In each episode of the Rhyme and Reason Podcast, Tony Funderburk shares how life makes sense. As an author of more than 20 books for adults and kids, and a songwriter with hundreds of songs to his credit, Tony wants to show you why you're important. Get some free words and music by jumping on the Rhyme and Reason Bandwagon at TonyFunderburk.com It's like a backstage pass to the secrets of eternal life.
10 years ago I wrote some Christmas songs. And one of them became one of my favorites. Yeah, I know. How unabashedly arrogant of me. Right? No, it's OK to favor your own creative work. And it's OK to have … Read the rest The post God of Christmas rules and deniers are just fools appeared first on Tony Funderburk.
Tony Funderburk - Music Producer, Author, Singer Songwriter, Podcaster in Colorado Springs What if joy were against the law? Sounds crazy, I know. But play along for just a bit. And let’s pretend that somehow that kind of law was pushed through congress. What would you do? If joy were against the … Read the rest... Against the law. Did you see what I saw?
Tony Funderburk - Music Producer, Author, Singer Songwriter, Podcaster in Colorado Springs Bob Dylan said it. So, it must be true right? He talked about how you gotta serve somebody. In fact, in one of his songs, he sang “you’re gonna have to serve somebody” quite a few times. So, he must … Read the rest... Gotta serve somebody. Oh the nerve of somebody
Tony Funderburk - Music Producer, Author, Singer Songwriter, Podcaster in Colorado Springs I read a post, from a friend in social media (thanks Allen) about famous last words from some famous atheists. And the despair in their words struck me in such a way I wanted to share some of them with … Read the rest... Famous last words of foolish jaybirds
Tony Funderburk - Music Producer, Author, Singer Songwriter, Podcaster in Colorado Springs Eight years ago, today, I shared Episode 15 of my Podcast. Wow, 15. I’m now up to 739 episodes. (Side note: I’m way behind on recording episodes because my voice has been, shall we say, less than smooth. But the … Read the rest... Your understanding doesn’t make a good landing
Tony Funderburk - Music Producer, Author, Singer Songwriter, Podcaster in Colorado Springs “They” called him the “Chairman of the Board.” How he got the title depends on who you ask. But there’s no denying that Frank Sinatra liked being in charge. And I was never a fan even though he sang a … Read the rest... Lost love, the chairman, and something in the air, man
Tony Funderburk - Music Producer, Author, Singer Songwriter, Podcaster in Colorado Springs I spent a lot of my formative years in Texas. So, I still use (and always will use) some of those friendly southern, colloquial expressions in my everyday language. And many of those southern memories are some of my fondest … Read the rest... Fluff the pillow, feel the wind blow, sleeping willow
Tony Funderburk - Music Producer, Author, Singer Songwriter, Podcaster in Colorado Springs It’s 33 miles in a round trip. And I read where it’s apparently America’s only “urban byway.” And that means it’s a scenic byway (on the National Register) closer to an urban area (Denver) than any other anywhere. And since … Read the rest... Lariat Loop where the eagles swoop
Tony Funderburk - Music Producer, Author, Singer Songwriter, Podcaster in Colorado Springs 🎶 People get ready. There’s a train a-coming. You don’t need no baggage. You just get on board. All you need is faith to hear the diesels humming. Don’t need no ticket. You just thank the Lord. 🎶 Yeah, those are lyrics to the old Curtis … Read the rest... Word power in your brain helps you on the right train 🎶
Tony Funderburk - Music Producer, Author, Singer Songwriter, Podcaster in Colorado Springs Yes, God does have a plan. A MasterPlan. But He most definitely does not have a plan for your day. As I’ve said many times…He’s far too brilliant a designer than to create a bunch of humans who can’t do … Read the rest... Masterplan, yes. The kind we don’t have to guess.
Tony Funderburk - Music Producer, Author, Singer Songwriter, Podcaster in Colorado Springs Just in case you haven’t noticed, the world is full of mean people and bad stuff. Nations are at war…all the time. Political parties are in constant power struggles. Murder is consistently at epidemic levels. And man-made pandemics are all … Read the rest... My cup runs over through thorns and through clover
Tony Funderburk - Music Producer, Author, Singer Songwriter, Podcaster in Colorado Springs Everybody’s trying to be nicer than God. Even real estate websites like to show off their “LGBT legal protections.” Which, of course, are bigoted policies. And I oppose any ideology that singles out individuals or groups who hate God and … Read the rest... Legal protections lead in the wrong directions
Tony Funderburk - Music Producer, Author, Singer Songwriter, Podcaster in Colorado Springs They say ignorance is bliss. Who are they? And why do they say that? But never mind all that right now. There’s one way ignorance will be anything but bliss. Because you won’t be able to plead ignorance when you … Read the rest... Ignorance is bliss unless it’s anything like this
Tony Funderburk - Music Producer, Author, Singer Songwriter, Podcaster in Colorado Springs Back in 2012, right here on TonyFunderburk dot com, I wrote about the longest daylight day of the year. Summer solstice. And I shared how it makes me ponder time. I also shared how so many people say something like, “Wow, time … Read the rest... Time flies by so fast in this world where we’re cast
Tony Funderburk - Music Producer, Author, Singer Songwriter, Podcaster in Colorado Springs Generally speaking, most scientists (and the rest of us, too) believe there’s nothing faster than light. And it’s mighty difficult to imagine that not being true. Because, think about it, when you flip the switch to your kitchen light, it … Read the rest... Faster than light to where day becomes night
Tony Funderburk - Music Producer, Author, Singer Songwriter, Podcaster in Colorado Springs Sleep tight. Don’t let the bedbugs bite. Did you ever hear that when you were a kid? Or, for that matter, any other time? As it turns out, that’s not just a sweet, little thing to say to kids that … Read the rest... Bedbugs bite, but not in the starlight
Tony Funderburk - Music Producer, Author, Singer Songwriter, Podcaster in Colorado Springs Yesterday I wrote about a nostalgic memory. And I talked about June bugs. If you didn’t catch that post, check it out. But now I want you to think back in your own life. And go as far back in … Read the rest... Think back and talk some smack
Tony Funderburk - Music Producer, Author, Singer Songwriter, Podcaster in Colorado Springs Did you ever watch The Waltons? Either when it was a new show or in reruns? Either way, do you remember how the kids would run out the front door and the screen door would smack shut? That’s because those … Read the rest... June bugs, watermelon – It’s nostalgia I’m tellin’
Tony Funderburk - Music Producer, Author, Singer Songwriter, Podcaster in Colorado Springs As I reached the end of 5th grade, and was about to leave elementary school to attend junior high, I was told I’d be put into “accelerated classes.” My teacher sent me home with a note to my parents that … Read the rest... Addition and subtraction make sense with liquefaction
Tony Funderburk - Music Producer, Author, Singer Songwriter, Podcaster in Colorado Springs Yeah, it’s an uncomfortable conversation to have. The one about what’s happening behind closed doors and tall walls. Doors and walls that close behind foolish people going in…and behind damaged people coming out. Some people have spent much of their … Read the rest... Uncomfortable conversation with a quickly fading nation
Tony Funderburk - Music Producer, Author, Singer Songwriter, Podcaster in Colorado Springs Paramecia don’t become parakeets. And an amoeba will never be an ambulance driver. Not in a million, trillion years. Because changes like that don’t happen. Not by accident. Not on purpose. And certainly not accidentally on purpose. Accidentally on purpose … Read the rest... Accidentally on purpose where bad science can’t usurp us
Tony Funderburk - Music Producer, Author, Singer Songwriter, Podcaster in Colorado Springs Three years ago, around this time of year, I sent a sad and happy song out into the internet. It was in response to a request for me to write a song for a young man battling cancer. A friend … Read the rest... Make a wish to abolish and demolish
Tony Funderburk - Music Producer, Author, Singer Songwriter, Podcaster in Colorado Springs I think Huey Lewis and the News sang it best, back in the 80’s, when they sang “I say cool is a rule, but sometimes, bad is bad.” What? You don’t remember that song? Then, move along. Because you’re probably … Read the rest... Bad is bad when it’s this sad fad
Tony Funderburk - Music Producer, Author, Singer Songwriter, Podcaster in Colorado Springs I’m reminded of a sound bite from a presidential debate between Ronald Reagan and Jimmy Carter. Carter presented what he thought was a good case against then Governor Reagan’s position on Medicare. And when Carter finished, Reagan started his counterpoint … Read the rest... There you go again, not putting the if with then.
Tony Funderburk - Music Producer, Author, Singer Songwriter, Podcaster in Colorado Springs What if you reached your prime, let’s say around 33, and someone told you that you look old? It wouldn’t exactly make you feel great. Even if you’re totally confident in who you are, and in your appearance, you don’t … Read the rest... Ancient age appears when clocks miscount the years
Tony Funderburk - Music Producer, Author, Singer Songwriter, Podcaster in Colorado Springs God? Or environmentalists? Where is your trust? Let’s say God told you something like, “While the earth remains, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, winter and summer, and day and night shall not cease.” Would you believe Him? Or do you … Read the rest... The end of humanity and the definition of insanity
Tony Funderburk - Music Producer, Author, Singer Songwriter, Podcaster in Colorado Springs Ah, yes. Diversity, equity, and unabashed tolerance. That’s what you get when you mix a whole lotta different kinds of people together in one place. Right? And you just better brace yourself for gobs of group hugs, too. Because peace, … Read the rest... Murder mayhem and madness beat up on tidings of gladness
Tony Funderburk - Music Producer, Author, Singer Songwriter, Podcaster in Colorado Springs Apparently a lot of people go online to find out what can cause stress. And that makes sense. Because a lot of people (if not most) are stressed out. But I seriously don’t think you need to ask Google or … Read the rest... What can cause stress and make life a mess?
Tony Funderburk - Music Producer, Author, Singer Songwriter, Podcaster in Colorado Springs Music and mercy aren’t synonyms. Except that, they kind of are. Well, at least in one way they are. And I have that one example for you. But first, let me share a little story. During my freshman year in … Read the rest... Music and mercy there’s no controversy
Tony Funderburk - Music Producer, Author, Singer Songwriter, Podcaster in Colorado Springs If you were a “climate change” advocate, or some sort of “global warming” proponent, what would be the best way to express your beliefs? Show of hands? OK, Susie. What do you think the answer is? “Um, buy a half … Read the rest... Express your beliefs like the super-rich chiefs
Tony Funderburk - Music Producer, Author, Singer Songwriter, Podcaster in Colorado Springs I had my eyes examined (no, not my head) a couple of weeks ago. And this week I got my new glasses. Plus, this is my 2020th post here on TonyFunderburk.com. So, those two things, and a couple of other … Read the rest... Hindsight is 20 20 for some but not for plenty
Tony Funderburk - Music Producer, Author, Singer Songwriter, Podcaster in Colorado Springs I watched a well-made movie, starring Robert Duvall, the other night. And he’s a very good actor who can keep you engaged. I wish he’d learn how stupid he sounds as he takes God’s name in vain in just about … Read the rest... Relationship is key to a blessed eternity
Tony Funderburk - Music Producer, Author, Singer Songwriter, Podcaster in Colorado Springs You and I should cling to what is good. Not because it’s some kind of law. But because there’s much benefit to it. Sometimes eternal benefits. But you can’t do it. And I can’t either. We just can’t do it. … Read the rest... Cling to what is good. Yes, we certainly should.
Tony Funderburk - Music Producer, Author, Singer Songwriter, Podcaster in Colorado Springs In 2008, I was part of a pro life group in Colorado that actively advocated for the abolition of abortion. And, believe it or not, that’s not the general consensus in the “pro life movement.” Typical pro life organizations have … Read the rest... Unborn children have rights to all their days and nights
Tony Funderburk - Music Producer, Author, Singer Songwriter, Podcaster in Colorado Springs Empty the ocean with a spoon? Yeah, that was a thought that rushed into my head one day back in the 1970’s. Because I was thinking about all the people in the world who give up too easily. And, at … Read the rest... Empty the ocean was a poetic notion
Tony Funderburk - Music Producer, Author, Singer Songwriter, Podcaster in Colorado Springs I just saw three weak references to time by Christians. And all three of them talked about when time shall be no more. Sadly, those Christians are perpetuating an impossibility. Because there will never be a time when there is … Read the rest... Time shall be no more. What do they say that for?
Tony Funderburk - Music Producer, Author, Singer Songwriter, Podcaster in Colorado Springs Something is either right or wrong. And, it goes without saying (but I’m saying it anyway) some of those right or wrong things are more important than others. And some are of great importance. But the foundation of the statement … Read the rest... Right or Wrong – the idealogical song
Tony Funderburk - Music Producer, Author, Singer Songwriter, Podcaster in Colorado Springs It’s fascinating how little snippets of memories can flash into the front of your mind. Sometimes the flash comes out of nowhere. And sometimes it’s because you simply stopped and thought about it. And I recommend an occasional pause to … Read the rest... Ponder the past even though it doesn’t last
Tony Funderburk - Music Producer, Author, Singer Songwriter, Podcaster in Colorado Springs I remember singing what we called “old spiritual songs” way, way back when I was in choir in high school. One, that always comes to mind, said “soon ah will be done uh wit da troubles of da world. Goin’ … Read the rest... Spiritual songs were sung when I was young
Tony Funderburk - Music Producer, Author, Singer Songwriter, Podcaster in Colorado Springs A fairly impressive milestone slipped by me this past week. And that’s even though I told myself to not let it slip past me. What was the milestone, you ask? Well, thanks for asking. Right here, on my humble little … Read the rest... 2000 songs to listen to and not be tired when you’re through
Tony Funderburk - Music Producer, Author, Singer Songwriter, Podcaster in Colorado Springs Even if you’re not a Christian believer, you should read about Nebuchadnezzar's dream. Because it’s the kind of story Hollywood movies attempt to tell. But they almost always fail miserably for the same reason King Nebuchadnezzar failed. They stand on … Read the rest... Feet of clay walk you away from life today
Tony Funderburk - Music Producer, Author, Singer Songwriter, Podcaster in Colorado Springs If you’ve been following along with me here at TonyFunderburk.com for a while, you might recall that I spent a year in Nashville. Yeah, the one in Tennessee. Elgielene and I went there, after a couple of years on the … Read the rest... Songwriters in the round where some new songs were found
Tony Funderburk - Music Producer, Author, Singer Songwriter, Podcaster in Colorado Springs 246 years ago, this month, some guys with a British accent figured they’d bully some Americans around. But things didn’t go quite according to their plan. Because a knight in shining armor foiled their plans. And, of course, I’m being … Read the rest... Knight in shining armor and the bully disarmer
Tony Funderburk - Music Producer, Author, Singer Songwriter, Podcaster in Colorado Springs Back when I was about 12 or 13, in the mezzaluna phase of the twentieth century, my Mom forced me to endure unfathomable torture. She drove me to a quiet hillside, out on the backroads of Eastern Kansas. And she … Read the rest... Stick shift, a driving gift that gave a young boy a lift
Tony Funderburk - Music Producer, Author, Singer Songwriter, Podcaster in Colorado Springs Here’s a little something from nineteen ninety nine in nineteen eighty two. “Cuz they say two thousand zero zero party over, Oops out of time – So tonight I’m gonna party like it’s 1999.” Just in case you forgot, or something, I’m … Read the rest... Nineteen ninety nine and a band of mine
Tony Funderburk - Music Producer, Author, Singer Songwriter, Podcaster in Colorado Springs Back in the day (as they say) there was a short expression to describe somebody who could run fast. It went like this, “Man, he can really move it.” Do they still say that? I don’t know. But I probably … Read the rest... Move it or lose it. It’s up to you to choose it.
Tony Funderburk - Music Producer, Author, Singer Songwriter, Podcaster in Colorado Springs Life is full of up’s and down’s. But that’s part of what makes it so interesting. Because it’s not the easy stuff that makes you stronger. It’s the tough stuff. And if you’ve lived longer than a couple of decades, … Read the rest... Tough stuff can make you tough enough
Tony Funderburk - Music Producer, Author, Singer Songwriter, Podcaster in Colorado Springs It’s been a weird April this year. And I’m in a particularly contemplative way as I think about what the past 7 days included. A second drive to Kansas, in the past couple of months. But not for fun. Because … Read the rest... Contemplative way on a certain birthday
Tony Funderburk - Music Producer, Author, Singer Songwriter, Podcaster in Colorado Springs The short speeches were over. The room was put back in order. And the leftovers, sound system, and other ceremonial items were carried out, packed into cars, and driven away. So, all that was left of this celebration of my … Read the rest... Spreading the ashes with dampened eyelashes
Tony Funderburk - Music Producer, Author, Singer Songwriter, Podcaster in Colorado Springs Today was the day. Friends and family spent time together, in the little town of Gardner, Kansas, celebrating Mom. She died on February 11 of this year (2021) and left the aches and pains of this world to go live … Read the rest... Celebrating Mom with a memorial Psalm
Tony Funderburk - Music Producer, Author, Singer Songwriter, Podcaster in Colorado Springs I was a big fan of the popular duo from the seventies, Loggins and Messina. And when my brother and I started actually getting paid to play music, Loggins and Messina songs were a significant part of our repertoire. They … Read the rest... Peace of mind to those left behind
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