The Lifegiving Home: New Book by Sally Clarkson

The Life-giving Home by Sally Clarkson

Sally Clarkson has held a special place in my heart for about twenty years now. My homeschool journey began with a copy of her Educating the WholeHearted Child on my nightstand, much dogeared and highlighted. Over the years she continued to encourage and refresh my heart with The Mission of Motherhood, Seasons of a Mother’s Heart, and The Ministry of Motherhood. As a young mom, those books were the closest thing I had to a mentor.

So I’m thrilled to wholeheartedly recommend her newest book, The Lifegiving Home: Creating a Place of Belonging and Becoming. In its pages, written side-by-side with her daughter Sarah, Sally opens the door to her home and allows us to peek inside—revealing the intentional decisions she made through the years to create and protect it as a place of growing and of grace. She shares her heart about the importance of home, and then the mother-daughter team takes us through an entire year of sweet family traditions they have enjoyed. You will find wonderful ideas and gentle reminders that you can use month after month.

It’s a lovely combination of inspirational vision, spiritual nourishment, and practical suggestions all designed to help you cultivate an environment in your home that your children will cherish their whole lives.

68 Comments

  1. I attended a talk by Sally Clarkson at a Hearts at Home conference several years ago and really enjoyed and encouraged by her talk. Last year I bought her “Educating the Wholehearted Child” and it has been a great help and refreshing to learn from someone who has gone before me. I’m looking forward to learn more from her other books.

  2. Sally Clarkson has been my mentor, too. I have been so encouraged by her books. Educating the Wholehearted Child was my first introduction to Charlotte Mason. I must have purchased every book she mentioned in there, and there were a lot! I led a small group of young homeschooling moms through Seasons of a Mother’s Heart early in my homeschooling journey. I have given The Mission of Motherhood at many baby showers. Sally Clarkson has blessed so many!

  3. In a world where many people are worried more about achievement than relationship, how refreshing it is to hear about a mom who is focused on nurturing and growing her children! Thank you, Sally, for challenging and inspiring us to be better and more loving parents!

  4. Looks like an inspiring & encouraging book for a homeschooling mom to have on her bookshelf! Thanks for sharing your heart, tips……

  5. I am looking forward to reading this book and sharing it with my daughter’s who now have their own families. Thank you, Sally, for sharing your heart and writing books that help encourage women to make their home a wonderful place.

  6. In raising two wonderful children and being the wife of a godly man, I would love to read this book to support my call to be the peaceful atmosphere of our home. God has called each of us according to His purpose, but in the discovering God’s plan in my life, He is revealing more and more the ministry of peacefulness in the midst of the chaos of the world. I would always love to have a few more ideas and family traditions. Peacefulness can and should be fun. Thank you Sally for writing this book as an encouragement and a beacon for us.

  7. Sally, I’m so thankful for your ministry, and how you’ve given yourself first to your own husband and children, but then expanded that ministry to show other women how to love and serve their families, as well. You definitely fulfill the Titus 2 mandate for so many of us. May the Lord richly bless you as you continue to walk faithfully with Him!

  8. Sally has a gift for sharing her heart; and the heart of Jesus through Scripture. I always feel more at peace, more centered after reading her many wonderful books.

  9. This is so wonderful ! I am so encouraged to have such a wonderful pattern and person so dedicated to help other mothers, in todays world, to stay firm and live a lifegiving God-life with Your family.. (Not in the Godhead) So glad there is also a companion 12-month book ! I really much enjoy those!

  10. Sally, your words have blessed me and my family so much over the past 6 years or so. Thank you for your faithfulness and for having just one more quiet time 🙂

  11. Thanks and praise for this sweet lady sharing what the Lord has put on her heart to do the work of a Titus 2 woman. May the Lord continue to richly bless her and her family.

  12. I was very encouraged by Seasons of a Mother’s Heart, which was the first of her books I read. I have also been very inspired about blessing our children at bedtime all the way until they leave home; they don’t outgrow a need for it. This was on a blog post. Thanks Sally. I look forward to reading the new book.

  13. I found my first book by Sally years ago when learning about homeschooling. She gave me the courage to step away from the public school model I was raised in and give my children something better, something whole-hearted.

  14. Thank you, Sally and Sarah, for continuing to minister to moms, and to homeschool moms in particular, as we journey this path. The times are not easy — and we need gentle reminders that God has prepared the path and has peace available for each of us. I think women’s hearts are ripe for this book you have written! Thank you for reaching out to others!

  15. Love all of Sally books and resources. She is such a blessing to me- and many other mamas. Thank you for this opportunity.

  16. Thanks for sharing your heart and giving a glimpse into your home! Sounds like it will be a great book! I would love to have some encouragement through it. It’s been a really rough 2 1/2 years for us with deaths in the family, health issues, moving several times, unemployment and more. I really do need to make more time to read books like this more often!! And thank you, Sonya, for your encouragement in my life as well!

  17. I have not read any of her books yet but have heard so much about her, will keep an eye out at the library for other titles!

  18. Sally, I came across your book, “Educating the Wholehearted Child” on SCM forums. I had to obtain it through interlibrary loan because my library didn’t have it. I was only able to get through the first few chapters before I had to return it and now realize I need to have my own copy to mine the treasures that it contains over a longer period of time. Many thanks for writing it. I hope to read more of your writings in the future.

  19. Sally has changed my life and my home with her sweet, encouraging words. She has allowed me to see my children in a different light and has encouraged a friendship between parent and child like no one else. I’m so excited for this book and all of the inspiration it will bring! ❤️

  20. I’ve been homeschooling for 20 years. Educating the Wholehearted Child was attached to my right hand for so long and was then loaned to many new homeschool moms. Thanks for your ministry all these years.

  21. OK so I’ve never read any of the books . I noticed them when researching homeschooling and am intrigued, I’m always looking for a way to build the relationship with my boys and personalize school for them. So I would really like to have this new book.

  22. Thank you for continuing to encourage and inspire mothers, Sally. Examples like you are so important for us. I look forward to being a bit more intentional in my own home through the ministry of your words.

  23. I have only read Educating the Wholehearted Child by Sally. It was so wonderful! I have heard so much about this new book and it sounds like it has come at the perfect time. We have been in the process of an overseas move, and have tried hard to make home as normal as we can during this transition! But we could use some more wisdom.

  24. I have read part of Educating the Wholehearted Child and I would really love to read more of Sally’s books.

  25. I’m so excited to attend the Mom heart conf in Irvine, CA next weekend. Would love to have her latest book:)

  26. Sally has been a treasure of information and a breath of fresh air. I would love to see her “live” someday too. What a gift she is from the Lord.

  27. Educating the Whole-hearted child was my first homeschooling book I read and continue to reread. Sally is a wonderful online and book mentor. I find such encouragement in her words of wisdom and humility in sharing her experiences.

  28. How exciting it is to see the Lord’s Hand in our lives! We decided even before we had children that we wanted to homeschool, but we knew absolutely nothing about it. In her effort to show her support, my mom ran out and picked up a “random” book she found in a bookstore’s tiny section dedicated to homeschooling books. It was Sally’s Educating the WholeHearted Child. Truly, this was a life-changer for our family. I re-read this book, as well as Mission of Motherhood, every year–usually while enjoying a relaxing cup of tea. Thank you, Sally!

  29. Wanted: Long term help, for the short term energy of a weary mother.
    As a homeschool mom, we’re anxious for help. To network with other families, read reviews involving curriculum that might help our kids love to learn, going to marriage/wife/mother bible studys, trying to be somehow better.
    But better how? Better than what? Where is our measuring stick of individuals homeschool? If we compare ourselves to our peers, (which we shouldn’t ) we can feel as though we don’t measure up. And even the most confident homeschool mom worries if were “really on the best path for our family” from time to time. So what’s a homeschool sojourner to do? (Besides lay prostrate on the carpeted floor, begging God for neon signs or cliff notes of their children’s first 20years)
    Mentors. Women who have finished the race and who can look back over the journey with enlightened eyes.
    My most cherished time as a homeschool mom ( a middle schooler and elementary schooler) is spending time with older, wiser mom’s who’ve been there, done that, had more than a 2 days of consecutive sleep, and are willing and able to mentor and encourage those of us in the heat of the race.
    How precious the hard earned encouragment and hope these treasure of a women give. Their eyes have compassion, their smiles, knowing, nodding with similar experiences, and from their lips come spiritual encouragment, reminding you, your never on this path alone. Jesus appointed us for this position, time and place.
    Sally, thank you for giving your words, using this book as a mouthpiece for all the women who have made the journey, and spurring on the rest of us, so one day we too may be the watering station for parched mom’s in this beautiful trek we call motherhood.

  30. Just starting to read another one of Sally’s books in a book club. This new one sounds so good! Sally’s writings are such an encouragement.

  31. I’ve read all of Sally’s books you mentioned! She is such an encouragement to me and this newest book is on my list to get and read!

  32. I’m exploring homeschooling and have become enthralled with reading about CM. I’ve also been directed by multiple people toward Sally clarkstons material as a great companion to CM. I’d like so much to read some of her writing.

  33. Sally, you’ve blessed the lives of so many families with your words! May the Lord richly bless you in this season of your life as you embark on new journeys working alongside your beautiful children. I’ve enjoyed many cups of tea with you!

  34. I have all of Sally Clarksons other books and they are such a refreshment to read! On the days when homeschooling and mothering is hard, I often turn back to her books for renewed vision. They are also my first books to lend or reccomended to young moms! She truly has the gift of encouragement that has breathed life into my mothering on more than one occasion. I am really looking forward to her newest book!

  35. I have read several of Sally’s books and they have been such an encouragement. Can’t wait to read this one and start a mom heart group soon!

  36. Sally has been such a sweet example of godly mothering and wife-ing ? To me! I’m excited to catch a glimpse inside her home for even more encouragement! Thank you!

  37. Sally’s book “Educating the Whole Hearted Child” is what first introduced me to the Charlotte Mason Method, it is a wealth of information and inspiration! I would love to read her new book!

  38. I must say, I have never read one of Sally’s books before! It sounds like I need to get started! Thanks for sharing!

  39. Sally, you visited us in Toowoomba, Australia, about 6 years ago – you and your eldest daughter. The input from that seminar left a longing in my heart to pursue wholeheartedness in my calling as a wife, a parent and as a new homeschooling mum. I still occasionally peruse the notes you gave us, for much-needed encouragement along the way. Many thanks for your faithfulness to the call on your life.
    Warm regards,
    Robyn

  40. What a pleasant surprise to learn that Sonya is fond of Sally’s books! Both Sally and Sonya are wise mentors I turn to time and time again for encouragement and practical advice.

  41. I’m just beginning to learn from Sally, but I’m so grateful for her willingness to mentor young women like myself through her writing and teaching.

  42. I feel like Sally is a dear friend to me. I heard of her a year ago when a couple of Christian, young moms like myself were meeting with our dear mentor and bible study leader. We decided to read through ‘own your life’ and discuss it each month. What an amazing jouney. We just finished chapter 14 and i can hardly wait to get together next week and review it with them. I have learned and grown sooooo much in my spiritual walk with my savior and have put so many things that she suggests into practice. Just yesterday my daughters and i stopped schoolwork in the middle of the day and had a tea party with our first full size teapot! What a sweet time that was! I’ve told so many people about this book and have bought many copies for other struggling young ladies and mothers. The one chapter where dhe talked about touching other people’s lives with little things was so huge to me. I may be a very busy wife, Mom and business woman and homeschool mom but there is something i can do for others even if its sending an encouraging note to a shut in. We wont know the full impact we had until the other side of eternity. Sally, just in my life you have made such an impact and that has trickled down to so many others lives. I’m just 1 person. Just thinking of all the other lives you have mentored and the lives they have potentially ministered to leaves me in awe! May God richly bless you for your service to Him!

  43. I am new to Charlotte Mason, but thankful for people like Sally that take the time to write books and share their personal experiences so that we can have “mentors” in this area. I would love to read this book.

  44. As I navigate through the second year of our homeschool, I am constantly encouraged by both yours and Sarah’s books. At a curriculum fair, I happened to pick up Educating the WholeHearted Child. I refer to it often. It has been both a sense of comfort and inspiration as I make this journey.

    I also love Sarah’s book Read from the Heart. I take it to the library often. 🙂

  45. The Clarkson’s book Educating the Wholehearted Child is my favorite homeschooling book. It is such an encouragement. I also love Sarah’s books!

  46. This book looks great! I have books by both Sally and Sarah and they are so encouraging to me as a homeschooling mom.

  47. I ordered a copy of Sally’s co-authored book “Desperate, Hope for Moms Who Need to Breathe” a few years ago when I was feeling completely overwhelmed. I cried my way through many of the pages, feeling the love and understanding radiating from Sally to me. I would love to read more of her books.

  48. I read Sally’s book Educating the whole hearted child when I first started homeschooling and decided that I needed to read it again this year after 4 years of homeschooling. It was such an encouragement to me then and I am sure it will bring fresh and much needed encouragement in this season of life as well. I look forward to reading more of her books!

  49. Reading one of Sally Clarkson books is like having a cup of tea with a dear friend. I always feel refreshed and encouraged by her words!

  50. What a wonderful giveaway! I discoverd Sally Clarkson’s books three years ago and find myself rereading them often; they’re so encouraging and inspiring. Thank you for sharing this and for the amazing opportunity!

  51. Sally seems to have such wisdom to share and a peaceful quiet that I appreciate so much whenever I’ve heard her speak. It would be wonderful to gain more insight from her through book on a subject that has been in my heart so much lately.

  52. Oh my!!! I would be thrilled to receive this book and companion!! Thank you for the opportunity!

  53. What a gift from God Sally Clarkson has been to so many of us kindred spirits! I loved her last book and cannot wait to read this one. She is a beautiful example of the sort of mother I strive to be to my children.

  54. I have read many of Sally’s books through our homeschool journey. I actually have to take notes while reading her books so that I can remember, adapt to our family, and put into practice what I am learning! She has been a mentor to me through her writing. I’m really excited to read her newest book!! Thank you, Sally, for helping me along the way!!!

  55. I have enjoyed many of Sally’s books. I’ve read and reread them. I love that I don’t outgrow them. With each read I glean a bit more wisdom, understanding, and appreciation in the art parenting and homeschooling. Thanks so much for this giveaway!

  56. Sally has been that mentor from afar for me. In reading her articles I realized that the ideals that I held onto weren’t crazy but that it encouraged a continual striving to be what God called me to be and that my home could be a place of beauty and peace in a
    hurting, broken world.

  57. Sally, thank you for encouraging moms… we sure need it! I pray this new book would draw women to the Lord and remind them of his great love, goodness, and faithfulness even through life’s most difficult moments.
    I’m so thankful for you, Sonya, and others whom God has used to speak truth and encouragement into my life. God Bless!

  58. What about for busy families that are not homeschooling currently? Would you recommend this book for us? Thanks.

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