Tony Funderburk Posted on by

It was a cold day in February. I was “on the road.” And, believe it or not, bad things were going on in the world. Yeah, I know. With all the world peace we enjoy these days, that’s difficult to even imagine.

Thankfully bad things are a thing of the past.

I’m so grateful, that over the past 36 years, especially, human beings have learned to get along. And it’s SO nice to be able to talk about war in the past tense. And we’ve cast aside the days when men raped women and trafficked them as sex slaves. It’s such a relief to not have to talk about parents murdering their own children. And, personally, the stress reduction, of knowing our government is finally, once again, in the hands of people who truly DO want to do what’s right, is immeasurable.

Doesn’t it make you glad to get out of bed knowing you won’t have to listen to the same ol’ TV and radio news stories about middle East tensions? And thank goodness we cleared up that whole southern border fiasco. Wasn’t it great how we stood up for America’s sovereignty and even helped those other countries learn how to use their vast resources more efficiently?

Yeah, I, for one, will not take this new Golden Age of Prosperity for granted.

Because I know, beyond a shadow of a doubt that freedom and the free enterprise system is the cornerstone and foundation for a happy, productive populace. It’s so great to see it flourish again. And it’s pure joy to see the streets safe and clean again.

Even better than that is the fact that all those zombie-like people discovered the many benefits of getting off the hallucinogenic drugs. And how they flocked back to work and became active contributors to their own happiness.

But, with all this wonderment, I won’t forget those bad things.

I guess it’s true what they say about remembering where you came from. Because when you remember, you can learn from past mistakes. And you discover you don’t have to perpetuate the problems.

And, as a Rhyme and Reason writer, I appreciate that. Because it’s no fun writing about all the wars, rumors of wars, murders, rapes, sex trafficking, pedophilia, and sexual perversion. NO! I get ZERO pleasure from writing about any of that.

Because all that stuff leads to death, decay, and destruction. And it focuses on the futility of life. And I don’t wanna think of life that way. In fact, I refuse to think of life that way. Because I want hope. I want happiness. And I want to know that these short years on planet Earth are NOT all there will be.

No, there’s no way to have that kind of hope and happiness if you believe the here and now is all there is. So, I always recommend, to anyone who’s willing to listen, discover the love of Jesus. Otherwise, it’s bad things, and…

When It’s Over, It’s Over

Some will take another’s life and never even look back;
No remorse, or pain, or guilt; no thought to what they’ve done.
Some would end another’s life and laugh to watch them die;
Never thinking twice about the senseless thing they’ve done.

Why can’t they see the total finality?
‘Cause when it’s over
You’ll never bring these people back.
When it’s over, you’ll never see their face again.
It’s frustration to me how the killing people just can’t see
That when it’s over…it’s over.

Some would sell another’s life or pay to have them shot;
Thinking only of themselves and the things they treasure most.
But when the curtains finally close and the stories all unfold,
They won’t still be standing tough.
They won’t still be there to boast.

© 1987

Before you go, share this link with everybody you know. Tell ’em to jump on the The TRUTH AND get some music and other fun stuff, for Fa-Ree.

Stay tuned,

Tony Funderburk signature logo

Tony Funderburk Posted on by

Paul was a manly man. When you read about him, you won’t find a sentence that describes him that way. But, clearly, he was the polar opposite of a wimp. And, yes, I know that’s a polarizing statement. But I stand by it.

Because if anyone was ever the polar opposite of weak, it was Paul.

And I guess I should clear up which Paul I’m talking about. If you’ve followed my Rhymes and Reasons for even a little while, I’m sure you know the answer. But if you’re new to the Funderworld, the Paul I refer to (consistently and often) is the guy who started out as Saul.

When it comes to this whole “Christianity thing,” Saul started off on the polar opposite of the right side. Yeah, he got off to a VERY bad start. You could say (as I’m about to say) Saul’s journey was possibly described in an old AC/DC song, “Highway to Hell.”

I don’t know, for certain, that Saul would have gone to hell. But I DO know he started out against Jesus. And that’s not a winnable position to take. Ironically, Saul thought he was serving God extremely well.

Fortunately, for Saul, Jesus called him out. And also fortunately Saul paid attention and realized the extreme errors of his ways. Then, he set aside the Hebrew version of his name and put on “the new man.” And, as the new man, he used his Roman name, Paul. It makes total sense as you rightly divide the word of truth.

Anyway…

You don’t have to take my word for it that Paul was no wimp. He described the struggles he endured just for sharing God’s grace. And instead of me telling you what they were, here are his words:

“From the Jews five times I received forty stripes minus one.

Three times I was beaten with rods; once I was stoned; three times I was shipwrecked; a night and a day I have been in the deep; in journeys often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils of my own countrymen, in perils of the Gentiles, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren; in weariness and toil, in sleeplessness often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness— besides the other things, what comes upon me daily: my deep concern for all the churches. Who is weak, and I am not weak? Who is made to stumble, and I do not burn with indignation?

If I must boast, I will boast in the things which concern my infirmity. The God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who is blessed forever, knows that I am not lying. In Damascus the governor, under Aretas the king, was guarding the city of the Damascenes with a garrison, desiring to arrest me; but I was let down in a basket through a window in the wall, and escaped from his hands.”

Those perils Paul mentioned refer to potential sources of danger or loss or disaster. So, he went about his mission knowing danger, loss, and disaster were always possibly just around the next corner.

And these days you reach your high stress breaking point when the grocery store runs out of your favorite butter.

OK, I think I’ve established that Paul was the polar opposite of a wimp. So, here’s why I shared all that.

Because he wrote A LOT about love.

Last year I led a small-group Bible study I called “The Power of Love.” And I mentioned, repeatedly, that I wasn’t talking about the Huey Lewis version of the Power of Love. Not just some love song kind of love. But an actual force of the Spirit kind of love.

And it’s the kind of love I don’t see much of, even in churches. Sure, there’s the fist-bump, hug-hug, enjoy-some-of-our-coffee-shop-goodies kind of love. But not the kind I’ve read about in Paul’s letters. And it’s the kind of love I believe both women AND men can comfortably express. Even the men, like me, who grew up in a time when men exchanged firm, manly-man handshakes instead of those goofy handshake-hugs.

Yeah, as you can clearly see, I’m generally not a fan of men hugging men. But I’m totally FOR the manly-man love that Paul wrote about so often. And you won’t find a better example of it than in 1 Corinthians 13.

In the New King James version of the Bible, there’s an added subhead that says “The Greatest Gift.” And that gift is found in the very last word of that chapter. Even if you hate God, I dare you to find fault with Paul’s words.

So why do I try? Why do I persist?
What could I be thinking of?
I’ll tell you why; it’s the reason I exist.
I do it all for love. (from my song “All For Love”)

Before you go, share this link with everybody you know. Tell ’em to jump on the The TRUTH AND get some music and other fun stuff, for Fa-Ree.

Stay tuned,

Tony Funderburk signature logo

Tony Funderburk Posted on by

It’s the very last word in the book. And it’s actually the last AND first word of authority on all aspects of life. Not just something to shout out when financial goals are met. Or when someone announces a potluck lunch. Or just “an expression of concurrence or assent; an assertion of belief.”

And it’s the last word on purpose.

I think the evidence is clear on that.

After all, no book ever written contains more purpose. Because this book I’m talkin’ about, the Bible, shows anyone who’s willing to listen, how much love is actually available. It points to the source of infinite love. And I think, if love were all it expressed, most people would jump on the bandwagon. But there’s also a lot of information that most people apparently don’t wanna hear.

Yeah, if you’re not into personal responsibility, the Bible’s gonna be a difficult book to get through. And if you’re not into absolutes, it’s probably not gonna be your go-to reference. Plus, if you subscribe to the notion there are plenty of ways to “a better place” when you die, as long as you’re a good person, the Bible ain’t the book for you.

But if you’re someone (or you know someone) who’s up for discovering more about those subjects, you might find this ancient, “out-of-date-out-of-touch-old-fashioned” book pretty interesting. A lot of people have.

And when I say “a lot of people,” I mean it’s the best-selling book of all time. And there’s not telling how many people determined it to be the last word on the topics of hope, joy, peace, and (of course) love.

Those are all components that inspired my one word composition, “Amen.” It’s, appropriately (and not accidentally) the last song in my Amen collection.

That’s the collection I’ve been talking a lot about recently.

And, of course, I’d love for you to get your own copy of the Amen Songbook Journal. But only if you’d like to buy a journal that helps keep the The TRUTH rolling. A journal that includes the lyrics to all the songs AND a secret link to the download link for all the songs you can play on your favorite device.

If you’re one of the countless people (seriously, I’ve never counted them) who’ve already gotten this music or journal, pass the links on to someone else you care about. Tell ’em to support the eccentric ol’ guy with white mustache and beard and round glasses who’s always writin’ and singin’ about “Jesus stuff.”

That’ll hook ’em.

And before I go, I’ll share the lyric(s) to the song, “Amen.”

Amen.

(told you it was the last word)

Stay tuned,

Tony Funderburk signature logo

Tony Funderburk Posted on by

If ever there was somebody who could tell you how to make your mark in music, Willie Nelson sure could. And, even though I’ve never been a fan, I don’t deny he’s had a lot of influence and staying power. One of his cowboy songs came to mind this morning as I thought about events taking place in the world right now. You probably heard it more than once: “Mamas Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up To Be Cowboys.”

But you probably never heard about some of the initial drafts to the lyrics of that song. One draft really stood out. And it was almost prophetic. I’ll only share the first line to the chorus:

Hamas, don’t let your babies grow up to be Hebrews.

Yeah, you could really make your mark, in music, with that version.

OK, surely you realize I’m using tongue-in-cheek dark humor to initialize a point. If you’ve followed my musings for any length of time, you understand I don’t do that just to pass the time or try out new stand-up material.

Nope. That fictional line of lyric came out of my mind. Not Willie Nelson, and not the songwriters of the original song, Ed and Patsy Bruce. And all of them would probably not like my lyrics because they’d consider them to be mean-spirited and/or bigoted.

That’s not true, of course. But when feelings rule the day, facts have to sit in the back of the bus.

Anyway…

Back to what I’m talkin’ about today.

I believe it’s important to make your mark in this world. Because anonymity is almost like cowardice. But when you make your mark by murdering innocent people, you also declare where your heart is. And that’s an exercise in futility that ultimately leads to an eternity of barren pointlessness.

Case in point.

This snippet from a recent news blurb:

“Hamas – or in some cases its military wing, the Izzedine al-Qassam Brigades – has been designated a terrorist group by Israel, the United States, the European Union and the UK, as well as other powers. It has fired, or allowed other militant groups to fire, thousands of rockets at Israel, and carried out other deadly attacks. Iran backs the group, providing it with funding, weapons and training.”

Yeah, you know you’re gonna leave a mark, or make your mark, when you used missiles and bombs on unsuspecting civilians. When you can stoop to that low level, you deserve the worst possible retribution. And it appears that Israel will dish out a dollop of destruction, to say the least. But you see the difference between Hamas and Israel when you read how Israel has warned the people in the Gaza strip to evacuate.

People who just want to inflict pain and destruction don’t warn their enemies.

Sadly, this all has been going on since way before our great-great-great-great-grandparents’ days. And it really isn’t just a matter of Jews versus Jew-haters. It always boils down to individuals who choose selfish ideology over  “love your neighbor” theology.

That’s why I wrote a song about that notion, back in 1997, and recorded it in 2000.

It’s called, “You Just Don’t Get It.”

And I use the lyrics to point out how so many people just wanna live life THEIR way. They wanna be their own king or queen. Because they believe they’re powerful enough or “good enough” to handle anything. And they believe they can leave a legacy based on their “good deeds” and philanthropy.

But there’s no human being who will ever be good enough to live in a perfect, pure place forever. No human being has any chance of ever getting to Heaven. Not one. Not even YOU or ME. Gasp! Can that be true?!

Yeah, there’s only one Way into Heaven. And that Way is the one who created you and me and everyone else. Jesus said He’s the only way. So, without Him, you just don’t get it.

But you should get your copy of the Amen Songbook Journal, today. And check out the rest of the song lyrics. Then, look for the secret link and download all the songs (one download file) that go with the lyrics. And maybe use the journal to write down your ideas for how you’ll tell others how to avoid this situation:

You can’t submit to any higher will.
You’d rather live in the dark.
Well, you can have exactly what you say.
Look where you’re making your mark.

Stay tuned,

Tony Funderburk signature logo

Tony Funderburk Posted on by

Hold on to your hats. Because this is gonna get controversial mighty quick. Are you ready for a cold splash? How about a smack across your face? Or maybe a hair dryer in the bathtub? Yeah, it’s gonna be like all those. And maybe even more than all those put together. So. Here it is. I’ll just lay it out there. Some truth is absolute.

Bam! You heard me (or read it right)! Some truth IS absolute.

And it doesn’t matter how much you disagree with me on this. It truly doesn’t. Because if and when you disagree with me, on this, you’ll be absolutely wrong.

Think not?

Think again.

Unless your mind is totally closed to “new information,” I can show you that some truth is absolute. I’ll list ten things, off the top of my head, that are absolutely true. Here goes…

  1. You are not me. (absolutely true)
  2. The sun is not the moon (absolutely true)
  3. Red is not yellow (absolutely true)
  4. Four is not forty (absolutely true)
  5. A table is not a chair (absolutely true)
  6. A gallon of milk is more than an ounce of milk (absolutely true)
  7. The sky is not Lake Superior (absolutely true)
  8. 1000 degrees is hotter than 10 degrees (absolutely true)
  9. July 4, 1776 happened before today (absolutely true)
  10. Your parents were two different people (absolutely true)

On the surface, those 10 things might sound silly to sane people who actually enjoy the dependability of truth. And, believe it or not, there WILL be people who’ll take issue with even the most obvious truths.

But that simply exposes their not-so-hidden agenda.

And that’s just to deny the existence of the one, true, living, loving Creator of the whole universe. Because is God exists, then truth might exist, too. And if truth exists, GASP, maybe even absolute truth exists. And that just wouldn’t do. Because that might mean deniers don’t get to make (and enforce) the real laws of life.

It also means those pesky Christians, who’ve been sharing Truth for centuries, could have been right all this time. And that’s just annoying and unacceptable.

But regardless of who chooses to deny real truth, I’ve been the kind of singer/songwriter who has chosen to embrace and love the absolute Truth of God. And I understand it means I’ll have a much smaller (and even non-existent) fanbase, for the most part. But I’d rather be on the side of Truth than have millions of fake followers.

Keep that in mind as you look over my current offering, the Amen Songbook Journal.

Also keep in mind, it’s a physical book. But it also includes your link to all the songs that go with the lyrics on the pages. And it’s also a journal. So you can write down your own lyrics and thoughts as you listen.

But if a focus on the bold Grace message, given to us by Paul, sounds like a little too much truth, then, by all means, ignore all these links I’ve shared. And return to your group hug motivational seminar.

If, that doesn’t send you running for your rosary beads and buddha belly statue, you should get this journal.

And if you get it, leave a comment or email me about your first journal entry or favorite song.

Stay tuned,

Tony Funderburk signature logo

For the Truth is absolute and it’s foolish to dispute.
It confounds the wise, but it opens eyes,
And it saves the destitute

 

Tony Funderburk Posted on by

I was gonna say it surprises me. But it doesn’t surprise me anymore how most people still cling to antiquated and debunked theories of origin. I still think it’s sad. But not surprising. Because I’ve lived long enough to see people have figured out how to build their own thrones. And be their own kings. Or queens.

But they still haven’t figured out how to make it all last.

And every individual kingdom eventually crumbles. Yeah, it’s still a one-to-one ratio of births to deaths. No one beats the odds. You and I have to admit defeat, at least on that front. I don’t know about you, but I don’t want that defeat to be the end of everything. And, by Grabthar’s hammer, I vow that it won’t be.

So, on that (Galaxy Quest humorous reference) note, I’ll let you in on the worst kept secret the world has ever known. Are you ready for this? I hope you’re sitting down. Because this could knock your socks off. Here it is.

I’ve figured out how to live forever.

Boom! Hammer time! Mic drop (actually I’d never do that because it’s stupid)!

Yeah, Ponce de Leon wasted a lot of blood, sweat, and tears, in Florida, looking for a mythical fountain of youth. And he failed to see the answer, the discovery, the humble solution was only a breath away.

I didn’t just throw in the word, humble, for nothin’. Because humility is required if you want the experience of living forever. But that’s such a stumbling block for most people. Have you noticed how ubiquitous the “empower yourself” message is? Women thinking they’re just as powerful as men. Men thinking they just drink a special beverage or take a special pill and enhance their inner god. Kids thinking they can tell adults how it’s gonna be.

When you believe the you-can-do-anything message, you don’t need a savior.

Or, at least that’s where the message leads.

So, human beings stomp the ground and pound their chests when they score points. Or when they achieve a record. Or when they win a competition. And as a result, they move through life working out their own “destiny.”

But it’ll be a destiny of darkness.

I write and sing songs to let people know there’s a better way. It won’t necessarily make you run faster, jump higher, or score more points. But the Way I’m talkin’ about assures you that your final buzzer is not the end of the game. And that’s all the sports analogies I’m gonna use for now.

The Way I’m talkin’ about is also the King of Hearts you’ll find in my Amen Songbook and Journal. King of Hearts is a song that talks about how most people think they’ve got it all figured out. And how their hearts are hardened against God and anyone who would dare talk about Him.

Or, in this case, sing about Him. That’s what I’ve done with these 13 songs. It’s now a vintage collection you can get in the Amen Songbook and Journal which includes all the lyrics and lots of journaling pages. Here’s a snippet from “King of Hearts.”

Wonder what made their hearts harden?
Why do they think that they’re God?
I pray they can have the veil lifted
And see their religion is flawed.
There are no permanent parts…apart from…
The King of Hearts.

Stay tuned,

Tony Funderburk signature logo

P.S. If you don’t want or need a journal, but you’d still like to get the songs, here’s a snazzy link to download ’em.

https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=HS2JQ46WDUCEJ

Tony Funderburk Posted on by

I set the screensaver, on my laptop, to the “word of the day” option. It actually shows multiple words flowing across the screen. And this morning it paused on a negligence definition. Of course, I already knew that the definition of the word was something along the lines of: “failure to take proper care in doing something.” So, I thought to myself, “Hmm, I wonder if I can think of any examples, in current events, where this word would apply.”

And could that negligence definition be seen by the world?

Now, I don’t claim to be an authority on the subject of mass media. But I DO know it’s called that because it reaches the masses. And that doesn’t just mean radio and TV anymore. Because of so-called “smart devices” just about everyone on the planet is a potential news source. Fully equipped with high-rez audio and video.

And I’ve already seen multiple individuals, equipped with either their phones or their computers and microphones, report on the terrible events in Israel. Some reports include horrific pictures and video clips. And one woman, who’s apparently fairly well known in Israel, has reported some startling information that fits the negligence definition.

The “failure to take proper care in doing something” appears to reach the highest levels of even the Israeli government and military. Sadly, it appears to be the same kind of negligence you can see right here in America, where the government and military are impotent fools and marionettes strung along by shadowed masters. I know it sounds like the plot to another Marvel movie. But there aren’t any superheroes coming to the rescue, just in the nick of time.

On the other hand…

Eventually, the one true, living, loving Superhero IS coming. He won’t be wearing a suit of armor. And He won’t be carrying a hammer with special powers. Plus, He won’t use X-ray vision to melt down strongholds.

But He also won’t have any weaknesses that villains could exploit. And He WILL have a rod of iron as He completes His mission as righteous ruler of the world. You’ve already heard His name. I sure hope it doesn’t offend you when I mention it, Jesus. Because that’s not the best position to take.

And I’ve seen posts and videos, all over social media, of people who’ve had a premonition that it might be that time. Yes, it will be nothing less than spectacular when that day arrives. But that day is not today.

(“Uh-oh. Is Tony making predictions on the Lord’s return? We’re not supposed to do that.”)

Short answer is Nope.

But, if my reading (and millions of others, too) of the Bible is accurate, Jesus won’t return to rule with that rod of iron until after a huge, worldwide mess has played out for awhile. And that mess doesn’t to that worldwide messy level until after He removes His followers from the planet. And that’s when all those fools who are the epitome of the negligence definition bow down and worship the current ruler of this world.

OK, I know this isn’t one of my lighter, brighter rhyme and reason articles. And believe me, I much prefer to share God’s illuminating love. I much prefer working words into rhythms to hopefully affect your heart in a positive way. Because I want you to have hope. And I mean the kind of hope that can’t be erased by circumstances.

In spite of all the horrible events taking place in Israel, my hope endures. In spite of all the horrible activities taking place right here, maybe even in the local neighborhood, my hope endures. And no matter what kind of cesspool this world has become, thankfully my hope AND my faith are in the One who will build a new Earth and Heaven.

If you don’t have that kind of hope, time’s slipping away much faster than you might realize. Get it today.

Before you go, share this link with everybody you know. Tell ’em to jump on the The TRUTH AND get some music and other fun stuff, for Fa-Ree.

Stay tuned,

Tony Funderburk signature logo

Tony Funderburk Posted on by

The definition of the noun, refrain, is: “a repeated line or number of lines in a poem or song, typically at the end of each verse.” So, that’s what the phrase, give to gain, is in the chorus of one of my songs.

Not so coincidentally the song’s title is “Give To Gain.”

And I’ll say, right up front, it’s not a song about some sort of prosperity message. AND it’s not a song against those so-called “prosperity messages.” But it most certainly DOES comply with the Biblical message of how you have to give something in order to gain access to Heaven (aka: paradise).

It really is a cryin’ shame that most of the world goes around blowing other people up and destroying economies and families. Or cheating, lying, and stealing. Or a million other dastardly deeds. Such a shame that they’d rather do that than find a way to help and share loving compassion with a fellow human being.

And it’s so sad how they don’t realize what an awful choice they’re making. A choice with never-ending consequences. It’s as if they prefer their dark hearts over the loving light of Jesus. In fact, I’m sure there’s somebody who just cringed when they read His name. And that’s some shaky ground to be standing on.

So, that’s what I wrote and sang about in this song.

You can get it, and 12 other songs in the “Amen” collection, in a physical (that’s right, physical) book on Amazon.

But, not everyone, who calls himself (or herself…and those are the only two choices) a Christian, will like the songs. Because the Amen collection drives home the Biblical points. No coasting on watered-down messages you’ve heard over and over.

So, what do you think? Are you ready for a songbook journal that might help you focus on rightly dividing the word of truth? Then, Amen, a vintage 2000 collection, might be something you’d enjoy. And remember, all the songs can be downloaded from a super secret link in the book.

Get it and let me know your thoughts.

Ain’t it funny how we give to gain.
But let’s follow the lead of the Creator of this earthly plane.
It’s a wonder how we give to gain.
But it’s really not giving; it’s the one way of living,
That we should learn to give to gain.

Stay tuned,

Tony Funderburk signature logo

Tony Funderburk Posted on by

Marketers, business coaches, motivational speakers will all tell you this. That you’ve gotta have a clear direction of where you wanna go. And what you wanna do. They’ll tell you that your master plan is where it all starts. Because if you don’t know where you’re going, how will you know when you get there? And that’s not just good advice for you as an entrepreneur. It’s also great advice for your soul and spirit.

That’s why your master plan should include this man.

Before I tell you who he is, I think Shakespeare said it well when he wrote:

Have you been tempted?
Have you made greed your mistress?
Your gold is rusted; it’s your accusing witness!
Who is your master? You can’t serve two forever!
Resist the devil; the Word is your only lever!

Oh wait. That wasn’t Shakespeare. Sorry. I’m still on my first cup of coffee and waking up. Those words are actually part of the lyrics to my song, “Worldliness.” You can get it, and 12 other songs in the “Amen” collection, in a physical (yes, I said physical) book on Amazon.

But, if you’re like many (probably most) people (including Christians), you won’t like the songs. Because they’re not the typical feel-good, kumbaya, group-hug songs. So, if those are your faves, then you should probably just do yourself a favor and resist the temptation to even peek at the book cover (which contains the last word in the Bible, by the way).

Anyway…

Where was I?

Oh yeah, your master plan. It’s a good idea to know where you wanna go and what you wanna do. But it’s a fantastic idea to know where your soul’s gonna go. And what your spirit’s gonna do forever.

So, your master plan should include choosing the right Master.

And, YES, you WILL choose one. Because you can’t have, or serve, two. Maybe, in a way, you could, for a little while, as you live out your life on planet Earth. But certainly not forever. Because no matter where you end up, after you die, you will have only one master.

In that terrible hole of perpetual fire, aka: hell, you will be the one master. But it will be to a kingdom of one. In that paradise of perpetual joy, aka: Heaven, you will live (and joyfully serve) the one true, living, loving Creator of the universe and all life in it. And His kingdom will include ALL those who love Him. So, you won’t exist alone forever. You’ll live in a thriving, loving community of brothers and sisters filled with life and love.

But it requires your consequential servitude to the master known as The Amen. Jesus. Now, THAT’S what I call a master plan.

Can I get an Amen?!

Yes. Yes, you can. Sure, that’s an obvious segue back to my book. But, as I’ve mentioned, it’s not just a physical book. It’s also your link (because there’s a link in it) to all the songs that go with the lyrics on the pages. And it’s also a journal. So you can write down your own lyrics and thoughts as you listen.

But if a focus on the bold Grace message, given to us by Paul, is not your cup of Turkish coffee, then, by all means, ignore all these links I’ve shared. And return to your best life now.

If, on the other hand, you’re tired of the mantra music in churches these days, you might find this collection of songs, in a convenient songbook journal, at least somewhat palatable.

And if you get it, I’d love to hear your feedback. Feel free to leave a comment or email me.

Stay tuned,

Tony Funderburk signature logo

Tony Funderburk Posted on by

I’ve shared my take on it a few times, over the years, and I’m gonna do that again today. Because I just watched a short video clip of Paul McCartney talking about the magic of music. In case you’re young enough to still have a mind of mush, or you’ve been living under a cactus in a deserted desert, Paul is one of, if not THE most famous pop musicians alive. And, by most accounts, the richest singer/songwriter. So, people pay close attention to what he says and does.

But Mr. McCartney’s explanation of the magic of music is sadly empty.

He said, “When you think about it, when you try to analyze it, it’s just a bunch of frequencies. So, even when they’re organized into a musical composition, there’s no reason, really, why they should affect us. But they do. And you can hear, sometimes, a piece of classical music that hasn’t got any lyrics, so there’s no reason for it to touch your heartstrings. But it does. And it’s like, Oh my God. I’m gonna cry. How? I don’t know. It’s magical. And I think it’s great. Because it seems to be unique to the human race. You know, we’ve become this sort of superior being. And unfortunately we don’t always behave like we are. But we’ve got these amazing skills. And music is one of them. And, so, I don’t know how it works. Sometimes, when you’ve got lyrics, you can touch a nerve with people with words. Um, but it’s more than that. It’s more than that. It somehow touches your soul. And, uh, it’s magic.”

First, I agree, in a metaphorical sense, about the magic of music.

Because what it can do to you can feel like magic. Something invisible that creates visible changes. You could dismiss it as magic, if you had no better explanation for what music can do.

But I find it more than just a little ironic that Paul uses God’s name to emphasize his point. But he can’t acknowledge (probably because he refuses) how the living, loving, God of all creation also created music for our pleasure. And I believe it pleased God to do that.

That’s why I’ve shared some of my thoughts and conclusions about the magic and wonder of music. Here’s what I wrote about it a few years ago:

I don’t mean thinking about the notes or the beat or the even the instrumentation. I mean have you truly pondered the unimaginable, inextricable, undeniable force, the gift, and the wonder of music?

(To ponder: to weigh carefully in the mind; consider thoughtfully: He pondered his next words thoroughly.)

Think about what music is… 

  • It’s intangible.
  • It’s really indefinable.
  • It has no shape, yet it shapes thoughts.
  • It has no function of its own, yet somehow helps us function

Music has the power to stir emotions

And of its own accord can’t fulfill any of them. It isn’t necessary to perform our daily duties, but how many places of business do you find with no music. I certainly don’t remember many. Music can’t comb your hair, brush your teeth, or tie your shoes. But it can ease you through those mundane tasks and make you forget about the time.

You don’t need words to enjoy music. Or status. You don’t even need people around. It isn’t poured from a bottle, shaken from a cannister, or even dolloped from a 5 gallon bucket. Still; it can be as refreshing as champagne, spicy as cayenne, and rich and decadent as “gold ring homemade vanilla” ice cream. (the delicious ice cream from Texas that references the color blue and bells)

Music appeals to fewer than our five senses.

But it also appeals to more than your senses. When you study musical structure, it makes perfect logical sense. But when you try to explain why it “moved” you, very often you can’t quite convey it satisfactorily.

It wasn’t because it smelled, tasted, felt, sounded, or looked so good. It was what it did to your cerebral cortex. Or maybe it hit you in the “gut.” But it didn’t actually hit you. And it wasn’t actually your “gut”. See what I mean? You can’t put your finger on it. In fact you can’t touch it at all. You just know. You know?

Why in the world am I going on and on about the wonder of music? Thanks for asking.

Music is an almost perfect way to ingrain an idea into the mind. Because without exception there has always been this common chord. (like my musical metaphor?) People love music! No surprise. It’s extremely versatile, dependable, believable, and yet inexplicable.

As a singer songwriter I take the same octave countless other musicians use and create my little piece of semi-immortality to satisfy, what? Me? An audience? A paycheck? All of the above? None of the above? The answer is yes to all the questions. I’ve written songs for each of those purposes. And each one was satisfying in its own way because each one involved the intangible little friend of mine. I’m not sure why I’m so moved by this unseen companion, but I do know this:

Music is a gift from God. 

It, and your thoughts, can never be stolen from you, forced out of you, or driven away from you. And as long as you want it; you’ve got it. How incredible is such a gift. Yeah, we could live without music, but…

It wouldn’t be nearly as joyous an existence.

So, there you have it. My take on the so-called “magic of music.” I say God is the superior being. And I’m not da man. In fact, I’m nothing without Him. Of course, Paul McCartney is the musician they call a genius. I’m just an also ran who the vast majority of world never heard of. Or ever will. Feel free to hang with Paul and his take that music makes us a “superior being.” Most people would.

But, for the few who see it more the way I described it, I believe there’s an endless future in paradise (not tryin’ to sway your vote or anything).

Before you go, share this link with everybody you know. Tell ’em to jump on the The TRUTH AND get some music and other fun stuff, for Fa-Ree.

Stay tuned,

Tony Funderburk signature logo

Tony Funderburk Posted on by

Just heard a song on the sound system of this coffee shop. “Tears in Heaven.” And I remembered the sad news that went with it. On March 20th, 1991, Eric Clapton’s 4-year-old son, Conor, died after falling from the 53rd-floor window of a New York City apartment. Eric dealt with the grief of his son’s death by isolating himself for a while. And eventually cowriting the song with Will Jennings. The song’s title reminded me of the phrase, treasures in Heaven, that a wise man mentioned a long time ago.

Treasures in Heaven?

At first glance (at least to MY first glance) it almost seems redundant to say/write that phrase. Because Heaven, itself, will be an eternity of treasures. And that’s because anyone who’s there will experience the mind-boggling love of God forever.

Yeah, all those streets of gold and all those jewels and stuff can’t, and won’t, hold a candle to the Light of the world. The Light of Heaven. The One who holds every molecule of every part of the universe AND Heaven together with the power of His will.

As I said, “Mind-boggling.”

What’s even more mind-boggling is how (or why) I’d even pop up on His radar at all. But He even considers the “lilies of the field” and how beautifully He made them. And He says, as beautiful as they are, they’re not as important to Him as anyone who loves Him.

Count me in.

I never sang Eric’s song, “Tears in Heaven,” when I played live music back in the day. But I certainly appreciate the award-winning melody and production and what it took to write it. I DID sing another one of his hits that makes a personal connection. But I’ll talk about that another time.

Mr. Clapton experienced the same heart-wrenching anguish that has crippled this world for thousands of years. But he discovered that even “this, too, shall pass.” I don’t know if the heartbreaking loss of his little boy, or anything else in life, helped turn Eric’s heart to God. I hope so. And I hope he will experience those treasures in Heaven that will include him reconnecting with his son.

But it will take more than writing a mournful song with hinted references. That would be just another moth-eaten or rusted “treasure” that thieves can break in and steal.

It’s only for a little while our time here on the earth.
It’s only for a little while, it’s true.
No matter what you see and do while you are in this world
It’s only for a little while you do.

Stay tuned,

Tony Funderburk signature logo

Before you go, share this link with everybody you know. Tell ’em to jump on the The TRUTH AND get some music and other fun stuff, for Fa-Ree.

Tony Funderburk Posted on by

In 1975 I worked a short stint in a bar that featured disco music (aka: discotheque). Yes, I did. Don’t go hatin’ on me. Remember, the Bee Gees song “Stayin’ Alive” was part of that era in music. And you know you secretly wanna dance every time that song starts. So, stop with the disco dissin’.

But I’m not talkin’ about disco music today.

Well, maybe a little. But not mainly.

During my time around all that disco music I met a guy, named Bill, who liked to say his full name was really Moondog Froggy. And everyone just called him Moon. He and his buddy, Ernie, had moved to Kansas from California (go figure). And they got jobs at the same disco bar as me. That’s how we met. They were roommates in an apartment complex near the disco. And it became an after work meeting place.

Oh yeah, they were about six years older than me. And I got a kick out of their antics. They both had an infectious sense of humor. And I always appreciate humorous, generally positive, attitudes.

Anyway…

After a few months, Ernie decided to return to California. And Moon asked if I’d like to take Ernie’s place as his roommate. I had been living in a small Kansas town, south of the “big city,” and I figured it would be a fun, maybe even exciting change. So, I accepted the offer and moved in.

And during that time, Moon introduced me to Pink Floyd. Yep, I hadn’t followed them or their music. But I’m not averse to checking out music I’ve never heard. Of course, if you share some new song I never heard of, don’t think I won’t tell you it stinks, if it stinks. Because I will.

But Pink Floyd’s music didn’t stink. It wasn’t my favorite kind of music. Still isn’t. But, at least it wasn’t the disco music I listened to every night at work. And their album, “Wish You Were Here,” went to #1 on the UK chart in 1975 (on this day, 10/4 as a matter of fact). So, they were a fairly big deal. And a song from the album, “Shine On You Crazy Diamond,” made it to #1 on the U.S. charts.

Moon was eager to share that whole album with me.

And I agreed to listen if he was willing to listen to my current favorite album from 1975, “Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy.” His first reaction to that deal was, “Elton John?! His music is bubble gum. And he’s a fruitcake.”

That actually surprised me. Because I had no idea about Elton John’s sexual “preference.” I had just never looked that deeply into the personal lives of my favorite musicians. Just wanted to listen to songs I enjoyed.

Anyway…

I told Moon that the other tracks weren’t all like “Someone Saved My Life Tonight.” And that Elton had tons of music, that never made it to the radio, that was way better than his top 40 hits. And Captain Fantastic included a song I’ve mentioned before, Better Off Dead. It was a song my fellow workers would have me sing to, on the huge sound system, after work, when we could all break from the disco music.

So, we both listened to each other’s recommendations.

And we both ended up liking each other’s recommendations. Cool when that happens.

Are you a Pink Floyd fan? If so, click or tap the link and see if you can find something of theirs you like. And if you enjoy their music, let me know what your favorite is and why. And shine on you crazy diamond.

Stay tuned,

Tony Funderburk signature logo

Tony Funderburk Posted on by

Here’s some scientific research to get your day off on the left foot. And I promise, I’m not trying to fill your head with earworms or brain fog. I just think you should know how things really are in this life. Because my illuminated opinions might not be enough for some people. (I’m sure that’s not you. Right?) Check out this information that came out on this day (10/3) in 2011:

“According to new scientific research,

Queen’s ‘We Are The Champions’ was found to be the catchiest song ever written. Musicologist, Dr Alisun Pawley, from the University of London, England, conducted research into what makes a song memorable and compiled a list of the ten ‘catchiest’ songs of all time. During the research, they discovered that sing-along songs contained four key elements: long and detailed musical phrases, multiple pitch changes in a song’s ‘hook’, male vocalists, and higher male voices making a noticeable vocal effort. Y.M.C.A. by the Village People, Sum 41’s Fat Lip, and Europe’s The Final Countdown were also in the list.”

OK, there you have it.

Official research. By a bonafide musicologist. So, it’s got to be true. Because scientific research from a bonafide expert is essentially good as gospel.

‘Nuff said.

Wait a sec. Alright, Queen was a very popular top 40 band. And the Village People got more airplay than any sane person should care to hear. But “Fat Lip” by sumbody called “Sum 41?” Uh, yeah no. (side note: I just read that “yeah no” means No in California speak. So, that’s why I used it.)

And who gets to say what the four key elements are?

Oh wait. C’mon, Tony. Remember? A bonafide musicologist. Duh.

But “long and detailed musical phrases.” Seriously? In pop music? Generally speaking that would be another yeah no. But “Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring” certainly fits that bill. Here’s a cool version of it:

(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q_y7YAbq6-o)

And, a personal favorite, is Für Elise, by Beethoven. Here’s a cool version of it:

(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wfF0zHeU3Zs)

OK, I know you’re probably thinking, “Tony, those are classical pieces. Nobody sings along to them.” A-ha! the scientific research didn’t say best singalongs of all time. It said “catchiest songs of all time.” And when I see the phrase, “of all time,” I remember time began long before the Top 40 charts.

Yeah, the songs I shared don’t include “higher male voices making a noticeable vocal effort.” But they’re some of the catchiest songs you’ll ever hear. Except you’ll never hear them on 99% of the radio stations. And that’s too bad.

Because the music I shared has some serious health benefits.

And there’s actual scientific research to back that up.

But I guess if you’d prefer to form your arms into the letters Y, M, C, and A, health benefits of some of the greatest music ever composed aren’t really on your radar.

I know you’ll probably have those Top 40 earworms in your head now that I’ve mentioned them. But I believe they’ll vanish once you check out the music links I shared.

Beethoven and Bach might not be on your current Top 40 chart. But they should be. Mozart, too. Because your heart needs the musical connection to your Creator that their music provides.

Ignore me at your own peril.

Stay tuned,

Tony Funderburk signature logo

Tony Funderburk Posted on by

This isn’t fun to say. And it’s difficult to impossible to hear. But church is dying. To be clear, I don’t mean THE church. But what church is, these days, in America, reveals the death of what it’s supposed to be.

And because church is dying, I tend to stay away.

Because I’m not the peace, love, and joy kind of Christian. So, if and when I attend a church that doesn’t rightly divide the word of truth, I can’t just sit quietly and listen. And that includes the vast majority of churches I see or read about these days.

It’s not easy to discern, just by reading about them on a website, whether a church is dying or not. Because I believe many of them copy and paste their position statements. Of course, I can’t prove that. But it sure seems to be the case when paragraphs sound almost identical. If not literally, at least the essence.

And this morning I looked up churches in the city where I am right now. After using certain search terms, I discovered a church with some pretty good “position statements.”

For example, on the subject of creation, they say, “We believe that God created the universe in six literal, 24-hour periods. Therefore, we view evolution, the Gap Theory, the Day-Age Theory, and Theistic Evolution, etc., as unscriptural theories of origin.”

And they don’t just back up their position with Genesis 1.

They add Exodus 20:11. Most churches I’ve ever attended don’t do that. And it’s a small, but mighty, detail.

The creation account doesn’t tend to be one of the more contentious positions. But, shamefully, there ARE churches where members DO believe the evolution, gap, day-age, and theistic evolution theories.

THEN, this church I found this morning, added an actual contentious position. It shouldn’t be one. But it IS in most, if not ALL, contemporary churches. And I frequently see people on social media platforms make fun of any Christian who would dare take this position.

It’s the D word that causes most churches to tear their clothing and sprinkle ashes on their heads. And the word is, Dispensationalism. Here’s what they said about their position on that topic:

“We believe the Scriptures, interpreted in their natural, literal sense reveal dispensations of grace, determined by God which define man’s responsibilities in successive ages. These dispensations are not ways of salvation, but rather ordered stewardships by which God directs man according to His purpose. Three of these dispensations – the law, the church, and millennial kingdom – are the subjects of detailed revelation in Scripture.”

And they used proof texts from Matthew, John, Acts, 1st and 2nd Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Colossians, Hebrews, and Revelation. Pretty broad cross section of references. So, that’s good.

Then, they added other church positions.

And those included civil government, church separation, human sexuality, the hierarchy in family relationships, abortion and euthanasia, and love.

I’m glad they ended the position statements with love. Because I believe it’s the most important component of all Christian belief. In fact, without it, none of the rest matters much anyhow.

And when a church is dying, none of the rest of those statements of position will save it.

So, sounds like a great church to look into more deeply. Except, it’s a church that’s still very mixed up. Especially since they claim to adhere to dispensational theology. I like that. But they have “help” materials from John Piper, and somewhat devout Calvinist. Hardly dispensational.

And just as bad as that Calvinist connection, they make this statement in their Doctrinal Statements:

We believe the Church, which is the body and espoused bride of Christ…”

Stop the presses!

The Church is NOT the body AND the bride of Christ.

Think about that for more than a glancing second. And you should be able to see the clear mistake. It’s basically saying Jesus is married to Himself. Yes, it is. The “Church” is also (better) known as the Body of Christ. So, logic should show you Christ, who is Jesus, has His body (body of believers) on Earth. Why would He choose His body as his bride?

Short answer? He didn’t. He hasn’t. And He won’t.

When you read the Apostle John’s description of the “Bride,” in the Revelation, you can clearly see he isn’t talking about the Body of Christ, the current Church. Because the Body of Christ never had 12 tribes, 12 gates, or 12 names of 12 people on those 12 gates. We are NOT the New (or old) Jerusalem.

We are in the age (aka: dispensation) of Grace.

And by “we,” I mean anyone who’d rather trust Jesus than try to face eternity on their own merit.

I told Elgielene that I’d bet the entire salary of every member of the American Congress that she could go into that church and meet some of the friendliest, nicest people you could hope to meet.

But I also told her I’d keep looking for a church that doesn’t confuse some of the most important parts of Christian teaching. It’s a cryin’ shame that it’s so difficult to find a church where stuff like this doesn’t happen. And maybe I’d go ahead and go if I thought they wouldn’t be too spiritually fragile and immature to withstand me “admonishing…in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs.”

Sadly, that’s not the case.

And even more sadly, most churches prefer dark auditoriums with rock concert-style, repetitive songs, and a built-in coffee shop to actual Biblical teaching.

If that’s your church, your church is dying.

No matter how many show up for the concert, that building is a “whitewashed tomb.”

I’d like to invite you to join us dispies. It’s highly exclusive/inclusive. So, you might be surprised at how much you’ll love the clarity when you join.

And who are you to judge?
Your eyes can clearly see
That you’re no holier
Than him or her or me.
So should you shut your mouth
And skip the words of Paul?
Did he misunderstand
The Lord’s enduring call?
No, no…a thousand times no!

(from my song, “A Thousand Times, No”)

Stay tuned,

Tony Funderburk signature logo

Tony Funderburk Posted on by

You’ve heard this before. Never bring a knife to a gun fight. And, even if you’re a recovering public school graduate, that should make sense to you right away. But here’s something that might not make so much sense, at first glance. Never bring a gun to a sword fight.

Or, I should say, don’t bring a gun and fight with The Sword.

See? I told you it wouldn’t make much sense right away.

But it all depends on who you’re gonna fight. Because when you wield a knife, or even a sword, against somebody else who had a gun, you have two chances of winning that battle. Slim. And none. But if you find yourself up against the one who IS a sword, not even your gun’s gonna help you.

Is it all clear now?

Good.

We can all go home and enjoy some more Netflix or Hulu or Peacock or whatever the flavor of the month TV there is. Thanks for playing “You Bet Your Life.”

OK, for the sake of those who don’t have a clue how my machinator mind works, I’ll get more to the point. And it’s based on a song I wrote, way back in 1999. It’s called “The Master’s Knife.” And, the “knife” is kind of like a metaphor for God’s word, which is also described as the “sword of the Spirit.”

So, hopefully you get a better idea of what my veiled references referred to. And if so, I know you’re gonna wanna get the song so you can discover why I used that reference. Right? Well, first, keep this in mind…

Don’t be weary; you’re stronger when you serve.
Don’t be defenseless; carry the Master’s Knife.

Now, go get the rest of it in the Amen Songbook Journal.

As I’ve said, all the lyrics to those songs are in the songbook. Your journal also includes plenty of pages for you to write down your own thoughts. Or take notes in church or class. Or even compose the lyrics and music for your next song.

But there’s also a link, in the book, that takes you to a download of all the songs for Fah-Ree. So, get your Amen Songbook Journal, today. And enjoy 13 classic, hard-hitting songs about the Christian life.

If you’re already an owner of the Amen Songbook Journal, I’d certainly appreciate a review on Amazon. Because that could help me achieve my goal of becoming a billionaire before the end of the year. Thanks, in advance, for your kind consideration of my lofty aspiration. And don’t make me bring a gun over there to get you in gear.

Stay tuned,

Tony Funderburk signature logo

Tony Funderburk Posted on by

What does it mean for something to be pure as gold? Well, gold is considered “the standard” for so many things. So, it must be something pretty special. But I don’t think gold is all that pure. It was, when the Earth was created. But it got messed up a long time ago in a cataclysmic flood. Skip that rabbit trail for now.

Some Christian songs place emphasis on being pure as gold.

I’m not familiar with this one, but it’s called “Pure As Gold.” And here’s a snippet from the chorus:

Change and mould me, to be more like You.
All my life, I’ll live to worship You.
Purify me, set my heart on fire.
Let me come through pure as gold,
Wo – ah, wo – ah, pure as gold.

So, I’m not trying to put those songwriters’ feet to the fire. But gold needs refining before it’s considered pure. And that process requires a lot of heat. So, I (for one) don’t wanna be pure as gold. I’d rather be in the actual pure place. The place that we might think of as glittering like gold. But it’s the place where gold pales in comparison.

And that place is only in Heaven.

And Heaven, despite what Belinda Carlisle sang, is not a place on Earth.

It’s a place where you can live forever, if you choose. But it’s not a place where everybody will go. That’s sad, but true. So, it’s important to look into the world of information that points to the Bible as the only book that shares the Way to get there.

Yeah, just leave out the “L.” I wanna be as pure as God. And that’ll only happen in Heaven.

If you haven’t done that yet, do it today. Because one day you’ll run out of tomorrows here on Earth. And you might sing these words forever, in a place that’s far from pure as gold:

I want to find the Pure Place…that glitters like gold.
I need to find the Pure Place…never hot or cold.
I’d love to find the Pure Place,
Let the Light shine on my face,
No dreams I’d ever have to chase,
No bad that we could not erase,
I’d love to find…the Pure Place!

(obviously from my song “The Pure Place”)

The Pure Place is one of 13 songs in the Amen Songbook Journal.

I’ve been talking about it lately. And, as I’ve said, the lyrics to those songs are in the songbook. Your journal also includes plenty of pages for you to write down your own thoughts. Or take notes in church or class. Or even compose the lyrics and music for your next song.

But there’s also a link, in the book, that takes you to a download of all the songs for Fah-Ree. So, get your Amen Songbook Journal, today. And enjoy 13 classic, hard-hitting songs about the Christian life.

If you’re already an owner of the Amen Songbook Journal, I’d certainly appreciate a review on Amazon. Apparently they like to see that readers like the books they buy there. And when they see that, they’re more likely to raise the search results for my book or books.

Stay tuned,

Tony Funderburk signature logo

Tony Funderburk Posted on by

Here’s a definition of it I found online: “To put on airs; to behave arrogantly. As long ago as the fourteenth century, persons of high rank rode very tall horses, a custom that came to symbolize superiority and arrogance. By 1800 or so, to be or to get on one’s high horse meant to act superior, with or without justification.”

I believe a high horse attitude is always without justification.

But you know how us wacky humans can get. We love to think we’re all that and a bag of grass-fed pork rinds. And I guess that’s because we’re just so darn cute and nice.

Well, we think we are anyway. The billions of daily selfies are proof of that.

But the real trouble comes in when you dazzle (translate: bamboozle) thousands and even millions of “fans” into believing that same thing about you that you believe, yourself. That’s not to say you shouldn’t build an audience for your goods and wares. But the adulation and praise from a multitude of fans can motivate you to “buy” your own high horse.

And that’s when you might just find me singin’ about you.

Yeah, I wrote a song called “High Horses” back in 2000, and included it in my Amen collection. It’s not directly aimed at YOU. But, then again, it includes you. Because you’ve done it. But don’t feel bad. I’ve done it, too. And if you deny that you have, you might be on a high horse right now.

Uh-oh, you’ve done been corralled there, pawdnuh.

OK, all seriousness aside, High Horses is one of those 13 songs, in the Amen Songbook Journal, I’ve been talking about lately. And, as I’ve said, the lyrics to those songs are in the songbook. But there’s also a link, in the book, that takes you to a download of all the songs for Fah-Ree.

Your journal also includes plenty of pages for you to write down your own thoughts. Or take notes in church or class. Or even compose the lyrics and music for your next song. Get your Amen Songbook Journal, today. And enjoy 13 classic, hard-hitting songs about the Christian life.

We’re riding our high horses.
We’re wearing our best leather and lace.
And we’re riding our high horses…
Hoping to ride them away…
Ride them to favor and grace!

(from the song, “High Horses”)

Stay tuned,

Tony Funderburk signature logo

Tony Funderburk Posted on by

There’s a metal barn, easily visible from I-70 in Eastern Kansas, with a message in very large letters on the side. It reads, “No Jesus, No Peace…Know Jesus, Know Peace.” I’ve read that message, many times, as I’ve driven past that barn over the years. And it’s been there a long time.

Have you noticed there’s no peace on Earth?

And while we’re at it, where’s all the “goodwill toward men?” Or women, for that matter.

Elgielene and I visited her sister, recently. And being in someone else’s house generally means exposure to mainstream mumbly-peg streaming through the large screen on the wall. And that was the case. But it was someone else’s house. So, someone else’s house rules.

So, the repetitive morning “news” stations blared out their predictable blather. Especially the propagan…uh, “reports” on something they like to call “gun violence.”

Of course, I’ll admit guns are popular weapons for murderers. Because, let’s face it, when you want someone dead, fast, it’s difficult to find something more effective than a gun. But the simple fact (and it should be glaringly simple, even for a mushy mind) is this. Until a person picks up a gun, it’s as peaceful as Christmas. And here’s why.

Inanimate objects are incapable of emotions.

If no person EVER picked up a gun, there would be NO murders committed with guns. But that absolutely doesn’t mean there’d be NO murders. Because it’s actually people who get violent.

Gasp!

“Did he just say it’s people who get violent?”

Yes. People are the problem. Not guns. Not resources. And not extenuating circumstances. And when murderers don’t have access to guns, they reach for knives. Or swords. Or ropes, baseball bats, rocks, poison, hand tools, cars, fire, acid, etc. etc. etc. In other words, people are resourceful. Even murderers.

It’s a basic thought process. When you have no peace in your life, your human tendency is to focus on YOU. What you want. What you can’t live without. And what you’re gonna have to do get what you gotta have.

Your basic selfishness is never satisfied. Well, not by anything the world has to offer. And a lack of satisfaction perpetuates the problem. For example, even if you get that next iPhone or Chromebook, the rush of a new toy fades away pretty quickly. And before you know it, something else catches your eye, or thoughts.

Sadly, most of the world rejects the simple solution to this problem.

Because the simple solution requires humility. And an acknowledgment that YOU are not the ruler of the universe. Or anything else, outside your self, for that matter. But when you can admit that there must be a Creator God, and that you’re not Him, you’re primed to know peace as you’ve never known it.

Now, that doesn’t mean your life will be filled with butterflies, puppies, and rainbows from then on. But it DOES mean, you can live forever in a place where “no peace” will never be a problem again.

I wrote a song, on this subject, back in 2000, and included it in my Amen collection. And those 13 songs are in the Amen Songbook Journal I’ve been talking about lately. I guess, to be clear, the lyrics to those songs are in the songbook. But there’s also a link, in the book, to where you can download all the songs for Fah-Ree.

There are plenty of pages for you to write down your own thoughts. Or take notes in church or class. Or even compose the lyrics and music for your next song. Get your Amen Songbook Journal, today. And enjoy 13 classic, hard-hitting songs about the Christian life.

And I have to trust that my God is just
And I feel my boldness increase.
I’m a dissident, and I’m an instrument
For the one true Way to peace.

(from “The One True Way To Peace”)

Stay tuned,

Tony Funderburk signature logo

Tony Funderburk Posted on by

Years before Mel Gibson made a movie about it (Braveheart) I wrote a song about my freedom quest. To be clear, there were no swords, cannons, or lives lost in my quest. But it was just as important to me as it was to William Wallace.

Sadly, America’s freedom quest is fading away.

In fact, I don’t think it would be a stretch to say freedom is no longer a quest for the majority of the population. So, it’s not surprising when bumbling Biden, a mumbling moron, can occupy the highest office in the land and the country just accepts it as “part of the process.”

I can just hear William Wallace, on his stallion, in front of his troops about to head into battle, “Remember! They might take our lives! But they’ll never take our process!”

When you dispossess your freedom in the name of safety or “for the greater good” or “to end (so-called) gun violence,” you surrender what others fought and died to provide for you. And never, in the history of mankind, has that EVER gone well for any population.

AND…

It never will.

Some say, “The time is coming when you will own nothing…and like it.” When you hear that, I hope you understand that time arrived a long time ago. American’s have NOT enjoyed true freedom for decades. Yes, we still experience the fading shadows of what our freedom once was.

But even those shadows are waning.

So, how do you remain optimistic and hopeful in spite of all that dark information?

Well, do what I do. And it’s something well-informed people have done for thousands of years. Do like the Apostle Paul said, “…press toward the goal for the prize…” Or do like King David said, “…I will fear no evil.”

They both understood that true, lasting freedom is only found in a relationship with your Creator. Any freedom quest, that doesn’t include faith in the finished work of Jesus, is an exercise in eternal futility. So, 36 years later,

Freedom

I’m gunning for the gold medal,
Aiming for the sun dance.
Don’t wanna be a drifter all my life,
I gotta take a new chance.
I’ve driven down the pipeline.
I’ve seen so many street signs.
I’m headed back where I began
And try to make it mine; all mine.

And if I’ve even learned one thing
It’s that the music never stops.
And if you dream inside a bubble,
You’ll be surprised when the bubble pops.
Oh, when the bubble pops!

Freedom; don’t want to lose my freedom.
I want to make my choice; make my voice be heard.
Freedom; I’m glad I have my freedom.
If all the world could see,
It would have to be the word…Freedom!

I’m shooting for the north star,
And I’m tickling the silver strings.
I’m glad I have the chance to chase ideas
And turn them into real things
I’ve been down lots of broken roads,
Forgot about my Guiding Light.
But now I’m going back where I belong,
And everything is alright.

And if I’ve even learned one thing,
It’s that the music never dies.
And if you never reach your rainbow,
At least you’ll see the bluer skies.

Chorus…inst…repeat chorus

© 1987

Before you go, share this link with everybody you know. Tell ’em to jump on the The TRUTH AND get some music and other fun stuff, for Fa-Ree.

Stay tuned,

Tony Funderburk signature logo

Tony Funderburk Posted on by

What do the head of a cow and the Body of Christ have in common? And it’s not one of my trick questions. Except for the tricky part. And the tricky part is that the answer makes sense when you don’t translate the words.

But before I answer any trick questions, a little road story.

It was 1989. And my brother and I were playing music “on the road” for a couple of weeks. I’ll share where it was in just a bit. But first, we had a couple of quaint motel rooms, provided by our hosts, the people who booked us to play in their fair city.

And I had my Yamaha 4-track studio set up for some Motel Sessions.

I had been working on a song called “Drawn to You.” And I’d bounced some instrument tracks around (because, with only 4 tracks, you’ve gotta do that) to get a nice mix of percussion, brass, and rhythm. And the acoustics in the little room were “dead” enough to record some vocals.

So, with my new “love song” lyrics on the bed next to my makeshift studio, I set up my mic and hit the play/record button…

Maybe it’s your eyes. I don’t know.
It could be your walk. I’m not sure.
But you have a way of distracting my thoughts.
Would you be my drug? Would you be my cure?

And the motel session went well. So, after hours of mixing, re-mixing, bouncing, and ping-ponging tracks, I had my song. And I mixed me a stereo cassette version and went for a drive to listen to my finished product.

I drove next to the…wait a second.

Oh, wow. I almost answered one of my trick questions. Ha! You thought you had me there, for a second. Didn’t you?

OK, I’ll clear things up. The head of a cow I mentioned earlier is actually the translation of a Spanish explorer’s name. Cabeza de Vaca, in case you’ve forgotten your explorers from the 1400’s and 1500’s, spent years in “the Americas,” including what is now the southwest United States area.

And, by many accounts, he probably passed through Corpus Christi, Texas. Of course, it wasn’t Texas at the time. But the bay area had already been named Corpus Christi (which translates to Body of Christ in English) by Alonso Alvarez de Pineda, in 1519. Pineda called it that because he arrived right around the day of the religious Feast of Corpus Christi.

So, see? It all makes sense now.

The head of a cow and the Body of Christ are connected in a city in Texas. And I also have a musical connection to that city. Plus, I eventually re-worked Drawn To You into a song that focuses on God instead of a girl.

And THAT version of Drawn to You is part of the collection of songs in the Amen Songbook Journal. Get your own copy on Amazon and use it write down your own road stories. Or lyrics. Or whatever. And there’s a secret link in the songbook to download all the songs to go with the lyrics.

Did I mention those songs don’t cost any extra? Well, I just did. So, go get ’em today. And I promise, no more trick questions…this week.

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.

© 1986-2000

Stay tuned,

Tony Funderburk signature logo