Life with Sally

Joy is not the absence of difficulty  or feelings of concern, but resting in the presence of God in the midst of it.

So often, we are caught up in the immediate things—getting the tasks done, housework, homework, bills paid, child discipline. Yet, it is the air our children breathe, the foundations we live by that will attach their hearts to ours and ultimately, potentially, to God.

Join me today on my podcast to hear from my sweet ones about life where they are — and what is going on in their worlds. I am having way too much fun. Happy Tuesday.

Our hearts will not have peace until our bodies have had rest. You matter. You are worth it. You need to take care of yourself.

In order to thrive and heal, you must accept any limitations by faith, trust in His faithfulness each step of the way, and wait for His grace so you can live a faithful story right in the place you find yourself.

Amid invisibility, times when no one sees or knows what is going on in our lives: stresses from challenging children, loneliness of a struggling marriage, cleaning up one more mess amidst the crumbs of our life, God sees us. It is in these places where "loving God with our whole heart" is revealed.

Focusing on love as the lens through which I looked at every person who came my way gave me the understanding of how Jesus lived His life. Love is the oxygen needed in our hearts to be healthy.

We grew from immaturity and selfishness toward humility, grace, selflessness, admitting flaws, straining to understand how to love and forgive. But there had to be anchors that held us fast in storms.

Teatime Discipleship, my phrase for personal, generous hospitality, is about the serving and cherishing one friend offers another. We link arms, to say, "I am here for you" in a world that is draining and isolating. Download for free: The Heart of a Disciple Journal

An important long journey in my life has been to rid myself of guilt for not living up to my ideals, for stumbling, and instead moving in the direction more toward God's unconditional love, grace for me and His gentleness, His grace gives strength for my every day when I choose to rest in Him. May freebie: The Heart of a Disciple Journal

This week, I have had the privilege of hosting the most important people in the world. Dancing, feasting, making memories are more important than any other task.

Today in my podcast, I speak about how to curate a home that creates welcome. Rhythms, routines, traditions, collections and more.

Beauty, love, serving, encouraging, living out my faith in mundane moments of days was my defense against the darkness, my defiance to the world's lies and fears. Special April freebie: 5 Ways To Cultivate Beauty In The Ordinary — download  here !

On today's extra podcast episode, Sally and Nathan discuss how what we watch influences us, and what we "should" watch as people who seek to cultivate lives of beauty and goodness.

Impactful moments come with no great spiritual announcement that says, "This is a very spiritual moment." Spiritual influence comes hidden in daily life, whether with a child or grandchild. Special April freebie: 5 Ways To Cultivate Beauty In The Ordinary — download  here !

It is only in being intentional and purposeful about your life that you will grow. And in growing, your heart and soul will become more fulfilled, because God's will, which is that we become more "holy" — set apart for His purposes — is indeed good and acceptable and perfect. Special April freebie: 5 Ways To Cultivate Beauty In The Ordinary — download  here !

Every year, when darkness seems longest, daffodils spring up first, blooming "with all of their heart," they proclaim, hope is coming, light is on its way!

The way to live well, to flourish on the unique pathway of our lives, is to follow His wisdom, to obey His ways. It must encompass our thoughts, our inner choices, our willingness to live by faith, our commitment to take "Every thought captive to the obedience of Christ," that we will be able to live all of our years well, to see His purposes and ways for us.

Leaving godly disciples is the greatest work we will ever achieve. When I meet Jesus face to face, He will say, "What did you do to invest, love, teach your children the secrets of the kingdom of God so that they will love me and serve me with wholehearted devotion?"

My dear friend, Melissa Lester, editor of Victoria Magazine, chatted with me today about her beautiful new book, Gracious Home: Cultivating A Spirit Of Welcome.

A mother's love and legacy is one of the most powerful influences in the world, will determine the strength, history of a culture. But to provide such a legacy in the lives of our children requires a choice.

Join me today on ​m​y podcast to ponder the sweetness of cultivating deep friendship with your children, and learning how to put the duties of life into their proper place.

Join Sally as she invites author Whitney Newby on this special podcast episode to discuss Whitney's new book, Lift Your Eyes: Daily Invitations To Behold Christ In Motherhood.

When we understand and accept that the world is indeed fallen and creates all sorts of chaos, we can better prepare ourselves to become warriors of light, goodness in difficult times.

No matter how old your children become, you are their example. They will always look at you to see faith lived out in the day to day, how to interact with God.