Tony Funderburk Posted on by

When the sun shines, it’s a good idea to get outside. And not just because it’s fun, but also because it’s so good for you.

Did you know that sunshine on your skin helps your body make Vitamin D. It’s true. And vitamin D helps you reduce cavities, stay leaner, and smile more. You don’t need to stay out in the sunshine so long that you get sunburn. But you do need to get out there and soak up some rays.

What’s your favorite thing to do outside? When I was a kid, I loved to ride my bike everywhere. I even had a paper route, and I delivered the papers from the seat of my trusty bike. Shooting baskets in the driveway was always fun, too. My brother and I would play H-O-R-S-E for hours sometimes. We also loved to shoot our BB guns and bow and arrows. Our dad made us a target in the yard with some hay behind it, and we got pretty good at hitting inside the smaller circles.

The main thing was that we got outside all the time. We couldn’t wait for that special day in the spring when we could start running around barefoot. That’s healthy for you too, by the way.

So…as soon as you read this (or someone reads it to you)…go outside and have some fun. If it’s raining, just wait until when the sun shines, and then…

Go skateboard when the sun shines…
Can’t be bored when the sun shines…
Shoot some hoops when the sun shines…
Ride some loops when the sun shines…
Hike a trail when the sun shines…
Go set sail when the sun shines…
Show your style when the sun shines…
Find your smile when the sun shines.

 

Of course, you can always jump online to find all my really refreshing Rhymes and Reasons? But I recommend you 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,

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Who Is Watching You

Tony Funderburk Posted on by

Have you ever been in a crowded place, and you get that certain feeling…? You’re not sure who is watching you, but you feel pretty sure someone is. Have you ever felt that?

Since nearly everyone has a mobile phone with a camera, you never can tell when someone might not only be watching you…they might also be taking your picture. And you know what you’re supposed to do when someone takes your picture…right? Smile.

The fact of the matter is…you gotta have a look on your face. There’s no getting out of that. But that doesn’t mean you have to have an ugly look on your face. After all, that’s not how you make friends. In fact…an ugly look on your face can make others uncomfortable…or even sad. You don’t want to make other people sad, do you? I didn’t think so. Well, in that case, smile. Then, no matter who is watching you…they’ll probably see you and say, “Wow, I wish I was that happy.”

You never know who is watching you.
That is, at least, until you do.
So don’t dare make an ugly face…
At least not in a public place.

So, when you dress, please add a smile
It adds pizzazz. It shows your style…
And it might spread to others, too…
No matter who is watching you.

Of course, you can always jump online to find all my really refreshing Rhymes and Reasons? But I recommend you 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,

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Tony Funderburk Posted on by

When I was a little kid, not even in school yet, I lived with my grandparents for a while. And they didn’t have a box or bucket or even a bag of toys for my brother and me to play with. But I remember my Grandmother would bring out her bag of wooden clothespins, some empty thread spools, and showed us how to “make it yourself”.

With a nail, a rubber band, and one of those empty thread spools, I can show you how to make a tank or bulldozer or steamroller. With a bag of clothespins, a footstool, and some end tables, I can show you how to set up a great battlefield where kingdoms are won or lost with the sweep of your hand.

Simple ingredients help you make it yourself.

You don’t need the latest app or video game to have a ton-o-fun. Sure, those can be fun, and you might want them, but you don’t need them. You only need an imagination. If you use your imagination, your whole world can be like a giant video game…and you can make it yourself. A broken tree limb becomes your magic walking stick that guides you to the hidden treasures of the world. A tiny triangle of paper becomes a football and two fingers become goal posts.

The best part is…when you make it yourself, there’s the lasting feeling of knowing it was all yours. You’ll develop skills with your talents, and you might even create a work of art that others want. Who knows? Maybe you’ll still play video games, too. But then…they might be the ones you made. Cool.

Make it yourself with a new idea
And a motor and a wire.
You never know who might love your work
Or who you might inspire.

Stay tuned,

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No-cost, low-cost, and premium ways you can help me spread the Word…

Tell everybody you know to subscribe to Tony’s Daily Devotional
(emails with good stuff for Fa-Ree)

Get my Rhyme & Reason Podcast delivered right to your device. (also Fa-Ree)

Get digital Bible stuff from the same company I do.

My books are also on Amazon.com or Apple Books

Grab yourself an un-cool T-shirt

Or how about some music for believers, dreamers, and thinkers

Rhyme Time Podcast Episode 12

Tony Funderburk Posted on by

It’s an even dozen…here’s the Rhyme Time Podcast, Episode 12. Happy September in the year 2013, and I hope you’re having a great one so far.

In this week’s Rhyme Time episode I read poems about”

If you didn’t get a chance to read the articles…or if you’d just like to tune in to the podcast version of only the Rhyme Time parts, you’ve found the right place.

Share it with everyone. It’s free, fun, and it only takes a little time out of your week. Kids love to have someone read to them, and this is a way to get me to do the reading for you. What a deal, huh?

Be sure to subscribe to this Rhyme Time Blog, too. You’ll get the latest news about my ebooks for kids, any new music for kids, and yep”every other thing I’m up to. Well”maybe not EVERY thing, but you’ll be one of the first to know when my next picture book is on Amazon or iBookstore or Nook or Sony or Kobo.

OK”gotta go and start working on more Rhyme Time writing for kids for next week’s episode. I’d love to hear from you if you have any suggestions, questions, or other feedback. You can leave me a comment at the bottom of this page, or send me an email on my contact page. You can help me work to keep getting better. And right below my name are other ways you can support your favorite children’s writer.

Stay tuned,

Tony Funderburk's signature can be found on almost all of his writing for kids.

P.S.  I really appreciate your support here on my website. Here are some other awesome ways you can keep my words and music flowing.

Get my ebooks for kids on Amazon.com
Get my Podcast
Circle me on Google +
Like my fan page on Facebook
Follow me on Twitter
Watch my videos on YouTube
Get this blog

Another Day Goes By

Tony Funderburk Posted on by

Well…another day goes by, and I see the evening sky starting to fall on Green Mountain.

I wonder how many others are taking the time to soak it in. Did you look out your window today and remember to be grateful for your life? Did you do something nice for someone you love, today? No matter what time it is…if you’re reading this, you still have time to do that now.

Go give your mom or dad a hug. And tell them you love them. And if they seem surprised and ask “Where did this come from?”…just say “my heart”. Or you could go help your brother or sister clean up their room. Or you could clean up the living room. Or…well, there are lots of things you could do to help out someone you love. Just do it because you love them. Don’t expect or ask for anything in return.

Guess what’ll happen when you do things like this…you’ll sleep better. Your heart will be healthier. Your dreams will be sweeter and more colorful. And you’ll be doing what God designed you to do.

Another day goes by…
Another evening sky…
Another bedtime story little morning glory…
Another sleepy sigh.

Another soft bear hug…
Another chug-a-lug…
Another time for dreaming while the moon is beaming…
Another heart to tug.

Another day is gone…
Another life goes on…
Another night for sleeping and no peepers peeping…
Another trip to dawn.

© 2013

Of course, you can always jump online to find all my really refreshing Rhymes and Reasons? But I recommend you 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,

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A Bear In The Air

Tony Funderburk Posted on by

Hey kids! Do you have your imagination caps on? Are you ready for a poem about a bear in the air? Yep, you heard me right…it’s about a flying bear.

This is one of my short poems for kids called " A Bear In The Air".

Well, I’ll tell you what. Ask your mom for a slice of pie and some milk. Then, ask her to read today’s poem to you as you enjoy your pie. Sounds good, doesn’t it? What’s your favorite kind of pie? Apple? Blueberry? Peach? Chocolate? I’ll let you in on a secret if you promise not to tell anyone else. My favorite kinds of pie are Strawberry and Pecan. Yum…yum!

Anyway…do you have your pie and milk? OK, eat slowly and enjoy it…’cause here’s the poem…

There’s a bear in the air.
I didn’t know bears could fly.
I don’t see any wings
As he flip-flops through the sky.

But he smiles at the birds,
And he waves to the crowds
Who can’t believe their eyes
As he zips through the clouds.

Now, you may not believe
These things I’m telling you,
But could I say there was
If it wasn’t really true?

Just go outside right now
And watch the bear fly by…
But while you’re doing that
I’m gonna eat your pie.

Stay tuned,

Tony Funderburk's signature can be found on almost all of his writing for kids.

P.S.  I really appreciate your support here on my website. Here are some other awesome ways you can keep my words and music flowing.

Get my ebooks for kids on Amazon.com or Smashwords
Get my Podcast
Circle me on Google +
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Follow me on Twitter
Watch my videos on YouTube
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Catch The Colors

Tony Funderburk Posted on by

A commercial for a popular candy says “catch the colors of the rainbow”.

Today's Rhyme Time writing for kids shows you how you should Catch The Colors of life and share them.The second those words are spoken…or the second you read them, you can see that picture in your mind, can’t you? There’s nothing like the colors of a rainbow to stimulate your imagination.

I was driving down a Colorado canyon a few weeks ago after (and during) a good, cool rainstorm. And all the way down I kept seeing double rainbows going from one side of the canyon to the other. Most of the time I could see the whole rainbows…end to end. Their colors were brightly lit by the late afternoon sunshine, and they shimmered in the moist and glistening pine needles. It was a very rare treat. And I wondered if anyone in any of the other cars was enjoying it as much as me. I doubted it.

Well, just a few minutes ago I was thinking about those rainbows and how I took the time to appreciate them as I drove. Then I started thinking about how we’re all so busy that who knows how many times we fail to catch the colors in the everyday things around us. So…I wrote a few words to share what I thought.

Catch the colors of the forest.
Catch the colors of the skies.
Catch the colors of the river.
Catch the colors in your eyes.

Watch the forest getting darker.
Watch the skies fade into black.
Watch the river leave the valley.
But they’ll all be coming back.

Catch the colors of the sunshine.
Catch the colors of the rain.
Catch the colors of the dreamer.
Keep the colors in your brain.

Be the sunshine to a dark heart.
Be the rain to thirsty souls.
Be the dreamer’s guide to true north.
There is wisdom in these goals.

Stay tuned,

Tony Funderburk's signature can be found on almost all of his writing for kids.

P.S.  I really appreciate your support here on my website. Here are some other awesome ways you can keep my words and music flowing.

Get my ebooks for kids on Amazon.com or Smashwords
Get my Podcast
Circle me on Google +
Like my fan page on Facebook
Follow me on Twitter
Watch my videos on YouTube
Get this blog

Truth Is Beauty and here’s your duty

Tony Funderburk Posted on by

Truth is beauty to those who seek the truth.

It’s really OK to say that some things are true. And here’s the secret reason why…

Because they are.

For instance..wouldn’t it be the truth to say that the sun is further away from the earth than the moon is? That wasn’t so hard, was it? And it doesn’t even sound harsh to say so…does it? And wouldn’t it be the truth to say your mother is not the same person as your father? Again…an easy truth. Right? So…where does truth start to get difficult?

At what point do you no longer say truth is beauty?

I think it’s when truth starts to make you mad. For example…if someone says you’re a fatso, and you know you’re not, it doesn’t make you mad because you know it isn’t the truth. But if someone calls you a fatso, and you know you need to lose a bunch of weight, the truth hurts and makes you mad. Deep down you’re probably mad at yourself, but you’re still mad.

But here’s the thing. It’s good to seek the truth and embrace the truth. Even when it takes us somewhere you don’t want to go. And if you’re going to apply the truth to anyone else, you need to be able to apply it to yourself. Once you can do that, fairly, and in love…

Truth is beauty.

Truth is beauty.
Truth is light…
Shining through
Your darkest night.

Truth is wisdom.
Truth is wise…
And not for
Only your eyes.

Truth existed
In the past,
And it will
Forever last.

Your email address is the key to my Tony’s Daily Devotional . It’s how you get lots of fun stuff delivered right to your inbox. Spend your valuable time reading instead of searching. And, to show my sincere appreciation for your time and attention, I’ll send you download links to 2 of my Christian books for kids and 2 songs, right away. Fun for kids AND not too cutesy. So grownups enjoy it, too.

The TRUTH

Stay tuned,

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In The Funny Pages

Tony Funderburk Posted on by

When I was a kid, one of the expressions we had when we were about to leave someone’s house and knew we weren’t going to see them again for a while was: “See you in the funny pages”.

In today's Rhyme Time writing for kids, Tony Funderburk says " See You In The Funny Pages".

Silly I know, but times were more innocent back then. And we were talking about the comic strips you see in the newspapers. We called them the “funny pages”. I remember my Grandmother would read certain comic strips to me while we were waiting to go to church. Old favorites like “Alley Oop” and “Beetle Bailey” and “Gasoline Alley” were weekly standards…and one of the ways I learned to read before I ever went to school. (see…reading to and with kids works)

Even though actual paper newspapers are fading away, there are still lots of ways you can share innocent, fun reading with kids. (hey, you’re right here in the middle of one of those ways right now) And whether you’re in the funny pages, or a fairy tale, or interactive ebooks for kids…as long as you make it fun…they’ll never know they were “in a class”.

Now, here’s a fun way you can get them to enjoy reading. There’s a way they can see themselves in the mirror of your computer when you read them this Rhyme Time poem. Read the whole poem, and then click on the link. They’ll be so surprised when they see themselves in the mirror…

See you in the funny pages.
See you in the soup.
See you in the cracker barrel
And the chicken coup.
See you in the snickerdoodle.
See you in the trees.
See you in the jellyfishes
In the seven seas.
See you in the television.
See you in the sink.
See you in the macaroni
See you in this link.

Stay tuned,

Tony Funderburk's signature can be found on almost all of his writing for kids.

P.S.  I really appreciate your support here on my website. Here are some other awesome ways you can keep my words and music flowing.

Get my ebooks for kids on Amazon.com or Smashwords
Get my Podcast
Circle me on Google +
Like my fan page on Facebook
Follow me on Twitter
Watch my videos on YouTube
Get this blog

 

Looking For Fun

Tony Funderburk Posted on by

Kids (and adults) are always looking for fun things to do.

In today's Rhyme Time writing for kids, you'll find out how Looking For Fun might not be the best way to find it.

It’s only natural. After all…there are so many serious things in the world that need our attention, so it’s good to let off some steam once in a while. Sometimes, though, we get in a bad mood. We think things aren’t going the way we’d like. Or we don’t understand why our friends or family won’t stop what they’re doing and have some fun with us.

That’s when we might start looking for fun and not find it. The video game we played yesterday is boring today. Or the TV show everyone else is watching isn’t what we want to watch. Or everybody else is doing what they want without even thinking about what we want to do. How unfair is that?!

But you know what’s happening when you’re thinking that way? You’re in a bad mood. And you’re being selfish. When you can only think about what you want to do, or what you want to watch, or what makes you happy…it’s easy to get grumpy. That’s when you need to change your attitude. Start thinking about what you could do for someone else to make them happy. When you turn your mind around and focus on others, you might be surprised at how quickly fun comes looking for you.

I was looking for fun this morning,
And I couldn’t find it anywhere.
I looked in the usual places,
But I found that it just wasn’t there.

When you’re looking for fun and it’s gone,
Do you give up and just let it go?
Do you throw up your hands in the air?
Could you tell me? I sure need to know.

When I’m looking for fun, I notice
It gets harder and harder to find.
Then I see that I’m trying too hard
‘Cause the fun’s always here in my mind.

If you’re looking for fun, well it starts
With a smile and a good attitude.
Then the fun will come looking for you
‘Cause fun blooms when you’re in a good mood.

Stay tuned,

Tony Funderburk's signature can be found on almost all of his writing for kids.

P.S.  I really appreciate your support here on my website. Here are some other awesome ways you can keep my words and music flowing.

Get my ebooks for kids on Amazon.com or Smashwords
Get my Podcast
Circle me on Google +
Like my fan page on Facebook
Follow me on Twitter
Watch my videos on YouTube
Get this blog

Rhyme Time Podcast Episode 11

Tony Funderburk Posted on by

Guess what? Yep, that’s right. Here’s the Rhyme Time Podcast, Episode 11. In case you weren’t paying attention…another week just flew by. And now it’s even another month. Wow.

In this week’s episode I read poems about”

If you didn’t get a chance to read the articles…or if you’d just like to tune in to the audio version of only the Rhyme Time parts, you’ve found the right place.

Share this poem and storytelling podcast. It’s free, fun, and it only takes a little time out of your week. Kids love to have someone read to them, and this is a way to get me to do the reading for you. What a deal, huh?

Be sure to subscribe to this Rhyme Time Blog, too. You’ll get the latest news about my ebooks for kids, any new music for kids, and yep”every other thing I’m up to. Well”maybe not EVERY thing, but you’ll be one of the first to know when my next picture book is on Amazon or iBookstore or Nook or Sony or Kobo.

OK”gotta go and start working on more Rhyme Time writing for kids for next week’s episode. I’d love to hear from you if you have any suggestions, questions, or other feedback. You can leave me a comment at the bottom of this page, or send me an email on my contact page. You can help me work to keep getting better. And right below my name are other ways you can support your favorite children’s writer.

Here’s the Rhyme Time Podcast Episode 11:

Play

Get The The Power of God's Love Podcast Delivered to Your Device Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | Android | Pandora | iHeartRadio | Podchaser | Podcast Index | TuneIn | Deezer | RSS | More

 

Thanks, and”

Stay tuned,

Tony Funderburk's signature can be found on almost all of his writing for kids.

P.S.  I really appreciate your support here on my website. Here are some other awesome ways you can keep my words and music flowing.

Get my ebooks for kids on Amazon.com
Get my Podcast
Circle me on Google +
Like my fan page on Facebook
Follow me on Twitter
Watch my videos on YouTube
Get this blog

Tony Funderburk Posted on by

I’m not sure why so many people have such a hard time telling their loved ones how much they love them. But they do. However; I think they could at least start by substituting some simple words for love in the place of actually saying “I love you”.

Here are a couple of ideas. The next time someone you care about dresses up to go somewhere, say something like “wow, you look beautiful” (or handsome, cute…whatever works). And do it without having to be asked. Or you could tell your mom or dad how great the food was after a meal. Say something like “wow, Mom…those potatoes and gravy were awesome…can we have them again soon?”

Hopefully you get the idea. Simple words for love can just be compliments or encouragement or a few more “Please” and “Thank You’s”. You might be very pleasantly surprised at how much difference you can make in someone’s life. And I wouldn’t be at all surprised if they do it for you, too.

You can find a lot of simple words for love,
If you just know where to go and look.
In your mother’s smile you can find enough
For a poem or a song or a book.

In your father’s arms are some other words
When you know that you’re safe and secure
From the mean old world full of mean old things.
Yep, it’s good to have dad, that’s for sure.

You can find even more simple words for love
When you count all your blessings each day.
There’s your bed and your clothes and the food you eat
And those video games that you play.

So be glad and try some simple words of love
To someone you love, now…don’t wait.
And today’s the day to get the words out
‘Cause tomorrow just might be too late.

Stay tuned,

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No-cost, low-cost, and premium ways you can show your support…

Tell everybody you know to subscribe to Tony’s Daily Devotional
(emails with good stuff for Fa-Ree)

Get my Rhyme & Reason Podcast delivered right to your device. (also Fa-Ree)

Get digital Bible stuff from the same company I do.

My books are also on Amazon.com or Apple Books

Grab yourself an un-cool T-shirt

Or how about some music for believers, dreamers, and thinkers

 

Tony Funderburk Posted on by

An old expression we still use to describe looking basically everywhere to find something is “looking high and low and in between”.

Yep, that pretty much covers it alright. I guess you could argue that it doesn’t include looking back and forth…but I think the “in between” part covers that. Anyway…I was sitting at my desk thinking about the next song I’d like to write, and I started to visualize where the notes for my song begin.

Of course a song, like any other idea, starts in the mind…in your brain. When you’ve spent hours, days, weeks, and years training your mind to write songs, you have the ability to hear music that no one else can hear or see. They can’t hear or see it until you reach inside your brain and put the notes together in a way that make the song you’ve been hearing in your head.

Does that make sense? Are they high and low and in between?

Well, the point is, sometimes those notes float around in their little hiding places inside your mind. And you have to look high and low and in between to find the right ones. It’s kind of like an Easter egg hunt. When you find those special, brightly colored notes together just the right way, you get a song in your basket. It’s a fun treasure hunt. But when the notes are really hard to find, it’s a lot more challenging. So, what does a songwriter do then? Well, he could ask for help. Are you willing? Then, read on…

I’ve looked high and low and in between
For notes I can put in my song,
And I can’t find one that sounds just right…
And a song without notes is wrong.

So I guess my song won’t make a sound…
Unless maybe you find some notes.
They can hide in a guitar or horn
And even in back of your throats.

So, try playing and singing and see
If any nice notes can be seen.
If not, then like me you will have to
Look high and low and in between.

Stay tuned,

Tony Funderburk signature logo

No-cost, low-cost, and premium ways you can show your support…

Tell everybody you know to subscribe to Tony’s Daily Devotional
(emails with good stuff for Fa-Ree)

Get my Rhyme & Reason Podcast delivered right to your device. (also Fa-Ree)

Get digital Bible stuff from the same company I do.

My books are also on Amazon.com or Apple Books

Grab yourself an un-cool T-shirt

Or how about some music for believers, dreamers, and thinkers

 

Letters And Sounds makin’ their rounds

Tony Funderburk Posted on by

It’s an awesome thing to see a toddler start to recognize letters and sounds.

Adults can watch and marvel at little kids as they begin to realize their own ability to make letters and sounds and understand the language all around them. They find their own voice, and it seems like they’re just as surprised about it as we are.

They get all goo-goo gah-gah over letters and sounds.

I think about how our English language has basically only twenty-six letters…and how we’ve managed to put together thousands and thousands of words from them, and I love the simplicity in the design. The extra cool thing is…we don’t have to do anything special to an infant to get them to understand us. We don’t have to install any extra hardware or software. They’re already “hard-wired” for language. Of course, this comes as no surprise to anyone with a Christian worldview. The Designer knows what He’s doing, and so all we have to do is what comes naturally.

I’ve been manipulating and formulating words and music for a long time. And I still find the whole process fascinating. I’ll never get tired of it or bored with it. What about you? Does language fascinate you? Are you passing that awe and wonder on to the little ones who are watching you?

Letters and sounds go together…
They go together and give you a voice.
You couldn’t say a word with no letters and sounds.
Just think about that and rejoice.

With a voice we can talk to each other,
And each other can know what we mean…
When we take time to learn a few letters and sounds
And toss a few smiles in between.

We only need twenty-six letters
Where imagination truly abounds.
It’s so awesome to know they’re inside you, and so
Have fun learning letters and sounds.

Join the growing body of believers who signed up for the Tony’s Daily Devotional . And receive daily, delightful dashes of salt and flashes of light from the power of God’s love.

Stay tuned…

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Tony Funderburk Posted on by

There’s a lot going on inside your head.

So, maybe you’d better sit down and let’s go over a few things together. OK? First: Are you happy? If you are, share that with as many people as you can. Do your best to spread happy around. A little goes a long way. But if you have a lot of sad thoughts inside your head, don’t share those right away. Think about what’s making you sad, and see if there’s a good way to change sad into glad. Here’s a hint…if you pray to God, you might be surprised how fast those sad thoughts could fade away.

A lot is going on Inside Your Head...keep it as good as you can.

Second: Do you love the people around you? If you do, you want to do nice things for them. Right? Well, one of the easiest things you can do for the people you love is say good things to them. And to say good things to them you need good thoughts.

And to have good thoughts you need to put good things inside your head.

Third: Here are some ways to do that…

  • Read a fun book full of adventure and imagination
  • Only watch movies with good things in them
  • Play fun games that make you use your brain
  • Tell funny jokes and stories
  • Compliment your mom or your dad or brother or sister

Now…isn’t that all really easy? You could do any of those things with one ear tied behind your back…I mean…one hand tied behind your back. So…read this poem and start getting good things inside your head.

Inside your head are invisible thoughts,
And they’re all tied together with invisible dots…
And they help you think about what you’ll say.
So think a little bit before your words fly away.

See, words can do some invisible things.
They can make people jumpy like a puppeteer’s strings.
Don’t use words you’re thinking when you’re mad.
They can make someone nervous and make someone else sad.

Think about how much your words might mean
To a loved one who’s teetering somewhere in between
A real good day or a day they dread.
So make sure you get good things inside your head.

Stay tuned,

Tony Funderburk's signature can be found on almost all of his writing for kids.

P.S.  I really appreciate your support here on my website. Here are some other awesome ways you can help.

Jump on the The TRUTH
Get my ebooks for kids on Amazon.com
Get the The Power of God’s Love Podcast
Like my fan page on Facebook
Follow me on Twitter
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Make Some Music

Tony Funderburk Posted on by

You don’t have to be a professional to make some music.

Children's writer, Tony Funderburk, says you can Make Some Music, no matter who you are.

Now, I’m not saying that you can make beautiful or great music even if you don’t practice, practice, practice. No, if you want to be a professional, or if you want to make some really good music, you need to work at it…every day.

But if you don’t think you’re a natural, you can still make some music. You can hum, whistle, sing along to a recording, tap your fingers, or lots of other things. And when you do any of these things, you’re doing something wonderful for yourself. You’re waking up your brain. You’re making little sparks jump inside your blood vessels. You’re living life with zest.

Music is called the universal language with very good reason…everybody understands it. And it’s the only language with the ability to affect everyone in a life-changing way. So, anytime you’re feeling down or alone or even when you’re feeling wonderful and can’t stop tapping your toes…

Raise your voice and make some music.
Sing a song or clap your hands.
Music takes you on a trip to
Better places, happy lands.

Laugh with friends and make some music.
Clink some ice inside a glass.
Feel the rhythm when you’re talking
As you’re walking in the grass.

Go ahead and make some music.
It’s a part of who you are.
It can help you stay connected
Even when you wander far.

Every moment make some music.
It lifts up a heavy heart.
God designed this awesome language.
That’s why it’s the worldwide art.

Stay tuned,

Tony Funderburk's signature can be found on almost all of his writing for kids.

P.S.  I really appreciate your support here on my website. Here are some other awesome ways you can keep my words and music flowing.

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Having Fun Isn’t Hard

Tony Funderburk Posted on by

Having fun isn’t hard. You simply need to know where to look.

Having Fun Isn't Hard...especially when you enjoy the Rhyme Time writing for kids by Tony Funderburk.

When I was a kid, my brother and I could find fun in the water puddles after a good rain storm. We’d make little boats out of sticks and leaves and put them in run-offs next to the curb. Then we’d follow them along as they went past each house, under driveways, through culverts, and down into the bayou at the end of the street.

Once our makeshift cruisers hit the bayou, they’d quickly drift out of sight, and we’d head back up to our house to start over.

Or sometimes we’d build forts up in the trees in the back yard. Of course, we’d have to scavenge around for materials, but somehow we managed to find enough to at least have places to sit without falling. We could sit up there and strategize how we’d fend off any intruders. And we figured it would be our most secure spot when it came time to play soldiers or space travelers.

We did all that with no smartphones, tablets, laptops, or even TV video games. That’s because it all comes down to this…

Having fun isn’t hard to do,
If you know a few little tricks.
Grab a chuckle and a giggle
And a snicker and a chortle,
And we’ll throw ’em all in the mix.

Stir the mix with a baseball bat
Or the horn off a big, brown moose.
Keep it whirling, keep it swirling,
Keep on grinning while you’re spinning
This giant bowl of laughing juice.

Having fun isn’t hard to do,
You gotta let your fun side out.
Just be cheery, don’t be dreary.
And by golly when you’re jolly…
Well, that’s what it’s all about.

Stay tuned,

Tony Funderburk's signature can be found on almost all of his writing for kids.

P.S.  I really appreciate your support here on my website. Here are some other awesome ways you can keep my words and music flowing.

Get my ebooks for kids on Amazon.com
Get my Podcast
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Rhyme Time Podcast Episode 10

Tony Funderburk Posted on by

Hey there”Tony here with the Rhyme Time Podcast“Episode 10.

In this week’s episode I read poems about”

  • pink lemonade and pinwheels
  • being a healthy, happy human
  • kids and freedom
  • what’s good for the brain
  • how raining is just as important as sunshine
  • the end of summer
  • funny sounding expressions

If you didn’t get a chance to read the articles…or if you’d just like to tune in to the audio version of only the Rhyme Time parts, you’ve found the right place.

Share this poem and storytelling podcast. It’s free, fun, and it only takes a little time out of your week. Kids love to have someone read to them, and this is a way to get me to do the reading for you. What a deal, huh?

Be sure to subscribe to this Rhyme Time Blog, too. You’ll get the latest news about my ebooks for kids, any new music for kids, and yep”every other thing I’m up to. Well”maybe not EVERY thing, but you’ll be one of the first to know when my next picture book is on Amazon or iBookstore or Nook or Sony or Kobo.

OK”gotta go and start working on more Rhyme Time writing for kids for next week’s episode. I’d love to hear from you if you have any suggestions, questions, or other feedback. You can leave me a comment at the bottom of this page, or send me an email on my contact page. You can help me work to keep getting better. And right below my name are other ways you can support your favorite children’s writer.

Here’s the Rhyme Time Podcast Episode 10:

Play

Get The The Power of God's Love Podcast Delivered to Your Device Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | Android | Pandora | iHeartRadio | Podchaser | Podcast Index | TuneIn | Deezer | RSS | More

 

Thanks, and”

Stay tuned,

Tony Funderburk's signature can be found on almost all of his writing for kids.

P.S.  I really appreciate your support here on my website. Here are some other awesome ways you can keep my words and music flowing.

Get my ebooks for kids on Amazon.com
Get my Podcast
Circle me on Google +
Like my fan page on Facebook
Follow me on Twitter
Watch my videos on YouTube
Get this blog

Silly Little Game

Tony Funderburk Posted on by

When my brother and I were kids, there were no video games, no personal computers, no smartphones or any other kind of phone you could take with you…and no internet. So, a lot of times when we were looking for something to do, we’d make up a silly little game.

In today's Rhyme Time writing for kids, we're gonna play a Silly Little Game

Sometimes we’d see how many bounces it would take to get a tennis ball into a trash can. Other times we’d get our 5-speed bikes out, find our friends, grab some bats and a tin can, and we’d all play our own version of polo. Not too smart because almost every time someone would get a knee or shin banged by a bat. But c’mon…we were young kids. What did we know? It was fun anyway.

Other times, when rainy weather came around, we’d think up a silly little game with our collection of toys. Like one time I remember taking an electric car I had gotten for Christmas…and my brother’s giant tank he’d gotten…and we had battles to see who’s toy had the most power. I don’t remember who won, but we had fun.

What about you? Have you ever come up with a silly little game that made no sense but was a lot of fun? If so, share it with me. I’ll let everyone else know.

Today we’re gonna play a silly little game.
To play you’re gonna need a silly little name.
So I’m gonna call you Silly Little Sy
No matter if you’re a girl or a guy.
Then you have to look at your silly little friend.
They can be real or you can pretend.
Now look at your friend with a silly little face…
Tell them you’re thinking of a silly little place.
They have to think up a silly little thought
That might describe your silly little spot.
If they get it right, smile a silly little smile.
If they get it wrong, run a silly little mile
In a circle on the floor in a silly little way
And just have fun all the silly little day.
OK, that’s the game you Silly Little Sy.
You might be asking a silly little “why”.
Remember I started with a silly little claim…
It’s all for fun…this silly little game.

Stay tuned,

Tony Funderburk's signature can be found on almost all of his writing for kids.

P.S.  I really appreciate your support here on my website. Here are some other awesome ways you can help keep my words and music flowing.

Get my ebooks for kids on Amazon.com
Get my Podcast
Circle me on Google +
Like my fan page on Facebook
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Tickled Pink

Tony Funderburk Posted on by

What funny expressions we have in our language. Like “tickled pink”.

Children's writer, Tony Funderburk, is Tickled Pink to be writing for kids and making them smile.

Do you know what that means? How about other expressions like…

  • three shakes of a sheep’s tail
  • mad as a wet hen
  • the bees knees

So many funny sayings came from things people used to describe situations and predicaments. They just thought it sounded funny to say it that way, and the next thing you know…everybody was saying it. Well, I like to take funny words and put them together, too. Do you have some words that sound funny together? If so, share them with me. Maybe I can put them in another poem for you.

Until then, you just keep your sunny side up, your nose to the grindstone, and your eyes peeled. You never know what you’ll be able to do until you’ve tried all those on for size.

Have you ever been tickled pink?
Does laughing make you blinkety blink?
And would you pound a dilly drum
While chewing on some giddy up gum?
This nonsense makes no sense you say.
So I’ll take my words and fly away,
But I’ll be back if you should blink…
And make sure that you’re tickled pink.

Stay tuned,

Tony Funderburk's signature can be found on almost all of his writing for kids.

P.S.  I really appreciate your support here on my website. Here are some other awesome ways you can help keep my words and music flowing.

Get my ebooks for kids on Amazon.com
Get my Podcast
Circle me on Google +
Like my fan page on Facebook
Follow me on Twitter
Watch my videos on YouTube
Get this blog