Looking for a miracle. And looking to Community Christians for help. It seems we have an emergency concerning our East Otto home. Khalas is the owner now. He’s been repairing it. New roof. Clean up etc. I told him of the prophesy over it. Which was to be “self sufficient, and a haven to many. In this spirit he has committed his heart and talents to the property becoming just that. A Haven. The idea is to use it for churches, youth groups, camping, services and the like. So we are putting this in Gods hands again. We need a miracle. He went to work on it today and there was a no trespassing sign and pending auction. He has until wed. 10 am to pay back taxes. Is there anyway that the church can help? Khalas is willing to do roofing, home renovation etc in return for any help if near 14120. I am willing to design or contibute my artistry and Coaching skills as well. I work with cancer patients and there families, including widows. also after completed renovation it will be open to local churches for events, services etc. Prayers and any blessings would be much appreciated. We are banding together to raise this money as a group. Kevins vision was to help teens and young adults . Thank you for your consideration . Blessings, Julia
“Finding your tribe” has become a catchphrase. And rightly so due to its significance in our lives and our growth.
“Overshadowed” photo by Julia Baker-Waite
When we feel depressed, alienated, wronged, misunderstood, undervalued etc. We become anti-social. We refer to ourselves as a “Lone Wolf” as a means of justifying behaviors that we have adopted whether good or bad. As in the photograph below, we attempt to bloom amidst people who are not in our tribe. We are in the same garden ( organization, family, friends ) and yet they can’t be everything all the time to us. There are different friends, family, and acquaintances for different seasons in our life. Generally, people can ” have your back” sometimes, in some situations.
Just because you are a part of the same blossoming bush or garden doesn’t necessarily mean that you have found that small, close group that can support and encourage you.
“OVERSHADOWED” Photo by Julia Baker-Waite “BEAUTIFUL, GOLDEN SELF” PHOTO BY JULIA BAKER-WAITE
Looking at the photograph “Overshadowed”, there is a lovely part of the garden. There’s a large blooming bush that is well-established and suited for where it was planted. There are plenty of blossoms on this bush! But some have bloomed and fallen to the ground, feeding the soil beneath their bush. And where are you? Peaking your little head up amidst different plants and other blossoms trying to get a foothold in the ground where you need to expand your territory.                Yes. Sometimes you just have to be your beautiful golden self to attract and grow your unique tribe. It takes time and yields a great deal of growth both personal and tribal.
How does this relate to art? A “Master” was once an apprentice. We have all been beginners. A seed, stretching, expanding our roots in search of nutrients (practice, information, instruction).
And how does this relate to our walk with God? In the same manner as art, and nature we seek His face ( the Instructor, the sunshine). We establish our roots in information and God’s word. We grow, blossom and expand our territory as we get fed and put into practice the knowledge and wisdom, the art forms and techniques of The Master. Finding your tribe and that small inner circle of trust comes from growth. If you are a plant in a pot without soil, water, and light, in a shed, forgotten and alone, how will you ever grow?
“Encourage One Another” photo by Julia Baker-Waite
Matthew 18:20, KJV: For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them. Proverbs 2:6 6 For the LORD gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding. Song_of_Solomon 2:13 The fig tree ripens her green figs. The vines are in blossom. They give forth their fragrance. Arise, my love, my beautiful one, and come away.” Ephesians 4:16 16 From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work. Proverbs 18:1 Whoever isolates himself seeks his own desire; he breaks out against all sound judgment.
I came across this topic on Facebook and it got my mind thinking. “Loving the Dead and Gone” What does that mean to me? What does it mean to others? To those already gone . What does it involve? What does it promise?
I’ve experienced the loss of old friends. I’ve felt the regret of waiting too long to say “I loved you”. I have gone through the trauma of having my Mother ( My Mother, My Sister in the Lord, My Best Friend) die. I have watched the Love of My Life – My Dear Husband Kevin go through cancer treatments and subsequent struggles occuring from the effects of said treatments/cancer. I watched him die bravely, humbly, quietly.
People often think that after a loved one dies that they should try not to think about that person or their loss of them. Choosing not to bring memories up or say their name outloud. I understand that for many this is a part of their grieving process. We all grieve in different ways. It is often hard to understand the behavior of the survivors/mourners.
I feel as though this phrase “Loving the Dead and Gone” holds so much wisdom within it. Love is a verb. It requires action. For me personally it means thinking “What would my Mom do or say if I could tell her about this or that?” What would my Husband do to cheer me up? Where would we go? “What ifs” for me have turned from painful …to healing. Because I go to that “what if” and linger there for a few seconds or minutes. It feels like a hug or a smile or a peek around the corner. For that moment I am there with them; feeling their presence in my mind and heart. Imagining their wisdom, and comfort in the mindful creations of salty sea air and crashing waves, or a spontaneous “car picnic” or eating icecream in the winter. BBQ in a blizzard. Things like that make me laugh. So if I mention my deceased husband, or that my Mom used to…. don’t be sad, or concerned. Don’t be uncomfortable. I am just continuing to love them.
In writing this article I have smiled, cried,and remembered lovely things. And I will have a brighter day for it. May you have a brighter day as well.
Future Best FriendLove of My LifeFirst Sunrise on the OceanAs the Day BreaksCrashing Waves
Do you need a confidential talk about your worries ? Do you want to make an Action Plan to improve your quality of life? I’m familiar with abuse, divorce, poverty, rape. I’ve been a single mother, a struggling artist, an empty nester, a caretaker. I had depression, anxiety, fear, lonliness and grief. I have fought all these battles and more. With The Lord I have conquered most of these battles. I’m still conquering and I can help you to become a conqueror too! I am offering a free “Creative Consult” for a limited time. Book now as availability is limited. Let’s fight the good fight together! I love you Sisters and Brothers. “Designing A Brighter Day in Grace”, Julia Baker Waite https://calendly.com/d/dk2-h82-ws7/creative-consult-20-minute-meeting
Creating is my specialty! Support of Sisters is my blessing. I can help you to define your mission and identity goals and create a plan that can include Artistic Skill and Biblical learning. Book a free “Creative Consult” with me and I will pray with you and help to create a “Peace & Joy Model” that will help you visualize your spiritual and artistic goals . https://calendly.com/juliabakerwaite/30min
When I struggle with inspiration it can be so sad….I long to be creative, but I feel blocked. This happens often enough that I realize it will pass and ideas will once again flow. Yet it is very frustrating.
Do you ever have days like that? Do they turn into weeks…months? Longer? I had what I call “a dry spell” that lasted a year and a half…it was horrible. I concentrated on other artistic disciplines such as Jewelry Design, polymer clay, resin. And don’t get me wrong I really did enjoy those artistic endeavors! And I will revisit them for sure. But my heart wanted to draw and paint and illustrate! I have always wanted to glorify God with this gift he gave me. Because he truly …Gave… Art to me. As well as the other desires of my heart…like having children and becoming a Momma, and also finding my soulmate. As much pain and hardship and heartache as I have experienced in my life…I have also experienced blessings beyond measure. Makeno mistake…To whom much is given, much will be required (Luke 12:48) and I am so willing to share these gifts and bless others. Well… I was called to this artistic Christian mission way back when I was about twelve years old. My precious Mother and I having prayed a most heartfelt prayer that I recieve my hearts desire – if God so wills it- and if it is used in His Glory. My life has progressed. I have tried to create beauty in Art. God blessed me with two most wonderful biological children and two great step-children as well! The Lord also brought me to my soulmate and he became my Beloved Husband and loving step-father to my children. Also a hearts desire concerning my children! Combined we also have five grandchildren and counting( as I write this God speaks to me that I have six… hmmm . Interesting!) I secretly also desired to be a Grand Mama. But there was always this feeling that I should have born three children. I longed for that third baby. Until recently. When physically I am no longer fertile…I am spiritually called to birth my third child.” For such a time as this.” My “Spark” has been ignited and I am birthing a new Art as Worship type of ministry. ! My calling…My hearts desires…my life…my gifts have all led me here. May you Mother’s and potential Mother’s ( wether physical or spiritual in nature) be blessed and have a brighter day!
I’ve been there. I’ve experienced abuse , loss, grief, physical and emotional pain… and I’m happy to tell you that you CAN get through it . You can master it. Matthew 19:26 ” But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible”. With a Christian Mentor, a clear discussion of what your primary concerns are, setting reasonable goals for yourself ,and making an action plan can make all the difference. Having someone to prayerfully and Biblically support your Spiritual Journey is a great tool to have . I am offering a free Creative Consult via zoom. There is also an Art as Worship group which meets Thursday evenings at 6pm. Let’s work together to create some Clarity for you. May you have a brighter day.
Julia Baker-Waite Art 