The LifeGiving Table by Sally Clarkson -- my REVIEW

We probably all long for the peaceful, lighthearted, inviting meal pictured on the front of this lovely book, The LifeGiving Table by Sally Clarkson.  Am I right?  I look at that and just feel like that's a dinner that I would like to be invited to!

Sally Clarkson's lovely book gives you that same feeling, a longing to have a table-life like she and her family do.  The subtitle of the book is, "Nurturing faith through feasting, one meal at a time."  

Throughout the book, the author describes how she has utilized mealtimes (and snack/tea times) as opportunities for sharing her life, wisdom, and faith with others.  She shares abundantly with her family and children as well as with others she comes into contact with.  

One of the purposes of this book is to encourage the readers to use meals/mealtimes as opportunities for service.  Serving others through offering food, conversation, encouragement, and more.  There are practical tips for how to make a welcoming space and a welcoming attitude.  There are illustrations of how meals have been used in different settings.  Family traditions are explained.  Ways of encouraging others are laid out.  Delicious-sounding recipes are included!

I enjoyed this book, in a "wishing that were my case" way.  I'm not sure if I can quite explain how I felt reading it, it was kind of a fairy tale of a book for me.  I don't mean to say that I thought it wasn't true, no, not at all...I know that people DO live like that.  I applaud her service and sharing her life and the Gospel through her hospitality.  It is just hard for me to imagine how I could live up to this ideal.  One thing is that I think it helps if both husband and wife want to serve in this way. Otherwise, it is . . .difficult.  I also felt like we maybe don't measure up to her standards.  I do know that I can serve through meals, but my meals and setting would be different. My days are filled with homeschooling, loving, and growing my three teenagers into Christ-following, God-fearing, kind, responsible adults. I think maybe we (my family) just aren't up to her economic level, but truthfully that doesn't matter so much.  We do what we are called to do, we live as we are called to live.  As I read this, I needed the reminder from Scripture, " Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have..." Hebrews 13:5a (KJV)  But I think that her portrayal is beautiful, and brings out a longing in me.  Even though I wouldn't do things exactly the same way, I can be inspired by her life and live for Christ through mine.  

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”