Life with Sally
Home is the place where the whispers of God's love are heard regularly, the touch of His hands is given intentionally throughout the day, the words of His encouragement and affirmation pointed to lay the foundation of loving relationships where a woman conducts the beauty of this life within its walls. I hope you will find inspiration to cultivate such a life. I welcome you here!
Episodes
Tea Time Tuesday: Surprise! At My Life's Story - Episode 952
Today, I am quite tired to my bones, but it is a good tired. I never knew God would give me 4 children, or that they would live far, far from home. Or that I would have the privilege to have a ministry amongst kindred spirits all over the world.
Tea Time Tuesday: Made to Be Artists - Episode 951
We must persevere, to subdue, to create beauty in our world. When the walls within our home bring safety, the music brings comfort, the food satisfies the body, the touch brings affection, the words bring hope, we are like the Holy Spirit—bringing the reality of God to the dark places of our world.
Tea Time Tuesday: Planting Words of Life - Episode 950
Lifegiving words have deep, abiding power. It is through words that we come to understand the truth about the Lord.
Tea Time Tuesday: Filling the Treasure Chest of Your Heart (with Keelia Clarkson) - Episode 949
I am so excited today to be able to tell you about a wonderful new book that is coming into the world today. My lovely daughter in law, Keelia Clarkson, is sending out her first book, Chapter One Again.
Tea Time Tuesday: Follow Me! - Episode 948
Do you remember that He has come, that He is coming, that He continues to call men and women to Himself? Do you live your life with an eye open to the eternal things God might want to do in your own life? To love your neighbor, give to the needy, spread light?
Tea Time Tuesday: Are You God's Bondslave? - Episode 947
Do I say, "yes" to God, give myself to serve in whatever way He asks?
Tea Time Tuesday: Fortitude: Choosing Courage in Challenging Times - Episode 946
Faithfulness happens over thousands of days, years, of laying down our lives.
Tea Time Tuesday: Are You Willing To Follow God To Fulfill Your Story For His Purposes? - Episode 945
There is a depth of love and a sense of "belonging to one another," a completeness, when I can be with my adult children and grandchildren.
Tending To Your Soul With Fun - Episode 944
I will be gone for one more week, but I will keep trying to make at least short podcast to tell you where I've been. Have a great week! And be sure to make something new and creative to delight yourself and your family.
Tea Time Tuesday: The Joy Of Lasting Friendships - Episode 943
Today was a really fun podcast and recording with Ainsley and my dear friends who have been a part of God's movement through our lives into this world.
Tea Time Tuesday: Pathway Of Love - Episode 942
Without love, we become noisy gongs, clanging symbols, and fail to reach hearts of our people with messages of truth. Love is the most profound reflection of Christ in a fallen world.
Tea Time Tuesday: Finding Happiness In A Fallen World - Episode 941
I had to become willing to place myself at the altar of God's will. I had to relinquish expectations about life, God, relationships—that I held tightly in my fist. With each relinquishment, I discovered I could trust God, find happiness.
Tea Time Tuesday: Always and Forever Out of the Box - Episode 940
s your picture of God, his transcendence, HIs joy, His beauty, His love and affection a part of the design of your home? Your home is a workshop to reflect the many facets of the jewel of His reality.
Tea Time Tuesday: Lighten Our Darkness - Episode 939
We are agents of His grace and light and have the privilege one time on this earth to sing, teach and tell of His ways and light, until the victory dinner when we see Him face to face.
Tea Time Tuesday: Don't Remove Ancient Boundaries - Episode 938
Discernment is the ability to judge well between truth and vanity. Discernment between good and evil, willingness to obey whatever God requires is evidence of a person walking in the power of the Holy Spirit and following God's word.
Tea Time Tuesday: Living Well Through Seasons Of Life - Episode 937
As I look back now, I realize that seasons—singleness, marriage, parenting, birthing, raising children, growing older, are all seasons of life that we pass through. God even built seasons into nature as a picture to us that mirrors our real lives.
Tea Time Tuesday: Practicing Living By Faith - Episode 936
All of our lives, if we are believers, our goal is to relate to God, His purposes, His plans, His personal love and involvement and love for us, and His faithfulness to us, no matter what assails us in our lives. It is our glory to walk with Him every day until we see Him face to face.
Tea Time Tuesday: Practicing Biblical Friendship - Episode 935
One of the deepest blessings of my life at this stage is the very close, intimate, inspiring, fun friendships I have with my now adult children. But, of course, as with everything else, it took years of heart-work.
Tea Time Tuesday: Biblical Endurance: A Legacy Of Faith, One Step At A Time - Episode 934
God has given us this opportunity, today, to invest our lives for His glory. But greatness requires endurance, perseverance. Am I one who keeps going, seeking, trusting, moving ahead by faith? What does it require us to accomplish God's work? A steadfast heart, mind and work ethic.
Tea Time Tuesday: Generously Speaking Words Of Life - Episode 933
We're The Worst (with Nathan Clarkson) - Episode 932
In his new book, I'm The Worst, and in the conversation we had on today's new podcast, Nathan explores the necessity of acknowledging and paying attention to our brokenness, as it is the conduit to freedom and redemption, not a hindrance.
Tea Time Tuesday: Forgiving And Covering An Offense - Episode 931
It is not logical to forgive someone who has offended us, but it is supernatural — it can only come from walking in the power of the Holy Spirit. Yet, forgiveness and humility was constantly on the heart of Jesus.
Tea Time Tuesday: Harvesting Godly Character - Episode 930
If our goal is to become like Christ, little by little, every day by seeking to please Him, growing in the direction of righteousness because of obedience, seeking to understand Him, His instruction, His ways.
Tea Time Tuesday: Cultivating A Heart For God's Goodness - Episode 929
As I ponder what I want to become more of this year, I must take seriously the cultivating of my own soul, so that when others come to draw from me, they are drawing from Him, because I have invested time in Him, His word, His wisdom, His truth and His ways.
Tea Time Tuesday: Decluttering My Soul For 2026 - Episode 928
Even as we declutter our home, put it back in order after a busy holiday season, so I find that I must declutter my heart to go into my year free, with grace, hope and good plans. Proverbs tells us to "Guard our heart, for from it flows the springs of life."
Tea Time Tuesday: Advent: Waiting on God's Timing - Episode 927
What you choose to believe and cherish, practice and submit to, work at and believe, happens when no one else is looking. These are the glorious days your children will remember—the joy of the meantime, the moments cherished, the memories of this Christmas, feasting together, choosing joy. Life teaches us to cherish every day.
Tea Time Tuesday: Do Not Be Anxious! - Episode 926
As I was on my walk today, I had you in my heart. In such a dark time, it is difficult to put aside our anxieties. Yet, I have learned slowly to move in the direction of trusting God more practically, learning to claim, feel how to breathe peace in those moments of such feelings.
Celebrating The Beauty Of Advent (with Malcolm Guite) - Episode 925
Advent is not only about longing for Christ to come again and put everything back together; it's about repenting and receiving grace so that we get to be put back together now.
Tea Time Tuesday: Learning to Live For What Matters - Episode 924
A culture separated from God's wisdom over the centuries must surely provide lures that will destroy and distract from Him, from what is eternal, from what is true. Yet, to throw away those things which are not necessary, I must constantly be straining my ear to His voice and not to the voice of those who would draw me to vanity or more strife of busyness.
Tea Time Tuesday: Building A House Of Faith - Episode 923
Real influence comes all the moments of the ways we live our lives in front of our children. It is not just about passing on doctrine, but as much about relationship, love, beauty as it is the concepts we teach them.
Tea Time Tuesday: Seasons Come, Seasons Go - Episode 922
Today, sweet mama, you are building a gift of love for yourself that will bless you your whole life. Cherish this season with your precious ones, cultivate some delightful moments that will fill your heart and theirs. Watch it grow into something beautiful.
Tea Time Tuesday: Beside Still Waters - Episode 921
David seemed to understand the need for himself to restore and saw God as the source leading him beside still waters and restoring his soul. His shepherd heart valued nature from years of walking amongst the hills beside his sheep, enjoying sunrises, evening stars and the vast artwork of nature.
Tea Time Tuesday: Doing God's Will: Accepting Limitations - Episode 920
Embracing ideals that matter always comes with a cost, and yet, the giving of our rights and expectations to serve God and to follow His will is always worth it. God's ways change us, deepen our faith, build humility, teach us the value of love and perseverance and of course deepen our appreciation for the life and model of Christ.
Tea Time Tuesday: Living In The Moment - Episode 919
Sometimes we don't realize how much life and duty have drained us and how much we need filling. But it isn't the activities, "things" or accomplishments we need—it is the real live moments of relationship and loving one another well, to be heard, to feel close and understood that create the type of relationship we all long for.
Tea Time Tuesday: An Unexpected Adventure - Episode 918
Today, after a series of unexpected adventures and plans, Joy and I had the opportunity to visit this amazing historical home where part of one of our favorite film series was filmed. Join me today to hear our story. What a day of deep delight and whimsy as we spent hours exploring this wonderful place.
Tea Time Tuesday: Choose to Be Joyful, Learn to Be Content - Episode 917
On my podcast today, I tell a story of when grumpy mama me had to retreat from a bad attitude so that I could fully enjoy a precious moment to experience joy and laughter with my young children.
Tea Time Tuesday: Autumn Whispers That Time is Passing - Episode 916
The changing weather whispers, "change is coming, your days are shorter than they used to be." With each leaf swirling delicately toward the ground, are reminders that we all have limitations to the story we live in life, I see the autumn more clearly than ever before.
Tea Time Tuesday: For the Joy Set Before Us - Episode 915
Join me today on my podcast as I pursue joy in the darkness.
Tea Time Tuesday: Obedience: A Key to A Strong Spiritual Life - Episode 914
We cannot please God unless we cultivate a heart that wants to obey Him. It is not about being religious, works oriented, or "churchy." It is having a heart to ponder His words, stories, ways that He dealt with people, and then do what we can to obey His heart lessons.
Tea Time Tuesday: Celebrating 10 Years of the Life With Sally Podcast - Episode 913
Join me today on my new podcast about trusting God for His work in our life.
Tea Time Tuesday: Self-Control Ties Attributes Together - Episode 912
The Holy Spirit patiently taught me to keep working. I can see I was not always self-controlled. I learned little by little, one step at a time. It was not a part of my character at first, but it was my spiritual worship of God, to love Him, to make Him known.
Tea Time Tuesday: Gentleness Comes From the Heart of God - Episode 911
The more we experience His gentleness in the depths of our hearts, where fears, selfishness and anxiety live, the more we will be able to exhibit the gentleness of Christ to those surrounding us. Our children, husband, friends, long for gentleness as our response.
Tea Time Tuesday: Dancing Through My Life - Episode 910
My friends, this week, be still and listen to the music of life that is pulsating from the heart of God, create a few moments of peace and I pray you are blessed with joy unexpected even if for a few moments.
Tea Time Tuesday: Faithfulness: The Hard Work of the Soul - Episode 909
As I look back over my life, I realize that much of my blessing right now was due to the fact that somewhere along the way, I learned the value of keeping going, putting one foot in front of the other, remaining faithful through all of the dark passages.
Tea Time Tuesday: Holy Spirit: Goodness - Episode 908
Join me today as I explore the biblical attribute of goodness. It should be a fruit of the Holy Spirit living through us so that in a fallen world, we may live out God's excellent goodness so that others may have a picture of what God's excellent character is like.
Tea Time Tuesday: Be Kind, One to Another - Episode 907
Who needs your thoughtfulness, kindness this week? How can you display it to your children? Your friend? Your husband? Choose at least 2 people you might show the kindness of God who are in need of His benevolence.
Tea Time Tuesday: Patience: A Treasure to Hold in Life - Episode 906
All of life in a fallen world will require us to be patient, to rule over our impatient spirits, to rule our spirit. We do not walk by emotions, or desires, but we learn to walk in obedience to the path God has given. Then, His reward will be sure and generous.
Tea Time Tuesday: The Lifegiving Shalom of God - Episode 905
Peace is the fruit of the spirit. It has changed me again to study and ponder the real depths of Shalom—peace in Hebrew. God wants us to enjoy the fullness of life, quietness, a rest, a sense of flourishing every day because of His reality.
Tea Time Tuesday: A Day In London, Just Being A Girl - Episode 904
Here I am in London with Joy where we spent a whole day "just being girls." You will have to listen to find out some of what we did.
Tea Time Tuesday: Joy In The Thick Of It - Episode 903
Joy is not the absence of difficulty or feelings of concern, but resting in the presence of God in the midst of it.
Tea Time Tuesday: Above All, Put on Love - Episode 902
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.
Tea Time Tuesday: A Mama's Happy Heart - Episode 901
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.
Tea Time Tuesday: Rest, Refresh, Restore and You Will Regain Your Vision - Episode 900
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.
Tea Time Tuesday: Your Own Unique Life Puzzle - Episode 899
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.
Tea Time Tuesday: Well Lived, With All Your Heart - Episode 898
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.
Tea Time Tuesday: Leave a Legacy of Love - Episode 897
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.
Tea Time Tuesday: Anchors for Marriage - Episode 896
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.
Tea Time Tuesday: We All Need a Little Hospitality - Episode 895
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
Tea Time Tuesday: Be Kind to Yourself Today - Episode 894
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
Tea Time Tuesday: Cherishing Every Moment - Episode 893
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.
Tea Time Tuesday: Home: Always a Place of Welcome - Episode 892
Today in my podcast, I speak about how to curate a home that creates welcome. Rhythms, routines, traditions, collections and more.
Tea Time Tuesday: We Are The Lightbearers - Episode 891
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!
What Should We Let Our Children (And Ourselves) Watch? (with Nathan Clarkson) - Episode 890
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.
Tea Time Tuesday: Lifegiving in Real Time - Episode 889
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!
Tea Time Tuesday: Well Lived: A Journey of Faithfulness - Episode 888
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!
Tea Time Tuesday: Curating Delight As a Way of Life - Episode 887
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!
Tea Time Tuesday: Live and Live Well - Episode 886
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.
Tea Time Tuesday: True Discipleship Is Heart Work - Episode 885
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?"
A Gracious Home (with Melissa Lester) - Episode 884
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.
Tea Time Tuesday: Shaping A Culture of Love - Episode 883
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.
Tea Time Tuesday: My Mama, My Friend - Episode 882
Join me today on my 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.
Lift Your Eyes with Whitney Newby - Episode 881
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.
Tea Time Tuesday: Standing Firm in A Constantly Shifting Culture - Episode 880
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.
Tea Time Tuesday: Pathways of Faith: Canal Pathways in Oxford - Episode 879
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.
Tea Time Tuesday: Kindness Saved My Faith - Episode 878
One little act of kindness gave me the energy I needed to trust God that day, to keep going, to have hope. That day, that moment, hope began to fill my heart.
Tea Time Tuesday: Building a Safe Place of Belonging - Episode 877
I see that through the decades of intentional living, us Clarksons were becoming each other's community. There are more of us now, and we continue to cherish any time we can be together.
Tea Time Tuesday: Be Gentle With Yourself - Episode 876
We are all fragile, vulnerable, limited human beings. We mamas can be so hard on ourselves. Yet, God understands those times when you are empty and discouraged or feel that nothing you do matters or is making the difference you hoped for. Your discouraged heart matters to God.
Tea Time Tuesday: Best Friends Are Built At Home - Episode 875
Friendship is an imperative part of a healthy life! I invited the girls to join me in a podcast today because I thought it might be fun for you to hear from them and what they are pursuing in this season of their lives. We have so much fun. Find Joy's substack here: https://joyclarkson.substack.com/ Find Wallflower Journal here: www.wallflowerjournal.com
The Beauty Of Our Uniqueness - Episode 874
Your children are fearfully and wonderfully made by Him! Through patience and commitment, we will eventually reap a harvest. Today, I encourage you to begin the journey of discovering the individual wonders of each one.
Tea Time Tuesday: Nathan's & My New Book: Uniquely You (with Nathan Clarkson) - Episode 873
In our new book, Uniquely You, Nathan and I step beyond mental illness and learning disabilities and explore every way a child can be different.
