Sally ClarksonRezensionen

There is no greater, nobler, or more fulfilling calling than that of motherhood. Every day, as they nurture their children, mothers influence eternal destiny as no one else can. Yet often women are drawn to seek fulfillment outside of God's design, despite their inherent desire to embrace motherhood with their whole hearts.

Today's culture minimizes the vital importance of a mother's role. By catching a vision of God's original design and allowing it to shape their lives, mothers can rediscover the joy and fulfillment to be found in the strategic role to which God has called them - for a purpose far greater than they can imagine.

In "The Mission of Motherhood", author, speaker, and mother Sally Clarkson closely examines this God-ordained plan for mothers, introduced in the book of Genesis and upheld throughout his Word. Using practical examples, her own personal anecdotes, a challenging vision, and sound scriptural support, Clarkson upholds the traditional, biblical view of God's plan for motherhood - giving mothers exactly the support they need to persevere in cultivating and sharing their hearts for God, for their children, and for their homes.

Because Motherhood Isn't Just a Job. It's a Calling.

A mother's day is packed with a multitude of tasks that require energy and time: preparing meals, washing clothes, straightening and cleaning the house, and caring for children. These jobs all are necessary and crucially important. But in the dailyness of providing for a child' s physical, emotional, and social needs, vital opportunities for spiritual nurture and training can be overlooked.

This doesn't have to be the case. You can focus your energy on what matters most.

Learn how you can:
- Make Life's Mundane and Nitty-Gritty Moments Work for You and Not Against You.
- Discover Ways to Make Character-Building a Natural Part of Live.
- Teach Your Child in the Same Way Jesus Taught the Disciples.
- Pass on Crucial Gifts that Will Serve Your Family for a Lifetime.

Using biblical wisdom and practical teachings, Sally Clarkson shows how you can make a lasting difference in your child's life by following the pattern Christ set with his own disciples-a model that will inspire and equip you to intentionally embrace the rewarding, desperately needed, and immeasurably valuable Ministry of Motherhood.

The first time I started reading this book I was encouraged to take my role as mom more seriously. However, something happened and the book sat on my shelf for a few years. My mom's group decided to read it over the summer and this time I finished.

The book lays a foundation upon which to build relationships with our children and stresses the importance of discipleship. She uses illustrations from her own life and imaginings of what Jesus's disciples may have thought to make her points.

I was encouraged to change the way I approach my kids and reminded of why they've been given to me in the first place.

Children are taught to love themselves for who they are. Children are taught that no one is the same and the differences is what make us special and unique. Children are also taught that just because you are different doesn't make you any less valuable or loved.
Age: 3-6
Source: Amazon

I rarely read parenting books, but I love reading Sally Clarkson’s books and thoughts on parenting. Having enjoyed The Lifegiving Home and Awaking Wonder, I had high expectations for Sally and Clay’s new book, Giving Your Words: The Lifegiving Power of a Verbal Home for Family Faith Formation. I felt less engaged with this book than Sally’s prior books, but I still found it inspirational. I love that her mothering style is based on loving well and serving her children, rather than simple behavior modification and heavy-handed parental discipline.

Giving Your Words encourages parents to use their words in affirmative ways that create a healthy environment for personal and spiritual growth. The Clarksons go beyond positive speaking to explicate how creating a verbal home can lay the foundation for a child’s faith. While I did get a bit of the “do this and your child will turn out right” vibe, Sally and Clay have four well-rounded, accomplished children that bear witness to their methods.

My upbringing was vastly different from the ethos that Sally and Clay created for their children, but the Clarksons make creating a verbal home seem possible even for someone raised in a less ideal environment. The book’s guidance relies heavily on a traditional family of father, mother, and children. It needed another chapter addressing alternative situations such a spouse that doesn’t share the same family vision or co-parenting with an ex-spouse. Overall, Giving Your Words inspires and encourages parents to mindfully create a home atmosphere that nurtures spiritual growth for children.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I was provided a copy of this book by the author or publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.

I admire Sally Clarkson but this is not her best work. Much too long on her own personal musings and much too short on practical application.

For my full, non-spoiler review: https://christianlovingbooks.blogspot.com/2020/03/the-life-giving-table-review.h...

For my full, non-spoiler review: https://christianlovingbooks.blogspot.com/2019/03/own-your-life-review.html

Ideas of making home comfortable and family feel loved and treasured.

the book will make you feel like a lazy failure. There is no way she did everything she says she did and had time for anything else. There were special meals and actives every night of the week for an entire year, every single year.

A list of books they read together or separately.

I enjoyed this book so much. I think it's a timely book s there is so much going on in our world and it can feel as though we are literally drowning under the weight of it all.

Sally is very open in this book - much more so than in her other books. In fact, as much as I enjoyed her other books and got a lot out of them, I appreciated the open honesty that her life wasn't perfect. I always had the idea that her family was trouble free and happy every moment. Although I know this couldn't be true, it put a lot of pressure on me as a wife and mother. I came away from this book feeling more uplifted.

She shares the struggles in her marriage and as a mother and shares how she learned to navigate these tough issues. Many of the thngs she went through resonated so much with me and I found them helpful as I navigate new difficult issues in my life. Scripture is timeless and she points us to so many wonderful Scriptures to encourage and edify us.

My book is heavily highlighted because I know that I'm going to revisit her book again and again for encouragement as I go through difficult times. Her book is so encouraging and gives us a road map for dealing with hard things. She also made me feel like the hard things were a normal part of life but, with God, we can navigate them without completely going under.

I highly recommend this book. It will encourage you and make you feel better just for reading it. I give this book 5 stars.

*This book was provided to me by Bethany House. I received a copy of this book to review but I was not financially compensated in any way. The opinions expressed are my own and are based on my observations while reading this book.

We live in a broken and hurting world, and just because we are Christians doesn’t mean we are immune from the pain life brings. Sally Clarkson offers readers practical advice for handling the storms of life in Help, I’m Drowning!

With a conversational tone, Clarkson shares hers and others’ experiences in several areas of life—including depression, loneliness, relationships, fear, and much more. Each section is anchored with Biblical reminders that storms of life are not new, that others have faced similar storms and walked through to the other side.

The truth is no one is immune from broken relationships, misunderstandings, disappointments, illness, exhaustion, and so many other trials that come from a fallen world. Don’t believe me? Just look at 2020 and 2021. While there was nothing new (no eye-opening, earth-shattering epiphanies), it is a timely reminder and encouragement that as Christians, we are not alone in our storms.

When we take steps to change our perspective and hearts, we count our storms as blessings. Because of those storms our faith is firmer and we gather wisdom to share with those who follow. Help, I’m Drowning will help readers face the storms of life with courage, grace, and trust.

Disclosure statement: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.

Awaking Wonder stands as the best nonfiction book I have read in 2020. Sally Clarkson’s heart for encouraging parents to embrace wonder resonates on every page of the book. She offers fascinating insights into her personal journey as she presents her case for the importance of cultivating wonder. She challenges parents to strive for ideals and model attributes they want their children to emulate. Yet, she balances ideals with real life realities such as household chores and family conflicts. Near the end, she discusses openly what she would have done differently.

Reading Awaking Wonder felt like sitting down with a wise, beloved mentor. I felt affirmed in my choice to homeschool. Certain suggestions and ideals inspired me to strive for excellence. Most importantly, the author’s encouragement infused me with excitement and joy to continue our homeschooling journey.

I recommend Awaking Wonder: Opening Your Child’s Heart to the Beauty of Learning by Sally Clarkson to all homeschooling parents. Though the concepts of the book can be applied by all parents, the heart of this book is centered on homeschool-style education.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I was provided a copy of this book by the author or publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.

Sally Clarkson is such a wise, reassuring voice in conversations about morning and education, and this book was no exception. As a homeschool mom, I need every reminder I can get to step away from the checklist and look my two precious children in the eye and connect with THEM. I will be coming back to this one again and again.

Excellent book. It is one I’d like to listen to more than once for all the wonderful ideas that are helpful. Their thoughts and ideas are definitely edifying to our family. I get the impression that I’d love to sit down and talk to this mother and daughter for tea.

I will say it might be helpful to young mothers in particular to remember, though, that we are all limited even as we wish to grow as mothers. I could not implement all the suggestions mentioned in this book but can pull some now and hopefully add more later. The principles shared are beautiful. The practices are helpful. There are too many things, though, that I could add that this loving family does, but they communicate the ideas with kindness and grace. Thus, sometimes I’d chuckle and think, “how in the word did they do so much?” but never felt despair. I did have to remind myself that I’m limited, but the things they shared did not come across as you should follow their lifestyle or you’d ruin your kids. I’ve read a couple of parenting books where I left thinking that was the case and am glad this book wasn’t like that.

Instead the Clarkson ladies inspired and helped me as a mother with their joy, kindness and eagerness to nourish their family’s souls. I hope to read more of their books and listen to their podcasts after this book.

Sally Clarkson has been a wonderful parenting mentor for me through her books and podcast. Her latest treasure, written with her youngest son, Nathan, shares the story of Nathan's growing up from the perspective of child and parent. From the beginning, Nathan was a "different" child; he didn't quite fit into everything that society said he should.With each one telling the story from their own points of view, it helps illuminate the struggles felt both as a child and as a parent. It's a wonderful book that shouldn't be missed out on, regardless of whether you have an out-of-the-box child or not.

You really never can go wrong with a book by Sally Clarkson. Full of wisdom and with a heart full of joy, her books are not just books; they are experiences. Her latest, "The Lifegiving Table," is no exception. Drawing on her own experience and ideals, coupled with her heart for families and discipleship, she weaves together a book full of ideas on how to bring meaning and depth to the family dinner table.

With my two young boys at home, our dinnertime is often chaotic and loud and messy. This book helps me feel like it is possible to have meaningful conversation and traditions. Even while recognizing that not every idea she presents in this book is practical in every home, there is plenty to stir my own thoughts toward what I can practically do in my own home.

Each chapter includes thoughts to ponder and ideas to try, plus several recipes that coincide with the topic of each chapter. There is also an appendix that is chock full of conversation starters. I loved the points in this book and will continue to draw on material I found here to nurture my own family's dinner time conversations. Highly recommend!

(I’ve received this complimentary book from Tyndale House Publishers in exchange for a review. A positive review was not required and the views expressed in my review are strictly my own.)

Ah, Sally Clarkson is definitely my mentor for motherhood. I love her insights, her encouragement, her stories of parenting. In this book, she shares how moms can disciple their children by reaching their hearts. It's perfect for a devotional time or a small group to go through. There are five sections; each section opens with an imaginative retelling of a gospel story, then follows with several chapters tied to the theme of the section. Each section concludes with questions that can be used for personal reflection or group discussion. A lovely book!

"The Lifegiving Parent" by Clay and Sally Clarkson completes the "Lifegiving" trilogy that also includes "The Lifegiving Home" and "The Lifegiving Table" by Sally Clarkson. This particular addition focuses on parenting and can easily be read together by spouses, as opposed to others that Sally writes that are specifically geared for women.

If you want to get to the beating heart of being a lifegiving parent, you'll find it in opening your home to the love of God, the light of God, and the life of God. If you faithfully keep the symbolic door, windows, and vents of your home open, then your house will be full of God's love, light, and life. Lifegiving parenting is all about creating a home for your children that is loving, enlightened, and alive with the presence and life of God. (p. 16).

The book presents eight heartbeats of lifegiving parenting, including guarding your child's heart, renewing your child's mind, and cultivating your child's character. These heartbeats help give Christian parents a way to bring the life of God into the home, as opposed to simply exposing children to Christian activities and media. Clay writes the bulk of each particular chapter. Sally offers her reflections in a little section at the end of each chapter called "Momoirs". Each chapter concludes with some tips on how to practically bring each heartbeat into your own home.

I absolutely love everything the Clarksons write. They draw on years of marriage and parenting experience and manage to make everything incredibly relatable. While not everything they have done is practical to implement in my own home, I find my own wheels turning on how I can make things work in ways that suit my own family. This book is an outstanding treasure to add to anyone's parenting collection. As a bonus, they did a podcast series corresponding to the different heartbeats which was enjoyable to listen as I completed the chapters for some added insights.

(I’ve received this complimentary book from Tyndale House Publishers in exchange for a review. A positive review was not required and the views expressed in my review are strictly my own.)

In a society that has increasingly moved from in-person connection to online social media as a way to connect, we as a society have largely lost the true meaning and way of friendship. Despite our perceived connections, studies have shown that we are lonelier than ever. This new release from the Sally, Sarah, and Joy Clarkson is a breath of fresh air and encouragement for women everywhere. They encourage us by sharing their stories and experiences with cultivating community and investing in the women in our lives.

I truly appreciated the different perspectives that each woman brought to this book. Sally brings with her years of life and ministry experience. Sarah is a wife and new mom navigating life in England. Joy is a young, single PhD student studying in Scotland. They share about times of loneliness and how they overcame it, stepping out and choosing to initiate community and friendship even when it may have seemed hard, and choosing to cultivate characteristics in their own lives that will help them be a better friend. Loaded with wisdom, insight, and encouragement, this is a wonderful book to read through with a friend or a women's group.

"With this book, we wish to pass on a vision for the power that friendship between women can generate and also to sketch some practical wisdom for cultivating these relationships. If nothing else, we hope to set your imagination free and to paint a picture of what richness and delight and depth friendship can hold." (p. xxv)

(I’ve received this complimentary book from Tyndale House Publishers in exchange for a review. A positive review was not required and the views expressed in my review are strictly my own.)

Do you struggle with loneliness? Do you need more female friendships in your life? Do you want to strengthen the friendships you already have? If you answered any of the above questions with a “yes,” then “Girls’ Club: Cultivating Lasting Friendship in a Lonely World” by Sarah, Sally & Joy Clarkson, is for you. Even if you didn’t answer “yes,” this is a great resource and you should check it out!

“Girls’ Club: Cultivating Lasting Friendship in a Lonely World” by Sarah, Sally & Joy Clarkson is written by a mother and her two daughters. I like how different sections of the book are told from a different person’s point of view. I also love the relatable stories from their lives on friendship that they share throughout.

The authors address the issue of loneliness in today’s world. Ultimately, Christ heals us of our fundamental loneliness and answers the question, “Am I loveable?” The Clarksons gave so many practical tips on how to be a good friend, how to make friends and how to strengthen friendships. I found myself putting the book down multiple times to text or call my friends and apply what I had read. This book is such a wonderful resource that I highly recommend!

Content: This is a clean read.

Rating: I give this book 4 stars.

Genre: Christian non-fiction.

I want to thank Tyndale House Publishers and Sarah, Sally & Joy Clarkson for the complimentary copy of this book for review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I express in this review are my own. This is in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s CFR 16, Part 255.

I am not sure how to write a review for one of the best parenting books I have ever read. Every single page was inspiring. I have continually read tons of books on parenting to gather skills that I did not learn and instill virtue in my own heart. Sally and Clay have written something I will read again and again. I have already purchased the study book so that I can work my way back through it. Read it. If you see Sally out and about, ask her if she will come live with me.

This book will help you realize the time you have with your kids is precious and how to number the days you have with them. You will be equipped to nurture your child's spirit, guard their heart, renew their mind, and shape their will/character. In the process, yours will be shaped and formed as well. It is full of what is good, true, and beautiful.

My favorite line:

"Only you-parents alive in Christ because of the Holy Spirit within you-have the ability and power of the Spirit to make your home a Christian home. Engagement with Christian culture does not define a Christian home; engagement with the living Christ does."

This book was graciously given by Tyndale House for review.

I found this book both challenging and inspiring to read. I liked the strong focus on building a loving relationship with your children, getting to know them as people and spending time with them. She also highlighted how important it is to be honest and open in your faith and being deliberate in passing this on to your children. And I am totally all for drinking tea more often during the day!

Here are some quotes from the book that stood out to me:

The fundamental mission of motherhood is to nurture, protect and instruct children, to create a home environment that enables them to learn and grow, to help them develop a heart for God and his purposes and to send them out into the world prepared to live both fully and meaningfully.

My calling as a mother is the same as any other Christian's: to fulfil God's will for our lives and to glorify Him.

Choosing to be a servant-mother means willingly giving up myself, my expectations, and my time to the task of mothering - and choosing to believe that doing so is the best use of my time at that moment.

Life changing book!!

The Lifegiving Home by Sally and Sarah Clarkson is about creating a home for yourself, your family and friends through intention, creativity as as well as through a strong relationship with God. A lifegiving home can be done on any budget as it's not about the things you buy, it's about the quality of life and home. Creating a space you enjoy and where you and others can feel loved, cherished and supported.

I found this book to be inspirational and full of practical tips and guidance in helping me to work towards my goals of creating a home environment that I and my family want to live in. This book truly touched my heart!

I highly recommend this book (5 Stars!). I also want to to let you know that Sally and Sarah have co-written The Lifegiving Experience: a 12 Month Guided Journey as well as a wonderful website: The Lifegiving Resources. They really great and so worth checking out!

Thank to Tyndale Publishing and Edelweiss for the gift of this book in exchange for an honest review.