Milspouse Matters

On this episode, Jen shares encouragement and resources for U.S. military families as we navigate the "new normal" of life in the Coronavirus pandemic.

Maybe your PCS move is on hold, the military member has been called up or is on extra duty, you're suddenly working from home (or you're out of work), your kids are out of school and it's up to you to keep them on task at home. Life has surely changed in many ways.

Where can you find accurate information during this time? I've put together an easy list of official government and DOD resources for you.

My biggest reminder? Give yourself some grace! And, now more than ever, let's extend grace and flexibility to each other.

CLICK HERE FOR SHOW NOTES AND RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

Find the complete Milspouse Matters show archive.

Want to purchase multiple copies of Jen's book, You Are Not Alone: Encouragement for the Heart of a Military Spouse? Contact Jen on her site for information and pricing.

Have you dealt with the emotional build up leading up to deployment? Have you wondered why the service member's homecoming isn't like what you see on TV or the movies?

Maybe you're struggling, and you think you're the only one.

Then take a listen to this discussion with experienced military wife Terri Laurent, who's been through multiple deployments with her husband. (This is part two of our talk--listen to part one on Episode 31, all about mentoring).

On this episode, we talk about preparing your heart and marriage for deployment, as well as some tips for reintegration--that time period after the service member returns home from a long separation/deployment.

CLICK HERE FOR SHOW NOTES AND RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE.

Find the complete Milspouse Matters show archive.

Want to purchase multiple copies of Jen's book, You Are Not Alone: Encouragement for the Heart of a Military Spouse? Contact Jen on her site for information and pricing.

Who doesn't love a good love story? Recently, I put a callout on social media for military spouses to tell the stories of how they met their loves, and boy, did you come through!

On this episode, you'll hear from other spouses in their own words about how they met, and even some well-earned perspective on how to strengthen your own military marriage. From blind dates to chance meetings to online connections and more, you'll love hearing the romantic and even funny stories of how the spark of love first began. This is a feel-good episode, so consider this your Happy Valentine's Day from me to you!

CLICK HERE FOR THE SHOW NOTES FOR THIS EPISODE

This week's episode is all about deployment resources and support! Whether you're facing your first deployment as a military spouse or a recent rapid deployment, I'm hoping you'll find some new ideas and support here. I'm sharing some of my favorites, as well as tips and resources from listeners.

Wherever in the world this finds you, please know that my heart is with you as you face deployment, and I hope these resources can help you during this challenging time.

Click here for resources mentioned in this episode.

As you walk through military life, who do you look up to? How do you find someone who can help you navigate the nuances of the military world, answer questions, or be a support?

Finding a trusted mentor can be so important. And then, as you get more experienced, passing that knowledge on is so needed! On this episode, Jen talks with guest Terri Laurent about the qualities that make a good role model and friend. Terri shares stories from her nearly 3 decades of military spouse life, including what she did right and even what didn't go so well! She also talks about managing expectations and the importance of taking a leap to form relationships. Terri is a true gem for the military spouse world, and I think you'll enjoy hearing her perspective…and I hope inspired to reach out and widen your own circle! Take her wise advice.

Click here for resources mentioned in this episode.

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Life as a military spouse can be so amazing and exciting, but also isolating at times. What do you do when you just feel…alone? It can appear that everyone else has it together, but guess what? They don't, either!

One of the biggest themes of my military spouse life has been lack of control. Just when I think I've settled in and figured things out, everything changes. Maybe you relate! Whether you've recently moved, your spouse is deployed, or you're going through some other challenge, living 'in the pause' can be frustrating. But it can also be a time of growth.

On this episode, we're talking about those relatable feelings, along with strategies to move forward. Most of all, be reminded that you are not alone!

Click here for resources mentioned in this episode.

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The traditional PCS season is winding down, so let's talk about making friends! Whether you've just moved or you're the one left behind, getting yourself out there and connecting can feel challenging.

On this episode, I'm joined by Tara Howes (who was the first guest on the podcast on Episode 1!) and between us, we share over 50 years of experience at navigating the military spouse world (yes, 50, that's not a typo!). We're longtime friends, and we keep the conversation comfortable and light.

Listen in as we discuss the phases of friendship and ideas for finding friends, whether you're a brand new spouse or have been at this a while. We'll also talk about ways to connect with others if you're childless, have small children, working/not working, or your kids are older. We cover it all!

Come along for a laugh and some very practical tips. We're not just complaining about the problem—we're giving you some strategies to use, whether you naturally make friends or are more introverted.

Click here for resources mentioned in this episode.

Want to connect? Follow Milspouse Matters on Instagram!

Get Jen's book, You Are Not Alone: Encouragement for the Heart of a Military Spouse.

Join the Christian Military Spouse Facebook Group

As military women and wives, our own health can sometimes take the back burner, especially in light of other pressing issues, like an impending PCS or deployment. This is your reminder that you're important, too!

Join Jen as she talks to Ashley Gammon about giving ourselves permission to take time to refuel, ask for help, and find ways to incorporate self care, even if you're a busy mom with lots of little ones.

Ashley has a background in health and is a certified personal trainer, MUTU Pro, and M.O.M.S. (Military Outreach Mutu System) Community manager. This program promotes pelvic floor and core health for women in pre and postpartum stages of life, and we're talking about what's not normal when it comes to our bodies and ways to better care for ourselves.

As Ashley reminds us, "You matter. You're important."

Find out more about Ashley, the resources mentioned, and her discount code for the MUTU system in this episode's show notes.

Want to connect? Follow Milspouse Matters on Instagram!

Get Jen's book, You Are Not Alone: Encouragement for the Heart of a Military Spouse.

Christian Military Spouse Facebook Group

Vote for Jen and the Milspouse Matters podcast for the Military & Veteran Community (MVC) Choice Awards! I've been nominated in the Social Media Influencer category. Voting is open until August 6, 2019.

This week, we're talking about the importance of military friendships! If you don't know Stacy Taylor, then hang on, because you'll grow to love her! You may be familiar with this longtime Army spouse and her family from hearing the viral story of how the military spouse community rallied around and helped throw her Marine Corps son's wedding at Fort Hood after he was displaced by Hurricane Florence in 2018.

Stacy talks about the importance of friendships and faith through her years of being a military spouse. She's also honest about her transition from being active duty herself to civilian life, and even some of the misconceptions she had about military spouses, and then how she came to embrace the life.

Find out more about Stacy and resources mentioned in this episode's show notes.

Want to connect? Follow Milspouse Matters on Instagram!

Get Jen's book, You Are Not Alone: Encouragement for the Heart of a Military Spouse.

Christian Military Spouse Facebook Group

What role does faith play in your life as a military spouse? Are you tired of "church shopping" every time you move?

This week, Jen's talking to Rebecca Alwine, Army spouse, mom of three, and freelance writer. They discuss finding your "tribe" and how important a faith community can be in your marriage and personal life. We touch on mentoring and being a mentor to someone else, as well as how your faith can uphold you through the hard seasons.

Find out more about Rebecca and the resources mentioned in this episode's show notes.

Want to connect? Follow Milspouse Matters on Instagram!

Get Jen's book, You Are Not Alone: Encouragement for the Heart of a Military Spouse