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 unnamed things, got me thinking about that expression, “hindsight is 20 20.”

From what I’ve been able to figure out, with only a little research…because I don’t wanna spend a lot of time on it…is that the expression probably started somewhere around the mid 1900’s.

Because it implies that you can look back in time and see, more clearly, what you woulda coulda shoulda done. And it’s another way of saying “those who don’t learn from the past are destined to repeat it.”

The expression is based on something known as the Snellen chart. And if you’ve ever had an eye examination, you’ve seen the chart. Those rows of letters that get smaller and smaller. And the doctor asks you to cover one eye and read the smallest line you can see.

(side note: For some reason they have fewer lines than when I was younger, but anyway…)

So, when you can see the chart clearly, with both eyes, from a distance of 20 feet, your vision is 20/20.

But here’s a little plot twist.

Just because your vision might be categorized as 20/20 doesn’t mean it’s perfect vision. It just means you have clear, sharp vision when you look straight ahead. And your ophthalmologist (there’s a word you need glasses for) will still wanna test your peripheral and depth perception.

Because you can get a prescription to see what’s in front of you more clearly. And that can help you avoid running into a door. Or help you drive safely. But there’s no prescription for looking back in time.

And even if there were a prescription, it wouldn’t help. Because you still couldn’t do anything about what happened five minutes ago. Let alone 20 years ago.

But you CAN learn from your past mistakes. And you CAN do better as you move forward. But it’s gonna require a prescription most people don’t want.

Get wisdom.

Yeah, wisdom. Not book smarts. Not street smarts. Pure, unadulterated wisdom.

And most people don’t wanna do that because they don’t wanna go where it is. They’d rather hide their heads in books. Or turn their ears to the streets. But the world doesn’t contain wisdom.

The world is full of “unrighteousness, sexual immorality, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; envy, murder, strife, deceit, evil-mindedness.”

And that list manipulates people into being “whisperers, backbiters, haters of God, violent, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, undiscerning, untrustworthy, unloving, unforgiving, unmerciful.”

If not, then I think it’s time for your eye exam.

And I’d like to recommend the best way to look back so you can see clearly as you move forward. And, of course, my recommendation is to read the bestselling book of all time. The Bible.

Or you can keep running into walls,

Stay tuned,

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It’s pretty amazing what technology can help you do these days. For example, I’m using my iPhone as my computer to write this. And I’m typing on a small bluetooth keyboard that feels almost as good as the keyboard on my laptop. And my computer…I mean my iPhone…is propped up nicely on a little “drawer” in the dash of my mobile office (aka my little blue Toyota truck).

And from this vantage point I can 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’s an early winter day in the early part of 2021 (January 3rd to be exact). And the fact that I can sit here soaking in the scenery while sharing it with you on my small devices is yet another blessing. In a never-ending series of blessings that come with living in the digital age.

And I call ’em blessings because there was a time, not all that long ago, in my past, when none of this would have been possible. NONE!

But these days, I can write words and music and literally share them 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.

Now, it’s just a matter of whipping out the little device you carry with you all the time, open up your word processor app of choice, and typing your thoughts.

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.

The only thing lacking, until this time in history was the know-how. Knowledge, which is synonymous with understanding.

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.

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 see 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.

Stay tuned,

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That sounds like a good plan. Right? “Uh, no, Tony. It sounds negative. Not positive. And why would anybody automatically assume the worst?” Well, I’m glad you asked. Because I’m gonna toss this boomerang and see if it comes back to me.  

How many spy movies and superhero movies and dramas on TV have used this phrase? “Trust, but verify.” And how many times has that been a stupid thing to say? (buzzer sound) Answers are: Lots and lots of times. And… Every. Single. Time.

“But Tony. You’re a Christian. And you always say I should love my neighbor as myself. Well, if you love your neighbor, shouldn’t you also trust your neighbor?”

Yeah, I can see why you might ask that question. At least I can see why…if you don’t understand human nature. And sadly, the vast majority of people on our little blue planet don’t. And that includes Christians.

“Uh, what’s human nature got to do with trust?”

When you understand how most people, in the world, are gonna choose to hate God, you understand how you shouldn’t automatically trust anybody. And it’s an extremely dangerous world…in case you hadn’t noticed. So, you gotta be on your guard. And that means, for your safety, you should assume the worst in people. And only trust them once they prove themselves worthy of your trust.

I know. And there are times when that can apply. But those times don’t include when you first meet somebody. Because selfishness was the original sin. And it’s thriving like never before. So, your best bet is to assume people are doing what they do for selfish gain. And I guarantee their motive will do you harm if you make the false assumption that people are basically good.

So do yourself a favor and be wise

Stay tuned,

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I’ve mentioned, before, how I worked hard labor during my teenage summers. No, not in prison. How could you even think that? And I’m looking at YOU when I ask that. You know who you are. Anyway…I hauled hay. In the hot, Kansas sun. Up to 18 hours for five, six, and sometimes seven days a week. It kept me slim and made me strong. But what does that have to do with life’s ups and downs?

Continuing on to my 20’s, 30’s, and even into my 40’s I was quite the physical specimen. If I do say so myself, and apparently I just did. Matter of fact, my wife can attest how I used to haul my upright piano around by myself. She’s too small to help when it came to lifting it up into the truck. And anytime we moved (which was a lot) it was nothing for me to carry couches and stuffed chairs by myself.

So, I bragged on myself and shared those “ups” with you to illustrate a point. In my late 30’s I started feeling like my neck was always out of joint, so to speak. I’d go to chiropractors for adjustments. But nothing seemed to help. This went on for a few years. And occasionally I’d pick up something heavy, and my whole back would just seize up on me.

Then, one day in my mid 40’s, after experiencing a numb tingling in my right hand for a while, I decided to go to another doctor. And he sent me to have a CT-scan. And the scan discovered a tumor on my spinal cord. Our primary doctor referred me to a specialist surgeon in Denver, and Elgielene and I went to see him.

After looking at the CT-scan, the specialist surgeon told us we needed to “get your house in order.” He said my choices were to have the operation to remove the tumor, or total paralysis, or death. And those were some attention-getting words.

Elgielene and I left his office not saying anything. And when we got in our van, she looked over at me and said, “Well, can you believe that just happened?” And we laughed…a little. Maybe out of nervousness. But we began taking some things one step at a time.

Instead of boring you with all the operation and recovery details, I’ll just say this. I’ve lived a bunch of years since then. And that’s one of life’s ups. More years to be with my beautiful wife. And more time to experience this gift of life from God.

My story is just one of millions of similar stories. But the sad news…the news I know is so much more depressing…is how many people go through similar things with no connection to God. They already don’t have hope of eternal life. And then they find out a lot of hope is swept out from under them in this temporal life, too.

I can’t imagine (and I don’t want to imagine) not having the hope of eternal life.

My hope for you, today, is that you already have that hope. And if not, I hope you’ll latch onto it sooner rather than later. If the current events don’t show you what a vapor this life is, I hate to think what it would take.

Give yourself a break you’ll never regret.

Stay tuned,

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Grab some Merch

Or how about some music for kids

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It’s the wee hours of the morning. So, if I can’t make sense of this, I’m going back to sleep. Unless you’re a recent public school graduate, you probably know what the saying, talk is cheap, means. And it’s always been used, sarcastically, when someone’s skeptical of what someone else said. It sort of illustrates how words don’t cost anything. No purchase necessary. Just set ’em free. And see what happens. But, with the new ways of communicating, your words might cost you more than you could imagine.

Here in America, think about how much other people gave up so that you and I could enjoy “free speech.” Especially during the 20th century. 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 made a half-hearted attempt at recognizing 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.” And I’m amazed, but not surprised, at how many American citizens would rather censor speech than admit they have a Creator.

OK, at this point, I’m a little more awake. And I realize I’ve gone somewhere with this I had no idea I would go when I started. Writing is like that sometimes. Particularly when you’re writing in your sleep. So, I think I’ll make some coffee, bacon, and eggs, and leave you with the cheap talk in this short rhyme…

Talk is not as cheap as it used to be.

© 2020 Tony Funderburk

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When I used to play music full time, a lot of my copy material was ideal for that “island feel”so many people like when they’re on vacation. As a matter of fact, my wife and I lived in Tampa, Florida for a year, and I had some regular bookings in Clearwater. Literally ON the beach. And, of course the tourists (and locals) loved when I sang “changes in latitudes, changes in attitudes”from one of Jimmy Buffett’s songs. I guess there’s just something about the salt air and the sound of the ocean waves that puts you in the mood to listen to those songs.

I don’t know how many videos I’ve seen lately where people are beating each other to a pulp. Men beating up other men. Women beating up other women. Men beating up women. One race pounding another. Young pounding on the elderly. It’s an epidemic, and it seems to be getting worse daily.

Why is everybody so mad? (Hint: rhetorical question)

What could possibly help those people get some positive changes in attitudes? Or is it all hopeless at this point? (Again with the rhetorical questions)

The answer to all of life’s dark problems is the Light of the world. And, no, I don’t mean the sun-in-the-sky-of-a-benevolent universe. What a ditzy idea. I’m talking about the One who is currently the figurative light of the world…and will one day be the actual Light we’ll live under. Jesus.

You hear it in so many movies. On TV. Over the airwaves. Even in commercials. Silly platitudes like: “Just follow your heart.” Or “Do what you think is right.” And maybe the worst of all: “The universe will show you the way.”

Seriously?

If you truly want good and lasting changes, don’t follow your heart. And certainly don’t hang around waiting for an inanimate object, like the universe, to bring you good stuff. Instead, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding.” I can’t guarantee those changes in platitudes will bring immediate changes in attitudes. But I CAN guarantee, you’ll be glad you did.

Be sure to jump on the one-of-a-kind The TRUTH today, and I’ll send you some free rhymes and reasons right away. Music, a book, and lots of good faith, hope, and love stuff.

Be sure to share this with everyone you know. And don’t be surprised if they get mad at you for it.

Stay tuned,

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I just read an article on my Apple News app talking about the shooter connected to the Pittsburgh synagogue. And the article called it a hate crime committed by a man who shared hate speech on social media channels. First off, I have to say how stupid the term “hate crime” sounds. It’s just redundant. All crime flows from selfishness, which is a form of hate. So to call one crime a hate crime as if there’s any other kind of crime is…like I said…stupid. Anyway, back to that hate speech thing.

If you hate me (and you might just because I’m a Christian) and you wanna call me names or say bad things about me, so be it. But I won’t give you credit for a special language or label your selfishness as hate speech. I’ll just consider you worthy of both my love AND hate.

Uh-oh…did he say he’d hate you?

Yes.

But notice I said love AND hate. “That’s not even possible,” you say. Nay, nay grasshopper. In fact, as a Christian, I should be doing my best to emulate God, right? And what if God hates and loves at the same time? Should I try to do that, too? Correct answer is YES! And would God ask me to do something He knows I’m incapable of doing. Correct answer is NO!

“Golly gee, Tony. Where are you getting all this crazy talk from?” Correct answer is The Bible! Yeah, this whole crazy idea I’m sharing about how God hates and He expects us to as well…it’s in The Bible.

“These six things the Lord hates, Yes, seven are an abomination to Him: A proud look, A lying tongue, Hands that shed innocent blood, A heart that devises wicked plans, Feet that are swift in running to evil, A false witness who speaks lies, And one who sows discord among brethren.”

Look more closely at what and who God hates. If any of the seven things describe you, He hates your face, your mouth, your hands, your heart, your feet, and basically your whole self. Whoa! That covers a lot of hate, doesn’t it?

But God is the God of love, isn’t He? Sure. You bet. But He hates evil. And He tells us to hate it too. In fact, at least one Bible translation says to “abhor evil“. And that means to hate with all your might. Hey, that sounds like more hate speech. But it’s actually true love. Because true love can’t love evil. True love must abhor evil. If you truly love your fellow man, you tell him when he’s evil. And you don’t tolerate it. And you certainly don’t do evil so that good things might come from it.

So, keep God’s perspective in your heart. And the next time you see a so-called “reporter” or “journalist” put the word hate before the word speech, you’ll have the wisdom to see and understand their hypocrisy.

Be sure to jump on the one-of-a-kind The TRUTH today, and I’ll send you some free rhymes and reasons right away. Music, a book, and lots of good faith, hope, and love stuff.

Don’t tell anybody else, though. OK? It’ll be our little secret.

Stay tuned,

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It isn’t always easy to do the right thing”is it? And it certainly isn’t always easy to know the right way to go. Life is full of choices. And, if you’re like me, there are times you don’t make good choices. But there’s a way you can do better. There’s a place you get help to go the right way? Wanna know what it is? Keep reading”

There’s a place in the Bible where it says you need to keep mercy and truth with you at all times. It even says to “write them on the tablet of your heart“. That just means they have to be so strong in you that you’re always willing to share them. God promises when you do, you’ll really shine in His eyes.

So, let’s see”I told you I’d share 3 important things to help you go the right way. Mercy is one. Truth is another. The final thing is the most important. You should trust the Lord with all your heart. Don’t trust yourself to always do the right thing because you’ll only let yourself down. You need God’s help. The good news is”

He’s always there”ready, willing, and much more than able.

Don’t even try to be king or queen of the world. Let God know you believe He’s the King of everything. When you do that, He’ll help you go the right way. Trust Him to know what He’s doing”because He’s smarter than all of us put together.

There. That’s not so hard is it? Will you tell God you trust Him to be Lord of your life today? If you haven’t already done that, do it now. You never know when it’ll be too late. And if you do, send me a note and tell me”because it means you’ll be my forever brother or sister. Here’s a rhyme to help you remember”

Mercy and truth and trust”

Stay tuned,

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I’ve had a number of brand new cars in my life. And I’ve enjoyed the luxury of a large house with plenty of nice furnishings. At times you could see I was not denying myself the pleasures of multiple performance tools like keyboards, computers, sound systems, and various accoutrements. (I always wanted to use that word somewhere) But all the “stuff” pales in comparison to a lifelong relationship with God. And I’ve learned when it comes to knowing what I need, I say…give me wisdom.

It’s key to note I didn’t say “more intelligence”. No, when I pray to the Lord and ask Him to give me wisdom, I know (because He knows) I need consistent growth in understanding of what to do with knowledge. I once coined a phrase…I don’t know if I was the first, but I haven’t heard it elsewhere…”education without application leads to a continuation of frustration”.

If you learn things simply for the purpose of knowing a lot of things, you could actually be wasting your time. In fact, you could gain the whole world and lose your soul. No, your time would be better spent getting to know your Creator. By the way, Jesus is your Creator. In fact, the whole world, the sun, the moon, the stars, and all the creatures were made by Him. And He did it by speaking them into existence from nothing.

Since He can do that, you can certainly trust Him to give you wisdom. Wisdom helps you to see things more from God’s perspective. You’ll never exhaust His well of Living Water. And if you’re seeking to find Him and know Him, you will find Him eager to be found and known. Get to know the whole Jesus…the all-powerful God and the infinitely loving friend. In doing so you’ll gain wisdom that overcomes the world.

Oh give me love…give me justice…

And give me words…give me courage…

Give me the whole Jesus;

Then give me dreams…give me wisdom…

Chorus

© 2010 Tony Funderburk

Stay tuned…

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Have you ever been in a situation where you just wished you could get a little understanding from someone and you weren’t getting it? If you’re a human being living on planet earth, I’m guessing you have.

You’re certainly not alone in that situation. I know I could use a little understanding more times than I’d like to mention. And many times I didn’t get what I was hoping for.

If you truly care about your neighbor, your fellow human being, you focus on understanding them. You realize they’re in a broken world, too. They need to find faith, hope, and love they can depend on. They need the Spirit of God just as much as you. It isn’t always easy to focus on someone else’s needs, especially when their selfishness brings out the worst in them. But, if you’re to be as God would have you be, you keep working at it.

In Proverbs 16:22 you’ll see that God says “understanding is a wellspring of life to him who has it”. So, you see…a little understanding is just as good for you as it is for the person you’re giving it to. Today I’d like to urge you to show a little more restraint when that other person’s selfishness pushes you to the edge. Before you lash back out at them…see if you can find out what’s hurting them. If they’re willing to open up, you’ll gain a little more understanding and you might just open up your wellspring as you do.

Understanding

It isn’t always easy.

It isn’t always visible.

Oh, I believe in understanding

It isn’t always peaceful.

It isn’t always happy.

Copyright © Tony Funderburk 1978 (August 24)

Now…enjoy this song about the One who understands you best…

Stay tuned…

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