Hey there, I’m Josie, author of the award-winning picture book Howie’s Broken Hee-Haw.

I’m a small town Wisconsin girl with big dreams. I love sharing God’s gifts of beauty, hope, and adventure. When I’m not writing or taking pictures, you’ll find me dreaming of riding my motorcycle, reading a good book, drinking coffee, eating chocolate, or in search of adventure!

Oh, you wanted to know a little more than that? Well, the first thing that comes to mind when someone asks me who I am is that I am a follower of Jesus Christ. That relationship defines all other aspects of my life – who I am and what I do.

From the time I was young, I wanted to serve the Lord overseas. After high school, I spent the next decade of my life in preparation of this goal. I went to college, worked in a church, and went to seminary. My mission agency appointed me to my first four-year term serving God in Southeast Asia. My dream was finally coming true!

A few months before my scheduled departure date I got sick. Really sick. God encouraged me during some really difficult years with Romans 12:12, “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” That pretty much says it all!

After two years of living with a mystery disease, I was finally diagnosed with an autoimmune disease called Mixed Connective Tissue Disease. It seems like once you have one illness, more follow. I have also been diagnosed with Fibromyalgia and Dermographism. Several years ago I discovered natural medicine and a diagnosis of Chronic Lyme disease. I’m on a long and slow journey toward healing and God is working through it all. 

Living with chronic illness has been a blessing and a curse. To be honest, it stinks to high heaven. However, through it, I have discovered some gifts I didn’t know I had. Gifts like photography and writing for adults and children. Gifts that God is using to bless people all over the world.

Before I got sick I got my motorcycle license because, frankly, it’s more fun to drive than to ride! My health doesn’t allow me to ride as much as I would like, but it’s still one of my favorite things. I’ve learned a lot through riding and I share some of the things I’ve learned through A Biker Chick’s Guide To Life.

Life today finds me learning more about who I am in Christ, living out my publishing dreams, taking photographs, and working with Broken but Priceless Ministries. It isn’t how I imagined life would look in my 40s, but it’s a life I truly love!