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:

• The Bible Project
• 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: [email protected]

 

Our Sponsors:
* Check out Armoire: https://armoire.style/CRYSTAL
* Check out IXL and use my code TODAY for a great deal: https://www.ixl.com


Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

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:

• A Call to Spy on Amazon
• The Devil’s Hand by Jack Carr
• The Simple Difference by Becky Keife
• Episode 120: How to Nix Your Negative Narrative (with Jon Acuff)
• 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: [email protected]

Our Sponsors:
* Check out Armoire: https://armoire.style/CRYSTAL
* Check out IXL and use my code TODAY for a great deal: https://www.ixl.com


Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

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:

• Jon Acuff
• Jon's Instagram account
• Soundtracks by Jon Acuff
• Have feedback on the show or suggestions for future episodes or topics? Send me an email: [email protected]

Our Sponsors:
* Check out Armoire: https://armoire.style/CRYSTAL
* Check out IXL and use my code TODAY for a great deal: https://www.ixl.com


Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

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:

• DuoLingo
• Off the Clock by Laura Vanderkam
• 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: [email protected]

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.

Our Sponsors:
* Check out Armoire: https://armoire.style/CRYSTAL
* Check out IXL and use my code TODAY for a great deal: https://www.ixl.com


Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

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:

• • Pill Crusher
  • Infusion Pump
  • Right Cross by Andrew Huff
  • Before I Called You Mine by Nicole Deese
  • Jesse's Struggle with Anxiety (podcast episode)
  • 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: [email protected]

Our Sponsors:
* Check out Armoire: https://armoire.style/CRYSTAL
* Check out IXL and use my code TODAY for a great deal: https://www.ixl.com


Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

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:

• 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: [email protected]

Our Sponsors:
* Check out Armoire: https://armoire.style/CRYSTAL
* Check out IXL and use my code TODAY for a great deal: https://www.ixl.com


Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

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:

• Love-Centered Parenting
• Published by Chandler Bolt
• Jennifer Dukes Lee
• 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: [email protected]

Our Sponsors:
* Check out Armoire: https://armoire.style/CRYSTAL
* Check out IXL and use my code TODAY for a great deal: https://www.ixl.com


Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

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:

• Jennifer’s Website
• Growing Slow by Jennifer Dukes Lee
• Growing Slow Bible Study: A 6-Week Guided Journey to Un-Hurrying Your Heart
• Jennifer on Facebook
• Jennifer on Instagram
• Jennifer on Twitter
• Jennifer on Pinterest
• 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: [email protected]

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.

Our Sponsors:
* Check out Armoire: https://armoire.style/CRYSTAL
* Check out IXL and use my code TODAY for a great deal: https://www.ixl.com


Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

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:

• Woven by Angie Smith
• Angie Smith Ministries
• Angie's Instagram account
• 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: [email protected]

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.

Our Sponsors:
* Check out Armoire: https://armoire.style/CRYSTAL
* Check out IXL and use my code TODAY for a great deal: https://www.ixl.com


Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

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:

• 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: [email protected]

Our Sponsors:
* Check out Armoire: https://armoire.style/CRYSTAL
* Check out IXL and use my code TODAY for a great deal: https://www.ixl.com


Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands