So, How Are You Waiting?

Hello!  ¡Hola!  I can't believe it's November already, so the holidays are just around the corner.

With the holidays in mind, I decided to start working on my Christmas cards by designing and making a hand-carved stamp of St. Nicholas.  I used a rubber carving block and carved my design with a Speedball linoleum carver.  My card design was inspired by the Paper Players PP811 Colour Challenge from Joanne and Freshly Made Sketches #761 by Cécile.  I used the Sizzix Tim Holtz Movers & Shapers Oval and Snowflakes dies, as well as the Vintage Labels Thinlits set.  I am also submitting this to Paper Rocks Scissors November #22 Challenge, as I used Hobby Lobby Plaid Tidings paper.

Most certainly not a holiday, but my birthday is coming up this week, so I made an Icad to remind me that "Youth Has No Age".  I began by drawing a Chibi cartoon, and then added stickers from a ZABC Torn Poster sticker book, that I felt coordinated with the color scheme.  I finished my design by doodling the frame and hand lettering Picasso's quote.  I am submitting this to Just Add Ink Colour Challenges #798 by Kerry (BTW, thanks for the JAI #797 Top Pick!), The Little Things Pink Challenge #9 - Pink, and Friday Face Off 11/13/2026.

My Sunday Snapshot 18 & What's On Your Workdesk? Wednesday

T is for Tuesday 11/10/2026 & Mosaic Monday

Saturday's Critters & My Sunday Best

These last 2 pictures are my this, that, and the other for this past week.  The 1st picture is of a needle felting piece I'm working on.  It's part of a Nativity Scene I started over a year ago (See first 2 pieces here).  Can you guess what this piece is?  The 2nd picture is of my wife and me, during our parochial school's fundraisers.  One of my parishioners, who's also on our School Board, did the centerpieces.  I love how she used Topo Chico mineral water bottles to hold flowers.  The 3rd picture is of a Blue Swallowtail caterpillar, that I found while walking at my neighborhood park.  It was on the trail, so I made sure it got into the grassy area, so it wouldn't be stepped on.

In closing, I'm leaving you with a summary of my sermon for Matthew 25:1-13:

The Parable of the Ten Bridesmaids illustrates our need to be ready for the Kingdom of Heaven.  We tend to categorize and divide the bridesmaids into wise and foolish, prepared and unprepared, welcomed and rejected.  But truth be told, all ten were invited to the banquet, became drowsy and fell asleep, and were meant to be carriers of the light.  The only difference is that some had oil to light their lamps and the others didn't.  That can be true of all of us.  We are all meant to be "the light of the world" and to let our "light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in Heaven" (Matthew 5:14-16).  The problem is that life's issues can dim our light, hide, or extinguish it, if we're not careful.  For example, when we deny help for those in need, hold resentments, or are judgmental, we add darkness to the world.  But when we serve people in need, seek peace, and foster all-inclusive love, we add light to the world.  God's light is within us, so our good works are meant to point people towards Him.  So, how are you waiting?  Where is there darkness in your life? And, where is there light in your life?

Thanks for visiting!  ¡Gracias por visitarme!  Please leave a comment, and I'll be glad to reciprocate, so that we can get to know each other.

Shalom,

Arnoldo+