Tony Funderburk Posted on by

You can be strong in grace. But not just any grace.

The meaningful things in life don’t come easy. I hope that doesn’t burst any bubbles for you…because it’s the cold, hard truth. Even if it seems like someone else has it easy in life, I promise you they don’t. They might have some parts easier than you, but the things that matter most won’t come easy to anyone. And because of this truth you need to find a source of strength you can always depend on. A source you know you can turn to again and again and again. That source is Grace. No, not some lady named Grace. I’m talking about the Grace your Creator provided for you…namely in the person of Jesus. You can be strong in Grace when you understand what a price He paid to give it to you.

Think about pro athletes. Nowadays many of them make a ton of money each year. But they don’t get paid the big bucks to be a pro athlete. They get paid to perform on a level the rest of us can only sit on the sidelines and watch. If they don’t work hard and stay on top of their game, they can easily lose their jobs.

Or how about farmers?

Just think, they get to be the first ones to eat the fruits, vegetables, and livestock they grow. In fact, they can take from the cream of the crop. But they deserve it because they did all the hard work. And I know, from personal experience working on farms in Kansas, a little about how difficult it is. Farmers have to get up before dawn and most often work till after dusk. They deal with too little or too much rain, bugs, shaky commodities markets, and so much more. And they rarely or never get the fame and fortune heaped on pro athletes…even though they feed the world. Talk about needing to be strong in Grace!

If you’re struggling with where your life is taking you today, I have a suggestion. Make a conscious decision to trust God. Trust Jesus. And lean on His Grace. I can guarantee you’ll never regret it. Here’s a rhyme to help you remember…

You can be strong in Grace.
And be sure your life is worthwhile.
You can be glad for every moment you’re alive.
And when you’re strong in Grace,
You can face the day with a sure smile
Knowing one day soon the Savior will arrive.

Stay tuned,

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The life which I now live is better than the one I lived before

Think about this for a bit…no one is the same person from birth to death. A tiny baby is the most innocent of all God’s creations. An old man is the least innocent. What happens between is a result of choices. Thousands and thousands of choices. Can you say you’ve made only good choices in your life. I certainly can’t. And I can’t even say that when I made good choices the results were always good. Life just doesn’t work out that way. But I CAN say the life which I now live is better than the one I lived before. And it’s better than billions of other people on the planet. And it’s all because of one choice.

The life which I now live

I put my faith in the Son of God. I discovered how much He loved me…how He gave Himself for me and what that meant to me AND Him. Jesus made a far greater sacrifice for the world than just His death on a cross. In fact, dying on a cross wasn’t unique to Him. He wasn’t the only person who ever lived who was tortured unjustly. Bear with me…I promise this isn’t disrespectful or blasphemous.

Jesus’ death on a cross was the manifestation of God’s undying love for us. Many unbelievers (some in my own family) take issue with the brutal and bloody scene of crucifixion. They say Christians are fixated on blood and gore. Of course, nothing could be further from the Truth. In fact, if you’re like me, you cringe at the thought of those merciless floggings Jesus endured. Those nails being driven through His hands and feet. That sword being stabbed into His side and fluids flowing out of His dead body. Horrible and hard to imagine.

Here’s the part I want to get to…what made Jesus’ death on a cross more significant than any other ever is what it meant to Jesus Himself. It meant that He would forever live as God the Son AND the Son of Man…in the flesh. Like I said…think about that. For eternity past, Jesus had always been spirit. But once He took on flesh and bone and died for your sins (and mine) He became a perfect man. The blueprint by which we can all measure ourselves and discover how much we need redemption.

That’s why I can say the live which I now live is better than the one I lived before. Because I know, beyond the shadow or whisper of a doubt, that I will live forever with my living, loving Creator.

Do you have that same assurance? Are you absolutely sure where and how you’ll spend eternity? If not, it’s not too late to change. But one millisecond after your last breath it will be too late. Don’t wait.

The life which I now live was bought for me,
And I’ll live this purchased life eternally,
And one day I know that everyone will see
Just how true these simple words turn out to be.

Stay tuned,

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P.S.  Your support for my Words and Music means the world to me. Please share them with others. Here’s how”

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Tony Funderburk Posted on by

Since I last spoke to you on
the Rhyme and Reason podcast
I’ve been sharing thoughts, ideas, and truth about”

And this podcast episode brings it all together for those of you who’d rather listen than read. Thanks for tuning in. Use one or more of the links I’ve provided to share with anyone and everyone you know. Oh yeah, when you get a minute, please leave me a review on iTunes.  Here’s the easy link. And don’t forget to get your free music and book if you haven’t already. Look over there .

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Tony Funderburk Posted on by

Do you live life inside the lines?

We all have ’em. Lines. The ones we draw that no one else can cross. The lines we won’t cross ourselves. The lines that make up that little box where we feel safe inside. Do you find yourself living inside the lines? If so, don’t feel bad. Just get a good grip on where to draw them. Certain lines can be very good. Other can be quite the opposite. I’d like to explain in my traditional poetic way…

Inside The Lines

Inside the lines the grass is greener.
Outside the box the air is cleaner.
Some days your life runs like a river.
Some nights you only quake and quiver.

And then the sun begins to shine,
And then you draw another line,
And then the box becomes a place to store your things.
And then the flowers start to grow,
And then your words begin to flow,
And then you’re glad to join in when the whole world sings.

Inside the lines the route is shorter.
Outside the box there’s no recorder.
Some days your view is from the summit.
Some nights your dreams will let you plummet.

And then the sun begins to shine,
And then you draw another line,
And then the box becomes a place to store your things.
And then the flowers start to grow,
And then your words begin to flow,
And then you’re glad to join in when the whole world sings.

© 2014 Tony Funderburk

Feel better about your lines? If not, send me a note and let me know why.

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Grace To The Humble

Do you envy people when it seems like they have a lot more than you? Guess what they might not have more than you. In fact, they might have much less, and they might not ever have as much as you. Looks can be deceiving. And what you see in this world doesn’t last forever. But grace lasts forever. And God gives grace to the humble.

So, how’s your humility? Does it feel like grace to the humble?

Do you think more of yourself than you should? It’s OK to be confident, but it’s not OK to be arrogant or envy someone else who is. It won’t get you anywhere good in the long run. Here are some key things to remember about God’s perspective”

  • He says the “perverse person is an abomination”
  • He keeps a secret counsel with upright people
  • He curses the houses of the wicked
  • He blesses the homes of the just
  • He scorns the scornful

Knowing all that, it would be a wise choice to choose to love God and His ways. It would be a wise choice to humble yourself because, like I mentioned before, God gives grace to the humble. And it would be a wise choice to realize you’re not God and that you need a savior.

So be wise when it comes to your eternal fate. When you are, you’ll inherit glory. When you aren’t, you can only leave behind a legacy of shame. Will you humble yourself before God today? Or will you make a foolish decision with eternal consequences.

Grace to the humble.
Grace to the wise.
Grace to the ones who
Choose truth over lies.

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Does the peace of God rule in your heart?

As long as I can remember there have been “peace talks” and “peace agreements” and “peace accords” all over the world. Trouble is…I’ve never gotten the feeling that the world is at peace. Have you noticed that? For as long as I can remember (and that’s a lot longer than it used to be) there have been wars. We’ve been fortunate here in America. We haven’t seen actual war on our soil for a long time. But I figure it’s only a matter of time. And I believe you can attribute the lack of peace to individuals not willing to allow the peace of God to rule in their hearts. Here’s what I mean…

The peace of God isn’t based on arbitrary human emotions. It’s based on Truth and Life. When you understand you had a beginning designed by the Creator of all things, you can begin to understand how important Truth and Life are. And it’s basic. It’s fundamental. It’s simple. Truth exists because God exists. And God is the source of all life. You can know that you know. And knowing can give you a peace you can’t find anywhere else.

Unfortunately, most people don’t give a rip about that peace. They’d rather meander through their days searching for answers based on their preconceived notions…or their flawed learning process (translation: public schooling) and live esoteric, experiential lives. The trouble with that path is…it leads to nowhere. And it often takes dark and treacherous turns.

You can call me “one of those wacky Christians” if you like. I’ve heard it before. But one thing a Christian has that no unbeliever will ever have is: the peace of God. It’s a peace beyond what you’re able to merely ponder and comprehend. And it’s available to anyone who will ask. Do you want it?

Jump on the The TRUTH and be part of the growing band of believers who wanna show the world that life has Rhyme and Reason because God made us.

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Tony Funderburk Posted on by

Happy Mother's Day 2016

To all of you ladies who “took one for the team” as you…

  • Withstood the months of pregnancy
  • Withstood the pains of childbirth
  • Fed your babies when they cried at 3 a.m.
  • Fixed “boo boos”
  • Kissed away pain
  • Hugged away frowns
  • Cooked breakfasts, made lunches, and prepared dinners
  • Washed clothes even after laundry was all done
  • Taught truth, hope, and love…and readin’, writin’, and ‘rithmetic
  • Fought tangled hair, torn pants, and missing shoestrings
  • Remembered birthdays with just the right proportion of chocolate icing to vanilla ice cream
  • Listened to stories of triumph, tragedy, and utter despair (mostly from teenage girls)
  • Made or bought costumes for every goofy event imaginable
  • Went to plays, sporting events, and music presentations…cheering for that one child who was obviously the natural born talent
  • Brought the “something borrowed” or “something blue” to the bride-to-be just at the right time
  • Danced the mother/son dance with the groom who had been her dragonslayer only “weeks ago” it seems
  • Made special homemade desserts for the kids and grandkids when they came over for Thanksgiving
  • Brought an elegant grace to the process of aging
  • Made us believe there’s a forever, a God who loves us, and a knowledge that we’ll have eternity in paradise

 

Stay tuned,

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Tony Funderburk Posted on by

Since I last spoke to you on the Rhyme and Reason podcast I shared thoughts, ideas, and truth about”

And this podcast episode brings it all together for those of you who’d rather listen than read. Thanks for tuning in. Use one or more of the links I’ve provided to share with anyone and everyone you know. Oh yeah, when you get a minute, please leave me a review on iTunes.  Here’s the easy link. And don’t forget to get your free music and book if you haven’t already. Look over there

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P.S.  Your support for my Words and Music means the world to me. Jump on the The TRUTH.

 

Tony Funderburk Posted on by

The Headline Reads – Rejoice: Rapture Almost Here

So, with the rapture almost here, do you have your affairs in order? Have you sold all your belongings, given to the poor, and gathered together your women, children, and families? Are you looking up in anticipation? If not, I have proof positive from the King James version of the Bible that the rapture is indeed almost here. What? You want me to prove it?!

Ok. It’s simple. Check out this passage in Paul’s 1st letter to the Corinthians. In it he mentions the current “presumptive Republican candidate” for U.S. president by name. Paul says “at the last Trump” Christians will be caught up in the air in the twinkling of an eye. I can’t imagine there being another Trump of any significance in our history, so “the Donald” must surely be the last. I mean, c’mon…this is so blatantly obvious. Isn’t it? Can’t we all simply read between the lines and acknowledge what we’re being told?

Hopefully, you quickly caught on to my tongue-in-cheek editorial or Biblical exposition. But I have a serious reason for bringing up the topic this way. I’m seeing lots of Christians saying how they’ll vote for Donald Trump for president.

They have reasons like…

  • He’s the frontrunner
  • He’s the only Republican who has a chance
  • He wants to make America great again
  • He puts Americans first
  • He’s better than Hillary

There are other reasons, but those pop up more than most. But they’re all horrible reasons…especially if you’re a Christian. And if you’re a Christian, and you can justify voting for Donald Trump, you simply don’t care what God thinks about it. Pure and simple. I’ll repeat that…you just don’t care what God thinks about it.

Let me address each of those reasons.

Frontrunner? Weak reason with no reason.

Only Republican who has a chance? Hmm…you mean party trumps (pun intended) principle.

Make America great again? How? By standing firm on economic issues while compromising life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness?

Puts Americans first? Except the tiniest Americans who can’t defend themselves.

Better than Hillary? No. He could be worse. Hillary boldly states her despicable ideas. Donald claims conservative principles while supporting a variety of despicable ideas. A wolf in sheep’s clothing is always worse than a real wolf.

I wish Christians would simply read God’s word.

And understand what He expects from believers. Ask yourself if Jesus would recommend a candidate who compromises on (and even financially supports) the killing of unborn children. And please, please, please don’t say God puts people in positions of power. Or that God has this all planned out and we can’t fully understand because His ways are higher than ours. Please don’t espouse that nonsense where the unbelieving world can hear it. They already think we’re wacky. Don’t give ’em reason to feel justified.

God doesn’t do evil that good may come of it. And He tells us not to either. All of this confusion is a big reason why my headline reads -Rapture Almost Here. What do you think? Have I given you reason enough to reconsider? Bottom line: Christians, don’t vote for Trump.

Stay tuned,

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Here’s some food for thought about food for thought

You’ve heard the expression…right? When somebody thinks something is worth considering, they might say, “Hmm…that’s food for thought.” Maybe you’ve said it yourself. I know I have. Many times. Have you ever considered how important it is to feed your thoughts good food? It’s more important than what you feed your body. And that’s vitally important. So, what do you feed your thoughts?

No one is immune to the lure of junk food for your thoughts. You know what I’m talking about. Meaningless movies, TV, games, etc. We all go there. Trouble is…that junk-food-sit-back-and-relax kind of food for thought weakens your brain. Just like your body needs nutritious food to operate at its best, your brain needs nutritious information. And good news! It’s almost literally all around you this very minute. You just need to tap into it. More good news! There are great tools to help you tap into it.

Maybe you’ve heard of some of these…

  • Laptops
  • Tablets
  • Smartphones

Any of those sound familiar? Do you own one? I’m gonna go out on a limb and assume you do since there are billions of them on the planet. So, how do you tap into nutritious information for your brain? First step…stop tapping into the junk food. Turn off the TV. Skip the latest superhero movie (at least for a week or two). Ignore the lame-brain political pundits and all that goes with them. Then…

…find a book, or a DVD, or a video, or something online (using your favorite device) that challenges you to think outside what you learned in public school. I’m not getting on your case about public school. I’m a recovering public school graduate myself.

And I remember some awful things they forced on us.

And I lived in one of the most conservative school districts in the United States. No exaggeration. We had strict dress codes, haircut codes, and behavior codes. There was still corporal punishment. (like smacks on the behind with a “board of education” if you chewed gum in gym class) We also had prayer at all school functions, before games, and in some classes.

Yet, with all that conservative leaning, we were still fed the evolution fairy tale. Yeesh. I’ll bet you were too. So, that’s one of the reasons I suggest getting to true higher learning. And the best source I could possibly recommend to start with is found in the New Testament of the Bible. Uh-oh…he’s talking religion again, Martha! No, actually I’m talking about some of the most nutritious food for thought you’ll ever read. If you don’t own a Bible, no problem. Use your favorite device and tap into the wonderful world of the digital Bible.

There you’ll discover how your exercise routine might be helping a little, but connecting with your Creator is infinitely more important. And that’s just one of the thousands and thousands of nutritious nuggets you’ll discover for your brain. Far superior to those golden nuggets under the golden arches or at the Colonel’s place.

Today’s a great day to start. Your tomorrow on earth isn’t guaranteed. Ready to start? Or do you prefer junk food for the brain?

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Tony Funderburk Posted on by

Are you standing at a fork in the road?

Let’s say you’ve been winding your way through your days when suddenly…you come up on a fork in the road. Which way do you go? Do you know? Well, Tony…it depends on what road we’re talking about. Doesn’t it? Yes, it does. But is there a good and trustworthy way to know which direction to choose no matter what road it is? I say there is. Wanna know how? Keep reading…

Your life is unique. No one else who ever lived, is living now, or will ever live will have the same life as you. But your life is no different from anybody else either. Confused? Let me explain.

The DNA found in every cell of your body is incredibly complex and singularly yours. The chances of it existing by chance are so small, you’d be more likely to win the powerball AND get struck by lightning on 3 birthdays in a row. No, it ain’t the case. Your living, loving Creator made only one of you. And He put a code inside you that makes sure no one else will be you. Now, I said all that because I want you to realize how special you are.

Here’s the other side of the coin…

…you’re not special, unique, or one-of-a-kind when it comes to how your life plays out. What I mean is…you’ll experience awesome days and disappointing days. You’ll have to go through pain. And you’ll enjoy great pleasures. You will. And so will about seven billion other people. So did countless other people throughout history. It’s life. In life, you will come to a fork in the road more than once. In some ways almost daily. And in other ways, maybe only a few times. By fork in the road I mean, a place where you’ll have to choose a direction, an option, a judgment call.

So…how do you make wise choices when faced with a fork? It depends on who you’re willing to trust to help you. Do you think your best friends have the solution? How about mom? Or dad? Those can be good choices. But what if they’re not available when you’re faced with a situation that needs a “right away” answer?

Who can you turn to then?

May I suggest that same living, loving Creator I mentioned before? Remember, He designed you. He formed you in your mother’s womb. And He installed that unique code inside you. He knows what makes you tick. And He’s available 24 hours a day…every day of your life. And He’s as close as your breath. In fact, He’s closer. He’s the Spirit of Life…yours, mine…everybody’s. Without Him nobody would exist. But how do you get to know Him and discover what His advice might be for that fork in your road? His word.

Your Creator’s word says you can plan your way. And it says He will direct your steps. That means He won’t make your decisions for you. And He didn’t plan your life for you. But when you trust Him, He won’t lead you the wrong way. He’ll lead you the direct way. That means you’ll get where you need to be.

Here’s a challenge for you.

Give up trusting in yourself today. Start reading God’s word…more…especially the writings from Paul in the New Testament. Which do you think is more dependable…your truth? Or actual Truth?

Stay tuned,

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Tony Funderburk Posted on by

Since I last spoke to you on the Rhyme and Reason podcast I shared thoughts, ideas, and truth about…

 

And this podcast episode brings it all together for those of you who’d rather listen than read. Thanks for tuning in. Use one or more of the links I’ve provided to share with anyone and everyone you know. Oh yeah, when you get a minute, please leave me a review on iTunes.  Here’s the easy link. And don’t forget to get your free music and book if you haven’t already. Look over there

The Power of God's Love Podcast 146

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P.S.  Your support for my Words and Music means the world to me. Please share them with others. Here’s how”

Discover my ebooks on Amazon.com or Smashwords
Get my Podcast
Connect with me on LinkedIn
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Follow me on Twitter
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Find me on Facebook
Or use the social media links below

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Going Mano a Mano (metaphorically) with Bono

I saw a link to a Washington Post story about Bono, and the link was titled “Get Real”. Below the link I saw a description saying that was Bono’s message to Christians…to “get real”. So, I clicked the link and read a short article. I wasn’t a Bono fan, and the article only helped cement my opinion of him. That’s why the title of this article of mine is called “Going mano a mano with Bono”. For those of you not familiar with that expression, it’s based on the Spanish interpretation which literally means “hand to hand”…as in combat. This, of course, is not my attempt to call Bono out for a little put-up-your-dukes. Instead I’d just like Christians to see him for who he really is. And that ain’t a trust-in-Jesus-as-the-only-way-to-eternal-life Christian. Watch this video, and I’ll share some more info with you below…

Bono believes he knows how God wants Christians songwriters to write. Bono is wrong. Look and listen closely, and you’ll see a man deeply entrenched in the human experience. So deeply, in fact, that he can never stray far from those things which God does not hold in high esteem.

On one level, I do agree with Bono. So much of the so-called “Contemporary Christian” music is merely sugary sweet pop music. Mantra music about feelings and earthly experiences. Many songs could be played on a top 40 station, and the listener could easily mistake them for just another love song. I agree that Christian music could be more real. But I don’t agree with Bono’s idea of what “real” is. Just because he thinks it has to be about gritty things doesn’t make it so. He lifts up King David as real. In David’s Psalms you can see a lot of emotion…and not just positive thinking. But when you read the Psalms through, you’ll notice David always comes back to the positive reinforcement of God’s enduring love. Yes…love.

And why does Bono single out Christian songwriters in his suspicion? Why didn’t he mention his suspicion of all the other genres out there who either hate or ignore God outright? Why didn’t he take them to task? And why are lyrics to some of his own songs completely upside down to God? How real is that?

So, that’s where I go mano a mano with Bono.

I’d like to share some of my lyrics, and you tell me if they’re real or not…

Do you want to change the way
Public servants act today…Say Yeah! Say Yeah!
How many laws have to be passed
Before we’re obscured in the shadows they cast
And how many plans must we invent
Before we can step beyond mere intent   (from “Say Yeah” in my “Do Right” collection)

Or how about this excerpt of lyrics from “Cliché”?

We lend our money to so many nations, and
Still we struggle to pay off our own debts.
We hope for world peace and ending the hunger,
But will we ever do what no one has done yet?
We train ourselves and prepare for the future, but
Each day the future takes on a new look.
We might do better to look inside our own hearts, and
We might discover it’s not in some law book!

Is it just melodrama for me to feel this way?
I wonder…is it just me…or does it all sound so cliché?
Does it sound that way…so cliché?

I hope you’ll take this in the spirit it’s given, Bono. I’m taking issue with your claims…in the name of love. I love you enough to tell you how wrong you are. Millions of adoring fans do not love you like that. I hope my metaphorical mano a mano taps you into a realization of who Jesus truly is. Possibly you’ll never see or hear this, but there are plenty of others who would be willing to tell you the truth, too. Are you willing to listen?

Stay tuned,

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Fancy Dancer
an adjective and noun frozen in time

What does it take to be a fancy dancer?  Maybe you think a fancy dancer would be someone who wears special clothing and dances tippy-toe. Or maybe you think it’s someone who wears a tux, top hat, shiny shoes, and dances with a stylish cane. Or maybe you’re certain it’s someone who choreographs a group of dancers to a deep beat in perfect synchronicity…while dancing and singing along. Well, I’m here to tell you…if you picked any one of those or a dozen others…you’re wrong.

The only true fancy dancer there is exists frozen in your minds’s eye. She’s not the dancer on the TV screen. He’s not the dancer in the movies. They’re not the dancers on Broadway. She or he or they only exist in a captured moment. No, not that photo you snapped with your iPhone. Or that video you took. Only in that singular moment captured in your mind’s eye. If you don’t understand what I’m talking about, you might never actually know a fancy dancer. If you do understand, you might actually BE someone’s…

Fancy Dancer

When she gets up in the morning,
There’s a smile upon her face.
When she goes to bed at night,
I can see it hasn’t lost its place.
And she moves just like the lightning
Never landing in the same place twice.
She can make the tiger jealous;
She’s so much more than sugar and spice.

She’s a fancy dancer.
Yeah, she’s a fancy dancer.
You can hear angels when she talks.
She makes music when she walks.
There ain’t no doubt in my mind; she’s a fancy dancer.

Well, she holds my heart in limbo.
I don’t know where she’s gonna turn next.
And her shadow keeps me spellbound.
Yeah, she makes me want to really be hexed,
And I watch her glide in circles,
And her face begins to glow,
Then her eyes look deep inside me.
I know she knows I know…
That she’s a…

repeat chorus

Oh, oh, the dream of every man…
Oh, oh, is to catch one if he can…
But he’d better have a plan…
Oh, oh, oh, oh…she’s a fancy dancer.

repeat chorus to end

© 1986

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Music for Isaac – ‘Cause Isaac Loves Music

I know Isaac loves music. How do I know? Because kids love music. And Isaac is a kid. Simple. So…a few years ago, I wrote some music for Isaac. Recently I put the song lyrics into a video, and you can watch it here…

From “Get Outta Bed” to “Isaac’s Busy Day” to “Dinnertime” to “Isaac’s Song” to “Dreamtown” and all the way to “Birthday Dance” I know your Isaac will love these songs, too.

“But I don’t have an Isaac” you say. “In fact, I have a little girl…no boys. And her name’s Sophia.”

No problem. Sophia is another one of the many names I’ve included in my new series of videos for kids with their names in the songs. These are personalized songs that kids have enjoyed for 15 years. (I can’t believe it’s been that long) I’ve sold thousands of personalized CD’s for all that time, and now I’m beginning to offer them for free. Correct me if I’m wrong, but I think that makes ’em affordable for just about everybody.

I know Isaac loves music. And I’m just as sure your kid loves music. So whether you have an Emma, Liam, Addie, Noah, Olivia or some other little kid in your house, chances are good you’ll be able to treat them to their own personal songs. Either right now or very soon. I’m adding names on a regular basis. Just visit TonyFunderburk.com/_______  (fill in the blank with your kid’s name) or do a search on YouTube. Feel free to ask me to add your kid’s name. I can’t promise every name, but I have a lot of them. Thanks for your support and would you do me a favor? Let me know when your kids watch. I love hearing the stories.

Stay tuned,

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Share this link with everybody you know, so they can jump on the The TRUTH
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Tell the truth

Do you have a photographic memory? I used to tell a joke about having a photographic memory. When someone would ask me to prove it, I’d look at a long page of text for a couple of seconds. I’d make sure to have a deep, concentrating look on my face. Then, I’d turn to them and say “Got it. Now, I just have to wait for the film to come back.” Of course, I got the typical “Aw!” response. Keep in mind, this was back when all cameras still used rolls of film. No digital cameras. I shared all that with you to illustrate how difficult it is to remember lots of information. And that’s a good reason to tell the truth anytime it’s possible. Lies are so much harder to remember.

Are there times when a lie is called for? Yes. For example, when people were hiding Jews from Nazis. Or when people were hiding slaves during the Civil War. If asked if a Jew or slave was hiding there, they could lie and say “no” and not be sinning. It was for the protection of a life. But if you lie just to get away with things, you’re in danger of hurting yourself and others. And lies usually turn into more lies. And the more lies you have to remember, the more likely you are to forget what you said. So…be truthful. Keep things simple.

I wrote some lyrics about this…almost 30 years ago. They were the result of a failing relationship. I’m sure you’ve been there, too. And I’m here to tell you…life goes on. Especially when you…

Tell The Truth

We tiptoe around the trouble spots.
We’re skirting the main issues.
We end up wasting lots of breath
And using lots of tissues.

Why can’t we learn to open up
And say just what we mean?
I think we should all learn to talk
Instead of acting out a scene.

Tell the truth
Why don’t we?
Tell the truth.
We should all
Tell the truth.
Get if off your chest
Tell the truth.
Truth is for the best.

It seems we take turns pacing.
Then we stay in separate rooms.
Then the rooms become our prisons,
And the prisons turn to tombs.

I don’t want to waste a moment
Cause each moment is a day
And each day becomes a lifetime
When our faces turn away.

Tell the truth…

© 1987

Stay tuned,

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Since I last spoke to you on the Rhyme and Reason podcast I shared thoughts, ideas, and truth about…

 

And this podcast episode brings it all together for those of you who’d rather listen than read. I apologize for the static in this episode. It appeared in the post editing and there was no time to re-record. Thanks for tuning in. Use one or more of the links I’ve provided to share with anyone and everyone you know. Oh yeah, when you get a minute, please leave me a review on iTunes.
Here’s the easy link.

The Power of God's Love Podcast - Episode 145

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Coo coo cachoo – I’m not the Ape Man

Ape man. That’s a mutually exclusive oxymoron. You can find a man. You can find an ape. But you can’t find an ape man. Because there never were any. And there never will be any.

This isn’t simply my knucklehead opinion. It’s a claim backed by over a hundred years of studies, archaeology, and research. And, for over a century, there have been studies of skulls and teeth by people trying to prove evolution is true. And, at best ,they’ve come up with inconclusive interpretations. But those could easily be interpreted other ways. Want some examples?

Have you ever heard of the “Piltdown man?” Even though “he” was in textbooks for over 40 years, it has been proved to be a hoax. How about “Nebraska man?” Did you know “his” story was made up and it all centered around a pig’s tooth? Bet you didn’t learn that in any of your schoolbooks. Let’s not leave out “Java man.” Especially since I’m a Java fan.

40 years after discovering “Java man”, Eugene Dubois admitted it was an ape…sort of like a large gibbon. Dubois had held back other thigh bone parts found in the same area. Why don’t these so-called scientists and archaeologists evolve better tactics?

Yeesh. Talk about an actual ape man.

Anyway…

There are some other famous discoveries with the name “man.” And they’ve all been debunked. All. In fact, there’s no fossil evidence showing man evolved from ape. And there are no ape man fossils. None. And obviously not for lack of looking. They’re not there.

Recently I listened to a small group of 4 job applicants respond to the question “How did you get here?”  The first one said, “From mom and dad.” The next two said “Hmm…I guess the big bang.” And only one said, “I was created.” So, what does that say about our education system in America? Well, you might think we have a great education system, but as for me…

…I’m sure not going ape, man.

Would you like to discover many more reasons why evolution doesn’t explain our existence? I recommend Walt Brown’s book “In The Beginning.” Every homeschooler should have this book. And you should, too.

Stay tuned,

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 Are you saving your good deeds for tomorrow?

If someone came to you asking for help”let’s say they needed a ride because their car broke down”would you tell them to come back tomorrow? Probably not. Right? What if they needed to borrow money, and you have it to lend? Would you tell them to wait until tomorrow? Hmm, that’s a little different. Or is it? There’s a place in the Bible where it says if you’re able to help someone, don’t hold back. And don’t wait till tomorrow. Do your good deeds today. Tomorrow never actually gets here anyway”does it?

When you’re able to help your neighbor, that’s a great way to “love your neighbor.” And if you’re a Christian, loving your neighbor is one of the main things God asks you to do. So, why would you wait till tomorrow? What’s gonna be different tomorrow? No, it’s important to live in today. Love in today. Act today. Don’t believe that nonsense that says “no good deeds go unpunished.”

Because this world doesn’t want your good deeds.

So, trust God to be faithful. He knows your heart. And He knows where your true treasures are.

If someone asks you for help today, and if you’re able to give them that help, give it. It’s not a matter of doing good deeds for the sake of deeds. It’s a matter of your heart. And it’s a great way to have a healthy heart. Is your heart healthy toward others? Here’s a rhyme to help you remember”

Give your help to someone who needs.
Have a good heart. It’s love that feeds.
What you do now is planting seeds.
It’s so much more than just good deeds.

Stay tuned,

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Wanna fulfill your ministry? Here’s how…

Maybe you saw the headline and thought to yourself, “Hmm…that’s not me. I don’t have a ministry. I don’t even work in a church.” Guess what? If you’re a Christian, it’s important to know how to fulfill your ministry because you DO have one. And you don’t have to be a preacher, a deacon, an elder, or even a daycare helper. In fact, even if you don’t attend church regularly or at all, you have a ministry. But don’t panic. I have 7 things you can do to fulfill it. They’re not easy, but they’re designed just for YOU. (and me)

I’ll get right to the point. Paul wrote a letter to his spiritual son, Timothy. In fact, in the Bible it’s known as the second letter (or Epistle) to Timothy. In chapter 4, Paul laid out 7 thing to do to fulfill your ministry. And they all lead to you doing the work of an evangelist. That’s just a 4 syllable word that means you’ll be talking about Jesus. Uh-oh…now I’ve done it. I “let the cat out of the bag”. I dared to mention the name of Jesus. But apart from Him, you don’t truly have a purpose in life…at least not one that leads to eternal life.

So, how to fulfill your ministry in 7 ways:

  1. Preach the word
  2. Be ready in season and out of season
  3. Convince
  4. Rebuke
  5. Exhort with patience and teaching
  6. Be watchful in all things
  7. Endure afflictions

 

Easy…right? Wrong! With each passing day the job of telling the world about Jesus becomes increasingly more difficult. But here’s the thing…you’re not alone. You will never be alone. You have the Creator of the universe as close as your next breath. And He will never leave you nor forsake you. He’ll help you do the work of an evangelist, and you’ll be well-equipped to share His promise with everyone who will listen.

What will you do to fulfill your ministry…starting today?

Stay tuned,

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Share this link with everybody you know, so they can jump on the The TRUTH
(My regular emails about the essentials of life, AND some music and other good stuff, for Fa-Ree)