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 Christmas Crazies

A Christmas Surrender

December 6, 2018 By Kristin Saatzer 2 Comments

bokeh photography of book page near yellow ceramic mug

I sat alone in the Costco Food Court and stuffed down a hot dog with a Diet Coke chaser. As I stared blankly at the abyss of people and  cars, I heard a familiar voice and looked up at my dear friend, her face shadowed with concern. She looked at me as if I sat at a bar with fifteen empty shot glasses in front of me.

You see, this friend found my situation unusual. She knew that I did not eat hot dogs or drink Diet coke, nor did I get out much alone; I usually had my boys in tow.

On this December day, I left my family at home to shop for Christmas groceries. As I drove to Costco, I noticed my shaking hands and I felt a gritty feeling in my gut. Even though I was out alone (a rare treat in those days), instead of peace, I felt consumed by anxiety and depleted; up to my ears in holiday merrymaking and people pleasing.

My sweet friend asked me if I was doing okay. I lied and said I was fine, just taking some time for myself (doesn’t everyone choose the Costco Food Court for “me time”?)

Oh, how I wish I would have opened up to my girlfriend that day. She would have listened to my tale. She would have told me to stop and take time for self-care. She would have hugged me and encouraged me to rest.

My date with a hot dog and Diet Coke was a way to self-sooth and abate stress. I did not see that my choice that day was a red flag revealing how unattuned I was to my mental state. The shaky hands and uneasy stomach were also signs I should have paid attention to.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)

A Pressure Release

December 19, 2015 By Kristin Saatzer 2 Comments

Prepare-Him-Room-12-17 2On the morning of Thanksgiving, I gave myself a talking to. I promised me that I would not stuff myself like a pig. I lied. At the end of the meal, I scolded myself for lying and eating too much. Then I looked around to see if anyone was watching. No eyes on me- so I proceeded to unbutton the top button of my pants and released the pressure. AHHH…

Have you reached a point this holiday season where you are feeling like you need a pressure release? Feeling tired from the demands at work or home? Have you been eating too many treats? Are you overwhelmed by the financial blow this time of year can deliver? Maybe you are over-committed? Underappreciated? Exhausted?

If you are facing some holiday fallout, take a deep breath with me and stop. Just stop.

Prepare Him Room.

That’s what I did last night.

I asked the Lord to speak to me in this time of Christmas Crazies. I didn’t ask Him to wrap my gifts, grow a money tree in my yard, do my cooking or heal the rift between family members. I got still.

But my mind raced wildly as tried to listen. Instead, I began thanking God. Taking out my journal, I wrote a thank you letter to Him. As I wrote, a shift took place; stress fell away as the pressure of the season began releasing. Words of thanks replaced the racing in my brain.

Thankfulness is a spiritual exercise, necessary to the building of a healthy soul. It takes us out of the stuffiness of ourselves into the fresh breeze and sunlight of the will of God!  ~E. Elliot

I thanked the Lord for all of it: the struggles of the season, the joy it brings and everything in between. All of it.

A dose of sweet medicine for my pressure-filled soul.

Thankfulness is always a remedy for what ails us. Even if it doesn’t change our circumstance, it changes the state of our inner-self. I find God works best from the inside-out, don’t you?

So, what did I learn and what will I do differently at my next holiday meal? Well, I’ll wear an elastic waistband and stop me from talking to myself pre-meal time.

And where do these words find you in the Christmas Crazies? Are you needing a pressure release? Do you need to Prepare Him Room? Is it time to write a Thank You Note to the One we celebrate this month? Go ahead, unbutton and release that pressure, my friend.

12-17 blog 1

Thank You Lord, for ALL of it!

 If the only prayer you said was “Thank You”, that would be enough. 

~Meister Eckhard

 

 

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

This guy… #oneweekuntilgraduation #seniorawardsnight
•
Follow
This guy… #oneweekuntilgraduation #seniorawardsnight
2 days ago
View on Instagram |
1/16
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
•
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
1 week ago
View on Instagram |
2/16
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.
•
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.
3 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
3/16
23 years. I have been watching my boys play on courts and fields for close to 23 years! The final Saatzer brother had his final game yesterday. Mom and Dad shed big tears. #thelasts
•
Follow
23 years. I have been watching my boys play on courts and fields for close to 23 years! The final Saatzer brother had his final game yesterday. Mom and Dad shed big tears. #thelasts
4 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
4/16
The last boy went to the last dance on Saturday night. #prom2023 #5weeksuntilgraduation #thelasts
The last boy went to the last dance on Saturday night. #prom2023 #5weeksuntilgraduation #thelasts
The last boy went to the last dance on Saturday night. #prom2023 #5weeksuntilgraduation #thelasts
The last boy went to the last dance on Saturday night. #prom2023 #5weeksuntilgraduation #thelasts
•
Follow
The last boy went to the last dance on Saturday night. #prom2023 #5weeksuntilgraduation #thelasts
4 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
5/16
He did it!! Bachelor of Science in Business Management. #gcu2023
He did it!! Bachelor of Science in Business Management. #gcu2023
He did it!! Bachelor of Science in Business Management. #gcu2023
He did it!! Bachelor of Science in Business Management. #gcu2023
He did it!! Bachelor of Science in Business Management. #gcu2023
•
Follow
He did it!! Bachelor of Science in Business Management. #gcu2023
1 month ago
View on Instagram |
6/16
This guy is graduating from college today! #myjosiah
•
Follow
This guy is graduating from college today! #myjosiah
1 month ago
View on Instagram |
7/16
Such a special senior ceremony on Monday! Thanks to all the Micah fans who came out in support.  #sixweeksuntilgraduation
•
Follow
Such a special senior ceremony on Monday! Thanks to all the Micah fans who came out in support. #sixweeksuntilgraduation
1 month ago
View on Instagram |
8/16
Happy birthday! Micah, you are an amazing young man of character and deep faith, full of joy, fun, and life. You are a solid gold son, brother, friend, and teammate. Have the BEST day, I love you!
•
Follow
Happy birthday! Micah, you are an amazing young man of character and deep faith, full of joy, fun, and life. You are a solid gold son, brother, friend, and teammate. Have the BEST day, I love you!
1 month ago
View on Instagram |
9/16
Yep!
•
Follow
Yep!
2 months ago
View on Instagram |
10/16
Easter season is over and I am taking a deep breath of reflection. What a ride Hear the Savior has taken me on since it’s publication! I am deeply grateful to so many of you for cheering for this book (and me). Promoting does NOT come easy to me, but it is part of the deal (I appreciate you not blocking me for bugginess 😜). My heart swells with gratitude.  A special shout out to those who don’t do the “Christianity thing.” Many of you encouraged me and even bought books because of our relationship. This brings tears to my eyes. This is no small miracle in this ever-divided world, and I love you for it.  What will I write next?  This exhausted writer can’t imagine doing it all again (like childbirth?), but she probably will. 💙
•
Follow
Easter season is over and I am taking a deep breath of reflection. What a ride Hear the Savior has taken me on since it’s publication! I am deeply grateful to so many of you for cheering for this book (and me). Promoting does NOT come easy to me, but it is part of the deal (I appreciate you not blocking me for bugginess 😜). My heart swells with gratitude. A special shout out to those who don’t do the “Christianity thing.” Many of you encouraged me and even bought books because of our relationship. This brings tears to my eyes. This is no small miracle in this ever-divided world, and I love you for it. What will I write next? This exhausted writer can’t imagine doing it all again (like childbirth?), but she probably will. 💙
2 months ago
View on Instagram |
11/16
•
Follow
2 months ago
View on Instagram |
12/16
•
Follow
2 months ago
View on Instagram |
13/16
Spring break baseball kinda day!
•
Follow
Spring break baseball kinda day!
2 months ago
View on Instagram |
14/16
Order in time for Easter gifts! Link in bio.
#hearthesaviorbook #easter #easterdevotional
•
Follow
Order in time for Easter gifts! Link in bio. #hearthesaviorbook #easter #easterdevotional
2 months ago
View on Instagram |
15/16
March birthdays (in April).
•
Follow
March birthdays (in April).
2 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

  • 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

  • Four Favorites for June
  • A Time of Release and Resurrection
  • A Time to Remember and Reflect
  • A Time to Rest and Refuel
  • A Time to Reset and Refocus

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 More of God New Year Parenting Praise Prayer Pslams Purpose Reading Surrender thankful Thanksgiving The Cross The Practice of Gratitude to-do's trials wisdom

Find it Here

Copyright © 2023 Kristin Saatzer