Unwrapping Rest

Mini Moment: “This I Call to Mind”: Hope and New Mercies (Lamentations 3)

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 calls good.
Recorded at the close of 2025 and released as we enter 2026, this short reflection offers space to breathe, remember, pray, and step forward resting—not striving.
Whether you’re feeling expectant, weary, or somewhere in between, you are invited to join me in remembering, waiting, returning to hope, and trusting the God who meets us with new mercy each day.
Scripture featured: Lamentations 3:21–26, 40–41 (ESV)
If you’d like to receive the Light Dawns devotional by email or find more hope-filled resources, visit DawnTolbert.com and sign up for the email list.

Bonus Episode — Light Dawns Devotional, Day 1

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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."