The Brilliant Pause

Has life lost its fervor? Do you feel like something's missing, but you aren't sure what it is? Do you feel disconnected from what brings you joy? 

In season 4, become a Jedi of Attentiveness. In this episode, you'll learn a mindset that cultivates awareness for where you spend your time, showing its direct impact on how you experience joy.

It's time to consider: Are you sleepwalking through life or are you truly living? Or as William Wallace in Braveheart said, "Every man dies. Not every man really lives."

Subscribe to The Brilliant Pause podcast for reminders to slow down, take a breath and shift your focus to what matters so YOU CAN LOVE THIS LIFE YOU LIVE.

In Season 4, we'll focus on becoming Jedis of Attentiveness so we can experience more freedom and joy, greater connection with ourselves, those around us and with the life force known as God.

Our Jedi training today hones in on a strategy that will help you in times of waiting. It'll also shake-up what you might be waiting to see or experience this Christmas.

In this podcast, every season is different, reflecting what I (your host, Jessie) have been learning through five years of practicing morning meditation and understanding what it truly means to be still and know myself and God.

So remember to pause, breathe and BE HERE. 'Cuz YOU. ARE. WORTH IT.

If you're thirsty for SOMETHING MORE THAN RELIGION and want to know God in a deeper way, you'll love this organic conversation with Mike Labrum, who is a Pastor and Spiritual Director. And if you're thinking, what the heck is spiritual direction?...you're in the right place. Get cozy, take a deep breath and brace yourself for another candid conversation about how God calls us to new places in our faith journeys.

For more information about Mike and his work as a spiritual director, visit his website: www.deeperwalksd.org. Deeper Walk is a non-profit that helps people discern the voice of God and discover their Christ-given identity. 

And if you want to get in touch with me (the host), my website is under construction so email me at elenbaasjessie@gmail.com. Blessings to you, my friend, as you remember to take a BRILLIANT PAUSE each day.

In this insightful interview, Melissa Robertson takes listeners on her journey from conservative Christianity to an inclusive, evolving faith. With her extensive repertoire of reading, Melissa paints a refreshing picture of feminism and shares why she thinks Jesus was a feminist. We also discuss the BEAUTY of CHANGE and why it is necessary for the church.

She also mentions a few authors whose books have been life-changing for her. Those authors are: Anne Lamott, Rachel Held Evans, Kate Bowler, Bell Hooks, Kaitlin Curtice, Ross Gay and Sue Monk Kidd. 

My website is under construction. Questions? Send me an email: elenbaasjessie@gmail.com 

Remember to slow down, take a breath and shift your focus to what matters so you can LOVE THIS LIFE YOU LIVE!

In this vulnerable conversation about what it means to live authentically and find purpose, Shane Rossow opens up about his evolving faith journey and how it shaped his lens of being gay. Shane provides encouragement to both kids and parents who might be struggling with what to do once a family member comes out. We discuss how messages from faith followers either hider or help someone's views about God in that process. 

Note from interviewer, Jessie Elenbaas: This interview brought me to tears. I knew in my soul that it was a conversation that needed to "come out." Thank you for listening with an open heart and a lens of LOVE. 

Reflecting on the four stages of uncertainty, artist Teresa Elenbaas opens up about the importance of CREATIVITY in the midst of CHAOS and DESERT seasons. In a vulnerable discussion of the healing benefits of creativity, you'll come away feeling INSPIRED to create and see that it's never a waste of time. 

Check out Teresa's soulful abstract art at www.teresaelenbaas.com and watch her creative process unfold by following her on Instagram @teresaelenbaasart. 

How does listening impact true understanding and decision-making? What does it mean to live in the freedom of God, even with our identity? What is the "door" before joy, really? And in the epilogue, I'll give you a metaphor for uncertainty that can help whenever you stand at your next crossroads. 

These questions and more will be explored in the FINAL episode of The Door Before Joy, a true story about a career transition that turned into a faith journey through uncertainty. 

After the epilogue, I'll tell you what to expect next. And you won't want to miss the song at the end! If you have any questions or feedback about this story, email the host/author at elenbaasjessie@gmail.com. 

It's been my pleasure reading to you in season 3. If you've enjoyed the story, please pass it along to your friends and family. Leave a review on I-Tunes. And don't forget to take a PAUSE today. You. Are. Worth it!

Why is going back to the basics of faith important? How can flaws become beautiful?  And how does listening for Jesus's voice impact making decisions?

These questions and more are explored in Chapters 35-37 of The Door Before Joy, the story we are reading in season 3. It's a true story about the role uncertainty plays in the life of faith when stuck in the midst of transition and waiting. We explore FOUR STAGES of UNCERTAINTY that lead to spiritual awakening.

This story will resonate most with striving-achievers and mothers juggling work-life-family decisions as well as anyone feeling burnt out on religion and wondering what shape faith takes when life doesn't make sense.

Questions or comments? Email the author and podcast host, Jessie, at elenbaasjessie@gmail.com. Remember to take a pause today. YOU ARE WORTH IT!

This season falls into the category of story-telling, spiritual formation, HOPE and renewal.

How did the beginning of the pandemic spark insight into four stages of uncertainty? What light shines brightest in darkness? And what show prompted a total rethink of Jesus's role in a faith journey. 

This and more will be discussed in CH 32-34 of The Door Before Joy, a faith journey through uncertainty, which we are reading like an audio book for season 3. 

This podcast is for busy humans who need a gentle reminder to slow down and be present. Season 3 will resonate most with moms struggling with work-family decision fatigue as well as those feeling burnt out on religion and needing spiritual renewal. 

In the story we are reading, I discovered four stages of uncertainty while searching for purpose and meaning during a prolonged career transition. I also discovered what my faith meant to me. I hope my experience encourages you wherever you are in your journey (and in moments of uncertainty).

What can a different "call" look like? What's the benefit of remembering when it comes to taking steps in an unknown direction? And what does it mean to live in the FREEDOM of GOD?

These are a few questions that arise in Chapters 29-31 of The Door Before Joy, which is a true story about journeying through uncertainty that we're listening to like an audio book in season 3. In this story, I present four stages of uncertainty that I discovered while searching for purpose and meaning during a prolonged career transition.

Striving-achievers and moms/parents juggling work and family will relate most to my plight. I hope to encourage you in your faith journey, especially when life doesn't make sense or go the way you planned.  FOLLOW & SUBSCRIBE to this podcast so you can stay up to date when new episodes are released.

This season falls into the category of story-telling, spiritual formation, HOPE and renewal.

How does a story about JOY start in frustration? What did the end of 2019 bring? What is the moment that presents the door? And what is required to walk through it?

These are the concluding chapters in the DESERT stage of The Door Before Joy- a true story about journeying through uncertainty, where faith is brought to the ultimate test.

In this audio book season of this podcast, I explore four stages of uncertainty that I discovered while searching for purpose and meaning during a prolonged career transition. I hope to encourage you in your faith journey, especially when life doesn't make sense or go the way you planned. 

FOLLOW & SUBSCRIBE to this podcast so you can stay up to date when new episodes are released.

Striving-achievers and moms/parents juggling work and family will relate to my plight. And those seeking a closer walk with God will hopefully come away feeling renewed with peace and wonder.

This season falls into the category of story-telling, spiritual formation, HOPE and renewal.

Why the conundrum with church? What's so important about the MIDDLE of anything? And what to do when God isn't giving you what you ask for? These are a few of that arise during Chapters 22-24 of The Door Before Joy, which is a true story about journeying through uncertainty that I am reading like an audio book for season 3.

In this story, I explore four stages of uncertainty that I discovered while searching for purpose and meaning during a prolonged career transition. I hope to encourage you in your faith journey, especially when life doesn't make sense or go the way you planned. FOLLOW & SUBSCRIBE to this podcast so you can stay up to date when new episodes are released.

Striving-achievers and moms/parents juggling work and family will relate to my plight. And those seeking a closer walk with God will hopefully come away feeling renewed with peace and wonder.

This season falls into the category of story-telling, spiritual formation, HOPE and renewal.

How is waiting in faith like Halloween? Why the great expectations for turning 40? And what's the benefit of taking something apart? 

These are some of the questions we ponder in this episode, which introduces stage three of the journey. 

In The Door Before Joy, I take you through four stages of uncertainty that I discovered while searching for purpose and meaning during a prolonged career transition. I hope to encourage you in your faith journey, especially when life doesn't make sense or go the way you planned. FOLLOW & SUBSCRIBE to this podcast so you can stay up to date when new episodes are released.

Striving-achievers and moms/parents juggling work and family will relate to my plight. And those seeking a closer walk with God will come away feeling renewed with peace and wonder.

This season falls into the category of story-telling, spiritual formation, HOPE and renewal.

True Rest. Where to find it? And how did this podcast begin? These and other silver linings will be explored in Chapters 16-18 of The Door Before Joy, which is a true story about journeying through uncertainty that I am reading like an audio book for season 3.

In this story, I discover four stages of uncertainty while searching for purpose and meaning during a prolonged career transition. I hope to encourage you in your faith journey, especially when life doesn't make sense or go the way you planned. FOLLOW & SUBSCRIBE to this podcast so you can stay up to date when new episodes are released.

Striving-achievers and moms/parents juggling work and family will relate to my plight. And those seeking a closer walk with God will hopefully come away feeling renewed with peace and wonder.

This season falls into the category of story-telling, spiritual formation, HOPE and renewal.

Leaving a career and plunging into the unknown comes with new rhythms--the good, the bad and the surprising--as questions of what gives IDENTITY and PURPOSE emerge. And is it possible to encounter God in a new, intimate way?

These and other silver linings will be explored in Chapters 13-15 of The Door Before Joy, which is a true story about journeying through uncertainty that I am reading like an audio book for season 3.

In this story, I discovered four stages of uncertainty while searching for purpose and meaning during a prolonged career transition. I hope to encourage you in your faith journey, especially when life doesn't make sense or go the way you planned. FOLLOW & SUBSCRIBE to this podcast so you can stay up to date when new episodes are released.

Striving-achievers and moms/parents juggling work and family responsibilities will relate to my plight. And those seeking a closer walk with God will hopefully come away feeling renewed with peace and wonder.

This season falls into the category of story-telling, spiritual formation, HOPE and renewal.

How does a life-long "Christian" connect with God in a new way? And when leaving a cherished career, what is the true treasure? These and other silver linings will be explored in Chapters 10-12 of The Door Before Joy, which is a true story about journeying through uncertainty that I am reading like an audio book for season 3.

In this story, I discover four stages of uncertainty while searching for purpose and meaning during a prolonged career transition. I hope to encourage you in your faith journey, especially when life doesn't make sense or go the way you planned. FOLLOW & SUBSCRIBE to this podcast so you can stay up to date when new episodes are released.

Striving-achievers and moms/parents juggling work and family will relate to my plight. And those seeking a closer walk with God will hopefully come away feeling renewed with peace and wonder.

This season falls into the category of story-telling, spiritual formation, HOPE and renewal.

Do you wear FAITH GLASSES that your parents gave you or do you see things differently?  Who are the "thirsty people?" And what kinds of seeds come from family?

These and other silver linings will be explored in Chapters 7-9 of The Door Before Joy, which is a true story about journeying through uncertainty that I am reading like an audio book for season 3.

In this story, I discover four stages of uncertainty while searching for purpose and meaning during a prolonged career transition. I hope to encourage you in your faith journey, especially when life doesn't make sense or go the way you planned. FOLLOW & SUBSCRIBE to this podcast so you can stay up to date when new episodes are released.

Striving-achievers and moms/parents juggling work and family responsibilities will relate to my plight. And those seeking a closer walk with God will hopefully come away feeling renewed with peace and wonder.

This season falls into the category of story-telling, spiritual formation, HOPE and renewal.

When life doesn't go the way you planned, then what? How does STRESS change you? And when you get to the end of your rope, who catches you?

These are a few of the questions that arise in Chapters 4-6 of The Door Before Joy, which is a true story about journeying through uncertainty that I am reading like an audio book for season 3.

In this story, I discover four stages of uncertainty while searching for purpose and meaning during a prolonged career transition. I hope to encourage you in your faith journey, especially when life doesn't make sense or go the way you planned. FOLLOW & SUBSCRIBE to this podcast so you can stay up to date when new episodes are released.

Striving-achievers and moms/parents juggling work and family will relate to my plight. And those seeking a closer walk with God will hopefully come away feeling renewed with peace and wonder.

This season falls into the category of story-telling, spiritual formation, HOPE and renewal.

In season 3, we explore the UPSIDE of UNCERTAINTY through story-telling. I'll read The Door Before Joy (formerly known as Dear God, WTF?). It's a true story about four stages of uncertainty I discovered while searching for purpose and meaning during a prolonged career transition, leading to a new way of living. 

This episode includes the INTRODUCTION, the beloved career that started the ride, what all "achievers" can't stop looking for and what we call the horrible moments we don't plan for. 

By sharing my story, I hope to encourage you in your faith journey, especially when life doesn't make sense or go the way you planned. Striving-achievers and moms (parents) juggling work and family will relate to my story well. And those seeking a closer walk with God will hopefully come away feeling renewed with peace and wonder.

I'll release three chapters at a time so FOLLOW & SUBSCRIBE to this podcast so you can get alerted when the newest episode is released. 

This season falls into the category of story-telling, spiritual formation and renewal.

If this is the only episode you listen to all season, it's worth it. Cuz YOU are worth it--shining your light! And, as moms, it's important we do so, not only for our children, but for ourselves. In this season finale, we explore what it means to be shepherds to our sheep. I also summarize what prompted me to start the podcast, why it's ending, and what's next for me and, hopefully, for you too. Thank you for being on this journey of "pause" with me! While the podcast is ending, may this be the beginning of YOU tuning in, daily, and taking pause as often as possible. You're worth it!