It didn’t just start this year. Or anytime during the “pandemic.” In fact, Elgielene and I have noticed this, for a long time, during our walks through scores of neighborhoods across the country. Generally speaking, kids don’t play outside now. Sure, SOME kids still play outside. But we go for long walks through all kinds of neighborhoods. And we comment on how peaceful it … The rest of the story…
Category Archives: Tony Funderburk
I’ve seen some quotes, from professors to poets, who put today’s solar eclipse in its proper perspective. In one way or another they say what’ll happen is you’ll be “standing the shadow of the moon.” Sure, some interesting things can happen in the shadow of the moon. Temperatures drop. And crickets start chirping. And people in the “path of totality” can use special glasses … The rest of the story…
What gives you goosebumps when you just think about it? Or is there anything that does that? I’ll tell you something that gives me goosebumps like that. And I dreamed about it recently. And I don’t tend to remember dreams very often. But this one was a blast. But, before I tell you what it was, I’ll share what a dimwit, uh, “physiologist and … The rest of the story…
Your whole life here on earth is only the beginning. The fullness of eternity opens up to you, clearly, once you die. That’s the point of no return. Or, as the band, Kansas, said, the Point of Know Return. Anyway… If and when you choose to trust your Creator, you wouldn’t want to return anyway. And when you see what’s in Heaven, I doubt … The rest of the story…
Imagine, for a second or two, that you and I have the exact same basic needs. Food, water, shelter, clothes, emotional stability. I know it already sounds far-fetched. But hear (read?) me out. Of course, no dark heart will like it when I share the Truth. But you never can tell when one of those hearts might light up. So here’s what I mean. … The rest of the story…
You probably already know this. Because my readers and listeners are a bunch of smarty pants. But I’m gonna share it for the others who accidentally stumble into my Rhyme and Reason world. We have an eclipse day coming up in a few days, here in America. On April 8th. And I only know the date because of a reminder text I got early … The rest of the story…
Once upon a time, jellyfish, and trillions of other marine life creatures, were buried alive in layers of sediment. And it happened so fast their bodies didn’t even have time to decompose and smell bad. And thousands of years later (yes, thousands) you can dig ’em up and see what they looked like in almost perfect details. It’s so amazing it almost sounds like … The rest of the story…
Happy Easter. And I only say that to you if you believe in the real reason this holiday (Holy-day) exists. If you don’t believe, then you can have a terrible day for all I care. “Ouch, Tony. That’s harsh.” Oh, did I write that out loud. Sorry, not sorry. OK, now that I’ve thinned out the readers, here’s a little Happy Easter backstory. A … The rest of the story…
To see me now, it might be difficult to even imagine I was once considered part of the cool crowd. Not the smoke-dope-drop-ludes-party-till-you-drop crowd. But because I was a full-time musician that so-called “cool crowd” those people figured it was OK to have me around. Even though they discovered it’s difficult to find someone as uncool as me. But the truth is, it’s preferable … The rest of the story…
This Sunday is known all around the world as “Easter Sunday” or “Resurrection Sunday.” And today is known as “Good Friday” to a whole lot of people. But those names don’t mean much to most people. And that’s especially sad on Good Friday. Because it’s the day that observes another day, about 2000 years ago, that looked anything but good for one man. In … The rest of the story…
Happy Maundy Thursday. And that’s not a typo, in case you didn’t know. And it’s a little bit strange to use the word “happy” with it. But it makes total sense in the big picture. So, what’s the Maundy Thursday big picture? I’m glad you asked. Oops, that was me. But I’m glad I asked. Because it gives me a chance to answer. So, … The rest of the story…
Kids should just be able to be kids. Not confused by dark, dreary, hopeless attacks on all their five senses. Way back in the medieval days of the twentieth century, there were actually G rated movies. And that meant a general audience could watch them without worry there’d be sex and violence and bathroom humor. But now, G rated movies just ain’t all that … The rest of the story…
Watercolor art has always been one of my favorite media. Or is it medium? Or mediums? Hmm, maybe I’ll pay a medium to find out for me. Anyway… I saw this description of watercolors, during an online search session. In a paragraph it said, “Watercolors are a kind of paint used in art, which is water-soluble. And they’re composed of pigments dissolved in a … The rest of the story…
There’s a book that says “faith comes by hearing.” But here’s the thing. You gotta be willing to listen. Let me share a short snippet about a guy who was. So, this guy’s name was Saul. He lived about 2000 years ago. And he was zealously dedicated to his Jewish faith. In fact, he was so dedicated that he persecuted anyone who would dare … The rest of the story…
Forgiveness without repentance is selfish and unwise. How’s that for an opener? But I only said it because it’s true. Forgiveness without repentance kills dogs. Not just people. Yeah, if you won’t apply the proper way to forgive, to and for you, won’t you at least save the little puppies. And before you think I’ve gone completely bonkers, let me show you an example … The rest of the story…
Long distance relationships never work out. How many times have you heard that one? I’ve heard it a LOT. And I don’t subscribe to that claim even though it’s true. That might sound like I just contradicted myself. But nay nay. Because that claim IS true for most people. But not all. It’s like this. For most people, long distance love is impossible love … The rest of the story…
Have you ever been somewhere, on an errand, getting groceries, whatever, and noticed a stressed look somebody’s face? If you haven’t, I’d say you’re just not paying attention. Because it’s epidemic. Or is it pandemic? Who cares? It’s pretty darn demic, and it’s a mighty sad state of affairs. And it’s a result of not paying attention. America (and the world) slinked into more … The rest of the story…
There are better times ahead. No doubt (or two ways) about it. I guarantee it. But there IS a catch. You knew there would be a catch. Right? The better times ahead aren’t for everybody. Nope. There will be miserable times for most people. But, for a few, there will be better times ahead. And better than they’ve ever known before. And before you … The rest of the story…
I don’t fly the unfriendly skies anymore. Because I don’t wanna be stuck in an unsanitary tube, soaring through the air at 35000 feet up, with a passenger list that includes people who hate each other and God. But, hey, that’s probably just me. Anyway… Here’s why I bring up my aversion to airline travel (the same is true for just about any mass … The rest of the story…
If you’ve ever driven through Wichita, Kansas, you might have noticed there are some flat parts. In fact, I don’t know how many times I’ve heard people diss Kansas with comments like, “It’s so flat.” But I just smile to myself as I remember struggling to ride my Western Flyer up those East Kansas hills on my way to the swimming pool. And I … The rest of the story…