Tag Archives: truth and love

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Who cares if you sing truth to a kid? Especially if it’s a very young kid. Because they’re not even gonna know or care if it’s true or not anyway right? They’ll just trust you. Or whatever grown up is in charge.

Bingo! That right there is why you should sing truth to a kid.

Well, at least if singing to, and with, a kid is part of your approach to spending quality time together. But if it’s not, then you can at least talk truth to a kid. Because, no matter, what truth matters. Or maybe I should say THE truth matters.

And here’s the main reason why I say that.

Because THE truth makes them free and gives them hope. But you know what doesn’t do any of that? Being taught that we all just got here by chance. That we all just crawled out of the ocean and started our happy journey toward turning into human beings. That’s right boys and girls. You used to be slime. Then you were a fish. Then you were a monkey. And finally, you were a brilliant human. And everyone lived happily ever after.

The trouble with all that stinkin’ thinkin’ is that it teaches kids to believe they’re just another animal. And you know how animals are. Whatever they feel like doing they do. Including having sex right out in the open. Going to the bathroom wherever they feel like it. And even eating other animals alive.

So I made it a mission of mine to sing truth to kids (from 3 to 103).

Because I want everybody to have hope. It’s good to know that you were made in the image and likeness of God. And it’s mighty nice to realize there’s a paradise waiting for you when your time here on earth is over.

Who knows? Maybe if most people knew that, there wouldn’t be so many dark, apocalyptic movies. Maybe there would be a lot more happy ending movies and TV shows. And maybe, now this is a big maybe, positive respectful language could be the norm. And most F-bombs and other filthy talk would just fade away.

I remember, from several years ago, a couple of people we know using foul language around their kids. And Elgielene asked them why they did that. And the mom said “They’re gonna learn it somewhere.”

That’s probably true. But it doesn’t mean they have to learn it in at home. And certainly not from their own parents. Yeesh

I’d rather help little kids grow up, knowing the one true, living, loving creator of the universe will never leave them nor forsake them. And help them have the hope of a glorious, perfect eternal life. So I write that message. And I sing that message. And I share that message just about every chance I get.

Like I did in this lullaby from my Bedtime Buckaroos  lullaby songs collection:

Music Pajamas

It’s time…to let the daylight fly
Away, but we don’t have to cry
Because…another day will dawn real soon.
So smile…and say a sweet goodnight.
They won’t, if you’ll just slip into this tune.

And wear your music pajamas.
And sing the songs of your mamas
Because they gave you a life of your own.
Through all the cartoons and dramas…
Through all the triumphs and traumas…
Slip on your music pajamas,
And know that God is on His throne.
And you’re never all alone. 

Night winds…float down from falling stars.
Lights blink…from Jupiter and Mars.
They bounce…across the water on the grass.
Inside…you’re in a soft cocoon
Of down…the color of the moon.
Dreams come…when you just let the sandman pass.

Chorus

© 2011 Tony Funderburk

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Tony Funderburk Posted on by

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Do these sound like masculine traits? Decisiveness, assertiveness, and confidence? I think they certainly SHOULD sound like masculine traits. And I believe those traits can be instilled into boys in ways that help them develop leadership skills.

Let me ask you this? Do you think that’s happening in America these days? I don’t. At least not as a rule. Only as the exception. The general rule has turned to females in charge of little boys. And a majority of those little boys have turned into pasty-faced, video-playing mama’s boys who act way too feminine.

And that brings me back to why a boy needs to develop leadership skills?

Well, here’s some reasoning I read in a bullet list somewhere online. It said, “Boys who are taught to lead with integrity and respect can become leaders in their communities, workplaces, and families, promoting positive change and setting examples for others.”

Yeah, OK. Nothing particularly wrong about that. But it uses two overused clichés. “Promoting positive change.” And “setting examples for others.”

And I exiled those two phrases to cliché status because they don’t actually say anything. For example, what one person might call “positive change” another person might say is too crazy to even consider. And what kinds of examples should be set for others? Who gets to determine what they should be?

I’ll tell you who, here in the FunderSphere, gets to say what positive change is and what kinds of examples should be set. Mister Tony. That’s who. Uh-oh. Did I just put myself in charge of what’s right and wrong? You bet I did. But before you go ballistic, berserk, and bonkers on me for doing something so unthinkable, let me use some of my hard-earned leadership skills and ‘splain it just a step or two further.

Because no one is good but God.

And since that includes me, I look for real truth. I found real Truth when I was only 13. And every time I’ve zig-zagged away from that Truth, I knew it was me who moved. Not Truth.

So, when I want to share actual, man-building truth with kids (at least the male kids), I go to the Manufacturer’s manual. And I look for the solid answers there that are always right. Always on target. And always based in God’s love for anyone who loves Him.

Then, I take those answers I find, in the manual, and I convert them into easy-to-understand nuggets of knowledge and insert them into Christian books for kids, rhymes, songs, and videos.

Here’s a short, to-the-point example:

There’s a life inside of you, and it comes from God,
And He wants you to live and to always enjoy
And remember He made you the person you are,
Yes, a girl is girl and a boy is a boy.

And that ain’t never gonna change no matter how much haters try to change it.

Now, take a second and join the growing body of believers who’ve already signed up for the Tony’s Rhyme and Reason Daily Devotional. And, to show my sincere appreciation for your time and attention, I’ll send you download links to 2 of my books and 2 songs, right away, that grownups AND kids can enjoy. Then, I’ll do my best to encourage you to sing a new song with the power of God’s love.

Stay tuned,

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Tony Funderburk Posted on by

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This comes from back in the days of knights and lords and ladies. Apparently it was customary for a knight to wear the name of a certain lady during a tournament. And it was typically the lady he loved…or would compete to impress. In other words, he was laying it all out in the open. These days, when you wear your heart on your sleeve, you’re probably revealing your innermost thoughts.

So, you don’t have to literally wear your heart on your sleeve like knights did.

In fact, you have lots of options for revealing your thoughts and laying it all out there. You’re reading an example right now. Yeah, each time I write an article here on TonyFunderburk.com I wear my heart on my sleeve. At least a little.

Not to impress the lords and ladies. But to hopefully shed and share a little light of truth, some music, and logic and reason.

But to borrow a line from a Kim Carnes song, “That’s where the trouble starts.”

Because one man’s truth, logic, and reason is another man’s hate speech. And that happens so often because truth is hate to those who hate the truth.

I’m not a fan of labeling humans according to paint colors. In fact, even though it’s probably a losing battle, I’m against the human color codes. I’ve written about it before. Red, yellow, black, and white are not skin colors. They’re paints. Or crayons. But most certainly not skin colors.

And I get it. Those colors are so ingrained in our minds now, it’s difficult to think of describing other people without using the RYBW scale. But it’s worth the effort to re-train your brain.

Otherwise you’ll end up saying silly stuff like “black lives matter.” And that could become such a thorn in somebody’s side that they’ll end up feeling the need to say “It’s OK to be white.”

And claws and fangs will pop out everywhere.

Of course “black” lives matter. And of course it’s OK to be “white.” But that’s because all human lives matter. And there are many shades of skin colors. One is not better or worse than the next.

But evidently humans just can’t go five minutes without picking a fight. Actually, that’s probably being generous. Humans can’t seem to go five seconds without picking a fight. Or having to deal with somebody else who’s picking one.

And so we end up with this kind of world: “unrighteousness, sexual immorality, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, evil-mindedness; they are whisperers, backbiters, haters of God, violent, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, undiscerning, untrustworthy, unloving, unforgiving, unmerciful…”

If you’re paying attention, you see this in living color. All around the world. And especially right here in the good ol’ U. S. of A.

There IS a cure.

But it requires people of all skin shades to do something most of them seem completely unwilling to do.

Love.

But not hypocritical love. You see that kind everywhere in people who claim to love, accept, and tolerate everyone. But their love turns to vitriolic hate when someone dares to claim there is only one God. And one absolute Truth. And one Way to Heaven. Those claims will NOT be loved, accepted, or tolerated.

But just because people will hate you for standing firm on God’s word doesn’t mean you don’t do it. Remember, Jesus said “If the world hates you, remember that it hated me before it hated you.”

So, you’re in the best company even in the worst of times. And, as for me…

I plan to wear my heart on my sleeve
And share the reasons for what I believe.
And I’ll be sharing as long as I live
Because God’s love is the best gift to give.

Stay tuned,

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Opinions count. Not all of them, of course. But the ones that are tantamount to truth…those count. And, sadly, there are fewer and fewer of those kinds. Because there’s an assault on truth the likes of which America has never seen before. And people who are in rebellion against God attempt to blur facts and figures as often as they stir the synthetic cream into their coffee.

But Truth will not be blurred or squelched forever.

Because opinions count, for good, when they line up with Truth.

And I’m talking about the Truth that has always been. And always will be. The only Truth that will set you free. The Truth that blots out false knowledge and provides eternal life. Everything else is just idle babblings and contradictions. And those are just small-minded opinions. And…

Everybody’s Got One

Jesse says he wants equality; says we’ve got goals to reach.
Jimmy’s war is with iniquity; says he’s got souls to teach.
Norma claims that it’s her right to make her own decision.
Nancy wildly disagrees; they’re on a one-way collision.
Every time you know you’re right
Your opinion’s like a stick of dynamite 
And everybody’s got one!

Danny says he wants respect; says he’s got a job to do.
But David jabs and pokes his fun; just the same as me and you.
Pat declares we all should pay to clean up our environment.
And Joan believes it’s federal; so leave it to the government.
Every time you know you’re right
Your opinion’s like a stick of dynamite
And everybody’s got one…everybody’s got one.

Everybody’s got one
Sometimes it’s right, but sometimes we put it in the wrong place.
Everybody’s got one
Sometimes we should hold back,
And those times we end up with egg on our face.
It’s our right, but we’re not always right…not always right,
But everybody’s got one.

Scott insists that we evolved; that Darwin proved it years ago.
But Tony’s faith is with his God; the Holy Spirit tells him so.
And Sue defends the life she leads; calls herself a working girl.
But Kathy says she sold her soul, and that’s the problem with the world.

Every time you know you’re right,
Your opinion’s like a stick of dynamite
And everybody’s got one…everybody’s got one

Chorus…inst…chorus to end

© 1989 Tony Funderburk

Stay tuned,

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Once upon a time, many years ago, a little boy, named Adolph, dreamed of one day becoming a great leader. And then, one day, he actually DID become a leader. But instead of leading his people with truth and love, he chose lies and deceit. In fact, he told some of the biggest lies the world has ever known. And, sadly, his people believed him and helped him destroy millions of lives. ~The End  

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Lies and deceit are terrorizing tools in the wrong hands.

And of course I’m sure you recognize the character in my thinly disguised fairy tale. Adolph Hitler.

During World War II there was a psychological profile report, on Hitler, prepared by the United States Office of Strategic Services. And the report said this about him…

“His primary rules were: never allow the public to cool off; never admit a fault or wrong; never concede that there may be some good in your enemy; never leave room for alternatives; never accept blame; concentrate on one enemy at a time and blame him for everything that goes wrong; people will believe a big lie sooner than a little one; and if you repeat it frequently enough people will sooner or later believe it.”

Wow. Thank goodness we don’t see anything like that in our American political system. Right?

Yeah, I’m being a wee bit facetious. Because, obviously, those same tactics are used all the time in our political system. Instead of clear focus on solutions, it appears to be more productive to focus on the defamation of your opponent’s character these days.

And this happens on the Right AND Left.

But the Big Lie strategy is the only tool of the Left right now. And they definitely “never allow the public to cool off.” And they also definitely “concentrate on one enemy at a time and blame him for everything that goes wrong.”

I’m not a Trump fan. And I wish he’d truly become a Christian because he’s at least a patriot who still wants Americans to be free. But even with all the flaws in his character, I can guarantee that the humongous problems America faces don’t exist because of his short time in office.

No, America’s humongous problems exist (and won’t go away any time soon) because we continue to follow a broken system. And it’s a system that will continue getting worse. Unless enough people who love God will say, “Enough already!”

Considering how generations have now grown up in this broken system, it’s hard to be optimistic about that happening. But because I believe in the one, true, living, loving God of all creation, my hope never dies.

So, today I hope the Truth will set you free
From the consequences of deceitful lies.
And I hope your heart is lifted lovingly
On the wings of eagles through the bluest skies.

Stay tuned,

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Maybe you should do something different today

There’s a huge reason why the world is in such a mess today. And it’s been in this mess for just about as long as humans have existed.  Which is from the first week the planet was created, by the way. But that’s another (but essential) story. And this whole mess could be cleaned up and swept away if everybody would do something different. Just this one thing.

Do something different today and take life another way

Trouble is…most people absolutely refuse to do this one something different.

And it’s weird. Because it’s free. And I’m not talking about the fake free, like government free or buy one get one free. I mean actual free. Plus, the interest compounds immediately. And the rewards and savings add up forever.

I believe, if I asked 10 people, face to face, if they’d do this one thing, 9 out of 10 would say yes. But I also believe 8 out of those 9 wouldn’t really do it. Oh sure, they might make a superficial showing of it. But they’ll probably never get to the heart of it. Because most people don’t know how.

Instead, most people choose what they think is the easy road. Because their motives are selfish. And selfishness is the diabolical arch nemesis of this one different thing. So, selfish people actually become pawns for the villain.

But one decision, by mankind, could change the whole world.

One simple act of will. And one tiny tweak of mindset.

Once the mind changes, and the will is set in a different direction, the body will follow. And hearts will change, metaphorically, in ways only a few people dream of right now.

I’m one of those dreamers who’d love to change hearts
‘Cause I know that’s where change in this old world starts.
But what could change hearts? Do I push? Do I shove?
No. I know you’ll guess, it can only be love.

Stay tuned,

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One thing I do…

Social media is so anti-social. Because many (if not most) people spending a lot of time there are clueless about how conversation works. Interaction. Exchanges of ideas. So, one thing I do, when I’m on social media, is keep my mind focused on truth. And yes, there IS truth. Even universal truth. But only for those who don’t hate the truth.  

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One thing I do 'cause I know it's true

Here’s another example of one thing I do.

This was written by a man who had to endure a lot to share the message of truth with you and me. The apostle Paul  wrote this to new Christians in Philippi.

“Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

Therefore let us, as many as are mature, have this mind; and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal even this to you. Nevertheless, to the degree that we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us be of the same mind.”

I’ll leave you with a couple of key points about Paul’s writings.

He’s pointing out how we’re not perfect. And we’re not expected to be. But we should leave our imperfections behind. And keep moving forward toward perfection which is only found in “God in Christ Jesus.” Also, remember, when Paul says “let us be of the same mind,” he’s only talking to AND about believers.

The rest of the world might hate you
‘Cause they hate the One who made you.
But keep seeking more Word and keep moving forward.
Let God’s loving Truth persuade you.

Stay tuned,

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