Music is the most awesome gift from God.
Share this music player with anyone
who needs encouragement and the hope of eternal love.
Share this music player with anyone
who needs encouragement and the hope of eternal love.
What Makes These Celtic Clouds So Special?
Since blue is my favorite color, it comes as no surprise that I’d choose it to paint the celtic clouds in a lullaby. Oops…I just gave away part of the secret of what makes these clouds so special.
One day, in the month of May, I was sitting at my keyboard…daydreaming. I had made it my mission to write 10 lullaby songs for kids in 10 days. I was on day four. Sometimes when I just let my mind wander, it goes to places I’ve never been and sends me back a starting line of lyrics. And that’s exactly what happened.
My fingers began to type out the words: “there’s a time in the spring and the last part of Autumn…”
And I thought…hmm…what happens then, Tony?
“Well”, my self replied. “That’s often a quiet time of year. Why don’t you sing about that?”
So, I began to think of what was quiet. You know what? Clouds are quiet. Hey! I could put those into the song. But not just any clouds. What kind? Well, of course they have to be blue. And since much of my heritage is German…well, I just naturally thought of celtic clouds.
OK, so maybe that’s not the exact way it happened. But I’ll leave it to you to determine which details I’ve gotten out of kilter. (how’s that for a celtic sounding word?) Anyway…hope you enjoy(ed) the video. And here are the lyrics. It just occurred to me, lyrics even sounds celtic.
Ay lassie, that it does.
Blue Celtic Cloud
There’s a time in the spring and the last part of autumn
When the noise of the day goes away, and the world is not loud
If you lay down and listen, you might hear the music
Raining down from real high in the sky in a blue celtic cloud.
Oh…beautiful magical music…
Oh…finding its way to your heart…
Through the whispering trees the wind brings a message,
And it tells you to keep your eyes closed and keep your head bowed…
“˜Cause you have to be still to catch all the music
Raining down on your ears from the sky in a blue celtic cloud.
Oh…beautiful magical music…
Oh…finding its way to your heart…
One by one the notes float down
And form a song so you can’t frown…
So you smile and you laugh and you sing.
Then two by two and three by three
The notes begin their harmony.
Just lay back and enjoy everything.
© 2001-2015 Tony Funderburk
Stay tuned…
Tony
3 Ways Humans Don’t Learn From Mistakes
I’ll bet you’ve messed up pretty badly in your life. At least a time or two. Right? Me too. But did you learn from your mistakes? Or did you just keep repeating them over and over and over? That seems to be a human condition. As a whole, we don’t seem to learn from our mistakes. We don’t know our history, it seems, and therefore seem “doomed to repeat it.”
So, here are 3 major ways humans don’t learn from mistakes.
1. Truth: Those who want to control others cast shadows on the truth. Truth is their mortal enemy. So they have to pound out lies with great resolve until the truth becomes nothing more than a cloudy concept. Truth becomes “whatever you make of it”. Or whatever is “right in their own minds”. Nazi’s believed if you told a “lie big enough and keep repeating it, people will eventually become to believe it”. Do you see that happening all around you today?
2. Morality: This is another area under constant attack by those who want to justify their behavior. When you reduce right and wrong to whatever is “right in their own minds“, you produce a culture where anything goes. Then everything goes…out the window. Who knows where that might lead? You might even find adults killing babies. Well, at least that couldn’t happen here in America…could it?
3. Property: Once people realize they can vote the money away from the wealthy and into their own pockets, then there’s no bottom to that abyss. Politicians run for office (and win) using promises based on redistribution of wealth. It’s not merely wrong. It’s evil, and it destroys lives. But who cares, right? It’s just the way things are. The status quo. I’m gonna get mine as long as the gettin’s good. Does that describe you?
Well, here’s what I think about it…
Nothin’s Sacred Anymore
Take the truth and lock it up, and throw away the key
Winds of change are blowing foul; a dance with destiny
Blur the face of love and sex and say it’s all OK
Tell the child it’s just a choice and melt her soul away
Nothin’s sacred anymore”
Can’t we learn from mistakes when they cut to the core
Nothin’s sacred anymore”
And should we be surprised since we’ve opened that dark, wide door?
Nothin’s sacred anymore
Cast your vote for social growth and then say yes to law
Keep the peace, divide the wealth; the vision Adolph saw
Hedge the bets and ride the fence; the middle road’s secure
Then one day you’re head to head with all you must endure
Nothin’s sacred anymore”
Can’t we learn from mistakes when they cut to the core
Nothin’s sacred anymore”
And should we be surprised since we’ve opened that dark, wide door?
Nothin’s sacred anymore
More space and time”more would be sublime
Someone else can pay”long as I get mine today
Ain’t nothin’ sacred anymore
© 2002 Tony Funderburk
Stay tuned,
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My Valentine
Happy Valentine’s day! If you’re viewing this on a device that can play videos, excellent because you’re in for a treat. Here’s a very classy song by Paul McCartney, appropriately titled “My Valentine” and signed by Natalie Portman
The tasty classic guitar solo was played by none other than Eric Clapton. And I think the whole video comes off as just the ticket for this day. And just to add my two cents worth, I’m including a little ode I wrote almost 30 years ago. Have a dark chocolate covered pecan and enjoy…
My Valentine Thoughts
They use the heart as a logo.
They use the heart as a prop.
They show it all deflated.
They show it about to pop.
They have it wearing faces.
They have it in the stars.
They draw it into corners
And even behind bars.
But a heart is still a heart
Feeling pleasure; feeling pain.
A heart is not an object
Of some far, unearthly plane.
It should never be taken lightly,
When, in faith, it’s passed along.
For this day I pass mine to you
Hoping you won’t think it’s wrong.
Let me also take this chance to say
I’ll be thinking of you on Valentine’s Day.
© Copyright 1987 Tony Funderburk (January 22_
Stay tuned…
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Would You Call Me A Madman Across The Water?
When I graduated high school, my brother bought me a graduation gift that helped change the course of my professional life. He gave me an album by Elton John called “Madman Across The Water”. It wasn’t the first time I had listened to Elton John, but it was the first album I spent a lot of time getting to know inside and out. That’s when albums were lavishly covered and filled with lyric books, photos, and more. Here’s the cover…
You might say “Madman Across The Water” is where I cut my pop/rock vocal teeth. From the first song, “Tiny Dancer” to “Levon” to “Razor Face” and the title track on the first side…to “Indian Sunset” and “Holiday Inn” and “Rotten Peaches” and “All The Nasties” and “Goodbye”…the arrangements piqued my musical interest. And Bernie Taupin’s lyrics sealed the deal.
After that I decided to teach myself the piano (on my mom’s old upright) and see if I could maybe write my own songs.
The rest is, as they say, history.
I’ve never had, or ever will have, the singer songwriter career Elton John has. And I don’t agree with his lifestyle. But I still enjoy many of his earlier songs. And I’m grateful that his music inspired me to take up an instrument and start writing.
So…today I’m sharing a cover song, something I don’t often do here on my website. It’s a song I’ve sung so many times and one that almost always brought me wonderful response from audiences. I hope you’ll enjoy it, too. This is the first song off “Madman Across The Water”.
It’s called “Tiny Dancer.”
Don’t be a madman (or woman). Get my really refreshing Rhymes and Reasons the easy way. Just jump on the The TRUTH. And I’ll send them directly to your inbox. Do it now, and you’re only a couple of clicks or taps away from some songs and some other surprises: https://www.TonyFunderburk.com
Stay tuned,
Let’s Talk More About the Infinite Power Source – Podcast 95
I hope you’re plugged into the infinite power source.
Here’s why:
In the Words And Music Podcast, Episode 95, I talk about:
- Daring to call yourself a Christian
- Not getting what you deserve
- The Jeep Wave (yes, there really is such a thing)
- Why world peace is just a cliché
- Tapping into the greatest power source in the universe
In this week’s “Rhyme Time”segment I share a song I wrote for my wife, Elgielene in 1989. I was getting to know her through phone conversations, and during one of those long-distance calls I told her I really liked her style. She said “thank you” and thought that was the end of it. But I wanted to show her I meant it. So I wrote these words and you can hear the song on this week’s podcast…
I Like Your Style
I feel lonely…do you think about me?
I want to be feeling your arms around me.
I need your touch “˜cause it would help me so much
I like your style…oh yeah
It always makes me smile
It could be habit-forming; watch out!
I really like your style…oh yeah
My finger’s on the dial
Ready to call you again; watch out!
“˜Cause I like your style…
I hear you say…just how you missed me today
And my eyes shine; I hope I’m not out of line
To say my heart and yours should not be apart
repeat chorus…
Anything I hear you say…
Always melts my heart away…
I like your style…
© Copyright 1989 & 1996 Tony Funderburk
OK, turn up the volume, and enjoy Rhyme & Reason Episode 95.
And remember”
God gave you a spirit of “power and of love and of a sound mind“.
Stay tuned…
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Exercise And Nutrition For the Body But It’s The Power of the Word For Life
The power of the Word of God is “sharper than any two-edged sword“. It can divide soul and spirit. To put it in perspective…a brain surgeon with a microscopic laser knife can’t begin to find where the soul ends and the spirit begins…much less divide the two.
Since God can (and did) create the whole universe and every kind of living creature in it, it makes sense to find out if there’s any way of getting to know Him. Turns out, you can. In fact, you can get to know Him so closely He’ll call you friend. And you’ll discover He laid down His life for you. You can do more than that for a friend.
The power in God’s Word also brings about eternal life for anyone who wants it. I can’t imagine not wanting that. And yet…I see more and more people with a greater sense of self than anything else. God said this would happen to the world. He wrote His predictions about it in a book. I’m sure you’ve heard about it. It’s called “The Bible”.
If you’ve never read any of it, I encourage you to put it on your to-do list. I believe you’ll find it to be a page turner (or screen scroller) like no other. And what’s even more important is…you’ll discover the love and the life that can only be experienced in the…
Power of the Word
So you’ve been thinking that you’ve got a whole lot to fear
And you keep asking, “What on earth am I doin’ here?”
Well I wouldn’t tell you it’s as gloomy as you’ve heard
You just need the power of the Word
I know you’ve heard that if at first you don’t succeed
Just keep on trying and you’re bound to fill the need
But you don’t believe all that stuff applies to you
And without the power what can you do
Well the power of the Word takes an ordinary bird
And it gives him songs to sing and wings to soar
With the power of the Word even when your vision’s blurred
All your dreams will be fulfilled forevermore
Numbers are crunching and seconds are ticking on
Your hopes are fading until you wonder where they’ve gone
But you wouldn’t worry that your life could be deterred
If you had the power of the Word
Chorus
And if you’re asking, “What’s in it for me?”
Well, give up your soul and I think you will see….
Eternity…eternity…eternity……….
instrumental…repeat chorus to end
© Copyright Tony Funderburk 1993-2011
Stay tuned…
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World peace doesn’t happen because of feel-good laws.
History proves this over and over again. World peace doesn’t happen by taking away a person’s right to self protection. World peace doesn’t happen because a peace protester can yell louder than everyone else.
Humans will never bring about world peace
Unless Everyone (yes, that’s everyone with a capital E) can figure out how to give up selfishness. And since that doesn’t seem to have a snowball’s chance in Hades of happening, then world peace is just a…
Cliché
We want the answers to all of our questions, and
We want the world in the palm of our hand
We want to rise up; rise up and conquer
Let all the world know just where we stand
We want to live in a fat-free environment, and
We want to make sure the ozone is intact,
And so we watch all those service commercials, and
It’s just so easy to sit back and react.
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?
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?
© 1996 Tony Funderburk
Stay tuned…
Tony
What’s That Jeep Wave All About?
This post has very little to do with what I normally write about, but by chance I found a video about the “Jeep Wave” today. I remember when we bought our brand new Wrangler TJ back in 2004, one of the salesmen said, “Don’t forget to give the Jeep Wave when you pass another Jeep”. He said it was a tradition, but he didn’t really know why. The guy in this video “did a little research” to find out why. Here’s what he came up with…
There you have it. What do you think? If you’re like me, you enjoy keeping traditions like this alive. I try to wave to as many other Jeep drivers as possible. In fact, it’s become such a habit that even when I’m driving another vehicle, sometimes I wave. They probably think, “Huh? Does that guy know us?”
Like the video says, Jeeps helped win World War II, they’ve been a great beach ride, and they’re not like any other vehicle on the road. Maybe you’ve seen some of them with the sticker on the window that reads, “it’s a Jeep thing…you wouldn’t understand” Well, I don’t wanna be snooty like that, but I do know the “Jeep thing” is pretty cool. I’ve been driving one for 11 years now. It’s a tough, durable ride, and it feels more uniquely American than almost any other automobile on the road.
That’s how I feel about it. How about you? Have you ever driven one? Well, if you haven’t and would like to…or…if you already do, be sure to look for me in my Patriot Blue Wrangler and don’t forget to give me the Jeep Wave.
Stay tuned…
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Be Careful Demanding What You Deserve – you might get it
Have you ever felt like you’ve been denied what you deserve? Because of some lyrics I’ve written, I’ve noticed some other lyrics in songs where the songwriter used the line “give me what I deserve.” I’ve also noticed a lot of that attitude in the public as a whole. So many people demanding that someone else, or the government, or a corporation, or a courtroom give them what they deserve. That’s a bad habit to get into.
Alright, I’m gonna preach for just a minute. There’s a way you can have eternal life in Heaven…in paradise with your Creator. Jesus, who is God the Son, came to earth and took on human flesh. This was about 2000 years ago. He lived about 33 years and suffered a horrible death. But He resurrected in only 3 days to show us He had paid for all the sins any of us would ever commit.
OK…if you don’t believe this information, feel free to disregard. And in that case, I urge you to have the fullest life you can possibly muster. Do everything your heart desires. And pay no mind to any consequences, as long as you’re getting everything you want. I’m urging you to do this because whatever time you have on earth will be the only time of any pleasure you’ll experience.
You’ll exist forever somewhere.
You’ll get what you deserve and be king or queen of your own universe of one (with no body and no spirit of life).
OR
You’ll live forever in paradise with your Creator because of His awesome grace. He freely gives it to anyone who wants it. If I were you, I wouldn’t be so demanding. Here’s my take on it…
Give Me What I Deserve
You gave me life…
Gave me love, and gave me freedom.
You took my sins…
And You nailed ’em, and You beat ’em…
‘Cause this person who you bought never had the nerve.
So I’m glad that you did not…
Give me what I deserve.
You gave me hope,
Gave me bread and living water.
You gave your blood…
When I led you to the slaughter.
But you never even fought or let your focus swerve.
And I’m glad that you did not…
Give me what I deserve.
Lord, don’t give me…what I deserve.
If I stand in the middle of the road,
Nudge me to Your side.
Lord, don’t give me…what I deserve…
‘Cause I’m the reason and the cause
Why Jesus died…But then He rose again!
You gave me joy…
Gave Your word you’d leave me never.
You gave Your life so that I could live forever.
And on this earthly azure dot I can choose to serve.
So I’m glad that you did not…
Give me what I deserve.
© 2010
What do you say? Are you ready to stop demanding what you deserve?
Of course, you can always demand all my really refreshing Rhymes and Reasons the easy way. Just jump on the The TRUTH. And I’ll send them directly to your inbox. Do it now, and you’re only a couple of clicks or taps away from some free songs and some other surprises: https://www.TonyFunderburk.com
Stay tuned,
And You Call Yourself A Christian?
So, have you ever had someone point out your flaws and mistakes and say in a very cynical voice, “And you call yourself a Christian?”
It happens to Christians all the time. I know I’ve experienced it more than once. So, how do you deal with it? I hope the negative naysayers don’t make you retreat into some “safe” hiding place. That’s no good. Listen…
I’ve certainly done things, in this life, I’m not proud of…sort of like everyone else on the planet. If anyone wanted to have a contest to see whose flaws stack up highest, I’d be willing to bet I could place high. But thankfully my shortcomings don’t keep me out of Heaven. And thankfully, it’s not my good deeds that get me there either. Nope. It’s not about me. It’s not about how wonderful or how miserable I am. And it’s not about the donations I make to church or charities. It’s not about the people I know or the clothes I wear or the car I drive. Uh-uh…it’s about my relationship with my living, loving Creator.
Yes, I call myself a Christian. But not because of how I’ve lived or even live right now. It’s because I follow THE Christ. The One who lived the flawless, sinless life here on earth no one else could. I’m a Christian because I’ve put my trust in His promises. I’m a Christian, and I follow…
The One True Way To Peace
Judge me; I need to be judged
Correct me; whenever I’m wrong
Save me from thinking my thoughts
I’ve lived in them way too long
Show me what I need to see
Tell me what I have to hear
Give me a voice of wisdom
Thank You for taking my fear
And I have to trust that my God is just
And I feel my boldness increase
I’m a dissident, and I’m an instrument
For the one true Way to peace
Search me for the deeper things
Fill me from Your living well
Free me from the ways of man
Take me off the path to Hell
Listen to my fervent prayer
Bless me so that I can bless
Change me with Your mighty Word
Spare me with Your tenderness
Chorus
Make me to always understand
I’m only mighty in Your mighty Hand
inst…Chorus to end
© Copyright 1998 Tony Funderburk
So…do you call yourself a Christian?
Take a second and join the growing body of believers who’ve already signed up for the Tony’s Daily Devotional . When you do, I’ll send you links to 2 songs and 2 books that adults AND kids enjoy right away. Then, I’ll send you flashes of light from the faith, hope, and the power of God’s love.
Stay tuned,
Pass The Salt And Tune In To Words And Music Podcast 94
Could you pass the salt, please? I’m gonna serve up some tasty tidbits from the previous week…plus a few extras.
In the Words and Music Podcast, Episode 94, I talk about:
- How the salt of the earth is losing its flavor
- Why it’s good to sing out loud…even if your voice stinks
- What you should do to keep your head from exploding
- What to do when you can’t pray away the pain
- How darkness falls and takes millions of people with it
- A fun way to teach kids about the first six days
In this week’s “Rhyme Time” segment I share my version of the old classic, “Amazing Grace”. If you’ve never really read the words, I urge you to do that today. And if you know Jesus as your savior, I believe the lyrics will express your feelings very well.
Amazing Grace
Amazing Grace”how sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me
I once was lost, but now am found
Was blind but now I see
“˜Twas law that taught my heart to fear,
And grace my fears relieved
How precious did that grace appear
The hour I first believed
Through many dangers, toils, and snares
I have already come
“˜Tis grace hath brought me safe thus far
And grace will lead me home
When we’ve been here ten thousand years
Bright shining as the sun,
We’ve no less days to sing God’s praise
Than when we’ve first begun
Amazing Grace”how sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me
I once was lost, but now am found
Was blind but now I see
Was blind but now I see.
Lyrics by: John Newton
OK, pass the salt, turn up the volume,
and enjoy Rhyme & Reason Episode 94.
Remember”
God gave you a spirit of “power and of love and of a sound mind“.
Stay tuned…
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If you were God, and you could speak words to create the sun, moon, and stars, how many days do you think it would take you to create the whole universe? I don’t mean just the blueprint. Or mind mapping. Or sketches. Or even prototypes. I mean the whole universe and every kind of living thing in it. How long do you think it would take? Well, this next point might sound like crazy talk to most, but the actual living God (found in the Bible) took six days. And, at the risk of sounding even crazier, I’m gonna say those first six days were all He needed to make it perfect. Six literal days.
Yes, the first six days were six literal days.
You know…where the daytime and the nighttime equal about 24 hours? Six of those kind of days. Not “six ages”. Not “six periods of time”. Six days. Why is this so hard to imagine? This is God we’re talking about here. Maybe evolution needs millions of years, but God doesn’t.
Isn’t it much more exciting to know God created you with love and a purpose than to think you’re just an accident destined to vaporize?
I hope you already realize the hope that a relationship with your Creator can and will bring you. And if you have kids, they NEED to know the truth. And the truth is, “in the beginning (the very first six days) God created the heavens and the earth.”
Yes, it’s true that what I’m saying requires faith in something (or someone) I can’t see. But evolution requires faith. And I believe it requires a blind faith. After all, when you talk about something coming from nothing, and you make up numbers like millions and billions of years…you can’t provide evidence. No empirical evidence whatsoever.
Other guesswork and theories are a futile attempt to explain away God.
That’s sad. And it’s even sadder that so many kids will never get to know their living, loving Creator because they’ll latch onto the silliness of fools.
If you’d like to get to know your Creator, it’s as easy as asking Him to help you. God is as close to you as you’ll allow Him to be. He can be closer than the very air you breathe. You simply need to ask Him in. If and when you do, don’t be surprised when you begin to experience hope. Hope like you never truly had before. And don’t be surprised when you find yourself wanting to pass that hope along. You know…pay it forward.
That’s what I hoped to do when I wrote and illustrated my children’s book called “The Very First 6 Days“. (See the book cover at the top of this article) I put the six days of creation into poems. In the book, each day has its own poem, and they all go together. The rhythm and the rhyme flow the same way through the whole book.
Get it and read it to your kids. See how much of it they can memorize. It’s fun, and they’ll begin to get a sense of how much God loves them. When you give them the message in this book, you give them hope. And this is important…your kids need to know the truth about the first six days.
Here’s an excerpt from the book. This is…
The Very First Day
Before there were created things, and darkness filled the air…
No world or human beings were existing anywhere.
Then God created earth and sea and all the heavens too.
There was no sun, no moon, no stars, and only God shone through.
He looked down at the waters and the dark face of the deep.
The earth was still and quiet just as we are when we sleep.
He said, “Let there be light” the way a perfect, true God could,
And then He saw the brand new light and knew that it was good.
Then God divided light and dark, and darkness He called Night.
The light would be called Day, and it was pleasing in His sight.
That evening and that morning wouldn’t be the total sum…
No, that was just the very first day…five were yet to come.
Take a second and join the growing body of believers who’ve already signed up for the Tony’s Daily Devotional . When you do, I’ll send you links to 2 songs and 2 books that adults AND kids enjoy right away. Then, I’ll send you flashes of light from the faith, hope, and the power of God’s love.
Stay tuned,
Darkness Falls And Takes Millions of People With It
Is it just me? Or have you noticed how dark, dreary, and ominous things have gotten? Even here in America where the light of truth once shone brightest…everything is going dark. Movies, music, billboards, the internet…all filled with shadowed images and references. What do you think the attraction is with this downward spiral into a bottomless pit? Whatever it is, we shouldn’t embrace a fatalistic attitude. And we certainly shouldn’t toss in the towel. Because no matter what, eventually darkness falls, and the Light will banish it forever.
It’s not that I think the world is, to borrow a couple of well-known metaphors, “a bed of roses” or “the land of milk and honey”. Far from it. But I believe we get the world we build. It hasn’t been predetermined by God or any dark forces of evil to be filled with darkness. We make it that way. We…the members of the human race as a group. But…
There are groups who are doing what they can to turn the tide, to reverse the trend toward destruction. I count myself in that camp. And I’m no angel. I’ve messed up more times than I can count, and I’m sure I’ll mess up some more. But a perfect person only lived on this planet once. Guess what He said about me? And you…
…we are “more than conquerors“.
Wouldn’t you prefer a bright, sunny, colorful world where imagination soars toward rainbows of light? Doesn’t that sound more refreshing than skulls and crossbones and zombies and mutation freaks?
Again…is it just me? Or is there anyone out there who’d also like to see to it that darkness falls once and for all. If so, c’mon…let’s…
Beat The World
Every time you turn your back
There’s somebody there to pick your pockets
And so you see there’s more to life
More than love and rockets
Deal with reality the best that you can
Try to remember there’s a higher plan
That’s the only way to beat the world at its own game
Yeah…every time you make your mark
There’s somebody there to erase it
And people say that’s just the way it is
And boy you’d better face it
But you believe there’s gotta be a better side
And you won’t give up on it until you’ve tried
That’s the only way to beat the world at its own game
C’mon and beat the world, and try to leave a dent
But don’t regret the time that you’ve spent
C’mon and beat the world, and try to leave a bruise
You need to love the life that you choose
C’mon and beat the world…
Every time you read the morning news
The paper cites another killing
It’s beyond my power to comprehend
How the taking of life could be thrilling
Banish the dark side; welcome the light
Then you’ll win the never-ending fight
That’s the only way to beat the world at its own game
Oh, can you imagine”
if we were all singing the same song,
Would we still be living this way?
Instrumental…repeat chorus to end
© 1996 Tony Funderburk
Take a second and join the growing body of believers who’ve already signed up for the Tony’s Daily Devotional . When you do, I’ll send you links to 2 songs and 2 books that adults AND kids enjoy right away. Then, I’ll send you flashes of light from the faith, hope, and the power of God’s love. Stay tuned,
Yeah, life these days is challenging from every corner. It’s frustrating to see so much hurt, hopelessness, and inhumanity. It’s tempting to simply gripe, complain, and yell at the world. But don’t those things just add to the problems? How about you try this on for size: Give thanks instead. Your Creator would love to hear from you.
Instead
Don’t try to pray away all the pain.
You could be disappointed, disillusioned, disenchanted.
Don’t ask God to save you from the hurt.
You could live to see that the prayer has not been granted.
Instead…give thanks for all His love.
Instead…be glad for all He’s done.
Our sin could torture us forever.
Instead…He gave His only Son.
Don’t be so quick to ask for an end
To the hard times, rocky roads, and fire and rain.
Don’t cry out for a wonderful sign
And when it doesn’t appear, throw your hands up in vain.
Instead…give thanks for all His love.
Instead…be glad for all He’s done.
Our sin could torture us forever.
Instead…He gave His only Son.
There will be trials…and tribulation,
In every life…in every nation.
You could give up…but bow your head
And thank your loving Lord instead.
© 2010 Tony Funderburk
Stay tuned,
Your support means more than you know. And in case you’d like to know how you can…
Buy books and music from me:
- (https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B008R08LUG/allbooks)
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Or tell those you care about to jump on the The TRUTH: https://www.TonyFunderburk.com OR
Get the The Power of God’s Love Podcast: https://www.tonyfunderburk.com/fundercast
Okay, here’s the deal…I’m getting into my studio to produce some songs, and I’d like you to join me. Well, not literally. But I’d like to feature your words in one of the songs. So, if you write lyrics, or poems, or stories, and you’ve always thought it would be cool to hear those words in a song, here’s your chance. Get the word out. Out of you, or tell someone you know who might be interested.
Here’s what I’m looking for:
- Your own, original words
- Words that tell a story
- Words of thanksgiving but not merely quoting Bible verses
- Lyrical words full of rhyme and rhythm
- Words full of hope
If you have any questions, or to submit your lyrics/poem/words, just email me at: tony @ tonyfunderburk dot com
There is ONE catch. There will only be one person’s words chosen. I’ll pick the one that fits best with my other songs and the one that fits what I’m looking for. (see the criteria above)
So…whether you’re a writer who’s been keeping your words to yourself, or you know someone who might be interested…get the word out.
I look forward to reading your words and working with you, soon.
Stop jumping online wishing you could find all my really refreshing Rhymes and Reasons. Just jump on the The TRUTH. And I’ll send them directly to your inbox. Do it now, and I’ll send you some songs and some other surprises: https://www.TonyFunderburk.com
Stay tuned,
It doesn’t matter if you have a voice like Bocelli or you think your singin’s smelly…you should sing out loud, today, and be glad you’re alive. You exist. You are somebody. There’s no one else quite like you in the whole world.
So sing out loud like there’s no one else in the world. Sing anything you feel. Anything that makes you smile. Anything that makes you remember your living, loving Creator made you and gave you a voice.
No matter who you are, no matter where you live, no matter what your skills, talents, and gifts are…somebody somewhere could use what you have to offer. And if you offer it with the love for your neighbor that your Creator wants you to show, you’re offering is blessed and not forgotten.
What’s your talent? Do you know your “gift?” How about skills? Got ’em ready? Well, you know what to do…right?
Yep…SING OUT LOUD!
Take a second and join the growing body of believers who’ve already signed up for the Tony’s Daily Devotional . When you do, I’ll send you links to 2 songs and 2 books that adults AND kids enjoy right away. Then, I’ll send you flashes of light from the faith, hope, and the power of God’s love.
Stay tuned,
The Salt of the Earth Is Losing Flavor and Getting Trampled Under Foot
“It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men.” What is the “it” that sentence is talking about? Salt. “Salt of the earth” to be more precise. It’s a metaphor for Christians and the Christian message. And even here in the good ol’ U.S. of A. this salt is being tossed out and stomped on. But does it even matter?
I use an app, on my iPhone, called “Flipboard”. It’s sort of a magazine of curated magazines. And it’s a great way to gather together all the subjects you find interesting. As you set it up, it offers tons of topic suggestions, and all you have to do is check the ones you like. Then, voila! You start receiving lots of stories, clips, tweets, updates, and more.
Something I’ve noticed as I’ve read news from all over the world is how much my Christian faith is under attack. It’s not a figment of my imagination. I don’t have a persecution complex. And I don’t suffer from a poor, pitiful me victim mentality. It’s real. Don’t take my word for it. Check out news sources other than NBC, CBS, ABC, CNN, NPR, or even FOX. I’m certain you’ll find some very disturbing facts. Facts like:
- Children prohibited from writing Merry Christmas to the soldiers
- Senior citizens banned from praying over their meals in the Senior Center
- The VA banning the mention of God in military funerals
- Numerous attempts to have veterans memorials torn down if they have any religious symbols such as a cross
- Attempts to ban any mention of God from historical markers *
So, what’s a Christian to do? Throw up our hands in frustration? Hide in the closet? Hold our hands over our ears and yell “blah blah blah blah?
No. I suggest it’s time for some significant salt mining.
Yep. It’s time to dig deeper into the Christian message for the more flavorful nuggets of salt. And it’s time to pass the salt with joy, love, and a steady hand to a hurting world that thinks salt is bad for them.
Do you believe you’re up to it? If you’re a Christian, you should own it. After all you’re called to BE salt. Maybe it’ll help to remember whose team you’re on. When you lean on God and not “your own understanding”, He’ll give you the words you need. He’ll never leave you nor forsake you.
And even though there will be more people rejecting the salt than accepting…even though your message may be trampled under foot time and again…you’ll still be sharing good seasoning with right reasoning.
I’m pulling for you. I’m also here if you want to talk about it. So, what do you say? Can you pass the salt, please?
Stay tuned…
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* Statistics/info found Here and other sources
Can Your Ears Stand All This Joy Peace Fear Time Hypocrisy? – Podcast 93
In this episode of the podcast I talk about joy peace, fear, time, hypocrisy, and the measles. Yep, you read that right. It all makes more sense when you read (or listen to) these stories…
- No joy in the “happiest place on Earth”
- The hypocrisy of the atheist’s “10 non-commandments”
- How a person is a person even before they’re born
- How fear is always an option
- The best time to focus on others
- How to keep the God of peace with you
If you prefer text over audio, click any one of the links and read the articles.
For the audio, you can go here: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/rhyme-reason-show-tony-funderburk/id595790511?mt=2 Or better yet, subscribe to the The Power of God’s Love Podcast and you’ll never have to look for another episode. They’ll all come to your favorite device and app. Do that here:
https://www.tonyfunderburk.com/fundercast
Here are the lyrics to the song included in this episode:
Choose Life
Well you hid your heart in a so-called safe place,
Then you locked your love in a big, black box,
And you had no hope, but you built your brave face,
And you ran your rat race…through the tics and tocs.
Well, the bluebells bloomed in ideal intentions
As you tilled the truth into lifelong lies,
And you dug in deep making many mentions
Of your pretty pensions…always alibis.
You can’t run away from real truth.
And every word of truth is a knife.
A captivating voice might pigeonhole your choice,
Cut free…and choose life.
When your daydreams die and you feel half-hearted,
And your love is lost in a soulless sky,
Try to train your thoughts when your brain’s bombarded
By the stuff you started”learn to love the lie.
Chorus
Choose life…choose life…choose life
© Tony Funderburk 2013
Remember, God gave you a spirit of “power and of love and of a sound mind.”
And He IS the Rhyme and Reason to life.
Once you see the benefit, join the growing body of believers who’ve already signed up for the Tony’s Daily Devotional . And I’ll send you daily flashes of light so we can stay focused on faith, hope, and love.
Stay tuned…
Appointments. Busy. Calls to make. People to see. Mouths to feed. Broken things to fix. Bad things happening all around the world. It’s maddening. It’s saddening. And it’s almost more than a mere human being can bear. So, what would it mean to you to know there are 8 things you can focus on to keep the God of peace with you? Well, I’ll share those with you today.
Your joy and your life depend on where your focus is. If you’re looking down and/or only at yourself, you’re heading for a crash. You were designed…yes designed…by the living, loving God to live and love. That makes sense. Right? So, it only stands to reason that maybe He knows what keeps you functioning at optimum levels. Okay, here are 8 things He says you can focus on so that
“the God of peace will be with you“…
- True things: No matter how many people might prefer to think otherwise, there truly are some things that are just plain true. Like…the sun “rises” in the East and “sets” in the West. Our atmosphere is full of oxygen which our lungs so vitally need. Water is essential to life. And thoughts are without form and substance. (but they do exist as we exist)
- Noble things: Picture an old gentleman whose wife passed away, but instead of locking himself inside an empty house, he goes to others in similar circumstances and spends time listening to their problems.
- Fair things: Remember times when the “good guys” win. Look for opportunities to help the “good guys” win. Don’t forget that justice is inevitable…even if it comes much later than you’d like.
- Pure things: Imagine a little, newborn baby just home from the hospital sleeping soundly in that brand new crib. Or the couple who “saved themselves for marriage” standing at the altar. Or pure crisp air blowing through cloudless and deep blue skies.
- Lovely things: A summer bouquet of fresh-cut flowers in a cobalt, blue vase. The sunlight sparkling in the verdant green of your lover’s eyes. An old couple who still hold hands as they stroll through the neighborhood.
- Good news: Your son is coming home from his tour of duty overseas. Your best friend’s wife has overcome a battle with a disease. That organization you support just received a donation that will propel them to victory.
- Virtue: Concentrate on being the husband, wife, mother, father, son, or daughter your loved ones need. Own up to shortcomings. Love your neighbor as yourself. Do unto others as you’d prefer to have done to you.
- Praiseworthy things: Don’t forget to compliment the little kid who painted a picture or picked some flowers just to show his love. Give a bear hug to the young singer who just gave her all but placed last in her vocal competition. See if you can visualize and remember a politician who actually kept his or her campaign promises…the ones where lives are at stake.
Well, there you have 8 simple things.
you can focus on instead of the trials and tribulations of your everyday life. And when you do, you have a promise that “the God of peace WILL be with you”.
What do you say…wouldn’t you prefer to travel through this life with Him as your companion?
Maybe you don’t know me well enough to buy something from me, yet. Ok, then get to know more about me and my worldview. Join the growing body of believers who’ve signed up for the Tony’s Daily Devotional . And enjoy my daily flashes of light from the power of God’s love.
Stay tuned…