Pass The Salt and Light, Please
Hello! ¡Hola! Although this week has gone by fast, it was a difficult one for my wife and me.
| Rossy with my girls, along with Tipper our Greyhound & Bo our Boston Terrier, in 2008. |
Last Monday afternoon, we had to say goodbye to Rossy, our Rat Terrier Chihuahua dog, after nearly 19 years. We found her in the parking lot of a Ross Department Store, when my girls and I went shopping for a Mother's Day gift. Rossy was smart, sweet, feisty, faithful, and a perfect example of unconditional love. I know it's not scriptural, but I truly believe she's now with our Creator up in Heaven. Rossy was around a year old in the first picture. I made the ATC to commemorate her passing, and I'm submitting it to Tag-along (and ATC's) - Add a Number, Everybody Art Challenge 593 - Hearts, and Time Out Challenges #306 - Heart, Red, & Pink. I am submitting the drawing I did of her in 2014, to Nicole's Friday Face Off - February 6.
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| Rossy in 2016 |
I found these 2 other pictures of Rossy on my computer, so I'm submitting the first one to Karen's Word Art Wednesday #738-739, and the second one to Sarah's What's On Your Workdesk? Wednesday 870/90.
On a happy note, a good friend of my wife and I is celebrating her birthday this weekend. I was inspired by Colorful Options' Pink & Purple Color Board and Atlantic Heart's Sketch 667 by Michele; and made it using the Spellbinder's Simple Stories Flower Cart dies set; Sizzix's Lisa Jones Variety Sentiments Thinlits set; Desecraft's Spring prints cardstock; various solid color cardstock; and Tombow Mono Liquid Glue. I'm also submitting this card to A Cut Above February 2026 Challenge.
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| Nicole's Sunday In The Art Room - 2/1/2026 |
In closing, I want to share a summary of my sermon for this Sunday, which is based on Matthew 5:13-20:
Blessed ones, Jesus says, you’re the salt of the earth and the light of the world. But like all God given gifts, blessings are to be cherished, shared with others, and used to serve the Lord. If we do not flavor the world with the love of Christ, we are like salt that has lost its saltiness. If we do not illuminate darkness with the light of Christ, we are like a light hidden under a bushel basket. So let’s think. How are we being salt that flavors the lives of others? Where is our light dispersing darkness in the world? Now, pass the salt and light, please.
Thanks for Visiting! ¡Gracias por su visita! Shalom!
Arnoldo+








I love all of the art you shared this week. However, I'm so sad about Rossy. What a sweet face. I know she was a comfort and a joy to you and the family her whole life. Losing our pets is losing a family member and the heart aches. Hugs and blessings to you and your family. Thank you for sharing with FFO.
ReplyDeleteSorry about your loss. My mouse died when I was at school and when I read this I got all sad again. I was 13 back then and 54 now and as long as I still think of her she´s not really gone. Hope this helps a bit.
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry for your loss. What a great idea to make an ATC in remembrance and it's so lovely and personal. You've inspired me to do the same for my past pets. Thanks for sharing with us at Tag-along (and ATCs) challenge.
ReplyDelete..Arnoldo, it always sad to lose a friend. You certainly have been busy this week with your art and appreciate you sharing it. Be well my friend, peace.
ReplyDeleteAs someone once said "if dogs don't go to heaven, I am not sure I want to go either."
ReplyDeleteI can't imagine such love just ending.
Your artwork is beautiful! Sorry to hear about your beloved Rossy The ATC tribute is so special. The birthday card is fabulous! Lots of lovely die cut pieces create a happy scene. The colors are so pretty. I'm sure your wife's friend will love it. Thanks for sharing your inspiration with the February Challenge at A Cut Above.
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry for your loss. Dogs and cats (and other pets) are a part of the family, and I certainly hope my dogs and cats will be there to greet me when that time arrives. You can't ask for more loyal and better friends than a dog. Rossy looks like such a sweet girl, and it made me sad reading about your loss. And just know you gave her a wonderful life, especially if you found her in a parking lot. Just imagine what that life would have been.
ReplyDeleteOh Reverend Arnaldo, I’m so sorry to hear about the passing of your adorable Rossy. Nineteen years is a long time, but never enough. And what a sweet story about finding him in the parking lot while you were shopping for a Mother’s Day gift. That’s such a wonderful backstory to an amazing life with a dog.
ReplyDeleteAll of your artwork and tributes to her are lovely. Your sketch shows your incredible artistic abilities. I could never draw like that. But what I really really love is the shadow photograph of you and her on the walk. That’s a great perspective.
I also love the notes from your sermon. Sharing God’s love with others is one of the biggest reasons that I make cards. Sometimes it seems like such a small thing, but it’s my little contribution to hopefully what is spread spreading God’s light and love.
Thanks so much for sharing with us at Word Art Wednesday this round. We always appreciate your wonderful and artistic contributions. Hugs to you and your family.
What beautiful tribute art to sweet little Rossy. My condolences on her loss. At 19 years old, she had a long and full life with you and your family, and a wonderful life, I'm sure.
ReplyDeleteSo sorry for your loss, 19 years is a long time. Lovely art.
ReplyDeleteI am truly sorry for the loss of Rossy. I am sure she lived her best life with your family. Sending lots of light and prayers your way. Lovely artwork as always. also a very Happy Birthday to your wife. Wishing her all the best and may all her wishes and dreams come true. Many blessings your way. Sending prayers.
ReplyDeletealso forgot to mention the painting is absolutely beautiful!
ReplyDeleteSorry for your loss Arnoldo. Rossy looks like a beautiful companion. Some lovely artwork as tribute. Stay safe and Happy belated WOYWW. Sarah
ReplyDeleteSo saddened by your loss of sweet. Rossy ~ precious photos and lovely art works here ~ hugs,
ReplyDeletean artist reflects
https://anartistreflects.com
Boa noite Reverendo Arnold. Tenho certeza que a Rossy, já era tratada como um integrante da sua família. No Brasil, vivemos nos últimos dias, muitos animais sofrendo do maus-tratos. A Rossy era muito linda e bem cuidada. O desenho que o senhor fez dela, ficou muito bonito. Gosto muito desse texto de Mateus 5:13-20 e que fala sobre a necessidade, de sermos sal da terra e luz do mundo. Que Deus abençoe a vida do senhor e tenho certeza que os membros da paróquia que o senhor é Reverendo. Gostarão muito desse sermão. Grande abraço do seu irmão em Cristo Jesus e brasileiro.
ReplyDeleteI love to see what you've been up to with your art work but losing Rossy is so sad. To some people they are just dogs but we know they are more than that and when we lose them it's heart breaking. She was lucky you found here and you were lucky to have her for so long. Oh! and I have a Peanuts card ready for next week. Happy creating, Angela x
ReplyDeleteI am very sorry about Rossy. I often wonder if my dogs will be in heaven with me and one of heaven fantasies is riding horses in heaven with out a fear of falling off! I have a 6 year old chihuahua, originally bought for me,
ReplyDeleteto keep me company when my husband is off walking. However she loves going walking too and still has pile of energy after a couple of hours walking. She does have a secret trick though. She asks to be picked up when she needs a rest and asks to be put down when she is ready to go off again.
Great to see your cards this week. The new painkillers are helping to keep the pain level low, thank you for your prayers Angela #10
Sorry for the loss of your beloved pet. I'm glad art provides healing for you. Beautiful card for your friend ! Thanks for playing along with us at AHSC.
ReplyDeleteSo sorry for you loss. Pets are so much a part of our families, but just aren't around long enough! I love your card-using the cart as the main focal point is perfect!! Thanks for sharing at AHS!
ReplyDeleteI am so very sorry to read, they are one of the family and at this time the hardest thing to deal with, we lost three of our girls last year so can totally understand.
ReplyDeleteYour ATC is so heartfelt and I am so pleased your shared with us at Tag-Along )and ATC's) challenge, so appreciated after all that has gone on this week.
B x
Sorry for your loss! Losing our animal friends is one of life's toughest things. You have commemorated your friend with so much wonderful art. And I appreciate your sermon and the encouragement it brings. Thank you friend for your comment and for your prayers. Aloha
ReplyDeleteSo sorry for the loss of Rossy. Your birthday card has all the promise of spring in color and design. Thank you for sharing at Atlantic Hearts Sketch Challenge.
ReplyDeleteI love all the flowers in the flower cart, so cute! Great background paper too! Thanks for playing along with the Atlantic Hearts Sketch Challenge (AHSC).
ReplyDeleteBrandi R.
DT member AHSC
crzy4scrapbooking.blogspot.ca
I am so sorry for your loss. The love shining in our pet's eyes is part of what gets us through every day so we can never underestimate that loss. I love the shadow photo and I hope you keep it near for the memories.
ReplyDeleteYour card is a sweet tribute to your wonderful Rossy. So sorry for your loss. I really like the elements on your card like the years you had her and the heart. This card displays your love for her. Thank you for sharing this card and your story about her at Time Out.
ReplyDeleteI’m so sorry for your loss. Rossy brought so much love and joy into your life, and it’s clear she’ll always be remembered. God bless you.
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry about the loss of your sweet dog, I love how you recreated her in 3D on the valentine. Thanks for sharing it with us at Time Out.
ReplyDeleteWhat a pretty card! I really love that flower cart die :) Thanks so much for joining us at A Cut Above! xoxoxo
ReplyDeleteOh, I'm so sorry about your beloved little Rossy. This ATC is a wonderful way to remember him. And your picture is truly lovely. A beautiful tribute. A pet is always a member of the family. So much affection and so much you experienced together. All those little moments. It's truly a heavy loss when they're gone.
ReplyDeleteI want to express my condolences and thank you for sharing this beautiful memory of dear Robby in the current Everybody Art Challenge.
Hugs, Uschi