Wednesday, January 07, 2015

Own Your Life Give Away!!!!

I know, giving away one of the books I am recommending would normally come on the day I chatted with you about the book! 

But this time both my review copy and the give-away copy didn't arrive until yesterday afternoon, after I had posted already.  Is it just me or was the mail very slow this Holiday season?

I had read the first two chapters of Own Your Life on a PDF file Sally had provided and I thought it quite good.  But last night as I perused the rest of the book, I realized this just may be her best book... ever.  I think it was her daughter who wrote at one time that this book would be her mother's magnum opus.

For this book is one that will be helpful to all women of every age.  It is about how life is not always what we expected it to be.  She shares how God has taught her to live life intentionally, to control the chaos, to live beautifully in a world where darkness seems to prevail (can you see why we are friends?).

Sally was a favorite writer before we became friends.  I recall often the day I listened to one of her tapes while at a playground with my very ADHD son and practically cried as she softly spoke of her own homeschool challenges with her very ADHD son.  I remember that day for it was her voice that kept me homeschooling in spite of the challenges of being an older mom with an overly active son.

She and I have chatted this past year over e-mails (for she lives in Colorado and I'm in the Midwest) about turning sixty, about reaching an age when you begin to see the rewards of the hard years of child rearing as well as the joy of recognizing seeds planted in their childhood blossom as they are adults... not perfectly, of course... but good.

I admit a bias, as a friend and as a writer with Sally and Clay's Mom Heart Ministry (which is on a temporary hiatus, waiting for the new website to be developed).  But stepping aside and putting on my book reviewer hat... reading this book is like chatting with a woman who has walked the same path you are going through (or one very similar) and shares wisdom God has given along the way.

It is a book to curl up with on a cold day with a hot beverage (our schools are closed it is so cold here!).  Trust me, you will most probably love this latest book from Sally that is for all women, no matter what their age.

Once again, for further information at Amazon, just mosey on over... here.*

And leave a comment below to win a free copy of Own Your Life!  I will draw a winner on Friday morning and this is open to everyone... except my daughter. She is family.

*All links to Amazon are Associate Links.

51 comments:

Deb J. in Utah said...

Hi - this sounds like a book that would really bless my life. I am having some challenges with my own children right now and I am looking for Godly ideas and advice from good sources so please enter me me in the giveaway. Thank you!

Vee said...

No way I can pass the opportunity by. I have such a friend who makes me feel as if she understands my situation... comforting to be blessed with such a person. One thing I love about your story is that you were a fan before you were friends. Isn't that neat how God worked?!

Linda V said...

Sounds like a great book! Thanks for the giveaway!

Judy from Pittsburgh. said...

Sounds wonderful. I have never read her books before.

Anonymous said...

I enjoy your blog.
I have read other books from Sally, and would love to have a copy of her new book.
SB

GrammaGrits said...

Would love to have Sally's new book to read and share with my daughter and DIL!

Melissa said...

Sounds wonderful, Brenda. Thank you for this review and offer!

Bonnie said...

This book sounds wonderful, Brenda. If I don't win, I may have to order it!

Anna said...

I would love a copy of this book! Sounds like what I need....

Miss Dishywoo said...

I would love a copy of this book. After reading your post from yesterday, I was very intrigued. Thanks for the review and the giveaway.

Deanna Rabe - Creekside Cottage Blog said...

I am excited by this book because it is so like what I have been sharing with friends and younger moms for years! Sally and I think alike and I am so blessed to have read her other books. I want to read this one too!

Deanna

Jenny said...

Brenda, I discovered this blog through Sally's blog and now I enjoy "tea" with you every Sunday. Thank you for creating such a cozy, simple online space. I appreciate your insight and encouragement. I have one son in college, a daughter who is a homeschool senior and a 9 year old and 7 year old (boy and girl), so your posts have become very dear to me as I navigate many stages of motherhood. I would love a copy of Sally's book. I found her writing when my oldest was 3 and we were beginning our homeschool journey.

Ann said...

How nice to have a giveaway! I just added Sally's book to my Amazon wishlist yesterday after reading your blog.

Judy said...

I would be delighted to receive Sally's book. Her enthusiasm for life and for the honour of Christ is always refreshing.

Anonymous said...

This sounds like a book that I would very much like to read. Thank you for the give-away.

Laura

lynneinMN said...

Wow! Great giveaway :-)! Looking forward to reading this whether I win the drawing or not. Thank You! Lynne

Selina said...

Brenda,thank you for the inspiring book review. This book sounds like it would be a timely blessing. Many times I have struggled with those thoughts also...of life not playing out as I thought that it might. Often,in the recent past, I have experienced much weariness of heart of heart & mind because of that. Well...sorry to go on like this. Thank you again, Brenda. I would love to enter the drawing also. :)

Sue said...

I would love to read this book. Thank you for the chance to win!

Lynn said...

I am familiar with her writing and having seen her speak at a homeschool convention in Syracuse, NY a number of years ago. I will look forward to reading this!

Nana said...

Hi Brenda;
I read your review about Sally's newest book. I would so like a copy of her book and would like to be entered into the giveaway. Thanks and God Bless. Love and Hugs, Nana

Susan said...

You've intrigued me! Now I'd love to win a copy of this book - it sounds like one that would be so helpful!

Lori said...

Hi Brenda!

I would greatly enjoy a copy of "Own Your Life". I have never read anything by Sally Clarkson except her blog - which I enjoy.

Thanks for doing a give-a-way.

Lori in PA

Unknown said...

Thank you for the opportunity to win this book.
I just wish I could warm up rhe weather in NY :)

sherry said...

living intentionally? count me in. needful! thank you for offering the giveaway Brenda.

Jennifer in KY said...

Thanks for doing a giveaway! I would like to read this. It is going on my wish list for sure, since my bday is coming up next month. - Jennifer in KY

Anonymous said...

I would love to win a book. I read Seasons of a Mother's Heart a while back and it was perfect reading for the time. This one sounds great for now. Also enjoy reading your blog, Brenda! Thanks.
Jennifer in KY

Trish said...

She's a wonderful woman and writer would love to win her book and thank you for having a giveaway. Trish

Ruth said...

I had the privilege of hearing Sally's broadcast last evening. It sounds like it will be filled with inspiration & application for daily living, wining a copy would be wonderful.
Thank you Brenda for your lovely writings, Sundays afternoons I look forward to your sharing.
God Bless,
Ruth

pipers1mom said...

This sounds like a good book to read while things are quiet at work

Cheri said...

I am the same age as you and Sally. :)

This would be a great book for me to give a young mom I am mentoring.

Anonymous said...

Hi Brenda, I had downloaded a sample of Sally's book after reading your post reviewing it. It would be great to win a copy! This seems like the perfect time to read it, at the start of a new year, when I am struggling with doubt and nagging questions. I am praying for a "restart" to make this year a good one! Enjoy reading your blog so much :) Helen

Mrs. H said...

So excited about this new book. Thanks for the opportunity!

Mrs. H

Anonymous said...

Sounds like a great book to win! I have never read any of her books before. Please enter me! Thanks,
Janet

Kim Stewart said...

I am a mentor mom for the MOPS group at church and would love to share this with the young moms in the group. Thanks so much!

Anonymous said...

Brenda,
I get so much out of your blog.
Thank you so much for the chance to win this inspiring book!
Cindy

Connie said...

Please enter me in your give-away. This book sounds like one I need and would enjoy.

Kim said...

Looks like a wonderful book. I have enjoyed hearing Sally speak and reading her books. Thanks for this opportunity!

Anonymous said...

I would very much treasure the book. I follow Sally's, Sarah's and Joy's blogs, and am inspired every time I read their beautiful writing.
Lisa

The Journey said...

I bet it is a wonderful book. Love her stuff.

Anonymous said...

I am not familiar with Sally Clarkson, but I would love to read her new book..We can become so discouraged at times and long to read books that encourage and uplift one's spirit!

mamabeanof4 said...

I need a good, inspirational book to read and this sounds soooooo good!

Anonymous said...

Count me in! This book sounds very intriguing and a good way to start the new year!
Blessings,
Laura C. (WA)

Sunshine said...

Awesome!! I have heard amazing things about this book, I would love to read it. Sunshine

becka said...

This sounds like a wonderful book that I could read and then pass on to my daughters so we could all learn from her wisdom.

Kathy said...

Thanks for the chance to win the book. It sounds interesting.

Janice Bakke said...

I would appreciate winning a copy of the book!

On another note, your Word post spurred me to focus on and write my #OneWord365 post for this year. Thanks!

Anonymous said...

I enjoy Sally's writing! Lately it's been through her blog. Getting this book that you highly recommend would be wonderful!
Monica

Anonymous said...

This sounds such an interesting book. Thankyou for the giveaway. Sally sounds like a "Mother in Israel". love Jane
ps. Although I am in the UK, I can provide you with a US address it could be picked up from!

KD said...

I would love to read this book; own my life and not apologize for it!??! Sounds awesome.

Mama Squirrel said...

I am the fiftieth commenter, so maybe that is good luck. You have made it sound like a great book, so I'm in (if you are including Canada).

Rachel Cohee said...

I watched Sally's video about the book...it looks great!