Unwrapping Rest Podcast Archive
Browse the Unwrapping Rest Podcast Archive for encouragement for a weary or striving heart. Explore every episode — including full length episodes and Mini Moments, or choose a topic below to find conversations about trust, hope, surrender, peace, and resting in Jesus.
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Rest | Trust | Hope | Peace | Prayer | Surrender | Waiting | Grace | Identity in Christ | God’s Faithfulness | God’s Presence
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Mini Moment: Join the Song of the Heavens (Psalm 19)
Linger over Psalm 19 and join the song of creation as it points us to the goodness of God and the sweetness of His Word.
When Waiting on God Is Really Fear | Peace Won’t Always Come Before the Step
Is it wisdom… or fear? In this episode, Dawn explores how we sometimes call it “waiting on God” when what we really need is courage to take the next faithful step.
Raising an Ebenezer: Remembering God’s Help
Reflect on the biblical meaning of Ebenezer from 1 Samuel 7—a stone of remembrance that testified, “Til now, the Lord has helped us.” Before moving forward, Scripture invites us to pause, look back, and remember God’s faithfulness.
Mini Moment: This I Call to Mind
This reflection on Lamentations 3 invites us to call truth to mind and choose hope as we begin a new year. Grounded in God’s faithfulness and new mercies, it offers space to pause, pray, and step forward resting, not striving.
The Only Hope That Matters: Finding True Rest and Peace
Feeling weary or overwhelmed? Let Peter’s story in Matthew 14 remind you that hope and peace are found when we keep our eyes on Jesus.
Mini Moment: Seek First the Kingdom
A pause to realign our hearts with Jesus. In this Mini Moment, we linger over Matthew 6:25–33 and remember the call to seek first His kingdom.
Hope vs. Hustle: Where Rest Really Begins
What if hope isn’t found in your to-do list but in a Person? In this episode, Dawn shares how a well-intentioned reset led to overwhelm—and how the R.E.S.T. framework points us back to Jesus, where true hope begins.
Grayscale & Grace: My Lent Journey to Less Distraction
What if one simple change to your phone could create more space to notice God? In this episode, Dawn shares how switching her phone to grayscale became an unexpected spiritual practice—one that helped quiet distraction and refocus her heart on what matters most.
Trusting in the Trustworthy One
What happens when life doesn’t follow the plans you’ve so carefully made? In this episode, Dawn reflects on an unexpected cancer diagnosis, the illusion of control, and the invitation to trust the One whose faithfulness never changes.
To Rest is to Trust Our Shield
What does it mean to trust God as your shield when life feels uncertain? In this episode, Dawn shares a vivid dream, explores what Scripture means when it calls God our Shield, and reminds us that His presence is our refuge in every circumstance.
Seen by God: Meeting El Roi in the Coffee Shop
Have you ever wondered if God really sees what you’re walking through? In this episode, Dawn shares an unforgettable moment from the morning of her book launch that became a personal reminder of El Roi—the God who sees us, knows our hearts, and faithfully meets us right where we are.
Offering My Loaves & Fishes: Trusting God with My Words
What happens when we give something to God…only to quietly take it back? In this episode, Dawn reflects on surrendering her writing to Jesus and the humorous realization that she was “browsing recipes for fish sandwiches” instead of trusting the One who multiplies loaves and fishes.
Emptying the Tank: When We Bring Our Splashy Mess to God
Reflecting on the daily ritual of emptying a dehumidifier, Dawn explores what it means to pour out our hearts before God instead of carrying around stagnant emotions. When we stop striving and surrender our burdens to Him, we discover the refuge and rest He has been offering all along.
Resolving to Make This Our Best Year Yet
Broken resolutions don’t have to define your year. In this episode, Dawn explores why lasting change doesn’t come from trying harder but from evaluating life through an eternal perspective and discovering the deep rest only Christ can give.
Feeling more harried and hurried than holly and jolly?
Feeling more harried and hurried than holly and jolly? In this Christmas episode, Dawn explores how the birth of Jesus reminds us that we were created for relationship with God—not a life of endless busyness. The greatest gift of Christmas isn’t found under the tree, but in Emmanuel, God with us.
A Traditional Thanksgiving…with a Side of Rest
A last-minute Thanksgiving text sends Dawn’s mind into a spiral of anxious “what ifs.” But an unexpected trip to the grocery store becomes the perfect reminder that God is present even when our plans change. Discover the first step toward unwrapping God’s gift of rest.
Calling Christmas Community Courage Creativity Discernment Ebenezer Encouragement Faith Fear Gifts God's Faithfulness God's Presence God's Protection Grace Grateful Hope Identity in Christ Legacy Light Mercy New Year Obedience Peace Perseverance Prayer Productivity Purpose R.E.S.T. Framework Remembering Rest Rhythm Seeking God Shine Spiritual Growth Spiritual Warfare Start Here Stillness Striving Surrender Trust Unexpected Circumstances Waiting Worry Writing Journey