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Tony Funderburk

The Power of God's Love and Truth

Tony Funderburk delivers your daily truth devotional
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Tony Funderburk Posted on June 2, 2024 by TonyJune 9, 2024
Longest bridge span isn't part of my plan

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The longest bridge in the world spans over 100 miles. Can you imagine driving that far, and it’s all on one bridge. Well, that’s all I’ll do. Because I’m never gonna drive on any bridge that long. Much less this particular one.

Because the longest bridge in the world is in China.

And I have no desire to visit China just so I can say I was on the longest bridge in the world. For that matter, I wouldn’t visit parts of America just to say that. But that’s just me. Feel free (as much as anybody can feel free anymore) to go drive on any bridge you like.

According to an article I read, the Danyang–Kunshan Grand Bridge, the name for the longest bridge in the world, is an impressive feat of engineering. And apparently it’s part of the Beijing-Shanghai High-Speed Railway. That article included these interesting facts about the Danyang–Kunshan Grand Bridge. Directly from the article:

1. Length: 164.8 kilometers (102.4 miles) long, making it the longest bridge in the world.

2. Location: Between the cities of Danyang and Kunshan in Jiangsu Province, China.

3. Construction Time: Started in 2006 and completed in 2010. The bridge officially opened in June 2011.

4. Purpose: It was built to support high-speed rail travel, allowing trains to travel at speeds up to 300 km/h (186 mph).

5. The bridge was constructed by a workforce of around 10,000 people. It used 450,000 tons of steel and 2.3 million cubic meters of concrete. The construction involved extensive planning and engineering to ensure stability and safety over various terrains, including rivers, lakes, and rice paddies. Prefabricated sections were used to expedite the building process and ensure structural integrity.

6. Design and Engineering Challenges: Soft ground, water bodies, and varying terrains. Incorporating modern engineering techniques and materials to ensure durability and safety. Ensuring the bridge can withstand natural disasters like earthquakes and typhoons.

7. Economic and Social Impact: The bridge significantly reduced travel time between major cities, boosting economic development and connectivity in the region.

Sounds like quite an accomplishment.

And I’m still not going there. Even though, my guess is, to a HUGE degree, most of the cost to build it was paid by Walmart, Costco, and Hobby Lobby customers.

If that includes you, don’t feel too bad. Because good luck trying to find something that’s NOT made in China. Of course, that’s no big deal because their government luvs America. So, what do we have to fear but fear itself?

Anyway…

These kinds of stories, combined with stories about American border invaders, atrocious abortion activists, a despicable criminal justice system that’s just a system, and more, inspire me to encourage you.

And, just in case, because things can go wrong SO fast, I encourage you to share more than a coke and smile with your loved ones. Share more than a dinner and a movie. Share more than a wink and a nod. Matter of fact…

I hope you’ll tell someone you love, today,
Something they will not soon forget,
A little something they can take through life,
A memory. A love vignette.  © 2023

And while you’re at it, you and your loved ones should jump on the The TRUTH. And be part of the growing band of believers who know life has Rhyme and Reason because God is Real.

Stay tuned,

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Posted in current events, Rhymes, The TRUTH Journal, Tony Funderburk | Tagged longest bridge, love, made in China, rhyme and reason podcast
Tony Funderburk Posted on June 1, 2024 by TonyJune 8, 2024
Nerve health and wisdom wealth

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This is something good to share with the kiddos. I talked about this over 10 years ago. But since this kind of nerve health is an ongoing issue, it’s just as relevant as ever.

And here’s what I mean by “this kind of nerve health.”

Have you ever heard someone say “you got a lotta nerve?” Usually they don’t mean that in a good way. It’s usually someone thinking you shouldn’t have said or done what you just said or did.

Like maybe you just told a guy his purple mohawk looks goofy. And he says, “Hey, you got a lotta nerve.” Here’s a helpful tip. When you see some dork, who has a purple mohawk, just do like Dionne Warwick sang. Walk on By. Let the dork have his purple mohawk. And act as though you never saw it.

Same thing goes for someone who has one yellow shoe and one pink shoe. Or someone who loves prunes. Let ’em wear their mismatched shoes and eat their strange fruits. Because other people’s mismatched shoes, strange fruit, and weird hair should have NO effect on YOU. And when you get down to it, the world is full of much stranger things.

I know you got a lotta nerve. And you’re bold for the Lord.

But, as the saying goes, don’t sweat the small stuff.

You can think whatever you want, about their dorkiness. But keep it to yourself, and don’t say it out loud. You’ll either make ’em mad or make ’em sad. Either way, it’s best to just keep on walkin’ and whistlin’.

The best side effect of taking my advice is your own good nerve health. And besides that, when you have more “regard for good things,” it’ll be more of an insult to dorks than all your verbal criticisms. Plus, you can focus your boldness on self-improvement. Like this:

You Got A Lotta Nerve

You got a lotta nerve sayin’ you’re gonna climb that tree,
And run that race,
Or ride that bike,
And camp out in your own teepee.

You got a lotta nerve sayin’ you’re gonna read that book
And learn that math
Or clean your room
And hang your coat on the coat hook.

You got a lotta nerve sayin’ you wanna be your best
And dress real sharp
Or stay real clean
And be happy and not depressed.

You got a lotta nerve sayin’ you wanna do what’s right,
But keep that nerve
And don’t give up
You’re a winner in God’s good light.

© 2013

Just use a little bit of nerve, and jump on the The TRUTH. And be part of the growing band of believers who know life has Rhyme and Reason because God is Real.

Stay tuned,

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Posted in healthy habits, Rhymes, Romans, The TRUTH Journal, Tony Funderburk | Tagged healthier kids, healthy habits, nerve health, rhyme and reason podcast, rhymes for kids
Tony Funderburk Posted on May 31, 2024 by TonyJune 6, 2024
Go solar right now, and they'll show you how

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“The State of Colorado Will Compensate Local Residents To Go Solar as Part of a Statewide Program (RPS).”

That was the headline to a short advertorial I recently read online. And I have a long history with Colorado, starting at birth, so it piqued my curiosity, of course.

But when “they” say “Go Solar,” it’s not a suggestion.

No, they’re not looking to get you to consider solar. Uh-uh. It’s a mandate (which is not two guys going to dinner). Here’s what “they” (the state of Colorado) said about it.

The Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) is a regulatory mandate to increase the production of energy from renewable sources like solar throughout the state of Colorado. This new, statewide renewable electricity standard is given to every state as a goal to have a percentage of its power come from renewable energies like wind and solar.”

Funny (odd, not ha-ha) how they never include oil when they talk about renewable energies. But, as I’ve shared right here on the The TRUTH, oil IS, and always has been, a renewable energy. And as bad as the mandate sounds, there’s something even more sinister at work in this so-called “initiative.”

For example, here’s more about their “goal” from that advertorial:

“With the goal of being 30% solar dependent by 2030, the state of Colorado has introduced big incentives and is pushing all local utility companies to compensate their customers to switch to solar through Energy Buy Back programs like Net Metering.

These new, state-wide solar incentives help Colorado homeowners take advantage of all federal, state, and local solar programs and rebates, and can completely eliminate their power bills with $0 upfront costs.”

When a state “has introduced big incentives,” that should be a red flag for you.

Your first thought should be, “Hmm, where did the state get the money to introduce “big incentives?” And, your lightning-fast reply to yourself should be, “TAXES!” Because “free” is only a concept. Nothing is EVER free.

And any government that increases taxes on hard-working people in order to give “big incentives” to other people, is a tyrannical government.

Jesus wasn’t particularly fond of tax collectors. And He said a tax rate of 10% is tyrannical. I hope you don’t believe, even for a second, that your tax rate is 10%. Because it’s at least five times that much.

If you believe the government has your best interest at heart when they say “go solar,” then you’ve accepted their matrix. And I fear for your eternal soul. It might be in jeopardy of everlasting confusion and torment.

Because unjust taxation is stealing.
Those who implement it are revealing
Their contempt for what’s right. Pay attention, you might
Find an answer that’s much more appealing.

That’s all I’ll say on it for now. While you wait for my next sound-off, jump on the The TRUTH. And be part of the growing band of believers who know life has Rhyme and Reason because God is Real.

Stay tuned,

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Posted in climate change, current events, Matthew, The TRUTH Journal, Tony Funderburk | Tagged Crude oil advantages, go solar, renewable resources, rhyme and reason podcast
Tony Funderburk Posted on May 28, 2024 by TonyMay 28, 2024
Tuesday morning weather and putting things together

Rain started off our Tuesday morning weather, today. And it cooled things off a bit. But I like cooler weather because I feel more like moving around. But one thing’s for sure. The weather doesn’t much care if I like it or not. It’s gonna be what it’s gonna be. So, it really wouldn’t do any good to complain about it anyway. Right?

And there are much darker things to consider than Tuesday morning weather.

Yeah, no matter how many dark blue and gray clouds build up, that’s just water in the sky. So, it’s much more productive to let the weather happen. And focus on things you can do something about. Like you. Your work. Your health. Loving your loved ones. And maybe a few other things like:

  • true things
  • noble things
  • just (well-grounded) things
  • pure things
  • lovely things
  • well-reported things
  • virtuous things
  • praiseworthy things

By the way, that’s not a list for women only. If you’re a guy who thinks it’s not manly to think about pure and lovely things, for example, I encourage you to get that stupid idea out of your head. All the things on that bulleted list were scraped directly from the Apostle Paul’s letter to the Philippians. And Paul was inspired, by God, to write them.

So, if God, who created all the elements included in your Tuesday morning weather, says you should focus and/or meditate on those things, JUST DO IT. At least now and then. They’ll help you be a better and wiser person.

In the meantime, don’t sweat the weather. (pun intended) Be cool and enjoy…

Tuesday Weather

We’re gonna have Tuesday weather
Whether you like it or not
Because today is Tuesday,
And we’ve got the weather we’ve got.

We’re gonna have Tuesday weather
From the morning till midnight
Because Tuesday is all day…
Between Monday and Wednesday, right?

We’re gonna have Tuesday weather
So go out and soak some in,
Maybe I’ll see you out there.
I’ll be the one with the big grin.

© 2014

Now, jump on the The TRUTH. And be part of the growing band of believers who know life has Rhyme and Reason because God is Real.

Stay tuned,

Tony Funderburk signature logo

 

Posted in Philippians, Rhymes, Tony Funderburk | Tagged manly man, meditate on these things, Tuesday morning weather
Tony Funderburk Posted on May 27, 2024 by TonyMay 27, 2024
Last Monday is more than a fun day

Well, it’s the last Monday of the month of May in 2024. And that, of course, means it’s Memorial Day. The day Americans take time to remember fallen and injured men and women who served our country in the military.

Here’s some history behind this last Monday of the month.

I read this in an article this morning:

“Americans began to recognize Memorial Day in 1868, and the country established it as a federal holiday in 1971. Originally known as ‘Decoration Day,’ the holiday started with communities coming together to decorate the graves of those who died during service.

After the Civil War, Americans across the nation began holding tributes in the spring, decorating graves with flowers, reciting prayers, and honoring the estimated 620,000 fallen soldiers of the war (2% of the population at the time). Some records show that formerly enslaved people in Charleston, South Carolina organized the earliest Memorial Day commemorations in 1865. And in 1866, the federal government declared Waterloo, New York, the official birthplace of Memorial Day. That’s when the city closed all businesses so residents could decorate the gravesites of soldiers with flowers and American flags every year.”

Regardless of how it got started, the sad news is these days there sure doesn’t seem like as much respect given to the people who sacrificed lives for freedom. So, I’ll share this poem I wrote on the last Monday of May over 10 years ago to pay my respects.

Soldiers, Angels

Soldiers, angels walkin’ through the green grass
Underneath the blue skies,
Singin’ soft lullabies,
And they carry baubles made of brass.

Soldiers, angels hikin’ up the high road
Lookin’ for the heart light
Gotta make it start right
Now because they have a heavy load.

Soldiers, angels have left us a tutorial
On how to skip mistakes
Like everybody makes…
Then we build a sad memorial.

Soldiers, angels…one becomes the other
Takin’ on a new role
And up goes the death toll.
Why can’t every man just love his brother?

Soldiers, angels…we can’t live without them
Paying for our error
Till God stops this terror…
And that’s why I wrote this poem about them.

© 2013

Stay tuned,

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Posted in current events, historical events, Rhymes, Tony Funderburk | Tagged all the angels, last Monday, Memorial Day 2024, unknown soldier
Tony Funderburk Posted on May 26, 2024 by TonyDecember 28, 2024
Wizard of Oz might have had a cause

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When I was a kid, way back before gigantic TV screens (and even remote controls), the Wizard of Oz movie came on once a year. I don’t know exactly what my parents thought about the movie. But the kids sure got a kick out of it.

But who knew the Wizard of Oz had so many double meanings?

I certainly didn’t. Plus, I just never gave it much more thought than how imaginative and colorful the movie was. And, unless you’re someone who thinks there’s hidden messages in everything, chances are you were the same way. The Wizard of Oz was just a movie that especially entertained kids. Right?

Well, I saw an article this morning that takes some of the main characters, in the Wizard of Oz, to a whole ‘nother level. And I haven’t spent any time trying to verify or nullify the validity of this article. I’m not going to either. Just thought it sounded interesting. And I thought you might, too. Here’s the article.

“The Straw Man represents that fictional ALL CAPS legal fiction, The PERSON. He wanted a brain but got a Certificate. The Birth Certificate.

The TIN (Taxpayer Identification Number) Man. He was a robotic avatar, who worked tirelessly until his body literally froze up and stopped functioning. The heartless and emotionless robot creature who worked himself to death. Because he had no heart or soul.

The Cowardly Lion was a bully, but was actually a true coward when someone stood up to him, like most bullies. He lacked true courage. And, in the end, the Wizard gave him an Official Recognition Award: Authority and Status.

The Wizard of Oz used magic, smoke, flames and holograms. But all of it were tricks and illusions to push fear and compliance to make people do what he commanded. The truth is the Wizard has NO real power and only used illusions to create false power and authority.

The Wicked Witch pushed fear through intimidation.

She was after Toto. And she controlled the flying monkey police, the policy enforcers, and the mischievous demons. Those also represent the BAR Association who attack and control all the little people for the Great Crown Wizard, the crooked Bankers of Oz, obsessed with gold.

In the field of poppies, they were not REAL humans. So drugs had no effect on them. But Dorothy was drugged.

The Wizard of Oz was written at the time when Rockefeller and the Big Pharma began to take over medicine and education.

The Crown was actually the largest drug dealer. And, after their take-over of drug distribution in China, they began to expand all around the world.

Toto was what the Wicked Witch was really after. Toto in Latin means ‘in total.’ Toto exposed the Wizard of Oz and had no fear, despite being very small compared to the Great Wizard. So, no one noticed him. 

Toto pulled the curtain on the Wizard and his magical scams. And that ‘curtain’ also signifies the End of an Act or scene! He pulled the curtain. And started barking until others paid attention, hypothetically giving everyone the ‘Red Pill.’

The curtain hid the corporate legal fiction and its false courts. 

So, no matter how small your bark is, it can be heard!” -end of article-

OK, the best conspiracy theories are the ones that seem plausible.

And knowing how the powers that be, in the world of arts and sciences, love to push their narrative du jour, this Wizard of Oz entrée isn’t so far-fetched. And here’s my poetic narrative of the day, for the kiddos:

Rainbow Riders

Riding on a rainbow after all the raindrops fell,
Little rainbow riders didn’t hear the dinner bell.
So they kept on riding through the sky above the clouds,
High above the weather and away from all the crowds.

They could see the sailing ships and fishes in the sea.
They could see the pyramids and lands of mystery.
All the world was like a book with video and sound.
And they could turn the pages just by going ’round and ’round.

Little rainbow riders ride the rainbows till they fade.
Then, they land on earth and have a picnic in the shade.
They fill their bowls with berries and juicy melons too.
And fall asleep and dream of riding rainbows through the blue.

© 2013

Now, jump on the The TRUTH. And be part of the growing band of believers who know life has Rhyme and Reason because God is Real.

Stay tuned,

Tony Funderburk signature logo

Posted in conspiracy theory, current events, Rhymes, The TRUTH Journal, Tony Funderburk | Tagged conspiracy theory, cowardly lion, rhyme and reason podcast, scarecrow, tin man, toto, wicked witch, wizard of oz
Tony Funderburk Posted on May 25, 2024 by TonyMay 25, 2024
Go barefoot when you can and stick to the plan

When you’re young, still in school, and ready to go barefoot, those summer days suit your fancy. You start to picture yourself in a sparkling, clear pool with your friends. Or maybe you see yourself walking down white, sandy beaches.

But it seems like those days take forever to arrive.

And you have to go barefoot inside while you wait.

You do your best to keep your mind on your studies. But try as you might those daydreams of lazy, summer fun creep up in the back of your mind. Then they crawl right up behind your eyelids. And you float away from your class and everyone in it.

Have you ever noticed how the older people are, the more they talk about how fast time goes by?

But it’s like this. When you’re young, those warm and hot summer days seem to go on and on. But old people will tell you things like, “Just wait kiddo. Before you know it you’ll be my age. And you’ll wonder where time slipped away.”

They seem so silly. I know. I thought that same way. But then, one day you find out just how right they were.

So, as this Memorial Day weekend, of 2024, gets going, enjoy your hot summer days this summer. Stick to your plan to go barefoot as often as you can. And don’t fret about what’s happening tomorrow. There’s enough in today to keep you busy all day.

The temperature is rising
On the weather dial outside.
So we should get the garden hose
And make a water slide.

Hot summer days feel cooler
When we swim down in the stream
And we run back home for dinner
And we find homemade ice cream.

As the evening sky grows darker
We go lie out on the grass,
And we hear the old folks talkin’
‘Bout how fast the years all pass.

Then we wonder why they worry.
Guess it must just be their ways.
We’ve still got our whole vacation
To enjoy hot summer days.

Now, jump on the The TRUTH. And be part of the growing band of believers who wanna show the world that life has Rhyme and Reason because God is Real.

Stay tuned,

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Posted in current events, Rhymes, Tony Funderburk | Tagged go barefoot, Memorial Day 2024, summer vacation
Tony Funderburk Posted on May 24, 2024 by TonyMay 28, 2024
Back for seconds because the bee beckons

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Cow secretions and bee vomit. Yum, yum. I don’t know about you, but I’ll be goin’ back for seconds. Oh yeah! But first, here’s my desire as I share a little something with you today:

Let my teaching drop as the rain,
My speech distill as the dew,
As raindrops on the tender herb,
And as showers on the grass.

I can’t (and don’t) take credit for that most pleasant prose. Because it was written by Mo very many years ago. And Mo was the one who put the dude in Deuteronomy. He was inspired, by God, to give an account of how the nation of Israel came to be. And how that nation was God’s chosen people who actually betrayed Him repeatedly. The prose I just shared comes from a section in Deuteronomy known as “The Song of Moses.”

What’s that? You didn’t know Moses was a poetic guy? A songwriter? Well, you learn somethin’ new every day.

And now you know he’s the guy I called Mo.

So, what does any of this have to do with me comin’ back for seconds?

Especially when we’re talkin’ about cow secretions and bee vomit.

Well, imagine you’re in a desert land. And it’s quite the understatement to call it a terrible place. Because you have virtually no hope of getting out. No food or water or shelter. And no idea which way to go. Then, out of the blue, a ghost appears and leads you to food. In fact, you walk into fields of juicy, tasty produce. Not only that, but the ghost shows you how to get honey and good fats from the ground.

If all that happened, you’d probably think you just hit the best lottery ever!

OK, now imagine that the scenario I just shared isn’t make-believe. Because the “ghost” is a real person. And the story I just told is based on a true story found in the Bible. It’s about how God took a man named Jacob and made him into a nation. And that nation is Israel. The story I told you to imagine goes like this:

“He found him in a desert land and in the wasteland, a howling wilderness; He encircled him, He instructed him, He kept him as the apple of His eye. As an eagle stirs up its nest, Hovers over its young, Spreading out its wings, taking them up, Carrying them on its wings, So the Lord alone led him, And there was no foreign god with him. He made him ride in the heights of the earth, That he might eat the produce of the fields; He made him draw honey from the rock, And oil from the flinty rock…”

If someone did all that for you, would you betray him?

My guess is, on some level, you probably would.

Because, on some level, we all have. And that’s because of the lowest common denominator we all have. Selfishness. Somewhere inside you is your desire to be your own king. To handle everything YOUR way. And you either fight against that desire or you give in. Most give in. Reminds me of these lyrics from The Who:

Out here in the fields
I fight for my meals.
I get my back into my living.
And I don’t need to fight
To prove I’m right.
I don’t need to be forgiven.
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah

Don’t cry.
Don’t raise your eye.
It’s only teenage wasteland.

Yeah, that whole selfish concept of “I don’t need to be forgiven.” But, even though Pete Townshend didn’t realize it at the time, it’s actually that kind of selfishness that keeps you in the wasteland. Keeps you in the desert.

But there IS a Way out of that desert and into the land of cow secretions and bee vomit.

I keep saying that to poke fun at so-called “nutrition influencers.”

That’s their descriptions of milk and honey. Cow secretions and bee vomit. But God inspired Mo (aka: Moses) to call the “promised land” the “land of milk and honey. And that was a description meant to entice. Not repulse. And if God says something is good, it is good.

This is just one of the many reasons why the Bible is the bestselling book of all time.

And I’m convinced that, if you read it with an open mind and heart, it will change your teenage wasteland heart to one full of love, purpose, and focus. Plus, I believe you’ll love the amazing force of life you can feel, when you KNOW you’re gonna live forever in paradise.

And don’t be surprised, once you’ve discovered the truth I’m talking about, how you’ll want to go back for seconds. And thirds, fourths, fifths, etc.

Dig deep and find the treasures for your heart.
The Bible is the perfect place to start.
And as the words unfold, revealing love and gold,
The life God gave you never will depart.

Now, jump on the The TRUTH. And be part of the growing band of believers who wanna show the world that life has Rhyme and Reason because God is Real.

Stay tuned,

Tony Funderburk signature logo

Posted in Bible study, Deuteronomy, Faith Hope and Love, historical events, Rhymes, The TRUTH Journal, Tony Funderburk | Tagged back for seconds, milk and honey, rhyme and reason podcast, selfishness, teenage wasteland, the desert
Tony Funderburk Posted on May 23, 2024 by TonyMay 25, 2024
Double Helix in a delicious mix

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Guy walks up to the bar and orders, “Gimme a Helix, bartender. And make it a double.” I know you’ve heard of the Double Helix. It packs a powerful punch. But there’s no hangover the next morning. Maybe that’s because it’s filled with Deoxyribonucleic Acid.

“Yeah! Don’t be stingy with the Deoxyribonucleic Acid in my Double Helix, bartender!”

That’s such a tongue-twisting mouthful. Surely, there’s a quicker way to say it. Hmm. I kinda like DNA. What say we go with that? All in favor? Great! The eyes have it (yes, I meant to say “eyes”).

Alright, let’s get your mind out of the bar for a minute or two. And let’s talk about how DNA is scientific proof you and I are fearfully and wonderfully made by the one, true, living, loving God of creation. Not merely carbon copies of carbon lifeforms. Even the term “carbon lifeforms” contradicts itself. But, right now I’m gonna share some tidbits of information about information I shared several years ago. It bears repeating. Because it’s inside you right now.

In almost all of the 30,000,000,000,000 (that’s trillion, by the way) cells in your body there are duplicate copies of your DNA. Each human cell contains 46 segments. You got 23 segments from your mom and 23 from your dad. No one else on Earth has the same DNA as you. Cool, huh? Well, here’s something even cooler.

All that information in your DNA is a blueprint for how to build the one and only YOU.  The blueprint contains the information on how you’ll look, much of how you’ll act, and how every cell in your body will function during your life.

And here’s some more interesting factoids.

  • The DNA from one of your cells, uncoiled, connected, and stretched out would be about 6 feet long.
  • It would be so thin you couldn’t see it. Not even with the most powerful microscope in existence today.
  • The coded information found inside that cell could fill a library with somewhere around 4,000 books.
  • And if you took all the DNA in your body and stretched it out end-to-end, you could go to the moon and back more than 165,000 times.

That’s mighty impressive. But, how about this?

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

So, how could anyone actually THINK about the complex information inside us and not believe in God?

I love knowing we’re created. And not just an accident that rose up out of nothing.

No matter what you believe about how life started, you’ve made a choice to believe it.

No one (at least virtually no one) is being forced to believe how we all got here.

My question is this.

Why would you want to believe you’re just the random result of trillions of mutations? Especially when there’s so much information inside you to the contrary. Because you’re an information-based life form. And that information, coded into your DNA, proves there must be a super coder.

The good news is…that coder is the Creator who loves you. He made you a human being. In His image and likeness. And He allows you to choose to love Him in return. Or not. So, have another Double Helix. And choose wisely.

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

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

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

Jump on the The TRUTH and be part of the growing band of believers who wanna show the world that life has Rhyme and Reason because God made us.

Stay tuned,

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Posted in creation science, evolution fairy tale, Psalms, Rhymes, The TRUTH Journal, Tony Funderburk | Tagged DNA, double helix, rhyme and reason podcast, valuable information
Tony Funderburk Posted on May 22, 2024 by TonyMay 25, 2024
Evolve or devolve? Will the whole world dissolve?

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Here’s a list of words, found in a thesaurus, you can exchange for one other widely used word. I bet you can guess the word: develop, progress, advance, move forward, make headway, mature, grow, open out, unfold, unroll, expand, enlarge, spread, extend; alter, change, transform, adapt, metamorphose, differentiate – Did you guess evolve?

Yeah, evolve is the word of the century.

People LUV to use that word. And it’s not an evil word. So, this isn’t what I’d call THE issue of the day. But I find it interesting how everything from hair salons to food companies to pet products to marketing businesses use the word, evolve, in their name. Especially when there are so many synonyms just as enticing.

As a matter of fact, I just read two short articles about quirky so-called “national holidays.” These two are both “observed” today, May 22nd. National Buy An Instrument Day. And National Vanilla Pudding Day. Now, I have nothing against either one of these. In fact, I’d be willing to celebrate them both. Because I love music AND vanilla pudding.

But check out these snippets from the stories of how we got these holidays:

“Archaeological studies and remains show that musical instruments have evolved over time. Each generation improved the designs and creations that came before it until we arrived at the instruments of today.”

And…

“This dish was common in the Middle Ages and the traditional pudding has evolved a great deal over time.”

Probably just a coincidence.

But, as I doublechecked the info, I got the distinct impression that multiple articles were generated by “artificial intelligence.” Because they sound so automated. And it’s probably no big deal. I mean, you probably couldn’t care less. And, by now, you’re wondering why you stuck around to read this far.

So, I better leave you with something more entertaining. Forget about those other notions. Put them out of your mind completely. You and I can do that because we’ve evolved to the point of having control of our minds. Cool, right?

OK, so here’s a rhyme to redeem your time:

Sugar Coated Serenity

The road led to a magic place
With icy clouds of marmalade
In skies of azure butter mints
And honey-sweetened lemonade.
I found a house of chocolate
And nougat-filled divinity.
Faith, Hope, and Love are keys to this
Sugar coated serenity.

© 2024

Jump on the The TRUTH and be part of the growing band of believers who wanna show the world that life has Rhyme and Reason because God made us.

Stay tuned,

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Posted in evolution fairy tale, Faith Hope and Love, family friendly, life is beautiful, Rhymes, The TRUTH Journal, Tony Funderburk | Tagged evolution fairy tale, evolve, rhyme and reason podcast, sugar coated, synonyms
Tony Funderburk Posted on May 21, 2024 by TonyMay 25, 2024
Faith and doubt and what you might leave out

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You’ve probably experienced faith and doubt at the same time. It’s OK to admit it because it’s part of your human flaws. I know. How dare I say you have flaws, right? Easy. Because everybody does.

I talk about the Apostle Paul a lot. And that’s because he’s the best example of where you and I are right now. And he expressed his concerns about his own ways when he wrote to the new Christians in Rome. Check out what he said and see if you detect yourself in his words:

“…we know that the law is spiritual, but I am carnal, sold under sin. For what I am doing, I do not understand. For what I will to do, that I do not practice; but what I hate, that I do. If, then, I do what I will not to do, I agree with the law that it is good. But now, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells in me. For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh) nothing good dwells; for to will is present with me, but how to perform what is good I do not find. For the good that I will to do, I do not do; but the evil I will not to do, that I practice. Now if I do what I will not to do, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells in me.”

And a few lines later, you can see those weren’t just idle thoughts. Paul was so deeply affected by that inner conflict that he said, “O wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death?” Yikes!

Yeah, flaws, like the ones Paul described, can allow doubt seep into your mind. That doubt can affect your day, your decisions, and your dreams. And that’s even if you’ve expressed a true faith in the One who made you. I’m not talking about the skepticism kind of doubt, the kind of uncertainty of how we even got here.

No, this is about Christian faith. And doubt in yourself or your future.

Uncertainty and insecurity can sneak into your life if you don’t watch out. Regardless of that, I want you to know it’s not an unforgivable sin for that to happen in your life. But doubt can grow when you focus on it instead of the solution.

Faith and doubt are mentioned, a lot, in the Bible.

Doubt is often referred to as fear, or a lack of courage, or unbelief. But, no matter what kind of doubt it is, the solution is always presented as faith. God wants you to have courage. He wants you to be powerful and loving. And He gives you the tool to get the job done.

His word.

His word is also called “the sword of the Spirit.” It’s an invisible sword, more powerful than brass, iron, or steel. And yet it’s sharp enough to “divide soul and spirit.” Wow, that’s difficult to even imagine.

Anyway…

Here’s my main point. I just want you to know that if you’re bouncing back and forth between faith and doubt, it means you’re doing something wrong. Not evil, but wrong. And it’s probably that you put most of your trust in yourself. But that’s leaning on limited understanding. And certainly not trusting in the Lord with all your heart.

There are successful people who don’t trust in the Lord. That’s undeniably true.

But what profits will you enjoy if you gain the whole world and lose your soul?

Most millionaires and billionaires go to hell.

I’m not picking on wealthy people because most poor people are going to hell, too. Because most PEOPLE are not going to Heaven. For one stupid reason. They choose not to go. If you have any doubt about where you’ll go if you die today, I suggest putting your faith in Jesus. Without Him, you face a life full of…

False Moves

I seem to make so many false moves.
So many have misunderstood.
I guess I must expect the worst results,
And I’d deal with them, if I could.

False moves, like shadows, fall behind.
You might go look for them, but they’re difficult to find.
False moves, like liquor, bring a sense of doubt.
So hard to live with, and so easy to live without.

I always seem to see the empty spots
And fill them up with simple words,
But when I think I’ve got the right idea,
It disappears like Autumn birds.

I sit and dream of traveling so far,
And then I end up standing still.
Part of me says that I will make it.
Part of me says I never will.
False moves”

© 1978 Tony Funderburk

Since I referenced Paul’s letter to the Ephesians, I’m gonna share a link to my own lyrical perspective on that book of the Bible. It’s called “Rhyme and Reason in Ephesians.” Get a digital copy from your choice of stores:

https://books2read.com/u/baEaeP

Stay tuned,

Tony Funderburk signature logo

 

Posted in Bible study, Ephesians, Proverbs, Rhymes, The TRUTH Journal, Tony Funderburk | Tagged boldness of faith, faith and doubt, rhyme and reason podcast, shadow of a doubt
Tony Funderburk Posted on May 20, 2024 by TonyMay 20, 2024
Drown out the noise and develop some poise

I’ve always had a place I could go when I needed to drown out the noise of the world.

Music.

And when I was 22, I bought a piano. Not just a another electronic keyboard. Nope. An actual, upright piano. It was a Rudolph Aeolian. Oh man, it was sleek, had a clear, smooth tone, and I was thrilled.

I discovered it in the downstairs section of a used piano shop in, in an old section of Kansas City, Missouri. And I made arrangements with the owner for him to keep it and deliver it once I paid off the $450 it cost me.

So, for several months, I sent him all my “extra” income. And, in fairly short order, I paid it off. And, just as we had agreed, the piano store owner promptly delivered it to me. That was no small thing. Because his guys had to deliver it to a tiny, old trailer home I rented for $75 a month in a little rural, Kansas town. About 45 miles from the store.

And right after the delivery guys left, I started to drown out the noise of the world.

Yeah, once I had my very own piano in my very own place I had my very own escape route. And I could make my escape any time the world and its problems started closing in too much. Fortunately, that was rarely the case. And thankfully, most of the time I just wanted to play, get better, and write songs.

Hundreds of songs. Some of them quite good.

Many of them? Well, as the old saying goes, “Practice, practice, practice.”

And that’s part of the answer to life’s problems. It’s important to understand there’s NO “place” where you’ll be free from the troubles of this world. If that’s your goal, disappointment’s in your future. No, life takes a lot of practice.

But there’s a person, who can help you with that. And He’s WAY better than any place you can imagine. His name is Jesus. And His still small voice can drown out the noise of this world. If and when you choose to stop and listen.

Meditate on this for more than a second or two.

Jesus spoke words and the whole universe exploded into existence. And, here’s something else to wrap your mind around, if you’re ready to explode it into a fireworks display of amazement.

Before you were that little boy or girl born into this world, you were a thought inside the mind of God.

Chew on that, as you try to drown out the noise all around you. And when the bad news gets too loud, turn to your Creator. Don’t do like the person in these lyrics…

Play Sweet Piano

To lie is such a foolish thing,
But I still do.
I try too hard to find a way
To make it true.
I’ll try to stand on the ocean,
If you will.
Let’s take a look at the sky.
I’ll try to be as calm as
I can be,
And keep this look in my eye.
To laugh is such an easy thing.
So why can’t I?
My face is strong, but that’s to hide
My empty lie.
Play sweet piano
And lose me inside you.
I know you will do that for me.
Let’s take a journey,
We’ll fly, and we won’t come back.
We’ll live in a sweet melody.

© 1977

Jump on the The TRUTH and be part of the growing band of believers who wanna show the world that life has Rhyme and Reason because God made us.

Stay tuned,

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Posted in Jeremiah, life is beautiful, music history, road stories, Tony Funderburk, Words and Music | Tagged drown out the noise, noise of the world, piano player, your Creator
Tony Funderburk Posted on May 19, 2024 by TonyMay 25, 2024
World peace news just in. Same as it's ever been.

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I’ve lived several decades on this little blue planet. And, as long as I can remember I’ve heard people talk about world peace. And I’ve heard and seen the world peace news on radio and TV. But the world seems to always snatch war from the jaws of peace every time. Have you noticed that?

During my time on Earth there have always been wars. We’ve been fortunate here in America. Because we haven’t seen actual war on our soil for a long time. But I figure it’s only a matter of time. Especially since hostile invaders cross our borders every day unvetted.

Anyway…

I don’t believe (although I wish) the world peace news is gonna change any time soon.

And that’s because most people refuse to allow the peace of God to rule in their hearts. Probably because they don’t like how the peace of God isn’t based on arbitrary human emotions. It’s based on Truth and Life. And most people believe “your truth is yours” and “my truth is mine.” Same people who love to say “love is love.” Yeesh.

When you understand you had a beginning designed by the Creator of all things, you can begin to understand the importance real Truth and Life. And it’s basic. It’s fundamental. It’s simple. Truth exists because God exists. And God is the source of all life. You can know that you know. And that knowledge gives peace you can’t find anywhere else.

Unfortunately, most people don’t give a rip about that peace.

They’d rather wander, ignorantly, through their life. Searching for answers based on their preconceived notions. Or, worse, their flawed learning process (translation: public schooling). And they choose to live esoteric, experiential lives. But that’s a dark, rocky road, with treacherous turns, that leads to the center of the Earth.

Yeah, I’m one of those wacky Christians who believes in right and wrong. And I take the road less travelled. The road that leads to the narrow gateway to Heaven. But I have at least one thing that no unbeliever will ever have. The world peace news that’s above and beyond human comprehension.

Good news is, it’s a free gift from God.

Ironically, in the world of advertising, the word “free” tends to increase sales and profits. But a free gift from God tends to cause eyes to glaze over and hearts to harden.

I’m sure glad that’s not you and me. Can I get an Amen?

Spoon-feed the apathy and watch it grow
Into the cold hard truth.
And if you never care, then you will never know.
It’s such a cold hard truth!

(from my song, “Cold Hard Truth”)

Jump on the The TRUTH and be part of the growing band of believers who wanna show the world that life has Rhyme and Reason because God made us.

Stay tuned,

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Posted in current events, Faith Hope and Love, The TRUTH Journal, Tony Funderburk, Truth Bombs | Tagged cold hard truth, peace on Earth, rhyme and reason podcast, world peace news
Tony Funderburk Posted on May 18, 2024 by TonyMay 25, 2024
Your life design is not the same as mine

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Your life design is unique. No one else who ever lived, is living now, or will ever live will have the same life as you. But your life is also no different from anybody else either. Here’s what I mean. And why it matters.

The DNA found in every cell of your body is incredibly complex and completely yours. The odds that it exists by chance are so small, you’d be more likely to win the powerball AND get struck by lightning on 3 birthdays in a row.

Yeah, your living, loving Creator gave you your life design.

And He put the code inside you that makes sure no one else will be you. So, are you starting to realize how special you are? Great.

But here’s the other side of the coin…

You’re not so special, unique, or one-of-a-kind when it comes to how your life plays out.

Because you’ll experience awesome days and disappointing days. You’ll have to go through pain. And you’ll enjoy great pleasures. You will. And so will about seven billion other people. So did countless other people throughout history. It’s life.

But just because God gave you your life design doesn’t mean He designed how you’d live out your life.

That’s why you’ll find forks in roads where you’ll have to choose a direction, an option, a judgment call. Because, in your life design, God gave you a brain to use. A mind to store data and make options based on using that data well.

So, what’s the best way to make wise choices when you find one of the forks in the road? It depends on who you’re willing to trust for help. Do you think your best friends have the solution? How about mom? Or dad? Those can be good choices. But what if they’re not available when you’re faced with a situation that needs a “right away” answer?

Who can you turn to in those times?

I suggest that same living, loving Creator I mentioned before.

Remember, He designed you. He formed you in your mother’s womb. And He installed that unique code inside you. He knows what makes you tick. And He’s available 24 hours a day. Every day of your life. And He’s as close as your breath. In fact, He’s closer. He’s the Spirit of Life. For you, me, and everyone who wants him to be. Without Him nobody would exist. And His word is how you get to know Him and discover His advice for those forks in your road.

God’s word says you can plan your way. And it says He will direct your steps. That means He won’t make your decisions for you. And He didn’t plan your life for you. But when you trust Him, He won’t lead you the wrong way. He’ll lead you the direct way. That means you’ll get where you need to be.

Here’s a challenge for you.

Give up self-trust today. Read God’s word even more to understand your life design. Especially Paul’s writings, from Romans through Philemon, in the New Testament. Because Paul’s message is the most relevant part of the Bible for what’s going on right now.

OK, here’s a rhyme to share with kids about their life design.

Your Story Matters

Inside a trillion tiny cells,
Where no one’s eyes can see,
A trillion times your story flies
On sparks of energy.

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

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

© 2013

Jump on the The TRUTH and be part of the growing band of believers who wanna show the world that life has Rhyme and Reason because God made us.

Stay tuned,

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Posted in Bible study, current events, Psalms, Rhymes, The TRUTH Journal, Tony Funderburk | Tagged here by design, intelligent design, rhyme and reason podcast, Word of God, your life design
Tony Funderburk Posted on May 17, 2024 by TonyFebruary 24, 2025
Perilous fight for what is right

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A perilous fight in perilous times will not sway these reasons and rhymes.

My wife and I never had kids. But we love kids. And we enjoy their imaginative outlook on life. That’s why I write music for kids, ebooks for kids, and create illustrations and videos for kids. I want them to enjoy words and music and pictures and be safe and loved.

But kids, today, are in for a perilous fight.

There’s a very good book that talks about this. It mentions how so many men only love themselves, or money, or pleasure. And it talks about how they become boastful, full of false pride, unthankful, unloving, unforgiving, brutal, and despising anything good.

Those same “grownups” end up raising disrespectful and disobedient kids. No surprise. And these days you can say the term “disobedient kids,” and be ridiculed for using that description.

But what those naysayers don’t realize is that an obedient, respectful kid is awesome. And he or she is almost always one who is (or has been) raised in a happy home. A home where discipline is dealt out fairly and with love.

But most kids aren’t empowered with a moral compass. So, they don’t understand truth that can be trusted not to change with the election of a new class of politicians. Truth that can be trusted not to change with the passing of another million laws. And Truth that can be trusted not to change because it isn’t cool anymore. And, tragically, that means the few kids whose parents teach them about Truth, will be in for a perilous fight.

Because they’ll see how much this world hates them.

I want all kids, from the moment they are conceived, to be loved.

And with a love that surpasses mere human understanding. A love that doesn’t merely give them a cola and a smile and a hug. I’m talkin’ about a love that guards their spirit forever. And I know that even saying this I risk losing a large potential audience for my words and music. But I also know not saying it risks so much more.

If you’re raising kids (or know someone who is) these (and future) perilous times, equip yourself for every good work. And look up. Because one day the clouds will carry our Hope.

And this is for the kids…

Hopes and dreams and honey sunbeams
And blue sky butterfly thoughts,
Musical notes shine in your heart like
Gossamer, gold polka dots.
I wish life was filled with those things,
And void of self-centered screams.
But since it’s not I’m thankful God
Still reigns in my hopes and dreams.

© 2020

You should jump on the The TRUTH and be part of the growing band of ne’er-do-wells who understand that life has Rhyme and Reason and is filled with hope because God made us.

Stay tuned,

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Posted in Faith Hope and Love, Rhymes, The TRUTH Journal, Tony Funderburk | Tagged Faith Hope and Love, perilous fight, perilous thoughts, perilous times, rhyme and reason podcast
Tony Funderburk Posted on May 16, 2024 by TonyMay 16, 2024
Be clean and fun until the job is done

Children’s songs should be clean. Not explicit. Because kids should be cared for and safe until the job of raising them is done. And the wrong kind of music (yes, I said “wrong kind”) can be unhealthy and unsafe.

I read some interesting (but sad) info from an issue of the “Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs.” And it said that kids who watch R-rated movies are more likely to smoke, have sex earlier, and even experience “teen aggression.”

My guess is that ain’t all that’s likely to happen. And here’s another guess of mine. I’ll bet similar results can occurwhen they listen to R-rated music. (Side note: a lot of them have moved WAY beyond R-rated stuff)

So, when people ask why I write the kind of children’s songs I write, I just have to wonder why there would be any other kind.

I mean, why would you not want your kids’ music to be clean and fun?

Kids should be allowed to be kids. Full of innocence, awe, and wonder. And the music they listen to should just be for fun. It should be clean enough that they can listen to it with their parents and no one is embarrassed. Because little kids don’t need to learn about sex. And they certainly don’t need to hear how to be violent and foul-mouthed.

Tragically (and explicitly), so much music for mass consumption does just that.

Well, my music for kids doesn’t do that. Never has. Never will. I still believe in the gift and wonder of a child’s imagination. And my children’s songs will always seek to inspire, tickle the fancy, and spark the imagination of as many kids as possible. And cheers to any other singer songwriters out there who will do the same.

I believe it’s much more loving to help kids be clean thinking kids. Without the so-called “adult” or R-rated stuff even adults shouldn’t listen to and watch. And clean thinking kids have a better chance at being clean thinking adults.

Speaking music being clean.
Here’s a demo of the Kiddin’ Around collection.

Click the pic to download the
“Kiddin’ Around” Collection For $10

OK kids, be clean and safe and fun today. And like the song “Don’t” says:

Don’t make mistakes unless you’re wrong…
and don’t pay attention to this song.

Stay tuned,

Tony Funderburk signature logo

Posted in imagination station, Kiddin' Around songs, music for kids, music video, photos and videos, Tony Funderburk | Tagged be clean, clean up, G-rated, music for kids, music video, R-rated
Tony Funderburk Posted on May 15, 2024 by TonyMay 23, 2024
Objective morality is an observable reality

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When you take God out of the equation, the question of “right and wrong” is a moot point. It isn’t objective morality at that point. It’s opinion. And guess what? If your opinion differs from mine, all you have to do to win the day is be the stronger one. That’s the “beauty” of natural selection in process.

It’s interesting how often those who reject God have no problem using the word “absolute.” By whose authority would anything be absolutely true or right or acceptable, if not God? Well, the god of “self” of course.

But here’s the trouble with that notion.

It’s either objective morality, or subjective morality of billions of “selfs” on the planet.

That’s a lot of potential for differences of opinion. So whose opinion wins? The more educated? Or the more enlightened? And how about the stronger, more visually appealing of the races?

It’s a rabbit hole with no bottom when you erase the one true, living loving God from the equation. He doesn’t wish that any person should perish (exist apart from Him) forever. But He’s fully aware that the vast majority of humans want no part of Him and His “rewards and punishments” system.

And they don’t want that because it means objective morality doesn’t depend on their opinion.

So, you have your choice between two places where you can go and be forever. One of them is a place where you won’t have to listen to, watch, or read any words from us pesky Christians ever again. And you’ll never have to debate any of us ever again on ideas like objective morality, natural selection, or creationism.

What a relief that’ll be right?

Well, it’ll only be a relief if your atheist worldview is correct.

The other forever destination will also be a place where you won’t have to listen to, watch, or read any words from us pesky Christians ever again. And you’ll never have to debate any of us ever again on ideas like objective morality, natural selection, or creationism. But THAT will be because no one there will disagree on those topics. And not because it’s a place filled with automatons. Far from it. It’ll be paradise. A place where Truth is clearly seen from the apex of Life to the very center core of every cell of creation.

That place will be Heaven. Where you can live forever with the one true, living, loving Creator of us all. Good news is, it’s a free gift. And if even that doesn’t appeal to you, there’s still good news. No one will force you to go there. The choice is entirely yours.

So, my recommendation is to choose wisely. Speaking of wise choices…

You should jump on the The TRUTH and be part of the growing band of ne’er-do-wells who understand that life has Rhyme and Reason because God made us.

Get Wise

Don’t drink the wine of violence
Or eat the bread of hate.
You might just get away with it.
Can you afford to wait?
Don’t push and shove the simple, and
Seek knowledge just like gold.
And in so doing you’ll lay up
Your treasures manifold.
A word to the confounded…
Pour light into your eyes.
If you expect more than neglect,
Get wisdom; yeah get wise.
Get wise to the deceiver.
Don’t harken to his lies.
Keep commanding understanding.
Get wisdom; yeah get wise.
Don’t walk, you, with the wicked.
Beware the scornful tongue.
Let never part your loving heart
And live forever young.

© 1995

Stay tuned…
Tony signs his name

 

Posted in choose life, Deuteronomy, Rhymes, The TRUTH Journal, Tony Funderburk | Tagged choose wisely, deal with reality, objective morality, rhyme and reason podcast
Tony Funderburk Posted on May 14, 2024 by TonyMay 22, 2024
Recycle away, but not like back in the day

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You can’t recycle away stupid. And today I’m gonna share a story you might’ve seen elsewhere. But it bears repeating. Because it shows the increased ignorance in younger people today. And it shows how, typically, the people who shout “don’t judge” the loudest are the most judgmental.

Anyway. Here’s the story I saw. Feel free to recycle away.

A young cashier told an older woman that she should bring her grocery bags because plastic bags weren’t good for the environment.

The  woman apologized to him, “We didn’t have this green thing back in my day.” 

The young clerk said, “Your generation didn’t care enough to save our environment for future generations.”

So, the woman gave him a firm stare and a hard grin and said, “Back then, we returned milk bottles, soda bottles, and beer bottles. And the store sent them back to the plant to be washed sterilized and refilled. That way they could use the same bottles over. Then, they were recycled.

Grocery stores bagged our groceries in brown paper bags. And we reused them for numerous things. We walked upstairs because we didn’t have an escalator in every store and office building. And we walked to the grocery store. Plus, we didn’t climb into a 300-horsepower  machine every time we had to go two blocks. 

Back then, we washed the baby’s diapers. Because we didn’t have the throwaway kind. We dried clothes on a line in the sunshine. Not in an energy-gobbling machine burning up 220 volts. So, wind and solar power did dry our clothes back in our day. Kids got hand-me-down clothes from their brothers or sisters. Not always brand-new clothing. 

And back then, we had one TV, or radio, in the house.

Not a TV in every room.  By the way, the TV had a small screen the size of a handkerchief. And not a screen the size of the state of Montana. In the kitchen, we blended and stirred by hand. Because we didn’t have electric machines to do everything for us.

When we packaged a fragile item to send in the mail, we used wadded-up old newspapers to cushion it. And not styrofoam or plastic bubble wrap.

Back then, we didn’t fire up an engine and burn gasoline just to cut the lawn. We used a push mower that ran on human power. And we exercised by working. So, we didn’t need to go to a health club to run on treadmills that operate on electricity. 

We drank from a fountain when we were thirsty instead of using a cup or a plastic bottle every time we had a drink of water. And we refilled writing pens with ink instead of buying a new pen. We also replaced the razor blades with a razor instead of throwing away the whole razor just because the blade got dull. 

Back then, people took a bus.

And kids rode their bikes instead of turning their moms into a 24-hour taxi service. Usually, we had one electrical outlet in a room. Not an entire bank of sockets to power a dozen appliances. And we didn’t need a computerized gadget to receive a signal beamed from satellites 23,000 miles in space to find the nearest burger joint.

But the current generation laments how wasteful we old folks were just because we didn’t have “the green thing.”

The cashier stood there still and quiet as the old lady found her wallet to pay. Then lady turned to leave but stepped back and turned toward the cashier.  She said “You have a world of knowledge in that little device in your hand. Pity you just use it to gossip, take pictures, and waste time. It would do you good to search a bit of history before you embarrass yourself like this again.

I think that’s a slam-dunk. How about you? Did your family recycle away. Or were you part of the use-it-up-and-get-a-new-one group? In my parents’ and grandparents’ house, it was pretty much as the older woman described.

By the way, I’m gonna recycle away my recommendation that you head to this link to subscribe to The TRUTH Journal. Make me send you some complimentary (and downright hospitable) stuff.

Stay tuned,

Tony Funderburk signature logo

Posted in climate change, current events, environmental health, healthy habits, The TRUTH Journal, Tony Funderburk | Tagged environmental conditions, healthy lifestyle, recycle away, rhyme and reason podcast, wisdom
Tony Funderburk Posted on May 13, 2024 by TonyMay 13, 2024
Starlit lakes, mountain skies, and that's how time flies

There’s just something about starlit lakes. Have you ever been on a clean, placid lake surrounded by the sky? I have. And I can tell you it’s heavenly. In fact, it can almost feel like Heaven dips down and wraps its arms around you.

And memories of starlit lakes inspired me to write about Sombo.

A couple of special starlit lakes are embedded in my memories from a time I camped near Grand Mesa in Colorado. It was way, way back in the twentieth century. And it felt like I was way, way back in the wilderness. And one of the best memories was when I looked at the lake, just before going to be, and saw the reflection of millions of stars.

If you’ve never had a glassy, mirrored lake experience like that, get one as soon as you can. Unless it’s not your thing.

Anyway…

That kind of memory inspired me to write Sombo And The Starlit Night. Here’s some of that book.

Tiny, smooth ripples at the edge of a large, starlit lake…slender fingers of tall green grass swayed gently back and forth…miniature minnows made swirls and darted away…

A rowboat moored to a rickety, pine dock bumped its bow against the post with the bow line around it.

Sombo walked slowly and gingerly across every other plank of the dock to avoid squeaks. Fortunately there was a foggy dampness in the air, and that seemed to help keep things quiet. He knew any noise could wake the neighbors’ English Spaniel and the jig, as they say, would be up.

Four more steps. And…

One leg over the side of the boat. Crunch. There were some cottonwood leaves in between the oar and the seat. Wouldn’t you know his foot would have to land right on them. Sombo’s eyes flashed to the neighbor’s back yard. Good. No movement…and no barking. With a little luck he was in the clear. So he hoisted his other leg into the boat and carefully placed his feet in front of the seat.

He had to kneel with one knee on the seat and stretch his right hand to lift the rope off the dock post. It slipped off without a hitch. Gently he laid it down in the bow seat and turned around and sat down. With his left hand he pushed ever so quietly on the dock and waited till the rowboat had drifted about six to eight feet into the lake. Sombo then grabbed the handles of the oars, raised them from inside the boat, and almost whispered them into the water.

A gentle tug on the left oar swirled him around nicely…

…to face the shore and row backwards. He was really glad he’d been lifting weights all summer. The added strength in his arms made the rowing feel like a knife through soft butter. In no time at all the boat was in the middle of the lake. The water was smooth and glassy, and it looked like a second starlit sky.

The sparkling dust of a shooting star faded across the horizon, and Sombo knew this would be the perfect spot. He reached inside his favorite fishing jacket he’d gotten for his birthday three years ago. Unsnapping the inside pocket he pulled out…

To find out what Sombo pulled out of his pocket, GET THE BOOK. Sombo And The Starlit Sky

Or better yet, Jump on the The TRUTH and watch for the updated version of the book that’ll include the audio and video narration.

And enjoy it when you finally make it to one of those starlit lakes.

Stay tuned,

Tony Funderburk signature logo

Posted in Author, Christian books for kids, ebooks for kids, family friendly, life is beautiful, Tony Funderburk | Tagged all the shining stars, night skies, starlit lakes
Tony Funderburk Posted on May 12, 2024 by TonyMay 21, 2024
Man on the moon and that rhymes with loon

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I watched Brian Regan, one of the truly best comedians ever, do a bit about comparing anything you do to one of the astronauts who walked on the moon. It’s hilarious. When you get a chance, just do a search for Brian Regan man on the moon on YouTube.

Yeah. How does your best accomplishment compare to being a man on the moon?

Funny stuff. And I love how Brian doesn’t resort to profanity. Plus, his facial expressions are top-notch. And that reminds me of the first time I ever heard of him.

Elgielene and I went to a movie, back in the late 90’s, and they showed comedy clips before the main show. One of those clips was of Brian talking about how he says “you too” at the wrong times. Look that bit up, too.

Anyway.

Let’s get back to the man on the moon.

But let’s don’t talk about some boring moon walk. That’s old hat, old news, and old school. Because of this press release:

Dateline: May 11, 2024 / 12:57 PM CDT – HARLINGEN, Texas – NASA announced it is aiming to build the first railway system on the moon. “We want to build the first lunar railway system, which will provide reliable, autonomous, and efficient payload transport on the Moon,” a post by Ethan Schaler, with the NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory stated.

Whoa! People get ready! There’s a train a’comin’. That’s gonna leave The Impressions…I mean, an impression. Just imagine. A railway system on THE MOON.

OK, let’s set aside, for the time being, the fact that most cities don’t maintain potholes and bridges properly. And let’s focus on the positive side of this railway system. After all, it’s gonna be reliable, autonomous, and efficient payload transport. So, you won’t have to worry about any man on the Moon. He’ll have excellent transportation at his disposal.

And even better than that? It’s gonna have a cool acronym, aka: name. FLOAT. Ain’t that somethin’? And that stands for “Flexible Levitation on a Track.” Bam! Score! It’s a slam-dunk for the marketing department.

Sure, they’ve got some time to work on it since the “daily operations of a sustainable lunar base” will be in the 2030’s. Plus, they’ll use so-called “artificial intelligence,” which, in this case, will be “unpowered magnetic robots that levitate over a film track.” Hmm, I’m not sure how “unpowered” robots can do that.

But maybe that’s just me.

Now, lest you think your tax dollars will be wasted on such looney, er, lunar activity, here’s something you should know. According to the press release: “The system will transport payloads around the base to and from landing zones and other outposts. The aim is to also transport lunar soil from mining locations to be used for extraction or construction.”

So, rest easy. They’re gonna move moon dirt around and maybe use it to build stuff. So, cool. Right? And obviously, the need is great for reliable “unpowered magnetic robots.” Because “FLOAT will operate autonomously in the dusty, inhospitable lunar environment with minimal site preparation.”

Well, I don’t know about you, but I hope I can hang in there long enough for a trip to that “dusty, inhospitable lunar environment.” If I don’t, there’s always Death Valley National Park. But that’s so twentieth century.

So be it. I’m connected to the twentieth century enough to have enough sense to know Earth is a good place to live and the moon isn’t even a good place to work. And that’s why any man on the moon references I’ll make will be confined to the world of the imagination.

Feel the cool night air
Dancing through your hair.
Laugh right out loud and then watch
Stars light up everywhere.
Look up with your arms open wide,
And you will Catch The Moon.

Hop in your rocket and head to this link to subscribe to The TRUTH Journal. Make me send you some complimentary (and downright hospitable) stuff.

Stay tuned,

Tony Funderburk signature logo

 

Posted in current events, Rhymes, The TRUTH Journal, Tony Funderburk | Tagged lunar railway system, man on the moon, moon music, rhyme and reason podcast

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