Sally Clarkson's Blog

Embodying The Life Of God In Your Home

Home is the place where souls are shaped and nurtured. Each of us, as mothers, has the ability to picture and embody the life of God in our own homes.

The starting point is to see our home domain as a kingdom. We are the queens, ruling those domains. As sovereigns, we have the responsibility to rule over them with excellence and intentionality, shaping the outcome of the lives lived there.

We can cultivate samples of His creativity by filling our homes with ­ art — pictures on the walls, books in baskets, arrangements of flowers strewn through our rooms, pianos or flutes or violins or whatever we like readily available so we can all practice music, paints and crayons for drawing pictures of things real or ­ imagined — there is an endless amount of ways to pass on the reality of our living and vibrant God through our home life.

What might you do today to add reminders of all the beauty of God inside your own home?

Read more about this in Mom Heart Moments.

Mom Heart Moments: Daily Devotions for Lifegiving Motherhood By Clarkson, Sally Buy on Amazon

Tea Time Tuesday: Self-Control Ties Attributes Together

Click here to play today’s new podcast episode.

Self Control: The ability to control oneself, one's emotions, desires or expression of them in one's behavior.

Self-control—the last attribute of the Holy Spirit. This attribute ties the spirit’s attributes together. A action of our will, of obedience is required to have self-control, to live out all the Spirit wants to produce through us.

Over the past 45 years, I have spent hundreds of hours writing and podcasting by myself, sequestered at a small table or couch, working on articles to encourage, inspire, women in relationship to God.

Sometimes I am inspired to work, sometimes I am just weary, tired. But over 50 years ago, I told God, “I will be your girl.” “Tell me what your Holy Spirit would like me to do.” Over the years, I learned the meaning of self-control. I worked when I felt like it, when I didn’t.

It required self-control, when I felt like quitting, but the Holy Spirit patiently taught me to keep working. I can see I was not always self-controlled. I learned little by little, one step at a time. It was not a part of my character at first, but it was my spiritual worship of God, to love Him, to make Him known. One article, one post, one book at a time came from using my will, shaped by the Holy Spirit to keep accomplishing the work He wanted me to do. Even as a toddler grows toward adulthood, so we grow from immaturity to maturity little by little by His grace, a long obedience in the same direction.

Self-control means we learn not give in to impulses to be angry, offended, lazy, unkind. Instead, we fill our hearts with His word and admonitions. Out of a desire to please Him, we exercise our will to obey His word, to grow stronger bit by bit in these attributes the the Holy Spirit teaches us. Our character muscle grows strong because of God’s presence working in us.

Maturity, spiritual strength is not automatic, but produced one moment at a time, as we love God by choosing to live out the fruit of His Spirit living through us. When prompted to show love instead of anger, being kind and patient when we feel impatient. We choose to believe in God’s goodness, presence, when we are tempted to be discouraged.

What Does The Music Of Your Home Sound Like?

Even as an orchestra needs a conductor to choose the music, lead rehearsals, and unite all of the instruments into a harmonious sound, so every home needs someone who conducts what I call the life music of a home—its ­atmosphere.

What does the music of home “sound” like? Each home is different and will have a unique melody that defines its atmosphere, but to me there are particular themes and voices that belong in every home. These are the elements that transform a mere space into a haven of refuge, a resource of growth, and a transmitter of grace. Allow me to point out a few with my baton.

The music of welcome; of safety; of knowledge and wisdom; of beauty; of relationship; of nourishment; of rest.

My home has been decades in the making. It did not come together all at once. In my seventies, I am still refining and refreshing the atmosphere to meet the needs of my husband, our now-adult children when they come to visit, and me. It all began with the decision to begin—to envision, plan, and build. But it didn’t end there. Having a home that tells a great story happens over time as we mature, refine, create, and love.

Read more about this in The Lifegiving Home.

The Lifegiving Home: Creating a Place of Belonging and Becoming By Clarkson, Sally, Clarkson, Sarah Buy on Amazon

Celebrate Life Today

There comes a point when as a mother, you realize, “My children will never again be just the way they are now. I don't know dwell all be here together next Christmas or even next week.”

But you are a family now, today, this moment, and can celebrate each minute as it unfolds. It's your choice.

So make the choice to celebrate life with your family. It is so easy to think that life consists of the assorted responsibilities, tasks, and crises that fill up the hours of each homeschooling day. But it doesn't. The parts of life that matter most are the unexpected moments and memories that happen each day—the ones that won't be forgotten.

Choose to be thankful, and learn to be content. You'll find the joy that God wants you to know.

Read more about this in Seasons of A Mother’s Heart.

Seasons of a Mother’s Heart: Heart-to-Heart Encouragement for Homeschooling Moms By Clarkson, Sally Buy on Amazon

Tea Time Tuesday: Gentleness Comes From the Heart of God

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“Take My yoke upon you, and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart; and you shall find rest for your souls.” -Matthew 11:29

I was awake last night from 3-4 a.m. This morning when I awakened, I cuddled and wiggled into my soft, warm, squishy duvet. I was mentally glancing at my heart-feelings. They were a little fretful. I lay there feeling I needed to make some big decisions that had come into my life. I pondered questions about the future, about my children’s health, lives, and future, and the state of our crazy world and country. All of a sudden, God seemed to whisper, “Be gentle with yourself today. Don’t make this day the one where you get everything done, figure life out, take care of everyone else in the world. Just be still, just rest, just breathe in my peace.” Truly, it was the message that came to my heart, even though it would be a busy, demanding one, I could choose to be mindful of gentleness.

I eased into my morning, gentle, soft music, my favorite china mug filled with hot, steaming tea, a candle flickering, a view to my gently shimmering aspen trees outside. Ahhh, peace.

Many years, I lived as Martha, rushing around, busying myself, planning more than I could accomplish, then getting grumpy with kids when life didn’t go as planned. I could see how fruitless and wasted this attitude was, but something pushed me, perhaps from guilt, to work harder, push more, get more done.

Little by little, I learned that I cannot control life, I am not in charge of the universe. Children, computers and people do not easily and naturally conform to “Sally’s” expectations and demands. I wasted energy and emotion being a bit anxious, demanding.

Today, I explore gentleness as fruit of the Spirit. Jesus said, "Learn from me and you will find rest." You will see in many verses I share today, gentleness comes from the heart of God, even amidst a busy life. The more we experience His gentleness in the depths of our hearts, where fears, selfishness and anxiety live, the more we will be able to exhibit the gentleness of Christ to those surrounding us. Our children, husband, friends, long for gentleness as our response.

Keeping Calm and Carrying On

Vow: A solemn promise that gives accountability to the choices made in light of that vow.

44 years ago on August 30, Clay and I got married in Texas with about 150 friends. and family. We made vows to God, “To have and to hold from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, as long as we both shall live.”

I understood that this vow, sacred promise, was given to God as a trust of how I would seek to please Him in this sacred relationship. Thankful we are still here after 44 years with great expectation for what is ahead, whatever it may hold.

I had no idea what we were in for and I didn’t know how young and unseasoned I was, how much I needed to learn, or how I would deeply learn the meaning of perseverance as well as unconditional love.

In His loving patience, God has graciously companioned us through every kind of season, stretched us, blessed us, and given us a legacy of His love and grace. I am deeply grateful.

Love you, Clay.

Let us keep calm and carry on.

We Must Learn To Rejoice And Be Glad

I have always told my children that they might as well decide to embrace God’s will for their lives right where they are and engage in the present moment with as much faith and wisdom and skill as they can, because their circumstances are not going to miraculously change.

If we accept the puzzle we have been given and ask, “What can I learn at this juncture, God? How should I be humble and glorify You in this place?” then we will become stronger, developing muscles of faith, wisdom, humility, and understanding.

Contentment and peace come by releasing our expectations and accepting our specific, “right now” circumstances as a place where we can learn to grow and flourish.

Read more about this in Different.

Different: The Story of an Outside-the-Box Kid and the Mom Who Loved Him By Clarkson, Sally, Clarkson, Nathan Buy on Amazon

Tea Time Tuesday: Dancing Through My Life

Click here to play today’s new podcast episode.

“Those who were seen dancing were thought to be insane by those who could not hear the music.”

—Friedrich Nietzsche

When I saw this photo my friend had taken, to me it looked like I was about to start dancing to “Singing in the Rain.” I have always loved swaying to music, dancing—and listening to the music that is all around us that often others do not hear.

The above quote is one of my favorite quotes. I want to be the one who joyfully heard the hidden music in beauty of life. I think aspen leaves dance in the wind, poppies dance to a hidden waltz, and of course I love to see sweet babies naturally have dancing bubbling up from within—as they keep dancing and twirling rhythmically to snappy melodic tunes. Dancing in life is a way to defy the darkness.

This whole week, I am sequestered away with Clay on the first sort of holiday we have had alone together in over ten years. Life, children, grandchildren, moving back and forth overseas has kept us from doing this. But this week, I am breathing in mountain air, swaying mountain wild flowers, writing in my journal, listening to music, lighting my candles, eating great food, watching intriguing and beautiful shows from time to time and restoring my soul. And in the midst of really vacating, I forgot that I had a podcast to record.

So, I have recorded a short one anyway and have a little story to tell you about a bear and a dog. My friends, this week, be still and listen to the music of life that is pulsating from the heart of God, create a few moments of peace and I pray you are blessed with joy unexpected even if for a few moments.

Sending you love and blessings from deep in the Colorado mountains.

The Essence of Discipleship

I have been reflecting on the days when my children were younger, at home with me. When I could regularly carve out time to spend with my dear ones, leaving dishes on the counter, chores undone, emails unanswered, texts unread, just for extra time with them.

Real moments of life have been shared deeply and will live on in my heart: one child in jammies next to me on the porch, with tea in hand. Another, leaning against me on my small love seat, with a hand to hold and stroke, sharing dreams, wishes, secrets, and prayers.

Another coming to lie next to me one night just after I had climbed into bed, to talk deeply about life. A long discussion, filled with antics, robust laughter, fears, stresses, and requests for affirmation.

Your children are a blessing to the world, and to you, too. Breathe deep today and enjoy them.

Read more about this in Mom Heart Moments.

Mom Heart Moments: Daily Devotions for Lifegiving Motherhood By Clarkson, Sally Buy on Amazon

Conducting The Music Of Your Family's Life

​There are so many laws, rules, and formulas out there that can​ pile up burdens of guilt on any mom.​ There were always rules to make me​ question myself:

“The best time to meet with God is in the early hours of​ the morning—if you don’t study the Bible then, you will miss out​ on His voice of greeting.”

“A real mom keeps all of the insides of her drawers organized.”

“A real mom sews; after all, the Proverbs 31 woman did.”

“A real mom corrects every single disobedient action of her​ children.”

“A real mom doesn’t work or spend time away from her​ children.”

God wants you to be alive and share in that life with​ your children. He wants to help you develop a foundation of joy,​ imagination, and beauty in the lives you share together.

What kind of home​ do you want to live in? How can you craft a home and a schedule​ that is interesting for you and your children? 

In taking responsibility​ for being a conductor of the music of your and your family’s life,​ you will find joy and fulfillment, and, as I did with my sweet kids,​ eventually find that you have developed your own best friends out​ of your own children, who have learned to love what you love.