Thursday, February 9, 2012

Valentine's Blog Hop 2012



Welcome to the Word Art Wednesday / Stampin' Sisters in Christ Valentine's Blog Hop! (See the end of this post if you need more details.) The theme for this year's hop takes us far beyond the world's superficial concepts of love and romance -- it is a celebration of God's Love. All participating artists used word art of John 15:9 - "As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love."


That verse is worth some reflection! How has the Father loved Jesus? He refers to Jesus as His "Beloved Son," in whom He is "well pleased" (Matthew 3:17). That, in turn, is how Jesus loves us. John 1:12 says that we become His children when we believe in His name. He loves us so much that He died on the cross so that we could spend eternity with Him (John 3:16). And it is our choice to follow His instruction to remain in that love and enjoy an abundant life in Christ while we live this life on earth (John 10:10). I, for one, wish to remain in His love! How about you?


I wrestled for a long time with how to represent this verse in my art. On the one hand, I was drawn to using typical Valentine's imagery and colours. However, when I began a collage along those lines, I just wasn't finding a way to depict the meaning in my images and design elements. So, I flipped through some Usborne art activity books for some inspiration, and this is what I came up with:










The person represents Jesus, with loving arms outstretched. Those arms are  suggestive of the cross on which He demonstrated the depth of His love for us -- and they are the arms of God inviting a warm embrace -- for eternity. What safer, more peaceful place could there be than the arms of our Saviour? That is truly the experience of real Love.


Personally, I am finding Rest and Security in those arms. I hope you are, too! 


Now, in regards to the official blog hop -- if you arrived at my blog from Miesje's Craft Room with a View (and via Word Art Wednesday), you're in the right place. But if you found me by chance, please go back and start at Word Art Wednesday to enjoy the whole hop.  As I mentioned, we are celebrating LOVE......God's love.  All you need to do is visit each stop on the blog hop and leave a comment on each blog to be eligible for the Grand Prize from Stampin' Up. The prize winner will be announced on February 14th.


After you've left your comment here, go to Roses By My Window,  the next stop on the hop, and I know Peggysue has something lovely for you to see.  We hope you enjoy the blog hop, and we'd love to have you visit us regularly at Word Art Wednesday.  


Thanks for stopping by, and have a blessed day!

58 comments:

  1. I LOVE this...it looks so simple yet it's gorgeous!!!

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  2. This really catches the eye....the colors are wonderful!

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  3. Ha, thats what I'm loving about your blog - not only do you make items "one of a kind" little canvasses, you create from your very heart! It takes a true artist to kick away all props to come up with something so original. I believe it speaks of reaching down deep to have the Lord guide your hands with the gifts and talents he gave you.

    I see you might be a fellow Canadian? (the home school magazine link) Which part of Canada are you from?

    I'm praying for each of us as I visit every blog hop post and for our visitors as well. Have a blessed day!

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  4. Hi, what a lovely creation! So different and unique, just lovely. Thanks for the opportunity to visit all your lovely blogs, Luv & God bless, Trish x

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  5. different and interesting...but i absolutely LOVE it!!!! very cool! :)

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  6. This is fabulous. I am glad that I'm not the only one who starts a project with one idea and ends up with a totally different result. I can see that this was inspired. I love how you used the person with their arms open wide. Thanks for sharing your heart art! I hope you have a blessed day!

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  7. wow, this is awesome. Who could image some torn papers could look so gorgeous.

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  8. Really beautiful piece, Paula! Thank you very much!...Nancy :o)

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  9. Such a piece of art! I love this card..thanks so much for sharing!

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  10. I read a bit on your side bar. I, too, ponder our Creator's design to make us in His image - which includes the desire to create. So I really like the name you chose for your blog! Your card is so different from the others and no less beautiful. I very much like its unique look. WOW!

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  11. Your paper tearing is fabulous! I love how you find ways to express your creativity!

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  12. Love your paper tearing, it is beautiful. I also love the way you represent Jesus with His arms wide open to give us His love.

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  13. Such a simple and so powerful piece of art. Thanks for sharing.

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  14. A great message, thanks for sharing.

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  15. This is beautiful! At first my eyes were drawn to the figure, but it pointed to the verse. Awesome!

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  16. I love the outstretched arms, very powerful representation of His love! You are very creative, thank-you for the inspiration!

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  17. It is a wonderful thing to find rest in his arms, that is the place I most long to be. What a lovely collage, great idea! And so colorful and happy.

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  18. Thank you so much for sharing this very inspirational artwork! I love the outstretched arms! 'For God so loved the world'! Hugs, Sarah

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  19. I think this is wonderful depiction of the verse. So abstract, but so meaningful.Just beautiful.

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  20. What a beautiful picture you've painted in my mind -- Jesus with His arms outstretched in love!

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  21. What a creative way to share this verse, I think I might love it. I haven't seen much of this type of art, but if it is all as inspirational, I may have to think about getting out of my box a little.

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  22. Hi! Your project is so cool. I wanted to answer your question from my blog. My art was made using a shaped hanging piece from My Mind's Eye. Thanks for your sweet comments, and may God keep blessing and healing you!
    Karen L

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  23. Very different from anything I've seen before, BUT, I'm loving the concept. Kinda reminds me of abstract art. God's love is amazing!!!! Hugs, Dawn

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  24. Beautiful verse and you knocked it out of the park with your unique and gorgeous take on it!

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  25. Truly amazing! It is so inspiring
    Margaret xx

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  26. Oh, I love your interpretation of this verse with your contemporary art! Just beautiful!

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  27. What a great and colorful reminder to remain in God's love and obey Him.

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  28. Oh my, so creatively different and stunning! I love it.

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  29. For someone who has had to learn to 'color outside the lines', this piece really spoke to me. And as I sat and just enjoyed your art, I felt this calmness and this peace...I don't know how else to describe it.
    You are truly blessed me today~
    Thank you!!

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  30. As always-I'm blown away by your art! Fabulous representation of God's love. Thanks for sharing with us. XOX

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  31. very pretty. pennyc

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  32. very creative....paper tearing....I have never thought to use this in this way...thanks for sharing....

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  33. Love your thinking outside the box... and I totally GOT IT at first sight too!! Wonderful that Jesus loved us so much that He stretched out his arms ... and died for us. Beautiful interpretation Paula. *Ü* Thanks for your lovely comment. And thank you for participating in this LOVEly hop too!
    Hugs,
    Kris - SSIC

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  34. Xinme this is stunning - I love the strong colours and the simple shapes which so dramatically add to the scripture.
    Blessings
    Maxine

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  35. I love this piece Paula and I agree with Kristine for thinking outside of the box. You are so creative. Thank you for the reminder of His arms stretched out for us and the love He has for us. It's breathtaking at times to me how much He loves us and wants us to be in relationship with us.

    Thank you for being a part of WAW and all you do.:o) You're my inspiration.

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  36. one word AEWSOME.. i love that.. great work love the blog as well.

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  37. Wonderful collage, so effective!

    :-)

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  38. I'm so glad you're finding comfort in Christ's arms. I think that we all could find so much solace in them if we'd allow Him to help us! Another AMAZING piece of artwork--this is so bold and vibrant and I LOVE your representation of Christ. Keep being inspirational--I so enjoy visiting your blog! God bless!!! :)

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  39. The image of Jesus is so stunning!

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  40. Oh I think this is soooo artistic and a wonderful representation of our Savior bidding us to run to Him! Love the bold colors... fabulous card and wonderful message!

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  41. Wow! This is gorgeous! Love how you used the image to represent Jesus! What a great idea!!!

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  42. Paula, I always look forward to your art. It's so inspirational. Love the symbolism in this piece!!!

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  43. very creative!!!

    Hugs,
    Jill

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  44. I left the blog hop at the one before yours as I knew I had things to do, but I am glad I decided to pop back and finish it off coz if I hadn't I would have missed this wonderfully creative and thought provoking piece. Thank you for sharing it.

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  45. Xinme, this collage says it all!! So simple yet powerful!!! You have created a masterpiece!

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  46. Lovely piece Paula! You are so creative!

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  47. Amazing! Love how God guided you to create your piece this way! It is stunning and just so powerful! Graphic masterpiece!

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  48. I really like the contemporary look of this! What a delightful change of pace. Thanks for sharing. Blessings!

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  49. This is so unique! I love what you came up with. Those arms are so welcoming!

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  50. Thank you for putting your thoughts into words. And, then into art. This is so symbolic of so many things. After I read your description, I took another look...and saw myself lifting up my hands in praise to Him. I hope you don't mind yet another interpretation of your beautiful art!

    He IS Able!
    Traci Starkweather

    You May Win 1-5 Cards Weekly!
    http://He-IS-Able.blogspot.com

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  51. Love this Paula! Love the clean and simple look of it and how the message strikes in it. The arms wide open. Love it!

    Be blessed!!

    Wendy

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  52. This has really touched my spirit. How blessed we are that Christ laid down his life for us sinners! Thank you for sharing your talent.

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  53. awesome little creation..love its clean and simple appeal and the image is perfect for this sentiment.. thanks for sharing..

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  54. WOW, very colorful and just a great creation. May God Bless You, joann Sassy Raggedy

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