Juggling Life, Finding Balance Podcast with Vivian Cumins

Jenna Nelson is a tenacious, persistent advocate whose journey from trauma survivor to legislative change-maker exudes bravery and grit. 

In this episode, Jenna opens up about her experience reporting abuse and the obstacles she faced in seeking justice. We'll discuss how she channeled her pain into purpose, leading to the creation of House Bill 247, which extends the statute of limitations for reporting sex crimes. Whether you're facing your own struggles or looking to make a difference, this conversation will show you how courage and persistence can truly change lives. 

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Jenna Nelson, a resilient single mother of three, including a son with special needs and boy/girl twins, has transformed personal tragedy into a powerful force for change. Despite the demands of family and work, Jenna neglected self-care, leading to a bout of depression and suicidal thoughts. Seeking help through her church, she confronted a long-buried trauma: sexual abuse she had endured as a teenager. Seventeen years after the abuse, Jenna broke her silence. This act of courage became the catalyst for her advocacy work. She spearheaded a legislative bill in Utah that extended the statute of limitations for reporting sex crimes against minors, becoming a fierce champion for survivors.

Jenna's path has been fraught with challenges, fear, and turmoil. As a new Christian, she struggled to find guidance but ultimately discovered her voice and strength. Despite being unable to hold her abuser legally accountable due to existing laws, she channeled her energy into creating change for others. Her tireless efforts included persistent communication with the Attorney General's office, state legislators, county prosecutors, and police.

The unanimous passage of her bill in the Utah State Legislature marked a significant victory, but it didn't end Jenna's fight. She has expanded her advocacy across the nation, confronting attorneys, state representatives, and even victims' advocates who fall short in supporting sexual assault survivors. Her recent work in Texas exemplifies her ongoing commitment. Throughout her journey of healing and advocacy, Jenna attributes her strength and success to her faith in God. Her story is a testament to the power of resilience, faith, and the impact one voice can have in creating meaningful change for many. In every step she credits God.

RESOURCES

The RAINN National Sexual Assault Hotline – Confidential 24/7 Support

1-800-656-4673 | https://rainn.org/resources

The National Sexual Violence Resource Center 

https://nsvrc.org/about/national-sexual-violence-resource-center

SEEK ASSISTANCE THROUGH ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

* Call 911

* Any Hospital

* Police Department

* Local government entities, such as City Hall (seek out victims’ advocates) 

* Churches

* State's Attorney's office or Attorney General's office

NEWSPAPER ARTICLES/LEGISLATURE

Salt Lake Tribune Newspaper

Legislature Oks sexual assault statute of limitations bill

https://sltrib.com/news/2020/03/23/legislature-oks-sexual

Standard-Examiner Newspaper

Threatened into silence: Bill would expand statute of limitations for some sex crimes  

https://shorturl.at/k8cRm

Standard-Examiner Newspaper

Sex crimes statute of limitations bill survives challenge in Utah Senate committee

https://shorturl.at/PfMSW

Deseret News Newspaper

Utah bill to expand statute of limitations for sex with a minor clears first hurdle 

February 22, 2020

https://shorturl.at/o1fx9

Utah State Legislature – House Bill 0247

Unlawful Sexual Activity Statute of Limitations Amendment

https://le.utah.gov/~2020/bills/static/HB0247.html

POWERFUL QUOTES FROM JENNA

“Ultimately, this bill (HB247) will never help my case. Never. But it’s going to help people moving forward. And that’s really what I was after.”

“Seek God’s guidance and seek his strength and his comfort. God is there, even in our mess. Actually, especially in our mess. And He’s not going to fail you.”

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 

This week, I'm excited to reconnect with my friend Amy Arthur and discuss her remarkable journey from skepticism to deep faith and how our time together in Germany influenced her path. Amy's story is a testament to the unexpected ways faith can shape our lives.

Amy is a mom of five, managing a busy life on a Wisconsin beef farm while also working as a Christian life coach. In today’s episode, Amy dives into her practical strategies for balancing work, faith, and family, including her approach to finding meaningful work-from-home opportunities. If you’re balancing a busy schedule and want to align your career with your values and passions from the comfort of your home, then stop what you are doing and listen to this episode!

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Amy is on a mission to empower Christian moms like you to discover fulfilling work-from-home opportunities. Her journey into coaching stems from her experience as a stay-at-home mom for sixteen years. Nestled on a small farm in rural Wisconsin, her transition from a career woman to motherhood was both challenging and rewarding, having five children in six years. This journey inspired her commitment to guiding women in finding their ideal at-home careers while prioritizing faith and family. As a certified Christian Life Coach, Amy specializes in empowering women through a transformative roadmap: Find, Follow, Foster, and Focus. Hosting the Christian Work from Home Mom Podcast allows her to share insights, practical tips, and inspirational stories with a broader audience. Whether through personalized coaching, podcast episodes, or engaging with the community on her Facebook group, Amy is dedicated to being a beacon of support for Christian moms navigating the intricate intersection of work, faith, and family. Her coaching is built on loyalty, hard work, and resourcefulness, aiming not just to coach but to be a trusted guide on your empowering journey of work-at-home motherhood.

Podcast: https://amyjarthur.com/podcast

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/AmyjArthurcoaching

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amyjarthurcoaching

BONUS PODCAST!

Christian Work From from Home Mom

https://shorturl.at/V3Qys

Special Guest: Vivian Cumins

Episode 14: Finding Balance: Letting Go of Perfectionism and Control in Your Work-from-Home Journey

POWERFUL QUOTE FROM AMY:

“If you are a busy mom at home please don’t be too hard on yourself if you can’t open your bible, just try to open it for a little bit. And as your kids grow up and get more independent you will be able to spend more time with God.”

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 

Please welcome this week’s guest, Marci Seither, mother of six and author of Empty Nest: Strategies to Help Your Kids Take Flight, to discuss the empty nest transition. In this episode, we explore the often unexpected emotional impact when children leave home and offer practical advice for navigating this change.

Our conversation covers how the departure affects the entire family, including younger siblings who remain at home, and the shift it brings to marital relationships. Whether you're anticipating or currently experiencing an empty nest, this episode provides honest discussion and encouragement. We'll examine how faith can guide us through this new life stage and discuss ways to approach the changes ahead.

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Website: http://www.marciseither.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100065253110172

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marci_seither

Books: https://marciseither.com/books

POWERFUL QUOTES FROM MARCI

"There’s a difference between ownership and stewardship of our kids. As parents, we “are not the owner of [our kids], we are the stewards of them.”

“You cannot impart what you do not possess. If you want to teach your kids about balance, you’ve got to show it.”

“Live in the season you’re in, but think about the season to come.”

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 

Join podcast host Vivian Cumins for an authentically candid episode featuring Jennifer Osler-Bolton. In 2016, Jennifer's life changed forever when her husband Ryan, a firefighter, was tragically killed in the line of duty. Ryan’s passing made headlines, forcing Jennifer to grieve a private loss, publicly. She knew everyone was watching how she responded to this tragedy, to include her two children. She vowed to grieve well in order to honor both God and her late husband, Ryan. 

Jennifer and Vivian share a compelling conversation about faith and the plethora of emotions, including anger and confusion that one experiences when faced with the unthinkable. Jennifer shares her powerful testimony of how God prepared her a year before Ryan’s passing through a grief and loss recovery program she reluctantly attended to appease a friend. She reveals how she surrendered to God's plan and ultimately discovered love again with her current husband, Michael. This episode offers raw, moving experiences and Biblical wisdom on trusting God through life's toughest challenges, finding purpose in pain and loss, and honoring loved ones while embracing new chapters. Prepare to be inspired by this beautiful love story.

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Jennifer Osler-Bolton is a wife, widow, mom, and stepmom. After the sudden and tragic death of her firefighter husband, Ryan, Jennifer had to learn how to navigate life with loss while raising two children and finding the balance between grief and hope. Since remarrying her current husband, Michael, and becoming a blended family, Jennifer has discovered that the pain of her grief has become the power of her recovery. Jennifer is also an inspirational speaker and soon-to-be published author.

Website: http://.jenniferoslerbolton.com

Instagram: https://instagram.com/jjoslerbolton

Lavender Dahlia Podcast: https://shorturl.at/hiAHX

The Grief Recovery Method: https://griefrecoverymethod.com

An action-based, powerful, directed approach to healing from life’s deepest heartbreaks.

Grief Specialist Rachelle Jones website:  https://griefrecoverywithrachelle.com

In Honor of Ryan Osler: https://firehero.org/fallen-firefighter/ryan-s-osler/

POWERFUL QUOTE

"When I choose to trust God, I'm building strength." - Jennifer Osler-Bolton

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 

Vivian is joined by Beth Runkle, a prior military spouse who shares her inspiring journey of faith and perseverance. Beth discusses the challenges and joys of military life, emphasizing the need for community and discipleship within this unique context. She and Vivian explore the transformative power of faith, the impact on marriages, and the importance of fostering supportive relationships, particularly for military couples. Beth also shares about her upcoming book, providing encouragement and spiritual insights for military wives. So, grab your headphones and listen to this uplifting and insightful conversation with Beth Runkle.

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Beth is a proud military spouse of 25 years. She began a relationship with Jesus Christ a few years after she wed her military husband after having participated in a Bible Study. Beth and her husband saw their lives and marriage dramatically transformed by Christ and the Biblical blueprint for marriage, and began sharing that information with other military couples. After 25 years, her husband was ready to retire but they weren’t ready to leave gospel-centered ministry to the military behind. So, they joined Cru Military's staff, a Campus Crusade for Christ division, and moved to Colorado. They work as missionaries to the military and are engaged in ministry to cadets at the Air Force Academy and other ministries to couples and women at the 4 military bases in Colorado Springs.  

Beth completed a master’s degree from Gateway Seminary to better equip her for leading Bible study with military spouses and women. Beth is also publishing a book for military wives called “Another Move, God? 30 Encouragements to Embrace Your Life as a Military Wife” with B & H Publishing in October of 2024. Beth and her husband have two kids in college.

Website: https://bethrunkle.com

Facebook: https://facebook.com/beth.runkle.writes

Instagram: https://instagram.com/beth.runkle.writes

Book: Another Move, God? 30 Encouragements to Embrace Your Life as a Military Wife

https://a.co/d/3C1dcYE

Free Resource: 10 Tips to Help Your Military Marriage Thrive

https://bethrunkle.com/10tipsforathrivingmilitarymarriage

POWERFUL QUOTES

"I think all of us should have someone older, and they don’t have to be older in age, just older spiritually, investing in us, but then also someone younger than us that we’re investing in.” - Beth Runkle

“If you are a military wife, you have a calling. You matter. God has an assignment for you. Looking around you. There are lonely, desperate people all around you. There are people all around you that are suffering in loneliness.” - Beth Runkle

CONNECT WITH VIVIAN

Website: https://viviancumins.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/viviancumins2/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/viviancumins

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JugglingLifeFindingBalance

TikTok:  https://www.tiktok.com/@viviancumins

Apple & Spotify (Smartlink): https://link.chtbl.com/JugglingLifeFindingBalance

Memory Blogger: https://memoryblogger.com

This is a fun, inspiring interview! Special Guest Lemon Price, shares her remarkable journey from having a turbulent past to becoming a successful podcaster, certified speaker, and mentor for women in business. Her journey is a prime example of what God can do when we obey his prompting and take action! She admits to being a little feisty and argumentative when God called her to various leaps of faith, but she acknowledges the blessings she has experienced and is in awe of the doors he has opened – such as orchestrating not one, but two opportunities for her podcast to be featured in Forbes magazine. 

Lemon's radical obedience and unwavering faith will inspire you to step into your purpose. Tune in to hear Lemon's story, her contagious enthusiasm for life, and her wisdom on leadership and faith. It's a conversation you won't want to miss!

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Lemon Price is a woman on an inspiring journey encompassing motherhood & entrepreneurship. She ascended to the corporate C-Suite at the remarkable age of 26, orchestrating 8-figure sales for clients. However, a divine calling led her to a profound shift, redirecting her focus toward God’s ministry and purpose. In this transformative chapter, she dedicates herself to empowering women in marketplace ministry, rooted in unwavering faith. 

As a certified KIM10 Speaker, Radiant Life, and Leadership Coach, Forbes featured expert, and distinguished 3x Certified Radiant Leader, her commitment extends beyond professional achievements. She stands as a guide, helping women align their endeavors with a higher calling and seamlessly weaving faith into their journeys. Whether navigating the intricate dance of entrepreneurship, the joys of motherhood, or the warmth of companionship, Lemon invites others to join her on this shared journey. Together, they can infuse purpose into work and radiance into life.

Website:  https://www.lemonprice.co  

Milk and Honey Podcast with Lemon:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/milk-and-honey-with-lemon-price-become-the/id1665973424 

Facebook:  https://facebook.com/lemoneprice 

Instagram:  https://instagram.com/lemonpriceofficial 

YouTube:  https://youtube.com/@ultimateproverbs31woman 

TikTok:  https://tiktok.com/@faithfueledmamas 

POWERFUL QUOTE

"I think about how important it is for us to do the thing that God has called us to do right when he says to do it because I think there’s a reason.” Lemon Price

CONNECT WITH VIVIAN

Website: https://viviancumins.com

Facebook: https://facebook.com/viviancumins2

Instagram: https://instagram.com/viviancumins

YouTube: https://youtube.com/@JugglingLifeFindingBalance

TikTok:  https://tiktok.com/@viviancumins

Apple & Spotify (Smartlink): https://link.chtbl.com/JugglingLifeFindingBalance

MemoryBlogger Website: https://memoryblogger.com 

You’re sure to be encouraged as Tina Akridge shares from experiences during her husband's illness to finding strength and solace through her faith. Learn how Tina turned her grief and struggles into powerful tools to help others through her upcoming book, "Grace in Grief: A 100 Day Journey Exploring God's Tender Response to Loss." Tina and Vivian share insights on navigating grief and finding purpose. Stay tuned for a deeply personal and profound journey of resilience, faith, and the healing power of writing.

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Tina Akridge is a mother of four adult children and a widow, married 25 ½ years to a beautiful man who loved God and loved his family unconditionally. When Tina married the love of her life, Mark, they never knew they would receive the terrifying Sarcoma diagnosis. She and her children have had to deal with the ripple effects of cancer that one never considers until they are forced to. After eight years of battling cancer, Mark passed. Tina has walked through addiction with their son, the effects of trauma on each of their children, and the reality of losing her beloved companion. Through it all, Tina has remained steadfast in knowing God was faithful. Through beautifully written blog posts and her newly published book, Grace in Grief: A 100-Day Journey Exploring God’s Tender Response to Loss, Tina shares God’s grace, faithfulness, and presence and helps others to find their purpose amidst grief.

Website: https://tinaakridge.com/start-here

Instagram: https://instagram.com/tinakridge

POWERFUL QUOTE

“Grief is so individual. But I can look you in the camera and say definitely – it does have a purpose and you have a purpose. Until we leave this earth – until He calls us home – you’re here for a very specific reason.” - Tina Akridge

CONNECT WITH VIVIAN

Website: https://viviancumins.com

Facebook: https://facebook.com/viviancumins2

Instagram: https://instagram.com/viviancumins

YouTube: https://youtube.com/@JugglingLifeFindingBalance

TikTok:  https://tiktok.com/@viviancumins

Apple & Spotify (Smartlink): https://link.chtbl.com/JugglingLifeFindingBalance

In part one of this two-part episode, Vivian sits down with Tina Akridge who shares her remarkable story of faith, hope, and finding balance amidst grief. Through her husband Mark's battle with cancer, Tina shares the incredible ways in which they experienced unexpected provisions and God's grace. As they faced the challenges of his illness, they found strength in weakness and intentional living, ultimately discovering the power of surrender and the importance of forgiveness. Join Vivian and Tina as they explore the profound impact of faith and determination, and the beautiful lessons learned through hardship. Stay tuned for a deeply moving conversation as Tina shares her courageous journey.

GUEST BIO

Tina Akridge is a mother of four adult children and a widow, married 25 ½ years to a beautiful man who loved God and loved his family unconditionally. When Tina married the love of her life, Mark, they never knew they would receive the terrifying Sarcoma diagnosis. She and her children have had to deal with the ripple effects of cancer that one never considers until they are forced to. After eight years of battling cancer, Mark passed. Tina has walked through addiction with their son, the effects of trauma on each of their children, and the reality of losing her beloved companion. Through it all, Tina has remained steadfast in knowing God was faithful. Through beautifully written blog posts and her newly published book, Grace in Grief: A 100-Day Journey Exploring God’s Tender Response to Loss, Tina shares God’s grace, faithfulness, and presence and helps others to find their purpose amidst grief.

Website: https://tinaakridge.com/start-here

Instagram: https://instagram.com/tinakridge

POWERFUL QUOTE

“I am a believing, strong, faithful Christ-centered woman, but that threw me [upon learning of her husband’s cancer diagnosis]. And I think a lot of women need to know that just because you get thrown doesn’t mean you don’t have faith at all.” - Tina Akridge

CONNECT WITH VIVIAN

Website: https://viviancumins.com

Facebook: https://facebook.com/viviancumins2

Instagram: https://instagram.com/viviancumins

YouTube: https://youtube.com/@JugglingLifeFindingBalance

TikTok:  https://tiktok.com/@viviancumins

Apple & Spotify (Smartlink): https://link.chtbl.com/JugglingLifeFindingBalance

Welcome to SisterTalk with Viv and Becca! Get ready for a rollicking ride through the ups, downs, and sideways moments of life. In today's special segment of the Juggling Life, Finding Balance Podcast, Viv & Becca serve up a heaping dose of hilarity with a side of heartfelt honesty.

Becca's quick wit and open-hearted storytelling will have you in stitches as she and Viv dive into the world of beauty blunders and marital misadventures. They dish about makeup mishaps, hair-raising experiences, and those quirky moments of married life that they don't warn you about in the brochures.

Whether you're battling with bangs, puzzling over peculiar compliments, or invoking your wedding vows in less-than-glamorous circumstances, Viv & Becca have got you covered. This episode is all about finding the humor in life's little challenges and celebrating the bonds that get us through.

So, grab your favorite beverage, kick off those shoes, and settle in for some good old-fashioned girl talk. Your to-do list can wait – this sisterly banter is just what you need to brighten your day and lift your spirits. 

CO-HOSTS

VIVIAN CUMINS

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 stepmom 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, set her free from captivity, and 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

BECCA ROBINSON

Becca is married to her best friend of over 26 years; they have been blessed with three children,

three granddaughters, a bonus daughter (daughter-in-law), and a bonus son (son-in-law). She is a writer and co-host of the SisterTalk with Viv & Becca special edition of the Juggling Life, Finding Balance Podcast. 

Over seventeen years ago, her husband joined the Army and gave Becca the honorable title of “military spouse.” Although Becca has a career in health care, she loves being an Army wife and volunteering and mentoring military spouses. Becca also loves to laugh and meet new people. It has been said she makes friends wherever she goes. 

CONNECT WITH BECCA

Facebook: https://facebook.com/kbaarobinson

MemoryBlogger website: https://memoryblogger.com 

CONNECT WITH VIVIAN

Website: https://viviancumins.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/viviancumins2

Instagram: https://instagram.com/viviancumins

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JugglingLifeFindingBalance

TikTok:  https://tiktok.com/@viviancumins

Apple & Spotify (Smartlink): https://link.chtbl.com/JugglingLifeFindingBalance

MemoryBlogger website: https://memoryblogger.com

Today, I’m joined by Karen Shafer, a dedicated teacher by day and a passionate screenwriter and novelist by night. Karen's unique story is a testament to following one's passion and calling while excelling in a career. Karen reveals how her daily interactions as a teacher fuel her creativity and enhance her storytelling in screenplays and novels, providing a fascinating glimpse into how one's career can beautifully compliment personal passions. In this episode, we discuss the importance of listening to God’s voice, and recognizing the signs and confirmations He provides. 

Through her own story, Karen explains how her role as a teacher compliments her writing passion, as she draws inspiration from her students’ stories and experiences. We’ll learn practical tips for prioritizing time, managing the feeling of being overwhelmed, and maintaining faith and trust in God’s timing. Karen shares the importance of making to-do lists and prioritizing tasks, as well as seeking God’s guidance and finding joy in the present. This conversation will leave you feeling inspired and encouraged to pursue your passion and calling, while still shining in your current career.

GUEST BIO

When Karen Shafer was eight, she gathered her dolls in a semi-circle, named them Anne and Laura after her literary best friends, and taught them to spell. Now, as a middle-school teacher with twenty years to her credit, Karen balances inspiring the next generation with parenting two rambunctious boys of her own, along with pursuing a second career as an author and screenwriter. Karen also serves as Marketing Director for West Coast Christian Writers and as leader of Bridgeway Christian Church’s Haven Writers group. 

Website: https://karenshafer.com

Facebook: https://facebook.com/karenshafer.author

Instagram: https://instagram.com/karenshaferauthor

POWERFUL QUOTE

“It's not about what I want, it’s remembering what God wants. And if I remember what He wants, and I pursue what He wants, the joy will follow.”

CONNECT WITH VIVIAN

Website: https://viviancumins.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/viviancumins2/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/viviancumins

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JugglingLifeFindingBalance

TikTok:  https://www.tiktok.com/@viviancumins

Apple & Spotify (Smartlink): https://link.chtbl.com/JugglingLifeFindingBalance

 Memory Blogger: https://memoryblogger.com