The Mysterious Power of Fairy Stories

Some of my children’s favorite stories are the ones my husband or I make up and share with them at bedtime. Now, it’s a delight to hear my older kids making up stories to share with their younger siblings in hopes of helping them to drift off to sleep when mine can’t seem to do the trick. They frequently ask for us tell them the same stories we’ve made up over and over again. Thus the beginning of our own collection of made-up and passed-along stories.

The most well-known collection of made-up and passed-along stories are what may be called fairy tales, or fairy stories. I’m using the term, ‘fairy stories’ rather loosely to refer to stories that present various forms of supernatural beings, imaginative situations, and worlds. This is a broad field of literature which includes nursery tales, legends, myths, and ancient tales. 

There is incredible value in reading stories to our children in many different genres, but there is something mysteriously powerful about fairy stories. Why are children especially drawn to stories that don’t resemble their everyday life? 

And perhaps more importantly, are fairy stories shaping a child’s moral imagination or damaging it?

Click Here to read more....

The Sounds of Summer: Some Suggestions and Our Favorite Resources for Listening!

Everyone knows the Clarkson home is always filled with music! We aren't only music fans at home, though--I carry my favorite tunes along not only on my walks, but also to hotel rooms across the world whenever I travel. Familiar music makes any place seem more like home, even as it transports us to other places. Pandora and Spotify are family favorites as we can create the stations and lists for our varying moods and seasons. Here, from the Lifegiving Home Resource pages, are a few other resources you may find helpful this summer! These are great ways to incorporate a quiet hour in the afternoons. I am convinced that my children gained more wisdom and insight and inspiration from listening to great books, stories and music as well as our dinner table discussions than anything else we did.

Resources for Audiobooks, Radio, and Podcasts

Our family has always loved reading aloud to one another, and listening to audio broadcasts is just another form of being read to. We have always loved to listen together—especially on long car trips, but also while doing chores or just snuggling by the fire. These days you can find almost anything in audio form—as CDs, mp3s, streaming podcasts, or simply listening on the radio. Many, many books are available in audio form, from classics like Oliver Twist to more recent fare like Holes. Below are some great sources—plus a few specific audio books that we especially love.

Adventures in Odyssey

This Christian radio drama and comedy series for kids has been on the air since 1988. Centered in the fictional town of Odyssey, it “uses storytelling to teach lasting truths.” The shows are professionally produced and recorded in Hollywood. When mine were elementary to junior high-ish, I loved the history ones because they made me feel like the kids were affirming some of the historical biographies they had already read or studied. To locate a station, download a podcast, or buy a recording, visit the Adventures in Odyssey website

Audible.com

This subscription service is worth every penny for families who enjoy audiobooks on a regular basis. Choose from a wide variety of fare. I have downloaded many books on audible to take with me on trips so that I don't have to drag along as many books. I know, I said I would never do it, but I actually love carrying a light suitcase. And there are some great dramas on audible. One of our favorites that every family should listen to is Cheaper by the Dozen. So fun, interesting, such a great story, so inspiring. 

Cracker Barrel Books-on-Audio

Cracker Barrel’s audiobook system is a great resource for traveling families. Buy an audiobook CD at any Cracker Barrel location—and keep the receipt. After you listen, you can return it to any other Cracker Barrel. They will refund the purchase price minus a rental fee of about $3.50 a week—a bargain.

Focus on the Family Radio Theater

Radio Theater productions include professional scripts and productions, orchestral musical scores, and motion-picture quality sound design. These dramas are still available on radio, or you can choose from an impressive selection of recordings in CD or mp3 format. The Radio Theater’s production of the Chronicles of Narnia are the most famous (see above), but we also loved their version of Oliver Twist, Amazing Grace (the story of England’s abolition campaign), and others. To locate a radio station, buy a recording, or simply find more information, visit the Radio Theater web page.

Lewis, C. S.. The Chronicles of Narnia (audiobook). Dramatized and directed by Paul McCusker. Focus on the Family Radio Theatre. Collector's Edition. Tyndale Entertainment, 2014.

This is a dramatized version of C. S. Lewis's classic--that is, produced as a radio drama rather than simply read aloud. Recorded in London with an all-star cast, this version is perfect for families. All seven Narnia books are included. I personally listen to these as an adult and am inspired every time.

Loyal Books

At www.loyalbooks.com you can download a wide variety of free public-domain audiobooks in several formats. This is a great source of classics like Alice in Wonderland or Jane Eyre. The quality of the narration varies, so be sure to check the reviews!

Public Libraries

Don’t forget the library as a source of downloadable audio. Some libraries also lend out CD audiobooks. Visit your library’s website for information about what is available to you or just ask a librarian.

Your Story Hour

Established in 1949, YSH produces weekly radio productions for children that are also available in CD or podcast form. The dramatized radio stories include Bible stories, historical stories, and contemporary stories. For more information or to buy story albums, visit the Your Story Hour website. These were a staple for our kids in the elementary years. Great historical series. Sometimes they might sound a bit old fashioned to the modern ear as they were produced to be radio drama for kids in the 50's and 60's but our children learned so much from them. See if you can find a review of the best ones. We did not listen to the Bible ones, though they might be great, but more to history, character, inventors.

Podcasts

Of course you will want to listen to our inspiring podcasts this summer! Join us for our newest podcast: At Home with Sally and Friends with Kristen Kill as my host. 

We want to make sure you've seen this week's Bible Memory Aid! Click here to download and print this lovely pdf to add to your refrigerator or wherever it can be a help to you! Bible Memory Week One

And we want to make sure you saw our webinar winners from last week! $5 Starbucks cards for Leesa McLelland and Sarah Swanson; Our 24 Family ways for Danielle Wiseman and Amy McGarr! Please email admin@wholeheart.org with your address so we can send them on their way!

Thanks so much for all of your generous comments about how much you are enjoying the podcasts for the summer sessions. Here is the link below if you would like to join us and listen with us:

Giving them Faith: The Gift of Living Spiritually Week 1

We hope our summer podcast series will give wind to the sails of your heart this summer as you take some time to refresh your own life. Let us know what you think. We start out with faith as the center post of our plan for giving our children gifts that will take them through the rest of their lives with the grace and strength of God accompanying them every day. 

Summer is  time to sow seeds and water them so that they will grow.

"Sow with a view to righteousness, Reap in accordance with kindness."

Hosea 10:12

I have always loved fields of wildflowers. Seems to me when I see fields and fields of the beauty, (and blue is my favorite color), I almost feel like it is evidence of the invisible hands of God still planting flowers in His gardens to remind us that He is still creating and perpetuating life, even when we are not aware.

When looking at a tiny seed, it is impossible to see what will bloom from this minute speck of nothing, -the color it will produce, the bloom or fruit, or how large the plant will be. There is vast potential locked within, that under the right circumstances--planted in good soil, watered and covered in sunshine, a miracle will happen. The seed transforms into something more than itself--it gives birth to a plant that blooms and brings beauty, life, color and a fruit--and this is a miracle-almost something out of nothing.

And so, God calls us to sow--to sow broadly, generously, diligently.

Sometimes the seeds that He requires us to sow, do not obviously promise anything--yet, we are asked to believe in the potential--the latent miracles inside of these small life-seeds.

We are to sow with a view to righteousness--not seeing or knowing totally the vast potential of what is in our hands. But ours is to be faithful to sow, by faith, the seeds of promise given to us--

to cast the seed of promise into the soil of life, generously, diligently, faithfully--

May this be a summer when you sow seeds of faith and then watch it grow to fruition over your years of watering and protecting the seeds you have planted in the heart of your children.

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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 This would be a great verse for memorizing with your children. Print it out and review it every day:

Week One Bible Memory

And don't miss this summer special--You can also 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!

Also--winners from the webinar last week! $5 Starbucks gift card: Leesa McLelland and Sarah Swanson; Our 24 Family Ways: Danielle Wiseman and Amy McGarr! Please email admin@wholeheart.org with your contact information to receive your gifts. Thanks so much!

WITH SPECIAL GUEST KAT LEE

Kat Lee is passionate about teaching others how to jump-start each day with a grace-filled, life-giving morning routine. She is a writer, speaker, podcaster and founder of HelloMornings.org. She and her husband, Jimmy, live in Waco, Texas, with their three children. Stay connected with her at TheKatLee.com.

Summer is a Season of Sowing and Tending: Free Lifegiving Calendar for June!

There is a summer season of life in which the lives and hearts of children are open to the sowing of seed. It is a season in which we need to be ready to respond to their open hearts and to make the most of each moment. God requires that we cultivate, sow into, and water the gardens of our children's hearts in this season of growing.

From the time a toddler can understand language until the time when middle-school-aged children approach maturity, there are bounteous seasons when their hearts are open and ready for planting the seeds that will bear future fruit of spiritual truth, emotional health, unwavering moral standards, educational excellence, and general well-being. During these times we must take every opportunity to cultivate the ground of our children's hearts, to make them ready to take in the seeds of righteousness that God has prepared us to plant there.

There is still time for planting during the high school and college years, but the days are shorter then. This season is meant for children to mature, to begin the owning of their own lives and convictions. Other voices begin to speak into their lives. The time of seed-sowing in the life of a child is one that must be treasured and used well, because it will come to a sudden end as the seeds grow to full fruit and the time for the harvest has come.

The season of planting does not last forever; it is a gift of time granted for a single fleeting season. But what precious time! I have come to understand that what is planted in their lives in this time will determine the future harvest in the lives of my children—great stories of heroic believers, living words of biblical wisdom and encouragement, pictures of godly character, memories of daily love and affection. The outcome of their souls depends in large part upon how well I till their hearts and plant the seeds of love and righteousness. I think that in many ways the heart of the mother's soul is reflected in the soul harvest of her children—what we sow we will indeed also reap.

How important it is then that I take every opportunity to be a skillful and wise farmer of the souls of my children. I must faithfully and generously work the ground of my children's hearts, plant seeds of righteousness, and water those seeds with my love and prayers, because the season of harvest is ahead when there will be no more time to plant. And it will come sooner and more quickly than I expect.

We want to encourage you in your summer sowing! So, if you click below, there's a free printable calendar with suggestions of things to do, art to study, books to read, etc. with your precious family. We pray it's a blessing to you!

Lifegiving Summer June Calendar

What seeds are you sowing in your children's hearts, this summer?

Storyformed Summer, Part 2: Getting Out & a New Podcast

When you think about the summer days ahead, do you think about finding space for you and your kids to get outside? I know I do. An adventure for your family may look like reading Blueberries for Sal and then taking your kids to a berry patch for picking. If you live in a big city, getting outside may involve hiking around a public park. Whether you live near an ocean coastline, in the mountains, or on the Midwestern plains - adventure is out there!

In this episode , Holly Packiam and Jaime Showmaker, talk about ways to get kids and families outside and about books that will transport you to natural worlds even when you can't explore yourself. 

CLICK HERE to listen to the new Storyformed podcast and to view the Show Notes.

Training is the foundation of Soul Strength, A Facebook Live and A Giveaway!

Banging around on a piano does not a musician make! But it is a start. 

"Excellence is an art won by training and habituation. We do not act rightly because we have virtue or excellence. But we rather have those because we have acted rightly.We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit."

Aristotle

Merely having a piano in a home and having a child bang on the instrument will not nurture a child into becoming a classical pianist. To become excellent in playing, the child must be instructed over a period of many years, hours must be given to practice and learning music.  Playing and playing and playing again is the course of action that produces skill and excellence.

Proverbs tells us that "a skillful man will go before kings." Regarding character, wisdom and soul strength, a child must also be instructed, have many years to practice and apply the teaching before an excellent character and life skills are developed.

Contemporary Culture Mitigates Against Excellent Character

Because our culture is so given to crudity and a devaluation of human beings, with secular media determining the values of children, many adults and children reflect shallow character and lack of wisdom and discretion.  Couple this with  a lack of intentional training on the part of adults, with moral compromise at every turn, and many children are at a disadvantage in their lives because they have never developed a strong moral character, or seen a strong moral character in the life of the adults around them.

A child who is not trained and taught to exercise strength in righteousness, truth, work ethic, relationships and integrity, will often be at a disadvantage his whole life, because instead of his character serving him, his lack of training and ignorance will detract from his ability to live an excellent life.

I believe that many moms struggle with motherhood and the burden of raising children because they have never been stretched or trained in character and are morally weak, complaining and undisciplined. An undisciplined soul reacts to pressure with complaining, anger and frustration. Often, a lack of strong character and a developed work ethic is at the bottom of depression in young women. I know that I was never trained for such hard work, and so struggled to meet the ideals I held in my heart because I had never been trained to be strong in character--I was spoiled in many ways and so had to learn character along with my children--and it was more difficult as an adult who had become lazy and self-centered--and I didn't even know it! I had been quite indulged and was unaware of my own lack of character--I wanted to blame my struggles on everything else except myself!

We are living in a culture where compromise is an accepted norm in marriage, in movies and television, in morality, in work, manners, leadership, responsibility. Also, addictions and lack of discipline of every sort are the norm and acceptable, so that lack of character is not even affirmed or valued. Addiction to food, substances, social media, pornography, television, gaming, gambling, and every sort of pleasure that eats up the beauty and possibility of life is tolerated. In surveys, it is often found that believers are just as apt to divorce, become addicted to pornography, and to live an immoral lifestyle.

I find that so many parents are mostly anxious that their children cease to have "bad" behavior. They just want a formula for disciplining their children that will make them easier to deal with on a daily basis, so that they as parents can have an easier life. Yet, as I observe many families, children, and moms in all of our travels and teaching, I find that there are fewer and fewer children who have an internal sense of composure, self-control, wisdom, and manners, because they are not receiving this kind of instruction at home. Their moms, even the stay at home ones, are busy with their own agenda and pastimes.

Yet, if we are created in God's image, shouldn't we, as believers, be the most excellent in our behavior, character and influence? Doesn't scripture teach us to lay down our lives for the sake of others--in this case, our children? Doesn't anything worthy always require great sacrifice, vision and hard work?

The next few weeks, I will be addressing the importance of training in character qualities through our podcast series with Kristen. We will discuss  how this training develops a foundation of strength for the life and soul of a child.

I am excited about this series! It has been bubbling up as I have talked to many moms over the past weeks, been at our first conference, observed behavior of adults in several situations, and discussed many of these issues with my own children.

Character matters! Training excellent character into the very fiber of children takes intention, perseverance, commitment, wisdom--and honestly, it requires character from our own lives.

I hope/pray this series will be of great encouragement to you, as this character training gives children and adults discretion, confidence and integrity in living life for the glory of Christ.

Thursday night join us for a Facebook Live Event! And a Givewaway!

I hope some of you can join us at our Facebook live event on Thursday evening, 9 Eastern, 8 Central, 7 Mountain and 6 Pacific. We will be giving away a few prizes to those of you who are live with us--some Starbucks Cards and 2 copies of The 24 Family Ways. Kristen will be with me. You can find us at: Therealsallyclarkson on Facebook.  Hope you can join us. 

Hold Fast to Love, Laughter, Beauty: In the End, It is Your Grace & A New Podcast

In April, I took an evening walk with Sarah in Oxford and God painted the sky for us. Taking a photo of it gave a sense of worship in my heart for that moment I shared with Sarah. It was a breathless moment, a quiet one, in which we just stood together and watched the sky change from fire to pink to purple to dark.  An amazing moment, the church across the street from her home.

This early morning I am listening to Ralph Von Williams on my Pandora and sometimes switching to Alexander Desplaut, two of my favorite composers of film music. I poured myself a cup of Yorkshire Gold tea and lit all the candles around me, like I do every day. Indulging myself by looking at velvety red roses that I found on sale at the grocery store is bringing me much pleasure.  After all, I am an adult and I can buy myself flowers once in a while when I think I need them! I am looking out my windows on tall, lean pines amidst the bluish-purpleish gray sky, with gleaming white snow peaking out from Pike's peak. Remember that May snow from last week? :)

I have taken literally thousands of pictures of beautiful flowers, sunrises, scenes in nature I find over the years because it is a sort of worship in the moment a recognizing His fingerprints as I go through my days.

I am taking time to love Jesus and tell Him how very happy I am that He is real and with me--that He has painted the sky and made music to stir my soul and that He is with me loving me. I am seeking to cultivate love notes to heaven as I appreciate the lover who is invisible but here in my life today. I have to take time to remember to keep our love fresh, just like I have to do with Clay. I have to work so that I don't lose my first love.

I text Joy and Sarah and tell them I am the most blessed mama in the world because they are such treasures to me. "I love you more every day." I tell them. Nathan calls me before I get a chance to call him and we chat at "besties" and I tell him that God is with him and that God and I love him. Joel comes up for a first cup of tea. "Hi, wonderful Joel. So thankful for you today." Words of love invested every day form a heart that feels full of HIs love because we have modeled Him to them in the oxygen of our moments.

Darcy Dog comes ambling in with a tennis ball in her mouth and throws it at my feet. I look at her, really notice how darling and ridiculous she is all at the same time. She makes me giggle a lot no matter what kind of day I am having. And I thank God for my silly dog and how much she makes me smile.

Recently, teaching a Bible study I have hosted for 10 years, I mingled with a variety of sweet women varied in age and in life puzzles. Later, flying one more time, I spent time with dear, inner-circle friends I have long known in California, then late at night talked on face-time to my children then ending with a cherished friend as I came home from a week of travel. All my conversations seemed to go in the same direction.

Many beautiful, precious women who have deep burdens to bear--a prodigal son or daughter; a heavy and dark marriage partner who refuses to love or give grace; many with chronic illness--cancer, pain, many living quietly with years of heart-break they bear in silence. Different, outside the box kids, illnesses of every sort. A truly lovely single mom was abandoned by her husband for a woman he met on facebook.

I could go on. I am familiar with deep sadness in my own life, some things I will never be able to share publicly because I believe in loyalty and protection of my family and friends from the public eye. It is my sacred trust to bear up through dark passages and to trust it just to Him, as He has promised to be with me.

We are subject all round us to the consequences of a fallen world--so beautifully made, so scarred and marred by the illness of our own souls, the sin that has created havoc, abounding in so many corners of life. And there it is for our children to figure out. Innocence and hope are my heart's desire--to be like a child fully delighting in life. But God has trusted me with adulthood and so I bow to His will.

Much of the sadness or at least sad circumstances will be with these precious women, who are in my heart, for many, many years--if not their whole lives.

But the circumstances of their lives do not need to define who they are or how they live.

Home is a place to light a candle in the darkness, to bring hope to sadness, to celebrate that He has overcome the world. Yet, making home the best place to be requires a grid that says, "I am the one called to bring light."

I often hum the old Steve Green song from scripture, "Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good."

I have added my own verses, "Do not be overcome by darkness, but overcome darkness with light."

"Do not be overcome by hatefulness, but overcome hatefulness with love."

"Overcome death with life."

"Overcome sadness with joy and celebration in the midst of the mundane."

The invisible, the Lover, the maker of beauty, the servant King is in our midst as a devoted Father. He is a bridegroom preparing a wedding feast. He is a wonderful counselor who has compassion on us when we feel lost. He is a shepherd who lays down His life for his sheep and leads them beside still waters.

As long as I keep my soul alive by dwelling in His presence, remembering the roles he plays in my own life, as long as I cultivate and practice a heart of love and give it and live in it, I can overcome the darkness--all darknesses of my soul here on earth.

But love and beauty and faith must be cultivated daily, in His presence, looking for His reality, so that my heart will be filled with the reality of Him and His overcoming goodness and redeeming light. I must cultivate this inner life if I am to find rest and peace in my daily life. 

The glory of a woman is her ability to stir up Life and light in this dark world.

We are born to civilize, to encourage, to inspire, to heal.

Women are most beautiful when they are engaged in creating the reality of His life and love wherever they go. But this love comes from intentional cultivation--it is the grid that we see life through--

I am created to be an overcomer, an artist who leaves beauty, a counselor who brings peace, a magician who brings hope and comfort in the very midst of despair, laughter and joy amidst the draining moments.

I am given the possibility of leaving a fragrance of words that bring hope, inspiration, affirmation to one who is starving for soul food.

And so today, I become a co-creator with Him, who is the source of all that is beautiful and good--celebrating His reality into the midst of this puzzle that is called my life.

The strength of any woman is built on a foundation of what she cherishes, practices, waters, cultivates.

Love is there, waiting to strengthen--the soul of a great woman depends on Him flowing in and through her every day.

This organic faith life is what we want to live and then teach our children to live. These heart messages are exactly what they need in order to leave home and keep their faith alive, and to have the courage to face their own temptations and darknesses. 

They may forget how to spell some words or how to conjugate a verb or a therum from math. But what they need, before they leave home, is the picture burned into their minds every day, of the reality of Christ's live in their home, their moments, their feelings as found to be true in the life of a faith-filled mama. 

This is what our summer podcast is about--figuring out what all kids need before they leave home and understanding how to pass it on. 

Please join us for the next 10 weeks. Invite your friend and then we will all gather at the end to discuss together on a live presentation, maybe at parties in your home, what we have learned, what we plan to do, how we need to encourage one another. 

We are so excited. Can't wait to share with you. 

Join us this summer for our special Podcast series this summer !

And mark your calendars for 9PM EST/ 6PM PST for a special night on facebook live with Sally, Kristen and friends broadcasting from Colorado to kick off our special summer series! We'll be taking questions LIVE and want you to join the fun!

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We All Hear Many Voices ... Which Will We Listen To?

Almost each morning as I get out of bed and pad in my bare feet, down the stairs to my kitchen to get a cup of tea, I hear my father's voice, "Put on your slippers or you will catch a cold!" It was a sort of mantra of his. I am a barefoot sort of person, so I overcome the voice and heed my own wishes. 

There are other voices that come into my head, competing for attention. Another from my childhood was, "Blondes have to try harder in life to look pretty, because they have no natural coloring and look faded out." (Not exactly the voice that should have been feeding my decisions or my self-image!)

There are many voices in our culture that cry out incessantly.

"You deserve a break."

"More clothes, a beautiful home, a nice car, beautiful decor will make you happy."

"Experiences for your children are necessary for them to think you are good parents--a Disney trip, more toys for Christmas, lots of meals at fast food restaurants."

"If you really want your child to get ahead, they have to have the right education. There is only one best way--private school! No, homeschool! No, classical education! Cram, push, expect, drive, press!"

"Finding the right partner will make you happy."

The voices go on and on. Satan is called the Father of lies. His desire is to distract us--to pull us away from God, causing us to disbelieve in His goodness, to deny Him, to be busy so that we don't even have time to hear the truth.

I often use a Celtic prayer book in the sleepy mornings to guide me into my day with some scripture. The other day, I read a little poem about John.

"The is John the beloved, who followed Jesus as the way,

embraced the truth and shared his life,

And at the supper of the Lord, leaned closer to Him to hear His words,

For those who lean on Jesus' breast hear the heart of God."

These words stuck in my mind--I want the voice I hear to be that of Jesus--I want to hear the heart of God.

So this week, I went back to John to see what words were flying around in John's head, what voice was informing His heart.

"I am the bread of life." John 6:48

"If any man is thirsty, let him come to me and drink." John 7:37

"I am the light of the world. I have come as a light into the world, that everyone who believes me may not remain in darkness." John 8:12

"If the son shall make you free, you shall be free indeed." John 8:36

"I am the good shepherd; the good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep." John 10:11

"Let not your heart be troubled, believe in God, believe also in me." John 14:1

"Peace I leave with you, my peace I give to you, not as the world gives to you. Let not your heart be troubled or let it be fearful." John 14:27

"In the world you have tribulation, but take courage, I have overcome the world." John 16:33

"My kingdom is not of this world." John 18:36

"Blessed are they who have not seen and yet believe." John 20:29

That's the Voice I want to be hearing. In leaning closer to hear His voice, I have heard the voice which is always full of love, peace, comfort and courage.

Whose voice are you listening to?

The Green Ember Review & A Giveaway

Anyone who has known me for any considerable amount of time knows that I am a lover of stories. I am a voracious reader and I tend to agree with Erasmus in that “when I get a little money I buy books; if any is left, I buy food and clothes.” I have been known to hunt down out-of-print titles and stalk eBay for hard to find editions for months on end. I have broken the wheels on suitcases under the weight of my bounty from library sales. If it seems to outsiders like I am on a mission, it is because I am.

I believe in the power of stories. I believe that stories form us by nourishing our souls and ordering what our hearts love. I believe that stories provide the fertile soil in which Truth, Goodness, and Beauty can take root in our hearts and eventually grow into Wisdom and Virtue. I am drawn to stories that kindle the moral imagination and echo to us the whispers of the Great Storyteller. And when I find these kinds of stories, I want to shout it from the rooftops. That is why, over the past few podcasts, articles, and speaking events, you may have noticed me gush once or twice (or a dozen times) over my love for The Green Ember by S.D.Smith.

CLICK HERE to read more and to hear about how to find out how to be entered into the giveaway to win three books by S.D. Smith. 

Simplicity: One Key to a Lifegiving Summer!

"There is an appointed time for everything. And there is a time for every event under heaven-

A time to give birth and a time to die;

A time to plant and a time to uproot what is planted.

A time to kill and a time to heal;

A time to tear down and a time to build up.

A time to weep and a time to laugh;

A time to mourn and a time to dance..." Ecclesiastes 3:1-4

My sweet friend, Misty, is one of the most beautiful, soul-rich women I know. I loved this article she wrote for us and am now motivated to write out all of these ways I can simplify this summer. Let us know what you are doing to simplify and enjoy your summer. Thanks, sweet Misty, for this great encouragement.

Walking through powdery sand, fishing off the pier, building sandcastles, riding a trolley, and trying funny new doughnut flavors (maple/bacon or siracha, anyone?) were just a few of the fun experiences our family had last week. After several years of our summer family vacations being replaced by moves, cross-country weddings and other atypical life happenings, it was wonderful to have a few days of sun and sand and nothing else on the calendar. It was time for summer.

With the season of school days ending for so many of us, this is a wonderful time to think about creating new memories together as a family. As I brushed beach sand off the coffee table to replace my embroidery basket and gathered my youngest up on the couch next to me for a bit of reading last week, I thought about why we were enjoying our time there so much. There are a few things typical of a week at the beach which aren't typical of our regular, everyday lives, but there was one thing in particular that stood out to me which had nothing to do with sand and salt water or even spectacular sunsets: simplicity. Here are some tips on simplicity while vacationing with your own family this summer--and some ways to incorporate that lifegiving, simple summer feel into your life back home, too!

Simple Schedule

On Vacation:

We made time for several visits with family and friends--and those were highlights of our week! But one of the most wonderful things about vacation for all of us was that we didn't have to watch the clock. There were no classes or lessons or appointments cluttering up the planner or causing my phone to chime--a very welcome change from the usual. Consider *not* filling every moment of your vacation with activities. Even a trip to Disney benefits from a break in the afternoons for naps and a dip in the pool! Leave some time to explore the forest or seashore or even your own hometown.

At Home:

This summer, wherever you are, consider white space on the calendar your friend! Does your child really have to run here and there and from class to class? Or might some time left open, to allow them to be bored, even, be a surprising gift? Are there places nearby you've never had (or taken) time to explore together? Time to breathe is definitely lifegiving, and needed by everyone.

Simple Spreads

On Vacation:

One thing that's tricky about renting a house for the week rather than staying at a hotel is that there are still meals to be made--and who doesn't want a break from that? We decided early on to keep our menus simple, and shop early in the week for some inexpensive choices. Going out for doughnuts was a fun treat one morning, but bagels with cream cheese, a simple scrambled egg and cheese dish, fruit yogurt and cereal bars all made breakfast time easier for the mornings we stayed home--and meant no one had to be urged out of bed at a particular time. Cold-cut or tuna fish sandwiches with apple slices and chips or a bowl of soup made everyone happy for lunch, and dad was happy to grill burgers and hot dogs for dinner. We went out to eat just a few times, which was easier on our budget, too! One of our favorite meals was just a big platter of cheese and crackers, grapes, and watermelon slices enjoyed in the back yard next to the pool.

At home:

Making a simple summer meal plan is a great idea. You can even plan two weeks' worth of easy menus and just repeat that plan all summer long! Think about making big batches of potato or macaroni salad, tuna salad for sandwiches, etc. so you're ahead of the game for lunches and dinners; make homemade pizza dough and let everyone add their own toppings; consider having each of the kids be in charge of a meal or two on a particular day of each week. We like to eat on pretty plates and even pull out the china regularly, but in the summer, paper plates can be a mom's best friend (especially for lunch time!) Much of the typical stress of mealtime comes from not having a plan. Why not offer yourself some mealtime lifegiving peace in advance?

Simple Surroundings

On Vacation:

One thing I'm always struck by on vacation is how little cleanup needs to be done. A quick pickup and a run-through with the broom put everything back to rights in just a few minutes each afternoon. There's one simple reason ... we don't take ALL our things with us when we travel! Our lovely spot was bright and beachy, but gloriously devoid of clutter. Only a few choices for pots and pans, limited decor, no out-of-season clothes falling off shelves in the closets ... a lack of extra, unnecessary stuff makes for less stress and less work.

At home:

Summer has long been a favorite time for purging around here! Used-up notebooks from the past year, worn-out clothes, unused kitchen gadgets, old magazines, etc. etc. all find a home in the circular file, and the house will surely breathe easier for the newly reclaimed space. It's been said that we should only keep things we know to be useful or believe to be beautiful. The less there is, the less there is to be cared for and arranged and moved to be cleaned under!

Simple Style

On vacation:

I'll admit I failed at this one, this time. It's been so long since we visited Florida, I forgot there'd be no need for the sweater I brought for cool evenings (non-existent!) or jeans (too hot!) My boys packed their own clothes, which actually turned out surprisingly well. Next time, though, I'll definitely use a tip from the past: packing each day's outfits into a large ziploc bag and then packing those bags into their larger backpacks. That way, everything's in one place, you know there's enough underwear and socks (and also that those are being changed!) and you won't find yourself walking around town with a child in a red striped shirt and blue/green plaid shorts ... which may or may not have happened to me.

At home:

To capture a bit of vacations' wardrobe simplicity, it's time to sort closets and dressers and storage spaces at home. Kids have moved into new sizes, and some clothing has just worn out. I've never had luck with putting outfits together in any sort of Monday-Friday closet system, but I do find that if I locate a store with great sales I can usually get several outfits from one line which are made in similar colors so they're easier to mix and match. To avoid the stripes-and-plaid issue, I'll make sure future shopping trips focus on solid shirts and printed shorts! Fewer things in the closet=fewer things on the floor and in the wash.

Simple Satisfactions

On vacation:

Getting to go away for a week was a great treat for us, and one I don't take lightly. We drove rather than flying, which of course made for a few tussles in the backseat and more than one wail of "Are we there yet???" both coming and going--but saved us lots of money and also meant our truck was available to us once we got there! During quiet afternoons I read from a favorite poetry book a few times, and in the evenings we pored over The Burgess Seashore Book for Children (highly recommended!) so we could learn about all the new animals we were seeing. I found quiet each morning by waking early and carrying my coffee cup down to the sand's edge for prayer and Bible reading and the occasional podcast, of course! And we tried to make sure everyone made it out to the beach to watch the sun set every evening.

At home:

There have been many years a getaway family vacation was just not possible for us. But that didn't mean we couldn't enjoy some special time together during the summer! As my husband was growing up, his dad decided that rather than take a week or two off from work, he'd take every single Monday off all summer and their family would pack lunches and drive to the beach just for the day. You'd probably be surprised at how many fun things there are to do within an hour or two of your own home! Visiting a friend with a pool, running in the sprinkler, planting a garden, making s'mores in the backyard, riding bikes to the library or the park, even having a stash of cash for the ice cream truck's weekly rounds can all add up to a special summer. And don't forget to make time for some special read-alouds with your children--! Storyformed will be giving lots of wonderful tips on this all summer, and be sure to check our Lifegiving reading resource page, too.

And of course, we'll have our 10 Gifts of Heart series here beginning in June, with free scripture memorization printables, recipes, book suggestions, and tips for a wonderfully intentional, lifegiving summer! As Sarah writes in The Lifegiving Home ...

"Home is not merely a dwelling. It's not merely a state of existence. It's a story, a narrative spun out day by day, a story molded by the walls and hours and tasks and feasts with which we fill our time, reflecting the reality of the God whose love animates every aspect of our being."

~ Sarah Clarkson

What story will you write this summer? Here's to a simply spectacular, spectacularly simple season!