Tony Funderburk

Golden

Posted on January 25, 2014 by TonyJanuary 30, 2014

I’ve always looked for golden opportunities to write about things I couldn’t see or explain. Does that make any sense?

For example, as I sat down to my computer just now I looked over and saw the reflection and refraction of light on a mini disk. It was inside its plastic sleeve, and the textured golden hue stirred that part of my brain that responds to bright colors. So, I took a quick snapshot (the one above) and began to ponder the way colors appear in our vision.

No amount of pondering this subject will ever net me even one thin dime, but that never stops me. The plastic sleeve gives the disk a hammered metallic finish, and I’m drawn into the way the golden hues surrender to shades of green and blue. Then the transparent center takes on a bit of a silver tint. And finally that gives way to midnight blue at the top.

What purpose does all this color serve? Why are my eyes and my mind drawn to them…and why do I even take this time to write about it all? It’s weird, but I’ve always been that way. Very often I’ve written about something and didn’t even bother with explanations. I just let the words flow and become whatever they became. That’s happening right this very minute. Most of the words flowing from my mind into my fingers in the computer keyboard are appearing real time…not preconceived in any way. It’s almost like I don’t know what even the next word will be until its typed.

So…later on…I’ll forget why I wrote this article.

But that’s why it’s so great to have images, too. Once upon a time if I would have wanted to add the images, I’d have to take some shots on a roll of film, have it developed, and then wait for the pictures to come back. Even then some sort of scanning would be involved. Now…I just snap an HD photo, upload it to the computer, then upload it to my website, and start writing about it. And you can see what I’m talking about, and it might even make some sense to you.

However…one day, way back in 1975 I wrote some lyrics and composed a simple, little song I called “Golden”. I don’t know why anymore, and I couldn’t exactly tell you what it’s about. But I do recall the exact feeling I got writing it. And if feelings could have color, that particular feeling would have been…

Golden

Do you recall the way Golden laughed?
It was such a joy
Just to sit and listen to him.
I could see his words sparkle with excitement.
I could see that sparkle light the world.

Golden,
Perfect as fresh strawberry cheesecake;
I guess you know, by now, you’re immortal.
Tell me; how long does eternity really take?

Do you remember Golden as a youth…
Watching all the clouds
And drawing on the walls?
I would ask him why,
And he would only cry,
And I could see his sparkle disappear.

Did you ever see Golden’s magic touch…
Peacefully pretending to change us all so much?
And knowing that we knew
His mortality shone through?

In Faith, Hope, and Love”

Posted on January 24, 2014 by TonyJune 6, 2024

Fall Fast Asleep

When you want your little ones to fall fast asleep, do you read them a story or play them some lullaby songs?

I’m curious how many parents still do that. And I hope bedtime stories and lullabies aren’t a bygone era. I’d like to believe those time-tested sleeping remedies are still being used in homes all across the world. And it’s not just because I write bedtime stories and lullaby songs either. I also remember how much I enjoyed hearing the old classic stories and music when I was a little whippersnapper.

When I got up this morning, I realized I had dreamed about some of the things I’ve written lately. So, I grabbed a cup of coffee, slipped down to my desk, and began to type out a short story based on the lyrics to one of my songs “Fall Fast Asleep”. And I’d like to share it with you if you don’t mind. Here goes…

Kato cruised Clear Creek in his canoe.

His mind was filled with ideas and dreams. So, he didn’t look back. What was behind was gone. And he didn’t even want the memories. So he pointed his bow toward the horizon above the tall pines and rowed toward the future.

“Freedom is ahead,” he thought to himself. “With freedom I can try out my ideas and chase my dreams. And maybe even sleep well again.”

It was true, Kato hadn’t slept well in months. Even when he could remember the soft sounds of his mama’s voice reading his favorite stories or singing lullaby songs, he just couldn’t fall fast asleep. Because his eyes just wouldn’t close. There were too many dangers in his life.

Kato was much stronger than other ten year old boys. And he could work all day on a couple of bowls of potato soup and a cup of cold coffee. That was all the food he got each day from the slavers. But he stayed strong in his mind. And that helped him stay strong in his body. He knew one day he’d find a way out.

That day was this day.

The night guard had fallen asleep in his chair by the front door to the cabins. So, Kato slipped out the back window. He made his way through the dark forest to the creek. Because that’s where he had hidden his hand-carved canoe under deadwood logs. With the silence of a butterfly he had slipped the canoe, and its one small oar, into the creek. Then he made himself as flat and still as possible. And he let the currents of the creek sweep him away.

Safely out of anyone’s view, Kato sat up and paddled with all his might . And, as the sun rose above the treetops, so did the hope in his heart.

Sunbeams darted through the tree limbs like tiny elves. So, Kato decided to drift downstream in the shade. He leaned back on his elbows and took a deep, long breath of fresh morning air. Ah…the scents of the forest, the dampness of the dew, and the smoke from someone’s fire…way better than the sweaty cabins he’d suffered in for two years.

Then, like his canoe, Kato’s thoughts drifted.

Gently he floated further and further back to a better time. A time when he lived with his parents, his sister, and his brother in a much happier cabin. And he could almost smell a big, black pot of beans his mama cooked in the fireplace. Mm…mm…and some fried potatoes…and cornbread baked in bacon grease. Man, that was livin’. And he couldn’t wait to get back there.

Kato remembered his poppa reading out of a worn out hand-me-down Bible. One of his favorite verses was about hope. Hmm…how did that go? It was something like “I get up before sunrise and cry for help…I hope in your word, God”. He knew he didn’t remember it the same way poppa read it. But he was sure it went something like that.

Hope. Couldn’t ever let that die. Especially since Poppa said hope is always near because God is always near…near as your very next breath. Kato heard himself breathe. And that meant God must be very close. So freedom must be very close, too.

Then he heard dogs barking somewhere in the distance. Oh no. The slavers must be chasing him after all. So, Kato jumped up, grabbed his oar, and started paddling with all his strength. Luckily the current was faster in this part of the creek, so his canoe felt like a motorboat. In fact, he was suddenly aware of more rocks and more waves. Uh-oh…there were some rapids not too far ahead.

Imagine how you’d feel if you were in a little homemade canoe. And imagine crashing through rough water filled with big, jagged rocks. Kato wasn’t sure his little boat could take the beating of the waves. But he was sure it was certain doom if it hit any of those rocks.

Suddenly Kato couldn’t hear the dogs or smell the air or remember the past.

He could only hear the pounding of his heart. He could only smell the water splashing in his face. And he could only think about staying alive. So, he frantically slapped his oar in the water…first on the left side…then on the right. Then, he used the oar to keep from hitting a rock. Then, he smacked the oar back in the water. Again on the left. Then on the right. And back and forth and back and forth, and…pow!

Kato didn’t see the limb hanging low above the water. And it smacked him right in the shoulder and knocked him out of his canoe. The water splashed over him. And he swallowed a big mouthful. But he managed to somehow keep his head above water. He caught a quick glimpse of his canoe just as it slammed into a big rock in the middle of the creek. It broke into pieces and floated away downstream ahead of him.

The waves of rushing water were getting even bigger. The noise drowned out everything else.

And Kato’s arms began to feel like lead weights.

“Not…sure…how much longer…I can swim,” he thought. “I’ll never see you again mama and poppa. I’m sorry I wasn’t stronger.”

All at once, it felt like the whole world fell out from under him. Kato kept paddling his arms. But there didn’t seem to be any water to swim in. Without knowing, he had tumbled over a waterfall. It was only two or three seconds, but everything went into slow motion. Kato could see a deep pool of clear water below as he fell. And he hoped he wouldn’t hit a rock.

With a splash and a plunk, Kato hit the pool and sank deep into the sparkling, clear water. He opened his eyes and saw the image of his mama’s face floating in the millions of bubbles. And he reached for her and started to call her. But his mouth filled up with water. For some reason he wasn’t scared. In fact, he felt very calm. Then, he remembered another Bible verse his poppa read that said, “be still and know that I am God“.

Kato relaxed and fell into a deep, restful sleep.

All the bright and beautiful colors of the world danced before his eyes like carnival characters. He wasn’t thinking of where he’d been. And he wasn’t afraid of where he was going. He just knew somehow it was all going to be alright.

And the next time he opened his eyes, Kato was sure he was in Heaven. Before he could even see, he smelled cornbread. And it smelled just like mama’s. He opened his mouth to ask where he was, and a soft finger touched his lips. Then a face stooped over in front of him. He still couldn’t see very well. But it looked a little like a woman’s face. She must be an angel to welcome him into Heaven.

“Where am I?” Kato gurgled.

“Shh…lie still, Kato,” the voice answered. “You’re safe now. Your mama’s here. And you’re gonna be just fine.”

“Mama? Mom!” Kato blurted out. “Is it really you?”

“Yes, dear. You’re home. And we’re gonna make sure you stay.”

“But how did I get here?” Kato asked. “I thought I drowned.”

“No sweetie. Your poppa found you by the creek. And you nearly drowned, but he found you in time. See…we never gave up on finding you. And we knew if there was ever any way for you to make it home, it would be on Clear Creek. So your poppa was there almost every day watchin’ for you.”

It was a miracle…plain and simple.

Yep, it must have been a miracle. But whatever it was, Kato was thrilled to be home. And in that moment the still, small voice of God rose up in his mind saying…

“Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”

And, as Kato heard those words in his heart, his mama hugged him close against her breast and sang…

Fall Fast Asleep

Yes, my love, I do adore you.
Hear my heart, it’s beating for you.
Private memories we will keep,
But for now, fall fast asleep.

Leave the world and cares behind you.
I’ll make sure they cannot find you.
You’ll be safe in slumber deep.
So for now, fall fast asleep.

Fall fast asleep. I’ll sing to you,
And I will keep you near.
Fall fast asleep, and when you wake,
You’ll find me waiting here.

No, my love, there’s nothing frightful.
Close your eyes it’s so delightful.
When you do, you’ll take the leap,
And you’ll see you’ll fall fast asleep.

And now Kato can easily fall fast asleep.

And you can too when you jump on the The TRUTH and join a growing band of believers who know life has rhyme and reason because God Is Real.

Stay tuned,

Happy is he and that includes me

Posted on January 23, 2014 by TonyJanuary 23, 2022

“Happy is he who has the God of Jacob for his help…whose hope is in the Lord his God”.

If you passed by me on the street, you might not be able to tell if I was happy, sad, gloomy, or glad. It just might not show on my face. That’s just how life is. But take my word for it.

You could say, “Happy is he,” because happy is me.

(hey, I rhyme things…it’s what I do)

But I’m not without trials and troubles. Far from it. But I’m happy. There’s no promise of a life without trials and troubles…at least not in my Christian faith. Maybe there’s a religion somewhere that teaches life is just an illusion. Maybe there are religions teaching peace, love, and joy with a blind eye toward the evil and destruction in the world. But my faith in God says there will be trials and troubles. And it also says “fear not”.

Fear not and “be of good cheer, I have overcome the world”.

Happy is he who remembers the promises, like this one, found throughout the Bible. I don’t personally know anyone who’s gone through life (or is going through life) with no problems. Do you know anyone like that? Because if you do, could you ask them to get in touch with me? I’d love to know their secret.

There will be challenges today.

We really don’t have a choice about what kind of world we’re born into. But we do have a choice about how we’ll take on those challenges. You’re not required to be glad for the problems of this world. But once more…here’s my recommendation to love by…

“Happy is he who has the God of Jacob for his help…whose hope is in the Lord his God”.

Stay tuned,

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A Common Ancestor

Posted on January 22, 2014 by TonyJanuary 21, 2022

My wife and I share a common ancestor. My dog and I do not.

Some evolutionary scientists embrace a theory they call “convergent evolution”. This is where complex capabilities might be found in unrelated organisms but not in their so-called “evolutionary ancestors”. These scientists say a “common need caused identical complexities to evolve”.

So, that proves a common ancestor. Right?

Not so fast.

Let’s consider, for a moment, three little bones. (just as I wrote that I thought of Bob Marley’s song “Three Little Birds”…but I digress) The three little bones I’m talking about are found in the ears of mammals. They’re called the stapes, incus, and malleus. These little bones are arranged in a complex way with a precise fit, and they give mammals the ability to hear a wide range of sounds.

One explanation for this could be the evolutionary scientists’ perspective…they evolved from the bones in a reptile’s jaw. OK…if that’s true, then it must have happened at least twice. And there should be transitional fossils found in the fossil records, but so far none have been found or presented. Also, if there was some sort of transition from reptile jaw bones to complex bones found in the ears of mammals, how did any transitional organisms hear during the millions of years of transition?

Huh? Speak up!

Without the ability to hear…or hear well…survival would have been virtually impossible. It would have taken some sort of miracle. And to believe that sort of “miracle” could happen more than once? Well, that would require a common designer…not a common “need”. Hey, you gotta put your faith somewhere. My faith isn’t blind. It’s based on where the evidence leads. The similarities of design in different organisms implies a common designer. I call that designer God. In fact, I call Him Lord.

You can have your accidental convergence.

But I’ll take purposeful intelligent design.

In Faith, Hope, and Love…

Forever Is A Very Long Time

Posted on January 21, 2014 by TonyJanuary 25, 2014

It seems like everyone ponders forever in some form or another. It isn’t a Christian “thing”. And it isn’t some other religion’s exclusive territory…or merely a metaphysical concept. Regardless of whether you believe in a forever life in paradise with the Creator of the universe (like I do) or whether you believe the universe is like a perpetual motion machine…forever is a very long time.

Because forever is a very long time, it’s very important to ponder it with at least more than a passing glance. Maybe you’ll exist somewhere. Maybe you’ll even be fully aware of your existence and not be able to do or say anything of any consequence to anyone. Even if you don’t “believe” in a forever existence, your logical mind will still tell you it’s at least a possibility. If you’re an honest skeptic or agnostic person, you’ll admit this is true.

I don’t know about you, but when I ponder things, I prefer to come away from it with some faith, hope, and love. I can’t imagine not having the hope of eternal life. It would make this short time on earth seem so futile and fruitless and pointless. If my Christian worldview could somehow be proved false, I would be one of the world’s silly fools. And if there was no existence and awareness of existence beyond the grave…it wouldn’t really matter.

But I’m betting my eternal future on my Christian worldview being true. That sows hope in my heart, and one day I’ll reap paradise in the presence of God where forever will be awesome. Not having that hope sows despair and anguish, and that reaps an existence where forever is a very long time. Here’s what that might feel like…

Forever

Silence hanged over the night
Like an English fog over the bay.
The moon was a million silver candles
Shining through a black velvet curtain.

I heard the wind sing through the grass
And a coyote howl on a hill.
“Forever is probably like this”, I thought,
“And if it is, I won’t be around to know it;
So what of it?”

That, indeed, is why there are questions.
If they all had answers
That we knew of,
We wouldn’t ask them.

Yes, forever is a night,
But a night passes on
While forever stays…well…forever.

Will there always be the foggy silence?
The million silver candles?
The black velvet curtain?
Will there always be the singing wind?
And coyote’s howl?
These things we can only ponder,
And we may ponder…

Forever.

In Faith, Hope, and Love”

The Fragrance of His Knowledge

Posted on January 20, 2014 by TonyAugust 12, 2022

My wife is very involved with essential oils. We apply oils topically, we take them internally for their nutritional benefits, and we diffuse them to kill airborne bacteria…and their scent is awesome. This isn’t an article about essential oils. I found a correlation between them and a passage in 2 Corinthians where Paul mentions “the fragrance of His knowledge“.

God uses those of us who love and live in Christ sort of like essential oils. He “leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge”. Going back to the essential oils analogy…I know some people don’t actually like the scent of lavender, or citrus, or eucalyptus, or oils in general. And when Christian fragrance is diffused in the world, to some it will be “the aroma of death leading to death”. But to others it’s “the aroma of life leading to life”. I wish that part was true for every person on earth.

I wish they all knew the fragrance of His knowledge.

As Paul said, I’m not “peddling the word of God”. I believe with all my heart, soul, and mind that God’s word, found in the Bible, is Truth. And I’ll share it with you for free. If I never made a dime for all my efforts to spread the good news of a resurrected Jesus, I’d still feel fully blessed and honored to have the opportunity to write and sing about Him.

Whether you believe in God or not, I do. That’s important for a couple of reasons. One…I know I’ve received the gift of eternal life. Two…I know I “speak in the sight of God in Christ”. So, I know He knows what I’m saying and that I say it out of sincere love for my fellow human beings. Even if no minds are ever changed as a result of my words and music, I’ll still go on writing and singing. And I pray that God continues to diffuse the fragrance of His knowledge in my life so I continue to inhale and exhale Truth.

In Faith, Hope, and Love

The Thrill Of It All

Posted on January 19, 2014 by TonyJanuary 24, 2014

Parachuting. Bungee jumping. One night stands. So much in life is done simply for the thrill of it all…

…isn’t there more to life than that?

Don’t get me wrong. I love the feeling of exhilaration, the take-your-breath-away moments that come unexpectedly. But those are natural…organic. When you get to a point where you have to make moments happen, or where you take unnecessary risks with your life, then it’s simply for the thrill of it all. And it won’t last. And someday it may not be enough.

Maybe it’s because I’m not as young as I used to be. Maybe it’s because my perspective has gone from a temporary one to an eternal one. Either way, I know there is so much more to life than just seeking after the next thrill.

Listen to your favorite song. Don’t just hear it. Listen to it. Examine the beats, the melody, the separate parts and how they meld together and move you. Look at your favorite work of art. Don’t just see it. Study the brush strokes, the color palette, the way the paint sits upon the canvas and inspires you. Read your favorite book or story. Don’t just let the words pass before your eyes. Probe the different adjectives, verbs, and phrases…how they form the thoughts and word pictures that dance inside your mind.

There’s a thrill in each of those endeavors that never truly fades away. It endures those down times in your life. No one can ever take away your thoughts and dreams. And no cliff in the world is high enough to match that kind of thrill.

The Thrill Of It All

He was a silver-tongued devil and a breaker of hearts.
She liked to mimic the movies; all the dangerous parts…
A diamond Dan and a femme fatale
In for a penny and the thrill of it all.

He liked his single malt scotch and his Cuban cigars.
She went for rocks on a bracelet and Bavarian cars.
A double oh seven and a Barbie doll
Live for the moment and the thrill of it all

Oh no, don’t you think about it.
Just go when you hear that call.
Your heart; don’t you ever doubt it…
Don’t wanna miss out on the thrill of it all.

He had his Ellington records and some old forty-fives.
She bopped to Ella Fitzgerald on her afternoon drives
Could paths collide and barriers fall
For this he and she and the thrill of it all?

He weighed the whole risk factor as he opened the door.
She took a contemplating look as she walked in the store.
As simple as that; not a minute to stall
A motion is started for the thrill of it all.

chorus

What happens when beginnings end?
Will they build a window or construct a wall?
To keep embers after first sparks fly
Is the true measure for the thrill of it all

In Faith, Hope, and Love”

Return To Sender

Posted on January 18, 2014 by TonyJanuary 1, 2020

Only intelligence creates codes. You knew that…right? The codes, programs, and information found in every cell of our bodies need “senders” and “receivers”. What would happen if you wrote a letter to someone who no longer lived at the address you put on the envelope? Well, Elvis Presley said it best: Return To Sender.

Even worse than sending a letter to someone who no longer lives at the address you put on the envelope is sending a letter to an address that never existed. What a waste of time and energy.

You can think of the “senders” and “receivers” found in our bodies that same way. The code found in tiny cells needs a sender to transmit the information to its destination. And there needs to be a receiver there. Otherwise, the effort expended to transmit would be wasted. And how would that benefit the evolutionary model? It wouldn’t.

If you ponder the sheer number of links between senders and receivers in all living things from the cellular level to human beings, it defies logic to say it occurred by chance. All the “equipment” had to be there, and it had to be able to understand how to operate. To have that many pieces of compatible equipment in all the millions of species on the planet would absolutely require at least one superintelligence.

And that superintelligence would necessarily have to know how matter and energy behave over time…along with knowing a thing or two (gazillion) about chemistry, physics, mathematics, and all the other aspects of existence.

Here’s the real kicker where senders and receivers are concerned…all of the equipment necessary to transmit information (including the energy source) has to be functional and in place before any of the vital communications can even start. And if all the equipment is there, it serves no purpose without the information. So…the conclusion? It must have all been put there at the same time. Evolutionary processes cannot (and will not ever) do this. But God can…and did.

In Faith, Hope, and Love”

Out Of Much Affliction

Posted on January 17, 2014 by TonyJanuary 25, 2014

When I take time to sow seeds of faith, hope, and joy…especially out of much affliction and anguish in my heart…what could I possibly hope to reap? What would grow?

Love.

I don’t tend to make public displays of my love for my fellow human beings. I always figure if I’m writing daily about the love I have, it’ll simply shine through. Maybe it doesn’t always work out that way. But my intention is to show you how much I care about where you’ll spend eternity…because you WILL spend it somewhere.

If I hated you, I wouldn’t care where you ended up, how you got there, or how long it would last. I’d just chalk it up to fate, or destiny, or “it’s none of my business”. But your happiness, in a small way, is my business. At least your ultimate happiness is. Here’s why. There’s this thing called “the great commission” in the Bible. Christians are called to spread the good news of the resurrected Jesus to every part of the world. In other words, God wants us to tell others about Him. That way no one can ever say they didn’t know.

I’m not responsible for your happiness, and I’m not responsible for your reaction to what I say and write. But I AM responsible for sharing it. So…I do.

It grieves my heart to see the whole world striving against itself. Every person lives for a certain time. And every person dies. Why does one desire to rule all the others? Why can’t people learn from history. Every seemingly powerful pharaoh, king, emperor, dictator, or politician who ever lived saw his or her reign come to an end. Sometimes violently…sometimes quietly. But the end always came…and it always will…

…the end to this fleshly existence anyway. But that’s not all folks (sorry Porky Pig).

So, even though I may have trials, tribulations, and affliction of the heart and body…I’ll still write you the most encouraging words I can muster. And maybe out of much affliction in my heart and body I can show you how much I love you. Maybe you’ll wonder. Maybe you’ll ponder. Maybe you’ll be curious enough to ask what makes me hopeful in this hopeless, fitful world.

I hope so. And I’m here to give an answer for the hope that lies within me…with gentleness and respect.

In Faith, Hope, and Love”

Things To Do Right Now

Posted on January 16, 2014 by TonyJanuary 25, 2014

Do you have things to do right now? Do they include caring for someone else? Will those things make a difference in someone’s life? A positive difference? An eternal difference?

Here’s a shocker. You’re not gonna win the big prize here in this world. Not in this space/time continuum. Can I prove it? Yep. But not if you don’t want to believe me. It’s within your power to believe. But it might not be within your will.

It’s nice to have some of the finer things money can buy…but money will never buy the finest things you need. Never. Not in a million years. And not even if you could come back again over and over and try again. (which you can’t)

Faith, hope, and love are the finest things you need. They’re the finest things you’ll ever have. And they’re the only way you’ll ever win the “big prize”. If you haven’t read any of my scores of articles on this subject, I invite you to do so. Then send me a message. Let me know if you understand what you’ll be giving up by focusing only on your things to do right now. Or let me know if you disagree or agree.

I’ve Got Things To Do

I wouldn’t mind stopping all of the wars.
I’d be a diplomat,
If I could know for sure in my heart
That it was simple as that.
But peace will have to wait.
I can’t just change my life around.
I’m in the middle of something
That has me helplessly bound.

I’ve got things to do.
I’ve got places to go.
I’ve got people to see
And savings to grow
And though I don’t know how to see this through
I know for sure I’ve got things to do.

I wouldn’t mind spreading love in the world.
I’d work it every day.
I know that someone’s life can be changed.
When you give love away,
But love will have to wait;
We’re gonna have to hold that thought.
I’m on a merciless mission…and though it hurts a lot

I’ve got things to do.
I’ve got places to go.
I’ve got people to see
And futures to grow
And though I don’t know how to see this through
I know for sure I’ve got things to do.

I’m sure someone will come along
Who could easily fit the bill
And when they do, I’ll lend my support,
If I can ever get over this hill.
I’ve got things to do.
I’ve got places to go.
I’ve got people to see
And dreams to grow
And though I don’t know how to see this through
I know for sure I’ve got things to do.

In Faith, Hope, and Love”

You Can Avoid It

Posted on January 15, 2014 by TonyMay 8, 2017

Life can look pretty bleak sometimes. You find yourself up against a wall. You don’t believe there’s anyone in the whole world who could possibly understand what you’re going through. Your heart becomes a wasteland. You feel null and void. I’m here to tell you it’s only a feeling it. You can avoid it. It might take an act of your will at first, but you can avoid it and even grow to help others avoid it, too.

When you come to a day where your hopes and dreams have faded so much you don’t recognize them anymore, ask yourself this. “Who am I focusing on?”

My guess is…it’s yourself. Self wants a lot. In fact, self is never satisfied. There’s never enough money, drugs, sex, food, or power to satisfy self’s cravings. Never. And when you don’t have enough of these things, what does self do? Pity. And what does that do? Piles on. And where does that lead? In the self-same circle you were already treading. You can’t avoid it because the “needs” of self are too strong.

However, (you knew I was gonna get to however didn’t you) there is a way to overcome the hypnotic power of self. Turn the focus lens around. Don’t allow self to crowd the spotlight. Make self sit in back and watch while you serve your fellow human beings.

“But how can I do this with this mountain of troubles on my back,” you ask.

Trust in your Creator who said “for My yoke is easy and My burden is light”. Like I said, it may take an act of will on your part to begin with…but you’ll find there’s enough love in God’s heart to fill your will.

Avoid The Void

You say you live in a house that has no soul
You feel your time has come and gone
And so you begin to plan for the end
And you hope that it’s better farther on

You say your friends have gone their separate ways
And that they no longer know you exist
Their progress was fine, but it never came to you
Your watch is a handcuff on your wrist

No, you can’t avoid the void…
The darkness wraps around your heart like a glove
You can’t avoid the void
Without God’s Love

You sit and wait for the phone that never rings
Then play your records from the past
You did find some who shared romantic hopes
But you never found love that would last

chorus

So tell me what’s it gonna be
Are you gonna give up”
Or let Jesus in”
And begin to live again?

instrumental…repeat chorus and end

In Faith, Hope, and Love”

Posted on January 14, 2014 by TonyOctober 7, 2025

Responsibility

Americans used to take responsibility for the things they did…good or bad. And some still do. But I don’t see it so much in the so-called “leadership” of our government.

Since our last “government shutdown” back in October of 2013 our elected officials have allowed our great country to amass yet another 533 billion dollars of debt. That’s 533 with nine zeroes behind it. And speaking of 9 zeroes…that’s exactly what we have sitting in the chambers of the “supreme court”. But don’t get me started…well…more than I already am.

The thing about putting together committees, like the large one we call Congress and the smaller one we call the supreme court, is that it’s so easy for no one person to ever actually take responsibility for bad decisions. Unwise policies that bankrupt our country and even destroy the lives of its citizens are no ONE’s fault. Here’s the saddest truth hidden in plain site…

…all these officials making all these destructive laws, policies, and side deals, were either elected or appointed by others who were elected.

Elected.

What does that say about taking…

Responsibility

I heard…my sweet dreams shatter…
Blue skies fell around my feet.
My plans…they just don’t matter…
Big lies and elite deceit.

Same thing…throughout the ages”
Same words out of different lips.
False hopes…on empty pages”
Crash course with a truth eclipse.

And it all seems helpless, hopeless”
In a world that’s full of brokenhearted”
Reckless, faithless”
From the ones still here and the dear departed”
When was all this madness started”?
When we began to flee”
From responsibility.

I saw”the spotlight lifted”
Dark days covered all the hearts.
Don’t know”when the whole thing shifted”
Who cares once the damage starts.

I wrote”a sad life story”
Just words one could soon forget.
Learn from”this allegory
“Too late”hasn’t happened yet. © Tony Funderburk 2014 (1/14)

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Stay tuned,

By Faith You Stand

Posted on January 13, 2014 by TonyJanuary 14, 2014

The one true, living God is a yes God. His answer to your request for Him to be there for you is “yes”. Does He want you to have life? Yes. Does He want you to have it abundantly? Yes. Does He want to fill you with His Spirit and keep you with Him forever in paradise? Yes. Can you stand the trouble of this world when you trust God to help you get through it? Yes. And yet, since you can’t see God…so, it’s by faith you stand.

Think about it…almost everybody has faith in something or someone. Whether it’s self, or money, or the government, or parents, or sports heroes, or aliens from outer space, most of us put our faith in something.

Misplaced faith can cost a lot more than anyone might imagine. Faith in self requires ever increasing amounts of narcissism while simultaneously spiraling down into a bottomless abyss. Faith in money vanishes the minute a disaster strikes. Faith in parents or sports heroes is dashed against the rocks when their imperfections are revealed. And faith in aliens from outer space…well…seriously?

By faith you stand for something. By faith you’re able to give an answer for the hope that lies within. By faith you move from existing as a temporary physical creature with no perspective beyond your earthly body. By faith you understand the eternity written upon the tablet of your heart.

Do you stand on and by faith? Or are you simply waiting to see what happens next and if it will profit your “self”?

In Faith, Hope, and Love”

Freedom 1988

Posted on January 12, 2014 by TonyJanuary 14, 2014

Freedom

I’m gunning for the gold medal”aiming for the sun dance
Don’t wanna be a drifter all my life, I gotta take a new chance
I’ve driven down the pipeline. I’ve seen so many street signs
I’m headed back where I began to try to make it mine; all mine

And if I’ve even learned one thing
It’s that the music never stops
And if you dream inside a bubble
You’ll be surprised when the bubble pops
Oh, when the bubble pops!

Freedom; don’t want to lose my freedom
I want to make my choice; make my voice be heard
Freedom; I’m glad I have my freedom
If all the world could see
It would have to be the word…Freedom!

I’m shooting for the north star
I’m tickling the silver strings
I’m glad I have the chance to chase ideas
And turn them into real things
I’ve been down lots of broken roads
Forgot about my Guiding Light
But now I’m going back where I belong
And everything is alright

And if I’ve even learned one thing…
It’s that the music never dies
And if you never reach your rainbow,
At least you’ll see the bluer skies

Chorus…inst…repeat chorus

In Faith, Hope, and Love”

Posted on January 11, 2014 by TonyJanuary 17, 2022

Application of codes that take the right roads

A code is a set of rules for converting information from one useful form to another. The application of codes is what gives a computer the ability to word process or do mathematical calculations or show different colors or a zillion other things.

We have it so easy these days when it comes to getting computers to do things for us. We can simply visit the “App Store” and get another application…oftentimes for free. You’ve probably heard at some time or another “there’s an app for that”. Nowadays your phone can do what giant, room-filling supercomputers from the past could not.

The application of codes is right in the palm of your hand.

So where does all the information found in those codes originate? From the mind or minds of human beings. Yep, believe it or not human beings are actually smarter and more sophisticated than any computer ever devised or imagined. And here’s a little something to put in your pipe and smoke…human beings contain mind-boggling amounts of complex codes. We’re only beginning to scratch the surface of the complexity of a single cell. Even more amazing is…each human being has his or her own code. No two are alike. Are you kidding me?

We think about how marvelous that new laptop is with its blazing speed, eye-popping display, and life-changing applications. Yet, in the computer’s application of codes, there’s no need for processes like breathing, self-duplication, or bodily functions.

Most scientists understand (even if many don’t concede) that codes are only produced by intelligence. Codes are never observed to spontaneously materialize. Intelligence is needed in order to establish codes and then process them. Applications or programs require outside intelligence to establish the sequence of steps necessary to function.

When you apply that knowledge to your life, you see that all the information found in your genetic material is an extremely complex application or program. Therefore it isn’t unintelligent or unscientific to deduce an extremely complex intelligence must have put the information there in the first place.

Scientific observation shows that natural processes destroy information. They don’t increase it.

Macroevolution denies what our eyes and ears tell us.

The irony is that so many who say there is no God also say we can only know what our five senses tell us. Our five senses will never explain faith, hope, and love. Those flow down to us from the Source of all Intelligence. The microscopic information coursing through the blood in our veins and the waves in our brains shows how much God loves us.

What do you think? Doesn’t knowing He’s there for you sound like a better alternative than black hole non-existence at the end of your days?

In Faith, Hope, and Love,

Posted on January 9, 2014 by TonyJanuary 9, 2024

Celtic Clouds Cabins featured in a music video by singer songwriter Tony Funderburk

In 2009 I wrote 10 lullaby songs in 10 days. Those songs became my first collection of lullaby songs for kids called “Lullabye Bye”. And one of those songs was called “Blue Celtic Cloud”. Today, by accident, I found a place in Georgia called “The Celtic Clouds Cabins“. I checked out slides of their place, and I thought it would be cool to put my music to their pictures. The owners, Gary & Lissa, gave me permission to post the song, so…

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.

Before you go, share this link with everybody you know. Tell ‘em to jump on the The TRUTH AND get some music and other fun stuff, for Fa-Ree.

Stay tuned,

Testimony of Conscience

Posted on January 8, 2014 by TonyJanuary 10, 2014

Whether I can say I’ve done something worthy of your boasting…or whether I must say I’ve done nothing worthy of anyone’s boasting…both are a testimony of conscience.

In my life I’ve attempted to carry myself with humility and “godly sincerity”. And for much of my life I’ve worked in a field where there is consistent danger of becoming filled with self. When you’re on a stage where hundreds and even thousands of people are clapping and cheering for you, the temptation is to believe you’re “all that and a bag of chips”. Truth is…you’re just somebody on a stage using gifts that came from God.

By the Grace of God I’ve enjoyed a life filled with music, singing, and songwriting. I’ve been all over the country because of my ability to carry a tune. And I say by the Grace of God because I’ve been a miserable failure in so many other ways…so many times. God never saw fit to take my gifts away. For some reason He still trusts me with them…even though I’ve let Him down time and time again.

My testimony of conscience, today, is this…that even though I’ve tried to conduct myself with simplicity and godly sincerity in this world…I freely admit my shortcomings and count myself in the Apostle Paul’s corner as a chief among sinners.

So, does this mean there should be no boasting and I should throw in the towel? Well, if you take it that way, I wonder if you doubt Paul’s sincerity in 2 Corinthians 1:12-14 when he says “for our boasting is this…” And I wonder if you trust one of the follow-up statements “that we are your boast as you also are ours”.

Do you understand what Paul is talking about in that passage? Those 3 verses begin and end with words about boasting, but the key is in the middle…Grace of God. And shouldn’t that key always be in the middle of your life?

In Faith, Hope, and Love”

Stick Of Dynamite

Posted on January 7, 2014 by TonyApril 26, 2016

Every time you know you’re right…your opinion’s like a stick of dynamite…

…and everybody’s got one. Opinion that is.

Have you ever noticed how a lot of people are loud and staunch supporters of free speech until someone tells them something they don’t want to hear? Especially if what they hear is true. Truth has a way of making people mad. Them’s fightin’ words, son. And just saying that sentence “truth has a way of making people mad” makes many people mad. Ironic isn’t it?

Truth has become so relative that now not even our relatives want to hear it.

If you don’t believe truth exists, then you certainly don’t believe absolute truth exists. But it does. Oops…there go them fightin’ words agin dag nab it. I know, full well, that by saying absolute truth exists I stir up the ire of relativists everywhere. That’s because they know I’m absolutely wrong…which isn’t absolutely true…but then again…it is.

Confused? Well, that’s just the tip of the iceberg we’re heading toward. Would you believe way back in 1989 I wrote a song about this very thing? You would?! Well, good, because I did. And now I’m gonna share the lyrics with you and let them be the last I’ll say on the subject. Here are the words to…

Everybody’s Got One

Jesse says he wants equality;
says we’ve got goals to reach
Jimmy’s war is with iniquity;
says he’s got souls to teach
Norma claims that it’s her right to make her own decision
Nancy wildly disagrees; they’re on a one-way collision

Every time you know you’re right
Your opinion’s like a stick of dynamite
And everybody’s got one!

Danny says he wants respect; says he’s got a job to do
But David jabs and pokes his fun;
just the same as me and you
Pat declares we all should pay to clean up our environment
And Joan believes it’s federal;
so leave it to the government

Every time you know you’re right
Your opinion’s like a stick of dynamite
And everybody’s got one…everybody’s got one

Everybody’s got one
Sometimes it’s right,
but sometimes we put it in the wrong place

Everybody’s got one
Sometimes we should hold back,
And those times we end up with egg on our face
It’s our right, but we’re not always right…not always right,
But everybody’s got one

Scott insists that we evolved; that Darwin proved it years ago
But Tony’s faith is with his God; the Holy Spirit tells him so
And Sue defends the life she leads; calls herself a working girl
But Kathy says she sold her soul,
And that’s the problem with the world

Every time you know you’re right,
Your opinion’s like a stick of dynamite
And everybody’s got one…everybody’s got one

Chorus…inst…chorus to end

In Faith, Hope, and Love”

Words And Music of Faith Hope Love Podcast Episode 28

Posted on January 6, 2014 by TonyJuly 28, 2014

Listen to the Words And Music of Faith Hope Love Podcast Episode 28 or follow links and read the articles.

As you start your week”

Remember that each day is an opportunity to make a difference in the life of someone else. When you live in faith hope love and not in fear, you’ll be able to face what may come. I think there’s a good chance that tough things are coming. But trust God.

If you ever need someone to talk to this year, drop me an email, and I’ll get back to you. If you have any stories of how you were able to make a difference, please share them with me. I’ll share them here on TonyFunderburk.com (if you’re OK with that)

We’re in this world together. So, never think you have to deal with reality all on your own. Where two or more of us are gathered…there is God.

Now”here’s what you’ll find in this week’s podcast. (including some songs)
I talked about:

In faith hope and love,

Posted on January 5, 2014 by TonyJanuary 23, 2022

If you have to suffer fools, remember Jesus did long before you.

Do you feel the weight of this present world pressing down hard on your shoulders? Do you find yourself at the end of your rope…and it appears to be frayed and withering? And do you wish beyond wishing you could be delivered from suffering?

What if I told you it’s possible with one word? Notice I didn’t say it’s instantaneous. I said it’s “possible with one word”. Would you be interested?

Well, this next part is gonna sound a little harsh, but stick with me.

Because it does get better.

You were born with a death sentence hanging over your head. And there was nothing you could do to avoid it. At that point you had never even committed one sin, yet you were born into a world where it would be inevitable that you would sin.

And you have, haven’t you? Don’t worry about that right now. So has everyone else. But, the trouble is…sin carries the punishment of death. Have you noticed there’s a 1:1 ratio of birth to death? In other words, every person who’s born, dies. And no one gets out of it.

It seems like I just heaped more suffering on you. But at the beginning of this article I mentioned that you could be delivered from suffering. So…what gives, right? The better question is “who gives?”

In a previous article, I wrote about the Father of Mercies, God. And how He freely gives. In fact, He loves all of us in this world so much, He gave His only Son as a willing sacrifice. And that was to pay the debt that sin has so thoroughly drenched us with.

So, here’s a point you’ll really need to grab hold of, though. If you think you simply have no one to trust and depend on besides you, you’re adding to that debt, and you’ll be burdened beyond measure. There’s a better Way.

Remember I said you could be delivered from suffering with one word?

Well, that one word is “YES”.

If you sense there’s something going on inside your heart right now, it could very well be the Holy Spirit of God is talking to you through my words. And if you hear a still, small voice ask you if you’d like to be delivered, say “yes”.

If and when you ever feel the tugging on your heart of the God who loves you, say “yes”. If you hear Him asking if He can come into your heart and save you, say “yes”. And if you can believe the words in the Bible were written for you, say “yes”.

If you believe there must be a Creator God who is more than all the universe and all that’s in it…and if you believe only He fully explains how we could have come into existence, say “yes”.

When you’ve said “yes” to any or all of these, you’ve said “yes” to Jesus, the One who created you. The One who made you so unique that no one else in the world even has the same fingerprints as you. You’ve said “yes” to the One already took the death sentence punishment you were born into. You’ve been delivered from suffering to faith…to hope…to…

Eternal Love.

In Faith, Hope, and Love,