingbird.
Carpels / Pistil: the female parts of a flower. A flower’s carpels are often fused into a single structure known as a pistil. At the tip of the carpel / pistil is a pollen-collecting area known as the stigma. This is where a pollen grain must be deposited in order for pollination to take place.

And, naturally, you can get into the whole reproductive versus non-reproductive aspect when kids are old enough and ready enough to hear that information. And that can also be a lead-in to how that happened.

Because a lot of so-called “science” classes and teachers will say the silliest things. Like this:

“Many flowers that rely on pollinators, such as birds and butterflies, have evolved to have brightly colored petals and appealing scents as a way to attract the attention of the pollinators.”

One thing you can say about evolution-believing teachers.They’ll take every beautiful opportunity you give them to teach your kids that life on Earth doesn’t require a Creator God. So, that’s another reason, in a never-ending list of reasons, to homeschool your kids.

This world is a dark and sinister place. It’s filled with the people who want to feed innocent minds the junk food of and fearful selfishness. Beautiful opportunities are becoming scarcer with each passing year. But the sights and scents of a flower garden attract children almost as much as they attract bees.

So, even in a flower garden you can make the most of every opportunity to build up your kid’s immunity to the worldly virus. Stop and smell the flowers with them. Help them make a stronger connection to the living, loving God who made the flowers. The same Creator who spoke words and all the universe exploded into existence.

Every tiny, fragrant, magnetic blossom can be a magic little moment. Here’s a rhyme to share with them:

The Scent of HeavenTake a look at the colors in a flower.
They’re as beautiful as anything you’ll see.
And God knows just exactly what they all need
To bring joy and delight to you and me.

Even more than the best and brightest flower
God loves you every moment of the day.
So the next time you stop and smell a lily
Take a minute just to thank the Lord and say…

“Lord I love to smell the lilies of the valley
And the roses, lavender, and lilacs too.
I love to know they come back every springtime.
Best of all I know the flowers came from You.”

© 2015

Before you go, jump on the Rhyme and Reason Bandwagon. And join the growing band of believers who enjoy my books, daily rhymes, songs, and videos about the Rhyme and Reason and power of God’s love.

Stay tuned,

The post Beautiful opportunity to build up some immunity appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

It’s Saturday evening. And I meant to post this and send it out early this morning. Because I wanted to illustrate how homeschooling can carry on through the weekend. AND, when it’s done with love, kids will actually LUV that.

Here are some homeschooling social media posts that talk about this.This first post appeals to my sense of Rhyme and Reason:

“Homeschooling enables parents to preserve and prolong their child’s natural sense of wonder and adventure.”

And I love this post that addresses the socialization nonsense anti homeschool dufuses (or is the plural of dufus, dufi? Not sure) love to bring up:

“Homeschooling gets criticized for not socializing the kids And after having 5 , 2 of my own and 3 step, I know how hard the peer pressure and social anxiety was and is for my kids. But now add drugs, sex, and crazy teachers to the mix. No thanks, kids are better at home in a safe sane environment. So, don’t let people tell you public school is better, it’s worse.”

And probably my favorite reason for teaching your kids is found in this post I see some form of all the time:

~ It is written: “train up a child in the way that they should go and when they are old they will not depart from it.” ~

Yeah, that one comes directly from the bestselling book of all time.Notice how it did NOT say “put your child into a government school so THEY can train up your child?

If you haven’t homeschooled your kids, don’t beat yourself up about it. Because that’s not why I’m writing about this. Heck, I went to “public schools.” Wait, that might be the best reason of all to keep kids out.

Anyway…

Just remember this one point, if nothing else. Homeschooling means kids are taught by someone who actually loves them and wants them to succeed and prosper in life. And there’s almost zero chance kids will find that in 13 years of government school indoctrination.

Most kids LUV when you make all of life an opportunity to learn. And all of life is filled with opportunities to increase that LUV.

So start with true love.Remember that God gave you a spirit of power. Not fear. And I bet this rhyme won’t help you a bit:

So, addition and subtraction
Show the truth of liquefaction
When your preconceived refraction
Turns to well-designed attraction.

Before you go, jump on the Rhyme and Reason Bandwagon. And join the growing band of believers who enjoy my books, daily rhymes, songs, and videos about the Rhyme and Reason and power of God’s love.

Stay tuned,

The post Homeschooling is better for a real go-getter appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

Me: “Of course I’m pro public education. Why would you want to keep education a secret?”

A friend: “Actually pro public education means you’re all for public schools.”

“Wait, what?! Well, of course I’m not THAT kind of pro public education!”

A friend: “Whew, thank goodness. I thought you might be a closet Brandon dude.”

Yeah, that’s an actual conversation on the pro public education subject.That never happened. I just made it up to get you ready for this next rough stuff.

Because I know what it means. And I know it only means trouble for kids. And parents of kids. The only reason I even brought it up is because of some social media posts I saw today. Check out these samples. They’re all from accounts on X.

~ Joe Biden leads the most pro-public education, pro-union administration in modern history. His positive and caring vision for America is one that educators share, and we know he will continue to deliver for students and families.

That was a quote from someone who’s obviously blind, deaf, and stupid. Here’s another.

~ i’m a kindergarten teacher and every day I make my students choose new pronouns and when they recite the pledge of allegiance they have to say “pride flag” instead of “flag of the United States of America” and “gay” instead of “God”

Notice the horrible grammar and typos. OK, depending on who says what, that post either is one of the stupidest ever, or it came from a public school teacher parody account. Even if the parody account version is true, you can bet there are plenty of teachers in government indoctrination camps who “feel” (and write) that way.

And here’s another post that’s even worse.This “person” used a group of hashtags to send a despicable message out to the masses. Because they want to start their sexual orientation grooming of kids as early 3 and 4 years old.

pride #pridemonth #drag #beyou

earlychildhoodeducation

PrePrimary

learningthroughplay #art

Thankfully, there are social accounts who are out there fighting the fight. Like these two posting examples.

~ PSA: Don’t worry about the world’s standards for your kids. They are a failure, academically speaking, and are focused on pushing a culture of sex, racism, and socialism. Ditch the state. And raise counter-cultural children who read, write, and think with excellence.

I love that. Especially the part about counter-cultural children who read, write, and think with excellence.

And here’s the other post:

~ Our children deserve an environment that fosters true learning & critical thinking, not one that promotes fear & compliance. Public schools have shown time & again that they prioritize control over education.

That one tells the truth, but it focuses on the problem. Not the solution.Maybe you, or someone you know, is still on the fence about it. Maybe you’re still pro public education. I hope not. But as long as you breathe it’s not too late to do something incomparably amazing for kids. And that’s to homeschool them.

Here’s a hint that it’s a terrible idea to send them to government schools:

The government says it’s a good idea.

This isn’t a problem that comes from politicians with a D by their name. It’s an issue supported, in some way, by 99.9% of ALL politicians. And that means 99.9% are socialists.

Socialism is HERE now. Despite what ANY politician with ANY letter next to his or her name says. And if your government officials have anything to say about it, and they do, socialism isn’t the last step. So, they’ll keep pushing the pro public education agenda till they completely ruin this once great nation.

Now, I’m gonna take my own advice and not just focus on the problem.

Here’s solution in a rhyme:You might win a few things in this life,
And you might even win a whole lot.
But you’ll lose everything if you don’t trust the King
Who has given you all that He’s got.

Know that nothing is too hard for God.
He can help you through all of your fears.
If your gold turns to rust, or your diamonds to dust,
Only God can dry all of your tears.

Make the most of the moments you have.
They fly by in the blink of an eye.
Don’t waste time in the dark, jump inside of the ark
Of God’s love. Kiss the old life goodbye.

Before you go, jump on the Rhyme and Reason Bandwagon. And join the growing band of believers who enjoy my books, daily rhymes, songs, and videos about the Rhyme and Reason and power of God’s love.

Stay tuned,

The post Pro public education to ruin a great nation appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

I’ll let you know, up front, what I’m sharing with you today is based on what I said over ten years ago. And something I’ve talked about for most of my life. It’s about how you should take some time to read the Declaration of Independence. I recommend all Americans do that from time to time. A free people almost inevitably drifts toward a selective memory or even total forgetfulness when it comes to how those freedoms came about.

And Americans should never forget the courage it took for the founding fathers to stand up to tyranny. England was the superpower of that time. So, it was no small declaration. It meant that a fledgling band of colonies was now going to have to fend for itself, and gird itself up for certain war. And they’d have to find a way to afford to go up against one of the richest nations ever.

Those men who signed the Declaration of Independence had much to lose.But they understood how a new government would have to do better than what they had been experiencing. So, they knew they had to acknowledge “that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”

In the Declaration of Independence, the founding fathers carefully laid out a list of grievances and sound reason for their action. When you read it, you’ll see it wasn’t a matter of simply not liking King George and his politics. Far from it. The King, and his representatives, army, and navy actually plundered towns. And they took captives, and even killed some on the high seas. All that as they levied unreasonable taxes, and hired “foreign agents” to kill and destroy.

America was not founded by a band of revolutionaries. It was declared and established by men who knew the laws of God are the true source of justice and freedom.

On this Independence Day 2024 I pray that even more people in America make a personal Declaration of Independence and gain their own personal, eternal freedom from tyranny.

In case you can’t see the video, here’s the link: (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D_1nsshCbpw)

And here’s a rhyme that even kids can use to remember:Those sparklers in your hand…
Those colors in the sky…
That barbecue and pop…
That tasty fish you fry…
The day off you enjoy…
The friends and family…
All reasons to recall…
How we came to be free.

Before you go, jump on the Rhyme and Reason Bandwagon. And join the growing band of believers who enjoy my books, daily rhymes, songs, and videos about the Rhyme and Reason and power of God’s love.

Stay tuned,

The post Declaration of Independence certainly makes sense appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

Teaching methods matter. Because spongy little minds soak up what they’re taught depending how it’s taught. At least that’s how Charlotte described it.

I never heard of Charlotte, or her teaching methods, before today.And that’s probably because we didn’t raise any kids here in the FunderHaus. My wife and I missed out on that blessing. But we’ve certainly seen our fair share of kids with somewhere around 30 nieces and nephews between us.

Anyway…

Back to Charlotte. I read some very interesting stuff about her teaching methods, this morning, and I like what I discovered. Evidently she “using living books as schoolbooks.” She wrote about how “ living books help children gain knowledge through their own effort. They dig out the facts and information clothed in literary language, expressing what they’ve learned by narrating it in their own words (composing orally or in writing). And their thinking is personal, follows a train of thought, and isn’t stunted by a page of multiple-choice.”

By the way, Miss Charlotte Mason died a little over 100 years ago. But homeschoolers still use her teaching methods. Because apparently they still work. And, remember the old saying, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.”

And she believed teachers didn’t need to be trained to give lectures. Because she also believed kids could educate themselves, to a degree, by “narrating from the well-chosen words of authors.” And she also said that “too much explaining by a teacher elicits boredom” and “true education is self-education.”

When you think about it, especially if you’re a life-long learner, you understand how that’s true. Because your mind should stay spongy. And ready to soak up information at your own pace. That’s why Miss Mason’s method provided:

No bells to announce the end of hour-long class periods.I like this description of a typical day in one of Charlotte’s schools.

“Children are free to move promptly onto the next lesson. When drills and skills are kept short children develop the power of attention. Dawdling is discouraged. Students are encouraged to give their best effort. Education is a discipline. So, this means establishing good and helpful habits, built one action at a time, one day at a time.

Education is an atmosphere. With living books children are motivated by a love of knowledge rather than artificial stimulants such as prizes (stickers, candy, money), competition, and grades. They retained their inborn curiosity. Cramming for tests is avoided. Examinations require the child to narrate what was read during the semester.”

Maybe you’ve read or heard some version of this before: small minds focus on people, mediocre minds focus on things, and great minds focus on ideas. Yes? Miss Mason wanted to inspire a love for knowledge in her students. Because, as she said, “Ideas are what the mind feeds on.”

Another thing I really like about Charlotte’s teaching methods is how she included outdoor activities and exercise. She encouraged kids to get out and observe nature and to keep a Nature Notebook. These days it’s called a journal. But the point is, it’s a record of your observations.

And Charlotte encouraged adding drawings and poems.(Hmm. Side note: just so happens I published a couple of songbook journals for your consideration. Links below.)

From a Nature Notebook (or journal), it’s just a small step to art and music appreciation. And Miss Mason believed those subjects were crucial to a young kid’s culture and heritage. And I believe those subjects, especially music, help develop a kid’s analytical thinking, not just the emotional gunk taught in government indoctrination camps these days.

Just in case you think your kid (or anybody’s kid, for that matter) wouldn’t like Charlotte’s “old-fashioned” teaching methods, here’s the clincher: no homework.

Well, no typical homework as you might remember it. The Charlotte Mason homeschooling method goes like this:

Children apply their minds during morning lessons. Afternoons are for running, climbing, and yelling outdoors. And crafts, chores, life skills, music practice, and more playing, all at home, are their homework.

I don’t know about you, but I would have LOVED that kind of school. And it’s the kind of school I attend, on a daily basis, as a life-long learner.

And here’s a rhyme to help you remember why learning is so important. So you can:Start learning about the one, living Lord.
Put knowledge inside your head,
And when you read something He has to say,
Go back and read what you read.
As you get older you’ll see what I mean…
Go add and subtract and spell.
Then learn all about the one, living Lord.
He made you and loves you well.

Get all my really refreshing rhymes and reasons the easy way. Jump on the Rhyme and Reason Bandwagon. And join the growing band of believers who enjoy my books, daily rhymes, songs, and videos about the Rhyme and Reason and power of God’s love.

https://www.tonyfunderburk.com

And here are the songbook journal links I mentioned before:

The Amen book (https://www.amazon.com/Amen-Tony-Funderburk/dp/B08CJWKTSH)

The Do Right book (https://www.amazon.com/Do-Right-Tony-Funderburk/dp/B08CWJ7HB7)

Stay tuned,

The post Teaching methods that don’t fail to help small brains go set sail appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

None

Amen

I’m a freedom advocate. Have been my entire life. Because I grew up in the freest country in the world. That description barely fits America now. And information, like the blurb I’m about to share with you, where so-called “laws” advocate freedom for schools to do the most horrific things to your kids, is why I say that.

Freedom for schools should never include this kind of deception.“AB665 goes into effect today, July 1, 2024. AB665 removes the due process requirement of proof of abuse or neglect to remove parental rights and emancipate a child out of the family home. So, under AB665, children 12+ can leave home, under any circumstance, to stay at a residential shelter facility with secret help from adults at school & private/public services. Now, Newsom (governor of California) has AB1955 on his desk to sign or veto. And it would force schools to lie to or hide from parents the active social transitioning of their children with gender dysphoria. Everyone everywhere can call Newsom’s office to veto AB1955 at 916-445-2841 Don’t let Newsom California the nation.”

So, obviously the AB, in those “laws” or “policies” or whatever you wanna call them, stands for AntiChrist Bureaucracy. Because no one, who even remotely cares what God thinks, would ever consider it even remotely OK to call for the “social transitioning of their children with gender dysphoria.”

Side note: there is NO SUCH THING as gender transitioning. So, there is NO SUCH THING as an actual “trans” person. When you’re born with the XX chromosome, you’re a girl. And the XY chromosome means you’re a boy. And the only way you’re ever gonna change that is to mess with God’s design. But I don’t recommend that. Especially if you’re not into GMO (genetically modified organism) mutants.

One solution to this junk is to give parents more freedom for school at home.There are even homeschool organizations in California (gasp! Even California?!) that fight to give parents more freedom for schooling their kids at home. I’m not from California. And I’m not familiar with their whole programs. But I’m impressed with the resources they provide to help you homeschool your kids.

If you’re a parent (or you know parents of) who’d like to homeschool, but you don’t feel qualified, don’t underestimate yourself. I know a woman, who moved to America from Romania, and she homeschooled all three of her American-born kids. AND English isn’t her first/native language.

And here’s a rhyme that I hope helps to encourage you:

Today, you should share your love and smile.
You might help somebody else a while.
And then they might wanna do it, too.
That’s how it all bounces back to you.
So try. Just go see if I am right.
And then, when you sleep and dream tonight,
You’ll rest with the peace you’re longing for
And wake ready to go share some more.

© 2020

Before you go, jump on the Rhyme and Reason Bandwagon. And join the growing band of believers who enjoy my books, daily rhymes, songs, and videos about the Rhyme and Reason and power of God’s love.

Stay tuned,

The post Freedom for school to do what’s not cool appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

God can think a new thought. And He can create an entirely new creature. Matter of fact, He could create a whole new universe AND then turn around and change His mind and decide to replace that new universe with a whole ‘nother universe. And before time began, who knows? Maybe He even did something like that.

“Wait, what?! Did he say, before time began?”You betcha. But I don’t mean that God did (or didn’t do) something before ALL time began. I just mean the time, before you and I, and our ancestors all the way back to Adam and Eve, started. Because God has always been around. He lived forever in the past. So, there’s no such thing as before time began.

My, my, my. Heads are spinning. And imaginations are churning. Because there are full growed-up grownups, who should know better, who’ll try to tell you God lives outside of time. But time exists because God exists. And God has always done things in steps. And steps happen one AFTER another.

You know what AFTER means, right? It means there was a BEFORE. So, all you gotta do to see that God lives IN time is read His bestselling book of all time (see what I did there?)

And sometime, in the distant past, God started thinking about creating a planet filled with humans who could walk and talk with Him. Then, AFTER He thought up what He would do, He did it.

And that started the whole process for life on good ol’ planet Earth.There’s a couple of places in the Bible where it says God was working things out “before time began.” But that means before YOUR time began. Before human beings began. But not before God. Time has always been here because God has always been here. He didn’t make it up. He made us. And our time began when He made us.

We don’t know what it’s like to have always existed because we all had a starting day. You and I didn’t live forever in the past. But we CAN live forever in the future, if we choose life. Because His love is so great.

By the way, did you know He loved you before you were even born? It’s true. He put you together inside your mom. And before He created Adam and Even, God started making plans for us. He wants us to live forever, and because He’s so smart, He figured out a way to do that even if we mess up.

Isn’t that cool?The main thing to remember is He made you because He loves you. He wants you to live with Him forever. You don’t have to be perfect. Your mistakes won’t keep you out of Heaven, as long as you believe and trust in Jesus. And that might sound lame and old-fashioned. But it’s the only Truth that’ll make you free.

And that’s all a promise God made before YOUR time began. Here’s a rhyme to help you remember:

Even before you were born
God was making a plan
For us to live in His love.
Jesus became a man
Whose life would pay the full debt
For all the bad things done.
God made a way for your life,
And that Way is His Son.

Before you go, jump on the Rhyme and Reason Bandwagon. And join the growing band of believers who enjoy my books, daily rhymes, songs, and videos about the Rhyme and Reason and power of God’s love.

Stay tuned,

The post Before time began ain’t what you think, man appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

Have you ever made a rock? And how about a stick? Have you ever made one of those? Well, what about a drop of water? Surely you’ve at least made a drop of water in your life. And surely, somewhere, there’s a school science class where that has happened. Naturally, I don’t expect anyone to create a river. But surely at least one, single drop of water shouldn’t be that hard to do.

And if someone HAS made a drop of water, imagine how proud they are.I can almost see the headline: Whiz Kid Invents World’s First Drop Of Water In A Laboratory

Yeah, that whiz kid’s gonna be able to boast about that street cred for a long time.

OK, a rock, a stick, and water seem like simple things. But no whiz kid on earth can make even a grain of sand or a seed. Because only God can make those things.

And I bet you’re fine with that. Right? I’m sure you don’t mope around wishing you could invent dirt and stuff. Because it’s a lot more fun throwing rocks, lying in the sand, and splashing in the water. Especially on hot summer days.

But, if you COULD invent a drop of water, everybody would wanna be your friend. And before you knew it, you could brag about how you have a million friends. And think about how proud that might make you feel.

But you gotta watch out for that proud part.

Because that’s where a lotta trouble starts.So, maybe you’re not a science whiz kid. But let’s say win a running race. Or you paint a picture that wins first place at the art chow. Or maybe you write a hit song people love to listen to on the radio. Nothin’ wrong with any of that. But I recommend you don’t get all caught up in being proud of yourself.

It’s a much better idea to thank the Lord that He gave you strong legs to win the race. Or thank Him for giving you the talent and good eyes to paint a beautiful picture. Or good ears and skills to write music.

After all, God was the one who created you. He designed your muscles and bones and eyes and ears. He gave you a brain. And He gave your brain the power to think your own thoughts. Dream your own dreams. And even sing your own songs. No, you wouldn’t have any of those things without Him.

So, God must love you a lot to make so many wonderful things for you to enjoy. Right?

And just so you know, it’s fine for others who love you to be proud of you. They wanna see you do good and awesome things. Because that means you’re growing and getting better and better at what they helped you learn how to do.

But don’t forget. You didn’t invent art and music, or even that one drop of water I mentioned earlier. And you certainly didn’t invent YOU. So, stay humble. Don’t fall into the pride and proud trap.

Remember, there ARE some things God hates. And at the top of His list is “a proud look.”

So, my hope for you, today, is that you’ll go do some great things. AND give thanks to God.

And here’s a rhyme to help you remember:If you’re proud of yourself for the things you do,
Pretty soon no one wants to be around you,
‘Cause you’ll sound just like an old clanging bell
That is out of tune and doesn’t ring so well.
Give a nod to God with a thankful prayer.
Let Him know you’re glad that He’s always there.
And be glad for the gifts that He’s given you.
It’s because of Him you can do what you do.

Before you go, jump on the Rhyme and Reason Bandwagon. And join the growing band of believers who enjoy my books, daily rhymes, songs, and videos about the Rhyme and Reason and power of God’s love.

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The post Drop of water from the clay not the potter appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

I’ve said it before. A lot of times. This world is a mean, mean place. So many people wanna tell everybody else what to do, when to do it, and how to live. And they actually want to own you.

Yeah, they’re just like the devil who didn’t want to obey God. He told Adam and Eve some lies to make them believe the wrong thing about God. And he convinced to them disobey God, too. Bad people like to make other people feel, and be, as bad as them. So, you gotta be on the lookout for them.

And it’s super important to know how to live with your guard up.The first step I recommend is to trust Jesus. Because, in spite of what most people will tell you, He made you. Then, discover His promises for you. Because only He can help you be ready to face this mean world. He can help you protect yourself from clever and cunning and silly and sinister tricks.

I hope you already know all this. But if you don’t, I suggest you don’t let another weekend pass without getting to know. You can learn lots more by going back through my thousands of rhymes and reasons. But, even if you’d rather not get your information on how to live from me, get it while the gettin’s good.

And the gettin’s good only as long as you’re still breathin’.

Here’s a rhyme to help you remember…You gotta guard your heart with the Love of God.
You gotta guard your heart and your mind.
And you can be real smart in the Word of God
And when you trust in Him, you’re not blind.
You gotta guard your heart in this mean ol’ world
That wants to tie you up with a rope,
Remember you can turn to the Lord above.
He is your living, loving Hope.

Before you go, jump on the Rhyme and Reason Bandwagon. And join the growing band of believers who enjoy my books, daily rhymes, songs, and videos about the Rhyme and Reason and power of God’s love.

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The post How to live on guard because life’s mean and hard appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

What if you were the only person on earth? Kinda spooky to think about isn’t it? It might make you think of movies about the last survivors on the planet. And what an awful place it would be. And that totally makes sense. Because it would be an awful place if you were all alone.

You might not have to fight off zombies like Will Smith did in “I Am Legend.” Or fight off creepy mutants like Charlton Heston did in “Omega Man.” But you might have to fight off depression and loneliness. Maybe not.

Because when you’re a child of God, you have a HUGE advantage.

So, even as the only person on earth, you’d never be all alone.Even if you never saw, or see, another human being, you’re never all alone. Because the one who made you in His image and likeness, will never leave you. How can I be so sure about that? Because He said so.

That’s pretty cool, don’t you think? But why am I always talking about God and His love?

Because everything in this world is temporary. But eternity is found in God and His love. So, as someone who has known His mercy and truth for decades, I’d be a pretty lousy dude if I kept that awesomeness to myself.

And God went to a lot of trouble to write a book to let you know you can always depend on Him. As it just so happened (as it should be), His book is the bestselling book of all time. I’d love it if my books enjoyed even a tiny fraction of the popularity of the Bible.

He loves you so much that He made a way for you to never be all alone. And he made it super easy to live with Him forever. It cost Him more than you can ever repay. But the good news is, you don’t have to repay.

Why would anyone NOT wanna live forever in a beautiful paradise with the God who created them? Why would anyone NOT wanna be there with ALL their family and friends, too? It’s all SO do-able.

Even if you WERE the only person on Earth God would not leave you nor forsake you. So, take this solid advice that lots of other people have take. Trust the One who made you. Then, you’ll never ever be all alone.

And here’s a rhyme to help you remember. It’s called “Music Pajamas” You can hear it on the Rhyme and Reason Podcast, too.

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.
Sleep well. Don’t let the bedbugs bite.
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

Before you go, jump on the Rhyme and Reason Bandwagon. And join the growing band of believers who enjoy my books, daily rhymes, songs, and videos about the Rhyme and Reason and power of God’s love.

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The post Only person on Earth would still have enough worth appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

I’m not kidding you right now. This is what they said. “The Bone Bow is a Light Bow found in Elden Ring’s Shadow of the Erdtree expansion.”

But the news about the Bone Bow doesn’t stop there.Here’s some more you should know. And I’ll tell you why I brought it up in a couple of minutes. “Though it may not seem particularly exciting at a glance, its Ash of War provides you with homing arrows, making it a fun bow for both PVE and PVP encounters, especially given its low stat requirements make it work with nearly any build.”

OK, I know you’re getting excited and can’t sit still. So…

“Here’s what you need to know about the Bone Bow and where to find it.

Bone Bow stats and features

The Bone Bow has a weight of 3.0 and requires the following stats to wield:

STR – 8
DEX – 11

The weapon comes equipped with Ash of War: Rancor Shot. This Ash of War essentially grants you homing arrows. It imbues your arrows with vengeful spirits that chase down enemies after you fire them, which could make it especially useful in some PVP situations.”

Still with me? Great. ‘Cause there’s more.“The Bone Bow can be upgraded to +10 with Somber Smithing Stones.”

What’s that? You don’t know what a bone bow is? Or why it’s important? Fine. Here you go.

“It’s a crude shortbow fashioned from sickly bone. A medium for spirit-calling, and a product of the ancient hexing arts of the tower.”

OK, yeah, the lights came on then, didn’t they?! Oh yeah!

So, now you wanna know where you can get your own Bone Bow.Well, the information I saw says it can be found within the Belurat Tower Settlement legacy dungeon on the western side of Gravesite Plain.” And that, of course, makes it “relatively easy to get early in your adventure.”

Yeah, basically all you gotta do is “advance through the very beginning of the dungeon until you reach the Small Private Altar Site of Grace. From there, take the door out and up a few flights of stairs until there’s a path leading to the right, next to some rubble. Then, “take this path to the end, bear left, and then enter the door located in an alcove on the right. Take the ladder up, go through the door ahead, then walk up the stairs. At the top, go left down another flight of stairs before taking a final right turn.”

You’re almost there. But a few more instructions and things to be aware of: “Straight ahead of you is a door leading into a room with an item very clearly visible in the distance. Be careful. Because this room is home to a few large scorpion enemies that will drop in when you get close. They go down easily. But they can still put some hurt on you if you’re not expecting them. But once they’ve been defeated, you can loot the corpse here for the Bone Bow.”

Now, I’m sure I’m not telling you a bunch of stuff you don’t already know.So, all this information is just for newcomers to TonyFunderburk.com AND me.

Yeah, ME!

Because I never heard of any of this before this morning in late June of 2024. And if I never hear of it again, I can guarantee I won’t feel a sense of loss. Because. It’s. A. Game.

A GAME?! Are you kidding me?

Have you ever heard kids, of any age, complain about how hard it is to read the Bible? Yeah, it’s most kids. And they complain because they believe the Bible is filled with a bunch of old-fashioned rules to stop all their fun. And parents and preachers and teachers (for the most part) don’t them kids how much adventure is in the Bible.

I don’t mean the obvious stories about Samson’s strength, David’s bravery, and Noah’s gigantic ship. Almost everyone knows those stories. No, I’m talking about Paul and the dungeons. And a dragon with seven heads and ten horns. Oh yeah, how about the beast with feet like a bear and a mouth like a lion?

Wow, certainly seems like a Bone Bow would come in pretty handy dealing with those odds. But a make-believe weapon wouldn’t stand up to much of the reality in The Revelation. No, dealing with all the obstacles you can find in that story is gonna take some serious brain power.

And if you have enough brain power to play a game that’ll never get you to Heaven, you have enough power to read the Bible. Bible readers can be the biggest winners. Because the ultimate prize is you get to live forever.

So, what’s it gonna be, kids?

Lame Brain or Brainy BrainA lame brain can’t drive a train.
A lame brain can’t fly a plane.
And a lame brain can’t add or spell.
A lame brain don’t talk so well.

A brainy brain reads poems and books.
A brainy brain takes second looks.
And a brainy brain eats meats and fruit.
A brainy brain has pep to boot.

So, a lame brain or brainy brain?
Which one will your head contain?
From breakfast, and all through the day,
Go for brainy brain, all the way.

© 2018

Before you go, jump on the Rhyme and Reason Bandwagon. And join the growing band of believers who enjoy my books, daily rhymes, songs, and videos about the Rhyme and Reason and power of God’s love.

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The post Bone bow? If you know, you know. appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

OK, let me tell you the story the old character in my head told me. And you can share it with your little kids. Or share it with someone who has little kids. Anyway, here it is.

One morning, about three years ago. Or was it three years from now? No matter. Let me tell you what happened to Ivanto. But whatever you do, don’t fall asleep. Because you’ll miss the ending. And if you miss the ending, the same thing could happen to YOU.

Anyway…

Back to Ivanto. He woke up before sunrise and saw beautiful colors swirling around in his room. They looked like they were made of glass. There were thousands of the beautiful, colorful little bubbles.

And every few seconds one would smash into the wall and burst. And tiny pieces of light would vaporize into the air. Like fog in early sunlight.

And let me tell you, that’s an awesome way to wake up.Ivanto rubbed his eyes and looked again. But the swirling bubbles didn’t disappear. In fact, there were lots more of them. And many of them were crashing into the wall with the same effect.

“What could this be?” he wondered. “Am I still sleeping? Am I dreaming? Surely that’s what it is.”

And right then, a voice in the middle of the swirling bubbles, whispered…

“Do you want to see more?”

Ivanto pulled the covers up to the bottom of his nose. But he couldn’t…no, he didn’t dare look away. So, he said, from the safety of his covers and bed,

“Uh…yes…yes, I do.”

“Well then…hold out your right hand,” the voice commanded.

And Ivanto did as he was told.

One of the beautiful, colorful, swirling bubbles almost instantly floated over the bed and hovered and rotated. And it was just above the palm of Ivanto’s hand.

“Look closely,” the voice whispered.Ivanto put his hand next to his face. And the beautiful bubble followed.

He stared deeply into the glass circle and saw a tiny boy running. He squinted his eyes, and he saw the boy chasing something.

What was it? He wasn’t sure. But whatever it was, Ivanto couldn’t take his eyes away.

“Look closer. Deeper. And open your eyes AND your heart,” whispered the voice.

So, that’s what Ivanto did. And when he did, he could see the tiny boy was him!

And that thing, the tiny version of him chased, started to take form.

With each second it became more beautiful.Ivanto wasn’t sure why. But he was suddenly filled with Joy. Everything started to make sense. And, as his joy grew, the tiny Ivanto dived forward and grabbed the form in his arms.

It was another beautiful, colorful, swirling glass bubble.

And, the very second Ivanto grabbed the glass bubble, it burst into vapor. And a tiny puff of light crystals floated into Ivanto’s eyes. Then, he fell back asleep.

When he woke up early the next morning, he remembered.

So, he quickly got out of bed, found his note paper, and scribbled down five words. And he kept that piece of paper with him for the rest of his life.

What do you think those five words were?

Oh sure, you could let me tell you. But I’d like you to tell me.

Before you go, jump on the Rhyme and Reason Bandwagon. And join the growing band of believers who enjoy my books, daily rhymes, songs, and videos about the Rhyme and Reason and power of God’s love.

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The post Let me tell you about Ivanto because I want to appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

OK, I’m gonna get a little too sciencey for the kids right now. And I’m share some info I found about the backbone of DNA. And I think it’s interesting because we all have DNA. So, it’s kinda cool to know a little bit about it.

Here’s what one article said:

“A phosphate backbone is the portion of the DNA double helix that provides structural support to the molecule. DNA consists of two strands that wind around each other like a twisted ladder. Each strand has a backbone made of alternating sugar (deoxyribose) and phosphate groups. Attached to each sugar is one of four bases: adenine (A), cytosine (C), guanine (G), or thymine (T). The two strands are held together by bonds between the bases, with adenine forming a base pair with thymine, and cytosine forming a base pair with guanine.”

“Golly gee, Wally. That all sounds so accidental and random.”

Yeah, right.

And that’s just the so-called backbone of DNA.There’s still a TON of information inside those tiny little doodads in your body that determined the color of your eyes, your hair, and even whether you’d be cool or lame. OK, I made that last part up. But the rest is true.

Here’s the reason I took the time to write any of this down on a Sunday, when I should be drinking beer and watching some kind of sports event or movie. Because the backbone of DNA reminds me of the backbone, center and heart of my existence. And yours, too, by the way. Here’s what I mean:

Imagine if you used Jesus’ name in sentences with those words. It would look like this:

Jesus is the backbone of our family.
Jesus is the center of attention in our house.
And Jesus is the heart of God’s love for the world.

When you think of Him that way, you might say He becomes your chief cornerstone. And every structure needs one of those in order to last a long time. Hopefully, forever.

Here’s a rhyme to help kids remember. You can sing it to the tune of “If you’re happy and you know it.”

Jesus is the one true cornerstone,
The center of my love and my backbone.
He holds me up in grace. His light shines on my face.
He’s in my heart. I’ll never be alone.

Before you go, jump on the Rhyme and Reason Bandwagon. And join the growing band of believers who enjoy my books, daily rhymes, songs, and videos about the Rhyme and Reason and power found in God’s love.

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(https://www.amazon.com/Danny-Andy-Helix-Duo-Code/dp/1093541490/)

The post Backbone of DNA on this sunny Sunday appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

AI is not real. Because there is no man-made intelligence. And the word, artificial, is your first clue. There is NO such thing as artificial intelligence.

So, again, AI is not real.It’s kinda like the whole “free” thing. Just a concept. But I get why people fall for it. Because when AI applications and programs provide you their almost magical, and blazingly fast, results, it can feel like your really brainy friend who knows all the answers.

But here’s the thing.

AI only knows, and only CAN know, and only ever WILL know what it extracts from sources filled with data put there by Actual Intelligence.

Just so you know, I’ve already used some interesting and entertaining (and even helpful) AI tools. Because I wanted to see what all the fuss was about. And it’s clear as crystal (or it should be) that this is simply algorithms, data, and software that gathers up tons of information, super fast, and delivers it to you in a flash.

And it can deliver some truly impressive results.

But since a few generations have now grown up on science fiction shows that portray computers and androids as sentient beings, many fall for the notion that AI is real. But, I’ll say it one more time. AI is NOT real. So, my take is that it’s Artificial Integration. Or Artificial implementation. Or maybe Artificial Information. But it’s absolutely NOT something that will ever surpass Actual Intelligence.

And here’s an example in the Rhyme and Reason world. I just asked an AI tool to write a 12 line poem about butterflies. And I prompted it to write in my style. This is after I’ve had it “study” my writing.

Here’s the result:Fluttering jewels, they dance in air,
Whispers of a world so fair.
Tiny wings, a blur of hues,
Nature’s secret, none refuse.
Sipping nectar, sweet delight,
Rainbow feathers, take to flight.
Silent song, a melody,
In the garden, they roam free.
Beneath the sun, they bask and play,
Life’s sweet symphony, they convey.
Invisible, yet ever near,
Hummingbirds, our hearts they cheer.

Yeah, that ain’t gonna cut it. If you’ve followed my Rhymes and Reasons for even a little while, I know your intuition tells you that’s not my kind of rhyme. And I hope your appreciation for poetry isn’t at all fulfilled. Mine sure isn’t. Even though it’s impressive that the tool churned out this poem in about 3 seconds, it’s basically artificialized (my own made up definition) plagiarism at worst. And saccharin imitation at best.

I sang an original hummingbird song, at my Mom’s memorial three years ago. And it’s a song I plan to record when the time is right. Be sure to remind me about that if you’d like to hear the finished version. I can safely say this. My wife LUVS it. So, with that ringing endorsement, I might just have a hit in bullpen.

You can stay tuned and know about it first when you jump on the Rhyme and Reason Bandwagon. And join the growing band of believers who enjoy my books, daily rhymes, songs, and videos about the Rhyme and Reason and power of God’s love.

The post AI is not real no matter how you feel appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

You can go your own way.
And you can call it another lonely day.
You can go your own way.

And if you’re a Fleetwood Mac fan or even if you’re not, but you’ve heard their music, you probably recognize those lyrics. I recently read an article/blurb about how a lot of the lyrics and songs off their bestselling album, Rumors, were the results of breakups. Especially the songs where Stevie Nicks and Lindsay Buckingham fired lyrical shots at each other.

Go Your Own Way made me think of my Dad.And I know he wouldn’t have been a Fleetwood Mac fan. So, the memory I’m talking about has nothing to do with that. Nope, I just remember how Dad made sure I understood how important it is to go your own way.

It would be great if ALL dads (and moms) would share this insight with their kids. Because this world is working 24/7/365 to scoop up kids and destroy them. I believe my Dad’s talk with me is one every kid should hear in some form or another.

Basically he said:

As you grow up you find out the crowd usually isn’t going somewhere good. In fact, most people are usually going someplace God doesn’t want you to go. And they don’t care what God wants. But YOU should care because God knows what’s best for you.

And that’s definitely NOT to be like everybody else.You’ll be more effective, more contented, and wiser when you go your own way. But only if your own way follows God’s word and His Way. And that’s almost always the opposite direction of the crowds.

Your Creator made you a certain way. He knows how to keep your mind and your body working smoothly. And if and when you decide to do things His way, you can avoid some bad mistakes everybody else makes.

But if you’d rather be like everybody else, God won’t yell at you. Or put you in time-out. Or even send you to bed without dinner. He’ll let you make your own mistakes. Then He’ll be there for you to turn to and talk to. But there’s a place in the Bible where it says God DOES get mad and punishes everybody who disobeys Him.

Don’t be one of those.

God’s love is stronger than anything. He proved that with His Son, Jesus. So, get to know Jesus. And be more like Him each day. And don’t be like everybody else who’d rather jump off a cliff.

Here are two rhymes to help you remember:If you wanna be like everybody else
Who play with fire and never love the Lord,
You’ll find yourself, like everybody else,
Without His love in a place forever bored.

AND

You can make God sad by saying angry words.
You can make Him happy when you don’t.
You can make God sad if you’ll keep telling lies.
You can make Him happy when you won’t.
You can make God sad when you decide to steal.
You can make Him happy giving back.
You can make God sad until you trust Him to
Keep your heart and mind on the right track.

Stay tuned,

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

The post Go your own way, forget about the lonely day appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

“I remember when you were only knee high to a grasshopper.” Did you ever go to a family reunion, when you were a kid, and hear that? I sure did. And I remember how the wacky grownups, who told me that, were also the ones who made sure there was plenty of good food and fun to be had.

We’d eat fried chicken, ham sandwiches, potato chips and potato salad, watermelon, and homemade ice cream. And us kids (we kids for you grammarers) would play games, go exploring, ride bikes, and chase fireflies in the evening. Lots of fond memories for me. I hope you have those kinds of memories, too.

Whether you’re knee high to a grasshopper or “full growed” it’s great to get together.When you haven’t seen someone in a long time, you can talk about how different everybody looks. Or how everybody looks the same. And it’s great to talk about all the family connections. Even if everybody doesn’t get along so well. Because it’s those connections your friends can’t give you.

But then again, it’s your best Friend who’s gonna make sure you have the best family reunion of all.

You’re going, right?

There’s a place in the Bible that says Jesus made sure you can go to the best family reunion of all. And guess where that’s gonna be. NO, not Disneyworld. It’s gonna be in Heaven, Goofy.

And here’s the best part. It’s all been paid for. It’s the most expensive get-together in the history of the universe. But Jesus already paid for it. So, all you need to do is show up. You ARE going, aren’t you? Still not sure? Oh come on! Why in the world would even have to think about it for more than a nanosecond?

First, it takes place in Heaven. So, a family reunion in paradise? Who wouldn’t say yes to that? Not me.

Maybe when you hear how much it cost Jesus, you’ll jump on board. He allowed Himself to be made fun of, beaten up, and nailed to a rough, wooden cross. Then He gave His life so you and I could be part of His forever family in Heaven. But, just so you know, there IS one catch to getting into that awesome family reunion.

You have to ask Him to forgive you and take you there. But if you do, He will. It doesn’t matter who you are, what you’ve done, what color your skin is, how much money you make, or anything else. Jesus loves you. He wants you there at the best family reunion of all. Now, what do you say? You’re going, aren’t you?

All you gotta do is ask Jesus into your heart. He’ll hear you and He’ll be there. Then you’ll have hope and you’ll know forever life is in you. It can never be taken away by anybody because your faith is the God of faithfulness.

Here’s a rhyme to help you remember:When you were knee high to a grasshopper,
And cuter’n a bug’s ear in tall grass,
Finer than frog’s hair, a real showstopper,
He bought your very own boarding pass.
And He hopes, yes He wishes that you will
Be sure to claim it and be there that day
When the family, His children who chose Him,
Get together, forever, His Way.

Before you go, jump on the Rhyme and Reason Bandwagon. And join the growing band of believers who enjoy my books, daily rhymes, songs, and videos about the Rhyme and Reason and power of God’s love.

Stay tuned,

The post Knee high to a grasshopper remembered by this name dropper appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

Feelings change. It’s a fact of life. That was even true when I was a young whippersnapper, all those decades ago. I remember the first time I felt like I was in love with a girl. But, later, I felt like I was in love with another girl. It happened several times. What can I say? A red-blooded American boy is a boy after all.

And your feelings will (or did) change many times, too. So, that’s why you shouldn’t depend on feelings for the important things in life. And the most important thing in life is truth. And there are some things that are just plain true. It doesn’t matter how you feel about them. They’re still true.

One big truth is that God created only two genders of humans.

And because He did, a boy is a boy and a girl is a girl.And it will always be true. No matter how you or anyone might feel about it.

These days some boys wish they were girls. And they do awful, horrible things to their bodies. The same is true for girls. It may sound weird, but it’s true. There are people who try to change genders. And they have to take drugs, take shots with needles, and even have gross operations.

All those things hurt your body because it isn’t built to take that. And it hurts God’s feelings to see it happening. He knows how much it hurts a person.

There’s a place in the Bible where it says you’re made in God’s image. And God doesn’t make mistakes. He never puts any one in the wrong body. He puts you right where you need to be. But if you don’t trust Him or love Him, you might believe just about anything bad somebody says about Him. You might even believe (or feel like) it’s OK to be whatever gender you choose. But it’s not. It hurts you. In fact, it can even take you somewhere you truly do not want to go.

So…how about this?How about you read more about what God says about you? Because you’ll find out how unique He made you. And since God does that for you, who cares what anyone else says? God says you’re one-of-a-kind. You’re special. And He even knows how many hairs on on your head. He wants you to live forever. There’s only one way to do that. Trust in His Son, Jesus.

Jesus made you and He knows what’s best for you. And He made sure you could live with Him forever. And Jesus is the one who says what you’ll be. That’s why you should trust Him and not your feelings. He loves you. And there’s only one person who can ever change that. YOU.

Here’s a rhyme to help you remember…

There’s a life inside of you, and it comes from God,
And He wants you to live and to always enjoy
And remember He made you the person you are,
Yes, a girl is girl and a boy is a boy.

Stay tuned,

The post A boy is a boy and this isn’t a ploy appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

A Strawberry Moon? But where’s the strawberry? Oh great. Now, I’m craving some cold strawberry pie. Maybe I shouldn’t even have brought this up.

So, why DID I bring up a strawberry moon?Because the strawberry moon is the full moon in June. And that rhymes rather nicely.

According to the Almanac, Algonquin tribes, that inhabited northeastern America, used the June full moon to mark the time for gathering ripened June-bearing strawberries. So did the Ojibwe, Dakota, and Lakota tribes.

This year’s full moon in June appears in the evening skies this coming Friday, June 21. And that’s the day after summer solstice. But don’t get too excited, kids. It won’t look like a strawberry. But it might have a nice golden color. Because it’ll happen when the sun at its highest point of the year. And, at the same time, this year’s strawberry moon will be “the lowest we’ve seen in years” according to the Old Farmer’s Almanac.

And since it’ll be so low, it will look “bigger than ever.” They call it the “Moon Illusion.” I’ll call it Moondini in honor of Houdini, the master of illusion.

FYI:This first full moon of summer will become full at 9:08 p.m. on Friday June 21. Not sure how they can be that precise, but it’s what “they” said. And, also according to what I’ve read, it will look full for about three days, from Thursday evening through Sunday morning. I hope to see it here in the heart of the heart of America.

Anyway…

There’s a place in the Bible where it says God put the moon, and the sun, right up there in the sky where we could see ’em. He put them in the sky, along with all the stars, all in only took one day. And it was the 4th day of His creation week. He wanted to make sure we had plenty of light and warmth in the daytime. Plus, He’s the ultimate Host. So, he place a night light, too.

And the sun, moon, and stars help us to know about seasons, days, and years. Very cool.

And the Strawberry Moon is a colorful reminder of God’s power.Imagine being able to put a big ball of fire, like the sun, in the sky and make it just hang there. No strings. No wires. Not anything to hold it up. God can do that.

In fact, He did that with all the stars and suns and moons. And even with our good ol’ planet Earth. And did you know this? The sun is about 400 times further away from us than the moon. And the sun is about 400 times bigger than the moon. And that’s how we get to see solar eclipses. That’s where the moon blocks out the light from the sun for a little while.

But that’s another moon story.

So, there you go. This weekend, grab yourself a slice of cold, strawberry pie.

And eat it on the porch as you ogle the glowing…

Moon IllusionThe moon illusion caught my eyes
As the wings of butterflies
Fluttered past the dandelions in the yard.
The gentle breezes through twilight
Coaxed the crickets, out of sight,
To compose a rhythm synced to that postcard
As it unfolded to full view,
With moonbeams in every hue,
And my mind could barely even comprehend.
And so I simply sat and sighed,
Knowing what I know inside.
Every bit of it was made by my best Friend.

© 2024

Enjoy this year’s Strawberry Moon.

But before you go, jump on the Rhyme and Reason Bandwagon. And join the growing band of believers who enjoy my books, daily rhymes, songs, and videos about the Rhyme and Reason and power of God’s love.

Stay tuned,

The post Strawberry Moon in June makes me hum a tune appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

It’s what selfish people do. And, for some, it’s almost like they wouldn’t tell the truth even if it sounded better.

Yeah, selfish people lie.They have to lie to make themselves look and feel better than everybody around them. And they spread lies about other people to try and make those other people look bad to their friends. Then they get so used to lying they can hardly do anything but lie. It’s a terrible thing. Don’t be a liar.

Selfish people steal.Since they only think of themselves, they take what others work hard to get. The Bible says they fill their houses with other people’s things. And they don’t care how much it hurts those other people. What matters most to them is getting and having more than everybody else. Don’t be a thief.

Selfish people kill.Of course, this is the worst thing. You might wonder how a person could kill another person because you can’t imagine doing that. Right? They can do it because they don’t care about anybody but themselves. I’m sure you’ve heard about killers going into schools and shooting people. Well, those people are blind. I don’t mean their eyes can’t see. I mean their hearts can’t see. And they can’t see anything but their own need for attention. And they don’t care who they destroy to get it. Don’t be a killer.

Selfish people don’t understand where their selfish ways will take them. Selfishness leads to being alone forever. And when I say alone, I mean never seeing anybody ever again. Never ever having another chance to make things right. And never knowing love. Not ever.

Don’t be selfish.Eternity is real. You’re gonna exist somewhere forever. You can either wonder where that will be or you can be sure (secure in your knowledge) you’ll be in a perfect Heaven with your living, loving Creator.

Here’s my challenge to you today. Open a Bible and look up Proverbs. Read what the writer has to say about the security in wisdom. I believe you’ll discover the Truth. I believe you’ll discover the love for you, the likes of which you’ll never find in this world . And I believe you’ll discover how much love you’ll want to pass on to someone else. And here’s a rhyme to help smart kids remember this about selfish people:

They lie, they steal, and they do whatever they feel.
And they cheat, they scheme, and they grumble to the extreme.
Don’t be like them. No, don’t be a rock, be a gem.
One day you’ll see it was worth it to live with God, free.

Before you go, jump on the Rhyme and Reason Bandwagon. And join the growing band of believers who enjoy my books, daily rhymes, songs, and videos about the Rhyme and Reason and power of God’s love.

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The post Selfish people lose their souls if they don’t adjust their goals appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

Artificial music is the last place you should look to find a new song. And AI companies that claim to help you “create” your “own sound” tell you right up front they don’t have new music. Here’s an example:

This company says their AI is “trained on a catalog of 8 million music tracks and harnesses our database of 170,000 audio sounds to create complex AI music compositions in under 5 seconds.”

Amadeus, Johann, and Ludwig are rolling over in their graves.

Let’s say I take a stylistic license with their compositions, mash a little Mozart here, jiggle (pronounced yiggle) a little Johann there, and ladle a little Ludwig into the mix. But I make sure to only play my “new creation” on a device those guys never even heard of. And that’s easy. Just about any keyboard I’ve ever owned will do.

No harm. No foul. Because that “new” mix would never have reach the airwaves if it weren’t for me.

So, I alone (along with my artificial music mix) am the “song” writer.There’s a guy I watch, once in a while, on YouTube, who talked about how artificial music or AI assisted music could possibly do away with the need for actual musicians. And he added how he could see some ways good musicians could utilize the technology to create some interesting stuff, which I agree with.

He also mentioned how he’s “been telling you about how AI is the biggest threat to musicians.”

Well, I said that, 5 years ago, before the gigantic onslaught of artificially generated art of all kinds.

Yeah, I said this.

“I’m gonna move my music back into physical places. Places where they can be seen and held. Like in the good ol’ days of records, tapes, and CD’s. This digital world has some cool advantages. But sharing my musical projects ain’t one of them.

This isn’t some sort of rant or anything like that. I understand how well the online world works for so many businesses and endeavors. But the “free” mentality, when it comes to music, puts a serious damper on songwriters and music creators. So, while my “fix” for this might not be the popular one, I’m confident it’s the right way to go.

And that’s why my songs are beginning to fade away. I took a bunch of my song videos off my YouTube channel today. I’ve made the free versions mostly unavailable from here on my website, too. Because if my music only has a digital “free” value to you, you’re probably not my audience anyway. The good news, though, is I’ll be doing some fun stuff to make songs available in other ways. Thanks for understanding. And thanks for your support.”

Then, I wrote this rhyme about AI. And I called it…

Invisible Song MachinesThe times will come in everyone’s life
When changes have to occur.
The reasons could be obvious, or
They might even be a blur.
One of those times is happening now
It’s somewhere behind the scenes…
Where the melodies quickly become
Invisible song machines.
Value is lost down deep in a world
Increasingly wanting “free.”
So, I’m moving my music around
To places listeners can see.
Places where I think they’ll connect
With those who connect with me.
If you believe I’ve got it all wrong
Then certainly, by all means,
Continue to get your free songs from
Invisible song machines.

© 2019 Tony Funderburk

By the way, I love to connect my thoughts and opinions to what God says about things in life. And He actually talks about this in a song He inspired King David to write. The song is also known as Psalm 33. And David’s lyrics talked about the sovereignty of the Lord in creation.

It goes a little something like this. One, two, three, four…Praise the Lord with the harp;
Make melody to Him with an instrument of ten strings.
Sing to Him a new song;
Play skillfully with a shout of joy.

Hmm, an instrument of ten strings sure sounds different from a database of 170,000 audio sounds. But maybe that’s just me. Maybe I’m biased because I had to make a living in music the old-fashioned way. I had to learn and play the songs myself. And then I had to learn how to write songs and even figure out what people liked to hear so I could write better songs.

But the best part about all that hard work is this. Each new song I write is a new song I write. Not a compilation of sounds from any databases.

Just to be clear, I don’t play an instrument of ten strings. The piano I used to own had lots more than that. But these days my instruments are digital. And, some might say that’s cheating, too. Because I’m not using a physical instrument for every part of my songs.

But here’s the thing.I play and sing the notes. And I arrange the way the lyrics will follow or lead the instruments. And I determine whether the time signature will be 3/4, 4/4, 6/8, or even (after I take five) 5/4. Plus, I don’t type any prompts into any artificial music GPT either.

As I said a little over 5 years ago, thank you for understanding. And thank you for your support.

Speaking of that, if you haven’t already, jump on the Rhyme and Reason Bandwagon. And join the growing band of believers who enjoy my books, daily rhymes, songs, and videos about the Rhyme and Reason and power of God’s love.

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The post Artificial music plays as many long for bygone days appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

Here’s what I wish, today. And it might sound a little upside down from my usual upbeat emphasis on the power of God’s love. But it’s really not. And I think you’ll see that’s true as you read on.

I wish the people who love God were the ones with 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.

That’s not really so upside down. Right?OK. So, there you go. (And on the Rhyme and Reason Podcast I’ll say it out loud) I stand by my words.

But since I don’t get to rule the whole world, I don’t get to decide how that works. And since God also isn’t currently ruling this world (Gasp!) life is very upside down.

It’s so annoying to see the foul-mouthed, obnoxious types gain huge audiences and build “businesses.” And then watch, as awesome, caring, intelligent believers struggle to build even a small audience. In spite of the fact that they provide wonderful products and services and serve others so well.

Why is the world so upside down?Is it the culture? Education opportunities? Genetic predisposition?

Nay. Nay. And nay nay. If it were only something like those problems, the upside down condition of life here on Earth could surely be solved with at least some of our millions of laws.

And yet, there are so-called “leaders” in government who go by the title of “lawmakers.” And they continuously devise “laws” in an attempt to make the masses play nice. But the masses don’t even seem to know what nice is anymore. Much less play nice. So, we end up with a “survival of the fittest” world where bad is good and good is bad.

Of course, none of that depressing news means good, hard-working, people who love God should lose heart. Quite the contrary. In fact, when you fit into that category, you’ve already won what’s truly important. And that’s the eternal rewards. Every other kind of win, here on Earth, is so temporary.

But acknowledging there’s a God, and that you’re not Him, puts the everlasting mark in your W column.

So, I wanna encourage all my Christian friends today.And I want you to remember (you probably DO), and never forget, you’re a winner.

Because you’ve already made the best decision of (and for) your life you’ll ever make. Don’t let any setbacks define you. Remember, they’re temporary. But you’re eternal. And from the perspective of your eternal home, everything else will look (and be) upside down.

Life is very temporary
Here on planet Earth.
If you ponder why you wander,
Or what it’s all worth,
Don’t be bitter, just consider
Your alternative.
Life is often rough and tough.
But still…you got to live.

Before you go, jump on the Rhyme and Reason Bandwagon. And join the growing band of believers who enjoy my books, daily rhymes, songs, and videos about the Rhyme and Reason and power of God’s love.

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The post Upside down for more than just a frown appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

Things. And stuff. There’s no end to them. Stroll through any department store or home improvements store or clothing store or footwear store. What do they all have in common that you don’t need?

You guessed it (I hope). Things and stuff.I’m not saying you never need clothes or shoes or something for your home. But I AM saying when you “go shopping” just to find something to buy, you already have too many things and stuff.

And, if you’re not some sort of artificial intelligence bot designed to scan emails and websites, you’re a human being. So you’re subject to the temptations all humans experience. And you WILL face the problems. And you won’t always overcome them. Because you can’t withstand the world on your own.

Nope. You need help.

So, obviously, you need the government to step in and show you the way to overcome obstacles. Because government officials are elected by “we the people.” And when people vote, they default back to their wisdom instead of their feelings. In other words, when it comes time to vote, people place right and wrong above their own self interests.

Right?

Yeah, if you believe that, you should reconsider the things and stuff the media pump out every second.

No, the world will NEVER show you the right way.But thankfully the Way is easy to find and so easy even a young kid can understand.

But phones and tablets and laptops can charm you away from the Way. Unless you lift up your eyes and look for your true hope. Or at least use those devices to learn about the Way.

Now, I’ll leave you with this lyrical version of who you’ll find when you learn about the Way…

Don’t give any thing all you’ve got.
Look for wisdom no matter what.
Every thing can take you away
From what matters most day to day.
Please remember you will go on
Even after your body’s gone.
Where you go will depend on you.
Here’s what I suggest that you do:
Don’t let any thing steal your soul.
Ask for God to help you control
Your desires for things and not Him.
He can fill your heart to the brim.

© 2020 Tony Funderburk

Before you go, jump on the Rhyme and Reason Bandwagon. And join the growing band of believers who enjoy my books, daily rhymes, songs, and videos about the Rhyme and Reason and power of God’s love.

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The post Things and stuff will never be enough appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

Are you thankful Thursday is finally here? If you’re like most people, your answer would be something like, “Yeah. No.” Because Thursday doesn’t stand out for most people. He’s one of the T twins, Tuesday and Thursday, who sort of get lost in the mix.

I suppose it could be worse for Thursday. At least he isn’t hated like Monday. But he also doesn’t typically get his own nickname. Like, for example, Hump Day, aka: Wednesday. Oh yeah. The middle of the week has certainly made a name for himself.

But, come to think of it, Thankful Thursday sounds pretty good.And that makes me think of a thankful Thursday morning I had ten years ago. I woke up that morning, had a cuppa java, and sat down at my computer to post my daily writing. But I couldn’t remember what it was I wanted to say. What a dilemma. I was in a quandary. And I didn’t like that vexed feeling. No, I didn’t like it even one, little bit.

So, what did I do? What COULD I do? Well, my last name starts with Fun. So, I knew what must be done.

I started to write about the mystery of the lost words. And here’s what I said:

Now, where did I put those words. Hmm, that is most peculiar. I just had them a minute ago. In fact, just before I sat down to type out this message I put them all in…uh…in what? Where did I put…

The WordsDid I put the words in a bag
With a tag that looks like a flag?
Did I stick the words in a shoe
Painted blue to make it look new?
Did I hide the words in a drum
Which, to some, could make me look dumb?
Did I let the words out the door
Where they’ll soar and come back no more?
Did I leave the words in my head
To be read by no one instead?
Nope, I found the words in my eyes,
So surprise! They’re here for you guys. © 2014

OK, I hope this is a truly Thankful Thursday for you. And I pray you are never more than a thought away from thinking about your awesome Creator.

Before you go, jump on the Rhyme and Reason Bandwagon. And join the growing band of believers who enjoy my books, daily rhymes, songs, and videos about the Rhyme and Reason and power of God’s love.

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The post Thankful Thursday thoughts for humans and for bots appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

It’s a mighty mean world OUT there. But that doesn’t mean it has to be the same way IN there. And when I say “IN there,” I mean inside your heart. You have a great brain, designed by God, that you can choose to use or choose not to and lose. So, you can let Love win the day, every day. Or you can let the world win.

But a world win reaps a whirlwind unless you let Love win.From the second you were conceived you were a lightning strike example of the power of God’s love. And you are here because God lets love win. Or He at least gives it the opportunity to win. Because every human being is created in His image and likeness.

Of course, I could say things like this all day every day, till I’m Blueberry blue in the face. But it’ll never make a difference till you put Truth in a lie’s place. Because I’m just another person who also needs the power of God’s love in his life. So, I’m no better than anyone else.

But, as I’ve said before, maybe I’m not better THAN, but I’m better OFF. Because I know, beyond a shadow of a doubt, God IS real. And I know He has shown the world how great He is, how great His love is, and how great is His mercy.

So, I’ll keep on writing and composing about that Love. And regardless of how many despise the messenger, my message is the result of Love for the One who loved first. And He will have…

The Last WordKeep a bolt of lightning in your brain
And a jar of honey in your heart.
Let Love be the last word from your lips
Whether you’re together or apart.

Lightning is your passion over pain.
Honey is your holy hope within.
Send those feelings through your fingertips
And remember, always let Love win.

© 2020

Jump on the Rhyme and Reason Bandwagon. And join the growing band of believers who enjoy my books, daily rhymes, songs, and videos about the Rhyme and Reason and power of God’s love.

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Gonna talk about truth and mercy right now. So, get ready to take some mental notes. Yeah, put away those silly tablets and other writing accoutrement. Because I don’t want your brain distracted by an urgent need to jot notes.

The value of truth and mercy is too important to miss.So, before I go any further, I know your brain is already distracted by the grammar in my headline, “Truth and mercy for what him and her say.” Right? C’mon, admit it. Your first thought was to call the grammar police and report some noun/verb abuse. But, hopefully you remembered I’m Mister Tony, the Rhyme and Reason Guy. And you thought, “Hey, wait a minute. I bet Tony’s using his poetic license to make his headline rhyme.”

And I’m so glad none of this caused a ruckus we can’t overcome. So, on to the main point(s).

Have you ever been called a loser? I hope not. But if you have, I’m sure you remember how much it hurt. Right? People who call you a loser or some other name have already lost something. I bet you didn’t know that, did you? Yep, people like that have lost 2 things you should never lose. Would you like to know what they are? Keep reading…

There are a lot of things in this life you could lose and it wouldn’t make much difference. Your pencil. Your paper. And your bubble gum. But those are just thingy things. You can almost always get more thingy things. But there are other things much more important.

And here are the 2 things you should never lose:Truth and Mercy. Did you already guess? If so, you win a big pat on your back. Go tell someone I said to give you one.

And you know what mercy is. Right? It’s kinda like telling someone you’re not mad at them for breaking your toy. In fact, instead of getting mad at them, you tell them they can play with another one of your toys. You should try that sometime. You might be surprised to see what a big smile you could put on your friend’s face. Yeah, mercy is a pretty special thing. You should have a lot of it in you.

And I bet you know what truth is, too. Right? It’s what you say that can stand any test. And it’s the same for everybody. Let’s say I tell you the sun is bigger and hotter than the moon. Am I telling you the truth? Sure am. And isn’t it true for everybody who lives here on Earth. Sure is. Everybody can see the sun is bigger. And they can feel how much hotter it is. So, if I tell someone those things…I’m telling them the truth. It’s good to know some things are true for everybody.

It makes it easier to understand the world.There’s something that ties mercy and truth together. Do you know what that is? It’s love.

When you love somebody, it’s much easier to show mercy and say, “You can play with this toy even though you broke that one.” And when you love, you want to know truth…because you might be curious where love comes from. Don’t you think so?

Here’s the biggest reason why it’s important to know these 2 things you should never lose. Because when you have those things in YOUR heart, you win a place in God’s heart.

And winning a place in God’s heart is the best thing you could ever win because that lasts forever. Go share some Truth and Mercy today. I’m counting on you. And here’s a rhyme to help you remember…

Mercy and truth are lighted lamps
To help you find your way…
So with God’s help, go share your love
For others every day.

Get some music and a book sent your way real fast. Just jump on the Rhyme and Reason Bandwagon. And join a growing band of believers who enjoy my books, daily rhymes, songs, and videos about the power of God’s Love.

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The post Truth and mercy for what him and her see appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

Just for grins, here at the Funderbungalow, we watched the sequel to a shark movie. No, not Jaws 3D. This one was Meg 2. It came out last year, and it’s the sequel to The Meg. And the reason we enjoyed those movies is because of how totally believable the whole storyline is.

And that’s probably because of the star power acting of The Meg.In case you’re not familiar with The Meg, that’s a nickname for the Megalodon giant shark from down in “The Trench.” And, don’t worry, I’m not gonna give you any spoilers. Because I don’t wanna ruin it for you when you watch it after reading this.

Now, right about here I could start to make up anything I care to about the Meg, which is short for Megalodon. And that’s the largest shark to ever roam the oceans. The reason I could make up anything I want is because apparently that’s what you do when you talk about stuff like the largest shark ever.

For example, look at what one website, that even has the word “science” in its web address said:

“While the popular 2018 movie, “The Meg,” pits modern humans against an enormous megalodon sharks, it’s actually more than likely that the beast died out before humans even evolved. But it’s difficult to pinpoint the exact date that the megalodon went extinct because the fossil record is incomplete.”

Yeah, they say the fossil record “is incomplete.” But they have no problem pinning the extinction dates like this paragraph, from their research, that says:

“…found that most of the fossils date back to the middle Miocene epoch to the Pliocene epoch (15.9 million to 2.6 million years ago). All signs of the creature’s existence ended 2.6 million years ago in the current fossil record, the authors wrote. For comparison, our earliest Homo sapiens ancestors emerged only 2.5 million years ago, during the Pleistocene epoch.”

See what I mean. They just love to make up big numbers. Because the bigger the numbers, the harder they are to disprove. Or so “they” believe. I wish they wouldn’t do that silly stuff.

Well, I won’t just make up stuff like they do.But I will take you back to another scenario I asked you to “imagine” a few years ago. It went like this:

Imagine you’re a jellyfish…just jellyfishin’ along, mindin’ your own business. Suddenly you look behind you and see a huge cloud of mud coming your way in the water.

You swim with all your might and as fast as you can. But the muddy cloud keeps gaining on you. And you look all around you and all your jellyfish family and jellyfish friends are swimming for their lives, too. But you just can’t outrun the cloud of dirt-filled water. Then you’re all buried alive faster than you can say “yo ho ho, and a bottle of rum”.

What do you think just happened?

Well, it’s probably a whimsical rendition of what happened when the whole world was flooded and only eight people survived. The jellyfish and trillions of other marine life were buried so fast their bodies didn’t even have time to decay. And thousands of years later (yes, thousands) we humans can dig them up and see what they looked like in almost perfect detail. It’s amazing.

Have you ever seen a jellyfish washed up on the beach?If so, you know it doesn’t take them very long to start to decay and smell bad. If fossilized jellyfish were buried over hundreds of millions, or even just millions of years, their bodies would have decayed or faded away. They wouldn’t have stayed intact for all that time. To think so requires a faith greater than Noah or Abraham or David. And most certainly more than you and me.

Chances are pretty good you’ll never come face to face with The Meg in your lifetime.

But you WILL meet God face to face one day. And I recommend you don’t tell Him any of your millions of years theories. Because you could find yourself with the jellyfish fate. Even worse.

Poor jellyfish, go make a wish
And sadly close your eyes
Because this day you’ll pass away
And quickly fossilize.

I know it’s bad, but don’t be sad.
One day you will be found…
A work of art, not torn apart
Squeezed into solid ground.

Lots of mankind will surely find
Your fossils there quite odd,
But ology will help us see
The mighty hand of God.

© 2014

Of course, you can always jump online to find all my really refreshing Rhymes and Reasons? But I recommend you 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

Stay tuned,

The post The Meg is one big fish and here’s what I wish appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

And should you trust your gut? Search the internet and you’ll find plenty of books and articles about the power of intuition. Some say it’s real. Some say it isn’t. Others say it’s psychological. And still others say the research is up for grabs. But one thing’s for sure.

The power of intuition isn’t in your actual gut.I’m sure you know the gut you trust (or don’t trust) is not where you find the power of intuition. And that your intuition is more a brain feeling than actual gut feeling. But you might truly “feel” the sensation in your gut. So, that’s how it got its name.

And here’s why I bring it up.

Because you gotta keep your brain (and, by connection, your gut) in check.

I believe you can “trust your gut” once you first put your faith and trust in your Creator.

But it has to go in that order. Or else it might be easy to believe that whole “follow your heart” mantra you see and hear just about everywhere. And that could be disastrous. Because your heart definitely will lead you astray. At least it will without proper wisdom and understanding. And guess what?

Good wisdom and understanding are as hard to find as a truthful politician these days.

But, thankfully, they’re not impossible to find. In fact, you might have a great source of wisdom and guidance in your own house. And you might not even know it’s there.

And, no, it’s not the news app or browser on your mobile device.And you can stop looking for it in Yahoo answers. And you don’t even need the all-knowing Google search engine wizards. Is your power of intuition starting to kick in? I’ll bet it is. And I’ll bet you think you know what advice I’m about to give. So, I’ll go ahead and give it.

Look around for a Bible. Or get yourself a Bible app if you detest physical books.

Even if you’re not the least bit interested in God or Jesus or any sort of gospel message, you can find incredible wisdom and understanding in the Bible.

And once it all starts to make sense, that’s when you can…

Trust your gut. It’s clear-cut.
It might help you get back out of that deep rut.
Might be real…how you feel,
And if so, that would be perfectly ideal.
Take a break from the ache
And the pain of selfish lies for goodness sake.
You’ll be glad that you had
The good sense to find your life a launching pad.

© 2020 Tony Funderburk

Stay tuned,

The post Power of intuition is more than just wishin’ appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

I wield my superpower from a secret desk, behind a sonic curtain, high above the world, in my Blueberry Tower. And I focus this intense power on little minds of mush. So…

Hide your kids. Or at least cover their ears. Unless you’re willing to let them be controlled by my superpower. Because I can activate their different brain lobes all at the same time. And even their brain’s motor center.

They cannot resist my superpower.And there’s nothing they can do about it. Because they can’t even see me or find my Blueberry Tower. So, they (AND YOU) can’t resist (insert sinister laugh here).

And now you wish you could discover my superpower. Because you think if you discovered WHAT it is, you could figure out HOW to stop it. But that is a foolish waste of time. Because it’s invisible. Alway has been. Always will be.

But I’ll give you a hint, if you truly want to be able to protect your kids. You could try to cover their ears. And you should cover your own ears, too. Otherwise, there’s nothing you can do about it. “But what is IT?” you ask.

Rhythmic Rhymes.

I create them every day. And they remain here, on my website and in the audio of my podcast episodes, every hour of every day. Then, every day more and more people fall helplessly into my trap. Sometimes it’s as simple as listening to one of my songs. Other times I recite an innocent poem on the Rhyme and Reason Podcast. And Ka-bluey!

More tiny brains are mine to manipulate.And those tiny brains perceive that my words and music are true. And they start to memorize them. Then, they irresistibly begin to repeat them. Again and again. Because I tap into four system lobes in those tiny brains. And my rhythmic rhymes start building trust. Built-in defense mechanisms vaporize . And it all starts to feel so familiar and comfortable and safe and true.

Then, the ongoing manipulation begins. And I mercilessly repeat and transmit dastardly, otherworldly messages. Messages of faith, hope, and love. But not the kind you find on puny human greeting cards. No, these messages are directly from the one, true, living, loving God of all creation. (re-cue the sinister laugh again).

So, I recommend you don’t fight my superpower. Give in to it. I wouldn’t be surprised, at all, if you actually feel energized by the experience. Mental manipulation can be like that.

(echoing sinister laugh fades out)

Today, you should share your love and smile.
You might help somebody else a while.
And then they might wanna do it, too.
That’s how it all bounces back to you.
So try. Just go see if I am right.
And then, when you sleep and dream tonight,
You’ll rest with the peace you’re longing for
And wake ready to go share some more.

© 2020

And go jump on the Rhyme and Reason Bandwagon and join a growing band of believers who know life has rhyme and reason because God Is Real

Stay tuned,

The post My superpower from my Blueberry Tower appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

I’m sharing an account of what happened on D Day back in 1944. And when you get to the end of that part, be sure to check out a comparison story.

The sunrise on June 6, 1944 (D Day) brought with it wave after wave of landing vessels. And they carried more than 150,000 American, British, Canadian, and French ground troops. They were the ones who stormed fifty miles of coastline, in Northern France, that the Germans fiercely defended.

Strong currents pushed the Americans 2,000 yards south of Utah Beach. And that forced them to march that distance back to the intended landing areas to seize German fortifications.

But they still secured Utah by the evening of D Day.The Germans were aware of the importance of the sector designated Omaha Beach. And they knew the Allies would need to connect and secure the beachheads together. So, they made certain it was heavily defended. Fortifications and elevated terrain meant the American landing on Omaha would be the bloodiest that day.

4426 casualties is the official number for that bloody day. Men stormed beaches with artillery, machine guns, and bombs from planes filling the air. That had to be mighty scary stuff. But they still moved ahead courageously, in the middle of all that chaos. Because they fought for freedom.

Now.

Keep those D Day pictures in your head as I share what unimaginable horrors the world faces in this much more modern age. Horrors known, collectively, as “climate change.”

Here’s a paragraph, from an article I found, that talks about the consequences of foolish human existence in such a fragile world. This is scary stuff. Prepare yourself.

This paragraph talks about what happens if ocean currents change._ A shutdown of that ocean current could dramatically alter phenomena as varied as global weather patterns and crop yields. Messing with complex systems is chilling precisely because there are so many levers: If the temperature of the sea surface changes, precipitation over the Amazon might too, contributing to its deforestation, which in turn has been linked to snowfall on the Tibetan plateau. We may not even realize when we start passing points of no return—or if we already have. “It’s kind of like stepping into a minefield,” Armstrong McKay said. “We don’t want to find out where these things are by triggering them.” _

That’s the kind of nonsense “they” use in public schools to scare kids. Notice how things “might” happen. And how it’s all tied together. So, if one part fails, the whole world fails. And we “may not even realize when we start passing points of no return. Or if we already have.

But it’s one thing to scare kids. It’s quite another thing for actual adults to buy into such fear tactics. As the older folks used to say, “You’re old enough to know better.” And to help offset all those Negative Nancy’s out there, here’s a rhyme for the kiddos:

In This LifeYou might win a few things in this life,
And you might even win a whole lot.
But you’ll lose everything if you don’t trust the King
Who has given you all that He’s got.

Know that nothing is too hard for God.
He can help you through all of your fears.
If your gold turns to rust, or your diamonds to dust,
Only God can dry all of your tears.

Make the most of the moments you have.
They fly by in the blink of an eye.
Don’t waste time in the dark, jump inside of the ark
Of God’s love. Kiss the old life goodbye.

© 2015

Jump on the Rhyme and Reason Bandwagon and be part of a growing band of believers who know life has rhyme and reason because God IS Real.

Stay tuned,

The post D Day that day and in this life every day appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

My DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) includes some awesome tools to enhance music clarity. And there’s a wide variety of software to help audio producers and songwriters make their music sound as clear as possible.

But the music clarity I see in my mind’s eye can’t be achieved.At least not with gear anybody has here on Earth. Because the music clarity I’m talking about is clear as crystal. Music so clear it’s like a pure river of water of life. Almost as thought it’s proceeding from the throne of God and of the Lamb.

Yeah, show me a DAW or any plugin that can achieve that kind of music clarity. And save yourself the hassle. Because you’re never gonna find it.

And even if you found something close, the level of clarity you might reach would still be lost on millions of tinnitus sufferers. And hard-of-hearing or deaf people.

Plus, the crystal clear music I see and hear, in my mind, is free of all profanity and vulgarity. Only G-rated messages are allowed. Or maybe some PG if there’s some harsh truth that must be shared.

My guess is, that to even try to create music in that sort of direction is a waste of time. Right? Because nobody wants to hear clear, clean songs anymore.

Nobody cares about innocent imagination.Or poetic lines of words and music. Everybody wants DARK. That must be true. Because all around you it’s easy to see dark. Lyrics. Movies. Magazines. All the physical and mental imagery is dark.

But I think I’ll keep on keepin’ on. And I’ll keep looking for word combinations to shine a spotlight on The Light of Hope. The Love of Freedom. And the Lamb of God. Like this:

The color of music notes is in your head,
In circles and parallelograms,
And in abstract and translucent bowls.
And it’s all held together by sonic thread.

The colors keep dripping down into the song
Like jellies and marmalades and jams.
And they take on sweet lives without souls.
And that’s where you’ll find yourself floating along.

Jump on the Rhyme and Reason Bandwagon and be part of a growing band of believers who know life has rhyme and reason because God IS Real.

Stay tuned,

The post Music clarity makes this a rarity appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

Episode 929 of the Rhyme and Reason podcast is all about the demo. Back to the regular programming next time…

The post All about the demo appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

When you’re young, still in school, and ready to go barefoot, those summer days suit your fancy. You start to picture yourself in a sparkling, clear pool with your friends. Or maybe you see yourself walking down white, sandy beaches.

But it seems like those days take forever to arrive.

And you have to go barefoot inside while you wait.You do your best to keep your mind on your studies. But try as you might those daydreams of lazy, summer fun creep up in the back of your mind. Then they crawl right up behind your eyelids. And you float away from your class and everyone in it.

Have you ever noticed how the older people are, the more they talk about how fast time goes by?

But it’s like this. When you’re young, those warm and hot summer days seem to go on and on. But old people will tell you things like, “Just wait kiddo. Before you know it you’ll be my age. And you’ll wonder where time slipped away.”

They seem so silly. I know. I thought that same way. But then, one day you find out just how right they were.

So, as this Memorial Day weekend, of 2024, gets going, enjoy your hot summer days this summer. Stick to your plan to go barefoot as often as you can. And don’t fret about what’s happening tomorrow. There’s enough in today to keep you busy all day.

The temperature is rising
On the weather dial outside.
So we should get the garden hose
And make a water slide.

Hot summer days feel cooler
When we swim down in the stream
And we run back home for dinner
And we find homemade ice cream.

As the evening sky grows darker
We go lie out on the grass,
And we hear the old folks talkin’
‘Bout how fast the years all pass.

Then we wonder why they worry.
Guess it must just be their ways.
We’ve still got our whole vacation
To enjoy hot summer days.

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

Stay tuned,

The post Go barefoot when you can and stick to the plan appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

Cow secretions and bee vomit. Yum, yum. I don’t know about you, but I’ll be goin’ back for seconds. Oh yeah! But first, here’s my desire as I share a little something with you today:

Let my teaching drop as the rain,
My speech distill as the dew,
As raindrops on the tender herb,
And as showers on the grass.

I can’t (and don’t) take credit for that most pleasant prose. Because it was written by Mo very many years ago. And Mo was the one who put the dude in Deuteronomy. He was inspired, by God, to give an account of how the nation of Israel came to be. And how that nation was God’s chosen people who actually betrayed Him repeatedly. The prose I just shared comes from a section in Deuteronomy known as “The Song of Moses.”

What’s that? You didn’t know Moses was a poetic guy? A songwriter? Well, you learn somethin’ new every day.

And now you know he’s the guy I called Mo.

So, what does any of this have to do with me comin’ back for seconds?Especially when we’re talkin’ about cow secretions and bee vomit.

Well, imagine you’re in a desert land. And it’s quite the understatement to call it a terrible place. Because you have virtually no hope of getting out. No food or water or shelter. And no idea which way to go. Then, out of the blue, a ghost appears and leads you to food. In fact, you walk into fields of juicy, tasty produce. Not only that, but the ghost shows you how to get honey and good fats from the ground.

If all that happened, you’d probably think you just hit the best lottery ever!

OK, now imagine that the scenario I just shared isn’t make-believe. Because the “ghost” is a real person. And the story I just told is based on a true story found in the Bible. It’s about how God took a man named Jacob and made him into a nation. And that nation is Israel. The story I told you to imagine goes like this:

“He found him in a desert land and in the wasteland, a howling wilderness; He encircled him, He instructed him, He kept him as the apple of His eye. As an eagle stirs up its nest, Hovers over its young, Spreading out its wings, taking them up, Carrying them on its wings, So the Lord alone led him, And there was no foreign god with him. He made him ride in the heights of the earth, That he might eat the produce of the fields; He made him draw honey from the rock, And oil from the flinty rock…”

If someone did all that for you, would you betray him?

My guess is, on some level, you probably would.Because, on some level, we all have. And that’s because of the lowest common denominator we all have. Selfishness. Somewhere inside you is your desire to be your own king. To handle everything YOUR way. And you either fight against that desire or you give in. Most give in. Reminds me of these lyrics from The Who:

Out here in the fields
I fight for my meals.
I get my back into my living.
And I don’t need to fight
To prove I’m right.
I don’t need to be forgiven.
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah

Don’t cry.
Don’t raise your eye.
It’s only teenage wasteland.

Yeah, that whole selfish concept of “I don’t need to be forgiven.” But, even though Pete Townshend didn’t realize it at the time, it’s actually that kind of selfishness that keeps you in the wasteland. Keeps you in the desert.

But there IS a Way out of that desert and into the land of cow secretions and bee vomit.

I keep saying that to poke fun at so-called “nutrition influencers.”That’s their descriptions of milk and honey. Cow secretions and bee vomit. But God inspired Mo (aka: Moses) to call the “promised land” the “land of milk and honey. And that was a description meant to entice. Not repulse. And if God says something is good, it is good.

This is just one of the many reasons why the Bible is the bestselling book of all time.

And I’m convinced that, if you read it with an open mind and heart, it will change your teenage wasteland heart to one full of love, purpose, and focus. Plus, I believe you’ll love the amazing force of life you can feel, when you KNOW you’re gonna live forever in paradise.

And don’t be surprised, once you’ve discovered the truth I’m talking about, how you’ll want to go back for seconds. And thirds, fourths, fifths, etc.

Dig deep and find the treasures for your heart.
The Bible is the perfect place to start.
And as the words unfold, revealing love and gold,
The life God gave you never will depart.

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

Stay tuned,

The post Back for seconds because the bee beckons appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

Guy walks up to the bar and orders, “Gimme a Helix, bartender. And make it a double.” I know you’ve heard of the Double Helix. It packs a powerful punch. But there’s no hangover the next morning. Maybe that’s because it’s filled with Deoxyribonucleic Acid.

“Yeah! Don’t be stingy with the Deoxyribonucleic Acid in my Double Helix, bartender!”That’s such a tongue-twisting mouthful. Surely, there’s a quicker way to say it. Hmm. I kinda like DNA. What say we go with that? All in favor? Great! The eyes have it (yes, I meant to say “eyes”).

Alright, let’s get your mind out of the bar for a minute or two. And let’s talk about how DNA is scientific proof you and I are fearfully and wonderfully made by the one, true, living, loving God of creation. Not merely carbon copies of carbon lifeforms. Even the term “carbon lifeforms” contradicts itself. But, right now I’m gonna share some tidbits of information about information I shared several years ago. It bears repeating. Because it’s inside you right now.

In almost all of the 30,000,000,000,000 (that’s trillion, by the way) cells in your body there are duplicate copies of your DNA. Each human cell contains 46 segments. You got 23 segments from your mom and 23 from your dad. No one else on Earth has the same DNA as you. Cool, huh? Well, here’s something even cooler.

All that information in your DNA is a blueprint for how to build the one and only YOU. The blueprint contains the information on how you’ll look, much of how you’ll act, and how every cell in your body will function during your life.

And here’s some more interesting factoids.* The DNA from one of your cells, uncoiled, connected, and stretched out would be about 6 feet long. * It would be so thin you couldn’t see it. Not even with the most powerful microscope in existence today. * The coded information found inside that cell could fill a library with somewhere around 4,000 books. * And if you took all the DNA in your body and stretched it out end-to-end, you could go to the moon and back more than 165,000 times.

That’s mighty impressive. But, how about this?

The information found in your DNA could fill the Grand Canyon almost 30 times, if you put it in books. And yet…you could take one set of DNA from one cell of every person who ever lived, put them all in a spoon, and they’d weigh less than an aspirin.

So, how could anyone actually THINK about the complex information inside us and not believe in God?

I love knowing we’re created. And not just an accident that rose up out of nothing.No matter what you believe about how life started, you’ve made a choice to believe it.

No one (at least virtually no one) is being forced to believe how we all got here.

My question is this.

Why would you want to believe you’re just the random result of trillions of mutations? Especially when there’s so much information inside you to the contrary. Because you’re an information-based life form. And that information, coded into your DNA, proves there must be a super coder.

The good news is…that coder is the Creator who loves you. He made you a human being. In His image and likeness. And He allows you to choose to love Him in return. Or not. So, have another Double Helix. And choose wisely.

You are fearfully and wonderfully made.
There is information locked inside your cells.
When you choose to discover why you’re here,
You’ll find out what the information tells.

And you’ll see you’re not just an accident
Fumbling through the hours, and days, and weeks, and years.
All the evidence is pointing out the way.
Trust your Maker. He’ll erase your doubts and fears.

(facts and figures from “In the Beginning” by Dr. Walt Brown)

Jump on the Rhyme and Reason Bandwagon and be part of the growing band of believers who wanna show the world that life has Rhyme and Reason because God made us.

Stay tuned,

The post Double Helix in a delicious mix appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

Here’s a list of words, found in a thesaurus, you can exchange for one other widely used word. I bet you can guess the word: develop, progress, advance, move forward, make headway, mature, grow, open out, unfold, unroll, expand, enlarge, spread, extend; alter, change, transform, adapt, metamorphose, differentiate – Did you guess evolve?

Yeah, evolve is the word of the century.People LUV to use that word. And it’s not an evil word. So, this isn’t what I’d call THE issue of the day. But I find it interesting how everything from hair salons to food companies to pet products to marketing businesses use the word, evolve, in their name. Especially when there are so many synonyms just as enticing.

As a matter of fact, I just read two short articles about quirky so-called “national holidays.” These two are both “observed” today, May 22nd. National Buy An Instrument Day. And National Vanilla Pudding Day. Now, I have nothing against either one of these. In fact, I’d be willing to celebrate them both. Because I love music AND vanilla pudding.

But check out these snippets from the stories of how we got these holidays:

“Archaeological studies and remains show that musical instruments have evolved over time. Each generation improved the designs and creations that came before it until we arrived at the instruments of today.”

And…

“This dish was common in the Middle Ages and the traditional pudding has evolved a great deal over time.”

Probably just a coincidence.But, as I doublechecked the info, I got the distinct impression that multiple articles were generated by “artificial intelligence.” Because they sound so automated. And it’s probably no big deal. I mean, you probably couldn’t care less. And, by now, you’re wondering why you stuck around to read this far.

So, I better leave you with something more entertaining. Forget about those other notions. Put them out of your mind completely. You and I can do that because we’ve evolved to the point of having control of our minds. Cool, right?

OK, so here’s a rhyme to redeem your time:

Sugar Coated Serenity

The road led to a magic place
With icy clouds of marmalade
In skies of azure butter mints
And honey-sweetened lemonade.
I found a house of chocolate
And nougat-filled divinity.
Faith, Hope, and Love are keys to this
Sugar coated serenity.

© 2024

Jump on the Rhyme and Reason Bandwagon and be part of the growing band of believers who wanna show the world that life has Rhyme and Reason because God made us.

Stay tuned,

The post Evolve or devolve? Will the whole world dissolve? appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

You’ve probably experienced faith and doubt at the same time. It’s OK to admit it because it’s part of your human flaws. I know. How dare I say you have flaws, right? Easy. Because everybody does.

I talk about the Apostle Paul a lot. And that’s because he’s the best example of where you and I are right now. And he expressed his concerns about his own ways when he wrote to the new Christians in Rome. Check out what he said and see if you detect yourself in his words:

“…we know that the law is spiritual, but I am carnal, sold under sin. For what I am doing, I do not understand. For what I will to do, that I do not practice; but what I hate, that I do. If, then, I do what I will not to do, I agree with the law that it is good. But now, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells in me. For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh) nothing good dwells; for to will is present with me, but how to perform what is good I do not find. For the good that I will to do, I do not do; but the evil I will not to do, that I practice. Now if I do what I will not to do, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells in me.”

And a few lines later, you can see those weren’t just idle thoughts. Paul was so deeply affected by that inner conflict that he said, “O wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death?” Yikes!

Yeah, flaws, like the ones Paul described, can allow doubt seep into your mind. That doubt can affect your day, your decisions, and your dreams. And that’s even if you’ve expressed a true faith in the One who made you. I’m not talking about the skepticism kind of doubt, the kind of uncertainty of how we even got here.

No, this is about Christian faith. And doubt in yourself or your future.Uncertainty and insecurity can sneak into your life if you don’t watch out. Regardless of that, I want you to know it’s not an unforgivable sin for that to happen in your life. But doubt can grow when you focus on it instead of the solution.

Faith and doubt are mentioned, a lot, in the Bible.

Doubt is often referred to as fear, or a lack of courage, or unbelief. But, no matter what kind of doubt it is, the solution is always presented as faith. God wants you to have courage. He wants you to be powerful and loving. And He gives you the tool to get the job done.

His word.

His word is also called “the sword of the Spirit.” It’s an invisible sword, more powerful than brass, iron, or steel. And yet it’s sharp enough to “divide soul and spirit.” Wow, that’s difficult to even imagine.

Anyway…

Here’s my main point. I just want you to know that if you’re bouncing back and forth between faith and doubt, it means you’re doing something wrong. Not evil, but wrong. And it’s probably that you put most of your trust in yourself. But that’s leaning on limited understanding. And certainly not trusting in the Lord with all your heart.

There are successful people who don’t trust in the Lord. That’s undeniably true.

But what profits will you enjoy if you gain the whole world and lose your soul?

Most millionaires and billionaires go to hell.

I’m not picking on wealthy people because most poor people are going to hell, too. Because most PEOPLE are not going to Heaven. For one stupid reason. They choose not to go. If you have any doubt about where you’ll go if you die today, I suggest putting your faith in Jesus. Without Him, you face a life full of…

False MovesI seem to make so many false moves.
So many have misunderstood.
I guess I must expect the worst results,
And I’d deal with them, if I could.

False moves, like shadows, fall behind.
You might go look for them, but they’re difficult to find.
False moves, like liquor, bring a sense of doubt.
So hard to live with, and so easy to live without.

I always seem to see the empty spots
And fill them up with simple words,
But when I think I’ve got the right idea,
It disappears like Autumn birds.

I sit and dream of traveling so far,
And then I end up standing still.
Part of me says that I will make it.
Part of me says I never will.
False moves”

© 1978 Tony Funderburk

Since I referenced Paul’s letter to the Ephesians, I’m gonna share a link to my own lyrical perspective on that book of the Bible. It’s called “Rhyme and Reason in Ephesians.” Get a digital copy from your choice of stores:

https://books2read.com/u/baEaeP

Stay tuned,

The post Faith and doubt and what you might leave out appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

I’ve always had a place I could go when I needed to drown out the noise of the world.

Music.

And when I was 22, I bought a piano. Not just a another electronic keyboard. Nope. An actual, upright piano. It was a Rudolph Aeolian. Oh man, it was sleek, had a clear, smooth tone, and I was thrilled.

I discovered it in the downstairs section of a used piano shop in, in an old section of Kansas City, Missouri. And I made arrangements with the owner for him to keep it and deliver it once I paid off the $450 it cost me.

So, for several months, I sent him all my “extra” income. And, in fairly short order, I paid it off. And, just as we had agreed, the piano store owner promptly delivered it to me. That was no small thing. Because his guys had to deliver it to a tiny, old trailer home I rented for $75 a month in a little rural, Kansas town. About 45 miles from the store.

And right after the delivery guys left, I started to drown out the noise of the world.Yeah, once I had my very own piano in my very own place I had my very own escape route. And I could make my escape any time the world and its problems started closing in too much. Fortunately, that was rarely the case. And thankfully, most of the time I just wanted to play, get better, and write songs.

Hundreds of songs. Some of them quite good.

Many of them? Well, as the old saying goes, “Practice, practice, practice.”

And that’s part of the answer to life’s problems. It’s important to understand there’s NO “place” where you’ll be free from the troubles of this world. If that’s your goal, disappointment’s in your future. No, life takes a lot of practice.

But there’s a person, who can help you with that. And He’s WAY better than any place you can imagine. His name is Jesus. And His still small voice can drown out the noise of this world. If and when you choose to stop and listen.

Meditate on this for more than a second or two.Jesus spoke words and the whole universe exploded into existence. And, here’s something else to wrap your mind around, if you’re ready to explode it into a fireworks display of amazement.

Before you were that little boy or girl born into this world, you were a thought inside the mind of God.

Chew on that, as you try to drown out the noise all around you. And when the bad news gets too loud, turn to your Creator. Don’t do like the person in these lyrics…

Play Sweet PianoTo lie is such a foolish thing,
But I still do.
I try too hard to find a way
To make it true.
I’ll try to stand on the ocean,
If you will.
Let’s take a look at the sky.
I’ll try to be as calm as
I can be,
And keep this look in my eye.
To laugh is such an easy thing.
So why can’t I?
My face is strong, but that’s to hide
My empty lie.
Play sweet piano
And lose me inside you.
I know you will do that for me.
Let’s take a journey,
We’ll fly, and we won’t come back.
We’ll live in a sweet melody.

© 1977

Jump on the Rhyme and Reason Bandwagon and be part of the growing band of believers who wanna show the world that life has Rhyme and Reason because God made us.

Stay tuned,

The post Drown out the noise and develop some poise appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

I’ve lived several decades on this little blue planet. And, as long as I can remember I’ve heard people talk about world peace. And I’ve heard and seen the world peace news on radio and TV. But the world seems to always snatch war from the jaws of peace every time. Have you noticed that?

During my time on Earth there have always been wars. We’ve been fortunate here in America. Because we haven’t seen actual war on our soil for a long time. But I figure it’s only a matter of time. Especially since hostile invaders cross our borders every day unvetted.

Anyway…

I don’t believe (although I wish) the world peace news is gonna change any time soon.And that’s because most people refuse to allow the peace of God to rule in their hearts. Probably because they don’t like how the peace of God isn’t based on arbitrary human emotions. It’s based on Truth and Life. And most people believe “your truth is yours” and “my truth is mine.” Same people who love to say “love is love.” Yeesh.

When you understand you had a beginning designed by the Creator of all things, you can begin to understand the importance real Truth and Life. And it’s basic. It’s fundamental. It’s simple. Truth exists because God exists. And God is the source of all life. You can know that you know. And that knowledge gives peace you can’t find anywhere else.

Unfortunately, most people don’t give a rip about that peace.They’d rather wander, ignorantly, through their life. Searching for answers based on their preconceived notions. Or, worse, their flawed learning process (translation: public schooling). And they choose to live esoteric, experiential lives. But that’s a dark, rocky road, with treacherous turns, that leads to the center of the Earth.

Yeah, I’m one of those wacky Christians who believes in right and wrong. And I take the road less travelled. The road that leads to the narrow gateway to Heaven. But I have at least one thing that no unbeliever will ever have. The world peace news that’s above and beyond human comprehension.

Good news is, it’s a free gift from God.

Ironically, in the world of advertising, the word “free” tends to increase sales and profits. But a free gift from God tends to cause eyes to glaze over and hearts to harden.

I’m sure glad that’s not you and me. Can I get an Amen?

Spoon-feed the apathy and watch it grow
Into the cold hard truth.
And if you never care, then you will never know.
It’s such a cold hard truth!

(from my song, “Cold Hard Truth”)

Jump on the Rhyme and Reason Bandwagon and be part of the growing band of believers who wanna show the world that life has Rhyme and Reason because God made us.

Stay tuned,

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Your life design is 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 also no different from anybody else either. Here’s what I mean. And why it matters.

The DNA found in every cell of your body is incredibly complex and completely yours. The odds that it exists by chance are so small, you’d be more likely to win the powerball AND get struck by lightning on 3 birthdays in a row.

Yeah, your living, loving Creator gave you your life design.And He put the code inside you that makes sure no one else will be you. So, are you starting to realize how special you are? Great.

But here’s the other side of the coin…

You’re not so 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 great pleasures. You will. And so will about seven billion other people. So did countless other people throughout history. It’s life.

But just because God gave you your life design doesn’t mean He designed how you’d live out your life.

That’s why you’ll find forks in roads where you’ll have to choose a direction, an option, a judgment call. Because, in your life design, God gave you a brain to use. A mind to store data and make options based on using that data well.

So, what’s the best way to make wise choices when you find one of the forks in the road? It depends on who you’re willing to trust for help. Do you think your best friends have the solution? How about mom? Or dad? Those can be good choices. But what if they’re not available when you’re faced with a situation that needs a “right away” answer?

Who can you turn to in those times?I suggest that same living, loving Creator I mentioned before.

Remember, He designed you. He formed you in your mother’s womb. And He installed that unique code inside you. He knows what makes you tick. 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. For you, me, and everyone who wants him to be. Without Him nobody would exist. And His word is how you get to know Him and discover His advice for those forks in your road.

God’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.

Here’s a challenge for you.

Give up self-trust today. Read God’s word even more to understand your life design. Especially Paul’s writings, from Romans through Philemon, in the New Testament. Because Paul’s message is the most relevant part of the Bible for what’s going on right now.

OK, here’s a rhyme to share with kids about their life design.

Your Story MattersInside a trillion tiny cells,
Where no one’s eyes can see,
A trillion times your story flies
On sparks of energy.

That energy is life itself,
The fire to light your way,
To write your story and to live
And love someone today.

Be thankful for your source of life
And bow or smile and nod
Because your story matters most,
When it reveals our God.

© 2013

Jump on the Rhyme and Reason Bandwagon and be part of the growing band of believers who wanna show the world that life has Rhyme and Reason because God made us.

Stay tuned,

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A perilous fight in perilous times will not sway these reasons and rhymes.

My wife and I never had kids. But we love kids. And we enjoy their imaginative outlook on life. That’s why I write music for kids, ebooks for kids, and create illustrations and videos for kids. I want them to enjoy words and music and pictures and be safe and loved.

But kids, today, are in for a perilous fight.There’s a very good book that talks about this. It mentions how so many men only love themselves, or money, or pleasure. And it talks about how they become boastful, full of false pride, unthankful, unloving, unforgiving, brutal, and despising anything good.

Those same “grownups” end up raising disrespectful and disobedient kids. No surprise. And these days you can say the term “disobedient kids,” and be ridiculed for using that description.

But what those naysayers don’t realize is that an obedient, respectful kid is awesome. And he or she is almost always one who is (or has been) raised in a happy home. A home where discipline is dealt out fairly and with love.

But most kids aren’t empowered with a moral compass. So, they don’t understand truth that can be trusted not to change with the election of a new class of politicians. Truth that can be trusted not to change with the passing of another million laws. And Truth that can be trusted not to change because it isn’t cool anymore. And, tragically, that means the few kids whose parents teach them about Truth, will be in for a perilous fight.

Because they’ll see how much this world hates them.

I want all kids, from the moment they are conceived, to be loved.And with a love that surpasses mere human understanding. A love that doesn’t merely give them a cola and a smile and a hug. I’m talkin’ about a love that guards their spirit forever. And I know that even saying this I risk losing a large potential audience for my words and music. But I also know not saying it risks so much more.

If you’re raising kids (or know someone who is) these (and future) perilous times, equip yourself for every good work. And look up. Because one day the clouds will carry our Hope.

And this is for the kids…

Hopes and dreams and honey sunbeams
And blue sky butterfly thoughts,
Musical notes shine in your heart like
Gossamer, gold polka dots.
I wish life was filled with those things,
And void of self-centered screams.
But since it’s not I’m thankful God
Still reigns in my hopes and dreams.

© 2020

You should jump on the Rhyme and Reason Bandwagon and be part of the growing band of ne’er-do-wells who understand that life has Rhyme and Reason and is filled with hope because God made us.

Stay tuned,

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Children’s songs should be clean. Not explicit. Because kids should be cared for and safe until the job of raising them is done. And the wrong kind of music (yes, I said “wrong kind”) can be unhealthy and unsafe.

I read some interesting (but sad) info from an issue of the “Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs.” And it said that kids who watch R-rated movies are more likely to smoke, have sex earlier, and even experience “teen aggression.”

My guess is that ain’t all that’s likely to happen. And here’s another guess of mine. I’ll bet similar results can occurwhen they listen to R-rated music. (Side note: a lot of them have moved WAY beyond R-rated stuff)

So, when people ask why I write the kind of children’s songs I write, I just have to wonder why there would be any other kind.

I mean, why would you not want your kids’ music to be clean and fun?Kids should be allowed to be kids. Full of innocence, awe, and wonder. And the music they listen to should just be for fun. It should be clean enough that they can listen to it with their parents and no one is embarrassed. Because little kids don’t need to learn about sex. And they certainly don’t need to hear how to be violent and foul-mouthed.

Tragically (and explicitly), so much music for mass consumption does just that.

Well, my music for kids doesn’t do that. Never has. Never will. I still believe in the gift and wonder of a child’s imagination. And my children’s songs will always seek to inspire, tickle the fancy, and spark the imagination of as many kids as possible. And cheers to any other singer songwriters out there who will do the same.

I believe it’s much more loving to help kids be clean thinking kids. Without the so-called “adult” or R-rated stuff even adults shouldn’t listen to and watch. And clean thinking kids have a better chance at being clean thinking adults.

Speaking music being clean.Here’s a demo of the Kiddin’ Around collection.

Click the pic to download the“Kiddin’ Around” Collection For $10OK kids, be clean and safe and fun today. And like the song “Don’t” says:

Don’t make mistakes unless you’re wrong…
and don’t pay attention to this song.

Stay tuned,

The post Be clean and fun until the job is done appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

When you take God out of the equation, the question of “right and wrong” is a moot point. It isn’t objective morality at that point. It’s opinion. And guess what? If your opinion differs from mine, all you have to do to win the day is be the stronger one. That’s the “beauty” of natural selection in process.

It’s interesting how often those who reject God have no problem using the word “absolute.” By whose authority would anything be absolutely true or right or acceptable, if not God? Well, the god of “self” of course.

But here’s the trouble with that notion.

It’s either objective morality, or subjective morality of billions of “selfs” on the planet.That’s a lot of potential for differences of opinion. So whose opinion wins? The more educated? Or the more enlightened? And how about the stronger, more visually appealing of the races?

It’s a rabbit hole with no bottom when you erase the one true, living loving God from the equation. He doesn’t wish that any person should perish (exist apart from Him) forever. But He’s fully aware that the vast majority of humans want no part of Him and His “rewards and punishments” system.

And they don’t want that because it means objective morality doesn’t depend on their opinion.

So, you have your choice between two places where you can go and be forever. One of them is a place where you won’t have to listen to, watch, or read any words from us pesky Christians ever again. And you’ll never have to debate any of us ever again on ideas like objective morality, natural selection, or creationism.

What a relief that’ll be right?Well, it’ll only be a relief if your atheist worldview is correct.

The other forever destination will also be a place where you won’t have to listen to, watch, or read any words from us pesky Christians ever again. And you’ll never have to debate any of us ever again on ideas like objective morality, natural selection, or creationism. But THAT will be because no one there will disagree on those topics. And not because it’s a place filled with automatons. Far from it. It’ll be paradise. A place where Truth is clearly seen from the apex of Life to the very center core of every cell of creation.

That place will be Heaven. Where you can live forever with the one true, living, loving Creator of us all. Good news is, it’s a free gift. And if even that doesn’t appeal to you, there’s still good news. No one will force you to go there. The choice is entirely yours.

So, my recommendation is to choose wisely. Speaking of wise choices…

You should jump on the Rhyme and Reason Bandwagon and be part of the growing band of ne’er-do-wells who understand that life has Rhyme and Reason because God made us.

Get WiseDon’t drink the wine of violence
Or eat the bread of hate.
You might just get away with it.
Can you afford to wait?
Don’t push and shove the simple, and
Seek knowledge just like gold.
And in so doing you’ll lay up
Your treasures manifold.
A word to the confounded…
Pour light into your eyes.
If you expect more than neglect,
Get wisdom; yeah get wise.
Get wise to the deceiver.
Don’t harken to his lies.
Keep commanding understanding.
Get wisdom; yeah get wise.
Don’t walk, you, with the wicked.
Beware the scornful tongue.
Let never part your loving heart
And live forever young.

© 1995

Stay tuned…

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You can’t recycle away stupid. And today I’m gonna share a story you might’ve seen elsewhere. But it bears repeating. Because it shows the increased ignorance in younger people today. And it shows how, typically, the people who shout “don’t judge” the loudest are the most judgmental.

Anyway. Here’s the story I saw. Feel free to recycle away.A young cashier told an older woman that she should bring her grocery bags because plastic bags weren’t good for the environment.

The woman apologized to him, “We didn’t have this green thing back in my day.”

The young clerk said, “Your generation didn’t care enough to save our environment for future generations.”

So, the woman gave him a firm stare and a hard grin and said, “Back then, we returned milk bottles, soda bottles, and beer bottles. And the store sent them back to the plant to be washed sterilized and refilled. That way they could use the same bottles over. Then, they were recycled.

Grocery stores bagged our groceries in brown paper bags. And we reused them for numerous things. We walked upstairs because we didn’t have an escalator in every store and office building. And we walked to the grocery store. Plus, we didn’t climb into a 300-horsepower machine every time we had to go two blocks.

Back then, we washed the baby’s diapers. Because we didn’t have the throwaway kind. We dried clothes on a line in the sunshine. Not in an energy-gobbling machine burning up 220 volts. So, wind and solar power did dry our clothes back in our day. Kids got hand-me-down clothes from their brothers or sisters. Not always brand-new clothing.

And back then, we had one TV, or radio, in the house.Not a TV in every room. By the way, the TV had a small screen the size of a handkerchief. And not a screen the size of the state of Montana. In the kitchen, we blended and stirred by hand. Because we didn’t have electric machines to do everything for us.

When we packaged a fragile item to send in the mail, we used wadded-up old newspapers to cushion it. And not styrofoam or plastic bubble wrap.

Back then, we didn’t fire up an engine and burn gasoline just to cut the lawn. We used a push mower that ran on human power. And we exercised by working. So, we didn’t need to go to a health club to run on treadmills that operate on electricity.

We drank from a fountain when we were thirsty instead of using a cup or a plastic bottle every time we had a drink of water. And we refilled writing pens with ink instead of buying a new pen. We also replaced the razor blades with a razor instead of throwing away the whole razor just because the blade got dull.

Back then, people took a bus.And kids rode their bikes instead of turning their moms into a 24-hour taxi service. Usually, we had one electrical outlet in a room. Not an entire bank of sockets to power a dozen appliances. And we didn’t need a computerized gadget to receive a signal beamed from satellites 23,000 miles in space to find the nearest burger joint.

But the current generation laments how wasteful we old folks were just because we didn’t have “the green thing.”

The cashier stood there still and quiet as the old lady found her wallet to pay. Then lady turned to leave but stepped back and turned toward the cashier. She said “You have a world of knowledge in that little device in your hand. Pity you just use it to gossip, take pictures, and waste time. It would do you good to search a bit of history before you embarrass yourself like this again.

I think that’s a slam-dunk. How about you? Did your family recycle away. Or were you part of the use-it-up-and-get-a-new-one group? In my parents’ and grandparents’ house, it was pretty much as the older woman described.

By the way, I’m gonna recycle away my recommendation that you head to this link to Jump on the Rhyme and Reason Bandwagon. Make me send you some complimentary (and downright hospitable) stuff.

Stay tuned,

The post Recycle away, but not like back in the day appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

There’s just something about starlit lakes. Have you ever been on a clean, placid lake surrounded by the sky? I have. And I can tell you it’s heavenly. In fact, it can almost feel like Heaven dips down and wraps its arms around you.

And memories of starlit lakes inspired me to write about Sombo.A couple of special starlit lakes are embedded in my memories from a time I camped near Grand Mesa in Colorado. It was way, way back in the twentieth century. And it felt like I was way, way back in the wilderness. And one of the best memories was when I looked at the lake, just before going to be, and saw the reflection of millions of stars.

If you’ve never had a glassy, mirrored lake experience like that, get one as soon as you can. Unless it’s not your thing.

Anyway…

That kind of memory inspired me to write Sombo And The Starlit Night. Here’s some of that book.

Tiny, smooth ripples at the edge of a large, starlit lake…slender fingers of tall green grass swayed gently back and forth…miniature minnows made swirls and darted away…

A rowboat moored to a rickety, pine dock bumped its bow against the post with the bow line around it.

Sombo walked slowly and gingerly across every other plank of the dock to avoid squeaks. Fortunately there was a foggy dampness in the air, and that seemed to help keep things quiet. He knew any noise could wake the neighbors’ English Spaniel and the jig, as they say, would be up.

Four more steps. And…One leg over the side of the boat. Crunch. There were some cottonwood leaves in between the oar and the seat. Wouldn’t you know his foot would have to land right on them. Sombo’s eyes flashed to the neighbor’s back yard. Good. No movement…and no barking. With a little luck he was in the clear. So he hoisted his other leg into the boat and carefully placed his feet in front of the seat.

He had to kneel with one knee on the seat and stretch his right hand to lift the rope off the dock post. It slipped off without a hitch. Gently he laid it down in the bow seat and turned around and sat down. With his left hand he pushed ever so quietly on the dock and waited till the rowboat had drifted about six to eight feet into the lake. Sombo then grabbed the handles of the oars, raised them from inside the boat, and almost whispered them into the water.

A gentle tug on the left oar swirled him around nicely……to face the shore and row backwards. He was really glad he’d been lifting weights all summer. The added strength in his arms made the rowing feel like a knife through soft butter. In no time at all the boat was in the middle of the lake. The water was smooth and glassy, and it looked like a second starlit sky.

The sparkling dust of a shooting star faded across the horizon, and Sombo knew this would be the perfect spot. He reached inside his favorite fishing jacket he’d gotten for his birthday three years ago. Unsnapping the inside pocket he pulled out…

To find out what Sombo pulled out of his pocket, GET THE BOOK. Sombo And The Starlit Sky

Or better yet, Jump on the Rhyme and Reason Bandwagon and watch for the updated version of the book that’ll include the audio and video narration.

And enjoy it when you finally make it to one of those starlit lakes.

Stay tuned,

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I watched Brian Regan, one of the truly best comedians ever, do a bit about comparing anything you do to one of the astronauts who walked on the moon. It’s hilarious. When you get a chance, just do a search for Brian Regan man on the moon on YouTube.

Yeah. How does your best accomplishment compare to being a man on the moon?Funny stuff. And I love how Brian doesn’t resort to profanity. Plus, his facial expressions are top-notch. And that reminds me of the first time I ever heard of him.

Elgielene and I went to a movie, back in the late 90’s, and they showed comedy clips before the main show. One of those clips was of Brian talking about how he says “you too” at the wrong times. Look that bit up, too.

Anyway.

Let’s get back to the man on the moon.

But let’s don’t talk about some boring moon walk. That’s old hat, old news, and old school. Because of this press release:

Dateline: May 11, 2024 / 12:57 PM CDT – HARLINGEN, Texas – NASA announced it is aiming to build the first railway system on the moon. “We want to build the first lunar railway system, which will provide reliable, autonomous, and efficient payload transport on the Moon,” a post by Ethan Schaler, with the NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory stated.

Whoa! People get ready! There’s a train a’comin’. That’s gonna leave The Impressions…I mean, an impression. Just imagine. A railway system on THE MOON.

OK, let’s set aside, for the time being, the fact that most cities don’t maintain potholes and bridges properly. And let’s focus on the positive side of this railway system. After all, it’s gonna be reliable, autonomous, and efficient payload transport. So, you won’t have to worry about any man on the Moon. He’ll have excellent transportation at his disposal.

And even better than that? It’s gonna have a cool acronym, aka: name. FLOAT. Ain’t that somethin’? And that stands for “Flexible Levitation on a Track.” Bam! Score! It’s a slam-dunk for the marketing department.

Sure, they’ve got some time to work on it since the “daily operations of a sustainable lunar base” will be in the 2030’s. Plus, they’ll use so-called “artificial intelligence,” which, in this case, will be “unpowered magnetic robots that levitate over a film track.” Hmm, I’m not sure how “unpowered” robots can do that.

But maybe that’s just me.Now, lest you think your tax dollars will be wasted on such looney, er, lunar activity, here’s something you should know. According to the press release: “The system will transport payloads around the base to and from landing zones and other outposts. The aim is to also transport lunar soil from mining locations to be used for extraction or construction.”

So, rest easy. They’re gonna move moon dirt around and maybe use it to build stuff. So, cool. Right? And obviously, the need is great for reliable “unpowered magnetic robots.” Because “FLOAT will operate autonomously in the dusty, inhospitable lunar environment with minimal site preparation.”

Well, I don’t know about you, but I hope I can hang in there long enough for a trip to that “dusty, inhospitable lunar environment.” If I don’t, there’s always Death Valley National Park. But that’s so twentieth century.

So be it. I’m connected to the twentieth century enough to have enough sense to know Earth is a good place to live and the moon isn’t even a good place to work. And that’s why any man on the moon references I’ll make will be confined to the world of the imagination.

Feel the cool night air
Dancing through your hair.
Laugh right out loud and then watch
Stars light up everywhere.
Look up with your arms open wide,
And you will Catch The Moon.

Hop in your rocket and head to this link to Jump on the Rhyme and Reason Bandwagon. Make me send you some complimentary (and downright hospitable) stuff.

Stay tuned,

The post Man on the moon and that rhymes with loon appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

I can predict people will still be living on Earth a thousand years from now. And that prediction includes their ability to drink water, eat real food, and breathe fresh air. Yep, that’s right. I can predict the future.

But, just because I can predict the future like that doesn’t mean much.No, I’m not a prediction savant. And I don’t play one on YouTube. So, just because I can predict the future with confidence still doesn’t mean I think I know it all (and I knew that’s what you were thinking about me just now).

Yeah, I’m what you might call a prognosticating magician. Oh yeah, you know it’s true. Given enough time that’s what you’d call me. At least once you discover some of my secrets of diversion.

Anyway…

Someone, long before me, shared some predictions about how long this planet could last. And, when you consider how accurate that source has been time after time after time, there’s no point in doubting the accuracy of any “future talk.”

So, I’ve shared what I’ve shared, up to this point, to point out how outrageous the end-of-civilization claims are. And in recent years, as they’ve attempted to predict a dystopian future, those claims have gotten increasingly stupid. And they reveal who the control freaks are. Good news is, they’re just clanging brass clowns and provisional, passing puppets. And, in the long run (eternity), their message will vaporize.

But they DO get to have their 15 minutes of fame right now. So, as they slither through their slogan-filled sleepwalk, we can focus on things that are pure and praiseworthy. Because…

We KnowChicken little, chicken little,
That old, darn sky just won’t fall.
But I guess that doesn’t matter
Long as they can fool us all
Into thinking that the climate
Is an enemy we’ve made
Just by breathing and by living.
It’s a heat wave masquerade.
But discerners don’t believe it.
Yes, we know where Truth is found.
And we know the sky will not fall
And the Earth will spin around
For as long as God determines.
He has made that point quite clear.
So, go spout your hoaxes elsewhere.
Earth will still be fine next year!

© 2023

Make me send you some complimentary fun stuff. Jump on the Rhyme and Reason Bandwagon

Stay tuned,

The post Predict the future but don’t be too sure appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

The idea of this post popped into my head during and after a three-mile walk through our neighborhood this morning. Because the many shades of green, the multitude of flowers, and all the birds, bunnies, and squirrels flitting and scattering around under a bright, blue sky stirred up the word, splendor, in my brain.

It’s a word that means “magnificent and splendid appearance; grandeur.” And, also according to the dictionary, it originated in “late Middle English: from Anglo-Norman French splendur or Latin splendor, from splendere ‘shine, be bright’.” OK, consider that. And then consider the splendor of the King. Not just any ol’ king. I mean THE King.

So, I’m talkin’ about the splendor of the King who shines brighter than the sun.King David wrote a mighty complimentary song about this. He said, “One generation shall praise Your works to another, And shall declare Your mighty acts. I will meditate on the glorious splendor of Your majesty, And on Your wondrous works.”

So, you could say that was a king who recognized and acknowledged the true King. But you don’t have to. Because I just did. Yeah, David wrote a lot of songs about his Creator. Because David realized, there is only ONE who can speak things that never were into existence.

And I’m confident, as I look at and remember scenes like the ones I saw on our morning walk, that I feel the same awe David felt as he looked closely at this world. Or at least a similar awe.

Anyway…

Once the word popped into my brain, I remembered a sonnet I wrote a couple of years ago as I enjoyed an example of the splendor of the King. Yes, real men write sonnets. And only a light-in-his-loafers luddite would say otherwise. If you’re not included in that group, enjoy this…

Sunset SonnetMy liberated heart can spread its wings
And consume these smoky sunrays today.
My thirsty eyes soak in all the splendor,
Before this mountain moment fades away,
My mind enters this twilight lucid dream
And pauses to create a déjà vu.
A thousand thankful thoughts rise up to God,
Who helps me write this short story to you.
The words become a precipice to me,
A rocky peak of pictures in my brain.
Reality or not? Now, I wonder
How long I’ll wander through this vast terrain.
Long enough for me to write this sonnet,
While the setting sun’s light is upon it. © 2022

Enjoy the exhilarating feeling of splendor, when you jump on the Rhyme and Reason Bandwagon. Don’t put it off another second. Get some complimentary goodies now: https://www.TonyFunderburk,com

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The post The splendor of the King is in everything appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

He’s talked with dead people, personally. He’s talked about dead people as though they were still alive. And he consistently serves up word hash like it’s going out of style or something. You know him. You loathe him. Of course I’m talking about little Joey Biden. Mrs. Biden’s pride and joy.

Mm, mm. Nothin’ like a bowl of homemade word hash.You no doubt have seen commentaries, of one sort or another, about Joe Biden’s brain fog. His brain fog reminds me of the Peanuts comic strip character, Pig-pen. Because wherever Pig-pen went, his little dirt cloud went with him. Just like JB’s brain fog.

Someone shared, yet again, a “greatest hits” compilation of Joe’s “gaffes” on social media. And as I laughed (even though on a certain level it’s NOT funny), I remembered a word hash I created a couple of years ago. Except my hash only sounds like hash. The words are actually real. Not that blurred, slurred slop that slips out from behind the executive teleprompter.

If you know a kid who enjoys looking up words for their definitions, they should get a real kick out of this remix of words. Every other line ends with a word that rhymes with…

OoshThe light revealed the interstice,
Through which he would debouch.
This slender, blue homunculus,
Who wore a red tarboosh,
Was undeniably annoyed
As he tied his babouche
And straightened up his sweater
Made of ibex shahtoosh.
He blinked three times and ran to catch
A burgundy barouche.
And once inside he opened up
His journal and cartouche
To write a sonnet of his love
For Rosalinda Ruesch
And her delectable dessert
Of citrus croquembouche.
And now you have enjoyed one tale
Of Lazlo Link Latouche.

© 2022

There’s a lot more fun, goofy stuff kids seem to get a big kick out of in the Kiddin’ Around coloring and drawing songbook. From a green monkey to purple poodles to who knows where, it’s kid friendly through and through. Here’s the link to get a copy for your favorite kid today. And, the big PLUS is that there’s a secret link in the book where all the songs can be downloaded for free.

https://www.amazon.com/Kiddin-Around-Tony-Funderburk/dp/B08BV18T5J

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Kiddin' Around

I shared a picture, on social media, early this morning. It’s a picture I took of a small, yellow flower among weeds, as Elgielene and I passed by it on our three mile walk yesterday. And I added this comment: “Consider all the information contained in the seed that produced in one tiny flower. And the Designer made YOU in His image and likeness. So, your bloomin’ information can last forever.”

It was one small flower among weeds.But its singularity is what caught my eye. Because it stood out. Almost as though it were (or was, whichever you prefer) compelled to be seen. And it helped me remember some things.

Your Creator spoke to a crowd of people about lilies. He pointed out that they don’t “toil and spin.” And He added that King Solomon, maybe the richest guy ever, wasn’t dressed as nicely as lilies. And that was just one example He gave for why you shouldn’t worry.

Believe me, I get it. I can understand why you might worry about the troubles in this world. After all, we always have to deal with tyrants who want to rule the world. And selfish people who ruin and destroy the lives of others for profit. Plus, let’s not forget (although I wish we could forget) all the murderers, thieves, and liars. Yeah, the hits just keep on comin’.

But whose thoughts do you think are healthier for you? A) Yours? Or B) Your Creator’s?

If you picked B, congratulations. You’re a flower among weeds. But if you picked A, then you’re gonna have some ‘splainin’ to do. I’d be interested to know why you chose YOU. Because without God, you’re just another weed. And my recommendation would be, don’t be a dope.

You’re much better off when you can…Keep words and music in your heart
And sing a song each day.
Then pass it on to someone else…
You were designed that way.
The words and music in your heart
Could be what someone needs
To help them grow and bloom again
Like flowers among weeds.
With words and music in your heart
Your world’s a better place.
So, don’t just keep it locked inside.
Share it with love and grace.

© 2013

Now, don’t be a bloomin’ idiot and put off the opportunity to Jump on the Rhyme and Reason Bandwagon even one more day. Your email address is all it costs to get some digital goodies.

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There’s always tomorrow. Which is weird. Because tomorrow never comes. In the big picture, those two sentences aren’t mutually exclusive. So, “ride the wind” when it’s windy. Drink up when it rains. Sunbathe when others complain of the heat. Your days here on earth are very, very short. Don’t take yourself so seriously that you can’t sieze the moment with the enthusiasm of kids.

Kids don’t know that tomorrow never comes.So, kids know how to laugh at things no one else can even see. They know how to be goofy and not care that mud got on the knees of their pants. And kids know how to love uncontrollably, hug unabashedly, and give undeniably.

If you’re not a kid, you were once one. So, if you concentrate and think back, you might remember what it was like to anticipate the newness of the next day. And the next. And the days after that. Especially when you knew your imagination could turn you into anything and take you anywhere.

THAT…is freedom.Yesterday, in large sections of the middle of America, there were warnings of severe weather. And the messages included tornado warnings and watches. We saw messages on the electronic highway signs. And on the TV news. And in the weather apps on our phones.

As you might have seen, this past week, the town of Sulphur, Oklahoma was demolished by a tornado. And that’s a town I have a lot connection with. Because my Dad used to take us to that area to visit grandparents. We used to camp out nearby. And a couple of times we stopped by there, either on our way to have a blast at Turner Falls or on our way back home.

Anyway…

I only brought this up because of how out-of-control winds can sometimes make sure tomorrow never comes for some people. Tornadoes are kind of like rattlesnakes. Both can strike fast and be deadly. But neither one can erase the future. Nothing can.

So, while you prepare your food and water and supplies for natural disasters, be sure you’re also prepared for the supernatural. If not, a tornado could spin you down to a mighty awful place. A place even kids’ imaginations don’t want to conjure up.

Avoid that at all cost. Fortunately the total cost, to avoid it, has already been paid. So, you can put your trust in Jesus. And when you do, a tornado would just be a whirling vehicle. And you could…

Ride The WindMonday morning put your wings on tight.
Wouldn’t wanna lose ’em in the middle of a flight.
Don’t forget wings for your one best friend…
Need a navigator, when you’re gonna ride the wind.

Check the weather. Is the blue sky blue?
Just a little lightning is enough to throttle you.
Wear your goggles, and I recommend
You take along some gloves when you’re gonna ride the wind.

Nothing better than to fly up high
Soaring with the eagles is like dancing in the sky.
Don’t you worry when it has to end.
There’s always tomorrow when you’re gonna ride the wind.

© 2013

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I saw a silly question this morning. And I’m sure you’ve seen one like it at least once or twice. It said, “‘Mass Extinction: What Happened 65 Million Years Ago?” Of course, the correct answer is “Nothing.”

Well, another correct answer would be, “Ask God. He was the only one around.”But nothing on Earth happened 65 million years ago. Because Earth didn’t exist then. And the evidence is overwhelming to anyone who is willing to look at it with humility.

Take, for example, the Ford Galaxy. I still remember my mom and step-dad buying a brand new ’64 Ford Galaxy station wagon. Bright red. And a real nice ride for a family.

Wait! I meant to talk about actual galaxies. Not a car. Yeesh. So weird how the fingers start typing out a story when the brain is thinking of another one.

Anyway…

Ain’t it cool how “galaxies frequently appear connected or aligned with other galaxies or quasars that have vastly different redshifts?” Yeah, many is the time my friends and I have sat around the campfire and sung songs about that. I mean, it’s just so cool. And according to Dr. Walt Brown, a PhD from M.I.T. those kinds of connections happen “too often for all examples to be coincidences.”

Dr. Brown also added that, “If redshifts imply velocities (which is most likely), these galaxies and quasars have not been moving apart for very long. If redshifts do not always imply velocities, many astronomical conclusions are in error.”

That sounds like a guy who knows the correct answer.And I mean the correct answer for the age of the universe and our beautiful, blue planet. Yeah, Dr. Brown has shared tons of evidence for a young Earth and universe. But…

What does this all mean?
And why should we care?
That we didn’t come from slime!
And there’s a God out there!

(from my song, “Fast Forward”)

The age of the Earth matters. Because the whole millions or billions of years ideology is responsible for hopelessness and horror. It’s a worldview whose believers want you to believe you’re a result of random mutations. And that you’ll eventually expire and crash into eternal nothingness.

But a young Earth worldview gives you the correct answer. That a loving Creator who made you in His image and likeness. And that’s an ideology based on the actual evidence. Plus, it’s filled with hope of eternal life in paradise. Give me what’s behind that door any day of the week.

And you should Jump on the Rhyme and Reason Bandwagon and get what’s behind my email door.
(Hint: it’s good stuff for Fa-Ree)

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He built a small log cabin on the bank of a small creek, in Kansas, in the early 1830s. Then, the U.S. government built some other lodges in the area. And one of those lodges was for Tonganoxie.

But who in the world was Tonganoxie? And why does it matter?Well, I’ll answer both those questions. But you should know ahead of time that you might not be satisfied with my answers. If you’re OK with that, read on.

Tonganoxie was an Indian (not the kind from India) from the Delaware tribe. His real name was more like Tonqua-Oxie. But you know how white folks are. They just can’t leave out their privilege and supremacy. So, Tonqua-Oxie transformed into Tonganoxie. And I gotta say, that rolls off the tongue much more easily.

Anyway…

Tonga man was a member of the Turkey Clan. And from what I’ve learned about him, he seemed to be a pretty good guy. He lived at that lodge the U.S. government built. And he operated it as a stage stop and inn. Evidently U.S. Mail arrived and passed through the lodge. And apparently he was given the title of first Postmaster.

Mr. Noxie was also married. And he and his wife had his sister and his sister’s children live with them.

I read a short account of how Tonganoxie was known as a peaceful and kind man. The story goes that he “sheltered JWH Golden, who with two friends was chased from Leavenworth by Border Ruffians. All three were shot less than a half-mile north of Tonganoxie’s lodge. One died and two played dead long enough for the Ruffians to leave. Mr. Golden lived for several years and told how he was aided by Tonganoxie.

And Tonganoxie left that area in 1863.According to the short article I read, he went to live with a nephew (on allotted land) in the Bonner Springs area. And the area Tonganoxie left was named after him. And, later, Tonganoxie died in southern Kansas while traveling to Oklahoma.

OK, there’s the answer to who in the world he was. Now, as to why it matters.

Well, you might’ve heard that Kansas is one of those states with more than its fair share of tornadoes. But you might not have heard of the “Tonganoxie Split.” It’s supposedly “a phenomenon where storms and tornadoes coming across Kansas split north and south or dissipate as they reach Tonganoxie.” And that tends to ensure that the Kansas City area is saved from the worst effects of that extreme weather.

Now, would you believe that National Weather Service meteorologists don’t believe the Tonganoxie Split is a real thing? I know. It’s crazy to think. But at least a couple of them don’t. In fact, one of them was quoted as saying, “It’s not been seen scientifically to have any real impact, and there are storms that go over there all the time.”

And the other one explained that people believe cities are less likely to be hit by tornadoes. But he said this is “because cities just take up less land than rural areas.” Yeah, again, more crazy talk. So, I guess when it comes down to it, you just have to pick what you’re gonna believe. So-called “urban legends and myths?” Or so-called “science?”

And sometimes towns and people just get caught in the middle.

A Lot In StoreWhen you’re really in the middle
And you’re feeling like a riddle,
And you start to get a little bit down…
Take your eyes off all your troubles.
Let ’em float away like bubbles.
When they pop, then I bet you can’t frown.
When you think your life is rotten…
All the good things have been gotten,
And the world’s takin’ more than it gives…
Start to laugh and start to winkin’.
You can stop that stinkin’ thinkin’.
That’s the way that a happy kid lives.
Yeah, your face might get all flappy
When you walk around so happy,
But your life is gonna mean much more.
Now go be a sparkling fountain
Or a bright light on a mountain
‘Cause your Maker’s got a lot in store.

© 2013

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When I was a kid, I’d almost always be the first one to get up. And I’d sneak into the kitchen and pour myself a bowl of cereal. Not every day was a cereal day. Because moms knew growing kids need a variety of nutrients. But a bowl (or two) of that tasty goodness could take you all the way to lunch. Of course, that was back before cereal (and just about all other food) was so manipulated with additives and preservatives. But that’s a whole ‘nother rabbit hole.

Anyway…

Even as a kid I’d savor my cereal day alone time.And there only the sound of my own crunching on Cheerios, or corn flakes, or whatever was available. And I’d stare out the window. Because I loved to watch the birds and squirrels as they gathered up and ate their food. There was so much hustle and bustle right out in the front yard. But it was also so peaceful and quiet.

Back then, kids weren’t allowed to have coffee. At least not in our household. But I didn’t mind. Because that “grownup” beverage tasted awful to me. And I never needed that caffeine boost to wake up.

These days the first thing I do, in the morning, is get a drink of water from my ProPur (now Pro One) gravity filter. Then, I pour some more of that wonderful water (with fluoride filtered out and minerals left in) for my coffee. And I enjoy the aroma as the brewing begins. That first cup, with a bit of honey and cream or butter, wakes up the first layer of brain cells where my imagination lives. And as those cells roam around freely inside my head, groups of words start to form.

And on a Saturday morning, 11 years ago, this group of words formed.

Saturday Morning Breakfast CerealSaturday morning breakfast cereal
Floating in a big, blue bowl…
Oaty oat circles spinning in spoonfuls
Milk dripping out of control.

Saturday morning sunshine prisms
Sparkle on a glass of juice,
Bouncing like BB’s clicking on concrete
Luminous lights let loose.

Saturday morning cartoon silliness
Playing on the TV screen…
Bozos and birdbrains, rockets and robots
Every week the same routine.

Saturday morning breakfast cereal
Wakin’ up a sleepyhead…
Saturday morning breakfast cereal
The reason to get out of bed.
© 2013

And that’s just one of about 110 pages of rhymes and drawings you’ll find in my book: “Ginormous Humongous Tremendous Book of Poems and Short Bedtime Stories For Kids“

But I have to warn you, it might be the most expensive coloring and drawing book of poems and short stories you’ve ever seen. Because there’s more delight packed into this one book than you’re likely to see in another book anywhere. Well, at least until my next one comes out. Anyway…here’s your link, if you dare…

(https://www.amazon.com/Ginormous-Humongous-Tremendous-Bedtime-Stories/dp/1661314422)

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Most of us humans go on our merry way, every day. And most of us never give a second thought to what happens next. But I don’t mean in the next minute or hour. And not even the next day, week, or month.

Nope. Think much further ahead.

We’re on our merry way to somewhere else after this life.So, get out the roadmap, plot out a destination, and work out how you’ll get there. Thankfully you have access to incredible devices and apps to almost hold your hand and get you there safely. Except for that small three-word phrase at the end of the previous subhead. “After this life.”

No paper or digital roadmap or device or app can help you reach that destination. Well, I guess, in a way, your devices and other distractions can be part of the reason you don’t enjoy the stop at the end of your journey. But where you end up, after your body expires, is based on a couple of questions you could ask yourself.

Is everything there is, in this universe, everything there is?

And…

Do I know all there is to know about everything there is?

Those are important questions because they can help you take the focus off you and put it on origin options. And those are crucial to consider because, according to a lot of documented, reliable data, Heaven and hell appear to be real.

Now, I know, with all the so-called “AI-assisted graphics” and so-called “deep fake” media, it might be tempting to believe you can never truly know what’s real anymore. But I urge you not to give in to that temptation. Because the aforementioned documented, reliable data has been tested for thousands of years. And it holds up under strict scrutiny.

So, I’ll just leave you with those couple of questions to ponder. And you can decide whether or not to ask and answer them. Because, after all, you ARE a person with your own will. Every one of us is as we go on…

Our Merry WayI want you to come with me
Down in the deep, blue sea
Where a sea horse grins and spins its fins
And says we can swim for free.

We won’t have to stop for air
The whole time we’re under there.
We can breathe like fish if we make a wish.
It’s a make-believe we’ll share.

So tell me, what do you say?
Would you like to go today?
We can tell our tales, how we swam with whales
And then we went our merry way.
© 2017

For some goodies that aren’t a figment of your imagination, Jump on the Rhyme and Reason Bandwagon today.

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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

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The post May birthstone in the poetic zone appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

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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Slim and None. Those are the probable answers to the question. But, naturally, that begs the question. And at least one version of the question would be, “What are the odds that everything happens for a reason?” And I’d say chances are also slim and none that people who believe everything happens for a reason would agree with Jesus on that.

Uh-oh. I done went and done it that time. So, before I move on, I’d like to know if you agree with this:

Chances are slim and/or none that God didn’t author the Bible.My option, on that statement, is NONE. But I’ll play the Lord’s advocate (because I prefer never to advocate for the devil) and assume not everyone agrees with me.

If that’s you, bear with me as I blast out some info that maybe you haven’t considered before. And this doesn’t come from some marketer. It’s not from a metaphysicalized so-called “pastor” or “minister.” This word, that affirms accidental circumstances, comes right out of the Bible in at least three different places. Actually four places. And maybe even five. But I don’t want you to start with the first place it’s found in case you’re the type who’s easily confused.

So. Are you ready for the affirmation word? Are you sure? Because this gets kinda complicated and it triggers people.

OK, if you’re still reading, it means your mind is fortified and you’re ready to hear some truth.

So, here’s the word. Chance.

Bam! Oh yeah, that word IS in the Bible. Four times when you do a search in the New King James version. And are you ready for the high octane Spirit chaser? One of the times the word “chance” is used, it’s in RED. Bam again! (for the initiated, red letters mean those words were spoken by Jesus)

Anyway…

The reason I brought it up is because I see, literally every day, Christians debating whether or not everything happens because God ordained everything. And anyone who says He does has NOT yet comprehended the book He wrote. Because He’s infinitely creative (meaning His creative abilities have no end). And He’s infinitely brilliant (meaning He knows how to create worlds and beings that don’t require Him for day-to-day operations.

So, that means God designed you to be able to think for yourself. And decide for yourself.

But THAT is why there is so much evil and horror in the world.Because there seems to be no depth of depravity that human beings aren’t willing to go. People have done things to each other so horribly wicked that it never entered God’s mind they would do them.

Sure, God knows everything knowable. And everything He wants to know. But do you think for a moment, that God, for eternity past, had any thoughts of burning children on altars to sacrifice them to Baal? No, that’s not His nature. It’s ours.

OK, I just had to get that out there for your consideration. And I know chances are slim that everyone will agree with me. But I also know there’s a chance somebody’s mind could be changed. And that notion motivates me to share the info. Here’s a little outro rhyme of chance…

Maybe. Maybe not.Will the sun rise in the morning?
Will the temperature be hot?
And will skies be blue and sunny?
Well, maybe…maybe not.

Will the songbirds all be singing?
Will the breezes blow a lot?
And will leaves lift up their laughter?
Well, maybe…maybe not.

Will some words of wisdom visit?
Will the books all have a plot?
And will we read some happy stories?
Well, maybe…maybe not.

Will the world go on forever?
Will the getting all be got?
And will we all be nice to others?
Well, maybe…maybe not.

© 2022

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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,

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Information inside your cells determined whether you’d have brown or blue or green eyes. And it determined whether you’d have black or brown or blonde hair. AND whether you’d be a boy or a girl (Those are the only choices, by the way). Take a trillion trails of that information, see where it goes, and I believe you’ll come to the same conclusion I did: “Whoa, dude. That sounds complex. My head just exploded.”

And that’s just ONE trillion trails.You could take a lot more than that and still remain in the cells of one, single person. Yeah, you’re gonna need to stock up. Because that’s gonna be a long journey.

Think about the thoughts and memories you have floating around in your mind right now. Those thoughts and memories have no physical parts. In fact, you can’t feel, smell, taste, hear, or see them. And here’s the thing. They didn’t create themselves. Information can’t do that. It’s too complex.

I know I keep saying that, but I just can’t help myself. It’s tru. The information in the DNA of each of your cells is basically equal to a library with 4000 books. It’s like your body isn’t a single star. It’s a whole constellation.

So, to say that much data stored in the 37 trillion cells in your body happened by chance mutations is ludicrous (Not to be confused with “Ludacris” although he IS ludicrous).

Anyway…

Why would you (or anybody) prefer to believe in chance, circumstance, and some sort of mutations dance? And why wouldn’t you (or anybody) prefer to believe in the living, loving God who wants us to live forever? Chance, circumstance, and mutations don’t care whether you live or die. So they certainly don’t care if you live forever. In fact, they only contribute to your hopelessness. Until they eventually erase it altogether.

So. Whatcha gonna do with this information?Toss it aside? Make fun of it? Sure, those options are at your disposal. But you could also check out scientific links I’ve shared. Don’t take my word for it. And see if your belief system is challenged. Who knows? Maybe your belief system will change. That happens a lot when people open their eyes to the truth.

If it hasn’t already happened for you, I hope it does REAL SOON.

Through the trillion trails of starlight
Caught up in the constellations
Grows a great, galactic garden,
Fiery flowers in formations.
Watered with the words of wisdom,
The Designer deemed to say,
With love we can look and listen
To the Milky Way Bouquet.

© 2017

Milky Way Bouquet is an instrumental included on the popular collection of lullabies called “Lullabye Bye.” Get all the songs, in the unique songbook and coloring and drawing book for kids by the same title, from this link:

(https://www.amazon.com/Lullabye-Bye-Tony-Funderburk/dp/B08BWFWSLN)

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The end of April is fast approaching. So, get read for all those May flowers. Of course, that leads to Mother’s Day and then Memorial Day and backyard barbecues. All that wonderful evidence of Spring can help you forget that God hates you.

Anyway…

So, last week I had a nice conversation with some people who walked their Yorkie by the bungalow. We got to talkin’ about how they don’t make houses like the ones in our neighborhood anymore. And…pardon me?

What do you mean I left you hanging with the God hates you comment?Oh, OK. I just read what I’ve written so far. And you’re right. I did write that “God hates you.” Yeah, I suppose that’s a bit harsh. And maybe I should clear that up a little. I didn’t actually mean He hates YOU. I meant He hates YOU, if and when you hate Him and when you prefer to riff on your own merry way.

But hat’s not YOU. Right?

OK. We’re clear now. So, let’s move on.

Yeah, these bungalows, from over 100 years ago, are certainly a lot more solid than modern houses. Oak flooring. Local stone foundations that surround the basement. It’s cool to see the workmanship and hand-nailed cabinetry, rafters, and trim. And you can tell they cared more because…huh? What’s that?

You don’t want me to talk about this old bungalow? You’d rather I explain what I mean about God’s hate?

OK, I will. But I sure didn’t think you’d be so curious about it. After all, it’s not like it’s a secret. He came right out and said it in His best-selling book of all time. And He made it clear who and what He hates.

So, if you don’t fit into the categories, don’t worry.God says He hates the wicked. And I believe Him. Because He’s not a man. And He doesn’t lie.

But I also know He’d rather not hate anyone. It’s not His first choice to serve up a cup of fire. Or brimstone. Or burning wind. And that’s why He holds all those things in reserve for only those who hate Him or His children.

I don’t know about you. But I enjoy a good steaming cup of coffee on a brisk, quiet morning. And I’ve been known to partake of some spicy, hot barbecue sauce on my brisket. But I’d rather not even sample any of that hot stuff God will serve up for the wicked. No sir. I’m saving room for dessert (aka: Heaven).

I’d rather have an ice cream cone
Than a cup of fire and brimstone.
And I’d rather enjoy God’s love
Than burning winds from up above.
So, I say “yes” to all His word,
The parts I’ve read, the parts I’ve heard.
I know someday I’ll leave this place
And live forever in His grace.

© 2020

It certainly will be much better than fire and brimstone when you jump on the Rhyme and Reason Bandwagon. So, don’t put it off another second. Get some complimentary goodies now: https://www.TonyFunderburk,com

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If it’s Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, or Sunday, just ignore this message. Because this is specially designed to help you focus on your Wednesday blessings. I won’t be responsible for results you get by attempting to use it on those other days.

“Why Wednesday blessings, Tony?” you ask.Well, I’m glad you asked because I’d like to expound with great profundity on that topic. And I’d love to illuminate the catacombs of your weary understanding and reasoning with wit, wisdom, and whimsy.

Either that, or I’d like to help take your mind off the vicious news in the world. Like these headlines:

“Biden Is Trying To Twist The Law To Advance Abortion”
“Man Charged With Felony Murder For Death Of Mother Of Five”
“Ex-Cop Kills Himself After Murdering Ex-Wife, Teen Girlfriend, and Kidnapping Baby”

So, how’s that for a reason to count your Wednesday blessings?

Here’s the thing.

No matter how bad the news is, or how bad it gets, your blessings outnumber those headlines. You can focus on them and be afraid. But that’s a loser’s game.

And winners focus on blessings.(Oh wait. You DO know where those blessings originate. Right? Good. Then, I’ll continue.)

You and I can use our time to build up business. Or increase knowledge. And even sharpen abilities to serve others. Because that’s the only way you ever truly win in life.

Yeah, there’s never a shortage of fear talk out there. And there’s never a shortage of unsubstantiated and unwise speculation. But truth and right and wrong don’t change. Despite what the blurry-brained blabbermouths, who stick metal through their noses, might yell at you in a childish profanity-filled tantrum.

Here’s how I see it…I hope you don’t mind if I don’t join in
With the people who just naysay.
I think you might find, if you just begin,
You might feel the very same way.
Life can get real dark like a starless night.
So, be glad when the Lord sends day.
Go and make your mark without fear or fright.
And you might as well start Wednesday.

© 2020

Just in case you’re one of the billions of people on the planet who haven’t jumped on the Rhyme and Reason Bandwagon yet, don’t wait another second. Get some complimentary goodies now: https://www.TonyFunderburk,com

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I get it. You’ve heard it all before. Right? And if you have to listen to one more person spout off about how “God so loved the world blah, blah, blah, you’ll scream. But here’s the thing.

Truth is always truth. Even when you’ve heard it all before.It’s testable. And it comes through with flying colors every time it’s tested. But that makes it detestable to all those who love to fly their colors on rebellious, satin flags. Yeah, in case you haven’t heard me or someone else say this before, Truth Is Hate To Those Who Hate The Truth.

A guy, named Solomon, wrote “there is nothing new under the sun.”

In a way, that’s true. But it’s important to note how Solomon was a miserable shadow of his former self when he wrote that. And it’s also important to note that, sure, we have the same ingredients to work with as all the generations before us. But that doesn’t mean we can’t make a “new” loaf of bread. Or a “new song.”

That’s why I’m always looking for a “new” way to manipulate the 26 letters of the English alphabet and the 12 notes in a chromatic music scale. Because I might manage to manipulate a message (how’s that for some authoritative alliteration?) into something that could change the course of someone’s eternity.

And nothing could be more valuable than that.

So, even though you think you’ve heard it all before, I’ll still keep plugging. Because you could be that someone.

Nothing NewThere’s nothing new to say today,
Not even this.
So, I’ll just go outside and play.
Ignorant bliss.

You’ve probably heard it all before
So many times.
And nothing gives you cause to snore
Like simple rhymes.

But maybe this will flash a light
Inside your brain,
A spark of hope so you just might
Avoid some pain.

Now, even though there’s nothing new
To say today,
I know you’ll find some peace when you
Can see the Way

God did the deed you could not do.
And so I pray
You’ll carefully consider what
I try to say

In words and songs that I have shared
My whole life long.
To simply not say anything
Would be so wrong.

But will you pay attention to
These words I share?
Or will you say, “It’s nothing new,
And I don’t care.”

You’ll see, one day, you had a choice
Of where you’d be.
If you choose God, you will rejoice
Eternally.

© 2020

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Here in America, we still enjoy a certain amount of “free speech.” During the 20th century this country participated in two world wars. And many men and women fought and died to get rid of evil dictators and despicable governments. The ultimate sacrifice for God-given rights.

Thomas Jefferson sort of acknowledged where our rights originate when he composed the Declaration of Independence. He said “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”

Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness certainly covers it. But, unfortunately, it’s becoming less and less self-evident to so many people these days. Especially the part about rights coming from “their Creator.”

Free speech doesn’t mean truth is freely spoken.And I’m amazed, but not surprised, at how many American citizens would rather censor speech and give up rights than admit they have a Creator. Plus, so many would rather use their so-called “free speech” as a reason to burn flags, defecate in public, and stand up for murdering babies.

OK, at this point, you might be thinking, “Geez Louise, Tony. I thought you were the guy who writes poems and entertains people of all ages with your pleasant wit and wisdom.”

Yeah, I understand how you might wonder why I’d wrangle my rhymes and reasons into such serious stuff. Especially that whole murdering babies part. After all, abortion conversations are almost always so confoundedly confrontational. But here’s the thing.

Free speech and a right to life can all disappear when caring people say nothing to defend those rights. And I believe I’m compelled, by my Creator, to use my decades of writing experience to call out horrible injustice. So, if that means writing rhymes to show the reasons, then that’s what I’ll do.

And I thank you, from the top of my big ol’ black heart, for your willingness to either share my rhymes and reasons with others or share your own. Because there’s a gigantic, hurting world out there that needs to know hope is available. And they need to know it’s a limited time offer.

OK, I’ll leave you with this royal rhyme…

Talk DelightTalk is not as cheap as it used to be.
It can cost so much when the world can see.
But you still should say what is right.
It might even bring kings delight.
Think before you speak is still good advice.
Keep in mind the ultimate sacrifice
Many others made for your right.
And speak up for one King’s delight.

© 2020 Tony Funderburk

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It all started 90 years ago, today. On April 19, 1934. Before I say more about that, let me say this.

Every human being past, present, or future will experience these same three things: Life Love Loss.

Obviously if you were born and you’re reading this now, you’ve experienced life. And you’ve also experienced love, at least in some way, at least once in your life. And, since the birth to death ratio is still 1:1, and not likely to change for the foreseeable future, you WILL experience loss. If not now, soon. But the life, love, and loss you experience here in this space/time continuum isn’t the final word on your existence.

OK. Now. Back to what happened 90 years ago, today.A little boy was born to Guy and Verna Funderburk. They named him Dwight Lee. And he was the third of their three sons. And just in case you haven’t skipped ahead of me, he also was the one who became my Dad.

Dad, by his own account, started out as sort of a sickly guy. He went through a bout of rheumatic fever. And then he dealt with polio which affected his left arm, which was particularly challenging because he was born left-handed. So, as a result, he had to learn to use his right hand for everything.

If you’d ever met Dad, you wouldn’t have guessed any of that happened. Because he seemed as naturally right-handed as any right-hander. And his left arm and hand looked and functioned perfectly normal.

Unfortunately, he wouldn’t find out until he was around 42 that the rheumatic fever had done more to him than anyone knew about. Turns out, that disease stunted the growth of his kidneys. Here’s more of his story, that I shared a few years ago.

Way back in 1986 my Dad died after battling with kidney failure for nine years. After suffering some unexplained illnesses for multiple weekends in a row, he finally decided to see a doctor. The doctor and hospital ran tests and discovered that his kidneys had failed. And they told him he would probably only live 2 to 4 years more. But he worked hard to remove fluids from his body, in addition to dialysis, and proved them wrong by living 9 more years. However, at the age of only 51 he finally lost the battle with that “terminal” condition and slipped away into the presence of the living, loving, Creator.

To say I loved and admired my Dad would be an understatement.In fact, I quote him to this day. He was far from perfect (sort of like the rest of us). But he was MY Dad. And that made him the most important man in the world. Being a young man myself (I was 31 when he died) I felt the need to grieve the loss internally. Because big boys don’t cry. And six years after he died I wrote a musical tribute to him.

Here are the lyrics for the guy born 90 years ago, today. Happy Birthday Dad…

Fandango StreetDwight was a boy anybody would employ
‘Cause he worked his fingers to the bone.
But he said he had to fly, get a piece of the sky.
So he took off for the great unknown.
Everybody said no, no, no. But he still had to go
To make his whole life complete
And look for Fandango Street.

He took himself a wife, as he made the change of life,
And the boy became a regular man.
They had a couple kids just like everybody did.
But it really wasn’t in the plan.
And his spirit said no, no, no.
That’s not the way you should go.
Should be pointing your feet on up to Fandango Street.

Oh, but somewhere the world took overAnd left him thirsting for more.
Where was the milk and the honey
He had dreamed of all those years before?

He was moving right along feeling permanently strong
Thinking all he had to do was behave.
But a terminal disease slowly drove him to his knees,
And it took him to an early grave.
And his family said no, no, no.
But he still had to go
To make the journey complete and look for Fandango Street.

And to this day I say no, no, no.
But I know he had to go.
To make the journey complete and look for Fandango Street.
I hear him tapping his feet up on Fandango Street.
And so his life is complete, he dance on Fandango Street!

© 1992 Tony Funderburk

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Where do you stand when it comes to living your best life? For me, it’s an easy answer. Because I made a choice, when I was 13, that converted my life into a series of perfect days, weeks, months, and years. That’s how it is when you become a (shh, I’ll have to whisper this next word) Christian.

Hey, you can make fun of me for choosing to be a Christian, if that’s your thang. But don’t knock the mistake-free life until you’ve at least tried it. Because most people in the world love us Christians. And I certainly can’t complain about the fringe benefits either. Like health, wealth, and tons of influence in the global arena.

It’s been awesome.

Don’t listen to anyone who’d dare tell you they knew me when. Especially if they tell you I haven’t always enjoyed a mistake-free life. Because they’re just envious. And it ain’t pretty. Poor souls. Hope they learn.

Anyway…

Where do you stand with your life choices?I hope you’re at least considering living your best life now. Because I’m sure you’re the kind of person who deserves it. Am I right? So, don’t put it off. Get started today. So, you can experience the 24/7 joy-filled life where crime and sin are just words less enlightened people use.

OK, before I get past the point of no return, of course I just shared a satirical view of my life as a Christian. And it probably comes as no surprise that my life hasn’t been mistake-free and totally joy-filled.

Nope. As a matter of fact, in my many years as a professional musician I didn’t always lead the righteous life. I never did drugs, not even marijuana. And I’m grateful to God for that. But I did things I shouldn’t have done. Yep, I was THAT musician who made bad decisions.

Fortunately for me, I had chosen Jesus as my savior when I was young. Because He never let go of me even when I was stupid. And thankfully that’s true to this day.

Yeah, a choice to put your faith in Jesus doesn’t immediately transform you into a sinless, perfect person. Sorry to say, but it’s true, sometimes things get more difficult. And here’s another shocker. Sometimes even the ones who love Jesus…sin. Of course, by “sometimes” I mean a lot of times.

Humans are so broken and selfish. So much so many don’t even realize how broken and selfish they are. That’s where being a Christian helps. At least we have a guidebook and a standard we can depend on.

And we have HOPE.I can’t even imagine how difficult this world is for people who don’t have the hope of eternal life. So…

Where do you walk stand sit?
There’s a righteous way to see it.
It can save your soul and free it.
Where do you walk stand sit?

You can be like a tree.
Rivers of water flowing free,
Nurturing fruit for all to see.
You can be like a tree.

Just know that it’s your choice.
You can choose life and rejoice,
Or a place you’ll have no voice.
Just know that it’s your choice.

© 2015

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For a long time I sang for my supper. And breakfast, lunch, and snacks. And I sang for my monthly bills, my gasoline consumption, and even my cool clothes. When you can pay your way as a musician, do you know what they call you? Yeah, somebody who should get a real job. Wait a second! That’s not right. They call you a professional musician. Or professional entertainer. Or something like that.

For 25 years I played just about every kind of venue a professional musician could play. And I’d take all the paid bookings I could fit into my calendar. Sometimes the feast would include 7 nights a week and additional day gigs on the weekend. And sometimes the famine would be a weak weekender.

But I got to live the life of a professional musician.And I didn’t have to compete with free.

But once every Tammy, Jane, and Mary had a computer with the power to rip music off discs and send it all around the globe for free, the professional musician days were changed forever.

At first I despised what had become of the world of music. And, on certain levels, I still do. But then, technology began to offer ways for singer/songwriters to keep more of their intellectual property. Of course, it’s a pipe dream to think anyone can hold on to all of their intellectual property any more. But when you can at least offer it up in ways that aren’t so easy to rip and steal, you gotta try.

So, in the past few years I started offering my music collections in physical books. I haven’t been actively trying to sell downloads and certainly not discs for a while. And if you’re one of those people who’ve supported my efforts by buying my books, I want to say thank you from the bottom of my heart. And I want you to know YOU are the kind of person who I want to keep on producing music for.

As my circumstances permit, I hope to have more stuff you haven’t heard before. In the meantime, you’ll find my physical music offers in links below. And here’s my ode to the…

Invisible Song MachinesThe times will come in everyone’s life
When changes have to occur.
The reasons could be obvious, or
They might even be a blur.
One of those times is happening now.
It’s somewhere behind the scenes…
Where the melodies quickly become
Invisible song machines.
Value is lost down deep in a world
Increasingly wanting “free.”
So, I’m moving my music around
To places listeners can see.
Places where I think they’ll connect
With those who connect with me.
If you believe I’ve got it all wrong
Then certainly, by all means,
Continue to get your free songs from
Invisible song machines.

© 2019

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Whoa! The strawberry alarm clock just went off. And it’s a good thing, too. Because now the song “Incense and Peppermints” is wafting through the air. Psychedelic, man. We gotta get outta this place. If it’s the last thing we ever do. Hey, I just inserted the words “ignorance and selfishness” in the song. And I gotta say, I don’t hate it.

I’m glad I don’t hate it. Because I’d much rather talk about peace, love, and joy.

So, enjoy some incense and peppermints while I elucidate, illustrate, and annotate.First, here’s the positive part of the 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 to live forever, too. Now that’s awesome news!

Second, unfortunately the world is so full of hatred that most people could’t care less about God’s love.

From abortion to euthanasia to outright unbridled murder, there’s a bloodlust in this world that is unsustainable. Thankfully, God’s love will eventually put that to an end.

But, let’s say you don’t believe in God. And since you don’t believe in Him you certainly don’t trust Him. In that case, you’ve got some research to do. Because there’s an almost infinite amount of evidence that He’s real. And there’s a ton of evidence that He’s willing to love even YOU.

For example, you have your own will.So, God didn’t make you one of His robots who can do nothing except His bidding. This is an important point for you to understand. Because it means you get to choose whether or not you want to live with God forever. And that’s why I said you’ve got some research to do. By the way, I recommend you don’t put that research off too long. It’s a limited time offer, so to speak.

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 in spite of what some people might tell you, your fate wasn’t sealed before you were born.

I encourage you to at least consider the options I talk about. And I’ve talked about those options, in one way or another, thousands of times. And that’s just here on the website. I’ve talked about ’em way more times out there in the real world.

So get yourself some incense and peppermints and relax.

But then, choose life before the dark and dreary hatred of the world chews you up and spits you into hell.

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.

(lyrics from my song: Give Me The Whole Jesus)

© 2010

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Let’s ask the judges for a definition before we proceed. “1: lack of voluntary control over urination or defecation, AND 2: lack of self-restraint” OK. There you have it. The very definition of why there’s an incontinence choice problem right here in the once greatest nation on the planet.

Yes, I said incontinence choice.Even though the first definition of the word incontinence mentioned it’s a lack of voluntary control. Because the emotional incontinence of modern society is out of control. But certainly not involuntarily. “Clean up on Main Street, Stat!”

Have you seen how many “adults” rant like little spoiled brats in public places? And the rants aren’t limited to certain income brackets, ethnicities, culture differences, or basically any other demographic. It seems just about anybody can make that incontinence choice at the drop of a feather.

And it sounds silly to even talk about it. Because it should be fictional. But if you’ve ever read the Bible, and I mean really read it, none of this should surprise you. After all, Paul mentions how people will be incontinent in the last days. In fact, he talks about a lot of bad traits we’ll see during those perilous times.

So, obviously you and I are still living in the “Bible Days.” And I know you’ve witnessed more than one person who fits one or more of these descriptions:

lovers of their own selves
covetous
boasters
proud
blasphemers
disobedient to parents
unthankful
unholy
without natural affection
truce breakers
false accusers
incontinent
fierce
despisers of those that are good
traitors
heady
high-minded
lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God

During my time as a praise and worship music minister, in a church in Colorado, I wrote songs based on some of the pastor’s messages. And one of those messages was about how people say they’d like to go back and visit places during the Bible days. The pastor thought that was kinda humorous because…

These Are The Bible DaysI’m no prophet, but God can work through me.
Willing servants are all He wants to see.
We can learn from the past, the apostles,
and all of their ways,
But we live in the here and now, and these….are the Bible days.

Lord, our small hearts are full of love from You.
Help us know what You’d rather have us do.
Help the sheep hear Your call in this world that’s so full of strays.
As it was when Your Son arose; still these…are the Bible days.

When darkness falls…These are the Bible days.
Temptation calls…These are the Bible days.
When right is wrong…These are the Bible days.
The weak get strong…These are the Bible days.
Till every mountain sways, till every debtor pays,
Till every helpless, hopeless, sinner prays…
These…are the Bible days.

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.

Chorus
These…are the Bible days.
These…are the Bible days.

© 2010

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Do you envy people when it seems like they have a lot more than you? Well, guess what? No, I won’t make you guess.

Actually, they might not have more than you.

In fact, they might have much less, and they might never have as much as you. Looks can be deceiving. And what you see in this world doesn’t last forever.

So, don’t envy people for their “stuff.”I know you know this. But there sure seems to be a lot of envy running around out there. And it’s such an exercise in futility. Because the “cools stuff” other people have will turn into junk. Every. Bit. Of. It.

But you know what will never turn to junk? Grace. Yep, grace lasts forever. And God freely gives grace to the humble.

Sure, grace might not show on the outside. So, you won’t look as “cool” arriving at a party dressed in grace as you would showing up in a high-dollar suit. But those threads are gonna be moth food one day. Grace goes on FORever.

And there’s another reason you should envy people and their “cool stuff” in this world. From God’s perspective, most of that stuff is the opposite of cool. Here are some key things to remember about His perspective. He…

says the “perverse person is an abomination”
keeps a secret counsel with upright people
curses the houses of the wicked
blesses the homes of the just
scorns the scornful

Knowing all that, it would be a wise choice to choose to love God and His ways.It would be a wise choice to humble yourself because, like I mentioned before, God gives grace to the humble. And it’s always a wise choice to realize you’re not God And that you need a savior.

So be wise when it comes to your eternal fate. When you are, you’ll inherit glory. When you aren’t, you can only leave behind a legacy of shame. And never envy people who don’t realize any of this truth.

Grace to the humble.
Grace to the wise.
Grace to the ones who
Choose truth over lies.

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I just saw an article snippet and a short video about something that hit close to home for me. And the saddest part is how people only recently felt it was safe to tell someone about what they knew.

Here’s the news snippet: “A cold case is solved nearly 60 years later. The death of milkman Hiram Grayam, a Purple Heart recipient, haunted his children for decades. All these years later, the Indian River County Sheriff’s Office says their prime suspect, Thomas Williams, died in 2016. People who knew him finally felt safe to come forward.”

Wow! It took 60 years for them to feel it was safe to tell someone what they knew.The video I watched included the murdered milkman’s son. And the cut the media used was of him saying, “If you were 16 years old and they told you they found your dad’s body, in the woods, shot to death, how would anybody feel?” Yeah, it must’ve been a relief AND a shock to know people knew what happened but didn’t say anything for decades.

As I mentioned, that story hit mighty close to home for me. Because 60 years ago my Dad was a milkman. And I can’t imagine having to be told something like that about him.

Back then, I’d go to work with my Dad on Saturdays. He was a milkman for a long time. And that was at a time when milkmen would have to get up at 3 in the morning to be sure to have the milk delivered before breakfast for most of their customers. So, there was a lot of work in the wee hours before dawn.

And I remember carrying milk, eggs, cheese, etc. to the back of some fairly spooky-looking houses. Fortunately there weren’t many of those. Because most of Dad’s routes were in the neighborhoods where the original “right stuff” astronauts lived. But he did deliver to some customers who, let’s say, weren’t quite as well off as the space guys.

(Side note: I shared the story of the connection I made with ice cream and Neil Armstrong HERE)

I’m thankful my memories of Dad, the milkman, are nostalgic.And I’m glad it’s always been safe to tell his story. Because that’s how life in a “free” country should be. Sadly, there are SO many people out there who don’t know what happened to their loved ones. And many, if not most, of them might never know this side of Heaven.

That’s why it’s more important than ever to watch out for yourself and your loved ones. Arm yourself, if you haven’t already. Be prepared to escalate fierceness if and when needed as others and/or circumstances won’t let you live peaceably among men.

Here’s the way I explained it to kids several years ago. Thankfully it’s still safe to tell them this:

When you wear the full armor of God,
You’ll be ready when the enemies attack.
You can’t see ’em, but beware, they are out there everywhere.
But with God’s help you can always fight them back.

And while you still can, be sure to 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 Safe to tell about that living hell appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

Imagine that you could speak words and a planet would appear. Then you speak more words and the sun and moon pop in. Then, a few more words and all the birds, dinosaurs, fishes, horses, dogs, lions, and every other creature appear. Now, imagine you could stretch out your hands and create all the shining stars in the universe.

Yes, I said all the shining stars in the universe. Not dark ones.It’s hard to even imagine. But God can do it. In fact, He DID do it. After all nothing, good, is impossible for God.

Yeah, God took dirt from the earth and breathed life into it and created a man. And He took a rib from the man and created a woman. You and I couldn’t do that in millions or billions of years. And neither could nothing.

Because you can’t get something from nothing. And here’s a real kick in your head.

Even though nothing good is impossible for God, even He didn’t get something from nothing. And, if you’re a Christian like me, you’ve probably said, at some time or another, “only God can create something out of nothing.”

On the surface that’s true. God didn’t need “raw materials” to pre-exist in order for Him to create Heaven and Earth and all the living plants and animals. But He definitely needing something to exist. And, in this case, I don’t like to use the word “something.” But for the sake of illustration it makes sense. That something He needed was His mind. His innate creativity. And He spent who knows how many eons thinking about what He’d create.

So, when He determined it was time to create the heavens and the earth, there’s no doubt He was prepared. And from the smallest fish at the bottom of the sea to all the shining stars in the heavens, His new creation was very good.

You and I get to live a world custom made for us.And I get a lot of comfort and hope from knowing that. So many people, most in fact, want nothing to do with comfort and hope. They prefer to work out their own existence. Sadly, they fail (or refuse) to understand the potential eternal futility in that preference.

All the shining stars in the heavens will some day become nothing more than memories. And so will anyone who chooses to BE a god instead of choosing to love THE God who made them.

I’m thankful that’s not YOU. Right?

You might win a few things in this life,
And you might even win a whole lot.
But you’ll lose everything if you don’t trust the King
Who has given you all that He’s got.

Know that nothing is too hard for God.
He can help you through all of your fears.
If your gold turns to rust, or your diamonds to dust,
Only God can dry all of your tears.

Make the most of the moments you have.
They fly by in the blink of an eye.
Don’t waste time in the dark, jump inside of the ark
Of God’s love. Kiss the old life goodbye.

One way, to make the most of the moments you have, is to 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 All the shining stars outshine your avatars appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

“Survey says?!” Remember that question on Family Feud? Apparently that show is still on TV. But I haven’t watched it in decades, so I can’t say. But the reason I bring it up is because of the whole “survey says” thing. And that’s because I want to recommend you keep believing the Truth regardless of what any survey says.

Keep believing the Truth because it shall make you free.Yeah, many (if not most) people misquote that verse in the Bible. They say “the truth will set you free.” But your Creator said it “shall make you free.”

It’s those kinds of nuances and phrase twists that bounce around my brain when I write songs. Sometimes even I don’t notice how much influence a Bible verse had on something I wrote, until after I finish it and read it all together. I think that’s cool. Because I love how God can work on me through my own writing. And there’s no doubt I need His work on me and in me.

One example of subtle nuances is my song, from 1986, called “Hold On.”

It’s one of those songs that makes a very nice lullaby for a parent to sing to a child. But it can also be a love song between adults. And it also contains lines that follow God’s own messages to us. I’ll share it with you. And maybe you’ll see what I mean.

Here are the lyrics. And you can hear the whole song in episode 625 of the Rhyme and Reason Podcast

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

Hold on there, ma’am or mister. Take a second and 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,

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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,

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It didn’t just start this year. Or anytime during the “pandemic.” In fact, Elgielene and I have noticed this, for a long time, during our walks through scores of neighborhoods across the country. Generally speaking, kids don’t play outside now.

Sure, SOME kids still play outside.But we go for long walks through all kinds of neighborhoods. And we comment on how peaceful it is. And where we live now, in the heart of America, we don’t even see many adults outside. Even in the best spring weather we see right now. You might conclude people just don’t like the most affordable Vitamin D there is.

Well, YOU might not conclude that. But I would.

Anyway…

I just read some snippets of info based on research titled, “Decline in Independent Activity as a Cause of Decline in Children’s Mental Well-Being: Summary of the Evidence.” Wow. That’s a mouthful. But the study boiled it down to a decline in adolescent mental health due to “the decline in unstructured, unmanaged, and unsupervised play.”

And that study added that the number of “children playing outside has plummeted.” But it also said, “This is not because of the ‘laziness’ of video-gaming kids but because of parents’ fears of crime or traffic.”

And, get this, parents don’t wanna be seen as bad parents for allowing kids to play outside in that kind of world.

Again, wow!

I thank God I was fortunate enough to grow up in a time before parents (and this world) lost their minds. Because I remember playing outside. But not just bumping around in the yard. I remember riding my bike miles away from home. My brother and I would ride bikes to the store, the pool, the schoolyard (on weekends), and just about everywhere.

Sometimes we wouldn’t go home for hours.We got to have what that aforementioned study called a “play-based childhood.” And the research, in that study, showed that “play and exploration are essential for what it means for us to thrive as human beings.” They also added that the best play time provides “the sort of unstructured freedom to independently encounter obstacles and problems. And overcome them.”

It certainly supports my belief that I’m much better off than kids these days. Because I got to play outside in a very unstructured way. Of course, we didn’t think of it as being able to “independently encounter obstacles and problems and overcome them.” We just thought of it as FUN.

I understand this world is more dangerous than ever for young kids. But I also understand that keeping kids locked up isn’t the solution. Keeping adults locked up (aka: in prison) isn’t the solution either.

Punish criminals. On three levels. Restitution. Corporal punishment. And capital punishment.

Do that. Make it sting. Make sure criminals suffer instead of kids and confused parents. It’s God’s way. I realize His way isn’t popular in this everybody-needs-to-acknowlege-and-understand-my-feelings day and age. But it’s the only way back to kids being able to safely play outside.

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

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

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

© 2014

You’ll be better off when you 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 songs and some other surprises: https://www.TonyFunderburk.com

Stay tuned,

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I’ve seen some quotes, from professors to poets, who put today’s solar eclipse in its proper perspective. In one way or another they say what’ll happen is you’ll be “standing the shadow of the moon.”

Sure, some interesting things can happen in the shadow of the moon.Temperatures drop. And crickets start chirping. And people in the “path of totality” can use special glasses to see the sun’s corona make a fiery circle around the moon. But jumpin’ Jiminy, it’s not a magic show. And it’s not even something from the magical mystery tour. So, pop open your own Corona (or cola or other beverage of choice) and relax.

Let’s not turn this into some sort of apocalyptic opening act.

I saw a short video that said 7 years ago another solar eclipse occurred across America. And that one passed over 7 towns named Salem. Now, this April 2024 eclipse will pass over 7 towns named Nineveh. And the video’s narrator pointed out that where the two paths crisscross is a town named Rapture.

Then, the narrator asked, “What is God telling us?” And he answered his own question with, “I am coming soon.”

Well, God mentioned almost that exact thing in the next to the last verse in the Bible with these words, “Surely I am coming quickly.” And that was two thousand years ago. Give or take a few years.

So, does that mean this month’s solar eclipse over America is NOT a sign of God’s return?

Nope.

But it doesn’t mean it IS a sign either.

Take what I say with (and as) a grain of salt.And ALWAYS examine things in the Light of God’s word.

Standing in the shadow of the moon,
If the sky begins to sway and swoon,
There might be a twinkling of an eye
As some souls depart into the sky.
But there might be nothing of the sort,
No such odd occurrence to report.
Maybe it will be the age-old tune,
Just a simple shadow of the moon.

© 2024

Don’t let a moonshadow block you from getting 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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What gives you goosebumps when you just think about it? Or is there anything that does that?

I’ll tell you something that gives me goosebumps like that.And I dreamed about it recently. And I don’t tend to remember dreams very often. But this one was a blast. But, before I tell you what it was, I’ll share what a dimwit, uh, “physiologist and professor of zoology” from Canada said about goosebumps. (actually, I stand by the dimwit title) Here’s the quote I read on a so-called “scientific” website:

“Goosebumps are a physiological phenomenon inherited from our animal ancestors, which was useful to them but are not of much help to us. Goosebumps are tiny elevations of the skin that resemble the skin of poultry after the feathers have been plucked. (Therefore we could as well call them “turkeybumps” or “duckbumps.”) These bumps are caused by a contraction of miniature muscles that are attached to each hair. Each contracting muscle creates a shallow depression on the skin surface, which causes the surrounding area to protrude. The contraction also causes the hair to stand up whenever the body feels cold. In animals with a thick hair coat this rising of hair expands the layer of air that serves as insulation. The thicker the hair layer, the more heat is retained. In people this reaction is useless because we do not have a hair coat, but goosebumps persist nevertheless.”

OK, I freely admit I don’t know the dimwit’s, uh professor’s, family tree. So, maybe he DOES descend from turkeys. But, as time and observation have proved, throughout history, humans come from humans.

And to say goosebumps are “not of much help to us” is kinda childish.Sure, humans have a much smaller amount of hair on our skin. But when it stands on end, it helps to conserve your body heat as it traps more air. And your muscles, connected to your goosebumps, help squeeze oil onto your skin. But those tiny hairs help prevent your oil glands from getting clogged. Plus, your muscle contractions (aka shivering) generate heat.

And there might not be so-called “scientific evidence” to back this up. But I believe those tiny hairs standing up on your skin can also be like your built-in radar detectors. Part of your ability to perceive something before you even see it.

Sounds like a mighty fine design to me. So, I’m glad “goosebumps persist nevertheless.”

Ok, that about does it for me at this time.

Oh yeah.I almost forgot. I said I’d tell you about a recent dream. Yeah, I dreamed about the Rapture. Yes. THE Rapture. And it was an exhilarating dream. Elgielene and I heard a commotion outside. And when we went out to see what it was, there were people starting to hover above the ground. Some of them were shouting, “He’s here! This is it!”

Suddenly, Elgielene and were hovering too. And then, we all started flying up into the sky. It reminded me of how the skies looked when Han Solo’s Millennium Falcon blasted into hyperdrive. It was awesome.

I’m not sure if I woke up with goosebumps. But I did wake up filled with joy. And that’s even better.

God is great, and God is strong.
And He made all there is.
So don’t fear this fearful world.
Remember, child, you’re His.
If He says a thing is so,
Then you can bet it’s true.
Trust His promise to us all.
And trust Him to come through.

Don’t depend on those tiny hairs on the back of your neck to tell you where 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

Stay tuned,

The post Goosebumps, a dream, and it wasn’t a meme 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

Stay tuned,

The post Your whole life, here, is a chance to hear appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

To see me now, it might be difficult to even imagine I was once considered part of the cool crowd. Not the smoke-dope-drop-ludes-party-till-you-drop crowd. But because I was a full-time musician that so-called “cool crowd” those people figured it was OK to have me around. Even though they discovered it’s difficult to find someone as uncool as me.

But the truth is, it’s preferable to be as uncool as me.Not for most of the people on the planet, of course. But it IS preferable. Because my uncoolness is a sign I’ve made at least one wise choice in my life.

And that one wise choice was to believe in, trust in, and follow the One who most of the whole world chooses to ignore. The One who’s getting TONS of social media and traditional media coverage this week. Yeah, I’m talking about the ONLY One (not Neo) who can save you from, and dissolve, this matrix world.

This weekend marks the umpteenth time believers have acknowledged what Jesus did approximately 2000 years ago. And if you’re as uncool as me, it gives you chill bumps to imagine how eternity with Him will be.

I hope you’ve gotten your boarding pass to Heaven. It won’t cost you anything but humble heart. Because it’s already been paid for by the One who Resurrection Day is all about. If you don’t already have your ticket, don’t waste another minute. The train is about ready to leave the station. Don’t be left behind singin’ the song of…

The Uncool FoolEvery day seems a little bit shorter
And there never seems to be enough time.
Everyone is lookin’ for a reason,
So, I’ll tell you, it’s inside of this rhyme.

Every life plays a part in this journey,
Starting way down in a singular cell.
If you don’t have a clue what your part is,
Ask the only one who knows you so well.

Why am I here?
What should I do?
Why do I play the uncool fool, blindsided by the golden rule?
Where is my peace,
Long overdue?
These thoughts in my head are so cruel, bombarded by the uncool fool.

Every time you believe that you’re smarter
Take the mask off and then open your eyes.
You might have lots of facts in your head, but
Ask yourself these things and see if you’re wise.

Why am I here?
What should I do?
Why do I play the uncool fool, blindsided by the golden rule?
Where is my peace,
Long overdue?
These thoughts in my head are so cruel, bombarded by the uncool fool.

© 2024

OK, why waste time getting 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

Stay tuned,

The post Uncool as me? Is that what you see? 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

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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

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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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So. There’s this little protoplanet named “Vesta.” And, as it churns out, little Vesta might have some clues as to how life on Earth might have formed? Yeah, scientists discovered some areas of impact on the “minor planet” that seem to show “collisions with carbon rich asteroids.” And of course, they emphasize that carbon is the essential building block to all life on earth, from single cell to human.

All that information on a little protoplanet.But what, in the universe, is a protoplanet? Well, there’s this (lying) definition you can easily find online:

“A large body of matter in orbit around the sun or a star and thought to be developing into a planet – This analysis supported the view that the moon originated from a glancing collision between the earth and another protoplanet 4,500 million years ago.”

But don’t listen to stupid descriptions and definitions like that. Because they just love to bandy humongous numbers around in order to eliminate the possibility of a Creator or Designer of the universe and life. After all, there’s no evidence, of any kind whatsoever, that planets and/or protoplanets existed 4500 million years ago. Because there’s no evidence, of any kind whatsoever, that material things (aka: matter) existed then.

And yet, there’s oodles and oodles (words to describe numbers even bigger than millions) of evidence to suggest that Earth came into existence only thousands of years ago. No, you don’t have to look at any of that evidence. You can choose to totally ignore it ALL. But I suggest you consider the consequences of that choice.

Here’s a little roundabout explanation for why I say that:

When a human being dies, the same carbon that was there before death is still there. Yeah, all the ingredients, so to speak, are contained in that dead body.

So it’s one of those things that should make you go, “hmm.”Why is there no life in that remaining carbon? Because, if it’s the essential building block of all life on Earth, why does a carbon-rich body die?

I’m not a scientist…and I don’t play one on TV. And I’m not a physicist or alchemist or biologist. I’m just a humble Rhyme and Reason guy. A guy who probably contains as much carbon as anyone in those other professions. And I’m a guy, who, like everyone else, has a time limit for my LIFE here on earth.

But if and when my time to die arrives, my carbon will still be here. So my life did not arise from or depend on carbon. And real science shows the enormity of complexity in human DNA. The code in a single human cell fills volumes of information.

You have your own unique DNA. Everyone does. My finite mind can barely apprehend (and certainly not comprehend) the almost infinite implications of that. But I can say this without hesitation. DNA clearly shows we’re information based.

Not carbon.It’s sort of like this: my computer is a cool looking device. But without the information in the software, it’s just an intricately designed, shapely piece of aluminum. It’s “lifeless.” And no amount of added aluminum will ever get it to calculate, punctuate, or create a single image, sentence, or sound without help from life and information based people.

I wish scientists who trust in carbon could get real and approach life from the information base. I believe they’d be better equipped to process that information and build a much better understanding of life, love, and design. And they wouldn’t be looking for reasons why we exist on a protoplanet.

Yeah, they might even develop a trust in the Designer.

Hey, a guy can wish, can’t he?

Here we stand
While the clock is tickin’ we’re alive and kickin’.
Time moves on.
But we must remember, keep a burnin’ ember.
Let’s go out and capture life together!

(from my song “Let’s Capture Life Together”)

© 2020

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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 remember Ted Kennedy’s shaky voice, during a eulogy for his brother Robert, as he quoted George Bernard Shaw who said, “Some men see things as they are and ask why. Others dream things that never were and ask why not.” I’m not sure Ted OR Robert were capable of anything more than why and why not questions. I hope so. But I won’t know until I leave this world. And maybe then it won’t matter. But I DO know that KNOWING why is awesome.

Because knowing why melts away a lot of the wondering in the world.And the biggest why question is the one about our existence. Why are we here? If you don’t KNOW the answer to that, you’re liable to come up with all sorts of foolish stuff. Not the least of which (in fact, maybe the most of which) is how everything came from nothing.

Foolishness. And for one main human reason. And one main supernatural reason.

The human reason is: there’s NO such thing as nothing.

The supernatural reason: something from nothing isn’t natural. It doesn’t happen. So, if it DID happen, it would have to be supernatural. Above that which is natural. Outside of all that is natural. Beyond everything that is natural.

Supernatural!

Uh-oh. That takes us toward a supernatural Designer. Because all of creation is FULL of design. And you can’t logically look at design and say it happened all by itself. You know, automatically, it had a designer. And this highly complex world, solar system, galaxy, and universe we live in is held together by design. Not accidentally.

I pondered that sort of thing, way back in 1987, when I still hadn’t found the love of my life. And I wrote a poem (because, yeah, that’s what real thinking men do) about my questions. A lot of why questions. But I ended the poem with an acknowledgment of my ability to KNOW even when I didn’t have an answer. And here’s how it went/goes…

Knowing WhyI pause; I wonder,
And see myself through a magnifying glass.
l ask a question,
And give myself a test that I may never pass.

I yearn for freedom;
I don’t belong in a complicated life.
My needs are simple;
A mountain home and perhaps a loving wife.

So why can’t I make this happen?
Why don’t my dreams come true?
Why is the picture always fading?
And why can’t I change my view?

Why don’t things change no matter how I try?
And why do I constantly ask myself why?

I sit. l listen,
And try to hear all the music in my head.

A song; a feeling.
I need someone to understand what I’ve said.

When I’m being optimistic
I know I’ll be fine.
Asking why is realistic;
Knowing why, divine.

© 1987 (August 26)

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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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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,

The post These days will be gone. Will you go on? appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

What does it take to see the color of music? Well, take an old boom box, some music, paints, and an ultra slow motion camera, and you’ve got the ingredients for razzle dazzle. Check out this video:

Here’s the link to the colorful, slow-motion video in case that works better for you:

(https://youtu.be/5WKU7gG_ApU)

Yeah, I know that’s a multimedia way to illustrate the color of music.Because music doesn’t actually have a physical color. Neither do words. But words and music (and many other sounds) can paint the most beautiful, colorful pictures in your head.

50 years ago, when I was even younger than I am now, I carried a 19 cents Bic pen and a spiral notebook with me everywhere I went. Because I wanted to be prepared, at all times, to write down any and all poetry that worked its way to the right side of my brain.

For the first eight months of that year I lived in a small town, of about 1500 people, in Eastern Kansas. (life sure can circle back on itself, but more about that some other time)

Anyway…

I remember a drive out into the Kansas countryside one Spring day after a rain. I had decided to take in the damp, fresh air, and rural scenery to see what ideas might spring up (see what I did there?). And I figured I was prepared to talk about fast-moving streams. Or fertile, green fields of grass. Or even rainbows of wildflowers.

But, instead, I pulled over and stopped next to an old country fence. There was sort of wide spot in the road, and there was no traffic, because, well, as I said, it was rural Kansas. And I rolled down the window and sat there listening to nature. No city sounds. No hustle bustle urban sounds. Only the hustle bustle (wow, I think that’s the most times I’ve ever said hustle bustle in one paragraph…nope, I just added another one) of birds and bugs and breezes.

Then, I saw it.A drop of rain. At the very tip of a limb on young sapling. I wondered how the little drop could just hang on to that limb. Why didn’t it fall off? And then, a sun ray made its way into the little drop, and it started to shine out a tiny rainbow.

It was such a small, almost insignificant moment. But I knew I was the only person in the world who was ever gonna see that particular drop of rain on that particular limb. Yeah, I know that might not mean a darn thing to you. And you might even think it’s silly to place such emphasis on something that happens trillions of times every day.

But, even in the smallest things, I see ways to appreciate what a complex, yet simple, world God created for us. And, being a poet, it brings me great pleasure to write about as much of it as possible.

So, on that Kansas spring day, all those years ago, I thought about the color of music as I wrote…

GlistenIf you could listen to a glisten,
What do you think you would hear?
I think the sound that would be found
Would ring out sparkling clear.

Glisten is the happy sound of happy children
In their happy worlds.
What a joy to enjoy when curled-up glistens
Are uncurled.
Make for me a glisten I can hold inside my hand.
I could carry it with me, and
I wouldn’t need a band.

This is but a moment in our lifetime.
I’m a word and you’re a word, and we rhyme.
If we glisten along our paths,
Our paths will glisten too,
And if you glisten for me,
I know I’ll glisten for you.

© 1974

Now, why waste time going 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

Stay tuned,

The post Color of music there was anything but rare 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.

They’re not scary when you use even a little of the wisdom and discernment your Creator is willing to give you. I’m talking about health headlines. But if you read them without wisdom and discernment, as if they’re actually full-blown facts, you might start feeling like calling up the suicide hotline.

Because the vast majority of news sources would prefer you to stay locked down, inside your house, and in front of your computer or TV with fear in your heart. Of course, I could just be a conspiracy nut. And, in that case, skip the rest of this raving rant. Save yourself some more time for the fear news.

But check out these health headlines from today 1/4/2024 before you go:* FDA probes side effects of weight-loss drugs * Possible Ozempic side effects including hair loss and suicidal thoughts probed by FDA * FDA examining side effect reports with Lilly, Novo obesity drugs * Highly contagious measles exposures in Philadelphia announced in unvaccinated residents * Flu misery, COVID on the rise due to lack of vaccination * ‘Take prevention seriously’: SC urges caution as respiratory illness remain high * SC flu cases, COVID-19 hospitalizations on the rise following holiday season * As flu cases spike, local hospital adjusts visiting policies

For 50 years I’ve been writing and talking about how this kind of world could and would happen. At first it was innocuous “laws” and policies to simply “provide protection” from accidents. You know. Helmets for motorcycles. And seatbelts for cars. I’m not against those, by the way. But the “laws?” Not so much.

I’m not gonna bore you with some decades long timetable. Because all that data probably wouldn’t change 1 mind out of 10. Probably wouldn’t turn 1 person’s heart, out of 10, toward their Maker.

I CAN tell you the news isn’t likely to get better any time soon.And that includes health headlines, business headlines, and political headlines. So, I just recommend that you at least scan the headlines and bullet points on major news sites. And don’t be surprised when you see how similar, almost eerily similar, they are to each other. It all reminds me of the lyrics I wrote over 25 years ago. It was a song called Cliché. Here’s a verse…

We want to live in a fat-free environment, and
We want to make sure the ozone is intact.
And so we watch all those service commercials, and
It’s just so easy to sit back and react.
Is it just melodrama…for me to feel this way?
I wonder…is it just me?
Or does it all sound so cliché?
Does it sound that way? So cliché?

Cliché, and 12 other songs are included in my Do Right songbook journal. Get yourself a copy on Amazon today. It won’t build your immune system. But it might help you connect with the One who designed that system.

Stay tuned,

The post Health headlines today keep common sense away appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

None

I stumbled on this little blurb, this morning, as I did some research. It was about a fairly well-known book. And it said: “Might Is Right or The Survival of the Fittest” is a book by pseudonymous author Ragnar Redbeard, … Read the rest

The post Right is might when it’s really right appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

I remember two small wall hangings my Grandmother had above her stove in her kitchen. One said, “No matter where I serve my guests, it seems they like my kitchen best.” And the other one I like even better. It … Read the rest

The post Farther away from the maker of day appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

It’s Sunday morning. So, here’s an obvious question. What do you call it when spirits play ball with a walrus head? Oh wait. Nix that question. What I meant to ask was, what do you call it when supernatural maidens … Read the rest

The post Borealis ring is a fine-lookin’ thing appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

I hear people talking, a little bit more than they did before, about how important it is to stand for truth, justice, and the American way. And I certainly don’t disagree. But I wonder how many are willing to do … Read the rest

The post Stand for truth and don’t be uncouth appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

America has gone from one end of the spectrum to the other when it comes to what is revered. I was born into a country that, while it was already very messed up, still placed a high value on Christian … Read the rest

The post Sacred geometry and smoke and mirrored imagery appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

OK, this little roller coaster ride is gonna take some interesting twists and turns. Because I’m leading off with content from a meme. I’ve seen different versions of it making the rounds. And the gist of it is “They say … Read the rest

The post Question the science of your self reliance appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

The Rick Wakeman story is a total yawner. Yeah, he’s your typical rockstar. Six kids. Happy marriage. Healthy lifestyle. So, nothing to see here, folks. Keep it moving. Have you even ever heard of Rick Wakeman? Wouldn’t surprise me if … Read the rest

The post Rick Wakeman is awake, man appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

Sounds like the start of very interesting story. Welcome to my nightmare. If you’ve live enough decades, you might remember guys like Doctor Demento or Svengoolie. And they were entertaining. But not nearly as interesting as a boy named Sue. … Read the rest

The post Welcome to my nightmare. Now hold on right there. appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

Ritchie Grasso. Now, there’s a name you don’t hear every day. Well, unless you’re related to Ritchie or you went to school with him. Or you wrote songs with him. I didn’t. And my guess is, you didn’t either. But … Read the rest

The post Sweet Cherry Wine is not just another line appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

“of salty water or the sea; salty” That’s a dictionary definition of the word briny. If you’ve ever lived close to or by the ocean you’ve probably heard that word. This world is about 70% covered in seawater. So, I’m … Read the rest

The post This world is shiny and not really briny appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

The River. It’s a metaphor. And a comparison. And a guide. Or a guard. Or even an obstacle. But the River runs. And you can never catch it. So, walk by it. Sit next to it. Listen to its monologue … Read the rest

The post The river runs through what you will or won’t do appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

Even in this confused, convoluted, and discombobulated world you can seek and find your Creator. Not if you don’t want to, of course. Which is the preference for most of the world. But not for anybody who’s looking for the … Read the rest

The post Seek and find a peace-filled mind appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

Fires burn down beautiful places. Volcanoes erupt and destroy communities. Hurricanes blast entire cities. Tornadoes uproot even the heartiest of trees. Mudslides annihilate peaceful homes that were minding their own business. And through it all the Earth remains. Yeah, the … Read the rest

The post The Earth remains and the fool complains appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

There’s a hypocrisy paradigm that runs through the thread of human history. And it’s basically that those who either outright hate the very idea of God or those who deny His existence can only re-create what is good in their … Read the rest

The post Hypocrisy paradigm from those who trust the slime appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

Here’s some encouragement for the day. But it’s only for people who aren’t fools. People who understand the difference between delusion and reality. And if that direct and simple statement triggers a negative reaction in your head, you might be … Read the rest

The post Encouragement for the day is focused on the Way appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

Imagine yourself deep in thought. And your thoughts seem to transport you out of your body and into the air. Then, in the blink of an eye, you realize you’re sitting in a wifi café, in the middle of a … Read the rest

The post Deep in thought about what you ain’t got appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

Everything happens for a reason. Nothing happens by chance. It’s all part of God’s plan. And we’re here by design. So, obviously there are no accidents in God’s plan. I agree. We’re here by design. But I disagree, or at … Read the rest

The post Here by design, and that’s not just a line appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

If you’re a fan of these following songs, just remember, diversity and tolerance. Because I’m not a fan of Free Bird, Stairway to Heaven, The Chicken Dance, The Hokey Pokey, or The Electric Slide. And, in all my years as … Read the rest

The post Electric cars, rock guitars, and CEO’s on Mars appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

I wonder how many teenagers realize they’re walking, ticking timebombs. Have they seen the headline, “An Abortion Ban Made Them Teen Parents.” And do they know they could save themselves just by moving to another state? Because, for now, they … Read the rest

The post Abortion ban is certainly NOT in the can appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

Elgielene is visiting her sister this week. Because they’re gonna celebrate their birthdays (which are 2 days apart) together, along with a niece who’s birthday is the same as Elgielene’s. Normally, I wouldn’t bring it up. But yesterday two items … Read the rest

The post Not alone with a phone or heart of stone appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

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

The post Your safe place keeps the same pace appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

Back when people were way more superstitious, they made up multiple gods to worship. No, I’m not talking about yesterday. Or the 2020 elections. Even further back. Like in the “ancient times.” OK, I realize younger people might think that’s … Read the rest

The post Multiple gods and silly ways humans named the different days appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

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

The post Most important things still tug at certain strings appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

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

The post Rule number one? Well, it usually isn’t done. appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

I wrote a rhyme called Face to Face. And it talked about how glorious it’ll be when you see Jesus in person. It WILL be indescribably beautiful and wonderful. Believers will experience all of God’s love for eternity. I also … Read the rest

The post All of God’s love is not kept above appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

More chapters have been added to the climate change fairy tale. And you can expect more to come. Because the enemy of Truth is tireless in his attempts to pervert and subvert data. And they love to write the climate … Read the rest

The post Climate change fairy tale is such an easy sale appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

Here’s a quote that was included in a meme I saw being shared on social media this week. It said, “Do everything with a good heart and expect nothing in return, and you will never be disappointed.” Seems like a … Read the rest

The post A good heart is a poor place to start appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

There’s no such thing as actual transgender. Sure, you can make up words and apply whatever touchy feely definitions you devise in your own mind. But just saying it doesn’t make it true. You can identify. But it doesn’t change … Read the rest

The post No such thing as transgender and one day you’ll return to sender appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

You don’t have to look far to find a financial “guru” who has the solution to your retirement income problems. And they often say your future security depends on your present investments. But the future they talk about is chicken … Read the rest

The post Future security in spite of your iniquity appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

Well, it’s all over but the whinin’. Yeah, for all intents and purposes, July is done. And is it just me, or does it seem like there were more than a couple of hot days this month? Yeah, probably just … Read the rest

The post July is done, but this is still fun appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

Right now he knows if I (and many others like me) am a liar or not. And he found out you can take it to the limit and barely be started. Yeah, he fully knows the take it to the … Read the rest

The post Take it to the limit and you can’t just skim it appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

If you could carry around something invisible that could almost immediately transport you across the world, you’d do it. Right? Well, you’ve got something like that. And you have a way to access it almost anytime you like. Your phone … Read the rest

The post Something invisible inside that only you can hide appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

“It has a very hypnotic groove, a samba, which has a tremendous hypnotic power, rather like good dance music. It doesn’t speed up or slow down. It keeps this constant groove. Plus, the actual samba rhythm is a great one … Read the rest

The post Hypnotic groove, but what does it prove? appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

I’m the only byline author here on TonyFunderburk.com. And, of course, that makes sense since the website bears my name. In case you’re not familiar with journalism jargon, a byline is just a title of the article and who wrote … Read the rest

The post Byline author shares the reason why he cares appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

Happy Pioneer Day. And before you jump to the conclusion that I’m gonna share some Funderful insight about Brigham Young and his connection to Utah, let me assure you. Nothing could be further from that nonsense. Pioneer Day supposedly started … Read the rest

The post Pioneer day in a whole ‘nother way appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

Just plain pelican facts. That’s what they are. Don’t need to make it any more complicated than that. And they’re not dry, scientific bits of information. Far from it. Here’s what I’m talking about. And if you’re not interested in … Read the rest

The post Pelican facts in a couple of acts appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

Okie dokie, it’s long overdue. And I hope they pump up the Americana and build “a whole new world,” so to speak. Of course, I’m talking about the $2 billion American-themed amusement park and resort that’ll be in Oklahoma. I … Read the rest

The post Okie dokie, but will they go wokie? appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

OK, it’s in the Bible. So I believe it. John said, “God is love.” And he (and other apostles, too) also wrote of the many ways God loves us humans. Plus, all you gotta do, to know that’s true, is … Read the rest

The post God hates certain reprobates. There go the floodgates. appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

You had a lot of things to do today. Right? Of course. Everybody, who leads a normal life that requires sustenance, had a busy day. So, I won’t take a lot of your time. This is just a little nudge … Read the rest

The post To do today or not to do today appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

I’ll do it. Yeah, somebody’s gotta keep an eye on ’em. And make sure they’re not fallin’ into decay. Like so many other parts of this land of the less free and brave. And my trusty MacBook will serve as … Read the rest

The post Traveler journal entry from the highway signpost sentry appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

In a way, you could say that life requires the incrementalism approach. Because you’re not born knowing everything you’ll know or how to do everything you’ll do. And you don’t learn calculus and geometry in first grade. And you don’t … Read the rest

The post Incrementalism approach needs some reproach appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

Over 30 years ago I asked the question in a song I wrote on my brand new (at the time) keyboard. How long can it go on? And even though, now, I can listen to the digital keyboard version of … Read the rest

The post Ship of fools floats like the shakiest of boats appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

The responsibility role. It’s the part of a lifetime. But fewer and fewer people even audition. Maybe because the dialogue is too difficult. And maybe because it requires something else in scarce supply. Humility. And I’ll admit, I haven’t always … Read the rest

The post Responsibility role is good for your soul appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

I’ve talked about the Holland–Dozier–Holland songwriting and producing team before when I shared some info about The Supremes and their hit song, “I Hear A Symphony.” And they had another hit, 60 years ago this month, with the song, “Heat … Read the rest

The post Heat wave slave just can’t behave appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

Ok, all seriousness aside. My brain thinks in rhymes. Not 24 hours a day. But certainly every day. My wife will tell you about (or rather ask you to save her from) my daily rhymes. She’s been with me over … Read the rest

The post Daily rhymes for these troubled times appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

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

The post In the garden your mind shouldn’t be left behind appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

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

The post In charge or not there’s still a plot appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

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

The post Largest protest sign and some friends of mine appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

Time travel is real. Before I explain that assertion, I’ll say this. And I’ve said it before, and maybe I’ll say it again sometime. I’ve enjoyed a wide variety of time-travel themed movies and other shows. Because it’s fun to … Read the rest

The post Time travel is real if this direction has appeal appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

Do you know a kid with a vivid imagination? That’s kind of a loaded question. Because basically ALL kids have a vivid imagination. I know I sure did when I was a kid. Yeah, my world of make believe had … Read the rest

The post Castles in the air and who can take you there appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

I hope you get to enjoy an awesome fireworks display, this Independence Day 2023, wherever you live. And I hope you also enjoy the company of family and friends and good food and great fun. And I hope you’ll take … Read the rest

The post Independence Day 2023 and freedom still isn’t free appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

Most every young person has them. Well, I say that as someone who was once a young person who had them. But when I was a young person, the world didn’t seem nearly as hopeless. So, it wasn’t difficult to … Read the rest

The post Future dreams that fall apart at the seams appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

When you stand for something that’s not popular, or goes against the collective grain, it can be easy to think you’re all alone. Or that your influence isn’t enough. But, if that describes you, here’s a little inspiration to show … Read the rest

The post One person matters even when wisdom scatters appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

Poodle skirts. Roller skates. Hula hoops. What do they have in common? They were each the latest craze, at some point, back in the 1950’s. Then, you had The Twist, The Pony, and even the Monster Mash. Those were the … Read the rest

The post Distraction dance while you’re in a trance appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

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

The post Imagine no possessions or fake lyrical expressions appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

I know you’ve been there done this. Try to sit still and feign interest while the person across from you seems to ramble on and on into the apocalyptic future. And you wonder if you locked the door at home. … Read the rest

The post Ramble on and on until I start to yawn 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.

Well, you can call me Tony Splendorburk. Because I meet the criteria for that title. And it took me a long time to earn it. So I’m gonna own it. That means this post is gonna contain a lot of … Read the rest

The post Me me me. But this isn’t all about me. appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

Alabama is one of those states in the so-called Bible Belt. So, it might surprise you to hear that even in small towns, in Alabama, police have to deal with perverts. Yeah, even in public shopping areas. In broad daylight … Read the rest

The post Small towns share the frowns appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

What do these words have in common: abstruse, Delphic, incomprehensible, indecipherable, inexplicable, oracular, paradoxical, recondite, and unfathomable. According to the dictionary, they’re all synonyms of enigmatic. Sounds like I’m about to give a language lesson. But I’m not. This is … Read the rest

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You have a right to defend your livelihood. And this will come as a surprise to way too many people these days. But your right to do that doesn’t come from the government or the constitution. Nope. Rights don’t come … Read the rest

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Back in the day a rainbow was a rainbow. And, for a relatively small group of people, it also represented a promise from God; that He would never flood the earth again. I consider His promise to be proof of … Read the rest

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I’d like to make Monday great. So, I’m gonna talk about the wind. I believe it does what it does by design. Some might call that “bold talk for a one-eyed fat man.” But I have enough true grit to … Read the rest

The post Make Monday great. Don’t even hesitate. appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

Father’s Day 2023. Wow, can’t believe that I’ve seen 38 Father’s Days go by since the last one I was able to share with my own Dad. But I know he’s been with our Heavenly Father. And I know I’ll … Read the rest

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19000 days. Yes, that’s nineteen thousand days. And that’s a lotta days. But I didn’t just pick a number off the top of my head. No, it’s the approximate number of days I’ve written poetry. Some might say that’s a … Read the rest

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I’ve talked about it before. But something popped up, online, this morning, that brought back a good and sad memory. And it’s about sticks. But not just any kind. I’m talkin’ about Pick Up Sticks. A game that used to … Read the rest

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Tucson, Arizona. Central New Mexico. Music. Moonlight. Dan Fogelberg. Storytelling. All parts of “the road” from a long time ago. And, early this morning, I thought about an incredible, singular experience I had during a full moon drive. Strangely enough, … Read the rest

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Love, peace, and music. I wish those for you. And now, let’s get down to business. No, I’m not smokin’ any halo tobacco. It doesn’t take a dope-smokin’, long-haired, hippy freak to talk about the finer parts of life. And, … Read the rest

The post Benefits of Christian music and hope for my forever land appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

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

The post Why is Christian music so bad? This doesn’t make me glad. appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

“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

The post Defensive positions and weak suppositions appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

Even if this video I’m sharing with you didn’t have subtitles, I’m sure you’d pick up on the powerful love this Thai woman has for her family. Keep in mind, this video is a commercial. From a lingerie company. Yeah, … Read the rest

The post Thai woman’s love goes so far above appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

Today, I found out, once again, how fragile the hearts and minds of most people are. And it happened with some censored words. And, just in case you think Elon Musk is one of the good guys because he allowed … Read the rest

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How much grass have you eaten lately. NO, I didn’t ask how much you smoked, you knucklehead. And I’m not an advocate of grazing out in your yard. But I bring it up because there are apparently some chlorophyll benefits … Read the rest

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It’s an event where business owners and entrepreneurs go to “spot trends, build partnerships, or secure brand rights for your products.” It’s the Licensing Expo. And it was held in Las Vegas this year. A 60 year old woman, you … Read the rest

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It’s crazy weird. But most people still believe there are some people qualified to “make law.” And nothing could be further from the truth. I have a quirky, murky sign of a turkey who illustrates what I mean. And it … Read the rest

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I just want you to know I’m wishing you all the best today. Because I know you’re going through a lot. And I know it can sometimes feel like you’re being tested every day. So, yeah. I’m wishing you all … 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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If I talked to carnations, or lilacs, or even lilies of the valley (and I don’t, in spite of what you might’ve heard), I’d probably say something clever like, “You must’ve been scent from above.” And that’s because there’s nothing … 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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I just read a short article about a Milky Way black hole problem. And you’d better brace yourself. Because this is a serious problem. Here’s a snippet from that article: “A black hole with millions of times more mass than … Read the rest

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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.

I hope you haven’t fallen into the SNAP trap. Because it’s obviously difficult to impossible to escape. And just imagine the horror you’d face without the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. Brought to you by your most benevolent and trustworthy government. … Read the rest

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Low self-esteem. Negative body image. Even suicide. This world is chock full o’ nuts. Oh wait. That’s coffee. Must’ve gotten distracted by the aroma emanating from the cup on my desk. Seriously, there are countless numbers of people dealing with … Read the rest

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“There are things that we’re not going to understand along the way. You have to trust that God knows what He’s doing and working out His plan for your life. His plan is bigger. His plan is greater.” OK, that … 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.

Right up front, I gotta say it. And I know this is anathema to the enlightened, evolutionary worldview. But here it is. There’s no such thing as fossil fuel. Bam! I just attacked the whole fossils evolution connection. And, no, … Read the rest

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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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You’ve probably seen one of those movies or TV shows where tough guys (and these days “tough girls”) compare their war wounds. I just saw another one of those comparisons on a rerun of a show I really liked back … Read the rest

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I first shared this ten years ago. But it’s evergreen content (as they say in the online marketing world). So, this is just as true for Mother’s Day 2023 as it has been for every Mother’s Day. Elgielene and I … Read the rest

The post Mother’s Day 2023 just between you and me 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

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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...

The post Beach sounds on different grounds appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

There’s no shortage of animal stories all over social media. Video clips of furry creatures doing all sorts of cute and even compassionate-looking things. And when I say “all over social media,” I mean all over. Even a so-called business-focused … Read the rest

The post Animal stories can be cute. But humans are still mute. appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

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.

Here’s one way to turn somebody else’s heartbreak and misery into a tidy profit. Many years ago a man found himself too lonely to go on. In fact, he wrote a suicide note saying “I walk a lonely street”. Then, … Read the rest

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Warning. Blatant and obvious bias just ahead. I’m a musician. And I’m gonna share information with you that emphasizes the powerful, therapeutic advantages of music. So, you might feel yourself being drawn toward buying some of my music. And I … Read the rest

The post Obvious bias anytime you hear “try us.” 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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Whew! We almost didn’t get our May Day tree up in time. And it took some time, but we managed to get the May Day lights out of the storage space above the garage without injury. So, here we are. … 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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Gnats. Flies. If you’re like most people, just the mention of those little buggers is annoying. Because that’s what they are. Annoying. And the reason I brought ’em up is because of my eyeglasses. Not because gnats and flies are … 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’ve seen and heard so many wackadoos talk about the “trans community” as if the rest of the world is supposed to accept them as a “normal” thing. Or they call on each other to stand up for the “trans … Read the rest

The post Trans community with complete impunity appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

You ALWAYS have a third choice. Despite what 99% of movies, TV shows, and songs would have you believe, you do. When you’re told you only have two choices, take a little time to think that through. Very often, the … Read the rest

The post Third choice and your voice is a Rolls Royce appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

The history of Play Dough (also known as Play Doh) is interesting. Because it actually started out as a product to help people clean the wallpaper in their homes. Wait. Play Dough cleaned walls? Huh? Yeah, a guy named Cleo … Read the rest

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When I mention the phrase, lovers and friends, your reaction might be influenced by your age. For example, a younger generation might think of a music festival that features “nostalgic hip-hop and R&B.” And an older generation might remember lyrics … Read the rest

The post Lovers and friends and how the truth mends appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

They happen to the rich and poor, the beautiful and ugly. And to the short and tall, the fat and thin. Even the old AND young. I’m talking about issues of the day. Trouble is, most of America prefers to … Read the rest

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Imagine you’re a 5 year old girl. No, you’re NOT a trans freak 5 year old girl. An actual 5 year old girl. And imagine a doctor tells your parents you have sickle-cell anemia. Then, by age 11, you get … Read the rest

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When I was a kid, I lived part-time in Texas and part-time in Kansas. And my time in Texas was city life while my time in Kansas was in a rural town of about 1500 people. But because America’s states … Read the rest

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Seems strange to think. But that’s how old my Dad would be, today, if he was still around to celebrate his birthday here on Earth. But if birthdays are still celebrated in Heaven, that’s where he has celebrated the … 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

The post Rant and rave and misbehave appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

I’ve known, for a long time, at least somewhere way down inside my soul, that there really aren’t any good guys. But that’s because I discovered the ongoing double standard for what makes a good guy. For example, there’s the … Read the rest

The post Inside my soul this can make me whole appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

Many years ago I called on singer-songwriters, particularly those who call themselves Christians, to embrace the sanctity of life from the womb to the tomb. And, sadly, that idea didn’t catch on all that well. Evidently pro life ideas don’t … Read the rest

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Poetry in motion. “She blinded me with science.” And I’m about to dazzle you with distraction. Yeah, I figure I can mix the magic, media, and metaphors and still be back at the kitchen table in time for breakfast. Kids, … Read the rest

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If you’re old enough to remember back to the 60’s, or maybe even 50’s, you know full well that life is short. Right? I mean, how could it already have been this many years since then? If your memory goes … Read the rest

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Morning, afternoon, and evening salutations. And hope you have/had a wonderful Germanic god of the sky and war day. Yep, here we are on Tiu’s day again (the aforementioned god of the sky and war dude). It’s around 4 o’clock, … Read the rest

The post Tuesday morning sky and a warmongering guy appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

The number 8 is said to represent new beginnings. And I could share some interesting Bible stuff to emphasize how that could be true. But YOU might be somebody who isn’t impressed with “Bible stuff,” even when there’s some mighty … Read the rest

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If you’re an avid reader or movie watcher, you’ve probably heard of the six basic plots of all stories. An article I read described them and mentioned which ones are the most popular. It said there are “six core trajectories … Read the rest

The post Six basic plots give us lots and lots appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

For several years I’ve shared this song on Independence Day (July 4). But I believe it’s even more appropriate for the holiday (HolyDay) Christians, around the world, are about to share. A day that marks what one tortured soul endured … Read the rest

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I was born in Colorado. And my parents moved away, when I was still very young, because my dad was in the Air Force. But also because they preferred other places. When I grew up and visited Colorado, I couldn’t … Read the rest

The post Dew drops and dawn and some days long gone appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

I love how I can charge up my mobile devices and take them with me and use them for hours without even plugging in. Because it would be awful if I had to take a gas-powered generator with me everywhere. … Read the rest

The post Crude oil advantages with no ego bandages appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

Oh yeah. You better believe I’m gettin’ my fair share. And I don’t care how many rich people have to ante up till I get it. Because I’m an American. And I want my piece of the American dream. I … Read the rest

The post My fair share is over there appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

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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I worked in a disco. Yep. It’s true. I was a bartender. And I also worked as what they called a “floorwalker.” That was one of the guys who (you guess it) walked around the floor to make sure they … Read the rest

The post Better off dead. Is that what he said? appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

It’s the story of a lilypad, lake, a frog, and a snake. And it shows how what you think about yourself isn’t necessarily what anyone (or everyone) else thinks about you. This lilypad lake story starts out like this: So, … Read the rest

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

The post Dream town is off the map until you take a nap appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

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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Huey shared the news back in the 80’s. Jennifer Rush wrote about it back in 1984. And Céline Dion repeated Jennifer’s message in 1994. That message was about the power of love. And people evidently were open to the idea. … Read the rest

The post Power of love is a serious thing. It makes angels sing. appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

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

The post Make up stuff if you’re foolish enough appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

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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T shirt ideas have consequences. Especially if “people are offended” by what the shirt says. And I mention this because of a video someone shared on a social media channel. The short description, for the video, said, “I automatically assumed … Read the rest

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Do you feel like you live in a mighty strange world. If you believe this world, and all living things, were created instead of manipulated by chance, you probably do. At least I hope so. I do. This is a … Read the rest

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Today, America is a messed up vision. A shadow of its former somewhat shadowy self. Because right and wrong is a concept blurred by propaganda. And good and bad are now in the “eye of the beholder.” So, those who … Read the rest

The post Messed up vision headed for collision appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

My wife became a certified health coach several years ago. And one of the key things her instructor mentioned, that hit home with me, was that self care is the best healthcare. There’s a ton of rhyme and reason to … Read the rest

The post Self care is the best. Don’t be like all the rest. appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

Favor and grace sound favorable and gracious to me. But maybe I’m just being too literal. And maybe those words aren’t conducive to your ability, or willingness, to sharing information about eternity. And maybe I should clarify why I’m bringing … 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.

One hundred and nineteen years ago, today, at approximately 10:35 in the morning, a couple of guys became household names. Well, it didn’t actually happen immediately. But once they did what they did, they were never gonna be forgotten. Because … Read the rest

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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.

The most serious issue facing our nation and the world isn’t fiscal. It’s physical. And it isn’t gun control or rock-n-roll. It’s mind control and your very soul. The most serious issue this world faces starts in the heart (which … Read the rest

The post Optimistic voice for the only PRO choice appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

You fell for it. And you did what had to be done. “They” said it’s YOUR choice. And you certainly made it. So, after you fall for a choice, like this, what’s left? Well, a glorious life filled with endless … Read the rest

The post After you fall, is that truly all? appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

God made trees. Sure, I’m stating the obvious. But the obvious isn’t so obvious to the oblivious. So, even if you don’t believe the Bible, I have poetic proof of God’s hand in the creation of trees. First, did you … Read the rest

The post God made trees that sway in the breeze appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

Today is particularly appropriate to share something I wrote 9 years ago about the gift of life. And I’m not sure who needs to read or hear this. But if it’s you, let me know so we can be glad … Read the rest

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A long, catchy melody line is a thing of beauty. And, for the most part, it’s a thing of the past. Pop music, in almost every genre, tends to seek out a vowel and repeat it over and over these … Read the rest

The post Melody line is a favorite of mine 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

The post Grass fed process and what we can access appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

Maybe you already know that Kenny Loggins has a brother named Danny. And if you do, then you probably already know that Kenny wrote “Danny’s Song” for his brother as a gift for the birth of his brother’s son. And … Read the rest

The post In the morning, when I rise and the sun shines in my eyes appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

It would be a bit of a stretch to say I can see very well. At least, without my glasses, it would be a stretch. And even though I’m more vision-challenged now than when I was younger, my eyesight was … Read the rest

The post I can see very well this story I’m gonna tell appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

Way, way back in time, Elgielene put some kinetic energy on my wrist. And that’s my poet brain way of saying she bought me a Seiko Kinetic watch. If you’ve never seen one or had one, check ’em out. They’re … Read the rest

The post Kinetic energy on my wrist and how long I will exist appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

The famous northern lights show up at high latitudes around the world. It’s especially to see them near the Arctic Circle, in Alaska, Canada, Greenland, and Norway. But they can also be seen as far south as northern Idaho. One … Read the rest

The post Northern lights are beautiful sights on cold dark nights appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

I’m suffering from depression. Right now. Exactly at the moment I’m typing these words. If you’ve followed my posts or podcast episodes, you might think I’d never be one of those people who deals with depression disorders. But here it … Read the rest

The post Depression disorders with no video recorders appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

Nikola Tesla was a fascinating character. And he was a great example of how great ideas started out with dreams. Like, have you ever heard how he had a dream to harness the power of Niagara Falls? I’ve been to … Read the rest

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Got some health challenges? Or other physical obstacles? How about emotional or relational problems? And let’s not forget your mental well-being. Have you discovered you’re not as young as you used to be? And wouldn’t you like to know why … Read the rest

The post You did it. So just admit it. appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

I know that you know that words can be deceiving. When I was a kid, we had a rhyme to thwart something somebody might say about us. It went like this: “Sticks and stones might break my bones, but words … Read the rest

The post Words can be deceiving. What are you receiving? appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

They’re everywhere. In almost every household. Certainly in every politician’s office. And in the heads of most every kind of person there is. From young graduates to old tyrants. Big plans. For good. And not so good. And downright evil. … Read the rest

The post Big plans and dreams against darker schemes appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

How about this expression? “The bad apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.” You’ve heard that, right? Hmm, maybe that’s acorn. Or lemon. Doesn’t matter. The point’s the same. But there’s another expression, too. “One bad apple don’t spoil the … Read the rest

The post Bad apple, good fruit. And a great reward to boot. appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

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.

According to search engine “suggestions,” a very popular search term is “Kanye West net worth.” And sadly, for the hip-hop rapper, it’s way less than it was. Poor dude is only worth about $400 million now. But don’t worry. Because … Read the rest

The post Kanye West net worth is blank without new birth appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

It’s not a new cop show. Nope. The Grace and Glory I’m talkin’ about is found in the one story that makes ALL history possible. And this is true whether you believe in the God of the Bible or not. … Read the rest

The post Grace and glory in a singular story appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

Real, and true, inalienable rights come from God. And all those so-called “laws” that so-called “lawmakers” make, almost daily? Well, they’re childish gibberish hung from a foolish wish. And they’re subject to subjectivism and/or the whims of a so-called “organic” … Read the rest

The post Rights come from God. And that logic’s not flawed. appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

So. You grew up, left your parents’ house, and went out on your own. Great. You’re not a kid anymore. And that’s exactly as it should be. What’s that? You still have to deal with your inner child? Well, here’s … Read the rest

The post Inner child living in your head? Kick him or her out instead. appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

Ringtones for phones are still a $2.1 billion bidness. According to one website I found that talks about such things. In 2005, ringtones outsold CD’s. Yeah, I know that’s no big deal now because who cares about CD’s anyway? Right? … Read the rest

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I’ve enjoyed Dr. Seuss books since I was a kid. In fact, I’m sure his rhythmic and whimsical writing inspired many of my writings for kids. And I’ll even admit that in a court of law if needed. But that … Read the rest

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From here to Timbuktu. You’ve heard that expression or something like it. Right? Well, I’m not gonna give you a history lesson on where the expression originated or if it’s even a real place. But it DID inspire a toy … Read the rest

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Throw away your daytimer (does anybody have one of those anymore?). Toss out your to-do lists, your notes to self, your calendar apps, and your reminders. Because everything has already been painstakingly planned out for you. You just need to … Read the rest

The post God does not lie. Do you and I? appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

Imagine, for a moment, that you’ve set up a move in day for your nice, new house. Or apartment. Condo. Doesn’t matter. It’s just about perfect. It has precision appliances, digital climate control, two car garage. And basically all the … Read the rest

The post Move in day starts with “No way!” appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

A social media friend of mine shares some amazing photography. The colors are often so brilliant and high resolution they almost jump off the screen and directly into my brain. Lately (for obvious reasons) many of the pics are focused … Read the rest

The post Nestled in Nature in this nomenclature 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

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Let’s see. There was one bassist. Three cellists. Three violinists. And one pianist. Yeah, that about covers it. An eight-piece ensemble that started out, in second class, as a three-piece ensemble and a five-piece ensemble. Second class were their accommodations. … Read the rest

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95 years ago, today, October 6, a quirky little guy said, “”Wait a minute, wait a minute, you ain’t heard nothing yet.” And the crowd went wild. You probably already know I’m talking about Al Jolson. And you probably already … Read the rest

The post Wait a minute, wait a minute, there’s something new in it. appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

Just like yours and mine, the unborn baby heart rate is improved with good breathing. At least that’s true if you can believe scientific observations. Sure, it sounds like crazy talk. But scientific observations, based on the obvious observations and … Read the rest

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Hey, you know what would be a lotta fun? Let’s talk about the evolution of music. Are you with me? But let’s don’t do it in my boring musician way. Let’s start with a discussion about it I found on … Read the rest

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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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I’m happy to celebrate when a church moves in the direction of rightly dividing the word of truth. But you almost never see that anymore. In fact, most establishments calling themselves churches move in the opposite direction. Sometimes the move … Read the rest

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It’s unimaginably cool. But you and I actually have the breath of life from God in us. Uh-oh. I’ve already given you the clue that’ll probably make sure you get an A+ on this pop quiz I’ve got for you. … Read the rest

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You’ve been a person your whole life. If you’ve lived a few (or several) decades, hopefully you’re getting pretty good at being a person. Yeah, it’s an ongoing struggle. But somebody’s gotta do it. Right? But let’s begin at the … Read the rest

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Imagine if you could breathe underwater. Just think of the places you could go. How do fish breathe underwater? Well, they actually have a wonderfully designed system of gills that capture the oxygen from the water as it passes through. … Read the rest

The post Fish breathe underwater. But you and I shouldn’t oughter. appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

Music is an aural expression of life. From babies in the womb to the silver-haired citizens, music is an amazingly comforting language. I’ve shared a lot of information about the health benefits of music and sound. But it doesn’t benefit … Read the rest

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Hypnopompic hallucinations. No, there are no drugs involved. You might have experienced them, even if you’ve never heard of ’em. Because they can occur in that transitional time between sleep and fully waking up. And they don’t have to include … Read the rest

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I read (and thoroughly enjoyed) this quote from a page full of so-called “stupidity quotes.” It’s from the English author and humorist, P.G. Wodehouse, who lived from 1881 to 1975. And he wrote, “He had just about enough intelligence to open … Read the rest

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There’s nothing like roses to remember what’s important. And what’s important? Truly important. Everlastingly important. I’ll give you a hint in this link. It’s the last word in the sentence. I’ve mentioned, before, how I was a singer songwriter in … Read the rest

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Can you think up a song of joy to sing or whistle or hum when things don’t go well? Do you look up and keep your eyes on the Prize even on the bad days? Or do you let your … Read the rest

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I just watched a video about wolves re-introduced into Yellowstone (The park. Not the show.) And the video producers showed how much those wolves changed the ecosystem. Yes, nature is amazing. And connected. But here’s how the person who shared … Read the rest

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Ask yourself this question right now. “Am I doing right now?” Pardon me? What’d you say? You think it doesn’t sound like a question. Oops. You’re kinda right. I forgot one little swoop of punctuation. I meant to say, ask … Read the rest

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Dreamers are waiting for good things to happen that might never happen. Because the world, as we know it, could end at any moment. So, keep this in mind. You’re a wonderful design, a unique creation of God. And you’re … Read the rest

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It was rainy day in Colorado. Just about this time of year, it was a cool mid-spring rain. But then the sun came out. And you should’ve seen the vivid full spectrum rainbow that popped out. That happens a lot … Read the rest

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For those who are loved and appreciated, mothers live on far past their time here on Earth. Today, May 8, 2022, marks the second Mother’s Day without my own mom to call. She died about 90 days before last year’s … Read the rest

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This might be breaking news to some. But there are differences in opinions for why you can see fossil gaps in the strata around the world. Yeah, I’m not sure why someone would disagree with the idea that those gaps … Read the rest

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I know this may tarnish my image as a world-class cool singer songwriter forever, but I’ll say it anyway… I’m not cool at all. Because I’ve never done “recreational” drugs. Not even pot. See? Not cool at all. Right? Yeah, … Read the rest

The post Not cool at all since I got the call appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

Joel Osteen is a fool. He’s not the only fool. Not by a long shot. But he’s one of the biggest. Because he’s in charge of one of the biggest churches in America. And he’s telling (translate that to selling) … Read the rest

The post Best life now, the deceptive sacred cow appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

In your own mind, do you think you can truly understand the universe? And I mean all its vastness, emptiness, and mysteries? I don’t believe you can. Because, in your own mind, there’s a tendency toward imagination. Imagination is great. … Read the rest

The post In your own mind you’ll just fall behind appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

Love is greater than the stupid hater. And I need to clarify that assertion. Because I’m not saying that everyone who hates is stupid. At least, not all the time. And I still need to clarify. Because this whole “hate … Read the rest

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I read an article on LinkedIn that was so incredibly stupid. And part of the stupidity is how the article was high in the feed of a platform (supposedly) focused on business. Why was the article stupid? Because it glorified … Read the rest

The post Black men – white men is right when? appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

Who needs a father figure these days? Nobody. Right? We’ve got social media. And celebrities who know what’s best for you and your kids. Yeah, right. As if. About 10 years ago I wrote about a father figure TV show. … Read the rest

The post Father figure passes test because he DOES know best appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

I have some very straightforward opinions on how our world, and galaxy, and universe came to be. I make no secrets about it. If you’ve read my articles much at all, you’ll know I’m a young earth creationist. I have … Read the rest

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News alert! Equality is a myth. You and I are not equal. And no one else is your equal either. Or mine. And we will never be equal. NEVER. And that’s not a bad thing. I’ve worked a lot of … Read the rest

The post Equality is a myth. Yes, it certainly ith. appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

In all my years as a singer songwriter I’ve maintained a general sense of optimism. And I believe you could ask anyone who knows me, and they’d say I definitely love life. But, I wonder why so many singer songwriters … Read the rest

The post Love life is dead for the empty head appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

I got into a discussion, which quickly degraded into something I hadn’t seen coming. And it was a talk with someone I didn’t think would take things in such a negative direction. I won’t go into those details right now. … Read the rest

The post Absolute Truth test leaves people distressed appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

Contemporary schmontemporary Christian music. Most of it could easily be mistaken for another “Top 40 love song.” And most of it is unmanly, to say the least. And real men, in church, won’t sing along with a wimpy song. So, … Read the rest

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“For you put up with fools gladly, since you yourselves are wise! For you put up with it if one brings you into bondage, if one devours you, if one takes from you, if one exalts himself, if one strikes … Read the rest

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Maewyn Succat (and I’m not sure how you pronounce that name) marched to the beat of a different drum. To say the least. His life reads like the script to a Hollywood movie. I’ll call it “Welcome to Drumbeat Island.” … Read the rest

The post Drumbeat Island in my brain and my hand appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

When it comes to living a full life, you gotta believe in something. And you gotta begin to live it. And keep going. Of course, you can also simply give up. That’s always an option, too. When you keep going … Read the rest

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The very first six days of creation existed, first, in the mind and imagination of God. And you can find reasons, all around this beautiful blue planet, to be amazed. From the sea creatures to birds to dinosaurs to man … Read the rest

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The Very First 6 Days

I wanna talk about a brilliant bond of perfection. But first, this. Elgielene likes to watch cornball Hallmark movies. Not because they’re great. But because they’re basically free from dirty stuff. And occasionally I watch one with her. Because I … Read the rest

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Do you wish for more money? More power? And more things? Well, be careful. Because what you wish for might not actually BE more. And I’m not superstitious, but your wish might come true. This is why it’s important to … Read the rest

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Imagine if you had the same kind of underwater “gear” as gills in fish. And imagine how much easier it would be to explore the waters on your next beach vacation. Or what you could find in local lakes and … Read the rest

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Are you on the edge of a cliff in your life right now? I’ll bet you’re not reading this on the edge of a cliff… Not literally anyway. But do you get the sense you’re on the edge of disaster? … Read the rest

The post Edge of a cliff is a question of if appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

According to search engines, a significant amount of people look for a brainpower definition online. And the online Merriam-Webster dictionary defines brainpower like this: 1. intellectual ability 2. people with developed intellectual ability Yeah, I’d say that’s pretty … Read the rest

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I know people (too many, in fact) who never have nothing to say. Evidently they’ve never heard of a guy named Sol who talked about not talking too much. That being said, it’s still good to have something important to … Read the rest

The post Nothing to say, the words vanished away appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

I just read where Paul McCartney was fined £100 ($170) because he planted cannabis seeds and grew cannabis on his farm in Campbeltown, Scotland. That happened 49 years ago today, March 7. His “excuse” was that he got the seeds from … Read the rest

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Your day didn’t go like you planned or wanted. Your hopes and dreams for a better tomorrow were dashed against the rocks. And you don’t see anyone living up to your expectations. But why you gotta be like that? I’m … Read the rest

The post Your expectations don’t trump their sensations appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

When you peer deep into the world of microscopic life, it almost looks like science fiction. But it’s definitely non-fiction. And the story, of life, going on down there, was written by a brilliant author. Yes, there IS a story … Read the rest

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Is it too much trouble to ask politicians to just shut up and stop tryin’ to fix things that ain’t broke? Yeah, some of my Texas slang grammar is rearin’ up. But dagnabit, I’m serious. Can’t they just shut up?! And … Read the rest

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I watched a video, yesterday, of a couple who were enjoying a walk through Clifton, Colorado. It’s more or less an extension of Grand Junction. And it sits between that city and Palisade, Colorado. (side note: if you’ve never had … Read the rest

The post Colorado River run – skip the ride, enjoy the fun appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

According to one source I just read, it’s officially 50 years ago, today, since Elton John released Rocket Man. And I remember playing the album, Honky Chateau, over and over on one of my drives from Kansas to Texas. That … Read the rest

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When the going gets tough…you know the rest. Right? Yeah, the tough are nowhere to be found. Just kidding (mostly). When the going gets tough, the tough get going. Once upon a time there was this world. And it was … Read the rest

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1975 was a very good year for The Eagles. Matter of fact, on this date, March 1, of that year, their song “Best of My Love became the first of five hit songs off their “On The Border” album. And … Read the rest

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A river runs through it. Connect the dots. The ties that bind. And it’s a small world. However you wanna say it, there are so many interweaving threads in human life. I’d like to share a bluer than blue story … Read the rest

The post Bluer than blue should not be for you appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

I’m not a fan of Ukraine. Or any other country in the world, at this time, for that matter. But I read a short article about how Ukrainian music is being used to pump up the people. And I listened … Read the rest

The post Ukrainian music for protest. Is that what works best? appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

You know what I’d like to see? Everybody has to work for free and everything is free. Wouldn’t that solve a lot of problems? Or maybe all of them? Or should it be just the goofy singer songwriters and other artists … Read the rest

The post Work for free and let’s wait and see appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

Let’s say, for the sake of argument (<< figure of speech), that you feel like the whole world is closing in on you. And let’s say that you listen to and watch “news,” but the more you see and hear, … Read the rest

The post Cast down but not destroyed leaves me overjoyed appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

Some people think there are many mysteries of life. Those people never seem to find satisfactory answers to their burning questions. I have. And it brings me everlasting comfort. Maybe you think talk about everlasting comfort is just wishful thinking. … Read the rest

The post Everlasting comfort found where your soul could sure abound appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

OK, here’s my one step plan to a longer, richer life. Ready? Got a pen and paper or computer handy? Here goes. Love God and live longer. Whew! Are you tuckered out? Yeah, I know…it’s a pretty grueling regimen. But … Read the rest

The post One step plan to be a new man appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

World peace doesn’t happen because of touchy feely laws. History proves this over and over again. It doesn’t happen by taking away a person’s right to self protection. It doesn’t happen because somebody imprisons all those who disagree. And it … Read the rest

The post Touchy feely laws will never cure the cause appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

In case you don’t know, or don’t remember, Frank Sinatra sang a song called “My Way.” That song starts with this line: “And now, the end is near and so I face the final curtain.” I’ll bet, when Frank sang … Read the rest

The post My way or the High Way? appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

On February 17, 2000 there was an auction for John Lennon’s Steinway piano. But it wasn’t just a Steinway. It was also the one he used to compose his song, “Imagine.” That vacuous, ridiculous, and delusional dive into nothingness. I think … Read the rest

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Pssst…hey you. Yeah, you. C’mere. I got some valuable information…a code…and I need someone I can trust with it just in case I’m not around to get it into the right hands. Yeah, some earth-shattering things might happen real soon. … Read the rest

The post Valuable information and it’s quite a revelation appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

Wow. I found this description of a waning crescent moon on a university website. “John the Baptist is sometimes connected with the waning moon (Baptisry of Östr Hoby, Sweden, 12c) to explicate his role as the last prophet of the … Read the rest

The post Waning crescent moon in a simple little tune appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

I love a samba beat with soft nylon-stringed guitar and congas and smooth bass lines. And I deeply appreciate when a singer/songwriter focuses more intently on vocal performance and recording than just about anything else. So, I certainly tuned into … Read the rest

The post No valentines between the lines appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

Lay Lady Lay? Are you kidding me? Bob Dylan is one of those people who was very fortunate to have been born in America. (psst…I am, too. But for much different reasons) Because with that voice, and some of those … Read the rest

The post Lay Lady Lay should have just gone away appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

(Dateline: February 12, 2022) OK, I’m gonna share a little circular vs linear logic with you. And to illustrate (sort of) the point, let’s travel back in time, almost 30 years, to the release of “The Lion King.” Stay with … Read the rest

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She was born in the late 1930’s. A time when America was in the worst depression it had ever seen (at least up to that point). And she witnessed a lot of changes in the American life during her lifetime. … Read the rest

The post One year ago today she went another way appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

I’m not sure I would have left my love for the drums if he hadn’t existed. Because, I’ve always really loved playing the drums. But then I heard some catchy hit songs on the radio. And then my brother gave … Read the rest

The post Different drum comes from a piano bum appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

Dangerous times are bad enough. But dangerous times with no moral compass are exponentially worse. Even though my wife and I never had kids we’ve always loved them. And we always get a kick out of their imaginative outlook on … Read the rest

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They say if you wanna make meaningful connections, understanding is the key. And I agree. But then again, I disagree. Understanding is a word that can have an almost identical meaning as either a noun or an adjective. Most people … Read the rest

The post Understanding is the key after something else. You’ll see. appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

I didn’t decide to call my blog and podcast Rhyme and Reason just because I thought it sounded cool. It’s because those words represent what I call the poetic style of God. And God’s poetic style can be found all … Read the rest

The post Poetic style of God leaves real truth seekers awed appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

In the Beginning: Compelling Evidence for Creation and the Flood (8th Edition)

If you’ve followed my articles and/or listened to my podcast episodes for a while, you might be surprised at some of the songs you’d find on my like list. And a great example of this would be “Dead Man’s Party” … Read the rest

The post Like list includes some different attitudes appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

If you love butterflies (and you should), you’ve probably heard of the amazing annual Monarch butterfly migration. 3000 miles those tiny, fragile wings have to flutter. And how and why do they do it? Is that Monarch butterfly migration just … Read the rest

The post Monarch butterfly migration is a designed sensation appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

As I write this, today’s date is February 4, 2022. So, that means it has been exactly 39 years since Karen Carpenter died. And that might not mean anything to younger readers and listeners. But she was considered one of … Read the rest

The post Karen Carpenter died with a broken heart inside appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

I don’t know how many times I’ve heard this. But it’s a lot. Someone gives a presentation and says there’ll be time for Q&A at the end. Then they say something like, “And remember…there are no stupid questions.” But there … Read the rest

The post Stupid questions DO exist and here’s the gist appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

When I lived in Pasadena, Texas, there was a levee my friends and I would drive to and throw frisbees and listen to music. And one of the songs we listened to was about how Buddy Holly died and music … Read the rest

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“One of these days, pow! To the moon, Alice!” That’s a famous line from Jackie Gleason’s character, Ralph Cramden, in the old TV show, The Honeymooners. And thank goodness that show only lasted one season. But I didn’t bring it … Read the rest

The post To the moon you go when you just don’t know appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

I don’t listen to a lot of “contemporary Christian music.” And that might sound strange, coming from a guy who made a living playing music. Yes, I’ve listened to (and I sang) a lot of songs over the years. Just … Read the rest

The post Contemporary Christian music flies past lost hearts and open eyes appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

It’s so cool how we have the tools to peek into the microscopic world of chromosomes and DNA. Just think about that for a second. Because some of the most brilliant minds who ever lived on planet Earth were only … Read the rest

The post Chromosomes and DNA should show you the Way appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

We are the world. But that’s not a good thing. We can do good things. But we’re not solutions for change. We are not the answer to life’s challenges and problems. That’s why I don’t like that famous song, “We … Read the rest

The post Solutions for change are usually just strange appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

I remember talking with my Grandmother, after my Granddaddy’s funeral, about my “singing career.” And I think it was after she heard my brother and me sing a couple of songs. She asked me what I planned to do with … Read the rest

The post Professional singer loses cool but at least he’s no fool appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

Choices count. Regardless if they’re good or bad. Just about everybody makes good and bad decisions. American freedom has always included huge boundaries to make your own decisions. Sop, life, here, has been full of choices. And since we’re human … Read the rest

The post Choices count as the numbers mount appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

Almost seven years ago, to the day, I wrote about a disease that popped up in the “happiest place on Earth.” And I shared how important tender loving care is when something like that happens. Then, wouldn’t you know it, … Read the rest

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He said this. “The universe appears to be, like, 13.8 billion years old. Earth is about 4.5 billion years old. In another half billion years, or so, the sun will expand. And probably evaporate the oceans. And make life impossible … Read the rest

The post Stupid smart can destroy your heart appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

A friend of mine is a business coach. And she shows her clients the value of a to do list. Plus, she helps them implement it into their business. And then, she even helps them build a system to automate … Read the rest

The post To do list for those who won’t get more appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

It’s OK to yearn for good things in life. And it’s good to think good thoughts. And it’s good to believe good things will happen. But is it always gonna work out? Are good things gonna happen just because you … Read the rest

The post Hope is alive if you are alive appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

Convergent evolution. Mash those two words together and what do you get? Convolution. I’m sure that’s not what so-called evolutionary scientists want you to do with those words. But, just for fun, I’m gonna do it. Because my wife and … Read the rest

The post Convergent evolution equals senseless convolution appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

Way back, when I was but a wee lad with a mind of mush, I found daily joy in the sound of me own voice (not sure why I remember that with an Irish brogue). And that might seem a … Read the rest

The post My own voice was my instrument of choice appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

Hmm…let’s talk about a big bang. Sounds like fun. Right? I mean who doesn’t like the bang-up sound of a drum? Not Todd Rundgren. In fact, he wrote and sang a song about it back in the 80’s. I don’t … Read the rest

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There’s first-hand information. And there’s second-hand information. And those can both be eyewitness accounts of something. But then there’s mutual information. And, in a way, it’s an eyewitness account of something (or someone) even more important. I know. My description … Read the rest

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You’re a person. Yes YOU! And you’ve always been, and always will be, a person. From your biological beginning to your natural death. And beyond if you choose well. So, get wise. And choose well. Because, if you’re reading this, … Read the rest

The post Choose well grasshopper and be a true stopper appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

I saw an article that said “imagination is everything.” That’s so wrong. And it sends a deceptive message. Especially to little kids. And even to teens for that matter. To say imagination is everything is like claiming it as your … Read the rest

The post Imagination is everything until it’s hardly anything. appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

Who you are, what you do, and what you know, all of it, means nothing without love. Absolutely nothing. Because if it isn’t in you, then neither is life. So, that means you and I are nothing without love from … Read the rest

The post Nothing without love is the message from above appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

A few years ago I wrote about a protoplanet named “Vesta.” And how it might have some clues about how life on Earth might have formed? Scientists discovered some areas of impact on what they call a “minor planet.” And the … Read the rest

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He said he learned to sing “in church, because of my mother. God bless my mom.” And I read another quote from him that was in response to being called Mr. Evans. He replied, “Don’t call me Mr. Evans; only … Read the rest

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Live well and be well because you can’t be sick and inspire…at least not for long. Oh, you think you can? Think again. You need your health. It’s not just something that’s nice to have around. It’s the core essential … Read the rest

The post Be sick if you must. But you’re better than dust. appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

In 1975 I worked in a lumber yard in a small town in East, central Kansas. I drove large lumber trucks with loads of materials to new home building sites. And I drove a forklift to load and unload the … Read the rest

The post The end is nigh. But stop asking why. appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

A lot of Christian conservatives (and people who claim to be conservative) will tell you school is bad. Well, at least the government school system is. But I’m here to tell you, school is cool, too. Well, not government school. … Read the rest

The post School is cool when it really is school appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

Imagine somebody who could conjure up designs for the universe and everything in it. And now imagine somebody who could get it all built in only six days. This doesn’t sound like some ordinary person. Right? The sun, moon, and stars. … Read the rest

The post Ordinary person writes about the one who made lights appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

The Very First 6 Days

It isn’t difficult to stir up emotional opposing opinions when it comes to talking about God. And I got another example of this, recently, from a woman who didn’t like my post about Katharine Hepburn. Her comments were filled with … Read the rest

The post False accusations and confused evaluations appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

This is a short story that leads up to the happiest birthday ever for someone I know. 1938. It was a cold day in January. In rural Oklahoma. FDR was in the first year of his second term as president … Read the rest

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It’s sad how we humans insist on being our own kings and queens. Because we’re so temporary. I remember a song, from back in the 70’s, by Seals and Crofts. It’s a lighthearted little tune about a guy who admits … Read the rest

The post Kings and Queens, of nothing here, will quickly disappear appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

He’s THE good Father. The only good Father. And He’s the foundational reason I can hear music in the morning. So, if He says “the purpose of the commandment is Love,” then so it is. And love is new in … Read the rest

The post In the morning, love is new. Keep it there inside of you. appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

So, here we are in the first week of January 2022. And it’s been cold and a little snowy here in the shadow of Pike’s Peak. But ever since October it’s been quite dry. So, I don’t think anybody’s gonna … Read the rest

The post A little snowy here, today, but not like that day in May appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

What do supernova remnants and stars have in common? Oops. When I say “stars,” I mean the so-called Hollywood stars. What do they have in common with supernova remnants? Well, nothing, really. Except that I’m talking about them both right … Read the rest

The post Supernova remnants are hints of why Earth’s a superstar appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

What’s that expression? Everything old is new again. Yeah…I’m gonna have to disagree. Because even as we’re in just the second day of a new year, 2022, the world is still spewing out the same old junk. Hate, willful ignorance, … Read the rest

The post Everything old is still old if the truth be told. appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

There are plenty of reasons to be positive in 2022. And that’s despite the fact that you live in a broken world. Because you have tons of blessings in your life. Still, it’s good to face reality. And take it … Read the rest

The post Be positive this year. Don’t live in fear. appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

Like most people, at this time of year, I reflect on the previous twelve months for some hindsight clarification. And 2021 was a lot like 2013. Because that year I thought about Paul’s words in 2 Timothy 4. I read … Read the rest

The post Keep the Faith burning. I don’t like how things are turning. appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

Several years ago I shared a scenario where going from first to last was a good thing. Since we’ve gone from the first day of 2021 to almost the last day (as I write this it’s December 30), I think … Read the rest

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This is something interesting I found out a little while ago. On this date, December 27, way back in 2005 an announcement came out that ‘Crazy Frog’ by Axel F was the best selling UK ringtone of that year. You might … Read the rest

The post Ring tone Tony and this ain’t no baloney appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

The Bible says a “laborer is worthy of his wages.” But what about when the worker is doing work you believe is easy? You know, the kind of work you think isn’t done by the sweat of the brow? In … Read the rest

The post Sweat of the brow? Yeah, we’re layin’ it on now appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

10 years ago I wrote some Christmas songs. And one of them became one of my favorites. Yeah, I know. How unabashedly arrogant of me. Right? No, it’s OK to favor your own creative work. And it’s OK to have … Read the rest

The post God of Christmas rules and deniers are just fools appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

It might still be possible. But my guess is, it’s rare. And I mean it’s rare for a person to have a lyricist career anymore. Especially since actual lyrics, with solid meter and rhyme. But something I shared yesterday led … Read the rest

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In 2014 I wrote sort of a “year end review.” And I found it this morning, as I was looking for something else from that year. One thing I noticed, when I re-read it, was how the headlines of today … Read the rest

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These two things can help you when you get them and use them. Patience and understanding. That’s an undeniable truth. But most people on our planet couldn’t care less. Apparently they want neither. Because patience and understanding might show them … Read the rest

The post Patience and understanding will provide a softer landing appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

How could a loving God allow all the pain there is in this world? Yeah. That’s a question that people who hate God love to ask. Because they believe it exposes what they consider to be flaws in the Christian … Read the rest

The post All the pain goes away when you’re with the Lord one day appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

Imagine getting gift of gold just for being born. And some frankincense and myrrh oil, too. It sounds like an awesome way to get started in life. And for regular ol’ humans, like you and me, it would be. But what … Read the rest

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Our first Christmas here in Colorado Springs, way back in 2014, was cold and void. It snowed that day. So, we had a white Christmas. And it was beautiful and serene. If you’ve ever spent much time in a place where … Read the rest

The post Cold and void till submission is employed appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

One week from today is Christmas 2021. And in just about every part of the world there are Christians who will celebrate the birth of Jesus. But have you ever stopped to think (or even thought about it without stopping) how that celebration is unique to humans?

No animals, birds, fish, or reptiles can be found putting up Christmas trees. Or buying presents. Or even gathering together to sing and talk about their Creator.

And that’s true, partly, because of something else unique to humans. Speech.

It’s unique to humans for three main reasons.

Your larynx is low in your neck with a long air column above your vocal cords. Because of this physical design you can make clear vowel sounds. And the back of your tongue extends deep down into your neck and modulates air flow to make clear consonant sounds.

And guess who can’t do that.

Apes. Because apes have flat, horizontal tongues that leave them unable to make consonant sounds.

But here’s something even cooler than that.

You have a prewired brain that can learn and convey abstract ideas. Ponder that in your prewired brain for a moment. I’ll wait. (cue the Jeopardy music)

OK, stop the ponder.

Now, think about your favorite color. Because there are so many things you can conjure up just by thinking of a color. But even better than that, you can describe the pictures you conjure up with words that other humans can understand. Then, they can actually understand what you mean. Even if it doesn’t jive with the mere scientific facts of why your eyes see color.

Are you pickin’ up what I’m layin’ down?

Can you see the significance of this trio of design traits?

Scientists admit they can find no evolutionary development to explain the speech center in your brain. Of course, Christians aren’t stumped. At least not the ones who believe God’s word that says He created us in His image and likeness. And we know that we’re prewired, by the most intelligent being in the universe, to make and understand speech.

So, speech is unique to humans. But if you disagree…I’m willing to talk about it.

It does my heart good to know I’m not some inconsequential little animated pile of carbon. I’m confident I’ll leave more than a footprint here on earth. I’m going to live forever with the One who gave me awareness of my own existence. And I’m going to love every minute.

Now, that’s a Christmas present for the ages.

I’m in a book that’s filled with endless pages.

And who I am was written by a Savior

Whose love for me helped change my heart’s behavior.

Stay tuned,

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The post Unique to humans and it’s good to understand appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

You and I exist on this planet at the same time. Have you noticed that? We’re both humans. And we both have the exact same needs. Food, water, shelter, clothes, and emotional stability.

Hmm…one of those is not like the others.

If emotional stability stood out, move to the head of the class. And I’ll make my point and then I’ll share some lyrics with you.

When something goes wrong, what’s your first reaction? Panic? Anger? Or do you immediately start looking for the solution? Let me share a little secret with you…solutions are easier to find when you smile.

I remember running with my Dad, back when I was about 12 or 13. And he could run long distances. But I was determined to go as far as he did. So, one evening, during our run, he must’ve noticed my serious, determined look. And he said, “Open up your hands. Run with them open instead of clenched up in fists.” So I opened up my hands. And it felt like I was karate chopping the air with each stride. Then, Dad said, “Now…smile. And the run will be much easier.”

And I remember thinking how odd that seemed at first. Smile? While you run? But back then, if Dad said it, it must work. And it must be right. So, I smiled. And yep, it worked.

So, I know this from personal experience. Your physical health is tied to your mental health.

Don’t be blind to the power of the mind. When life deals you some challenges and tribulations, you’ve always got a choice to make. Look for solutions with joy in your heart. Or lament the problems with a thundercloud around your head.

But instead of wearing a dark face to match a dark mood, how about whistling while you work. You don’t need to be Snow White or any of the Seven Dwarfs to benefit from music.

If you’re not a good whistler, hum. And if you don’t hum well, keep the rhythm. If you’re not very rhythmic, at least shine a spotlight because then you’ll have emotional stability and…

There Ain’t No Dark Pessimistic inclinations; oh statistical emotions.

Don’t try it, don’t buy it

It won’t look good anyhow.

Problematic imperfections…oh they’re fishes in the oceans.

Just face it and erase it;

You could change the whole world now.

There ain’t no dark when you can see the light,

And there ain’t no black hole in your heart.

Prepare your eyes for the never-ending sunrise.

There ain’t no…there ain’t no…there ain’t no dark

Artificial revelation; oh perpetual solutions.

Don’t make ’em don’t take ’em; they won’t get you anywhere.

Symbolism over substance; wise up to that old pollution.

Take it higher; chase the liar; show the world you really care.

Chorus

No matter what they do or say

You and I can win today.

Just live like there ain’t no…

‘Cause there really ain’t no dark.

© 1993 Tony Funderburk

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The post Emotional stability comes with smiling agility appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

Most of the people of the world don’t believe in the one and only God of Christmas. And that’s a hopeless and futile existence. Whether they realize their hopelessness and futility or not.

And the God of Christmas is THE one and only God. I know most of the people of the world find that to be an offensive and arrogant statement. And maybe it would be, if not for one thing. It’s absolutely true.

Because the evidence is all around you. God created the heavens and the earth. And God created you and me and every living creature and thing on the earth. So, God who knows every detail of what is best for us. If those things aren’t true, then there is no Truth. There’s nothing you can depend on except yourself.

And 7 billion opinions of what’s true is a recipe for chaos and confusion.

Have you noticed how much chaos and confusion there is in this world right now?

If you follow social media channels, you must have noticed. Because most people are looking for an answer to their hopelessness. But most refuse to believe their hope could lie in the person of Jesus. The most they’ll allow for is that He was just some Jewish carpenter who “possibly” lived 2,000 years ago. Be He couldn’t possibly be the one and only God of Christmas. And He certainly couldn’t be the hope of the world.

But He is. You don’t have to believe that.

But one day you will. And if that day isn’t during your current time here on Earth, then it will be too late. You will have already chosen to be your own god. And you’ll rule and reign in a universe of one for eternity.

But it’s so avoidable.

This Christmas, get the gift that keeps on giving forever. And only one person can give it. That’s why…

I Believe In The God of Christmas Some believe there’s just today.

And then we die and fade away…

Such a sad and hopeless life to lead.

Others say we never die.

We all live on above the sky…

Disregard the theft and hate and greed.

But I believe in the God of Christmas,

And I believe in His Gift to us all,

Yes, I believe that He died to save us

And that He rose to recover our fall.

Yes I believe in the God who loves us,

And I believe in the God who lives,

Yes I believe in the God of Christmas.

He gave His love, and He still freely gives.

One day soon we just may find

So many millions left behind

In a world where truth is torn apart.

And then no lights, no Christmas trees,

No arts and no humanities,

Will bring peace to any broken heart.

(choruses)

© 2011 Tony Funderburk

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The post One and only God is such a lightning rod appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

I don’t believe you can say, with any authority, that God’s love and the problems of this world are mutually exclusive. But that’s what people who hate God (or deny His existence) like to say are flaws in the Christian faith. They ask, “How can you reconcile a loving God with all the pain in the world?”

Do you believe, for a second, that love and pain are mutually exclusive? With a good combination of love and logic, it’s easy to show them the error in their assertion. I love how C.S. Lewis stated it:

“The problem of reconciling human suffering with the existence of a God who loves, is only insoluble so long as we attach a trivial meaning to the word love, and look on things as if man were the centre of them. Man is not the centre. God does not exist for the sake of man. Man does not exist for his own sake. Thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created. We were made not primarily that we may love God (though we were made for that too) but that God may love us, that we may become objects in which the divine love may rest well pleased.”

But love from God doesn’t entice most people. It’s sad how often someone who has such disdain for Christianity uses its doctrine instead of their own to try and ridicule or debunk it. They know their own worldview of complete, blanketed tolerance would necessitate accepting whatever a Christian says or does as simply “doing what he feels is right”.

If they could just leave it at that, at least they’d be living true to their so-called love for tolerance and diversity. But they’re not interested in merely co-existing. They want to negate and obliterate even the notion of a living, loving Creator God.

So…I say we Christians should stand boldly and proudly with the likes of C.S. Lewis and do our best to expose and negate the thoughtless, careless, and loveless doctrines of humanism and self-worship. Both love and pain will be involved, but…are you with me?

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. (from my song One True Way to Peace)

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The post Mutually exclusive in a world that’s so inclusive appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

A few years back I put together a collection of praise and worship songs. And I called the collection, “Raise The Praise.” Great title, right? Anyway, I’ve hardly ever mentioned that group of 12 songs since then. Maybe a couple of times. But, c’mon man. You hear ads for total junk about a million more times than that every month. Who needs to listen to or see another ad for Mountain Dew. Don’t do the Dew no mo.

So, yeah, I’m gonna mention my collection of praise and worship songs now. Matter of fact, here’s a demo of the 12 songs you’ll get…

So, most of the time, here on my website, I talk, sing, and write about the things I think you’ll find helpful. And yes…I share from an unabashedly Christian perspective. And I don’t mention my books and music for sale all that often. But, like anybody working to pay the bills, I have to talk shop once in a while.

And today is one of those lucky days for you. Plus, there’s no Christmas deadline or anything like that. You can buy this collection of praise and worship songs any day of the year and I guarantee they’ll lift your spirit. No commercial Christmas cheer required.

Get the 12 songs on CD for only $12.00 and the downloadable version for only $7.97.

Just pick your favorite way to get songs and click or tap to get ’em.

Fair warning, though. These are the typical or traditional kinds of songs you might be used to listening to in your church. Because I don’t find a catchphrase and sing it like a mantra. And I don’t focus on just the peace, love, and joy side of your relationship with God.

So, if that’s what you’re looking for, skip these songs. But if you’re into praise and worship music with a deeper message still highlights God’s love, these songs can be a great addition to your music collection.

As always…I’d love to hear your feedback. I hope they bless you as much as they did me when I wrote ’em. And I hope they encourage you to “Raise The Praise” to your living, loving Creator.

Stay tuned,

The post Collection of praise for these interesting days appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

Ball of Fire was a hit movie, a romantic comedy, back in 1941. And it starred Gary Cooper and Barbara Stanwyck. Mr. Cooper played an academic who, with several other, older academics, withdrew from the outside world in pursuit of knowledge. Ms. Stanwyck played the girlfriend of a gangster. I really enjoyed the movie. And there was a remake a few years later called “A Song Is Born.” And I don’t think that version is nearly as good.

But I brought up “A Song Is Born” because I’m sharing the process. HOW a song is born. I shared this years ago. But someone asked me to share it again. It’s written especially for little kids. But adults said they enjoy it, too. So, here you go…

Ok…listen closely, now, as I open the door to my roll-top desk…sssklunk. Next, I slide out the drawer that holds my pencils…shoop. Then I grab some paper. But this isn’t drawing paper. And it’s not wrapping paper, or newspaper, or even plain ol’ writing paper. Nope…this is magical paper. Because it doesn’t look like regular paper. It has more lines going across each page. And these lines are the keys to the magic.

Take a closer look. There are five lines, then some space, then five more lines, then some more space. And the lines go all the way down to the bottom of the page. Each line has a secret name. But since we’re friends…lean a little closer, and I’ll whisper their names in your ear.

The bottom line is called E. And the next line up is called G. The next line’s name is B. And the last two are known as D and F. You might think it’s funny to have a letter for a name. But each time any one of them hears his name, he nearly leaps off the page to be noticed. They each have a job to do. And they do it with all their might.

But, let’s not forget the spaces in between each of these special lines.

They have secret names, too, which I’ll share with you right now. The bottom space is called F. The next space is called A. The third space is named C. And the top space is known as E. And the spaces work just as hard as the lines. Together, the lines and spaces make a big, happy magical family.

And here’s where the magic starts to happen. Remember I said they all have jobs to do? Well, they have to hold things. So, let’s draw some black dots on each of the lines and in each of the spaces. Now, let’s add up and down lines to some of the dots. Then, let’s add funny looking squiggly lines to some of those.

When you do this all the way across the lines and spaces, you can go down to the next lines and spaces and add more dots and squiggly lines. It’s like writing a secret note. In fact you can call every one of these dots a note. This is starting to get fun. But the best part is still to come.

Once the page is filled with dots and other silly shapes, guess what happens next. You can hand the magical paper to a piano player. Yep, you heard me right. And the piano player looks at the paper, tilts his head a little to one side, and sets the paper on his shiny, black baby grand piano. You’ve seen a piano before, haven’t you?

In case you didn’t know, pianos are magical, too. They have keys to unlock the secret notes on the special paper. Shh, wait a second…I think I just saw the piano player’s eyebrows crinkle up a little. He’s studying the secret notes on the magical paper to see which key opens which note. And he gently reaches down and taps one of the slick, white keys with one of his fingers.

Clink…did you hear that?

One of the notes just popped open and a beautiful sound escaped. Oh listen, now the piano player uses all of his fingers to tap all the keys and open all the secret notes. And some of them ring out together. Others sing out alone. The secret notes are not a secret anymore. And they float into the air for everyone to hear…a second or two…then fade away.

Do you have any idea what just happened? We just drew the ordinary black dots and squiggly lines on the lines and spaces of the magical paper. And now a song is born. Yeah, you got to see the birth of a song. And a song goes through your ears into your brain and your heart. And, like love, it can live there for the rest of your life.

Now that’s truly magical.

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The post A song is born on a beautiful morn appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

My Grandmother wouldn’t drop it. She probably mentioned it to me every time I saw her. But it was because she loved me enough to try and keep me out of the briars and thorns in life.

Finally, when I was thirteen, I saw the sign my Grandmother talked about all the time. And, at last, the sign made sense to me. The signpost was in the shape of a cross. And I’ve never been sorry I took that “road less traveled.” I’ve never been sorry that I followed where the sign led me.

But I won’t even begin to tell you I never took any side roads. Because there were plenty.

To this day, I still wonder off into the briars and thorns. But, after a few cuts and slices, I hurry back to the road to continue my journey.

And the “road” I’m talking about is where I walk with my Heavenly Father. Jesus is always there to put His arm over my shoulder and comfort and instruct me about my misguided selfish deeds. When you get right down to it, all sins originate in selfishness. Self says “I want this” and “I deserve that.”

And, as I’ve said many times, self never gets enough.

Not so coincidentally, here we are, less than two weeks away from Christmas. And you probably know this is the biggest “shopping season” of the year. The time of year when selfishness seems to diminish. At least a teensy teensy bit. And it’s so sad that most Americans (and people all around the world) don’t really know or acknowledge how or why this phenomenon even happens.

But if you’re a business owner, who gets “back in the black” this time of year, you can thank Christianity.

Scratch that.

You can thank the One the Christian faith is named after. A prophet named Isaiah wrote about the birth of Jesus approximately 700 years before He was born. He said “the Lord Himself will give you a sign“. And he also said “the virgin shall conceive and bear a child, and shall call His name Immanuel”.

If that prophecy had not come true, Isaiah would have simply been one more nut case. And I doubt anyone would even know who he was or remember him anymore. But that prophecy came true. And many, many more as well.

I saw the sign Isaiah talked about when I was a very young boy. Maybe 4 or 5. My Grandmother made sure my brother and I would go to church, and each week she’d nudge me to “go give your life to Jesus”.

And when I was thirteen, I took Grandmother’s advice.

I made the decision to follow Jesus. He is the sign, pointing the Way to eternal life. But He doesn’t force anyone to go. He beckons. And He doesn’t belittle. He asks. And He doesn’t demand. He loves. Plus, He doesn’t lie.

If you’d like a sign…an answer to the problems of your life and to the troubles of the world, stop looking. Take the bull by the horns and get out of those briars and thorns. And start loving. Your Creator is waiting.

Stay tuned,

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Imagine flying up into the the far reaches of the sky. And imagine it happens so fast everybody thinks you just disappeared. Suddenly you’re like a nursery rhyme. Twinkle twinkle, there you go.

Would that be the coolest thing or what?!

What’s that you say? It sounds silly? Childlike? Ridiculous?

Well, I’ll see your silly, childlike, ridiculous notion and raise you one living, loving Creator of Heaven and Earth. Any day of the week. Because God truly IS in heaven And He does love me. And He will come back one day to stop all this chaos and confusion. And when He does, I want to be on His team.

The Bible includes a description for that time. Paul says “for this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.” So, in other words, that’s when we’ll receive that glorious body I mentioned before. And we’ll know the full meaning of the passage “Oh death, where is your sting? Oh Hades, where is your victory?” We’ll be alive to God. And alive forevermore from that point.

And for believers still alive when it happens, twinkle twinkle, there you go. By the way, it’s not a silly thing to believe all this…unless it’s not the truth.

But it’s only false if you can overcome the insurmountable and irrefragable body of evidence for the Truth. And that includes manuscripts of ancient Jewish and Christian documents. Archaeological evidence. And prophetic evidence. There’s even volumes of statistical and scientific evidence that point to the Creator.

My goal is now to “be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord…” knowing that I’ll fail here and there. But also knowing that it won’t be in vain.

Because Jesus is coming back.

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Back in 1976, I got to see a farewell concert by Loggins and Messina. It was in the Uptown Theater in Kansas City. A very cool venue which seated only about 2000 people. They had been a duo for a while. And they wanted to go their own creative ways. The Bellamy Brothers were their opening act. And you might remember them for a song called, “If I Said You Had A Beautiful Body.” But I liked their earlier hit, “Let Your Love Flow.” And these two songs tie in nicely with a point I’d like to make.

First. Would you rather have a beautiful body? Or a glorious body? I hope you picked the second choice. Because your current, beautiful body doesn’t last. And your glorious body will go on and on forever. Without the need for all those body-altering plastic surgeries.

But, to get the glorious body, there’s just one catch.

You gotta die.

Are you aware that you’ll get a glorious body when you’re raised from the dead?

What’s that you say? You don’t believe you’ll be raised from the dead? Well, do you believe you’re gonna die? I think you can probably wrap your mind around that because you see it happening every day. Death is a natural part of this life we have. It’s not the best part. In fact, it’s the worst part…but a part nonetheless.

A man named Paul wrote a brilliant passage to describe the different bodies. The temporary body you now have. And the permanent one you’ll have after resurrection. Paul juxtaposed clear and colorful adjectives and nouns. To describe your present earthly body he used words like flesh, terrestrial, corruption, dishonor, weakness, natural, and dust. But for your resurrected body he used words like spirit, celestial, incorruption, honor, glory, and power.

Wow…what a difference. But of course your resurrected, glorious AND beautiful body would have to be amazingly different in order to last through eternity. Right?

Your current natural body won’t last forever. And you shouldn’t want that anyway.

Sin corrupts your body. And it’s done that from the very first generation. That’s why you see old people. Because, for most, death is a long, slow process.

Now, I know this sounds hokey to anyone who doesn’t want God telling them what for. But that doesn’t mean it isn’t true. Your feelings don’t make it true or false. The facts do. And if I don’t have my facts straight, then I’m one of those goofy Christians who bought into the whole life-after-death-in-paradise-with-God myth. And I’m a silly fool.

But if I’m not wrong about this (and I’m staking my potential eternal future on it), then I can look forward to a glorious body one day that will never die. And anyone who didn’t believe is a silly fool. If you disagree, this much is for sure…we’re either both wrong, or one of us is right. But we can’t both be right.

But what if I’m right? What if it’s true

All of these things I’ve been sayin’ to you?

What if you die and it’s not the end?

What if your life is nothing you can defend?

You think I’m wrong…that I don’t walk in the light,

But what if I’m right?

(lyrics from my song, “What If I’m Right)

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Newsflash! You are not an accident. So, don’t believe or trust anyone who monkeys around with the facts. Because they have an agenda that leads to eternal loneliness and torment.

It should bring you JOY to know you are not an accident. Because if you’re just some sort of trained ape, what hope do you have?

But maybe you wonder how I can confidently say humans aren’t just another ape or animal. Well, how about the example of “feral children?” They’re children raised without human contact. And there have been studies of 36 documented cases of these children. And guess what?

They don’t speak until they learn from another human. Gasp! But once they’re around other humans, they can understand and learn grammatical rules as early as seven months.

But hey…they train chimpanzees to talk. Don’t they? Short answer…no. Longer answer…

Some chimpanzee trainers have had success training their animals to recognize quite a few words, symbols, and even make some limited hand signs. But when the trained animal dies, the trainer’s hard work goes down the drain. Because these apes don’t pass on their “vocabulary” to their offspring.

And no apes in the wild have shown true vocabulary skills. True language requires vocabulary AND grammar Because that’s how you can use a few words to express a variety of ideas.

And you and I can communicate language in a variety of ways. We can speak and hear. Read and write. Sign. Use Braille (touch). And we can even tap out a message (Morse code). When something prevents us from communicating one way, we use another. It’s hard-wired into us.

But, sadly, language and our ability to communicate aren’t getting more and more complex. You know…evolving? No, it’s all actually devolving. English, for example, is much less complex than even in the days of America’s founding fathers. When you get a chance, read some of their documents. Because even their personal letters to and from their spouses reveal a much more fluid and flowing use of mood, voice, verb form, syntax, tense, and inflection.

Yeah, we need each other in order to learn to speak. And this suggests that the first humans must have been endowed with a language ability. There just isn’t any evidence that language evolved. And that, of course, means humans didn’t either. And that’s why I say…

You are not an accident,

Or just an ape. You’re Heaven sent.

You were formed inside God’s mind.

And in His image you’re designed.

So speak up and share this word,

That evolution is absurd.

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About this time of year, back in 2013, I wrote my replies to some discussion about a cake shop in Lakewood, Colorado. Maybe you heard of Masterpiece Cakes? And its owner, Jack Phillips? He’s the guy who, according to his Christian faith, chose to refuse service to a so-called “gay couple.”

And by “refuse service,” I mean he didn’t wanna bake their “wedding cake.” Here’s what I wrote about it eight years ago. And I think this has even more relevance in 2021, going into 2022. Because Christian business owners and citizens are in danger of losing even more freedom now.

If you’re a business owner, I’d like to point out something I thought would have been blatantly obvious until recently. No one has a right to force you to serve their needs. Regardless of whatever inane laws vacuous government officials might conjure up…you DO have a right to refuse service to anyone.

And what if man-made laws take away your right to refuse service? I completely understand how our federal, state, and local governments manage to make things like this a “legal” issue. But far too often in our system of government, “legal” parts company with “right and wrong”. Simply calling something legal doesn’t make it right. For example…at one time in our nation’s history only three-fifths of blacks were counted as citizens. It was constitutionally “legal”, but it was most certainly wrong.

I’m saying all this because recently, right here in my own home town, a “legal” issue has arisen as a result of a cake maker exercising a right to refuse service to a “gay couple”. They wanted him to bake them a cake for their so-called civil union ceremony. Jack Phillips of Masterpiece Cakeshop in Lakewood, Colorado informed the two men that his Christian worldview doesn’t support “gay marriage” or a “civil union”. The two men fired some insults at Mr. Phillips, left the shop, and eventually filed a discrimination lawsuit.

I found a report on this from a National Public Radio article that popped up in an app on my iPhone. I’ll paste in some of that article, and I’ll give my views in blue.

“…should they be allowed a religious exemption, like churches and some institutions?”

No…religion isn’t the issue. Freedom is. Just because a guy bakes cakes doesn’t give you or anyone else a “right” to any of those cakes or to force him to bake you one.

“Or a First Amendment free expression to pass a sort of “conscientious objector” status if the job is at odds with their beliefs?”

This comes closer to reality. If a bar owner, who doesn’t give a hoot about Jesus, doesn’t want skinheads coming into his bar…he should have a right to refuse service to them.

~ In his Colorado cake case ruling, Administrative Law Judge Robert Spencer acknowledged that some may view the actions of baker Phillips as within his rights as a businessman.

“At first blush,” he wrote, “it may seem reasonable that a private business should be able to refuse service to anyone it chooses.

“This view, however,” Spencer added, “fails to take into account the cost to society and the hurt caused to persons who are denied service simply because of who they are.” ~

And Judge Spencer’s view (also any corresponding “laws”) fails to take into account the cost of lost souls and the hurt caused to persons who are forced to provide service simply because of who THEY are.

“Colorado, like New Mexico, bars discrimination based on sexual orientation.” In doing so, both states elevate the rights of some over the rights of others. Unjust.

~ For Laura Durso, the issue is one of basic rights.

“There is a steady drumbeat of people understanding fairness in the marketplace,” says Durso, director of LGBT research and communication at the Center for American Progress. “Open a business to serve the public? You have an obligation to serve everyone.” ~

Ms Durso unsurprisingly fails to understand basic rights. Basic rights can be defended equally for everyone. Basic rights are life, liberty, and a pursuit of happiness. No one has a “basic right” to force, coerce, or compel someone else to bake them a cake. And “fairness in the marketplace” is a remarkably childish concept. With all the “fairness” you can muster give 100 people the same tools and the same opportunities and the same freedoms. Then watch as, inevitably, some excel while others crash and burn. And no one has an “obligation to serve everyone”. That’s a senseless statement not well thought out.

~ So, what’s the fix? Where is the line, constitutionally? “That’s the million dollar question,” Gottry says, and one that will have to be answered by state legislatures, or by the Supreme Court.”~

If state legislatures or the Supreme Court are unable to understand the difference between “right” and merely “legal” (which is the case the majority of the time now), we will continue to decline further and further into moral bankruptcy. And don’t deceive yourself into believing morality comes from people, places, or parchment. Morality comes from God…the same God who endowed us with “certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness”.

In conclusion, I’d like to say that a free market will almost always determine the course of enterprise. If I determine not to serve a segment of society, and I see my business begin to fail, I should be able to and allowed to make the adjustments…if I’m willing. And If I’m unwilling to make those adjustments, and my business fails, so be it.

Also…If I decide to serve a certain segment of society while denying others…and I’m rewarded with a flourishing business, so be it. The point is…it’s my business. If you can see a better way to do it, and if you’re able to do it, go for it. You’ll either get my business or you won’t. But I won’t be mad at you for being different.

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Did you ever attend a church where “In The Sweet By and By” was part of the praise and worship time? I did. And I think, if I close my eyes and listen real close, I can almost hear my Grandmother singing it in her kitchen.

In The Sweet By and By There’s a land that is fairer than day,

And by faith we can see it afar;

For the Father waits over the way

To prepare us a dwelling place there.

In the sweet by and by,

We shall meet on that beautiful shore;

In the sweet by and by,

We shall meet on that beautiful shore.

We shall sing on that beautiful shore

The melodious songs of the blessed;

And our spirits shall sorrow no more,

Not a sigh for the blessing of rest.

To our bountiful Father above,

We will offer our tribute of praise

For the glorious gift of His love

And the blessings that hallow our days.

The words to the song were written by Sanford F. Bennett. He was a druggist in a small town in Illinois. Way back in the 1800’s. And I read an interesting article on how the song came about. I haven’t fact-checked the article. So, I’m not gonna repeat the whole story or link to it. But I liked how the article ended with this.

“There is no deep biblical truth expressed in the song. But it was not intended for that. It was emergency comfort and help for one who was struggling, assuring him that there was a fairer day coming when ‘our spirits shall sorrow no more.’ And that is God’s promise (Rev. 21:4).”

Certain combinations of words intrigue me. I’m not sure why. But I’ve been that way as far back as I can remember. For example, what does “by and by” mean? Well, it appears to usually mean “at some point in the future” or “eventually”. And I’ve used it that way occasionally over my many years as a writer.

I even sneaked it into the lyrics I’m sharing with you today. It’s not hidden very well, so I’m sure you’ll quickly find it. And I say lyrics because I plan to use the words in a song. However, it’s not a song yet.

But I just felt like sharing this with you as a change of pace from my other heavier articles. Just like “In The Sweet By and By” there’s no “deep Biblical truth.” So, see what you think. Try to stay awake as you read…

The Dreamer’s Lullaby In those seconds sliding into sleep…

There may be some time you’ll wanna keep.

Grab the minutes tightly in your hand.

Close your eyes and soon you’ll understand.

There’s a place you’re gonna wanna go,

Where it’s always free to see the show.

Colors in the sky will breathe you in.

Close your eyes and let the dreams begin.

Hear the lullaby and by

Way up in the sky so high

Every little sigh you sigh will fly and fly

Into the dreamer’s lullaby.

Dreams are hidden right behind your eyes…

Every night a new and bright surprise…

Fly across the Milky Way in bed.

Just lay down and rest your weary head.

© 2012 Tony Funderburk (September 10)

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OK, for this meeting of Overeaters Anonymous, I’d like to pick up where we left off during the last meeting. And that, of course, is the ever-important issue. Dessert: before or after the meal? And while Albert reads the minutes of the last meeting, let’s all sample this excellent crab dip.

Mm..Mm. Overeaters Anonymous is my favorite group. My only question is…why be anonymous? Why not go all out and live loud and proud. Overeat like there’s no tomorrow. Right? Because, let’s face it, there actually might not be a tomorrow.

Maybe you’ve heard this: “let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die”. Or maybe you’ve heard another version: “eat, drink, and be merry…for tomorrow we die”.

And “let us eat…” comes from the Bible. Did you know that? Paul wrote that first version to Christian believers in Corinth. He was talking about the effects of denying the resurrection of Jesus. He was saying that if there is no resurrection, then this life might very well be all we have. And if that’s the case…we’d better party as much as we can possibly stand. After all, who knows how long anyone has.

(Definitely a check in the “dessert first” side of the debate)

Anyway…

Paul also shared with the Corinthians how the work he was doing in Ephesus (and anywhere else for that matter) would serve no reasonable purpose, if death is the end. Why should Christians bother to share anything about Jesus if we’re all gonna just die and that’s it? What a waste of time…right?

Well, everyone has his (or her) own flesh to contend with. Everyone deals with that voice, or notion, or thought that says “let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die”. The flesh wants what the flesh wants. And like Paul said, “I die daily”. It’s only by the Grace and knowledge of the everlasting salvation Jesus provided for me that I rise again daily.

Do you have that same assurance and hope? Have you considered the possibility there might be some truth to this story Christians can’t seem to shut up about? Do you feel secure and confident about the choice you’ve made when it comes to how long your life will last?

I only ask because I know how much love you’ll miss out on when you deny the birth, death, and resurrection of your Creator. I’d hate to see that. Especially when it’s so avoidable. You simply need to choose. Life? Or death?

There are choices that we’re given freedom to choose.

But use wisdom; with your choices you could abuse.

Simple words could lead little lambs to slaughter,

And where that ends; you will always long for water.

(from the song “Do Right”)

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If you’re a Christian, conservative type of person, you might be feeling enemies at the gate right about now. And if you’re not, it’s either because you keep your light under a basket, or they just haven’t gotten to you, yet.

But fair warning. There WILL be enemies at the gate. Once you live beyond your childhood you acquire enemies. That’s a sad and pessimistic sounding commentary. But it’s true. It’s an occupational hazard of being alive, having opinions, and sharing your thoughts. You don’t have the same enemies as someone else, but the last enemy you will face is the same for everyone.

Death.

And, to be sure, the last enemy can sure be the worst. Here’s what I’d like you to mull over for a minute or two…is it possible to overcome death? And if you think it’s possible, leave me a comment or email me and explain how you can overcome it.

If you don’t think it’s possible, tell me why not. But my faith, on this subject, is anchored in the terra firma of what Paul wrote to the Corinthians. He said “the last enemy that will be destroyed is death”.

But that doesn’t mean that if you somehow muster enough faith in God, you won’t die. Because, physically, you will die. There’s an exact 1:1 ratio of birth to death in all the history of the world. And you will be no exception. But the physical is only one of your three parts.

Your soul and spirit live forever, if you choose to be with God. But if you don’t believe God exists, not so much. And if you don’t believe He sent His Son to take on the flesh of a man and die for your sins, not so much. And if you don’t believe His Son also rose from the dead to show us how we can also rise again, not so much.

So, in those cases, this article sounds like just another one of those annoying Christian “sermons” to you.

And you know what? It sort of is like that. Yeah, I’m actually sort of preaching to you. But I want you to get the full meaning of why I even bother to take the time to do so. Because those enemies at the gate would have you believe you have no hope beyond death.

I’m convinced that eternal life with a loving, living Creator is real and reachable. But I’m also convinced that there’s nothing you’ve done, on your own, that could get you to or keep you from that eternal life. Plus, I’m convinced that the love of God, shining brightest through His Son Jesus, is the key to paradise.

All the ridicule, scorn, and contempt the world can muster against me for my faith in God will never convince me otherwise. And when I’ve overcome the last enemy, my deepest hope is to be an eternal singer songwriter for my Heavenly Father.

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Sol was a songwriter. And way ahead of his time. But he could be SO negative. And that’s even after he basically had NO reason to be negative. At least as far as anybody could tell. But he toned down his negativity (a little) when he wrote some famous song lyrics that started with “To everything there is a season.”

Can you sing the next words after “there is a season.” If you’re not at least a couple or three decades old, the song I’m talking about might just be a foreign language to you. But if you’re up on vintage songs from the 60’s, you might know the next line:

“And a time for every purpose under heaven.”

And if you can remember that much, you probably remember the next few (opposing) lines.

A time to be born,

And a time to die;

A time to plant,

And a time to pluck what is planted;

A time to kill,

And a time to heal;

A time to break down,

And a time to build up;

OK, then if you can remember that far, I’m sure you remember these lines…

A time to love,

And a time to hate;

A time of war,

And a time of peace.

Maybe you’re on to me. Maybe you notice the subtle, little differences in those lyrics and what you might have heard on the radio. Or on YouTube or Apple Music.

If so, that’s because Sol, the songwriter, didn’t get final say over how those lyrics would be sung by The Byrds. But, way back in 1965 they had a three week run at No.1 on the US singles chart with the song, “Turn! Turn! Turn!”

Even though the whole band actually played on “Turn! Turn! Turn!,” (they didn’t get to do that with their first hit song), their songwriter never heard them sing and play it. Because he died about 2900 years before they recorded it.

Yeah, Sol…aka King Solomon…wrote the words, the Byrds sang, to express what he felt was his meaningless life. Imagine that. A guy who, by many accounts, was about the richest man who ever lived. And a guy who was King. A guy who had an endless supply of everything, including women. But a guy who ended up believing it was all meaningless.

So, if there IS a season for everything, then let’s include logic and reason. I’m a guy who’s all about that. After all, “Rhyme and Reason” is part of the title to my podcast and my website. And I love the way God’s word is logical and reasonable AND poetic.

There’s even poetic justice.

But, for people who hate the truth, the Bible is full of hate. And those of us who love God are “haters.” And the irony is…the world is currently entering “the season” of full-bore, pedal-to-the-metal hatred of Christians. They would love it if we would all just disappear.

And speaking of poetic justice…we WILL all disappear. In the twinkling of an eye.

In the twinkling of an eye

We’ll fly up into the sky,

And we’ll never, ever, ever die again.

Yeah, we’ll leave this world behind,

And I hope these words remind

You of Who will make this all happen.

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Way back in 1976 there was a popular band, from Sweden, who enjoyed something most musicians might only dream about. On December 3, of that year, somewhere around three and a half million people applied to get tickets to one of their concerts. And there were only about 11 thousand tickets available.

Yeah, I’d say that’s the epitome of a popular band. And I’m talking about ABBA. Apparently the first non-English speaking band to have ongoing musical success. And they certainly enjoyed some huge success with hits like Waterloo, Take a Chance on Me, and Fernando. They sold over 300 million albums and singles. Wow. I’ve still got a little way to go to get there.

I found out the band’s name was actually an acronym of the letters of their first names. Agnetha, Bjorn, Benny, and Anni-Frid. That’s simple, easy to remember, and pretty cool. Especially since they became so famous.

But, Agnetha, Bjorn, Benny, and Anna-Frid weren’t the only ones called ABBA.

It also refers to someone even more famous. And if you’ve followed my blog or podcast for a while, you probably already know where I’m going with it.

Yep. Your Creator has also been referred to as ABBA. And that reference is right in Paul’s letter to the Romans. He talked about adoption. Can you believe it?! I’m not kidding. Paul was actually pro life. And he actually talked about adoption. But maybe not the way you might think.

It was a special adoption. And not just reserved for little kids. It’s available to you. And me. And the Spirit of adoption is the awesome replacement for the spirit of bondage to fear.

When I think about how incomparable Abba, the Father, is, it’s sad to think how so many people give up their “tickets” to see Him. And be with Him forever. Instead, they lament the breakup of a temporary band on Earth.

Another one of life’s ironies…

How choices change so many destinies.

Yeah, I tend to think of such things, on this 3rd day of December, every year.

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I was part of a debate…uh…conversation about whether or not The Flood actually happened. And you know The Flood I refer to, right? The guy who started the debate…uh…conversation said there’s no evidence that a worldwide flood ever happened. But he’s a perfect example of how so many deny that facts are real. That’s why they’re called facts.

And facts are real despite how you “feel” about ’em. Most people on our little, blue planet “feel” like there’s no ultimate Designer God. So they fall (or should I say leap?) into the category of “Don’t confuse me with the facts. My mind’s made up.”

To show you what I mean, I shared some flood facts with the guy who said there’s no evidence for a worldwide flood. Here are the bullet points…

Today two miles of water covers two-thirds of Earth, enough to cover the early lower mountains.
An average of more than a mile deep of sedimentary layers on the continents.
Trillions of dead things (i.e., hard-to-form fossils) laid down by water in strata all over graveyard Earth.
The documented Permian extinction event destroyed 90% of all multicellular marine species.
A documented genetic bottleneck for man and 90% of all animals far more recent than a million years ago.
All major mountain ranges have marine fossils atop them including on Everest, the Rockies, etc. (excepting volcanoes of course) These include fish, clams, marine mammals, sea lilies, even whales high in the Andes, etc.
The general pattern of fossil progression matches flood burial from the Precambrian layer’s seabed bottom-dwelling creatures like trilobites up through the Jurassic and higher layer birds.
Dinosaur soft tissue still exists preserving T. rex blood cells, blood vessels, and a dozen proteins from a dozen different kinds of dinosaurs and countless other organisms.
While NASA presumes there may have been a near global flood on virtually bone-dry Mars, secularists ignore the sufficient water in our own two-mile deep oceans which could easily cover the Earth (with lower pre-flood mountains).

And, naturally, the guy’s response was… “The Bible is not evidence.” Or something to that effect. I don’t remember his exact words.

But the point is…where, in all of those bullet points, did I mention anything from the Bible?

Methinks the guy doth protest too much because the Truth is written on his heart. Sure, right now, that heart is a cold, dark stone. But if he would only open his eyes and mind to the possibility that there IS a God and that it isn’t him, he’d see facts are real. Even when they make you feel uncomfortable.

In awe of all creation, and how it all could be,

The fairy tale illusions increase with every year.

The wrinkled plans expand…exponentially,

Until one day, perhaps, a duck becomes a deer.

(from the song Fast Forward)

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When you think of the ocean, what’s the first thing that comes to mind? That it covers most of the planet? Or that it’s salty? Maybe you think of it as a fun place to go vacation. And maybe your first thought is how it’s so blue. That’s what I think. And the same is true with the sky. So blue. But have you ever noticed how blue is rare when it comes to the creatures on Earth?

With so much blue water and sky, why is blue so rare in creatures? Well, I read an article that talked about how creatures’ feathers, fur, and skin colors almost always come from pigments. And those pigments are chemicals that absorb specific wavelengths of light and other reflections.

And animals get those pigments from what they eat.

Like a flamingo, for example. Flamingos start out gray. But they get their bright pink color from the pink beta-carotene that comes from all the algae and brine shrimp they eat. Pretty cool.

But here’s the deal with blue pigments. There are just about no truly blue pigments on our little, blue planet. So, most blue creatures get their color from the way the molecules on their body reflect light.

And even cooler than that is how the Blue Morpho butterfly has ridges in its wings that reflect light and use “optical effects, like interference, to create all that brilliant beauty.

But let’s bump up the coolness to the max. Because the different ways creatures appear to be blue are all based on coded information. By the best information coder the world has ever known (or ever will). Yeah, I know it’s crazy talk to say it. But all that beautiful design you find out there on this beautiful planet was put here by a…gasp!…Designer.

And that’s why I wrote a song about it for kids when I was the music director at a church in Denver. Here’s the first verse of…

Why? Why is the sky blue? Why is the grass green?

And Why is the sun gold? What does it all mean?

Why is the air clear? And why is the ground brown?

Why does the earth float and never fall down?

(The answer is in the song)

© 2010 Tony Funderburk

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There was an expression, that rolled around when I was younger, that expressed a superlative feeling for or toward someone else. If a guy was infatuated with a girl, he might say, “She’s the living end.” I’m sure that’s lost on anybody from the young love generations these days. But I always liked it. And it’s why I used that expression to describe the larger life available to every person on the planet.

And why just “live large” now when you can have a larger life forever? I usually take the time to clearly lay out my logic and reason (my Rhyme and Reason) to answer a question like that. But today I’m just gonna share the lyrics to a song I wrote 30 years ago. And the words are gonna be foggy and vague. At least to anyone who’d rather not think about or hear about the benefits of a relationship with their Creator.

But for any and all ears and hearts that seek truth, maybe this’ll make sense.

I hope so. Because this kind of faith, hope, and love really is…

The Living End How can I explain the numbers in the rain?

I’d like to help illuminate the pathways to your mind.

But I am just a man; I’ll do the best I can.

I’ll show you where to look, and I’ll tell you this:

It isn’t behind.

It’s a firecracker and a windchime.

It’s a loudspeaker and a street mime.

And it’s the friction of invisible wind…It’s the living end

I should write a book; give back what I took.

It’s the kind of thing that multiplies

When you give it away.

The knowledge and the lack;

The rails that make the track…

Tend to open doors and open hearts

To what they can say.

It’s a sand pebble and the fired glass.

It’s a skyscraper and a mountain pass.

And it’s the friction of invisible wind…It’s the living end

Oh, and I’m sure I can’t make you believe,

If it’s not within your will.

Oh, and it’s been around since Adam and Eve,

And it never stood still.

How can I extol the matters of the soul?

I was never one to shake my fist and preach in the square.

No, I just always knew that faith would lead me through,

And there has to be a larger life that lasts forever out there

(repeat 1st chorus)

© 1992 Tony Funderburk

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I know I’m not better than you if I say I’m a Christian and you say you’re not. I’m just better off than you because I know when I’m finally absent from this body, I’ll be “present with the Lord“.

So, at the very least, I have hope. Because I have a future. Jesus promised, if I believe and trust in Him, I’ll have eternal life. And that sounds like a mighty nice promise. So, I’m gonna take Him up on His offer. Because I don’t want to die and disappear into blackness. And that’s not gonna happen for anybody, by the way. But I want to live with Him forever. So, I trust in that promise from God. And for that…

I’m Better Off I think we can agree…I’m not better than you.

It isn’t very hard to believe that it’s true.

But let me say this now, and I hope you won’t scoff…

Though I’m not better than…I know I’m better off.

I’m better off…

If you say there is no Jesus and no Truth that ever frees us.

I’m better off…

If you say no bright tomorrow can erase all of your sorrow.

I’m better off…

For a multitude of reasons, an eternity of seasons.

I’m better off…

When I leave this dark theater, I’ll go live with the Creator.

So, I’m not better than any person who sins.

No, that’s an argument where no one ever wins.

But try to understand, and don’t grumble and cough,

When I say “trust the Lord“, and you’ll be better off.

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Imagine feeling drowsy all day. In fact, actually falling asleep at your desk right in the middle of work. And imagine, on top of all that, you’re dizzy, a little confused, and you can’t get rid of that nagging headache. OK, what if I told you that you might be suffering from Hypercapnia? Sounds serious, right? And it is. And another name for it is carbon dioxide toxicity. It’s bad. But here’s something even worse.

Carbon dioxide toxicity is forced on people every day. And sure, that sounds bad, but sadly, it gets even worse.

Many of the people, forced to deal with carbon dioxide toxicity, are kids. Kids whose only crime is…they attend public schools. And they’re not willfully committing that crime. They just go where they’re told. And do what they’re told.

And those otherwise healthy kids have to deal with blocked airways. They have to breathe their own carbon dioxide exhalations. And that can seriously harm the development of their teeth, heart, lungs, and…BRAIN!

There are reports of kids who’ve experienced…

fainting,
hearing loss,
nosebleeds,
tooth decay and bleeding gums,
shortness of breath,
muscular tremors, and
increased heart rate and blood pressure

“But what causes all this?” you might ask (and I hope you would). Masks.

Kids are forced to wear masks all day in places like public schools. But that’s particularly weird. Because kids are just about the least likely to catch and die from covid. For example, Dr. Ben Carson, former director of pediatric neurosurgery at Johns Hopkins Children’s Center, said, “The fact of the matter is, the mortality rate for children from COVID-19 is 0.025, which is very similar to the rate for seasonal flu.”

Let that number sink in. Mortality rate from Covid-19 is 0.025 for kids.

That means their chance for survival, even if they’re infected (which is mostly unlikely), is 99.975 out of 100. And that’s what some would call a statistical impossibility.

But who cares about facts and figures? Especially when it “feels good” to tell other people how to live their lives. And when it “feels good” to attempt to shame those who would dare place facts and figures over feelings.

And it should come as no surprise that so-called adults would have no problem with kids suffering from carbon dioxide toxicity. After all, we live in an America where it’s “legal” to kill unborn babies when you don’t feel like having them. And that atrocity has destroyed tens of millions of lives for 50 years. What’s a few more kids added to the mix? Right?

But maybe I’m just too judgmental. And maybe I should just put on a mask and hide my eyes.

Yeah. No. Make me to always understand

I’m only mighty in Your mighty Hand.

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.

(from my song “The One True Way To Peace“)

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I get it. You gotta do what is important to you. Because if you never do, or you’re never allowed to, it can mess with your insides. Literally AND figuratively.

But what is important to you might not be to anyone else. And you could even be fooling yourself about what’s important.

It doesn’t matter how much you achieve in this life. And it doesn’t matter what you build, or attain, or receive. In fact, it doesn’t matter how many people you know. Yeah, none of those things go with you when you leave this planet. Because without a personal relationship with your Creator, you’re just fooling yourself to think all is well.

I shared this next section with some people a few years ago. And it’s still as true as ever or ever will be.

You were born a three-part person. Body – Soul – Spirit. And your body formed and matured in your mother’s womb as you were nurtured, fed, and watered.

Your soul, in a sense, is your unique software. It’s where the untouchable code of all you is. Your thoughts, memories, philosophy. Your spirit is where life resides…or at least it can reside if you’re willing.

Life doesn’t come from nothing. It doesn’t come from rocks. And it doesn’t come from a magical, mystical combination of chemicals and sparks. Life comes from God. Because He’s the Source of Life. And being the righteous benefactor He is, He offers you eternal life. And He doesn’t force you to choose. Plus, He doesn’t force His decision on you. He makes the offer and allows you to accept or reject it.

God would love for you to live with Him in paradise forever. But He won’t make you, if you don’t want to.

If you prefer your own path, your own “kingdom”, your own universe, God has made a place where you can go and exist forever. Just one problem. You won’t be able to take your body or your spirit. Just your soul. (description above)

Your choice to be apart from God is a declaration that you’d rather He didn’t impart His Spirit of life into you. So your spirit will remain empty and unable to exist forever.

I think you can clearly see what happens to the bodies of every living person. They wear out and eventually fall away from their souls. And what happens after that depends on the choice you made. Eternal life. Or the eternal alternative.

If you think this life here on planet earth is all there is, you’re fooling yourself. And if you think you can sustain your own spirit for eternity, you’re fooling yourself. Figure out what is important to you while you still can. Because, if you think there’s any paradise apart from God, you’re…

Fooling Yourself If you think life merely means

Leaving silver footprints in the grass,

You’re fooling yourself with fantasy…

Wasting away in dreams.

Oh, but there are times when all is simple…

When things are carefree.

These are the times you should cherish

And think of endlessly…

Because your life is but a fragment of time.

Will you allow yourself to overflow?

Will a daydream pass you by with just a glance?

Casting its shadow on your face?

Teasing you with a chance?

If you think life merely means

Letting every little chance pass you by,

You’re fooling yourself and letting go…

Wasting away…away.

© 1974 Tony Funderburk

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I remember driving across Kansas on I-70, headed to college in Manhattan (the little Apple, not the big one). And every so often I’d pass a sign that said something like, “One Kansas farmer feeds 27 people.” I can’t say, for sure, the number was 27. But it somewhere in that range. But nowadays those signs say something like 257 people. Regardless of the number, it’s nothing short of awesome how a farmer can exponentially multiply the seed he gets.

And it’s awesome so many farmers are still willing to multiply the seed they get. Because, unfortunately, American farmers have more and more “powers” working against them.

But I think a lot, maybe even most, of those farmers understand the value of life much more clearly than the rest of the population. Because they tend to so much life on a daily basis. And not merely their own. I’m talking about the lives of their animals and crops. Yeah, there’s life in every cell of every living thing. From humans to cows to corn.

And farmers have to be much more keenly aware of the needs of those different lives. Like how much feed to give the animals. How to store enough to get through the winter. And how much water and soil additives for the crops. Because those farmers know that if they don’t do a good job, some people might not have enough to eat.

But enough about farmers, for now. Because as I recalled those signs next to the highway in Kansas, I thought about something even more important than how well those guys can multiply the seed they get.

Where do they get those seeds they multiply? Sure, your first thought might be the local feed and seed store in the town where they live. And you’d be a little bit right. But that doesn’t explain where those feed and seed stores get their supplies.

And that could get us started in a vicious circle. Because some might say, “Well, the feed and seed stores get their seeds from farmers who grow them.” But then we’re right back to “Where did the farmers get ’em?”

So, how do you get out of that tautological conundrum? (my two dollar words for the day)

The solution is, as always, go to the source. Go to the one “who supplies seed to the sower, and bread for food.”

There are tons of figurative and literal references to seed and seeds in the Bible. And that’s because life is found in the seed. But the life in a seed that can turn into wheat which can turn into bread which can sustain your life is no accident.

That life in an indescribable gift from God.

The moment you were conceived, you were given the indescribable gift of life.

Do you still ponder the age-old question, “What’s the meaning of life?” Well, ponder no more. Because without an uncaused first cause (aka: original source of life), the meaning would be whatever you decide. But that’s problematic because there are billions of other individuals who’d probably disagree with you.

And I probably don’t have to tell you where ideological disagreements lead. Right?

So, of course, the solution to that problem is to have an absolute standard.

Uh-oh. There’s that offensive word. Absolute.

You’ve probably heard that old (stupid) quote: “Power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely.” Or you’ve heard some version of that. But I called it a stupid quote because it’s not true.

And people who hate God love to use that quote. Because they believe it shows the danger in putting your faith in a God who has absolute power.

But power does NOT corrupt you. Your heart does. Or, at least, it can. And most often does. But God’s heart is holy, pure, and righteous. And He doesn’t wield His absolute power over life arbitrarily and capriciously. (oops, a couple more two dollar words slipped out) In fact, He gives us a choice to multiply the seed of life…or not.

So, what makes God trustworthy? One word.

Love. His undying love for His creation. You. And me.

It’s that love that supplies the information needed to establish life in even the smallest of seeds. Because the eternal life of, and from, God can’t be contained. And He wants you and me to share that amazing fact with everybody.

So, grab yourself a piece of toast. Slap some grass-fed butter on it. Or sizzle up a sea salt and pepper, savory ribeye. Take a few seconds to be grateful to the farmers who grew the grains and cattle. And thank God for life and love.

Because without them nothing else would matter or even exist.

If you believe an afterlife,

Where someplace better is

Waiting for us all some day,

Then you might fail the quiz.

A test of faith and evidence

With questions for your soul.

I urge you to look into it.

False ideas take their toll.

© 2020 Tony Funderburk

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Have yourself a mighty safe and Happy Thanksgiving 2021. Here’s a list of what I was thankful for a few years back.

And it still applies for Thanksgiving 2021 I’m thankful…

That God saw fit to give me life and to make a way for me to have it forever.
For a wife who loves me and encourages my artistic endeavors.
For our health…it’s not perfect, but it’s far from as bad as it could be.
And happy for words and music…God’s sweetest personal gifts to me.
For a beautiful place to live, Colorado, where there’s more sunshine than gloominess.
For the technology that allows me to quickly and readily share my thoughts with anyone interested.
We have a country still free enough for me to voice an opinion that differs from the masses…and not be killed for it.
For the support of thousands of people who’ve bought and shared my songs through the years.
For the opportunities to continue to grow, be inspired, and connect.

It’s so weird to watch or hear programs where people talk about what they’re thankful for even though they don’t know who they’re thankful to. Or the ones who seem to be thankful to each other. Or “the universe.”

There’s only one reason you’re here. Only one reason I’m here. And only one reason anyone else is here, was here, or ever will be here. And that one reason is the one, true, living, loving Creator of the universe and all life.

Yeah, that’s right. God. And I’m thankful to Him for giving me so much more than I deserve.

May God’s manifold blessings flow down on you like gentle raindrops

Tony

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Eight years ago, at about this time of the year, I wrote about how an unselfish life is not illustrated and/or perpetuated in (or by) evolution.

And the whole altruism philosophy can be summed up in a dictionary definition. One dictionary defines altruism as the “selfless concern for the well-being of others”. And it’s very cool that we can even observe different species concerned for the well-being of other species. Who doesn’t love to hear the story of the dog that saved its master who fell in the frozen lake?

Or the story of a mother cat who nursed a stray guinea pig in addition to her kittens. And of course, we love to hear the stories of courage when people are saved from burning buildings, car crashes, and natural disasters.

But how in the world do those selfless acts tie in with “survival of the fittest?” Or the perpetuation of the species. Or what Darwin wrote in his famous book “preservation of favoured races in the struggle for life”?

The short answer is…they don’t.

If you cling to an evolutionary worldview, you’re holding onto a rope with no one and nothing at the other end to pull you from the quicksand. And ironically, if anyone did show up to pull you in, it wouldn’t be because they felt a strong need to perpetuate the species.

No, they’d be responding to that still, small voice inside them…that message written on the tablet of their heart…that this is the RIGHT thing to do.

Evolution doesn’t determine or clarify right and wrong. In fact, it merely obfuscates the matter with billions of different opinions. And evolution doesn’t bring about an unselfish life. It doesn’t help perpetuate the altruism philosophy.

In fact, it does quite the opposite. If evolution were true, selfishness would have eliminated unselfishness long ago.

But it isn’t true. It’s a pitiful, untenable worldview that seeks to thumb its nose and shake its fist in the face of God. If you’re still clinging to the hope that you can be your own god, believe me…you will be…forever. But I don’t think you’re gonna like or enjoy your kingdom.

Please reconsider, it’s not too late.

If you see these words, don’t hesitate.

You don’t wanna be a foolish king

Who rules over one who has nothing.

Think about it soon, and I’ll be here

If you need a helping hand or ear.

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In case you haven’t noticed, there’s an mRNA controversy going on in the world.

Foreign DNA and RNA gets into your cells all the time. That’s exactly how viral infections work. But your body almost always fights them off. And since you’re actually bombarded with viruses literally every day, it should be clear that your body is designed to handle them. Very well.

And that’s why this mRNA controversy is important to understand. But instead of me, a singer songwriter, explaining it to you, how about a well-know and respected doctor? Like Dr. Vernon Coleman, the guy in this video…

I love how Dr. Coleman starts out the video with “It’s the 22nd of November, 2021. And this is the moment when the jabbing has to stop.” Then, he adds, “I believe any doctor or nurse who gives one of the mRNA covid jabs, after today, will, in due course, be struck off the appropriate register. And arrested.”

Dr. Coleman then shows how the journal he read from is credible. With points like how it’s 71 years old. And the articles are peer reviewed. And the journal is number one in the world in the cardiac and cardiovascular category. After that, he says he’s gonna quote the last sentence from the “abstract” which appears at the beginning of the article.

Then he says this is “all I, you, or anyone else…needs to know.” Then he reads…

“We conclude that the mRNA vaccine dramatically increases inflammation on the endothelium and T-cell infiltration of cardiac muscle. And may account for the observations of increased thrombosis, cardiomyopathy, and other vascular events following vaccination.”

Keep moving people. No mRNA controversy to see here. Dr. Coleman comments on that finding by saying, “That’s it. That’s the death bell for the Covid-19 mRNA jabs.” And then he gives a little explanation of endothelium (I talked about it, too, in one of my articles) along with some more commentary. It’s all good info to watch.

So, in case you only get your news from the typical TV and radio channels, I recommend checking out more information like Dr. Coleman’s. Because until you have more objective pros AND cons of medical treatments, you can’t truly make an informed decision.

As for me…I won’t take a jab that is OBVIOUSLY killing people. Especially people in my demographic. And I know I have a God-given right to life. And a God-given right to defend my life. Even from the jabs of juvenile delinquents attempting to pass themselves off as “leaders.” They take their marching orders from a very dark source.

Everyone has a right to life.

A gift from God before it even starts.

Everyone has a right to life.

Your right is wrong when it stops innocent hearts…

(from the Right To Life song)

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Six years ago to this very day, I shared a message in my own way. A rhyme time post about what I love most. And you might already clearly see what’s about to come from me. And for anyone who missed it the first time around…

Here’s the rhyme time about something sublime: – I find it difficult to write anything without trying to make it rhyme in my head. Or without pondering the rhythm of the words. It isn’t obsessive. But it IS almost constant. And dare I make a mention of the need for this attention…to words? Oops. I did it again. Well, it’s no sin. Drat! There I go without even trying. You gotta believe I’m not lying when I tell you I don’t mean to. It’s just something that I do. And there’s no lasting purpose to it. I don’t know what makes me do it. When I asked my good friend, Emma to help me with this dilemma, she let out a snicker. Then I wondered “why’d I pick her?” I could solve this on my own and then leave the rhymes alone. But if you have a solution to my rhyming execution, would you send me a note and tell me? A little help, please.

Yep, I suppose everybody could use a little help now and then. Maybe your problem isn’t as serious as mine. But when you lay it on the line, it’s important. We’re all here for each other…every sister, brother, mother…and father. But so much of the time we’re so disconnected, misdirected, and unaffected. What’s wrong? Where did we shift? What caused this rift?

It’s not a matter of some mystical, magical hocus pocus. It’s a simple shift in our focus. We follow our own hearts. And that’s where the trouble starts. Your heart is not a good leader. In fact, it’s often a bottom feeder going for the lowest common denominator. In doing so, it becomes a terminator of wisdom. And wisdom is the key. For you…for me…for anyone who’d rather benefit from lessons learned instead of getting burned over and over.

Is wisdom discovered? Uncovered? Or is it something you’re born with and have to practice? Please…please. It’s none of these. It’s knowing the difference between wrong and right…seeing the light of truth. OK. Where does truth originate. I don’t mean to agitate, but the answer is…God. Without Him, it’s a matter of opinion, and every little minion has one of those.

So, in my rhyming way…today, as I do most every day, I’d like to offer a little help. It would be more than nice if you took my advice, but I’ll leave it up to you.

Here’s what I suggest you do… Look into God’s word. Don’t just go on what you’ve heard. Discover what He actually says. I believe you’ll find truth you never knew that can completely change you and your eternal destination. And to show my dedication, I promise to help you when I can because God says to help my fellow man.

If you have any questions, share them with me. I’ll do my best to help you see God’s love.

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Real Christian love isn’t about sugar-coated, ubiquitous forgiveness. And it certainly isn’t about all the so-called “gifts of the Spirit.” No, if you truly want to be more Christ-like (and you should want that), you should focus on what God’s word. His WHOLE word.

Yeah, real Christian love realizes the need to rightly divide the word of Truth. Because the sugar-coated, ubiquitous forgiveness kind of Christian love cherrypicks Bible verses to make people “feel good” about themselves. It gives an unbelieving world a false sense of security. And there is NO security in this world apart from a relationship with the One who made you.

Here’s something I shared, a few years ago, about real Christian love. And it applies more than ever…

– True Christian love won’t lie to you about your own power. And Christian love will tell you the truth about yourself…even when it disagrees with your earthly sensibilities. You might hear a guy on TV talking about how “faith can move mountains”. Or you might gaze in amazement as another televangelist babbles “in tongues”…as you wonder what in the world it means. And you might hear yet another TV ministry boasting about how much they feed the poor, heal the sick, and tend to the needy. But a guy known as the Apostle Paul wrote about what a Christian’s greatest gift is…

LOVE

Paul said speaking in tongues without love is like making an obnoxious noise. He also said being able to prophesy and understand all mysteries…and having a faith to move mountains…without love…means you still amount to nothing. He also said that even if you give all your “goods to feed the poor” and even if you give your “body to be burned“, but you don’t have love…it amounts to nothing.

Wow. That’s pretty strong talk. And Paul used the word “nothing” twice within two verses. He must have known how important it is to emphasize what everything amounts to without love. Wouldn’t you agree?

So, here’s the good news. Love can build inside you despite what you might feel this very moment. Maybe it has to begin with an act of your will. Maybe you don’t feel loved and you don’t feel much like loving. But the great thing about love is…it increases in you the more you give it away. You can be the starting point, and God will not allow you to go unloved as a result. Paul wrote “love never fails”. And it never does. You may see a small “battle” not being won in love, but the ongoing struggles in life are only won in love. Only in love.

If you’re feeling unloved today, I’d like you to know you’re not. Your Creator loves you, and He wants to be close to you. Will you let Him be the centerpiece and cornerstone of love in your life? Or do you prefer to struggle in doubt without love? The choice is yours. –

And here’s what I’ll add to what I said back then. Pay close attention to what’s required. Yes, required. Because, in spite of another ubiquitous phrase tossed around (which is also fake Christian love), God’s eternal love is NOT unconditional. There IS a condition. A requirement.

Your humble act of repentance.

But He doesn’t force you to repent. You have the freedom to choose between two choices. 1. To love Him. 2. Or not. And, out of real Christian love for my neighbor, I urge you to choose 1.

And, out of love for my Christian brothers and sisters, I urge you to not spread a false sense of security message.

Humble yourself and God will lift you up.

Worldliness won’t put sweet water in your cup.

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OK, this is for the guys. So, if you’re a woman, you can skip this one. And I’d like to start by quoting the most famous author of all. “Wisdom is the principal thing; Therefore get wisdom. And in all your getting, get understanding. Exalt her, and she will promote you; She will bring you honor, when you embrace her. She will place on your head an ornament of grace; A crown of glory she will deliver to you“?

Notice how that passage uses feminine pronouns to describe wisdom and understanding?

But let’s separate getting wisdom and understanding from the rest, for now. And let’s take the rest and say it describes your wife or girlfriend. It’s important to do your best to understand her. Because it can make all the difference in how your day goes…or even your life.

Do you exalt your wife or girlfriend?

In other words, do you hold her in high regard or lift her up. Do you do that?

I hope so, because according to God, if you do, she’ll promote you. In other words she’ll speak well of you to others.

Do you embrace your wife or girlfriend?

And I don’t mean just those passionate embraces of physical connection. I mean a loving hug just because she’s near. Do you do that? I hope so because according to God, if you do, she will bring you honor. In other words, she’ll be yours in a way that speaks highly of your character.

God’s word also says she’ll give you grace and glory. Not a bad exchange for a little embrace. Right?

Don’t worry. I’m getting to the crown of glory part. I know it’s not an accident that the author of Proverbs 4:7-8 used a feminine pronoun for wisdom and understanding. Because God designed women with a natural and abundant capacity for understanding. And the female form is much more beautiful in grace and glory than us guys.

So God shared a lesson about wisdom and understanding in a way we could relate to physically. We can actually wrap our minds around the idea because it takes the form of a “she”. Pretty cool. Right?

OK. Now go out and get wisdom. And with all your might get understanding.

Especially when it comes to your wife or girlfriend. Keep in mind that you’ll never feel what she feels. But trust God, and ask Him to help you understand her.

God made men AND women. He knows what works best.

And if He says wisdom is the principal thing, it must be extremely important. With wisdom you can get an ornament of grace or a crown of glory on your head. Without wisdom it might be a hammer. Which one do you expect today?

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Why would any serious songwriter ever write kids music? I mean, come on. Who’s gonna take you seriously when you write songs about doodles, toys, monkeys, and such? Well, I guess adults, with no love for the zaniness going on inside those young minds, will take me seriously. But I never wrote any songs for those people anyway.

Here are just a few quick reasons I’ve written kids music… * They’re really cute * It’s fun to watch their faces light up * A kid is an imaginative gift from God * Nothing like music to bring out their cool dance moves * They just LOVE music

I could go on an on about how I can write things that don’t make sense at all in the adult world…but kids get it. Or how a kid doesn’t typically care if someone’s watching when they dance. Or how a kid is just as happy with a song about a dinosaur as a song about a political party…because it’s simply about the music. Music for kids is just that simple.

Kids remind us (or certainly should) how important and precious life is.

I say we keep as many around as possible. Because they disappear so fast.

Thankfully there are still a lot of adults who are willing to make more. But sadly, here in America, the numbers have drastically dwindled.

So, let’s encourage young adults, who are in the prime of their procreation ability, to get married, make more kids, and sing more kids music. It doesn’t have to be songs I worked on for so long and with so much deliberation. No, you can get lots of music for kids in lots of other places.

Just because I focused days and weeks and months of my attention on giving kids a bunch of wholesome songs, doesn’t mean you’re obligated to buy any of it. Feel free to give your money to the corporations and organizations who use that money to fund ideas and policies you might find repulsive.

But I digress. And this isn’t about me. So, move on. Don’t look back. But just in case you DO look back and think, “Hmm…maybe I should support the little guys. The musicians without backing from questionable record companies.” Just in case you change your mind, click or tap the link below.

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Weakness is not sin. But letting it rule your life is. And the reason I bring it up is because there are too many, in the Body of Christ, who aren’t willing to “suffer reproach” from the world that hates God. So, they become weaklings in the faith. And that’s different than just being a weak human being.

A little over seven years ago I wrote a piece about how your weakness can be transformed into strength. And unfortunately it’s even more relevant now.

So, here’s how weakness is not sin. Have you ever noticed how it’s your weakness that drives you to do more? Think about it…when you’re sitting on top of world, whether it’s health, wealth, or relationships…you’re not as laser beam focused on getting those things. But when you’re weak…bad health, financial problems, or dysfunctional relationships…you tend to focus all your attention on getting stronger and better and more.

So, you might say it’s through your weakness that best results come. In fact, God says it’s in your weakness that He’s made strong. In other words, your limitations magnify His lack of them. Your failures illustrate the true success of His words and His life. Not that your stumbling and bumbling make God look good…on the contrary. Your shortcomings should point you to your need for a perfect Savior.

I think you can say in your heart, “I’m weak. And I succumb to temptations. I do that which I don’t want to do, and I don’t do that which I do want to do.” I know I can. But you don’t need to fret and worry about your “heart condition”. God says “my Grace is sufficient“. He gives you His Holy Spirit (for a time) who makes “intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered“.

Wrap your mind around that for a minute or two. If you find yourself suffering too many weak days, remember who loves you with a love that can’t be measured. Remember the Creator God who “became flesh and dwelt among us“. Like the old song says…

“Jesus loves me, this I know

For the Bible tells me so.

Little ones to Him belong.

They are weak, but He is strong.”

God loves you in your weakness. And His strength can make you strong forever. You simply need to choose His life for you.

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There it was again today. Another case of a Christian guy saying, “Don’t judge.” And he’s a nice guy. We’re connected on a social media channel. We’ve never met in person. But if we knew each other better, I’d be sure to tell him to stop saying that. Because it’s hypocritical talk.

Yep. Telling people not to judge is hypocritical talk. Because you DO judge. In some way or another you judge every day. Unless you’re brain dead or just an imbecile, you judge. And I’m not talking about the pie contest kind of judging either.

You judge others because you need to judge others. Otherwise how would you know if you could help them? Or if you should? For example, how would you know whether or not to assist someone who walks up to you and asks for money?

And that’s just the small stuff.

Every election cycle highlights tens of millions of people judging others. And every day millions and millions of people decide whether one store is better than another. Or whether one doctor listens better. And just because those judgments don’t fall into a category you might believe is a “don’t judge” category doesn’t mean they’re not judgmental moments.

You almost can’t keep from judging. Neither can I. But we can (and should) learn to judge rightly.

When someone says or posts something on social media that condemns someone for doing something, your first response should never be, “Don’t judge.”

Because you gotta judge. So you need practice. You should want to get as much good practice at judging as possible. But not that hypocritical talk like the people who hate God do. I mean righteous judgment. Ask God for wisdom. And ask Him to help you get good at it. Because, if you’re a Christian, He’s gonna put you to work as a judge one day.

And if you don’t believe me, you don’t believe the Bible. Simple as that.

Yeah, if you think you’re not supposed to judge, let me (yet again) recommend you get busy reading what Paul wrote. Because he seemed pretty set on the idea in his letter to the Corinthians. Of course, he might have gotten it all wrong.

But who am I to judge?

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I’ve been lamenting the pandemic for a long time. And I’ve seen how fast it’s expanded. But I’ve been curious as to why more people don’t realize how closely they’re involved in it. I hope not you. Because the pandemic I’m talking about isn’t the pandemic you might think I’m talking about. Although they’re morbidly connected in the past couple of years. And, by morbid, I mean drug overdose and death.

Yeah, there’s a LOT of drug overdose right here in America. I read an article that said “almost 30% more Americans died of drug overdoses during the first year of the pandemic than in any prior 12-month period.”

And that’s just the so-called “preliminary data” from the CDC.

The article added that “America’s overdose deaths shot almost 30% higher to 100,306.” And that’s after all the COVID-19 closures and social distancing. (translate that into separation)

Does that sound like an acceptable number of deaths in order to make people feel safer from COVID-19? And remember, COVID-19 is more than 97% survivable.

Of course, it’s not an acceptable number of deaths. And I’m sure a lot of those overdose deaths would have happened without a viral pandemic. But I’m certainly not convinced that over 100,000 people would have been hanging around inside their houses getting stupidly stoned on opioids.

Wait a minute. On second thought… Maybe I just can’t see, clearly enough, how many people suffer with severe self-loathing due to their unhinged rejection of their Creator’s love. And maybe I can’t fully understand the weight of their depression due to that selfish decision.

Yeah, come to think of it, it makes perfect (yet pitiful) sense that suicides and drug overdoses would be at maybe an all-time high. Because people who don’t have the Holy Spirit filling their souls will have to be on constant lookout for an all-the-time high.

So, when I say I’ve been lamenting this a long time, I mean a lot longer than just the past couple of years. In fact, way back in 1986 I wrote a drug song. No, not because I was on drugs, so no comments from the peanut gallery (Greg). I mean a song with drug references weaved all through it.

See how many references you can find in…

Nothin’s Gonna Happen To You Well you're human and it's hum-drum

So you find yourself in front of a screen

The remote control slowly takes its toll

Then you're thumbing through a magazine

Years a go you had to know

You had to stand out brave and true

You said, "Don't wait for nothin', or

Nothin's gonna happen to you".

You were Ghengis Khan and Napoleon

You were king of cool to all your friends

But the juggernaut fell into the pot

And so this is how the story ends

But I have to know what could change you so

I have to see what cut you through

And don't tell me "nothin' ", or

Nothin's gonna happen to you

Why the empty stare…nothin' nothin'

Tension in the air…nothin' nothin'

You just can't admit…you're too mortal to conquer it

And nothin's gonna happen to you

Well, it's so posh how you whitewash

And the truth starts falling through the crack

So your winter scheme is a broken dream

And the pieces stab you in the back

Time gone by can make you cry

And the tears can freeze inside your heart

But don't obsess in that icy mess

Blow the danger and the pleasure apart

On the inner side it feels like a ride

And you rollercoast into the sky

But the outer side shows the demon lied

Give him anything to keep you high

Years from now they'll wonder how

How it ever got to you

And I'll just say "nothin' ".

Nothin' ever happened to you…

© 1986 Tony Funderburk

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Over the course of my life, I’ve been inspired to write songs by a wide variety of stimuli. From a technicolor sunset, to a mountain vista, and even down to a single word. And sometimes I’m inspired by how someone will twist a phrase and use it as a product or service or even a business name.

Like how I was inspired to write the song, “Let’s Capture Life Together.” I did some online work for a local photographer, here in the shadow of Pike’s Peak. And I liked the name of her business. Capture Life Photography. So, I wrote a song based on that theme. Capturing life.

And the song is made up of three verses. No chorus. No bridge. Just three verses. Because life, just like time, is made up of three parts. Past. Present. And Future. And we can’t stop the passing of time. But the closest we can get to making it seem like it is photography. A picture can capture a singular second. And hold it in place.

So, even thought we can’t stop time or move back and forth in it (despite what the Avengers and Star Trek would have you believe), technology helps us save bits and pieces. And that’s why I felt inspired to write about it and share it with you. So, if you don’t have any other plans, today…

Let’s Capture Life Together Here we are,

Livin’ life each minute, so glad that we’re in it.

Every day,

And forever after, sharin’ love and laughter

Holdin’ on in every kind of weather.

Here we stand,

While the clock is tickin’ we’re alive and kickin’

Time moves on,

But we must remember, keep a burnin’ ember.

Let’s go out and capture life together.

Here we go

With our hearts on fire, reachin’ ever higher

Days go by,

So we’ll keep a token of the love unspoken

Let’s go out and capture life together.

Yeah, let’s go out and capture life together.

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I read an article that talked about how Franklin Graham couldn’t understand why Joe Biden said what he said. Actually, that Joe didn’t say something he should’ve said. Apparently Mr. Biden left God’s name out of a so-called “proclamation” on America’s national day of Prayer. And Mr. Graham said, “This is a National Day of Prayer. Of course we need to call on God – and not just some generic ‘gods’ or some ‘power’ in the air – but on God himself, the Creator who made and created this Earth and who sent his Son, Jesus Christ from Heaven to this Earth to save mankind from sin by dying on a cross.”

Mr. Graham was right.

There is no “power in the air” apart from God. But there should be no surprise that a guy like Joe Biden wouldn’t use God’s name for some so-called “national day of prayer.” And it shouldn’t be difficult to understand why anyone who doesn’t trust God would omit His name. After all, if you don’t put your faith in and trust the one, true, living, loving Creator of the universe, why would you mention His name?

And it should be abundantly obvious, from his lifetime of bad choices and bad politics, that Joe doesn’t trust God. He doesn’t put his faith in God. And some “power in the air” makes as much sense to him as anything else.

Yeah, when you abandon truth and logic and reason, the only place to go is self.

When you don’t fear the power of the Creator, that only leaves the creation. Which is dangerously foolish.

But you know what? In a way, there is some sort of the “power in the air.” Because that’s how the whole universe was created. By the word of God. Words spoken into the air. Either figuratively or literally.

But the real power…is in the word. And that’s why I wrote about it over 25 years ago. Matter of fact, I wrote a whole song about it. Power of the Word is the sixth song on my Do Right CD. I remember, sitting in a little motel room in Durango, Colorado, when I wrote the lyrics. Back then I still wrote everything, by hand, (in cursive, can you believe it?) in spiral notebooks.

As I thought about how so many people are afraid of what the day will bring, I wrote, “So you’ve been thinking that you’ve got a whole lot to fear.” And I thought about how many people wonder about their own existence. So, in the next line I added, “And you keep asking, ‘What on earth am I doin’ here?”

Then, with the optimism my faith in God gives me, I wrote, “Well I wouldn’t tell you it’s as gloomy as you’ve heard.” And, of course, I explained why when I followed that up with, “You just need the power of the Word.”

Other verses talk about time and fading hopes and pessimism. And I repeat how the answer is the Word.

But not just any word. The answer is the only Word that became flesh and dwelt among us. That word does this…

Well the power of the Word takes an ordinary bird

And it gives him songs to sing and wings to soar

With the power of the Word even when your vision’s blurred

All your dreams will be fulfilled forevermore

And there’s a way that you can hear the whole song AND help a widowed pastor’s wife at the same time. Get yourself (or a friend or family member) a copy of my original Do Right CD. There’s a very limited supply of them left. And the proceeds (minus shipping) from every one of them will go to this wonderful woman.

If you can help out, the link is below. And if the $20 price is too much for you, send me a message telling me what you can afford. I’ll work it out with you.

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Imagine being a 16 year old all-star and state champion athlete in Texas. And now, imagine being that athlete and being told you have basically an incurable cancer. Yeah. And you thought you had a bad day. Right?

Osteoblastic osteosarcoma is that incurable cancer I just mentioned. AndÂ Jeremiah Thomas was that 16 year old all-star and state champion athlete in Texas. Yes, unfortunately I said “was.” Because Jeremiah’s body succumbed to cancer a couple of years ago. Osteoblastic osteosarcoma is a bone cancer that’s resistant to radiation therapy. And Jeremiah had tumors on his spine and one on his chest. So, that led to a lot of pain and even paralysis from the waist down.

(Side note: I know, from personal experience, about tumors on the spine. I dealt with one on my spinal cord, near the base of my skull, years ago. And it caused a lot of pain. And even led to numbness in the fingers and palm of my right hand. Fortunately, the tumor was spotted before it did even more damage. But I can imagine, from that experience, a little of what Jeremiah must have felt.)

Even from the time of the diagnosis, Jeremiah was only “given” a 10% chance for survival. That’s how dastardly osteoblastic osteosarcoma is.

But the great news is, he was a dedicated Christian. And He was unafraid and unashamed to tell people about Jesus. Even after he couldn’t walk he said, “I can still preach from a wheelchair.”

And he added, “What was truly amazing to see was the ministry opportunity that was given to me when I got sick. As soon as I got sick, my testimony blew up. Constantly people were texting me, encouraging me, giving me their testimony and their blessings and prayers.”

Jeremiah was also committed to saving unborn babies. Right up to his last days, he spoke out against abortion. And he used his “wish,” from the Make A Wish Foundation, to speak on the phone with Texas Governor Abbott and to ask him to abolish abortion.

But life is real. And living has real consequences. None of us inhabit a fairy tale planet.

So, Jeremiah’s cancer grew. It expanded on his spine and increased in his lungs. And the ulcerated tumor on his chest grew. And none of the hospital’s treatments worked. Once again it was an incurable cancer. Jeremiah died.

But not before he wrote a prayer and published it on Facebook. Here’s what he said…

“I don’t deserve Your healing but Lord You will always deserve my praise. Through death or life, may Your great name be lifted up and everything that is of me fall to the waste side. Oh Lord, strengthen me that I may fight the battle with a courage Satan cannot tamper with. If You take me home or leave me here to fight a little longer, may it be Your breath in my lungs and Your song on my tongue. Lord I consecrate myself to the full advancement of the Kingdom of God! Lord, I love You and I can’t wait to see You face to face. Amen. Christ is not for sale and non-negotiable. To God be the glory, no matter what the future holds.”

Before I’d ever heard of Jeremiah, a social media friend wrote to me and told me about him. And the social media friend, who knew about me through my music on a radio talk show, asked me to consider writing a song for Jeremiah and his family.

So, I looked into the story. And I was moved to use Jeremiah’s own words in a song. That song became “Jeremiah’s Prayer.” And thousands of people heard it and liked it. Maybe you will, too.

Just in case you can’t see the embedded video, here’s the link to it: https://youtu.be/74bW4uU9Nbg

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Elgielene and I had been married for less than a year. And each day was an exploration into love, joy, and laughter. But then a routine-changing glitch happened. The economy bottomed out. And we discovered what we had been doing wasn’t enough. So, we did what any normal couple would do. We hit the road.

What? You’ve never hit the road in a bad economy? Well then, you don’t know what you’ve missed.

And that’s probably a good thing. For most people anyway.

Because I’ve heard so many couples mention how they couldn’t spend 24 hours a day together. Especially for days, weeks, months, and even years on end. And I think that’s sad. You can learn a lot about someone, in less time, when you spend more time with them. Sounds backward. But it’s really forward.

Elgielene and I saw a LOT of America while we traveled, full-time, back and forth across the country. And we met a LOT of people from a wide variety of states and towns. And we had a blast spending all the time together. In our little blue pickup. And in our fancy hotel rooms (yeah, right). Just the two of us. 24 hours a day.

But we found out what kind of person each of us had married. Turns out, we both liked what we got. And that’s more than most married couples can say anymore.

After we got off the road, we landed in Nashville where I made the songwriter rounds. And after a year there (and countless times of being told I should go to L.A.) we hit the road to Tampa, Florida. A friend told me there were lots of places where I could play beach music to appreciative crowds. And that ended up being true.

But, after a year there, we headed back up the road to Colorado. And once we established ourselves back in the Rocky Mountain state, I recorded a CD of Christian inspired songs. One of those songs was about that road life we had together. And how it made me feel.

It was called Safe and Sound.

Through sales of the CD, across the country, I found out that a couple somewhere down South or in the heartland had even played that song in their wedding. What an honor that was for me.

The chorus, which also sounds like a song bridge, says…

We laugh like there’s no tomorrow.

We’re touched by the hand of God.

So what if there’s no new sunrise.

So what if the world won’t spin around.

We’re safe and sound.

And the verse that captures our road life says…

Miles have gone by; we dared to go see

The wide open space and seldom we frowned

Look how our love is safe and sound

Deep in our hearts and inside our minds

We capture the words and they keep us bound

Saying our love is safe and sound

That song, and 12 others, can be found on my Do Right CD. And I actually have some of those original CD’s left from 1996. So, I’m selling them as the Do Right 25th Anniversary Cheryl Care Package. Because all the profits, after shipping, will go to a wonderful woman who lost her husband just a few weeks ago. He was a pastor.

If you’d care to help out a pastor’s wife who’s been through a lot, the link to get the CD is below.

“Safe and Sound” © 1993 Tony Funderburk

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Tell the truth. Would you rather go to a baseball game or a Bible study? And would you rather talk about faith? Or football? Do you know where a great sports bar is? But you don’t have a clue where you could find a church that rightly divides the word of truth? Or maybe just reading or hearing that phrase offends you.

Yeah, most people watch football to escape the word of truth. And to be somewhat “fair and balanced,” I bet many of them don’t even know that’s what they’re doing. But I also bet it’s no coincidence that professional football teams play their games mostly on Sunday.

My Mom, who died only nine months ago, used to talk about her life as a little girl when her parents moved the family around a lot. And one thought that consistently came up in her mind was a question her family would get from new neighbors in a new town.

“What church do you attend?”

Or some form of that question. Like, “Are you Protestant or Catholic?” Or, “Have you found a church yet?” Man, those Christians, back in the day, were so pushy. Weren’t they?

No, America used to be a place where faith and family were foremost. Sports were only spare time pastimes. And spare time was much more spare (or should I say less available). People certainly didn’t obsess over which teams were in the playoffs. And they didn’t focus on all the stats of a sports hero (aka idol). Some did. But not most.

But I don’t want to give the impression I believe sports are bad. They’re absolutely not. In fact, sports can be physically beneficial to kids. Much more than sitting around looking at a smartphone screen for hours and hours.

Sports can help kids understand the importance of self-sacrifice. And human connection. And persistence.

But when you look forward to Sunday football games way more than fellowship with Christian friends, you help usher in the downfall and destruction of America.

Sure, that might sound like something a “paranoid Bible thumper” would say. [Side notes: I’m not paranoid (there really IS somebody after me). And I’m not really a “Bible thumper” either. Because I use my Logos Bible app. And it would look weird for me to thump my phone.]

Anyway…

Even though, as Sting sang in one of his songs “history will teach us nothing,” it’s still worth at least a short study to see what happened to Rome and its gladiators. I’m not saying America is gonna fail and fall like Rome did. No, wait. Actually I AM saying that.

America IS on a “one-way trek through the canyon.” Billions are spent on colosseums…er…stadiums. And team uniforms. And player salaries. Pro athletes are lauded as “heroes.” They sign multimillion dollar endorsement agreements. And their fans hang on their every word as though each word is real and special and true. But most of the time those words are just some vacuous opinion.

Modern day gladiators become part of the spectacle the ruler of this world uses to take your eyes off the prize. The gladiators and colosseums, from the days of Rome, fell from Grace. And history will probably repeat itself here.

But you don’t have to fall victim to such a fate. And you can avoid repeating the failures of the past simply by changing where you point your ears and your eyes. Away from the lies of the world and toward the word of Truth.

Like a freight train on a one-way track through the canyon

(I’m) Payin’ no mind to the walls of worldly opinion.

Do right…and risk the consequences.

And do right…whatever you do.

Do right…and don’t you stand on fences

Now whatever you do with all of your might…Do Right!

(from the song, Do Right)

(tip o’ the hat to Bcuz for the suggestion)

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My wife and I live in a suburb, in the shadow of Pike’s Peak, not far from downtown. And not far from the famous Broadmoor Hotel. We don’t live in one of the mansions in the area. But we do live in what most people would say is a decent, middle class neighborhood. The sort of neighborhood that was once a place where you could work with your own hands, live a peaceable life, and avoid the rat race urban lifestyle.

But we’ve noticed zombies who want what you worked for with your own hands. And anyone with even a whisper of wisdom can see how these zombies are up to no good. And yes, that’s judgmental of me. Of course it is. Because I’m able to use the brain and wisdom God gave me to discern when someone is up to no good. I’d hate to think I couldn’t make a proper judgment call when the evidence is so clear.

First, these zombies push stolen grocery carts, filled with trash (and maybe stuff off your porch), aimlessly up and down the sidewalks. Or alongside the street curbs. And those grocery carts cost anywhere from a little over $100 to hundreds of dollars. According to Colorado law (and it’s probably similar in other states) thefts in that range carry penalties of six months to one year in jail. And fines from $500 to $1000.

Naturally, the zombies will never pay those fines. Because, well, they only have whatever money they get from you. And many of them would probably welcome the jail time. Because then they’d have a nice, warm place to stay where they can get even more from you. Like three meals a day. Cable TV. Etc.

And those seemingly blank zombie stares conceal their purpose for being in our neighborhood. After all, what good could they possibly have in mind?

I seriously doubt they’re handing out presents from their carts. No, they’re looking for your treasures. Or your neighbor’s treasures. And they’re looking for anything that’ll help them maintain their off-the-grid-in-plain-sight lifestyle.

But maybe you “love” them more than me. Maybe you think I’m harsh, uncaring, and unloving. And maybe it sounds like I don’t love my fellow man. If so, then maybe you disagree with God. He said “if anyone will not work, neither shall he eat.” So, don’t shoot me. I’m only the piano player. Take your complaints to God.

If you’re like me (and I hope you are), you’d like to know you can work with your own hands, produce goods and services for others, and take care of your family. And you’d like that to be the norm. And you’d like to know you can do that, peaceably, without wondering if some zombie is gonna sneak up on your porch at night. Or worse.

But you can thank all the enablers who increasingly make that a fading American pursuit. And for turning once thriving cities into the new badlands. The politicians who increase your taxes to line their own pockets and buy zombie votes. And the people who vote for such wicked excuses for human beings. Those same people who think handouts for zombies is love.

That’s not love. And I’m an expert on love. No joke. Seriously, I am.

Because I’ve studied what true love is. And what true love does. Where true love originates.

And it most certainly does NOT originate in your heart. In fact, that could be the worst place to look for love.

No, my suggestion is this…

Get Wise Don’t drink the wine of violence

Or eat the bread of hate.

You might just get away with it,

But can you afford to wait?

Don’t push and shove the simple.

Seek knowledge just like gold.

And in so doing you’ll lay up

Your treasures manifold.

A word to the confounded…

Pour light into your eyes.

If you expect more than neglect,

Get wisdom; yeah get wise.

Get wise to the deceiver.

Don’t harken to his lies.

Keep commanding understanding.

Get wisdom; yeah get wise.

Don’t walk, you, with the wicked.

Beware the scornful tongue.

Let never part your loving heart

And live forever young.

© 1995 Tony Funderburk

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OK, you can stop me if you’ve heard this before. But I’m gonna share the story of Feed Me again. And relax. I’m not one of those guys on the street corner asking for a handout. No, this is about my music on the radio. The story goes…

~ Back in 1989, I had moved back to Colorado and had been there for about a year. And I was in my little apartment, B17 (yeah, like the old Olivia Newton-John song), listening to the FM station, KBCO. Because they played a cool variety of music I liked. But also because they had this segment they called “Home Grown.

And I had sent a song of mine in to them. But they didn’t send out advance notice if and when your song was chosen. So, I guess that’s how they got you to tune in regularly. Well, at least if you were one of the songwriters who sent in music. Like I did with my song, Feed Me. ~

Yeah, if you’ve heard this before, you’re thinking “Yeesh, there he goes with Feed Me again.” Hey, tune out if you have to. But tune back in at the end. Because there’s a reason why I’m sharing this again.

Back to the story…

~ My music fit right in with their wide variety of styles at the time. And to their credit, the people in charge of choosing which songs were played on the KBCO segment, picked good stuff. And yes, I’d say that even if they hadn’t played my song. But they DID play my song.

And, as any songwriter who’s experienced it, hearing your song on the radio never gets old.

For a long time I even kept a cassette recording of the DJ introducing me and the song. But the hazards of time and the full-time road life took their toll. And I don’t know what happened to it. Too bad. It would’ve been fun to share.

Anyway…

Feed Me is one of the baker’s dozen songs on my “Do Right CD. And that CD is now officially vintage. Because I recorded and released it 25 years ago.

I’ve been sharing how I only have a few dozen of those original CD’s left. And I have a special request. Would you prayerfully consider buying one to help support a pastor’s wife who just lost her husband in September? I call this offer the Do Right 25th Anniversary Cheryl Care Package.

It’s $20 for this stout-hearted, vintage music. And all proceeds, minus shipping costs, will go to help Cheryl and her family as they deal with the loss of a husband, father, pastor, and provider. If you already have the music, but you know somebody who might enjoy it (and enjoy helping out), send them the link, below.

And thank you from the bottom, top, and middle of my heart,

Get the Do Right 25th Anniversary Cheryl Care Package Here

The post Feed Me again. This is now. That was then. appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

In our galaxy, but far, far away, are known forces at work. Like a giant vacuum cleaner. And I believe, once you hear this, you’ll see the zodiacal light and become a Christian.

Well, maybe that’s just pie-in-the-sky wishful thinking.

Or maybe some known forces will start working on your soul. But…to get back to my point for the day…

You probably already know all those tiny, tiny dust particles orbiting around the sun, in a disk-shaped cloud, between Venus and the asteroid belt. Right?

And you probably already know about the Poynting-Robertson effect. So, you understand how those known forces should spin most of those tiny, tiny dust particles into the sun in less than 10,000 years.

And knowing that you probably already know all this makes me hesitant to even share it with you. But maybe you know somebody who doesn’t know any of this. So, if you feel like it, you could share this information with them. And then they’d understand how that cloud of tiny, tiny dust particles couldn’t have lasted for 10,000 years. At least not with the known forces and sources they have to replenish them.

So, about that Poynting-Robertson effect… There’s a man, with a PhD from M.I.T. who described it like this:

“Just as some rain falling on a speeding car strikes the front of the car and slows it down slightly, with the Poynting-Robertson effect, the Sun’s rays strike tiny particles orbiting the Sun, slowing them down, so they spiral into the Sun. Thus, the Sun’s radiation and gravity act as a giant vacuum cleaner that pulls in about 100,000 tons of micrometeoroids per day. Disintegrating comets and asteroids add dust at less than half the rate it is being destroyed.

A disintegrating comet becomes a cluster of particles called a meteor stream. The Poynting-Robertson effect causes smaller particles in a meteor stream to spiral into the Sun more rapidly than larger particles. After about 10,000 years, these orbits should be visibly segregated by particle size. Because this segregation is generally not seen, meteor streams are probably a recent phenomenon.”

I love how Dr. Walt Brown (aforementioned PhD from M.I.T.) has applied so much of his God-given brain to showing us the scientific evidence for a young Earth. Because that’s actually a combination of science AND love. And that’s like combining Hebrews 11:1 with 1 Corinthians 13:1-3.

The Creator of Heaven, Earth, and all living things is a combination of combinations. Science and Love. Truth and Justice. Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

He created this planet, probably less than 10,000 years ago. And made it perfectly inhabitable for all the living things you can find here. But I’m willing to bet that’s far less important to Him than YOU. Because only YOU (Mr or Miss human) are made in His image and likeness.

And it’s not arrogant to think of yourself as the most special species on the planet. Because you are. And there are zillions of intricate ways this planet, solar system, galaxy, and universe prove that.

So, deny the evidence all around you at your own peril. Or…

Choose to believe you can receive

A life everlasting and true,

When you can trust you’re more than dust

Because God put His life in you.

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I just read a short blurb about Billy Joel’s song “Uptown Girl.” And it said that song was a Number 1 hit for him on the British charts, for five weeks, back in 1983. That started on this day, November 5th. I knew it was popular. And it was even in my playlist for a while, back when I played live music for a living.

But here’s something I didn’t know about “Uptown Girl.” Apparently Billy Joel wrote the song about his relationship with his girlfriend.

And, if you were around (and listening to 80’s hits) back then, you might say, “Duh, Tony. Yeah, he wrote it for his girlfriend, Christie Brinkley.” But, to that, my rapier retort would be, “Uh…no. He wrote it about his girlfriend, Elle Macpherson.”

Then, we’d get into a verbal rumble. And the wordplay carnage would leave a mess for someone else to clean up. But, after the smoke cleared, you’d discover I was right. But you’d also discover you were right, too.

“Huh? Are you gonna tell me both Elle Macpherson AND Christie Brinkley were girlfriends of Billy Joel?”

Yeah. At least if you can believe the reports all over the internet and old newspaper and tabloid articles.

It’s another case of truth being stranger than fiction. Because, if you’ve seen Billy Joel in recent years, you might have a difficult time believing he could date ONE supermodel…much less, two. But the reports say he did, indeed, date both Christie Brinkley AND Elle Macpherson. But he bumped Elle in favor of Christie. And he married Christie.

Now, before you start thinking I’m a gossip columnist… I’m not talking about those three people just to tell stories and name names.

Elle Macpherson is now 57 years old and will be 58 in March of 2022. Christie Brinkley is 67. And she’ll be 68 in February of 2022. And Billy Joel is 72, and he’ll be 73 in May of 2022. So…all three are far from boyfriend and girlfriend ages, now. Time has marched on. Just like it did for all the rest of us.

One day you’re an uptown girl. The next, you’re “middle-aged” or a grandmother. And one day you’re a top 40 rock-n-pop star. The next, you’re more than three score and ten years on.

Some might say it’s amazing that Billy Joel could get not one, not two, not three, but FOUR nice-looking ladies to marry him. And others might say “Well, he’s got lotsa moolah. So, there you go.”

But I say, “None of that matters in the long run.”

And the more I read about Mr. Joel and his entire family, the less evidence I find for his money to mean much at all. Sure, it can give him a “nice life” while he’s here on Earth. But then what?

Regardless of how much money you make, how beautiful you are, or how many times you appear in the news, you’re gonna run out of time in this world. And you’re gonna run out of looks. And you’ll never make enough money to be around forever. So, what’s a superstar or supermodel to do?

Same thing as everybody else. Find enough humility to admit that God is real. Admit you’re not Him. And ask Him to save you from yourself. Then, whether you’re a famous supermodel or rockstar or simply a truck driver or homemaker, you can live forever. Because the richest person in all of existence (who’s also the only eternal Rock star) paid your way to Heaven.

But there’s a catch.

You can’t wait till you die. No. You gotta choose Life before your last breath. And you gotta ask your Creator to forgive you for hurting others and hurting yourself.

So, get busy all you uptown girls and guys.

Set your focus on that One, Eternal prize.

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So, you probably got up today and immediately started to focus on how you could be patient with all the people you were gonna deal with. Right? Yeah, right. Me neither.

Is it even possible to be patient with all the knuckleheads? No, I don’t believe it is. At least not completely. And certainly not when you depend on YOU for the ability to do it.

But it would seem, if you’re a Christian, this is something you’re supposed to do. Some might even say “called to do” (I wouldn’t be one of those, by the way). Yep, it’s right there in the Bible. And it’s even in the part written TO you and me. Uh-uh. Paul wrote it.

He said, right there in his first letter to the Thessalonians, “warn those who are unruly, comfort the fainthearted, uphold the weak, be patient with all.” Boom! End of story. Now, go out there and be patient.

OK, you probably catch my drift by now. NO, I don’t expect you to be a perfect picture of patience. But who am I to disagree with Paul? I’m just a singer songwriter poet. And I probably don’t see the world clearly through my rose-colored glasses. You know how quirky us dreamy-eyed poets can get.

But, let’s back up just a second.

Because Paul didn’t just write that little exhortation to the Thessalonians and then head out to dinner.

No, that letter includes 5 sections we refer to as “chapters.” And each of those chapters has lots of verses. And you only need to back up a few verses to see how Paul was guiding the new Christians in Thessaloniki, specifically, on how to deal with each other.

Not the whole world in general. Of course, you can be patient with all the people you deal with today IF you don’t put your faith in YOU to be able to do it. Or, at the very least, you can be patienter (side note: that’s not really the English word for being more patient. But it’s the French word for “wait.” And that strikes me as appropriate anyway.)

Now, I’m not sure you needed to hear any of this today. But my hope is that you’ll use it as one more way to focus on your Creator rather than yourself.

And the main YOU I’m talking to

Is the YOU I see in the mirror.

‘Cause one fine day he’s flyin’ away.

And that “one day” is one day nearer.

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The post Patient with all? Now, that’s a hard call. appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

Exvangelical deconstruction. Now, there’s a term you probably don’t hear every day. I hadn’t heard of it before today. But apparently it’s a “thing” in the ranks of people leaving the Christian “church” these days. And I put quotations around “church” for a reason.

Because exvangelical deconstruction is a self-indulgent activity. No surprise there, right? Selfishness was the original sin. And it’s still at the root of all sin.

And the reason this is on my radar, today, is because of (wouldn’t you know it) an apparently well-known “musician” who called himself an exvangelical on a social media channel. I’m talkin’ about Kevin Max from DC Talk, a band that I saw described as a “3 piece rock-n-rap” group.

Admittedly, I’m not familiar with their music. So, I did a quick scan of some of their songs on YouTube. And they won’t be getting any support from me…which, I’m sure they won’t miss in the slightest. But I’m just not a fan of grinding grunge and rap. And I’m sure they wouldn’t be a Tony fan either.

Since I hadn’t heard the term “exvangelical” before, I did a little snooping around. And I found an article that said - some of those people leaving the Christian church have begun referring to themselves as the ‘nones’ and are promoting a movement called ‘deconstruction’ translated as “deconstructing one’s faith and leaving the church.”

So, once again, self-indulgent activity.

When you deconstruct your Christian faith and call yourself a “none,” you’ve just exed yourself out of hope.

And that puts you in the fools camp. I wrote a song, way back, about the people in the world who decide to trust in self. And the lyrics are just as appropriate for the “nones” who are leaving the church. This is from “King of Hearts.”

Dreaming it up, they keep on scheming it up,

And then they’re blowing it up in unsuspecting faces

Groundwork is laid; they’ve got it made in the shade

But there won’t be lemonade in some eternal places

Closing their eyes; they walk right into the lies

But every person who dies will have their eyes wide open

By then it’s too late for all the people who wait

You just can’t enter The Gate with all your earthly hopin’

(chorus)

With all their best laid plans they still just come to this.

I guess they’ll remain where they are while their ignorance is…

Bliss

© 1998 Tony Funderburk

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If you regularly listen to or watch the morning news, it can give you the impression there’s no such thing as lasting hope. And it can give you the impression that the only way to “beat ’em” is to “join ’em.”

So skip the morning news. At least skip all the opinion stuff. All that point, counterpoint, and other synthetic, so-called “news.”

Because, when it comes to real life, you’re gonna need wisdom to deal with reality. And you’re gonna need wisdom to be able to detect lies and manipulation.

Sounds like a fun day. Right?

I certainly don’t wanna rob you of your good mood. Quite the opposite, actually. But it’s more important, now, than it’s ever been in your whole life, to understand how this world hates you. Or, let’s put it this way, it hates you if you’re someone who says Jesus is the only way to eternal life.

If you tell the truth, like that, the world (people who hate God), WILL hate you. Because the world hates God and anyone who loves Him.

Oh sure, they’ll do their darnedest to deflect and make you look like the hater. In the name of tolerance and diversity. But their hypocrisy stands out like a sore thumb when you increase your wisdom. And I can guarantee your wisdom won’t increase by listening to or watching the morning news.

Go ahead and get the weather report (there’s an app for that). And check your investments (there’s an app for that). And even follow your favorite sports team, if you must (there’s an app for that).

(at’s a lotta apps) But you’ll do yourself a favor when you get a Bible app (I recommend the Logos . Because no other app, book, or resource of any kind contains even a fraction of the wisdom you’ll find in the Bible. And, with wisdom, you can take these words to heart…

Every time you see the morning news

They talk about another killing.

It’s beyond my power to comprehend

How the taking of life could be thrilling.

Banish the dark side; live in God’s light.

Rise and shine and you can win this fight.

That’s the only way to beat the world at its own game.

Those are lyrics to the third verse in my song, “Beat The World.” It’s from my “Do Right” CD which is now officially vintage. Because I recorded and released it 25 years ago.

I have just a few dozen of those original CD’s left. And I have a special request. Would you prayerfully consider buying one to help support a pastor’s wife who just lost her husband in September? I call this offer the Do Right 25th Anniversary Cheryl Care Package.

It’s $20 for this stout-hearted, vintage music. And all proceeds, minus shipping costs, will go to help Cheryl and her family as they deal with the loss of a husband, father, pastor, and provider. If you already have the music, but you know somebody who might enjoy it (and helping out), send them the link, below.

And thank you from the bottom, top, and middle of my heart,

Get the Do Right 25th Anniversary Cheryl Care Package Here

The post Morning news can give you the blues appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

Back in 1974 I paid for (and enjoyed, immensely) an America holiday. Because it was an excursion into the best parts of musical imagination. And…what? You think I misspelled it? Oh, I see. You think it should have been American with the n at the end. Yeah, I get it. But no.

I got it right. America Holiday. But maybe I should clear up the mixup. I should have added “album.” I paid for (and enjoyed, immensely) an America Holiday album. Whew. Thank goodness we got that straight.

Anyway…

Back then, when you bought an album, you actually got an album. On vinyl. And typically the album contained lyrics and other tidbits of info inside the cover. So, you didn’t just “stream” a song. You listened to it. And you read the lyrics as you listened. Or, at least, I sure did.

And since I had gotten a lot of classical voice training in high school, I greatly appreciated when the pop/rock groups of the day incorporated classical instrumentation into their songs.

So, two songs on the Holiday album, from the band, America, piqued my musical imagination right away. And there’s classical music influence through the whole album. And that’s thanks, mainly, to the production work of George Martin. Maybe you’ve heard of him? He also produced for an obscure band from England…the Beatles.

If you’ve never listened to the Holiday album, and you’ve got about 36 minutes to spare, check it out. Or, at the very least, skip the commercials (of course) and listen to Miniature/Tin Man

But there’s something else that’s even better. Dan Peek, one of the founding members of America, left the band in 1977 because he was tired of all the travel, recreational drugs, and groupies. I read that he “renounced drugs and alcohol” and “renewed his Christian faith.” And he became a “pioneering artist” in the Christian pop music genre.

He did a remake of the hit song “Lonely People” and changed some lyrics to reflect his Christian faith. Instead of singing the lines: “And ride that highway in the sky” and “You never know until you try” he sang “And give your heart to Jesus Christ.”

Sadly, Dan died 10 years ago today. November 1, 2011. He was only 60. But he shed the Tin Man and put on the New Man. So, I’ll bet he’s singing brand new songs now.

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I remember, learning about Halloween for the first time, as a little kid. And that’s back when we went “trick or treating” for fun and candy. My first few Halloween costumes were your basic innocent kid types. Casper the friendly ghost. Cowboy. Pirate. You get the picture.

And I think there’s still a lot of the innocent kid stuff out there. But the vast majority of Halloween has gone over to the dark side. And adults are targeting innocent kids from just about every imaginable angle.

Check out these headlines:

“Disney/Hulu Halloween Short Film Alludes to Nanny of ‘Non-Binary Child’ Killing Boy”

“Beware of Pot Products That Look Like Halloween Treats”

“If your white daughter dresses up as Disney princess Moana for Halloween, then you’re racist”

And those are probably some of the tamer problems.

But it’s no surprise (although it IS or should be alarming) since America, and the world, has dived head-first into a culture of death.

I can’t tell you how many bumper stickers and window stickers I see on cars with skulls and other death symbols. And they almost always attempt to position the images in a position of power. Like, “Yeah, I’ve thrown off all that constricting skin stuff. Now, I’m immortal! Let’s Party!”

It’s crazy how that’s become a “thing.” And it’s sad how Halloween has become such a boon (and boom) to people who love “the darkness rather than the light.”

I don’t mind the darkness, but I do prefer the light.

I don’t want to stand still while the day turns into night.

But what can I do? (from the song “What Can I Do?)

That was a question I asked way back in the twentieth century. But I’ve equipped myself much better since then. And one thing I can do is continue to write and talk about the dark forces in this world. And another thing I’ll continue to do learn to lean more on the only source of Light.

Like an innocent child.

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Just 5 days ago, I alluded to this event that took place 83 years ago today. That’s when Orson Welles did a radio broadcast based on the H.G. Wells (no relation and not even spelled the same way) book, War of the Worlds.

The War of the Worlds broadcast was a special Halloween show. And, by many accounts, there were millions of people listening. And, as crazy as it sounds, many of them thought the reports of aliens from Mars were real.

Of course, it’s absurd to believe there could ever be a war of the worlds. But not because there are no other planets or solar systems or galaxies. But those planets, solar systems, and galaxies are not worlds.

Because, by definition, a world consists of a planet AND all its countries, peoples, and natural features. And since those other planets out there in the universe don’t have countries and people, they’re not worlds.

So, don’t worry. We won’t be invaded by Mars. Despite what Hollywood and evolution fairy tale fans would have you believe.

But resistance of the fairy tale illusion requires adult minds. Because little children are easily fooled. And grownups with the minds of little children are, too. They’re the ones Paul talked about when he said they’re,”…tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting”

And if you don’t believe there are crafty, cunning plots against being planned against you, then consider yourself one of those children. The good news is, you can grow up faster than the plots against you. But you can’t do it alone.

Gonna leave this world in a lightning flash.

Gonna leave behind all this earthly trash.

But we still got this life to live till then,

And I know you’re askin’ when is then…

Soon…soon.

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Ten years ago, this month, I talked about the root of all evil. No, not congress. Although, they come in a close second most of the time.

Of course, the root of all evil is money. There I said it. But it needs to be said. Especially right now when Halloween is only a couple of days away. And that’s the holiest day of all. For those who love evil, that is.

But ten years ago, the eyes of my understanding were clouded. And I hadn’t yet seen “the light” of the truth about money. I even share a sappy, little story about my little dreams when I was kid…

“When I started singing, as a little boy, I began to dream that one day I’d rise to the top and have all the money my heart could possibly desire. And I could see that money in gold, silver, green, and diamonds. Piles of it, buckets of it…for cryin’ out loud…truckloads of it!

So…as I began to practice, I repeated, over and over to myself: “money money money.” Then, I’d add few more la la la’s and then repeat “money money money”. It didn’t matter that I was six. I knew if I could envision it, I could make it happen.

And if you believe this story so far,

You don’t know me at all. I spent 10’s of thousands of hours of my life singing and practicing and learning music theory, scales, sight-reading, and everything music related. For the love of money? Absolutely not! For the love of music. Music has been a constant companion and best friend to me for as long as I can remember. And all the years I spent as a full-time musician never got me even close to riches. But I loved it all the same.

So…in this age of digital downloads where so many people say all music should be free…have I forsaken my love for singing and songwriting? Not on your life. And if you explore my blog, you’ll find plenty of free music available. Still…I’ve discovered something odd in America.

It still takes money to buy groceries, and gas, and cars, and clothes, and housing, and…well…just about everything. What’s up with that?

You know what I’d like to see? Everybody works for free and everything is free. Wouldn’t that solve the problem? Or should it be just the goofy singer songwriters and other artists who should work for free? Call me crazy, but that doesn’t seem balanced, fair, equitable, or even sustainable to singer songwriters and other artists.

My track record proves I don’t live for the love of money (which IS the root of all kinds of evil). But I do live…in a society/culture where money is necessary to live. So…call me crazy again, but…I still work to create and provide musical enjoyment to as many as will listen…and I’d still like to charge for my products. That way I can afford to keep up on the gear and resources to create and provide more musical enjoyment.

What do you think? Is this just crazy talk?”

So, there’s my silly kid story. Thank goodness I’ve come to my senses finally. And thank goodness I realize how money is the root of all evil. Oh yeah, by the way, please support my efforts to get the word out about this evil problem. Drop a little something in the tip jar…

Stay tuned,

Sign up for my Rhyme and Reason emails. (good stuff for Fa-Ree)

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

My books are also on Amazon.com or Apple Books

Grab yourself an un-cool T-shirt

Or how about some music for kids

The post Root of all evil is still the root of all evil appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

I don’t live in a safe place. Six years ago, a guy walked down a street, here in Colorado Springs, and randomly murdered people. Yeah, on this the most holiest of days. Halloween. If you heard about it or read about it, you know the story I’m talking about. If you didn’t, go look it up. I don’t wanna waste more space on my website about that murderer.

Oh, by the way, you don’t live in a safe place either. Because there’s no safe place on Earth. Sure, there ARE safer places than others when it comes to crimes like murder and stealing. But our planet is wicked. In fact, there was only one time in history it was ever wickederer (that’s a typo, on purpose, for effect). And that’s when God was sorry He even made human beings. So, He broke the planet and killed all but 8 people.

And that was really for the sake of only ONE of those people.

And that was because God has a “big picture perspective of His creation.

Since He has that kind of perspective, it’s vitally important for you to have a better understanding of that big picture. Here’s how it goes. You WILL exist forever somewhere. You can live in the fullness of life with your Creator in paradise. Or you can exist totally separate from Him, forever.

Option 1, God’s Kingdom, is the only safe place.

Option 2, your “kingdom” is not safe. And, in fact, it is eternal torment.

But you get to choose. Because God loves you so much He won’t even force you into paradise if you don’t wanna go there. I hope you consider Option 2.

Safe And Sound Down on our luck but not out of the game

We both go the distance

and cover some ground…

And still our love is safe and sound

We learned to be part of each other’s dreams

Some time was lost but look what we found

Knowing our love is safe and sound

We laugh like there’s no tomorrow

We’re touched by the hand of God

So what if there’s no new sunrise

So what if the world won’t spin around

We’re safe and sound

Miles have gone by; we dared to go see

The wide open space and seldom we frowned

Look how our love is safe and sound

Deep in our hearts and inside our minds

We capture the words and they keep us bound

Saying our love is safe and sound

We laugh like there’s no tomorrow

We’re touched by the hand of God

So what if there’s no new sunrise

So what if the world won’t spin around

We’re safe and sound

So many give up when one knee is down

But we’re down on both and now we’re safe and sound

© 1993 Tony Funderburk

Stay tuned,

Sign up for my Rhyme and Reason emails. (good stuff for Fa-Ree)

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

My books are also on Amazon.com or Apple Books

Grab yourself an un-cool T-shirt

Or how about some music for kids

The post Safe place leads to blank face appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

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3 Pedals No Problem Long Sleeve T-Shirt

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Mountain goats. Awesome animals that live high in the mountains most of the time. Mountain Goats…a stupid band from North Carolina who probably wouldn’t know truth if it zapped through their instruments, traveled up their fingers, and stimulated whatever brain … Read the rest

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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

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“Alright. We ain’t talkin’ no politics or religion around here. See? And I better not catch you playin’ the stool pigeon, or you’ll be wearin’ a pine overcoat. See?” Yeah, those gangsters, from the movies of the 30’s and 40’s … Read the rest

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Hate is push-button easy these days. And the mask mandate, that somebody named Polis living in the governor’s mansion in Colorado keeps extending, is proof of this. First, here’s why a mask mandate is a form of hate. If you … Read the rest

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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

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Amen

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

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Freedom is a right. That should be self-evident (as somebody once wrote). But apparently, for a lot of knuckleheads, that information just can’t make it past the knuckles in those heads. So, they toss freedoms out just like they toss … Read the rest

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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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Opinions count. Not all of them, of course. But the ones that are tantamount to truth…those count. And, sadly, there are fewer and fewer of those kinds. Because there’s an assault on truth the likes of which America has never … Read the rest

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I’m a word nerd. And I’m certain I was born that way. So, you need to just love and understand me. And accept me for the identification I choose for myself. OK, now that I’ve gotten that heated rant off … Read the rest

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When I was somewhere around 5 years old, I went on a long walk with my Grandmother. And we left her house totally out of sight as we journeyed to the grocery store. In my mind it was easily a … 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

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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

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I remember studying America’s founding documents when I was in school way back in the twentieth century. And I remember something called the “Bill of Rights.” It must’ve been a big deal. Because teachers and politicians always talked about the … Read the rest

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Check out this list of synonyms. Publicity, advertising, promotion, marketing, puff, puffery, propaganda, exposure; boost, push, fanfare, buildup; informal plug, plugging, razzmatazz, and ballyhoo. And I shared them with you because they're all synonymous with moronic politicians. Because they want you … Read the rest

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This Magic Moment, a song written by Doc Pomus and Mort Shuman, was a big hit for Ben E. King and the Drifters back in 1960. And I’ll bet they had no idea they actually created one of the billions … Read the rest

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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

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31 years ago, today, a beautiful, petite, slender, tan woman said one word that changed my life. Of course, I’m sure I don’t have to tell you what that word was. But I’ll share it anyway. The word was “What?!” … Read the rest

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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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It was a cold day in January. In rural Oklahoma. FDR was in the first year of his second term as president of the U.S. And a second daughter was born to a young couple named Lee and Syona. … 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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