Kristin Saatzer

Purposeful Encouragement

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20 for 20!

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Can we talk about 2020?

Because it thrills me to have a blank slate with endless possibilities before me, I jotted down 20 ideas for 2020. Take as many as you’d like and leave the rest.

20 for 2020

  1.  read 20 books of the Bible
  2.  plan 20 fun adventures
  3.  pick 20 people to pray for – bonus points if they have hurt you or get on your nerves
  4.  try 20 new foods or recipes
  5.  save $20 a month towards your dream trip – gotta start somewhere
  6.  pick 20 books to read and set aside 20 extra minutes a day to read them
  7.  exercise 20 days in a row for 20 minutes – start a workout streak
  8.  watch 20 sunsets
  9.  take 20 minutes to think about what you know about yourself and God that you didn’t know a year ago
  10.  give $20 more a month than you already do
  11.  get together with or call an old friend that you’ve known for 20 years or more
  12.  spend 20 minutes each morning in 2020 in a quiet space with God and His word
  13.  take a 20 day fast from social media (gulp!)
  14.  send notes to 20 people who have positively impacted your life and thank them for doing so
  15. donate 20 clothing or household items ( in good shape) to charity
  16. print out 20 of your most joy-filled photos from the past decade and put them in an album
  17. set a timer for 20 minutes and deep-clean a dreaded messy area in your home or office
  18.  spend 20 minutes a day in 2020 in the fresh, screen-less air
  19.  say NO to sugar and white flour for 20 days
  20.  write down (at least) 20 things you are grateful for

#LIVEONPURPOSE!

A Summer Reset

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How did it get so late so soon?

Dr. Seuss

A Summer Reset

Dear Time, I give you permission to s-l-o-w down. Thank you.

Spring flew so swiftly. There was not a day when my calendar was not bursting, the days were filled with mostly good stuff (games, graduations, visits from family and friends, award ceremonies, banquets, parties, and end of the school year fun) and I am grateful. But the pace has caught up with me.

So, I need permission to halt, to reset, and get my bearings. My dad was in the hospital last week and thankfully he is recovering well. As I sat with him and watched the action buzz around me, I exhaled and realized that I had not stopped much in these last few months. I picked up my phone and clicked on my recent-past calendar, then marveled at the events and emotions 2019 has brought thus far.

So today is a day to unwind. I am nestled in my backyard as my sweet dog rests her chin on my foot. It is about 75 degrees, as calm winds coil the tall trees. Medicine for the soul.

Summer has officially begun; this year is half-cooked. I can already see 2020 preparing to rise in the skyline. I’ve come to learn in these years of living prayerfully and intentionally, that early summer is an excellent time to retune and reflect. To rest and breathe. To soak up the sun and beautiful breezes of this fleeting season. To talk to God about what was and what is to come.

Now, I invite you to get alone and join in on some self-reflection. So, let’s take a deep breath. And then another… as you think on what the last six months have held for you, and what you look to next, ponder the following. Continue Reading

My Best-Loved Books of 2016

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Can we talk about books?

I enjoyed this last year (see: http://wp.me/p4RztF-ve).

Let’s do it again!

Most of the following books did not come out in 2016 and there is no particular order of  favorites. I use the Goodreads app. On the app, is a list of books I’d like to read. I usually check books out at the library or borrow them on my Kindle. Sometimes  I’ll splurge and buy a book if it is one I know I’ll want to highlight and return to again and again. Amazon offers used books and free shipping oftentimes for Prime members. I also like http://www.half.com As a bookaholic, I must keep my book budget down to keep the children fed.

Please feel free to jump over to my Books page on the site: http://wp.me/P4RztF-g1

Here we go. 

Continue Reading

10 “Safe” Topics For The Thanksgiving Table

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thanksgiving-table-centerpiece-banner

So, there was an election recently. You might have heard about it.

And here we are careening to the holidays, almost to the Thanksgiving table. For some of us, this presents a challenge: Our expectation is to count our blessings over a delicious meal with friends and family. Instead, Uncle Harold and Cousin Sally would rather spew political opinions and diatribes.

This might be the year for ground rules. A challenge to pull off as a guest, but as a host or hostess-  your table, your rules?

The following are “safe” topic ideas:

  1. Kids and Seniors-  If  there are kids around the table (or kid table) put the spotlight on them. Ask about their interests and school. Have them share a song or poem. Have the seniors among you share stories of how they celebrated the holidays as children.
  2. Veteran’s-  I noticed on Facebook that my friends from opposing political parties all seem to be fans. Print off a story of a heroic veteran or two.
  3. Bucket Lists- Have your table guests share theirs.
  4. Jokes- Funny NON-political, cheesy and clean.
  5. Inspirational Stories-  It keeps the perspective positive. Check out: chickensoup.com
  6. Sports- This is an exciting time of year for the NFL, college football, NBA and college basketball.
  7. Beautiful places visited- Share travel stories.
  8. Favorite books read from this past year-  My personal preference! Provide paper and pens.
  9. Goals for the New Year-  New fitness or workout trends, financial or relational goals.
  10. GRATEFULNESS-  But of course! Count your many, many blessings.

Healthy boundaries and rules of engagement can make for a rich holiday celebration. Not perfect but rich and semi-peaceful.

May your table and heart be replete with Thankfulness.

Now go start cooking!o-lord-that-lends-me-life-lend-me-a-heart-replete-with-thankfulness-thanksgiving-quote

 

 

 

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