Category Archives: current events

Tony Funderburk Posted on by

Have you ever been somewhere, on an errand, getting groceries, whatever, and noticed a stressed look somebody’s face? If you haven’t, I’d say you’re just not paying attention. Because it’s epidemic. Or is it pandemic? Who cares? It’s pretty darn demic, and it’s a mighty sad state of affairs.

And it’s a result of not paying attention.

America (and the world) slinked into more and more darkness over the past decades. At first, the decline was slow enough to gain momentum from most people just not paying attention. But in recent years, the slow slinking has turned into a rapid descent into darkness. In fact, it’s gotten to the point where people leap into lunacy.

And it reminds me of what I wrote years ago, about one of my favorite subjects, that I think is worth repeating.

“It seems like, to be a popular singer songwriter these days, you gotta have a story of angst…or survival in the midst of seemingly insurmountable turmoil. Don’t get me wrong…I know the times they are a-ragin’. But I just don’t want to give in to the negative view, the doomsday naysay. No way.”

And I wondered what happened to the tougher “grin and bear it” days.

Or the “let a smile be your umbrella” days. Or even the melodic “smile, though your heart is breaking” days.

Then, I posited a solution.

“Well, I think we should bring the old smile-in-the-face-of-adversity spirit back. And you know what? It’s healthier. Trust me. I’m right on this. And health science backs me up. It turns out a smile can lower your heart rate, relieve stress, and evoke positive emotions. If you’re not smiling right now, go ahead. I’ll wait a couple of seconds.

zzzzz….zzzzz….zzzz

OK…now, don’t you feel better already?”

But I can see all my positive talk had little to no effect on the rapid descent into darkness. America is currently lost in a sea of sewage thinking. Street zombies (what too many call “homeless people”) are in every city. I haven’t found even ONE where you don’t see them. And most of them personify the sewage thinking. With their leech mentality and their willingness to urinate and defecate in public. And then live in a pile of trash.

Worst part is, most churches participate in the enabling movement. Free food and lodging, for those who will not work, always exponentially multiplies those who will not work. Cardboard and tent “cities” that coincidentally spring up near large, vacuous churches are evidence of that.

Yeah, you can’t simply “let a smile be your umbrella” and expect no fallout of fallacious rain. God, in His infinite brilliance, shares the solutions to end all this darkness. But sadly, most prefer the darkness because their deeds are evil.

So, those of us who prefer the light are forced to endure.

At least it appears that way if you’re not paying attention.

But if you ARE paying attention, you know, as Paul Harvey used to say, “the rest of the story.”

And it won’t include any darkness. And the light will be ON forever!

I sure, as Mr. T used to say, “pity the fool” who’s not there when it starts.

So work hard and take time to pray
For lives to be saved every day.
True love won’t give up or give in.
Hang in there. It’s worth it. We win.

Stay tuned,

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Tony Funderburk Posted on by

There are better times ahead. No doubt (or two ways) about it. I guarantee it. But there IS a catch. You knew there would be a catch. Right?

The better times ahead aren’t for everybody.

Nope. There will be miserable times for most people. But, for a few, there will be better times ahead. And better than they’ve ever known before.

And before you jump on my case because you think I’m talking about Heaven and hell, let me assure you, I’m not. Nope. The better times I’m talking about will happen right here on good ol’ planet Earth. Did I mention, I guarantee they’re gonna happen? Because they’re gonna happen.

Sure, you might be one of those old-fashioned types who think your best days, or America’s best days, are in the past. And, I suppose, that might be true for some. But those times won’t compare to what’s coming for a few people who play their cards cleverly.

For the sake of some common sense clarity, I think I’d better define the “better times” I’m referring to.

Or is it the better times to which I’m referring?

No matter. The point is, I’m talking about the people who will be flush with cash, property, and luxuries of all shapes and sizes. They’ll have access to every desire they could possibly desire. And they’ll have power and influence over all the losers who didn’t get in on the gold.

It’ll be like heaven on Earth.

Except it’ll be nothing at all like Heaven on Earth.

Because it’ll be a place filled with people who don’t realize they’ve already chosen a path of worldly gain. Only to (eventually) discover their soul will be separated from their body and spirit. And they won’t even recognize how their so-called “power and influence and control” won’t amount to a hill of refried beans.

OK, there’s a small chance I could be wrong. So, I’m not gonna bet you any money I’m right. Besides, I might not be here to pay off bets. And where I’ll be goin’ is too far to come back. Ever.

Anyway…

Just some veiled ideas and notions to roll around in your brain this fine Spring day in 2024. Till next time, ponder a few more rhyming ideas and notions…

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 ahead begin today.

© 2017

Stay tuned,

Tony Funderburk signature logo

Enjoying my radically rational Rhyme and Reason world? Then, follow the links to even more rooms and regions.

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Tony Funderburk Posted on by

If you’ve ever driven through Wichita, Kansas, you might have noticed there are some flat parts. In fact, I don’t know how many times I’ve heard people diss Kansas with comments like, “It’s so flat.” But I just smile to myself as I remember struggling to ride my Western Flyer up those East Kansas hills on my way to the swimming pool.

And I smile to myself as I think about my long drives through the hilly countryside with my trusty spiral notebook and Bic pen by my side. Then, I recall sitting on the bank of a small river as I wrote about the trees sitting high above the water on the other side. I have countless memories like that.

And sure, there ARE flat parts to Kansas.

But I’ve driven up and down and back and forth through most of America. And there are flat parts to every state.

But I have a theory as to why people don’t like the flat parts of Kansas. And there was more evidence to support my theory as the Funderburks drove through the countryside west of Wichita last week. Even on the side of roads where there was almost no traffic. I don’t mean the redbud and whitebud trees, flowers, and emerald green grass we saw.

Along some of the flattest, straightest roads you’re likely to find in America there are lots of Christian and pro life billboards. Like the handpainted one in the glasses picture I shared with this post. And those signs are uncomfortable.

Most people don’t wanna be reminded that Jesus is real and that He wants us to live forever. And they certainly don’t wanna be reminded of all those innocent children who never saw the redbud and whitebud trees, flowers, and emerald green grass in the spring.

But it’s just a theory. And you know the thing about theories, don’t you? They’re either right or not.

The Flats

Drive the flats and see the billboard message
Showing you the way is always clear.
Pay attention to the sincere warnings
Because your last day could soon be here.

Stay tuned,

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Tony Funderburk Posted on by

Here’s a book description written by a real faker:

As a dragon, I greet each day with a dance at dawn, a ritual that has become an essential part of my routine. I rise from my slumber in the mountains, stretching my wings and flexing my claws as the first rays of sunlight touch the land. 

I spread my wings wide and begin my dance, twirling and leaping through the air. The vibrant orange of my scales shimmers in the sunlight, creating an awe-inspiring display of color and movement. My dance is a celebration of life and a tribute to the beauty of the world around me. 

As I dance, I feel a connection to the earth and the sky, to the creatures that roam the land, and to the very essence of nature. This daily ritual allows me to reflect on the importance of balance and harmony in the world, and I hope that my dance brings joy and wonder to those who witness it. As the sun climbs higher in the sky, I conclude my dance and return to my resting place, ready to face the day ahead. This simple yet profound ritual serves as a reminder to cherish each moment and to appreciate the beauty of the natural world that surrounds us all.

Now, you might think the writer of that book description did a mediocre job.

You might even think it’s actually pretty good. Or maybe you think some cornball tried to describe a book with the most flowery language he could muster.

If you thought any of that, or even anything else (probably), you’d be wrong.

Because nobody wrote that book description.

Then again, countless people collaborated on the description.

Yeah, I’m beating around the bush. So, I’ll just let you in on the secret. So-called “artificial intelligence” wrote that book description. And I put quotes around “artificial intelligence” to emphasize my point. First off, there’s no such thing as artificial intelligence. And secondly, with a closer look at the words and phrases you can see a human bias.

And it’s a bias against REAL intelligence. Or at least where that REAL intelligence originates.

Notice this sentence: “My dance is a celebration of life and a tribute to the beauty of the world around me.” On the surface, it’s innocent enough. And at least it appears to celebrate life.

But notice the tribute.

The beauty of the world.

Then, the very next sentence mentions “a connection to the earth and the sky and the creatures that roam the land.” And that sort of “connection” to all things natural plays a prominent part. Because after that you see the “importance of balance and harmony IN THE WORLD.”

And finally, the book description ends with the reminder to “cherish each moment and to appreciate the beauty of the natural world that surrounds us all.”

Maybe you think I’m just nit-picking. But if you believe there’s more to life than the “natural world that surrounds us all,” you might wanna re-think that. Because as old-fashioned and archaic as it might sound to you, Satan majors in the subtleties. He doesn’t attack with a dastardly laugh and a devilish pitchfork. He slips in between the cracks of your ability to discern.

And so-called “artificial intelligence” has the potential to be one of his wiliest weapons.

Take that information with a whole container of Redmond salt. Or ignore it altogether if you like. Or, consider it. And look at how the AI bots do stuff. I predict it’ll be subtle and ultimately not beneficial to huMANkind.

Stay tuned,

Tony Funderburk signature logo

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Tony Funderburk Posted on by

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Before I get into what a mess you are, let me first say Happy Super Tuesday. I have no clue what that means. But apparently there’s some holiday being celebrated, and that’s what they call it. Now, where was I? Oh yeah. You’re a mess. I know you are. Beyond a shadow of a doubt. And I know it because it’s a human condition. Bad choices. And a strong tendency toward selfishness. Trouble is, there’s no cure for it. Because, as a whole, humans don’t learn from their mistakes. We don’t know our history. So, we’re probably doomed to repeat it.

So, here are 3 ways I know this beyond a shadow of a doubt.

1. Truth: Control freaks cast shadows on the truth. Truth is their mortal enemy. So they have to pound out lies, with consistent resolve, until the truth becomes nothing more than a cloudy concept. Truth becomes “whatever you make of it.” Or whatever is “right in their own minds.” Nazis believed all you need to do to twist a lie into the truth is tell one that’s “big enough and keep repeating it, people will eventually become to believe it.” Of course, that happens all around you, everywhere, every day. All you gotta do is pay attention.

2. Morality: This is another area under constant attack by those who want to justify their behavior. When you reduce right and wrong to whatever is “right in their own minds,” you produce a culture where anything goes. Then everything goes…out the window. Who knows where that might lead? You might even find adults killing babies. Well, at least that couldn’t happen here in America. Right? So, let’s don’t think about that. Let’s go shopping.

3. Property: Once people realized they could vote the money away from the wealthy and into their own pockets, then the proverbial (and political) genie was out of the bottle. So, politicians run for office (and win) using promises based on redistribution of wealth. It’s not just wrong. It’s evil. Because it destroys lives. But who cares, right? It’s just the way things are. The status quo. I’m gonna get mine as long as the gettin’s good. Ok, where do we sign up?

Well, here’s what I think about it. Beyond a shadow of a doubt…

Nothin’s Sacred Anymore

Take the truth and lock it up, and throw away the key
Winds of change are blowing foul; a dance with destiny
Blur the face of love and sex and say it’s all OK
Tell the child it’s just a choice and melt her soul away

Nothin’s sacred anymore.
Can’t we learn from mistakes when they cut to the core.
Nothin’s sacred anymore.
And should we be surprised since we’ve opened that dark, wide door?
Nothin’s sacred anymore.

Cast your vote for social growth and then say yes to law
Keep the peace, divide the wealth; the vision Adolph saw
Hedge the bets and ride the fence; the middle road’s secure
Then one day you’re head to head with all you must endure

Nothin’s sacred anymore.
Can’t we learn from mistakes when they cut to the core.
Nothin’s sacred anymore.
And should we be surprised since we’ve opened that dark, wide door?
Nothin’s sacred anymore.

More! More space and time. More would be sublime.
Someone else can pay long as I get mine today.
Ain’t nothin’ sacred anymore.

© 2002

(lyrics and song found in one of my songbook journals on Amazon)

Stay tuned,

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Tony Funderburk Posted on by

It’s sadly humorous. The way so many fall into (actually they leap into) a trend under the guise of edginess and non-conformity. For example, a website based on what they call edgy discord.

But there are almost a half million edgy discord members.

Granted, a half million people is still a fraction of the overall population. But it’s certainly not what I’d call a haven of non-conformity. Because when you build a “tribe” of that many people, it basically nullifies your edgy discord. After all, if a half million people share your view, you’re not that edgy.

And it reminds me of what the “old people” used to say. “If everyone else jumped off a cliff, would you?” I bet those old-fashioned ne’er-do-wells ne’er imagined how we could get to this point where many would actually jump, too.

But maybe that’s my own dark, edgy discord revealing itself. If so, I’d put mine up against the members of that website any day. Because I can almost guarantee I won’t find half a million who agree with me.

I remember how music, when I was growing up, was so much more fun. And stories shared reasons to be glad to be alive. Now, there’s just so much darkness.

Take music licensing. I remember a listing, online, that said a publishing company was looking for “Black Metal, Death Metal, Grime, Hard Rock, Hardcore, Heavy Metal, Metal, Post-Hardcore, Progressive, Screamo, Thrash”

And another one asked for “Dark urban, dark country, & goth”

Obviously most young people feel very “dark” about their lives these days. And, apparently, they’re not very optimistic about their future. OK, I can’t say I blame them. I might be like that, too, if I was a young guy, with no wisdom, these days. I mean, think about i. “People (and I use that term loosely) in charge” of the government spend present, and even future, money like it’ll never run out.

That’s partly why I’ve never made it my mission to trust what politicians do or say. Because almost all of them lie even when the truth sounds better.

And their whole purpose in life is to satisfy their lust for power, money, and control. You know what? Those are strong forces on the dark side. And I call it powernomics. Which definitely trickles down to the masses and sows the seeds of edgy discord.

So. If you’re a young musician, singer-songwriter, or other artist, take it from me. I’m a guy who’s been around the block a time or two when it comes to music and what’s going on in this world.

Look Up. Because your days on this planet will end before you know it. But YOU are an eternal being. And you were fearfully and wonderfully made. You didn’t happen by accident.

So, seek Truth on purpose.

And if you want actual non-conformity, trust Jesus.

He showed how there’s nothing like going against the grain to produce powerful edgy discord.

“C’mon and beat the world, and try to leave a dent.
But don’t regret the time that you’ve spent.
C’mon and beat the world, and try to leave a bruise.
You need to know the life that you choose
Is gonna beat the world.”

(from the song “Beat The World“)

Stay tuned,

Tony Funderburk signature logo

Download “Beat The World,” and twelve other songs, for zero dollari, when you get the “Do Right” songbook journal.

Here’s the link: (https://www.amazon.com/Do-Right-Tony-Funderburk/dp/B08CWJ7HB7/)

 

 

Tony Funderburk Posted on by

So-called “enlightened scientists.” And so-called “moderns.” And I certainly wouldn’t use those labels for the so-called “Light People.” But they certainly like to use those kinds of labels for themselves.

Light People say the darndest things.

For example what the so-called “Light People historians” said on Ancient History Encyclopedia:

“Aside from being more accurate, BCE/CE is inclusive. The use of BC/AD relegates every event prior to, and since, the birth of Jesus of Nazareth subordinate to the Christian understanding of who he was. For Christians, Jesus is the Christ, the anointed of God, the Messiah. And the calendar “counts down” to the birth of Jesus and then proceeds to count away from it. To a Christian, this may seem like simple common sense and the way the world works. But not so to someone outside of that tradition. People of different cultures and belief systems should be able to access and discuss history without having to date it according to the Christian belief in Jesus as the son of God and the Messiah.”

In case you’re not familiar, BCE stands for before common existence. CE stands for common existence.

Yeesh.

Slightly side note: it’s interesting they call themselves “light people” since it’s Christians who are called to be salt and light. But I’m probably making a lamp stand out of a candle. So, don’t mind me.

Anyway…

Read that paragraph from the “historians” and you’ll see (again) how their so-called “inclusive” tends to shy away from including the Christian perspective. Oh sure, they’re not mean about it. But I suppose when you shy away from your Creator, that sort of action just naturally follows.

This all came up on my radar after reading an article about nothing.

Well, to be clear, the article was about zero. And why it’s important. I found this paragraph particularly interesting because of its reference to nothing.

“To answer this I think we need to investigate the idea of the zero. It turns out that zero matters a hundred percent. The place you start counting from counts. The zero divides and marks edges. It offers a mystery, and the mystery invites meaning. Zero denotes a threshold. A timeline without a zero is all how and no why. But don’t take my word for it. Let’s look at the zero in history and see if this can make more sense.

The ancient Greek philosophers, most of them anyway, did not invest much in the concept of zero. They didn’t really have a zero because they couldn’t make sense of the notion that nothing is something. The idea did not captivate the ancient rationalists. But other cultures did use the zero.”

Now, call me a nitpicker, if you must, but I also can’t agree with, nor “make sense of the notion that nothing is something. ” I understand what the writer’s intent was. But it’s kinda silly to say nothing is something. Because there’s no such thing as nothing. Maybe conceptually, for the sake of argument. But I prefer not to argue about something so blatantly obvious. There’s NO. Such. Thing. As. Nothing.

However.

A starting point must start from (the concept of) zero, aka: nothing.

Because every THING had a beginning. Every THING came into existence. Because every THING did not always exist. But in order for every THING to come into existence, there had to be a THING Maker.

And therein lies the rub. Methinks the “light people” have a problem with being the products of a divine Designer. They don’t want one to exist. Because they want to be products of their own imagination. And when you can manipulate thousands of years of record keeping into your own ideology, score!

I know this whole most people in the world will never ponder these seemingly insignificant little details. And maybe none of this means anything to you either. But I’m confident it matters.

Ideas have consequences. And most of them end up as eternal. Do with this what you will.

I can always use your support to help me keep the nearly 3000 posts I’ve shared on my website available to the world that needs to see and hear about the one, true, living, loving God of creation. So, see if one of my books suits your fancy. Get one for yourself or for someone you love. Here’s a link to check ‘em out:

(https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B008R08LUG/allbooks)

Stay tuned,

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