I used to do a weekly publish with a peek into the previous week + numerous hyperlinks. Lots of you have got missed this, so I’m bringing it again for 2026! I’ll be sharing some photos and highlights from the previous week + what I’m studying, watching, and listening to. I will even share hyperlinks to posts or different fascinating issues I don’t need you to overlook.
This week’s large cleansing undertaking was my toilet drawers and cabinets.
I didn’t assume they had been that dangerous… after which I made a decision to take every little thing out so I might see what I used to be working with, not like going drawer by drawer like I often do! Let’s simply say I used to be actually completely happy I had additional time as a result of as an alternative of half-hour like I believed it could take me, it took me 2 hours!!
But it surely felt SO good to have it achieved! And to create good organizational methods to stay with! It’s been a full week since I’ve cleaned it out and I’m completely happy to report that it has stayed clear and arranged!
If you wish to see the complete course of, watch my brief video right here.
It’s basketball season and Silas has been having 2-3 video games per week. Because of when the video games are and that many are 45 minutes to an hour away, we haven’t been capable of go to all of them, however we like to get to go once we can. David LOVES watching Silas play!
Simply take a look at his smiles!
I went to Kroger to buy markdowns twice this week! You may see a video of me looking for markdowns right here. See every little thing I purchased and what I paid for it in my first journey on this publish right here.
Slowing down has been one of many strangest—and most life-giving—classes for me currently.
I’m so used to pushing, producing, and filling each open house that studying to pause has felt uncomfortable at first. However with the assistance of clever professionals and lots of listening to my physique, I’m realizing how a lot I really need margin, relaxation, and respiratory room… and it’s altering my life!
I’ll share extra about this on this subsequent week’s podcast episode.
I went to the gastroenterologist this week on the request of my useful drugs dr. Because of my power anemia and another points, we scheduled my first colonoscopy and endoscopy in February. In the event you’ve had both earlier than, would love to listen to about your expertise and any ideas you have got!
Jesse and I recorded a podcast episode on my enjoyable listing for 2026. Search for that approaching Tuesday wherever you hearken to podcasts (simply seek for The Crystal Paine present!)
She shocked me and got here dwelling Thursday evening and we received to hang around and go on a mile and a half evening run which was so enjoyable!
Jesse and I labored on this World Struggle II puzzle he received for me final Christmas (and we’re lastly doing!) for our morning Sabbath on Friday. It was so enjoyable — even when we solely via the primary part (which concerned ciphers and codes and punch playing cards!)
My useful drugs dr had me begin taking this after I started working along with her since I had so many bouts of illness final yr. I don’t know if it’s simply from slowing down, from taking higher care of myself or taking this, however I’ve managed to not get sick since I began it — regardless that I’ve been uncovered to so many issues. I take two capsules each day or 4 per day if I really feel like one thing is approaching (and each time, I by no means find yourself getting sick!)
I took Kierstyn, David, and Micah to Chipotle for a particular deal with on Saturday after we went to the health club and David was insistent that he sit within the excessive chair and needed to attempt to eat a few of the meals. He didn’t really eat any of it, however we’re so excited that his curiosity in meals has grown a lot the previous few months!
Jesse and I celebrated our twenty third anniversary this week by going to excessive tea at a neighborhood tea room (due to my mother and father for giving us a present card for my birthday!)
Enjoyable reality: I labored at a tea room when Jesse and I had been first married and so I’m an enormous fan of tea.
It was such a FUN expertise!
Can you see Micah??
I used to be SO enthusiastic about my order making the most of the $10 off $30 Common Mills deal on Amazon! Right here’s what I received:
Prime Instagram Publish of the Week
I shared a reflection on Kathrynne’s sickness a yr in the past on Instagram. I’ve copied the textual content under…
This was precisely a yr in the past. Kathrynne received actually, actually sick with Flu A that changed into bronchitis that changed into pneumonia that changed into sepsis. All of it occurred so quick… trying again, we see rather more clearly that the Holy Spirit’s prompting of me that I couldn’t shake fairly presumably saved her life. We had already taken her to the ER two days earlier than and so they instructed us she had Flu A and Bronchitis and was actually sick and certain can be actually sick for an additional week. They gave us a protocol to deal with her and despatched us dwelling.
After the ER go to, she slowly appeared to worsen. We needed to work actually laborious to get her up away from bed to go to the lavatory. She wouldn’t actually eat or drink. After which her respiratory appeared to worsen and he or she began doing this shallow fast respiratory factor.
I’ve since discovered that + her excessive coronary heart charge are indicators of potential sepsis… I had no thought on the time. I simply knew I felt in my intestine that this was one thing greater than Flu A and Bronchitis.
She didn’t wish to transfer however Jesse and I insisted she go to pressing care. He took her and so they instantly despatched her to the hospital. By the point they received to the hospital, she was barely functioning and says every little thing felt foggy and disorienting (additionally indicators of sepsis).
Had we waited a number of extra hours, issues might have been a lot, a lot worse. However as a result of she went in when she did, they caught it and had been capable of begin her on meds and reverse course in a short time.
We spent the subsequent few weeks serving to her slowly get better (she was extremely weak, had misplaced a bunch of weight, and her lungs had been nonetheless recovering). We didn’t know if she’d be capable to return to school or would want to take a semester off.
However, she labored actually, actually laborious to get better and was properly sufficient to return to high school on the finish of January. Aside from dropping lots of her hair and another lingering well being issues she’s been engaged on this previous yr, she is totally recovered and we’re so, so grateful!
I share this as a reminder that even in the event you really feel loopy, in the event you really feel in your intestine that one thing isn’t proper, go get it checked out. God gave us an instinct for a cause — let’s use it to advocate for ourselves and people round us!
Books I Completed This Week
The Solely Girl within the Room — I felt like this guide had lots of potential to be actually fascinating, nevertheless it didn’t dwell as much as my hope. It felt just like the writer was making an attempt to weave lots of historical past into the guide and the novel half felt just a little skinny and missing depth and fleshing out of the storyline. I additionally observed that so many chapters would skip forward fairly considerably within the timeline of the story after which form of backtrack to convey the reader in control. I might have somewhat the story would have simply been written extra chronologically as an alternative of needing to skip forward after which backtrack a number of instances.
Breath as Prayer – I received this as a free obtain on Libby and it has been actually encouraging. In the event you wrestle to decelerate, to launch your burdens to the Lord, or wrestle with fear or anxious ideas, I believe this guide would encourage you.
It’s By no means Fallacious to Do the Proper Factor – I used to be so inspired by the tales on this guide of ladies within the Bible and girls of religion. The writer is a superb storyteller and he or she introduced out components of the tales I’d by no means considered earlier than! You may hearken to our podcast episode on this guide right here.
What I’m Listening To
I’ve been listening to worship songs on my drive dwelling from the health club every morning. One in every of my favorites just lately has been Jesus Loves Me by Shane & Shane.
What I’m Watching
I’m additionally watching When Calls the Coronary heart throughout a few of my afternoon work time that I can simply do one thing else whereas working. I’m perhaps going to attempt to watch all 13 seasons this yr since I discover it to be form of a enjoyable and fascinating “background present” — the sort you may have on within the background when you do one thing else. I’m virtually completed with season one (I’ve by no means watched the present earlier than… are you able to imagine it?)
In Case You Missed It – Posts From This Week
What Would You Give Up or Do In another way If You Needed to Decrease Month-to-month Bills? (50 Concepts!) – In search of inventive methods to decrease your month-to-month bills? This listing may provide you with some inspiration and concepts to strive!
15 Methods to Make Cash On-line – In the event you’re trying to make extra cash on-line from dwelling to extend your earnings, there are many methods to start out. Over time, I’ve seen numerous readers efficiently earn additional earnings on-line in sensible, versatile methods — whether or not that’s freelancing a talent they have already got, promoting digital merchandise, managing social media for a small enterprise, or selecting up easy duties throughout spare moments. Take a look at this listing of concepts for extra inspiration!
Easy methods to Get Free Samples – Stretch your finances and uncover new favorites by studying tips on how to get free samples in your mailbox — from magnificence and home items to snacks and child merchandise. This information exhibits you the most effective, legit methods to strive new merchandise without cost with out losing time or cash.
This Week’s Podcast Episode
Episode title: How Understanding the Compassion of Christ Adjustments Us with Sherri Hughes-Gragg
To kick off the brand new yr, I’m joined within the studio at this time by Sherri Hughes-Gragg, an writer whose writing has really modified the way in which that I learn scripture and expertise God. Her Introduction devotional stopped me in my tracks this December, and her latest guide, The Compassionate Christlooks like precisely what many people want as we head into a brand new yr!
Hear in as Sherri shares her story of rising up in a deeply legalistic Christian surroundings the place guidelines mattered greater than relationship, and doubt wasn’t simply unwelcome however was harmful. We discuss what it’s prefer to sustain appearances when you are privately unraveling and the way years of making an attempt to be “adequate” created a crushing sense of failure, particularly in parenting. Her reflections are tender, unfiltered, and grounded in compassion – not just for herself however for her youngsters and anybody who has carried non secular disgrace longer than they need to have.
Hear how a turning level got here when Sherri started finding out scripture via its Center Jap cultural and historic context, together with time spent studying in Israel. She explains how this lens reworked acquainted passages and healed some long-held fears of hers, particularly across the crucifixion and the assumption that God turns away in our darkest moments. One second specifically – Jesus’ phrases from the cross – reframed every little thing she thought she knew about God’s presence and faithfulness.
Hearken to this episode right here.
Inform me about your week! Something fascinating occur? Did you learn any good books, watch any good exhibits, or deal with any undertaking?
