Archives for April 2015

Dear God,

April 30, 2015 By Kristin Saatzer 7 Comments

Journal Writing

As a child, I loved my diary. I used it to record the days events, my secret crushes, happy times with friends and girlhood sorrows. There were times I propped it next to my mom’s bed so she could see on paper the struggles of my heart, emotions I found too difficult to express verbally. These diaries are like written pictures, and I am grateful for the insight into who I was once upon a time.

In my adult life, journaling has been a beautiful vehicle – aiding in my spiritual growth, contributing to emotional healing and drawing me to God in prayer.

I’m just not feelin’ it!

April 22, 2015 By Kristin Saatzer 2 Comments

Sipping a steaming cup of tea, my bottom planted in my favorite chair, my Bible nestled on my lap- I set out to pray. Before my eyelids shut completely, I notice a thick layer of dust on the fireplace and nag myself to dust it later. Attempt number two begins as my chubby dog saunters by. I think about walking her later in the day. Focusing my mind again, attempt number three begins. But not before I notice the chips in my toe polish…

I generally do not own an ADD disposition, but many a morning, my brain will not cooperate with my prayer plans. I’m just not feelin’ it!

Do you ever experience this conundrum: right place, right time, wrong mindset?

I have learned over the years that I need a different approach to getting prayer in motion when my brain is trailing away and using up all of my time thinking about dusty fireplaces, full-figured dogs, and ugly toes.

Smart Phones, Prayer and Kidneys

April 15, 2015 By Kristin Saatzer 2 Comments

“One servant is worth a thousand gadgets” Joseph Schumpeter

I recently heard a radio DJ ask, “If you had to choose between your smart phone or one of your kidneys, what would it be?” I listened as callers reported their choices, most of them saying they would rather lose a kidney than their smart phone. A telling commentary on where we have come in our society in such a short time. We’ve become addicted to those mini-computers haven’t we?

I too am crazy about my iPhone. Sure, being able to check FB and Instagram any place anytime is fun, but what I love most about my phone is the ability to make lists and receive reminders. I am a list-making nerd. A list making nerd who sometimes adds an item that’s already been completed because it’s thrilling to check off said item again. Anyway…

I make my daily to-do list first thing in the morning or before going to bed. I like the app called “Any Do” (it’s free). On this list, I include all of my regular reminders (ex.: 1. put on Hazmat Suit and clean the boy’s toilet 2. Return Sonya’s call etc.).

Green Cars and Basketballs

April 9, 2015 By Kristin Saatzer 2 Comments

Most days I’m jumping from thing to thing.

When the year began, one of my goals was to spend more time praying for those I love, yet I wrestled with how that would work with my schedule. So, I began waking at 4 AM to commune with the Lord and pray for my people.

Are you impressed? Well, don’t be because it ain’t true.

Instead, I put prayer triggers in place through the course of my day.

What are Prayer triggers?

Everyday objects that trigger a reminder in us to pray for others.

Here are some of mine:

Green cars– My son Sammy has a green car, so I pray for him when I see one.

Basketballs– I often trip on basketballs rolling around the house and garage – triggering me to pray for God’s protection over my boys when they are playing sports.

Laundry- I pray for the loved one whose underwear I am folding.

Pictures- I pray for my parents’ physical, emotional and spiritual health when I pass their framed photographs.

Church- I drive by my church during the course of the day, so I pray for its leaders and the parishioners who are hurting.

You get the idea. At first I used sticky notes to remind myself but now I am in the daily habit. The time I spend in prayer for my people has grown and so has my heart connection to them.

I’m sure you’ll come up with your own creative system. Sometimes we neglect prayer and can feel guilty about that. Like you, I desire to pray daily for my loved ones and those in need. This is a practical, fun way to expand our prayer lives.

It is wonderful if you are one who rises for prayer at 4 AM. But for those of us who don’t pray at 4, God is there no matter the time or place (passing green cars or tripping over balls), eager to listen.

Basketball