Crystal Paine Show

Crystal Paine
  • 4.7 (498)
  • Self-Improvement
  • Updated Biweekly

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.

  1. 3d ago

    356: House Hushing: The Simple Method to Declutter and Decorate for a More Peaceful Home (with Myquillyn Smith)

    Have you ever walked into your house and felt overwhelmed by all the stuff staring back at you or felt guilty about the books that you haven’t read, the hobbies that you haven’t pursued, or the projects that you haven’t finished? If so, then this conversation is for you! I am so excited to have today’s guest in the studio again, especially since she was actually my first ever guest on this podcast! Listen in as I welcome Myquillyn Smith to The Crystal Paine Show. She is the author of House Hushing: The Simple Method to Declutter and Decorate for a More Peaceful Home, and I relate to SO much of what she shares in her book and in this episode! We talk about how our homes can become visually overwhelming without us even realizing it and how all that visual noise can leave us feeling exhausted instead of refreshed. With six kids and a baby in our care three days a week, I know what it’s like to have a gloriously full life, and I love the idea that our homes don’t have to add to the noise! Hear Myquillyn share her brilliant backwards decluttering method, which takes about twelve minutes and allows you to experience a room with less stuff before deciding what to keep or let go. We also talk about quiet decorating and how to make a space feel cozy without adding more clutter. We also explore soulful styling, or displaying sentimental items in ways that give them the attention they deserve, and creating boundaries around collecting things so that not everything competes for our attention. Plus, Myquillyn shares her approach to living seasonally, including how to evaluate what matters most in each season of life instead of feeling obligated to repeat traditions just because that’s what you’ve always done. This conversation gives me so much to think about, especially how our homes need to change as our families and lives change, and it will surely leave you thinking about this as well, so if you’re ready to create a more peaceful, welcoming home without feeling like you have to tackle everything at once, you won’t want to miss this episode! Also, don’t forget that my new book The 7 Habits of Financially Healthy Women comes out very soon on October 27th, so be sure to preorder yourself a copy to get yourself access to free goodies such as the money toolkit, resources for having conversations about finances with your spouse, and my five-lesson 5 Days to a Financially Healthier You course! In This Episode [0:36] - Welcome back to the podcast, Myquillyn Smith! [2:42] - Hear how Myquillyn helps women make their homes feel better so they can enjoy them and welcome others in. [4:25] - Too much visual clutter can quietly exhaust us, but we can change how our homes make us feel. [7:59] - Myquillyn recommends trying to hide distracting items behind closed doors or moving shelves to create a calmer, more restful space. [11:08] - I realize that my bookshelves are adding stress, and I wonder how to tackle clutter without unlimited time. [12:14] - Listen as MyQuillyn discusses what she calls “backwards decluttering.” [15:02] - Experience a decluttered room for 24 hours before deciding what belongs, making it easier to let go of excess. [17:49] - Myquillyn introduces the concept of “quiet decorating,” using color, contrast, texture, and scale to adjust a room’s visual volume. [19:18] - Myquillyn encourages us to add coziness without clutter via patterned drapes, textured rugs, and thoughtful contrast that changes a room’s visual feel. [21:57] - Myquillyn recommends slowly refreshing each room annually, listening to what your home and changing life need. [24:18] - Hear how hushing rooms creates a fresher feel and helps families display meaningful treasures without overwhelming visual clutter. [27:57] - Curio cabinets and designated spaces celebrate treasured collections while teaching that even special things need limits. [30:04] - Myquillyn suggests reviewing each season’s experiences, upcoming needs, and family plans before decorating or hosting. [32:17] - Choose three seasonal words to guide decisions about decorating, activities, purchases, and what truly matters! [34:03] - I share how family bucket lists make seasonal traditions more meaningful, flexible, and enjoyable for everyone! Links & Resources Crystal Paine The Crystal Paine Show - 12. How to Create a Home That Serves Your Family (with Myquillyn Smith) The Crystal Paine Show - 260. Simple Rules to Decorate Your Home No Matter Your Style or Budget (with Myquillyn Smith) Money Reset Toolkit 5 Days to a Financially Healthier You Books House Hushing: The Simple Method to Declutter and Decorate for a More Peaceful Home by Myquillyn Smith Social Media Crystal Paine on Instagram (@moneysavingmom) Crystal Paine on Instagram (@crystaliscleaning) Crystal Paine on LinkedIn Crystal Paine on Twitter Crystal Paine on Goodreads Money Saving Mom Money Saving Mom on Facebook Money Saving Mom Deal Seekers Facebook group crystal@moneysavingmom.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

  2. Oct 13

    355: Behind the Scenes of My Next Book and Why It May Be My Last

    Listen in to this episode of The Crystal Paine Show as Jesse and I talk about something that I have been working on for a long time: my sixth book, The 7 Habits of Financially Healthy Women, which comes out very soon on October 27th! The release date was originally September 15th, so having it pushed back six weeks at the last minute has made for an interesting fall. Between running our business during its busiest season and suddenly having all these podcast interviews lined up, I have had plenty to keep me on my toes but I am so excited to finally share this book with you! I’m telling the story behind the book, including why I believe this may be my last one, what I learned from writing my very first book, and how this project became something completely different from my original idea. I wanted to create something more intentional than a collection of blog posts: a short, story-driven book that combines practical financial guidance with the personal experiences that shaped my approach to money, which includes lessons from my parents, the influence of my grandparents, and the legacy that they have left behind. I share stories that I haven’t told publicly before, along with some of the creative, outside-of-the-box ways my family learned to save money and build financial freedom. We also discuss what financial health actually means to me. It’s not about having a huge bank balance, owning a home, or being debt-free. It’s about finding peace and living intentionally with whatever resources you have. I want you to see how budgeting can help you spend on what matters to you, whether that’s a vacation, a concert, or a special dinner, without the guilt and/or stress. I am also sharing the resources available to help you put these ideas into practice, including my free five-day budget makeover and the exclusive bonuses that come with pre-ordering the book. We talk about the money toolkit, resources for having conversations about finances with your spouse, and my five-lesson 5 Days to a Financially Healthier You course. My hope is that you’ll walk away feeling encouraged, equipped, and confident that financial health is possible right where you are. You don’t have to have everything figured out to start making meaningful changes! I hope that you enjoy this episode, and please be sure to preorder a copy of the new book! In This Episode [0:35] - I explain how a last-minute six-week delay has complicated my upcoming book launch during my business’s busiest season. [3:28] - Discover why pre-orders are important to authors and how they can influence Amazon’s stocking and marketing decisions. [6:12] - I share the backstory of my upcoming sixth book and reflect on lessons learned from my first publishing experience. [9:38] - I describe how fifteen years of experience have shaped my goal of creating a more intentional, story-driven financial guide. [12:15] - I explain how family stories, my grandparents’ legacy, and practical money-saving lessons inspired this new book. [15:25] - The new book has an affordable paperback format and also has preorder bonuses! [17:52] - Readers who pre-order receive budgeting tools, spouse communication resources, and a comprehensive five-lesson financial wellness course. [20:08] - Listen as I reframe budgeting as aligning spending with priorities, helping people pursue financial peace without guilt or shame. [23:12] - I am offering preorder bonuses to library requesters, and I invite reader feedback and encourage preorders before the course’s January sale! Links & Resources Crystal Paine Money Reset Toolkit 5 Days to a Financially Healthier You Books The 7 Habits of Financially Healthy Women: How to Stop Stressing, Begin Where You Are, and Build the Future You Want by Crystal Paine Crystal’s Previous 5 Books Social Media Crystal Paine on Instagram (@moneysavingmom) Crystal Paine on Instagram (@crystaliscleaning) Crystal Paine on LinkedIn Crystal Paine on Twitter Crystal Paine on Goodreads Money Saving Mom Money Saving Mom on Facebook Money Saving Mom Deal Seekers Facebook group crystal@moneysavingmom.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

  3. Oct 6

    354: Making Peace with What I Can’t Control with Lysa TerKeurst

    I am honestly truly honored to have Lysa TerKeurst joining me for this conversation! Lysa has been such a meaningful mentor in my life for many years, and in her new book, Making Peace With What I Can’t Control, she tackles something that I think so many of us wrestle with: the exhausting desire to fix, manage, and control the people and circumstances that we love. This conversation with Lysa helped me see control in a way that I hadn’t really considered before – sometimes, our struggle with control doesn’t come from wanting power; it comes from responsibility, capability, and care. We love people so deeply that we don’t want to watch them make choices that could hurt them, but there’s a difference between helping someone and trying to control their outcome, and Lysa explains how trying to rescue others can eventually lead to anxiety, exhaustion, and codependency. Listen in as we discuss parenting, including a story from my six-year-old’s first cross-country race that helped me understand the difference between supporting someone and controlling them. That conversation leads into something that has been especially significant in my own life: our desire to control how other people perceive us. We talk about approval, overthinking conversations, replaying what we said, and how a mistake can become a label we believe about ourselves. Lysa also opens up about some of the most painful seasons of her life, including betrayal, divorce, disappointment, and moments when she questioned whether she could truly trust God, and she opens up about what it means to hold onto faith when God doesn’t do what we thought He would do and why accepting reality isn’t the same thing as giving up. If you’re in a season in which you feel like you’re trying desperately to hold everything together, I really hope that this conversation feels like someone throwing you a rope and saying, “Just hold on for today!” You are not alone, and you don’t have to control the outcome to be okay. I hope that you enjoy my conversation with Lysa, and, as always, please feel free to reach out to me with any thoughts or questions! I would love to hear from you! In This Episode [0:36] - I am honored to have returning guest Lysa TerKeurst back on the podcast! [2:24] - Control issues often stem from caring deeply and taking responsibility, but those qualities can also cross boundaries. [4:25] - We talk about how trying to rescue loved ones from recurring irresponsibility can create codependency, anxiety, and loss of self-control. [7:54] - Supporting someone is different from controlling them, particularly when we trust God with the ultimate outcome. [10:32] - We discuss how seeking approval can lead to controlling others’ perceptions and unhealthy overanalysis. [11:20] - Hear how overthinking how others perceive us can destabilize relationships, whereas self-acceptance offers a healthier alternative. [13:52] - Healthy self-reflection addresses mistakes directly without allowing overthinking to become damaging self-labels. [16:36] - Trying to control outcomes often increases anxiety, especially when we struggle to trust God’s protection and goodness. [19:24] - Hear how Judas wanted a good outcome but tried to control God’s plan instead of trusting His greater purpose. [21:19] - We talk about trusting God’s wisdom rather than trying to manipulate outcomes we believe are best. [24:17] - Lysa encourages trusting God’s faithfulness even when difficult circumstances remain painful and incomprehensible. [26:07] - Drawing from her own painful betrayal, Lysa offers compassion without easy answers to those facing devastating circumstances. [28:22] - Lysa describes surviving profound heartbreak via healing, acceptance, faith, and the perseverance developed via suffering. [30:03] - Suffering, although painful, can foster healing, perseverance, maturity, and ultimately reveal God’s faithfulness and redemption. [32:50] - I describe Lysa’s books as lifelines for suffering people, offering encouragement, companionship, and hope through Jesus! Links & Resources Crystal Paine Focus on the Family The Crystal Paine Show - 188. Good Boundaries and Goodbyes (with Lysa TerKeurst) Books Making Peace with What I Can’t Control: Find Relief from the Exhaustion of Overthinking, Trying to Fix Others, and Wanting to Figure It All Out by Lysa TerKeurst Made to Crave: Satisfying Your Deepest Desire with God, Not Food by Lysa TerKeurst Social Media Crystal Paine on Instagram (@moneysavingmom) Crystal Paine on Instagram (@crystaliscleaning) Crystal Paine on LinkedIn Crystal Paine on Twitter Crystal Paine on Goodreads Money Saving Mom Money Saving Mom on Facebook Money Saving Mom Deal Seekers Facebook group crystal@moneysavingmom.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

  4. Sep 29

    353: My Trip to Focus on the Family (+ Crazy Travel Stories)

    This episode of The Crystal Paine Show is honestly a little bit of everything - from chaotic travel stories to some really meaningful reflections from my recent trip to Focus on the Family, but I have to start off by telling you all about my travel adventures because I am apparently incapable of taking a trip without something happening. My flight to Focus on the Family was surprisingly uneventful, but another recent trip involved traffic, completely full airport parking garages, a frantic search for a parking spot, a shuttle bus, and me running through the airport trying to make my flight. Then, of course, there was the rental car that I genuinely thought wasn’t starting, only to discover that I had apparently been driving a hybrid before I realized it was already on! Underneath all those stories, however, there were some things happening in my heart that I really wanted to share. My time at Focus on the Family gave me a chance to reflect on what God was doing, some of the opportunities He was opening up, and the ways He was taking care of me in little moments when I felt overwhelmed. I also got to do something that was outside my usual comfort zone: talk about marriage and money on a marriage podcast. That combination can bring up a LOT of baggage, and I open up about why I was nervous about having that conversation and why, once I got into it, I realized just how passionate I am about helping couples have healthier conversations about money. Jesse and I also talk about my new book, The 7 Habits of Financially Healthy Women, the preorder bonuses we’ve created, and why I wanted those resources to be genuinely practical rather than just another thing to consume and forget, and finally, I get to share how meaningful it was to have my assistant, Jenny, travel with me for the first time! There was a lot packed into these few days, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to bring you along for all of it, so grab your coffee, settle in, and come hang out with us. As always, feel free to also reach out with your thoughts! In This Episode [5:09] - I recount my recent airport trip where tight timing and limited flights made missing my flight especially stressful. [8:17] - Hear how I left plenty of time for my flight, only to encounter unexpectedly heavy traffic! [3:20] - I encourage people unable to foster to support foster families with practical, ongoing help. [5:14] - We are talking today about Jesse’s recent CrossFit competition! [7:37] - Jesse reflects on how his coach encouraged him to compete, giving him a goal to drive greater consistency and improvement. [10:14] - We discuss how I initially didn’t think that Jesse would follow through on the competition because of how afraid that he was. [12:03] - Hear how Jesse overcame significant anxiety, chose the demanding RX division, and trained to master movements he feared or couldn’t perform! [15:29] - Jesse’s fear stemmed from public failure. [18:08] - I praise Jesse for confronting overwhelming fear by thoroughly preparing and courageously showing up! [19:10] - Jesse describes how he felt the morning of the competition. [20:14] - Hear how Jesse exceeded his expectations by pacing himself, trusting his capacity, and embracing his coach’s encouragement. [22:51] - Jesse’s victory ultimately came from confronting his fear and pushing himself through challenging workouts, regardless of the competition results. [24:14] - Jesse surprised himself by pushing past fear, exceeding expectations, and discovering greater capabilities through competition! [26:14] - Jesse encourages listeners to put something on the calendar and work towards it because there is a first time for everything. [27:30] - Facing fear ultimately creates momentum, builds confidence, and makes future challenges more achievable! Links & Resources Crystal Paine Focus on the Family Books The 7 Habits of Financially Healthy Women: How to Stop Stressing, Begin Where You Are, and Build the Future You Want by Crystal Paine Social Media Crystal Paine on Instagram (@moneysavingmom) Crystal Paine on Instagram (@crystaliscleaning) Crystal Paine on LinkedIn Crystal Paine on Twitter Crystal Paine on Goodreads Money Saving Mom Money Saving Mom on Facebook Money Saving Mom Deal Seekers Facebook group crystal@moneysavingmom.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

  5. Sep 22

    352: How to Cultivate a Grace-Laced Life with Ruth Chou Simons

    Author of the brand new book This Moment Matters: 100 Ways to Cultivate a Grace-Laced Life, Ruth Chou Simons comes back on the podcast, and I am so excited to have her back! The last time that we tried to record together, I was such a hot mess that we ended up doing an Instagram story and Facebook Live instead, so when she agreed to come back, I was thrilled, and this time, we actually have a podcast episode! I truly love Ruth's new book. There is so much practical wisdom in its pages and so many moments when I found myself saying, “Yes!” while also getting my toes stepped on a little bit. In this episode, we talk about what it means to cultivate beauty and grace in the middle of our very ordinary, very full lives. Ruth is a mom of six boys, and I could not stop asking her how she has managed to create such a beautiful home, but what I especially love about her approach is that it's not about having more money, buying more things, or waiting until life is less chaotic. It's about stewarding what God has already given us and learning to notice the beauty that's right in front of us. We talk about creating rhythms that help us start our days well, making space for God's Word, and even setting up a little scripture memory station. Ruth shares why small acts of faithfulness matter more than big accomplishments and how making room for inefficiency can lead to the conversations and relationships that we might otherwise miss. We also talk about motherhood, enjoying our kids, and the importance of leaving room in our calendars for nothing because, after all, sometimes the most meaningful moments happen when we're not rushing off to the next thing. If you're feeling overwhelmed, distracted, or like you need to get your life together before you can enjoy it, then this conversation with Ruth is definitely for you. Ruth reminds us that we don't have to wait for a better season to live a grace-laced life, that we can start right where we are, with what we have, today. Enjoy my conversation with Ruth Chou Simons, and, as always, please feel free to reach out to me with your thoughts! In This Episode [0:36] - I have a repeat guest today, Ruth Chou Simons! [3:08] - Ruth describes cultivating beauty as a way to recognize God’s presence in everyday life. [4:24] - Rather than buying more, Ruth encourages appreciating and sharing what we already have. [7:03] - Hear how small, manageable steps can help overcome the perfectionism and overwhelm that prevent us from getting started. [8:28] - A grace-filled life begins by intentionally honoring Jesus via everyday actions and rhythms. [10:22] - We discuss intentionally cultivating daily habits that immerse us in God’s word and shape how we live. [13:28] - Everyday conversations and small decisions shape our character, homes, and relationships more than big achievements do. [16:01] - It's important to make space to enjoy children, as it strengthens relationships and creates family memories. [17:28] - Ruth reflects on how her shift in mindset helped her embrace motherhood as an opportunity to model faith and enjoy her children. [20:15] - Choosing gratitude and intentionally recognizing others’ goodness can truly change our perspective on relationships. [21:23] - Hear how leaving room in our schedules creates space for meaningful conversations and helps us prioritize relationships. [24:02] - Embracing inefficiency can help create opportunities for connection, conversation, teaching, and modeling everyday relationships. [27:14] - Learn how regular self-reflection helps us recognize God’s presence and think about the reasons behind our everyday choices. [29:30] - Ruth emphasizes cultivating richer, more nourishing experiences to naturally curb distractions and strengthen self-discipline. [31:55] - I reveal that I gave up refined sugar and white flour about four weeks ago, and I feel great! [33:59] - I describe how slowing down and resetting my habits has made simpler, slower experiences more enjoyable and nourishing. [35:22] - In closing, small, intentional choices and slowing down can nourish us, improve our lives, and help us accomplish more! Links & Resources Crystal Paine The Crystal Paine Show - 184. A Life Update + Prepping Our Hearts for Advent (with Ruth Chou Simons) GraceLaced Books This Moment Matters: 100 Ways to Cultivate a Grace-Laced Life by Ruth Chou Simons Social Media Crystal Paine on Instagram (@moneysavingmom) Crystal Paine on Instagram (@crystaliscleaning) Crystal Paine on LinkedIn Crystal Paine on Twitter Crystal Paine on Goodreads Money Saving Mom Money Saving Mom on Facebook Money Saving Mom Deal Seekers Facebook group crystal@moneysavingmom.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

  6. Sep 15

    351: My Trip to Guatemala

    Tune in this week as Jesse and I talk all about my recent trip to Guatemala! I have alluded to this trip to Guatemala in a few earlier episodes, but I am so excited to finally sit down with Jesse and share more of the story. This was truly a bucket list trip for me. Ever since we adopted David, I have wanted to visit Guatemala to learn more about his culture and history and to better understand what his mom experienced growing up there. I never imagined the opportunity would just fall into my lap the way that it did. In this episode, I am sharing some of the things that I learned on my trip, the people I met, and the moments that really stayed with me. I had the privilege of spending time with women from a remote village, many of whom work incredibly hard just to provide for their families. We came with some ideas of what we would do together, but we quickly learned that we needed to be flexible and willing to listen. That sometimes meant playing games, coloring, making tamalitos, or simply sitting down and asking a woman about her day. One of the most meaningful parts of the trip for me, though, was seeing how much these women had to share once they felt comfortable. We didn’t speak the same language, but we found that there were so many things we could communicate without words. We laughed together, prayed together, and heard stories of hardship, perseverance, and faith. I am also talking about the differences between the communities we visited, the challenges facing local schools, and some of the things that surprised me about Guatemala, including how beautiful and peaceful it was, and, of course, I have to tell you about the food! This trip really gave me a much deeper appreciation for David’s birth mother and all that she has been through. I hope that you enjoy hearing about it as much as I enjoyed getting to experience it! As always, please feel free to reach out with your questions and/or thoughts! In This Episode [0:36] - Jesse and I are having a conversation about my recent trip to Guatemala! [1:14] - I share an email that I got recently from a listener named Rhonda who discusses how much my 10K run and Jesse’s CrossFit competition inspired her. [3:59] - Hear how a church invitation unexpectedly gave me the opportunity to visit Guatemala and explore David’s heritage! [6:52] - I explain how church leaders invited me to minister to Guatemalan mothers despite my limited involvement with the trip. [9:14] - I reflect on how it didn’t seem like David being from Guatemala was why I was chosen for this trip. [11:29] - I talk about Orphan Outreach which changes children’s futures via sponsorship, therapy, education, and family support. [13:08] - The children are taught Spanish in addition to English. [16:21] - Hear about how the group adapted plans to meet the women’s greatest needs: encouragement, fun, and rest. [19:29] - I describe how the women opened up through laughter, heartfelt sharing, and a beautiful experience of collective prayer! [22:18] - I reflect on the women’s universal struggles and the devastating poverty they faced, including food insecurity and unaffordable medical bills. [23:16] - I add how the women deeply depend on God because of their severe financial struggles. [25:26] - The women and I exchanged some traditional cooking lessons, making tamalitos and tortillas together. [27:05] - Hear how the women enjoyed relaxing activities, prayer, encouragement, and fellowship despite language barriers and difficult circumstances. [29:36] - I adapted our plans, using coloring activities to connect personally with the guarded women. [31:59] - I add how I encouraged women via personal conversations before unexpectedly spending time ministering to the school’s teachers. [34:54] - I struggled to identify resources for teachers required to teach English without knowing English themselves. [37:06] - I discuss how villagers rely on walking, informal transportation, and home-based work rather than phones and conventional jobs. [39:58] - While I didn’t see any coffee plantations, I saw unexpected beauty, cleanliness, tranquility, lush vegetation, and abundant tropical fruit! [42:32] - Dragonfruit was in season, and I recall enjoying Guatemala’s food while relying on faith to endure being sick throughout the trip. [44:25] - My trip to Guatemala really deepened my gratitude for David’s mother and makes me want to go back. Links & Resources Crystal Paine Orphan Outreach Social Media Crystal Paine on Instagram (@moneysavingmom) Crystal Paine on Instagram (@crystaliscleaning) Crystal Paine on LinkedIn Crystal Paine on Twitter Crystal Paine on Goodreads Money Saving Mom Money Saving Mom on Facebook Money Saving Mom Deal Seekers Facebook group crystal@moneysavingmom.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

  7. Sep 8

    350: More Than You Can Imagine (with Susie Larson)

    For this episode of The Crystal Paine Show,I am joined by the author of the book More Than You Can Imagine: What Goes Does When You Trust Him - Susie Larson! In our conversation, she shares some of the most powerful stories of trusting God through seasons when nothing seemed to make sense. Her aforementioned new book isn’t just something she wrote; it’s something she has lived. She opens up about the years when serious health challenges, medical bills, financial pressure, and fear left her family wondering how they were going to make it, yet, right in the middle of that wilderness, God taught Susie and her husband what it meant to genuinely depend on Him. Listen in as we talk about what happens when we stop going through the motions of faith and actually engage our hearts with God. What does it look like to trust Him when the numbers don’t add up? How do we keep fear from making our decisions for us? What happens when God asks us to be generous even when we feel like we don’t have anything left to give? Susie shares the incredible story of giving away a box of cereal when her own family was struggling financially and how that simple act became part of a much bigger lesson about living as a “flow-through account” of God’s provision. We also talk about the miraculous ways that God provided for her family, the school that she and her husband were eventually able to help build in Rwanda, and the “impossible prayers” they now pray every year. One of the episode's biggest takeaways, though, is that dependence on God isn’t weakness. It can actually become our superpower. When we recognize that we don’t have everything we need but that God does, we get to watch Him do what only He can do. What would happen if you trusted God a little more today? Open your hands, turn on your “noticer,” and start looking for His faithfulness. You may be surprised by what you see! I hope that you enjoy this conversation with Susie, and, as always, please feel free to reach out with your own thoughts! In This Episode [0:36] - My guest today, Susie Larson, prioritizes thorough preparation when it comes to radio/podcast work so she can engage meaningfully with every guest and their content. [3:05] - Susie urges Christians to live boldly, trust God’s promises, and prepare to give an account of their lives. [5:35] - Genuine trust requires heartfelt spiritual engagement rather than just going through the religious motions. [8:59] - Susie recounts how difficult pregnancies, medical complications, and insecurity plunged her family into a difficult season of life. [10:49] - Hear how a frightening health episode triggered Susie’s fears, as she felt confronted with worst-case scenarios and past trauma. [12:37] - Facing devastating illness and financial hardship, Susie and her husband chose to trust God rather than give into fear. [15:30] - Susie's and her husband's commitment to generosity truly changed their finances and became a lifelong posture of faith and dependence. [18:20] - Susie urges people to move beyond identifying with their brokenness and pursue the greater purposes God has for them. [21:16] - Susie and I discuss how God’s power meets us in hardship, empowering us to trust Him, pray boldly, and depend on Him completely. [24:35] - Susie argues that dependence on God is not weakness but rather a source of strength, purpose, and provision. [27:43] - I reflect on how trusting God with my finances taught me and Jesse to rely on His faithfulness. [30:15] - Trusting God with your finances can truly change your life and give you stories to tell about His faithfulness. [32:54] - Ultimately, trusting God and noticing His faithfulness can radically change how we live. Links & Resources Crystal Paine Kevin and Susie Larson Academy Books More Than You Can Imagine: What Goes Does When You Trust Him by Susie Larson Social Media Crystal Paine on Instagram (@moneysavingmom) Crystal Paine on Instagram (@crystaliscleaning) Crystal Paine on LinkedIn Crystal Paine on Twitter Crystal Paine on Goodreads Money Saving Mom Money Saving Mom on Facebook Money Saving Mom Deal Seekers Facebook group crystal@moneysavingmom.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

  8. Sep 1

    349: Vomit-Inducing Fears (Jesse's CrossFit Competition)

    Join Jesse and me this week as we talk about something that scared Jesse: doing his first CrossFit competition! Hear about how, a few months before the competition, he told me that he wanted to compete, and while I could tell that he truly wanted to do it, I could also tell just how much fear was standing in his way. He had movements that he wasn’t sure he could do, weights that he had never lifted, and the very real possibility of doing all of this in front of a bunch of people. Honestly, I wasn’t convinced that he was actually going to make it to competition day. However, he signed up, he trained, and he prepared, and then, six months later, we found ourselves watching him walk into that competition! Listen in as we talk about what it was like in the weeks leading up to it, including that very specific, stomach-churning kind of fear that makes you wonder, “Why did I sign up for this?” Jesse shares how his coach helped him reframe those jitters as his body preparing to do something difficult and how he learned to stop worrying about what everyone else was doing and simply run his own race. We then get into the actual competition - the three workouts, the 53-pound kettlebells, the clean and jerks, the moments when Jesse surprised himself, and the incredible encouragement that he received from the other competitors. (One workout in particular became a moment I don’t think any of us will forget!) One of the most meaningful parts for me was definitely watching our kids watch their dad do something that scared him. It was a powerful reminder that sometimes the lessons our children remember most are the ones we teach simply by being willing to try something hard. We also discuss what Jesse learned from the experience, why he’s already thinking about doing more competitions, and why putting something on the calendar can be such a powerful way to push yourself forward. If there’s something you’ve been afraid to try, we really hope that this episode reminds you that you don’t have to feel fearless to take the first step! We hope that you enjoy this episode, and, as always, please reach out to us with your thoughts and questions! Maybe you have your own story to share that involves overcoming fear? In This Episode [0:36] - Jesse and I are supporting a first-time foster parent by providing regular respite childcare for her baby girl. [3:20] - I encourage people unable to foster to support foster families with practical, ongoing help. [5:14] - We are talking today about Jesse’s recent CrossFit competition! [7:37] - Jesse reflects on how his coach encouraged him to compete, giving him a goal to drive greater consistency and improvement. [10:14] - We discuss how I initially didn’t think that Jesse would follow through on the competition because of how afraid that he was. [12:03] - Hear how Jesse overcame significant anxiety, chose the demanding RX division, and trained to master movements he feared or couldn’t perform! [15:29] - Jesse’s fear stemmed from public failure. [18:08] - I praise Jesse for confronting overwhelming fear by thoroughly preparing and courageously showing up! [19:10] - Jesse describes how he felt the morning of the competition. [20:14] - Hear how Jesse exceeded his expectations by pacing himself, trusting his capacity, and embracing his coach’s encouragement. [22:51] - Jesse’s victory ultimately came from confronting his fear and pushing himself through challenging workouts, regardless of the competition results. [24:14] - Jesse surprised himself by pushing past fear, exceeding expectations, and discovering greater capabilities through competition! [26:14] - Jesse encourages listeners to put something on the calendar and work towards it because there is a first time for everything. [27:30] - Facing fear ultimately creates momentum, builds confidence, and makes future challenges more achievable! Links & Resources Crystal Paine Social Media Crystal Paine on Instagram (@moneysavingmom) Crystal Paine on Instagram (@crystaliscleaning) Crystal Paine on LinkedIn Crystal Paine on Twitter Crystal Paine on Goodreads Money Saving Mom Money Saving Mom on Facebook Money Saving Mom Deal Seekers Facebook group crystal@moneysavingmom.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

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Hosts & Guests

4.7
out of 5
498 Ratings

About

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.

Information

  • Creator
    Crystal Paine
  • Years Active
    2018 - 2026
  • Episodes
    356
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © CrystalPaine.com
  • Show Website
    Crystal Paine Show

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