Articles that reference the book of Proverbs

Articles that reference the book of Proverbs

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Articles that reference the book of Proverbs episodes

  • Humility is a virtue and selfishness will hurt you

    Here’s a short PSA to the world. Looks can be deceiving. And what you see in this world doesn’t last forever. But grace lasts forever. And that’s how humility is a virtue. Because God gives grace to the humble.

    But being humble isn’t something to brag about.

    Yeah, that sort of cancels out your humility.

    It’s OK to be confident. In fact, if you’re a Christian, you should be confident. Because you’ve been saved from a fate worse than death. Literally. If you’re not a Christian, the opposite is true. I didn’t make that up. Here are some key things to remember about God’s perspective. He…

    • Says the “perverse person is an abomination”
    • Keeps a secret counsel with upright people
    • Curses the houses of the wicked
    • Blesses the homes of the just
    • Scorns the scornful
    • Knowing all that, it would be a wise choice to choose to love God and His ways. It would be a wise choice to humble yourself because, like I mentioned before, God gives grace to the humble. And it would be a wise choice to realize you’re not God and that you need a savior.

      And that’s how humility is a virtue.

      So be wise when it comes to your eternal fate. When you are, you’ll inherit glory. When you aren’t, you can only leave behind a legacy of shame. Will you humble yourself before God today? Or will you make a foolish decision with negative eternal consequences.

      Grace to the humble.

      Grace to the wise.
      And grace to the ones who
      Choose truth over lies.

      If this landed somewhere good with you, let’s stay connected. It’s super easy. Here’s how:

      Get Tony’s Rhyme and Reason Daily Devotional delivered to your inbox for free.

      It’s good stuff based on the power of God’s love. And, to show my sincere appreciation for your time and attention, I’ll send you download links to music and The Very First 6 Days (a rhyming book for kids about the creation week) right away. Kids from 3 to 103 can enjoy these fun goodies. Just add your email to the form and let’s connect right away.

      The form can be filled in the actual website url.

      Stay tuned,

      The post Humility is a virtue and selfishness will hurt you appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

      5 min
    • Your life is your own but don’t live it alone

      Yeah, your life is your own, and it’s unique. No one else who ever lived, is living now, or will ever live will have the same life as you. But your life is no different from anybody else’s either. Confused? I’ll explain.

      The DNA found in every cell of your body is incredibly complex and singularly yours. The chances of it existing by chance are so small (translate that into nonexistent), you’d be more likely to win the powerball AND get struck by lightning on 3 birthdays in a row.

      No, random chance and mutations had nothing to do with the making of you. Your living, loving Creator made you. And He made only one of you. And He put a code inside you that makes sure no one else will be you. Now, I said all that because I want you to know that you can know this is true.

      And know that your life is your own. That’s mighty darn special.

      But having said that, I gotta also say this.

      You’re not special, unique, or one-of-a-kind when it comes to how your life plays out.

      Because you’ll experience awesome days and disappointing days. You’ll have to go through pain. And you’ll enjoy wonderful pleasures. You will. And so will billions of other people (unless they live under dictators, evil kings, and terrorists, etc.). So did countless other people throughout history. It’s life.

      But, just like everybody else in this life, you’ll come to a major fork in the road where you’ll have to choose a direction, an option, and make a judgment call. And your eternal fate will depend on your decision.

      Of course, the fork in the road I’m talking about is Jesus.

      He designed you. He formed you in your mother’s womb. And He installed that unique code inside you. He knows what makes you tic. And He’s available 24 hours a day. Every day of your life. And He’s as close as your breath. In fact, He’s closer. He’s the Spirit of Life…yours, mine…everybody’s. Without Him nobody would exist. But how do you get to know Him and discover what His advice might be for that fork in your road? His word.

      Your Creator’s word says you can plan your way. And it says He will direct your steps. That means He won’t make your decisions for you. And He didn’t plan your life for you. But when you trust Him, He won’t lead you the wrong way. He’ll lead you the direct way. That means you’ll get where you need to be. It’s kind of like the guy who put in the sidewalk that leads up to the front door of your house. He made the clear, easy way for you. But he can’t or won’t force you to walk on the sidewalk.

      So, here’s a challenge for you.

      Give up trusting in yourself today. Start reading God’s word…more…especially the writings from Paul in the New Testament. And find out how much more important and dependable actual truth is than your own truth. Sure, your life is your own. But if you want it to be the best, it can possibly be, humble yourself so God can lift you up.

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

      Worldliness; don’t let it rob you of your righteousness!
      Humble yourselves and God will lift you up!
      Worldliness won’t put sweet water in your cup!

      Get Tony’s Rhyme and Reason Daily Devotional delivered to your inbox for free.

      I share it with believers who want to focus on the power of God’s love and rightly divide the word of truth. Spend your time reading, listening, and watching good stuff based on the power of God’s love instead of looking for it. And, to show my sincere appreciation for your time and attention, I’ll send you download links to music and The Very First 6 Days (a rhyming book for kids about the creation week) right away. Kids from 3 to 103 can enjoy these fun goodies. Just add your email to the form and let’s connect right away.

      Stay tuned,

      The post Your life is your own but don’t live it alone appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

      11 min
    • Tomorrow is a concept about time that we can accept

      It’s true. Tomorrow is a concept. Not a reality.

      If someone came to you asking for a ride because their car broke down, would you tell them to come back tomorrow? Probably not. Right? What if they needed to borrow money, and you have plenty you could lend? Would you tell them to wait until tomorrow? Hmm, that’s a little different. Or is it? There’s a place in the Bible where it says if you’re able to help someone, don’t hold back. And don’t wait till tomorrow. Do your good deeds today.

      Because tomorrow is a concept.

      You never actually get to it. And it might seem like a small detail. But it’s important enough to be included in the Bible.

      When you’re able to help your neighbor, that’s a great way to “love your neighbor.” And if you’re a Christian, loving your neighbor is one of the main things God asks you to do. So, why would you wait till tomorrow? What’s gonna be different tomorrow? No, it’s important to live in today. Love in today. Act today. Don’t believe that nonsense that says “no good deeds go unpunished.”

      Because this world doesn’t want your good deeds.

      So, trust God to be faithful. He knows your heart. And He knows where your true treasures are.

      If someone asks you for help today, and if you’re able to give them that help, give it. Today if possible, since tomorrow is a concept. You won’t be able to give them the help tomorrow. And it’s not a matter of doing good deeds for the sake of deeds. It’s a matter of your heart. And it’s a great way to have a healthy heart. So, is your heart healthy toward others? Here’s a rhyme to help you remember…

      Give your help to someone who needs.

      Have a good heart. It’s love that feeds.
      What you do now is planting seeds.
      It’s so much more than just good deeds.

      Get Tony’s Rhyme and Reason Daily Devotional delivered to your inbox for free.

      I share it with believers who want to focus on the power of God’s love and rightly divide the word of truth. Spend your time reading, listening, and watching good stuff based on the power of God’s love instead of looking for it. And, to show my sincere appreciation for your time and attention, I’ll send you download links to music and The Very First 6 Days (a rhyming book for kids about the creation week) right away. Kids from 3 to 103 can enjoy these fun goodies. Just add your email to the form and let’s connect right away.

      The form can be filled in the actual website url.

      Stay tuned,

      The post Tomorrow is a concept about time that we can accept appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

      5 min
    • To the day that was swept away and showed up today

      It was four years ago, to the day, today. And a few minutes ago I ran across something I shared that day. I can see it, in my mind’s eye, almost as clearly as if I were looking right at it right now. And that’s even though my location is about as different, now, as night is from day.

      I talked about how I was using my iPhone as my computer that morning, in sync with my small, foldable, bluetooth keyboard. And I had my computer, oops iPhone, propped up nicely on a little “drawer” in the dash of my mobile office which was my little blue Toyota truck.

      First I paid homage to the day with a short description.

      So, I mentioned how I could see a fairly long stretch of the front range of the Rocky Mountains. Blue skies, snow-capped peaks, and a few swatches of white clouds drifting by.

      It was an early winter day in the early part of 2021. And, yep, January 3rd to be exact. I appreciated the fact that I could sit there soaking in the scenery AND share it with you on my small, portable devices. What a blessing, in a never-ending series of blessings that come with living in the digital age.

      And I called ’em blessings as I pointed to a day, not all that long ago in the past, when none of that would have been possible. NONE! But these days you can share ideas, images, words, music, and even videos literally with the world. Almost instantaneously.

      Skip the publisher’s rules and arbitrary methods. Skip the hassles of waiting for printing and binding and distribution. And skip the need for bulky, loud, and unreliable equipment.

      Yeah, these days you just whip out the little device you carry with you all the time, open up your favorite word processor or video recorder, and blast out your thoughts.

      And here’s what’s especially cool about all this.

      The information and resources to do all this have been here on our little blue planet since the day it was made.

      Let that sink in for a minute.

      Yeah, every single thing you and I ever needed, to be able to type words on a little keyboard and have them show up on a small screen (connected through the air) has been here our whole lives. And for the whole history of the world.

      The only thing lacking, until this time in history was the know-how. An understanding of what does what.

      And I wouldn’t be surprised if that’s part of why God tells us to get understanding. Matter of fact, He says “in all your getting, get understanding.” But He adds a caveat just before that when He says “Wisdom is the principal thing. Therefore get wisdom.”

      And that’s because humans tend to have an uncanny knack for messing up a good thing. So many people immediately look for (or stumble into) a way to corrupt or pervert the very things that make their lives better and easier. And it’s almost impossible to avoid being one of those people without wisdom.

      But that’s not you and me. Right?

      No, I’m sure you’re just as much in awe over the ability to have a tiny, mobile office as I am. And I’m sure you wanna use your technology and gifts and talents to help others get and maintain an eternal perspective on life.

      If so, I encourage you to look for opportunities to serve others. Starting today, if you haven’t already. And help them get to the day when they understand. And realize how they wouldn’t be able to enjoy any entertainment or business applications on their smartphones, laptops, or TV’s, if God hadn’t put all the information here in the first place.

      Okay, for today, look for wisdom from The Way.

      And you can then do more of what God wants you to.
      Your eyes, on the prize, will help you to recognize
      God makes no mistakes. So, we have all that it takes
      For days, full of praise. Never-ending life-filled days.

      Once you see the benefit, join the growing body of believers who’ve already signed up for the Tony’s Rhyme and Reason Daily Devotional. And I’ll send you daily flashes of light so we can stay focused on faith, hope, and love.

      Stay tuned…

      The post To the day that was swept away and showed up today appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

      8 min
    • Drop of water from the clay not the potter

      Have you ever made a rock? And how about a stick? Have you ever made one of those? Well, what about a drop of water? Surely you’ve at least made a drop of water in your life. And surely, somewhere, there’s a school science class where that has happened. Naturally, I don’t expect anyone to create a river. But surely at least one, single drop of water shouldn’t be that hard to do.

      And if someone HAS made a drop of water, imagine how proud they are.

      I can almost see the headline: Whiz Kid Invents World’s First Drop Of Water In A Laboratory

      Yeah, that whiz kid’s gonna be able to boast about that street cred for a long time.

      OK, a rock, a stick, and water seem like simple things. But no whiz kid on earth can make even a grain of sand or a seed. Because only God can make those things.

      And I bet you’re fine with that. Right? I’m sure you don’t mope around wishing you could invent dirt and stuff. Because it’s a lot more fun throwing rocks, lying in the sand, and splashing in the water. Especially on hot summer days.

      But, if you COULD invent a drop of water, everybody would wanna be your friend. And before you knew it, you could brag about how you have a million friends. And think about how proud that might make you feel.

      But you gotta watch out for that proud part.

      Because that’s where a lotta trouble starts.

      So, maybe you’re not a science whiz kid. But let’s say win a running race. Or you paint a picture that wins first place at the art chow. Or maybe you write a hit song people love to listen to on the radio. Nothin’ wrong with any of that. But I recommend you don’t get all caught up in being proud of yourself.

      It’s a much better idea to thank the Lord that He gave you strong legs to win the race. Or thank Him for giving you the talent and good eyes to paint a beautiful picture. Or good ears and skills to write music.

      After all, God was the one who created you. He designed your muscles and bones and eyes and ears. He gave you a brain. And He gave your brain the power to think your own thoughts. Dream your own dreams. And even sing your own songs. No, you wouldn’t have any of those things without Him.

      So, God must love you a lot to make so many wonderful things for you to enjoy. Right?

      And just so you know, it’s fine for others who love you to be proud of you. They wanna see you do good and awesome things. Because that means you’re growing and getting better and better at what they helped you learn how to do.

      But don’t forget. You didn’t invent art and music, or even that one drop of water I mentioned earlier. And you certainly didn’t invent YOU. So, stay humble. Don’t fall into the pride and proud trap.

      Remember, there ARE some things God hates. And at the top of His list is “a proud look.”

      So, my hope for you, today, is that you’ll go do some great things. AND give thanks to God.

      And here’s a rhyme to help you remember:

      If you’re proud of yourself for the things you do,

      Pretty soon no one wants to be around you,
      ‘Cause you’ll sound just like an old clanging bell
      That is out of tune and doesn’t ring so well.
      Give a nod to God with a thankful prayer.
      Let Him know you’re glad that He’s always there.
      And be glad for the gifts that He’s given you.
      It’s because of Him you can do what you do.

      Before you go, jump on the The TRUTH. And join the growing band of believers who enjoy my books, daily rhymes, songs, and videos about the Rhyme and Reason and power of God’s love.

      Stay tuned,

      The post Drop of water from the clay not the potter appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

      8 min
    • Truth and mercy for what him and her see

      Gonna talk about truth and mercy right now. So, get ready to take some mental notes. Yeah, put away those silly tablets and other writing accoutrement. Because I don’t want your brain distracted by an urgent need to jot notes.

      The value of truth and mercy is too important to miss.

      So, before I go any further, I know your brain is already distracted by the grammar in my headline, “Truth and mercy for what him and her say.” Right? C’mon, admit it. Your first thought was to call the grammar police and report some noun/verb abuse. But, hopefully you remembered I’m Mister Tony, the Rhyme and Reason Guy. And you thought, “Hey, wait a minute. I bet Tony’s using his poetic license to make his headline rhyme.”

      And I’m so glad none of this caused a ruckus we can’t overcome. So, on to the main point(s).

      Have you ever been called a loser? I hope not. But if you have, I’m sure you remember how much it hurt. Right? People who call you a loser or some other name have already lost something. I bet you didn’t know that, did you? Yep, people like that have lost 2 things you should never lose. Would you like to know what they are? Keep reading…

      There are a lot of things in this life you could lose and it wouldn’t make much difference. Your pencil. Your paper. And your bubble gum. But those are just thingy things. You can almost always get more thingy things. But there are other things much more important.

      And here are the 2 things you should never lose:

      Truth and Mercy. Did you already guess? If so, you win a big pat on your back. Go tell someone I said to give you one.

      And you know what mercy is. Right? It’s kinda like telling someone you’re not mad at them for breaking your toy. In fact, instead of getting mad at them, you tell them they can play with another one of your toys. You should try that sometime. You might be surprised to see what a big smile you could put on your friend’s face. Yeah, mercy is a pretty special thing. You should have a lot of it in you.

      And I bet you know what truth is, too. Right? It’s what you say that can stand any test. And it’s the same for everybody. Let’s say I tell you the sun is bigger and hotter than the moon. Am I telling you the truth? Sure am. And isn’t it true for everybody who lives here on Earth. Sure is. Everybody can see the sun is bigger. And they can feel how much hotter it is. So, if I tell someone those things…I’m telling them the truth. It’s good to know some things are true for everybody.

      It makes it easier to understand the world.

      There’s something that ties mercy and truth together. Do you know what that is? It’s love.

      When you love somebody, it’s much easier to show mercy and say, “You can play with this toy even though you broke that one.” And when you love, you want to know truth…because you might be curious where love comes from. Don’t you think so?

      Here’s the biggest reason why it’s important to know these 2 things you should never lose. Because when you have those things in YOUR heart, you win a place in God’s heart.

      And winning a place in God’s heart is the best thing you could ever win because that lasts forever. Go share some Truth and Mercy today. I’m counting on you. And here’s a rhyme to help you remember…

      Mercy and truth are lighted lamps

      To help you find your way…
      So with God’s help, go share your love
      For others every day.

      Get some music and a book sent your way real fast. Just jump on the The TRUTH. And join a growing band of believers who enjoy my books, daily rhymes, songs, and videos about the power of God’s Love.

      Stay tuned,

      The post Truth and mercy for what him and her see appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

      8 min
    • Faith and doubt and what you might leave out

      You’ve probably experienced faith and doubt at the same time. It’s OK to admit it because it’s part of your human flaws. I know. How dare I say you have flaws, right? Easy. Because everybody does.

      I talk about the Apostle Paul a lot. And that’s because he’s the best example of where you and I are right now. And he expressed his concerns about his own ways when he wrote to the new Christians in Rome. Check out what he said and see if you detect yourself in his words:

      “…we know that the law is spiritual, but I am carnal, sold under sin. For what I am doing, I do not understand. For what I will to do, that I do not practice; but what I hate, that I do. If, then, I do what I will not to do, I agree with the law that it is good. But now, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells in me. For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh) nothing good dwells; for to will is present with me, but how to perform what is good I do not find. For the good that I will to do, I do not do; but the evil I will not to do, that I practice. Now if I do what I will not to do, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells in me.”

      And a few lines later, you can see those weren’t just idle thoughts. Paul was so deeply affected by that inner conflict that he said, “O wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death?” Yikes!

      Yeah, flaws, like the ones Paul described, can allow doubt seep into your mind. That doubt can affect your day, your decisions, and your dreams. And that’s even if you’ve expressed a true faith in the One who made you. I’m not talking about the skepticism kind of doubt, the kind of uncertainty of how we even got here.

      No, this is about Christian faith. And doubt in yourself or your future.

      Uncertainty and insecurity can sneak into your life if you don’t watch out. Regardless of that, I want you to know it’s not an unforgivable sin for that to happen in your life. But doubt can grow when you focus on it instead of the solution.

      Faith and doubt are mentioned, a lot, in the Bible.

      Doubt is often referred to as fear, or a lack of courage, or unbelief. But, no matter what kind of doubt it is, the solution is always presented as faith. God wants you to have courage. He wants you to be powerful and loving. And He gives you the tool to get the job done.

      His word.

      His word is also called “the sword of the Spirit.” It’s an invisible sword, more powerful than brass, iron, or steel. And yet it’s sharp enough to “divide soul and spirit.” Wow, that’s difficult to even imagine.

      Anyway…

      Here’s my main point. I just want you to know that if you’re bouncing back and forth between faith and doubt, it means you’re doing something wrong. Not evil, but wrong. And it’s probably that you put most of your trust in yourself. But that’s leaning on limited understanding. And certainly not trusting in the Lord with all your heart.

      There are successful people who don’t trust in the Lord. That’s undeniably true.

      But what profits will you enjoy if you gain the whole world and lose your soul?

      Most millionaires and billionaires go to hell.

      I’m not picking on wealthy people because most poor people are going to hell, too. Because most PEOPLE are not going to Heaven. For one stupid reason. They choose not to go. If you have any doubt about where you’ll go if you die today, I suggest putting your faith in Jesus. Without Him, you face a life full of…

      False Moves

      I seem to make so many false moves.

      So many have misunderstood.
      I guess I must expect the worst results,
      And I’d deal with them, if I could.

      False moves, like shadows, fall behind.

      You might go look for them, but they’re difficult to find.
      False moves, like liquor, bring a sense of doubt.
      So hard to live with, and so easy to live without.

      I always seem to see the empty spots

      And fill them up with simple words,
      But when I think I’ve got the right idea,
      It disappears like Autumn birds.

      I sit and dream of traveling so far,

      And then I end up standing still.
      Part of me says that I will make it.
      Part of me says I never will.
      False moves”

      © 1978 Tony Funderburk

      Since I referenced Paul’s letter to the Ephesians, I’m gonna share a link to my own lyrical perspective on that book of the Bible. It’s called “Rhyme and Reason in Ephesians.” Get a digital copy from your choice of stores:

      https://books2read.com/u/baEaeP

      Stay tuned,

       

      The post Faith and doubt and what you might leave out appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

      6 min
    • God hates you if you prefer your own riff

      The end of April is fast approaching. So, get read for all those May flowers. Of course, that leads to Mother’s Day and then Memorial Day and backyard barbecues. All that wonderful evidence of Spring can help you forget that God hates you.

      Anyway…

      So, last week I had a nice conversation with some people who walked their Yorkie by the bungalow. We got to talkin’ about how they don’t make houses like the ones in our neighborhood anymore. And…pardon me?

      What do you mean I left you hanging with the God hates you comment?

      Oh, OK. I just read what I’ve written so far. And you’re right. I did write that “God hates you.” Yeah, I suppose that’s a bit harsh. And maybe I should clear that up a little. I didn’t actually mean He hates YOU. I meant He hates YOU, if and when you hate Him and when you prefer to riff on your own merry way.

      But hat’s not YOU. Right?

      OK. We’re clear now. So, let’s move on.

      Yeah, these bungalows, from over 100 years ago, are certainly a lot more solid than modern houses. Oak flooring. Local stone foundations that surround the basement. It’s cool to see the workmanship and hand-nailed cabinetry, rafters, and trim. And you can tell they cared more because…huh? What’s that?

      You don’t want me to talk about this old bungalow? You’d rather I explain what I mean about God’s hate?

      OK, I will. But I sure didn’t think you’d be so curious about it. After all, it’s not like it’s a secret. He came right out and said it in His best-selling book of all time. And He made it clear who and what He hates.

      So, if you don’t fit into the categories, don’t worry.

      God says He hates the wicked. And I believe Him. Because He’s not a man. And He doesn’t lie.

      But I also know He’d rather not hate anyone. It’s not His first choice to serve up a cup of fire. Or brimstone. Or burning wind. And that’s why He holds all those things in reserve for only those who hate Him or His children.

      I don’t know about you. But I enjoy a good steaming cup of coffee on a brisk, quiet morning. And I’ve been known to partake of some spicy, hot barbecue sauce on my brisket. But I’d rather not even sample any of that hot stuff God will serve up for the wicked. No sir. I’m saving room for dessert (aka: Heaven).

      I’d rather have an ice cream cone

      Than a cup of fire and brimstone.
      And I’d rather enjoy God’s love
      Than burning winds from up above.
      So, I say “yes” to all His word,
      The parts I’ve read, the parts I’ve heard.
      I know someday I’ll leave this place
      And live forever in His grace.

      © 2020

      It certainly will be much better than fire and brimstone when you jump on the The TRUTH. So, don’t put it off another second. Get some complimentary goodies now: https://www.TonyFunderburk.com

      Stay tuned,

       

      The post God hates you if you prefer your own riff appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

      6 min
    • Free speech, and other rights, sinking into darker nights

      Here in America, we still enjoy a certain amount of “free speech.” During the 20th century this country participated in two world wars. And many men and women fought and died to get rid of evil dictators and despicable governments. The ultimate sacrifice for God-given rights.

      Thomas Jefferson sort of acknowledged where our rights originate when he composed the Declaration of Independence. He said “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”

      Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness certainly covers it. But, unfortunately, it’s becoming less and less self-evident to so many people these days. Especially the part about rights coming from “their Creator.”

      Free speech doesn’t mean truth is freely spoken.

      And I’m amazed, but not surprised, at how many American citizens would rather censor speech and give up rights than admit they have a Creator. Plus, so many would rather use their so-called “free speech” as a reason to burn flags, defecate in public, and stand up for murdering babies.

      OK, at this point, you might be thinking, “Geez Louise, Tony. I thought you were the guy who writes poems and entertains people of all ages with your pleasant wit and wisdom.”

      Yeah, I understand how you might wonder why I’d wrangle my rhymes and reasons into such serious stuff. Especially that whole murdering babies part. After all, abortion conversations are almost always so confoundedly confrontational. But here’s the thing.

      Free speech and a right to life can all disappear when caring people say nothing to defend those rights. And I believe I’m compelled, by my Creator, to use my decades of writing experience to call out horrible injustice. So, if that means writing rhymes to show the reasons, then that’s what I’ll do.

      And I thank you, from the top of my big ol’ black heart, for your willingness to either share my rhymes and reasons with others or share your own. Because there’s a gigantic, hurting world out there that needs to know hope is available. And they need to know it’s a limited time offer.

      OK, I’ll leave you with this royal rhyme…

      Talk Delight

      Talk is not as cheap as it used to be.

      It can cost so much when the world can see.
      But you still should say what is right.
      It might even bring kings delight.
      Think before you speak is still good advice.
      Keep in mind the ultimate sacrifice
      Many others made for your right.
      And speak up for one King’s delight.

      © 2020 Tony Funderburk

      subscribe to Tony’s Rhyme and Reason Daily Devotional and get really refreshing rhymes and reasons delivered right to your inbox with no muss, no fuss.  mhttps://www.TonyFunderburk.com

      Stay tuned,

      The post Free speech, and other rights, sinking into darker nights appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

      5 min
    • Ramble on and on until I start to yawn

      I know you’ve been there done this. Try to sit still and feign interest while the person across from you seems to ramble on and on into the apocalyptic future. And you wonder if you locked the door at home.

      An image of somebody probably just popped into your mind. Right? Better not be an image of me. I’ll hunt you down and read modernist masterpieces of poetry till your ears bleed.

      And I mean the kind that ramble on and on and on…

      Yeah, they’re a real thing. And that brings me back to where I started this post. And it started because of a series of web links that took me to memory lane. Far back down memory lane to my high school English composition and literature class.

      That’s where we went through an in-depth study of poetry by American poets who were considered brilliant. Or geniuses. Or poetic masters. And back then, since I was an enthralled newbie poet wannabe, I read some of their works with somewhat awestruck interest.

      One such writer was Thomas Stearns Eliot, aka: T.S. Eliot (1888-1965). And the poem we dived into was his most famous work: “The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock.” A rhyme of over 1000 words. Back then I found it fascinating that Mr. Eliot could write a poem that long. Much less make it interesting.

      Poetry critics and critiques call it one of the “landmarks in the history of modern literature.”

      I just re-read it this week. And I call it the obvious musings of a college student. And, according to records, that’s what he was when he wrote the poem.

      It’s cool how age and experience (refined with wisdom) can temper and tweak your perspective. As a high school student, I focused on length and meter and word connections. But as a silver-haired, old man, I can  now focus on what in the world T.S. actually said. And, it’s just a collection of his thoughts.

      I’m not impressed with his meter or his word connections. And it’s WAY too long. Because it’s almost narcissistic in its long journey to basically nowhere.

      But I’m not sharing this as a poetry critique.

      Far from that. No, I think what’s much more important is how once again the Truth and power, found in God’s word, is evident even in the regular things of life. Like poetry and literature. And reading and writing.

      One of the most famous wisdom verses in the Bible, Proverbs 4:7, says “Wisdom is the principal thing.” And it also says to “get understanding.” Those are crucial, now more than ever in your life, because they can help you spot a fraud. Or a scammer. Or even a mistaken masterpiece.

      I’ve read that T.S. Eliot converted to Anglicanism in 1927 and wrote “Ash Wednesday” not long after. It’s an even longer poem. And it supposedly is “an account of the struggle of finding faith.” But I don’t recommend you read much into it, if you ever ramble on through it. Because it has a dazed and confused feel.

      Anyway…

      Just thought I’d ramble on about the merits (and demerits) of poetry with you today. Here’s that first one, from T.S. Eliot:

      The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock

      Let us go then, you and I,

      When the evening is spread out against the sky
      Like a patient etherized upon a table;
      Let us go, through certain half-deserted streets,
      The muttering retreats
      Of restless nights in one-night cheap hotels
      And sawdust restaurants with oyster-shells:
      Streets that follow like a tedious argument
      Of insidious intent
      To lead you to an overwhelming question…
      Oh, do not ask, “What is it?”
      Let us go and make our visit.

      In the room the women come and go

      Talking of Michelangelo.

      The yellow fog that rubs its back upon the window-panes,

      The yellow smoke that rubs its muzzle on the window-panes
      Licked its tongue into the corners of the evening,
      Lingered upon the pools that stand in drains,
      Let fall upon its back the soot that falls from chimneys,
      Slipped by the terrace, made a sudden leap,
      And seeing that it was a soft October night,
      Curled once about the house, and fell asleep.

      And indeed there will be time

      For the yellow smoke that slides along the street,

      Rubbing its back upon the window-panes;
      There will be time, there will be time
      To prepare a face to meet the faces that you meet;
      There will be time to murder and create,
      And time for all the works and days of hands
      That lift and drop a question on your plate;
      Time for you and time for me,
      And time yet for a hundred indecisions,
      And for a hundred visions and revisions,
      Before the taking of a toast and tea.

      In the room the women come and go

      Talking of Michelangelo.

      And indeed there will be time

      To wonder, “Do I dare?” and, “Do I dare?”
      Time to turn back and descend the stair,
      With a bald spot in the middle of my hair—
      [They will say: “How his hair is growing thin!”]
      My morning coat, my collar mounting firmly to the chin,
      My necktie rich and modest, but asserted by a simple pin—
      [They will say: “But how his arms and legs are thin!”]
      Do I dare
      Disturb the universe?
      In a minute there is time
      For decisions and revisions which a minute will reverse.

      For I have known them all already, known them all—

      Have known the evenings, mornings, afternoons,
      I have measured out my life with coffee spoons;
      I know the voices dying with a dying fall
      Beneath the music from a farther room.
      So how should I presume?

      And I have known the eyes already, known them all—

      The eyes that fix you in a formulated phrase,

      And when I am formulated, sprawling on a pin,
      When I am pinned and wriggling on the wall,
      Then how should I begin
      To spit out all the butt-ends of my days and ways?
      And how should I presume?

      And I have known the arms already, known them all—

      Arms that are braceleted and white and bare
      [But in the lamplight, downed with light brown hair!]
      Is it perfume from a dress
      That makes me so digress?
      Arms that lie along a table, or wrap about a shawl.
      And should I then presume?

      And how should I begin?

      Shall I say, I have gone at dusk through narrow streets

      And watched the smoke that rises from the pipes
      Of lonely men in shirt-sleeves, leaning out of windows? …

      I should have been a pair of ragged claws

      Scuttling across the floors of silent seas.

      And the afternoon, the evening, sleeps so peacefully!

      Smoothed by long fingers,
      Asleep… tired… or it malingers,
      Stretched on the floor, here beside you and me.
      Should I, after tea and cakes and ices,
      Have the strength to force the moment to its crisis?
      But though I have wept and fasted, wept and prayed,
      Though I have seen my head [grown slightly bald] brought in upon a platter,
      I am no prophet—and here’s no great matter;
      I have seen the moment of my greatness flicker,
      And I have seen the eternal Footman hold my coat, and snicker,
      So, in short, I was afraid.

      And would it have been worth it, after all,

      After the cups, the marmalade, the tea,
      Among the porcelain, among some talk of you and me,
      Would it have been worth while,
      To have bitten off the matter with a smile,
      To have squeezed the universe into a ball
      And to roll it toward some overwhelming question,
      To say: “I am Lazarus, come from the dead,
      Come back to tell you all, I shall tell you all”—
      If one, settling a pillow by her head,
      Should say: “That is not what I meant at all.
      That is not it, at all.”

      And would it have been worth it, after all,

      Would it have been worth while,

      After the sunsets and the dooryards and the sprinkled streets,
      After the novels, after the teacups, after the skirts that trail along the floor—
      And this, and so much more?—
      It is impossible to say just what I mean!
      But as if a magic lantern threw the nerves in patterns on a screen:
      Would it have been worth while
      If one, settling a pillow or throwing off a shawl,
      And turning toward the window, should say:
      “That is not it at all,
      That is not what I meant, at all.”

      No! I am not Prince Hamlet, nor was meant to be;

      Am an attendant lord, one that will do
      To swell a progress, start a scene or two,
      Advise the prince; no doubt, an easy tool,
      Deferential, glad to be of use,
      Politic, cautious, and meticulous;
      Full of high sentence, but a bit obtuse;
      At times, indeed, almost ridiculous—
      Almost, at times, the Fool.

      I grow old, I grow old…
      >I shall wear the bottoms of my trousers rolled.

      Shall I part my hair behind? Do I dare to eat a peach?

      I shall wear white flannel trousers, and walk upon the beach.
      I have heard the mermaids singing, each to each.

      And I do not think that they will sing to me.

      I have seen them riding seaward on the waves

      Combing the white hair of the waves blown back
      When the wind blows the water white and black.

      We have lingered in the chambers of the sea

      By sea-girls wreathed with seaweed red and brown
      Till human voices wake us, and we drown.

      Wow!

      If you made it all the way down here, you should go ahead and add your email to Tony’s Rhyme and Reason Daily Devotional. And let me send you some free stuff to congratulate your reading tenacity. Jump on now:

      The form can be filled in the actual website url.

      The post Ramble on and on until I start to yawn appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

      8 min

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