Military Affiliated Discount Codes: APPAREL: Curves and Combat Boots – 15% off with code JOYFUL15 The Charge Apparel – 15% off with code JOYFUL15 Simply Chosen Boutique – 15% off with code JOYFUL15 Soledier Socks – 10% off with code JOYFUL10 R. Riveter Handbags – 10% off with code AJOYFULMILSPOUSE Accessories Concrete Conversation Cards – … More Discount Code Round Up
17 years since I lost my dad.. and with him most of the memories and stories of my mom who had already passed away, and I said goodbye to the person I thought I’d marry. I didn’t do any reflecting on my 35th birthday and honestly it’s because I often feel immature. I still struggle … More How do you hold grief and the gospel?
▪️Amazon CZY Sports bra top! Tons of colors! Size small! ▪️My favorite Amazon workout leggings!! Size small. ▪️Target running shorts with double pocket! One side has a zipper! Size small ▪️Target sports bra crop. Actually long enough for long torso girls!! Size small ▪️Amazon sports bra. Ran and hiked it, no chaffing! Size small! ▪️My … More Athletic Wear Favorites!!
Going Out: Easy going from church to the park, errands etc. I knew I liked these pants when I bought them I just didn’t know they would become my GO TO pants (especially since Colorado isn’t quite warm enough for shorts in the mornings yet). Target and Old Navy Tanks! So many colors! So easy … More Summer Capsule Wardrobe – from my “sun hat because I turn 35 this summer” era!
1. They’re meeting people from all over the country and different walks of life. This has the ability to expand their compassion, understanding, and respect for others and other’s opinions that are different than their own! 2. It is giving them a better understanding of geography from a young age. It allows them connect places … More Five Ways Military Life is Enriching my Kids’ Lives
When one random Instagram story about decor leads to a whole bedroom makeover… I posted about not knowing how to display our family photos which led to a friend recommending the book The Cozy Minimilast Home by Myquillyn Smith. This led to a pretty clear understanding of what I loved about the rooms I love, … More Master Bedroom Makeover
I know sometimes the hardest part is wondering how this life is shaping them… the little hearts that didn’t choose it. And so I remind myself often that: They belong to Him, not to us. We are stewards He is the maker. He loves them more than we do and He knows them better than … More Trusting God with our kids – in the midst of our military lives!
1. If they have an award they are especially proud of that isn’t displayed, there are lots of cool options on Etsy! This Spurs display I got from @inkstickartstudio . Great customer service to get the unit correct and it came packaged so well! 2. A challenge coin flag is always a great piece! I … More Three gift ideas for your service member:
✨Attempting to get them registered for hourly care for when I need a break or have appointments! See your local CYS for info on free hourly care for children of deployed service members. But, even if not deploying, it’s a great – safe- childcare option for when you have appointments or simply need a few … More 6 practical ways I’m preparing for time without my service member:
Distance- so often it stands between us and what we grieve, between us and what we long to celebrate. We can’t make it home to the wedding we wanted to be at, or to squeeze our newest niece or nephew. We aren’t able to give the hugs of compassion, or bring the meals we wish … More Military Life & the Gospel, Distance
I’ve told my husband countless times I wish I had known more about military academy options for college. I went to a small Christian school and I have a vague memory of Missouri National Guard recruiters coming to lunch but mostly it was very expensive private schools. Instead, I ended up a Christian internship much … More From Ministry to Military – an unlikely journey
It’s crazy to think that this time last year I couldn’t articulate a goal beyond, “not die of sleep deprivation while my husband is deployed.” My son was struggling with extreme eczema, I was single parenting, packing for a PCS, and had no idea where we would land at the end of 2023. I can … More Goal setting: 2023
Non-Fiction / Family Discipleship: Habits of the Household – Practicing the Story of God in Everyday Family Rhythms by Justin Earley: I’ve never read a book that was both so convicting and encouraging at the same time. I felt understood and seen as a family, yet challenged and inspired to not just DO MORE, but … More My favorite books and audio books from 2023
A prayer for reflection: Father, as we look back on all the ways you have been sovereign over our lives, in the giving and withholding, the joy and pain, may we look back at our year through your eternal perspective. To know that your kind heart always has our good in mind. Whether to grow … More Five Reflections to ask yourself before you start goal setting!
Hiking (with kids): • Seven Bridges, North Cheyanne Canyon Park • Columbine Trail, North Cheyanne Canyon Park • Mays Peak, North Cheyanne Canyon Park • North Catamount Reservoir • Palmer Park, Colorado Springs • Elevan Mile Canyon Recreation Area (National forest), Florissant • Red Rock Canyon Open Space • Garden of the Gods • Royal … More Fort Carson, Colorado Bucket List
1. Drop a meal the week of a PCS (before the move or after a neighbor moves in). 2. Been invited from the park to an in home Bible study. 3. Had a friend send specific times and dates she was available to watch kids during my spouse’s deployment. 4. Been invited to extended family … More 10 ways to show Biblical hospitality as a milspouse (from ways it’s been shown to me).
This life is so unique. Most of my friends post college are scattered like the wind. Doing all kinds of jobs in all kinds of places, with rhythms that are hard to match when making friends. Then there’s military spouses. All “doing this thing” together. Often similar life schedules and rhythms… at least similar understanding. … More The Beauty of Community
As I wrote this on a story slide this weekend I realized how central these words our to our family. Like a family motto that’s never been hung up. “Sorrow for what we’ve lost, Joy in what we’ve been given. Eyes fixed on eternity And the One who died to be with is there.” Broken … More Our family foundation…
Going to the arcade had me thinking about all the fun dates we’ve done in the past. I love an emotionally bonding experience over a movie any day. You’ll never catch me going to a haunted house but I bet that would be a fun one if you like that sort of thing 🤣. Rock … More Creative Date Night Experiences
Bitterness, it creeps in like a weed. Mixed in at first with sentiments of hardship, maybe even cries for help. It’s not complaining, you say, it’s being honest. And maybe that’s partly true. But then, like an untended garden, it grows. Watered by others on your path who affirm not just the truth of a … More Military life & the gospel, part 4
Maybe getting tattoos for our 8th anniversary date is cheesy…but here’s 8 things that aren’t (that also happened on this anniversary): ✨Choosing to spend $$$ on dates as a military couple without family around to help out. ✨Choosing to make memories together / experiencing new things together (even when it’s hard to plan). ✨Choosing time … More Anniversary tattoos…and 8 other things we choose to do on our date!!
As military spouses we have this great advantage when it comes to planning our post-military homes. We know what layouts we love and what we don’t. Laundry upstairs or down. Must haves and must-nots etc. as we dream of the house we might one day not have to move out of. But do we dream … More Military Life & the Gospel, part 3 – our temporary homes
It’s August 2017 and I’ve just spent my first night alone. I wake up to a Facebook post that a friend’s husband was hit and killed by a car while on a run. And I realize so clearly…military or not, deployed or not, I can not protect him. I was not ever meant to. His … More “When I am afraid, I will trust in You”
As military spouses we can often fight bitterness when good friendships are cut short and that grief (which is real and valid) can leave us jaded and hesitant to build new friendships in the future. The good news of the gospel is that opening ourselves up to friendships in the body of Christ, though temporary … More Military Life & the Gospel, part 2 – friendships
The truth about military life is that is can be very lonely. Not figuratively speaking although that too! But long nights, weeks, months- alone. Away from your person while simultaneously away from your family. This is not exaggerated or a figment of military spouses imagination but a reality. And here is the reality of the … More Military Life & the Gospel, part 1 – loneliness
⚡️VO2 Max testing and wellness services like nutrition counseling etc! Are you a runner or endurance athlete? Knowing your VO2 Max is an amazing way to guide your training and usually it’s only available in kinesiology lab settings or professional athletes!! Hoping to test it out here at Fort Lee and share more! 📞Check you … More Services you might not know about as a milspouse:
1. The Slumberpod is a blackout tent you set up OVER a pack and play! If you have to share a room with your little one (which we always do), it allows the baby to go to sleep with the lights on! We got it years ago for family vacations but this last PCS it … More Three favorite PCS items for littles:
The tension is REAL! You find out where you’re moving next and your brain starts to plan, your thoughts start to think through all that needs to happen and your heart wants to detach. How do you love, and leave a place, well?! Here’s a few tips: ▪️Stay committed to what you’re already doing! You … More How to say goodbye when moving on:
Milspouse careers so often get paused, set aside, laid down, or otherwise given up in the demands of moving and single parenting… But I have a more than a few friends who have made their passions a reality in the midst of military life and I wanted to share a few of them here! 1. … More Milspouse Small Business Highlight
Let’s just say, we drank our way across Central Texas ☕️. Here’s a few of our most visited, ** means it was a favorite! Bloom, Killeen Cup of Joe’s, Harker Heights Muscovy, Belton** Summermoon, Belton** Arusha, Belton 1st Street Roasters, Temple Lively Coffee House, Salado Longbow Roasters, Salado Greenfield Coffee and Tea House, Salado Common … More Coffee Shop Bucketlist, Fort Hood TX
We’ve all been there… saying hi to the new neighbor, a new mom at the playground, or heaven forbid the spouse mandatory family day (😉). Ever struggle with what to say after you ask what duty station they just moved from? I got you! Here’s THREE open ended questions to help you bridge the gap … More Three of my favorite open ended questions!
Raise your hand if you’ve missed an appointment (or avoided making one) because you didn’t have childcare?! 🙋🏻♀️ ⁉️Did you know the Armed Services YMCA provides TWO hours of FREE childcare for medical appointments! 👋🏽 My most used service when we were at Fort Hood (which has a facility in the hospital and in town)! … More Armed Services YMCA Free Childcare
10 Places to cool off within 45min of Fort Hood! 📍Ferguson Park Splash Pad, Temple 📍The Quarry Splash Park, Leander 📍Long Branch Park, Killeen 📍West Temple Park, Temple 📍Harris Community Splash Pad, Belton 📍Temple Lake Park, Temple 📍Garey Park, Georgetown 📍Salado Springs, Salado 📍Pace Park, Salado 📍Dana Peak Beach, Harker Heights They say if you’re … More Fort Hood Splashpads and Creek Swimming
Yes, yes you can! Here’s some tips before you go 🏋🏽♀️: ⏰ Check the hours for the specific gym! FMWR sponsored gyms are open to everyone no matter the time while unit sponsored gyms sometimes have unit PT only hours! 💳 Bring your DOD ID card, it’s always required! 👙Follow the dress code. Decent length … More Can I use the gym on post?
Church searching …it brings up different emotions for different people and I recognize that. I know it can be a tiring… trying different places each Sunday hoping to find the right community, friends, etc. That’s why we try and get a head start! None of these sites guarantee anything.. they’re just search engines 😅… and … More Finding a Church at Your New Duty Station
⭐️Blue Star Museums⭐️ ▪️What is it: Free Museum Entry for active duty military, national guard, reserves, and their families! 📍Where: More than 2000 museums, nature centers, and zoos across the country! 📅When: The 2022 Blue Star Museums program begins on Armed Forces Day, Saturday, May 21, 2022 and ends on Labor Day, Monday, September 5, … More Blue Star Museums
July 2018… headed to his first unit, newly pregnant, having no idea what the future would look like. Sooo many unknowns ahead. -Would we like Army life? -Would the cost / reward ratio be worth it? -Would he deploy or be gone a lot? -Would I make friends? -Would it be hard to have a … More Four things to pray when you’re nervous about the future.
This liturgy is a very personal poem / prayer I wrote as we said goodby to our church family in Texas. It was a special season… our first duty station, becoming parents (twice), the pandemic etc. But I share anyway in hopes that you can be encouraged by the glimpses that you relate to! 🖤 … More A liturgy for saying goodbye
Are you the kind of person who always asks if they give a military discount or never asks?!🙋🏻♀️Me: always asks!🤷🏽♂️Husband: never asks! Here are my top / most used discounts! Share with a friend who doesn’t know!! ▪️20% off Hello Bello diaper subscription!▪️10% off Lowe’s / Home Depot every purchase!▪️10-15% off Academy on military holiday … More Military Discounts
For a FREE PDF downloand, CLICK HERE! Coffee Summermoon – Belton, Tx Muscovy Coffee – Belton, Tx First Street Roasters – Temple, Tx The Bloom – Killeen / Harker Heights, Tx Big Brew Little Brew – Killeen, Tx Parks / Playgrounds Bronco – Fort Hood, Tx Monarch Park – Nolanville, Tx Purser Park – Harker … More Fort Cavazos (Fort Hood) Bucket List, by activity
Whether you fell in love with a place and don’t want to leave or you’re counting down the days… The military has been a gentle reminder to me, a grace really, the Lord whispers to me through, “Don’t forget, I have something better.” When we love a place, we can thank Him for the glimpses … More Four Scriptures for Military Spouses
And why it actually is! 4 months or 4 years. Both are long enough to avoid connections… both are long enough to make them! Do you tend to think “what’s the point?” When you think you’ll be at a duty station too short a time to make friends? Do you ever leave regretting not making … More “It’s not worth making friends here…”
I get it…you’re the new girl… again. Maybe you’ve got kids in tow, maybe not. Either way, you want and need community. Here’s my top three (military related) connection points at a new duty station. 1. PWOC / CWOC (Protestant Women of the Chapel / Catholic Women of the Chapel). It sounds old school haha … More Finding Community at Your New Duty Station
The list of new-to-you- things to find at a new duty station is endless… hair dresser, dog groomer, dentist 😬. But childcare takes the cake for us (in challenge and importance). Living far away from family takes away the easiest option. We’ve been lucky to have great church community to resource from but here’s a … More Finding a babysitter at your new duty station!
Just over here pondering my boy’s childhoods knowing that military life can be bitter sweet for so many kids. Like all military and missionary kids, mine will grow up having a hard time with the question, “Where are you from?” But is that the strongest identity marker anyway? Maybe a better question (or follow up … More Asking Military Kids a Better Question
I figured keeping an active list of favorite would be the easiest thing to keep track of while we are here! I’ll breakdown by category in the future! Enjoy! Parks/ Splashpad: ▪️Fort Lee actually has an a great community splash pad we’ve been visiting a lot! ▪️On Post: Memorial Chapel Playground, Hero Park, and St … More Fort Lee / Richmond VA
Repeat after me… BE GENTLE! After a workout our skin is usually red, irritated from sweat, and already sensitive. For me the key is to be gentle! Gentle wash, Gentle touch, Gentle products! Prestep: If you can, workout without make up on. For me that’s easy because I do it first thing, if you’re doing … More Post Workout Skincare Routine
So, you can run 3 miles without stopping, now what? You’ve run two half marathons exactly the same pace…why? There are probably a few reasons and I might turn this into a three-part series but for now, ONE QUESTION…are you doing the same thing every time you run?! For most people, it is 2-3 miles … More Running Tip(s)- A simple science lesson about running.
Honestly I’m so glad we stayed in town rather than the mountain village since we were walking distance to everything! Lodging Camel Gardens Hotel right at the base of the ski lift. They offered a great fall deal if you’re going between seasons, the gondola to the mountain village was closed but we didn’t mind … More Telluride – where to stay, where to eat, and what to do!
Bitterness, it creeps in like a weed. Mixed in at first with sentiments of hardship, maybe even cries for help. It’s not complaining, you say, it’s being honest. And maybe that’s partly true. But then, like an untended garden, it grows. Watered by others on your path who affirm not just the truth of a … More When bitterness creeps in…
ajoyfulmilspouse.com 