Tag Archives: healthy lifestyle

Tony Funderburk Posted on by

You might call it marshmallow delight. Or maybe you call it ambrosia salad. And maybe your family even came up with another name for it. But I remember having it as a kid. And it was Dee. Lite. Full.

So, I’m goin’ with marshmallow delight.

My stepmom used to make a very delicious batch of it at Christmas time or Thanksgiving. And she added pecans to hers, which made everything better. Because nuts do that. And that was just one of the tasty treats we could look forward to each year.

No, I’m not gonna start sharing recipes. So no need to worry about me turning into some foo foo dessert chef or something. I just started thinking about marshmallow delight after reading about the benefits you can enjoy from the lovely marshmallow plants. Check out this info:

When most people hear marshmallow, they tend to picture the white fluffy treat commonly roasted over a campfire. Traditionally these were made from the root of the marshmallow plant, a powerful medicinal herb that you’ll want to grow yourself at home. Its leaves and root are antibacterial. And most importantly, they contain a sap-like substance called mucilage. 

As the marshmallow mucilage goes down through your digestive tract, it will coat your stomach, intestines, and colon with an additional protective layer, soothing inflammation it finds along the way. That’s why this tea also helps people with stomach ulcers and digestive disorders, such as heartburn, indigestion, constipation, irritable bowel syndrome, or Chron’s disease.

That’s Nicole Apelian again. She’s the Ph.D in Cultural Anthropology I’ve been talking about lately. In case you missed the little background blurb I shared, here’s more about her:

She’s also a biologist, anthropologist, herbalist, and wilderness survival instructor best known for her appearances on the History Channel’s TV show “Alone.” And she was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 2000. That’s when she utilized her scientific background and indigenous knowledge to heal herself holistically. And then she launched her own health, wellness, and education platform.

That’s where I found her Medicinal Seed Kit to help you grow a natural pharmacy in your own backyard.

And she shared some more information about the marshmallow plant. She said you can use it as a quick backyard remedy. Like this:

Pull out a few marshmallow roots, wash off the dirt, and add them to a glass jar or cup. Cover with ice-cold water and let the mucilage extract for a few hours. Drink for a soothing and restorative effect all along your digestive tract, from mouth to colon.

And if you like butterflies, check this out. She said…

Painted lady butterflies are attracted to it, and native pollinators cover its blossoms all summer long.

And then there are these benefits:

  • Cold Root Infusion for Heartburn and Reflux,
  • Stomach Tea,
  • Marshmallow Poultice for Skin Repair,
  • Decoction for Stubborn Coughs,
  • Throat Syrup,
  • Marshmallow Salve

I wish I had my own backyard, and the physical dexterity to get a garden going right now. Because we’re going through a rainy time. And I bet the plants would flourish in the current conditions.

If you have some space in your backyard or front yard, and you would like to wean yourself off some of the western medicine options, get yourself the Medicinal Seed Kit. I think the price is agreeable with just about anybody’s budget. And if you’re into natural alternatives from God’s green earth, here you go.

Stay tuned,

Tony Funderburk

Tony Funderburk Posted on by

I never met a honey bee I didn’t like. And, maybe it’s just my imagination (because I have a powerful imagination), but I think they like me, too.

Because every honey bee I see smiles at me.

Now, I gotta tell ya. It takes a special way of squinting your eyes in order to be able to see a honey bee smile. But I’ve been working on my squint since I was a very young boy. And, at the risk of sounding braggy, I’m probably the best honey bee smile-finding squinter in the world.

Maybe that’s because I’ve always enjoyed honey. On, and in, all kinds of good stuff. I put honey on walnuts and blueberries and heavy cream. I put it in my coffee with butter and coconut oil. And, back when I still ate peanut butter, I added honey to my sandwich instead of jelly. Mm, mm, more gooder.

And I enjoyed the amber goodness before I ever found out how the honey you find close to where you live is a natural antibiotic. Isn’t that cool? It’s also a tasty way to help you fight off germs inside your body. Bet you can’t find any jellies that can do that for you.

So, you see, those little bees are watching out for you. They just think they’re gathering nectar for their hives. And maybe that’s why they buzz by me with tiny smiles on their bee faces. Hmm, maybe they understand how they were designed to help us humans have a better, longer life. I can’t prove that’s true. But it wouldn’t surprise me if it is.

OK, Spring is almost here. And that means you’ll start seeing honey bees gathering nectar from flowers. So, if you see one of ‘em buzzing around you, don’t be scared. Just work on your bee smile-finding squint. And when you get good at it, give the fuzzy little bee a wink. Then, go in the house and ask your mom for some…

Peanut Butter And Honey

Peanut butter and honey
Sittin’ on a slice of bread.
Peanut butter said “Honey…
You and me should wed.
We should be together
And nevermore be apart.
Honey, I really mean it,
And this comes from my heart.”
Honey said “Peanut butter,
We don’t need to get wed.
I’m just a natural sweetener.
You’re just a sandwich spread.
Let’s just stick together
Through every crunch and munch.
They’ll have us back on Tuesday.
The kids love us for lunch.  © 2013

I say this all the time because it’s true: Your email address is all it takes to get encouraging, regular issues of my Tony’s Rhyme and Reason Daily Devotional. It comes directly to your inbox so you spend your valuable time reading instead of searching. And, to show my sincere appreciation for your time and attention, I’ll send you download links to 2 of my Christian books for kids and 2 songs, right away, that grownups AND kids can enjoy.

Stay tuned,

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Tony Funderburk Posted on by

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You can’t recycle away stupid. And today I’m gonna share a story you might’ve seen elsewhere. But it bears repeating. Because it shows the increased ignorance in younger people today. And it shows how, typically, the people who shout “don’t judge” the loudest are the most judgmental.

Anyway. Here’s the story I saw. Feel free to recycle away.

A young cashier told an older woman that she should bring her grocery bags because plastic bags weren’t good for the environment.

The  woman apologized to him, “We didn’t have this green thing back in my day.” 

The young clerk said, “Your generation didn’t care enough to save our environment for future generations.”

So, the woman gave him a firm stare and a hard grin and said, “Back then, we returned milk bottles, soda bottles, and beer bottles. And the store sent them back to the plant to be washed sterilized and refilled. That way they could use the same bottles over. Then, they were recycled.

Grocery stores bagged our groceries in brown paper bags. And we reused them for numerous things. We walked upstairs because we didn’t have an escalator in every store and office building. And we walked to the grocery store. Plus, we didn’t climb into a 300-horsepower  machine every time we had to go two blocks. 

Back then, we washed the baby’s diapers. Because we didn’t have the throwaway kind. We dried clothes on a line in the sunshine. Not in an energy-gobbling machine burning up 220 volts. So, wind and solar power did dry our clothes back in our day. Kids got hand-me-down clothes from their brothers or sisters. Not always brand-new clothing. 

And back then, we had one TV, or radio, in the house.

Not a TV in every room.  By the way, the TV had a small screen the size of a handkerchief. And not a screen the size of the state of Montana. In the kitchen, we blended and stirred by hand. Because we didn’t have electric machines to do everything for us.

When we packaged a fragile item to send in the mail, we used wadded-up old newspapers to cushion it. And not styrofoam or plastic bubble wrap.

Back then, we didn’t fire up an engine and burn gasoline just to cut the lawn. We used a push mower that ran on human power. And we exercised by working. So, we didn’t need to go to a health club to run on treadmills that operate on electricity. 

We drank from a fountain when we were thirsty instead of using a cup or a plastic bottle every time we had a drink of water. And we refilled writing pens with ink instead of buying a new pen. We also replaced the razor blades with a razor instead of throwing away the whole razor just because the blade got dull. 

Back then, people took a bus.

And kids rode their bikes instead of turning their moms into a 24-hour taxi service. Usually, we had one electrical outlet in a room. Not an entire bank of sockets to power a dozen appliances. And we didn’t need a computerized gadget to receive a signal beamed from satellites 23,000 miles in space to find the nearest burger joint.

But the current generation laments how wasteful we old folks were just because we didn’t have “the green thing.”

The cashier stood there still and quiet as the old lady found her wallet to pay. Then lady turned to leave but stepped back and turned toward the cashier.  She said “You have a world of knowledge in that little device in your hand. Pity you just use it to gossip, take pictures, and waste time. It would do you good to search a bit of history before you embarrass yourself like this again.

I think that’s a slam-dunk. How about you? Did your family recycle away. Or were you part of the use-it-up-and-get-a-new-one group? In my parents’ and grandparents’ house, it was pretty much as the older woman described.

By the way, I’m gonna recycle away my recommendation that you head to this link to subscribe to Tony’s Rhyme and Reason Daily Devotional. Make me send you some complimentary (and downright hospitable) stuff.

Stay tuned,

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Tony Funderburk Posted on by

Life can feel so dark and dreary when you’re focused on self all the time. And it’s so easy to focus on self when you live alone. And it’s so easy to end up alone when you’re not willing to work through the tough times, in relationships, and rely on the light of God’s word to help you. But when you DO trust God to help, you can avoid the dark and dreary. Because you’ll be a spark.

And that advice hits close to home. Because my mom has spent the last 30 (or more) years of her life on her own. And the last 20 years have been increasingly lonely for her. To the point where her loneliness would enter almost every phone conversation we’ve had the last couple of years.

Now, it appears Mom is in the last months or weeks or days of her life. Fortunately my sister has taken Mom into her small home and is watching over her. Because, these days, if you put a loved one into a facility of some sort (hospice, nursing home, etc.), good luck even getting to see them again before they die. I’ve read stories and watched videos of families not getting to be with their dying loved ones.

But…back to the point…

I believe Mom could have avoided the dark and dreary loneliness by sharing God’s love with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Because it’s amazing how helping others helps you overcome so much in your own life.

And, of course, that’s not accidental.

God made you and me to be relational. And going against that design is the recipe for loneliness.

But sharing God’s love and His word helps you store up your treasures in Heaven and…

Avoid the Void

You say you live in a house that has no soul
You feel your time has come and gone
And so you begin to plan for the end
And you hope that it’s better farther on

You say your friends have gone their separate ways
And that they no longer know you exist
Their progress was fine, but it never came to you
Your watch is a handcuff on your wrist

No, you can’t avoid the void
The darkness wraps around your heart like a glove
You can’t avoid the void
Without God’s Love

You sit and wait for the phone that never rings
Then play your records from the past
You did find some who shared romantic hopes
But you never found love that would last

So tell me what’s it gonna be
Are you gonna give up”
Or let Jesus in”
And begin to live again?

© 1992 Tony Funderburk

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You and I live in an atmosphere full of germs. And it’s been that way on good ol’ planet Earth for your whole life. Doesn’t matter how old you are. Bacteria, viruses, and all their little germ cousins are everywhere. And here’s a real kicker. They’re even setting up homes in your mask of death.

“Whoa, mask of death?! That sounds like a conspiracy theory.”

If that’s your reaction, you’re right. It does sound like that. Unless you do a little deeper dive into the research and stats. Because that’s when you’ll find vitally important facts and figures. And even visual aids like this…

In addition to visual proof how masks are detrimental to health, how about astronauts? Wouldn’t you agree they have to be in better shape than the average Joe Schmoe? Because they have to endure above-and-beyond physical challenges. Plus, they have to do most of it with a mask (helmet) on. So, it’s a good idea to know what sort of potential side effects the extra exposure to CO2. Right?

Well, it turns out, NASA discovered carbon dioxide has serious negative effects on astronauts at much lower levels than they expected. Their studies showed that “the shocking result that CO2 has a direct and negative impact on human cognition and decision-making in the 900 to 1000 ppm range and very possibly at lower levels. These are levels most Americans and their children are routinely exposed to today inside classrooms, offices, homes, planes, and cars”

And that’s even while they’re not wearing a mask.

Plus, in October 2015 Harvard shared a warning with NASA. Their studies showed some troubling negative effects of just doubling CO2. And astronauts are exposed to triple and even quadruple those amounts.

Just last October (2020) the journal of Aerosol and Air Quality Research (AAQR) reported that masks raise carbon dioxide levels by as much as 600%. From about 500 ppm (parts per million) to about 3000 ppm. And that can bring on symptoms such as “fatigue, headache, and loss of concentration.”

So, it’s no wonder parents are seeing their kids’ emotions and will to live spiral downward.

You and I were created to be relational. By a living, loving, relational God who designed us with amazing abilities.

For example, you breathe in oxygen and exhale carbon dioxide. And by coincidence (NOT) plant life takes in carbon dioxide and expels oxygen.

So, if you truly care about “mother earth” (my focus is on Father God instead), then don’t deny your favorite plants their precious carbon dioxide. And don’t deny yourself the ability to provide it for them while you benefit from increased oxygen intake. Take off that mask of death.

As Dr. Noel, the guy in the video, says,

“There is nothing any of these masks do to protect you from me. Aerosols will not be stopped by man.”

And as my good friend, Greg Perry, says, “It’s just good science.”

So, I hope you’ll see that tyranny
Will flourish when you say,
“These troubles don’t apply to me.
So, let me live my way.”

Here’s a quote from WeArePaulRevere.net – “If everyone disobeys, the shutdowns will be over. We are MILLIONS strong. They can’t stop us all.”

Stay tuned,

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I’ve always believed it’s a good idea to be nice to nurses. And doctors and other medical practitioners. Because they have to see and deal with a lot of the ugly side of life. And death.  

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But especially be nice to nurses.

Just imagine having the job of caring for people who moan and groan. And complain and gripe. Sometimes it’s an 8 hour day. But other times the work days can be much longer.

And nursing is a job that includes recording medical history and symptoms. Nurses also have to collaborate with a team to come up with a patient care plan. Plus, they speak up for patients who have a hard time expressing their issues to doctors.

Then, they have to keep an eye on patients’ progress. And record any changes. Oh yeah, can’t forget how nurses have to manage meds and treatments. And operate medical equipment.

They even have to run diagnostic tests. And explain to patients what they’ll need to do to manage illness and get better. And that includes knowing how to support and advise.

So, you can see why it’s important to be nice. Right?

But here’s another point of equal importance.

Nurses need to be nice to patients.

Because, in spite of what you see and deal with all day, each patient is dealing with a unique set of circumstances. You don’t know what pain they might be experiencing that won’t register on any of your medical equipment.

And each person you tend to is another opportunity to show how much you love your neighbor as yourself. In other words, if you wouldn’t want something done to you, don’t do it to others.

The reason I bring it up is because my mom just experienced what appears to have been a stroke incident. And she’s currently in the hospital near her home in Kansas.

But my mom doesn’t tend to follow my be nice advice.

In fact, she can be a little hard-headed when it comes to doctors and nurses and hospitals. And since this stroke incident didn’t appear to cause any serious visible problems, she still has plenty of “attitude” about being at the mercy of her health providers.

And when I say “a little hard-headed,” I’m practicing my understatement skills.

So, when I call to check in on her, I hear a lot of less than flattering talk about her jailers. And a lot of “I gotta get outta here” talk.

Plus, knowing that her family can’t even come inside to visit her adds insult to injury. And, on that part of it, I’m in total agreement.

But it’s not the nurses’ fault. Or the doctors’. But it will be at least partially their fault if they allow this “pandemic” to become the so-called “new norm” with no regard for mounting evidence. If they don’t start standing up for liberty and truth, then they’re part of the problem.

And then it’s time to not be so nice.

And then, mom will be ahead of the curve.

Be nice…be nice…
Be willing to pay the price
Be nice…be nice…
It’s really not so hard to just be nice.

(from “Be Nice” music for kids)

Stay tuned,

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Disappointment and expectations

It’s weird how often disappointment and expectations are connected to each other. And I’m sure I don’t have to tell you (although I’m about to tell you) that it’s because people tend to base decisions on feelings. And not logic and reason. Now, I can see how tempting it is to go with feelings. Because we should feel. Especially when it comes to fellow human beings. But life is about so much more.

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Disappointment and expectations seem to be real close relations

I’ve had my own disappointment and expectations this past week.

And they’re all connected to feelings. But not emotional feelings. In this case, it’s how I’ve had to deal with some setbacks, I didn’t expect, after the sinus surgery a few weeks ago.

During the first 10 days after the surgery I felt like everything was improving daily. And then it all sort of leveled off. And in the past week, I’ve dealt with what feels like some setbacks. I haven’t improved. In fact, it feels like I’ve gone backwards quite a bit. But I know (because logic and reason tell me so) that healing and “normal” don’t just happen in a few days. But I’d be lying if I told you I don’t wish they would.

Anyway…

The reason I’m sharing this with you is not for any poor, poor pitiful me stuff. It’s just to let you know how life’s disappointments don’t have to define you. And they happen even to people, like me, who are always writing and singing about faith, hope, and love.

Plus…

It’s extremely important to remember how none of your life’s challenges were caused by some predetermined plan from God. Far from it. In fact, God wants each and every person on the planet to have perfect health. But sin keeps that from happening. But guess what?

Sin won’t win
When you let Jesus in.

Stay tuned,

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

My books are also on Amazon.com or Apple Books

Grab yourself a cool tee

Or how about some music for kids