Rhyme and Reason Podcast with Tony Funderburk

Posted on September 1, 2023 by TonyOctober 24, 2023

Sacred geometry and smoke and mirrored imagery

America has gone from one end of the spectrum to the other when it comes to what is revered. I was born into a country that, while it was already very messed up, still placed a high value on Christian principles. But now there’s sacred places, sacred idols, and sacred geometry. But no respect for THE sacred God.

Uh-oh. Them there’s fightin’ words. How dare I emphasize THE and use the word, God, with a capital G?! Because everyone should know, by now, that “your God” is no better than someone else’s.

Hmm, I wonder if we can use sacred geometry to test that?

Here’s a quote from something I read on a “new age” website: “Sacred geometry is made of different symbols considered to be the basis of all matter in the Universe across various religions and cultures.”

Notice how Universe has a capital U? Sure, that’s OK. Because it seems to include all there is. So no one needs to feel left out. And while I don’t want anyone to be “left out,” I also don’t want to deny anyone the freedom to BE left out if it’s what they prefer. Yeah, even exclusion should be included.

Sounds weird, right?

But what’s actually weird is to believe sacred geometry is sacred. Or that symbols and numbers can somehow hold power.

I’m sure you know I’m not making this up.

Here’s another clip from that same article I read that talks about the power in the triangle:

“The first shape that can be formed from more than one line, the triangle is a representation of 3, the number of sacred creation. And in ancient Nordic cultures and countless across the world the number three is said to hold powerful mystical properties, symbolizing harmony and balance. They can represent the mother, father, and child; mind, body, and spirit. And pointing upwards is indicative of rising consciousness (a downward pointing triangle relates to the Divine Feminine). The pyramids are famous physical 3D examples of this structure, composed of four triangles and a square base, a tetrahedron.”

Basically all such nonsense is based on anything and everything to contradict the God of the Bible. Notice how the triangle pointing up is focused on your consciousness. And the “downward pointing triangle relates to the Divine Feminine.” One is you-focused. The other is opposite of the masculine God.

I also read this about sacred geometry and its forms: “These are the only five regular polyhedra, that is, the only five solids made from the same equilateral, equiangular polygons. To the Greeks, these solids symbolized fire, earth, air, spirit (or ether) and water, respectively.”

FYI: ether and spirit are not synonymous.

I’m sure they’re not talking about the ether where sodium is dissolved in ethereal solutions of aromatic ketones. But even their ethereal intentions can’t equate ether to spirit. Because spirit extends to us from THE Spirit. THE source of Life. The one who spoke the universe into existence. God, with a capital G. And without Him there wouldn’t be sacred geometry, ecclesiastical trigonometry, or mystical ‘Rithmetic.

Here’s the thing.

Placing the word, sacred, in front of something doesn’t make it sacred. In fact, it almost always leans the opposite direction. And it always takes the focus away from what and who IS sacred.

But I’m sure that’s the intention. Whether “new age” people would ever admit that or not.

And here’s one of the multitude of things I love about THE God of creation. He didn’t create you and me to be robots who could do nothing but love Him. We’re free to actually hate Him. I don’t recommend that. But it’s the number one choice by most of the people on the planet. Even as the majority of them would likely claim they don’t hate anyone.

So, when you fall for the smoke-and-mirrors shadow of truth, and deny THE Truth, you’re bound to re-create a world where…

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.

Stay tuned,

Posted on August 22, 2023 by TonyOctober 12, 2023

The Earth remains and the fool complains

Fires burn down beautiful places. Volcanoes erupt and destroy communities. Hurricanes blast entire cities. Tornadoes uproot even the heartiest of trees. Mudslides annihilate peaceful homes that were minding their own business. And through it all the Earth remains.

Yeah, the Earth remains through this blistering hot summer.

And it’ll remain through this coming cold winter.

So, you can fear what might happen, if you wanna. But I’m just not gonna join you in that whole fear thing. For one, it’s totally counter-productive. And, oh yeah, God says “fear not.” And “worry not.”

A few years ago I shared this about that:

Fact is…when you believe and trust in God, He gives you a spirit of power. And love. And a sound mind. That’s a mind based on reason, sense, or judgment. Full of competence and security. When you feel the opposite of that description, you’ve moved away from, or you’ve forgotten what God says about you.

But that doesn’t mean you’re doomed. If it did, you and I and everybody else would be doomed. Don’t throw your hands up in despair or frustration. Instead, turn around and ask God for more wisdom. He loves to give it to those who love Him.

And remember His promise about this planet we call home. “While the earth remains, Seedtime and harvest, Cold and heat, Winter and summer, And day and night Shall not cease.” Only the fool complains about it.

Get Wise

Don’t drink the wine of violence
Or eat the bread of hate.
You might just get away with it.
Can you afford to wait?

Don’t push and shove the simple.
Seek knowledge just like gold.
And in so doing you’ll lay up
Your treasures manifold.

A word to the confounded”
Pour light into your eyes.
If you expect more than neglect,
Get wisdom; yeah get wise.

Get wise to the deceiver.
Don’t harken to his lies.
Keep commanding understanding.
Get wisdom; yeah get wise.

Don’t walk, you, with the wicked.
Beware the scornful tongue.
Let never part your loving heart
And live forever young.

God’s promises are better than gold and rubies. Grab ’em while you can.

Stay tuned,

Posted on August 15, 2023 by TonyOctober 11, 2023

Just because I can. That's why I do, man.

Do you have siblings? If so, did you ever get into arguments with them when you were kids? No, who does that, right? Seriously, if you have a brother or sister (or a bunch of them like Elgielene does), you most likely had at least a disagreement or three. And you might remember answering the “why” question with the most profound reply of all. Just because, that’s why.

Am I right?

Especially if you were the older sibling. After all, everyone knows the younger siblings are always the most annoying. With their why questions. And their why not questions. And there constant breathing in and out. You older or oldest siblings know what I’m talking about.

“Just because” worked most of the time.

At least until those pesky varmints gained a little more vocabulary. Ah, the good ol’ days.

But I didn’t bring up the just because stuff to wax sentimental about bygone days of youth. I’ve got something else on my mind right now. Love.

Now, before you so-called manly men mutter something ridiculous under your breath, this ain’t about the gushy, mushy love stuff. In fact, I’m not even gonna bring up the opposite sex, except to tell you I’m not gonna bring ’em up.

Nope.

It’s more important than that. And it’s the only reason you and I have even a remote ability or opportunity to get or give love. And no matter how manly or aloof you think you are, you need that intangible, most profound emotion of them all. At least if you wanna have a life with depth and meaning.

Of course, I’m talking about how and why love even exists in this messed up world. Ironically, atheists and evolutionists would say it’s “just because.” Or some form of that, since they believe we’re all here by chance. By millions of years worth of random mutations, that began in a chaotic explosion. And that eventually led to all the complex design you can clearly see all around you.

Nope.

We’re all here because of God’s love. And because He gave us the ability to love (or hate) with our own free will. That’s why I wrote a song to acknowledge why I would express love to the unseen God of creation. I’ve shared it, and the lyrics before. But in this time of such a hate-filled world, I’m sharing it again.

Because I CAN Love

What made You think
That I was worth the risk You took?
What made You take the time
To write Your Holy Book?
I don’t believe I’d give myself a second look,
But You did because You love.

You made a world
That was as perfect as could be,
But then I broke it
When You gave it all to me…
By going through the gate You made to set me free.
This You did because You love…me.

Because You love me so…in spite of all You know…
Because You did the most that You could ever do…
Because I clearly see…evidence of You in me…
Because I can love…I do love…You!

You put a life
And a will inside my soul.
You knew true love
Would be to give me full control.
But knowing You is all that ever makes me whole.
I trust You because You love…me.

I can live because You live!
I can love because You love!

Be sure to get your copy of Because I CAN Love AND a dozen more songs in a single download.

Stay tuned,

Posted on August 14, 2023 by TonyOctober 10, 2023

Abortion ban is certainly NOT in the can

I wonder how many teenagers realize they’re walking, ticking timebombs. Have they seen the headline, “An Abortion Ban Made Them Teen Parents.” And do they know they could save themselves just by moving to another state? Because, for now, they might be safe in about 41 states.

But who knows when an abortion ban might transform those states, too?

Yeah, it could be just a matter of time before killing babies will be against the law in every state. And think of the dehumanizing and forced effect that’s gonna have on countless teens. Imagine how many of them will be made into “teen parents” against their own wills.

And there’s the rub. You and I can only imagine.

Because even those so-called abortion bans in the 9 (or so) states don’t actually ban abortions.

Uh-huh. That wasn’t a typo. None of those 9 states ban abortions. NONE.

And if you’re about to take issue with me, be sure you read your state’s so-called abortion ban “law.” You WILL find words like after, except, exception, until, health of the mother, life of the mother, risk, and without consent. Those are wiggle room words.

In Missouri, their governor tweeted on X (the platform formerly known as Twitter) that their state was the first in the nation to “effectively end abortions.” But when you look at the fine print in the legislation he signed, you find an interesting phrase:

“NOW, THEREFORE, I, MICHAEL L. PARSON, GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF MISSOURI, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the State of Missouri, specifically Section 188.017, RSMo, do hereby notify the Revisor of Statutes that it is reasonably probable that Section 188.017, RSMo will be upheld by the courts as constitutional. Further, in accordance with Dobbs, Section 188.017, RSMo is hereby effective as of the date of this order.”

I found more wiggle room words.

Maybe I’m just the annoying kind of “words mean things” guy. But I see a section there where it says it’s “reasonably probable” that Section 188.017 RSMo will “be upheld by the courts as constitutional.”

I didn’t say it must be held up. Or will be held up. It said it’s reasonably probable.

But what if members of the legal community aren’t feeling reasonable?

Oh well, at least it made a good sound bite and headline to say the state has an abortion ban.

And I understand you’d rather I’d shut up about it. This topic isn’t nearly as fun and interesting as music history. Or the healing power of music. Or tales of imagination written into colorful poetry. Yeah, compared to those subjects, abortion is the Stephen King novel of topics.

But here’s the thing.

As I take the time to share anything and everything else I share, tiny and defenseless human beings are torn to pieces. With the consent of their very own parents. And most people on the planet couldn’t care less. Because since they can’t see the dastardly deeds, maybe none of it’s really happening.

Trouble is, it’s really happening. And the only thing that can stop the vast majority of it (because nobody can stop it all) is an abortion ban with NO exceptions.

Just like the end of slavery required the abolition of it, so will the end of abortion.

They didn’t make exceptions to slavery, thanks to abolitionists.

And that’s how it will have to be with abortion. Regardless of how many “feminists” scream out that it’s “my body, my choice.” Because it’s not their bodies being torn to bits and discarded into trash bins or sold for parts to the highest bidders.

So, the messy truth needs to be told. And an abortion ban will greatly reduce that mess.

And not everybody wants to lose friends and followers and talk about that.

But I’ve done it. And I count all that kind of loss as gain, even if it’s not fun. I hope you do, too.

You can’t run away from real truth.
And every word of truth is a knife.
A captivating voice might pigeonhole your choice,
Cut free…and choose life.

Before you go, share this link with everybody you know. Tell ’em to jump on the Rhyme and Reason Bandwagon AND get some music and other fun stuff, for Fa-Ree.

Stay tuned,

Posted on August 11, 2023 by TonySeptember 3, 2023

Not alone with a phone or heart of stone

Elgielene is visiting her sister this week. Because they’re gonna celebrate their birthdays (which are 2 days apart) together, along with a niece who’s birthday is the same as Elgielene’s. Normally, I wouldn’t bring it up. But yesterday two items popped up on my devices that made it seem like maybe I’m not alone.

So, I quickly checked all the dozens of bedrooms and bathrooms. Then, I checked the kitchen. Even behind the fridge. And, yes, I opened the doors to the laundry closet. Plus, while I was there, I poked my head out to check the garage. Nothing and no one in any of those rooms, or any other rooms or closets.

“Surely I’m not alone,” I thought to myself.

But my self just laughed and said, “Of course, you’re not alone. I’m right here!”

“Shut up,” I replied.

And self started to say something smart aleck. But I held up my hand and gave “the look.” Because, it was starting to get weird. I’m sure you know what I mean.

Anyway…

Technology can certainly give you that feeling that you’re never truly all alone. Because, as you might have noticed, you can talk about something and then see an ad for that sort of thing on your phone. It’s weird. But it’s the kind of world we inhabit now.

So, what were the two things that popped up on my devices? I’m glad you asked. They were ironically opposite things about loneliness.

The first was a video ad, on YouTube, about some amazing qualities of people who enjoy a lot of alone time. Remember, this is during a time when I’m alone. The second thing was a link to an article about “10 Things To Do When You Feel Alone.”

I found the video interesting, although not new.

But the article was filled with psychological trivialities.

For example, it recommended that you acknowledge your sense of loneliness.

And it said, “Don’t waste your energy fighting your feelings or trying to suppress your emotions. Everyone feels lonely sometimes. And feeling alone doesn’t mean you’re a loser and it doesn’t mean you’re weak. It just means you’re human. Studies have found that labeling your feelings can reduce the intensity of them So simply putting a name to loneliness might help your brain make sense of how you’re feeling and instantly help you feel a little less lonely.”

So, you take the time to label your feelings, and the best you get is to “feel a little less lonely.” Does that sound like a solution to you? It doesn’t to me.

It’s funny (odd, not ha-ha) that 99.99% of the so-called “solutions” for loneliness never mention establishing or re-establishing a connection with your Creator. And that’s where Christianity is far superior to all other ways and means of conquering loneliness. Because it helps you to understand that you’re…

Alone Not Alone

We are alone in the universe.
But we’re never all alone,
Unless we choose to reject design
Like we got here on our own.

We have a great place, this planet Earth.
And it stands out here in space.
It’s the world where the Creator was
Sacrificed to give us Grace.

Millionaires and even billionaires
Spend their money just to prove
Maybe brilliant, advanced aliens
Paused here when they made a move.

Sure, it sounds silly, but it’s just sad
But the truth will take this tone.
And if you trust aliens, not God,
Get used to it, you’re alone.

Before you go, share this link with everybody you know. Tell ’em to jump on the Rhyme and Reason Bandwagon AND get some music and other fun stuff, for Fa-Ree.

Stay tuned,

Posted on August 10, 2023 by TonySeptember 1, 2023

Your safe place isn’t.

Because there’s no safe place on Earth. Sure, there ARE places that, on a certain level, are safer than others. That’s just when it comes to the most violent and in-your-face crimes.

But there’s nowhere on this planet that isn’t wicked. You can’t get away from it even in the small towns. And that’s where you used to be able to leave your house and car doors unlocked at night. Ancient history now.

No doubt. It’s bad. Even in (maybe especially in) the country that was once the last place you’d expect to be this bad. Fact is, there was only one time in history our little blue planet was worse. And that’s when it got so bad God was sorry He even made human beings. So, He broke the planet and killed all but 8 people.

And that was really for the sake of only ONE of those people.

And that was because God has a “big picture” perspective for His creation.

Since He has that kind of perspective, it’s mighty important to have a better understanding of that big picture. Here’s how it goes. You WILL exist forever somewhere. You can live in the fullness of life with your Creator in paradise. Or you can exist totally separate from Him, forever.

So, if you’re looking for your safe place, you have two options.

Option 1: God’s Kingdom. The only safe place.

Option 2: your “kingdom.” Not safe. And, in fact, your desire for safety will never end there.

But you get to choose. Because God loves you so much He won’t even force you into paradise if you don’t wanna go there. I hope you consider Option 2.

Some acquaintances of mine, who understood where true safety can be found, chose a song for their wedding that reflected that. The song talks about a couple who go through life as one. And they understand that life is filled with challenges and obstacles. But the key is to keep smiling and keep looking up. Because where God dwells is the only place you’ll be…

Safe And Sound

Down on our luck but not out of the game,
We both go the distance and cover some ground,
And still our love is safe and sound.
We learned to be part of each other’s dreams.
Some time was lost but look what we found,
Knowing our love is safe and sound.

We laugh like there’s no tomorrow.
We’re touched by the hand of God.
So what if there’s no new sunrise.
So what if the world won’t spin around.
We’re safe and sound.

Miles have gone by; we dared to go see
The wide open space and seldom we frowned.
Look how our love is safe and sound.
Deep in our hearts and inside our minds
We capture the words and they keep us bound,
Saying our love is safe and sound.

We laugh like there’s no tomorrow.
We’re touched by the hand of God.
So what if there’s no new sunrise.
So what if the world won’t spin around.
We’re safe and sound.

So many give up when one knee is down.
But we’re down on both and now we’re safe and sound.

This song and a dozen more are in the classic Do Right collection.

Get your downloadable version and enjoy the music just minutes from now: https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=ZX3MBTG37Q9WA If the link doesn’t automatically work for you, copy and paste it into your browser.

Stay tuned,

Posted on August 8, 2023 by TonySeptember 1, 2023

Most important things still tug at certain strings

I certainly appreciate the most important things in life. I’m sure you can relate. Great computer, phone, and tablet. Several devices to watch videos and stream content. Internet access to a world so vast I’ll never see or hear it all.

As a pre-teen and teenager, my family called me “technical Tony.” They didn’t always mean it as a term of endearment. But let’s not go there right now. The point is, I enjoy technology. Seeing how the latest, greatest mobile device or laptop works enthralls and intrigues me. I think it’s all so incredibly cool.

Ah yes. The most important things.

(cue the record scratch sound effect) Wait a second! The coffee must not have kicked in yet. Did I just say the most important things in life are devices and digital content?!

Incredible! And you didn’t even try to stop me. Thanks a lot!

Actually, if you’ve followed any of my Rhyme and Reason shenanigans here on the website or on my podcast, you already know that was a tongue-in-cheek lead-in. And you already know that I know what’s most important in this life. Relationships.

Because they’re the only “thing” you can take with you through eternity. But, sadly, even most relationships won’t make that journey.

And that’s why I don’t place the value of my digital devices even close to the value of my relationships. And here on Earth neither one of them last all that long.

For example, my Dad.

For most of his working life he was a hard-working milkman. And that was back in the days when a milkman would deliver dairy products door-to-door.

I remember going to work with him on a LOT of Saturdays. So, when I say he worked hard, I know what I’m talking about from personal experience. Out of bed around 3 a.m. to be at the dairy plant in time to load the milk truck before dawn. And I can still “smell” and “feel” the cold chill of the milk truck’s storage area. Stacked with cases of gallons, half gallons, and quarts of milk. And juice, butter, bread, ice cream, and more.

Dad worked two routes each week. One was his Monday, Wednesday, Friday route. The other was Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday. He delivered milk in some neighborhoods in Texas near NASA. In fact (as a side note) several of his customers were some of the first “right stuff” astronauts.

Another side note (and true story) Dad surprised me, on one of those Saturdays I was with him. He arranged for me to personally hand deliver a half gallon of ice cream to Neil Armstrong. For those of you born in this century, Neil Armstrong was the first man to set foot on the moon. And Technical Tony handed him a container of Dutch chocolate rocky road ice cream! (at least I believe that was the flavor)

OK, back to the story. And why I’m sharing it.

Even on those long Saturdays, when I helped Dad deliver milk, he spent lots of time with me. Not just telling me what to do. No, we’d also have conversations about the most important things in life. He was interested to know what I’d learned in math, science, and language classes. And we’d talk about other things, like family, and where I’d go when I die. Yeah, even that.

Those one-on-one times with my Dad were priceless. And I wouldn’t trade a second of them for all the cool technology in the world.

But he died when he was only 51.

Just so you know, life with Dad wasn’t always a Norman Rockwell painting. He was a strict disciplinarian. And when I failed to do the right (which, obviously was rare) sometimes there were serious consequences.

But those memories never overshadow the learning and productive times with Dad. Like when he showed me how to use tools and work on lawnmowers, bicycles, and even my first car. Or the times he spent building (yes, building) go-karts for my brother and me to test drive around the block.

Dad even showed us how to fly kites using our saltwater fishing rods and reels. He’d throw the football with us, in the street, during football season. He taught us the finer points of throwing a baseball with either hand. I remember even getting him to play tennis with me when I started up that sport in high school. And I remember it was the first sport that I could beat him. Guys might identify more with me on that. You know how it feels to beat your dad, for the first time, at anything. Right?

My Dad was only 20 years older than me. He’s now been gone longer than he was around during my life. I’ve already lived quite a few years longer than he did. And I still think of him and so many of those special times almost daily.

I’m not sure if he knows, right now, how important a role he played in my life. But I AM sure he knows, without a doubt, what the most important things in life are.

He was (and is) a Christian. So, I know my Dad is “present with the Lord” right now. And he’s experienced, firsthand for over 32 years, the ultimate relationship. It’s an awesome and incredible HOPE I have. To know I’ll see him again someday. And to know we’ll be eternal brothers in the presence of the one, true, living, loving Father (and Creator) of us all.

Try out an eternal perspective.

As you check your texts, instant messages, social media accounts, YouTube and Instagram videos, and even your eCommerce stats, pause. Look up. Look around. Pay attention to the ones you love. And talk to them.

Embrace. Laugh. Enjoy the time.

They won’t be here forever.

You won’t either.

But you’ll all be somewhere forever. Talk about that. And be sure you know where you’re going. It matters more than any other message you’ll receive from any other source. Metaphorically, I call it…

Fandango Street

Dwight was a boy anybody would employ
‘Cause he worked his fingers to the bone
But he said he had to fly, get a piece of the sky
So he took off for the great unknown
Everybody said no, no, no But he still had to go
To make his whole life complete
And look for Fandango Street

He took himself a wife as he made the change of life
And the boy became a regular man
They had a couple kids just like everybody did
But it really wasn’t in the plan
And his spirit said no, no, no
That’s not the way you should go
Should be pointing your feet On up to Fandango Street

Oh, but somewhere the world took over
And left him thirsting for more
Where was the milk and the honey
He had dreamed of all those years before

He was moving right along feeling permanently strong
Thinking all he had to do was behave
But a terminal disease slowly drove him to his knees
And it took him to an early grave
And his family said no, no, no
But he still had to go
To make the journey complete and look for Fandango Street

And to this day I say no, no, no
But I know he had to go
To make the journey complete and look for Fandango Street
I hear him tapping his feet up on Fandango Street
And so his life is complete…he dance on Fandango Street!

Before you go, share this link with everybody you know. Tell ’em to jump on the Rhyme and Reason Bandwagon AND get some music and other good stuff, for Fa-Ree.

Stay tuned,

Posted on August 6, 2023 by TonyAugust 19, 2023

Rule number one? Well, it usually isn't done.

It makes me mad how some people feel a deep-down, dastardly need to rule over others. Yeah, for them, rule number one is “Do unto others before they can do unto you.”

But that rule number one only lasts a little while.

I know you realize we have a very short time here on planet earth. There’s a one-to-one ration of births to deaths. And nobody gets out of this life any other way.

So, given that fact, don’t you think rule number one should still be “do unto others as you’d have them do unto you? I know it’s an old-fashioned idea, but it’s still the truth. And, as I’ve said before, we need the truth. And, of course I’m talking about THE Truth found in the person of Jesus.

Yeah, I know that’s a hard pill to swallow for most people. But that doesn’t change the facts.

Because, if there’s no absolute standard of truth, then there are about 7 billion standards. That’s called chaos and confusion. And God is not the author of confusion. His Truth is crystal clear and health to your bones and spirit. That’s why we need the Truth.

How Long Till

How long till we see the vengeance?
How long till You make things right?
Lord, how long till the trumpet blows
And calls us into flight?

How long till we see the Savior?
How long till the end of night?
How long till Your trumpet blows
And takes us out of sight?

We need the Truth! The world doesn’t care.
They can’t see design; though it’s everywhere.
No absolutes, and they’re absolutely sure.
They worship time and bow down to chance.
They give themselves up to circumstance.
I have to say I don’t comprehend the allure.

(repeat chorus)

Our bodies ache; You can hear the groans.
We twist Your words into sticks and stones
And wield them around like giants in a trance.
This posturing while the world looks on
Just makes them ask where our minds have gone,
And I don’t blame them; it’s such a silly dance.

(repeat chorus…inst…repeat chorus to end)

Before you go, follow rule number one. Tell others to jump on the Rhyme and Reason Bandwagon AND get some music and other good stuff, for Fa-Ree.

Stay tuned,

Posted on August 5, 2023 by TonyAugust 19, 2023

I wrote a rhyme called Face to Face. And it talked about how glorious it’ll be when you see Jesus in person. It WILL be indescribably beautiful and wonderful. Believers will experience all of God’s love for eternity.

I also wrote a song, as a tribute, to a young man who died of cancer a few years ago. The song is called “Jeremiah’s Prayer.” I took poetic license with a prayer Jeremiah shared on his social media accounts. And thousands of people enjoyed how the song showed his courage as he looked forward to meeting the Lord “face to face.”

And it’s true. That face to face meeting is the “hope of glory” Paul wrote about. And Heaven will be where we’ll live, in God’s peace and promises, forever.

But not all of God’s love is reserved for Heaven.

And that’s not to say, as some mistakenly do, that Earth is part of Heaven. Sure, it was supposed to be that way. And it was that way. Until Adam and Eve opened the door to sin. Then, it “flooded” paradise and we’ve all been dealing with the consequences ever since.

But that’s not to say this world isn’t abundantly filled with awesome beauty. Just get away from your devices and distractions and go outside. Take a look. And from the tops of the redwood trees to bottom of the ocean, God’s love can be seen in His creation.

From the telescopic views of galaxies to the microscopic peeks into the human genome, God’s love and infinitely brilliant mind are clearly seen.

And that’s only a part of why no one will have an excuse when they see Him face to face one day. And no doubt about it, that day is inevitable. So, that’s why I share something about the comforting hope I have, just about every day. Because I hope that hope flows into someone else who needs it.

Now, if that’s you, and you just haven’t caught sight of your Creator yet, step outside and look at…

All Of Creation

All of creation points to the Savior.
We are all here by design.
All the environment and complex behavior…
The Glory of God makes it shine.

All of creation holds information…
Encoded within every cell,
All of the best minds in each generation
Won’t banish what Christians know well.

That…

(Chorus)
All of creation is here by the Word of God.
And all of creation mirrors His mind.
All of creation is saved by the Love of God
All of creation…Jesus defined.

Before you go, share this link with everybody you know. Tell ’em to jump on the Rhyme and Reason Bandwagon AND get some music and other good stuff, for Fa-Ree.

Stay tuned,

Posted on August 3, 2023 by TonyAugust 17, 2023

Here’s a quote that was included in a meme I saw being shared on social media this week. It said, “Do everything with a good heart and expect nothing in return, and you will never be disappointed.”

Seems like a “nice” Hallmark greeting card. But it falls flat.

Because you don’t have a good heart.

Now, don’t get your feelings hurt. Neither do I. And neither does anybody else. Even the people who think they do.

The Designer of human beings says, “The heart is deceitful above all things, And desperately wicked; Who can know it?” Yeah, that’s in the Bible. But, ouch! It doesn’t feel good to hear it. Right?

But why would God say such a thing about us?

Maybe (and I use that word loosely) it’s because He’s watched us for a few thousand years. And He’s seen what terrible ideas we come up with. And those ideas originate from the heart. Not the physical pump. But the very core of who we are. So, you can bet, that if God says we have a heart problem, we do.

It was this kind of perspective that triggered the following from almost ten years ago.

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. Then, the third layer is a magnetic, cobalt blue where the shape of the heart is formed. Next, the fourth layer is a fertile, emerald green where love can grow. After that, 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. “Because 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. “And if you won’t believe me in this small matter, what would you ever believe?”

Here’s the deal…

I wrote this story 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 awesome to celebrate design in our world and universe.

Because it helps you to avoid a lifetime of uncertainty found in random chance. When you know you’re created, it can light up all the layers of your heart.

Before you go, share this link with everybody you know. Tell ’em to jump on the Rhyme and Reason Bandwagon AND get some music and other good stuff, for Fa-Ree.

Stay tuned,

Tony Funderburk

THE Voice of Rhyme and Reason: Author, Podcaster, Singer Songwriter

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Hmm, I wonder if we can use sacred geometry to test that?

I’m sure you know I’m not making this up.

FYI: ether and spirit are not synonymous.

Nothin’s Sacred Anymore

Yeah, the Earth remains through this blistering hot summer.

Get Wise

“Just because” worked most of the time.

Because I CAN Love

But who knows when an abortion ban might transform those states, too?

I found more wiggle room words.

They didn’t make exceptions to slavery, thanks to abolitionists.

“Surely I’m not alone,” I thought to myself.

I found the video interesting, although not new.

Alone Not Alone

So, if you’re looking for your safe place, you have two options.

Safe And Sound

Ah yes. The most important things.

For example, my Dad.

But he died when he was only 51.

Try out an eternal perspective.

Fandango Street

But that rule number one only lasts a little while.

How Long Till

But not all of God’s love is reserved for Heaven.

All Of Creation

Because you don’t have a good heart.

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

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

It’s awesome to celebrate design in our world and universe.

Subscribe and Get All The Rhyme and Reason Podcast Episodes Delivered Right To YOU

Hmm, I wonder if we can use sacred geometry to test that?

I’m sure you know I’m not making this up.

FYI: ether and spirit are not synonymous.

Nothin’s Sacred Anymore

Yeah, the Earth remains through this blistering hot summer.

Get Wise

“Just because” worked most of the time.

Because I CAN Love

But who knows when an abortion ban might transform those states, too?

I found more wiggle room words.

They didn’t make exceptions to slavery, thanks to abolitionists.

“Surely I’m not alone,” I thought to myself.

I found the video interesting, although not new.

Alone Not Alone

So, if you’re looking for your safe place, you have two options.

Safe And Sound

Ah yes. The most important things.

For example, my Dad.

But he died when he was only 51.

Try out an eternal perspective.

Fandango Street

But that rule number one only lasts a little while.

How Long Till

But not all of God’s love is reserved for Heaven.

All Of Creation

Because you don’t have a good heart.

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

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

It’s awesome to celebrate design in our world and universe.

Subscribe and Get All The
Rhyme and Reason Podcast Episodes
Delivered Right To YOU