Beloved Sarah, An excellent woman, in England
Epoch women–women whose lives tell tales of great faith, whose moral strength influenced nations, who writing or leadership brought such light to bear in their world that history was changed, are rare and unusual in this generation. And yet, I believe God is so desirous to build his children, his daughters into such women. What does it take to become the kind of woman who will leave a legacy of light, beauty, life and inspiration? This is the theme of what I have been pondering in my own life as I am reaching new seasons. One of my friends told me that women will not listen to a video that is longer than 2-4 minutes, because they are too busy. But I decided that I cannot say much worthwhile in 2-4 minutes, so if you want to pursue these thoughts with me, watch the video! If you do not have time, I understand. But my desire is that by taking some time to make some video blogs, maybe I can be of some encouragement to some of you sweet ones–right in your own home.
Today, Sarah, my daughter, wrote a blog about her very favorite books that have influenced her life and many of her followers also left book lists. You will have a treasure of books to read if you read her blog and comments and these books will fill you with great stories, inspiration and ideas for many years.
Enjoy and join Sarah at: Thoroughly Alive
I would also love to hear your thoughts about your desire to be one of the “set aside women” for God’s purposes. I am still a little unsure if vlogs is something that is meaningful to you, my audience, or if you would prefer all writing! Each comment helps me! I do read them–just can’t answer most of my mail lately, but always sending love and prayers for you all!
I love the VBlog. It is so nice to hear your words. I feel like I’m sitting at your table and we could be sharing a cup of tea. Keep them coming
I love the vlogs. I can’t always watch them right where I am like I can with the blog, but I always make time to come back and watch. I so lack this kind of warm, intentional mentoring in my life that it’s just a joy to take a few minutes to stop and watch. I can pretend it’s a conversation!
I am looking forward to more vlogs! It gives me such encouragement and inspiration! Thank you for your grace filled and loving words!
I enjoy podcasts/blogs too. As long as you speak loud enough I can listen while I do something like laundry or dishes!
Thank you so much for listening to your heart and God’s call to “help” other young Moms who need encouragement and guidance… because I’m one of those moms… I never had a mom that I could extract “wisdom” from for the raising of my own children… I have a 5 yr girl (+ 14 and 9 yr old boys) and I NEED the guidance now. Enjoyed this (as well as the “MYTH” talk)… will listen for more:) Meda
I LOVE the vlog (Is that what it is called??? I am a techno dunce!!). I love to hear your lovely voice and see your beautiful face. Your words always penetrate to my soul; I know it is our sweet Lord ministering to me through you!! Thank you for your faithfulness to Him and the messages He has given you to share. I so desire to follow hard after Him and bring His light to bear in this dark world, and you always encourage me along the path!
Much Love,
Holli
While I do love to read, I enjoy your vlogs very much! I feel like I am sitting in your living room while I sip my cup of tea and pick up a bit of knitting. It is very encouraging to hear your words in your own gentle voice. I don’t mind the longer length. Each day when I go through my blog reader I save your blog and Ann Voskamp’s blog for last. They’re always my special treats!
I have found that the volume of your videos is very low. I have to turn the volume on both the video and my computer all the way up to hear you. And even then it’s a little too quiet if a child comes wizzing by. I’m not sure if you can troubleshoot that but it would be nice if you could.
I have been working my way bit by bit through Read for the Heart. I was fortunate enough to win it from the Apologia Facebook party. What a treasure it is! I have struggled some to always choose quality books for my girls. We have read some excellent books, but a lot that were not quite excellent as well. My limited knowledge and memory of books from my own childhood hasn’t taken us very far. However, we are now ready to go to the library this afternoon, armed with Sarah’s book!
Your words today are so timely to my life. From every angle I keep hearing the message of ministering to the hearts of women around me. God is calling me and his calling is becoming clearer each day. Thank you for the encouragement!
Dear Jess,
Sally & Ann Voskamp are my special treats too!!
Hugs,
Michelle
I”ll listen to YOU for longer than 4 minutes!
Thank you Sally, what an encouragement you are. I am challenged.
May you be blessed and ministered to by the Lord as you serve WHOLE hearted for HIS glory!
Katie
Really enjoy the vlogs! It feels like you’re takking straight at me! Thank you for your prayers Sally, I really need them!
I really appreciate the Vlog!! I am a busy mother of 4, 5 and under, but I have to sit to nurse the baby, to fold laundry anyways…. I CAN find time to sit and watch/listen for 15 minutes and be encouraged! I love reading your articles, but even more, I can glean from your words as they show feeling and depth that written words can not always pass on, especially in my somewhat hectic days. Watching you, I feel like you are talking to ME and that is so refreshing and so far you say just what I need to hear… now if I can just put it all into practice! Thank you!
Sally, Where do you get all the fab pictures from that you have on your blog? They are always just right and I am loving seeing new pictures that I have never come across before. As for your vlog I can always sit and listen for more than 4 minutes. You are such a Titus 2 woman. A real inspiration and you have passed that gift on to your children as well. Thank you x
Beautiful! I join with the other women in saying, yes! keep making vlogs! They are such an encouragement to my heart.
As for what you said, I will join you in pursuing excellence, in pursuing godliness, to be a light in this world. Thank you for the challenge.
Blessings!!
Sally,
I love your vlogs! Your voice is so calming! Someone else mentioned the videos being super quiet. I have noticed the same thing. And I don’t know if it’s just my computer, but when I watched the last two vlogs, I can only see half of your face! I haven’t seen anyone else mention it, so maybe it’s something with my computer settings.
Have a wonderful couple of weeks!
Hmm, after I submitted the comment, the video now shows your entire face! Maybe I just needed to refresh the page.
Dearest Sally,
Please keep up the vblogs! They are the perfect encouragement and so refreshing. It helps to have you “looking in my eyes” as you share the wisdom God has given you.
Thank you, thank you, thank you,
Michelle
Sally,
I really love these vlogs. I only recently found you, and I also lost my mother this year…two months before the birth of my second child. I find myself wondering why I never realized what a wonderful role model she was as a godly woman, mother, wife, why didn’t I take adantage of her wisdom, why did i ignore her when she tried to share her ideas about faith and quiet time with me? Oh, I have so much regret. So I love to hear your videos and get some of that motherly wisdom I am missing out on. I really appreciate it.
Alison
Oh, and the volume is also low for me too. I have to hold my tablet up close to hear you.
Oh sally I loooove the videos! It is so helpful to hear some encouragement during the more mundane parts of the day…dishes, laundry, etc.
Thank you so so so SO very much for all you do. I strive every day to be the type of wife and mother God wants me to be, and although I fail more often than not, every bit of encouragement I read or hear from you makes me fee like I may just achieve it after all
God bless you always!
<3 Tatiana
I enjoy your writing so much but somehow feel like I get even more of your heart in the vlogs. And I understand your friend’s thoughts about 2-4 minute videos but I feel like you’re a good Momma who makes me sit for longer than two minutes in the best time out chair ever! Long enough to actually let something soak in and make a heart change. Thank you!
Sally, I love your vlogs! There’s something special about hearing directly from you what God is saying to your heart.
I prayed to be a woman of God as a young girl. Now as an “older” Titus 2 woman, I realize there’s a price to being set apart. But while being conformed to the image of Christ can be painful, the life of redemption and freedom it brings is so worth it.
I enjoy both!!! It is nice to listen and read!
Sally,
I love to hear your words coming from you through the Vlogs! I appreciate the time it takes to prepare them and post.
I think that I have reached the lowest point in my walk as a mother. Realizing how much heart work has been missed, and looking ahead to the long road ahead. Yet, the time is fleeting. I see myself in new ways as unbelieving and self-condemning, unequal to the task of becoming this woman of excellence you mention.
Your words are always a source of encouragement and inspiration.
Thank you!
Please keep the vlogs coming! As the others said, it feels as though we could be chatting over a cup of coffee. It lends a more personal touch than text alone.. You are my “virtual Titus 2 mentor” and I thank God for you and your faithfulness in speaking from your experiences. Your words (both spoken and in print) have impacted me more than you will know this side of Heaven!
Also, length is not a concern…I make time after the kids have gone to bed for your vlogs! I savor each minute I get to spend gleaning from your wisdom!
Yes, Yes, Yes! Keep the videos coming! I love the feeling that we’re having a cup of tea together as you pour out your “Titus 2″ wisdom into my heart! Love you, Sally!!!
I became a Mom at only 20, and at 32 I have four children (12,9,6 and 4). My heart has always desired to mother them well, but my main struggle is laziness. I know that it takes hard work and dedication to do this well, but still – I hit the snooze button way too often. Talks like this one encourage and remind me to wake up, to live for Him – it’s worth it!
So, thank you. I like watching the vlog. I admit, I was frustrated earlier in the day when I couldn’t watch it because I didn’t have 13 minutes to sit. But, saving it for the quiet of the evening was the perfect solution. Now, I not only have time to watch, but also to ponder and pray.
Dearest Sally,
Love your writings and vlogs! Your Passion for God is extremely evident and I enjoy your encouragement! I am a 39-year-old mom to two lovely children (ages 6 and almost 2), and find myself struggling in so many ways these days. I ordered 4 or 5 of your books recently and can’t wait for them to arrive! I’m hoping to start a book study with one or all of them. May God bless you, Sally, as you continue in your obedience to Him!
Yes, I experience volume issues too.
Sweet Friend, I love the Vlog! I love getting to hear from you in a personal, face to face kind of way. It is such a blessing. I agree that two minutes is not enough. I want and need a meaty message and you delivered that to us today. Thank you so much Sally. I needed the encouragement. I know this will bless many women!
Love you dearly and I am praying for your special time with Sarah!
I am deeply grateful for channels like your Vlog, Sally. Thank YOU for taking the time to put it together. Your insights keep me company while my youngest naps and I’m cutting vegetables and prepping dinner in the kitchen before the older ones get home. Feel free to make them longer – I am ‘thirsty’ and don’t always find time to sit down to read beyond my devotions! So listening is the next best thing! Please know that I am immensely thankful and grateful for you and all that you do for Jesus, Sally.
p.s. Sarah, if you are reading this, I am echoing Jess’ comments above. I am also grateful for your book Read for the Heart! I borrowed it from the library to check it out and now I want my own copy! My girls are enjoying every single living book that I borrow from the library. They are constantly saying, “Mom, that was such a good/great book!” after having been glued to it. Thank YOU!
I love the vlogs! They are so wonderful…and your heart does come across. I am glad they are longer than 4 minutes! If I don’t have time right away, I will come back and listen later in the day when I have some extra time. That is the same thing I do when I am reading your blog.
A few others commented about the issues with the volume…I have a hard time hearing with my volume turned up completely.
Thank you for the encouragement.
I am glad I stumbled across your blog. I wanted some spiritual blogs I could follow to help me become the spiritual woman I need to be… this is it! What an amazing video… Glad I found time to watch it.
I, too, enjoy the vlogs. It is good for my heart and my walk with the Lord. It is like I am sitting with a friend who is wise and encouraging. Thank you, Sally.
Sally, I LOVE the vlogs. Thank you for your heart to teach us and spur us on to become an Excellent Woman!
Thank you for that vlog! I had to find a (rare) quiet moment in my day to sit and watch. I enjoyed it. Thanks for praying for all of us moms/women of faith…I prayed for you today. Your ministry has helped to shape how I follow after Christ, mother my children, and homeschool (someone recommended The Wholehearted Child to me when we were first thinking about how to educate our children and that radically changed my view of homeschooling). I don’t know if I’ll ever be able to meet you face to face and thank you, so I’ll say it here. Thank you for following Christ’s lead in your life. Your family has touched many for His glory!
Thank you for this blog and vlog. I enjoy hearing you speak. The vlogs, blogs and books all work together and compliment each other for me. I love having your sweet voice and lovely face in my mind as I read your books. I don’t mind the longer length. In fact, I rather like it. It feels more like a conversation and it stays with me. If I could have you beside me all day in one way or another I would love it
It could very well be my computer, but your face, particularly your eyes, are not well lit when I watch the video. I miss seeing your eyes, especially. Don’t get me wrong. I am delighted to have the vlog and it is wonderful just as it is!
Thank you for all that you have done for myself and for mothers everywhere hoping to glorify Christ with our service to our family.
I love the vlogs, Sally!! Keep doing them!! however, I can’t hear you all that well and I do turn my volume right up!!! I am not trying to be critical, just helpful!! I want to be able to hear you loud and clear!!! Thank you so much for taking the time to make these vlogs!!! We appreciate you!
Sally, you were definetely an encouragement to me this morning!
And I would watch any video blog post you put on, no ,after the time
No matter the time! (I meant to type!)
I just want to say that I love your blog and treasure having you as a mentor. Just wanted to let you know that I love all of your vlogs, and it is nice to see the face and hear the voice behind the words sometimes.
Thank you, Sally for the encouraging words…YES, I want to be the aroma of Jesus…He alone is my righteousness…your words have fanned my fire! Blessings
Loved the vlog. . . Not too long! FYI, I also had trouble hearing, even with the volume turned all the way up. Looking forward to the next one. You are such an encouragement and a blessing! Thanks!
I like vlogs, too, but had a hard time hearing it. I do have great hearing! But each time a tractor drives by I miss what you’re saying. Thank you!
I love the vlogs too! Please keep them coming. I am truly encouraged by them.
Wow! I praise God that you followed his prompting. Thank you for the personal, face-to-face encouragement. I love it!
Sally,
Thank you! You have been such an encouragement and inspiration to me through your life, books and blog. I loved the vlog and enjoyed setting aside the time to sit with you and a cup of tea and soak in your wisdom. You are fulfilling beautifully the call in Titus 2. Thank you for your willing heart. I do want to be a woman set apart for God’s purposes!
Thank you for these videos! They add a personal touch that is closer to being with you than written words alone. It has been wonderful listening to your vlogs – it is like I just poured out my heart-full of questions to you and you sat, listened, and shared your heart back because your messages touch on so much! (Hard to squeeze that into 2-4 minutes I think!) Keep following hard after the Lord! You are such an encouragement!
Also – I did have issues with the volume too. As a thought – any way to have a closer mic when you record? Perhaps that might help. Please don’t let this volume issue keep you from recording though!
Hi Sally, I enjoy your videos because I feel like you are sitting with me right in my home over a cup of tea or coffee! One day I will make it to one of your conferences. I thank God for you, Sally. You do encourage me as a mom and in my spiritual life through your blog and books and I am right there with you chasing God wholeheartedly!
Powerful words spoken today! My heart has been stirred and I have been encouraged! Thank you for being so honest. I admire your strength and faith and realize my need to continue to really dig into God’s word so that I will become strong.
I love the video blogs as much as I do your writing. I would make time for either.
I love the vlogs but i can’t really hear them! Is there a way to increase your volume? I have my volume turned up all the way as well as the volume on the youtube video. Thanks for your encouragement!
What a treat to watch during naptime today! Yes! Please keep the vlogs coming!
I’m a mother to 2 little boys, and I’m realizing more and more what’s at stake if I don’t decide to follow God’s ways instead of the world’s ways. Thank you, thank you, thank you for being the mentor that I need right now. Yes, keep the vlogs coming! I, to, am enjoying this over nap time.
I adored this. Thank you. Grace and wisdom wrapped up in a smile with a side of encouragement. Enough to get me off the computer and onto something worthwhile. So looking forward to the next one!
Thank you sooo much for your godly encouragement and challenge to pursuing excellience !
Is there some way I can write to you without it being publicy posted ??
Your words always want to make me be a better woman. Your words DO turn me to the Lord and His ways, and make me want to follow His way and will. Thank you for letting Him speak through you to so many. Praying for your time with Sarah.
Thank you, as always, for your encouragement and wise words, Sally!
You are an amazing writer, so I like seeing that as well, but the vlogs are great fun and make a really personal connection to actually see and hear you as you share your wonderful messages.
I know our society in general is moving so quickly that you can’t keep someone’s attention for more than 2-4 minutes (if that) – but personally I always find that much too short. I could happily listen to you for a very long time!! I think slowing down a little and actually taking enough time for the things that matter is an important skill for us to learn anyway.
As some have already pointed out: yes, the volume has been extremely low on all of them. I don’t know if there is a way to change that, but it’s the only thing I would change about them!
Hi!
i am an Asian mom blogging in the hot tropics! The weather adds to the joy-sapping that inevitably occurs as each day wears on.
i am glad to find momheart. Sally’s books are very inspirational. My heartbeat is to do something similar for Asian women; we struggle with many of the same issues plus some specific to our side of the world…
Hope to connect with you, perhaps write and be able to connect more moms this side of the world.
Blessings.
I just listened to your vlog, Sally! Just so encouraging! Thank you for pointing us to Jesus! I hope you have a wonderful trip with your daughter!
You post as many videos as you can and they can be whatever length. Mothers that are desperate for truth and change will watch. What you have to say just causes me to rise to another level. Thank you for what you are committed to and the principles you live by.
I am so refreshed by your videos! It’s like having a mentor and encouragement right where I need it. Thank you so much for being faithful to Jesus and sharing your heart and life with this special area of ministry!
I love you VBlogs! It is so encouraging and at times I sit down at my laptop with my coffee and after I have down my own time with my precious Lord I will read your blog and I will watch your VBlog and it is like you are sitting across from me and encouraging me. Thank you for your time to encourage me as a mother!
I thought the length of the video was a great refreshment–it encouraged me to sit down with a cup of coffee and a muffin and *listen* to what you were saying instead of standing at the kitchen counter and putting away dishes while a 2-4 minute video played in the background. It brought that lovely “civility” to my day, which you emphasize so much. I hope you keep doing them!
Hi Sally,
Thank you so much for your words of encouragement! You are such a blessing in my life by your books and now your VBlogs! God Bless you:)