• 30. Finding Hope in Unmet Expectations
    May 21 2025

    Submit a question

    When life doesn’t go as planned, how do we hold onto hope? In this tender episode of The Heart Rest Podcast, Crystal Storms shares her personal journey through infertility and unmet expectations—and how God met her in the ache. You’ll be encouraged to bring your disappointments to the Lord, trace His faithfulness in hindsight, and trust that even unanswered prayers can be used for His glory.

    Whether you're navigating singleness, infertility, grief, or a season that simply looks different than what you imagined, this episode offers truth, comfort, and the reminder that God is always working—even when the story doesn't unfold the way we hoped.

    💬 What You’ll Learn:

    • How to surrender disappointment and honestly pray through pain
    • Why seeing God’s faithfulness in hindsight can strengthen present hope
    • How to embrace your “set-apartness” and find fruitfulness in unexpected ways
    • Encouragement for women without children on Mother’s Day and beyond
    • Biblical insight on trusting God’s better plan

    🕊 Key Scriptures:

    • John 15:8 – “My Father is glorified by this: that you produce much fruit…”
    • 1 Corinthians 7:34-35 – “That you may live in a right way in undivided devotion to the Lord”

    🔗 Resources Mentioned:

    ➡️ Free download: From Ache to Abide: Breath Prayers & Declarations
    ➡️ Explore more encouragement at: CrystalStorms.com

    📥 Subscribe + Share

    Subscribe to The Heart Rest Podcast and leave a review so others can discover the peace of resting in Christ. And if today’s episode spoke to your heart, send it to a friend who needs hope in their own unmet expectations.

    Christian podcast for women, unmet expectations, infertility and faith, trusting God’s plan, Christian encouragement, surrender to God, women’s devotional podcast, hope in disappointment, rest in Christ, fruitfulness without children

    #ChristianPodcast #FaithThroughDisappointment #TrustGodsTiming #WomenOfFaith #HeartRestPodcast #CrystalStorms #HopeInHardSeasons #InfertilitySupport #SetApartForGod #FruitfulLifeInChrist #ChristianEncouragement

    Show More Show Less
    10 mins
  • 29. How to Stay Present with God in a Distracted World
    May 7 2025

    Submit a question

    Do you sit down to pray but end up scrolling instead? You’re not alone. In this episode of The Heart Rest Podcast, Crystal Storms shares 3 simple, soul-refreshing ways to quiet distractions and reconnect with God—right where you are.

    You’ll learn how to:

    • Eliminate physical and mental clutter
    • Cultivate mindfulness in prayer
    • Create sacred rhythms that draw you closer to Jesus

    Plus, discover a free resource to help you declutter, refocus, and breathe deeply with God.

    Key Scripture: Colossians 3:1–2
    Free gift: The Present with God Toolkit at CrystalStorms.com/episode29

    #ChristianPodcast #QuietTimeWithGod #SacredRhythms #BreathPrayer #TheHeartRestPodcast

    Show More Show Less
    8 mins
  • 28. You’re Not Behind: Trusting God’s Timing When Life Feels Slow
    Apr 23 2025

    Submit a question

    Feeling behind in life? Wondering if you're running ahead—or falling behind—God’s plan? In Episode 28 of The Heart Rest Podcast, Crystal Storms shares biblical truth and personal stories to encourage your heart in seasons of waiting. Through the lens of the Israelites’ journey to the Promised Land and her own experience in court reporting school, Crystal reveals how what feels like a delay is often God’s divine protection and preparation.

    You’ll be reminded that God’s timing is never late—and that you’re not behind when you’re following Him. This episode is perfect for Christian women who are weary from delays, struggling with comparison, or craving peace in the slow seasons of life.

    💛 Learn to wait well.
    💛 Discover why the “long way around” might be His mercy.
    💛 Walk away with renewed confidence in God’s faithfulness.

    🎧 Listen now and be reminded: You're not behind—you're on holy ground.

    💝 FREE RESOURCE: Grab the Wait Well Scriptures & Reflections to anchor your heart in truth during waiting seasons: https://www.crystalstorms.me/episode28/

    🔔 Subscribe for more episodes that help you exchange weariness for oneness with Jesus.

    ✨ Let’s stay connected!

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crystal_storms/
    Website: https://www.crystalstorms.com


    Show More Show Less
    10 mins
  • 27. How to Guard Your Heart from Anxiety & Overwhelm
    Apr 9 2025

    Submit a question

    Are you feeling overwhelmed by the constant flood of bad news? In today’s world, where distressing headlines and breaking news are just a click away, it’s easy to feel anxious and weary. But as followers of Christ, we are called to guard our hearts and fix our eyes on Him.

    In this episode of The Heart Rest Podcast, we’ll explore biblical wisdom and practical steps to help you set healthy boundaries around news and social media, so you can experience the peace of Jesus—even in uncertain times.

    🎧 In This Episode, You’ll Learn:
    ✔️ Why excessive news consumption fuels anxiety and stress
    ✔️ Biblical truth about navigating troubling times (John 16:33, Matthew 24:6-7)
    ✔️ How to set boundaries for news and social media to protect your peace
    ✔️ Practical ways to stay informed without feeling overwhelmed
    ✔️ The role of prayer and scripture in cultivating a heart of trust

    📖 Key Scriptures:

    • John 16:33 – "In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."
    • Matthew 24:6-7 – "You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed."
    • Proverbs 4:23 – "Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it."

    Free Resource: The Heart Guarding Toolkit
    To help you apply what we discuss in this episode, download The Heart Guarding Toolkit! This free guide includes:
    ✅ A self-assessment to evaluate how news and media impact your peace
    ✅ A daily plan for setting healthy media boundaries
    ✅ Scripture-based affirmations for trusting God in uncertain times
    ✅ A prayer for peace and discernment when consuming information
    📥 Get your copy here: https://www.crystalstorms.me/episode27

    🔔 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/

    📌 Related Episodes:
    👉 [Episode 26: Finding Peace in the Overwhelm]

    Show More Show Less
    11 mins
  • 26. When to Pause and When to Go: Biblical Wisdom for Life’s Decisions
    Mar 26 2025

    Submit a question

    Have you taken time to pause and seek God before moving forward?

    In our fast-paced world, it’s easy to rush ahead without stopping to listen for God’s direction. But what if the key to moving forward in faith is first learning to be still? In this episode of The Heart Rest Podcast, we’ll look at Acts 9 and the powerful lessons from Saul and Ananias—two men called by God, but each required to pause before stepping into obedience.

    In this episode, we’ll explore:
    ✔️ How stillness prepares us for obedience
    ✔️ Why discerning God’s direction is essential before making decisions
    ✔️ What it means to surrender our plans and trust His timing

    Psalm 46:10 reminds us: “Be still, and know that I am God.” If you’re feeling uncertain about your next step, this episode will encourage you to slow down, lean in, and trust His leading.

    🌿 Journal Prompt: Who do you relate to more—Saul, who needed to stop and be redirected, or Ananias, who needed the courage to obey? How can you make space to be still before God this week?

    🎁 Free Resource: Download the "Before You Go" Prayer & Reflection Guide to help you pause, pray, and surrender your plans before stepping forward → https://www.crystalstorms.com/episode26

    Subscribe & Review: If this episode encouraged you, be sure to subscribe so you never miss a new episode! And if you’d like to support the show, I’d love for you to leave a review—it truly makes a difference.

    Connect with Me:
    🌐 Website: https://www.crystalstorms.com
    📲 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crystal_storms/

    💌 Join the Newsletter: https://www.crystalstorms.me/heartrest

    Until next time, may you rest close to His heart and live from His peace. 💛

    Show More Show Less
    12 mins
  • 25. Finding Peace in Overwhelm
    Mar 12 2025

    Submit a question

    When life feels too full, how can we find time to connect with Jesus? In this episode, we’ll uncover the secret to resting in His grace, even when your schedule feels impossible.

    💗 Episode Notes, Links, and Resources 💗

    https://www.crystalstorms.com/episode25

    Connect with Crystal:

    ONLINE: https://www.crystalstorms.com

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

    Show More Show Less
    14 mins
  • 24. When God Knocks: Trusting Him with Life’s Interruptions
    Feb 26 2025

    Submit a question

    Interruptions can feel like roadblocks—stopping us in our tracks, derailing our plans. But what if they are divine appointments? Moments where God is at work, inviting us to love, serve, and trust Him in ways we never expected?

    In today’s episode, we’ll explore how to recognize God’s hand in life’s interruptions and how shifting our perspective can turn frustration into peace.

    Listen now and discover how to find God in life’s interruptions.

    💗 Episode Notes, Links, and Resources 💗

    https://www.crystalstorms.com/episode24

    Connect with Crystal:

    ONLINE: https://www.crystalstorms.com

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

    Show More Show Less
    12 mins
  • 23. Breaking Free from Perfectionism
    Feb 12 2025

    Submit a question

    Do you feel like you have to be perfect? Pressure to have it all figured out? Discover how Christ’s love meets you exactly where you are and frees you from striving so you can break free from perfectionism.

    💗 Episode Notes, Links, and Resources 💗

    https://www.CrystalStorms.com/episode23

    Connect with Crystal:

    ONLINE: https://www.crystalstorms.com

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

    Show More Show Less
    11 mins