Marilyn Kowbel

Marilyn finds life and passion in practicing and leading others in spiritual practices that connect them in a deep way to God’s love. She does this one on one and also through leading small groups.

She finds it a privilege to be a companion to others, she comes with an attitude of noticing and openness to the presence of God, observing how the Spirit of God gives wisdom, encouragement, and discernment.

A recent quote in which she appreciates the simplicity and complexity of Spiritual Direction.

“Spiritual direction is, in reality, nothing more than a way of leading us to see and obey the real Director — the Holy Spirit hidden in the depths of our soul.” Thomas Merton, Trappist Monk

 Marilyn received her training and certification for Spiritual Direction through Sustainable Faith.  She has been practicing Spiritual Direction for many years with others as well as receiving direction with her own treasured director. She also is trained to accompany people through the 18th and 19th annotation of the Ignatian Spiritual Exercises. She is a widow, mother of two adult children, grandmother of four and recently retired. You can contact Marilyn at kowbelm@gmail.com or call or text at 515-778-0216

Becky Waugaman

Becky pastors the Vineyard Church of Des Moines. She is passionate about helping people of all ages experience and deepen a relationship with their Heavenly Father so they can live in the fullness and freedom of life He generously gives us. Becky completed her Spiritual Direction training through Sustainable Faith in 2017, is also trained to accompany others through the Ignatian Exercises and continues her education through additional courses as made available.

She has experienced the sufferings of this age as well as the hope of Christ in her own life and in times of walking with others. She was widowed at a young age and has walked with her teenage daughter through cancer. As a Spiritual Director she listens with compassion and faith for the unfolding of His amazing grace. “You direct me on the path that leads to a beautiful life.” Psalm 16:1

Becky enjoys reading, writing, playing piano and all things outdoors. You can contact becky at beckywaugaman@gmail.com or 515.669.0144 (cell), or view her site at: living-in-sync.com.

Eric Nicolaysen

Eric really loves the ministry of spiritual direction, having experienced the ways it helps people tend to the landscapes of their life, the desires of their heart, and God’s loving presence and compassionate action through it all.  Eric also works as a chaplain at Iowa Methodist hospital in Des Moines.  Eric lives in Des Moines with his wife, three kids, and bearded dragon. A personal hobby is running, and he particularly enjoys trail running and training for trail races.