The Balanced MomCast | For Overwhelmed Christian Moms Seeking Time Management, Work Life Balance, and Focus

240 | Encouragement for Raising Kids in the Digital Age w/Jenna Kruse, Pt.2 Oct 31, 2024

Regularly, I hear from moms who are trying to navigate this digital age with their kids. And what I often hear is a sense of hopelessness and regret. But Jenna Kruse offers hope and encouragement by giving you a balanced approach, practical steps, and biblical wisdom for this all-consuming area of parenting school-aged kids. This episode is Part 2 of a 2-part conversation. For show notes, go to https://thescooponbalance.com/240

239 | Encouragement for Raising Kids in the Digital Age w/Jenna Kruse Pt. 1 Oct 24, 2024

Are you spending 50% of your parenting time and energy navigating tech with your school-aged kids? Do you have little ones and you already rue the day they ask for Instagram? Are you overwhelmed with the very THOUGHT of setting up parental controls or installing an internet filter? Today’s guest is Jenna Kruse and she helps parents with school-aged kids overcome the frustration, fatigue, and hopelessness of parenting in the digital age, so they can enjoy their kids and thrive in their role of raising the next generation to know and love Jesus. This is Part 1 of a 2-part conversation. Listen in. For show notes go to https://thescooponbalance.com/239

238 | Is it Time for You to Hire Help? Oct 17, 2024

Today, I discuss the importance of recognizing when it's time to hire help and provide practical guidance for making that decision. I'll share my personal experiences with hiring help, promising you that there is no shame in seeking assistance. And then I outline six key questions to consider when determining if it's time for YOU to hire help. For show notes, go to https://thescooponbalance.com/238

237 | How Grace Changes Everything About Everything w/Joby Martin Oct 10, 2024

If you carry shame from your past, this episode is for you. If you have been hurt by a man, by a parent, or by your very own child, this episode is for you. If you think you need a do-over, this episode is for you. This is Part 2 of my conversation with Joby Martin, Pastor of The Church of Eleven22 in Jacksonville, FL (my church!) and author of the new book Run Over by The Grace Train. Listen to EP236/Part 1 before you listen to this. For show notes, go to https://thescooponbalance.com/237.

Enter to Win a Free Copy of Run Over by the Grace Train

Leave a 5-Star rating and review of The Balanced MomCast on Apple Podcasts
BEFORE YOU HIT PUBLISH/SEND TAKE A SCREENSHOT!
Email me a picture of your review with the subject line “Joby’s Book” at thescooponbalance@gmail.com
Entries must be received before October 16, 2024, U.S. residents only.
I will draw a winner and notify you by email.

236 | How the Unstoppable Grace of God Transforms Everything w/Joby Martin Oct 03, 2024

Encountering the incomparable, immeasurable grace of Jesus is like getting run over by a freight train. You’re powerless against it, it takes you where it wants to, you can’t do anything to stop it, and it dramatically changes everything. Today is Part 1 of my conversations with Joby Martin. He's my pastor and the author of of the new book Run Over By the Grace Train: How the Unstoppable Love of God Transforms Everything. For show notes go to https://thescooponbalance.com/236

Enter to Win a Free Copy of Run Over by the Grace Train

Leave a 5-Star rating and review of The Balanced MomCast on Apple Podcasts
BEFORE YOU HIT PUBLISH/SEND TAKE A SCREENSHOT!
Email me a picture of your review with the subject line “Joby’s Book” at thescooponbalance@gmail.com
Entries must be received before October 16, 2024, U.S. residents only.
I will draw a winner and notify you by email.

235 | How Unplugging Can Change Your Life w/Hannah Brencher Sep 26, 2024

How would your life be different if you completely unplugged from your devices every day? How would you improve your parenting, your work, your marriage, your relationship with God? Last week we played Part 1 of my conversation with Hannah Brencher. She is the author of the book The Unplugged Hours: Cultivating a Life of Presence in a Digitally Connected World. If you haven’t listened to that, go do that first. Otherwise, listen to how Hanna’s life has become more connected and vibrant since practicing regular unplugged hours! For Show Notes go to https://thescooponbalance.com/235

Enter to Win a Free Copy of The Unplugged Hours

Leave a 5-Star rating and review of The Balanced MomCast on Apple Podcasts
BEFORE YOU HIT PUBLISH/SEND TAKE A SCREENSHOT!
Email me a picture of your review with the subject line “Hannah’s Book” at thescooponbalance@gmail.com
Entries must be received before October 2, 2024, U.S. residents only.
I will draw a winner and notify you by email.

234 | Is it Time for You to Unplug? w/Hannah Brencher Sep 19, 2024

Are you spending too much time on your phone? Do you feel overly connected to your digital life and disconnected from your real life? Well, buckle up ladies, because we are discussing this topic and hitting it from EVERY angle this season, beginning today with Hannah Brencher. She is the author of the book: The Unplugged Hours: Cultivating a Life of Presence in a Digitally Connected World. She is so full of wisdom and grace. I can’t wait for you to hear this interview. This is part 1 of a 2-part conversation. For Show Notes, go to https://thescooponbalance.com/234

Enter to Win a Free Copy of The Unplugged Hours

Leave a 5-Star rating and review of The Balanced MomCast on Apple Podcasts
BEFORE YOU HIT PUBLISH/SEND TAKE A SCREENSHOT!
Email me a picture of your review with the subject line “Hannah’s Book” at thescooponbalance@gmail.com
Entries must be received before October 2, 2024, U.S. residents only.
I will draw a winner and notify you by email.

233 | How to Decide What NOT to Buy/Keep/Do Sep 12, 2024

WELCOME BACK! After our three-month break, this is the beginning of season 14! It’s also the beginning of another school year and the beginning of Fall (sorta, it’s still 100 degrees in FL, but whatevs). For moms, it means a busy season with many people and things begging for our attention and time. But we can’t say yes to all of them. Today I’m sharing one filter I use pretty much every day to decide what NOT to buy, keep, or do. For show notes go to https://thescooponbalance.com/233

232 | 4 Mindsets for Summer Balance (the last episode of the season!) May 30, 2024

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If you have kids on a traditional school schedule in the U.S., two things are true: 1) it’s summer break, and 2) the children will be home for the next 10-ish weeks. Summer balance is different than schoolyear balance. But as we will learn today, balance isn’t so much about what we do, but what we think about what we do. Today I’m sharing four mindsets to find your summer balance. Also, at the end of this episode I share my plans for summer balance and how you can connect with me. For show notes, click here.

231 | What I Learned From Raising 5 Teens: A Tribute to Sarah Turner (3/9/69-3/4/24) May 23, 2024

This is Part 2 of a replay of my 2022 conversation with Sarah Turner, mom to 6 kids (ages 11 to 29). Sarah passed away March 2024. I'm so grateful for her influence on my life. For show notes click here.

230 | What I Learned from Raising 5 Teens: A Tribute to Sarah Turner (3/9/69-3/4/24) Pt. 1 May 16, 2024

In February 2022, I had the privilege of interviewing my dear friend, Sarah Turner, for a two-part episode devoted to the challenges of parenting teenagers. At the time of the recording, Sarah was in remission from an aggressive cancer. Sadly, a few months later, the cancer returned, and she passed away on March 4, 2024. As a tribute to Sarah, I am replaying our conversation. For show notes click here.

229 | When It's Okay NOT to Get Stuff Done May 09, 2024

For weeks, I have been offering you strategies to help you get stuff done. I hope something I’ve shared has helped you organize your projects, your tasks, or your responsibilities. But lest you believe that the value of your life consists only in the abundance of your accomplishments, allow me to bring balance to this series by offering you six times it’s okay NOT to get stuff done. Click here for show notes. Join me at the (FREE) I AM MOM MOMFERENCE

228 | How to Get Stuff Done Using Timers + Pairing May 02, 2024

Are you procrastinating about starting big projects because they are...too big? Do you have trouble staying focused long enough to make progress on...well, anything? Do you have pockets of time that feel wasted or underutilized? If you answered yes to any of those questions, today’s episode is for you. Today I’m sharing two of my favorite and most used strategies to get stuff done: Timers and Pairing. For show notes, click here.

227 | A Holistic Approach to Hormone Balance w/Leisha Drews Apr 25, 2024

What you may consider a “normal” period (moodiness, cramping, breast tenderness, fatigue) my guest would call “red flags” of hormone imbalance. But it doesn’t have to be this way! If you’ve been told the only solution to your discomfort is a prescription for birth control, buckle up for a candid conversation about hormones, monthly cycles, and perimenopause. Leisha Drews is here to offer a holistic approach that prioritizes nutrition, stress levels, and rest so that you can show up as the best mom you can be. For show notes click here.

226 | How to Get Stuff Done Using Lists Apr 18, 2024

If you are a person who hates "being a slave" to your to-do list, this episode is for you. I break down the exact process I use to create lists that free up my brain space, move the needle on projects that matter to me, keep track of looming deadlines, and permit me to ignore everything else. If you think you're not a "list person" I challenge you to listen to this super tactical episode. For show notes, click here.

225 | How to Get Stuff Done by Creating Schedules that Work w/Sasha Star Robertson, Pt2 Apr 11, 2024

How can you create time blocks in your schedule when you have tiny kids at home? What does self-care look like for the mom with infants, toddlers, and preschoolers? What do we do when we feel 100% called to motherhood and also 100% called to a career or a ministry? Is balance even possible? Well, my guest today would argue that, yes, yes it is. And she’s here to tell you how. This is part 2 of my 2-part conversation with Sasha Star Robertson. Listen in. For show notes, click here.

224 | How to Get Stuff Done by Creating Schedules that Work w/Sasha Star Robertson, Pt1 Apr 04, 2024

We are continuing our series on how to get stuff done and I’ve invited my friend Sasha Star Robertson to join us. She’s a mom to 3 children ages 3 mos, 18 mos, and 4 years. She’s also an entrepreneur, a podcast host, and a faith-based productivity coach. If you’re wondering how to get stuff done with littles at home, Sasha is your girl. She is here to share how to get stuff done by creating schedules from your most purposeful priorities. This is Part 1 of a 2-Part conversation. Listen in. For show notes, click here.

223 | How to Get Stuff Done Using Routines Mar 28, 2024

Are you having trouble getting stuff done? Maybe you are struggling with how to balance your time with the Lord while also tending to your never-ending to-do list. Or maybe you are struggling with only doing the stuff on your to-do list but never getting to the things that feed your soul and creativity. If you are struggling to get stuff done then I have a favorite strategy of mine to offer: Routines. I'll tell you what a routine is, why routines work, who they work best for, who they do NOT work for, the first few steps to establish a new routine, and what to do if your new routine is not working. (I love me a good routine, can you tell?) For show notes, click here.

222 | What to do When Your Child Suffers from Body Shame w/Jane Curry Weber Mar 21, 2024

The stats on kids and body shame are staggering. Some studies suggest that 94% of teen girls and 64% of teen boys have been shamed for how their body looks. As moms we can have a huge influence over how our kids see themselves and their bodies. Today, I welcome back to the show my friend and dietician Jane Curry Weber. She has been helping families for 25 years and she is here today to help us help our kids embody a healthy and God-honoring view of themselves and their bodies. Listen in. For show notes click here.

221 | Why We Have Body Shame and How to Overcome It w/Jane Curry Weber Mar 14, 2024

Today I welcome back to the show my friend and dietician Jane Curry Weber to talk about body shame and women: What causes it. How social media contributes to it. How it leads to eating disorders. And what we can do to overcome it. And stay tuned to the end of our conversation where I go off on a tangent about my insecurities talking about my weight and health on this podcast. I may or may not have a vulnerability hangover after releasing this episode into the wild. Listen in. For show notes click here.

220 | How to Get Stuff Done Using Theme Days Mar 07, 2024

Do you feel like you're drowning? Is your house rarely clean? I mean, really clean? Are you struggling with how to take good care of your children AND also find time to get your work done AND be a good daughter AND a good sister AND a good friend AND mop the floors? Do you need a system that actually works? A system that will help you fit in all the tasks and relationships that matter most to you? If you are struggling to get stuff done, I’ve got a super practical episode. Today, we are talking about how to get stuff done using Theme Days. For show notes including the link to the quiz What is Your Busyness Personality, click here.

219 | Why You Don't Get Stuff Done Feb 29, 2024

If there's one thing I learned about YOU in my most recent podcast listener survey is this: you love practical episodes to help you find balance. If there are two things I'd add this: You are struggling to get stuff done. So, today and next week and maybe even beyond next week, we’re going there. We’re getting personal and practical. Today I’m giving you 5 reasons why you don’t get stuff done. Listen in. For Shownotes and the link to the Busy Quiz click here.

218 | Life is Hard. God is Good. Let's Dance. w/Brant Hansen, Part 2 Feb 22, 2024

Today I welcome back to the show Brant Hansen. He’s a best-selling author, award-winning syndicated radio host, podcast host of the Brant and Sherri Oddcast (my favorite podcast), advocate for children with correctable disabilities with CURE international, and he’s on the autism spectrum. He is hilarious and wise and witty and I just cannot believe I was able to sit and ask him questions for a full hour. For shownotes click here.

This is Part 2 of a 2-part conversation. Be sure to go back and listen to EP217 for Part 1 before you listen to this.

217 | Life is Hard. God is Good. Let's Dance. w/Brant Hansen, Part 1 Feb 15, 2024

Okay, you guys, this is my dream interview. If it all ended today, I’d die a happy podcast host. Brant Hansen is a best-selling author, award-winning syndicated radio host, podcast host of the Brant and Sherri Oddcast (my favorite podcast), advocate for children with correctable disabilities with CURE international, and he’s on the autism spectrum. I’m not exaggerating when I say that he’s informed my faith and my daily outlook on Jesus and peace more than anyone in the last 20 years. I’m so excited for you to hear my interview with Brant Hansen, Listen in. For show notes, click here.

216 | 7 Strategies to Make Your Family Bible Time Fun and Engaging w/Laurie Christine, Pt 2 Feb 08, 2024

Does this happen in your house? You announce that you’re going to start having family devotions and your kids are like…ugh. that’s so booooorrrring! It doesn’t have to be this way. Family Bible time can be meaningful, fun, and engaging for everyone in the family. If starting family devotions is one of your goals for 2024, then you are in for a treat. Today I welcome back to the show my friend Laurie Christine. Laurie is a teacher, an author, and a mom to 4 busy boys. And she’s here to share 7 practical ways to engage your kids with Scripture. This episode is super tactical. You’re gonna love it. Also, This is part 2 of a 2-part conversation, so if you haven’t yet listened to EP215, pause his and listen to it first. Click here for show notes.

215 | Confessions of a Family Devotions Failure w/Laurie Christine, Pt. 1 Feb 01, 2024

Personal confession time: One area of parenting where I carry shame and regret is around family devotions. When my kids were small, we tried. I promise we did. But if my kids acted disinterested or wouldn’t sit still and acted like…well, like KIDS, I would get all tense and rigid and respond in frustration and anger. Most family devotions ended up with someone in tears (usually me) and another one in time out. If you, too, feel like family devotions are disastrous (at best) or non-existent (at worst) then this episode is for you. My friend Laurie Christine discusses 4 barriers to family devotions and how to overcome them. Listen in. Click here for show notes.

214 | Small and (mostly) Cheap Changes I've Made that Reduced Stress and Increased Joy Jan 25, 2024

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Have you ever made a teeny tiny change and suddenly you’re like, WHOA, why did I wait so long to do this? It would have saved me years of low-grade stress! Today I’m sharing twelve of those…not so that you can imitate me and make the same small changes I’ve made, but so that you can think about your own life and how you might make small changes that matter to YOU. Listen in. Click here for show notes.

213 | Why Chasing Your Dreams, Finding Your Calling, and Reaching for Greatness Will Never Be Enough w/ Kelly Needham, Pt.2 Jan 18, 2024

What role does social media play in our confusion about our life’s purpose and where can we find clarity instead? When facing a detour in your day–like a sick kid or a flat tire–how can you see that as a way to live out your purpose rather than an obstacle to it? And what exactly does Jesus think about us wasting resources on HIM?

Today I welcome back to the show Kelly Needham to discuss her book Purposefooled: Why Chasing Your Dreams, Finding Your Calling, And Reaching for Greatness Will Never Be Enough. This is Part 2 of a 2-part conversation. If you haven’t listened to Part 1 yet, pause this and go find EP212 first. Then come back here to listen to Part 2. Click here for show notes. Take The Balanced MomCast Listener Survey!

212 | Why Chasing Your Dreams, Finding Your Calling, and Reaching for Greatness Will Never Be Enough w/ Kelly Needham, Pt.1 Jan 11, 2024

Is it wrong to chase your dreams? To try to discover your calling? What about Big Hairy Audatious Goals (BHAG)–or the concept of “if your dream doesn’t scare you, it’s not big enough or it’s not from God?” Is that what we should be aiming for? Today, I welcome to the show Kelly Needham to discuss her latest book Purposefooled: Why Chasing Your Dreams, Finding Your Calling, And Reaching for Greatness Will Never Be Enough. Just in time for you to set all those New Years goals and resolutions. Click here for show notes.

211 | What I Learned in 2023 Jan 04, 2024

Happy New Year! I love this time of year. January is my favorite month. I love fresh starts, clean slates, and new goals. But before I set my new goals each year, I take some time to reflect on what I learned the previous year. Today I’m doing one of my favorite shows of the whole year: I’m sharing with you nine things I learned in 2023. Listen in. Click here for show notes.

210| 12 Reasons You Don't Have Peace at Your Table w/Jane Curry Weber Pt2 Dec 28, 2023

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What’s family mealtime like in your home? A little crazy? A little chaotic? Non-existent? Today I welcome back to the podcast my friend, dietician, writer, and podcaster, Jane Curry Weber. Through her Substack community and her podcast, she offers a refreshing perspective on bringing peace to your table and rest to your spirit through words of nourishment for body and soul. And today she’s here for Part 2 of our conversation: 12 Reasons You Don’t Have Peace at the Table. Listen in. CLICK HERE FOR SHOW NOTES

209| 12 Reasons You Don't Have Peace at Your Table w/Jane Curry Weber Pt1 Dec 21, 2023

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Christmas is in just a few days. And as much as we love the thought of peace at our table, much of it is out of our control. Maybe we are celebrating with family and friends. Maybe we are traveling. Maybe we are hosting 30 people. And maybe-just-maybe our kids are existing on nothing but cut-out cookies and canned frosting (anyone?).

That’s why I’ve invited my friend Jane Curry Weber here. Jane is a Registered Dietitian who offers a refreshing perspective on bringing peace to your table and rest to your spirit through words of nourishment for body and soul. And today she’s here to share 12 Reasons You Don’t Have Peace at the Table. Listen in. FOR SHOW NOTES CLICK HERE

208| Creating Life-Giving Habits w/ Cara Dyck Dec 14, 2023

Today I welcome back to the show my friend Cary Dyck. You may remember her from last week when she spoke specifically to moms of special needs kids. Today she is back to speak to all of us about Creating Life-Giving Habits through Nourishing Recipes, Simplified Homemaking, and Biblical Encouragement. This is a super tactical episode, so if you’re a note-taking kind of girl, grab a pen and paper because Cara is full of wisdom and tips. For show notes, click here.

ALL BOOKS BY SANDY COOPER HALF OFF THROUGH THE END OF 2023!

207| Encouragement for Moms of Kids with Special Needs w/ Cara Dyck Dec 07, 2023

Today I welcome to the show my friend Cara Dyck. She is a homeschooling mom to four young boys with a variety of special needs. We pretend that you are sitting with us for coffee and Cara is here to encourage you. If you have a child with ADHD, a spectrum disorder, a processing disorder, a learning difference, or a child who is medically fragile, this episode is for you. For show notes, click here.

50% OFF ALL BOOKS BY SANDY COOPER UNTIL DECEMBER 31, 2023!

206| What is the Foundation of a Well-Balanced Life? Nov 30, 2023

If I could tell you only one thing...the secret, the key to living a well-balanced life, it would be this. Today I'm doing something a little different. I'm reading an essay I wrote in 2015 and re-published today on my Substack Newsletter, Behind the Balance. For show notes, click here.

ALL OF MY BOOKS ARE NOW 50% OFF (SALE ENDS JANUARY 1, 2024)

205| Embracing Your UN-Perfect Life w/Shelly Snead (Pt.2) Nov 23, 2023

Well, Happy Thanksgiving! Today while you are basting that turkey and peeling those potatoes, you can listen to Part 2 of my conversation with Shelly Snead. In Part 1 she introduced the idea of embracing your UN Perfect life and revealed five barriers we may encounter when we try to hold the reality of our pain with the promises of God. Today she reveals two more barriers, what she learned while researching these barriers, and what is currently on her To-Don’t list. For show notes, click here.

204| Embracing Your UN-Perfect Life w/Shelly Snead (Pt.1) Nov 21, 2023

Scripture tells us to “count it all joy” when we’re in the midst of trials. That sounds like a great idea, until we are the ones actually experiencing those trials. Can we hold the reality of our pain, disappointment, and grief in one hand, and also hold the truth of God’s promises in the other? Our guest today not only believes that we can embrace the tension between these two realities, but she’s here to show us how to do it. Today I welcome to the show my friend, Shelly Snead. She is a mom to 4, a wife of 28 years, a writer, and a podcaster. She is also passionate about helping you embrace the UN-perfect life you’ve been dealt. For show notes, click here.

203| Have You Made Your 2023 Holiday To-DON'T List? Nov 16, 2023

It’s mid-November and the official beginning of the 2023 holiday season. While it certainly can be the most wonderful time of the year, it’s also the most stressful time of the year. For those of us who struggle with overwhelm on an ordinary day (*raises hand*), the holiday season with all of its special events, yummy food, and expensive gifts can cause us to white-knuckle the next six week until we collapse into 2024 exhausted, broke, and five pounds overweight. Let’s choose a better way. It’s time to create your holiday To-Don’t List. For show notes and the link to your Creating Your Holiday To-DON'T List Workbook, Click Here.

202| Who is Forming Your Child's Worldview and What You Can Do About It w/Dr. George Barna (Pt 2) Nov 09, 2023

Today I welcome back to the show Dr. George Barna. Dr Barna is the New York Times Best-Selling author of more than 60 books. Dr. Barna has been referred to as the most quoted person in the church today. If you haven’t listened to EP201, pause this and listen to that first. Today Dr. Barna explains the role media takes in shaping the worldview of our children and what we can do about it. He also describes what it takes to make real, lasting disciples. And finally, he offers hope for those of us with older kids who wonder if we've screwed it all up. And buckle up, mamas, because Dr. Barna gives us some straight talk and some tough love–he does not mince words and I’m here for it. For show notes, click here.

201| How to Raise Kids Who Love Jesus as Adults: What the Data Says w/Dr. George Barna (Pt.1) Nov 02, 2023

Who your child will be as an adult–their core beliefs, morals, values, desires, and lifestyle– is essentially determined by the time he is 13 years old. We have the exciting opportunity and daunting task as moms to shape whether our kids will be disciples of Jesus or adopt a worldview that ultimately opposes scripture. Today I welcome New York Times Best-Selling Author, Dr. George Barna, the author of more than 60 books. In fact, Dr. Barna has sold more books based on survey research related to matters of faith than any author in American history. This is part 1 of a 2-part conversation about his latest book, Raising Spiritual Champions. Listen in. For show notes, click here.

200th Episode Celebration! What's Changed, What I've Learned, and What's NEW! Oct 26, 2023

This is our 200th episode and we are celebrating! I’m celebrating YOU. I’m answering some fun questions from some of my favorite Balanced MomCast friends, highlighting some special moments on the podcast, telling you what I’ve learned, confessing my most embarrassing mom moment, sharing some things on my To-Don’t List, giving you something new for FREE, and also telling you about a big change that’s coming. Listen in.

199 | How to Teach Your Child a Biblical Worldview, with Elizabeth Urbanowicz, Pt2 Oct 19, 2023

Today I welcome back Elizabeth Urbanowicz with Foundation Worldview. She explains how we can teach our kids to discern when emotions point them to the truth and when emotions deceive them, and why must teach our kids to open up the Bible and study for themselves. Elizabeth also shares some timely encouragement for moms who are overwhelmed with the thought of coming against our cultural climate. For show notes, click here.

198 | How to Teach Your Child a Biblical Worldview, with Elizabeth Urbanowicz, Pt1 Oct 12, 2023

How do we teach our kids to think well and to discern truth from lies when the culture says, "Follow your heart." "Trust your feelings." "Look within for the answers."? Today, I welcome Elizabeth Urbanowicz from Foundation Worldview. We discuss some hard topics and the importance of teaching our kids a Biblical worldview without becoming jerks. For show notes, click here.

197 | The Secret to a Happy Marriage: Reflecting on 30 Years of Marriage, Part 2 Oct 05, 2023

Today I welcome back to the show, my husband of 30 years, Jon Cooper. If you haven’t listened to EP196, I encourage you to do that first. Today in part 2 of this 2-part conversation, we talk about marriage counseling, aha moments we’ve had in our marriage, what we wish we would have done differently, conflict resolution, love languages, the secret to a happy marriage, and so much more. We aren’t counselors, but we are sharing decades of marital wisdom here. So, settle in for this longer-than-usual episode with my husband, Jon Cooper. For show notes click here. To become a Patron, click here.

196 | How to Stay Married: Reflecting on 30 Years of Marriage, Part 1 Sep 28, 2023

Today I have the most special guests of any guest ever. Jon Cooper, my husband of 30 years, is joining us to talk about how to grow and sustain a healthy marriage. In part 1 of this 2-part conversation, we share how we met, what we’ve changed for the better and sacrificed for the sake of the marriage, and how we faced several extremely challenging seasons, and how we made it through. You’ll want to settle in for this one–we go deep and personal and drop a ton of wisdom. I’m excited to introduce you for the first time ever, my husband, Jon Cooper. Listen in. For show notes, click here. To become a Patron, click here.

195 | 5 Types of Sustaining Rest Sep 21, 2023

Today’s episode is for the tired moms. And let’s face it, that’s most of you--maybe all of you. You are tired from the last 3 years. You are tired of the cultural climate. You are tired because you haven’t had a full night’s sleep since you brought your baby home from the hospital. You are tired from the marriage issues or the work issues or the financial issues or the extended family issues or the health issues. You need rest. Real rest. Restorative rest. Sustaining rest. I'm gonna help you with that today. Click here for show notes. Click here to learn more about becoming a Patron.

194 | 3 Ways to Sustain Your Home When Life Throws a Curveball Sep 14, 2023

What do you do when all your well-laid plans are ready to go and life throws you a curveball? Maybe you get sick or a kid gets sick. Maybe your appointment cancels or your contractor delays finishing the renovation again. Well, guys…that’s me right now. Today’s episode is brought to you by The Curveball. Our special guest is Mary K Tiller, jumping in as our pinch hitter(why so many baseball analogies?–I know nothing about baseball!)

Last year, Mary K experienced a tornado hitting her home, weeks of sickness running through her household, and a 7-day power outage that forced her to go 3 ½ hours away from home to stay with family until power was restored. She’s here to share what she put into practice to hold it together during that disruptive time–and you can, too! (And so can I!)

Click here for show notes

Click here for transcripts and a directory

193 | 4 Things to Remember When You're Overwhelmed Sep 07, 2023

The summer is officially behind us, the kids are back in school, and I am back from a three-month podcast break, which included a one-month complete work break. Coming back from a break of any kind can feel overwhelming. And since “overwhelm” appears to be my default setting, of course, I’m feeling a bit overwhelmed right now. You too? No worries. Today I’m sharing with you four things to remember when you’re overwhelmed. Click here for show notes Become a Patron!

192 | Why You Must Slow Down with Stephanie O'Dea (Part 2) Jun 08, 2023

Today I welcome back to the show my dear friend Stephanie O’Dea. She is a New York Times best-selling author of Make it Fast, Cook it Slow, the host of The Slow Living Podcast, and the blogger behind A Year of Slow Cooking. Today she shares

How she made the transition from slow cooking to slow living and how that impacted her career
How the hustle culture (which is the opposite of slow living) adversely affects moms
How using her crock pot helps with decision fatigue
How to enter the summer months with kids home from school
How you are already doing such a great job, Mom!

For show notes including all the links mentioned in today's episode visit https://thescooponbalance.com/192

For a transcript + so much more become a patron of the show: https://www.patreon.com/thebalancedmomcast

191 | How the Crockpot Changed My Life (for real!) with Stephanie O'Dea Jun 01, 2023

What if you wanted to stay home so badly with your kids, that you were willing to try an unconventional work-from-home strategy? What if it involved a new year’s resolution and your crockpot? And what if that crazy idea landed you on the Rachel Ray Show and the New York Times Best Seller list?

Today I welcome to the show my friend Stephanie O’Dea. She is a New York Times Bestselling author, the host of The Slow Living Podcast, and the blogger behind A Year of Slow Cooking. In Part 1 of our conversation, we discuss

How the crockpot changed her life (for good)
How the Instant Pot changed it again (for bad)
Her most popular crockpot recipe (because it’s that good!)
Her personal favorite crockpot recipe (that she invented!)
Her worst crockpot disaster (don’t try this at home!)

For show notes including all the links mentioned in today's episode visit https://thescooponbalance.com/191

For a transcript + so much more become a patron of the show: https://www.patreon.com/thebalancedmomcast

190 | Battling Spiritual Resistance When All Hell Breaks Loose with Teresa Whiting May 25, 2023

I hate to burst your bubble, but whenever you step out in obedience to God, all hell breaks loose. That is exactly what happened when my guest embarked on writing her Bible study for sexually broken women: Graced: How God Redeems and Restores the Broken. Today, I welcome back my friend Teresa Whiting for Part 2 of our 2-part conversation where we talk about what to do when you encounter spiritual resistance. Teresa shared some solid truths about herself and others through writing this study. We discuss our mutual aversion toward a thing that appears on both of our To-Don't Lists. And Teresa encourages the woman who feels sexually broken today. For show notes visit https://thescooponbalance.com/190

189 | Stewarding Your Story Well: Using Your Pain to Help Others with Teresa Whiting May 18, 2023

Today I welcome my IRL friend, Teresa Whiting. She has written an incredible Bible study entitled, Graced: How God Redeems and Restores the Broken. In Part 1 of our 2-part conversation, Teresa shares why she did NOT want to write this study and why she did it anyway. She gives us a refreshing and Christlike way to view our scars. She reveals what surprised her the most about studying broken women in the Bible. And she encourages us with what she discovered about the heart of God toward sexually broken women. For show notes visit https://thescooponbalance.com/189-2/. To become a Patron visit https://www.patreon.com/thebalancedmomcast

188 | Stuff I'd Only Tell God with Jennifer Dukes Lee, Part 2 May 11, 2023

Today I welcome back to the show Jennifer Dukes Lee. She is the author of several books, the latest is called Stuff I’d Only Tell God: A Guided Journal of Courageous Honesty, Obsessive Truth-Telling, and Beautiful Ruthless Self-Discovery. Today we start out with a fun YES or NO rapid-fire session with me in the hot seat. And then we talk about how journaling honestly with God makes you a better mom. Finally, Jennifer gives us great ideas about what to do with this journal once you’ve completed it. This is Part 2 of a 2-part conversation. If you haven’t listened to Part 1, listen first to it here: EP187. For show notes visit https://thescooponbalance.com/188

187 | Stuff I'd Only Tell God with Jennifer Dukes Lee, Part 1 May 04, 2023

Gut-level honesty is vulnerable and scary–a bit like walking into a room with no pants on. It takes a special kind of courage and holds a special kind of power that leads to a form of intimacy with yourself and with God. Today I welcome Jennifer Dukes Lee. She has written a beautiful guided journal that will push your limits of vulnerability and self-reflection. It will plumb the depths of your history. It will help you understand what makes you tick and what ticks you off. It's a journal that offers you space to write what you believe to be true and the truths you’ve reconsidered. It’s a place to record all the outlandish and outrageous things that make you you. This is a fantastic conversation about asking the right questions. Listen in. For show notes: https://thescooponbalance.com/187

186 | How to Be Sober in a Wine Mom Culture with Dana Bowman, Part 2 Apr 27, 2023

Wine Mom Culture is the pervasive phenomenon that hails wine as the preferred coping mechanism for parenting stress and the ultimate way to unwind and connect with friends. Often promoted through humorous memes and merchandise, this messaging has produced a generation of moms who struggle with drinking. Today I welcome back to the podcast Dana Bowman, an Author of 2 books, a speaker, a writing Instructor, and a mom in recovery. Last week she shared with us her story of alcohol addiction, and now she’s here to continue to unpack the whole concept of the Wine Mom Culture. Be sure to listen to EP185 for Part 1. For Show notes visit https://thescooponbalance.com/186

185 | How to Be Sober in a Wine Mom Culture with Dana Bowman, Part 1 Apr 20, 2023

In the 1990s a very specific marketing campaign emerged to target women, advertising sweet, pink, beautiful alcoholic drinks and showing women happy consuming alcohol in social situations. A few years later hilariously clever memes showed up on Facebook hailing wine as the preferred coping mechanism for parenting stress. And it was wildly successful: In the last 15 years, the greatest increase in alcohol consumption has been in women in their 30s and 40s...1 in 5 women struggle with alcohol use. Today I welcome to the podcast Dana Bowman, an author of 2 books, a speaker, a writing Instructor, and a mom in recovery. She is here to discuss with me the whole concept of the Wine Mom Culture. Listen in. For show notes: https://thescooponbalance.com/185

184 | 4 Signs of Spiritual Maturity Apr 13, 2023

I have been thinking about getting old a LOT lately. I’ll be 55 this year…my body continues to change, my skin looks a little saggy, and I’m drifting further and further away from pop culture and what young people think is cool. Evidenced by the fact that I still say “cool.” But one of the undeniable benefits of growing older is developing spiritual maturity. What does spiritual maturity look like? That’s what we are talking about today when I give you four signs of spiritual maturity according to the Apostle Paul. Listen in. For show notes visit https://thescooponbalance.com/184

183 | How to Optimize Your Energy Through Seasonal Living with Sarah Dalton, Part 2 Apr 06, 2023

Today I welcome back to the show my dear friend Sarah Dalton. If you haven’t listened to EP182, be sure to do that first, where she shared the first 2 steps of her 3-step process to optimize your energy levels through seasonal living. Today, she gives us step 3, along with some sage advice for moms in the midst of transition or those enduring a difficult season. For show notes visit https://thescooponbalance.com/183. Become a patron of the show!

182 | How to Optimize Your Energy Through Seasonal Living with Sarah Dalton, Part 1 Mar 30, 2023

Do you want to know a surefire way to drain your energy? Fight against the season you are currently in. Today I welcome my dear friend Sarah Dalton. She’s here to help you identify and embrace the season you are in so you that you align your days accordingly. In Part 1 of our 2-part conversation, she gives us the first 2 steps of her 3-step process to optimize your energy levels through seasonal living. Grab a pen and a piece of paper, because you are going to want to write this stuff down. It’s so good and so practical. Listen in. For show notes visit https://thescooponbalance.com/182 Become a Patron of the show!

181 | Mom Rage with Elizabeth Andreyevskiy, Part 2 Mar 23, 2023

Elizabeth is a Stress Coach for Christian moms, a Podcast Host, a mom of 4, a wife, and a believer. She’s here to help you reduce mental stress and overwhelm so you can respond with patience and calm. In Part 2 of our 2-Part conversation, Elizabeth explains why some moms have so much trouble regulating their emotions,she gives us 5 things that contribute to mom rage, and then leaves us with actionable steps you can take today to calm your mind. For show notes visit Thescooponbalance.com/181. Become a Patron of the show: https://www.patreon.com/thebalancedmomcast

180 | Mom Rage with Elizabeth Andreyevskiy, Part 1 Mar 21, 2023

In Part 1 of our 2-part conversation, Elizabeth shares how she always considered herself to be a calm person…until she became a mom. After she had her 3rd child, she felt like she was losing control and had the wisdom to seek help. Now she's a Stress Coach for Christian moms and she's here to help you. Today she explains the difference between normal anger and destructive rage and how to know when you’ve crossed the line. For show notes visit https://thescooponbalance.com/180 Become a Patron of the show! https://www.patreon.com/thebalancedmomcast

179 | Introducing Writing Off Social...My New Podcast! Mar 16, 2023

Surprise! Today I release a brand new podcast: Writing Off Social (best podcast name EVER!). This is a weekly podcast for female Christian writers who want to grow and nurture their audience without social media. I’m co-hosting it with my friend and yours, Mary K Tiller.

PLEASE GO TO APPLE PODCASTS AND CLICK FOLLOW!

SHARE THE TRAILER FROM APPLE PODCASTS WITH A FRIEND OR POST IT TO YOUR SOCIAL MEDIA.

Here's that link again: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/writing-off-social-the-podcast/id1676504296

Episodes 1 and 2 of Writing Off Social will release on March 21, 2023.

For more information about Writing Off Social, check out our website: https://writingoffsocial.com/

We will be back here at The Balanced MomCast next week with a 2-part interview on Mom Rage.

178 | When Work is Hard: 5 Scriptures to Encourage and Strengthen You Mar 09, 2023

Work for a lot of people–at least in my world–is challenging right now. As I consider the people I love, talk to regularly, and pray for, it’s weird that so many of them are struggling with work. Thankfully, the Bible has much to say about work. The Word of God speaks to our attitudes and our focus as we approach work. So, today, I’m sharing with you 5 scripture passages to encourage and strengthen you or your loved one when work is hard. Listen in. For show notes including a complete list of the verses I mention: https://thescooponbalance.com/178 For transcripts and a directory of episodes by topic: https://www.patreon.com/thebalancedmomcast.

177 | What Do You Want? Mar 02, 2023

I believe that true balance is the peace we have when our life aligns with our God-given priorities. So, in order for us to achieve balance, we must first determine those priorities. I’ve been on a journey to re-find my own balance and it has taken me back to revisit and re-define my God-given priorities. Why am I here doing this work? What am I committed to doing? And what do I refuse to do? If you’re new here, this episode is a little bit different than usual, but it will give you a good idea about me and my mission and whether or not you want to stick around. For show notes visit https://thescooponbalance.com/177. Become a Patron.

176 | Heart-Based Parenting w/Laurie Christine Feb 23, 2023

Today I welcome back to the podcast my new friend, Laurie Christine. She’s a mom to 4 boys, and also a certified Biblical Parenting Coach and seminar presenter through the National Center for Biblical parenting. Today she introduces us to Heart-Based Parenting, what it is and how it differs from other parenting styles. And then she gives us the first two of the seven tools for Biblical parenting. This is part 2 of our 2-Part conversation. For Part 1, listen to EP175. For show notes: https://thescooponbalance.com/176 Become a Patron of the show!

175 | God Will Give You More Than You Can Handle w/Laurie Christine Feb 21, 2023

Today I welcome to the podcast my new friend, Laurie Christine. She’s a mom to 4 boys, the oldest of whom was diagnosed with a heart condition at the age of 3 months old that ultimately required multiple surgeries. Today in part 1 of our 2-part conversation, Laurie explains tangible ways she clung to God during this time, the best ways her community supported her, and what she thinks of the statement, “God will never give you more than you can handle.” For show notes: https://thescooponbalance.com/175 Become a Patron of the show!

174 | Why You're Always Tired Feb 16, 2023

I’ve been doing a little mini-series on what to do when you’ve lost your balance. In EP172, I gave you 3 questions to ask yourself. Then in EP173, I offered 3 things to do next. And today, I’m addressing your energy levels. That's right. Today, I’m sharing 3 reasons you’re always tired and what to do about it. (And it probably isn't what you think). For show notes: https://thescooponbalance.com/174 Become a Patron of the show!

173 | 3 Things to Do When You've Lost Your Balance Feb 09, 2023

Last week in EP172, I brought you into my actual real life and shared with you the fact that I, Sandy Cooper, have lost my balance and I’m on a mission to find it. And then I offered you 3 Questions to Ask Yourself: 1: What feels off-balance or what is wrong? 2: Why is this happening or what has shifted to cause this loss of balance? 3: What do I expect right now that is not happening? Today I’m continuing our conversation by giving you 3 Things to Do Next. For notes visit https://thescooponbalance.com/173/ For transcripts, become a Patron of the show!

172 | 3 Questions to Ask Yourself When You've Lost Your Balance Feb 02, 2023

Balance is the peace that comes when your life aligns with your priorities. But what happens when you had balance–-you had a good idea of what your priorities were and lived those out most days--but now you feel like you can’t quite get your footing? Today, I’m going to use my current actual real life as a case study–not after I have it all figured out and then look back and tell you what I did. Nope. Instead, I’m taking you through the process of finding my balance in real-time so you can find your balance too. Listen in. For show notes see https://thescooponbalance.com/172. Become a Patron.

171 | One Habit You Can Do Every Day to Keep Your Home Clean and Clutter-Free with Lisa Lizotte Jan 26, 2023

Is your home cluttered and disorganized? Do your kids walk through the house and drop their stuff everywhere? Are you buried under a mountain of laundry because you’ve never found a laundry system that actually works for you? Today is your day! I have my new friend Lisa Lizotte here from the Habits and Home Show to give you one habit you can do every day to keep your home clean and clutter-free but she ends up giving us so much more:

A funny thing she often did as a child that was a giant arrow pointing her toward her current business
The tragic event that caused her to consider the amount of possessions she owned and how that may be affecting her children
Her 2017 adventure of living with her family of five on a converted Greyhound bus
Where to start if you want to gain control of the clutter in your home and what to do when you’re stuck

More about Lisa:

Lisa is a mom of three kids and a wife to her high school sweetheart. She helps women downsize and declutter their homes by creating new systems and habits through her coaching and courses. She believes you don’t have to feel stuck in what feels like chaos in your home. You can find true peace by decluttering your home and creating habits to keep it organized. And she’ll help you get there.

Lisa's Links:

Get Lisa’s Free Checklist!

Go to Habitsandhome.com to see all the ways Lisa can help you declutter your home

Check out Lisa’s Podcast: The Habits and Home Show

Our BFF Patron of the week is Kelly Stoski. Kelly and I met 10 years ago when I spoke at the women’s retreat at her church and we became fast friends. Over the years Kelly has supported me and my work in every possible way. She is an outstanding mother to 2 teenage boys, a loving wife, a devoted follower of Jesus, and a good friend to me. Thank you Kelly for being a BFF of the show and a BFF in real life, too.

You can become a BFF Patron by joining The Balanced MomCast Patreon Community.

When you become a patron of the show, you gain access to exclusive content, resources, and our new MomCast BFF Community. Your support allows me to create even more valuable content for tired mamas trying to juggle all the things.

Wave to Me in the Carpool Level

$5/month

At the Wave to Me in the Carpool Level, you will receive warm feelings for helping this podcast remain on the air, ad-free. You may also likey receive eternal rewards, though I cannot confirm this at this time since the eternal rewards on not mine to give. But you will be supporting content that is making a difference in eternity–this I know for sure.

So, $5 a month you are simply saying, “Sandy…thank you for investing in me. Here is a small token of support.”

Let's Grab Coffee Level

$10/month

At the Let's Grab Coffee Level, you receive all the warm feelings (and likely-but-not- confirmed eternal rewards) of the Wave to Me in Carpool Level, but also gain access to written transcripts of all solo episodes beginning with EP169 today (and select guest episodes) + digital downloads of all my books! The digital downloads alone are a ($30 value).

BFF Level

$25/month and is only open to 10 people. You get

Everything included in the first two levels including…
Transcripts of all solo episodes (Beginning with EP 169–today’s episode)
Digital Copy (PDF) of Mom, You're Amazing! And Other Things I Want to Tell You ($10 value)
Digital Copy (PDF) of Is the Voice in My Head God, or Just Me? ($10 Value)
Digital Copy (PDF) of Finding Your Balance ($10 value)
Live Monthly BFF Q&As–these will be monthly zoom calls where we will talk about whatever you want…you can pick my brain or I can help you strategize something in your home or in your life, you can ask me questions…whatever you want! You can also connect with other BFFs of the show.
Signed Copy Book Bundle! That means you get a free signed physical copy of each of my books that you can keep or gift to your friend ($50 value--U.S. residents only)
You will receive a Regular BFF shout-out on the podcast + a link to your website/product in the show notes for as long as you are a BFF of the Pod. If you have a book or something you sell on etsy or you sell coaching or courses…I will actively mention and promote you and your stuff for as long as you support the show.

OTHER LINKS:

Become a Patron of the show

To listen to the podcasts where I’ve appeared as a guest, visit my PR + Media Page

Buy Mom, You’re Amazing! And Other Things I Want to Tell You on Amazon

Finding Your Balance is available on Amazon

Is the Voice in My Head God or Just Me? is available on Amazon

Take the Make Social Media Small 7-Day Challenge!

Is it Time for You to Break Up with Social Media? Take the Quiz!

How much time have you spent on social media since you joined? Try out the calculator and find out!

Keep up with me outside the podcast: Join my email list!

Blog post and graphics by Sophia Lebano

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170 | Why You Need a Focus for the Year Jan 19, 2023

Are you the person who LOVES choosing a word for the year? Or are you the one who has never chosen a word of the year? Does the thought of choosing just one word frustrate you? Scare you? Excite you? Irritate you? No matter where you are on the spectrum of feelings, I’m here for you. Join me while I share with you why you may want to choose a word, how to choose one, creative ways to apply the word, and what to do if you still don’t have one! For a transcript and other bonuses, become a patron! For show notes visit https://thescooponbalance.com/170

169 | What I Learned in 2022 Jan 12, 2023

It’s 2023! YAY! January is my absolute favorite month of the year. I am all about clean slates, fresh starts, and new goals. But before I go all goal-crazy, I love to first look back at the year prior and reflect on what I learned. Today I share 16 things I learned last year and introduce you to a new way you can support the show and connect with me. For a transcript of today's episode, become a Patron. For show notes, visit https://thescooponbalance.com/169

168 | Listener Q&A + Podcast Survey + Take a Social Media Break Dec 15, 2022

Today I’m digging in the Balanced MomCast Mailbag and answering YOUR questions! I answer questions about relocating my family, transitions in general, and what to do when work leaves us no margin. I also have several important announcements including a huge book sale which may or may not still be going on when you are listening, the relaunch of my Make Social Media Small 7-Day Challenge, a new survey I need you to take, and a break that I’ll be taking. So much to do, so let’s dive in! For complete show notes visit https://thescooponbalance.com/168

167 | Confronting My Social Media Addiction, With Stefanie Gass Dec 08, 2022

In the last couple of months since we started the Make Social Media Small series, I’ve had three different people tell me, “You’ve got to talk to Stefanie Gass.” And so I invited her to come and talk to all of us today. Stefanie is a podcaster and business owner and today she is here to share her story of social media addiction, how her life has changed since she drew firm boundaries around it, and what God spoke to her literally the day before we recorded. This is a Spirit-led conversation and the timing is absolutely incredible. I’m so excited for you to hear my conversation with my new friend Stefanie Gass. Listen in.

For show notes visit https://thescooponbalance.com/167

SALE ON ALL BOOKS BY SANDY COOPER https://thescooponbalance.com/books/

166 | Encouragement for Entrepreneurial Moms Feeling Trapped by Social Media, Kate Merrick Part 3 Dec 01, 2022

This is Part 3 of a 3-part conversation with author Kate Merrick. Today Kate begins by speaking directly to the author or entrepreneurial mom who feels trapped by social media to run her business or sell her product. She doesn’t mince words about this and I love it. She also shares all the things that are on her To-Don’t List (she's got quite a few–one of them is just in time for Christmas.) And finally, she leaves all of us with some beautiful encouragement. Listen in.

For show notes visit https://thescooponbalance.com/166

165 | How Much Do You Want to Give Away to Strangers on Social Media? Kate Merrick Part 2 Nov 30, 2022

This is Part 2 of a 3-part conversation with author Kate Merrick. Today Kate describes what being “off the grid” looked like for the last months of her daughter’s life. And she suggests we ask ourselves some hard and honest questions about our own social media use, like “how much do I really want to give away?” We dive into the weird mom culture portrayed on Instagram and how it makes us feel. Note: I apologize for the poor audio in parts of this episode…we were having tech issues! For show notes visit https://thescooponbalance.com/165

164 | Going Off the Grid with Kate Merrick, Part 1 Nov 29, 2022

When I was considering taking a one-year social media hiatus in 2019, a fellow writer told me to look up Kate Merrick. When I did, I discovered that we had a few things in common: We were both authors, we both love the ocean, and sadly we had both buried a child. I bought her book and savored it slowly with a highlighter in hand. At the time, she was the only published author in my genre that I knew of who had walked away from social media. And now we also have THAT in common. Today she’s here to talk about all of it in the first part of a three-part conversation.

For show notes visit https://thescooponbalance.com/164.

163 | A Thanksgiving Pep Talk for Moms Nov 22, 2022

Thanksgiving is Thursday. (!) And if you are anything like me and struggle with overwhelm on a normal day, the holidays have the potential to throw you over the edge. All of a sudden you need to spend a bunch of money and go to a bunch of events and have a bunch of people in your home and cook a bunch of food you don’t normally cook or eat. Holidays are just hard for moms like us. So, I’m popping in here a few days early to give you a little Thanksgiving pep talk. And to tell you a heartwarming Thanksgiving story about the time I lost my crap. Listen in.

For show notes visit https://thescooponbalance.com/163

162 | Time Saving Systems + How to Use Them to Do Less But Better with Leah Remillet, Part 2 Nov 17, 2022

Today my new friend Leah Remillet returns for Part 2 of our conversation. Leah is the host of the Balancing Busy podcast, an international speaker, and the Anti-Hustle Business Coach. After collapsing on a trip to the zoo with her three babies, Leah knew she needed to make a change. Today she shares her proven strategies and systems that have given her back hours in her week. And she breaks it down for moms at every level of overwhelm. This episode is gold. Listen in.

For show notes, visit https://thescooponbalance.com/162

161 | The Surprising Benefits of Taking a 7-Day Social Media Break with Leah Remillet, Part 1 Nov 15, 2022

Today I have on the podcast my new friend Leah Remillet. Leah is the host of the Balancing Busy podcast, an international speaker, and the Anti-Hustle Business Coach. In part one of our two-part conversation, Leah shares how a simple challenge to take a 7-day social media break changed her life and the lives of the women who follow her. She also shares a brilliant strategy for helping teens learn to manage their own social media use. If you want to make social media smaller in your life, you will love this episode. Listen in.

For show notes visit https://thescooponbalance.com/161

160 | Social Media's "Dr. Brian" Reveals His Struggle with Social Media Addiction Nov 10, 2022

Today I welcome back Dr. Brian Boxer Wachler MD. He is a Los Angeles physician, who has pioneered medical and surgical treatments that have become industry standard. He is also a verified influencer known as Dr. Brian on all social media platforms including Tik Tok. He boasts over 3.4 million followers and creates fun and informative videos dispelling health myths and lies. And today he is here to discuss his latest book, Influenced: The Impact of Social Media on our Perception. This is part 2 of our 2-part conversation. Listen in.

For full show notes visit https://thescooponbalance.com/160

159 | Social Media's "Dr Brian" Reveals His Struggle with Social Media Addiction Nov 08, 2022

Is anyone safe from succumbing to a social media addiction? Today Dr. Brian Boxer Wachler MD tackles that question. He is the medical director of the Boxer Wachler Vision Institute in Beverly Hills and a staff physician at Los Angeles’ Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. He is also a verified influencer on all social media platforms, including Tik Tok where he boasts over 3.4 million followers. And today he is here to discuss his latest book entitled Influenced: The Impact of Social Media on our Perception. This is Part 1 of a 2-part conversation. Listen in.

For full show notes, visit https://thescooponbalance.com/159

158 | The Main Reason I Make Social Media Small in My Life Oct 27, 2022

Join the Make Social Media Small 7-Day Challenge!

This is Part 4 of the Make Social Media Small series and we are less than a week away from the start of our 7-Day Challenge. And today I’m discussing the most compelling reason why I have chosen to make social media small in my life. This for me was the straw that broke the camel’s back. I think it is a compelling reason for you too. Listen in

For show notes visit https://thescooponbalance.com/158

157 | The Biggest Misconception About Social Media Oct 20, 2022

We are in week 3 of our Make Social Media Small series. And today, I’m addressing one of the most common pushbacks and biggest misconceptions about social media. It’s something I’ve said and believed myself. Maybe you have said or believed it, too. Curious? Well, buckle up because we are diving into the dark underbelly of the social media business model to bust a myth. Listen in.

For shownotes go to https://thescooponbalance.com/157

156 | Why Can't You Focus? Oct 13, 2022

Our ability to pay attention is collapsing. In the U.S. teenagers can focus on one task for only 65 seconds at a time, and office workers average only three minutes. You’re probably struggling to focus, too. Maybe you’ve blamed yourself or chalked it up to aging. Maybe you’ve made a joke of the whole thing and just called it “Mom Brain.” This is Part 2 of our Make Social Media Small series, and today we are talking about how social media has stolen our ability to focus and what we can do about it today. Listen in.

For show notes visit https://thescooponbalance.com/156

155 | What Would You Do With an Extra 2 Hours a Day? Oct 06, 2022

Today I’m beginning a series on social media. Now before you roll your eyes and turn it off because you don’t think this applies to you, wait. Because as of today, 3.96 billion people worldwide use social media. And over 72% of the U.S. population uses social media. That's 1/2 of the world and almost 3/4 of the U.S.

So, even if you’ve made peace with YOUR relationship with social media, this affects everyone–your kids, your friends, your family, your church, your government–and as we will discover today, it affects you and your time. Listen in.

For show notes, visit https://thescooponbalance.com/155

154 | 6 Radical Self-Care Choices for Your Mental Health Sep 29, 2022

Depression is a common and serious illness. According to the CDC about 1 in 10 women in the United States reported symptoms that suggest they experienced an episode of major depression in the last year. Four in 10 adults have depression and anxiety symptoms due to the pandemic. Anxiety is the most common mental illness in the U.S. If you or someone you love is experiencing depression or anxiety, this episode is for you.

Disclaimer: I am not a doctor. Please consult your physician before you make any changes to your medical treatment or if you have questions or concerns about your treatment or about anything that I share today.

For show notes, please visit thescooponbalance.com/154

153 | 3 Simple Strategies to Balance Work, Rest, and Play While Raising Kids Sep 22, 2022

One constant struggle for me as a mom is learning to stay present with my kids when I know I have a ton of work to do. Some moms have the opposite problem: trying to get motivated to work when you’d rather just relax and play with the kids. That is not me and I know it’s not some of you either. Because today I’m answering a listener question about how I balance work, play, and rest while raising kids. Listen in.

For show notes, please visit thescooponbalance.com/153

152 | 5 Simple Strategies to Get More Done in Less Time Sep 15, 2022

Summer is officially behind us and school is back in session. That means early bedtimes and homework. Carpool and sports practice. Routines and structure. If you are suddenly finding your easy-breezy summer schedule hijacked by a ton of stuff you need to do and places you need to be, and more items on your to-do list than you have hours in the day, today’s episode is for you. Today I’m giving you 5 simple strategies to get more done in less time. Listen in.

For show notes, please visit thescooponbalance.com/152

151 | 5 Ways to Sabotage Your Summer Balance (and suggestions for a better way) May 26, 2022

This is my 17th Summer Break as a mom with kids on a school schedule. Some summers unfolded swimmingly and some did not. The difference between the summers that went well and the summers that I completely sabotaged rested primarily on decisions I made that ultimately sabotaged my balance. Today I’m giving you 5 ways to Sabatoage your Summer and suggestions for a better way. And be sure to stick around to the end of the show because I announce my summer plans for the podcast!

For show notes, please visit thescooponbalance.com/151

150 | One Year Off Social Media: An Update May 19, 2022

In March of 2021, I decided to leave social media. And after a year and two months, I’m here to give you an update on how all of that is going as well as 3 simple steps you can take today if you want to reduce the time you spend on social media. Also, in celebration of 150 episodes, I’m giving away 11 signed copies of my new book, Mom, You’re Amazing! And Other Things I Want to Tell You so stick around to the end of the show to see how you can be one of the lucky winners!

For show notes, please visit thescooponbalance.com/150

149 | Unmet Expectations: How to Identify Them and Respond to Them May 12, 2022

The death of my first son shattered my expectations of how family and faith should look. That tragedy opened the door to continue building my family through adoption and drove me to rely solely on Jesus to sustain me. Today I discuss how our parenting expectations rarely align with reality, I talk about how to identify unmet expectations, and I offer practical ways to respond when parenting or life has thrown you a curveball.

For show notes, please visit thescooponbalance.com/149

148 | 3 Things For the Mom Who Feels Like She's Not Enough May 05, 2022

I believe one of the greatest struggles moms face is feelings of inadequacy. That’s why my mission is to encourage moms. I love to take the light of God’s Word and shine it on the lies of the enemy. I love to show women how to access the peace of God so that they can raise their children with joy and confidence. If you’re a mom who feels like she’s not enough, I have three things to tell you.

For show notes, please visit thescooponbalance.com/148

147 | Mom, You're Amazing, Part 4 Apr 28, 2022

This is the final segment of a 4-part conversation about my latest book, Mom, You're Amazing! And Other Things I Want to Tell You. Today Mary K. Tiller and I talk about loneliness in motherhood, the necessity of mom mentors, and what I hope moms will take away from reading this book.

For show notes, please visit thescooponbalance.com/147

146 | Mom, You're Amazing Part 3 Apr 26, 2022

This is Part 3 of a 4-part conversation about my latest book, Mom, You're Amazing! And Other Things I Want to Tell You. Today Mary K. Tiller and I tackle the whole concept of setting aside your own dreams to focus on the kids while trusting God with the outcome, and the superpower of humor as both a coping mechanism and a parenting strategy.

For show notes, please visit thescooponbalance.com/146

145 | Mom, You're Amazing, Part 2 Apr 21, 2022

Mom, You’re Amazing and Other Things I Want to Tell You launched this week and available for purchase. So, my friend Mary K Tiller is here to interview ME. That’s right–for the next 4 episodes, I’m the guest on my own podcast. Today I answer a question I haven’t been asked in probably 20 years and share a fun story about what I intended this book to be (Fact: this was not originally a book about motherhood!). Here is part 2 of my conversation with Mary K. Listen in:

For show notes, please visit thescooponbalance.com/145

144 | Mom, You're Amazing Part 1 Apr 19, 2022

Today is book launch day! Yay! Mom, You’re Amazing and Other Things I Want to Tell You is now available for purchase. So, my friend Mary K Tiller is here to interview ME. That’s right–for the next 4 episodes, I’m the guest on my own podcast. Today I talk about how Release Day is a mix between crossing a finish line and giving birth, what I wish I could go back and say to young Sandy, and how my experiences in parenting have shaped me and positioned me to speak to you. Listen in.

For show notes, please visit thescooponbalance.com/144

143 | Talking to Your Triggers with Angie Baughman, Part 2 Apr 07, 2022

Today I welcome back to the show my friend Angie Baughman. She’s a pastor, an author, and the host of The Steady On Podcast. And she’s here to share with you her 5-step framework for talking to your triggers: Those events in life that elicit in us a disproportionately emotional and usually entirely irrational response. If you missed Part 1, I encourage you to listen to that one first, where she shares her story as a trauma and abuse survivor and gives us the first step of her 5-step framework. This is part 2 of our conversation where we pick right up where we left off last time.

For show notes, please visit thescooponbalance.com/143

142 | Talking to Your Triggers with Angie Baughman, Part 1 Mar 31, 2022

Today we’re talking about those events in life that elicit in us a disproportionately emotional and usually entirely irrational response: Triggers!

(If you’ve ever exploded at your children for a minor offense, you’ve been triggered.)

Today I welcome to the show my friend Angie Baughman. She’s a pastor, an author, and the host of The Steady On Podcast. And she’s here to share with you her 5-step framework for talking to your triggers. She has an incredible story of healing and restoration and she’s overflowing with wisdom and compassion.

This is Part 1 of a 2-part conversation where Angie shares her story of surviving a horrific head-on collision and abuse at the hand of a "beloved" high school teacher. She then shares with us the first step of her 5-step process for Talking to Your Triggers.

For show notes, please visit thescooponbalance.com/142

141 | Raising Teens: What I Got Wrong and Right Mar 24, 2022

Two of my favorite questions to ask seasoned moms are “Looking back, what do you wish you would have done differently? And "What do you think you got right?” I thought it would be fun for me to answer those questions for you about my parenting journey. So that’s what I’m doing today. Listen in.

For show notes, please visit thescooponbalance.com/141

140 | What I've Learned and Loved While Raising Teens Mar 10, 2022

LAST CALL to join the launch team for Mom, You're Amazing! And Other Things I Want to Tell You. The deadline is March 11, 2022.

I’m in a mini-series on raising teens. As I record this, I have a 22-(almost 23-) year-old, a 20-year-old and a 15-year-old. I’m no teen expert, but I have learned a few things about raising teens while raising mine. So, today I’m just having a frank discussion like we are sitting and having a cup of coffee. I’ll tell you about some of the challenges and a few surprising things that I’ve loved. Listen in

For show notes, please visit thescooponbalance.com/140

139 | Raising Teens with Sarah Turner, Part 2 Mar 03, 2022

Today I welcome back to the podcast my friend Sarah Turner for Part 2 of our conversation on raising teens. If you haven’t listened to Part 1, go do that first. And You may want to grab a pen and paper and take notes on this one momma because she drops a ton of wisdom here including,

what to do when your teen triggers your anger,
what you can look forward to in the college years,
one thing she wishes she would have done less of,
and we tackle the whole issue of technology and screens. Listen in.

For show notes, please visit thescooponbalance.com/139

138 | Raising Teens with Sarah Turner, Part 1 Feb 24, 2022

Welp, after 3 years of podcasting, I’m finally tackling a subject many of you have asked for: raising teens. Today I’ve invited my friend Sarah Turner to the podcast. She is a mom of six--three of whom are now in their 20s and two of whom are teens right now. In Part 1 of our conversation, Sarah tells us what she’s learned from raising all these teens and one thing she knows for sure that she got right. Listen in.

For show notes, please visit thescooponbalance.com/138

137 | Daily and Weekly Spiritual Practices Feb 17, 2022

Our habits make our routines and our routines quite literally make our lives. So, what's making your life? Who do you want to be? Are you living a life consistent with that picture of yourself? If you want to be a peaceful woman who walks closely with God, then daily and weekly spiritual practices are vital. Today I give you a glimpse into mine. Listen in.

For show notes, please visit thescooponbalance.com/137

136 | Evening, Morning, and Weekly Routines Feb 10, 2022

For the last couple of weeks, we’ve been talking about establishing healthy habits and routines. We continue today with the Evening routine, the Morning routine, and the Weekly routine. And specifically, I’m going to give you 3 questions to ask yourself to help you decide what you should include in each of these routines so that you can live a well-balanced life. Also, today I give you a sneak peek into my daily routines. Woo hoo! Listen in.

For show notes, please visit thescooponbalance.com/136

135 | Healthy Eating on a Budget Feb 03, 2022

Chances are high that one of your goals in 2022 is to eat more healthfully. You went to Costco and loaded your cart with fresh fruit and veggies and all the good intentions. And now you’re staring down a drawer full of produce that’s ready to go bad. Hold on. Before you throw away your produce and your goals, let me help you. Today I’m giving you 10 tips I use for eating healthy on a budget.

For show notes, please visit thescooponbalance.com/135

134 | Know Yourself Better to Build Healthy Habits Jan 27, 2022

Have you ever tried to implement a new habit and do everything everyone tells you to do to succeed, but then realize, “That doesn’t work for me”? Well, today is your day. Today I welcome back to the podcast my friend Mary K Tiller for Part 2 of our conversation about establishing habits and routines. Today we are talking about the importance of knowing yourself and what works for you and what doesn’t so you can build habits that stick. Listen in.

For show notes, please visit thescooponbalance.com/134

133 | How to Build Healthy Habits and Routines that Stick Jan 20, 2022

It’s January and that means a fresh start and new goals for the year. According to Forbes, 80% of New Year’s Resolutions will be abandoned by February. Why is that? And what can we do so we don’t become part of that statistic? Today I welcome back to the podcast my friend Mary K. Tiller. And in Part 1 of our conversation, we share with you our favorite strategies for building healthy habits and routines that stick. Listen in.

Top 4 Reasons Resolutions Fail:

Unrealistic goals
Not keeping track of progress
Forgetting resolutions
Too many resolutions

Strategies that work!

Habit stacking/Habit pairing
Start small and build as you grow
Don't create unnecessary barriers
Don't commit to something that requires money until you are sure you will stick with it
Reward yourself for reaching milestones
Avoid all or nothing thinking
Set yourself up for success/make your new habit convenient
Create barriers to help stop bad habits
Plan for disruptions in your new routine
Keep track of your progress
Take advantage of a Clean Slate (you have a clean slate every new day!!)

For show notes, please visit thescooponbalance.com/133

132 | What I Learned in 2021 Jan 13, 2022

Welcome to 2022! One of my favorite practices at the end of every year is reading through my journal and taking note of what I learned. Doing this helps me know where I am, how far I’ve come, and what I should do next. So, today, I’m sharing 12 things I learned in 2021. Listen in.

For more show notes, please visit thescooponbalance.com/132

131 | Helping Your Family Transition to Healthful Eating with Char Nolan Nov 24, 2021

Today I continue my conversation with chef Char Nolan. She addresses some of your most common struggles like “I want to cook more healthfully but I’m already stretched so thin” and “I took the time to make this meal, now how do I get my family to eat it?” and “My kids are so busy in the evenings it’s just easier to grab fast food” and so much more. Lean in to this conversation mamas because you have a wise mentor in your earbuds today.

Highlights of this Episode:

"On day-10 [of eating a plant-based diet] I didn't have one ache in my body...this food-as-medicine thing must be real"
Advice for moms wanting to transition to a healthy lifestyle
- Shop the perimeter
- Meatless Monday
- Get kids involved (they eat what they make)
- Start gradually
- Don't remove things from your child's diet that will make them miserable
- Read labels
- Make smoothies for your kids and let them pick the ingredients
- Give kids a say on lunches and snacks
- Use precut and frozen veggies, as well as the deli counter and rotisserie chickens to save time
- Make eating dinner as a family a priority
- Be nice to yourself!
- Find a good crossover meal (don't start with tofu!)
- Mix take-out with home-cooked
- Have an alternative meal if you are introducing something new
- Organize a meal plan
- Consider a meal swap with neighbors
- Try frozen veggie burgers

For more show notes, please visit thescooponbalance.com/131

130 | Less Stress and More Joy This Thanksgiving with Chef Char Nolan Nov 18, 2021

We are one week away from what is arguably the biggest cooking day of the year: Thanksgiving. And I have a treat for you. I’ve invited my friend Char Nolan to join me today. Char is a wife and a mom, but she is also a professional chef. And she’s here to bestow upon us her decades of wisdom, both personally and professionally, in the kitchen and out. If you want less stress and more joy this holiday season, you’ll love this episode with my friend Char Nolan.

Tips for a Less Stressful Thanksgiving (aka, the family will feel the tension we emit)

Ask yourself, how can we make this easier?
Delegate side dishes to guests
Buy store-bought sides and plate them/garnish them beautifully
Assign tasks to kids
Shop off-peak time
Use grocery pick up
Make whatever you can in advance
Ask the family what they actually want and only cook that

Tips for cooking any time and for life in general:

Batch cook: cook for a whole Sunday and eat all week
Save money and the environment by only buying whole produce and cut up at home
Put that phone down
Be as good as you can be to yourself
Learn to say no so you don't overcommit

For more show notes, please visit: thescooponbalance.com/130

129 | 7 Things You Can Do THIS WEEK to Avoid Holiday Overwhelm Nov 11, 2021

Well, it’s November, and the holiday season is officially descending upon us. If you’re like me, your feelings about this are a mixed bag of “Awww...I love Christmas” and “Oh my gosh, I have so much to do!” If you are already struggling with balancing your day-to-day life, adding all the decorating, shopping, cooking, and partying can push you over the edge. Have no fear. I’m here to help. Today I’m giving you 7 Things you can do this week to help you avoid holiday overwhelm.

Create your holiday to-don’t list.
Knock something off your to-do list.
Declutter something.
Write out your shopping lists and set your Christmas budget.
Plan out your Thanksgiving menu and make out your grocery list
Update your calendar with all the holiday happenings.
Take extra good care of yourself.

For episode show notes, please visit thescooponbalance.com/129

128 | Creating Your Holiday To-Don't List Nov 04, 2021

If you struggle with balance on a regular day, the holiday season with all its obligations and expectations can send you into complete and utter chaos. What is aggressively marketed as the most wonderful time of the year, feels more like stress, and debt and five pounds of fat around your midsection. We can change that. This is a replay of an episode that aired exactly 2 years ago in November of 2019, where I’m helping you sort through your holiday obligations so you can get something off your plate. Today I’m helping you create your holiday to-don’t list.

For more show notes, please visit thescooponbalance.com/128

127 | Finding Your Purpose , Passion, and Identity Beyond Motherhood Oct 28, 2021

Today’s question is a mash-up of multiple comments:

"My biggest balance struggle is finding me-time. I have no time for my own interests, like reading or exercising or spending time with friends. I cannot keep up with my hobbies--hobbies I need to keep me sane--because keeping up with my kids and my house takes up all my time. I don’t even know who am right now. How do I figure out who I am outside of being a mom when my whole life has been all about my kids? How do I find my purpose in life when motherhood is all-encompassing?"

Take-aways:

1. Me time is not a luxury or self-indulgent.

2. Christian moms are called to a life of self-sacrifice--but in doing so, we find real life.

3. Physical exercise and time with the Lord are not hobbies but essential daily practices.

4. You should absolutely pursue a passion beyond motherhood--but not the way the world tells you to pursue a passion, purpose, or identity.

For show notes, please visit thescooponbalance.com/127

126 | Listener Q&A Oct 21, 2021

In all of Season 8, I’m addressing your specific questions and balance struggles. Today, I’m responding to two listener emails: One asks about loneliness and finding community with a baby at home. The other asks about how to make quality time for her husband while raising 4 small children. I have lots to say about both of those things, so if you struggle with any of that in your own life, you’ll love today's episode. Listen in.

Please take a minute to rate and review this show!

For show notes, please visit thescooponbalance.com/126

125 | 5 Things You're Doing to Sabotage Your Efforts to Be Healthy Oct 14, 2021

Caring for your physical health is one of the best things you can do to lead a well-balanced life. But what is going on when you decide to start cooking healthier meals or begin a workout program and by day-3 you are sitting on the couch eating peanut butter straight out of the jar? Maybe the problem is self-sabotage. Sometimes our sincere efforts completely backfire on us. Today I’m offering you 5 things that undermine your best efforts to live a healthy life and what you can do differently instead. Listen in.

Also, I address a listener's concern about me assigning "moral value" to food.

Thing 1: Depriving yourself of food or food you love

Thing 2: Allowing yourself to be intimidated rather than inspired by other women

Thing 3: Believing Bad Information

Thing 4: Believing Exercise is Torture

Thing 5: Setting setting the wrong kind of goals...specifically, a weight loss goal.

For show notes, please visit thescooponbalance.com/125

124 | Making Time for What Matters (When You Homeschool and/or Have a Large Family) Oct 07, 2021

Today my friend Kirsten Vossler joins me for Part 2 of our discussion. She’s a homeschooling mom of 8 and the creator and host of the podcast Rejoicing in Motherhood. Last week we left a tired Kirsten after she described her typical day right at the point of getting her kids to bed. Today, she drops her pearls of wisdom as she describes how she makes room for her priorities--Spoiler alert: she lets a lot of things go. By the end of this discussion, you will feel completely free to be the mom God has called you to be.

For show notes, please visit thescooponbalance.com/124

123 | A Day in the Life of a Homeschooling Mom of 8 Sep 30, 2021

Kirsten Vossler is a homeschooling mom of 8 kids ranging in age from 12 years down to 9 months, and the creator and host of the podcast Rejoicing in Motherhood. I asked Kirsten to give us the nitty-gritty of her typical day. In the process of that, she dropped some seriously great tips on everything from healthy breakfast and lunch ideas to creative ways she teaches her kids about the Lord. Whether you’re a homeschooling mom or you just enjoy getting a peek behind the curtain of the large family, you will love this interview with my friend Kirsten. Listen in.

For show notes, please visit thescooponbalance.com/123

122 | 8 Ways to Exercise With Small Children at Home Sep 23, 2021

One of my favorite exercise mantras is “something is better than nothing.” I adopted this phrase as my fitness motivation when I was trying and succeeding to stay physically fit and strong with babies and small children crawling all over me. As a mom with little ones, some days I was able to carve out a full hour of a hardcore work out and other days I just did what I could and moved on. So, fully understanding the challenges associated with trying to exercise while also having small children, I’m giving you 8 things that worked for me. Listen in.

1. Take walks.

2. Go to the gym before everyone wakes up or when someone else can watch the kids.

3. Use home video/streaming workouts.

4. Use home gym equipment.

5. Use the gym childcare.

6. Play them with outside.

7. Dance with your kids.

8. Use nap time (this is the last resort!)

For show notes, please visit thescooponbalance.com/122

121 | Q&A Biggest Balance Struggles Sep 16, 2021

What do you do when a child accuses you of letting his younger sibling get away with everything? How do you decide what to cook for dinner each night and actually cook it when you hate meal planning and cooking? What do you do when no one in your house will help you with household chores? These are YOUR questions and today I’m giving you MY answers.

For show notes, please visit thescooponbalance.com/121

120 | Working From Home With Small Children w/ Mary K. Tiller, Part Two Sep 09, 2021

Last week in EP119 I invited my friend Mary K Tiller to join me, and I played the first half of our conversation. Today in Part 2 we confess we are not "Fun Moms" and we discuss the creative ways we’ve learned to connect with our kids despite this shortcoming. We also talk about loneliness in motherhood and what we do to combat it. Mary K offers some beautiful words of encouragement for all the overwhelmed moms out there, so be sure to listen to the end for that.

For show notes, please visit thescooponbalance.com/120

119 | Working From Home With Small Children w/ Mary K. Tiller, Part One Sep 02, 2021

Today, for the first time ever on the Balanced MomCast, I am inviting a friend to join me. This episode is for all the work-from-home moms. We chat about the perks and challenges of working from home, especially with small children in the mix. We discuss making difficult choices about how to divide our time between work and kids, what we prayerfully neglect for the sake of balance, and how we lean on God to give us wisdom. I think you are gonna love my friend as much as I do. So, Listen in to Part One of my conversation with the delightful and lovely Mary Kathryn Tiller.

For show notes, please visit thescooponbalance.com/119

118 | How to Start a Daily Prayer and Bible Reading Routine Aug 26, 2021

Today I’m addressing one listener’s struggle about establishing a Bible reading and prayer life. If you have never established a daily time to connect with God and the thought of starting one feels overwhelming, or if you just want to be more consistent with the practice you already have, I offer encouragement and practical tips for this mom and for you. Listen in.

For show notes, please visit thescooponbalance.com/118

117 | 4 Ways to Create a Peaceful Home Environment Aug 19, 2021

Mom, you are NOT the emotional thermostat of your home. You cannot control the moods and attitudes of your children or your spouse. But you CAN create an environment where peace thrives. Today we look at the book of Proverbs and discuss four practical things you can do to facilitate a peaceful home environment:

1. Be Patient: Prov 16:32

2. Be Proactive: Prov 17:14

3. Be Gentle: Prov 15:1

4. Light up Your Face: Prov 16:15

For show notes, please visit thescooponbalance.com/117

116 | 22 Strategies to Help Your Kids Eat Healthy Food Jul 29, 2021

My kids are just like your kids. If I give them the choice between cookies and fruit for dessert, they will choose the cookies. That's why I am deliberate and strategic to train them to choose healthy food when faced with a choice. Today, as part of my Summer Series Replay, I'm replaying an episode that originally aired in May 2019, where I offered 22 strategies I use in my own home to teach my kids to love healthy food. Mix and match as you see fit.

Do it yourself: The best way to teach your kids how to choose healthy food is to live by example.
Don’t keep junk in the house, including soda—if you don’t buy it, it won’t be there to eat. Period.
If your child asks for a snack, tell them they need to eat a fruit or veggie first. If it’s close to dinner, serve the fruit or veggie portion of the dinner as the snack.
Make dessert something special—not something you do nightly. Take them out for ice cream after their baseball game. Bake cookies on Saturday. Go out for a shake when grade cards come out.
Let them choose between soda or dessert at a restaurant, but not both.
Pack school lunches most days.
When offering new healthy food, tell them “You don’t need to taste it, just let it sit on your plate.”
Offer money to taste a new food. Yep. I have paid my kids a quarter or a dollar to taste something and I'm not ashamed.
Serve a variety of fruits and vegetables at every meal and make them pick two.
Buy the healthy food they like.
Never say no to seconds on veggies.
Don’t push meat and dairy.
Teach your kids to read labels.
Teach them to be wise about advertising.
Serve smoothies.
Let them order off the adult menu.
Don’t let them order the fries as their side—make them get a fruit or veggie instead.
Make it your goal in life to get your kid to love salad.
Serve water with every meal.
Reserve special junk food for birthdays, vacations, and holidays.
Make your home a healthy food zone.
Connect the dots for them for how healthy food and junk affects how they feel.

For show notes, please visit thescooponbalance.com/116

115 | What I Do Daily to Keep Depression and Anxiety at Bay Jul 22, 2021

Depression affects 300 million people worldwide, and I am one of them. The good news is, depression is entirely treatable and almost always, preventable. If you have mild depression and anxiety and want to explore some options outside of prescription medication, I'm giving you the exact things I do on a daily basis that keep depression and anxiety at bay.

This is part of my Summer Series Replay and originally aired September 2019 as part of a 6-part series on depression and anxiety. (EP15-EP20)

EP 16: This is where I tell my story of depression

Depression DSM-5 Diagnostic Criteria

The DSM-5 outlines the following criterion to make a diagnosis of depression. The individual must be experiencing five or more symptoms during the same 2-week period and at least one of the symptoms should be either (1) depressed mood or (2) loss of interest or pleasure.

1. Depressed mood most of the day, nearly every day. 2. Markedly diminished interest or pleasure in all, or almost all, activities most of the day, nearly every day. 3. Significant weight loss when not dieting or weight gain, or decrease or increase in appetite nearly every day. 4. A slowing down of thought and a reduction of physical movement (observable by others, not merely subjective feelings of restlessness or being slowed down). 5. Fatigue or loss of energy nearly every day. 6. Feelings of worthlessness or excessive or inappropriate guilt nearly every day. 7. Diminished ability to think or concentrate, or indecisiveness, nearly every day. 8. Recurrent thoughts of death, recurrent suicidal ideation without a specific plan, or a suicide attempt or a specific plan for committing suicide.

For show notes, please visit thescooponbalance.com/115

114 | 7 Things to Try When You Feel Overwhelmed Jul 15, 2021

If you're a mom drowning in your responsibilities, I'm here to throw you a lifeline. As part of my Summer Series Replay, I'm going back to August 2019 (EP15) where I offered 7 things that will give you immediate relief from the pressure of "too much."

For show notes, please visit thescooponbalance.com/114

113 | Fake Fruit vs. Real Fruit Jul 08, 2021

Jesus said 8 times (!) in John 15 that He wants us to bear fruit. But what does that even mean? In EP112 we said that abiding is all the stuff that no one sees. Well, fruit is the stuff EVERYONE sees (and feels, and tastes, and smells) coming from you.

Welcome to my Summer Replay Series! I'm rerunning a series that first aired in Feb-March 2020 on Abiding in Christ (John 15). This replay series begins with EP108 and this is Part 6--the final episode in the Abide series. Be sure to go back and listen from the beginning.

The main point: Real fruit is the natural and inevitable outgrowth of a branch that is abiding in the Vine and is regularly and properly pruned by The Vinedresser.

For show notes, please visit thescooponbalance.com/113

112 | The Hard Truth About Abiding in Christ Jul 01, 2021

Welcome to a very frank yet loving discussion about what it really means to abide in Christ. At the risk of sounding completely over the top, studying, understanding, and then applying these truths has impacted every single area of my life. My heart is to encourage and equip you to live a fruitful life. So, if you’re ready for some tough love on how to become a branch in Christ that bears much fruit, then listen in.

For show notes, please visit thescooponbalance.com/112

111 | What "Apart From Me You Can Do Nothing" Actually Means Jun 24, 2021

What does it mean when Jesus said, "Apart from me you can do nothing"?

Who are these people?
Are they really doing nothing?
Am I one of these people?
Are you one of these people?

Welcome to my Summer Replay Series! I'm rerunning a series that first aired in Feb-March 2020 on Abiding in Christ (John 15). This replay series begins with EP108 and this is Part 4. Be sure to go back and listen from the beginning.

For show notes, please visit thescooponbalance.com/111

110 | Why God Sometimes Cuts Things Out of Your Life Jun 17, 2021

Motherhood often feels like loss: Loss of your schedule, loss of control, loss of yourself. This can be very confusing because, as a Christian, you KNOW God has called you to live an abundant life! So, what's up with this? Are you doing something wrong? Or are you doing something right?

(spoiler: you're doing something right!)

For show notes, please visit thescooponbalance.com/110

109 | Why am I Not Producing Any Fruit? Jun 10, 2021

Welcome to my Summer Replay Series! I'm rerunning a series that first aired in Feb-March 2020 on Abiding in Christ (John 15). In EP108 I introduced you to the series If you haven't listened to that episode yet, do that first! Today I will introduce you to the Cast of Characters and the 5 Branches, but we will discuss in detail the branch in Christ that does not bear fruit. What is it? How does it get that way? What happens to it?

John 15:1-6

For show notes, please visit thescooponbalance.com/110

108 | Abide Series Replay Jun 03, 2021

It’s summer! And I’m stepping away from the podcast for a few weeks to rest and enjoy my family. But while I’m gone, I’m replaying some of my favorite episodes that you may have missed or you may want to hear again.

For show notes, please visit thescooponbalance.com/108

107 | "Help Me Create an Easy Meal Plan!" May 27, 2021

Your family eats every day, several times a day, whether you like it or not. Today I share my philosophy on cooking and a simple 4-step process for easy meal-planning. This is the last episode in our series on organization. Listen in.

For show notes, please visit thescooponbalance.com/107

106 | "Help! My House is a Wreck!" (Establishing Laundry and Cleaning Routines) May 20, 2021

We are in a mini series about organization. So far we’ve talked about organizing our time, decluttering our unwanted items, and organizing our things in a way that makes sense to us and is also easy to maintain. Today, we are zeroing in on creating simple and sustainable systems to keep our homes running smoothly. Think laundry and housekeeping.

For show notes, please visit thescooponbalance.com/106

105 | "Help Me Organize My House!" May 14, 2021

We are in a mini-series about organization. Last week I talked about the necessary act of decluttering. Today I’ll give you some tips about how to organize your things in your home. Listen in.

For show notes, please visit thescooponbalance.com/105

104 | "Help Me Declutter My Stuff!" May 06, 2021

The first rule of home organization: Do not organize your clutter!

Before you can organize your home, you need to purge it of things you don't love, don't use, and don't have space to store. In this episode, I take you through a simple decluttering process and give you 10 questions to ask yourself as you're sorting to decide what to keep.

For show notes, please visit thescooponbalance.com/104

103 | Help Me Organize My Time! Apr 29, 2021

If one thing can make us feel immediately frazzled, it’s chaos. Whether it be chaos on our calendar or chaos in our closets, chaos makes us feel completely out of control. One of the best ways to address the chaos in our lives is with some good old-fashioned organization. Simply knowing how the pieces of our lives fit together gives us clarity and focus. So, today, I’m jumping in to discuss one of your biggest cries for help: “Sandy, Help me get organized!”

For show notes, please visit thescooponbalance.com/103

102 | 5 Questions to Ask Yourself When Life Feels Too Hard Apr 22, 2021

In Scripture, life is depicted as a race. We are told to throw off everything that hinders our running. But how do you know if something you are carrying is hindering or helping? After all, what hinders me may be helping you. What helped you in the past may be weighing you down now. It can be tricky to decide what to set down. Today I’m offering five questions we can ask ourselves to help us determine if something we are carrying is a weight that hinders or helps.

For show notes, please visit thescooponbalance.com/102

101 | 3 Weights You Should Set Down Today Apr 15, 2021

In Scripture, life is depicted as a race. How we choose to run determines our quality of life, and whom or what we choose to run toward determines our peace and joy. ~Cynthian Heald

Are you weary? Do you feel like life is harder than it’s supposed to be? Does it seem like everything is a constant uphill battle? Maybe it’s because you’re carrying extra weight. Today I’m going to share 3 weights you may be carrying that you didn’t even realize you picked up along the way. And hopefully, by the end of this episode, you’ll feel a little bit lighter. Listen in.

For show notes, please visit thescooponbalance.com/101

100 | Encouragement for Overwhelmed Moms from Moms Apr 08, 2021

Today we celebrate our 100th episode. And I couldn’t think of a better thing to do than turn the focus back on you--my listeners. I’ve asked a few of my mom friends to offer a word of encouragement to the overwhelmed moms who listen to the podcast. If you’re feeling a little frazzled today, I want you to sit back, put up your feet, and savor the life-giving words that I’m about to share with you. These are moms blessing moms. And it’s a beautiful thing.

For show notes, please visit thescooponbalance.com/100

99 | Answering Your Questions About Eating a Plant-Based Diet Apr 01, 2021

I’ve mentioned a few times recently that I have been eating mostly a whole foods plant-based diet. And some of you have had questions about that like, “Why are you doing that?” and “What do you mean, you only eat plants?" and "Is that the same thing as Vegan?” and “Where do you get your protein?” and “How do you do this with kids?” So, today I’m answering your most frequently asked questions about eating a whole food plant-based diet. Listen in.

For show notes, please visit thescooponbalance.com/99

98 | Seeking Solitude as a Spiritual Practice With Kids at Home Mar 25, 2021

One of the most challenging aspects of being a Christian mom is finding ways to be alone to pray or read or study the Bible (or just think or be quiet!) while you are surrounded by kids. If your quiet time with the Lord is limited or non-existent, I have three words of encouragement and four things to try.

For show notes, please visit thescooponbalance.com/98

97 | Why I'm Leaving Social Media Mar 18, 2021

If you are a mom in the year 2021, you are probably on social media. And if you are a mom on social media, you have probably at some point considered taking a social media break, drawing better boundaries around your time there, or leaving social media altogether. Me too. Today I’m talking about my decision to leave social media and offering some questions to ask yourself in your own decisions about managing your social media in your life. Listen in.

For show notes, please visit thescooponbalance.com/97

96 | How to Practice Sabbath as a Mom Mar 04, 2021

This is our 5th and final episode on the Barrier of Busyness. Today we are talking about the importance of weekly rest: what Sabbath means and how to do it. If you are a mom, you DO actually get a day off. Let me show you how.

1. Sabbath means literally "Stop, rest." God introduced a rhythm of life when He worked for 6 days and rested on the 7th. It is one of the 10 commandments (Ex 20 and Deut 5). It's a gift. We are FREE to rest.

2. Suggestions for how to do this as a mom

Prepare.
Pick a day that works for you.
Stop working.
Rest your body.
Rest your mind.
Rest your soul.
Replenish your soul.
Practice.

LINKS

Joby Martin from Church of Eleven22 teaches on Sabbath: How to Christmas -- Stop!

The Rest of God; Restoring Your Soul by Restoring the Sabbath, by Mark Buchannan.

The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry, by John Mark Comer

Here, Now, by Kate Merrick.

(All book links are affiliate links. I receive a small commission from Amazon if you purchase through this link at no additional cost to you.)

John Mark Comer and Jefferson Bethke podcast: Fight Hustle, End Hurry. It’s only 10 episodes long, you can listen in a one-day binge.

If you missed any part of this series:

Perfection and People-Pleasing EP70-EP73

Comparison and Busyness EP90-EP96

PLEASE TAKE A MINUTE TO RATE AND REVIEW THIS PODCAST! THANK YOU!!!

Purchase Is the Voice in My Head God or Just Me? On Amazon

Work through this process of overcoming the Barriers to Balance in a Bible Study Workbook format: Purchase Finding Your Balance on Amazon

Want to lead a group through either of these Bible studies? Don't forget to grab the Free Supplemental Leader Guide!

To stay in the loop about everything, be sure to be on my email list.

Have a question or comment? email me at thescooponbalance@gmail.com

Follow me on Pinterest

I am no longer on Social Media...more on that soon!

95 | Reordering Your Busy Life Part 2 Feb 25, 2021

Last week I led you through 4 steps to reorder your overly busy life and today I’m giving you 6 more. Grab a pen, grab some paper, grab your calendar, because we are ruthlessly eliminating hurry from our lives.

For show notes, please visit thescooponbalance.com/95

94 | Reordering Your Busy Life Part 1 Feb 18, 2021

We’ve spent the last 2 weeks unpacking the problem with your overly busy life. And now we are going to do something about it. Grab a pen, grab some paper, grab your calendar, and buckle in, because I am going to take you through a process to reorder your life, with action steps.

For show notes, please visit thescooponbalance.com/94

93 | The Roots of Busyness Feb 11, 2021

Last week we introduced the 4th and final Barrier to Balance known as Busyness. I shared with you 6 reasons busyness is a bad idea and I encouraged you to ruthlessly eliminate hurry from your life. Today I’m continuing the discussion by helping you get to the root of your busyness. As John Ortberg says, hurry isn’t just a disordered schedule, it’s a disordered heart. So let’s get our hearts in order.

For show notes, please visit thescooponbalance.com/93

92 | 6 Reasons Busyness is a Bad Idea Feb 04, 2021

Other than complete disconnection from God, nothing will hinder our ability to stay balanced more profoundly or more consistently than being overly busy. It’s one of the enemy’s most brilliant tactics. Over-commitment—even with good, Christian things—causes fatigue, resentment, bitterness, and ineffectiveness in all things. If you’ve been following along with my series on Balance Barriers, this is the 4th and final one. It’s the Barrier of Busyness.

For show notes, please visit thescooponbalance.com/92

91 | Breaking Free from The Comparison Trap Jan 28, 2021

Last week in EP90 I introduced the one balance barrier that trips up every woman I know: The Comparison Trap. I talked about the history of it (which literally begins with Cain and Abel, on page 3 of my Bible) and the problem with it. Today, I talk about what we can do about it. If you feel trapped by comparison to other women, I am giving you 5 things you can do about it.

For show notes, please visit thescooponbalance.com/91

90 | The Comparison Trap Jan 21, 2021

Way back in the spring of 2020 I started a series on the Barriers to Balance. We covered two of them: Perfectionism and People Pleasing (EP70-EP73). And then suddenly I found out we were moving and then I took a summer break and then I launched my new book. And now finally we are continuing with that series, nine months later. Today, we are introducing the one barrier that trips up every woman I know: The Comparison Trap. If you a woman, this is for you.

For show notes, please visit thescooponbalance.com/90

89 | 10 Reasons You May Feel Overwhelmed Jan 15, 2021

My biggest balance struggle, hands down, is the propensity to become easily overwhelmed. I would venture to say that it’s something I struggle with almost every day. And this is precisely why my passion is to help overwhelmed, frazzled moms find peace. Because I get you...I AM you! This morning as I was working through all the possible reasons I could be feeling overwhelmed (again!) I thought maybe you’d would benefit from this as well. So, today, I’m offering you 10 possible reasons you may be overwhelmed. This episode is for me, but also for you.

For show notes, please visit thescooponbalance.com/89

88 | 5 Things to Remember As You Step Into a New Opportunity Jan 08, 2021

Welcome to Season 6! If you are one of the many women I know who are crossing over into unchartered territory--a new job, a new baby, a new opportunity--or maybe you are beginning a new life after the death of a spouse, a child, or a marriage...I have a special word of encouragement for you.

Be sure to listen to the end for a special message and prayer for those needing a fresh start.

For show notes, please visit thescooponbalance.com/88

87 | 3 Steps to More Focus and Less Frazzle in 2021 Dec 17, 2020

It’s the countdown to 2021 and chances are you are looking forward to a new and probably better year. I’d encourage you to approach these next few weeks with great intention. This will require some reflection and planning on your part, but it will be well worth it. Today on the show I’ll take you through a simple three-step process that I go through every year in December to help me have direction and balance for the upcoming year.

For show notes, please visit thescooponbalance.com/87

86 | Creating Space for God to Speak Dec 10, 2020

We live in a noisy world. If we ever hope to hear God’s voice, we must learn to make room for God in our thoughts. If you live in a house full of children, you may feel like you have no control over this.I’m here to convince you otherwise. Today I’m talking about solitude and silence, what they are, how they are related to one another, and why they are more than simply a luxury, but rather a vital spiritual practice.

For show notes, please visit thescooponbalance.com/86

85 | What I Learned From Taking a Year Off Social Media Dec 04, 2020

Are you thinking about stepping away from social media over the holidays? Or maybe you're planning on kicking off 2021 with an extended sabbatical? You'll love today's episode! I tell you nine things I learned from taking one year off social media and offer you a few tips if you plan to take one yourself.

For show notes, please visit thescooponbalance.com/85

84 | Balance and Expectations Nov 05, 2020

Balance is all about expectations. And who among us has not been at least a little blindsided by what we expected in 2020 and what has actually transpired in 2020? Today I’m sharing a few things that have thrown me off balance this year and two ways I’m addressing them. And I also have a really big announcement, so be sure to stick with me to the end.

For show notes, please visit thescooponbalance.com/84

83 | 4 Surprising Reasons You May Not Be Hearing God's Voice Oct 22, 2020

In EP81 I gave you 5 questions to ask yourself when you can’t hear God. All those questions implied that you could position yourself to hear God better...and you can. In other words, sometimes you can’t hear God because you’re not listening well. But sometimes you can’t hear God and it has nothing to do with your ability to listen well. Today, I’m sharing with you 4 more reasons you can’t hear God--and some of them may surprise you.

For show notes, please visit thescooponbalance.com/83

82 | One Thing I Wish I Would Have Known as a Young Mom Oct 15, 2020

I’m taking a break from my series on hearing God’s voice to speak to young moms. Especially young moms who are taking care of children while also trying to work. The tension a mom feels between taking care of her kids and doing all the other things she’s capable of doing--all the other things she's good at and feels called by God to do--is very real. Especially now when so many of our kids are attending virtual school and we are also working remotely. If this tension is a reality for you, I have a word of encouragement. listen in.

For show notes, please visit thescooponbalance.com/82

81 | 5 Questions to Ask Yourself When You Can't Hear God Oct 08, 2020

Throughout the Bible we see God speaking to His people: through prophets and disciples, through nature and circumstances, through His law and His spirit, and most profoundly through the living and breathing Word of God, Jesus Christ. Undeniably, God speaks. If we are not experiencing this beautiful and life-giving truth of Scripture in our own lives, then we should figure out why. So, today I’m giving you 5 questions to ask yourself when you can’t hear God.

For show notes, please visit thescooponbalance.com/81

80 | 10 Things You Should Know About Hearing God Through Other People Oct 01, 2020

One of the most common ways God will speak to you is through other people. When God spoke through people in the Old Testament it was almost exclusively through prophets. But in the New Testament, He uses the members of the church to speak to others for Him...that’s you and me! This is both exciting and terrifying, depending on who is talking and what they’re saying. But take heart, we can always look to God’s written word for guidance and that’s exactly what we are doing today.

For show notes, please visit thescooponbalance.com/80

79 | The Introduction to Is The Voice in My Head God or Just Me? Sep 24, 2020

Like audio books? You'll love today's episode. Today I'm reading to you the Introduction to my new book Is the Voice in My Head God or Just Me? Learn the story behind my 25-year study of Scripture to understand if and how God speaks to people, as well as what to expect and what not to expect in this new study.

For show notes, please visit thescooponbalance.com/79

78 | 3 Things You Can Do Today to Help You Hear God Speak Sep 17, 2020

Last week I told you the most valuable thing I can teach you to achieve balance today and forevermore is how to hear the voice of God. And then I shared with you some of God’s motives and methods in speaking in the Bible and to you. But God speaking is only part of this transaction. We have to learn to become good listeners. So today I’m giving you 3 things you can do beginning today to help you hear God more clearly and more often.

For show notes, please visit thescooponbalance.com/78

77 | 6 Ways God Speaks to You Sep 11, 2020

You know I love me some tips and tricks and balance hacks. But the most beneficial thing I can teach you to help you achieve and maintain balance now and for the rest of your life is how to hear the voice of God. He alone can tell you what you should be focusing on and what you can lay down for a season...or forever. He alone can give you the peace you are seeking.

For show notes, please visit thescooponbalance.com/77

76 | 3 Simple Practices for When You Feel Unsettled Sep 03, 2020

Welcome to Season 5 of the podcast and Month 6 of the global pandemic. If you’re like the rest of the world, you are feeling out of sorts. This COVID situation is dragging on longer than any of us ever dreamed. And on top of that, your kids are probably starting back to school and everything is weird there, too. If you are struggling to feel settled in the midst of all this uncertainty, I’m offering 3 simple practices that are currently keeping me sane.

For show notes, please visit thescooponbalance.com/76

75 | Today I'm the Frazzled Mom May 14, 2020

I have so much to tell you. The short version is this: we are moving our family from Louisville KY back to Jacksonville FL and I’ll be taking a break from the podcast while we are making that transition.

For show notes, please visit thescooponbalance.com/75

74 | Dear Mom of the Mouthy Teen May 07, 2020

Five years ago, I had a conversation with a mom friend. She told me about an interaction she witnessed between another mom (whom she didn’t know) and a teen. My friend was appalled at how the other mom responded to her teen. After that conversation, I opened up my laptop and wrote a letter to this anonymous mom. I never intended to share it with that mom, necessarily, but knew I was supposed to share it someday with some mom. Well, today is the day and you are that mom.

For show notes, please visit thescooponbalance.com/74

73 | 7 Mindsets to Overcome People-Pleasing Apr 30, 2020

With balance, what we THINK about what we do is way more important than what we actually do. We could technically be doing the right things in life—living out or priorities—but if we are full of fear and pride, if we are always angry and resentful, if we’re always stressed and frustrated because we are afraid of what people think of us? This is NOT balance.

For show notes, please visit thescooponbalance.com/73

72 | People-Pleasing Apr 23, 2020

Most women begin down the road of people-pleasing with pure motives. We don’t start by saying, “I’m going to choose the will of other people over God’s will for me.” In fact, it’s usually just the opposite. We start out thinking we are obeying God. We are trying to be nice, trying to serve, trying to keep the peace.

For show notes, please visit thescooponbalance.com/72

71 | Overcoming Perfectionism Apr 16, 2020

We are in the middle of a series on Balance Barriers. Last week (EP 70), I introduced you to the barrier of Perfectionism. As a recovering perfectionist myself, I am here to help you overcome this barrier in your own life. Today we discuss 5 things you can do beginning today to overcome the barrier of perfectionism.

For show notes, please visit thescooponbalance.com/72

70 | Perfectionism and Its Roots Apr 09, 2020

My favorite childhood game was a game called Perfection. The object of the game was to fit all the little geometric pieces in their proper place before time runs out. If you didn’t, the whole game exploded and the pieces flew everywhere. For those of us who struggle with Perfectionism, this is how we feel every day—pressured to get everything in place just so or the whole thing explodes in our face. If you are a perfectionist or you love someone who is, this episode is for you.

For show notes, please visit thescooponbalance.com/70

69 | 4 Encouraging Things When All the News is Scary Apr 02, 2020

As of today, we are looking at a minimum of 30 more days of social distancing due to COVID-19. The news is scary. The number of confirmed cases and deaths caused by the coronavirus continues to climb. I don’t know about you, but I could use some encouragement right about now. So today, I’m giving you four encouraging things that are true and good and will not change, even in the midst of a global pandemic.

For show notes, please visit thescooponbalance.com/69

68 | Helping Frazzled Moms Find Peace Mar 26, 2020

Hi! I'm Sandy Cooper, and I help frazzled moms find peace. If you’re a mom who sometimes feels tired, confused, or overwhelmed, with balancing the demands of motherhood in the midst of a worldwide pandemic, you’ve also come to the right place!

And if ever I want to make good on my claim to help frazzled moms find peace, it’s now. Today I’m addressing your biggest struggles as defined by you, as you and your family navigate COVID 19, social distancing, shelter-at-home orders.

For show notes, please visit thescooponbalance.com/68

67 | One Year of The Balanced MomCast! Mar 19, 2020

Today we are celebrating the one-year birthday of this podcast. I know…they grow up so fast. To celebrate, I'm giving you a little behind-the-scenes episode: a list (of course it's a list) of 10 Fun Facts about the Balanced MomCast (and me.) Put on your party hat and grab a cup of punch, as we celebrate one year of The Balanced MomCast.

For show notes, please visit thescooponbalance.com/67

66 | Fake Fruit, Real Fruit, and Why You Should Care Mar 12, 2020

Jesus said 8 times (!) in John 15 that He wants us to bear fruit. But what does that even mean? In EP65 we said that abiding is all the stuff that no one sees. Well, fruit is the stuff EVERYONE sees (and feels, and tastes, and smells) coming from you.

For show notes, please visit thescooponbalance.com/66

65 | The Hard Truth About Abiding in Christ Mar 05, 2020

Welcome to a very frank yet loving discussion about what it really means to abide in Christ. At the risk of sounding completely over the top, studying, understanding, and then applying these truths has impacted every single area of my life. My heart is to encourage and equip you to live a fruitful life. So, if you’re ready for some tough love on how to become a branch in Christ that bears much fruit, then listen in.

For show notes, please visit thescooponbalance.com/65

64 | How to Know If You're Disconnected From the Vine Feb 27, 2020

What does it mean when Jesus said, "Apart from me you can do nothing"?

Who are these people?
Are they really doing nothing?
Am I one of these people?
Are you one of these people?

For show notes, please visit thescooponbalance.com/64

63 | When Loss Means Growth Feb 20, 2020

Motherhood often feels like loss: Loss of your schedule, loss of control, loss of yourself. This can be very confusing because, as a Christian, you KNOW God has called you to live an abundant life! So, what's up with this? Are you doing something wrong? Or are you doing something right?

For show notes, please visit thescooponbalance.com/63

62 | What Happens to Christians Who Don't Produce Fruit? Feb 13, 2020

In EP61 I introduced you to our new series based on John 15: Abide. If you haven't listened to that episode yet, do that first! Today I will introduce you to the Cast of Characters and the 5 Branches, but we will discuss in detail the branch in Christ that does not bear fruit. What is it? How does it get that way? What happens to it?

For show notes, please visit thescooponbalance.com/62

61 | The Message That Changed Everything Feb 06, 2020

In 2017, in the midst of the most exhausting season of parenting, God led me to a portion of scripture that changed the way I think, the way I act, the way I pray, and the way I parent. In fact, I cannot think of a single area of my life that has not been transformed by this message. Today, I'm introducing a series that has the potential to transform you as well.

For show notes, please visit thescooponbalance.com/61

60 | Fall Well Jan 31, 2020

It's not a matter of if you'll fall, it's how you'll fall. You can berate yourself for falling and shove a handful of chocolate into your face, or you can get up and keep going. Your choice.

P.S. I'm so proud of you. You did it!

If you missed any part of this series, listen to Episodes 34-60.

LINKS:

Receive email updates from me!

Email me at thescooponbalance@gmail.com

Finding Your Balance is available on Amazon for $14.99

My blog: thescooponbalance.com

Follow me on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest

Note: I am currently on a social media hiatus until September 2020

59 | Stick With It! Jan 30, 2020

With one more day of our 31-day challenge, you may be thinking "Yay! I'm almost done!" Except you're not. This is where I encourage you to keep going...forever.

For show notes, please visit thescooponbalance.com/59

58 | Do a Little More Than You Think You Can Jan 29, 2020

You can do way more than you think you can. We all have a reserve of energy, strength, endurance, and fortitude that exists beyond our comfort zone. Getting stronger and healthier isn't only about will power or programs or dietary guidelines. It's also about learning to access your reserve tank when you think you can't go any further.

For show notes, please visit thescooponbalance.com/58

57 | You Will Never Have Ariana Grande's Thighs Jan 28, 2020

Rather than chasing a "skinny pre-baby" picture of yourself, the celebrity's body, the Instagram influencer's body, the computer-altered super model's body, chase health.

For show notes, please visit thescooponbalance.com/57

56 | Surround Yourself With Like-Minded People Jan 27, 2020

Don't surround yourself with people who will undermine your efforts to be healthy. Instead, gather a support team of likeminded individuals. Healthy community is the key to making better choices, in fitness and in life.

For show notes, please visit thescooponbalance.com/56

55 | Keep Showing Up Jan 25, 2020

One of the biggest challenges of any workout is getting started--every single workout, every single day, for every single workout. Tell yourself "just 10 minutes." Make it your goal to just show up.

For show notes, please visit thescooponbalance.com/55

54 | Set Yourself Up For Success Jan 24, 2020

A well-designed environment encourages good habits and healthy behavior. Make your environment conducive to support your goals and you'll be more successful.

For show notes, please visit thescooponbalance.com/54

53 | Abstainer Vs. Moderator Jan 23, 2020

Do you do better if you give up junk food altogether? Or do you prefer to enjoy treats in moderation? Your answer to this will help you set yourself up for healthy habits that stick.

For show notes, please visit thescooponbalance.com/53

52 | Watch Your Words Jan 22, 2020

The words we use are powerful, whether we are speaking them to others or to ourselves. Today I'm giving your four common words or phrases that I hear all the time in health and fitness that are poison to your mind, and I'm giving you better ways to say them.

For show notes, please visit thescooponbalance.com/52

51 | Take a Weekly Sabbath Jan 21, 2020

It's time to stop the self-imposed guilt for resting. Nothing about resting is self-indulgent or lazy. It's nature's way of recharging your body so you can continue working toward your goals--fitness and otherwise. Today I give my 3 tips for working a weekly Sabbath into your busy mom-life.

For show notes, please visit thescooponbalance.com/51

50 | Guilt-Free Rest Jan 20, 2020

To live a well-balanced life, you must incorporate regular periods of rest and recovery into your life. Today I talk about rest from exercise, naps, and nightly sleep.

For show notes, please visit thescooponbalance.com/50

49 | Move in Your Normal Life Jan 18, 2020

If the thought of adding one more thing to your day sounds overwhelming, I'm giving you some practical tips to work movement into your normal mom-life.

For show notes, please visit thescooponbalance.com/49

48 | Why Cardio is Not Enough Jan 17, 2020

Cardio is great. But cardio alone is not enough. Our bodies stop producing muscle around age 35. Do you have a fear of bulking up? Do you feel like resistance training is not worth the effort? I'm talking to you today.

For show notes, please visit thescooponbalance.com/48

47 | What is the Best Exercise? Jan 16, 2020

If you hate exercise, I have GREAT news for you!

For show notes, please visit thescooponbalance.com/47

46 | Create Simple Meal Plans Jan 15, 2020

Simple meal planning is the single best tip I have for keeping your eating on track.

For show notes, please visit thescooponbalance.com/46

45 | Controversial Foods, Part 2 Jan 14, 2020

Healthy or unhealthy? Depends on who you read and who you are. Here I break it down and explain the controversy so you can make an informed decision for yourself.

For show notes, please visit thescooponbalance.com/45

44 | Controversial Foods, Part 1 Jan 13, 2020

Some foods are deemed "healthy" or "from the devil" depending on who you read or follow. Today I'm discussing the controversy behind certain foods, and then I'll let you know if I eat them.

For show notes, please visit thescooponbalance.com/44

43 | Eat This Jan 11, 2020

Here is where I cut through the confusion and tell you what you should eat.

For show notes, please visit thescooponbalance.com/43

42 | Don't Eat This Jan 10, 2020

The most important aspect of staying healthy is what we put into our mouths. For good health, eliminate the following foods from your diet:

For show notes, please visit thescooponbalance.com/42

41 | Choose a Plan Jan 09, 2020

Planning is critical to health. To be successful, your plan should...

For show notes, please visit thescooponbalance.com/41

40 | The Exercise Schedule and Log Jan 08, 2020

Definitions:

Cardio workout: works your cardiovascular system

Strength workout: builds muscle

Flexibility workout: lengthens and stretches muscle

Hard workout: a "9-10" on a scale of 1-10

Moderate workout: a "5-8" on a scale of 1-10

Easy workout: a "3-4" on a scale of 1-10

Rest: no workout

For show notes, please visit thescooponbalance.com/40

39 | The Food Log Jan 07, 2020

Write down everything you are eating. Everything. I promise you, no matter how many times you do this, you will be shocked at the sheer amount of food you consume or the incredibly cruddy food choices.

For show notes, please visit thescooponbalance.com/39

38 | The Measurements Log Jan 06, 2020

Before you begin any fitness plan, you should get a baseline of where you are now, before you begin. Here are a few things you should measure NOW, and then again periodically (usually monthly)

For show notes, please visit thescooponbalance.com/38

37 | Focus on Systems Not Outcomes Jan 04, 2020

Today I want you to set a goal, but not a weight loss goal. Weight loss is an outcome and we can’t control outcomes. But we can control systems and processes that lead to outcomes. So, decide on some healthy systems and processes today. Then email me and tell me what you’re doing!

For show notes, please visit thescooponbalance.com/37

36 | What's Your Why? Jan 03, 2020

Grab your favorite beverage and writing utensil, a piece of paper, and a mirror. Look at yourself long and hard. Then answer the question, “Why do I want this?”

For show notes, please visit thescooponbalance.com/36

35 | Something is Better Than Nothing Jan 02, 2020

You have hundreds of opportunities every single day to choose the healthy option. Missing one or two of those opportunities doesn't need to derail you completely. Doing a little of something healthy is better than doing nothing healthy.

For show notes, please visit thescooponbalance.com/35

34 | 31 Days to Your Healthiest Year Ever Jan 01, 2020

Welcome to Season 3 of The Balanced MomCast! It's the New Year. And if you are like most people, you want to do something good for your health this year. I got you.

For show notes, please visit thescooponbalance.com/34

33 | The Most Downloaded Episode of The Balanced MomCast So Far Dec 26, 2019

This is the episode you shared the most, and with good reason. Either you ARE a tired mom or you KNOW a tired mom. So this is for everyone.

For show notes, please visit thescooponbalance.com/33

32 | Number 2 of The Top Episodes So Far Dec 19, 2019

I have learned that my levels of balance flow directly from the routines I have established in my life. I may know my priorities well enough. But if I don’t have a routine in place to live each of those priorities out, I exist in a constant state of imbalance.

So, I’ve decided, for the sake of my balance, I need to take a look at my priorities and begin the hard work of establishing routines for each one.

For show notes, please visit thescooponbalance.com/32

31 | Number 3 of The Top Episodes So Far Dec 12, 2019

In this episode we discuss Balance Basics...

For show notes, please visit thescooponbalance.com/31

30 | Number 4 of the Top Episodes So Far Dec 05, 2019

I love me a good countdown, don’t you? I grew up listening to Casey Kasem’s American Top 40, where’d I sit with my ear glued to my little radio waiting to hear if my favorite song climbed the charts to #1.

For show notes, please visit thescooponbalance.com/30

29 | Setting Boundaries Around Your Time and Relationships Nov 28, 2019

It’s Thanksgiving week and the holiday season is officially here. Last week many of you participated in a survey where I asked you the question: “If you could change something to make your holiday season more balanced, joyful, and peaceful, what would it be?”

For show notes, please visit thescooponbalance.com/29

28 | How to Spend Less at Christmas Nov 22, 2019

Last week some of you participated in a listener survey where I asked what brings you the most anxiety during the holidays. Your number one answer? Finances. You said you had too many gifts to buy and not enough money. You said you didn’t know how to cut back or where to start. So, this week that’s precisely what we will discuss: Creative ways to spend less this Christmas.

For show notes, please visit thescooponbalance.com/28

27 | Your Holiday To-Don't List Nov 14, 2019

If you struggle with balance on a regular day, the holiday season, with all its obligations and expectations, can send you into complete and utter chaos. What is aggressively marketed as The Most Wonderful Time of the Year feels more like stress and debt and five pounds of fat around your midsection. Today we’re sorting through your obligations and expectations for the holidays so we can get something off your plate. Today I’m helping you create your holiday to-don’t list.

For show notes, please visit thescooponbalance.com/27

26 | Tangible Ways You Can Help Orphans Nov 07, 2019

For show notes, please visit thescooponbalance.com/26

25 | Kids, Cell Phones, and Social Media {S2/EP25) Oct 31, 2019

These episodes are all about kids and phones. Today I’m continuing with Part 2 of a discussion I started in EP24, with more talking points regarding content of texts and online conduct, sharing and posting photos, social media boundaries, and a reminder of who they are.

For show notes, please visit thescooponbalance.com/25

24 | Before You Hand Your Child a Cell Phone or Open a Social Media Account {S2/EP24} Oct 24, 2019

The latest studies reveal that the average age for a child to get his first smartphone is 10.3 years old. And by the time children are 11 ½ years old, almost 40% of them will have a social media account. Listen, mom…Before you hand your child a smartphone or allow him access to social media you must have a conversation with that child, many conversations, actually. Today, I’m giving you Part One of a list of talking points to get that ball rolling.

For show notes, please visit thescooponbalance.com/24

23 | Parenting in the Age of Internet, Social Media, and Cell Phones {S2/EP23} Oct 17, 2019

I had no idea 10 years ago, when I bought my oldest daughter a cell phone and laptop, that technology and everything that comes with it would absolutely dominate our lives. Today we’re talking all about parenting in the age of the internet, social media, and cell phones.

If you have kids of any age still in your home this is a discussion you cannot avoid.

For show notes, please visit thescooponbalance.com/23

22 | 15 Practical Ways to Balance Social Media {S2/EP22} Oct 10, 2019

Nothing will mess with our balance quite like distraction. And few things distract moms in 2019 more consistently than social media. In Episode 21 I mentioned 10 problems that come as a direct result of using social media, and today I’m offering you 15 of my best tips for managing and reducing your screen time so you do not become a slave to it and instead live a more focused and less frazzled life.

For show notes, please visit thescooponbalance.com/22

21 | 10 Problems with Social Media and Technology for Moms {S2/EP21} Oct 03, 2019

Today I’m starting a new series on technology and social media. How it affects us as women. How it affects us as moms. How it affects our kids. And how in the world are we supposed to balance all this? Because it’s definitely not going away! Today I’m starting with a sneak peek behind my recent decision to take a year-long social media hiatus.

For show notes, please visit thescooponbalance.com/21

20 | How to Help Someone With Depression and Anxiety {S2/EP20} Sep 26, 2019

I don’t know you, but I know one thing about you: Either you suffer from depression and anxiety, or you love someone who does. Either way, knowing how to help someone who suffers is valuable information. Today I’m offering you some dos and don’ts of helping someone with depression and anxiety. You can use it for yourself or you can pass it on to the people who love you.

For show notes, please visit thescooponbalance.com/20

19 | Natural Remedies for Depression and Anxiety {S2/EP19} Sep 19, 2019

Today I’m offering you a few over the counter supplements—some that I have tried and use--that have been been studied and shown to work well for people. Then I emphasize a few of the best lifestyle elements that are the most effective in treating and preventing depression and anxiety.

For show notes, please visit thescooponbalance.com/19

18 | What I Do to Manage My Depression and Anxiety Naturally {S2/EP18} Sep 12, 2019

Depression affects 300 million people worldwide, and I am one of them. The good news is, depression is entirely treatable and almost always, preventable. If you have mild depression and anxiety and want to explore some options outside of prescription medication, I'm giving you the exact things I do on a daily basis that keep depression and anxiety at bay.

For show notes, please visit thescooponbalance.com/18

17 | More Questions to Ask Yourself When You're Feeling Off (Part 2) {S2/EP17} Sep 05, 2019

Depression affects 300 million people and is the leading cause of disability worldwide. That statistic is staggering. The good news is depression is entirely treatable and almost always, preventable…especially when we learn to recognize the things that trigger our depression in the first place.

For show notes, please visit thescooponbalance.com/17

16 | Questions to Ask Yourself When You're Feeling Off (Part 1) {S2/EP16} Aug 29, 2019

Depression affects 300,000,000 people and is the leading cause of disability worldwide. If you are a woman, you are twice as likely to suffer from depression than a man.

For show notes, please visit thescooponbalance.com/16

15 | What to do When You're Overwhelmed {S2/EP15} Aug 21, 2019

If you're a mom drowning in your responsibilities, I'm here to throw you a lifeline. Today I'm offering 7 things that will give you immediate relief from the pressure of "too much."

For show notes, please visit thescooponbalance.com/15

14 | Find Your Summer Balance in 33 Minutes a Day {BONUS EPISODE! 14} Jun 28, 2019

In this episode I share a simple strategy for gaining control of your day in these summer months when the schedule is wonky, the days are longer, and the structure of the school year has been removed...all in just 33 minutes a day, as the name implies.

For show notes, please visit thescooponbalance.com/14

13 | Choosing Life Every Day {S1/13} May 31, 2019

Balance is all about making good choices. And each day we have 35,000 opportunities to do so. Today, I'm playing Part 2 of a sermon I preached at my home church entitled "Choose Life." Don't let the word "sermon" fool you...this episode is super practical.

For show notes, please visit thescooponbalance.com/13

12 | How Choices Bring Life or Death {S1/12} May 24, 2019

Balance is all about making good choices...and every day we have 35,000 opportunities to do so. Today I'm playing for you Part 1 of a message I preached at my home church on Sanctity of Human Life Sunday, entitled Choose Life (but I'm not only talking about "saving babies.")

For show notes, please visit thescooponbalance.com/12

11 | Keeping Your Cool During a Teen Temper Tantrum {S1/11} May 17, 2019

When your teen loses it, the absolute worst thing you can do is lose it too. When you match your child tantrum for tantrum, there are immediate and negative consequences:

You lose your leverage
Your teen feels like you are not a safe place.
It's impossible for you to think rationally.

For show notes, please visit thescooponbalance.com/11

10 | How to Breathe Life into a Tired Mom [S1/10] May 10, 2019

For show notes, please visit thescooponbalance.com/10

9 | Teaching Kids to Eat Healthy Food {S1/9} May 03, 2019

For show notes, please visit thescooponbalance.com/9

8 | How to Have a Balanced Body Image [S1/8] Apr 25, 2019

For show notes, please visit thescooponbalance.com/8

7 | How Routines Help Achieve Balance [S1/7] Apr 19, 2019

For show notes, please visit thescooponbalance.com/7

6 | The Surprising Source of Your Balance Struggles [S1/6] Apr 12, 2019

For show notes, please visit thescooponbalance.com/6

5 | My #1 Tool for Helping Me Live Out My Priorities {S1/5} Apr 05, 2019

For show notes, please visit thescooponbalance.com/5

4 | How to Determine Your Priorities {S1/4} Mar 29, 2019

For show notes, please visit thescooponbalance.com/4

3 | Four Principles of a Well-Balanced Life [S1/3] Mar 07, 2019

For show notes, please visit thescooponbalance.com/3

2 | The Best Definition of Balance [S1/2] Mar 07, 2019

For show notes, please visit thescooponbalance.com/2

1 | Welcome to The Balanced MomCast with Sandy Cooper! [S1/1] Mar 07, 2019

For show notes, please visit thescooponbalance.com/1

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