Submit a question

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."

Submit a question

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"

Submit a question

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.

Submit a question

We often look for a sign or a major miracle before we move, but the servants knew the wine was a miracle because they took a quiet, obedient risk. Learn the difference between seeking a spectacle and embracing the Servant's Secret: that obedience is the key to personal, intimate knowledge of God's power. If you are struggling with feeling weary or unsure of the next step, this episode will help you find rest in simply following Jesus, step after small step.

💗 Episode Notes, Links, and Resources 💗

• https://www.crystalstorms.me/episode36
• https://www.crystalstorms.me/close-to-his-heart/
• https://www.crystalstorms.me/christmas/

🔔 Subscribe & Stay Encouraged
If this episode encouraged you, be sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode. New episodes release every four weeks!

🩵 Connect with Crystal:
🌍 Website: https://www.crystalstorms.
📷 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crystal_storms/
📌 Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/crystal_storms/

Submit a question

Are you weary from striving and trying to hold everything together? In this episode of The Heart Rest Podcast, Crystal Storms shares how to move from pressure and performance into Spirit-led living.

Through the simple steps of trust, abiding, and surrender, you’ll discover how to release control, walk by the Spirit, and experience peace, joy, and growth that flows naturally from Him.

Whether you feel anxious, overwhelmed, or just tired of trying to do it all, this episode will help you breathe easier and walk lighter—because the Spirit sustains what striving never can.

💗 Episode Notes, Links, and Resources 💗
CrystalStorms.me/episode35

🔔 Subscribe & Stay Encouraged
If this episode encouraged you, be sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode. New episodes release every other week!

🩵 Connect with Crystal:
🌍 Website: https://www.crystalstorms.com
📷 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crystal_storms/
📌 Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/crystal_storms/

Submit a question

Life can feel loud, fast, and unpredictable. But God offers us something the world can’t: perfect peace. In this episode of The Heart Rest Podcast, Crystal gently invites you to lay down the weight you were never meant to carry and discover the steady calm found only in Jesus.

You’ll learn how to:

• Trade control for surrender and find peace in God’s care
• Anchor your heart with the 3 P’s of Peace: Prayer, Presence, and Perspective
• Pause and breathe in the truth that Jesus is holding you, even when life is shaking

If your soul is craving quiet and your heart is longing for peace, this episode will help you slow down, exhale, and experience what it means to be held in perfect peace by the One who never lets go.

💗 Episode Notes, Links, and Resources 💗

https://www.crystalstorms.me/episode34

🔔 Subscribe & Stay Encouraged
If this episode encouraged your heart, share it with a friend who needs peace today. And don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review—it helps other women discover the soul-deep calm found in Jesus.

🩵 Connect with Crystal:
🌍 Website: https://www.crystalstorms.com
📷 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crystal_storms/
📌 Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/crystal_storms/

Submit a question

What if turning off the noise is the first step to drawing close?

Distraction keeps us busy but spiritually barren. Let’s talk about what it looks like to declutter our inner and outer lives so we can fix our eyes—and hearts—on Jesus. This episode is an invitation to slow down and listen deeply.

💗 Episode Notes, Links, and Resources 💗

https://www.crystalstorms.me/episode33

🔔 Subscribe & Stay Encouraged
If this episode encouraged you, be sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode. New episodes release every other week!

🩵 Connect with Crystal:
🌍 Website: https://www.crystalstorms.com
📷 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crystal_storms/
📌 Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/crystal_storms/

Submit a question

What if enough isn’t found in what you have, but in Who holds you?

Seasons of lack—whether financial, emotional, or spiritual—can stir restlessness and longing. But Scripture offers a secret: contentment isn’t circumstantial. In this episode, we’ll explore how to stay rooted in peace when you feel like something is missing.

💗 Episode Notes, Links, and Resources 💗

https://www.crystalstorms.com/episode32

🔔 Subscribe & Stay Encouraged
If this episode encouraged you, be sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode. New episodes release every other week!

🩵 Connect with Crystal:
🌍 Website: https://www.crystalstorms.
📷 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crystal_storms/
📌 Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/crystal_storms/