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Tag Archive: The Crystal Paine Show

March 31, 2020 | Crystal Paine

Answering all of your burning questions

This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

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.

6 Comments
March 25, 2020 | Crystal Paine

BIG Updates From Our House (we tell you all about it on the podcast)

This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

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:

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.

2 Comments
March 17, 2020 | Crystal Paine

There is No Better Mom for the Job (parenting with confidence)

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:

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.

7 Comments
March 10, 2020 | Crystal Paine

Fear, Unknowns, & Courage (some thoughts on COVID-19 & more)

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! 😉

Tackling the Timely Topic of Fear

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:

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.

8 Comments
March 3, 2020 | Crystal Paine

The power of a One Minute Pause

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.

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.

5 Comments
February 25, 2020 | Crystal Paine

How to Fall in Love With Your Life

This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.
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?

We also 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:

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.

2 Comments