Monday, February 08, 2016

The Life Giving Home... and Give Away!


I'm so pleased to be sharing about Sally and Sarah's new book today!  At the bottom of this post, you will find a way to win both the book shown above and the companion book written by Sally and Joel Clarkson called The Life Giving Home Experience.

My daughter tells the story of being asked how we became friends with the Clarksons.  Her reply was something like, "My mom blogs about her cat". 

Actually, Sally Clarkson was my friend long before we met online and in person.  I took Sally with me to the park as my homeschooled son wore off excess energy running up and down the equipment or hiking the trails... for that was when I would listen to her tapes on cassettes.

Sally was with me when I curled up at a corner of the sofa, a hot beverage at my side, finally getting a chance to rest after a long day.  As I read her books, I felt she was there.  That she knew me.  That she understood. 

I could connect with Sally in the way we were both deeply influenced by Edith Schaeffer's books.  Especially from her book called Hidden Art (known as The Hidden Art of Homemaking in paperback).  I always thought of Sally as the younger generation's Edith Schaeffer and shared with her quite often... mostly in the comments on her blog after a lovely post... that I would love to see her write a Hidden Art kind of book.

This book, The Life Giving Home: Creating a Place of Belonging & Becoming, is the answer to that wish from me and many others who have longed for it to be written.  For Sally shares the hows of creating a life giving home as well as the reasons we should do so.

I now understand God's timing for this book.  It could not have been written in previous years.  It takes Sarah Clarkson's heart and soul and gifting to also make this book possible.  For it is the coming together of the ideas from mother and daughter that creates something even better than it would have been separately. Magic.  Narnia magic.

Sarah has the gift of a writer who takes us beyond the everyday world around us.  She stretches the imagination.  She makes the Incarnation real.  Sarah's writing has always given me pause to ponder and reflect on the work God is doing in each of us.  She once again brings such writing to the table in The Lifegiving Home.

The Life Giving Home is divided into two Parts.  Part One is titled Thinking about Home.  It consists of:
  1. A Lifegiving Legacy (Sally)
  2. Made for Home (Sarah)
  3. A Symphony of Grace (Sally)
  4. The Rhythms of Incarnation (Sarah)

Part Two is called Seasons of Home with chapters being divided by the months of the year.  They are:

January:       Creating a Framework for Home: Rhythms, Routines, and Rituals (Sally)
February:     A Culture of Love: Growing Lifelong Relationships (Sally)
March:          The Art of the Ordinary: Finding Beauty in Your Own Backyard (Sarah)
April:            A Heritage of Faith: Engaging with God's Story (Sarah)
May:             Days to Commemorate: Marking Growth with Celebration (Sally)
June:             Times of Delight: Creating a Value for Play (Sally)
July:              A Heroic Heritage: Engaging with Story and History (Sarah)
August:         The Story of Us: Shaping and Celebrating Family Culture (Sally)
September:   When Seasons Change: Gathering In for Home and Soul (Sarah)
October:       Home is Best: Serving Life within Your Walls (Sally)
November:    Blessed and Blessing: Grace, Gratitude, and Generosity (Sarah)
December:    The Rhythm of Celebration: Seasons of Rejoicing in Family Life (Sarah)

Tyndale is giving away a copy of both the book and the companion book (which can be used for personal study or better yet... with a group!).  All you have to do is leave a comment below.  If you are of an age when your children are grown, I'm sure you will know families who will benefit from them!

Comment moderation is enabled so your comment will show up after it has been moderated.  By moi'.  A winner will be picked by random on Wednesday at 5:00!

Further information can be found at Amazon.com.  Information regarding The Lifegiving Home... here.  Information regarding The Lifegiving Home Experience can be found... here.  Links to Amazon.com are Associate links.

117 comments:

Amy @ Hope Is the Word said...

Pick me! I almost bought this yesterday. ��

Lee Ann said...

I would love to win that!

Michele M./ Finch Rest said...

What a wonderful testimonial - beautifully shared with us!

This is such a nice giveaway - how can I possibly pass on the chance to win this special written works? She sounds absolutely precious! Thank you vry much for this golden opportunity.

I am in the middle of changing my home on many levels. I am de-cluttering for life and with it my mind, spirit and emotion are all being freed of excess baggage- open to learning more on how to make my home richer and more welcoming, too. This is good timing to read these books as I welcome the possibility of being a new grandmother for the first time soon. ♥♥♥

Have a blessed week full of love.



Anonymous said...

Would you please add my name to the give away pool? I would love to win it and give it to my daughter. She and her husband are trying to make a lovely, Christian home for their small family. Also, I don't think she would mind me borrowing it for awhile after she reads it. ;-)

~ Valerie Ann-Gail

Sally Clarkson said...

So honored to be on the blog of one of my most favorite friends. Thanks, dear Brenda, for inspiring me through the years. Sending love today.

Bobbi said...

Love Sally and her books. Right now I have a seasons group that meets at my house. I think this would be a great next book to read together.

tam said...

Oh my gosh! My youngest daughter is raising five childen, only two are her own, plus babysitting four others and this would be perfect. As a young christian she is instilling christian virtures on all these children and has been trying to find guidance in ideas, organization and old fashion advice to lean on in trying times with all the children. Thank you for the opportunity.

Unknown said...

I would love a copy. Went to my local Barnes and Noble and Familu Christian stores this weekend because their websites said they had them in stock but when I got there they did not! So left empty handed

Vee said...

It sounds wonderful. I have been reading some of the reviews at Amazon. This one is going on my wish list.

Anonymous said...

Sally has been a mentor to me for many years through her blog, books, and tapes. I have given her books as gifts to friends, and was able to attend one of her conferences years ago. Sally shares a message that is much needed! Her new book looks wonderful!
Blessings, Maria

Jane Rowland said...

This sounds such an interesting book. I look forward to reading this, even if I am not the person picked! Many thanks for organising this giveaway, and for reviewing the book.

Rebecca said...

I will definitely read the book first myself and then share with my daughters who between the are raising 11 of our grandchildren PLUS foster children.

Unknown said...

I have two daughters in law - one a newlywed, and this would make a perfect birthday gift for either one of them!! I enjoyed hearing more about this book and I will recommend it to the ladies at my church!!

Isabel said...

A new book from Sally Clarkson . . . I can imagine sitting on a chair in my own home and spending some time taking it all in. Thank you for your beautiful review. Now will wait patiently . . . just in case my name doesn't come out of the draw I've photographed your photo of the cover and will look out for it at our Christian bookshop. Thank you.

Anonymous said...

Everything Sally writes is full of inspiration and wisdom. This is a perfect book to read during Lent.
Patty G

Mrs.C said...

With five children at home, I've had this book in my cart on Amazon, hoping to have the funds to buy it soon. I've was thankful to get Sally's book Own Your Life from my local library and have been enjoying it during the quiet moments of my days. I appreciate your words and the opportunity to enter this giveaway! Take care and may you have a wonderful day! Mrs.C

Gail said...

Lovely! I would love to win this book!Blessings!

GrammaGrits said...

Would love to read this and share it with my daughter and DIL!

Ann said...

Sounds wonderful ... I'd love to read this book with a soothing cup of hot tea to warm my body ... and the words to warm my soul.

Marie said...

Would love to win and share with my three adult children and their families!

Judy said...

Just last evening I was re-reading (many years after the first read) 'Anne of the Island' - a sequel to "Anne of Green Gables', in which as a young university student, she has recently moved far away to another province. My thoughts immediately turned to Sally and Sarah's new book when I read Anne's response to a letter from her dear Marilla, who remained at home in Green Gables,
"...somehow it conveyed to Anne a whiff of the wholesome, simple life at Green Gables, with its savour of ancient peace and the steadfast abiding love that was there for her." I imagine that from Oxford where she studies, this is just how Sarah thinks of home.

I'd love to be included in the give-away draw you are hosting. The snippets of the book that I have read online have whet my appetite!

Cathy said...

What a blessing to be able to gift this book! <3

Thickethouse.wordpress said...

This sounds like a remarkable and wonderful book! I would love to be included in your drawing. This is the kind of book I like, and my daughters would as well.

Karen said...

Brenda, I would love to read this book, and perhaps do a ladies study at our church. I enjoy your blog, even if I do not get to read it as often as I would like. Love ya girl. Thanks for the being a good friend.

terricheney said...

I read Lanier's post about the book and the talk in Nashvilled over a tea pot of tea. It sounded just lovely. I've tried without luck to locate books in local library or Christian bookstore. Would love to win.

Dianne said...

What a great recommendation for this book, Brenda - please enter my name in the draw. I love the connection you make here for Edith Schaeffer's Hidden Art - that's a book that influenced me greatly and I've given away several copies of it over the years. I anticipate that Sally's book will be one that we'll want to share with others too.

lynneinMN said...

What a wonderful giveaway! Thank you so much for the opportunity :-). LynneinMN
lmhoov68@gmail.com

Grandma P said...

Would love to have this book. My family and home are so precious to me and to make our home a warm, comforting sanctuary is my goal.

Deanna Rabe - Creekside Cottage Blog said...

I'd love to have this book. Sally is an old friend to me too, in the ways that you mention. She even made a video greeting for our co-op years ago, when we were listening to her tapes at our Mom's meetings. I found in her writings and her books someone who was a kindred, who had a desire for her home and family life to reflect beauty, love, creativity - all because of the creator!

I hesitate to have you put my name in the drawing because I feel I have benefitted from Sally's ministry over the years, and so many others have not.

Nicole in MD said...

Ahhh...a give away. I love listening to Sally's tapes as well! Thank you for the opportunity to win this new book.

Sally said...

I enjoy reading your blog, and Sally's as well. I have Hidden Art, and would enjoy the chance to win this book!

jana said...

As a Mama of 3, I would love to win a copy of this book.

Unknown said...

Would love to win this and get started reading!

Unknown said...

I just went to my local bookstore to buy a copy of this book over the weekend. To my dismay I could not find it! (I should have asked, but was enjoying my quiet time.) I'm really looking forward to getting ahold of this book.

jana said...

I would love to win this. Thanks for the giveaway!

Anonymous said...

Will be looking for this book in my Christian Book store. Can't wait to dive in an read it!

kay said...

What a lovely give away! Thanks! Would love to win!

Unknown said...

I would love to share with my daughter!

Melissa said...

I am currently reading Own Your Life and it's such a fantastic book. I would love to win The Lifegiving Home to read after I finish this book.

Thank you for the chance to win this.

Melissa Battles battles2001@hotmail.com

Diane said...

This book sounds like a haven of rest and loveliness in today's world which swirls about us in chaos. Thank you, Brenda, for offering a copy to a fortunate winner!

becka said...

This sounds like a wonderful book that I would like to share with my daughters.

Slimming Down in Texas with Plexus said...

I would love to win a set!

Glenda said...

Well, my mouth is watering after reading your post! Such delightful subject chapters!

I appreciate your review & the chance to enter this contest.

And~ thanks you for encouraging her to write this book!

Blessings,
Glenda

Anonymous said...

Happy Monday Brenda,

I have heard great things about Sally's new book & would love to be able to win a copy. I receive her emails & have enjoyed hearing her words of wisdom.

You are a welcome delight to my Sunday afternoons as I look forward to receiving your emails as well as the others during the week. Thank you for sharing your life, friendship & knowledge through your blog, I do enjoy your site.

Blessings for a great week,

Ruth

Maureen said...

I would love to win--to read and pass on to a special young woman. Thanks for the give-away.

Unknown said...

I love the idea of the companion book. Giveaways are so exciting!!

Rebekah said...

I really appreciate the opportunity to win a copy of these books. I feel like the Lord is leading me to focus on making my home...more. I'm not sure exactly where to start, so I'm anxiously waiting to read Sally's words, as I read each blog post, hear each video, etc, etc, etc.

Jen said...

I would love to win this! Thank you for providing the opportunity! Jennifer S

Morning's Minion said...

I've read the chapter headings with interest. The rituals and patterns of daily life do change as our children leave home--and again with the advent of retirement. In spite of 'moving house' many times there has always been the dependability of hone-cooked meals, books, music, gardens and pets.
Church attendance and friendships made through church have been a constant.

Marla U said...

As a homeschooling mom of four childreb 7 under this sounds like the perfect set of books to lay the foreground of our home and future. Plus it sounds like the perfect book that gets passed on and on and on!!

Unknown said...

I have been a reader and been blessed by Sally and Sarah Clarkson for awhile now.... This book is brilliant in that the chapters are seperated into months of the year and their names accompanying.
Lovely.

Amy Bean said...

Oh-my-goodness...
This book looks like it would be a wonderful read.
I have always wanted to read one of her books...I also like Edith's book...I am a homemaker by heart.<3

Tanya said...

Thanks for the opportunity to win these books!

Ashley said...

I love Sally's books. I would love to add these to my collection. Thanks!

Pauline said...

The book sounds wonderful! My newly married daughter would greatly benefit from it, and I would enjoy reading it too!

Amanda Barth said...

Oh pick me! =) I'm just finishing up with Own Your Life by Sally and I am looking forward to this next set of books by her. She's speaks life into me as I walk this season of life.

Anonymous said...

I could so use this book at this time of my life. Thank you so much!

Kathleen in IL

Carol said...

This looks like a book I should read.

Angela said...

This book looks like it will be such a blessing in my life. Thanks for hosting the give-away.

Bonnie said...

Happy to read anything you recommend!

Anonymous said...

I would love to have Sally's new book. Sounds amazing!

Katherine R said...

I am currently in the "trenches" right now homeschooling my 3, 6 and 9 year olds. I would love it!
~Katherine

Unknown said...

Would love to win this one! Neither my husband nor I grew up in Christian homes, so we are building a new legacy in our family with our little ones. Sometimes, we feel clueless -- like we're winging it.

k-frank said...

Sally has been so instrumental in my life. Can't wait to read this book.

k-frank said...

Would love to win!! :)

Susan said...

Excited to begin a group study with this new book!

Colleen said...

I would love to win a copy! Thank you, Brenda!

Colleen said...

I'd love to win a copy! Thank you!

Megan said...

I'd love to win!

Deb said...

Hi Brenda, i'd love to be included in your giveaway and I'm sure i could pass it on to someone in need.

Crystal H. in Nevada said...

This sounds like an amazing book. I would love to read and own it.
Either way - thanks for the chance to win it.

Kim Stewart said...

I have been a Mentor Mom for our MOPS group and would love to be able to share with the young moms.

tealady said...

Sounds like I could learn some new things from these books, would love to win.

A Woman that Fears the Lord said...

I think my daughter in love would like to read this book (after I finished! *smile*). Thank you!

Michelle M said...

Through her books, Sally has been a mentor and guide for our home and home school. It is exciting to learn of this new book!

Erika said...

Beautiful! Would love to read the book, The Lifegiving Home :)

Unknown said...

Hoping to gather a group, share the experience & encourage one another!

TaraLee said...

I would love this book!

Beth K said...

Thank you for the chance to win. I look forward to reading it someday!

Lisa Mays said...

I love Sally Clarkson's gift for speaking life to her readers, and I'm always on the look-out for resources that help me be a better homemaker. I would love to add a copy of this new book to my library! 😊

Sadie said...

I would love to read this book! I love the Clarksons' encouragement for the God honoring home.

skmanning said...

I heard Sally speak here in Dallas in about 1999 or so. I went to many of her earlier Mom's weekend conferences here too. Our kids are all very close in age and we have followed a similar homeschooling path back in the early days. Her books ministered to me many times. This new one looks really good.

Unknown said...

I'm very intrigued by this books author! I've just discovered her and can wait to get ahold of one of her books!

sunnid said...

I so appreciate Sally and her ministry. I would love to read these books and gain new ideas. Thank you for the giveaway!

Kim said...

Thanks for this giveaway! I absolutely adore each and every one of Sally's books.
Would love the opportunity to read this one without having to wait to borrow it from someone first. :)

A Preppy Wedding said...

New SAHM here with two little boys. I have read Own Your Life and enjoyed it, and have since been following Sally. The description of this book speaks to my heart as I am learning the rhythms of our home and how to create a feeling of peace and love for all who enter it.

Ginger said...

This is so fun. I love Sally! I'd love to win her new book!

Unknown said...

I would love to win the book. It sounds like the type of book I would enjoy. Michele

Amanda said...

Would love to read this book! Sounds like a wonderful read!

Anonymous said...

Thanks for the give-away. I love reading your blog.

Vicki

Kathy said...

Thanks for the chance to win! It sounds like a great book!

Jennyr said...

Thank you for the chance to win this book. i would love to share it with my daughter.

Anonymous said...

Oh, I would love to read her book!! This is the first time I have really read your blog... Love your blog name! Looking forward to wandering around your blog some more. Thanks for the giveaway.

Anonymous said...

So excited! Would love to win a copy of this book. Am enjoying looking around your blog. Really like your blog name. :)

Heather LeFebvre said...

Can't wait to read this book!!!!!!!

Unknown said...

It would be nice to win something this week.:)

Kris said...

Oh this sounds like such a good book!

Mandy said...

I'd love to win! I own all of Sally's other books :)

tugsofmyheart said...

I would love to win these. I signed up for the launch party tonight, will be a little late - but this book looks perfect. I have chosen "Joy" as the word for our year this year b/c I need help with it and want to pass it along to my 7 & 11 yr old girls. Oldest has Asperger's & other things going on can be frustrating, need to remain joyful always! Part of the joy was inviting others over, etc, so the yearly book would be great to plan it all out!
Thanks Sally & Nelson Publishers!

Lydia G said...

I would love to read Sally's new book. She reminds me of my own mother -- I am blessed to be a second generation homeschooler. My mom, like Sally, poured her love and God's truth into each of her children.

robynz said...

I would love to win this book!

Sarah said...

I am so excited about this book! I did not grow up learning these things, so I am truly curious on how to have a life-giving home!

Sarah said...

http://www.encouragedathome.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/wiilliampennquote.jpg

Woman of the House said...

This sounds lovely. I would love to win this book. Thank you for doing this giveaway! :)

By the way, have you read Keeping House: The Litany of Everyday Life by Margaret Kim Peterson? It's right up your alley. :)

Babette said...

I would love to wn the book. Please pick me

Linda D. said...

I love reading Sally Clarkson's books and hearing her speak at conferences. She's impacted my life in many good ways. I'd love to win the drawing. Each of the headings in Part 2 sound absolutely wonderful and so very important.

Anonymous said...

Sounds like a couple of wonderful books! You really got the responses from this! Way to go!
Blessings,
Laura C. (WA)

Unknown said...

I would love to read this book for my family. My children are 3 and 6 and growing each day. Need ideas to capture their hearts.

Unknown said...


Sally is one of my very favorite authors. Hoping so badly to get to read the book. :)

Unknown said...

Ever since I've heard about this book, I've been eager to read it. Having enjoyed some of Sally's books recently as I stepped in to motherhood, I can't wait to read this one!

Linda C said...

I'm probably the only one here who hasn't read any of Sally Clarkson books but quite familiar with Edith Schaeffer's Hidden Art book. I think this book will be my introduction to Sally & Sarah's writings! It's a topic I am passionate about! Thanks for your insightful writings & ponderings too!

Anonymous said...

Sounds great! I'll have to check it out!

Anonymous said...

This book has intrigued me since Sally introduced it. We still have one that we are homeschooling and I would love to do this study with her. Also, our area has so many moms that are searching for how to build a family that has values and a heart for God. I'm struggling in confidence to teach them, not having been trained from the previous generation. What a wonderful reference this will be.

Monica
pianomom02 @ gmail.com

Sue said...

I hope I'm not too late! Thank you!

Carpenters said...

Saw Sally's launch party live stream last night and I would love to read the book. I have enjoyed and benefited from some of her other books and know that my life, home and heart would be encouraged by this one.

Kim said...

Thank you for this give-away! Add me to the list. Blessings to the winner!

Anonymous said...

I would love to win these books and if I do give them to the person who posted above me as a gift. Thank you for your blog.