Where I live it can get pretty windy. In fact, the current Funderburk home town is the fifth windiest city in America. We have an average wind speed of 11.5 mph. And the strongest recorded wind speed is over 101 mph. Wow, that’s a lotta gusto. All that windy talk reminds me of when my dad showed my brother and me how to hook … The rest of the story…
Category Archives: Tony Funderburk
When I was a boy, most parents, across America, actually cared about their kids’ health. And well-being. Yeah, I know it sounds like a fairy tale. But it was true. Most homes had a stay at home mom. And that’s a HUGE advantage over what goes on in America these days. My stay at home mom was better than any superhero. She didn’t just … The rest of the story…
According to research, rhyming books can “help with language development, including phonemic awareness, which is crucial for early reading skills.” And apparently rhyming books “make learning fun which is particularly appealing to young children.” Hmm. I guess that might all be true. But I just write ’em for the funny looks. Yeah, kids get funny looks on their faces with the right rhymes. And … The rest of the story…
Be aware. Be very aware. At all times. And in all places. Especially if you’re a female, a child, or a weakened old person. Because you best believe there are scumbags out there who are aware of who’s not aware. So, once again. Be what? Yeah! Be aware. Years ago I wrote a short story about a young boy who wasn’t the least bit … The rest of the story…
Way back in the 20th century, in a little Kansas town, of barely 1500 people, T-bud enjoyed summertime. In fact, he didn’t just enjoy it, he could barely wait for it every year. Yeah, you’d have a hard time finding anyone in the whole world who loved summertime more than T-bud. Every year he begged his mom, for weeks, to let him go barefoot. … The rest of the story…
There are lots of bad guys (and that includes the female part of “guys” too) out there everyday. You can’t swing a metal jump rope without hittin’ at least one. In fact, I could tell you a story, three stories in fact, that happened one after another on three consecutive nights way back in the 20th century. Well, I’ll just share the short version … The rest of the story…
Maybe you think of “A Christmas Story” when I share the term, BB gun. Or maybe you remember wanting one yourself once upon a time. Hopefully you’re not a scaredy cat who’s triggered (pun definitely intended) by any use of the word gun. Whatever you think of, I’ve got a funny story about a goofy BB gun. Once or twice upon a time Dad … The rest of the story…
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 … The rest of the story…
“They” say if you’re gonna write Bible stories for kids, then those stories should be adapted to their ability to understand. I agree. To a degree. Because I also believe Bible stories for kids can entertain with facts. But what do I know. I never had kids. So, I have nothing to go by. Wait a sec. Believe it or not, once upon a … The rest of the story…
Here’s a little more sharp talk for ya. And, just so you know, I’m not a Greek expert. Actually not even a Greek amateur. But there are some who dig more deeply into Greek translation to get a better understanding of what different parts of the Bible mean. Here’s an example of that, from Ronald Giese Jr., using the word “sharpen.” “This is how … The rest of the story…
The number 9 took on a whole new value for me this morning. Hopefully you’ll find this so fascinating you’ll say, “Wow, Tony. It’s amazing how well you entertain us with your knowledge of insignificant and trivial things.” Well, hopefully the number 9 will keep you in that state of awe. Did you know, for example, that the number 9 always retains its identity? … The rest of the story…
35 years ago, today. That’s when my beautiful Elgielene became my wife. We zoomed up high in the Denver, Colorado skyline (for real) and shared our vows to stay together through come-what-may. Then, lo and behold, we’ve done it. And when I say we’ve been through some amazing things together, it’s no exaggeration. Those amazing things included 2 years of living together “on the … The rest of the story…
“Iron Sharpens Iron” is just about 99.99% always used as a positive expression. Christians, especially men, love to use it as though it’s a good thing to do to/for a friend or colleague to “help” them get closer to the true meaning of scripture. And I believe it’s a good thing to sharpen your understanding of God’s word. Even more important than how you … The rest of the story…
Years ago I wrote about the reality of love. And this is another take on that message… Love needs consistent care and attention. It doesn’t have a “one-size-fits-all” option like some gloves do. In fact, you’ll discover, over the course of your life, how your love can go through many changes. Young love, for example, is full of emotional passion. And it’s too often … The rest of the story…
I like the way you walk. Well, say that you’ll be true. Well, say that you’ll be mine. If you’ve been around long enough to recognize those three sentences, you’re (shall we say) not exactly a young person. Or you could be a young person who’s into vintage swamp rock. Yeah, you read that right. Swamp rock. And swamp rock didn’t originate in the … The rest of the story…
Emotional Resilience. That’s what they called it. And they followed up the name with this description: Encouraging boys to embrace aspects of traditional masculinity, like stoicism and fortitude, can foster emotional resilience. And this doesn’t mean to suppress emotions. But learn to handle emotions in a way that prepares them for life’s challenges. Boys can grow up to be men who are less likely … The rest of the story…
Here’s something I didn’t learn from my Dad: It’s important that certain traits are taught alongside empathy. Because they foster respect for all genders and emotional intelligence which helps ensure that masculinity is not reduced to harmful stereotypes. And that can encourage a spectrum of positive attributes that can benefit everyone. So, what do you think of me now? Surprised by the respect for … The rest of the story…
OK, this is only for the guys. And I mean the real guys. Guys who are men. And men who understand the importance of being men. If you fit this category and criteria, then this is a public service message you need to take to heart and practice for the rest of your days. Five simple words. Forget about Valentine’s Day 2025. And not … The rest of the story…
Faith over fear. Make that your motto. Your creed. Or the sticky note you put on your computer. Whatever works. Here’s one reason, I found in an article, about why it’s a good idea: Because faith over fear Promotes Positive Action Over Paralysis Hmm…sounds a little psychoanalytical. But here’s the rest of what they said: “Faith encourages proactive behavior and resilience. When people have … The rest of the story…
February days have been a bit tricky, so far, here in the heart of the Heartland. Only a few days ago people walked in and out of stores in t-shirts and shorts. But for three days in a row, it’s been like Don Mclean sang, But February made me shiver with every paper I’d deliver. As I stood at the post office counter, yesterday, … The rest of the story…