What choices will you take in the pathway of your life? What story will be told of you!
Furrowed eyebrows above large dark eyes is the signal to me as a mom that something is not right with the world with one of my children.
Like my other children, this child had faced the challenge of having our family in public life and feeling so limited and inadequate to live into such a pressured role.
"Mama, do you ever feel like a hypocrite when you are out there in the public in such a visible way? Doesn't it get hard when you fail, to keep writing ideals? Do you ever feel disqualified?"
This particular child has been thrust into leadership roles, but pressure does come from putting your neck out there and trying to stand for Biblical ideals in a culture that disdains the sacred and committed values written there.
"Yes, you know that I often feel like quitting ministry, about 10 times a week!" was my reply.
But you have to always remember, our message isn't that we are perfect and confident and strong and that is why we have the authority to write and speak. Instead, our message is that in spite of the fact that we have blown it, make mistakes, struggle with the dark side of life and don't always feel like loving others, that God has been faithful to us--and that He redeems every moment, every mistake, every failure.
It is a risk to stand for something, to seek after the Holy ways of God, to keep going when you are weary to the bone, to love when you feel so hurt and rejected by those who call themselves Christians.
Yet, my own ministry keeps going because the older I get, the more grateful I am for this personal love that carries me through so many difficulties. Wisdom from His words speaks to me every day and guides me. Forgiveness for my deep and always abiding selfishness is absolutely the grace of my life.
I am so very excited about sharing this book because there is such hope in God's ways. There is grace and goodness in His answers.
I can speak about raising children because in spite of the face that I made mistakes, that I didn't have all the answers, that sometimes I did not even like my children--God faithfully took the work of my heart and made it enough.
I can speak to living through the dark halls of marriage conflict because I have lived through years of having to learn over and over again how to forgive, how to serve, how to love unconditionally. Seeing that making a commitment that was for me unchangeable, led me in the path of maturity and grace. And so now after 33 years, my marriage has become to me a story of His gracious love and wisdom.
Financial challenges, illnesses, car wrecks, church splits, depression--all of these places have become an eventual light to my life because they have emptied my hands of the idols of this world and placed in my heart a deeper understanding of eternity, what really matters.
If I have made it through the seasons with such blessing, heart fulfillment, such eternal affirmation--in spite of all of my flaws, then I know you can make it, too!
And so, when I had to write about myself--my life story, what God has, by His grace through my life, I was assured again, that I have a message to give--because if I was so flawed, weary, insecure at points, and made so many mistakes and still I see His legacy through my life--then I want to tell everyone I know--engage in His ways, endure and determine to be steadfast, love generously, don't be so hard on yourself, but live for sacred values---all because He wants to love and bless you and your precious family and friends.
And so this is why I wrote my biographical information so you would know the journey of life God has walked me through, the seasons I have lived, the ways I have been led to reach out--and how amazingly He has blessed because He is so good.
So this is what I wrote in summarizing God's abundant life through be all because He is sooo good and so faithful. If he has so led and blessed me, I know He will do the same for you! What is holding you back? Are you willing to take the risk to Own Your Life story--for Him?
HERE IS MY STORY? WHAT IS YOURS?
Home is the place where the whispers of God’s love are heard regularly, the touch of His hands is given intentionally throughout the day, the words of His encouragement and affirmation pointed to lay the foundation of loving relationships where the mother conducts the beauty of this life within its walls. I hope you will find inspiration to cultivate such a life within the pages of this blog. I welcome you here!
Let me tell you a little about myself. I grew up in a Christian home, personally accepted Christ in college, went into campus ministry and overseas missions after graduation, and returned in 1980 to minister to executive women and singles in Denver, where Clay (whom I had known since 1974) was in seminary.
We began our journey of life together the next year in August 1981 (I had just turned 28). Three-some decades later, I am the joyful mother of four wholehearted children who love God: Sarah (1984), Joel (1986), Nathan (1989), and Joy (1995). I am a dreamer who always gets bogged down with the details of life. We've moved seventeen times (six internationally), but I try to imagine that somehow it has expanded my soul! I greatly enjoy creating tasty meals, baking whole grain goodies, having proper tea times, and bringing festivity into my home through seasonal decor, music, art, and candles. I love to spend time with my best friends, among whom my children and husband top the list. I am probably ADHD and now no longer wonder where my son got it. I sing and have recorded with Clay who is a singer-songwriter and guitarist. I love to walk and hike in the beauty of the outdoors, and especially in the mountains (we live in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains). I always find myself drawn into reading, writing, speaking, and teaching. I am passionate about biblical ideals, and am driven to think, learn, envision, and conceive.
I also love to engage with and influence others, fellowship with kindred spirits, and study the Word together. I appreciate loving friends, kindness, courage, and thoughtfulness. My wonderful children have become my soul-mates and dearest friends. I never feel a bit guilty for enjoying my caffeine--strong black tea and European coffee--and dark chocolate. I love Jesus and am amazed at his integrity. He is the center of my heart and the passion of my life. I started SallyClarkson.com as my personal blog because I wanted a place to share my thoughts and convictions, and to connect with and encourage other Christian women like myself.
But most of all, I would hope my story would tell others, through my blog and in my life, that
GOD IS FAITHFUL. That's about it for me. What about you?
PRE-ORDER HERE TODAY!
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Because we are talking about telling life stories, I would like to giveaway 2 of my favorite books that are inspiring stories--God Smuggler and The Hiding Place! these stories inspired my children and captured their hearts with a deep desire to live boldly for God.
Also, remember--if you pre-order my book now, you will receive free gifts!
Pre-order your copy of Own Your Life and receive a free copy of 7 Daily Inspirations to Own Your Life by Sally Clarkson!
Get a week of inspirations, scripture, and prayers to find days that bring out the best version of you with Sally Clarkson’s 7 Daily Inspirations to Own Your Life.
To Redeem: Simply email your digital receipt from an online purchase or take a picture of your printed receipt and email to: momentum@tyndale.com with “Own Your Life” as the subject line. We will send you a link to download your gift. Thank you for your early purchase!
Pre-Order FIVE or More Books!
If you pre-order five or more copies, you’ll receive the gift above, PLUS a six-minute introductory video by Sally and five beautiful, shareable, printable posters with inspirations to Own Your Life.
To Redeem: Follow the instructions above, but use “Own Your Life 5” as the subject line, and we’ll send a link to download all of your free gifts.
Pre-Order TEN or More Books!
If you pre-order ten or more copies, you’ll receive all of the above gifts PLUS a special greeting for your small group by Sally and a digital download of Whole Heart Ministries new book: Taking Motherhood to Hearts – How to Start, Lead and Tend Your Mom Heart Group (a 30,000 word book!). PLUS one lucky winner will get a telephone call from Sally for a one-hour mentoring session! The winner will be chosen after January 5th.
To Redeem: Follow the instructions above, but use “Own Your Life 10” as the subject line, and we’ll send a link to download your free gifts. Pre-order your copy of Own Your Life and receive a free copy of 7 Daily Inspirations to Own Your Life by Sally Clarkson! Get a week of inspirations, scripture, and prayers to find days that bring out the best version of you with Sally Clarkson’s 7 Daily Inspirations to Own Your Life.
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