In 2011 I started producing the songs for my second collection of original lullabies for kids. (psst…adults love ’em, too) Many people, who bought the first collection, Lullabye Bye, asked me to write some more with a country and western “feel.” And while I’m not a fan of what passes for country and western these days, I AM a fan of the true western … The rest of the story…
Category Archives: Tony Funderburk
You’re more than matter. And you matter because of that. Not because of the color of your skin. Not because of how much money you have or where you were born. And not because you’re the most perfect specimen ever conceived here on planet Earth. Your significance is measured by the highest standard in existence. God’s love and wisdom. He created you in His … The rest of the story…
If you own or run a business or service, there are a couple of things you need that you won’t find at the office or home improvements stores. Truth and Grace. Yeah, those two ingredients are more important than that five handle, lumbar supporting desk chair. And even more important than your iPhone or Android device. (gasp!) Without Truth and Grace, everything else is … The rest of the story…
OK, brace yourself. It’s gonna get serious mighty quick here. Starting with this question. How can you reconcile a loving God with all the pain in the world? People who want nothing to do with God ask questions like that so they can point out the so-called “flaws” in Christian faith. But I have another question for them. Do you actually believe that love … The rest of the story…
So, you’re sitting there trying to figure out what you can do for the 364 more days till Christmas. Right? Yeah, it’s all over but the leftovers now. Christmas came and went, as it has for years. Fast. And. Furious. And I won’t be surprised if I go into places of business today and hear NO Christmas music. Funny how it can start up … The rest of the story…
I can understand why someone might be sad and lonely during this “most wonderful time of the year.” But I believe those are the people who don’t understand what the celebration of Christmas is about. And it’s no wonder so many people don’t understand that message when they’re constantly bombarded with touchy feely messages of what it’s “all about.” Going home for the holidays. … The rest of the story…
The older I get, the more I realize how “slower than Christmas” is one of those old expressions based on a kid’s perspective. Because, for me, it feels like just a few weeks ago it was Christmas 2022. And here we are, on the brink of Christmas 2023. And I can see 2024 on the horizon. Yeah, 2023 flew by. But at least it … The rest of the story…
Over the years I’ve observed kids and their love for whimsy. So, I write whimsical rhymes. Fun, funny rhymes. Full of imagination. And filled with color, action, and rhythm. I want word pictures to leap into those growing little minds. And I firmly believe the words I write for kids should help them build faith, hope, and love. With a smile. Lots of writers, … The rest of the story…
OK, the Christmas spirit ghost just flew past. And he haunted me, with that reverberating laugh of his, as he regurgitated his annual rebuke of my Christmas joy. “Bah! Funderbug!” Sure, he’s a Christmas spirit ghost. But that’s just mean. But, in his defense (which isn’t my typical perspective), he probably heard me playing my song, “The Christmas Spirit.” It’s sort of a parody … The rest of the story…
A week from today. Yeah, next Monday is the big day. So, don’t waste a minute. Because you’ve got presents to buy. Food to buy. Decorations to buy. And A B C and 1,2,3 to buy. Sure, good things might come to those who wait. But they come a lot faster to those who don’t. What kind of good things do you have planned … The rest of the story…
An annual Christmas tradition, in the FunderHaus is special movies time. “Christmas in Connecticut” and “White Christmas” and “The Bishop’s Wife” and a few others all lead up to “It’s A Wonderful Life.” And you might recall, in Wonderful Life, how George Bailey (aka: James Stewart) received a copy of Mark Twain’s “Tom Sawyer” at the end of the movie. Inside he read a … The rest of the story…
I recommend you don’t live a meaningless life. On the surface, that might sound like a job for Captain Obvious. But, sadly, most people who ever lived, are living now, or ever will live, won’t avoid it. About 8 years ago, I wrote about what makes up a meaningless life. Here’s what I said. And it still applies: “Surely you get my point. And … The rest of the story…
It started like this. A made up god, named Woden created the earth and sky from the dead body of a giant named Ymir. Then, he also created the first man and woman from an ash tree and an alder. And then he established the laws of the universe. But let’s not forget this other made up guy. Because he’s maybe the most famous of … The rest of the story…
I see it almost every day in so-called “conservative social media.” And I cringe every time I see it. Talk about the so-called “Second Amendment Rights” of every American citizen. I obviously don’t disagree with the right to life and liberty. But your right to defend your life and freedom doesn’t come from a document some well-intentioned men wrote almost 250 years ago. Even … The rest of the story…
Pure water is colorless. And odorless. And, just like almost all comedians, movie stars, and politicians, it’s also tasteless. I could have said flavorless, but it’s more fun to make that comparison, and that’s why I didn’t. So, if you notice a hint of color or some sort of weird odor or taste, your water isn’t pure. It might still be OK, but it … The rest of the story…
The irony of the so-called social media connection idea is how much more disconnected we are these days. And don’t try to defend your dozens of daily posts as how connected you are. Because that’s a fading facade. Social media connection is mostly a digital soliloquy. Sure, you can “reach out” and get in touch with someone, in a hurry, if you need or … The rest of the story…
I know it’s not the “in” thing to say. But I don’t believe “everything happens for a reason.” And I don’t believe everything that happens is “part of God’s plan.” Yeah, I know I’m going against the grain on this. But, from what I’ve read, I don’t believe I’m going against God on this. Because He says some things happen by chance. And He’s … The rest of the story…
Back in 1996 I built a very nice (if I do say so myself, and I do) dining “hutch.” It’s a two-piece, very large piece of furniture with loads of room for whatever Elgielene prefers to put in it. At the time, I built the lower section with a single large door that opened vertically. And once it was opened, two legs could be … The rest of the story…
You don’t have to look very long to find mean people. In fact, just say something, on a social media channel, like “There’s only way to live forever,” and watch the meanness flood the threads. But mean people don’t phase me. And they shouldn’t phase you either. And I know most everyone who reads my posts or listens to my podcasts already knows this. … The rest of the story…
What do these next sentences have in common? 1) Henry was a hippo, and I don’t know if you know this, but hippos are HUGE. 2) Tiny, smooth ripples at the edge of a large, starlit lake; slender fingers of tall green grass swayed gently back and forth; miniature minnows made swirls and darted away. 3) Daren was a dreamer. 4) “C’mon Andy,” Danny grumbled to himself, “Where … The rest of the story…