Taking a Short Break: Why We’re Resting (for Now) — And How You Can Rest Well Too
After 89 straight weeks of stories and real chats, hosts Dave Quak and Jess Quak share why they’re taking a short, intentional break from producing new episodes — and how you can lean into rest, relationship, and a healthier rhythm over Christmas. This episode explores the tension between inner life and output, choosing silence in a noisy world, marriage on purpose, and keeping analytics in their place
In This Discussion:
Why a Short Break Now (and Why That’s Healthy)
After a huge run of weekly episodes, Dave names what many leaders feel: fatigue. Rather than push through on empty, he’s choosing a brief, purposeful pause to pray, listen, and reset for next year. The aim isn’t to stop; it’s to return stronger — with clearer vision, deeper intimacy with God, and fresher conversations.
Rest is not retreating from mission; it’s re-entering it with a full tank.
Attend to the Inner Life (Before the Output)
Ministry can shrink our time with God down to sermon prep and intercession for others. Dave wants to get back to Scripture and prayer for their own sake — unhurried time with the Lord that isn’t tethered to a deliverable. Think Psalms on the beach, prayer walks, and letting God set the agenda.
Try this: Pick one Gospel paragraph daily. Read it slowly, twice. Sit in two minutes of silence. Pray one simple sentence: “Jesus, speak — I’m listening.”
Choose Silence in a Noisy World
Podcasting is beautiful — and loud: bookings, recording, editing, social posts, stats. Silence counters that constant activation. Dave’s leaning into quiet Scripture reading, fewer dashboards, and listening prayer. As Paul reminds us, contentment is learned — not measured by spikes in a chart.
Practice: A 7–7 rule for one week
7 minutes of silence before phone or feeds.
7 minutes of Scripture (read, repeat, rest).
Marriage on Purpose (Preventative, Not Reactive)
Taking a cue from Judah and Chelsea Smith, the Quaks are sowing into marriage while things are good. Not crisis-management — crafting rhythm: a standing date day, meaningful conversation, shared fun, and time blocked in the diary like any other priority.
Micro-ideas:
Put a 2-hour weekly date on repeat.
Ask each other: “What would make you feel seen this week?”
Share one win, one worry, one way to pray.
Bad Thoughts
Overcome bad thoughts and discover lasting inner health that transforms your life and faith by the renewing of your mind.
Your thoughts don't have to control you. You can control your thoughts--if you know how. And that's exactly what Judah Smith (New York Times bestselling author and popular pastor) and Les Parrott (New York Times bestselling author and trusted psychologist) will teach you.
Drawing on cutting-edge neuroscience, the principles of Christian formation, and their unique relationship as therapist and client, Smith and Parrott give you a fresh, easy-to-understand, and highly practical guide to curbing your compulsive negativity and finding inner health that lasts.
In these pages, they dive into what they call the "Big 5"--the most commonly held self-destructive thoughts--revealing what they are, why they happen, and how you can overcome them. You'll be equipped to:
Metrics Are Tools — Not a Thermometer for Your Soul
Downloads matter for growth; they don’t define worth. Inspired by Mark Sayers, Dave names the emotional whiplash of analytics: surges feel euphoric; slumps feel deflating. Healthy response? Measure for stewardship, not identity.
Guardrail: Check analytics once a week, not hourly.
Christmas Wellbeing: Simple Ways to Care for Your Soul
Christmas surfaces family stress, loneliness, and old wounds. Rather than going it alone, pursue God and good people.
Two simple moves:
With God: Choose one Advent or Gospel reading each day. Keep it small and steady.
With people: Seek out two friends who “have your back.” Make time, ask for prayer, and offer it.
Free course to guide you:
[Loving Life with Faith and Mental Health — 4-Week Course] (free)
Daily videos, reflections, and journal prompts to keep you centred through December.
Will the Podcast Be Back?
Yes. This is a short, intentional pause. Expect refreshed vision, new conversations, and more real talk on the collision of faith and mental health. In the meantime, there’s a bank of 89 episodes to catch up on — plus the free course above.
Reflection & Response
Where is God inviting you to stop, listen, and receive?
What’s one no-noise slot you can protect this week?
What does marriage/family on purpose look like for you this month?
Which two people will you text today to line up a catch-up?
Mini Rule-of-Life (one week):
Daily: 7 minutes silence, 7 minutes Scripture.
Weekly: One date/meaningful catch-up.
Digital: Analytics once a week; phone off for the first 15 minutes each morning.
Play: One simple joy (walk, swim, music, fishing, art).
CONNECT
Start the free course: Loving Life with Faith and Mental Health — 4 weeks, no cost.
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