God, Be Merciful To Me A Sinner!

 Hi, friends!  ¡Hola, amigos!  This past week, I was at an Episcopal DWTX Clergy Conference, and now I’m on a weekend trip with the family.  Fortunately, I was able to squeeze a little time in my art studio.  Hope you like my humble and creative efforts.

Tea Party Time
Freshly Made Sketches #709 A Sketch from Jen M

First of all, I have a birthday card I made for my cousin’s daughter, who’s turning 15.  She is a very sweet young lady.  To make it, I used the Spellbinders Say Cheese Classic Pooh Birthday Collection’s Rabbit die; a Martha Stewart Party Hat Punch; a We R Makers Banner Punch; a Marvy Calligraphy Marker; various kinds of adhesives; and assorted card-stock in solids and a floral print.

St. Francis of Assisi Art Journal Page
Friday Face Off 10/24/2025
Saturday Critters #619

Next, I have a collage in my art journal that I did, in remembrance of St. Francis of Assisi.  He was an Italian poet and Roman Catholic friar who founded the order of the Franciscans.  As a devout Christian, he gave up his family fortune, lived in poverty, and proclaimed the Word of the Lord.  He is the Patron Saint of animals, ecology, and merchants.  I used the Sizzix Tim Holtz Abstract Elements Thinlits set to design the vignette; glue; and a black calligraphy and regular markers.

A Sunrise Blessing
Word Art Wednesday Weeks #722 & 723
What’s On Your Workdesk? Wednesday 855/75

For my last project, I used a photo I took with my iPhone at the Episcopal Diocese of West Texas, Mustang Island Conference Center.  The conference center’s mission is to provide a sacred place for the guests to rest, reflect, and renew their faith, surrounded by God’s coastal creation.  I used my Procreate app to layer the Word Art Wednesday Scripture text art.

In closing, I want to leave you with a reflection on Luke 18:9-14.  Here, Jesus tells the parable of a Pharisee and the Tax Collector.  The Pharisees were considered pillars of society at the time, but this one was self-righteous and judgmental of others.   Tax Collectors were considered scoundrels, but this one asked for God’s mercy.  At first site, these two characters seem quite different.  However, they’re not, since they were both dead inside.  They were both lost, broken, and in need of God.  The difference is that the tax collector recognized his deadness, while the Pharisee believed he was above all others.  Like the tax collector, we must cry out, “God, be merciful to me a sinner!” This allow us to begin of new life.  This personal choice, which we need to make on a daily basis, allows us to  come clean to God, instead of pointing fingers.

Thanks for visiting, and hope you’ll leave a comment.  I’ll be glad to reciprocate.  Shalom!

Arnoldo+