Tea Time Tuesday: Delighting in Autumn: Recipes, Traditions, Music, & Fun

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Tea Time Tuesday

The air was chill, and a breeze gently ruffled the aspen leaves to a full shimmer. Suddenly in a seeming moment’s time, fall was upon us. Living in the mountains where snow can be sudden and abrasive to cool and sunny days warned us to enjoy this golden day while we had it. Clay and I both decided that even though it was a full day and we were a little worn out, we needed to take the opportunity one more time to take an early evening walk on our mountain trail. After all, Darcy Dog was practically begging us to go.

Autumn is a time for savoring, for choosing to make a memory. We intentionally take the opportunity to look into the eyes of our beloveds, to make one more sweet memory with a full knowledge that seasons change and that the moment might pass. And so Clay and I drove across the highway and took one more walk in the majestic shadowy sunlight of dusk. The clouds and mountains flourished in a light dance as the sun slipped down the horizon. We were glad we made the choice to savor these moments.

I love autumn and it slips by too quickly for me.

On Tea Time Tuesday today, it is all about autumn: apple cake, pumpkin streusel muffins, homemade bread, an inspiring book that lingers in your heart, charming music, and an invitation to cultivate the heart of home through feasting and community of friends. I would love to hear about some of your favorite fall memories, traditions, and recipes. Breathe in these magical moments that are right in your midst. Happy Tuesday.

What Are You Filling Your Mind With?

During a quiet time one morning, my eyes lighted upon one of my little wooden treasure chests, a beautiful carved wooden box from my missionary days in Poland. The Holy Spirit impressed me to look at the hearts of my children as treasure chests.

Filling their hearts with truth, beauty, love, great thoughts, books, ideas, adventures, memories, traditions, wisdom, music, art, lessons, and all the good things I could imagine became a purposeful goal.

I wanted to fill them with such an abundance of relics of eternal value that they would draw beauty, strength, guidance, assurance, courage, and love from those deposits for the rest of their lives. God was clearly calling me to disciple my children.

I realized, though, that I could not give to them what I did not myself possess. If I wanted the souls of my children to be rich, then my soul needed to be rich because it was my soul they would draw from.

And so the idea of intentionality began to engage the imagination of my heart. Whatever I filled my mind with, whatever I learned and embraced, flowed into the well of knowledge and refreshment I would draw from and pass on to them daily as I lived my moments in their presence.

For example, investing time every morning with the Lord was of utmost importance because what I learned in those moments shaped the passion I passed to my family each morning over breakfast.

Today, what is one thing you can do to fill your own soul with truth, beauty, and goodness to be able to pass along to your own family? What kind of treasures do you want to fill your children’s treasure box with?

Lighting a Fire of Vision That Lasts for a Lifetime

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"Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire!"

William Butler Yeats

When my children were quite young, we would snuggle up on the couch, the wide-eyed children squishing around me. I would gently, passionately say, “Jesus has a special mission for each of you—Sarah, Joel, Nathan, Joy—to accomplish in the world. He has designed you to be light bearers, love-givers, wisdom tellers. You will meet people who will need only you to be the hands, the words, the message of God's love. I can't wait to see how He uses you in your world!”

They would wiggle, touch toes, or push a little for more room, but each one heard their name associated with God's love and their story to tell, and they would shake their little heads in affirmation when I would ask, “Isn’t it exciting to see how normal fisherman did miracles and helped people—just like you will do!”

Today, so many youth and college students regularly leave their faith behind, as they confront the world and its messages. Why, when so many good families have taken the time to build the messages and love faithfully?

We were designed by God to have deeply meaningful, purposeful lives—our children long for it. We were made for love and belonging. Jesus offers both.

We reflect on the life of Jesus…

Dusty, rutted Roman roads were filled with clatter of wagons of market goods for sale, donkeys carrying burdens of farm vegetables, caged fowl squawking, and horses mounted by menacing Roman soldiers, mulling around in the noisy marketplace of Jerusalem. And yet, it was here, in this oppressed, unknown, seemingly insignificant hamlet that a worldwide revolution would begin that would rock the world forever.

An obscure teacher, rabbi over common fishermen,  tax collectors, and mere women, would spark a fire in the hearts of those hungry souls that would turn the world upside down.

Those caught in the fray of mundane life longed for something more, to be a part of a life that held meaning besides grasping day-to-day for enough to eat, a way to pay bills.

And so, the secret, underground movement was ripe for the times in which it was birthed.

“Follow me and I will make you fishers of men.”

Always, Jesus' message was about casting a vision that would capture the hearts and imaginations of men and women, their hearts were stirred, and their fellowship around what gave them meaning together.

Always, always the message of Christ was missional—Go! Influence! Bring light! Redeem! Become a part of a movement of the Spirit of God blowing through the lives of people all over the world. Take over the darkness with your light—become redeemers! Still, today, amidst the mundane, hearts long to be ignited with the passion, purpose, and influence that will continue to transform this world of darkness into a place of light and hope—and all of us have a part to play.

Jesus’ words were sending ones, purpose-driven and fitting for warriors:

"Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves; so be shrewd as serpents and innocent as doves." (John 17:15)

"I do not ask that you take them, (my disciples)  out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one." (John 17: 15)

"Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:19-20)

13 “You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt has become tasteless, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled under foot by men.

14 “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; 15 nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. 16 Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven." (Matthew 5:13-16)

"When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.” (Matthew 9: 36-37)

Will we pray for him to send our children, us, into the harvest field? Are we willing to go anywhere? Do anything? Are we arming our children with values for living for eternity and not just living for the temporal, this world, the material, that is corrupting as we live each day?

All children and all adults were made for a life of meaning and purpose. We were created to be message makers, healers, redeemers. There is a kingdom of darkness but we are people of the light and the light will overcome all that is evil, dark, meaningless, and harsh. We are people of the kingdom and we are bringing that kingdom to bear every day in every act, every expression of our faith, every moment of our worship—because we have been adopted by the king!

The Mosaic Of Soul Development

When the home life of children is rich with excellent, classic literature and great stories, passionate Biblical devotions, rousing dinner-table discussions around sumptuous, tasty meals, lots of love and affection given and household chores attended to, a child will become committed to all that is good and excellent and develop a moral and compassionate soul for all the divinely important values.

Is it a messy process? Of course. No home is perfect or parent perfect and it is a journey of constant flux. It is the personal touch of a mother’s heart that creates grand civility, deep affection, care, and commitment to the foundations of a family. When the invisible strings of a mother’s heart are tied to the heart of her children through loving sacrifice and nurture, the stability and foundations of a nation become secure and stable.

A mother, living well in her God-ordained role, is of great beauty and inestimable value to the future history of any generation. Her impact is irreplaceable and necessary to the spiritual formation of children who will be the future adults of the next generation.

From Mom Heart Moments book.

Tea Time Tuesday: A Spot Of Tea Is Just What I Needed

A Spot of Tea!

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“A Joy Worth Repeating, Again and again,
Warm conversation, tea and a friend!”

-Miss Madeleine

Just imagine the scene: a cozy sitting room, filled with soft lighting and comfortable chairs. The fragrant aroma of freshly brewed tea wafts through the air, immediately putting you at ease. And there, sitting across from you, is your dear friend, or daughter, her sparkling eyes and welcoming smile inviting you into a world of heartfelt connection.

As the tea is poured, the conversation begins, and time seems to slow down. The cares and worries of the day fade away, replaced by the gentle rhythm of shared stories, laughter, and heartfelt empathy. Your friend has a way of making you feel seen and heard, as if your thoughts and feelings truly matter.

With each passing minute, the bond between you grows stronger, nurtured by the warmth of the tea and the genuine connection that exists between kindred spirits. This allows you both to savor the treasure of companionship.

Each time you gather with your loved one for warm conversation over a cup of tea, it feels like coming home. You find solace in the familiarity of her presence and the comfort of her wisdom. Repeating this ritual builds a deeper connection over years.

In a world that often feels rushed and disconnected, the simple act of sharing a cup of tea with a friend is a treasure to be cherished. It is a reminder that life’s greatest joys are found not in extravagant experiences, but in the bonds we form with those who truly matter.

Let us embrace the joy worth repeating, again and again, and seek out those warm conversations that nourish our spirits and remind us of the beauty of connection. And may we never underestimate the power of tea and a friend to bring peace, comfort, and a touch of magic to our lives.

More on today’s Tea Time Tuesday podcast:

*Wonderful, gentle music for fall evenings. The story of Monica and Augustine, a treasure of a book

*Comfort food, and so much more.

Won’t you take time with a friend or loved one this week? Enjoy!

Get your copy of Teatime Discipleship for Mothers and Daughters today!




Children Long to be Part of a Great Story

We long to know our lives can make a real difference, that our being alive and making the right choices isn't just about duty, but about a heart-gripping reality that will make a purposeful impact in the lives of others—and to know that someone cares about our life sacrifices and investment of our time. We need to recognize these same needs in the hearts of our children.

Paul and Peter willingly and joyfully sacrificed their lives because they knew, they deeply understood, that they were a part of the movement of the Spirit of God to redeem the world for their creator. They were kingdom laborers. The passion in their hearts gave them the power to serve. Service without heart kills the soul.

And so, when we seek to disciple our children, it is cultivating in them a vision for their importance to Christ's work, a hope that they are needed to fulfill a kingdom cause with their unique personality and skills, and then giving them practice in serving others as they grow up in our homes, which are the center of our ministry.

It is about them watching us serve and being caught up in the beauty of our loving, giving to, serving, and inspiring others from the integrity and compassion of our own hearts and lives, that their hearts will be captured.

From #TheMomWalk book ❤️

Tea Time Tuesday: Peace in the Storms of Life

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“Jesus was asleep at the back of the boat with his head on a cushion. Frantically they wakened him, shouting, ‘Teacher, don’t you even care that we are all about to drown?’

 Then he rebuked the wind and said to the sea, “Quiet down!” And the wind fell, and there was a great calm!“ Mark 4: 38-39

Seems many are deep in the storms of life. Chaos is rearing its head in many places.

I have been thinking about Jesus, sleeping, quiet, at peace in the storm resting on a cushion. Like a baby, warm, deep breath sleep, soundly at rest—restoring, trusting, fret-free existence in the calm of slumber.

How? Knowing that his beloved Father loves him and will care for Him. Knowing the Father knows all things and is the transcendent, creator, ruler, compassionate, trustworthy One.

In my storms, I am timid, fragile, fearful, doubting. 

He knew I would need Him, picturing for me the “peace that passes understanding” amidst the gales and torrential, unrelenting issues of life, so that two thousand years beyond I would have an image of what it means to rest in the storm.

In some of his last words, Jesus had us on his mind "that they may know that you have loved them, even as you have loved me." John 17:23

He who loved and cared for Jesus in his storm, loves me just as much.

He who was with Jesus, is with me.

He is still the calm in the midst of storms, the peace and rest in the torrents, the comfort and lover and One who is powerful above all and still says to the powers that threaten, "Be still."

So, today, I am seeking to be in that vortex of peace, beauty, rest, calm because He is here with me.

Today’s Tea Time Tuesday podcast is filled with fun—a full moon and a proposal, one of my favorite series of books, gorgeous music, food, and more.

God, give my friends peace in their storms, a sense of your companionship as you are with them, knowing that you see them and love them.

Bless you today, friends.

A Legacy of Love That Begins With Jesus

When we set in motion traditions formed by faith and values in action, a legacy of love that begins with Jesus is strengthened in our homes.

Later, when times become difficult for the growing child or when tensions rise at home, those memories remain and the lessons experienced through intentional discipling and from our example of living a sincere faith are there as a foundation.

Don’t ever believe your child isn’t noticing how you live and how you interact with them—as well as others. They see it all. They make note of our priorities and how we invest our time and resources.

And when they realize they are one of those top priorities, and you are choosing to pour into them with time, prayer, teaching, and connection, they get a glimpse of God’s love and care for them.

From Teatime Discipleship for Mothers and Daughters — preorder your copy today!

Tea Time Tuesday: Bearing Even More Fruit

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Tea Time Tuesday:

“I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit, He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit, He prunes it so that it may bear more fruit.”

I live in the mountains, 7200 feet above sea level. Basically, our house sits on a rocky mountain! So it is very challenging to have a garden here. We purchase wildflower mountain seeds and varieties of plants that grow in high altitudes. I learned this the hard way by killing a lot of plants and 3 apple trees. I also had to learn not to get the kind of flowers deer love to munch.

Finally, I purchased a rose bush that was friendly to high altitudes and over the years it grew and spread out. When I returned home from Oxford recently, my favorite old rose bush was worse for wear. Barely had a bloom, dead branches, dried up flowers. 

One morning while Lilian was visiting, she and I took some garden scissors and cut back all the dead branches. She loved being my helper.  

Now, literally within days, my roses are beginning to bloom, healthy, spreading out. 

So often, God prunes my branches of life. He takes away, he cuts my life back—and truly I have learned that I bear more fruit from these times of discipline than I could have understood when I was younger. He has the best for me in mind—that I may bear even more fruit.

Taking it to heart, I got out my planner and knew I needed to do some pruning of the many activities and people who wanted my time. I needed to simplify so that I could bloom anew. To stay vibrant, I needed a simpler life to cut off some dead, unproductive drainers of my life. I can see how much God has used pruning in my life to make me stronger, more content, and more ready to keep giving and producing.

Some fun topics on today’s podcast—one of my favorite summer salads, music to inspire, stories about a favorite author and 3 not to miss books. Happy Tuesday, my friends. What is God pruning in your life?

Home Should Be The Best Place To Be

What greater joy can there be than to create a holding place for all that is sacred in life: faith, love, God, beauty, relationships, purpose, creativity, fun, safety, shelter, feasting? Home should be the very best place to be.

Homemaking—not in the sense of housekeeping, but in the broader sense of cultivating the life of a home—has to be done on purpose. The essence of a home, you see, if not necessarily a structure. What makes a home is the life shared there, wherever that may be. Cultivating the life of home requires intentionality, planning, and design. There must be someone (or several someones) to craft the life, the beauty, the love, and the inspiration that overflows from that place.

One cannot build what was not been imagined. And one cannot bring a vision to life without a plan. Early in the life of our family, I realized I needed that in order to build a vibrant, rich, lifegiving home, I needed to clarify my vision and construct a plan for our own unique community called "Clarkson."

These became the essence of the Clarkson blueprint, my vision for what home is and should be:

  • Home is the haven of inspiration where the art of life is expressed and taught. Color is strewn in every corner; delectable food is tasted; art, books, and other sources of beauty are placed throughout its rooms and walls

  • Home is the place where the whispers of God's love are heard regularly. The touch of His hands is given intentionally throughout the day, and His words of encouragement and affirmation lay the foundation of loving relationships

  • Home is the place where stories of heroism, sacrifice, love, and redemption are heard, embraced, and celebrated. These shape the dreams of the souls who live there.

  • Home is a place of ministry. Redeeming words, thoughts, and actions are shared and taught, the wisdom and instruction of God is passed along, and God's love is offered to all.

If you liked this post, you’ll love reading The Lifegiving Home. Get your copy!