Tony Funderburk Posted on by

Rest in peace. Three simple words. And probably a large percentage of people who say those words actually mean them. In other words, they aren’t just something to blurt out without any thought of the meaning. But there’s also a large percentage of people who just speak the words.

Because it’s crucial to rest in peace before you die.

Otherwise, you might spend an eternity wondering why friends didn’t try to help you avoid the terrible consequences of your apathy towards God. And that’s in spite of the fact that at least one did try.

You might’ve caught on to what I’m leading up to. If not, here it is.

I just found out, yesterday, that a guy, who was a close buddy of mine in the 80’s and into the 90’s, died almost exactly two months ago. We haven’t kept in touch for a long time. Because our friendship dissipated and dissolved about 20 years ago. That’s when he decided he finally couldn’t take any more of my Christian worldview.

Yeah, he was a committed atheist.

But even when we were buddies, I knew that. And he knew I was a Christian. But those were the days when I was full-time professional musician. And let’s say I didn’t let my Christian worldview get in the way of me sowing some “wild oats.” So, as a result, our worldviews didn’t clash.

Once I decided to once again stand up for my faith, the buddy thing went cold fast.

In recent years I heard, through mutual connections, that he battled cancer. And that he had some remission time, too. But I saw on his obituary page, online, that he “put up a tenacious fight with cancer, and passed away peacefully under Hospice care.” So, obviously it came back too strong.

To say we were buddies is putting it mildly.

I met him through his cousin I dated for a few years. Once she and I split, and another good friend of mine got married, he and I “hung out” a lot. He was a little less than two months older than me. And we brought his 30th birthday together in Telluride, Colorado. Then, we spent my 30th birthday together in Austin, Texas.

We even put his art skills and my word skills together for some epic Christmas card designs for a couple of years. And his artistic abilities were awesome. I wish I had some I could share with you. But he didn’t pursue an art career. Even though he could have. Basically everyone who saw his work commented on how realistic his drawing and painting was.

His obituary describes it nicely this way: “Scott was highly regarded for his intelligence, precision in architectural steel design, and perceptiveness as a visual artist.”

Very, very true.

But he stuck with the architectural steel design work because he couldn’t bring himself to accept the commercialism of an art career. That inspired me to write about his quandary. I’ll add it below.

He’s the guy who designed my signature logo 40 years ago. I still use it. And I will for as long as I write. In fact, it’s at the end of all my posts. The coolest part of it is how he took my actual signature and transformed it into a smooth logo on a short music scale. And that was way before there were all the digital tools that any dork with a computer could manipulate images these days.

He and I had a lot in common. Our taste in food and wine and lots of other things was very similar. We both enjoyed the same kinds of music. And he was one of the first to follow my music career as it got started way back in Houston, Texas.

Plus, he was one of the 8 people Elgielene and I had at our wedding, not including the minister. And he joined us on the Colorado ski slopes the following day as we spent a short honeymoon there.

I could go on and on with fond memories.

But none of them bring me peace about him. Because I’m not sure he’s able to rest in peace right now. I don’t know what his last days were like. But I know that, as I mentioned, he was a committed atheist. That’s not a good position to be in when death comes, if my worldview is correct. And it IS.

So, I’m deeply saddened to think about what his existence has been for the past two months. I hate to think of someone I spent so much time with in a dark, tormenting place. Without hope of reprieve.

And since our ages were so close, his death is a reminder that this time on Earth is super short. You don’t know when that last breath will leave your body. Or when the Lord will call His people up. But you gotta know it’ll be WAY sooner than you ever dreamed.

If you know a friend who’s a committed atheist, don’t give up. Look for an opportunity to get them to reconsider. Because I can tell you, right now, if you could manage to help them turn around, you’ll both be glad. And you’ll both rest a lot more in peace. Now. And forever.

Heart And Hands

The artist stares at his desk and then at the wall.
His hands perform tasks he doesn’t cherish at all.
He longs for his freedom, but he lives with the pain
That his hands can’t hold on to what his heart can attain.

The artist struggles to be what the others perceive,
But this feeling surrounds him, and it just doesn’t leave.
He wants to paint pictures to show it’s in vain
When his heart can’t hold on to what his hands can attain.

If he could just get his heart and hands together,
I think his doubt would have to cease.
If he could just get his heart and hands together,
I know he’d paint a masterpiece.

The artist sits in a room with a beautiful view,
But he does only things he thinks he has to do.
I wish he could see what he denies us all
By keeping his visions locked behind a wall. 

© 1988 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 TRUTH Journal. And enjoy my daily flashes of light from the power of God’s love.

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Shh. Be quiet for a sec. Do you hear that? Yeah, there it is again. It’s getting louder. And it’s definitely Monday morning music. Wow. How cool is that?! Here it is, the second Monday of September 2024, and there’s music in the air. Literally and figuratively.

Just in case you haven’t had your favorite wake-up beverage, yet, and your ears aren’t tuned in to the right sound waves, I’ll share a couple of mine with you.

My Monday Morning Music

Here’s my song
For the day.
It’s my Monday morning music, and I pray
That it’s fun,
And you’re blessed.
If you want to sing along, well, be my guest.
Take these words.
Make a tune.
Hum it now, and sing it all this afternoon.
Whistle once.
Add a smile.
Find a way that you can give it your own style.
Start the day.
With a song,
And your heart will be much fuller all day long.
Keep the joy
Inside you.
Then my Monday morning music is yours, too. © 2014

That was my idea of how encouraged you and I should be that we’re alive. So encouraged that you almost can’t keep from humming or whistling or singing. And just in case there’s no actual melody that springs into your brain in the first hour of the day, I put words to the wordless song that waits for you right out your front door.

Music in the Morning

Listen to the music in the morning.
Open up your windows, let it in.
No violins or brass…
Just flowers, trees, and grass
To greet you as enchanting notes begin.

Listen to the music in the morning
Carried on the wings of bustling birds.
Squirrels that scamper by
And airplanes in the sky
Add to this composition with no words.

Listen to the music in the morning.
Let not your hearts be troubled any way.
Just listen and applaud
The awesome love of God
In every morning and through every day.  © 2013

OK, I think you’re well-equipped now.

So, off you go. Get your salt and light ready for that mean ol’ world out there. You’re starting off on the right foot. And don’t be surprised if the Monday morning music carries you through the day and all through your week. Because it’s a gift from God.

And His gifts are so unique that even the stars sing.

Maybe you landed on this page by accident. Or maybe you’re here because someone referred you. However it happened, I realize you don’t know me well enough to buy something from me, yet. So, that means you should get to know more about me and my worldview. Here’s how:

Join the growing body of believers who’ve signed up for the TRUTH Journal. And enjoy my daily flashes of light from the power of God’s love.

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If you’re a fan, you might remember Cyndi Lauper singing “All Through The Night.” I don’t know how high it made it on the charts. But I know it was one of her hits. Here’s the chorus:

We have no past we won’t reach back.
Keep with me forward all through the night.
And once we start the meter clicks,
And it goes running all through the night,
Until it ends there is no end.

Catchy when you add the music.

But mostly esoteric. Because it only means something to someone who puts a meaning to it. And there’s nothing wrong with that. I’m not here to tear apart her lyrics. She certainly had more hits than I’ll ever have in this life.

No, I only thought about sharing her song with you because I heard it on the speakers in a store I visited today. And her song always reminds me of my first #1 as a soloist in the 8th grade music contests back in Pasadena, Texas.

I sang a much more olde (aka: auld) English style song. Same title. But worlds apart from Ms Lauper’s song. This song has words like alas, e’er, thee, and thou.

Yeah. Not exactly modern. Not even way back then, in the 3rd quarter of the 20th century.

And I remember hours and hours and hours of dedicated rehearsing.

Not to mention very demanding diaphragm training. And when I say demanding, try this. Lie on your back. Have someone place a fairly thick book in the center of your abdomen. Then, push out your diaphragm as you breathe in and out to sing the song.

In addition to that kind of training, our teacher would have us stand up, take a deep breath, and then form our lips into a whistling position. Then, we had to gently blow as though we were going to whistle, only we’d let just the air out. No whistle. And we had to see how long we could exhale.

But, in the end, the proof was in the pudding, as they say.

Because I took home a 1 medal for my solo. And 1 is the best score you can get in solo contests.

There were many more to come. But that one really stands out for me. Because of all the hard work and new vocal training sessions. And because it was the first.

As for the song, I sang three verses out of the following lyrics. And the choruses, of course. If thou art curious, maybe someday I’ll share which ones.

All Through The Night

Sleep my child and peace attend thee,
All through the night
Guardian angels God will send thee,
All through the night
Soft the drowsy hours are creeping,
Hill and dale in slumber sleeping
I my loved ones’ watch am keeping,
All through the night

Angels watching, e’er around thee,
All through the night
Midnight slumber close surround thee,
All through the night
Soft the drowsy hours are creeping,
Hill and dale in slumber sleeping
I my loved ones’ watch am keeping,
All through the night

While the moon her watch is keeping
All through the night
While the weary world is sleeping
All through the night
O’er thy spirit gently stealing
Visions of delight revealing
Breathes a pure and holy feeling
All through the night

Angels watching ever round thee
All through the night
In thy slumbers close surround thee
All through the night
They will of all fears disarm thee,
No forebodings should alarm thee,
They will let no peril harm thee
All through the night.

Hark, a solemn bell is ringing
Clear through the night
Thou, my love, art heavenward winging
Home through the night
Earthly dust from off thee shaken
Soul immortal shalt thou awaken
With thy last dim journey taken
Home through the night

Music by Edward Jones…Lyrics by John Ceiriog Hughes circa 1784

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Humans sure are stupid things. If you’re not a human, then you’re probably giggling to yourself, “You can say that again.” Ok, I will.

Humans sure are stupid things.

Now, I’m pretty sure you’re a human. Because as far as my software has been able to detect, no aliens (from other worlds, not criminals from other countries) have signed up for my writings.

So, since it’s likely you ARE one of the earthly homo sapiens, do you agree with me? You know what? Don’t answer that. Because you ARE also of the stupidocitus humanicus strain. But if makes you feel any better (and I doubt it will), so am I.

Yeah. The video replay of my life, that projects across the screen of my mind’s eye, shows plenty of, let’s say, an abundance of less than stellar choices and decisions.

And here’s something that’s even more disturbing. There’s almost a 100% chance I’ll add to those  sad stats. Because, darn it, I’m still one of those stupid things. At least as long as the air from this broken-down planet, spinning elliptically around the sun, flows through my compromised lungs.

(I should probably wear one of these t-shirts)

But don’t think for even a nano-infinitessimal-quantum second that I’ll give up my breathing habit. Not without a fight. Because as stupid as I’ve been in this life, I’m still saved from it. And knowing that motivates me to tell anyone, who’ll listen to or read my words, how that happened.

Maybe that’s why the most well-known Paul wrote this:

Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. 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.

Yeah, that helps persuade me, too. To look up even as I predict bad stuff. You do, too. Right?

I have seen the tides of freedom
Swept onto the shores of man.
I have seen the storm of greed
Take it all away again.

© 1977

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 TRUTH Journal. And enjoy my daily flashes of light from the power of God’s love.

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Jimmy Buffet sang about how changes in latitude could maybe help with this problem. Hank Williams Jr wrote about it from another perspective. “It was an attitude adjustment, I guess it was his first time. An attitude adjustment, now he understands just fine.”

Have you ever dealt with someone who needed an attitude adjustment?

And was it because they seemed to have that kind of condescending attitude that can get on your last nerve? I get it. Been there.

But here’s something I realized. And I hope you do, too.

Nobody else on the planet can actually condescend to you? Or to anyone else for that matter. And no matter what anybody else says, you are equal in value to anyone.

The key word there is “value.” Because, let’s say you work for someone. Then, their position is higher than yours. After all, they hired you. And they pay you. But all you would need, to reverse that, is a change of position. Hire yourself and run your own business.

All of that has nothing to do with your value. And your value can be eternal. Because you were created in the image and likeness of God.

You’ve heard of Him. Right? Yeah, he’s the One who spoke words and the whole universe sprang into existence. And He didn’t create any other living thing on the planet in His image and likeness. Only humans. Then, He even gave us “dominion” over all the other creatures. But He still has dominion over ALL of creation, including you and me.

So, only He has more value.

And you could say God had a condescending attitude when He lowered Himself to become a man and take the punishment for our sins. He had always existed, in eons past, as a spirit. That’s a vastly superior state of existence without the constraints of flesh and bones.

But He made the choice to live as we live. In a flesh and bones body that has to deal with hunger, pain, and temptations. And then He took that step down a lot further. Because He died a horrible death for something He didn’t do. Why?

Just so you and I wouldn’t have to pay the wages for sin.

So, Jesus condescended to our level, and even lower, so you and I could have eternal life. Yeah, He went through unimaginable hell so we can have a Way to avoid it.

Here’s a song I wrote about it. You’ll have to tune into the The Power of God’s Love Podcast if you care to hear it. But be warned. It’s hope-filled. But it’s an attitude adjustment. Not my usual cheery style.

Consequential Servitude

God looked down on me.
He knew I was wrong;
Usurped my position I 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 1st verse and 2nd chorus…end

© 2001 & 2008-09 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 TRUTH Journal. And enjoy my daily flashes of light from the power of God’s love.

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I read a clip from an article about Billy Joel talking about his song, “Only The Good Die Young.” And it showed how your perspective can change as you get older. But, for way too many, even the new perspective doesn’t help ’em wise up. Here’s that clip:

~ In 2023, when he was 74, Joel said of the song “It’s occurred to me recently that I’m trying to talk some poor innocent woman into losing her virginity because of my lust. It’s kind of a selfish song. Like, who cares what happens to you? What about what I want? But on the other hand, it was of its time. This was written in the mid-’70s, and I was trying to seduce girls. ~

Yeah, age gave Billy a new perspective. But no added wisdom.

Somewhat to his credit, Billy also pointed out that “the boy in the song failed to get anywhere with the girl, and she kept her chastity.” But obviously, no thanks to the boy.

I’m picking on Mr. Joel a little bit. But not because I don’t like his music. I’ve enjoyed a lot of his songs over the years. And several of them were in my repertoire during my live performance days (not Piano Man, nor will it ever be).

Yeah, Billy had a knack for finding a hook and a melody and turning them into hit songs. But I wish he’d gained some wisdom over the years. Because that’s the only way you can get a new perspective on eternity. And, yes, that’s crucial. Because eternity is a long time to deal with the consequences of a bad decision/perspective.

And that’s part of the catch-22 of fame.

It can help provide a life where all your needs, wants, and desires are covered. But having everything covered, lavishly, can also lead to greediness and sorrow. That’s not a rule. But it DOES happen more often than not.

It’s not too late for Billy to get a new perspective that isn’t subject to his own self-righteousness. He’s obviously still very much alive. And still kicking things up on stages all over the place. But time is running out for him. And the rest of us, too.

So, I hope he realizes, sooner rather than later, that he needs to sail on the river of Life instead of the River of Dreams.

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.
And we could end the stress and regain a lot of patience.
(from my song, Freewheel) © 1988

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 TRUTH Journal. And enjoy my daily flashes of light from the power of God’s love.

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I write, with sincere care, about how much I want you to live in paradise forever. Because your Creator wants me to do that because HE wants you there. But my daily flashes of light from the power of God’s love aren’t seen as care or love by most people.

Because most people don’t even recognize sincere care anymore.

That shouldn’t come as any surprise since most people grow up without sincere care.

As Jim Gaffigan might say,

“He keeps using that ‘sincere care’ thing like it’s a mystery no one understands.”

Well, that’s kinda true. One dictionary defines sincere as: “free from pretense or deceit; proceeding from genuine feelings.” And it defines care as: “the provision of what is necessary for the health, welfare, maintenance, and protection of someone or something.”

OK, let’s say, for the sake of this example, that I’m right about there being an actual forever. An actual passing of time without end. If that’s correct then I only sincerely care about someone if I don’t deceive them into thinking this short life on Earth is all there is. And I let them know that their Creator has provided a place for their eternal health, welfare, maintenance, and protection.

Bingo. Voila. Shazam.

Who wouldn’t be glad for a friend or relative who’d take the time to do that? Um. Everybody.

Here’s something I wrote, ten years ago after I shared some sincerity.

(At times, the effects hit much closer to home than I’d prefer.)

Close personal friends, business acquaintances, and even my earthly brothers have all responded with anger and rejection. They didn’t understand that I was sharing the most vital information they could ever hope to hear. And that I did it because I sincerely care.

Yeah, I’ve been told, commanded, to love my neighbor as I love myself. But “neighbors” would much rather I just shut up about it. Go figure.

But here’s the thing. In these perilous times, death and destruction are at the doorstep of every nation on earth. And no “mother earth” or “god force within you” or so-called “leader of the free world” can save you from the consequences.

You need the living, loving Source of Life. You need Jesus.

And I’m sharing this out of sincere care and…

With Brotherly Love

What would be so wrong
If I didn’t sing my song…with brotherly love?
Would it be unfair
If I didn’t even care…with brotherly love?
No one does these days,
Everyone just stays
In their old, familiar ways.
That’s how it should be.
If we all agree,
It all can be so easy.

What would be so bad
In not sharing what I had…with brotherly love?
Would I be a thug
If I didn’t want to hug…with brotherly love?
Just some silly rules
Taught in Christian schools
By a bunch of simple fools.
That stuff’s not for me.
Can’t you let me be?
Go shake another fruit tree.

Hey there, do you know?
Where did all those people go…with brotherly love?
I can’t find them here.
Did they all just disappear…with brotherly love?
Things don’t seem quite right…
Especially at night
And no one has a bright light.
Hopeless life lines drawn…
Hard to carry on…
Because all the love is gone.

© 2014 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 TRUTH Journal. And enjoy 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 = 1

I 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 TRUTH Journal. And enjoy my daily flashes of light from the power of God’s love.

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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 TRUTH Journal. And enjoy my daily flashes of light from the power of God’s love.

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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 Lines

Inside 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 The Power of God’s Love Podcast. 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 TRUTH Journal. And enjoy my daily flashes of light from the power of God’s love.

Stay tuned…

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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 TRUTH Journal. And enjoy my daily flashes of light from the power of God’s love.

Stay tuned…

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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 The Power of God’s Love Podcast and you can hear the song, too.)

Drawn To You

Maybe 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 TRUTH Journal. And enjoy my daily flashes of light from the power of God’s love.

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“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,

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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 Me

Life 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 The Power of God’s Love Podcast 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 TRUTH Journal. And enjoy my daily flashes of light from the power of God’s love.

Stay tuned…

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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 Forever

Silence 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 TRUTH Journal. And enjoy my daily flashes of light from the power of God’s love.

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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-Win

OK, 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 God

In 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 TRUTH Journal. And enjoy my daily flashes of light from the power of God’s love.

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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 TRUTH Journal. And enjoy my daily flashes of light from the power of God’s love.

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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…

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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 TRUTH emails. And join the growing body of believers who get my daily Flash of light from the power of God’s love.

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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,

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