A Game Changer

Hello!  ¡Hola!  I can't believe it already going to be Ash Wednesday next week.  Lent is a very busy time for Episcopal clergy, so I've already planned a Bible study, scheduled all the services, and began working on the liturgies.  Yes, I have OCD tendencies, so I'm thankful for the gift of art to help me stay sane.

Humbled & honored to have been picked!

For my first project, I have a postcard and coordinating envelope I designed for Mandy's Sunday Postcard Art - All Things Alice and Path of Positivity Challenge #138 - Dynamic Duo Matching Projects.  I chose the Queen of Hearts, Lewis Caroll's tyrannical character whose personal whims highlight the danger of power when detached from reason, justice, and empathy.  She is a chilling commentary on how easily authority can be abused by a lack of humility, self-control, and true love.  There's a lesson to be learned, especially in the divisive, hate-filled, and greed-driven times we're living in.

Humbled & Honored to have been picked!

Next, I have a Valentine's Day card I made for my Mother-in-law, inspired by TIOT - All Loved Up, Jan's Sketch #779 at JAI, ACB - Uplifting.  I used the Sizzix's Tim Holtz The Park Thinlits set and Alterations On The Edge Townscape Die; a Calsgkspray Love You die; an EK Success Wrought Iron corner punch; various colors and prints of paper and cardstock; Mont Marte Real Brush Pens to color the Edwardian era looking woman; and a square Kraft card base.  My wife really liked it, so we think her Mom will like it too.

Last, but most certainly not least, I have a Bible Art entry I did in one of my handmade art journals.  It is based on Matthew 17:5-6, which is about Jesus' Transfiguration.  You can find the reading in this weekend's Lectionary.  It's a quick drawing in pen and watercolor, along with some simple hand lettering.  I'm submitting it to Sarah's What's On Your Workdesk? Wednesday 871/91 and Nicole's Friday Face Off.  I often use art as the meditative part of my Lectio Divina process, so here's an excerpt from the sermon I'm working on:

There's only one voice we should be listening to - Jesus!  He's a game changer whose words are more powerful than all others.  However, we must listen carefully, to be able to sift through the voices of chaos, hate, and division that are so prevalent these days.  Jesus speaks words of life, words of hope, words of forgiveness, words of mercy, words of joy, words of generosity, words of courage, words of love, and words of healing.  May we have the strength, courage, and wisdom to be transformed by Jesus' words, so that we can bear the light of God to others.  And as 2 Peter declares, “a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises” in our hearts.

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

Arnoldo+