Unwrapping Rest

What does it mean to “raise an Ebenezer”?

In today’s episode of Unwrapping Rest, we pause to reflect on a phrase many of us have sung for years without fully understanding: “Here I raise my Ebenezer.” Drawing from 1 Samuel 7, this episode explores the biblical meaning of Ebenezer—a stone of remembrance set up to testify, “Till now, the Lord has helped us.”

Before we rush ahead into a ...

As we stand at the beginning of a new year, this Mini Moment invites us to pause and anchor ourselves in ancient truth.

Drawing from Lamentations 3, we reflect on what it means to call truth to mind—and to choose hope, even when circumstances feel uncertain or heavy. These verses remind us that God’s mercies are new every morning, His faithfulness does not fail, and waiting quietly on the Lord is a posture Scripture cal...

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...

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 midd...

What do you do when your goals start to feel more like burdens than blessings?

In this episode, Dawn shares how a doctor's appointment and a midyear reset quickly became a twelve-item to-do list that left her feeling overwhelmed instead of hopeful. It's a struggle many of us know well: the desire to become healthier, more productive, and more faithful can quietly turn into striving.

The world is designed to compete for our attention, and our phones often sit at the center of that battle.

In this episode, Dawn shares how a simple decision to switch her smartphone to grayscale became more than a productivity hack—it became a spiritual practice. By removing the bright colors that constantly compete for attention, she discovered a gentle reminder to pause, be presen...

When life feels uncertain, our first instinct is often to protect ourselves. We make plans, work harder, or try to control the outcome. But Scripture offers a different invitation: to take refuge in the God who is our Shield.

In this episode, Dawn shares a memorable dream that became a powerful reminder of God's protection and explores what it really means to trust Him in the middle of lif...

On the morning of her first book launch, Dawn should have been focused on unloading books and greeting guests. Instead, fear crept in.

What if no one comes?

What if I've misunderstood God's direction?

As she quietly prayed during the drive to the coffee shop, God answered—not with a booming voice, but with a beautifully persona...

It's one thing to place our dreams, plans, and work into God's hands.

It's another thing entirely to leave them there.

As Dawn prepared for the launch of her first book, she found herself praying for God to use her writing while simultaneously trying to manage every possible outcome. That's when an unexpected picture came to mind: she had already offered her loaves and fishes to Jesus—but she was still standing nearby looking...

Every morning begins with the same routine: emptying the reservoir of a dehumidifier tucked away in the corner of Dawn's office. One ordinary chore becomes a powerful reminder of Psalm 62:8 and God's invitation to pour out our hearts before Him.

In this episode, Dawn reflects on how easily stress, anxiety, and striving can build up when we try to carry life's burdens on our own. Just as st...

Every January begins with fresh goals, hopeful plans, and the determination that this will finally be our best year yet.

But what happens when our resolutions fade and we're left feeling discouraged, overwhelmed, or disappointed in ourselves?

In this episode, Dawn continues the R.E.S.T. journey by exploring the second step: Evaluate by the Eternal. Instead of measuring success by our accom...

Christmas promises peace, joy, and celebration—but many of us experience the season as a blur of shopping, decorating, parties, and mile-long to-do lists.

If you're exhausted trying to create the perfect holiday, you're not alone.

In this episode, Dawn introduces the first step of the R.E.S.T. journey: Realize. We were never created to live in a constant state of rushing and striving...

Sometimes all it takes is one unexpected text message to derail our peace.

As Thanksgiving plans suddenly change, Dawn finds herself imagining crowded stores, empty shelves, and everything that could possibly go wrong. But what begins as a moment of anxiety becomes the first lesson in the Unwrapping Rest journey.

In this very first episode, Dawn introduces the foundation of the R.E.S.T. fr...