Life with Sally

In today's podcast, you will hear about: *My time with a dear friend, Terri Moon, and reminiscing about our lives with our children who have grown up together. *Favorite music and why we study composers and their character qualities in our membership, "Cultivating Life with Sally. And how music is healing *Favorite recipes and traditions we both celebrate (She is an amazing cook!) *How worry has never ever changed any of our circumstances *How both of us restore and refresh and celebrate Christmas to bring Joy *Why joy is a healer and why a joyful heart is good medicine. We think that Christmas is a great time to share books as gifts because they also bring healing and inspiration to those we love. So, we are giving away 3 books to our readers for Christmas.

Take time to regroup today--Go eat some chocolate, and don't feel guilty as you are eating it (that would certainly be a waste of good chocolate!) Listen to some beautiful music, watch a heart-warming movie, take a nap, eat off of paper plates to save cleanup! The rest of December is still coming and you will be the better for it. I'll be praying for you!

The Value of Learning to Wait--practicing patience takes time and courage but it produces the deepest most heart gratifying fulfillment. 1. I talk a legacy of beauty and how it passes to the future generations. What we practice grows deep into the lives of the next generation. 2. Looking at the biblical subject of waiting and how it is a process that builds the things we invest in into the story we leave. 3. Learning to stand back and get the long view of life, and working with the end in mind and believing by faith that you are building something that will matter. 4. Cultivating a Community of Great Souls--Life with Sally membership is a way to have discipleship and spiritual mentoring online as well as leadership training.

Traveling to Scotland after being in Oxford with Sarah and Thomas all week has been such a refreshing week. Learning the stories of those who have lived brave lives in these places has been inspiring. Join Joel and Joy with me today as we tell of the history of St. Andrews, talk about the great food in the cafes here, and share the fun of our time together here. Be sure to look for Joy's blog, Joyclarkson.com and weekly podcast, Speaking with Joy. Enjoy the Wexford Carol as Joel arranged it and find the music at Amazon (Midwinter Carols by Joel Clarkson) and other places where music is sold.

Discipleship is always an issue of relationship. It is not about curriculum, church attendance, rules, indoctrination, but always about reaching the heart.

The ways you learn to respect the learning process of your children, to admire their ability to think, to engage them in great ideas and thoughts will give them a chance to digest great convictions that will shape their faith for a lifetime.

The table is central to the everyday moments of our lives, even when we are busy, or find ourselves stretched in the midst of seasons that require much from us. Feasting goes on! It is also the anchor to much of our milestones and family celebrations. In this episode, Sally and Kristen discuss Chapters 7 and 8 of the Life Giving Table and offer their own tips for how to create for simple feasts when life is overwhelming or we are short on time. They also share how each of their families create traditions with food and fellowship to mark life's special moments. What we Talk about: -Living Well in the midst of daily choas and real life -How we can train ourselves to see God's gentle hand of provision in our lives -How to live sustainably in pressured seasons -How to bear weariness that comes from what God is calling you to do -The ways we each add beauty to our homes to encourage our hearts (and those of our families) -How to stop waiting for the ideal and learn to enjoy the moment. -Our favorite staples, recipes and tricks for feasting simply or when we have little time. -Our family traditions and celebration rituals -Birthdays in the life of the Clarkson Family -How to create a blessing celebration in your own family -The way God blesses us through words of affirmation, and how we can do the same with those at our table -The power and necessity of creating a home of belonging links: "It is better to light a candle than curse the darkness." -Author unknown Mark 6:31 "Then Jesus said, "Let's go off by ourselves to a quiet place and rest awhile." He said this because there were so many people coming and going that Jesus and his apostles didn't even have time to eat." Table-Discipleship Principle: A wise discipler must make space for rest and beauty in the midst of life. "If more of us valued food and cheer and song above hoarded gold, it would be a merrier world." -J. R. R. Tolkien Numbers 6:24-26 "The Lord bless you, and keep you; The Lord make His face shine on you; And be gracious to you;The Lord lift up His countenance on you, And give you peace." Table-Discipleship Principle: Love and affirmation given generously provide the foundation for opening a heart to influence

This little podcast is just me sharing some thoughts that have been passing through my brain. Hope you are encouraged.

What does it mean to be transformed, changed, and reshaped as an antidote to being conformed to the world? In this episode, Sally ponders these ideas as she discusses chapters four and five of the Life-giving Table and teaches us about how family culture has the distinct and grace-giving power to both change and protect us. She inspires listeners to instill a sense of "this is who we are" and "this is what we believe" into the hearts of her children as they gather at the table, and gives tools to not only create a vision to define our own family culture, but to practically cultivate a legacy. I hope that you are encouraged by today's podcast. Let us know what you think below. WHAT WE TALK ABOUT: Discipleship Principle: Practicing the Rhythms of life regularly with your loved ones creates a secure feeling of belonging- of being welcomed and able to share convictions and faith in a community where one belongs. -That your family culture needs to be a stronger pull than the culture of the world--you have to define it in such a way that your children will love it, flourish in it, grow in it and feel they belong -That a unique family culture does not happen by chance and that you must fight to keep it going - Why creating a family culture is particularly important in our too busy, fast paced and demanding worldly culture -How to cultivate daily rhythms that keep us anchored in the storms of life -Creating a cultural battle plan -How a Kingdom culture means we are stewards of God's messages -How to create a culture of honor, where our children recognize the significance and worth of human beings created in God's image -How to create a culture of hospitality, where it becomes a pattern to serve others -Defining a family culture for YOUR family and determining what characteristics you want it to reflect -How to cultivate a culture of conversation -Navigating squabbles at the table and teaching our children how to consider one another wisely. "THAT'S SOMETHING I'VE NOTICED ABOUT FOOD; WHENEVER THERE'S A CRISES IF WE CAN GET PEOPLE TO EATING NORMALLY THINGS GET BETTER." -MADELEINE L'ENGLE Acts 2:42 NASB"They were continually devoting themselves to the apostle's teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer." Luke 24:14-15- "They were talking with each other about all these things which had taken place. While they were talking and discussing, Jesus Himself approached and began traveling with them." Table-Discipleship Principle: SHAPING THE MIND AND HEART THROUGH REPEATED DISCUSSIONS ABOUT TRUTH, BEAUTY, AND RIGHTEOUSNESS AND ENGAGING IN THESE IDEAS REGULARLY SHAPES CONVICTIONS THAT LAST A LIFETIME. "The most influential of all education factors is the conversation in a child's home." William Temple

Nathan and Sally wrote a book called Different: The Story of an Out of the Box Kid and the Mom Who Loved Him. In this episode, they discuss the long term pathway of walking through all the stages of life with a child who will always deal with his or her issues and how to live this life with grace, patience and sustainability. You will find encouragement and sympathy for your own life and inspiration about how to live this puzzle of life with contentment and Peace.

Love of beauty is taste. The creation of beauty is art. Ralph Waldo Emerson Jesus replied, "I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry again. Whoever believes in me will never be thirsty." John 6:35 Table-Discipleship Principle: Creating an environment of beauty, comfort, and acceptance cultivates hearts that are open to your messages. Creating a life-giving table begins with a vision for cultivating beauty and a hosting place for others. In this episode, Sally and Kristen dive in to chapter 4 of the book, The Life Giving Table, to share stories and encouragement that will help you develop your own vision and sustain it through a commitment to your original ideals for years to come. What we talk about: -Sally's special story of her first apartment as a newlywed -How we create beauty -The way our tables become a are a part of our history and family story -The table as a place to extend life and a hosting place to share Christ -The promise we have that Jesus wants us to never feel alone or wonder where He is -The personalities of our tables -Commitment to ideals as important to sustaining vision -The way we create family culture at our table -Ideas to involve very young children in bringing beauty to your table

Music is one of the defining cultures of the Clarkson family. A handful of talented musicians have permeated all the seasons of our family history, as we listened together, sang along in the car, filled our walls with the melodies that tied the strings of our hearts together. Our friend, Andrew Peterson, is one such singer songwriter and close to all of our hearts. I am so happy to have him as a guest on my podcast today. The Petersons are kindred spirits and fellow "creatives" in so many areas. They love to feast, talk, read, sing, and create a rich life with a warm welcome to all who would join their community. I am happy to introduce some of you to Andrew's story, his music and his books, though I am sure many of you have followed him for years as we have. I know this podcast will encourage you. Clay is a long time supporter of all things Andrew and we have both loved attending Hutchmoot, a gathering of artists, musicians and creatives for many years. Every year we draw closer to the friends we have found in this community.

How can our table make Christ real to those who share life with us? How can it inspire them to serve him their whole lives? In this episode, Sally and Kristen begin a series on discipleship and invite you to discover how feasting invites you in to celebrate the delights, creativity, and personality of God. WHAT WE TALK ABOUT: -The example of the Life of Christ- feasting, caring for those he came in contact with, feeding them, preparing a place for them, touching them, and desiring intimate connection with them. -How feasting fills spiritual, physical and emotional needs. -The meaning of sanctuary and why is it important to create one for your family. -What qualities of the table aid in reaching the personal harvest fields of our lives. -Coming to the table is not just about the physical act of eating, but about sharing life as God designed and gave it to us. -Approaching the table with an intentional purpose and expectation with shape how we cultivate it. -What we can do to protect and set boundaries for our tables. -Why the table is just like a beautiful piece of music: carefully arranged, thoughtfully directed, and passionately played. LINKS: "The Lord of hosts will prepare a lavish banquet for all peoples on this mountain; A banquet of aged wine, choice pieces with marrow, And refined, aged wine." Isaiah 25:6, NASB "When Jesus wanted to explain to his followers the meaning of his death, he didn't give them a theory, he gave them a meal"- N.T. Wright "If the home is a body, the table is the heart, the beating center, the sustainer of life and health." Shauna Niequist "For he satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things." Psalm 107:9 "For Jesus the home is not what defines the table; the table is what defines the home." Leonard Sweet, From Tablet to Table

I am so excited to share this Mini-Podcast with you. Dr. Michael Ward and I sat down quickly together and recorded this conversation after a quick breakfast the morning I left for Nashville. I know you will enjoy hearing his lovely accent and his insight about stories, an inspirational poem and C.S. Lewis about table time.

A special treat for me today was the opportunity of having Ellie Holcomb as my guest on my podcast. We spoke of music, life stories, our table and planting a flag. You will love her story about how her new album came about and the story of her family holding fast together during some trials will touch your heart.

I am so excited to share this mini-podcast today with you. My sweet friend, Heather MacFadyen, has four little boys, and she knows the reality of trying to help them move toward maturity. She also knows what it feels like to fail and fall short of your own expectations when your own children act in an immature way. Heather is the host of a wonderful podcast called The God Centered Mom. You can read more about her here and find her podcasts HERE Hope you are encouraged by our time together.

As Christians and mothers, we can feel overwhelmed with the daily battles. From piles of laundry, bad attitudes in our children, sibling arguing, hormonal teenagers, loneliness and isolation, all of the meals to be prepared, and wanting to do it all with excellence, we can often feel defeated before we even begin. When we look to God's Word and in particular Ephesians 6, we can better understand that we are truly in a battle by observing Paul's inspiring metaphor. In this episode, we, Sally and Kristen look at each piece of armor, and share how we can be prepared along with preparing and training our children, too. We can grow from feeling defeated and on the defense, to becoming more than conquerors and prepared for battle through the mighty power of the Holy Spirit. WHAT WE TALK ABOUT: -What a soldier needs before he enters into battle -What it means to stand your ground -How we can know what is true -Why Jesus says, "If you continue in my Word" is a condition of knowing the truth? -What it means to guard your heart on a daily basis -How God's word protects our heart -What it means to walk in peace -What it means to move forward instead of staying stagnant in our faith -Why having a shield of faith pre-supposes that we will have arrows thrust at us from the enemy that it is meant to protect us from -What we know about the emotional,spiritual and relational battles of life -The significance of only one piece of armor mentioned that is an offensive weapon and how we should use it LINKS: Ephesians 6:10-13 Put on all of God's armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil.2 For we[a] are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. Therefore, put on every piece of God's armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. Charles Spurgeon quote: "To be a Christian is to be a warrior. The good soldier of Jesus Christ must not expect to find ease in this world: it is a battle-field." -John 8:31-32 So Jesus was saying to those Jews who had believed Him, "If you continue in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free." Proverbs 4:23 Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life. Luke 6:45 The good man brings good things out of the good treasure of his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil treasure of his heart. For out of the overflow of the heart, the mouth speaks. Ephesians 6:15 For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. John 14:27 Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. 1 Thessalonians 5:23 Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you entirely; and may your spirit and soul and body be preserved complete, without blame at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Ephesians 6:16 In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. 1 John 5:4-5 For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world-our faith. Who is it that overcomes the world except the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God? Isaiah 12:2 Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and will not be afraid; for the Lord God is my strength and my song, and He has become my salvation. -Hebrews 4:12-13 For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart. And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are open and laid bare to the eyes of Him with whom we have to do.

The first of a two part series, Sally and Kristen will encourage you to understand your identity in light of God's view of you, which is a stability that will serve your children through their whole lives. WHAT WE TALK ABOUT: -How surprising circumstances in our own lives caused us to re-imagine our roles and personal convictions this summer. -How being faced with difficult tasks can become a blessing -The glory and beauty of womanhood and the gifts given to women as cultivators and civilizers -New research about what gives women a sense of contentment and fulfillment -How God has called us to be mothers because He intends for us to be a part of His kingdom work. Building souls, enriching minds, giving a sense of confident morality, inspiring a heart to believe in the story God has for them to tell is the way that healthy souls are shaped. -Why a sense of cohesive belonging is significant to your child. -Why you can't become someone of eternal significance if you don't know who you are and where you are going.

Episode #94 A Heart for Reading {and Music} PODCAST:DOWNLOAD SUBSCRIBE: ITUNES In this episode, Sally is joined by her daughter Sarah and they discuss the deep roots and moral imagination and character that develops through books. They discuss the gifts cultivated by a reading life, and the capacity to pour those gifts back into the world as a result. Sally and Sarah will inspire your understanding of the importance of books as central to the rhythms of home life and our interior souls and personhood. Then Sally is joined by her friend, Terri Moon who shares about the gift of music and how to help our children have a love of classical composers, and some of her favorite books to share with your children to introduce them to music. WHAT WE TALK ABOUT: -How reading furnishes in us an ability and increased capacity to see the world through another person's eyes -The connection between faith and imagination - How reading expands what we view as possible -How reading provides a place for contemplation in our lives -How reading trains us in focused and deep attention -How reading helps to cultivate wonder in our lives and our ability to see the world as a gift -How the words we read and use teach us to pay attention to the world around us -How reading creates in us a true sense of self -How to give our children a love of classical music -Giving our children a sense of legacy by passing on what we love and appreciate Find all the links to this episode at www.sallyclarkson.com/podcast

"In everything give thanks, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. -1 Thessalonians 5:18" Piglet noticed that even though he had a Very Small Heart, it could hold a rather large amount of Gratitude. -A.A. Milne, WINNIE-THE-POOH Do your children hold wonder about God? Do they have an imagination that allows them to enter into the mystery of all He has made and all He has done? A Grateful heart is a humble heart, one that does not demand, but receives and then looks for how to give again to others with joy- but it begins by understanding the wonder of being a child of the God of the Universe and experiencing all of the goodness of God's world as a gift. In this episode, Sally and Kristen discuss how to protect and preserve a sense of wonder in our children, how to cultivate daily habits of thanks, and what it looks like to embrace God's will for us to "rejoice always," regardless of circumstance. They share about what it has looked like in their own homes to raise children who are content, how to battle the demands and entitlements of modern culture facing children and parents alike, and how God has used unexpected times of difficulty to build gratefulness into the culture of their families. What we talk about: -Cultivating a habit of wonder and gratefulness in the lives of our children -What is means practically to rejoice always and in everything give thanks -The importance of learning to see God's personal provision and work in our lives -How to battle discontent, boredom, envy and jealousy -How to navigate a consumer culture of entitlement in our homes -How developing a heart of gratitude is becomes a source of courage for our children when they leave home -The importance of Feasting and special celebrations -Recognizing Grace in our own lives and serving others from the overflow of what God has given us. links: 1 Thessalonians 5:18- "In everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." James 2: 15-16- "Do not love the world nor the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the father is not in him. for all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life, is not from the Father, but is from the world." Galatians 5:22-23 1 John 1:7a- "Walk in the Light as He[God]Himself is in the Light." Compassion International

I can do all things through Him [Christ] who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13 "Nothing in the world is worth having or worth doing unless it means effort, pain, difficulty … I have never in my life envied a human being who led an easy life. I have envied a great many people who led difficult lives and led them well." TEDDY ROOSEVELT What are you bearing today that feels impossible to you? Are there circumstances, difficulties or burdens that drain your heart and soul? Often times, when we are called upon to grow in character and endurance, when we need others to help encourage us most of all, is when we can feel the most isolated and utterly alone. In this podcast, Sally and Kristen want to encourage you and give you tools to overcome what you are facing today by giving FIVE practical ways to cultivate a heart of patience and peace in your own life and in the hearts of your children. They talk candidly about their own struggles, verses that have helped to bolster their hearts and have meant so much to their own families, and what it has meant to them to learn how to trust God's story for their lives. Then, Kristen is joined by Mom Heart national team member, Gretchen Roberts who shares her heart for ministry and has an exciting announcement about a new membership site called Cultivating Life With Sally that is opening in September! So many of you have asked for more teaching, training and opportunities to learn from Sally for so long and our entire team is thrilled that there is now a place where you can do just that! Check out more information below and be sure to subscribe to SallyClarkson.com to stay in the loop on updates about when membership opens. What we Talk about: -5 Things you can cultivate in your life to be able to endure faithfully -How to embrace faithfulness as a daily choice in your life -Learning to believe that God truly cares for you, that He will be faithful in His time, and believe that your faith has value. -How to gain an eternal perspective and allow our character to be formed in suffering. -When and why it is important to get help and counseling to encourage you. -Why it is important to rest and refresh in the midst of stress and ideas for how to find simple ways to delight in life and find strength to keep going. -Learning how to invest yourself in Truth, and take every thought captive when anxiety and fear creep in. LINKS: Joshua 1:9 "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go." James 5: 7-8 "Therefore be patient, brethren, until the coming of the Lord. The farmer waits for the precious produce of the soil, being A HEART FOR PATIENCE 162 patient about it, until it gets the early and late rains. You too be patient; strengthen your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is near." Philippians 4:13 "I can do all things through Him [Christ] who strengthens me." Timothy 1:7 "For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and discipline." Hebrews 10:35-36, 39 "Therefore, do not throw away your confidence, which has great reward. For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God, you may receive what was promised. … But we are not of those who shrink back to destruction, but of those who have faith to the preserving of the soul." 1 Corinthians 10:13 "No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it." Psalm 18:31-32 "For who is God, but the Lord? And who is a rock, except our God, the God who girds me with strength and makes my way blameless? He makes my feet like hinds' feet, and sets me upon my high places." Cultivating Life with Sally Membership Site

"Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by this some have entertained angels without knowing it." Hebrews 13:2 "HOSPITALITY ISN'T ABOUT INVITING PEOPLE INTO OUR PERFECT HOMES, ITS ABOUT INVITING THEM INTO OUR IMPERFECT HEARTS."- EDIE WADSWORTH Do you want to open your home but find it to be so much work to get everything perfect before welcoming friends in? In this episode of At Home With Sally and Friends, Sally and Kristen talk about what lies at the very heart of hospitality: a willingness to make room for others, because that is God's heart for us. They share about precious memories that they have over the years of times when they prepared their homes for others to enjoy and why the love of God, and the love of a family are meant to be shared. Then Kristen is joined by Chystal Evans Hurst who shares how she teaches her children to practically make room for others and how we care for our own souls while pouring out to those who need us. WHAT WE TALK ABOUT: The Heart of Hospitality Practical ways to welcome others in and show God's love What it means to welcome and show love to strangers How Christians must keep doors to the world around us open How to plan a feast for those you invite in How to teach your children to add beauty to your home How to train your children in the art of conversation and prepare them for guests The Keys to Understand Being a Great Host LINKS Hebrews 13:2 "Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by this some have entertained angels without knowing it." Romans 12:13 "Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality." Psalm 68:6 "God settles the solitary in a home; he leads out the prisoners to prosperity, but the rebellious dwell in a parched land." Matthew 25: 31-46 " "But when the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the angels with Him, then He will sit on His glorious throne. All the nations will be gathered before Him; and He will separate them from one another, as the shepherd separates the sheep from the goats; and He will put the sheep on His right, and the goats on the left. "Then the King will say to those on His right, 'Come, you who are blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For I was hungry, and you gave Me something to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave Me something to drink; I was a stranger, and you invited Me in; naked, and you clothed Me; I was sick, and you visited Me; I was in prison, and you came to Me.' Then the righteous will answer Him, 'Lord, when did we see You hungry, and feed You, or thirsty, and give You something to drink? And when did we see You a stranger, and invite You in, or naked, and clothe You? When did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?' The King will answer and say to them, 'Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did it to one of these brothers of Mine, even the least of them, you did it to Me.' "Then He will also say to those on His left, 'Depart from Me, accursed ones, into the eternal fire which has been prepared for the devil and his angels; for I was hungry, and you gave Me nothing to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave Me nothing to drink; I was a stranger, and you did not invite Me in; naked, and you did not clothe Me; sick, and in prison, and you did not visit Me.' Then they themselves also will answer, 'Lord, when did we see You hungry, or thirsty, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not [a]take care of You?' Then He will answer them, 'Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to Me.' These will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life." LINKS TO FIND CHRYSTAL EVANS HURST Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChrystalHurst/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/ChrystalHurst Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chrystalhurst/ Blog: http://chrystalevanshurst.com/

Episode #90 Do you ever feel that you are victim of circumstance? That there is nothing you can possibly do to flourish or cultivate a meaningful life because of all that has happened to you? In this episode Sally and Kristen discuss how its vital that we learn how to grow in initiative. They share about the importance of choosing to cultivate responsibility into all areas of our lives, and how we can impart a heart for initiative into the lives our children as well, so that they can lead, serve, work and live faithfully into their own callings as victors and over comers. Then, Sally shares a special story about her son, Nathan, and the unlikely way that God is currently using his initiative to bring forth Kingdom messages in Hollywood. Read more at Sallyclarkson.com

Episode #89 This week Sally and Kristen discuss the idea of how we teach our children about the heart of work through companionship in working with us. They discuss the way that our faith and work are connected, how to give our children a kingdom vision for all they labor in, even the ordinary, and about how in a family, we can equip our children in this each day. Then, Kristen is joined by Ruth Simons, who shares about what its like to work from home with six boys, how she and her husband manage their work, their family, and celebrate each day's rewards together. This week's Bible Memory Printable can be found here: WEEK SIX BIBLE MEMORY

Episode # 88 For even the son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many." Mark 10:45 "Make it a rule, and pray to God to help you to keep it, never, if possible, to lie down at night without being able to say: "I have made one human being at least a little wiser, or a little happier, or at least a little better this day."- Charles Kingsley Do your children know that they have special gifts and skills given to them by God in order that they might bear his light and love to others? In this episode, Sally and Kristen discuss the heart of service and share about how to develop eyes in our children that are trained to see the needs of others, and understand that it is a part of their calling to meet those needs. They share how you can begin teaching your children to serve others from a very young age, and about how even among siblings, the gift of service can be cultivated intentionally. Then, Sally and Kristen are joined by Holly Packiam of Storyformed.com, and all three offer advice to help navigate challenges like consumerism and busyness faced by parents today that prevent them from developing this gift at home. They also dive into practical ways to help our children grow in how they serve at home, at church, their communities and the world.

"Let your speech always be with grace, as though seasoned with salt, so that you will know how you should respond to each person. -Colossians 4:6 "LIFE IS SHORT, BUT THERE IS ALWAYS TIME ENOUGH FOR COURTESY." -RALPH WALDO EMERSON As moms, we work hard to impart the truth of God's love to our children, but are we teaching our children how to be ambassadors of Christ to others? At the heart, manners are about cultivating spiritual and social poise that put others at ease. They are the skill that allows our children to confidently relate to people. In this episode, Sally and Kristen discuss why manners are important to impart to our children, and also how they can help our kids to have a gracious presence wherever they find themselves in the future. In this episode we will dive into how Sally and Kristen each approached teaching manners to their children, their ideas for creative ideas to make this training fun, and most of all, how to open the hearts of your children to see that manners are not simply a matter of being well behaved, but are really about becoming stewards of God's love. Then, join special guest, Sarah Mae as she joins the podcast to inspire us in our summer plans with kids, shares her advice to moms about how to prepare children for social situations when new manners and skills are necessary and gives us a sneak peek at the content for her forthcoming book, The Complicated Heart!

Episode #86 "He who is faithful in a very little thing is faithful also in much." -Luke 16:10 " I hope I shall possess firmness and virtue enough to maintain what I consider the most enviable of all titles, the character of an honest man." -George Washington In this episode, Sally and Kristen get at the heart of godly character, and how it is cultivated, inspired and tended to in the lives of our children. They discuss how to really reach the hearts of our children when they fail (not in the heat of the moment!) and how to create opportunities in your home that invite confession and repentance. They also share some of their favorite literary examples that have helped them along the way. Their favorites are here for you to see below (if you are on itunes or receiving this via RSS feed in your email, click over to sallyclarkson.com to see them all prettied up) Then Kristen is joined by Misty Krasawski who shares how she walks side by side with her children each day, providing organic opportunities for training them and inspiring their imagination through story. This week's Bible Memory pdf is available here: Week Three Bible Memory

Episode #85 A Heart for Friendship "Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends." -John 15:13 "You are the first example of friendship to your children." - Sally Clarkson " True humility is not thinking less of yourself, it is thinking of yourself less." C.S. Lewis You were never meant, or expected, to do life alone. In this episode, Sally and Kristen discuss how to impart a love of community and friendship to our children. They encourage moms to model how to serve in friendship themselves, as the first model their families will see, and explain what it looks like to serve in friendship through trust, loyalty, empathy and encouragement. They share how to become an invitation to others in everyday life, and how to teach your children to be a friend through: -Trusting the Holy Spirit -Training them how to share and live generously -Teaching them HOW to create community Ultimately, Sally and Kristen encourage and equip moms to cultivate their own hearts for service and love, while becoming a living example of how to put others first. Then, they are joined by special guest and friend, Elizabeth Foss who shares her own testimony of trusting God even when we feel weary. Reflecting on her cancer journey and the community knit in her own family mothering nine children, Elizabeth reminds us all that there is nothing that we face that Christ has not also endured. She's also sharing about a special new project that we are excited to share with you called Take Up and Read We pray today will be a gift to your hearts as you listen along with us!

Episode #84 "A spiritual life isn't a list of rules to keep, it is living in the spirit of the living God." -sally Clarkson In this episode, Sally and Kristen encourage moms to introduce their children not just to the truths of God, but to His reality in their lives, by showing them the ways that God has entered into their family story personally. They share how the life you create in your home can communicate the reality of God everyday, and inspire a wonder and imagination for God's kingdom in their hearts. Here's a printable to help your family memorize this week's Bible verse: Week One Bible Memory You can print our June calendar by clicking here to download! June Lifegiving Calendar Have you ever wondered how to begin the habit of a personal quiet time? Its wonderful to want to invest in the truths of God's word and to simply spend time with Him, but often , its difficult to begin because we think there are certain expectations involved and a list of tasks to complete. So, today, we also asked our friend Kat Lee to share with us. Kat is passionate about helping moms develop a morning routine that begins with Jesus. She's sharing her own story and ideas for devotions for herself and for her kids and we know you are going to love getting to know her today!