“They worshiped him; but some doubted.”

Hello!  ¡Hola!  Last week we lost Carol, one of my faithful parishioners, to cancer.  She was a faithful woman who loved unconditionally, selflessly served others, and continuously matured in her knowledge of the Lord.  It was sad loosing her, but I feel blessed to have been the celebrant during her burial service and committal.

This first project is a collaged art journal page I did.  I used the Sizzix Tim Holtz Artful Dwellings, Mini Openings, and Mini Hearts dies, along with the London Icons, Notebook, and Flourish embossing folders; a Sizzix Pete Hughes Infinite Dooldes #1 Thinlits set; a We R Makers Flower edge punch; A Francis Meyer Wacky Journal template; Copic Inking Pens; Petal Point ink pads; and assorted paper scraps.  My page was inspired by Art Journal Journey - Houses and Buildings, A Cut Above - June, and A Place To Start - Anything But a Card.

 

This is a piece inspired by Sunday Postcard Art - Quote or Saying.  I love the encouraging words about perseverance in this old Japanese proverb.  I did the Daruma doll drawing and calligraphy on a watercolor postcard, using Funcils Oil Paint Pens; Copic Inking Pens; a red stamp pad; and a hand-carved stamp of my last name using Katakana characters that I made years ago.  I am also submitting this postcard to Friday Face Off 6/5/2026 and Sunday Best #484.  (Thanks for the shoutout, NixPixMix!)

Next, I have a card I made for my oldest daughter, whose birthday is coming up.  (BTW, I apologize for the off coloring on the bottom of my card, due to photographic lighting issues.)  I was inspired by Colorful Options # 4 Cards, with a Tiffany blue, coastal, graphic feel; Atlantic Hearts Sketch 684, by Michelle; and Everybody Art Challenge 601 - Brads.  (Thanks EAC, for choosing me as one of the 3 Winner - 600th Challenge!). For my card, I used a Simon Says Corner Stone Seal die; Spellbinders Sunset in a Glass and Tropical Flair dies; a BearBoss brown cardstock sheet; a Desecraft Designer Foil sheet; DCWV Textured Adhesive Cardstock sheets; a Making Memories mini gold circle brad; and a Copic Multiliner pen.
I did this AI picture of my youngest grandson Billy, using the Image Playground App on my MacBook Pro.  It kind of looks like him, as you can see on my April 9, 2026 Post, but he's really a baldheaded baby.  I am linking this picture to What's On Your Workdesk? Wednesday 887/107.
These are my wife's and my 3 rescue cats.  Rolo the Tortoiseshell is much older, so she's a no-nonsense kind of girl.  Gris the Gray Tabby and Sammy the Siamese are much younger, so they're mischievous kind of girls.  Regardless, they're all loving companions.  I am submitting these to Saturday Critters #651 and Mosaic Monday #191.

In closing, I have a summary of the sermon I wrote for Trinity Sunday, based on Matthew 28:16-20:

We worship and we doubt. We experience something real but we cannot make sense of it. Despite the trinitarian math of three equals one and one equals three, God is beyond words, explanations, or understanding.  In his book Mere Christianity, C.S. Lewis explained the Trinity as a dynamic, loving relationship—often calling it a kind of “dance,” where humans are invited to participate.  So if the Trinity is about love, beauty, and new life, we may not be able to explain it, but we can certainly experience it.  All we have to do is seek it, and join the dance with whatever moves we have.

Thanks for visiting!  ¡Gracias por visitarme!  Please leave a comment, so that we can get to know each other, and I will reciprocate the favor.

Shalom,
Arnoldo+

Comments

Helen said…
sorry for your loss. happy woyww helen #1
BJ said…
Loving the houses page and clicked on all your links, those will keep me busy later. Super card for your daughter too - beginning to think you have a huge craft room with all the stash you list! LOL Billy is so cute and shares his name with me (yep even spelt the boys way despite being female!!). Hugs Bj#4 (aka Billy-Jane)
ukmaryanne said…
Feels wrong to say Happy WOYWW in a week of loss, but it seems there is also joy - that is luckily often the case. It's rarely only sadness in life, so we soldier on! Love the postcard, and your sweet kitties.

Mary Anne (8)
Lunch Lady Jan said…
Your journal pages and postcard are great fun, both so bright and cheerful but very different in their looks. Your three cats are lovely, give them a scritch from me!
Hugs LLJ 2 xx
Hi Arnoldo, I'm sorry for your loss and her family too. It's a sad time when someone leaves us that we've been close to for so long but it sounds like she was a good person and will not be forgotten. I love the card you made for your daughter, it's beautiful and the baby pic is so sweet. Have a lovely woyww, hugs Angela x10x
Lynnecrafts said…
Sorry for your loss. I love the ‘Fall seven times, stand up 8’ page and your colourful designs. Your cats are beautiful, ours is a rescue cat, too.
Happy WOYWW
Lynnecrafts 9 xx
BJ said…
Just wondering if your comments are moderated as I can't see mine from earlier? Hugs Bj#4
Tammy said…
So sorry for your loss. Love the card you created for AHS--it caught my eye because of the two tones on the strips! I thought it was wonderful! And, thanks for the book quote--off to check it out at the library. (C.S. Lewis). Have a blessed day!
Rostrose said…
Dear Arnoldo, how sad that you lost one of your parishioners to cancer. What a scourge this disease is. You know that my sister-in-law passed away from it at the end of April, and I've also lost two school friends (both under 60) to cancer.

You've created some very beautiful things – I especially love the birthday card for your eldest daughter. I also find your grandson (with and without his bald head 😉) and your three rescued cats absolutely adorable.

All the best from Austria, Traude
https://rostrose.blogspot.com/2026/05/reisebericht-2025-von-ost-nach-west-auf.html
sirkkis said…
Your card includes sorrow - but it's beautiful and well designed with the wise words 😍
Lindart said…
So sorry for your loss. I know your parishoners are like family. Lovely cards, cute grandson! My granddaughter was also a bald baby - for a long time! She has lovely hair now. I think of God (or Source, the Universe...) as unconditional love. No judgement, just love, kindness, and joy. And that is where your parishoner has gone, into that unconditional love❤️ Lindart #15🌞
Deann said…
Beautiful work all. I love your scripture and your quote.
BJ, yes, I moderate the comments I get. My art studio/home office is not a big room, but I do have it stashed with a plethora of all kinds of art supplies, art tools, and books. I have to confess that it's probably an addiction.
Sirkkis, you are very perceptive. I did my postcard the day after the funeral. I also had also had an encounter with a toxic person in my life. Working on this postcard helped me process my sorrow. I thank God for the gift of Art.
Chana Malkah said…
Hello, Rev. Arnoldo! It is so nice to have you visit our blog again, and my, how we love your submission! Your collage page is beautifully done. Your layered elements are perfectly composed, and the color integration is spot on!

Your sentiment is one of my favorite scriptures. My daughter named her son Joshua (Yehoshua) because our family believes that declaration summed up our position of faith. We have chosen who we will serve.

Thanks for playing along with us at A Place to Start! We look forward to your next visit!
Hugz,
Chana Malkah
I am very grieved to hear of the death of Carol. May she rest in peace. I am praying for her family, and you and yours. Please accept my sincerest condolences.

I like the ending of your post. Of course, as we worship we sometimes doubt. Doubt is good in moderation because it questions our understanding and beliefs and often can strengthen our faith. We can learn a lot though our questioning.

God bless you and your family.
Carola Bartz said…
Losing a good member from the community is really sad.
I like what you created, Arnoldo - but you sure know that the cats steal the show, don't you? Are they getting along with each other?
I not only love your 3 kitty faces, but you have great art in this post too. I love your house with those TH cut outs. Wasn't it fun to creat a building? And that Japanese postcard is super. What a great quote. And that is a super face too. Thanks for joining Matilde at AJJ. Hope you have a great rest of the week.
Carola, Rolo stays to herself, while Sammy and Gris act like siblings, and go from playing to bickering. However, sometimes Sammy likes to get into Rolo's space, like a pesky little sister. Rolo growls at her, and that's the end of that.
Vicki said…
Your art journal page is fantastic! Love the collage using so many different dies and details. Thanks for sharing with A Cut Above's June Challenge. So happy to have you play along. So sorry for the loss of a dear parishioner.
Diane said…
You always amazing fabulous projects with your artful skills, I just visited with my daughter, her friend today that is selling all his artwork and moving to Key West, he does fabulous work too. I am so sorry for your loss of Carol!! It was fun to see your kitties too, I had a Torty cat until she passed and she was quite the character so it was fun to see yours!
Thank you for joining our challenge at Colorful Options!
Diane CO DT
{Nellies Nest}
{Colorful Options}
Alyson Mayo said…
Love the gold leaves surrounding the sunset scene (I have those dies and love them!) Thanks for sharing with us at Atlantic Hearts :)
michele said…
i'm sorry for the loss of your parishioner. your art pieces today are excellent, especially the journal page. keep creating! xo
Sonja Zierer said…
Beautiful card! I love the gorgeous tropical colors and the wonderful interpretation of the sketch.
Thank you for playing along with Atlantic Hearts Sketch Challenge!
Sonja
Uschi said…
I´m so sad to hear of the loss of a good member from your community. I wish you will have all the strength you need. I can understand that creating helps to manage the heartstrings.
Your journal page and postcard turned out so great. There is also an wise saying with the sentiment which I truly love. Fall seven times, stand up 8 was always one of the motto I live with.
Your card for your daughter really is brilliant. I love the tropical colours and that background paper. The leaves on there frame this beautiful sunset so enchanting. Attractive design and a lovely brad to fix the white pennant.
Thank you for sharing this beautiful card with the "Everybody Art Challenge."
Hugs, Uschi
Sarah Brennan said…
So sorry for the loss of your parishioner Arnoldo. Love the photos of your fur babies and the latest art work. Stay safe and Happy WOYWW. Sarah
Christine said…
Lovely projects! Beautiful AI of your grandson.
I am sorry for your loss of Carol ~ sigh '

Lovely and creative art works '~ you do them so well ~ Hugs ^_^
I am so sorry for your loss. Bless your heart ❤️ 💙 💜 💖
Your artistic talent is beautiful and creative, and your cats 🐈 😻 🐈‍⬛️ are gorgeous. I have had cats a good part of my 69 years and they are wonderful pets.
Thank you so much for the beauty and inspiration you share.
Tom said…
...and as I've heard at many funerals, death is part of life. Peace.
DVArtist said…
Sorry to hear about Carol. You describe her as a very lovely lady. You are such a talented artist. All created with love and care. The AI of your grandson it just too cute. Thank you for sharing with FFO and have a very nice weekend.
Maria Medeiros said…
I am very sorry for your loss. May her memory be eternal. Sending prayers. Your artwork and creations are wonderful. Have a peaceful weekend.
I was saddened to read of the loss of your parishioner.

What a fun house. You must have every die there is. I have one! Thanks for this great entry for Matilde's theme at AJJ.

I love the card for your daughter. It is stunning. I also love the Japanese card and your hand carved stamp of your name. Happy FFO and AJJ.

I will check out the oil pen, which I don't think I have heard of them before.
Aimeslee Winans said…
RIP, Carol. I feel like she has immediately become someone's guardian angel! I hope you will continue to feel her presence! Love all of your art in this post. Commenting on the quote, your postcard is very eye-catching and the quote you chose in other various forms has been one of my guiding touchpoints in life. Very meaningful to me. Hope your daughter had/has a great birthday and that's a nice sermon, too. xoxo
Iris Flavia said…
Wonderful art, both yours and AI.
Love when Dads do art for their kids.
My Dad made a journal for my birth and for the second Mother´s Day painted Iris-flowers for my Mom (my name is actually due to the eye as he was an optometrist).
I lost both my parents to darn cancer. And instead of putting money into research into this we try to get to Moon and Mars. I truly do not understand.
I am sorry for your loss...
Sweet kitties! Thanks for visiting our blog.
Iris, I am sorry for the loss of your parents to cancer. It is a dreadful decease. I totally agree that more money needs to be put into research for a cure, instead of space travel like you mentioned, as well as frivolous gardens, monuments, ballrooms, etc.
eileeninmd said…
Hello Arnoldo,
You art work is lovely. The last card with the sunset is a favorite.
So sorry for the loss of Carol. Your recue kitties are adorable.
The AI version of Billy is cute. Thank you for linking up and sharing your post. Take care, have a great day and a happy weekend! PS, thank you for leaving me a comment.
Sorry you lost a parishioner to the evil cancer scourge. We have lost far too many congregants in my church to that menace. I myself am a walking miracle of God's healing mercies, having been diagnosed with almost stage four cancer way back in 2006/7.
You sure make wonderful and interesting art works. My so called art is far simpler, LOL! (I make memorials for pets that have passed...and sometimes for other occasions, using GIMP which is a simpler kind of photoshop.)
Loved seeing your grandson likeness, so cute! (Our sons were baldies, too. One is a Joshua, the other is a Daniel...as in Dare to be a Daniel...and he sure is/was!)
And your kitties! I miss my 'meezers' , now I have 2 crazy rescue pups, they came from Texas all the way to Michigan.
Thanks for visiting my blog!
Blessings!
EricaSta said…
Cancer, the scourge of humanity! Yes, we’ve experienced this first-hand within our own family...
...it’s lovely to see your collages again; I’ve been able to admire them once more.
Greetings by Heidrun
A beautiful post filled with creativity and faith. I especially enjoyed the Japanese proverb postcard and the photos of your wife's rescue cats. Thank you for sharing!
Susan Renshaw said…
I am just back from the weekend away at a Celtic Music Festival - very little internet! Happy belated WOYWW! I always like looking at your makes! Today I loved your dwellings in the first journal page - then the birthday card...
Jill K said…
Love all of the patterns & textures on your journal. A Place To Start !
Brandi said…
Your daughter will love the card; it is absolutely beautiful. I love the detail of the circle element, it is great! Thanks for playing along with the Atlantic Hearts Sketch Challenge (AHSC).

Brandi R.
DT member AHSC
crzy4scrapbooking.blogspot.ca
A lovely card with the Metallic accents. I think you captured the essence of each challenge nicely. So glad you shared this project with us at AHSC this week. Cheers, Jolanda - DT
Michelle said…
What a beautiful take on our sketch. Hugs for your loss. Thanks for sharing at Atlantic Hearts,
Matilde said…
I'm sorry to hear such sad news. Your makes are very interesting and inspiring. I'm happy that you took part in my challenge at AJJ and created a piece for it.
Kelly said…
Good morning, Arnoldo.
I'm sliding in late from the WOYWW crowd.
condolences on the loss in you parish family. Sending those we love off to their next home is never easy.
I love how you not only bring in so many elements to your cards but you tell us what you used. thank you.
Creative Blessings!
~ Kelly #14
Condolences on Carol's death. All the best for your multiple interesting activities. Thanks for taking part in the "My Sunday Best" meme.

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