My bed! So wonderful.
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Baby Isabelle's Birthday! More on the flickr page to the right...
Guess what! I'm all moved in!! Woohoo!! Maybe I'll take some pictures to share...
Sunday, August 27, 2006 | |
Yesterday at the Classic Car show... View some more on my flickr page! (www.flickr.com/photos/bleev)
Friday, August 25, 2006 | |
Ah ha.... I feel like there is a bit of a "sigh" and "Ahhhh finally..." a few moment to sit down and update you on the latest goings ons in my life! It's been a fun past couple of weeks and life continues to bring its surprises. As you know, I am moving! And actually, I just brought a truck home from work this afternoon to start getting some of my things organized. I am SO excited to move. Last night I spent some time with a couple of my new roommates! Jennalise and I went to Jo Ann's craft store and bought some fun crafty paper for our welcome snacks for UW Tacoma. It's going to be so much fun. We're creating little gift tags with fun little sayins to point the new students to fun places in Tacoma. (ie: For an unforgettable sunset, visit Sunny Side Beach), etc. SO fun for sure. I'm sure you'll wish you were still a student! Anyway, we're really excited. OHH! And, I got the rest of Alison and Jamie's wedding gift too!! Once, I give it to them, I will take a picture and share.
So, I'm sure you're interested in knowing that I am sitting inside this delightful restaurant where I came for my Birthday - Indochine. Omigoodness. SO yummy. It's such a fancy Thai place right in the heart of Tacoma. I LOVE it!! (; I'm meeting Kristie and Brandy for a nice relaxing dinner before beginning my adventure packing! Weehee!
Oh, so I'm sure you saw my pictures from the BBQ. We had both Jena and Chris' discipleship group over at our house the other night. So fun. A lot of them have been gone on vacation and/or super busy with things at church/etc. So it was fun to have time to catch up and fellowship. SO many amazing gals there. It was so encouraging to have several new people there too. It seriously is like being part of a campus when we all gather together. Everyone is from EVERYWHERE - and have such amazing stories to share. I love it. It seems like more and more people are just moving here! Blow me away. Such a blast. And so many people are coming from past experiences in other countries too, which is always so inspiring and invigorating for your heart! Take for example Lori and Shantra. Just finish teaching in Slovakia. Shantra is originally from the area, and Lori from Florida. Lori's job fell through, and Shantra's mom is ill - so now they both find themselves here - Went to the conference and are now faithfully pursuing jobs. I am so encouraged.
That's another thing, I have been SOOOOOO encouraged by some pretty amazing women lately. Life has definitely been interesting and I feel so surrounded and truly loved. It's kind of funny because for so long I have lived marked by independence and fear of vulnerability - walking in self protection a lot... but Jesus has been prying open my heart - and funny - it's been by brokenness (a real haha!) and creating in me a desperation and need for others. "I really can't do it alone." Surprisingly, haha. But really, I have been beyond blessed. In some ways, I feel so honored to be a part of some of these women's lives. And for my example, take my dear friend Julie. We've known each other for so many years now... Over five! And although we don't often get to spend a lot of time together - I am reminded each time how much a blessing it is to know her. She is such a women of wisdom. Her heart has grown tremendously and her love and compassion is constantly flowing over. This week when we met, it felt like she was a funnel for Jesus' love. Such a spectacle. Oh Jesus, thank you SO MUCH for friends!! That you would rescue me from isolation and all that comes along with it. And she is just ONE example of the many... Such a gift.
So something that I've been wanting to share is my thoughts about the book, "The Great Divorce." I have read it before but this time it was so inspiring. There is a conversation that the author and his mentor observe that strikes me to the core. Imagine a "ghost with a little lizard on his shoulder." The ghost representing one who did not accept Jesus and on a trip to the edges of heaven after living in hell. The lizard is the accuser, the liar constantly whispering lustful, deceiving words in this mans mind. Up walks a "solid man" - who represents one who has gone to heaven. Or even an angel. The angel asks the man if he has permission to kill the lizard. As much as the ghost wants to be free, he enjoys the "little fella" and is very accustomed to his presence. In fact, despite its horrible influence, the ghost even suggests just "letting him leave slowly" and that he's "not that bad". Interestingly enough, VERY similar to our own ties to sin/strongholds. You know the battle? Maybe for you it's not lust, but lies about your appearance, anger, self hatred. And although you dispise it wish a passion and feel the havoc it's reeking on your life. Anyway, they go through a back and forth "discussion" regarding the lizard and eventually the ghost gives in and allows the angel to destroy it. VICTORY. And the most unbelievable happens instantaneously. The once transparent, frail, and decaying mans begins transforming into a radiating, light filled, man - full of strength and dignity. I can only imagine. And to the side, you realize that the lizard has not been destroy either, and is transformed into a magnificent white stallion. I just got goosebumps writing it. The mentor asks the author if he understands what just occurred. The author replies that it seems they have both died and been transformed. And the angel continues the explanation of EVERYTHING - nothing - not the most magnifcent or the lowliest will escape restoration if it dies to itself. And if even the lowliest and most grotesque thing of a lustful lizard can be transformed to its rightful glory, then imagine a thing like a mothers love for her son, or friendship - both being similarly glorified and restored to it's original beauty. Ah ha... I love it. I would like to type out for you the song that is "quoted" regarding all of creation and its reaction to this restoration/glorification. There is definitely more and I urge you to pick up this little book. I know you will be blessed and your imagination a little more alive!
Work. On the outside we're pretty much the same. Business can always be better. But I know that internally Jesus is shaking up the dealership. Things are being sifted and sorted around... Going back to the basics and I am being urged to rise up in leadership and walk in the authority I have been given. Break out of fear and walk confidently forward. We'll see how things pan out but I have been praying for Him to be glorified and risen high in that place. For salvation to fall.
Friday, August 18, 2006 | |
So these are two of the gals that I'll be living with. Sarah will be teaching 10th grade English this fall. Her first year! And Jennalise is enrolled full time as a UW Tacoma student. I'm SO excited about this new season of life. I can hardly wait to move in!! (:
Thursday, August 17, 2006 | |
Amazing Grace. More photos found at the flickr page. (click on the icon to the right). Stories tomorrow!
Love,
B
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What are you eating for lunch? I've been SO hungry for salad lately. So this has been my lunch for the past couple of days. Mmm. It's actually very tastey. Well, that milk shake is courtesy CV. Super yummy, but I'm still slurping on it two hours later. Very filling, that's for sure!! (: It's turning out to be such a beautiful day. This morning I woke up (by the Spirit - again! My alarm was muted), and it was freezing cold!! Brrr. I was thankful for heated seats and requested to keep my demo for the winter. Haha. Tim laughed and said no and called me a wimp - hahaha! So maybe I'll get to drive a different car with heated seats. I think I can do without the sunroof. But a warm bootie would be nice! Hehe!
Tonight I'm going on the Amazing Grace. I'm super excited.
Last night we had disicpleship at our house. Julie Cyr led our time and it was so fruitful. We studied Jesus and how the scripture sees him in different lights. SO enlightening. She recommended reading "What the Bible is all About" An awesome book. A great resource for your quiet times, that's for sure. I'm really excited to start reading it along with scripture.
So life continues to bring surprises! I'm moving again! Haha. I wish to my own new home, but that season will come later! Actually, my friend Lindsey just moved to Chicago and I'm taking her spot at her house here in Tacoma. I'm SO excited - it's just a great opportunity for growing in leadership/discipleship and also to develop some great friends. I already love and appreciate the girls who live in the house and am thrilled to be one of their roommates. I'll have to post a picture sometime...
I forgot to post the New Song web layout... so here's that too:
Oh, here - listen to this song too. It's called Captivated, by Vicky Beeching. http://www.myspace.com/vickybeechingmusic
I thought of it last night during our group.
Alright, blessings on your day! More soon!Your laughter it echoes like a joyous thunder
Your whisper it warms me like a summer breeze
Your anger is fiercer than the sun in its splendour
You’re close and yet full of mystery
Ever since the day that I saw Your face
Try as I may, I cannot look away, I cannot look away…
Captivated by You
I am captivated by You
May my life be one unbroken gaze
Fixed upon the beauty of Your face
Beholding is becoming, so as You fill my gaze
I become more like You and my heart is changed
Beholding is becoming, so as You fill my view
Transform me into the likeness of You
This is what I ask, for all my days
That I may, never look away, never look away…
No other could ever be as beautiful
No other could ever steal my heart away
I just can’t look away…
Wednesday, August 16, 2006 | |
Ohh Ohh! Yes, I know it's been a couple of days, but I really do want to keep you up to date. Hey, if you haven't already checked them out, I put some more pictures on my flickr site. Have you ever eaten Razzles? They're SO fun! I'm sure they rot your teeth like crazy - the first ingredient is SUGAR - but still they're entertaining candy.
So something fun! I am working on our updating the New Song website. What fun. I haven't really designed for awhile, so it was exciting to put my creativity to work. I LOVE the top image of Tacoma. Beautiful. Wish I took it but that's okay. I've been purchasing/downloading images from istockphoto for the site. It's humbling and freeing to use someone else's amazing pictures and designs! I guess the saying about not reinventing the wheel is useful! So anyway, here's the design. (:
The Hippe's have been gone now almost two weeks!! It's been nice having the house to myself, but I am getting a bit isolated-crazy! Not really, but I will look forward to having people around again. It's like a I crave just BEING with someone. Not really even interacting, but just having another living being near. Haha. Actually, I've kept really busy but you know what I mean.
I am just finishing the Great Divorce again. Have you read it? Oh what a fun book. It gets my mind reeling. What are your thoughts on Heaven/Hell. It's definitely an interesting perspective and I think it would make for a fantastic movie. My friend Lindsey once told me about this other book that would be an interesting movie... I can't remember the name of it - but I'll ask her. It's about a man who is up in space and somehow his shuttle dies and he gets stuck up there... Eventually he finds this computer and starts writing out his life in a journal/letter type - to his people back on earth... Well - he doesn't know it but everyone down here can see what he's writing... Sounds exciting, huh?!
More later. View that video below! (:
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A New Generation of Children of Prayer
http://livedigital.com/content/52110
Have you witnessed this powerful video yet? It will surely stir your heart and spirit.
Awaken my soul.
2He called a little child and had him stand among them. 3And he said: "I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. 4Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Matt. 18-2-4
Sunday, August 13, 2006 | |
Okay, so our trip to the ocean today didn't include much "laying out" as you can see... Not a whole lot of sunshine, but definitely a TON of fun! More pictures and stories to come for sure!
Wish you were here! (:
Saturday, August 12, 2006 | |
So today I had my eye exam. It was very interesting. I don't remember the last time I had my eyes checked. Brandy was a VERY good Dr. She explained the entire process very well. The result: 20/15 vision. Afterwards we had lunch at my fave: Panera! Woohoo. The choice today? Apple Fuji Salad and Roast Beef Sandwhich on Asiago cheese bread. Delicious.
Lora came over this afternoon and we had a refreshing time - just praying and spending some time catching up. She and I used to meet weekly before church and haven't "formally" met for a few months. It was refreshing to get "back on track". We're going to do some accountability and reading together which will be so nice. It's been an interesting few months living here at the Hippe's and she's been such a faithful friend. You know, it's such a gift to have some amazing women surrounding me. Seriously, it seems like once you graduate life has definite challenges and it's super easy to find yourself isolated. I am so grateful for these amazing gals.
Did you know we switched nights for church? Yep, we now meet on Saturday nights. It is SO much fun. I LOVE having a full day of rest on Sundays. Such a treat before going back to work on Monday mornings. It feels like I have a vacation day. (: Tonight I was with the kiddos. Only 5 little ones in the movers. They're the one year olds. So sweet. I ended up helping out in the nursery. They had like 14 babies. Crazy. And SO MANY pregnant women too right now.
Tomorow Kellie and I are going to Long Beach. I'll definitely take some pictures to share with you.
If you're spiritual life ever gets complicated, remember Micah 6:8.
No, O people, the LORD has already told you what is good, and this is what he requires: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.
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So tonight Kristie and Brandy and I went to see Nickel Creek live at the MaryMoor Park in Redmond. Oh it was SO delightful! If you have never seen them in concert, I highly recommend it. They are incredible. It was such a great evening. I appreciate that they performed both new and "classic" songs... I left thinking, I wish I could invite them into my home every evening. Fireplace, live music. Wow. Such talented folks.
I love this song called, "When You Come Back Down"
You gotta leave me nowKristie and Brandy are such amazing gals. We've got some good time getting to know each other in the past couple of weeks. On Wednesday they came over along with Whitney, Lora, and Jackie for a Teriyaki Chicken BBQ! So yummy and such fun fellowship. I love just getting to know each others hearts.
You gotta go alone
You gotta chase a dream
One that’s all your own
Before it slips away
When you’re flying high
Take my heart along
I’ll be the harmony
To every lonely song
That you learn to play
When you’re soaring through the air
I’ll be your solid ground
Take every chance you dare
I’ll still be there
When you come back down
When you come back down
I keep looking up
Awaiting your return
My greatest fear will be
That you will crash and burn
And I won’t feel your fire
I’ll be the other hand
That always holds a line
Connecting in between
Your sweet heart and mine
I’m strung out on that wire
I’ll be on the other end
To hear you when you call
Angel you were born to fly
And if you get too high
I’ll catch you when you fall
Catch you when you fall
Your memory's the sunshine
Every new day brings
I know the sky is calling
Angel let me help you with your wings
When you’re soaring through the air
I’ll be your solid ground
Take every chance you dare
I’ll still be there
When you come back down
Take every chance you dare
I’ll still be there
When you come back down
When you come back down
Alright, it's late. Tomorrow I'm going to have Brandy do an eye exam on me... then Lora and I will hang out before church. I'm with the kiddos tomorrow. Always a treat! Love you!
Bethany
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