Kristin Saatzer

Purposeful Encouragement

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

The Light of Life

November 19, 2020 By Kristin Saatzer 2 Comments

Gloomy clouds dawned in the morning sky yet again. The Coronavirus closures coincided with weeks of rain and gray skies that are atypical for sunny Southern California where we pay the weather tax. The dreariness outside and relentless bad news on my screen merged with underlying anxiety, depression, and the loss of my in-person community. It all felt suffocating.

From the edge of my bed, I gazed out my window and prayed. As I asked Christ to lift the dismal, heavy weight off my chest and bolster me for another long day, a stunning beam of sunlight broke through the clouds. A fitting symbol of truth I had failed to remember – Jesus is the Light of the World and the light of my life. And through this Light of Life, I’ve been charged to shine for Him individually and in community.

In that morning moment, God shone a bright dose of bravery into my gloomy soul.

I wish I could say that after that experience, all was peachy for me. It was not. Yet, a shift took place in my spirit as I focused more on Christ’s light and less on the shadows of the world. I stopped marking each day’s end with an “x” in my journal. I sought out happy, good news stories. And with great intention, I reduced my intake of news and social media and increased my intake of God’s truth. I put this verse on my phone and stuck it near my bed and computer as a reminder: “I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life” (John 8:12 NLT).

My bleak state brightened as 2020 carried on and I found wisdom as I focused on the Light of the World.

Eventually, the sun came out, but the black clouds of COVID stayed, as did the relentless torrent of bad news. And I deeply missed my friends.

One of the hardest parts of the pandemic (and my current health crisis) was and still is the absence of physically attending church. There is a hole in my week where there once was corporate prayer and worship. I’ve felt the loss of comradery, hugs, and screenless faces. We were created for community, weren’t we?

However, I remind myself that behind the monitors, the church is still The Church.

“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill” (Matthew 5:14 NASB). You and I belong to a body of believers whom God created to shine like one luminous flame on a moonless night. A city on a hill. In these historic days, we have an opportunity to radiate as one for Jesus as never before. I find myself hope-filled and compelled by these words of Jesus to join fellow Christ-followers as we shine collectively in person and through our screens.

And today, as the calendar continues to turn and the holiday season looms, I lift my face to the Light of Life when I am frozen by the fear that uncertainty brings.

Therefore, I am determined that in my little world, I will be a light bearer for my Savior. “In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:16 NIV). The holidays may look so different than normal for so many this year (my family included) and this scripture inspires me in my mission to shine and serve. As children of the King, we can reflect His radiant love to those He puts on our path. Hurting souls in desperate need of hope in an often lonely, difficult season.

As this strange, scary, arduous, and sometimes wonderful year closes in, I reflect on my journey with Jesus, the Light of Life. The One who shines through His Church, His beloved sons and daughters. I keep on returning to His light and wonder where would I be without Him? Without His word to lead me? Without His wisdom to guide me? My heart overflows with gratitude to the One who continues to rescue me in the dark morning moments, who guides me with bright courage, and leads me to shine for Him.

 

PC: Bradley Dunn

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)

Too Much News?

September 1, 2020 By Kristin Saatzer 4 Comments

So, you may have heard there is an election heading our way. Say what?! Yes, it is true. We get a presidential contest in a global pandemic, along with natural disasters and an inferno of civil unrest and outrage. This news, along with a torrent of other negative updates, surges incessantly from our screens. A stream of heart-wrenching and hopeless accounts.

Oftentimes, this stream feels like a swell of waves dragging me to the depths by a strong current. Then, as I dog-paddle to the top and gasp for breath, I am gripped by the tide and pushed down yet again.

In my journey with Jesus in these COVID days, I’ve asked Him to reveal areas where I need to grow. Areas where I am not leaning on Him, where the stuff of the world is overwhelming me. He’s opened my eyes to the reality that I’ve feasted on too much news and social media (especially Facebook). Too much negativity, meanness, and doom.

“Mindfulness not only makes it possible to survey our internal landscape with compassion and curiosity but can also actively steer us in the right direction for self-care.”

~ Bessel A. van der Kolk

In these momentous days of crashing waves, I am learning to step back with intention because the undercurrent that slogs my soul when I take in too much news ain’t filling me with peace. We were not made for this magnitude of negative intake. Our bodies keep an internal tally of our angst and can mess with us when we don’t think about what we’re thinking about.

 I love the book of James because it oozes with insight. In chapter three, James tells us that the wisdom from above is peaceful. And boy do I need wisdom from above in these times. How about you? It takes hard work and intention to care for our inner world. To seek peace. Yet, I believe the Lord is calling us to it.

Consequently, I have begun to practice what I think of as a spiritual detachment. This detachment is a tool that frees me from having an unhealthy relationship with the news and toxic social media posts. It puts me in charge. I get to put up the boundaries. Each morning, I purposely pray and think about how much information and social media I will take in. Some days, I am more resilient. Others not so much. So, when I feel the waves of anxiety begin to jack me up – because I am listening to myself and my boundaries are in place – I can assess and unplug.

Because the wisdom from above is peace, I then turn my eyes on God and the abundant hope that comes from His promises. It really is that simple. Not easy, but simple. Again, it is a practice.

Dear friend, in this election season, gaze with me on the wisdom from above.  And as we continue to paddle through these days of crazy, how about we choose the practice of spiritual detachment? Let’s be mindful of our internal world and turn down the hose of negativity while we turn up the hose of hope to full blast!

But the wisdom from above is always pure, filled with peace, considerate and teachable. It is filled with love and never displays prejudice or hypocrisy in any form and it always bears the beautiful harvest of righteousness! Good seeds of wisdom’s fruit will be planted with peaceful acts by those who cherish making peace.

James 3:17, 18

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)

Begin with Him

June 23, 2020 By Kristin Saatzer 4 Comments

Take good counsel and accept correction—
that’s the way to live wisely and well.
We humans keep brainstorming options and plans,
but God’s purpose prevails.
Proverbs 19:20-21 The Message (MSG)

“Wake up, Mama… Barney, Mama.”

He stood next to my bed, blanket in tow, his breath warm and sweet on my cheek; yet another 5 AM wake up from boy number three. My toddler was committed to interrupting my sleep and my morning time with God.

Josiah and I crept down the hallway into the kitchen and grabbed his filled sippy cup from the fridge. Then, we switched on the TV to Barney the Dinosaur as he plopped onto my lap, cup in hand. Lastly, I reached for my bible and study books. Thus, began our morning.

It was not ideal, yet, this was our routine many a day before the rooster crowed. I am not exaggerating when I say that time in God’s word and in prayer was vital to my survival in those days. It was as if I was hooked to a God-IV as His wisdom and counsel dripped into my veins before all my wild ones woke up and chaos ensued.

If it didn’t happen first thing, it didn’t happen.

Those were the days filled with cuddles and kisses and little boy cuteness. Blocks, books, and LEGOS filled our time. As well as sibling conflicts and mom exhaustion.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)

Those Who Are Wise

May 11, 2020 By Kristin Saatzer 7 Comments

Are you tired of hearing, “This is the new normal”? Me too. I want the old normal back… or do I?

I mean the notion of toilet paper and soap in my store again is terrific, and how about going back to church? Amen to that! But can the new dance of our lives move to a wiser beat? I pray so.

When I chose wisdom as my word of the year, of course, I knew nothing of the coming pandemic. How could any of us know when the calendar turned to the fresh year and decade, that our world, our country, our towns, and much of our lives would shut down? That people we know (or we) would fall ill from this menace and loved ones would pass from its force.

Therefore, my quest for wisdom intensified while I looked for meaning as I’ve stepped into each abnormal day since March of 2020.

I jotted down some ponderings for us as we embark on the journey in the altered world. Join me here, feel free to write down your thoughts.

What do you miss?

Stuff? Probably not.

A few weeks ago, my pal, Kimberly, and I traded texts about the fallout in each of our lives from COVID. She asked the question, “What do you miss the most?” I replied with a sort of top-five list and then asked her the same question. Later, I realized that in our musings, neither answered with material missings. It was all about people.

What are your top five?

What will you leave?

Somethings from the lockdown are best left behind – like gray roots and pajamas until 4:00 PM among them.

So, I examine myself and considered what no longer serves me, what has never served me. In the fire of the first weeks, fear’s shackles often grasped me as the what-ifs slithered through my anxious brain.

How I wish I could bury fear in a hole along with the virus. Yet, God’s strong hand guides me as we defeat this fear-foe step by step.

Is there a spiritual struggle or character defect you long to throw in the Corona trash bin? Talk to God about it, seek help, and begin to lay it down to leave behind.

What growth do you see in yourself due to this time of refining? 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)
Next Page »

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

Celebrating another year of my dad’s life! 🎂 #grateful
kmysaatzer
kmysaatzer
•
Follow
Celebrating another year of my dad’s life! 🎂 #grateful
4 days ago
View on Instagram |
1/16
Grateful God gave me this one 29 years ago. AND that I get to celebrate with him today. He sure adds life & fun to our fam!
kmysaatzer
kmysaatzer
•
Follow
Grateful God gave me this one 29 years ago. AND that I get to celebrate with him today. He sure adds life & fun to our fam!
2 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
2/16
Happy (belated) birthday, dear Tangee! #dolls
Happy (belated) birthday, dear Tangee! #dolls
kmysaatzer
kmysaatzer
•
Follow
Happy (belated) birthday, dear Tangee! #dolls
1 month ago
View on Instagram |
3/16
I had a bit of fun in Dallas! #ccc23
kmysaatzer
kmysaatzer
•
Follow
I had a bit of fun in Dallas! #ccc23
2 months ago
View on Instagram |
4/16
Happy 26th to this fabulous son of mine! Noah, you are a light to all who know you - so funny, insightful, and loving. God sure blessed me with you.
kmysaatzer
kmysaatzer
•
Follow
Happy 26th to this fabulous son of mine! Noah, you are a light to all who know you - so funny, insightful, and loving. God sure blessed me with you.
2 months ago
View on Instagram |
5/16
“Behind all your stories is always your mother’s story, because hers is where yours begins.” – Mitch Albom
So thankful for your story, your life, and your love! Cheers to you, my fabulous mother. Happy birthday!
“Behind all your stories is always your mother’s story, because hers is where yours begins.” – Mitch Albom
So thankful for your story, your life, and your love! Cheers to you, my fabulous mother. Happy birthday!
kmysaatzer
kmysaatzer
•
Follow
“Behind all your stories is always your mother’s story, because hers is where yours begins.” – Mitch Albom So thankful for your story, your life, and your love! Cheers to you, my fabulous mother. Happy birthday!
3 months ago
View on Instagram |
6/16
Sweet reunion at the Reunion Kitchen!  Lovely friends from our newlywed days. 💕 So much fun reminiscing and catching up.
kmysaatzer
kmysaatzer
•
Follow
Sweet reunion at the Reunion Kitchen! Lovely friends from our newlywed days. 💕 So much fun reminiscing and catching up.
3 months ago
View on Instagram |
7/16
These are the good old days.
These are the good old days.
These are the good old days.
These are the good old days.
These are the good old days.
These are the good old days.
These are the good old days.
These are the good old days.
These are the good old days.
These are the good old days.
kmysaatzer
kmysaatzer
•
Follow
These are the good old days.
3 months ago
View on Instagram |
8/16
Yay, Micah Jack! 🎓
Yay, Micah Jack! 🎓
Yay, Micah Jack! 🎓
Yay, Micah Jack! 🎓
Yay, Micah Jack! 🎓
Yay, Micah Jack! 🎓
Yay, Micah Jack! 🎓
Yay, Micah Jack! 🎓
kmysaatzer
kmysaatzer
•
Follow
Yay, Micah Jack! 🎓
3 months ago
View on Instagram |
9/16
Congratulations!
Today is your day.
You're off to Great Places!
You're off and away. #graduationday🎓
kmysaatzer
kmysaatzer
•
Follow
Congratulations! Today is your day. You're off to Great Places! You're off and away. #graduationday🎓
4 months ago
View on Instagram |
10/16
Sister time!
kmysaatzer
kmysaatzer
•
Follow
Sister time!
4 months ago
View on Instagram |
11/16
Fun time celebrating our two grads on Sunday! They sure are loved. ♥️
kmysaatzer
kmysaatzer
•
Follow
Fun time celebrating our two grads on Sunday! They sure are loved. ♥️
4 months ago
View on Instagram |
12/16
Last day of high school. #thelasts #3daysuntilgraduation
kmysaatzer
kmysaatzer
•
Follow
Last day of high school. #thelasts #3daysuntilgraduation
4 months ago
View on Instagram |
13/16
This guy… #oneweekuntilgraduation #seniorawardsnight
kmysaatzer
kmysaatzer
•
Follow
This guy… #oneweekuntilgraduation #seniorawardsnight
4 months ago
View on Instagram |
14/16
The last boy had his last sports banquet last night. 
What an adventure these four years of baseball have been (Covid, injury, illness, and major back issues to boot). But mostly fun with fabulous memories. These senior boys are a special group. Proud of my Micah! #2weeksuntilgraduation #thelasts
kmysaatzer
kmysaatzer
•
Follow
The last boy had his last sports banquet last night. What an adventure these four years of baseball have been (Covid, injury, illness, and major back issues to boot). But mostly fun with fabulous memories. These senior boys are a special group. Proud of my Micah! #2weeksuntilgraduation #thelasts
4 months ago
View on Instagram |
15/16
My guys surprised me with a trip to LA to watch our Padres (missed Noah and Lauren). Too bad we didn't bring them luck.
My guys surprised me with a trip to LA to watch our Padres (missed Noah and Lauren). Too bad we didn't bring them luck.
kmysaatzer
kmysaatzer
•
Follow
My guys surprised me with a trip to LA to watch our Padres (missed Noah and Lauren). Too bad we didn't bring them luck.
4 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

  • September 2023
  • August 2023
  • June 2023
  • April 2023
  • 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

  • Make the Most of Your Time
  • Summer of Praise
  • Four Favorites for Summer
  • The End of an Era
  • Four Favorites for June

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 Hope Hope series Intentionality Jesus Journaling Lent Light Lingering More of God New Year Parenting Praise Prayer Pslams Purpose Reading summer Surrender thankful Thanksgiving The Cross The Practice of Gratitude to-do's trials wisdom

Find it Here

Copyright © 2023 Kristin Saatzer