Tony Funderburk Posted on by

There’s a scene, in “Stir Crazy,” a movie from 1980 with Gene Wilder and Richard Pryor, where Gene’s character says, “We bad. Yeah we bad.” Back in 1980 I thought the movie was funny. Today, I’d probably see it’s not a movie you and I should watch. So, I don’t recommend it…at all.

But the “we bad” part popped into my brain because of a Psalm.

On the surface, that might sound odd. But I’m grateful when that happens. I like when something in the Bible sparks a memory and helps me put it in perspective. Or when something that goes on in the world reminds connects my thoughts to a Bible passage.

Because when those things happen, it means I’m not a hopeless case. I’m not lost and hurdling toward eternal torment. And that’s because my Creator’s love and mercy are able to vaporize my wickedness.

David, who was one of the most famous kings of Israel (and a fellow songwriter), wrote Psalm 36 on this very topic. It’s about our wickedness (Yeah, we bad!) and God’s perfections.

I love how David would often juxtapose human shortcomings with the ways God overcomes them. And in Psalm 36 it sounds like David is using himself to describe man’s wickedness. He says the wicked person has “no fear of God before his eyes.” And that “he flatters himself in his own eyes.”

Then, he really gets to the heart of his own problems when he says, “He has ceased to be wise and to do good. He devises wickedness on his bed.”

Yeah, David was the guy who slew Goliath and led his country. God said David was a man after His own heart. But then David had an affair with Bathsheba. And he added sin upon sin by devising a way to have her husband killed in battle. Yeah, that’s pretty wicked alright.

But, thankfully, the Psalm doesn’t end there.

Then, David said God’s “faithfulness reaches to the clouds.” And he said “Your righteousness is like the great mountains.” And he adds how God preserves “man and beast.” Then David acknowledges how “precious” God’s “lovingkindness” is.

But the lines I like the most are when he says, “…the children of men put their trust under the shadow of Your wings. They are abundantly satisfied with the fullness of Your house, And You give them drink from ithe river of Your pleasures. For with You is the fountain of life; In Your light we see light.”

And once he poetically expresses his appreciation for what God does for us, David then asks God to help him resist wickedness. And that’s just about the most effective type of prayer you can pray. Because it shows you understand your weakness and God’s strength. That’s called humility.

And humility is the key to God’s love and mercy and His heart. Grab that key and open that door today.

So, when the troubles of this world get you down, look up”
When the trials of this world pull you in, shout out”
Take hope”it’s free. From God to you and me”
Keepin’ Jesus within we’re never really without.

Stay tuned,

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I’m not makin’ this up. And there really and truly was an ensemble group, back in the 60’s, named “The New Christy Minstrels.” And they really sang a song called “Green Green.” Nice harmonies. And family friendly. But, of course, by today’s so-called “standards,” it was pretty lame.

But I’ll take pretty lame green green over puke green modern pop music.

Any day.

And speaking of pretty lame, I’ve got my own lame green song. It includes green coconuts, palm trees, seas, and a green klutz.

But that ain’t all, my lame-lovin’ loonies. Not by a long shot.

This song also has a green canoe on a green lake, green tea, and even green mint cake. And we’re just gettin’ warmed up. Are you sitting down? Because this song also has green kids with green grins. And a green doorbell. And they’re all connected to the star of the song, the klutzy Green Monkey.

Yeah, I know. That’s a lotta green.

And the inspiration for the song was another retail store for kids’ goodies. They called their store Green Monkey. But don’t do a search for it. Because nowadays you’ll just find cannabis stores and yoga. Now, that’s lame.

Here’s a video demo of all the songs in the Kiddin’ Around collection. And you should scroll on down after you watch it, to the link below. Because that’s where you can get some special kid their very own Kiddin’ Around songbook (which is also a coloring book and drawing book).

And when you get the book, you’ll find a super secret link where you can download all these songs (for no green whatsoever) and sing along.

Who can eat green coconuts
And trip on the shell like a big, green klutz?
Who can climb up the green palm trees
And dive into the deep, green seas?
Green Monkey…yeah, yeah.
Green Monkey…that’s who

© 2007 Tony Funderburk

Stay tuned,

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The Green Monkey says you should click here and get your kid the Kiddin’ Around songbook today.

Tony Funderburk Posted on by

Doubt and worry. Yeah, they show up, a lot, when guys and girls first experience “love.” Because, when you’re young, with a brain full of crazy ideas, and a body full of hyped-up hormones, you don’t tend to make the best choices.

Of course, there’s a better way to deal with doubt and worry and love.

But I’ll get to that in a minute.

Right now I wanna share why this came up, in my mind, today. I saw a blurb, online, that talked about a music tour, back in 1957, that included some pretty famous singers. And the blurb mentioned how exactly 64 years ago today (August 2) Buddy Holly’s song, “That’ll Be The Day,” was at #2 on the music charts.

And he was on his first major tour with some well-known acts like, The Cadillacs, Edna McGriff, Otis Rush, Lee Andrews & The Hearts, Oscar & Oscar, The G-Clefs, and Clyde McPhatter.

I saw that last name, Clyde McPhatter, and thought to myself, “Hmm…where have I heard that name before?”

And my self immediately replied, “Wake up, dude! You used to sing his biggest hit. Duh!”

Oh yeah. “A Lover’s Question.” Mr. McPhatter’s song even went to number 1 on the R&B chart for a week. And it’s a song about the doubt and worry found in young and new love.

Check out the first two verses…

Does she love me, with all her heart?
Should I worry, when we’re apart?
It’s a lover’s question, I’d like to know.

Does she need me, as she pretends?
Is this a game, well then will I win?
It’s a lover’s question, I’d like to know

“Does she love me with all her heart?” And “Does she need me as she pretends?” Definitely questions from a young guy who lacks confidence. Then, the lyrics follow that up with sort of a combination bridge/chorus that’s just as unsure.

I’d like to know when she’s not with me, if she’s still true to me.
I’d like to know when we’re kissing…does she feel just what I feel?
And how am I to know it’s really real?

Back when I traveled across America, as a full-time musician, A Lover’s Question was part of my repertoire. My favorite part of the song was when my vocal went to a falsetto to repeat the third verse. That’s where I followed more along the style of Kenny Loggins from the Loggins and Messina remake of the song.

And it was songs like A Lover’s Question that helped to bail me out when I played venues where they wanted more “country music” than I had in my repertoire. Which was a big relief. If you know me, you know why.

So, back to that better way to deal with a lack of courage in the matter of love.

My suggestion is…build relationships God’s way. No, He doesn’t have an instruction manual on the fine art of dating. But He DOES have an instruction manual, second to none, for how to live an abundant life.

And there’s a line, in that manual, that talks about how you should do to others as you would like them to do to you. So, if you’re fine with being treated badly, then you can certainly expect it when you treat others badly. But don’t be surprised if (and when) your head fills up with doubt and worry.

Stay tuned,

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Happy August 1, 2021. Welcome to the last month of those summer days. Also, according to some calendars, today is American Family Day. So, let’s celebrate it with some fun facts about the good ol’ American family. Here you go…

  • Approximately 3 out of 4 American families don’t consist of the traditional “nuclear family.”
  • More than half the kids, born in America this year, will live in a single-parent household.
  • About half of the marriages in America are likely to end in divorce this year.
  • The divorce rate in America is one of the highest in the world.
  • More women are the breadwinners of their family, now, than at any other time in history,
  • AND more men are stay-at-home caregivers than at any other time in history.
  • There are just about the same amount of women as men in the workforce.
  • A large percentage of U.S children live in a household where both parents work every day.

 

Yikes! Those statistics don’t bode well for American Family Day.

They might have to change the name to American Family Remembrance Day.

Here’s a little unsolicited advice I shared, from about 6 years ago, about the responsibilities of family members. It was aimed at teaching kids about it. But it’s good advice for every family member.

“God wants the dad of the family to be good and love each one in the family. There’s a place in the Bible where it says dads should love their wives and children“and be good to them.

God wants moms to love their husbands and respect them. And moms should love their children and be good to them, too.

God wants children to obey their parents. He says obey them in all things. That means even when you don’t understand why they tell you no, you need to obey. Parents are not supposed to just yell and torment kids. Kids can get discouraged so easily. Instead, parents should encourage kids to do good things.

If everyone in the family remembers how much God loves them, they can share that love. And sharing love pleases God. So, you see how having a family teaches you about love? I hope so.

Of course, you don’t have to do it God’s way. But then you’ll probably end up as part of those statistics above.

And here’s a rhyme to help you remember”

Encourage one another
In the big and little things.
Your sister and your brother,
Mom, and Dad are blessings.”

Stay tuned,

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If you’d like to end up all alone, in this life, it’s really easy to do. Just be mean to everybody. And I could reduce the advice to just two words.

Be mean.

Yeah, I like to keep it simple. But guess what? There will be people who will do everything in their power to complicate something that simple. And they’ll ask questions like…

“Well, what exactly does mean…mean?” Or they’ll say, “What’s mean to you might be somebody else’s nice.” Or they’ll take the other route and say, “Hey, if you can’t handle my way, then get out of the way.” And then, politicians will get involved. And there’ll be committees, debates, bills drafted, and laws passed.

Of course, that could all be avoided by following the advice I shared in a song for kids. And it’s also two words to keep it super simple.

Be nice.

In the song I ask “where’s the fun” in being mean? And I answer the question with how you’ll end up all alone because even good friends eventually won’t stand for it.

But it’s funny (funny odd…not funny ha-ha) how most people, these days, prefer the “edgy” approach. And they certainly don’t wanna let their guard down and smile and greet others on the street. That wouldn’t be “street.”

And I think the whole cold, edgy persona thing comes from a rebellion against something else. “Be nice” is too close to “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” And that sounds too much like religious stuff. So, put on the dark shades and hip hop cap with a skull on it and get your walk down. Because, you know, street.

But, in the song, I say “be willing to pay the price.” And you could start a new habit, not a sacrifice. Sure, it’s part of a collection of songs for kids. But the advice is also good for adult kids who never grew up.

So, there you have it. A little inside story as to why I wrote a song called Be Nice. And why I believe, in the long run (and by long I mean eternal) it’s a far superior way to live than to just be mean because you can. But if you wanna end up alone, that’s your choice.

What do you think of my “street” sales pitch? Are you ready to get the Kiddin’ Around Songbook (which is also a coloring and drawing book) for kids? It has all the lyrics to the songs, pages with things to color, and blank pages for drawing. And it has a super secret link to a free download of all the songs. And speaking of links, go get the book at the link below.

Do you really want your cake and eat it too
Or wouldn’t you be fine with just a slice?

…be nice.

Stay tuned,

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Be nice and get your kid the Kiddin’ Around songbook today.

 

Tony Funderburk Posted on by

Sure, it sounds harsh to say out loud. But God is not all about forgiveness. So, if you’re a Christian who says that, stop. Because you give unbelievers a false sense of security. And you parrot the hypocritical words of the world system of “judge not” theology. If you truly wanna show the hope of God’s love that’s inside you, then show the world how God loves, forgives, AND judges.

Those hypocritical words also demonstrate a weak god.

And the God, who only had to speak words and all the universe exploded into existence, is the antithesis of weakness. Yes, He forgives. But not everybody. In fact, most people, who ever lived, will not be forgiven. And for one simple reason. They didn’t ask for forgiveness.

And the unbelieving world constantly hears the milquetoast message that God is love, God is all about forgiveness. But they don’t hear that God judges the world. And they don’t hear how He finds the world lacking. And they don’t hear how He’ll one day destroy Earth. He’ll burn it up. Because it’s broken by our sin.

No, the world doesn’t hear that. At least not from most Christians.

So, the world doesn’t hear the message of how “the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.” And, as a result, they don’t understand that phrase. It sounds just plain mean.

I’m not saying you gotta go ’round constantly preaching fire and brimstone. Far from it. But not so far from it that no one understands the reality of fire and brimstone. If you love your fellow human beings, you’ll tell them God truly does exist. And that He loves those who love Him. AND that He’ll harshly judge those who don’t.

It’s even OK to pray for the destruction of those who don’t love God.

“What did this guy just say?!”

Yeah, it’s true. Or let’s put it this way. If it’s not OK to pray for the destruction of the enemies of God, then somebody needs to remove a bunch of David’s Psalms from the Bible.

Kind of odd, though, how David seemed so awesome, but he sang such mean songs.

Oh well. What are you gonna do?

I guess just blot out those passages in the Bible and get out there and forgive everybody. Or…

Let their way be dark and slippery,
All the ones who’d dare do harm to me.
And let God judge them righteously,
Destroying those too blind to see.

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I wasn’t even a teenager, and rock music, for the most part, wasn’t played in my Dad’s house. How’s that for an icebreaker? Well, that scenario sets up something that happened back in 1966. A band, named  Cream made their live debut in Manchester, England. Just three guys. But they put out some heavy, hard-hitting music. And they had the distinction of having the world’s first platinum-selling double album. Wheels of Fire.

But who were those three guys on the Wheels of Fire album?

Um…nobody very famous. Unless you think Ginger Baker was famous. Or unless you think Jack Bruce was famous. Or maybe you think Eric Clapton was famous. Yeah, there you go. Now, it’s ringin’ a bell.

And the reason any of this is on my radar (well, there are a couple of reasons) is because that live debut of Cream happened on this day in 1966. July 29. 55 years ago. And after all that time, Cream still has one of the most recognizable guitar licks in rock music. On the song, Sunshine of Your Love.

But besides all that trivia stuff, something else caught my attention recently. Eric Clapton says he won’t play venues that require the covid vaccination. Well, I’m not gonna save my enthusiasm till After Midnight. Because I think there must be Tears (of joy) in Heaven right about now.

Sorry, I just couldn’t resist the Clapton hits puns.

But seriously. I’m encouraged that there are still a few well-known celebrities with some brain function out there. And I’m sure Eric isn’t totally lined up with his Creator. But when you use wisdom and stand up against the so-called status quo, it’s impressive. And it’s even more impressive when it’s someone who you would normally figure is on the exact opposite of the spectrum on issues like this.

So…I raise my cup of special, caffeinated brew to Mr. Clapton. And I’ll enjoy an added splash of heavy cream.

Get wise to the deceiver.
Don’t harken to his lies.
And keep commanding understanding.
Get wisdom; yeah get wise.

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For a few years, back in the early 2000’s, my CD’s of personalized songs for kids were in retail stores all around Colorado. We sold thousands of them. And I still get funny comments from parents, once in a while, who bought those CD’s for their kids. They say something like, “I don’t know if I should thank you or wring your neck.” And they say that because they had to hear those songs over and over. But that’s only because the songs are funny. And kids love funny.

My kids songs are funny. But they’re not cutesy.

And I’m not just sayin’ that. Because the owner of one of the stores that carried my CD’s said it. In fact, she sent a review that said, “Our customers tell us they really like the way the songs aren’t cutesy or singing “down”to their kids. You’ll love the way your child’s face lights up. What could be better?”

And as a thank you to her for that encouraging review, I wrote a song (in the “Kiddin’ Around” collection) with the name of her store as the title. “Monkey Doodles.” She and her husband have since retired from the kids store business. But the name lives on in the song.

I came up with the lyrics to the song by thinking about what little monkeys (aka human kids) would doodle. And what colors they’d use. Because little boys and girls don’t care much about “rules” when it comes to coloring. They just like colors. And they love to let their imagination run wild and free.

So, that’s what I did.

And, as a result, you’ll find green skies, yellow donkeys, and purple poodles. There’s even a blue horse and a lemon thunderbolt. But it’s all for fun. Because I love to see kids having fun.

Matter of fact, I enjoy it so much, I’ve created a few songbooks (which are also coloring and drawing books) for kids. And one of them is the “Kiddin’ Around” songbook. The lyrics to all the songs are on the opening pages. And then there are lots of other pages for coloring and drawing. But the best part is…

The super secret link. And that’s the link to the free download of all the songs in the book. So, kids don’t just get a book with words and pictures. They also get music to listen to while they color and draw. And when you click or tap the link, below, your “Kiddin’ Around” book will be on its way to you faster than you can say…

“Monkey Doodles”

They don’t look real when they’re done…
Monkey Doodles…
Just for fun.

Stay tuned,

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Get your kid the Kiddin’ Around songbook (just for fun) today.

 

Tony Funderburk Posted on by

Little kids are just so naturally nice to each other. Have you noticed that? And if you wanna see a little slice of Heaven on Earth, just put some of them together in a room with a big toy box and no adults. It’s the picture of perfection. And it’s the reason I wrote a little kids song about how well they get along.

Parents of little kids are probably rolling their eyes right about now.

Because they know the exact opposite of what I said is true. And if you listen to “Stop Buggin’ Me,” from my “Kiddin’ Around” collection of kids songs, you’ll hear me sing the opposite. All I had to do for inspiration was think back to my own childhood days. And watch little kids in their natural habitat.

Because it doesn’t matter what generation it is or was, kids don’t tend to be naturally nice. They bug each other. Boys like to annoy girls. And vice versa.

So, I came up with a song about it. And I started a phrase that’s been around for who knows how long. “Stop buggin’ me.” Then, I thought about what boys do to bug girls. And I thought about reactions girls would have and what they might say when boys bug them. Finally, I tied it all together with actual bugs.

When your kids listen to “Stop Buggin’ Me,” they’ll hear about flies and spiders and worms. And beetles and locusts and fleas. And even centipedes and gnats. Yeah, plenty of flying, creeping, crawling, squiggly, squirming bugs.

Little kids get the biggest kick out of it.

I don’t know why. I just know they do. Because I’ve seen it over and over. And if you wanna see it, too, then all you gotta do is click or tap the link below. When you do, I’ll stop buggin’ you about it.

Stop buggin me…stop buggin me.
You’re a fumble bumblebee.
You’re a flicky flaky flea.

Stay tuned,

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Get your Kiddin’ Around songbook (full of bugs) today.

 

Tony Funderburk Posted on by

I read a description of the phrase, heart on your sleeve, and it sure fits a lot of namby pamby people these days. Because it said the phrase means everyone can see your emotions no matter how hard you try to hide them. And it also said, if you’re the kind of person who’s heart is on your sleeve, you get hurt easily “by others who disregard your emotions.”

Oh brother.

Please tell me you’re not that kind of person (although I’m certain that somewhere close to 100% of my readers and listeners aren’t).

Because, here’s the thing.

There will be people who will disregard your emotions. And they will exist your whole life. And they will project their own shortcomings onto anyone who gets “hurt easily.” Because they can. Also because misery loves company.

For example, do you wear your heart on your sleeve when it comes to “race?”

Apparently there are still some people (and when I say “some people,” I mean almost everybody) who believe there are multiple races of human beings. I know that sounds like crazy talk to true thinkers. But the fallacy persists. Humans just can’t seem to be happy unless they’re making others miserable.

And the reason I bring it up is because I came across an article about the so-called “racism” of the story of Little Black Sambo. Wow. Talk about people with hearts on their sleeves. And talk about feelings getting easily hurt.

In the first place, the story is simple. A little boy overcomes tigers and they end up as butter for his pancakes. And it just so happens, the little boy has dark skin.

Sure, you can take that story, or some of the sillier illustrations that have been connected to it, and turn it into something “racist.” Because…well…because you can make almost anything “racist” if that’s the sort of thing you’re into.

But if that’s the sort of thing you’re into, you’ve got way too much time on your hands.

And you might even find opportunities to turn my “Kiddin’ Around” songbook into something “racist” if you work at it. Because one of the stories (which is also a song) is called “Don’t.” It’s a list of things little kids should not do. But there’s a twist. It’s a list of things can’t do. Like, don’t grab a tiger by the tail.

Uh-oh, did he say “tiger?”

Yeah, there might be something racist in the “hidden meaning.” So, if things like that can set you off, then you probably won’t like my songbook (which is also a coloring book and drawing book) for kids.

In that case, you can skip the link below. But if you won’t wear your heart on your sleeve like that, I know you and your kids will enjoy Kiddin’ Around.

Don’t grab a tiger by the tail.
And don’t go dancin’ with a whale.
Don’t rub elbows with snake,
And don’t eat cornflakes with a rake.

(excerpt from the song)

Stay tuned,

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Get your special, silly kid the Kiddin’ Around songbook today.

 

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Happiness and trust go hand in hand. And if you haven’t found that to be true, then I wonder where you put your trust. Or I wonder if you’re truly happy.

Because I know where the perfect happiness and trust connection is.

But it doesn’t just fall out of the sky and land on your head or in your lap. No. You gotta look for it. And you gotta develop it. And you gotta learn more and more about it. Because the happiness and trust I’m talkin’ about is found in only one place.

Your Creator.

Yeah, that’s right. I said YOUR Creator. And that’s because the Truth doesn’t depend on whether or not you believe it. The Truth is, was, and always will be the Truth. You can trust Truth to always be.

And that’s where the happiness comes in.

King David (that Jewish king from olden days) wrote about how people, who trust in God, find true happiness. He wrote about it, during a time when he pretended to be crazy, and you can find his words in Psalm 34.

As I read that Psalm, just a little while before I shared this with you, my own song version of it came into my head. So, I recommend you read David’s words. And then mine. And then…be happy.

Happiness

Come you children, and listen to me…
(Hap-pi-ness)
Fear of the Lord is the way to see…
(Hap-pi-ness)
Who is the one who desires life and
(Hap-pi-ness)
Long days are from the Creator’s hand…
(Hap-pi-ness)
No evil words, tame your fiery tongue
(Hap-pi-ness)
Flee from deceit, live forever young
(Hap-pi-ness)

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Elgielene and I never had kids. Not because we didn’t want them. But there were complications. And that’s another story I’m not gettin’ into right now. But I’ve had somewhere around 30 nieces and nephews to observe. So, I’ve seen enough silly things kids do to fill up an album.

And I DID fill up an album about the silly things kids do.

A few of those songs were named after stores who used to carry my CD’s of music for kids. And one of those was called “Apple Doodles,” and it was definitely about those silly things kids do. Like smearing peanut butter and jelly on their clothes. And gettin’ bubblegum stuck in their hair. Or annoying the adults with their water guns.

Yeah, that’s all in the Apple Doodles song. And it’s just one of ten songs on the “Kiddin’ Around” collection of fun kids music. I used to only sell the CD. But last year (2020) I compiled the lyrics into a book…which is also a coloring book and drawing book…and published the book on Amazon.

The book description there says…

“Kiddin’ Around is a collection of fun, goofy songs in one of the funnest sing along with me books you’re gonna find. Because when you open this book, somewhere inside is a link to all the downloadable free MP3s. There’s a song about all the things you’re not supposed to do…that you can’t do. Songs about monkeys, cool kids who gotta keep it real, islands, bellies, and even toys. You’ll enjoy watching your kids sing-along as they color and draw in this fun book, by author Tony Funderburk. Just what you’d expect from a writer whose last name starts with FUN.”

And here’s the thing…

The book has the lyrics to all the songs. Plus, there are plenty of drawing and coloring pages, too. And then, there’s a super secret link to download all the songs that go with the lyrics. For Fa-Ree. So, if you have silly kids or grandkids or nieces and nephews, or you know someone who does, the link to your songbook (which is also a coloring book and drawing book) for them.

You can’t help it if you’re cute
Dancin in your birthday suit…
AppleDoodles.

Get your special, silly kid the Kiddin’ Around songbook today.

Stay tuned,

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Tony Funderburk Posted on by

I was thinking, earlier today, about how someone who knew me 30 years ago (or more) might come to my website and wonder if it’s really me. Because back then I had very long hair, played secular music for a living, and didn’t exactly embody the exemplary Christian life. And that’s even though I was a Christian for quite some time before my secular music life.

But now I don’t put my Christian life on the back burner.

Because it’s the only life that’s actually…well…life. Everything else is a shadowy attempt at life. And that description is probably too generous.

After a couple of crash-and-burn long-term relationships, I decided I’d use my celebrity status to “play the field.” No women of the female, opposite sex persuasion were gonna tie me down. No sir! Been there. Done that. And got the burn marks across the ol’ heart. (Too bad it wasn’t just a t-shirt.)

So, I went the King David, Bathsheba route. And before you chime in (you know who you are) that doesn’t include sending some unsuspecting husband off to die while I had my way with his wife. No, my wild oats didn’t go that wild.

But just as I’m sure God wasn’t pleased with King David’s lack of wisdom, I’m sure He wasn’t pleased with mine either.

Thankfully, I eventually met a sizzlin’ babe who helped me see the errors of my ways. It wasn’t automatic. In fact, she shot me down for three years before I could convince her I wasn’t just another musician with a notion to conquer. And even then, she wanted to be sure I wasn’t a serial killer.

And all these years later, I find myself going the King David route. But not the Bathsheba part. The gratitude and praise part, to the Creator who spoke words and the universe exploded into being. David talked about it Psalm 33. And here’s my take on his writing…

Your Word Is True

With a shout of joy
Let’s sing a brand new song
Praising God as we stand here in awe
And we worship Him”
He is our help and shield
Giving Grace where we once had the law.

With our instruments
And overflowing joy
Send the words to the heavens above”
God forever stands
And He forever lives
And He promised us forever love.

Lord, we hope in You…We trust in You”
And we live in You…”˜Cause Your word is true.
Lord, we sing to you”We cling to you”
And we pray to you””˜Cause Your word is true.

With our waiting souls
And optimistic words
Let’s remember that Jesus is right
All His work is done”
It’s done in perfect Truth,
And we’ll live, if we walk in His light.

© 2010 Tony Funderburk

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As far as music and chord progressions go, “Pressure” is one of my favorite Billy Joel songs. The synthesizer melody line appeals to me. And his slightly off-the-beat lyrics fit the music very nicely. Being a keyboard player, Billy Joel was certainly on my radar. But it appears he doesn’t fully understand (and maybe doesn’t even care about) the pressure force he’ll face one day not so far away.

Yeah, I appreciate his musical accomplishments, but they could all amount to less than nothing.

And it doesn’t make me feel good to say that. In fact, it makes me sad to point out the potentially eternal shortcomings of such a gifted singer songwriter. But, according to a website that tracks celebrity atheists, here’s what Billy said about Jesus…

“Well, I wasn’t raised Catholic, but I used to go to Mass with my friends, and I viewed the whole business as a lot of very enthralling hocus-pocus. There’s a guy hanging upon the wall in the church, nailed to a cross and dripping blood, and everybody’s blaming themselves for that man’s torment, but I said to myself, “Forget it. I had no hand in that evil. I have no original sin Theres no blood of any sacred martyr an my hands. I pass on all of this.”

I can almost feel the pressure force building as I read that quote.

Doesn’t say much for that Catholic church, if that’s all a person gets out of a visit there. And it doesn’t say much for the person who visits the church and doesn’t look into the actual message more deeply. But so what. Who needs “a guy hanging on the wall in the church” when you’ve got yourself. Right?

And that’s apparently how Mr. Joel feels about it. At least if the lyrics in “Pressure” are an indicator.

“Don’t ask for help, You’re all alone
Pressure
You’ll have to answer To your own
Pressure”

And, of course, no self-respecting atheist feels complete until he attempts to ridicule those who’d dare believe and have faith in their Creator. Like these lines in “Pressure” –

“I’m sure you’ll have some cosmic rationale
But here you are with your faith
And your Peter Pan advice”

The cool thing about the Christian faith is, it isn’t (and certainly doesn’t have to be) just some esoteric, “cosmic rationale.”  Because the evidence for creation is literally everywhere on planet Earth. In fact, it’s literally everywhere IN planet Earth.

For example, excess fluid pressure (since we’re on that topic)

In case you haven’t noticed, or you just don’t track such things, there’s a lot of gas, oil, and water pressure underneath the surface of the Earth. And that might not seem like a big deal. But here’s the point. If those fluids had been trapped under there just 10,000 to 100,000 years ago (let alone millions of years) they would have leaked out a lot more. And there wouldn’t be such high pressure levels.

That’s reason number 73, out of the astronomical and physical sciences section in Walt Brown’s book, and it’s another indicator that the Earth is young. I’ll leave you with this parody of Billy Joel’s lyrics…

The oil and gas still under underground
Pressure
Push through the crust and all around
Pressure
So sad you trust your selfish argument
And put your faith all in you
And ignore God’s sacrifice.

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Whether you’re happy or not, have you spent any time, lately, making melody in your heart? And have you sung with grace in your heart? Not just to hear your voice. But because you love your Creator. You don’t have to feel bad if your answer is no. But you really should consider adding melody and grace to your routine.

There’s no rule about it. It’s not a law. In fact, it’s quite the opposite. But that’s even more reason I say it.

You really should consider adding melody to your routine.

Straight from your heart, they should flow from you to the One who made you. Because, no matter what your circumstances are right now, you are blessed beyond measure. And that goes double for me.

Of course, I realize you might be the person, reading this right now, who believes God has forgotten about you. Maybe it’s because you think He hasn’t heard and answered your prayers. Certainly not within your timeframe. But I heard someone put it this way, “if you don’t feel close to God, who moved?”

Life is full to overflowing with broken dreams, unfulfilled ideas, and obstacles of all shapes and sizes. But even in the midst of that…and even in the middle of political fraud, inflation, pretend pandemics, etc…I see blessings flowing all around.

Just in July I’ve witnessed friends taking vacations. And I’ve seen other friends enjoy large increases in their businesses. Plus, others have been to weddings. And still others have seen new babies join the family. (side idea: just in case you know someone who’s having twin girls, I suggest they name them Melody and Grace)

I know this might all just sound like the rambling of someone known for writing songs and poems. But I’m not the only one who thinks melody and grace should be in your heart. And a part of your regular routine.

Nope…

I’m actually in the rarified company of Paul, the apostle. He told the Ephesians they should be “making melody in your heart to the Lord.” And he told the Colossians they should be “singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.”

So, what do you think? Are you gonna add melody and grace to your daily routine? And don’t worry about your singing voice. No one needs to hear it but the One who created you.

If this was the last day of my life”
If this was the last sunrise I’d see”
I’d still thank the Lord for my days
And His abounding Grace to me.

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Way back in ’92-’93 I made the songwriters-in-the-round circuit in Nashville. Yeah, the one in Tennessee. And about 10 years ago, I shared a quick story about one of those nights when I sang a roses song. This is how I described it…

~I was almost always the only keyboard player on showcase nights. One of those nights I took an offbeat song with a key signature played mostly on the black keys. A guitar playing songwriter who sat behind me commented to the audience that he really liked it. And the host for the night had me play it again.~

That was a quick description. But there was more behind-the-scenes in the writing. Back then, in multiple genres, there were roses songs. Kathy Mattea had a hit with “Eighteen Wheels and a Dozen Roses.” And Dan Fogelberg recorded another one of his hits with “Run For The Roses,” a song about a horse in the Kentucky Derby.

And if you go back enough, you find tons of hit songs with roses in the title.

But I didn’t use any of them for inspiration. Mine just started with the offbeat key and chord progression. And I made myself think about what would fit into a “country song.”

And out popped my roses song about couples fighting and “making up”.

Roses To The Rescue

She says he’s not the boy he used to be.
He slams a door in a fit of disgust.
It’s bitter and crude; they’d better change their attitude
So another statistic bites the dust.

He says he’s sure he’s not the one to blame.
And she insists that it wasn’t her.
It’s all by the book; they’d better take another look
So another statistic won’t occur.

They need some”

Roses to the rescue…apologies and candlelight.
Roses to the rescue…’cause no one’s wrong and no one’s right.
If you hope to pass this ancient test , you…
Better find you some roses to rescue.

She says that he can just go sleep alone.
And he yells that would be just fine.
Well they need to know where this argument will go.
“˜Cause another statistic’s on the line.

They need some…
Chorus

I don’t know why they have to fight.
I only know it isn’t right…it isn’t right.
We need some”

Chorus..inst..repeat chorus to end

© 1992-2011 Tony Funderburk

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It’s not what you know, but who you know. And that’s always been true. But probably not like most people in the world think about it. But if you take the sum total of what most people in the world believe and put it in a basket, you’d still have lots of room left for eggs. Or bread. Or even flowers and berries. Whatever you prefer.

And let’s say you put that sum total in a hand basket.

Well, then you could put the whole world in. And you know where that world would be headed in that hand basket? I’m sure you can guess.

A few years ago I laid it out in 5 bullet points. Because it was important to know then. And it’s just as important to know now. Matter of fact, it will always be important to know. That it’s not what you know, or what you can do, that’s gonna ultimately keep you from hopelessness.

It’s always been, always is, and always will be Who you know.

You and I are not the sum total of our dollars, beauty, or “stuff”. And you and I are not the sum total of the monikers we wear through this life. You and I aren’t even the sum total of the varied opinions about us. Those don’t make us, and they shouldn’t break us.

And here are those bullet points again.

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

 

You are the sum total of where you position yourself for eternity.

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Kindness and grace are two qualities you’ll find in the best friend you’ll ever have. They’re not the only qualities, of course. But they assure you’ll sit in the most special, heavenly place. And that doesn’t interest you, then I feel sorry for you. And you can stumble off to some other temporary fix or empty promise.

But maybe you could use some kindness and grace in your life.

And by “you” I mean the person who wants to know that what’s going on, on planet Earth, isn’t all there is. The “you” who says, right out loud, “Oh man, surely, this can’t be all there is to life.”

Yeah, I’m talkin’ to you. Because your angst-filled statements are true. Even if they do come from a position of doubt and fear and questions. And I hope, when you hear how the one, true, living, loving God of all creation is kind-hearted and merciful, you’ll want to know more about Him.

But, maybe before I tell you how God loves you and how His grace gives you eternal life, I should tell you how high His standard is. Because He expects…no, I should say demands…one hundred percent perfection. And not just some of the time. No, it’s one hundred percent perfection one hundred percent of the time.

Now, that doesn’t sound so difficult. Right?

No, wait. That sounds impossible! And you know why it sounds impossible? Because it IS impossible. I’ve never met anybody who even came remotely close to that standard. Have you?

No, wait. Come to think of it, I DID meet one person who met that standard. I was around 13 years old. And I’d heard about that guy for most of my life. But I guess I just couldn’t bring myself to accept the perfection part. And how much it would mean to me.

I knew I sure liked the kind and wonderful stories I heard, though.

Of course, this is a thinly disguised reference to my Creator. Your Creator. THE Creator. And it’s crucial to understand how He’s the one who developed and wrote the individual code in to our DNA. He’s the one who gave you and me our one-of-a-kind fingerprints.

And most importantly, He’s the one whose kindness and grace provided our place in Heaven forever.

But if that’s not important to you, and you’ve read this far, you’ve certainly wasted a significant amount of your precious time. And if it’s not important what your Creator did for you, then, if I were you, I’d certainly get away from this Tony guy and stop wasting your time. Because you’ve got a very limited supply of it.

And you could (and should) be living it up with whatever time you have left before your long, dark, dirt nap.

As for me…

My joy is flowing out
Into your ocean.
Your grace rains down…in my open heart.

You take my hand
When the road is narrow,
And you’re my Light when things get dark.

(from the song “Shine in Your Glory” lyrics by Cristina Miller)

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Lots of people love to share what their superpower is. And many are doing that for fun. I get it. But, for a growing number of people (probably Marvel movie addicts) having a superpower isn’t just a funny thing to say. Because they believe that somehow, some way, some day, humans will figure out how to do it.

But humans will never get there.

But I know where actual superpower is.

And I know how that superpower can (and will) extend into me. And I’ll become immortal. Never to die again. But not because I found the special crystal. Or “holy grail.”

None of that nonsense will bring me immortality. Not even if I gathered all the the special power-filled stones and plugged them into a special one-of-a-king glove could I attain immortality.

Because immortality can only come from immortality.

But who cares? I might be just another one of those wackadoos with an agenda. Somebody who wants donations for a new “organization” or “church” where healings and miracles happen every day.

Yeah, that’s about the furthest from what I try to do here on TonyFunderburk dot com.

I just want anyone who’s seeking truth…anyone who might even stumble there way here…to know Truth exists. And it’s dependable. And it’s immortal. Because it comes from immortality. Or to put it better…from THE Immortal. Your one true, living, loving Creator.

The One who came to Earth as a man, took our sins on Himself, died a horrible death, and rose from the dead. He is where superpower is. And without Him…

You’re drowning in the murky mass opinion.
You’re gasping for a breath of fresher air.
Denial of the truth makes you a minion,
Denial of a life means you don’t care.

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In case you missed it, I talked about Elton John’s album, Honky Chateau, in my last post. And I mentioned how it was such an entertaining part of one of my early road trips. Well, a reader (and good friend), Greg, wrote a note to me about his memory of that album. And then he mentioned Elton’s next one, “Don’t Shoot Me, I’m Only The Piano Player.”

Greg said a friend of his turned him on to the Honky Chateau album. And they actually went to see Elton’s concert in their hometown. And Greg followed that up with, “Soon after, you’ll recall that Don’t Shoot Me was released which has always been my favorite album of Elton Porta-John’s.”

Yeah, you can tell, by the nickname, we agree that Elton’s music is enjoyable, but his lifestyle is gross.

“The Piano Player” album, from Elton, is another really good road trip memory.

I won’t take you through the lyrics, like I did with Honky Chateau, because I’d prefer to just recall the great memory. It completely centers around music…my favorite Earthly subject.

When, I was in high school choir, each year we went on choir tour. And choir members would sell World’s Finest Chocolate (that’s the name regardless of whether it’s true or not…it’s not) to raise funds for the tour. Because we’d charter a couple of buses and travel around Texas to put on choir concerts.

During my senior year I worked, after school and on Saturdays, at the local Sears. And I saved up enough dough to buy a really cool portable sound system. It was like a precursor to boom boxes, only cooler. Because mine played AM radio, FM radio, AND 8 tracks. And the system could be carried in one hand, or it could come apart in the middle so I could separate the speakers.

Like I said…really cool.

Anyway…

I brought that system along, on the bus, plus a few brand new 8 tracks. One of them was “Don’t Shoot Me, I’m Only The Piano Player” by Elton. And I continued my streak of learning every word to every song on every album of his. Starting with the 2 main hits from that collection, “Daniel” and “Crocodile Rock.”

Other kids brought 8 tracks, and we’d sing along to tons of music. Everything from Elton’s music to Chicago to Jesus Christ Superstar (Hey, don’t give me a hard time. We were young).

And despite how I’m vehemently opposed to Elton’s horrible lifestyle choice, I still give him credit. Because he’s the reason I decided to be the piano player instead of taking up some dorky guitar or other lame instrument. And his music inspired me to work through the process of teaching myself to play on a very old, out-of-tune upright.

So, even though I hate what Elton’s doing to himself and others, I love him enough to pray for his soul. And I’m sure he’d enjoy being one of the piano players in Heaven, forever, instead of a “Midnight Creeper” in hell.

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