Sally Clarkson's Blog, page 134
October 4, 2017
C.S. Lewis on Table, An Oxford Prof and Why Stories Matter (And an ART Print to give away!)
Sometimes God provides a serendipitous gift that delights your heart, but you didn't even know to ask for it. Michael Ward was such a gift. He was Sarah's first private tutor, (prof to us!), and over several years of events that we all shared together, he quickly became a family friend.
As it happens, an artist wrote to me about a week ago and said she would love to give one of our audience a lovely print about children. It just happened that Dr. Ward, (Michael), was coming to stay in our home and to give a lecture in Colorado Springs.
So, naturally I thought, "I should ask him to give us some insight on the importance of "table" in the life of C.S. Lewis, as that is his expertise. And I will give away an Art print to go along with the podcast. He shared so much more. I know you will love this surprise "mini-podcast" I made just for launch week.
And, What a great time we had at the FB Live Launch Party on Tuesday evening! We had so much fun giving many prizes away to you, our audience. I would just love for you to share about the launch of my new book with your friends. If you missed our party, you can watch the replay here. If you won a prize, please email admin@wholeheart.org and let us know which prize you won and your contact and mailing information.
I am so excited to share this Mini-Podcast with you. He and I sat down in my library surrounded by our favorite books and recorded this podcast for you. I know you will enjoy hearing his lovely accent and his insight about stories and C.S. Lewis.
INSERT PODCAST HERE
We sat down quickly together and recorded this conversation after a quick breakfast the morning I left for Nashville. I know you will enjoy hearing his lovely accent and his insight about stories, an inspirational poem and C.S. Lewis about table time.
The Lifegiving Table: Nurturing Faith through Feasting, One Meal at a Time
I know someone will love this C.S. Lewis art print created by Alissa Merritt.
To enter to win, please share about my new book, The LIfegiving Table, and leave a comment letting us know where you shared.
Play Episode #104
C. S. Lewis' home, The Kilns
"Spud" is the name his close friends call him. So happy to be in this auspicious company of people. (Clay's hands holding up our welcome sign. :))
Love (III)George Herbert, 1593 - 1633
Love bade me welcome: yet my soul drew back,
Guilty of dust and sin.
But quick-eyed Love, observing me grow slack
From my first entrance in,
Drew nearer to me, sweetly questioning
If I lacked anything.
“A guest," I answered, “worthy to be here”:
Love said, “You shall be he.”
“I, the unkind, ungrateful? Ah, my dear,
I cannot look on thee.”
Love took my hand, and smiling did reply,
“Who made the eyes but I?”
“Truth, Lord; but I have marred them; let my shame
Go where it doth deserve.”
“And know you not," says Love, “who bore the blame?”
“My dear, then I will serve.”
“You must sit down," says Love, “and taste my meat.”
So I did sit and eat.
Also today, I have a beautiful gift for one of you! Alissa Merritt of Ivy Letter Co. has a gorgeous watercolor print for one of you who leaves a comment on this post. This is one of my favorite quotes that has inspired me for years. Also, Ivy Letter Co. is offering all of my readers 10 % off of any purchase with the code LIFEGIVINGTABLE. Thank you, Ivy Letter Co!
I would love for you to share about my books in all of your places. Remember to leave a comment below and tell me where you shared it and you will be entered to win.
Now available for purchase here or wherever books are sold.
October 3, 2017
Simple, Savory Sarah-Strone!
What a wonderfully fun time we are having this week, as we launch my new books, The Lifegiving Table and The Lifegiving Table Experience! We had a fantastic launch party Tuesday evening and it was fun to give away wonderful prizes which we've shared below. Thank you all for sharing about this book; I pray it will be an encouragement to you as you gather around your own tables.
Some of our family's favorite recipes have come about because someone decided to try something new! Here's a simple, wonderful recipe Sarah made up one day. It's become a family favorite, and nice because it's mostly a matter of chopping and simmering.
Sarah-strone
1-2 Tbs olive oil
2 Turkey sausages slice thin
I whole onion, chopped
a heaping tablespoon of garlic
1 large can (29 ounces?) tomatoes (I like the chopped)
1 full can of water--or a little more to taste
2-3 thinly sliced zucchini
1 can beans (navy beans preferred--but we didn't have them last night so we used pinto)
1-2 teaspoons salt to taste
1 heaping tablespoon Italian seasoning
Saute sausage, onions and garlic in olive oil in a large soup pan. Add the tomatoes, water, salt and zucchini. Simmer for 20-30 minutes until the zucchini is soft. Add the beans and seasoning and salt. Simmer another little while (I think it tastes better if you just leave it on to simmer while you are doing other things--the tastes blend together better.)
Sprinkle Parmesan cheese and a small dollop of sour cream on top and enjoy!
And here are the winners we announced last night!*please remember, if you've won a prize, to email your address and information to admin@wholeheart.org so we can send them your way!Lifegiving Home book set: Wanda Opitz, Katie Miller, Megan Knight, Sara Karr, Kris Grafton
Lifegiving Home CDs: Arletta Boulton, Ashley Byrd, Kylee Feagan, Jenna Boyd, Kelly Hammer
Child’s First Bible: Samantha Conrad
Inspire Art Bible: Ashley French
Prepdish Subscription: Courtney Cameron
Cultivating Life Subscription: Lee Seekins and Vinae Winn
Wood Art Strong Tower: Mariah Frantz
Wood Art Cultivating Beauty: Chelsea Ramos
Dayspring Mugs: Lisa Bosma, Sharon Frisch, Kate Harden, Amy Fulton
Dayspring Tray: Rhea Ward and Emily Washer
Dayspring Lazy Susan: Kara Ayres
The Lifegiving Table: Nurturing Faith through Feasting, One Meal at a Time
By Sally Clarkson
Martha and Mary Pitcher: Joy Price
James Runner: Justine Anstiss
James Napkins: Holly Miller
Ruth Simons Print: Jill Davis
Gracelaced Book: Lauren Smith *
Warrior Mama Painted Sign (for launch team member) Stacy Monk McCabe
Congratulations to all our winners, and thank you all so much for joining us! Please help us get the word out by sharing about the book today! You can find them here ...
October 2, 2017
Celebrate My Launch Day with me & Ellie Holcomb: Music, Tables and Planting a Flag
What a fun, exciting, wonderful day!
The Lifegiving Table: Nurturing Faith through Feasting, One Meal at a Time
I am so very excited to have my newest book, The Lifegiving Table, available for you to hold in your hands! Today is my official launch day. I hope it will inspire you, give you lots of ideas for how you can bring the life and love of Christ to all who join you at your table and that you will love trying some of my recipes.
A special treat for me today was the opportunity of having Ellie Holcomb as my guest on my podcast. We spoke of music, life stories, our table and planting a flag. You will love her story about how her new album came about and the story of her family holding fast together during some trials will touch your heart.
Find her newest album, Red Sea Road in your favorite places to purchase music. Hear about how this inspiring project came about.
Find Ellie and her amazing music in these places:
Instagram: ellieholcomb
Twitter @ ellieholcomb
FacebookEllie Holcomb
Her new album:
Don't forget to join me at my launch party tonight where we will give away 36 Gifts to those of you who left a comment here by sharing about my book and those who left a #mylifegivingtable photo.
Hope you win! Get your own copy and join Kristen and me for a new podcast series starting next Monday.
Play Episode 103
We shall have a grand time together. See you tonight!
Take me to the Facebook Page for the Launch Party
October 1, 2017
Celebrating the Table With Kristen, Sarah and Joy
Episode #102B Celebrating the Table with Kristen, Sarah and JoyPODCAST: DOWNLOAD ITUNES: SUBSCRIBE
Our celebration of the Life-Giving Table begins this week! In this episode, Sally is joined by Kristen Kill and they both share why the table is important to them, and why this book is really about something far greater than merely dinnertime. Then Sally is joined by her daughters, Sarah and Joy as they share memories, insight and encouragement about the Clarkson family table, traditions and the heart of why it all matters most. Join the first day of celebrations with us as we celebrate the launch of this new book and stay tuned all week for wonderful giveaways and surprises right here!
We don't want you to miss the LIve Book Launch Party tomorrow night, OCtober 3rd at 9ESt,hosted on sally's facebook page!Gather with your Momheart group or just on your own for encouragement, giveaways and a chance to win a weekend in Colorado gathered around Sally's table. Click here to find the Sally (and the big party!) on Facebook:
Take me to the facebook page
PIay episode #102B
September 28, 2017
My Favorite Blueberry Muffins!
"Friendships can be built by our intentionally purposing to serve others through our words, our meals, our conversation, our leadership." ~Sally Clarkson #thelifegivingtable www.thelifegivingtable.com
One of my favorite ways to build friendships is sharing a simple breakfast! These pretty muffins are a perfect addition to an elaborate brunch or a simple egg dish.
We're big fans of blueberry muffins in our family, and this recipe is especially wonderful to make ahead and pop into the fridge to be baked in the morning--the ultimate in yummy and at least somewhat healthy fast food!
Sally's Blueberry Muffins1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
3/4 cup brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons baking powder
The Lifegiving Table: Nurturing Faith through Feasting, One Meal at a Time
By Sally Clarkson
1/3 cup vegetable oil
1 egg
1/3 cup milk or 1/3 cup vanilla yogurt
1 cup fresh blueberries (you could also use frozen)
1/2 cup white sugar
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup butter, cubed
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon (very important!)
DIRECTIONS
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Grease muffin cups or line with muffin liners. Combine 1 1/2 cups flour, 3/4 cup sugar, salt and baking powder. Place vegetable oil into a 1 cup measuring cup; add the egg and enough milk to fill the cup. Mix this with flour mixture. Fold in blueberries. Fill muffin cups right to the top, and sprinkle with crumb topping mixture. To Make Crumb Topping: Mix together 1/2 cup sugar, 1/3 cup flour, 1/4 cup butter, and 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon. Mix with fork, and sprinkle over muffins before baking. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes in the preheated oven, or until done--or cover batter in pans and pop into the fridge to bake in the morning!
Enjoy!
September 27, 2017
Little Boys around the Table & A Kindle Giveaway!
PODCAST: DOWNLOADITUNES: SUBSCRIBE
As I have received letters in the past weeks about using our tables as a place to bring the life to God into our faith, our love, our friendship shared, many women have written me or talked to me about how to do it with little ones. So often, dinnertime is a struggle and it seems like all the little ones are bent on making messes and thwarting the "civilized" atmosphere of what we want our tables to be.
I am so excited to share this mini-podcast today with you. My sweet friend, Heather MacFadyen, has four little boys, and she knows the reality of trying to help them move toward maturity. She also knows what it feels like to fail and fall short of your own expectations when your own children act in an immature way.
Heather is the host of a wonderful podcast called The God Centered Mom. You can read more about her here and find her podcasts HERE Hope you are encouraged by our time together.
PLAY EPISODE
find heather here
Today, share about this podcast or this blog or my book, The Lifegiving Home and enter to win one of two kindle versions of my new book.
Leave a comment about how you shared and maybe you will win the kindle version of this. :) Hope our podcast today is fun and encouraging.
September 26, 2017
Home, Where you Belong
“Where we love and are loved is home, home where our feet might leave, but not our hearts.”
Oliver Wendell Holmes, Jr.
I can't even begin to count how many close friends I have made over a meal or cup of coffee or tea. There is something about stealing time away from the "busy" of life and sipping something wonderful, smooth and warm while sitting in an environment where secrets can be shared, silly moments discussed, sympathy is poured out and dreams become real in the speaking.
Strong coffees in Vienna with new friends who became "besties" gave me a love for tea times.
Saturday morning omelettes and cheesy egg quesadillas became the foundation of a Saturday tradition that knit my heart to my sweet daughters.
Tea times on my front porch with would be friends opened hearts together so we felt understood.
Tea Time Discipleship is what I call it. It is a strong draw to pull together when the atmosphere has been set, the table is laid, and the person feels welcome.
Recently, my sweet Joy, returning from Scotland and finishing her Master's Thesis, came home at the end of the day exhausted and in great need of a warm mama hug, and a "I am so grateful to share this time with you," hour of pure caring for her. We all need that place when we can come depleted and hope that someone will care for us. And if we are sensitive to the needs of other beloveds in our lives, we will provide that for them. Listen to an evening not long ago about how, by grace, I was able to turn a normal evening into a precious, friendship building memory. One of the glories we learn along the way is the fulfillment of becoming life artists in our own spaces.
Next Tuesday evening, I will have the privilege of sharing and celebrating my new book, The Lifegiving Table, with many of you. When I have launch parties, I love sharing pdf's and posters you can print out for your friends who attend your own local party so that each person can have something beautiful to take home. Next Tuesday night, I will be giving these small posters to the friends gathered at my table. If you would like to share them with your friends or just have them for yourselves, sign the form below and you will get a hard copy of the pdf's we have prepared for the party that night. Here are a couple of the ones you will receive when you sign up on the form.
A beautiful frameable pdf for your wall.
There are several pdf's that my amazing team at Tyndale has created for us. Have them printed at your local office supply store for a dollar or two and you will have a nice gift to give to those who come to your launch party--or just print it for yourself. Hope you enjoy! Just fill out the form below and you will receive it in your in box.
Name *
Name
First Name
Last Name
Email Address *
Note
Optional
Thank you!
Simple, Savory Sarah-Strone!
ome of our favorite recipes have come about because someone decided to try something new! Here's a simple, wonderful recipe Sarah made up one day! It's a family favorite, and nice because it's mostly a matter of chopping and simmering.
Sarah-strone
1-2 Tbs olive oil
2 Turkey sausages slice thin
I whole onion, chopped
a heaping tablespoon of garlic
1 large can (29 ounces?) tomatoes (I like the chopped)
1 full can of water--or a little more to taste
2-3 thinly sliced zucchini
1 can beans (navy beans preferred--but we didn't have them last night so we used pinto)
1-2 teaspoons salt to taste
1 heaping tablespoon Italian seasoning
Saute sausage, onions and garlic in olive oil in a large soup pan. Add the tomatoes, water, salt and zucchini. Simmer for 20-30 minutes until the zucchini is soft. Add the beans and seasoning and salt. Simmer another little while (I think it tastes better if you just leave it on to simmer while you are doing other things--the tastes blend together better.)
Sprinkle Parmesan cheese and a small dollop of sour cream on top and enjoy!
This was a great treat for us last week that Sarah made up on the spur of the moment! I had to repeat it this week to be sure I knew how! It is a real pleaser.
We're also big fans of blueberry muffins in our family, and this recipe is especially wonderful to make ahead and pop into the fridge to be baked in the morning--the ultimate in yummy and at least somewhat healthy fast food!
September 25, 2017
Cherishing the Moments, Celebrating Fall
Making time to celebrate our dinner table because the moments together are precious and few.
Sometimes there are seasons of life that converge to overwhelm us for weeks at a time. The past five weeks have almost done me in for many reasons, and yet here I am, alive and going forward one step at a time. And now, my book launch, traveling for 10 days and speaking at 2 conferences in Nashville (Wild and Free and Hutchmoot) and hosting an online party in between are only a few of the things on my plate. One moment at a time, one moment at a time.
Yet, having my 5 adult kids home to celebrate life together during this time meant that I was constantly making choices to invest in them instead of working. People take precedence over projects--this is a commitment that I made many years ago.
So, a last weekend, I determined that I would bring the fall colors into our home so that we could enjoy our traditions, even if it meant extending myself a little bit further. My lovies are not home very often, and so I wanted them to know the beauty and loveliness that they had always enjoyed every fall season before this in my home. And, many many meals have been made and consumed and hours and hours of talking, laughing, being together has knit our lives together more closely than before.
[image error]
Every morning, I light the candles in my living room and put on music and fill the tea kettle. Pajama'd girls come down first to sip tea, whisper, have quiet times and just enjoy being with each other. I will miss the sweet times we have had. Always, there are birds around the house, sprinkled here and there--it is a Sally thing.
We usually eat cheesy eggs every morning at our breakfast table. I have had this basket of fall apples longer than I can remember. The kitchen table opens up to seat 14 at its biggest and has held lots of secrets shared and memories made.
I couldn't resist the fresh berry plant to poke into fresh carnations. I found this old vintage pitcher last year for $5 in an open air market in Oxford--again, birds! Couldn't resist.
My recipes these days have been for big quantities and everything is consumed in minutes. But I make quiche when I need something fast and easy. Here is a recipe I use when I am in a hurry.
Every day, my table says, "I love you!" And even now, more than ever, because in no time at all, my sweet ones will be spread to the winds, but they will always know they have a sacred place where all of us will belong to one another.
Find The Lifegiving Table at all most of your favorite bookstores.
The Lifegiving Table: Nurturing Faith through Feasting, One Meal at a Time
$10.99
By Sally Clarkson
September 24, 2017
Arming Ourselves to Live Strong in a Fallen World
Thanks, billosborne.com, for the image.
play episode #101
Episode #101 Arming Ourselves to Live Strong in a Fallen WorldPODCAST: DOWNLOADITUNES: SUBSCRIBE
When we prepare for a new year, we choose classes for our kids, lessons, activities, buy them some new clothes, gather school supplies, and make sure that they aren't missing out on anything we deem that they need.
Yet, sometimes, in the rush and push of life, we forget that the most important area to plan is how we as their mentors and shepherds need to prepare for ourselves. Christian mothers who are willing to accept the responsibility of seeking to influence their children for Christ are truly in a battle for the heart, soul and minds of their children. They are shaping character that will serve their children the rest of their lives. Yet, often when they become discouraged or weary, they are tempted to think, "I am not doing a great job." "I am not cut out for this." And in this emotionally draining time, they are tempted to give up on their ideals
Yet, scripture tells us we are in the midst of a spiritual battle. Our enemy, Satan, would love for us to focus on ourselves, our own weaknesses, instead of our turning to our warrior king who wants us to feel His pleasure in our hard work, who will sustain us, who cares about our role as moms.
I wanted to do a podcast and blog post that would encourage your precious ones to understand that you and your ability to fight well is crucial to your being able to stay the course of the ideals God has called you to follow. I pray that as you hear Kristen and I talk about this, you will be encouraged, know that we are praying for you.
As Christians and mothers, we can feel overwhelmed with the daily battles. From piles of laundry, bad attitudes in our children, sibling arguing, hormonal teenagers, loneliness and isolation, all of the meals to be prepared, and wanting to do it all with excellence, we can often feel defeated before we even begin. When we look to God’s Word and in particular Ephesians 6, we can better understand that we are truly in a battle by observing Paul’s inspiring metaphor.
In this episode, we, Sally and Kristen look at each piece of armor, and share how we can be prepared along with preparing and training our children, too. We can grow from feeling defeated and on the defense, to becoming more than conquerors and prepared for battle through the mighty power of the Holy Spirit.
What We Talk About:-What a soldier needs before he enters into battle
-What it means to stand your ground
-How we can know what is true
-Why Jesus says, “If you continue in my Word” is a condition of knowing the truth?
-What it means to guard your heart on a daily basis
-How God's word protects our heart
-What it means to walk in peace
-What it means to move forward instead of staying stagnant in our faith
-Why having a shield of faith pre-supposes that we will have arrows thrust at us from the enemy that it is meant to protect us from
-What we know about the emotional,spiritual and relational battles of life
-The significance of only one piece of armor mentioned that is an offensive weapon and how we should use it
LINKS:Ephesians 6:10-13 Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil.2 For we[a] are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm.
Charles Spurgeon quote: “To be a Christian is to be a warrior. The good soldier of Jesus Christ must not expect to find ease in this world: it is a battle-field.”
-John 8:31-32 So Jesus was saying to those Jews who had believed Him, “If you continue in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.”
Proverbs 4:23 Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.
Luke 6:45 The good man brings good things out of the good treasure of his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil treasure of his heart. For out of the overflow of the heart, the mouth speaks.
Ephesians 6:15 For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared.
John 14:27 Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
1 Thessalonians 5:23 Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you entirely; and may your spirit and soul and body be preserved complete, without blame at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Ephesians 6:16 In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil.
1 John 5:4-5 For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world-our faith. Who is it that overcomes the world except the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?
Isaiah 12:2 Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and will not be afraid; for the Lord God is my strength and my song, and He has become my salvation.
-Hebrews 4:12-13 For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart. And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are open and laid bare to the eyes of Him with whom we have to do.
Play Episode #101
Buy a Book for yourself and for a friend!
You will have access to a very special Devotional to use at your Lifegiving Table to teach your own Children about spiritual battle.
My wonderful team who have produced such beautiful printables for my membership, Cultivating Life with Sally, have produced a 12 page devotional for you to have with your children about "Putting on the whole armor of God" with coloring pages and Bible study and questions.
It is our hope that we can create some life amongst friends in the discipleship atmosphere of our ministry. We are encouraging women to buy a Lifegiving Table book for themselves and one to give away to someone who needs encouragement. (A Home for single moms, your library, a friend who is getting married, a new mom, a neighbor, a friend who needs encouragement, etc.)
If you have bought 2 or more Lifegiving Table books, fill out the form below and send us a copy of your receipt or tell us where you ordered the book, and you will receive the downloadable pdf to use with your family. We pray your children will also develop a heart as warriors to do battle well in their lifetime.
Get your 12 page devotional with coloring pages to use with your children when you buy 2 or more copies of The Lifegiving Table.
Click here to fill out the form
