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If you even think evil thoughts, you’ve sinned. How’s that for a cheerful start to your week? I had one main reason why it came up in me to say that. Because of the kinds of things that transpired over the weekend as millions of Americans enjoyed beer and football. Their thoughts and deeds were mostly benign.

But the thoughts and deeds of many others were malevolent.

Would you believe there were even some people with murder in their hearts? (*gasp!*) I know. It’s unthinkable. No, wait. It’s totally thinkable. Because people have been thinking it almost as long as there have been people.

But these days, you and I live in a diluted system and a deluded society. Where cheating, stealing, and murdering are slap-on-the-wrist incidents. So, it’s no wonder the thoughts and deeds of so many turn to whatever devious plans their selfish minds and wicked hearts can devise.

Yeah, if you think the owner of a store has too much, and you have too little, then you should be able to go grab a thousand dollars worth of his products and walk out. No questions asked. Because, no harm no foul. So foul.

And if you disagree with a political candidate’s views, kill him. Because YOUR view is superior and supreme.

Of course, it’s not surprising (to anyone who’s been paying attention for decades) that our world has gotten to this point. Because, for decades, governments (through schools and politics) have taught kids it’s OK to do whatever YOU think is right.

“If it’s right for YOU, then it’s right.”

And that even includes destroying anyone who inconveniences you. Regardless of age or stage of life.

As I read some articles and blurbs about another assassination attempt against Donald Trump, I thought about a news story I read in the Atlanta Journal way back in 1981-82. It was so sad. A young boy had been missing for days. And someone finally found his beaten body next to the Chattahoochee River.

Imagine the immeasurable anguish a mom or dad would have to deal with in that situation. But, on the flip side, millions of moms and dads are responsible for a crime even worse. They destroyed their own unborn children. And only because those children were inconvenient.

Every person on Earth (and that includes YOU) is guilty enough to receive the death penalty. And every person on Earth will receive it, even if no government carries it out. But, never fear. You know (or should know by now) that I’m a silver lining kind of guy. And the silver lining is that your death sentence CAN be temporary. In fact, you might even be fortunate enough to experience it in the twinkling of an eye.

But there’s only one Way to make sure. If you don’t know what that is, find out. If you do, share it today.

Because this world is hellbent for destruction. That’s why we’ve had generations of this…

Killin’ Spree

Way down along the river,
Beneath a willow tree,
An awful sight in the damp twilight,
They found the boy named Lee.
His mother can’t believe it.
His father can’t be found.
There’s his battered face, and his dying place
On that muddy Georgia ground.

Been forty years in this killin’ spree…
It’ll lead to ruin, the undoin’ of you and me.
If it weren’t for Jesus’ Grace and Mercy,
We’d all be found guilty…in this killin’ spree!

Inside a broken promise
There lives a shattered dream.
A young girl stands with cradled hands.
Her tears become a stream.
With no one there beside her
She walks in through the door.
She cannot smile or reconcile
Why her heart can feel no more. (chorus)

Where we gonna go?
What we gonna do?
Who can we depend on?
Can you tell me who?
Random thoughts and deeds,
Random source of life,
And random is the bride we take

Who becomes a cheating wife.

© Tony Funderburk 2002

Maybe you don’t know me well enough to buy something from me, yet. Ok, then get to know more about me and my worldview. Join the growing body of believers who’ve signed up for the TRUTH Journal. And enjoy my daily flashes of light from the power of God’s love.

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Lily was here. That’s what she wrote, with her finger, in the sugar-like sand of the west Florida beach. And she sat there, doodling, for a couple of hours. Alone, with only her trepidation. Yeah, that was the word. She remembered when she first heard that word. Back in high school. “That’s me, alright,” she thought.

Miss Trepidation. Some might call it butterflies. Others have described it as jitteriness, a blue funk, or the heebie-jeebies. Lily had even heard her feelings described as the willies and plain ol’ cold feet. But she figured Miss Trepidation sounded almost dignified. She even said it out loud, with a British accent. Jolly good.

But let’s step back a little to see why Lily was here on this beach.

She had always loved to paint. And she often said the feel of a brush against canvas was “her sanctuary.” But, in the past couple of years, self-doubt had sneaked in behind her back.

Truth be known (as it rarely is), a harsh review from an art critic had shattered her confidence. After that, she only painted in isolation. And none of her wonderful paintings saw the light of day, so to speak.

But about a week before this solo trip to the beach an old friend, who loved Lily’s art, called to invite her to feature her paintings in a local gallery showcase. And Lily felt her face flush from just the thought of it.

She asked for a couple of days to think it over. And her friend said the show was in two weeks, so she’d check back in three days if she hadn’t gotten a call by then.

So, Lily was here on this beach to think of the best way to bow out.

But somewhere, in the halls of her memories, she heard her high school art teacher’s voice. Ms Robertson often said, “Art is not about perfection; it’s about expression.” And she also said, “The only critic who matters is YOU.” Those words hit her like a a splash of ice cold water.

(Cue Bonnie Tyler singing “I Need A Hero”)

Lily stood up, dusted off the sand, and trotted back to her car. On the way home, she called her friend to say she’d be ready for the showcase no matter what. And her friend was thrilled.

Then, Lily gave herself a bold goal.

She decided to complete ten brand new paintings for the showcase. Go big or stay home. Right?

Her first work was a frustrating mess. But she refused to let is stop her. Because she got those brushstrokes on the canvas took her back to “her sanctuary.” And she poured her soul onto the canvases. With a couple of works completed she figured out her theme. And that increased her passion to meet her goal.

Longer story somewhat shorter? Lily DID complete the ten paintings. But on the way to the gallery, Mr. Anxiety jumped in the car with her and sneeringly asked, “What if no one likes your paintings?”

Fortunately Ms Robertson’s voice, “Paint for you, first. The rest will take care of itself.”

So, Lily made it to the gallery early. And her friend helped her set up her ten newly finished paintings, and she raved about each one as the removed them from their cases. “They’re beautiful, Lily. This will be awesome.”

Sure enough, as visitors mingled around the gallery, Lily heard lots of whispered praises for her paintings. And for the first time, in a long time, she felt totally connected to her childhood dream of being an artist.

Yeah, there’s nothing like the power of perseverance.

Lily learned that’s how you build courage and strength to face life and brush off doubt and fear.

And, as the song that bears her DNA says:

But the morning sun will shine,
And so, I’ll draw another line.
I’ll keep a box of all my most important things
Inside my heart where they can be
A constant song of joy to me.
I love the sound of optimism when it sings.

Maybe you don’t know me well enough to buy something from me, yet. Ok, then get to know more about me and my worldview. Join the growing body of believers who’ve signed up for the TRUTH Journal. And enjoy my daily flashes of light from the power of God’s love.

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It’s not impossible. Although sometimes it can certainly feel that way. And you definitely don’t have to accept it if you don’t want it. So, think it over before you accept or reject your secret mission. Because the fate of the world is in your hands.

Well, actually, your secret mission doesn’t determine the fate of the world.

But it DOES have some immeasurable consequences for YOU.

So, what do you say, Ethan? Does this sound like a secret mission you’re willing to accept? Keep in mind, the “Secretary” will disavow any knowledge of you if you’re caught. But that’s no big deal compared to when your Creator disavows you. “I never knew you” are words you never wanna hear.

OK, enough with the Mission Impossible references. But one last comment on that subject. I think Tom Cruise, and his team, did an excellent job of serializing the last two installments of those movies. I’m very interested to see “Dead Reckoning: Part 2.” How ’bout you?

Anyway…

None of that truly has anything to do with why or what I’m sharing with you this time. The following four verses, in a rhyme/poem called “Secret Mission” was started sometime last year. And as I spent some time clearing my computer’s desktop this week, I found the first two verses in an unfinished Pages document.

So, I made it my mission, this morning, to finish it. And my motivation for sharing it with you, today, is that I hope it helps motivate you to share God’s love with someone else as soon as you get a chance. If so, here’s your…

Secret Mission

In the first ray of light there was a message
That no one else, but me, could even see.
And I had to squint my eyes to decipher
A secret mission plotted just for me.

There were no dots or dashes or impulses.
No man-made codes and no neurology
Could infiltrate and then translate the mission,
The expedition meant for only me.

Then a voice, filled with thunder, in a whirlwind,
Spoke to me about peace and sanctity.
And my soul realized the secret mission
Is for everyone and not just for me.

I appeal, with an urgency of purpose,
To your heart where you’ll find eternity
Written down, as a not so secret mission,
To share God’s love for all with eyes to see.

© 2024 Tony Funderburk

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There are definitely some awesome digital tools nowadays. Especially for people who’d like to create and sell things like words and music. (hmm, can’t think of anybody like that right now…)

And even “real job” people can create and sell with digital tools.

Yeah, I recently learned how some farmers can program big machinery to work the fields without human drivers. Whoa! That’s almost sacrilege. I mean, how’s anybody gonna get credit for a “green thumb” cheating like that? But I guess it had happen. Because manual labor is so, well, laborious. And manual.

But, as someone who makes most of his moolah using digital tools to create and sell, I can tell you this with sincere commitment. Working with your hands has always been, is now, and always will be, the most rewarding thing you can do. So, it’s sad how many Americans would rather give that all away to people who hate us.

The truly essential things, to sustain life, still require manual labor of some kind. Amazing things like:

  • Farming
  • Ranching
  • Homebuilding
  • Sewing
  • Fixing things that go with all forms of work

But why get all dirty and sweaty out in some field when you can make six figures a month as a Youtube “influencer?” Or be in your early twenties and buy your third house with cash you got for showing your body. Yeah, spreading manure over a field to prepare it for next year’s crop ain’t never gonna compete wit dat.

And even big money guys who love to create and sell high-ticket how-to courses to show you how to do what they did, advocate for passing off manual labor.

But I say when Americans did the dirty work, American ingenuity rocked!

I’m kind of an old guy now. But, a few years back, I installed new spark plugs, O2 sensors, Camshaft positioning sensor, crankshaft positioning sensor, windshield washer motor, ball joints, radiator, the A/C condensor, the water pump, and more on our Jeep Wrangler. I also changed my own oil (which I personally do every 3,000 – 6,000 miles or so). I’ve also done lots of that kind of work on the classic vehicles in our garage right now.

And I’ve repaired plumbing, built all the cabinets and furniture we have in our house, installed windows, replaced carpet with hardwood flooring, and a ton of other dirty jobs.

It’s important to be able to do the dirty jobs even when you’re doing well enough to pay someone else to do them. Don’t think of them as dirty work. Think of them as the exercise you didn’t have to spend money on in stupid gyms where you smell (and come in contact with) other people’s sweat and germs. Gross.

Before you decide to take me to task because you think digital work is still work, I’ll just say I couldn’t agree more. As I mentioned, most of the money I make is done that way. But the digital world will never fulfill your senses the way the real world can. And why give the pleasure of that connection away to criminals who come to America illegally?

Why help people who are quite willing to use your tools against you. And why give in to the willing accomplices of the “angel of light?” It would be much better to use your head AND your hands to…

Take A Stand

If you take a stand and you stand for the Way,
You might never be rich.
But no gold here beats the treasure in Heaven,
And you’ll know which is which.

Angels are gonna rejoice,
And we’re gonna get to see how
The Lord will judge the ones who wait.
So better take a stand right now.

If you take a stand and you stand for the Truth,
You could lose a good friend.
But if you lose the whole wide world
And keep your soul, you win in the end.

All eyes are gonna look up.
All knees are gonna bow,
And when that time comes it’s too late.
You gotta take a stand right now.

If you take a stand and you stand for Life,
People might laugh and make fun.
And Jesus didn’t say it was gonna be easy,
But you’ll be with Him when this life is done.

No more livin’ like this;
By the sweat of your brow,
And if you want God’s paradise,
You better take a stand right now.

© 2008 Tony Funderburk

Maybe you don’t know me well enough to buy something from me, yet. Ok, then get to know more about me and my worldview. Join the growing body of believers who’ve signed up for the TRUTH Journal. And enjoy my daily flashes of light from the power of God’s love.

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Another painful day of anxiety. And the effects, of it, range from silent crying to freaked-out scenes in public places to even assaults.

Day after painful day after day.

Oh, maybe I should clarify. I’m not talkin’ about me. Good heavens, no! I trust that Jesus Christ loves me and that He’ll never leave me nor forsake me. So, I’m covered by the Creator and source of Life. No anxiety here in Funderland. Well, I might get a little anxious if the power goes out while I’m writing this. But even then, I have a backup.

The anxiety I described is posted thousands, maybe even millions, of times a day on social media. For example, I’m gonna copy and paste 6 posts off X (formerly Twitter). And there are so many more I couldn’t go through them all if I spent my whole day scrolling.

But here’s the 6 samples:

~ I wonder if I’m the same. I had a kind of psychotic breakdown from anxiety and have been on drugs for eight years and feel worse not better

~ Some members of this generation will film themselves crying in the car over social anxiety. It’s all in their heads. Reopen the asylums.

~ Are we too soft on our kids? What’s happening with teen anxiety? Why are so many boys taking medication for ADHD?

~ I don’t like this. I feel like I’m overwhelming her with my anxiety, my unexplainable fear of her doing indecent things behind my back. And I’m fighting my own thoughts. She’s truly a good girl. And I’m the crazy one. I’m afraid that i might push her away with my neediness.

~ A man in the video posted a flag on a facebook post and the UK police showed up to arrest him for causing “gross offense with a menacing character which caused someone anxiety.”

~ Intelligence without courage leads to anxiety because you will spend your time overthinking instead of acting, taking risks, improving your life.

The 6th one mentioned an interesting cause.

There were also lots of people who showed their concern that most anxiety happens because people are self-focused instead of nurturing a relationship with God. Yeah, I’ve mentioned that right here on my humble, little website, too.

And I found another hashtag post that simply stated a cure: Action Alleviates Anxiety

I like that one. A lot. In fact, it reminds me of a time, back in 1990, when a particularly tough migraine hit me. I can take a lot of pain. But that painful day was more challenging than usual. So, I wrote a song about it. And I used some indignantly angry personification. Your results might vary…

Mister Pain

He’ll come and jump into your arms.
He’ll stay and try to steal your heart.
And he’ll push and make you say his name.
He’ll shove ’cause he makes force an art.

He’s tough. he turns you inside out.
He’s mean; he means to have it all.
And he’ll push and make you scream his name.
He’ll shove, but don’t you ever fall…

For Mister Pain…he can be seen through.
Mister Pain…you can be mean to
Mister Pain…leave me alone.
Oh, oh, oh Mister Pain…he can be lied to.
Mister Pain…least that’s what I’d do.
Mister Pain…leave me alone.

He’ll smile and stab you in the back.
He’ll pound when he’s inside your head.
And he’ll grab and pull you to your knees.
He’ll yell, but you yell back instead.
Yell back at…

Repeat chorus

(bridge) You’ve got a reason to live,
A reason to be in this place.
Take all the pain he can give,
And throw it right back in his face

Instrumental…repeat chorus to end

© 1990 Tony Funderburk

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I’ll say it right up front. I’m for it. I believe it’s good to encourage yourself. Just as it’s good to encourage others. So, don’t misinterpret what I say about the following “psychological” advice.

Because it’s easy to encourage yourself into selfishness.

Here’s a definition of selfish, right out of (gasp!) a dictionary: lacking consideration for others; concerned chiefly with one’s own personal profit or pleasure

OK, before I share what’s on my mind about it, here’s a snippet from a psychology website article. The writer presents three ways to show “self-compassion:

1. Mindfulness: Having an open, curious, non-judging attitude; not over-identifying with negative stories about the self.

2. Self-kindness: Treating yourself kindly, rather than harshly. Extending the same care and support to yourself that you would to a good friend or loved one.

3. Common humanity: Allowing yourself to be human, to make mistakes and learn from them. Knowing that as humans we are not perfect, nor should we be expected to act flawlessly.

Generally speaking, those aren’t terrible ideas.

After all, even the Bible says to “love your neighbor as yourself.” And if you love yourself, naturally you’re gonna be kind, curious, and let yourself be human. But how would you know if you’re being those things or not being those things if you have a “non-judging attitude?”

Your whole life requires your ability to make the most informed decisions you can make. And decisions, to be clear, are always judgment calls. When you can’t judge something to be good or bad, how can you possibly choose good?

Of course you should allow “yourself to be human.” Because, of course, you’re “not perfect.” But every human should recognize that humans don’t exist as the result of mutational changes. You and I were made in the image and likeness of God. And His perfect word provides wisdom for good judgment.

The writer of that article followed up the three points with this conclusion:

In my clinical practice, I teach self-compassion to all of my clients, and I am always impressed by how much it can transform their relationship with themselves and promote healthier ways of living. Self-compassion is much more effective in changing behavior than trying to motivate yourself with shame and self-criticism. Shame and self-criticism lead to inner rebellion and giving up, while self-compassion gives you hope and helps you trust the process of change.

See why I said what I said about self-encouragement?

A psychologist might say “self-compassion gives you hope and helps you trust the process of change.” But it’s a much better judgment call to realize only God can give you hope. So, trust in Him.

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.

(lyrics from my song “Responsibility”)

Maybe you don’t know me well enough to buy something from me, yet. Ok, then get to know more about me and my worldview. Join the growing body of believers who’ve signed up for the TRUTH Journal. And enjoy my daily flashes of light from the power of God’s love.

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Rest in peace. Three simple words. And probably a large percentage of people who say those words actually mean them. In other words, they aren’t just something to blurt out without any thought of the meaning. But there’s also a large percentage of people who just speak the words.

Because it’s crucial to rest in peace before you die.

Otherwise, you might spend an eternity wondering why friends didn’t try to help you avoid the terrible consequences of your apathy towards God. And that’s in spite of the fact that at least one did try.

You might’ve caught on to what I’m leading up to. If not, here it is.

I just found out, yesterday, that a guy, who was a close buddy of mine in the 80’s and into the 90’s, died almost exactly two months ago. We haven’t kept in touch for a long time. Because our friendship dissipated and dissolved about 20 years ago. That’s when he decided he finally couldn’t take any more of my Christian worldview.

Yeah, he was a committed atheist.

But even when we were buddies, I knew that. And he knew I was a Christian. But those were the days when I was full-time professional musician. And let’s say I didn’t let my Christian worldview get in the way of me sowing some “wild oats.” So, as a result, our worldviews didn’t clash.

Once I decided to once again stand up for my faith, the buddy thing went cold fast.

In recent years I heard, through mutual connections, that he battled cancer. And that he had some remission time, too. But I saw on his obituary page, online, that he “put up a tenacious fight with cancer, and passed away peacefully under Hospice care.” So, obviously it came back too strong.

To say we were buddies is putting it mildly.

I met him through his cousin I dated for a few years. Once she and I split, and another good friend of mine got married, he and I “hung out” a lot. He was a little less than two months older than me. And we brought his 30th birthday together in Telluride, Colorado. Then, we spent my 30th birthday together in Austin, Texas.

We even put his art skills and my word skills together for some epic Christmas card designs for a couple of years. And his artistic abilities were awesome. I wish I had some I could share with you. But he didn’t pursue an art career. Even though he could have. Basically everyone who saw his work commented on how realistic his drawing and painting was.

His obituary describes it nicely this way: “Scott was highly regarded for his intelligence, precision in architectural steel design, and perceptiveness as a visual artist.”

Very, very true.

But he stuck with the architectural steel design work because he couldn’t bring himself to accept the commercialism of an art career. That inspired me to write about his quandary. I’ll add it below.

He’s the guy who designed my signature logo 40 years ago. I still use it. And I will for as long as I write. In fact, it’s at the end of all my posts. The coolest part of it is how he took my actual signature and transformed it into a smooth logo on a short music scale. And that was way before there were all the digital tools that any dork with a computer could manipulate images these days.

He and I had a lot in common. Our taste in food and wine and lots of other things was very similar. We both enjoyed the same kinds of music. And he was one of the first to follow my music career as it got started way back in Houston, Texas.

Plus, he was one of the 8 people Elgielene and I had at our wedding, not including the minister. And he joined us on the Colorado ski slopes the following day as we spent a short honeymoon there.

I could go on and on with fond memories.

But none of them bring me peace about him. Because I’m not sure he’s able to rest in peace right now. I don’t know what his last days were like. But I know that, as I mentioned, he was a committed atheist. That’s not a good position to be in when death comes, if my worldview is correct. And it IS.

So, I’m deeply saddened to think about what his existence has been for the past two months. I hate to think of someone I spent so much time with in a dark, tormenting place. Without hope of reprieve.

And since our ages were so close, his death is a reminder that this time on Earth is super short. You don’t know when that last breath will leave your body. Or when the Lord will call His people up. But you gotta know it’ll be WAY sooner than you ever dreamed.

If you know a friend who’s a committed atheist, don’t give up. Look for an opportunity to get them to reconsider. Because I can tell you, right now, if you could manage to help them turn around, you’ll both be glad. And you’ll both rest a lot more in peace. Now. And forever.

Heart And Hands

The artist stares at his desk and then at the wall.
His hands perform tasks he doesn’t cherish at all.
He longs for his freedom, but he lives with the pain
That his hands can’t hold on to what his heart can attain.

The artist struggles to be what the others perceive,
But this feeling surrounds him, and it just doesn’t leave.
He wants to paint pictures to show it’s in vain
When his heart can’t hold on to what his hands can attain.

If he could just get his heart and hands together,
I think his doubt would have to cease.
If he could just get his heart and hands together,
I know he’d paint a masterpiece.

The artist sits in a room with a beautiful view,
But he does only things he thinks he has to do.
I wish he could see what he denies us all
By keeping his visions locked behind a wall. 

© 1988 Tony Funderburk

Maybe you don’t know me well enough to buy something from me, yet. Ok, then get to know more about me and my worldview. Join the growing body of believers who’ve signed up for the TRUTH Journal. And enjoy my daily flashes of light from the power of God’s love.

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Shh. Be quiet for a sec. Do you hear that? Yeah, there it is again. It’s getting louder. And it’s definitely Monday morning music. Wow. How cool is that?! Here it is, the second Monday of September 2024, and there’s music in the air. Literally and figuratively.

Just in case you haven’t had your favorite wake-up beverage, yet, and your ears aren’t tuned in to the right sound waves, I’ll share a couple of mine with you.

My Monday Morning Music

Here’s my song
For the day.
It’s my Monday morning music, and I pray
That it’s fun,
And you’re blessed.
If you want to sing along, well, be my guest.
Take these words.
Make a tune.
Hum it now, and sing it all this afternoon.
Whistle once.
Add a smile.
Find a way that you can give it your own style.
Start the day.
With a song,
And your heart will be much fuller all day long.
Keep the joy
Inside you.
Then my Monday morning music is yours, too. © 2014

That was my idea of how encouraged you and I should be that we’re alive. So encouraged that you almost can’t keep from humming or whistling or singing. And just in case there’s no actual melody that springs into your brain in the first hour of the day, I put words to the wordless song that waits for you right out your front door.

Music in the Morning

Listen to the music in the morning.
Open up your windows, let it in.
No violins or brass…
Just flowers, trees, and grass
To greet you as enchanting notes begin.

Listen to the music in the morning
Carried on the wings of bustling birds.
Squirrels that scamper by
And airplanes in the sky
Add to this composition with no words.

Listen to the music in the morning.
Let not your hearts be troubled any way.
Just listen and applaud
The awesome love of God
In every morning and through every day.  © 2013

OK, I think you’re well-equipped now.

So, off you go. Get your salt and light ready for that mean ol’ world out there. You’re starting off on the right foot. And don’t be surprised if the Monday morning music carries you through the day and all through your week. Because it’s a gift from God.

And His gifts are so unique that even the stars sing.

Maybe you landed on this page by accident. Or maybe you’re here because someone referred you. However it happened, I realize you don’t know me well enough to buy something from me, yet. So, that means you should get to know more about me and my worldview. Here’s how:

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If you’re a fan, you might remember Cyndi Lauper singing “All Through The Night.” I don’t know how high it made it on the charts. But I know it was one of her hits. Here’s the chorus:

We have no past we won’t reach back.
Keep with me forward all through the night.
And once we start the meter clicks,
And it goes running all through the night,
Until it ends there is no end.

Catchy when you add the music.

But mostly esoteric. Because it only means something to someone who puts a meaning to it. And there’s nothing wrong with that. I’m not here to tear apart her lyrics. She certainly had more hits than I’ll ever have in this life.

No, I only thought about sharing her song with you because I heard it on the speakers in a store I visited today. And her song always reminds me of my first #1 as a soloist in the 8th grade music contests back in Pasadena, Texas.

I sang a much more olde (aka: auld) English style song. Same title. But worlds apart from Ms Lauper’s song. This song has words like alas, e’er, thee, and thou.

Yeah. Not exactly modern. Not even way back then, in the 3rd quarter of the 20th century.

And I remember hours and hours and hours of dedicated rehearsing.

Not to mention very demanding diaphragm training. And when I say demanding, try this. Lie on your back. Have someone place a fairly thick book in the center of your abdomen. Then, push out your diaphragm as you breathe in and out to sing the song.

In addition to that kind of training, our teacher would have us stand up, take a deep breath, and then form our lips into a whistling position. Then, we had to gently blow as though we were going to whistle, only we’d let just the air out. No whistle. And we had to see how long we could exhale.

But, in the end, the proof was in the pudding, as they say.

Because I took home a 1 medal for my solo. And 1 is the best score you can get in solo contests.

There were many more to come. But that one really stands out for me. Because of all the hard work and new vocal training sessions. And because it was the first.

As for the song, I sang three verses out of the following lyrics. And the choruses, of course. If thou art curious, maybe someday I’ll share which ones.

All Through The Night

Sleep my child and peace attend thee,
All through the night
Guardian angels God will send thee,
All through the night
Soft the drowsy hours are creeping,
Hill and dale in slumber sleeping
I my loved ones’ watch am keeping,
All through the night

Angels watching, e’er around thee,
All through the night
Midnight slumber close surround thee,
All through the night
Soft the drowsy hours are creeping,
Hill and dale in slumber sleeping
I my loved ones’ watch am keeping,
All through the night

While the moon her watch is keeping
All through the night
While the weary world is sleeping
All through the night
O’er thy spirit gently stealing
Visions of delight revealing
Breathes a pure and holy feeling
All through the night

Angels watching ever round thee
All through the night
In thy slumbers close surround thee
All through the night
They will of all fears disarm thee,
No forebodings should alarm thee,
They will let no peril harm thee
All through the night.

Hark, a solemn bell is ringing
Clear through the night
Thou, my love, art heavenward winging
Home through the night
Earthly dust from off thee shaken
Soul immortal shalt thou awaken
With thy last dim journey taken
Home through the night

Music by Edward Jones…Lyrics by John Ceiriog Hughes circa 1784

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Humans sure are stupid things. If you’re not a human, then you’re probably giggling to yourself, “You can say that again.” Ok, I will.

Humans sure are stupid things.

Now, I’m pretty sure you’re a human. Because as far as my software has been able to detect, no aliens (from other worlds, not criminals from other countries) have signed up for my writings.

So, since it’s likely you ARE one of the earthly homo sapiens, do you agree with me? You know what? Don’t answer that. Because you ARE also of the stupidocitus humanicus strain. But if makes you feel any better (and I doubt it will), so am I.

Yeah. The video replay of my life, that projects across the screen of my mind’s eye, shows plenty of, let’s say, an abundance of less than stellar choices and decisions.

And here’s something that’s even more disturbing. There’s almost a 100% chance I’ll add to those  sad stats. Because, darn it, I’m still one of those stupid things. At least as long as the air from this broken-down planet, spinning elliptically around the sun, flows through my compromised lungs.

(I should probably wear one of these t-shirts)

But don’t think for even a nano-infinitessimal-quantum second that I’ll give up my breathing habit. Not without a fight. Because as stupid as I’ve been in this life, I’m still saved from it. And knowing that motivates me to tell anyone, who’ll listen to or read my words, how that happened.

Maybe that’s why the most well-known Paul wrote this:

Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Yeah, that helps persuade me, too. To look up even as I predict bad stuff. You do, too. Right?

I have seen the tides of freedom
Swept onto the shores of man.
I have seen the storm of greed
Take it all away again.

© 1977

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Jimmy Buffet sang about how changes in latitude could maybe help with this problem. Hank Williams Jr wrote about it from another perspective. “It was an attitude adjustment, I guess it was his first time. An attitude adjustment, now he understands just fine.”

Have you ever dealt with someone who needed an attitude adjustment?

And was it because they seemed to have that kind of condescending attitude that can get on your last nerve? I get it. Been there.

But here’s something I realized. And I hope you do, too.

Nobody else on the planet can actually condescend to you? Or to anyone else for that matter. And no matter what anybody else says, you are equal in value to anyone.

The key word there is “value.” Because, let’s say you work for someone. Then, their position is higher than yours. After all, they hired you. And they pay you. But all you would need, to reverse that, is a change of position. Hire yourself and run your own business.

All of that has nothing to do with your value. And your value can be eternal. Because you were created in the image and likeness of God.

You’ve heard of Him. Right? Yeah, he’s the One who spoke words and the whole universe sprang into existence. And He didn’t create any other living thing on the planet in His image and likeness. Only humans. Then, He even gave us “dominion” over all the other creatures. But He still has dominion over ALL of creation, including you and me.

So, only He has more value.

And you could say God had a condescending attitude when He lowered Himself to become a man and take the punishment for our sins. He had always existed, in eons past, as a spirit. That’s a vastly superior state of existence without the constraints of flesh and bones.

But He made the choice to live as we live. In a flesh and bones body that has to deal with hunger, pain, and temptations. And then He took that step down a lot further. Because He died a horrible death for something He didn’t do. Why?

Just so you and I wouldn’t have to pay the wages for sin.

So, Jesus condescended to our level, and even lower, so you and I could have eternal life. Yeah, He went through unimaginable hell so we can have a Way to avoid it.

Here’s a song I wrote about it. You’ll have to tune into the The Power of God’s Love Podcast if you care to hear it. But be warned. It’s hope-filled. But it’s an attitude adjustment. Not my usual cheery style.

Consequential Servitude

God looked down on me.
He knew I was wrong;
Usurped my position I held for so long.
Yeah, He just took over where my brain left off.
He knew it was risky. He knew they’d all scoff.
Sometimes I’m so stupid, and so often blind,
Trade reason for feelings; mistakes underlined.

And so again; I behold the outer man
Through God’s condescending attitude,
And I defer to the perfect Architect
And this consequential servitude.

He spirals His thoughts through my barricade.
He knows I am feeble, yet hands me His blade.
And He tells me to rise up from my Phoenix blight.
He builds me a fortress of conquering Light.
When my clay is brittle, and crumbles to sand,
I long to be putty in my Master’s hand.

And then I can behold the inner man
Through God’s condescending attitude.
Because He chose me as His dwelling place
I choose this consequential servitude.

There were no incantations, no hallelujah chorus
He succumbed to His detractors; withstood an inquisition…
And then commended His spirit, relinquished His position,
And then He died a death that was for us!

Repeat 1st verse and 2nd chorus…end

© 2001 & 2008-09 Tony Funderburk

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I read a clip from an article about Billy Joel talking about his song, “Only The Good Die Young.” And it showed how your perspective can change as you get older. But, for way too many, even the new perspective doesn’t help ’em wise up. Here’s that clip:

~ In 2023, when he was 74, Joel said of the song “It’s occurred to me recently that I’m trying to talk some poor innocent woman into losing her virginity because of my lust. It’s kind of a selfish song. Like, who cares what happens to you? What about what I want? But on the other hand, it was of its time. This was written in the mid-’70s, and I was trying to seduce girls. ~

Yeah, age gave Billy a new perspective. But no added wisdom.

Somewhat to his credit, Billy also pointed out that “the boy in the song failed to get anywhere with the girl, and she kept her chastity.” But obviously, no thanks to the boy.

I’m picking on Mr. Joel a little bit. But not because I don’t like his music. I’ve enjoyed a lot of his songs over the years. And several of them were in my repertoire during my live performance days (not Piano Man, nor will it ever be).

Yeah, Billy had a knack for finding a hook and a melody and turning them into hit songs. But I wish he’d gained some wisdom over the years. Because that’s the only way you can get a new perspective on eternity. And, yes, that’s crucial. Because eternity is a long time to deal with the consequences of a bad decision/perspective.

And that’s part of the catch-22 of fame.

It can help provide a life where all your needs, wants, and desires are covered. But having everything covered, lavishly, can also lead to greediness and sorrow. That’s not a rule. But it DOES happen more often than not.

It’s not too late for Billy to get a new perspective that isn’t subject to his own self-righteousness. He’s obviously still very much alive. And still kicking things up on stages all over the place. But time is running out for him. And the rest of us, too.

So, I hope he realizes, sooner rather than later, that he needs to sail on the river of Life instead of the River of Dreams.

There’s another life in the land of everything.
There’s another life, but with different expectations.
We could push real hard from a new perspective.
And we could end the stress and regain a lot of patience.
(from my song, Freewheel) © 1988

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I write, with sincere care, about how much I want you to live in paradise forever. Because your Creator wants me to do that because HE wants you there. But my daily flashes of light from the power of God’s love aren’t seen as care or love by most people.

Because most people don’t even recognize sincere care anymore.

That shouldn’t come as any surprise since most people grow up without sincere care.

As Jim Gaffigan might say,

“He keeps using that ‘sincere care’ thing like it’s a mystery no one understands.”

Well, that’s kinda true. One dictionary defines sincere as: “free from pretense or deceit; proceeding from genuine feelings.” And it defines care as: “the provision of what is necessary for the health, welfare, maintenance, and protection of someone or something.”

OK, let’s say, for the sake of this example, that I’m right about there being an actual forever. An actual passing of time without end. If that’s correct then I only sincerely care about someone if I don’t deceive them into thinking this short life on Earth is all there is. And I let them know that their Creator has provided a place for their eternal health, welfare, maintenance, and protection.

Bingo. Voila. Shazam.

Who wouldn’t be glad for a friend or relative who’d take the time to do that? Um. Everybody.

Here’s something I wrote, ten years ago after I shared some sincerity.

(At times, the effects hit much closer to home than I’d prefer.)

Close personal friends, business acquaintances, and even my earthly brothers have all responded with anger and rejection. They didn’t understand that I was sharing the most vital information they could ever hope to hear. And that I did it because I sincerely care.

Yeah, I’ve been told, commanded, to love my neighbor as I love myself. But “neighbors” would much rather I just shut up about it. Go figure.

But here’s the thing. In these perilous times, death and destruction are at the doorstep of every nation on earth. And no “mother earth” or “god force within you” or so-called “leader of the free world” can save you from the consequences.

You need the living, loving Source of Life. You need Jesus.

And I’m sharing this out of sincere care and…

With Brotherly Love

What would be so wrong
If I didn’t sing my song…with brotherly love?
Would it be unfair
If I didn’t even care…with brotherly love?
No one does these days,
Everyone just stays
In their old, familiar ways.
That’s how it should be.
If we all agree,
It all can be so easy.

What would be so bad
In not sharing what I had…with brotherly love?
Would I be a thug
If I didn’t want to hug…with brotherly love?
Just some silly rules
Taught in Christian schools
By a bunch of simple fools.
That stuff’s not for me.
Can’t you let me be?
Go shake another fruit tree.

Hey there, do you know?
Where did all those people go…with brotherly love?
I can’t find them here.
Did they all just disappear…with brotherly love?
Things don’t seem quite right…
Especially at night
And no one has a bright light.
Hopeless life lines drawn…
Hard to carry on…
Because all the love is gone.

© 2014 Tony Funderburk

Maybe you don’t know me well enough to buy something from me, yet. Ok, then get to know more about me and my worldview. Join the growing body of believers who’ve signed up for the TRUTH Journal. And enjoy my daily flashes of light from the power of God’s love.

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Yeah, it’s true. Real scientists actually do still exist. But there are so many others I describe as
“so-called scientists” that you won’t typically find the real ones on TV or radio.

Thank goodness we have the internet for the real scientists.

Because, over the past couple of decades, real scientists have been working on the genetic code in humans. And they found out something so incredible you’d almost have to have a working brain cell or two to believe.

They found out humans fall into two categories or sets of chromosomes. The XY set. And the YY set. XY chromosomes are found in males. And YY chromosomes are found in females. Why? Why?! It’s by design. And not the design of some kook with a test tube.

Nope. God gave you twenty-three chromosomes from each of your parents. So, your physical design, is found in those forty six chromosomes.

Now, here’s a vitally important part to this information that’s completely ignored and even shunned by so-called “pro choice” advocates.

Forty six chromosomes are all present from the moment of conception.

Here’s what that means. The moment a human sperm fertilizes a human egg, you have a brand new human. Everything a person needs, to be a unique person, is found in those forty six chromosomes at conception. Are you with me so far?

Great.

Your chromosomes determine whether you’ll be tall or short, portly or lean, blue eyes and blond hair or green eyes and brown hair, and rich or poor.

Just kidding on the “rich or poor” part. Just checking to see if you’re paying attention.

But the cool thing is that you get to work on the rich or poor part yourself.

And I don’t know if you realize this or not, but science actually agrees with God on this subject. So, you’d think it would be a no-brainer. Case closed. End of discussion. And verdict reached. A human embryo is a human. Next case.

But, sadly, that’s not the case.

Too many selfish (even to the arrogant level) people ignore the facts. You’re a person. And your physical design is in motion from the moment of conception. And, please, let’s not argue over when the moment of conception is. If we can’t agree on when that moment is, can’t we at least agree not to kill IT until after we know what IT is?

Here’s a little mathematical equation I came up with. Let me know what you think. Because your opinion is just as important as other real scientists.

23 + 23 = 1

I got a little bit from my mom
I got a little bit from my dad
And I got my DNA from the great Yahweh
And it’s the only life I’ve had

Twenty-three plus twenty-three is one
Chromosomes were a mystery
But that mystery is gone.
Twenty-three plus twenty-three is one.
Until we learn to add it up…
The lesson isn’t quite done.

Maybe you don’t know me well enough to buy something from me, yet. Ok, then get to know more about me and my worldview. Join the growing body of believers who’ve signed up for the TRUTH Journal. And enjoy my daily flashes of light from the power of God’s love.

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Ella loves bedtime stories. Big shocker, right? I mean, you’ve probably never heard of a little kid who loves bedtime stories. But, maybe what you didn’t know was how many kids enjoy books on iPad. And that’s Ella.

“Read me some books on my iPad, mommy.”

That’s a big part of Ella’s new night time routine now. Because her mom and dad got her a new iPad for her 4th birthday. Sure, she loves her fun games and videos. But her favorite part is when mom reads books on her iPad and she can just lie there and listen to mom’s loving voice.

And another part that makes bedtime stories so special is how the two of them snuggle up under her favorite blanket with the only light in the room coming from the glow of the iPad.

“Which book do you want me to read tonight?” Her mom asked, as she tapped the screen to open the digital library. She had a good idea of Ella’s favorites. But it was part of the fun to ask and watch Ella’s face start looking at the book cover pictures.

“Read The Very First 6 Days,” Ella said. “And start on the third day. ‘Cause that’s where I think I fell asleep last time.”

“OK,” Mom smiled.

She swiped through their treasure trove of books on the iPad. And with a simple tap, the colorful cover of their chosen book lit up the screen.

As she read the first page, mom showed Ella how to use her finger to swipe to the next page. Ella giggled with delight. Because it was fun to watch how her finger made the picture and words on the page for the 4th day of creation magically appear. And mom read…

Now after three days you might wonder
What else God could do.
But He was only warming up.
He’s not like me and you.
See, God had plans to build a world
Where every living thing
Would live forever in His rest
To love and laugh and sing.

Ella lay there imagining a place where everybody would love and laugh and sing forever. “That must be a very special place,” she thought to herself.

And mom continued…

So God made lights up in the skies
To split the day from night.
The nighttime had…

But the little girl was just too tired to stay awake for the rest. It had been an exciting Labor Day weekend with lots of good food and fun. And she had already stayed up a little past bedtime.

Oh well. That’s why God invented tomorrow night. Right? And if you read books on iPad, you could click on the link I shared earlier in this story. It’ll take you right to the same book Ella and her mom are reading.

It’s $6.99. Plus, there’s a link to another free book and some music. AND you and some special kid(s) will have it all in a few minutes. Slow shipping is for other people. Not YOU!

But maybe you don’t know me well enough to buy something from me, yet. Ok, then get to know more about me and my worldview. Join the growing body of believers who’ve signed up for the TRUTH Journal. And enjoy my daily flashes of light from the power of God’s love.

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Ten years ago I snapped another picture of some sunflowers that overlooked a beautiful, expansive view on the Western slope of Colorado. When I got home and enlarged the snapshot on my computer, I noticed telephone lines right across my “work of art.” Then, I looked at it again, several days later. And words popped into my head about how artists so often feel a need to get something perfect. And it occurred to me that the so-called “perfect” is staying inside the lines. I don’t think that’s a problem. Do you?

Inside The Lines

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

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

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

And then the sun begins to shine,
And then you draw another line,
And then the box becomes a place to store your things.
And then the flowers start to grow,
And the your words begin to flow,
And then you’re glad to join in when the whole world sings. © 2014

Those words morphed into another picture, in a song.

I scrambled them, a little, and repurposed the words into lyrics for the song, “I Can Do.” Unfortunately, the only recorded version I currently have is from a few years back during the time I struggled the most with my breathing problems. But Elgielene says it sounds good enough for me to share it with you.

So, be sure to tune in to the The Power of God’s Love Podcast. Because that’s the only place you’ll find it. At least for now.

Maybe you don’t know me well enough to buy something from me, yet. Ok, then get to know more about me and my worldview. Join the growing body of believers who’ve signed up for the TRUTH Journal. And enjoy my daily flashes of light from the power of God’s love.

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I have hope within. But not for cliché things like “world peace” or “random acts of kindness” or how we can all “coexist.” No, my hope is for the Creator God of the universe to one day return to earth and put an end to our human selfishness. And this hope flows to and from my soul and spirit because of the Truth.

And too many people are without that hope within.

If there is no absolute Truth you can depend on, then any hope you muster is likely to fade at the first sign of trouble. Sure, you might feel empowered by a mantra or meditation or mentor. But without the strength of absolute Truth, it’s basically just an opinion. And you know what they say about those.

I know, in this day and age, most people don’t like to hear something so bold as “absolute Truth.”

But that phrase shouldn’t make anybody uncomfortable or irritable. Because it should help you to know there just might be something out there you can depend on. And rely on and trust, no matter what this world dishes out.

And the Word of God is that Truth. By the way, the Word and the Truth are two “nicknames” for Jesus.

So, it only makes sense to say Jesus is the reason for the hope within me. I know I don’t win any “cool” points in this world anymore for saying that. But I have the big picture in mind. Eternity. The picture doesn’t get any bigger than that. If there’s a possible eternal life waiting for me, and there IS, I want it. Jesus died a horrible death (and rose from the dead) to show me it’s there. So, I want it.

I will never lose the reason for the hope within me because I’m bought and paid for. I am God’s and He is mine. I’m absolutely certain eternal life in Heaven with Him awaits me.

I want that. Do you?

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

Maybe you don’t know me well enough to buy something from me, yet. Ok, then get to know more about me and my worldview. Join the growing body of believers who’ve signed up for the TRUTH Journal. And enjoy my daily flashes of light from the power of God’s love.

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Nations and empires fall because of it. Governments become tyrannical and then crumble because of it. And families are torn to shreds because of it. And it’s something you can’t detect with your five senses.

But you WILL still suffer because of it.

And the “IT” I’m talking about is selfishness. The cruel selfishness that leads some people to want to steal, lie, cheat, and even murder other people. The bitter selfishness that fuels harsh words between members of a family. And even the fearful, hopeless selfishness that leads to suicide.

You can’t control everyone, thank God. So, you can’t do anything about those first two kinds of selfishness. And you and I WILL suffer (in fact, we already suffer) from the side effects of what those people do. But you CAN do something about the fearful, hopeless selfishness.

About 10 years ago I share three reasons to be drawn to life. I’ll share them again, here and now.

  • Your life is real.

And it’s the only one you’re ever gonna get. You’re not living in a dream world. When you hear Christians talk about being reborn, they’re talking about your spirit. And your spirit is the only place where true and everlasting life can reside. Have you ever felt a pulling on you from within? It’s a sort of longing to know there’s more to life than what your five senses can tell you. Well, that’s your spirit’s sense of connection to your Creator. He put eternity in your heart. He IS life, and He wants you to be drawn to life. And it’s the kind that lasts forever.

  • Hope.

Without it, you can easily become another sad statistic like the countless, nameless others. The living, loving God of the Bible wants you to know that you’re valuable to Him. And He also wants you to know that life in this current space/time continuum won’t last. Torment, torture, and tyrants will be done away with by the Prince of Peace. So, knowing that He’ll do this AND give you eternal life should provide you Hope.

  • Eternity is a long time.

As I’ve mentioned many times, forever is forever. It isn’t the absence of time. That’s an impossible paradigm. It’s time without end. Time will go on and never, ever end. So, it’s important to give some thought and consideration to where you’ll be during that time. My Christian worldview says you can live forever in paradise with the one, true, living, loving God who created you. Sure, you can exist apart from Him (and therefore apart from life) forever somewhere else. Just know, it won’t be paradise. And it won’t be enjoyable. But the choice is yours.

So, there are my three simple reasons to be drawn to life.

And I mean the Life of God. You can live forever because of it.

In case you’re on the fence about it, here are some lyrics to nudge you along. (hint: subscribe to the The Power of God’s Love Podcast and you can hear the song, too.)

Drawn To You

Maybe it’s Your grace.  I don’t know.
It could be Your Word.  I’m not sure.
But You have a way of refining my thoughts.
Your Will is my strength. Your Will is my cure.

Anytime it’s me making it up
Show me I’m wrong to just forget You.
You barely lift a finger, and You change my whole direction.
What else can I say?  What more can I do?

I’m drawn to You
Like a June-bug to the light.
I’m drawn to You
Like a boxer to the fight.
I’m drawn to You
Like a sweet tooth and ice cream,
And it may all sound extreme,
But I’m drawn to You.

Maybe I’ll wake up…maybe soon
And find You take me home…Who can say?
‘Til then I’ll live it out…’til then I’ll follow through
And see how many more might feel the same way.

Chorus

Jesus, help me, won’t You take me to my heart’s desire?
Nothing could mean more than having You to be my fire!
Take me higher…draw me near.

Chorus…instrumental…repeat chorus to end

© 1998 Tony Funderburk

Maybe you don’t know me well enough to buy something from me, yet. Ok, then get to know more about me and my worldview. Join the growing body of believers who’ve signed up for the TRUTH Journal. And enjoy my daily flashes of light from the power of God’s love.

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“Who is creating the conditions for people to find hope and possibility?” That was a question Seth Godin posed to the person who interviewed him for her podcast audience. The two of them were talking about AI (for those of you who’ve been living in an underground bunker, that stands for artificial intelligence). And he mentioned how it can replace mediocre tasks and people.

Then, he said that for people who can provide conditions for hope and possibilities, “there’s an unlimited market for that.”

So, knowing that, do you enjoy the benefit of hope and possibility in your life?

And, if not, where do you think you’ll be able to find it? For that matter, what would give you the feeling of hope and possibility? I think it’s very important. Because I see a lot of unhappy and angry people in America. In real time, on the streets. And on every social media channel I visit.

Plus, there’s no shortage of YouTube videos where people seem to be out of their minds with rage. Or drugs. And they fill the air with foul language, vulgar expressions, and indecent exposure. They sound the way I imagine demons sound.

So, the world gets darker and darker. But, unlike Seth, I don’t believe anyone (not even me and my daily flashes of light) can directly provide conditions for hope and possibility.

Indirectly it’s do-able. Because you and I can share the power of God’s love. The power, and light, that will eventually even replace the sun for anyone who dares to love the one who created us all.

It’ll also be like this. Close your eyes. OK, Just imagine a pure river of water of life. Clear as crystal. Now imagine a tree so full of life that it bears twelve fruits every month. And even the leaves can heal nations. Can you see it? Wouldn’t it be great to live somewhere like that forever?

Well, that’ll be Heaven. And my biggest hope is for the possibility of seeing you there. I believe I can give you a better glimpse of Heaven than AI can. But you gotta go to the source for the best view. So…

I hope you hope for bigger hope,
The kind where Jesus lives.
Just ask Him for His love and grace.
I promise you…He gives.

Stay tuned,

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Tony Funderburk Posted on by

She said, “Life is screaming at me.”

And I thought to myself, “Hmm, I think there’s a song in that.”

Elgielene and I had one of those “long distance romances” you’ve heard about. You know. The kind that never work out.

And during that time, she lived in Florida, where I first met her. And I lived in Colorado. But I had written to her, from different places while I was “on the road” full time, for about 2 years before I settled in Colorado. And then almost another year after my move-in. Yeah, 3 years of failed attempts to win her over.

I’ve shared that saga before. So, I won’t go through all that again. Just know that once she finally responded to one of my letters, we changed over to phone calls. A lot of phone calls. And that was before smartphones and unlimited long distance. So, that means very large phone bills. On the YIKES level.

But that was a price I was willing to pay.

On one phone call she told me how things were hitting her from all sides. That’s when she shared that line about life screaming at her.

Thankfully it wasn’t doomsday kinda talk. Just an explanation for how filled up her schedule was. But that line stuck with me. And that’s how “good ideas” are for a songwriter or poet. They pop up in front of you even without spending any time thinking about them.

But I take that up a notch or three. And I try to make it a purpose of mine. In other words, I keep a sharp ear open to things people say. Internet marketers and copywriting coaches call this “getting in tune with your target market.”

I just call it listening.

And just as “faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word,” ideas come by listening.

If you find yourself also saying “life is screaming at me”, maybe you need to tune out a few things and tune in to that “still small voice.” Listen to the voice you can only hear when you trust God and read His book.

Life Is Screaming At Me

Life is screaming at me, “Give me your best shot!
Don’t dream it all away;
You gotta give back what you got!
It’s no big deal to gain the world
‘Cause you can’t take it with you.
But work to keep your soul, and give it your best shot.”

© 1996 Tony Funderburk

(Tune in to the The Power of God’s Love Podcast and you might find the episode with the whole vintage song in it.)

Oh, by the way. 35 years later I guess you could say the long-distance romance worked out.

Now, maybe you don’t know me well enough to buy something from me, yet. Ok, then get to know more about me and my worldview. Join the growing body of believers who’ve signed up for the TRUTH Journal. And enjoy my daily flashes of light from the power of God’s love.

Stay tuned…

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