Juggling Life, Finding Balance Podcast with Vivian Cumins

Daughters of Wisdom: A Christmas Story of Faith, Wonder, and Worship | Ep. 37

What can three extraordinary women from the Christmas story teach us about living wisely? Beyond the familiar nativity scene with shepherds and wise men lies a powerful message through the lives of Elizabeth, Mary, and Anna. Vivian shares how these remarkable women demonstrated wisdom through their persistence, humility, and unwavering faith in God's plan. Through Elizabeth's bold obedience despite years of barrenness, Mary's quiet pondering of miraculous events, and Anna's lifelong dedication to worship, we discover that true wisdom isn't about having all the answers – it's about maintaining an open heart to God's guidance. Whether you're feeling uncertain about God's timing or struggling to trust His plan, these ancient stories offer a fresh perspective on finding wisdom for today's challenges.
 
ABOUT VIVIAN
Vivian Cumins is a writer, speaker, and host of the Juggling Life, Finding Balance Podcast. She is also an Oklahoma native, a career professional, a military spouse, a step-mom to two adult kids, and a “Glammy” to five grandkids.
Although her name means “LIVELY” Vivian admits she has not always felt lively. Her need to be perfect and in control led to an unbalanced lifestyle filled with work, self-inflicted stress and illness, depression, and anxiety.
In 2020, after years of striving and mental exhaustion, Vivian rededicated her life to the Lord and vowed to relinquish control and submit to God’s will. Her newfound faith and commitment were immediately put to the test when she had to trust God to provide healing from stage 3 melanoma.
Though this was a difficult time, Vivian claims she would not change a thing. That ‘wilderness’ season, she says, delivered her from a prideful spirit and set her free from captivity. It was also during this time that God began speaking to her in dreams. His voice and the challenges she faced taught her how to give up control and trust God, embrace imperfection, and recognize, then recalibrate, the unbalance in her life. 
Today, Vivian not only shares her testimony of preparation and deliverance, but she also provides valuable lessons and helpful tips for actively seeking balance, which starts with making time for God, taking care of yourself, and sprinkling in some good old-fashioned fun.
 
POWERFUL QUOTE
"To be a wise woman, the path is simple. Ask God for wisdom, believe in His plan, and obey His guidance.” - Vivian Cumins
 
SCRIPTURE READINGS REFERENCED IN THIS EPISODE
Story of Elizabeth: Gospel of Luke, Chapter 1
Story of Mary: Gospel of Luke, Chapters 1 & 2
Story of Anna: Gospel of Luke, Chapter 2
 
James 1:5 – If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. (NIV)
 
Proverbs 8:35 – For those who find me [Wisdom] find life and receive favor from the Lord. (NIV)
 
James 4:6 – But He gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: ‘God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.” (NIV)
 
CONNECT WITH VIVIAN
Website: https://viviancumins.com
Facebook: https://facebook.com/viviancumins2
Instagram: https://instagram.com/viviancumins
TikTok:  https://tiktok.com/@viviancumins 
YouTube: https://youtube.com/@JugglingLifeFindingBalance
Apple and Spotify: https://link.chtbl.com/JugglingLifeFindingBalance
MemoryBlogger Website: https://memoryblogger.com 

Silent Goodbyes: Understanding and Overcoming Friendship Loss | Ep. 36

Have you ever experienced the heartbreak of a friendship falling apart? Author Elizabeth Laing Thompson sits down with Vivian for a raw, heartfelt conversation about navigating broken friendships and finding healing through faith. Vivian shares her own story of losing friends after rededicating her life to Christ, as Elizabeth opens up about friendships that blindsided her and the challenging journey to forgiveness. Walking through the complex emotions of friend breakups, they unpack the process of letting go and discovering hope when relationships drift apart. From processing hurt feelings to finding freedom in forgiveness, this conversation provides a message of hope and healing.
 
GUEST BIO
Elizabeth Laing Thompson is a speaker, novelist, and the author of many inspirational books for women and teens, including When a Friendship Falls Apart – Finding God’s Path for Healing, Forgiveness, and (Maybe) Help Letting Go, All the Feels, All the Feels for Teens, and the When God Says series. She writes to help others find hope when they're waiting, help when they're hurting, and humor in holiness. Her work has appeared in numerous outlets including Proverbs 31, Power for Living, Focus on the Family Magazine, and Brio Magazine.
After a long struggle with infertility, Elizabeth and her husband, Kevin, became the always exhausted but grateful parents of four children, three of whom are now teenagers. When she's not inhaling Starbucks mochas and plotting her next book, Elizabeth works from home as an editor and church volunteer (that's code for "pastor's wife"), and as a snack maker, couch snuggler, laundry slayer, floor mopper, not-so-gourmet chef, and interpreter-slash-counselor of teenage feelings. She prays the lessons she is learning, trying to wrestle Christ into the chaos of daily life, giving others hope, practical help, and a lot of good laughs.
 
Website: https://lizzylife.com
Facebook: https://facebook.com/alizzylife
Instagram: https://instagram.com/elizabethlaingthompson
Books: https://lizzylife.com/books
 
POWERFUL QUOTE FROM ELIZABETH
"Friendship is still out there to be had. You are worth loving and there are amazing women out there who, given the opportunity, would love to love you in return.” - Elizabeth Laing Thompson
 
CONNECT WITH VIVIAN
Website: https://viviancumins.com
Facebook: https://facebook.com/viviancumins2
Instagram: https://instagram.com/viviancumins
YouTube: https://youtube.com/@JugglingLifeFindingBalance
Apple & Spotify (Smartlink): https://link.chtbl.com/JugglingLifeFindingBalance
TikTok:  https://tiktok.com/@viviancumins 
MemoryBlogger Website: https://memoryblogger.com 

Marriage Myths: What's Really Holding You Back? | Ep. 034

Have you ever wondered if your marriage would magically improve if your husband would just change? Author Rhonda Stoppe joins Vivian for a candid chat about the myths wives believe and shares powerful insights from her book. As Vivian opens up about her own journey learning to accept compliments from her husband, Rhonda shares biblical wisdom about respect, intimacy, and the power of positive communication. Together, they tackle everything from the story of King David's dancing to practical tips for rekindling romance when you're exhausted from a long day. Through personal stories and scriptural truth, Vivian and Rhonda explore how letting go of resentment and embracing God's design for marriage can transform your relationship. Whether you're struggling with unmet expectations or seeking deeper connection, this episode offers hope and practical steps for building the marriage you've always longed for.
 
GUEST BIO
“I could have listened to Rhonda talk all night,” is what audiences say about Rhonda Stoppe’s honest, engaging presentations. Rhonda is the best-selling author of 7 books, host of the Old Ladies Know Stuff Podcast, and a sought-after speaker who appears nationally and internationally on TV and radio. Rhonda’s Moms Raising Sons radio appearance was awarded a “Best of Episode.” Rhonda has experienced the challenges of balancing marriage, parenting, and career and she’s ready to share her insights with you! The Stoppe’s have been happily married for 43 years. They have 4 adult children and 15 grandchildren. 
 
Website: https://NoRegretsWoman.com
Facebook:  https://facebook.com/NoRegretsWoman
Instagram:  https://instagram.com/rhondastoppe
YouTube: https://youtube.com/channel/UC7xAH1MW7EkugW2-544QyYA?view_as=subscriber
Old Ladies Know Stuff Podcast: https://pod.link/1648817407
For more about Rhonda and to receive a gift please visit: NoRegretsWoman.com
TEXT the words: NOREGRETS to 55444 to receive a Free Video:
Saying Yes to What is Best - Time Management with Rhonda Stoppe.
Free Chapter: Sign up for my Newsletter to receive a FREE Chapter from my best-selling book: Moms Raising Sons to Be Men. Chapter 16: Even if You're Scared - Facing the Culture War with Wisdom & Strength.https://rhondastoppe.com/bonus-signup
 
Additional Resources:
A Christian Woman's Guide to Great Sex in Marriage (ebook).
Free Marriage Video Course with Steve & Rhonda Stoppe 
 
POWERFUL QUOTE FROM RHONDA
"You can build a marriage without regrets. Let it begin with you.” - Rhonda Stoppe
 
CONNECT WITH VIVIAN
Website: https://viviancumins.com
Facebook: https://facebook.com/viviancumins2
Instagram: https://instagram.com/viviancumins
YouTube: https://youtube.com/@JugglingLifeFindingBalance
Apple and Spotify: https://link.chtbl.com/JugglingLifeFindingBalance
TikTok:  https://tiktok.com/@viviancumins 
MemoryBlogger Website: https://memoryblogger.com 

Anchored to Hope, Tethered by Addiction: The Story of a Praying Mom | Ep. 035

What happens when your child's choices threaten to destroy not only their life but yours as well? Author Dawn Ward shares her raw, personal journey of watching multiple family members battle addiction, including her own sons. As Vivian and Dawn dig into the realities of parenting an addicted child, they explore the crushing weight of blame, the dangerous pull of codependency, and why setting boundaries feels like abandonment. Through heartbreaking experiences with late-night jail calls and constant fears of overdose, Dawn reveals how trying to "fix" her children nearly destroyed her. Vivian and Dawn unpack how Christian moms can anchor themselves to God instead of their children's destructive behaviors. Together, they offer hope and wisdom for parents navigating one of life's most painful challenges, reminding listeners that God never leaves us even in our darkest moments.
 
GUEST BIO
Dawn Ward is a speaker, writer and biblical life coach. She is the founder of The Faith to Flourish, a ministry that equips women with addicted loved ones to break free from the cycle of addiction, reclaim their lives, and flourish in their faith. The Faith to Flourish also offers life-transforming insight, wisdom and Christian guidance for all women, along with hope and support to those who feel burdened and overwhelmed by life. Dawn is the author of the book, From Guilt to Grace: Hope and Healing for Christian Moms of Addicted Children. She is also co-author of the book, Still Standing After All the Tears Workbook: Faith in the Battle Edition and a contributing author for the devotionals, Butterfly Living: Life Changing Stories and Shepherd on Duty. Dawn has been married to her husband, Steve, for over forty years and is a mom to three adult children. It is her passion to help all women grow in their faith as they learn to better understand the Bible and apply it to their lives.
 
POWERFUL QUOTE: “We do have hope. We are praying moms. We have the Holy Spirit leading us and guiding us.” - Dawn Ward
 
Connect with Dawn at The Faith to Flourish on most social media platforms.
Website: https://thefaithtoflourish.com
Facebook: https://facebook.com/thefaithtoflourish
Instagram: https://instagram.com/thefaithtoflourishblog
Instagram: https://instagram.com/dawnr.ward
Twitter: https://twitter.com/faithtoflourish
YouTube: https://youtube.com/thefaithtoflourishwithdawnward
Linkedin: https://linkedin.com/in/dawn-ward-93975b266
 
CONNECT WITH VIVIAN
Website: https://viviancumins.com
Facebook: https://facebook.com/viviancumins2
Instagram: https://instagram.com/viviancumins
TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@viviancumins
YouTube: https://youtube.com/@JugglingLifeFindingBalance
MemoryBlogger Website: https://memoryblogger.com

The Bait and Switch: How Being Catfished Set Stacey Free | Ep. 033

What happens when a search for love leads down an unexpected path of deception? Author Stacey Szczepanski joins Vivian to share how being catfished set her free to develop a deeper relationship with God and herself. Through vulnerable storytelling, Vivian and Stacey explore the hidden dangers of online relationships, the importance of trusting your gut, and why taking time to heal is crucial before pursuing new relationships. With tears and laughter, Stacey and Vivian remind us that while we all desire to be loved, our ultimate fulfillment comes from God's unconditional love. Discover why being single doesn't define your worth and how embracing God's timing can lead to your most authentic life.
 
GUEST BIO:
Stacey Szczepanski is an author, literacy coach, and a classroom educator of more than 14 years. When she was 22 years old, Stacey joined a dating site and was deceived by an online persona claiming to be someone they’re not. Since then, she has written a book about her experience titled Unlocking Love: How Being Catfished Deepened My Faith and Led me on a Journey to Wholeness. Stacey is passionate about spreading God’s love, connecting with people, and offering support for trauma survivors.
Website: https://staceyszczepanski.com
Instagram: https://instagram.com/staceyszczepanski
Facebook: https://facebook.com/stacey.szczepanski.9
Book: Unlocking Love: How Being Catfished Deepened My Faith and Led me on a Journey to Wholeness by Stacey Szczepanski (2023) https://amazon.com/Unlocking-Love-Catfished-Deepened-Wholeness/dp/1625862571
 
POWERFUL QUOTE:
“You are loved, you are never alone, and healing is not easy, but it is possible. And all you need to do is put one foot in front of the other.” - Stacey Szczepanski
 
CONNECT WITH VIVIAN:
Website: https://viviancumins.com
Facebook: https://facebook.com/viviancumins2
Instagram: https://instagram.com/viviancumins
YouTube: https://youtube.com/@JugglingLifeFindingBalance
Apple & Spotify (Smartlink): https://link.chtbl.com/JugglingLifeFindingBalance
TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@viviancumins MemoryBlogger   
Website: https://memoryblogger.com 

Me, Myself, and We: Identity Protection in Relationships | Ep. 032

Have you ever felt unsure about your identity? Do you ever fall into the trap of defining yourself by your accomplishments, titles, or by the company you keep? On today’s episode of the Juggling Life, Finding Balance Podcast, Vivian is joined by Angela Pitnikoff, a wife, mother, and Christian life coach who has had her own struggles with identity loss. After Angela got married and became a mom, she realized that she had let those labels define her life and didn’t know who she truly was outside of her marriage, motherhood, or ministry. Angela’s personal identity was defined by the titles of “Christian,” “wife,” “mom,” and “daughter,” instead of what God says about her, and she ultimately felt unworthy and devoid of true purpose.
 
Vivian and Angela discuss the phenomenon that many of us face, of losing our individual identities within the dynamics of a relationship. Oftentimes it’s easy for us to unintentionally let others determine who we are instead of being tethered to the Lord. One of the many beauties of having a relationship with Jesus is that we don’t have to earn it. You no longer need to be trapped in a cycle of performance and unworthiness, because your worth and identity comes from being created by God, who loves you and wants a relationship with you. Angela reminds listeners that in order to fully comprehend God’s intentions for us, we need to know Him, which requires spending time in prayer and in His Word. The closer we are to God, the more we can understand His heart, and the better we understand who we were created to be.
 
GUEST BIO:
 
Angela Pitnikoff is an Christian life coach, wife of more than 20 years, and a mom of three boys. She is a worship singer and has worked in Christian ministry throughout her entire adult life, and she hosts a podcast and coaching ministry called The Kingdom Daughters. Angela is passionate about reminding Christian women and mothers that they were created on purpose and for a purpose, and their heavenly Father wants to be in close relationship with them.
Website: https://www.thekingdomdaughters.com/
Podcast: The Kingdom Daughters Podcast (Apple, Spotify)
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@mrsangelapitnikoff
Instagram: instagram.com/mrsangelapitnikoff
Facebook: facebook.com/kingdomdaughterssisterhood
 
POWERFUL QUOTE:
“Ultimately, God’s Word is the bread of life, it is our fuel, it is what gives us passion and purpose and a plan.” - Angela Pitnikoff
 
CONNECT WITH VIVIAN:
Website: https://viviancumins.com
Facebook: https://facebook.com/viviancumins2
Instagram: https://instagram.com/viviancumins
YouTube: https://youtube.com/@JugglingLifeFindingBalance
Apple & Spotify (Smartlink): https://link.chtbl.com/JugglingLifeFindingBalance
TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@viviancumins 
MemoryBlogger Website: https://memoryblogger.com

Servant Leadership: Leading Others with Love and Laughter | Ep. 031

What does leadership look like to you? When you think of the qualities of a great leader, what comes to mind? On today’s episode of the Juggling Life, Finding Balance Podcast, host Vivian Cumins is joined by colleague Erika Mascarenas, and the two discuss Erika’s distinct leadership style and what it looks like to lead like Christ. Erika describes her leadership style as “leading with love and laughter,” and she believes above anything else, she is a creation of God who is meant to live out God’s kindness in her everyday life. Vivian and Erika address the challenges of working in the competitive, secular workplace, where love and laughter aren’t always present. But just like a home, a workplace has its own values and dynamics, and Erika believes it is essential to lead in a way that allows colleagues and employees to grow and feel cared for. 
 
Erika also discusses the importance of what she calls a “4G lifestyle,” which consists of God, grit, gratitude, and grace. Growing up, these were the core values that Erika’s parents emulated and instilled in her, and now she is intentional about bringing these to the workplace. In her day to day, this may look like praying before a meeting, uplifting coworkers, or implementing random acts of kindness. She encourages listeners to remember that God is always directing our steps, so all we need to do is trust the process and trust Him, and we will end up where we are meant to be.
 
GUEST BIO:
 
Erika Mascarenas is a career professional and natural leader who believes in leading with love and laughter. She is passionate about people and about the acts of kindness that can show God’s love to those who are feeling worn or downcast. She has a goal of starting a nonprofit called “Operation Blessing,” which will allow people to send discreet, anonymous encouragement to those who are in need of it. 
 
POWERFUL QUOTE:
“If you do know Jesus, it’s going to show up in everything you do — it’s going to show up in the way you type, it’s going to show up in the way you talk, it’s going to show up in the way you care, it’s going to show up in the way you lead.” - Erika Mascarenas
 
CONNECT WITH VIVIAN:
Website: https://viviancumins.com
Facebook: https://facebook.com/viviancumins2
Instagram: https://instagram.com/viviancumins
YouTube: https://youtube.com/@JugglingLifeFindingBalance
Apple & Spotify (Smartlink): https://link.chtbl.com/JugglingLifeFindingBalance
TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@viviancumins 
MemoryBlogger Website: https://memoryblogger.com

The Heart of Resolution: Strengthening Relationships Through Conflict | Ep. 030

Are you struggling with some sort of relational conflict in your life? Would you like to know how to solve arguments quicker and calmer? On today’s episode of the Juggling Life, Finding Balance Podcast, Vivian is joined by Dr. Christina (Chris) Wilson, a Christian Life Coach with a PhD in conflict analysis and resolution. Chris has a background working in juvenile court and court mediation, but further than that, she remembers growing up in a household in which conflict wasn’t always handled well. It was Chris’ assumption that conflict is always emotionally-charged and sometimes volatile, until God showed her another way. Her scholarly research and Biblical knowledge has changed the way to which Chris views conflict, and she now encourages others to view tension and argument in a different light. 
 
We tend to view conflict as detrimental to ourselves and our relationships, but Chris reminds listeners that not all conflict is inherently bad. Oftentimes, when handled well, it can strengthen relationships and improve communication. Moments of conflict are really just conversations, but they escalate when emotions are sparked, usually after one of our values is targeted. Thankfully, the Bible has lots to say about conflict resolution, and Chris pulls from that knowledge and encourages listeners to bring calmness and peace to a tense conversation. To hear more practical advice and tips for approaching conflict resolution, check out this episode!
 
GUEST BIO:
 
Dr. Christina Wilson is a Christian Life Coach with a PhD in conflict analysis and resolution. She runs her own coaching business in which she provides pre-marital and relationship coaching, mediation, group facilitation, and Circle process services. She is passionate about people and relationships, and hopes that those she serves will have a changed outlook on conflict that will change the way they approach emotional conversations.
 
To request your FREE Conflict Resolution Questionnaire, simply send an email to:
jugglinglifepodcast@gmail.com and type “Freebie” in the subject line to claim your free resource!
 
Website: https://iheartresolution.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@christinar.wilsonph.d.233
Podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/christina-r-wilson
Email: iheartresolution@gmail.com
 
POWERFUL QUOTE:
“When conflict gets bad is when we get personal — when we get off the issue and start attacking personally.” - Christina Wilson
 
CONNECT WITH VIVIAN:
Website: https://viviancumins.com
Facebook: https://facebook.com/viviancumins2
Instagram: https://instagram.com/viviancumins
YouTube: https://youtube.com/@JugglingLifeFindingBalance
Apple & Spotify (Smartlink): https://link.chtbl.com/JugglingLifeFindingBalance
TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@viviancumins 
MemoryBlogger Website: https://memoryblogger.com