Meet Bethany Anderson: Speaker | Spiritual Coach | Story Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Bethany Anderson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Bethany, what role has risk played in your life or career?
Risk is an adventure. Without risk-takers, our world never sees progression. 

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
In a grossly fast-paced environment, the sound track of our lives is the ding of alarm clocks and calendar reminders. We are hurried, frenetic, and running around high on caffeine and adrenaline… and we’ve forgotten how to slow down. For those of us who profess to follow Jesus, we’ve forgotten that there is a voice that silences all the chaos of our hearts and lives… His. As a transformational engineer (commonly known as a missionary), I spent over 10 years living overseas in 5 different countries. During my time of traveling the world doing a variety of activities that focused on equipping people to grow in their spiritual lives, I recognized that most people had a deep desire to really connect with God… but just weren’t sure quite how. Combine that with my years of training and experience as an artist, singer, author, speaker and spiritual coach and “voila!” – I found the sweet spot where, as Frederick Buechner states, “The place God calls you to is the place where your deep gladness and the world’s deep hunger meet.” Out of my own personal conviction that “The Greatest Adventure is the Presence of God,” I currently run an array of creative/spiritual projects that ultimately help people slow their space and create space to connect with God. I do 1-on-1 spiritual coaching, group coaching, lead retreats and international spiritual legacy tours, as well as travel to speak and create art for individuals and churches. I have several resources that help people connect with God – a podcast I host called “The Hope Adventure” as well as two books – “Kiss My Fish: Tales of Chasing God Around the World” and “Give My Heart: Reflections on Advent.” As a single, ministry/entrepreneur woman, I’ve fought cultural norms and loud naysayer voices my entire career. I’ve chosen a very out-of-the-box lifestyle, and that’s been confronting to people who think my life should look a certain way. But I’ve learned the value of being true to myself and true to the God who has called me to this work of speaking, spiritual coaching, and using story and art to communicate His Presence with us always. We are never alone.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Over the course of a week, I’d make sure that we hit the following: Downtown McKinney – the perfect hometown feel (and my actual hometown) with vintage shops, boutiques, and quaint little dining spots like Spoons Cafe, The Yard, and Cadillac Pizza. We’d grab Buffalo Ranch/Dill Pickle popcorn at Mom & Pop Corn Company and get a London Fog at Filtered Coffee. Dallas – We’d hit the Arboretum on a gorgeous day and take a picnic to enjoy while overlooking White Rock Lake. After that, we’d hit Trinity Grove and enjoy a cocktail on any of the cute patios there. Frisco/North Plano – We’d make sure to hit up Cafe Intermezzo for an international flair and deluxe hot chocolate, followed by my favorite Tex-Mex at Chuy’s. We’d check out Legacy West and browse the shops and then catch happy hour at the Campisi’s Plano location. Little Elm – We’d definitely enjoy a little beach time at Little Elm Park, followed by a relaxing lunch at Hula Hut. Then we’d spend hours watching all the wakeboarders at Hydrous Wake Park (my fav) work their flips and tricks.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
To all those who have made me “wealthy in relationships,” this is for you. I wouldn’t be where I am today without the love, encouragement, friendship, and challenge of a global network of friends and family.

Website: www.jbethanyanderson.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jbethanyanderson/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bethany-anderson/
Twitter: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bethany-anderson/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorjbethanyanderson/
Youtube: http://youtube.com/bethanyanders0n
Other: Amazon book links – Kiss My Fish: Tales of Chasing God Around the World – https://amzn.to/2CRKnCw Give My Heart: Reflections on Advent – https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07KYYPC2P Artist links – www.etsy.com/shop/GloryBCreative https://www.facebook.com/glorybcreative/ www.instagram.com/glorybcreative

Image Credits
All image credits go to J. Bethany Anderson