Tony Funderburk Posted on by

Almost 10 years ago I wrote an article on why you should live well and be well. And I shared how it’s not just a mantra. Or a greeting. Or some line in a Star Trek movie. And I think the information I talked about is even more relevant now. Because, well…da ‘Vid. Duh. (remind me to tell you about “da ‘Vid”)

As much as it’s within your power to do so, be well.

Despite how much of your freedom you lose with each passing week, there’s a lot that’s still in your power. Like what you eat and drink. And whether or not you get up and move around more. Thankfully, there’s no one forcing you to eat fast food and sit on the couch all day and night. Well, if there IS someone forcing you to do that, call 9-1-1 as soon as you can.

Before I go any further, I need to clarify (for the millions who went to public school) that I’m in no way saying you can be well all the time. Far from it. But you gotta give your immune system the best fighting chance possible. Because it’s up against badder bacterium and bugs all the time. And more and more vicious viruses.

So, like I said, almost 10 years ago…put down that diet cola and decide to make healthier choices. Because when you’re not healthy, you’re no good to anyone. Functionally speaking. Not inherent value, of course.

Plus, healthier choices help you overcome obstacles in your mind, your body, and your work.

Fortunately those healthier choices aren’t difficult to figure out. I came up with an acronym a long time ago.

YES MAM. (I know that not how you spell ma’am, but it’s an acronym…sound it out)

You Eat Sensibly, Move Around More.

And don’t even try to tell me you don’t know what “sensibly” means. Because when you eat a donut or ice cream or cookies, you know (yes, you know!) it’s just for fun. And you know (yes, you know!) it’s not sensible. Plus, you know you’re gonna “crash” later when the sugar rush runs out. Don’t tell me you don’t know. Because you DO.

But here’s a caveat I’ll add. And this oughta stir things up.

If you’re not a Christian, I hope you totally disregard my advice and recommendations. Because, if you don’t love your Creator, I don’t care if you get sick. That’s right. I don’t care. In fact, I’d prefer you’re out of circulation as much as possible. And maybe if you get sick enough, you’ll realize you’re not all that. Not even the bag of chips. And my recommendation to you is to use the down time to find out what it takes to stay out of hell.

But if you ARE a Christian, start today. My advice, from 10 years ago, is more important than ever. “Be happy. Grin. Laugh. And for cryin’ out loud, build up and maintain a healthy immune system. The world needs you. And I’m pullin’ for you.

Now, get outside and take a walk today
Unless it’s cold and there’s no sun today.
Then stay inside and take a break today
And read The Word, for Heaven’s sake, today.

Oh yeah, I almost forgot “da ‘Vid.” My good friend, Brian, called me yesterday with a t-shirt design idea. He said he dealt with the Covid back in January. And while it was no fun, it was “no big deal.” So, he thought a t-shirt with a smiley face, talkin’ about havin’ da ‘Vid, would be a great idea.

So, I designed it. And Brian’s gettin’ one. And he says you should, too. Click or tap the picture of the shirt to get yours today…if you’ve had da ‘Vid.

Click or tap the pic to get your 'Vid shirt today

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Young comets never die. They just fade away. Of course, I’m borrowing from American slang. But what’s with the whole comets crashing into the sun and other planets thing? Yeah, they sound like an annoying gang from the 50’s. I can just see a headline from back in the day…

Young Comets Crash Another Party

Yeah, it’s what they do. And that’s partly why there are no old comets. Because comets tend to only make a few orbits on their flights around the solar system. And then they break up and crash into the sun. Or into planets. Or they just totally vaporize.

Why hasn’t someone called the Avengers yet?

But seriously (somewhat)…

That’s the thing about comets. They don’t last long. Certainly less than 10,000 years. And according to what I read about them in Dr. Walt Brown’s book, In The Beginning, there’s “no evidence for a distant shell of cometary material surrounding the solar system, and there is no known way to add comets to the solar system at rates that even remotely balance their destruction.”

Dr. Brown added that “the gravity of planets tends to expel comets from the solar system, not capture them. And given that information, they “appear to be less than 10,000 years old.”

But none of that information is the least bit important to anyone who believes everything came from nothing. And no one who hates God would be caught dead considering actual science. Well, one day they WILL be caught dead considering it. But I predict their hatred for God will perpetuate their willful ignorance.

And real science would never postulate everything coming from nothing.

Because that’s a self-refuting non sequitur.

But before I get all Latiny on you, let me just encourage you to look into the actual scientific evidence about comets. Or, if you’re already on board with the whole idea of young universe creation, share the links I’ve inserted with someone who isn’t on board. Before they crash and burn…forever.

Show the Truth to humans
Who are headed for destruction.
And, if they are willing
To examine this instruction,
They could live forever
And they might even thank you.
But show the Truth to humans,
And let the wisdom guide you through.

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High interest rates. A manufacturing slowdown or an asset bubble burst. Maybe a slide in real estate. And certainly credit crunches. What do all these have in common? They can all be causes for an economy sliding into recession. But what causes a moon recession. Because there ain’t none of that up there on the little night light.

But the moon recession is a real thing.

And the moon went into recession because it didn’t wanna break the law. Actually, the laws of physics. Apparently those laws “require the moon to recede from Earth.” In fact, a guy named Edmond Halley was probably the first guy to notice this. (You don’t remember him, because this was back in 1695.)

Apparently, as “tidal friction gradually slows Earth’s spin, the moon recedes (drifts away) from us. It’s just good physics laws. The old “if, then” scenario.

And there are people who spend time calculating things like this. They’ve calculated that even if the moon used to be nuzzled right up against Earth, it wouldn’t have taken billions of years for it to recede to where it is now.

So, the Earth and Moon might have drifted apart. But they’re still talking. So, don’t worry. And don’t forget that God actually said everyday life will continue, normally, for as long as the earth remains.

And the earth will remain until God gets rid of it.

And He WILL get rid of it one day.

But, thankfully for all those who hate Him, it wasn’t today. Because that means they have another chance to change their minds. And I hope they do. Because the consequences will be far more disastrous than some puny little pandemic with a survival rate over 99%.

Like the old hymn says…

Summer and winter and springtime and harvest,
Sun, moon and stars in their courses above
Join with all nature in manifold witness
To Thy great faithfulness, mercy and love.

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Ninety degrees is too hot. You can disagree with me. But if you think it’s not that hot, then prove it by turning off the a/c in your house and your car. Yeah, I didn’t think so. Because regardless of humidity or heat indexes or whatever, ninety degrees is too hot. And it has been at ninety or above for most of the middle of August. But all this heat makes me appreciate the cool weather of Autumn. My favorite time of the year.

I get it. Cool weather isn’t for everyone.

And isn’t it our differences that bring us together? Right. And war is just a figment of my imagination, too. But I digress. Where was I?

Oh yeah, cool weather isn’t for everyone. But one thing you’ll see, when Autumn arrives, is how people tend to perk back up. Because cooler temperatures invigorate you. Sure, warmer temperatures are better for growing food. But there’s nothing like a brisk, sunny morning to motivate you to get to those things you put off.

So, what got me ranting about this?

Ironically, it wasn’t the heat.

Actually it was the cool down. And I don’t mean Autumn. I’m talking about the general temperature of the Earth. So-called “scientists” say our little, blue planet is about 4.5 billion years old. Give or take a week or two. But according to real math and science (follow the science, follow the science) current temps don’t add up.

In fact, even if the Earth started out as just a ball of lava, it would have cooled off to its current temperature in way less than 4.5 billion years. That’s WAY less. With a capital WAY.

But what about radioactive decay?

Yeah, even if you factor in big numbers for radioactive decay, Earth would have still cooled off in way less than 4.5 billion years. And a PhD, from M.I.T. agrees with me. (Actually I agree with him, but who’s counting?)

But why would anyone be upset with me for saying our awesome planet is young? Simple.

Because that would mean evolution couldn’t possibly be true. And if that’s the case, then how did thought-filled, self-aware, designing creatures…like us humans…develop in just thousands of years? Uh-oh. It doesn’t seem illogical to think we were designed by a thought-filled, self-aware designer.

But that couldn’t be. Because chances are that designer might wanna set up some ground rules. And we massively intelligent, sovereign humans just wouldn’t stand for it.

Or should I say, don’t…instead of wouldn’t?

Yeah, it’s “don’t” for most people. But for those of us who realize the one, true, living, loving Creator of Heaven and Earth loves us, we gladly acknowledge His ground rules as good for us.

Wow. I just went from a rant on hot weather to God’s love.

That’s pretty cool.

I’ve made a decision not to fear
What the weather might do to us here.
And I’ve chosen to trust what God said
About how long we’ll have this homestead.

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Several friends of mine were diagnosed with something called “covid.” I’m not sure what that is. If you’ve heard anything about, would you fill me in? And one of the friends had to deal with the issue mainly in her lungs. And I can tell you, from ongoing experience, dealing with lung issues can be way more challenging than it sounds. In fact, when it feels like you could take your last breath, it’s a bit spooky.

But, for a Christian, it’s great to remember your last breath will never come.

And I don’t mean the last time you inhale and exhale through the lungs you were born with. I’m sure you understand (or at least I hope you do) that you’ll keep breathing forever. Because the one, true, living, loving Creator of all human life (and all life) wants you to live with Him forever.

AND…

He’ll be giving you a glorified body (translate: a body that won’t be filled with sin and break down) so you can never have to face another last breath. And I’d bet a million of my wealthy friends’ dollars, that even if you don’t believe in God, you think about forever.

Guess what? That’s God working in you. I recommend you give in to His wish for you. And come live with Him and me and countless others in a paradise I can’t even describe adequately. When you do, you might feel like I do, and like I did, when I wrote…

I’ll be swallowed up by life
That will never fade away
When I leave my body here
On an ordinary day.
I won’t mourn the things I lose
“˜Cause there’s so much more to gain
And my spirit will rejoice
When I leave this earthly plane.
I’ll be swallowed up by life
And I’ll never more know death.
I will just begin to breathe
When I breathe my final breath.

© 2014 Tony Funderburk

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It’s funny. But I thought about this in the wee hours of the morning, today. And then it came up again  in another topic. So, I guess I’m just gonna go ahead and tie it in with something I’ve been sharing for the past month or so. Of course, I’m talkin’ about the ubiquitous belly button.

Now, I know your belly button isn’t a deep subject.

(*rim shot…I’ll be here all week. Be sure to tip your bartenders and waitresses.)

Most people just assume everybody has a belly button. In fact, if you don’t assume that, I’d say you’re in the minority. But guess what…you’d also be right. Because there are a couple of different types of hernias a little developing child, in the womb, can have that can “erase” the belly button.

Those hernias are known as (in case you’re into weird factoids) gastroschisis and omphalocele. Say those two words fast 5 times. When one of them happens to a little baby, they end up with a hole in their abdominal wall on next to the umbilical cord. And, when the baby’s born, the intestines protrude through the hole.

Yikes.

Sounds eerie. But apparently it’s fairly easy to correct. And the kid ends up with just a slight indention where you and I have what we call the belly button.

But, back to those wee hours of this morning. I started thinking, “Hey, wait a minute. How can it be called a button, when it clearly looks more like a button hole?”

Of course, I realize some people have outies. But us normal people have innies. And they definitely fall into the category of buttonhole. So, there. I’ve laid down the gauntlet. Let the great belly debates begin. In the meantime, I’m reminded of how “The Belly Song” was “born.”

Back when we sold tons of CD’s for kids in stores all across Colorado, we connected with a kids’ store near the Cherry Creek Mall in Denver. And it was called “The Belly Store.” But the first time we went in, we weren’t able to meet with the owner. So, I took time between our next appointment with her to write and record a belly song.

On our second trip to the store, we played the song for the owner.

She actually cried a little. And I remember how she was genuinely touched to hear a song so connected to her store. And she ordered a bunch of our “Kiddin’ Around” CD’s. They sold all they had. But sadly, a year or two later, they sold their business and closed up.

But the song lives on. And it’s one of 10 songs kids have gotten a kick out of for a long time. And now, you can get all the songs for zee-row dollars when you order the Kiddin’ Around songbook (which is also a coloring book and drawing book)

Because the songbook has a super secret link where you can go to download all the songs in the book. Then you and your little kids can sing along to the lyrics in the book. Or your little kids can color and draw while they listen. If it was any more fun, I’d have to require a first and last month’s deposit.

But you don’t have to worry about that. Just hop on over to da stoh and get your copy today. The link is below.

I was in a belly;
You were in a belly.
We were belly babies…once upon a time

© 2007 Tony Funderburk

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Tony Funderburk Posted on by

OK, let’s talk about the old wooden nickel. If you were about 6 or 7 thousand years old, people would probably say something like, “You look young for your age.” Right? Hmm…probably not so much. But if you were a planet, like say…well…let’s say our little planet Earth. If someone told you Earth is only about 6 or 7 thousand years old, you’d think that was pretty young. Because you’ve alway heard it’s billions of years old.

And that nonsense is like the old wooden nickel.

Yeah, that’s right. I called it nonsense. But I have a good reason for challenging the notion that Earth is billions of years old and calling it nonsense.

Because it IS.

When you’re really and truly willing to examine the evidence (instead of regurgitating the same ol’ same ol’), you’ll discover mountains of it. Evidence that is. But not dust. Or nickel.

By now you might be thinking, “Tony! You’re all over the place. Wooden nickels. Age of the Earth. Dust. What in the world are you talking about?”

Or maybe you’re thinking, “You’re onto something Tony. Tell me more.”

Hope that second one’s true. Because I’m gonna tell you a little more.

Some of the evidence that Earth is young (thousands of years, not billions) is meteoritic dust. Side note: just in case you’re sick and tired of cleaning up dust in your house, you can partly blame meteors.

Here’s what I read, in Dr. Walt Brown’s book “In The Beginning,” about meteoritic dust. It’s “accumulating on Earth so fast that, after 4-billion years (at today’s low and diminishing rate), the equivalent of more than 16 feet of this dust should have accumulated.  Because this dust is high in nickel, Earth’s crust should have abundant nickel. No such concentration has been found on land or in the oceans. Therefore, Earth appears to be young.”

That’s actually good news.

Except to people who prefer to ignore good news and live with no hope. And, sadly, that’s most of the people on the planet. And the irony is, so many of them believe they’ll just become part of all that dust on the planet and that’ll be end of that.

But they don’t realize their eternal soul will go on. And on. And they’ll exist in a place where they’ll long for the days of dusting the furniture. But those days will be long gone. Never to return. Ever.

When I was a kid, there used to be a saying, “Don’t take any wooden nickels.” And that referred to coins, made from wood, that had no real value. Which is kinda like the idea that we all evolved from an old Earth. That idea will lead most people to…

A fate worse than death.
And it doesn’t have to be.
But sadly they will choose
Their bleak eternity.

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OK, I’ve got a line for you to sing to the tune of “If you’re happy and you know it.” Ready? Here you go. 🎶 If you’re worried and you know it, do not fret. 🎶 Now. Don’t you feel better already?

Three simple words. Do not fret.

But if they’re so simple, why do most people find the advice impossible to follow?

Because most people (I hope that doesn’t include you) don’t care to listen to what God tells them.

“What?! You mean God actually tells me to fret?!”

Yes. Yes, He does.

“But,” you might ask, “Does God understand how much evil is going on in the world?”

Yes. Yes He does.

And He still says “Do Not Fret.”

And just in case you think He must say it more profoundly…NO. Because God prefers for us to get it. And He wants as many people as possible to get it. So, it makes his most important points easy to understand. And that means when He wants us not to fret, He just tells us not to do it.

Of course, He might use a king to tell us. In fact, He DID use a king to tell us. King David. And David knew a thing or two about “evildoers.” But he still said not to worry because of them.

Yeah, but David wasn’t up against a world filled with people who want to prosper off the problems of others. Right? And he didn’t have to deal with schemers who went around planning wicked stuff. Right?

Wrong.

David was able to relate to what we have to deal with these days because he had to deal with those same kinds of things in his day.

But God inspired David to write: “Do not fret because of evildoers.”

I’ve said it before. But it bears repeating. Show the world how to be and stay positive in times like this.

Because”

If for no other reason, you know you’re truly blessed.
And you know you’ll live forever in the place that’s the best.
You know this world can never beat your spirit down for good.
So now you’ll give up worry, or at least you’ll know you should.

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I’ve kept a huge amount of my writing in spiral notebooks. And I probably gave away just about as much of my work as I kept in those notebooks. And then, there’s a significant amount of it that disappeared due to one thing or another. Fortunately, these days, I can make multiple digital copies and be almost 100% sure not to completely lose what I took the time to write down.

But why am I sharing these thoughts about my work with you?

After all, it’s no big deal to you whether I write a couple of words in a year or a thousand words a day. Right? Because I’m just another guy with ideas. Another guy who puts fingers on the keys, or pen to paper, and squeezes out some ramblings about this or that.

A hundred years from now, basically no one will remember I existed. Much less wrote about “stuff.”

And that makes me uncontrollably sad.

NOT!

Far from it. Because a hundred years from now I WILL exist. In fact, I’ll be living with the one, true, living, loving Creator who made a way for me to live forever in paradise with Him. And my days as a words and music guy will never end.

But my words and music, here and now, are fleeting reflections of God. At best. And silly notions oftentimes. Especially when you compare what I write to what God wrote.

It’s His word that won’t pass away.

I will. My words will. But not the Word of God.

And this all came to mind this morning as I looked at some lyrics I wrote 43 years ago today (as I write this, it’s August 16). As I read through the words again, I thought of what Paul said in 1 Corinthians 13:11. I don’t think that verse had a direction influence over my words. But I’ll bet there’s a connection somehow.

And these are lyrics. So, it was a song, too. But never recorded.

As A Kid

Well, all I have to do is close my eyes
And envision any place I want to be.
And all at once I fly high into the sky
And there’s so many pretty things below to see.
Won’t you grab your things and come with me?

The day begins to turn inside itself,
And things you thought you knew you soon forget,
But don’t despair, your memory returns,
And suddenly you’re filled with one regret.
You’ll really wish you didn’t have to stop yet.

Make believe, make believe”
Games I played, played as a kid.
I don’t care, I don’t care
What you’ve done or what you did.
It’s all a game of make believe”
A game I always played”played as a kid.

Well, all I have to do is sing a song
And quickly I can feel my spirits soar.
Oh, I believe I’ll make one of my own
And sing it to myself forevermore”
So what in Heaven am I waiting for?

Make believe

© 1978 Tony Funderburk

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I read about a guy, named Andreas Cornelius van Kujik, who promoted the occasional medicine show, or carnival, or other cheap entertainment. One of those interesting shows was called “The Great Parker Pony Circus.” And another was called “Tom Parker and His Dancing Turkeys.”

Now, that’s not just a medicine show, folks. That’s entertainment!

Andreas Cornelius van Kujik was a Dutch immigrant. And if he had spent his life promoting those strange (or at least strangely named) shows, I probably wouldn’t be writing about him right now. Because not much of anybody would care.

But on this day (August 15) back in 1955, Mr. van Kujik signed a contract that would change his life forever. And not just his life.

Because, Mr. van Kujik, who was better known, by then, as Colonel Tom Parker, became the “special advisor” to Elvis Presley. And if you don’t know who that is, then you need to go back to your video game and skip this.

The contract Colonel Parker signed gave him control over just about everything Elvis would do in his career. But apparently that wasn’t a totally bad thing. Because, in case you didn’t know, Elvis made a significant amount of money and gained a significant amount of fame after that.

So that shoots down that quote that says, “You can’t soar with eagles if you’re runnin’ with turkeys.” Right?

Or maybe that doesn’t apply at all. (and you can leave out the maybe)

But what this little story DOES show is things are not always as they seem.

You can skew names and numbers and facts and figures, to just about anything, and make ’em look bad. Or good. And that sort of behavior goes on 24 hours a day on our little, blue planet.

Because humans are basically NOT good. Even though you hear the total opposite of that…all the time. But people who tell you humans are “basically good” are proving my point, by example.

You don’t have to believe me. Or take my side. But I recommend you do. Because I didn’t make it up. I’m repeating what your Creator says. And like I’ve said, many times, anytime you disagree with anything your Creator says, you’re wrong.

Be right, more often, when you learn
Who knows you through and through.
And how He loves you faithfully
And wants the same from you.

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I read a subhead to an article, on a so-called “science” website, that said “A surprising cellular defensive strategy could inspire new antibiotics.” What’s surprising (not really) is how many times so-called “scientists” are surprised at the complexity in life here on planet Earth.

Your own cells have more than one defensive strategy against invaders.

Bacteria, viruses (aka viri), and all other germs are “seen” by the body as foreign enemies. I’m not talking about the “friendly” bacteria. I mean the stuff that scares so many “grown-ups” in America to the point of wearing silly, little cloth masks. (by the way, that’s like building a mesh fence around your yard to keep the mosquitos out)

Anyway. The website I mentioned earlier, says some human cells can “dispense a surprising substance: soap.” And that soap can apparently dissolve the inner membranes of bacteria and kill those suckers. Plus, the article said those human cells aren’t even part of your immune system.

And I got a real “kick” out of a couple of the sentences in the article. Their anti God worldview poked its tiny, tiny head into the reports. They said “The professional players of the immune system, like antibodies or white blood cells, get lots of attention. But all cells are endowed with some ability to combat infection.”

“Professional players.” Yeah, like the immune system (or any part of it) is or ever was amateur.

And to say “all cells are endowed with some ability to combat infection” is even more peculiar. Endowed implies a benefactor. A giver of some sort. Of course, I’m sure the immunologist who said that (and who’s name I won’t give so he doesn’t benefit from the connection) doesn’t believe there’s a benefactor. Just benefits of evolution.

Yeesh, there’s an oxymoron if I ever heard one.

Benefits of evolution.

And that same immunologist followed his “endowed” comment with an even sillier statement. He mentioned how “these run-of-the-mill cellular defenses have often been overlooked even though they are part of an ancient and primordial defense system.”

But I’d be willing to bet your whole next year’s profits that he knows nothing about the massive number of scientists who don’t overlook the wonders found in human cells.

Those scientists actually love going where science takes them. Because science is a great tool for connecting the dots of creation to a Creator.

I’ll leave you to ponder that idea till the next time I share something with you. Until then…

It’s time for a new strategy
That doesn’t come from you or me
And isn’t new. In fact, it’s old.
It comes from God as good as gold.

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I know a man who is the personification of wisdom. And this man has the deepest respect from all his friends. He’s living proof that humility is wise. And I defy you to find anyone who has done more for his (or her) friends…or even enemies.

But what’s that got to do with the whole humility is wise thing. Right?

Unless you understand the value of humility, you can’t understand why it’s the wisest trait to have. And until you’re humble, you’re on a rocky road. With no shock absorbers.

I remember that old Mac Davis song, “Hard To Be Humble” from back in 1980. The lyrics said,

“Oh Lord, it’s hard to be humble,
When you’re perfect in every way.
I can’t wait to look in the mirror,
‘Cause I get better lookin’ each day.”

And it’s a funny song. But it’s funny, because you know…or at least you should know…those lyrics don’t apply to anybody. They blend pride and false humility together like fruit in a Vitamix.

But, you might have noticed, if you’ve been paying attention, how pride is a big deal these days. And more often than not, it’s pride for something completely against God, His commandments, and His promises. But in a world that increasingly hates God, it’s no surprise. After all, when you can thumb your nose at God as you publicly display your hatred for Him, you can feel empowered.

But pride and power are like oil and water.

If anyone ever had the right to be prideful, it’s that man I mentioned earlier. But that wasn’t his M.O. And he never used his position or power against his fellow man. So, it’s amazingly sad and despicable how much he was hated. And hated so much that he was condemned for crimes he didn’t commit. And he was sentenced to death. Even after being found innocent.

I’m sure that last short paragraph gave it away who I’m talking about. But it’s Him you and I should compare ourselves to. Because when we do, pride should be the last thing in our heads. Better yet, it should be non-existent. And it should be replaced with humility.

When you can humble yourself and admit that you’re not all that, then you’ve made a wise choice.

A choice that says you wanna live forever in paradise with the One who made you and loves you.

And your wise humility will gain access to the heart of your Creator who offers you eternal life.

That’s why, and how, humility is the wisest trait you can have.

A word to the confounded”
Pour light into your eyes.
If you expect more than neglect,
Get wisdom; yeah get wise.

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I’m part of a resellers Facebook group (and I hate Facebook, by the way), run by The Legendary Perry. And the subject of hoarding comes up occasionally. Because, I guess, reselling can feel like, or even turn into, hoarding…for some. But you know who’s definitely not a hoarder? Mr. Young Moon.

Mr. Young Moon sounds like an Asian cult leader.

But he’s not. In fact, he’s not even a he. Or even a she. Young Moon is an it. Because it’s a name I made up for our little light-hearted nightlight sitting up there in the sky.

But my point about not being a hoarder is true. And it’s important to know this because scientists used to believe there’d be a “sea of dust, possibly a mile in thickness,” on the moon. But why would they think such nonsense. Because they based their calculations on nonsense.

Specifically, that the moon is billions of years old.

And if it was, maybe it would have hoarded…uh, accumulated that much dust. But once we landed men on the moon, they discovered there was only enough dust to make a footprint. Wow, that’s crazy. Except, it’s not crazy at all for a young moon.

Just in case you think our more “modern” science and scientific instruments might confirm the old moon hypothesis…nope. They have ways to measure how much meteoritic material lands on the moon. And recent measurements don’t support the old ideas.

But why is any of that important?

Well, it’s not if you don’t care about truth and eternity and your soul.

But just in case you do, it might be a good idea to examine where you put your faith. Is it in so-called “science” that’s more and more debunked with each passing year? Or is it in information that’s more and more confirmed with each passing year?

Or better yet, is your faith in The Truth?

If you’ve followed me or listened to my podcast for any length of time, you know where my faith is. And you know you and I and everyone else get to choose. And as a wise one once said,

“I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life, that both you and your descendants may live”

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.

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OK, it’s a new day. And this is the day to get started on your life, if you haven’t already. I’m talkin’ about your abundant life. The life that’s yours for the asking. But seriously, get started today. Because tomorrow is too late. And that’s a guarantee.

You absolutely can’t do a darn thing about yesterday. It’s gone. Let it go.

And tomorrow doesn’t exist. It’s a concept. A word we use to wrap our minds around the continuation of time. So, don’t try to base your life and decisions on a day that doesn’t exist.

Here’s the way I put it a long time ago: “Today is tomorrow’s yesterday and yesterday’s tomorrow.”

(By the way, you can get it on a t-shirt. Click here Today.)

And I’ve talked about this, in some way or another, several times over the years. But you might be one of those people who’s worried about the future. If you do, and you’re a Christian, you’re sinning. Because Jesus said, “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.” And He didn’t say that just to hear himself talk.

If you worry about the future, and you’re not a Christian, you’ve got bigger fish to fry. Because your soul is in danger.

And tomorrow is too late to do anything about it.

Maybe today is so difficult that you prefer to live in the past or the future. If so, I encourage you to take a close look at where your focus is. And see if it’s all on you and your problems. And if life feels too hard to even get up off the couch, chair, or bed, then stop relying on feelings.

Have you ever heard of the “Apostle Paul?” If not, please look for him in the Bible. You can find his letters (aka epistles…aka “books”) in the New Testament section. And if you’re not even sure where that is, open a Bible and turn right and don’t stop till you get there.

You’ll find out about Paul in the “book of Acts.”And his letters go from the next book, Romans, through another book called “Philemon”. (that’s pronounced Fy lee mun by the way). Paul said many things I love. And one of my favorites is, “I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus“.

In other words, keep looking up where the prize is, not here in your problems.

One more thing””love your neighbor as yourself”. And when should you start? Say it with me…

Today is the day you’ve been waiting for…today.
Tomorrow is too late, so please don’t wait.
Today is the day. Concentrating on today
You’ll accomplish more in life, don’t hesitate.

Here’s the link to that uncool t-shirt again

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I’ve shared some of my stories about the beginnings of my writing journey in life. How, at first, my writing was a way to impress “the ladies.” And then I looked for any and every opportunity to drive around the countryside in Kansas and Texas…to find subjects to write about.

My “write about” is sort of like Crocodile Dundee’s walkabout.

It’s therapeutic. Good for my mental health. Necessary, you might say. At least it’s necessary for a brain overflowing with ideas about words and where to put them.

So, as I go through my daily life, regardless of what’s going on, some part of my brain is sorting out words. I can’t shut it off. Not that I want to. And sometimes it feels like I’m a spectator to the process. Watching myself on write about, working it out.

But other times life tosses an idea at me. And I have to stop and write it down. Or, thanks to modern technology, and the convenience of having a high resolution camera on me at all times, I snap a photo for future reference.

That happened one day back in 2013. When I rounded a curve in the road near my home in the Denver, Colorado area. It was right at dusk. And the sun had set over the Rockies. But the orange glow was still shooting up from behind the mountains. And the glow illuminated some wispy clouds that had formed into what I saw as a lady in a turn-of-the-century hat.

So, naturally, I snapped a photo. And I finished my write-about and went home and wrote…

The Lady in the Hat

The lady in the hat, today,
Was happy where she sat, today,
While doing this and that, today,
And then she had to scat away.

The hat she wore was bright, today,
A pink and cool blue sight, today.
It shone against twilight, today,
And then she lit off right away.

I saw her just by chance, today.
I took a second glance, today,
A happy happenstance, today,
And then she had to dance away.

I caught the lady’s look, today.
Her photograph I took, today.
My errand I forsook, today”
Perhaps there’ll be a book someday.

© 2013 Tony Funderburk

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I don’t remember if I’ve shared this before. But this morning, while reading some creation science material, I recalled some fun times in the shallow end of the pool during those long ago summers in Kansas. Not because I couldn’t swim; I completed lifeguard training. No, my memories were about tossing my little brother, who’s nearly ten years younger than me, up in the air so he could splash into the water.

He was only about 4. So, he spent his pool time in the shallow end.

And that’s sort of a metaphor for life. You start out young and empty-headed. So your thoughts and actions are shallow and limited. But then you gain more knowledge and experience, and you (hopefully) leave the shallow end and head for deeper meaning.

OR…

You insist on splashing around in shallow thoughts. Believing the same, small, regurgitated (and debunked) theories. Those theories that give you a false sense of “security.” Theories that buoy you with hot air, like water wings in the kiddie pool, so you can float effortlessly into oblivion.

But your shallow thoughts are like shallow meteorites. In case you’ve never heard of them, they’re pretty much every meteorite that has ever landed on Earth. Because experts (people who actually look for such things) have discovered that meteorites are almost always found very close to the Earth’s surface.

In fact, eve after lots and lots (and lots) of searching, they just don’t find them deep in the ground. And that includes searches in the Grand Canyon (which is a mighty deep hole in the ground in case you never knew) and through materials from coal processing plants.

Since meteorites are only found in young sediments, that’s a good indication our blue planet is young.

Before you think about jumping on my case for over-simplifying this notion, I’ll say it first. Yes, I’m over-simplifying it. Because there are way too many people in the shallow end of the pool when it comes to information like this. So, I don’t wanna dive into deep scientific research and studies.

I just wanna get the swimming lessons started.

Because you gotta dog paddle before you can power swim. Even in the pool of deep thoughts.

But if you’re interested in discovering more, I highly recommend Dr. Walt Brown’s book, “In The Beginning.” I’m not an affiliate. So, I don’t recommend it to make money. I recommend it to make a difference. And the vast amount of quality information you’ll find, by this PhD. from M.I.T. is priceless.

Dive into the deeper thoughts.
Your brain can comprehend;
At least if you allow it to.
Just leave the shallow end.

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When it comes to music and lyrics, I like putting things together that just sound good together. And I don’t particularly care if they truly go together in real life. Especially when I write songs for kids. Because those songs are supposed to have magical powers. And that’s what I had in mind when I composed the island designs for the song “Island Day.”

And those island designs started out as a theme song.

Back in 2001-2004, I sang just about every night in restaurant with an island, reggae, calypso, Latin fusion, steel drums theme. My repertoire included songs from Bob Marley, Jimmy Buffett, UB40, and lots more. Even original by yours truly.

And I came up with an idea for a theme song for the restaurant. But due to extenuating circumstances, the connection was never made.

So, I changed the lyrics and focused on an audience of kids. Because I had a collection of fun and goofy songs for kids in the works at the time. I’ve mentioned it here on the website, a few times, in the past couple of weeks. It’s called Kiddin’ Around.

And the 7th song in the collection is Island Day. The lyrics are filled with tropical sounding things. Like a mango tree. And a starfish and a toucan and a dolphin. Then, there’s talk about sailing the seven seas. And a parrot and a big, blue whale, and a king crab, and a swordfish.

Plus I sing about tropical places like Caribbean and Florida destinations.

And I sing all these island designs to a reggae-ish beat.

Now, the song, Island Day, and the nine other songs in the collection, are in a songbook (which is also a coloring book and drawing book). And you (or even someone who looks like you) can get a brand new copy of the book and sing along to all the songs.

What’s that you say? You don’t have the songs? Well, you will when you get the book. Because it has a super secret link to a free download of all the songs that go with the lyrics and pictures in the book.

How’s that for analog AND digital cool?!

So, don’t delay even one more island day. And get your copy of the Kiddin’ Around songbook (which is also a coloring book and drawing book) at the link below.

Oh, oh, oh.
It’s an island day
Oh, oh, oh.
Sail your cares away
Oh, oh, oh.
‘Cross the seven seas
Oh, oh, oh.
On a clear cool Breeze

© 2008 Tony Funderburk

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Back when I used to perform, nightly, in an island-themed restaurant, one of the crowd favorites was a song by Jimmy Buffett. The lyrics talked about volcanoes erupting and what would happen when they do. Words like, “Ground she’s movin’ under me…Tidal waves out on the sea…Sulphur smoke up in the sky…Pretty soon we learn to fly.”

And then the chorus said, “I don’t know where I’m a-gonna go when the volcano blow.”

If you’re a Jimmy Buffett fan (aka “parrot head”), then you’ve probably heard that song lots of times. And I can tell you I sure played it lots of times. Not as many times as “Margaritaville” (ay yi yi), but lots.

Anyway…

I didn’t show up, today, to talk about Mr. Buffett.

So, let me get back to those volcanoes erupting.

Did you know they shoot out almost a cubic mile of ash, lava, and other stuff every year? I knew it was a lot. But I didn’t know it was that much. Until I read it in Dr. Walt Brown’s book, “In the Beginning.” And he said that, “At this rapid rate, about 10 times the entire volume of Earth’s sedimentary rock should be produced in 4.5-billion years.”

But then he explained how “only about 25% of Earth’s sediments are of volcanic origin.”

And while that might still seem like a lot, it’s not how much should be there if volcanoes had been erupting for 4.5 billion years. Dr. Brown also shared how volcanoes blew their tops a lot more in the past. In other words, they’ve slowed down a lot in recent history.

I wrote and sang about the silliness of the theory of evolution in my song “Fast Forward.” And, in the bridge of the song, I asked…

So, what does it all mean?
And why should we care?
That we didn’t come from slime!
And there’s a God out there!

Yeah, worldviews matter. Because your idea or ideas for how we all got here can have eternal consequences. Bad theories lead to bad choices and bad consequences. But if you truly don’t care about any of that, then I hate to think about where you’re gonna go when the volcano blow.

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Some friends and I went to Santa Fe, New Mexico, way back in 1982, for a ski trip. And when we got there, we took a drive out into the surrounding mountains to see how the “locals” lived. If you’ve never been to that part of the country, I recommend it. Because the scenery is unusual, the history is interesting, and the sunsets are some of the best you’ll ever see. But something else we saw was inspiration for a line in my song, Keepin’ It Real, Baby.”

As we drove through the winding roads, a young dad and mom were out for a morning walk with their little tow-headed toddler. And as we got up close, we all noticed the almost perfectly round rosy cheeks on the little kid. The rosy glow was so round on his cheeks it almost looked like makeup had been applied. But it was just the brisk morning air on a light-skinned, healthy little boy.

And that memory has never left me.

Fast forward to the first few years of this century, and I added that memory to a song I wrote for one of the stores who carried my music for kids. I discovered they change location from when we were associated with them. But they’re still around.

Anyway…

I thought about ideas that relate to kids and keepin it real.

And so, I started the song with a line about that little boy in Santa Fe, “Got the rosy, round cheeks of red.” Then, I thought about how kids sort of become the center of the universe for parents. At least for a little while. But let’s keep it real, right. Even that little rosy cheeked center of the universe gets distracted by his mom’s purse.

After that, I pictured how parents painstakingly dress up those little dolls of theirs…only to watch ’em sit in the mud. Or spill their drinks and food. Or even worse, sit on, and smash, something that Grandma loves.

But, in the end, when we’re keepin’ it real, none of the troubles beats the joy of having little kids around. Right?

Yeah, lookin’ good is a piece of cake,
When there’s always time for a bathroom break.
Keepin it real baby… Keepin it real baby

© 2008 Tony Funderburk

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My wife and I never had kids. And the reasons are complicated. Because we love kids. Well, most kids. Well, some kids. Just kidding. We DO love kids. And I’m telling you all of this because I think kids learn more than most people give them credit for these days.

And I’ve witnessed when kids learn more.

So, I know it’s true. But I should clarify. Because I’m not talkin’ about the old trio of readin’, ritin’, and ‘rithmatic. No, I think it’s important to see and understand how much kids watch us adults. And it’s crucial to know and understand how much of what they see in us they’ll do.

But sadly, I see sooo many adults cursing around kids. And telling vulgar jokes. And smoking weed. Then, the whole family gathers around the living room big screen to watch more of the same. And then it’s no wonder that little, innocent children become rude, crude, and tattooed before they’re even teenagers.

But, like I said…I’ve seen the opposite, too. And it’s so awesome when I’m around young people whose parents taught them the importance of learning. Not just turning enough pages in public school to get by. But actually learn.

And I believe even young kids should be taught how important they are. And how unique. Because they’re each one-of-a-kind creations of the one, true, living loving God of all creation.

So, that’s why I try not to ever write “down” to little kids. Because my goal is to lift them up. And lift their eyes, their souls, and their spirits upward, so they can KNOW how God made them to be…

Younique

OK, look at your fingers, and what do you see?
Look at them now, and don’t point them at me.
On each of your fingers you have fingertips.
Maybe your mom touched hers to your lips.

Your fingertips make their very own prints
Like no one’s before and no one else since.
It’s true of the billions of people on earth.
It means you have value. It means you have worth.

And something inside you too tiny to see
Says you will be you and never be me.
It was God who designed it and made it that way.
He gave you a code, and it’s called DNA.

It controls if your eyes will be brown, green, or blue.
It makes you a human, not an odd kangaroo.
And under a microscope what do we find?
That your DNA makes you into one-of-a-kind.

OK, never forget to remember this news…
There will never be three or even two you’s.
And even the voice you use when you speak
Will show the whole world you’re truly unique.

© 2015 Tony Funderburk

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