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,

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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,

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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,

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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,

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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,

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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,

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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,

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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,

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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,

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Tony Funderburk Posted on by

Imagine being thrown into a bottomless pit. Or maybe you think you already know how that feels because of your job. Or some other boring, repetitious part of your life. I certainly hope that’s not the case. But lots of people DO suffer such slings and arrows of outrageous misfortune.

However, they still don’t know what a real bottomless pit is.

And let’s you and I hope they never find out. Deal? Because my guess is (and the descriptions in the book of the Revelation are) it’s worse than even anything Thanos could think up. And that’s because what goes on in that bottomless pit will go on forever.

(side note: forever is even longer than you think it is)

A guy named John saw all kinds of amazing AND terrible things related to and connected with that pit. His “vision” included turning around to see “seven golden lampstands, and in the midst of the seven lampstands One like the Son of Man, clothed with a garment down to the feet and girded about the chest with a golden band. His head and hair were white like wool, as white as snow, and His eyes like a flame of fire; His feet were like fine brass, as if refined in a furnace, and His voice as the sound of many waters; He had in His right hand seven stars, out of His mouth went a sharp two-edged sword, and His countenance was like the sun shining in its strength.”

Of course, John saw and heard a lot more. Some mysterious sounding stuff, too. But he wasn’t left in the dark to wonder and stay confused.

And this short passage shows what I mean:

“Why did you marvel? I will tell you the mystery of the woman and of the beast that carries her, which has the seven heads and the ten horns. The beast that you saw was, and is not, and will ascend out of the bottomless pit and go to perdition. And those who dwell on the earth will marvel, whose names are not written in the Book of Life from the foundation of the world, when they see the beast that was, and is not, and yet is.”

Now, my belief is probably WAY different than yours when it comes to that last book in the Bible. Because I don’t believe it’s information written in stone. And what I mean is, none of it is ordained or pre-ordained by God to happen. In fact, my guess is that our loving and merciful Creator would love it if none of the Revelation came to pass.

But that doesn’t mean there isn’t a Book of Life. I just believe you can get your name in it even if it isn’t in there right now. And that’s why I wrote a song about it back in 2000.

It’s included, with a dozen other songs, in the Amen Songbook Journal. Here’s an audio sampler, ironically in a video:

Just in case you can’t see the video, here’s a link to it: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XKoArd9Sd9c

OK, don’t get lost in the Amazon bottomless pit of products.

Click or tap on the links I’ve shared and go get your own Amen Songbook Journal. Right now! And…

Get your name in the best of places.
Get your name in the Book of Life.
Leave it here where the world erases,
Or you can get your name in the Book of Life.

(chorus from my song “Book of Life“)

© 2000

Stay tuned,

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Tony Funderburk Posted on by

I’m a secret link maker. And here’s a short Amazon book description to prove it: “When you open up your brand new Amen songbook, you’ll discover more than just lyrics. Because there’s a secret link to a free download of all the songs. And not only that, you’ll be able to jot down all your best ideas and inspirations before they slip away. Of course, you should keep your new journal forever. Because you never can tell when one of your own ideas might be ready for publishing, too.”

But I guess I’m not such a secret link maker since I shared that with you.

Well, that’s how the digital cookie crumbles I guess.

It was back in 2000 when I put together the collection of songs I included on my Amen CD. I know, if you weren’t born then, you might not even know what a CD is. But, believe me, they were awesome. Actually, they still are. But they’re no longer in vogue. Hmm…come to think of it, the phrase “no longer in vogue” is probably no longer in vogue.

Anyway…

Included in that collection of songs was one where I asked the same question souls in Heaven asked God. They had been killed for standing up for God. And “they cried with a loud voice, saying, “How long, O Lord, holy and true, until You judge and avenge our blood on those who dwell on the earth?”)

Wow, you’d think if they’re in Heaven they’d have nothing but forgiveness on their minds. But nay nay. They wanted (actually it’s a prediction that they WILL want, in the future) some serious vengeance.

It’s kinda like, in the movies, when some guy, who’s minding his own business, gets messed with. And the bad guys even assault him, or his girlfriend or wife. Or maybe they even do the most unthinkable thing of all and kill his dog. When any of that happens, what do you immediately want in that movie?

Oh yeah. Vengeance! Justice! Payback!

Right?!

Of course it’s right. Who doesn’t wanna see the bad guys get what’s comin’ to ’em? It’s part of your American upbringing. But even WAY more than that, it’s part of your DNA. Or a better way to put it is that it’s written on the tablet of your heart.

Point is, even if you keep it squelched way way down in the bottom of your heart, you know right from wrong. And you know certain wrong should be punished even to death.

So, all I went and done was write a song about it. And when you get yourself the Amen Songbook and Journal, your friendly secret link maker has made a special secret link where you can download all the songs in the book. And they won’t cost you extra. Nope. Because I wouldn’t do that to you. I mean, sseriously. How could I sell you the book with all those lyrics and hold out on the music?

Short answer? I couldn’t. And I didn’t. So, go get your journal. Right now. Use it write down your own inspirations. Or take notes on your pastor’s teachings. Or jot down your grocery list. It’s your book. I’m not makin’ up any rules on what you do with it. So, you’re gonna get it. Right? Ok, good. But…

How Long Till?

How long ‘til we see the vengeance?
How long ‘til You make things right?
Lord, how long ‘til the trumpet blows
And calls us into flight?

How long ‘til we see the Savior?
How long ‘til the end of night?
Yes, and how long ‘til Your trumpet blows
And takes us out of sight?

(Chorus from the song, How Long Till, in the Amen Songbook collection)

© 2000

Stay tuned,

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Tony Funderburk Posted on by

OK, get ready. ‘Cause some superstitious words and references are gonna be comin’ at you (gesundheit). Oops, one slipped in there already.

Yep. Gesundheit and “bless you” can be superstitious words.

Did you know that people, down through the centuries, have believed (and possibly still believe) that a sneeze can cause your soul to escape your body through your nose.

Yikes! If that’s true, what could possibly stop that from happening? I know you’re ahead of me here. And you’re right. Two simple (superstitious) words. “Bless you.” Yeah, those same people, who think your soul can escape through your nose, also believe you can keep the devil from claiming the sneezer’s soul with those eight letters in two words.

Well, they either think that or the total opposite. You read that right. Others believed (and some still believe) that evil spirits use a sneeze to jump into a person’s body.

Wow, those evil spirits must have some really fast reflexes.

And would you believe that other people believe your heart stops during a sneeze? Yeah, those people believe that when you say “bless you,” it’s a way to welcome that person back to life. That seems a little crazy to me. But I see crazy pretty much wherever I look. So, don’t go by my perspective.

My guess is that you say “bless you” just by habit.

Well, that’s if you say it. Maybe you don’t. I don’t. And I don’t even tend to acknowledge when someone says it to me after I sneeze. Because, well, I’m not into superstitious words (knock on wood) and luck.

The main thing (well, the main thing for what I’m talking about right now) is there’s no such thing as luck. Good or bad. So, you can’t do anything to bring on good or bad luck. And you can’t say anything to protect against it. Because, uh, it doesn’t exist. If you believe it does, bless your heart.

Just so you know, if you’re ever around me, and I sneeze, and you say “bless you,” I’m not gonna call you out on the carpet. Because my guess is you’ll just be saying that out of habit. And if you use any other superstitious words like that, I’ll assume you haven’t really considered how they originated. I hope I’m right about that. Until we know for sure, please…

Keep Your Fingers Crossed

Some say we can make the luck we need.
Some say…it’s destiny.
Yeah, some say it’s all in the draw of cards.
Maybe for them, but not for me

I know I will never know it all.
I know I’ve got to see it through.
And I know I’ve only got one chance.
I’ll take that chance, if I can take it with you.

Keep your fingers crossed; I just might find the answer.
Keep your fingers crossed; I just might find a way.
Is it faith that leads me or faith that blinds me?
Either way I’m lost,
Unless you free the heart of me
And keep your fingers crossed.
Keep your fingers crossed.

Some say I should play another part.
Some say give it up; let it go.
How can I explain what’s in my heart?
How can I make them know?
Oh, how can I make them know?

Sometimes I wish I was someone else.
Sometimes, but not for long.
I want you to help me chase this dream.
Oh yeah, it’s you. You keep me strong.

Chorus…inst…repeat chorus

Keep your fingers crossed.

© 1987 & 2020

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Tony Funderburk Posted on by

I just need some time. Who hasn’t said that at least a time or two?

And it becomes an even scarcer commodity the older you get. Plus, it starts to zoom past at practically the speed of light. Of course, a little six-year-old who’s waiting for an ice cream cone might beg to differ. But what does an impatient six-year-old know about anything?

Anyway…

When you need some time, where do you get it?

It’s not like it’s right down at the Dollar General, or as we hear in the Funderhaus like to call it, the D.G. But the good news is, it’s in the same place everybody else finds it.

All around you. In front of you. And behind you.

But there’s one thing you can’t do with time. And you’ll never be able to do it. Even if you assure yourself a place in paradise filled with endless time. And that one thing is: Hold on to it.

Because, just as you reach out to grab it, it passes. And the time you wanted to hold on to is gone forever. So, you’re left with the future coming at you like a meteor. And you have to face it like a heart attack. So, what can you do about it?

Short answer? Nothing.

Long answer? Still nothing.

Right answer?

Be glad you exist at all. And be grateful you’re aware of your own existence. And most of all, be thankful your Creator loves you enough to supply you with endless, glorious time, if you want it.

I sure do. Because, this life, on planet Earth, ain’t gonna last a whole lot longer. And the chaos, confusion, and futility that fills up this world, just leads me to say and sing…

All I Need Is Some Time

I’ve no one to hold and nothing to say,
But give me some time, and I’ll find me a way
To know what I need and to feel what I know…
To flow with my thoughts and to let my thoughts flow.

All I need is some time to hold in my hands.
All I want is some time to hold in my arms.

I used to be cruel. Now I try to be kind.
I used to be hard. Now I’m easy to find.
There’s so much to change, and I’ve changed quite a lot.
I know what I want, and I want what I’ve got.

All I need is some time to hold in my hands.
All I want is some time to hold in my arms.

And all I need is some time.
All I want is some time.

© 1977  (May 1)

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.

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The pack leader gets to call the shots. Now, THERE’S a short sentence with an acerbic twist. Especially when you consider how much focus there is on “shots” these days.

Did you see the movie, “Call of the Wild,” with Harrison Ford and an animated dog named Buck? It was a bittersweet movie that followed Buck’s story. He was a big, crossbreed of a St. Bernard and a Scotch Shepherd. And at the start of the movie you see him enjoying an easy-going life in California, in the 1890’s.

But it’s not long before his life of leisure is gone when he’s stolen from his happy home. Worse than that Buck is deported to Skagway, Alaska and sold to a dog sled delivery service owner.

Buck’s good nature actually gets him in trouble with the lead dog in the sled team. But he eventually wins the leader position, and the other dogs are glad to follow him.

Sadly, Buck’s hard times weren’t over. And he went through a lot more challenges. Not the least of which was being forced into dog fights. Somewhere along the way, he meets up with Harrison Ford’s character. And I won’t tell you the rest of it so you enjoy it for yourself. Just wanted to illustrate a particular point.

Yeah, when it comes to shots, be the pack leader.

And just because that can also refer to dogs doesn’t mean you should be the pack leader of a bunch of dogs. Canine OR human. Of course, if you’re not comfortable taking the lead, then at least find the pack leader you can trust.

And that’s exponentially more difficult than it ever was in American history. Well, to be more precise, if you’re gonna rely on broken people, it’s way more difficult than ever. So, I recommend you don’t rely on broken people.

That’s not to say you’ll never find anyone you can count on. But you’ll never find anyone you can ALWAYS count on. And that’s not a defeatist or fatalist point of view. It’s just reality. Of course, it’s true. Because everybody else has to live their lives, too.

But I’m saying all this to point out how it’s better to be a leader.

And the best human leaders are the ones who are consistent Jesus followers. Because they understand the only way you can lead well is when you learn by example. And the only perfect man who ever lived is certainly the best example you could ever have.

The overwhelming amount of evidence says the Christian message is true.

So, to continue with the analogy, you’re on the right track when the pack leader you follow is Jesus. He’s the only True Alpha AND Omega Male!

Be like the dog in the movie, and Buck the worldly trends. Fight for your right to freedom and ward off the hounds of hell.

Search me for the deeper things.
Fill me from Your living well.
Free me from the ways of man.
Take me off the path to Hell.
Listen to my fervent prayer.
Bless me so that I can bless.
Change me with Your mighty Word.
Spare me with Your tenderness.

© 1989-2015

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Tony Funderburk Posted on by

It’s probably just me. But certain old songs can take me right back to almost a particular moment in time. And I don’t mean a phase of my life. I mean an actual mental snapshot of a particular moment of my life. A great example of what I mean is the song, “Ramblin’ Rose.”

And that moment in time was in the back seat of my Dad’s car.

I remember riding in the back seat of that ’54 Chevrolet Belair, listening to the ol’ AM radio tuned in to one of Dad’s favorite channels. And on that particular day, Nat King Cole sang “Ramblin’ Rose.” From the start there’s a reverberating choir singing along in the background. And Mr. Cole’s signature piano carries through the parts in between the lyrics.

As a grownup, I can now see it’s a simple song (with a key change in the middle) of what appears to be unrequited love. But, as a kid, it just had a sound my ears and heart leaned into. And it still does. Only now, when I hear it, I see the back of the front seat of that ol’ Chevy. And the back of Dad’s head. And the blue skies and billowy clouds floating past those big windows lined in real chrome. Check out these lyrics:

Ramblin’ Rose

Ramblin’ Rose, ramblin’ Rose,
Why you ramble, no one knows
Wild and wind blown, that’s how you’ve grown
Who can cling to a ramblin’ Rose?

Ramble on, ramble on.
When your ramblin’ days are gone,
Who will love you with a love true,
When your ramblin’ days are gone?

Ramblin’ Rose, ramblin’ Rose,
Why I want you, heaven knows.
Though I love you with a love true,
Who can cling to a ramblin’ rose?

Ramblin’ rose, ramblin’ Rose,
Why I want you, heaven knows.
Though I love you with a love true
Who can cling to a ramblin’ Rose?

See what I mean? The lyrics are so simple. Just a short hint of a story. But with Nat‘s smooth vocal style, the background singers, and that nostalgic piano lilt, I go back to that moment in time. Every time.

Too bad America isn’t like that anymore.

And a stark example of that includes the great-nephew of Nat King Cole. I just saw an article that reported Tracy Cole, who was 31, was stabbed to death in the past week. Right on the street, on a Thursday morning, in Atlanta.

The report also said, “No arrests have been made and investigators don’t have a motive.”

But here’s an even sadder part. A friend said, “He was one of those guys who was always around with positive energy, and it was always so good to be around Tracy.” And a senior pastor said, “Tracy had that personality that just really transcended culture, it transcended race, it transcended class.” And another friend said, “He was always laughing, always smiling with his corny jokes. Everybody loved him.”

So, obviously Tracy Cole was liked and appreciated. But obviously not “everybody” loved him. And in the end, it didn’t matter that, “Tracy made a friend of everyone. He was family. And he was more than a young man in the community. He was that child who walked the floors and aisles of the church. He just brought an abundance of joy everywhere he went.”

No. None of that mattered.

His entire life, here on Earth, which was only 31 years, came down to that moment in time at that intersection on the streets of Atlanta.

And it didn’t matter that he was the great-nephew of the great Nat King Cole. It didn’t matter that he was “also a second cousin of late singer Natalie Cole.” Or that he had “traveled the world with his jazz musician grandfather, Freddy Cole.”

It also didn’t matter that, as that senior pastor said, “He had so much more ahead of him and was doing wonderful things.”

The only thing that mattered, as Tracy Cole lay there on that street, was whether he had chosen to put his faith in himself or his Creator. Because faith in self leads to an eternity of unrequited love. But faith in the Creator of Heaven and Earth leads to the eternal bloom of every Ramblin’ Rose (or Roy).

Stay tuned,

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Tony Funderburk Posted on by

America’s best days are NOT ahead. Absolutely NOT. And anyone who believes they are is either a politician who wants to steal, uh…earn your vote, or someone who hasn’t seen anything past their neighborhood. And I’m generally an optimistic guy. Not because of my country. Because of my Creator.

But even an optimistic guy should be able to see how bad things are.

I just spent about a month driving over 4000 miles, most of the way across the “united” states AND back. And what I noticed, in every city and town I crossed is a gigantic amount of evidence. You can see the evidence on houses. From the roofs to the basements. And from the driveways to the cars parked in them.

The evidence I’m talking about is neglect. And wear and tear. And broken windows, cracked cement, dead grass and flowers, porches with piles of junk on them. The evidence is in totally run-down neighborhoods. Street zombies looking for the next place to hole up for the night. Cars held together with duct tape and spray foam. I’m not making this up. I saw it.

As awful as it was, what was even more awful was that I wasn’t surprised.

Because we live in a country where politicians won’t work within a budget. Murder is rampant, especially the murder of unborn children. Some moron, masquerading as president of the country steals money (with the aid of just about all the other so-called “elected” officials) from U.S. citizens to send to a country where he has questionable ties, at the very least.

And all of that happens, almost effortlessly. Because we have a nation filled with dope smokers, opioid addicts, and scaredy-cat screen watchers who believe the latest “cron” will destroy all mankind unless we wear face diapers.

You can’t reasonably disagree with me.

Because it’s REAL. I’ve seen it. And you probably have, too. Even if you haven’t seen as much as I just saw over the past few weeks.

But that sad reality doesn’t mean I have to give in and give up.

Far from it.

I can do something.

I can sing and write words and music about…

  • How special our planet is among all the known and unknown parts of the Universe
  • The glorious sensation of a barefoot walk in a field of grass
  • How love can erase tears
  • The soul quenching gifts found in dreamers, poets, and visionaries

But optimism and those soul-quenching gifts are meaningless, and even non-existent, without a meaningful explanation of their origin. And there’s only one meaningful explanation for all of creation.

Your Creator.

Again, you can’t reasonably disagree with me. At least, not if you prefer a life filled with hope. If you don’t, then I hope that you change that sooner rather than later.

Stay tuned,

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Tony Funderburk Posted on by

Maybe you’ve experienced something like this. You haven’t had your morning javalavazingzing. And you gotta get going. So, you decide to get dressed, grab your gear, and head out to the minivan (or for those of you who still drive ordinary vehicles, your car). And it feels like your computer bag feels like it weighs a ton. And your eyelids insist on their half-mast status.

Ain’t it weird how a lack of coffee equals gear that weighs a ton?

And your logic and reason abilities (impaired though they might be) tell you your gear doesn’t actually weigh a ton. But the “weighs a ton” hyperbole still makes it way to your lips. And anyone who hears the phrase nods in agreement. Because no one doesn’t understand the connection.

Yeah, human communication is a weird (but wonderful) concept to ponder.

But our weird and wonderful communication skills have carried over into the amazing world of Random Access Memory, aka: RAM.

And speaking of IBM (we were, weren’t we?), today marks 67 years since they introduced their 305 RAMAC. It was a Random Access Memory Accounting Computer. And it was “an electronic general purpose data processing machine that maintained business records on a real-time basis.”

Apparently IBM produced more than a thousand of them from 1956 to 1961. And, by today’s standards of companies like Apple producing millions of computers a year, that doesn’t seem like a very big number. But they stopped production in 1961. And the reason is clear. Each one weighed a ton. Literally.

Yeah, coffee or no coffee.

If you wanted a 305 RAMAC, you’d need at least a couple of college hunks to help you install it.

So, next time your computer bag (or your spouse) “weighs a ton,” thank your Creator it’s not a RAMAC.

See there. Blessings are all around you. Even if you have to time travel back to 1956 to see them. So, I hope you’ll use your RAM to remember that as you go through your day and the rest of your week.

You are blessed to be alive.
Keep that blessing in your heart.
And don’t let it slip away.
Every day’s a brand new start.

Stay tuned,

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A friend of mine died two years ago, today, September 12, 2021. But he wasn’t just a friend. He was the pastor of the church I attended (and led praise and worship) for a long time. And he was blessed with the ability to dive deep into the information in the Bible. And rightly divide the word of Truth. It’s so weird to talk about him in the past tense. Because he had a powerful presence.

And today makes me remember another day in the past, too.

It was Pastor Appreciation Day back in 2010. And I certainly appreciated his Bible teaching skills. So, I didn’t look for a special song to acknowledge him that Sunday. I wrote one. It was a song that showed appreciation for who he was AND Who he represented.

Because my friend, the pastor, was controversial. To say the least. And if I shared his name, and if you did a search online, you’d find a long list of despicable so-called “news sources” mocking him. Even in death. But, as another friend of mine said, “If the world still hates you when you die, you must’ve done well.”

I have no doubt that, sometime on September 12, 2021, my friend heard, “Well done, my good and faithful servant.” Because he dedicated much of his life to sharing God’s word with anyone who’d listen. I updated the lyrics of appreciation to account for his earthly life that’s now in the past.

We Appreciate You Doing That

When you chose to serve the Lord,
You didn’t know everything you were in for.
You couldn’t know how long it would last,
Or what your journey through life had in store.

But you didn’t let it stop you.
You found The Way to keep going.
Truth and Life and Persistence…
They’re the seeds you kept sowing.

And we appreciate you doing that.

You didn’t choose the dark, wide path.
You never ran with the “popular people”
Or raise a fortune to build up a church
Made of lies with a high, golden steeple.

But you work to spread the Gospel
And tell the world about Jesus,
And how He’s all that really matters,
And how the world cannot please us.

And we appreciate you doing that.

We know you didn’t prefer the battle.
There must have been times when it got old.
But your life, here, sure made a difference.
You shared His Story as it should be told.

And we appreciate you doing that.

© 2010-2021

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Tony Funderburk Posted on by

You humans are certainly creatures of curiosity. Especially those of you who’ve been fortunate to have been born in a “free” society. Yeah, I’ve said this before. Americans tend to be very image-bound and sound-byte-gagged.

First, there’s what seems to be the picture of success, on TV and in the movies. And that’s almost completely fake. And that’s bad enough. But then, there are too many who compare themselves to that picture. And that fantasy “beauty” and piles of “stuff” can stir up feelings of inadequacy.

That why I say creatures of curiosity.

Why would you want to compare yourself to some poor slob in the movies? And I say poor slob because their millions in the bank just postpone their soul’s bankruptcy. At least if they’ve put their faith in this world. And most of them have.

But you’re not the sum total of your dollars, beauty, or “stuff.” You’re not the sum total of your monikers you wear through this life. And you’re not the sum total of the varied opinions about you. Those opinions don’t make you. And they shouldn’t break you. Here’s what I recommend…

  • Work to produce…not for the money.
  • Play to relax…not to escape.
  • Laugh to enjoy…not to cover up.
  • Love to give…not to acquire.
  • And live to be thankful…not to compare.

You ARE the sum total of where you position yourself for eternity. Don’t just be another one of those false-faced creatures of curiosity.

Thank God  (He Didn’t Leave It Up To You)

In the best of times, where’s the challenge?
And in the worst of times, where’s the choice?
In the fevered pitch, where’s the silence?
When the love is breached, where’s the voice?
Could you have your very life…taken from you
While the world stood at your feet?
Wouldn’t that completely stop and numb you?
Wouldn’t you admit defeat?
Well, thank God; He didn’t leave it up to you

In the darkest hours, who’s your Father?
And in the scheme of things, who’s the one?
In the best laid plans, who’s the Spirit?
When your heart is healed, who’s the Son?
Could you let your very blood…be taken
For your friends who’d run away?
Wouldn’t all your faith and hope be shaken?
Would you even think to pray?
Well, thank God; He didn’t leave it up to you.

© 2004

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OK, I’m gonna get all astronomical on you now. So, if you’re not interested in perspectives about things like astronomy and navigation, you should probably tune me out for now. Because you might glaze over as I gab on about a particular celestial sphere.

Before I go on, here’s a complex definition of a celestial sphere:

“In astronomy and navigation, a celestial sphere is an abstract sphere that has an arbitrarily large radius and is concentric to Earth.” Are you still with me? Good. Here’s more details about it:

“All objects in the sky can be conceived as being projected upon the inner surface of the celestial sphere, which may be centered on Earth or the observer. If centered on the observer, half of the sphere would resemble a hemispherical screen over the observing location.”

So, admit it. You’re more intrigued than you ever thought you could be on this subject. Right?

Before you get too excited, remember, the celestial sphere is a conceptual tool.

It’s “used in spherical astronomy to specify the position of an object in the sky without consideration of its linear distance from the observer.” AND, “the celestial equator divides the celestial sphere into northern and southern hemispheres.”

OK, never mind. I know you don’t care about all that. And neither do I.

But I’ll bet you’d like the picture I shared, about 10 years ago, that showed what baffled scientists are calling the Saturn Rings River. The picture showed pitted areas on the surface. Even though many have speculated the surface is gaseous. But the picture clearly depicts something more along the lines of metamorphic materials.

Also, you can see where the Saturn Rings River might have once had tributaries. Another explanation of the wider, dark areas might be an aquifer from which the headwaters sprang forth.

Here’s what I said about it, 10 years ago:

“At the top of the photo (we’ll call it North for the sake of easy recognition) you’ll see what appears to be an estuarial area. This could have been an inlet from a larger bay or even ocean at one time billions and billions of years ago. Or it could even provide an answer or missing link to where all other celestial bodies in our solar system originated.

Here’s the point. We’ve never had such clear, high definition images of any of Saturn’s rings or other surface areas before. So this one renews the spark of imagination and storytelling in anti-creationist scientists all over the world. (emphasis on imagination and storytelling, read on…)

After all…just think of the endless possibilities, hypotheses, and suppositions one can derive from unconfirmed truths.”

And that’s how so many stories of Earth’s origin come to be. From the imagination of the majority of people who despise the inconvenience of the young Earth creationist perspective. They can see a picture, like the one I shared, and create an entire backstory for a celestial sphere or its satellites.

And just so you know, the picture I shared is actually a closeup of the cream on top of my coffee.

Fast Forward

Fast forward to the scene by the ocean
You’re shattered and fatigued with emotion
Fast forward to a time of reflection
Then you can use your hindsight direction
To help explain that angst and depression
Fast forward past your dreamland expression

Can’t you just imagine…how it all might be
If we end up dying and find out that we live
Can’t you hear the questions… “How could we not see?”
“Where’s the one in charge?” and “How much do I give”

Chorus

In awe of all creation and how it all could be
The fairy tale illusions increase with every year
The wrinkled plans expand…exponentially
Until one day, perhaps, a duck becomes a deer

chorus

What does this all mean?
And why should we care?
That we didn’t come from slime!
And there’s a God out there!
Fast forward!

© 2002

Stay tuned,

Tony Funderburk signature logo