Tony Funderburk

Posted on August 18, 2019 by TonyMarch 2, 2025

Jesus is the one way

I see social media posts and internet articles talking about the forgiving nature of God. And His immense love. Of course, God forgives and loves. Certainly He does. But, unlike most Christians will tell you, it’s not unconditional forgiveness and love. God has one, single condition, one requirement, for His forgiveness and eternal love. You gotta humble yourself and ask for it. And you gotta trust and believe Jesus is the one way of forgiveness of your sins. But before you jump in and ask, make sure you understand the whole Jesus. Not only the forgiving, loving Creator of Heaven and Earth. Discover His eternal commitment to justice and righteousness.

Jesus is the one way – THE key to Heaven

He took the form of a baby who grew into a man when He came to Earth 2000 years ago. But even so, He’s not like you and me. You and I were born into sin through sinful parents, and we still sin. Jesus was and IS the son of God. His Father never sinned. And fortunately for all of us, Jesus never sinned either. That kept His eternal soul and spirit worthy of covering every sin ever committed by every person who ever lived.

But remember…it’s not automatic. And that’s the key to understanding the whole Jesus. Not just the miracle worker, or the water-into-wine maker, or even the forgiving, merciful Son of God. The whole Jesus requires our love freely given to Him. And He won’t force that choice on anyone. And He knows most people will reject Him. So, He’s made a place where they can go exist forever and never, ever have to be bothered with Him (or those of us who love Him) again.

I hope you’ll believe me when I tell you…it’s not somewhere to be taken lightly. It’s not somewhere you wanna go. And I’ve read enough of God’s word to know most people who read what I say or listen to what I sing will hate me for even repeating it. But I’m still repeating it…if only for one other person who understands Jesus is the one Way. Listen to the podcast and sing with me…

Give Me The Whole Jesus

Oh give me love…give me justice…
Give me Grace and the strength to endure.
When the world comes against me,
Give me Your Spirit steadfast and sure.

Give me words…give me courage…
Give me time and a powerful voice.
And when many still may hate me,
Give me Your love and I’ll always rejoice.

Give me the whole Jesus;
The whole Good Lord…
The One who shields the child…
The One who wields the sword.
Give me the whole Jesus
Son of God and man…
“˜Cause only Jesus saves…
And only Jesus can! Only Jesus can! Only Jesus can!

Then give me dreams…give me wisdom…
Give me peace at the end of my days.
And give me life…everlasting…
In Your world and in Your higher ways.

Chorus

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Posted on August 17, 2019 by TonyMarch 2, 2025

The Power of God's Love Podcast episode 310

Perks that works and this island is my land

That’s an improper use of the word, “works”, just so I could make it rhyme better. So, sue me. And this episode of the The Power of God’s Love Podcast is a bit of a double rant. These are two subjects I shared in previous blog posts. And the subjects have both come up again in recent days. So, I thought I’d share my thoughts about them on the podcast. As always…feel free to disagree…as long as you’re comfortable being wrong. I’m OK with that.

Why is customer service important?

It doesn’t improve your hourly wage, right? You won’t get ahead at your place of work just because you smiled at a customer, right? And it certainly won’t make you any smarter, right?

Actually the answer to all three of those questions is “wrong!”The rest of this rant is HERE

No one lives on Disappointment Island…

And yet, at one time or another everyone has lived on disappointment island. Let me explain. One is an actual island near New Zealand. The other is a metaphor I’m gonna use to describe a place where even your friends will ship you. Sometimes when you least expect it. The rest of this rant is HERE

Of course, you don’t have to read any of my ranting. You can just tune in to the podcast and here me say it all out loud. That way you can get all worked up with me even while you’re doing something else. Like driving fast. Or cutting wood to build something. You could even be grillin’ and chillin’. So tune in to Rhyme and Reason and make it easy on yourself.

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Posted on August 9, 2019 by TonyMarch 2, 2025

The Actual Attributes of God

If you do an online search for the attributes of God, you’re liable to find what one pastor calls the “omni’s and the im’s”. You’ve probably heard of them…omnipresent, omniscient, omnipotent…immutable and impassible. Those are some impressive (pun slightly intended) attributes. But they don’t truly represent the God of the Bible.

Wouldn’t you prefer the attributes of God to be connectors and not dividers?

So would God. He shows us, throughout His word, how much He wants us to be with Him. And He says those who reject His Son won’t be with Him. They’ll be somewhere, forever, where God will not be present. Hmm, that sort of rejects the omnipresent thing.

And here’s something God said to and through a prophet named Jeremiah: “…they have also built the high places of Baal, to burn their sons with fire for burnt offerings to Baal, which I did not command or speak, nor did it come into My mind.” Don’t take my word for it. Click the link and go read it for yourself. And it definitely shoots down the old omniscient notion.

As for omnipotence…Jesus did not possess that attribute as he hanged from the cross for you and me? So, the idea of unlimited power, able to do literally anything doesn’t fairly represent our Creator. And Jesus hanging on the cross leads me to the first “im”.

Don’t you think Jesus dying on the cross was a HUGE change from anything God had ever done? And let’s not forget the fact that He became a little baby in a human mother’s womb…and then a man. He’d never done that throughout all of His past existence. Those are massive changes. And since He’s a man forever, now, still another gigantic change. Sorry, that’s not immutability.

And guess what? God is full and overflowing with passion. He’s a real person. Not a stone god or idol. Literally, all through the Bible, you can see His passion for and toward us, His creations. And the crucifixion…have you noticed how, through the decades, it’s called The Passion? I mean, c’mon, Jesus was so distraught over the idea of His upcoming separation from God the Father, He sweat blood as He prayed. An impassible god would not…and could not…do that. So much for the “im’s”.

It’s infinitely more comforting to think of the connecting attributes of God.

And to know He’s alive, and that He became a man in order to intimately relate to our suffering and connect with us personally. Most of all…to know He’s so good and righteous and He loves us enough to give us eternal life. Just for believing and trusting. It’s such a humbling feeling to know the greatest Person in existence wants me to be with Him forever. And that’s why I wrote this song…

Our God is Living, Personal, Relational, Good, and Loving

The world is obsessed with death and dying.
They’re drowning in bitterness and crying.
It’s such an awful shame.
They could call upon the name of Jesus.
As followers, we say,
We know He’s the only Way that frees us
From the sins we hide deep inside.
They can’t please us.

Our bodies become the dust that scatters.
If that’s it, then nothing really matters.
We may as well give in
When we feel the world begin to seize us.
Who needs all that guilt and blame
You get, calling on the name of Jesus.
But it’s not like that. It’s a fact…Jesus sees us.

He’s living and He’s life…He’s personal to talk to,
Relational with every son and daughter.
He’s good and so much more. He’s loving to the core.
Jesus is the Living Water.
And each time a soul is saved, all the angels, above, sing…
“Our God is living, personal, relational, good, and loving.”

Our souls know infinity is calling.
But temptation can keep our spirits falling.
So, we need to fix our eyes
On the true, eternal prize of Jesus.
When we stand before the throne,
He knows our lives, alone, won’t appease us.
No, we need the blood of the Lamb.
We need Jesus.

Stay tuned,

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Posted on August 8, 2019 by TonyMarch 2, 2025

“From my mother’s womb
you have been my God”

Several years ago, when I was still the praise and worship music guy for a small Denver area church, our pastor preached a series of sermons from the Psalms. And they connected with me on a deep level. Maybe because King David wrote them, and he was a singer songwriter in addition to being king. One of the messages focused on Psalm 22. And one line, in particular, stood out for me. “From my mother’s womb you have been my God.” Along with the pastor’s message, it inspired me to write a song.

“You have been my God” goes much deeper than it first appears.

The Psalm was quoting Jesus quoting David who was inspired, by God, to write what Jesus would say and mean when He quoted David. Let that sink in for a minute…or more.

If you haven’t read Psalm 22 in a while, I encourage you to read it again. And notice the full-circle connection between David’s words and the words of Jesus, while He was on the cross. Then, you’ll see how David was describing something far more important than his own anxiety or troubles. And it’s one example, among thousands, of how God wants us connected to Him. One example of why I’ve been inspired, so many times, to write songs of gratitude, humility, and awe for my Creator.

Here are the lyrics to the song I wrote based on the simple line from Psalm 22: from my mother’s womb you have been my God. Be sure to become a subscriber to my The Power of God’s Love Podcast to hear the whole 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
And Your grace is there if I draw near it”

And in that open Book is the one True God…
And 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.

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Posted on August 3, 2019 by TonyMarch 2, 2025

Law Breaking and Danger Making
Rhyme and Reason #306

I’m talking about law breaking in this episode of Rhyme and Reason. Actually I talk about a law you can’t break. Even if you try real hard. And I’m talking about danger making. Sort of. Actually the danger is already made. But I’m encouraging listeners to avoid the most dangerous mistake of all. You might already know what I mean. But for those of you who don’t, I especially hope you’ll tune in. You don’t wanna miss out on something that can help you in a bigger way than anything else you’ll read or listen to today. Do you?

The law breaking you can’t do is mentioned in the song you’ll hear.

And here are the lyrics, just in case you wanna sing along…

Fast Forward

Fast forward to the scene by the ocean
You’re shattered and fatigued with emotion
Fast forward to a time of reflection
Then you can use your hindsight direction
To help explain that angst and depression
Fast forward past your dreamland expression

Can’t you just imagine…how it all might be
If we end up dying and find out that we live
Can’t you hear the questions… “How could we not see?”
“Where’s the one in charge?”and “How much do I give”

Chorus

In awe of all creation and how it all could be
The fairy tale illusions increase with every year
The wrinkled plans expand…exponentially
Until one day, perhaps, a duck becomes a deer

chorus

What does this all mean?
And why should we care?
That we didn’t come from slime!
And there’s a God out there!

Fast forward!

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Posted on July 28, 2019 by TonyMarch 2, 2025

A story to tell

This episode of Rhyme and Reason has a story to tell. Well, actually two stories within a story. They both come from articles I wrote quite a while back. Anyway, it’ll all make sense when you tune in. Or if you prefer to read, keep scrolling down.

Down the river there’s a ripple and a wake
That doesn’t seem to end like it does in a lake.
It doesn’t need a storm or a deep earthquake
To shimmer and shudder and shiver and shake.

Down the river there’s a mile-high sky
That changes real fast as the rocks roll by.
It doesn’t share a smile or a mournful sigh.
It darkens and lightens and closes one eye.

Down the river there’s a story to tell
That a few old-timers and their dogs know well.
A tale of woe when the river did swell”
And sent all the rafters to Heaven or Hell.

Down the river, where the rapids break free,
Is a place you’ll be glad that you got to see.
It’s where you’ll decide if you ever will be
Back down the river to the landing tree.

Here’s another story to tell…

Imagine, for a minute, that there are 7 layers of the heart.

The first layer is a deep, dark indigo where the heart is conceived. The second layer is a rich, regal purple where the heart is created. The third layer is a magnetic, cobalt blue where the shape of the heart is formed. The fourth layer is a fertile, emerald green where love can grow. The fifth layer is a warm, glowing orange where emotions are kindled. The sixth layer is a lilting yellow where faith and hope mingle. And the seventh layer is a luscious, rose red where the embers of life never die out.

Now”imagine all those layers of the heart are poured out quickly and form a beautiful work of art. And imagine everyone who walked by wanting to know who the artist was.

“Oh my,”says one passer-by. “I’ve never seen such spectacular colors. It must’ve taken the artist years to create such a masterpiece.”

But it just so happens, the artist is right behind the canvas in the next aisle. And he comes around to face the observer and says”

“Not at all”I created this piece before lunch one day.”

“Impossible,”replies the observer. “No one could create such a wonderful work of art in only a few hours.”

“And yet”I tell you I did.”The artist begins to appear frustrated. “If you won’t believe me in this small matter, what would you ever believe?”

Here’s the deal”

I have this ongoing story to tell. It’s part of my Christian job description. This time I talked about a heart to describe our beautiful layered world. The artist is actually the Creator of the universe and all the matter in it. He did that in 6 days. And when, in His wise judgment, He flooded the world one time about 4,000 years ago, many beautiful layers of sediment were deposited in many places. It all happened in days”not millions of years. And now, 4,000 years later, we can still see those amazingly parallel strata in places like the Grand Canyon.

It’s so much more awesome to celebrate design in our world and universe than it is to experience a lifetime of uncertainty found in random chance. Just the thought of it lights up all the layers of the heart.

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Posted on July 17, 2019 by TonyMarch 2, 2025

A loony moon origin story

Once upon a time, there was this hot mess in the middle of an even more gigantic hot mess. Let’s call the little hot mess, Earth. And the bigger hot mess we’ll call the Solar System. There was an even bigger hot mess called the universe. But I don’t want this moon origin story to get too big, so let’s stay close to home.

Why is this moon origin story important?

Lots of people, even some with degrees and pedigrees, think the moon evolved after either being spun off Earth or from particles from Earth. I’m inclined to disagree because the moon’s orbit is too inclined. And that’s not something I feel because I’m a Christian. It’s information backed up with research and information from a guy who got his PhD from M.I.T.

Anyway…back to the story…

Lots of people, even some with degrees and pedigrees, thought our cute, little moon was just a part of Earth that flew into space when a big, mean rock (maybe as big as Mars) hit our planet. But then some astronauts flew to the moon, landed on it, and brought back some pieces of it.

You’d think those pieces should have looked more like the big, mean rock that hit Earth. But they actually looked like pieces of Earth. (Because they ARE pieces of Earth) And if the big, mean rock, or whatever it was, was so big and hit our planet so hard, then Earth should have started spinning too fast. Or if the rock just barely hit Earth, there wouldn’t have been enough parts to form the moon.

But none of that happened.

In fact, explanations that leave out God, sound so silly, you could make this joke about their moon origin story: “The best explanation [for the Moon] was observational error””the Moon does not exist.”

And the moral of the story is this: God does exist. And He made the moon, the sun, Earth, all the other planets, and the whole universe. The moon is part of an intricate design by our Creator who holds it all together with His will.

I’m thrilled it’s not all an accident. It gives me great hope and anticipation of eternal life with the One who loves me enough to die for all my mistakes. Hope and faith based on evidence. What more could a mere mortal desire?

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Posted on July 11, 2019 by TonyMarch 2, 2025

A little story about lip syncing

Quite a few years ago, I was playing music in a local club in the Denver metro area. There was a nice crowd, and for the most part, they seemed to be diggin’ up on what I was layin’ down. (That’s cool musician talk for “they liked it”) But there was this one guy who kept walking up and basically getting in my face…well, as close as he could without hurting himself on my microphone stand. And he complimented me more than anyone else did that night. He told me I was lip syncing.

Real lip syncing ain’t real

When you lip sync, I don’t care how good you are at it, there’s always a way to tell. Maybe your lips don’t make the right shape for certain words. Or you forget the words. Sometimes it’s a matter of how your movement doesn’t match up with your delivery. Regardless, lip syncing is always detectable.

And that guy that night just knew he had me. Then I sang a song with just me and my keyboard. No other background instruments. But he still didn’t believe I was actually singing the songs. He kept looking at my equipment rack and back at me.

And, for the life of me, I couldn’t figure out what was throwing him off. Then, after I sang a Kenny Loggins song, he walked up and practically shouted…

“A-ha! I see what you’re doing!”

This was during my song, by the way. So, when I finished the song, I asked him what his problem was.

“I saw you click buttons on that machine in your equipment rack”he said as he pointed his somewhat drunken finger toward the rack.

“What are you talking about?”I replied.

“That thing right there with the buttons and knobs on it,”he answered.

And he walked up, closer than I preferred, and pointed right…at…my…

Effects module.

Yeah, the device I use to create effects like reverb, slapback echo, or some variation of those. That effects module. Effects help liven up an acoustically dead room. Or simply help mimic a certain sound from cover songs. But one thing effects modules do not do is…

make you sound like anybody else.

So, when that guy told me I was using electronics to sound “just like the originals”, I took it as the highest compliment of the night. Since he thought I was lip syncing, and I was NOT lip syncing, that meant I was giving a tip-top PROformance.

One last thing…I don’t think I sound like all those singers whose songs I’ve performed over the years. In a lot of cases, far from it. But the point is…it looked and sounded like it to that drunk guy.

And if it feels right, it must be. Right?

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Posted on July 6, 2019 by TonyMarch 2, 2025

The best ever carburetor upgrade

In 1989 my little Toyota pickup was only 10 years old. Little did I know I’d be driving it another 30 years beyond that. (including up to this very day) And even though the tough little machine was running like a top, I was working on the best carburetor upgrade I’d ever get in my life. Metaphorically speaking.

Another little smooth running engine popped onto my radar in 1989. Again, I’m using a metaphor, and maybe I shouldn’t in this case because I’m talking about a beautiful woman. I had been writing to this lovely lady for about 3 years, and anytime I actually received a reply, it would just be telling me to stop writing.

Now, if that ain’t an invitation to love, I don’t know what is. Anyway…

Somewhere around March of that year, I finally got a letter back telling me if I was still interested, I could call. And she gave me her phone number. OK, I know what you might be thinking at this point…

What’s this got to do with a carburetor upgrade?!

Patience. Patience.

I called the fair maiden, and we had a nice long-distance conversation. And back in 1989, that still meant paying fairly big bucks on the ol’ phone bill. But I didn’t care. I lived in Colorado, and she lived in Florida. And I knew she wouldn’t be “on the market”for long. AND I was at an extreme disadvantage since I lived about 1500 miles away.

As it turned out, this lovely lady had been aware of how incredibly handsome I was all along. But she couldn’t follow through or respond, positively, due to other circumstances in life.

So…to shorten this story, somewhat, I’ll just say I started writing her more regularly. In fact, Every. Single. Day. And thanks to my power-packed writing style (and the aforementioned good looks) the lady succumbed to my charms and agreed to prepare for a visit from me.

Condensing even more…I made some trips to Florida. She made a trip to Colorado. I wrote her a bunch of songs, one of them called, “Little Carburetor”, which was a metaphoric song about her. In August of that year, I asked her to marry me. She did. And we’re still together. She’s the carburetor upgrade I’ve been talking about. Best upgrade I ever made. And, here’s the over 7 minutes demo version of the song I wrote to “drive”home the point…

Little Carburetor

Burning; she keeps all her pistons burning
Red hot; her metabolism’s red hot
Turning; how she keeps my heart from turning
I want all the love for me that she’s got
Screaming; my new radials are screaming
I need that one girl who can fill my need
Pumping; to the moon my blood is pumping
Cut me; I donÃt even think I’d bleed

Little Carburetor; heating up my radiator
I don’t know if I can cool me down
Little carburetor; always get to me sooner or later
I’m fine, and then you turn me upside down
Oh I love my Little Carburetor

Move me; like a turbo she can move me
So smooth; all her cylinders are so smooth
Drives me; wild is where she always drives me
Then I feel the engine start to soothe

repeat chorus

When I turn ignition on; all at once the world is gone
Don’t care where she’s taking me…She can set my worries free…

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Posted on June 29, 2019 by TonyMarch 2, 2025

Here’s a story and a rhyme about an orange bird.

Not a real orange bird. But it’s a nice story I shared quite a while ago…just not with my podcast audience. Thank you for tuning in and indulging me as I stroll down memory lane in this episode.

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Posted on June 16, 2019 by TonyMarch 2, 2025

Father’s Day 2019

Yeah, it’s already Father’s Day again, and all of you with dads out there…I hope you let ’em know how much they mean to you. There will come a day when you won’t be able to tell them. Both Elgielene and I no longer have fathers around to wish a happy day. And that time passed faster than you can imagine. I’m gonna add some thoughts I shared, a few years ago, about this day. And I’m gonna share my specialized song about the one Father who made sure all the rest of the fathers had lives. But that’s only on my Rhyme and Reason show which you can listen to here or have delivered directly to your mobile device.

Hey, it’s Father’s Day 2019…so dads, it’sYOUR day.

But I have a suggestion for you. Don’t make it all about you. If your loved ones want to lavish you with love and attention, that’s just plain awesome. But there is a risk (for some) in gathering in too much of it…and this makes room for selfishness to take over.

Instead, you might use your special day to present a very special image. An image of someone who knows how to lead…leading with love. Dads have a responsibility to show the rest of the family how to be strong. And strength is best displayed in love.

It IS your day…so make good use of the attention you’re getting. Raise the standard high for your kids. Don’t make it easy for them to outshine, outgive, or outlove you. A dad’s words and deeds can forge strength and courage in young hearts. But a dad’s words and deeds can also sting, scorch, and scar young, impressionable hearts.

Remember this…in this world of hurt, pain, distrust, violence, and hate…you should be the beacon on the hill for your kids. You should be their strongest source of faith, hope, and love. And love should be the greatest of these.

It is your day.
You can step up to it.
You can run right through it.
It is your day.
You can drive the highway.
You can want things “my way”.
It is your day.
You can make love linger.
You can point your finger.
It is your day.
You can keep or give it.
You can truly live it.

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Posted on June 12, 2019 by TonyMarch 2, 2025

Learn those lines

When I was a boy, I lived in a world where love ruled the day, the good guys always won, and people were pure and good. That wasn’t the actual world. It was simply MY world. I chose to believe life was refreshed, every day, by God. And one day I discovered how life becomes a play for most people. A dark and dangerous play. Where you better learn those lines or become a thespian non grata.

A few more years under my belt…and a few drastic relationship lessons later…and I entered the “dark period”of my writing. Thankfully it was short lived. But when I go back through my notebooks, I can almost feel those feelings I had as I wrote.

And although I had to go through some hard lessons, like just about everyone else, I was fortunate to have the Creator of the universe on my side. I can’t imagine having to go through dark days without the Savior. Without the Light of the world who made the way for eternal life where darkness is no more.

If you think I’m still living in a make-believe world…if you think I’m silly for putting my trust in someone I can’t even see…if you think I’m just plain wrong…then, you’d better…

Learn Those Lines

Back in nineteen-seventy-three
I believed the whole world would be
Just as free as the dreams that dwelled inside me.
Maybe I was naive and young.
Maybe life was speaking in tongues.
I would say “let the bells of freedom be rung.”
But time can temper the freest of souls.
Life has ways of changing our goals.
If we all play a part, who hands out the roles?

Learn those lines, everybody learn those lines.
Let that little green monster tell you what to say.
Learn those lines, everybody learn those lines.
Just remember…what you do comes back to you someday.

Back in nineteen-eighty-four
We thought big brother was at the door.
But he came through the TV and stuff at the store.
Maybe I’ve grown older and fat.
Maybe I’m not the virginal cat
Who could sit on a side and be proud of where he sat.
Now, we chase the innocuous cause,
Standing for and laying down laws.
Yeah, we walk like the cat, but we don’t have the claws.

Learn those lines, everybody learn those lines.
Let that little green monster tell you what to do.
Learn those lines, everybody learn those lines.
Just remember, what you do is gonna come back to you.

We can’t go back. We can’t stay here,
If we can’t throw away the fear.
We’d better change those lines
While the sun still shines.

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Posted on June 8, 2019 by TonyApril 12, 2023

Life as we know it
will never be the same.

But who is “we?” And in what way do we know life? Those are important questions because they expose perspectives. If you’re someone old enough to remember back to the 50’s and even 60’s, you might remember life as we know it being a lot simpler and a whole lot less mean. But if you’ve grown up during the past two or three decades, your perspective probably isn’t so rosy.

I was on one of regular phone calls with my Mom the other day, and she said something, in passing, that made me ponder. She said, “I’m scared for my grandkids and great-grandkids. I hate to think about what they’re gonna face in this world as they turn into adults.”

And as I watch the seemingly endless videos on social media channels showing violence all around the world, I get what she means. There seems to be no bottom to the black hole human beings are willing to dive into head first.

My wife and I didn’t have the blessing of kids. And so we don’t always relate to what might happen to kids as they grow up. But I can say, with a great degree of certainty, they won’t experience life as we know it.

One thing about life as we know it doesn’t have to change…

Hope.

Not hope like, just hoping the bad stuff will go away. Real hope. The kind of hope that propels you forward. Gives you strength. Energizes your love. Fuels your dreams. And that kind of hope is only going to disappear when the whole world turns its back on God.

That hasn’t happened yet. No matter how utterly hopeless it appears out there sometimes. Your “life as we know it”can be forever awesome. But the clock is ticking. Time is running out. You can laugh and say, “Not me. I’m still young.”But in a few short moments (and it will seem like that), you’re gonna be facing your own mortality. And I hope you make at least one wise decision before that happens.

Decide to trust in your Creator and ask Him to forgive you and keep you in His Heaven forever. Don’t put it off. Choose hope. Choose life.

The last time your eyes close is too late.

Stay tuned,

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(My regular emails about the essentials of life, AND some music and other good stuff, for Fa-Ree)

Posted on June 6, 2019 by TonyAugust 3, 2024

Sweetly

When, I was about 8 to 10 years old, I can remember lying down on the soft, green grass under the warm summer sun in rural Kansas. I’d just lie there and think. And listen. And watch. Little did I know, I was creating memories I’d be writing about all these years later. Those days, for the most part, passed by softly and sweetly. There were some ferociously hot days and nights, too, with sunburns and sleeping on top of the sheets. But those are mostly blurred out in my recollections.

As I grew into my twenties, I began to write lyrics and poems. And one day, I decided to mix some memories with music and unrequited love. I didn’t want it to be about a particular girl, so I created a fictional love interest named Sweetly. Here are the lyrics to the song. I don’t have any recordings. So, what do you think? Should I put the words to music again? Or let it join my blurred recollections?

Sweetly

Remember those steamy nights
And flashing lights?
Was almost like a secondhand movie.
When all of the peeling was done,
Wasn’t it fun?
Or were you just determined to lose me?

Sweetly,
Suddenly I’ve forgotten what you look like.
Sweetly
Something just surrounded me.
It feels so cold and heavenly.
Lover, nothing’s there, and I can’t make it be.

Remember those crystal skies
Inside my eyes?
Just a crazy boy with no position.
But you stood patiently
Awaiting me.
I guess it was your own sweet intuition.

Sweetly,
Quickly you must tell me that you love me.
Sweetly,
Something just surrounded me.
It feels so cold and heavenly.
Lover, nothing’s there, and I can’t make it be.

Stay tuned,

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Posted on June 4, 2019 by TonyMarch 2, 2025

Make more money ““ it’s pretty important, right?

Maybe I’m just a little over-sensitive to gas prices because I drive a lot. But I’ve noticed (and maybe it’s just coincidence”I doubt it) how a gallon of gas costs tends to cost more at strategic times of the year. At least, that’s the case here in the shadow of Pike’s Peak where I live. Just as summer travel time gets here, too. Hmm. The point is, it’s an indication of how things continue to cost more. And the solution, as always, is to make more money. Not complain.

My wife is a health coach. What’s that got to do with how to make more money? It’ll make sense in a few seconds. She’s always looking for ways to help me build up my immune system, ease up the stress on my adrenals, and basically be as healthy as I can be. One of the things she touts most is apple cider vinegar. The health benefits to adding a dose of ACV to your daily diet are enormous. It’s tart, but I gotta say”it’s ain’t all that bad.

Vinegar and honey are both healthy, but”

Too much honey can still cause you some serious problems. Especially if you’re dealing with anything close to diabetic issues. And vinegar, ironically, can help reverse those problems.

OK, the reason I’m sharing all this is to create the analogy you can apply to your business or other creative endeavors. The old adage says, “You can catch more flies with honey than vinegar.”True. But you’re not looking for flies. You need customers, clients, and commerce. And when you use the sugary sweet approach”or as Marie Forleo said on a Ray Edwards Podcast episode, “too much flowery language””you can kiss the commerce goodbye.

Make more money with fun facts and figures.

How many times have you clicked the buy button on somebody’s website because they seemed so sweet? And how many times have you bought something because the product, service, or information was explained in an easy-to-understand way? Yeah, the second approach is how you make more money.

It’s perfectly fine to have fun with facts and figures and let your personality shine through. People will love that. But don’t give ’em a toothache with honey-dripping language. This is even important in your audio branding.

Hopefully I’ve kept this short and “sweet”enough for you today. And remember: disagree at your own risk.

Stay tuned,

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Posted on June 1, 2019 by TonyMarch 27, 2022

Admonish one another

Look up admonish in the dictionary, and you might come to the conclusion it’s something harsh. For example, here’s how one dictionary defines it: “warn or reprimand someone firmly…warn (someone) of something to be avoided: he admonished the people against the evil of such practices.” Wow, Christians shouldn’t be like that to one another. Should they? Actually, God inspired Paul to write to the Colossians and tell them to admonish one another. So, if Christians shouldn’t be that way, why did Paul urge the Colossians to be that way? Hmm…

Admonish one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs.

Does that sound like what typical songs in your church do these days? Do pastors urge their congregations to teach and admonish one another in spiritual songs? Or do they spend more time talking about tithing and raising money for the latest cause, outreach, or new church building?

Praise and worship time in many, if not most, Christian churches, these days, seems to be more of a mini concert. Or a time to repeat a mantra, a sound bite, for entrancing the flock. There’s not much admonishing going on. But maybe it’s just an old-fashioned idea. Maybe it’s not appropriate for today’s modern and more enlightened churches.

Or maybe it IS.

There’s an internet marketing phrase used a lot these days…evergreen content. It means content that’s just as relevant years ago or years from now as it is today. And I’d like to suggest there’s no content more evergreen than what you’ll find in the Bible. God’s word doesn’t age any more than God Himself. What was written to the Colossians two thousand years ago is completely relevant for us today.

But don’t forget grace.

Admonishing isn’t supposed to be a way of showing how much you know. In fact, Paul told the Colossians to sing “with grace in your hearts to the Lord.” That’s vitally important to remember. Jesus knows you. And yet He still offers His grace to you. So, pass it on. With grace in your heart, you can admonish one another when it’s appropriate, never forgetting the one who needs and wants it most is YOU.

Alright. Who’s ready for some serious praise and worship?

Stay tuned,

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Or how about some music for kids

Posted on May 31, 2019 by TonyMay 25, 2024

No one lives on
Disappointment Island.

It’s a consistent consternation to me how even the people who call you friend will mentally sail away. Sometimes right in the middle of a conversation. And they leave you on an island talking to yourself.

You might say, “Well, Tony…maybe you’re just that boring.”

That would be a good point, except for one thing…

I’ve seen others left on disappointment island, too.

Lots of others. I’ve seen them talking to someone…and I’ve watched that other person mentally get up, walk to their boat, untie the ropes from the dock, and sail away. And I can remember the looks on the faces of the stranded people left talking to themselves.

Mostly sad looks on confused faces.

Not ALL those people were boring. I’ll admit some might have been. But not ALL. I believe I know what’s going on. And I’m gonna share this secret with those of you who haven’t mentally drifted away. Here’s the problem…

Lots of people are too darn selfish.

Ok, I said it. And lightning didn’t strike me down.

Look…I get it. There’s a lot going on in the world these days. Distractions are all around us. Devices take up as much of our time as (maybe more than) people. While I don’t say that’s inherently wrong, I DO say it’s a recipe for disappointment island syndrome. We’ll call it DIS for short.

If you don’t wanna DIS your friends, remember the golden rule and the two commandments Jesus gave us. You DO remember those, right?

Hello? (*snap *snap)

Hello?

Now, jump on the The TRUTH. And be part of the growing band of believers who wanna show the world that life has Rhyme and Reason because God is Real.

Stay tuned,

Posted on May 22, 2019 by TonyMay 25, 2024

The not-so-hidden perks of customer service

If you think tipping should be automatic, then add it into the cost of your goods or services. Don’t just put a tip jar on the counter and get upset when people don’t tip you for taking their order…as they stand in line…and pick up or carry their own food and drinks…and bus their own table…and, well, you get it. Customer service is tricky because it contains two things most employees don’t want to focus on these days. The customer…and service.

Why is customer service important?

It doesn’t improve your hourly wage, right? You won’t get ahead at your place of work just because you smiled at a customer, right? And it certainly won’t make you any smarter, right?

Actually the answer to all three of those questions is “wrong!”

Businesses exist to make money. And when you, yes even you, lowly employee, can serve customers better than someone else in some other establishment, you can make more money. Maybe not for you immediately. But when you work for a reputable boss/employer, you can get on their radar with great customer service. It WILL happen because some nice customer is gonna tell them.

And if you give great customer service but get no recognition of how you help the company’s bottom line, move on. You’re working for someone who apparently doesn’t care about serving well. That won’t get you anywhere. And you wanna make more money so you can move into that dream job or your own business.

Right? Right.

So, how do you serve better?

I believe it was Seth Godin who said something like, “These days, in order to stand out, you don’t even have to be exceptional. You only have to be competent.”(That’s not a direct quote, but it was something like that.) But don’t do your best to be competent. Do your best to be the best.

You might not succeed. But you WILL almost surely be better than the majority of everyone else in your position. And that will put more tips in your jar. Not because you showed up, but because you shined.

What does this have to do with me or my little The TRUTH? I’m telling you, there are Biblical principles at work in this advice. Just because you don’t “believe in the Bible”doesn’t mean they’re not tried and true principles of success. AND…I’m one of those who came past your store, or your station, or your restaurant, or your cash register today. And you didn’t even smile.

And, so…I didn’t even see your tip jar.

Now, jump on the The TRUTH. And be part of the growing band of believers who wanna show the world that life has Rhyme and Reason because God is Real.

Stay tuned,

Posted on May 20, 2019 by TonyMay 25, 2024

This time I’m marking time

When I was a little kid, way back in the 20th century, I remember wondering why grownups always talked the way they did. Especially when that hadn’t seen each other in a while. And the weirdest part was how they’d talk to and about us kids. They’d say things like, “Well, I remember when you were just knee-high to a grasshopper.” And “My goodness, look how much they’ve grown.” And I remember thinking, “Why do old people care so much about how tall I am?” Little did I know, it wasn’t about my height at all. They were marking time.

Here’s what got me thinking about marking time…

It’s hard to believe, but it was about 16 or 17 years ago when some friends of mind would bring their kids to come hear me sing at a popular spot in the north Denver metro area. Their five kids were (and are) some of the smartest, nicest, and most well-adjusted kids I’ve ever known. And my friends could bring them to this restaurant and never have any “scenes”.

On my breaks I’d go sit with them all. And it was so nice to be able to actually have conversations with the whole family, yes…even the kids. The oldest of the kids is Josh. He was articulate way beyond his years. And I remember how proud his parents must be to see him grow and soak in information like a sponge.

OK…back to marking time. Fast forward to this past week. Josh has now graduated magna cum laude from Harvard Law School. And he has accepted a judicial clerkship on US Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit. Yeah, that young kid who used to enjoy hanging out with his parents listening to me sing…he’s all grown up and important.

But something inside me wants to say, “Hey Josh…I remember when you were just knee-high to a grasshopper.”

Now, jump on the The TRUTH. And be part of the growing band of believers who wanna show the world that life has Rhyme and Reason because God is Real.

Stay tuned,

Posted on May 18, 2019 by TonyMay 25, 2024

Which one do you prefer?

I’m gonna share the lyrics to two of my songs. You can also hear them in the podcast. And I’d like your feedback. Which one do you prefer? You can either comment, below, or send me an email tony@tonyfunderburk.com, or let me know in a review on my iTunes Podcast page.

I’m not asking just for fun. Help me get the choosing done.

I’d like to know what strikes a chord with my listeners because I’m gonna be submitting my music for licensing. And I know it’s more important to know what the audience likes than just what I like to sing or write. I confess I’ve written (and still write) songs just because I like ’em. But that’s not what it’s about this time.

I’m gonna be sharing other songs for your feedback, too. And for the same reason. To help me choose which ones to submit to licensing agents and companies. I have it, on good authority, that the right song for the right placement doesn’t have to come from the latest young video star. And since I can’t compete in the “young”arena anymore, that sounds great.

So, I’m gonna wave my “late bloomer” flag proudly and put my music out there for posterity and profit. (Emphasis on profit…I mean posterity…no, I mean profit)

By the way, I f you pick a song, and it gets “picked up” or licensed for any commercial purpose, I’ll send you a copy of it. Just be sure you’re on my email list. And be sure to share your opinion. So…which one do you prefer?

Dreamtown

And now…where you will go, the clouds all hang low
To soften the sun and the moon.
The rain…falls on your hand, and all of the land
Is blurred in the mist of this tune.

You can’t get there with open eyes.
You’ll travel faster lying down.
And on the wings of alabaster butterflies,
You’ll float away to Dreamtown.

Instrumental

And there”’round that sweet bend
The world is your friend
And nothing can take that away

So go”and don’t you look back
Hold fast to the track
And leave all the cares of the day

Chorus”inst”end

In Your Dreams

I don’t know if you can see me in your dreams,
But I’ll be here
In case you need a helping hand to pick you up
Or calm your fear.

I don’t know if you can hear me in your dreams
But I’ll be there
To sing a tune and hold your hand or pat your back
And stroke your hair

In your dreams you fly up high
Beyond the clouds, beyond the sky
And the sun and all its beams
Will keep you smiling in your dreams.

Golden birds and rocket ships are in your dreams
To help you roam…
And it don’t matter where you wander in your dreams,
You’ll still come home.

Tell the sandman and the stardust in your dreams
You’ll see them soon.
Every night you’ll go and visit in your dreams
Inside this tune.

Chorus

Now, jump on the The TRUTH. And be part of the growing band of believers who wanna show the world that life has Rhyme and Reason because God is Real.

Stay tuned,

Jesus is the one way

Jesus is the one way – THE key to Heaven

Give Me The Whole Jesus

Perks that works and this island is my land

Why is customer service important?

No one lives on Disappointment Island…

The Actual Attributes of God

Wouldn’t you prefer the attributes of God to be connectors and not dividers?

It’s infinitely more comforting to think of the connecting attributes of God.

Our God is Living, Personal, Relational, Good, and Loving

“From my mother’s womb you have been my God”

“You have been my God” goes much deeper than it first appears.

Your Love Restored My Soul

Law Breaking and Danger Making Rhyme and Reason #306

The law breaking you can’t do is mentioned in the song you’ll hear.

Fast Forward

A story to tell

Here’s another story to tell…

Here’s the deal”

A loony moon origin story

Why is this moon origin story important?

But none of that happened.

A little story about lip syncing

Real lip syncing ain’t real

Effects module.

The best ever carburetor upgrade

What’s this got to do with a carburetor upgrade?!

Little Carburetor

Here’s a story and a rhyme about an orange bird.

Father’s Day 2019

Hey, it’s Father’s Day 2019…so dads, it’sYOUR day.

Learn those lines

Learn Those Lines

Life as we know it will never be the same.

One thing about life as we know it doesn’t have to change…

Sweetly

Sweetly

Make more money ““ it’s pretty important, right?

Vinegar and honey are both healthy, but”

Make more money with fun facts and figures.

Admonish one another

Admonish one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs.

But don’t forget grace.

No one lives on Disappointment Island.

I’ve seen others left on disappointment island, too.

The not-so-hidden perks of customer service

Why is customer service important?

So, how do you serve better?

This time I’m marking time

Here’s what got me thinking about marking time…

Which one do you prefer?

I’m not asking just for fun. Help me get the choosing done.

Dreamtown

In Your Dreams

“From my mother’s womb
you have been my God”

Law Breaking and Danger Making
Rhyme and Reason #306

Life as we know it
will never be the same.

No one lives on
Disappointment Island.