The 100th episode!!! Seriously. How did that happen?
The goal of this podcast has always been to help women keep God in the center of their mothering/lives. And to remember they are in the center of God’s presence, in every moment.
Today’s podcast guest, Jen Clouse, successfully meets those goals. Making her the perfect 100th episode guest!
Jen focuses our eyes on the everyday gifts. Seeing them as glimpses of heaven’s glory here on earth. But she also reminds us that this is not our forever home.
Jen’s insightful perspective comes from a harsh reality. Her own mortality. Last December Jen was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer.
In this episode, Jen shares what she’s learned about heaven (from co-leading a study for 100+ women). She also gives a super practical way to figure out how you can help a friend in need. Jen reminds us mamas to hold our children loosely. To realize we have the privilege of partnering with God, but ultimately how our children “turn out” is up to him.
And this. . .
It’s hard in the crisis to build that support system. Invest in women’s lives now. Not because you’re going to need them in case you have cancer. But that the time invested in friendships, meaningful friendships is worth it.–Jen
My biggest take-away from our conversation is to view my “to do” list as a “get to do” list. What joy to get to pick up my boys from school, to get to serve them meals, and to get to put them to bed!
This holiday season may we all see our everyday in light of eternity. Be grateful for all our “get to”s. And invest in our sweet friendships.
AND . . .in honor of the 100th episode (and Christmas). . . and in conjunction with today’s episode theme. . .I’m giving away a copy of “Just Show Up” by Kara Tippetts and her friend Jill Lynn Butelyn:
To be entered to win just leave a comment below (Giveaway ends at midnight, Saturday, December 19th. GIVEAWAY HAS ENDED. Amy May, the winner, was notified via email).
I would love if you would say a prayer for Jen. Of course, feel free to write out a prayer in your comment below and I’ll make sure she sees it.
Connect with Jen:
What we chat about:
- Jen’s surprise engagement, surprise baby and surprise cancer diagnosis.
- Hope for the mom with chronic sickness/trauma/heartache.
- What Jen’s learned about how friends help well.
- The truths Jen gained from studying Heaven last summer.
- Lessons for all of us to hold our children loosely.
- Dealing with temper tantrums and other challenging behavior when mom is sick.
- The value of building strong friendships.
**Throughout the interview hear surprise messages from Jen’s friends: Jenn Dawkins, Molly Rhodes, Kay Wyma, Melanie Shankle and Amy Fisher (a.k.a. Gulley).
Links Mentioned:
- “Not to us, Lord, not to us but to your name be the glory, because of your love and faithfulness.” (Psalm 115:1)
- “Send me your light and your faithful care, let them lead me; let them bring me to your holy mountain,
to the place where you dwell.” (Psalm 43:3) - In Light of Eternity by Randy Alcorn
- “Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God.” (Colossians 3:2-3)
- Nobody’s Cuter than You by Melanie Shankle
- Just Show Up by Kara Tippetts & Jill Lynn Butelyn
How to listen to the podcast:
1.Listen on the blog. Click through to GodCenteredMom.com and click the play button at the beginning of this post.
2. Listen on your smartphone, iPad or iPod Touch – There are a lot of great podcasting apps. Apple has a free one (that I mentioned) in the app store, there is also one called Downcast. It allows you to search for shows, subscribe to them and even speed up the audio. If you don’t have an iDevice, you can listen via Stitcher.
Touching my heart as a believer, wife, mom and past onogolgy nurse and friend! I have desired to have this book since it was available for pre order. I’ve followed many cancer journeys as a nurse and followed Karas journey on her blog! I love this podcast and I have been given a new hunger for community and women’s ministy from God. And Oh Jen, may you always find God as your comfort and refuge!
Yet another amazing podcast. I can’t wait to listen and learn, and I would love to read this book. Jen, praying for you today. May the Lord continue to give you strength and complete healing.
Thank you so much for taking the time to do the podcast each week! Something my soul looks forward to every Monday. Wish they were everyday haha.
How amazing!
Thank you for this heartfelt podcast! I listened at work and now my make up is a mess! I was so blessed by Jen’s message. I will be praying for Jen, her family and her dear friends!
Oh, that bit about having children who trust rather than blindly obey… It got my attention big time, both as a mother and as a child of God. Jen is obviously full of wisdom and I am so thankful I was able to glean some of it today. Praying for both of you. Thank you for the podcast. Only by grace, Kelli
I cried all through this episode! Jen – thank you for sharing your story and for the reminder of so many truths. Loved your creative tips for helping a friend in need, from laundry to addressing Christmas cards, and the discussion on eternal perspectives and heaven. I pray you’ll continue to be surrounded by your sweet friends and feel the Lord’s presence so intimately in this season. Love to you.
So, so timely for me. Thank you for your hearts to serve by sharing your lives with us <3
I loved this podcast! It encouraged me (like Heather mentioned) to think of the normal things I do for my family as “get-to-do” rather than a chore that I have to complete each day. Sometimes it can seem overwhelming…all this taking care of little people…but this podcast gave me a new perspective. Thank you!
Lord thank you for your faithfulness, Thank you for being so present, continue to bless the Clouse family and giving them the courage and peace throughout this journey.
Please Lord give the Clouse family peace, happiness, and hope. Let them feel love and warmth of all of us thinking of them.
Amazing! I will remember to ask God what my talents are and how I can specifically use them to help a hurting friend! I will intention to be specific!
Just wow!
That was a great podcast! Thank you for sharing!!! So touching and inspiring.
Thank you so much for this podcast. I’ve followed Jen’s journey through Melanie’s blog and, subsequently, through Jen’s blog. She is constantly in my prayers.
Amy!! Congratulations!!! You are the winner of “just show up” by Kara Tippetts!! I’ll be sending you an email to get your address. yay!!!
I was so touched by this podcast. Jen, you are truly an inspiration to women in every season of life. May the Lord bless you and your family with comfort and peace.
What a blessing this podcast was to me this evening…being a military spouse, I am learning to “hold loosely” to my spouse, to our home, to the place we live…but when it comes to my kids…it’s such a hard, hard thing. So, thank you for the beautiful reminder that *this life is temporary* and our children our the Lords. Jen, we will probably never meet in person but you are a beautiful light on this earth, thank you for the beautiful woman that you are! I pray that until you join our Father in heaven that you are filled with joy and love here on earth.
I’ve followed Jen’s story since Melanie shared it on her blog. Can’t wait to hear her voice!
Whew- I’m still emotional from this. So encouraging and full of wisdom. I watched my mom walk through this with her close friend when I was in college, so I know how emotional and incredible it all can be. Thank you Jen for sharing your life, your words, and testimony. What an amazing woman you are! I am praying for you as you continue on, for your sweet boy- prayers for peace and joy. What a glorious day when you will all reunite in heaven- thank you for speaking words of encouragement
It was so great to hear Jen’s voice, since I feel like I ” know” her through Melanie’s blog and book. What inspiration and encouragement. Her words truly spoke to me to savor this temporary life. May God continue to bless her and her family.
Such a powerful message, especially this time of year. Thank you for having her on!!!
I have followed your blog, Jen, for a while now, thanks to Melanie, and have been praying for you ever since. The trust and faith and hope you share is beyond encouraging. Thank you for your steadfast testimony in your own sweet voice.
So, so thankful for this episode. Love and prayers going out to you, Jen, your family and community from Toronto, Canada! Congratulations Heather on your 100th episode! Your podcast continues to be a blessing in my life!
This episode has truly changed my thinking, my perspective and has enhanced my faith. I am forever grateful for how much these podcasts have truly made me a better servant in Christ, a wife, a mother and person in general! Thank you!
What a beautiful, inspiring message. I feel a sense of renewal and passion for my own life after listening to Jen. I selfishly want to be friends with her! My prayer for her, for Lincoln and for her husband is just simply peace, a peace that passes all understanding. I will continue to lift her up and I pray that this holiday season is rich with blessings and love for her. Thank you for sharing her with all of us!
Oh, my goodness! I never win anything so I’m definitely wish listing this book right now! The title was like a punch in the face. I am always telling my husband this is the kind of person I want to be! May the words “just let me know if there’s anything you need” ever cross my lips. I haven’t listened to this episode yet but I really feel like you’ve hit your stride! Every episode has been amazing. For like a long time.
Great episode as always. Listening to Jen truly made me think about my own life and how I view motherhood. God bless her! Thank you so much for being the encouragement I need each week!
Congrats, Heather, on your 100th episode! Thanks for continuing to bring us inspiring stories of God’s faithfulness in the gritty places of motherhood. Merry Christmas!
My favorite podcast yet! I was in tears. And I totally didn’t realize gulleys name is not gulley. earth shattered!
Great episode. Congrats on the 100th episode. Merry Christmas!
Love listening to your podcast & can’t wait to hear this episode!
And congratulations! Here’s to 100 more!
This was such a great way to celebrate your 100th podcast. It’s a reminder to all of us that life is precious and to steward each day we have been given. I took away so much from this but especially about being specific in how we offer help to a friend who needs help. I’ve already used that advice this week! Thank you so much for sharing your story Jen and thank you Heather for doing what you do every week. I SO look forward to your new podcasts even my Monday. I think you are right where God wants you. Keep up the great work!
Happy ! Thank you for sharing such a beautiful, heavenly perspective on life. You have truly been a blessing to me.
Found your site through Shaeffer’s site and have and will continue to pray for Jen. thanks for shAring great wisdom!
Praying for comfort and peace for Jen and her family and friends. Many thanks to Heather and Jen for sharing her story. Congratulations on your 100th episode, I look forward to the next 100!
Praying for Jen and her sweet boy. I loved this episode, and it has helped me to be more thankful.
I have listened to many podcasts but this one touched me like none other. Thank you Lord for Jen Clouse and this podcasts. Praying for you Jen.
Jennifer went to be with the Lord on August 9, 2016. She is now in Heaven and free of all pain. I am glad to call her my friend and classmate. Please keep Scott, Lincoln and the family in your prayers. See you when I get there.
WOW just what I was searching for. Came here by searching for legal sounds