Seasons of a Mother's Heart

by Sally Clarkson (Editor), Clay Clarkson (Editor)

Your life is a whirlwind of changing seasons that can just as easily exhaust as exhilarate you. Sit down, take a few moments, and allow yourself to be refreshed and encouraged by stories, insights, and lessons from a friend. Sally Clarkson opens her heart within these pages, sharing what she has learned as a homeschooling wife and mother about herself, her children, and her Lord. Sally Clarkson has worked in vocational ministry for almost thirty years, serving with Campus Crusade for Christ, as well as with women's and singles ministries in the U.S. and overseas. Sally and her husband, Clay, are the cofounders of Whole Heart Ministries, an outreach that encourages and equips Christian parents.

Genres: Parenting, Nonfiction, Christian, Christian Living, Family, Faith, Christian Non Fiction

220 pages, Paperback

First published February 1, 1998

About the author

From working on college campuses, to sharing the Gospel behind the Iron Curtain as a missionary, traveling around the United States, Canada, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Australia to speak on discipleship, Sally Clarkson has tenaciously sought after God's kingdom, and has used her ministry to encourage others to do the same. From her best-selling books such as Own Your Life, Desperate (with Sarah Mae), and her latest, The Lifegiving Home, Sally has shared from her heart and home about the value of motherhood and the potential for home to cultivate life, love, and faith. In 1995, She and her husband Clay founded Whole Heart Ministries, which has encouraged thousands of families around the world in discipling their children

Reviews

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think I just highlighted the whole book. This is not a quick read. You really need time to digest what Sally is speaking to you about. It was so encouraging, to me, as a homeschooling mother. It brought tears to my eyes as I read her words of encouragement and understanding. It took me forever to read it though because I wouldn't read it unless I could underline, scribble notes in the margins, or use my handy dandy highlighter. If you are a homeschooling mom who needs some encouragement, with scripture, I highly recommend Sally Clarkson. She is an amazing lady.

[Lindsay · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was really encouraged by this book for the first few chapters- she spoke to real areas of difficulty in every mother's life. But as the book went on I gathered that maybe the author was writing through a lens that portrayed somewhat of a shallow understanding of the grandeur of the gospel. The true message of the Bible seemed a little shifted to focus on our righteousness being our own- instead of bringing us to the cross and the righteousness we have in Christ. Maybe I missed something. But I was left wanting something more.

[Trace · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is a reason that Mrs Clarkson is one of my very favorite authors. She speaks to a mother's heart like no one else. I speak with perfect honesty when I say that she has been my biggest mentor as a mother. I feel so blessed to have discovered this Godly woman so early in my motherhood walk! Her very words leap off the page and envelope you into a sisterly hug. This particular book was written with homeschoolers in mind, but all mothers will benefit from her godly, warmhearted wisdom.

[Sara Cross · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am planning to homeschool next year and I chose to read this book to prepare my heart for the future. This was a perfect book to do so. I am even more at peace about the future and will be keeping this book on hand to use when the hard parts of homeschooling come. This is great encouragement to obey God’s will for mothers to be at home with their children and not be distracted with what the world could give them or what they could be missing out on.

[Brooke Kinabrew · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such an encouragement to my heart. I chuckled out loud, I nodded in agreement, I was inspired, challenged, and uplifted. I loved getting a glimpse into Sally’s life at the stage of motherhood while she was in the trenches of mothering and homeschooling her four children.

I will be picking up my copy and re-reading often. I’ve only read through it once and it is already marked up and highlighted with favorite passages and quotes. The margins have notes that I may revisit.

I also loved how she shared scripture at the end of each chapter and then asked a list of questions for personal study and application. Then she added a personal application challenge and a family application/activity as well to finish off the chapter. 👌🏻

[Emily Wykes · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Many matters of a Christian faith and practice find their origin in specific Scriptures, but are in reality man-made standards….God provides very few such formulas in Scripture; rather, He encourages us to live by faith, not depending on formulas but on Him.”

Possibly changed my life, no big deal.

[Falon Bailey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I give this 3.5 stars rounded up to 4. I loved the encouragement and scripture. Sally’s heart for others is so evident as she writes and I love how she continues to point mothers to Christ for their ultimate support and worth.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such an encouragement to me. She speaks to my heart like no other author!

[Kristie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an incredible book on the subject of Motherhood. I read it at least once every year. I think I started reading it in 2003. It basically describes the journeys of motherhood based on the four seasons. Fall, Winter, Spring and Summer. It provides hope and encouragement.

[Patty · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved all of Sally Clarkson's books! They were such an encouragement to me when I was home raising my kids. Now my daughter is reading "The Mission of Motherhood" and I am so glad that she gets to benefit from these books, too!

[Stacey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very encouraging book for Christian homeschool moms. It's like having a cup of tea with someone who can laugh with you, cry with you, and always wants to always draw you back to the feet of Jesus no matter what season you find yourself in.

[Michelle Polk · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great book for mothers and homeschoolers. It is read like a devotional but leads like a standard textbook for homeschool moms. If you need encouragement, this book is for you.

[Marissa | storiesinthemeadow · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read through this slowly, originally intending to read one chapter each month (to go along with the seasons). As the book focuses on the internal struggles and fluctuations within ourselves, I ended up reading the second half faster.

The end of each chapter has personal and family application ideas, as well as several scripture passages to read and think through that relate to the topic. At the beginning of each section (“season”) of the book in this edition, there was a Reflection from 10 years later. I think I enjoyed those the most, seeing how Sally was looking back (and forward) and noticing how intentionality really makes a difference.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was encouraging and kept directing you to seek biblical answers and help. I loved how Sally puts your focus not on what's going on but to God and how focusing on your relationship with Him is what is so important. This book was a reminder of why I wanted to homeschool my children, to see God in everything and have them build a relationship with Him, rather than me getting off track thinking of curriculum, are they doing enough compared to others, etc....krb 10/12/17

[Allyson Horton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wish I had known about this book when we started our homeschooling journey 6 years ago. Sally does an amazing job of encouraging homeschooling Moms and points them back to the most important things, Gods Word and prayer. Highly recommend!!

[Libby · Rating 5 out of 5]

If I could snuggle up with a cup of tea and sit at Sally’s feet, soaking up all her wisdom and lessons, I would in a heartbeat. This book was balm for my weary soul and I can’t wait to read it over and over again, insisting all my fellow homeschooling moms read it too.

[Anna Garmoe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sally’s words always build up perspective for my non-mother (yet) self who is easily overwhelmed thinking about the lifetime of mothering that begins with pregnancy. Her approach to relational kingdom building with her children is beautiful.

[Julie Quagliariello O'Brien · Rating 5 out of 5]

All of Sally's writing is spot on for whatever topic it addresses. There are always little treasures to be found when I pick up one of her books, whether I read just a page or two or multiple chapters. This book normalizes the ups and downs and points us to Jesus for them all.

[Charissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good, relatable words and lots of food for thought for the homeschooling mother.

[Rachael Stoldt · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a really good and encouraging book for homeschooling moms!

[Chelsea · Rating 5 out of 5]

So many great inspirational nuggets...all leading back to God's word. LOVE the encouragement Sally gives in all her books.

[Nicole F · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was SUCH a good read. I definitely recommend for any homeschool mom it is very encouraging!

[Bethany Gatlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sally’s writings minister to my heart, every time. I really enjoyed this read, and plan to revisit it when my children are closer to school-aged.

[Ashłe Potter · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a treasure this book is! I love the encouragement and wisdom shared in this book. It brought me to tears many times as I read along. I will be reading this one again!

[Gabriela Burke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cried nearly every chapter. This is one of the most encouraging books on motherhood I’ve encountered. It’s geared towards homeschooling moms, but honestly great for anyone.

[Jenna Vander Ploeg · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved soaking up each chapter of this book! Sally's words of encouragement and stories touched my heart! Will definitely read this again at some point in our homeschool journey!

[Taylor Lent · Rating 3 out of 5]

An enjoyable book that encourages homeschooling mothers

[Annabelle Valadez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredibly encouraging and convicting. I will be recommending this to every homeschooling mother!

[Desiree Robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful, encouraging, eye opening book. Lessons for beginner moms and seasoned Christian moms. This is a book I will definitely re read over the years!

[Laurie Wheeler · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this with a book club, with whom I savored this wonderful book!