Unwrapping Rest

dawntolbert
  • 5.0 (1)
  • CHRISTIANITY

Tired of trying so hard to be okay? You’re not alone. Unwrapping Rest is for the Christian woman who is weary from perfectionism, overwhelmed by her never-ending to-do list, and ready to trade burnout for biblical rest that lasts. If you are stuck in the striving cycle -- constantly trying to be enough -- this podcast is your invitation to stop trying so hard and learn to rest in Jesus. Together, we will explore how to break free from perfectionism that is stealing your peace; biblical alternatives to hustle culture that actually work; why your planner can never fix your burnout (and what can); practical ways to find rest for your anxious, overwhelmed heart; and ways to connect with God in true rest. Hosted by Dawn Tolbert, author of I'd Rather Die Than Obey: Trusting God Even When It Hurts, this podcast offers encouragement for the woman who is ready to stop striving and start truly living. Learn more about the host at DawnTolbert.com.

Episodes

  1. NOV 15

    11: The Only Hope That Matters: Finding True Rest and Peace

    When life feels out of control and the waves are closing in, where do you turn? In this episode of Unwrapping Rest, Dawn Tolbert shares a vivid dream that mirrors the Apostle Peter’s storm-tossed moment on the Sea of Galilee. Together, we’ll look at what happens when we take our eyes off Jesus—and how His steady hand reaches out the moment we cry, “Lord, save me.” Through Peter’s story in Matthew 14, Dawn invites weary, striving hearts to fix their focus on the One who brings peace in every storm. If you’ve been longing for rest, hope, and renewed faith, this episode will remind you that you’re never alone—Jesus still meets us right where we are.   🌿 SHOW NOTES Scripture: Matthew 14:22–33 Main Theme: When the storms of life rise, Jesus meets us right where we are. Like Peter on the water, we learn to fix our eyes on Him—the only true source of hope, peace, and rest. Key Takeaways: • Look for Jesus even when things feel beyond hope. • When God calls, respond in faith and move toward Him. • Keep your eyes fixed on Jesus rather than the waves. • When fear pulls you under, cry out, “Lord, save me,” and trust His steady hand. Encouragement to Reflect: Ask yourself: Where have I taken my eyes off Jesus this week? How can I refocus on His presence and peace? Resources & Links: • 💻 Read the full reflection on the blog → dawntolbertwrites.com • 📖 Learn more in I’d Rather Die Than Obey — a Bible study on Jonah’s journey and God’s relentless grace → dawntolbertwrites.com/store (use code PODCAST10 to save 10%) • 🙏 Need prayer or want to talk? Reach out at dawn @ dawntolbertwrites.com —I’d love to pray with you.

    14 min

  2. AUG 14

    Mini Moment: Seeking First the Kingdom (Matthew 6)

    When life pulls us in a hundred directions, it’s easy to get swept up in the noise, hurry, and pressure to do more. But in this Mini Moment, we slow down, breathe, and let Scripture remind us of what matters most. Join me as we pause with Matthew 6:25–33, reflect on the distractions that pull our eyes away from God’s kingdom, and pray together for a heart aligned with His purposes. Whether you’re in the middle of your day or winding down, this brief episode is a chance to exhale and remember that our Heavenly Father knows our needs and invites us to seek Him first.

    4 min

  3. JUL 30

    10: Hope vs. Hustle: Where Rest Really Begins

    What do you do when your goals start to feel like burdens? In this kickoff to the Rest, Not Striving journey, Dawn shares how a well-intentioned midyear reset turned into a twelve-item to-do list — and why it left her more overwhelmed than inspired. If you’ve ever felt like your planner is running the show, this episode is for you. We’ll explore why biblical hope was never meant to exhaust us, how to recognize striving for what it is, and what it means to live in relationship with the Living Hope — not your performance. ✨ Come find rest that renews, not hustle that drains. 💛 Let’s walk this hope-filled road together.

    8 min

  4. APR 5

    9: Grayscale & Grace: My Lent Journey to Less Distraction

    In this episode, we explore Dawn Tolbert's transformative practice of "going gray" with our devices. Dawn shares her spiritual journey of switching her phone to grayscale mode, breaking free from the hypnotic pull of colorful apps designed to capture our attention. We discuss how this simple tech adjustment creates sacred space for presence, intention, and God’s peace in our daily lives. Dawn reveals the unexpected ways this practice reconnected her with what truly matters beyond the screen. Whether you're seeking digital balance or deeper spiritual presence in a connected world, this conversation offers a gentle, practical path forward that can be implemented today. Read this episode in blog form at www.dawntolbertwrites.com/blog-1/the-power-of-going-gray #SpiritualTech #DigitalDetox #MindfulLiving #ForgiveMyPollenVoice

    11 min

  5. 12/31/2024

    8: Trusting in the Trustworthy One

    As this new year dawns ahead of us, my over-planner heart is really tempted to kick into high gear. But the truth is simple. God isn’t interested in me having a firmer grip on my life; in fact, he wants me to let go and trust him. Today let’s explore what it means to Trust in the Trustworthy One.

    13 min

  6. 03/08/2024

    7: To Rest is To Trust our Shield

    When life's battles rage around us, we can trust God's promise to be our Shield.

    9 min

  7. 01/28/2024

    6: Seen by God: My Coffee Shop Encounter with El Roi

    A moment from the morning of the book launch for "I'd Rather Die Than Obey" signaled the faithfulness of God. Listen as Dawn shares this story and the encouragement it offered on her faith journey.

    8 min

  8. 11/14/2023

    5: Offering My Loaves & Fishes: Trusting God with My Words

    "I'd placed the loaves and fishes into Jesus' powerful hands to use however he saw fit. Then I realized I was metaphorically browsing recipes for fish sandwiches."

    8 min

  9. 09/20/2023

    4: Emptying the Tank: When We Bring Our Splashy Mess to God

    Reflecting on the dance of the dehumidifier and what it teaches me about soul care. If I don’t tackle the chore of emptying the water on a regular basis, it can grow stagnant, and my office may become unbearably oppressive. That’s not unlike my heart when I don’t pour out my feelings to God and ask Him to dry up the mirky, boggy spots that have appeared.

    7 min

  10. 01/02/2023

    3: Resolving to Make This Our Best Year Yet

    Broken resolutions. Shattered new year's dreams. This doesn't have to be our story in 2023. The answer is about taking the next important step on our journey toward rest.

    10 min

  11. 12/22/2022

    2: Feeling more harried and hurried than holly and jolly?

    Are you wrapped up in a to-do list longer than a CVS receipt? Are you feeling more harried and hurried than holly and jolly? I have good news. God wants to give you the gift of rest, and He has something so much better than the holiday warm and fuzzies to offer.

    8 min

  12. 11/24/2022

    1: A Traditional Thanksgiving...with a Side of Rest

    Episode 001: An unplanned text started a spiral of anxious thoughts. In today's episode, Dawn Tolbert shares how this Thanksgiving hiccup was the perfect object lesson for Step 1 of Unwrapping God's Gift of Rest.  Read the full text

    4 min
  • 12 Episodes

Ratings & Reviews

About

Tired of trying so hard to be okay? You’re not alone. Unwrapping Rest is for the Christian woman who is weary from perfectionism, overwhelmed by her never-ending to-do list, and ready to trade burnout for biblical rest that lasts. If you are stuck in the striving cycle -- constantly trying to be enough -- this podcast is your invitation to stop trying so hard and learn to rest in Jesus. Together, we will explore how to break free from perfectionism that is stealing your peace; biblical alternatives to hustle culture that actually work; why your planner can never fix your burnout (and what can); practical ways to find rest for your anxious, overwhelmed heart; and ways to connect with God in true rest. Hosted by Dawn Tolbert, author of I'd Rather Die Than Obey: Trusting God Even When It Hurts, this podcast offers encouragement for the woman who is ready to stop striving and start truly living. Learn more about the host at DawnTolbert.com.

Information

  • Creator
    dawntolbert
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2025
  • Episodes
    12
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2022 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Unwrapping Rest