Pslams Archives - Kristin Saatzer

How do I Accept and Adjust in Adversity? Part One

October 29, 2017 By Kristin Saatzer 2 Comments

To Accept or Not Accept

When my son, Noah, was a high school freshman, he broke his leg playing football. His tibia decimated and his spirit despondent. It was a rough go, for all of us. This leg injury led to a chain of events that set him back academically, in his sports life and emotionally. His dad and I spent many evenings ruminating: Why did the coach put him in at that position? For that play? Why had Noah gone one way instead of the other? Why did I not realize how much pain he was in and give him medicine? Guilt and game rewind churned in our brains.

In time, we began to accept the situation and adjust to the hip to toe cast, the reality that it took six of us to get him ready for school in the morning, the catch-up schoolwork, and that he’d miss a season of basketball.

Sometimes, life scenarios are terribly difficult to accept. Sometimes we are unable to relinquish our longings; wishing things had turned out differently. We replay circumstances and events repeatedly in our minds. Almost obsessively. We may find ourselves often wondering why our situation or trial is as it is. And/or how could we have done things differently to make the end game happier? Happier for our loved ones or ourselves.

I believe the words in Psalm 103:19 may usher us to freedom in our acceptance struggle. This passage tells us God’s sovereignty rules over all. What does this mean to us? How do we wrap ourselves around this idea and apply it to our lives?

In the book, As Silver Refined Kay Arthur says:

Everything that comes into your life as a child of God is filtered through His fingers of love. He loves you with a perfect love that desires your highest good.

The Secret Sauce Part 2

June 22, 2017 By Kristin Saatzer 1 Comment

In my last post (http://wp.me/p4RztF-PI), we focused on, Seeking God First each day as the foundational ingredient in my Secret Sauce. Today, I’d like to add the rest of the fixings.

Unfortunately, we are not exempt from trials and trauma. Our favorite Bible characters were not exempt either. And certainly, the main hero of the story suffered beyond grasp. Jesus even told us that we would suffer in this life: “...In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33b

Through my tunnels, I have learned to find comfort in Christ. I find solace in scripture and song. Because of the many ingredients in this sauce, I have compiled a list of “secrets” to encourage you in your tunnel journey.

“Secrets” to Surviving and Thriving During My Tunnel Year and Beyond

Scripture-My journal is full of rich passages that spoke to me deeply. I have chosen my favorite 10 to share with you:

Joshua 1:5b, 6a, 7a, and vs 9
Psalms 23-26
Psalm 94:19
Psalm 130:5
Psalm 138:3
Isaiah 54:17
2 Corinthians 4:8 and 9 in the Amplified Version
Philippians 4:13 in the Amplified Version
2 Timothy 1:7
Hebrews 12:2 in the Good News Translation

Music– I have different playlists on my phone. Here are 10 from the many I compiled in my tunnel:

I Am Not Alone Kari Jobe
Even If MercyMe
Help From Heaven Matt Redman
My Story Big Daddy Weave
Let Them See You JJ Weeks Band
My Hope is Built On Nothing Less Hymn
It is Well Bethel Music
Through it All Colton Dixon
You Alone Kim Hill
All I Want Michael W. Smith

Community-I have amazing friends! I urge you to reach out to partners who will tunnel-walk with you. Maybe a support group or counselor? Ask around for recommendations and/or look for a Celebrate Recovery in your area: http://locator.crgroups.info/

Prayer– At times I ask for prayer (but not enough). Don’t be afraid to do so. I find others are happy to do something to help and this is something all can do. Also, pray for yourself. I often pray the Psalms aloud.

Thankful Journal– Even on the toughest days, good things can be found. Counting my blessings is therapy.

Self-care– Important! I struggle here. Thankfully, my friends nag me and get me out and feed me. Chocolate is wonderful medicine. Eat well. Sleep. Seek joy. Find fun. If money allows, get a haircut or massage.

News– I take it in small doses. The negativity (especially during the election) makes my low-spirits even lower.

Social Media– BEWARE: The lives of others seem better, happier and more fun than mine. Again, small doses.

Serve, Give and Encourage– When the time is right. I love to write and speak and both have been cathartic for me.

There you have it, The Secret Sauce. May God be our Solid Rock through each tunnel we meet in this life. And may we shine His light to a world in need of His Secret Sauce.

I Wish I Had Your Life

February 20, 2017 By Kristin Saatzer 2 Comments

The Practice of Gratitude: Part 1

We purchased a house needing tons of work during my fourth pregnancy. As moving day approached, the doctor placed me on partial bed rest. It was a stressful time: moving preparations, finishing our home school year, caring for my boys and the little one inside me. Life found me tired, overwhelmed, and huge. Not the epitome of a grateful human.

Cheating on the doctor’s orders one morning, the boys and I snuck to Trader Joe’s. My blood pressure began to boil as we shopped. My brood behaved badly. Instead of helping me as planned, they argued. Then, when not arguing, two of them made gun and burp sounds while the one in the cart barked like a dog at full decibel.

I walked away from our cart o’ fun to a small corner of the small store. As a mental breakdown took place in my head, I wondered: Why did I ever have kids? Why were my kids the naughtiest children ever? Was I CRAZY in having another one? Why hadn’t God just given me one little girl as my plan had been? How was I going to handle an eternity of listening to burp and gun sounds?

Once I semi-got a grip, I turned around and there standing next to my cart talking to the boys was my friend. My infertile friend.

Poor thing, I unloaded on her. As I spoke, her eyes clouded, while she listened sweetly. She then replied, “Kris, I know you are hormonal and tired. The boys are challenging. But think about this: I wish I had your life. I just want one child and you have four.”

So, I got down on my swollen knees and begged her to trade lives with me!Continue Reading

My Best-Loved Books of 2016

January 5, 2017 By Kristin Saatzer 4 Comments

Can we talk about books?

I enjoyed this last year (see: http://wp.me/p4RztF-ve).

Let’s do it again!

Most of the following books did not come out in 2016 and there is no particular order of favorites. I use the Goodreads app. On the app, is a list of books I’d like to read. I usually check books out at the library or borrow them on my Kindle. Sometimes I’ll splurge and buy a book if it is one I know I’ll want to highlight and return to again and again. Amazon offers used books and free shipping oftentimes for Prime members. I also like http://www.half.com As a bookaholic, I must keep my book budget down to keep the children fed.