↓
 
  • Tony’s Daily Devotional
    • Wisdom Wednesday
  • Books
  • Podcast
  • Songs
  • Store

Tony Funderburk

The Power of God's Love and Truth

Tony Funderburk delivers your daily truth devotional

Post navigation

← Previous Post
Next Post→
Tony Funderburk Posted on June 9, 2013 by TonyMarch 7, 2025
Rainbow riders are riding rainbows in Tony Funderburk's writing for kids.

What’s your favorite color? Mine’s blue. Do you like purple? Red? Pink? Orange? Yellow? Green? Brown? Do you like to see all the colors together in one giant arch? If so, you may be one of those rainbow riders.

Rainbow riders are very special people. In the first place, they wear special boots that help them jump real high into the sky. Then they can jump on a brand new rainbow and ride it all the way around the world. And rainbow riders love to eat colorful fruits and berries. They fill their plates with cantaloupe, watermelon, strawberries, blueberries, honeydew, and pineapple. They know if they eat plenty of fruit they’ll be able to jump higher and ride the rainbows.

Now, if you just sit back and close your eyes and look real hard, you might just see some of those rainbow riders riding rainbows behind your eyelids. And if you think real hard, you might jump up and join them…

Riding on a rainbow after all the raindrops fell…
Little rainbow riders didn’t hear the dinner bell…
So they kept on riding through the sky above the clouds…
High above the weather and away from all the crowds.

They could see the sailing ships and fishes in the sea…
They could see the pyramids and lands of mystery…
All the world was like a book with video and sound…
And they could turn the pages just by going ’round and ’round.

Little rainbow riders ride the rainbows till they fade…
Then they land on earth and have a picnic in the shade…
They fill their bowls with berries and juicy melons too…
And fall asleep and dream of riding rainbows through the blue.  © 2013

Your email address is all it takes to get encouraging, regular issues of my Tony’s Daily Devotional . It comes directly to your inbox so you 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, that grownups AND kids can enjoy.

The TRUTH

Stay tuned,

Tony Funderburk signature logo

Posted in Rhymes | Tagged close your eyes, favorite color
Tony Funderburk Posted on June 8, 2013 by TonyMarch 7, 2023
When you follow Tony Funderburk's writing for kids, you might just find yourself walking in the woods of wonder.

In Colorado, a really fun thing to do is go walking in the woods on a day when the evergreen trees smell so good. Pine needles crunch under your feet, and creatures scamper off to hide as you round the bends of the trail.

When it’s warm in the summer, you can still cool off in the forest. The wind whispers through the trees, and if you lay down in the mountain grass, you might just fall asleep to the soft noises.

Now, imagine a forest full of all kinds of trees. And not just regular green trees, but trees of all colors, shapes, and sizes. Trees that can only grow in your imagination. Then imagine a few creatures that might live there…and a few things you might do and think there. And that’s where you’ll start…

Walking in the woods of wonder…
Leaping off a limb of lights…
Slipping down a secret scots pine…
Kiwi trees are flying kites.

All around are dancing aspens…
With their white and wondrous wings…
Bristling branches and sweet breezes…
Where a speckled sparrow sings.

Rainbow redwoods rake the blue sky…
Mystic music mingles in…
Dragons drift by in their dreamboats…
Lemon larkspurs live within.

Walking in the woods of wonder…
Thinking thoughts of thrilling things…
Life’s a lilac filled with lightning…
We’re all wearing water wings.

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

 

Posted in Rhymes | Tagged evergreen trees, mountain grass
Tony Funderburk Posted on June 7, 2013 by TonyMarch 7, 2023
The world needs dreamers. Tony Funderburk's writing for kids shows you how to be one.

Dreamers are often misunderstood. They’re thought of as eccentric, sometimes lazy, or believers in pie-in-the-sky nonsense. As much as I might disagree on a certain level, I still understand it. After all, a lot of dreamers appear to be in a fog a lot of the time. And many dreamers don’t have a clue as to how to build up a foundation for their dreams.

Maybe you’ve heard something like “it’s OK to have your castles in the air…just build a foundation to hold them up”. It’s excellent advice. But my point today is this…if you don’t see yourself as a dreamer…if you see yourself in a negative light…think about becoming a dreamer. Christians say “count your blessings”. If you live in America, you most likely have many to count even if you don’t think so. Your needs are probably met. I didn’t say “wants”. I said needs. And when your needs are met, you’re a candidate to become one of life’s dreamers.

So…smile and help someone else to smile. It’s really worth it.

There’s a special place for dreamers
Who believe in love and hope.
You can go there and enjoy it,
If you don’t just sit and mope.

If today you’re feeling sorry
For yourself, well stop and think…
Do you have food on your table?
Do you have water to drink?

So when things just don’t seem happy
And no sunshine lights your face…
Dream your dream and make a difference
With some love and hope and Grace.

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

 

Posted in Rhymes | Tagged really worth it, your needs are met
Tony Funderburk Posted on June 6, 2013 by TonyMarch 7, 2023
Breakfast is the best meal of the day...or so says Tony Funderburk in his writing for kids rhyme time.

I’m in the large group of people who say breakfast is the best meal of the day. Some of my fondest memories in life have been around the breakfast table. My earliest recollections include smelling what I call my BET breakfast…bacon, eggs, and toast. I can actually remember my great grandparents house in Oklahoma where they cooked on a wood-burning stove. Yep, it was that long ago…centuries in fact.

There used to be lots of hand-churned butter and fresh whole milk from the cows who lived “just out back”. And sometimes I was sent out to the chicken shack to grab eggs the hens laid that very morning. It was all organic long before organic became a glamorous marketing method.

I’m a big fan of the scent of bacon wafting through the house. It smells like home. And my hope is always that breakfast helps families start the day off on the right foot…with flavors, aromas, smiles, and loving conversation. Maybe I’m just dreamy-eyed…but the world needs dreamers. And dreamers are the ones who wake up with optimism and realize…

Breakfast is the best meal of the day.
Bacon, eggs, and toast are here to stay.
Maybe you like cereal instead…
It’s the reason you get out of bed.

Breakfast makes a foggy brain wake up.
Magic is in every coffee cup,
And the smells that float up from the stove
Give my nose a morning treasure trove.

Breakfast is the best meal of the day.
Start your day in a nutritious way.
It will be worth any time you took…
Even if you buy instead of cook.

So get out of bed and wash your face.
There is no one who can take your place.
Then go light a room up with your smile.
Smiles at breakfast make it all worthwhile.

If you think you’re not a morning dude,
Breakfast just might change your attitude.
That’s the reason I will always say…
Breakfast is the best meal of the day.

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

 

Posted in Rhymes | Tagged fresh whole milk, hand-churned butter, organic

Finger Painting

Tony Funderburk Posted on June 5, 2013 by TonyMarch 7, 2023
Tony Funderburk's writing for kids, and this time he's talking about finger painting.

I can still remember…way back in the last century…when I was a kid, the really fun times I had finger painting. It was like talking with your hands…only in living color. Moms and teachers seemed to always find a way to get the right kind of supplies together so that the kids could have fun, and the mess would be easy to clean up.

The great thing about finger painting is it’s just an extension of your hand…and therefore a direct extension of what’s going on in your head. So, you don’t have to think of things like brush size and technique. You just start moving the paints around with your fingers and right away you’re making masterpieces. Well, refrigerator masterpieces anyway.

So…if you have kids, and you haven’t already done so this week, get some cheap paper, some washable watercolors, and don’t forget to add fingers. Soon your little Picassos and Rockwells will be finger painting something you’ll never want to throw away…but you will.  🙂

Finger Painting

Somewhere on the canvas
Is a painting you can find,
If you can swish the colors
Like the colors in your mind.
All it takes are fingers
And a smile and some supplies…
Soon you’re finger painting
With some sparkles in your eyes.
Blend some blues and yellows
And a little purple, too.
Add a little water
Just to see what it will do.
Now, you’re making magic
With your very own two hands
Finger painting pictures
Every mommy understands.

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

 

Posted in Rhymes | Tagged refrigerator masterpieces
Tony Funderburk Posted on June 4, 2013 by TonyMarch 7, 2023
According to Tony Funderburk's writing for kids today, Tuesday is the first day of the week...or is he.

Depending on what you believe, or what you were taught, or what part of the world you come from most think either Sunday or Monday is the first day of the week. I’m OK with either one being the first as long as neither one is my last this week.

After all…does it really matter what day you start the week? As long as you start the week and keep going all week long, that’s what really matters. Don’t just sit there. Get up and move your life…whether it’s the first day of the week…or the seventh day of the week. That’s the key. There are only seven days, and then you’re right back where you started. Unless you moved.  🙂

So, what do you say? Are you gonna make a difference this week? Are you gonna try to make somebody smile? Will you do something for someone else who could use those special talents of yours? Or will you be like Tuesday, who thought he was…

The First Day of The Week

Tuesday thought he was the first day of the week.
Others waved and smiled, but Tuesday would not speak.
He thought the sun rose just for him
‘Cause he was tall and sleek and slim.
He didn’t know it’s not about a day’s physique.

Tuesday thought the other days had moved away.
He called out and none of them would come to play.
But then the others came to chat.
They said, “Tuesday, you’re such a brat,
And here’s a couple more things we came here to say…

Monday really is the first day of the week,
But without you everything would look so bleak,
‘Cause seven is the right amount.
So, every one of us still count.
Now, Tuesday thinks that being second day is chic.

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

 

Posted in Rhymes | Tagged second day, what you believe
Tony Funderburk Posted on June 3, 2013 by TonyApril 3, 2023
Ride The Wind is Tony Funderburk's writing for kids this fine Monday in June.

Tomorrow never comes. Yet, there’s always tomorrow. In the big picture, those two sentences aren’t mutually exclusive. It’s why I say “ride the wind” when it’s windy…drink up when it rains. Sunbathe when others complain of the heat. Your days here on earth are very, very short. Don’t take yourself so seriously that you can’t sieze the moment with the enthusiasm of kids.

Kids know how to laugh at things no one else can even see. Kids know how to be goofy and not care that mud got on the knees of their pants. And kids know how to love uncontrollably, hug unabashedly, and give undeniably. And most of all…kids know how to…

Ride The Wind

Monday morning put your wings on tight.
Wouldn’t wanna lose ’em in the middle of a flight.
Don’t forget wings for your one best friend…
Need a navigator, when you’re gonna ride the wind.

Check the weather. Is the blue sky blue?
Just a little lightning is enough to throttle you.
Wear your goggles, and I recommend
You take along some gloves when you’re gonna ride the wind.

Nothing better than to fly up high
Soaring with the eagles, it’s like dancing in the sky.
Don’t you worry when it has to end…
There’s always tomorrow when you’re gonna ride the wind.

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

 

Posted in Rhymes, Tony Funderburk | Tagged in the middle, monday morning
Tony Funderburk Posted on June 2, 2013 by TonyOctober 26, 2024
Turn your big problems into Little Bitty ones with Tony Funderburk and his writing for kids.

One Little Bitty Word

Maybe right now you’re in the middle of your weekend, and you just happened to take a break to see what sort of writing for kids Tony shared today. If so, thank you for that. I know you’d much rather go mow the lawn than read my little bitty blog posts. But here you are, like the truly dedicated fan you are. So, I don’t want to disappoint.

Try this out on your kid or kids or someone else’s kid or kids or some kid you stop on the street…wait…don’t do that. That would be weird…and probably illegal. Anyway, read it to a kid (after you’ve read it of course) and see what word they come up with for the question at the end. You can send me their guesses…and yours if you like. It would be a lot of fun to see the different things you come up with.

And I don’t want to keep you from your appointed tasks too long. I’ll just wish you a happy weekend/day/week/moment with this little bitty poem…

Little Bitty

In a little bitty house
In a little bitty town
Lived a little bitty kid
With a great big frown.

Well, the little bitty kid
Found a little bitty bird
With a little bitty note,
And it said one word.

The little bitty kid
Read the little bitty note
With the little bitty word
That a wise one wrote.

And a little bitty smile
Hugged his little bitty lips.
In his little bitty yard
He did three back flips.

Take a little bitty guess
In your little bitty day.
What little bitty thing
Did the one word say?

Stay tuned,

Tony Funderburk signature logo

Join my Tony’s Daily Devotional
Discover my ebooks on Amazon.com or Smashwords
Get my Podcast
Follow me on Twitter
Watch my videos on YouTube

Posted in Rhymes | Tagged take a break
Tony Funderburk Posted on June 1, 2013 by TonyApril 3, 2023
Weekend kids look for ways to help their moms and dads. Tony Funderburk's writing for kids has some ideas how to do this.

It’s the weekend, kids. Do you know what that means? That’s right…time for cartoons, pancakes, and letting mom and dad wait on you hand and foot. Right?

Uh…I don’t think so. You know how much your moms and dads love you. But do you know all the things they have to do to make sure you have food and clothes and a place to live? Believe me…they have to do a lot. They get up early every day and go somewhere to work hard and make money to buy all that stuff.

Then, your moms and dads take some of their money and buy you cool things like a computer or a game or your favorite sneakers. And most of the time it’s not even your birthday. They just want to make sure you have a great life.

So, this weekend, kids, try this:

Take time to do some nice things for their moms and dads…without even having to be asked or told.

What do you say? Wouldn’t you love to see mom smile and have her kiss you on the cheek just because you made her a card? And wouldn’t it be great to get a hug from dad just because you helped clean up the yard? What could be better? There’s no time like the present. Go, get started right now…and have a great…

Weekend Kids

Monday through Friday your parents work hard.
When Saturday comes, you could mow the yard…
Or pick up your clothes and clean up your room…
And pluck the dandelions while they still bloom…
Or clean all the dishes singin’ songs…it’s fun,
And you’ll see great things when the work’s all done.
For your moms and dads and for all they do…
Show your love this weekend, kids…it’s up to you.

Stay tuned,

Tony Funderburk signature logo

Tell everybody you know to subscribe to Tony’s Daily Devotional
(My regular emails about the essentials of life, AND some music and other good stuff, for Fa-Ree)

 

Posted in Rhymes, Tony Funderburk | Tagged clean up, moms and dads
Tony Funderburk Posted on May 31, 2013 by TonyJuly 27, 2023
When you read Tony Funderburk's writing for kids, you'll learn about the smallest things living on Tiny Time

I’ve been an adult for a long, long time now. Tiny time is a distant memory for me. But it IS a memory. I haven’t forgotten how important little things are…when you’re little. In fact, when you’re little, little things aren’t little, they’re big. So tiny time is a big deal.

Do you get what I mean? If you’re not over the age of about 7, I’ll bet you do. All you have to do is close your eyes, lean your head back on your chair or your pillow, and think about things you like to do. Or maybe you can imagine things you wish you could do. When you do, you’ll be able to see it happen in your head. Then you’re living in…

Tiny Time

Look under the leaves of the sunflower plant…
Way back in the dirt you’ll see Arnold the Ant.
He works at his desk where he thinks up a rhyme,
And writes it all down in his own tiny time.

Now look over there in the bark of the tree.
A beetle’s as busy as beetles can be.
He chews for a while, and then starts to climb,
And keeps moving up in his own tiny time.

Have you seen the tadpoles that live in the pond?
They turn into frogs without using a wand.
They take a deep breath and swim under the slime
And only come up in their own tiny time.

There’s something invisible inside your head
When you are awake or asleep in your bed…
So small it can live in the sound of a chime…
Your imagination in sweet, tiny time.

Stay tuned,

Tony Funderburk signature logo

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

Posted in Rhymes | Tagged close your eyes, distant memory, little things

Kids Eat Free

Tony Funderburk Posted on May 30, 2013 by TonyMarch 7, 2025
Kids Eat Free at the Mud Pie Cafe. This must be some more of Tony Funderburk's writing for kids.

If you’re a parent or family on a budget, you probably like seeing that familiar sign:
Kids Eat Free

I don’t remember a lot of that when I was a kid, but then again, I wasn’t looking for those signs. I was just happy to be going. If someone said “we’re goin’ out for burgers”…they didn’t have to wait for me. I’d be in the car before they got the last word out. Did I mention, I love burgers?

But I can see the appeal of visiting a restaurant where kids eat free.

Especially if you have a lot of kids. Many kids are picky and don’t eat everything on their plates. Other kids are messy or clumsy, and much of their food doesn’t even make it to their mouths, much less their stomachs. Still other kids think they want one thing, but when they get it, they don’t even try it.

So, that got me thinkin’…(oh no, he’s thinkin’ again, honey)…I should write something about a kid’s favorite restaurant where kids eat free and no one orders for ’em…and they’re the only ones who get to decide what’s on the menu…

The Mud Pie Café

The soup’s on gang
And the kettle’s big.
There’s enough for all
To eat like a pig.
So head on down
It’s not far away.
Everybody’s at
The Mud Pie Café.

The food’s made fresh
When it rains real hard
And the mud’s real good
In our own back yard.
All kids eat free.
No one has to pay.
There ain’t no place like
The Mud Pie Café.  © 2013

Your email address is all it takes to get encouraging, regular issues of my Tony’s Daily Devotional . It comes directly to your inbox so you 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, that grownups AND kids can enjoy.

The TRUTH

Stay tuned,

Tony Funderburk signature logo

Posted in Rhymes | Tagged eat like a pig, favorite restaurant
Tony Funderburk Posted on May 29, 2013 by TonyApril 3, 2023
Some of Tony Funderburk's writing for kids includes this poem about week days.

Weekends tend to get all the positive attention while week days tend to be looked upon as something you have to get through. So, if week days could walk and talk, maybe they’d end up whining about their lives and their jobs…just like we humans do.

The Weak Days

Wednesday walked into the room
And looked around and said,
“I don’t know why I came in here.
I must have bumped my head
On last night’s waning crescent moon
As it drooped in the sky.
No, that’s just HOW I came in here,
But I still don’t know why.”

Thursday turned around and saw
The look on Wednesday’s face.
“You must have seen the sign,” he said,
“That pointed to this place.
The sign that said to come inside
And have a nice cool drink.
That must be why you’re here today.
At least that’s what I think.”

In the corner Friday chimed,
“That isn’t it at all.
You said to me two days ago
You felt like you would fall,
If you were not allowed to pause
And not allowed to speak
About the challenge you must face
As middle of the week.”

Saturday began to laugh,
“How can you dare complain?
The middle of the week’s not hard.
You’re on the gravy train.
You have two days in front and back
To keep you safe and sound.
So if you’re feeling insecure,
Just take a look around.”

Monday had to speak up then,
“Don’t get me started here.
Nobody in the world likes me.
They see me and steer clear.
They pass me by at every chance,
And then they find a way
To make me feel not quite so bad
I’m called a holiday.

Tuesday piped up in the back,
“You talk of being passed.
Try walking in my shoes a while
I’m neither first nor last.
Nobody ever chooses me
To celebrate new things,
And you can bet I’m not the point
Why anybody sings.”

Sunday listened to them all
And wondered why they whined.
“We all must stick together here
‘Cause we were all designed.
A loving God made each of us
Important in our ways.
So, let’s remember why we’re here.
We’re week days…not weak days.”

Stay tuned,

Tony Funderburk signature logo

Tell everybody you know to subscribe to Tony’s Daily Devotional
(My regular emails about the essentials of life, AND some music and other good stuff, for Fa-Ree)

Posted in Rhymes, Tony Funderburk | Tagged don't know why, whining

National Hamburger Day

Tony Funderburk Posted on May 28, 2013 by TonyFebruary 27, 2025

I just read an article that Smashburger was giving away free burgers today to anyone whose last name is Burger…or even a variation of that…in honor of National Hamburger Day.

Tony Funderburk's writing for kids even includes a poem about National Hamburger Day

Would you believe I almost qualify? My last name is Funderburk. That’s an Americanized version of the German name Von der Berg. See what I mean? Burger is a variation of Berger which translates from German as a mountaineer. And my last name Von der Berg means “from the mountain”. And I live on Green Mountain.

Could it get much closer and not be there? I don’t think so.

But I didn’t go to Smashburger today, so none of this matters. The Funderburks did go to a Colorado burger place: Good Times. And we celebrated National Hamburger Day with a mushroom swiss burger, wild fries, and a Pepsi. Yum…all American meal.

My rhyme time today will honor the burger, and I won’t say “two all beef patties”, etc. I’ll simply write a few lines to celebrate…

National Hamburger Day

If you find some beef and grind it up
And throw it on a grill…
Then take some cheese and bind it up
And add it for a thrill…
Somewhere, somehow you’ll hear a song.
Just let the music play
And pretty soon you’ll sing along…
It’s National Hamburger Day!
And here’s what I say…hip, hip, hooray!
It’s National Hamburger Day!

Stay tuned,
Tony Funderburk, THE writer-singer-illustrator for kids and life in Denver talks about his first 7 ebooks for kids.

P.S.  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

Posted in Rhymes | Tagged good times, mountaineer
Tony Funderburk Posted on May 27, 2013 by TonyMay 29, 2023
Tony Funderburk's writing for kids includes a Memorial Day 2013 poem called "Soldiers Angels"

Soldiers angels…it’s ironic how often they’re brought together in our thoughts and writings. Here I am doing it today. This Memorial Day 2013 has me thinking of how our world is another year closer to the end of this age. And I’m thankful for the soldiers who are away from home and loved ones right now helping to keep us safe. They’re all like guardian angels for us in the here and now.

And I’m thankful to all the great men and women who gave up their lives for that same cause. They’re no longer guardian angels, but many of them live in the realm of angels.

And ironically many of those angels will be soldiers here on earth one day…also fighting for the causes of freedom…life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. So, as I pondered these somber thoughts I decided to write my daily rhyme about them…

Soldiers, Angels

Soldiers, angels, walkin’ through the green grass
Underneath the blue skies,
Singin’ soft lullabies,
And they carry baubles made of brass.

Soldiers, angels, hikin’ up the high road
Lookin’ for the heart light
Gotta make it start right
Now because they have a heavy load.

Soldiers, angels, have left us a tutorial
On how to skip mistakes
Like everybody makes…
Then we build a sad memorial.

Soldiers, angels…one becomes the other
Takin’ on a new role
And up goes the death toll.
Why can’t every man just love his brother?

Soldiers, angels…we can’t live without them
Paying for our error
Till God stops this terror…
And that’s why I wrote this poem about them.

Stay tuned,

Tony Funderburk signature logo

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

Posted in Rhymes | Tagged guardian angels, memorial day 2013

Four Lines Of Poetry

Tony Funderburk Posted on May 26, 2013 by TonyFebruary 27, 2025
Tony Funderburk's writing for kids includes these four lines of poetry.

Can four lines of poetry change lives?

Tony Funderburk's writing for kids includes these four lines of poetry.

Or bring about world peace?

Or end hunger?

Or clear up all the confusion in the world?

I seriously doubt it. But I do know this…if everyone in the world would stop for just a few minutes and write down four lines of poetry about something or someone they love…maybe some of those problems would start to fade. Maybe just a little, but a fading process could begin. Bitterness, anger, envy, malice, and so many other life-threatening emotions could take a back seat. And love could step forward into the spotlight.

Four lines of poetry. Come on humans. Think of something or someone you love…right now…and right down 2 lines that rhyme about that something or someone. Then, think a little bit more and right down 2 more lines about that something or someone.

Then…you’re done. And for those few minutes it took to write those four lines you focused on love. Love your mom…your dad…your dog…your home. Love your neighbor. Whatever it is, write about your love for it or them.

Don’t be afraid you’ll write it wrong or out of rhythm or sort of clunky. That’s how every poet starts. Just think about your love, and write it down. Don’t be afraid…do it today. I’ll start…

Four lines of poetry to send my love to you.
For smiles, for words, for everything you do.
And when these four lines of poetry are through,
You’ll have some words of love to read from you know who.

Stay tuned,
Tony Funderburk, THE writer-singer-illustrator for kids and life in Denver talks about his first 7 ebooks for kids.

P.S.  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

Posted in Rhymes | Tagged clear up all the confusion, fading process, world peace

Saturday Evening Post

Tony Funderburk Posted on May 25, 2013 by TonyFebruary 27, 2025
Tony Funderburk's writing for kids includes this Saturday Evening Post

I’ll bet you didn’t know about a famous magazine called the Saturday Evening Post. Or if you did, I’ll bet you didn’t know it’s been around for about 300 years. Yikes…that’s even farther back than I can remember.

Tony Funderburk's writing for kids includes this Saturday Evening Post

For some reason this evening (probably because it’s Saturday) I put on my writing for kids thinking cap to come up with a quick rhyming blog post. And because it’s Saturday, I decided to write a post/poem called “Saturday Evening Post”. C’mon…you gotta admit that’s incredibly clever. OK…you ain’t gotta admit. But give it a read. Then, let the people over at the magazine know that their title is in no danger of being hijacked by me.

I don’t want to be the ghost
That you miss the most.
So here’s my Saturday evening post.

And I don’t want to boast,
But I ate a piece of toast
Writing my Saturday evening post.

I didn’t sit on the coast
Or eat a pot roast
During my Saturday evening post.

I just became the host
Who kept you engrossed
In my Saturday evening post.

Stay tuned,
Tony Funderburk, THE writer-singer-illustrator for kids and life in Denver talks about his first 7 ebooks for kids.

P.S.  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

Posted in Rhymes | Tagged no danger, saturday evening

Ice Cream Magic

Tony Funderburk Posted on May 24, 2013 by TonyMay 26, 2023
Tony Funderburk's writing for kids includes a little ice cream magic.

Way, way back in the 20th century when I was but a wee lad in the old country…uh…I mean a young dude in the south…one of my favorite things in the summer was watching the ice cream magic happen.

Maybe you remember something like that, too, if you’re old enough to remember the 20th century. If so, you’d know when I say ice cream magic, I mean making homemade ice cream in a wooden (sometimes plastic) ice cream maker. Back then moms would whisk up some sweet ingredients and give it to the dads to put in a metal container. The dads would lower the metal container down into the wooden bucket, lock it in place, and start rotating a metal crank.

Wow…that really sounds ancient, doesn’t it? But the magic happened when the crank became harder and harder to turn. When it really wouldn’t turn much at all anymore, the dads (and sometimes us kids) would stop and the container would be removed. We could hardly wait for the lid to be popped off and a big dollop of ice cream to land in our bowls. Yuh-um!

This Memorial Day weekend I’m sure there are some similar family experiences going on all around America. So, I sat down and thought about a kid’s perspective on ice cream and all the goodies that go with it. I came up with…

Ice Cream Magic

In the back of the freezer in mom’s refrigerator
Is a tub of vanilla, and we’re gonna eat it later.
It’s ice cream magic and your spoon becomes a wand
With some sweet imagination and a black cape donned.

Conjure up an ocean of chocolate and strawberries
With marshmallow icebergs inhabited by fairies
We see popsicle breezes and the rainbow twinkles
And there’s Ol’ Man Winter blowin’ cinnamon sprinkles.

Look, some rootbeer raindrops and a candy cane straw.
No one’s ever gonna think we really saw what we saw.
But we’ll forgive their kidding, and our feelings won’t get hurt
‘Cause it was ice cream magic, a very dreamy dessert.

Stay tuned,

Tony Funderburk signature logo

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

Posted in Rhymes | Tagged memorial day 2013
Tony Funderburk Posted on May 24, 2013 by TonySeptember 22, 2022
Get your smile on. Tony Funderburk's writing for kids might help you do that.

Get your smile on. What are you so worried about? Is this day so much different than all the others you’ve survived?

You’re a beautifully designed creature with a very special set of gifts. You can taste and smell and hear and see and feel things. And you have about one hundred billion brain cells to store all those flavors and scents and sounds and sights and feelings in. Then your brain can take what it remembers and make pictures in your head. Pictures only you can see.

How awesome is that? Pretty awesome, I’d say.

Here’s another reason to get your smile on. It’s a new day. Today is another day you woke up. That means you have another day to do something for someone. What will you do? Put on a frown and wonder why nobody wants to do nice things for you? Or put on your smile and find somebody who could use your help?

I can tell you this…anytime you help someone it feels so much better than just trying to get what you want all the time. And that feeling lasts a lot longer, too. So, just remember this…

Get Your Smile On

Troubles in this life might never be gone,
But go ahead and get your smile on.
You might start the day with a big, fat yawn,
But go ahead and get your smile on.

Parents might say go out and mow the lawn,
But go ahead and get your smile on.
People might laugh at the pictures you’ve drawn,
But go ahead and get your smile on.

You might be a duck and never the swan,
But go ahead and get your smile on.
You can still fly high in a brand new dawn,
So go ahead and get your smile on.

Stay tuned,

Tony Funderburk signature logo

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

 

Posted in Rhymes | Tagged brain cells, do something
Tony Funderburk Posted on May 22, 2013 by TonySeptember 22, 2022
Twenty two words about twenty two words...it's all part of Tony Funderburk's writing for kids.

Twenty two words can’t say much. But twenty two words can also say more than enough. Their meaning really depends on which words, who’s saying them, and how they’re spoken.

I’ve been around people who could use one foul word in twenty two ways…all of which were just as foul and ridiculous as the first. And I’ve also been around a few people who could take twenty two words and turn them into a most comforting message in a greeting card, or bedside talk with a child, or final words for a dearly departed loved one.

As for me…I love wordplay. And playing with words and their rhythms and syllables. I don’t always have a secret reason for my rhymes, but most times I do. So, I wonder if you can find the two secrets behind the short rhyme I’m writing for kids today. If you can, please be sure and leave me a comment below and tell me your guess. The one with the right answer (or at least the closest to the right answer) will get their very own a short rhyme.

Twenty-two Words

I found twenty two words today
Just about to fade away.
And even though I wax cliché
I made this word bouquet.

Stay tuned,

Tony Funderburk signature logo

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

 

Posted in Rhymes | Tagged comforting message, right answer
Tony Funderburk Posted on May 22, 2013 by TonySeptember 22, 2022
In Tony Funderburk's writing for kids, he recommends a daydream in blue.

You know what I say? I say, if you’re gonna daydream, daydream in blue. There’s more room for daydreamers in the color of blue because there’s more blue around the planet than any other color. I mean…have you ever seen Earth in any of those pictures taken from satellites? Everyone talks about being green. Forget that. I say blue all the way…

Daydream In Blue

Sitting there minding your own business
And a cloud whispers in your ear,
“Hey, why are you readin’ that ol’ schoolbook?
There’s a daydream waitin’ up here.”

Well, you look up from your ol’ schoolbook
And the cloud smiles and says to you,
“Get up out of that boring ol’ brown chair.
Float up here and daydream in blue.”

“I can’t float,” you say to the grey cloud,
I’m a kid…not a cloud like you.
And as much as I’d love to go flying…
It’s not something a real kid can do.”

The cloud laughs and spits out some raindrops
Two big ones plop down in your eyes.
Then all of a sudden you float up…
And soar through the beautiful skies.

You can’t believe how blue the blue is
Through the sky, on earth, and the sea.
It looks like a giant, blue marble…
The shooter of this galaxy.

From behind you can hear the cloud laugh.
“Look at you,” he says, passing by.
“What’s so funny?” you ask with a grin.
“Well, look…you’re up here in the sky.

“You said that you just couldn’t do it.
You said that no real kids could fly.
And yet here you are floating through it…
The beautiful cornflower sky.”

You have to admit that the cloud’s right.
It’s not someone else, this is you
Who’s floating through all of the heavens.
It must be that daydream in blue.

And then you begin to remember
There’s still so much work you must do.
Don’t worry, don’t fret, you can come back…
Come back to your daydream in blue.

Stay tuned,

Tony Funderburk signature logo

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

 

Posted in Rhymes | Tagged don't fret, don't worry, giant blue marble

Post navigation

← Previous Post
Next Post→

Sidebar Area

  • Add Some Widgets!
    This theme has been designed to be used with sidebars. This message will no longer be displayed after you add at least one widget to one of the Sidebar Widget Areas using the Appearance → Widgets control panel.
    You can also change the sidebar layout for this page using theme options.
    Note: If you have added widgets, be sure you've not hidden all sidebars on the Per Page options. You could switch this page to One Column.
  • Log in

Get The Truth - Books - The Power of God's Love Podcast - Blog - Songs - Store
© 1997-2026 Tony Funderburk | The POWER Of God's Love And Truth!

Privacy Policy
↑