Mom Heart Moments: Daily Devotions for Lifegiving Motherhood

by Sally Clarkson

Beloved author Sally Clarkson shares her heart and wisdom for mothers―and offers hope for each day.
A mother living well in her God-ordained role is of great beauty and inestimable value to the future history of any generation. Her impact is irreplaceable and necessary to the spiritual formation of children who will be the adults of the next generation. Fun, comfort, humor, graciousness, spiritual passion, compassion for the lost, hospitality, chores, meals, training, life-giving words, hours and hours of listening and playing and praying and reading―all are parts of the mosaic of soul development.

Spend the year with Mom Heart Moments, the first devotional by beloved author Sally Clarkson, and discover how as a mother you can draw closer to the heart of God. In a world constantly vying for our attention, it can be easy to get caught up in the chaos. Each day of this beautiful devotional offers encouragement and direction to become the mother God has called you to be.

Genres: Parenting, Christian, Devotional, Nonfiction, Faith, Christian Living, Theology

380 pages, Hardcover

Published April 9, 2024

About the author

From working on college campuses, to sharing the Gospel behind the Iron Curtain as a missionary, traveling around the United States, Canada, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Australia to speak on discipleship, Sally Clarkson has tenaciously sought after God's kingdom, and has used her ministry to encourage others to do the same. From her best-selling books such as Own Your Life, Desperate (with Sarah Mae), and her latest, The Lifegiving Home, Sally has shared from her heart and home about the value of motherhood and the potential for home to cultivate life, love, and faith. In 1995, She and her husband Clay founded Whole Heart Ministries, which has encouraged thousands of families around the world in discipling their children

Reviews

[Julia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very encouraging.

[Gabrielle Houweling · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would definitely call this more a book of "mom encouragements" rather than a devotional. This was full of biblical reminders and personal experiences from the author which were often encouraging, and I enjoyed reading it throughout the year. But if I were to rate this as a God-centered devotional it would only get 1 ⭐. The focus of the whole book is you as a mother

[Tara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful compilation of encouragement and inspiration for mothers. I’ve loved Sally’s voice and principles since I started listening to her podcast, but some of her books have been a little hard to follow or stick with. This devotional may be her best genre: a whole year’s worth of short, distilled Sally principles, with Bible verse and reflection question for each day. I plan to repeat this one next year, and it would be a great gift for any mom.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everything Sally writes is encouraging and uplifting, sometimes it's a gentle reminder, and sometimes it's a little more firm reminder we have to act on our best intentions. This year of reading these devotions was just lovely, a balm to my soul. Definitely recommend, and I may come back to it another year!

[Katheryn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every busy mom yearns for that daily encouragement and quiet time only to find it fleeting in order to meet a need of a little one. This Lifegiving daily devotional has daily inspiration in manageable and nourishing chunks that are sure to nourish the soul in a small amount of time. This a great gift to give teachers, new mothers, and all mothers!

[Stephanie Bammes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Huge fan of Sally’s podcast and several other books. I enjoyed this small daily dose in the mornings to keep my parenting ideals in the forefront of my mind and not give up. Sally has been such an encouragement to me as a mom.

[Cindy Gornto · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this devotional so much. Sally has a unique way of touching my heart as a mother and a woman. Her shared experiences as a mother of four were encouraging and inspiring. I looked forward to reading this every day.

[Amanda Schneider · Rating 5 out of 5]

I so enjoyed reading this over the past year. I will probably continue to dip into it here and there because Sally’s words regularly lifted my heart right when I needed it. She touches on so many facets of motherhood, faith, life, ministry... I count her top among my written mentors.

[Kamren Dykes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great devotion for moms!

[Bailey T. Hurley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book speaks directly to the challenges I experience as a mother. And it speaks to a variety of seasons of motherhood as Sally herself has walked through it all. Really impressed with this motherhood devotional

[Charlene Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best devotional books for mothers! So inspiring and life giving!

[Jenny Hartfelder · Rating 5 out of 5]

I haven't read every entry, but it's a book I keep by my bedside for regular encouragement in this journey of motherhood. I'm never disappointed.

[Tuesdayschild · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'd read most of the book, partway through November's pages, and decided to go ahead and pen a review before I had absolutely finished the whole book, just encase others were thinking of purchasing it as gift for themself, or others, for Christmas and wanted a review from someone who has read more than a sample.
I liked the printed book so much I purchased one for a friend partway through the year for her birthday, and a kindle version for myself. (The kindle version makes it easier for me to highlight and archive liked portions).

My children are young adults, yet I felt encouraged and challenged not only as their mum, but as a woman, a wife, a friend, a sister. This devotional made for comforting reading during much of 2020. I didn't read it daily, choosing instead to read a few 'days' at a go.

Here are a few of my highlighted excepts:
"God showed me over many years that I am responsible for crafting a life in which I can last long-term with joy, so I can maintain the ideals I have established for myself. It is not a luxury; it is a necessity."

"it is to the honor of a godly woman, in the presence of her family and friends, to mount the walls in her life with joy that comes from obedience; with strength that comes from trusting God; and with beauty that comes from choosing to believe in God’s goodness and light in the midst of darkness. What walls do you face today that will require determination? Which walls ask for your acceptance? Which walls must be struggled against even though there appears to be no possible way of victory? By your God, you can leap over the walls you face."

"Faith is a willingness to sit in the tension of a place with no answers, while saying in our heart, “I will hold fast even when I don’t see or know or understand.”

"Lean into the process of life. Live beyond what you think is presently possible. Keep praying and believing and loving and disciplining."

I'm not sure why I didn't appreciate Decembers reading as much as previous months .... maybe (?) because Sally & I hold different beliefs about the Godhead, and, Mary (no big deal, I just navigate around things like that) or it might be that 2020 has been a doozy of a year that is rushing towards the Christmas things she is talking about in these pages; added to that, I haven't been taking the time to sit quietly reflecting over Decembers readings as I've done during other months……so, I'm still gifting it the 5* I felt it deserved during November.

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have been blessed to read a preview of this book and I can’t wait to finish!This book is full of words of wisdom, support, and encouragement. You don’t feel preached to or advised, but rather that you are talking to someone who has gone before and is there to hold your hand and remind you that Jesus is always there with you too.

[Brittany · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am by no means legalistically dedicated to using this every day, but I do keep it out where I'm able to pick it up and I often do read it. If you like Sally Clarkson, you'll love this devotion.

[Melanie Henderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Based on the prereleased selections I was privlaged to read, I would highly recommend this devotional to busy mothers in desperate need of a moment with their sweet Savior. As a mother of two young children (3 and 1 years old), I have a hard time finding a devotional that fits my season of motherhood. Sally's reflections are the perfect length, without skimping on meaningful or thought provoking content. The scripture selections really prepared me to face my day with a gospel perspective. I also love this devotional as a companion to Sally's blog and podcast, which I also read and listen to weekly. If we are all really honest, rarely are our quiet times ever really "quiet." But that doesn't mean that it isn't crucial to us as Christians to spend that precious time with God. This devotional is a great tool to make sure you carve out that time. In closing, I just want to say that when I read Sally's words I feel like I am sitting down for a cup of coffee with a wise and loving mentor/friend. Her reflections are honest and her advice is helpful. She is not self - righteous and is very vulnerable. As a mother of four children and a wife, she admits that she makes mistakes, but she always turns to her Bible and Christ for guidance.

[Willow · Rating 4 out of 5]

Throughout this devotional, it's been easy to vaccillate between hopeful and depressed. Some days I really felt encouraged by the verses and thoughts featured, and others, felt like a giant failure with all my shortcomings blaring in contrast to her beautiful descriptions.

But recognizing that ideals are sometimes not realistic (especially in certain seasons of life), and that each of us is a unique individual with a unique family, helped me to draw forth the elements of this that were needed--the things to pursue, the things to let go, the character traits to develop, the Scriptural truths to remember and live out.

It was good to find the days where she shared her struggles and hard times, too. I needed the perfect-looking days to be tempered with those raw, hurting days. Inspiration, aspiration, commiseration--this devotional had all three. Best of all, she points us back to Christ.

[Mandy C. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been so Blessed! I was introduced to Sally Clarksons Book Girls Club over the summer. The experience change my life! Since then I’ve been reading whatever I can get my hands on from Sally including a prereleases of this great book! I Love the way Sally writes - you can really feel her love and compassion coming through each page. Sally is full of wisdom and has become a great mentor to me in this season - These pages have really helped me to pray for my children in a way I’ve never thought to pray for them before. She’s really helped me to realize that these are the best days of my life! Thank you Sally for taking the time to write this to encourage and inspire us moms out there to be who we were meant to be. I highly recommend this and any book from Sally for that matter! You will be Blessed!

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every mom needs to have a copy of this devotional by her bedside or in the car or anywhere convenient to her for a bit of encouragement throughout the day! I have started reading it and every single devotional is relevant to mothers and ever so encouraging and convicting. Motherhood is so busy and doesn't leave a lot of spare time but this book is perfect for picking it up to get a bit of God's Word and some exhortation to keep us encouraged in our mothering journey. Sally is so good at giving just wonderful one liners like this: "Discipleship must be very intentional. It must be a daily, moment
by moment endeavor. It is a way of life. " Great thoughts to chew on throughout the day! Such a wonderful treasure of a book to keep me encouraged all year!

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sally Clarkson is a wife and mother, who raised her 4 children to love God. This is such a great devotional book that'll encourage moms everyday for an entire year. I love that each devotion is one page in length yet packed with so much wisdom and love based on God's word. Her writing speaks to me as if I am sitting across the table from her with a cup of tea. All moms need this devotional that will truly speak to your mom heart. You will be blessed through her stories and inspiration that will guide you to embrace your motherhood journey. I highly recommend this book! I also enjoy Sally Clarkson's podcasts aired each Tuesday that are so down to earth and lifegiving!

[Kenzie Mitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was able to preview a selection of this devotional and its already brought so much life to my heart as a young mother. Each page has the day of the year its meant to be read, a verse of scripture, a beautiful piece written by Sally and a simple question to ponder. Mothering is hard, Sally Clarkson is always pointing me back to my Maker and teaches me how to cling to what is true, even in the trenches. Thank you for this book Sally, I can't wait to gift this is any new or seasoned mama needing some love and encouragement.

[Emilie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Busy moms need this book.

There are days when reading my Bible just doesn't happen. And this book, though no replacement for studying the Bible, is a great tool to help you refocus your mind as a mom. Grab it when you can during the day to give your mind something to consider as a mom without wearing you out. Sally is like a personal mentor in this book and I always walk away thinking about how I can be a better mom, without feeling guilty for failing in the past.

I honestly don't know where I would be without Sally's influence in my motherhood. Thank you, Sally!

[Candice Kerchner Lucik · Rating 5 out of 5]

A quick but of scripture to start or end your day, when you just don't have time for anything else. Each day is thought provoking and a great segways to reading your bible. So often, with little kids and so many responsibilities, I find myself being pulled away from my disciplines and quiet time with the Lord. This book helps keep me connected with God and centered on Christ, even when I feel like I have nothing left to give. You can always find 5 minutes in your day, to pour a little truth in your heart! Sally does a great job helping with that!

[Aisha Sy-Santos · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great start of the day devotional

Really blessed by this devotional. It’s concise and doesn’t take much time to read but definitely impactful and powerful. There were a couple of times that I shared the devotional with my husband and we both agree how beautiful the insights and reflection that the topics discussed brings us. From being a woman of faith, to family, to child rearing, young adult and adult children Will read this again for this year ☺️ May the Clarkson family continue to be sensitive to what the Lord them to do to be a light in this world ❤️

[Danielle Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the most encouraging and practical daily devotion books I’ve read. Sally Clarkson’s writing is so beautiful and inspiring, but she shares her weaknesses too, to show you how and where she needs Christ in her own life. But I love how she keeps pointing to Jesus and holding herself and us to a higher standard as we follow Him. She’s lived a lot of interesting places and done a lot in ministry, so she has no lack of stories and anecdotes. Definitely recommend for any Christian mom needing encouragement and guidance.

[Doreen Rex · Rating 5 out of 5]

Based on the prerelease excerpts I’ve been privileged enough to have read, this is an excellent resource. Beautifully written and packed with encouragement for busy and even the wearied momma hearts. As a special needs parent, encouragement and a reminder that I am not alone, are as food to the body. These passages and thought provoking questions gently urge us to discover our own paths to peace. Every reader will be blessed.

[Hannah Mcaliney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sally Clarkson, is my mentor whom I’ve never met! Her wisdom and compassion for mothers is so rare in our society, and truthfully her encouragement has saved my motherhood. And she DOES IT AGAIN with Mom Heart Moments! If you are looking for a beautifully written nugget of truth and hope through your day as a busy mom- as well as a quick scripture to ponder...get this devotional! I’m so thankful it was written! ❤️😀

[Cheena Maity · Rating 5 out of 5]

Based on the selection I previewed, this is a book that I recommend to all mother's. It is a refreshing, daily dose of "YOU time" to spend with the Lord. The hook is filled with encouraging thoughts from Sally, direct words from the Lord, as well as creative and intentional ideas to lead your family closer to God. It is encouraging, joyful, and fills up your cup so you may continue to serve your family. Perfect for any mother of any age!

[Robyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Based on the samples that I was blessed to read, Sally is like a dear friend and biggest motherhood encourager. She doesn’t fail to help guide your heart back to the importance of serving the Lord during the everyday mothering. Sally gently reminds us and gives beautiful ways of how to better connect with our children during the many moments we are with them. Intentional and loving are her words.

[Kayla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Refreshing on the days I'm running on empty, Sally Clarkson reminds me of the big picture. Today fits into the big picture. It's not just about the future being the big picture, but the right here, right now. Even Mama taking some time to refuel is big-picture thinking. I loved opening this book and being reminded of truth and that hard days are worth getting through instead of giving up. Keeping it on my shelf to reread!