On Suffering, Joy and the Light We Need
The Brilliant Pause
Whether this is a season of joy or sorrow for you, light is needed to see, celebrate and get through trying times. No matter your current circumstances, there's a calling to remember - a calling that will carry you when life feels heavy and give HOPE to those who are suffering. This is a podcast about slowing down to love life more, and this season we're paying attention to your life rhythms and soul. May the METAPHOR I share in this episode bless YOU as much as it's blessed me. Merry Christmas! From your Brilliant Pause host, Jessie.
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Living in the FREEDOM of God
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...
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When at a crossroads, what voice do you listen to?
The Brilliant Pause
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,...
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For more JOY do this...
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...
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A Helpful Strategy for Waiting
The Brilliant Pause
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...
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Interview with Mike Labrum about the benefits of SPIRITUAL DIRECTION for going deeper with God
The Brilliant Pause
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...
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Interview with Melissa Robertson about why Jesus was a FEMINIST and the importance of change (in all things)
The Brilliant Pause
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....
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Interview with Shane Rossow on finding purpose, being gay and how God has shaped his lens
The Brilliant Pause
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...
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Interview with Teresa about healing through CREATIVITY and reflecting on FAITH journeys
The Brilliant Pause
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.
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S3: CH 38-40 May it Be, NO STRINGS, The Carpenter's Way, EPILOGUE
The Brilliant Pause
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...
info_outlineWhat 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.