Kristin Saatzer

Purposeful Encouragement

  • Blog Home
  • About Me
  • Speaking Events
  • Contact Kristin
  • Books I Love
  • Savor the Savior Book
You are here: Home / Devotionals / He wants to go to Africa?

He wants to go to Africa?

November 13, 2014 By Kristin Saatzer 2 Comments

IMG_2538

Snacking on grapes and looking through the mail a few days ago, I heard my son say, “I’m thinking about going to Africa.” I giggled as I looked up- sure that he was joking. But he wasn’t. He went on to explain that the World Health Organization is looking for people to help in regions where the horrific Ebola outbreak continues.

He is twenty. Now I understand that young men hovering around this age are subject to flights of fancy. He and his seventeen year old brother tell me regularly about the road trips they plan to take and other adventures soon to come. BUT AFRICA? EBOLA?

After choking on my grape, I took a deep breath and started asking “mom questions”. Questions beyond, “Do you have enough underwear?” I’ve learned during these conversations that there are no logical answers to my queries. No answers regarding cost, logistics, and how do you do something like this and not contract the disease?

This is a guy who has been to Haiti twice and Mexico more times than I can remember. We have encouraged (sometimes required) our boys to serve and give and sacrifice.

But this is too much. My faith isn’t big enough for this. My faith.

I know the odds of this trip happening are smaller than a grain of sand. But it unsettled me as I pondered the smallness of my faith.

Twenty years ago, I stood before family and friends and dedicated my son to God. Holding that chubby, precious baby boy- I told the Lord that my son belonged to Him.

Does he really?

The parenting voyage is not a one-time dedication. It is an obstacle course of faith and trust.

It was easy to dedicate my immobile baby to God. He needed me for almost everything, I was in control.

Loosening my grip has been a painful, heart wrenching experience. But it is my only option.

My pint-size faith is increasing as I dedicate and release my four precious sons daily to God.

This mama’s faith and trust MUST stay focused on a Sovereign God. He is not pint-sized but mighty and in control.

Even in Africa.

“So I have also dedicated him to the LORD; as long as he lives he is dedicated to the LORD…”
1 Samuel 1:28

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)

Related

Filed Under: Devotionals, Parenting Tagged With: Faith, Parenting

Comments

  1. Anonymous says

    November 16, 2014 at 4:59 pm

    You are such a talented writer! I am so proud of you!!

    Reply
  2. Kristin Saatzer says

    November 22, 2014 at 7:29 pm

    Thanks “Anonymous”!

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

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

Senior year is really here.
The last FDOS. Savor the moments, my Micah Jack! I sure will. 🥲 ❤️ #mybaby
kmysaatzer
kmysaatzer
•
Follow
Senior year is really here. The last FDOS. Savor the moments, my Micah Jack! I sure will. 🥲 ❤️ #mybaby
22 hours ago
View on Instagram |
1/16
Sunset Cliffs, Belmont Park, Handle’s ice cream… Besides the mild whiplash on the roller coaster, it was the perfect San Diego day! #americasfinestcity
Sunset Cliffs, Belmont Park, Handle’s ice cream… Besides the mild whiplash on the roller coaster, it was the perfect San Diego day! #americasfinestcity
Sunset Cliffs, Belmont Park, Handle’s ice cream… Besides the mild whiplash on the roller coaster, it was the perfect San Diego day! #americasfinestcity
kmysaatzer
kmysaatzer
•
Follow
Sunset Cliffs, Belmont Park, Handle’s ice cream… Besides the mild whiplash on the roller coaster, it was the perfect San Diego day! #americasfinestcity
3 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
2/16
My precious, funny, insightful, wise, handsome (and sooo much more) Noah is 25 today! Happy birthday, my son! Wish we were all together celebrating today. You are a GIFT beyond measure. 💚
My precious, funny, insightful, wise, handsome (and sooo much more) Noah is 25 today! Happy birthday, my son! Wish we were all together celebrating today. You are a GIFT beyond measure. 💚
My precious, funny, insightful, wise, handsome (and sooo much more) Noah is 25 today! Happy birthday, my son! Wish we were all together celebrating today. You are a GIFT beyond measure. 💚
My precious, funny, insightful, wise, handsome (and sooo much more) Noah is 25 today! Happy birthday, my son! Wish we were all together celebrating today. You are a GIFT beyond measure. 💚
My precious, funny, insightful, wise, handsome (and sooo much more) Noah is 25 today! Happy birthday, my son! Wish we were all together celebrating today. You are a GIFT beyond measure. 💚
My precious, funny, insightful, wise, handsome (and sooo much more) Noah is 25 today! Happy birthday, my son! Wish we were all together celebrating today. You are a GIFT beyond measure. 💚
My precious, funny, insightful, wise, handsome (and sooo much more) Noah is 25 today! Happy birthday, my son! Wish we were all together celebrating today. You are a GIFT beyond measure. 💚
My precious, funny, insightful, wise, handsome (and sooo much more) Noah is 25 today! Happy birthday, my son! Wish we were all together celebrating today. You are a GIFT beyond measure. 💚
My precious, funny, insightful, wise, handsome (and sooo much more) Noah is 25 today! Happy birthday, my son! Wish we were all together celebrating today. You are a GIFT beyond measure. 💚
My precious, funny, insightful, wise, handsome (and sooo much more) Noah is 25 today! Happy birthday, my son! Wish we were all together celebrating today. You are a GIFT beyond measure. 💚
kmysaatzer
kmysaatzer
•
Follow
My precious, funny, insightful, wise, handsome (and sooo much more) Noah is 25 today! Happy birthday, my son! Wish we were all together celebrating today. You are a GIFT beyond measure. 💚
1 month ago
View on Instagram |
3/16
To know her is to love her! She’s all the things: amazing mom, wife, Grammy, mother-in-law, sister, and friend! Happy happy birthday, Mom. I am deeply grateful God gave you to me. Xoxo
kmysaatzer
kmysaatzer
•
Follow
To know her is to love her! She’s all the things: amazing mom, wife, Grammy, mother-in-law, sister, and friend! Happy happy birthday, Mom. I am deeply grateful God gave you to me. Xoxo
1 month ago
View on Instagram |
4/16
Fabulous day in Ashland celebrating our amazing Mom’s birthday & visiting our favorite firefighter.
Fabulous day in Ashland celebrating our amazing Mom’s birthday & visiting our favorite firefighter.
Fabulous day in Ashland celebrating our amazing Mom’s birthday & visiting our favorite firefighter.
Fabulous day in Ashland celebrating our amazing Mom’s birthday & visiting our favorite firefighter.
Fabulous day in Ashland celebrating our amazing Mom’s birthday & visiting our favorite firefighter.
kmysaatzer
kmysaatzer
•
Follow
Fabulous day in Ashland celebrating our amazing Mom’s birthday & visiting our favorite firefighter.
1 month ago
View on Instagram |
5/16
Thank you to those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom.
kmysaatzer
kmysaatzer
•
Follow
Thank you to those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom.
3 months ago
View on Instagram |
6/16
Three years ago through DNA testing, Jeni & learned we had an older brother on our paternal side. We finally met! What a (surreal) gift it was to get to know this big-hearted man and to learn about his life. God’s handprint is woven throughout this story in the beautiful and even in the painful pieces.
kmysaatzer
kmysaatzer
•
Follow
Three years ago through DNA testing, Jeni & learned we had an older brother on our paternal side. We finally met! What a (surreal) gift it was to get to know this big-hearted man and to learn about his life. God’s handprint is woven throughout this story in the beautiful and even in the painful pieces.
3 months ago
View on Instagram |
7/16
Jeni and I have the best one there is. Happy Mother’s Day to all the best mamas! 🌸❤️
kmysaatzer
kmysaatzer
•
Follow
Jeni and I have the best one there is. Happy Mother’s Day to all the best mamas! 🌸❤️
3 months ago
View on Instagram |
8/16
Everything’s coming up roses!
kmysaatzer
kmysaatzer
•
Follow
Everything’s coming up roses!
4 months ago
View on Instagram |
9/16
Happy 1st anniversary to these lovebirds! 🤎🤎
kmysaatzer
kmysaatzer
•
Follow
Happy 1st anniversary to these lovebirds! 🤎🤎
4 months ago
View on Instagram |
10/16
Off to Prom!
kmysaatzer
kmysaatzer
•
Follow
Off to Prom!
4 months ago
View on Instagram |
11/16
Micah passing off the birthday to Dan! Happy birthday to the captain of the Saatzer ship. 🎂💜
kmysaatzer
kmysaatzer
•
Follow
Micah passing off the birthday to Dan! Happy birthday to the captain of the Saatzer ship. 🎂💜
4 months ago
View on Instagram |
12/16
"Young boys should never be sent to bed. They always wake up a day older, and then before you know it, they're grown."
J.M. Barrie
Our baby is 18 today! The gift that this young man is to me defies description. Happy happy birthday, my Micah Jack, you are one of God’s sweetest gifts. I love you beyond measure.
"Young boys should never be sent to bed. They always wake up a day older, and then before you know it, they're grown."
J.M. Barrie
Our baby is 18 today! The gift that this young man is to me defies description. Happy happy birthday, my Micah Jack, you are one of God’s sweetest gifts. I love you beyond measure.
"Young boys should never be sent to bed. They always wake up a day older, and then before you know it, they're grown."
J.M. Barrie
Our baby is 18 today! The gift that this young man is to me defies description. Happy happy birthday, my Micah Jack, you are one of God’s sweetest gifts. I love you beyond measure.
"Young boys should never be sent to bed. They always wake up a day older, and then before you know it, they're grown."
J.M. Barrie
Our baby is 18 today! The gift that this young man is to me defies description. Happy happy birthday, my Micah Jack, you are one of God’s sweetest gifts. I love you beyond measure.
"Young boys should never be sent to bed. They always wake up a day older, and then before you know it, they're grown."
J.M. Barrie
Our baby is 18 today! The gift that this young man is to me defies description. Happy happy birthday, my Micah Jack, you are one of God’s sweetest gifts. I love you beyond measure.
"Young boys should never be sent to bed. They always wake up a day older, and then before you know it, they're grown."
J.M. Barrie
Our baby is 18 today! The gift that this young man is to me defies description. Happy happy birthday, my Micah Jack, you are one of God’s sweetest gifts. I love you beyond measure.
"Young boys should never be sent to bed. They always wake up a day older, and then before you know it, they're grown."
J.M. Barrie
Our baby is 18 today! The gift that this young man is to me defies description. Happy happy birthday, my Micah Jack, you are one of God’s sweetest gifts. I love you beyond measure.
"Young boys should never be sent to bed. They always wake up a day older, and then before you know it, they're grown."
J.M. Barrie
Our baby is 18 today! The gift that this young man is to me defies description. Happy happy birthday, my Micah Jack, you are one of God’s sweetest gifts. I love you beyond measure.
"Young boys should never be sent to bed. They always wake up a day older, and then before you know it, they're grown."
J.M. Barrie
Our baby is 18 today! The gift that this young man is to me defies description. Happy happy birthday, my Micah Jack, you are one of God’s sweetest gifts. I love you beyond measure.
kmysaatzer
kmysaatzer
•
Follow
"Young boys should never be sent to bed. They always wake up a day older, and then before you know it, they're grown." J.M. Barrie Our baby is 18 today! The gift that this young man is to me defies description. Happy happy birthday, my Micah Jack, you are one of God’s sweetest gifts. I love you beyond measure.
4 months ago
View on Instagram |
13/16
Grateful for our time with the grandparents! Missed our @jojosaatzer_17 💜
kmysaatzer
kmysaatzer
•
Follow
Grateful for our time with the grandparents! Missed our @jojosaatzer_17 💜
4 months ago
View on Instagram |
14/16
kmysaatzer
kmysaatzer
•
Follow
4 months ago
View on Instagram |
15/16
The best fans! 💚
kmysaatzer
kmysaatzer
•
Follow
The best fans! 💚
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
  • Mother's Day
  • New Year
  • Parenting
  • Planning
  • Prayer
  • Repost
  • Scripture
  • Seasons
  • Summer
  • Surrender
  • Thanksgiving
  • The Practice of Gratitiude
  • Uncategorized
  • Wisdom

Archives

  • 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

  • Is He Safe?
  • Four Faves for May
  • Room for Rest
  • Feb Faves
  • My Best-Loved Books of 2021

Popular Tags

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 praise therapy Prayer Pslamist Pslams Purpose Reading Surrender thankful Thanksgiving The Cross The Practice of Gratitude to-do's trials wisdom

Find it Here

Copyright © 2022 Kristin Saatzer · Website by Tanya at The Web Design Shop