Category Archives: Luke

Tony Funderburk shares messages of faith, hope, and love found in the book of Luke

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I shared a picture, on social media, early this morning. It’s a picture I took of a small, yellow flower among weeds, as Elgielene and I passed by it on our three mile walk yesterday. And I added this comment: “Consider all the information contained in the seed that produced in one tiny flower. And the Designer made YOU in His image and likeness. So, your bloomin’ information can last forever.”

It was one small flower among weeds.

But its singularity is what caught my eye. Because it stood out. Almost as though it were (or was, whichever you prefer) compelled to be seen. And it helped me remember some things.

Your Creator spoke to a crowd of people about lilies. He pointed out that they don’t “toil and spin.” And He added that King Solomon, maybe the richest guy ever, wasn’t dressed as nicely as lilies. And that was just one example He gave for why you shouldn’t worry.

Believe me, I get it. I can understand why you might worry about the troubles in this world. After all, we always have to deal with tyrants who want to rule the world. And selfish people who ruin and destroy the lives of others for profit. Plus, let’s not forget (although I wish we could forget) all the murderers, thieves, and liars. Yeah, the hits just keep on comin’.

But whose thoughts do you think are healthier for you? A) Yours? Or B) Your Creator’s?

If you picked B, congratulations. You’re a flower among weeds. But if you picked A, then you’re gonna have some ‘splainin’ to do. I’d be interested to know why you chose YOU. Because without God, you’re just another weed. And my recommendation would be, don’t be a dope.

You’re much better off when you can…

Keep words and music in your heart
And sing a song each day.
Then pass it on to someone else…
You were designed that way.
The words and music in your heart
Could be what someone needs
To help them grow and bloom again
Like flowers among weeds.
With words and music in your heart
Your world’s a better place.
So, don’t just keep it locked inside.
Share it with love and grace.

© 2013

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They can be gifts from God. And they can certainly just be the result of random thoughts your brain interprets and visualizes randomly. But how do you know which is which?

Well, it takes more than a feeling to know if they’re gifts from God.

Oh wait. I haven’t even mentioned what I’m talking about. How rude of me. Of course, I’m talking about dreams. You know. Those movies you get to watch, while you’re sleeping, without a subscription to Netflix or YouTube. And if you tell me you don’t dream, I feel sorry for you.

Although, come to think of it, I don’t dream all the time. Or else I don’t remember them all if I DO dream all the time.

Anyway…

Those sleep time movies can be awesome, gruesome, lonesome, and even troublesome. Well, at least some of them can be. And that about somes, uh, sums it up.

But did you know (you probably did and still do) that dreams play a big role in the Bible? Yeah, probably most people never dreamed how big a role (see what I did there?). And there’s a section where a prophet, named Joel, talked about how, in the “last days,” God will pour out of his Spirit and “old men will dream dreams.” And that’s important enough for Luke, the physician, to quote Joel’s prophesy.

That’s a clear case of dreams being gifts from God.

And here’s another way dreams are gifts from God. I’m talking about those visions or yearnings you get in your mind during the daytime. Not random brainwaves. Actual concentrated thoughts. You might not connect them to your Creator.

But it’s a mistake to miss that connection.

Because, at the very least, you couldn’t even think if it weren’t for God. Because if He didn’t exist, you wouldn’t either. And, by simple deductive logic, if you didn’t exist, your dreams wouldn’t either. Game! Set! Match!

OK, on that note, I shared all that so I could share something I’ve shared before. Whew, that’s a lot of sharing. Yeah, it’s what I consider an encouragement, especially to youngsters, to dream. AND to follow through. Because, well, read, and you’ll see why.

Dream The Dreams

Waking up from silly dreams isn’t silly as it seems
Because dreamers are what makes the world go ’round.
With those pictures in your head,
As you rise up out of bed,
You might find the thing that needed to be found.
You might dream of flying cars
That go cruising through the stars,
Then design a brand new turbo rocket ship.
You might wake up from your sleep
With an awesome way to keep
People safer when they’re going on a trip.
What if you could dream a dream
That, to some, could sound extreme,
But your idea helped to ease a lot of pain?
Well, put on your dreaming hat
‘Cause we need more dreams like that,
And they’re waiting to be dreamed inside your brain.
If you’re eager to create, and you find you just can’t wait,
And your dreams are overflowing from your ears,
Take a breath and write ’em down, with a smile and not a frown.
Then your dreams become ideas you’ll have for years.
When you dream, don’t think it’s odd.
Dreams are thoughtful gifts from God.
They can help to give your weary mind some rest.
So relax and dream away.
Every day’s a brand new day
To begin to dream the dreams that you dream best.

© 2013

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Over the years I’ve observed kids and their love for whimsy. So, I write whimsical rhymes. Fun, funny rhymes. Full of imagination. And filled with color, action, and rhythm. I want word pictures to leap into those growing little minds. And I firmly believe the words I write for kids should help them build faith, hope, and love. With a smile.

Lots of writers, these days, prefer to go the route of realism.

Yeah, they think even books for kids should “reflect the culture.” I couldn’t disagree more.

And I disagree because of those word pictures I mentioned.

Kids already get enough reality in the real world. They can watch just five minutes of a news program and see how unsafe this world is. And the so-called “news” and “entertainment” they hear and see can put some awful word pictures in their brains. So, they certainly don’t need to dive into a poem, or story, or book and find those words and images there, too.

That’s why I provide “an escape.” It’s always my goal to share optimism with kids. To write whimsical words about faith, hope, and love. All the media they consume should nurture those feelings. And it should show them dark days don’t last forever and the good guy wins. Sadly, most of what they hear and watch is like junk food for their brains.

So, I take my cue from Paul, the amazing writer you can find in the New Testament section of The Bible.

Paul’s letters show you how your dark days won’t last forever. And how the good guy wins. Plus, he talks about the awesome love that provides a happy ending for anyone who wants it. Come on, you gotta admit. That powers up some mighty nice word pictures. Right?

Of course, Paul’s writings were serious. And theological. But I believe he would appreciate my whimsical way with words. Because he would see how my goal is the same as his.

And, on that note, here are some word pictures for the kiddos to show them how unique they are.

No Other Person

Once upon a time you were one little cell
Living in your mom where you formed so well.
Then you were born and everyone knew
There was no other person who was quite like you.
You got bigger and you wondered why
A fish could swim and a bird could fly.
Every little thing was a fun, little game.
A dog was a friend, and you gave it a name.
A little more time, and you learned to read.
Each word was a friend that planted a seed
That formed an idea in your curious mind.
Then your need for knowledge left the kid behind.
That was well and good, and it had to be.
There was so much more in the world to see.
But please remember and don’t forget…
There are things in life that you might regret.
Don’t let love ever take a back seat.
Be willing to share it with whomever you meet.
Then, people might say, when you’re life is through…
There was no other person who was quite like you.

© 2013

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Tony Funderburk Posted on by

I know it’s not the “in” thing to say. But I don’t believe “everything happens for a reason.” And I don’t believe everything that happens is “part of God’s plan.” Yeah, I know I’m going against the grain on this. But, from what I’ve read, I don’t believe I’m going against God on this. Because He says some things happen by chance. And He’s mentioned how some things we humans have done never crossed His mind.

What?!

Don’t take my word for it. But “by chance” is in THE Word.

So, here’s the deal. Accidents happen. Not for some predestined or preordained reason. But simply because of an oversight. Or neglect. Or even forgetfulness. And sometimes no one actually knows how an accident happened. There just isn’t a logical reason for why or how it could have happened.

But that’s not the time to say something silly like “God is taking you through something.” Or “Well, we can’t explain it. So, we just need to trust God’s plan.”

And yet, those kinds of thoughts flood the social media platforms from well-intentioned (I hope) Christians. But they disregard the fact that God says things can happen by chance. And He says YOU are responsible for your choices and decisions. But why would He say those things if you’re just doing what He predestined you to do?

Short answer? He didn’t predestine your daily To-Do list. You can disagree with me if you like. But you’ll also be disagreeing with what God says. And if you’re comfortable with that, so be it. I hope you’re not.

Oddly enough, I’m sharing this with you because of a very cool picture a friend of mine shared on social media. It’s an old pickup truck abandoned out in a field. And the sky is overcast by an approaching storm. The pickup is very rusty. But it’s not totally falling apart. In fact, all the windows and even the headlights are still intact.

My last post talked about patina. And here I am talking about it again.

But I guess it’s because I can relate, on a certain level, to the pickup in the picture. It’s the picture, you see through my blue glasses, that goes with this post.

Anyway…

I’ve noticed a lot of people sharing similar pictures of old pickups. And regardless of how many times I see them, I still believe it’s a coincidence. And I believe that coincidence happens because so many people get a kick out of looking at, and sharing, pictures of old pickups.

All that being said, here’s the rhyme I wrote to go with the rusty pickup picture:

The sky approached, with bubblewrap, the overgrown arena.
And there a truck, from yesteryear, with rusty orange patina,
Sat silent in the tall, green grass in glass-eyed meditation
On bygone days and country roads, a faded consolation
For time so full of memories and miles recorded each year.
How could it be? Just as you see. By chance it ended up here.

If you enjoy my rhymes and reasons, be sure to share them with others. In fact, they might make an awesome Christmas gift for someone you care about. By chance (NOT) here’s a link to lots more:

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Tony Funderburk Posted on by

Everything happens for a reason. Nothing happens by chance. It’s all part of God’s plan. And we’re here by design. So, obviously there are no accidents in God’s plan.

I agree. We’re here by design.

But I disagree, or at least take issue, with ALL those other statements.

We’re definitely not accidents and random chunks of meat that evolved from some primordial soup. I’ll leave that fairy tale to the fairies. But not everything that happens is part of God’s plan. Some things DO happen simply by chance.

You dare to disagree with me?

If so, then you also dare to disagree with your Creator. Because Jesus, Himself, expressed the idea that things can happen by chance. In fact, He used that exact two word phrase, by chance, directly, and through men He inspired to write the Bible.

And God said, more than once that men did stuff He didn’t command or even think of. What?! How could that be if everything has always been part of His plan? Short answer: He doesn’t/didn’t ordain and/or plan everything that has ever happened. Because He wants love to be freely given. And men and women who can’t do anything besides what God programmed them to do can give love freely.

And LOVE is the bottom line key ingredient to whatever God does or wants us to do. Forget all the other parts of the Bible, or even life, if you can’t find it in your heart to love. Not wimpy, namby pamby love like the dazed and confused, rainbow-colored hair pinheads attempt to pass off.

No, I’m talkin’ powerful, life-changing, world-building LOVE. And you can see it in…

All Of Creation

All of creation points to the Savior.
We are all here by design.
All the environment and complex behavior…
The Glory of God makes it shine.
All of creation holds information…
Encoded within every cell…
All of the best minds in each generation
Won’t banish what Christians know well…
That all of creation is here by the Word of God.
And all of creation mirrors His mind.
All of creation is saved by the Love of God.
All of creation…Jesus defined.

© 2016

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I just want you to know I’m wishing you all the best today. Because I know you’re going through a lot. And I know it can sometimes feel like you’re being tested every day.

So, yeah. I’m wishing you all the best.

Doesn’t it make you feel a whole lot better when someone’s tells you that? And don’t all your cares and troubles seem to magically fade away or disappear? Yeah. Words are truly powerful.

(cue the needle scratch sound)

NO! When somebody tells you they’re wishing you all the best, your problems don’t vanish. Certainly not if they’re real problems. Because wishing doesn’t have that power. Despite what some woman in a crystal bubble might tell a girl who wears ruby red slippers.

So, why would a grown up adult tell you what they wish for you? Especially, when they KNOW their so-called “wish” won’t do a darn thing to ease your pain?

Well, maybe it’s because they know it might help to ease your pain.

Wait a second. Didn’t I just say it wouldn’t ease your pain? Yeah. I just went back a couple of sentences, and there it is. I definitely said a wish “won’t do a darn thing to ease your pain.” So, why would I follow that up with the very next sentence that says a wish might help ease your pain? Oh brother (or sister), it’s all so complicated.

Except it’s not complicated, when you realize the relational aspect of comforting words. When you hurt, or you have to deal with a serious challenge in life, another person’s comforting words can sometimes make all the difference. And I’m talking about the difference in your attitude.

This world can be a dark, harsh place.

And the only reason it’s not totally saturated in everlasting darkness is because there’s still a flicker of God’s light. And that light shines brightly enough to keep hope alive. If you’re a Christian, a member of the Body of Christ, you are a ray of that light. Use your light to help someone through their darkness, today. Or at the very next opportunity.

Because it would be a shame if you kept that light under a basket and somebody you care about ended up in eternal torment. So, you know what I’m wishing for you today. Right?

Here’s something I wrote about wishing, many years ago.

What I Wish

There are people of the past
And people of today.
They’re standing in lines and passing away.
Let’s not talk about that.
Let’s go find us some fun,
Burn our candles at both ends,
Let our wild sides run.

We don’t wanna hear it.
We don’t wanna know why
‘Cause maybe we’ll feel near it,
And we’ll break down and cry.

Oh, I wish our world was better.
I wish our world was fair.
I wish we’d get together
And end the grief out there.
I wish our world was perfect.
And I wish our world was sane.
I wish there was no hatred
And more than earthly gain.
That’s what I wish.

There are innocent children
Who are losing their dreams.
All their dreams have exploded,
Blown apart at the seams.
They can’t trust in their mothers
Or their fathers for help.
No, their parents can’t help them
‘Cause they won’t help themselves.

We don’t wanna hear it.
We don’t wanna know where,
Just as long as it’s not us,
Who are we to care?

Oh, I wish our world was better.
I wish our world was fair.
I wish we’d get together
And end the grief out there.
I wish our world was perfect.
And I wish our world was sane.
I wish there was no hatred
And more than earthly gain.
That’s what I wish.

© 1978 & 2015

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I’ve written thousands and thousands of rhymes, stories, books, and songs. But there’s only one of my many creative works that’s truly gonna last. And that’s the engraved art in my heart. And even though it’s there because I chose to have it there, I’m not the artist.

Engraved art is more IN than ON.

And that’s what makes it such a great analogy for long-lasting (even eternal) love. And that’s why I referred to it in a song I wrote for my first collection of Christian-themed songs, “Do Right.” The song is about the eternal character, love, and nature of Jesus. And how He is the only hope-filled answer to life’s problems.

Watch/listen for the Rhyme and Reason Podcastversion of this post and you can hear the song. But for anyone who prefers to read and skip the music, here are the lyrics to the engraved art song:

Everlasting Everywhere

I want the Everlasting Work Of Art;
Not just on canvas, but engraved in the heart
I need the Everlasting Scale Of Worth.
That’s the only Way to perfect peace on earth

Everlasting and everywhere…
He’s Everlasting and everywhere

I look for Everlasting holy clues
To steel myself through all this negative news
I dream the Everlasting wide-eyed stuff,
But I’m still aware that dreaming’s never enough

Chorus

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

Chorus

I look to the Everlasting Guiding Star
To make my path straight as I travel so far
I sing the Everlasting song of man;
Teach us to understand our place in the plan

Chorus…inst…chorus…bridge…chorus…

modulate up and repeat

2 verses and choruses to end

© 1992 Tony Funderburk

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My books are also on Amazon.com or Apple Books

Grab yourself an un-cool T-shirt

Or how about some music for believers, dreamers, and thinkers