Tony Funderburk Posted on by

Happy Maundy Thursday. And that’s not a typo, in case you didn’t know. And it’s a little bit strange to use the word “happy” with it. But it makes total sense in the big picture.

So, what’s the Maundy Thursday big picture?

I’m glad you asked. Oops, that was me. But I’m glad I asked. Because it gives me a chance to answer. So, why don’t I go ahead and do that instead of talking about the question and who asked it? Ok, I will. Just as soon as I finish this conversation with myself.

Now, in Christian teaching, Maundy Thursday is the day before Good Friday, also known as Holy Friday. And it’s important to remember because it was the last day and evening Jesus would spend in direct connection with His disciples. Even non-believers have probably heard of the Last Supper. That was on Maundy Thursday.

The word “Maundy” is actually derived from the Latin word “mandatum.” And that Latin word means “commandment” or “mandate.” And that evening Jesus told his followers about a new commandment. A commandment to love one another “as I have loved you.”

But the awesome thing about Jesus is that He’s not just a do-as-I-say kind of teacher. He showed one of the most ultimate acts of humility, when He commanded them to love one another, by washing their feet.

Let that sink in.

The Creator of Heaven and Earth and all living things.

Washed. Their. Feet. And they wore sandals back then. Sandals. With plenty of openings to let the elements in. So they could get some truly dirty feet. AND, Jesus knew what was coming the next day. And instead of asking to be pampered, He did the pampering.

Hmm, for some strange reason the song “Amazing Grace” just popped into my head.

Anyway…

Tomorrow starts what some know as the Easter Triduum. That’s just a fancy-schmancy way of saying the three-day period that leads to Resurrection Sunday.

You don’t live under the Jewish law (at least I hope you don’t). So, you’re not required to wash anybody’s feet this evening. But maybe, now that I’ve shared the term “Maundy Thursday” with you, this day will be a reminder to be humble and serve others. I hope so. And I mean that for me, too.

So, Happy Maundy Thursday.
May your humble heart rejoice,
Thinking about the three days
He endured to give you choice
To live with Him forever
Or apart from Him alone.
One choice fills your heart with love.
One choice turns your heart to stone.

Now, why waste time going online to find all my really refreshing Rhymes and Reasons? Just jump on the The TRUTH. And I’ll send them directly to your inbox. Do it now, and I’ll send you some songs and some other surprises: https://www.TonyFunderburk.com

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Kids should just be able to be kids. Not confused by dark, dreary, hopeless attacks on all their five senses. Way back in the medieval days of the twentieth century, there were actually G rated movies. And that meant a general audience could watch them without worry there’d be sex and violence and bathroom humor.

But now, G rated movies just ain’t all that cool.

And, as so many parents would have you believe, when it comes to sex and violence and bathroom humor, “Well, they’re gonna learn it somewhere. Might as well be at home.”

Yeah, I’ve heard real people say that. Really.

But that’s a mighty stupid approach to raising kids.

For example, I read a part of a study in an issue of the Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs. And it said that kids who watch R-rated movies are more likely to smoke, have sex earlier, and even experience “teen aggression.”

And my guess is that ain’t all that’s likely to happen.

And here’s another wild and crazy guess of mine. I’ll bet similar results can occur when kids listen to R-rated music.

So, when people ask why I write the kind of children’s songs I write, I just have to smile and wonder why there would be any other kind.

Because, as I said before, kids should be allowed to be kids. Full of innocence, awe, and wonder. And the music they listen to should just be for fun. Not some excuse to teach them how to be intimate with the opposite sex. Or worse, how to beat up on or belittle others.

Sadly, so much music for mass consumption does just that.

And it doesn’t even stop at the R rating anymore. No, it’s full on X rated stuff now. I’m sure you’ve had a car pull up next to you, at a traffic light, and heard the filth rapping through the dark-tinted windows. If not, you will.

Well, my kids music doesn’t do that. Never has. Never will. I still believe in the ideal of a child’s imagination. I still cater to that. My children’s songs will always seek to inspire, tickle the fancy, and spark the imagination of as many kids as possible. And they’ll shine a light in a dark world.

And I support any other singer/songwriters out there who will do the same.

I believe G rated movies should be the norm. And I don’t think they have to be the cutesy kind of stuff that adults feel weird watching. Because you can tell real, human stories about countless things in life where families bond together to overcome the odds. And I give kids credit for being able to understand the value in watching those stories with their parents.

But I’m just one storyteller.

One poet and singer with dreamy-eyed longing for a cleaner world. So, what chance do I have to convince the masses to turn back before it’s too late? The answer is, I don’t have a chance, in D.C. of ever doing that.

But that doesn’t mean I shouldn’t or couldn’t try to reach as many as possible.

So, that’s why I’ll keep on keepin’ on.
Because it’s not over when we’re gone.
And kids deserve better than a dismissal letter.
They deserve the hope of a new dawn.

Now, why waste time going online to find all my rollicking, rolling Rhymes and Reasons? Just jump on the The TRUTH. And I’ll send them directly to your inbox. Do it now, and I’ll send you some songs and a couple of other surprises: https://www.TonyFunderburk.com

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Tony Funderburk Posted on by

Watercolor art has always been one of my favorite media. Or is it medium? Or mediums? Hmm, maybe I’ll pay a medium to find out for me.

Anyway…

I saw this description of watercolors, during an online search session. In a paragraph it said, “Watercolors are a kind of paint used in art, which is water-soluble. And they’re composed of pigments dissolved in a water-based solution, usually a combination of water and a binder such as Gum Arabic. When used on a surface, typically paper, the water evaporates, leaving the pigment in place.”

And I’ll always remember my first experiences with watercolor art.

I loved the way the paint would follow the water along the fibers of the paper. You can guide the direction, flow, and translucent levels with your brush. Or you can let it flow and see where you go. Plus, the colors mix, effortlessly, into still more colors.

I wrote a short poem, about watercolor art, for adults to read to kids, a few years ago. And here it is:

Flower Petal Watercolors

Flower petal watercolors
Swirling liquid notions…
Roses, daisies, daffodils
Turn into trees and oceans.
Aromatic afternoons
Lead us by our senses
To the place where art begins…
No boundaries or fences.
Flower petal watercolors…
Poppies, periwinkles…
Give the children brushes, and
Then watch for smiling twinkles.

© 2012

Now, here’s the thing.

I think of you and me as sort of watercolor art. But, unlike the paint on typical paper pages, you and I can choose to flow with the water or not. Because it’s living water I’m talking about. That’s the water you need to get through the desert of life on Earth. And the water that sustains you forever.

You and I have been given a magnificent “free” gift. And I used quotation marks around “free” because there’s no such thing as free. Anything of value ALWAYS is always paid for by somebody. And that includes the magnificent, free gift of eternal life. It was paid for by your Creator. And it cost Him dearly. Beyond anything you can imagine.

But He doesn’t force His brushstrokes on your life. Instead, He offers His living water as the medium to carry your heart into His grace. Once you do, don’t be surprised when you desire the wisdom of His brushstrokes.

I know this metaphorical explanation won’t satisfy anyone whose heart is hardened toward God or anyone who loves God. And I know there are even many Christians who might think my watercolor metaphor is too watered down to make a difference in this dark world.

But that’s wrong. And it will always be wrong.

Just as “one man’s trash is another man’s treasure” is true, so is “one man’s aqua is another man’s art.”

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Tony Funderburk Posted on by

There’s a book that says “faith comes by hearing.” But here’s the thing. You gotta be willing to listen. Let me share a short snippet about a guy who was.

So, this guy’s name was Saul. He lived about 2000 years ago. And he was zealously dedicated to his Jewish faith. In fact, he was so dedicated that he persecuted anyone who would dare say Jesus was their Messiah. When I say “persecuted,” I mean he even killed them. He believed what they were doing was blasphemy. And that was a crime and sin punishable by death. Yikes!

Then, Saul met Jesus.

AFTER Jesus had been killed! Can you imagine meeting someone, after you had witnessed that person’s death? That might shake your foundation a little. Don’t you think? Well, it certainly shook Saul’s. Figuratively and literally. He was on a journey, near the city of Damascus, when something amazing happened. Saul described it like this:

“Now it happened, as I journeyed and came near Damascus at about noon, suddenly a great light from heaven shone around me. And I fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to me, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?’ So I answered, ‘Who are You, Lord?’ And He said to me, ‘I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom you are persecuting.’ And those who were with me indeed saw the light and were afraid, but they did not hear the voice of Him who spoke to me.”

Saul had to be led into Damascus because the light he saw blinded him.

But Jesus changed him forever. Even changed his name to Paul. And when he first started to share his new message about the Christian faith, people remembered him as that guy who had persecuted them.

How dare he try to preach to them?!

Who did he think he was, anyway?

But once people listened to Paul’s messages, they saw the glory of God in him. That’s one example of how God’s grace changes everything. Paul was changed forever. And he wanted everyone to know how they could be, too. And that’s why I write, sing, and talk about all this. I want you to know how grace can change you forever, too. But you gotta be willing to listen. And you gotta wanna be changed forever.

Here are the lyrics to a song I wrote a few years ago about how the grace and love of Jesus changes you. If you’re willing to listen, and look for it, I included this song in one of my podcast episodes. Or you can get it from a link inside one of my books. But that’s another story for another time. Right now, here are those lyrics:

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

© Copyright 2000

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Forgiveness without repentance is selfish and unwise.

How’s that for an opener?

But I only said it because it’s true.

Forgiveness without repentance kills dogs. Not just people.

Yeah, if you won’t apply the proper way to forgive, to and for you, won’t you at least save the little puppies. And before you think I’ve gone completely bonkers, let me show you an example of how this claim is true. But not just any old random example. No, this actually happened to some people Elgielene and I know.

Yesterday, she got a text message from a friend who basically said something like, “Call me when you can. Something tragic has happened.”

Naturally, as you might imagine, that sparked our curiosity. And we hoped it wouldn’t be a message this friend’s husband had died. Or something awful like that.

And the reason our first guess went to the friend’s husband is because he works for the sheriff’s department in the county where he lives. So, it wouldn’t be much of a stretch to think something awful might’ve happened to him in the line of duty.

As it turns out, you could say something DID happen to him in the line of duty.

But not his typical county sheriff’s duty.

No, he simply took the family dog, a cute little rescue dog named Lily, out for her morning constitutional. As he walked her down the street, he noticed a guy far down the block eyeballing him in a strange way. Of course, being in the police force, he’s more tuned in to strange behavior than most. But he kept moving along, slowly, as Lily sniffed and did her doggie stuff.

Suddenly, the guy down the block jumped into his car, peeled out of the driveway, turned in the direction of our friend and his dog, and peeled out again. He flew by the first time. But he screeched to a stop at the other end of the block, did a loud turn around, and flew by our friend and his dog again.

Of course, now our friend was on full alert. But, in situations as unpredictable as that, it’s not clear what to prepare for or avoid. Sure enough, the wackadoo spun his car around and headed right back at our friend and little Lily one more time.

But this time, the creep turned his car right at them. And our friend jumped off the sidewalk into a wooden fence, while, at the same time, trying to grab Lily. Unfortunately the driver was upon them so fast he scraped across our friend’s left arm and leg. And the force of that impact, which caused some serious injuries to our friend, knocked off the creep’s mirror. But worse than that, Lily was literally flattened.

This all took place a couple of weeks ago.

But the horrible vehicular murder attempt was only the beginning of our friends’ troubles. Because, now, they’re discovering, firsthand, how America no longer has a justice system. Now, it’s JUST A SYSTEM.

And they’re mired in a legal battle to punish a guy who has already been “forgiven” of several previous devious deeds. Yep. Those forgiven deeds, which required no repentance or remorse from the perpetrator, directly led to our friends’ dead dog. You can see it another way, if you choose to, but only if you’re comfortable with being wrong.

Yes, there are so-called “lawyers” working to get the scumbag driver cleared of all charges.

Uh-huh. They’re working to see that he’s not punished. And unpunished crimes ALWAYS lead to more criminals.

Our “open” border with Mexico is a daily illustration of that fact. But, no big deal right? Who cares?

OK, there are a lot of people who would say I talk a mean streak about the problems, but I don’t offer viable solutions. Of course, those are people who never read or hear solutions I’ve written and spoken about. But, to them, I offer this first “step in the right direction.” Whatever we’ve been doing for 50 years (and longer), stop doing THAT.

Yeah. Just stop what we’ve been doing. Because it has NOT worked. And it has zero hope of success. Because you can’t layer law after law after law and expect people to keep the law. Human history proves that.

Circumstances, laws, money, and policies don’t change you.

You only change when your heart of hearts changes. And it can only change when you let the one who created your heart be your guiding Light.

Every day you’re closer to the time when you won’t have the freedom to choose anymore. And this isn’t like a marketing ploy of scarcity. It’s a fact. You’re gonna reach the end of your days, here on Earth. And then you’ll be somewhere else. That location depends on whether you ask for forgiveness or not. But, remember, you can’t try to get forgiveness without repentance.

After all, if you’re not sorry for hurting yourself and others, why should anyone else be sorry for you?

Think about what I’ve shared with you as you walk your dog today. Or as you sit in your favorite sidewalk café enjoying your favorite treat. Or even as you’re shopping at the local farmer’s market. Whatever you might be doing today, it might be the last day you’ll be doing it. Our friends’ story is an example of how quickly everything can change. So, that’s why I said this in a song…

Give Me The Light

Well, the light shines, and it’s coming from above.
I can’t ignore it because I know deep down it’s Love,
And it shows me that the time is close at hand,
And I’m beginning to think I might just understand.
I’ve waited so long for the perfect time and place,
And made a whole lot of mistakes I can’t erase.
Destined to live in darkness I supposed,
But you can’t see the Light when your eyes are closed.

So gimme the Light oh give me the Light of Your Love.
Gimme the Light. I wanna see how good it can be.
Gimme the Light oh give me the Light of Your Love.
And gimme the Light that truly sets this blind man free.

Well, I daydream, and I do my best to fly,
But something holds me; it doesn’t matter how I try.
Oh, but someday, when You say the time is right,
I know I’ll fly up and live forever in Your light.

repeat bridge & chorus…inst…repeat chorus twice

© 1984-1998 Tony Funderburk

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Long distance relationships never work out. How many times have you heard that one? I’ve heard it a LOT. And I don’t subscribe to that claim even though it’s true. That might sound like I just contradicted myself. But nay nay. Because that claim IS true for most people. But not all. It’s like this. For most people, long distance love is impossible love because they don’t really know what true love is.

But for those who know what true love is, distance doesn’t equal impossible love.

I’ll use myself as an example. Because I know my story better than any other. You can read the rest of the story here, but this is the core of it. I met Elgielene when I was booked at a place in Florida where she worked. And I left that place, as I headed back out “on the road,” with an indelible image of her on my brain. To say I was smitten would be one of the highest ranking understatements.

I traveled across America for most of the next three years. And I made my way back to Colorado to settle in. But during those three years, I sent messages to Miss El the old-fashioned way. Through snail mail. But they weren’t sappy, lovesick puppy letters. She’ll tell you how much she enjoyed them because, if anything, they were the opposite of all that silliness.

But here’s the thing.

The only time I’d get a response from her, it was to tell me to stop writing. There were some serious reasons for that. Go read the whole story if you wanna know what they were. But a big part of her refusal to reciprocate was that she also believed long distance relationships were just pie-in-the-sky impossible love.

So, I gave up.

NOT!

Nope. I increased the pressure. I turned up the volume. You might say I even went postal. But in a good way. Because I started sending her letters every day. Sometimes up the three letters a day. Keep in mind, this was way before email. And way before there were any “email players.” Yeah, my kind of writing had to be done the hard way. By handwriting each and every word. No typing. No talk-texting. And no transcriptionists.

But the grind didn’t stop there. I also had to buy paper, envelopes, and stamps. And you might not believe this, but I had to fold the letters so they’d fit into the envelopes. Then, I had to address the envelopes by hand. AND the final outrageous act was the licking of the envelope to seal it and the stamp to attach it.

Imagine doing that over 365 times in one year.

So, did she give in and reply?

Nope. Remember? This is impossible love we’re talking about. Long distance and all that.

OK, she eventually gave me the time of day. And we eventually worked things out to visit each other. And our story continues, to this day, close to 35 years later.

So, I shared this shortened version of our story to show you how distance doesn’t have to mean love is impossible. And the greatest example of that is the distance your Creator traveled to prove His love overcomes all obstacles. That means you can live in it forever, if you choose. And if you do, you’ll also be able to overcome…

Impossible Odds

You say you’re feeling empty and it doesn’t go away.
You live for your tomorrow and suffer in today.
So, you need to blow your trumpet to tear down all the walls
And keep your heart wide open to hear God when He calls.

You say you don’t believe me and you couldn’t be that sure.
Why do you want to shiver when there’s such an easy cure?
Just wrap your faith around you and keep your hope alive
And soon you’ll see your answer on golden wings arrive.

You can’t begin the day; it’s impossible.
You don’t know what to say;  it’s impossible.
And so you seem to pray to impossible gods.
But let God take a turn; it’s possible
To make that image burn; it’s possible,
You still could overturn impossible odds.

So you drink from human water and you taste the bitterness
And you listen to their words, but you’re hearing even less.
The solution can’t be found here with the wave of any hand.
You can rise out of your ashes if you live the High command

Chorus…inst…repeat chorus and end

© 1999

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Have you ever been somewhere, on an errand, getting groceries, whatever, and noticed a stressed look somebody’s face? If you haven’t, I’d say you’re just not paying attention. Because it’s epidemic. Or is it pandemic? Who cares? It’s pretty darn demic, and it’s a mighty sad state of affairs.

And it’s a result of not paying attention.

America (and the world) slinked into more and more darkness over the past decades. At first, the decline was slow enough to gain momentum from most people just not paying attention. But in recent years, the slow slinking has turned into a rapid descent into darkness. In fact, it’s gotten to the point where people leap into lunacy.

And it reminds me of what I wrote years ago, about one of my favorite subjects, that I think is worth repeating.

“It seems like, to be a popular singer songwriter these days, you gotta have a story of angst…or survival in the midst of seemingly insurmountable turmoil. Don’t get me wrong…I know the times they are a-ragin’. But I just don’t want to give in to the negative view, the doomsday naysay. No way.”

And I wondered what happened to the tougher “grin and bear it” days.

Or the “let a smile be your umbrella” days. Or even the melodic “smile, though your heart is breaking” days.

Then, I posited a solution.

“Well, I think we should bring the old smile-in-the-face-of-adversity spirit back. And you know what? It’s healthier. Trust me. I’m right on this. And health science backs me up. It turns out a smile can lower your heart rate, relieve stress, and evoke positive emotions. If you’re not smiling right now, go ahead. I’ll wait a couple of seconds.

zzzzz….zzzzz….zzzz

OK…now, don’t you feel better already?”

But I can see all my positive talk had little to no effect on the rapid descent into darkness. America is currently lost in a sea of sewage thinking. Street zombies (what too many call “homeless people”) are in every city. I haven’t found even ONE where you don’t see them. And most of them personify the sewage thinking. With their leech mentality and their willingness to urinate and defecate in public. And then live in a pile of trash.

Worst part is, most churches participate in the enabling movement. Free food and lodging, for those who will not work, always exponentially multiplies those who will not work. Cardboard and tent “cities” that coincidentally spring up near large, vacuous churches are evidence of that.

Yeah, you can’t simply “let a smile be your umbrella” and expect no fallout of fallacious rain. God, in His infinite brilliance, shares the solutions to end all this darkness. But sadly, most prefer the darkness because their deeds are evil.

So, those of us who prefer the light are forced to endure.

At least it appears that way if you’re not paying attention.

But if you ARE paying attention, you know, as Paul Harvey used to say, “the rest of the story.”

And it won’t include any darkness. And the light will be ON forever!

I sure, as Mr. T used to say, “pity the fool” who’s not there when it starts.

So work hard and take time to pray
For lives to be saved every day.
True love won’t give up or give in.
Hang in there. It’s worth it. We win.

Stay tuned,

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There are better times ahead. No doubt (or two ways) about it. I guarantee it. But there IS a catch. You knew there would be a catch. Right?

The better times ahead aren’t for everybody.

Nope. There will be miserable times for most people. But, for a few, there will be better times ahead. And better than they’ve ever known before.

And before you jump on my case because you think I’m talking about Heaven and hell, let me assure you, I’m not. Nope. The better times I’m talking about will happen right here on good ol’ planet Earth. Did I mention, I guarantee they’re gonna happen? Because they’re gonna happen.

Sure, you might be one of those old-fashioned types who think your best days, or America’s best days, are in the past. And, I suppose, that might be true for some. But those times won’t compare to what’s coming for a few people who play their cards cleverly.

For the sake of some common sense clarity, I think I’d better define the “better times” I’m referring to.

Or is it the better times to which I’m referring?

No matter. The point is, I’m talking about the people who will be flush with cash, property, and luxuries of all shapes and sizes. They’ll have access to every desire they could possibly desire. And they’ll have power and influence over all the losers who didn’t get in on the gold.

It’ll be like heaven on Earth.

Except it’ll be nothing at all like Heaven on Earth.

Because it’ll be a place filled with people who don’t realize they’ve already chosen a path of worldly gain. Only to (eventually) discover their soul will be separated from their body and spirit. And they won’t even recognize how their so-called “power and influence and control” won’t amount to a hill of refried beans.

OK, there’s a small chance I could be wrong. So, I’m not gonna bet you any money I’m right. Besides, I might not be here to pay off bets. And where I’ll be goin’ is too far to come back. Ever.

Anyway…

Just some veiled ideas and notions to roll around in your brain this fine Spring day in 2024. Till next time, ponder a few more rhyming ideas and notions…

Is there a day you go back to when you think of better times?
Or do you think that day is somewhere up ahead?
But either way it’s a day when all your cares will melt away,
And then your life will be fulfilling dreams instead.

Well, let me say, I’m for living with that hope inside your heart.
I do believe in looking for a better way.
But cares won’t go until you know your Creator loves you so.
That’s how the better times ahead begin today.

© 2017

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I don’t fly the unfriendly skies anymore. Because I don’t wanna be stuck in an unsanitary tube, soaring through the air at 35000 feet up, with a passenger list that includes people who hate each other and God.

But, hey, that’s probably just me.

Anyway…

Here’s why I bring up my aversion to airline travel (the same is true for just about any mass transit).

Whatever happens in this world is temporary. When you know you’re gonna live forever with the one, true, living, loving Creator of heaven and earth, you should be able to trust Him and be of good cheer. One day you’ll leave this world full of hardships and filthiness and live forever in a real paradise. And it won’t be some Hollywood, make-believe, physics-defying world of mystical magic. It’ll be a real place with real human beings and real surroundings.

And most importantly, the real God.

Wait. You ARE going. Right?

Please tell me your name is already on the passenger list?

Because your ticket has already been paid for and all you gotta do is sign your name, so to speak. Yeah, you definitely need to confirm you wanna make the trip. And all it takes is humility. If you wanna know more about it, I’ll be glad to share whatever I can to help. Because I’d sure like to see you, one day, in that…

Real Paradise

I don’t believe
In magic…hocus pocus.
I do believe
My treasure’s where I focus.

Jesus, Redeemer, Creator of Heaven
Tells every dear Christian who dies…
We will be with him forever and ever.
Now I call that real paradise.

You can receive
A blessing you can’t pay for.
What would you waste
Another single day for?

Jesus, the Savior, and Great Overcomer
Will love you and open your eyes.
There is no sin that His blood will not cover.
Now, I call that real paradise.

Instrumental…

I love the way His promise won’t forsake me.
And there’s no end to where His Grace will take me.

Jesus, the Lamb, without spot without blemish,
The Truth who the world still denies.
The world is against me, but Jesus is for me.
Now I call that real paradise.

© 2001-2009

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If you’ve ever driven through Wichita, Kansas, you might have noticed there are some flat parts. In fact, I don’t know how many times I’ve heard people diss Kansas with comments like, “It’s so flat.” But I just smile to myself as I remember struggling to ride my Western Flyer up those East Kansas hills on my way to the swimming pool.

And I smile to myself as I think about my long drives through the hilly countryside with my trusty spiral notebook and Bic pen by my side. Then, I recall sitting on the bank of a small river as I wrote about the trees sitting high above the water on the other side. I have countless memories like that.

And sure, there ARE flat parts to Kansas.

But I’ve driven up and down and back and forth through most of America. And there are flat parts to every state.

But I have a theory as to why people don’t like the flat parts of Kansas. And there was more evidence to support my theory as the Funderburks drove through the countryside west of Wichita last week. Even on the side of roads where there was almost no traffic. I don’t mean the redbud and whitebud trees, flowers, and emerald green grass we saw.

Along some of the flattest, straightest roads you’re likely to find in America there are lots of Christian and pro life billboards. Like the handpainted one in the glasses picture I shared with this post. And those signs are uncomfortable.

Most people don’t wanna be reminded that Jesus is real and that He wants us to live forever. And they certainly don’t wanna be reminded of all those innocent children who never saw the redbud and whitebud trees, flowers, and emerald green grass in the spring.

But it’s just a theory. And you know the thing about theories, don’t you? They’re either right or not.

The Flats

Drive the flats and see the billboard message
Showing you the way is always clear.
Pay attention to the sincere warnings
Because your last day could soon be here.

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Here’s a book description written by a real faker:

As a dragon, I greet each day with a dance at dawn, a ritual that has become an essential part of my routine. I rise from my slumber in the mountains, stretching my wings and flexing my claws as the first rays of sunlight touch the land. 

I spread my wings wide and begin my dance, twirling and leaping through the air. The vibrant orange of my scales shimmers in the sunlight, creating an awe-inspiring display of color and movement. My dance is a celebration of life and a tribute to the beauty of the world around me. 

As I dance, I feel a connection to the earth and the sky, to the creatures that roam the land, and to the very essence of nature. This daily ritual allows me to reflect on the importance of balance and harmony in the world, and I hope that my dance brings joy and wonder to those who witness it. As the sun climbs higher in the sky, I conclude my dance and return to my resting place, ready to face the day ahead. This simple yet profound ritual serves as a reminder to cherish each moment and to appreciate the beauty of the natural world that surrounds us all.

Now, you might think the writer of that book description did a mediocre job.

You might even think it’s actually pretty good. Or maybe you think some cornball tried to describe a book with the most flowery language he could muster.

If you thought any of that, or even anything else (probably), you’d be wrong.

Because nobody wrote that book description.

Then again, countless people collaborated on the description.

Yeah, I’m beating around the bush. So, I’ll just let you in on the secret. So-called “artificial intelligence” wrote that book description. And I put quotes around “artificial intelligence” to emphasize my point. First off, there’s no such thing as artificial intelligence. And secondly, with a closer look at the words and phrases you can see a human bias.

And it’s a bias against REAL intelligence. Or at least where that REAL intelligence originates.

Notice this sentence: “My dance is a celebration of life and a tribute to the beauty of the world around me.” On the surface, it’s innocent enough. And at least it appears to celebrate life.

But notice the tribute.

The beauty of the world.

Then, the very next sentence mentions “a connection to the earth and the sky and the creatures that roam the land.” And that sort of “connection” to all things natural plays a prominent part. Because after that you see the “importance of balance and harmony IN THE WORLD.”

And finally, the book description ends with the reminder to “cherish each moment and to appreciate the beauty of the natural world that surrounds us all.”

Maybe you think I’m just nit-picking. But if you believe there’s more to life than the “natural world that surrounds us all,” you might wanna re-think that. Because as old-fashioned and archaic as it might sound to you, Satan majors in the subtleties. He doesn’t attack with a dastardly laugh and a devilish pitchfork. He slips in between the cracks of your ability to discern.

And so-called “artificial intelligence” has the potential to be one of his wiliest weapons.

Take that information with a whole container of Redmond salt. Or ignore it altogether if you like. Or, consider it. And look at how the AI bots do stuff. I predict it’ll be subtle and ultimately not beneficial to huMANkind.

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You and I are the source for all the bad stuff going on in the world. OK, maybe you and I didn’t personally start any of the wars. And maybe you and I didn’t personally abduct any small children and sell them as sex slaves. Matter of fact, you and I didn’t personally “elect” a vacuous, lame-brained puppet to the highest office in America either. (There’s a lot more to that last sentence than first meets the eye.)

But, the bad stuff happens because of you and me.

And ALL the rest of the people on the planet. Yeah, there’s not a good person to be found. Show me a good person, and I’ll show you somebody you don’t know as well as you think you do. Because every sentient person on Earth has done enough of the bad stuff to deserve the death penalty.

Yikes! That’s harsh.

Yeah. But true.

But NOT true because I say so (to borrow a phrase from parents back in the day). My assertion is true because the Creator of the universe, and all life, says so.

So, all hope is lost. Lower all sails. And abandon ship.

Wait! I just remembered. All hope is NOT lost. Because theCreator of the universe hates death. So, He’s not just about consequences for actions. He’s also about grace and mercy. And He offers tons of grace and mercy. Even to this world full of people who mostly hate Him.

And He does that for one reason.

Love.

But not a forced love.

No person on Earth will ever be cajoled, coerced, or conscripted into Heaven. Because true love, by its most profound definition, MUST be freely given.

But most people love themselves more than they’ll ever love the One who created them. Most people would actually rather buy into the bad stuff for a little while and then pay for it forever. I think it’s weird. It makes no sense at all. But I’ve done enough of the selfish bad stuff to understand its power to seduce.

But not one time, in my whole life, have I EVER thought God planned which bad stuff, or how much of it, I’d do. Let alone what all the other people would do, too. Nope. My whole life I’ve understood I’m responsible for my choices. And I’ve understood that when the bad stuff happened to me, I could trace most of it back to my choices and actions.

None of that understanding denies, precludes, or usurps God’s authority or sovereignty. Because He does have an ultimate plan of redemption. He just doesn’t plan my daily to-do list. Or yours. Or anybody else’s. He’s FAR too brilliant than to create us in His own image and likeness and still have to plan for trillions of possible decision outcomes. Yeesh. I find it impossible to believe He could see all that and say that it’s “very good.”

OK, I hope you’re now willing, if you weren’t already willing, to say bad stuff happens because of bad people and their bad decisions. Because when you know that God is not responsible for evil in this world, you can be a brighter light in this dark world. But if you still say “God is in control” or “It’s all part of God’s plan,” I say…

A Thousand Times No

Everything is for a reason.
God is in control.
Everything He turns to good
For His higher goal.
So do you want to thank Him for
Destruction and despair?
Is He the author of confusion?
You see it everywhere.

No, no! A thousand times no. No, no! A thousand times.
And no, no! A thousand times no. No, no! A thousand times.

Should you freely give forgiveness?
The Bible tells you so.
But what if someone’s unrepentant?
How does that one go?
Should they get to live in sin
And skip the judgement day?
Take a look at the Revelation.
What would Jesus say?

No, no! A thousand times no. No, no! A thousand times.
And no, no! A thousand times no. No, no! A thousand times.

And who are you to judge?
Your eyes can clearly see
That you’re no holier
Than him or her or me.
So should you shut your mouth
And skip the words of Paul?
Did he misunderstand
The Lord’s enduring call?

No, no! A thousand times no. No, no! A thousand times.
And no, no! A thousand times no. No, no! A thousand times.

© 2008

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This dreadful message is dark. Too dark for the front page news and prime time. So, you won’t see or hear it unless you tune into channels where people share the truth even when it’s unpopular. I’ve shared that kind of truth for decades. And I haven’t enjoyed even one day of it. Not even before I lost most of my “friends” because I dared to speak up this way.

Thankfully, these days, I can create my own front page news.

Of course, my humble publication is far from a worldwide phenomenon. But it CAN be seen and heard worldwide. At least for now. And I can see, with the help of analytics software, that my posts and podcast episodes are seen and heard by a lot of people in parts of the world I’ll never visit.

And here’s the reason I bring it up. Because, after almost 60 years, there’s still a killing spree going on right here in America (and around the world), and the vast majority of human beings couldn’t care less.

If someone took a so-called “assault weapon” into crowded areas and killed over 1000 people a day, don’t you think they’d be front page news? They’d be top story on every TV “news” channel. And their face would be plastered on every media around the world. Especially if the “news” organization could spin the story into some sort of white and right wing connection.

Of course, if someone could kill that many innocent bystanders, their evil face SHOULD be known to all.

But that sort of killing spree DOES take place every day here in America.

And only “right-wing extremists” like me seem to be willing to tell the story.

But I gotta tell you something about me. I Hate, with a capital H, to tell this story. Because it exposes the awful truth about my country. And I love America. But America has gone the way of every other powerful nation or empire in history. We’re no longer the bright, beacon of hope to a wayward world.

I wrote a song about this back in 2002. It’s not an upbeat song. It’s not an anthem. And it’s not a song that’ll ever get any “airplay” or streaming time. But I wanted to write a song about this dark side of our culture in a way that maybe gave the story some humanity. You can let me know if you think it does that.

Side note: the song mentions 40 years. Sadly, another 20 years has been added. Wouldn’t it be awesome to wake up to this front page news, tomorrow? “Legalized Abortion Abolished”

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?
And who can we depend on?
Can you tell me who?
Random thoughts and deeds…
And random source of life…
Random is the bride we take
Who becomes a cheating wife.

© 2002

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Perfect is boring. That’s one of the stupidest things I’ve ever heard. By definition, perfection means something is flawless. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with it. And just because there’s nothing perfect in this world doesn’t mean that it doesn’t exist.

But I believe people who say perfect is boring have an ulterior motive.

Yeah, I believe, if you say perfect is boring, it means you’re unwilling to accept there’s a perfect Creator who made you and loves you. And you don’t like the idea that a perfect Creator gets to make the rules instead of you.

But I think you should rethink that notion.

Dive much deeper into the whole story of how you and I got here on this little blue dot in the universe. Don’t rely on just your feelings about the story. Or what someone (and that includes me) would have you believe, but what the story actually says.

My belief (and my Hope) is that you’ll discover why your heart and soul yearn. Of course, I fully understand you DO have your own will. And I understand that even if you discover there’s a God, and that you’re not Him, you might still choose to be your own god. Yes, absolutely, that’s a distinct possibility. In fact, most people choose that route.

And they somehow find comfort in silly sayings like “perfect is boring.”

It’s for sure that a quest for perfection in this life is futile. But, a loving relationship with your Creator is…

Perfect

I gotta stop all this daydreaming stuff
‘Cause I just get visions, and that’s never enough.
I wanna catch hold of something peaceful and true
With a permanent feel and a wonderful hue.
I wanna find blue skies and whispering winds
And beautiful pathways where love never ends.
But I feel quite sure if I found it today,
That it wouldn’t be right. I wouldn’t know what to say.

Perfect.
I want perfect.
Nothing less than best, nothing like the rest.
I want perfect.
Perfect.
I’d love perfect.
Who could ask for more, and what I’m looking for
Is just perfect.

I gotta get both my feet back on the ground.
I gotta get hold of my head and turn it around.
But I close my eyes and I see it again…
It’s such a paradox that I lose when I win.

© 1988

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OK, I admit it. I’m a dreamer. And all my life I’ve had a tendency to romanticize the relational side of life. But I’ve never wished upon a star. Because, for one, I’m not a puppet who’s ever dreamed of being a real boy. And, secondly, a star is a lifeless lump of some kind of mixture of minerals. Not a source of magical, sparkling, life-giving fairy dust. I wish I didn’t have to point that out. But, so it is.

And I only bring all that up because, in my ongoing efforts to romanticize the power of love, I’ve elevated the effects and power of dreamers. In fact, in my last post, I urged you (maybe not YOU, specifically) to BE a dreamer. But you absolutely can’t achieve success in life with a wish upon a star. Despite what that famous song from Pinocchio would have you believe.

“When you wish upon a star,
Makes no difference who you are.
Anything your heart desires
Will come to you.”

I read an article that quoted Gene Simmons (from the band, KISS), when he talked about growing up in Israel. He said this about this wish and dream stuff. That even while he “could barely speak English, I knew the words [to the song] were true. Anybody can have what they want, the world and life can give its rewards to anyone.”

Here’s a better perspective.

Life doesn’t give ITS rewards. Any true rewards you and I are ever gonna get will come from God. I mentioned, recently, a section in the Psalms where it says God will give you the desires of your heart. But He won’t do that because you wished upon a star. And you’re not supposed to sit back and wait for it all.

People love to talk about “unconditional love.” But God’s love has always had conditions. Thankfully there is currently only one condition. But apparently even one is too many for most people. So sad.

OK, I see I’ve already written hundreds of words in this post. And they probably won’t persuade many people to change their minds about how and where your heart’s desires can be fulfilled.

So, I’ll just bid you a Happy Daylight Savings time, and leave you with…

What I Wish

There are people of the past
And people of today…
They’re standing in lines,
And they’re passing away.
But let’s not talk about that.
Let’s go and find some fun…
Burn our candles at both ends…
Let our wild sides run.

We don’t wanna hear it.
We don’t wanna know why…
‘Cause then maybe we’ll feel near it,
And we’ll break down and cry.

Oh, I wish our world was better.
I wish our world was fair.
I wish we’d get together
And end the grief out there.
I wish our world was perfect.
And I wish our world was sane.
I wish there was no hatred
Or quest for earthly gain…
That’s what I wish.

There are innocent children
Who were living on dreams.
Now their dreams have exploded
Blown apart at the seams.
And they look to their mothers
And their fathers for help.
But their parents can’t help them
‘Cause they can’t help themselves.

We don’t want to hear it.
We don’t want to know where…
Just as long as it’s not us…
Who are we to care?

Oh, I wish our world was better.
I wish our world was fair.
I wish we’d get together
And end the grief out there.
I wish our world was perfect.
And I wish our world was sane.
I wish there was no hatred
Or quest for earthly gain…
That’s what I wish.

© 1988

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Dreamers dream. And here’s something that’s cool. You don’t have to be an author, painter, philosopher, or songwriter to be a dreamer. Plumbers, carpenters, and electricians can all be dreamers. So can doctors, lawyers, and even (gulp) politicians (although most of their “dreams” are nightmares for everyone else).

To be a dreamer, just focus or meditate on the desires of your heart.

I mentioned, years ago, how the most successful people are the best dreamers. And I said, “After all, no carpenter ever built a successful career without first nailing down his ideas in his head (pun intended). No plumber ever got his first wrench, drain snake, and flashlight without first unclogging his own thoughts about where to start. And no electrician ever plugged into a community of customers without a light first going off in his own head.”

And think about it. Every successful person’s journey started with a dream. Or you could say call it an idea.

A thought.

You’re thinking about it right now, aren’t you?

When I shared those descriptions of the different types of dreamers, you could “see” each of those workers. And I think it’s more than just cool how my words were transformed, through your eyes (or ears) into your thoughts. Then, your thoughts created pictures. And those pictures are where dreams start.

So. It doesn’t depend on what you plan to do with your life.

It doesn’t depend on where you plan to go.

And it doesn’t depend on how you plan to start and finish.

Just go ahead and be a dreamer. Or, if that’s just not your thing, then throw your support to someone who IS a dreamer. And remember to thank God for the dreams and desires in your heart. Then, remember…

Dreamers Dream

Dream a little dream a lot
And dream away your frown.
Dream up stardust Christmas lights
To sparkle every town.
Dream at night and in the day
And never let dreams end…
Because they come from Jesus,
A dreamer’s truest friend.

© 2012

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If you have a weary head, it can easily mean at least a couple of things. First, it might mean you’re just plain ol’ tired. And you could probably use a good night’s sleep. Or at least a nap. Second, it could mean you’re getting tired OF something or someone.

Right now I’m gonna talk, a little, about that second weary head description.

Because I have a very weary head from constant blah-blah back-n-forth rhetorical politics. And I know it’s only gonna be more and more blatant and constant in the months leading up to November of this year.

So, I know I (and you, too, probably) will have to endure ongoing piehole prognostications and projections that attempt to sound patriotic. But, in reality, to borrow from Inigo Montoya (from The Princess Bride), I do not think patriotic means what they think it means.

And that means phrases like “America will never be a socialist country” and “We’ll make sure our kids will have better and safer schools” will clang their way into my weary head. And there are too many more to mention.

But you know what all that nonsense won’t do? I’ll tell you what it won’t do. It won’t steal my joy. And it won’t cause me to weary in doing good.

So, on the one hand, you and I will have to endure the so-called “election system.” On the other hand, you and I can tap into Living Water and not lose heart.

As for me, I wanna pass that kind of joy and hope onto the little kids who might be here on Earth when things get much worse and that Living Water won’t be so accessible. That’s why I’ve written so many rhymes, embedded with simple reasons to love the God of creation. To show kids (and their parents) Jesus loves you.

Here’s one of those rhymes I wrote a dozen years ago. And my hope is I can turn it into the song I hear in my head. But even if I don’t accomplish all my dreams, at least the rhymes might help someone believe. Here’s a sample:

The Dreamer’s Lullaby

In those seconds sliding into sleep…
There might be some time you’ll wanna keep.
Grab the minutes tightly in your hand.
Close your eyes and soon you’ll understand.

There’s a place you’re gonna wanna go,
Where it’s always free to see the show.
Colors in the sky will breathe you in.
Close your eyes and let the dreams begin.

Hear the lullaby and by
Way up in the sky so high
Every little sigh you sigh will fly and fly
Into the dreamer’s lullaby.

Dreams are hidden right behind your eyes…
Every night a new and bright surprise…
Fly across the Milky Way in bed.
Just lay down and rest your weary head.

© 2012 (September 10)

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Have you ever sat down to write something and couldn’t figure out what to say? I have a theory about that. I believe it’s your subconscious desire to speak to God. Even if you don’t believe He exists. Because, even if you don’t believe, He still created you. And He wants to have a relationship with you. And I believe the knowledge of this is written on the tablet of your heart.

So, it’s likely your subconscious desire started before you were even born.

Of course, this is just a theory of mine. And I know there’s a lot of people who enjoy mocking theorists. Especially when they fall into the Christian category.

I know my readers and listeners don’t fall into that camp. But if you’re reading or listening to this by chance or accident, and you think I’m just another one of those Christian simpletons, fine. Skip on over to the rest of your do dah day.

But I believe you’d be missing out on the best your life has to offer. And I wouldn’t be surprised if you discovered a subconscious desire to tune back in and see what else I might have to say. Sure, you’d probably shrug it off and take another drag off your favorite mind-bending “medicine.” But here’s an alternative idea.

Why not, instead, write a note to God today. Say or ask Him whatever is on your mind. Not in anger or with self-righteous attitude. Just simple curiosity. Ask Him to speak to you. I believe He will. But not if you’d rather listen to the little voices you deal with daily. Nope. You gotta tell them to shut up, be still, and listen for a calm, small voice.

Reminds me of something I wrote years ago. It sort of relates. But it’s just a primer for you. Come up with your own.

Justice

(a note to God)

I put the pen to paper to pay homage to
One I can’t possibly do justice to
I want to say words I don’t know…
Somehow express the inexpressible…
Let emotions carry the ink into the patterns
That form the words that say what I feel.
I think to myself, “This will be the time.
This time I’ll release the hidden thoughts
To convey to You what I feel deep inside.”
But each time I begin a valve shuts off…
A nerve is blocked, or the atmosphere increases
To weigh down the process.
All the good intentions don’t translate or migrate to paper.
One fragile word does not inspire the next,
But I will continue to try…
To try to do You justice with mere words.
Who knows? Maybe someday I’ll overcome this void
And write You a masterpiece…
Who knows?

© 1986  (August 1)

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Before I get into what a mess you are, let me first say Happy Super Tuesday. I have no clue what that means. But apparently there’s some holiday being celebrated, and that’s what they call it. Now, where was I? Oh yeah. You’re a mess. I know you are. Beyond a shadow of a doubt. And I know it because it’s a human condition. Bad choices. And a strong tendency toward selfishness. Trouble is, there’s no cure for it. Because, as a whole, humans don’t learn from their mistakes. We don’t know our history. So, we’re probably doomed to repeat it.

So, here are 3 ways I know this beyond a shadow of a doubt.

1. Truth: Control freaks cast shadows on the truth. Truth is their mortal enemy. So they have to pound out lies, with consistent resolve, until the truth becomes nothing more than a cloudy concept. Truth becomes “whatever you make of it.” Or whatever is “right in their own minds.” Nazis believed all you need to do to twist a lie into the truth is tell one that’s “big enough and keep repeating it, people will eventually become to believe it.” Of course, that happens all around you, everywhere, every day. All you gotta do is pay attention.

2. Morality: This is another area under constant attack by those who want to justify their behavior. When you reduce right and wrong to whatever is “right in their own minds,” you produce a culture where anything goes. Then everything goes…out the window. Who knows where that might lead? You might even find adults killing babies. Well, at least that couldn’t happen here in America. Right? So, let’s don’t think about that. Let’s go shopping.

3. Property: Once people realized they could vote the money away from the wealthy and into their own pockets, then the proverbial (and political) genie was out of the bottle. So, politicians run for office (and win) using promises based on redistribution of wealth. It’s not just wrong. It’s evil. Because it destroys lives. But who cares, right? It’s just the way things are. The status quo. I’m gonna get mine as long as the gettin’s good. Ok, where do we sign up?

Well, here’s what I think about it. Beyond a shadow of a doubt…

Nothin’s Sacred Anymore

Take the truth and lock it up, and throw away the key
Winds of change are blowing foul; a dance with destiny
Blur the face of love and sex and say it’s all OK
Tell the child it’s just a choice and melt her soul away

Nothin’s sacred anymore.
Can’t we learn from mistakes when they cut to the core.
Nothin’s sacred anymore.
And should we be surprised since we’ve opened that dark, wide door?
Nothin’s sacred anymore.

Cast your vote for social growth and then say yes to law
Keep the peace, divide the wealth; the vision Adolph saw
Hedge the bets and ride the fence; the middle road’s secure
Then one day you’re head to head with all you must endure

Nothin’s sacred anymore.
Can’t we learn from mistakes when they cut to the core.
Nothin’s sacred anymore.
And should we be surprised since we’ve opened that dark, wide door?
Nothin’s sacred anymore.

More! More space and time. More would be sublime.
Someone else can pay long as I get mine today.
Ain’t nothin’ sacred anymore.

© 2002

(lyrics and song found in one of my songbook journals on Amazon)

Stay tuned,

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Enjoying the radically sensible Rhyme and Reason world? Don’t stop. Dive into much more.

Buy books and music from me:

Or tell those you care about to jump on the The TRUTH: https://www.TonyFunderburk.com OR Get the The Power of God’s Love Podcast: https://www.tonyfunderburk.com/fundercast

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I hate to be the bearer of bad news. But I know you’re tough. You can handle the truth. And I’m sure you wouldn’t want me to sugarcoat the facts just to save you a little bit of anxiety. So, here goes. You can’t make yourself live forever. There. I said it. And it feels great to lay it all out there on the line.

And see? I knew you could handle the truth.

Because you’ve got a brain. Yeah, you don’t wanna use your head for, as my Dad used to say, just a hat rack.

So, while you’re in the mood to handle the truth, I’ll expound (a word that sounds pretentious but isn’t).

There’s no magic herb, organic plant, or hallucinogen that will ever help you live forever. Despite the fact that countless human beings have wasted their lives trying to prove otherwise.

The body you’re living in, now, just isn’t gonna last forever. The more decades you’re alive, the more you understand how true that is. So, why waste time worrying about your mortality? Sure, take good care of yourself. Eat sensibly, and that should include the best foods you can afford.

Drink plenty of water. Move around more and get fresh air and exercise.

But remember, only fools believe immortality can be found anywhere apart from your Creator.

And that’s great news. Because it takes the burden and responsibility for eternal life off your weak and dying body. So,  give up the quest for the fountain of youth, Ponce. Acknowledge your finite shortcomings. And trust in the one One who knows even the number of hairs on your head.

Put your faith (or continue to put it) in the One who will restore your soul. The One who’ll always be there to help you handle the Truth. And I mean the One who’s in this song:

Your Love Restored My Soul

From my mother’s womb You have been my God…
Even if I didn’t always know it.
And I’ve loved You since my salvation day…
Even if…I didn’t always show it.

I believe Your Son is the only Way
To the life I know is never-ending…
So I cast my lot with the King of Kings
And His Truth I trust is never bending.

Jesus…Your love restored my soul.
You gave Your life to make me whole.
I’d be a lifeless lump of coal…oh
But Jesus…Your love restored my soul.

On my darkest days I am not alone.
You indwell me with Your Holy Spirit.
And Your still small voice is an open book
So, Your grace is there if I draw near it.

And in that open Book is the one True God.
All the words revolve around His story.
And the words are turned into flesh and bone,
And He shares, with each of us, His glory.

Chorus twice

Your love restored my soul. your love restored my soul
Your love restored…your love restored my soul.

© 2010

Do you like to journal?

If so, download this song and a bunch of others with a link you’ll find in the Raise The Praise songbook journal.
(https://www.amazon.com/Raise-Praise-Songbook-Journal-Funderburk/dp/B095WRJBF1) And if you search through my Rhyme And Reason Podcast episodes, you can hear this whole song.

Stay tuned,

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