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Do you ever feel like you’re doing "all the things" for God, yet your soul feels completely empty? In a world that celebrates the grind and measurable success, it is easy to mistake productivity for purpose. But what if God’s measure of a "meaningful life" is entirely different?

In this episode of The Heart Rest Podcast, Crystal Storms invites you to stop "tightening your muscles" to produce results and start abiding in the Vine. Drawing from the wisdom of Thomas Merton and the imagery of a ripening apple, Crystal reframes what it means to live a life marked by connectedness and faithfulness.

In this episode, you will discover:

• The Ripening Apple Metaphor: Why "sitting in the sun" of God’s presence is more effective than striving.
• Striving vs. Abiding: A practical checklist to help you identify if you are living under human pressure or Holy Spirit purpose.
• The Joy Witness: Why joy, not busyness, is the most compelling evidence of a fruitful life.
• Identity Over Impact: How to release the "secret tally" of success and find peace in who you are connected to.

Discover why "A fruitful life is not measured by the speed of your hustle, but by the depth of your connection." If you are feeling overlooked, underproductive, or unsure of your calling, let this episode be a sacred pause to rediscover the peace of John 15:4.

Call to Action:

• FREE 7-Day Study: Ready to move from striving to abiding? Join my free study, "Rest for Your Soul": https://www.crystalstorms.me/rest/
• Read the Show Notes: Get the full transcript, links and the Striving vs. Abiding checklist at https://www.crystalstorms.me/episode39
• Share the Peace: If this episode gave you room to breathe, please leave a review or share it with a friend who feels "behind."

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How to Keep Your Word of the Year Alive: Moving from "January Spark" to "June Steadfastness"

Have you ever picked a Word of the Year in January with palpable excitement, only to realize by June that you’ve completely forgotten what it was? You aren't alone. In this episode of The Heart Rest Podcast, Crystal Storms reveals how to move your one word from a temporary "theme" to a year-long revelation of God’s heart.

If you’re tired of the "New Year, New Me" hustle and want a more intentional spiritual life, this episode provides the roadmap. Crystal shares her personal journey of using "One Word" since 2012 and offers two practical, soul-restoring habits to keep your focus front and center all year long.

In this episode, you will discover:

• The "June Ghosting" Phenomenon: Why we lose focus and how to fix it.
• The Power of an Anchor Verse: Why your word needs a promise from Colossians 3:1-3 to stand on.
• Living Traditions: Creative, tangible ways to embody your word through art, study, and "Word Adventures."
• A New Perspective: Why your word is "not a goal to be reached, but a grace to be inhabited."

Whether your word is Abide, Brave, Gentle, or Rest, learn how to set your mind on things above and turn a single whisper into a 12-month conversation with Jesus.

Mentioned in this Episode:

• Episode 10: How to Seek God for Your One Word
• Episode 1: What is Haplotes? And the inspiration for this podcast.

RESOURCES:

• Trade your hurry and worry for rest in Christ with the FREE Heart Rest Challenge: 5 Days to Be Still and Find Peace in Jesus. Start My Journey to Peace: https://www.crystalstorms.me/heartrest/
• Episode 10: How to Seek God for Your One Word: https://www.crystalstorms.me/episode10/
• Episode 1: What is Haplotes? And the inspiration for this podcast: https://www.crystalstorms.me/1/
• Show Notes: Get the full transcript and verse list at https://www.crystalstorms.com/episode38

CONNECT WITH CRYSTAL: Subscribe to never miss an invitation to find rest in Christ. If this episode blessed you, please leave a review to help other weary hearts find peace!How to Keep Your Word of the Year Alive: Moving from "January Spark" to "June Steadfastness"

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Are you feeling bone-tired, a deeper exhaustion that a vacation or a good night's sleep just can't fix? If your soul feels worn out and depleted, this episode is for you. Join Crystal Storms as she shares the path to true rest found only in the presence of Christ.

In this powerful episode, we explore the difference between physical fatigue and soul weariness, and how to stop believing the lie that you're lazy. Learn the four practical, biblical steps to invite soul-deep peace into your current season of exhaustion:

1. Make Space for Recovery (Hint: It’s not just sleep!)
2. Draw Close to the Invitation (Mark 6:31)
3. Release What Doesn't Matter (Simplify your load)
4. Look to God to Lead You (Stop trying to willpower your way to rest)

Discover why "True rest is not the absence of work, but the presence of Christ, who replaces bone-tired exhaustion with soul-deep peace." Let Jesus meet you in your burnout and find the unshakeable peace promised in Matthew 11:28 ("Come to Me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.")

Call to Action:

• FREE Resource: Want more immediate rest for your soul? Join my FREE 7-day study on Jesus's invitation to rest: https://www.crystalstorms.me/rest/
• Website: Find the show notes and more resources at CrystalStorms.com
• Subscribe: Never miss an episode! Subscribe to The Heart Rest Podcast.