
Crystal Paine Show
Crystal Paine
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.
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Top 10 Crystal Paine Show Episodes
Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best Crystal Paine Show episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to Crystal Paine Show for the first time, there's no better place to start than with one of these standout episodes. If you are a fan of the show, vote for your favorite Crystal Paine Show episode by adding your comments to the episode page.

49. Finding Good Friends
Crystal Paine Show
09/03/19 • 27 min
“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:
- Leopard Print Flats
- TSA Precheck
- The Terminal List by Jack Carr
- True Believer by Jack Carr
- Helping Our Kids Overcome Shame (with Kristin Maher)
- The Lies We Believed
- Modesty, Legalism, and Grace
- Crystal’s Favorite Things on Amazon
- CrystalPaine.com
- MoneySavingMom.com
- Crystal’s Instagram account (I’d love for you to follow me there! I usually hop on at least a few times per day and share behind-the-scenes photos and videos, my grocery store hauls, funny stories, or just anything I’m pondering or would like your advice or feedback on!)
- Have feedback on the show or suggestions for future episodes or topics? Send me an email: [email protected]
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!
Our Sponsors:
* Check out Armoire and use my code CRYSTAL for a great deal: https://www.armoire.style
* Check out BetterHelp: https://betterhelp.com/CRYSTALPAINE
* Check out IXL and use my code TODAY for a great deal: https://www.ixl.com
* Check out Seed : https://seed.com/CRYSTAL
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

47. The Power of a Morning Routine
Crystal Paine Show
08/20/19 • 25 min
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:
- Jocko Willink
- Caboose Junction Resort, Lampo, MO
- Killing Kennedy by Bill O’Reilly
- Libby App
- Killing Reagan by Bill O’Reilly
- Overdrive App
- Killing Patton by Bill O’Reilly
- The Crystal Paine Show Episode 4: How I Got Over My Fear of Hospitality (with Jen Schmidt)
- Lash Love Lengthening Mascara by Mary Kay
- LashBlast Fusion Mascara by CoverGirl
- Killing Lincoln by Bill O’Reilly
- Make Over Your Mornings
- Sarah Haley Squat Challenge
- 5-Days to a Better Morning
- Crystal’s Favorite Things on Amazon
- CrystalPaine.com
- MoneySavingMom.com
- Crystal’s Instagram account (I’d love for you to follow me there! I usually hop on at least a few times per day and share behind-the-scenes photos and videos, my grocery store hauls, funny stories, or just anything I’m pondering or would like your advice or feedback on!)
- Have feedback on the show or suggestions for future episodes or topics? Send me an email: [email protected]
Our Sponsors:
* Check out Armoire and use my code CRYSTAL for a great deal: https://www.armoire.style
* Check out BetterHelp: https://betterhelp.com/CRYSTALPAINE
* Check out IXL and use my code TODAY for a great deal: https://www.ixl.com
* Check out Seed : https://seed.com/CRYSTAL
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

176. An adoption update + how to follow through with your goals
Crystal Paine Show
08/30/22 • 32 min
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.
- Books
- Jon Acuff
- The Four Tendencies by Gretchen Rubin
- Special Mentions
- Cave Rescue, a movie
- Thirteen Lives, a movie
- The Rescue, documentary
- Pomodor App
- Teaching Your Kids to Set Goals Ep 174
- Other Resources
- 10 Days to Be a Happier Mom
- Sign up for the Hot Deals Email List
- MoneySavingMom.com
- My Instagram account (I’d love for you to follow me there! I usually hop on at least a few times per day and share behind-the-scenes photos and videos, my grocery store hauls, funny stories, or just anything I’m pondering or would like your advice or feedback on!)
- Have feedback on the show or sugges...

05/10/22 • 33 min
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
- Links & Resources
- Love God Greatly
- Books
- Young Women Love God Greatly Bible by Angela Perritt & Thomas Nelson
- Love-Centered Parenting by Crystal Paine
- 10 Days to Be a Happier Mom
- Sign up for the Hot Deals Email List
- MoneySavingMom.com
- My Instagram account (I’d love for you to follow me there! I usually hop on at least a few times per day and share behind-the-scenes photos and videos, my grocery store hauls, funny stories, or just anything I’m pondering or would like your advice or feedback on!)
- Have feedback on the show or suggestions for future episodes or topics? Send me an email: crystal @ moneysavingmom.com
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.

180. Why You Should Read Aloud with Your Kids (with Jennifer Pepito)
Crystal Paine Show
10/04/22 • 28 min
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

166. Raising Teens: Answering your burning questions
Crystal Paine Show
04/19/22 • 36 min
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
- Love-Centered Parenting
- An Interview with Kathrynne
- Our Rules for Kids and Phones
- 10 Days to Be a Happier Mom
- Sign up for the Hot Deals Email List
- MoneySavingMom.com
- My Instagram account (I’d love for you to follow me there! I usually hop on at least a few times per day and share behind-the-scenes photos and videos, my grocery store hauls, funny stories, or just anything I’m pondering or would like your advice or feedback on!)
- Have feedback on the show or suggestions for future episodes or topics? Send me an email: crystal @ moneysavingmom.com
Sponsor Spotlight: CodeSpark Academy
Do you have kids who love science, technology, or STEM-related activities? If so...

168. Helping your kids fight less & get along better
Crystal Paine Show
05/03/22 • 29 min
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
- Links & ResourcesWordle Game
- Books
- Gentle and Lowly: The Heart of Christ for Sinners and Sufferers by Dane C. Ortlund
- Love-Centered Parenting by Crystal Paine
- 10 Days to Be a Happier Mom
- Sign up for the Hot Deals Email List
- MoneySavingMom.com
- My Instagram account (I’d love for you to follow me there! I usually hop on at least a few times per day and share behind-the-scenes photos and videos, my grocery store hauls, funny stories, or just anything I’m pondering or would like your advice or feedback on!)
- Have feedback on the show or suggestions for future episodes or topics? Send me an email: crystal @ moneysavingmom.com
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 per...

160. 5 Things I Do Every Morning (Part 2)
Crystal Paine Show
03/08/22 • 30 min
"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
- Books
- Win The Day by Mark Batterson
- Beneath the Scarlet Sky by Mark Sullivan
- Special Mentions
- 5 Things I Do Every Morning
- Pre-Spoon: NumNum or Nuk
- Libby/Overdrive, free public library app
- Other Links
- Love-Centered Parenting
- 10 Days to Be a Happier Mom
- Sign up for the Hot Deals Email List
- MoneySavingMom.com
- My Instagram account (I’d love for you to follow me there! I usually hop on at least a few times per day and share behind-the-scenes photos and videos, my grocery store hauls, funny stories, or just anything I’m pondering or would like your advice or feedback on!)
- Have feedback on the show or suggestions for future episodes or topics? Send me an email: crystal @ moneysavingmom.com
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 consc...

159. I got caught in the comparison trap!
Crystal Paine Show
03/01/22 • 26 min
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
- Books
- The Woman They Could Not Silence: One Woman, Her Incredible Fight For Freedom, and the Men Who Tried to Make Her Disappear by Kate Moore
- The Radium Girls: The Dark Story of America’s Shining Women by Kate Moore
- Total Power by Vince Flynn
- Special Mentions
- Truths to Remember, Spotify Playlist
- Eat to Evolve, meal plans (use coupon code MSM to save 20% off your first order)
- Libby/Overdrive, free public library app
- Other Links
- Love-Centered Parenting
- 10 Days to Be a Happier Mom
- Sign up for the Hot Deals Email List
- MoneySavingMom.com
- My Instagram account (I’d love for you to follow me t...

89. An Update on Our Foster Care Journey
Crystal Paine Show
08/11/20 • 37 min
(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:
- Ridge Wallet
- The Giver by Lois Lowry
- Near Dark by Brad Thor
- Our Journey to Becoming Foster Parents (podcast episode)
- MoneySavingMom.com
- YourBloggingMentor.com
- My Instagram account (I’d love for you to follow me there! I usually hop on at least a few times per day and share behind-the-scenes photos and videos, my grocery store hauls, funny stories, or just anything I’m pondering or would like your advice or feedback on!)
- Have feedback on the show or suggestions for future episodes or topics? Send me an email: [email protected]
Our Sponsors:
* Check out Armoire and use my code CRYSTAL for a great deal: https://www.armoire.style
* Check out BetterHelp: https://betterhelp.com/CRYSTALPAINE
* Check out IXL and use my code TODAY for a great deal: https://www.ixl.com
* Check out Seed : https://seed.com/CRYSTAL
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
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FAQ
How many episodes does Crystal Paine Show have?
Crystal Paine Show currently has 293 episodes available.
What topics does Crystal Paine Show cover?
The podcast is about Parenting, Kids & Family, Podcasts, Self-Improvement and Education.
What is the most popular episode on Crystal Paine Show?
The episode title '252. Silas and Jesse share about their trip to DC' is the most popular.
What is the average episode length on Crystal Paine Show?
The average episode length on Crystal Paine Show is 33 minutes.
How often are episodes of Crystal Paine Show released?
Episodes of Crystal Paine Show are typically released every 7 days.
When was the first episode of Crystal Paine Show?
The first episode of Crystal Paine Show was released on Sep 9, 2018.
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