The Power of God's Love

Seems like nobody can keep a secret. And when just one person lets the cat out of the bag, so to speak, it’s not long before everybody knows about it. Then, Katie, bar the door. About 2000 years ago, a man named Paul traveled all around telling the very same secret I’m about to share with you. The big difference was that he shared a secret nobody had ever heard before. In fact, he called it a mystery. It was a mystery because God CAN keep a secret. But Paul wanted everybody to know the answer to the mystery. You might wonder how Paul found out about it. Well…Jesus told him. Yep, Paul heard all about this special secret directly from the Creator of the universe. So, of course, what he discovered was true? Jesus never lies. And He wanted Paul to go tell everyone the news. At first Paul wasn’t sure if he could believe his eyes and ears. But Jesus proved He was real and that Paul could trust Him. Once that happened Paul was filled with joy and courage. He began to tell anybody who would listen about Jesus. But Paul didn’t just tell everybody what kind of a person Jesus was. He told everybody why Jesus came to earth. And why He had to be killed and rise from the dead. And the secret was that Jesus did all that so we could all know Him like a personal friend. God had kept that secret for thousands of years. Before anybody knew about Jesus, the only way to get to Heaven was to keep ALL the rules that God gave Moses to present to His people. But nobody was ever able to keep all those rules. The Jews tried. But they just couldn’t do it. They were just like you and me. We want to be good all the time, but somehow we just can’t do it. I know I can’t. I’m sure you can’t either. Well, thanks to God choosing not to keep a secret hidden, you don’t have to be good all the time. And you don’t have to follow all those rules from the Jewish people from thousands of years ago. No, the good news, the secret, is this: believe in Jesus. He lived here on earth in the same world as the rest of us. And He never did anything wrong. And He kept all the rules. He lived a perfect life. And He showed us perfect love by paying the price for sin so you and I wouldn’t have to. Here’s a rhyme so simple even kids can remember… The best secret ever told was just for you And everybody on the planet, too. Share the secret, let it out. Jump into the air and shout… Trust in Jesus and there’s nothing else to do. If you can keep a secret, 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 Keep a secret or not? Is this what you thought/ appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

Because those traits are important, Paul wrote to Christians in Corinth and said: “For our boasting is this: the testimony of our conscience that we conducted ourselves in the world in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom but by the grace of God, and more abundantly toward you.” And that’s how I like it, too. Simplicity and sincerity. I know those aren’t the buzzwords these days. Most people like to share the words “genuine” and “authenticity.” But I’ve noticed how often, even when they say you should keep it simple, it takes them anywhere from 15 to 30 minutes to describe that. But, then again, that’s just there idea of authenticity. Seth Godin, a well-known marketing “guru” answered an interviewer’s question about authenticity in a way I really appreciated. He said something like, “Forget about authenticity. Instead, focus on consistency.” And then he explained how showing up consistently, by default, reveals your so-called authenticity. I don’t recall if he ever addressed sincerity. But my guess is, if he did, that would also be included in showing up consistently. Because think of it this way, if you were there for your friends consistently, don’t you think they will take it for granted that you’re doing it with sincerity? The apostle Paul was able to prove his sincerity with his letters to the different churches in his day. And his message, when you boil it down, was simple. Love your neighbor. And that comes directly from Jesus. He certainly knew the cause and effect of simplicity and sincerity. That’s why, in His new message of grace, he said all the commandments could be boiled down to two. Love the Lord your God. And love your neighbor as yourself. I dare you to find anyone, in all of history, who’s even remotely as sincere as Jesus. But don’t accept my dare. Because I’m sure your life is too busy to go chasing futility. Especially when you can keep it this simple… Would you like to live forever Under Heavenly skies? Then go get some understanding In God’s word and be wise.  © 2016  TF If you like it simple and sincere, 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 Simplicity and sincerity should never be a rarity appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

Many times, in sports, you’ll hear an announcer say something like, “Man, he really gave his all.” Or you might hear “Wow, she gave all she had to get to this event.” Well, have you ever said “I give you all” to anyone? You should love God with all your heart, soul, strength, and mind. And there’s a place in the New Testament where it says that.  But do you do it? I don’t. It brings me no pleasure, in fact, it pains me to say it. But I don’t give my all to God. And that’s in spite of the fact that I love my Creator. I’m blessed and thrilled to know that I have a Risen Savior. Jesus was totally innocent of all crimes. But He was still put to death in a horrible way. For me. And for you. But I know I don’t put all my heart, soul, strength, and mind into loving Him on a full-time basis. I bet you don’t either. He made the ultimate sacrifice for us. And all He asks for in return is love. But all of us puny humans focus more on ourselves and the things of this world. Wouldn’t it be great to know why that is? Well, Paul, the apostle to the Gentiles (that’s you unless you’re a Jew), gave us clear insight into this problem. He used himself as an example. He talked about how the right things he wanted to do, he didn’t do. And the wrong things he didn’t want to do…those he did. Then he explained that “…in my flesh, nothing good dwells“. If something is truly good…not merely good according to the low standards of this world…then it should lead to eternal life. Your flesh doesn’t do that. I don’t know if you’ve noticed, but there’s a 1:1 ratio of births to deaths in the world. No one escapes the “wages of sin“. But you can escape having to pay for them forever. That’s gonna require some humility. But if you want eternal life you can look forward to with complete assurance, just tell Him… I Give You All You gave my heart A way to touch you, Lord.You gave my eyes A gift to see and recall.And You gave me stars… To guide me through my lonely fear. I give you all…I give you all. You gave me words, And they can reach the sky.And You gave my soul Salvation out of the fall. You gave me dawn, To savor all you gave me, Lord. I give you all…I give you all.    (chorus) I give you all…my worries and my fear. I give you all…and I can feel you near. And I give you all…you dry up every tear. I give you all…I give you all. You gave me nights… That shine your silver stars. You gave me time, To change my ways and stand tall… You gave me hope, That in my weakness I am strong. I give you all…I give you all.     (Lyrics © 2009 Cristina Miller) That song is one of eleven original songs I recorded and produced when I was the praise and worship leader at a small Denver church. Download the whole collection with a link in the handy, useful songbook journal you’ll find here: https://www.TonyFunderburk.com/rtpsongbook (paperback available, too) Stay tuned, The post I give you all in these lyrics ya’ll appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

The fullness of joy most people seek (whether they know it or not) can only be found in a relationship with your Creator. And God IS your Creator even if you don’t believe in Him. By the Way…you WILL see your Creator later. But back to the reason I’m sharing this with you today. First, a little backstory. David, who was King of Israel, was a songwriter. Many of his lyrics, known as Psalms, are found in the Bible. And he talked and sang, a lot, about his relationship with God. He wrote, “You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.“ You won’t find a world of peace, tranquility, and wealth simply because you place your faith in Jesus. You won’t see the troubles of the world fade away when you look to God for answers. In fact, you might even see troubles increase. Well, at least from time to time. Gosh, Tony, your “fullness of joy” doesn’t sound very enjoyable. Yeah, but the joy I’m talking about springs from Living Water. And it flows through your spirit. In other words, your joy won’t be based on the things and people of this world. Your joy will be focused on the only One who can (and will) give you eternal life. Your “three score and ten” here on planet earth is a tiny fraction of eternity. And that puts it in perspective. I’m urging you, today, to consider your eternal potential. As a Christian, I know, without a doubt, there will be an eternity of existence for every human being. Where you’ll spend it depends on the choice you make in the here and now. Choose the Life your Creator wants to give you. Because you can exist as a bodiless, spiritless, soul forever tormented by the knowledge of “what could have been.” Or you can live in the fullness God has prepared. In a body that won’t grow old and die since you’ll be tapped directly into life. Please, choose Life and experience the eternal fullness of joy. Swallowed Up By Life I’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 If you prefer that  kind of Life, 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 Your Creator that you will see later appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

Have you noticed how sometimes it seems impossible to be by yourself in this noisy world? And that’s not good. Because it’s important to occasionally find a place where you can be all alone? And you really shouldn’t be alone all the time. But there are times when it’s a very good thing for you. It can help you sort out your thoughts. Solitude is where you can understand yourself better. And you need to be able to understand yourself before you can understand anyone else. Even Jesus made time to be all alone. Well, in the physical sense anyway. He wanted private conversations with the Father. He said He could do nothing apart from the Father. I believe that’s because as one place in the Bible says…God IS life.” I mean, think about it. If there was no God, there would be no you. No me. No anyone. God is the source of Life. And even though you might find yourself alone, you’re never really all alone. Unless you prefer a universe of one. I don’t care who you are, that wouldn’t be much of a place to be. Back in 2011 I wrote a lullaby for kids that showed how you never have to be all alone, even when you’re by yourself. And I used metaphorical sleepwear that I call… Music Pajamas It’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 TF Get Music Pajamas and a bunch of other western-themed lullabies for your kids and grandkids. It’s the Bedtime Buckaroos collection. Digital and/or paperback: (https://www.tonyfunderburk.com/bedtime-buckaroos) Stay tuned, The post All alone but never lonely when you know the one and only appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

If you’re a human being, I urge you (and challenge you) to use your gifts and talents, and say a prayer for protection, for unborn babies. These days it’s far more dangerous to be an unborn baby in America than it is to be just about anyone else anywhere else. That’s incredibly sad and despicable. And if you’re a creatively gifted person you have an advantage. Yeah, writers, singers, and artists can do more to change hearts and minds of people than anyone else. I strongly believe that. Pastors and other speakers can do a great job. And many do. But there’s nothing like words and music and pictures to create effective, lasting messages. America has lost its soul to the god of selfishness. Because we turned away from the God of Creation. So, it’s no surprise that abortion, murder, child abuse, racism, and so many other sins spin out of control. In fact, it’s inevitable. Christians in America definitely need a prayer for protection. My hope is that I can write, sing, draw, and produce some effective messages to change hearts. I pray that God will direct my path and bless my efforts. Because I know… 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. (chorus from my song, Right To Life) If you support the God-given right to life, 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 Prayer for protection from a gifted direction appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

If you care about your kids and grandkids, pay attention to this. Way, way back in the twentieth century, I was able to go to college in the rural countryside of Kansas. Have you ever watched the episode of The Waltons about John boy’s first day in college? Well, watching him is practically like watching me show up for my first day. Because the halls of higher learning held that same mystique of hopeful anticipation for me, too. But I soon discovered how getting to go to college ain’t all it’s cracked up to be. Unfortunately for me, by the time I was in college, it was nothing like John boy’s experience. Universities had already become institutions for thought control. But thankfully it was happening slower at my college in the rural countryside of Kansas. Because that’s a part of the country where generations had grown up with a Christian conservative worldview. However… I noticed classes, like “Western Civilization” and “Sociology I & II, shared one-sided political views. Maybe I was surprised because I was raised with a Christian conservative worldview. And even my public high school had leaned heavily in that direction. No kidding. But it didn’t take me years of college to figure out the so-called “enlightenment” in the halls of higher learning sounded like George Orwell wrote the script. And it wasn’t even 1984 yet. And that became glaringly apparent on one of my homework assignments. The year I first attended college a crucial bill was put to the voters, in Kansas. It was about whether or not motorcyclists would be required to wear helmets. Gasp! Imagine the carnage and chaos of no motorcycle helmets. My journalism professor gave us an assignment to present a pro or con view on a controversial topic. So, I chose the motorcycle helmet issue on the ballot. I took the somewhat controversial “no helmets” side of the debate. And I wrote about how it would end up being another small step toward total government control of every corner of our lives. Boy, howdy, was I wrong! NOT! Thankfully there were still plenty of others, back then, who agreed with my position on the topic. But I was surprised at how “passionate” others could be in their opposing opinions. They actually got mad about it. Fast forward to now. Thank goodness you can go to college without a motorcycle helmet or big brother watching and/or listening to your every move. Right? Hello? Uh… Nowadays people don’t just present “passionate” opinions. Yeah, large groups of people have determined it’s perfectly fine to riot and loot and burn down businesses to “express their views.” But here’s a key point. We have voted our way into this mess. And I predict we won’t vote our way out of it. So I’ll leave this here for you to ponder… Passion doesn’t make you right. Learning doesn’t shed more light, When it’s learning based on lies And rebellious alibis. If you trust God more than college, 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 Go to college unless you care about knowledge appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

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 Candy When 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.

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.

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 … Read the rest... The post Ice cream man was part of the plan appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

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 … Read the rest... The post The future does not exist and I simply must insist appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

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 … Read the rest... The post Expectant mother expects no other appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

Wow. It’s America’s 250th birthday. And I bet there’s a good chance you get to enjoy an awesome fireworks display wherever you live. I hope you also get to enjoy the company of family and friends and good food and great fun. After all, on Independence Day, 2026 you can actually sing along to Saturday In The Park by the band Chicago, and the … Read the rest... The post Independence Day 2026 with a song in the mix appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

I wrote and produced a small voice song. But it was based on the greatest life in the universe. Yeah, God doesn’t need the destructive forces of nature to show His power. He doesn’t create the chaos in the world to display His majesty. In fact, He communicates most effectively with a still small voice…with anyone who’s willing to listen. And God’s voice, in … Read the rest... The post Small voice song is a singalong appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

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 … Read the rest... The post Knowing God is real is a really good deal appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

It’s the only family that will last forever. So, there’s that. But there’s so much more to it that it’s difficult to even wrap your mind around it. And that’s pretty cool because as a child of God, the one, true, living, loving Creator of the universe, you’ll get to spend eternity discovering more and more about your original Father. Many, if not most … Read the rest... The post Child of God sings about the perfect things appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

My first true love lasted about four and a half years. Even though I thought it would be the rest of my life. But the relationship didn’t endure a separation that happened when I moved to Texas to be there for my dad who was suffering from terminal kidney failure. So much for the first true love. And after “getting over” it, I discovered … Read the rest... 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 … Read the rest... 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 … Read the rest... 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 … Read the rest... 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 … Read the rest... The post Scientific process would just make a big mess 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 … Read the rest... The post Enriched in everything is a good reason to sing 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 … Read the rest... 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 … Read the rest... The post Charlotte Mason Homeschool is a kid person tool 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 … Read the rest... The post A million times over in this clever clover 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? Not so fast Mister Man (or Missy). I just read a few news snippets that talked about how 2021 was actually a comeback year … Read the rest... The post Ringtones for phones in particular zones 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 enough ego to admit it. Anyway…I’ve been sharing that song for just about every Christmas since then. This year is no different. May the … Read the rest... The post God of Christmas rules and deniers are just fools appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

Eight years ago, today, I shared Episode 15 of my Podcast. Wow, 15. I’m now up to 739 episodes. (Side note: I’m way behind on recording episodes because my voice has been, shall we say, less than smooth. But the plan is to get going again shortly.) Anyway…Episode 15 focused on your understanding. And when I say “your,” I mean mine too. In fact, … Read the rest... The post Your understanding doesn’t make a good landing appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

Yes, God does have a plan. A MasterPlan. But He most definitely does not have a plan for your day. As I’ve said many times…He’s far too brilliant a designer than to create a bunch of humans who can’t do anything apart from Him. So, if you’ve been one of those Christians who says things like, “I’ve just got to remember, God’s in control,” … Read the rest... The post Masterplan, yes. The kind we don’t have to guess. appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

Everybody’s trying to be nicer than God. Even real estate websites like to show off their “LGBT legal protections.” Which, of course, are bigoted policies. And I oppose any ideology that singles out individuals or groups who hate God and give them their own so-called “legal protections.” Instead, I wholeheartedly support the MJSPBR and their God-given legal protections. What? You’ve never heard of the … Read the rest... The post Legal protections lead in the wrong directions appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

Yesterday I wrote about a nostalgic memory. And I talked about June bugs. If you didn’t catch that post, check it out. But now I want you to think back in your own life. And go as far back in your past as you can. Because I want you to see yourself as small as possible. OK, are you there yet? Way, way back to … Read the rest... The post Think back and talk some smack appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

As I reached the end of 5th grade, and was about to leave elementary school to attend junior high, I was told I’d be put into “accelerated classes.” My teacher sent me home with a note to my parents that said I was “gifted” in addition and subtraction, grammar, and learning skills in general. That addition and subtraction part was ironic, though. Because if … Read the rest... The post Addition and subtraction make sense with liquefaction appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

Yeah, it’s an uncomfortable conversation to have. The one about what’s happening behind closed doors and tall walls. Doors and walls that close behind foolish people going in…and behind damaged people coming out. Some people have spent much of their lives having that uncomfortable conversation. And it’s mostly a one-sided conversation. Because hard hearts lead to closed ears. And closed ears lead to eternal … Read the rest... The post Uncomfortable conversation with a quickly fading nation appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

I think Huey Lewis and the News sang it best, back in the 80’s, when they sang “I say cool is a rule, but sometimes, bad is bad.” What? You don’t remember that song? Then, move along. Because you’re probably not old enough to be reading this. So, you surely won’t understand how sometimes bad is bad. And Huey said it was “sometimes” because … Read the rest... The post Bad is bad when it’s this sad fad appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

I’m reminded of a sound bite from a presidential debate between Ronald Reagan and Jimmy Carter. Carter presented what he thought was a good case against then Governor Reagan’s position on Medicare. And when Carter finished, Reagan started his counterpoint by saying, “There you go again.” And then he pointed out the flaws in Carter’s statements. But what did “there you go again” mean? … Read the rest... The post There you go again, not putting the if with then. appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

What if you reached your prime, let’s say around 33, and someone told you that you look old? It wouldn’t exactly make you feel great. Even if you’re totally confident in who you are, and in your appearance, you don’t wanna look old before your time. And I bet mother Earth doesn’t like all this talk about her ancient age either. I mean, c’mon … Read the rest... The post Ancient age appears when clocks miscount the years appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

God? Or environmentalists? Where is your trust? Let’s say God told you something like, “While the earth remains, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, winter and summer, and day and night shall not cease.”Would you believe Him? Or do you put your faith in those who’ve been incorrectly predicting “the end” of humanity for decades? Um…I’ll take “the end of humanity” for $200, Alex. *buzzer … Read the rest... The post The end of humanity and the definition of insanity appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

Ah, yes. Diversity, equity, and unabashed tolerance. That’s what you get when you mix a whole lotta different kinds of people together in one place. Right? And you just better brace yourself for gobs of group hugs, too. Because peace, love, and joy overflow where masses of people go. (cue the record scratch and bubble pop sound effects) Uh, get real. Because this is … Read the rest... The post Murder mayhem and madness beat up on tidings of gladness appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

Apparently a lot of people go online to find out what can cause stress. And that makes sense. Because a lot of people (if not most) are stressed out. But I seriously don’t think you need to ask Google or some social media crowd what can cause it. Well, not if you’ve got at least a little wisdom. Because wisdom will show you life … Read the rest... The post What can cause stress and make life a mess? appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

If you were a “climate change” advocate, or some sort of “global warming” proponent, what would be the best way to express your beliefs? Show of hands? OK, Susie. What do you think the answer is? “Um, buy a half a billion dollar yacht?” That’s right, Susie. Of course, that’s only for the super-smart, super-rich people. But you’ve got the right idea. Express your … Read the rest... The post Express your beliefs like the super-rich chiefs appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

I had my eyes examined (no, not my head) a couple of weeks ago. And this week I got my new glasses. Plus, this is my 2020th post here on TonyFunderburk.com. So, those two things, and a couple of other unnamed things, got me thinking about that expression, “hindsight is 20 20.” From what I’ve been able to figure out, with only a little … Read the rest... The post Hindsight is 20 20 for some but not for plenty appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

You and I should cling to what is good. Not because it’s some kind of law. But because there’s much benefit to it. Sometimes eternal benefits. But you can’t do it. And I can’t either. We just can’t do it. Because it doesn’t jive with our human nature to cling to what is good. And that sounds bad. Right? (tongue only slightly in cheek) … Read the rest... The post Cling to what is good. Yes, we certainly should. appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

I just saw three weak references to time by Christians. And all three of them talked about when time shall be no more. Sadly, those Christians are perpetuating an impossibility. Because there will never be a time when there is no time. See, how it even sounds silly when you put it that way? To say time shall be no more is the same … Read the rest... The post Time shall be no more. What do they say that for? appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

Something is either right or wrong. And, it goes without saying (but I’m saying it anyway) some of those right or wrong things are more important than others. And some are of great importance. But the foundation of the statement remains the same. Because right or wrong can mean the difference between joy and torment. For example, I’ll share a snippet of conversation I … Read the rest... The post Right or Wrong – the idealogical song appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

Even if you’re not a Christian believer, you should read about Nebuchadnezzar’s dream. Because it’s the kind of story Hollywood movies attempt to tell. But they almost always fail miserably for the same reason King Nebuchadnezzar failed. They stand on feet of clay. Here’s a sneak preview of the story about ol’ King Nebby’s dream… “And the king said to them, “I have had … Read the rest... The post Feet of clay walk you away from life today appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

246 years ago, this month, some guys with a British accent figured they’d bully some Americans around. But things didn’t go quite according to their plan. Because a knight in shining armor foiled their plans. And, of course, I’m being a bit facetious, because there weren’t any actual Americans at that time. Because there wasn’t an actual America at that time. But those British … Read the rest... The post Knight in shining armor and the bully disarmer appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

The short speeches were over. The room was put back in order. And the leftovers, sound system, and other ceremonial items were carried out, packed into cars, and driven away. So, all that was left of this celebration of my Mom’s life was the spreading the ashes part. My younger brother suggested “the old farm” where our family had lived decades before. And the … Read the rest... The post Spreading the ashes with dampened eyelashes appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

I was a big fan of the popular duo from the seventies, Loggins and Messina. And when my brother and I started actually getting paid to play music, Loggins and Messina songs were a significant part of our repertoire. They released a double album of their live performances. And that collection was called “On Stage” (go figure). And one section of the 4th side … Read the rest... The post Peace of mind to those left behind appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

Hey, you might not know it. But I’m a podcasting host. And the podcast is zooming up on 700 episodes. But, to most of the listening (and non-listening) world, I’m still a ghost. Yeah, I know it’s hard to believe that your ol’ palsy walsy, Tony might not be a household name all around the world. But it’s true. So, this long-suffering podcasting host … Read the rest... The post Podcasting host doesn’t wanna be a ghost appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

Almost 20 years ago (and it seems like last week) I wrote about the sad state of truth in this world. And what’s even sadder is…my song is even more apropos now. Real Truth is eternal. But in the here and now it obscured with blithering, withering ideologies. And it’s attacked from every angle. Ironically in the name of tolerance and acceptance. But regardless … Read the rest... The post Truth is eternal. Put that in your journal. appeared first on Tony Funderburk.