Book Review and Giveaway: Dancing With My Father by Sally Clarkson

I read my first book by Sally Clarkson 4 years ago and immediately fell in love with her. I have recommended her book The Mission of Motherhood here on the blog, the message board and to many friends over the years. So you can imagine my excitement when I discovered that she has a blog over at I Take Joy. After connecting with her there, she gave me this awesome opportunity to not only review her newly released book but also give one away to one of my lucky readers!

I have so enjoyed her new book Dancing With My Father. In it Sally shows how God leads us into a life of grace and joy when we surrender to him and allow him to take the lead in the dance of life. “When dancers attempt to turn in different directions, there is no beauty, no synchronizing of movement. But when they learn to read each other’s movements and move as one body, there is beauty, a grace and a skill of step that grants the joy of unity and elegance to the dance.”pg.81

Do you ever feel out of step with God? Like your expectations of marriage or parenting have disappointed you and the joy you once had as a new Christian is faltering? As a homeschooling mom of 4 (3 are now grown) and a missionary who faced many hardships – Sally openly shares her heartaches and struggles that all women face.

“Joy is not found in performing for people or in doing all the right things for God. Nor is joy in the absence of difficulties or problems. Joy is found in the presence of God in the midst of all circumstances, in delighting in the life he has given.”pg.39

Do you ever just feel like you will be happy when…when you are married, when you have a baby, when your babies are out of diapers, when your husband makes more money, when, when, when… Sally openly shares “Not realizing it, I had built values in my heart and a foundation for a kingdom that was pretty much dependent on this world and on people rather than on God…I was reaching for all the things I thought would bring me joy instead of reaching for the true source of joy – God himself. Psalm 16:11 says, “In Your presence is fullness of joy; in Your right hand there are pleasures forever.”Pg.55

Sally gently beckons you as the reader to drop your burdens, place your hands in your heavenly father’s hands and allow Him to take the lead. It is so hard for women to put our burdens down and let God carry them for us. We want to do and fix everything to make this world just right. But God never intended for us to do a solo dance. He stands waiting each day in the morning for us to come to him in his word and prayer so that he can take the lead. Will you join the dance? One day we will see our heavenly father face to face – and trust me you WILL dance for joy!

If you are struggling in your walk with God and in finding joy on this fallen earth, I believe Sally’s book will be a huge inspiration and encouragement to you.

To enter to win a copy of this book wonderful book just leave a comment below and I will randomly choose a winner on Friday, February 26th!

Walk with the King!

121 Comments

  1. Courtney, I love your blogs! I am so glad you recommended this book. I really need to read this book. So many times we women do try to carry our burdens. Please enter me for the giveaway! Thanks again for all your blogs, they are so helpful and amazing!

    Ashleigh Rose

  2. Thanks for your blog today! I would LOVE to win this book for my friend who has had the most difficult time the past few years. This sounds just like what she needs and I'd love to be able to give it to her. I hope I win! Just recently found your blog and have loved every one! Thanks for the constant encouragement! 🙂
    Amy
    taprince(at)comcast(dot)net

  3. I am so very thankful that I found your blog. It is such an encouragement to me. I am going to go and purchase this book immediately this morning. I believe it might be the very thing I need.
    If you choose me as the recipient of the giveaway, then I would be blessed to share it with a very dear friend.
    Thanks again for all the wonderful things you share on here. I am really enjoying the proverbs 31 series.
    May the Lord continue to bless you on your journey

  4. I saw you on the LPM blog — participating in the book discussion and thought I'd pop over and say hello. What a great surprise to discover a chance to win what looks like a good read. I'd love to be entered in the giveaway! Thanks!

  5. What an absolutely beautiful book with a much needed topic! Please enter me in the drawing for it. I'd love to read it and pass it along as this topic needs to be read by everyone.

    Heatherj
    indigo52 at cox dot net

  6. Looks like a great book, thanks for the post. I LOVE the quote you mentioned about JOY – I quoted her on my facebook status! 🙂

  7. Based on the title of the book, I thought it would be about how our relationship with our earthy father coincides with our relationship with our heavenly dad. At least, that's the image I got when I read the title….me dancing with my earthy dad, (except that image is far from reality!) It's been a long journey to rise above the character of my earthly father and embrace my heavenly dad. Needless to say, I am learning to let my Father take the lead, even though submitting is new and contrary to my nature. This sounds like a good book…..certainly is a perfect illustration (dancing) to show how our walk with God can be beautiful and exciting if we can learn to trust Him and stop stepping on His toes!

  8. Feb 26 is my birthday….:) Thanks for your book review – it sounds great. I've never heard of the first book but will look out for it.
    Christie Blackwood

  9. Sounds like a beautiful book. I know of so many who could use a book like this, including myself:-) It would make a great gift to pass on to friends. In fact, regardless of the giveaway, I need to pick up a few copies to share. Have a wonderful weekend Courtney!
    Suzanne

  10. Loved the post!! I am going thew a very hard time in my life right now.. and sometimes it's very hard to remember to let God take the lead. 🙂 Thanks for the encouragement! and the reminder!! 🙂

  11. Oh, Sally Clarkson is one of my favorites and I am wanting to get this book so badly! 🙂 THanks for the chance to win, and have a wonderful weekend! 🙂

  12. Thanks so much for reviewing this book. I have come to really look forward to your blog posts. They really uplift my days.

  13. This book would be just what I need right now so I am entering. Thank you for being faithful to minister through your blog!

  14. I love Sally Clarkson's books and would love to win a copy of this book that I am looking forward to reading. What a great subject matter that I feel in need of!

  15. Love your blog Courtney; I have enjoyed the Proverbs 31 study very much.
    I would love to read this book, please enter me too!
    Stacey

  16. As a homeschooling mom of five girls, three of them now grown, I have been so encouraged through the years with Sally's books and conferences. The Lord has been teaching me lately that I need to cast all my burdens on him, and let him carry them for me. I can hardly wait to read Sally's new book, for sometimes I find it hard to find joy in my daily walk with the Lord. But I know he desires for me to walk in his abundance!
    Thanks for your words of encouragement through this blog.

    Joyce

  17. Hi. Just came across your blog this past week and have been so encouraged by your example. Look forward to reading your blog daily. Thanks also for the opportunity to win a book.

  18. Pick me, pick me!! I came over from Sally's blog to enter your giveaway and I think I might make some coffee and stay a while. 🙂 Looking forward to getting to know you better…time to read 🙂

  19. Thanks for this fun give away. I plan to purchase the book soon, but if I win, I will give it to a dear friend who could use the encouragement.

  20. so thankful that I found your blog through the LPM blog – I have watched several of your videos and am thankful for the bold way you share your faith – God is using you in a beautiful way –
    many blessings to you and your family –

    Allison – Montgomery, AL

  21. Glad to have happened upon your blog and the giveaway. I will be blessed by Sally this next weekend in Dallas!!! I can't wait.

  22. This book summary describes me to a tee. I need to read this book.
    I am a newcomer to your blog and have enjoyed reading and learning from you. Thank you for your many inspiring words and blessings.

  23. Courtney, Thank you for your love for the Lord and commitment to pointing others to Him. I'm sure I'd love this book if you did! Please enter me in the giveaway and have a blessed day! Love, Jenny C. email: orosco99@juno.com

  24. I would just like to say this is the very first time I have left a comment anywhere. My mother sent me your link two days ago and I am hooked! You have inspired me beyond what I could imagine. Your joy for life is so contagious. I am super excited to dig in deeper to God's word and I have actually been studying "the virtuous woman" myself. When I saw you were I was super excited about that too. Thanks for all you are doing on here it really touches people! I am a mother of three! I have an adopted son of 6, son 2, and a brand new baby girl that is the light of my life. I homeschool as well and am trying to get organized enough in my home to work on a schedule like you! thanks again. I would love to read this book it seems deeeeeevine! 🙂

  25. I would just like to say this is the very first time I have left a comment anywhere. My mother sent me your link two days ago and I am hooked! You have inspired me beyond what I could imagine. Your joy for life is so contagious. I am super excited to dig in deeper to God's word and I have actually been studying "the virtuous woman" myself. When I saw you were I was super excited about that too. Thanks for all you are doing on here it really touches people! I am a mother of three! I have an adopted son of 6, son 2, and a brand new baby girl that is the light of my life. I homeschool as well and am trying to get organized enough in my home to work on a schedule like you! thanks again. I would love to read this book it seems deeeeeevine! 🙂

  26. I would just like to say this is the very first time I have left a comment anywhere. My mother sent me your link two days ago and I am hooked! You have inspired me beyond what I could imagine. Your joy for life is so contagious. I am super excited to dig in deeper to God's word and I have actually been studying "the virtuous woman" myself. When I saw you were I was super excited about that too. Thanks for all you are doing on here it really touches people! I am a mother of three! I have an adopted son of 6, son 2, and a brand new baby girl that is the light of my life. I homeschool as well and am trying to get organized enough in my home to work on a schedule like you! thanks again. I would love to read this book it seems deeeeeevine! 🙂

  27. I would just like to say this is the very first time I have left a comment anywhere. My mother sent me your link two days ago and I am hooked! You have inspired me beyond what I could imagine. Your joy for life is so contagious. I am super excited to dig in deeper to God's word and I have actually been studying "the virtuous woman" myself. When I saw you were I was super excited about that too. Thanks for all you are doing on here it really touches people! I am a mother of three! I have an adopted son of 6, son 2, and a brand new baby girl that is the light of my life. I homeschool as well and am trying to get organized enough in my home to work on a schedule like you! thanks again. I would love to read this book it seems deeeeeevine! 🙂

  28. I cannot wait to read this book! I have read all of the Clarkson's books and they have blessed my family's life immensely!!!

  29. She is one of my all time favorite authors! I would LOVE a copy of this book! thank you for doing this! blessings, jen in al

  30. I just discovered Sally Clarkson thru my new Apologia catalog and that led me to her blog then to yours. I would LOVE to win this book! Thanks for sharing!!

  31. Sally is such a remarkable woman. I've learned much from her Mom's Heart Conference and her books. Thanks for this chance to win her book!

  32. This sounds like a book I need to read. It's been a rough last couple of years and I'm dragging. This book sounds like good medicine.

  33. Can't wait for this book to come out. Sally is a kindred spirit the Lord led me to a few years ago. Not having much support where I live, it has been a blessing to have this friend, whom I have never met, be such an encouragement. I'm glad to have just found your blog too! Great encouragment for those seeking to be the women God desires us to be.

    Julie Stevens
    tntitus2mom @ charter dot net

  34. I'm looking forward to reading this book whether i'm the lucky winner or not 🙂 Thank you for the recommendation and for the chance to win it!

    SwissMissCA at yahoo dot com

  35. Sally is my mentor. I don't know what I would do without her! Though I have never met her in person she has seen me through so much in my journey of motherhood and I am ever thankful for her!

    Shauna Lammiman

  36. Would love to win this book! I just found you a few days ago and have been so inspired. Can't wait to get to know you better.
    Thanks for the giveaway!

  37. I was just reading Sally's blog on my google blog reader and noticed she linked your blog and book give-away. I had to enter because I've been wanting to read this book, but now it looks like I've stumbled upon another great blog as well. Off to read!

  38. Just discovered your blog last week, LOVE IT!! I haven't heard of Sally Clarkson but this book sounds like something I've been searching for so if I don't win it, I'll be buying it soon! Thank you for shining so brightly for Jesus!

  39. I consider Sally an online mentor. She is a treasure beyond measure! I would be honored to win her book in your drawing.

  40. I have read two of Sally's books and hope to read this new one during my upcoming "babymoon". It's in my Amazon cart, but it would be great to win one instead!

  41. Hi, Courtney. Saw your blog through Sally's, and I'm enjoying all your posts. I just spoke on teaching little guys from a stay at home, home school perspective, and your blog would have been a great one to recommend. Praise God for your resolve with your blog.
    Blessings,
    Melinda in CO

  42. Ilove the encouragement Sally Clarkson gives mothers in her books, to nurture their children through the grace and strength of God.

  43. I'd love to win! I just went out to buy the book and it was out already! If I don't get a chance to win I'm for sure ordering! Thanks!

    Blessings to you,

    Camie

  44. I came here from Sally Clarkson's blog I Take Joy and would love to win a book of hers. Thanks for doing a giveaway!
    Kathleen Jaeger

  45. Thank you for this giveaway!! I just found you from Sally's blog… and have spent some time poking around on your blog – love it! In fact, I just ordered Elizabeth George's book – Life Management of a Busy Woman (I think that is the title) on your recommendation.
    Anyhow – I have now subscribed to your blog and look forward to all you have to share…
    Blessings,
    Jenni

  46. This book sound really good. Thanks for sharing and having a give a way!!
    If I don't win, I will for sure go buy the book. 🙂 I don't want to miss out on reading a book that can help me become closer to God.
    Thank you Courtney!!!

  47. Thankyou for the giveaway! I love to read your blog and am thankful for how you share your heart with so many women:) Blessings!
    Tara

  48. Wow I have heard this book is wonderful and you just reaffirmed that. Thank you for for the giveaway. It sounds like the next book I need to read. We are going through a lot of changes as a family and I think this would book would be helpful.
    Beth
    beth(at)thewilsonhouse(dot)net

  49. God's timing is perfect. Thank you for bringing this book to my attention. I have one specific Christian friend in mind that has been questioning God's joy. I'd love to win this book so that I could give it to her!

  50. I can't wait to read this book! (Please enter me in the contest!)This is one of my favorite blogs, I always get such encouragement from it…so thank you!!

  51. Sally's book, The Mission of Motherhood, is one of my all-time favorite books. I reread it several times a year. I would love to read her latest book. Thanks for including me in the drawing.

  52. We just finished the book in our Ladies Bible Study and are headed to the Dallas Conf!! I read it five years ago and still love her. I am excited in what this new book will bring!

  53. I am one of Sally Clarkson's biggestfans, and I could really use a huge dose of godly JOY right now! I'd LOVE to win a copy of this book! Thanks!! 🙂 Sara A.

  54. I recently found Sally's blog (just shortly prior to finding yours). She is SUCH an encouragement: gentle, tender, real and just what my soul longs for—finding JOY with Jesus!
    ~Kim

  55. What a wonderful blog (currently marking it among my faves). Uplifting and inspiring and perfect at redirecting me back to God. 🙂 That's the best! Would love to win this book by Sally Clarkson. WHen is your drawing? The title alone makes me smile. Reminds me of the TD Jakes book "Daddy loves his girls." I love books like this!

  56. I am new to your blog and so thankful Sally put a link on hers!!! I am a Mommy of 3 little ones, homeschooling for the first time this year and praying everday for God's grace and mercy as His sanctification transforms my heart. I just finished reading Mission to Motherhood and was thrilled to see Sally's new book, Dancing With My Father.

  57. Wow, another wonderful book from Sally Clarkson. I am so thankful to have found your blog. Funny how we all need support and encouragement and your blog is just that. God is using you for his kingdom in a powerful way. Thank you for your time and willingness to reach out to us and keep the focus on the Lord and our family. Blessing to you.
    Tinkerfamily

  58. I love the Clarkson books and have gleaned much from her wisdom. I hope I win so I can read this one too. Thanks for this giveaway

    Brenda

  59. If it's Gods will then I will be blessed. I am always blessed by Sally's books and I pray that God puts this book in my hands wetrher through this giveaway or another means.

    Love,
    Nettie

  60. Sounds like a great book! Would love to read it and then pass it on to an aunt that I know would love it.

  61. Sounds like a wonderful book to read. Thanks for the opportunity to win a copy! I so enjoy reading your blog when a free moment arises as a mother of 3 little ones.

  62. I am speech less. God is alive and real, working in the hearts and lives of His children. After being a Christian for years I had forgotten that life and joy are found in Him. He is slowly and gently like a loving Father calling me to dance with Him. To let Him lead is so difficult sometimes. Especially when you don't know where He is leading. I just need to remember Who I am with. My protector, my provider, my savor, God.

  63. Thank you for your blog! You are an amazing inspiration to me.
    I would love to win a copy of this book, thanks for the opportunity!!

  64. The paragraph about us being happy "when…" really struck home. I find myself waiting/wishing/hoping but not knowing what to do NOW! Thanks for the great words of encouragement. – Anna Laura

  65. I've just discovered your blog and am so glad I did. Thank you for your review of this book. I am just finishing up a study for my personal quiet time and will definitely be looking at this book as something to begin in the future. I am ready to experience joy in my Father no matter what the world throws at me.

  66. Hi there,
    I've been a christian for so long. I just kinda feel like I've been in the same place since high school. I'm your steady girl, don't rock the boat kind of girl. But I do want to go to a higher level in my walk with God because I know there's more, I know HE has better plans for me, He's just waiting for me to ask.

    Lisa V.

  67. Hi Courtney! I am new to your site and blog and I am so thankful to be here! I learned about you and your site from a friend on Facebook, to whom I am grateful. I really need this book, but I also pray that whomever needs it most wins it. Thank you so much again! God bless you richly, in Jesus' Mighty Name!

  68. Saw your contest from Sally's blog and wanted to enter the contest to win her new book. Thank you so much. Going to go look around your blog now. 🙂

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