Tune into this special episode to hear what's going on with Jen, some reflections on the past five years and what's coming for the podcast, and how to stay connected. 

Mentioned in this episode: 

Get Jen's new book here! https://books2read.com/MilspouseMatters

Get Jen's first book, You Are Not Alone: Encouragement for the Heart of a Military Spouse here: https://amzn.to/3T4zkzY 

See Jen at the Tucson Book Festival, March 9-10, 2024! Come say hi to me at the W. Brand Publishing booth. Get more info here: https://tucsonfestivalofbooks.org/

All Milspouse Matters episodes and military spouse content is here: milspousematters.com

Jen's writing, updates on book, and her author journey are here: jen-mcdonald.com

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Socials:

Follow on Instagram: https://bit.ly/MMPInsta 

Follow on Facebook: https://bit.ly/MMPodFacebook 

Follow on TikTok: https://bit.ly/MMPodTikTok 

Follow on Twitter: https://bit.ly/MMPodTwitter 

Subscribe on YouTube: https://bit.ly/MMPodYouTube

Some of the most listened-to episodes for this podcast are on the topics of self-care and fitness, and so I’m delighted to bring you today's guest Grace Barnick-Damazo. We're talking all about how to “PCS proof” your fitness routine, along with some practical tips you can start using today. Grace is the Head Coach and Owner of FitPath Coaching, LLC. She’s spent years learning from the best in the fitness industry, so that she can get you the results that you deserve.

Grace is a Navy spouse, and she understands the unique challenges that military life plays in reaching your health and fitness goals. It’s her mission to provide solutions that work for active duty women and military spouses, including her most recent fitness program, PCS Proof Fitness! 

Grace was voted the 2018 Personal Trainer of the Year by her peers, and she’s committed to providing the highest level, science-backed, proven programs to women in military life in a supportive, approachable, and affordable way.

Fitness doesn't have to be complicated, and Grace breaks it all down for us in this episode. As she says, "When in doubt, go for a walk!"

Grace is generously offering your first month of #PCSProofFitness completely free!

Use this exclusive promo code on her site when you check out: MSMFREE

Connect with Grace and her programs at:  

https://www.fitpathcoaching.com/pcs-proof-fitness

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

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

Spouse-ly Store: https://spouse-ly.com/store/fitpath-coaching-llc/

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Connect with Jen:

Jen’s site: https://bit.ly/jenmcd

Military spouse resources: https://bit.ly/MMPodresources 

PCS move resources: https://bit.ly/MMPCS 

Jen’s blog: https://bit.ly/MMPodblog 

Digital downloads: https://bit.ly/MMPoddownloads 

Books: https://bit.ly/MMPodbooks 

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Socials:

Follow on Instagram: https://bit.ly/MMPInsta 

Follow on Facebook: https://bit.ly/MMPodFacebook 

Follow on TikTok: https://bit.ly/MMPodTikTok 

Follow on Twitter: https://bit.ly/MMPodTwitter 

Subscribe on YouTube: https://bit.ly/MMPodYouTube

Join the Christian Military Spouse Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/CMilspouseFB

On this episode, I'm honored to be speaking to Judy Gray and Taylor Kiland, the authors of the newly released book, Unwavering: The Wives Who Fought to Ensure No Man is Left Behind.

About the book: In a time when women faced countless challenges and societal limitations, these military wives dared to defy the status quo. They transformed from bystanders to frontline activists, passionately advocating for the return of their missing and captive husbands during the Vietnam War. Their unwavering determination made the fate of their men—and the others who were POWs and MIA— a national priority, despite the odds stacked against them. "Unwavering" is not just a book; it's a love letter to military spouses everywhere.

Judy and Taylor, both military veterans themselves, take us on a journey behind the scenes of this incredible project. Discover what inspired them to tell this powerful story and what kept them motivated throughout the writing process. Get a sneak peek into the remarkable tales of perseverance and courage found within the pages of Unwavering. This is the quintessential American narrative of how a group of women, once silenced and sidelined, reshaped the way America fights its wars. 

Watch the Unwavering book trailer and see this episode's complete show notes here.

Get the Unwavering book on Amazon here.

Connect with Unwavering, Judy, and Taylor:

• Unwavering book website: https://www.unwaveringbook.com
• X, Facebook, and Instagram as @Unwaveringbook
• Linked in: Judy Silverstein Gray, Taylor Kiland

Mentioned in this episode:

• Military Moves and Deployments During the Holidays
• Jen’s new book, Milspouse Matters: Sharing Strength Through Our Stories
• Get 20% off the 5-Day Deployment Devotional during December with code December23 here

Connect:

Jen’s site: https://bit.ly/jenmcd

Military spouse resources: https://bit.ly/MMPodresources 

PCS move resources: https://bit.ly/MMPCS 

Jen’s blog: https://bit.ly/MMPodblog 

Digital downloads: https://bit.ly/MMPoddownloads 

Books: https://bit.ly/MMPodbooks 

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Socials:

Follow on Instagram: https://bit.ly/MMPInsta 

Follow on Facebook: https://bit.ly/MMPodFacebook 

Follow on TikTok: https://bit.ly/MMPodTikTok 

Follow on Twitter: https://bit.ly/MMPodTwitter 

Subscribe on YouTube: https://bit.ly/MMPodYouTube

Join the Christian Military Spouse Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/CMilspouseFB

Are you dealing with a military move or deployment right smack dab in the middle of the “most wonderful time of the year”? Let's talk about ways to cope and giving yourself permission to do what works for you and your family.  

Mentioned in this episode: 

Jen's new book, Milspouse Matters: Sharing Strength Through Our Stories: https://books2read.com/MilspouseMatters 

Get 20% off the 5-Day Deployment Devotional during December with code December23:  https://jen-mcdonald.com/product/deployment-devotional/ 

Surviving a Military Move During the Holidays from MilitaryByOwner: https://blog.militarybyowner.com/surviving-a-military-move-during-the-holidays

Getting Through the Holidays While Your Spouse Is Deployed: https://jen-mcdonald.com/getting-through-the-holidays-while-your-spouse-is-deployed/

Episode 99: Dealing with Anxiety as a Military Spouse: https://jen-mcdonald.com/show-notes/episode-99-dealing-with-anxiety-as-a-military-spouse/

The Christian Milspouse Podcast: https://jen-mcdonald.com/podcast/christian-milspouse-podcast/

Free mental health help and counseling:  https://www.militaryonesource.mil/

Telemynd (covered by TRICARE): https://www.telemynd.com/humanamilitary

Having a Baby Overseas: What Military Spouses Should Know: https://jen-mcdonald.com/having-a-baby-overseas-what-military-spouses-should-know/

Want me to speak at your next military spouse event, book club, or conference? I'm also happy to drop in virtually to your book club or meeting! Contact me here: https://jen-mcdonald.com/contact/

Connect:

Jen’s site: https://bit.ly/jenmcd

Military spouse resources: https://bit.ly/MMPodresources 

PCS move resources: https://bit.ly/MMPCS 

Jen’s blog: https://bit.ly/MMPodblog 

Digital downloads: https://bit.ly/MMPoddownloads 

Books: https://bit.ly/MMPodbooks 

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Socials:

Follow on Instagram: https://bit.ly/MMPInsta 

Follow on Facebook: https://bit.ly/MMPodFacebook 

Follow on TikTok: https://bit.ly/MMPodTikTok 

Follow on Twitter: https://bit.ly/MMPodTwitter 

Subscribe on YouTube: https://bit.ly/MMPodYouTube

Join the Christian Military Spouse Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/CMilspouseFB

I'm so happy to bring you my talk with Charlynda Scales, author of the brand new book, Rock Bottom Has a Trampoline, which has already ranked as a best new release in its category!

She’s a veteran, now a reservist, a former military spouse, and an entrepreneur.

Charlynda is not only impressive, but she's a kind-hearted person who is wise beyond her years. But that wisdom has been hard-won. We discuss the stories behind her book, her journey to becoming an entrepreneur, aligning yourself with others who are like-hearted vs. like-minded, advice for entrepreneurs or anyone starting over, and how to come back when life has brought you to rock bottom. As Charlynda says about the idea of "rock bottom has a trampoline,"

"I've heard the saying, 'rock bottom has a basement.' How freaking depressing is that statement? There's no faith in that. There's no light at the end of the tunnel in that quote. If you believe in something bigger than yourself, you'll never truly be at rock bottom. Rock bottom is not a place you go and stay. Rock bottom is a moment."

Here’s more about Charlynda:

Charlynda Scales is a serial entrepreneur: She serves as founder and CEO of Mutt's Sauce LLC and OH Taste LLC; Director of the OH Taste Foundation (501c3), and creator of The Empower Collection. She is the author of the business empowerment book, Rock Bottom Has a Trampoline.

Charlynda is a sought-after speaker and mentor for women's empowerment and small businesses. Her military career spans over 15 years; she's currently an Air Force Reservist stationed at Wright Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio.

Her son, David, is, in her opinion, her finest achievement.

I'm certain you're going to be so inspired by Charlynda, just as I was.

Get Rock Bottom Has a Trampoline Here: https://amzn.to/3Qv3DNM

Get Jen's new book, Milspouse Matters: Sharing Strength Through Our Stories: https://books2read.com/MilspouseMatters 

5-day Deployment Devotional, half off in the month of November with code November23: https://jen-mcdonald.com/product/deployment-devotional/ 

PILLAR online FREE deployment retreat, Nov. 17-19, 2023  - sign up here! https://www.facebook.com/groups/209167998492858 

Connect:

Jen’s site: https://bit.ly/jenmcd

Military spouse resources: https://bit.ly/MMPodresources 

PCS move resources: https://bit.ly/MMPCS 

Jen’s blog: https://bit.ly/MMPodblog 

Digital downloads: https://bit.ly/MMPoddownloads 

Books: https://bit.ly/MMPodbooks 

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Socials:

Follow on Instagram: https://bit.ly/MMPInsta 

Follow on Facebook: https://bit.ly/MMPodFacebook 

Follow on TikTok: https://bit.ly/MMPodTikTok 

Follow on Twitter: https://bit.ly/MMPodTwitter 

Subscribe on YouTube: https://bit.ly/MMPodYouTube

Join the Christian Military Spouse Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/CMilspouseFB

It's no secret that military families love their pets! But what do you do if you're facing a deployment and have no one to care for your pet? Or if you get an overseas assignment to a location your pet can't go? Enter PACT for Animals! PACT for Animals is dedicated to fostering pets for active duty U.S. military members on deployment or an assignment where they cannot bring their pet and veterans in medical crisis. 

On this episode, I’m speaking with Julie Zantopoulos from PACT for Animals. Julie shares the mission of PACT for Animals, which functions in all 50 states, information on how to foster or find care for pets, and ways you can support PACT for Animals. They’re the only nationwide nonprofit that screens and matches pet fosters, facilitates the reunion, and also supports both the foster and pet’s family through the duration of the separation.

Connect with PACT for Animals: 

• Reach Julie: [email protected]
• https://pactforanimals.org/
• https://www.facebook.com/PACTforAnimals
• https://www.instagram.com/pactforanimals/
• https://www.linkedin.com/company/pactforanimals/
• https://twitter.com/PACTforAnimals
• https://www.youtube.com/@PACTforAnimals 

Mentioned in this episode:  

Get Jen's new book, Milspouse Matters: Sharing Strength Through Our Stories: https://books2read.com/MilspouseMatters 

5-day Deployment Devotional, half off in the month of November with code November23: https://jen-mcdonald.com/product/deployment-devotional/ 

PILLAR online FREE deployment retreat, Nov. 17-19, 2023  - sign up here! https://www.facebook.com/groups/209167998492858 

Podcast deployment episodes: https://jen-mcdonald.com/podcategory/deployment/

Deployment blog posts: https://jen-mcdonald.com/category/deployment/

See this episode's complete show notes: https://bit.ly/MMep110

Connect with Jen and Milspouse Matters:

• Jen’s site: https://bit.ly/jenmcd
• Military spouse resources: https://bit.ly/MMPodresources 
• PCS move resources: https://bit.ly/MMPCS 
• Jen’s blog: https://bit.ly/MMPodblog 
• Digital downloads: https://bit.ly/MMPoddownloads
• Books: https://bit.ly/MMPodbooks 

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Socials:

Follow on Instagram: https://bit.ly/MMPInsta 

Follow on Facebook: https://bit.ly/MMPodFacebook 

Follow on TikTok: https://bit.ly/MMPodTikTok 

Follow on Twitter: https://bit.ly/MMPodTwitter 

Subscribe on YouTube: https://bit.ly/MMPodYouTube

Join the Christian Military Spouse Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/CMilspouseFB

In this episode of Milspouse Matters, Jen talks with Brooke McLean, retired CMSgt and President/CEO of the Air Force Enlisted Village (AFEV), a one-of-a-kind-community which has a mission of providing safe, secure homes for surviving spouses of military retirees and retired military couples.

They discuss Brooke's military background, the mission of AFEV, and some of the wonderful stories of the residents, several of whom are featured in Jen’s new book! Hear about a day in the life of a resident, eligibility criteria for residents, some heartwarming stories, and future plans for AFEV—including future developments like Victory Village and help for caregivers of our nation’s Wounded Warriors—along with encouraging words for current military families. 

Brooke also talks about his YouTube series, "Cook with Brooke," and ways listeners can help support AFEV, a 501c3 nonprofit. As Brooke says, if you’re having a bad day, just get out and visit with one of the residents. Find out how to plan a visit to AFEV and tune in for an inspiring conversation about supporting military widows and retired couples. 

Mentioned in this episode: 

Get Jen's new book, Milspouse Matters: Sharing Strength Through Our Stories: https://books2read.com/MilspouseMatters

5-day Deployment Devotional, FREE through Oct. 31 with code deployment23: https://jen-mcdonald.com/product/deployment-devotional/

PILLAR online FREE deployment retreat, Nov. 17-19, 2023  - sign up here! https://www.facebook.com/groups/209167998492858

See this episode's complete show notes: https://bit.ly/MM109AFEV

Connect with the Air Force Enlisted Village: 

• www.afev.us
• https://www.facebook.com/AirForceEnlistedVillage/
• https://www.instagram.com/afev.us/
• https://www.youtube.com/user/AFEVAFEV
• https://www.linkedin.com/company/afenlistedvillage/

Connect with Brooke McLean: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brooke-mclean-1b531329/

Connect with Jen and Milspouse Matters:

Jen’s site: https://bit.ly/jenmcd

Military spouse resources: https://bit.ly/MMPodresources 

PCS move resources: https://bit.ly/MMPCS 

Jen’s blog: https://bit.ly/MMPodblog 

Digital downloads: https://bit.ly/MMPoddownloads 

Books: https://bit.ly/MMPodbooks 

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Socials:

Follow on Instagram: https://bit.ly/MMPInsta 

Follow on Facebook: https://bit.ly/MMPodFacebook 

Follow on TikTok: https://bit.ly/MMPodTikTok 

Follow on Twitter: https://bit.ly/MMPodTwitter 

Subscribe on YouTube: https://bit.ly/MMPodYouTube

Join the Christian Military Spouse Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/CMilspouseFB

Have you ever felt lost after a military move? Are you trying to figure out how to get connected? Do you feel "stuck"?

Susan Miller from Just Moved Ministry is here to talk about settling in, plugging in, and finding your new normal after a move...after the boxes are unpacked! As she says, "Don't isolate yourself. Join up, and join in!" She not only understands and validates the feelings of being alone and rootless after a move (she was both a military brat and military wife), but gives practical tips on getting involved and connected. She reminds us, "God will not take you anywhere that He doesn't have a place for you."

In 1995, Susan launched Just Moved Ministry out of a desire to offer the encouragement and hope of Jesus Christ to women uprooted by a move. Thousands of uprooted women around the world have contacted Just Moved Ministry for personal encouragement, helpful resources, inspiration, prayer support, an online community, and to find the location of an After the Boxes Are Unpacked study group. 

Connect with Just Moved Ministry at justmoved.org and on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/JustMovedMinistry

and Instagram as https://www.instagram.com/justmovedministry/

Get Jen's new book! https://books2read.com/MilspouseMatters

This episode's ad: 

Munk Pack 1g Sugar Nut & Seed Bars: Gluten-free, keto friendly, plant-based, non-gmo verified, and delicious! Pretzel dark chocolate and other flavors. Use promo code SAVE10MP for 10% off all Munk Pack Nut & Seed Bars, Amazon only, ends 12/31/2023. https://amzn.to/3t1KcUv 

Connect:

This episode's complete show notes: https://jen-mcdonald.com/show-notes/after-the-boxes-are-unpacked-with-susan-miller-ep-108/

Jen’s site: https://bit.ly/jenmcd

Military spouse resources: https://bit.ly/MMPodresources 

PCS move resources: https://bit.ly/MMPCS 

Jen’s blog: https://bit.ly/MMPodblog 

Digital downloads: https://bit.ly/MMPoddownloads 

Books: https://bit.ly/MMPodbooks 

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Socials:

Follow on Instagram: https://bit.ly/MMPInsta 

Follow on Facebook: https://bit.ly/MMPodFacebook 

Follow on TikTok: https://bit.ly/MMPodTikTok 

Follow on Twitter: https://bit.ly/MMPodTwitter 

Subscribe on YouTube: https://bit.ly/MMPodYouTube

Join the Christian Military Spouse Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/CMilspouseFB

On this episode, I'm discussing the issues that spring up with deployment and reintegration with guest Terri Laurent, a seasoned military spouse who’s sharing a ton of wisdom.

This episode is a "best of" from waaaay back on Episode 34. 

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.

We talk about preparing your heart and marriage for deployment and reintegration, that time period after the service member returns home from a long separation/deployment. 

This is part two of our talk–listen to part one on Episode 31, all about mentoring.

Mentioned in this episode: 

• The 5 Love Languages Military Edition
• Terri’s blog: Even the Birds Believe and business website, First Light Photography

Podcast episodes on deployment - https://jen-mcdonald.com/podcategory/deployment/

Blog posts about deployment - https://jen-mcdonald.com/category/deployment/ 

This episode's ad: 

Are you pregnant or a new mama? My daughter who just had her first baby has loved the teas, morning sickness help, and more from Pink Stork. This is a company founded by a military spouse and they have supplements to support fertility, pregnancy, and more! All products are third-party tested.

Subscribe and save 20% on your Pink Stork favorites. Learn more---> https://amzn.to/3Lyvwmd

Connect:

Jen’s site: https://bit.ly/jenmcd

Military spouse resources: https://bit.ly/MMPodresources 

PCS move resources: https://bit.ly/MMPCS 

Jen’s blog: https://bit.ly/MMPodblog 

Digital downloads: https://bit.ly/MMPoddownloads 

Books: https://bit.ly/MMPodbooks 

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Socials:

Follow on Instagram: https://bit.ly/MMPInsta 

Follow on Facebook: https://bit.ly/MMPodFacebook 

Follow on TikTok: https://bit.ly/MMPodTikTok 

Follow on Twitter: https://bit.ly/MMPodTwitter 

Subscribe on YouTube: https://bit.ly/MMPodYouTube

Join the Christian Military Spouse Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/CMilspouseFB

*some affiliate links

Can you actually strengthen your marriage through a military deployment or separation? I believe, yes, you can! With mindfulness and intention.  

First, I'm sharing some tips from my experiences, then we’ll be hearing from other military spouses who’ve weathered deployments and separations.

Mentioned in this episode: 

Jen's book launch team - https://jen-mcdonald.com/books/new-book/

Podcast episodes on deployment - https://jen-mcdonald.com/podcategory/deployment/

Blog posts about deployment - https://jen-mcdonald.com/category/deployment/ 

This episode's ads: 

Please consider supporting, which in turn supports the production of this podcast! 

SpaLife: Pamper yourself or get a gift set for a friend. Use the code 20SLOWDOWN in your Amazon cart for 20% off all SpaLife products(Amazon only). https://amzn.to/48iv2dE 

Munk Pack 1g Sugar Nut & Seed Bars: Gluten-free, keto friendly, plant-based, non-gmo verified, and delicious! Pretzel dark chocolate and other flavors. Use promo code SAVE10MP for 10% off all Munk Pack Nut & Seed Bars, Amazon only, ends 12/31/2023. https://amzn.to/3t1KcUv 

VENO 2-Pack Extra Large Reusable Grocery Bags: Sturdy upright design with reinforced base and carrying handles. Collapsible for easy storage. No more wobbly grocery sacks! https://amzn.to/468BwtW 

Connect:

Jen’s site: https://bit.ly/jenmcd

Military spouse resources: https://bit.ly/MMPodresources 

PCS move resources: https://bit.ly/MMPCS 

Jen’s blog: https://bit.ly/MMPodblog 

Digital downloads: https://bit.ly/MMPoddownloads 

Books: https://bit.ly/MMPodbooks 

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Socials:

Follow on Instagram: https://bit.ly/MMPInsta 

Follow on Facebook: https://bit.ly/MMPodFacebook 

Follow on TikTok: https://bit.ly/MMPodTikTok 

Follow on Twitter: https://bit.ly/MMPodTwitter 

Subscribe on YouTube: https://bit.ly/MMPodYouTube

Join the Christian Military Spouse Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/CMilspouseFB

*some affiliate links

Life as a military spouse is an intricate dance of challenges and uncertainties, along with so many adventures. On this “best of” episode, we revisit one of my favorite interviews. I’m talking to author Lisa Molinari about her military spouse journey, and how she’s found solace and strength through humor and processing life through writing. 

Lisa refers to herself as a “garden variety military spouse” (which you might disagree with after you listen to her story!). She's never been nominated for Military Spouse of the Year, but her journey is a story of resilience that will resonate with you. Throughout her decades of military life, Lisa learned to find humor in hard and even absurd circumstances. Rather than succumbing to the challenges that come with this lifestyle, she's chosen to seek out the silver lining and share her experiences through laughter.

In my conversation with Lisa, she recounted instances where humor became a lifeline during her military spouse journey. With stories from “Pork Chop Envy” to unforeseen deployment hiccups, Lisa reminds us that these crazy things we go through will become the best stories one day!

• Connect with Lisa: Facebook I Instagram I Twitter I Pinterest
• Get Lisa's book, The Meat and Potatoes of Life: My True Lit Com
• Lisa's website:  The Meat and Potatoes of Life

This episode's sponsors: 

Please consider supporting our sponsors, which in turn supports the production of this podcast!

Pink Stork, The Wellness Brand for Women®, was born out of military spouse Amy's desire to help others. Pink Stork offers clean, effective supplements supporting fertility, morning sickness, pregnancy, postpartum, nursing, and more.

• Prenatal Vitamins:  https://amzn.to/451psuq
• Labor Prep Tea: https://amzn.to/3DPQAk4
• Morning sickness help: https://amzn.to/3QKLgG7

Unbox Me Sunshine Gift for Women 

Send a box of sunshine to someone who could use a pick-me-up. Maybe it’s yourself! Unboxme self-care gifts for women are carefully curated with high-quality, artisan products sourced from small, family-owned U.S. businesses. Box includes organic herbal tea, fluffy cloud socks, ceramic mug, honey sheet mask, hand-poured candle, beeswax lip balm, a fun floral scrunchie, and a “sending sunshine” card. https://amzn.to/45hdzke

Connect:

This episode's complete show notes: https://bit.ly/MMep105 

Jen’s site: https://bit.ly/jenmcd

Military spouse resources: https://bit.ly/MMPodresources 

PCS move resources: https://bit.ly/MMPCS

Jen’s blog: https://bit.ly/MMPodblog 

Digital downloads: https://bit.ly/MMPoddownloads 

Books: https://bit.ly/MMPodbooks 

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Socials:

Follow on Instagram: https://bit.ly/MMPInsta 

Follow on Facebook: https://bit.ly/MMPodFacebook 

Follow on TikTok: https://bit.ly/MMPodTikTok 

Follow on Twitter: https://bit.ly/MMPodTwitter 

Subscribe on YouTube: https://bit.ly/MMPodYouTube

Join the Christian Military Spouse Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/CMilspouseFB  

*some affiliate links