Welcome to episode 033 of Mud Stories!
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Mud Stories is a podcast dedicated to bringing you inspiration in your muddiest moments, hope to make it through your mud, and encouragement for you to know, you are not alone.
In today’s episode I’m talking with Elizabeth Foss, wife to Mike and mom to nine children–ages six to twenty six–who resides in Northern Virginia with her family.
Elizabeth is a homeschooler, knitter, runner, family life columnist and writer for over 20 years, the author of two books, and she blogs regularly about all things at the heart of her home.
Elizabeth finds the charm, wonder, and the cacophony of big family imperfection to be great inspiration as she strives to meet the challenges of daily life with creativity and grace.
And Elizabeth has been through some challenging mud. From her early years as the child of an alcoholic mother, to her own cancer diagnosis at age twenty-four, to unexpected C-sections, a high risk pregnancy, fear, burnout and even depression.
In this episode Elizabeth and I discuss:
- Her cancer diagnosis at age 24
- And the hard journey through chemo and radiation
- The unexpected complications of pregnancy
- C-sections, preemies, and being predisposed to depression
- How crisis can solidify a marriage
- And her come-to-Jesus turning point
We talk about:
- Our mutual love for Amy Grant, back in the days when a Walkman was popular
- And the power of music to minister and heal our hearts
Through Elizabeth’s story, together we explore:
- Our need to relinquish control in the midst of hard things,
- Our need to surrender again and again
- How control is an illusion
- And the process of facing fear during and after suffering
Mud Stories 033: The faithfulness of God gives us power to conquer our fear. ~@elizabethfoss [Tweet that]
And after you listen, I’d be SO grateful if you’d take the time to give a rating or review over at iTunes, to help others find this podcast. (follow the instructions below) Enjoy!
SCRIPTURE:
Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion?
Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life.
I’ll show you how to take a real rest.
Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it.
Learn the unforced rhythms of grace.
I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you.
Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.
Matthew 11:28-30 (MSG)
CONNECT with Elizabeth:
Elizabeth’s Website: elizabethfoss.com
Social Media:
The Restore Workshop:
Have questions about Restore?
Elizabeth answers FAQ’s HERE
Register for The Restore Workshop HERE
(through April 12, 2015)
LINKS:
- Real Learning: Education in the Heart of the Home
, by Elizabeth Foss
- Small Steps for Catholic Moms: Your Daily Call to Think, Pray, and Act
, by Elizabeth Foss
- Kuykenstrong Foundation
- Article about Shawn Kuykenstrong, by Mike Foss
- Amy Grant
{For email subscribers: To watch this video, click HERE}
So Glad
Written by, Chris Christian, Brown Bannister, Amy Grant
I had laid some mighty plans
Thought I held them in my hands
Then my world began to crumble all away
I tried to build it back again
I couldn’t bear to see it end
How it hurt to know You wanted it that way
Chorus:
And I’m so glad, glad to find the reason
That I’m happy-sad that You’ve torn it all away
And I’m so glad, though it hurts to know I’m leaving
Everything I ever thought that I would be
Once I held it in my hand
It was a kingdom made of sand
But now you’ve blown it all away
I can’t believe that I can say that I’m glad
Long before my plans were made
I know a master plan was laid
With a power that superceded my control
And if that truth could pierce my heart
I wouldn’t wander from the start
Trying desperately to make it on my own
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So looking forward to listening to this podcast with Elizabeth.