The Garden Table

In this first episode of Season 2 of The Garden Table, we’re sharing the story of our daughter’s birth and the countless ways we saw the Lord’s hand in every detail. And there could not be a more fitting story to begin with! Throughout my pregnancy, we prayed some very bold prayers over my labor and delivery. Then we watched Him answer those prayers in ways that still leave us in awe.He made a way for us to move into our new home the day before she was born. I was able to prepare her nursery the morning of her birth without experiencing a single contraction. I went into active labor and was there for less than three hours. A birth where fear never had the final word. Instead, we were continually brought back to the truth of God’s Word, the prayers we had prayed, and the comfort of His presence.This story is deeply personal, but our hope is that it reminds you that you can bring your biggest, boldest prayers to the Lord! He is always faithful and always does exceedingly, abundantly more than what you can imagine. 

SEASON 2 OF THE GARDEN TABLE!!! 🕊️☕️It’s been THREE YEARS since I’ve sat down at this table. So let me reintroduce you to what The Garden Table is.I started recording conversations because of what I was experiencing at tables with people in my life. I would leave those conversations seeing something I hadn’t seen before, hearing something I needed to hear, or recognizing the faithfulness of the Lord in a new way. His word has quite a lot to say about the table. Throughout the the story of God, He meets with His people there. And in Revelation 3:20, Jesus gives us this beautiful final invitation: to open the door and let Him in, to dine with Him and He with us. There is something so intimate about that invitation — not simply to know about Jesus, but to be with Him, sit with Him, dine with Him, and dwell with Him forever.The table became a picture of what I believe Jesus is always inviting us into: communion, abundance, testimony, and the Kingdom of God. A glimpse of Eden, and a little foretaste of the new heaven and new earth still to come.We were invited first before we ever took our spot. And at the head of this table is a man named Jesus.So welcome back to The Garden Table. I’m SO giddy to sit down again and press record on these conversations that remind us who He is and tell the stories of His faithfulness. Psalm 78:4. 

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