I’ll tell you, right up front, it’s a metaphor for Heaven. And I didn’t come up with the metaphor because I had to. Because if someone told me I had to, I probably would’ve skipped the whole darn thing. Yeah, I guess I’m just one of those hardheaded writers who doesn’t want to be told how or what to write. So, I said all that to explain why I called the song Angel Café.

After all, I’m sure you realize you can’t hang out at the Angel Café here on earth. So, a place with that name must be a place you’ll only be able to visit after you die.

Uh oh. I just did a quick search, online, and it turns out there IS an Angel Café right here on Earth. But I can tell you, with 99.99% certainty, that it’s not THE Angel Café. And I can say that confidently because first it appears to be in Turkey. And there ain’t no angels in Turkey. Second, it. was created by human beings from Turkey. And human beings are not, and never will be, angels.

Anyway…

THE Angel Café it’s just a pigment of my imagination. And because I thought it was a colorful and creative way to describe putting something off till it’s too late I wrote a song about it. I’ve shared the song here on my website (and on my podcast) before. But with the things that have happened in the past couple of months, and other things I’ve observed in my extended family, I thought it might bear repeating.

Is there something you’d like to share with someone? Or maybe there’s something you wish they would tell you? Regardless, here’s the point. In case you never heard this before, you ain’t getting any younger. No one is.

One of these days, when you least expect it, in most cases, it’ll be too late to say what’s on your mind or get those questions answered. Once you breathe your last breath, all opportunities are lost. And that might be forever. Because you might be separated from that certain person forever.

So I encourage you, today (in fact, right now, if you can), to make and take an opportunity to say or ask what needs to be said or asked. Tomorrow will get here and turn into today. But you have absolutely NO guarantee you’ll still be here then. If the last two months have taught me anything, and they have, it’s that drastic changes can happen in the blink of an eye. I like the song says, don’t put off who you should get to today. Because you might not be able to meet up in the…

You’ve already been to the mountain,

You might recall all the tea and conversation.

Well time flies away.

I watched as your world got so busy.

Subscribe to my FunderFlash Journal. Because the flashes of light I share on my website come directly to your inbox. So you can spend your valuable time reading instead of searching. And, to show my sincere appreciation for your time and attention, I’ll send you download links to books and music, right away. Kids from 3 to 103 can enjoy these fun goodies.

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Who cares if you sing truth to a kid? Especially if it’s a very young kid. Because they’re not even gonna know or care if it’s true or not anyway right? They’ll just trust you. Or whatever grown up is in charge.

Well, at least if singing to, and with, a kid is part of your approach to spending quality time together. But if it’s not, then you can at least talk truth to a kid. Because, no matter, what truth matters. Or maybe I should say THE truth matters.

And here’s the main reason why I say that.

Because THE truth makes them free and gives them hope. But you know what doesn’t do any of that? Being taught that we all just got here by chance. That we all just crawled out of the ocean and started our happy journey toward turning into human beings. That’s right boys and girls. You used to be slime. Then you were a fish. Then you were a monkey. And finally, you were a brilliant human. And everyone lived happily ever after.

The trouble with all that stinkin’ thinkin’ is that it teaches kids to believe they’re just another animal. And you know how animals are. Whatever they feel like doing they do. Including having sex right out in the open. Going to the bathroom wherever they feel like it. And even eating other animals alive.

Because I want everybody to have hope. It’s good to know that you were made in the image and likeness of God. And it’s mighty nice to realize there’s a paradise waiting for you when your time here on earth is over.

Who knows? Maybe if most people knew that, there wouldn’t be so many dark, apocalyptic movies. Maybe there would be a lot more happy ending movies and TV shows. And maybe, now this is a big maybe, positive respectful language could be the norm. And most F-bombs and other filthy talk would just fade away.

I remember, from several years ago, a couple of people we know using foul language around their kids. And Elgielene asked them why they did that. And the mom said “They’re gonna learn it somewhere.”

That’s probably true. But it doesn’t mean they have to learn it in at home. And certainly not from their own parents. Yeesh

I’d rather help little kids grow up, knowing the one true, living, loving creator of the universe will never leave them nor forsake them. And help them have the hope of a glorious, perfect eternal life. So I write that message. And I sing that message. And I share that message just about every chance I get.

Like I did in this lullaby from my Bedtime Buckaroos  lullaby songs collection:

It’s time…to let the daylight fly

And wear your music pajamas.

Night winds…float down from falling stars.

Chorus

© 2011 Tony Funderburk

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Stay tuned,

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A social media friend of mine shared a link to a video of John Wayne throwing a kid into deep creek. Actually it was John Wayne playing the title character from the movie, Hondo. And the movie was based on the book, by the same name, written by Louis L’Amour. His books were partly the products of imagination and largely a part of Mister L’amour’s exceptional ability to visualize terrain. I didn’t know that before today.

But his books are fictional accounts of the old west. In fact, if you bring up the subject of old west fiction, anyone who’s lived more than two or three decades will almost immediately think of Louis L’Amour.

My friend’s reference nudged me to do a little research on Louis’ visualization skills. I discovered this:

~ His knack for describing landscapes wasn’t just a product of imagination. It was deeply rooted in his real-life experiences and meticulous research. L’Amour traveled extensively across the American West, working jobs like cowboy, miner, and lumberjack, which gave him firsthand knowledge of the rugged landscapes he later depicted. He walked the trails, climbed the mountains, and crossed the deserts he wrote about. And he absorbed the details that brought his settings to life. ~

And I saw a snippet that mentioned Hondo specifically. It said:

~ For instance, in novels like Hondo, the terrain isn’t just a backdrop; it’s a character. And it helps shape the plot and the people in it as much character descriptions and dialogue. ~

Apparently Louis L’Amour could paint a mental picture of a canyon’s twists or a river’s flow so clearly that readers felt they could navigate it themselves. And that was a result of his habit of studying maps, hanging out in locations, talking to old-timers, and even sketching landscapes to lock them into memory.

He said he’d “mentally walk through it.” And that’s how he could visualize the sun’s angle, the scrub brush’s texture, or how a horse’s hooves would kick up dust on a dry ridge.

But there’s nothing mystical about his talent. He honed his skills by actually living in those kinds of places. And he had a genuine, lifelong curiosity about the land’s history and geology. Plus he photographed locations and studied the pictures to double-check his mental images of them. And he researched historical records to be sure his stories were accurate and authentic.

I guess his imagination and ability to visualize stories was pretty good. Because he wrote over a 120 books. Not to mention (but I will) all his short stories and other writings. And plenty of those were turned into big screen, and even made-for-TV, movies.

Sure, that’s all impressive. But I always “see” something else at work when I read or hear about “special skills.” And I know they aren’t just a “product of imagination” or “ability to visualize.” Those talents are gifts from God. And no matter how amazing they might seem, they’re just a shadow of what God wants for us.

Paul put it this way: “For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known.”

I fly…till tangled thoughts untie,

And one day, sooner than you might imagine, the Lord of creation is gonna give everyone who loves Him that perfect point of view. I, to that, I say “Hi yo, Hondo! Let’s go!”

Be sure you subscribe to my FunderFlash Journal. Because these flashes of light I share on my website come directly to your inbox. Then, you can spend your valuable time reading instead of searching. And, to show my sincere appreciation for your time and attention, I’ll send you download links to books and music, right away. Kids from 3 to 103 can enjoy these fun goodies.

The form can be filled in the actual website url.

Stay tuned,

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So, this catchy tune popped into my head this morning. And I thought, “Hmm, that might go real nice with some lyrics I wrote a few years ago.” Then, I sat down in my vocal booth and fired up the studio mic. And I hummed along with a salsa beat as pictures of avocado bliss danced in my head.

And surely you’d like some avocado bliss on a grass-fed beef burger. If not, maybe you’ll change your mind once you understand how good those green orbs are for you.

Yeah, avocados are actually healthy blessings to your body. Blessings like how they provide:

Your health is your best secret weapon. For staying ahead of the competition. And for living as long as long as you can. When you live a long life, you can be more, do more, and serve others more. More AND better.

So, now that you know what and why, let’s sing…

Avocado and cilantro

(the actual epic song will be in an upcoming issue of the FunderCast podcast.)

Yeah, avocado bliss happens when you toss in those other ingredients. And if you avoid chips because you think they’re unhealthy junk food, no worries. Spoon out some bliss on your burger. Don’t forget your omelette. Maybe even on sweet potato fries for a snazzy surprise. I hear some people boast about eating it on toast.

Whatever you choose, you just can’t lose when you don’t miss some avocado bliss.

And don’t miss any of the encouraging, regular issues of my FunderFlash Journal. Leave your email address, below, and it comes directly to your inbox. So you spend your valuable time reading instead of searching. And, to show my sincere appreciation for your time and attention, I’ll send you download links to 2 of my Christian books for kids and 2 songs, right away, that grownups AND kids can enjoy.

The form can be filled in the actual website url.

Stay tuned,

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Here’s the three-step process a hypocrite uses to become one. Point finger. Say stuff. Play the sound of their own voice back in their head.

Hmm. I see no hands raised. And, as Martha Steward used to say, that’s a good thing.

Because I know you’re like me. We’ve all certainly done things, in this life, we’re not proud of (or as the school teachers from the olden days would say, of which we’re not proud).

I know my faults and fails stack high.

But thankfully my shortcomings aren’t what keep me out of Heaven. And, by the way, it’s not my good deeds that get me there either. Nope. It’s not about me. It’s not about how wonderful or how miserable I am. And it’s not even about the donations I make to church or charities. It’s not about the people I know or the clothes I wear or the car I drive. Nope. It’s ALL about my relationship with my awesome Creator.

He is THE Christ. The one that, without Him, not even the “great and powerful Oz” would have ever been invented. The one who could actually create a “horse of a different color” if He felt like it. Oops, I didn’t mean to fly over the rainbow there. It was kind of a point finger say stuff moment. Sorry.

Anyway…

How about you and me taking the road less traveled, through the narrow gate? Let’s do our best to think first and not be hypocrites. And how about we follow…

Judge me; I need to be judged

Show me what I need to see

And I have to trust that my God is just

Search me for the deeper things

Listen to my fervent prayer

Chorus

Make me to always understand

inst…Chorus to end

© Copyright 1998 Tony Funderburk

So…do you call yourself a Christian?

Take a second and join the growing body of believers who’ve already signed up for the FunderFlash Journal. When you do, I’ll send you links to 2 songs and 2 books that adults AND kids enjoy right away. Then, I’ll send you flashes of light from the faith, hope, and the power of God’s love.

Stay tuned,

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Regardless of what happens today, this weekend, or ever, hold on to the Truth. And just in case you didn’t catch it (but I bet you did), I capitalized the word, Truth. And I just did it again. Because I’m not talking about the truth that can be so manipulated in this world filled with lies and AI’s.

Because now, more than ever, that Truth is the only Way to be truly free. Uh-oh. Now I’ve gone and done it. I capitalized the word “Way.” And just in case you didn’t know it (but I bet you do), it’s capitalized because it’s THE Way. And THE Way is the same as THE Truth.

By the way, if you haven’t already found your Way to the Truth (but I bet you have), don’t put it off even one more minute. Planes falling from the sky in the past few days should show you (and I bet they do) how uncertain your amount of time, here on Earth, is. And that uncertainty should make you curious about all the eternal Life talk Christians are always sharing. If it doesn’t, I hope it doesn’t take a personal tragedy to make you curious.

You caught that capitalized word, Life, didn’t you?

Of course, now I’ve gone full circle. Because Jesus called himself “the Way, the Truth, and the Life.” And He said He’s the only way to eternal life in Heaven. With all that’s going on, so far in 2025, I sure hope you’ve decided to take advantage of His amazing grace. I bet you have. But I bet you know someone who hasn’t. Tell ‘em time’s a-wastin’.

Back in 1985-86 I wrote a song called “Hold On.” I didn’t say to hold on to the truth. But the feel is still kinda there.

I would love to take you in my arms

But I wonder if there’s magic in my hands

Hold on; you know you gotta hold real tight

I would love to see your smiling face

Chorus

You got to keep believing in your choices

Repeat 1st verse and choruses to end

© 1986

Take a second and join the growing body of believers who’ve already signed up for the FunderFlash Journal. When you do, I’ll send you links to 2 songs and 2 books that adults AND kids enjoy right away. Then, I’ll send you flashes of light from the faith, hope, and the power of God’s love.

Stay tuned,

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Imagine yourself walking up to two big doors one cold morning in January. The door on the left is pure craftsmanship. It’s a rich, cobalt blue with pure silver handles and hinges. There’s a leaded crystal, mirrored window just high enough that you can only see the top of your head. The door on the right appears to be made of old, cracked, and peeling barn wood. The hardware is rusted, including large, bent nails protruding out next to the edges. There’s a clear window next to the top crosspiece with a fascinating red and white light glowing from within. You’re unsure which door to open to go inside and warm yourself, when suddenly a voice like a professional radio announcer says…

“Enter the door on the left, come inside, and relax. Everything your heart desires will be yours. Many servants await your arrival. Your comfort is their command. And your happiness is their pursuit.”

Your slightly hesitant hand turns the knob. But, then, another voice quietly whispers…

“Please, at least look inside the door on the right before you make your choice. There are no servants inside. But you’ll find someone who will walk with you and talk with you and listen to your problems day and night. He’ll ask you to work with him. But he’ll also bring you bread and wine, and you’ll never be hungry or thirsty again.”

So. Your choices are to work or be served. Which would you choose?

And it’s a world where you’re more important than anyone else. Your needs will be attended to before anyone else’s. You will be a king, or queen (the only two choices). And there will be none like you. Interested? Come on, now. Be honest. You’re tempted, right? It’s OK to admit it. Everyone else who’s ever lived, lives now, or will ever live knows the same temptation.

Because it’s beguiling to believe the lies you concoct about yourself. And it’s alluring to allow yourself to experience every pleasure. It’s almost irresistible to invite those inner voices to seduce you to surrender.

Now, what if I told you the door on the right opens into the love of God? Yes, it’s a place where you’ll work if you want to eat. Sometimes you might have to work so hard you feel you can’t go on. But it’s also a place where you’ll find rest. A rest that brings you the eternal life that can’t be found anywhere else in the universe.

How do you decide which door to open and go inside? Think big picture. NO, bigger!

The years you spend inside your aging, dying body are but a vapor when compared to eternity. Yes, eternity is the big picture. Where do you want to be FOREVER?

Maybe you don’t want my advice. But I recommend you choose to walk into the love of God.

Because He’s your only source of eternal life. And here’s something crucial to understand. God loves you so much He gives you your own will. You get to choose. He knows you might not choose Him. But He also knows that if He didn’t give you the freedom to choose, it wouldn’t be true love. So what do you choose?

Like the whispering voice said, “please, at least look inside the door on the right”. It’s the right choice. If the love of God, and living forever, sounds good to you. Don’t enter the door on the left where, like Seals and Crofts sang, you’ll be the miserable “king of nothing.”

Instead…

Do Right and risk the consequences.

Take a second and join the growing body of believers who’ve already signed up for the FunderFlash Journal. When you do, I’ll send you some music and a book for kids right away. Then, I’ll send you daily flashes of light from the faith, hope, and the power of God’s love.

Stay tuned…

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He showed up with a servitude heart. And that was no small detail. Because he was actually a king. No, that’s not quite accurate. He was THE king. Of the whole universe, in fact. But He showed up here in our dirty, little world with a mission to make things right. And His actions, over and over, proved He came here to serve, not BE served.

And it makes perfect sense to say He’s the ultimate model. Because He even says that you and I were made in His image and likeness. It’s kinda like He’s the mold (defined: a distinctive and typical style, form, or character AND form or shape, especially the features or physique of a person). And you and I were copies made from that mold.

So, here’s what I think (and you can take what I think PLUS a smartphone and make a call to just about anywhere in the world). God knew, when He made us, and even more now, that us copies would never live up to the original. And He planned out actions He could and/or would take to compensate for, and even wipe out, our stupid decisions AND the consequences for them.

That information about His character inspired me to write a song about how a servitude heart should be our response to His love. You have the freedom to disagree. But I bet you don’t.

God looked down on me. He knew I was wrong;

And so again; I behold the outer man

He spirals His thoughts through my barricade.

And then I can behold the inner man

There were no incantations, no hallelujah chorus.

Repeat Ist verse and 2nd chorus…end

© 2001

Join the growing body of believers who’ve already signed up for the FunderFlash Journal. And I’ll send you daily flashes of light so we can stay focused on faith, hope, and the power of God’s love.

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I hope you avoid the boomer pharmacy like the plague (How do you like my ironic twist of a phrase, there?). If you’re not a boomer, then obviously that reference doesn’t apply to you. But no matter. Because whatever Gen this or Gen that you are, I hope you also avoid the pharmacy trap. My guess is, you won’t.

And I say it’s tragic because most of it could be avoided with some lifestyle changes and choices. Lest you think I exaggerate, check out these comments I found on social media today:

Your average baby boomer today has become a prescription drug zombie, on 4-5 pharmaceuticals daily just to function, according to new NHANES data. Is this what health is supposed to look like?

This Boomer had measles, mumps, chicken pox. Vax’s were few (only 3-4), and there were no 6 mo “wellness” visits to the doctor. We kids went to the doc only if we were sick or broke a bone. No one had allergies, autism, ADHD, etc. Just awful what “health care” has become.

I think the reason Boomers started looking awful at 54 is because most of them smoked, never thought much about their diet, and certainly never had an exercise regimen. Younger people have more information about health now and can avoid the fate of the Boomer body with some effort.

Speaking of Medicare I recently read wherein Medicare projections by 2030, up to 70% of hospital beds will be aging Boomers w/ need for chronic pain care, after aging into pained bodies from skilled trades WHY would pain care need to be inpatient?? Serious question?

Boomers do this all the time to downplay vaccine harms and US food being poisoned. “I [did thing] and I turned out fine.” Meanwhile they’re on a cocktail of pharma drugs and getting rapidly worse each year.

I’m 62. In some of the best shape of my life. Some of us have been awake a LONG time, not buying what the mainstream is selling. And I’ve been around long enough to see the patterns that got a lot of people in a very precarious place.

I pride myself on being 60+ years old, with; no vax, never sick, no alcohol, no sweets, active, no prescriptions, super healthy diet. Most of my friends have all kinds of issues. Not me.

I’ve been in this fitness game for over 27 yrs. I got started as life happened. Went from fit to fat. People ask “what’s ya diet.” I don’t. I eat real whole foods. And I pay attn to how foods affect my body and adapt. In my 60s, fatty-fish & chicken rule.

I have lived cleanly as possible since the 70s. I don’t use any meds and I am 70, college weight, good BP, AIC. And I don’t use drugs, ETOH, Benzos, SSRIs. I walk, exercise, meditate and foster gratitude and joy. And I am mostly immune to psyops and live well. Discipline and gratitude go a long way toward health.

You can make your regular trips to the boomer pharmacy. Or you can take your walks in the fresh air and sunshine. And you can shovel frankenfood into your mouth every day. Or you can choose whole foods that haven’t been bastardized with ingredients you can’t pronounce. Junk you surely wouldn’t put in your body if you could see what it is and what it does.

Elgielene went through a health coach course a few years ago. And the doctor who presented repeated a message of how your health can improve at any age and at any stage. But you have to decide where you’ll put your money. In the boomer pharmacy? Or in good food and better choices?

And the best choice you can make is to trust your Maker. Keep in mind:

No one deserves your healing Lord.
But you deserve our praise.
Your great name and your Word
Will lift us up and fill our days,
If we will look to you for strength
And courage to declare
The love and Truth about You
Found in Jeremiah’s prayer.

(from my song Jeremiah’s Prayer)

© 2018

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

Stay tuned…

The post Boomer pharmacy is not the right legacy appeared first on Tony Funderburk.

Every year, there are highly effective assassins paid off roughly 500 million, in your tax dollars, to make sure innocent, preborn babies never see the light of day.

Yeah, that group is well- organized, well-funded, and well-equipped to kill over 300,000 little children every year. Let’s face it. They get the job done. So, why would anybody wanna rock that boat? Especially when it means men and women can live promiscuously without consequences.

About 10 years ago I wrote about how Jesus said we should let our charitable deeds be done in secret. Well, it really shouldn’t be difficult to see how killing unborn children hardly falls under the category of charitable deeds. But, I think the group, ironically named “Planned Parenthood”, believes they’re doing charitable work because they’re somewhat secretive about their deeds.

Wouldn’t it be great if politicians, especially those who say they’re against abortion, made sure that no one ever got paid off again for killing innocent, unborn children?

But what does it take to stop that from happening?

First, please speak up. Use whatever means you have. Because saying and doing nothing will make sure that “legal precedent” continues to cast its dark shadow over what’s right.

Then, don’t support any politician or candidate who would support the abortion status quo.

Sadly, I don’t think many will take my advice. Because the paid off worldview is so darn convenient. Well, maybe not for the unborn children. But, hey, as long as there are no other consequences, then it’s just the price of doing business. Right?

It’s a worldview that’s not for me and you.

(from my song “Worldview”)

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

Stay tuned…

The post Paid off, paid out, and no whimper, no shout appeared first on Tony Funderburk.