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What if the secret to finding true rest isn’t in finishing your to-do list but in rethinking how you define yourself?

Do you find it hard to rest because your worth feels tied to your productivity? In this episode, we’ll talk about the anxiety that arises when we base our identity on what we do—and how God invites us into a better way. You’ll discover biblical truths that remind us our identity is rooted in God, not our work. We’ll explore practical steps to embrace rest as a gift, work from a place of peace, and break free from numbing behaviors that distract us from His presence.

💗 Episode Notes, Links, and Resources 💗

https://www.crystalstorms.m/episode22/

Connect with Crystal:

ONLINE: https://www.crystalstorms.me

INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/crystal_storms/

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Struggling to maintain spiritual routines? This episode will guide you in creating simple, consistent habits that draw you closer to Jesus.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

● Atomic Habits by James Clear https://amzn.to/4h8yPOi (affiliate link)

● 21 Days to Peace and Faith https://crystalstorms.myflodesk.com/peaceandfaith

● Restful Rhythms Tracker CrystalStorms.com/episode21

● CrystalStorms.com/episode21

● One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp https://amzn.to/3DHAb4f (affiliate link)

Show Takeaway:

Steady steps, no matter how small, pave the path to spiritual growth.

Connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crystal_storms/

Find me at https://www.crystalstorms.com where you can find a blog post of every episode.

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Welcome to Season 2 of The Heart Rest Podcast—a place for those who love Jesus and long to rest close to His heart. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, worn out, or just need a gentle reminder of His unshakable grace, you’re in the right place.

I’m Crystal Storms—author, artist, and your guide on this journey to exchange weariness for the deep, soul-refreshing rest found in Christ. Each episode is designed to equip you with biblical truths and practical encouragement to draw closer to His heart and live from His peace. Let’s rest together in the love that sustains us.

Connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crystal_storms/

Find me at https://www.crystalstorms.com.

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To celebrate the start of summer and the end of Season 1 of The Heart Rest Podcast, I want to share with you some of my favorite Christian nonfiction books. I pray these books help you find heart rest and answer “yes” to summertime’s invitation to read.

Resources mentioned in this episode:
● Abundant Simplicity by Jan Johnson https://amzn.to/3NP3cOH (affiliate link)
● Growing Slow by Jennifer Dukes Lee https://amzn.to/3p9miob (affiliate link)
● Keep a Quiet Heart by Elisabeth Elliot https://amzn.to/42CUiIe (affiliate link)
● Made Like Martha by Katie Reid https://amzn.to/3nLhIfz (affiliate link)
● The Powerful Purpose of Introverts by Holley Gerth https://amzn.to/3BcB3JU (affiliate link)
● The Practice of the Presence of God by Brother Lawrence https://amzn.to/3M6Gqk3 (affiliate link)
● Rest Now by Kelly Balarie https://amzn.to/3nKAaFg (affiliate link)
● Sacred Rhythms by Ruth Haley Barton https://amzn.to/3nKBGHs (affiliate link)
● Sanctuary by Denise J. Hughes https://amzn.to/3NVo5rw (affiliate link)
● WayMaker by Ann Voskamp https://amzn.to/3ptddHe (affiliate link)
● Summer Reading List: My 10 Favorite Christian Nonfiction Books https://www.crystalstorms.me/summer-reading-list-my-10-favorite-christian-nonfiction-books/
● 2018 Summer Reading List: My 10 Favorite Christian Nonfiction Books https://www.crystalstorms.me/christian-nonfiction-books/
● 2019 Summer Reading List: My 10 Favorite Christian Nonfiction Books https://www.crystalstorms.me/summer-reading-list/
● 2020 Summer Reading List: My 10 Favorite Christian Nonfiction Books https://www.crystalstorms.me/2020-summer-reading-list-my-10-favorite-christian-nonfiction-books/
● 2021 Summer Reading List: My 10 Favorite Christian Nonfiction Books https://www.crystalstorms.me/2021-summer-reading-list-my-10-favorite-christian-nonfiction-books/
● https://www.crystalstorms.me/episode20

Show Takeaways:
Ten Books to Help You Find Heart Rest

Connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crystal_storms/

Find me at https://www.crystalstorms.me where you can find a blog post of every episode.

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Do you ever feel alone in your struggles? Overwhelmed by waves of emotions? Wonder if anyone understands? Discover how you can experience mercy and grace in your time of need knowing Jesus faced the struggles you face.

Resources mentioned in this episode:
● “How to Feel Your Emotions with Jesus” by Bill Gaultiere https://www.soulshepherding.org/how-to-feel-your-emotions-with-jesus/
● Episode 19 blog post: https://www.crystalstorms.me/episode19/
● Be Still: 5 Days to Heart Rest: https://www.crystalstorms.me/heartrest/

Show Takeaways:
Jesus experienced struggles and can empathize with your struggles.

Connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crystal_storms/

Find me at https://www.crystalstorms.me where you can find a blog post of every episode.

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We all face times when we feel like giving up. Maybe you’re struggling with a difficult situation, or maybe you feel overwhelmed. I want to offer you steps to take when you feel overwhelmed or like giving up.

Resources mentioned in this episode:
● Broken to Beloved: 50 Devotions to See Yourself Through the Eyes of God https://view.flodesk.com/pages/5ef0e07a877ab50027733fb0

Show Takeaways: Steps to take when you feel like giving up.

Connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crystal_storms/

Find me at https://www.crystalstorms.me where you can find a blog post of every episode.

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Mathematician John Allen Paulos once wrote, “Uncertainty is the only certainty there is.” Whether it’s financial uncertainty, relational uncertainty, or the uncertainty of what tomorrow will bring, I want to offer you peace in that place of uncertainty.

Resources mentioned in this episode:
● CrystalStorms.me/heartrest
● CrystalStorms.me/episode17

Show Takeaways: Steps to take when you face uncertainty to find peace and confidence in every circumstance.

Connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crystal_storms/

Find me at https://www.crystalstorms.me where you can find a blog post of every episode.

Submit a question

Have you ever thought: I only need to make it to the weekend. What about this one: If I can only make it to the end of the day. Or the prayer of the desperate: One breath, one step at a time, Lord, I need You. I want to offer you steps to take when your breakthrough is delayed.

Resources mentioned in this episode:
● Rest for Your Soul: a 7-day study on rest https://view.flodesk.com/pages/5e6b92fcd0640c002df68b84

Show Takeaway: Three steps to take when your breakthrough is delayed.

Connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crystal_storms/

Find me at https://www.crystalstorms.me where you can find a blog post of every episode.