Our Roots

Saturday I had an opportunity to take a drive through the rolling Iowa countryside. Blue skies, bright sunshine, and the rhythmic cadence of my tires hitting the seams of the highway. Rivers, tree lines, farmsteads, and desolate winter fields. Something so homey and restorative. It's been awhile since I've been in the lands of my childhood.  The scenery carried me back to memories of driving to Grandma's house and "checking the fields" with my dad. Farmers have their own way of driving. All those who grew up on farms know what I'm talking about. It's been over 25 years, two states, and multitudes of friends, travels and experiences in between; and I still drive like an Iowa farm girl.  We often compare life to a journey, and that it is. Today I'm reminded how it's also a garden. Our roots began where our lives grew up, and grow deeper through youthful stomping grounds and the people who surrounded us in our early years. And while we grow up and move on to different places in life, those roots are what bring home with us and what bring us back to home when we need it.  Living your best life is both a journey and a garden. As a journey, we move into new destinations and adventures that seize life and the changes that cause us to flourish. As a garden, we stay rooted in our sense of purpose and identity and rest in the deep strength that holds us focused and steady through whatever the changes bring. We need both.  As the farmers diligently care for the soil of the earth, may we care for the soil of our lives with the same attention and joy. And may we grow a fruitful harvest to enjoy and share with others.  -- Becky Waugaman beckywaugaman@gmail.com 515.669.0144 living-in-sync.com The great thing in the world is not so much where we stand as in what direction we are moving. Oliver Wendell Holmes Click here to Reply or Forward 3.05 GB (20%) of 15 GB used Manage Terms - Privacy Last account activity: 5 minutes ago Details

Finding Your Voice

Speak the truth, even if your voice shakes.

Today, our puppy Leia found her voice. This was a paramount experience, as a mere two weeks ago, she sat and shook or ran away from everything. Literally. 

She stood tall as Biscuit, the neighbor dog, did her thing... yapping, yapping, yapping... in that stereotypical high-pitched bark of little dogs trying to control the world. Suddenly, Leia barked. I am not sure who was more surprised, Leia or Biscuit. She stood her ground and continued to bark. Biscuit became completely quiet. The stare down was on. That was all it took. 

Leia stood even taller and leaned forward with her bark, and off ran a whimpering Biscuit to his back door...  crying, crying, crying... for someone to let him in. 

I wish you could have seen Leia. Pretty sure she grew a whole inch in that exchange. Her chest popped out and she nonchalantly walked around claiming the back yard as her peaceful domain. 

We all deal with Biscuits in life. Things that yap at us, barking in our ears incessantly at times. I hope we can all gain a little courage from little Leia Grace today. 

Living in sync doesn't mean our voice doesn't shake or knees knock; it simply means we speak up anyway. We refuse to tolerate the things that steal our peace and joy and reclaim our home and lives. 

Here's to living your best life and speaking the truth even if your voice shakes. 

Enjoy the View

I remember being a young girl and looking out the different windows in our old farmhouse. My bedroom looked out at the biggest oak tree with the tire swing in it. The living room picture window was the best view on the gorgeous peony bushes as they bloomed in the summer. And one of the favorites places was standing in the kitchen doing the dishes and watching a good snow or rain storm swirl in. 

There is something almost magical about looking out a window. It's a place of watchful rest and beholding what the world gives you. There is nothing you can do to make something appear or change outside that window. It simply is.   

There are also windows we are given in life. New views and perspectives. Opportunities and beauty. Things we don't earn or deserve. They simply come to us. 

Living your best life includes a good seat at the window, delighting in what has been given.     

Be free to be with what you see for now, knowing that this is not the whole of what you will ever see; nor does it need to be.  It is what it is for now and it is enough.

Enjoy the view.

Getting Through the Door

Meet Leia Grace, our newest family member... 12 weeks and 10 pounds of sweetness and fur. She came home with us yesterday afternoon and so begins the adventure of puppy-raising. 

As February in Iowa would have it, today was a BLUSTERY frigid day of snow and wind. Not exactly the weather conditions either of us would have chosen for going potty outside in a new yard. In fact, whenever I said "potty" and it was time to go - she would sit. I had to carry her out every single time. 

Not only then, but when she'd hear a noise that startled her or she was unsure what to do - she would sit. All I can think is her little fear was rising up and she was doing what most of us do when we get anxious or worried - we stop.  

What Leia needed to overcome that fear was not 3 easy steps to overcoming fear or a lesson on courage. It simply took me getting her through the door frame and to the grass, then with a little coaxing she would take off. Sitting every now and again if a neighbor dog barked, but up and moving again with encouragement. 

Whether it's ourselves or a loved one battling fear, let's be gentle. Sometimes all we need is a helping hand to get over a threshold and encouragement to keep walking. And that is definitely something we can do for each other. 

The Lord is ever present with us. Don't be anxious about things; instead, pray. Pray about everything. He longs to hear your requests, so talk to God about your needs and be thankful for what has come. And know that the peace of God will stand watch over your hearts and minds in Jesus, the Anointed One. Philippians 4:5-7

Living our best lives is doing it with a God who is ever present and good friends to help out along the way. Keep walking. It's all going to be okay. 



 

 

Chosen

In growing up, often our P.E. teacher would pick two captains and then let them choose the members of their team for the game we'd play. 

"Pick me! Pick me!" There is something about being chosen - being wanted - that strikes a deep need on the inside. No one wanted to be left standing until the end, as it announces to the whole class that you probably are more of a liability than an asset to the team. Ouch. 

For a moment, let's consider what it would be like to be the first pick. Chosen. Hand-selected. Before everyone else. Eyes on you, finger pointed your direction, and a voice saying, "I want you." Everything around you fades into the distance in the light of this glorious announcement. Your heart is full - all is well - I have been picked! 

Now for a moment, let's remember that it has already happened. 

God chose us to be in relationship with Him before He laid out plans for this world... destined us to be adopted as children... this was his pleasure. Ephesians 1:4-6

Before the mountains were fashioned, the oceans were laid out, and any other idea for this world conceived, God had his eyes on you and said - "I want you." He planned for you in love and it gave him great enjoyment. 

Living your best life is rooted in the assurance of being chosen by God. Nothing you did to earn or deserve it and no person or circumstance or diagnosis can take from you. May you feel his delight in you today and every day. You are handpicked and chosen by him.