Today at the table, we close season one with just me, you, Jesus, and a cup of coffee! I get to share with you all about behind the table - the story of how this dream was uncovered in my heart, the preparation season, and seeing the Lord's hand in every single detail of it all. This conversation was so special to be able to let you in on how this table came to be and what it means to me that you would take your seat here with us.

My gratitudes - my mom and friends who made the time to sit down and press record on conversations I treasure with them. All my family and friends who I have not been able to record a conversation with yet, but have been constant encouragers and supporters throughout this whole process. Rachel and Judy for making the cover art everything and more. Chandler for being my unofficial producer and editing every single audio. And for you, taking the seat Jesus pulled out for you himself and coming to feast together!

Here is to season one! Get ready for season two and a lot more cups of coffee!

All my love,

Julia

Today at the table, I am sitting criss cross applesauce with my friend, Madison Frederick, in the nursery of our favorite little miracle! During our conversation, we talk through Madison’s calling as a teacher, what godly womanhood looks like in marriage and motherhood, and what it has looked like for us to be consistent in God’s word together. That little miracle, Clark Houston, makes an appearance with his momma at the end of this conversation! Hands down, the cutest guest to join us at the table! Madison has taught me what it looks like to walk in beauty, goodness, and truth. Let me tell you it’s been the greatest gift to watch her in her roles as a wife and mother — she’s all the things I hope to be. Trust me, you are going to want to take notes of all the richness she brings! 

Join us at this table for part two with my friend, Gill! During our conversation, we talk through a hard season that birthed a business Gill started called, This Present Moment, and the heart behind this movement. We also talk through where the Lord has had us in with resting and receiving his grace that never runs out.  

I first met Gill when she invited me to join a community group she was leading. Her obedience to create a space in her home every week for this group of girls and herself to meet with Jesus is where the vision of The Garden Table came to be. Gill is the creative director at Auburn Community Church and I have watched her steward her giftings, authority, and vision with humility and submission to Jesus. She makes much of Jesus and not her name attached to any project she has had a hand on. 

Be inspired and encouraged by following along: @gilliangrice & @this.present.moment_

You are going to want to check this out! https://www.thispresentmoment.co

Today at the table, I am sitting down with my friend, Gill, who has taught me much about keeping in step with the Holy Spirit and seeking the deeper depths of who Jesus is. During our conversation, we share how the Lord has marked us with his design of community and using the gift of creativity for Jesus's kingdom come and will to be done. I first met Gill when she invited me to join a community group she was leading. Her obedience to create a space in her home every week for this group of girls and herself to meet with Jesus is where the vision of The Garden Table came to be. Gill is the creative director at Auburn Community Church and I have watched her steward her giftings, authority, and vision with humility and submission to Jesus. She makes much of Jesus and not her name attached to any project she has had a hand on. This conversation was so rich we had to record a part two!

Be inspired and encouraged by following along: @gilliangrice & @this.present.moment_

You are going to want to check this out! https://www.thispresentmoment.co

Today at the table, you are invited to a coffee shop I have been finding myself at weekly for the past year with my friend, Berkley Sandretto. Berkley is finishing up her freshman year in high school so during this conversation we share our experience as freshman girls in high school, what advice we would give an upcoming freshman, and what we have been reflecting on in our most recent coffee dates. Although, Berkley and I are in different seasons of life, our friendship has been one of the most impactful relationships in my life! My encouragement to you is create weekly time with a friend or two that you get to truly do life with and see the fruit that comes from it!

ps: My apologies for the background noise in this conversation! We tried our best to edit the volume of the coffee shop action. Grab your seat and coffee cup because this one we had the full experience! 

Today at the table, I sit down with someone I get to do a lot of life with, Rachel Jahn. This friend of mine has played a huge role in pointing out the passions, burdens, and giftings inside of me and encouraging me to walk in obedience. There are dreams we have shared with each other that we are now getting to live in the better, fulfilled version the Lord had always been working out for his glory. Rachel is the owner of Blair Models and Art House Social. During our conversation, we talk through how Blair Models came to be, preparation seasons, and body image deceptions. So much of what Rachel shared in this conversation is what I have been challenged by in the testimony of her life. Join us, and dream again with the Father who gives the Spirit so graciously to have full access to his kingdom sized dreams he wants us to partner with him in!

Follow along with everything Rachel is up to: @itsrachelblair, @blairmodels, @arthousesocial.

Part two of Amy and I's conversation! At this table, we talked through Jesus revealing himself as the Healer and how he has brought us to taking him at his word. This conversation increased our faith and showed us more of his heart. Thank you for sitting with us for this two part conversation!

Read Amy's blog to be encouraged by her yes to Jesus!

amyrebeccaruiz.wordpress.com

Today at the table, I am sitting with my spirit and truth friend, Amy Ruiz! This is the friend who has shown me Jesus is not only at every table, but he is in every moment and detail between. Join us for a very special conversation during one of our sleepovers while she was visiting the States from Africa! Amy is now on her second year of living full time in Africa for the sake of the gospel. She has given her full yes to Jesus. During this conversation, we share how we met through spending a whole summer in Africa together, how the Lord turned us inside out by the power of his Spirit, and the ways he directed her feet to live in Africa. This conversation was so rich that we ended up doing a part two! 

Read Amy's blog to increase your faith and be in awe of the man named Jesus!

amyrebeccaruiz.wordpress.com

Today at the table, I am sitting with one of my best friends, Kathryn King! Kathryn and I have known each other for almost ten years now. She is a faithful and consistent friend who walks through the valleys, mountaintops, and everything in between with me. Her life is a living legacy of faith and is marked with intimacy with Jesus. At this table, we look at the personhood of the Holy Spirit, reflect on vision she has received for her short form writing outlet called "Vast Supply", and meditate on the Lord's faithfulness through the discipline and gift of remembrance. Our lives are made up of his glory stories - where have you seen the Lord be glorious in yours? 

Follow along with Kathryn and her short form writing @_katking and @vast_supply!

Remember. By Kathryn King.

Isaiah 12:4 and Psalm 77:11.

Where do my eyes still linger from today? 

What lie, no matter the size, did I fall into belief of today? And what truth is the Holy Spirit speaking to me about this?

What did I experience today that I want to remember tomorrow?

What am I believing God for in tomorrow?

Welcome to the first conversation at The Garden Table! Around this table, I sat down with my mom, Katie Symonds! We shared about our views of God throughout our lives, how we have seen miracles and restoration in our family, and what our relationship looks like now. This conversation was so special to record because countless prayers were answered to get here. Jesus's heart is for family. This is the story of what he has done in mine so far!