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.

Rossy & me walking in 2012.

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.

Nicole's Sunday In The Art Room - 2/1/2026

This original painting is by Pam Bunch.  Growing up along the Texas-Mexico border, her work features cowboys, ranch life, Native Americans, wildlife of the Great Plains, and other Western themes.  Pam's work has been featured in national juried art shows, museums, the Texas State Capitol, in Austin, and her paintings were recently accepted into the Western Galleries in Fredericksburg, Texas.  I met Pam during The First Friday Art Walk, here in Del Rio, in 2007, at her Lee-Bunch Studio Gallery.  We've been friends ever since, and she's even featured my work at here gallery.  Can you guess why my wife purchased this painting for me after I was ordained as a priest?

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+