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How do you hold onto His goodness when your world is falling apart? In this tender and transparent episode of The Heart Rest Podcast, Crystal Storms explores the "tender tension" between what we know to be true about God and what we feel in the midst of suffering and grief.

Sharing from her own "season of two goodbyes"—the peaceful passing of her mother and the sudden, jarring loss of her beloved parrot, Lorito—Crystal offers a roadmap for those standing in the gap between a hard reality and a holy hope. If you’ve ever asked, "Where is God in my pain?" or struggled to see His heart through your tears, this episode is a sacred pause for your soul.

In this episode, you will learn:

• The Self-Portrait of God: How Exodus 34:6 reveals His character as independent of our circumstances.
• The Power of Holy Lament: Why bringing your "Why?" to Him is an act of faith, not a lack of it.
• Hindsight as Evidence: How to conduct a "Goodness Audit" to see His faithfulness in previous fires.
• The "Even If" Declaration: How to anchor your soul in the unchanging nature of Jesus (Hebrews 13:8).

Discover why God’s goodness isn't a reaction to our outcomes, but the foundation beneath them. Whether you are mourning a loved one, a dream, or a season of health, find the soul-deep peace that comes from trusting His heart when you can't trace His hand.

Call to Action:

• Trade hurry and worry for rest in Christ with The Heart Rest Challenge: 5 Days to Be Still and Find Peace in Jesus. Start My Journey to Peace: https://www.crystalstorms.me/heartrest/
• Leave a Review: Help other weary hearts find this message of hope by leaving a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.
• Connect with Crystal: Find the full transcript and extra resources at https://www.crystalstorms.me

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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"