A Proper Intro

Everyone starts somewhere.  Judi Braddy was born in Monett, Missouri, but spent her growing up years in Wichita, Kansas.  These were happy times of involvement in an incredible number of church, school and civic activities—including journalism.  Her first article was published in The 206 Times, her sixth grade newspaper, followed by a stint on the junior high paper and yearbook staff. There must have been budding talent as she remembers her yearbook sponsor, Mrs. Rutledge, making her bring a note from her mother to prove she really wrote one submission.  Her report cards all say she would’ve been a better student if she didn’t talk so much.  Now it’s her full-time job.  Go figure!

In college she met and eventually married a handsome young minister named Jim Braddy.  His first assignment brought them to California, then on to various ministries throughout the west and Northwest.  This included 10 very interesting years in Alaska and has provided opportunities for travel in the Far East, Mid Pacific, Central and South America, Africa and Europe.  Jim’s recent election as a denominational executive has allowed her more freedom to pursue her life-long passion for writing.  Boy, would Mrs. Rutledge be surprised now!

These days Judi is a busy free lance writer and motivational speaker for retreats, seminars and workshops.  She is a regular contributor to magazines such as Woman’s Touch, Enrichment Journal and Side By Side, an online newsletter for pastor’s wives and has published numerous other articles, poems and essays, both religious and secular.

Her first book is a non-fiction work entitled Prodigal In The Parsonage: Encouragement for Ministry Leaders Whose Child Rejects Faith.  Written from personal experience, the book provides hopeful, helpful and heartwarming insights for parents, especially those in ministry, who are walking the prodigal pathway.  Her second book, Simple Seasons: Little Lessons for Large Living, is a devotional featuring a compilation of her articles from Woman’s Touch Magazine. Her third book, It All Comes Out In The Wash: Sorting Through Priorities When Your Load Is Out of Balance, weaves a wash-day theme that helps women Gain the knowledge to help turn the Tide in bringing their spiritual lives and relationships back into balance. Hew newest book, True North: Staying on Course Through Life’s Changing Circumstances, employs her experiences living in a remote Alaskan village to create an enjoyable journey, helping the reader find faith and footing whatever direction life takes.  A link for downloading a FREE small group Discussion Guide (ADD) for the Wash book can be found in the Book Nook, along with excerpts from all four books.

As for speaking, any event crafted to make folks feel encouraged, inspired and valued is Judi’s kind of gathering. She especially loves speaking for women’s events. Judi has also taught a number of writing workshops including several consecutive years at the annual Redwood Writer’s Conference held in Castro Valley, California. She served three years as president of Sacramento Christian Writers.  A sample of popular topics can be found by visiting the Dining Room. You might also be interested in seeing the events that are already scheduled for 2007-2008 which are posted in The Office.

Other interests include music, sewing, interior decorating, gardening and reading. Judi and her husband, Jim, are both credentialed ministers who travel extensively in the U.S. and overseas conducting personal enrichment seminars. They have been married for 40 years, are the parents of three grown sons and the (very young) grandparents of five adorable grandchildren.  They currently reside in Elk Grove, California.

Updated 04/08/2008 using Microsoft FrontPage 2003