The older I get, the more I realize how “slower than Christmas” is one of those old expressions based on a kid’s perspective. Because, for me, it feels like just a few weeks ago it was Christmas 2022. And here we are, on the brink of Christmas 2023. And I can see 2024 on the horizon. Yeah, 2023 flew by. … The rest of the story…
Category Archives: Tony Funderburk
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 … The rest of the story…
OK, the Christmas spirit ghost just flew past. And he haunted me, with that reverberating laugh of his, as he regurgitated his annual rebuke of my Christmas joy. “Bah! Funderbug!” Sure, he’s a Christmas spirit ghost. But that’s just mean. But, in his defense (which isn’t my typical perspective), he probably heard me playing my song, “The Christmas Spirit.” It’s … The rest of the story…
A week from today. Yeah, next Monday is the big day. So, don’t waste a minute. Because you’ve got presents to buy. Food to buy. Decorations to buy. And A B C and 1,2,3 to buy. Sure, good things might come to those who wait. But they come a lot faster to those who don’t. What kind of good things … The rest of the story…
An annual Christmas tradition, in the FunderHaus is special movies time. “Christmas in Connecticut” and “White Christmas” and “The Bishop’s Wife” and a few others all lead up to “It’s A Wonderful Life.” And you might recall, in Wonderful Life, how George Bailey (aka: James Stewart) received a copy of Mark Twain’s “Tom Sawyer” at the end of the movie. … The rest of the story…
I recommend you don’t live a meaningless life. On the surface, that might sound like a job for Captain Obvious. But, sadly, most people who ever lived, are living now, or ever will live, won’t avoid it. About 8 years ago, I wrote about what makes up a meaningless life. Here’s what I said. And it still applies: “Surely you … The rest of the story…
It started like this. A made up god, named Woden created the earth and sky from the dead body of a giant named Ymir. Then, he also created the first man and woman from an ash tree and an alder. And then he established the laws of the universe. But let’s not forget this other made up guy. Because he’s maybe … The rest of the story…
I see it almost every day in so-called “conservative social media.” And I cringe every time I see it. Talk about the so-called “Second Amendment Rights” of every American citizen. I obviously don’t disagree with the right to life and liberty. But your right to defend your life and freedom doesn’t come from a document some well-intentioned men wrote almost … The rest of the story…
Pure water is colorless. And odorless. And, just like almost all comedians, movie stars, and politicians, it’s also tasteless. I could have said flavorless, but it’s more fun to make that comparison, and that’s why I didn’t. So, if you notice a hint of color or some sort of weird odor or taste, your water isn’t pure. It might still … The rest of the story…
The irony of the so-called social media connection idea is how much more disconnected we are these days. And don’t try to defend your dozens of daily posts as how connected you are. Because that’s a fading facade. Social media connection is mostly a digital soliloquy. Sure, you can “reach out” and get in touch with someone, in a hurry, … The rest of the story…
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 … The rest of the story…
Back in 1996 I built a very nice (if I do say so myself, and I do) dining “hutch.” It’s a two-piece, very large piece of furniture with loads of room for whatever Elgielene prefers to put in it. At the time, I built the lower section with a single large door that opened vertically. And once it was opened, … The rest of the story…
You don’t have to look very long to find mean people. In fact, just say something, on a social media channel, like “There’s only way to live forever,” and watch the meanness flood the threads. But mean people don’t phase me. And they shouldn’t phase you either. And I know most everyone who reads my posts or listens to my … The rest of the story…
What do these next sentences have in common? 1) Henry was a hippo, and I don’t know if you know this, but hippos are HUGE. 2) Tiny, smooth ripples at the edge of a large, starlit lake; slender fingers of tall green grass swayed gently back and forth; miniature minnows made swirls and darted away. 3) Daren was a dreamer. 4) “C’mon Andy,” Danny … The rest of the story…
Were is past tense. It’s a seemingly innocent, little verb. But it can contain implications SO intense that eternity is required in order to even begin to understand how intense. As an example, I’m gonna share some words written by a guy named Ezekiel. He’s a famous Biblical prophet. In fact, he’s considered one of the major prophets. But I’m … The rest of the story…
There aren’t any specific verses in the Bible that mention when angels sing. But the idea, or the spirit of the concept of Heavenly choirs of angels, certainly seems completely feasible to me. And based on my own desire to sing out when I think of my many blessings, I can only imagine how angels must feel in God’s presence. … The rest of the story…
Well, it’s already the day after Thanksgiving. And you’re gonna see tons of commercials for so-called “Black Friday” deals. But I’m here to tell you the Black Friday notion starting dying out when the e-commerce was born on the good ol’ world wide web. So, now, every day can be as black as the day after Thanksgiving. And, that’s why … The rest of the story…
Here’s a quick, short list of blessings I’m thankful for right now. (in spite of socialist politicians) God gave me life and made a way for me to live forever. My beautiful wife loves me and encourages my artistic endeavors. I’m healthy enough to wake up and work every day. God gave me the gift of words and music, the … The rest of the story…
My “earthen vessel” challenges me to a duel every day. I’m sure you can relate. Because everybody faces challenges. But the daily duel is OK because it’s not like I’m alone in the wilderness. I’m not without power. Can you still relate? Do you sometimes (or often) feel the temptation to simply give up and give in? And that’s probably … The rest of the story…
Sustainable aviation fuel. I just read a couple of short articles, from Forbes and the Wall Street Journal, about the “new” approach to help “reduce the carbon footprints” of airline companies. And, as I read, I thought, “How nice. Big corporations are starting to invest in something that’s been available all along. Matter of fact, you’ve enjoyed sustainable aviation fuel … The rest of the story…