It's the BIG 25!!!!!
Crystal's baby photo
25 Things You Probably Didn't Know About Crystal
1. Crystal was born 2 weeks overdue. Interestingly, Crystal's first child, Kathrynne, was also 2 weeks overdue.
2. At birth, Crystal weighed 8 lbs. 3 oz. and was 20 1/2 inches long.
3. By age 1 1/2, Crystal felt that she was grown up enough to begin calling her parents by their first names (instead of using "Daddy" and "Mommy"). This was short lived though as Dad and Mom quickly corrected her.
4. Early in her life, Crystal found great joy in getting into things and either eating them or making a mess. One morning, Mom found her eating the diaper pail deodorizer, which Crystal had gotten out of a top dresser drawer and unwrapped.
5. Mom took Crystal to get her picture taken at 2 years. Crystal loved every minute of it and kept saying, "More picture taken!" She didn't want to leave.
6. Often, when Crystal was just a toddler, Mom would discover her in her room kneeling by her bed on her chubby knees pouring her little heart out in prayer.
7. Crystal could peel a hard-boiled egg at the age of two.8. One of Crystal's favorite foods as a toddler was…you guessed it - cat food!
9. Crystal became a big sister at 3 years old. After gazing at her new little brother for a few seconds, her eyes widened with astonishment as she exclaimed, "He has a little big toe!"
10. One day, Mom took away the play dough Crystal was playing with because she was throwing a temper tantrum. After about a half hour, Crystal came to Mom and said, "I forgive you, Mom...can I play with my play dough now?"
11. Another day, Crystal announced that she had stopped sucking her thumb. Mom threw a party in celebration. Unfortunately, the resolution lasted only slightly longer than the party.
12. Throughout her growing up years, Crystal battled asthma often. When she was 7, her asthma was so bad that she had to be hospitalized.
13. Being the musical girl that she is, Crystal has a great talent for singing. She made her debut at 10, singing a solo on a recording that hundreds of people bought.
14. While having fun with her brother one day, Crystal, who was on roller-skates, was being pulled by a rope behind his bicycle. The end result? A broken wrist.
15. After praying for one for many months, Crystal received her first violin on her 11th birthday.
16. When she was 11 years old, Crystal wrote her first scripture song. The words were taken from Hebrews 11:6.
17. From a young age Crystal has always had a giving heart. On her 13th birthday, she and Mom happened upon a second-hand store that had all their clothes on sale. After making a deal with the owners, Crystal used her birthday money and bought out the entire store. Several days later she had a "Give Away Day" at our house where she gave all the clothes away and many families were blessed.
18. As a school project one day, Mom assigned the older children to run a mile while being timed. Crystal got off to a good start but halfway through the mile, she gave up and laid down FLAT on the dirt road.
19. Crystal's first newsletter was called "The Smisor Scrapbook". It was bi-monthly and went to all her relatives, keeping them updated on the latest happenings in our family. This small newsletter helped to prepare her for her much larger newsletter, "Polished Cornerstones", which she started in 1998.
20. At age 16, Crystal began to learn how to drive a car. After several months, Mom felt brave enough to ride in the car with her. Crystal was excited to show Mom all she had learned. After she started the engine, she began to back out the driveway but instead of going backwards, she went forwards...right towards the house. In the panic of the moment, Crystal forgot which one the brake was and pushed the accelerator instead. To this day, our house still bears the marks of that fateful day. Needless to say, Mom didn't ride with Crystal for a long time afterwards.
21. One summer, when she was looking for ways to serve the family, Crystal decided to take on the task of watering all our trees each day. Never one to waste time, she would have 4-5 hoses going at a time and would run from hose to hose reading a book as she ran.
22. Two of Crystal's favorite verses that she used to always signed under her name were Philippians 3:10 and 2 Corinthians 8:9.
23. As she continued to grow in her musical abilities, many people requested her as a violin teacher. At one point she was teaching 17 lessons a week.
24. Sunday lunch was Crystal's weekly meal that she always fixed. Often, she liked to "experiment" around. Before we ate the meal, it became a practice to ask her, "Okay, Crystal, what did you do THIS time???"
25. Some of Crystal's "nicknames" while growing up were: Cry-still ("Is she still crying?" - as a newborn), Crys, Pistol and Dodo.
Crystal at 22 months
I am so grateful to the Lord for giving me with such a wonderful older sister! Whether she was helping me memorize scripture, picking up after me, teaching me violin lessons, or just listening to me talk, Crystal has always demonstrated a patient spirit. When there are dirty dishes, an unswept floor, or toys lying around, Crystal is always willing to be a servant and do the tasks no one else wants to do. When I am discouraged, Crystal has always been there with a word of encouragement. I appreciate the godly example she has been and continues to be to me.
Crystal- Thank you for all the fun and special memories! May you have a blessed birthday as you reflect on what God has done in your life this past year and look forward to another year of service for Him. I love you! "Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all. Favor is deceitful and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised." (Proverbs 31:29-30)
HAPPY 25TH BIRTHDAY, CRYSTAL!!!!!
You can help make this 25th birthday really special and fun for Crystal! Over the next few days, please leave a comment telling either A) how you met Crystal, B) something you appreciate about Crystal, C) a encouraging verse for this next year of her life, or D) all of the above! And don't forget to wish her a "happy birthday"!
Posted by Gretchen
------------------------------------
From Crystal: Okay, so I have to tell you I about flipped when I saw this on my blog. I was gone all day long (Jesse's swearing in was this morning and then we celebrated by going out to lunch, shopping, garage saling, and to our favorite juice stop place) and came home to check my email and started seeing comments on a post I didn't post. What on earth? I can't believe she did this! You see, I guess Gretchen has been conniving with Jesse on posting this all week long. They thought they had kept it a secret from me when she accidentally sent an email to ME about it yesterday which was supposed to go to Jesse's account. Aha! I found them out, I thought and was going to go in and change my password just to make sure no one hacked my blog. But then I realized that there was no way they could figure out how to get into my account since no one knows my username and password - or so I thought. Apparently, they are better slueths than I gave them credit for. :) Thanks Gretchen, you are the best sister (though I don't know that I really wanted everyone to about my bad cooking or my inability to run a mile... !).
And, a special request: I was going to copy Shannon's idea this weekend and ask that you all do me a favor. My sister already got the ball rolling, much to my surprise, but I'll still add on my own request here. This might seem extremely self-serving, but it would mean a lot to me...
If you read my blog (that means you read it daily, or weekly, or monthly, every other month, or this is your first time, etc.!), would you take just a moment to comment and just let me know you are here? I love blogging, but more than anything, I love hearing from you all. I'm glad you're here, whether you comment daily, weekly, once in a blue moon, or have never commented at all. I hear from many of you often, but according to my site stats, there are at least a few thousand people that I've never heard from at all who read here with some consistency. Sometimes it seems weird to be writing for a mostly faceless, nameless audience.
I usually am happy to just let you read but today I'm asking for a really special favor of you. Would you comment and introduce yourself? Tell me how long you've been reading here, or how you found my blog, or where you're from, or something interesting or dull about yourself. You don't even have to leave your real name, if you'd rather not, you don't have to agree with me on everything or even anything, I'd just like to have a little idea of who you are. If it weren't for you, I'd have no reason to blog, after all! If you'd rather not leave a comment, you can send me an email - my address is here.
Thanks so much for being here. I feel so blessed and unworthy to have so many wonderful friends and encouragers here. God is good. I really and truly know that.
posted by Crystal Paine at 2:57 PM
157 Comments:
What a beautiful and hilarious post, Gretchen! Thank you!
I was blessed to stumble upon Crystal's website this year. I can't begin to explain how Biblical Womanhood has inspired and encouraged me.
Crystal, thank you for all that you do in your pursuit of a Godly life. You are truly blessed to have accomplished so much at your age and I'm sure He has many more good works in store for you. The gifts of your husband and daughter are the fruits of your faith in Him! I wish you the happiest of birthdays and I look forward to MANY more years (Lord willing) of appreciating and learning from Biblical Womanhood.
Have a BEAUTIFUL day!
happy birthday crystal! my comment is that i am impressed with how godly and wise you are at such a young age.
This is awesome! I'm so glad you have such a fun-loving family, Crystal!
Happy, happy birthday! And may God richly bless you this year.
I "met" Crystal through an article I read at LAF. I followed the links and found her blog. I rejoiced in the love of this young couple for their Saviour.
I love Crystal's humble spirit!
A verse I've been meditating on that could be a help over the next year is "Casting down imaginations and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ." I Cor. 10:5
Crystal, I hope you have a wonderful 25th birthday!!!
Happy Birthday, Crystal! I didn't know that you had Asthma! I have been dealing with that with my 2 year old, it is awful!
I met Crystal when I believe first I saw her articles in some girls magazines and then I received her newsletter Polished Cornerstones.
I appreciate all the work she does in promoting a conservative lifestyle living on a budget , while showing us all she has a sense of humor and is a real person.
I found these interesting verses and although it may seem a little odd, they reminded me of you for some reason. Ex. 35:25,26. I guess the reason it struck me was because it says the women's hearts were stirred up with wisdom so they spun goats hair and the women who were wise hearted did spin with their hands and I see all the work you do with your hands because you are wise hearted and just want to encourage you to keep going in this ministry as I know it is not easy.
Crystal,
Happy Birthday! I have learned so much about being a godly woman from your blog and your example. I don't even remember how I found out about you, but I am very grateful that I did. Please keep going, please continue to inspire the rest of us. You and your family are in my prayers!
Take care,
Leigh
Yes, happy birthday! I really appreciate Crystal's willingness to take the tiem to personally answer questions in emails. May the Lord bless you even more this coming year!
I hope you have a WONDERFUL 25th Birthday, Crystal! What a blessing, encouragement, and Godly example you are to so many people. (I would feel very blessed, too, Gretchen, if I had a sister like yours).
I'm new to BiblicalWomanhood.com. The Lord lead me to your site a few months ago and I have been finding many encouraging things throughout it. May the Lord bless you for your stand on the truth, Crystal.
Many Blessings,
Miss Ashley from PA
"To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven" (Ecclesiastes 3:1).
Happy Birthday Crystal!
I first "met" you when I was looking for encouragement on being a more biblical wife to my husband...and your's was the first site I found :-) You have been a blessing ever since.
I love the way you continue to promote a godly life for a woman and share your experience. Not only that, you are perfectly willing to show your weaknesses. Thank you for being YOU!
Have a wonderful Birthday!
Sommer
Hi Crystal,
What a sweet sister you have!!!
My name is Dana and I am in SC. I have been reading your blog for a while... I guess almost a year. I don't comment often (but commented a couple of times).
It is such an encouragement to read your blog! What encourages me the most is what a godly heritage you have and that you are passing on to your daughter. It is so refreshing to find others who are 'like-minded'.
Thank you so much for sharing your heart!
Have a Blessed and Happy Birthday,
Dana
Happy Birthday Crystal!!
I am Renee, 37, single mom to 1 girl and 5 boys. I pop into your blog abut once a week. Can't wait to go back and read about saving on groceries. I'm also on the MIH yahoo group. I enjoy reading your blog and others. I started a blog myself. There's not much on it. I guess I think I'm pretty boring lol.
Renee-www.homeschoolblogger.com/6littlelambs/
I met Crystal through The Mom Pack, we bartered a bit, and since then I just keep coming back.
I have found this place to be filled with answers to questions I have had raising my only daughter(11), the oldest child of 5 (almost 6).
Not knowing Christ until I was an adult, I had no clue how to instill my new conservative values into my young daughter.
Thanks, Crystal, for sharing your life with us through your books and your blog. You have not only made a difference in my life, but you have helped make a difference in my husbands and childrens lives, as well.
Happy Birthday!
Hi, Crystal!
Just wanted to let you know I have enjoyed reading your blog over the past few months. Although we are the same age (I also just turned 25) we are very different otherwise. I was raised Methodist but don't attend any particular church or view myself as 'saved,' work full-time from home as a freelance science writer for a variety of publications, and hold political and moral views you would consider very liberal.
That said, I have been feeling more and more lately that it is important to listen to and learn from others who hold views opposite to my own, and I think your money-saving and scheduling tips are terrific (you really give me something to live up to with all you get done in a day)!
Happy Birthday, and I look forward to continuing to read in the future.
Happy Birthday to you, Crystal! I have been so blessed to you know you for a little while now, but I think I would know you more that you would me ...
I was on the Virtuous Womanhood board the day of your wedding when many girls were posting like CRAZY with details and maybe pictures (don't remember) too.
Your stand in many areas have been an inspiration to me, as well as a great challenge.
God has used you in my life in many countless ways, and I am so thankful for your example of what a godly woman and wife should be like. I don't know to many women like you, and would be happy if I had just 50% of the qualities you have in so many areas.
"Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths." Proverbs 3:5-6
Blessings,
Cheri
Ha, well, you know me and you know how I found you. :)
Nice work, Gretchen, on telling us all those embarrassing things. ;o)
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, CRYS (the WQB)!! From the GAK. :)
Crystal,
Happy Birthday! I started reading your blog in mid-2005. I enjoy the variety of your posts and it is exciting to see how the Lord is blessing your family!
Jessica
Hi Crystal!!
I LOVED your sweet sister's post about you!! What a blessing she must be!!!
I orginally "know" you from Patriarchs Wives and then I just kind of followed you over to this blog when you started. I LOVE reading your blog!!!
Keep up the great work. I hope you have a very blessed birthday!!
His,
Mrs. U (Shari)
Happy Birthday, Crystal! That was a wonderful tribute from your sister! What a blessing!
I have been reading your blog for many months now and comment occasionally. I don't even remember how I found it for the first time but I think it was in a search for modest swimwear and we happened upon the patterns you sell. (which we bought, made and love!) After reading a little of your blog, we knew we'd be frequent readers.
I am the mom of five children... the oldest two of whom are teenage daughters that also love your blog and comment from time to time. Their blog names are Flibbertigibbet (from The Sound of Music, of course) and Miss Poppins (can you tell we have a couple of Julie Andrews fans in our house!) Our blog is www.kittenwhiskers.blogspot.com
We love you and wish you the best birthday on Sunday!
HI Crystal,
I'm 27, female, from Malaysia, saved through His grace two years ago.
It has been two months since I started reading your blog. Your way of life seems so radical. Homeschool? Stay at home?? "Courtship"??? You have given me a lot to reflect on.
Crystal,
I don't remember how long I've been reading your blog, nor how I happened upon it. But I know the reason I read--I admire your honest spirit, your obvious devotion to God and your family, and your wisdom on so very many topics. I turned 40 a couple of weeks ago. As I contemplated this "big deal birthday", one thing I noted is that if I could change one thing in my life, it would be that I could have had a knowledge and relationship with Christ as a child. I believe I would have made better choices along the way.I know now how much joy there is to grow in the Lord, and I love loving God!! All this is to say, I guess, that I would have wanted to have the Spirit of Christ living in me when I was your age that I see in you. Thanks for all you do and for the difference you are making in women's lives for the sake of Christ every day.
And thanks for being real.
Happy Birthday!!
Mrs. Shannon H.
www.xanga.com/ebscsoul
What a great post! Crystal, you are such an inspiration to me. I have been reading your blog for almost a year - after I saw an ad for Biblical Womanhood in TOS. It has blessed me beyond measure! You are truly a beautiful person, both physically and spiritually. Hope you have a great birthday! Valerie
Happy Birthday Crystal!
Your blog is the first one I ever read....and now I have my own.
I enjoy your blog very much and have learned much from you!
Blessings,
~Mrs.B
Happy Birthday!
I Hope you have a wonderful day! My birthday is in a few weeks. Oct. 18. But I will be turning 31 this year.
I am not exactly sure how long I having been reading your blog. I guess it would be safe to say 3-4 months. I read daily. Actually several times a day just to see if anything new has been posted. I found your site while looking for sites that had articles on modest dress. At the time I was struggling with whether or not culottes/gauchos were right/wrong. I found your article on modest dress to be very helpful. I have been encouraged MANY times by your posts on most of the subjects you post about. Anyway, this is my favorite blog to read! Again, Happy Birthday!
Wendy
I found your blog through a maze of other blogs. I cant even remember how the trail went, but they were all like minded. I am a 32 year old mom to seven children. I homeschool and love to read your blog because you come from the home I want my daughters to grow up from. I love the fact you are just starting out on your adventure of mommy hood and being a wife. I gather encouragement and insight from your writings about how you grew up and how you are now glorifying God.
Crystal,
I've been reading your site for about two years, and I relate to the story about learning to drive. I went into the garage door from the driveway in a similar situation. Reading your blog is so encouraging. It's great to hear both your thoughts and your stories. In preparation for being a godly wife someday, I'm trying to remember all the good points you make. I like the new Frugal Friday thing. Happy Birthday. Ecclesiastes 9:16-17
To God be all glory,
Lisa
Happy Birthday!!!!!!
I LOVED the post! That was great!! I even read it to my husband!
I have only been reading your blog for a few weeks now, but I love it! It always gives me so much to think about.
Have a great Birthday!
Happy Birthday Crystal! I found "Biblical Womanhood" 4-5 weeks ago and have been so encouraged by your posts. My husband and I live in Southern CA where he is attending The Master's Seminary. I am an RN, but we are praying about how to keep me in the home (and begin having children) as quickly as possible--many of these profitable conversations have been prompted by your posts and links to other blogs on your site. Thank you for sharing. I'm blessed every time I visit your site.
Blessings to you!
Have a WONDERFUL day!
Jessica
I have been reading your blog for a long time, you are always real, you don't pertend life is perfect but you continually rejoice on the blessings God gives you. I check your blog several times a day (whenever I get on to check my ebay auctions for questions).
Lela
age 27
Marriedto John a minister and former lawyer
Near Pittsburgh Pennsylvania
Mom to 9 months old baby boy
ww.wxanga.com/LMCS79
Crystal Happy Birthday.
May God Richly Bless you ,your Family and Extended Family Greatly.
Biblical Womanhood has been a great blessing to my family and I.
Thank you for allowing God to use you to reach others.
Mrs.Garcia
My name is Christian. I'm not sure how I found you -- I think through YLCF and/or Covenant Wedding Source. Anyway, I'm here now and read daily.
I'm married to my "dear professor" and we have two little boys, ages 4 years and 8 months. We live in the Deep South.
Here in Dixie we don't have soda or pop (as you referenced in your frugal shopping tips), it's ALL coke. A common question you'd hear in our neck of the woods is, "What kind of coke do you want? We have Coke, Sprite, Dr. Pepper and Ginger Ale."
Thank you for being so transparent. The Lord is using you to touch the lives of so many young ladies and women.
Christian
Hi Crystal! I found your blog several months ago when I started my own. I've been so encouraged by the topics you post on. Thank you for what you do! I too have the desire to be a godly wife to my husband and to raise my children for the Lord. So thanks for the encouragement!
Hello Crystal,
I stumbled upon your blog yesterday, after downloading your Centsible Suppers ebook. A very happy birthday to you! I'm looking forward to finding my way around your website.
I am a 30-year-old Australian mum to a 3 y.o. girl and an 18-month-old boy. Our family feels called to homeschool.
I hope tomorrow is a very special day for you!
Many blessings,
Jacqueline.
Well, happy birthday!!!
Your sister is too sweet! It was fun learning all sorts of new things about you, especially the Give Away Day, and her comments about your willing spirit.
Ever since I "met" you on the YWAIC boards, I've admired your hunger for the Lord and your spirit. Your sister's words about you challenged me in my pursuit of Christ (I'm not one to be happy about dishes most of the time). Thank you for your wonderful example to us single teenagers. :)
God bless you and have a great birthday!!!
Hello,
I guess I'd better leave you a comment!! :) Happy Birthday!
I frequent your blog every once and a while... I guess I've "known" about you for a while...since you had Covenant Wedding Source. I'm also friends with the Worcester ladies. :)
I think your blog is great and I really enjoyed your book "Merchant Maiden".
God bless~
Happy Birthday, Crystal!
I'm 25 too.
I've been around awile. Your blog was my first blog I ever read. Had no idea what they were. I have learned alot from you and have enjoyed you insight and Christian humility.
We are kindred spirits, btw. We belong to "the sisterhood of hitting inanimate objects." Yep. I did the same thing only it was much worse. I was 22yrs old. I was visiting my fiance at his parents house (parents were away from home) and after I said goodbye to my fiance I stepped on the gas (thought the car was in reverse) and slammed into their garage. All of a sudden I was in the garage staring at the back of my future FIL's riding lawn mower. I was so embarrassed and scared ( and hysterical). My husband thought it was hilarious, but didn't laugh until later. My FIL took it very well (he really likes me). The car was my parents' car, too. It was awful. Huge dent in my father's nice Honda Accord and a whole in the side of my future in-law's barn/garage. lol!
Crystal - Happy birthday!
I found your blog through someone else who posted about Christians attending college. While I don't always agree with you totally, I have been so blessed by your well-reasoned arguments and your obvious love for the Lord. I love your articles on practical homemaking and I look forward to your blog and the other women who comment. Have a blessed day, I'll be at 25 this January!
Erica, Virginia
Happy Birthday!
I loved reading your sister's love for you. Cute pictures too.
I don't know how I found your blog, but I sure do enjoy it. Such wisdom from someone so young. :)
Crystal,
Happy Birthday! I have visited a few times, but always mean to come back more often. I am terrible about getting to a blog through a maze of others, and then not saving it. Tonight I'm going to e-mail it to myself (at 42 I have to have some way to remember things;-). If you come to my blog it may be a bit crazy as we are in the process of switching things around. I hope you will check it out when you get time.
In Him,
Lora
www.gnnkaty.com (our evangelism ministry website)
Have a happy & blessed 25th, Crystal!
I've been reading your blog regularly now for around 18months, I think.The Lord led me to do my own study on modesty& I found LAF & eagerly devoured nearly the whole site!!
I was impressed by your writings there & followed the links & here I am- Still!
I'm 38, married & have 2 little girls & I've gleaned alot of practical & spiritual tips for raising children from your site. I started my own blog a few months ago to encourage some ladies here in Australia, as being a SAHM is not valued at all here.I have linked to your blog.
Have a great day& may God Bless Gretchen for her sneekiness & love for her sister.
Claire
happy birthday! I think I found your blog a month or two ago through a friend's blog...now I read it regularly. I'm 28 years old, married to Dan and mom to 2 month old Rachel.
Really loved the comments from Gretchen :-)I'm not sure how I came across your website/blog, but I really enjoy reading it. I am 17 years old and homeschooled (I am hoping to finish this year).It is encouraging to see there are likeminded people out there even if you live on the otherside of the world. I live down under in New Zealand!! Hope you have a lovely 25th Bithday tomorrow, Crystal. God Bless and keep you.
Miss Felicity Hanlon
New Zealand :-)
I think I found you through the YLCF or LAF sites and have really enjoyed reading all your stories and advice.
Have a lovely birthday!
Hi,
I read your blog! Almost daily too.
I'm 18, coming out of the world, trying to please the LORD, growing only by grace. :)
Very nice site and glad I dropped by! Such sisterly love! You know the days are passing very fast as GOD said that the "time shall be shortened" in the last days, remember? Well we are there and the last days are upon us, so these days keep turning into weeks and weeks into months and years before we know it, they is gone again and soon there shall be no more as we know them! You know though if you stop and think about it and recall the pleasures of heaven and the peace it brings and all of the love and joy that abound in HIS presence, and if we are HIS child, then WHY should we fear it? Some people do fear the end! It should be the very greatest blessing to us! Something to be "looked forward" to with greatest excitement! Well, you stay safe and be blessed and I will pray all will be well with you always. In HIS love, Katie
http://miskaj-wwwjnksansone.blogspot.com/
http://www.jnksansone.com/index.html
I enjoy your blog big time-very encouraging. A very blessed 25th B/Day.
Happy Birthday Crystal!
I first started reading your blog through homeschoolblogger, I can't remember exactly how, but I enjoy reading your posts, they are a blessing!
I am a native Iowan living in Florida. Married to my awesome hubby David and mom to 2 sons, diligently trying to add more to the quiver.
Hi Crystal!
I comment every once-in-a-while, and have really enjoyed "getting to know you" over the last year.
What a neat post! Those are some funny stories- I'm glad Gretchen shared them! :) :)
I'm not sure how I ran across your blog. I remember commenting on your music posts... I thought your intention was good, but just so disagreed with your application! I still disagree with some things, but have come to appreciate your personality and opinions. And I love reading about all your great ideas and your cute family!
I've got four little cuties of my own- ages 6 and under. I'm a SAHM and wife to an Air Force officer. DH and I met as music majors in a state college and are best friends. I play piano and flute and have taught lessons like you. One of my passions is espresso and latte-making.
I look forward to reading more of your blog!
Hi Crystal! I pray that your birthday is truly a blessing to you. I am not sure exactly how I first happened upon your blog. I was searching on the internet for encouragement for Christian homemakers, and I found your blog. I have been visiting your beautiful site since last November. I have just been so blessed by your example and imspiring words. Thank you for being His faithful daughter.
Happy Birthday, Crystal! How did I meet you? Your listings and me page came up on eBay when I was searching for Vision Forum items...back in October of 95, my fav seller list indicates. Didn't make it here to read or post till most recently, though. :-)
Yesterday I was reading a sermon on feminism and Titus 2 that touched on a believer's life being an evangelistic witness; God places a desire and enpowerment in us to honor His Word, for opponents of Christianity to be silenced, and for the doctrine of God our Savior to be adorned. As He says...
Eph 2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: [it is] the gift of God:
Eph 2:9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.
Eph 2:10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
Gal 2:20 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.
To God be the glory; great things He has done in and through you, Crystal! Keep pressing toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus!!!
Bless God/God bless,
:-)
Happy birthday, Mrs. Paine!
I found your blog over a year ago from a link on the YLCF blog. I've read nearly every day since. It's encouraging to hear from other young women "going against the flow". One of the things I appreciate most is your review of So Much More...and I've enjoyed hearing about your sewing and knitting projects, too.
Have a wonderful day, and God bless!
Anna M. in Iowa
Hey Crystal - I have emailed you a few times so I know you know I've been around...even so...I've been reading your blog for about a year and a half now and it has been such a blessing in my life! You have encouraged me in so many ways and introduced me to so many new things (cloth diapering, the Vision Forum, classical homeschooling, etc.) I visit your blog pretty much daily, and it is always my first stop around the blogging world!
I hope that you have a wonderful birthday! Enjoy your family and count your blessings! By the way...your baby girl looks so much like your baby picture!
And one last note - thank you for having a meek and quiet spirit, as well as a correctable spirit when blogging. So many ladies out there are blogging in a very arrogant manner - as if their lives are all together and they can do no wrong. They also come across as having ALL the answers - I appreciate that you are very real and honest.
Happy Birthday, Crystal!
I can't remember how I first found you. My daughter took your first online home business class and I have been reading your blog one and off since then.
I would like to leave my life verse with you today which is Deut. 30:19-20
"Choose life in order that you may live, you and your descendants,
by loving the LORD your God, by obeying His voice, and by holding fast to Him; for this is your life and the length of your days"
Just wanted to say hello! I read your blog and have never commented, not because I don't want to :) I just don't get much time at the computer. Happy Birthday! Thank you for sharing this blog with us :) I am a mother of three, new in my walk with God and I enjoy your postings.
Happy Birthday Crystal!
I have been reading your blog for a few months now, can't remember how I found it, and I'm always encouraged and inspired by your articles. I'm glad to have found your website!
Have a great birthday,
Catherine
happy birthday! it's hard to believe you're only 25 given the maturity and wisdom you display in this blog. I am always challenged by your productivity and energy. I get tired just reading the stuff you are doing.
Happy Birthday Crystal! That was really nice of Gretchan. It was fun to read too!
I found your blog about a year or so ago. God has really used this blog to change my heart in so many ways. I am amazed that someone so young in age is so spiritually mature, and I love reading your posts each day. You offer so much insight, and encouragement.
Have a great 25th birthday!
Happy Birthday Crystal!
My sisters and I have been reading your blog for quite some time, and have greatly enjoyed your inspiring posts. My older sister Rachel used to receive your "Polished Cornerstone" magazine, so we knew of you before we found your blog. Thank you for your godly example and inspiring posts.
May God continue to bless you as you shine forth His glory!
Hi, Crystal!
I have been reading your blog for quite a while and I love hearing about what you are up to. You have always been such an encouragement to me...back when you published Polished Cornerstones and were the moderator of that discussion board!
May the Lord bless you this upcoming year!
Melinda
Happy Birthday Crystal!
I was blessed to be led to your site when I googled sewing modest swimwear. Go figure! :-)
I poked around and was hooked! Thanks for being such an encouragement to "faces" you don't even know!
Have a great weekend!
Lisa
Crystal, I found your blog linked at another site, but I no longer remember which one. I suppose that means I've been reading here for quite a while.
The things I enjoy most about reading here are your encouraging and exhorting us all to keep pressing on, humility in being willing to admit when you are wrong or have made a mistake, and your courage in sharing your life and heart and dialoging even about the hard stuff.
Happy birthday! I hope you have a wonderful day, and that this new year will be filled with blessings beyond measure.
Brenda M
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Crystal!!! I don't remember how I found this site but I'm so glad I did. It is so encouraging to read about your REAL struggles and how through God you overcome. You inspire me in many ways but the biggest way is in increasing my faith. Thank you, Crystal! God Bless you and your family!
It is my God-given privilege to have known Crystal longer than anyone else and even to have prayed two years for her before she was conceived. This evening I spent time reading through a journal I have been writing about Crystal’s life since she was seven years old. It was amazing to witness how very early in her life, God gave her a desire to serve Him, redeem the time, and reach out to visitors, the elderly, lonely children, and discouraged mothers. Her self-sacrificing servant spirit, creativity, initiative and gratefulness were such a great help to our family the 21 years she lived in our home and because of her we were introduced to many new friends. During physical afflictions she kept serving us all and didn’t complain. God has used her to teach me many lessons and challenge me in many areas.
When she was fourteen I wrote: “I marvel at God’s work in your life and His abundant blessings to you –I would be humbled and feel so privileged to get to witness His continuing work in your life as you become an adult – wife, mother.” Also, I prayed: “Please prepare a man of God to be her husband that they may truly magnify you together and raise up Godly seed for Your Name’s sake.”
That was 10 ½ years ago. It is with great joy that I celebrate Crystal’s 25th birthday (though it is actually her first birthday in which I will not be with her) and God’s wondrous work to enable her to be Jesse’s wife and Kathrynne’s mother!
“I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.” 3 John 1:4
Crystal’s mom
Happy Birthday to you!!! Happy Birthday to you!!!
I loved reading your sisters post. Was really sweet! :-)
Just wanted to let you know that you have touched many lives out here in many ways. The Lord has blessed you in so many ways.
I met you first thru MM group. You have been an example in my life. Just wanted to thank you for that.
Have a beautifull birthday and enjoy it!
Love
Nichole
I check your blog daily, and come away with so many great things to ponder and do!
Happy birthday! God bless you and your family!
Kathy F.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!
Thanks for being an ecouragment in my life through your blog.Certainly have the gift of writing.
I agree with a comment left by agodlyhomemaker-2nd one left.Titus 2 comes to mind-Younger women encourage the older women !!
WHo knows I may get to meet you in person.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!
I started reading your blog awhile ago, last year some time, I think. I don't remember how I found it?!?! I think I might have left a comment once or twice. Mostly I am just a lurker, sorry.
I am a second generation homeschooler and I have three wonderful children ages 7,5 and 18 months.
You are a wonderful blessing to me and to many others, I am sure. :-)
Happy Birthday, Crystal! I read your blog each day and can't tell you what an encouragement it has always been to me. Thank you for always sharing from your heart, no matter what the subject may be. It has inspired me to be more open about my beliefs with those I am in contact with each day.
May God continue to bless you and your family in this new "year" of your life.
Happy Birthday Crystal!! Your sister’s love for you shines bright in her gift of a birthday post! I am an “older woman”, happily married to Brad, and together we have raised & home schooled 3 daughters who have grown up entirely too fast!! Now I’m looking forward to what the Lord has in store for us in this next “stage” of life. I was introduced to your blog a few months back through our oldest daughter’s blog (Erin @ www.unfoldingmoments.blogspot.com) and have been a consistent reader ever since. I am rather new to blogging, and have been so impressed with the encouragement and Godly mentoring that goes on through blogs such as yours. I’ve been both inspired and convicted through what I read on Biblical Womanhood. What a blessing to see you using the gifts God has given you to build up other women in their walk with Christ. I have posted a link to Biblical Womanhood on my blog to allow more ladies to find encouragement in the journey. Blessings to you and your family! Have a wonderful birthday!! Diane
Birthday blessings Crystal!!!
Just wanted to let you know that you are an inspiration and encouragement to me. May God richly bless!
Lydia W.
Happy Birthday, Crystal! I've been reading your blog for several months now. May you have a very blessed year!
Happy Birthday and love your pictures.
Hey Crystal!
I first heard about you on the old Virtuous Womanhood messageboard. I also remember how excited everyone was about your wedding!:)
I have been reading your blog every so often for the last couple of months, and I have enjoyed hearing your thoughts on many different topics. This is the first time I've left a comment though!
I am a 20yr old single gal and I live at home with my parents. I fill my days with being a mother's helper for three families, cooking often for my own family, attending correspondence college online and teaching a homeschool class each week. That's the gist of my existence.:)
Thanks so much for the thoughtful effort that you put into your blog! Happy Birthday!
~ECB~
Hi Crystal, I met you trough the young moms and wives group on yahoo. The first time I came to your blog was to read about Fuzzi Bunz. I am using them now for the second child- fourth baby. I also have greatly benefited from the sudjestions on homemaking. I have my own Home Managemant Binder! Happy Birthday! Diana http://www.xanga.com/islandlife
Heheehe...happy birthday! 25 eh? Well, here's to a quarter of a well lived century! :) I'll email ya later.
All His Blessings,
Andrea over at Wandering Through Leaves of Grass
May God bless this coming year of your life! Hope He continues to work in your life and show you His Truth.
I am a 22 year old, single sister of Christ. I "stumbled" upon your site about 6 months ago. You provide a wealth of good things on your site--books, links, and daily blog.
Please continue to work in the Lord's vineyard, Crystal. Thank you for your purity, modesty, and eagerness to serve the LORD in all honesty and truth.
We share a birthday month! My birthday is at the end of October.
Just wanted to let you know I am still around and lurking-I try to read daily but depending on my schedule may not always attain that goal.
I am a single mother of one almost four year old girl and a full time education student. I have posted before, and you have always kindly addressed my comments.
I love your blog-it really encourages me as a woman and mother even though we have different backgrounds.
I hope you continue to blog for some time, I would terribly miss the encouragement you provide. (By the way, do you have any news about Jesse's job hunt?)
Enjoy your birthday with your family, Crystal!
Kim in WI
Happy Birthday Crystal!
I hope you enjoy your day. I love birthdays, I consider my own to be my own personal holiday.
I don't remember how I stumbled across your blog but I've been reading it for months and I really enjoy the articles you have on it.
Happy Birthday Crystal! May you be blessed in the year ahead!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY! I FOUND YOU SOMEHOW AND SO BLESSED I DID!
homemakerang
Happy Birthday Crystal,
I really appreciate the variety of posts you have--lighthearted stories as well as thought-provoking commentary and encouraging advice. I don't remember how I found your blog, though:-)Thank you for taking time out of your busy days to converse with your readers. I know it is a blessing to many when you share of the "much you have been given."
I must have missed any posts right after Jesse took his bar; what position does he have now? I'm sure that must be an exciting change for you all, and he is blessed to have such a Godly wife!
Have a great day Crystal! I'm one of the few fortunate readers who actually met you in person before I started reading your blog (for those of you who have read Crystal's archives, I'm the Mom of 5 boys she helped and we couldn't figure out how to jump her car one cold winter day). I'm really enjoying the series on couponing/food budgeting. May God pour out His blessings on you and Jesse in the coming year.
Laurie F.
Happy Birthday Crystal! I have been reading your blog for a long time and love it... have commented once or twice but not much. I am just so impressed with how well you do with Kathrynn and Jesse and your home... you are a wonderful person and mom!
We don't share all of the same beliefs but reading your blog has taught me so much! I am also a Christian but do not homeschool my children... and don't plan to homeschool... but reading your blog has made me understand another point of view. I so much respect you and enjoy your opinions and thoughts!
Have a wonderful birthday. :) Jen
Happy birthday...cute writeup by your sister too!
Found your blog rather recently after my computer died and I lost my favorites list (and who can remember them all...I am borrowing hubby's computer now and then...so should make a list in case we have another computer disaster). Any rate, though I am old enough to be your mother, I do enjoy lots of the subjects you post on. SO I will be back!
I'm a Christian homeschooling mom of 5 kids. I found out about you from KimC over at In a shoe a couple weeks ago. I really like "frugal friday" and I was really surprised to find out how young you are! You write like a older more experienced mom and I've been learning alot from your site.
It was nice to learn a little more about you through your sisters Happy B-Day post.
Happy 25th!
I literally stumbled onto your post through a search on Google of I can't even remember. It was about a month ago.
I'd never been on a "blog" before but was truly touched by the freshness, simplicity and honesty that radiates from the site.
I have been challenged in many ways to become a better woman, wife and homemaker.
I am from Canada, 27, married 1 1/2 years and expecting a little girl come January. Though saved at a young age, I chose to go my own way for a season. I recently began attending a Baptist church that I love and have been diligently seeking the Lord's will and direction again in my life, realising that His Way is THE way.
Thank you for your site - I read it daily. I've sent a couple comments.
Looking at the posts ahead of me I can see that the Lord is not only using you in my life, but in many others as well.
May you always walk in accordance with His will.
Jennifer
Happy Birthday, Crystal! I think I first found your site via Ladies Against Feminism, and your site is largely responsible for launching me into the world of blogging :). Thanks for being an encouragement!