Good morning and happy Thursday! Can you believe March is almost over? For those of you going through deployments, that’s one more month you can almost check off in your countdown for seeing your honey home!
Today is the day I said we’d start introductions for our God Strong Book Club (GSBC). This book club will not be the full Bible study – think of it more or less as a Cliff Notes version of the study. The study has a lot of additional content in it; our purposes for this book club is simply to discuss GOD Strong and what God is teaching each of us personally about what it means to lean on His strength and not our own. If you would like to do some additional Bible reading and journal writing, feel free to check out the individual guide you can use.
Each Thursday through the end of April, I will offer a new post discussing two chapters of the book. I’ll ask a couple of discussion questions for you to comment and offer your thoughts on, and then I’ll also give you your assignment for the following week. Sound good?
If you get behind in reading or are late in getting the book, don’t fret! Just catch up as you can. You can still participate in commenting and answering the questions. And maybe along the way, I’ll throw in some door prizes. What book club wouldn’t be complete without a couple of door prizes, right? 
To make it easy for you to find each Thursday post for the book club, I will set up a GOD Strong Book Club page located under the GOD Strong tab with a link to each blog post.
Your assignment for next Thursday, April 1, is to be sure you have a copy of GOD Strong (you can order it from Amazon, BN, CBD, or any of your local Christian bookstores).
So let’s pull up our virtual recliners and sofas, ladies, and get to know each other a bit better! Please post in the comments the following: Your first name, your age, what branch of military your husband is in, if you have kids, military installation/state, and what you hope to learn as you read the book and we go through this book club together. And for fun, since we’re on the topic of strength next week, share what your favorite (or maybe not so favorite) workout/exercise is! Can’t wait to read these!
I believe God’s plan for us is not for us to flail about on our own, trying to figure everything out by ourselves. He wants us to lean on Him for strength and peace and He also wants us to connect with others and have community – praying and supporting one another in this incredible journey He’s placed us in. I can’t wait to talk with you more about what it means to be GOD Strong!
Now don’t be shy – let’s introduce ourselves!
Popularity: 4% [?]
Hi! I'm Lacey, My husband is deployed with the 1-172 cavalry VT National Guard to Afghanistan. We have an alomst 2 year old son that is VERY active and keeps me on my toes!
I hope to learn more about how to let go of my own control and trying to keep up my strong persona and let God be my strength. Honestly I'm tired and need a different plan!
I've currently been taking ZUMBA classes for exercise and I gotta tell you… I LOVE IT… soooo fun!
Lacey
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px; ">I'm Pattie and I'm (gulp!) 40. My husband is an Air Force chaplain, and we're getting ready to PCS from North Dakota to Texas. We have two daughters (a teen and a tween) and two older dogs. If you read the WoF blog on a regular basis, you'll probably recognize my name (because my dad insisted on a unique spelling, it's a li'l unusual).</span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px; "></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px; ">I am hoping as we go through the book together as a community, to find ways to become stronger in preparation for my husband's next assignment and our upcoming move, as well as finding ways to encourage and strengthen other military wives–both in person and on this website.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px; "></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px; ">For the next couple months, I will continue my workouts at Curves, where I've worked as a trainer for 2 1/2 years. When we move, I hope to power-walk (less snow and ice in Texas, I hear). I tried Zumba, but my anti-dance upbringing runs deep, and it didn't work for me.</span></div>
Pattie
Hi! I'm Casey. My husband is an Air Force Chaplain. We have five children, all homeschooled. Our oldest is 18. Um.. I'll let you figure the math on that one.
We are established a new PWOC (Protestant Women of the Chapel) at our base and are reaching women with Sara's book. We are at a high deployment installation with a ton of ladies who are new to the Air Force.
I'm not really coordinated anough for Zumba and the last time I did yoga, I ended up needing to see a chiropractor. My daily exercise comes in carrying laundry baskets up the stairs, building sets for community theatre, or walking through the neighboring gathering my front porch decorations scattered by daily high winds here in New Mexico.
Casey Pitts
Hi all, my name is Julie and I'm 33. My hubby is a physician assistant in the Army. We are stationed in Illesheim, Germany with 3-159, HHC. We just moved here from Baumholder, Germany and he's been back from Iraq for almost a year. Dwell time is dwindling down. I'm not looking forward to deployment #2 (who does?) especially since we have a two year old and a three and a half year old. They were so little the first time he was deployed, but now they keep asking "where's Daddy?" when he goes to the field. I was excited to see a book like God Strong written… thank you, Sara! It is so needed for the military community! I've read the first few pages and can't wait to continue.Exercise certainly keeps my stress level down. I love to run on the treadmill and strength train with workout videos… my favorite is anything with Jillian Michaels!
Julie
Hi there. I'm Vanessa and married to an Army National Guard soldier in Illinois. We have over 20 years in the military and the last 10 years have been filled with long deployments. He is in PA right now for a school and why does this 7 weeks seems more challenging at times than the times he has deployed for 12+ months!
Each deployment has left me stronger and more self-reliant and independent but I have to constantly remind myself that it's because of God and not of my own doing.
We have 4 children, all homeschooled also. Our oldest is 18 and in junior college now and our youngest is 5. I am so thankful for WoF and hope to get more active (again) as I have been reevaluating my life and what is truly important.
I'm excited to do this study with everyone so that I can thrive and not just survive during deployments (with God's help). I bought the book as soon as it was available and now I'll actually get it read and studied before the next deployment!
Vanesa
Hi, my name is April. My husband is in the TN National Guard. He has been home from his deployment for a couple of months now. Reintegration has been interesting to say the least. We have three children, one boy, 11, and two girls, 4 and 6. They keep me on my toes. I knew the God Strong book was something that I needed, as I am learning how to lean on God for my strength rather than myself or my husband or our families. I have a few things going on right now, and the only way to survive them is with God's grace. I am still trying to figure out my favorite exercise. I have recently lost 90 pounds and I am trying new things, so I do a little of everything right now. My son and I have been swimming together some, and that has been a lot of fun. I have a goal to eventually become a runner, and I know that I will accomplish that, but I am building up to it. I tried a zumba class, and it was interesting, not sure I am coordinated enough for it, but think i may try again…LOL. I spend a lot of time on the elliptical machine or the treadmill at the YMCA, and sometimes, my girls and I do workout videos on the TV. I may walk outside now the weather is warming up.
April
Hi all! I'm Niki proud AF wife to Hubs. We have been married 10 yrs (June 1) and we have two wonderful boys ages 8 and 5. I am a 30 yr old stay at home mom right now, I am working on getting my certification to be a medical office administrative assistant. We are stationed in NC. My hubby is from Texas.
I love to read, spend time with my kids and hubby, exploring nature, and hanging out with my friends.
I am loving the God Strong book, and I am so glad that I found it. I definitely need it at this particular time.
I look forward to building rewarding friends with you all!
God Bless you all!
Niki
Hi, I am Carol. I am 44 year old wife to Michael who is in the AGR (Active Army Reserve, which means we can go anywhere). We have 4 children, Michael, 19; Brittany, 17; and twins, Amber and Alyssa, 16. We are currently in Las Vegas, NV. He is stationed out of Ft Douglas, UT. When he returns from his deployment, we will be moving to UT. Since this is our 2nd deployment in just over 3 years, I am looking forward to getting to know him again. Being a Military Wife is not for everyone, but you can be a great one if you work on it. I really enjoy the time while he is gone, because I have learned I can deal with anything. I am hoping to get a better sense of what God has in store for me. I have sort of let my faith slide and when I saw this book, I immeadiatly ordered it. I really think I need it. Let me tell you, God does work in mysterious ways. I hope everyone has a great week, and I look forward to starting the book. Thank you so much Sara for doing this. Great idea!!!!!!!!!
Carol
Hi everyone, I am Maggie, 36 year old mother of 8 children. My dear hubby is in the Air Force and suffers from a TNI (Traumatic Neck Injury) he sustained while deployed in support of all the efforts. He has 19 years and counting in the service and currently is at home station. We live in Germantown, NY in upstate New York. I am originally from Spokane, WA and hope to get back there soon.
Maggie McDonough
And, I realized that I can't even spell my own name right! Geez, what a day this is…can I blame it on the dreary weather we have today in the Midwest?
Vanessa
Hi I am Lisa,I just turned 40 in january. Married to ryan 20 yrs (in september) He has been in the Florida Army National Guard only 2 years (combat medic) he JUST deployed with the 1/124 th 53rd INF to kuwait/iraq…for a year
We have 6 children, dd 16, dd13,dd10, ds7, dd4, ds 10m birth(preemie) WE also homeschool.
We are very devout Catholic converts…(i grew up baptist)I love everyone!
I just got my book yesterday..along with a few others i ordered! I just need to learn to cope with all of this it is VERY difficult here right now. I started reading another book that our FRG emailed us about and wish we had beentold before about it so I woul dhave known what to expect and what was normal feelings…it has been a ROUGH month (he left a month ago)but as I have read on target I am feeling better…
That said I am very good at doing things on my own my dh use to be in construction his whole life before he became a medic so he has taught me how to fix things
I LOVE to exercise I walk just about everyday with my nursing baby in the sling..I love, yoga and weight training and bike rides..We live near th ebeach so we LOVE the ourdoors and so thankful to God that it is finally warming up here..
I am looking forward to getting to know you all.
God Bless,
Lisa
Lisa O
My name is Priscilla and I just turned 23 today. My fiance is in his last year of ROTC and will be graduating in December (followed immediately by our wedding!). He'll either commission in the Army National Guard or the Active Army. We both live in Pennsylvania right now, but we're an hour and half driving distance apart (not that bad
). College is keeping my fiance very busy, and along with my own college courses, I'm planning our wedding too. In going through this book club, I'm hoping to deepen my walk with God and really looking forward to hearing from Sara and reading everyone comments. 
Hopefully, you all don't mind if I tag a long. 
As far as exercising, I love variety, but probably enjoy walking the most.
Priscilla
Hi, I'm Delta… or Whiskey whichever you prefer. I'm 28, husband is in the Air Force and we don't have any children (yet). We're in the middle of Kansas. I can't wait to start the book (and write a review!), learning how to depend more on Him than anything else in these difficult times. I'm an avid kickboxer (OORAH!) and think there's a little bit of fight in all of us.
Delta Whiskey
Hi…I'm Rosie…60 years old…married to a Nam Vet for 40 years. My husband and I are retired and work with Point Man and Home Front Ministries in Kansas. We have three sons and two daughter-in-laws (love "my" girls!). Looking forward to using God Strong with our Home Front gals. Exercise….what's that? Actually, I belong to Curves, but my favorite exercise is Racquetball. Now if I could just get my knees to agree with me!
Rosie
Hi! My name is Lisa Falin and I have 3 teen boys. I am 34 yrs. old. My boys are 15, 14 and 11. My husband (Aaron) is going into the Ky. National Guard and will leave for bootcamp in the next coming months. (Gotta get the honey do list done first)I am not sure what unit or where it will be yet. I enjoy crafts and love walking out doors on hiking trails. I am not a big exercise person, just walking. I hope to draw closer to the Lord and learn something to pass on to the young ladies I work with in youth group. And to know how to lean on the Lord more, cause I have a feeling I will need that alot as a new military wife. I am so very excited about the Book and quite time with the Lord.
Lisa Falin
Hiya! My name is Nancy and I have been married 27 years to a really admirable guy. He is part time (yea, right!) in the TN Army National Guard, we live just outside Nashville and he is almost home from Iraq. I am so excited to find this book, thanks Sara! at a time when I am very fearful of all the adjustments coming our way. This is our second deployment, like children they are all different. We have an 11 year old, 6 and 5 year olds. My husband will want to run back to his civilian job so I need to plan carefully to make that month home first the best it can be for all of us. I have been most unkind to myself over the past year and am hoping that with my husband's presence and a closer walk in faith I can return to a more healthy state in body mind and soul. This book study is part of my "change plan" after finishing the Journey to Wellness class at the YMCA this week. Thank you for letting me join you!
Nancy
Hi my name is Kathryn. I am 23 years old and my husband has been in the Air Force for a year and half now. We are expecting our first baby in June! We are stationed at Robins AFB in GA and this is our first duty station. Although my husband has not deployed yet, I know he will be eventually and I am glad to learn more about being God strong!
Kathryn
Howdy, I'm Winter. I'm 30 and my hubs is a Staff Sergeant in the IL National Guard, this will be 16 years for him. We've been married 11 years and have 4 kids. We live in North Central Illinois. I'm reading GOD Strong for review, and quite honestly learning a lot that I wish I'd known when my husband was deployed in Iraq in '06-'07. We know there's another deployment in the near future, so I'll be prepared this time.And my favorite form of exercise, playing Volleyball. And coaching it too. Love getting out on the court with my v-ball players and scrimmaging against them.
Winter Peck
Hi my name is Danielle Gober. I'm 21 years old, my husband is in the Marine Corps and he recently got back from Haiti after his 8 month deployment to Japan which ended in November. We have no children and will be moving to Camp Lejeune, NC on April 1st. I recently read the book God Strong and must say it is the most helpful thing! I love it and can't wait to get to know all of you!
Danielle Gober
Hi all:
My husband is with the TN Air National Guard. We have two children and two dogs. I got the book God Strong and enjoyed it so much that I tell everyone it is chicken soup for my spiritual soul as a military spouse. Current exercise plan is watching the diet and upping all activity level such as walking, elliptical machine or other.
Stephanie
Hi, I am Jennifer. I am 33 and married to Jeff, who is active duty Army. He just returned from a 12 month deployment, we pcs'd to Fort Knox Kentucky and now he's in work-ups for the next deployment already. We have four children, ages 12, 7, 6 and 6. I homeschool the three youngest and our daughter is in private Christian school. I really appreciate God Strong, because while we did okay during the last deployment, I feel God telling me that I need to rely only on Him and not on Jeff as much, as Jeff's not always available, and that's a source of stress for me at times. I'm looking forward to reading through the book with others, and am hoping my military wives Bible study can do this together in a future session as well! Oh, and if chasing after twins isn't enough, I'm far too unmotivated to work out much…but I really enjoy Wii Fit, as I can do it at home, after the kids are in bed!
Jennifer
Hi Everyone, my name is Ebony. I'm 30, and a stay home mom of 3 (b-7, b-5, g-3). We celebrate two anniversarys in May, on the 2nd is the 4-year military mark. On the 20th is our 10th marriage anniversary, still trying to figure out how to celebrate that one!
Hubby is in the Air Force, and we're currently in Las Vegas for Nellis/Creech. We live off-base, and this has been quite a 'wilderness training period' for me. I'm looking forward to the sharing and fellowship with other women as we read through and discuss the points together. Getting these insights help me to be a better encourager/cheerleader to those around me.
As far as fitness and exercise, I love to work with my hands. My fingers are as fit as a fiddle. If I could figure out how to bead/sew/write with my other muscles, I'd be in great shape! I like Tae-Bo and playing with the Wii, and have big dreams of training to be a kickboxing machine once all my kids are in school
Ebony
Hey, I'm Shauna. My age is a young 41 and we have 2 children (12 & 9). We are TN National Guard. I am excited about God Strong, it has so much to offer for each Military Wife. Like Pattie, you may see my name around the WoF website as I am the Prayer Ministry Coordinator and the group leader for the Rutherford County TN WoF Group. We are finishing up a study on the Power of a Praying Wife and I am looking forward to our next study on God Strong (join us in you are in the area). Exercise? Can't say much of recent however I do love weight training and despise lunges and squats!
Shauna
Hello my name is Cassie. My husband is in the Army Reserve out of WI. We have 2 sons who keep us very active. I am also a former soldier with the Army National Guard. So I have a little bit of an advantage and disadvantage in that I can see from the soldier perspective, but often know too much info. I am excited to do this study and I hope I can bring more women on board to do this in our area! My favorite exercise is running. I listen to my mp3 player and it's just me and God out there. I find it's easy to pray when I am alone and running, plus it gets my mind off of running.
Cassie
My name is Sally. I am 41 years old. My husband is in army reserve, currently deployed to Iraq with the 209th broadcast unit from our hometown of Rome,GA. This is our first deployment. My 17 year old step son lives with us – he is graduating in 2 months from high school. I have been his step mom for almost 14 years.
My favorite exercise is planks in pilates- they are not fun but so good for your body lol. I just need to learn to lean on God more during this deployment and my life in general. I have the book so i am ready to go.
Sally Maddox
Sally
I grew up in woodstock. I use to live in Cartersville and a very dear friend lives in Rome!just wanted to say hello.Mt friend teachs yoga and body flow (i think that is what she called it)
peace
lisa
Lisa O
thats cool Lisa. been in rome all my life.
Prob will never leave unless my hubby decides to one day.
Sally
Sally Maddox
Hello! My name is Michelle. I am 25. My husband is in the Iowa National Guard. He has already deployed once in '03-'04 to Iraq and will be leaving this summer for Afghanistan. We have 2 kids, a girl who is 4 and a boy who is 7 months old. I stay at home with them. I am looking forward to reading this book to help me with this upcoming deployment to rely on God and not to turn from Him like I did during our first deployment. My favorite exercise would be playing with my kids! I can't wait to take advantage of a free YMCA membership during deployment and hope to get back in shape from 2 kids! I look forward to getting to know you all and strengthening my relationship with God!
Michelle Nicholas
Hi Ladies, My name is Sherrie and I am 44 years old. My Husband is in the Connecticut National Guard and we are in our first deployment. We have a 9 year old girl. I am looking forward to reading God Strong and finding out what God would like me to learn from Sara's book and from all of you. I love to walk with my dog and my daughter, we enjoy walking in the city park and hiking through the forest trails.
Sherrie
My name is Elyssa. My husband is AF stationed at Andersen AFB on Guam. We have an almost 4 yo daughter and a 6 week old son. I've been teaching religion at a Christian school this year, but will be going back to the world of SAHM as soon as the school year is over. Last year was rough, as my hubby was in Korea, but this year has been amazing with the new station, new baby and finding a new purpose in education.I just got released for exercise by the midwife yesterday, so I'll be working slowly back into running. I'm not great at it, but I enjoy the solitude (even when I was running with our first in the stroller).
Elyssa
My name is Amanda and my family currently lives in San Diego. I'm a 29 year old stay at home mom to a one year old girl and an almost two year old boy and another baby on the way in September. My hubby is a Marine Corps pilot who just deployed for the second time this past week and I miss him already! What I hope to gain from reading God Strong is a better way of coping during this deployment…I'm afraid I relied on myself to get through the last one and it didn't serve me well. I want to be a better, less-stressed mom to my kids and remember that I don't have to do this alone. Since I've been pregnant for the last three years, I've been walking A LOT and recently discovered the wonders of Wii Fit…It's helped me stay in shape and energized to run after my kids…and I mean RUN!
Amanda Healy
Hi, I am Debbie. I am 38 years old, and my husband is in the Air Force. My husband is on a one year remote to Korea till next January. He was approved to home base, so I stayed in NC. This is our second time for us to do an unaccompanied remote to Korea, and hubby has also done 6 deployments. We have been married for 18 years, and have three boys. Two that are teenagers, and one tween. I work part-time and am attending school part-time. I just happened upon this book this week, and after reading the first chapter realized that I needed to put aside my strength in getting through the next year, and rely on God's. I am tired of falling into bed each night and telling myself I don't know if I can do this another day. The church I attend has just started a ministry to military spouses and they are looking at using this book in some of our upcoming meetings. Right now, when I have time I enjoy doing The Firm's Wave workout.
Debbie Jones
Hi, my name is Tonya. I am 25 years old, and a stay-at-home momma. My husband, Michael, is active duty Army. We are high school sweethearts and have been together for 9 years, married for 5. We are stationed at Ft. Campbell, KY and my husband is part of the 101st Airborne. He will be leaving next month on his 2nd deployment. We have four children ages 6,4,3 and 21 months. I am really looking forward to reading this book and learning more how to rely on God for my strength, especially during this upcoming deployment! The only real workout I do, is chasing around my three youngest girls, while my son is in school during the day!
Tonya
Hi, I'm Robin, I'm 40 yrs old, I've been married for 19yrs and my hubs is Active Duty AF for almost 25 yrs now, currently stationed at Seymour Johnson in NC. We have 3 kids 2 teens and a tween, praying about adopting more. I hope to learn to depend on the Lord's strength as my own is very weak and I'm worn out. I lead a military ministry at church and tell the spouses with deployed members they don't have to do it alone, yet I try to do it under my own strength.
Robin
Hi I'm Joy just turned 36 and been married for 15 years…my husband is currently in the TN Air Nat. Guard this is our 3rd branch of service! 1st active Marine, then Army guard..for the last I think 5 years my husband has pretty much been deployed for 6 month out of each year…I'm totally excited about this book..I feel its just what I need and will def. get what God is trying to tell me thru it. I've read the 1st few chapters and God has almost yelled at me already! LOL My exercise at this time is physical therapy…I'm 6 weeks out from having a total hip replacement!
Joy
Hi! My name is Kelly and my husband in the Army Reserves (active at the moment). I have 7 children, ages 1 – 16 and we homeschool. We recently moved to Wisconsin from Kansas. I have started reading the book and can't wait to dive deeper into it. My strength is already failing and I need to fall into the arms of our strong Father.Any exercise right now! I have had so much trouble getting to the YMCA lately, with sick kids, car appts, dr appts, etc!
Kelly
Hi! Sorry this is late; I just received my book today! My name is April and I am an Air Force girlfriend. I am looking forward to reading this book to not only help me grow in my faith in general, but also grow in my understanding of this military world that is still rather knew to me (though I feel I've learned a lot so far!). I have been a strong follower of Jocelyn Green's Faith Deployed and am really looking forward to reading this book. I have really gotten into yoga lately and hope to stick to it regularly!
April
Hi everyone, I'm Cat. I'm nineteen years old. I married my husband, Adam January 9th of this year. He is Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) and we are stationed at Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii. We have no kids (yet), just living our life as newleyweds for now.
I just bought GOD Strong and I'm really looking forward to reading it, esspecially after reading Faith Deployed and enjoying it so much. I know I'll learn a lot in this experience and the book and this group with bring me closer in my relationship to our Heavenly Father.
Caitlen Hathcock
Hi, my name is Stephanie. My husband is in the Air Force Reserves and we live in Indiana. He is currently deployed to Afghanistan. I am a mom of nine currently. We have seven children and two foster children that we are in the process of adopting. I am a full time college student and run a daycare out of my home. Needless to say I am busy most of the time.
Stephanie
Hi, I'm really late, but I just received my book. I thought I could find it around here, but ended up having to order it. Anyway, I'm Karen. My husband is AD Army. He's been in the military 12 years and we've been married for 10 of them. We have two children. We live in NC, but he's leaving very soon for Fort Drum on his way to Afghanistan. The kids and I are staying here, because we have our church and friends here plus once the deployment is over he will be coming back to this area. I'm really excited to start this study (even though I'm late), because I know I really need to depend on God through this deployment (and my life) instead of what I usually do…try and do it all myself. I just end up failing that way.
Karen