Did you miss me the past few weeks?!? I missed you all!
Okay, well I wasn’t really “gone”. I mean, I’m the only one who hits publish on all the posts here on my blog and the main person who runs my Facebook Page and Twitter, so I was here every day posting deals and guest posts and responding to comments. And I posted some real-life peeks on Instagram.
But I took an unannounced break from writing content pieces and the usual features here for the last few weeks. Why? Well, mostly because I just needed a break.
I wanted to take a few weeks to step back and evaluate where this blog is headed, plan the next six months, re-evaluate what is and isn’t working, tweak our schedule for the fall, and just take some time to be quiet and process.
It’s easy to fall prey to the “rat race” of producing content and not take enough time to step back, stop and evaluate, and make sure that I’m headed in the right direction. So I’ve been trying to be more intentional about having time to be still, to carefully and prayerfully discuss things with my husband, to fill up my soul so I can give out to others, to pray, to journal, to be creative offline, and to savor life.
The break was good for me. I have some fresh direction and perspective, we’re tweaking some things on the back-end, I’m cutting some things to allow room for new things, and I feel re-inspired and re-fueled with many new content ideas for the fall.
Also, I feel really settled. About blogging. About priorities. About what’s most important. And about who I am as a person and blogger.
The break wasn’t just all goal-setting and long talks and planning for the future, though. No ma’am.
Here’s a little peek into what we did on the blogging break:
We went to Family Camp in Michigan — and I may have exercised some of my inner child on the water slides and blob in the lake. 🙂
I attended the Storybrand Workshop, along with some other amazing people and learned so much from Donald Miller.
We played Bean Boozled with friends. You must stop right now and go watch my friend Tam’s skunk jelly bean video. It’s a classic. 🙂
Kathrynne and I traveled to Houston for me to speak at the homeschool conference there. And she was pretty stoked that we ended up getting upgraded to first class for FREE!
We traveled back to Kansas to surprise my parents for their 40th Anniversary. Read all about the surprise we planned here.
My sisters and I ran a 5K Color Run with two of our daughters.
We spent almost a week at Bull Shoals Lake in Arkansas with all of my extended family.
And last, but certainly not least, WE MADE AN OFFER TO BUY ANOTHER RENTAL HOUSE and it was ACCEPTED!! {We celebrated with a trip to Dollar Tree — pretty much our family’s favorite store. Because, of course!}
Investing in another single-family home to rent out is something we’ve been researching, investigating, praying about, talking about, and saving for for many months. So this was a pretty big deal. In fact, it was one of our biggest goals for 2015 and by far our biggest financial goal.
To be honest, it’s hard to know how to share this kind of news. Part of me is so thrilled and excited and I want to share our good news with you all because you’ve been following our journey and you’re like family to us.
The other part of me wants to just quietly keep it to ourselves lest it come across as gloating or is frustrating to those of you who are really, really struggling financially right now.
Need encouragement tonight? Read the story behind this picture here.
I know what it feels like to not know how you’re going to pay the rent this month. I know what it feels like to wake up and wonder if you are EVER going to find a way to get ahead financially. I know how hard it is to not have an extra quarter to spare when so many around you are spending money like water.
I know what it feels like to only be able to buy what’s almost free with coupons at the grocery store, to not be able to pay even thrift store prices, to re-wear and re-use and re-purpose, to wonder how you’re going to be able to buy diapers for your soon-to-be born child because carving out even $10 extra dollars per month is not something you can imagine figuring out how to do on your teeny-tiny budget.
10 years ago, I would never, ever in my wildest dreams have imagined we’d be in a position to have the wiggle room to save up and pay cash for even one house, let alone be in the process of buying our 3rd house to rent out. Back then, I was just trying to figure out how to stretch $17 or $20 to cover all our groceries that week and praying that our car would start when I needed it to.
So yes, I share this news with a humble heart that hurts for those of you who may be in that really, really tight place. And I hope our story inspires you instead of discouraging you.
Keep at it, keep making those short-term sacrifices, keep stretching your money, keep thinking outside the box, and don’t give up hope. You don’t know what the next 10 years may hold for you!
By the way, for those who may be wondering:
This rental house is in Kansas. We have a really great property management company we work with there. They’ve been managing both of our rental houses in Kansas for us.
We tested the long-distance renting thing out this last year while doing a ton of research and investigation to decide where we’d invest next. We decided to stick with Kansas because we love our property management company, houses in Kansas are much less expensive than in this area in Tennessee, and the rental market is really hot in the areas we’re purchasing in. So far, it’s been a really, really good experience for us so we’re going to continue on with it!
Some of you have wondered why we are renting in Tennessee and not buying a house here. There are multiple reasons, but the main one is this: We’ve talked/looked/thought over this long and hard over the past year and the reality is that houses in the area we live in right now are about 2.5 times the cost of what they are in Kansas.
We can buy almost 3 houses in KS for the price of one in TN and then rent them out at a price that is almost double what we’re paying in rent now. So for the price of one house in TN, we’re able to invest in rental homes that cover the cost of our rent + net us a good profit every single month — and that’s including repairs to the rental homes and costs involved when tenants move out.
It’s unconventional, I know, and we haven’t ruled out buying a house in TN someday, but for now, renting has been a great option for us.
So that’s what’s been going on with us this past month. What about you? What have you been up to recently? I’ve missed you all and can’t wait to get back to regular blogging and conversations here with you!
Chella says
Welcome back from your unannounced beak. We missed you indeed. A break from normal daily routine is very vital. I think it is good for one to also take time and revitalize their bodies by experiencing new things. Something like a vacation to be precise. one that will make you feel relaxed and energized once you get back to the normal routine. i am glad you made an achievement on the rental house. that is a big plus for you, congratulations. looking forward to see what you have in store for the fall of the year.
Kelly says
Hello, Crystal!
Never feel that you need to apologize for the blessings that have come to your family through God’s grace and your hard work and discipline. People who feel you are “bragging” struggle with a victim mentality, and regardless of your efforts to be careful and compassionate, they very likely will still feel that they are suffering unjustly.
Your blog has been a beautiful and refreshing peek into the life of another wife, mother, entrepreneur, (woman!) without the carefully constructed facade that so many other blogs work to create and maintain. Thank you for your transparency in your journey. While I know that you don’t “air the dirty laundry,” it is an encouragement to read about the victories, dreams, disappointments, and effort that we all must walk through in this life. Blessings to you! And may these next six months bring you even greater joys!
Crystal Paine says
Thank you so much for your kind encouragement! Your comment truly blessed me!
Linda says
Crystal,
Just today, August 16, John and I were commenting on it being your parent’s wedding anniversary. I remember the wonderful album you girls put together for their 25th anniversary, but didn’t take the time to figure this was the 40th! My life’s been so crazy filled (and contained many of its own surprises this summer for my 60th birthday – you might note on FB) that I haven’t taken time to read through your blog for a bit. What wonderful news to read of the surprise you put together for them, I can only imagine how exciting that was for them. Blessing to all of you! Linda
Crystal Paine says
So good to hear from you! And we had so fun reminiscing about times at Memory Lane while we were there!!
Tshanina says
Good for you for taking a blogging break, Crystal. I always feel refreshed and renewed when I take a break.
I heard about Bean Boozled a few months ago when my friend shared a video on Facebook. All I can say is – hilarious!
Congrats on your new rental house! You guys are killing it and your hard work of scrimping and saving, especially in those lean years, is paying off. High five sister!!!
claire says
I just wanted to say what a great post. I love reading your posts. They’re helping me with goal setting and been more organised. Thank you
Bethany says
I’m so excited for you and your accomplishment! Hoping for another house cleaning series before the holidays.
Patty says
I would love to know who manages your rental property in Kansas, if you don’t mind sharing!
MomofTwoPreciousGirls says
I want to personally tell you that your accomplishments NEVER feel like you’re bragging. First, you write to us about your annual goals and what you do weekly to accomplish them. This was on your list. It’s inspiring to see goal setting working and knowing when you set out SMART goals, you can achieve SO much. I have learned so much by coming to your online home in the last few years. I have been inspired and feel confident in making financial decisions. I come back because you have the spirit of a teacher. I love to learn about the way you live your life even though it is different from my own. It helps gain new perspectives.
I know in the past you have been cyber-bullied by others, but please know that you make a real difference to the people that come here to truly learn from your experiences. Please don’t ever be apologetic for your values and convictions. They make me come back every day…many times a day!
Crystal Paine says
Thank you so much for your kind words of encouragement! This comment really blessed me today. I’m humbly grateful!
Ramona says
Congratulations on your purchase! I have been following your blog for about 4-5 years now and I know how you all have worked hard to get ahead financially after some hard times. You have taught me a lot about saving money and I continue to read your blog to check in daily for deals, freebies, and saving ideas! Thank you!
Kariane says
Breaks are so important. I’m glad you were able to take one (well, at least mostly take one).
One of the things I’ve been ruminating on the last couple of weeks, as my youngest hit 2, are what things a baby truly needs. I published the third part of a three-part series this week [6 Items a Baby Really Doesn’t Need (even though society will tell you he does)] here: http://everydaymindfulliving.com/6-items-a-baby-really-doesnt-need-even-though-society-will-tell-you-he-does/
Valerie says
Congrats on your new investment! And hitting your financial goal. You’re not bragging — your sharing your joy of a long-awaited accomplishment. I love that you celebrated at Dollar Tree. That sounds like our kind of celebration! (Love your site and can’t wait to see the fruits of your blogging break!)
Rachel says
Yes! Missed your personal posts, glad you had a lovely break and refreshingly. And I’m glad you posted meeting your goals, that’s awesome! A lot of hard work, effort, and hard choices went it to your success.
And so so excited about the new content you have coming!! 🙂
Lisa says
Thank you for sharing about your rental house purchase. This is something I am very interested in doing also, and would like to see more information about this in upcoming posts. Did you purchase the house with cash? If so, please share some of the ways you accomplished this.
Crystal Paine says
Yes, we’re buying the house with cash. Because we don’t have debt, have good income and many different income streams, and because we live simply, we’re able to save a significant portion of our income every month toward investments. We set a goal about a year ago to save up to pay cash for another rental house and have spent the last year working toward that goal, while also researching the best possible market to buy in and deciding whether we wanted to rent long-distance or buy something local. In the end, long distance won out by a long shot for reasons I mention in the post.
Sheri Hepworth says
Since you are ‘Money Saving Mom’, it makes sense that you’d show how it can be done….and done well! Good for you!
Jennifer says
Thanks for explaining why you rent in TN. I’ve been wondering and think it’s awesome that you’ve leveraged different markets to get more bang for your house-buying buck.
Kristina @ AllMomDoes says
Congrats on your success! And I think blogging about it is absolutely inspiring and appropriate, so it’s wonderful of you to share. I think it would be much more discouraging reading about years of sacrifice with no long-term progress. I love your openness, honesty, and humility.
Julie says
Congratulations Crystal! I’m so proud of you and your sweet family! Please write a post on how you and your husband select rental properties and what books you read regarding rentals. My husband and I want to do the same thing as you when we finish paying off our mortgage.
Uma @ Centsible Indian says
Congratulations Crystal on your investment property and thanks for sharing with us. It encourages your readers to be money wise and invest for future.
Amy F;) says
I love how you wrote this! Happy for you!
Shannon says
Glad you are back. Your absence makes me realize how much I really like your content posts……
Mrs Spock says
I would love to see a post about being a landlord and renting houses.
Leia says
Can you share information about the family camp in Michigan? I would love to do that!
Crystal Paine says
Here’s the one we went to: https://moneysavingmom.com/2015/04/get-50-off-the-registration-price-of-any-life-action-family-camp.html
Jennifer says
After the recession in ’09 caused us to go through a short sale, we have pretty much decided that until we can save up a huge amount to put toward a home, we will rent. In fact, we have had so much luck with renting that I don’t know if we will ever buy again.
Bethany McL. says
We just got accepted on an offer in SoCal just outside Orange County. I know what it’s like to save, save, save! And I really understand what you mean about 1 for the price of 3, maybe 4 in our case. Glad you were able to take some time out because the process is quite involved. You are resonating with me right now!
Robin says
Hi, I recently found your website and an starting to really look into all your insightful strategies. I am currently a stay at home mom to 3. My husband has a good job. He makes about $100,000 a year and we have great health benefits. We live in NJ so cost of living is very expensive. Mortgage for our modest home is about $2,200 a month. However, I really need help! Bekieve it or not we live paycheck to paycheck. We waste so much money on going out to eat, buying wasteful stuff for kids etc….I am very excited to see what I can accomplish by utilizing your ideals!
D says
Our income is less than half of yours and I have found that really everyone needs to be mindful of how they spend their money. Everything adds up. Fortunately you should be able to find many ways to save, some of which you named in your comment. 🙂
JF says
I was so excited to read about the rental house, but then I knew you’d do that thing you do…where you start to feel bad and worry about how others will be affected by your accomplishments.
Please stop doing that. You don’t need to make us feel better because we may be in a hard situation. As adults everyone can choose to still be happy for your awesome while struggling in our current realities.
It takes away from the joy of being happy for you when you over explain or try to cover over your blessings because our blessings may not be the same. I like rooting for others accomplishments.
I”m excited for you and your family. Way to sacrifice, stick to a budget and make it happen!!! Keep up the great work.
Crystal Paine says
I so appreciate that you are rejoicing with us. Posts like this are really hurtful to some readers and hard for them to read and I feel like it’s important to acknowledge that upfront as I feel like it helps to soften the blow and instead of people reacting in anger or hurt or frustration, it helps give them HOPE to know that my heart hurts for them and that I’m cheering for them!
Sheri says
Crystal, what I appreciate most about you is that you are “unconventional.” That is a big reason why I keep coming back to your blog. You are an original, which is refreshing and inspiring! May our Father continue to bless your marriage, your family, your business, and your dreams, as you purpose to follow Christ!!!
Jennifer says
Thanks for sharing your life with us! So glad you got a chance to relax and be with family.
Please continue to share your victories, accomplishments, and blessings. It gives those of us who are doing what we have to do until we can do what we want to do inspiration and proof that dreams can come true if you are faithful in the little things.
Have a great week!
Jennifer says
Congratulations and please don’t censor your good news. It’s very encouraging and inspiring to the vast majority of us.
Owning a rental property is one of our long term goals. I’d love to see a few posts with tips about buying and maintaining rental properties as well as pitfalls of being a landlord, etcetera.
Reelika @Financially Wise On Heels says
Oh wow, you accomplished a lot during this short time! Once in awhile we all need a break. But I am really glad you are back and I am looking forward to your posts again 🙂
D says
I am glad to see you back but was hoping too that your break was refreshing. I understand about being reserved about sharing exciting financial news but at the same time , for readers who have followed much time know your family has worked hard, sacrificed all while being generous. Also , for people who aren’t living paycheck to paycheck , it’s nice to have inspiration . We’ve kept pretty quiet about becoming completely debt free and owning our very modest house , but I have shared with friends who I think wouldn’t feel badly. People know we are frugal and the best thing has truly been to be even more generous and bless others. I’ve been following for over 6 yrs and can personally attest to your amazing generosity and I know for those who are in tight spots, that God really does provide. Blessings!!!!
Amy says
So happy you’re back! 🙂 I’m glad you share about your investments on your blog. Many of us have been budgeting for years and are now able to invest, give more, save, and enjoy more splurges. I too remember the days when we watched every penny, often saying no to things so we could meet our goals. I personally think sharing successes is an encouragement to others. 🙂
Jennifer says
Thanks for your candor and your honesty. It’s nice to know that even though I know 200% about the struggles that you are speaking of at least I have support even from miles away! Times have been rough for my family and it’s hard to keep faith when it feels like you never see any results but I’m just praying that things will turn around in our favor soon. Thanks again for all you do (I say it at least once a month), it really means more then you will ever know!!
Sarah@TheOrthodoxMama says
It sounds like you packed this month full of good things! I love that you ran a 5K with your daughter. I am going to run my first 5K here in a couple of months (gulp!) and would love to run with my kids when they get older. And, I don’t find it to be “gloating” at all when you share your joys. I’ve been following you since you were in a situation far different from the one you are in now. It’s great to see how your family has managed to save, grow, and share through the years.
Rebecca says
I don’t think you should ever have to say you’re sorry for working hard and accomplishing your goals. You’ve put the time in, the blood, sweat and tears and you should be proud of yourself. God has gifted you in many ways, just like He has gifted us all, with different talents. You are putting your talents to use and capitalizing on them.
I love reading your blog – it’s my favorite and I come by several times a day (probably should be trying to find a job!). I feel like you are my long-distance friend.
Jessica says
I entered a local tv news network’s contest to go school supply shopping with their morning news anchor, who is a former Miss Ohio. I WON!
So, last Friday, my 3 kids (ages 2 1/2, 5 and 8 1/2) met up with her and the camera man at Target.
Wow, quite an adventure that was! I was initially told that it would be on my dime. I still agreed because we needed to buy school supplies anyhow, and it was the start of Ohio’s tax-free holiday on such items.
At checkout, they surprised me with a $100 gift card!
The video of my adventure can be seen here. The kids and I had a great time!
http://nbc4i.com/2015/08/10/back-to-school-shopping/
Mae says
Hi Crystal, I have missed your “personal” posts these past few weeks! Sounds like you had a fun month. Congratulations on your newest rental house and once again, thanks for remembering those of us who are struggling financially. Can you tell me what advice you have for someone whose financial future looks bleak with very little chance for improvement? I realize that when Jesse was going through law school you struggled financially, but you knew that things were going to improve once he completed school. And I believe that knowing things are going to change can make all the difference in the world. What about those who are struggling financially and there is really no chance that their financial status will get any better?
Robin Y says
Crystal, I would LOVE for you to share some strategies for buying/ maintaining rental properties. Like you, we are out of the “scraping-by-grad-school-days” and are beginning to get some traction. Passive income is something that really interests me since I’m a homeschool mom, too!
[email protected] says
Congrats! You are such an inspiration to me. We hope to someday have some rental properties.
Robyn says
Congratulations on the rental house! How exciting and inspiring! I think as christians sometimes we get good at “mourning with those who mourn” but we’re not so good at “rejoicing with those who rejoice.” Yet they’re both in the bible, right next to eachother. God values both.
Being able to celebrate together is all part of relationship. Thanks for being real, even though it feels uncomfortable sometimes.
I am truly inspired by you and your life!
Karen M says
Oops! Hit “post” by accident.
Anyhow, congrats on the rental! I’ve been not too busy since brig at a camp in July. My biggest thing was learning 2 weeks ago that my nanny job of 5 years is ending. Nothing bad, just grandma moved locally and there will only be a 3 yr old full-time, so they’re going with saving money. Can’t blame them for that. But it’s still really, really hard to be leaving “my” babies! God is in control, thank goodness!
Jo says
Happy for you that you could have a break AND take another step toward your dreams! We are living on a budget (a big change for me) because we want to become more responsible with what the Lord has given us and also because we are planning to build a new home in several years. Its encouraging to come here and find so many tips and so much encouragement in that. Thanks for all you do!
Karen M says
Congrats on the new rental! You’ve def
Kristen @ Joyfully Thriving says
I’m glad you shared your good news – and with such a powerful dose of encouragement, like we love you for! It gives me encouragement to keep dreaming big. I’m so excited for you guys to cross another goal off your list!
Becky says
Congrats! If you have any good resources for buying and managing income property, could you possibly share them? That’s a long-term goal for us as well.
Brittany says
Crystal, I’m with Becky. We’ll have our personal residence paid off by the end of this calendar year and rental property is definitely an investment we’re looking at. I’d especially love to hear what you looked for in a rental management company, and how that process worked for you.
Congratulations on your rent house and a great summer break story! Glad to have you back. 🙂
Antonella says
This is so inspiring!
Unfortunately in Italy where I live taxes on properties are almost prohibitive (no way I could purchase 3 houses to rent :-), but even if I cannot apply your lesson right now, it sure makes me ponder… Would I be able (I mean legally etc) to buy a rental property in the US?! Any idea on how to do it?
Anyway, thanks for sharing with us your success stories. I feel inspired and motivated any time I see something like this 🙂
Elizabeth Colegrove says
Congratulations on your 3rd rental home! That is super exciting! We own 7 houses (6 rentals) at 27 and 29. While there have been lots of ulcer inducing moments. It has been true financial blessing for our family. We self manage our homes (we are active duty military family so local is relative) all over the country. Even with all the “moments” I absolutely love being a landlord. Even more I love that the cash flow from our rentals covers our primary houses and utilities, it’s like living for free . Even with all the houses having mortgages!
I know you like owning homes cash free but you might think about buying your personal home with a mortgage. I know even with a mortgage at 95% we save a considerable amount compared to renting and we are still able to use our cash on our rentals.
Look forward to reading about your rental adventures.
Marci says
My husband and I were talking about someone on tv and he said “she’s such a materialistic person” and I said “I would be too if I had the money”. He stopped and went “yeah thats true”.
You’ve worked hard for everything you have so you should never feel guilty about sharing that with us 🙂 Congratulations on the new place and welcome back. Summertime is a great time to step back and have a break! Everyone deserves one!
Tabetha says
If you decide to buy rentals in TN, smaller homes in Clarksville(1 hour north) can be very affordable and rent is driven up by both APSU (go govs!) and Ft Campbell. We just moved to Salem, OR from Clarksville after my husband graduated from APSU. I have enjoyed your posts about moving and making friends. It’s hard to stay positive 2months in, so I enjoy the encouragement.
Anne says
I just moved to the Portland suburbs and have also enjoyed Crystal’s posts about making friends. We moved in April so I’m about 5 months in and it’s still hard some days – you’re not alone! 🙂
Jami @ An Oregon Cottage says
I did miss your sweet voice, Crystal! So glad you were able to take that break- I think I need that, too ?. Thank you for always being transparent, and for explaining about the cost of houses- houses in our area are more than TN, so it makes me feel better about our house goals, oh, and it IS inspiring! Congrats ?
Lisa Howard says
Congratulations, Paine family! What an amazing month, and testimony, to living well, making sound decisions and following God’s path. As another longtime reader, I am celebrating with you!
Shauna says
Glad you had a great break but so glad to have you back!!! Congrats on the rental!
Samantha says
Sounds like a fantastic break! Congrats on the new rental property and feeling re-inspired!
And can I just say, I’m jealous of your advanced copy of The Bronte Plot! I can’t wait for it to be released!
Lela says
Wow! Your posts are always so encouraging! We are currently renting too, because my hubby just finished his bachelors degree (paying cash of course!) and will soon start his masters. Can’t wait until we can buy our first home! When we do, i’m definitely gonna celebrate with a trip to Dollar Tree!
Bernadette says
Congratulations on your rental home! It wasn’t too long ago that my husband and I were drowning in student loans and living on a beans and rice budget. It was hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel, but we got through it with the help of Dave Ramsey’s debt snowball plan and are now debt-free (besides a mortgage). We now own the home we live in and have one rental home. Our long-term goal is to have more.
We rejoice with you, Crystal, on your good news–it is a reward for your hard work. You deserved a vacation/break, and we are so encouraged to continue frugal living, thanks to the help of MoneySavingMom!
Misty says
Congrats! Saving for retirement and paying down our mortgage are two of our goals, so we can look into rentals!
Tam Hodge says
Girlfriend, you pack a lot into one month!!
Crystal Paine says
But there wasn’t enough of YOU in it, so I gotta remedy that over the next month! Girlfriend time, here we come. 🙂
Tam says
Yes! While some of our girlfriends are making spreadsheets we should go have coffee.
Meg says
I’m confused…do you mean you put in an offer to BUY a house that you’re going to rent out? Congrats!
Crystal Paine says
Yes. If the offer goes through, it will be our third rental house that we’ve invested in, if all goes through. I’ve been updating our savings goals on the blog each month this year with progress on saving for this third rental house and we’re so excited to be at the finish line!!
Meg says
Awesome! That’s great you guys are so disciplined with money! For what it’s worth, I don’t feel you need to “tone down” your good news for fear of upsetting others!!
Laura says
I’ve followed you for 7 years when we had one tiny baby and now we are up to 3! I’ve celebrated your successes, been inspired by your stories, been encouraged by your truth telling, and cheered you on in your endeavors. Thank you for sharing your successes! They are so inspiring! Please keep on doing what you are doing; you are such a blessing to so many of us!
Beth says
Congrats on the rental home! I see it as complete inspiration (as the majority of your posts are) I love the aspect of real estate and recently took the class and passed the state test in NJ to be a realtor! I’m a sahm but need to keep my mind busy and since I love real estate it was a no brainer. I eventually want to dip into doing investments as well (rentals) for extra side money. Keep up the fantastic work! Glad you had fun on your vacation! Glad you were able to unwind a bit!
Challice says
Rejoice with those who rejoice and weep with those who weep. It isn’t just a one sided coin. 😉
So happy for your rental house property!!!! I’m in the beans and rice spectrum right now but I know the Lord has me where I need to be and while it is a little wince, I work on what is true, right, pure, of good report and suppress that thought and count the blessings God has given me.
So, Crystal, Well done good and faithful servant. You have done well with a few things, He has put you in charge of many things. Go and enjoy your Master’s blessings.
Kelsie says
I’ve been cramming as much summer as I can into a few weeks before undergoing surgery for a tumor in my hip 10 days ago. Now I’m relaxing and recovering, enjoying the good reason to lay outside in my lounge chair and read and count my many blessings…through these last crazy two months (from first testing until now), He has been showing me His goodness, sovereignty, provision and deep, deep love for ME, despite my undeservingness…is that a word?? I am loving Him more and more every day 🙂
Karen says
What a beautiful post! Congratulations on your refreshing break, and congratulations on your new rental property. You have a beautiful humility – remembering well what it was like to struggle – something that is easy to put behind and forget, even when there are others in that place now. Do celebrate – you’ve walked a road of sacrifice to be where you are, by God’s grace, today.
Melissa says
I have followed you for MANY years (we have chatted before on Twitter) and I love how your heart has stayed the same. It seems like a lot of bloggers hit it big and just morph into a celebrity personality. Bravo for staying true to yourself and best wishes on even bigger successes!
Crystal Paine says
Aw, you are so sweet! I have a few people in my life who have my express permission to smack me with a two-by-four any time my head starts to swell… because it certainly happens and then they help me remember what really matters and help put me back into my place! 🙂
Melissa says
haha! Well I doubt you have yet to be smacked lol. My sister and brother in law have religiously followed Dave Ramsey and are debt free (including the house) and own rental property – working retail jobs! They have faced a lot of backlash from people, its crazy! I am so not there, but its an inspiration to keep pushing!
Joy says
lol…..
Mary says
Nice to see you back! I love that you post realistic stories of purchasing rental houses and such. It gives me hope that one day, I’ll pull out of this situation I am in. You have come sooooo far. I don’t see how anyone could think you are gloating.
P.S. I adore the Dollar Tree but I’m not allowed to shop there much. I may have a few trips where I’ve spent $50 or more.
Crystal Paine says
Thank you so much for your sweet encouragement! I’m cheering for you!