A train can’t make turns at the next intersection the way your car or pickup can. They have to follow the tracks. But even trains can go just about anywhere. Because there isn’t just one set of tracks.

Not only is it impossible, it’s a misguided idea to even try.

So, what does this have to do with anything in your life? Maybe nothing. In fact, I know most of the people who read what I write or listen to what I say on my podcast don’t have an issue with trying to follow multiple tracks in life. But you might not be one of them. And you might be someone who, like Mary MacGregor sang back in 1976, is torn between two lovers. One of them is YOU. And the other is the “higher power” you sense is “somewhere out there.”

All this fuzzy philosophical stuff came up in my brain when I looked at a picture someone shared on social media. It’s an account filled with amazing photography and art. Beautiful colors. Amazing settings. Just plain fun to see.

One of the pictures was of what appeared to be lighting on some railroad tracks. And, in my fat-headed poet brain, the image represented the journey you and I take in this life. So many people want to know the meaning of life. But way too many of them believe it can be discovered if you just “follow your heart.”

If you’re still young, that won’t have nearly the impact it does on people who’ve lived several decades. But it’s SO true anyway. And when you consider how long eternity will be, your time on earth will eventually seem faster than the time it takes lightning to strike.

So, my recommendation is to pick a “lover.” But I highly recommend you check into the “higher power” option. Because there most definitely IS a higher power. And He created you. He has the most famous name ever. And, sadly, way too many people are uncomfortable with the mention of it.

But you’re only here because Jesus made it possible for you to be alive. And He made it possible for you to have the option of eternal life. There IS a sort of catch. He is the ONLY way to that eternal life. You might say He laid the tracks and it’s up to you to choose to follow those tracks. In fact, I just said it.

So, will you do that? Or will you just be another flash of…

Lightnin’ on the tracks

Parallel begins

© 2023

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The post Follow the tracks as the light that refracts appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

I can hardly believe it’s already been almost 4 years. But the calendar doesn’t lie. And the metadata in the documents I saved doesn’t either. Yeah, almost 4 years since I produced rough cuts to several new songs. And I have a couple of main reasons why I call them “rough cuts.” One of those songs is called “I Can Do.” And, yes, it’s one of the many songs I’ve written where I swim upstream against current trends. But so be it.

And, no, I don’t get some sort of surreptitious pleasure from going against the grain. In fact, I wish my worldview and songwriting style were more the norm. But that ain’t gonna happen. So I know those opportunities I passed up on, back in the day, for recording deals, are the only ones I’ll ever have.

But I know the One who created me, AND made sure I can live forever, is much more pleased with my choice. And He said the world hated Him before it ever hated me. So, I’m in the best of company.

Anyway…

Back to those songs. There are seven of them. So far. And I have a deep and abiding desire to produce them from rough cuts to smooth. But, to my constant consternation, for six years, respiratory issues have kept me from accomplishing that goal. And my wife and I have moved to two entirely different parts of the country to hopefully help alleviate those issues.

Right now I’m gaining some cautious optimism that maybe I’m making some progress (Your prayers are desired and appreciated). And I hope I can do some recording, soon, and make some tracks. Sadly I’ve had that hope dashed against the rocks a few times in the past six years. But the thing about real hope is, it springs eternal.

So, that being said, here’s a snippet of lyrics from a little song in B flat called…

Outside the lines the grass is greener.

I know the morning sun will shine,

I can do…what I need to. I know it’s so, so I can do!

The rest is reserved for when I fully produce this song and the others. Until then, you can dive into lots of my other songs, AND all kinds of books, when you click or tap this link:

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

Stay tuned,

The post I Can Do. And in B flat, too appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

I don’t know why it is. But fat, old guys seem to be the typical Harley riders. And before you look for the page turn or delete button, I’m not gonna ramble on about fat, old guys on motorcycles. I’m sure you’ve seen your share. And you’d probably like to talk about almost anything else.

And even worse than that, they’re walkin’ down the street naked. Now, that’s not your typical scene. Except, it IS starting to get a whole lot more typical. And it’s happening with the approval of large crowds of men, women, AND children (although I doubt the kids had any choice in the matter).

This past weekend (6/23-6/25) a Bud Light sponsored, so-called “Pride Parade” in Toronto (that’s in Canada, for the geographically challenged) included nudists. It wasn’t the first parade to include them. And I’m sure it won’t be the last. In fact, I suspect they’ll be included in more and more parades as the tolerance and diversity wing of the so-called “justice system” sees nothing and knows nothing.

I’m deeply saddened for my country and continent. Because America was the last ray of hope for morality and respect for God. But that ray is flickering out. It used to be that morally bankrupt people preferred the dark of night because of their despicable behavior. But now, they proudly parade around in the daylight.

I read a report that said, “Another video emerged showing another act that occurred happened in the parade: participants in drag danced with their breasts exposed to the audience.” And the report continued with, “Other videos show a group of naked men playing and rinsing themselves off alongside a fountain surrounded by kids. Meanwhile, a stage, clearly adorned with Bud Light branding, featured scantily clad dancers wearing fishnets, nipple stickers, and strange sock-like masks.”

After all, if I don’t wanna watch, I can just not go. Or change the channel. Yeah, I could just move on with a “nothing to see here” attitude. But there’s one catch. Jesus said to “love your neighbor as yourself.” And I love myself enough to take eternal life where I can find it. So, I want my “neighbors” to experience it, too.

Of course, I won’t even try to force anyone to believe in eternal life AND that it can only be found in Jesus. I couldn’t make them do that even if I DID try. But I’ll never give up recommending it to them. And I’ll never give in and simply tolerate their despicable behavior. They certainly don’t tolerate my Christian faith. And that’s the height, width, and depth of their hypocrisy.

Naturally (and I use that word because it fits perfectly) the tolerance that’s “preached” in “pride parades” has no actual boundaries. So, as more and more sin is accepted, it gets more and more depraved.

Fat old guys (and women, and young ones, too), parading around naked in front of children is bad. But, if that behavior is left unchecked and unpunished, to quote BTO, “you ain’t seen nothin’ yet.”

The web page, with the report of this awful news, included some ironically humorous bullet point ads. I copied them and pasted them, verbatim, here:

“Urologist: Enlarged Prostate? Do This Immediately (Genius!)”

“Big Belly? Take This Before Bed And Lose Up To 52 lbs In 10 Days”

So, I guess even naked, fat, old guys (and/or those who cheer them on) have health and vanity issues. One day, if they don’t turn to God for help with their hardened hearts, they’ll wish for the days when they only had belly fat and prostate problems.

I long for the day when I won’t feel compelled to speak out against men and women who prey on, and even murder, little children. And I look forward to an eternal future when none of those people who hate God will ever trouble me, or anyone who loves Him, again.

AND I know that day is coming. Because, even right here in the middle of an overflowing ocean of darkness, the Light of God’s love, shines with inextinguishable power. For anyone who cares to see it.

Worldliness; don’t let your joy turn into heaviness!

Stay tuned,

Be sure to get the Amen Songbook and Journal. The paperback version is on Amazon, so free delivery to Prime members. There’s a link in the book where you can download all the songs in the Amen collection.

https://app.box.com/s/iu1v6wq04ail8ays371zouebsnnanew3

The post Fat old guys out in front of your eyes appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

Just so you know, right up front, I don’t believe humans turn into angels when they die. Because angels are not the same kind of creation. And they’re already created. And they’ll always BE angels. You and I are already created as human beings, to be that way forever.

Why would I write a poem about soldier angels? Well, actually I didn’t. But 10 years ago, I DID write a poem, in honor of Memorial Day and soldiers who died for our country, that sounded that way. But it’s metaphorical. Not to be mistaken as a belief that soldiers turn into angels.

Back then, I thought about how this world is another year closer to the end of this age. And I wanted to say how I’m thankful for the soldiers who give and gave so much to hopefully keep our country safe. So, I said “they’re like guardian angels for us in the here and now.”

And for those who gave their lives in that service I said, “They’re no longer guardian angels, but many of them live in the realm of angels.”

Then, I mentioned how “ironically many of those angels will be soldiers here on earth one day.” And I said they’ll be “fighting for the causes of freedom.” Because they’ll be fighting for the Truth that makes you free.

So, I used a rhythm I don’t typically use to write a rhyme about soldiers and angels. Even though human beings will never be angels, and angels will never be human beings, the soldier connection is a sad, yet glorious, reality. Here’s that rhyme I already created 10 years ago.

Soldiers, angels, walkin’ through the green grass

Soldiers, angels, hikin’ up the high road

Soldiers, angels, have left us a tutorial

Soldiers, angels…one becomes the other

Soldiers, angels…we can’t live without them

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Nine years ago I wrote that we live in “particularly dangerous times.” And I’m happy to report that the worst has blown over and you’re safe once again. Go back to your daily routine without worry. And without fear. But remember to thank your government for keeping you covered. Because, without its benign benevolence and actuated authority, I hesitate to think where we’d be.

Because there are lots of really mad people all around the world. What do you suppose gets so many people so riled up? People aren’t born dangerous. You might say they have to grow into it (in fact, I just did say it). And selfish decisions are the easiest path to danger. Thank goodness you and I don’t have to concern ourselves with all that nonsense. Right?

Yeah, as long as we mind our own business, we can enjoy the daily routine without a care in the world. Just the way God intended. Aah, cue the lilting music and springy, sunshiny video.

(*sudden sound of a turntable needle scratching across a record)

I just read an article that mentioned how a couple of mocha-shaded guys decided they wanted to see what it would be like to “kill a white person.” So, they shot a 66 year old guy in the back, with a hollow point bullet, as he repaired somebody’s mailbox. And the victim was reported to have a mom, in her 90’s, who depended on him.

So, right in the middle of his daily routine, a guy was murdered.

But what makes one person stoop to the lowest level? What has to happen to drive someone to murder? Here’s my answer.

Someone who can murder a fellow human being is someone who’d rather BE a god than acknowledge the true God. Murderers and rapists and child molesters are the lowest, rebellious scumbags in the world. They’re in such rebellion against God that if He says black, they say white. And if He calls something evil, they call it good.

And true love, the Love of God, is not in them.

Because this world is full of B.S.O.’s, Bright, Shiny Objects. They can be things, possessions, and even other people. And whatever they are, they can demand your complete love and attention. That, to coin the lyrics in a Kim Carnes song, is “where the trouble lies.”

And I believe that tendency is inside you and me, too. But it’s not your own kindness or live-and-let-live attitude that sets you apart from the murderer. It’s either that you’ve acknowledged there IS a Creator God, or that you’ve at least acknowledged that you are NOT God.

One place in the Bible describes that as the beginning of wisdom. And the Bible says “wisdom is the principal thing”. It’s more precious than jewels or gold. Wisdom places a high value on people. Because only people are created in the image and likeness of God. But wisdom is a far removed from wicked people as Heaven is from hell.

Grab the Grace of God and never let go. You’re so valuable to God, the Creator of the universe, Maker of Heaven and Earth and all things, that He took a terrible punishment and died for you. And me. And everyone else.

I may sound old-fashioned and out-of-touch…but if so, let me never be modernized to the point of forgetting that “God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.”

That’s the only news that will take you through the dangerous times of your life.

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It’s a weird and wicked world. And all the worldly dots are connected. And I arrived at this thought due to following along some of those dots just now. One leap led me to discover what a vitriolic sphere is. Check out this description I found:

“You point at a place within range, and a glowing 1-foot ball of emerald acid streaks there and explodes in a 20-foot radius. Each creature in that area must make a Dexterity saving throw. On a failed save, a creature takes 10d4 acid damage and 5d4 acid damage at the end of its next turn. On a successful save, a creature takes half the initial damage and no damage at the end of its next turn.

At Higher Levels. When you cast this spell using a spell slot of 5th level or higher, the initial damage increases by 2d4 for each slot level above 4th.”

And, if you’re not a “gamer,” maybe that description sounds almost like a foreign language. I’d actually consider that a type of blessing. Because it means you haven’t fallen into that pitiful pit.

And I say that because of the different definitions of vitriolic. The online Merriam-Webster dictionary defines vitriolic as 1) bitterly harsh or caustic language or criticism AND 2) a sulfate of any of various metals (such as copper, iron, or zinc) especially : a glassy hydrate of such a sulfate.

I’m sure the gamers would prefer to focus on the second definition. But ultimately it’s just a dot connected to the first definition. Because you certainly wouldn’t explode a ball of emerald acid on someone as an act of love. Right? No. My guess (and I use that term lightly) is that hate would be the motivator.

But here’s the Tony Take on it.

Hate IS a vitriolic sphere. Because when you throw it out there, it WILL circle back to you. Cause and effect. But in the case of hate, the effect is not less than the cause.

Hatred is literally tangible. Not the force of it. But the effect. Many American city streets are filled with zombified human beings. What some would call the dregs of society. Walking around in drug-induced stupors. Wreaking havoc on themselves and those around them. I’ve seen them. And I’ve noticed how there’s only darkness behind their eyes.

But you know what’s good for that kind of darkness?

If you guessed sunlight, come on up here to the head of the class.

But here’s what’s even better than sunlight. The Son’s Light.

And, never fear. Because it’s that Light that’ll renew this mean ol’ sphere we live on, one day, into an extension of Heaven again. Of course, the force behind that action is the opposite of vitriol. And it’s the only reason you and I aren’t already swimming in flames.

Well the light shines, and it’s coming from above.

I’ve waited so long for the perfect time and place,

So gimme the Light oh give me the Light of Your Love.

Well, I daydream, and I do my best to fly,

repeat bridge & chorus…inst…repeat chorus twice

© 1998

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I read another article about brain cell connections to music. Yeah, I’m a nerd when it comes to that kind of information. And I love a quote from that article that said, “Neurons that fire together, wire together.”

Of course the scientist who said that was talking about how brain cells communicate with each other by “firing” messages through junctions called synapses. And when those cells connect, regularly (as they do when a musician   is practicing or rehearsing), they can build strong bonds into a complicated circuitry. And, according to the article, that’s how an “efficient network” is built for skills such as singing.

And since music therapy is more widely recognized as truly helpful, there are some programs out there working to see if music can benefit unhealthy brains. Such as the arts and humanities program at the Georgetown Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center. They decided to let musicians-in-residence play throughout the hospital.

Palliative care nurses often let a well-know cellist, there, play for patients who are anxious or in pain. And they can watch monitors to help them match the music’s tempo to heart rates. Then they work, in sync, to gradually slow dow the tempo and gradually ease the patient’s anxiety and heart rate.

I think that’s mighty cool.

And sometimes musicians play for the dying patients. By design, they choose gently arrhythmic background music. Not a song that might be familiar. Because the familiar can lead to heart-wrenching memories. And that defeats the purpose of these special brain cell connections to music.

A director of Georgetown’s program, said she wondered if they could research the type and dose of music for different health situations. And she added, “If we can study the arts in the same way that science studies medication and other therapeutics, I think we will be doing so much good.”

And I believe it’s do-able because God is real. I know. I know. I’m always directing the conversation back to God. But it’s because He’s the source of life. And He designed all those complicated neurons that wire together for healthy brain cell connections. So, it’s only natural that, since He wants us to have abundant life, He also designed everything so that we could.

Not all brains function properly. But that’s a result of rebellion. And that’s another topic for another time.

Here’s a poem I shared, directed toward kids from 3 to 93 that talked about brain health.

Why should we care about the wheels on a train

Why should we think about the cars in the lane

Why should we look for the sugar in the cane

Why should we try to ease somebody’s pain

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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 every character he plays. But I’m not sure Mr. Duvall understands how that relationship is key.

In the movie Mr. Duvall’s character, Felix Bush, is a hermit who’s lived alone for 40 years. And he let his hair and beard grow out extra long and wild. All the townspeople know OF him. But they don’t know ABOUT him. And his deep, dark secret.

Felix committed a sin and a crime 40 years ago. And it was so egregious he determined, on his own, that it was unpardonable. So, that’s part of the underlying plot. And I won’t give any more of it away in case you decide to watch the movie. I can’t recommend it because it takes God’s name in vain. But if you can find a filtered version, the rest of it is very good production.

In fact, a good relationship with your Creator is the Way to a blessed eternity.

There’s no other way. Your family, your friends, your husband or wife or significant other…they’ll let you down. And they’re just as flawed as you. So, your hope for a blessed eternity, absolutely can’t be found in them.

When you read how Jesus described Himself in John 14:6, it’s impossible to miss His definitive description. He’s not “a” way, or truth, or life. He’s “The” way, truth, and life. And He states it boldly. So, it better be true. Because, if it’s not, He’s not to be trusted or followed.

But it IS true. And the evidence for His truth is overwhelming…to anyone willing to go where it leads.

And it leads to an eternal relationship.

For the Truth is absolute.

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I enjoy watching Ray Comfort, from Living Waters, talk to people he meets “on the street.” Because he has an easy-going way of disarming them in order to share God’s love. He lives in California. But he’s originally from Australia. And I think his accent helps a little, too.

Ray actually helps people understand they’re not all that and a bag of chips. But he does it in a way that makes them think. And you can see the difference in their faces as logic and reason begin to push out long-held emotion-based beliefs.

Because some might think it’s a ministry name from a reference Jesus made to Himself. But there’s a subtle difference…that shows the power of a single alphabetical letter. And, in this case, that letter is S.

To think of God as living water that quenches your thirst, forever, is a cool metaphor. But take the metaphor one more step. Because Jesus said believers follow Him. And that means we’re supposed to be like Him. Not exactly, of course, because we’re flawed and He is perfect. We sin, and He is sinless. But we’re called to follow His example.

So, we should be living waters.

You and I can be tributaries off the main river of water of life. And when you look closely at maps that show rivers and their tributaries, the metaphor is even easier to see. Because the main river covers a lot of territory. Sometimes from one end of a country or continent to the other end. And the tributaries flow into much smaller areas. But a lot more of those areas.

Maybe Ray and his team didn’t come up with the name for the ministry for that reason. But I think it works very nicely.

And as living waters, you and I can (or should) work to get people to think. Give them logical, reasonable things to consider. Because we might get them to start listening to that…

Gotta go make some noise and go drinkin’ out with the boys.

Cheerin’ for my football team on the high def satellite stream

Still small voice inside me sayin’…

© 2009 Tony Funderburk

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I’m able to change my mind. And you read that and probably think something like, “Wow. That’s so deep, Tony.” But it IS deep. Because it means I’m not a robot. There’s no one pushing buttons making me do what I do each day. Good stuff or bad. I can choose to do bad. And then turn right around and choose not to. Whichever way I go, it’s my choice.

And you can, too.

And so can everybody else on the planet. Of course, there are limitations of choice due to different levels of freedom in the different countries of the world. But the general principle applies. And speaking of different levels…guess who else has the freedom to choose.

God.

Yeah, you’d think that would be as obvious as the face on your nose. But guess what? Millions of people (including people who say they trust Jesus) don’t believe God is free to choose or change His mind.

And He has changed His mind on plenty of occasions. He’s done that to give us every opportunity at eternal life. Plus, He’s a person. And He feels. Not only His own emotions, but ours, too. So, there have plenty of times when He changed His mind about what he’d do to (and for) mankind.

And because He’s able to change His mind, I can change my mind. You can change yours.

Because He loves you and me so much, He gives us our freedom to choose. And that even includes whether we choose to love and trust Him or not.

But He must not have thought that through, though. Right? Because have you noticed how most of the world wants nothing to do with God. In fact, the world is moving away from Him faster than I’ve ever seen before in my life.

If you know someone who’s included in that exodus from God, pray for them (or keep praying for them) to stop running away. Because, as long as there’s life, there’s hope. And another reason is…

What made You thinkӬ that I was worth the risk You took?

Because You love me so…in spite of all You know…

You put a lifeӬ and a will inside my soul.

I can live because You live!

© 2010 Tony Funderburk

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