Bethany Vieth

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.