Becoming - A Journey from Clenched Fists to Open Palms

After three months away, I'm back with a story of transformation that might just change how you think about rest, performance, and what it means to truly be present.

What happens when you step away from the constant pull of social media, the pressure to perform, and the "shoulds" that have driven you for 25 years? In this vulnerable episode, I share what I discovered during my summer sabbatical - and it wasn't what I expected.

In this episode, you'll hear about:

• The profound difference between helping from overflow vs. helping from depletion
• Why I broke a 25-year pattern of pushing myself to "finish strong" every June
• What it really looks like to move from clenched fists to open palms
• The questions that changed everything: "Why am I saying yes to this?"
• How to create containers for presence (not just productivity)
• The gift of simplicity and what happens when you truly unplug

This episode is for you if:

• You're feeling pulled in a million directions and can't remember the last time you felt truly present
• You're tired of performing but scared of what might happen if you stop
• You're curious about sabbath but don't think you could ever step away
• You're ready to examine what's really motivating your "yes" responses
• Your heart is longing for more time with Jesus but life feels too full

I'll be honest - this return to podcasting feels vulnerable. But if you're feeling fragmented, weary, or stuck in patterns that are draining your soul, I want you to know you're not alone. Sometimes the most radical thing we can do is open our hands and see what God wants to fill them with.

Come grab a cup of coffee and join me as we explore what it looks like to become the women God is calling us to be - not through more doing, but through deeper being.

"You're a tree replanted in Eden, bearing fresh fruit every month, never dropping a leaf, always in blossom." - Psalm 1:3 MSG

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Want to connect with Cherisse? Join our Email List at www.cherissehixson.com and get our dose of weekly Rhythms of encouragement delivered to your inbox. 

Connect on Instagram@RhythmsThatRestorePodcast 

Episode 69: Self Care vs Soul Care Summer Soul Care Series FINALE - Rhythms That Restore Podcast

Host: Cherisse Hixson

🌟 What to Expect in This Final Summer Episode

Join Cherisse for the last episode of our transformative Summer Soul Care series as we tackle one of the most important distinctions every weary woman needs to understand: the difference between self-care and soul care.

In this powerful finale, you'll discover:

• Why our culture's obsession with "self" is actually harming our souls
• The real reason women are experiencing more anxiety and depression than ever before
• What we've lost in our post-COVID world that's leaving us feeling isolated and overwhelmed
• The beautiful story behind "It Is Well With My Soul" and what makes it truly well with yours
• Practical insights from John Ortberg's "Soul Keeping" that will anchor you in truth

Opening Scripture: Psalm 143:7-11 - A psalm of surrender and crying out for God's help

💝 A Personal Note from Cherisse

This episode marks not only the end of our Summer Soul Care series but also my last episode until Fall as I take a Summer Sabbatical to practice what I preach - prioritizing soul care and restoration. Thank you for journeying with me through this series that has been such a gift to my own soul.

🔗 Stay Connected During Summer Sabbatical

Don't miss out while I'm on sabbatical!

📧 Weekly Emails: Sign up at www.cherissehixson.com for continued encouragement and updates

📱 Instagram: Follow @rhythmsthatrestorepodcast for daily inspiration

✉️ Email: [email protected] - I'd love to hear how this series has impacted you!

🎙️ Voice Messages: Send me voice memos on Instagram - my favorite way to connect with you!

🎧 Keep the Journey Going

While I'm on sabbatical, dive into our treasure trove of past content:

• Explore our 75 episodes from last year
• Revisit favorite moments from this Summer Soul Care series
• Share episodes with friends who need these rhythms of restoration

💬 Leave a Review & Share

If this series has blessed you, please:

• Leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify
• Share your favorite episodes with friends
• Tag us on social media with your takeaways

Remember: You can show up every day simply as you are - and that is enough.

See you in the Fall for more rhythms that restore! Until then, may you find deep soul care in Jesus.

Episode 68: The Architecture of Your Soul

Join Cherisse on this soul-nourishing episode of "Rhythms That Restore" as we continue our Summer Soul Care Series exploring John Ortberg's profound insights on soul keeping.

This is a beloved episode from last summer that we're re-airing this year due to popular request!

What exactly is your soul? Far more than an abstract concept, your soul is the intricate masterpiece designed by God to integrate your will, mind, and body into a harmonious whole. In this episode, Cherisse breaks down the beautiful architecture of the soul and why understanding its design is essential for women seeking restoration in today's chaotic world.

Through the wisdom of Psalm 91 and powerful analogies—from streams flowing free of debris to ropes guiding us through blizzards—discover how a well-ordered soul becomes your sanctuary regardless of external circumstances. Learn to recognize the warning signs of soul disintegration and the practices that lead to soul health.

This summer, give yourself the gift of soul care as we journey together through the refreshing truth that you are "a soul made by God, made for God, and made to need God." If your soul is healthy, no external circumstance can destroy your life—what a promise for weary hearts!

Connect with our community of women seeking soul restoration:

• Follow us on Instagram: @rhythmsthatrestorepodcast
• Join our Facebook community: Rhythms That Restore Podcast Community
• Sign up for our weekly rhythms email at www.cherissehixson.com

New episodes every week this summer as we continue exploring the architecture of soul care. Pull up a chair, take a deep breath, and join us on this journey of restoration and renewal.

#SoulCare #ChristianWomen #RestoreYourRhythm #SummerSeries #FaithPodcast

Episode 67:How to Truly Care for our Souls with Cherisse Hixson

We're bringing back our popular Summer Soul Care series and episodes from last summer while Cherisse is on Summer Sabbatical this year. In this episode, Cherisse kicks off a refreshing summer series based on John Ortberg's book "Soul Keeping." After a busy spring season, Cherisse invites listeners to embrace summer as a time of rest and renewal for our souls.

Episode Highlights:

• Cherisse introduces a new summer series focused on soul care and creating space for rest
• An opening reflection on Psalm 23 and its powerful reminders about God's provision, rest, and renewal
• Introduction to John Ortberg's book "Soul Keeping" as the foundation for this series
• A beautiful metaphor about "the keeper of the springs" and how it relates to tending our souls
• Discussion on the difference between our inner and outer lives, and why our interior life matters most
• Explanation of what it means to be a "soul curator" and how to find someone to journey with you
• Invitation to engage with the series by reading along and gathering friends for deeper discussion

Quotable Moments:

"Summer is such a welcome time of rest for all of us. Whether rest looks like having a lot of fun with your friends and your family, or whether rest really means laying in a hammock and just resting your mind, your body, and your spirit for a little bit."

"You are the keeper of your stream, and your stream is your soul." - John Ortberg 

"Our outer world is what is visible. It's our reputation, our appearance, what we have, what others think... The inner world is everything that is unseen." - John Ortberg 

Connect With Rhythms That Restore:

• Visit our website for weekly rhythms, encouragement and support: www.cherissehixson.com
• Follow us on Instagram: @rhythmsthatrestorepodcast
• Join our Facebook community: Rhythms That Restore Podcast Community
• Consider gathering friends to read "Soul Keeping" together during this summer series book club around your table. Gather the friends, share your what you loved and learned and nourish your soul one chapter at at time. Gathering with others nourishes your soul my friends. Be the one who GATHERS. Start by asking ONE friend, then have her bring a friend too. 
• Email Me and let me know how this is nourishing your soul for the summer - [email protected] 

Resources Mentioned:

• "Soul Keeping" by John Ortberg
• Psalm 23

A New Way to Summer: 10 Ways to Slow Down This Year Episode Description

What if this summer doesn't have to be another season of cramming in as much activity and productivity as possible? In this vulnerable and transformative episode, host Cherisse shares her heart about choosing a different way to summer - one that prioritizes rest, restoration, and the health of our souls.

With shaky hands and an open heart, Cherisse announces she's taking her first sabbatical in 26 years of business, and invites you to join her in discovering what it looks like to summer slowly, restfully, and with intention. Drawing wisdom from Abraham Joshua Heschel's "The Sabbath" and insights from recent guest conversations, this episode offers both inspiration and practical guidance for creating sacred rhythms this summer.

What You'll Discover in This Episode:

10 Practical Ways to Slow Down This Summer:

1. Release the Summer Performance Pressure - Stop trying to make your life Instagram-worthy and start living fully in each moment
2. Embrace Morning Sacred Solitude - Create a daily rhythm of meeting with the Lord before the chaos begins
3. Practice Holy Leisure in Nature - Discover "thin places" where heaven feels close to earth
4. Create Rhythms of Preparation and Rest - Learn how preparation makes true rest possible
5. Redefine Summer Success - Measure success by the state of your soul, not activities completed
6. Practice the Discipline of Saying No - Guard your "palace in time" from invasions of busyness
7. Embrace Contemplative Practices in Ordinary Moments - Transform daily tasks into opportunities for prayer
8. Create Space for Holy Boredom - Let creativity and wonder emerge naturally
9. Honor Your Body's Summer Rhythm - Treat your body as a temple to be honored, not a machine to be optimized
10. Practice Sabbatical Thinking - Ask "What do you have for me today, Lord?" instead of demanding your agenda be blessed

Key Scripture & Quotes Featured:

Isaiah 30:15: "In quietness and trust shall be your strength. In returning and rest you shall be saved."

Ruth Haley Barton: "We cannot give what we do not have."

Abraham Joshua Heschel: "Sabbath is not for the sake of weekdays, but weekdays are for the sake of the Sabbath."

John Ortberg: "Hurry is not of the devil. Hurry IS the devil."

Special Announcement: Summer Soul Care Series

While Cherisse steps into her sabbatical this summer, she's prepared a special gift for listeners - a Summer Soul Care series based on John Ortberg's book "Soul Keeping" that will release every Thursday in June. This series requires no prep work - simply press play and receive the soul care you need.

How to Go Deeper:

• Order "Soul Keeping" by John Ortberg on Amazon or grab it on Audible/Spotify
• Invite friends to join you for intentional summer soul care
• Gather virtually or in person to discuss what God is stirring in your hearts
• Create your own summer soul care community right where you are

A Personal Prayer for Your Summer

The episode closes with a beautiful prayer for opening clenched fists, embracing rest as a gift rather than a challenge to conquer, and finding courage to keep our souls intact even if it means disappointing others. This prayer reminds us that our worth isn't measured by productivity, but by whose we are.

Connect with Cherisse & Join the Journey

🌿 Stay Connected:

• Visit www.cherissehixson.com for resources and inspiration
• Sign up for our Weekly Rhythms Email to receive encouragement and support throughout your rest and renewal journey
• Get exclusive content and behind-the-scenes updates

📧 Join Our Summer Soul Care Community: Sign up at www.cherissehixson.com to receive:

• Weekly encouragement emails to accompany the Summer Soul Care series
• Discussion guides and reflection questions
• Community support as we journey together through soul care practices
• Updates from Cherisse during her sabbatical season

📱 Follow on Social Media: While Cherisse will be stepping away from social media during her sabbatical, you can still connect through email and share how the Summer Soul Care series is ministering to your soul.

Resources Mentioned:

• "The Sabbath" by Abraham Joshua Heschel - Available on Amazon
• "Soul Keeping" by John Ortberg - Available on Amazon, Audible, and Spotify
• Previous episodes featuring Allison Bradsher, Pam Shaw, Betsy Pendergrass, Linda Toupin, K.T Martin, Nancy Holcomb, Mollie Walker, Danielle Bowlen, and Camille Brantley

Perfect for Listeners Who:

• Feel weary from the constant pace and pull of life
• Want to break free from the pressure to optimize every moment
• Are seeking practical ways to rest and restore their souls
• Desire to model healthy rhythms for their families
• Want to discover what sacred summer rhythms can look like
• Are ready to prioritize being over achieving
• Need permission to slow down and embrace rest

Episode Reflection Questions:

1. What would it look like for you to "summer slowly" this year?
2. Which of the 10 ways to slow down resonates most with your current season?
3. How can you release the pressure to make your summer "Instagram-worthy"?
4. What is your soul asking for that you've been pushing down?
5. How might God be inviting you to open your clenched fists this summer?

Remember, friends: You are not a human doing, but a human being. Beloved, known, and held by the God who rested on the seventh day not because He was tired, but because rest is sacred.

Subscribe to Rhythms That Restore wherever you listen to podcasts, and don't forget to leave a 5 STAR review to help other weary souls find these rhythms of restoration!

Episode 65: How Summer Invites Us to Sabbath: Finding Rest in a Non-Stop World Episode Description

In this soul-nourishing episode of Rhythms That Restore, host Cherisse Hixson welcomes Allison Bradsher, a Spiritual Director at The Retreat House in Memphis, to explore how summer uniquely invites us into Sabbath rest. As routines shift and new demands arise during these warmer months, this conversation couldn't be more timely for women feeling caught in the relentless rhythm of doing.

Key Topics

• Understanding Sabbath as the "kingpin" of spiritual disciplines
• Why God Himself modeled Sabbath from creation
• The biblical foundation of Sabbath and what it reveals about God's character
• Practical ways to incorporate sacred rest into our busy lives
• Finding moments of stillness even in the midst of parenting and work demands
• Sabbath as freedom from false identities (what we do, what we have, what others think)
• Simple technology boundaries to create space for rest

Featured Guest

Allison Bradsher, spiritual director at The Retreat House in Memphis, has just returned from a five-day silent retreat and shares her perspective on creating space for sacred rest even with four children at home during the busy month of May and in summer for busy women. 

Memorable Moments

"Be still and know that I am God. Be still and know that I am. Be still and know. Be still. Be." - A powerful prayer practice from Psalm 46:10 shared by Allison.

"You cannot overdo trust in God." - Thomas Keating

Questions to Reflect On

What are you afraid of when it comes to embracing rest?

Where is God inviting you to courage in prioritizing Sabbath?

Connect with Rhythms That Restore

• Follow Cherisse on Instagram: @rhythmsthatrestorepodcast
• Join our email community for weekly encouragement, support rhythms and more: www.cherissehixson.com
• Connect with our Facebook community: "Rhythms That Restore Podcast Community"
• Follow Allison Bradsher on Instagram: @theretreathousememphis
• Contact Allison via email: [email protected]

Subscribe to never miss an episode that will help you restore, rest, and renew your soul in Jesus and His Word.

Rhythms That Restore - where you can show up every day simply as you are, and that is enough.

Episode 64:  Health, Habits and Having a Heart for Jesus with Pam Shaw

In this powerful episode, host Cherisse Hixson welcomes mentor, Leadership Maximizer, Entrepreneur, Winning Strategist & Speaker Pamela Waldrop Shaw to discuss the sacred territory of our Identity, Habits, Health, and what it looks like to have a whole hearted surrender to Jesus. Pam shares wisdom gained through decades of developing women, building businesses, and encouraging others to live fully in their God-given potential.

Key Topics Discussed:

• Spiritual Rhythms: Pam emphasizes the importance of daily habits that draw us closer to God, including early morning quiet time, listening prayer, journaling, weekly church fellowship, and working toward understanding the true meaning of Sabbath.
• The Power of Discipline: "When you have discipline in one area, it will bleed over. It will impact another area." Pam explains how establishing discipline in one area makes creating discipline in others much easier.
• Getting It in the Whisper: Pam shares how learning to recognize God's voice in the whisper rather than waiting for Him to shout has transformed her life and decision-making.
• Identity in Christ: "When God is enough, you are enough." Pam discusses the freedom that comes from understanding your true identity in Christ rather than comparing yourself to others.
• Mind-Body-Spirit Connection: Our spiritual, mental, and physical health are all connected. Pam shares practical habits for stewarding our bodies as God's temple, including nutrition, movement, and preparation.

Memorable Quotes:

• "The Lord will delay a certain outcome or reward because either I wasn't ready or the people who were going to be part of that were not ready."
• "Before acting on an emotion or thought, ask yourself: Will this support the life I'm trying to create and the person I want to become?"
• "When he is enough, you are enough."
• "Getting it in the whisper means something different to me now because I've learned how to recognize who that whisper is—the Lord."
• "You cannot change anything until you change something you do every single day."

Practical Application:

• Start your day with intentional quiet time with God before checking phones or devices
• Practice journaling prayers and listening for God's responses
• Prepare the night before by setting out items needed for morning routines
• Respect the hours of your day by "framing" your mornings and evenings
• Make conscious choices about nutrition and movement as stewardship of God's temple

Connect with Pam Shaw:

• Instagram: @PamelaShaw
• LinkedIn: @pamelawaldropshaw
• Facebook: @allthingspamelashaw 
• Get your 90 Day Planner & Prayer Journal: Website: PamelaShawPink.com
• YouTube: Pamela Shaw
• www.pamelashaw.pink 

Resources Mentioned:

• 90-Day Design Your Life Live Your Vision Planner
• Prayer Journal
• "The Sabbath" by Abraham Heschel
• Dr. Caroline Leaf's work on mindset and brain health
• "Living Fearless" by Jamie Winship

Head over to www.cherissehixson.com and join our Email List after hearing this weeks episode with Pam Shaw and be entered to WIN 2 Giveaways from Pam Shaw "90 Day Planner" & "Prayer Journal". Enter your name and email and you'll be entered to WIN and also recieve addtional tips, tools and rhythms from this episode with Pam that you will love to use as your restore your soul this month. 

 Remember, you can stay connected between episodes by following us on Instagram @RhythmsThatRestorePodcast and on Facebook Rhythms That Restore Podcast Community.

 Don't forget to subscribe, leave a review and share the show with a friend if you found value in today's conversation!

"You Might Need Rest IF" with Betsy Pendergrass

In this soul-refreshing episode of Rhythms That Restore, Cherisse sits down with writer and artist Betsy Pendergrass to explore the countercultural invitation of rest in a world that worships productivity. Betsy shares her transformative journey of taking a sabbatical year after her 49th birthday and how that experience reshaped her understanding of rest, creativity, and identity in Christ.

In This Episode:

• Betsy reveals how a year of intentional rest healed her body and unleashed her creativity after decades of constant activity
• The biblical foundation for working FROM rest rather than working UNTIL rest
• Why giving yourself permission to create without productivity goals can reawaken joy
• How to discern God's voice amid the noise of life
• Practical ways to introduce Sabbath rhythms into your family life
• The unexpected growth that comes through wilderness seasons
• Why our culture's obsession with busyness is contrary to God's design

Special Announcement:

Mark your calendars! Betsy will be in Memphis on Saturday, July 19th for a special "Discovering Beauty Creatives Workshop" at Cherisse's home from 9AM-Noon. Email us for more information and to reserve your spot!

Connect with Betsy:

• Website: BetsyPendergrassArt.com
• Instagram: @BetsyPendergrassArt

Connect with Cherisse:

• Instagram: @RhythmsThatRestore
• Connect & Sign up for Emails from Cherisse at www.cherissehixson.com 
• Subscribe to never miss an episode!
• Leave a review to help other women discover these restoring rhythms

Scripture Reference:

Matthew 11:28-30 - "Come to me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."

Rhythms That Restore is a podcast for women who are weary from the constant pace and pull of life and are looking for ways to restore, rest, and renew their souls in Jesus and His word and presence.

In this episode, Cherisse welcomes her longtime mentor Linda Toupin to discuss simplifying our faith and making choices that restore our souls in a complex world. Episode Highlights:

• Linda shares her upbringing on a dairy farm in southeastern Kentucky and how it shaped her strong work ethic and faith foundation
• The concept of mental "creases" - how our brains form pathways based on repeated thoughts and how we can create new, healthier patterns
• Linda's personal journey through an unexpected divorce and how forgiveness became her pathway to healing
• Practical advice for rediscovering your authentic self when you've lost touch with who you are
• How to simplify your faith journey and avoid making it complicated with excessive rules
• The power of "dilution" - balancing life's chaos with positive influences
• Finding what "puts Joy in your JOY Jar" as a guide for making choices

Guest Bio: Linda Toupin has mentored thousands of women since beginning her career in 1983. She retired in 2020 and is a Speaker, Teacher, Mentor and Strategist helping women around the globe step into their gifting. She now hosts her own podcast, "Common Sense Choices."    Quotes: "The choices I make today determine my tomorrow." "I am where I am by the choices I have made or I have allowed others to make for me." "Your faith should be the simplest thing in your life." "Hate, bitterness and anger destroys the vessel that holds it." Resources:

• Listen to Linda's podcast "Common Sense Choices" on Spotify and Apple
• Follow Linda & Sign Up for her Email List: www.lindatoupin.com 
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/LindaToupinEducator 
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/lindatoupin 
• Common Sense Choices on You Tube: https://bit.ly/ChoicesPod 
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lindatoupin/ 

Connect with Cherisse: Follow on Instagram @RhythmsThatRestore and subscribe to never miss an episode! Connect with Cherisse and join in on the journey together learning new rhythms that can restore us every day at www.cherissehixson.com    Rhythms That Restore - Learning rhythms that restore our minds, hearts, bodies and spirits and allow us to walk confidently in who God has called us to be.

In this episode, Cherisse welcomes her longtime mentor Linda Toupin to discuss simplifying our faith and making choices that restore our souls in a complex world.

Episode Highlights:

• Linda shares her upbringing on a dairy farm in southeastern Kentucky and how it shaped her strong work ethic and faith foundation
• The concept of mental "creases" - how our brains form pathways based on repeated thoughts and how we can create new, healthier patterns
• Linda's personal journey through an unexpected divorce and how forgiveness became her pathway to healing
• Practical advice for rediscovering your authentic self when you've lost touch with who you are
• How to simplify your faith journey and avoid making it complicated with excessive rules
• The power of "dilution" - balancing life's chaos with positive influences
• Finding what "puts joy in your joy jar" as a guide for making choices

Guest Bio:

Linda Toupin has mentored thousands of women since beginning her career in 1983. She retired in 2020 and now hosts her own podcast, "Common Sense Choices." Linda is mother to Dr. Neil (pediatric neurologist) and Katie (musician known as "Candy Jenkins").

Quotes:

"The choices I make today determine my tomorrow."

"I am where I am by the choices I have made or I have allowed others to make for me."

"Your faith should be the simplest thing in your life."

"Hate, bitterness and anger destroys the vessel that holds it."

Resources:

• Listen to Linda's podcast "Common Sense Choices" on Spotify and Apple
• Follow Linda & Sign Up for her Email List: www.lindatoupin.com 
• Check out Katie Toupin Music as "Candy Jenkins" on Spotify
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/LindaToupinEducator 
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/lindatoupin 
• Common Sense Choices on You Tube: https://bit.ly/ChoicesPod 
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lindatoupin/ 

Connect with Cherisse:

Follow on Instagram @RhythmsThatRestore and subscribe to never miss an episode! Connect with Cherisse and join in on the journey together learning new rhythms that can restore us every day at www.cherissehixson.com 

Rhythms That Restore - Learning rhythms that restore our minds, hearts, bodies and spirits and allow us to walk confidently in who God has called us to be.