Giving Archives - Kristin Saatzer

The Paradox of Gratitude and Guilt: 5 Points to Ponder

November 7, 2022 By Kristin Saatzer 2 Comments

“But I, with shouts of grateful praise, will sacrifice to You…”

Jonah 2:9a NIV

“Finish your soup! There are starving children in China who would love to have it.” Sitting at my grandparent’s table with my sister and two cousins, we glared at the bowls of tomato soup in front of us. Glancing at one another, agreeing by the rolling of four sets of eyes, we were more than willing to ship our foul soup off to China.

I appreciate the values my depression-era grandparents instilled in us (and what I wouldn’t give to sit at a table with them again). But unfortunately, picturing poor Chinese kids did not help me want my soup.

Yet this was a pivotal moment in my life’s journey that led me to muse over my good fortune, wrestle with feelings of guilt, and write out questions in my pink Barbie diary (it even had a lock and key).

Why did God allow me to live in the USA?

Why wasn’t I one of the starving children in China?

Why was I born… ME?

As a child, I didn’t exude gratefulness. Sure, I had my moments, but I was a typical upper-middle-class American kid. My every need was provided for, and I was loved dearly, yet entitled. I never saw or met a truly poor child until well into adolescence.

During my adult life, I’ve had opportunities to see and meet poor children: American kids in the foster and school systems and kids in Mexico living in dumps and begging on the streets. I have met homeless orphans and been with children of Mexican prisoners living in boxes next to the prison. Precious kids needing a bowl of tomato soup and oh so much more.

Because of these experiences and by God’s grace, I have grown into a grateful woman (most of the time).Continue Reading

Harvey, Irma, Earthquakes, and Fires… 5 Points to Ponder

September 12, 2017 By Kristin Saatzer 1 Comment

Normalcy decimated.

I attempt to empathize with the victims of these recent disasters. However, I can’t get my proverbial feet into their shoes.

Yet I try. And I pray.

Each day my family overflows with gratefulness as we compare our lot to “theirs”. It is unfair: our dry home, family pictures intact, beds, food, school work, dishes, laundry, traffic. Ordinary.

Why God? Why?

In our pre-heaven life, will we fully understand why God allows affliction? Probably not. What I do know is He tells us we will experience trials and loss (see John 16:33). He also tells us there is great gain in knowing and trusting Him in these times. “...The testing of your faith produces perseverance.” James 1:2

Millions in our country (and beyond) are experiencing nature’s worst. As I have prayed over people affected, I have reflected. May I share my thoughts with you today? I think you’ll find encouragement.Continue Reading

Can We Talk About Christmas?

October 26, 2015 By Kristin Saatzer 2 Comments

Two of my friends complete their Christmas shopping and wrapping by August every year. That’s four stinkin’ months early! Impressive. Not me.

But, I did purchase my first gift the other day. I texted my sister to tell her and we were pretty proud of me.

We have two months People and I, for one, want to walk intentionally into the upcoming holiday season. I want to simplify yet again this year and my way of doing that is by beginning with a plan.

My initial step is to get my Christmas notebook down. I know, I’m a nerd. I put this together a few years ago and it’s where I house my lists, stamps, ideas, gift receipts, Christmas quotes, verses and past Christmas card letters that I have sent. Nerdy but incredibly helpful.

First, I’ll make my “giving” Christmas list- there are oodles of opportunities to give during the holidays. But I can’t give to every need that crops up can I? Can you? No. So, here I list the charities we usually give to. Then, I will talk with my family and see where they would like to give monetarily and physically this year.

Second, I’ll write the “buying” list- brainstorm ideas for my friends and family and budget amounts for each one. My boys don’t know what they want for Christmas yet, so I write stocking ideas and add those to my weekly shopping. Socks and underwear are always a staple as are fast food gift cards (how thrilled they’ll be to know I added the underwear thing).

Third, I make a preliminary budget. Then I scrap the preliminary budget because I can’t and shouldn’t spend that much and do it again.

Once this initial planning takes place, I can build on it. I can look at the upcoming holidays with a sense of peace and tackle a project every week or so, Lord willing.

Are you ready to think about Christmas? If not, I get it and that’s cool. My nerdy notebook and I are going to move ahead with intention and take Christmas by storm, we’d love to have you join us.

“We are ready for any unforeseen event which may or may not happen”

~G.W. Bush

Need Fruit?

August 14, 2015 By Kristin Saatzer 2 Comments

May He…supply and multiply the seed you have sown

and increase the fruits of your righteousness.

~2 Corinthians 9:10b

Have you sown and sown to no avail? Have the seeds you’ve planted not produced the smallest bit of growth? Do you feel like a discouraged farmer who sees no increase in his fields after months of working his land?

In 2 Corinthians 9:10, Paul refers to our righteousness. As Christians, we know we are only righteous because of Christ. God views us as righteous through the looking-glass that is Jesus and His death on the cross.

In our righteous relationship with God, He leads us to sow seeds into the lives of others for His name and kingdom. We sow in prayer (salvation of a spouse or prodigal child, healing for emotional brokenness), in giving (to a fledgling ministry or missionary), or by investing in relationships (honoring a difficult mother-in-law, staying in a one-way friendship, serving a prickly neighbor). We hope and expect to see the fruit of our labor. I know I do.Continue Reading