Focus Archives - Kristin Saatzer

Baby Steps Part Two

February 25, 2016 By Kristin Saatzer 3 Comments

Psalm 37:23 tells us the Lord delights in every detail of our lives. Every. detail. He desires to direct us in our point of struggle, delighting in our first small steps toward change.

Have you chosen your “ONE thing” yet (see Baby Steps Part One http://wp.me/p4RztF-v3)? Did you ask yourself the questions?

As mentioned, my ONE thing is my diet goal: 80% of my eating will consist of unprocessed, organic “real” food. Pondering the questions, I sensed God’s leading in choosing this goal at this time. Firstly because I have a sweet tooth or a chocolate tooth. I also grapple with eating on the go and mindless eating when life gets crazy or when I’m emotionally and physically bankrupt. I cycle between healthy and intentional to careless and unhealthy eating.

Because of chronic health issues, I believe cleaning up my diet will impact my vitality. When I am strong, it positively affects those I love and gives me energy for relationships, work and ministry.

Discouragement often holds me back and steals my success. YET I know that I know, I need to do what I can to live the best I can every day the Lord grants me.

Once we answer our questions and determine our ONE thing, we take steps toward change.
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Friendship Amidst Frenzy

May 25, 2015 By Kristin Saatzer 2 Comments

How does friendship, deep friendship exist in the midst of chaotic schedules and seasons of struggle?

I wish I had a tidy answer.

For me, it’s a little messy in the world of friendship. Actually, it’s messy in my world period. I wrestle, wondering: if my friends mean so much to me, then why do I let ridiculous amounts of time pass without contacting or seeing my BFF’s?

I am up to my nose in life: family, work, driving boys around, activities, chores, errands, driving boys around (did I already mention that?) and so it goes.You know the drill. Trying to live by my priorities and so on and so forth.

The life of a woman in 2015 is demanding and exhausting at times. Many are busy with little ones, caring for an aging parent, in seasons of grief and loss, working a difficult job or living with health issues.

Yet shouldn’t friendship be a priority?

In light of my questions, I’ve begun to practice intentionality in this messy, important part of my life by incorporating a few focus points:

~Grace: (my favorite word): Giving myself grace in this area – I carry a big load and I can’t be the perfect friend. I just can’t. Grace – extended to my equally occupied friends. They can’t be perfect friends either. They just can’t.

~Small connections: Take time daily to connect via text, email or Facebook with a buddy. We all love receiving texts from pals telling us they are thinking about or praying for us. These little connections can make someone’s day, yours too.

~Plan Plan Plan: Schedule regular times to get together with friends weeks and months ahead of time if need be. Most likely, if it isn’t planned, it doesn’t happen.

~Make the most of the moments when you are together: Go deep. Laugh together. Sweetly savor one another.

So, how does friendship look in your life today? What steps can you take to cultivate relationships in seasons of struggle and chaos?

Yes, I ‘m doing the friendship thing messily these days, but I’m doing it. And I’ve even made some delightful new friends I hope to get to know better (six months from now, on a Friday at 7).

PC: Beach image: Google Images

Dear God,

April 30, 2015 By Kristin Saatzer 7 Comments

Journal Writing

As a child, I loved my diary. I used it to record the days events, my secret crushes, happy times with friends and girlhood sorrows. There were times I propped it next to my mom’s bed so she could see on paper the struggles of my heart, emotions I found too difficult to express verbally. These diaries are like written pictures, and I am grateful for the insight into who I was once upon a time.

In my adult life, journaling has been a beautiful vehicle – aiding in my spiritual growth, contributing to emotional healing and drawing me to God in prayer.

I’m just not feelin’ it!

April 22, 2015 By Kristin Saatzer 2 Comments

Sipping a steaming cup of tea, my bottom planted in my favorite chair, my Bible nestled on my lap- I set out to pray. Before my eyelids shut completely, I notice a thick layer of dust on the fireplace and nag myself to dust it later. Attempt number two begins as my chubby dog saunters by. I think about walking her later in the day. Focusing my mind again, attempt number three begins. But not before I notice the chips in my toe polish…

I generally do not own an ADD disposition, but many a morning, my brain will not cooperate with my prayer plans. I’m just not feelin’ it!

Do you ever experience this conundrum: right place, right time, wrong mindset?

I have learned over the years that I need a different approach to getting prayer in motion when my brain is trailing away and using up all of my time thinking about dusty fireplaces, full-figured dogs, and ugly toes.