The Fountain Hillbillies

I have not posted anything new since returning from a great two-week vacation in Scottsdale, Arizona. We visited our old stomping grounds, Fountain Hills, and recalled precious memories of our 11 years there prior to moving to San Antonio.

I was reminded of this painting. Five years ago my son-in-law asked me to paint this picture of the Derksen family. They pastor Faith Mountain Church in Fountain Hills and somehow got the title of Fountain Hillbillies. You probably recognize Jed Clampett's jalopy. I painted them cruising down Saguaro Boulevard past the lake and the fountain. The faces of Mark, Carol, Mark, Jr. and Vicky were cut from photographs.

The Shaffers wrote lyrics to the theme music from "The Beverly Hillbillies" and sang it to them at a church celebration.

The Ballad of Mark Derksen

Com 'n listen to my story 'bout a man named Derksen

A bless-ed Christian man who tries not to sin

An' then one day, he was prayin' what to do

An' down from the cloud come a shinin' white hue.

God that is! Glorified! Cant's be denied!

Well, the first thing ya know, Ol' Mark's without a care

Holy Spirit said, "Derk move away from there."

Phoenix Arizony is the place that God wills,

so they loaded up white lightn' and they moved to the Hills.

Fountain that is! Palm trees! One hundred plus degrees?

Ol' Mark got a church home and he has God to thank

He didn't even have to see the pres'dent of a bank.

Lotsa folks objected, but the Lord found no fault,

'Cause ol' Mark's treasures are a buildin' in God's vault.

Riches that is! Heavenly wage! Derk's gettin' paid!

Well now it's time to say good-bye to Mark and all his kin

An' they would like to thank you folks fer kindly droppin' in.

You're all invited back again to this locality.

Ta' have a heapin' helpin' of their hospitality.

Spirit filled, that is! Shed yer cares off! Worship a while!

Y'all come back now, ya hear!