Kristin Saatzer

Purposeful Encouragement

  • Home
  • About
  • Speaking
  • Contact
  • Books I Love
  • Savor the Savior Book
  • Hear The Savior Book
You are here: Home / 2015 / Archives for October 2015

Archives for October 2015

Can We Talk About Christmas?

October 26, 2015 By Kristin Saatzer 2 Comments

pen and spiral notebook

Two of my friends complete their Christmas shopping and wrapping by August every year. That’s four stinkin’ months early! Impressive. Not me.

But, I did purchase my first  gift the other day. I texted my sister to tell her and we were pretty proud of me.

We have two months People and I, for one, want to walk intentionally into the upcoming holiday season. I want to simplify yet again this year and my way of doing that is by beginning with a plan.

My initial step is to get my Christmas notebook down. I know, I’m a nerd. I put this together a few years ago and it’s where I house my lists, stamps, ideas, gift receipts, Christmas quotes, verses and past Christmas card letters that I have sent. Nerdy but incredibly helpful.

First, I’ll make my “giving” Christmas list- there are oodles of opportunities to give during the holidays. But I can’t give to every need that crops up can I? Can you? No. So, here I list the charities we usually give to. Then, I will talk with my family and see where they would like to give monetarily and physically this year.

Second, I’ll write the “buying” list- brainstorm ideas for my friends and family and budget amounts for each one. My boys don’t know what they want for Christmas yet, so I write stocking ideas and add those to my weekly shopping. Socks and underwear are always a staple as are fast food gift cards (how thrilled they’ll be to know I added the underwear thing).

Third, I make a preliminary budget. Then I scrap the preliminary budget because I can’t and shouldn’t spend that much and do it again.

Once this initial planning takes place, I can build on it. I can look at the upcoming holidays with a sense of peace and tackle a project every week or so, Lord willing.

Are you ready to think about Christmas? If not, I get it and that’s cool.  My nerdy notebook and I are going to move  ahead with intention and take Christmas by storm, we’d love to have you join us.

“We are ready for any unforeseen event which may or may not happen”  

~G.W. Bush

 

 

 

Share this:

  • Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
  • More
  • Click to print (Opens in new window)

On the Fringe

October 14, 2015 By Kristin Saatzer 4 Comments

With a writing idea brewing in my brain, my fingers touched the keyboard. I paused, asking God to speak to me and through me as I usually do.

Breathing deeply, I sighed as I looked at my screen.

I’m tired. Spent. Oversensitive and on the fringe between functionality and a semi-catatonic state. Maybe I’m not alone? Thus, I’m feeling like the Lord wants me to share about this today instead of my original idea. 

My schedule and that of my people’s is cooking this fall. On top of this, three of my sons have been sick, one with a funky infection that almost landed him in the hospital. My output exceeds my input and it shows.

Do you relate? Are you on the fringe of your own? Tired? Too busy?

Let this verse speak to you – breathe it in:

Jeremiah 31:25
“I will refresh the weary and satisfy the faint.”

 gods-place-of-rest1

To get off the fringe, I’m going back to the basics. I go back to Him who refreshes the weary and satisfies the faint. I take the time to rest and go to bed earlier. I check my schedule and take out what I can. Delegate. Simplify.

Let this verse sink deeply. Let it travel to the place where peace and rest awaits.

Examine your plate and I will do the same:

~Is it overflowing with too many “to do’s”?

~What can I take off my too-full plate?

~How can I invest in more time with God to study His peace-giving Word?

~What changes can I make in my time budget to get more rest?

~Is there a friend whom I can share my burden with? Someone who can pray for me?

 

I would love to pray for you, friend. Feel free to leave your request in the comments of this blog or message me through my website.

Let’s join hands, breathe deeply and step out of the fringe together.

Synonyms for fringe: periphery, edge, rim, verge

Antonyms: center. inside, stable margin

 

Freedictionary.com and The Synonym Finder

 

 

 

Share this:

  • Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
  • More
  • Click to print (Opens in new window)

But My Light Has No Shine

October 7, 2015 By Kristin Saatzer 2 Comments

Not all of us can do great things.

But we can do small things with great love.  ~Mother Teresa

unplash lighthouse

During a trying time around nine years ago, my light lost its shine. I was in the abyss of homeschooling three wild boys and trying to keep one indescribable toddler alive (no joke). The world has yet to see another child like him.

Anyway! I knew my light was sorta shining in my home and that it would prayerfully pay dividends in the lives of my sons someday (particularly the one who would be alive to tell). Yet, I became compelled to shine that light to the “outside” world in some small way. With limited time and energy, my first priority was the fam.  But in reflecting on my circumstances, I realized I had let the shine go out of my light because of  self-imposed limitations and the oh so familiar  companion named Discouragement.

So, what did I do with this compulsion? Did I start a street ministry feeding fifty homeless people a day? No. Did I sign a recording contract and tour the land singing for the masses? No. Did I pray that God would lead me and show me how to get my shine on? Yes.

And He did.

The Lord opened my eyes to neighbors needing a touch of encouragement  via prayers, words or notes. There were families on my boys’ teams needing a listening ear. I met strangers needing a meal or a momentary friend. Such small, simple acts, laced with intentionality.

Guess what? The shine in my light returned.

It began with a  prayer. It began with the baby step of sharing my heart with God; He gave me eyes to see and ears to hear. God gave me the heart to see needs in the world beyond my home and the wild ones living in it.Continue Reading

Share this:

  • Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
  • More
  • Click to print (Opens in new window)

This Little Light of Mine

October 1, 2015 By Kristin Saatzer 4 Comments

This Little Light of Mine 2 w candle“A single candle can both defy and define the darkness.”

Ann Frank

 

Imagine throngs of people standing in an eerily moonless night, surrounded by every form of Evil. The sound of striking matches quickens  as the smell of sulphur wafts through the air.

One by one, candles flicker as the light grows brighter and brighter. Together, the candles resemble an exquisite flame: expansive and powerful.

And Evil flees in fear.

God has much to say in His Word about His children and Light. Here is a sampling:

~Believers are Sons and Daughters of Light:

“While you have the light, believe in the light, so that you may become sons of light.” When Jesus had said these things, he went away and hid himself from them. ~John 12:36 NET Bible
~For once you were full of darkness, but now you have light from the Lord. So live as people of light!  ~Ephesians 5:8 New Living Translation
~You are all children of the light and children of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness. ~ 1 Thes. 5:5 New International Version

~Disciples are Light Bearers:

In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. ~Math. 5:16 New International Version
But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day. ~Proverbs 4:18 ~King James Bible

~The Church is a Collective Light:

~14“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; 15nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house.  ~Math. 5:14, 15 New American Standard Bible
so that you may be blameless and pure, children of God who are faultless in a crooked and perverted generation, among whom you shine like stars in the world.   ~Phil. 2;15 Holman Christian Standard Bible

How amazing that we, His church, are  Children of the Light? We are  His Light Bearers and City on a Hill. Individually and collectively as we shine for Him, Evil flees.

So shine for Him precious Light Bearer. AND may we shine together as one mighty flame on a moonless night and rejoice as Evil flees.

The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good                 men to do nothing.   City of a Hill   

~Edmund Burke

 

 

 

 

Share this:

  • Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
  • More
  • Click to print (Opens in new window)

About Me

My prayer is that this place and the words written here will bring you a measure of encouragement, friendship and desire to live out your life with PURPOSE. more about me

Subscribe to Blog and Updates

Follow Me

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • Twitter

Instagram

A beautiful Tuesday with my Ethel. 🌼
A beautiful Tuesday with my Ethel. 🌼
kmysaatzer
kmysaatzer
•
Follow
A beautiful Tuesday with my Ethel. 🌼
3 days ago
View on Instagram |
1/16
Baseball team dinner with the BEST boys. 🤎💛
kmysaatzer
kmysaatzer
•
Follow
Baseball team dinner with the BEST boys. 🤎💛
3 days ago
View on Instagram |
2/16
🙌🏼
kmysaatzer
kmysaatzer
•
Follow
🙌🏼
1 week ago
View on Instagram |
3/16
A lovely morning with the loveliest ladies! Thanks for having me THCF.
A lovely morning with the loveliest ladies! Thanks for having me THCF.
A lovely morning with the loveliest ladies! Thanks for having me THCF.
kmysaatzer
kmysaatzer
•
Follow
A lovely morning with the loveliest ladies! Thanks for having me THCF.
2 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
4/16
Saatzfam7 celebrating the launch of #hearthesavior!
kmysaatzer
kmysaatzer
•
Follow
Saatzfam7 celebrating the launch of #hearthesavior!
4 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
5/16
What do you want for your birthday? This. This is what I want. 💚
kmysaatzer
kmysaatzer
•
Follow
What do you want for your birthday? This. This is what I want. 💚
4 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
6/16
This morning in Temec. Shot taken by Scott Padget. #timestoodstillphotography No filter!
kmysaatzer
kmysaatzer
•
Follow
This morning in Temec. Shot taken by Scott Padget. #timestoodstillphotography No filter!
4 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
7/16
A sweet reunion after far too long! We never dreamed we’d both be authors some day. #hearthesavior #ALTAR’d
kmysaatzer
kmysaatzer
•
Follow
A sweet reunion after far too long! We never dreamed we’d both be authors some day. #hearthesavior #ALTAR’d
1 month ago
View on Instagram |
8/16
No C&K visit is complete without #grease.
kmysaatzer
kmysaatzer
•
Follow
No C&K visit is complete without #grease.
2 months ago
View on Instagram |
9/16
Lovely day in a darling town with the bestest friend.
kmysaatzer
kmysaatzer
•
Follow
Lovely day in a darling town with the bestest friend.
2 months ago
View on Instagram |
10/16
SAY WHAT???
kmysaatzer
kmysaatzer
•
Follow
SAY WHAT???
2 months ago
View on Instagram |
11/16
Happy February! 💜
kmysaatzer
kmysaatzer
•
Follow
Happy February! 💜
2 months ago
View on Instagram |
12/16
“A sister is worth a thousand friends.”
~Unknown
Happiest birthday to a sister worth TEN thousand friends. I love you. 💚
“A sister is worth a thousand friends.”
~Unknown
Happiest birthday to a sister worth TEN thousand friends. I love you. 💚
kmysaatzer
kmysaatzer
•
Follow
“A sister is worth a thousand friends.” ~Unknown Happiest birthday to a sister worth TEN thousand friends. I love you. 💚
2 months ago
View on Instagram |
13/16
Spectacular Sunday in SoCal.
kmysaatzer
kmysaatzer
•
Follow
Spectacular Sunday in SoCal.
2 months ago
View on Instagram |
14/16
SD has my 💙#americasfinestcity
kmysaatzer
kmysaatzer
•
Follow
SD has my 💙#americasfinestcity
3 months ago
View on Instagram |
15/16
Happy 2023! May the Lord bless and keep you this year. 💙
kmysaatzer
kmysaatzer
•
Follow
Happy 2023! May the Lord bless and keep you this year. 💙
3 months ago
View on Instagram |
16/16
View on Instagram

Categories

  • 4 For You
  • Advent
  • Blog Series
  • Books
  • Can We Talk About?
  • Christmas
  • Devotionals
  • Easter
  • FIGHT!
  • Friendship
  • Goals
  • Health
  • Lent
  • Light
  • More of God
  • Mother's Day
  • New Year
  • Parenting
  • Planning
  • Prayer
  • Repost
  • Scripture
  • Seasons
  • Summer
  • Surrender
  • Thanksgiving
  • The Practice of Gratitiude
  • Uncategorized
  • Wisdom

Archives

  • March 2023
  • February 2023
  • January 2023
  • November 2022
  • October 2022
  • August 2022
  • June 2022
  • May 2022
  • April 2022
  • February 2022
  • January 2022
  • November 2021
  • October 2021
  • August 2021
  • July 2021
  • June 2021
  • May 2021
  • April 2021
  • March 2021
  • February 2021
  • January 2021
  • November 2020
  • October 2020
  • September 2020
  • August 2020
  • July 2020
  • June 2020
  • May 2020
  • April 2020
  • March 2020
  • February 2020
  • January 2020
  • December 2019
  • November 2019
  • October 2019
  • September 2019
  • July 2019
  • June 2019
  • May 2019
  • April 2019
  • March 2019
  • February 2019
  • January 2019
  • December 2018
  • November 2018
  • October 2018
  • September 2018
  • August 2018
  • July 2018
  • June 2018
  • May 2018
  • April 2018
  • March 2018
  • February 2018
  • January 2018
  • December 2017
  • November 2017
  • October 2017
  • September 2017
  • August 2017
  • July 2017
  • June 2017
  • May 2017
  • April 2017
  • March 2017
  • February 2017
  • January 2017
  • December 2016
  • November 2016
  • October 2016
  • September 2016
  • July 2016
  • June 2016
  • May 2016
  • April 2016
  • March 2016
  • February 2016
  • January 2016
  • December 2015
  • November 2015
  • October 2015
  • September 2015
  • August 2015
  • July 2015
  • June 2015
  • May 2015
  • April 2015
  • March 2015
  • February 2015
  • January 2015
  • December 2014
  • November 2014
  • October 2014

From the Blog

  • A Time to Rest and Refuel
  • A Time to Reset and Refocus
  • Four for March!
  • The Gift of Lent
  • Hear the Savior!

Popular Tags

#annualbooksblog Advent Books Christmas Christmas Season Comfort Courage Darkness discouragement Easter Faith FIGHT Four for You Friendship Giving Grace grateful Gratefulness gratitude Headlines Holy Spirit Hope Hope series Intentionality Jesus Journaling Lent Light Lingering New Year Parenting Praise Prayer Pslamist Pslams Purpose Reading Surrender thankful Thanksgiving The Cross The Practice of Gratitude to-do's trials wisdom

Find it Here

Copyright © 2023 Kristin Saatzer