My name is Julie (J.A.), and I hang out in this tiny garden in cyberspace to sow seeds of bravery. As you travel the cyber highway, I invite you to step inside and pick up a few seeds to take with you.

Yes, you’ll probably hear the inside stories of an editor and writing coach, and about life deep in the heart of Texas. I’ll also share about the giants I’ve faced and the “ugh!” and “aha!” moments that arose in the process.

But the passion that gets me out of bed, that makes me cry and laugh and brings me to my knees in prayer and to write, is finding genuine paths to freedom. Compassion that identifies with the broken who are becoming whole again. Empowerment to thrive.

Why? Because I like sowing bravery where courage was shaken or stolen.

Bravery. Because YOU are brave every time you get back up after being pushed down. Every time you bare your soul to give another hope by telling your survival story, YOU are heroic. Faithful.

Sowing. Because each time you give goodness and kindness to others, you are storing up treasures in Heaven. And God’s Kingdom is all about giving of self, and more giving.

Friend, I try to picture you each time I sit with my laptop to write. I imagine the similar paths you and I have walked. The pain we’ve endured and the joy we’ve experienced in moments of breakthrough. A genuine walk of faith.

I’ve spent much of the past several years pursuing God more deeply, to know Him in His death and in His resurrection. Through it all, I’ve experienced death, and on the other side, the power of His resurrection working in and through me. Always aiming for that secret, sacred place where nothing else matters but Him. I imagine you’re on this same upward path.

My hope is that we can be brave together. Just knowing we’re never alone on this adventure generates added strength. Embracing the tears. Sharing the laughter. So, grab someone’s hand and pull them onto the path with you.

Don’t want to miss future walks through the garden? Subscribe now to have some bravery sent straight to your inbox. 

The Trivial Scoop on J.A.

• • In high school, she was nominated Rodeo Queen (declined the offer for political reasons)

• • Her idea of “mowing the lawn” is bringing the horses up to graze (she blames this on her upbringing in the Rocky Mountains where only wild things grew in her yard)

• • She won two 1st place ribbons in a dog show (well, the dogs actually won)

• • On the way to meet extended family, she accidentally handcuffed her wrist to the rear-view mirror of a borrowed Jeep.

• • 70% chocolate. That’s it. Any lower percentage is considered counterfeit.

• • She taught aerobics for 12 years (step, dance & water)

• • She homeschooled her two children

• • J.A. loves to play games (cards, board games, sardines…)
  • She thrives on seeing people set free, healed, and equipped through Christ. 

Education. Ministry. Work. Fun

• Bachelors degree from Colorado State University, with a double minor in Music and French.
• Writing certificate from the Christian Writers Guild’s elite Craftsman program under author Jerry B. Jenkins.
• Ten-plus years co-teaching/coaching pre-marital counseling and helping couples start off with a solid foundation
• A concurrent ten years in co-oversight and development of small group ministries in five different churches around the country
• Actively involved at Gateway Church (Pastor Robert Morris)
• President of ACFW-DFW Chapter (2016-2019)
• Vice President of ACFW-DFW Chapter (2014-2016)
• Blessed with a son, a daughter, and a daughter-in-love. (And grandchildren)
• “Nothing brings more satisfaction or personal healing than serving others,” says J.A.

Hobbies

• Fitness and nutrition
• Playing games
• Painting
• Dancing and hiking

Travel

• North – Canada
• South – Mexico, Caribbean, Bahamas
• Europe – Germany, France, Italy, Switzerland, Austria, Lichtenstein, Holland, Spain, Portugal
• Africa – Tanzania
• Asia – China, Hong Kong
• Maybe someday – Budapest, Machu Picchu…