OK kiddos from 3 to 103. I’ll just let you know, right up front, that I’m here for you. Because I know that you fit into one of these categories. You are the:

And maybe you’ve even come up with something else you think describes your effervescent and irresistible personality. If so, good for you. Or is it, good ON you these days? No matter.

And I bet just knowing that relaxes you to your very soul. Right? Yeah, because until I popped into your email inbox, you were fretting about something. And you know what they say about fretting, don’t you? Well, I don’t know what they say. But I’m sure it isn’t complimentary or reassuring.

Anyway…

Back to why and how I’m here for you.

I’m here for you because you need a break from the negativity, vulgarity, and instability of the news and the “newsmakers.” And you need a reason to smile, forget about who said what about whom, and just remember that God is gonna make everything beautiful, bright, and completely right again one fine day.

I had some special words I wanted to share with you about that. But I seem to have misplaced them. I’ve searched under my computer. Down the side of my desk. And even under my cap. But the words appear to have vanished into thin air (because nothing vanishes into thick air).

Well, there’s my quandary. My dilemma, plight, and predicament.

Did I put the words in a bag

© 2014 Tony Funderburk

As always, thanks for joining me on another ride on the rails of Rhyme and Reason.

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 Here for you but what DID I do? appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

I wrote a rhyme called Face to Face. And it talked about how glorious it’ll be when you see Jesus in person. It WILL be indescribably beautiful and wonderful. Believers will experience all of God’s love for eternity.

I also wrote a song, as a tribute, to a young man who died of cancer a few years ago. The song is called “Jeremiah’s Prayer.” I took poetic license with a prayer Jeremiah shared on his social media accounts. And thousands of people enjoyed how the song showed his courage as he looked forward to meeting the Lord “face to face.”

And it’s true. That face to face meeting is the “hope of glory” Paul wrote about. And Heaven will be where we’ll live, in God’s peace and promises, forever.

And that’s not to say, as some mistakenly do, that Earth is part of Heaven. Sure, it was supposed to be that way. And it was that way. Until Adam and Eve opened the door to sin. Then, it “flooded” paradise and we’ve all been dealing with the consequences ever since.

But that’s not to say this world isn’t abundantly filled with awesome beauty. Just get away from your devices and distractions and go outside. Take a look. And from the tops of the redwood trees to bottom of the ocean, God’s love can be seen in His creation.

From the telescopic views of galaxies to the microscopic peeks into the human genome, God’s love and infinitely brilliant mind are clearly seen.

And that’s only a part of why no one will have an excuse when they see Him face to face one day. And no doubt about it, that day is inevitable. So, that’s why I share something about the comforting hope I have, just about every day. Because I hope that hope flows into someone else who needs it.

Now, if that’s you, and you just haven’t caught sight of your Creator yet, step outside and look at…

All of creation points to the Savior.

All of creation holds information…

That…

(Chorus)

Before you go, share this link with everybody you know. Tell ’em to jump on the The TRUTH AND get some music and other good stuff, for Fa-Ree.

Stay tuned,

The post All of God’s love is not kept above appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

If you could carry around something invisible that could almost immediately transport you across the world, you’d do it. Right? Well, you’ve got something like that. And you have a way to access it almost anytime you like.

And magical. And you probably already use it, like that, in some way or another. But maybe not the way I’m thinking of right now. At least not as often as other ways. Like videos. Or games. Or pictures.

No, what I’m talking about is imagination. It’s better than all the video games. Because, with them, you can only do what someone else pre-programmed. But your imagination can take you to the edges of the universe. To the land of giants. And even down to the hidden wonders of the microscopic world.

For example, have you ever seen the stunning variety of of color, shapes, and movements in a human eye when viewed in photo magnification? Wow! So much intricate design contained in so little space.

Then there’s the other end of the spectrum. Did you know there are 40,000 muscles in an elephant’s trunk? Yeah, it’s true. And an elephant can use its trunk to lift up to 770 pounds and crush large fruit. Plus, it can pick individual leaves off trees. Human engineers can only attempt copycat designs. No matter how many times they try.

It sparks my imagination to think how all the big and tiny creatures could have come into existence as a result of spoken words. Something else invisible and powerful. Sadly, most people believe it sounds too far-fetched. And on the flip side , it sounds too far-fetched to me to imagine it could have all merely big banged into existence.

I’m glad I can see the design in everything around me. And I’m glad the Designer saw fit to give me imagination. And that’s how I can write, day after day, and never use up all the words or numbers. Like the big time I had writing…

Look under the leaves of the sunflower plant…

Now look over there in the bark of the tree.

Have you seen the tadpoles that live in the pond?

There’s something invisible inside your head

© 2013

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I just read a short article about a Milky Way black hole problem. And you’d better brace yourself. Because this is a serious problem. Here’s a snippet from that article:

“A black hole with millions of times more mass than the sun is hurtling towards Earth and will one day wipe out life as we know it. The black hole is speeding towards us at 110 kilometres per second and is at the centre of the Andromeda Galaxy.”

The article made sure you understand that the Andromeda Galaxy is huge. And it continued with this:

“Located just 26,000 light-years away. And as we speak, it’s in the process of tearing apart entire stars and star systems, occasionally consuming them, adding to its mass like a voracious shark. Due to the size of Andromeda however, there is only going to be one winner when it smashes into the Milky Way.”

Because evidently, according to the article, most galaxies have a “supermassive black hole which stars swirl around and helps keep everything in formation.” (side note: I think it’s funny when so-called scientists, who believe the evolution origin theory, use words like formation.)

Anyway…

Our own Milky Way’s black hole is no small matter. The article I read describe it like this. “And not just any black hole, it’s a supermassive black hole with more than 4.1 million times the mass of the Sun.”

Whoa! That’s huge. So it’s gotta have a negative impact on us. Right? If not right away, at least some time in the future. Yeah, writer of that article said, “we are safe for now.” But he added, “Panic will happen when the Milky Way collides with Andromeda in about 4 billion years.”

I don’t know about you. But as for me and my household, we’re gonna start freezing a lot more grass fed beef. And we’re gonna add to our solar panel supply. Hey, I was a boy scout. Be prepared is my motto.

Oops. That’s misogynistic and transphobic. Oh well, so be it.

Wait a sec. Come to think of it, I don’t believe I’m gonna let all that panic affect me and my household. Matter of fact, I (we) choose to trust in the Creator of all the galaxies in the universe. And He (that would be Jesus) holds the universe together. Science fiction “scientists” don’t have a clue about that glue.

So, I (and my household) have confidence, hope, and peace about the Milky Way. Even if it has a supermassive black hole, we’ll never be vacuumed into it. Never.

And that’s why I could compose a composed and peaceful lullaby song called “Milky Way Bouquet.” And I confidently included it in a collection of lullabies and put them all in a book. Because I believe, at least for a while longer, our galaxy is stable enough to build, create, and sell books.

If you have little ones, you should be playing the Lullabye Bye collection for them at bedtime. And you can get all those songs, in a secret link, inside the Lullabye Bye coloring and drawing songbook. Links to get it on Amazon are below. Order yours today. Prime members get free delivery.

Through the trillion trails of starlight

Stay tuned,

Here’s the funny looking link to Lullabye Bye on Amazon:

https://www.amazon.com/Lullabye-Bye-Tony-Funderburk/dp/B08BWFWSLN/

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Just about everybody has a bedtime routine. It makes sense. Because humans are creatures of habit. Like brushing your teeth and changing into pajamas. Those activities just become something you do without having to put a lot of thought and effort into them. And then maybe you read a little and turn off the lights.

And you might think that’s insignificant or unimportant. But nay nay. It IS important. Especially for kids.

According to one source I read, it’s much healthier to make bedtime “as pleasant and calm as possible.” And that source said a regular, predictable schedule is the best option. It also said, “All of the scientific evidence shows us that babies with a consistent bedtime routine sleep better and longer than babies with an inconsistent (or non-existent!) bedtime routine.”

Also, I found out there are actually sleep consultants these days. Yeah, I know. You’d think nobody would need to consult somebody else on how to sleep. But obviously, you’d be wrong.

One pediatric sleep consultant said that a good night’s sleep for your child begins with a bedtime routine. She even has a website with online courses and 1:1 coaching sessions. Wow. Who’d’ve thunk it? Anyway,  she recommends parents “sing a song” (preferably the same song, she says) at bedtime.

“A calming song, sung in a soothing manner, either while the child is rocked in the parent’s arms or patted in the crib, tends to work well,” is what the expert said. And she added, “The important thing is to keep that last soothing step as similar as possible from one day to the next. Predictability in itself is soothing for infants and young children.”

Imagine that. Even the smallest kids love and appreciate dependable, loving care.

The article I read said there’s no reason to stress if you don’t know which songs to sing. The little ones just need to hear your voice. And they added a link to a “curated lullaby playlist.” But there’s no need to go anywhere else. Because your ol’ buddy, Tony, has already got you covered.

Just in case you’re new around here, I have some original lullabies that thousands of American families (and even some in other countries) have enjoyed for years. Best part is, they’re not cutesy. Like one kids’ store owner said, “They’re not the typical kids songs you hear everywhere else!”

I’ve heard good things from parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, store owners, and others. So, I know babies, infants, toddlers, and kids benefit from lullaby songs. That’s why I’ve written and produced so many.

And I published a sing-along coloring book with all the lyrics to that collection. Best part is, there’s a super secret link, inside the book, where you can download all the songs. So, kids don’t just get a fun book. They also get free songs to go with the lyrics.

Click or tap any of the links to get the book for a special kid today. And when those little ones lie down, they’ll Fall Fast Asleep, Rest Easy, and ride a Peppermint Pony through the Blue Celtic Clouds. Then, when they wake up, you’ll enjoy watching them sing-along as they color and draw in this fun book. Works like a charm. Or, as my good buddy, Greg (who has an impeccable bedtime routine) likes to say, “It’s just good science.”

Stay tuned,

P.S. I know these lullaby songs aren’t necessarily the most appropriate Halloween gift. But somebody said there’s supposed to be another holiday before the end of the year that might be way better. Can’t think of what it is, right now. But I’ll get back to you. Or you can let me know what it is if know.

The post Bedtime routine is that time in between appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

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 childhood recollections. Like the sounds of croaking bullfrogs. And the chatter of bugs just as dusky coolness sweeps away the heat of the day. Or the chunky sound when mom would fluff the pillow.

Have you heard that expression? And do you use it for the same reason? If not, then you might not quite understand my reference to it in my lullaby song, “Mornin’ Skies.”

In that song I used several southern expressions and references. And I sing about a mockingbird (Texas state bird), bullfrogs, bugs, and even a blue-eyed armadillo. Now, the blue-eyed armadillo reference is a bit of stretch. I mean, I’ve never actually seen an armadillo with blue eyes. But maybe some exist. One sure does in the song.

And, in the song, all those creatures and night time sounds become music. Music to let little kids know everything’s gonna be alright. And to let ’em know it’s OK to close their eyes and go to sleep.

Then, the song uses the celestial creations of God as instruments for the music. Like stars used for chimes. And moonbeams and dreams you can practically hear, too. Then the words encourage young listeners to relax and listen. And they show how the Mornin’ Skies will bring a brand new day.

Of course, that’s inspiration from Paul’s second letter to the Corinthians. Remember when he told them how believers are being “renewed day by day?” And Mornin’ Skies is a metaphorical reference to that renewing.

The chorus of the song delivers the hope every young listener (and older ones, too, for that matter) should never forget. It’s a hope that the rest of the world doesn’t have. And what a shame. Because it’s so easy to get. And speaking of easy to get…the songbook, called Bedtime Buckaroos, is yours when you click the link below. Be sure to look for the super secret download link to all the songs.

Mornin’ skies will bring a brand new day, but

© 2011 Tony Funderburk

Stay tuned,

Get the Bedtime Buckaroos songbook/coloring book/drawing book

The post Fluff the pillow, feel the wind blow, sleeping willow appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

There once was a little kid named Meep who didn’t like to sleep. He thought the whole world would disappear while his eyes were closed. Could a simple, silly pair of music pajamas change Meep’s mind about what happened when he closed his eyes?

When I was a kid, I had a vivid imagination. I’d watch an old Superman TV show and imagine there must be some way to fly. If I could just figure out the magic combination. Maybe it was the cape. Or some sort of mental concentration. And while I was busy working out the details for flight, I was forgetting the whole bounce bullets off my chest thing. Oh well, I was a kid. What did I know?

Something else that always got my mind in conjure mode was music. No one knew (but now you know) how much time I’d spend just pondering the wonders of the universe while listening to music. Especially during those long, hot summer days in rural Kansas. And I didn’t realize, at the time, I was forming the building blocks for my own songs to come one day.

And one more thing I can remember, that ties in with this, is how much I loved getting new pajamas for Christmas. There was just nothing like the feel of new pajamas, after a bath, and climbing into clean sheets. Oh man, I could catch me some serious Z’s with that combination. But I still wouldn’t have guessed I’d one day write a song about a special pair of pajamas. Or how I’d publish a book about those magical PJ’s after that.

“Sure enough…a magical melody started playing. It sounded like butter and honey…no wait…it sounded like ice cream and cake…no wait…well, never mind…it was awesome. And Meep’s mom started singing to the tune”

“It’s time…to let the daylight fly…away…but we don’t have to cry…because…another day will dawn real soon.”

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Since I consolidated my different media sites I need to make sure all the fun things show up here that used to show up somewhere else. So I’m introducing my Story Time podcasts from my old Ton-O-Fun Tunes website into this site. There are 11 of these stories in all. Disregard anytime you hear me mention my old website for kids music, Ton-O-Fun Tunes.

Story Time Podcast: A Lesson in Faith

This week’s story time podcast takes a lowly caterpillar through a lesson in faith. So, grab your blankets and get your cocoon all cozy…

Stay tuned,

The post Story Time Podcast: Episode 11 appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

Since I consolidated my different media sites I need to make sure all the fun things show up here that used to show up somewhere else. So I’m introducing my Story Time podcasts from my old Ton-O-Fun Tunes website into this site. There are 11 of these stories in all. Disregard anytime you hear me mention my old website for kids music, Ton-O-Fun Tunes.

After a 2 week hiatus I finally got my voice back and found another story to share with you. This episode is called “The Lion’s Story”. Here’s a short excerpt…

“In this bag is a duck you killed earlier today”, said the lion with a serious voice. “Tonight you plan to cook it in a pot over the open fire.  Well, from that fire a little spark will raise up and fall on your shed. Then the fire will burn the whole house…and then the whole forest”. © Copyright 2011 Mihai Bengea

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The post Story Time Podcast 10: The Lion’s Story appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

Since I consolidated my different media sites I need to make sure all the fun things show up here that used to show up somewhere else. So I’m introducing my Story Time podcasts from my old Ton-O-Fun Tunes website into this site. There are 11 of these stories in all. Disregard anytime you hear me mention my old website for kids music, Ton-O-Fun Tunes.

This week’s story time podcast is a whimsical story about a dragon that helped a town. Download the link below…or better yet…subscribe in iTunes and get my podcasts delivered automatically to your computer and media player. Either way…enjoy “The Dragon Rock”.

Stay tuned,

The post Story Time Podcast 9: The Dragon Rock appeared first on Tony Funderburk.