Tony Funderburk Posted on by

Ten years ago, this month, I talked about the root of all evil. No, not congress. Although, they come in a close second most of the time.

Of course, the root of all evil is money.

There I said it. But it needs to be said. Especially right now when Halloween is only a couple of days away. And that’s the holiest day of all. For those who love evil, that is.

But ten years ago, the eyes of my understanding were clouded. And I hadn’t yet seen “the light” of the truth about money. I even share a sappy, little story about my little dreams when I was kid…

“When I started singing, as a little boy, I began to dream that one day I’d rise to the top and have all the money my heart could possibly desire. And I could see that money in gold, silver, green, and diamonds. Piles of it, buckets of it…for cryin’ out loud…truckloads of it!

So…as I began to practice, I repeated, over and over to myself: “money money money.” Then, I’d add few more la la la’s and then repeat “money money money”. It didn’t matter that I was six. I knew if I could envision it, I could make it happen.

And if you believe this story so far,

You don’t know me at all.

I spent 10’s of thousands of hours of my life singing and practicing and learning music theory, scales, sight-reading, and everything music related. For the love of money? Absolutely not! For the love of music. Music has been a constant companion and best friend to me for as long as I can remember. And all the years I spent as a full-time musician never got me even close to riches. But I loved it all the same.

So…in this age of digital downloads where so many people say all music should be free…have I forsaken my love for singing and songwriting? Not on your life. And if you explore my blog, you’ll find plenty of free music available. Still…I’ve discovered something odd in America.

It still takes money to buy groceries, and gas, and cars, and clothes, and housing, and…well…just about everything. What’s up with that?

You know what I’d like to see?

Everybody works for free and everything is free. Wouldn’t that solve the problem? Or should it be just the goofy singer songwriters and other artists who should work for free? Call me crazy, but that doesn’t seem balanced, fair, equitable, or even sustainable to singer songwriters and other artists.

My track record proves I don’t live for the love of money (which IS the root of all kinds of evil). But I do live…in a society/culture where money is necessary to live. So…call me crazy again, but…I still work to create and provide musical enjoyment to as many as will listen…and I’d still like to charge for my products. That way I can afford to keep up on the gear and resources to create and provide more musical enjoyment.

What do you think? Is this just crazy talk?”

So, there’s my silly kid story. Thank goodness I’ve come to my senses finally. And thank goodness I realize how money is the root of all evil. Oh yeah, by the way, please support my efforts to get the word out about this evil problem. Drop a little something in the tip jar…

Stay tuned,

Tony Funderburk signature logo

 

 

 

Sign up for my Rhyme and Reason emails. (good stuff for Fa-Ree)

Get my Rhyme & Reason Podcast delivered right to your device. (also Fa-Ree)

My books are also on Amazon.com or Apple Books

Grab yourself an un-cool T-shirt

Or how about some music for kids

Tony Funderburk Posted on by

I don’t live in a safe place. Six years ago, a guy walked down a street, here in Colorado Springs, and randomly murdered people. Yeah, on this the most holiest of days. Halloween. If you heard about it or read about it, you know the story I’m talking about. If you didn’t, go look it up. I don’t wanna waste more space on my website about that murderer.

Oh, by the way, you don’t live in a safe place either.

Because there’s no safe place on Earth. Sure, there ARE safer places than others when it comes to crimes like murder and stealing. But our planet is wicked. In fact, there was only one time in history it was ever wickederer (that’s a typo, on purpose, for effect). And that’s when God was sorry He even made human beings. So, He broke the planet and killed all but 8 people.

And that was really for the sake of only ONE of those people.

And that was because God has a “big picture”perspective of His creation.

Since He has that kind of perspective, it’s vitally important for you to have a better understanding of that big picture. Here’s how it goes. You WILL exist forever somewhere. You can live in the fullness of life with your Creator in paradise. Or you can exist totally separate from Him, forever.

Option 1, God’s Kingdom, is the only safe place.

Option 2, your “kingdom” is not safe. And, in fact, it is eternal torment.

But you get to choose. Because God loves you so much He won’t even force you into paradise if you don’t wanna go there. I hope you consider Option 2.

Safe And Sound

Down on our luck but not out of the game
We both go the distance and cover some ground.
And still our love is safe and sound.
We learned to be part of each other’s dreams.
Some time was lost but look what we found;
Knowing our love is safe and sound.

We laugh like there’s no tomorrow.
We’re touched by the hand of God.
So what if there’s no new sunrise.
So what if the world won’t spin around.
We’re safe and sound.

Miles have gone by; we dared to go see
The wide open space and seldom we frowned.
Look how our love is safe and sound.
Deep in our hearts and inside our minds
We capture the words and they keep us bound;
Saying our love is safe and sound.

We laugh like there’s no tomorrow.
We’re touched by the hand of God.
So what if there’s no new sunrise.
So what if the world won’t spin around.
We’re safe and sound.

So many give up when one knee is down.
But we’re down on both and now we’re safe and sound.

© 1993 Tony Funderburk

Stay tuned,

Tony Funderburk signature logo

Sign up for my Rhyme and Reason emails. (good stuff for Fa-Ree)

Get my Rhyme & Reason Podcast delivered right to your device. (also Fa-Ree)

My books are also on Amazon.com or Apple Books

Grab yourself an un-cool T-shirt

Or how about some music for kids

 

Tony Funderburk Posted on by

Cynthia was abducted by Comanche Indians, from her family’s home in Texas, in 1836.. And Charles was born in Texas, exactly 100 years later, in 1936. But they were connected by a sequence of events I think are fascinating. And yet, simple.

Life can often toss out a sequence of events most people overlook.

And when events happen, like this, they can help you and me see how connected we actually are.

Cynthia’s family had moved to Texas from Illinois. But they hadn’t been there long when she was stolen away. She ended up staying with the Indians for 24 years. And she even married one of their chieftains and had three children with him. Then, she was “stolen back” from the Indians when Texas Rangers invaded their camp and returned her to her biological family.

But she never adapted back into that family for the remaining years of her life. And she lost her daughter to pneumonia and then killed herself by voluntary starvation. Sounds mighty bleak.

Then, in 1954, a writer by the name of Alan LeMay, wrote a book based on Cynthia’s true-life story.  And a couple of years later, John Ford made a movie based on the book. “The Searchers” starred John Wayne. And it’s considered, by many, to be one of the best westerns ever made.

And it’s definitely one of my favorites.

But I didn’t share all this to write a review on “The Searchers.” No, I wanna focus on just one of John Wayne’s lines in the movie. When someone said something his character, Ethan, didn’t believe would happen, he’d say, “That’ll be the day.”

Yeah, I can almost see your mind jumping ahead of me, now.

As it just so happened, three young guys (who were in a band) saw that movie together. And they were inspired to write and produce “That’ll Be The Day.”

And that song started a three-week run at No.1 on the UK singles chart 64 years ago today. October 27, 1957. Their song also went to #3 in America.

And it eventually sold over a million copies. And that’s how you get from a young girl, abducted by Indians, to a bestselling book, to a highly successful movie, and finally to a hit song from the 50’s by Buddy Holly and the Crickets.

Yeah, you could say “from The Indians to The Searchers to The Crickets. Well, at least I could say it even you wouldn’t.

So, that’s a pretty interesting sequence of events. Wouldn’t you say? From the abduction of young girl in 1836, to a hit song in 1957.

“Big deal, Tony. Stuff like that happens all the time. Nobody cares.”

Yeah…

That’ll be the day.

Stay tuned,

Tony Funderburk signature logo

Sign up for my Rhyme and Reason emails. (good stuff for Fa-Ree)

Get my Rhyme & Reason Podcast delivered right to your device. (also Fa-Ree)

My books are also on Amazon.com or Apple Books

Grab yourself an un-cool T-shirt

Or how about some music for kids

 

Tony Funderburk Posted on by

Several years ago I shared a short story of the less-than-glamorous side of life on the road. It was something that happened way back in the early 90’s. And you could either say it’s proof “God has a plan” or you could say “thank goodness for free will” and hard workers.

I prefer not to go with the “God has a plan” option.

Not because I don’t believe God can plan. Far from it. In fact, I think He carried out a beautiful and perfect plan when He created the universe and all living things. No, I just don’t believe He’s set up a daily to-do list for us.

But let me get back to the road story.

I was on one of those extremely long drives I used to make fairly often. And this one was from Texas almost all the way up to the Canadian border. And it was middle of the winter. So, the southern part of the drive was a piece of cake. But the overnight part in the northern section of the country was a popsicle.

I had to make a stop, for gas, around 2 a.m. When I went inside to pay, the clerk told me the temperature was about -35 degrees. And that’s fahrenheit. Not windchill, mind you. No, that was the actual temperature. No wonder it had felt like the heater wasn’t working.

So, I put a piece of cardboard in front of the radiator. And that helped the heater warm up the cab of my truck enough to feel like I might make it through the night.

But a little further up the road (and away from any town) the truck stalled out. Mind you it’s late Saturday night / early Sunday morning. And it’s basically the middle of nowhere. Minus 65 degrees windchill.

And it felt like the dark side of the moon.

So, in circumstances like that you’ve basically got two options. Relax and wait for the end to come. Or hope for somebody else crazy enough to be out on that kind of night.

I went with option two. But it didn’t look good. No cars in sight. And no headlights in the distance. Just when I started to think the world was out of good samaritans, some headlights appeared in the distance. It was almost like an angel from Heaven.

Before long, a diesel pickup pulled up, and as we rolled our windows down a nice guy said, “You’re lucky, man. I work overnights, but I don’t typically go in on Sundays. I was fillin’ in today. And you might not see another car for hours.”

I told him I totally agreed. And asked him if he could help.

He knew of a place where I could pull my truck inside and “warm it up a bit”. And he graciously towed me there and wouldn’t accept payment.

The good news was that the only problem I had was frozen water in the carb. And when the truck warmed up and melted the frozen stuff, it started right up. From that time on, I’ve always used water evaporators in my gas tank during the winter.

So, here’s the question.

Did God plan for all that to happen? And did He set it all up (did He decree it) before the foundation of the world? Or did God give us good brains and our own will so we could make our own choices?

If you say he planned it all, I hope you have some amazing evidence to back that up. Because, if you don’t, you’re gonna have to deal with how God planned for me to oppose you. And, as Spock would say, that’s…

“Most illogical.”

We can see design upon His land…
Even in an unborn baby’s hand,
And when life is not the way we planned,
Only a living God helps us understand.

(from “Our Father’s Day)
© 2010 Tony Funderburk

Stay tuned,

Tony Funderburk signature logo

Sign up for my Rhyme and Reason emails. (good stuff for Fa-Ree)

Get my Rhyme & Reason Podcast delivered right to your device. (also Fa-Ree)

My books are also on Amazon.com or Apple Books

Grab yourself an un-cool T-shirt

Or how about some music for kids

 

Tony Funderburk Posted on by

What do you call someone who uses banal, hackneyed, and overworked phrases to shove their agenda in your face? Cue that Jeopardy music. And we have a winner. Susie said, “A politician.” Tell ’em what she won, Johnny!

Yeah, zing ’em with in-your-face clichés.

And tell those lies loud and often. And before you know it, bam. The world is a better place for everyone. Full of peace, love, and joy. Because everyone knows truth comes by saying. And saying by clichés.

Maybe you’re thinking, “Settle down, Tony. Everything’ll be alright.”

And it’s true. Everything WILL be alright. But, for now, everything is far from alright. And far, far from what’s right.

So, what’s got me all fired up about this?

Have you listened to the news of the day? It’s like tuning in to a radio program, back in the 1930’s, and hearing that Earth has been invaded by Mars (that really happened by the way). But it’s worse. Because now we can SEE the liars lie…and the clear evidence for the lies. And yet, millions of Americans eat it up and beg for more.

Democrat AND Republican politicians have zero wisdom.

Or at least so little wisdom it seems like zero. So, they’ll say whatever needs to be said in order to maintain their status and (so-called) power.

Back in 1996, before smartphones, I wrote a song about what’s going on in the world. It’s called Cliché´. And I’d like to say things have gotten better. But, of course, the opposite is true.

I looked at the lyrics I wrote 25 years ago. And it’s kinda eerie how well they fit what has happened since then. Check this out. I’ll share the first few lines of the song…

  • “We want the answers to all of our questions…”
    (Hmm…sounds like a Google search engine thing.)
  • “We want the world in the palm of our hands.”
    (Yeah, can you say SmartPhone?)
  • “We want to live in a fat-free environment.”)
    (Look how many more fat people we have, thanks to fat-free.)
  • “We want to make sure the ozone is intact.”
    (So-called “climate change” is now part of government agendas.)
  • “And so we watch all those service commercials.”
    (Now they’re everywhere, not just TV)
  • “It’s just so easy to sit back and react.”
    (Can you say “news commentators?”)

 

Cue the bridge and turn up the volume.

As you can see, the words to the songs on my first Christian compilation of music aren’t the typical sugar-coated, lollipop lyrics found in most contemporary Christian music.

And I knew that once I started writing songs from a rightly-divide-the-word-of-truth Christian perspective, I’d never build a large audience for my music. Because your average community church Christian doesn’t want the meat message of God’s word.

But if that’s not you (and I hope it’s not), then I’d like you to consider getting a copy of the CD this song is on. And I have a special reason why.

This year marks the 25th anniversary of that CD: Do Right. And I’d like to use the occasion to help out a preacher’s wife. Her husband died just last month. And she’s a very special woman who loves God and her neighbor.

So, all the proceeds, from the sale of the last few dozen original CD’s I have left (minus shipping), will go to her. And I’m calling it the Do Right 25th Anniversary Cheryl Care Package sale.

The price is $20. And these are “brand new” 25 year old disks. But there’s way less than 100 of these original, first-run Do Right CD’s. After they’re gone, that’s it.

Get your copy, today.

And help support a woman who deserves your help more than you might know.




Is it just melodrama…for me to feel this way?
I wonder…is it just me?
Or does it all sound so cliché?

Stay tuned,

Tony Funderburk signature logo

 

Tony Funderburk Posted on by

Have you ever been told you’re not qualified for the job? Or have you ever just felt unqualified for a job or something else in life? It’s common. And, if you’re like most of us, your answer is yes to both questions.

So, it follows that you might feel you’re not qualified to go to Heaven.

I’ve certainly felt that way. Especially when I read words like, “be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; that you may walk worthy of the Lord…” Whoa. Does that sound like you? And does it sound like anybody you know? It doesn’t sound like me.

I know I sure don’t feel like I’m “filled with knowledge of His will.” And I certainly don’t believe I have ALL “wisdom and spiritual understanding.” So, how in the world can I ever “walk worthy of the Lord?”

Short answer is…I can’t.

Longer answer is…I can. Because (and here’s the good part) it ain’t about ME. And it ain’t about what I can or can’t do. It’s what my Creator and best Friend can do. And what He’s already done.

God qualified me.

And you. And anyone who wants to be one of the “partakers of the inheritance of the saints in the light.” I don’t know about you, but that sounds mighty awesome to me. But just like the old commercials used to say…

But wait. That’s not all!

You and I aren’t only qualified by God, for a spectacular future, we’re also conveyed “into the kingdom.” What?! Into the kingdom? What kingdom? And what does it mean to be conveyed into it?

Well, check your thesaurus and you’ll find other words for “convey.” Like: carry, bring, take, fetch, bear, shuttle, and move. But my favorite is “Transport.” And I think it’s the one that best translates what Paul was telling the Colossians (and you and me).

When you and I decided we’re not all that (and a bag of chips), and when we decided to follow the only One who ever was “all that,” we were conveyed (transported) into the most special place in existence.

The “kingdom of the Son of His love.”

And for you bystanders…that’s Jesus.

And, at the same time that happened, you and I were delivered from the “power of darkness.” Quick note: notice Paul didn’t say we’re delivered from darkness. But we’re delivered from its power over us. Subtle difference. But an extremely important one for anyone who believes God can’t change His mind or His decrees.

So, the reason I shared this little tidbit of logic and reason is because I want you to have hope. Because circumstances in the world can sometimes blur your vision or drown out the Word of promise. But when that happens, be still, listen closely, and look up.

Up is where your Hope will be
For living through eternity.

Stay tuned,

Tony Funderburk signature logo

Sign up for my Rhyme and Reason emails. (good stuff for Fa-Ree)

Get my Rhyme & Reason Podcast delivered right to your device. (also Fa-Ree)

My books are also on Amazon.com or Apple Books

Grab yourself an un-cool T-shirt

Or how about some music for kids

 

Tony Funderburk Posted on by

About nine years ago, I shared a story about some people in a place at the end of a 24 hour drive. And this kind of subject came up yesterday. And somebody said I should share the story again. Here it is…

~ After a long, almost 24 hour drive from Kansas to South Carolina, we pulled into the hotel where we’d be staying and playing. Luckily we had the rest of the day and night before we started. So, we caught up on sleep that evening.

And the next day I needed to get a document notarized. So, we went to the town hall where a notary public had been recommended. I asked a guy if I could get my document notarized. And he asked me what the document was for. Then, I asked him why he needed to know. And I promptly got the in-the-movies-southern-good-ol’-boy third degree…

“Boy!” he exclaimed, “we don’t appreciate smart aleck long hair types like you around here.”

I would have thought it was a joke, but he didn’t have a smile within a hundred miles of his face.

“Never mind,” I said. And we went to a convenience store to ask where else a notary public might be.

(Did I mention this was all after a 24 hour drive?)

And the clerk, who seemed to have the same high opinion of me I’d just experienced at the town hall, pointed out one down the street. But we ignored the lack of pleasantries and walked a few blocks to another office. I hope I’m not being politically incorrect when I say this…

A very nice lady, with skin the color of mocha, came to the front of the office and said she was the notary public and that she’d be glad to notarize the document for me. It took about a minute and cost less than $5. And it was all done with smiles and kindness. Nice change…what a concept.

And later that night, at the end of our 4 hours of music, we went out for a walk. But, before we left the front parking lot of the motel, the owner drove up to us.

“What are ya’ll doin’ out here?” he asked.

“Just goin’ for a walk before we go to bed.” I replied.

“Well, I suggest you just go on to your room. Because you don’t need to be out here without something like this.” And he pointed to a gun he had in his car’s console. “People end up shot or missin’ if they’re out too late.”

So, we opted to go to bed. And the next day, sure enough, we heard a report of a killing in a field not far from our room and the motel.

Yikes.

We played that establishment for 2 weeks before moving on to our next stop. But it felt like 2 months. Pitch black walls. Some guy in the back making wolf calls almost every night. And smoke so thick you could see pillars of it from the canister lighting.

This story is true. So I’ll keep the name of the town and its people anonymous to protect the innocent…if there were any.

Stay tuned,

Tony Funderburk signature logo

Sign up for my Rhyme and Reason emails. (good stuff for Fa-Ree)

Get my Rhyme & Reason Podcast delivered right to your device. (also Fa-Ree)

My books are also on Amazon.com or Apple Books

Grab yourself an un-cool T-shirt

Or how about some music for kids

 

Tony Funderburk Posted on by

There it is. In black and white. It clearly says, “pray for all men.” And it’s right there in Paul’s letter to Timothy, his protégée. But hold on a second. Are those words actually in Paul’s letter? And do those words mean what you think they mean?

No. And…probably not.

If you own a New King James Bible, you can clearly see the words in bold and larger font. A headline…

Pray for All Men

But wait a second. Those words are an actual headline. And they were added by publishers. Not Paul. Hmm, so what did Paul actually say on the subject? Well, this…

“Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.”

Yeah, you could misconstrue that and believe you’re supposed to pray FOR (meaning not against) all men. But if that’s what Paul meant when he wrote it, then he might have wondered why David wrote, in Psalm 109:8,

“Let his days be few, And let another take his office.”

Call me naive, but that sounds like a prayer against men. And David was called a man after God’s own heart. So, I don’t think he was at odds with God when he wrote that.

Yeah, if you examine what Paul wrote to Timothy, a little more closely, you’ll see he’s telling you and me that we pray for all men in a way that helps us have peace and quiet. So, do NOT pray FOR men who absolutely refuse to let us have peaceable, quiet lives.

Pray AGAINST them.

Make intercession AGAINST them. Pray that their “days be few.” And get someone a real man in their office. A real man who WILL help you and me lead quiet and peaceable lives. Then, pray FOR that man to do what is “good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior.”

And pray AGAINST all men who will not do that.

Or be willing to suffer at the hands of fools.

You say you’re feeling empty.
And it doesn’t go away.
You live for your tomorrow and suffer in today.
You need to blow your trumpet,
To tear down all the walls,
And keep your heart wide open to hear God when He calls.

(from Impossible Odds, off the Do Right collection of songs)

And you can get Impossible Odds and 12 more songs when you get the limited edition 25th Anniversary Do Right for Cheryl care package CD. You’ll help a pastor’s wife who lost her husband. The link is below.

Stay tuned,

Tony Funderburk signature logo

Get your limited edition copy of the Do Right CD here

 

 

Tony Funderburk Posted on by

It’s an unwavering truth that love is everlasting. And even though I’m typing these words, alone in my office, and you’ll read them in similar circumstances, I can almost see you shaking your head, “No. Love is definitely not everlasting.”

But I say yes. And I can prove it’s an unwavering truth.

But, here’s a caveat. I absolutely can NOT prove that love does not waver if you refuse to listen to reason. Yes, reason. And logic. Not feelings.

First…

You love yourself. Right? Sure you do. And that’s why you go out into the world to work. So you can interact with people and buy the things you need. And so you can eat, drink, and be comfortable.

And you love your family. So you make sure they have food, clothes, and a safe roof over their heads. You love your parents. So you visit them to see if they need anything.

Love helps you navigate the unknown. Love helps you to help others. And love is the only “thing” in all of existence that grows in you as you give it away.

Yeah, hate might conquer the day…now and then…or even way more often. And hate might destroy your country and its populace. It might even destroy the world one day. But it doesn’t conquer all.

And it won’t last forever.

Only love conquers all.

Here’s how I ‘splained it years ago, right here on the ol’ TonyFunderburk.com website…

“Love created this planet. Love made the green trees, grass, and herbs of the fields. And love designed an atmosphere ideal for both plants and creatures. Plus, love made sure that both the intake of oxygen and the exhale of carbon dioxide would occur and be optimally functional.

Love planted a paradise with an open door and then made a way for us to enter in again after we so foolishly walked out.

So, love understands our exercises in futility and yet stands waiting with open arms to comfort and reassure us.

And…

…love does not exist apart from God.”

He risked it all when He gave us our own will. Yet, being the master planner, calculator, and designer…God knows some of us will choose to love Him in return. He’s willing to give His love to everyone who ever lived for the sake of the relatively few who’ll respond to it.

If you’re one of those who simply won’t believe until you’ve actually seen…

One day you will.

In fact, everyone will. The Creator of the universe (and everything in it) will come back to Earth one day. And He’ll cast aside the rulers of this world and of darkness, and show once and for all…

…true, living, everlasting love conquers all.”

You  seek the answers to the mysteries of life
But how much truth can you handle
And as for me, well, there is only One Fire
That lights the flame on my candle

Everlasting and everywhere”
He’s Everlasting and everywhere

(And that’s the unwavering truth)

And speaking of Everlasting and Everywhere, that’s another song on the CD I’ve been talking about for a couple of days. Now, I’m calling it the Do Right 25th Anniversary Cheryl Care Package sale. And it’s to help a woman (a pastor’s wife for over 20 years) who just lost her husband. I only have 79 first-run CD’s left of my first Christian CD called “Do Right.”And you can see more about it and get your limited edition copy at the link below.

Stay tuned,

Tony Funderburk signature logo

Get your limited edition copy of the Do Right CD here

Tony Funderburk Posted on by

This might come as a shock. But over the course of my songwriter life I wrote some of my songs for girls. (gasp!) I know. What a sexist, toxically masculine thing to do. Right? But seriously, you gotta play to your strengths, as they say. But what most people don’t know is how I rewrote some of my original love songs lyrics and sang about a deeper, everlasting love.

And, thankfully, love songs lyrics aren’t all that difficult to change.

Because love…at least, real love…comes from the very center of your heart. Or at least it should. So, as a songwriter, I can let the love song flow out of my heart and direct it where it needs to go. And once I stopped focusing on girls (thanks to Elgielene), I could direct more of my musical energy toward the Source of music.

But I won’t just talk around the subject. I’ll share an example.

On my first CD (yes, CD) of Christian music, the first song is called “Have to Believe.” And it’s about an overwhelming feeling of responsive love for all that God has done for me. Almost like I couldn’t do anything BUT believe in a Creator who would do so much. A Creator who never gives me less than Truth and Love.

So, in the song I sing…

“And I have to believe…You did everything for me.
“˜Cause what I have to believe
Is the truth that sets me free.”

The original song title was “Hard to Believe.” And it’s a good example of how even the best love, here on Earth, doesn’t measure up to God’s love. The lyrics lacked the assured feeling of the revised version of the song.

Because, when you understand how much your Creator went through to provide you with everything you need to live, it’s not “hard to believe” He loves you. And when I say “everything you need to live,” I mean everything you need to live…forever.

And that knowledge makes it easy to change the focus of love songs lyrics from temporal to eternal.

Even when I don’t feel like I deserve the love.

Like the bridge of my song says…

“Well, I’m not sure if I deserve it.
I’m lighter than air and soaring like a bird,
And if I can love You any better”just say the Word!”  © 1996 Tony Funderburk

By the way, I’ve got a special sale going on right now. It’s what I call the Do Right 25th Anniversary Cheryl Care Package sale. And it’s to help a woman (a pastor’s wife for over 20 years) who just lost her husband. I have only 80 first-run CD’s left of my first Christian CD called “Do Right.” And you can see more about it and get your limited edition copy at the link below.

Stay tuned,

Tony Funderburk signature logo

Get your limited edition copy of the Do Right CD here

 

Tony Funderburk Posted on by

Wow! It’s hard to believe. But it’s been 25 years since I recorded my first collection of Christian songs and sold those CD’s all around the country. And it all started with a song about consequences. Inspired by a talk show host and the words he said to end his nightly show.

Do right and risk the consequences.

It’s ironically odd to say there’ll be consequences for doing right. But these days, more than ever, it’s true. Because the world would rather do wrong and get away with it than do right and risk anything.

But the reason I’m sharing this with you today is because the talk show host I’m talking about died last month. Everyone who knew him has the assurance that he went to Heaven. And we’re all glad of that. But he left behind a widow. Her name is Cheryl. And she’s a kind woman who loves Jesus, has served over 20 years as a pastor’s wife and homemaker, and is now without her husband and earthly provider.

So, I came up with the idea to sell my last hidden stash of Do Right cd’s and send her all the proceeds (minus the shipping costs). I’m calling this my Do Right 25th Anniversary Cheryl Care Package sale.

The price will be $20. But supplies of these original, first-run Do Right CD’s are limited. After they’re gone, that’s it.

Get your copy, today. And help support a woman who deserves your help more than you might know. Click or tap the pic below to get a CD and help out.

Do Right vintage Christian music CD by Tony Funderburk

Do Right

There’s a blue streak like a paintbrush stroke through my heart.
It’s a cool light and it tears the darkness apart.
I’m so near it; though it pierces me I don’t fear it.
Like a needle; the Word sews into my spirit.

There’s a rumble; like a three-day hunger or thirst
Deep inside me, and I think that maybe I’ll burst.
Like a freight train on a one-way track through the canyon,
Payin’ no mind to the walls of worldly opinion.

Do right.
And risk the consequences.
Do right…whatever you do.
Do right.
And don’t you stand on fences
Now whatever you do, with all of your might, Do Right!

There are choices that we’re given freedom to choose.
But use wisdom; with your choices you could abuse.
Simple words could lead little lambs to slaughter.
And where that ends; you will always long for water.

Do right.
And risk the consequences.
Do right…whatever you do.
Do right.
And don’t you stand on fences

I’m not willing to just let it slide.
No, I just want you to get the point.
And if it boils up inside you and you find that you’re all out of joint,
And you might….
You’d better….you’d better do right

inst…repeat chorus to end

© 1996 Tony Funderburk

You’ll still be able to get all the Do Right CD songs on a “second run” disk HERE. Or get them all in a super secret link in the Do Right book HERE.

Stay tuned,

Tony Funderburk signature logo

 

Tony Funderburk Posted on by

Try this headline on for size. “Justice Department Asks Supreme Court To Block Texas Abortion Ban.” Because they say unconstitutional bills like that take away a “woman’s right to choose.”

Notice the emphasis on “unconstitutional bills.”

And notice how they never (or at least rarely) finish that sentence. Woman’s right to choose…what? Do they simply choose to stop being pregnant? Hmm…I don’t think that’s all there is to it. And by that I really mean I KNOW that’s not all there is to it.

Because, when a woman is pregnant, there’s somebody else involved. And I’m not talking about just the two so-called “consenting adults” who caused the pregnancy. I’m talking about the innocent baby.

(Side note: every human pregnancy involves a baby human being)

So, the so-called “justice department” calling an abortion ban unconstitutional is like the so-called FDA calling a poison ban unconstitutional.

And you know what’s so incredibly sad to me?

The fact that a state (or anybody for that matter) has to come up with an “abortion ban.” Because it should be crystal clear that murder is wrong. Always has been. Always will be. And abortion is the murder of an innocent baby. Not just a woman choosing to not be pregnant anymore.

Yes. Every completed abortion kills at least one person. Sometimes two.

And every abortion seriously damages lives…or destroys them.

I know this is an uncomfortable topic.

Because so many millions and millions of Americans (and people around the world) have experienced the extreme guilt and sadness of “a woman’s right to choose.”

And one state’s “abortion ban” most likely won’t change the hardened hearts of millions of others. So, fools will continue to rage against “unconstitutional bills” with more passion and intensity than most Christians who know right from wrong. Those who should know how God feels about it. Because He said…

“And will you profane Me among My people for handfuls of barley and for pieces of bread, killing people who should not die, and keeping people alive who should not live, by your lying to My people who listen to lies?”

But who needs God when we have democracy and tolerance and diversity?

In fact, maybe we should just declare God and Jesus and Christianity unconstitutional. Naa…that’ll never happen. But even when it does, remember…

We Win

It should be so easy
To just see we’re not free
As long as the innocent die.

To say that it’s legal
We spit on the eagle
Who stands for what we once held high.

It’s hard when we count up the cost,
And a million more lives have been lost.
True love won’t give up or give in.
Hang in there. It’s worth it. We win.

It’s not law. We got law.
And we saw that each law
Kept taking us further from truth.

When logic and reason
Don’t have their due season,
The lies end up long in the tooth.

So work hard and take time to pray
For lives to be saved every day.
True love won’t give up or give in.
Hang in there. It’s worth it. We win.

Hang in there”we have to see it through.
It’s worth it”watch how it changes you.

© 2009 Tony Funderburk

 

Stay tuned,

Tony Funderburk signature logo

Sign up for my Rhyme and Reason emails. (good stuff for Fa-Ree)

Get my Rhyme & Reason Podcast delivered right to your device. (also Fa-Ree)

My books are also on Amazon.com or Apple Books

Grab yourself an un-cool T-shirt

Or how about some music for kids

 

Tony Funderburk Posted on by

It’s really interesting. And I’m talking about those things, in life, that repeat even when you least expect them. And then, other things, that should repeat, don’t. I read a passage in Paul’s letter to the Philippians, early this morning, and it made me aware of something he did that I don’t do. And it has to do with Christian love.

Paul didn’t call it Christian love. That’s me.

But Paul showed how Christian love should be. And I wrote this, about the same thing, over 8 years ago…

“Here’s an awesome example of Christian love that I know I need to work on. I need to thank God with every remembrance of you…my Christian brothers and sisters. Yep, every time I think of any other Christian, I should be thankful to God for them.

Why does it matter? Because you are all “partakers, with me, of grace”. We are all beneficiaries of the grace of Jesus, and that makes each of us a part of the whole body of Christ. So, we need each other. We’re designed to need each other. And we’re stronger together than separately…just like the parts in our flesh-and-bone body. Sure, we can exist…even do fine…without one or both of our hands. But we’re much more efficient with them both.

The Christian love I talk about should rise above worldly love. We Christians need to abound in love with more knowledge and discernment. We should be able to share the love of God in ways that show how excellent and eternal it truly is. Christianity is an exclusive “religion” because it espouses the view that there’s only one Way to be with God in paradise forever…and that’s through the saving Grace of Jesus. But Christianity is also the most inclusive “religion” as well because anyone who asks Jesus for forgiveness, salvation, and eternal life receives these.

So, maybe I haven’t given thanks to God with every remembrance of you lately.

But I’m giving it today.

Today I pray that you are “filled with the fruits of righteousness which are by Jesus Christ”. Because when you are, you’ll want to spread that Word that Jesus saves. And when that happens, the angels in Heaven rejoice and sing. Let’s give ’em something to sing about!”

Now, the night falls low on the paintbrush blooms,
And the campfire light fades to ember glow…
And it’s times like this that caress my soul,
And I know that I’ll always remember so.

Stay tuned,

Tony Funderburk signature logo

Sign up for my Rhyme and Reason emails. (good stuff for Fa-Ree)

Get my Rhyme & Reason Podcast delivered right to your device. (also Fa-Ree)

My books are also on Amazon.com or Apple Books

Grab yourself an un-cool T-shirt

Or how about some music for kids

 

Tony Funderburk Posted on by

For several years I wrote jingles for ads. And I wrote for all sorts of companies. If you lived in Colorado for any time during the past 20 years, and if you listened to radio, chances are you heard me at least once.

Most of those jingles for ads faded away with time.

But not all of them.

In fact, almost 11 years ago I shared the story of how I discovered one of those jingles still being used by an auto repair shop in Lakewood, Colorado. I talked about how I needed to call someone about a problem I was having with my Jeep. And I found that same repair shop still using the jingle I wrote for them over 10 years before that.

Well, today, over 10 more years have passed. And that repair shop has been handed down from one generation to the next generation of the same family. Their family history, in the auto repair and supply business, goes back over a hundred years. Wow, that’s not the norm these days.

But with a new generation you expect change. Right? Of course. Because this generation has to deal with a whole new generation of cars, too. So, it’s only natural the younger generation would probably see things a little differently from the previous generations.

Hmm…I’m sure using the word “generation” a lot.

Anyway…

Through a series of search engine tweaks I had to do for business, today, I found that same auto repair shop’s website. And you might not believe it, but they still use my jingle.

Well, actually it’s their jingle. I just wrote and sang it. You can hear the music in one of the videos on the Pickering’s Automotive website.

I’m honored to be a part of their quality business. So, if you happen to find your car in need of repair, and you happen to live in Lakewood or Arvada, Colorado, check with Pickering’s Auto Service. And tell them Tony, their jingle guy, sent you.

For great service and repair,
You need someone to care.
Look no more. Pick Pickering.

Stay tuned,

Tony Funderburk signature logo

Sign up for my Rhyme and Reason emails. (good stuff for Fa-Ree)

Get my Rhyme & Reason Podcast delivered right to your device. (also Fa-Ree)

My books are also on Amazon.com or Apple Books

Grab yourself an un-cool T-shirt

Or how about some music for kids

 

Tony Funderburk Posted on by

Do you judge others? What?! You don’t?! Are you kidding me? Because I don’t see how you can get through even one day without judging somebody. Well, maybe if you’re a recluse and have no human contact. Maybe then. But…

If you lead a regular life, with human contact, you gotta judge others.

Yeah. You read (or heard) me right. You gotta judge others. Otherwise, you won’t be other’s wise. I just made that up because it sounds good. But it’s true. And if you’ve lived at least a couple of decades, you know you can’t trust everybody. So, you gotta be able to figure out who to trust. And you know what that requires?

Judgment.

But don’t think of judging people like the knuckleheads of the world do. No, they tend to be hypocrites. And they judge others for doing what they, themselves, do. Yeah…don’t judge that way.

Years ago, I talked about how you need to be a good judge of character. And how I know it’s not the “in” thing, anymore, to judge others. Because you sure don’t want others to think of you as “judgmental”. Right? But, the ironic thing is that everyone…yes everyone…is judgmental.

This includes you dear reader. What do you think (especially if you disagree) about me right now?

Do you accept me (tolerance) and celebrate my diverse (different) opinion? Or do you think I’m harsh and unloving and uncaring?

Have you already decided not to read my articles anymore? Guess what? “Decision” is synonymous with judgment. You judged my articles not worthy of your time.

And that’s quite alright.

I can totally respect your negative judgment of my writing…as long as you take ownership of your decision. It’s unrealistic of me to expect everyone to agree with me or enjoy my work. And if you judge my worldview to be opposed to yours, I don’t expect you to spend much time here.

However; that doesn’t necessarily make you a good judge of character.

Sure, my views might be different from yours. But that doesn’t make me wrong. Wrong is when you choose to lie, steal, murder, and otherwise do injustice to your fellow human beings. So, it’s good to be able to examine someone with wisdom and discernment. Because that can save you a lot of grief and heartache in life.

Here’s my final thought on this for today. If there’s no such thing as universal morality, then just ignore me because I’m just probably another one of those knucklehead Christians trying to make everyone live by my weird rules.

But…if there IS a morality that’s designed for us all, then it’s a good idea to learn to judge others rightly. Soon.

Gonna be transformed in the blink of an eye.
Gonna leave a lot of people askin’ how and why,
But we still gotta lotta work to do till then,
And I know you’re askin’ when is then…
Soon.

(From the song “Soon”)

© 2008 Tony Funderburk

Stay tuned,

Tony Funderburk signature logo

Sign up for my Rhyme and Reason emails. (good stuff for Fa-Ree)

Get my Rhyme & Reason Podcast delivered right to your device. (also Fa-Ree)

My books are also on Amazon.com or Apple Books

Grab yourself an un-cool T-shirt

Or how about some music for kids

 

Tony Funderburk Posted on by

A lot of things are true for some people. But only SOME things are true for everyone. And that’s where people will get offended easily. Because what’s true for everyone isn’t always what everyone wants to be true. Like where you go after you die, for example. That’s a mighty touchy subject, wouldn’t you say?

But let’s see if there’s any truth to saying some things are true.

And let’s start with easy stuff. Or at least it should be easy stuff. Wouldn’t you agree that it’s true the sun is a bigger light than the moon? And that it’s a source of light? And wouldn’t you say those are naturally true assumptions for everyone?

Good. Let’s keep going. So, wouldn’t it be the truth to say that the sun is further away from the earth than the moon is? And wouldn’t it be the truth to say your mother is not the same person as your father? Again…an easy truth. Right?

So, when does truth start to get more difficult to agree on?

I shared an explanation for it a few years ago. And I said…

I think it’s when truth starts to make us mad. For example…if someone says you’re a fatso, and you know you’re not, it doesn’t make you mad because you know it isn’t the truth. But if someone calls you a fatso, and you know you need to lose a bunch of weight, the truth hurts and makes you mad. Deep down you’re probably mad at yourself, but you’re still mad.

And then, I added…

Be here’s the thing. We need to seek the truth and embrace the truth…even when it takes us somewhere we don’t want to go. And if you’re going to apply the truth to anyone else, you need to be able to apply it to yourself. Once you can do that, fairly, and in love…

Truth is beauty.
Truth is light…
Shining through
Your darkest night.

Truth is wisdom.
Truth is wise…
And not for
Only your eyes.

Truth existed
In the past,
And it will
Forever last.

Yeah, some things are true. And those things are the best.

Stay tuned,

Tony Funderburk signature logo

Sign up for my Rhyme and Reason emails. (good stuff for Fa-Ree)

Get my Rhyme & Reason Podcast delivered right to your device. (also Fa-Ree)

My books are also on Amazon.com or Apple Books

Grab yourself an un-cool T-shirt

Or how about some music for kids

 

Tony Funderburk Posted on by

Well, it’s that holiest month of the year. Yep, October is here. And the “hallowed evening” fast approaches. Some parts of it are funny. But Halloween (Neewollah, as its known in Independence, Kansas) sure brings out the people who love to live in the dark.

And when I say “live in the dark,” I mean it mostly literally.

Here in the shadow of Pike’s Peak, we have an inordinate amount of what I call street zombies. People who oftentimes resemble the walking dead. And more and more they’re seen walking the alleys and even front and back yards of regular citizens. Caught on security cameras. And Ring doorbell cameras.

This time of year, unfortunately, they just sort of blend in with the dark mentality that appears to be growing, exponentially, all around.

But it’s actually not surprising. Because America, generally speaking, is in a downward spiral. Turning its back on God. And, in the process, it has lost its blessed status.

A huge number of people (translate: “most”) would rather live in the dark and be their own kings (and queens) than  show humility to the one, true King. And when you prefer the darkness over God’s light…

You Just Don’t Get It

You want to live the way you want to live
And you want to be your own king
You think you’re wise enough to rule your world
And handle everything
But how much happiness is in your life
How many friends do you know
Who would give up their lives to give you yours
Do you think any would show

Well you idolize with your idle eyes
Your body wants what it wants, and you let it
You identify what you deify
You’ll see the kingdom, but you just don’t get it

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

Chorus

Don’t you think you should think about it
Do you know all there is to know
There’s a choice; you can’t live without it
You can be sure where you’re gonna go…

inst…chorus…repeat to end

© 1997 Tony Funderburk

(You can hear this song, when you subscribe to the The Power of God’s Love Podcast)

Stay tuned,

Tony Funderburk signature logo

Sign up for my Rhyme and Reason emails. (good stuff for Fa-Ree)

Get my Rhyme & Reason Podcast delivered right to your device. (also Fa-Ree)

My books are also on Amazon.com or Apple Books

Grab yourself an un-cool T-shirt

Or how about some music for kids

 

Tony Funderburk Posted on by

You and I have the capacity for understanding by design. Let that sink in. Because that (seemingly) simple 4 syllable word is a key part of how we’re different from the animals and birds and fish.

Other creatures don’t have understanding, by design.

Because none of the other creatures on our little, blue planet were created in the image and likeness of their Creator. Only you and me.

So, we get to understand why we’re here. The age-old question, that’s never satisfactorily answered by the evolution fantasy. And that ability to understand why we’re here is cause for pause. Because it’s a connection to the only reason anybody was ever created, or is here now, or ever will be.

And that reason is because God is relational. He loves us. He wants to have a loving relationship with you and me. But not like other relationships. Far from it. He wants us to be connected to Him forever.

And because He loves us that much, it should help us to understand, or at least work to understand, others. That’s why I wrote a song about it way back in 1978. Here’s what I said…

Understanding

It isn’t always easy.
It isn’t always hard.
The choice is yours to play
The winning or losing card.

It isn’t always visible.
It isn’t always hidden.
There is a light so beautiful,
You’ll think that it’s forbidden.

Oh, I believe in understanding
In understanding each other.
Sooner or later we’l find the key
The key to the heart of our brother.

It isn’t always peaceful.
It isn’t always loud.
Sometimes you find yourself alone.
Sometimes you’re in a crowd.

It isn’t always happy.
It isn’t always sad,
And with a little understanding”
It isn’t always bad.

© 1978 Tony Funderburk (August 24)

Stay tuned,

Tony Funderburk signature logo

Sign up for my Rhyme and Reason emails. (good stuff for Fa-Ree)

Get my Rhyme & Reason Podcast delivered right to your device. (also Fa-Ree)

My books are also on Amazon.com or Apple Books

Grab yourself an un-cool T-shirt

Or how about some music for kids

 

Tony Funderburk Posted on by

It won’t cost you even one thin dime to share. And the cost to receive it is, too. Because mercy is free. But I’m not talkin’ about your regular ol’ run-of-the-mill mercy like you find in your social circles. Nay nay.

The best ever source of mercy is free.

Seven years ago today I shared why this is so important to understand. And I think it bears repeating.

In the Psalms you might discover what’s called a “michtam”. I’ve seen that defined as either a “special song” or even “golden”. Either way, it’s used to describe something very precious. This morning I read Psalm 56 because of a certain verse-of-the-day application I use. I found something interesting…

…a combination of justice and mercy.

Psalm 56, like most of the Psalms, is attributed to King David of Israel. And according to the subhead just before the verses, it’s written about the “assured judgment of the wicked”. So, for an unbeliever there might seem to be some contradiction between judgment and mercy. But they’re two sides of the same coin, and they both come from a living, loving God.

It’s like this…an earthly parent might punish a child for doing something wrong, and yet reward that same child the same day for a job well done. But both acts originate in love. And if you love your children, your husbands and wives, your neighbor, you must balance rewards and punishments. So, you gotta be willing to show mercy in the morning…just as your Creator shows you.

A living, loving God shows great “mercy in the morning” to those who love Him, when He judges and punishes the wicked. Don’t be mislead. Wickedness and evil are real. They’re not merely concepts dreamt up by “Bible thumpers” to get others to follow their rules.

I want you to know the great and eternal love I know.

I’m talking about the love that can only exist in a relationship with your Creator. If you haven’t checked into it yet, don’t wait another day. Today is the only day you have. Yesterday is gone forever, and tomorrow might be too late. All you need to do is ask God to come into your heart and change you. He says “ask and it will be given to you“. Then you’ll experience the great mercy of never-ending mornings…never-ending life.

And that mercy might be free to you and me, but it cost God more than we can ever imagine.

Start your day with mercy in the morning.
Walk in joy and love and peace.
Live your life in ardent adoration
Of the Lamb with perfect fleece.

Stay tuned,

Tony Funderburk signature logo

Sign up for my Rhyme and Reason emails. (good stuff for Fa-Ree)

Get my Rhyme & Reason Podcast delivered right to your device. (also Fa-Ree)

My books are also on Amazon.com or Apple Books

Grab yourself an un-cool T-shirt

Or how about some music for kids

Tony Funderburk Posted on by

You’ve heard somebody say it. Or maybe you’ve said it. Or something like it. Something like this, “Well, back in the Bible days _______” Fill in the blank. Sound familiar? Don’t feel bad. Because just about everybody’s said something like that at some time or another. But guess what?

You and I live in the Bible days.

Unless you’re someone who’s fallen for wacky ideas like the tribulation has already happened, your life is part of God’s book. Yeah. And you’re even mentioned in that book. Well, maybe not directly. But certainly indirectly.

A few years ago, when I was the music leader in a Denver, Colorado metro area church, I wrote a song about it. Because our pastor mentioned it in his sermon one Sunday. And these lyrics explain what to do, pretty well…

These Are The Bible Days

I’m no prophet, but God can work through me.
Willing servants are all He wants to see.
We can learn from the past…
The apostles, and all of their ways,
But we live in the here and now, and these”.are the Bible days.

Lord, our small hearts are full of love from You.
Help us know what You’d rather have us do.
Help the sheep hear Your call in this world that’s so full of strays.
As it was when Your Son arose; still these”are the Bible days.

When darkness falls”These are the Bible days.
Temptation calls”These are the Bible days.
When right is wrong”These are the Bible days.
The weak get strong”These are the Bible days.
Till every mountain sways, till every debtor pays,
Till every helpless, hopeless, sinner prays”
These”are the Bible days.

There’s no difference when going first to last.
Lord we need you like generations passed.
Give us strength for this life and help us always focus our gaze
With our eyes on the Prize because these”
Are the Bible days.

Chorus
These”are the Bible days.
These”are the Bible days.

© 2010 Tony Funderburk

Stay tuned,

Tony Funderburk signature logo

Get my Rhyme & Reason Podcast delivered (free) right to your device.

My books are also on Amazon.com or Apple Books

Grab yourself an un-cool T-shirt

Or how about some music for kids