Here's a creative way to get your kids to eat veggies!

This one dish dinner is an easy way to get your children to eat their veggies. It’s one of our favorite family dishes!

Ingredients

1 pound of your choice of pasta (pene, shells, angel hair, spirals, spaghetti etc.)

1 bunch of asparagus ( or broccoli)  

about 25-30 cherry tomatoes

2 tablespoons of butter

1/4 cup olive oil

garlic salt to taste

8-12 oz cooked bacon ( I used turkey bacon)

Directions

Boil water according to the directions on the pasta package. Meanwhile, wash the asparagus, cut off the ends and cut them into bite sized pieces.  Steam the asparagus until tender.  Once the water boils add the pasta and cook according to the package directions. While the pasta is cooking, wash the cherry tomatoes and cut them in half lengthwise. When the pasta is finished cooking, drain off the excess water and put the pot back on the stove. Add 2 tablespoons of butter and 1/4 cup of olive oil to the pot and heat on low until butter is melted. Add cherry tomatoes and saute until tomatoes are warm. Add back in the cooked pasta and asparagus and mix to coat everything with the butter and oil. Add garlic salt to taste. Sprinkle the top with the bacon pieces and serve. Enjoy!

thanks so much and peace to you all

Just wanted to say thanks to all of you precious ones for wishing me well and praying for us. Your comments have meant a lot to me personally.  I am getting ready to close our suitcases, close my friend's computer, and off! I have not felt the butterflies lilike this in my tummy and anticipation for many years. Like Christmas as a little child. God be with you all. And Happy Birthday, my wonderful Clay. You are my blessing of all

blessings! God be with you today.

Off to adventure with the youngest princess who has waited so faithfully for her time.

Grace and peace.

Adventure is ahead of me and I can hardly wait!

"A man practices the art of adventure when he breaks the chain of routine and renews his life through reading new books, traveling to new places, ,making new friends, ttaking up new hobbies and adopting new viewpoints."

Wilfred Peterson

Joy and I are going to have lots of fun! I can't wait. I am so excited, I am so blessed. I feel like a little girl. Thanks, Lord! In our conferences this year, I addressed the whole issue of a woman's responsibility to stay refreshed, to renew her soul, to take care of her body, to feed her mind with inspiration, to stimulate her heart with scripture, great books, to drink of life in ways that are interesting to her soul. As women, we pour out on a continual basis for years upon years. It just makes sense that if we are to keep giving to people from our souls, we must make sure that there is something there to give. How do I know this? Because I have experienced it so much in my own personal life.  Scheduling our time and managing all the details of our lives so that we can stay refreshed is not by accident but by intention. I want to be resilient until I see Jesus face to face. It is one of the reasons I wrote Dancing with my Father--I wanted to flourish in life, not become a victim or cynical and dried up. This past couple of years has almost worn me out--many ministry opportunities and lots of travels and deadlines--finally in the place where I am a bit freer to do more ministry--but it does tax me. Still finishing up the last few years of my last child and want to finish her well and teen years are never, for me, a breeze. But also, so stretched to be personally involved and active in my older children's lives every day and from far away--a new kind of stretching and hours on the phone and all the mothering in new ways. But I have known that my "filling-up" time was coming because I have been planning this trip for a while.But, I had thought I probably needed to take my computer and keep up in order to not get too behind--as 3 weeks of correspondence could do me in and what about all the deadlines and articles and such?  As a matter of fact, when I was praying a couple of weeks ago, I was pouring out my heart to the Lord, and telling HIm I was feeling a bit depleted and consumed, but I have so much responsibility on my plate with all that is happening in our ministry. The Lord very clearly convicted me that He was the source of my ministry and that I am to pursue Him, rest in Him, delight in Him and have a Sabbath rest away from work and responsibility. So my trip, that is coming up on Sunday, will be my commitment to have a sabbath rest for my body, mind and soul. And when I get back from my trip, I expect to see that God has taken care of the details of our ministry and that He will work while I am gone resting in Him.  It will be a time of getting away--leaving routine behind. A time to reflect, to clear my mind from the cobwebs of life, to walk a lot, and read and do fun things, and ponder spiritual issues without interruptions.  And so, I have had a trip planned that I can hardly wait for. Every time one of our children turns 15, Clay and I decided that they needed to go by themselves with one of us for a mission trip to the area where we used to be missionaries. Clay took a week last week to go to a music conference that has been on his heart and he left all behind--even in the midst of the busiest season and I stayed home to hold down the fort for Joy in her last of the year activities. But now, this means I get to go on a trip, too! Saving hotel points and airline points for a couple of years has provided for all of our transportation, and lodging--so I just have to pay for lunches! It took some saving and arranging on my part, but the Lord has graciously provided a way--so Sunday, we are off! Why at 15? This is a time when children are on the cusp of adulthood, owning their thoughts and convictions, and developing their appetites for life for themselves. I get a little tired of the American teen experience--so much focus on clothes, make-up, boys, "He said, She said." shallow stuff. We figure if a child is old enough to have or make babies, they are old enough to start contributing to life. That is why we graduate our kids when they turn 16--the have to work on a project--a mature project that will prepare them for their life as an adult. They work in a job or with us in real life through our office or ministry--they volunteer in a ministry--but I am getting off the subject. I get to return with Joy to my beloved Austria. To see the snowy, white topped peaks of the Alps, with clear lakes and thousands of wild flowers. To drink the strong, pungent coffee with real cream and eat crisp, fresh semmels--rolls particular to Austria. To again be in the international environment of our friends from all over the world, who live by faith in tiny apartments and minister to the needy and hungry and people we shared life with who are from all over the world.  I want all of my children to understand that God is not American. I want them to know that life is not about them, but about serving Him and making Him known. To see others and their needs, to love others and show compassion. On our past trips, our children have had to sleep on concrete floors and eat strange food and celebrate life through traditions not their own, to hear stories of others who have suffered and survived resiliently, to taste interesting new treats and to walk a lot and a lot in lands that are not dependent on cars. And so we will fly to London (that is the place we could find free tickets!) I hope to see the underground Churchill museum and go to a play. Then we train to Paris for a couple of nights to see some artists and taste crepes filled with chocolate and try to understand French, and then on by train to Austria where I spent 4 years of my 6 in missions. We will then be involved in times with others and times to seclude and we will be immersed in foreign languages, foreign values, and in a country where less than 1 in 1000 are believers--a pinnacle of post modern thought and values. Just having my children hear the conversations of our missionary friends and hearing the sacrifices they have made for the gospel is a real education for their souls and a great encouragement to mine. Joy and I will have time to really connect on personal issues--I get to share my heart and my favorite verses and enjoy her apart from life. I will have uninterrupted time to focus on her dreams and challenge her to live a life that will make a difference in her world, because I know from experience, that with the busyness of life, I may never have such a focused time again. I get to pray with her for 60 days for friends in her life (it is a goal we made before we left--to pray until our youth conference this summer, for the Holy Spirit to work in amazing ways in the lives of her closest friends--and we have engaged about 10 other adults to join us--to become godly, to follow the voice of God, to change the world. We will make memories and I will get to pray and inspire of how to live her one life for the Lord and for His kingdom. I will not write articles, blogs, answer email--these are in god's hands--I will delight in each day and in her and in our friends and leave all the duty in God's hands. I am not even taking a computer--no calls to interrupt, or articles to write or phone calls to answer. My soul needs this. My sweet child who is stepping quickly into adulthood needs my undivided attention if I am to pass on my heart.  I am looking so forward to our leadership conference in Houston, and am passionate about training mothers. But as of Sunday, May 2, my sweet husband's birthday, I will board a plane to England and leave it all behind. So, I will not be here at my blog--(maybe I will check in a couple of times as a surprise if my hotel has a free computer.) But I have sweet friends who will be reviving some of my older articles and recipes you have not seen and a couple of book reviews. I bid you goodbye and hope that God will watch between me and thee while we are absent. Grace and peace to all of you sweet friends--and may you plan for your own rest, refreshment and peace--whatever season of life you are in so that you may be filled to the depths of your soul for others to draw from until you see Jesus face to face!

All about motherhood ......a giveaway and give away! Help us celebrate motherhood!

HELP US SPREAD THE GREAT CALL OF MOTHERHOOD! This weekend, I had the privilege of addressing a wonderful group of ministry interns, women who are single, deeply committed to the Lord and passionate about having an impact for His kingdom. They had been wonderfully trained to read the word and memorize it, to pray, to live by faith, to live by the grace and in the strength of the Holy Spirit, but I realized that these things do not quite give the full picture.

It was exciting to me and challenging to me to prepare a message especially for these precious single women to see the whole council of scripture--to understand God's biblical design. Looking at Genesis 1: 26-28 to see what God had in mind for us as human beings, before the fall, was our focus. 

After the Lord had made a perfectly beautiful creation that expressed His artistry, and craft and design in magnificent ways, he created a perfect social system that would further show His design and wisdom. God wanted us to have our social needs met--the need for deep love, for overarching purpose and fulfillment. And so he created love, marriage, family, children and heritage as the beautiful place in which human beings would find all that they needed to live abundantly and well in this gorgeous place God had created for them to enjoy and to rule over.

God was concerned that Adam would be alone, so he created a helper, suitable to companionship--both made in God's image--to look like Him, to reflect Him--God is intelligent, they were made with intelligence. God manifests love and righteousness and authority, and so they were made to do.

Then, of course, He blessed them and the first blessing out of his mouth was, "Be fruitful and multiply."Having children, as it says in Psalm 127, is a blessing from God, a good thing. And then bringing those children into the purpose of family--that is the family was given the charge to rule over the world and to subdue it--He gave great meaning and purpose to their union right at the beginning--we are to ask, "What will our family do to bring God's image and messages and righteousness to bear on the earth? How will He use the Clarksons to bring His kingdom work to reality through all that we do, say, believe and live out."

And so for an hour, we pursued scripture--what was on God's heart when he designed women to be life-givers (Eve's name--the mother of all the living), to be civilizers--Proverbs 8 and 9--to call people to God's wisdom through their influence and home; to be teachers; to be lovers, and so on.

It was so much fun to see the light come on in the lives of so many--to see that being a woman, being a mother, being a wife was a great part of calling to the greatest part of the way God made them.

When Clay and I prayed and said, "Lord, we want to serve you the rest of our lives. What kingdom work do you have for our family to do?" God clearly led us to undergird, affirm, and support the Biblical calling of family and of women to be mothers who would change the world through raising a godly generation.

A GREAT MOTHER'S DAY GIFT!

Because I still get excited about  what I have  had the privilege of knowing and writing , and the message I want to put into all the hands of women all over the world, we want to bless a mom with a gift of our books.  In light of this, and because we want to celebrate mother's day in a very special way, we want to give away a gift of all of our mom's books to  one of our precious blog friends. The lucky mom will receive one of each of these mom books--to give away or to keep.

HELP US SPREAD THIS MESSAGE! 

But we also hope you will help us get these books and messages into the hands of women all over the world, so that they can clearly understand this great calling and purpose for our lives. When we understand His great plan, we have the privilege of influencing history for all of eternity by building a godly generation in our home. 

So, either buy one  or 100 of our Mother's books :) to give away to a new mom or to a friend for mother's day by going here . For this week, STARTING APRIL 28, all books will be 15% discounted.

Enter the giveaway   by leaving a comment on your blog or on your facebook by telling others which book of mine you enjoyed or which book you would like to own or why you love Whole Heart and the mom's conferences. 

Or ENTER THE DRAWING: If you put something on twitter or do something on facebook and your blog, you can enter once for each reference given. Then send the number of times you have referenced us by going  here My sweet secretary will enter your name into a drawing for next week. 

This winner of these books will be chosen Tuesday morning, May 4, and will be mailed out that day to the address you choose, so that moms will receive these books by mother's day. 

THE FOLLOWING BOOKS WILL BE IN THE PACKAGE OF BOOKS WE WILL SEND TO THE WINNER!

WE WILL ALSO SEND SARAH'S NEW BOOK, READ FOR THE HEART, TO THE SECOND PLACE WINNER. 

 Mission of Motherhood is the foundational book I give away to new moms. It is the book that gives the overview and vision for what God had in mind when he gave sweet children into our hands to be stewards of their lives, souls, minds, well being and how to raise godly leaders for His glory.

 Ministry of Motherhood follows in the sequence of these two inspirational books. This focuses on the discipleship relationship between a mother and her children. By studying Christ in his relationship to his disciples, we learn principles that lead us in influencing our children to love Him and His kingdom. 

 The Mom Walk shows moms how to weather the long distance walk as a mother, while holding the hand of God. God shows us His reality in the midst of difficulties, challenges, the celebration of life and gives strength and insight as we learn to walk this journey with Him and learn to listen to His voice through scripture and live by faith that he will answer our prayers and fulfill his ways in our lives. 

 Seasons of a Mother's Heart is especially written for homeschooling moms addressing the different seasons and issues that are specific to the demanding life and lifestyle of a homeschooling mom. Biblical insights and personal life stories address the many ups and downs that moms experience and show how each season can be met with grace, faith and bring peace as we trust not in formulas, but the God who designed the home to be a place of discipleship, grace, life and truth for our children. 

 Dancing with My Father is my newest book. God created us to see our lives from His perspective, with a view on eternity, so that we could experience His joy, His purposes, His grace and blessings. He greatly desires us to know His love and deep commitment to us on this obstacle course of life and to be able to stay refreshed in Him, not diminished by the trials of life, but resilient until we see Him face to face. This book addresses how to walk with Him, allowing Him to lead us, carry us and fulfill our hearts desire as we learn to trust him as children learn to love and trust their father. 

 READ FOR THE HEART is a 370 page book that shows in detail how to build a home that is a resource and life-giving center to fill your children's minds and hearts with the best stories, great heroes, great vocabulary, and soul establishing books. Over 1000 books are reviewed and recommended, as well as personal stories of how we established a reading/inspirational home.  

THANKS SO MUCH FOR HELPING US SPREAD THE WORD. I APPRECIATE THE ENCOURAGEMENT AND EMAILS FROM SO MANY AND I WISH YOU ALL A HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!

Nathan, my Nathan!

HAPPY 21ST BIRTHDAY, Nathan! (Above Hollywood at night!)

Twenty-one years ago this week, I was happily anticipating my third child, already named, Nathan John. His name meant, blessed and gracious gift of God. And so Nathan has been one of the greatest gifts of my life. God has used him almost as much as anything else in my life to show me His goodness, His ways and His blessings. I just didn't know that he was the tool that God wanted to use to s-t-r-e-t-c-h me so much. Nate has been truly a gift from God, because through him I learned things and understood truth-- things I would never have seen.

Nate has always been dancing, singing, laughing, bigger than life. When others would walk on the sidewalk, Nate would be wandering, running, climbing, up and down the curb, but never in just a straight line--that was not a part of his make-up. He heard the music of a different piper and drummer. He was not ever going to fit into the box--it was not the way He was made--a little like his mother.

With his antics and strong opinions and darling ways, some people would say, "This boy needs a stronger hand. You need to spank him more."

Harshness never won the day with this child.  But, I remembered that he was God's gracious gift to us and so we would pray. I noticed that when I would sit him next to me in my comfy overstuffed chair, by himself, he would talk and talk and talk--at 3 years old he could talk for 45 minutes almost without stopping if I asked him questions--even then he had a lot to say. Oh, I figured out, he is an extravert and needs to have alone, talk time so he can express his heart.

If he was agitated or upset, if I put my arm around his shoulders and touched him or tickle or scratch his back or got down on his level and was gentle and loving, he would settle down and respond to my instruction and love. God used this gracious gift to show me that harshness and over-bearing correction was not the way to a child's heart.

In a speech class, with my two older kids when he was 8, I was expecting my two older to shine, because they were older. But, Nate was already committed to being a hero, started dreaming of being superman in his life time, and when he gave a speech on Audi Murphy, the most decorated soldier of World War II, he blew all of the adults away. "You have a performer on your hands. He was the most believable child who spoke the whole night!" 

(But, how could I have known then that he would become an actor in Hollywood--how does not prepare for that in a conservative-Christian world view?)

And so I tucked these things away in my heart. Out of the box from the beginning, I had to rethink my parenting paradigms and ways. I didn't know that he was extremely ADHD for some years--I was just trying to figure out his puzzle. (My mother said, "He is just like you were as a little girl--active, busy, opinionated, always with friends, and you used to lay down on the floor and have screaming fits--you were probably ADHD and we just didn't know it.") 

He questioned everything--and so I learned to see things from his eyes--he was bright and intelligent and helped me to see the world in a less-American, middle of the road, Evangelical eyes, and open my heart to see as Jesus sees--especially in his high school years. 

Nate accepted and loved all sorts of people from all sorts of backgrounds. A heart as good as gold, always seeing through the hypocrisy of people, he called us to have integrity in our hearts and lives. He taught me not to care what others thought of me, but to say, what is the real truth in this situation. We threw all the formulas out the door and learned to live by faith.

He is a pied-piper of sorts and gathers people around him. And so, we learned to broaden our horizons and love those who were also outside of our comfort zone. We had a house full of all sorts of teens in all sorts of phases--because they were Nate's friends and he would bring them all to our home. And we learned to love them all. What a blessing we would have missed!

And these were the years we discovered that Obsessive-Compulsive--in an extreme form--was another mysterious and wonderful way Nate was designed by God. And, so I was to find that it was what had plagued me most of my life, when I had him tested, I was answering yes to all the questions. And then found that 3 of my 4 children were also obsessive-compulsive off the chart. It helped to make more sense of our challenging lives.

His faith in God grew stronger and stronger over the years as he would overcome many very difficult obstacles in his life.(car accident totaling his car, jobs, peer pressure and some rejection; health, and more.)

 Now, I see, that many of his trials and challenges and difficulties were because God was building him and strengthening him and testing him to become a warrior for Christ. How can you ever become a general if you are not first faithful as a private. And God knew he was taking Nate to more difficult arenas where he would already have to know what standing strong in a difficult world would be?

But the midst, he prayed and prayed for God to open doors. So after 2 years after graduation, of faithfulness and integrity in his life,  he expected that God would open an arena for him, because of his belief that God would respond, we needed to support his dreams.  He was invited to attend a national talent competition, Clay and I decided to honor his faith and pursue it, as he had been faithful, pursued God, held his morals and shown strength.

And so we went and he won the singer-songwriter competition and a scholarship to the New York Film academy. New York? Are you kidding me, Lord?--that is where you want me to send my son? Do you really inhabit New York City, Lord? That was just not my plan.

 After much prayer and difficulty, we all found him a beautiful, affordable apartment in Harlem--Harlem of all places--is it safe? Isn't that where all the gangs are? West Side Story and all of that? Riots?Will you take care of him? 

And so, leaving him with his two amazing Christian roommates, Clay and I returned home and that year, I learned so much more about real prayer and real faith as I spent hours on my knees through fears and missing him. Though challenged in so many ways in his faith and moral life, Nate came out faithful, strong and flourishing. Whew! Made it.

Now you want to move where? Hollywood? Are you kidding? And so my circle, by God's directing, was broadened again. North Hollywood to be exact! Found 2 Christian roommates, again. 

Believing God wants to use him to be a light in a dark world, Nate is pounding the sidewalk every week for jobs, calling everyone he knows for opportunities, looking for His God to open doors in an arena where light needs to be spread around. 

Found a great church and new friends, and somehow, by the skin of his teeth, hard work, diligence and by God's abundant grace--he is paying bills one month at a time, by being an extra in tv and movies. And his mom is still on her knees, praying every day, many times a day-following, by faith, this interesting, gracious gift of God.

And so, I honor you, wonderful Nate, as living up to your name--a true and gracious gift from God! You are my hero, my delight and I love you, you are the best! :)

A Breakfast Celebration.....just because

 Scrambled, cheese eggs, homemade toast and Yorkshire Gold tea.

Thick purple and black clouds, sparkling crystal drops dangling from tree limbs, and mist dancing in the shadows of the trees met me this morning as I had my quiet time in the wee morning hours--it was a visual feast as is reputed here in the Colorado mountains. 

I was thinking about how this kind of beauty sometimes calls to a deep longing in my soul for more--more of God, more of love, more of purpose and adventure and life. I think that these longings are here because we were created by God to experience deep intimacy, profound beauty, heartfelt satisfaction. Yet, Paul tells us that in this world we see as through a mirror dimly. These shadows of reality here are but a taste of what is to come. Our longings are there because God made us to have them fulfilled--and so they will be in His new heavens and new earth. 

And so I told the Lord how very grateful I was for such beauty and goodness and love. My heart was full. Clay and Sarah are  are in Nashville, so it is just sweet Joy and me to hold the fort down this week. Even though I knew Joy had to go to work by 8:40, I wanted to share a moment of beauty, love and delight as God had shared it with me. So, before I awakened her, I lit the candles, prepared the food and tea and put on an old Celtic album that we love so that my little princess could come down the stairs to a few moments of civility and delight, devotion and prayer. 

I have seen that when the atmosphere and table are set, as God had done for me in the beauty around me this morning, God shows up in special ways for my children, too,  and allows us to have great moments of conversation and devotion together. 

As an aside, Joy has been a child care worker for 3 years at our local mops program. Our children have always had to work for extra cash. On a ministry salary, life has demanded that all of our children have had to work a bit. Last summer, Joy and a friend hosted Explorer Camp for younger children, where they read books, made crafts, dressed up as explorers and this is how they made money for the summer. This year, we will have some Princess camps with tea times and stories and crafts--(Thanks to Beth Martinez for the idea!) And they will also host, Mom's Day out camps with great adventures, stories and crafts to earn money for a trip in the fall.

I used to feel "bad" that we could not provide our children with all the things they needed in their lives, on our salary and with our limited resources. But now I see, that God's way has been great for my children. By them having to learn to work and make money, it has made them more responsible, thankful, humble and more prepared to enter into adulthood with a realistic understanding of money and work. So, I am thankful for His ways in my life, even though I may not have known to ask for them earlier! Some pressure and hardship is the very building block of our children's souls, so I learned as I was pondering all of this while writing Dancing with my Father, that His ways are to build His character in our lives. Ultimately, these paths give our souls satisfaction and freedom and peace. 

On to my day! Grace and peace to yours!

PS. I HAVE HAD SEVERAL EMAILS FROM MOMS ASKING IF I KNOW OF ANY OTHER AUSTRALIAN AND NEW ZEALAND MOMS WHO ARE INTERESTED IN HOSTING A MOM HEART CONFERENCE THERE OR IN ATTENDING A TRAINING TO START THIS MINISTRY THERE--I WILL COLLECT NAMES AND EMAILS AND SEND THEM TO YOU AS A GROUP, SO YOU CAN KNOW EACH OTHER! (SALLY@WHOLEHEART.ORG)

The Atmosphere breathes rest and comfort--and an invitation

 (Sarah's bedroom--always inviting with it's many comforts, beauty and interesting objects to observe.)"The atmosphere breathes rest and comfort and the many chambers seem full of welcomes."

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

When I was a little girl, and all my growing up years, one of my favorite memories was the parties my parents hosted in our home. It was not unusual for us to have 100 people at a time--friends from church, our own friends around a celebration like a birthday or 65 kids from my high school for an outside tea in honor of us all graduating. We did not have an enormous home, but it had some large, comfy rooms like some of the older houses did. But we would let people be all over our whole house--the den, living room, dining room, kitchen, on the porch, in the yard, almost anywhere they could find room. 

    The week before, my mom and dad would put all of us to work. The boys would mow the yard and pick weeds and make everything outside beautiful. My mom and I would clean the house and begin cooking. The last day we would pick flowers from our yard and put them in vases. We would have to dress in our very best and then we were instructed in how to greet guests and ask them interesting questions. We were also sent out during the evening with trays of cheese and crackers or cookies or deviled eggs or mini-sanwiches. 

We grew up with lots of unusual people and learned somehow to love and enjoy the company of lots of different ages and types. My mom had come from a southern home where people would put lots of shared dishes on a table (pot luck style) and stack dishes high and then spread the love with adults sitting on the chairs and porch swings and kids sitting on the steps or floors. In the south, in her little town, it is what you did--welcome friends.

    She passed on the heritage to me. I sometimes get to clean up everything ahead of time in my home and other times I just straighten and hope no one will notice dust. My sweet Bible study meeting is one of my favorite times of the month.

    Over the years when I have spoken at our large conference where up to 1000 people were in attendance, I would enjoy the opportunity to be in the company and atmosphere, but for many years, I have longed to have a mini-conference in my home, where I could really talk to women and get to know them and share from my heart. I also experienced when I was in missions, that when you gather people around a purpose and the word of God, He shows up in very special ways--and lives our changed and hearts are encouraged and hearts are lit aflame with vision and direction. That is why I am so excited about our leader's conference this August. 

     I get to host women in my home, for several days, over the Word of God and over vision and purpose and great meals and discussions and discipleship. Now I know that many of you would love to come and if this goes well, we will do it again, (and maybe again, and again!)

    But I have had so many questions about it, I wanted to write one more article so that we could clarify things. We still have room--especially for leaders--because a number of wonderful women have taken out applications, but not so many have filled them out and sent them back in! I know this is a very busy month--May is almost as busy as December.

    But the problem is that we have had requests from other moms, who don't want to be leaders just yet, but who want to come to the leader's intensive just to learn and be a part of the teaching. So, we are going to give all of you who are interested in the training to perhaps be involved in ministry, a few extra days to get that application turned in, and then we will open it up to the other moms that have been asking about it!

     I think we will have a wonderful time and I look so forward to personally being able to welcome you into my home!

 "You must come home with me and be my guest; You will give joy to me, and I will do All that is in my power to honor you."

Percy Shelley

So, I am including our newsletter we just sent to those signed up on our ministry letter list, and hope it answers some questions you have written to me to ask! Blessings tonight.

A Special Letter about the Mom Heart Leader Intensive Training, August 5-8

---

For where two or three have gathered together in My name, I am there in their midst. 

--Matthew 18:20 NASB

Yesterday, I met with eight dear friends who are helping me to plan, organize, and host the Mom Heart Leader Intensive Training here in my home, August 5-8. The verse above came to my mind as I looked around at the seasoned Christian women gathered at my table. As we discussed and prayed, there was a growing excitement and conviction that God is in our midst, and that his hand is on this Leader Intensive Training. I thought to myself how influential these women, who all walk with and serve God, will be in the lives of women who attend the event.

As a result of the meeting, we are changing the cost and the registration procedures. I'll explain that in a moment, but first let me tell you more about the growing team of speakers and their messages, and what the days of the Intensive will be like.

SPEAKERS

Sally Clarkson--I will share messages about the biblical foundations of the home, principles of discipleship and spiritual influence, and how to become an effective speaker and teacher. I will be training the attendees not just how to be someone who can pass on a godly legacy, but also how to train others to do the same.

Clay Clarkson--Clay will offer messages about biblical discipline and children training (a common issue for young mothers), and about effective writing and self-editing. He will also lead worship for the event.

Sarah Clarkson--Sarah will talk about how to keep your heart "thoroughly alive" to the goodness, truth, and beauty of God. She will also offer her insight on the power of books and stories, how to use them as a mother, and how to build a great library.

Phyllis Stanley--Phyllis, wife of Paul (below), will share messages about cultivating a deeper walk with God, being faithful in life and ministry even through the difficult seasons of life, and using your home for ministry.

Paul Stanley--Paul, Director of the Leader Development Network for The Navigators, will speak about servant leadership in life and ministry.

Zan Tyler--Zan, acquisitions editor for Apologia Press and longtime speaker and activist, will speak on how to become a great speaker and teacher.

Chris Sigfrids (tentative)--Chris, the Online Marketing Manager for WaterBrook Multnomah (Random House), will speak on the power and influence of the Internet, and how to use it to connect with and impact others.

Surprise Guests--We are still talking with other speakers who would bring messages on keeping your priorities at home, walking with God in difficult times, and other practical issues of having a personal ministry to mothers.

SCHEDULE

Evenings--Each evening, we will meet in my home for dinner and fellowship. I will have a friend share one evening about the Pre-Raphaelite artists and their impact on history, and another friend who will share the next evening about the spiritual lives of great composers. Our evening will include sharing of personal stories and testimonies, and of writing by the group.

Days--Each day, we will meet in the lovely home of my friend Deb Weakly for the main event messages. We'll all enjoy a home-cooked lunch together, and a tea time each afternoon. I will also show how I make my bread and cinnamon rolls and we will sample!

Housing--Housing is included in the registration. All of the women will stay in a new hotel near our home (sharing a double room). Breakfast is included with the room. For anyone without a car, we will provide all needed transportation.

Q&A

Q: Why is there a $10.00 application fee?  A: We will remove the application fee, and refund those who have already paid. The original purpose of the fee was simply to make sure those who applied were serious about leader training for Mom Heart Ministry since registration at the Intensive is limited to thirty women.

Q: May I attend for personal encouragement, even if I'm not ready for leadership at this time? A: Yes. Registration will be open to anyone beginning Friday, May 7. Because of the personal nature of the Intensive, those interested only in attending will still need to submit a completed "Attender" form as part of the registration process. Those interested in being considered for Mom Heart Leader Training will need to submit a completed "Leader" application. Upon submission, you will be eligible to register for the Intensive one week earlier beginning Friday, April 30. If you're not ready now, but feel God might call you to involvement later, we would encourage you to go ahead and complete and submit a "Leader"  application. Our response to your application will not affect your eligibility to register at the earlier date.

Q: Why is the application so detailed?  A: Those who become Mom Heart Leaders will represent us and Mom Heart Ministry. It is important that they share our beliefs, values, and philosophy of ministry. If you are interested in being a partner with us in ministry through speaking, writing, or blogging, the application is just a simple way for us to get to know you. It's just a first step, but it's a necessary one.

Q: What is the cost of registration for the event? A: After much discussion and prayer, we have decided to lower the registration fee to $400.00. To compensate, we will seek out sponsors for the Intensive. We will also need to seek out sponsors to help subsidize the cost for women in other countries who have expressed an interest in attending the Intensive. We have had serious inquiries from China, Korea, Holland, New Zealand, and Australia. If you would like to help, or know someone who could, please let us know. Funds donated for scholarships would be tax deductible.

>>> <<<

For more information about the Mom Heart Leader Intensive Training, visit the Our Events page on our website. We will be updating the information on that page soon, so keep checking back. Click here to go there now. You can also email Jennice with questions, or call us at    888-488-4466   888-488-4466 .

I hope you can come. We're expecting Christ to be in our midst as we gather together in his name.

In His Heart,

Sally

PS For those of you overseas who are hoping to come, please feel free to write us with your questions.

Glorious Design of Family and Home

  Lots of birthdays in April and May!

 In Genesis 1, we know that God created the heavens and the earth, and it was good. We can see the handy work of the Lord---the intricacy of design from snowflakes to zebras; an iris to a mimosa tree, the star light at night to a rainbow; the human body and a new born baby. All of this speaks to the magnificence of our transcendent, creator God.

Yet, at the end of Genesis, we read of the pinnacle of God's creation--the creation and design of the family. Even as God provided for the pleasure and physical needs of man by creating food and color and a lovely, safe environment, he planned for the emotional and psychological needs of man. He gave man and woman each other so that they could become companions and experience intimacy, the sharing of life and the sharing of the work, purpose and vision of life. But right off the bat, in the first blessing of scripture, we read that God provided children as a perfect idea before the fall. "Be fruitful and multiply."

Family was thought up by God to give all people a place to belong. "You are my family. We will be connected to heritage, values, calling purpose together for all eternity." 

The family and home was to be a haven of life--a place where celebration would take place; a port in the midst of the storms of life where one could come for peace, strength, help and security; a place of comfort amidst the demands and stresses of life---the rhythm of eating together, playing together, working together, and loving together was to be a circle of God's presence as seen through those made in His image to extend His love on the earth.

A mother and father were to be the  inspirational leaders, providers, teachers, counselors, cheerleaders, spiritual guides, and friends to usher their children into life with emotional, physical and spiritual health. 

All and more was intrinsic in the first design so that human beings would have a place to be cared for, accepted and inspired to lead a life befitting of a creature magnificently made in God's image. 

It is no wonder that Satan has sought to break up the family. If a person is isolated from all support and love and accountability that God intended to be his strength and foundation through his family, then he will be an easy target of false security and false values. 

And then, of course, culture will have no strength, because individual human beings will have no soul--there will be no development in the life of a child to prepare him for a future--loneliness where love, companionship and belonging were meant to be; self-absorption and self-gratification where sacrifice and serving one another were to be the glue to real relationships; 

a longing for meaning and a searching for it in all the wrong places where anything less than building the kingdom of God is offered. 

Destruction and vulnerability will flourish where family and children are not valued. A lone human being will be subject to any philosophy, any whim culture has to throw his way, because of the vacuum in his life that was intended by God to be filled through family.

I know that so many of you have come from broken families and are still in the process of figuring out life--but the rebuilding of a family and heritage, love and stability and security of a committed unit all committed to the best of each one and devoted to God's purposes, is where health and healing and life and love will be found. God is a redeemer. He will put all sorts of families back together again through the power of His spirit and the love He has to give to all who begin to build again towards the direction of the original design. 

A family, a home, a heritage is all worth fighting for--it is God's design, it is His way, the way of his best blessing--even in a fallen world--worth the cost for a future that is secure. Saturday ponderings.

 

picnicing in the mountains over our favorite outdoor feast--homemade fried chicken fingers and Texas sheet cake.  

Our wonderful arrows.

. 

The Mama and the Papa

Playing with the 5th child, Kelcy, at the end of the day.

Taking time for normal life, and enjoying it

Taking a break from blogging to live real life. In bed with colds the beginning of the week, and staying in my jammies for a whole day, watching movies, drinking tea.  Meeting with one of my favorite friends over tea and homemade toast, talking a million miles a minute since we get so few together.

 Spending lots of time with my two princesses at home and covering every subject and so enjoying a new English series at night (Larkrise to Candleford--produced in England, in the second year as a tv show--like the Avonlea series only English--delightful characters, beautiful music and wonderful cinematography)

 Red a Victorian novel about an old fashioned family and romance. 

Now,  having fun getting my princess all ready and dolled up for an end of the year event tonight. In a close family like ours, everything is shared ground--we have all had opinions about all the issues that come our way over the years---from haircuts to favorite music to who my old and young children are enjoying to who my boys and Sarah have had relationships with, to all of us having advice on how I should raise Joy--she has 5 parents, what kind of man Sarah should marry and , what dress Joy should wear to her banquet, what kind of clothes I should wear when I speak to not look too frumpy, if we like Clay's beard or not,  and no one gets to have their own privacy--everything is a family affair and these things are a part of the hysterical and whimsical strokes of family life. 

Having tea with Sarah, staying in bed longer than usual, meeting with friends I dearly enjoy and haven't had a real long visit with for a while. I may never write another blog! There's just too much life going on.

Your message defines you and a giveaway!

"As a man thinks in his heart, so is he," Proverbs 23: 7 What are the messages you listen to in your heart and mind? Your life will reflect what voices you are listening to and what voices you are believing. 

If you feel condemned, or inadequate, or judged, perhaps you are hearing that God is disappointed with you, or that He is a God ready to condemn, a rule keeper--expecting more of you than you can give.

Or if you live in bitterness or anger, you are listening to voices that tell you, life is unfair to you and God has not heard your prayers and no one really loves you, and He is not really good or He would not have allowed this to happen to you. 

Or if you are living with a real sense of His love and goodness, perhaps you are listening to messages of "There is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus." or "Even as a Father has compassion on His children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear Him."

Or if you are living in Hope, and peace of mind, the message in your heart you are believing is that "All things work together for good for those who are called to Christ Jesus." and "I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep that which I committed to Him." 

You are what you believe. Your actions tell the world what you believe.

I realized that I was in my heart believing that God was mainly interested in my obedience and works, and so I did a study on Biblical joy because I wanted to live life full of His spirit and life, I wanted to live as a person redeemed, not as a person enslaved. And so Biblical joy and walking with Him in love and as a child dependent on Him to care for me, became a message of my own life and so I wrote Dancing with my Father.

Messages of this world

The messages of this world bring hopelessness, despair, or fool us into false philosophy. Messages about women say, "Your job and salary defines you. It is what gives you real worth." or "If you are beautiful like a model or a movie star, then you are really pretty and have more value to others."

Scripture tells us, "A godly woman, she will be praised." One who values God, her husband, her children, her home.

These are the messages that I feel God has put on my heart to leave as a legacy in this world--to speak against the messages of culture.

It is why Clay and I want to train and inspire other moms to cultivate these messages and to write them, speak them, share them in our world with others, so that we can see thousands upon thousands hearing this truth of the word. And we are hoping that God will bring those who want to help write Bible studies, speak at mom's seminars, to help us get these messages to the world. So pray and ask God if you are one of those who will join us in starting a mom heart group or in coming to our leader intensive. And please pray for us in this venture of faith.

Giveaway

We have 3 tickets to the Old Schoolhouse Expo that we would like to giveaway to you. We also want to give away one set of our conference messages from a Whole Hearted Mom conference. 

To enter this contest, please write on your blog or in an email newsletter with a positive comment and give this link. You can receive an extra entry after you have given our link, by commenting here or on my facebook. Send your entry to Jennice, my secretary.

Another Great Opportunity

The website and blogs give us unprecedented opportunities to reach people all over the world with God's messages. I am so excited that I have been invited to speak at the Relevant Conference (link on my sidebar). A sweet friend, Sarah Mae, here, had a great idea to host a conference to encourage and instruct and inspire women to use their blogs effectively to cultivate their messages and to reach people all over the world. I hope many of you will join us there.

Cultivate your own 

Each of us has messages that we live out. A godly, effective woman is not accidental, but intentional. Write down what you want to have as the messages of your heart. Then live them, practice them and show them to all in your arena, that they might see and hear the truth and love of the Lord in every area of your life.

Off to a very windy, blustery day!