今年夏季，絕不能錯過名勝壹號世界郵輪重回基隆啟航！多種優惠方案讓您輕鬆預訂心儀的日本沖繩郵輪行程，同時省下大筆開支！

Crystal Paine Show

1 年前
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Crystal Paine Show

The Crystal Paine Show is dedicated to helping you embrace life right where you are and take practical steps to get where you want to go. Crystal says, "My hope is that this podcast will serve as an inspiration to your week, a pause in your day to slow down and reflect a little, a looked-forward-to part of your weekly routine, a place where we can connect on a deeper level… and ultimately, my desire is that you come away from listening to each episode feeling motivated to bloom where you are planted and take intentional steps to move in the direction you are longing to go." Crystal is a wife, mom of 6, foster/adoptive mom, speaker, New York Times bestselling author, and online entrepreneur, best known for founding MoneySavingMom.com.

https://redcircle.com/shows/crystal-paine-show
198. How to Identify What's Keeping Us Stuck (with Megan Hyatt Miller)

I have a lot in common with this week's podcast guest -- and we have many mutual connections! Author of Mind Your Mindset: The Science That Shows Success Starts with Your Thinking (which she co-authored with her father Michael Hyatt) as well as C.E.O. of Full Focus, Megan Hyatt Miller joins me this week to share about how our mindset impacts all areas of our life.

She talks about how she got into her business, what it’s like working with her dad, and the story behind this book and how personal it was. She shares about her struggle with false beliefs surrounding public speaking and how this held her back for years and took her on a journey to ultimately discovering that the stories we tell ourselves can either propel us forward or hold us back in a big way and keep us stuck.

Megan not only discusses her own story, but also how to stop listening to a story that could keep your stuck, how to recognize if you're believing a false narrative, how to help our kids (especially teenagers) when they say things like, "I'm terrible at xyz!" or "Everyone else is so much better at xyz!). I loved the very relatable illustration she shared from parenting her son recently when he was really frustrated in a situation in his life.

This episode has a lot of takeaways that we can apply immediately to: (1) identify the story we're believing, (2) interrogate the story to see what's true or false, and (3) imagine a new story. We talk in-depth about what each of these steps entails and how to walk it out practically -- and how it can change your life!

In This Episode

[00:35] - I am excited about today’s guest, Megan Hyatt Miller!

[01:52] - Megan shares a little about her background and her family.

[04:37] - I asked her about working with her dad.

[11:53] - How did Megan identify her false narrative around public speaking?

[13:16] - How do people identify their false narratives?

[17:12] - Megan touches upon how we can help teenagers mind their mindsets.

[20:50] - The three-step process for minding your mindset.

[21:33] - How do people get from realizing that something isn’t working to identifying their story?

[26:49] - Megan addresses interrogating your story with someone else.

[29:46] - Megan explains how to imagine a new story.

Links & Resources

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
https://crystalpaine.com/198
Tue, 14 Feb 2023 12:00:00 +0000
197. 4 Things We've Learned After 18 Years of Parenting

We had a big milestone happen recently: our oldest child, Kathrynne, turned 18 and is officially an adult!! Today, we reflect on the last 18 years of parenting and four important lessons we've learned.

If I could go back, I would work less and chase numbers and business growth a whole lot less, I'd be more present and take time to really notice and celebrate the small things, I'd stop trying to fix my kids and just walk with them, and I'd worry a lot less about what other people think.

I hope our honest reflections in this episode really encourage you -- no matter where you are in your parenting journey.

In This Episode

[00:35] - We are now the parents of an adult!

[02:45] - I got a copy of my new book!

[05:49] - I am currently listening to Carnegie’s Maid by Marie Benedict.

[06:55] - Jesse has been reading George Orwell’s Animal Farm.

[08:23] - What has been saving my life recently?

[12:28] - We dive into lessons we’ve learned over the last eighteen years of parenting.

[15:37] - I touch upon fear being a reason I may have worked too much.

[18:39] - Learn about what happened when I finally stopped chasing numbers.

[21:10] - Jesse realizes there is a lot he doesn’t remember when our bigger ones were small.

[25:03] - I wish that I would have cared less about what others thought.

[27:05] - I wish I’d have spent more time walking with my kids rather than trying to “fix” them.

[31:25] - There is always still time for redemption.




Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
https://crystalpaine.com/197
Tue, 07 Feb 2023 12:00:00 +0000
196. Discovering Hope & Healing After Brokenness (with Toni Collier)

Today’s guest Toni Collier is the founder of Broken Crayons and is also the author of the new book Brave Enough to Be Broken: How to Embrace Your Pain and Discover Hope and Healing. Toni shares her journey, discussing how her life took a turn for the worse when she was a child. She defines what brokenness means to her and how that led to her getting counseling and seeking change.

Toni discusses her belief in the importance of hope, arguing that it’s not pain that causes the most damage to us but rather hopelessness. She emphasizes that, even though she found redemption and love, her journey toward a happier, healthier life did not happen overnight and was a real struggle that involved a great deal of roadmapping and anxiety.

Her book also has some practical things at the back, including gratitude practices, and she emphasizes the importance of practicing gratitude, how to get out of a toxic and difficult situation when we feel trapped in it, why building a healthy community is crucial, and so much more! This was such an amazing and emotional interview, and I encourage you, especially if you enjoyed this interview and are struggling to find hope and healing in your life, to purchase Toni’s book!


In This Episode

[00:35] - This was today’s guest’s second attempt to be on the show!

[02:16] - Toni tells us a little bit about herself.

[03:24] - What does brokenness mean and look like to Toni?

[05:49] - Toni had to become more self-aware to realize why she was being abused.

[07:37] - From where did Toni find hope?

[09:01] - How does one go about embracing pain?

[10:28] - I point to a specific quote from Toni’s book about trauma leakage.

[12:49] - Toni reveals how she had the courage to step into a second marriage.

[15:29] - Healing is not linear and is very painful, Toni asserts.

[18:14] - Fear can either lead us to wisdom or cause us to hide, Toni argues.

[20:02] - Toni emphasizes counseling, reading

[21:30] - Learn why Toni included gratitude practices in her book.

[23:40] - It’s very difficult to heal in the place and with the people that broke you in the first place.

[26:53] - Toni points out that pain and hope can coexist.


Links & Resources

Crystal Paine

Toni Collier


Books

Brave Enough to Be Broken: How to Embrace Your Pain and Discover Hope and Healing by Toni Collier


Social Media

Crystal Paine on Instagram

Crystal Paine on Twitter

Crystal Paine on Goodreads

Money Saving Mom

Money Saving Mom on Facebook

Money Saving Mom Deal Seekers Facebook group

crystal@moneysavingmom.com




Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
https://crystalpaine.com/196
Tue, 31 Jan 2023 12:00:00 +0000
195. A Faith That Will Not Fail (with Michele Cushatt)

Michele Cushatt returns to the podcast today to talk about something that we didn’t get to dive into last time - her personal story and journey! Michele has a brand new book coming out in March called A Faith That Will Not Fail: 10 Practices to Build Up Your Faith When Your World Is Falling Apart, and if anyone knows what it’s like for your world to fall apart, it’s definitely Michele.

Michele dives into her journey and talks about all of the devastating loss that she has endured throughout her life. She describes her life over the last three decades as being “riddled with suffering” which includes cancer repeatedly coming back.

She touches upon the importance of lament and why grief is an important part of healing, why we need to anchor ourselves to something static other than the outcome, the importance of forgiveness and how refusing to hurts only ourselves, and so much more.

One of my favorite parts of Michele's book are the Five-Minute Faith Builders at the end of each chapter. These give you really practical tools for what to do next when you feel sucked into the vortex of grief and loss and don't know how to cope or function.

In This Episode

[00:35] - Michele Cushatt returns to the show today!

[01:37] - How Michele’s world fell apart.

[06:43] - What does the word lament mean to Michele?

[08:23] - What lamenting looked like when Michele was diagnosed with cancer.

[10:18] - Grieving is the necessary first step to new living.

[10:36] - How do we avoid getting stuck in grief?

[15:40] - How do we anchor ourselves to something other than the outcome?

[18:35] - Overwhelming suffering can lead to panic.

[19:42] - What forgiveness has looked like in Michele's life.

[21:39] - Forgiveness always comes at a cost.

[22:16] - How do people learn to forgive when they don’t want to?

[24:02] - Michele explains how she goes into the next day knowing it will be hard.

Links & Resources




Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
https://crystalpaine.com/195
Tue, 24 Jan 2023 12:00:00 +0000
194. 6 Lessons We've Learned from 20 Years of Marriage

Jesse and I celebrated a milestone anniversary recently – twenty years of marriage! In some ways, it feels like it hasn’t been that long, and in other ways, it feels like we have been married even longer than that, and we thought that we spend today discussing the biggest lessons that we have learned over the past two decades.

The last few years have stretched us more than ever. Walking through foster care licensing, fostering 6 precious kids of differing ages, saying goodbye to the beautiful boy C who stole our hearts for 8 1/2 months, continuing to love and walk with his mama and be involved in his life for the past two years, saying yes to David and being thrust into the world of special needs and medical complexities, countless doctor’s appointments and therapies, many scary medical moments, surgeries, saying yes to adoption, having a senior and walking through all the college stuff and preparing to launch a child, saying yes to our daughter dating, countless sporting events, two miracle pregnancies, so many nighttime wake-ups with three little ones… life is full and never dull.

There are constantly opportunities to trust the Lord and work together. Some days we do it better than others.

Having three teenagers and three little ones and a full-time business from our home is always an adventure. Every day requires organization, communication, adaptability, creativity, flexibility, and patience.

We have our moments when we are really irritated and annoyed with each other, but we’ve learned more and more that it’s worth it to fight for our marriage and for each other instead of just fighting to be right or to prove the other person wrong.

Some days we are tired. Some days we wonder how it’s all going to work out. Some days we miscommunicate.

But we keep choosing each other. We keep choosing to love, even on the days when we don’t feel like it or when it’s hard or when there are tensions.

A few things w’ve learned in the last 20 years:

Say I love you often.

Go out of your way to make each other laugh.

Give your spouse time and space to do things that they love and that bring them life.

Flirt every day.

Find the good and call it out.

A strong marriage doesn’t just happen, but it’s so worth the time, intention, & sacrifice.

Happy 20th anniversary, Jesse! Thank you for continuing to choose me and love me — even on the hard days! I’d marry you all over again! I love you so much!

In This Episode

[00:35] – We recently celebrated a milestone anniversary.

[01:56] – We are sharing lessons we’ve learned in twenty years of marriage.

[02:22] – Don’t believe everything you dream.

[04:09] – I just finished listening to the audiobook The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek.

[06:49] – There is a sequel to that book as well.

[08:09] – What’s saving my life this week?

[09:40] – Pre-order my new book coming out on March 7th — lots of fun freebies coming for people who pre-order!

[11:33] – Baker Publishing Group is offering the best deal on my new book.

[13:14] – I have learned to tell Jesse that I love him often.

[15:43] – Jesse defines love as commitment, action, and feeling.

[16:00] – We have learned to go out of our ways to make each other laugh.

[16:59] – Give your spouse time to do things that they love.

[20:36] – We flirt every day.

[22:44] – Be cognizant of the good, and be grateful.

[23:44] – A strong marriage doesn’t just happen on its own.

[26:37] – Any strong relationship requires work and sacrifice.

Links & Resources




Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
http://crystalpaine.com/
Tue, 17 Jan 2023 12:00:00 +0000
193. The Long-Awaited Adoption Day (all the details)!

As promised in last week’s episode, we are giving more detail today about the newest addition to our family whom, after fostering for 21 months, we have officially adopted!

We have been referring to him as Baby D on social media and on the podcast, but we are now finally able to reveal that his name is David, and we touch upon the Biblical significance of his name and how it coincidentally (given that his mom named him) follows our pattern of boys’ names.

In this episode, we share a lot of never-before-shared stories of David's early months in our home and share about our interaction with his mom. Although we are sad that reunification was ultimately not an option, we also are so grateful for the gift of David.

Be sure to check out my Instagram page if you want to see pictures from the ceremony!

In This Episode

[00:35] - Introducing this episode.

[01:15] - Jesse reveals Baby D’s name.

[03:11] - Hear how his name follows our predetermined pattern of boys’ names.

[05:19] - Jesse shares how he felt about adoption day.

[07:15] - We never sought this; we went into foster care knowing that adoption isn’t the goal.

[12:21] - David’s biological mother always assumed that we were going to adopt him.

[14:58] - Jesse explains why we kept David’s middle name.

[16:40] - We shift the conversation toward the adoption ceremony.

[19:26] - Hear about the actual adoption itself.

[20:46] - I touch upon one of the most special moments of the adoption day.

[23:42] - Knowing that David is our legal son still feels surreal.

Links & Resources


Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
https://crystalpaine.com/193
Tue, 10 Jan 2023 11:00:00 +0000
192. Our Goals for 2023

Welcome to the very first episode of 2023! As a way of ushering in the new year, we thought that it would be appropriate to share our goals for 2023!

My new book The Time-Saving Mom is coming out in March, and I also have six children, all of which is already a lot, so I have gone about setting realistic and specific goals for 2023 in a way that is challenging me but not overwhelming me. I also want to be sure that my goals all correlate with my values and what I want to be able to accomplish by the end of my life.

We hope that you will listen in as Jesse and I share our goals for the new year, including but not limited to being overall physically healthier, having one family dinner per week, finishing reading or listening to one book per week, and setting aside time for a date with at least one family member per week. We also hope that you will tune in next week as we expand upon a very exciting announcement!


In This Episode

[00:35] - This is the first episode of 2023!

[02:17] - Does Jesse get excited about the start of a new year like I do?

[03:32] - We share an exciting announcement!

[06:00] - Hear why I am prioritizing sleep.

[08:37] - I share my first goal for 2023.

[10:41] - I explain why I want to lose body fat in 2023.

[13:13] - I have been sure to drink a lot of water and get a healthy amount of sleep.

[15:08] - Jesse wants to be more consistent with fitness.

[16:12] - Hear what my second goal for 2023 is!

[18:37] - I reveal goal #3.

[20:09] - I share my fourth goal for 2023.

[22:01] - I reveal and explain my fifth goal.

[24:33] - I want to delete 300 photos from my phone each week.

[27:37] - Jesse touches upon the importance of being effective and intentional.

[29:14] - Learn about my habit tracking system.


Links & Resources

Crystal Paine

WYZE Body Fat Scale

Money Saving Mom - “My Daily Habit Tracker Checklist (Plus Download Yours!)”


Books

The Time-Saving Mom: How to Juggle a Lot, Enjoy Your Life, and Accomplish What Matters Most by Crystal Paine


Social Media

Crystal Paine on Instagram

Crystal Paine on Twitter

Crystal Paine on Goodreads

Money Saving Mom

Money Saving Mom on Facebook

Money Saving Mom Deal Seekers Facebook group

crystal@moneysavingmom.com




Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
http://crystalpaine.com/
Tue, 03 Jan 2023 12:00:00 +0000
191. Highlights from 2022 + Some BIG News!

Welcome to the very last episode of the podcast before we move into 2023! It has been a really eventful 2022, so we are spending this episode taking a look back at 2022, reflecting on the big events of the year, including finishing my next book and giving birth to Micah.

We talk about how we have two teenagers who are preparing for college, how this year has provided a lot of opportunities for me to talk about foster care, what challenges we have faced this year, and so, so much more!

You will also want to stay tuned to the end of the podcast for an exciting announcement that is, for the time being, completely exclusive to this podcast! You’re hearing it here first!


In This Episode

[00:33] - This is the last episode of 2022!

[01:41] - Discover the title of my new book!

[04:51] - Micah has been a blessing from 2022.

[07:06] - This year has not been without its challenges.

[09:29] - We also have our older girls getting ready to go to college.

[12:18] - Jesse and I have learned to let go this year.

[13:10] - I reflect back on prioritizing community.

[16:37] - I touch upon how we began homeschooling again this year.

[18:27] - Our oldest is in a dating relationship for the first time this year.

[21:20] - Listen for an exciting exclusive announcement!


Links & Resources

Crystal Paine


Books

The Time-Saving Mom: How to Juggle a Lot, Enjoy Your Life, and Accomplish What Matters Most by Crystal Paine

Find Your People: Building Deep Community in a Lonely World by Jennie Allen


Social Media

Crystal Paine on Instagram

Crystal Paine on Twitter

Crystal Paine on Goodreads

Money Saving Mom

Money Saving Mom on Facebook

Money Saving Mom Deal Seekers Facebook group

crystal@moneysavingmom.com



Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
http://crystalpaine.com/
Tue, 20 Dec 2022 12:00:00 +0000
190. Helping Kids Thrive in Mind, Body, and Spirit (with Jodi Mockabee)

Today’s guest is Jodi Mockabee, author of the book The Whole and Healthy Family: Helping Your Kids Thrive in Mind, Body, and Spirit! I appreciate how Jodi addresses things holistically and has a lot of wisdom and experience to bring to the table.

Jodi is the mother of five children ranging from the age of ten to sixteen, and she bases the book on all of that experience that she had, capturing parenting methods that have worked for her as well as ones that haven’t worked so well.

She discusses her childhood and how it impacted her family life now, how to let go as a mom and let your kids be as independent as possible, how to be minimalist and efficient even if you have people in your family who like to hold onto things, what it means for parenting to go through different seasons, the importance of accountability, and so more!

In This Episode

[00:35] - I introduce today’s guest, Jodi Mockabee!

[03:15] - What was Jodi’s childhood like, and how did it impact her family lifestyle now?

[05:26] - Jodi shares about teaching your kids to be independent.

[09:15] - How Jodi approaches parenting a child who is on the spectrum.

[11:32] - I ask Jodi about some of her methods for simplifying.

[14:29] - How to strive for efficiency while also addressing children’s needs.

[17:15] - Jodi addresses how to be minimalist with family members who want to keep things.

[26:24] - What accountability looks like in their home.

[29:56] - Jodi offers helpful advice to young moms.

Links & Resources




Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
https://crystalpaine.com/190
Tue, 13 Dec 2022 12:00:00 +0000
189. It's Okay to Be a Beginner

As we are approaching the end of the year and preparing to move into a new one, let's talk about being a beginner. This topic was inspired by a pep talk Jesse gave to me a few weeks ago as I was starting a new workout program and was sort of bemoaning how much of a beginner I felt.

His words of encouragement were so motivational to me and I wanted him to share more in this episode of the podcast. If you are in the process of starting something new, starting over, or thinking of starting something new in 2023, I hope that our words in this podcast inspire you to keep showing up -- even as a beginner!

In This Episode

[00:35] - We are talking about being a beginner today.

[01:10] - We just got back from our trip to Kansas!

[05:19] - An incident involving gum on my flight.

[12:51] - I have been listening to Healing Stones by Nancy Rue and Stephen Arterburn.

[15:17] - We dive into talking about being a beginner.

[16:12] - Jesse share more about the workout program he is using to base my workouts on.

[19:20] - Why it's okay to be a beginner.

[20:19] - Real-life examples of being a beginner.

[25:34] - Keeping showing up.

Links & Resources




Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
https://crystalpaine.com/189
Tue, 06 Dec 2022 12:00:00 +0000
188. Good Boundaries and Goodbyes (with Lysa TerKeurst)

Today’s guest on The Crystal Paine Show is someone who has been on the show before and you all loved that episode. So when the opportunity came up to have her back on the show one more time, I jumped on it, especially when I saw the title of her new book, Good Boundaries and Goodbyes: Loving Others Without Losing the Best of Who You Are!

In this episode, Lysa TerKeurst discusses where she gets her ideas for her books, primarily her struggles and what they show her she needs to improve and work on. She also elaborates on what the word boundaries means to her and how she has learned what boundaries are from the Bible, the difference between being selfish and demonstrating self-control, how boundaries help prevent unpleasant extremes and what to do if those extremes take place anyway, and so much more.

I am so appreciative of Lysa for her friendship, for being on the show, and for having written this new book. If you are someone who struggles with setting boundaries with people and/or feel like you’re being selfish if and when you do, then I strongly recommend that you pick up a copy!

In This Episode

[00:35] – I am so honored to have a repeat guest today, Lysa TerKeurst!

[03:45] – What does the word “boundaries” mean to Lysa?

[06:28] – Lysa shares how to implement responsibility.

[07:56] – How does Lysa determine someone’s responsibility level?

[10:48] – Lysa explains what can happen as a result of no boundaries.

[13:41] – How do we set boundaries while still serving and helping others?

[14:34] – Lysa points out the difference between selfishness and self-control.

[18:00] – How do we set boundaries without walking away from people we love?

[20:15] – What do boundaries look like if we live with the person?

[22:52] – What if you set a boundary with someone and they respond negatively?

[25:27] – Lysa explains how trying to control someone leads to us feeling trapped.

[30:43] – Lysa’s insight applies to all of the relationships in our lives.

Links & Resources




Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
http://crystalpaine.com/
Tue, 29 Nov 2022 13:00:00 +0000
187. Loving Someone Well Even When We Disagree (with Michele Cushatt)

Disagreements and differences in opinion often result in tension and division in relationships. But does it have to be this way?

In this week's episode of The Crystal Paine Show, I sit down with Michele Cushatt, one of the authors of the brand-new and much-needed book Come Sit with Me, a book all about how to love well, in spite of differences and/or disagreements.

We recorded this episode the week of the midterm elections and I felt it couldn't be more appropriate. Michele talks about how to go about seeing differences as means for curiosity rather than fear. She shares how it's so easy to feel threatened by differences and then let that cause us to put our guard up instead of to lean in and listen and learn out of a place of love.

In this episode, she shares four keys for having conversations when we disagree with someone -- and they might surprise you! I especially loved how she dug into the importance of knowing where our identity is and how that is foundational for not being frustrated, angry, or hurt when someone disagrees with us.

In This Episode

[01:08] – Delighting in our differences... what does that mean? Let's talk about it!

[03:26] – But first, I have Michele introduce herself.

[09:10] – Feeling curious vs. feeling threatened.

[10:55] – What inspired Michele's chapter in the book.

[15:25] – Why are children curious? Why do we often lose this curiosity as we grow older?

[16:54] – The role identity plays in our discussion about differences.

[18:35] – What does it look like to put our identity in Jesus?

[20:01] – We need more than current events to put our hopes on.

[22:28] – Listening is a lost art that we need to find again.

[25:13] – Where does the need to be right come from?

[25:55] – Michele discusses the importance of empathy.

[27:37] – We can't let our positions become more important than people.

Links & Resources

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
http://crystalpaine.com/
Tue, 22 Nov 2022 14:00:00 +0000
186. A Crazy Travel Story

We took a super quick 28-hour trip to Wilkes-Barre, PA for my friend Jamie’s mom’s funeral a few weeks ago. If you follow me on Instagram, you’ve heard parts of our crazy travel experience, but since it sparked so many conversations and messages online, I thought we should share the whole thing together in this week's podcast episode! (See more pictures from our trip here.)

A few takeaways from our trip:

::We never got the opportunity to meet Jamie’s mom, but it was so special to hear family and friends share about how she impacted their lives. It was such a reminder to invest our lives in what matters and to not take any relationship for granted.

::Be sure to double check dates before booking flights. Ahem. Also, double-check the address to your hotel. And finally, double-check that you have your photo ID. Listen to the episode for more details on all that. 🙂

::Flying with a two-year-old is never boring. Kierstyn and Micah both did well on the flights and the two-hour drive from Philly to Wilkes-Barre and back, but K was quite confident in her navigational skills at the airport and we quickly learned we needed to push her in the stroller lest she dart ahead of us and get lost in a crowd! Also: I have no idea how parents travel by themselves with a toddler and a baby. We felt like we were barely pulling it off and there were two adults!

::Wilkes-Barre is not pronounced like I expected. But the locals can’t seem to agree on the correct pronunciation.

::It was our first time for both of us to leave D. We missed him so much and can’t wait until he’s adopted and we don’t have to have prior written approval from DCS for him to travel! But our older three kids did an amazing job watching him.

In this episode, we also have an adoption update to share, I talk about a book I’m super excited about, and we laugh about recent antics of our toddlers.

Powered by RedCircle

In This Episode

[00:35] – It’s time for more crazy travel stories today!

[02:03] – But first, life with toddlers is never boring!

[08:10] – We have an adoption update to share!

[10:40] – I just got a book in the mail that I am really excited about!

[12:29] – A tip to save you money for the Christmas season.

[15:00] – Crazy travel story time!

[20:50] – Discover what happened when we were getting ready to leave.

[31:47] – What went down when Jesse tried to check in to the hotel.

[34:02] – And last but not least, “losing” my ID at TSA security check-in.

Links and Resources:How to Listen to The Crystal Paine Show

The podcast is available on iTunes, Android, Stitcher, and Spotify. You can listen online through the direct player here. OR, a much easier way to listen is by subscribing to the podcast through a free podcast app on your phone. (Find instructions for how to subscribe to a podcast here.)

Ready to dive in and listen? Hit the player above or search for “The Crystal Paine Show” on your favorite podcast app.



Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
http://crystalpaine.com/
Tue, 15 Nov 2022 13:00:00 +0000
185. Every Moment Holy (with Douglas McKelvey)

This week's podcast is a conversation with Douglas McKelvey -- a screenwriter, songwriter, and author of several books including Every Moment Holy -- a book of prayers for every day life. In this episode I share how Every Moment Holy and the prayers in it have impacted me and I get to ask him the questions I've always wondered. Doug shares the story behind why he wrote this book of prayers, how he decided which topics to tackle, and where he found the inspiration.

I love how he challenges us to make prayer such a backbone of our every day life -- and that there is no task that is too menial that we can't bathe in prayer.

In fact, one of the parts of Every Moment Holy that I love so much is that there are prayers for so many seemingly mundane aspects of life, such as washing windows, home repairs, morning coffee, and sick days to name a few! We close the episode with Doug sharing the beautiful prayer he wrote for the start of your day.

In This Episode

[01:26] – I share about why I said yes to this interview and why I love this book. And I ask Doug to share more about himself.

[03:58] – What was the inspiration behind Every Moment Holy?

[08:30] – Some examples of the topics of prayers from the book.

[12:34] – Doug tells us a funny story behind the book's creation.

[15:14] – How were the prayers crafted?

[19:00] - What does it look like for Doug to bring God into everything he does?

[23:37] – How the success and excitement around Every Moment Holy has completely blown away all expectations.

[27:02] – Why we should step out and not say no -- and how it can be the start of a story far beyond what we could imagine!

[31:02] – Doug reads aloud his liturgy for first waking.




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https://crystalpaine.com/185
Tue, 08 Nov 2022 11:00:00 +0000
184. A Life Update + Prepping Our Hearts for Advent (with Ruth Chou Simons)

Today’s podcast episode is a bit different than usual! Ruth Chou Simons came in studio a number of weeks ago to record an episode, but we had a bunch of issues getting it recorded (listen to the episode for the funny story!) and ended up doing an Instagram live and Facebook live and then pulled some of the audio from that for this episode.

Jesse and I also give some life updates at the beginning of the show and talk about books we’re reading + what’s saving my life. In my conversation with Ruth, we discuss her new devotional, Emmanuel: An Invitation to Prepare Him Room at Christmas and Always, and what it looks like to prepare our hearts for the holiday season so that it is filled with grace. She shares what it looks like to focus on what’s truly important about the holiday season – not presents and parties but rather peace in our hearts and homes.

Ruth encourages us that Advent and Christmas isn’t just something we should celebrate in December, but all year long. She offers a lot of inspiration and advice and invites you to take 25 days to start the journey of seeing the holiday season from a new viewpoint.

In This Episode

[00:35] – We’re doing something a bit different today!

[03:46] – My recent trip to Lancaster, Pennsylvania.

[06:56] – What I’ve been reading lately.

[09:45] – Jesse and I talk about reading books vs. listening to audiobooks.

[11:25] – What has been saving my life recently?

[15:04] – Snippets from my conversation with Ruth Chou Simons.

[17:26] – Advice to young moms.

[19:22] – Ruth argues that it’s not possible to satisfy everyone when planning for the holidays.

[21:00] – What does Ruth mean by Jesus is the reason for the season?

[23:46] – What can we do now to prepare?

[25:45] – Ruth points out that what everyone truly longs for is peace and love.

[26:57] – Learn about how Ruth’s book is laid out.

Links & Resources

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https://crystalpaine.com/184
Tue, 01 Nov 2022 13:00:00 +0000
183. A Love-Stretched Life (with Jillana Goble)

I was so excited about doing this podcast interview. Jillana and I have so many overlapping connections and passions: she lived in Guatemala (where our little boy is from!), she's a foster mom, she's adopted from foster care, she has teenagers, she has an ongoing relationship with a birth mom, and she has a child with special needs.

We could have talked for hours, but I limited myself to just around 30 minutes for this episode -- and it's packed with goodness! We dive deep into what it looks like to parent a child with special needs, the challenges and blessings of walking in proximity to birth parents of children we've fostered and/or adopted, and how living a love-stretched life has turned their world upside down in the most beautiful of ways.

Whether you are a foster parent or an adoptive parent or a parent of a child with special needs or whether your life looks completely different, I think you'll find your heart resonating with her passion to love those who need love the most and to walk alongside them without criticism or condemnation but instead with compassion.

In This Episode

[02:05] – Jillana introduces herself and her unique family.

[03:18] – Why did Jillana foster children before having children biologically?

[06:33] – What was her mindset before she started fostering?

[09:11] – An honest discussion on birth parents.

[13:31] – Parents with kids in foster care were often kids in foster care themselves.

[15:06] – Jillana offers advice on how to walk alongside other foster parents if you aren't called to foster.

[16:50] – Hear about being welcoming but with boundaries.

[19:52] – What it's like parenting a child with special needs.

[29:52] – The beauty of interdependency.

[31:22] – What does a love-stretched life look like?

Links & Resources

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https://crystalpaine.com/183
Tue, 25 Oct 2022 13:42:37 +0000
182. Start with Hello: Simple Ways to Build Community (with Shannan Martin)

Hospitality can be defined in so many different ways which makes it a very broad topic, but author Shannan Martin joins me today to talk about it and what it means to be a good neighbor. Her book Start with Hello covers how to create a sense of community with our neighbors, even if we are introverted. Shannan argues that we are all hungry for community even if we don't quite realize it, and she offers great advice on how to start creating that sense of community.

Shannan offers ways to carve out space in our lives to create connections. I, for example, try to keep Fridays open for social gatherings, and Shannan offers examples from her own life as well. She defines hospitality as the door being easy on its hinges and explains what she means by that.

Shannan also reveals what her favorite simple step is to build connection, and I really appreciate what Shannan is doing and really appreciate her time. Be sure to check out Shannan's book for more information!

In This Episode

[00:35] – Shannan Martin is today's guest!
[01:52] – Shannan introduces herself and gives some background information.
[04:24] – How can we create community if we are introverted?
[06:29] – Shannan argues that everyone is looking for community even if we don't realize.
[08:09] – How can people put themselves out there if they've gotten hurt doing so before?
[10:13] – Shannan gives an example of a friend even though they had a lot of differences.
[12:50] – What is a good first baby step?
[15:28] – I have been keeping Fridays open lately.
[18:38] – Shannan points out that we don't have to have it all together when being hospitable.
[21:44] – Shannan believes in her book but still has some anxiety.
[24:42] – What does hospitality look like for Shannan now that her kids are teenagers?
[27:05] – Shannan defines hospitality as keeping the door easy on its hinges.
[30:16] – Shannan emphasizes the importance of asking for help.

Links & Resources

Crystal Paine

Books

Start with Hello by Shannan Martin
The Ministry of Ordinary Places

Social Media

Crystal Paine on Instagram
Crystal Paine on Twitter
Crystal Paine on Goodreads
Money Saving Mom
Money Saving Mom on Facebook
Money Saving Mom Deal Seekers Facebook group
crystal@moneysavingmom.com



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https://crystalpaine.com/182
Tue, 18 Oct 2022 13:16:13 +0000
181. What is Kathrynne doing after high school?

"What is Kathrynne doing after high school?" Jesse and I have been asked this over and over again -- and Kathrynne has been asked this even more!

These questions sparked today's conversation -- about how easy it is to put pressure on others unknowingly and to spend so much of our lives thinking about, planning for, looking forward to, and worrying about the future that we miss the beauty of the here and now.

We'd love to hear your feedback after you listen to this episode!

In This Episode

[00:35] – We are talking about after high school today!

[03:08] – Our trip to Branson and Silver Dollar City.

[05:40] – What's been saving our lives.

[09:51] – I am almost finished listening to Count the Nights by Stars by Michelle Shocklee.

[14:15] – We have been watching Five Days at Memorial.

[17:01] – We dive into the topic of what Kathrynne is doing after high school.

[19:49] – Most people don't work in what they majored in at college.

[21:49] – I pose a question to ask rather than what most people ask.

[23:25] – Jesse touches upon how the question can also lead to guilt.

[26:30] – Hear a story that emphasizes the importance of being grounded in the present.

[28:12] – We would love to hear more alternate questions from you!



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https://crystalpaine.com/181
Tue, 11 Oct 2022 13:19:41 +0000
180. Why You Should Read Aloud with Your Kids (with Jennifer Pepito)

This week's podcast episode is on a topic that is very close to my heart... because it's something that so deeply impacted me! When I was growing up, my mom read aloud to us almost every single day and I have so many fond memories of the time we spent gathered together -- often working on some type of sewing handwork -- while she read us a few more chapters from the book we were currently reading aloud.

To this day, I recall so many stories from those books and often am inspired in my every day life to be more courageous because of them. I share more about that on this episode of The Crystal Paine Show where I'm joined by Jennifer Pepito, author of Mothering by the Book: The Power of Reading Aloud to Overcome Fear and Recapture Joy. As you may have guessed, this episode is all about the positive impact of reading aloud to your children.

Jennifer is the mother of seven children whom she has been homeschooling for twenty-five years. And she is passionate about the power of reading aloud -- not just for your kids, but for you as a mom. She shares her best tips for getting started, how to approach reluctant listeners, a few of her favorite read alouds, and what reading aloud has looked like in their home through the years.

She is such a seasoned mother and homeschooler and has such a wealth of knowledge and wisdom to share, and I hope that you find her words helpful. I left this conversation so inspired and I think you will, too!

In This Episode

[01:11] – We are talking about the book Mothering by the Book today!

[02:27] – Did Jennifer always intend to homeschool her children?

[05:14] – How Jennifer found time in her day to read aloud to her children -- especially when they were little.

[06:50] – What reading aloud has looked like as Jennifer's children grew older.

[11:05] – How do we get children to sit still to listen to a book?

[12:57] – What do we do when there are interruptions.

[16:43] – How reading aloud impacted me as a child -- and into adulthood.

[18:19] – Jennifer offers insightful advice to new mothers.

[21:36] – And then she shares advice for moms with older kids.

[23:44] – How can we get started making reading aloud a practice in our homes?

[24:55] – What are some of Jennifer's favorite read-aloud titles?

Books



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https://crystalpaine.com/180
Tue, 04 Oct 2022 17:02:08 +0000
179. An Interview with Jesse

I thought that it would be fun to sort of turn the tables around a little bit and interview Jesse, who just recently had his forty-second birthday!

Jesse has a lot of wisdom to share. He's walked through a lot in his life -- including being born prematurely, his parents divorcing at an early age, losing his mom to cancer when he was young, and two major brain tumor surgeries. And that was all just before he turned 15!

In this episode, he shares some of the biggest life lessons he has learned over the course of his life and what lessons he hopes to impart to our children.

We talk about how important it is to take risks and face fears. He share about what it was like to do this when he went to law school and started his own firm, and we both had to face fears when we went into fostering. All in all, you never know where a leap of faith or even just a baby step will take you!

In This Episode

[01:13] – Jesse had a big birthday recently and in honor of his birthday, I'm interviewing him this episode.

[03:01] – Jesse recently finished reading Fortitude by Dan Crenshaw and is reading People Are the Mission by Danny Franks.

[04:58] – I am reading Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt -- a book that is different from many I usually read.

[09:20] – What has been saving my life this week?

[12:47] – Jesse shares what has been saving his life.

[17:24] – What are a couple of life lessons that Jesse wants to teach our kids.?

[18:13] – Jesse talks about some fears that he has faced throughout his life.

[23:45] – Jesse's hopes for the next forty years or so.

[28:35] – Skills build on each other.

Links & Resources



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https://crystalpaine.com/179
Tue, 27 Sep 2022 14:11:34 +0000
178. From Street Kid to Foster Dad (with Peter Mutabazi)

I loved this conversation with Peter Mutabazi -- a single foster dad who has such a heart for kids. In this episode, he shares a little about his heartbreaking but also inspiring story of being abused by his dad as a boy and finally making the decision to run away -- having no idea where idea where he would go. He ended up living on the streets near a bus station for a few years until one man walked into his life and changed everything.

You will want to not only listen to what he shares of his story on this episode, but you'll also want to get a copy of his book, Now I Am Known. I left this conversation so convicted by his passion for others and how one person can make such a difference in another person's life.

In This Episode

[00:35] – I announce today's guest, Peter Mutabazi.

[01:04] – Peter gives us some background information about himself.

[01:42] – Learn a little bit about Peter's childhood.

[03:30] – Peter discusses his reasons for running away from home when he was ten.

[04:41] – When was Peter finally able to escape survival mode?

[06:18] – Peter shares about getting an education.

[08:32] – I discuss the title of Peter's book.

[10:37] – What can a parent do to foster worth and value in God within children?

[13:36] – Peter touches upon how to get where he is today.

[15:23] – How did Peter decide to start fostering children?

[18:24] – Peter has fostered 27 children in five years!

[19:45] – Peter gives advice to prospective foster parents who are scared to pursue it.

[23:08] – I love how Peter says that birth parents are my ally, not my enemy.

[24:12] – How does Peter reconcile the brokenness in the world with God?



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https://crystalpaine.com/178
Tue, 20 Sep 2022 13:30:14 +0000
177. Setting Healthy Boundaries for Your Family (with Rachel Norman)

Are you tired or feeling overwhelmed as a mom? In this episode, Rachel Norman shares what she has learned about setting healthy boundaries. Rachel is a mom of five and the author of If Mama Ain’t Happy: Why Minding Healthy Boundaries Is Good for Your Whole Family.

As Rachel shared about what boundaries are to her, I had some aha moments in my own life as she has a very different perspective on the word “boundaries” than I’ve thought of before. I hope this conversation encourages you to rethink what boundaries would allow you to thrive and be the best version of yourself you can be!

In This Episode

[00:34] – Welcome to another episode of The Crystal Paine Show.

[01:36] – Rachel shares about her transformation of heart.

[08:13] – What did it look like for you to uproot that system that was propelling you in a dysfunctional way?

[11:55] – Rachel reflects that when you start to realize some things that are not good for us are also not good for them.

[13:15] – How did you break free from when you had set up this system? How did your family react?

[19:20] – Talk to us about boundaries and how you would define them.

[23:02] – Where would a person start setting up boundaries?

[27:00] – Boundaries are the foundation for what is going to allow me to live life at my best.

[32:06] – I love that you are taking the word boundaries and making it something different than I’ve thought of it before.

[33:29] – What happens when you set a boundary and then realize that it isn’t working?



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https://crystalpaine.com/177
Wed, 14 Sep 2022 01:58:10 +0000
176. An adoption update + how to follow through with your goals

After 17+ months of fostering D, lots of court dates, and much due diligence on the part of DCS to make sure there was no biological family who could take care of him (his mama loves him so much but cannot care for him due to all his ongoing medical needs), the judge granted TPR last week and his case will be officially moving to adoption once the 30-day appeal period is up.

We have been busy getting extensive paperwork filled out from all his therapists and specialists and doctors (he’s currently regularly seeing/working with 12 different doctors/therapists). This is something required before the adoption can move forward. We have a few other things to do on our end but hope to have that all wrapped up in the next few weeks. And then it will be just a few more steps before we get a date for his adoption!!

DCS is hoping our adoption will be official by Thanksgiving! We are hopeful, but know that it could be longer and we want to be patient.

There are so many emotions in all of this. We love this boy more than words can express and are so thrilled and humbled we get to be his forever family.

At the same time, our hearts grieve so much for the loss he and his family will forever experience as a result of this adoption. We are grateful we can continue a relationship with his mama and that he will grow up knowing how much he is loved by his birth family. This is a gift and one we are deeply thankful for, but we know there will also always be sadness and loss in this.

Thank you to each of you who have been such huge supporters and encouragers as we’ve walked this unexpected journey toward adoption. We can’t wait to get to introduce you to our sweet boy very soon. I have so many videos of his full face grin and laugh that I’m so excited to share with you! In this episode of The Crystal Paine Show, we share more about this process and our thoughts surrounding it, plus we talk about why goal-setting might not be working for you, REM sleep and sleep-walking, and a documentary and a movie we watched recently.

In This Episode

[00:34] - Welcome to another episode of The Crystal Paine Show.

[00:58] - It was a big week for us with a lot of big feelings.

[09:57] - Jesse and I watched an interesting movie and documentary recently.

[15:50] - We got an email recently regarding an interesting response about REM sleep and sleepwalking.

[18:07] - How do I actually follow through with goal-setting?

[21:44] - I sometimes think we look at what someone else has set as a goal and we think that's the only way that goal setting works.

[22:25] - Start with one simple goal.

[23:52] - Pick a goal that excites you.

[26:56] - It's not enough to just set a goal. Here's what to do next...

[28:52] - Make sure you are celebrating the mile markers.

[31:04] - One good habit can breed into another good one.



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https://crystalpaine.com/176
Tue, 30 Aug 2022 19:53:43 +0000
175. Raising Emotionally Strong Boys (with David Thomas)

Do you struggle with kids who get easily irritated or have angry outbursts? If so, you don't want to miss this episode of The Crystal Paine Show where I interview David Thomas, therapist, dad of three, and author of Raising Emotionally Strong Boys: Tools Your Son Can Build On for Life.

In this episode, he shares some of the biggest struggles boys are dealing with right now and how we can best walk with them through these. He gives so much practical advice and strategies you can start using immediately. I have mulled over this episode again and again after we recorded it and have changed how I approach a number of interactions with my kids as a result. This 30-minute episode is packed with inspiration, encouragement, and hands-on tools for all parent -- or anyone who interacts with kids!

In This Episode

[00:34] - Welcome to another episode of The Crystal Paine Show.

[03:15] - David shares how he got started as a therapist and what led him down that path.

[05:34] - Since you've been doing this for a long time, have you seen a shift in what parents are struggling with and what teens are struggling with?

[06:38] - Do you feel there is a reason for that? What's at the root of that?

[13:09] - What does it mean to be emotionally strong?

[20:09] - How do we, as parents, set an example for our kids when we're feeling so frustrated?

[23:46] - Moms often feel like, "If I admit to my child that I don't have it all figured out, I'm somehow failing them."

[27:42] - I would love for you to speak to that mom right now. She is feeling like it's too much, it's too overwhelming. She feels she doesn't have what it takes. She doesn't know what to do with her child.

[31:36] - There are so many tools in this book, not just tools for your son, tools for you as well.

Links & Resources



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https://crystalpaine.com/175
Tue, 23 Aug 2022 13:28:10 +0000
174. Teaching Your Kids to Set Goals

Christina wrote in and asked: "I was wondering if your older children set their own goals and if they do, what does that process look like? I have a 9 and 6 year old and I would love to help them define small and large goals for themselves but I'm not sure how to translate my personal and business goal setting process to something that is exciting for younger children."

In this week's episode of the podcast, we share some of our thoughts on helping our kids set goals, inspired by Christina's question. We share how we've approached goal-setting with our kids and some ways to help them be inspired to set goals and ideas to help them take ownership of their goals and follow through with them.

We also share about books we're reading, something new we learned this past week related to sleep, and something that helped fix a skin issue I was having.

In This Episode

[00:34] - Welcome to another episode of The Crystal Paine Show.

[01:14] I taught Jesse something new this week. Have you heard of this?

[08:12] Blistex’s medicated lip balm is what is saving my life this week.

[08:22] Jesse's book update.

[10:50] A book I've been loving.

[15:33] - Today’s podcast inspiration comes from a listener.

[16:19] - The first step to helping your children set goals is to model it for them.

[19:56] - We had lots of conversations involving them and talking about it conceptually.

[21:44] - Recognize their interest, their personality type, and what is going to motivate them.

[25:41] - Sometimes it's just like a little bit of challenging them and providing encouragement that you think they can do more.

[26:51] - And finally, be their cheerleaders.

[27:30] - Celebrate the progress that they make. This can fuel their desire to do even more.

Links & Resources

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https://crystalpaine.com/174
Tue, 16 Aug 2022 13:19:33 +0000
173. Our Fitness, Family, & Personal Goals for the Fall

Since it's the beginning of a new school year for us, Jesse and I sat down and shared some of our new mid-year goals that we each set for our fitness, family, and personal lives.

If you need a little inspiration to set some new goals or to get back up on the goal-setting wagon if you've fallen off since January or are just curious what we are prioritizing for the next few months, be sure to listen to this episode.

In This Episode

[00:34] - Welcome to another episode of The Crystal Paine Show.

[01:56] - We are very much in back-to-school mode here.

[02:39] - My reading update and another five-star book for this year.

[04:53] - I'm loving this water bottle.

[06:43] - Are you ready to talk about goals?

[07:09] - I think when you set a goal, it needs to be something you can measure. So, it's not a goal if there's not a finish line.

[07:29] - We're going to start out with health and fitness goals.

[10:04] - Most of Jesse's goals could be considered workout goals in some way.

[12:04] - I'm cracking up because mine and Jesse's goals are the complete opposite.

[17:09] - My biggest priority is a healthy baby and a healthy mom, so I'm giving lots of grace.

[18:13] - We're also prioritizing relationships and community. We are actively working towards building more community.

[20:46] - In addition to community, consistency with meal-prep and family meals.

[22:34] - For the business goal, I have one book-launch related goal.

Links & Resources



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https://crystalpaine.com/173
Tue, 09 Aug 2022 21:37:53 +0000
172. Micah's Birth Story

This is the podcast episode so many of you have been waiting for! We not only share about Micah's birth -- which ended up being my easiest, least-eventful, and quickest birth of all of my births -- but about some of the unexpected events leading up to the birth and the eventful day of the birth (including a toddler poop explosion and half the family leaving for a baseball tournament!)

Jesse and I didn't talk about what we were going to share ahead of time, because I wanted this episode to be very raw and unedited so we could have a record of our fresh thoughts about the birth to share with Micah someday when he's older. So we hope this is like just sitting in our living room and chatting with us as we share our thoughts and feelings and perspectives on this big occasion in our family.

In This Episode

[00:34] - Welcome to another episode of The Crystal Paine Show.

[00:57] We are sharing Micah's birth story today.

[02:43] - I had multiple sonograms, leading up to the birth and we made the decision for me to be induced.

[04:47] - Jesse and I both prayed a lot in the two weeks leading up to my induction date that I would naturally go into labor.

[04:54] A week before the induction, baby D got really sick.

[09:22] Another reason we prayed I would go early was because of an upcoming tournament.

[11:16] I have a highlight on my Instagram profile about the whole experience before and during called “My Birth”.

[13:54] My hope was for it to be as natural as possible and to be fully present.

[16:36] Always advocate for what you need at the hospital.

[18:40] - I was present, aware of everything that was going on, talking in between contractions.

[19:29] - It felt like natural contractions versus Pitocin contractions. And that was such a gift because in between contractions, there was almost zero pain.

[21:51] I was trying to focus and rely upon the Lord through some intense contractions.

[22:20] Jesse and I joke about the men’s perspective of birth.

[23:27] I still didn’t feel ready to push.

[25:04] My preferred birthing method is always on hands and knees.

[27:20] - It was this surreal moment when he came out because I was thinking, I didn't feel like he was ready to come out and there he is.

[29:59] - So instead of us admiring our beautiful brand-new baby, we're trying to figure out what to do about this poop explosion.

[31:20] It was such a wonderful birth experience, especially after a rough pregnancy.

Links and Resources:



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https://crystalpaine.com/172
Tue, 02 Aug 2022 21:01:21 +0000
171. My Unexpected Hospital Stay

In the middle of May, I went in for what I thought was just a routine weekly ultrasound, but there were some significant concerns about the baby’s movements/activity.

Within an hour, they were prepping me for the very real possibility of a c-section that day. (Starting steroid shots, no eating/drinking, admitting me to the hospital, etc.)

I was by myself and it felt very surreal. So many things to process all at once. So many details to try to work out. And so much concern for our sweet baby.

This whole pregnancy has been a real test of faith and endurance for me. There have been many unexpected bumps in the road. Many things I’ve never experienced (so much bleeding and spotting, so much more nausea, low-lying placenta, the possibility of placenta previa, transverse baby, fibroids, etc.).

Over and over again, I’ve had to stop and release my desire for control and my need to have a plan. It’s required me to continually open up my hands and say, “God, help me to trust You and walk by faith — even though there is so much uncertainty for what the future holds.”

By the grace of God (and many answers to prayer!), baby started moving much more normally and after 24 hours of monitoring + a lot more testing, I got to go home from the hospital to keep the baby inside for a few more weeks. (My OB and specialist believe baby was just in a really deep sleep cycle during the initial ultrasound but we are monitoring and testing very closely to make sure baby continues to move/act normally and not in distress).

I don’t know what the future holds for this pregnancy. Our goal is for me to make it to my scheduled induction at 39 weeks (just two more weeks!). But I’m just living one day, one week at a time right now — seeking to make the most of it, continuing to release my desire for control to the One Who knows the end from the beginning.

We never know what a day might hold, but I’m grateful to know the One Who holds the whole world in His hands.

Jesse and I sat down and recorded a podcast about this experience sharing more details, things we learned, blessings in the middle of it, and also what you can expect for the next two months for the podcast. Click on the link above to listen to it.

P.S Thank you to @kathrynnepaine for staying the night at the hospital with me so Jesse could be at home with our littles! And to @isabel.nestor for coming to keep us company!



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https://crystalpaine.com/171
Tue, 31 May 2022 19:23:04 +0000
170. Making Sabbath Rest a Priority (with Bob & Linda Lotich)

“Start where you are.” Such a short statement but it has such a huge impact.

In this episode of The Crystal Paine Show, Bob and Linda Lotich, authors of their new book Simple Money, Rich Life: Achieve True Financial Freedom and Design a Life of Eternal Impact, talk about how they’ve made Sabbath a priority in their home and lives and how to just start where you are.

In this age of busyness when we all have a lot on our plates, is Sabbath rest even possible? If so, what would that look like? We delve into what it looks like for Bob & Linda and how we all can find ways to practice it in our own lives — even if we have a very full schedule.

We also talk about how this practice is more about our hearts and releasing our sense of control and micromanaging our lives and instead resting in Jesus.

Bob and Linda share their experiences, what they’ve learned, how this practice has deeply impacted them, and struggles they have encountered along the way. I hope this episode inspires you with ideas for how you, too, can implement a regular practice of Sabbath in your own life and what that might look like for you.

In This Episode

[00:34] – Welcome to another episode of The Crystal Paine Show.

[01:28] – Bob & Linda introduce themselves.

[04:57] – How did you recognize there was a need for Sabbath?

[05:57] – Bob talks about how hard it was to take a break for a week the first time.

[07:05] – Did it shift something in your soul when you took time off?

[09:20] – Bob and Linda explain how they set up and delegate when taking off time.

[10:45] – What can someone do if they don’t have the luxury of taking a full month off or even a week off?

[13:05] – Linda shares that what you can do is make your time count and be intentional.

[14:28] – I read a snippet from Simple Money, Rich Life.

[16:42] – How do you practice Sabbath when you have young kids to take care of?

[18:20] – Bob and Linda share what Sunday Family Day looks like.

[20:12] – We talk about the advice they would share with a couple who may not be on the same page.

[23:40] – The question to ask is, “What does this look like for each person?”

[24:12] – How have you invited and talked to your kids about Sabbath?

[26:12] – Linda and Bob unpack what it means to live the lifestyle of the Sabbath.

[29:19] – We discuss one practical step that you can take to help you rest in Jesus.

Links & Resources

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
https://crystalpaine.com/170
Tue, 17 May 2022 16:00:00 +0000
169. Helping our teens deepen their relationship with Jesus (with Angela Perritt)

I hear from so many moms who ask for suggestions on how to help their teens develop a closer relationship with Jesus. So I'm excited to have Angelia Perritt joining me in the studio for this conversation. She has three daughters and she just released a beautiful new bible called, Young Women Love God Greatly Bible.

In this week's episode, we start by talking about how we can cultivate a relationship with Jesus ourselves as moms. Angela and I discuss some practical ways for us to study the Bible and take what we read and apply it to our daily lives. What if you have questions or doubts? Angela addresses that, too.

We then talk more about ways to encourage our teens to trust in God's faithfulness and that following Jesus doesn't mean they'll always get everything right and how we can show grace as they wrestle through what they believe. I especially loved what Angela shared about creating a safe space for our kids in our homes and in our relationships.

I hope this episode inspires you with ideas and encouragement. And I'd love to hear what tips or advice you would add!

In This Episode

[00:34] - Welcome to another episode of The Crystal Paine Show.

[01:12] – Angela shares a little about her background and family and talks about putting together this Bible

[05:46] – I think there are so many teens right now who are really questioning the existence of God and also the goodness of God.

[06:35] – How do you wrestle with this, with your girls?

[09:06] – Could a girl who has no exposure to the Bible pick this one up and understand it?

[13:16] – Have you always known how to study scripture?

[15:37] – Angela shares how she is instilling the love of God in her home and with her family.

[17:31] - Angela gives advice on taking the time to reading God’s word.

[21:00] – What encouragement do you have for a mom, who is seeing her teenager struggle?

[24:40] – How do you cultivate that safe space?

[26:30] – What is the one thing you would want to tell the mom who has heart for God?

[29:40] – You can connect with Angela on her website, Love God Greatly.

Links & Resources

Sponsor Spotlight: CodeSpark Academy

Do you have kids who love science, technology, or STEM-related activities? If so, you might want to check out CodeSpark Academy — an online program that teaches kids ages 5-9 how to code and use critical thinking skills.

CodeSpark is the #1 learn-to-code app, teaching kids the ABCs of coding and basic computer programming skills — all without having to know how to read!

Based on research-backed curriculum from MIT and Princeton, this highly-rated educational app features hundreds of activities and games designed to teach kids the fundamentals of computer science and introduce them to the world of STEM.

In additional to learning how to code, this app also teaches basic problem-solving and logical thinking skills, encourages profound creativity, instills persistence and resilience, and boosts confidence in kids.

Better yet, the games are so fun to play, most kids won’t even realize they’re learning while playing!

When you sign up for your first FREE month of CodeSpark Academy, you get:

  • Unlimited coding challenges
  • New skills every week
  • Hundreds of educational puzzles
  • Unlimited access to their creativity suite

Free CodeSpark Academy 30-Day Trial

Right now CodeSpark Academy is offering our readers/listeners an exclusive deal to get a FREE 30-day trial! Typically, you only get a free 7-day trial, so this is a really great opportunity for your kids to try it out and see if they like it!

Just go here and use coupon code MSM30 to get your free 30-day trial.

Note: When you take advantage of this offer, you’re signing up for auto-renewal at the regular price of $9.99 per month. If you love the program after your free trial, you can continue. If you want to cancel after your free trial, just be sure to cancel the auto-renewal in your account to avoid getting charged.



Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
https://crystalpaine.com/169
Tue, 10 May 2022 19:51:29 +0000
168. Helping your kids fight less & get along better

Last week on the podcast, we mentioned our daughters going to prom and how they wanted to go with their dates together. We talked about how their relationship has developed and some of the different seasons they have walked through. A number of people wrote in and asked how our daughters developed such a close relationship.

Well, it definitely wasn't always like that! In fact, the girls are SO different than I never, ever expected they'd one day be best friends. For years, they were constantly frustrated and irritated with one another.

We asked them for input and thoughts on what made a difference and changed their relationship. In this episode, we shared three keys that Kathrynne shared that she felt were a big part of the change in their relationship.

Jesse and I close out this podcast episode with a few more thoughts from our perspective, including loving your kids right where they are at instead of being frustrated at them for not being where you wish they were. We also discuss how important it is to talk positively about them -- not only to them, but to others, as well.

In addition to talking about our kids' relationships, I have a book update and we share something fun we've been doing as a family.

In This Episode

[00:34] - Welcome to another episode of The Crystal Paine Show.

[01:45] – I asked for the girls input on deepening their friendships.

[02:22] – I have a reading update to share with you.

[05:35] – What’s saving our life this week? This week is something fun.

[11:38] – How did our daughters become best friends?

[12:24] – Don’t force your kids to be best friends.

[14:44] – Learn emotional language.

[17:29] – When the girls started to learn to say, “When you did that, it made me feel like this”, it changed their relationship.

[21:21] – Jesse brings the aspect that may encourage your kids to be friends, if they see that in your marriage.

[21:55] – Give it time.

[25:57] – How to foster a sense of family togetherness.

Links & Resources Sponsor Spotlight: CodeSpark Academy

Do you have kids who love science, technology, or STEM-related activities? If so, you might want to check out CodeSpark Academy — an online program that teaches kids ages 5-9 how to code and use critical thinking skills.

CodeSpark is the #1 learn-to-code app, teaching kids the ABCs of coding and basic computer programming skills — all without having to know how to read!

Based on research-backed curriculum from MIT and Princeton, this highly-rated educational app features hundreds of activities and games designed to teach kids the fundamentals of computer science and introduce them to the world of STEM.

In additional to learning how to code, this app also teaches basic problem-solving and logical thinking skills, encourages profound creativity, instills persistence and resilience, and boosts confidence in kids.

Better yet, the games are so fun to play, most kids won’t even realize they’re learning while playing!

When you sign up for your first FREE month of CodeSpark Academy, you get:

  • Unlimited coding challenges
  • New skills every week
  • Hundreds of educational puzzles
  • Unlimited access to their creativity suite
Free CodeSpark Academy 30-Day Trial

Right now CodeSpark Academy is offering our readers/listeners an exclusive deal to get a FREE 30-day trial! Typically, you only get a free 7-day trial, so this is a really great opportunity for your kids to try it out and see if they like it!

Just go here and use coupon code MSM30 to get your free 30-day trial.

Note: When you take advantage of this offer, you’re signing up for auto-renewal at the regular price of $9.99 per month. If you love the program after your free trial, you can continue. If you want to cancel after your free trial, just be sure to cancel the auto-renewal in your account to avoid getting charged.



Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
https://crystalpaine.com/168
Tue, 03 May 2022 13:57:23 +0000
167. How I Found Time to Write a Book

Today’s topic is fresh on my mind because I just turned in the second round of edits for the manuscript of my next book. It comes out in early 2023 and I’m so excited about it!

In this episode, we “pull back the curtain” on publishing and share what I’ve learned about writing books, the mistakes I’ve made, and how I found time to write this book.

Whether you have dreams of writing a book one day, are a published author, or need some inspiration to tackle a big project, I hope you find this episode helpful and encouraging. I share how I approach writing, why an outline is key, how I break the project down into bite-sized pieces, how I use Google calendar to keep me on track, the amount of time I spent on writing each day, and a number of tips that helped me to stay on task and be really thrilled with the (almost) finished product!

The strategies I employed to make the time to write this book are ones you could implement with many different big projects — even if you never, ever plan to write a book or truly despise writing.

In This Episode

[0:35] – I announce that I just turned in the second draft of my new book!

[1:16] – Today’s tips can be applied to any large project, not just a book.

[2:39] – Our girls had prom last night! We share some of our favorite parts of the experience.

[8:19] – I just finished reading Fostered by Tori Hope Petersen.

[11:20] – I recently got a Milliard body pillow and totally understand why people love them!

[14:40] – Today’s episode is sponsored by CodeSpark Academy.

[16:44] – I dive into how I found time to write a book.

[19:38] – How a book about time management came to be.

[21:50] – One of my biggest time management secrets is streaming and simplifying.

[23:54] – I was my own case study about time management while writing this book.

[25:52] – How I use Google calendar to keep me on track.

[27:34] – Reading the manuscript out loud is one strategy I’ve found to be so helpful.

[29:27] – I describe the challenge of writing a book while pregnant.

[30:57] – Jesse touches upon why it was easier for me to make changes to this book.

[33:26] – I can’t write well for longer than 45 minutes.

[35:45] – Jesse offers insight into why my time block method is better than a word count method.

Links & Resources

Sponsor Spotlight: CodeSpark Academy

Do you have kids who love science, technology, or STEM-related activities? If so, you might want to check out CodeSpark Academy — an online program that teaches kids ages 5-9 how to code and use critical thinking skills.

CodeSpark is the #1 learn-to-code app, teaching kids the ABCs of coding and basic computer programming skills — all without having to know how to read!

Based on research-backed curriculum from MIT and Princeton, this highly-rated educational app features hundreds of activities and games designed to teach kids the fundamentals of computer science and introduce them to the world of STEM.

In additional to learning how to code, this app also teaches basic problem-solving and logical thinking skills, encourages profound creativity, instills persistence and resilience, and boosts confidence in kids.

Better yet, the games are so fun to play, most kids won’t even realize they’re learning while playing!

When you sign up for your first FREE month of CodeSpark Academy, you get:

  • Unlimited coding challenges
  • New skills every week
  • Hundreds of educational puzzles
  • Unlimited access to their creativity suite
Free CodeSpark Academy 30-Day Trial

Right now CodeSpark Academy is offering our readers/listeners an exclusive deal to get a FREE 30-day trial! Typically, you only get a free 7-day trial, so this is a really great opportunity for your kids to try it out and see if they like it!

Just go here and use coupon code MSM30 to get your free 30-day trial.

Note: When you take advantage of this offer, you’re signing up for auto-renewal at the regular price of $9.99 per month. If you love the program after your free trial, you can continue. If you want to cancel after your free trial, just be sure to cancel the auto-renewal in your account to avoid getting charged.



Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
https://crystalpaine.com/167
Wed, 27 Apr 2022 18:53:35 +0000
166. Raising Teens: Answering your burning questions

I used to be afraid of having teenagers. The thought of raising kids into adulthood felt like such a huge and overwhelming responsibility. I worried I would totally mess things up, miss the mark, and make mistakes.

But then Jesus radically transformed my heart. He opened up my eyes to how deeply I am loved by Him and helped me move from chasing after others’ approval to resting in His love — and it changed everything about the way I parent.

I don’t have to parent out of fear of the future anymore; I can trust God with tomorrow and live faithfully today — knowing that I will make mistakes, but that’s why there’s Jesus.

I don’t have to mother from a place of overwhelm anymore; I can look to God’s spirit Who is in me and ask for His help and strength when I don’t know what to do — and trust Him to help me lean in and love my kids, on the good days and on the hard days.

My kids don’t need a mom who is perfect. They need a mom who points them to the only Perfect One — Jesus.

Today, I truly love parenting teens — and they bring so much joy and depth and laughter into my life. I can embrace each day as a gift... not because I’ve got it all figured out, but because I can entrust my kids and their lives to the One Who has the whole world in His hands.

Motherhood is still hard, but it is also holy and heartwarming and even super hilarious many days. It shines a light on my own need for Jesus like nothing else does... and it also allows me the opportunity to see Him be Enough like nothing else does.

In this week's episode of The Crystal Paine Show, Jesse and I sit down and answer your burning questions about raising teenagers. We share lessons we've learned, struggles we've had, challenges we've faced, and things we've learned the hard way -- and what has helped us to build stronger relationships and better communication with our teens.

In This Episode

[00:34] - Welcome to another episode of The Crystal Paine Show.

[00:55] - You all have been asking for more teen-related content and submitted so many great questions!

[04:01] - Q: How do you decide when to push your kids versus letting them fail?

[07:22] - As much as possible, we try to say yes and we try to keep our no’s to a minimum.

[10:48] - There is a fine line between helping and enabling. You don’t want to stand in the way of lessons that need to be learned.

[11:57] - Q: At what age did they get a first job for real money, and how to help them do that?

[14:23] - Encourage them as soon as they are able to withe gentle nudges.

[19:49] - There were a lot of questions about technology and social media, see the show notes for previous podcast episodes.

[20:47] - Q: How do you talk to your kids about the birds and the bees?

[25:00] - Prepping them and giving them the tools on how to respond in an uncomfortable/awkward situation.

[25:46] - Q: How do you deal with teens who don’t want to share with their dad?

[26:45] - One of the best things that we did years ago was asking our kids flat out, “What do we do that makes you feel loved? And what do we do that makes you feel unloved?”

[28:22] - Parents, pay attention to how much time we are correcting and how much time we are connecting.

[31:10] - Be in their world and let them see that you care about them.

[34:10]- Being truthful with them about our struggles, and asking for their forgiveness.

Links & Resources

Sponsor Spotlight: CodeSpark Academy

Do you have kids who love science, technology, or STEM-related activities? If so, you might want to check out CodeSpark Academy — an online program that teaches kids ages 5-9 how to code and use critical thinking skills.

CodeSpark is the #1 learn-to-code app, teaching kids the ABCs of coding and basic computer programming skills — all without having to know how to read!

Based on research-backed curriculum from MIT and Princeton, this highly-rated educational app features hundreds of activities and games designed to teach kids the fundamentals of computer science and introduce them to the world of STEM.

In additional to learning how to code, this app also teaches basic problem-solving and logical thinking skills, encourages profound creativity, instills persistence and resilience, and boosts confidence in kids.

Better yet, the games are so fun to play, most kids won’t even realize they’re learning while playing!

When you sign up for your first FREE month of CodeSpark Academy, you get:

  • Unlimited coding challenges
  • New skills every week
  • Hundreds of educational puzzles
  • Unlimited access to their creativity suite

Free CodeSpark Academy 30-Day Trial

Right now CodeSpark Academy is offering our readers/listeners an exclusive deal to get a FREE 30-day trial! Typically, you only get a free 7-day trial, so this is a really great opportunity for your kids to try it out and see if they like it!

Just go here and use coupon code MSM30 to get your free 30-day trial.

Note: When you take advantage of this offer, you’re signing up for auto-renewal at the regular price of $9.99 per month. If you love the program after your free trial, you can continue. If you want to cancel after your free trial, just be sure to cancel the auto-renewal in your account to avoid getting charged.



Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
https://crystalpaine.com/166
Tue, 19 Apr 2022 12:46:40 +0000
165. Wisdom from a mom of 14 (with Nicole Homan)

“Home is for learning and not for perfection.” In this week's must-listen-to podcast episode, Nicole Homan -- author of They Call Me Mama -- shares lessons she's learned as the mom of 14 kids.

She tells the story of their unexpected journey to growing their family to 16 (14 kids + parents), what it's really like to have such a full house, how she finds time for quiet, mantras that carry her through, the pain of failed adoption, and how to have the courage to say yes to God's call -- even when it completely scares you.

This episode is so packed with truth and inspiration. I came away from this interview so encouraged and motivcated as a mom. I think every mom should listen to it (and even if you're not a mom, you'll get a lot from her words of wisdom!)

In This Episode

[00:34] - Welcome to another episode of The Crystal Paine Show.

[02:01] - Nicole introduces herself.

[03:39] - When you first got married, were you planning on having kids right away?

[05:50] - Nicole found out she was pregnant right before their first adoption. And their family quickly then grew to 10 -- in unexpected ways.

[09:00] - What advice, what encouragement would you have for someone who, they want to step out but fear is holding them back?

[11:11] - Were there moments when you were thinking, “what did we say yes to”?

[13:13] - What do you do when you feel overwhelmed by the mess and the noise?

[15:08] - How do you cultivate stillness in your heart?

[16:48] - Nicole shares super practical tips for moms to get quiet time when you have lots of littles.

[19:23] - Nicole shares the unexpected story of how they went from 10 children to 14 children.

[23:10] - The pain of a failed adoption.

[25:05] - If you could go back and talk to yourself 20 years ago, what would you say?

Links & Resources



Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
https://crystalpaine.com/165
Tue, 12 Apr 2022 09:07:28 +0000
164. How to Stop Fearing the Future & Live in Hope Today (with Nicole Zasowski)

I found Nicole Zasowski through her book, What If It’s Wonderful? Release Your Fears, Choose Joy, and Find Courage to Celebrate and it hit me in some really deep places. I didn't expect a book about celebration would have me uncovering such unexpected things I need to process through in my life.

In her book and this podcast episode, Nicole shares her story of having five miscarriages and how those struggles caused her to stop hoping and just constantly live in fear and dread of the unknown. She shares candidly what it looked like to lose hope and feel so overwhelmed with discouragement. She then shares practical suggestions for how to pursue joy and find the courage to hope again.

Whether you are in a dark pit of despair right now or just would love to experience more joy and celebration and hope in your life, I think this episode will really encourage you!

In This Episode

[00:34] - Welcome to another episode of The Crystal Paine Show.

[01:28] - I’m just getting to know Nicole Zasowski and I ask her to introduce herself to our audience.

[02:03] - I ask Nicole what inspired her to write this book.

[04:24] - How did you go about recognizing that you were not allowing yourself to experience joy?

[06:00] - I ask Nicole to speak to the woman who is going through a miscarriage or difficult time and feeling without hope.

[08:48] - How did you handle the, “everyone else is getting what I want” season?

[12:13] - What does it look like, practically, to delight in the present moment

[19:18] - The difference between feelings feeling true and being true.

[21:29] - How do you live in that moment and see the beauty, when it just feels like you’re in the fog and it's dark?

[28:28] - Nicole closes us out by encouraging the woman who wants to find a way to enjoy the here and now.

Links & Resources

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
https://crystalpaine.com/164
Tue, 05 Apr 2022 13:57:32 +0000
163. What We Wish We Have Known Before Having Kids

If we could go back and tell our 23-year-old and 24-year-old selves something when we had our first child, what would we say? In this episode, we share some candid thoughts on What We Wish We Had Known Before Having Kids.

We discuss how I went into parenting thinking I could control our kids and I've had to learn the hard way that I can't control the outcome or choices of our kids -- especially as they are getting older. We also share about how we wish we had known that loving our kids was so much more important (and effective!) than lecturing them.

And we close by sharing how we wish we had focused more on building a relationship with our kids from the very beginning and how we had no idea how FUN it would be to have teenagers (contrary to what we thought).

I give an update on what is saving my life, and it just happens to be a special moment with one of the kids. I also give an update on the book I am currently listening to. Jesse and I discuss how different it must be to live in certain situations and how to function during difficult times.

In This Episode

[00:34] - Welcome to another episode of The Crystal Paine Show.

[01:10] - I share something special that has been so meaningful to me recently.

[03:48] - I am also listening to a really fantastic book right now.

[05:47] - It is a quiet unfolding of the story that is really important.

[08:53] - Jesse reads the temporary rules in 1941 for the Richmond Golf Club in London England.

[11:12] - Sometimes the best thing is, instead of living in fear, put your head down and do the next best thing.

[11:55] - What we wish we knew, before having kids; this was a request that came in from someone and she asked if we would talk about it.

[13:00] - The biggest thing for me, I wish that I knew ahead of time that I couldn't control them.

[14:58] - As parents we would take the responsibility of those bad decisions, when that is not our responsibility to bear as well.

[16:04] - I think there’s a fine line balance between recognizing our responsibility but also God's sovereignty.

[16:30] - Loving them is more important than lecturing them.

[18:06] - The relationship is so much more important than the end result.

[20:55] - I wish I had known how much fun they would be and to just enjoy them.

[22:18] - Choose your perspective and choose your mindset.

Links & Resources



Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
https://crystalpaine.com/163
Tue, 29 Mar 2022 12:51:21 +0000
162. Making Time for Romance When You Have Kids

If there was one question we are asked to answer the most often, it's likely, something along the lines of, "How do you prioritize your marriage when you have kids?"

In this week's podcast episode, we share some of our best suggestions to make time for romance when you have kids. We share things we have learned, what works for us, and how we've improved our communication over the years.

We also talk about some exercise-related things that are saving our lives, what we are currently reading, conspiracy theories, and how I applied something from a book I'm reading to a hard conversation recently.

In This Episode

[00:34] - Welcome to another episode of The Crystal Paine Show.

[02:00] - Jesse tells us what is saving his life and explains some of the exercises.

[05:50] - The mystery is solved as to why the treadmill has been moved in some odd way.

[06:50] - The weather has been really nice and I have been itching to be outside.

[07:55] - I share an update on what I am reading.

[09:35] - I received an upset message on instagram from a follower and I shared my honest response.

[11:30] - I think so often that people just want to be heard.

[12:20] - Jesse has an update on a book that he has been listening to.

[15:39] - Let's talk about for romance when you have kids.

[16:25] - The number one key to making time for romance is prioritizing it.

[17:04] - One of the greatest gifts we can give our kids is a strong marriage.

[18:45] - Be intentional; you can’t just assume it will happen without effort and thought.

[21:22] - Getting creative with the time and schedule you have.

[24:15] - The glue that holds our marriage together is laughter.

[26:22] - We love to exercise PDA in front of our kids.

[27:20] - We talk a lot. Or maybe Jesse listens and I talk!

[30:25] - Learning to communicate about communication has been helpful.

[32:27] - Having things that we do just the two of us has been really special.

Links & Resources

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
https://crystalpaine.com/162
Tue, 22 Mar 2022 19:28:20 +0000
161. Unexpected Lessons from Down Syndrome

A little over a year ago, we started fostering Baby D. In this episode, Jesse and I reflect on what we have learned and how we have grown this past year -- especially as it relates to parenting a child with Down syndrome and special needs.

We share things we wish we had known, how our perspective has changed, and how we've seen God's faithfulness over and over again. We talk about the gift that this sweet boy has been in our lives and how he has taught us to slow down, savor life, and celebrate the little things. If you know someone who has a child with special needs, we hope that this episode will give you some insight into how to love them and walk with them better.

In addition, Jesse and I talk about how he saved me out of a thunderstorm recently, a simple practice that makes such a difference in my days, some out-of-the-ordinary things our kids have been doing at school, and a book I've been listening to.

In This Episode

[00:34] - Welcome to another episode of The Crystal Paine Show.

[01:40] - It's been a year since we said yes to Baby D! We want to share some of our reflections on this past year.

[03:04] - Jesse sort of saved my life this week.

[06:50] - It was an interesting week at our kids' school...

[08:18] - This simple practice makes such a difference.

[12:31] - I have been listening to the new book by Katherine Reay.

[15:45] - Reflecting on one year with Baby D.

[22:04] - How he has taught us so much about having empathy and compassion.

[25:22] - Show value, even if it feels awkward or uncomfortable.

[29:10] - Give your kids opportunities to interact with people who are different than them.

Links & Resources

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
http://sites.libsyn.com/128777/161-unexpected-lessons-from-down-syndrome
Tue, 15 Mar 2022 13:36:44 +0000
160. 5 Things I Do Every Morning (Part 2)

"What does your morning routine look like right now?" "How are you able to fit in the 5 things you do every morning?"

We got a number of questions and followup responses to the episode we recorded recently on 5 Things I Do Every Morning, so we did a followup episode this week answering your questions and sharing more details on what our morning routine looks like right now.

Also on today's episode, I talk about my mixed feelings on a book I finished, Jesse shares about something that he did this past week that really impressed me, and I share about something we've been using for Baby D that has been so helpful!

In This Episode

[00:34] - Welcome to another episode of The Crystal Paine Show.

[01:25] - What dates look like sometimes at this season of life.

[02:54] - Today we are talking about mornings and some follow up questions from a previous podcast episode.

[03:33] - I just finished a book that kind of goes along with today's topic.

[06:09] - I don’t need the motivation to get more done, I need the reminders to slow down.

[07:02] - Jesse did something this past week that really impressed me.

[09:44] - It just reminds you of how much we have to be grateful for.

[10:38] - I share what has been saving my life.

[12:27] - Little things sometimes, that can make a big difference.

[15:45] - Let’s talk about what our mornings look like.

[16:50] - We have had many different renditions, and just get creative every season.

[18:18] - Jesse suggests habit stacking to help set up your routine.

[21:46] - But what does it actually look like?

[23:42] - It helps that we do this divide and conquer thing.

[24:38] - Your nights can set your days up for so much success. A successful day begins the night before.

[25:20] - Jesse shares explains why I consider sleeping in until about 6:45 in the morning.

[28:20] - This is an easy season for us, but you have to make it work for whatever season you are in.

Links & Resources

Twigby Phone Plan

Sponsor Spotlight: Twigby

Do you wish you could pay less for your phone service? Wishing you could figure out how to get access to great service/coverage without having to break the bank?

I highly recommend checking out Twigby!

Twigby is a company dedicated to providing fantastic phone service at great prices and they are the perfect option for budget conscious families because they are so affordable! They also offer great coverage from the nation’s largest and most reliable network (yep — Verizon!) and have many different options for phone plans.

Twigby has plans starting as low as $9 per month for just talk and text. And data plans start as low as $20 per month (with unlimited talk & text)! Even a cell phone plan with unlimited talk and text and 10 GB of data only costs you $35 per month — which is a lot less than you’ll usually pay!

With these kinds of prices, it’s worth checking to see if Twigby might save you money each month on your family cell phone bill — even if you’ve been on a family plan with a provider for a decade!

Get this: The average family that switches to Twigby saves $80 on their cell phone bill, which equates to an annual savings of $960! See how much you could save with Twigby’s handy dandy calculator (click on “compare us” up top!)

Want to give Twigby a try? If so, you’ll currently save 50% off your first six months of phone service! Wow!!

But that’s not all! On top of this already amazing Twigby discount, our readers can also get a $15 credit when you use code FAMILY at checkout during sign-up!

Note: This $15 credit will be applied to your account when you purchase a new phone, get a free SIM card from Twigby with a new service, or bring your own phone to use.

Valid through March 31, 2022.

(And if you’re not completely satisfied within 30 days of activating your service, you’ll get a full refund!)

Go here to get started with Twigby.

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
https://crystalpaine.com/160
Tue, 08 Mar 2022 23:22:06 +0000
159. I got caught in the comparison trap!

Recently, I was scrolling on my phone and came across the social media account of someone I used to follow years ago. They are in a similar niche as me and back when I followed them, they had a lot fewer followers than me.

But in the last few years, their account has clearly blown up and they had hundreds of thousands more followers than me. Plus, as I was scrolling through their account, I saw that they had super high engagement numbers and interaction.

Instead of being immediately excited for them, I confess I started thinking about how I’m really dropping the ball in being strategic and creative in what I’m posting & that I need to step up my game so I can be growing more online and seeing more engagement like this other person.

And then it hit me: God has called me to be building into and growing other things the past few years — my home, growing as a person, nurturing and loving on the people in my home (and even growing tiny humans!)

I might not have seen a huge increase in followers the past few years, but I’ve spent hours and hours rocking little babies and speaking life to them... and that is very important work.

I might not have seen the crazy engagement numbers that other people have, but I’ve spent the last few years building deep relationships with my older kids and loving two birth mamas and their babies... and that is very important work.

The work that God has called me to right now might not be measurable in numbers that society and experts would consider important (such as accolades, income, awards, product sales, follower count, etc.)... but it matters far more than any of those measurable numbers.

No matter what we’re doing (or not doing), it’s easy to look around and compare our lives to others.

But God hasn’t called you or me to her life. He’s called us to our life.

We’re not supposed to do what she’s doing. We’re called to be faithful where God has us — even if no one sees or notices or thanks us. He sees. He notices. That’s what matters.

All the awards and applause and accolades, all the numbers and name recognition, all the income and opportunities in the world... they don’t hold a candle to faithfulness.

In this episode, we also share about books we're reading, a Spotify playlist I've been loving, and a meal-service we've been loving.

In This Episode

[00:34] - Welcome to another episode of The Crystal Paine Show.

[01:15] - We talk about books we're reading and one I recently read that I just don't know what I think of it.

[06:44] - A Spotify playlist I recently put together with Truths to Remember.

[09:30] - Switching to Spotify and listening to podcasts has freed up a lot of Jesse’s phone space.

[10:17] - Jesse shares about a meal service he's been enjoying.

[16:13] - My experience with comparison.

[17:58] - I should have been excited and celebrating this person's success, instead I went to a negative space.

[20:43] - It was just such a reminder to me that no matter what we're doing, or not doing, it’s easy to look around and compare our lives to others.

[22:30] - A seemingly small thing done in love, faithfulness, and consistency -- it's not small!

Links & Resources

Sponsor Spotlight: Twigby

Do you wish you could pay less for your phone service? Wishing you could figure out how to get access to great service/coverage without having to break the bank?

I highly recommend checking out Twigby!

Twigby is a company dedicated to providing fantastic phone service at great prices and they are the perfect option for budget conscious families because they are so affordable! They also offer great coverage from the nation’s largest and most reliable network (yep — Verizon!) and have many different options for phone plans.

Twigby has plans starting as low as $9 per month for just talk and text. And data plans start as low as $20 per month (with unlimited talk & text)! Even a cell phone plan with unlimited talk and text and 10 GB of data only costs you $35 per month — which is a lot less than you’ll usually pay!

With these kinds of prices, it’s worth checking to see if Twigby might save you money each month on your family cell phone bill — even if you’ve been on a family plan with a provider for a decade!

Get this: The average family that switches to Twigby saves $80 on their cell phone bill, which equates to an annual savings of $960! See how much you could save with Twigby’s handy dandy calculator (click on “compare us” up top!)

Want to give Twigby a try? If so, you’ll currently save 50% off your first six months of phone service! Wow!!

But that’s not all! On top of this already amazing Twigby discount, our readers can also get a $15 credit when you use code FAMILY at checkout during sign-up!

Note: This $15 credit will be applied to your account when you purchase a new phone, get a free SIM card from Twigby with a new service, or bring your own phone to use.

Valid through March 31, 2022.

(And if you’re not completely satisfied within 30 days of activating your service, you’ll get a full refund!)

Go here to get started with Twigby.

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
https://crystalpaine.com/159
Tue, 01 Mar 2022 14:53:29 +0000
158. When you feel hurt and offended...

Have you noticed how in this modern age of social media, people are so easily hurt, upset, and offended? I know that I’ve fallen prey to knee jerk reactions when scrolling online.

In this episode, Jesse and I talk about this book I’m reading by Brant Hansen called Unoffendable: How Just One Change Can Make All of Life Better. Hansen challenges us to ask the question, “How would it change my life if I chose not to be offended by others?”

Some of you may be thinking, “But how do I even do that? You don’t know what this person has done or said (or not done or not said).” I don’t, but I do know this: We get to choose how we respond. We can’t choose how other people treat us or respond to us or what they say to us or do to us, but we can choose our response.

This doesn’t mean that we let people walk all over us or that we don’t set boundaries, but it does mean that we can choose to either be a victim or a victor. We can choose to either be offended and hurt and upset, or we can acknowledge our feelings, grieve our loss, and choose to forgive.

In this episode, we dive into this topic + we talk about Silas’ recent Science Fair, an early preschool curriculum we started with Kierstyn and are loving, and what’s saving our lives.

In This Episode

[00:34] – Welcome to another episode of The Crystal Paine Show.

[01:03] – Today is the first time we have recorded a podcast — in PJs!

[05:58] – Speaking of PJ’s, we are excited to finally be sleeping through the night again!

[08:07] – But that has come with some crazy dreams for me.

[10:11] – What’s saving our life.

[11:31] – Yesterday we made Oobleck, if you haven’t done that with your kids it is so much fun.

[12:28] – We have been getting a lot of kind feedback from our audience.

[12:54] – I read a couple of notes from our audience.

[15:50] – There are no perfect families, no perfect parents, and no perfect children.

[16:29] – Sponsored Ad: Twigby

[18:46] – Today’s topic is inspired by Brant Hansen’s book, Unoffendable.

[20:47] – Years and years of being on the internet has confirmed this: it’s hard to say anything without offending someone.

[22:41] – I feel like there is some much that we can learn from people on the internet. But it’s so easy for a little thing to turn into a really big thing.

[25:43] – We get to choose how we respond.

[27:58] – It’s okay to acknowledge anger, but it’s what we do with it.

[28:08] – Before rashly reacting, stop… take a breath, and really ask God to help us love others well.

[31:31] – Jesse shares a concept about backing away from an issue when you have an immediate emotional response.

Links & Resources Sponsor Spotlight: Twigby

Do you wish you could pay less for your phone service? Wishing you could figure out how to get access to great service/coverage without having to break the bank?

I highly recommend checking out Twigby!

Twigby is a company dedicated to providing fantastic phone service at great prices and they are the perfect option for budget conscious families because they are so affordable! They also offer great coverage from the nation’s largest and most reliable network (yep — Verizon!) and have many different options for phone plans.

Twigby has plans starting as low as $9 per month for just talk and text. And data plans start as low as $20 per month (with unlimited talk & text)! Even a cell phone plan with unlimited talk and text and 10 GB of data only costs you $35 per month — which is a lot less than you’ll usually pay!

With these kinds of prices, it’s worth checking to see if Twigby might save you money each month on your family cell phone bill — even if you’ve been on a family plan with a provider for a decade!

Get this: The average family that switches to Twigby saves $80 on their cell phone bill, which equates to an annual savings of $960! See how much you could save with Twigby’s handy dandy calculator (click on “compare us” up top!)

Want to give Twigby a try? If so, you’ll currently save 50% off your first six months of phone service! Wow!!

But that’s not all! On top of this already amazing Twigby discount, our readers can also get a $15 credit when you use code FAMILY at checkout during sign-up!

Note: This $15 credit will be applied to your account when you purchase a new phone, get a free SIM card from Twigby with a new service, or bring your own phone to use.

Valid through March 31, 2022.

(And if you’re not completely satisfied within 30 days of activating your service, you’ll get a full refund!)

Go here to get started with Twigby.

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
https://crystalpaine.com/158
Tue, 22 Feb 2022 13:52:36 +0000
157. Why Your Prayers Might Not Be Answered

I recently shared a little bit about prayer on Instagram in answer to a woman's question about praying to change her husband. I got so many responses from what I shared and many followup questions, that I wanted to focus this podcast episode on that topic.

First off, I think we often have a false sense of what prayer is. It's not about bringing our laundry list of things we want changed and fixed to God; it's about a relationship with Him. It's about releasing our desire to control and micromanage life and give it to our Heavenly Father and entrusting our struggles and stresses to Him.

Ultimately, prayer isn't about changing and fixing other people or situations; it's about changing us. I love this quote by Mark Batterson (above) that I recently read in his book, Win The Day.

In this week's podcast episode, we dive more into what prayer is, what it looks like, and why your prayers might not be getting answered (or maybe they are, but you just don't realize it!).

In addition, Jesse and I update you on his anniversary gift that finally arrived, I share two things that are saving my life, we talk about caffeine and teens, and I share about a book I recently finished reading with Kierstyn.

In This Episode

[00:34] - Welcome to another episode of The Crystal Paine Show.

[00:48] - Jesse and I talk about decaf coffee and caffeine... and teens!

[02:34] - I introduce today’s topic: prayer.

[03:03] - The thing that everyone is asking about: did Jesse get his anniversary gift?

[04:05] - I share how peanut butter and jelly is saving my life.

[06:57] - We're loving the Water Wow books by Melissa and Doug!

[08:31] - I have a book update for the young kids.

[10:54] - This week's podcast sponsor: Twigby!

[12:48] - Let’s talk about prayer and what inspired this topic.

[13:38] - I don’t believe the purpose of prayer is about changing our circumstances or changing people in our life.

[14:44] - We think of answered prayer as in “we got the thing that we wanted, we got the outcome that we wanted”. But "no" or "wait", is also an answer.

[15:29] - I read a quote from the book Win the Day by Mark Batterson.

[18:31] - I have really been convicted about how I pray for other people.

[20:00] - Sometimes God doesn’t answer the prayer in the way we want Him to because He has plans for us years and years down the road.

[21:10] - Why are we praying what we’re praying? So often when I pray now, I am not praying for an end result. I am praying for right here and now.

[23:58] - Prayer is one side of a two-sided conversation. View it as a conversation and this can change the way you approach it.

Links & Resources

Sponsor Spotlight: Twigby

Do you wish you could pay less for your phone service? Wishing you could figure out how to get access to great service/coverage without having to break the bank?

I highly recommend checking out Twigby!

Twigby is a company dedicated to providing fantastic phone service at great prices and they are the perfect option for budget conscious families because they are so affordable! They also offer great coverage from the nation’s largest and most reliable network (yep — Verizon!) and have many different options for phone plans.

Twigby has plans starting as low as $9 per month for just talk and text. And data plans start as low as $20 per month (with unlimited talk & text)! Even a cell phone plan with unlimited talk and text and 10 GB of data only costs you $35 per month — which is a lot less than you’ll usually pay!

With these kinds of prices, it’s worth checking to see if Twigby might save you money each month on your family cell phone bill — even if you’ve been on a family plan with a provider for a decade!

Get this: The average family that switches to Twigby saves $80 on their cell phone bill, which equates to an annual savings of $960! See how much you could save with Twigby’s handy dandy calculator (click on “compare us” up top!)

Want to give Twigby a try? If so, you’ll currently save 50% off your first six months of phone service! Wow!!

But that’s not all! On top of this already amazing Twigby discount, our readers can also get a $15 credit when you use code FAMILY at checkout during sign-up!

Note: This $15 credit will be applied to your account when you purchase a new phone, get a free SIM card from Twigby with a new service, or bring your own phone to use.

Valid through March 31, 2022.

(And if you’re not completely satisfied within 30 days of activating your service, you’ll get a full refund!)

Go here to get started with Twigby.



Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
https://crystalpaine.com/157
Tue, 15 Feb 2022 16:23:26 +0000
156. A Different Perspective on Foster Care (with Jamie Finn)

I first found Jamie Finn's instagram when we were beginning our foster care journey. As I started watching her stories and reading her posts, God used her words to really change my heart and perspective on foster care.

When we started fostering, I was really focused on helping kids and I honestly had a critical attitude toward birth parents. But Jamie's words convicted me that I needed a heart change. A Gospel-centered approach to fostering wasn't about rescuing children but about walking alongside families with the ultimate goal of restoration.

It was such an honor to get to meet Jamie in person recently and record a podcast interview with her. In this episode, Jamie shares her a different perspective on foster care than you often hear -- one that is focused on families, not just children.

She also shares very practical encouragement for stepping out and saying yes -- to anything in your life that might scare you. she shares the lessons she's learned and how God has changed her heart over the years. Plus, she gives fantastic advice for those who feel like they can't foster but they want to be involved in some way.

Whether you are a long-time foster family, someone just considering fostering, or someone who has no interest in fostering at all, I think this episode will encourage you in surprising ways.

In This Episode

[00:34] - Welcome to another episode of The Crystal Paine Show. I am honored to have Jamie Finn in the studio today.

[02:37] - A little introduction for Jamie.

[04:13] - "I really appreciate that you don’t sugarcoat things. You share the beautiful and the brutal.'

[05:35] - Do you feel like you have had a shift in your viewpoint of what foster care is?

[07:54] - I hear from many people, “We’re interested in foster care but we’re afraid of how it will affect our family.” Have you ever had those feelings?

[09:39] - How do you respond when someone’s like, “I can never do this, but that’s amazing what you’re doing”?

[12:08] - How do you even know when to take that first step?

[14:28] - What can we practically do? Where do we start?

[19:47] - Could you talk about just some of the really hard things that you have walked through?

[22:56] - If you could go back 8+ years as a brand new foster parent and talk to that woman, what would you say to her?

[25:41] - What is foster care from a Gospel-centered perspective?

[26:41] - I share what I love and recommend Jamie Finn’s new book, Foster the Family.

[28:56] - What do you say to that person who feels like, “Is God still good, even when this feels so hard”?

Links & Resources

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
https://crystalpaine.com/156
Tue, 08 Feb 2022 10:56:29 +0000
155. 3 Questions to Ask When Your Child is Frustrated

One of the kids woke up really frustrated recently. In all honesty, I wanted to respond back in frustration... because it felt like a really “silly” thing for them to be upset by.

But if I’ve learned anything in over 17 years of mothering, it’s this: responding in frustrating to a child who is frustrated never ends well. Just trust me on this.

So instead, I took a deep breath, leaned on the Holy Spirit, and asked them to share what was wrong.

They had a lot to vent out right then & I purposely just listened. I wanted to try to come up with some quick fixes or solutions, but I could tell that’s not what they needed. They just needed a listening ear that said: “I care. You are valued. What matters to you, matters to me.”

After they had poured out their big feelings, I asked how I could help. There wasn’t much I could do, but I could tell that just that simple question brought some relief to them. It communicated that they weren’t alone. That I was *with* them. That they didn’t have to shoulder this all on their own.

And then I asked them what they could do about it. Instead of me trying to swoop in and fix things, I wanted to let them process through what they were feeling and come up with next steps.

We didn’t tie everything up with a neat bow, but my posture of leaning in and loving and seeking to walk beside de-escalated the situation so that by the time they walked out the door to leave for school, they were feeling much calmer and less stressed.

Mamas: we set the tone for our home. We can’t fix all our kids’ struggles. We can’t solve all our kids’ problems, but we can walk with them. We can communicate to them, “I’m here. I love you. I’m FOR you. And I’m not going anywhere.”

There might need to be some hard conversations or consequences or addressing heart issues in days to come — after a child/teen is in a better headspace — but in the moment when our kids are feeling overwhelmed & frustrated, they just need to know we are there. They don’t need our lectures; they just need our presence.

“What’s wrong?” “How can I help?” These two questions and the willingness to listen well can make a huge difference in our relationship with our kids.

In this episode, Jesse and I share more about how to respond when our kids (or anyone in our life!) is frustrated. Plus, I share a crazy travel story from my recent trip, and we talk about books and reading.

In This Episode

[00:34] - Welcome to another episode of The Crystal Paine Show.

[01:15] - What to do when your child is frustrated.

[02:00] - I have a travel "horror" story to share today.

[04:02] - While I was stuck in Charlotte for four hours, my phone was starting to run out of battery.

[07:46] - Word to the wise: if there is wet carpet in the airport don’t assume that it’s water spilled.

[08:41] - What I recently finished listening to.

[09:57] - A letter from a listener about Jesse’s advice on reading.

[12:05] - Are you making progress over who you were yesterday?

[12:35] - Jesse shares his book update.

[13:49] - How to help a child who is frustrated...

[16:02] - Ever been frustrated at someone for being frustrated (oh! the irony!)

[17:52] - Instead, stepping back and asking for God’s help

[19:13] - Question #1: “What is wrong?”

[21:23] - Question #2: “How can I help you?”

[22:39] - Question #3: “What can you do about it?”

[23:53] - Practice the art of asking questions versus telling someone how they should feel or respond.

Links & Resources

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
https://crystalpaine.com/155
Tue, 01 Feb 2022 23:28:45 +0000
154. 5 Things I Do Every Morning

What is one thing you do every morning to start your day well? How you begin your days sets up the foundation for how you live your life.

Here are 5 things I do every morning to start my day with intention:

1. Create a simple plan — I make a time-blocked to do list on a notebook. (If that feels like a lot, you could just do 3-5 things you want to accomplish in order of priority.) Making a plan helps me live with much more focus and use my time well.

2. Write down blessings — I take a minute every morning to jot down a few lines of things I’m grateful for from the past 24 hours. Gratitude reframes my perspective.

3. Get my heart pumping — I walk on the treadmill for 25-30 minutes. While walking, I read a few chapters from an encouraging book, think, and pray (see #4). This jump-starts my energy and settles my soul.

4. Pray over my day — while on the treadmill, I pray through the details of my day, handing the known and unknown over to the Lord, asking for His help, for His love to flow through me, for patience, kindness, wisdom, and for any specific areas where my heart is feeling weary or heavy.

5. Dress for the day I want to have — taking a little time to shower, dress in clothes that I love, fix my hair, and do my makeup gives my energy and helps me feel more cheerful and productive (I can’t really explain it, but it works!)

What about YOU? What’s one thing you do every morning to start your day well? Tell us in the comments!

Jesse and I discuss these 5 things more in-depth on this week's episode of The Crystal Paine Show. We also talk about what is saving our lives, an update on our reading, reminisce about how I used to try to read while mowing the lawn, and more! Listen to it a the link above or wherever you listen to your podcasts.

In This Episode

[00:34] - Welcome to another episode of The Crystal Paine Show. Today’s topic is about mornings.

[01:26] - Let's talk about what is saving our life: hot water.

[03:20] - There’s nothing like ice cold water.

[05:25] - I share something that has been really helpful for me, especially with pregnancy.

[07:58] - Jesse has been reading 20 minutes everyday.

[09:54] - I date myself as we reminisce when I listened to cassette tapes books when I mowed the lawn.

[11:08] - I share the book that I finished reading.

[14:24] - I read an email from one of our listeners, Tiffany.

[17:07] - So let’s talk about mornings, here are the five things I do

[17:23] - First, I create a simple plan.

[19:50] - Then, I write down my blessings.

[21:48] - Next, I get my heart pumping.

[25:05] - And while I'm doing that, I pray over my day.

[27:00] - Jesse talks about how little things can be big wins and shares one of his accomplishments.

[28:24] - Finally, I dress for the day I want to have.

[30:45] - Recap of my morning routine and we would love to hear what your routine is if you have one.

Links & Resources

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
https://crystalpaine.com/154
Tue, 25 Jan 2022 15:03:47 +0000
153. 8 Ways I Simplify My Life

It’s so easy to over-complicate life. To completely miss simple solutions because they are, well, just too easy!

Now, hear me out: I’m not saying you should be lazy or lax. What I am saying is that there’s no point in wasting a lot of time and energy on making life more complicated or difficult than it needs to be. The more we pare down to what matters most, the more time we have to intentionally invest in what’s important.

Two questions I ask regularly as I come up against a problem or just go throughout normal life are:

1. How can I make this easier?

2. What can I do to simplify this?

I firmly believe that simplicity is a superpower. And while I have always focused on keeping things simple, the last three years of two pregnancies and fostering two other babies has caused me to simplify even more! In this episode, I share 8 ways I simplify my life.

Jesse and I also talk about a favorite TV show, a documentary we're watching, what we're reading, and what's saving our lives.

In This Episode

[00:34] - Welcome to another episode of The Crystal Paine Show.

[01:45] - It has been an eventful week, with a pretty significant amount of snow.

[02:45] - One of our favorite shows on TV has returned.

[03:43] - We talk about a documentary that Jesse and I are watching.

[06:54] - What has been saving my life for some time now.

[08:00] - Jesse jokes about what is saving his life.

[09:21] - I finished an audible book that was recommended by a listener.

[13:15] - Let's talk about simplifying our lives instead of over-complicating them. Here are 8 ways I do this...

[13:24] - I wear the same outfit over and over again.

[14:09] - My make-up and hair routine.

[16:00] - We keep meals really simple.

[16:42] - We don’t have many toys.

[17:55] - We have the older kids be in charge of many aspects of their lives.

[20:33] - We have a donation bin.

[21:18] - I avoid work related meetings and phone calls.

[22:37] - Systems for organizing emails and piles of paper.

[23:40] - Some of these may not work for you but I want to challenge you: how can you simplify?

Links & Resources

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
https://crystalpaine.com/153
Tue, 18 Jan 2022 14:03:46 +0000
152. What I Learned From a Year of Intentional Proximity

My word for 2021 was Show Up. (Okay, that’s two words, but who’s counting?)

This simple phrase impacted so much of my year and served as a guide for how I lived my day-to-day.

Any time I found out a friend was struggling or discouraged or just feeling overwhelmed or tired, I tried to stop and pray, “God, how would You have me show up for her?” That sometimes looked like sending a text or checking in regularly or just stopping to pray or sending dinner or a card. But it often looked like reaching out of my comfort zone and offering intentional proximity — like showing up at her house (even if I didn’t know her that well) to give her a hug or watch her kids so she could take nap.

Here’s the beautiful thing I discovered: taking those steps beyond loving people well at a distance (where it’s still pretty safe and comfortable) to leaning in and showing up right in the middle of the mess is awkward and uncomfortable at first, but some of the deepest community has been forged in those vulnerable spaces this year.

I often didn’t have the right words to say. Many times, I questioned as I was driving to someone’s house, “What am I doing? This is crazy! What if I show up and it’s just really weird.” But then I’d remind myself that this wasn’t about me; this was about me showing Jesus’ love even if I felt inadequate and awkward.

And every single time, I would leave knowing that it wasn’t about saying the perfect words or even doing a lot to make a difference, it was just communicating to a long-time friend or newer acquaintance: I am WITH you. You are not alone. You matter. I see you.

I think that in our often-detached virtual world, it’s easy to play it safe in relationships. To hold people at arm’s length. But playing it safe never builds strong community or deep relationships.

Let’s be people who pursue intentional proximity. Who show up for others — even when it feels uncomfortable. And who keep showing up over and over again.

We were made for community!

In This Episode

[00:34] - Welcome to another episode of The Crystal Paine Show. Starting the year off with colds.

[02:09] - Finally finding our groove while traveling to Kansas.

[06:00] - How cold is cold weather to us?

[08:36] - Jesse shares what is saving his life.

[10:10] - The lotion that is saving my life.

[13:11] - My book update and my new monthly reading goals.

[14:35] - The last book I finished in 2021.

[15:55] - We share a running inside joke about our marriage.

[17:05] - What is Intentional Proximity?

[20:00] - Don't just say, "Let me know if we can help!"

[22:15] - Yes, it was awkward, at times. But it was worth it.

[25:35] - It was a great reminder that it wasn't about me but about showing Jesus' love.

[28:11] - What would intentional proximity look like for you?

Links & Resources



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https://crystalpaine.com/152
Tue, 11 Jan 2022 14:41:34 +0000
151. Surprise! I'm 15 weeks pregnant!

We’ve been keeping a secret for 11 weeks — I’m 15 weeks pregnant!!!!

Yes, this news was possibly even more shocking than when we found out I was pregnant with Kierstyn after 10 years of infertility! In fact, we were so surprised, we waited a full week to tell our kids — which, if you know Jesse and me well, you know we can’t keep secrets from our kids!

We found out I was pregnant right after saying yes to adopting Baby D... who we thought was going to our family’s caboose! But God definitely had different plans and we just had laugh at the timing of it all!

We also have to marvel at how we went from grieving the loss of being told that we’d never be able to have more kids a few years ago (not even through IVF) to now prepping for having 3 littles with the oldest being barely 2 years old! Oh and at 40 and 41 years old! Only God!

We are all thrilled and excited with this very unexpected news and how God is writing a story here that is so different than what we could have ever dreamed or imagined!

I’m slowly coming back to life after 9 weeks or so of the usual morning-noon-and-night sickness and extreme exhaustion. If you’ve noticed I’ve not been sharing as much here and not sharing food/cooking/recipes or videos with my face much on Instagram stories, now you know why!

For all the details on how we found out, how we told our kids, and more, be sure to listen to today’s podcast episode.

Want more details on my pregnancy? I'm sharing more and answering your questions over on Instagram today.

Note: I know that this news will be really hard for some of you to hear. You’d give anything to be pregnant and hearing another pregnancy announcement feels like a gut-punch. I want you to know you’ve been heavy on my heart and I’ve been praying specifically for you. I also want you to know that you have my full permission to unfollow or mute my social media accounts for awhile — whatever you need to do, please do it and know I will fully support you in that.

In This Episode

[00:34] - Welcome to another episode of The Crystal Paine Show.

[01:28] - Our infertility journey.

[05:06] - The surprise of saying yes to adopting Baby D.

[06:54] - After saying yes to Baby D, we felt done and complete.

[09:27] - My reaction to the pregnancy test results.

[12:00] - Jesse explains how we shared the news with the kids.

[15:50] - We didn’t really tell any of our other close friends or our family for a while. Here's why...

[20:40] - My heart has been heavy for those experiencing infertility and loss.



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https://crystalpaine.com/151
Tue, 04 Jan 2022 14:39:20 +0000
150. What We Learned in 2021

“I can’t do this. It’s too much. I’m scared.” I lay awake in bed pretty much all night long the first night Baby D arrived. I felt completely overwhelmed and in over my head.

When they told us he had Down syndrome and a cleft lip (they didn’t realize he had a cleft palate, too) + a feeding tube, I expected an 8-month-old baby that was somewhat delayed. I didn’t expect him to show up as a tiny malnourished infant that was just 11 pounds, in 0-3 month clothes, and non-responsive. I knew he needed a lot of medical care and DCS didn’t know contact info/names for any of his doctors or specialists, I had no clue what I was doing — and Jesse was out of town that week!

In this last podcast episode of the year, Jesse and I sat down and talked about what we learned in 2021 and the entire theme was how this sweet boy has completely changed our lives. I could recount story after story of specific ways that God has showed up and answered prayers, helped us track down all the specialists in record time, brought just the right medical professionals into our lives at the right time, protected Baby D in the process of us not knowing so much, and has been so faithful to carry us through many scary moments and nights.

Not only was our faith and trust in the Lord stretched and strengthened in big ways as we saw God show up, but like Jesse said so eloquently (and it brought tears to my eyes): “When Baby D came to us, he needed multiple surgeries. But what we didn’t know was that God was going to use his little life to perform surgery on our hearts.”

Truly, this little boy has completely changed all of us in profound ways. And he’s been one of the greatest gifts we’ve ever experienced as a family. I struggle to put into words just how deeply this boy has captivated and changed our hearts forever!

We could have never dreamed what 2021 had in store for our family, but God writes the best stories!

In this episode, Jesse and I also talk about a few other things we learned in 2021, a book I've been reading for a long time and finally finished, an app Jesse loves, and a snack I've been enjoying. We also tease a big episode we have coming at the beginning of 2022. You won't want to miss it!

Thank you so much for all of you who regularly listen to the podcast each week. We are so grateful for each and every one of you and are looking forward to what 2022 brings!

In This Episode

[00:34] - Last night was a bit of an unexpected night, but it reminded me of how easy it is to take things for granted.

[02:13] - Speaking of perspective, today we are going to be talking about what we learned in 2021.

[03:05] - A weather app that has been so help!

[06:00] - Nuts and vegetables, how can you go wrong?

[06:42] - I finished a book I've been slowly reading for a long time!

[09:16] - So let’s talk about what we learned in 2021.

[12:04] - It’s okay to have seasons where you’re not as goal-driven and goal-orientated, but I also realized that I missed the focus that more goal-setting brings.

[14:55] - 2020 taught us all that, what we think life is going to look like can be completely upended.

[15:32] - Jesse shares his two takeaways from 2021.

[17:54] - A big part of our story this year was saying yes to Baby D.

[22:16] - It was such a faith-building experience for both of us.

[24:29] - In the process of Baby D's surgeries, our hearts have been repaired as well.

[26:04] - Thank you so much for joining us this year!

Links & Resources

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https://crystalpaine.com/150
Tue, 14 Dec 2021 17:00:00 +0000
149. Our December Bucket List

Welcome back! We unplugged for a few weeks; visiting family and friends in Kansas for Thanksgiving but we are excited to be back with another episode today!

In this week's episode, we not only talk about our December Bucket List but we also share an exciting Baby D update, what we've been reading, what is saving our lives, and some thoughts on self-care vs. self-comfort.

In This Episode

[00:34] - Welcome to another episode of The Crystal Paine Show.

[03:24] - Today we're sharing a big Baby D update.

[08:13] - Let's talk about the books we've been reading.

[11:51] - Some thoughts on self-care and self-comfort.

[15:38] - Jesse's new gadget.

[19:39] - How handing off doing the Advent Calendar has been such a good thing.

[21:49] - Let's talk about our Christmas Bucket List.

[23:28] - We started asking the kids at the end of the November: "What are 1 to 2 activities you’d really like to do in December?"

[26:09] - Here's what everyone picked and what is on our Bucket List this year.

Links & Resources

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
https://crystalpaine.com/149
Tue, 07 Dec 2021 15:22:13 +0000
148. Only Jesus Gets to Tell You Who You Are

Remember in last week's podcast episode when we alluded to how you can often pre-decide a negative narrative about yourself and you can let that cloud all your interactions with others? Instead of hearing their kind words or assuming they are sharing something out of love, you hear and see everything through the lens of a negative narrative.

In this week's podcast episode, Jesse and discuss this more in-depth. We talk about lies we've believed, how these have colored our viewpoints, and how believing these lies have kept us from living in freedom and joy.

We share more what it looks like to truly take to heart the quote from Charles Martin that says, "Only Jesus gets to tell you who you are."

In this podcast, we also give you an update on Baby D's surgery and the incredibly surprising results of his surgery. We also tell you about a great idea Jesse came up with that has been saving our lives, we talk about Aldi grocery delivery, and about a book I recently listened to.

In This Episode

[00:34] - Welcome to another episode of The Crystal Paine Show. We have lots to share with you today.

[01:23] - Today we want to talk about replacing the lies with truth and how only Jesus gets to tell you who you are.

[01:29] - But before we get into that, it was a big week for Baby D!

[06:43] - We had prepared ourselves that he was going to have severe hearing loss for all his life.

[09:04] - For the first time in his life, he is able to hear! He's learning all sorts of new things as a result!

[11:28] - I just finished listening to a book by Charles Martin.

[12:56] - What’s saving my life this week: Aldi grocery delivery.

[14:20] - Jesse's brilliant purchase that is saving our life!

[17:39] - Lies versus truth and how this can impact your life.

[18:44] - Jesse, are there lies that you have believed, that you have seen how it’s just had such a negative impact on your life?

[21:06] - In Christ, we can do all things!

[23:41] - If we let what other people think of us be where our worth and value is, it’s never going to be enough

[27:59] - What does Jesus actually say about you?

Links & Resources

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https://crystalpaine.com/148
Tue, 16 Nov 2021 15:43:07 +0000
147. How We {mostly} Stopped Arguing

In this week's episode of the Crystal Paine Show, Jesse and I share some of the lessons we've learned in our almost 19 years of marriage on how fight less and communicate with more grace and depth.

We talk about practical strategies, personal development and growth, and how to approach difficult conversations that could potentially lead to conflict and misunderstanding.

We also share some family updates -- especially about Baby D's upcoming surgery -- and then we talk about what we've been reading, a program Jesse has been doing to keep him accountable to health goals, a teeth whitening kit I've been loving, and more!

In This Episode

[00:34] - Today we're talking about How We (mostly) Stopped Arguing

[02:45] - This is a big week for us as it's Baby D's big cleft palate surgery.

[09:06] - Jesse shares about what's helping him stay more accountable to health goals.

[13:32] - There are seasons for really big audacious goals. And there are seasons for just, well those little nudge goals. So figuring out which season you are in and what’s going to be best for you.

[14:57] - A teeth whitening kit I've been loving!

[17:21] - We share about books we've been reading.

[19:44] - Let's talk about how we’ve stopped arguing -- most of the time!

[21:50] - The biggest thing that has helped us is changing our perspective of God and His love for us! Oftentimes, we can get frustrated with our spouse because we expect them to give us something that only God can give.

[23:55] - If you don't believe you are fully loved by God, it's hard to believe you are loved by others.

[25:28] - If you’ve pre-decided what your spouse, what your kids, what your co-workers, what your community, your friends, believe about you, you won't be able to really hear what they are saying.

[26:24] - We come from very different perspectives and we process the world very differently. Learning to see this as a gift has helped our communication in a big way.

[30:57] - Changing the way we approach conflict, hurt, and misunderstandings makes such a difference in allowing our conversations to be productive versus full of tense and frustration.

[32:23] - I think another thing that’s been really, really helpful for us, is just prioritizing romance and fun. Don't forget what drew you together in the first place.

Links & Resources



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https://crystalpaine.com/147
Tue, 09 Nov 2021 17:00:00 +0000
146. A Surrendered Yes (with Rebekah Lyons)

Having open hands and an open heart is one part of A Surrendered Yes: 52 Devotions to Let Go and Live Free, the new book by Rebekah Lyons. A Surrendered Yes is also about living in the now. On today’s episode of The Crystal Paine Show, Rebekah and I talk about what it was like for her to have a child diagnosed with Down syndrome, what living a surrendered life looks like, and how God doesn’t call you to anything that He won't also give you the strength for.

Rebekah and her family have been a huge inspiration to our family as we have stepped out in faith and said yes to adopting Baby D. Watching their family and the journey they have been on and how they have trusted the Lord and lived in surrender to His calling has been such an encouragement to us.

If you are struggling to say yes and step out in faith, Rebekah's raw honesty on this episode will infuse you with courage. Don't miss it!

In This Episode

[00:37] - Welcome to The Crystal Paine Show today we are honored to have a repeat guest, Rebekah Lyons.

[03:32] - The great joy in life is to lose your life so that you can find it again.

[04:19] - I ask Rebekah what it was like to receive the diagnosis that her firstborn had Down syndrome.

[09:44] - "If you could go back to your 26-year-old self when you were walking through this, knowing what you know now, what would you say to yourself?"

[12:47] - Rebekah talks directly to the woman who's listening who wants to have that courage but is scared.

[15:24] - If you are feeling a nudge or a whisper or something that kind of continues to surface, don't close your hands to it.

[17:34] - We talk about what it was like to say yes to adopting Joy.

[19:20] - Pay attention to your tears.

[23:49] - We segue into talking about answering those people saying "How do you do it?"

[28:28] - I ask Rebekah to close by sharing what "letting go and living free" looks like in her life right now.

[31:50] - It’s not living in tomorrow, it’s not living in yesterday. It's living today.

Links & Resources



Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
https://crystalpaine.com/146
Tue, 02 Nov 2021 14:48:42 +0000
145. Our Unexpected Adoption News

If you follow me on Instagram, or Facebook, we already announced the big news, but on the podcast today, we get to tell the story behind the news. Listen in to hear all the details on our unexpected adoption story + we share what is saving our lives, books we're reading, and more!

In This Episode

[00:37] - Welcome to The Crystal Paine Show today we are sharing some pretty big news.

[01:21] - Jesse shares our big news.

[02:05] - Jesse had an eventful 24 hours.

[04:27] - I've been reading Friendship, It’s Complicated: Avoid the Drama, Create Authentic Connection, and Fulfill Your Purpose Together.

[06:36] - Andi talks about your relationship with your mom and how that can affect your relationship with other women. And it's made me think a lot of how I’m interacting with our girls.

[07:16] - Jesse is continuing on listening to the audiobook series from Brad Taylor.

[08:39] - Look for those little pockets of time and check out Libby and Hoopla.

[11:01] - What’s saving our life this week and that’s YumEarth Suckers.

[12:59] - We want to share our unexpected adoption journey story.

[14:22] - I felt us falling so in love with him and yet I saw it as such an honor to get to serve as the in-between.

[20:10] - We had been preparing our hearts for goodbye and what the next step, the next chapter of our foster care journey was going to be. And so then, it was this mental and emotional whiplash.

[22:12] - A wise question that Katie Reid asked me.

Links & Resources

How to Listen to The Crystal Paine Show

The podcast is available on iTunes, Android, Stitcher, and Spotify. You can listen online through the direct player here. OR, a much easier way to listen is by subscribing to the podcast through a free podcast app on your phone. (Find instructions for how to subscribe to a podcast here.) Ready to dive in and listen? Hit the player above or search for “The Crystal Paine Show” on your favorite podcast app.



Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
https://crystalpaine.com/145
Tue, 26 Oct 2021 14:24:31 +0000
144. You Were Made for This Moment (with Max Lucado)

It was an honor to have Max Lucado in studio recently to talk about his new book, You Were Made For This Moment: Courage for Today and Hope for Tomorrow.

We begin the conversation with me sharing about how his children's book, You Are Special, deeply impacted my life. And then Max shared the really amazing story behind the book which you don't want to miss!

He also shared how he got started writing, about his time in Brazil, how he first made writing a priority while being a missionary, and then we transitioned to talking about his latest book, You Were Made For This Moment.

Max shares the powerful story of Esther and the lessons we can learn for modern times from this story in the Bible. We talk about showing up and how God uses that moment of showing up, even when you don’t recognize it. That you never know how those decisions to show up and step out could make such a difference long-term.

This podcast episode is packed with encouragement and inspiration and I hope it blesses you as it did me!

In This Episode

[00:37] - Welcome to The Crystal Paine Show today we have in the studio is Max Lucado.

[01:01] - I have actually only read one book by Max Lucado and it was actually a children’s book.

[04:54] - Max shares the fascinating story behind that children's book -- which I loved hearing!

[05:10] - I ask Max to tell us more about his background.

[07:15] - He talked about becoming a Christian and signing up to be a missionary -- and I had to have him tell us more about that.

[09:24] - How did you start your writing career?

[12:19] - How can a good God be allowing all the things that have happened in the world in the last 18 months?

[15:14] - What is it about the Esther story that you see that is going to infuse people with hope?

[16:13] - Esther is one of the two books in the Bible where the name of God does not appear and yet the fingerprints of God are on every paragraph.

[19:03] - Max tells us the story of Esther -- and I learn some new facts I've never known before, even though I've read this book many times!

[22:20] - What does that look like practically, for people who they’re saying “I want to do something with my life, I feel like there’s more than just what I am living for right now but I don’t even know how to take the first step"?

[26:07] - What encouragement would you have for someone who is feeling scared about stepping out in faith?

Links & Resources



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https://crystalpaine.com/144
Tue, 19 Oct 2021 22:59:35 +0000
143. A Love Languages Quiz

Do you know what your love languages are? Do you know what the love languages are of those close to you? Understanding how people give and receive love can make such a difference in our relationships.

In this podcast, Jesse and I talk about what we've learned about love languages over the almost 19 years of marriage + what we learned recently in revisiting this through a Love Languages quiz we took as part of doing a Date Night in a Box recently.

In this podcast, we also give you lots of updates -- including a very important broken toilet update (you can totally laugh with us about this!) And we talk about my trip to California, losing my voice before my first speaking in-person speaking event in two years, my birthday, axe throwing, what we've been reading, and how I've struggled to finish books recently.

In This Episode

[00:34] - Welcome to The Crystal Paine Show.

[03:26] - We have discovered the price tag of toilets.

[04:41] - I got a really special birthday gift.

[05:37] - I went to Chino, California and spoke at the Fresh Grounded Faith event.

[08:01] - It was my first night in over 18 months that I didn’t have a baby in the room.

[08:40] - I am speaking at the same type of conference, Fresh Grounded Faith with Jennifer Rothchild this week in IL.

[09:10] - Also, I got to do axe throwing. Which I had never done before.

[10:26] - Jesse do you have any updates for us, on anything, any books you are reading or listening too?

[13:30] - I do have something that is saving my life.

[14:27] - Okay so we are going to talk about love languages today.

[16:10] - This was a hard quiz because it wasn’t multiple choice, it was two options. And you chose which one you related to more.

[17:26] - I think it’s so easy for us to assume that other people feel loved in the same way we do.

[18:41] - Jesse's love languages are physical touch and gifts.

[19:18] - For me, it is acts of service and words of affirmation.

[21:59] - I think that for sure what has changed is your (Jesse) understanding of how to show me love.

[25:18] - Going out of your way to show someone they are loved is like igniting a little spark to keep the fire of your relationship burning.

Links & Resources

How to Listen to The Crystal Paine Show

The podcast is available on iTunes, Android, Stitcher, and Spotify. You can listen online through the direct player here. OR, a much easier way to listen is by subscribing to the podcast through a free podcast app on your phone. (Find instructions for how to subscribe to a podcast here.) Ready to dive in and listen? Hit the player above or search for “The Crystal Paine Show” on your favorite podcast app.



Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
https://crystalpaine.com/143
Tue, 12 Oct 2021 13:41:27 +0000
142. Worship Suffocates Worry (with Katie Reid)

"Worship suffocates worry.” This powerful quote by Katie Reid has been challenging me ever since I read it in her book, Made Like Martha: Good News for the Woman Who Gets Things Done.

When I’m feeling worry creeping in, when I’m starting to stress over the what if’s or unknowns, I want to choose worship instead.

This might mean turning on worship music and singing along (there’s something about singing about the goodness and faithfulness of God that just changes your perspective and outlook!)

Or, it might look like spending some time praising the Lord and calling out His attributes and character. (Growing up, my Mom would sometimes have us come up with something to praise God for with every letter of the alphabet. Once you get started, it’s hard to stop! There’s so much to praise!)

It could also look like reading Scripture about His promises and trustworthiness and reminding ourselves of these truths. However it looks for you, will you join me in choosing worship instead of worry today? “Worship suffocates worry.”

This week on the Crystal Paine Show, I invited Katie on to share more about this concept and how to live a life of worship instead of a life of worry. I believe this episode will really encourage you -- especially if you are someone who is a do-er, fixer, and problem-solver and you struggle to just rest and let go.

In This Episode

[00:37] - We're tackling the topic of worship versus worry today with Katie Reid.

[01:33] - Katie shares a little about her family -- I resonate with her having 5 kids and a large age range!

[03:22] - We talk about her book Made Like Martha and what it looks like to be a Martha and a Mary.

[07:51] - What it looks like to worship instead of worry, and why worship suffocates worry.

[10:55] - “We can starve worry when we feast on worship."

[12:49] - Do you feel like there are a lot of times when we’re worrying and we just don’t even realize that we are worrying?

[15:26] - What does it look like to choose worship over worry?

[17:33] - How have you let go of that burden and that weight of feeling like it's all on you, to carry everyone else and to make sure it all works out?

[20:05] - "Delegation is not weak, it's actually wise.”

[22:04] - How can you wisely decide what to say yes to and what to say no to?

Links & Resources



Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
https://crystalpaine.com/142
Tue, 05 Oct 2021 14:31:52 +0000
141. Living a Grace-Filled Life in a Stress-Filled World (with Ruth Chou Simons)

Do you feel like your days are filled with stress? In this episode of the podcast, I talk with Ruth Chou Simons all about living a grace-filled life in a stress-filled world.

Ruth Chou Simons is a best-selling author and founder of GraceLaced. She has been married to her husband Troy for 23 years and they have been involved in the local ministry most of their lives. Ruth and Troy have 6 sons ages 19 to 8. Everything that Ruth does has this aroma of beauty and it's such an inspiration to me!

In this conversation, we begin by talking about dating ourselves by being bloggers and on the internet for years and years, and how Ruth’s blogging has evolved into more of a community effort and being more active on Instagram. Ruth shares why she named her blog and business GraceLaced, why that matters, and why it is the cornerstone of Ruth’s ministry, her life, her work, and everything she does on the internet.

Ruth and I discuss how what inspired her to write this book, her personal journey from stress to grace, and how she is currently walking out the message of her new book, When Strivings Cease: Replacing the Gospel of Self-Improvement with the Gospel of Life-Transforming Grace, as she's launching it. Ruth wants the readers to marinate with the message and to experience the journey with art.

Ruth closes our conversation with some personal stories about her own struggles. Her heart is to help women know that they are not alone what it looks like to look to Jesus, rely upon Him, and find the fullness of life in Him.

In This Episode

[00:42] - Welcome to The Crystal Paine Show! Today I'm interviewing Ruth Chou Simons.

[01:23] - We talk about beauty and how that infuses everything Ruth does.

[03:21] - Ruth and I are like "grandma bloggers", as we have been on the internet for a long time -- even before social media.

[06:03] - When Strivings Cease is Ruth's new book and it's different than what she's written before.

[06:19] - The artwork that Ruth includes isn't clipart on the corners, it is art that is symbolic of what you are reading.

[08:20] - We were created to be image bearers.

[11:39] - I feel like the “worn out, fearful, and anxiously striving” those are words that describe so many women. And I know I have been there, so many times.

[12:42] - Ruth tells us that we are not alone. We think we have to carry everything on our own. We’re wired to think that we’re the saviors of our own lives.

[13:21] - What is the gospel of self-improvement?

[15:48] - What would you say to the woman who says, "I'm just so tired and I’ve been just trying so hard”.

[22:14] - Ruth's heart for her book: that it drives you to the truth that’s in the word of God and that you see and feel how he’s provided you in Christ.

[25:20] - How are you practically walking this out in your life?

Links & Resources How to Listen to The Crystal Paine Show

The podcast is available on iTunes, Android, Stitcher, and Spotify. You can listen online through the direct player here. OR, a much easier way to listen is by subscribing to the podcast through a free podcast app on your phone. (Find instructions for how to subscribe to a podcast here.) Ready to dive in and listen? Hit the player above or search for “The Crystal Paine Show” on your favorite podcast app.



Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
https://crystalpaine.com/141
Tue, 28 Sep 2021 13:25:59 +0000
140. When Your Prayers Aren't Answered Like You Hoped

Do you feel like your prayers are being ignored? This is something that has been on our hearts to share and a story that God is currently writing for us... of a decade of having a dream and a hope and not seeing prayers answers. But in hindsight, God was answering those prayers -- just not in the way we ever could have thought or dreamed! And His story is so much better!

In those 10 years, God taught us so many lessons on faith, and resting in Him, and contentment, and just opening our hearts to stepping into things that were scary and hard and took us way outside our comfort zone.

In this week's episode of The Crystal Paine Show, we talk more more about this + we give you a little glimpse of what has been happening in our lives recently. Jesse had a birthday. We talk about our difference in age and how we celebrated Jesse’s birthday. We discuss some of the books we have recently been reading and what we look for in good books. Jesse talks about the books he has finished, one non-fiction and one fiction. I talk about a fiction author that was recommended to me and the last book I just finished.

Word to the wise: don’t do things one-handed if you are trying to fix a toilet. I share why on the podcast -- and I'm sure you can imagine a little where that story went.

We chat about everyday items that are positively affecting our family. The Flex Seal Glue that Jesse is trying to use to fix the toilet mishap. How the invention of the two way zipper onesie is helping keep baby D’s g-tube safe.

At the end of the podcast, we reflect on our last ten years and how God was at work behind the scenes when it seemed like our hopes and dreams were going nowhere. I close out the podcast, giving words to encourage others who may be struggling, who may not fully recognize that God is answering you, it just might not be in the way you ever pictured... and it might end up being so much better than you could have ever imagined!

In This Episode

[00:37] - Welcome to The Crystal Paine Show. Today’s topic is about when your prayers aren’t answered.

[01:13] - Jesse just talked a little bit, um, can anyone tell a difference in his voice? Does he sound a little bit more mature? A little bit older?

[02:44] - I just discovered, in the last month, that teens love cake.

[04:10] - Jesse is older, that is the big news to report & also, he also finished more than one book.

[06:01] - He tells us about The President’s Daughter book.

[07:08] - I finished a book by Charles Martin. I have been listening to a lot of his books recently. At the beginning of the year, I asked on my blog, Money Saving Mom.com, for book recommendations especially for fiction.

[08:37] - This one that I just finished, it was A Life Intercepted.

[11:00] - Jesse you have something that’s saving your life? Actually, our whole family's life.

[13:09] - Growing up, I often fixed the toilets. But apparently, I lost that skill recently!

[16:36] - Well what is saving my life this week, it has actually been saving my life for a very long time.

[19:21] - I read an email to Jesse that I know he's going to find funny. :)

[21:15] - Let's talk about when your prayers aren’t answered.

[23:14] - We wanted to have more kids and God wasn’t answering that prayer with yes.

[24:28] - We can both look back over those ten years of waiting and just really see how God changed our hearts in big ways.

[25:55] - I wrote this on Instagram and I just wanna close with reading this and I just hope that it encourages someone today who needs this reminder.

Links & Resources

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
https://crystalpaine.com/140
Tue, 21 Sep 2021 13:17:12 +0000
139. Do This One Thing Every Morning (with Alison Lumbatis)

I am thrilled to have Alison Lumbatis on the podcast today to talk about one of the most important things you can do every morning to change your day -- and your life!

What's that? Get dressed. I know it sounds simple and you might even be rolling your eyes right now, but I can guarantee you that it makes a huge difference.

Don't just take my word for it, though! Listen to this week's episode where Alison and I talk about how what you wear sets the tone for your day and your mood and your productivity. It just might convince you to try it! :)

Alison is the author of The Ultimate Book of Outfit Formulas: A Stylish Solution to What Should I Wear? and her Outfit Formulas have made such a huge impact in my life.

In this episode, Alison shares about her own personal journey to getting out the yoga pants rut, how to simplify your closet so that it's easy to get dressed in things you love and that look great on you, how to shop your closet first instead of feeling like you need to buy new clothes, and how to create outfit formulas that work for your style and body type.

In This Episode

[00:39] - Welcome Alison Lumbatis to The Crystal Paine Show

[02:14] - I had never really worked hard to put together outfits because I had always told myself I am not a fashionista.

[03:35] - Sometimes I feel like people might think clothes aren’t that big of a deal but it makes a big difference.

[04:10] - I have Alison tell us about herself and explain what she does.

[04:33] - Alison says, "My goal is really to empower women to be able to shop on their own and to be able to see their closets in a different light."

[05:03] - "I didn’t have accountability for getting dressed in the morning anymore."

[07:22] - Alison shares more of her blogging journey and how helping people turned into a full-time business.

[08:09] - What is a capsule wardrobe?

[10:05] - Stepping outside your comfort zone when it comes to style.

[11:28] - “You don’t have to feel like doing something, in order to do it.”

[11:48] - What could happen if you did put a little effort into it?

[12:04] - I like to say, “get dressed for the day you want to have.”

[13:58] - We take the action and the feeling comes after.

[15:33] - For the woman who is feeling like this is daunting and she doesn't even know where to start, here's the first step.

[17:40] - When you find that outfit formula, that uniform that works for your life, take a picture of it.

[24:40] - I ask Alison to tell us more about her program and how you can get signed up.

[27:45] - We talk about how this is more than just clothes; it's encouraging and building up other women.

Links & Resources How to Listen to The Crystal Paine Show

The podcast is available on iTunes, Android, Stitcher, and Spotify. You can listen online through the direct player here. OR, a much easier way to listen is by subscribing to the podcast through a free podcast app on your phone. (Find instructions for how to subscribe to a podcast here.) Ready to dive in and listen? Hit the player above or search for “The Crystal Paine Show” on your favorite podcast app.



Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
https://crystalpaine.com/139
Wed, 15 Sep 2021 04:10:56 +0000
138. How to Keep Going When Life is Hard (with Lisa Whittle)

I've been talking with and hearing from so many people who are tired, weary, and just wanting to shut down. If you can relate to this, you will definitely want to listen to this week's podcast episode! I'm talking with Lisa Whittle, the author of the brand-new book: The Hard Good: Showing Up for God to Work in You When You Want to Shut Down.

Lisa answers honestly the questions I ask about what to do when we are exhausted and burnt out and life feels hard and overwhelming. We discuss why she believes that hard can also be good, how to know you are shutting down, and how to reverse course when you want to give up.

In addition, we have a really candid conversation about how to respond when someone we know gets that opportunity or thing that we really, really want. Lisa's words on this are powerful and if you only listen to this part of the podcast (starting at minute 18), please listen to this.

I hope that our conversation encourages you, gives you hope, and helps you feel less alone.

In This Episode

[00:39] - Welcome Lisa Whittle to The Crystal Paine Show -- she shares who she is and why she wrote this book.

[04:15] - We talk about the tension in the title of her book. How is it possible that something that can be both hard but also good?

[09:27] - How do you know that you’re shutting down? What can someone do who feels stuck and doesn't see anywhere else to turn?

[14:52] - "A lot of us are alive but we are not living." Lisa explains more what she means by this.

[16:53] - When we are really vulnerable with a friend, our relationship deepens because we’ve shared our hearts, and I think it is the same in our relationship with the Lord.

[18:15] - We talk about what it looks like to cheer for someone who gets that thing you really want and how hard and discouraging that can be.

[23:36] - "She is not the opponent, jealousy is." Powerful words on comparison from Lisa.

[25:48] - We end the podcast with Lisa speaking to the woman who is in the hard right now and it doesn’t feel like there’s any good.

Links & Resources



Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
https://crystalpaine.com/138
Tue, 07 Sep 2021 13:35:37 +0000
137. Dating vs. Courtship: Our honest thoughts

Our topic today – our takes on courtship and dating - might be considered a bit controversial by some! You may recall an early episode of the podcast in which we talked about our own history involving this topic, and if you did hear that episode, then you may also remember that we have a pretty unique story of how Jesse and I ended up in a relationship together and how we had strict courtship rules set by our parents.

In this episode, we're talking more about that and answering the question, "Do you allow your kids to date?"

We share how we are approaching dating and relationships with our teens. It may surprise you to find out that we don't have rules for dating at our house (such as, "You can start dating when you are 16", etc.) Instead, we are seeking to walk with our kids, have lots of conversations, point them to Jesus, and seek to rely on the Holy Spirit (as we talked in last week's episode!) for wisdom and guidance as we guide our kids.

In this week's episode, we also discuss Jesse's new water bottle, our new double stroller, two books we finished recently, listening to podcasts on double speed, and more!

In This Episode:

[0:32] – Today's topic is courtship and dating.

[2:20] – Jesse surprises me by bringing something off "script".

[5:42] – I reveal that we recently got a new stroller which has been saving my life lately!

[8:28] – You can get the double stroller that we bought for a relatively low price on Amazon!

[9:48] – Jesse just finished Black Ice by Brad Thor.

[10:58] – I just finished re-reading Wonder by R.J. Palacio.

[12:55] – An email and an iTunes review sent in by listeners.

[15:40] – Jesse offers a funny tip about listening to podcasts at a certain speed.

[17:32] – We dive into the main topic – courtship vs. dating.

[19:58] – Teenagers are more apt to listen if parents have conversations with them as opposed to just laying down rules.

[22:45] – Encouraging our kids to plan and think about the future, not just live in the moment.

[25:22] – Each and every child is different; we don't want to have a conveyor belt approach to parenting.

[27:40] – Why we have tried to perfect the art of stoicism as parents. :)

Links and Resources:

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
https://crystalpaine.com/137
Tue, 31 Aug 2021 13:18:17 +0000
136. Don't Miss Out on This Superpower! (with Jeannie Cunnion)

Longtime listeners or new listeners who have gone back and listened to our older episodes may recall one of our early episodes in which we had Jeannie Cunnion on the show as a special guest to talk about how to be a happier mom! Well, Jeannie is back again this week to discuss her new book — how it came to be, what it means to rely on the Holy Spirit, and how that can change your life.

Jeannie shares so many great points during our conversation such as how the Holy Spirit is available in all of us who are Christians but is not necessarily active in all of us. We can get in the way of the Holy Spirit and impede Him, she talks about what it means to cooperate with Him and follow up on His nudges, even if it feels like we have to go outside of our comfort zones to do so.

We also talk about how to go about determining whether or not a calling is truly coming from the Holy Spirit or if it’s coming from our own agendas. I give an example from my own life about a time when that wasn’t apparent, and Jeannie offers some advice on how to make that determination. She closes by explaining how she acknowledges the Holy Spirit’s presence on a daily basis, insight that I hope that you will find helpful so that you, too, can do the same!

My greatest desire in this episode is that you will truly take a step back and ask yourself if you are pursuing your own agenda or if you are recognizing the Holy Spirit’s presence and listening to Him.

In This Episode:

[0:33] – We have a special guest today – returning guest Jeannie Cunnion!

[2:43] – Jeannie shares some background information about herself with us.

[5:18] – What does it mean to rely on the Holy Spirit?

[8:24] – One of the Holy Spirit’s roles in our lives, Jeannie asserts, is as a map and a compass.

[10:48] – Jeannie compares the Holy Spirit to being a close friend.

[12:41] – I reflect on when I realized what it means to rely upon the Holy Spirit was in me.

[15:23] – An example from Scripture of the Holy Spirit being at work.

[16:34] – The difference between the Holy Spirit being available and being active.

[19:25] – Jeannie expounds upon the word conviction and what it means to her.

[21:38] – How to determine whether or not a calling is coming from the Holy Spirit.

[27:33] – We learn how Jeannie acknowledges the Holy Spirit’s presence every day.

Links and Resources: How to Listen to The Crystal Paine Show

The podcast is available on iTunes, Android, Stitcher, and Spotify. You can listen online through the direct player here. OR, a much easier way to listen is by subscribing to the podcast through a free podcast app on your phone. (Find instructions for how to subscribe to a podcast here.) Ready to dive in and listen? Hit the player above or search for “The Crystal Paine Show” on your favorite podcast app.



Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
https://crystalpaine.com/136
Tue, 24 Aug 2021 12:54:56 +0000
135. Answering your burning questions

It has been a while since we have done this, but we are bringing it back – that is, answering your burning questions! We tackle a variety of your questions today including how Jesse felt leaving his job as an attorney, which of us handles the bills and budgeting, how arguing between us pretty much always indicates a deeper issue, and our personalities.

We also reflect on how our personalities and interests are different and similar and how this has changed in 18 years of being married.

In addition, we talk about what our dream vacation looks like and how having foster children has affected not only the children in our family but also our marriage. Like most things, it has had its ups and downs, but we feel blessed as we remind ourselves of our why.

We hope you enjoy another episode answering your burning questions. As always, if you have other questions or input after listening to a podcast episode, we'd love to hear from you!

In This Episode:

[0:35] – We are answering your burning questions today!

[1:29] – Jesse answers a question on whether or not it was difficult for him to stop working as an attorney.

[4:00] – I argue why someone in a marriage considering income my income can be dangerous to the marriage.

[5:43] – Jesse shares which one of us takes care of bills getting paid.

[8:38] – Figuring out each spouse's strengths in a marriage is important.

[9:08] – We talk about how we decide on budgeting and spending.

[11:15] – I make the case that arguments – even silly arguments – usually point to something deeper going on.

[14:38] – We tackle a question about whether or not our personalities are more similar or opposite.

[16:40] – What is our dream vacation?

[18:57] – How fostering can impact the children in a family.

[21:20] – We reflect on how fostering has affected our marriage.

[24:33] – What is our greatest weakness is in our communication with each other?

Links and Resources:

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
https://crystalpaine.com/135
Wed, 18 Aug 2021 02:36:17 +0000
134. Our Experience with Covid

Covid... that was the last thing I expected she would test positive for when our doctor sent us to the hospital when Kierstyn was really, really sick a few weeks ago.

She had come down with a fever and a really bad case of what we thought were hives all of a sudden on Saturday night. We called the after-hours nurse and she had us go in and get it checked out at the walk-in clinic that night. They thought it was just some sort of allergic reaction + a virus. They gave her Benadryl and told us what to watch for and sent us home.

Her fever went up and her hives got worse Sunday night/early Monday morning. She was miserable and my mama heart felt like something wasn’t right. We called our pediatrician Monday morning and got Kierstyn in to see her. Kierstyn’s fever continued to rise and her rash/hives got a lot worse and she was inconsolable, so our pediatrician sent us to the hospital.

In addition to giving her IV fluids and meds, they ran a battery of tests/bloodwork... and we were all shocked when she tested positive for rhinovirus and Covid. (We knew something was up when the lady came in in a sort of hazmat looking suit to tell us the results!!)

They were able to find some meds to give her some relief and calm her down and her breathing looked good, so they sent us home with meds and what to look for and watch for (they felt she’d be more comfortable at home and they said basically what they were doing at the hospital we could also do at home, since she doesn’t need any oxygen or anything).

In this week's episode, we share about our experience, what we learned about MIS-C, surprising info that we never expected from test results, and lessons we learned from this experience.

At the beginning of this episode, we start it out like we always do -- giving you some life updates, talking about books, sharing about what's saving our life, and sharing some listener feedback!

In This Episode:

[0:35] – We explain why we took the last two weeks off.

[2:00] – We also went on our annual trip recently with my extended family.

[2:55] – I recently finished listening to The President Is Missing -- an audiobook Jesse recommended!

[8:06] – What has been saving my life.

[10:30] – Hear a funny story about my recent trip to the dentist.

[12:57] – It's listener feedback time!

[18:16] – We start sharing our recent story involving our experience with COVID-19.

[20:45] – Learn about what happened a couple weeks ago on the weekend of a baseball tournament.

[23:11] – We share what our daughter was initially diagnosed with.

[26:06] – Our daughter's fever was 104, and medical personnel knew something was wrong.

[28:48] – We were shocked to find out that Kierstyn tested positive for COVID.

[31:26] – We had so much planned that the COVID diagnosis impacted.

[34:09] – The new hospital where Kierstyn was transferred didn't seem as concerned.

[36:02] – We started thinking back over the last few weeks and things started making sense.

[38:02] – What we learned from the testing we got done.

[40:42] – What Kierstyn's recovery process looked like.

[41:42] – Two lessons we learned from the experience.

Links and Resources:

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
https://crystalpaine.com/
Tue, 10 Aug 2021 14:43:56 +0000
133. Our Best Strategies for Raising "Twins"

Although we've never actually had twins – neither biologically nor via fostering – we have had two babies for most of the past year and a half, so we thought that we would share some of our best advice and tips on either having twins or fostering twins!

The biggest thing we've learned is that it takes time (our experience has been 4-6 weeks) to establish a comfortable rhythm and routine, so be patient, and give yourself (and those around you) a lot of grace. We also recommend finding creative ways of keeping track of things. Setting up different stations around your house (such as a feeding station and a diaper-changing station) and using an app to keep track of when each baby is fed, sleeps, has their diaper changed, get their meds, etc. can really help when you are sleep-deprived and caring for multiple babies -- especially if one is medically fragile or has special needs.

On a somewhat related note, we also share lessons learned from a recent trip that we took to Colorado Springs and how we encountered some unexpected obstacles due to having two little ones, so yes, even traveling via plane is going to be different if you have twins! Having two babies at once can feel overwhelming at first, but we promise that you will get into a comfortable groove! It will get so much easier over time, and it will even become natural to you.

Have you had twins or two babies who are almost the same age? If so, I'd love to hear your best tips and strategies!

In This Episode:

[0:35] – Today's topic is advice for having twins.

[2:39] – We just got back from a quick trip to Colorado Springs!

[4:00] – Learn why we couldn't sit together on the plane.

[5:35] – Jesse shares what he learned from our recent trip.

[10:04] – We both share what we're reading, plus some fun emails/messages from listeners!

[16:13] – We answer a question sent in by a listener about why we don't book Airbnbs when we travel.

[19:26] – Now let's talk about our best advice for raising twins...

[21:03] – Expect it to take at least a month to establish a comfortable rhythm.

[23:11] – It was helpful for us to set up different stations around the house.

[24:56] – I recommend keeping a log of when each baby eats, sleeps, has their diaper changed, has medicine, and so forth.

[27:25] – Give yourself and others grace!

[30:18] – You will eventually get into a groove.

[31:04] – The most important thing for us is relying on God and getting to see Him be so faithful!

Links and Resources:

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
https://crystalpaine.com/133
Tue, 20 Jul 2021 23:06:57 +0000
132. Family Breakfasts: What We're Doing Instead of Family Dinners

A few years ago, we went through a season with a lot of evening activities. During that season, we decided to switch from family dinners to family breakfasts.

We would all eat a hot breakfast (usually eggs and bacon, maybe toast or pancakes, too) and spend some time reading the Bible and talking together. We were homeschooling at the time and didn't have any specific time we needed to get out the door in the mornings, so it worked so well for our family.

Recently, we've had a lot going on in the evenings and we were noticing that we weren't getting to have family dinners very regularly. We called a family meeting and asked for people to give their ideas on what we could do to have more time together around the table.

(Tip: want to come up with creative solutions for your family? Call a family meeting and let everyone weigh in and then come to an agreement on what might work. Your kids are much more likely to want to go along with the plan if they helped create it in the first place!)

After our family meeting, we all decided together to go back to having family breakfasts again. Jesse and Kaitlynn need to be out the door to ice-skating by 8 a.m., so we decided to have family breakfasts at 7:30 a.m. I've been prepping a hot breakfast at 6:45 a.m. to 7:15 a.m. -- so far, I've done things like Breakfast casserole, Baked Oatmeal, toast and scrambled eggs, French Toast, Waffles and Bacon, and even cold cereal (on particularly full days).

It's been such a great start to our day again. And, we've realized that it's had a trickle down affect into other areas -- our days feel more organized and it feels like we have a lot more breathing room in them... just from the simple practice of how we are starting our mornings.

In this week's episode of The Crystal Paine Show, we share more details on how family breakfasts work right now, how it's made a difference in our entire day, two books I've been listening to, how to get the pit out of an avocado, a new job for one of our girls, listener mail, Hoopla, and more!

Sponsor Spotlight:

This week’s episode is sponsored by Annie’s — a company I’ve loved for a long time! Annie’s has the perfect subscription boxes for both boys and girls that will keep them, creative, constructive, and engaged this summer!

This week’s spotlight is Annie’s Young Woodworker's Club — a monthly subscription that sends kids real hammer-and-nails construction kits. They even include real tools starting with a kid-sized hammer. Each kit has pre-cut and pre-drilled wood, so your kids can build complete kits with minimal supervision and be proud of every project.

Annie’s is offering 75% off your first month of their Young Woodworker's Club when you go here and use coupon code CRYSTAL at checkout. This is a fantastic deal!

In This Episode:

[1:15] – An easy way to get the pit out of an avocado!

[3:50] – Kaitlynn just got a job, so we now have two high schoolers who have jobs!

[5:43] – I have been listening to The Warsaw Orphan by Kelly Rimmer.

[7:38] – The Warsaw Orphan is the second book that I have listened to on Hoopla, which I have been using lately.

[8:57] – I share my thoughts on how The Woman with the Blue Star ends.

[11:40] – Listener mail: feedback, tips, and a question on Airbnb.

[15:10] - Today's sponsor is the Young Woodworker's Club.

[17:48] – We dive into talking about family breakfast!

[19:40] – We were going to suggest family meetings to our kids before putting them into place, but they had the same idea!

[21:24] – Our mornings have been so much more productive and structured.

[22:32] – Hear my advice on what you can do if there is something in your home that isn't working.

Links and Resources:



Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
https://crystalpaine.com/132
Tue, 13 Jul 2021 18:34:23 +0000
131. A crazy travel story

Some of you may recall the podcast episode that we did last year during lockdown about some of our craziest travel stories. Well, we're coming back at you with another round of that, sharing another crazy vacation story!

This one happened on our recent trip to Kansas. We usually have good success booking hotels at the last-minute online. But well, things didn't go so well this time. In fact, for the first time ever, we checked out of the hotel after only staying for one day.

I think this was one of those cases where if it seems too good to be true, it might be! :) Although, I'm pretty sure that the window getting busted in in the middle of our stay might be one of those one-in-a-million sort of situations.

Listen in for all the details + an update on books we are listening to, some tips from our listeners, a Jui Jitsu update, tofu, a new hack for GMail, something I just learned about Hoopla, and more!

Sponsor Spotlight:

This week's episode is sponsored by Annie's -- a company I've loved for a long time! Annie's has the perfect subscription boxes for both boys and girls that will keep them, creative, constructive, and engaged this summer!

This week's spotlight is Annie’s Creative Girls Club -- a monthly subscription to introduce your girl to new crafts with every shipment. Each month, she’ll receive TWO fun kits, complete with easy-to-follow instructions. Kickstart her creativity through fun, easy-to-make DIY crafts that include painting, beading, and so much more.

Annie's is offering 75% off your first month of their Creative Girls' Club when you go here and use coupon code CRYSTAL at checkout. This is a fantastic deal!

In This Episode:

[0:32] – We are bringing you another crazy vacation story!

[1:16] – Jesse has just started using the Libby app!

[4:12] – Jesse just recently finished reading Bill O'Reilly's Killing the SS.

[9:28] – I have been reading The Last Year of the War by Susan Meissner.

[12:11] - You can change the settings in Gmail to delete emails (rather than archive them) when you swipe on them!

[14:36] – I read aloud an email sent in by a listener.

[15:55] – I share the story of having bought tofu recently and what I learned.

[17:36] – Jesse follows up on his recent Jiu-Jitsu story.

[20:04] – Jesse came home from sparring recently with bruises all over him!

[21:49] – Today's sponsor is Annie's Kit Clubs!

[23:56] – We dive into our latest crazy vacation story!

[26:11] – I looked at the ratings of a particular hotel that Jesse picked out.

[28:35] – I begin to reveal what happened when we pulled up to the hotel.

[31:23] – Find out what happened on our first morning in the hotel!

[36:40] – We ultimately decided to check out and go to a different hotel.

Links and Resources:



Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
https://crystalpaine.com/131
Tue, 06 Jul 2021 07:00:00 +0000
130. You Get What You Expect (+ some thoughts on raising teens)

“I love having teenagers!” I said this to a young mom recently who told me how she gets so discouraged with people telling her, “Just enjoy these years when they are young because it’s not going to be fun when they are teens.” She sighed and said to me, “I wish people would stop declaring such negativity over my kids’ futures!”

I couldn’t “Amen” her statement fast enough! And I loved getting to share with her how much I love having teens. Sure, we have hard moments and days. Sure, there are hormones and disagreements. But overall, I just love having teenagers!

I love our deep discussions and our silly inside jokes. I love watching them spread their wings and stick their necks out. I love learning from their perspectives and having them teach me how to use electronics and play video games (I’m working on learning to play Rocket League right now and I’m terrible at it, but I’m having a blast trying to figure it out!)

One of the best parts of having teens is that our home has a constant influx of other teens coming over to hang out. I want to claim all of them as my own — and I love hearing their boisterous laughter filling our home, can’t get enough of our late-night discussions, and my heart is so happy watching friendships develop and deepen as they consume way too much junk food together. (What’s with all teens seeming to love Spicy Doritos, Takis, Sour Candy, and Oreos?? I see the combos of food they will have laid out and be plowing through and I just cringe at thinking of how I would feel to have all of that combined in my own stomach!)

Young moms: don’t let anyone tell you that the teen years are going to be this awful, horrific time! Yes, you will need Jesus like never before, but instead of dreading it, I encourage you to look forward to it! Practice staying up late, get used to lots of opening up your hands and letting go and trusting God, and maybe stock up on Spicy Doritos... and then get ready for a wild and wonderful ride of stepping back and watching your kids walk into adulthood! It’s an amazing journey with lots of beauty and laughter on the way, if you have eyes to see the gifts and goodness that is there!

In this week's episode of the podcast, Jesse and I talk more about how what you look for is usually what you see and how this frames how seek to approach life. We also talk about books we're reading, a tip that's working well for having smoother summer days, Jesse trying out Jui Jitsu, Sudoku, and more!

In This Episode:

[0:32] – I surprise Jesse with having him participate in my Instagram project for the day live during the podcast recording.

[2:04] – We talk about why you should always be prepared for video when doing a radio interview and why we don’t do our podcast as a live video stream.

[5:28] – Today’s topic is about why you should proclaim positivity over your life.

[6:54] – I refer back to a former episode of the podcast about courtship.

[8:23] – What’s saving my life this week is writing out daily lists for our kids.

[11:41] – Jesse shares that he's been trying out Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu gym.

[14:47] – I have been listening to the audiobook The Orphan’s Tale by Pam Jenoff

[18:47] – Why Jesse has been doing a lot of sudoku puzzles lately.

[22:34] – So many young moms are scared thinking about their little ones becoming teens.

[23:53] – You get what you expect out of life!

[26:12] – The opportunity to see our children becoming adults is exciting and is a learning experience for everyone

[30:12] – Parenting is about leaning in and loving your kids, as I discuss in my book.

[31:19] – Start proclaiming positivity in your life!

Links and Resources:



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https://crystalpaine.com/130
Tue, 22 Jun 2021 14:06:07 +0000
129. My System for Keeping on Top of Emails

Feeling overwhelmed by email? In this episode, I share some of my best tips and practices for taming the email monster -- strategies I've learned from processing millions of emails and messages over the years (I get hundreds of emails/messages every day, so I've had to learn to be efficient!)

In addition to talking about email, Jesse and I chat about Kathrynne's new job, I share a really personal email that encouraged me (shared with permission!), we talk about two books we're reading/listening to, and Jesse gives us an update on his whitewater rafting trip.

This episode was a little longer than usual, but I hope you enjoy us taking a little bit more time to share some life updates and things we're learning and reading and thinking about.

In This Episode:

[0:32] – Today's topic is all about email and how to stay on top of it.

[2:10] – Kathrynne just started a new job!

[4:57] – I share an email that I received about my book Love-Centered Parenting.

[7:45] – Lean in and love your kids, and be grateful when they want to include you!

[9:03] – I just recently finished reading The Woman with the Blue Star by Pam Jenoff.

[11:59] – Jesse recently finished reading Andrew Huff's novel Right Cross.

[14:53] – Find out what has been saving my life recently.

[17:44] – Jesse talks about his recent trip.

[19:35] – Kathrynne recently went on a retreat for school which was coincidentally the same camp where Jesse stayed for youth group camp!

[23:11] – Jesse's strategy for emails is a bit different than mine! ;)

[25:30] – Unsubscribe ruthlessly!

[26:53] – Delete liberally (and use that archive button in GMail!)

[29:42] – Filter fanatically.

[32:56] – Deal with emails immediately!

[35:57] – A simple step-by-step plan for getting your email inbox organized once and for all.

Links and Resources:

How to Listen to The Crystal Paine Show

The podcast is available on iTunes, Android, Stitcher, and Spotify. You can listen online through the direct player here. OR, a much easier way to listen is by subscribing to the podcast through a free podcast app on your phone. (Find instructions for how to subscribe to a podcast here.)

Ready to dive in and listen? Hit the player above or search for “The Crystal Paine Show” on your favorite podcast app.



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https://crystalpaine.com/129
Tue, 15 Jun 2021 13:10:40 +0000
128. Finding Peace in the Midst of Chaos

If you were to drop by our home on any given day right now, you’d likely find that there are dishes in the sink, crumbs on the counter, and baby toys on the floor. My bed is probably unmade. I might not be out of my PJs yet. And it may smell like a very recent poopy diaper.

I’ll be holding a baby or running after a toddler. I will invariably need to leave the room multiple times to change a diaper or make a bottle or try to soothe a little one who is fussy.

There will likely be teens coming and going — some I birthed, some who are just hanging out at our house for the day or spending the night (the perk of having an extroverted teen: you never know who they will have invited over!). I might look a little tired — since I haven’t slept through the night in over a year. And my kids will most definitely be asking a few times what they can have for a snack — and I might be telling them that there’s cereal to eat, but don’t eat all of it up since that’s what we’re having for dinner, too.

My hospitality muscle has grown far beyond what I believed I was capable of. My heart has been beautifully broken and expanded. And I’ve gotten to see need in our community in an up close and personal way... and my priorities have shifted in a pretty seismic way as a result.

I can’t go back to living in a safe and sterile bubble anymore, shielded from the needs and brokenness... & I have no desire to. Some day, I might have a clean room, clean bathroom, and get an unbroken night’s sleep all on the same day again. But for now, I get to see God’s faithfulness and goodness and grace show up for me each and every day — in the midst of the messes and my weakness.

Yes, we’ve traded in a quieter, calmer, more organized life for one that might look and seem a little (or a lot!) chaotic and loud... and yet, I wouldn’t trade the lessons we’ve learned or the blessings we’ve experienced or the relationships we’ve built for anything!

P.S. Please know there is absolutely nothing wrong with having a clean bathroom and a good night’s rest. This is just the season of life God has called me to right now and I want to embrace it wholeheartedly and see the gifts and beauty in it! ❤️

In This Episode:

[00:33] Apparently podcasting equipment is the new hot thing for teenagers. ;)

[01:52] We recorded this on National Donut Day.

[04:28] Jesse is heading out to camp with the youth boys.

[07:09] Water is saving my life these days. Learn why.

[10:13] I’ve been slowly reading Don’t Miss Out by Jeannie Cunnion.

[12:26] Learn the inspiration for this episode.

[16:47] I’ve been thinking about how messy our house is right now but how peace-filled our lives are.

[18:15] Saying yes to God oftentimes means saying yes to the mess.

[21:18] I spend a lot of time in God’s word and praying throughout my day.

[23:32] It’s important to understand that you can’t say yes to everything. You have to rest.

[25:54] Why resting in God’s love is imperative to finding peace in the chaos.

Links and Resources:

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https://crystalpaine.com/128
Tue, 08 Jun 2021 12:57:12 +0000
127. Living Out Your Calling (instead of being limited by lies) with Paul Angone

What’s holding you back from living out your calling or doing that thing you have always dreamed of doing? Could it be lies you are believing that are holding you back from facing your fears?

Maybe you feel like that dream of yours is just too big or too out-of-reach or too impossible? If so, I think you'll be really encouraged by this week's episode of the Crystal Paine Show.

I sit down and have a conversation with Paul Agone, husband, father of four, blogger, podcaster, and author of multiple books -- including his newest book, 25 Lies Twentysomethings Need to Stop Believing.

In this episode, not only do we talk about how lies can paralyze us, but we also dive deep into Paul's story and he shares really honestly how he's found the courage and the motivation to keep doing the next right thing, keep taking the next step -- even when it felt like it wasn't leading anywhere and he kept hitting dead ends. His perseverance and faith in what he shared (and has lived out!) really inspired me -- and I think it will inspire you, too!

Also, I love the wisdom he drops at the very end of the episode about awkwardness. You don't want to miss it!

In This Episode:

[01:19] Learn more about Paul and why he’s so passionate about dispelling lies.

[04:09] How did he choose the 25 lies in his book?

[05:33] Learn more about the story that he opens up the book with.

[07:57] What does he mean that we have to “war for hope”?

[11:26] His advice for the person who is looking to make that first step into change.

[14:38] How did he get to where he is today?

[18:57] Learn more about how he’s battled his own lies.

[22:32] How do we help the next generation to skip the belief in the lies?

[26:04] The awkward moments are when the beauty in life happens.

Links and Resources:



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https://crystalpaine.com/127
Tue, 01 Jun 2021 12:54:30 +0000
126. Addressing the assumptions

Just for fun, Jesse and I took the popular Share Your Assumptions About Me Instagram story idea and turned it into a podcast episode. We asked for people to share their assumptions about us and then we chose a number of them to respond/react to.

We addressed assumptions that Jesse gets nervous coming on the podcast, that we never yell or fight, that we don't have a pet, that we eat a lot of ice cream, that we're more wild and crazy than we let on, that I wear the pants in the family, that we never curse, that we expect our kids to follow the lifestyle we were brought up in, that we met at a Christian college, and much more!

In This Episode:

[00:33] We are tackling your assumptions as per the popular Instagram story idea right now.

[03:23] Does Jesse get nervous answering questions on the podcast?

[04:16] Someone assumes that Jesse and I never yell or get loud with the kids.

[05:59] Is our family extremely close and always together?

[08:39] We actually do have a pet. A hedgehog.

[10:30] Are we a fun couple?

[11:20] Another follower assumes that we’re gun enthusiasts.

[12:53] We did not meet at a Christian college.

[13:53] We definitely have moments when we argue and don't get along.

[16:40] One person thinks we’re a lot more wild and crazy than we let on.

[21:14] Another assumption is that we expect our kids to follow the lifestyle we were brought up in.

[23:31] Is Jesse more of a clean freak than me?

[25:45] Which of us is more quiet than the other?

[31:36] Do we curse?

[34:18] TV is not a big thing in our house.

[36:01] Multiple people have assumptions on who wears the pants in the family.

Links and Resources:

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https://crystalpaine.com/126
Tue, 25 May 2021 14:53:52 +0000
125. Stop Saying "I Can't"

So often, when I share about something we're doing -- sticking with a $70 grocery budget, staying out of debt, choosing to save up and pay cash for something, fostering, etc., people will immediately write in and let me know why they can't do what we're doing.

Here's the thing: I don't share what I do online expecting that everyone is going to do exactly what we're doing. Foster care might not be a possibility for you. You might be in a situation where a mortgage is a smarter idea than renting and saving up to pay cash. Maybe you live in an area where groceries are most expensive or there aren't stores with great markdowns.

If you see someone else doing something and your first response is to list the reasons why you can't do what they are doing, I challenge you to stop saying, "I can't." Instead, ask yourself where the resistance is coming from. Is there part of you that feels like you want to cut your grocery bill or get out of debt or pay cash for something or be involved in foster care?

In this episode, we encourage you (and ourselves!) to stop saying, "I can't" and to ask instead, "What can I do?"

We get really practical in discussing this. Plus, I recount an embarrassing moment to Jesse that happened on a radio interview that day, we discuss his receding hairline, we talk about books we are reading, we get on a rabbit trail about how he and I process things so differently, and I talk about my press-on nails. Yes, all in about 30 minutes. :)

In This Episode:

[00:33] Today, let's chat about removing “I can’t” from your vocabulary.

[01:21] But first, an embarrassing story about a radio interview I had recently.

[06:25] Thinking and talking is definitely a skill many women can attest to. How about men?

[07:27] Why husbands should and shouldn’t ask what their wives are thinking. :)

[08:19] My press on nails are saving my life this week.

[13:38] Listen as I set up Jesse’s life-saving tip for this week.

[15:32] Jesse shares the routine that is now saving his life.

[17:51] I’ve been reading Praying Mom by Brooke McGlothlin.

[20:12] Jesse is reading Cross Shadow by Andrew Huff.

[20:40] Stop saying “I can’t.”

[22:35] Why resistance to change turns into “I can’t” statements.

[24:24] If you’re coming up to the wall but you have a desire, take this challenge.

[25:53] Think of what you can do versus what you can’t.

[27:42] Is your response really “I can’t” or is it “I don’t want to?”

[30:49] Maybe you’re not going to be able to accomplish that big thing, but it may be time for a small change.

Links and Resources:



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https://crystalpaine.com/125
Tue, 18 May 2021 07:00:00 +0000
124. Unexpected Lessons from a Year of Foster Care

It has been just over a year since we brought home Champ, our first long-term placement in our foster care journey. It's been a year of learning, growing, and riding a rollercoaster of emotions.

In this episode of the podcast, Jesse and I sit down and recount some of the most unexpected lessons -- the grief of goodbye, walking through deep sadness with our kids, what we've learned through reunification, how it has impacted our kids, thoughts on caring for a child with special needs, and how our faith has been strengthened and changed through it.

We also talk about a book I'm reading, a book Jesse finished, plus the foster care support group and how sometimes stepping into awkward things can turn into really awesome relationships.

In This Episode:

[00:33] It’s foster care awareness month and we’re sharing our takeaways from this past year of fostering.

[01:51] My foster care support group is saving my life these days.

[05:42] Jesse finished the book he’s been reading and is still recommending it to me.

[08:49] I’ve been reading Can’t Steal My Joy by Bekah Bowman.

[11:35] Okay, let’s talk all things foster care and the unexpected lessons we’ve learned along the way.

[13:20] Dealing with the grief that comes along with reunification was a huge lesson learned.

[15:30] Our kids have also been impacted and given the opportunity to learn how to grieve.

[17:12] How our grief impacted our initial experience with Baby D.

[20:04] Fostering has impacted our kids and we went into that with eyes wide open, but it’s also given them a chance to grow so much.

[23:01] It’s been amazing to watch our kids become so attached to these wonderful children.

[26:02] Fear is normal. Expect the unexpected.

[27:55] Foster care has also changed my perspective on hot button topics in the world.

[30:14] This past year has deepened our faith like never before.

Links and Resources:



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https://crystalpaine.com/124
Tue, 11 May 2021 07:00:00 +0000
123. How I Became More Extroverted

For years, I let the belief that I was shy and introverted hold me back. While on the outside, I might have seemed like I was outgoing in some situations, I was constantly second-guessing and psycho-analyzing everything I did… "Do they like me? Did I disappoint them? Should I have been more outgoing or less outgoing? Are they distancing themself from me? Did I do something?"

It was not until I confronted some big lies I was believing about myself and started understanding and believing how much I was loved by God that I was able to overcome a lot of my lifelong insecurity and start walking in confidence.

Knowing how much I was loved by God meant that I didn't need to find my worth and validation in others. This allowed me to love much more freely, deeply, and wholeheartedly because it was no longer about what other people thought of me.

In this episode, Jesse and I talk about what this transformation has meant, my commitment to open up our home every single week for an entire year, how this changed our lives, and how I've surprised myself by becoming so much more extroverted the last few years.

We also talk about two books we're reading, a new organization system for Baby D's medical supplies, and a YouTube show Kierstyn loves.

In This Episode:

[00:33] We are chatting all about how I became more extroverted.

[02:14] The organization system that Jesse put together for Baby D’s medical supplies is saving our lives.

[05:32] Rachel and the Treeschoolers is saving my life because Kierstyn loves it.

[07:16] I’m actually listening to a book and reading a book because I’ve had time to read.

[09:41] Jesse is still reading The Devil’s Hand by Jack Carr.

[12:08] Would Jesse agree that I have become more extroverted?

[13:43] I do still get “peopled out” and need to recharge by being alone.

[16:14] Did insecurity drive her shyness and introversion?

[19:01] God had to change my heart in how I viewed myself.

[21:10] You can’t say you are or aren’t something if you’ve never tried it.

[23:31] I am not the shy and insecure person I once was because I let go of those limiting beliefs.

[25:11] What limiting beliefs are you letting dictate your life?

Links and Resources:



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https://crystalpaine.com/123
Tue, 04 May 2021 07:00:00 +0000
122. Love-Centered Parenting

When Jesse and I were talking about what topic to tackle for this week's episode, I said something to the affect of, "Well, I've gone on almost 60 other podcasts, radio shows, and TV shows talking about Love-Centered Parenting, but I've yet to really dive into the topic on my own podcast. Maybe that would be a good topic for this week's episode??

If you've been considering getting a copy of my new book, Love-Centered Parenting, but you've wondered if it would be a fit for you, be sure to listen in to this week's episode. I share more about how often guilt and stress as burdens comes from misunderstanding what our job is as a parent. I also dive into the main meat of the book and talk about the four choices I believe every parent should make -- to lean in and love, listen well, lead with humility, and let go.

We also talk about how our Emergency Fund has been such a blessing recently, how we saved a lot of money on replacing our HVAC units, and a class I recently finished taking.

Links and Resources:



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https://crystalpaine.com/122
Tue, 27 Apr 2021 10:38:19 +0000
121. Bad Attitude? Feeling Frustrated? Try this!

In light of so many new and unexpected things in our lives recently, Jesse and I are chatting all about how to maintain a positive attitude in difficult seasons.

One of the most important things for me is to focus on how much I am loved by God. Remembering and resting in His love and faithfulness changes my perspective on life. In addition, starting my day with praying over my day and handing my fears and concerns over to the Lord is so helpful.

I also try to steep myself in truth and try to kick out all the lies as they enter my brain and heart. It’s just like what Jon Acuff was talking about on our last episode and curating the Soundtracks in my brain. This has been so helpful in sharing light and life during these times.

Recently, choosing an attitude of gratitude has made such an impact. If I want to feel frustrated by a situation, to instead stop and say, “What can I be grateful for?”

Listen in to hear all six of my recommendations for maintaining a positive attitude during difficult or even just times when you feel zapped of joy in your everyday life.

In This Episode:

[00:33] My voice is barely hanging on due to allergies and hospital time with Baby D.

[01:44] Jesse and I recently watched a movie together -- something we haven't done in awhile!

[04:43] Jack Carr has a new book out and Jesse is now reading it.

[05:58] I’m reading The Simple Difference by Becky Keife.

[07:56] Bringing life and light to every interaction is saving my life right now.

[09:53] Why we’ve been spending so much time at the hospital these days.

[12:02] The hospital system’s app and centralized portal has been saving Jesse’s life.

[13:02] How to maintain a positive attitude in difficult seasons.

[13:35] One of the things that helps me the most is remembering how much I’m loved by God.

[15:38] It’s also important to me to start my day with prayer and inviting God into the inner workings of my day.

[17:10] I also steep myself in the truth and call out lies when they enter my brain and heart.

[19:56] I’m choosing to practice an attitude of gratitude.

[22:26] Look for the things to be grateful for and you’ll find them.

[24:25] What does Jesse do to refuel and take refuge?

[27:02] Social rest is very important to me as well and helps me to refuel, so I need time with others.

[28:07] I also use flare-prayers when I have overwhelming moments.

Links and Resources:

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https://crystalpaine.com/121
Tue, 20 Apr 2021 09:53:55 +0000
120. How to Nix Your Negative Narrative (with Jon Acuff)

Do you have a soundtrack on repeat in your head that is repeating negative things and holding you back? Many of us do -- often without even realizing it!

Jon Acuff joins me on the podcast this week to share about how he discovered these soundtracks in his own life, how they were affecting him in a negative way, and how choosing a new soundtrack has changed his life.

Jon is a best-selling author and motivational speaker and he’s spent a lot of time over the past few years paying attention to and studying how our mindset impacts our beliefs and actions.

In this interview, we talk about his method for identifying and replacing broken soundtracks (he shares some great questions to ask yourself to know if what is playing on repeat in your head is a soundtrack you should be listening to!) He shares very personally how this has changed his approach and made such a difference in his life.

No matter where you are at in life, I think this episode will challenge you in a really good way!

In This Episode:

[00:33] Can you guess who my special guest is?

[01:50] Jon shares his background and how he became an author and a speaker.

[03:53] What a soundtrack is to Jon.

[05:41] How he applied the message of this book to the actual writing of this book.

[08:50] Practical ways to shift your soundtrack.

[12:19] Once you’ve identified your broken soundtracks, what’s next?

[16:13] How do you choose which soundtracks to listen to and change?

[18:24] One of his favorite chapters from the book.

[20:41] What do you do when the stress creeps in?

[23:17] His thoughts on losing an opportunity and how he worked through it.

[25:00] The one thing he hopes people take away from his book.

Links and Resources:

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
https://crystalpaine.com/120
Tue, 13 Apr 2021 07:00:00 +0000
119. Phones, Social Media, and Being Present With Our Kids

Do you struggle to set good parameters for social media? In this week's podcast episode, Jesse and I tackle a question from a listener about how we set boundaries for our phones (trust me, we're a work in progress when it comes to this, as you'll find out in the episode!)

We talk about different strategies we've implemented, why I take one day off from posting on social media each week, how Jesse had Kathrynne set up accountability for him, what I learned from my time-tracking experiment, mistakes we've made, and how we're wanting to model setting an example for our kids.

We also chat about what it's like to have a teen driver, how we're seeking to expose Baby D to Spanish in our home (and different resources we're using for that), and how early morning ice skating sessions for Kaitlynn has been making such a difference for Jesse.

In This Episode:

[00:33] We’re having a conversation about phones, social media, and being present with our kids.

[03:12] Not only do we have a new driver, she’s also taking the kids to and from school!

[05:58] I am learning Spanish because Baby D’s family speaks Spanish and Duo Lingo is saving my life.

[10:42] Ice skating has been saving Jesse’s life because it’s helping him get up earlier.

[13:49] Hear the listener's question that inspired this episode.

[17:35] Why I take time away from my phone.

[20:30] Creating your own boundaries is also modeling behavior for your kids.

[22:28] You can create parental controls on your own phone to stay accountable.

[24:26] Plus, you don’t have to do this perfectly. Give yourself grace.

[25:40] Tracking your time is an amazing way to see what you do with your day.

[28:28] Learn my big takeaways from tracking my time.

[31:08] Batching has been a lifesaver.

Links and Resources: How to Listen to The Crystal Paine Show

The podcast is available on iTunes, Android, Stitcher, and Spotify. You can listen online through the direct player here. OR, a much easier way to listen is by subscribing to the podcast through a free podcast app on your phone. (Find instructions for how to subscribe to a podcast here.)

Ready to dive in and listen? Hit the player above or search for “The Crystal Paine Show” on your favorite podcast app.



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https://crystalpaine.com/119
Tue, 06 Apr 2021 12:43:07 +0000
118. 4 Strategies to Feel Less Stressed

I recently shared some strategies on Instagram that have helped me to feel less stressed:

1) Recognize that in most cases, stress is a choice. No one can *make* me stressed (or angry or sad or happy, for that matter). I can choose my response in any situation. I can’t always choose my circumstances, but I can choose my response. And my response is my responsibility.

2) See stress as an indicator that something is out of line. Instead of just assuming stress is a normal, unavoidable part of life, view it as a warning flag or check engine light. When I start to feel that tension rising in my chest, don’t just think, “Here we go again.

3) Ask myself: What am I feeling? Why am I feeling this way? Where is this coming from? I seek to go deeper than just the surface level feelings and keep asking why until I get to the root cause. For me, stress is almost always the result of me trying to micromanage or control something or someone in my life instead of resting in the Lord.

Note: So often, we want to just slap a bandage on stress (“take a bubble bath!” Or “eat some ice cream!”) instead of doing to work to dig into what’s underneath our stress and to unearth that and process through that so that we don’t just keep going back to the same feelings of stress over and over again.

4) Once I’ve identified the root cause of my stress, then ask: What can I do about this? Maybe some fresh air and sunshine or a nap or verbally processing with a friend or asking for help? For me, one of the best things is for me to stop, set my timer for a few minutes, take some deep breaths, and literally verbally release the tension I’m feeling to God. To tell Him out loud exactly what I’m feeling and how I’m scared or worried or concerned or upset about a situation and then to verbally release that situation to Him and ask for His help. Many times, I will repeat this exercise a few times until I feel the weight lifting from my shoulders.

These four mindsets/strategies have completely reframed the way I view stress and have allowed me to live with a whole lot less tension and a whole lot more calmness — no matter what is going on around me!

After I shared this, so many of you resonated with it and responded to it that I wanted to do a podcast episode dedicated to sharing more and discussing this with Jesse (he has some different perspectives on things, which I think you'll find helpful, too!) Jesse and I also talk about having our first official driver, what's saving our lives, and two books we are reading.

In This Episode:

[00:33] This is the earliest we’ve ever recorded a podcast and we’re sharing strategies to stress less.

[02:04] Kathrynne is an official driver!

[04:27] A reader wrote in to share why she gets a laugh out of our introduction.

[07:17] A pill crusher is saving Jesse’s life right now. Learn why!

[09:16] Bonus life-saver for our new little baby boy: an infusion pump.

[10:23] Just doing the next thing is saving my life because there is a lot going on.

[13:00] Jesse has a book update because he’s finally reading a new book!

[14:11] I recently finished listening to Before I Called You Mine.

[16:24] How stress used to define me.

[19:16] These four strategies have worked for me, but a caveat before we start talking about them...

[20:14] I had to recognize in most cases that stress is a choice.

[23:13] Jesse clarifies the choice you have in reacting to stressful situations.

[25:34] I’ve also learned to see stress as an indicator that something is out of line.

[27:18] I now stop, ask myself what I’m feeling, and then take a moment to listen to my body.

[30:45] Next, I ask myself what I can do about my stress triggers.

[33:27] If I stop and acknowledge, I’m more likely to find peace around the situation.

Links and Resources:

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https://crystalpaine.com/118
Tue, 30 Mar 2021 19:42:39 +0000
A Trip to Disney + a New Baby! (what a week!)

In this week’s episode of The Crystal Paine Show, Jesse and I sit down and give you a fun life update — sharing all about our wild week full of a trip to Disney for Jesse, saying yes to a sweet little foster baby who has medical complexities, learning how to care for him in the middle of all the whirlwind of book launch, and getting the stomach bug thrown in there for good measure. Yes, all of that happened in the span of just one week!

Be sure to listen in for all the details and how God has been so faithful to carry us through!

In This Episode:

[00:33] Whew! It’s hard to know how to even describe this past week!

[02:16] Jesse went to Disney, we have a new baby, I launched a book, and we got the stomach bug!

[03:29] Jesse shares more about this year’s Week Without Walls.

[05:23] What it’s like to chaperone high schoolers at Disney.

[07:07] What’s the one big thing that stands out for him?

[09:27] While Jesse was on the trip, my mom stayed with us to help with Kierstyn because I had a lot of media planned to do for my book launch.

[10:45] Little did we dream that in the middle of a very full week, we’d also get a call from a DCS worker about a possible placement for a 7-month-old baby with medical complexities.

[14:00] I called Jesse and we both felt very strongly we were supposed to say yes.

[17:05] It was a wild few days, but we got to see God show up and show Himself strong on our behalf!

[19:29] We felt much more prepared for this case because of our experience with Champ.

[23:08] …and then Kierstyn started throwing up and a stomach bug has now circulated the house.

[24:36] Which means the book launch was nothing like I thought it would be but it gave me ample opportunity to live out the message of Love-Centered Parenting!

Links and Resources:

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
https://crystalpaine.com/117
Tue, 23 Mar 2021 07:00:00 +0000
116. The Big Day is Here!

Just for fun, this week on the podcast to celebrate the launch of Love-Centered Parenting, we turn the tables and Jesse hosts the show and interviews me about why I wrote another book when I never thought I would, a real behind-the-scenes look at how I wrote this book, what the editorial process is like for writing a book, plus much more!

He asks me some of his own questions + questions you all submitted, including:

  • Did I plan to write another book? (Spoiler alert: the answer is no!)
  • How was the writing process of this book compared to my other books?
  • What was the most difficult part of writing Love-Centered Parenting?
  • What are the best and worst aspects of writing a book?
  • How do you find inspiration for what to write about?
  • Could a non-Christian benefit from Love-Centered Parenting?
  • How do you get started writing a book?
  • And more!
In This Episode:

[00:33] Welcome back! We've got a new host today because it's a special week!

[02:37] Did I intend to ever write another book?

[05:34] Why this writing process was the best out of all the books I’ve written.

[08:05] What was the most difficult of this process?

[09:57] The best and worst aspects of writing a book and getting it published.

[13:07] How I find a focus, topic, or direction for my books.

[15:17] My advice for how to start writing your first book.

[18:50] How did I come across my current publisher and agent?

[21:45] Have I ever gotten tired of the subject that I am writing about?

[23:49] Can a non-religious person benefit from this book?

[25:09] What I’m most excited about with this book.

[28:43] Jesse shares his perspective and passion for this book, as well.

Links and Resources:

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
https://crystalpaine.com/116
Tue, 16 Mar 2021 13:00:00 +0000
115. Un-hurrying Your Heart with Jennifer Dukes Lee

In this age of hurry and hustle where so many feel overworked and overwhelmed, is it possible to slow down? Is it possible to be successful and fulfilled in life while living at a slower pace?

What would it take and what would it look like to live in a space of rest with an unhurried heart? In this episode, Jennifer Dukes Lee and I sit down and talk about what being an accidental farmer's wife has taught her about seasons and the importance of growing slow.

If your heart feels hurried and your calendar feels chaotic, I believe that this episode will serve as a balm to your busy soul.

In This Episode:

[00:33] Welcome to one of my favorite people and writers, Jennifer Dukes Lee.

[03:45] Learn more about Jennifer, her story, and her family.

[06:15] Let's talk about what a hurried heart is. Can you have a hurried heart even if you're not completely overwhelmed with commitments and to do's? Is it possible that you can also have an unhurried heart even if your plate and calendar are brimming full?

[10:16] Why Jennifer wrote Growing Slow.

[12:55] What was her season of life like when she wrote this book?

[17:16] Jennifer speaks directly to the woman who feels that she is slipping away.

[19:06] What are some of the practices that Jennifer uses to un-hurry her heart?

[24:21] How to start changing your mindset overall.

[26:46] Jennifer talks us through through a practical example of walking through her process.

[28:18] Has she seen true transformation since starting on this journey?

Links and Resources: How to Listen to The Crystal Paine Show

The podcast is available on iTunes, Android, Stitcher, and Spotify. You can listen online through the direct player here. OR, a much easier way to listen is by subscribing to the podcast through a free podcast app on your phone. (Find instructions for how to subscribe to a podcast here.)

Ready to dive in and listen? Hit the player above or search for “The Crystal Paine Show” on your favorite podcast app.



Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
https://crystalpaine.com/115
Tue, 09 Mar 2021 08:00:00 +0000
114. An Honest Conversation About Faith with Angie Smith

We finally made it happen -- after having to cancel due to the snow and ice the week before. Angie Smith came over to record a podcast... and we covered a lot of ground in our short interview! Angie is one of those people who is always so honest and also hilarious. Every time I'm with her, she makes me think with her deep questions AND she makes me laugh until the tears come with her funny stories!

In this episode, we begin by recounting how Angie and I met at a blogging conference a number of years ago and her first words to me the first time we met actually played a profound part in our family’s journey. We also talk about how she was instrumental in connecting us with a group of people who became our lifeline after we moved to TN. (And don’t miss her funny story about the time we were on a cruise together and she forgot to pack the bottom half of her wardrobe!)

Angie didn’t grow up in the church and she shares really candidly in the episode about her faith journey, her struggles with doubt, how she is processing and wrestling through grief in her life, plus really practical advice for women who want to study the Bible but don't know where to start and feel like they don't have time to "do it right".

If you've ever had doubts about God, struggled to really believe that the Bible is true, or felt like you want to deepen your faith or grow closer to the Lord but you just don't know how to do so, I hope this conversation gives you a big dose of encouragement (and hopefully a few laughs, too!)

In This Episode:

[01:19] Angie is one of the reasons that we moved to Tennessee. Learn more about that.

[04:34] ...and then there was the time that Angie completely forgot the bottom half of her wardrobe.

[06:15] Angie shares a little about herself and her family.

[08:43] How Covid has impacted the way Angie is approaching her online ministry.

[12:44] Why did she wait so many years to release another book?

[15:36] Did she wrestle with some of her beliefs as she wrote this book?

[20:07] Angie’s words for those who are struggling with their faith in these difficult times.

[23:27] How is she processing through the grief of her twins getting ready to go off to college?

[27:51] Where can busy moms and women start to dive deeper into scripture?

Links and Resources: How to Listen to The Crystal Paine Show

The podcast is available on iTunes, Android, Stitcher, and Spotify. You can listen online through the direct player here. OR, a much easier way to listen is by subscribing to the podcast through a free podcast app on your phone. (Find instructions for how to subscribe to a podcast here.)

Ready to dive in and listen? Hit the player above or search for “The Crystal Paine Show” on your favorite podcast app.



Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
https://crystalpaine.com/114
Tue, 02 Mar 2021 08:00:00 +0000
113. An interview with Kathrynne

Last week, while the kids were off of school because of the ice and snow, Jesse and I sat down and interviewed Kathrynne, our 16-year-old.

She answered some of your questions that you'd submitted on topics like:

  • how parents can build stronger relationships with their teens
  • why she feels like she can trust us
  • her honest thoughts on kids and social media
  • how she feels most heard and understood (and what makes her feel like we're not listening/paying attention)
  • what learning to drive has been like, and more!

In This Episode:

[00:33] We were snowed in… and then we were iced in!

[02:52] Kathrynne is joining us to answer some of your questions.

[04:39] How does Kathrynne feel about my active Instagram presence?

[05:42] What makes her feel most heard and understood?

[07:15] She shares the things we do that make her feel like she isn’t being heard.

[09:57] What advice would she give other kids younger than her?

[12:01] How can parents try to cultivate trust-filled relationships with their younger children?

[14:59] Why parents shouldn’t pre-decide that the teenage years are going to be hard.

[17:13] Ways parents can reconnect with teens who seem really distant.

[18:44] Things to consider regarding social media during the teenage years.

[20:48] Teens want to be able to make their own decisions, especially regarding their time and interests.

[27:24] What’s it been like learning how to drive?

Links and Resources:

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
https://crystalpaine.com/113
Tue, 23 Feb 2021 08:00:00 +0000
112. How We're Preparing for the College Years

How are you preparing for the college years? The question came into one of my Q&A Saturday features on Instagram stories recently.

I loved how the question was worded because it wasn't, "How are you financially preparing for college?" Or, "How are you preparing your kids academically for college?" Or even, "How are your kids preparing for college?"

Instead, it was more of a holistic approach about preparing for the college years as a whole. In this week's episode of The Crystal Paine Show, Jesse and I take a deep dive into our thoughts on this topic.

We discuss things like:

  • Why we're not requiring our kids to go to college and how we're approaching the topic of college
  • Why we're focusing most on preparing our kids to be adults not college students
  • What success looks like as a parent (and it's maybe not what you think!)
  • How we start slowly "launching" our kids from the time they are little.
  • Why we have lots of discussions and debates in our home
  • Why one of our goals as parents is to give our kids opportunities to stand alone
  • How we're seeking to build strong foundations for our marriage in preparation for our kids to be grown and gone

In This Episode:

[00:33] We are chatting all about how we’re preparing for the college years.

[02:57] Why we’re not taking the same approach for each child.

[05:33] College isn’t necessarily the one way to a successful future.

[06:28] Our main focusing is preparing the kids to be adults.

[09:07] What is the real marker of success as a parent?

[11:41] Letting our kids figure out situations on their own should start at very early ages.

[14:14] Why we have had lots of conversations with our kids throughout their childhoods.

[16:41] It’s important to teach your kids how to think logically and thoroughly.

[20:07] One of the books I’ve been reading lately is Mama Bear Apologetics -- I think it's a worthwhile read for every Christian parent.

[21:08] We need to expose our children to different viewpoints and activities.

[24:18] We’ve also spent a lot of time preparing for and allowing our children to have moments where they have to stand on their own to build their confidence.

[25:38] It has also been extremely important for us to approach the college years with lots of prayer.

[27:07] This whole process is not just about launching your kids.

[30:09] What advice do you have for us?

Links and Resources:

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
https://crystalpaine.com/112
Tue, 16 Feb 2021 10:57:40 +0000
111. Answering Your Burning Questions

It's time for another edition of Answering Your Burning Questions! About once a quarter, Jesse and I sit down and devote a podcast episode to your questions. In this episode, we answer these questions:

  • Is Jesse still doing CrossFit? (We also share a little more about current workout routines.)
  • What top three tips would you give to your pre-married selves?
  • When do you plan to retire?
  • What are your favorite activities to do with each of the kids?
  • Should you pay off your mortgage or invest the money?
  • Did you record your own podcast intro?

As usual, we also banter about other things: like the phrase "eat crow" -- which I recently discovered a lot of people have never heard of before, an electronic tool that is saving both of our lives (and I can't believe we waited so long to get this!), plus a book I recently finished.

In This Episode:

[00:43] It’s that time again! We’re answering your burning questions.

[01:30] What we learned about the phrase, “eat crow.”

[03:43] The same product is again saving our lives this week… a video baby monitor.

[06:20] We are having trouble finding the exact model to share but here’s a bit more about it.

[08:22] I just finished, The Things We Cannot Say by Kelly Rimmer.

[10:00] First question, does Jesse still do CrossFit?

[13:00] The top three tips we’d give our pre-married selves.

[15:52] Stop trying to fix your spouse!

[19:16] Our favorite activities to do with the kids.

[22:56] Is retirement in our future? What would it look like?

[24:40] Does Jesse think it’s smarter to invest or pay off your mortgage?

[30:14] No, I did not do the intro to the podcast. Learn more about the process.

Links and Resources:

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
https://crystalpaine.com/111
Tue, 09 Feb 2021 11:00:00 +0000
110. How I Got Over My Fear of Negative Reviews

“This was the worst garbage. I picked this up as an audiobook to listen to. Her voice is exceptionally annoying.”

This was one of many similar reviews of my second book. While there were lots of kind reviews, all I could hear was that I should not ever narrate an audiobook again because my nasally voice irritated people. I was embarrassed that I had ever considered doing it myself.

So guess what I did? I told my publishers that I didn’t want to narrate my third book and they hired a professional voice artist to record it.

Over the past 5+ years since my third book came out, God has done a lot of life-altering work in my heart. He’s helped me to stop living my life to please, appease, and perform for others. He’s taught me that I don’t need to chase after the approval or affirmation of others. That I don’t need 5-star reviews or glowing accolades to be enough.

I am enough in Him. He loves me for exactly who I am because of Whose I am. And I can stand confident in Christ and live as loved, because I am already pre-approved by Him.

And that’s why I stopped letting negative reviews stifle me in insecurity. Maybe my voice isn’t professional voice actor level, but I’m not going to let that hold me back from sharing the message God has laid on my heart through live video, Instagram story, and podcasts.

I want to improve and grow and work on honing my craft, but I’m not going to sit around and wait until I can please everyone to show up on video and podcasts. Because if I wait until I can please everyone, I’ll be waiting the rest of my life.

Recently, I had the privilege of recording the audiobook for my soon-to-be-released book, Love-Centered Parenting. As I spent hours behind this mic, I felt such quiet confidence, passion, and excitement for this message... and such gratitude that I no longer have to live in fear of what others will think. I am loved by my Heavenly Father and that is enough. Period.

This week on the podcast, Jesse and I sit down and have a conversation where I share more about this journey and why I'm not living in dread of the negative reviews I know will be coming for my new book. If you've ever experienced negative reviews or critical comments of any kind, I think this episode will encourage you.

Plus, we also talk about the Bible reading plans we are using right now, a 5-star book I recently read, being the parents of a newly-16-year-old, and a tip from one of our listeners on jalapenos.

In This Episode:

[01:10] We are now the parents of a 16-year-old. What??

[03:03] Some quick tips to make jalapenos less spicy from one of our listeners.

[05:19] The She Reads Truth/He Reads Truth Devotional Bible plans are saving our lives.

[10:51] I’ve been reading Something Needs to Change by David Platt.

[13:05] Learn more about the 10-day challenge that I ran for becoming a happier mom.

[14:56] We are talking about negative reviews. Learn why!

[17:37] Why I looked at the 1-star reviews of my past audiobooks.

[19:58] It’s so important for me to realize that we can’t please everyone and that’s okay.

[22:44] Don’t make it the goal to offend people but know that you aren’t for everyone.

[23:47] What to do when you get negative feedback.

[27:15] Negative reviews also do their job in keeping you humble.

Links and Resources:

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
https://crystalpaine.com/110
Tue, 02 Feb 2021 11:00:00 +0000
109. 18 Years of Marriage: 10 Lessons We've Learned

Jesse and I celebrated our 18th anniversary recently (our marriage is officially an adult!) and we had fun sitting down and recounting 10 lessons we've learned in 18 years of marriage.

We talk about lessons like: if your wife says she's not hungry, still get food for her and why daily gestures are more important than celebrating Hallmark holidays. We also share honestly about a simple phrase that has completely changed the way we communicate and how I completely blew an opportunity when Jesse wanted to buy me a car. Plus, we share how forgiveness and praying together and choosing to love (even when we don't like each other!) makes such a difference.

Whether you've been married for 18 days or 18 years (or longer!) or you are planning to get married in the future, I hope this episode encourages you.

In This Episode:

[01:43] The first lesson we’ve learned in our 18 years of marriage.

[03:20] Ways we’ve learned to talk about feelings without being accusatory with each other.

[07:12] Laughter is the glue to a strong marriage.

[09:33] The importance of pursuing individual interests.

[13:41] Don’t assume that your spouse processes at the same speed that you do.

[18:49] Daily gestures are so much more important than big moments.

[22:39] We’ve learned to express gratitude in our relationship.

[28:28] Spouses don’t always accept and give love in the same ways.

[29:28] Love is a choice rather than just a feeling.

[30:42] It’s so important to ask for forgiveness often.

[32:50] Pray together!

Links and Resources: How to Listen to The Crystal Paine Show

The podcast is available on iTunes, Android, Stitcher, and Spotify. You can listen online through the direct player here. OR, a much easier way to listen is by subscribing to the podcast through a free podcast app on your phone. (Find instructions for how to subscribe to a podcast here.)

Ready to dive in and listen? Hit the player above or search for “The Crystal Paine Show” on your favorite podcast app.



Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
https://crystalpaine.com/109
Tue, 26 Jan 2021 11:00:00 +0000
108. How to Love Someone You Disagree With

Recently, on Instagram, I got asked the following question, "How do you handle friendships and disrespect in this political turmoil and pandemic." I shared the slide above to answer it, but I had so many more thoughts swirling in my head as I wrote the answer that I realized it would be the perfect topic to tackle more in-depth in a podcast episode.

So this week on the podcast, Jesse and I share what we have learned and are learning about how to love someone you disagree with and how not to ruin relationships because of differing opinions.

In addition, we talk about new recipes Jesse is trying using duck, granola and Greek yogurt, wearing real PJs, my habit tracker, a book I loved recently, a funny story about mispronouncing words, and what Jesse has been reading.

In This Episode:

[01:47] Duck poppers are saving Jesse’s life this week. They were so good!

[05:38] Granola and greek yogurt are saving my life these days.

[07:08] Why I’ve been trying to wear real pajamas to bed.

[09:18] I posted about my habit tracker and came to find out… Jesse was right.

[11:35] I have been reading/listening to We Were the Lucky Ones by Georgia Hunter.

[15:53] A quick story about how I used to pronounce Yosemite.

[16:58] Jesse has been reading SOG by John Plaster.

[17:53] The question that inspired this episode.

[19:27] There is so much fear circulating in the world causing us to feel reactionary.

[21:06] Then to add on top of the fear is the nature of conversations on social media.

[23:28] We often lose so much context and empathy by not having face-to-face conversations.

[26:22] Why you need to listen with a heart to understand the other person.

[28:07] Don't make sweeping generalizations.

[30:00] Always remember to care about the person more than you care about their opinion.

Links and Resources: How to Listen to The Crystal Paine Show

The podcast is available on iTunes, Android, Stitcher, and Spotify. You can listen online through the direct player here. OR, a much easier way to listen is by subscribing to the podcast through a free podcast app on your phone. (Find instructions for how to subscribe to a podcast here.)

Ready to dive in and listen? Hit the player above or search for “The Crystal Paine Show” on your favorite podcast app.



Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
https://crystalpaine.com/108
Tue, 19 Jan 2021 11:28:42 +0000
107. Better Habits: 5 Steps to Start & Stick With Them

As I talked about yesterday, good habits done consistently can completely change the trajectory of your life. (And the inverse of that statement is also true.)

So, how do you start with stick with better habits? In this week's podcast episode, Jesse and I tackle that topic along with sharing an update on our Christmas break, Jesse's hunting trip, an audiobook we both listened to, and two updates we made to our home recently.

Here are the five suggestions we gave for starting and sticking with better habits:

1. Keep it simple.

Don't try to overhaul your life overnight. Focus on 1-2 small habit changes at a time. As you master those, you can add another 1-2 habits.

2. Write it down.

Make a plan for the habits you want to develop. What will you do? When will you do it? Where will you do it?

3. Make it public.

Get brave and share your plan for building a new habit with the world. Tell a friend who will help you stay accountable. Or, post about it on social media.

4. Do it consistently.

Try to go for a streak. Don't miss more than one day. Give yourself grace if you do miss a day and then tell yourself you can't miss more than one day.

5. Track it regularly.

I highly recommend something like my Habit Tracker Checklist or another habit tracker printable or app (there are lots of free ones available!)

My Favorite Book on Habits

Looking for more practical encouragement to develop good habits? I highly recommend Atomic Habits. This is, by far, my very favorite book on habits.

James Clear, the author, does such a great job of unpacking why and how to build good habits. I’ve read a lot of book on this topic and I feel like he has a very fresh and encouraging approach. The book is not written from a Christian perspective so I disagree with some of his worldview and conclusions, but there are so many great nuggets of truth and inspiration in this book.

If you feel like you are forever failing at follow through or you just can’t seem to stick with good habits, get a copy of this book. I listened to it about a year ago and loved it so much that I bought a hard copy and then slowly read it again this year. That tells you how valuable I found it! (I loved it so much that I picked it as one of my top 10 reads in 2020.)

Listen in to the episode where we share a lot more tips, suggestions, and motivation for starting and sticking with good habits.

In This Episode:

[00:33] We're back! Here's why we took a 3-week break.

[02:29] A quick rundown of our holidays and how they were different than in the past.

[05:12] Jesse shares some of the details of his hunting trip.

[08:32] The string light saga.

[12:09] After almost three years, we now have a working gas fireplace!

[13:13] The combination of Audible and Scribd is saving Jesse’s life these days.

[14:25] Both Jesse and I finished the same audiobook at the same time and we have thoughts on it.

[20:19] We’re talking all about how to develop new habits.

[22:53] Keeping it simple is the best thing. Just pick one or two habits to change.

[26:28] Why it’s important to write your new habit down.

[28:03] Make what you write down active instead of passive.

[28:58] Once you’ve figured out all of the details, make it public.

[29:50] Consistency is key.

[31:55] Give yourself grace and change the language that you use about yourself.

[33:30] Don’t forget to track your habit changes.

Links and Resources:

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
https://crystalpaine.com/107
Tue, 12 Jan 2021 11:00:00 +0000
106. 10 Things We Learned in 2020

My word that I chose for 2020 was SAVOR. Little did I dream how much of my year was going to be able to live that word out so literally!

From so much time at home and so many things cancelled, to so much time spent rocking and holding and feeding babies, to so much unexpected family time, this year was the perfect year to choose to savor the gifts right in front of me.

Our year looked very different in so many ways — and yes, there was loss and hard things — but I look back and see so much beauty, so much growth, and so much to be grateful for!

In this last podcast for 2020, Jesse and I shared 10 Things We Learned in 2020. Here was our list (I know there are more things we could add, but this is what came to mind as we reflected on the year):

  • God Gives Grace for the Present Not the Future — If we had known what 2020 would hold, we probably would have felt overwhelmed by it. But, as we learned, God doesn’t give you grace for the future, He gives grace for today.
  • Jesse Can Thrive on Less Sleep Than He Realized — Jesse has always needed more sleep than me. But this year, he got up every single night with a baby for months on each — and he realized that, when needed, he can thrive on less sleep. (I think it’s also connected to point #1, too!)
  • I Can Have a Baby Without Having Postpartum Depression — I’ve always struggled with pretty intense PPD and anxiety for months after having a baby. This time around, we approached things very differently and I had almost zero PPD or anxiety! It was amazing!
  • Foster Care is Brutal But Beautiful — This was one of the most emotionally stretching years we’ve ever walked through. Falling in love and advocating hard for a child only to say goodbye is brutal, but the memories and lessons we learned and how our hearts were forever changed as a family is so beautiful. Plus, we now have a sweet boy AND his mama to love — which is such a gift!
  • Turning 40 Is Not a Terrible Thing — Jesse turned the big 4-0 and he survived just fine.
  • I Am Not the Workaholic I Once Was — I worked a lot fewer hours this year and worried a lot less about all things running a business. And it was amazing! I realized that I used to spend a lot of time investing in and stressing over things that really don’t matter in the long run.
  • Jesse Discovered That Audiobooks Really Are Amazing — I’ve been trying to convince him of this for a long time, so this was a big victory… of course, then it meant that he ended up almost beating me in the number of audiobooks listened to!
  • I’m More Extroverted Than I Realized — Having so many things cancelled and spending so much time at home taught me to value and appreciate community so much more. AND, it helped me to realize that while I’ll always be an introvert at heart, I really, really love being around life-giving people. Zoom is just no replacement for face-to-face community.
  • Teaching a Teen to Drive is Not as Hard as We Envisioned — Jesse and I have both gotten to tag team together on teaching Kathrynne to drive and it hasn’t been as hard or as scary as we envisioned it might be. (Jesse has done a lot more of the teaching than me and he’s actually really enjoyed it!)
  • We Really Like Each Other — This might seem like a weird thing to put on our list of things we’ve learned, but with all the time we spent at home this year, we discovered anew just how much we like each other and how we just love hanging out together.

    • Listen in to the episode to hear us share our perspective and a lot more details on each of these lessons.

    In This Episode:

    [00:36] In this episode, we’re reflecting on 10 things we learned in 2020.

    [02:12] The first is that God gives grace for the present not the future.

    [07:26] Jesse learned that he can thrive on less sleep than he realized.

    [10:13] I learned that I can have a baby without having PPD.

    [16:14] Foster care is brutal but beautiful.

    [19:57] Turning 40 is not a terrible thing.

    [22:49] I am not the workaholic that I once was.

    [26:29] Audiobooks really are amazing.

    [27:45] I have found that I am more extroverted than I thought.

    [29:25] Did you know teaching a teen to drive is not as hard as you might think?

    [31:56] One of the greatest lessons we’ve learned is that we really like each other.

    [35:29] A quick quote to close out the year.



    Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
    https://crystalpaine.com/106
    Tue, 15 Dec 2020 11:26:30 +0000
    105. Holding Both Grief and Gratitude

    In this week’s episode of The Crystal Paine Show, Jesse and I sit down and talk about what this last week has been like for us. We open up candidly about how the grief of saying goodbye to Champ has profoundly impacted us. We share what has been helping us, how we are processing this loss, what has been helping us, and how we are holding both grief and gratitude at the same time.

    And because we didn’t want the whole episode to be heavy, we also talk about our road trip to Kansas, chocolate collagen, a book I’m reading to Kierstyn, a project Jesse recently finished, and a sweatshirt I am loving.

    In This Episode:

    [00:46] This week has definitely been heavy and we’ll talk about that, but first…

    [03:33] We got to go to Kansas recently. Hear about the trip.

    [08:43] We had an unexpected event happen on the road on the way home from Kansas.

    [13:07] Chocolate collagen is saving Jesse’s life.

    [14:33] Our new deck furniture has been saving my life.

    [17:08] I’m reading Stuart Little to Kierstyn.

    [17:40] So, let’s talk about grief and gratitude. We’re sharing the story behind Champ going home.

    [20:40] Why I’m so grateful looking back over the last week.

    [23:35] Tuesday night and Wednesday morning were very difficult. I was hit with deep grief.

    [26:14] Jesse was hit hardest the first night. Hear why.

    [29:41] Why it’s important to allow yourself to feel the grief.

    [32:04] What has been most helpful when I feel the cloud of grief come over me.

    [34:04] Learning to receive from others instead of always being the giver.

    Links and Resources:



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    https://crystalpaine.com/105
    Tue, 08 Dec 2020 08:00:00 +0000
    104. Sharing Some Good News!

    I was sitting with a few women recently and we were sharing some heavy things in our lives and big feelings. After a little while, I said, "Does anyone have any good news to share?"

    It's so easy to focus on the hard and difficult things. And I think we do need to acknowledge our feelings and not try to stuff down the difficult things, slap on a happy face, and pretend we're okay. But at the same time, I also think it's so good -- and important -- even on hard days and during sad or overwhelming seasons to look for the good, to notice the beautiful, and to practice an attitude of gratitude. Because, as you've heard it said, what you look for is usually what you see.

    If you focus on the negative, you can find a lot to complain about. If you focus on the positive, you can find a lot to be grateful for!

    In this week's episode, Jesse and I sit down and talk about some positive, fun, beautiful, and good things happening in our lives. We share about milestones, perspective shifts, and lessons we're learning. Plus, we talk about some fun updates and funny happenings. I also discover the history behind the phrase "deader than a doornail" (thanks, Jesse!) and we share what's saving our lives and what books we're reading.

    In This Episode:

    [00:42] We’re sharing some good news and fun things that have been happening lately.

    [01:26] Champ is reunifying with his mom soon and we talk about processing that.

    [04:02] Jesse’s Apple iPhone case is saving his life this week.

    [07:25] My top 10 baby products are saving my life.

    [08:58] Jesse is reading Fortitude by Dan Crenshaw and listening to One Vote Away by Ted Cruz.

    [10:17] I’ve been reading Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl.

    [13:16] Why we’ve decided to share some good news today.

    [15:03] Jesse recounts the wonderful baseball season that they had this year.

    [16:52] I’ve turned in the FINAL edits for my new book!

    [20:18] Some fun updates on the babies and why we basically never do professional family photos.

    [24:22] Jesse had a lot of fun shopping for the babies for the photos.

    [25:14] We have a driver at our house -- and both Jesse and I have been teaching her, something I never expected I'd say!

    [29:37] How the seminary class I'm taking is really challenging me.

    [33:52] Some thoughts on doing your own research, not just going to one source, and what our currently political climate is teaching me.

    [36:06] What is your good news right now?

    Links and Resources:

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    https://crystalpaine.com/104
    Tue, 01 Dec 2020 10:00:00 +0000
    103. Forgiving What You Can't Forget (with Lysa TerKeurst)

    Forgiveness is certainly not the easiest topic to cover for anyone, but what if the ultimate betrayal was laid at your feet. How would you react then? For Lysa TerKeurst it led to authoring a book all about using forgiveness to heal and grow after a terrible experience.

    Lysa found out several years ago that her husband was being unfaithful. Not just once or twice, but had been repeatedly unfaithful along with having a substance abuse problem. When she found out she was devastated.

    The pain was so terrible it would literally stop her in her tracks no matter where she was. She was having panic attacks and anxiety flare ups and she was just lost to the pain. So she made an appointment to see her counselor and from there she truly began to heal.

    You see she had a very “little girl” view of how forgiveness works and it hadn’t grown up with her. Not that she thinks that simply forgiving her husband of his faults would have saved them any of the pain that they went through, but if her sense of forgiveness had matured, she may have saved herself from some of that pain.

    Listen as she shares her story and how it influenced her need to write her latest book, Forgiving What You Can’t Forget. She’s truly baring it all and sharing how we can use these tactics throughout the holiday season as well. Forgiveness is one of the greatest gifts you can give yourself. So stop holding yourself back from giving it.

    In This Episode:

    [01:30] Welcome Lysa TerKeurst to the show and hear more about her and her family.

    [03:43] Why she chose to write her most recent book.

    [07:18] What caused her extreme sadness and anger and inability to forgive.

    [09:24] Learn what her therapist did to help her reach a point that she could forgive.

    [13:01] Why forgiveness is a gift that you can receive for yourself.

    [14:56] What happens when you stuff pain down and refuse to acknowledge it.

    [17:22] Lysa’s first memories of forgiveness.

    [20:00] What did she do after acknowledging her pain?

    [26:13] Lysa’s advice for the woman who is living in their pain.

    [29:29] It doesn’t make you an unforgiving person to draw boundaries.

    [30:43] Where she is now after writing this book.

    Links and Resources:

    Crystal Paine

    Crystal Paine on Instagram

    crystal@moneysavingmom.com

    Money Saving Mom

    Money Saving Mom on Facebook

    Money Saving Mom Deal Seekers Facebook group

    Forgiving What You Can’t Forget by Lysa TerKeurst

    Proverbs 31 Ministries

    The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk



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    http://crystalpaine.com/103
    Tue, 17 Nov 2020 11:44:40 +0000
    102. Soul Care During Stressful Seasons

    There is a lot going on in the world right now — and there is a lot going on in our home, too. In the middle of the noise and rush of life, it can be easy for our souls to get neglected.

    In today’s episode of The Crystal Paine Show, Jesse and I talk about how we’re prioritizing soul care during what can feel like a stressful season. We talk about some R&R’s for our soul and challenge you to think of what soul care might look like for you right now.

    In addition, we share an update on Champ’s reunification, we talk a little about the election, Jesse shares a strategy he’s implementing in order to get more reading time in, I talk about a book I’m reading, and we talk about soap and Hulu. (Yes, you just never quite know what you’ll get when you tune into the podcast!)

    In This Episode:

    [00:36] This past week has been a doozy of a week -- both politically and personally.

    [03:05] We share an update on Champ.

    [04:42] Why we’ve been working hard at helping Champ to form attachments. it [08:15] Jesse shares why he starts books but hates to finish them and what he’s doing to help change this.

    [10:10] I’ve been reading The Body Keeps the Score.

    [16:44] Why we’ve loved having Hulu.

    [18:05] Bath and Body Works Apple Pumpkin soap is saving my life this week.

    [19:30] We’re diving into soul care for when life feels stressful.

    [21:28] The first of the four “R’s” for the soul is recipes.

    [23:45] Jesse shares some of the rhythms that are helping his soul right now.

    [25:26] Reading is such an amazing “R” for the soul.

    [28:26] Rest is also so important.

    Links and Resources:

    Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
    https://crystalpaine.com/102
    Tue, 10 Nov 2020 11:00:00 +0000
    101. Honest Confessions of a Control Freak

    Jesse and I have both struggled with being what you could call "control freaks" in our life. I like to have a plan and I like other people to go along with my plan. Jesse's control shows up more in wanting to be able to control decisions other people make or to make sure that everything is always okay with me and our kids -- and when it's not, he feels a lot of stress and like things are spinning out of control.

    Fostering has been such a good exercise for us in learning to let go of our neat little plans. Since we don't make almost any of the decisions for him, we've just had to love him as our own on behalf of his mom while also keeping our hands open to whatever God has for him.

    It has been easy, but it's been so good -- and it's taught us how much peace there is when we stop clenching our fists and trying to micromanage our lives and instead release our tight grip and trust God fully.

    In this episode, we share lessons we are learning, what has helped us let go of our tightly wound control, and how loving on this little boy has completely changed our lives.

    We also give some family updates, share about what's helping Jesse drink more water, my favorite eyebrow definer, and two books we've been reading.

    In This Episode:

    [01:01] Champ recently received hearing aids and it has been an adventure.

    [03:58] We are so excited about our Gatlinburg weekend trip and why we voted early.

    [06:19] I have a quick update on the No Bake cookies we were talking about several weeks ago.

    [07:02] Water and his half-gallon water bottle are saving Jesse’s life.

    [11:01] Maybelline Total Temptations Eyebrow Definer is saving my life.

    [13:31] Jesse is back to reading his most recent Brad Thor book, Near Dark.

    [14:50] I’ve been reading Dare to Lead by Brene Brown.

    [17:30] We’re chatting all about being control freaks and what we've been learning.

    [20:40] How our experiences as foster parents have shown us our need to release control.

    [24:55] Lessons we're learning about control as parents -- and in other areas of our lives.

    [27:40] What stress and fear tell me about resting in the Lord.

    Links and Resources: How to Listen to The Crystal Paine Show

    The podcast is available on iTunes, Android, Stitcher, and Spotify. You can listen online through the direct player here. OR, a much easier way to listen is by subscribing to the podcast through a free podcast app on your phone. (Find instructions for how to subscribe to a podcast here.)

    Ready to dive in and listen? Hit the player above or search for “The Crystal Paine Show” on your favorite podcast app.



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    https://crystalpaine.com/101
    Tue, 03 Nov 2020 11:33:22 +0000
    100. Raising Worry-Free Girls (with Sissy Goff)

    If you or someone you love -- especially your kids -- struggle with anxiety or worry, you do not want to miss this episode of The Crystal Paine Show. I'm joined by Sissy Goff, the author of Raising Worry-Free Girls.

    In our conversation, Sissy talks about how to spot signs of anxiety in our kids, how our approach can help or hurt our kids, what to do if your child is struggling with perfectionistic tendencies or stressing over grades, why anger and frustration in our kids can be a sign of anxiety, and practical tools and steps to help your child break free from incessant anxiety.

    This episode is so actionable and important -- especially right now! Don't miss it!

    In This Episode:

    [00:33] Welcome to our 100th episode and welcome Sissy Goff.

    [02:09] Learn more about Sissy and her background.

    [03:12] Why did she choose to focus solely on girls versus kids in general?

    [04:56] How our anxiety can impact our kids.

    [07:24] Why perfectionism is one cause of anxiety and how to address it.

    [08:58] How can parents navigate the internal criticism that perfectionist girls tend to live with?

    [11:25] Is there a way to help perfectionistic children to branch out and try new things?

    [13:17] Ways that you can recognize anxiety versus normal behavior.

    [18:42] What to do once you recognize that your child is suffering from anxiety.

    [22:45] Don’t forget to name the worry to remove the fear associated with the voice in their head.

    [25:51] It’s so important to do preventative breathing.

    [27:39] Why you need to let your kids go through the experiences and not save them.

    [31:15] Go out and grab a copy of Raising Worry-Free Girls by Sissy Goff, these tactics work with boys as well!

    Links and Resources:

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    https://crystalpaine.com/100
    Tue, 27 Oct 2020 10:39:50 +0000
    99. Answering Your Burning Questions

    It’s been a while since we’ve answered your burning questions and this is one of your favorite types of episodes! So Jesse and I had fun answering another batch of questions you all have submitted recently.

    In this episode, we talk about how old we are, how long Champ will be with us, what to do if you want to have kids and your spouse doesn't, when we start talking about the birds and the bees with our kids and how we approach it, how school is going for our kids, plans for international travel, saving for our kids' college tuition, how we got involved in youth group ministry at our church, and our favorite part of having big kids.

    In This Episode:

    [00:36] Welcome back and welcome Autumn. I recently read a holiday-themed novel -- A Very Bavarian Christmas!

    [02:01] Oatmeal and milk (turned into no-bake cookies) are saving my life these days.

    [04:37] We are answering some burning questions today!

    [06:06] Jesse is now the big 4-0. SO much older that Crystal. ;)

    [06:47] We’re sharing how much longer we think may have Champ.

    [09:38] How do you proceed when you’re ready for kids but your spouse isn’t?

    [14:56] What age is appropriate for the birds and the bees talk with your kids?

    [19:59] Any plans to travel internationally?

    [21:56] Are we saving for the kid’s college tuition?

    [25:44] What is our favorite part of having “big” kids?

    [26:47] How is school going this year?

    [28:27] How we got involved in the youth group ministry at our church.

    Links and Resources:

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    https://crystalpaine.com/99
    Tue, 20 Oct 2020 11:00:00 +0000
    98. Staying Calm in the Midst of a Volatile Election Season

    I’m a big fan of doing our civic duty and voting. But you know what can make a bigger difference? How we live our every day lives.

    I’ve seen a lot of pundits and talking heads putting a lot of blame for problems on politicians. While elected officials can and should be held responsible for their choices and actions, we also have a responsibility as individual citizens to be a part of the solution.

    If we say we are pro XYZ, what are we actually doing in our every day real lives to make a difference in that area? I’m not talking about posting something on social media or having a heated argument to try to convince a co-worker you are right.

    I’m talking about making sacrifices of time and effort. I’m talking about showing up and breaking a sweat. I’m talking about building that relationship, walking alongside that person, opening up our home, volunteering for that organization, starting that non-profit, giving to that cause we believe in, having the hard conversations, stepping outside our safe and comfortable bubble — even when it costs a lot.

    Let’s stop waiting for change to happen at the mayor’s office or our state senate or in Congress... and let’s start being the change in people’s lives.

    In this week's episode of The Crystal Paine Show, Jesse and I have a conversation on how to stay calm in the midst of a volatile election season and some thoughts on how we're approaching conversations around the elections.

    In This Episode:

    [01:57] An update on Champ's surgery.

    [04:45] Amazon Prime Day + how to get the best deals this holiday season

    [07:08] We’re jumping right into voting and volatile election seasons.

    [08:24] Choose people over politics.

    [10:27] Everyone comes to the table with a different perspective and their own baggage.

    [12:21] Don’t live in an echo chamber.

    [15:53] Live with perspective.

    [17:56] How do we walk in faith instead of living in fear?

    [20:36] Finally, let's vote with how we live our lives.

    Links and Resources:

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    https://crystalpaine.com/98
    Tue, 13 Oct 2020 09:00:00 +0000
    97. How We Chose Our Kids' Names

    After a few heavier/deep topics on the last few episodes, we had fun doing a more lighthearted podcast episode this week! So many people have asked how we chose our kids' names, so Jesse and I had fun sharing some of the stories behind their names in this podcast episode.

    Plus, we also share about Jesse subbing at the kids' school, our recent sleep struggles, a book I recently read and found fascinating, a book Jesse is reading, plus some electrolytes I've been loving.

    In This Episode:

    [00:36] Why Jesse ended up being a substitute teacher at one of the schools in our area.

    [03:36] Sleep is saving Jesse’s life right now. :)

    [06:01] It’s so hard to go to bed when the babies go down, because it’s usually the first time in the day that we’ve had time to do the things we want to do.

    [06:56] Ultima Electrolytes are saving my life this week because they taste better than Nuun.

    [09:47] I have been reading Five Days in November by Clint Hill.

    [12:30] Jesse is reading 100 Deadly Skills by Clint Emerson.

    [14:24] Why we chose our kid’s names.

    [15:45] Learn how Kathrynne’s name came about, and what our original choice was.

    [18:43] Up next is Kaitlynn and for some reason we were sure that she was going to be a boy.

    [21:24] Why we didn't choose a K name for Silas.

    [23:36] When Kierstyn came along, the girls wanted her to have a K name with a unique spelling.

    [27:02] Why Kierstyn's middle name is especially appropriate.

    Links and Resources:

    Links and Resources: How to Listen to The Crystal Paine Show

    The podcast is available on iTunes, Android, Stitcher, and Spotify. You can listen online through the direct player here. OR, a much easier way to listen is by subscribing to the podcast through a free podcast app on your phone. (Find instructions for how to subscribe to a podcast here.)

    Ready to dive in and listen? Hit the player above or search for “The Crystal Paine Show” on your favorite podcast app.



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    https://crystalpaine.com/97
    Tue, 06 Oct 2020 10:31:37 +0000
    96. Standing Strong (with Alli Worthington)

    You aren’t enough — in your own strength. But, in Christ, you can do ALL things!

    As Alli Worthington says in her new book, Standing Strong, “You may not feel able to stand strong. You may be filled with self-doubt. When you hear others talk about great women of God, you may say, ‘Oh, that’s not me.’

    “But friend, it is you. You are more than you think you are.

    “A superpower exists inside you. If you are a believer, the Holy Spirit lives in you. We can’t keep walking around feeling powerless like life is happening to us, like we are victims. The Spirit of God lives inside us, empowering us for greatness. We just have to tap into it.”

    Need some encouragement to live this truth out? To rest in God’s strength? To face adversity and hard things empowered by the strength of the Lord?

    Want to know how to practically lean into that Superpower and live in confidence in Christ? Be sure to listen to today’s episode of The Crystal Paine show — it’s just 28 minutes and will infuse you with courage, confidence, and clarity to step out in faith and live into the callings God has given you.

    In This Episode:

    [01:59] Alli shares about her family and her business.

    [03:06] What inspired her to write this book?

    [06:00] I ask Alli about her perspective on what a woman's place is.

    [09:10] How do we know what God is calling us to?

    [11:45] Does one's calling ever change? How do you know if it does?

    [14:58] How there is so much rest and joy when we follow God's leading in our life.

    [16:34] Has Alli found that she experiences more spiritual attacks because of writing this book?

    [20:02] Holding yourself back and playing small is not humility.

    [21:40] What does it look like to focus on the God who can?

    [24:51] Some words for women who feel weary and worn down.

    Links and Resources:

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    https://crystalpaine.com/96
    Tue, 29 Sep 2020 07:00:00 +0000
    95. Our Rules for Kids & Phones

    "Do you let your kids have phones? If so, how do you protect your kids and what kinds of apps or parental controls do you have in place?"

    I get some kind of variation on this question multiple times every week. Since this topic is one that really depends so much on the family and the situation and each individual child, I was hesitant to share what we do at our house. However, after we continued to get so many questions on this, Jesse and I decided to delve into this topic on this week's episode of The Crystal Paine Show.

    We share the guidelines we have, why we have them, and some thoughts on when we choose to give our kids phones and what the stipulations are for having a phone at our house.

    We also share a recipe we've been loving, a funny anecdote about why we got 3 or 4 crockpots as wedding gifts, and what Jesse and I are reading right now.

    In This Episode:

    [01:32] Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins are saving my life

    [02:31] Our crockpot is saving Jesse’s life.

    [04:32] Why I've been using the Eat at Home menu plan this week.

    [06:30] How we ended up with multiple crock pots as wedding gifts.

    [08:08] Learn what Jesse and I have been reading.

    [10:37] Why we have to refill our cup with more than just rest.

    [13:06] Our rules for kids and phones… but first, a caveat.

    [14:23] Out guidelines for when we give our kids a phone.

    [17:00] Why have a phone is a privilege, not a right.

    [21:55] A discussion on how we talk to our kids about the dangers of the internet and technology.

    [26:29] How we strive to teach personal responsibility and wise decision making.

    [31:49] You will make mistakes, keep pushing forward and walk in faith.

    Links and Resources: How to Listen to The Crystal Paine Show

    The podcast is available on iTunes, Android, Stitcher, and Spotify. You can listen online through the direct player here. OR, a much easier way to listen is by subscribing to the podcast through a free podcast app on your phone. (Find instructions for how to subscribe to a podcast here.)

    Ready to dive in and listen? Hit the player above or search for “The Crystal Paine Show” on your favorite podcast app.



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    https://crystalpaine.com/95
    Tue, 22 Sep 2020 10:10:36 +0000
    94. How to Stop Living in Fear
    Every day, in every hard situation, we can choose faith or we can choose fear. We can choose to focus on the what if’s, worry about what might happen, and fret over the worst case scenarios. Or, we can remind ourselves of how God has been faithful in the past and trust that He is going to continue to be faithful and good in the present and future — even in dark, difficult, or even downright impossible situations. Our circumstances do not change God’s character. I don’t know what you’re going through today or what giants you might be facing, but I do know this: our God is greater than any giant, stronger than any Goliath, and He is able to deliver and help you. Let’s believe that God is bigger and mightier. Let’s take God at His Word. He will never, ever, ever leave or forsake us. He is FOR us. And He is still in the miracle-working business. Let’s talk faith, not fear. If you need some encouragement to stop living in fear, this week on the podcast, Jesse and I talk about faith versus fear and what has helped us to stop living in a state of stress and fear. In This Episode:

    [00:36] Welcome back to the show and Happy 40th Birthday, Jesse!

    [02:20] Perspective is saving Jesse’s life this week. Learn why.

    [03:59] Electrolytes are saving my life!

    [06:46] Jesse is reading more of Vince Flynn’s Mitch Rapp novels.

    [09:30] This is my first 5-star read of the year: Catch Me If You Can by Frank Abagnale.

    [13:44] Why we’re discussing the topic of faith over fear.

    [16:20] How fear and stress affect our health.

    [19:09] This acronym for FEAR is so true.

    [21:32] Don’t let the future take away the joy and gift of today.

    [23:31] Three questions I ask myself to help me put things back into perspective.

    Links and Resources:

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    https://crystalpaine.com/94
    Tue, 15 Sep 2020 10:44:43 +0000
    93. A Woman's Highest Calling (with Jamie Ivey)

    “A woman’s highest calling is not marriage or motherhood.” @jamieivey says this in her latest book and on this week’s episode of The Crystal Paine Show. I wholeheartedly concur.

    But while most of us probably agree with this statement, how often do we let marriage and motherhood become completely all consuming — whether it’s the overwhelming longing to be married and/or have a baby or in how we walk out our roles as a wife and/or mom.

    We can let our spouse’s happiness or our kids’ success become our chief end in life. We spend our days trying to figure out how to fix, solve, and save. We want to be part superwoman and part Holy Spirit. We think our children’s academic scores, social life, and spiritual health is a direct result of our efforts. Our sole job and aim in life is to have a good marriage and great kids.

    Here’s the thing: I hope to have a strong marriage and I hope my kids love Jesus, but while I can love well and lead with humility, I can’t ultimately change or fix my spouse or kids — and that’s not my job nor my calling.

    As a Christian woman, my highest calling is, as @jamieivey shared on this week’s podcast episode: “To know Christ and to make Him known.”

    We unpack this and Jamie shares why we should be pursuing faithfulness over success and what this actually looks like. Download this episode on your favorite podcast player or go to the link in this post to listen in.

    In This Episode:

    [00:33] Jamie. shares more about her background and family life.

    [02:52] Why did she title her most recent book the way that she did?

    [05:00] What do satisfaction and success mean to Jamie?

    [07:31] Learn why she feels that a woman’s highest calling is not to be a wife and mom.

    [09:40] What is a woman’s highest calling?

    [11:14] Jamie shares advice on how you can make time to spend time with the Lord, even in the midst of a very full schedule.

    [14:44] Want to change the world? Start right where you are.

    [17:57] What does Jamie say to the woman who feels like she has nothing to offer the world?

    [20:50] How does Jamie acknowledge the work she’s done and not compare to others?

    [23:27] Jamie shares how she’s built relationships with her close friends and why they’re so important to her life and business.

    [26:30] What is the difference between success and faithfulness?

    Links and Resources:

    Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
    https://crystalpaine.com/93
    Tue, 08 Sep 2020 13:01:56 +0000
    92. How to Change Your Life in 15 Minutes a Day

    Want to change your life in some way? It starts by consistently changing one small thing...

    Get up 15 minutes earlier every day.
    Go to bed 15 minutes earlier daily.
    Exercise for 15 minutes every day.
    Invite one person over for coffee every week.
    Eat one salad every day.
    Drink two more glasses of water every day.
    Read for 15 minutes every day.
    Spend 15 minutes playing with your child every day.
    Work on that organizing project a little bit every day.
    Spend 5 minutes praying every morning.
    Show kindness to that difficult person every single day.
    Say “I love you!” every morning.
    Write a to do list every night before bed.
    Go outside and walk for 15 minutes every evening.
    Kiss your spouse for 15 seconds every day.

    You can’t overhaul your life overnight, but you can pick one thing to focus on daily for the next month.

    And little baby steps taken consistently add up to big life change over time.

    NOTE: I don’t think necessarily everything you want is going to be fixed or found through consistency, but I do believe that it’s time we stop blaming our circumstances, our shortcomings, or our surroundings for why we feel stuck. Let’s get brave and bold enough to start taking daily baby steps in the right direction.

    In This Episode:

    [01:11] We are starting down the solid food road with Champ -- and we've both realized how long it's been since we've done this!

    [02:54] The 10-minutes to put your baby to sleep YouTube video is saving my life right now.

    [05:35] Baby car mirrors are saving Jesse’s life.

    [06:44] I might have bit off more than I can chew when it comes to books! ;)

    [07:39] One of the books I'm reading is Fully Alive by Susie Larson.

    [09:31] How do you change your life in 15 minutes a day?

    [14:10] Knowing the finish line is so important.

    [19:22] Let's talk practically how this can play out.

    [22:00] What’s the one small change that you are going to commit to? Send me an email and let me know!

    Links and Resources: How to Listen to The Crystal Paine Show

    The podcast is available on iTunes, Android, Stitcher, and Spotify. You can listen online through the direct player here. OR, a much easier way to listen is by subscribing to the podcast through a free podcast app on your phone. (Find instructions for how to subscribe to a podcast here.)



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    https://crystalpaine.com/92
    Tue, 01 Sep 2020 07:00:00 +0000
    91. How to Have a Great Morning Routine

    It's the beginning of a new school year for us and many of you. With that, come new routines -- whether you are homeschooling or your kids are going to school in-person.

    In this episode, Jesse and I share strategies for having a better morning routine and how to set up a morning routine that serves you and your family well.

    We talk about why a successful morning begins the night before, how to tackle the hardest things first, and the importance of creating more than one morning routine.

    Say what? More than one routine?

    Yes, you read that right. Curious what we mean? Be sure to listen in!

    We also share an update on Champ, why Jesse is loving long drives, a new exercise "program" Jesse inspired me to start, why I'm loving velvet hangers, and a book I'm reading right now.

    In This Episode:

    [00:33] The babies are joining us for this one! We give a quick update on Champ.

    [03:45] What Jesse inspired me to start recently.

    [05:36] Taking long drives is saving Jesse’s life this week.

    [07:32] Velvet hangers are saving my life.

    [09:05] I have been reading You Be You by Jamie Ivey.

    [13:29] A great morning starts the night before.

    [14:30] Waking up to a clean house is the best. Here's how to make it happen...

    [14:50] How I plan my days using Google calendar and the difference this makes.

    [16:27] What a simple morning routine looks like.

    [18:06] Do the hardest, most important things first.

    [21:39] Let's talk about why a routine isn't a schedule.

    [24:10] Your morning routine is not set in stone. It is to serve you.

    [26:58] What are the things that could consistently interrupt your mornings? Let's plan for the interruptions so they don't disrupt our days.

    Links and Resources: How to Listen to The Crystal Paine Show

    The podcast is available on iTunes, Android, Stitcher, and Spotify. You can listen online through the direct player here. OR, a much easier way to listen is by subscribing to the podcast through a free podcast app on your phone. (Find instructions for how to subscribe to a podcast here.)

    Ready to dive in and listen? Hit the player above or search for “The Crystal Paine Show” on your favorite podcast app.



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    https://crystalpaine.com/91
    Tue, 25 Aug 2020 10:13:18 +0000
    90. Our Best Advice for Brand-New Homeschool Parents

    This school year looks a lot different for many families. Some of you are never planned to homeschool and your school went virtual so you've been unexpectedly doing school at home. Some of you made the choice to homeschool this year as that was what you felt was the best choice for your family.

    In this week's podcast episode, Jesse and I share some of our best advice for brand-new homeschool parents. While we are currently not homeschooling, we have been asked again and again to share some encouragement that we gleaned from our 6+ years of homeschooling and from being homeschool graduates ourselves.

    We talk about how your attitude affects your kids, how to keep things simple in your homeschooling, how to make education a way of life, and why teaching character is much more important than having the perfect curriculum.

    In This Episode:

    [00:33] A quick life update and what we've been up to recently.

    [05:30] Jesse has started adding collagen into his diet and he shares more about that this week.

    [07:01] Baby Signing Time is saving my life right now.

    [10:34] I have been listening to Be the Bridge by Latasha Morrison.

    [12:33] To all brand new homeschool parents, remember your attitude sets the tone for your home.

    [14:42] Even if you don’t feel confident or excited, fake it until you feel it.

    [17:43] Don’t be a slave to someone else’s schedule or the way they homeschool.

    [22:50] Character trumps curriculum.

    [25:27] Life is the best classroom.

    [27:21] And a word on "writing your own headlines".

    Links and Resources: How to Listen to The Crystal Paine Show

    The podcast is available on iTunes, Android, Stitcher, and Spotify. You can listen online through the direct player here. OR, a much easier way to listen is by subscribing to the podcast through a free podcast app on your phone. (Find instructions for how to subscribe to a podcast here.)



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    https://crystalpaine.com/90
    Tue, 18 Aug 2020 10:26:23 +0000
    89. An Update on Our Foster Care Journey

    (See more pictures and videos of Champ here.)

    A year ago, we were in the middle of our foster care home study and praying for who God would bring into our home for us to love on.

    We were at peace about pursuing this path, but we were still apprehensive and wondering what it might mean for our future. There were so many unknowns, so many what if’s, and so many things outside our control.

    I look back on this last year and the 5 children we’ve had the privilege to have in our home — 4 for just a very short-term stint and sweet little Champ who has been with us for almost 4 months.

    There are still just as many unknowns, what if’s, and things outside our comfort zone. My heart has been broken in a hundred little pieces over the things we’ve seen and witnessed firsthand and the many kids and their stories whom we weren’t able to say yes to. I’ve cried more tears in the last 10 months than I’ve cried in the last 10 years (okay, pregnancy and postpartum probably played a part in that!).

    And yet, my heart is fuller and happier than I can ever remember. The opportunity to love, pour into, and nurture has filled me up in the deepest of places. Seeing my husband and kids sacrifice and serve and love so well has been one of the most amazing experiences.

    I don’t know what the future holds. I can imagine it will be full of heartbreak and beauty, tears and love, a roller coaster of emotions, and many things I can’t even imagine.

    There are many unknowns, but this one thing I know: I don’t regret for one second saying “yes” to foster care. I look at these pictures and think, “We could have missed this.”

    In this week's podcast episode, we talk very honestly about our foster care journey, what we are learning, how it's been different than we expected, and what has surprised us. We also give an update on how things are going with Champ and answer some of your specific questions related to his placement with us.

    In This Episode:

    [00:36] We are back from vacation and excited to be talking with you!

    [01:48] Why packing in tubs saved our lives on our road trip.

    [04:10] How we used them to create a system for keeping everything organized.

    [06:47] Jesse’s Father’s Day present is saving his life.

    [10:53] Silas and I are reading The Giver.

    [14:23] Jesse is still reading Near Dark by Brad Thor along with several others.

    [15:48] Let's talk about our foster care journey and share our answers to some of your questions.

    [17:51] What did it take to get our home ready for fostering?

    [21:26] How long does the process take?

    [23:23] We have no idea how long we will have Champ in our home.

    [25:46] Why we are okay with the uncertainty that comes with fostering.

    [27:19] Learn how we’ve prepared our hearts to have to say goodbye to Champ at some point.

    [28:18] Where do children end up if there is no family to foster them?

    [30:36] We have considered adopting a child that we foster but that is not our goal.

    [32:07] What has surprised us the most about fostering?

    Links and Resources:

    Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
    https://crystalpaine.com/89
    Tue, 11 Aug 2020 12:58:23 +0000
    88. Answering More Burning Questions

    You all love it when we do Answering Your Burning Question podcast episodes. It's been awhile since we've done one, so I posted recently on Instagram asking for questions you’d like Jesse and I to answer on the podcast and you had lots of great questions.

    We went through as many as we could on this episode -- including talking about Kathrynne's new job, budgeting, where we'd love to travel, how we find time for intimacy (this was the number one asked question!), where would we love to travel to, date nights, would we take more foster care placements right now, and much more!

    Jesse and I also discuss teaching Kathrynne how to drive, our vacation to Arkansas, the books we're reading, and how I'm getting in exercise right now.

    In This Episode:

    [00:33] We’re answering your burning questions on today's episode.

    [01:29] RODECaster Pro is saving Jesse’s life.

    [03:26] Why Jesse is teaching Kathrynne how to drive instead of me.

    [04:53] This year our big trip is going to Arkansas.

    [06:11] Morning walks with the double stroller are saving my life.

    [08:22] What we’re reading right now.

    [10:35] How did Kathrynne land her first job?

    [14:19] Why did we move to Tennessee?

    [16:02] Learn more about our decision to quit the law firm and work for ourselves.

    [17:44] How we find the time and energy for intimacy.

    [18:59] Do we sit and go over the budget together?

    [20:25] Where do we want to travel together?

    [21:25] What does Jesse make fun of me for?

    [22:54] What are your go-to date nights?

    [24:58] Would we take any more foster care placements right now?

    [26:39] How do we build each other up?

    Links and Resources:

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    http://crystalpaine.com/88
    Wed, 29 Jul 2020 04:14:28 +0000
    87. How to Parent a Passive Child

    • A few weeks ago, Jesse and I recorded a podcast episode sharing our thoughts on parenting a strong willed child (or a "strong child", as we prefer to call them). We got so many great responses from people about that episode, but one was a question from a mom asking if we could talk about how to parent a child with the opposite type of personality -- one that is more passive and people-pleasing.

      This was such a great suggestion and Jesse and I loved getting to talk about this and give some ideas and suggestions that we've learned over the years from parenting our child who is more on the passive side. I've had to learn to slow down, listen better, and not try to push them to make a decision before they are ready. It has been so good for my fast-moving, quick-thinking personality and I've learned so much by doing so.

      In this episode, we share lessons we've learned, how changing our perspective allows us to parent with greater patience and understanding, and how much our passive child has taught us.

      We also share some life and family updates, an app Jesse is loving, how protein is making such a difference for me (and why I changed my mind about collagen!), and the audiobooks we're both listening to!

      In This Episode:

      [02:16] A little family update + what our topic is today.

      [06:32] The Couch to 5k App is saving Jesse’s life… again!

      [08:02] Protein is saving my life.

      [11:33] I’ve been reading The Way I Heard It by Mike Rowe.

      [13:43] Jesse is still on Scribd and is listening to Vince Flynn’s series.

      [15:42] We received an email from a listener asking about how to parent a child who has a quieter more passive personality.

      [16:57] How you communicate your conviction will look different from person to person.

      [19:56] People-pleasing can be positive or negative.

      [23:41] Let them take their time in making decisions.

      [26:11] Listening is a lost art. You have to show that you value what they have to say.

      [27:44] Learn about their personality and call out their strengths.

      [29:47] Love them for who they are.

      Links and Resources:



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    Tue, 21 Jul 2020 10:00:00 +0000
    86. How to Talk to Your Spouse About Money (with Shaunti Feldhahn)

    As promised, Shaunti Feldhahn is joining me on the podcast this week to talk all things marriage and communication around money. Shaunti and her husband Jeff are researchers who have worked together for years on numerous books and research projects.

    Their latest project surveyed thousands of couples on the topic of marriage and money. Throughout three years of research, they discovered five game-changing insights on what is at the root disagreements and tension surrounding relationships and money.

    In their latest book, Thriving in Love and Money, they share their findings and how we can learn to get on the same page with our spouse when it comes to money by changing our mindset and approach. They also share how these insights helped to change their relationship -- and many other relationships.

    If you struggle to have money conversations between you and your spouse, this is the episode for you. Learn more about the psychology behind our money beliefs and why being able to talk about money with your spouse is one of the key factors in strengthening your relationship... even moreso than having a great nest egg in the bank.

    In This Episode:

    [02:31] How did Thriving in Love and Money come to be?

    [04:56] How did the process of researching and writing this book affect her relationship with her husband?

    [06:39] One of the best ways to go through this book is at the same time with your spouse. Learn why.

    [08:10] What are the 5 insights detailed in the book?

    [12:19] How many people were surveyed and interviewed in this project?

    [13:52] Shaunti shares the first steps you should take to start opening up channels of communication with your spouse.

    [18:34] Listen as I share one of my favorite pieces of the book and why.

    [20:57] Many of us subconsciously believe that our views are right and alternative views are wrong. Here's how to overcome the tensions that can come from disagreements.

    [23:22] Why Shaunti believes that being able to talk about money is more important than having a cushion in your budget when strengthening your relationship.

    Links and Resources:

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    https://crystalpaine.com/86
    Tue, 14 Jul 2020 09:00:00 +0000
    85. Jesse's Advice for Raising Financially Responsible Kids

    "I would love for you to do an episode with Jesse sometime on how he's taught your kids about budgeting, money, setting up a bank account, etc."

    This request came in a few weeks ago, and I knew it would be a perfect podcast topic!

    So, in this episode, I interview Jesse on how has has instilled wise money management principles in our kids -- especially as they have gotten older and have begun earning their own money.

    He shares his thoughts on budgeting, when to have your kids open up their first bank accounts, how to teach your kids to view money as a tool, why letting your kids handle money from an early age can make such a difference, when he first learned to handle money, how to teach your kids the true value of money and how that translates to real life, and much more. It was fun to get to sit back and listen in as he shared his wisdom and advice.

    Also, I should warn you that Jesse and I start the podcast in a bit of an uncharacteristic way... and if this is your first time to listen to one of our episodes, you might be a little, um, caught off guard?? We discuss a surprising discovery about asparagus and urine... and well, it goes a little off the rails. But I hope it makes you laugh! :)

    In This Episode:

    [00:33] Learn a little bit more about Jesse’s 23andMe results. ;)

    [03:26] Pelvic floor therapy is saving my life.

    [08:23] The Scribd App has been saving Jesse’s life and he’s been reading The Kill Artist by Daniel Silva.

    [12:06] I am reading Thriving in Love and Money.

    [15:51] When should parents start talking to their kids about money?

    [18:28] Is there a right age or a certain amount of maturity to be on the lookout for?

    [19:18] Which accounts should kids have?

    [20:27] Setting up budgets and spreadsheets.

    [22:28] Should you teach your children all the same way or go with their interests and aptitudes?

    [27:26] Why learning the value of money at an early age is so important.

    Links and Resources:

    Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
    https://crystalpaine.com/85
    Tue, 07 Jul 2020 10:43:03 +0000
    84. Our Family's Favorite Games

    Board games and card games can be such a great way to have some frugal fun! Best of all, once you've invested in a game, you can play it over and over and over again -- without ever spending another dime!

    In this week's episode of the podcast, Jesse and I share our family's top five favorite games. We had a very hard time narrowing the list down to just five, but we did it (well, we did mention a few other favorites at the end, because we just couldn't help ourselves!)

    The games we picked are ones we have played again and again and again. They are great for group games and most can be played with 4-6+ people.

    In this episode, we also talk about Jesse's 23&Me DNA test results (and why I don't want to take the test!), a book recommendation from a reader, a video that had me smiling, and how Jesse is getting free coffee every day.

    In This Episode:

    [00:33] Who’s ready to chat about our favorite games?

    [01:15] Panera's coffee is once again saving Jesse’s life. Listen in to find out how to get it FREE all summer!

    [04:00] He also got his 23andMe results back and they were, um, interesting.

    [07:35] What’s saving my life? Another YouTube video!

    [09:20] Schindler’s List is also a book and it was recommended to us by one of our amazing listeners.

    [13:08] Who's ready to talk about games?

    [13:39] First up, Dutch Blitz, the card game -- probably at the top of our list.

    [15:07] Next is Double Ditto, a game my parents introduced us to.

    [16:14] Another one is Ticket to Ride... which is Jesse and the kids' favorite.

    [18:36] I love Mad Gab -- especially when played with a group.

    [20:15] Last but certainly not least is Phase 10, a game we played a lot in our early marriage.

    [22:06] A few more games that didn't make our top 5 list.

    [26:34] What are your favorite games?

    Links and Resources:

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    https://crystalpaine.com/84
    Tue, 30 Jun 2020 10:31:10 +0000
    83. How to Parent a Strong-Willed Child

    "Could you share some parenting advise for raising my enneagram 8 daughter? She is very headstrong and persistent, but has a complete disregard for rules and regularly challenges authority. As an enneagram 5 (and people pleaser), I do not understand the way she thinks. We have gone around and around and I've tried to get to the heart is the issue. But it seems her bottom line is she is going to do whatever it takes to get what she wants. How do I help channel her perseverance and tenacity in a positive way? She is only 8 years old. -a podcast listener"

    When I got this email in my inbox, I could relate so much -- because I remember being that 8-year-old girl with a very strong personality. And truth be told, I think "headstrong" and "persistent" are two words that can still describe me as a 38-year-old woman!

    Oftentimes, we hear people talk about their "strong-willed child" in a way that makes it seem so negative... as if a child's will needs to be broken and replaced. But that's like trying to strip someone of their God-given personality.

    I believe that the character qualities of persistence and determination can be such a gift -- to your home, to your community, and to the world. That's why I want to encourage you to stop trying to stifle a child's strong personality and instead embrace the strength that it can bring.

    In this episode, Jesse and I share encouragement for parents who are raising strong kids. I share from the perspective of being a strong kid growing up and we both share from the perspective of raising a child who has a very strong personality.

    In This Episode:

    [02:26] Why Snuggle Sacks have been a life-saver recently.

    [04:53] I came down with mastitis on Tuesday, so here's what's been saving my life.

    [07:59] My experience getting a Coronavirus test (Spoiler… it was negative!)

    [10:59] A book update on Get Out of Your Head.

    [14:07] We’re chatting all about raising strong-willed kids.

    [16:21] It’s okay if you can't relate with your kids, but seeking to understand them is so important.

    [17:16] Why rules for an Enneagram 8 are very restrictive.

    [19:29] Change your mindset and see the desire for independence as a blessing.

    [21:03] Stop using negative labels to define your kids.

    [22:07] How studying personality typings can be so beneficial.

    [24:26] Celebrate their strengths because they really are gifts.

    [26:11] Say yes as often as possible for your child.

    [29:45] Don't overly protect your kids from struggle and failure.

    Links and Resources:

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    https://crystalpaine.com/83
    Tue, 23 Jun 2020 10:00:00 +0000
    82. Our Favorite TV Shows

    One of the things our family loves to do together is watch shows and movies. Recently, someone asked what our favorite shows are to watch together as a family. So, we all talked together as a family and put together a list of some of the shows we've most enjoyed together.

    On this week's podcast episode, we share that list + we talk about why we don't have a TV in our living room and how we approach being intentional and careful in our TV-watching.

    We also talk about a book we're finishing together as a family, the Panera unlimited coffee subscription, and a YouTube video I've rewatched multiple times.

    In This Episode:

    [00:36] Welcome back to the show… and a semi-apology from Jesse. ;)

    [02:46] Panera Bread’s unlimited coffee subscription is saving Jesse’s life.

    [06:28] The Squirrel Ninja Obstacle Course is something I've been loving!

    [09:33] We’ve been reading Job in the Bible together and Jesse is excited about the next Brad Thor book, Near Dark.

    [11:49] The kids and I have been reading The Boy on the Wooden Box.

    [15:25] This week we’re talking about our favorite TV shows!

    [16:35] Why we don’t have a TV in our living room.

    [19:14] Our TV is in our bedroom but we pretty much only watch it as a family.

    [20:57] Do your research before watching shows with your kids.

    [22:33] Why we loved Timeless and are sad that it was cancelled.

    [24:58] Our family love This Is Us as well, but we started this one off with just us before sharing with our kids.

    [27:03] We're just starting watching some seasons of Survivor together.

    [28:15] We also enjoy The Apprentice, but be careful with the App you find it on.

    [29:15] The Amazing Race is another one of our favorites because we love to travel.

    [30:25] Last, but not least, is Designated Survivor. (Please only watch the first two seasons!)

    Links and Resources:

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    Tue, 16 Jun 2020 12:00:54 +0000
    81. Kierstyn's Birth Story

    We’re back! Jesse and I have really missed recording podcasts, but it was also nice to take a break and figure out a good rhythm of having three older kids and two babies.

    In this episode, we not only share Kierstyn's birth store but we also answer the questions many of you have asked over and over (such as why we chose to go with an OBGYN versus a midwife, what was different about this birth compared to the other births, if COVID-19 impacted the birth/hospital experience in any way, etc.)

    This episode is a little more relaxed and less edited than usual... we wanted it to be more like sitting down and just having conversation with us at our kitchen table -- complete with rabbit trails. :)

    If you enjoy birth stories or are curious about more of the behind-the-scenes of our life, I think you'll enjoy it.

    Welcome to the world, Kierstyn! (By the way, since she was on my lap while we recorded, if you listen in really well, you’ll hear her talking to you!)

    In This Episode:

    [03:19] Why we chose to have a hospital birth rather than a midwife birth.

    [06:36] Some of the highlights from our first three births.

    [09:54] When I first discovered I had postpartum depression

    [12:15] Our experience with midwives versus having an OBGyn.

    [14:09] How COVID-19 impacted the birth.

    [19:02] We were so surprised when my body started showing signs of labor two weeks before my due date!

    [22:20] Most of my labor was very uneventful and fast -- up until it was time to push!

    [26:38] Why the pushing part of labor was so much harder this time around.

    [30:57] All about those first few moments after the birth!

    [33:24] It’s been so fun to see the differences in her personality and how the kids have stepped up.

    Links and Resources:

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    https://crystalpaine.com/81
    Tue, 09 Jun 2020 13:18:50 +0000
    80. Parenting in the Middle of a Pandemic

    A lot of you have asked for my thoughts on how we’re dealing with the Pandemic as parents. In this week's episode of The Crystal Paine Show, Jesse and I share some of the ways we're approaching parenting right now and what's working for us.

    As always, every child is different and you know your kids best, so I’m only sharing how we are approaching things at our house... and these principles can be applied to many different seasons of upheaval.

    Here are some of the strategies we share in this episode:

    Don’t dismiss your kids’ feelings. Feelings are not right or wrong and no one can tell you how you feel or don’t feel. It’s what you choose to do with those feelings that matters most. Give them space to talk about whatever it is they are feeling — anger, sadness, loneliness, grief, frustration, boredom.

    Don’t preach sermons. I know it’s easy to want to use this as a way to teach valuable life lessons... but probably way more than sermons, your kids just need a listening ear and empathy. And trust me, your kids ARE going to learn many valuable lessons from this, but a listening ear goes a long way to help them feel seen, heard, and loved.

    Don’t stress yourself out trying to get it all right. There is no manual on how to parent well through COVID-19. We’re all just doing the best we can do! When you feel overwhelmed or unsure how to handle a situation, it’s okay to acknowledge this and give yourself some grace. If you are a Christian, this is an amazing opportunity to cry out to the Lord for wisdom and direction for how to respond and love your kids well.

    Do remember that you set the tone for your home. If you are extremely stressed and irritable, it’s going to trickle down to your kids and make them feel stressed and on edge. Make sure you’re not spreading yourself too thin so that you are completely zapped and exhausted.

    Do relax some of your usual rules/standards. We are allowing a lot more sleeping in, PJ-wearing, screen time, and junk food eating than usual. Yes, I probably just lost some followers over admitting that, but I feel like a lot has been taken away from our kids right now and as long you’re doing your chores and school, I’m pretty chill about a lot of other things in this season.

    Do look for the humor in everything. We’ve laughed so hard as a family in the last few weeks — over so many ridiculous things. Laughter has been such good medicine for us and we’ve sought to find the funny in the ordinary.

    Important Note: This will be the last episode we'll be releasing until the end of May as I'll be on Maternity Leave until then. We do plan to pop on once during Maternity Leave to do an episode on my birth story. Look for that in the next few weeks!

    In This Episode:

    [03:00] Jesse and I are both reading fiction books right now.

    [06:35] L’Oreal magic root cover up is saving my life right now. Jesse is loving the Couch to 5k Program.

    [12:20] Don’t discount your kids’ feelings.

    [18:03] Stop trying to get it all right.

    [20:36] Remember that you set the tone for your home.

    [23:21] Consider relaxing some of your usual rules.

    [25:16] Look for the humor in everything.

    [28:20] What is working in your home?

    Links and Resources: How to Listen to The Crystal Paine Show

    The podcast is available on iTunes, Android, Stitcher, and Spotify. You can listen online through the direct player here. OR, a much easier way to listen is by subscribing to the podcast through a free podcast app on your phone. (Find instructions for how to subscribe to a podcast here.)

    Ready to dive in and listen? Hit the player above or search for “The Crystal Paine Show” on your favorite podcast app.



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    https://crystalpaine.com/80
    Tue, 21 Apr 2020 10:44:44 +0000
    79. Our Craziest Travel Stories

    I usually have almost endless ideas for content. However, with the world in so much upheaval, I've struggled with how to be a podcaster. Should I only talk about the pandemic because it's impacting everyone's lives or should I go ahead with producing normal content?

    As I was grappling through this, I decided to ask for feedback and thoughts on Instagram on what you would like for us to share on the podcast during this weird season of unknowns. I heard from SO many of you and the resounding response was that you would love lighthearted content that wasn't COVID-heavy.

    While we will continue to acknowledge what's going on in our world and may have more episodes related to it in the future, we thought it'd be fun to do something different this week and take you on a journey with us (from your home!) on some of our crazy travel adventures!

    We share four different crazy travel stories:
    • The first is from my first big international trip and how something I did on my return flight resulted in a big rift between Jesse and I (and on the podcast, as we were sharing the story, Jesse realized that for 5 years, he thought that I had done something I hadn't done! I guess it's good we finally cleared that up!)
    • Next up, Jesse shares about something hilarious that went down while he was on a guys' fishing trip to Louisiana.
    • The third story is one I was a little scared to share publicly and have only told a few people. It's definitely one of those, "I can't believe I really did that" moments!!
    • And finally, the last story is the most bizarre... in fact, it's so crazy that you might think that we made it up. But I promise we didn't!
    In This Episode:

    [01:02] Why we decided to do an episode on crazy travel stories.

    [04:04] Up first is my very first international trip to South Africa.

    [06:20] We start at the end of the trip… and keep in mind that Jesse is very much a rule follower and I was brand-new to traveling internationally.

    [13:09] I'm glad we cleared up a 5-years-long misunderstanding on the podcast today!!

    [15:46] All about that time Jesse thought his bunk mate on his fishing trip had stopped breathing.

    [20:14] That time I did a very embarrassing thing on complete accident in the Focus on the Family lobby.

    [26:54] We saved our very best travel story for last -- involving flight issues, a passenger passing out on me, and a big fight on the flight. (I promise we're not making any of this up!)

    Links and Resources: How to Listen to The Crystal Paine Show

    The podcast is available on iTunes, Android, Stitcher, and Spotify. You can listen online through the direct player here. OR, a much easier way to listen is by subscribing to the podcast through a free podcast app on your phone. (Find instructions for how to subscribe to a podcast here.)

    Ready to dive in and listen? Hit the player above or search for “The Crystal Paine Show” on your favorite podcast app.



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    https://crystalpaine.com/79
    Tue, 14 Apr 2020 07:00:00 +0000
    78. Creative Ideas for Family Fun at Home

    By popular request, we had fun this week sitting down and talking about some of our favorite creative family fun things to do at home. If you are looking for some simple ideas of things you can do at home (or in the car) while still social distancing, you don't want to miss today's podcast episode!

    We also give you an update on what's happening in our lives, how we're adjusting to life with one newborn, and talk about how we're seeking to focus on our blessings and blessing others during this time where things are so topsy turvy.

    In This Episode:

    [02:20] Life has been full at our house between adjusting to life with a newborn and preparing for another newborn!

    [07:33] I’ve still been fitting in some time to read and have recently loved The Lazy Genius Way.

    [11:03] Focusing on our blessings and on being a blessing can change your perspective!

    [12:32] Working together as a family to have shifts throughout the day and night has been saving our lives.

    [17:21] We put our thinking caps on and came up with a number of different creative family fun ideas you can do while social distancing. Let's talk about scavenger hunts and around town scavenger hunts -- from your vehicle!

    [21:27] I share a really fun idea that one family is doing to bring together teens and young kids in their neighborhood right now.

    [22:25] We love old movies and musicals and this is the perfect time to watch some of those you been wanting to watch for a long time.

    [23:04] Kathrynne came up with the idea of putting together a letter-writing sort of "campaign" with her friends.

    [26:05] What about a special “Dress for Dinner” night or creating a "Bowl Full of Fun"?

    [28:03] This is an historic time -- keep a record, write down memories, take pictures.

    Links and Resources:

    Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
    https://crystalpaine.com/78
    Tue, 07 Apr 2020 10:48:29 +0000
    77. Answering your burning questions as a family (Quarantine Edition)

    Since we all have been home pretty much 24/7 recently self-isolating, we thought it would be fun to do a laid-back family episode for the podcast week. I asked on Instagram what questions you'd love for us to discuss as a family, and you all submitted such great ideas.

    In this episode, we talk about:

    • Our individual pet peeves (and Jesse schools us on the origin of "pet peeve")
    • How the kids feel about fostering
    • One tradition the kids loved from when they were younger (their answer totally surprised me!)
    • A few favorite family activities while social distancing + favorite board games & a snack we all love
    • Whether the kids think they'd like to be homeschooled again
    • Some of the kids' favorite books
    • Sibling rivalry -- what our kids argue over the most & how they resolve conflict
    • Our thoughts and feelings as we look forward to having two newborns soon
    • Where we'd like to travel to once it's safe to travel again -- my answer got a little deep and serious (I hadn't prepped what I was going to say, so it kind of surprised me!)

    Pull up a chair and enjoy a sitting in and listening on a very typical dinnertime conversation at our house (well, except I don't usually come with a long list of questions!)

    In This Episode:

    [01:24] We share our individual pet peeves.

    [04:43] How do the kids feel about fostering?

    [06:00] What traditions do the kids remember from when they were little?

    [10:45] Would the kids ever want to be homeschooled again?

    [13:47] The kids share the books that they love.

    [15:30] Sibling rivalry and how they work through disagreements.

    [19:06] Our thoughts and feelings on having two newborns at our house soon.

    [25:38] Where do we want to go once it’s safe to travel again?

    Links and Resources: How to Listen to The Crystal Paine Show

    The podcast is available on iTunes, Android, Stitcher, and Spotify. You can listen online through the direct player here. OR, a much easier way to listen is by subscribing to the podcast through a free podcast app on your phone. (Find instructions for how to subscribe to a podcast here.)

    Ready to dive in and listen? Hit the player above or search for “The Crystal Paine Show” on your favorite podcast app.



    Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
    https://crystalpaine.com/77
    Tue, 31 Mar 2020 09:29:24 +0000
    76. BIG updates from our house (with a guest appearance by Kathrynne)

    Well, like I’ve alluded to other places online, the past two weeks have been packed full of so many different, unexpected things. Some good, some hard, some just plain different than what we expected.

    It feels almost as if we’ve lived through an entire month in just a week’s time. In this week’s podcast episode, we sit down and talk about some of the BIG updates/changes/unexpected things that happened at our house recently, including:

    • getting a long-term placement from foster care for a preemie who was still in the NICU (he got out of the hospital today!!!!)
    • the kids being out of school and everything being cancelled — and how we are letting them plan their routine for the day and how that is working for us
    • Kathrynne’s trip to Suriname where she ended up getting stuck there because the country closed their borders due to COVID-19 (she only ended up having to stay two extra days — and she shares more about that experience on the podcast)

    If you have some extra time and want a more newsy behind-the-scenes peek into what’s going on at our house right now, don’t miss this episode.

    In This Episode:

    [01:25] There have been some major life changes happening lately and we’re going to discuss a few of them in-depth on the podcast today.

    [03:21] The kids are planning their own routines during this time and it is saving both my life and Jesse’s life. Hear why we are having our kids be in charge of this and how we went about having them set this up.

    [09:11] I’m reading Don’t Overthink It by Anne Bogel and I share some of my favorite quotes.

    [12:45] Jesse is reading Fearless by Eric Blehm.

    [18:36] Our sweet foster baby should be released from the hospital soon and we are so excited.

    [21:24] Kathrynne joins us to chat about her adventures in Suriname. She shares why she went on this trip, what they did on the trip, and her biggest highlight of the trip.

    [27:41] Hear all about how the trip ended very differently than any of us could have imagined and Kathrynne felt when they were told that the trip could be extended for 30 days or more.

    Links and Resources:

    Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
    https://crystalpaine.com/76
    Tue, 24 Mar 2020 07:00:00 +0000
    75. Parenting with Confidence (with Becky Keife)

    I know that the whole world is kind of in upheaval right now and there's a lot of unknown and uncertainty. I debated whether to go ahead with publishing this podcast that was planned for the week as it didn't really have much of anything to do with what's going on in the world.

    However, the more I thought about it, the more I realized that probably some of you would like a break from the incessant stream of news. Also, I know that many families are going to be hunkering down over the next few weeks (or longer) and spending a lot of time at home as a family.

    I realized that, with this in mind, maybe this was the perfect episode for this week. We moms need to be reminded that God has given us the kids He has and He knows that there is no better mom for the job of raising our kids than us, especially during hard days.

    In this episode of the podcast, I'm joined by Becky Keife, author of No Better Mom for the Job, to discuss what it means to feel confident in your motherhood.

    Becky had three boys in three and a half years... and I think that in itself is enough for us to sit up and listen to what she has to say! :) While no parenting journey is easy, there are certainly those with more trials to go through. Becky shares what it was like having three boys at such young ages and how she managed during those times.

    It wasn’t until she really leaned into her faith, however, that she found the confidence to take ownership of her motherhood. So many times she felt like she was failing her children and the the Lord had given those babies to her at the wrong time. She didn’t feel like the right mother for the job.

    Through seeking the Lord and finding her confidence in His goodness and love, her attitude changed. In this episode, she shares her journey to more confident parenting, owning her gifts (and being okay with areas that weren't her gifts!), how she has learned to embrace her active and "spirited" boys and the personalities God has given them, and how parenting has changed as her kids have gotten older.

    I hope our conversation encourages you -- wherever you are in your parenting journey -- that there is no better mom for the job!

    In This Episode:

    [01:19] Becky shares about being a mom to 3 spirited boys born in 3 1/2 years!

    [04:56] I read a quote from the book that discusses God’s love and how that contributes to confidence in parenting.

    [07:09] Was it a long process to get to the place of finding your confidence in God as a parent?

    [08:22] We talk candidly about how every mom is so different and Becky shares how she made peace with not being a mom who could take her kids to the park.

    [12:51] How do you approach delighting in high-energy children without crushing their spirit?

    [15:57] When you’re in the thick of things, you may not feel like you’re the right mom.

    [17:24] What would Becky say to the moms who feel like they aren't qualified and don't have any special gifts or talents?

    [20:42] There is a power in community. Learn how to build connections with other moms.

    [23:37] Being fine isn’t the point. Hear why!

    [24:49] How can you parent with confidence as your kids get older?

    Links and Resources:

    Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
    https://crystalpaine.com/75
    Tue, 17 Mar 2020 10:05:35 +0000
    74. Fear, Unknowns, & Courage (tornadoes, COVID-19)

    Early Friday morning, Kathrynne (15) got on a plane to fly to Suriname (in South America) for 9 days with a teacher and a small group of girls from school. (This picture was taken at a park there yesterday.)

    This is the girl who — just 5 years ago — was scared and completely uncomfortable to be around kids her age. This is the girl who has struggled with so many panic attacks and anxiety. The girl who was incredibly angry with us when we made the decision to put her in school after always homeschooling (she was so fearful of having to be around kids she didn’t know and to be in so many unknown situations all day long). This was the girl who was terrified to get on a plane to South Africa with us just 4 years ago.

    It’s our heart’s desire to raise self-sufficient adults, not co-dependent children. So over the past 5 years, we’ve slowly pushed her to do a lot of uncomfortable things, because we knew the only way she would grow wings and fly was if we gently nudged her out of the safety of our little nest.

    We often wondered if we were making the right call and we spent a lot of time crying out to God for wisdom and direction for the next step. God has been so faithful to give us wisdom — even when it’s meant making really hard calls (like quitting homeschooling).

    We look at her now and see that is was SO worth it — she’s a confident, outgoing 15-year-old with more friends than we can keep track of and a social calendar we struggle to keep up with. A girl who loves Jesus, life, adventure, travel, and people. A girl who excitedly jumped at the chance to go on trip to Suriname (her first international trip without us)!

    We’re still finding our way in what it looks like to parent teens. And I know we’ve made plenty of missteps. But we continue to just look to the Lord to give us wisdom for each new day, each new situation, each new unknown... and we trust Him to be faithful!

    Also, watching your kids go on their own adventures, jump out of their comfort zone, stretch themselves, and live courageously is one of the most rewarding things as a parent... even if it involves a lot of our own letting go! 😉

    On this week's episode of the podcast, Jesse and I tackle the timely topic of fear. We discuss the current fears over recent tornadoes in our area, COVID-19, political unrest, sending our daughter to Suriname, and a recent situation of a lot of unknowns with potentially fostering a newborn.

    If you struggle with fear -- especially when it comes to unknowns or your kids -- I think this episode will really encourage you. Fear isn't necessarily a bad thing; it's how you choose to act as a result of that fear.

    In This Episode:

    [01:44] Our area was hit by some devastating tornadoes, which is rare and has shaken up our community.

    [03:33] On top of that, the first case of COVID-19 was reported in our area the day we recorded this. We also just sent our daughter on a plane to spend 9 days in Suriname and we've walked through a lot of unknowns in foster care. We'll talk more about what we're learning from all of this later on in the show.

    [05:14] But first, AT&Ts international plan is saving Jesse’s life right now and lotion is saving my life this week.

    [08:52] To go along with this week's theme of fear, my book pick is one I highly recommend:Raising Worry-Free Girls.

    [11:41] We’ve been receiving some amazingly kind reviews on the podcast lately. Thank you!

    [14:44] Get ready to dive into fear. First, I share the entire emotional journey we went through while waiting to potentially foster a newborn. (We're still waiting on the call!)

    [19:00] How I let go of the fear and anxiety I was feeling around this whole fostering situation. It wasn't easy, but it was so good for me to work through.

    [21:13] We discuss the emotional turmoil our community is feeling with the tornadoes, COVID-19, and political unrest and we share lessons and thoughts on fear.

    [23:31] Did you know fear can actually be helpful and isn’t necessarily a bad thing?

    [24:25] Fear can either propel you to healthy action or paralyze you from taking action.

    [26:20] We want to raise adults. Letting Kathrynne go on this trip and prep for this trip is one more step in the right direction.

    [28:38] How are you going to act or react when fear arises?

    Links and Resources:

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    https://crystalpaine.com/74
    Tue, 10 Mar 2020 07:00:00 +0000
    73. Overcome Burnout and Get Your Joy Back (with John Eldredge)

    Feeling burdened, weary, tired, or heavy-hearted today? Try the One-Minute Pause! Here’s how it works:

    • Set a timer for 60 seconds.
    • Take a few deep breaths.
    • Then, verbally release the weight of what you are carrying. “I release my stress or worry over my job to You, God.” “I release my fear over my child’s future to You, God.” “I let it go.” Literally let yourself breathe out your fear, stress, worry, tension and breathe in God’s care and carrying of You.

    This simple practice isn’t going to solve all of your problems, but it can certainly help you feel a little calmer and remind you that you don’t have to carry the weight of the world on your shoulders.

    God sees you. He cares about you. And He is big enough to carry your heaviest burdens. You are not alone.

    Need more encouragement to stop feeling burned out and get your joy back? Be sure to listen to this week’s podcast episode with John Eldredge.

    We talked about simple, sustainable practices (like the One Minute Pause) he implemented in his life a few years ago when he found himself feeling completely burned out, tethered to his phone and email, and unable to really stop and savor his life.

    In This Episode:

    [00:57] I ask John Eldredge to introduce himself and share more about his books and ministry.

    [04:43] What inspired John to write his newest book?

    [06:11] John talks about realizing that his soul was running dry.

    [07:50] We discuss how hard was it for him to untether himself from his phone and email and the basic steps he took to get his job back.

    [11:31] Learn about how the One Minute Pause has impacted John’s day.

    [13:56] The One Minute Pause isn't just for adults; you could do it with your kids, too! Check out the One Minute Pause App.

    [17:08] Benevolent Detachment -- what does this mean?

    [22:59] Why naming your stressors out loud and letting them go helps turn your day and mindset around.

    [23:44] John encourages us with practical ways to drink beauty in for your soul.



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    https://crystalpaine.com/73
    Tue, 03 Mar 2020 11:29:45 +0000
    72. How to Fall in Love With Your Life

    Today’s culture is often one that feels so fast-paced. We are busy and strapped for time.

    What is this frenetic pace doing to our souls? I’ve been reading Get Your Life Back by John Eldredge and the first chapter of his book and the questions he asked inspired this episode.

    Many of you know that I'm currently working on a new book. As part of the writing process, I’m going through old Instagram posts -- many that I wrote 4 to 5 years ago. It was fascinating to me to read so many of these posts and recognize that there was a constant theme of me feeling how overwhelmed and exhausted.

    I realized that I'm no longer living in that space. Yes, there are still times when I'm tired. Yes, there are days when I bite off more than I can chew. But in reading John Eldredge's book and his questions on how to rate your soul, I was so encouraged.

    The changes I've made to slow down, prioritize rest, take care of my health, and delegate have made such a huge difference in the state of my soul!

    In this episode, Jesse and I share some of the thought-provoking questions that John asks, such as:

    • How often do you feel light hearted?
    • Are you excited about your future?
    • Do you feel deeply loved?
    • When was the last time you felt carefree?

    In this episode, we talk about holding grief and joy at the same time, letting go of burdens that aren't yours to carry, how our perspective can change so much, and the need to celebrate life more.

    In addition, we give you an update on Flu B, Thin Mints, our new ear thermometer, why I love my FitBit so much, and a book I recently re-read.

    In This Episode:

    [00:25] Welcome back! We are so excited to be flu and fever-free.

    [03:55] Jesse can’t find the other box of Thin Mints (I know where they are and I finally did tell him on the episode!), but did you know that Thin Mints keep in the freezer?

    [07:16] Our new Braun Ear Thermometer saved our lives this week.

    [09:38] My Fitbit Alta HR is saving my life this year.

    [13:13] I recently re-read Eat That Frog.

    [16:33] Let’s talk about falling in love or back in love with your life.

    [18:44] John Eldredge asks several questions at the beginning of his book that helps you score your soul. Listen and rate them for yourself.

    [21:01] I’ve been going through Instagram posts for my book and I noticed a trend 4 to 5 years ago... I was constantly overwhelmed, overburdened, and just tired.

    [25:00] Is it possible to hold sorrow in one hand and joy in the other? Are you trying to carry burdens that aren't yours to bear?

    [28:51] A challenge to you.

    Links and Resources:

    Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
    https://crystalpaine.com/72
    Tue, 25 Feb 2020 11:14:19 +0000
    71. "How do you stay so positive?"

    "How do you stay so positive?"

    I've been asked this question by multiple people in multiple ways recently so Jesse and I decided to devote a podcast episode to the topic.

    I thought it would be insightful for us to both talk about this, because I tend to be more of glass half full kind of person while Jesse is more of a glass half empty person.

    But it's been so cool to watch Jesse intentionally work to develop more of a positive outlook on life. He shares how he has done that and how it has impacted him.

    We also talk about what it looks like to choose our attitude, practical ways we seek to do this, why gratitude can make such a difference, how to feed your souls with good things, and practical things we do to uplift our souls.

    In addition to talking about staying positive, we also talk about dry shampoo, Thin Mints, our kids' thoughts on how read alouds have benefited their lives, why the kids want to limit the baby's exposure to screens, the flu, and the Enneagram. As usual, it was quite a diverse array of topics!

    In This Episode:

    [00:25] Greetings from the flu-infested Paine house.

    [01:53] To keep himself fortified, Jesse decided to get some Thin Mint Girl Scout cookies. ;)

    [02:44] A listener asks: Are you trying to hold on to your kids’ childhoods through bringing back read aloud time?

    [05:41] All three of our kids have very strong opinions and plans for investing in the baby's life.

    [08:12] My book for this week was The Path Between Us. This opened up some new methods of communication for Jesse and me.

    [11:14] Dry shampoo is saving my life. Learn why.

    [13:32] How can you stay positive when things are hard? Is it easier for some people?

    [15:53] Jesse feels like he may be wired to be more negative, but you get to choose your attitude.

    [18:23] Even with the week they’ve had while being sick with the flu, the kids still try to see the positive as well. It’s an intentional choice to be positive.

    [20:36] If you’re not a naturally positive person, you have to work that muscle and it’ll get easier.

    [23:02] Counting your blessings and being intentional about taking them in and naming them helps bring positivity to the forefront.

    [25:06] Keep in mind that someone else likely would love to be in your shoes for any number of your blessings.

    [26:00] An important word on when to seek professional help.

    Links and Resources:

    Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
    https://crystalpaine.com/71
    Tue, 18 Feb 2020 11:31:54 +0000
    70. How I Read 15 Books in January

    "How did you manage to read 15 books in January?"

    I've gotten this question over and over again the past two weeks. Truth be told, I had to stop and ask that question myself when I got to the end of January and realized I had finished 15 books in the first month of the year!

    As I reflected on the last month, I realized that there are 4 tweaks I made in January to how I approached reading that made a big difference... even though they were really minor tweaks.

    How I'm Fitting In More Reading Time

    1. I stopped answering Instagram messages (or getting distracted on Instagram) while on the treadmill and instead I use 20-30 minutes of my walking time each day to read a book.

    2. I began setting weekly reading goals that I'm posting on MoneySavingMom.com. This has been highly motivational for me to set weekly goals instead of yearly goals.

    3. I started listening to audiobooks again and try to get in at least an hour of audio listening while cleaning, cooking, getting ready in the morning, or driving by myself.

    4. I revived family read aloud time again -- something that we'd let go of in recent years.

    In this episode, I share more about how I'm making each of these tweaks happen and the way that they are making such a difference in our life.

    In This Episode:

    [02:46] I’ve been reading Originals by Adam Grant and had several takeaways.

    [07:38] We recently got a couple of suggestions from our listeners. Listen in!

    [09:16] Jesse has been geeking out on our new soundboard.

    [11:15] My Spalding leggings have been saving my life.

    [13:01] I dive into how I read more. Specifically how I read 15 books in January.

    [15:53] How reading instead of scrolling Instagram has made such a difference.

    [17:32] My practical suggestions for fitting in more audiobook listening.

    [20:12] Why (and how!) we started prioritizing family reading time again.

    [22:55] The difference that tracking my reading and setting weekly reading goals has made for me.

    [24:27] Bonus tip: How reading multiple books at once allows me to read more quickly too.

    Links and Resources:

    Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
    https://crystalpaine.com/70
    Tue, 11 Feb 2020 10:00:00 +0000
    69. Answering all your pregnancy questions

    Over the past few months, we've gotten lots of questions about this very unexpected and surprise pregnancy. So we decided to devote a podcast episode specifically to answering these questions.

    We had so much fun answering them in this week's podcast -- and talking about the books we're reading and two things that are saving our lives right now. In this episode, we share:

    • A body wash I'm loving
    • How Jesse finally came to the dark side and joined me in loving joggers
    • Books we're reading and loving right now
    • Our thoughts on the big age gap between Silas and this baby (11 years)
    • How having older kids has changed our perspective on this pregnancy
    • Why we're going to an OB instead of a midwife this time
    • What medication I took to help my nausea
    • Differences in this pregnancy versus my other pregnancies
    • What I'm doing differently this time around -- especially when it comes to postpartum
    • Little snippets of the birth stories of our other three kids.
    • And a lot more!

    In This Episode:

    [03:06] Aromatherapy Sleep body wash is saving my life this week.

    [05:29] Jesse’s finally realized why I love joggers so much!

    [06:45] What Jesse has been reading: Hunter Killer and E-Myth Real Estate Investor.

    [07:57] My passionate thoughts about The Whole-Brain Child.

    [12:47] The pregnancy apps I've been using

    [15:33] Our thoughts on the age gap between the older three kids and the new baby.

    [20:09] Why you should give yourself grace around the fatigue that being pregnant brings.

    [21:20] Hear my advice for dealing with anxiety while pregnant.

    [23:19] Jesse shares his advice on how men can support women through the course of pregnancy.

    [25:11] There have been a lot of firsts with this pregnancy, like taking medications and having an OB instead of a midwife.

    [28:28] Listen as I share the stories of the kids’ births and how they’ve affected my outlook with this birth.

    Links and Resources:

    Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
    https://crystalpaine.com/69
    Tue, 04 Feb 2020 10:00:00 +0000
    68. Secrets to a Happier Marriage (with Matt and Lisa Jacobson)

    Last week, Jesse and I shared some of our favorite tips and tricks for keeping the spark alive in your marriage on the podcast. We didn’t want to stop there, though. This week, we invited Matt and Lisa Jacobson to come share their perspective and secrets on how to keep your marriage alive and thriving.

    Matt and Lisa have been married 27 years, have eight children, and are speakers, podcasters, and authors who are passionate about the topic of marriage. In this episode, they share their personal anecdotes, practical ideas, and hard won advice on how to have a truly happy marriage -- even during the unexpected and really difficult seasons of life.

    A few topics we discuss:

    • how their marriage grew stronger as a result of having a child who was born with brain damage and wasn't expected to live
    • their secrets to making dates happen (it might surprise you)!
    • what a wife should do if she's really frustrated that her husband just keeps on disappointing her
    • their best advice for young couples
    • how to stop just surviving marriage and actually begin to thrive!
    • And so much more!

    In This Episode:

    [01:40] Matt and Lisa introduce themselves and share a bit about their businesses and books.

    [03:43] They have 8 children between the ages of 26 and 12 and have still managed to thrive.

    [06:35] Has the topic of marriage always been a passionate subject for Matt and Lisa?

    [08:20] How can you create and build a great marriage?

    [09:30] Listen as Lisa relates a small moment she and Matt shared that inspired one of their books.

    [11:57] What can newlyweds do to set themselves up for a long and prosperous relationship?

    [14:37] Your wife should feel cherished.

    [16:22] What you need to do to make a great date happen.

    [17:31] Ladies, you don’t have to wait for your husband to pursue you!

    [19:38] Your man isn’t made of Teflon. Things stick. Listen as Lisa and Matt share tips and tricks for being mindful of your words.

    [24:32] What can you do today to make your marriage better? Small, practical things you can do to bolster your relationship.

    Links and Resources:

    Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
    https://crystalpaine.com/68
    Tue, 28 Jan 2020 11:25:59 +0000
    67. Romance and Intimacy: 10 Ways to Keep the Sparks Flying

    I reached over last night and took his hand and said, “I really like you.”

    It might seem like such a simple gesture, but after 17 years of marriage, I’m so grateful that we don’t just love each, we LIKE each other, too.

    A good marriage doesn’t just happen; it requires two very different people to be willing to put forth time, effort, and sacrifice.

    To choose their spouse everyday — on the good days and the bad days.

    To be faithful and loving on the dark and difficult days.

    To look for the good, to appreciate your differences, to ask forgiveness and to be willing to extend forgiveness.

    To stay when it’s hard, to persevere when it’s exhausting, to be a champion and cheerleader instead of a comparer and complainer.

    A good marriage is work, but it’s worth it.

    This week, on the podcast, Jesse and I share candidly about romance and intimacy and give you 10 ideas that have helped us keep the sparks flying (some of them are probably not what you’d expect!).

    In This Episode:

    [01:12] In light of last week's episode, I had to tell you that I literally broke up with my phone -- unintentionally. :)

    [03:11] What’s saving our lives? A percussion massage gun and drinking a gallon of water.

    [09:18] I’m reading Killing the Rising Sun and Jesse is reading the He Reads Truth daily devotional.

    [13:38] Romance and intimacy… let's talk about some ways we've found to keep the spark alive.

    [15:29] Jesse shares 5 of his suggestions.

    [21:16] My 5 ideas -- and we had to laugh at how my first idea correlated to his 5th idea!

    [29:10] What would you add to our list?

    Links and Resources: How to Listen to The Crystal Paine Show

    The podcast is available on iTunes, Android, Stitcher, and Spotify. You can listen online through the direct player here. OR, a much easier way to listen is by subscribing to the podcast through a free podcast app on your phone. (Find instructions for how to subscribe to a podcast here.)

    Ready to dive in and listen? Hit the player above or search for “The Crystal Paine Show” on your favorite podcast app.



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    Tue, 21 Jan 2020 11:25:01 +0000
    66. How to Break Up With Your Phone

    About a week and a half ago, Jesse dropped his phone in the lake while duck hunting. To our surprise, instead of this being something that was a sort of frustrating expense and inconvenience, it turned into an unexpected blessing.

    On this episode, Jesse and I talk candidly about how addicting the phone can become, changes we've implemented to spend less time on our phones, and what has been working for us (as well as some things we are trying!)

    We also share some of how we are approaching phones with our kids, the dangers parents need to be aware of, and what we're learning as we're navigating having a teen and pre-teens in the age of so much connectivity and technology.

    In This Episode:

    [01:34] Why elderberry syrup is saving my life these days.

    [04:37] Jesse’s phone took a swim, listen to hear how it was a blessing in disguise.

    [13:53] How we turned the loss of the phone into a finances discussion with our kids.

    [16:20] Why phones have become an unhealthy addiction and how to break up with them.

    [19:12] How parents need to be aware of the dangers that are out there when it comes to our phones.

    [24:42] What kind of example are we setting for our kids with our phone usage?

    Links and Resources:

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    Tue, 14 Jan 2020 09:34:04 +0000
    65. Our Journey to Becoming Foster Parents
    Our Journey to Becoming Foster Parents

    “What’s your plan for foster care? How many kids are you planning to accept at a time? What ages of kids are you planning to foster? Are you hoping to adopt from the foster care system?”

    These questions and many more have been asked by very well-meaning, caring people over the last few months as we’ve shared the news that we were becoming foster parents.

    If you know me, you know I’m a planner. I’m a to do list queen. I love having order and organization in our lives. I’m a big proponent of setting goals.

    And yet, when it comes to foster care, I don’t have a pre-determined plan or fill-in-the-blank answers. In fact, my answer to pretty much every question is, “I don’t know. We’re open to how God leads.”

    That might seem vague or even like a cop out. But it’s the truest answer I have to give right now.

    Why We Said Yes to Foster Parenting

    You see, we aren’t saying yes to foster care because it fits into a grand plan we’ve written out for the next 10 years of our life. In all honesty, saying yes to foster care feels pretty crazy with our current workload and responsibilities and season of life.

    And yet, to the deepest part of our core, we know this is God’s call on our life and we know that He has a plan for our future that is greater and bigger and crazier than what we could dream up.

    So we've jumped off the cliff of our comfort and plunging into the unknown in full confidence that God’s got this. He knows what the future holds and He’s the One Who holds the future — and we can trust Him to carry us, even on the really hard days.

    In this week's episode of the podcast, Jesse and I share in-depth how we ended up on this journey (it wasn't one we ever anticipated being on!), why we made the decision to pursue getting licensed, what the licensing process was like, and what we've learned along the way. We also answer some of your most often-asked questions regarding foster care.

    In This Episode:

    [01:23] My exercise ball and cleaning out our closets have been saving our lives. We share why.

    [06:38] I just finished reading Parenting and wanted to share a few of my favorite quotes.

    [10:56] Jesse is reading Hunter Killer.

    [12:40] The unexpected path that led us to become foster parents.

    [19:37] We talk about what the classes and certification were like.

    [26:00] After finishing all the classes, we moved on to the home study.

    [29:18] What the best step to start with to look into fostering?

    [32:21] Why we decided to actively involve our kids in the decision-making process.

    [34:51] What are some of the best ways others can come alongside and help foster families?

    Links and Resources:

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    Tue, 07 Jan 2020 11:27:37 +0000
    64. My Word for 2020 (+ my goals for this week!)

    Like usual, as the year winds down and we head into November, I start thinking of what over-arching theme I want to pursue in the following year. My word for the year came pretty easily to me, as it often does.

    I sat with it for a few weeks to make sure I really loved it. And then I asked Jesse for his thoughts. He agreed that the word seemed fitting for 2020.

    So without further ado, my word for 2020 is: Savor.

    What Does Savor Mean?

    There are a variety of definitions for savor, but the basic definition is, “to taste or smell with pleasure.” I decided to expand my own personal definition of savor to encompass slowing down and fully experiencing life through my senses.

    I love how Vocabulary.com defines it:

    Whether it’s a feeling of joy or a piece of pecan pie — when you savor something, you enjoy it to the fullest.

    When you savor something, you enjoy it so much that you want to make it last forever. With that in mind, savor carries a connotation of doing something slowly. If you savor that flourless chocolate tart, then you eat it slowly, bit by bit, deliberately picking every last crumb off the plate. The word is often applied to eating, but you can savor any pleasurable experience, whether it’s the winning touchdown or your moment in the spotlight.

    Why Did I Choose This Word?

    My personality is one that doesn’t tend to do life slowly. I usually have an end goal in mind with almost everything and I can put my head down, my blinders on, and just aim straight for that objective.

    While there are good things about this tendency, it also means that I often miss a lot of beauty and experience along the way. This year, I want to take the time to really stop and savor life, to experience the richness of the everyday, and to notice what I’m tasting, touching, hearing, seeing, and feeling.

    I plan to not only be aware of this as I go throughout each day, but I also am going to set 2-3 goals per week that are focused on helping me use my senses to more fully experience life.

    To hear more about this word and why I chose it for 2020, be sure listen to this week’s podcast episode where I share more about choosing a word for the year, a book I just finished, a remedy that’s helping with my hacking cough, and more about weekly goal-setting versus yearly goal-setting.

    In This Episode:

    [01:07] Happy New Year! It feels like it has been forever since we’ve recorded a podcast! Listen in for a quick recap of our holiday!

    [05:36] Vicks VapoRub with socks is saving my life this week!

    [07:33] I finished An Invisible Thread on the drive home.

    [10:15] Why choose a word of the year and what was mine from 2019?

    [11:33] My word for 2020 is Savor. I share more about choosing this word.

    [14:13] How do I plan to live this out?

    [16:35] My goals for week 1 – January 2020 are…

    [19:31] What is your word of the year? How are you setting your goals in 2020?

    Links and Resources:

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    Tue, 31 Dec 2019 11:36:33 +0000
    63. What Worked and What Didn't Work in 2019

    Note: I said in the episode that next week we'd be talking about foster care next week. Well, I completely forgot that next week was Christmas! Whoops! We'll be taking next week off for Christmas but then we'll be back the week of New Year's with an episode on our Word of the Year for 2020. And then the following week, we promise to do the foster care episode! Thank you for your grace!

    We’re nearing the end of the year and it’s time to reflect on this year to prepare for next. This is the time of year that Jesse and I sit down and review the past year. How did we do on our goals? What worked? What didn’t? What did we learn?

    In this episode, we talk really candidly about our goals we set for 2019 and what worked, what didn't work, what we learned, and how we're changing up our goal-setting for 2019.

    If you'd enjoy a personal peek into what goal-setting has looked like for us, what we've learned about goal-setting, and how I'm completely changing the way I set goals in 2020, you don't want to miss this episode.

    Psst! You'll also get some first word news on a little of what you can expect on MoneySavingMom.com in 2020 (I think you're going to like it -- especially if you love my personal posts and enjoy my book posts and goal-setting posts!)

    We also give you a framework to reflect on your past year and how to use this as a reference point for setting goals. And by the way, even if you really despise the idea of setting goals, I think you'll still enjoy this episode!

    In This Episode:

    [00:49] Jesse and I are skipping our usual segments to dive straight into goal setting for the new year.

    [01:34] We share what our goal setting process looks like now versus in previous years.

    [03:27] Learn the three questions I ask myself as I reflect on the prior year.

    [03:50] Why should you set goals each year?

    [05:36] Make sure your goals are serving you.

    [06:42] Jesse and I share the goals that worked in 2019.

    [13:44] Next we ask ourselves, what didn’t work for the year?

    [17:34] The third question I like to ask is, what did I learn?

    [26:57] The last focus of goal setting for me is to think about what I hope for in the new year.

    [29:11] My two big goals for 2020? Have a baby! … and write a book. Plus, why I'm not setting yearly goals in 2020 and what I'm doing instead.

    Links and Resources:

    Note: This post contains affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase, we may receive a small commission — at no additional cost to you. Thank you so much for your support!



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    Tue, 17 Dec 2019 12:14:15 +0000
    62. How to Talk to Your Kids About Money

    "When do you start talking to your kids about money and how old should they be before you talk to them about it?"

    We get this question often and we decided to tackle it head on in today's podcast episode. And by that, I mean we talked about a number of things that might be a little be controversial. :)

    We approach the conversation of money with our kids much like we approach anything else in our parenting -- with the desire to lead by example and raise future adults. In this episode, we share when we begin talking about money with our kids, why we think it's important to let your kids handle money from a young age, why we involve our kids in financial conversations and decisions, how we offer our kids opportunity to earn money, and why we are okay with letting our kids make mistakes with money.

    In This Episode:

    [01:14] What’s saving our lives? It's all about Christmas decorating,

    [06:14] Off the bookshelf: A Cross to Kill by Andrew Huff and Families Where Grace is in Place by Jeff VanVonderen.

    [13:57] Learn four strategies to help kids learn how to think about and handle money.

    [14:58] Strategy number 1: Set a Great Example. More is caught than taught.

    [18:22] The second strategy: Start Teaching From a Young Age. It's never to early to begin!

    [21:39] Strategy number 3: Involve Your Kids as Much as Possible. Make it a family conversation and work together to achieve your financial goals!

    [24:42] The fourth strategy: Let your kids make mistakes. Save them the $3000 and $30,000 mistakes later by letting them make $3 and $30 mistakes now.

    [28:12] Why we let our kids earn and handle money and what this looks like for us.

    Links and Resources:

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    Tue, 10 Dec 2019 11:37:50 +0000
    61. Christmas Traditions & What We're Doing Differently This Year (a conversation with our kids)

    One of the most requested podcast episodes has been for us to talk about our Christmas traditions, what Christmas looks like for our family, and how we do gifts for our immediate and extended family.

    In this episode, we sat down with Kathrynne, Kaitlynn, and Silas and had a discussion on our favorite Christmas memories, why we make a December Bucket List, what we chose for our bucket list this year, some things we're doing differently for Christmas this year, how we do gifts, and what Christmas Eve and Christmas Day look like for our family.

    One of our biggest goals for each December is to keep things simple, not over-commit, and focus on memory-making and shared experiences. We sit down at the end of November and talk about what we want to prioritize for the Christmas season and then we make a list and block out days and times on the calendar to make these priorities happen.

    We're excited about some new things we're trying this year and we're looking forward to another special December season of celebrating the true meaning of Christmas and spending lots of time together as a family!

    In This Episode:

    [01:58] We kick off the show by each sharing one of our favorite Christmas memories.

    [07:29] Want to know what's on our December Bucket List this year?

    [11:16] Hear about our Dollar Tree stocking tradition and why we’re stepping it up this year.

    [13:16] How we do presents at our house.

    [15:45] Giving is something that is always a big priority for us, thanks to the kids' initiative in this area!

    [18:00] What does our actual Christmas Eve and Christmas Day celebration look like for our family?

    [21:38] The kids share our quirky wrapping tradition.

    Links and Resources:

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    Tue, 03 Dec 2019 11:40:07 +0000
    60. What to do When You Fail

    What do you do when you experience failure in your life or your business? One of our wonderful listeners asked how you get back up and keep going after failure, and Jesse and I had a lively and honest discussion around this in this week's episode of the podcast.

    Failure is a part of life, but it shouldn’t define who we are. For instance, for a long time, Jesse identified as a lawyer and that title made up his identity in many ways. If he failed or if he perceived a failure, that lack would directly impact his identity.

    For many others, they don't feel like they are good enough. When this is the case, it's so easy to see failure and setbacks as defining you as a failure personally.

    The truth is that true failure only occurs when you stop trying and give up. Until you stop trying, you haven't failed!

    So keep moving and learning and growing from your mistakes. Also, don't forget to stop and celebrate your wins. It's so easy to focus on what we're doing wrong instead of recognizing what we're doing right.

    In This Episode:

    [01:23] What’s saving our lives? Under Armour hoodies and my Sole F80 treadmill.

    [07:36] I’m reading Tasting Grace by Melissa d’Arabian.

    [12:25] Jesse shares how he gets up and does the next thing after a big fail?

    [16:03] So many people identify as “failures,” how do you separate the act of failure from your overall identity?

    [19:01] Everyone fails and each failure is a lesson learned.

    [21:51] True failure is when you stop taking action. Just keep moving forward.

    Links and Resources:

    Note: This post contains affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase, we may receive a small commission — at no additional cost to you. Thank you so much for your support!



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    Tue, 19 Nov 2019 08:00:00 +0000
    59. The Enneagram and Marriage

    We had a lot of fun with this episode -- and we learned a few things about each other in the process of recording it! What's today's podcast episode topic? The Enneagram and marriage.

    Whether you love all things Enneagram, are skeptical of it, or don't even know what it is, I think you'll enjoy this candid conversation about our differences, how we have worked through them, and what it looks like to love and respect someone who is the complete opposite of you in many ways.

    Pull up a chair (or a load of laundry!) and listen in as we chat about our big foster care news, grilling meat, my favorite makeup cleaner (and I make a confession that I might get some flack for), a book I'm reading, and marriage and the Enneagram!

    In This Episode:

    [01:55] What's saving our lives? Butcher Box and Mary Kay 3-in-1 Timewise Cleanser.

    [07:20] I’ve been reading Come Matter Here by Hannah Brencher.

    [11:28] How do marriage and the Enneagram tie in with one another?

    [14:37] Jesse talks about what it's like to be married to a very strong Enneagram 8.

    [18:30] On the flip side, I share what it is like being married an inquisitive Enneagram 5.

    [25:34] How do we reconcile our differences?

    [30:19] Learning more about our personality types has helped us to build a stronger marriage through understanding.

    [33:57] Choose to see differences as strengths and it will change your perspective -- and maybe your relationship!

    Links and Resources:

    Note: This post contains affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase, we may receive a small commission — at no additional cost to you. Thank you so much for your support!



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    Tue, 12 Nov 2019 11:40:11 +0000
    58. Building Father-Daughter Relationships

    On this week's episode of the podcast, we're talking about how to build a strong father-daughter relationship -- and I brought in my resident expert, Jesse, to give us input. (I didn't mention this on the podcast, but we also asked the girls to both give input on what they feel helps to build a strong relationship and that was some of the basis of what Jesse shared.)

    It has been so beautiful to watch Jesse lean in and love his daughters so well as they've gotten older. I know there can be a tendency for dads to pull back as girls get older and it can feel somewhat awkward as they are no longer little girls and are blossoming into young women.

    In this podcast, I ask Jesse to talk about how he has nurtured relationships with the girls, fostered strong communication and openness, and what he's done to continue to build into them as they've gotten older.

    He drops a lot of truth nuggets including the importance of making them feel valued, challenging them but not expecting perfection, and how to get them to want to talk with you.

    I hope this conversation encourages you. As always, we welcome your thoughts, constructive criticism, and feedback!

    In This Episode:

    [01:24] Soup is saving my life right now and check out the recipes we’ve tried recently.

    [03:32] Jesse’s talks about how his Post-It whiteboard gym schedule has made such a difference for him.

    [06:44] I share my book recommendation for this week and why it was so impactful to me.

    [10:58] Does Jesse feel like he’s felt the need to pull back from the girls as they get older?

    [14:06] Learn what Jesse aims to do by asking the girls the hard questions as they grow up.

    [16:22] Take the time to invest in your girls’ friendships as well.

    [19:51] Communicating to your kids that they are valued and loved is the key.

    [20:24] Affirm their strengths, character, and growth — and focus on the positives.

    [22:50] Don’t rescue your kids when they’re struggling. Struggle builds strength.

    [25:15] Hear Jesse’s parting wisdom on how to build up young girls.

    Links and Resources:

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    Tue, 05 Nov 2019 10:52:09 +0000
    57. Why & How I Stopped Drinking Coffee

    Any time I mention that I no longer drink coffee, I get so many questions on why and how I did this. I decided it was high time I write a post about my journey with quitting coffee!

    Why I stopped drinking coffee

    Let's be clear. This is not something I ever wanted to do and I never ever dreamed I'd be a non-coffee drinker!

    {So there's still hope for all you coffee drinkers out there who would like to try giving up caffeine but can't imagine a world without your coffee!}

    I started working with a nutritionist in August 2016 in hopes of clearing up my eczema and acne, and one of the first things he told me was that I had to stop drinking coffee.

    I immediately replied to him and said, "Hold up. I'll do anything else that you say, but I can not give up my coffee."

    He told me to just give it a try, trust him, and see what happens. So I did (reluctantly).

    Crystal Paine holding Give Me Jesus coffee mug

    Giving up coffee wasn't easy

    If you've ever wondered how to stop drinking coffee, I'm here to tell you that it was not easy.

    Prior to that I had been drinking two BIG cups of coffee every single day for a really long time -- and even three cups on the really rough days. And let me tell you, it was really, really hard to think of giving it up.

    I ended up deciding to stop drinking coffee cold turkey, and I wouldn't necessarily recommend that method. I started drinking a gallon of water every day, and I was also doing a cleanse at the time -- eating only greens and then slowly adding foods back in.

    The first 8 days were awful. I had a horrible headache and I craved coffee like crazy. I missed it SO much.

    Mostly, though, I missed the routine of my morning coffee. I had a ritual of getting up and pouring my cup of coffee, and I didn't know what to do without that morning ritual. I really loved savoring my morning over a cup of coffee, and it was something that was really cathartic for me.

    Because I couldn't drink coffee, I had a horrible headache and was extremely lethargic. All I wanted to do was sleep nonstop! I was sleeping about 10 hours every night in the beginning. (And this is a lot more than normal for me. I typically only need about 7 hours for a really good night's rest.)

    But you know what was happening? My body was finally trying to get caught up on all the sleep I had missed! My body had become SO dependent on coffee for so many years.

    I didn't even realize this until I stopped drinking coffee, but I had been masking my exhaustion and lack of energy with caffeine.

    Crystal Paine holding Get After It coffee mug

    How giving up coffee was life-changing for me

    I never imagined I'd learn how to stop drinking coffee, and it did take a few months for me to stop craving coffee.

    (And honestly, every once in a while -- even after two years -- I still crave it! But it's not worth the headache I immediately get even if I just have a few drops of caffeine!)

    Over time, it got easier and easier, and I slowly started noticing significant health changes from not drinking coffee. And I learned I can actually survive without drinking coffee -- something I never thought would be possible for me!

    Giving up coffee was a radical choice for me, but the radical results and changes were totally worth it:

    • I finally felt rested. For the first time in months, I felt caught up on sleep. Because I was getting enough sleep every night, I wasn't getting tired in the middle of the day!
    • I felt happier. I had SO much more energy and was way less irritable. All around, I was just in a much better mood every day.
    • It helped my anxiety. I didn't realize giving up caffeine would help my anxiety, but this was a life-changing result I wasn't expecting. I've now realized I am extremely sensitive to caffeine, and I can immediately feel the effects even if I have a tiny bit. Not drinking coffee has helped me feel calmer on a daily basis.
    • It improved my overall health. This -- combined with drinking more water and eating better -- really helped improve my overall physical health.

    Also, it's been really empowering for me to realize that I'm not dependent on coffee anymore and I have the energy to get through my days without it!

    Crystal Paine drinking tea

    What I drink instead

    Since the morning ritual was what I missed most about coffee, I had to replace those habits so that I could still enjoy waking up and savoring a hot beverage first thing in the morning.

    Because I'm highly sensitive to caffeine, I don't drink caffeinated teas. So I've replaced my cup of coffee with a huge cup of strong herbal tea. I typically use two bags of tea so that it's super strong, I add lots of cream (just like I did when I drank coffee), and I add honey to sweeten it.

    This strong cup of herbal tea with lots of cream and honey has become a great alternative for me without sacrificing my morning ritual.

    If you're looking for some tea ideas, you can check out my favorite Decaf Chai Latte recipe or this list of my favorite decaf teas to drink.

    Listen to the Podcast on This Topic

    For more about how and why I stopped drinking coffee, listen to this week's episode of The Crystal Paine Show.

    In This Episode:

    [00:41] This is going to be a hot button episode - learn all about why I stopped drinking coffee!

    [01:44] Jesse and I chat about the Spartan Race the family ran.

    [05:54] Mint Majesty Tea is saving my life these last few weeks!

    [07:09] Check out The Only Plane in the Sky. I finished it this week and it was captivating.

    [10:10] So… why did I stop drinking coffee?

    [12:49] What did it feel like to even think of giving up coffee?

    [13:39] It was hard… awful… miserable... yep, all those things!

    [16:56] But I stuck with it -- and I'm so grateful that I did!

    [18:22] Jesse too has been focusing on drinking more water and it’s changed how his body reacts to caffeine.

    [19:23] I had no idea how much caffeine was affecting my sleep and my overall health.

    [23:11] Do I miss or crave coffee still?

    [26:02] If you’re feeling tired or sluggish, here are some others options for a pick-me-up.

    [27:03] Learn more about my favorite coffee replacements!

    Links and Resources:



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    Tue, 29 Oct 2019 18:09:29 +0000
    56. South Africa Trip Recap (with Jesse and Kathrynne)

    As a mom, there’s not much that warms your heart more than seeing your child find such fulfillment in loving on others.

    We usually go to South Africa every year to spend time with our friends there and to see the progress and work being done by Take Action Ministry — the ministry that is near and dear to our hearts and the one we are very involved with there. (If you’re interested in reading about previous trips, you can read more and see lots of pictures here.)

    I couldn’t go this year because of my pregnancy, but I got to send Jesse and Kathrynne instead and they had the absolute BEST time!
    I just couldn’t stop smiling as Jesse sent me pictures when they were there. To see my 14-year-old so happy and at home in the country that has stolen my heart made me beyond thrilled and proud as a parent.

    There’s a lot of things we’ve gotten wrong and are getting wrong as parents, but we will never regret the priority we’ve placed on travel and experiencing other countries and cultures. It has so profoundly impacted all of us for so much good.

    In this week’s episode of the podcast, I sat down with Jesse and Kathrynne and asked them to share about their trip. I loved getting to hear their perspective, what they experienced, and what they have learned from our time spent in South Africa.

    In This Episode:

    [01:19] Jesse and Kathrynne share why they went to go to South Africa.

    [02:33] We all talk about what the flights to South Africa are like and the anxiety that sometimes has surrounded these long international flights.

    [08:03] Jesse chats about some of the highlights of this year’s trip and how the area has changed so much.

    [08:51] What does Take Action Ministry do at the centers and what is the purpose of these centers?

    [13:06] Kathrynne shares her experience with the food prepared and served at the centers.

    [15:09] Hear about Kathrynne’s trip highlights.

    [18:14] What was different about this trip from the ones taken in the past?

    [20:32] We could just give them money, but going and being there is so much more impactful.

    [22:50] How have these trips impacted Kathrynne’s and Jesse’s lives?

    [27:45] Kathrynne ends the conversation with how appreciative she is for all of the opportunities she has in her life.

    Links and Resources:

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    Tue, 22 Oct 2019 10:17:02 +0000
    55. Breaking Free from Anxiety, Stress, & Survival Mode (with Aundi Kolber)

    Okay, I know I've said this before about other episodes, but I truly think today's episode was one of my very favorite podcast recordings to date!

    Maybe it had something to do with the fact that Aundi Kolber is a therapist and I felt like I got a therapy session just by spending an hour with her?! :) Listen in to the episode and you'll see what I mean.

    Aundi has a gift of sharing so eloquently and yet also in such a heartfelt manner. She just exudes such peace and calmness, but also such profound wisdom and understanding of how we are wired.

    In this episode, we not only talk about what's saving our lives (I had to laugh that she talked about something related to brain science and I talk about leggings!) and the books we're reading, but then we dive into some deep heart topics. She shares what it means to Try Softer (the title of her new book), the difference between Big T trauma and little t trauma and how we might be experiencing the aftershocks of little t trauma without even realizing it and this might be at the root of our stress, anxiety, and overwhelm.

    Aundi explains thoroughly how the body processes pain -- whether physical or emotional. And she provides very concrete suggestions and ideas for how we can start to take steps toward more healing and wholeness.

    Whether you feel stressed, anxious, and overwhelmed or whether you know someone who does, this conversation is highly important and one that you do not want to miss. I have thought of it over and over again since we recorded last week and will be taking so many nuggets of truth from it to apply to my everyday life.

    In This Episode:

    [00:25] Welcome back! I am so excited to have Aundi Kolber on the show!

    [01:06] Aundi shares about a little about her background and family

    [03:43] Meaningful walks are saving Aundi’s life -- and the brain science she shares here is fascinating! And then, to keep things a little more down to earth (!), I talk about my new favorite leggings.

    [09:25] We discuss our current reads, including one written by a therapist and a novel I finished last week.

    [13:08] Why did Aundi write Try Softer? (I loved that she wrote it as a love letter to her younger self!)

    [17:20] We talk about the stigma surrounding the word “trauma” and why it's important to understand if you've experienced little t trauma.

    [19:27] How can you tell if you’re holding onto the pain of the past and how does it show up in your life?

    [23:50] What does it mean to "try softer" and how can we apply this in our every day lives?

    [27:37] Aundi shares practical first steps for beginning to break free from stress, anxiety, and survival mode -- even if you feel so stuck and overwhelmed that you don't know how to take the first step!

    Links and Resources:



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    https://crystalpaine.com/55
    Tue, 15 Oct 2019 10:26:42 +0000
    54. Jesse Answers Your Burning Questions

    In 2014, Jesse closed down his law practice, we moved from Kansas to Tennessee, and he came home full-time.

    That was over 5 years ago and it’s taken us a few years to find our rhythm. We’ve both learned and grown a lot in these last five years. It hasn’t been easy. He struggled through a period of depression. I struggled to figure out what it looked like to love him well through that.

    But in the last two years, I’ve seen Jesse truly come alive, embrace who God has made him to be, and pour himself into the people and opportunities right in front of him. It has been beautiful and heartwarming to have a front row seat on his journey!

    So many people have asked questions over the past five years like, “Is Jesse still an attorney? Why did he leave his law practice? What is his role in your business? What does his day-to-day look like?”

    I think the fact that he would choose to come home full-time after getting his law degree and being licensed as an attorney really fascinated people... or makes people shake their heads in confusion.

    Today, on the podcast, I ask him these burning questions you all have asked and he gets really honest about his journey and where he is now.

    If you’re struggling with major life changes, want to find your worth outside of your work, or are just curious about some of the behind-the-scenes of our lives, I think this episode will encourage you.

    Thank you, Jesse, for your willingness to be so open and vulnerable. I love you and love this crazy and adventurous and wild ride of life we’re on together!

    In This Episode:

    [00:25] Welcome back! We're turning the tables a little today and I'm interviewing Jesse!

    [01:38] What’s saving our lives: Nalgene bottles and seeing our baby on an ultrasound!

    [06:44] I haven't gotten in much reading recently, but every day I take time to read The Daily Light.

    [09:01] Jesse shares a brief recap of his story post-law school and starting his own law firm.

    [13:45] Why did Jesse decide to close down the law firm?

    [19:04] How Jesse struggled to recognize his gifts and battled depression in those early months.

    [23:07] What does Jesse’s life look like now?

    [29:10] We talk about Jesse's involvement in church, our home, and our business.

    [31:16] I close out the show by sharing why I am so grateful that Jesse is home and how his willingness to take a risk has benefited our family in such profound ways.

    Links and Resources:



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    https://crystalpaine.com/54
    Tue, 08 Oct 2019 10:17:39 +0000
    53. 4 Strategies to Survive Stretching Seasons

    Are you in a season of life that feels stretching, exhausting, or overwhelming? If so, today's episode just might really encourage you!

    I share 4 strategies for surviving stretching seasons that I'm currently implementing right now in the middle of morning sickness and a really, really full work schedule (gratefully, I'm finished with 3 of the biggest work weeks of my year and things are slowing down now!)

    By the way, I intentionally use the word stretching not stressful... and I explain why on the podcast. This change in wording really has helped me to have a different perspective! And I talk about this as the first strategy on the podcast today.

    I get really practical in this episode, including talking about why I decided to take medication for my nausea and what is working for me.

    In This Episode:

    [00:54] I start off by sharing a story of something I did last week that caused me to freak out and feel stressed. And then I share how I processed through this... and what I learned from it.

    [07:35] What's saving our lives: GOWOD app and the Preggie Pop Drops. (I'm pretty sure you can guess who chose which!)

    [13:35] Jesse doesn’t have a book to share for this episode, but I have been reading The Choosing by Rachelle Dekker.

    [16:11] Why I’m using the word stretching versus stressful to describe this season of life.

    [19:03] Strategy #1: Change your perspective.

    [19:43] Strategy #2: Focus on the barebones basics (we define this in the episode).

    [21:42] Strategy #3: Prioritize rest!

    [22:08] Strategy #4: Live one day at a time.

    [23:09] I get really practical as I talk about doing your best and how your best is going to look different in different seasons.

    Links and Resources:

    Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
    https://crystalpaine.com/53
    Tue, 01 Oct 2019 10:34:03 +0000
    52. My Unplugged Sundays Experiment

    When Jesse and I first got married, we always took Sunday offline. It was a day for us to just enjoy going to church, resting, and being together as a family.

    In recent years, I’ve fallen out of that practice (I'm not even exactly sure why, but I did). In addition to going to church and volunteering at church, Sunday became a day for me to also play catchup on a lot of blogging work and emails.

    This meant that I was usually working at least some hours every single day of the week. Which I don't recommend because it meant I rarely had a stretch of offline time for more than a few hours at a time.

    My 4-Week Commitment

    I could make a lot of excuses and seemingly valid reasons as to why I "needed" to work on Sunday, but I realized that working 7 days a week wasn't good for my soul or body or family, so I decided to try something different and make a 4-week commitment to unplug and go offline on Sundays.

    In today's podcast episode, I share really candidly the surprising results of my experiment and how much it has changed my life. (Oh and Jesse also shares about his current morning routine and a type of chair we love. I talk about a book I finished recently and the one food I've been loving in my first trimester.

    In This Episode:

    [02:14] Listen in as Jesse shares about his morning routine and an outdoor chair that we love.

    [06:13] I tell you about a book I recently finished that goes along so well with this podcast episode.

    [09:26] Let's talk about my Unplugged Sundays Experiment.

    [09:59] For years, I justified working on Sunday for a variety of reasons.

    [11:30] … but really it was a lack of trust in God and trying to control things in my own strength.

    [13:03] Rather than making a big longterm commitment, I did a four-week-long trial of not working on Sunday.

    [16:31] The benefits of the time off have been incredible. I share the different surprises that have happened along the way.

    [18:06] Why I now feel so much more productive in the 6 days I do work.

    Links and Resources:



    Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
    https://crystalpaine.com/52
    Tue, 24 Sep 2019 10:42:42 +0000
    51. Our HUGE announcement!

    The biggest surprise of our lives: I’M PREGNANT!!!!!!

    The fertility specialist said we weren’t even a candidate for IVF, but y’all, our God is bigger than a specialist’s diagnosis or multiple tests that said it would never, ever be a possibility.

    When we got the devastating new last year that we would never be able to conceive again — even with a lot of fertility help — we decided to grieve and find closure and then let the dream of expanding our family through pregnancy die. Instead, we felt God leading us to foster and we spent all summer working towards getting licensed.

    Two days after we finished all the foster care licensing requirements, we found out we were expecting (through a crazy set of circumstances!)

    It was the most hilarious and humbling gift from God ever. To say we were in complete shock would be an understatement.

    I never thought I’d get to carry another life inside of me. Every day is a gift. The morning, noon, and night sickness is a gift. And instead of wanting to just get the first trimester over with, I’m seeking to savor each day as best as is possible.

    If you want all the details on how we found out (I thought I was going through early menopause!) or how we told the kids, be sure to tune in to today’s episode of The Crystal Paine Show.

    Oh and yes, we’re still moving forward with foster care (we found out two days after our home study was finished!) and I’m due April 30th — the same due date I had with Silas almost 11 years ago!!

    Note: I know that many of you are struggling through the pain of infertility right now. My heart’s desire is that by me sharing this, it would in no way cause additional pain for you but would give you a glimmer of hope. God is still in the miracle-working business and He can do anything. At the same time, please know that my heart has hurt for you as I thought about announcing our news today. You are seen. You are not forgotten. And I would be honored to pray for you — just send me a message and I’ll pray for you by name

    In This Episode:

    [00:25] We have some HUGE news for you! I’m PREGNANT and it’s complete and unexpected miracle!

    [02:53] Why going through infertility testing and procedures helped us realize the miracle we had in our three children.

    [03:27] We found out two days after finishing our foster care home study (the last portion required to get licensed).

    [04:30] I was feeling super anxious and irritable and stressed about the home study, which seemed out of character for me.

    [05:27] All the details on the crazy way we ended up finding out and why I thought I was going through early menopause!

    [11:00] My heart goes out to all the women who are struggling with infertility. My hope is that this announcement gives you hope not sadness.

    [12:51] Want to know how the kids took the news?

    Links and Resources:

    Crystal Paine on Instagram

    crystal@moneysavingmom.com

    Money Saving Mom

    Money Saving Mom on Facebook

    Money Saving Mom Deal Seekers Facebook group



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    https://crystalpaine.com/51
    Tue, 17 Sep 2019 07:00:00 +0000
    50. 4 Rhythms You Need in Your Life (with Rebekah Lyons)

    “We don’t need to hustle to prove something God already says is true.”

    I can’t stop thinking about this quote, ever since I read it in Rebekah Lyon’s book, Rhythms of Renewal.

    If we’re gut honest, how often are we working so hard in an effort to try to impress someone else, earn someone’s approval, or prove something to ourselves or others?

    Jesus came so we can stop striving and instead rest in the beautiful truth that we are enough in Him. We don’t have to do more, be more, try harder, do better, and hustle like crazy to win His favor. In Christ, we are pre-approved. There’s rest and freedom at the foot of the Cross!

    I was so honored to get to sit down and record a podcast episode with Rebekah Lyons recently on what it looks like to live from a place of renewal and rest instead of from a place of stress. We talked about the 4 rhythms everyone needs to have in their life, how easy it can be to incorporate them, and how much of a difference they can make.

    She also shared about their recent adoption and how this “holy interruption” has beautiful impacted their life in ways she couldn’t dream or imagine.

    If you struggle with feeling overwhelmed, constantly stressed, and/or always needing to try to rightly control every situation in your life, don’t miss this week’s podcast episode.

    In This Episode:

    [01:18] Rebekah shares a bit about herself, her story, and how her new daughter has dramatically changed her life and work.

    [04:21] Listen as Rebekah and I share the books we’re reading.

    [07:54] Hear why Joy, Rebekah’s new daughter, is saving her life.

    [14:13] What’s saving my life? My gratitude journal!

    [15:36] Rebekah and I dive into what inspired her to write her newest book.

    [21:17] Learn the four rhythms we should focus on in our lives and in what order.

    [25:12] View this book as an “undo” type of book. It’s not meant to add to your plate but to clear it.

    [26:45] Practice the rhythms by doing small things every day. Rebekah gives great starting points and ideas!

    Links and Resources:

    Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
    https://crystalpaine.com/50
    Tue, 10 Sep 2019 10:40:46 +0000
    49. Finding Good Friends

    “We can’t win when we go it alone.” -Jessica Honegger

    In this week's podcast, I share more of my struggle with friendships. I talk about the truths that have set me free to develop deep relationships and some of my best tips for finding good friends. If you've struggled to develop deep relationships or you know someone who struggles with finding and keeping friends, I hope this episode encourages you.

    In this episode, Jesse and I also share what’s saving our lives this week and we are on opposite ends of the spectrum. Jesse just got back from an awesome fishing trip in Louisiana, and due to weather, there were a lot of flight delays. He was so thankful that we invested in TSA Pre-check. And I’m just in love with my leopard print flats. They can be dressed up or dressed down, and they’ve added a fun pop to my wardrobe.

    Also, we talk about a book I listened to that Jesse talked about on a previous episode... and let's just say that I had some pretty strong opinions to share about it. :)

    In This Episode:

    [01:01] Jesse chats about his fishing trip to Louisiana.

    [03:19] What’s saving our lives right now? For Jesse, it is TSA Pre-check. For me, it’s my leopard print flats!

    [06:24] Listen in to hear what books we are reading/listening to -- and how Jesse has such different tastes in books!

    [12:41] I read an email from a listener who’s honesty inspired this episode.

    [14:11] The first step to finding good friends: Learn to let go of the lies you believe about yourself and replace those lies with truth.

    [16:39] Seek relationship, not approval and stop looking for perfection.

    [21:08] Be the initiator when reaching out to new friends.

    [23:30] Go first with honesty! It’s worth the risk.

    [24:10] Don’t give up too soon!

    [25:03] Believe the best in the other person.

    [25:27] Keep short accounts.

    Links and Resources:

    Note: This post contains affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase, we may receive a small commission — at no additional cost to you. Thank you so much for your support!



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    https://crystalpaine.com/49
    Tue, 03 Sep 2019 10:37:54 +0000
    48. Helping Our Kids Overcome Shame (with Kristin Maher)

    Kristin Maher, author of the new kids’ book, The Awfulizer: Learning to Overcome the Shame Game, sat down in my office studio last week and had a really honest conversation with me.

    We talked about what shame is, how to help our kids understand and recognize their Shame Voice, and what to do when your older child doesn’t feel like they are good enough.

    We also had a really frank discussion about shame and body image and how many of us adults still struggle with shame and those feelings of not being enough.


    If you’ve ever felt like, “If people knew everything about me, they would leave” or “I don’t measure up to others” or you have a child who struggles with believing lies about themselves, please do not miss this conversation with Kristin.

    It might step on your toes a bit (it stepped on mine!), but I think it will also give you hope, encouragement, and practical steps you can take for yourself and your kids to start overcoming the Shame Game.

    Let’s break free from the lies we believe and the Shame Voices that are telling us we’re not enough... and let’s walk in the truth! This is how we start breaking the Shame Cycle — for ourselves and the next generation!

    Psst! You’ll also get to hear about our current reads and why robot vacuums are lifesavers!

    In This Episode:

    [01:19] Kristin gives a brief introduction of herself and her family.

    [02:16] Kristin and I share what books we’re reading right now.

    [05:50] Hear what’s saving our lives right now -- including a robot vacuum.

    [09:04] Kristin discusses why she decided to write her book and her inspiration.

    [11:56] How did shame manifest itself in Kristin's life?

    [12:49] What process did Kristin follow to overcome her shame talk and how long did it take?

    [14:39] What can parents do to help their children process, overcome, and prevent shame?

    [18:09] How can parents talk to their older children about shame?

    [21:21] We discuss ways to change our self-talk to be an example to our children.

    [27:42] Let's stop believing the lies and begin living in the truth!

    Links and Resources:

    Note: This post contains affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase, we may receive a small commission — at no additional cost to you. Thank you so much for your support!



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    https://crystalpaine.com/48
    Tue, 27 Aug 2019 10:22:35 +0000
    47. The Power of a Morning Routine

    We're in the middle of getting back to the swing of things around here now that school has started back. One of the things that has made such a difference for us in jumping back in to getting everyone out the door early in the mornings is the fact that we had a great morning routine throughout the summer.

    In this episode, we talk in-depth about our morning routines, what they look like, and why they work so well for us. Whether you love or loathe the idea of morning routines, I think this episode will inspire and encourage you! By the way, need some encouragement and accountability, to create a routine of your own? Check out my 5-Days to a Better Morning Challenge!

    We also share details of something exciting Jesse got to do recently, our trip to Table Rock Lake, Jesse's surprising discovery (I can't WAIT for you to hear this one!), books we've recently finished, and the mascara I accidentally fell in love with.

    In This Episode:

    [02:02] Jesse got to see Jocko Willink at a conference!

    [06:27] Hear what’s saving our lives and why Jesse is eating crow… (hint: it involves audio)

    [09:34] Want to know what we’re reading/listening to?

    [13:16] Learn why having a morning routine leads to success… not a lack of sleep!

    [15:07] I share my current morning routine (yes, you can laugh because it's fairly unconventional!)

    [19:02] It’s Jesse’s turn! Hear about his morning routine.

    [20:55] A morning routine impacts my life for the better because it:

  • Helps me to consistently stick to important habits.
  • Provides a solid foundation for my day.
  • Sets me up for success.

    • [24:16] What works for me won't necessarily work for you, but I hope this episode inspires you to be intentional with your mornings.

    Links and Resources:

    Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
    https://crystalpaine.com/47
    Tue, 20 Aug 2019 10:39:06 +0000
    46. Modesty, Legalism, and Grace

    Ever since Jesse and I did our show on breaking free from legalism, we’ve received a lot emails, messages, and comments all asking similar questions.

    The questions were all something like, "If you don't adhere to legalism, what should you adhere to?" "How do you determine what you should believe and practice?" "What kind of convictions should a Christian have when it comes to dress, music, dating, a woman's role, etc.?"

    In this episode, Jesse and I dig into the concept of standards and how to know what to believe and practice in light of grace and the Gospel. We tackle some tough topics -- like modesty -- and share how we process through what is right and wrong when it comes to standards.

    While I don't expect you to agree with every thing we say, I hope that this episode will challenge you to think about what you believe and why you believe it and the choices you make and why you make them.

    In This Episode:

    [00:26] - Welcome back to the show! This is a different show than we usually do because we're going to take a deep dive into the topic of legalism.

    [01:57] - Listen as I read the listener email that inspired us to do this show.

    [03:28] - Jesse starts off with his thoughts on the email and the definition of standards.

    [06:03] - Is your reason for doing something to please someone else or to "fit in"?

    [07:09] - The basis of any standard should start with your heart.

    [10:14] - Who do you believe God is? Your actions might show that it's actually different than what you say.

    [11:42] - I share my favorite phrase in the Bible that applies to this topic and how it has profoundly impacted my life.

    [17:35] - So what standards should we set? How do we decide how we should act and what convictions we should hold?

    Links and Resources:

    Have feedback on the show or suggestions for future episodes or topics? Send me an email: crystal@moneysavingmom.com

    Note: This post contains affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase, we may receive a small commission — at no additional cost to you. Thank you so much for your support!



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    https://crystalpaine.com/46
    Tue, 13 Aug 2019 10:42:48 +0000
    45. The Apps & Tools We Use to Plan Our Day

    A question I get asked often is, "How do you plan your day and keep track of everything in an organized manner?"

    Well, in this week's episode of The Crystal Paine Show, Jesse and I not only share what's saving our lives and talk about books we are reading, but we also give you an insider look into how we each plan our days.

    Jesse’s time management plan is a little more detailed than mine, but it works for him. He uses his Appigo app, his Michael Hyatt Full Focus Journal, and our family Google calendar to keep his tasks in order. For me, keeping three separate calendars would feel like overkill, but it works well for him.

    I like using my Google Calendar to brain dump all of the tasks and the activities for those tasks into one place. I share how I use a hybrid system of Google calendar + a time-blocked to do list and talk about why this works so well for me.

    Oh and I also talk about one tip that makes such a difference that I was a little embarrassed to admit until I saw that Cal Newport does it, too!

    In This Episode:

    [00:26] - Welcome back to the show! We share about our recent trip to Georgia, our time at Sweetwater Creek State Park, and my Mastermind one-day event.

    [05:31] - What’s saving our lives? Jesse: Appigo, his to-do list app. Mine: our electric tea kettle!

    [07:54] - Jesse’s reading The E-Myth Real Estate Investor. I just finished The Last Christmas in Paris.

    [11:51] - Today we wanted to share how we plan our days, especially since summer is almost over!

    [16:24] - With his 3 different calendars, how is Jesse not duplicating work/tasks?

    [17:25] - Learn why I love using Google Calendar to brain dump my day!

    [19:00] - While I don’t usually use my calendar for everyday tasks when I’m developing a habit I set a daily reminder.

    [20:39] - In the evening, I block out my time for the next day.

    [21:48] - My one not-so-minimalist habit is re-writing my task list halfway through the day and I share the three reasons why I think this is so helpful.

    [26:02] - Set realistic timeframes for the tasks on your list and start simple.

    [27:35] - Download my PDF on how I plan my days with Google calendar.

    Links and Resources:

    Have feedback on the show or suggestions for future episodes or topics? Send me an email: crystal@moneysavingmom.com

    How to Listen to The Crystal Paine Show

    The podcast is available on iTunes, Android, Stitcher, and Spotify. You can listen online through the direct player we’ll include in the show notes of each episode. OR, a much easier way to listen is by subscribing to the podcast through a free podcast app on your phone. (Find instructions for how to subscribe to a podcast here.)

    Ready to dive in and listen? Hit the player above or search for “The Crystal Paine Show” on your favorite podcast app.

    Note: This post contains affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase, we may receive a small commission — at no additional cost to you. Thank you so much for your support!



    Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
    https://crystalpaine.com/45
    Tue, 06 Aug 2019 16:22:42 +0000
    44. Our #1 Tip for a Stronger Marriage

    Jesse and I are so very, very different. And I love it so much (well, most of the time!)

    Case in point: Jesse and I went to Home Depot recently to pick out lighting fixtures for the bathroom renovation. I walked in, scanned the shelves, and picked the first fixture that was inexpensive and looked like it would match.

    Jesse, on the other hand, had spent at least an hour beforehand looking at multiple websites, researching brands, and comparing options. Then, in store, he analyzed the pros and cons, price, and durability of each potential lighting fixture.

    Even though our differences can sometimes drive each other batty, the longer we’ve been married, the more we appreciate how our unique perspective compliments the other.

    For instance, if I were the only one in charge of choosing a lighting fixture, my lack of research and hasty decision-making would land us with a lemon of a light fixture that wouldn’t work well and wouldn’t last.

    On the other hand, if Jesse were solely in charge of picking out a light fixture, he’d probably still be in Home Depot right now... because there’s always something else you need to research.

    And that’s why we need each other. He’s the slow down to my hurry up. And I love him so much!

    When we stop trying to change our spouse and instead appreciate the gift that their differences bring to our life, it transforms our marriage!

    In this episode, we share more about how learning to see, accept, and embrace our differences has changed our marriage in such a powerful way. And we share how this can apply to all relationships.

    In This Episode:

    [00:26] - We’re back! Hear about our foray into fostering through respite care.

    [03:48] - What’s saving our lives? For Jesse it’s the YNAB app. For me? It’s Waze.

    [11:41] - Jesse talks about a book he just finished and I read a poignant excerpt of a book I just finished that goes hand-in-hand with our last episode.

    [16:33] - Today Jesse and I share about our number one tip for creating a stronger marriage (well, Jesse isn't quite sure about that!)

    [19:20] - We discuss one of the things that has caused the most conflict in our marriage and how it has played out over the years.

    [22:09] - Trying to change your spouse never works... it only creates more conflict and tension.

    [22:55] - The secret to healthier, happier relationships? Recognize, own, and embrace your differences and see them as a gift.

    Links and Resources:

    Have feedback on the show or suggestions for future episodes or topics? Send me an email: crystal@moneysavingmom.com

    How to Listen to The Crystal Paine Show

    The podcast is available on iTunes, Android, Stitcher, and Spotify. You can listen online through the direct player we’ll include in the show notes of each episode. OR, a much easier way to listen is by subscribing to the podcast through a free podcast app on your phone. (Find instructions for how to subscribe to a podcast here.)

    Ready to dive in and listen? Hit the player above or search for “The Crystal Paine Show” on your favorite podcast app.

    Note: This post contains affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase, we may receive a small commission — at no additional cost to you. Thank you so much for your support!



    Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
    https://crystalpaine.com/44
    Tue, 30 Jul 2019 07:00:00 +0000
    43. The Lies We Believed

    For the longest time, the words that I believed about myself were, “Not enough.”

    I had believed this lie long enough that it became my truth.

    I believed I wasn’t good enough for friendship, so that’s why I didn’t have any close friends. I became a world class people pleaser — and I spent years agonizing over whether people approved of me and working hard to win and keep approval.

    I believed I wasn’t good enough when it came to school, so I tried to prove myself by becoming a workaholic and building a successful business. I hoped this would show that I had worth and value. But I still felt like a big imposter.

    I believed I wasn’t enough for my Heavenly Father so I worked hard to become the best Christian ever... and followed a strict set of rules for what I wore, what I did, what I didn’t do, what books I read, what kinds of movies I watched, who I associated with. I got up really early to read my Bible and pray every day. I made sure I was as different from “the world” as I could be. But all of this made me feel like I just needed to do better, try harder, strive more.

    I was inwardly miserable, constantly stressed and anxious, regularly struggling with panic attacks, incredibly lonely, and often suicidal.

    And then Jesus swooped in and, through His grace and kindness, He revealed to me the life-transforming power of the Gospel.

    He died on the Cross so I can stop striving. When I put my faith in Him, I no longer have to try to be good enough. I am covered by the blood and when God looks at me He sees *Jesus*.

    It took me a few years to believe this truth and let it soak in deep. But when I did, it set me FREE!

    I am loved. I am accepted. I am pre-approved. I have incredible worth. In Him.

    I am fully loved and chosen by the Creator of the Universe. And that is what defines me now.

    Have you ever struggled with believing lies about yourself? Today on the podcast, Jesse and I share more about the lies we believed and the steps we took to break free from those lies in order to walk in freedom & truth!

    To listen, search for The Crystal Paine Show on your favorite podcast app or drop an emoji in the comments & I’ll message you the link. ❤️

    In This Episode:

    [03:23] - Cleaning out the kids’ closets has been on my list… for months! Hear why I’m challenging you to go ahead and start/finish the thing you’ve been putting off!

    [04:51] - What’s saving our lives this week? A Freeze Sleeve? Yup!

    [11:25] - This audiobook surprised me.

    [17:03] - Last week talked about responding to negativity with confidence. This week we’re diving deeper into being proactive in building confidence.

    [18:30] - What are some lies that you believe about yourself? I share some of mine.

    [19:44] - When we believe our own lies and that’s what we lead with, that’s what people believe about you.

    [20:56] - Learn what started my journey in debunking the lies I believed about myself.

    [23:48] - Jesse shares some of his internal lies and how this journey has affected our marriage.

    [27:46] - Your worth is not in what you do, it’s in who you are! I challenge you to seek the truth so that you can walk in confidence.

    Links and Resources:

    Have feedback on the show or suggestions for future episodes or topics? Send me an email: crystal@moneysavingmom.com



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    https://crystalpaine.com/43
    Tue, 23 Jul 2019 10:40:13 +0000
    42. Haters Gonna Hate
    Links and Resources:

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    https://crystalpaine.com/42
    Tue, 16 Jul 2019 10:33:09 +0000
    41. Building a Relationship of Trust With Your Kids

    Do you feel like you can come to us and share your struggles honestly?”

    We sat the girls down last week and asked them this question. I told them that someone had requested we do a podcast episode on building trust and open communication with your kids and we wanted to get their truthful opinion on whether they felt it was a topic we could tackle.

    Four years ago, I was deep in the trenches of parenting for my own reputation. When a child was struggling or had made a bad choice, I approached it — unknowingly — from the perspective of, “What will make me look good as a parent?”

    It’s hard to admit that out loud, but it’s true. I cared way more what people thought of ME than I cared about my kids’ hearts.

    As a result of this, I wasn’t close with my kids. I didn’t truly know their hearts.

    There wasn’t a trust relationship built up and they didn’t feel like they could honestly share how they felt — because I would probably snap at them if I felt like they weren’t approaching something maturely enough. (They’ve since told me this was how they felt.)

    There was very little grace in my parenting and I carried around a heavy backpack full of guilt… for how I was failing, for the ways my kids weren’t living up to my expectations of them. All of this was rooted in my unhealthy prioritization of what others thought of me.

    In turn, I became my kids’ critic, nit-picker, and Holy Spirit. I struggled to see the good because I was constantly frustrated by how they were falling short.

    And every day, I was driving a bigger wedge between my kids and me.

    This week on the podcast — with the girls’ blessing and lots of their input and suggestions (!) — we share what has changed in the way we approach parenting. We talk about practical ways we’ve fostered trust and good communication with our kids (most of the ideas we share are suggestions the girls gave — and they did not hold back in their thoughts and opinions on this!)

    In This Episode:

    [00:57] – Jesse and I recap our travel adventures in Utah, Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho — including our thoughts on Grand Teton National Park, Yellowstone National Park, and Old Faithful.

    [19:49] – Believe it or not, Jesse read more than me this past week! He shares the two books he recently finished.

    [22:00] – Want your kids to keep reading over the summer? Check out this printable we created!

    [23:41] – On this episode, we answer another one of our listener’s questions about establishing a trusting and open relationship with our kids. We talk about the importance of making time for one-on-one conversations, but not trying to force them. {Kathrynne’s advice!}

    [29:19] – We also discuss how being willing to apologize and admit when we’re wrong can make such a difference. One thing that has made a big difference is us acknowledging with our kids that feelings are not wrong, but it’s how we act on those feelings.

    [31:57] – Ask questions to open the doors of communication and listen rather than preach sermons! Step into your kid’s world and invite them to share in yours. Spend time doing things that your kids like to do!

    [40:13] – We share ways we’ve let the kids make their own decisions in their lives, allowing us to build our trust.

    Links and Resources:

    Have feedback on the show or suggestions for future episodes or topics? Send me an email: crystal@moneysavingmom.com



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    Tue, 09 Jul 2019 10:31:17 +0000
    40. Our Favorite Things

    We've had some pretty heavy topics on the podcast recently, so we decided to do something fun and more lighthearted this week. I asked on Instagram for your best ideas for a lighthearted podcast topic idea and many of you requested that we do a Favorite Things Episode.

    So pretend you're sitting down at the table with us having coffee (or tea!) and let's talk about some of our favorite things. We tell you our favorite:

    • Book
    • Movie
    • Season
    • Place We've Lived
    • Bible Verse
    • Color
    • Podcast
    • Place We've Traveled To
    • Fruit/Vegetable
    • Thing We Love About Each Other

    In This Episode:

    [01:53] - If you want to know what NOT to do when going to Iceland, we'll give you the scoop on that + some of the highlights from our trip!

    [07:31] - Every time I share about this tip, people have all sorts of questions. But it truly has been saving my life recently!

    [12:04] - I finally got to finish Digital Minimalism while we were on our trip!

    [14:41] - Thanks to our followers on Instagram for today’s topic: Our Favorite Things! We start off by discussing our favorite books, music, and season.

    [20:35] - Then we move to talking about our favorite place we've lived, movies we've watched, Bible verses, colors, and podcasts.

    [29:57] - Finally, we end with our favorite places we've traveled to in the US and internationally, our favorite fruit and veggie, and we end a little on a sappy note -- with our favorite things about each other.

    Links and Resources:

    Have feedback on the show or suggestions for future episodes or topics? Send me an email: crystal@moneysavingmom.com

    How to Listen to The Crystal Paine Show

    The podcast is available on iTunes, Android, Stitcher, and Spotify. You can listen online through the direct player we’ll include in the show notes of each episode. OR, a much easier way to listen is by subscribing to the podcast through a free podcast app on your phone. (Find instructions for how to subscribe to a podcast here.)

    Ready to dive in and listen? Hit the player above or search for “The Crystal Paine Show” on your favorite podcast app.

    Note: This post contains affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase, we may receive a small commission — at no additional cost to you. Thank you so much for your support!



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    https://crystalpaine.com/40
    Tue, 02 Jul 2019 10:36:56 +0000
    39. My Struggle with Anxiety (with Jesse Paine)

    A few months ago, I did an Instagram Live on anxiety where I talked about what to say to someone who struggles with anxiety.

    In that live, I opened about walking with Jesse through his anxiety and the lessons that I've learned through it. After I did that video, I got a lot of feedback and followup questions and some requests for us to do a podcast dedicated to the topic.

    In this episode, Jesse shares really candidly about his struggles with anxiety and how it manifests itself. He also shares what has helped him to process through his anxiety and not live life paralyzed in fear.

    If you've ever battled anxiety or you are close to someone who does, I think his story and honesty will really encourage you.

    In This Episode:

    [00:26] - Welcome back to the Traveling Diaries of the Paine family! I start by giving some life updates and sharing some funny . and rather crazy stories from the past few days.

    [12:05] - Today, Jesse is opening up to share about his battle with anxiety.

    [14:10] - As he’s gotten older, his anxiety has manifested itself through health-related anxiety and travel anxiety. We talk about how some of this was likely related to trauma from his childhood.

    [21:56] - It was hard to know how to respond when Jesse would spin out with health-related stress -- should I have compassion or should I tell him it's anxiety? We've spent a lot of money on health-related tests and Jesse has spent hours upon hours and sleepless nights Googling his health conditions.

    [26:48] - We chat about what not to say to someone with anxiety and how you need to address the root of the anxiety, not just the surface manifestation.

    [32:08] - Jesse shares what has helped him stop being so controlled by anxiety. It's simple, but it's made such a difference.

    [34:30] - Let yourself feel the pain so that you can heal from the pain.

    [36:12] - Not all anxiety is created equal! Make sure to treat your anxiety holistically.

    [39:58] - Acknowledging and healing our own anxiety has helped us to better parent by recognizing anxiety triggers and giving our kids the space to express their emotions and feelings.

    Links and Resources:

    Note: This post contains affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase, we may receive a small commission — at no additional cost to you. Thank you so much for your support!



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    Tue, 25 Jun 2019 09:48:30 +0000
    38. Marriage and Business: An Honest Conversation (with Jesse Paine)

    Remember that goal I set in 2018 to open our home every single week? Well, it was hard and scary at first, but the more we did it, the more it's become second nature to use!

    Last week alone, we opened up our home all week to host three college girls who are volunteering at Pine Cove Camp in the City, we hosted the Girls' Bible Study for the teen girls at church (I think maybe 20 girls came?), we had multiple teens over, we had two couples over for dinner, and we had a family over for dinner.

    And I loved it! In this week's episode, Jesse and I open the show by talking more about the lessons we've learned on hospitality and how it has changed our lives to re-define what true hospitality is.

    (Want to hear more encouragement for practicing hospitality, even if it scares you? Be sure to check out the episode devoted to this topic with Jen Schmidt, author of Just Open the Door.

    We also dive into the topic of Habit Trackers and how both of us are using them this summer -- me for a specific goal and Jesse to help the kids stay on track and be more productive. I share how I've been making huge progress toward a goal with just a simple change in my perspective and by putting some accountability in place. And Jesse shares how this printable habit lists he put together for the kids have made a big difference in encouraging the kids to work hard, play hard, and spend less time on electronics!

    Instead of an interview, Jesse and I answer a follower's questions on what it's really like to work together as a married couple. We discuss decision making, how we handle conflict and disagreement, who decides how the money is spent, how we make decisions on what risks to take, and how we balance being a spender and a saver who are also married and in business together.

    Whether you are a couple who works together or you are just curious to hear more of the behind-the-scenes of our business operations or you just want to know how we've stayed friends and business partners who are also married, you won't want to miss this episode!

    In This Episode:

    [00:51] - So many people have been in and out of our house lately that we joke that we're past the "Just Open the Door" stage and have moved onto "Just Leave the Door Open" stage!

    [05:46] - In addition to sharing important lessons we've learned from our commitment to open up our home every week, we also chat about how we encourage the kids to practice hospitality when inviting their friends over.

    [07:01] - Have you ever used a habit tracker? I just started using one to better prioritize my time and it’s working! (so far…) You can check it out here, I snagged it from Abby Lawson.

    [13:30] - Jesse has been using a habit tracker with the kids to keep them busy and engaged! They are working toward a big “end of summer” surprise!

    [16:26] - Over the next few weeks, Jesse and I will be tackling some of the most-asked questions and topics you all have submitted as podcast episode suggestions.

    [17:06] - This week, we're having a very honest conversation about what it's like to be married and business partners -- and how we make it work all while staying best friends.

    [19:32] - How do we make big business decisions -- does one person have more say than another? We share more on our roles and how they play out.

    [24:09] - What if we don't agree? We chat about what we do when we don't agree and agreeing often involves waiting or compromising.

    [28:12] - One of us is a spender and the other is a saver (can you guess who is who?) How does this work in our business?

    Links and Resources:

    Note: This post contains affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase, we may receive a small commission — at no additional cost to you. Thank you so much for your support!



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    Tue, 18 Jun 2019 10:41:10 +0000
    37. Why We Stopped Homeschooling (an interview with our kids)

    On August 16, 2016, I posted the above picture on Instagram with this caption:

    Today is a bittersweet day. After many years of homeschooling, I just dropped the kids off at the new Classical School they are attending this year.

    I'm so grateful for those sweet years I had to be a homeschool mom. I'm also grateful for God's direction this year (for a long list of reasons) that a different schooling option is best for our family and our kids.

    I won't pretend it's been an easy decision. It's one that we made with a tremendous amount of thought, prayer, discussion, and tears.

    Ultimately, we have so much peace as we walk into this new season. There will be new challenges and new opportunities and I'm excited to see what God has in store as we trust Him to lead one step at a time.

    Since posting that Instagram post almost three years ago, we've gotten a lot of questions about why we stopped homeschooling and how we knew it was the right decision for our family.

    I know that schooling choices and decisions are incredibly personal and can be somewhat controversial, so I wasn't sure that I ever wanted to broach this topic publicly... and I really haven't for 3 years.

    But then, we got many requests to interview our kids on the podcast. We decided to move forward with this and I asked you all on Instagram to submit questions you'd like for us to ask them on their podcast interview.

    To our surprise, there were SO many questions begging us to talk about the transition from homeschooling to private school and how it was for our kids. We asked the kids if they'd be willing to share -- and they were.

    So, enjoy this very honest family conversation around why we stopped homeschooling, how we came to this decision, how it's been for our kids (one child was very, very angry about it!), and the best things and hard things about switching from homeschool to private school.

    Ultimately, I hope that this conversation inspires you to be intentional in how you approach schooling choices (and other choices!) for your kids. And that our journey and honesty might be helpful or encouraging to you as you parent your own kids.

    In This Episode:

    [01:08] - Jesse and I have so much to share with you today -- including some fun adventures from our recent trips to Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Iowa.

    [08:18] - I share a fun email we received from a listener that proves Jesse is right when he used the word "confluence" in a previous episode and promised that some people use it regularly. (You guys aren't helping me out much!!)

    [09:05] - My mobile hotspot and the ability to work on the road is what is saving my life this week!

    [11:06] - I started reading The Day the World Came to Town: 9/11 in Gander, Newfoundland by Jim DeFede and the story was insightful and impactful. You can get the book for free right now by signing up for Kindle Unlimited.

    [14:21] - Today we're joined by our kids -- Kathrynne, Kaitlynn, and Silas -- and we'll be discussing a much-requested topic: why we stopped homeschooling.

    [16:57] - We never expected to stop homeschooling. In fact, we had always planned to homeschool through high school. Then, we started realizing that Kathrynne needed a change.

    [17:59] - Kathrynne shares how she felt about her social life and gets really honest about her struggles with social anxiety and awkwardness.

    [21:29] - We were so excited to find a school that felt like a great fit -- but we were also scared to announce the change to Kathrynne.

    [23:32] - We expected Kathrynne to not be happy about the news, but we were shocked that she was as upset as she was. We ask Kaitlynn and Silas about their reaction to the news that they were starting school as well.

    [26:46] - The kids talk about what their first day and first weeks of school were like for them given their homeschool background.

    [30:52] - We've loved watching our kids really blossom and come alive in unexpected ways the last three years!

    [37:02] - The kids share the harder aspects of going to school like getting up early and having to be away from home all day.

    [39:26] - Jesse shares his thoughts on the transition and how it affected our identity as parents. We also discuss our process for evaluating each year and what is best for each child.

    Links and Resources

    Note: This post contains affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase, we may receive a small commission — at no additional cost to you. Thank you so much for your support!



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    Tue, 11 Jun 2019 09:43:42 +0000
    36. How to Find Couple Friends (with our local friends)

    For years, I believed the lie that I didn’t know how to be a good friend. Because of some past hurt and rejection, I told myself that I was a disappointment to those closest to me.

    I let this lie become my truth and I built a thick barricade around myself to keep other women at arm’s length. I was self-protecting... and when anyone would get too close, I’d pull back.

    I didn’t realize I was doing any of this, of course. I just thought that I struggled to make friends and felt lonely much of the time.

    All this changed when Jamie and Lauren entered my life. They've pressed in, even when I've wanted to pull back. They've loved me even when I've tried to self-protect.

    These two women have been such gifts to my life and have taught me so much about what true local friendship looks like and how amazing it can be.

    Here are three lessons they have taught me:

    1) Focus on loving others well. Stop worrying about whether you're doing it right or wrong; just love others, really wholeheartedly love them.

    2) Show up -- even when it's really inconvenient. Relationships will not fit into neat little boxes and they will require you to step out, step up, and be stretched far outside your comfort zone. Show up anyway.

    3) Lean in -- even when it's awkward. Beautiful relationships never happen without awkward moments. Invite that person over, even if you don't know what you'll find to talk about for an hour. Volunteer to serve at church or go to that event, even if you don't know anyone. It will be awkward. Expect it to be. But the more you lean in to people and relationships despite the awkwardness and show up anyway, the more chances there are that you are going to begin to develop deeper relationships.

    Thank you, Jamie and Lauren, for loving me so well and teaching me so much about friendship. For believing the best about me. For pursuing me — even when I wanted to self-protect and had believed lies about how, “I’m not good at relationships.”

    Thank you for letting me show up just as I am. For speaking the truth to me when I need to hear it. For making me laugh until I cry. For listening to me vent. For walking with me through heartbreak and devastating news. For constantly checking in on me and caring about me. And for helping me to begin to believe that I’m capable of being a really great friend.

    Thank you for being the answer to many, many prayers I’ve had for real, authentic relationships.

    I never dreamed when we started Discipleship group two years ago just how much you would change my life. And little did I ever imagine that our husbands would also become great friends!

    I'm so honored that Jamie and Lauren and their husbands were willing to do something way outside their comfort zone and record a podcast with Jesse and me recently answering the question that one of you all asked, "How do you find couple friends?"

    This is a different type of podcast -- it's a little more like sitting at the table with us listening in on our conversation. There is a lot of laughter, teasing, and real-ness.

    I hope that this discussion will encourage you to think of ways you can dive deeper into relationships, even if it scares you! I can 100% promise you that it is worth the effort!

    In This Episode:

    [01:23] - Meet our couple friends — Brian & Lauren and Drew & Jamie.

    [04:47] - Lauren shares how we all met and clicked in our Discipleship Group.

    [06:39] - Jamie talks about why she continued to pursue the friendship with Lauren and me, even though I put up some big walls at first.

    [08:00] - “It is so powerful to have someone pursue and not give up.”

    [09:21] - The guys jump in with their experiences in building their friendship and how their friendship has evolved.

    [12:32] - Discipleship helped form our friendship, but prioritizing each other and making time each week has solidified the bond.

    [14:10] - Brian talks about how digging in and creating roots in friendship has helped their family.

    [16:00] - Don’t make the friendship too complicated! Take out the expectations and just enjoy each other. Our friendship really deepened when we committed to a fun activity of going to Tuesday night trivia every week.

    [18:22] - We all discuss why they think having friends is so important.

    [20:47] - When you build your friendships, you also have a support system when times are hard.

    [23:14] - We delve into what makes our friendship work. Prioritizing and intentionality are two keys.

    [27:00] - What advice would you give someone who is looking to build close couple friendships? Friendship looks like getting out of your comfort zone to touch the lives of other people.

    Links and Resources

    Note: This post contains affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase, we may receive a small commission — at no additional cost to you. Thank you so much for your support!



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    Tue, 04 Jun 2019 07:00:00 +0000
    35. How Foster Parenting Has Changed Our Lives (with Fran Maynard)

    Today on the podcast, not only do Jesse and I share some fun book updates, a hilarious podcast review we received, and something that's saving my life, but I also am joined in studio by one of my dear local friends!

    Fran Maynard and I got to know each other well over the past few years as our families were in Community Group together. Then, she and I got even closer two years ago as we were in a small group in our church's Discipleship Program. This past year, Fran and I also had the privilege of leading a small group together through the Discipleship Program.

    During the past two years, I got to have a front row seat in watching Fran and her family go through the training and interviews required to become foster parents. Then, I've seen them open their home and hearts to a sweet little girl (see the precious blond toddler in the photo above?) and also become passionate about the great need in our community.

    As I have seen Fran's heart expand, as I've witnessed how this journey has impacted their family in such beautiful ways, as I've watched her advocate for children who need a temporary or permanent home and family, my heart has been deeply touched. And it has deeply impacted our family in ways we never expected (more on that story in the months to come!)

    In today's episode, I asked Fran to share more of her story and how foster parenting has changed their families lives in ways they could have never dreamed or imagined. I hope that her words inspire and touch you as they have inspired and touched me.

    Whether you have any interest in fostering at all, I urge you to listen to this episode and prayerfully consider where you are being called to step out in faith and obedience to be the hands and feet of Jesus to others -- whether it is signing up for foster parenting classes, coming alongside other foster parents, advocating for children who are in the foster care system, helping walk with families who are struggling, serving single parents, or reaching out and serving in a completely different capacity.

    In This Episode:

    [03:32] - Jesse did it! He inspired me to listen to the Killing Lincoln Audiobook by Bill O’Reilly & Martin Dugard.

    [06:20] - Dear Bob & Sue, the book I actually picked to tell you about this week, chronicles the authors' visits to all 58 (at the time) national parks. It is hilarious and made me want to go visit a lot of national parks -- something I've never thought I'd want to do!

    [08:26] - What’s saving my life this week? My eye mask! I talk about why I started using it, when I use it, and how it helps.

    [10:33] - We are doing a #100DaysofSummerFun Family Challenge this summer! Check out my Instagram account to see all the fun activities we do!

    [12:29] - Meet my wonderful friend Fran, learn how we met, and hear about their path to foster.

    [14:11] - Fran shares with us a little bit about her childhood, her journey, and how it affected her decision to foster.

    [16:18] - I ask Fran how they were first led to consider fostering and whether they had fear going into it.

    [19:46] - The biggest surprise for Fran and her family in this process was the unbelievably positive response from their kids and their community. The hardest part? All the unknowns. The most beautiful part? The growth that their children have seen in their hearts and their faith.

    [24:14] - We talk about the great need for willing and able to foster families in every community and Fran shares some words of wisdom and recommendations for those who may want to foster in the future.

    Links and Resources:



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    https://crystalpaine.com/35
    Tue, 28 May 2019 10:03:25 +0000
    34. Emotions & Wholehearted Living (with our pastor, Eric Hoffman)

    Jesse and I are excited to have our pastor on the show today! We’re part of the discipleship program that he started at our church, and you’ve probably heard us talk about the program many times if you've been following me online the last few years.

    Jesse actually joined the Discipleship Program shortly after we moved to TN. It ended up profoundly impacting his life.

    I was more reluctant to be a part of it, but I finally said yes the next year... and well, my life will never be the same!

    Many of you have asked me to share more details on the program, so I'm honored that Eric took time out of his schedule to record a podcast to explain more of the backstory of the Discipleship Program and how it came about.

    In this episode, Eric explains how he used to live his life in a performance-based way. He saw his worth as being tied to what he accomplished. He also felt that he couldn’t trust others, and had to rely on himself to get things done.

    Eric and his wife got stuck in a rut that they couldn’t find their way out of. They knew they needed help, so they accepted the opportunity to go away for a period of intense counseling. This turned his life upside down, even though he found it incredibly hard to have some very unhealthy patterns in his life exposed.

    Because of what he learned through counseling and in-depth study, he knew he could never go back to where he once was. He invited 12 men to join him on this journey of studying and reading and growing together. This became the basis for the Discipleship Program that now has impacted hundreds of lives in our local community.

    I’m so excited for you to hear Eric share about some of the foundational principles that have changed my life as well as some first steps you can take if you’re feeling stuck. (Also, Eric talks about some tools and resources you can dive into if you want to learn more about your emotions and how to live wholeheartedly.)

    In This Episode:

    [00:25] - Welcome back to the Crystal Paine Show! I give a little backstory about today’s guest, our pastor Eric Hoffman.

    [03:37] - The first six months after we moved were a low point for Jesse. He struggled to find his worth outside of his work.

    [06:36] - Being part of the Discipleship Program at our church is truly what God used to radically shift his perspective and understanding of God. It also helped him uncover and discover his giftings and the way he is wired.

    [08:29] -I share how I was very reluctant to sign up for the Discipleship Program and talk about how exhausting and hard it was for me to go through it the first year. And yet, ultimately, it ended up changing my life in powerful ways. And then, Jesse and I have both had the opportunity to lead small groups through the program the last few years.

    [10:36] - Eric takes us back to his less-compassionate days, and explains what brought him to where he is today.

    [14:08] - We hear a story about Eric’s conversation with a friend in a coffee shop.

    [16:12] - How did Eric manage to keep living out of the truths of what he had learned in day-to-day life?

    [19:11] - I talk about how much the program has changed not only my life, but also those of the women I’ve gotten to walk through it with.

    [22:37] - What are some first steps that people can take to get out of living in a rut? Eric shares a lot of practical tools and resources here.

    [32:54] - Eric leaves us with a great idea of something that he and his wife do with their kids at the dinner table to teach them how to express their emotions in a healthy way.

    Links and Resources:

    Note: This post contains affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase, we may receive a small commission — at no additional cost to you. Thank you so much for your support!



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    Tue, 21 May 2019 10:11:44 +0000
    33. How to Be Married to a Strong Woman (with Jesse Paine)

    Jesse surprised me as we were prepping for this episode by telling me he had recently deleted Facebook off of his phone. I had no idea that he had, but I had noticed he has been knocking things off his to do list right and left.

    In this episode, we not only talk about boundaries we've set for our phones, a book we are reading, and recent travels. Plus, we tackle a somewhat hot-button topic that multiple listeners requested: How our marriage works since I have such a strong personality.

    As we start discussing the topic, we actually offer a perfect unplanned example of how we work through conflict and misunderstanding -- because I began this segment by saying something that rubbed Jesse the wrong way.

    He and I walk through this together, talk about how it made him feel, what I was trying to communicate, and how I could have said it better. We then go on to discuss what we've learned in the past 16 years of our marriage and how we make it work, even when we disagree.

    We end up with (again, unintentionally!) sharing the ABC's of a healthy marriage: acknowledge your weaknesses, believe the best about your spouse, and communicate your hearts.

    In This Episode:

    [02:33] - Thank you so much for listening to the podcast, especially if you’ve left a review! I read a kind review that a listener recently left for the show.

    [03:30] - We talk about what’s saving our lives these days. I was so inspired by Jesse’s answer that I changed what I was planning to share and talked about a recent change that has made such a difference in my life!

    [09:47] - My book pick this week is one that my sister recommended: The Tattooist of Auschwitz by Heather Morris. Have you read it?

    [14:38] - Are you interested in blogging? Curious about starting? I’d love to have you join me in my free blogging class!

    [15:43] - I explain what Jesse and I will do in our episodes now that we’re done sharing our story, and introduce today’s topic. We then accidentally demonstrate this dynamic ourselves.

    [20:00] - This example illustrates that it’s important for me to recognize that I tend to say things that make Jesse feel run over.

    [22:20] - In the context of our marriage, what has helped Jesse not feel bull dozed by my strong personality. We talk about keys we've learned for better communicating and why it's so important to recognize your differences and acknowledge when you feel hurt or shut down.

    [32:29] - We also offer some simple steps to a healthier marriage: acknowledge your weaknesses, believe the best about your spouse, and communicate your hearts.

    [33:18] - Today’s Q&A question is this: “What are some good questions to ask the person you’re dating?” We share suggestions ranging from finances to personality type to praying together.

    [40:19] - If you have any questions, suggestions, feedback, or a topic you want us to talk about in the future, send me an email at crystal@moneysavingmom.com!

    Links and Resources:

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    Tue, 14 May 2019 09:56:32 +0000
    32. What it's like to be a Highly Sensitive Person (with Anne Bogel)

    Last time we recorded an episode for The Crystal Paine Show, we had just gotten back from Kansas. And this time, we just got back from Destin, Florida!

    It was our first time there (can you believe it?), and we had an amazing trip. We haven’t gone on a long road trip by ourselves since our honeymoon, and even though it was a little bit weird to be in the car for six hours by ourselves, I’m so thankful that we got to go!

    Today’s guest on the show is the amazing Anne Bogel, who you may remember from an earlier episode! (She’s actually the first second-time guest on the show.)

    We had such a fantastic conversation that Jesse and I didn’t want you to miss a single minute of it, so we skipped our usual segments of the show to make room for the whole interview.

    Anne and I are both Highly Sensitive People (or HSPs). Now before you just think that means someone is overly sensitive or emotional, do yourself a favor and listen to the episode. At least 15-20% of people are HSP -- many just don't know it!

    I didn’t know this about myself until I learned it through reading Anne’s book Reading People. When I read her chapter on Highly Sensitive People and realized that she was exactly describing me, it changed my life! All of a sudden I understood why I big crowds drained me, loud noises over-stimulated me, certain fabrics of shirts were incredibly annoying, and why I can't function well if my house is a mess.

    We’ll start off by talking about how Anne came across this concept, and how it helped her regain a sense of control and improving her own life experience. We’ll also dig into the impact that being an HSP can have (some of the struggles as well as the perks!) and how to tell if you’re an HSP.

    Even if you’re not a Highly Sensitive Person, don’t miss this amazing conversation! You’ll likely identify someone close to you who is and it will help you have a better understanding of how to love them and interact with them (and maybe not think they are just high maintenance or needy!)

    In This Episode:

    [00:25] - Jesse and I discuss how weird (and fun) it was to go on our first road trip by ourselves (without kids) in years.

    [04:10] - This episode will be a little bit different because I ended up having such a long conversation with Anne Bogel that we decided to make the interview the focus of the episode.

    [04:56] - I (re)introduce Anne and ask her to share about her new podcast that just launched! Check it out at One Great Book.

    [09:14] - When did Anne first learn about the concept of Highly Sensitive People (HSP)? She talks about when the light bulb went off for her and how discovering this idea changed things for her and helped her regain a sense of control.

    [15:26] - Anne and I discuss our greatest struggles and greatest strengths as a Highly Sensitive Person.

    [21:19] - I can’t watch certain movies or listen to certain kinds of news, because it will be too heavy and too much for me. Anne shares how she can't write when there is music playing with words.

    [22:17] - We talk about the best way to determine whether you’re HSP, or whether one of your kids or friends might be? ("When you know, you know," Anne explains. "HSPs often don’t even need the test.")

    30:38] - What is Anne reading right now?

    [32:16] - Anne talks about what’s saving her life right now: walking to work (even though she works at home!).

    [34:39] - Did you enjoy that conversation as much as I did? Do you have any questions, comments, or feedback? Get in touch by email at crystal@moneysavingmom.com!

    Links and Resources:

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    Tue, 07 May 2019 06:59:04 +0000
    31. Eat Well & Spend Less Time in the Kitchen (with Lisa Burns)

    (Listen to the episode for the story behind this photo!)

    Today's episode not only includes details on our whirlwind trip to Kansas, my thoughts on buying markdowns, a book I loved recently, a new book Jesse is reading, and a very practical interview with Lisa Burns from This Pilgrim Life.

    I first connected with today’s guest, Lisa Burns, when she signed up for my four-week blog coaching class. It's been so fun to watch her blog and social media take off since that class -- and she’s now known as an Instant Pot expert and she has a cookbook coming out in May!

    As she admits in our conversation, she didn’t know how to cook until after she got married (and didn’t even eat vegetables as a child). As a busy mom of five herself, she’s full of wisdom and tips for getting delicious meals on the table even when your schedule is packed.

    We talk about menu-planning, why an a might change your life, her favorite quick and easy recipes, some fascinating behind-the-scenes details of her cookbook photo shoot (including how she make 76 recipes in a few days in her Instant Pots!!) Plus, of course, two books she's reading and what's saving her life.

    In This Episode:

    [03:20] - Jesse and I are in the middle of a kind of packed travel season. We just got back from a quick trip to visit family in Kansas for Easter. While we were in Kansas, we took the kids to Spangles.

    [06:01] - This episode might have a LOT of food talk... maybe it was because Jesse and I were both hungry when we recorded it! :) We talk about how Kroger markdowns save us so much money and provide an endless stream of variety in our diet.

    [08:58] - Jesse finished his book and started a new one!! Tune in to listen to what he started reading + a book I finished last week.

    [13:14] - I first connected with today’s guest during my blog coaching class, during which she did one of her first live Facebook videos -- which was accidentally sideways! She's come a long way since then and is now a Facebook live queen and cookbook author!

    [14:34] - Lisa talks about her family and her journey through learning to cook from scratch and how she didn't even know how to cook when she got married.

    [17:19] - I ask Lisa to share some of her best strategies for menu-planning and cooking from scratch when her schedule is packed.

    [21:51] - Lisa chats about why she’s so passionate about the Instant Pot, even though she calls herself a “kitchen minimalist.” She also tells us about some of her favorite recipes from her cookbook and blog -- yum! (By the way, if you think the Instant Pot is just for cooking soup or rice or main dishes, guess again. Lisa makes cake, bread dough, yogurt and more in her Instant Pot!)

    [26:22] - How many Instant Pots does Lisa have, and how many did she use when making 76 recipes in just a few days for the photo shoot for her cookbook?

    [27:37] - Lisa shares about two books she's reading and finding insightful + she shares what's saving her life right now.

    Links and Resources:



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    Tue, 30 Apr 2019 10:33:41 +0000
    30. Why We Moved to Nashville (with Jesse Paine)

    Last week, Jesse and I were supposed to record an episode telling more of our story, but he had to go out of town unexpectedly and was gone for almost the whole week. In this episode, we share more about that, why we don't function very well when he's gone, but why I'm happy he was able to make the trip.

    We also talk about books we're reading (my book was one I almost didn't share about!), my new non-coffee healthy "mocha" I've been drinking in the mornings, and a special offer on my course, 15 Days to a Healthier You.

    A question we have gotten asked over and over again in recent years -- and especially since we started sharing our story on the podcast! -- is, "Why did you move to Nashville?"

    In this episode, we share what challenges led up to us considering moving to Nashville and why we ended up making the move.

    When I first started this podcast, I thought Jesse and I would just do one episode sharing part of our story. I never envisioned we'd spend 8 whole episodes on our story!! But it has been so good for us to take the time to recount our 16 years of marriage and share the highs and lows of our journey.

    Thank you for listening in, sending such kind emails, and encouraging us to take the time to share our story. Your willingness to show up, show interest, and listen in has been a gift to us!

    And now we can finally start doing topical episodes together! We're excited to dive into some of the topics you all have written in and suggested!

    In This Episode:

    [02:58] - I'm so happy Jesse is back home! He shares why he went out of town, why he was grateful he got to go, and I share how I have so much respect for all the single parents and parents who are often flying solo!

    [04:37] - Jesse got some great reading in while he was traveling and he has a book update for us!

    [06:18] - I chat about a book I finished last week -- which I almost didn't talk about because of the crass language. But I found it so fascinating that I had to share.

    [08:37] - My current drink (and what’s saving my life!) is a mix of Dandy Blend and Morning Motivator.

    [12:21] - If you’re ready to live a healthier life, check out my 15 Days to a Healthier You course! It’s half off during the month of April, so this is the perfect time to get started.

    [13:01] - Jesse and I recap where we left off in our story the last time that we talked about it on the show.

    [15:14] - We started asking for help and bringing on some business and personal help, which made such a difference.

    [17:15] - I talk about how much MoneySavingMom.com exploded during this period, as well as a specific opportunity that gave us enough money to start looking at houses.

    [20:13] - It was so thrilling to finally be able to buy a house with cash... and we thought it was going to be our "forever home."

    [21:52] - But then, we began to take a hard look at our lifestyle and what we had worked so hard for. Was this what we really wanted?

    [25:22] - Jesse was feeling antsy, burnt out, and exhausted and we knew it was time for a change. So we began praying about what that would look like. And Tennessee just kept coming to our minds.

    [30:26] - It felt crazy, but we decided to take an 18-month leap of faith and try relocating to Tennessee and renting a house. To play it "safe", we didn't sell our house in Kansas so that we could easily move back if we decided that Tennessee wasn't a good fit. Well, that was five years ago. And we are so grateful to be here... even on the days when it's been a challenge and we've missed Kansas and our extended family. We know this is where we're supposed to be.

    Links and Resources:



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    Tue, 23 Apr 2019 07:00:00 +0000
    29. What is the Enneagram? (with Leigh Kramer)

    We’ve been getting a lot of questions lately about the Enneagram recently, so I thought it was high time we devote part of an interview to explaining what it is and why it can make such a difference to understand.

    Truly, understanding the Enneagram has changed so much of my perspective on life and has improved my relationships, my compassion toward others, and has helped me to embrace the way that I am wired and see it as a gift, instead of something to be embarrassed about.

    My friend and virtual assistant, Leigh Kramer, is joining me to share more because she’s passionate about the Enneagram and she has helped me to process through what my number is and why it matters.

    Leigh will explain each of the nine Enneagram types, as well as how to figure out what yours is (and why taking online tests isn’t the best way) and how this knowledge can help you become a healthier person.

    In This Episode:

    [00:25] – I just got back home from helping out at a 7th and 8th grade camp in Kentucky… where I shared a cabin with 20 other girls/women and we had a cereal party, karaoke, and even glow-in-the-dark dodgeball.

    [03:37] – My kids have testing this week so they wanted me to make homemade energy bites. We love these so much!

    [05:06] – I have a confession to make: I didn’t read a single book last week. Can you believe it? But I share an app/site that’s been helping me stay more motivated to read (which might sound funny since I didn’t finish any books last week! But listen in for more details!)

    [09:08] – Ready for better mornings? Try my free 5 Days to a Better Morning Challenge!

    [09:56] – I’m excited to have Leigh Kramer joining me today for a conversation about the Enneagram!

    [12:47] – How did Leigh first discover the Enneagram system, and why is she so passionate about it?

    [14:57] – For listeners who are new to the Enneagram, Leigh explains more of the history of the Enneagram and what each of the nine types are.

    [18:35] – One of the things I love most about understanding the Enneagram is that it gives you a path to being more emotionally healthy as a person.

    [19:59] – What’s the best way to determine what enneagram type you are? Leigh talks about why online tests often give inaccurate results and what she recommends instead of taking a test.

    [23:16] – Leigh is one of the most voracious readers I know. She shares why she reads so much plus two books she’s finished and loved recently. She also shares something that’s saving her life right now: the perfect mugs!

    [28:04] – Ready for today’s Q&A segment? It’s all about setting goals, specifically whether Jesse also does monthly goals (like I do).

    [33:31] – If you need practical help with setting goals, check out our Make Over Your Year course.

    [34:24] – Do you have a question of your own? Or feedback or suggestions? Email Crystal at crystal@moneysavingmom.com!

    Links and Resources:

    Note: This post contains affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase, we may receive a small commission — at no additional cost to you. Thank you so much for your support!



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    Tue, 16 Apr 2019 07:00:00 +0000
    28. The Secret to a Happier Marriage (with Audrey & Jeremy Roloff)

    Want to know the secret to a happier marriage? Tune in to this podcast episode with Audrey & Jeremy Roloff.

    We loved having Audrey & Jeremy Roloff into our home last week to record this join episode of the podcast. As I talk about on the show, I actually didn't know who Audrey & Jeremy were until their publicist reached out to me a few months ago and asked if she could send me their brand-new book, Love Letter Life.

    I Googled their names (yes, I did!) and discovered that they are well known for being on the hit TV show Little People, Big World (which follows Jeremy's family -- and which he grew up being part of). I said that the publicist could send me the book, but I didn't expect all that much from it and wasn't planning to ask them to be on my show (as I'm super picky about who I will invite on the show and only invite people whose work/life has impacted me in a deep way.)

    But then, the publicist sent the book, I read it, and I truly found it very valuable. In addition, I just loved their beautiful love story, their honesty, and how well-written the book was (in fact, I wondered if they had a ghost writer for it, but Audrey told me when she was at our house that they didn't!)

    So we invited them to come record a podcast interview. I didn't know if it was going to work out, but not only did it work out for Audrey to come, to my delight, Jeremy was able to jump in and join her at the last minute!

    We got to eat lunch with them and record a podcast interview and they were truly the nicest, most gracious, most genuine people. I wished we could have had hours more with them because we loved having them at our house and getting to know them a little bit!

    I think you'll love hearing some of their story, finding out one of the most important things Audrey's mom did every day that impacted her life so much growing up, hearing more about what it was like to have their wedding on TV, learning their secrets for embracing their differences (it might surprise you!), and having them share more about the six questions they ask each other every week.

    In This Episode:

    [00:25] - We had an unexpected expense this past week -- but it actually turned out to be a big blessing in disguise because it means we finally have hot water after a year of not having much hot water.

    [03:45] - My book for this week is another audiobook and, while I didn't agree with all of it, I think it's a one that was really valuable.

    [05:27] - Jesse shares about a podcast he recently started listening to that he's been loving. (Spoiler alert: Each episode is around 3 hours long!!)

    [08:21] - I talk about a trick I employ to help me eat more healthfully at lunch time.

    [10:47] - Today’s podcast guests are Audrey and Jeremy Roloff, who are the authors of the brand-new book A Love Letter Life.

    [12:20] - Jeremy shares a little bit about the show they were a part of, Little People, Big World and why they decided to not be on the show any more and what they are doing now.

    [15:35] - What were some of the hardest struggles Audrey and Jeremy experienced while dating and engaged?

    [18:59] - Audrey shares one thing her mom did every single day when she was a teenager. This inspired me so much -- and I think all parents don't want to miss this!

    [21:26] - I ask whether their personality types tend to clash or complement each other and Audrey says some profound things about how our perspective

    [24:32] - Jeremy and Audrey have a weekly meeting every single week where they ask the same six questions. I loved hearing more about this practice and how it has impacted their life and communication in a very profound way.

    [27:19] - Did Audrey and Jeremy come up with this weekly meeting idea themselves? They answer, then explain that listeners can join in on the habit by getting a copy of The Marriage Journal at this link.

    [29:14] - This week, we have two questions of the week! First, Jesse answers a question about what his personality type is.

    [33:08] - The next question is about our kids’ personality types, and whether we have any advice for figuring them out.

    Links and Resources:

    Note: This post contains affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase, we may receive a small commission — at no additional cost to you. Thank you so much for your support!



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    Tue, 09 Apr 2019 10:40:16 +0000
    27. Digital Minimalism (with Cal Newport)

    I am super excited to bring you this week’s episode of the podcast… but I have to be honest and tell you that recording this episode was one I was pretty nervous about.

    You see, unlike most of my other guests, I didn’t have any relationship with Cal Newport. I didn’t know anyone who knew him. I didn’t know his publisher. And I’d never connected with him on social media (because, as we’ll talk about on the show, he doesn’t have social media!)

    When I read his book, Deep Work, at the beginning of 2019, I knew immediately that I wanted to try to have him on the podcast. But since I had read his book and knew how carefully he guards his time and commitments, I figured it would be a long shot for him to even consider coming on my little show.

    However, I decided to get brave and send him a compelling email pitching him the opportunity to come on my show. What’s the worst that could happen? He could not answer or he could respond and say no.

    To my surprise, not only did I get an email back, but I got an email back with a YES! I was ecstatic and excited and quite nervous to do the interview! But I’m really, really happy with how it turned out (and I don’t even think you can tell I was nervous!)

    I loved the insights Cal shared in this episode! We talked about:

    • What Deep Work can look like for us in our everyday lives (including some special insight for busy moms!)
    • His thoughts on why he doesn’t use social media (which I find fascinating!)
    • How we can make technology serve us well and enrich our lives
    • Why technology might be hurting our kids and what practically we can do about it.

    It’s a really important conversation and I highly encourage you to find 30 minutes sometime in the next few days to listen in.

    (My water tumbler that I talk about on the show.)

    In This Episode:

    [02:53] – This week, we talk about water tumblers, drinking a gallon of water per day, and inflammatory issues (it sounds like we’re getting old!) in the What’s Saving My Life segment.

    [06:55] – My book pick is one that I actually recently re-read (I rarely read books more than once, so you know I really liked it!) and recommend the book, the audiobook, AND the movie!

    [09:35] – Did you know you can earn cash back for shopping online? I’ll tell you how!

    [10:28] – I introduce today’s guest, Cal Newport and ask Cal to define the difference between Deep Work and Shallow Work. He then talks about how busy women and moms can find time for deep work.

    [13:16] – We hear an example of what deep work looks like in practical terms for an everyday woman.

    [15:15] – Cal has never had a social media account. He explains his reasoning behind this choice. It’s pretty fascinating!

    [18:36] – I ask Cal to share some advice for people like me who don’t ever plan to give up social media but who also find the idea of being a digital minimalistappealing.

    [23:08] – We talk about how to raise kids with a healthy view of technology and social media and I share a recent example of a choice we made with our oldest and how that played out in a surprising way!

    [26:41] – The question of the week is this: “What’s your easiest tip for saving money?” I talk about saving money on groceries. Jesse talks about goal setting and saving for bigger purchases. And we both discuss budgeting.

    [30:54] – Speaking of questions, if you have one you’d like us to answer, email me at crystal@moneysavingmom.com! (Also feel free to get in touch if you have suggestions, thoughts, or comments. I love hearing from you about the podcast!)

    Links and Resources:

    How to Listen to The Crystal Paine Show

    The podcast is available on iTunes, Android, Stitcher, and Spotify. You can listen online through the direct player we’ll include in the show notes of each episode. OR, a much easier way to listen is by subscribing to the podcast through a free podcast app on your phone. (Find instructions for how to subscribe to a podcast here.)

    Ready to dive in and listen? Hit the player above or search for “The Crystal Paine Show” on your favorite podcast app.

    Note: This post contains affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase, we may receive a small commission — at no additional cost to you. Thank you so much for your support!



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    Tue, 02 Apr 2019 07:00:00 +0000
    26. How Myers-Briggs Saved My Marriage (with Meg Tietz)

    I have some big news about a change for the podcast! Jesse is officially my new co-host on The Crystal Paine Show!

    I've gotten such great feedback every time he’s been on the show and we have had so much fun recording together, so I'm excited to have him joining me on every episode!

    Today's guest is Meg Tietz is the host of the beloved Sorta Awesome podcast. Meg is really passionate about the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator and I'm thrilled she agreed to come on the show and share her wisdom on this topic.

    Whether you’re a personality type junkie or have no idea what the letters in ENFP or INTJ mean, you’ll definitely come away from this episode with some valuable insights on how understanding our personalities and the personalities of those closest to us can change our relationships and our outlook on look.

    In This Episode:

    [01:51] - Jesse chats about the trip that he just got back from, and I explain that the house actually didn’t fall apart while he was gone (unlike some of the past trips he's taken!).

    [04:30] - I took off a little over 24 hours after Jesse got back for a sisters’ trip to New York City.

    [06:06] - We chat about an app I recently discovered that is fascinating us and sort of saving both of our lives.

    [08:48] - Jesse shares a book update, because he surprised me by having read quite a bit since our last podcast.

    [10:05] - My book of the week is one I started last year (which Jesse has fun teasing me about!): Everybody, Always by Bob Goff.

    [13:03] - Through the end of March, you can get our Make Over Your Year course for 50% off!

    [15:18] - Meg Tiets of the Sorta Awesome podcast is today’s fantastic guest!

    [16:52] - We hear about how Meg discovered the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator, and why it’s so important to her.

    [20:12] - Meg gives a very helpful overview of the Myers-Briggs system for listeners who aren’t familiar with it.

    [22:26] - What are Meg’s thoughts on ambiverts? Is it possible to not be a true introvert or extrovert?

    [23:22] - We discuss intuition vs. sensing and how it has impacted our marriages in practical ways.

    [25:38] - Are you a feeler or a perceiver? Meg explains how this plays out in her marriage and I talk about our marriage, too.

    [27:24] - And finally, are you person who prefers to explore all the possibilities or a quick-to-make-a-decision person?

    [29:07] - For a listener who wants to find out their type, Meg shares a website she recommends where you can go to take a test to determine your type.

    [31:21] - We change gears, with Meg talking about the two books she's reading right now and how she's going back to her crunchy roots.

    [34:59] - Jesse joins me to answer a listener question on how we encourage/enforce budgeting with our kids and whether we give them an allowance or not.

    Links and Resources:

    How to Listen to The Crystal Paine Show

    The podcast is available on iTunes, Android, Stitcher, and Spotify. You can listen online through the direct player we’ll include in the show notes of each episode. OR, a much easier way to listen is by subscribing to the podcast through a free podcast app on your phone. (Find instructions for how to subscribe to a podcast here.)

    Ready to dive in and listen? Hit the player above or search for “The Crystal Paine Show” on your favorite podcast app.

    Note: This post contains affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase, we may receive a small commission — at no additional cost to you. Thank you so much for your support!



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    Tue, 26 Mar 2019 07:00:00 +0000
    25. The Year My Body Broke Down (with Jesse Paine)

    After last time Jesse was on my podcast, I got a request from a listener asking if he could do more of the talking on the episodes he’s on. He's actually quite a talker when he feels comfortable in situations (and can give me a run for my money when it comes to talking!), so I loved this request because I think it encouraged him to know that you all enjoy what he has to share and he doesn't have to feel like he needs to hold back.

    So I'm excited that you'll be hearing more from him in this episode -- and in future episodes! I asked him if he wanted to share his own “what’s saving my life” suggestion and he brought a great resource this week and it's something that has helped him spend less time on his phone. We talk about that and about an app I've been using that has been so helpful for me, too.

    We also talk about the books we've been reading and then we dive into another episode about our story. This time around, we pick up where we had just moved back to Wichita and he started his law firm.

    We share some of the pretty cool things that happened to help his law firm get off the ground, we talk about how my sister basically saved us when we had to move and I was middle of morning sickness, we share about our awful flea-infested house, the joys and stresses of that season,

    Tune in to hear more about Jesse’s law practice, the move we made during this time (while I was pregnant!), the terrible flea infestation that we had to deal with, and how I pushed way too hard and ended up wrecking my health.

    In This Episode:

    [02:12] - Ready to hear what’s saving our lives this week? In keeping with the request from a listener, Jesse and I both share today!

    [05:35] - Jesse talks in-depth about using the Full Focus Planner and I share why I decided it wouldn't work for me.

    [07:15] - I share about an app I have been using that has been working surprisingly well for me -- and saving us money!

    [11:07] - What do you know?? Jesse finished a book and has started another one! We talk about what both of us have been reading.

    [14:47] - Jesse and I chat more about moving back to Wichita and why Jesse made the decision to start his own law firm.

    [17:13] - An attorney who had recently become a judge had to quit his practice and completely floored us by handing over his phone number and ads to Jesse, which opened some big doors for us and became the bread and butter for beginning his business.

    [18:38] - Moving back to Wichita was quite the adventure! We laugh about how we always seem to move when I was in the middle of morning sickness. It was only thanks to my sister's help that we managed to pull off moving this time around.

    [22:13] - And then we discovered that the duplex we were going to move into was infested with fleas!! Despite the fleas, we were excited to move back and be close to family.

    [25:16] - However, I was afraid of going back to barely surviving again that I pushed way too hard when it came to my work hours. In fact, when Silas was born, I didn't take really any time off to recover. All this "pushing through" hurt my health for years to come and I look back and wish I would have made different choices.

    [28:22] - God used this breaking down of my body to really strip me of the last vestiges of my self-sufficient legalism and I look back and am grateful that I couldn't do it all myself... because I had to really learn to rely on the Lord and to ask for help.

    Links and Resources:



    Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
    https://crystalpaine.com/25
    Tue, 19 Mar 2019 07:08:24 +0000
    24. Parenting a Difficult Child (with Jami Amerine)

    When Jesse and I got married, I tried so hard to fix him. I saw all of his shortcomings, and I wanted to help him be better. Surprise surprise, this caused a lot of tension.

    It took a while for me to realize that my job was to focus on myself (and there’s plenty of work to do there) rather than try to change or “fix” other people. This idea goes for our kids, too!

    In today's episode of The Crystal Paine Show, I'm talking with Jami Amerine about how easy it is to try to fix our kids and how ineffective and stressful this is as a parent.

    Just recently, one of my kids was really frustrated over their grades. While I was trying to ask them questions to figure out the source of their frustration, they blurted out, “But I NEED to get all A’s!”

    I stopped and quietly looked them in the eye and said, “Who put that on you?”

    As in, where did the feeling that you need to get all A’s originate from? Is that something someone else is making you feel like you have to achieve?

    When I talked more with this child, they admitted that it wasn’t us or their siblings or a friend or a teacher; it was their own self. They felt like they weren’t measuring up to a standard they had set for themselves if they didn’t get all A’s.

    Mamas, I think most of us have done the same. We’ve created a standard of perfection we feel we must achieve to be a great parent or have a great kid. And if we’re not hitting that self-made standard, we are failing.

    But, who put that on you?? While we might sometimes feel like there is pressure from outside sources, in most cases, it’s something we’ve put on ourselves.

    And here’s what I want to gently say to you: “You don’t need to carry that any more.”

    Lay it down. Let it go.

    The sooner you stop trying to live up to an impossible standard, the sooner you’ll start experiencing deep joy and fulfillment in being okay with right where you are.

    As I told my child, “So long as you are doing your best, that’s all that matters.”

    If you are struggling with parenting or need some encouragement as a mom, you do want to miss today's episode on the secret to being a more peaceful parent (it will likely surprise you!), the importance of raising your kids to be who they are instead of who we think they should be, and how to love a difficult child.

    In This Episode:

    [03:26] - What's saving my life this week is my very favorite Apple battery case. I'm constantly asked about this when I'm with people and I am always singing the praises of it!

    [05:21] - My book pick of the week is an oldie but a goodie: Dear Mr. Knightley by Katherine Reay.

    [09:50] - Today’s guest was actually recommended by a podcast listener and I'm so grateful this listener took the time to write in and recommend Jami Amerine's book.

    [11:56] - I ask Jami about her early years of parenting and how she struggled with perfectionism. She shares honestly about the lessons she learned from this.

    [15:17] - How was Jami able to let go of trying to do everything perfectly? She expresses so much wisdom for all of us -- but especially for those who still have younger kids.

    [19:04] - I was intrigued by the subtitle of Jami's book and she tells the story behind it and how it wasn't what she picked... but how we both think it fits so well.

    [23:20] - What is Jami reading right now? I love her outside-the-box answer!

    [24:44] - And then she shares how she's giving up sugar (and also gives us a little teaser about her next book that she's writing... that I want to read ASAP!)

    [27:58] - Today’s listener question is about emotionally adjusting to the reality of giving up being a stay-at-home mom for a new lifestyle.

    Links and Resources:

    Sponsor Spotlight

    This episode is sponsored by YouNeedaBudget.com — the budgeting software we have personally used for the past two years and absolutely love.

    We were introduced to this budgeting software by my brother-in-law, Justin, a few years ago. He and my husband, Jesse, are both what I would lovingly refer to as “nerds”.

    You know the kind of people… those people who think spreadsheets are fun. And who geek out over features in Excel. Yup, those kinds of people.

    You might as well poke my eyeballs out with a hot iron rod than get to me be giddy over creating spreadsheets. But nevertheless, I love Spreadsheet Nerds because they help keep people like me in line and on track!

    Anyway, it was around Christmas time and Justin started telling Jesse about YouNeedaBudget — what we call YNAB for short. Jesse and I had both heard of this software before, but we had been using Quicken for so long that we’d not considered changing to anything else.

    Well, when Jesse saw the features of YNAB, he was intrigued enough to sign up for the free trial. And it was pretty much love at first sight.

    Truthfully, I can’t even begin to tell you how often I’ve heard him exclaiming to me, to friends, or just to himself something about, “How cool and helpful YNAB is!”

    I’m such a pen and paper and cash girl, but after all his raving reviews, I finally gave in and downloaded it on my phone and had him show me how it works. It’s really, really impressive. I love how we can see exactly how we’re doing in every budget in just one glance.

    And since we have multiple budgets for our businesses and personal, it allows us to track them all in one app. Which is so handy!

    They usually only offer a 30-day trial, but they are giving you all a FREE 60-day trial so you can really get a feel for it and see how well it works.

    Go here to sign up for your FREE 60-Day YNAB trial.

    Note: This post contains affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase, we may receive a small commission — at no additional cost to you. Thank you so much for your support!



    Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
    https://crystalpaine.com/24
    Tue, 12 Mar 2019 07:00:00 +0000
    23. Answering Your Burning Questions (with Jesse Paine)

    Today’s episode is going to be something completely new! So many of you have asked such great questions, and I really appreciate them, but it’s hard for me to manage to answer them all. That’s why today’s episode is completely devoted to answering your burning questions! Jesse is here to read the questions that you’ve asked, and we’ll answer them together! This will be extra fun because I haven’t thought about the answers ahead of time, so you’ll hear my totally honest answers on the fly.

    One of the questions is about picking a new hobby. Mine would involve either a spinning wheel or sports. (Those probably sound pretty dramatically different!) We’ll also chat about what we like about living in Tennessee, and why the rain amazed us so much the first time we saw it here. It’s so hard to pick just one favorite dessert, but if I had to, it would probably be a fresh, warm, deep-dish cookie pizza fresh out of the oven.

    And after that beautiful, sweet image, we’ll take a dive into how to develop the willpower to cut back on (or eliminate) sugar. The answer depends a lot on whether you’re internally motivated (like me) or externally motivated (like Jesse). Next, we’ll talk business: what we would do if we were working other careers, and what our worst financial decision has been.

    Tune in to hear about all these things, as well as our favorite date nights, life without a credit card, whether I’ve ever not followed through with something (hint: YES!), and whether we’ve talked to our kids about dating or courting. It was so much fun answering all your questions, and we’re excited to hear what else you want us to talk about!

    In This Episode:

    [00:25] - I welcome listeners to the episode. We’re going to try something new today: answering your burning questions!

    [01:19] - If I had to pick a new hobby, what would it be?

    [03:36] - Jesse talks about what his new hobby would be, which is something he’s already good at.

    [04:21] - What’s my favorite thing about living in Tennessee?

    [06:49] - Am I really supposed to pick just one favorite dessert?!

    [08:23] - The next question is about tips on developing the willpower to cut back on sugar. (Oops. Maybe this one shouldn’t have come right after the question about dessert…)

    [13:30] - If I didn’t have Money Saving Mom, what job would I probably have instead? What about Jesse, if he weren’t doing law?

    [16:40] - We talk about the worst financial decision we’ve ever made, and what we learned from it.

    [18:25] - Any time we have a date is our favorite date night!

    [20:01] - I talk about living without a credit card, which is something that’s been coming up a lot recently.

    [24:45] - Is there anything I’ve started and not followed through with?

    [28:35] - Have we talked to our kids yet about dating or courting?

    [33:56] - Thank you so much for joining us! Did you enjoy this episode format? If so, let us know so we can do another similar episode in the future! And don’t forget to submit your own questions (or comments, or suggestions) at crystal@moneysavingmom.com.

    Links and Resources:

    Crystal Paine on Instagram

    Crystal Paine on Twitter

    crystal@moneysavingmom.com

    Money Saving Mom

    Money Saving Mom on Facebook

    Money Saving Mom Deal Seekers Facebook group

    You Need a Budget (this episode’s amazing sponsor!)

    The Four Tendencies by Gretchen Rubin

    Gretchen Rubin



    Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
    https://crystalpaine.com/23
    Tue, 05 Mar 2019 11:26:56 +0000
    22. How to Be Brave (with Melissa Radke)

    I was kind of giddy about doing today’s interview… because I had listened to Melissa Radke’s audiobook, Eat Cake, Be Brave, and had fallen in love with her hilarious, tell-it-like-it-is honesty and couldn’t wait to get to talk to her in person (well, it was actually over Skype, but that was a big step up from just listening to her on audiobook!)

    In our conversation, we dig deep into bravery, forgiveness, and rising about negativity. As Melissa explains, bravery doesn’t always mean jumping out of a plane, scaling Everest, or not feeling fear or nervousness in your everyday life.

    Instead, being brave means to just keep showing up, even when things get hard. And she definitely understands things being hard! She’s gone through a lot of disappointment, hurt, loss, and heartache in her life. But she hasn’t let those hold her back from continuing to show up.

    You won’t want to miss this powerful episode with a truly incredible guest. If you’ve been struggling with forgiveness, fear, anxiety, insecurity, and trying to be brave (and don’t we all struggle with those things sometimes?), I think Melissa’s wisdom will truly touch you deeply and offer you practical encouragement and inspiration on how to move forward.

    In This Episode:

    [01:57] – I talk about what’s saving my life this week: how I’m making time for reading. Listen in for my tips on how I’m typically fitting in 30-60 minutes of reading every day. Hopefully it will give you some ideas on how you, too, can fit in more reading time!

    [04:16] – This parenting book is one I can’t stop talking about — and truly loved!

    [07:46] – I think you are going to LOVE today’s guest, Melissa Radke! She is hilarious but is also such a truth-teller.

    [11:14] – Melissa talks about bravery, how she’s facing her fears right now, and how she still struggles with being brave. She lets us in on what bravery looks like for her and the hard-won lessons she’s learned on how to be brave.

    [14:18] – One of the parts of the book that was deeply moving to me was when Melissa shares about forgiving the woman who had an emotional affair with her husband. This woman also happened to be her very best friend. She shares openly about what this was like to walk through this — and to write about it in the book.

    [19:25] – Melissa offers powerful words to women who are struggling to hold onto their dreams and goals despite critical words being directed at them.

    [23:50] – We change gears to a much more lighthearted tone and talk about a book Melissa is reading that she assumed many other guests have talked about. (Surprise! No one has!)

    [24:34] – And then we talk about bacon and air fryers… and you just might need to order one after you hear this part of the podcast!

    [27:04] – Today’s Q&A question comes from Jeanette, who wants to know how to get teens to keep their room clean. I give some caveats before I share my thoughts on this!

    Links and Resources:

    Sponsor Spotlight

    This episode is sponsored by YouNeedaBudget.com — the budgeting software we have personally used for the past two years and absolutely love.

    We were introduced to this budgeting software by my brother-in-law, Justin, a few years ago. He and my husband, Jesse, are both what I would lovingly refer to as “nerds”.

    You know the kind of people… those people who think spreadsheets are fun. And who geek out over features in Excel. Yup, those kinds of people.

    You might as well poke my eyeballs out with a hot iron rod than get to me be giddy over creating spreadsheets. But nevertheless, I love Spreadsheet Nerds because they help keep people like me in line and on track!

    Anyway, it was around Christmas time and Justin started telling Jesse about YouNeedaBudget — what we call YNAB for short. Jesse and I had both heard of this software before, but we had been using Quicken for so long that we’d not considered changing to anything else.

    Well, when Jesse saw the features of YNAB, he was intrigued enough to sign up for the free trial. And it was pretty much love at first sight.

    Truthfully, I can’t even begin to tell you how often I’ve heard him exclaiming to me, to friends, or just to himself something about, “How cool and helpful YNAB is!”

    I’m such a pen and paper and cash girl, but after all his raving reviews, I finally gave in and downloaded it on my phone and had him show me how it works. It’s really, really impressive. I love how we can see exactly how we’re doing in every budget in just one glance.

    And since we have multiple budgets for our businesses and personal, it allows us to track them all in one app. Which is so handy!

    They usually only offer a 30-day trial, but they are giving you all a FREE 60-day trial so you can really get a feel for it and see how well it works.

    Go here to sign up for your FREE 60-Day YNAB trial.

    Note: This post contains affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase, we may receive a small commission — at no additional cost to you. Thank you so much for your support!



    Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
    https://crystalpaine.com/22
    Tue, 26 Feb 2019 08:00:00 +0000
    21. The Year That Changed the Trajectory of Our Lives (with Jesse Paine)

    Thanks to popular demand, Jesse is back on today's episode! And this time, he’s joining me for the entire episode. We didn't really plan it... he was just sitting across from me when I went live and his mic was turned on. As you'll hear... he jumped right in! ;)

    We disagree about the weather, we talk about our new shower filter and how it's made such a difference in our lives, and I ask Jesse to share about the books he's been reading.

    And then we pick up right where we left off in our story last time. If you remember back to our last episode, we told you about a hard place that we were in, both personally and financially.

    Jesse had just lost his job, our second daughter had just been born, I was suffering from postpartum depression, and our marriage was on the rocks. That’s the point where we pick up the story today. In this episode, we share about how Jesse's struggle to find a job and our desperate place of needing to pay the bills actually inspired us to do some outside-the-box things.

    Little did we dream that what we would experiment with and set up during that dark time in our lives would end up changing the entire trajectory of our lives. In fact, there is a very good chance I wouldn't have this podcast or run MoneySavingMom.com or be living in TN or have the opportunity to help and impact millions around the world or have the wonderful friendships here we do if it weren't for that dark season of our lives.

    You never know what how God might use a really difficult season in your life to prepare you for something bigger and greater than you could ever dream or imagine!

    In This Episode:

    [01:48] - Jesse's mic is live -- surprise! (I didn't even realize it when we went live. I thought he was just going to wait to go live until later on in the show. But nope... that's not his style if he's sitting in front of a live mic! And I loved that he got to jump in at various parts to share!)

    [02:24] - My hair had been looking icky ever since we moved into our new house... I finally figured out what the problem was and share in this episode the inexpensive solution we came up with!

    [06:39] - I asked Jesse to share what he's reading right now. And we explain why I don't ask him this question every month, unlike my other guests. I love how honest he is and how we are so different when it comes to books and reading.

    [08:11] - Jesse and I talk about why we love You Need a Budget, this episode’s amazing sponsor, and Jesse shares more about how it works for him.

    [11:09] - We recount the time in our lives when Jesse was unemployed and I ask Jesse to share more how it was for him to walk through that dark time.

    [16:05] - I share about how that time in our lives propelled me to start MoneySavingMom.com -- and how I envisioned it was just going to be this little extra thing I did on the side.

    [18:02] - Jesse got a contract position at a big law firm right around the time I started MoneySavingMom.com and he shares more about that and how he grew so much from the various audiobooks and podcasts he listened to while doing pretty mindless document review at the law firm.

    [18:56] - MoneySavingMom.com took off from the get-go and far exceeded our wildest expectations. Within a year, we were making a full-time income from it.

    [22:34] - Jesse and I open up about how so many people expected us to buy a house right out of law school and how people thought we were kind of nuts to keep renting. But we look back and are so glad that we did.

    [25:15:] - We share more about our crazy goal to pay cash for a house in 5 years and how this motivated us to continue to live as frugally as possible.

    [26:08] - In hindsight, we can see so clearly how God used that difficult year to humble us, shape us, strengthen our marriage, and teach us to dream bigger. And to lead us on this journey we never anticipated... we'll share more about that in our next episode!

    Links and Resources:

    How to Listen to The Crystal Paine Show

    The podcast is available on iTunes, Android, Stitcher, and Spotify. You can listen online through the direct player we’ll include in the show notes of each episode. OR, a much easier way to listen is by subscribing to the podcast through a free podcast app on your phone. (Find instructions for how to subscribe to a podcast here.)

    Ready to dive in and listen? Hit the player above or search for “The Crystal Paine Show” on your favorite podcast app.

    Sponsor Spotlight

    This episode is sponsored by YouNeedaBudget.com — the budgeting software we have personally used for the past two years and absolutely love.

    We were introduced to this budgeting software by my brother-in-law, Justin, a few years ago. He and my husband, Jesse, are both what I would lovingly refer to as “nerds”.

    You know the kind of people… those people who think spreadsheets are fun. And who geek out over features in Excel. Yup, those kinds of people.

    You might as well poke my eyeballs out with a hot iron rod than get to me be giddy over creating spreadsheets. But nevertheless, I love Spreadsheet Nerds because they help keep people like me in line and on track!

    Anyway, it was around Christmas time and Justin started telling Jesse about YouNeedaBudget — what we call YNAB for short. Jesse and I had both heard of this software before, but we had been using Quicken for so long that we’d not considered changing to anything else.

    Well, when Jesse saw the features of YNAB, he was intrigued enough to sign up for the free trial. And it was pretty much love at first sight.

    Truthfully, I can’t even begin to tell you how often I’ve heard him exclaiming to me, to friends, or just to himself something about, “How cool and helpful YNAB is!”

    I’m such a pen and paper and cash girl, but after all his raving reviews, I finally gave in and downloaded it on my phone and had him show me how it works. It’s really, really impressive. I love how we can see exactly how we’re doing in every budget in just one glance.

    And since we have multiple budgets for our businesses and personal, it allows us to track them all in one app. Which is so handy!

    They usually only offer a 30-day trial, but they are giving you all a FREE 60-day trial so you can really get a feel for it and see how well it works.

    Go here to sign up for your FREE 60-Day YNAB trial.

    Note: This post contains affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase, we may receive a small commission — at no additional cost to you. Thank you so much for your support!



    Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
    https://crystalpaine.com/21
    Tue, 19 Feb 2019 11:35:17 +0000
    20. Stop Procrastinating and Do the Next Right Thing (with Emily P. Freeman)

    Well, y’all, after 19 podcast episodes, I’m finally feeling like I’m starting to get my feet underneath me and feel more comfortable with this whole podcasting. So, even though it scared me a lot, this is the first episode where I didn’t plan out every word I was going to say.

    That’s a big deal for me as one of my big goals for this year is to be as comfortable on the podcast as I am on live video… but I keep reminding myself that it took at least 30-50 live videos before I started feeling confident. So I know it will take time with the podcast, too.

    (In full disclosure, it’s good for my pride for me to put out episodes that aren’t at the level of excellence I’d love for them to be because I’m still finding my groove when it comes to doing pre-recorded audio — which is SO different to me than live video! And every time someone writes in about how they don’t like the podcast because they can tell I’m uncomfortable, it’s a good reminder for me to keep persevering and practicing and getting better!)

    So I’m celebrating that I took tiny baby steps with this episode and didn’t rely on word-for-word notes as a security blanket! And I hope that someday soon, I’ll be able to record episodes with just a rough outline. Thanks for being on this learning and growing journey with me. Your encouragement and support has blessed me more than you know!

    In this episode, I invited one of my very favorite podcasters — Emily P. Freeman— to join me for a conversation about decision-making. We talk about the best antidote for procrastination, how to know what your next right thing is, and why sometimes now is not the best time to jump into an idea you have.

    I also ask Emily about her Theme Days and how this practice works out in her life and how it has helped her be a lot more focused and productive.

    By the way, Emily’s podcast (that I adore!) is called The Next Right Thing… and her brand-new book with the same title comes out in April. You can pre-order it here.

    You’ll want to tune in to this episode where Emily shares the story of how her amazing podcast was actually originally a book idea.

    She started working on the book and then realized it wasn’t supposed to be a book; it was supposed to be a podcast. But then, after a number of months of podcasting, she felt it was supposed to be book, too.

    I love how Emily is so honest in sharing her struggles with decision-making and what she has learned in her own life — even in podcasting and writing a book about decision-making!

    In This Episode:

    [01:12] – I gave up coffee a few years ago. I know, can you believe it? I share why I gave it up and what I’m drinking instead.

    [05:38] – My book of the week is one that I listened to and one that I wanted to jump up and shout “preach it!” multiple times while I was listening to it! (And I’m not a charismatic person; this book was just THAT good!)

    [09:20] – Emily Freeman has deeply inspired me through her writings and her podcast, and I’m so honored that she was willing to do an interview with me for this episode.

    [11:30] – The Next Right Thing, Emily’s podcast, was originally a book idea. I ask her how long of a process was it for her to decide to turn her idea into a podcast instead of a book? When did she know for sure that it wasn’t supposed to be a book?

    [14:53] – Struggling with decision-making? Emily shares some strategies for someone who needs to figure out what the next right thing is.

    [17:57] – Emily makes a powerful point that many people would rather make a decision (even a bad one) than live with the uncertainty of not deciding.

    [20:36] – Recently, Emily talked about how she structures her week with Theme Days. I asked her to share more about this in detail.

    [25:48] – For today’s Q&A segment, I answer a question from a listener about how I got off my allergy medications (and other medications/supplements I was taking for acne and anxiety!).

    Links and Resources:



    Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
    https://crystalpaine.com/20
    Tue, 12 Feb 2019 08:00:00 +0000
    19. Making Family Dinner a Priority (with Tiffany King)

    Now that it’s February, the excitement of the new year has probably started to fade for you. And it’s around this time of the year that it can begin to feel like you just want to give up on your goals for 2019.

    This episode might be just the shot in the arm you need to get back on track! I’m chatting with Tiffany King from Eat At Home Cooks — a woman who has made it her mission to help busy women spend less time and effort in the kitchen and more time as a family. She’s joining me today for us to talk about menu planning, cooking, and tips and tricks for busy families.

    Tune in to learn about why eating together as a family has been so impactful for Tiffany and her family (even though she readily admits it’s been a struggle at times — especially when her kids were young!). We’ll talk about how to stop over-complicating dinner, why it’s okay to have super simple dinners (and we’ll give you some ideas for what might work for your family), and how to deal with trying to juggle multiple schedules and evening activities as your kids get older!

    By the way, if you’d like more help, I have put together a free Eat at Home Challenge. I’ll send you a one-week grocery list + menu plan + a quick and easy crockpot recipe for each day and lots of money-saving and time-saving tips and suggestions. Plus, you’ll get access to a private Facebook Group to give you more accountability. Go here to sign up for this free resource!

    In This Episode:

    [01:40] – This week, what’s saving my life is my very favorite magnesium. I share why I take it, how much I take, when I take it, and how it’s helped me sleep better and be healthier.

    [03:41] – I finally picked my top reads from 2018 (better late than never, eh?) I tell you about them on this episode!

    [06:52] – This episode’s amazing sponsor is You Need a Budget. We’ve personally used this software for years and love it!

    [09:30] – Having a plan for dinner (and having it already made) is one of the best ways I’ve found to reduce chaos in the evening and spend more time with my kids.

    [13:47] – If you struggle to get dinner on the table at night, you’ll be encouraged with Tiffany’s tips + you’ll be inspired to hear how eating together as a family has made such a difference in their home.

    [16:42] – I ask Tiffany about what to do when you have kids who have evening activities or older kids with differing schedules. She shares her go-to recipes for nights when the family needs to eat at shifts instead of all together at the same time.

    [18:53] – Tiffany offers advice on quick and easy meal ideas for people who feel tired and stressed out, or don’t have much time or energy. She also shares about her meal-planning system, and what gave her the inspiration to start making meal plans.

    [26:21] – I promised you a freebie at the beginning of this episode and here it is! I put together a week-long eat-at-home challenge based on Tiffany’s menu plans to give you a taste of what they’re like. Head to this link to sign up!

    [27:47] – How do you get everyone out the door on time and peacefully? I share some strategies and advice that has worked well for our family — including some words of hope for young moms!

    Links and Resources:

    Sponsor Spotlight

    This episode is sponsored by YouNeedaBudget.com — the budgeting software we have personally used for the past two years and absolutely love.

    We were introduced to this budgeting software by my brother-in-law, Justin, a few years ago. He and my husband, Jesse, are both what I would lovingly refer to as “nerds”.

    You know the kind of people… those people who think spreadsheets are fun. And who geek out over features in Excel. Yup, those kinds of people.

    You might as well poke my eyeballs out with a hot iron rod than get to me be giddy over creating spreadsheets. But nevertheless, I love Spreadsheet Nerds because they help keep people like me in line and on track!

    Anyway, it was around Christmastime and Justin started telling Jesse about YouNeedaBudget — what we call YNAB for short. Jesse and I had both heard of this software before, but we had been using Quicken for so long that we’d not considered changing to anything else.

    Well, when Jesse saw the features of YNAB, he was intrigued enough to sign up for the free trial. And it was pretty much love at first sight.

    Truthfully, I can’t even begin to tell you how often I’ve heard him exclaiming to me, to friends, or just to himself something about, “How cool and helpful YNAB is!”

    I’m such a pen and paper and cash girl, but after all his raving reviews, I finally gave in and downloaded it on my phone and had him show me how it works. It’s really, really impressive. I love how we can see exactly how we’re doing in every budget in just one glance.

    And since we have multiple budgets for our businesses and personal, it allows us to track them all in one app. Which is so handy!

    Next week, I’ll tell you more why Jesse loves this budgeting software so much and how it has benefitted our family personally, but for now, if you’d like to check it out, YNAB is offering my listeners something special.

    They usually only offer a 30-day trial, but they are giving you all a FREE 60-day trial so you can really get a feel for it and see how well it works.

    Go here to sign up for your FREE 60-Day YNAB trial.

    Note: This post contains affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase, we may receive a small commission — at no additional cost to you. Thank you so much for your support!



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    https://crystalpaine.com/19
    Tue, 05 Feb 2019 08:00:00 +0000
    18. Infertility, Open Adoption, and How to Love When It’s So Hard (with Rachel Nielson)

    I'm doing something I've never done on the podcast before... I'm doing an entirely interview-driven episode.

    I usually try to keep interviews with guests to around 15 minutes and then we devote the other 15 minutes of the podcast to other segments. But as I was prepping for this particular interview, I just had this feeling that I needed to go longer in the interview. That in order for you to really hear the story well, I needed to allow the entire 30 minutes for the interview.

    So that's what we did -- and I hope that this story and interview blesses you deeply. I truly believe it will.

    My guest today is Rachel Nielson. She and I first met when she traveled with me and a small team of blog readers to South Africa (you can read about her thoughts on our time there and see a few pictures here.)

    Rachel is joining me today to share her incredible story of infertility and adoption. But more than that, she's going to share how she walked through learning to love someone when it was hard to love them and how she will never regret that decision.

    Even if you don't struggle with infertility and even if you've never considered adoption, I believe her story will powerfully resonate with you -- and it didn't turn out like you would expect, but I think you will be inspired and challenged by her words.

    In This Episode:

    [02:05] - Rachel takes us back to the beginning of her marriage and shares her thoughts on motherhood from those days. She shares why they ended up deciding to do fertility treatments AND pursue adoption at the same time and the struggles and hard things they went through during such an emotionally taxing and physically exhausting time.

    [05:41] - I asked Rachel if she felt lonely during this time... and I wasn't prepared for how honest her answer would be. She talks about the deep loneliness she felt in her marriage and what helped her to walk through that (she gives some spot-on relationship advice that you don't want to miss!)

    [08:11] - Rachel shares really vulnerably what it was like to be in the middle of fertility treatments and she shares encouragement and some practical advice for those who are going through them.

    [13:37] - The story of how Noah's birth mom found Rachel and her husband and asked them to adopt Noah is pretty incredible!

    [17:11] - What was it like for Rachel to be in the delivery room as her adoptive son was being born? She shares how it was a holy moment and how strong and brave Noah's birth mom was.

    [19:26] - Navigating an open adoption had its challenges -- especially as Noah's birth mom grieved and walked through some of her own hard times. Rachel talks about how this was a challenge to know what to do, but she ultimately decided to choose to love instead of pulling away. (If you only have a little bit of time, please listen to this part of the episode. It has convicted me so deeply!)

    [24:53] - Rachel shares the next steps of the story after the first few years of Noah’s birth, including an unexpected and tragic turn of events. She ends the episode sharing about how the story is still being written, but she's so grateful for the fact that her body didn't work and she wasn't able to get pregnant like she wanted, because God had something much more beautiful in store than she could have imagined!

    Links and Resources:



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    https://crystalpaine.com/18
    Tue, 29 Jan 2019 14:17:05 +0000
    17. The Hardest Year of Our Marriage (with Jesse Paine)

    Jesse is joining me for another really honest episode where we share our more of our story. This time around, we dig into one of the harder seasons of our life, when Jesse was still in law school and we had just had Kathrynne, our first daughter.

    We talk really candidly about one of the hardest years of our marriage and how stress caused such a toll on all areas of our life -- and ended up landing me in the hospital.

    At the time, it felt like our world was falling apart. But we look back and see how much good came unexpectedly from hitting rock bottom... and how never would be where we are today if it weren't for that very rough season.

    We’re over halfway through January and I know this is a month where many people are thinking of setting up new routines and better systems for this coming year. If you’d love to feel less frazzled and more organized in the mornings, I put together a completely free 5-day challenge for you called 5 Days to a Better Morning.

    When you sign up for this challenge, I’ll send you a short email every morning with a simple project for you to complete that day to help start your day well. Each of the projects are simple but straightforward — and I can guarantee they will make a big impact.

    Plus, you’ll also get access to an exclusive Facebook Group with daily videos from me just for those who are going through this mini course, so we can all keep each other accountable to follow through with our daily projects.

    Want to join the 5 Days to a Better Mornings Challenge and start your days more successfully? Just go here to sign up. It’s free and you can start immediately after you sign up.

    In This Episode:

    [02:30] - This week, what’s saving my life is a commitment I made for 2019 that has already made such a big difference.

    [04:18] - The first book I read in 2019 is likely going on my Top 10 list of books read in 2019 because it was just that good.

    [06:08] - I was so excited to get my first checkbook and write my first check. Do you remember that thrill too? If so, check out this episode’s amazing sponsor, Checks Unlimited!

    [07:53] - Jesse is back! We joke about our competition to say “happy anniversary” first and talk about the year I forgot our anniversary.

    [10:28] - Jesse talks about the time of our life when he was still in law school and we had just had our first daughter. It was the year we both look back on as the hardest year of our marriage (so far).

    [17:36] - We talk about how shocked we were when his boss lost the election and how a lot of our hopes and dreams died that night... and he was going to be out of work really soon, too.

    [19:31] - He ended up getting a new job that required a very last-minute move when I was in the middle of morning sickness. We had hopes for this job... but it ended up being incredibly stressful. The stress of the job trickled down to me and my pregnancy and ended up landing me in the hospital.

    [23:55] - They thought I had something severely wrong and I was tested for just about everything under the sun that they could come up with. It was a scary time -- and it was multiplied by the fact that we had just recently moved to Kansas City and we didn't have a lot of support.

    [27:08] - This difficult season of our life got even harder after Kaitlynn (our second daughter) was born, because I had postpartum depression and Jesse had to find a new job... and he couldn't find one. Our marriage was on the rocks, we felt our world crumbling around us, our bank account was nearing empty, and our pride was dashed to pieces.

    [29:53] - I close out the show by sharing about my word I chose for 2019... I didn't mean to keep you all waiting so long before I shared it!

    Links and Resources:

    Sponsor Spotlight

    Checks Unlimited is offering an exclusive deal on checks for MSM readers right now! You can grab TWO boxes of checks for as low as $4.74 each, shipped!

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    Note: This post contains affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase, we may receive a small commission — at no additional cost to you. Thank you so much for your support!



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    https://crystalpaine.com/17
    Tue, 22 Jan 2019 08:00:00 +0000
    16. The Outfit Formulas That Changed My Life (with Alison Lumbatis)

    If you’ve been following my blog for a long time, you know that for years I said, “I’m not a fashionista!”

    I felt so inept when it came to putting together cute outfits and I felt like anytime anyone complimented me on my outfit, I needed to apologize for someone or deflect the compliment by saying something like, “Oh this shirt?? I just pulled it out at the last minute and I don’t really like it.” Or, “Thanks, but I don’t really know this dress is my style.”

    I said these things because I felt so insecure about my ability to put outfits together and I constantly second-guessed myself. When I realized how much I was doing this and how much I wished I could figure out how to put cute outfits together, I finally decided to do something about it.

  • I started paying attention to what I liked. I began noticing outfits that other people wore that I liked and started a mental checklist of what my tastes were. I also poked around on Pinterest and Instagram and paid attention to simple and frugal outfits that other people posted that I liked.
  • I gave myself permission to try new things. I let myself actually buy some new styles and colors — to try out and see what I thought.
  • I learned about what outfit formulas were. I joined a program that taught me about outfit formulas and how to put together outfits — and then it gave you a few weeks of outfit formulas to follow and experiment with.
  • I kept experimenting and paying attention. I surprised myself so much by loving the outfit formula program and being challenged to follow the formulas. I even got brave and posted pictures of my outfits for almost an entire month on social media and learned so much from seeing the photo of myself and hearing feedback from you all. It helped me to define what I like, it helped me to realize a lot of things I was doing wrong, and to figure out what was working and what wasn’t working.

    • Now, over a year since I did that outfit formula program, I dress very differently and I find so much joy in putting together outfits. And I know what works for me and what doesn’t. I never thought this would be possible, but it’s true!

    And I’m so excited to be bringing on the amazing woman who created this program with the outfit formulas I mentioned that. Alison Lumbatis from Get Your Pretty On is so good at not only putting cute outfits together, but also in helping everyday women like me learn how to dress fashionably — even on a small budget!

    We’ll chat about how she got motivated to dress well even when she started working from home, why she created her style challenges, how inspirational her Facebook group is, and much more! Wherever you are along the path to fashion that reflects who you are and shows you at your best, don’t miss this conversation.

    In This Episode:

    [02:47] – I can’t sing the praises of Google Calendar highly enough. I know it might seem old-fashioned, but it has helped me to be so much more organized and productive.

    [06:39] – You can learn more about my process for using Google Calendar from my free PDF download, which you can find at this link!

    [07:04] – My book pick of the week is one that doesn’t have that great of reviews on Amazon, but I really enjoyed it.

    [11:13] – I’ve never felt like a fashionista, but I finally decided to put more effort into dressing well. Following an outfit formula program made so much difference!

    [13:50] – Alison Lumbatis from Get Your Pretty On created the outfit formula program that helped me so much, and she’s today’s guest!

    [14:49] – We hear about how Alison created her blog and brought it to the point where it is today.

    [17:46] – I ask Alison when she started doing her fashion and style challenges and she shares the interesting journey that led her to begin these.

    [21:03] – Don’t know where to start when it comes to putting outfits together? Alison shares advice and budget-friendly fashion tips.

    [22:36] – Alison is generously offering a freebie to listeners: her SAHM Casual Wardrobe Basics Builder!

    [23:14] – If Alison were to choose five must-have wardrobe items, what would they be, and why?

    [28:11] – I answer a listener’s question about where to take the Enneagram test!

    Links and Resources:

    Sponsor Spotlight

    Today’s episode is sponsored by Twigby — a company dedicated to providing fantastic phone service at great prices. As I mentioned in the podcast, if you are looking for a great deal on a phone for your teen (or yourself!), I’d highly recommend checking out what Twigby has to offer.

    Unlike traditional cell phone companies, they give you the ability to create your own custom, prepaid plan — without a contract or an unnecessary activation fee.

    You don’t have to mess with going to a store and picking out a phone plan. You just go to their site, pick your phone plan and either switch your current phone over or get a new phone, and they get it all set up for you.

    My favorite part about their service (in addition to their great prices!) is that they offer plan flexibility with the ability to change plans or phones at any time for free. You’re not locked into an expensive contract that has activation and termination fees.

    They also offer Free Overage Protection, so you can rest easy in knowing that you will never be charged for overages without your go-ahead! You have complete control.

    Special offer! Want to save 25% off your first 6 months of Twigby? Click here.

    Note: This post contains affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase, we may receive a small commission — at no additional cost to you. Thank you so much for your support!



    Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
    https://crystalpaine.com/16
    Tue, 15 Jan 2019 08:00:00 +0000
    15. How Practicing Gratitude Will Change Your Year (with Erin Port)

    Today we’re talking about sinuses, allergies, India, personal growth and development, and how to cultivate a grateful spirit.

    Yup, it’s another episode of The Crystal Paine Show… and like usual, you’re going to get a plethora of topics! 🙂

    Today I’m joined by the delightful Erin Port from Simple Purposeful Living. Unlike everyone I’ve interviewed so far, Erin doesn’t have a book (yet!). And truth be told: I didn’t even know who she was until a few months ago.

    As we share on the podcast, Erin reached out to me on Instagram and I was so touched by her message that I responded and our online friendship has blossomed from there!

    We talk about developing gratitude, how to be grateful when things are hard, miscarriage, adoption, helping our children cultivate hearts of gratitude… and more! I think you’ll be blessed by the conversation!

    In This Episode:

    [00:25] – For those who might be new around here, I’m a full-time blogger. Yes, that means I make a living from my computer. And best of all, I can work from anywhere. Literally. Well, so long as they have wifi! If you are interested in how I make a full-time income from blogging or have considered starting your own blog, I have a free class you can sign up for called 3 Steps to Start That Blog You’ve Been Dreaming Of.

    [02:15] – Now, onto what’s saving my life this week (and I’ll warn you, it’s gonna get a little weird). Ready for this?! It’s my sinus rinse bottle. About seven years ago, my allergies really flared up. An ENT recommended the NeilMed Sinus Rinse Bottle. As long as I use it every night, I almost never have issues. You guys, it’s amazing! (And no, this isn’t sponsored or an ad, I just really love it that much.)

    [05:01] – If you’ve been to India (or plan to go), I’m sharing about an insightful and powerful book you should read. It’s an amazing book that will stick with me for years to come. It’s real, it’s raw, and it doesn’t sugarcoat anything.

    [08:44] – My friend, Erin Port, of Simple Purposeful Living joins me on the show to talk about Erin explains what led her to choose the word “grateful” for 2018.

    [13:24] – We hear about a time in Erin’s life when it was really difficult to choose gratitude. She also shares some thoughts for the women who is having a hard time seeing a reason to be grateful. I think her words and advice will really encourage you.

    [18:13] – Erin shares thoughts on helping children to develop hearts of gratitude and how they choose “roses” every night at dinner and try to collect at least a dozen. I absolutely love this idea and hope that some of you with younger children will consider making it part of your evening routine!

    [21:23] – You know what struck me on this interview as we were talking about gratitude? Erin’s heart of gratitude is what brought us together. She has this beautifully contagious joy and warm heart and it was her reaching out in gratitude to me that opened up the door for our online friendship.

    [25:47] – I close out the show by answering a question from Mindy who asked me for advice on how to develop yourself personally and grow as an individual. I give her three suggestions that have been really beneficial for me.

    Links and Resources:

    Sponsor Spotlight

    Today’s episode is sponsored by Twigby — a company dedicated to providing fantastic phone service at great prices. As I mentioned in the podcast, if you are looking for a great deal on a phone for your teen (or yourself!), I’d highly recommend checking out what Twigby has to offer.

    Unlike traditional cell phone companies, they give you the ability to create your own custom, prepaid plan — without a contract or an unnecessary activation fee.

    You don’t have to mess with going to a store and picking out a phone plan. You just go to their site, pick your phone plan and either switch your current phone over or get a new phone, and they get it all set up for you.

    My favorite part about their service (in addition to their great prices!) is that they offer plan flexibility with the ability to change plans or phones at any time for free. You’re not locked into an expensive contract that has activation and termination fees.

    They also offer Free Overage Protection, so you can rest easy in knowing that you will never be charged for overages without your go-ahead! You have complete control.

    Special offer! Want to save 25% off your first 6 months of Twigby? Click here.

    Note: This post contains affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase, we may receive a small commission — at no additional cost to you. Thank you so much for your support!



    Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
    https://crystalpaine.com/15
    Tue, 08 Jan 2019 08:00:00 +0000
    14. Why You Should Choose a Word for 2019 (with Monica Wilkinson)

    Happy New Year! Don’t you love this time of the year? Everything is fresh and full of opportunity! Today, on the the podcast, I share some practical ways to start your new year well. We’ll talk about everything from choosing a word for the year to meal prep to savoring life.

    I couldn’t think of any better way to kick off the podcast in 2019 than by inviting the woman who inspired my 2018 “word of the year” to be my guest! Monica Wilkinson is a blogger, mom, and author of the book Slow Lane. We’ll hear all about what has inspired her to slow down instead of squeeze more into every second.

    In this episode, we talk about what it means to live a slow life, why Monica takes yearly retreats, how to slow down even when you have a full life, how the practice of a Slow Day has shaped Monica's mothering, and what it looks like to live out the word "slow" even as your kids get older and life gets fuller.

    At the end of the show, I share more on how choosing a word for the year has shaped my life and I give you some practical steps I've taken to walk out my Word of the Year successfully. Here's to a great 2019 for all of us!

    Want to kick off the new year well? Join us for the Eat at Home Challenge starting January 7, 2019. I'll be emailing you an inexpensive crockpot recipe every day for a week that you can make in just 15 minutes or less. I'll be making these recipes on live video and will send you the recipe video each day + more tips and tricks to save money and get dinner on the table every night in just minutes! Sign up for the Eat at Home Challenge here.

    In This Episode:

    [01:01] - Getting dinner ready in the morning is such a time, life, and money-saver! I talk about the Eat at Home Challenge I'm hosting beginning January 7 and tell you how you can join me in it! I'd love to have you participate!

    [02:55] - Need some encouragement to prioritize rest in the new year? My book pick of the week is The Rest of God by Mark Buchanan.

    [06:35] - Monica Wilkinson, author of Slow Lane, is this week’s guest! She talks about what inspired her to slow down and why she takes a yearly retreat to re-evaluate her priorities and life.

    [10:48] - Monica unpacks what “the heart of slow” looks like for her, and how she has walked that out when her kids were little and as they have gotten older.

    [14:33] - Wish you could slow down but feel like there's just no way you can in the season of life you're in? Monica offers some practical tips and suggestions for you!

    [20:50] - I’ve gotten a lot of questions about how to choose a word of the year, so I share some thoughts on why I choose a word, how I choose a word, how I live it out practically, and how it has changed my life so profoundly.

    [29:00] - I’m really excited about my word for 2019 and I’ll share it in an upcoming episode! For now, share your word with me at crystal@moneysavingmom.com.

    Links and Resources:

    Sponsor Spotlight

    Today’s episode is sponsored by Twigby — a company dedicated to providing fantastic phone service at great prices. As I mentioned in the podcast, if you are looking for a great deal on a phone for your teen (or yourself!), I’d highly recommend checking out what Twigby has to offer.

    Unlike traditional cell phone companies, they give you the ability to create your own custom, prepaid plan — without a contract or an unnecessary activation fee.

    You don’t have to mess with going to a store and picking out a phone plan. You just go to their site, pick your phone plan and either switch your current phone over or get a new phone, and they get it all set up for you.

    My favorite part about their service (in addition to their great prices!) is that they offer plan flexibility with the ability to change plans or phones at any time for free. You’re not locked into an expensive contract that has activation and termination fees.

    They also offer Free Overage Protection, so you can rest easy in knowing that you will never be charged for overages without your go-ahead! You have complete control.

    Special offer! Want to save 25% off your first 6 months of Twigby? Click here.

    Note: This post contains affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase, we may receive a small commission — at no additional cost to you. Thank you so much for your support!



    Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
    https://crystalpaine.com/14
    Tue, 01 Jan 2019 08:00:00 +0000
    13. How I Broke Free from Legalism (with Jesse Paine)

    Well, this episode is all about Christmas and Christmas candy and cleaning your house for Christmas and one of our family's favorite stocking stuffer traditions... and then we take a hard turn and Jesse interviews me as I share more of our story and specifically how I broke free from legalism.

    (I know, those two topics have nothing to do with one another -- but hey, you just never know what you're going to get when you tune into the podcast each week!)

    To be honest, I didn't know how my conversation with Jesse was going to go as we shared this part of our story. I knew there were things I wanted and needed to share. I've shared them with people who know me personally and I've briefly touched on things in posts here and there, but I've never publicly opened up about those first few years of blogging like I did in this episode.

    If you were around in the early days of blogging and read my original blog, I think you will want to listen to this episode. If you weren't around when I was first blogging, but you have been curious how I went from being extremely conservative to where I am today, you will definitely want to listen to this episode.

    By the way, I was a little apprehensive about how this conversation was going to go, so I asked Jesse if he could lead the interview instead of me. He did a fantastic job and I loved getting to have our roles reversed a little on the podcast! (Though, of course, he had to remind me about being irritable during the few month of my pregnancy! ;))

    We also share about some of our first few businesses (yup, MoneySavingMom.com was not our first business -- oh no! We tried quite a few things before then!), our business failures, and I share candidly what I learned from those. Plus, we end the episode answering a listener question about how to get over your fear of traveling.

    By the way, be sure to download the 2-Hour House Cleaning Checklist. It's perfect for this time of year when we're either hosting guests or wanting to get our house in more orderly shape heading into 2019!

    In This Episode:

    [01:26] - It's all things Christmas around here this episode! I talk about our favorite Christmas candy, tell you how my 2-hour House Cleaning Checklist has saved my life and how it might be the perfect checklist for your holiday season, and share about a fun family tradition for stocking stuffers we have each year that is inexpensive, easy, and so memorable.

    [06:54] - Jesse joins me today, but we flip things around and he serves as the podcast "host" and interviews me.

    [9:33] - When I realized I was pregnant (surprise!) and was so sick and had to quit working, I went online to try to learn how to make money at home. Listen in to learn about something I thought would be a good idea.

    [11:52] - Jesse and I talk about how that first business idea worked (or, more accurately, didn’t work). We discuss what we thought would be a great idea and why it didn't really work.

    [14:34] - We talk about one of the valuable lessons I learned from that business, and how it helped with future projects.

    [16:10] - I talk about why I ended up starting my first blog, what it was called and why I'm pretty embarrassed about it now. I share how God used atheist and feminists (many of whom came and left very negative comments on my blog!) to open my eyes up to my legalism and to help me begin to start in on a journey of breaking free from legalism.

    [21:32] - And then I get really honest and share how I've learned some important life-changing lessons through all of this and I ask forgiveness of those I offended with my very black and white, abrasive, legalistic blog posts.

    [25:25] - This week’s question comes from Carrie, who asks if I was afraid to travel overseas and whether I have any insights or tips on being comfortable in a foreign country. Jesse and I both share about what has helped us and how we've overcome our anxiety about traveling and long flights.

    Links and Resources:

    Sponsor Spotlight

    Today’s episode is sponsored by Twigby — a company dedicated to providing fantastic phone service at great prices. As I mentioned in the podcast, if you are looking for a great deal on a phone for your teen (or yourself!), I’d highly recommend checking out what Twigby has to offer.

    Unlike traditional cell phone companies, they give you the ability to create your own custom, prepaid plan — without a contract or an unnecessary activation fee.

    You don’t have to mess with going to a store and picking out a phone plan. You just go to their site, pick your phone plan and either switch your current phone over or get a new phone, and they get it all set up for you.

    My favorite part about their service (in addition to their great prices!) is that they offer plan flexibility with the ability to change plans or phones at any time for free. You’re not locked into an expensive contract that has activation and termination fees.

    They also offer Free Overage Protection, so you can rest easy in knowing that you will never be charged for overages without your go-ahead! You have complete control.

    Special offer! Want to save 25% off your first 6 months of Twigby? Click here.

    Note: This post contains affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase, we may receive a small commission — at no additional cost to you. Thank you so much for your support!



    Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
    https://crystalpaine.com/13
    Tue, 18 Dec 2018 08:00:00 +0000
    12. How to Create a Home That Serves Your Family (with Myquillyn Smith)

    Other than my interviews with Jesse, this was my very first interview to do in-person -- with Myquillyn Smith (aka The Nester) sitting right across the table from me as we recorded. I loved getting to chat with her face-to-face and be inspired by her heart for creating a cozy and inviting home that serves your family well.

    Myquillyn and I talk about the importance of making your home into a place that fits the way you’re called to use it, and she offers practical advice for women who may feel intimidated or insecure about decorating. If you’ve ever wanted your home to be a cozy, welcoming place, but aren’t sure where to start, you don't want to miss this episode!

    (And while I'm not much of a decorator at all -- as I talk about on this episode! -- I surprised myself by truly being inspired by her book. Listen in as I share more on that!)

    I also give you some last-minute tips for simplifying December, tell you one of our favorite Christmas traditions when our kids were younger, and share some of our favorite Christmas read-alouds for younger kids.

    And I close out the show by sharing some encouragement from my heart to moms of littles. If you currently have babies, toddlers, or younger kids and maybe feel a little overwhelmed by this season of life, I hope that my words will inspire you and help you feel less alone!

    In This Episode:

    [01:34] - Our Christmas Bucket List is what's saving my life this week! This simple practice makes our Decembers so much simpler, calmer, and fun-filled.

    [06:54] - Instead of just one book, this week I tell you about some of our family's favorite Christmas picture books.

    [07:50] - Today's guest is Myquillyn Smith -- a woman who is well known on the internet for encouraging people to love their homes and that "it doesn't have to be perfect to be beautiful".

    [10:16] - I asked Myquillyn to share advice for women who have insecurities or fears when it comes to decorating their homes (because this is 100% me -- I was even insecure about having Myquillyn come to my home and had to talk myself out of that before she got there!)

    [15:17] - One of the things I often hear from women is that they wish they could redecorate or change some things in their home but they are on a really tight budget. We talk about this and Myquillyn shares some of her best tips for loving your home and making it cozy and welcoming -- on a tight budget.

    [17:45] - We talk about what it's like to be an introvert and how to step out and do scary things in spite of our fears. Myquillin addresses my question on how she has managed to invite 1000 people to her home for a festival and go on book tour. She shares how it's been for her and why she chose to do this, even though she knew it would be a lot.

    [21:58] - Myquillyn shares three books she's planning to read soon -- two of which have been on my radar screen and that I promptly ordered after she talked about them!

    [23:04] - And we talk about none other than baths. Yes, for real! You'll have to tune in to find out why! :)

    [24:45] - Many listeners have written in to ask about my advice for a first-time mom. I share some of my best advice and encouragement -- that I wish I would have learned early on!

    Links and Resources:

    Note: This post contains affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase, we may receive a small commission — at no additional cost to you. Thank you so much for your support!



    Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
    https://crystalpaine.com/12
    Tue, 11 Dec 2018 08:00:00 +0000
    11. The Real Reason You're So Tired (with Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith)

    If you've ever felt like that or just even wondered how you could feel a little more rested, you don't want to miss today's episode. In it, I talk with Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith (author of Sacred Rest) all about the seven kinds of rest (yes, that's right! Feeling rested is a lot more than just getting a good night's sleep) and practical advice for women who feel chronically tired.

    I thoroughly enjoyed my conversation with Dr. Saundra and love how she addresses rest from a very different perspective -- it's not just about getting more sleep or slowing down or taking a Sabbath.

    In this episode of the podcast, I also tell you about how I'm prioritizing relationships and how we've gone about making some of our closest friendships this year. and what that has looked like for us. And then I close out the show by answering a question on how to fix exercise in when your kids are young.

    In This Episode:

    • [01:44] - I made a commitment at the beginning of this year to make relationships a priority. And one of the things that has been a result is that I've become more extroverted! Plus, I've found so much life in pursuing close friendships! I share how Jesse and I have been intentional to develop relationships and what that has looked like for us.
    • [06:24] - Jesse found this fascinating article that I can't stop talking about, thinking about, or referring to.
    • [09:43] - My guest today is Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith, author of Sacred Rest, a book that deeply impacted me.
    • [10:35] - Dr. Saundra shares wise advice have for the woman who feels exhausted and as if there is no way out of the exhaustion.
    • [12:22] - Did you know there are seven different kinds of rest? I didn't until I read Dr. Saundra's book -- and it made so much sense to me why getting more sleep wasn't enough to help me feel rested.
    • [16:12] - I talk about how the Rest Quiz fascinated and helped me and why I think every should take it. (It only takes a few minutes!)
    • [18:34] - Creative rest is something that most people have never heard of, but it's vitally important!
    • [20:51] - What does making rest a priority look like for Dr. Saundra in her own life?
    • [21:57] - We hear about what Dr. Saundra is currently reading, as well as why she is loving her air fryer -- and I try to convince her to get brave and use her Instant Pot more!
    • [25:08] -I close out the show by answering a question on how to fix exercise in when your kids are young.

    Links and Resources:



    Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
    https://crystalpaine.com/11
    Tue, 04 Dec 2018 08:00:00 +0000
    10. How to Find Your Blue Flame (with Jennifer Fulwiler)

    I’m so excited for today’s guest! Jennifer Fulwiler has been a great inspiration to me. I first encountered her writings over a decade ago when I first started blogging, and rediscovered her this past year when I read her new book, One Beautiful Dream.

    If you’re a mom who works or wants to pursue your passions, I can’t recommend this book highly enough -- and I think you'll really enjoy today's conversation. (And even if you're not a mom, I think you'll get a lot from it!)

    In our conversation, Jennifer talks about whether she has always been okay with being imperfect, how she thinks about balancing work and motherhood, what a blue flame is and why it’s often invisible to us, and even her experiences with stand-up comedy and how she's facing a big fear with this. Tune in for this fun and enlightening conversation.

    In This Episode:

    [02:52] - I have fallen in love with this particular article of clothing and have worn it over and over again as the weather has gotten cooler. (Psst! You can see a picture of me wearing it here.)

    [07:05] - My book pick this week is a book by one of my favorite podcasters. It's not out yet, but you can go ahead and pre-order it!

    [08:28] - Today’s interview guest is Jennifer Fulwiler, a bestselling author, radio host, speaker, and mother of six. (Because she is a radio show host, she's so easy to interview and I could have talked to her for WAY longer than we had scheduled for this interview!)

    [10:23] - Jennifer talks about how she did wish she could portray more perfection online at one point in time, but she realized how inauthentic and untruthful that would be.

    [12:24] - Do you want to work or need to work and feel guilty that you won't be able to prioritize motherhood? Jennifer shares how she finds balance in the middle of a really full life -- and how balance doesn't look like you might expect it to look.

    [15:17] - I ask Jennifer what she would say to a woman who has no idea where to start or feels like she’s not good at anything?

    [17:19] - A pretty crazy example of something I do that I thought was incredibly no-brainer, but that people have said has revolutionized their lives by doing it, too. (Note: It involves peanut butter and jelly sandwiches!)

    [19:40] - Jennifer talks about why she has been challenging herself outside her comfort zone and doing stand-up comedy -- even though it scares her so much (she also spills the beans on a BIG thing she's launching in 2019!)

    [25:43] - Jennifer talks about why they got rid of their dressers and this trick that has helped them have a lot more room and storage space in their small house.

    [28:30] - I answer a question from Marcy on what hospitality looks like in this season of life (and how it's often not necessarily inviting a family over for dinner),

    Links and Resources:

    Sponsor Spotlight

    Today’s episode is sponsored by Twigby — a company dedicated to providing fantastic phone service at great prices. As I mentioned in the podcast, if you are looking for a great deal on a phone for your teen (or yourself!), I’d highly recommend checking out what Twigby has to offer.

    Unlike traditional cell phone companies, they give you the ability to create your own custom, prepaid plan — without a contract or an unnecessary activation fee.

    You don’t have to mess with going to a store and picking out a phone plan. You just go to their site, pick your phone plan and either switch your current phone over or get a new phone, and they get it all set up for you.

    My favorite part about their service (in addition to their great prices!) is that they offer plan flexibility with the ability to change plans or phones at any time for free. You’re not locked into an expensive contract that has activation and termination fees.

    They also offer Free Overage Protection, so you can rest easy in knowing that you will never be charged for overages without your go-ahead! You have complete control.

    Special offer! Want to save 25% off your first 6 months of Twigby? Click here.

    Note: This post contains affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase, we may receive a small commission — at no additional cost to you. Thank you so much for your support!



    Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
    https://crystalpaine.com/10
    Tue, 27 Nov 2018 08:00:00 +0000
    9. Law School Struggles, Free Groceries, and a Pregnancy Test (with Jesse Paine)

    Jesse and I are currently in India (I messed up when I pre-recorded the podcast and said we were going to be in Rome and headed to India -- I was forgetting that episode 9 dropped this week, not last week!) with some good friends of ours, so I talk about my international travel must-haves on this podcast.

    Plus, by popular demand, Jesse joins me again for us to share more of our story -- including some stories from our law school days you've probably never heard before.

    We also talk about the Enneagram and how it has impacted our marriage and our business and we answer the question of what it's like for us to work together so closely.

    By the way, we are still finding our groove when it comes to doing these podcasts together, but I think this one is getting closer to what you'd experience if you were sitting with us having coffee. Yes, we are pretty sarcastic with each other... and you'll probably start to hear more and more of that as time goes on.

    And you'll likely also hear more and more from Jesse as he warms up to this whole talking to an invisible audience thing. I can also guarantee you that you'll be hearing a lot more legalese from him since I'm always teasing him about using big legal words and attorney-speak. And he'll probably tease me about being irritable again. Welcome to our world! ;)

    In This Episode:

    [01:56] - In honor of the fact that Jesse and I are currently on an international trip, I'm sharing my 5 must-haves for international flights. Would you add anything to my list?

    [05:44] - Phones are a privilege, not a right at our house. And I share how this plays out in our home with our oldest, Kathrynne.

    [10:17] - I loved this decorating book -- which is kind of crazy since I'm not into decorating at all!

    [11:42] - You all were intrigued by the last episode that Jesse and I did together so he's joining me again this week for us to share more of our story -- including some of the gritty (and funny!) details of our law school struggles.

    [12:28] - Confluence?? Jesse brings out his legalese and I give him a hard time for it. But really, do YOU use "confluence" in your every day speech??

    [15:49] - We share why Jesse decided to go to law school, why we set the goal of doing it debt-free, and what it was really like.

    [21:35] - Did you know I got over $1500 worth of products for around $50 by playing the "Drugstore Game". I share details on this and talk about what I did with the 100 tubes of toothpaste I got paid to buy.

    [24:38] - We really wanted to have kids from the time we got married, but then we thought we were going to have to give up on that dream... until I got a mysterious case of irritability and a stomach bug. (I promise I'm not a big of a grump all the time as Jesse kind of made me out to be. But hey, I teased him for using big words so I think it's only fair he got to tease me, too!)

    [28:20] - Jesse and I answer a question from a listener: “What does it look like working so closely with your spouse?”

    If you have any questions that you’d like me (or me and Jesse!) to address in a future episode, email me at crystal@moneysavingmom.com!

    Links and Resources: How to Listen to The Crystal Paine Show

    The podcast is available on iTunes, Android, Stitcher, and Spotify. You can listen online through the direct player we’ll include in the show notes of each episode. OR, a much easier way to listen is by subscribing to the podcast through a free podcast app on your phone. (Find instructions for how to subscribe to a podcast here.)

    Sponsor Spotlight

    Today’s episode is sponsored by Twigby — a company dedicated to providing fantastic phone service at great prices. As I mentioned in the podcast, if you are looking for a great deal on a phone for your teen (or yourself!), I’d highly recommend checking out what Twigby has to offer.

    Unlike traditional cell phone companies, they give you the ability to create your own custom, prepaid plan — without a contract or an unnecessary activation fee.

    You don’t have to mess with going to a store and picking out a phone plan. You just go to their site, pick your phone plan and either switch your current phone over or get a new phone, and they get it all set up for you.

    My favorite part about their service (in addition to their great prices!) is that they offer plan flexibility with the ability to change plans or phones at any time for free. You’re not locked into an expensive contract that has activation and termination fees.

    They also offer Free Overage Protection, so you can rest easy in knowing that you will never be charged for overages without your go-ahead! You have complete control.

    Special offer! Want to save 25% off your first 6 months of Twigby? Click here.

    Note: This post contains affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase, we may receive a small commission — at no additional cost to you. Thank you so much for your support!



    Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
    https://crystalpaine.com/9
    Tue, 13 Nov 2018 08:00:00 +0000
    8. How to Find More Time to Read (with Anne Bogel)

    As of this morning, we hit 50,000 downloads of The Crystal Paine Show. Y'all! I can hardly believe it!

    Your support and cheerleading as I've started this new endeavor has truly blessed me more than I can adequately express. After dreaming of having a podcast for over 4 years, this just feels surreal.

    Thank you for tuning in each week, for subscribing, for telling your friends, and leaving reviews. You all are the best!

    On this week's episode, I'm going to tell you about one of my favorite ways to earn free gift cards by scanning my grocery receipts, we'll talk about how to help your kids be more careful and avoid online bullying, I'm sharing about a book that impacted me when it comes to friendship.

    Anne Bogel joins me for a fun (and inspiring!) conversation about how busy women can find more time to read and where to find great book recommendations (plus insider tips on why Anne doesn't read on airplanes and how she survived book tour!). And then I close out the show by sharing the short list of things I try to do every single morning.

    In This Episode:

    [01:46] - Did you know you can earn free gift cards just for scanning your grocery receipts? Yup, I tell you the free app I use to do this!

    [04:44] - Online bullying is a real thing and it's something that we need to help our teens know how to navigate. I share some of the ways we are seeking to do this in our home with our oldest, Kathrynne.

    [08:05] - My book of the week is a book that I actually almost didn't finish... but I'm so glad I did because the second half was just so good!

    [11:28] - This week's guest, Anne Bogel, shares her top tips for busy women who want to find more time to read.

    [13:05] - Struggling to find books you will love to read? Anne talks about where to start and how to find great book recommendations (and she gently disagrees with me on the method I share for how I find great book recommendations!)

    [16:32] - Anne has an incredibly full and varied life and yet she still finds lots of time to read. She tells us her personal tips and tricks for making reading a priority in her own life.

    [19:57] - I ask Anne a kind of selfish question -- one that I've been really curious about for a long time. I loved her answer and it gave me a lot of food for thought when it comes to why I love the books I love.

    [22:18] - What is Anne reading right now? And how did she end up reading three different books based on Pride and Prejudice? And what's saving her life right now?

    [26:54] - Today’s Q&A segment question is all about what my morning routine looks like. I share the things I do every morning to start my day well.

    If you have any questions that you’d like me to address in a future episode, email me at crystal@moneysavingmom.com!

    Links and Resources Mentioned in the Show:

    How to Listen to The Crystal Paine Show

    The podcast is available on iTunes, Android, Stitcher, and Spotify. You can listen online through the direct player we’ll include in the show notes of each episode. OR, a much easier way to listen is by subscribing to the podcast through a free podcast app on your phone. (Find instructions for how to subscribe to a podcast here.)

    Ready to dive in and listen? Hit the player above or search for “The Crystal Paine Show” on your favorite podcast app. Sponsor Spotlight

    Today’s episode is sponsored by Twigby — a company dedicated to providing fantastic phone service at great prices. As I mentioned in the podcast, if you are looking for a great deal on a phone for your teen (or yourself!), I’d highly recommend checking out what Twigby has to offer.

    Unlike traditional cell phone companies, they give you the ability to create your own custom, prepaid plan — without a contract or an unnecessary activation fee.

    You don’t have to mess with going to a store and picking out a phone plan. You just go to their site, pick your phone plan and either switch your current phone over or get a new phone, and they get it all set up for you.

    My favorite part about their service (in addition to their great prices!) is that they offer plan flexibility with the ability to change plans or phones at any time for free. You’re not locked into an expensive contract that has activation and termination fees.

    They also offer Free Overage Protection, so you can rest easy in knowing that you will never be charged for overages without your go-ahead! You have complete control.

    Special offer! Want to save 25% off your first 6 months of Twigby? Click here.

    Note: This post contains affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase, we may receive a small commission — at no additional cost to you. Thank you so much for your support!



    Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
    https://crystalpaine.com/8
    Tue, 06 Nov 2018 08:00:00 +0000
    7. 10 Minutes a Day to Less Stress and Better Health (with Bonnie Gray)

    Do you struggle to find white space in your life? Do you feel like you're always running behind or just barely surviving? Do you wish you could find a way to slow down and savor life more?

    In today's episode, we're going to talk about how you can invest 10 minutes a day to give you less stress and better health. Sound too good to be true? Well then listen in! :)

    I also share about a book that made my Top 10 list for 2018, a recipe I have been eating every single day, and how I stopped trying to stuff my brilliantly creative, sometimes-messy daughter into a neat and orderly box and how it changed both of our lives for the better.

    A Special Freebie For You

    Bonnie is offering two free resources to my followers that you can download: 10 Practical Ways to Create Spiritual Rest (a book excerpt) + 33 simple ideas to enjoy rest from Finding Spiritual Whitespace and 28 Rest Ideas -- a beautiful, hand-lettered calligraphy printable. Download them here for free.

    In This Episode:

    [00:26] - I talk about a movie that Jesse and I recently went and saw (one of the perks of being self-employed!).

    [04:27] - This week, what’s saving my life is actually a recipe for banana bread... you'll have to listen to the episode to find out just why that is! :)

    [05:44] - My book pick this week is one I read a number of months ago, but it is totally making it to my Top 10 Books Read list for 2018!

    [07:50] - This week's guest, Bonnie Gray, shares some practical ways women can carve out more rest and white space in their lives -- in just 10 minutes or less each day!

    [16:15] - Bonnie shares how she and her husband have started creating white space for each other, which has strengthened their relationship.

    [17:51] - What is Bonnie reading right now? She talks about 4 different books -- and how reading has helped her have more white space in her life.

    [19:24] - Have you ever tried setting your phone to “do not disturb” mode? Bonnie shares how she uses this feature on her phone.

    [21:12] - In today’s Q&A segment, I answer a question on the best way to raise and nurture a child who is very different from you.

    Links and Resources Mentioned in the Show:

    How to Listen to The Crystal Paine Show

    The podcast is available on iTunes, Android, Stitcher, and Spotify. You can listen online through the direct player we’ll include in the show notes of each episode. OR, a much easier way to listen is by subscribing to the podcast through a free podcast app on your phone. (Find instructions for how to subscribe to a podcast here.)

    Sponsor Spotlight

    Today’s episode is sponsored by Twigby — a company dedicated to providing fantastic phone service at great prices. As I mentioned in the podcast, if you are looking for a great deal on a phone for your teen (or yourself!), I’d highly recommend checking out what Twigby has to offer.

    Unlike traditional cell phone companies, they give you the ability to create your own custom, prepaid plan — without a contract or an unnecessary activation fee.

    You don’t have to mess with going to a store and picking out a phone plan. You just go to their site, pick your phone plan and either switch your current phone over or get a new phone, and they get it all set up for you.

    My favorite part about their service (in addition to their great prices!) is that they offer plan flexibility with the ability to change plans or phones at any time for free. You’re not locked into an expensive contract that has activation and termination fees.

    They also offer Free Overage Protection, so you can rest easy in knowing that you will never be charged for overages without your go-ahead! You have complete control.

    Special offer! Want to save 25% off your first 6 months of Twigby? Click here.

    Note: This post contains affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase, we may receive a small commission — at no additional cost to you. Thank you so much for your support!



    Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
    https://crystalpaine.com/7
    Tue, 30 Oct 2018 07:00:00 +0000
    6. Shame, the power of story, and a real look at the writing life (with Katie Ganshert)

    So, apparently you all are very curious about our courtship rules and our first kiss -- because we had almost TWICE as many downloads of last week's episode than we've had of any other episode! Wow!

    Thank you for the many emails and comments and messages on Instagram. It was fun to read how some of you had never, ever heard of the concept of courtship and some of you had actually had very similar upbringings.

    (By the way, I posted a picture on Instagram of Jesse and me at 20 and 21 that might make you smile!)

    Today's show is very different from last week's but I think you're going to love it and find it insightful and helpful. We'll be talking about a perspective shift I had recently, my favorite money-saving website to get Kroger deals, and I'm going to confess a secret about books I don’t think I’ve ever shared publicly before.

    Plus, I’m going to be interviewing Katie Ganshert — the author of some of my favorite fiction books (and I’m taking a risk and tackling a hot button topic with her!) and then I’ll close out the show by answering a question on how I balance my life and still find time to relax (and why I've decided I can only do two things well per day).

    In This Episode:

    [01:07] - I woke up pretty overwhelmed by my day... until I read this quote on Instagram and it immediately snapped me out of that stressful space.

    [03:06] - Want to save money at Kroger? I give you the scoop on my very favorite website that you must be following for all the best Kroger deals (and the deals work at Kroger affiliate stores, too!)

    [06:05] - This week's book pick elicit's a book confession that I don't think I've ever shared publicly before. I hope we can still be friends after you find this out!

    [09:31] - Today's guest is Katie Ganshert -- author of some of my favorite Christian fiction books. I love how she writes with such rawness and realness and you'll love her answer to my question on what inspires her to be so vulnerable in her writing.

    [11:41] - Katie talks about how she stays inspired as a writer, tips for those who want to be a writer, and why she decided to take an entire year off from any book writing.

    [17:24] - I ask Katie a hot-button question about her book No One Ever Asked. We talk about race, how I can make a difference as a white woman, and how to approach this topic with grace and without ostracizing others.

    [24:56] - I close out the show with a question that was submitted on the topic of balance. I talk about my six areas of priority and how I implement the strategy of only doing two things well per day.

    Links and Resources:

    Note: This post contains affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase, we may receive a small commission — at no additional cost to you. Thank you so much for your support!



    Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
    https://crystalpaine.com/6-shame-the-power-of-story-and-a-real-look-at-the-writing-life-with-katie-ganshert
    Tue, 23 Oct 2018 07:00:00 +0000
    5. Courtship Rules and Our First Kiss (with Jesse Paine)

    I loved your responses to last week’s episode on hospitality! You all inspired me by how you shared various ways you are committing open up your home.

    And some of you even told me you were going to get brave and join me in my commitment to open our home up every week! That just made me so happy… and so inspired to continue on opening up our doors.

    Speaking of getting brave, I’ll be honest and tell you that this episode is a little vulnerable for me to put out to the world. In fact, after we recorded it, I had to set aside my fears and insecurities of what you might think when you listen to this.

    Like I told you in Episode 1, our love story is unconventional… and today’s episode where Jesse and I share more of our story certainly proves that! (And it’s okay if you think it all sounds weird or crazy after you listen!) But I hope it gives you more of a peek into our history and background… and might help you get to know us a little bit better!

    In This Episode:

    [01:02] – Want to know a secret? I was really scared of having older kids, especially teenagers. It hasn’t been at all how I expected!

    [03:56] – I’ve fallen in love with the Libby app — and I’m not even much of an app person! I tell you why I love it so much and how I use it (including my tip for listening to books a little faster!)

    [07:32] – Chasing Excellence by Ben Bergeron is a book I can’t stop talking about. Even if you don’t care a thing about CrossFit, you should read this book!

    [10:12] – In the first episode of my podcast, my husband, Jesse, joined me as my guest. He’s back today to share the story of our unconventional courtship and engagement!

    [14:41] – Jesse and I discuss the rules our parents set for our courtship, the pros and cons of a long distance relationship, and how we wished we could have gotten married sooner.

    [22:41] – We talk about how weird it was to not have a parent chaperone with us at all times after we got married.

    [24:45] – Our first kiss was on our wedding day… but technically not really at our wedding ceremony. You’ll have to listen in to hear the whole story!

    [25:52] – I usually answer a question at the end of the podcast by myself, but today, I have Jesse help me answer a question about how we make our marriage a priority with our kids and businesses.

    Links and Resources Mentioned in the Podcast:

    Note: This post contains affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase, we may receive a small commission — at no additional cost to you. Thank you so much for your support!



    Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
    http://sites.libsyn.com/128777/5-courtship-rules-and-our-first-kiss-with-jesse-paine
    Tue, 16 Oct 2018 07:00:00 +0000
    4. How I Got Over My Fear of Hospitality (with Jen Schmidt)

    Okay, so it's hard for me to pick favorite episodes of my podcast... because that kind of feels like picking a favorite child. BUT, I have to say that this week's episode is probably going to be one of my very favorites. Because the message of this episode is one that has personally transformed my life in such a big way.

    You see, I used to be so scared to invite people into my home. Hospitality felt like something I just wasn’t good at.

    In fact, I told myself for a long time that I’m an introverted person who is a homebody and who doesn’t host things or initiate. And by telling myself this, I had convinced myself that hosting and initiating weren’t my gifts or my personality.

    It was safer to wait to let other people do the inviting. It was safer to convince myself I wasn’t the type to step out, step up, initiate, or lead.

    But all that changed when I read Just Open the Door by Jen Schmidt. It’s a book written specifically for people like me who feel so awkward about the whole hospitality thing.

    Jen sent me a pre-release copy of her book in December of 2017. I remember getting that copy and planning to just quickly read it while we were driving to Kansas to visit family for Christmas.

    She had asked me to endorse it and I had said yes just because Jen is a longtime friend and I wanted to support her.

    But as I read the book, I felt like I was being called to do much more than just write an endorsement for the book — I felt stirred to step way outside my comfort zone and commit to opening up our home every single week in 2018.

    I had no idea how that was going to transform my life! Listen to today's podcast to hear the whole story...

    In This Episode:

    [02:04] - Why we let our daughter get a phone when she was 12... and why we might not let our other kids get one until they are older.

    [04:53] - I share about my very favorite mascara!

    [08:18] - I talk about my book pick for this week, and share my experience with it and why it was so powerful for me (as well as a few critiques of it -- because you know I can't help but be honest!).

    [09:42] - Hospitality used to feel like something that I just wasn’t good at. That changed when I read Just Open the Door by today’s guest, Jen Schmidt!

    [12:11] - What motivated Jen to write a book on the topic of opening one’s door?

    [16:14] - Jen gives some ideas and suggestions for people who feel like they can’t afford to host, their house isn’t big enough or clean enough, or they don’t cook well enough.

    [21:01] - Jen shares her words of wisdom for a woman who wants to open her door but doesn’t even know where to start.

    [24:47] - This time, I’m going to change things up a bit and close the show by telling you about the commitment I made for 2018 to open our door every single week and give you a challenge, if you're brave enough to accept it (and I hope you are!)

    How to Listen to The Crystal Paine Show

    The podcast is available on iTunes, Android, Stitcher, and Spotify. You can listen online through the direct player we’ll include in the show notes of each episode. OR, a much easier way to listen is by subscribing to the podcast through a free podcast app on your phone. (Find instructions for how to subscribe to a podcast here.)

    Sponsor Spotlight

    Today’s episode is sponsored by Twigby — a company dedicated to providing fantastic phone service at great prices. As I mentioned in the podcast, if you are looking for a great deal on a phone for your teen (or yourself!), I’d highly recommend checking out what Twigby has to offer.

    Unlike traditional cell phone companies, they give you the ability to create your own custom, prepaid plan — without a contract or an unnecessary activation fee.

    You don’t have to mess with going to a store and picking out a phone plan. You just go to their site, pick your phone plan and either switch your current phone over or get a new phone, and they get it all set up for you.

    My favorite part about their service (in addition to their great prices!) is that they offer plan flexibility with the ability to change plans or phones at any time for free. You’re not locked into an expensive contract that has activation and termination fees.

    They also offer Free Overage Protection, so you can rest easy in knowing that you will never be charged for overages without your go-ahead! You have complete control.

    Special offer! Want to save 25% off your first 6 months of Twigby? Click here.

    Links and Resources Mentioned in the Podcast:

    Note: This post contains affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase, we may receive a small commission — at no additional cost to you. Thank you so much for your support!



    Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
    https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/thecrystalpaineshow/CPS004.mp3
    Tue, 09 Oct 2018 07:00:00 +0000
    3. The Secret to Being a Happier Mom (with Jeannie Cunnion)

    I can't WAIT for you to hear today's episode... but first, I have to say a huge thank you to all of you for your support and excitement about my podcast officially launching last week with the first two episodes.

    You all are in for a treat with today's episode! In addition to talking about kids and cell phones, our favorite site for crockpot menu plans, a book on hormones, and how to keep your home from being over run by toy clutter, I bring on Jeannie Cunnion to share about The Secret to Being a Happier Mom.

    Jeannie is a mom four boys and a two-time author of books that have deeply impacted me in my mothering journey. In our conversation, she shares powerful words of advice for moms who feel like they aren’t enough, she talks about how to stop carrying around mom guilt, and the key to freedom and joy as a mom.

    If you need some encouragement as a mom or if you wonder if you are completely messing it up, you've got to listen to this episode!

    Sponsor Spotlight

    Today's episode is sponsored by Twigby -- a company dedicated to providing fantastic phone service at great prices. If you are looking for a great deal on a phone — either for yourself or your child — I’d highly recommend checking out what Twigby has to offer.

    Special offer! Want to save 25% off your first 6 months of Twigby? Click here.

    Links and Resources:

    Note: This post contains affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase, we may receive a small commission -- at no additional cost to you. Thank you so much for your support!



    Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
    https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/thecrystalpaineshow/CPS003.mp3
    Tue, 02 Oct 2018 07:00:00 +0000
    2. How to Stop Feeling So Overwhelmed (with Jennifer Dukes Lee)

    Today’s show is packed with all sorts of goodness: I’ve got something on my heart that I want to share about friendship, I’m going to tell you about a new money-saving Facebook Group we just started, we’re going to discuss school lunches (since this is a topic many of you have asked me about!), and I want to tell you about a fiction audiobook I recently finished and enjoyed.

    Plus, I’m bringing on Jennifer Dukes Lee and we’re going to have an important conversation about prioritizing, how to know when you should say no to something, and how to stop feeling so overwhelmed by your life.

    And then I’ll close out the show by tackling a question on how to set good boundaries for electronics in your home and not to let them take over your life.

    Links and Resources Mentioned on the Show:



    Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
    https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/thecrystalpaineshow/CPS002.mp3
    Tue, 25 Sep 2018 07:00:00 +0000
    1. Why "The Crystal Paine Show"?

    I'm so excited to be bringing you my very first podcast -- something I've been dreaming of doing for over 4 years!

    In this episode, I share: why I started this podcast, what you can expect in every episode, some practical ideas that are helping our back-to-school transition go smoothly, and I talk about a book I finished recently.

    I also answer a question on marriage and introduce my husband (he'll be a regular guest on the show!) and we share how we met and fell in love.

    Resources mentioned in the show:

    Follow my money-saving shopping trips (and more behind-the-scenes photos and videos from my life!) on Instagram Stories.

    Any questions or suggestions for future episodes? I'd love for you to contact me here.



    Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
    https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/thecrystalpaineshow/CPS001.mp3
    Sun, 09 Sep 2018 03:00:00 +0000
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