Intentionality Archives - Kristin Saatzer

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

20 for 20!

January 1, 2020 By Kristin Saatzer Leave a Comment

Can we talk about 2020?

Because it thrills me to have a blank slate with endless possibilities before me, I jotted down 20 ideas for 2020. Take as many as you’d like and leave the rest.

20 for 2020

read 20 books of the Bible
plan 20 fun adventures
pick 20 people to pray for – bonus points if they have hurt you or get on your nerves
try 20 new foods or recipes
save $20 a month towards your dream trip – gotta start somewhere
pick 20 books to read and set aside 20 extra minutes a day to read them
exercise 20 days in a row for 20 minutes – start a workout streak
watch 20 sunsets
take 20 minutes to think about what you know about yourself and God that you didn’t know a year ago
give $20 more a month than you already do
get together with or call an old friend that you’ve known for 20 years or more
spend 20 minutes each morning in 2020 in a quiet space with God and His word
take a 20 day fast from social media (gulp!)
send notes to 20 people who have positively impacted your life and thank them for doing so
donate 20 clothing or household items ( in good shape) to charity
print out 20 of your most joy-filled photos from the past decade and put them in an album
set a timer for 20 minutes and deep-clean a dreaded messy area in your home or office
spend 20 minutes a day in 2020 in the fresh, screen-less air
say NO to sugar and white flour for 20 days
write down (at least) 20 things you are grateful for

#LIVEONPURPOSE!

A Summer Reset

June 24, 2019 By Kristin Saatzer 4 Comments

How did it get so late so soon?

Dr. Seuss

A Summer Reset

Dear Time, I give you permission to s-l-o-w down. Thank you.

Spring flew so swiftly. There was not a day when my calendar was not bursting, the days were filled with mostly good stuff (games, graduations, visits from family and friends, award ceremonies, banquets, parties, and end of the school year fun) and I am grateful. But the pace has caught up with me.

So, I need permission to halt, to reset, and get my bearings. My dad was in the hospital last week and thankfully he is recovering well. As I sat with him and watched the action buzz around me, I exhaled and realized that I had not stopped much in these last few months. I picked up my phone and clicked on my recent-past calendar, then marveled at the events and emotions 2019 has brought thus far.

So today is a day to unwind. I am nestled in my backyard as my sweet dog rests her chin on my foot. It is about 75 degrees, as calm winds coil the tall trees. Medicine for the soul.

Summer has officially begun; this year is half-cooked. I can already see 2020 preparing to rise in the skyline. I’ve come to learn in these years of living prayerfully and intentionally, that early summer is an excellent time to retune and reflect. To rest and breathe. To soak up the sun and beautiful breezes of this fleeting season. To talk to God about what was and what is to come.

Now, I invite you to get alone and join in on some self-reflection. So, let’s take a deep breath. And then another… as you think on what the last six months have held for you, and what you look to next, ponder the following. Continue Reading

A Christmas Surrender

December 6, 2018 By Kristin Saatzer 2 Comments

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