The Brilliant Pause

Living attentively includes paying attention to your soul - llstening for God's Spirit to speak. In this episode, learn what awareness of God's Kingdom has to do with living freely. And discover how Adam and Eve triggered the first self-help strategy. Learn from Jesus why suffering is necessary for finding your true self and living into the freedom that God meant for you to enjoy. 

Finally, what can an old fashioned donut teach you about living restored and whole, enjoying the free life in God? This and so much more awaits you in this episode.

The Brilliant Pause podcast helps you slow down, take a breath and shift your focus to what matters so you can love this life you live. Your host, Jessie Elenbaas, is a writer, speaker, and someone who has experienced radical transformation in her faith by falling apart in the midst of uncertainty only to lean in closer to God and learn the mystics' way of being still to listen and hear God speak. Welcome. I'm so glad you're here. Find more spiritual encouragement at www.jessierelenbaas.com. 

You stand at a crossroads. Neither choice looks good, easy, or like what you expected? What do you do? 

In today's Jedi training, we'll explore 3 voices you can listen to - each influencing the decision you make in a different way. We'll also talk about why your DISAPPOINTMENT is a teacher. 

As I stood at a crossroads recently, I received a Spirit-inspired story that helped me take a step in a direction I didn't expect. To learn more, read my my latest blog post - "When at a crossroads, remember this" - at www.jessierelenbaas.com.

The Brilliant Pause podcast reminds you to slow down, take a breath and shift your focus to what matters so you can love your life. ake time for YOU, my friend. You are worth it.

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 [email protected]. 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: [email protected] 

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 [email protected]. 

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 [email protected]. Remember to take a pause today. YOU ARE WORTH IT!

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