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Thursday, April 02, 2015

Dawn & Heather Read Together: Own Your Life (Introductions)

Eeek! I'm so excited to begin this series today! I'm partnering up with my dear friend, Dawn, in reading the book Own Your Life by Sally Clarkson. Every Thursday, we'll share our thoughts as we make our way through the book chapter by chapter. We would love to hear from you all too, so be sure to grab a copy of the book & leave a comment!

I first met Dawn & her hubby in Ohio from our church. She made a cake for Patricia's birthday- the first of many for Tully birthdays. This lady still rocks the confectioner world! Soon after, Dawn & her family moved about 10 minutes away and as our families grew (they grew to 3 littles & we were expecting our 6th when we left Ohio), so did our friendship. We got together often for visits to the park, zoo, art lessons, cooking & meals as families. They introduced us to wine. Yum. Dawn & I often discussed classical education, traveled to homeschool conventions and discussed books. Oh, I miss her & her family!

I've always been a bit in awe of Dawn's mind- she's very well read,  a deep thinker & has a special way with words. She makes me think! :) (She's also a fabulous cook... if she would like to send a package or two for me to enjoy as I read this book, I'll not complain. Just sayin'.) I know you're going to be blessed by reading what she shares! She pours her deep mind & good cooking into educating her children at home- those children are blessed to have her as their mama! You know I just had to go find some pictures to share:




In Clarkson's introduction, she shares that "Knowing I have only one life to live, one opportunity to invest it fully in the Kingdom of God, has given energy and purpose to each day and every season of my life... I began to understand what "owning" my life really entails. It means taking responsibility for my own behavior, decisions, and attitudes so I may fully embrace God's amazing vision for my life and leave a legacy that points others to Him." (pg. xvii)

As a mama, I want so desperately to leave a godly legacy for future generations! I also want to leave a legacy to a dying world- I want them to know life! But, OUCH! Like Dawn mentioned, I'm right with her in philosophy but in practice... well,  not so much. At least not every and each and fully. I want to be... most of the time, when sin isn't rearing it's ugly head. But I think that's the taking responsibility part- it's the putting to death the old man. When our focus is on Christ, when we are walking close to Him & His Word, then we own our lives for the purpose we were intended! And that purpose is seen in tangibles- imperfect & glorious imperfections made holy in Christ! It's pretty exciting!

"I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I know live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me."(Galatians 2:20)

Like Dawn (I'll try not to keep saying that but she is the thinker!), I hope the book dives into more practicals but if it doesn't, maybe we can in our discussions. Because I need help with not only remembering the tangibles but exercising them! :) I'm excited to jump into chapter 1 next week! You can read what Dawn shared about the introduction here. And be sure to let us know if you join us! :)

4 comments:

  1. Aw, man I love seeing those pictures! Thank you for your kind, generous words.

    I think it's funny we chose the same sentence to write about :) just like old times.

    I appreciate how you always pull thinking back to scripture and the gospel; your selection of Gal 2:20 is quite challenging to see through.

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  2. I will have to admit that my first thought was: who has time to fit another thing in their busy schedule?
    But then I look at you both, young mothers, young in my eyes, and still find the time to read. Oh my.
    There must be room for the not so young to improve ones life. Will have to get the book. LVM

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    1. Mrs Harris, we'll love to have you join us!

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  3. Dawn, it IS funny how often we choose the same quotes!

    Love to have you join us, Mom!

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