Sharing God's Gifts

I'd forgotten how fun blogging can be, as I create art pieces to participate in challenges, get inspired by the work of other bloggers, and we exchange comments about each other's work.  Art is just such a marvelous gift, and truly a universal language that unites us.  What a blessing!

I have 3 more projects to share today, so I'll begin with a card that I made for my grandson's to send to them this upcoming Halloween.  I used the new Spellbinder's Classic Mouse cutting dies collection; Sizzix's Tim Holtz Halloween Night embossing folder and a Vintage Labels die; a generic wizard's hat die; Fiskars' Star punch; assorted solid color card-stock and foam sheet; glue and foam dots; and a Zig Letter pen Cocoiro for the hand lettering sentiment and stitch lines.

Swell!  It's Halloween!
Original Card Design by Arnoldo L. Romero
Inspired by Freshly Made Sketches #699
WOYWW 845/65

Freshly Made Sketches #699
A Sketch by Verena

Camp Capers
Episcopal Diocese of West Texas
Photograph by Arnoldo L. Romero
Word Art Wednesday - Weeks #712-713

Next, I have a photograph that I took during one of our clergy conferences, last Fall.  The camp is located in the Texas Hill Country, by the Guadalupe River, in Waring, Texas.  It's in the same area where Camp Mystic and other camps are located, which were devastated by a major flood, on July 4, killing at least 135 people.  At the time of the flooding, there were no campers at our camp, and our summer staff was away on mid-summer break.  While our own beloved camp was not damaged by the floodwaters, the summer camping community is close-knit.  The city of Kerrville and St. Peter’s Episcopal Church were deeply impacted by the trauma and loss of life.

Many in Kerrville, in our diocese, and across Texas, have personal connections to the missing campers and staff members.  So we've had various prayer vigils and fundraisers throughout the diocese since then.  Continued prayers are welcomed, but if you'd like to make a financial contribution to our efforts, you may do so here.  All funds will be used to help the impacted areas.

Original Tile Portrait
T Stands for...
Friday Face Off 8/15/25

Last, but not least, I have a portrait I did on an Artist Tile - 6"x6" square.  My marker and colored pencil sketch of a man drinking coffee, was inspired by Isaiah 40:31a -  Those who hope in the Lord renew their strength.  I did it as part of my "rule of life," which is a set of practices that helps me create a space in the busy world we live in to be with Jesus, become like Jesus, and do what he did.  It's all about living a full life, as I align with my deepest passions and priorities.  As my artistic abilities are a gift from God, I like to use them to glorify his name.

I inserted a portion of my sermon during my last two posts, but today's post is lengthy already.  Hence, I won't be doing that today.  Thanks for your visit and comments, and I look forward to reciprocate, by visiting your blogs and commenting.

Shalom!

Arnoldo+