Sally Clarkson's Blog, page 86

Death by 100 cuts, Giveaway: Celebrating over 10 Million Downloads

10 Million Downloads on Life With Sally Celebration: A Care Package for you!My Favorite thing Giveaway: Yorkshire Gold Tea, a heart candle, chocolate salted Almonds, a journal. Hope you win!

Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens,

and I will give you rest.

Matt. 11:28

Sitting slumped on our front porch rocking chairs, I felt as though a thousand pounds was resting on my shoulders. I could glance within and see that inside I was sort of crumbling. Not the momentary, flash in the moment sort of crumble. But the deep-down, shadows beginning to cover my heart and a responsive physical heaviness that matched my heart.

Joy sat next to me, touching my arm as I spoke, pursing her lips, looking at me with tenderness and compassion.

“I feel like it is not just one major blow that is at the core of my sadness. But it is like a hundred small hits have weekend my resolve to be joyful and I am bleeding bit by bit in all the myriad hits. A slow but sure death.

Joy then told me of a contemporary song, "Death by 1000 Cuts.” I found out it was an old form of Chinese torture, where prisoners of war would not be killed all at once but by 1000 cuts, little by little bleeding to death. That was how I felt—many different ways I was experiencing the stress and challenges of life all at once, a slow but sure death of my heart.

Maybe some of you feel that way, too. We all determined to be grateful through the pandemic, thankful we had enough food, a bed to sleep in, food to eat. And then we found out that many had lost their jobs, their homes, many sick.

Lately, my message box has been filled with even more sad stories—a woman wrote to me from a parking lot, saying her husband had left her the night before with her 4 little ones and she didn’t know anyone else in he world to contact. Another whose husband announced he didn’t believe in God anymore. Another who said her husband was acting out anger on her children. Another whose marriage was over.

But still there is Jesus, and still His love is moving.

Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens,

and I will give you rest.

Matt. 11:28

I want all of you to know several truths.
1. We are all human beings with deep needs for love, affection, hope, encouragement, purpose. The exhaustion of having many of our support systems taken a way, the inability to “self soothe” as babies do, the draining days, one after another, have left most everyone I know depleted. You do not have to feel guilty for feeling discouraged or grumpy. This deep depletion is real.

2. Don’t carry extra baggage or unnecessary guilt for being imperfect. We are all going to blow it in life, again and again. Perfection was never expected or possible in this broken world. Jesus wanted us to live fully into His peace and unconditional love every moment, every difficulty.

3. Taking care of yourself, determine to focus on those things that will give you more strength and health, (sleep, recreation and exercise, beauty—a bouquet of flowers, beautiful music, a happy, (not sad!) novel or movie—something hopeful; a quiet time to breathe in the love and truth of God’s word, all of these are essential to making it long term.

I have had the privilege of hosting several Bible studies with precious young moms in my home. I love each and every one of them, and they are my dear friends.  They give so much and are so very sincere in wanting to do the best they can to love and serve their families. Different stories, different puzzles. Some must work. Some must live alone while their husbands travel. Others are single and alone. Others just wonderfully trying to live with these little ones who want to eat and wear reasonably clean clothes every day and want mama one more time.  Often there are children with difficult issues. And of course, many of these families struggle with financial problems. All of these sweet ones are so very precious and their stories matter for eternity.

Over time I have polled my sweet moms, "How many of you  have a grandmother or someone in your life who helps you take care of your children, who gives you a break, who is personally taking responsibility to help nurture and disciple your children? How many of you have someone who comes along beside you to help and pray for you?

I was shocked--almost no one--only a very small few out of over a hundred that are in my various groups. This should not be. Where have all the mother's, grandmother's gone? Do they not understand that their grandchildren are also their responsibility--to disciple, a stewardship of their own spiritual lives and influence? That God will hold them accountable for helping raise a godly generation by supporting their own children's call as a family?

I spent most of my  years of mothering without support systems, help, prayer or babysitting. Often, I can remember sleeping from exhaustion when I fell into bed, and yet, I would awaken in the wee hours of the morning with brudens of fear, worry, questions about all that I was carrying in my heart and in my life.

I would pour out my heart to God, and one more day, He would take me through. He was my advocate when I had no other. His Spirit kept me going and filled in the cracks that I was not able to. He gave strength and somehow, in spite of all of our own flaws and vulnerable places and immature lives, God saw. He saw me on my knees. He saw my heart that was fearful but wanted to trust. He saw in secret and beyond my expectations, and in spite of my limitations as a mom and wife, He worked.

He still sees and carries me one day at a time. He is my strength, and salvation. But His design was for me and for all of us to have His hands through a community of believers who would help, love, give encouraging words.

I have been up this morning early and prayed for you--you sweet precious ones who feel as though your life is invisible. You are seen. He hears the plees of your weary heart. He longs to sustain you and support you. He who sees in secret will reward openly. I pray you will know peace, rest, beauty in the midst of this very important journey.

I think that all children--the young ones and the adult ones, like me,  need an advocate--someone who cares for them personally and who will help them and look out for them. I believe that a mother is supposed to be that--a cheerleader who whispers from behind, "I am on your team. I love you. I will help you. You will make it. I am proud of you."

I am sorry for all of you who are not blessed to have an actual mother who understands that important role in your life.  I understand your journey as it was often my own.

But I do want you to know, you have an advocate in Him. His will today is for you to find His joy and blessing and to enjoy life. He is doing an invisible work that is beyond what you could accomplish yourself. He is faithful. He will reward every decision of faith that you make in the darkness when no one else sees, He sees. It is your integrity, your spiritual service of worship, to believe even in the invisible, weary moments of your life. He is with you and has a heart for all children--even you.  He is the one who cast the flowers upon the field for his child to enjoy.. He is the one who is willing make all things in your life beautiful in His time.

And I am praying you will know His gentle, generous love for you today. Have a lovely weekend.Wishing I could give each of you a bouquet of flowers!

to all of you sweet, wonderful, sacrificial mamas who give so much to your children. 

For all of you who give over and over again, and overcome the weariness.

To the ones who may not be honored today, but will have rewards in heaven.

For you who are the servant leaders that Jesus understands.

Your lives are not invisible--but so very precious to the one who chose you to be the mother of those sweet ones in your home. I wish you rest, peace and love today! (and a maid and someone to wash your dishes!) You are my heroes!

May your hearts be blessed and filled with an understanding that your love is the best kind of love. May you have a long nap, and a peaceful heart, and an inner sense that you are so very precious.

Today, I thought you might enjoy a care package for yourself. So if you want to enter to win, do the same as yesterday—leave a comment on fb or instagram and you will be entered to win a care package to keep you going.

Sending all of my love,

Sally

Play Episode

Over 10 Million Downloads on Life With Sally: Celebrating You & Giveaway

Play Episode on iTunes & Stitcher

A few short years ago, my friend said, “You should do a podcast and just share what is on your heart!”

“Really,” I asked. “Do you think anyone would be interested?”

Now, over 10 Million downloads later, and over 400 podcasts, I have been amazed at how this community has grown like wildfire. This wonderful journey of seeing an amazing community develop over shared ideas and ideals has exploded.

I love you, my precious community. It is because of you that my podcast has reached so many kindred spirits who live all over the world.

This week, I celebrate you!

You are passionate about life, idealistic, spiritually driven, grace and love oriented, book lovers, tea and coffee aficionados, girl friends forever, earnest in all your ways, lots of fun, risk-takers, servant leaders, and so much more. I love and pray for each one of you every week as I approach this place of community.

Over 1000 of you have joined my monthly membership as an even deeper way to find these kinds of messages to provide ideas, books to read, traditions to implement and so much more. And so many of you have help me and my team to spread messages that are on my own heart even further.

This week, I want to celebrate by giving some fun gifts away as a token of my gratefulness to the Lord and to you for helping me develop this community in the past couple of years. I have been so encouraged and touched by your notes, messages, encouragement and generosity.

I will be doing different giveaways every day for 5 days!

To celebrate today, I want to give away 2 of each of the books below. Just leave a comment on my instagram (sally.clarkson) or my Facebook fan page: (therealsallyclarkson) or leave a comment on my blog post. It would be great if you would tag a friend so they can have an opportunity to win, too. That’s all there is to it!

Mom Heart Moments: In this book, I share my heart and wisdom for mothers―and offer hope for each day. Already in its 3rd printing after six months, women all over the world are writing me to tell me how much they are encouraged by this book every day.

A mother living well in her God-ordained role is of great beauty and inestimable value to the future history of any generation. Her impact is irreplaceable and necessary to the spiritual formation of children who will be the adults of the next generation. Fun, comfort, humor, graciousness, spiritual passion, compassion for the lost, hospitality, chores, meals, training, life-giving words, hours and hours of listening and playing and praying and reading―all are parts of the mosaic of soul development.

Spend the year with Mom Heart Moments, the first devotional by beloved author Sally Clarkson, and discover how as a mother you can draw closer to the heart of God. In a world constantly vying for our attention, it can be easy to get caught up in the chaos. Each day of this beautiful devotional offers encouragement and direction to become the mother God has called you to be.

Girls’ Club: Discover the gift of friendship!

In a time when many women feel lonely and isolated, Girls’ Club calls us to embrace the delight and comfort that can be found in life-giving friendships with women― and to cultivate relationships that not only offer emotional affirmation and acceptance, but also inspire, educate, and stretch us to live out our God-given potential.

Told through stories and encouragement based on the authors’ experiences―Sally, a seasoned mother and well beloved author; her daughter Sarah, an Oxford scholar and new mother; and her youngest daughter Joy, a professional young woman pursuing her doctorate―Girls’ Club will speak to the importance of cultivating deep and lasting friendship at every stage in life. Join Sally, Sarah, and Joy as they explore the power, difficulties, potential, beauty, and satisfaction of friendships that help us live purposeful, Godly lives and that satisfy our longing for meaningful and intimate companionship.

Today on my podcast, I share some of the foundational values shared in these books. Leave a comment below, on Facebook or Instagram and you will be entered to win one of four books. (2 of each will be given away.)

Happy Week!

Mom Heart Moments: Daily Devotions for Lifegiving Motherhood

By Clarkson, Sally
























Girls' Club: Cultivating Lasting Friendship in a Lonely World

By Clarkson, Sally, Clarkson, Joy, Clarkson, Sarah










Sally on Facebook




Sally on Instagram




Life with Sally Membership

FOR MORE

Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes, Stitcher, or your favorite podcast app.

Leave an iTunes Review These are so important as they help our podcast reach more women with messages of encouragement.

Follow on Facebook and Instagram for the latest news and updates.

Share with others. My prayer is that this podcast brings encouragement to women and families, and I would be honored for you to tell others about it.

Join my friends and me in membership at Life with Sally, a place for me to share more teaching from the Bible and messages on education, motherhood, discipleship, and more!

Play Episode #435

Walk with the Wise ... Choose Well Who Influences Your Decisions

"He who walks with the wise will be wise, but a companion of fools suffers harm."Prov. 13:20

"To allow oneself to be carried away by a multitude of conflicting concerns, to surrender to too many demands, to commit oneself to too many projects, to want to help everyone in everything, is to succumb to the violence of our times." —  Thomas Merton

Each morning, I sit in my squishy, comfy couch and breathe in peace, light and beauty. Candlelight throws gentle shadows on the room, fairy lights twinkling like stars, music wafting softly as I drink my tea. This is the primary time in which, daily, I have searched for and found the riches of wisdom to store in my mind and soul.

For years, Clay and I sought to feed the minds, hearts and souls of our children on all that was wise, excellent, thoughtful, Biblical, eternal. As I have often said, we filled the treasure chest of their souls with the best, so that when they needed to draw from their souls the rest of their life, they would have treasure there--wisdom, depth, knowledge.

This was intentional--to establish the foundations of our children on wisdom. This worthy goal set our own minds to find wisdom for ourselves, in order to share it with others. The very owning of our stewardship of our children's minds sharpened our own minds. It was a grid from which we lived life--to share, teach, instruct, read, think, cultivate and nurture wisdom.

One night years ago as I was pondering aloud to my family about how to make life more simple, how to set boundaries, how to continually restore and refresh so that I can have something in my own soul from which others may draw, my son shared the quote above that he has been pondering from his own reading:

This quote, worth repeating, helped me to ponder how to set boundaries, how to slow down, how to live within the limitations of my life.

"To allow oneself to be carried away by a multitude of conflicting concerns, to surrender to too many demands, to commit oneself to too many projects, to want to help everyone in everything, is to succumb to the violence of our times." —  Thomas Merton

“Not only have I been taking this quotation to heart, and trying to figure out just what it means in my own life, but I have also seen how much my children are a channel of wisdom for me, now. They gained the habit of thinking, reading, pondering, and gathering wisdom in contrast to the voices of the world which surround them--and now they have become counselors to me. Their minds feed my mind now. Their deep thoughts guide me.

Sowing wisdom and seeking to infuse the very air we breathed with wisdom for so many years not only fed my soul, but educated those who would eventually become my own counselors!

I find myself in a similar season of questioning even now. How have I allowed myself to be carried away by a multitude of conflicting concerns, to surrender to too many demands, to want to help everyone in everything, to commit to too many projects? In other words, how have I succumbed to my times--the violence of overcommitment?

I still seek the wisdom of counselors who can help guide my life, and now, it ends up, they share my last name!

Bringing Beauty into the Ugly, & podcast

Play Episode on iTunes & Stitcher

 Legacy is something that a person leaves behind to be remembered by. Legacies are pathways that guide people in decisions with what to do or what not to do. The mark one leaves.

One of the legacies I will leave to my family is Community by Rocking Chair. At any hour of a summer’s day, you will find one or many swaying, rocking, sipping, eating, reading, but gathering together for friendship belonging to all who rock. I planned it this way. When you plan a place in your home where people can gather round one another, there will be relationship. And so, we have a “rocking” community developed over many years.

What legacies are. you leaving? How are you living rhythms of life that bring a legacy of love, beauty, community, hope, peace of mind?

In the beginning, God created

The past months have been filled with death, despair, difficulty, disharmony—the ugly parts of life in a fallen world— and it takes a toll on our spirit. And in the midst of it, our children are surrounded by so much darkness—and so are we. We are human beings with limitations and real bodies that need health mentally, emotionally, spiritually and physically. In a time of crisis, we are subject to depletion and unhealth.

Most of the people I know, including our family, live pretty mundane, simple lives. We desire to help, to heal, to love and encourage, yet our lives are. mostly filled up with meals, dishes, bills, responsibilities and so we can feel helpless or sometimes as though our lives have no meaning or ability to influence or effect what is going on in the greater world.

Yet, when we seek to redeem the normal, daily, mundane by imagining how we might bring grace, hospitality, love, light, beauty, we can actually help cover the darkness and impact of despair with beauty that creates and cultivates new life.

As women, one of the defining qualities intrinsic in being made in God's image, is the divine ability to create, to cultivate, to subdue, and to take all of the raw materials of our lives and to craft them into something beautiful.

When God laid the foundations of the universe, the splendor and magnificence of vibrant color, eye captivating beauty, resilient, melodious sounds,  the  spontaneous response of the shimmering, sparkling morning stars was to celebrate with heavenly choruses, singing His praises and worth, while the sons of God shouted and celebrated wildly with joy. (Job 38:6-8) What on overwhelming display of vibrant, heart filling celebration of His glory it must have been.

So, when we want to display just a small bit of the divine through the beauty of our home, it must encompass all of the moments of life, because we have ruled over our domains in such a way to have order, rhythms, traditions, anchors in our schedule that provide for this divine reflection through the ways we have ruled over and subdued in our own domain.

And one of the most profound things we can do is to look around us, at our neighbors, the lonely widow, the single mom, the professional adult who lives alone, the new family, those in our church or school or community or sports team that might feel “rejected” or alone, and we bring them into the beauty we have created.

We build rhythms of bringing others into our realm of beauty and life. We start a book club, a potluck dinner, a tea time gathering group, whatever, and we become those who build relationships right in the places where people want to find life, in our home and in our love.

I love fall the best, I think. Chill air begins to fill the nights so that we must close our windows and snuggle under covers. Warm, simmering, pungent soups bubble on the stove while scents of herb crusted bread waft from the oven. Fireplaces and candles dance with flames, music notes float into our subconscious to please and soothe the rough places of our souls.

I also love early summer in Colorado. Literally thousands of evenings, we have sat on the front porch talking, sipping, eating, making friends, enjoying the sparkle of the aspens fluttering or the companionship that reminded us we were not alone.

The Spirit of home,  stands at the doorways to compel those outside to enter into a place of life, comfort, rest, beauty.

But, you say, "My life is already so busy, I don't have time to add one more ideal."

The dilemma, then, is how to weave beauty, color, celebration into an already busy life.

And perhaps putting aside a “busy” activity and entering into the nostalgia of rhythms of life will remind us that we have purpose, love, legacy of Fatih to uphold and to remember in the practiced moments of our days. We invite others into this space and they find the very life, comfort and beauty of the really of the living Christ, through a chilled glass of lemonade or a strong cup of coffee. If we give even a cup, we have given it to Him.

Books Referenced in this Podcast:





















































FOR MORE

Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes, Stitcher, or your favorite podcast app.

Leave an iTunes Review These are so important as they help our podcast reach more women with messages of encouragement.

Follow on Facebook and Instagram for the latest news and updates.

Share with others. My prayer is that this podcast brings encouragement to women and families, and I would be honored for you to tell others about it.

Join my friends and me in membership at Life with Sally, a place for me to share more teaching from the Bible and messages on education, motherhood, discipleship, and more!

Play Episode

Nurturing Faith Through Feasting, One Meal at a Time

My adult kids kept coming in to the kitchen tonight saying, “I am so hungry. Please can we eat soon.” They each snuck spoonfuls out of my French casserole. Herbed brown rice seasoned with my secrets, slowly baked chicken breast awash with olive oil, wine, herbs d’province and a little extra thyme and a dollop of sour cream was nested between green beans with sea-salt and oil with avocados adorning the rice. Candlelight and music set the stage for a theological conversation that brought deep joy to my mama heart.

We have been meeting this way for thousands and thousands of meals, delighting in one another. Hearing the love of Christ defended this evening between each bite, talking of God’s manifest love in the midst of a dark world, peaking into the souls of each one as they shared their heartfelt convictions made a very tiring and exhausting day worthwhile.

There is a point when at times one can say, “They were listening. It has mattered. They have been transformed by the life-giving messages that they now own.”

Of course, such a work of life takes a very long time and lots of love and patience. But seeing the Holy Spirit light a fire in each one is worth all the work it has cost us.

Off to be with my precious’s because I know this time will pass. But just wanted to share my evening with you. And sending lots of love. Sally

Play Episode #433

Behind the Darkness & Fear, Light is Rising & Podcast

Play Episode on iTunes & Stitcher

Many years ago, during a particularly challenging year, I was in need of solace and a personal touch in my life to help me see that God was at work in my life. Living far from home in Communist Poland, life sometimes felt desperate. Our work was thwarted from time to time, the language was challenging, Russian tanks had come into our midst, there was revolution and thousands of people gathering to fight against the repression that had been under the Russian rule and all of the news media was reporting devastating insinuations of the danger and havoc that lay ahead.

One of our friends had asked my roommate and I if we wanted to have a spin on the lake in his sail boat. I had never been on a sail boat, but it sounded like a gift for getting away. Steam arose on the lake from the early morning chill of a freezing night and our teeth chattered as we walked through the close by woods toward the place where the boat was moored. We gingerly climbed into the boat, hoping to find our footing as it gently swayed back and forth.

The sail was hoisted, a gentle breeze began to fill the sails to fullness. Suddenly, the boat shot forth in an effortless glide. At that moment, the sun peaked through the early morning darkness and sparkled on the water. It felt a little bit like we had slipped into heaven.

If you are like all of us at our house, you have had such deep concern for all that is happening in our country and world. So many issues, so many stresses, illness, economy issues, an abnormal life that separates us from loved ones and a bigger humane concern that has riveted all of us.

Fear is a natural response. What is happening? What will happen? Darkness hovers over so much of our normal life. People are filled with rage and many with despair.

Yet, as I have been praying lately, God has begun to shine a light into my heart. We often only see what is on the news and on the internet. Yet, our God is above all circumstances in the world, and his light is shining beyond what the news is reporting. I was reminded of so many verses as I was praying and I realized that even as the sun arose unexpectedly but gave such light to our early morning jaunt, so Christ, our light, is working behind the curtain in so many places, and his faithfulness and goodness and redemption will be evident to us when we see the whole story.

I thought I would share some verses with you that have encouraged me.

Psalm 46:1–3

“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling.”

Even in the darkest of times when the world seems to be coming apart, God is sovereign over all.

Psalm 27:1

“The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?”

God is at work, He is strong, fighting for us, we are to keep our eyes on Him.

Matthew 8:25–27

“And they went and woke him, saying, ‘Save us, Lord; we are perishing.’ And he said to them, ‘Why are you afraid, O you of little faith?’ Then he rose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm. And the men marveled, saying, ‘What sort of man is this, that even winds and sea obey him?’”

Even when we are tempted to fear, we can cry out to our God and He will answer and calm the storms of our lives. Yet, we must rest in the fact that He is sovereign over all powers and is working beyond what we can see during this time.

Luke 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 hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.”

Psalm 91:4–5

“.He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, "He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust. He will cover you with his pinions, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness is a shield and buckler. You will not fear the terror of the night, nor the arrow that flies by day.”

“Some men trust in chariots, we trust in the name of the Lord our God.”

May we all trust in Him and watch His light rising in our lives and praise Him for His beauty in the midst of our daily lives.

Printable:















































Luke 14:27 PDF

Books Referenced in this Podcast:


























 FOR MORE

Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes, Stitcher, or your favorite podcast app.

Leave an iTunes Review These are so important as they help our podcast reach more women with messages of encouragement.

Follow on Facebook and Instagram for the latest news and updates.

Share with others. My prayer is that this podcast brings encouragement to women and families, and I would be honored for you to tell others about it.

Join my friends and me in membership at Life with Sally, a place for me to share more teaching from the Bible and messages on education, motherhood, discipleship, and more!

Play Episode #432

Wait, wait, wait! He is Faithful, You'll See!

"Be strong, let your heart take courage, yes, wait on the Lord." ~Psalm 27: 14

Daily duties cry out so many mornings, as I slip down the stairs still sleepy and in need of my morning cuppa.  Still after all of these years, last night’s late night dishes accost me--coffee cups, plates with dried-on snacks, all sorts of evidence that we have been relaxing, eating, laughing, and messing things up--and now the mess must be dealt with yet again.

Then there are the issues of life still there to greet me--the worries, money issues, problems with children, pressures on family and marriage--all still there, piled on when Monday morning comes and has a new week of challenges to greet me. Seems in the midst of all the chores that daily need to be done, there are always those bigger ones also hovering over us.

When my children were little, there were so many issues to worry about--discipline, training, health, education, exhaustion, loneliness...

Waiting, waiting,working, fretting, wondering--what is going to be the end to all of this, of all these people in my home with various issues, strengths, weaknesses, hopes, dreams and legacies of difficulty and more work?

Waiting on the Lord for answers and for life to change and for help to come has been my most common challenge throughout life--waiting to get married, waiting to get pregnant, waiting to have the baby, waiting for them to sleep through the night, waiting for them to be out of diapers, waiting for them to become more mature and responsible, waiting for them to read, waiting for life to someday be easier, more manageable, waitng for me to be mature some day...

How do we manage to exist through all of the mundane, the fretting, the fears— with grace?

Learning to wait is a grace for a woman who fears God. Waiting with a gentle spirit is a miracle--a beauty, an acquired habit that comes with practice and experience. Choosing to take today in its stride--choosing to see the glory of the moment in the midst of frantic children, choosing to look for beauty and the fingerprints of God in the midst of the messes requires a heart decision--Psalm 27 says, "Let your heart take courage”--let it--make it, choose to let your heart fill up its boots to the power of God's abiding grace.  Choosing to believe that my prayers have not hit the roof of my home and gone no further, but that God indeed is present.

I love Psalm 103--He is mindful that I am but dust. He knows my limitations. He knows my flawed personality. Yet, He is a Father who has compassion on His children--on me. He does not require my perfection, He requires my heart, my eyes turned toward Him. He is the grace that will make this day possible, this moment livable.

"For evil doers will be cut off, but those who wait on the Lord will inherit the land." Psalm 37: 9

"Those who wait on the Lord will gain new strength, they will run and not be weary, they will walk and not faint." Isaiah 40: 31

One of the most important ways my children learn faith is to watch me wait, in grace, through all the trials of my life--but to wait--putting a flower in the vase, lighting a candle, surrounding our home with music, life, hope that says, "God will show up. He is with us. He hears us and will answer, and I am going to prepare the day by celebrating life looking to the time we will see and know His presence and faithfulness.

And yet, when I look back, I am amazed at how much I see how faithfully He has worked--to see the miracle of children grown, fine, loving, passionate about ideals--how did it all happen? To see the His hand that seemingly, seamlessly sowed my years together into a grace of a beautiful life of blessing, love and life--how did it all come about? One day at a time as He faithfully, lovingly brought all of my child-heart love and faith into a work of eternity.

Waiting with hope, in courage, patience, in love, and humbly is the grace of the life of a godly woman that ends in seeing the miraculous hand of God, and she bows before Him, as the child with the basket of fish, and says, "Thank you for allowing me to be a part of your miracle."

Don't Make A Balanced Life an Idol & podcast

I love the way this window decor looks. It’s calming, orderly, and balanced.

It’s the way I wish my life were, more often!

Seems I have never reached that magical point where my life is quiet, peaceful, slow, with all the details in my life organized. There are more balls in the air now than when our family was much younger!

I was thinking about this some time ago, as I was whizzing in the car to Kohl's (after all, I had a 30% coupon in my hot little hand) looking for jeans and a couple of things that Joy needed, all the while keeping in mind that she had a meeting I needed to drive her to in an hour.

I also needed to pick up some medication for the sinus infection I’d developed, along with an internal ear infection, and I had an appointment to pray with some friends that afternoon before I picked Joy up once again, so we could go back to Walmart for things she needed to buy.

Afterward I had scheduled a cooking class with Sarah and Joy, and then meeting friends who were flying in from out of town, then back home to finish packing and hopefully catch some sleep before leaving for the airport with Clay and Sarah at 7:30 in the morning.

I thought--my life is not in balance--but I can still walk with God, have joy, enjoy my minutes and the people who are in my life at each moment, and make it through one minute at a time.

My home is not in balance--I know when we are traveling or I am moving back to Colorado from Oxford, obviously my house will be messier than usual and need a good cleaning when I get settled back in. I understand that if I am going to be faithful to schooling and making meals and having quiet times, things will pile up and go by the way side--but I also know I have a plan for getting it all together, eventually.

I liked what a friend said to me, once: "The swinging hand on a clock is only in balance at one point while the fulcrum swings back and forth between the two sides."

And so my life goes--in perfect balance, rarely, once in a while--but always swinging between the two tensions.

My life wasn't in balance when I had 3 children under 5 and I had to nurse them and deal with ear infections and asthma.

My life wasn't in balance very often amidst the 17 moves--6 times internationally--it seemed often I was packing or unpacking, and I still am!

My life wasn't in balance when I had 3 teenagers and an elementary aged child who just wanted to play and read picture books,  while we were staying up late with our teens talking about all sorts of serious issues in life, and then getting up early with my wee, little fun one-with dark circles under my eyes.

And all the while these in my home wanted to eat, (which meant shopping, cooking and an endless stream of dishes) and wear relatively clean clothes, and messes abounded--always cleaning and messing--straightening and cluttering. No balance, but a lot of life and fun and discussions and work and corrections--a stream of life never ending, but flowing to yet another new challenge and season of life.

I think I would have been so much more content and joyful if I had just known at the beginning that life for me would not be balanced--but could always be meaningful--if I would just accept the limitations of each day, each season, each child, my marriage and my finances--none totally balanced or perfect--but all a blessing.

Jesus's life was not balanced, either--he always had people chasing after him and someone was always criticizing him amidst the feeding of 5 thousand, healing lepers and forgiving prostitutes, holding children and blessing them and saying scathing things to the Pharisees.

Paul's life was certainly not balanced or even-keeled--amidst prison, ship wrecks, beatings, and teachings. Peter was traveling, teaching, being persecuted. Yet the disciples had joy, full hearts, love, and time to reach out to and teach others.

If I can just see this day and all that my puzzle brings as God's will, I can be content and joyful in all the unbalanced moments of my days.

Play Episode #431

One of My Favorites: A Wrinkle in Time with Joy Clarkson

So happy to have my Joy home with me. Our conversations are salty, she is my kindred spirit and blesses the socks off of me all the time. We had so much fun speaking about one of my favorite books that, eventually, all people need to read.

I read it when I was 10 years old, (you hear the story in my podcast) and it has left and impact for life. Consequently, I read it and discussed it with my children and it became one of their favorites. Enjoy!

A Wrinkle in Time (Time Quintet)

By Madeleine L'Engle























































Play Episode #430

What is Your Theology?

Play Episode on iTunes & Stitcher

Starting with the right foundations

If there was one legacy I wish I could leave to other women, it would be to help them think more Biblically. When a woman knows scripture--the whole counsel of scripture, not just verses here and there taken out of context-- gaining a Biblical understanding from Genesis to Revelation, then she has more confidence and ease in her walk with God. (It is also why I hope to give a good bit of my life in the next years to our leadership intensives, training conferences online, where women will learn a little of Biblical instruction, foundations, prayer, Bible study--to follow God in our lives as we serve and love Him. I love teaching women how to teach and live God in such a way in front of their children, that their children embrace a vibrant faith.  More on that later this month.)

God makes it clear throughout scripture that his priority for us is to know Him and love Him with our whole heart and mind.

"Let not a wise man boast of his wisdom, let not a rich man boast of his riches, let not a mighty man boast of his might, but let him who boasts, boast of this, that he understands and knows me, that I am the God who exercises lovingkindness and righteousness on the earth for I delight in these things." Jeremiah 9: 23-24

And, "Unless the Lord builds the house, they labor in vain who build it." Psalm 127

And so the starting point for any arena in our lives must be God--our worship of Him and knowledge of Him and obedience--a heart that wants to please God.

What is your theology? Theo is God, ology implies study of God. So what have you learned about who God is, his attributes, His stories, His heart, His commandments, His treatment of others while He was alive. His humble, gentle sacrifice for our well being.

What you believe about who God is, then, becomes the platform for your behavior, your values, the grid through which you see life. When you ponder God and cultivate a personal theology, it will influence what you pass on as a legacy to your children as your life messages of integrity.

What are your views of how a Christian should behave, speak, based on the word, not on an example in culture or on the web. Your behavior comes out of your worship and values of what Christ desires.

When your children encounter storms of life, they should have a well of truth, wisdom, insight of how to deal with the world, based not on the internet but on the convictions they have developed through the days of storing up wisdom over a lifetime.

So much more to say, but I pray that you will be encouraged by today’s podcast.

So, let me begin by  praying  for all who read this today. "Lord, I pray that each one who reads these blog articles will be led by you. I pray you will provide them with insight, skill, love, wisdom and the understanding of what it means to be filled with your Spirit and to walk by faith in this journey of motherhood. And bless them with strength, joy and a sense of affirmation in their great calling as parents. I come to you in the precious name of Jesus. Amen"



FOR MORE

Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes, Stitcher, or your favorite podcast app.

Leave an iTunes Review These are so important as they help our podcast reach more women with messages of encouragement.

Follow on Facebook and Instagram for the latest news and updates.

Share with others. My prayer is that this podcast brings encouragement to women and families, and I would be honored for you to tell others about it.

Join my friends and me in membership at Life with Sally, a place for me to share more teaching from the Bible and messages on education, motherhood, discipleship, and more!

Play Episode #429