The Unknown Artis

Back from Never-Never Land... Or was it La-La Land?

2009-04-11T18:44:00.002-05:00

Hi! Is anyone still there? It's been so long since I've done this, I'm not for sure if I remember how! Various things have prevented me from posting in forever! Moving. Then no internet. Busyness. And then just plain ole laziness. But here I am nonetheless. School has kept me pretty busy this year. It has been a very long, trying year. I think maybe God is seeing just what I'm made of! But summer is on it's way!

The house is coming along very, very slowly. My living room and dining room, for the most part, are painted. I'll try to post pics of them soon. The pink, flowered wallpaper with Hunter Green border with hearts, has been torn off the walls in the boys room. Along with some of the sheet rock! New recessed lighting in the living room, track lighting in the kitchen and that's about it. I won't go into detail of all that still has to be done!! Anyone up for stripping wallpaper, priming, and painting? Me neither!

Well, in closing, I would like to say how proud I am of all you bloggers who have been faithful in updating. And I would also like to say how grateful I am to all of you who have not been faithful in updating, for I know I am never alone!

Hopefully, more to come soon. But you never know. Life is such a mystery!

First Annual Harvest Festival!

2008-11-07T12:05:00.012-06:00

Well, we finally pulled it off!! After months of planning and a lot of hard work, the Harvest Festival has came and went. I was so pleased with the way everything turned out. Everyone worked so hard, and it looked great! I know pictures just don't do it justice, but I tried to take as many as I could. I am so proud of everyone! We couldn't have done it without you. This was our first year, and I think it went great. It was a little windy, and we planned it at the same time as another huge event, but we definitely have set a precedent! It's only bigger and better from here on out!! Don't groan on me! We had a lot of visitor's come through. And at one time, I saw some people writing our service times down! I believe we planted some seeds at this festival, and we're not done yet! Get ready for "Spring Fling 2009"! Who needs to rest when there's souls to be won!

About My Father's Business!

2008-10-18T16:09:00.002-05:00

Okay, okay! It's only been what, almost two months since I posted. That's not too bad! In case you're wondering where I have been, here's just a few things I've been doing since I've been away. Our outreach team has hosted two Hunter's education classes which are three nights each, and a CPR class. I was volunteered to give my dad a birthday party at my house, by my dad. We have another CPR class underway. And a huge fall festival that we are trying to plan and get going. Did I say huge? God is going to use this to reach so many people! We still have a lot to do to pull it off, but I'm getting excited! I also had my 13th anniversary! We just took an overnight trip, because we have so much that needs to be done, but it was nice anyway. I think sometime you have to get away just for peace of mind. And my mom is giving me a house warming party. I would have liked to have had my house done some before everyone came, but we have been so busy I haven't had time to do much of anything! Some days I'm happy if it's just clean! I have to tell you, having 3 bathrooms sounds great until you have to clean them! But I'm grateful just the same. Let's see, I've moved houses, moved churches, moved the school. Can't accuse us of being afraid of change! Well, that's all for now. I will post pics of the festival. It's going to be amazing! We have an obstacle course, some kind of thing you Velcro yourself to a wall?, moon jump, hay ride, western comedy skits, pony rides, food, games, merchandise booths, puppet shows, etc. I can not begin to thank everybody enough for all the hard work they have put into this! Sis. Von de Leigh, you are an absolute treasure to me!! We would be lost without all of your help! Thank you, thank you, thank you. You are dear friend.

We're In!!

2008-08-30T16:29:00.002-05:00

Well finally we are in our new house! Our first night was last Friday. But I have to be honest with you. It has been very trying. We kind of had to move in with all of the stuff that was already in the house. And if you'll remember from the pictures, there is a lot of stuff in that house. So it is a little frustrating trying to find somewhere to put your stuff when all the nooks and crannies are full. But the good news is, that the family has been here this weekend cleaning stuff out. Yeah! I can't tell you how ready I am for it be "my house". Because it's definetly hard to feel like it's yours, when you are living with someone else's stuff. And I have a little confession. You know they say confession is good for the soul. I tore some wallpaper off before the family got there. I didn't mean to. It was torn back some and I just wanted to test it to see how hard it was going to be. Before I knew it, I had the whole wall done. I have been hoping noone noticed it. But if it's mine, what should it matter? Right? Anyway. It hasn't been all that bad really. This morning I was up early, and I took my coffee and sat on the front porch swing, read my Bible, watched the horses running and the Hummingbirds come to the feeder. There was no traffic out yet and it was absolutely wonderful! I'm so glad that no matter where I am, God's presence is always with me. It was so nice to meditate on His word in the quiet, and sit and enjoy His marvelous Creation! And to me, that is the biggest blessing! So throughout the day, as I found myself feeling frustrated, I would find my way out to the porch swing, where the Hummingbirds are flying and the horses are doing their laps, or rolling in the grass scratching their back, and I would feel at peace again. So that's all for now. Soon I will be doing before and after photos. Because I am ready to rip some more wallpaper! Haha.

Adieu to Ladybug!

2008-08-20T13:46:00.005-05:00

Ladybug

Well, I am sad to say that Ladybug has a new owner. This is the horse that was given to us. She went from being a scared horse who wouldn't let you within 100 feet of her, to being a very loving horse. But I guess that is what happens when you get in the "horsin' business". So I've been told. But she had some injuries on her leg that we were having a hard time getting to heal. So it was a very hard decision because we had grown so attached to her. But although we are going to miss her, we now have five other horses to keep us company. All given to us. So farewell Ladybug, Welcome Mega, Just Plain Reckless (Reckless), Liscious, Fancy, and Candy! (All named by previous owners!)

This is Mega. She is the mother of Liscious and Fancy.

This is Mega again.

This is our little Palomino colt, Reckless.

This is Candy. She's my favorite. She's the sweetest! Really.

I could never get these two to pose for me. They're a little stubborn. But anyway, this is Liscious and Fancy. Fancy is on the left, Liscious is on the right. What you can see. I'll try for a better one later.

House Pics!

2008-08-11T18:06:00.005-05:00

Bathroom next to sun room.

Nice pink shell sink. Ha ha

Nice blurry picture of striped bedroom!

View of the land from our carport.

Side view of the land from the flower bed.

Kitchen.

Other side of kitchen.

Hard to tell, but it's a walk in pantry.

Sun room.

Jacuzzi tub. Thank you God! This is the bathroom with the windows.

Living room/dining room/library? I'm confused! Note the nice rose colored carpet! But hidden treasure lies beneath. Hardwood!

Dining room. What you can see of it! Nice chandelier huh?

I'm Still Here!!

2008-08-08T10:59:00.002-05:00

Well, believe it or not, I'm posting. I really wanted to wait until I could add pictures and everything, but I couldn't wait any longer to share what God is doing!! You know, as I am sitting here thinking about all I want to tell you, I am amazed at how some of God's greatest blessings come in the midst of some of your greatest trials. I am going to be perfectly honest with you. We have been going through things lately that have tried us in every aspect. We have dealt with sickness, death, finances, family troubles, etc. etc etc. Who hasn't?! But you know what? I'm Still Here!! And in the middle of all this, God has spoke things to me and shown me things, that maybe I couldn't have seen or heard had I not been in the place I needed to be! How can I encourage someone who is going through financial difficulty, if I've never been there? How can I comfort someone who is hurting if I've never been in pain? And how can I grow into what God wants me to be, if I am never pruned or shaped or molded? So I have just been praying for God to change me in the situation, instead of asking God to change the situation!

Okay. Now besides all that good stuff and more, God has given us a few material blessings. A lot of you may not know that we have lived in a mobile home every since we got married almost thirteen years ago. Absolutely nothing wrong with that. But everybody wants the American Dream! To have a house of their own. Well, for a while now, we have been trying to get a house. We were approved, and even had a great interest rate. But every time, we would come up against obstacles. So I just believed it wasn't time yet. Because I believe when it is the will of God, everything will fall into place. Anyway, now I know why. God had something else in store for us! You know, I have always said one day God was going to give me a house. Maybe at the time I said it, I didn't mean literally. But God took it literally, because God gave me a house! Not just any house. Not a broken down dump. A very nice brick house and 8 acres of land! A concrete circle drive, sodded yard,3 possible 4 bedroom, 2 1/2 bath, sun room, jacuzzi tub, storage galore, chain link fence, I can't remember anything else, house! Granted, it needs some updating. It has flowered and striped wallpaper and rose colored carpet. But it has no mortgage. Yes I did just say it has NO mortgage! Hallelujah! I will post pictures as soon as possible. I know it's just material. And even if I didn't get it, I would be content to live in my mobile home until God comes. But when you seek the kingdom of God first, all the desires of your heart will be given to you. And right now, first and foremost, I want revival. I have friends and family that are lost. There are thousands upon thousands of people that need to be reached. And maybe not having a mortgage will help us do that. And did I mention we had 4 acres of land fenced in absolutely at no cost to us. Except the labor. Which my husband truly has paid the price. And it looks good, baby! And believe me, we're gonna need it because our horse count keeps rising. I think we are at 4 as of today. All of them given to us, by the way. And all are registered, except one. Pics on those soon too. Well, check back soon. You never know what God has in store next!

Blah, Blah, Blah

2008-07-07T09:18:00.004-05:00

So it's been a few weeks since I have posted. I certainly have a lot I need to share. A lot has happened! First of all, my husband's grandfather passed away. He was 90 this January. He was a very sweet man. He loved to sing and he would sing to my boys all the time. They loved it. He would tell them little riddles and stories. It was a big treat to be able to go to Poppy's house. One of my boy's favorite songs goes like this:

Well I had a little chicken, and it wouldn't lay an egg, So I poured hot water up and down it's legs.
The little chicken hollered and the little chicken begged and the little chicken laid me a hard boiled egg. Oh me oh my. Said the thousand legged worm. Has anybody seen a leg of mine? If it cain't be found, I'll have to hop around on the other nine hundred ninety nine.

So you can see how fun he was. Just silly little songs and stories. So my boys took it kind of hard. But kids seem to adapt to death better than adults.

On a brighter note. My husband turned 34 on July 3rd! You know he tells me I'm getting old, but I tell him at least he will always be older than me! More on this later.

We also attended the air show. Thankfully it was not the day the storms came and people got hurt. Unfortunately, it was smothering hot when we went. I think I heard my arms sizzling at one point! So us girls took the kids and came home early. We missed the Blue Angels, but it was a small price to pay for air conditioning! I'll post pics later.

Well, other than cleaning and reading and working for God, that's about all that's been happening. And those are subjects in itself! So tune in later. You never know what you'll get!

Info Overload!

2008-06-19T11:27:00.003-05:00

Before I start telling all my updates, I want everyone to go check out a very dear friend of mine's blog, if you haven't all ready. It's thegolden2.blogspot.com. Shane and Rachel was and are a vital part of our church. And although we miss them very much, God is using them mightily! They went out this past weekend and got 19 bible studies!! How awesome is that?! Please be sure to keep them in your prayers. And pray that God continues to strengthen them in this time of harvest!

So, update #1. We are doing the bible study tonight with Ken's mom and dad!! I am so excited! It's been a few weeks, due to his getting a new job that keeps him out of town on some nights. But we are definitely having it tonight. Please keep praying. God just keeps revealing himself to them more and more.

Update #2. We have our horse home now. She still isn't fully broke, but she's getting there. And to top all that off, Ken's dad bought us another horse that is broken and registered! But she isn't here yet. I'll post pictures as soon as I can. You know when we got the first horse, I was very apprehensive about how we were going to feed her, etc. But God has just provided and we haven't had to hardly buy a thing for her! He is so good!

Update #3. Legends and Lies. Very good book. I'm still not finished. Not because it's a big book. I have just been extremely busy! Here's an example. Saturday, we did June Bug Day with the Koehoorn's, which was a blast. I'll tell you more in a minute. Sunday, church and Father's Day. Monday, Ladies' prayer, Tuesday, church in the new building, YEAH, Wednesday, praise singer practice for ARC, Thursday, BIBLE STUDY!!, Friday, fellowship with some friends. Then we get to start all over!! I'm not complaining. It's a good busy!! So reading isn't on the top of my priority list! But, I did find out, it was Jesse James in his grave. Bob Ford really did kill him. Frank James' wife had brought a pair of Jesse's boots and ask that the man saying he was Jesse James, try them on. See Jesse had a small foot. A size 7. This J. Frank Dalton, no relation to the Dalton Gang, wore a size 9. But to this day, people still claim he was Jesse James. But after hearing all of the evidence about Billy the Kid, evidence has shown that Brushy "Bill" Roberts was Billy the Kid. And Pat Garrett did not kill him on the night of July 14, 1881. The test they did was 97% positive! But why did Pat Garrett lie about it? Why would he take the chance of Billy showing up again and making a fool out of him? Nevertheless, on the day he went to meet Governor Mabry, to be pardoned of his crimes, it had turned into a real media circus and he would not admit to killing anyone and suffered a stroke from all the stress. This led people, including the media and Governor Mabry, to believe he was a fake. But after he suffered a fatal heart attack and died on December 27, 1950 at the age of 91, the test had proven, that he really possibly was Billy the Kid.

Update #whatever. As I mentioned earlier, the Community Development outreach team (we really need a different name) went to help the Power of an Hour team at June Bug Day this past Saturday. We had a great time. We did crafts with the kids. We painted sailboats, bears, hearts, fish, angels, etc. And we made butterflies with tissue paper, and we colored posters! The puppets were awesome! They always do a great job. We had a beanbag toss and dart throw. The Koehoorn's will be posting about it more soon. So while I was there, during a down time, I starting coloring one of the posters. Haven't got it finished yet either. But when I do, I'm going to auction it off to the highest bidder to raise money for the outreach team. I mean it is a one of a kind! Anyway. As I was coloring I was thinking about the lines, the boundaries. They are there for a reason. If you just focus on the line, that's what it looks like, just a line. But when you focus on the whole thing, it makes a picture. And without that line, you would just have an empty space. And if you get to close or are not careful, you're going to go out of the lines and mess up. And you might be able to color over it, but that mistake is still there. And if you get in too big of a hurry to just get it done, it's not going to be right. You'll just have a big mess. And instead of looking at the big picture and saying "This is to big, I can't do it!" If you will just take one little section at a time and work on that, then eventually you will start to see the picture come together the way it's supposed to. Take your time, do it neatly, and don't get in a hurry. But be diligent. Don't give up. And be careful with the lines. They are there for a reason. But if you do accidentally mess up, just keep going, don't just quit and throw it away. Because in the end, when the picture is done, you can look back and see all the hard work you put into it. And you can say, "I messed up in a few places, but I fixed it and kept going. Now see how beautiful it is." Well, there's my lesson on coloring. Hope you got as much out of it as I did.

And for now, "That's All Folks!"

Legends and Lies

2008-06-10T11:20:00.005-05:00

Okay, I would like to start this blog off by saying, no one can say anything to me any more about not posting in a timely manner!! It's the middle of June people!! Get to posting! I need something to read! Just kidding. I love you all. Now as for reading. I have been reading a book called Legends and Lies: Great Mysteries of the American West by Dale L. Walker. This is a very interesting book. I think even if you don't enjoy history, as I do, you would want to read this book.
So, let's digress a minute. How many of you learned about Davy Crockett in school. Before you raise your hand, really think about it. Did you really learn about Davy in school or have you just heard of him all of your life? Now I don't know about you, but I can't remember learning one thing about Davy Crockett in school. The extent of my knowledge about him was that he wore a coonskin hat and dressed like and Indian in buckskins. And thanks to the Kentucky Headhunters, he was King of the Wild Frontier! That's a song for those of you who don't know. Davy, Davy Crockett. King of the wild frontier. Sorry, now I will have it stuck in my head. Anyway. Even Walt Disney had a hand in shaping the knowledge of the man we call Davy Crockett. Most of it untrue. Imagine that. So back to the book. Did you know that he was a three time Congressman? Even though he was close to being illiterate. And that the circumstances of his death has been disputed for years? Do you know where he died? Helping defend the Alamo. Did you know that the death of Meriwether Lewis, of the Lewis & Clark expedition, was disputed. Some say he committed suicide others say he was murdered. Although I do find it hard to believe he would have shot himself in the head, enough to expose brain tissue (sorry I'm trying to put it nicely) then shoot himself in the chest, and according to some reports, cut himself with a razor to finish the job. He may have gone crazy, but I don't think that crazy. Also, did you know that in 1995, they exhumed the grave of Jesse James to do DNA testing to see if it really was him or as some say, a J. Frank Dalton. Or that Billy the Kid was not killed and later came to turn himself in as an old man who was known at the time as Brushy Bill. They said his telling of the circumstances were so accurate only Billy the Kid would have known those details. Maybe this doesn't interest you, so I'll write a better blog later. But I am fascinated by this. I never knew this stuff. And history was my favorite subject in school, so I would have remembered learning this stuff right? Anyway, there are lots more legends in the book I haven't even gotten to yet. Black Bart, Boston Corbett and John Wilkes Booth. Ambrose Bierce, Custer and Little Bighorn, Crazy Horse, Sacajawea. So stay tuned for the rest of the story...

Attitude

2008-06-05T11:52:00.002-05:00

This is an email someone sent me that I would like to share. You've heard the saying that Attitude is everything. Well, it's close. I believe your attitude toward things can determine your outcome of a situation. I know I'm really working on mine!! Hope you enjoy.

There once was a woman who woke up one morning, looked in the mirror, and noticed she had only three hairs on her head. 'Well,' she said, 'I think I'll braid my hair today.' So she did and she had a wonderful day. The next day she woke up, looked in the mirror and saw that she had only two hairs on her head. 'H-M-M,' she said, 'I think I'll part my hair down the middle today.' So she did and she had a grand day. The next day she woke up, looked in the mirror and noticed that she had only one hair on her head. 'Well,' she said, 'today I'm going to wear my hair in a pony tail.' So she did, and she had a fun, fun day. The next day she woke up, looked in the mirror and noticed that there wasn't a single hair on her head. 'YAY!' she exclaimed. 'I don't have to fix my hair today!' Attitude is everything. Be kinder than necessary, for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle. Live simply, Love generously, Care deeply, Speak kindly.......Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass... It's about learning to dance in the rain.

Talladega Here We ...Went!!

2008-06-02T11:01:00.006-05:00

A few weeks ago my mom's company did their annual picnic at the Talladega Super Speedway. Now I don't know how many of you know this, but my husband loves Nascar. Not as much as he used to, but he still loves it. He has always been a huge Dale Earnhardt fan. At one time, (BC) he had a little shrine set up of all his Earnhardt stuff. Well it really wasn't a shrine, he just had my living room decorated with all of it! It is now stored in a box, thank God! So you can imagine how excited he was when my mom said the employees get to bring their families along. And you could win a ride around the race track at 180 mph or get to drive a race car. Although he didn't win either one, we still had a great time. The track was only open to DeltaCom employees and their families. The main activities were set up in the garage where they keep the race cars. We got to go in Victory Lane and walked behind Pit Road. We watched the cars flying around the track and heard them for sure! They had someone drawing caricatures, ours is hilarious! They served Dreamland Barbecue for lunch, had an arcade set up, all sorts of stuff for kids, go carts etc. All for free. They gave away t-shirts, flip flops, chairs, hats, sun visors, and I can't remember what all. We had a blast! So now I can say I have been to a race track!! Oh yeah, we also got to visit the Motor Sports Hall of Fame for free also. My husband took a picture of every race car there almost. I'm not kidding. He just about used all of my memory on my card! He would stand back and take a picture of the whole car, then get up close and take a picture of the name on the car. I'll post a few so you can see. He also got to get his picture with Dale Earnhardt's car. He was in hog heaven!!

Okay People!

2008-05-28T08:36:00.003-05:00

Okay, I just want everyone to know that I got up before 8 o'clock this morning, I have nowhere to be and my kids are still asleep. All so I can write this blog! I am determined to write it today!! I do apologize for my tardiness. But life and God has kept me busy! So I hope I don't overload on info about all that has been happening! So many wonderful things have been going on through our outreach ministry, it would take all day to share them. I actually thought about starting another blog just for that purpose. But as you can see, I have a hard enough time keeping up with one! So from time to time I will us this one for that purpose. Whew! Where do I start?!

First, I would like to give you an update on Ken's dad. I know a lot of you are wondering what has happened with him. Well, we are still doing the bible study! He would let us do it twice a week if we could. He just soaks it up. And his mom is getting more and more involved. She was telling her friend about the bible study and she said they can hardly wait for us to come and do another one. She was saying that we point things out that she had never noticed before. That we just bring scripture to life for them! It's not us. It's God giving them revelation!! It's so awesome. I know she has been weighing her options about coming to church with us. She has dropped a few comments here and there. His dad says he can't hear!! Imagine that. But he is getting hearing aids so maybe that will make a difference. Just keep praying that God removes all of the obstacles and hindrances that would keep them from coming.

Okay, NEXT! I'm not for sure if I have shared this or not, but it's worth repeating. In March we me and husband were asked to take over a section of the outreach ministry. There are five different sections or teams. We are over the Community Development and Outreach team. Which reminds me, we really need a catchy name. Anyway. So we try to do some type of outreach at least once a month. Which doesn't seem like a lot. But things have to be coordinated etc. Thus one of the many reasons I haven't blogged in awhile!! But the end result is so rewarding!! We have left snack baskets in the waiting rooms at the hospital. This is for families of loved ones that are in the hospital. Vending machines can get expensive when you have to spend time at the hospital. So we put a snack basket, with a card attached that says, "Donated by Cornerstone Revival Center. If you would like prayer for your family, please call ===," And we go once a week to refill them! We also took all of the nurses station a "Thank you" basket. We have made candy bags and passed them out at Relay for Life. 546 of them to be exact. They all had our church card on them! And there are many more things we have done. But my favorite yet, is the Books-N-Bears!! We bought a book and a bear and went to Fairview School and gave one to each pre-first and first grader!! The purpose is to encourage them to read to their bear. That way if mom or dad is busy you still have a friend to read to! Bro. Derrick Sherrill dressed in our walk around puppet stage and was our bear puppet Henry! He did an outstanding job! The kids loved it! So did the teachers. There were a 115 children by the way. All in one hallway together. Now you would think it would be chaos. But they sit so quiet and listened to every word! Even the teachers were amazed! God has given us favor in everything we have done! He has opened up doors that has blew our minds! While at the school, a teacher comes up and wants us to go to DHR and do puppet shows for the foster children. What she didn't know was the very lady she was speaking with already goes and does puppet shows with the domestic violence children at DHR. So that just opened up another door! So we go back the following week to give the teachers thank you gifts for allowing us to come and was so excited to hear all the teachers blown away by what we had done. Even the principal of the school, told us she was so pleased with all of the reports she had gotten. She said the teachers had talked about it all week! We are going to win our county and beyond! We are about to see a revival in Fairview school! I know I have left out so many details and things that were said. But it's early and fingers are getting tired. So here are some pics of the Books-N-Bears at the school. All of the kids just hugged me when I went back and said they had been reading to their bear every night! Oh and all of the books were stamped with our church name and phone number on the inside. And sorry about the pics. My batteries were low and my pictures turned out fuzzy! Oh and how can I forget! The school is going to put our picture in the paper, because they want everyone to know what we did! Also, the librarian, who helped us order our books from Scholastic, entered us into a contest with Scholastic. Something about anytime you use Scholastic books to reach your community you can win a bunch of stuff. I have no idea what, but they also want our pictures, because they will post them in there newsletter thing that goes out Statewide!! So if people don't know who Cornerstone Revival Center is when we get done, then they don't get out much!! How cool is that! More later. I promise!

What In The World?!

2008-04-25T20:59:00.005-05:00

God has been so good to me. No really, He has. I'm not just saying that. This August will be nine years since He delivered me and filled me with the Holy Ghost! And over these nine, wonderful years of living for Him, He has truly given me the desires of my heart. Not just in spiritual matters or even in big major things. Although He has done that also. But I am always amazed when God gives me the little things in life too. The things I don't even think to pray for because really they are not significant to my existence. But just little things. For instance. I have never had a new couch. I was close one time. But not quite. Anyway. I had been talking to my husband about how I would like to have a new couch. I even went to some furniture stores and picked out a few I liked and was reasonable. I was going to save my money and buy it. Eventually. Well, one day I'm helping my parents paint their living room and we were talking about furniture and I tell them about the couches I had been looking at. Well, a week or so later, they decide to go buy themselves a new couch and they told me to come along a pick one also. They bought me a new couch!! Now you really have to know them to understand what a miracle that is. They don't have a lot of money themselves and they try to save as much as possible. Then I thought how lovely it would be to have a love seat. Well, my old boss just happened to have one he needed to get rid of. Please keep in mind I have never asked for or told anyone I wanted these things. Other than passing conversations with my husband. Well, anyway, we have had numerous things just given to us! A hot tub (woohoo), furniture, brand new clothes, a boat, a goldfish pond, a ton of bricks (really), a motor home, and too many things to list. It's like one day we are talking about how eventually we would like to have some horses and the next day, poof! Someone gives us a horse. Now you may say, Holly, your rambling and it's cool someone bought you a new couch, but come on, nobody is going to give you a horse! Yet, I told you all that just to say, "Hey, somebody gave me a horse today!!" I'm not kidding. They said, "If you buy this halter and lead rope for $50.00, I'll throw the horse in free." WHAT IN THE WORLD!! People don't give horses away! But I am now an official owner, or I will be when I get her, of a 2 year old quarter horse mare. How crazy is that? I hope she doesn't eat like a horse!! HAHAHA I tried taking some pics of her, but she wouldn't stay still for very long. I hope you can see them.

OLD Time Hymns

2008-04-23T15:46:00.002-05:00

In honor of my 31st birthday today, I would like to share some precious hymns with you. I'm sure these will stay with me until I'm older and grayer!

1. " Just A 'Slower' Walk With Thee"

2. " Just A 'Slower' Walk With Thee", But My Knees Hurt.

3. "Nobody Knows The Trouble I 'Have' Seeing"

4. "Precious Lord, Take My Hand", And Help Me Up

5. "Count Your Many 'Birthdays', Count Them One By One"

6. "Go Tell It On A Mountain", But Speak Up

7. "Give Me The Old 'Timers' Religion"

8. "Blessed 'Insurance'"

9. "Guide Me O Thou Great Lord God", I've Forgotten Where I've Parked The Truck.

New Background

2008-04-18T16:44:00.002-05:00

Hey everyone. I've been messing around a little with different backgrounds. I really should have been doing something else, but who wants to do that?! I mean, so what if I don't have any clean clothes or my bed isn't made, or my yard needs bushhogging. As long as my blog looks cool, right? Sometimes, you just have to set your priorities in order. Well, I also noted my ads. A friend of mine mentioned on her blog that she had some things on her ads that were not appropiate. So while working on mine, I thought I should check mine out. Well, sure enough, I was advertising on "How the rapture is a lie". I hate the devil. So I took them off. I only made .43 cents anyway. Not enough for that garbage to be represented on my blog. Especially with it looking so cool and all!

Living with a Split Personality

2008-04-10T16:03:00.002-05:00

I have discovered that I have a split personality. No really! One minute, I am this person, the very next, I am someone else! Really if you think about it, we all have split personalities. Now I haven't went totally off the deep end. I'm sure everyone has heard or read the book on How to be a Mary in a Martha World. Sometimes we have no choice to be Martha. If things are going to get done, whether in everyday life or in the kingdom, you have to get busy. Yet at the same time, if you don't take the time to be Mary for a little while, all those things will be for naught. I will admit, I feel like I have given in to my Martha side more than Mary here lately. We are starting up this outreach program, and I want it to be the best that it can be. That takes work and time and energy. Please don't get me wrong. I'm not complaining in the least little bit. I am so excited! God has already opened up doors and done marvelous things! But how absolutely sweet it was Sunday night to be able to sit at the feet of Jesus and let him minister to and through me! That's where we gather our strength to step into the role of Martha again. So in all honesty, I don't mind having a split personality. I wouldn't want it any other way. I am so thankful that God has called me for the work of His kingdom. And I will give Him my all until He comes again. But I will cherish the time spent alone in His presence, letting Him speak to the core of my being. I love Him so very much. Isn't He an amazing God to create something as complex as I certainly seem to be?!

I Am a "Kept" Woman

2008-03-27T15:56:00.002-05:00

This is so true. I needed this. So I thought maybe someone else did too.

I Am a "Kept" Woman

You see, there were a few times when I thought I would lose my mind, but God kept me sane. (Isa. 26:3)

There were times when I thought I could go no longer, but the Lord kept me moving. (Gen. 28:15)

At times, I've wanted to lash out at those whom I felt had done me wrong, but the Lord kept my mouth shut. (Psa. 13)

Sometimes, I think the money just isn't enough, but God has helped me to keep the lights on, the water on, the car paid, the house paid, etc.., (Mat. 6:25-34)

When I thought I would fall, He kept me up. When I thought I was weak, He kept me strong! (I Pet. 5:7, Mat. 11:28-30)

I could go on and on and on, but I'm sure you hear me! I'm blessed to be "kept."

What kind of leader are you?

2008-03-12T16:31:00.002-05:00

I was going through some of the papers in my Bible the other night, (I seem to accumulate so many!) and I ran across some papers on leadership. I can't remember if this was a class our pastor did, or if it was something we did in our teacher's meetings. Anyway. It list five people's definition of a leader: Inspirations, Trusting, Motivators, Examples, Dedicated. As you know from my past blogs, I am a thinker. And while thinking on these things, I asked myself, "Do I inspire people? (I hope so!) Am I trustworthy? (I think so.) Am I trusting towards other people? (This one got me!) And so on... But then I read these next few statements. "Leadership is best defined as influence. Leadership is not position, rank or title. Leadership is influence of those around us." It goes on to say that sociologist tell us that even the most introverted person will influence, are you ready for this, ten thousand other people, in their lifetime!! Now I don't know how that makes you feel, but I feel like I could weep right now! Weep for the times that I may not have influenced someone in a way that is pleasing to the Lord. And weep for joy that I have still have more opportunities to do so. Because whether positive or negative, you have made an influence on someone's life! We never know who and how much we influence. I pray that everyone who reads this would reflect on this. I want to influence everyone I meet in a positive way. I want them to know that they have just been influenced by a Holy Ghost filled child of God!! I want to be inspiring, motivating, trustworthy and trusting (within reason). I want to live my life as an example, and be dedicated to the work of the kingdom!! The issue is not whether you will influence someone. The issue is what kind of an influence you will be?!

I leave you with a quote from J.R. Miller.

"There have been meetings of only a moment that left impressions for life. No one can understand that mysterious thing we call influence...yet every one of us continually exerts it, either to heal, to bless, to leave marks of beauty; or to wound, to hurt, to poison, or stain other lives."

Senior Version of "Jesus Loves Me"

2008-03-10T16:02:00.002-05:00

I came across this version of "Jesus Loves Me", that I would like to share. I have heard many versus, but never these.

JESUS LOVES ME
Jesus loves me, this I know,
Though my hair is white as snow
Though my sight is growing dim,
Still He bids me trust in Him.
(CHORUS)
YES, JESUS LOVES ME.. YES, JESUS LOVES ME..
YES, JESUS LOVES ME FOR THE BIBLE TELLS ME SO.
Though my steps are oh, so slow,
With my hand in His I'll go
On through life, let come what may,
He'll be there to lead the way.

(CHORUS)

When the nights are dark and long,
In my heart He puts a song.
Telling me in words so clear,
"Have no fear, for I am near."

(CHORUS)
When my work on earth is done,
And life's victories have been won.
He will take me home above,
Then I'll understand His love

(CHORUS)

I love Jesus, does He know?
Have I ever told Him so?
Jesus loves to hear me say,
That I love Him every day.

(CHORUS)

The Process of Refining

2008-03-04T14:39:00.003-06:00

My mom had sent this to me a while back, and I thought I would share it with you.

Malachi 3:3 says: 'He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver.'

This verse puzzled some women in a Bible study and they wondered what this statement meant about the character and nature of God. One of the women offered to find out the process of refining silver and get back to the group at their next Bible Study. That week, the woman called a silversmith and made an appointment to watch him at work. She didn't mention anything about the reason for her interest beyond her curiosity about the process of refining Silver. As she watched the silversmith, he held a piece of silver over the fire and let it heat up. He explained that in refining silver, one needed to hold the silver in the middle of the fire where the flames were hottest as to burn away all the impurities. The woman thought about God holding us in such a hot spot; then she thought again about the verse that says: 'He sits as a refiner and purifier of silver.' She asked the silversmith if it was true that he had to sit there in front of the fire the whole time. The man answered that yes, he not only had to sit there holding the silver, but he had to keep his eyes on the silver the entire time it was in the fire. If the silver was left a moment too long in the flames, it would be destroyed. The woman was silent for a moment. Then she asked the silversmith, 'How do you know when the silver is fully refined?' He smiled at her and answered, 'Oh, that's easy -- when I see my image in it.' If today you are feeling the heat of the fire , remember that God has his eye on you and will keep watching you until He sees His image in you.

I'm Back

2008-03-04T14:00:00.002-06:00

Well, I am finally back to the land of the living! Just barely. The flu bug finally got me. I tell you I don't wish that stuff on anybody! It really takes a toll on your body. But by the grace of God I survived!! And for those of you that have had it, you know I'm not joking about that. There are people that are literally dying from this stuff! My doctor said he has not seen anything like it. It's terrible.

So I know that a lot of you have been waiting to hear about my father-in-law. I do apologize for not posting sooner. And I want everyone of you that has prayed with us about this situation, to know how much I truly appreciate your prayers!! The word of God said the promise was to you, your children and to all that are afar off!! This is not just for our family but for yours too!! God is about to bring in family members that we never would have even dreamed about! Which brings me back to my father-in-law. This is a man who was certainly "afar off". If you would have told me a year ago that he would be asking my husband to lay hands on him and pray for him, I would have had trouble seeing that possibility. But today it is a reality! The last I told you, they were coming to church on Sunday night. Well what an awesome move of God we had! The man of God preached about a family revival!! And the name of his message was, "What's God's plan for your life?" Everything that was spoken, was exactly what they needed to hear! But they left without receiving the Holy Ghost. I have to admit, I was a little disheartened, but not discouraged. But he had a lot of questions, and said he wanted to understand more about our church! And he wants to keep doing the bible study! Then three days later, he calls and says he is going to end it all. He is tired of living and tired of the pain! It was quiet an ordeal. He was finally committed to a hospital. You can imagine the thoughts that was going through our minds!! But you know what? The devil is a liar!! We just held to the promise that God gave us!! He is in control. And he was released to come home last night! And guess what his first question was? "When are we going to do the bible study again?"!! Take that devil!! God's not done yet!
So I hope this encourages some of you that have been trying to win your lost family. Just know whenever the situation looks hopeless, that when God opens the door, no one or no thing can shut it!

Update

2008-02-22T14:21:00.002-06:00

I would like to thank everyone that was/is helping us to pray about my husband's dad. We had our second bible study last night!! It is going really good. Last night he really began to open up and ask a lot of questions. And as of right now, they both are coming to church Sunday night!! So just pray that God does an absolute miracle! I'm believing it!! He promised us our families, and I am seeing to many things come to pass that God has promised for me not to believe that He is going to do something in this situation!!

Hangin' Out

2008-02-22T14:08:00.002-06:00

Have you ever read a book and it leaves you hanging at the end? Doesn't that drive you crazy? I am the type of person that I can not stand for something to be unfinished! If I start something, I can't leave it undone!! Well, I have just finished reading a book by Dee Henderson, who happens to be one of my favorite authors. The name of it was Before I Wake. The book absolutely ended without answering any questions!! Does she end up falling in love with the sheriff, or does her and the private investigator pick up where they left off eleven years ago? Who was the murderer? Does he ever get caught? Does he end up perfecting the designer drug he is cooking? Does the town survive after the tile plant, the major source of revenue, shuts down? And as far as I know, there is not another book coming out! So I emailed Dee Henderson and I ask her! She'll probably think I'm crazy and never write me back. But at least I tried!! You may never get a yes, if you don't try for fear of the no's! Now that will preach!

The Sweetest Poem Ever

2008-02-19T15:44:00.002-06:00

I know Valentine's Day has come and gone, but I wanted to share with you a poem that my husband sent to me. I do believe it is the sweetest thing I have ever received from him!!

Collards is green,
my dog's name is Blue
and I'm so lucky
to have a sweet thang like you.

Yore hair is like cornsilk
a-flapping in the breeze.
Softer than Blue's
and without all them fleas.

You move like the bass,
which excite me in May.
You ain't got no scales
but I luv you anyway.

Yo're as satisfy'n as okry
jist a-fry'n in the pan.
Yo're as fragrant as "snuff"
right out of the can.

You have some'a yore teeth,
for which I am proud;
I hold my head high
when we're in a crowd.

On special occasions,
when you shave under yore arms,
well, I'm in hawg heaven,
and awed by yore charms.

Still them fellers at work,
they all want to know,
what I did to deserve
such a purdy, young doe.

Like a good roll of duct tape
yo're there fer yore man,
to patch up life's troubles
and fix what you can.

Yo're as cute as a junebug
a-buzzin' overhead.
You ain't mean like those far ants
I found in my bed.

Cut from the best cloth
like a plaid flannel shirt,
you spark up my life
more than a fresh load of dirt.

When you hold me real tight
like a padded gunrack,
my life is complete;
Ain't nuttin' I lack.

Yore complexion, it's perfection,
like the best vinyl sidin'.
despite all the years,
yore age, it keeps hidin'.

Me 'n' you's like a Moon Pie
with a RC cold drank,
we go together
like a skunk goes with stank.

Some men, they buy chocolate
for Valentine's Day;
They git it at Wal-Mart,
it's romantic that way.

Some men git roses
on that special day
from the cooler at Kroger.
"That's impressive," I say.

Some men buy fine diamonds
from a flea market booth.
"Diamonds are forever,"
they explain, suave and couth.

But for this man, honey,
these won't do.
Cause yor'e too special,
you sweet thang you.

I got you a gift,
without taste nor odor,
more useful than diamonds...
IT'S A NEW TROLL'N MOTOR!!

Luv, from yor romeo

anon.

Now ladies, don't be jealous! Not everybody can be as romatic as my man!!

Old Time Radio Link

2008-02-13T10:07:00.002-06:00

Hey Guys! Sorry about the radio link. It doesn't seem to be updating itself anymore. I have e-mailed technical support about it, but haven't heard anything yet. It was working fine. If anyone has any suggestions, I'm open for them. I can't figure out what may have happened. I checked the website and theirs is updating. Maybe it is something on their part. Well, just keep checking. Maybe it will be fixed soon.

Breaking News!

2008-02-11T17:19:00.000-06:00

I have some great news I am very excited about and a little nervous about to. We are about to begin a Bible study with my husband's dad and possibly his mom, also! Now naturally I know this is exciting to you too, but until you know all the details, you have no way of knowing exactly how exciting it is! So let me tell you. Ken's dad served in Vietnam. He did four tours. He has received two purple hearts, a bronze star, and some sort of Congressional Medal of Honor, and too many other awards that I can't remember. Needless to say, he went through a lot to get those. So as you can imagine, he has suffered a great deal with this. Over the last few months, there has been a lot of turmoil in the family that has just built up over time. I won't go into detail at this time, but it has been very stressful for everyone involved. Well, his dad was here for supper a few nights ago, and my husband told him that he would never find peace in his life without God. That no matter how hard they tried to "de-program" him, only God could change his life. So that led to other things, and finally he told my husband that someone once told him that he could never be forgiven for all the lives he took in the war. He said some "preachers" had told him he could, but could never show him the scriptures to prove it! My husband then asked if he could show him, would he be interested in going a little further and doing a whole bible study. He said he would love it! Now, a couple of months or more ago, Bro. Hollander was preaching and he gave out some keys. They were keys to ministries!! He gave us the key to an Ananias ministry. I have to be completely honest with you. The whole time he was talking, I was scared to death!! I was thinking it was Ananias and Saphira!! The ones who God killed because they had lied to the Holy Ghost!! Talking about doing some soul searching!! Well, so I came home and looked it up and it was the Ananias that Saul (later to be Paul) went to after the Lord struck him blind for persecuting His church! (Boy, was I relieved!!) Anyway, after relaying the message to Bro. Hollander, he explained that there would be a person that we would teach a bible study to, that would become a Paul! And that we would know it when the time came! So what if this is our Paul?! Paul was known for having the saints of God killed. The Bible even talks about him being there when Stephen was stoned. A perfect example of God's mercy and forgiveness! So please just pray that God gives us the words to say. We need his complete guidance in this situation. But I will be sure to keep you updated!!

Old Time Radio

2008-02-09T22:57:00.000-06:00

Do you remember when families would gather around the radio for a show, instead of a television. When you would have to use your imagination, instead of your sight, to see what was happening? Well, I had never had that pleasure until I got a satallite radio. I love the classic radio shows like Gunsmoke and the Lone Ranger! My boys love them too! It's the best when you have a road trip and you can just sit back and listen to the Burns and Allen show or Fibber McGee and Molly! They are hilarious. And in this day and age it's good to find something that's clean and decent that you can listen to! So anyway, this isn't advertisement for it or anything but I posted a link on my blog here where you can listen for free. It's different everyday, so you can check back if something is on that you don't like. Hope you enjoy!

Breaking out of the box!

2008-02-09T22:04:00.000-06:00

Hi everyone!! Guess you figured I had given up on the blogging! I haven't. I've just been so busy I haven't had time to sit down and write. But oh, have things been great! Except for my little boy has the flu! That has not been great. It went from no symptoms to five minutes later, "Mom, I have a headache" to a few hours later a 102 temperature! But the doctor said since we caught it within the first 24 hours the medicine would be more likely to work. Just pray noone else in our family gets it. Because I don't have time to be sick!! Which brings me back to the great things I mentioned! In my earlier post, I mentioned how sometimes God puts things in us that we tend to leave hidden in our heart for fear of getting out of our comfort zone. We let what others may say or think rule our actions. "What if people think I'm crazy? What will they say about me? I will be the laughing stock of our whole church, school, job etc." Sound familiar? And I will be the first to admit that I have done this. Well, I am in the process of breaking out of this! I am in the process of not caring what you think!! Don't get me wrong, I want you to like me, I want you to be my friend, but I am "called according to His purpose"! Now I have to tell you, it hasn't been easy. For instance, I have played the piano for a couple of years now. I absolutely struggle with this, because it doesn't sound like I want it to. I hear the way it should sound and the way others play it and I want it to sound like that. But I don't know how to get there! So I get frustrated. And then I don't want to play, because I think everyone else thinks it's bad too. Although, I have many people compliment it. Well, since God has been dealing with me about some things, (this being one of them) I have decided that I will play the only way that I know how and do it unto the Lord. I will do it in worship and thank God for giving me the talent and the ability to do it! Then our music minister (whom I tend to depend on completely!) says, "Oh yeah, you know you will be doing all the playing while I'm gone to California, right?" I'll be honest, my first reaction was panic!! Then, I remembered, "It's not about me, I'm doing it unto the Lord." Now thankfully, Sis. Natalie is helping out with the playing on some of the services, and she is so awesome! But what would have happened if I had just climbed back in my shell and said, "There is no way I can do this! I'm not good enough!"? That's like saying, "God, I know you called me to do this, but this talent you gave me is not good enough. It doesn't work right. You will just have to get somebody else." God will equip you with the things you need to fulfill your calling! You are good enough or He wouldn't have called you to do it!! A friend of mine has told me that she is about to have her book published!! I am so excited for her! She is finally breaking out and letting God use her in a different way! Don't be afraid to let Him carry you down different avenues. Just know that He is in control! Oh and by the way, so far the services have been awesome! I can't wait to see what God has in store for me next!

Living Beneath Your Potential

2008-01-25T14:40:00.000-06:00

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

2008-01-24T16:19:00.000-06:00

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?

2008-01-22T15:50:00.000-06:00

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!