Praise The Lord Anyway!

 Hello!  ¡Hola!  It was a long week, filled with pastoral visits to see one of my parishioners who's in the hospital, me being rear ended while sitting a stop light, and what seemed like a never ending list of to dos.  I'm so glad I had a few hours to relax in my art studio/study.  God is good!

Galveston's Stone Jetty
Word Art Wednesday - 726-727
Random-osity - Little Things Thursday
What's On Your Workdesk? Wednesday 859/79

First of all, I have a photograph I took while I was in Galveston, Texas, last October.  They have this long stone jetty pier, on which you can walk into a heavenly view of the Gulf of Mexico.  I felt that Psalm 95:2-3, was very appropriate, as it's about thanksgiving and praise to the King above all Gods.
Next, I have a Birthday card I made for a male friend of mine, who grew up in a Jewish home.  I used 2 purple shades of cardstock and a piece of Jewish print paper; the Sizzix Tim Holtz BigZ Scroll die, Elegant Fourishes die, Regal embossing folder, the Design Ruler, & the Design Pick; the We R Memory Keepers' Frame Punch Board & Banner Punch; different adhesives; and an Arteza Calligraphy marker to write "Brachot," which is blessings in Hebrew.  (BTW, I was a top 3 pick for Just Add Ink #773, "Sketch" Challenge.)
Abstract Mona Lisa Collage Postcard
Sunday Postcard Art - Mona Lisa
Thursday Art and Dinner Date
Friday Face Off 11/21/2025
For my last piece, I made a collaged Abstract Mona Lisa Postcard. (Although it looks more like a beardless Leonardo DaVinci - LOL!) I began by drawing a 6x4 inches postcard size shape, using a Fiskars' Rectangle Shape Template, and then filled it with Mo-Card paper scraps.  I created the "Mona Lisa" portrait, cutting paper scraps using the Sizzix Tim Holtz Abstract Faces & Abstract Elements Thinlits.  After gluing all the pieces down, I added DaVinci's quote, "Art is never finished, only abandoned,"

In closing, I'd like to leave you with an excerpt from my sermon for the Last Sunday after Pentecost - Christ the King, which is this coming Sunday:

So, whether you prefer the “audience with the King,” with all the smells, bells, and organ pipes, or you prefer “fellowship with our friend Jesus,” at a folksy gathering with guitar music, you are blessed.  Christ will fill you with all the strength, courage, and wisdom you need, regardless of what’s going on in your life.  Remember that the reason Christ the King will always receive you into his presence, is because he is your personal Savior.  He is the King of all that is and will be.  His authority is unconditional love.

Thanks for your visit!  ¡Gracias por tú visita!  Shalom!

Arnoldo+

Comments

Sabine said…
your Mona is fantastic!!!!
Nikki Spencer said…
Arnoldo your project is such a lovely thoughtful way to celebrate your friend and his faith. Both the diecut and embossed flourish work so well together. Thanks so much for joining us again at Just Add Ink.
Sarah Brennan said…
Love the abstract Mona Lisa Arnoldo. Hope you and the car aren't the worse for wear after the shunt. My drawings will be back next week! Stay safe and happy belated WOYWW. Sarah
Gene Black said…
I love your abstract collaged Mona Lisa. Collage is difficult for me. I never seem to get it right.
Michele said…
I LOVE this abstract Mona, such a cool approach to rhis challenge! Your Mona does look a bit like she might be Leonardo's sister, but it just adds to her mystery! Thanks for creating on the challenge! Belated birthday wishes, and happy Thanksgiving! xo
DVArtist said…
So sorry you got rear ended. I hope you are OK. It sounds like you are. All of your cards are wonderful but the abstract is fantastic. She looks like Mona Lisa. Thank you for sharing with FFO and don't forget next week the self portrait. Have a good weekend.
Tom said…
...Arnoldo, I wish you and your family the Happiest Thanksgiving. Peace.
Maria Medeiros said…
Wonderful artwork and lovely card and photography. Many blessings your way. Thank you for your prayers and positivity. Jesus is our saviour. God bless us all. Have a wonderful weekend and a wonderful Thanksgiving!
EricaSta said…
Wow... I admire your artwork.
Pleased you had some time at your desk, sounds like you've had a busy week but it's good to be able to help others and I know they appreciate you being there. Have a restful weekend, Angela xXx
well done. I like your post card.
Jen Brum said…
Such a great set of cards! Love that Hanukkah card! Great combination of elements and colours! Your friend will love it! When you’re in ministry there is never a dull moment - especially at this time of the year! Thanks for joining us this week at Freshly Made Sketches!
peggy gatto said…
Happy Thanksgiving! Love your mona!
Kim S said…
Isn't it wonderful that this hobby allows us to make cards that are so personal for our friends?! I love your use of the golden swoosh to highlight the Jewish elements. And what a great reminder your blog title is - "Praise the Lord Anyway". Hope you and your car are OK.
LOVE your collage work, Rev! Thanks for popping by my blog today!
dj said…
Fantastic Hanukkah card!! Thanks for playing along with our purple birthday card for a guy challenge. #C4G380

Popular Posts