Tag Archives: don’t worry

Tony Funderburk Posted on by

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Oh brother, I was so naive. Yeah, I used to believe that Americans were all on the same side. Old people never did bad things. Pretty girls were all saving themselves for marriage. Crazy, I know. But I believed those things. And I assumed most anybody would know I was talking about God when I wrote “higher power” in a song. Boy, was I wrong. And like I said, naive.

Fast forward a couple of decades and I wasn’t so naive anymore.

It was a good AND bad thing.

Good because I grew up, matured, and discovered much more actual truth.

Bad because my world wasn’t rosy anymore.

And it would never be that rosy again.

But that’s as it should be. I’m sure you have some sort of similar story you could share. Right? Where your hopes, dreams, and aspirations were crushed by reality?

What do you do when that happens? Well, I can tell you what you don’t do. You don’t give up hoping for better things. Because they’re coming. At least for a few.

The higher power that will save the world is coming.

That’s not a headline from a movie trailer. Because the Higher Power is the Creator of heaven and earth and the rest of the universe. And, at the risk of offending many, I’ll mention His name. Jesus.

Going back to when I was so naive, I wrote a song about worry and not worrying. The lyrics are below. And I want you to see if you find yourself in either part, the worry, or not worrying.

If you worry, do you understand why? And if you don’t worry, do you understand why not? Either way you choose to position yourself, there’s only one reason you’re even able to ponder the question. Because you were created with your very own brain. Any questions? Here are the lyrics to help you consider…

The Power

If I sat down, and I took the time
To correct the lines and absorb them all,
I would sit in place for so long
That the hourglass would surely rust and fall.
But there is no need for me to worry.
I don’t need to see. And I don’t need to feel.
I might expect a change here and there,
But surely you must see,
Or at least you can feel
The power is higher and all we have to do is close our eyes.

If I stood still, and I counted days
And made up ways to collect them all.
I would never move
‘Cause there are no ways
I can save them all and take the time.
But there is no need for me to worry…

‘Cause the power is higher and all we have to do is close our eyes.    © 1977-2017 TF

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Tony Funderburk Posted on by

Chronic stress and inflammation. What a lovely way to start a post. Right? Well, maybe it’s a bit on the trigger side of things. But let’s just say that’s the good bad news and I won’t leave out the good news. Sound good?

Consider these key things about with chronic stress and inflammation. Because stress:

  • Isn´t just mental
  • Damages your lungs
  • Weakens lung immunity
  • Increases airway inflammation
  • Triggers shallow, chest breathing (which means less oxygen and higher risk of infections)

But don’t let all that stress you out either.

Especially when you find out that God gives you a three word solution to chronic stress and inflammation. And you can find that three word solution seven times in the New Testament. In fact, all seven times are found in the Gospel writings. I’m sure you’ve heard that “the Gospel” is also known as “the good news.” So, this three word solution to stress is good news.

Just in case you’d rather not read that information directly from the Bible, here’s the solution:

Do not worry.

And I know a lot of people will say that’s a big case of oversimplification. But here’s the thing. It must be doable or Jesus wouldn’t have said it. Point. Set. Match.

One thing I used to do, back in my younger days, to relieve a lot of stress, was bicycling every chance I got. Across America’s heartland, in cities, in neighborhoods, and cool trails in the Rockies. I enjoyed it so much I wrote a song about the part of the bicycling experience when you get to enjoy coasting. That part is when you…

Freewheel

It’s another day in the land of everything
It’s another day to raise our expectations
We wanna work less hours and make a lot more money
It’s another day of stress and losing patience

Is it in our souls? Are we born this greedy?
Can we change our minds and keep our bodies soaring?
We can find a way to make it more than another day
There’s a finer way; a way that’s never boring

I wanna freewheel back to my own free will
I wanna pedal away at the speed of light
If we could freewheel back to our own free will
Maybe then we could see we don’t have to squeeze so tight
Freewheel!

There’s another life in the land of everything
There’s another life, but with different expectations
We could push real hard from a new perspective
We could end the stress and regain a lot of patience

chorus

I don’t mean to say I have all the answers
But I don’t begin to say that I know it all.
I just wish that we could see through our illusions
But everyday we build a bigger wall.

chorus…inst…chorus…to end  © 1988 TF

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Tony Funderburk Posted on by

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The end of April is fast approaching. So, get read for all those May flowers. Of course, that leads to Mother’s Day and then Memorial Day and backyard barbecues. All that wonderful evidence of Spring can help you forget that God hates you.

Anyway…

So, last week I had a nice conversation with some people who walked their Yorkie by the bungalow. We got to talkin’ about how they don’t make houses like the ones in our neighborhood anymore. And…pardon me?

What do you mean I left you hanging with the God hates you comment?

Oh, OK. I just read what I’ve written so far. And you’re right. I did write that “God hates you.” Yeah, I suppose that’s a bit harsh. And maybe I should clear that up a little. I didn’t actually mean He hates YOU. I meant He hates YOU, if and when you hate Him and when you prefer to riff on your own merry way.

But hat’s not YOU. Right?

OK. We’re clear now. So, let’s move on.

Yeah, these bungalows, from over 100 years ago, are certainly a lot more solid than modern houses. Oak flooring. Local stone foundations that surround the basement. It’s cool to see the workmanship and hand-nailed cabinetry, rafters, and trim. And you can tell they cared more because…huh? What’s that?

You don’t want me to talk about this old bungalow? You’d rather I explain what I mean about God’s hate?

OK, I will. But I sure didn’t think you’d be so curious about it. After all, it’s not like it’s a secret. He came right out and said it in His best-selling book of all time. And He made it clear who and what He hates.

So, if you don’t fit into the categories, don’t worry.

God says He hates the wicked. And I believe Him. Because He’s not a man. And He doesn’t lie.

But I also know He’d rather not hate anyone. It’s not His first choice to serve up a cup of fire. Or brimstone. Or burning wind. And that’s why He holds all those things in reserve for only those who hate Him or His children.

I don’t know about you. But I enjoy a good steaming cup of coffee on a brisk, quiet morning. And I’ve been known to partake of some spicy, hot barbecue sauce on my brisket. But I’d rather not even sample any of that hot stuff God will serve up for the wicked. No sir. I’m saving room for dessert (aka: Heaven).

I’d rather have an ice cream cone
Than a cup of fire and brimstone.
And I’d rather enjoy God’s love
Than burning winds from up above.
So, I say “yes” to all His word,
The parts I’ve read, the parts I’ve heard.
I know someday I’ll leave this place
And live forever in His grace.

© 2020

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Tony Funderburk Posted on by

Doubt and worry. Yeah, they show up, a lot, when guys and girls first experience “love.” Because, when you’re young, with a brain full of crazy ideas, and a body full of hyped-up hormones, you don’t tend to make the best choices.

Of course, there’s a better way to deal with doubt and worry and love.

But I’ll get to that in a minute.

Right now I wanna share why this came up, in my mind, today. I saw a blurb, online, that talked about a music tour, back in 1957, that included some pretty famous singers. And the blurb mentioned how exactly 64 years ago today (August 2) Buddy Holly’s song, “That’ll Be The Day,” was at #2 on the music charts.

And he was on his first major tour with some well-known acts like, The Cadillacs, Edna McGriff, Otis Rush, Lee Andrews & The Hearts, Oscar & Oscar, The G-Clefs, and Clyde McPhatter.

I saw that last name, Clyde McPhatter, and thought to myself, “Hmm…where have I heard that name before?”

And my self immediately replied, “Wake up, dude! You used to sing his biggest hit. Duh!”

Oh yeah. “A Lover’s Question.” Mr. McPhatter’s song even went to number 1 on the R&B chart for a week. And it’s a song about the doubt and worry found in young and new love.

Check out the first two verses…

Does she love me, with all her heart?
Should I worry, when we’re apart?
It’s a lover’s question, I’d like to know.

Does she need me, as she pretends?
Is this a game, well then will I win?
It’s a lover’s question, I’d like to know

“Does she love me with all her heart?” And “Does she need me as she pretends?” Definitely questions from a young guy who lacks confidence. Then, the lyrics follow that up with sort of a combination bridge/chorus that’s just as unsure.

I’d like to know when she’s not with me, if she’s still true to me.
I’d like to know when we’re kissing…does she feel just what I feel?
And how am I to know it’s really real?

Back when I traveled across America, as a full-time musician, A Lover’s Question was part of my repertoire. My favorite part of the song was when my vocal went to a falsetto to repeat the third verse. That’s where I followed more along the style of Kenny Loggins from the Loggins and Messina remake of the song.

And it was songs like A Lover’s Question that helped to bail me out when I played venues where they wanted more “country music” than I had in my repertoire. Which was a big relief. If you know me, you know why.

So, back to that better way to deal with a lack of courage in the matter of love.

My suggestion is…build relationships God’s way. No, He doesn’t have an instruction manual on the fine art of dating. But He DOES have an instruction manual, second to none, for how to live an abundant life.

And there’s a line, in that manual, that talks about how you should do to others as you would like them to do to you. So, if you’re fine with being treated badly, then you can certainly expect it when you treat others badly. But don’t be surprised if (and when) your head fills up with doubt and worry.

Stay tuned,

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Tony Funderburk Posted on by

Are you a worry wart?

My mom is 82. She lives in eastern Kansas. And we talk a couple of times a week, by phone. By her own admission, she’s a worry wart. For those of you too young to know, that means she worries a lot. Currently, as you might expect, she’s pretty worried about this whole pandemic thing. And since she has way too much time on her hands (retired and living alone) she watches the news reports intently. So, of course, she’s getting pretty negative right now. But should she?  

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And if you’re a Christian, is it even OK to be a worry wart?

Short answer…No! It’s not OK. Why? Because I said so young man (or lady). Well, not really because I said so. Because God said so. Yeah, there are at least 7 times, in the New Testament, where Jesus said “do not worry.” Plus, other places He talks about how it doesn’t have any positive effects. And there are lots of places where God says something like “fear not.”

“But Tony, how can anybody, your Mom included, be expected not to worry in times like this?”

Hey, that’s not what I said. In fact, I expect a lot of people WILL fret over what’s going on. But I think it’s important to at least consider what God says about worrying. And why. And, as it turns out, science has even proved how worry is connected to actual sickness. Yeah, you can get upset over something, and if you stay upset, you can get sick. Physically, emotionally, and mentally. So, if you can’t trust God, well…there’s still science. (which only exists because God exists…but anyway…)

Yeah, it’s actually pretty cool when you think about it. God’s watching over your health even when He’s telling you not to worry. It’s not just because He wants you to cover your ears and eyes to all the troubles in the world. Far from it. He actually wants you, if you’re a Christian, to show the world how to be and stay positive in times like this.

Because…

If for no other reason, you know you’re truly blessed.
And you know you’ll live forever in the place that’s the best.
You know this world can never beat your spirit down for good.
So now you’ll give up worry, or at least you’ll know you should.

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A higher power with no on/off switch

When I was 22, I was still ridiculously naive. I believed Americans were all on the same side. Old people never did bad things. Pretty girls were all saving themselves for marriage. Yes. I believed those things. And I assumed most anybody would know I was talking about God when I wrote “higher power” in a song. Boy, was I wrong. And like I said, naive.

Fast forward a couple of decades and you’ll find a guy with a lot of naive notions dashed against the rocks. It was a good AND bad thing. Good because I had grown, matured, and discovered much more truth. Bad because my world wasn’t rosy anymore. Nor would it ever be again. And yet, that’s as it should be. I’m sure you have some sort of similar story you could share. Right? Where your hopes, dreams, and aspirations were crushed by reality? What do you do when that happens? Well, I can tell you what you don’t do…give up hoping for better things. They’re coming…for some.

The higher power that will save the world is coming.

That’s not a headline from a movie trailer. And I’m sure it’ll make unbelievers snicker and give them the urge to poke fun…all in the name of tolerance and celebration of diversity, of course. The Higher Power I’m talking about is the Creator of heaven and earth and the rest of the universe. I hope you’re not offended if I go ahead and mention His name. Jesus.

Going back to when I was 22…I wrote a song about about worry and not worrying. I’m gonna share the lyrics below, and I want you to see if you find yourself in either part…the worry, or not worrying. If you worry, do you understand why? And if you don’t worry, do you understand why not? Either way you choose to position yourself, there’s only one reason you’re even able to ponder the question. Because you were created with a brain in the first place. Any questions? Here are the lyrics to help you ponder…

The Power

If I sat down, and I took the time
To correct the lines and absorb them all,
I would sit in place for so long
That the hourglass would surely rust and fall.
But there is no need for me to worry.
I don’t need to see. And I don’t need to feel.
I might expect a change here and there,
But surely you must see,
Or at least you can feel
The power is higher and all we have to do is close our eyes.

If I stood still, and I counted days
And made up ways to collect them all.
I would never move
‘Cause there are no ways
I can save them all and take the time.
But there is no need for me to worry…

‘Cause the power is higher and all we have to do is close our eyes.

© 1977-2017 Tony Funderburk

If this landed somewhere good with you, let’s stay connected. It’s super easy. Here’s how:

Get Tony’s Rhyme and Reason Daily Devotionaldelivered to your inbox for free.

It’s good stuff based on the power of God’s love. And, to show my sincere appreciation for your time and attention, I’ll send you download links to music and The Very First 6 Days (a rhyming book for kids about the creation week) right away. Kids from 3 to 103 can enjoy these fun goodies. Just add your email to the form and let’s connect right away.

Daily Devotional

Stay tuned,

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Tony Funderburk Posted on by

You know what I say? I say, if you’re gonna daydream, daydream in blue. There’s more room for daydreamers in the color of blue because there’s more blue around the planet than any other color. I mean…have you ever seen Earth in any of those pictures taken from satellites? Everyone talks about being green. Forget that. I say blue all the way…

Daydream In Blue

Sitting there minding your own business
And a cloud whispers in your ear,
“Hey, why are you readin’ that ol’ schoolbook?
There’s a daydream waitin’ up here.”

Well, you look up from your ol’ schoolbook
And the cloud smiles and says to you,
“Get up out of that boring ol’ brown chair.
Float up here and daydream in blue.”

“I can’t float,” you say to the grey cloud,
I’m a kid…not a cloud like you.
And as much as I’d love to go flying…
It’s not something a real kid can do.”

The cloud laughs and spits out some raindrops
Two big ones plop down in your eyes.
Then all of a sudden you float up…
And soar through the beautiful skies.

You can’t believe how blue the blue is
Through the sky, on earth, and the sea.
It looks like a giant, blue marble…
The shooter of this galaxy.

From behind you can hear the cloud laugh.
“Look at you,” he says, passing by.
“What’s so funny?” you ask with a grin.
“Well, look…you’re up here in the sky.

“You said that you just couldn’t do it.
You said that no real kids could fly.
And yet here you are floating through it…
The beautiful cornflower sky.”

You have to admit that the cloud’s right.
It’s not someone else, this is you
Who’s floating through all of the heavens.
It must be that daydream in blue.

And then you begin to remember
There’s still so much work you must do.
Don’t worry, don’t fret, you can come back…
Come back to your daydream in blue.

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