Living Beneath Your Potential

In my last post, I mentioned how I was tired of living beneath my potential. Anybody ever feel this way? I have so much potential in me. Our youth group has so much potential! Our music group has so much potential! But we continually let things distract us, or become burdened down with the cares of life. When I started this blog, I told you that you were going to find some things out about me. Well, hold on to the seat of your pants (or skirt!) but I used to write poetry and although I have never written any down on paper, I have had songs written in my mind. And about a year ago, I started writing a book!! But where are they?!! How many people could I have already reached with those things?! I will tell you. God is doing something in my life that I can't explain, but I am no longer satisfied with the status quo. God has placed so much in me that I feel like I will burst if I don't get it out!! It's like the fire that was shut up in Jeremiah!! If you don't let it out it will consume you. What would happen if our church, our youth group, our music department, Sunday School, etc. became so entirely focused on releasing their potential and letting God use them without question? We would have a revival like never before!! If you are reading this and God has placed a desire in your heart to do something specific, DO IT!! Don't keep putting it off! Even if it sounds crazy! I know nothing about writing a book or writing music! But there is a song in my heart! And there is a praise in my heart and I have to get it out, as the song goes. The Bible says that you can do all things through Christ which strengthens you! Don't fear and don't doubt, just walk in the fact that God is God and He is Right!

What a Waste

I was thinking today, (as I often do) and I was thinking of people that are talented. I believe that before we are even born, God has a specific plan for our lives. He has specific talents that He gives to each of us. And these talents are for the work and evolving of that plan. And just like the parable of the three men whose lord gave them the talents, we are to take those talents and plant them and let them grow into something more. We shouldn't be like the unwise servant and bury it and smother it where it doesn't produce anything. And then there are those, who do take their talent and cultivate it, but use it to fulfill their own desires instead of what God intended it for. As I was reading the story of the actor, Heath Ledger, being found dead on a possible overdose of pills, I was thinking of him and others like him who have wasted the talent God gave them. Maybe you don't think acting is a talent given to someone by God. I believe all talent comes from God. It's what you do with it that makes it ungodly. Look at Mariah Carey and her five octave voice. Not everyone has that type of talent. But she isn't using it for the purpose God intended. And then I look around at church and school and think, "There is so much talent that hasn't even been tapped into yet!" And to be perfectly honest with you, even in my own life, I have yet to tap into all that the Lord has put in me. But I'm trying. Because I am tired of living beneath my potential!! Which is something else all together that has been on my mind! Maybe later we'll discuss it!

What's Up With the Name?

For those of you who know me, you may be asking, "What is the deal with the name?" Sounds depressing right? Well, let me explain. I have three reasons for chosing this name. First of all, those of you who have started a blog know it isn't necessarily easy to find a name not taken. Second, I started this because I tend to have a hard time letting people really get to know me. Therefore, I am the "unknown" Artis. You may think you know me, but ask yourself, do you really let people know the real you? Do you share your innermost thoughts about life with the people you know? Not likely. So here I am, the "unknown" Artis making myself known! The other reason? It was the best I could come up with that wasn't taken! Good enough right?! So begins the revelatory journey into the "unknown"! Okay, I want say it again. Hope you enjoy the ride!