Category Archives: current events

Tony Funderburk Posted on by

Do you hope inside your heart that there’ll be better times ahead? And maybe, despite that hope you still have a foreboding sense of dread. I’d say those are both legitimate perspectives. And I’d also say you could legitimately feel both ways at the same time.

Because hope inside doesn’t manifest destiny.

Yeah, the reality is you’re still a human being. So you (and I) can’t create or manifest any kind of destiny with just the power of hope inside. Sounds interesting if you’re writing a comic book. But in real life? Not so much.

And that’s why I’ve always found it interesting to see and hear almost all political slogans, speeches, and sound bytes based on sentiment. Actions always trump (sorry, couldn’t help myself) feelings. And the actions politicians take rarely live up to the feelings they conveyed as candidates.

But when no one’s feet are “held to the fire,” what would ever motivate them to change?

Nothing.

So, here we are again. One week before America finds out if, as Kamala says, “we’re not going back” or if, as Donald says, we’ll “make America great again.”

I predict that if Harris is elected, we WILL go back. To more of the same destructive policies the current administration endorses. The policies that WILL lead to the final nail in the coffin for America. And I predict that if Trump is elected, America will still NOT be great again. Because his definition of greatness is based on pocketbooks. Not principles.

And just to be clear, I hope, inside and out, that I’m wrong either way.

So, that’s my political prognostication for now. But keep in mind, I’m no prophet. Just a guy with predictions based on God’s word about human nature. So, if I’m wrong, keep your stones to yourself.

Is there a day you go back to when you think of better times?
Or do you think that day is somewhere up ahead?
But either way it’s a day when all your cares will melt away,
And then your life will be fulfilling dreams instead.

Well, let me say, I’m for living with that hope inside your heart.
I do believe in looking for a better way.
But cares won’t go until you know your Creator loves you so.
That’s how the better times you need begin today. © 2020

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Tony Funderburk Posted on by

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Your government’s budget (and every other part) is NOT operating on or in a just and wise system. And if you ran your household like politicians run this country, you’d be a dead duck already.

Dead duck. That’s kind of a weird thing to say when you think about it.

I read, somewhere, that Andrew Jackson first used the expression, dead duck, in the 1840’s to describe a political opponent. And I don’t know if that’s true. But, based on other things I’ve read about that former president, it sounds plausible.

Anyway…

Yeah, your household couldn’t, and wouldn’t survive, the kind of deficits your country has. Here’s something I wrote, years ago, about how reasonable taxation could help you be more creative.

~ If we took enough from every taxpayer (say about 5%) and spent it on only those things that benefit the country, we’d have beautiful bridges, smooth roads, and strong defense against all enemies. And lots more time for creative endeavors and innovations. ~

Can you imagine how much nicer (and budget friendly) it would be to drive on smooth roads all the time? And how much safer you’d be if all our bridges were maintained they way they should be? Not to mention (be here I go mentioning) how much safer we’d all be if our enemies knew they’d be a dead duck to try to stand up to our strength.

But THAT good ol’ USA went away.

A long time ago. It didn’t just happen in the last four years. Sure, the last four years have been some of the most disastrous in American history. But the system that got us here started over 100 years ago.

Years ago I described what we now have like this:

~ Instead we have a tax system that only the trained professionals and lawyers can understand. And it makes for “class” envy, fraud, and political skimming. Not to mention that our tax system has become a Robin Hood money laundering machine. Take from those who work hard and give to those who don’t or can’t or won’t. You can call it whatever you want. But if private citizens did that, it would be called stealing. Just because the government has made laws and given the tax system involved and caring (yeah, right) names doesn’t change the fact that it’s stealing. ~

It’s ironic how many “conservatives” and “republicans” declare how they’ll fight to be sure America never becomes a socialist nation. Ironic because we’ve been a socialist nation for a long time. And those same Americans say how much they despise the people who say “you’ll own nothing and like it.” But that’s where we ARE. You and I effectively own nothing.

And, from what I can see, most people seem to like it.

For the record, I hate it.

Sometimes this world brings my bad side out.
I get so mad I could scream.
I wonder why can’t we all be friends;
Live and let live and share the dream.
So much depending on tomorrow.”
Heaven only knows where tomorrow goes.
Why must we beg and steal and borrow?
It’s a temporary fix; an empty bag of tricks. © 1989

(from my song, Never Neverland)

Let’s get to know each other better and stay connected. Join the growing body of believers who signed up for the Tony’s Rhyme and Reason Daily Devotional. And receive daily, delightful dashes of salt and flashes of light from the power of God’s love.

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Tony Funderburk Posted on by

Love when you can, cry when you have to.
Be who you must, that’s a part of the plan.
Await your arrival with simple survival.
And one day we’ll all understand.
One day we’ll all understand.

Those are lyrics from Dan Fogelberg’s song, Part of the Plan.

I included several of Dan’s songs in my regular repertoire when I made my living as a musician. And he wrote some mighty fine music. So, those songs were almost always audience favorites.

And that chorus pops into my head just about every time someone talks about how everything is part of God’s plan. To quote popular (but silly) slang, that’s “so cringe.”

As you think about that, consider this. A headline that reads, Rejoice: Rapture Almost Here

Of course, the rapture is eventually part of the plan for “whoever believes” in Jesus. So, since it’s almost here, do you have your affairs in order? If so, that means you sold all your belongings, gave to the poor, and gathered together your women, children, and families. And you’re ready to go.

Now, are you looking up in anticipation? If not, you should be. Especially if you believe everything is part of God’s plan. Because the King James version of the Bible is mighty clear about it. I shared this information about 8 years ago. And it’s gotta be even more true now.

Here’s what I said then:

~ Check out this passage in Paul’s 1st letter to the Corinthians. In it he mentions the current Republican candidate for U.S. president by name. Paul says “at the last Trump” Christians will be caught up in the air in the twinkling of an eye. I can’t imagine there being another Trump of any significance in our history, so “the Donald” must surely be the last. I mean, c’mon, this is so blatantly obvious. Isn’t it? Can’t we all simply read between the lines and acknowledge what we’re being told? ~

Well, in case you hadn’t noticed, since Trump was denied his second term, he’s running again. And presidents don’t serve more than two terms. So, this has GOT to be the last Trump scenario. Right?

OK, I’m sure you caught my tongue-in-cheek editorial or Biblical exposition.

But I’m not just kidding around. Because too many Christians don’t seem to realize the potentially irreparable damage they do when they attribute everything to “God’s plan.”

Yes, the vast majority of what goes on in this world is part of the plan by the “ruler of this world.” But that ruler is NOT (currently) God. Jesus will be the ruler of this world. But He’s not right now. And THAT’S (to quote a Kim Carnes song) where the trouble lies.

So, whether we’re about to hear the “last Trump” or not, make it part of your plan to be ready.

My Dream

Thought I woke up one dark night
With yellow wings prepared for flight.
A sword of silver, polished steel
To keep me ready, keep me real.
I yelled to see who’d come with me
And celebrate sweet victory.
But no one heard my rising call.
|Guess I was not awake at all.
I’m losing the balance on this beam.
Will no one believe in my dream?

© 8/17/2000

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Tony Funderburk Posted on by

Miss El and I are certainly a couple of cornballs. Because we truly enjoy watching TV shows that started even before we were born. And that’s a long time ago. One of the shows we’ve been watching, on YouTube recently, is I’ve Got A secret.

I’ve Got A Secret is a gameshow where a panel has to guess the secret.

The host, Garry Moore, brings out a guest who whispers his secret to Garry. Then, Garry gives the celebrity panel a hint. And they get to ask the guest questions to gain information to help them guess. And oftentimes the questions are hilarious because of how they don’t fit the secret.

For a few episodes the word “indigenous” became a standing joke, with celebrity panelist Bill Cullen. Because the word popped up during the questioning of a particular guest. Then, Mr. Cullen would use it in a funny way at other times.

And, of course, I shared all that with you because yesterday was Columbus Day here in America. Oops! I mean indigenous peoples day. Nope. I actually meant Columbus Day. But there are some knuckleheads who think indigenous peoples day is more appropriate. I’ve got a secret to share about those knuckleheads. They’re wrong.

The most common definition of indigenous, before “political correctness” took the stage, was something like this: originating or occurring naturally in a particular place; native. Example: Coriander is indigenous to southern Europe

I’ll let you in on another little secret that’s not so secret. I originated, naturally, right here in America. Right here on the North American continent. And a bunch of generations of my family did, too. So, we are so-called “indigenous people” to America. We occurred here naturally.

And I guess that means yesterday was a celebration of me.

And everyone else who, like me, occurred naturally (aka: was born) here in America. Three cheers for us. Now, let’s get back to us.

Yeah, if only it were that simple. But instead, politicians and distraction activists have too much time on their hands. And why let people live and let live when you can stir the racist pot and keep everybody fired up against each other?

I think they’ve got a secret contempt for righteousness. But that’s no surprise. That’s been the status quo for human beings almost as long as there have been human beings.

How many laws have to be passed
Before we’re obscured in the shadows they cast?
And how many plans must we invent
Before we can step beyond mere intent?

(from my song “Say Yeah”)

Now, maybe you don’t know me well enough to buy something from me, yet. Ok, let’s change that. Get to know more about me and my worldview. Join the growing body of believers who signed up for the Tony’s Rhyme and Reason Daily Devotional. And receive daily, delightful flashes of light from the power of God’s love.

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Tony Funderburk Posted on by

Ocean waves and temperatures and levels are the key to your survival. Yeah, if they change, you might be doomed. Doomed I tell you!!

And you thought ocean waves were just for surfing.

You silly ninny. Have you ignored all the symptoms and signs altogether? If so, you deserve whatever mother nature throws at you from the sea? Think you have nothing to worry about? Well, I’m gonna share some statements from an article where “scientists” share “actual” data. And I’ll add a little commentary to keep it real.

“A shutdown of that ocean current could dramatically alter phenomena as varied as global weather patterns and crop yields.”

The key word in that dramatic sentence is “could.” Here’s another example:

“Messing with complex systems is chilling precisely because there are so many levers. If the temperature of the sea surface changes, precipitation over the Amazon might too, contributing to its deforestation, which in turn has been linked to snowfall on the Tibetan plateau.”

The key words in that long (winded) assertion are “so many levers” and “if” and “contributing.”

Here’s another example that really plays on fear:

“We may not even realize when we start passing points of no return. Or if we already have.”

So, if we don’t even realize if or when we pass points of no return, how can we ever really know where they are? Could they be constantly moved around by the ocean waves? Who knows?

And here’s the final attempt to scare you into submission to the mother nature’s capricious whims.

“It’s kind of like stepping into a minefield. We don’t want to find out where these things are by triggering them.”

All that kind of talk reminds me of a song I wrote back in 1989. It talked about opinions. The song is called “Everybody’s Got One.”

And here’s a section of the song that addresses the why of all this:

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.

OK, here’s what I recommend to prepare for the environmental apocalypse. Go get yourself some survival gear. Ebay’s a great source. I’ve even got a link to help you save 20% off your choices.

https://ebay.us/32984Q

Now, maybe you don’t know me well enough to buy something from me, yet. Ok, let’s change that. Get to know more about me and my worldview. Join the growing body of believers who signed up for the Tony’s Rhyme and Reason Daily Devotional. And receive daily, delightful flashes of light from the power of God’s love.

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Tony Funderburk Posted on by

There are obese Americans everywhere. All around in just about every situation. Miss El and I have noticed this epidemic especially in the heart of the heartland. And it’s an avoidable travesty.

But it appears that obese Americans everywhere just don’t care.

Everywhere we went, today, obese people waddled in and out of businesses, homes, and restaurants (of course). They walked SO slowly. And many of them looked like even the slow walking was painful. And my guess is that it was.

We had to make a stop at a Walmart, one of my least favorite places to go, and we noticed something else about those obese people.

They ALL filled their shopping carts with the poisonous foods in colorful packaging you can find on basically every aisle of the grocery section. Most of the time their movements looked automatic. Almost robotic. As if they made the exact same movements hundreds of times over. And my guess is that they did.

Miss El and I felt sorry for them on one hand. And, on the other, we wondered why, with so much information available, on the damaging ingredients in most foods, that most people still eat it. Why do so many people keep pushing that junk into their blood?

And why don’t they hate their pain enough to stop?

We keep seeing shared pictures, from back in the 70’s, where most Americans were still slender. In fact, it was such a slender country that fat people didn’t wanna show up at the beach. Because they’d stand out. And they knew the slender masses would point and even snicker.

But there’s one thing about stigma like that. It can motivate. Back then the fat people (who would be considered somewhat overweight these days) would at least try to exercise and eat better.

And back then there were still some fairly decent options in the grocery stores. You didn’t find sugar in literally everything.

But who cares?

It’s none of my business what others want to eat. Right? Yeah, that’s true. But then again, I’m supposed to love my neighbor as myself. And I certainly don’t want ME to have to get hips and knees replaced because I’m too fat. So, shouldn’t I try to help my neighbor avoid that if possible?

Yeah, shouldn’t I tell obese Americans that their sugar-filled diets are slowly killing them? And shouldn’t I encourage them to stop their robotic behavior? Because that behavior keeps them looking down.

And then, they keep waddling through life.

And their compromised abilities to even tie their own shoes endangers them and those they love.

So, I’ll just finish with this thought. If you’re a little overweight, start now while it’s still fairly easy to avoid the fat trap. If you’re already fat, get out of your rut and start walking. And if you’re one of the obese Americans (or you know one) who thinks it’s too late, pray.

Ask the one true, living, loving and glorious Creator of the universe to help you change. And ask Him to help you start right now. Right this minute. If you believe in the power of prayer, pray now.

OK, I’m gonna go, right now (seriously) on a two-mile walk with Miss El. And it will be awesome.

Start where you are. Even if it’s only 100 steps around the living room. Go. For. It. Right. Now. And you don’t even have to thank me for this motivational message.

Don’t give any thing all you’ve got.
Look for wisdom no matter what.
Every thing can take you away
From what matters most day to day.
Please remember you will go on
Even after your body’s gone.
Where you go will depend on you.
Here’s what I suggest that you do:
Don’t let any thing steal your soul.
Ask for God to help you control
Your desires for things and not Him.
He can fill your heart to the brim.

© 2020 Tony Funderburk

Now, maybe you don’t know me well enough to buy something from me, yet. Ok, let’s change that. Get to know more about me and my worldview. Join the growing body of believers who signed up for the Tony’s Rhyme and Reason Daily Devotional. And receive daily, delightful flashes of light from the power of God’s love.

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Tony Funderburk Posted on by

I crunched my thumb in the door of our van this morning. And that’s how my day started. But my day is blessed.

And I can always say my day is blessed.

No matter what happens. And no matter how often it happens. Or doesn’t happen. Because each day of life is a blessing I didn’t do one thing to earn. My existence is not my own doing. Or the “doing” of a random chain of events.

My existence is the direct result of the God who loves me so much that He made a way for me to be and live here. Then, He made a way for me to be and live forever. And, as a result, I can be the dreamer and doer that I am. Yeah, my day is blessed. Every day.

Now, maybe you’ve heard the expression, “It’s OK to have your castles in the air. Just build a foundation to hold them up.” It’s excellent advice.

But my point today is this. If you see yourself in a negative light instead of as a dreamer, Become a dreamer. Count your blessings. If you live in America, you most likely have many to count even if you don’t think you do. Your needs are probably met. Keep in mind, wants aren’t the same as needs. And dreamers realize their needs are met.

So, they dream up ways to help others see that, too.

Now, I’ve shown you how my day is blessed. Be a dreamer and go show others how yours is.

There’s a special place for dreamers
Who believe in love and hope.
You can go there and enjoy it,
If you don’t just sit and mope.

If today you’re feeling sorry
For yourself, well stop and think…
Do you have food on your table?
Do you have water to drink?

So when things just don’t seem happy
And no sunshine lights your face…
Dream your dream and make a difference
With some love and hope and Grace.

© 2014

OK, maybe you don’t know me well enough to buy something from me, yet. Ok, let’s change that. Get to know more about me and my worldview. Join the growing body of believers who signed up for the Tony’s Rhyme and Reason Daily Devotional. And receive daily, delightful flashes of light from the power of God’s love.

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