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We know that quiet is an essential aspect of the spiritual life, that we need to leave the craziness of our hurried and frenzied lives and find the deep peace of being in God's presence. But in our busy lives of deadlines and distractions, of screens at work and at play, this seems abstract and impossible.David Loughney and Bob Robinson welcomes Sarah Clarkson to the podcast. She writes regularly about literature, faith, and beauty. Check out her Substack, From the Vicarge, where she writes about “suffering and beauty, theodicy and theology, imagination and the luminous grace of real, disciplined wonder.” Her latest book is Reclaiming Quiet: Cultivating a Life of Holy Attention (Baker, 2024). In it, she tells her story of trying to overcome anxiety and hurry by cultivating a life of holy attention, an inner quiet of paying attention to God in the everyday aspects of life.Scroll down to learn more about Sarah Clarkson.Subscribe to the podcast on your favorite app:Thanks for listening!Please share this podcast with your friends. Your hosts are Dr. Bob Robinson and David Loughney. For further resources on reintegrating all of life with God's mission, go to re-integrate.org.Sarah ClarksonSarah loves reading many novels, listening to a great deal of music, and drinking as many cups of coffee and tea as she can get away with in a day. She's married to Thomas, a priest in the Church of England, and they have four children, Lilian, Samuel, Lucie, and Elanor. They live in (and she does her writing from) an old English vicarage in Oxford.Sarah Clarkson on Instagram.Sarah has also authored This Beautiful Truth: How God's Goodness Breaks into Our Darkness (Baker, 2021), Book Girl: A Journey through the Treasures and Transforming Power of a Reading Life (Tyndale Momentum, 2018), and The Lifegiving Home: Creating a Place of Belonging and Becoming (Tyndale Momentum, 2016). Sarah's books can be purchased from independent booksellers Byron and Beth Borger at Hearts & Minds Bookstore. Go to their secure order form, mention you heard about Sarah's books on the Reintegrate Podcast, and receive 20% off your order! If you have questions or need more information, contact Byron here. Or call Beth and Byron at 717-246-3333. Get full access to Bob Robinson's Substack at bobrobinsonre.substack.com/subscribe
A Conversation on Slowing Down, Holy Silence, and Solitude with Sarah ClarksonDuring this episode, we are learning how to trust God with the fullness of our emotions.EXODUS 14:13-14 CSBBut Moses said to the people, “Don't be afraid. Stand firm and see the Lord's salvation that he will accomplish for you today; for the Egyptians you see today, you will never see again. The Lord will fight for you, and you must be quiet.”MEET SARAH CLARKSON Sarah Clarkson is an author and blogger who writes regularly about literature, faith, and beauty at SarahClarkson.com. She studied theology (BTh, MSt) at Oxford and is the author or coauthor of six books, including This Beautiful Truth. She has an active following on Instagram (@sarahwanders) where she hosts regular live read-alouds from the poems, novels, or essays that bring her courage. She can often be found with a cup of good tea and a book in hand in her old English vicarage home in Oxford, where she lives with her Anglican vicar husband, Thomas, and their four children.RESOURCESReclaiming QuietConnect with Sarah on IGGrab Liv's Resource to Shift Your Shallow Bible Study to a Sincere One Connect with Me on IGJoin the YouVersion Reading Plan for Selah HereFind the Complete Show Notes HereSELAH: A STUDY OF 1 AND 2 SAMUELPurchase your copy of Selah: A Study of 1 and 2 Samuel
In a distracted world driven by many screens and ceaseless activity, many struggle with a restless, disquiet mind. We yearn deeply for inward rootedness and calm, yet the cultivation of quiet often feels abstract and out-of-reach. Yet quiet is, and always has been, essential to life.Note: I have listeners of all faith backgrounds that listen to the podcast. At times, this episode speaks to a christian perspective so if that's something that doesn't fit what you're looking for, check out the other episode that dropped this week with Ginny Yurich or join me back here next Monday for a conversation that you don't want to miss!Links Discussed in This Episode |Book: Celebration of Discipline by Richard FosterBook: The Interior Castle by St. Teresa of AvilaBook: Tiny Perfect Things by M.H. ClarkConnect with Sarah:InstagramWebsiteBook: Reclaiming Quiet: Cultivating a Life of Holy AttentionAbout Sarah |Sarah Clarkson is an author and blogger who writes regularly about literature, faith, and beauty at SarahClarkson.com. She studied theology (BTh, MSt) at Oxford and is the author or coauthor of six books, including This Beautiful Truth. She has an active following on Instagram (@sarahwanders) where she hosts regular live read-alouds from the poems, novels, or essays that bring her courage. She can often be found with a cup of good tea and a book in hand in her old English vicarage home in Oxford, where she lives with her Anglican vicar husband, Thomas, and their four childrenWork with Me |If you've been struggling with motivation to work through bad habits that are keeping you stuck, I'd love to help you achieve your goals! We'll work together (locally or virtually) to discover what areas in your life are high priority to get you feeling less overwhelmed right away. For more info on my processes, fees, and availability please contact!Episode Sponsors |Clear Intentions would not be possible without the support of weekly sponsors. Choosing brands that I believe in is important to me. I only want to recommend brands that I believe may help you in your daily life. As always, never feel pressured into buying anything. Remember: if you don't need it, it's not a good deal!Cymbiotika: Go to Cymbiotika.com/Minimalist for 20% off your order + free shipping today.Enjoy the Podcast?Post a review and share it! If you enjoyed tuning into this podcast, then do not hesitate to write a review. Please share with friends that could be inspired by the wisdom of each and every guest!Further Questions |You can contact me through my website, find me on Instagram, Pinterest or like The Minimalist Moms Page on Facebook.Checkout the podcast storefront for recommendations from Diane (and a FULL list of previous guests' books!)Grab a copy of my first book Minimalist Moms: Living and Parenting with SimplicityCheckout a list of my past collaborative podcasts here!Our Sponsors:* Check out Acorns: https://acornsearly.com/MINIMALIST* Check out Armoire and use my code MINIMALIST for a great deal: https://www.armoire.style* Check out Happy Mammoth and use my code MINIMALIST for a great deal: https://happymammoth.comSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/minimalist-moms-podcast2093/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
The past couple of months I've found myself constantly overstimulated. Then I started to notice that every time I had a quiet moment I popped my air pods in to listen to an audio book, or podcast. I started to wonder if I was stealing from myself all of the moments of silence that would naturally have occurred in my day and filled them with noise. I picked up Sarah's newest book and found the words were exactly what I needed. In your opening, you said you've found beauty in the contemplatives, even though that isn't what this book is about. I'm particularly interested in this because it's something that's been coming up in my own circles quite a few times. What have they shown you about quiet, and how is your practice different? What do you “do” while you're quiet? Or do you sit and stare off? As humans, do you think we generally see “Quiet” as a negative or a positive? How has it been both to you? A line at the beginning of your book caught my attention it was something “I began to wonder if at times my smartphone had become my replacement for the Holy Spirit, the ever-present comforter I turned to in times of fear.” How do we begin to rewire these impulses? Many of us crave quiet, especially mothers, how do you find quiet in the noise of the little years? How is quiet essential to our spiritual lives and well-being? You've talked before about the part that OCD has played in your story. In your last book the telling of how you found your way to faith through beauty in the face of the darkness of OCD. Do you think the quiet you've learned to find has come in the place of the loudness of OCD? If so how do you think it's taught you the value of it, or allowed you to point others to the gift of quiet? You can find Sarah Clarkson's Book "Reclaiming Quiet" or follow Sarah on Instagram You can find Elizabeth writing helpful hints on the blog Helping you love Jesus and disciple your kids on Instagram Or get access to the "Bible Study" by signing up with email! Original Music written and recorded by Jonathan Camenisch *affiliate links are used when appropriate. Thank you for supporting Sunshine in My Nest
Sarah Clarkson is a writer whose work centers on beauty and grief, story and quiet. She has written of herself, “I’m trying to write well about my own sorrow, and my own encounters with the beauty that defied my darkness and drew me into a life of creativity, quiet, and wonder.” She studied theology at Oxford University. She is the author or co-author of six books, most recently Reclaiming Quiet: Cultivating a Life of Holy Attention, which she wrote to answer her own questions about what it means to have a quiet mind in a fallen, screen-driven world. In this episode, Sarah and Jonathan Rogers discuss a better definition of quiet, the importance of physical presence, the dangers of screens, and the value of boredom. This episode is sponsored by The Focus Retreat, a four-day writing getaway, March 16-20 in Nashville. Find out more at TheHabit.co/retreats. Support the show: https://therabbitroom.givingfuel.com/memberSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Send us a textDee and Carol talked about amaryllis, holy basil, some apple dirt, and several books they are enjoying including The Botanists' Library.For more information and links, check out our weekly newsletter.Links:John Scheepers… for amaryllis bulbs and info on growing amaryllis bulbsOn Family Handyman's website: How to Keep an Amaryllis AliveOn the bookshelf: The Botantists' Library: The Most Important Botanical Books in History by Carolyn Fry & Emma Wayland (Ivy Press, a Quarto Imprint) (Amazon)Dirt: How Honeycrisp Apples Went from Marvelous to Mediocre on Serious EatsRabbit Holes:Reclaiming Quiet by Sarah Clarkson. (Amazon link)The Queens of Crime by Marie Benedict (Feb. 11, 2025) (Amazon link)Our Affiliates (Linking to them to make a purchase earns us a small commission):Botanical InterestsFarmers DefenseEtsyTerritorial SeedsTrue Leaf Market Eden BrosNature Hills Nursery Book and Amazon links are also affiliate links.Email us anytime at TheGardenangelists@gmail.com For more info on Carol visit her website. Visit her blog May Dreams Gardens. For more info on Dee, visit her website. Visit her blog Red Dirt Ramblings.Support the showOn Instagram: Carol: Indygardener, Dee: RedDirtRamblings, Our podcast: TheGardenangelists.On Facebook: The Gardenangelists' Garden Club.On YouTube.
As we continue to move into the holiday season, Sarah Clarkson joins Jennifer Pepito in episode 110 of the Restoration Home Podcast. We're excited to bring another episode rich with the magic and mores of a peaceful Christmas. Sarah offers a unique perspective on celebrating Christmas, holiday traditions from the Clarkson home, and bringing different cultures and customs into her family's celebration. Beyond the holidays, she also brings her love and passion for technological boundaries, creating purposeful space in her day, and finding ways to differentiate days for the sake of becoming more aware of ourselves, our families, and our lives. This is a great conversation, and we hope it blesses and inspires you. This podcast is made possible by the Peaceful Press! With Winter and Winter Holidays around the corner, check out the Peaceful Press resources and blogs for good literature, engaging ways to celebrate, and the Four-week Autumn Guide. Purchase any Christmas Guide Volume 1 or Volume 2 and receive a copy of the Unearthing Wonder Advent Guide. In this episode– The importance of Advent Slowing down Christmas Creating a why for technological fasts Clarkson family traditions Your children are never to old to celebrate with you Reclaiming Quiet by Sarah Clarkson Find out more about Sarah at her website and "From the Vicarage" You can learn more about Jennifer here- Jennifer's Instagram You can learn more about Sarah here- Sarah's Instagram Some Amazon Affiliate Links.
How do we cultivate a life of holy attention? How essential is quiet in your life? We live in a time when distractions can fill every moment, but author and blogger Sarah Clarkson calls us to nourish stillness, listening, and rest in her new book, Reclaiming Quiet. Sarah joins Seth and Deb to share the gifts of quiet and how to cultivate quiet in our lives. Support the show: http://moodyradio.org/donateto/morningshow/wdlmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this episode of The 1000 Hours Outside Podcast, Ginny Yurich welcomes author Sarah Clarkson for an inspiring exploration of her latest book, Reclaiming Quiet: Cultivating a Life of Holy Attention. Together, they delve into the complexities of motherhood, the relentless pull of technology, and the radical act of embracing quiet in a noisy world. Sarah shares deeply personal insights on navigating the fears of motherhood, the transformative beauty of giving oneself to family, and practical ways to foster inner peace amidst life's demands. This conversation is an invitation to reclaim sacred moments of stillness and to reconnect with the beauty found in the smallest things, offering listeners a pathway to a more contemplative and grounded life. ** Get your copy of Reclaiming Quiet here Learn more about Sarah here Check out Sarah's SubStack here Sign up for Sarah's Patreon here ** Download your free 1000 Hours Outside tracker here >> https://www.1000hoursoutside.com/trackers Find everything you need to kick off your 1000 Hours Outside Journey here >> https://www.1000hoursoutside.com/blog/allthethings Order of copy of Ginny's newest book, Until the Streetlights Come On here >> https://amzn.to/3RXjBlN Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Today, we're starting season 15 off by diving into a powerful conversation on mental health, beauty, and the healing power of quietness with Sarah Clarkson, author of Reclaiming Quiet. Growing up in a Christian home, Sarah faced a traumatic diagnosis of OCD at the age of 17 and battled intrusive, troubling thoughts. In the midst of her struggle, she grappled with doubts about God's goodness, especially as the world around her seemed to mirror her inner chaos. Yet, it was through glimpses of beauty—whether in nature, literature like Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings, or the touch of a loved one—that she found an anchor for her faith. Sarah's journey reveals how God often breaks into our darkest moments in subtle, beautiful ways, reminding us to "taste and see that the Lord is good." She shares her insight into how cultivating quiet isn't about withdrawing from the world, but about listening for God's voice amid life's noise. By setting intentional rhythms, practicing liturgical prayers, and honoring her limits as a finite being, Sarah found a way to reclaim her peace and deepen her connection with the infinite God. With anchor verses like Psalm 27 and Psalm 37, Sarah's story is one of choosing beauty, quietness, and trust in God's goodness—even when life feels overwhelming. Be sure to check out Sarah Clarkson's Reclaiming Quiet, available starting tomorrow. This is a book for anyone longing to find peace amid mental health struggles, busyness, and doubts, and to discover that God is present, creating beauty even in our brokenness. Bio: Sarah Clarkson is a writer exploring the realms of beauty and quiet, suffering and imagination. She's the author of seven books, including the upcoming Reclaiming Quiet: Cultivating a Life of Holy Attention. She studied theology (B.Th, MSt in modern doctrine) at Wycliffe Hall, Oxford, and lives in an old vicarage with her Anglican priest husband and four small children. Anchor Verses: Psalm 27 Psalm 37 Connect with Sarah: Website: sarahclarkson.com IG: https://www.instagram.com/sarahwanders/ Blog: From the Vicarage (sarahclarkson.substack.com). ***We love hearing from our listeners! Sharing your thoughts through reviews is a fantastic way to be a part of our podcast family and contribute to the conversation. If you've enjoyed our podcast, leaving a review is quick and easy! Just head to Apple podcasts or wherever you are tuning in and share your thoughts. Your feedback makes a big difference!***
This episode was like a deep breath for me. Sarah Clarkson joins me to talk about reclaiming quiet. This is an audacious goal in such a relentless and noisy world, right? Sarah definitely lives in that real world, as you will hear. She is not cloistered, though she does live in an actual vicarage in actual England. Obviously I trusted her immediately. What I loved about this conversation is that Sarah puts up this beautiful scaffolding of what we get when we pay what she calls “holy attention” to the lives we've been given. Sign me up. Sarah Clarkson is an author and blogger who writes regularly about literature, faith, and beauty at SarahClarkson.com. She studied theology (BTh, MSt) at Oxford and is the author or coauthor of six books, including This Beautiful Truth. She has an active following on Instagram (@sarahwanders) where she hosts regular live read-alouds from the poems, novels, or essays that bring her courage. She can often be found with a cup of good tea and a book in hand in her old English vicarage home in Oxford, where she lives with her Anglican vicar husband, Thomas, and their four children. Visit KimberlyStuart.com/podcast for more from this episode.
Life takes a lot of twists and turns that we don't see coming. What we do with those and how we spend our moments is how we spend our lives. The more I read about psychology the more I believe there is so much choice involved in a half-full or half-empty mentality. No one does half-full quite the way I've seen Sally do it. Sally Clarkson shares how she met Jesus. How she came to have a vision for family discipleship. How Sally Clarkson met Clay Clarkson. How she learned to live life well even in hard family situations? Ways Sally Clarkson has intentionally taken responsibility for her own joy? The way she's seeing Sarah Clarkson live out the vision of family life more beautifully. How do we begin to write our own beautiful story in the middle of hard lives, high depression rates, and a chaotic world? Brought to you by: Around the Ancient World You can find Sally's book "Well Lived" or find her on Instagram HERE For Grandmothers, she recommends THIS ONE If you don't have kids yet the FALL resource will be perfect!! Fall goes live on September 2nd. Advent is THIS ONE You can find Elizabeth writing helpful hints on the blog Helping you love Jesus and disciple your kids on Instagram Or get access to the "Bible Study" by signing up with email! Original Music written and recorded by Jonathan Camenisch *affiliate links are used when appropriate. Thank you for supporting Sunshine in My Nest --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/elizabeth-santelmann/support
Renovaré Book Club begins September 23. Learn more at renovare.org/bookclub.----Nathan welcomes author Sarah Clarkson to the show to discuss Scottish preacher and fiction writer George MacDonald—a key influence on Sarah's literary career as well as her faith.Show NotesYou can find Sarah writing regularly at her Substack, From the Vicarage (sarahclarkson.substack.com) or discover her books at sarahclarkson.comRecommended by SarahFree online version of The Light Princess and Other Fairy Stories Free online version of Princess and the Goblins, one of Sarah's favorite children's novels by MacDonaldFree online version of Lilith, Sarah's favorite adult fairy tale by MacDonaldSarah's friend, Dr. Amanda Vernon, is a MacDonald scholar and children's literature enthusiast.A website dedicated to books, articles, art, and music about, or inspired by, George MacDonald's sermons, lectures, poems, prose, and prayers.Recent Word on Fire edition of The Golden Key.
In a busy, noisy world...it can be hard to hear God. Surrounded by distractions, it can be difficult to find the stillness needed to renew and restore our soul. In this episode of The Living Room with Joanna Weaver, Sarah Clarkson talk about her book, Reclaiming Quiet: Cultivating a Life of Holy Attention (coming November 2024). She gives practical tips for reclaiming quiet. But most of all, she shares the tender love God has for us. Wooing and calling us away from noise to a deeper friendship with Him. Links from Show Sarah's Book: Reclaiming Quiet: Cultivating a Life of Holy Attention Previous Book: This Beautiful Truth: How God's Goodness Breaks into Our Darkness Previous Episode: TLR 074: God's Goodness in the Dark with Sarah Clarkson Joanna's Newest Book: Embracing Trust: The Art of Letting Go and Holding On to a Forever-Faithful God Joanna's YouTube Channel [Disclosure: I make a small commission from affiliate links used in this post.] Connect with Sarah Website | Instagram | Facebook
Sarah Clarkson says that when mental illness struck, her mind became her enemy. She shares her struggle to love it again.
Sarah Clarkson spoke with Nathan Foster from her home in the UK about her experiences with grief and fear and the way God has been restoring faith, hope, and love in her life through the gift of beauty.Sarah's Website: https://sarahclarkson.comBooks by Sarah:This Beautiful Truth: How God's Goodness Breaks into Our DarknessBook Girl: A Journey Through the Treasures and Transforming Power of a Reading LifeCaught Up in a Story: Fostering a Storyformed Life of Great Books & Imagination with Your ChildrenThe Life Giving Home: Creating a Place of Belonging and Becoming
This episode will make you want to grab a good book and gather your family around the fire to laugh, cry and grow closer together. We share a few gift ideas for the book lovers in your life and also a great book to pick up if you just aren't quite sold on the power of reading. If you are being encouraged through this podcast, please click that subscribe button and share it with a friend. Our hope is that as we grow our Home that Heals community friends will share great stories and inspiration to remind us all that we were made for this!A few of our Holiday favorites: Squanto and the Miracle of Thanksgiving by Eric Metaxas - https://amzn.to/3TBLezi The First Thanksgiving by Robert Mackenzie - https://amzn.to/3soHSU2 Jotham's Journey series- https://amzn.to/3O3NnBGThe Best Christmas Pageant Ever - https://amzn.to/3tyxTfnThe Family Under The Bridge - https://amzn.to/3EvZuEgOld Christmas by Washington Irving - https://amzn.to/3snhvOp Book Girl by Sarah Clarkson - https://amzn.to/3VVIIVV The Life Giving Home - https://amzn.to/3EqKp73Routh Chou Simmons - https://amzn.to/3GeY2rs , https://amzn.to/3fXg0UJDisclosure: We only endorse products and services we personal use or come highly recommended by friends and family. If you decide to purchase anything using the referral link provided, we may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. Anything we have provided a link for is an item or service we would recommend to our dearest friends, and that includes you. We are also a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. The small commission that is received is going toward our therapy farm at A Home That Heals.
Beauty is just as significant to our spiritual and moral lives as truth and goodness. Sarah Clarkson has often found this beauty in literature. Grace welcomes Sarah, author of This Beautiful Truth: How God's Goodness Breaks Into Our Darkness, to discuss the intersections between story, beauty, and suffering. Along the way, some very recognizable names come up as sources of profound beauty in literature: J.R.R. Tolkien, L.M. Montgomery, George Eliot, and more...
When she was diagnosed with OCD as a teen, writer Sarah Clarkson found comfort as she immersed herself in stories, realizing that God's goodness could pierce through her mental darkness with small acts of ordinary beauty. Quotes “I think stories of imagination help us to, in a sense, follow the path in the world that God has created and set up for us.” —Sarah Clarkson “I really believe that God created us for beauty and for goodness, and that He is breaking in again and again into our darkness in these moments of beauty, in the beauty of His world, calling us back to a vision for who we were meant to be and what He is redeeming us to.” —Sarah Clarkson “I'm blown away by the power of reading to shape our view of the world, to understand ourselves, to see us ourselves as agents or heroes, in the sense of having power to affect the narratives in which we are placed in our own lives.” —Sarah Clarkson Sarah Clarkson's LinksSarah Clarkson's website Sarah Clarkson's Facebook Sarah Clarkson's Twitter Sarah Clarkson's Instagram Resources Mentioned in This EpisodeObsessive-Compulsive Disorder The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkein Connect with Sally Lloyd-JonesJesus Storybook Bible Facebook Jesus Storybook Bible Instagram Sally's website Sally's Facebook Sally's Instagram *Episode produced by Four Eyes Media*
Joy concludes the summer book club on Klara and the Sun by Kazuo Ishiguro, discussing part five with Sarah Clarkson, and reflecting on the final section herself.
In this episode of the I Need Help With My Mental Health Podcast Series, Melinda sits down with Special Guest, Sarah Clarkson. Sarah is a writer, theologian and author of This Beautiful Truth: How God's Goodness Breaks Into Our Darkness In this interview with Sarah, she shares her own transformative encounters with beauty in the midst of her decade-long struggle with mental illness, depression, OCD and doubt, and how she believes that God's spirit is always reaching out to us, even from sources we might not expect (like Lord of the Rings!) Sarah is open, honest, vulnerable and inspiring. She is one of my 2022 heroes! Pushing through. Choosing the good and right even when it is dark and lonely and hard. Always moving forward even when your feet want to stop or go back .. pressing onward.
In this episode of the I Need Help With My Mental Health Podcast Series, Melinda sits down with Special Guest, Sarah Clarkson. Sarah is a writer, theologian and author of This Beautiful Truth: How God's Goodness Breaks Into Our Darkness In this interview with Sarah, she shares her own transformative encounters with beauty in the midst of her decade-long struggle with mental illness, depression, OCD and doubt, and how she believes that God's spirit is always reaching out to us, even from sources we might not expect (like Lord of the Rings!) Sarah is open, honest, vulnerable and inspiring. She is one of my 2022 heroes! Pushing through. Choosing the good and right even when it is dark and lonely and hard. Always moving forward even when your feet want to stop or go back .. pressing onward.
In observance of the winter holidays, this episode doesn't feature a guest interview. Instead, I reflect on five themes that emerged in the diverse conversations we hosted on the podcast during 2021. I wish you and yours happy holidays! Cover photo by Waldemar Brandt on Unsplash. If you're enjoying the show, please rate or review it in Apple's Podcasts directory: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-informed-life/id1450117117?itsct=podcast_box&itscg=30200 Show notes The Informed Life episode 53: Jason Ulaszek on Healing Social Rifts The Informed Life episode 54: Kourosh Dini on DEVONthink The Informed Life episode 55: Hà Phan on Product Leadership The Informed Life episode 56: Margot Bloomstein on Trust The Informed Life episode 57: Ben Mosior on Wardley Maps The Informed Life episode 58: Jesse James Garrett on Leadership and IA The Informed Life episode 59: Matt LeMay on One Page / One Hour The Informed Life episode 60: Kat Vellos on Friendship The Informed Life episode 61: Jeff Sussna on Customer Value Charting The Informed Life episode 63: Sophia Prater on Object Oriented UX The Informed Life episode 64: Sarah Barrett on Architectural Scale The Informed Life episode 66: Jim Kalbach on Jobs to Be Done The Informed Life episode 68: Mags Hanley on Career Architecture The Informed Life episode 69: Karl Fast on Interactionism, part 1 The Informed Life episode 70: Karl Fast on Interactionism, part 2 The Informed Life episode 71: Sunni Brown on Deep Self Design The Informed Life episode 73: Patrick Tanguay on Newsletter Curation The Informed Life episode 74: Annie Murphy Paul on The Extended Mind The Informed Life episode 75: Hans Krueger on the Cycle of Emotions The Informed Life episode 76: Dan Brown on IA Lenses Some show notes may include Amazon affiliate links. I get a small commission for purchases made through these links. Read the transcript Jorge: Welcome to the informed life. In each episode of this show, we find out how people organize information to get things done. I am your host horsehair angle. Today, I don't have a guest on the show. Instead, I'm going to try something a little different. Rather than a conversation with a single guest, I'm going to do a review of some of the things that I heard during the course of the year. So, you'll be hearing from several of the folks who graciously agreed to be on the show. And the reason why I'm doing this is because I listen to a lot of interview-based podcasts. And while I find myself getting totally engrossed in each individual conversation, I often lose track of what I've heard before in prior conversations, and I have a hard time making sense of patterns that may be emerging. So, I thought that during this quiet time of year I might take some time out to do just that, to see if there are any themes or patterns that have stood out during the interviews i've done in the past 12 months. Of course, the guests on the show, didn't speak with each other. I don't want to imply that they're somehow in conversation or responding to each other's points. In fact, the only point that any of these conversations have in common was that I was a part of all of them. I'm also aware that when you take snippets of interviews out of context, It may change their meaning, especially when put next to other snippets from other conversations. And that's definitely not my intent. I'm not going to present these in the order in which they were recorded. In fact, I'm going to talk about these in no particular order. So, in this episode, I'm just going to edit these together and see if I can highlight some of these themes that seemed to have come up in more than one conversation. If you want to check out the full conversations, which I encourage you to do, I will include links to each episode in the show notes. Hopefully, this will prove useful to you if you choose to revisit the conversations we've had over the last year. So, now onto the themes. We recorded 25 conversations during 2021. And in revisiting them now, I've grouped them into five high-level themes. There are other ideas that have come up and there are different arrangements you could make, but these are five themes that stood out to me. The first theme, I'm calling, aligning our values with our actions. The second is about using intentional structures for self-development. The third is about practicing information architecture at scale. The fourth is highlighting tools and methods for visualizing systemic intent. And the fifth is about thinking beyond the brain. I'll unpack what these are about one by one and hopefully draw connections between them to try to bring some coherence to the conversations that we've been having throughout the year. Because I do think that there are things that connect them. Aligning our values with our actions Jorge: So now, let's dive into the first of these themes, which has to do with aligning our values with our actions. And this is one that came in this year, particularly strongly and with intent on my part because I was appalled by the January 6th insurrection in Washington, DC. This horrible event brought to life the degree to which there are deep social rifts in the U.S. And I I've been thinking about what designers can do so what can I do through my work to help make these things better. So I wanted to talk with folks who have been explicitly thinking about this stuff. And this led me to reach out to Jason Ulaszek, who has used design to help heal Rwandan society in the wake of the Rwandan genocide, which I think is obviously a much more extreme situation than the one that we're facing here in the U.S. Now, Jason is not originally from Rwanda, he's from the U.S., so I asked him if there's anything that we could learn from his experience that might help us in our society to start healing the rifts that divide us. And I was very intrigued by his answer; he talked about re-engaging with cultural values. And this is what he had to say: Jason Ulaszek: What was part of the Rwandans cultural value system well before the genocide against the Tutsi, and is now swung fully back -- and they're working hard to ensure that that's the case -- is a really strong sense of cultural values. What they've really tapped into -- and I think this is where it gets into design a bit -- is that they've tapped into ways to embody these cultural values inside of the experiences people have within education. Jorge: So there's an explicit attempt there to create structures — in that case, within the educational system — that help highlight the common social values that bind a people together. And in part the way that I understood it, at least the part of the idea there is to try to rebuild a sense of trust among parties. And we had another episode this year where we talked explicitly about building trust. And this was in episode 56, where I had a conversation with Margot Bloomstein about her book on the subject, which came out this year, called Trustworthy. And, as Margot put it in our conversation, a big part of building trust has to do with authenticity: with having our actions be grounded in a clear set of values and having them be aligned with those values. This is how Margot put it: Margot Bloomstein: You used the term "authenticity." And I think that that's a term that we throw around a lot; that's a term marketers love to throw around. Who wouldn't want to be authentic? And I always wonder, authentic to what? Do you know who you are? Know thy self first, and then you can determine, well, how do we align our actions with our values? Because that's how we measure authenticity: it's the distance between our actions and our words, all of that external stuff and our values. And I think for many organizations, they can jump into kind of the national conversation, into the international conversation, around many of those social issues and say, "Here's what we're doing. Here's why we support this. Here's what we're doing internally. And here's what we're doing externally to make this better for everyone." To put a stake in the ground. And they can do it building on that long-term, authentic investment in their values. Jorge: I love this idea of being more intentional about aligning our values and our actions as we seek to be more authentic. And of course Margot was talking here about doing that at the level of organizations, but it's also possible to do it at an individual level. And in my conversation with author Kat Vellos, we dug into that specifically in the context of her work. In nurturing friendships. And I asked Kat about how we might be more authentic in looking to create the structures that allow us to nurture friendships as we get older. And she highlighted the importance of being present. This is what she had to say about it. Kat Vellos: The more you immerse yourself in what is actually happening in that time that you're connecting with the other person, the more likely you are to feel the benefit. You know, when you're spending time sharing stories with a friend say, focus on their story, focus on them. Get curious. Ask followup questions and have that be the focus of your attention, rather than halfway listening and halfway being in your own head. Like, "do I feel less lonely right now? Do I feel less awkward right now?" Get out of that mental evaluation mode and get real immersed and real curious and interested in the other person. And that's actually when somebody feels heard. That's actually when somebody feels more connected is when you're really present and holding space with each other. Intentional structures for self-development Jorge: This idea of being more present was also an important part of our second theme, which has to do with creating intentional structures for self-development. I like to think of this almost as kind of an information architecture of the self. So, while it might seem on the surface like some of these conversations run a bit further a field from the subject of the show, I see them as being quite aligned in that we are creating conceptual structures that help us affect some kind of change. And in this second theme, the change has to do with internal transformation. We delved into this in a few conversations during the year. The first I will highlight is episode 71, where I interviewed Sunni Brown about her work in Deep Self Design, which is a practice rooted in Zen Buddhism and design thinking. And during this conversation, Sunni chastised me for allowing myself to let my devices keep me from being more present during a camping trip with my family. And I loved how Sunni talked about being more present. This is what she had to say: Sunni Brown: Camping, when it's like safe and beautiful... the point of it is to actually get you into a different state. To get your regulatory system in a different state so that you can enjoy your life and be present with your family and look at the sky and realize that you're part of... you are the sky, there's no difference between you and the sky, you just project that there is. And like, you know what I mean? So, you have to understand that that space is essential for your humanity and and make it a priority. And you can tell people, I mean, there's ways to approach it that are gentle on other people. So you can let people know, "I'm going to go dark for 72 hours. You should know that," Or, "I'm going to go dark, and then I'm going to have one hour where I look at stuff," you know? You have to design it for your life and what's actually available for you. Sometimes people have sick parents at home or sick kids or whatever, but you have to start to understand the benefit of it. Because I think most people think it's just like something they would lose. Like, they wouldn't get... something taken away from them. And I'm like, "no! It's something you're giving yourself that is priceless." And you get amazing ideas. Like your productivity goes up. So, I call it going slow to go fast. Actually I read this interesting Nietzsche quote, which I don't read Nietzsche a lot or anything, but like he said like great ideas are found when you're walking. And Steve Jobs was... Also, I'mnot obsessed with Steve Jobs, but he did a lot of walking meetings. So, If you are a productivity junkie, going slow helps you go fast. And it actually frees up a lot of stuck tension in the body and stuck ideas that you can't get through and it gives you solutions and ahas and insights. So there's huge rewards in it anyway, if you need it to be aligned with productivity. But it's like, dude, we're gonna die one day, Jorge. Like all of us! And the last thing I want to do is be like, "I spent my whole life on my iPhone!" That is like the worst thing that could happen. Jorge: So, we need to be more aware about what is going on with our systems, with our bodies — and we need to be present. And this was not the only conversation that I had that delved on similar subjects. In episode 75, I talked with my friend, Hans Krueger, who has also been influenced by Buddhism, on what he calls the cycle of emotions, which is a conceptual structure — a way of thinking about emotions and how emotions affect our behavior. Here's Hans: Hans Krueger: What surprisingly few people realize is that there is like a real system behind this thing, this whole emotional complex. How they work, how they interact with each other, what leads to what, what you can do to actually cultivate your own emotional state. A state that allows you to perceive as clearly as possible what is real, versus what you imagine is real. Jorge: There's an emerging theme here in the power of visualizing, might be one way to think about it, but at the very least naming these conceptual distinctions, becoming more aware of what is happening internally. And again, this might come across to some folks as not being relevant to information architecture at all. But I do think of these as conceptual structures where there are distinctions that we label and we establish relationships between those distinctions. And the structure helps us understand what we're doing so that we can act more skillfully, more mindfully. And at least one guest during the year talked about using such conceptual models, not just to help us personally, but to help us in our careers. In episode 68, Mags Hanley shared with us her work on career architecture, which is also the subject of her book, which was published after we talked. And Mags made the connection between the methods, processes and tools that we use as information architects and how we develop our careers. Mags Hanley: Career architecture is about how we can use the methods that we think about and we use as information architects or as UX professionals and apply that in a very systematic way into how we think about our careers. Practicing information architecture at scale Jorge: I like this idea of using information, architecture and user experience methods, practices, and tools for our own personal development. But we can also use them to develop our teams and to work at a different level of impact. I think of this as information architecture at scale, which is the next theme that emerged in the conversations that we had on the podcast over the year. Two that immediately come to mind, but I'm not going to highlight as much here, are the conversation with Jim Kalbach on jobs to be done, which, in addition to Jim's book, helped me clarify my own understanding of what jobs to be done are. And this is an important subject, one that designers and product managers need to be aware of. So, if you have heard the phrase, but are not entirely clear on what it means, I encourage you to check out my conversation with Jim. Another one is the conversation that I had recently with Dan Brown on information architecture lenses. And as that explained in that episode, the lenses are a set of cards, and now podcasts and YouTube videos, that aim to serve as a tool to help designers deal with architectural conundrums. So again, if you are into information architecture, and you haven't done so already. I encourage you to check out the conversation with Dan Brown. That said, there are a few episodes that I do want to call out here and bring to your attention. One is the conversation I had on episode 63 with Sophia Prater about her object oriented user experience framework. I see this as a way of formalizing conceptual models so they can be shared and discussed with other team members. This is how sophia described it during our conversation: Sophia Prater: OOUX is all about saying, "okay. If we know that our users think in objects and just human beings think in objects - not not just our developers - human beings think in objects, and to be able to gain understanding, you need to understand what the objects are in that system. And to understand what the objects are we need a certain level of consistency and recognizability to our objects." So as the designers of these environments, if we don't get really super clear on what our objects are, there's no way. There's just absolutely no way in hell that we're going to be able to translate that to our end users. We're just not! If we can't get it straight on our team and we can't get it straight among ourselves, then 1) that's going to create a lot of communication problems internally which is a problem that I hear all the time. We've got everybody on the team coming together. And some people, depending on what department you're in or what your role is, you've got the same object, the same thing being called two or three different things and different objects being called the same thing. And you're trying to design complex software. So just getting on the same page internally is going to be absolutely intrinsic to making sure that it's clear to your end users. Jorge: Another conversation that had to do with considering design at a different level of abstraction was in episode 64, where Sarah Barrett shared with us considerations about the architectural scale of the systems we design. I was particularly drawn to the way Sarah described how we should approach the intended effects of our work: Sarah Barrett: Occasionally, I get comments or people worrying that our information architecture isn't innovative enough that we're not doing anything surprising or introducing anything brand new. And I feel very strongly that your architecture is not the place to surprise people. Like, there are actual architects out there building very innovative homes that no one wants to live in. And I have no interest in doing that. I really want us to use the oldest, most standard, most expected way of doing things. I think the example of the grocery store is another great way here. There's a lot of benefit to not innovating in the layout of a grocery store. There probably is some benefit in innovating a little bit around the edges or in some details, but you gain a lot from making it legible and making it expected for people. And so, that one is really about... okay, given these things that we expect to have: we expect to have global navigation, we expect to have metadata on content, we expect to have titles and breadcrumbs... how do we unpack what each of those things is doing for us and make sure that between the suite of those elements we are using? Because you never use just one, you use lots of them together. Between all of those elements, we are presenting a coherent, complete view of the wayfinding people need. Jorge: It's one thing to create a coherent and complete system that allows people to find and understand things, and it's another to create the conditions that allow that system to evolve over time gracefully as conditions change but to retain that cohesiveness. And doing this requires that we understand that the things that we are designing are in fact systems and they are systems that will require stewardship over time. This implies that we need leadership. And that was the subject of episode 58, where I had a conversation with Jesse James Garrett about leadership and information architecture. This is part of what jesse said during that show. Jesse James Garrett: The way that I talk to folks about design leadership, who have come from a design background -that is to say they've been doing design work - is that leadership is just another design problem. And you're working with different materials and you're working toward different outcomes and you're having to follow different principles, but the task is the same task. It is a creative problem-solving task. It is a systems-thinking task, as a leader. So looking at the ways that you're already doing that systems-thinking, the ways in which you already doing that architecture for yourself in the work that you're already doing, and those will be your strengths. And those will be the pillars that you can lean on that are going to support your work as a leader going forward. They will evolve and they will not look like what they looked like when you were doing content inventories or task flows or whatever other artifacts you might've been working on as a designer. But the skill set that you're building is the same skill set. Jorge: The relationship between design and leadership, and how designers can use our tools, methods, practices, et cetera, to take on leadership roles, was also the subject of episode 55, which featured a conversation with hop-on about her own trajectory from design to product leadership. Hà Phan: I think the difficulty was between the role I have now, or the delta between the role I have now versus being a UX designer is that, you know, it's really a leadership role to basically provide the path to clarity. So when you have a vision, even as a seasoned UX designer, you're going to present forth this vision. And usually there's a thousand questions and a thousand steps before you get there, right? And usually you don't get there entirely. You know, you don't get to the vision entirely the way you had envisioned it. You're going to take turns, right? And I think in this role, what I get to do is that I get to enable the team to find that path to clarity, and to provide the milestones or the mission for each of the goals along the way. Jorge: This idea that leaders provide clarity and vision is very important. And it's one of the reasons why designers can make good leaders, because part of what designers do is clarify and help visualize abstract ideas. I keep saying that design is about making possibilities tangible: we take these vague notions, requirements, constraints, ill defined contexts, and we make things. And these things that we make can be validated somehow. We can put them in context and have them be used by the people that we intend to serve, to see whether things are working or not. And we create feedback loops where we make them incrementally better, better suited to meeting the needs of the people they serve. Visualizing systemic intent Jorge: And this idea of leadership as a role that clarifies and articulates a vision, brings us to the fourth theme that I noticed in going back over this year's episodes, which has to do with highlighting tools and methods for visualizing systemic intent. And by that, I mean different ways of mapping systems and making systems more tangible. Again, this idea of making the abstract more relatable. And we had several conversations along those lines. The first I'm going to highlight here is episode 59, in which Matt LeMay may shared with us One Page / One Hour, an approach he's developed to help teams articulate what they're making by working fast and iterating. So, rather than creating some kind of polished deck, the idea here is to articulate a vision really quickly so that you can spend less time upfront creating polished artifacts and spend more time iterating with stakeholders and other team members. Here's Matt describing how he came up with One Page / One Hour. Matt LeMay: I wrote up this pledge to my business partners saying I'm willing to forego the sense of individual accomplishment that comes from presenting finished and polished deliverables to my colleagues. I promise that I will spend no more than one page and one hour working on any deliverable - any document - before I bring it to the team. In other words, if I show up with five beautifully formatted pages or a one-page that took me 10 hours to create, I want you to hold me accountable to that. I want you to say, "man, why did you do this? We made a deal. We made a commitment to each other! We all know that if we actually want to deliver value, if we want to do valuable work, we need to collaborate earlier on. You can't go off onto your own and create this big thing, and then just want us to tell you how great it is!" Jorge: One Page / One Hour is about trying to articulate very quickly what we have in mind and sharing it so that we can start iterating on it. A few of the other conversations that we had during the year around visualizing systems and visualizing intent were about artifacts that are a little more elaborate. An example of this is Customer Value Charting, which Jeff Sussna shared with us in episode 61. Customer Value Charting, as Jeff explained, it is a tool to balance strategy and agility. And the purpose of creating that balance is to drive customer benefits, which are related to but not the same as business benefits. Jeff illustrated this by means of an example using a common service. Jeff Sussna: The benefit of the dry cleaner is that I can get my tuxedo cleaned in time to go to the formal event. It's not fundamentally about a cash register or a counter or even cleaning chemicals. And I mention that because a lot of the conversation I see around outcomes over outputs tends to actually talk about business outcomes. You know, revenue growth and customer retention, and time on site and business outcomes are great. I don't have any problem with them, but people tend to skip this step. We have a hypothesis that this feature will cause this change in customer behavior, which will lead to this business outcome or business impact. But it leaves open the question of, well, why is the customer changing their behavior? What is the benefit to them? Jorge: These are complex questions to take on for designers or for anyone, frankly. And it's helpful to hear about how folks are going about it. Customer Value Charting is one way of doing it. Another way of visualizing systems and visualizing things like customer needs in a systemic way was shared with us by Ben Mosiure in our conversation, which focused on Wardley maps. Ben Mosior: Wardley mapping is a visual way of representing systems: its users, its needs, its capabilities, its relationships between all those three things. And then it's also positioning those things in a way that helps their qualities become more apparent. So there's this thing that Simon Research called "Evolution." It's basically how do things evolve and get better or die under the pressures of supply demand competition, and what you get is like things start out new, uncertain, high risk, high failure, but with a high potential for future value. But then as they evolve, they get better. You know, someone's always like looking at these weird ideas and trying to make them better because capitalism basically suggest there's money to be made. So someone out there is going to try to make it better. And over time, if the idea is worth investing in, it will continue to get better, more known, more boring, more predictable, and the value of it will be more concrete. And eventually, if it evolves to a certain extent, it becomes an invisible part of our everyday lives. And so, Simon says, look, you want to represent the systems that we're a part of both in terms of their parts and relationships, but also in terms of how evolved each of those parts are. Because what that does is it sets you up to understand the implications of those qualities. New stuff is going to be high failure, old stuff that everybody understands, that's just part of everyday reality like power in the wall. It is going to be less surprising, it's going to be less failure. And so that means that depending on the context, depending on the part of the system we're looking at, we need to have a different way of approaching it. And I think that's the entire point. By making visual artifacts -- by talking about our systems visually -- we can come together, look at a specific part of it, appreciate its qualities, and then together determine what our collective intent is about that part of the system. Jorge: That's a great description of this idea that we can take these complex abstract ideas and make them tangible, make them manifest in the world, and as a result, make it possible for us to have conversations about them, to somehow change the state of things, to make things better. Thinking beyond the brain Jorge: And that brings us to the fifth and final theme that emerged over the year and that I want to emphasize here, which has to do with using tools and our environment to extend our cognitive system. So, in some way, when we are putting up stickies or diagrams or anything up on the wall, we are making it possible for us to share a cognitive space of sorts. And this is true, whether we're doing it with a note-taking app or stickies on a whiteboard. In taking stuff out of our heads and putting them out into the world, we can somehow extend our minds. And that's why I'm calling this fifth theme "thinking beyond the brain." Conversations about this theme came in two different flavors. On the one hand, we had folks who shared with us their thinking processes and tools. And on the other hand, we had a few conversations that were about thinking in this way itself and I'll say a little bit more about both of those. So, first with the thinking processes and tools. In episode 75, Patrick Tanguay shared with us, how he uses a combination of tools to write one of my favorite newsletters, Sentiers. And it's a setup that mirrors somewhat closely my own setup. Another great conversation about a particular tool was in episode 54, where Kourosh Dini told us about how he's using DEVONthink for building a personal knowledge management system. I was very excited to talk with Kourosh because he wrote a book that helped me use DEVONthink better. If you're unfamiliar with this tool and you are someone who needs to manage a lot of information, let's say if you're teaching or writing, it behooves you to give episode 54 a listen. As I mentioned, I also hosted a few discussions which were not about tools in particular, but a little more meta about how the mind itself works beyond the brain. I'll be frank with you, these were some of my favorite conversations during the year. One was with Annie Murphy Paul about her book, The Extended Mind. Annie's book is the clearest explanation I've read on the science behind the field of embodied cognition. It was one of my favorite reads of the year because it does a really good job at dispelling erroneous notions about how the brain works. And I think that this is a very important subject for designers to understand. Here's Annie. Annie Murphy Paul: I always like to say we're more like animals than we are like machines. You know, the brain is a biological organ. I mean, I know this is obvious, but we really can get very entranced in a way by this metaphor of "brain as computer." The brain is a biological organ that evolved to carry out tasks that are often very different from the tasks that we expect it to execute today. And so, our misunderstanding of what the brain is leads us, as you were saying, Jorge, to create these structures in society. In education and in the workplace, in our everyday lives, that really don't suit the reality of what the brain is. I mean, I'm thinking about how, for example, we expect ourselves to be productive. Whether that's in the workplace, or what we expect our students to do in school. You know, we often expect ourselves to sit still, don't move around, don't change the space where you're in. Don't talk to other people. Just sit there and kind of work until it's done. And that's how we expect ourselves to get serious thinking done. And that makes sense, if the brain is a computer, you know? You feed it information and it processes the information, then it spits out the answer in this very linear fashion. But that's not at all how the brain works. Because the brain is so exquisitely sensitive to context, and that context can be the way our bodies are feeling and how they're moving, that context can be literally where we are situated and what we see and what we experience around us, and that context can be the social context: whether we're with other people, whether we're talking to them, how those conversations are unfolding -- all those things have an incredibly powerful impact on how we think. And so, when we expect the brain to function like a computer, whether that's in the office or in the classroom, we're really underselling its actual powers -- its actual genius -- and we're cutting ourselves off from the wellsprings of our own intelligence, which is the fact that we are embodied creatures embedded in an environment and set in this network of relationships. So, it really... we're really kind of leaving a lot of potential intelligence on the table when we limit our idea of what the brain is in that way. Jorge: While this may seem like we are venturing a little far from the ostensible subject of the show, which is about how people organize information to get things done, there's two reasons why I think it's important for us to delve into this subject. One reason is that, if we are to properly organize information so that we can find things, understand things and so on, we have to understand how our minds work, because ultimately what we're doing is we are designing for minds. And the second reason is that in so doing — in organizing information, in creating these information environments — we are creating contexts of the sort that Annie was talking about there. Even if they are not physical contexts, they are contexts that influence how we understand things. The second conversation I had this year on this subject and which I want to highlight here is the conversation I had with my friend, Karl Fast over episodes 69 and 70. And as you might know, if you've been listening to the show for a while, that's the first time I've ever done a double header. In other words, that I've split a conversation between two episodes. And it's just because we had so much to talk about. And I don't think I can do that conversation justice by extracting just any one clip. But again, I do believe that this is an important subject for you to know about, so I encourage you to check out the whole thing. Closing Jorge: So there you have it, that's a very high level overview of some of the conversations that have stood out to me in the podcast over the last year. Now, obviously there were many more — I told you that we recorded 25 episodes — I don't want to in any way suggest that the other ones weren't as interesting. I just wanted to highlight the ones that I thought manifested some of these themes. And to recap them, the five themes are: aligning our values with our actions, using intentional structures for self-development, practicing information architecture at scale, tools and methods for visualizing systemic intent and then finally, thinking beyond the brain. These are subjects that I care about. And it's no accident that we end up having conversations about these things on the show. One of the interesting things about revisiting them now at the end of the year, is that I can start seeing threads that run through several of the themes. For example, the idea that we need to visualize abstract and complex systems, and that doing so allows us to have better conversations about them. That seems to be a thread that's running through various of these themes. It's true, whether we are talking about our own internal values or our career development, or whether we're talking about a service that we are looking to develop for our clients. And like I've said before, I think that designers — and particularly structurally- and systemically-minded designers, such as information architects — are particularly well-suited to visualize systems in this way. The other thread that I see running through all of this is the importance of considering the context that we are working with and working on, and not just the content of what we're designing. The things that we make are going to be experienced in some kind of environment, whether it's a physical environment or some kind of information environment. And the environment makes a big difference. We understand things in context. And part of what we do as information architects is establish those contexts. That's one of the reasons why I've been emphasizing these conversations about embodied cognition and the extended mind. Because science is making it increasingly clear that thinking happens, not just in our nervous systems, but in our bodies. And more to the point here, it happens out in the world. It happens in our environments and it happens in the tools that we interact with. And again, it's a system that is comprised by ourselves as actors, agents, but also the environments in which we're operating. And we can configure those environments in various ways to help us think better. And I think that this is an important frontier, so to speak, an important area of development for people who design structures of information, who create contexts through language and signs. I've loved the conversations that we've had on the show this year. And that is mostly due to the fact that the guests have been great. I am very grateful to everyone who has agreed to be on the show to have me interview them, to share their ideas, their work, their research, their experience with us. I also want to thank Sarah Clarkson, who I have not acknowledged in the show before. And I'm long overdue in doing that, but Sarah helps me edit the podcast. And her help has been invaluable in getting these shows out to you on time. And of course, I'm very grateful for you; for the fact that you are listening to this, that you have decided to make the show a part of your podcast listening. I would love to know whether there's anything that we can do to make things better. So, please drop by the informed.life, and leave us a note. But for now, I'll just tell you that I am planning to keep the show going. I have guests already lined up for next year. I'm excited about these conversations: having them and also being able to share them with you. So again, thank you. I wish you and yours happy holidays and I look forward to sharing more with you next year.
It’s the most wonderful time of the year—unless it’s not. We live in a broken world. Many struggle with mental illness, depression, or doubt. Sarah Clarkson has, and she believes that by encountering God’s beauty in the midst of the pain, you can be a witness of His healing love and hope. Find out how on Chris Fabry Live.
In this episode, Joy talks with her sister Sarah about how (and why) to read really long books, and why reading good books is good for the soul.
"God will meet us in the darkness and give us eyes to see the treasures there!" In this episode, Sarah Clarkson shares her personal story of wresting with God in the midst of mental illness from her book, This Beautiful Truth: How God's Goodness Breaks into Our Darkness. Sarah found herself in the midst of deep personal pain and surrounded by a broken world leading her to ask questions like: "Where is God?" "Can He be trusted?" "Is He still tender towards me?" God began to open her eyes to His goodness and beauty all around her. In the midst of the darkness. If you struggle with a mental illness or feel overwhelmed by the darkness and unrest in our world today, this will encourage your heart. When your trust in God has been shaken, He is there. { USE PLAYER BAR @ TOP OF PAGE to listen to show, subscribe and share } Important Takeaways from Show Suffering, grief and loss can drain our world of beauty and meaning Understanding the evil in the world and the goodness of the Lord creates a constant tension God wants us to taste and see His goodness every day (Psalm 34:8) Stories and art can re-enchant our own world, helping us to recognize the beauty of the person and presence of Jesus all around us again (C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien) Rather than allow ourselves to disengage, we must choose life and hold fast to God (Deuteronomy 30:19-20) Jesus demonstrates God's power to redeem all things, to take what is broken and fully restore it Theodicy is the study of God and justice God created a world that was meant to reflect His beauty and goodness We were given the gift of freedom; Having free will is what gives us the ability to love We can use our freedom to destroy the world or order it Our freedom is based on God's choice to give us freedom; therefore His Sovereignty will always prevail We have the opportunity to respond to God's beauty, to be a part of creating it and offer it to others Rather than deny the reality of evil, we can choose to embrace the beauty and light of God all around us Being redeemed in the midst of our pain means clinging to the hope that God's Kingdom is coming God is unthreatened by our frailty; His goodness and grace engage with us wherever we are (Psalm 103:14) 5 Ways to Find Joy in the Midst of Darkness Seek companionship and community - Pain can be the great isolator so we must choose to draw near to Christ-minded people Recognize the power of words - Engage with the life-giving redemptive words of Scripture Look for tiny acts of God's beauty - Counter the darkness by waking up to the beauty all around you Step away from the online world - Let your first encounter of the day be with Scripture and God's creation Focus on the present - Recognize God and His wonder in your everyday life I will give you the treasures of darkness And hidden riches of secret places, That you may know that I, the Lord, Who call you by your name, Am the God of Israel. ~ Isaiah 45:3 NKJV Links from Show This Beautiful Truth: How God's Goodness Breaks into Our Darkness Book Girl: A Journey through the Treasures and Transforming Power of a Reading Life [Disclosure: I make a small commission from affiliate links used in this post.] Connect with Sarah Clarkson Website | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter Connect with Joanna Facebook | Pinterest | Instagram | Twitter Get Episode Updates! We'd love to have you join our special Living Room Podcast email list. Even if you're already part of my regular list, by applying in the form below, you'll be notified when new episodes air - and get a special gift for joining (among other things!) I'd love to hear from you... What spoke most to you from Sarah's interview?
How does hospitality help us love people? In this episode Jenna and Lydia discuss what biblical hospitality is (and isn't). We discuss the biblical commands to be hospitable, the challenge of making time for it while balancing work and families, what it looks like in different seasons of life, and tricks we've found that can make it easier to say yes to warmly welcoming others into our homes and lives. Resources mentioned Verses on hospitality Explicitly mentioned: Leviticus 19:33-34; Romans 12:13; 1 Timothy 3:2; Titus 1:8; Hebrews 13:2; 1 Peter 4:9 Implied: Matthew 10:11-14, 25:35, 38, 43-44; 1 Timothy 5:10; James 2:21, 25; 2 John 5 When People are Big and God is Small by Ed Welch The Gospel Comes with a Housekey by Rosaria Butterfield A Meal with Jesus by Tim Chester The Art of Neighboring by Jay Pathak and Dave Runyon The Simplest Way to Change the World by Dustin Willis and Brandon Clements Life Together by Dietrich Bonhoeffer The Lifegiving Collection by Sally Clarkson, Clay Clarkson, and Sarah Clarkson
James Bryan Smith has a Things Above conversation with author Sarah Clarkson. In this episode, James and Sarah discuss her book “This Beautiful Truth.” In This Beautiful Truth, Sarah shares her own encounters with beauty in the midst of her decade-long struggle with mental illness, depression, and doubt. She paints a compelling picture of the […] The post Conversation with Sarah Clarkson appeared first on Apprentice Institute.
Amid the daily realities of sickness and isolation, disappointment and pain, it can be really hard to grasp the real goodness of God. But this is where God breaks into our pain in a tangible way, teaching us to trust His kindness and hope for His healing. On today's podcast, author Sarah Clarkson shares the healing effect of beauty in the midst of her decade-long struggle with mental illness. She is both vulnerable and practical, and she'll invite you to taste and see the goodness of God, no matter how bitter or hard life may feel. Hope and healing is on the way, my friend. SHOW NOTES: 413Podcast.com/158
Can we still grasp the goodness of God while living in a broken world? Sarah Clarkson is on the show today sharing her decade-long struggle with mental illness, depression, and doubt. However, amid the daily realities of sickness and isolation, disappointment and pain, she has discovered “This Beautiful Truth.” We pray that after this episode you too can recognize and trust God's gift of pain. Topics of Conversation: Encountering God's beauty in our daily life The value of love in our healing Holding onto hope How God uses the kindness of people to break into our pain This week's love offering is to “bring beauty into the world. Summon others out from the darkness, not just to the light, but to be creators of light.” Connect with Sarah: https://sarahclarkson.com
Do you ever question God's goodness? I know I do. Life feels so dark sometimes. But scripture reminds us that the darkness doesn't win. God is victorious. Today's guest, author Sarah Clarkson, reminds us that God's beauty and goodness is stronger than the darkness in our lives. We all need this reminder and you are going to walk away from this beautiful conversation with a refreshed soul. Sarah is the author of “This Beautiful Truth: How God's Goodness Breaks Into Our Darkness”. Connect with Sarah on her website at www.sarahclarkson.com and then hang out with her on Instagram at www.Instagram.com/sarahwanders - then go get her book anywhere books are sold. You're going to be so inspired by it. I definitely was! Loving this podcast? Share the love by rating the podcast and writing a review on your Apple Podcasts app. That helps more mamas like you, find this podcast and spread God's goodness to more lovely women. Thank you in advance! To connect with me after this, email me at 500secondstojoy@gmail.com and subscribe to the newsletter for monthly devotionals by going to bit.ly/monthlyhappymail - encouragement for your sweet mama heart. God bless you and your family! Here's to more Jesus, more intention, more peace, and more joy!
Leslie is a licensed therapist, mama of two babies, and wife to her hubby Christian. She writes, speaks, and podcasts with a heart to encourage weary moms to keep their flame of faith alive right in the thick of these exhausting and overwhelming days of early motherhood. In this conversation we chat about maintaining spiritual depth during the early, exhausting years of motherhood. There is no shame here for the tired mama who wants to keep her faith going, only encouragement. Connect with Leslie: MotheringByFaith.com Free Motherhood Mindsets Devotional Instagram: @leslie.konhaeuser This Beautiful Truth by Sarah Clarkson
Do you ever wonder how such incredible beauty and such profound brokenness can coexist in the world? And in the midst of those seeming competing realities, what does that mean about God and his goodness? It's questions like these that today's guest has studied, struggled with, and recently written a book about. Sarah Clarkson is a writer and theologian who currently lives in West Sussex in England with her husband, son, and daughter. Sarah recently finished her MSt (Master of Studies) in modern doctrine at Wycliffe Hall in Oxford with a focus on theodicy and beauty, studying the presence of beauty in the midst of a broken work. Sarah also just completed her latest book, entitled This Beautiful Truth: How God's Goodness Breaks Into Our Darkness, detailing the story of Sarah's personal struggle with mental illness and the beauty that infiltrated and transformed her darkness, teaching her to hunger after hope. Sarah's insights are profound, hopeful, and have been fought for in the midst of her own suffering. She is a seasoned theologian and is an artist with her words. She has a beautiful way of speaking, of describing God, and of envisioning a world where Beauty is our ultimate reality and truth. My hope is that as you listen today, you may you know and feel that truth.
Today is the release day for Sarah Clarkson's new memoir This Beautiful Truth. I'm sharing a quick review of this lovely new book. Please join me in welcoming it into the world! Books mentioned in this episode (with affiliate links from Bookshop.org): This Beautiful Truth Book Girl Caught Up in a Story Miss Rumphius The Scent of Water Babette's Feast Gerard Manley Hopkins What the Night Sings
We live in a broken and difficult world. So how do we approach this pain without giving up? How do we understand goodness and beauty amidst brokeness? These are the questions that Sarah Clarkson has been asking and wrestling with for most of her life. She shares her findings with us in her book, This Beautiful Truth. Which is out today! This book approaches our pain, brokenness, and humanity with kindness and compassion. It also asks us to open our minds and hearts to beauty and goodness. It's such an amazing book that has deeply impacted me. I am so glad to share this interview with you! Sarah is a kindred spirit and a beautiful soul. Listen along as we talk about motherhood, writing, and the books we love. Don't forget to go buy Sarah's book, This Beautiful Truth, TODAY! It's available wherever you love to buy books. You can find Sarah at her website: sarahclarkson.com Or on Instagram: @sarahwanders If you love books, join me on my patreon for more bookish goodness: patreon.com/bethsbookcast --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/bethsbookcast/support
In This Beautiful Truth, Sarah Clarkson shares her encounters with beauty in the midst of her decade-long struggle with mental illness, depression, and doubt. In a voice both vulnerable and reflective, she paints a compelling picture of the God who reaches out to us in a powerful way through the 'taste and see' goodness of what He has made and what continues to create amid our darkness.
Our modern culture loves the here-and-now, preferring all our focus tilts towards the latest trends, the newest relevant art, the loudest and most attention-getting current Thought Leader™. But… Will this work and these ideas endure? Some of it, possibly. But a whole lot of what's applause-seeking now will be forgotten in a year, or decade, or heck — next month. This is why it's good for us to notice what stuff has stood the test of time, whose art has endured. There are SO many dead people who still live through their phenomenal work, and in 2021 we should both enjoy it and listen to what it teaches us …because clearly there's something noteworthy there. Seth and Tsh unpack whose older work affects them today — and who they've grown to appreciate even more the older they get. Seth: Newsletter | Website Tsh: Newsletter | Website Pick up a round of drinks & help keep the show going Come to Italy with us! Pride & Prejudice, by Jane Austen The Illustrated Man, by Ray Bradbury Mary Oliver's collected poems The People Yes, by Carl Sandburg Orthodoxy, by G.K. Chesterton The Presence of the Kingdom, by Jaques Ellul Requiem Mass, by Mozart A Love Supreme, by John Coltrane Robin Williams in Dead Poets Society Jimmy Stewart in It's a Wonderful Life Battlestar Galactica This Beautiful Truth, by Sarah Clarkson
Joseph Holmes and Nathan Clarkson invite author Sarah Clarkson on the show to discuss why--in a world of movies, TV, theater and video games--reading still matters.
Today’s guest is a perfect example of a beauty seeker, and sharer. Her life and words are a great inspiration to me, and even during this conversation (and during editing) I was moved by what she said and how our conversation made me feel. Today I’m sharing my conversation with the wife, mother of two with one on the way, and writer Sarah Clarkson. Sarah is articulate, vulnerable and honest in our conversation today and I know you’re going to treasure it and why not also give these words permission to help you grow as you go into a new week. You can reach Sarah here: https://sarahclarkson.com/ You can find all my links here: https://linktr.ee/leahboden
My dearest friend and daughter has such a perfectly timed surprise for all of us. I can’t wait to share about it today with all of you. Sarah has joined me to tall you all about what is ahead that I know will encourage your heart. Here is a message from her.
Well, friends, we've been delighted by conversations with the lovely Sarah Clarkson and the lovely Sally Clarkson and today, at long last, we're chatting with the youngest Clarkson gal, Joy Clarkson! Joy is a PhD candidate in theology at St. Andrews University and we're so glad that she finished writing her dissertation and is back … Continue reading FoC 143: We Change Your Mind About Jane Austen's Mansfield Park with Joy Clarkson →
Tales of a Red Clay Rambler: A pottery and ceramic art podcast
Today on the Tales of a Red Clay Rambler Podcast I have an interview with Sara Truman. After teaching in a variety of classroom environments she has been focused for the past seven years on being a high school ceramics teacher. In our interview we talk about mentoring students inside and outside of the classroom, the founding of the Intersections think tank for K-12 art educators, and starting a community-based studio to serve Gainesville, FL. To see examples of her work and more information about Intersections visit www.saratruman.com. On today’s Amaco Community Corkboard we have a fundraising effort to support three artists and their families who have been affected by the CZU Lightning Complex Wildfires in California. Jon and Liz Payne, Sam and Sarah Clarkson, and Andy Ruble have all lost homes in the recent wildfires. To find links to their individual Go Fund Me campaigns visit www.talesofaredclayrambler.com/resources. Michiana Pottery tour is a proud sponsor of the Tales of a Red Clay Rambler podcast. Join 26 potters from around the country for the 9th-annual Michiana Pottery Tour, happening virtually beginning on September 26th. You'll find a list of participating potters, links to their webstores, and more information at www.michianapotterytour.com or on our Instagram page: @michianapotterytour Ceramic Materials Workshop is a proud sponsor of the Tales of a Red Clay Rambler. Ceramic Materials Workshop is a place online to learn about how materials really work. They’ve been teaching about glazes at the most prestigious ceramic universities for years, and now offer online classes that are open to everyone around the world. Class sessions begin every January, April, July and October 1st, or you can try their new self-guided online workshop the Middle Glazes: The Story of Mid Temperature Glazes available now. Use the coupon code REDCLAY, all one word, for 25% off the Middle Glazes for a limited time. Find out more and sign up at www.ceramicmaterialsworkshop.com.
In this episode Joy and Sarah Clarkson ponder over the fourth dimension, proclaim the power of sorrow, and speculate about whether the Mrs. W's are angels.
All of the little and big ways you are giving of yourself during this time are gifts of worship of loving God, by being His hands, His words, His time, His love to those around you. Sarah wrote a poem about love given in her own life to her sweet ones, as a sacrifice of her love to them. I know it will touch you as it did me. And of course, we recorded a podcast together I hope you will enjoy.
“A woman who reads is a woman who knows she must act: in courage, in creativity, in kindness, and often in defiance of the darkness around her. She understands that life itself is a story and that she has the power to shape her corner of the drama.” ― Sarah Clarkson, Book Girl: A Journey Through the Treasures and Transforming Power of a Reading Life
Sarah Clarkson is the founder of Transience, a trendy bag company based in New York. This was her first-ever podcast interview. I tested out one of her cool Swing Bags and as I learned more about the brand, I thought it would be cool to showcase "one woman's path to her current purpose." At one point in the interview Sarah is talking about how she started her company. One day years ago, she sat shivering in an office, doing design work for another company and she simply realized “I no longer want to be at the mercy of someone else’s air conditioning.” I love this sentiment! There are definitely moments in our lives when it’s time for us to take control and make changes. Even, and especially, when making those changes scares you. Sarah has experienced many of those moments starting in her early years when she left home at 16 to pursue a trade. We have a great conversation about the winding path she took toward control of her own destiny. We talk about: Growing up in a small village in the UK Leaving home at 16 to pursue floristry Rheumatoid arthritis: how she endured and eventually conquered this condition, largely through exercise Developing a relationship with her dad in her teens Moving to Columbus, OH from the UK (culture shock) The grind: Working 24/7 in NYC - helping others get rich Her accidental path toward making her own bagsTransience today Leaning into your fears & getting out of your comfort zone And much more! I met Sarah through a cool marketing campaign Transience is running called #whatsinHERbag – I didn’t realize until they reached out that I had still been using my diaper bag as my gym bag. So it was time to upgrade. Definitely head over to thetransience.com and use the code NICOLE30 on something awesome! I have a Swing Bag and I love it. Simple, streamlined, functional. I love supporting entrepreneurs, especially women who are creators. Sarah Clarkson is definitely one of these women. I hope you enjoyed learning more about one woman’s path to her purpose. I believe that while our past often informs our present, it doesn’t define us or confine us. Sarah is a shining example of a woman who has overcome obstacles and continues to pursue her dreams each day by leaning into the things that she’s afraid of. For more Sarah Clarkson: Facebook @thetransienceInstagram @thetransiencePinterest @thetransience
Longing, cosmos, beauty, words... all the gifts given by Celtic culture. Listen in to hear Joy and Sarah's thoughts on what they love about Celtic music, art, and prayers.
Sarah Clarkson is an author, a blogger, and a student of theology. She's the author of Read for the Heart, Caught Up in a Story, and Journeys of Faithfulness, as well as her latest titled, Book Girl (a Woman's Guide to the Reading Life). Through blogs, books, and her current research, she explores the theological significance of story, the intersection of theology and imagination, and the formative power of beauty. She writes regularly about her adventures at sarahclarkson.com and is at slow work on a novel. She can often be found with a cup of good coffee in one of the many quaint corners amid Oxford's "dreaming spires," where she lives in a red-doored cottage with her husband, Thomas and their daughter, Lilian. What we chat about: how studying theology and theodicy has affected Sarah’s faith believing that God is still good when circumstances are bad battling to take every thought captive when dealing with OCD the power of words and encouragement for new readers God’s faithfulness in the valley of loneliness Links mentioned: The Great Divorce J.R.R. Tolkien Elizabeth Goudge Pilgrim’s Inn Wendell Barry Hannah Coulter Clark’s Shoes Connect with Sarah: website | instagram | facebook | twitter Connect with Emily: website I instagram I facebook I patreon Episode Sponsors: Brooklinen: get $20 off + free shipping with code SWP Prep Dish: get a free 2 week trial at prepdish.com/swp Audible: start your 30 day trial + 1 free book using the link or text “SWP” to 500500 Natural Red: get 15% off your order + free shipping on orders over $50 with code SWP Support the show: Patreon | Amazon Share the Struggle! If you've been encouraged, share this episode with a friend. The struggle is real. We might as well do this together! Do you love the Struggle Well Project? Please leave a review here!
As soon as we heard about her new release, Book Girl: A Journey through the Treasures and Transforming Power of a Reading Life, we knew that we needed to have a conversation with kindred spirit, Sarah Clarkson. Sarah is a writer, wife, mom to her own wee book girl, and student of theology. She blogs … Continue reading FoC 095: Transformed by Story with Sarah Clarkson →
Today I'm talking with author Sarah Clarkson, the daughter of Sally Clarkson, who we had on the show last year. Sarah's great and we hear the story of how she moved to London, went to Oxford, and met her Dutch husband. Then we chat about her new book, Book Girl: A Journey Through the Treasures and Transforming Power of a Reading Life. Sarah shares how we can develop imagination and a love of reading in our own lives, and she has tons of ideas for making reading engaging and enjoyable for our kids. Whether you read a hundred books a year or haven't cracked one open since school, listen in and lighten up! Links from the show: Check out Sarah's new book, Book Girl: A Journey Through the Treasures and Transforming Power of a Reading Life Find Sarah on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook Episode #54 with Sally Clarkson Taking a Hot Bath Burns as Many Calories as a 30-Minute Walk Faith, Hope, and Poetry Mariner David Copperfield Munich Thomas Merton Ready Player One Sherlock Holmes
Books, especially those that are well written and crafted, have power. If we allow, they can shape our thinking, mold how we see the world, and impact how we interact with others. When we read about true heroes, we learn how to become one. When we watch a character weather challenges, we find out what qualities are needed for to overcome. When we step into another's shoes, we gain compassion we did not have previously. In short, reading has the potential to literally change our lives. Sarah Clarkson, author of Book Girl, joins us to share how books have influenced the trajectory of her life, and how they invite beauty, strength, and belonging. The intelligence, insight, and depth Sarah brings to the discussion is, in itself, beautiful. If you have been one of those who has never been a reader, or who simply isn't taking the time in life to read, this will inspire you to dive in to good literature to equip you for life, and feed your heart and soul.
In this episode, Holly Packiam and Jaime Showmaker discuss the picture books chapter in Sarah Clarkson's book, Read for the Heart. The book describes how her parents, Clay and Sally Clarkson, decided that one of the primary gifts they would give their children would be a childhood shaped by great stories. Sarah writes from the perspective of one whose own heart, mind, and soul were formed by books, and in doing so, invites us into what she calls 'the reading life'. We share some of her picture book recommendations in this episode. But this is more than an invitation to get through a reading list; it's an invitation into a reading life. Topics Include: The value in reading good books to our children Reasons for choosing Read for the Heart as your #1 resource for children's book recommendations Hallmarks of a classic children's book Picture book recommendations from Read for the Heart
Most of us know that good storytelling captures our attention and impresses lessons on our hearts. The same is true for our children! The adventures, battles, victories, and resolutions whisper biblical truths that impact our children, often without them fully understanding how or why. In this episode, Emily and Laura share how stories can help us pass along the gospel and give examples of godly character to our children. A good story represents the Great Story, and wonderful tales laced with hope invite our children to know the greatest storyteller of all–God himself. RM APPLY QUESTIONS VIEW TRANSCRIPT Related Content: The Story of the Bible: How the Good News About Jesus Is Essential - Tim Keller, TGC Are Fairy Tales Just for Children? - Joe Rigney, Desiring God Finding the Gems Among the Rubbish: A Guide To Selecting Quality Children’s Literature, Part I - Laura Wifler: RM Co-Founder & Co-Host, Twin Cities Mom Blog Seeds of Faith, Awe and Wonder - Autumn Kern: RM Blog Editor, Rosemary & Thyme Three Objections to Fairy Tales and C. S. Lewis's Response - Joe Rigney, Desiring God Finding Truth in Our Fairy Tales - Kristen O'Neal, Relevant Magazine How to Choose Books for Children - Christel Humfrey, TGC How to Choose a Good Book for Children - Sally Clarkson Resources: 2017-2018 Liturgical Calendar Storyformed Podcast Sarah's List of Recommended Children's Literature - Sarah Clarkson, Whole Heart Ministries The Bible Story Handbook: A Resource for Teaching 175 Stories from the Bible - John H. Walton Honey for a Child's Heart - Gladys Hunt - A book on how and why to choose good books Orange Marmalade - Christian Book Reviews for Kids Under 12 Aslan's Library - Faith-based book reviews On Stories: And Other Essays on Literature - C.S. Lewis Live Like a Narnian - Joe Rigney - A good book for helping draw out truths from the books “Narniandiscipleship” as he calls it. Gospel Fluency: Speaking the Truths of Jesus into the Everyday Stuff of Life - Jeff Vanderstelt More From Risen Motherhood: Ep. 33: Intentional Motherhood Starts at Day 1 Ep. 67: 8 Reasons the Old Testament Should Matter to Moms For More: To subscribe: on iOS, go to our iTunes page and subscribe. On Android, click this podcast RSS feed link and select your podcast app. You may need to copy the link into your favorite podcast app (like Overcast or Stitcher). Leave an iTunes review. These are huge for us! The more reviews, the greater chance another mother will find us. Like Risen Motherhood on Facebook and follow on Instagram and Twitter for the latest updates and related information. Let us know your thoughts! We'd love to hear more about the conversations you're having. Shoot us an email, or find us on social media. Tell others. We truly hope this podcast fosters conversations and deeper discussions between mothers to seek the gospel in their daily activities - we'd be honored if you shared and encouraged others to listen in. *Affiliate links used where appropriate. Thanks for supporting this ministry!
This edition of Narrative features an interview from StoryCorps, an oral history project that collects the voices of our times. At the StoryCorps mobile booth in Columbia in 2016, Margaret Clarkson interviewed her uncle and mother about growing up in Georgetown, South Carolina. Both in their late eighties at the time of taping, Henry Bull Jr., who goes by Harry, and Sarah Clarkson, are two remaining siblings of a family of seven children. Here’s Sarah Clarkson with her recollections of their childhood.
In this episode of Refracted Reality, we're celebrating home. Hear from Sarah Clarkson as she discusses her book, The Lifegiving Home. Also we'll hear an audio essay from Lanier Ivester, "In Praise of the House Party." "In Praise of the House Party" was originally published on the Art House America Blog on December 20, 2013. http://www.arthouseamerica.com/blog/in-praise-of-the-house-party.html
(Scroll to bottom for the giveaway!) I am just so, so excited to be bringing to you today an interview with Sally and Sarah Clarkson! Now, If any of you know me at all, you know I love me some Sally! I have been reading her books for years and was absolutely delighted to get to have her and her... Read more... You just finished reading CTLP Episode 11- Creating a Lifegiving Home with Sally & Sarah Clarkson! Consider leaving a comment!
If you only listen to one episode of the Read-Aloud Revival podcast, let this one be it. This episode is the humdinger of them all, if I do say so myself. ;) I have been dying to talk to Sarah Clarkson since the Read-Aloud Revival was born! She's a busy student at Oxford, though, and it took a bit of finagling to get our schedules to play nicely together. Over the Christmas break we made it happen, and now I'm ready to share it with you! This episode is guaranteed to make your heart rate speed up and energize every single aspect of your read-aloud culture in your home. In this episode, you'll hear: why the Read-Aloud Revival existswhy it's so important to build your family culture around booksand what's really at stake Even as a young child, you begin to understand that your life is a narrative in which you have the power to live as a hero or a heroine, and that is formed through exposure to literature...." Click the play button below: More free resources & booklists Get the best episodes and reources from the Read-Aloud Revival Keep an eye on your inbox! We'll keep you posted whenever we have a new podcast episode or a great free booklist or resource for you. There was an error submitting your subscription. Please try again. Email Address I'd like to receive the free email course. Yes! Powered by ConvertKit /* Layout */ .ck_form.ck_minimal { /* divider image */ background: #f9f9f9; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 1.5em; overflow: hidden; color: #666; font-size: 16px; border: solid 1px #d1d1d1; -webkit-box-shadow: none; -moz-box-shadow: none; box-shadow: none; clear: both; margin: 20px 0px; text-align: center; } .ck_form.ck_minimal h3.ck_form_title { text-align: center; margin: 0px 0px 10px; font-size: 28px; } .ck_form.ck_minimal h4 { text-align: center; font-family: 'Open Sans', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; text-transform: uppercase; font-size: 18px; font-weight: normal; padding-top: 0px; margin-top: 0px; } .ck_form.ck_minimal p { padding: 0px; } .ck_form, .ck_form * { -webkit-box-sizing: border-box; -moz-box-sizing: border-box; box-sizing: border-box; } .ck_form.ck_minimal .ck_form_fields { width: 100%; float: left; padding: 5%; } /* Form fields */ .ck_errorArea { display: none; /* temporary */ } #ck_success_msg { padding: 10px 10px 0px; border: solid 1px #ddd; background: #eee; } .ck_form.ck_minimal input[type="text"], .ck_form.ck_minimal input[type="email"] { font-size: 18px; padding: 10px 8px; width: 68%; border: 1px solid #d6d6d6; /* stroke */ -moz-border-radius: 3px; -webkit-border-radius: 3px; border-radius: 3px; /* border radius */ background-color: #fff; /* layer fill content */ margin-bottom: 5px; height: auto; float: left; margin: 0px; margin-right: 2%; height: 42px; } .ck_form input[type="text"]:focus, .ck_form input[type="email"]:focus { outline: none; border-color: #aaa; } .ck_form.ck_minimal .ck_subscribe_button { width: 100%; color: #fff; margin: 0px; padding: 11px 0px; font-size: 18px; background: #6fc171; -moz-border-radius: 3px; -webkit-border-radius: 3px; border-radius: 3px; /* border radius */ cursor: pointer; border: none; text-shadow: none; width: 30%; float: left; height: 42px; } .ck_form.ck_minimal .ck_guarantee { color: #626262; font-size: 12px; text-align: center; padding: 15px 0px 0px; display: block; clear: both; } .ck_form .ck_powered_by { display: block; color: #aaa; font-size: 12px; } .ck_form .ck_powered_by:hover { display: block; color: #444; } .ck_converted_content { display: none; paddin...
From the Hutchmoot 2012 session entitled “The Art of Spiritual Subtext,” in which Sarah Clarkson and Lanier Ivester discuss the works of authors such as Elizabeth Goudge and Evelyn Waugh and the ways in which their faith interacts with the stories they tell. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.