“Meet & Greet” Sally Clarkson – Interview & Book Giveaway {Closed}

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We are participating in Apologia LIVE’s “Meet & Greet” event today and are honored to feature our interview with homeschool mom and author, Sally Clarkson.

The Giveaway.

And if that wasn’t awesome enough…. anyone who leaves a comment on this post between now and the end of the day on Friday 8/26/11 will automatically be entered to win Sally’s encouraging book for moms, Seasons of a Mother’s Heart.

We will randomly pick 2 different winners and announce them within this post sometime after 8/26/11.

 

 

Sally Clarkson is the mother of four wholehearted children, a popular conference speaker, and the author of numerous books and articles on Christian motherhood and parenting, including The Mission of Motherhood, The Ministry of Motherhood, Seasons of a Mother’s Heart, The Mom Walk, Dancing with My Father, and Educating the WholeHearted Child (contributor).  

What advice would you give to a homeschool mother that struggles to find balance between home & school?

 When a mom understands that her whole home–the environment, the books and magazines she has in baskets, the discussions that take place over meals, the music played throughout the day, the devotional thoughts shared while driving in the car and watching a sunset–all of these moments from the home are what really shape the mind and heart of a child. Home has always been a place where genius could be developed just by living there.

Home should be the laboratory of life and filled with all sorts of rich resources so that when a mom is busy about caring for her home, her child is still learning, exploring, creating. Too much curriculum steals time for creating, thinking, reading

 Now, practically speaking, planning and organization are foundational to keeping the flow of home and school peaceful. I had anchors in my day to balance the two. We always had devotions and Bible reading around the breakfast table. Then as I read or played with the younger ones, the older children helped get the kitchen back in order, straighten up our living room so that all would be fairly in order for the day.

 Next, we read aloud for a long while, did our math and minimal language arts, and whatever I did not finish that day by noon, had to wait until the next day. Lunch was next and after, play, and an hour quiet time in our home with books. At 5, I put on energetic music and all the children straightened the house before Dad came home–the planned anchors of cleaning and straightening our home along the way, were just as important as the learning times and it kept us going forward.

What is the single most important thing that you can do to be a successful homeschooler?

Teachers are the key factor in any educational endeavor. And so the key to a successful homeschool is the mom! If a mom’s soul is filled with ideas, wisdom, inspiration, enthusiasm and vision for what she is doing, her students will follow all of the energy and life that is coming out of her soul.

Consequently, a mom must be responsible to see that she is spending time daily with the Lord if she wants to pass on spiritual truth. She must be reading, thinking, engaging in soul building reading (and it can be the books the children read!) if she is going to pass on excitement about learning.

So, the number one success is a mom who is walking with God, celebrating life with joy because of her attitude of trust with God, and her passion and enthusiasm about all that is being learned in her home. So if a mom wants a successful homeschool, she must be growing in all of these ways and take care to see that her own soul is refreshed.

Are you of the mindset that everyone should homeschool their children?

I love the homeschooling movement because it reflects, for me, a holistic way of life–celebrating the life of Christ in front of your children, through books, art, music, feasts, discussions, discipleship, love and working side by side. I think all women, once they understand the vision of how God designed them to leave a legacy of righteousness by training, educating and discipling their children, should at least consider homeschooling as one of the best ways to be stewards of their children’s lives and souls.

I think God will lead each mom, by faith, to a wise decision for her family and children is she seeks His wisdom, and He will be faithful to work in each family according to their unique puzzle and responsibilities. Getting as much Biblical input and wisdom is essential in deciding any direction for a family.

If you could go back in time to your first year as a homeschool mom, is there anything that you would do differently?

 If I could go back, I would teach the same way as I love the results of our home life on our children–they are vibrant, love the Lord, passionate about life and want to make a difference in their worlds. But I think I would have trusted God more, been less stressed, lived into the moments with joy, waited more patiently for my children to grow according to God’s timing for their lives, kissed them more, laughed more and celebrated more in the midst.  I would not lose one moment to tell them God loved them and I loved them, too.

If you’d like to “Meet & Greet” other inspirational homeschoolers, hop over to the Apologia LIVE Blog this week to see who else is involved in this fun event!

 

 

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147 Comments

  1. Sally and Clay Clarkson have been such a blessing to our family for over 10 years! They have helped shape the way we nurture and disciple our boys. They are a true gift to the homeschool community! 🙂

  3. After reading their book “Educating the Whole Hearted Child” that I chose to home school my 4 kids. I would have love to come to the meet and greet.

  5. I haven’t read any of Sally Clarkson’s books, but what I have just read is inspiring. I would love to be in with a chance of winning this book to read. Am I eligible to enter in the UK?

  6. I enjoy reading the writings Sally and Clay have. Their encouragement through their writings have helped us a lot.

  13. What an inspiration you are to many!! I would Love to start Reading Your Books!! Thank You for Living for the Lord!

  15. Sally has encouraged me from the start of my homeschooling – almost 11 years ago – she is a blessing!!

  18. Sally and Clay gave me permission not to spank my children, and for that I will always be grateful.

    Every other Christian parenting book says that a Christian parent MUST spank to be obedient to God. And Clay’s book shows why that is not true, giving me permission to stop the hitting.

    God’s blessings on you, Clay and Sally. I’d love that book, as it’s one of the few I don’t have. I have many others.

  20. I borrowed this book from a dear friend years ago.. It was very inspiring
    And peaceful… I have wanted to add it to my own library… I could really use
    A refreshing read here and now at the start of another homeschool year!

  21. I recently ordered the book Educating the Whole Hearted Child. I would love to read this one as well.

  23. I just recently discovered the Clarksons. I would love to have this book. I REALLY need some encouragement, especially since I’ll probably have to start working outside my home. I don’t know how I’m going to keep homeschooling.

  26. Over the summer I read both The Ministy and Mission of Motherhood books and just today started our first ever year of homeschooling. This would be a great read right now 🙂

  29. I just borrowed the Whole Hearted Child and would love to read more from all the wonderful contributors!

  31. Wow, what a lot of encouragement this is to me. I need all I can get before begining another year!

  38. Our first year of homeschooling is in week number three. Its going well but I was thinking about how do I get the housework done and not get stressed about all that has to be done with the school work and the housework. Looks like I need to read some of these books! THanks!!!!!

  40. OOO… I would soo love to have this book.. Right now it seems we are having tough times, but I know that if I persevere and am consistent I will one day see results the way I desire.

  42. I am needing inspiration this year. I am feeling less capable of homeschooling my special needs son.

  43. Thanks for the great interview. The book sounds like it will be a great encouragement to many moms.

  45. I would love to win a copy of this book! I’m currently experiencing crossover seasons. I still have little ones at home, but now i have grown children and even grandchildren.

  46. Thank you for being such an encouragement. You remind me to be faithful but don’t panic. 🙂

  50. I have never read any of Sally’s books but have been inspired to think and pray deeply about how I am mothering in this season of my life through following Sally’s blog in the last couple of months. I would love to dig into this book! Thank you, Sally, for sharing your heart!

  53. Thank you Sally for being such an inspiration and encouragement for blessing and grace. This book looks wonderful!

  56. I have been reading and LOVING Sally’s Blog. It has been such an encouragement to me in a harder season of life. I would love to win a copy of her book. Thank you!

  57. I have read many of Sally’s books and they are wonderful !!! I find her to be very inspiring and would love to read this book as well !

  58. i’m reading “educating the whole-hearted child” and have been so encouraged — would love to win this one too!

  60. So long as you don’t mind Canadians entering your contest, I’d love to win this book. Then buy another copy for our church library.

  61. i love reading sallys blog and would love to have this book to read!!! thanks for the chance to win it!

  62. I have not read any of Sally’s book yet. I do have one on my shelf that I ordered this summer to read in the fall. Her blog is filled with wisdom and inspiration and I would love to read this book as well.

  64. i’d LOVE to win a copy of this book ~ sally is my spiritual mom (even though we’ve never met).

  65. Completed a bible study of The Ministry of Motherhood in the spring and now I look forward to each blog post Sally publishes.

  66. This is one of those books that should be revisited time and again. Sally is such an encourager to home school mommas. I have been so blessed by her frankness and transparency with the daily struggles we all experience.

  68. Great interview. I find Sally’s words to be so inspiring. They changed my outlook on parenting for sure. Thanks for the interview…and the giveaway.

  74. Sally Clarkson’s teaching both from her blog and the two books of her’s that I have read have really encouraged and challenged me on how I view God’s calling on my life as a mother of two little girls. I haven’t yet read Seasons of a Mother’s Heart, and I would love a copy.

  75. Sally – our last book club on, Mission To Motherhood, is tonight. I am so sad! I’ve got the candles ready, the music playing, and I’m suppose to be cleaning my house! I was so blessed to meet you and read your book Mission to Motherhood 5 years ago when my youngest was only 2. Thank you for your servants heart to provide us mothers with a vision for godly families. That certainly is a very counter cultural message these days, Mothering is such a hard thing in today’s culture, your book is transforming and challenged me to get into god’s word daily in order to bring my children my best. It was because if my morning times in the Word that I’ve been changed!

    The 12 ladies who have just completed Mission to Motherhood have been inspired and challenged in big ways! We all come from various walks of life and careers – but the one thing we have in common is a dysfunctional upbringing. We all want what we didn’t grow up with – a close family that is centered on Christ and ideals- not just humans living under the same roof trying to get along. Children are a blessing and God has used them mightily in my life to change me from the inside out.

    See you in Texas this February – I’m bringing the book club!
    Melissa

    1. Wow! I am so very honored to see all of these wonderful comments. I am indeed blessed and you are all wonderful. Thanks, my sweet friends, for including me in this blog hop. Blessings of His grace tonight.

  77. i am so blessed by all that i read from sally clarkson! with two bitties and a plan to homeschool in the future, i would love to glean all that i can from “seasons of a mother’s heart”.

  78. I am always in awe when I hear of all that Sally Clarkson has done to raise her children to be Godly, to have good character and to learn important life skills. I wish she could come help me raise my kid(s)!! I’m so grateful for her books and blog posts that give a first time Mom some guidance.

  79. I would love to read one of Sally’s books – been reading her blog for a little while now, and really enjoying it!

  80. I have heard so much about Sally Clarkson lately and have really been wanting to start reading her work. Like every mom, I could always use a little encouragement!

  81. Sally’s wisdom is like balm to my soul, so practical yet so focused on the spiritual. Thanks for posting!

  82. I am a mom of young ones – not school age yet, but seriously considering home schooling. I’ve loved what I’ve read of Sally Clarkson’s. I don’t know her personally but she has been a wonderful mentor and encourager.

  84. Great words of wisdom for homeschooling moms – I would love to win Sally’s book! I’m sure I would learn so much and be encouraged greatly.

  85. Mrs. Clarkson has SO richly blessed my life. I was fortunate to discover her books (at the reccomendation of friends) in our old homeschool co-op’s library. “Educating the Wholehearted Child” has completely transformed the way I desire to educate my children.

    Last year I had the opportunity to attend a WholeHearted Mom Conference in Southern California. Though we’ve moved, I pray I have the opportunity to go again this year.

  86. I have known Sally from a distance and watched her raise her two youngest kids. She really walks the talk. None of it is just words; she struggles and grows and keeps pushing forward. This gives her a unique position to speak into my life as a Christian woman and mom. I’m grateful for her friendship.

  87. What a blessings she is. . . truly has a heart to minister to women and I love being one of them. I was hoping to order this book soon and read it during morning quiet times.

  88. I’ve just recently become acquainted with Sally’s books, but those I have read are already among my favourites. I would love to read this one as well. Thanks for the opportunity to win.

  90. Sally is such a blessing to this Mommy. She always has a way to tell it like it is while encouraging us to keep our priorities in focus! I still have yet to read this book! 🙂

  93. I am starting my first year of homeschooling and would love to win this book! A friend introduced me to to Sally’s books and I love her! Would love to read this one, especially as I start homeschooling my 2 kids.

  94. Oh my goodness! I so appreciate bumping into you on the internet. I just sent my first child off to kindergarten with the hopes of bringing her home too school her here when our season of life develops a bit. I appreciate this wisdom! I would love love love Sally’s book. She’s amazing! Thank you! Dawn

  95. I really enjoy Sally Clarkson’s blog and would love to have a chance to read this book!

  96. After I decided to homeschool a couple people recommended the Clarkson’s book “Educating the Wholehearted Child”. I got the book and am so glad I did! It gave me a picture of what I want for our family.

  97. I don’t think I’ve come across a more genuine lady than Sally Clarkson. Thank you for this interview and chance to win one of her books!

  98. Thank you , Sally, for this wisdom. Had I read you when homeschooling my children I think I would have been less anxious.

  100. I am inspired and convicted by Sally’s words and would love to read this book and others of Sally’s! I”m not a homeschooling mom, yet at heart I am – and I think I want to be, although a over-whelming thought. I am praying because I definitely still need my husband’s buy in. Pray for me?

  101. I’m looking at homeschooling in about 3-4 years and really would love to read this book as I begin thinking and preparing for that time!

  102. I am on the fence about homeschooling. Just recently, I came across Sally’s blog and have loved every second of my time with her through reading. She is SO encouraging, nurturing and inspiring…just what the doctor ordered for a Mom of three very busy children!

  103. Sally’s blog and books are a breath of fresh air and water to the mother’s soul. Thank you for sharing this interview!

    Lisa

  104. I would love to win Sally’s book, I love all she has to say, she is such an encouragement.

  105. what a beautiful reminder that, as with most things, successful homeschooling is all about our heart.

  106. I’m really looking forward to reading ALL of Sally’s books. I am so enjoying Educating the Wholehearted Child right now!

  107. I’m a newbie when it comes to knowing about Sally Clarkson. But I’ve loved what I’ve read so far. I would love to have another resource from her.

  109. I have Sally Clarkson’s The Ministry of Motherhood and The Mission of Motherhood. Those are some of my favorite parenting books. Over and over I return to the wisdom I find in them. I would love to add this book to my collection!

  110. I am really nervous. This is my first year of homeschooling. My husband and I decided to try it after our son was in public school for Kindergarten and we were not impressed really at all. I have the ability to teach because it is what I went to school for, but I am scared that my kids wont like it and accept it well enough. I want to mold them into good people of the Lord and create in them a good ability to survive and live as good human beings. I pray that GOD just touches us and blesses us the way he already has.

  111. I read The Mission of Motherhood and The Ministry of Motherhood almost 10 years ago when my oldest was an infant. They were both transformational books for me as a new mother. Sally is such an inspiration!

  112. This is my first year of homeschooling our son who has high functioning autism and I so appreciate the wise words and encouragement from Sally! I have read several of her books, but not this one and am thankful for the chance to win a copy! Thanks so much!!

  113. Someone just recommended this book to me. It is my first year of homeschooling with 3 young girls. I have never read any of Sally Clarkson’s books, but would love to!

  116. We heard Sally speak at the Texas HSC bookfair in The Woodlands. I’m still reeling from the encouragement, the exhortation, the calling she spoke over us…I’m eternally thankful to her for allowing God to speak through her in that way.

  117. I just love Sally Clarkson’s books. I have three but not this copy. Just started Dancing With my Father last night and am loving reading about her missionary days in Poland. Amazing woman of God. Sally is so real and ….normal! Her books do not make you look at her and think, WOW, her books direct you to the author of her faith, and mine, Jesus Christ. Thanks for this giveaway opportunity~

  118. Sally has encouraged me through the years to ultimately be a mom who walks with God. Thank you for the blessing you have been to so many moms <3

  119. I absolutely love Sally & Clay Clarkson – as fairly new parents (our oldest just turned 3), the Lord has used the writings of the Clarkson’s to encourage and inspire both me and my husband. I would love to read this book- it’s on my list to buy and read, just haven’t gotten to it yet.

  120. I slowly started hearing about Sally Clarkson from various blogs I read. A couple of months later God laid it on the heart of a woman at our church to start a MOM Heart group. We started with Ministry of Motherhood. Around the same time, a few of the ladies and myself attended a MOM Heart conference. It rocked my world. I have always been a very passionate, Christ-focused mom, but it was amazing to see it from the Clarkson’s viewpoint. Seeing their family together was so powerful. Hearing how we are to disciple our children was just so encouraging. I left with a defined purpose for what God desired for me to do for my children. The book study was great and I have since looked into more of their books. I am a homeschooler and am looking forward to reading Seasons of a Mother’s Heart. I would love to win.

  121. Clay, Sally & Sarah Clarkson have all impacted our life through their love for God, their experiences & their gift of writing. Currently I’m reading the 2011 print of Educating the Wholehearted child. I am inspired & challenge as I read every word. I would love this book so I can bless a friend with it. It’s the interview I need. Would like to pick her brain about this new edition of Educating the whole hearted child. 🙂

  123. This is such a great giveaway. Thank you so much. I’m just learning about the Clarksons and their books and would love to win. Thanks!

  124. I am still working through Ministry of Motherhood and absolutely LOVE it. Every chapter speaks to me–very unusual. I CANNOT WAIT to read more of your books! Very inspiring–Thank You!!

  127. I’ve come across Clay and Sally Clarkson “later” in my homeschool journey. Still have two boys at home and am soaking in the Clarkson’s wisdom and encouragment. I find Sally’s blog to be such an encouragment to my MomHeart and am certain this book is a blessing!

  134. Loved reading this, and find it inspirational as someone who is going to homeschool my son. Would love to win the book!

  136. I love reading Sally’s blog and am sure I would enjoy one of her books as well. I’m excited to find this site and explore it, too, since I am a mom and I home school.

  138. I just finished a summer study with Good Morning Girls using Sally’s book The Ministry of Motherhood. It was inspiring! I have a few of Sally’s books, but not this one. Would love to win it! Great interview.

  143. I am currently reading Educating the Whole Hearted Child and LOVE it! It’s a must have for homeschoolers.

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