I want to help you quiet the noise of distraction by sharing some of my favorite resources. Simple tools that help me study God’s Word, write words that encourage others, and share the messages on my heart with those in my sphere.
Quick Disclosure: This page includes some affiliate links which means that if you click the link to purchase something on this page, it won’t cost you more but I may receive a commission for sharing this with you. I only share resources with you that I personally use or can recommend without hesitation. Thank you for your support in this way.
Time with Jesus
This NKJV giant print, red letter edition is my favorite. I can’t find the exact one on Amazon, but this is close. I love that the NKJV capitalizes the pronouns for God. I also have this NIV Life Application Study Bible and this ESV Study Bible. Through the Word of God we draw close to the heart of God.
Every morning in my journal, I note three gifts, write out a few lines of Scripture, document my day, pen a short prayer, and record my “I love you because…” text to my husband. I found this one on Amazon, but even a simple notebook would suffice.
I turn to BlueLetterBible.org to look up the original Hebrew (Old Testament) and Greek (New Testament) words. I also love their commentaries for discovering additional insights.
His love makes me brave is a sweet reminder as I sip my tea and study God’s Word. Whatever you use to fill your cup, fill your heart with the truth that it is because of Jesus in us that we can do what we do.
I love listening to God’s word on the YouVersion Bible app on my phone. They also have great devotionals rangeing from 5-14 days.
BibleGateway.com allows me to see verses in multiple translations for greater understanding.
I desire to keep first things first. This course helped me be more intentional with my mornings and consistent with my quiet times. Check out the Make Over Your Mornings course.
Encouraging Books & More
Whether it’s an afternoon in the cool of the shade or snuggled under a blanket with Minnie on my lap, I love books that encourage me in my faith, my marriage, and my writing. And recently I’ve rediscovered the joy of getting lost in a story and am adding more fiction books to my reading lists. My Amazon Favorites also contains my favorite art supplies and things that make my heart smile.
MARRIAGE
Weekend to Remember
Tim and I attended a FamilyLife Weekend to Remember marriage retreat because great marriages don’t just happen. Sign up for three days of romance and a chance to reconnect. FamilyLife runs specials specials from time to time. Use the group name ClosetoHisHeart when you register to maximize your savings. See all upcoming events.
Business Tools
Writing
Scrivener is the writing software I use to write articles, blog posts, books, devotions, and more. Within Scrivener I can create writing goals and deadlines, track word counts, and write in a distraction-free zone. You don’t need to know how to do it all with this mighty software
Hosting
For website hosting I use and recommend SiteGround. My site is always up and runs quickly. And when I’ve needed help figuring out a tech issue, their chat support has been amazing. Sign up today.
Graphics
I have the Creative Cloud to bundle my Adobe products. I use Adobe Express to create all my graphics. And I use Camera Raw, Photoshop, and Illustrator to digitize my art. If you’re just getting started, I recommend a free Adobe Express account.
Email Service Provider
I started with MailChimp but made the switch to Flodesk so I could segment my list and beautify my emails. Through my link you can get 50% off your first year on a Flodesk subscription.
Podcast Hosting
For The Heart Rest Podcast, I use and recommend Buzzsprout for hosting. Sign up with my link, and we each get $20 if you like them and sign up for a paid plan.
GoogleWorkspace helps me work faster and more efficiently. They also handle my .com and .me emails. From Gmail to Docs to Drive, it’s a fully integrated way to work. Google Workspace is offering a 14-day trial. Sign up using my link.
Art Shop Hosting
For the Crystal Storms Art shop, I use and recommend Shopify for hosting. I’m on the starter plan, which comes with a simple website, high-converting checkouts, and helpful analytics. Sign up to get a free brand essentials worksheet from Shopify.
Learning
I have a SkillShare membership that helps my continue to indulge my love for learning. I have taken classes to improve my art, my business skills, learn Procreate, and more. Sign up for a free trial today.
