Tag Archives: Christian articles

Tony Funderburk Posted on by

OK, I know you’re shopping bags are at the ready. And you can’t wait for the stores to open. So, I won’t keep you long. You’ll have plenty of time to celebrate the birthdays of those small creatures.

Of course, you might be the oddball who doesn’t know which small creatures I mean.

I’ll give you some hints.

They were first introduced to the world back in the 1930’s. By a Rawlinson and Bosworth Professor of Anglo-Saxon and a Fellow of Pembroke College at Oxford. And, as a matter of fact, a book was published on September 21st, 1937, that provided the two small creatures you’re celebrating today.

(You ARE, aren’t you?)

Of course, the book is “The Hobbit.” And those small creatures are Frodo Baggins and Bilbo Baggins. And today is Hobbit Day. Hooray! Part of week of celebration called Tolkien Week.

Apparently Bilbo was born on this day in 2890 (1290 to you and me). And Frodo was born on this day in 2968 (1368 to you and me).

I guess the American Tolkien Society thought their birthdays were important enough to establish Hobbit Day back in 1978. And what I’ve been able to determine, it’s still an unofficial holiday. But I don’t imagine that’ll sway you from heading out to get your Hobbit Day shopping done as soon as possible.

Besides the Hobbit cake I’m sure you won’t forget the beer and wine. Or the pork pies. And mince pies. Naturally, you’ll be sure to include the honey cakes, scones, and coffee. Or else it wouldn’t be a true Hobbit Day party.

Tell your friends in the reading circle I said hello.

And be sure to let me know which book you read from or which movie you all enjoyed together.

Isn’t it nice that ol’ JRR took the time to write those amazing books? As you read them you might wonder how so much imagination and talent ended up in one brain. Or you might realize that Mr. Tolkien’s ability to turn a phrase came from the same source as all gifts and talents. Your Creator.

Tolkien realized it. And he acknowledged it often. On one occasion, he wrote an answer to the daughter of a friend of his. Because he discovered she wanted to know the purpose of life. And he explained that it’s “to increase, according to our capacity, our knowledge of God by all the means we have. And to be moved by it to praise and thanks.”

On that delightful note, let me just say,
I hope you have a happy Hobbit Day.

Stay tuned,

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Your day didn’t go like you planned or wanted. Your hopes and dreams for a better tomorrow were dashed against the rocks. And you don’t see anyone living up to your expectations. But why you gotta be like that? I’m serious…why?

Some years ago, I had a conversation with a relative who was a miserable wretch. This person (I don’t wanna say she or he because I wanna respect their privacy) had some terrible things happen. And they (sorry, I’ll have to use that ambiguous pronoun) took it out on anybody who was near. And I remember saying something like,

“Your expectations aren’t more important than somebody else’s.”

And here’s why I said that.

Because think about it. Do you think you have the right to make someone else feel as miserable as you do? If so, you’re wrong. And do you think no one else’s pain measures up to yours? If so, you’re wrong. Do you think there isn’t another soul in the world who could possibly understand what you’re going through? Triple play, Sparky. You’re wrong again!

You don’t have the right to pour your anguish, and hurt feelings, and frustration on someone else. It’s  counterproductive. And you can’t justify it. In fact, it’s a sin. The sin of selfishness. Your anger toward someone else, for the shortcomings in your own life, is a bold overstatement of your own importance.

Because you ain’t all that (I’m lookin’ at you Mr. Mrs. Ms, or Miss politician).

OK, now that I’ve beaten you over the head with the Truth, it’s time to share the love found in the Truth. Because your frustration and anger are symptoms of a much deeper problem.

You’ve decided you don’t need God. Either that, or you know you DO need God, but you’re not leaning on His understanding and wisdom. Whichever it is, you’ve got a self-over-God issue you need to deal with. Things might not get better in your life until you do.

If your expectations include peace, love, and joy, consider your Creator.

I know I’m just a Christian singer songwriter with no particular credentials where hearts are concerned (Except, that I have one, too.) Fortunately, though, I don’t judge hearts. My judgment, can only be made based on your actions…your “fruit”, so to speak. I can only judge what I see. God; however, CAN judge your heart. In fact, He does. So…

How’s your heart?

If you’re a Christian, you’ve asked Jesus into your heart. But maybe you feel your heart is full of anger. And maybe you pushed Jesus aside, metaphorically. And maybe you decided your own wisdom and understanding are all you need to get along in this world.

In that case, I gotta tell you: “Shut up and listen.”

The Bible puts it more mildly: “be still and know that I am God.”

Listen to the words of wisdom God can and will put into your heart. When you do, you’ll be much more likely to “love your neighbor as yourself.” It might not be easy. And it might not feel natural. But that’s the point. It’s supernatural. And it’s always good for the cause, not just the symptoms, of selfishness.

You can ignore everything I’ve just shared. And you can go your miserable way. With your expectations stomping on everybody else’s. But “Why you gotta be like that?”

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Tony Funderburk Posted on by

A friend of mine is a business coach. And she shows her clients the value of a to do list. Plus, she helps them implement it into their business. And then, she even helps them build a system to automate much of it.

It’s pretty cool. And I’ve seen her help a lot of business owners with her system.

But there are many more people who only think they create to do lists.

But they make busy work instead. And that can lead to a meaningless life when left unchecked. Way back when, I wrote lyrics to a song I never recorded. And the words talk about the damage that busy work can do to your life. Because that kind of work can distract you from what’s truly important.

I hope this isn’t you.

I’ve Got Things To Do

I wouldn’t mind stopping all of the wars.
I’d be a diplomat,
If I could know for sure in my heart
That it was simple as that.

But peace will have to wait.
I can’t just change my life around.
I’m in the middle of something
That has me helplessly bound.

I’ve got things to do.
I’ve got places to go.
And I’ve got people to see
And savings to grow.
So, though I don’t know how to see this through,
I know for sure I’ve got things to do.

I wouldn’t mind spreading love in the world.
I’d work it every day.
I know that someone’s life can be changed.
When you give love away,

But love will have to wait;
We’re gonna have to hold that thought.
I’m on a merciless mission.
And though it hurts a lot…

I’ve got things to do.

I’ve got places to go.
And I’ve got people to see
And futures to grow.
So, though I don’t know how to see this through,
I know for sure I’ve got things to do.

I’m sure someone will come along
Who could easily fit the bill.
And when they do, I’ll lend my support,
If I can ever get over this hill.

I’ve got things to do.
I’ve got places to go.
And I’ve got people to see
And dreams to grow.

So, though I don’t know how to see this through,
I know for sure I’ve got things to do.

© Tony Funderburk 1987

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Tony Funderburk Posted on by

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Bob Dylan said it. So, it must be true right? He talked about how you gotta serve somebody. In fact, in one of his songs, he sang “you’re gonna have to serve somebody” quite a few times. So, he must be pretty darn sure it’s true. And, in a way, it is.

Sure, you could say you gotta serve somebody, OR…

You could say you GET to serve somebody.

First, and foremost, you GET to serve your Creator. But you ain’t gotta. God doesn’t force you to serve Him. Because He knows that forced servitude doesn’t produce love. And He knows true love produces a servitude attitude. So, He gives you the option to serve Him. But you can also serve yourself. And most people do.

And those are the people who don’t grasp the concept of servitude that flows from love. But, I know my Christian brothers and sisters understand. Because I know that they know it was Paul who talked about liberty and love. He said…

“For you, brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.”

Notice how the freedom to not serve one another is implied?

That’s embedded in the love part. And the “opportunity for the flesh” part.

No! We GET to serve. We ain’t GOTTA serve.

But the subtle irony is how freedom produces love.

And love produces the desire to serve someone else. Because, with love (and through love), you “feel” the other person’s needs. And that’s because they’re a human being with the same, basic needs as you. So, it’s not a silly, worldly, touchy-feely kind of “feel.” It’s an empathetic, sympathetic connection.

In spite of what the governments of the world would have you believe, God wants us to connect that way. And it’s a sure bet if God wants something for us, it’s good for us.

But you’re free to pay no attention to what your Creator says, suggests, or commands. Just know, that if you do, just like the great prophet (not) Bob Dylan said…

You’re gonna have to serve somebody, yes indeed,
You’re gonna have to serve somebody.
Well, it may be the devil or it may be the Lord,
But you’re gonna have to serve somebody

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I was thinking, earlier today, about how someone who knew me 30 years ago (or more) might come to my website and wonder if it’s really me. Because back then I had very long hair, played secular music for a living, and didn’t exactly embody the exemplary Christian life. And that’s even though I was a Christian for quite some time before my secular music life.

But now I don’t put my Christian life on the back burner.

Because it’s the only life that’s actually…well…life. Everything else is a shadowy attempt at life. And that description is probably too generous.

After a couple of crash-and-burn long-term relationships, I decided I’d use my celebrity status to “play the field.” No women of the female, opposite sex persuasion were gonna tie me down. No sir! Been there. Done that. And got the burn marks across the ol’ heart. (Too bad it wasn’t just a t-shirt.)

So, I went the King David, Bathsheba route. And before you chime in (you know who you are) that doesn’t include sending some unsuspecting husband off to die while I had my way with his wife. No, my wild oats didn’t go that wild.

But just as I’m sure God wasn’t pleased with King David’s lack of wisdom, I’m sure He wasn’t pleased with mine either.

Thankfully, I eventually met a sizzlin’ babe who helped me see the errors of my ways. It wasn’t automatic. In fact, she shot me down for three years before I could convince her I wasn’t just another musician with a notion to conquer. And even then, she wanted to be sure I wasn’t a serial killer.

And all these years later, I find myself going the King David route. But not the Bathsheba part. The gratitude and praise part, to the Creator who spoke words and the universe exploded into being. David talked about it Psalm 33. And here’s my take on his writing…

Your Word Is True

With a shout of joy
Let’s sing a brand new song
Praising God as we stand here in awe
And we worship Him”
He is our help and shield
Giving Grace where we once had the law.

With our instruments
And overflowing joy
Send the words to the heavens above”
God forever stands
And He forever lives
And He promised us forever love.

Lord, we hope in You…We trust in You”
And we live in You…”˜Cause Your word is true.
Lord, we sing to you”We cling to you”
And we pray to you””˜Cause Your word is true.

With our waiting souls
And optimistic words
Let’s remember that Jesus is right
All His work is done”
It’s done in perfect Truth,
And we’ll live, if we walk in His light.

© 2010 Tony Funderburk

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Tony Funderburk Posted on by

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Sometimes people ask me why I spend so much effort writing “Christian stuff” instead of just writing “more popular music.” And the short answer is, because there’s so much of the “popular stuff” that’s anti-God. So, there’s an urgent need to offset it with strong Christian words and music.

The longer answer is “Christian stuff” will last a lot longer.

Or at least consequences and results will. Because if I sing yet another “love song” maybe somebody (or even lots of somebodies) will get in a better mood for a little while. But then, because feelings change, it can all fade away into obscurity.

But what if I write and sing a song about the truth of God’s love. And what if somebody hears it and decides to look into this whole “Christian stuff” a little more deeply. And what if that person says, “Yes, the evidence is clear. There truly IS a Creator who loves me. And He truly DID die and rise from the dead to take my punishment. And I truly want the eternal life He promised me.”

Yeah. What if that happened? What would that mean?

Eternal results for a little time invested at my keyboard and computer recording software. And no top 40 results or streaming services or YouTube plays will ever equal even a drop in the bucket compared to that.

So, while there’s nothing evil or wrong about writing typical pop music, it’s a temporary fix. An empty bag of tricks. And it’s eventually gonna be a faded, forgotten melodic path leading to nowhere.

But maybe nowhere is where you’d rather be.
If so, you should know, it’s not OK with me
Because I’d rather see you truly happy
In the only life you can live eternally.

Stay tuned,

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Get my Rhyme & Reason Podcast delivered (free) right to your device.

My books are also on Amazon.com or Apple Books

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Or how about some music for kids