Sally Clarkson's Blog, page 94

Keeping Wonder and Beauty Alive in Our Hearts at Christmas

Oh, Christmas tree, Oh, Christmas tree .... with Raggedy Ann and Andy dolls my mom made for me 50 years ago.

Flickering candlelight, shimmering slivers, golds, reds, greens and blues sparkling on a real tree inside the house; familiar songs that beg swaying and dancing; the smells of pine boughs, vanilla, sugar, spices, cookies, coffee, breads filling the air with invitation each different time of the day, lots of friends and family and hugs and kisses and celebration and presents,stories to stir up imagination of babies, wise men, young mothers, animals--all of these wrapped in one short period of a few weeks--all to fill the heart and stir the imagination to new dreams and the heart with lots of love---what's not to love about Christmas?!

I have had many women write to me and ask if I thought it was pagan to celebrate Christmas and have trees and presents. Of course Clay and I pondered this many years ago and studied the Word and we came to our own conclusions, as each family must do. But, we now see even more how it was the delights of our home and the filling of emotional cups, the fun and making of memories and cherishing Christ, and carols every day, that added to our children’s love for Him. Since our family is not pagan, the celebrations in our home are not pagan--nor the ways we choose to celebrate.

And I so love our family togetherness especially at Christmas. My children now live far away, and when even some can come to celebrate together it is another of the invisible strings that ties our heart so strongly together..

When I think about the wonders of the first Christmas--astonishing, bewildering, unimaginable beings appearing on the earth; terrestrial choirs filling the heavenly sky; a heretofore-unheard-of star filling the night sky; wealthy, learned kings traveling from afar; a virgin birth in the midst of a love story; an old woman and an old man marveling and speaking of the Messiah as the new baby is dedicated … I am reminded that our Heavenly Father was the first to celebrate Christmas.

He was the first one to document the birthday of Jesus--supernaturally, with music and feasting amongst the humble as well as kings.

I love reading of all the feasting that happened in the Old Testament. God is a God of celebration. Christmas is a time when we bring friends and family into our homes to be refreshed. It is a time of personal worship and a time of joy, work, and preparation to say I love you to our families, whom God designed for the passing down of His story and of His love.

I think sometimes people are afraid to have too much fun or to celebrate life. Yet, it is only when we do this fully, from our heart, that we understand the joy of the Lord--the God who gave us the ability to be satisfied, to laugh and play games and eat merrily.

So, our family makes time to delight together. It is the organic life of Christ, the tastes, smells, fun, love, and theology that gives the whole picture of this Baby come to be King and Savior. And so in a spirit of love, we celebrate Christmas--His coming to earth--fully and happily.

Tend Your Heart and Celebrate You! Jennifer Dukes Lee & New Podcast

Play Episode on iTunes & Stitcher

I have a precious angel friend that delights me whenever we can get together. She has had an adrenalin-filled, draining life over months. I recently asked her, “What are 3 things you have done for yourself, to fill your emotions, to relax, to fill up and enjoy this week?

She couldn’t think of anything.

Sometimes when we feel like a mess inside and can’t exactly put our finger on why, it is probably because we are drained to our toenailsL. Last year in Oxford, one of my friends commented, “Everyone wants something of you all the time. You must wish there was a place in your life where no one wanted anything from you.”

She was right. I give, serve, babysit. love, work, cook, podcast, blog, sleep and then do it over again. And I was not centered. I love my life and all the people I serve, but then it hit me: I had not had any time by myself to regroup for almost 4 weeks.

People in and out of my home had been lots of fun, finishing a book manuscript, two ministry trips, but in a tiny space with multiple people sleeping in my bedroom, even there was not a haven. And so I went out by myself to a little hidden cafe and hid for 3 hours and read, wrote in my journal, drank several cups of coffee and then went for a long walk—by myself.

By this time of year, all of us are up to our eyeballs in S-T-R-E-S-S if we are alive. When all of my precious ones are home over the holidays, which will happen soon, it’s constantly eating, cleaning up messes, cooking and then all over again, all accompanied by loud conversations.

If I want to be an agent of peace, I have to sow peace in my heart by the ways I am living in my moments. I want to bring peace to my family in the midst of all of their tension and needs.

It takes planning.

Every year at holiday season, I mean to be more at ease, more prepared. Yet, when life is flying by at light-speed, it is difficult to catch a breath in between the demands. However, if we purpose to take time for our own souls, to invest in thinking of Him in such a way that our moments are full of His life, then even in the busyness, our lives will be different—lighter, more joyful, extending generous, gentle love out of a full heart.

For me it starts with: Time alone—where no one needs me, no one wants a bite of whatever I am eating, and I can sit or read or just breathe for at least 30 minutes by myself! And when I can resist the work deadlines put on me by my publishers, my staff and Clay, and requests.

But finding this kind of time on a daily basis can be difficult. Making personal goals to avoid exploding during the holidays and other such busy seasons is so very important to a mom’s life, because the journey of motherhood is so long without a break! Mothering has been an almost 36-year journey for me, and so far, the demands on my time and life from my children has not grown smaller.

So many of you responded to my podcast about gentleness. if we are too stressed, we will not be gentle and we will feel guilty.

I love that mamas are still the main friends, supporters, encouragers and coaches to adult children, and now their needs and demands are just more adult and more expensive! And now I have added grandchildren and spouses for my children.

I set a few goals each holiday season to help me make it through with grace. Everyone should have at least 10 minutes to sit—sit and stare, do nothing, breathe in peace, let burdens lift to heaven off of our shoulders, to discover what is on our heart—to center from the stillness of not being engaged in anything!

1. Make a short list of what your personal needs are and then put a plan into action for this month so you can be sure to fulfill them. If you don’t give your ideas feet to walk on, you will not end up doing as you planned! (I have to have a quiet, one woman tea time every day for at least 15 minutes to be still and to sit by the lights in our living room—to still my soul.)

2. Plan an outing, just for you, that will give joy to your soul. It may be having lunch with a special friend or going shopping by yourself, or a quiet walk in the silent snow. For many, many years, I asked Clay for at least one Saturday off a month where he would take the kids out for a play day—museum, movie, playground, park, out for breakfast/lunch, on a hike, Christmas shopping, or whatever. We planned that it would be for at least 4-5 hours. By him taking my children away, I could just sit in my jammies at home and do whatever I wanted. Sometimes, I would go out during the time for myself.

3. Keep a stack of books and or magazines that you can just pick up at the spur of the moment. Keeping your mind filled with inspirational thoughts, or giving yourself a little quiet time, is more likely to happen if you have an immediate set of resources to read. (No internet will substitute for this time—your mind needs filling with great reading to keep alive and to give your soul food for thought through the moments of your life. I have been listening to The Lion, Witch and Wardrobe read by Michael York and by a C.S. Lewis. so Fun just to listen to as I putter about my home. Reading a great advent book. Listening to Joel’s Christmas Albums by the hours, Watching one hour of a favorite series at night with Clay, and reading Isaiah a tiny bite at a time, well as looking at a couple of favorite magazines with one of my girls on occasion!

4. Identify some small items that give you pleasure that add atmosphere to your room/home. I always have music to turn on as it lightens my mood, with Pandora or playlists on my phone or computer, always nearby. I keep a stash of dark chocolate, salted almonds just for a nibble when I need a treat.. Also, I try to keep at least one room (the living room) where it is orderly, picked up, civilized. Then when I sit there, I don’t always feel like I have to pick up something. Candles are lit, just because I like candles. Bath salts are on the side of my tub, so that if I can squeeze in a hot bath on these cold winter nights, I can luxuriate for a few moments.

For me, this would be after 10 or sometimes 11 at night, as I do not get a break from people before then—and I have to decide if my need is more for sleep or for relaxing—but the bath salts are there waiting for me, when I decide!)

5. Call, write, or make a coffee or tea date with someone who fills your heart’s needs or inspires your soul. Though I am blessed with friends from many different places, there are a few very special ones who fill my soul just by being with them. Actually, my children are now some of my most alive friends and fill me up just to be with them. We all need emotional affirmation for our well-being as much as the body needs calories for physical sustenance. You have to take responsibility to nurture your own soul as usually, in this busy, fast-paced culture, no one else will think of it for you.

If you do not currently have a soul-mate, go to a favorite book, a favorite author, and have time at a private, more quiet coffee shop with your book, your journal, your Bible in hand and fill your own heart with the love from that book or from the Lord. My quiet, alone times in the midst of all my moves when loneliness threatened became a foundation for my soul-life. Lonely times can be strategic times of holding all that is dear and stretching toward God.

My life-messages have truly come from these times in my own life. Turn despair into hope, and you will find light in your darkness if you turn your heart towards Him.

But most of all, clothe your heart with a decision to take joy every day—notice God’s fingerprints, see the colors and beauty, and breathe the moments of every day into your memory with as much grace as your heart will allow. This is the day the Lord has made---practice rejoicing and you will find yourself more content. And lastly, give yourself generously to someone who needs a lift, a word of encouragement, a call, hope—give one bit of yourself to someone outside of your family, and your heart will be lifted when you exercise compassion on someone less fortunate than you.

What a privilege to work as partners in words with Jennifer Dukes Lee, Acquisitions editor for Bethany House.

Today, I am privileged to have a podcast with my friend and editor on my newest book, Jennifer Dukes Lee.

I pray you will find peace this holiday season as you take time to intentionally tend your soul!

Printable:
























Hebrews 13:8 PDF
Books Referenced in this Podcast:







































































More Resources:
Life with Sally Membership

Jennifer Dukes Lee
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

Tending Your Heart and Celebrate You! Jennifer Dukes Lee & New Podcast

Play Episode on iTunes & Stitcher

I have a precious angel friend that delights me whenever we can get together. She has had an adrenalin-filled, draining life over months. I recently asked her, “What are 3 things you have done for yourself, to fill your emotions, to relax, to fill up and enjoy this week?

She couldn’t think of anything.

Sometimes when we feel like a mess inside and can’t exactly put our finger on why, it is probably because we are drained to our toenailsL. Last year in Oxford, one of my friends commented, “Everyone wants something of you all the time. You must wish there was a place in your life where no one wanted anything from you.”

She was right. I give, serve, babysit. love, work, cook, podcast, blog, sleep and then do it over again. And I was not centered. I love my life and all the people I serve, but then it hit me: I had not had any time by myself to regroup for almost 4 weeks.

People in and out of my home had been lots of fun, finishing a book manuscript, two ministry trips, but in a tiny space with multiple people sleeping in my bedroom, even there was not a haven. And so I went out by myself to a little hidden cafe and hid for 3 hours and read, wrote in my journal, drank several cups of coffee and then went for a long walk—by myself.

By this time of year, all of us are up to our eyeballs in S-T-R-E-S-S if we are alive. When all of my precious ones are home over the holidays, which will happen soon, it’s constantly eating, cleaning up messes, cooking and then all over again, all accompanied by loud conversations.

If I want to be an agent of peace, I have to sow peace in my heart by the ways I am living in my moments. I want to bring peace to my family in the midst of all of their tension and needs.

It takes planning.

Every year at holiday season, I mean to be more at ease, more prepared. Yet, when life is flying by at light-speed, it is difficult to catch a breath in between the demands. However, if we purpose to take time for our own souls, to invest in thinking of Him in such a way that our moments are full of His life, then even in the busyness, our lives will be different—lighter, more joyful, extending generous, gentle love out of a full heart.

For me it starts with: Time alone—where no one needs me, no one wants a bite of whatever I am eating, and I can sit or read or just breathe for at least 30 minutes by myself! And when I can resist the work deadlines put on me by my publishers, my staff and Clay, and requests.

But finding this kind of time on a daily basis can be difficult. Making personal goals to avoid exploding during the holidays and other such busy seasons is so very important to a mom’s life, because the journey of motherhood is so long without a break! Mothering has been an almost 36-year journey for me, and so far, the demands on my time and life from my children has not grown smaller.

So many of you responded to my podcast about gentleness. if we are too stressed, we will not be gentle and we will feel guilty.

I love that mamas are still the main friends, supporters, encouragers and coaches to adult children, and now their needs and demands are just more adult and more expensive! And now I have added grandchildren and spouses for my children.

I set a few goals each holiday season to help me make it through with grace. Everyone should have at least 10 minutes to sit—sit and stare, do nothing, breathe in peace, let burdens lift to heaven off of our shoulders, to discover what is on our heart—to center from the stillness of not being engaged in anything!

1. Make a short list of what your personal needs are and then put a plan into action for this month so you can be sure to fulfill them. If you don’t give your ideas feet to walk on, you will not end up doing as you planned! (I have to have a quiet, one woman tea time every day for at least 15 minutes to be still and to sit by the lights in our living room—to still my soul.)

2. Plan an outing, just for you, that will give joy to your soul. It may be having lunch with a special friend or going shopping by yourself, or a quiet walk in the silent snow. For many, many years, I asked Clay for at least one Saturday off a month where he would take the kids out for a play day—museum, movie, playground, park, out for breakfast/lunch, on a hike, Christmas shopping, or whatever. We planned that it would be for at least 4-5 hours. By him taking my children away, I could just sit in my jammies at home and do whatever I wanted. Sometimes, I would go out during the time for myself.

3. Keep a stack of books and or magazines that you can just pick up at the spur of the moment. Keeping your mind filled with inspirational thoughts, or giving yourself a little quiet time, is more likely to happen if you have an immediate set of resources to read. (No internet will substitute for this time—your mind needs filling with great reading to keep alive and to give your soul food for thought through the moments of your life. I have been listening to The Lion, Witch and Wardrobe read by Michael York and by a C.S. Lewis. so Fun just to listen to as I putter about my home. Reading a great advent book. Listening to Joel’s Christmas Albums by the hours, Watching one hour of a favorite series at night with Clay, and reading Isaiah a tiny bite at a time, well as looking at a couple of favorite magazines with one of my girls on occasion!

4. Identify some small items that give you pleasure that add atmosphere to your room/home. I always have music to turn on as it lightens my mood, with Pandora or playlists on my phone or computer, always nearby. I keep a stash of dark chocolate, salted almonds just for a nibble when I need a treat.. Also, I try to keep at least one room (the living room) where it is orderly, picked up, civilized. Then when I sit there, I don’t always feel like I have to pick up something. Candles are lit, just because I like candles. Bath salts are on the side of my tub, so that if I can squeeze in a hot bath on these cold winter nights, I can luxuriate for a few moments.

For me, this would be after 10 or sometimes 11 at night, as I do not get a break from people before then—and I have to decide if my need is more for sleep or for relaxing—but the bath salts are there waiting for me, when I decide!)

5. Call, write, or make a coffee or tea date with someone who fills your heart’s needs or inspires your soul. Though I am blessed with friends from many different places, there are a few very special ones who fill my soul just by being with them. Actually, my children are now some of my most alive friends and fill me up just to be with them. We all need emotional affirmation for our well-being as much as the body needs calories for physical sustenance. You have to take responsibility to nurture your own soul as usually, in this busy, fast-paced culture, no one else will think of it for you.

If you do not currently have a soul-mate, go to a favorite book, a favorite author, and have time at a private, more quiet coffee shop with your book, your journal, your Bible in hand and fill your own heart with the love from that book or from the Lord. My quiet, alone times in the midst of all my moves when loneliness threatened became a foundation for my soul-life. Lonely times can be strategic times of holding all that is dear and stretching toward God.

My life-messages have truly come from these times in my own life. Turn despair into hope, and you will find light in your darkness if you turn your heart towards Him.

But most of all, clothe your heart with a decision to take joy every day—notice God’s fingerprints, see the colors and beauty, and breathe the moments of every day into your memory with as much grace as your heart will allow. This is the day the Lord has made---practice rejoicing and you will find yourself more content. And lastly, give yourself generously to someone who needs a lift, a word of encouragement, a call, hope—give one bit of yourself to someone outside of your family, and your heart will be lifted when you exercise compassion on someone less fortunate than you.

What a privilege to work as partners in words with Jennifer Dukes Lee, Acquisitions editor for Bethany House.

Today, I am privileged to have a podcast with my friend and editor on my newest book, Jennifer Dukes Lee.

I pray you will find peace this holiday season as you take time to intentionally tend your soul!

Printable:
























Hebrews 13:8 PDF
Books Referenced in this Podcast:







































































More Resources:
Life with Sally Membership

Jennifer Dukes Lee
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

Dispelling Darkness: Become a Light-Keeper In Our Home & Podcast with Misty Krasawski

The people who walk in darkness Will see a great light;

Those who live in a dark land, The light will shine on them.

Isaiah 9: 2

Play Episode on iTunes & Stitcher

The world seems to be falling apart. Violence, immorality, death and dying, ungodly leaders, turmoil in political arenas, foundations of scripture being questioned in every possible way.

And so it was in the time of Christ.

In four places in scripture, we read that “the people who were walking in darkness have seen a great light in reference to Christ. He is the light of the world.

Our little homes can become outposts where we shine the light so brightly that others will be drawn to Him. And our children will grow up understanding that they are people of the light and that it is a legacy they will pass on in the midst of their dark world, until He comes again. It is our glory to bring His light, but we must bring it into our homes for our children’s imagination to be captured by the thought.

We are light-keepers.

Most of us are entering into the Christmas season and trying to figure out how to take care of the needs of our loved ones, keep feeding the masses, maintain our responsibilities and stay sane. Yet, there is a part of me, through the years, that has learned to “give in to the Christmas Season.” I don’t mean the commercialism or being too busy and over committed. But learning to enjoy the gifts given, however simple, the simple celebrations of home, the lights and the mystery of imagination that can be so much a part of the joy of life.

From my earliest childhood, I remember Christmas as a time of lights, sparkles, smells, color and delight. Christmas touches on parts of our lives that point to the ways God wants us to find delight and joy throughout eternity. Most nights in December, I would sit under our tree and look at the lighted loveliness and dream about life, and what I might someday become. Romantic thoughts of every kind floated through my head. I shared this weekend that when anyone in our home gets out of bed and comes to our living room, they will find a candle lit, soft music and the tree and mantle lights sparkling. I want them to be surrounded by light, the light of love, the light of hope, light penetrating their hearts and minds.

One of the gifts my mother gave to me through this sacred season was a love for hospitality--sharing this sparkly life, love, friendship, beauty with those in our community.

Sometimes the imagination for us to ponder that Jesus is preparing a feast for us, that He cast the stars into place where the angels sang, to understand His glory comes from experiencing this kind of sparkle, beauty, light, celebration in our real lives.

God as a light to brighten our lives becomes real when a child sits under a sparkling Christmas tree and hears, “For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ. - 2 Corinthians 4:6

“Taste and see that the Lord is good,” is much more easily imagined in a home where hot cinnamon rolls are consumed with great joy together as they emerge from the warm oven.

“Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” - (Luke 2:14) is more easily believed in a home where the sparkles of beauty show the possibilities of a heavenly sky and the generosity of love gently given through a warm touch or sweet words are given when peaceful relationships are shared.

The hospitality of God, His desire to give food to the hungry thousands who had come to see Him, to provide manna for his traveling millions across the desert, the banquet at the end of the world can be imagined when hospitality is a grace of every day life, and when light shines in our darkness from us creating light and beauty for our homes.

My father was, for most of his life, a real extrovert. He loved people and the more the merrier. Often, we would have a hundred people in our home at once--they just spread out all over the house and yard and the porch and everywhere! Sometimes it was friends from church or neighbors and kids; sometimes business associates and people from a larger arena. But all made themselves comfortable all over our home, sitting on furniture or the floor or even a blanket on the grass--people everywhere coming together to share in moments of life. 

In preparation, all of us kids were assigned rooms to clean, goodies to make in the kitchen, dishes to wash, lawns to mow.

We were the staff my mother learned to employ.

Because it was a part of the oxygen we breathed in our home, we all became used to playing host. And so, my children have also grown up decorating tables, cooking, putting lights outside, and providing the candles and music that adorn each event in our home. We, as a family, have extended His light through our home to some who would never otherwise have had a grace place where light could be felt through love and comfort. Sometimes that meant my children would have to share their bedroom and sleep on our bedroom floor. But always, hospitality was an adventure we engaged in together. 

These patterns of sparkle, delectable smells, love shared were generously strewn through the moments of Christmas that our children could more adequately imagine our savior come to the world to love, to celebrate life, to create beauty, to restore and generously give us life. We show the reality of the starry night, the angels singing, the wise men bearing gifts when we symbolize these scenes in the life we celebrate visibly.

The messes are not all tamed, ever--there is always a pile somewhere, or dust or a smudge--but who would notice with all the people living and laughing and sharing life? Perfection was never the goal, but rather, reaching out to people to serve them.

I look back to my childhood years as the time I learned all about making my home a place of life and food and fun--to my mom who taught us to work, to greet, to serve little trays of food around the house and to learn to love serving the life of Jesus, to enjoy celebrating the breadth of life well in the walls of our home.

This Christmas, I pray you’ll find ways to spread Christmas light and cheer first to your own home—and then maybe invite someone in to enjoy it with you! And you will become a beacon, a light-house for advent to those who are walking in darkness and long for what you have.

Peace be with you today.

Printable:
























Isaiah 9:2 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

Mentoring: To Be a Model For Your Children (with Podcast!)

Play Episode on iTunes & Stitcher

A pupil is not above his teacher; but everyone, after he has been fully trained, will be like his teacher."

Luke 6:40

 What would your children be like, if they were to grow up to be like you?

Modeling: One serving as an example to be imitated or compared, an ideal to be copied

Scripture tells us the the disciple becomes like his teacher. So, the teacher must be and live out what he wants the student to be.

The life of God in a person is lived out each moment, by watching a company of adults and family and friends live a holy, excellent, disciplined life before them. It is also given in the oxygen of love breathed at every turn, worship modeled by noticing a sunset, a servant's heart evident through a mama’s service, a rose in a vase, a warm blankie wrapped around a tiny cold body, --all of this work, diligently pursued, work daily wrought for the glory of the Creator.

Authentic, devoted, purposeful relationship is the conduit through which faith is passed on to another.

Modeling is not something that can be passed on by keeping a rule or memorizing scripture. Modeling and influencing another in godliness is only effective if it is authentic, real and lived out in the teacher who is in authority.

I had a model who helped me know just how to be authentic--Jesus.

Pondering Him, copying Him, loving Him, living His ways gave me the confidence to know that what I followed would bring blessing in the lives of my children, because modeling myself after the best teacher was the best foundation possible.

I could not be perfect, but I could be passionate about my love for Him, and grow in maturity, righteousness and character in front of my children, showing them how to discipline their own lives for finding maturity and growth.

How do we do this?

I loved God in front of my children every day, with all of my heart. I may have waffled in other areas, but I wanted this to be the best thing about me--to love engaging in His word, to depend on Him, seeking to obey Him, to talk about His truth, to hear His voice, to choose to believe, and to live in that faith. I knew that it was what my children most needed--a model of what it really looked like to know and love and serve Him.

I have been receiving so many letters from sweet mamas who are discouraged or weary in their journey. When we try to live up to our ideals over a long time, while constantly being drained by the daily needs of our children and demands of life, it is easy to become empty and then wonder what is wrong with us. Self-criticism sets in and discouragement abounds.

Because I wanted to be of encouragement to women who are choosing faithful work day after day, my team dreamed with me about having a membership site where women could fill up spiritually, emotionally, be inspired, feel supported. Life With Sally is a site you might be interested to join so that you can also find something just for you to fill your cup so to speak and to keep inspired along the way. Each month, you will receive an email that connects you to our site. There are already many recordings of Bible studies, (like the one we are sharing with you today on my podcast), studies of books for children, art and composter studies, recipes and cooking demonstrations, and much more. If you are interested in joining or looking into it, please go HERE to have a look. I hope you will join our community soon. And I hope you will enjoy this podcast which is a sample of what you would hear on my site each month. Happy Weekend.

Outline and Notes

Proverbs 19:21 Printable

Proverbs 13:20 Printable

Philippians 4:8 Printable
More Resources:
Life with Sally
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

How Not to Be Angry: The Power of Gentleness & new Podcast!

“A gentle answer turns away wrath. But harsh words make tempers flare.” Proverbs 15:1

Play Episode on iTunes & Stitcher

Standing in the hallway of the hotel where we were hosting our mom’s conference, I noticed a sweet mama who looked as though she was at the end of her rope. Holding a young baby, who was arching his little back and crying as though his heart would break, she looked beside herself.

I offered to hold her little one so she could get some rest. Sure enough, he would begin to quiet and then something, probably a little gurgly tummy, would cause him to begin to wail once again. I held him close, cheek to cheek, his to mine, with my mouth aimed toward his little ear.

Softly I began to talk to him and then sing the song so often sung to my children: “You are my sunshine, my only sunshine,” very softly, very gently. He would quiet down. Then another cry would begin, and I would talk to him very softly again … “You are not alone. You are so very precious, you are a darling boy,” lyrically, holding his soft cheek so he could feel mine. Each time my voice started, his little eyes got big and he would quiet.

After several minutes of this repeating, he fell fast asleep.

When my children were young, if I wrapped my demeanor, by my will, in softness and gentleness and answered their anger in a gentle voice, with non-accusing eyes, they were more likely than not to listen to me and to respond.

They still are!

“I understand you are feeling frustrated or angry, but I want to listen to you and understand what you are saying so I can help you.”

Angry words answered with loud voices and accusation just adds fuel to the flame of anger. Gentleness and sympathy puts water on the fire of a loved one’s angry heart, soothing their frustrated feelings.. Once I had this scripture in my head and learned to use it in many relationship situations, I saw how effective this piece of wisdom was. All of us desire, even in our frustration, to be honored.

There is no absolute solution or formula to calming every angry quarrel. Yet, wisdom from Proverbs has often saved the moment for my family. A hormonal teen, an exhausted toddler, an exasperated school-aged child, or a husband who is angry—all of these long to be treated with focused attention, an understanding heart, and a loving response.

As we all know, it is natural to react in like—anger to anger. However, it is the Spirit of Him who is love that leads us to react in love. As the Spirit lives through us, we will see His power and fruit drawing others to Him through us, when we choose to remember bits of truth he has left for us to follow. A gentle answer turns away anger.

Gentleness grows stronger with practice. It comes with humility. It grows as wisdom and takes root in the heart that values the ones she loves. May God grant us to become gentle in our love, that others may see Him through us.

Printable:
Proverbs 15:1 PDF
Books Referenced in this Podcast:

My favorite gifts to give each year are books. If you want to encourage a friend for the whole year, consider getting Mom Heart Moments as a gift that will keep on giving. And to delight a child in your life, I think you would be so happy to give them a proper sense of how precious they are just as they are with the book, Only You Can Be You!

Mom Heart Moments: Daily Devotions for Lifegiving Motherhood

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Only You Can Be You: What Makes You Different Makes You Great

By Sally Clarkson, Nathan Clarkson

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Hope for a Dark World, with Malcolm Guite: Keeping Advent

You will also love Joy’s advent podcast this week all about the history, purpose, and beauty of advent. You can find it here.

"And the people who were walking in darkness have seen a great light."

Candles flickered on the green wreath as one more friend piled through our creaky old door from the cold, snowy street. Sitting around our orphan table recently purchased at a second hand furniture store, I felt quite pleased with the ambiance and the company sharing our table in our small, chilly Austrian cottage. 

An Iraqi refugee we met at church, asked us to pray he could get a passport so that he could go back to visit his mother who had cancer. Another Austrian friend teared up as he asked us to pray for the overwhelming pain he was feeling from having his wife leave him for another. My sweet Bible study partner mentioned the homesickness she felt working at the United Nations alone, thousands of miles from Taiwan. My own father had cancer and his illness prohibited us from going home for Christmas with our infant Joel and 2 1/2 year old Sarah. 

All of us had a hole in our hearts, a longing for comfort, for hope of a comfort, or assurance that we would find light amidst the shadows of darkness swimming around inside. 

Clay read from Isaiah 9:2, 

"The people who walk in darkness will see a great light. For those who live in the land of darkness, light will shine." We spent the evening eating hot buttered herb bread, savoring steaming bowls of potato cheese soup, munching nuts and cheese, but living in the comfort of each other's encouragement and love. This celebration of His coming heartened us all. 

I love advent. It prepares me every year to remember that we are not alone, we have this treasure in earthen vessels, God with us. Just the picture of a tiny infant, being celebrated by angels, a young mother and father caught up in the miracle of a new birth warms my heart to the depths. So much to celebrate in this timeless story. But during the busy month ahead, to take time to prepare our hearts for His coming is a life long habit of worship that will strengthen us the whole year. 

Today on my podcast, I am introducing you to my friend, Malcolm Guite, a scholar in Cambridge, a Poet and very winsome and informative teacher. You will love hearing about why and how we celebrate Christ throughout the church year.

**********************

Advent mirrors the quiet but soulful longing that grows deep inside where no one sees. We cry for the touch of our creator amidst the whirlwind of trying to make it through one more busy day. Painting a smile on our face, we stuff down the cries that remain silent to those around us, where we want someone to notice, to care, to save us. My dear friend, Holly Pakiam, shared some of there thoughts about advent, mingled with my own.

Christmas has become a secularized time in which many do not know that our Jesus came because he saw a world that was helpless to save themselves, that they are filled with the disbarring, soul-killing sin that darkens their hearts.

The trouble with the generalized ‘holiday season’ isn’t that it is a part of some calculated ‘war on Christmas’; it’s that it leaves us with no lexicon for longing. It gives us snow and songs, elves and sales, cookies and cards…but no vocabulary for grief, for sorrow, for the deep ache in our hearts.

 This is why we have come to appreciate Advent. Advent isn’t a spiritual, alternative name for ‘Christmas’; it is its own season, a season of preparation for Christmas. Advent is when the anticipated joy of Christ’s first arrival puts us touch with our anticipated joy at His return.

 Advent is a joy that helps us hope.

Advent is when we give voice to the ache and pain and longing in our hearts. Advent is also when we confess our own participation in the brokenness of the world. Advent, then, is not only about longing for Christ to come again and put everything back together; it’s about repenting and receiving grace so that we get to be put back together now.

But there’s one more piece. Advent is not only about longing for Christ to put the world back together, not only about repenting and letting Christ put us back together; it is also a chance to participate in bringing wholeness to others.

 As we enter the Advent season, could we as the people of God, be a part of the answer to the longing in people’s hearts?

Making time to invite your neighbors into your home for a warm drink or serving in the local Rescue Mission. Or maybe its through taking a moment to ‘see’ a colleague who’s going through a difficult time. It may seem difficult to carve out time to give to the things you desire in this season. We’ve had to cut out some of our regularly scheduled things to carve out space to focus on this season.

All around the world, we light the first purple candle in the Advent wreath as a symbol of Hope. Whether we sense God or feel a great void or doubt about his presence, we believe He is the hope of the world. The longing we have in our hearts for this world to be set right will come to pass. There are brief glimpses of Joy that remind us of this hope. Until then…we wait.

Our family participated in many activities through the years that helped the coming of Christ come alive in daily practices in our home.
•     Advent Wreath: Every Sunday of Advent, light a candle in the Advent wreath along with reading a devotion to your family as you prepare to celebrate hope, peace, joy, and love.

•     The first two weeks focus on the second coming of Christ. The prayers, Scripture readings, and hymns are more solemn, drawing us to repentance as we look toward the last days.

•     In the second two weeks, the mood lightens. We turn our focus to Christ’s birth and begin our joyful preparations for Christmas.

•    In a devotion, you could pray, “Tonight, all around the world, we light the purple candle in the Advent wreath as a symbol of Hope. Whether we sense God or feel a great void or doubt about his presence, we believe He is the hope of the world. The longing we have in our hearts for this world to be set right will come to pass. Until then…we wait. 

Even though we participated in this celebration in our church, we always had a shared meal on Sunday evenings with readings, poetry and personal engagement with this hope we engaged in as a family.

Music

•     Midwinter Carols Vol. 2 by Joel Clarkson

(purchase here)

 



























 

We have received so many letters about Joel’s first Christmas album over the past several years. This year, Joel has composed a new one that delights me to the toes., It is truly so beautiful.

 You can find Malcolm’s book which is wonderful to ponder.

 














Waiting on the Word: A poem a day for Advent, Christmas and Epiphany

By Malcolm Guite






 

Favorite Advent and Christmas Picture Books for Children 

The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey

By Susan Wojciechowski

 

•     The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey by Susan Wojciechowski

This book is one of the Clarkson kids favorite stories!

The Gift of the Magi (Holiday Classics Illustrated by P.j. Lynch)

By O. Henry

Letters from Father Christmas

By J. R. R. Tolkien

I, Sally, also love this classic story and read it and was touched when in high school     

•     Letters from Father Christmas by J.R.R. Tolkien

The Legend of the Candy Cane by Walburg, Lori (1997) Hardcover

Zonderkidz

 

•     The Legend of the Candy Cane by Lori Wahlberg

 

The Legend of St. Nicholas: A Story of Christmas Giving

By Dandi Daley Mackall

•     The Legend of St Nicholas Dandi McCall    

Christmas with Anne (L.M. Montgomery Books)

By L.M. Montgomery

•     Christmas with Anne by L.M. Montgomery

The Miracle of St. Nicholas (Golden Key Books)

By Gloria Whelan

•     The Miracle of Saint Nicholas by Gloria Whelan

Nutcracker

By E.T.A. Hoffmann

•     The Nutcracker by E.T.A. Hoffman, Illustrated by Maurice Sendak

We have seen this ballet many times and the highlight was when we lived in Vienna. Sarah was 3 years old, but squealed at the lovely swaying across the stage of the elaborate Opera House.

HERE     

Another favorite collection of advent stories to use with children begins with Jotham's Journey. Many consider this a favorite and a heart-warming story. 

Jotham's Journey: A Storybook for Advent (Storybooks for Advent)

By Arnold Ytreeide

 go HERE

Can't leave out one of my favorite books--may be out of print. It will bring sweet tears and is a great story for your children to think about what giving sometimes costs.

By Beverly Lewis:Annika's Secret Wish [Hardcover]

By aa

HERE

Thank you, Malcolm and Holly for sharing your thoughts and resources. You are a gift to us.

 There are lots more books in my home, but you will just have to come visit me and see my library and have a cup of cheer. 

I hope you will enjoy the podcast I did with Malcolm to encourage you in your own advent journ

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It's Nearly Advent! Some Traditions to Share as a Family

I hope everyone had a lovely Thanksgiving! It’s amazing that we’re headed into December and the Advent season is upon us—but a little easier to believe for me now, as we have 18 inches of snow surrounding us!

One of the most wonderful parts of Christmas is that everything is magnified for us as we see it through the eyes of our children. Coming up with ideas of things that would delight them, then continuing those traditions every year brings much joy to all of us!

A sweet friend asked me to write about the traditions we practiced when our children were little. There are so many I would have to write pages to adequately describe them all. We did different things at different stages. However, the goal of Christmas traditions is not to do the most elaborate and difficult things, but to help your children love Jesus, revere Him, enjoy His story, and to imbed the beauty of Christmas deeply into their hearts.

When the Christmas season was at hand, we would always say, "Now we get to have the best birthday celebration of all! God came to the earth through a little baby to help us, love us and save us. And we get to celebrate His birthday and love Him more by telling His story and singing to Him."

We need to look at little children as Jesus did--they have innocent hearts, they freely love, they adore great stories, surprises, fun and giggles--they want to be generous and give of themselves without self-consciousness. And so we approach the season with their sweet minds in consideration.

I started out by singing the carols each night to my babies as I nursed them, so that they learned them from infancy. At two and a half, one night as I was singing "Away in the manger" to Joy (very verbal and articulate at an early age), she looked up and me and said, "Mama, isn't it amazing that the cows blew Jesus and he didn't even get mad?"

I said, "What do you mean?" She said, "The cattle were blowing the baby awake, but little Lord Jesus, no crying He makes."   She had engaged her little mind seriously thinking about cattle blowing Jesus awake!

As the children multiplied and became a little older, we would put everyone in pajamas and have an advent time with them each night, singing a carol together in the light of the candles of our advent wreath and then reading a verse before they climbed into bed.

It is easy for others to hear of our traditions and imagine that somehow we had total cooperation, but of course our children wiggled or argued -- "You sat next to mama last night! It's my turn!" or "He keeps tickling my toe with his feet."

But somehow, it was the rhythm of keeping going and celebrating it the same way year by year that made it precious to the children. There was always the expectation that when the dark of night came, we would all cuddle up on the couch and sing and eat little snacks and read fun Christmas tales and have one more piece added to the adventure of the story of King Jesus.

One of my friends gave me this lovely idea. We would buy at least one new Christmas book a year. But her idea was to wrap all of your Christmas books in tissue paper and put them in a basket, and each night (or whenever you do it) the children take turns picking out one book to unwrap as a present and get to read that one before going to bed. This also makes each book a treasure. If you want to make it easier, you could have an older children wrap up the book each night after it's been read so that it will be ready for the next year and then you won't have 24 books to wrap all at once!

What traditions do you enjoy with your little ones? (Big ones, too?)

The Lord is in Heaven, Ruling Over All. Blessed Thanksgiving!

I love Thanksgiving! It is a time of family, resting, celebrating God's goodness, feasting and reflecting on all that HE has done faithfully in our lives. After gigantic cinnamon rolls, and lounging in our pj's, we will all take a few moments to make a list of all the things we are thankful for--then Daddy will read whatever Psalm or praise is on His heart and we will spend time thanking and praising the Lord together.

Then comes the feasting. We have not had the privilege of having much family in our lives over the years, so we have spent some Thanksgivings alone. But, I am always so grateful when we can fill the house with friends, new and old, who also need a home for celebrating.

On our menu will be turkey, of course; apple, pecan, and cranberry bread dressing; celery, onion, cornbread and sage dressing; sweet potato casserole;  a congealed cranberry salad; fresh cranberry sauce; yellow squash and onion casserole; peas; green beans; lots of potatoes and gravy; 4 dozen homemade rolls (great for leftover sandwiches); pumpkin chiffon pie; upside down gingerbread apple-caramel cake, pumpkin cheesecake’ pecan pie'; and whipped cream and ice cream to top it all off. We always have a variety of sparkling juices. I think I will go do my 2 mile exercise video and sit ups to prepare for the time--or I might just take it as a day of rest!

In the Old Testament, feasts and celebrations were commanded by God--He is a celebrating Father. May you all have a wonderful day with your precious ones. And may He bless you with a peaceful day.

Sing for joy in the Lord, oh you righteous ones;

Praise is becoming to the upright. For the word of the Lord is upright,

And all His work is done in faithfulness.

Psalm 33: 1, 4

As I turned my heart to praise Him this morning in the dark hours of the early morning, my heart was deeply touched and so deeply grateful for His sustaining and loving presence.

Verse after verse flooded my heart. He deserves all our worship and thanksgiving. He is working in and through all of us in this moment in history, bringing us closer to the time when He will cast satan away and rule as our righteous Judge forever. He is preparing a place for us. He has promised never to leave us. He works all things together for good to those who are called to Him. He loves us with an everlasting love. He hears our prayers and He even prays for us. He is with us, always, everywhere.

As I ponder so many of these truths, I see His wonderful faithfulness through all the busy years of my past, so I can say with David, "I have been young and I have been old, and I have never seen the righteous forsaken, or their seed begging for bread." Even when I didn't know how things would turn out, He was at work, in faithfulness and love.

I am reading this Thanksgiving Liturgy on my podcast today so that you may ponder it, savor the words, pray it back to God. You might even want to use it to read before your Thanksgiving meal. It heartened me so much. Blessings to you.

A Thanksgiving Liturgy 

God eternal and righteous One,
Who created the heavens and the earth,
we gather to give you thanks.
For breath that fills us with your life,
For love that softens our hearts,
For beauty revealed at every turn.

Christ redeeming and forgiving One,
Who is always faithful and merciful.
We gather to give you thanks,
For renewal, transforming our lives,
For peace calming the chaos of our souls,
For hope restoring our faith.

Spirit sustaining, and compassionate One,
Who calls us into relationship with the living God,
We give you thanks,
For caring when our hearts are aching,
For friends supportive in times of need,
For generosity lavish and overflowing.

God who created the earth and the heavens,
Eternal, Redeeming and Sustaining One,
We gather to give you thanks,
We come with hearts full of gratitude,
For all things good,
We give you thanks for You.

From God Space

May we all bring a smile to God's face today, because of the appreciation in our hearts and on our lips and in our deeds for His faithfulness, righteousness, generosity and love. I pray you have the happiest of Thanksgivings!

Remember, if you want to enter to win one of the five sets of books (Mom Heart Moments and Only You Can Be You) Subscribe and leave a comment here or the blog post for Monday.

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Celebrating to Bring Light, Beauty, Healing, Encouragement, Comfort & new Podcast A giveaway

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This Thanksgiving, you are investing eternal memories into the souls of your children that will feed them the rest of their lives. Thanksgiving is a marvelous, magical time that is filled with fond memories and cherished traditions. Over and over, my children tell me it was the feasts, traditions, rhythms that speak to them of our close ties and community that we all share now! This is a holiday in which all of our senses are involved in the memory-making process on this one very special day we so look forward to in our family.

When we feast in community, we remember that it is a picture, a prototype of what is to come, our wedding banquet with Christ when all tears will be wiped away, all sorrow disappears. We can model Christ in our hospitality with generous hearts so that those we love may be better prepared to imagine what is to come.

Touch:

"I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me trustworthy, appointing me to his service."

-1 Timothy 1:12

In our home, the bustling of family members getting involved in the hospitality process makes Thanksgiving so much fun.  Remind your children what a great delight it is to you to have such a great team. Tell them the work of beauty of a feast and the life of the day would not be complete and full without their help and personal touches. What a gift to be a part of a family sharing togetherness!   On Thanksgiving, through using our hands to make pies, set tables, decorate, or hold hands during prayer, the things we touch and cultivate as a family turn into life-long memories.

Sight:

"Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus."

-1 Thessalonians 5:18

I know that for many of you sweet mamas, burdens and hard work come along with the turkey, pies, and memories. Remember that your hard work is so worth it, because you are creating visions for your children to behold that will shape who they are forever. Take a deep breath, relax, and allow yourself to look around and take it all in, seeing with your own eyes the value and worth of your labors. The beautiful table, the delicious meals, and most importantly, the smiles on the faces of your family should be your visual reminder that it is all worthwhile.

Taste:

“So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God." -

1 Corinthians 10:31

It is a beautiful gift that God allows us to taste. Not only is our food nourishment, but also a way for us to bond over something that fills us with joy. I know my family is very thankful for flavors of many kinds that bring so much variety to our taste buds and warmth to our souls. The meals you make this Thanksgiving will not be ordinary-they will be creating the palate of memories that enchant your children's taste buds for a very long time. (Just like the verse in Corinthians says-we shall be thankful and do all things to the glory of God. This includes our feasting!)

Smell:

 "And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God." -Ephesians 5:2

Is it just me, or does it seem that people tend to gravitate and crowd around the kitchen once the enticing aromas begin spilling from the oven? Nathan, my youngest son, was recently telling me about one of his very favorite Thanksgiving memories:

"It's the best thing, waking up on Thanksgiving morning to the smell of your homemade cinnamon rolls. All of us kids lose our patience as we sit and watch the parade in our PJ's, eagerly wondering what second they will be ready to devour!" They say scent is the strongest link to memory, so do not underestimate the importance of the candles you light and treats you bake.

Hearing:

"So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ." -Romans 10:17

Your Thanksgiving day will be filled with many sounds, some joyful noises, and some possibly not so pleasant. Be intentional about the sounds of your home's Thanksgiving day. Select calming music, encourage singing, allow plenty of conversation, and be wise about what words are said, as they will remain in the hearts of our loved ones.

There is so very much to be thankful for as we prepare to embark on another Thanksgiving holiday. I hope that you have a blessed Thanksgiving day with your family, and that all of your senses are delighted.

Dearest Friends, I am primarily a message maker. I want to podcast, write books and blogs to encourage women in living into their godly legacy. I would rather have like-minded women here so that when I have giveaways, announce conferences, do videos, they will go straight to my followers, without necessarily having to find me on social media. Will you help me gather a community here? Follow the giveaway below. I will be giving away more books for you to enjoy or to give to your friends for Christmas. Rally your friends to follow me here, too. Thanks so much. It is my privilege to serve you here at Sallyclarkson.com In the Spirit of Giving, I would love to give away 5 sets of my two new books. To enter you must subscribe to my blog to receive it in your inbox. Leave me a comment that you are a follower and you will be entered in the giveaway. Printable: 























 
1 Timothy 1:12 PDF
Books Referenced in this Podcast: Giving away 5 sets of these books. Follow me and leave a comment and you will be entered to win.















































More Resources:
Joel Clarkson Music

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

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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.

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