Tony Funderburk Posted on by

You probably haven’t noticed. But a lot of people sure have a lot of opinions. And they sure don’t mind sharing them with you. Even when you didn’t ask or request. And I wish most of them would shut up already. Because their opinions are about as silly as the sound of their voice when they share them.

But I hope you shut up, too.

Uh-oh. I’ve gone and done it now. Right? It was OK for me to talk about “them.” But now I just fired a verbal shot at you. And that’s a bridge too far.

Well, ease up their buddy boy (or girl). Let me explain. And hopefully it’ll ease the burn of the bullet. This is something I shared years ago. And it’s truer now than ever.

When people around you fly off the handle, that’s a good time to keep your lips sealed. Wanna know why? Because then you won’t sin. When everybody’s yelling at each other, they say mean and hurtful things.. Sometimes they even yell out lies. Other times someone calls another person a name, and things really go wrong.

When you see that happening, shut up.

But what good does that do?

Well, for one thing, you won’t get caught up in the terrible things.

I’m sharing this with you for your own protection. If people around you are doing awful things, you don’t wanna be part of that. Do you? No, it’s not good or smart to get caught up in all that. That’s why God says someone who keeps his lips sealed is wise.

And being wise is the best thing you can be. Wisdom is something you should work on your whole life. There’s no time better than now to get started.

So, if you find yourself around somebody who’s yelling, or saying terrible things, or just trying to be mean…just shut up. Don’t fall for it. You’ll be doing a mighty good thing. And when you do, let me know about it…OK?

Just shut up when others yell.
It’s the wise choice. Time will tell
How you were smart and trusted God.
Just shut up and only nod.

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“You’ve got a mighty bright eternal future here, son.”

“Ah, thanks Father. I can’t tell you what that means to me.”

No, those aren’t lines from an old black and white movie. Although they could be. And too bad they don’t make movies with relationship-building lines like that anymore.

But anyway…let’s get back to that eternal future thing.

Isn’t it great to know you’ve got one? A bright future that lasts forever. It’s just plain awesome to think about. And even with my vivid, vivacious imagination, I can’t imagine how spectacular it’ll be. An apostle, named Paul, described it like this:

“Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man, the things which God has prepared for those who love Him.”

So, no matter what you’ve ever conjured up in your head, you still haven’t seen or heard anything like what God’s gonna do. Or has already done. But think about this. The whole universe came into existence just because of words God spoke. And the universe is just a preview of coming attractions.

Wow!

Have you ever seen pictures of the microscopic world? Amazing, right? And have you ever seen high resolution videos of the beautiful rainbow of life in the ocean? Reminds me of a line from one of those old black and white movies where the main character said, “It’s a wonderment.”

And the mind-boggling details and shapes found in eyeballs when you look at ’em in photo magnification. So much intricate design and function in so little space?

But let’s go from the microscopic to the humongous.

Did you know there are 40,000 muscles in an elephant’s trunk? So, an elephant can use its trunk to lift hundreds of pounds and crush large fruit. But, get this. That same trunk can also pick individual leaves off trees. And after countless attempts and experiments, human engineers still can’t design and create anything like that.

Single-celled creatures that can live in a drop of water. Giant elephants and whales that can push down trees and sink ships. Can you truly believe it’s all by accident? I can’t. Because I see obvious design in everything around me. So, it’s impossible to imagine there would be no designer.

And yet, Paul said none of us has ever seen or heard what’s still to come.

I sure don’t want to miss out on it. I hope you feel the same way. Because it’s an eternal future so bright there won’t even be any night time. Whoa! There’s a reason for that. But I’m not gonna share that with you right now. Just know that there’s a place where you’ll never have to worry about death and dying. And I call it…

The Pure Place

I clamor for the clean life, and I never quite succeed.
I’m hunting for the high ground that’s higher than the sky.
I’m looking for the love-life…the kind that we all need.
And I’m wishing for the wonder that lives in my mind’s eye.

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!

I’m searching for the sanctity that I never do quite find
I’m longing for the living days that never, ever end
And I’m thinking so theatrically, but at least I use my mind
To quest for the quintessence of my Forever Friend

repeat chorus…inst…repeat chorus and end

© 1998

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There’s no doubt about it. Haters gonna hate. But what there IS some doubt about is…who are the haters? Ironically (and woefully), it’s almost always the people who are yelling the loudest about who hates who.

And here’s where the haters gonna hate me.

Because I’m about to call a spade a spade.

Have you ever dealt with the frustration that comes with talking to unbelievers who call Christians haters? I certainly have. And if I only depended on myself, I probably would have locked myself up in my own personal Christianity long ago.

But Paul told the new Christians in Galatia to “not grow weary while doing good especially to those who are of the household of faith“.

And it definitely gets old when you hear, for the umpteenth time…

  • “You think you’re better than me.” or
  • “You just want everybody to believe just like you.” or
  • “Don’t tell me what’s in the Bible. I’ve read it.”

 

And here’s the irony.

Those are people who would benefit, the most, from the love and grace of Jesus. And it’s sad how bitter and angry they sound as they reject that message. But they don’t just reject the message. They spew out their hatred for anyone who shares the message.

But remember what Jesus said, “If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you.” You might never experience a threat to your life like Jesus faced. But when you stand up for Him and His Truth, don’t be surprised when you endure the wrath of anyone (and everyone) who hates God.

I’ve experienced a good dose of that this year. Some of it from my own family. Even from some I wouldn’t have thought would do that.

I don’t enjoy lies, about me, whipped up by those whose guilt and shame precedes them. But I still stand on the love God has for me. And, as I’ve said before, every single person in the world can hate me. But since Jesus loves me, I still win.

If you’ve experienced how haters gonna hate on you, then be encouraged. Because that means you’ve taken a stand for your faith, hope, and love in your Creator. And it also means you’re gonna live forever…

In The House of the Lord

Father God,
You never leave me You never forsake me.
And Your Word…
Gives me courage to go where you take me.

You are with me through each dire upheaval.
With You in me I will fear no evil.
As I walk through the shadow of death…
I will sing till my very last breath…

[Chorus]
Green pastures, still waters…
Goodness and mercy for your sons and daughters…
True love dwells in the House of the LORD.
Each person, each nation…
Can be renewed through Your sweet restoration…
True love dwells in the House of the LORD.

Father God,
You made a Way for my total redemption.
I believe…
Jesus died to provide that exemption.

He’s my shepherd through thorns and thru clover.
He’s my new wine, and my cup runs over.
As I walk through the shadow of death…
I will sing till my very last breath…

Chorus

© 2010 Tony Funderburk

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I read some clips from articles that talked about what a man wants in a wife. If you’re a happily married man, you probably already know that the consistent top answer is “a woman who is faithful to you.” Right? Because if you marry (or date) someone who isn’t faithful, even a supermodel is gonna make your life miserable.

But a woman/wife who’s faithful to you can be infinitely valuable.

Because you truly can have an eternity of connection. I’m fortunate, on multiple levels, to have a wife like that. Matter of fact, I’m not sure I’d even be here, now, if it wasn’t for her.

By the way, all this is true in reverse. Women prefer (and deserve) a man/husband who’s faithful, too. Because a good and healthy marriage seeks to be mutually beneficial.

One clip I read called this faithfulness “integrity.” Here’s what it said…

“Integrity is doing the right thing, even when nobody’s watching. This is even more apparent when considering what a man wants from his wife. When doing the right thing, whatever the situation is, comes naturally to a woman, it’s a clear signal to a man that he can trust her as a life partner and can be proud of who she is as a person.”

I obviously agree with the principle of that assertion. But I dislike the whole “life partner” thing that rears its silly head in so many places these days. My wife is NOT my partner. Because life is NOT a business. It’s a journey. So, my wife is my companion and helpmate on this journey. And I’m her companion and pilot.

And I know this kind of talk sounds misogynistic to a lot of people.

But only because the common narrative, these days, is an attempt to make men and women equal. And nothing could be further from the truth. Well, maybe there are some extremes that could be further from the truth. But you get my point.

The Bible says that a man “who finds a wife finds a good thing.” Yes, the Bible places the emphasis on what men are supposed to do. But it’s because God wants men to be MEN. And He wants men to lead and protect wives, mothers, sisters, and daughters the way He leads men.

And you can trust God to lead the right way. Because He is faithful to you. Sure, I know you’ve heard about and read how you’re supposed to be faithful to Him. But that’s so much easier when you realize how infinitely more faithful He is to you. It’s like this…

God is faithful in His word
And in His love and deeds.
He knows you are tempted here,
And He knows all your needs.
He provides forever life,
Forever love and care.
Ask Him to be with you now.
He’s faithful to your prayer.

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Neighbor to neighbor. Sounds folksy. Easy-going. Downright neighborly. Right? Well, not so fast there, neighbor. Because it can get mighty messy in a big hurry.

Have you ever heard of the neighbor to neighbor app, Nextdoor?

It was apparently started so neighbors could watch out for each other. And keep in touch. And make recommendations. Sounds decent enough. But there’s one thing the app creators failed to take into consideration. Or they just didn’t care. And that’s the fact that human beings are involved.

And have you noticed, especially lately, how mean and vindictive human beings can be to each other? Yeah, even to people, who live in their neighborhood, they don’t know at all.

I just read an article that shared info about Nextdoor. Check this out this excerpt from that article, and see if you still wanna join.

“If you’re not on the Nextdoor site, the only way to know you are being targeted is for someone to tell you. Ever have a disgruntled neighbor? Imagine that they can publicly post your name, address, description of you and any spurious story they chose to make up and you will be none the wiser. Now who among us hasn’t had a rift or two with a neighbor along the way? Depending on just how vicious that person your disagreement with is, you could find yourself being defamed right where you live. What was once  reserved only for the famous or conversely those mean girls in High School, is now being brought to every ‘adult’ in America via Nextdoor. And herein lies the problem, with Nextdoor, there are no checks and balances. Not only that, their Customer Services team is more concerned with the privacy of their members than that of a libeled person. A post may be taken down but extending an apology for the damage or untenable living environment their program can spawn may be hard to come by.”

The article went on to say…

“Nextdoor has no valid Corporate phone numbers. Their main number doesn’t answer and their alternate number is an answering machine that doesn’t identify the company. Even the Better Business Bureau doesn’t have valid phone contact information for them. FYI, their rating is a D- and their SiteJabber profile has an 86% disapproval rating. So Nextdoor needs to step up to the plate, post working Corporate numbers, train their  neighborhood Moderators on proper neighborly behavior and not allow personal assassinations and accusations on their site. In other words, they need to uphold the contract they have people agree to when they sign up! Nextdoor needs to take full responsibility when they allow people to be harassed, maligned and lied about and eat a little crow by understanding the dangers of their program.”

Knowing all that, can you still love your neighbor as yourself?

After all, God tells you to do that. So, it’s obviously mighty important.

And it’s even more important to know how. Love doesn’t mean you have to be a doormat, always turn the other cheek, or take abuse on Nextdoor. In fact, most of the time, if you’re doing those things, you might not actually love your neighbor.

The main thing to focus on, when it comes to loving someone is how your words, deeds, and actions will affect them. With an eternal perspective first. Everything else is secondary to that. After all…which is more important to your life? 80 years of chaos and confusion here on earth? Or an eternity of perfection with the one true, living, loving Creator of Heaven and life?
(here’s a hint…go with the second choice)

When you have an eternal perspective, you’ll know how important it is to make sure your neighbor understand there IS a God. And there IS a Heaven. And there IS a choice to be made here and now.

Since God wishes that “none should perish”, we should too. But to love your neighbor as yourself means you’re willing to share the whole Truth.

Not just the peace, love, joy, and forgiveness.

Because you don’t do neighbors a favor when you forgive them of something and they didn’t even show remorse or ask for forgiveness. And you don’t love your neighbor when you never say anything about Jesus to him or her.

If you truly want to love in a neighbor to neighbor way, speak up. Stand up. Get up right now and show them the full love, justice, and mercy of Jesus. Even if you start with someone in your family…start.

And if you have a profile on Nextdoor, I recommend you delete it. They don’t make that easy, by the way, and that should be another red flag.

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You can’t keep it all to yourself. In fact, if you think you can, it’s probably not in you anyway. Nope. If you want it to flourish, you’ve gotta give love away.

I read this great quote from C.S. Lewis. He talked about how you’ve gotta be willing to be vulnerable if you’re gonna love. He said,

“To love at all is to be vulnerable. Love anything, and your heart will certainly be wrung and possibly broken. If you want to make sure of keeping it intact, you must give your heart to no one, not even to an animal. Wrap it carefully round with hobbies and little luxuries: avoid all entanglements: lock it up safe in the casket or coffin of your selfishness. But in that casket-safe, dark, motionless, airless-it will
change. It will not be broken; it will become unbreakable, impenetrable, irredeemable”

My favorite part of that quote is when he describes “the casket or coffin of your selfishness.” Yeah, that nails it.

Selfishness won’t let you give love away.

The apostle Paul told believers in Corinth that without love you’re nothing. And nothing you have or do will profit you without love.

And Jesus said all of God’s commandments can be boiled down to two. Love Him. And love your neighbor as yourself. So, give love away. Every chance you get. I’d say it’s the main thing to work on each and every day. Wouldn’t you?

Will you give your love today
In the little things you do?
Will you think of words to say
That will help your neighbor, too?
Will you think before you speak
And say things you might regret?
Will you think up ways to care…
Ways you haven’t thought up yet?
Will you try to keep your love
In a secret hideaway?
Jesus gives you all of His…
You should give your love today.

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Anger management. Ironically, most of the people who think other people are the people who need anger management seem to be so angry about it. And that makes me so angry.

Not really. I’m just using absurdity to expose absurdity.

The reason I brought it up is because of an article on the subject. And it talked about how some people (weak-minded ones) are so upset when other people (Christians) speak up boldly. The people in that first group call Christians “haters.” And they “hear” only anger from those “haters.” Sadly, many of the Christian “haters” hear those accusations and then apologize.

And, indirectly, they become victims of controlled anger management.

You don’t fall for that nonsense. Right? Because you understand what God says about anger. A short, well-known verse in the Bible says,

“Be angry and do not sin, do not let the sun go down on your wrath…”

Notice how it says to “be angry.” It doesn’t tell you NOT to be angry. Because when activities and circumstances go against God, it should make you angry. Just don’t let it make you sin. Because sin makes you stupid.

Admit it. Don’t you get mad when politicians, for the umpteenth time, take your money and give it to someone else? I sure do. And even though it burns me up, I don’t go to bed worrying about it.

Because I know the answer to the problems. Not only do I know, I trust. Because the answer is my Creator. Jesus isn’t gonna allow politicians and anybody else who hates Him to rant on forever. One day, maybe sooner than anyone might imagine, He’ll put an end to it. I call that hope and joy.

But enough of my soapbox preachin’. Check out these lyrics to a song about a guy who some might say needs some anger management. But is that really the case? You be the judge. And if you wanna hear the song, it’s included in my The Power of God’s Love Podcast. Episode 175

You Ain’t Got Nothin’ Over Me

I don’t know why you have to give me all those funny looks
I ain’t no Redford, but you ain’t no girl from Sunnybrook’s
If looks could kill, I’d need a will, but
You ain’t got nothin’ over me

You miss the point when you say I don’t know anything
You’re just upset ’cause you never got a diamond ring
I told you so, and now you know
You ain’t got nothin’ over me

You like to brag about your little German sports car
I’ll take my Mustang, and I don’t care what the odds are
Go on adjust, and eat my dust
You ain’t got nothin’ over me…

Your sense of humor doesn’t make a bit of sense to me
And your rebuttals; well they’ll only get you sympathy
You don’t play fair, but I don’t care
You ain’t got nothin’ over me!

You’ve got a problem with your social and emotional
You think you read me, but your literate ain’t functional
And you’re no sage so act your age
You ain’t got nothin’ over me!

Chorus…

I look around and you’re there
You like to get in my hair
You’ve got me bent out of shape
How did they let you escape?

instrumental

repeat 1st 2 verses…chorus twice and end

© 1989 Tony Funderburk

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There are lots of gods in this world. There’s the one who currently rules our planet (hint: it’s not Jesus). And then there are all the even smaller ones that most of the world worship. One day they’ll all be swept away by the one Who remains. The One and only One.

Have you noticed how America isn’t quite the place it used to be for Christians? Do you see how many more people want to make fun of us and mock our faith?

And have you picked up on the trend where people thank the universe rather than the Creator of the universe? It’s sad, but we can still be glad because we know our God is the one, true, living, loving God. And He’ll have a loving relationship with anyone who chooses to trust Him.

The One God who remains forever is the only God of hope.

And I’d like to share this song to encourage you to remember where your hope is…

Our God Is LPRGL

The world is…obsessed with death and dying.
They’re drowning…in bitterness and crying.
It’s such an awful shame.
They could call upon the name of Jesus.
As followers we say
We know He’s the only Way that frees us
From the sins we hide deep inside. They…can’t please us.

Our bodies…become the dust that scatters.
If that’s it…then nothing really matters.
We may as well give in
When we feel the world begin to seize us.
Who needs all that guilt and blame
You get calling on the name of Jesus?
But it’s not like that. It’s a fact…Jesus sees us.

He’s living and He’s life…He’s personal to talk to…
Relational with every son and daughter.
He’s good and so much more….He’s loving to the core…
Jesus is the Living Water.
And each time a soul is saved all the angels above sing…
Our God is living, personal, relational, good…and loving.

Our souls know…infinity is calling.
But temptation…can keep our spirits falling.
So we need to fix our eyes
On the true eternal prize of Jesus.
When we stand before the throne,
He knows our lives, alone, won’t appease us.
No, we need the blood of the lamb…we need Jesus.

© 2009 Tony Funderburk

I hope you trust the One Who remains your friend forever.

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Puns are fun. Yeah, I’m a fan. In fact, you could call me Tony Punderburk, and I wouldn’t be upset. My name has been butchered way worse than that.

Anyway…

But not everybody thinks puns are fun.

But those who don’t are almost always the ones whose sense of humor lives in public bathrooms.

I remember a discussion I had, back in my full-time musician days. A couple of us talked as we set up to play for an evening crowd in Denver. And I made a pun about something. Don’t even remember what it was. But a guy who had come along to help set up the gear said, “Ooh, a pun! Those are the lowest form of humor.”

I immediately replied, “I guess if you leave out dirty words and vulgar jokes about women, different races or ethnic groups, body parts, and bathroom humor…maybe you’ve got a point.”

He didn’t have a comeback. And he just gave me one of those “drop dead” looks.

And I wondered, “Why would a clean play on words ever be considered low humor.”

Most people don’t seem to have a problem being told what foods are good. But they hate being told what words and ideas are good. In fact, it’s difficult to even get a consensus on what “good” is anymore. So, these days, it’s whatever is right in your own mind.

Trouble with that is…a lot of people are clueless about what’s right.

Wholesome words are a good place to start.

If you know a lazy-talkin’-foul-mouth who thinks (or says) “You can’t tell me what to say or think,” ask them (or better yet, tell them) to take it somewhere else. And say something like,

“Your words come off public bathroom walls, and I don’t want that filth around me.”

And here’s a suggestion I had, several years ago, for people like that.

“Consider trying something different today. Look up a word (or two or three), that you don’t understand. And discover what it means and where it originated. Then, see what kind of ideas pop into your head. I promise ideas WILL pop into your head. And when something less wholesome pops in there, focus more on your new ideas. Guess what’ll happen when you do this on a regular basis. You’ll become an idea person. And you’ll be able to rise above the dirty jokes and curse words. You’ll find you no longer need them to feel strong. Because your ideas will strengthen you.”

It works. But only when you work at it.

And, on that note, I meant it when I said I think puns are fun. Maybe this whole thing about ideas has reminded you of some. If so, send me your favorite. If it’s clean (and it better be), I’ll share it.

Here are some words I shared, a few years back, to express the idea about ideas. And if it sounds like it was written for kids, here’s why. Because I wrote it to get kids interested in writing.

Open Your Head

Open your head.
Pour words right in.
Then shake your head
And let ’em spin.
They’ll bubble up
Like polka dots
Into some bright
And bouncing thoughts.
Just let them float,
And let them grow.
When they’re just right,
You’ll let them go
Live on a page
Where they’ll be read
And poured into
Another head.

© 2013 Tony Funderburk

If you know someone interested in writing, get them this journal. Or send the link so they can get it.

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There it was again. Another story, in a long stream of similar stories, about adults helping a helpless baby. I mean, come on. Are you kidding me? It’s just a baby. It’s not like it’s important or anything. The reporter told the story like this. I’m not quoting. But this is the gist of it…

If adults didn’t act fast enough, it would have no chance. Every minute that passed brought it closer to death. But it could only lie there and cry.

After all, it was just a baby.

Fortunately, a group of adults happened by. And the reporter mentioned how they heard it crying. So, they climbed down some dangerous rocks along the coast of British Columbia to help the little orca.

Yeah. Orca.

Look, I get it. When I see creatures, even the ones that aren’t human, who are in a perilous predicament, I wanna help, too. But what gets me about this story is how it’s just one of so many similar stories I see all over social media.

The sad part is I’ve found that most of the people who go out of their way to save a baby orca, or elephant, or bear, typically couldn’t care less about baby humans.

In fact, many of them will tell you we have too many humans on our tiny, overpopulated planet (their descriptions, not mine). But I’ve always wondered who came up with the magic number of humans that would be too many. And I forget. Is it 7 billion? Or 8 billion? Or somewhere in between?

Elgielene and I recently traveled across two thirds of America. And once again (we’ve traveled around the country a lot) we noticed how much land there is in our country. Tons and tons and tons of it. And I’m talking about the kind of land that’s totally inhabitable by humans. But uninhabited. Lying there.

Empty. More or less.

So, we don’t have too many humans on our planet.

We have too many people who refuse to think things through.

Notice I didn’t say they “can’t think things through.” And I didn’t say they “don’t think things through.” I said they “refuse.” Because they don’t wanna be told what to do. Especially if it’s God telling them. And He says something is wrong, they say it’s right. And vice versa.

So, a baby human is disposable. But a beached orca? It’s just a baby. And it needs our help.

It’s sad for me to see how far America has turned away from the blessings of God. So far that many, if not most, will defend unborn puppies but support people who rip apart unborn babies.

There’s a clear line between right and wrong.
Listen close, please, to the words of this song.
We were all, once, where those babies are now.
Mothers kept us…we all made it somehow. (from the lyrics to “If You Stand Behind That Wall”)

Stay tuned,

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In 1977 I bought a cassette and an album of the same music from the same musician. It was the “Celebrate Me Home” collection by Kenny Loggins. It was (and is) an exceptional project. And it helped springboard me even closer to making melodies and singing for a living. If you’ve never listened to that album, do yourself a favor and check it out. Unless you prefer the stuff trying to pass itself off as music these days.

And speaking of making melodies…

One of the songs on the “Celebrate Me Home” album is called “I’ve Got The Melody (deep in my heart) Kenny sang it with Patti Austin who was very popular at the time. Here are the lyrics to the chorus…

‘Cause I’ve got the melody deep in my heart
I could sing it alone, but I’d rather not
You’ve got the harmony deep in your soul
If we sing it together, our love will hold

I don’t think Kenny knows how that melody got in his heart. And I don’t think he knows what he should do with that wonderful gift. Because if he did, I’m sure his music wouldn’t have been nearly as successful for him. And not because it wouldn’t have been just as great. But because he would have taken a less popular path.

A much better path. But definitely less popular.

Here’s what I mean.

The apostle, Paul (the guy, in the Bible, who wrote to the Gentiles), gave some clear instructions on what to do with the melodies in your heart. For example, here’s what he said in his letter to the Ephesians…

“…be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord, giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, submitting to one another in the fear of God.”

Paul said something similar to Christians in Colossi. And I’ve talked about that before. But the point is, music is a gift from God. And if you call yourself a musician (I do), then you should follow Paul’s instructions when you’re making melodies.

And if you consider yourself a listener and not a composer, please support musicians who do that. It doesn’t have to be me, although I won’t stop you if you do. Just make sure you spend money on music makers who love our Creator.

That simple and small action you take could have eternal consequences. And that being said, I still recommend you check out Kenny Loggins first solo album.

Stay tuned,

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She wrote a book telling you how to give a baby a safe and loving place. And the excerpt I read is so sickeningly sweet I think I got a cavity from just reading it. It’s just plain awful.

Yeah, you read that right. That “sweet” book is awful.

What could be awful about giving a baby a safe and loving place?

Well, nothing. But Marisa (I’m leaving out her last name because I don’t wanna promote her book) didn’t write a book about a safe and loving place for a baby. Even though she thinks she did.

But she didn’t. Because the baby she writes about is YOU.

Yeah. I’m not kidding. Take this excerpt from chapter 9 of her book. She calls the chapter “Dorian.” And she says the “theme or technique” is how to “become your own loving parent.” Here’s what she said…

“Guiding you through this meditation, I will ask you to imagine a similar scenario to Dorian: Going to claim the baby that was you, picking up that baby in your arms, and taking that baby home to a safe and loving place. Allow the powerful visualization to help you become a loving parent to yourself, upgrade your inner child, and finally merge it with your present-day self so you don’t have to be so scared and vigilant anymore.”

I don’t know Marisa.

But I wouldn’t be at all surprised to find out she prefers her “wisdom” over God’s. And I wouldn’t be at all surprised to find out she’s “pro choice.” Because so many people who focus on their inner child tend to have zero compassion for actual inner children. And, of course, I refer to the children still inside their mothers’ wombs.

It’s ironic, to say the least. And moronic, to say the worst.

Because it’s completely antithetical to what God inspired the apostle Paul to write. He told a group of new believers, in the city of Corinth, to “put away childish things.”

The point is, you gotta grow up.

I totally understand how childhood years go by way too fast. It was a great time when I was a kid and someone else had to pay the bills and provide food and shelter. But that part of your life is short. And I’m mighty glad. Because that’s the time you’re a slave.

Yes, when you become a man or a woman, the responsibilities are all on you. But YOU get to decide what you’ll do. Every. Single. Day. Daddy and mommy don’t get to tell you what to do anymore.

It’s great.

Why would you wanna go back to being a slave?

Why would you wanna go back at all? Especially if your childhood was less than wonderful. Because no amount of mental cuddling is ever gonna change one minute of your past. And it makes you look silly in the here and now.

My suggestion is to man up. Or woman up. And move forward, mentally and emotionally. Because it’s the only direction you can actually go, physically. And it’s the only direction time flows. Ahead.

Go with it. And I highly recommend you go with God. Because that’s the only way you can truly find and enjoy a safe and loving place. Best part is…it’s forever.

Givin’ up, givin’ in…not a whimper, no shout.
Now the climate is warm, and the fools come out.
Get in touch with yourself and the innermost child,
And the “still small voice” is cast away; exiled.

(from the song, “Worldview”)

Stay tuned,

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How can you spot an evil pro abort person? Easy. They’ve got the horns out of their foreheads. And red, pointed tail. Right? (*obnoxious buzzer sound*) Not necessarily. Well, we can’t rule out some of them having body-altering surgery to get that look. But that’s not the typical description.

In fact, an evil pro abort person tends to want to look extra nice.

Like this woman, who, once again, made her post on LinkedIn. It’s a business connections website, people. Not a soapbox for pro aborts. (Side note: this is an example of why abortion abolitionists, like me, “feel compelled” to respond in kind)

Anyway…

Check out this post I copied and pasted here. And see if you can see the glaring hypocrisy.

“I’m not pro-murdering babies.

I’m pro-Becky who found out at her 20-week anatomy scan that the infant she had been so excited to bring into this world had developed without life sustaining organs.

And I’m pro-Susan who was sexually assaulted on her way home from work, only to come to the horrific realization that her assailant planted his seed in her when she got a positive pregnancy test result a month later.

And I’m pro-Theresa who hemorrhaged due to a placental abruption, causing her parents, spouse, and children to have to make the impossible decision on whether to save her or her unborn child.

I’m pro-little Cathy.

She had her innocence ripped away from her by someone she should have been able to trust and her 11-year-old body isn’t mature enough to bear the consequence of that betrayal.

I’m pro-Melissa who’s working two jobs just to make ends meet and has to choose between bringing another child into poverty or feeding the children she already has because her spouse walked out on her.

And I’m pro-Brittany who realizes that she is in no way financially, emotionally, or physically able to raise a child.

I’m pro-Emily who went through IVF, ending up with SIX viable implanted eggs requiring selective reduction to ensure the safety of her and a SAFE number of fetuses.

I’m pro-Jessica who is FINALLY getting the strength to get away from her physically abusive spouse only to find out that she is carrying the monster’s child.

And I’m pro-Vanessa who went into her confirmation appointment after YEARS of trying to conceive only to hear silence where there should be a heartbeat.

I’m pro-Lindsay who lost her virginity in her sophomore year with a broken condom and now has to choose whether to be a teenage mom or just a teenager.

I’m pro-Courtney who just found out she’s already 13 weeks along, but the egg never made it out of her fallopian tube so either she terminates the pregnancy or risks dying from internal bleeding.

You can argue and say that I’m pro-choice all you want, but the truth is: I’m pro-life. Their lives. Women’s lives.

You don’t get to pick and choose which scenarios should be accepted. It’s not about which stories you don’t agree with. It’s about fighting for the women in the stories that you do agree with and the CHOICE that was made.

Women’s rights are meant to protect ALL women, regardless of their situation!

Overturning Roe does not stop abortions, it stops SAFE abortions!

Abortion is healthcare”

See how this woman prefers to disguise her evil behind the mask of pretending to care for each pregnant woman? But she couldn’t care less that every single name represented a woman who killed her very own baby.

I would never say those women didn’t face difficult and harsh circumstances. But no matter how difficult, the “choice” should NEVER be to kill your baby.

Toward the end of her self-righteous rant, she said, “You don’t get to pick and choose which scenarios should be accepted.” But apparently she believes she has that privilege.

She did say one thing correctly. “Overturning Roe does not stop abortions.” But there’s no such thing as “SAFE abortions.” Because someone is killed every time. With the rare exception of when a little baby almost miraculously survives.

Finally, abortion is NOT healthcare. Because when you don’t care that a little baby is being ripped apart inside its very own mother, that’s not just unhealthy. It’s the epitome of an evil pro abort.

This is where it gets you…

When your daydreams die and you feel half-hearted,
And your love is lost in a soulless sky,
Try to train your thoughts when your brain’s bombarded
By the stuff you started…learn to love the lie.

Stay tuned,

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So, sing that headline to the tune of London Bridge. But then, maybe you scratch your head and wonder, “Nothing is a waste of time? What does that mean? Has Tony gone off the deep end? I can think of plenty of things that are a waste of time.” Yep. I said it. And I stand by it. So, I’ll say it again.

Nothing is a waste of time.

Because nothing is nothing.

The reason I bring this up is because of a senseless meme I saw on social media. It posed the question, “If God made everything from nothing, where did He get nothing?”

Seriously?

Yeah, even people who consider themselves to be thinkers and intellectuals show themselves for the fools they are when they try to define nothing. Like famous atheist, Richard Dawkins.

Just in case you don’t see the video, here’s the link: https://youtu.be/dWyN7Jlulo8

So, now you see why I say nothing is a waste of time. Right?

And the complexity of our world and our universe can’t be explained by everything coming from nothing. In fact, the complexity of your own thoughts proves there is a loving Creator. Unless you avoid the Truth like a plague.

For example, here’s something I wrote, several years ago, about ideas.

“Ideas aren’t some random results of random processing of random information. Ideas are thoughts formulated into an intelligent mental picture as a result of processing logical, reasonable information. But how did all that information get from one source…say your Bible app…into your brain? The answer is simple. But it befuddles (and even angers) most of the so-called “thinkers” of the world.

Your ideas get into your brain by processing and pondering the information you discover using a system designed by…

God.

That system is called logic and reason. Your brain is the user interface. You might call it the the most powerful UI ever designed. And make no mistake…it IS design…not random chance.

It’s uncanny and ironic, to me, how many times I hear the same information bandied around saying the world, and everything in it, came from nothing. At best, that’s a scientific theory. An idea. Yet, that idea can’t explain how ideas are stored. That idea can’t explain logic and reason. That so-called “scientific theory” leads to mankind believing mankind is either the pinnacle of evolution or just another insignificant segment of it.”

And nothing could be further from the Truth.

What does this all mean?
And why should we care
That we didn’t come from slime
And there’s a God out there?!  (from the song “Fast Forward”)

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Everybody loves those worst to first stories. Like this young woman who took her relay team from last place to first place with an amazing run…

That girl was nothing short of amazing. There might have been two or three people in the whole crowd who believed she could do what she did. But it’s likely almost no one thought she could pull it off.

In case you don’t see a video player and can’t see the video, here’s the link to it on YouTube:

Anyway…

If you’re an American who’s been around more than a couple of decades, you probably have the cheer-for-the-underdog spirit. Right? I sure do. Because you and I don’t wanna see someone lose badly and have to deal with such soul-wrenching defeat.

There’s another worst to first story I really like.

It’s about a guy named Paul. He did some very bad stuff. And I mean very bad. And a lot of it. Not bad stuff like put somebody down on social media. I’m talking bad stuff like killing and destroying whole families. Yeah. That kind of bad stuff.

It was so bad, in fact, that Paul was blinded by light and heard a voice where no one was visible. But that’s another part of Paul’s story you should check out for yourself if you never had. Right now I’m gonna focus on something Paul actually said about himself.

He said, “I was formerly a blasphemer, a persecutor, and an insolent (rude and arrogant) man…”

He also said, “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief.”

Wow. He basically called himself the worst sinner. But thankfully Paul didn’t die during that time of his life. In fact, he went from worst sinner to best apostle. At least best for anyone who wasn’t a Jew. And that includes me.

How about you?

And Paul’s story shows that God’s promise of everlasting life and love is available to even the worst sinner. Since Paul said he was the worst, that means you’re not. So, what’s holding you back? Why don’t you take that baton Paul’s holding out to you and run this race like your life depended on it.

It does, you know.

Stay tuned,

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I laugh (mostly to myself) when people say something like “Must be nice to get paid even when you don’t work.” Or something to that effect. And I got that kind of ignorant comment, a lot, back in my full time traveling musician days. I think my favorite one was a guy who saw me lying by a hotel pool.

“Must be nice to only work 4 hours a day, lay by the pool, and get the girls.”

And I certainly didn’t disagree with him. Even though that wasn’t exactly the truth. But I figured the more people who thought that, the better. That way I could maintain my “man of mystery” reputation.

(Warning: this next section is about how to work when you want and make money. So, if you don’t like reading that kind of stuff, you should drop out till my next email about this dysfunctional world.)

But seriously, I still get those “must be nice” comments. Because, these days, I work from my office at home. And I work mostly from my computer keyboard. Because people appreciate how much I wanna help them with quality content.

Then, when I DO go out, it’s mostly to go shopping. And people give me money for the things I buy. Because, thanks to a good friend, I found a great way to buy low and sell high.

But I’ll warn you cool-laying-out-by-the-pool dude or dudette wannabe’s right now. The shopping work isn’t glamorous like singin’ songs and gettin’ paid for it. And it’s definitely not gonna get you the girls (or guys, if you ARE a girl…and I know you know the difference) But it can certainly help you get the money to take somebody out to dinner.

Over and over if necessary.

And if you’re not the least bit interested because you’ve got all the money you need, it must be nice. But if you need to learn some skills and tools to help you buy low and sell high, click or tap those links.

Stay tuned till next time when I’ll share a story about going from worst to first,

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A so-called M.D. made another ridiculous post on LinkedIn. Remember, as I mentioned before, this is supposed to be a business “social” network. So, these kinds of posts illustrate some of the ginormous damage done to Americans through government education.

And that damage done leads to much worse damage.

And the consequences are eternal. So, you can bet your Creator isn’t happy about stories like the one I’m about to share. Here’s yet another woman who felt “compelled” to write what she wrote.

“In 2001, I had an abortion.

For over 20 years, no one knew other than my now husband.  My parents don’t know, my two sisters don’t know, not a single friend knows.  And now, I have shared it with the world.

Why now?

I have three daughters, and I don’t think I can live with myself if I did not say anything to stand up for their basic reproductive rights.

With the supreme court overturning Roe v Wade, I feel compelled to add to the voices of women sharing their abortion stories.  For me?  There was no medical complication, no scary genetic diagnosis, no abuse or rape.

For me, I had an abortion because I was not ready.  That’s it.

And that was reason enough.

When I was ready, I decided to have three beautiful children.  And I want nothing more for my daughters than for them to have the same safe health care options as I did.  I want them to feel supported and cared for during a really scary and challenging time. I want them to know that I will love them unconditionally and I will fight for them to get the right care that they need.

Just like reducing the stigma around mental health by talking about it, I am trying to reduce the stigma around abortion by sharing my story.

I thought really long about saying anything, about disclosing a very personal medical decision publicly.  But every time I look at my daughters, I realize how important it is for me to finally use my voice and speak up about this. This one is for my daughters.”

Great.

She has “three beautiful children,” daughters because she was “ready.” But she murdered her first child because she “was not ready. That’s it. And that was reason enough.”

And notice how she said “There was no medical complication, no scary genetic diagnosis, no abuse or rape.” If you care to check into the stats, I believe you’ll find that’s the case for the vast majority of women who go in to get rid of their babies. They just don’t want them. They’re just not “ready.”

This is yet another example of how scrambled brains can’t put one logical, reasonable thought after another. Instead, women believe we should “reduce the stigma around abortion.” And they believe they’re being noble. And they feel justified to call abortion a “safe health care” option.

It’s not safe for that tiny, innocent, helpless baby. In fact, it’s deadly. Almost 100% of the time.

When you truly love children “unconditionally,” and you truly “will fight for them to get the right care that they need,” you don’t pay someone to rip them to pieces inside you. Because, like I said, the damage done has eternal consequences. For everyone involved. No exceptions.

And the saddest part of all is how there are life-affirming and love-affirming options everywhere. So, please. If you’re contemplating abortion, at least check out some of those options. Don’t damage your soul any more than you already have.

My hope and prayer is that I’m not talking to YOU right now.

You can’t run away from real truth.
And every word of truth is a knife.
A captivating voice might pigeonhole your choice,
Cut free…and choose life.

Stay tuned,

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I know today’s the big American holiday. So, I’m sending this out just in time. Imagine being a patriotic American (yes, some do still exist) who wants to celebrate this country’s Independence Day. But then imagine you’re great-great-great Grandfather died on July 4th. No big deal. You go ahead and celebrate. Right?

Well, it might be more of a problem if your great-great-great Grandfather was a historical figure. But you might still go ahead and celebrate. Right?

But let’s go one step further.

Let’s say your great-great-great Grandfather was the president of our country. Does that change things a little?

OK, then. You’re reading this just in time.

There have actually been three former presidents who died on the Fourth of July. But get this. All three  were key members of the Founding Fathers of our country. And they were the second, third, and fifth presidents. John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, and James Monroe.

But it gets even a little more interesting. John Adams and Thomas Jefferson died within about 5 or 6 hours of each other in 1826. And here’s something I think is even more interesting than that.

John Adams, and his son, John Quincy Adams, were both elected president. AND they were the only two, of the first twelve, presidents who didn’t own slaves. AND they were both faithful Christians. Coincidence? Uh, that would be a big negatory.

Anyway…

Thought you might get a kick out those little nuggets of American history.

And as you go out and celebrate America’s independence from the tyrannical rule of England, today, keep this in mind. You’re not a totally helpless slave with absolutely no freedom. Because brave men stood up to tyranny. And your freedom was bought and paid for with their blood.

But it’s actually the Truth that will set you free forever. And that was bought and paid for by the One who created all those brave men.

At Christmas time, you’ll see signs that say “Jesus is the reason for the season.” Well, He’s the reason for this season, too. And every season of faith, hope, and love.

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!

Happy Independence Day America!

Stay tuned,

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A couple of days from now I’ll be sharing a little info about my life of total leisure. But, first, I’d like to share a short blurb on the exciting, and hard-working conveyor belt. And not just any old clunky piece of machinery. This one’s from over the rainbow.

You don’t need a conveyor belt to get over the rainbow.

At least, not if you already live in Kansas. And I did. Live in Kansas, that is. Well, I lived there each summer for several years. My parents split up when I was very young. And I spent school days in a city in Texas and summers in a very small town in Kansas.

And for several summers I was cast into hot, dusty child labor camps. OK, it wasn’t exactly like that. There weren’t any camps. But it WAS hot. And it WAS dusty out there on the windy Kansas hay fields.

Side note (literally): that reminds me of the John Denver song, Matthew. Check it out if and when you get the chance.

The chorus said this:

Yes, and joy was just a thing that he was raised on,
Love was just a way to live and die.
Gold was just a windy Kansas wheat field,
Blue was just the Kansas summer sky.

OK. Back to the conveyor belt.

I spent a lot of time in those windy Kansas wheat fields and hay fields. Corn fields. And other vegetables, too. But the hay fields were the scene for the conveyor story. The hay fields and the hay barns. Yeah, I saw the inside and out of countless barns.

Because I bucked countless bales of hay. Up to 18 hours a day. Six days a week. And I did it for the massive money. Yep. Two cents a bale. That was my “commission.” And before you think that doesn’t sound like much money, you’re right. It’s not much money. So, obviously, the goal was big numbers.

I said countless. But you can figure somewhere around 1200 bales a day? Six days a week. And that included bucking them up on the truck. Then, throwing them off the truck, into the barn, and stacking them up in the barns. And sometimes that’s where the conveyor belt came in. Because many of the barns had plenty of vertical space. And when you stack hay up high enough, you can’t physically throw those bales up high enough.

So, you hook up a conveyor belt to a tractor, fire it up, and send those bales up the belt into an open door on the second floor of the barn. Then, those bales fly off the belt and drop into the barn where you continue stacking.

All this took place under that blue, HOT Kansas summer sky.

For a whopping $120-$144 a week.

Good news about those tiny paychecks. I earned ’em back when gasoline was still 30 cents a gallon. And I could buy a tank of gas, and take a date out for dinner and a movie for about twenty bucks. Maybe even less if we caught a quick burger at a drive through.

And I’ve always remembered those days in the hay fields, as well as even hotter and muggier days as a finish carpenter in Houston, whenever someone thinks I don’t know what real work is. I’ll tell you, in another email, why I bring that up.

And, speaking of something being conveyed, here’s some food for thought from a very famous author.

“He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love, in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins.”

That’s the joy that Matthew (from John Denver’s song) was raised on. So was I. And I hope you were, too. If not, it’s still yours for the asking. Why not get conveyed today. It’s easier than bucking bales.

Stay tuned,

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Tony Funderburk Posted on by

I watched a video, on a YouTube channel, where the artist calls himself “The Virtual Instructor.” And that particular video was about how drawing on the right side of your brain helps you draw better. You can click or tap the links, below, if you’d like to watch his suggestion.

It’s based on the book, “Drawing On the Right Side of the Brain”

I think Betty Edwards‘ (author) original edition came out in 1979. But there have been revised editions released since then. And no matter which copy you get, it’s amazing how much the teaching in that book can help you draw. No matter how bad you are. At least, according to objective tests.

Because when you’re drawing on the right side of your brain, your logic is less likely to get in the way of your artistic side. And The Virtual Instructor, on YouTube, showed an example of how it works. He flipped a picture and drew his own rendition of the flipped picture.

When he finished, he flipped his drawing. And it was an excellent match.

But as I watched and listened, I couldn’t help but think about how human vision works. And it’s actually not your eyes that see. It’s your brain. Your eyes are where images go in. But those images are encoded into information. And your brain decodes that information. It’s WAY too complicated to have ever taken millions of years to evolve.

Imagine creatures with non-functioning eyes trying to get around without the immensely complicated eyeballs we all have now. How long would a species survive that only had certain parts, or certain functions, of its eyes? Certainly not millions of years. Duh.

Don’t forfeit the left side of your brain to fall for that nonsense.

I encourage you to exercise your brain from both sides. Drawing on the right can help jumpstart and pump up your creativity. And drawing from the left can help you know what to do with that creativity. And it’s all because you have a Creator who loves you enough to build you that way.

“When logic and reason
Don’t have their due season,
The lies end up long in the tooth.”  (from the song, “We Win”)

Stay tuned,

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