About that day and hour no one knows.

 Hello!  ¡Hola!  Other than writing my sermon and a few work related tasks, I spent time away from home to visit family for Thanksgiving celebrations across the state of Texas.

The Nutcracker Joyful Christmas Card
Time Out Challenges #302 (Movie, White & Sparkle)
Inspiration Station Challenge November 2025 - Photo #79
What's On Your Workdesk? Wednesday 860/80

I didn't have much time in my art studio, but manage to squeeze in a couple of projects.  For the Christmas card above, I used Gemini's by Crafter's Companion, The Nutcracker & Friends dies set; various scraps of kraft, red, black, sparkling gold, and white card stock for the figure; Fabllewavi's Black & White Christmas Scrapbook paper for the background; a tab punch; various adhesives; a black marker to draw the stitch lines and a gold metallic marker to write the sentiment.  (BTW, I saw a movie version of the Nutcracker, but there's no comparison to seeing it performed life at a theater.)

Sunday Postcard Art - Postage Stamps
Thursday Art and Dinner Date
Alphabet Challenge Blog - Q is for Quote

For my second project, I have a postcard I illustrated in one of my handmade art journals.  I began by making crisscross water color markings for my background.  When dry, I used a Craspire Vintage Postcard clear stamp to imprint the postcard outline.  Then, I sketched the postage stamp image and the eye using black markers.  Finally, I quoted Jesus, when he said, "Do not weep for me; weep for yourselves and for your children," from Luke 23:28.  (BTW, I want to thank Sunday Postcard Art for choosing my Mona Lisa as one of their 3 favorites last week.)

Friday Face Off 11/28/2025

For my last project, I have a photograph of my 2 grandchildren and me during one of our roadtrip stops this week.  They're such a joy to be around.  I superimposed the text from Proverbs 17:6, "Grandchildren are the crown of the aged, and the glory of children is their parents."  I am so thankful for the blessing of having these two be part of my life.  (BTW, I want to thank Nicole at FFO, for also featuring my Mona Lisa.)

In closing, I want to leave you with an excerpt from the sermon I wrote for this coming Sunday, during which will be observing the First Sunday of Advent:

Jesus said that we're to “keep awake” and to “be ready.”  Therefore, we must pray without ceasing; study the Bible in fellowship; share God’s word with others through our words and actions; love inclusively just like Jesus; forgive each others sins; feed the hungry, quench the thirst of those who need water, welcome the migrant, clothe the naked, care for the sick, and visit those in prison; and strive for justice and peace amongst all people.  None of these practices will diminish life, but intensify it, heighten its value, and deepen its meaning.  So never loose hope to the possibility of the impossible; to life and more life; and to be whom God created us to be, for about that day and hour no one knows.

Thanks for visiting!  ¡Gracias por visitarme!  Shalom!

Arnoldo+