The Lifegiving Home: Creating a Place of Belonging and Becoming

As a book lover, I have read a countless amount of books in my life from exciting fantasy to wild west and Christian self-help books. However, despite my adoration for reading, I have never, EVER preordered a book until The LIfegiving Home was announced. I had not read a previous book of Sally's so the only reason I even knew about her was because of an interview I heard on a Podcast. Sally was being interviewed about her new book that was going to be released after Christmas and she was explaining the idea behind the book. I feel in love with Sally through the Podcast and that night I preordered her book. The Lifegiving Home is a FANTASTIC book! So fantastic that I finished this book within six hours of receiving it. However, I am going to have to read the book again because there is so much great information about family and values that I should probably take some notes. Because of the title "Lifegiving Home", it's fairly easy to assume this book is about creating the perfect, ideal American home but that's like the opposite of what this book is truly about. Sally's book is about creating a welcoming home environment wherever you are. She talks about the struggles of living overseas and how she did her best with creating an atmosphere of peace and love in her home while living in a crowded apartment. Sally talks about the importance of creating a supporting/loving environment for our children and the lasting impact it has on them. After all, as a parent, we want our children to feel completely at ease and relaxed when they come home after a stressful day at school. She also gives practical advice for creating meaningful habits, rituals, and traditions in a home and why it's important. The other neat part about this book is that it's coauthored with Sally's daughter, Sarah. Sarah adds a child's perspective on how her mother's homemaking impacted how she saw the world and how she grew up! There is just something about Sally's writing that captivates you. She writes with such a loving ease; it's as if she were sitting right next to me while I'm reading. Thank you Sally and Sarah for the wise words and encouragement! You are both greatly loved and appreciated.

A friend introduced me to Sally Clarkson's books when my children were very young, and I have followed her blog and books ever since...with delight! I received an advance copy of the book from the publisher (thank you, Tyndale), and I'm loving it! Sally and her daughter Sarah have put together a heart-warming compilation of memoirs and reflections on the traditions God used in their family to bond them and inspire faith throughout their lives. I so appreciate how they communicate their experiences, convictions and ideas with so much love, grace, and depth. I also love how they have divided the chapters by month of the year, giving some structure and flow for how their traditions played out throughout their years. They are honest in saying their traditions and lives weren't perfectly carried out and through life seasons they modified and flexed as needed (REAL LIFE :) ). And while they recognize there is messiness in the life of any family, they don't downplay the value of weaving beauty into our days, imperfect as they may be. This book is a refreshing reminder of what home was designed to be for families, but not a list of formulas for happiness. What I've gotten from the book most is more inspiration & ideas for ways that our family might be more intentional about our daily, monthly and annual rhythms. It has caused me to look deeply again at how important it is to evaluate why we do what we do. This is a timely message for me, and I am certain it will be for others, to be reminded that it's never too late to make positive, life-giving changes no matter what your history has been. "The story is always possible. The narrative of home, the new creation of belonging, is one we can always begin anew, wherever we dwell. We don't have to have a perfect family, a healthy background. We don't have to have lived in one place. We don't have to own a mansion or even a house. Nothing is required for the making of home except the heart that loves God, and imagination fired by His Spirit, and hands ready to create. And, well, a bit of courage, too." ~Sarah Clarkson "Love is enfleshed in the meals we make, the rooms we fill, the spaces in which we live and breathe and have our being." ~Sarah Clarkson "Even as the orchestra needs the conductor to choose the music, lead rehearsals, and unite all of the instruments into a harmonious sound, so every home needs someone who conducts what I call the life music of a home--it's atmosphere. ~Sally Clarkson "It was through the structure of home and family that God first gave men and women a chart for all of life." ~Sally Clarkson "I understood that no matter what other work I would accomplish, part of my service of worship to God was to serve the child He had given me." ~Sally Clarkson "The way we touch a child's life matters both in the long term and the short term. And this very important life work takes place primarily inside the walls of home...the reverse is also true. Over the years our little ones have shaped our lives as well. Babies in a home bring it to life." ~Sally Clarkson

The Lifegiving Home: Creating a Place of Belonging and Becoming is about making home a place of beauty, a place of discipleship to God, a place of learning, a place of celebration, a place of love. I highlighted many sections as I read. Sarah Clarkson says, "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." I love all of the little and bigger ideas they share. As we slowly weave these ideas into our own homes, they become vibrant places where life and love are celebrated. For example, I loved their idea about having a chalkboard on the front porch to welcome guests. I have incorporated this simple idea. In the book, I found this wonderful quote by J. Brillat-Savarin: "To invite someone into your home is to take charge of their happiness for as long as they are under your roof." In a world in turmoil, both natural and manmade, we may feel that there isn't much hope. This book is full of hope. Mother Teresa said, "If you want to change the world, go home and love your family." Word to the Wise: I enjoyed the whole book. I have, however, heard from a couple people that they didn't love the beginning. It waxes a bit poetic and maybe idealistic at first. BUT, everyone I know that has gotten into the monthly themed chapters has found the book profoundly helpful and even life-changing...or I suppose we could say, lifegiving. :)

Great book with so many ideas and thoughts to how to embrace your home, create a space for any person in any season to find rest, comfort and joy. Our church did this as a book club study reading 4 chapters a week. They were easy to read and engaging. So many take aways from this book and I appreciated the approach to the year with the chapters being by month of the year.

The Life Giving Home: Creating a Place of Belonging and Becoming is a lovely book by Sally Clarkson and her eldest child Sarah. I pre-ordered several copies to give as gifts as I knew I would not be disappointed I received an Advanced Reader Copy (PDF) from the publisher allowing me to read the book early. Nearly 20 years ago I was blessed to hear Sally Clarkson share at a conference that forever changed my life course. Over the years, I’ve read her books plus attended numerous conferences because I sought how to cultivate a close relationship with my children but felt ill prepared. Through her vulnerable sharing via books, conferences, and blogs; she has inspired, equipped, and directed me as a mother. I’ve literally watched the Clarkson children grow into ambitious young adults making this book even more credible given the closeness of their family throughout the years. Sally and Sarah share many of their families’ monthly rhythms, traditions, favorite books, and much more to inspire women in how to create their own life-giving homes. My children are now 27, 25, and 15 and because of the wisdom I've gleaned from my mentor and dear friend (Sally) my family too has created a place of belonging and becoming. I am thrilled that Sally and Sarah have taken time in their busy schedules to write this book as it will truly bless others. Best of all I now have the perfect gift to share with young moms to help inspire and guide them in creating a place of belonging themselves.

I started this book two years ago and didn’t finish it because I couldn’t get past the superfluous introduction and a sense that the authors were “putting on airs.” Recently, I came across it again, among other books on my shelf, and gave it a second chance. I’m glad that I did. I haven’t changed my mind about what was off-putting in the beginning, but there is enough that is good and inspiring within this book to warrant a recommendation. What I found throughout is that the writing of both mother and daughter waxes and wanes. At times their writing is down-to-earth and identifiable. I got glimpses of who they truly are and was inspired by their perspectives. At other times there seemed to be a bit of a self-indulgence in the content or writing style—as if trying too hard to impress, or caught up in the frill, and trying to sound profound. Here and there, Sally’s portions felt alienating, and Sarah’s portions seemed like she was trying too hard to sound eloquent. At other times, their writing was rich and delightful—with a quality that would make me gobble up a dozen of their books. The problem isn’t content or the character of the authors. It’s just that their writing styles are a bit under-developed and inconsistent. Give me book after book of that down-to-earth, natural style—like a conversation between friends and equals. But my reaction to unnatural frill will be “meh”. At any rate… I still recommend the book. When Sarah is not trying to be eloquent, she’s a fantastic writer—she’d likely be one of my top favorites. And when Sally is being real and transparent rather than poetic and idealistic, she’s a great writer as well. All accounted, I am closing this book satisfied overall. I am carrying from it some inspiration for my own home and family and I think that was the goal of these women, so kudos to them!

Every mom and parent in the world should read this book. I wish I would’ve read it before I had kids.

Living our lives well with those we love in our homes and the people around us takes time, intentional planning, and hearts that are open to the calling God has put before us. This book is full of practical ideas on what that might look like with our children as well as those who enter through our doors. I love that we not only get to read Sally's heart in this book but we also get a picture from her daughter Sarah about what it was like growing up in a house that implemented the topics in this book. Sarah also gives her perspective on why it is so important and the impact living intentionally has on a child who lives in a home where love and grace and Jesus abound. There is so much encouragement in this book to keep going and fighting for our children and families, not to give up and follow the world's ways because it is worth it! I have had the pleasure of reading all of Sally's books over the years and now reading this one she co-wrote with her daughter is a treasure. I love the hearts behind this book and have no doubt you will be blessed and encouraged when you read this book. There is so much to ponder and many nuggets you will come away with. I have received a PDF version of the book to preview from Tyndale.

I just love this book by Sally and would encourage all women to read it and to 'live by' the insights that resonate, both for yourself and your family. Oh and please listen to Sally's podcast (Sally and Friends) which is inspirational, comforting and 'real'.

I really enjoyed this book. The way they write really brings you into their space and you can feel how their home would make you feel. I started implementing candlelight dinners after reading this book and we have done it every night since. The story is beautiful and I have really put more thought into how I want my home to feel and how people feel coming to my home. If you want to create a calming welcoming home I would recommend this book.

J'adore cette lecture, qui, après une introduction, se découpe en 12 chapitres qui correspondent aux 12 mois de l'année. Je lis ce livre doucement au fil des mois donc, et j'aime vraiment cette lecture cosy et feel good, pleine de bons conseils pour faire de son logement un vrai foyer. Le livre est de bonne qualité, facile à lire dans un anglais accessible.

One of the best books for Christian Homeschooling moms.

I'm about half way through. I'm enjoying reading it. I'm aleadry learning a few handy tips on how to improve my hospitality skills. The focus, from my learning perspecitive, is on (Christian) Godly hospitality, and providing a haven for guests. I'm glad I bought it.