The Forever Neighbor

Blessings #261-285

noreply@blogger.com (Forever Neighbor) — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 16:00:00 +0000

When I first started counting my blessings I would come sit down in front of the computer and try and think of the blessings that God sent me that week. I would have some that stood out and some that I had to think really hard about.

I felt so selfish.

God sends us blessings everyday. Some are obvious and some we really have to look for. Blessings come in even the hardest times. We just have to open our eyes and our hearts.

Last week I started reading Ann Voskamp's "One Thousand Gifts" and was quickly realizing what I was doing wrong. I am not suppose to sit in front of the computer and try and remember. I am to write it down as soon as it happens. As soon as I started writing the blessings down immediately, the more my heart was feeling with thankfulness. I was so caught up with my ownself that I was not taking the time to see what God wanted me to see.
261. The delivery of our household items.
262. The maintainance men who have blessed us with the little projects that keep arising.

263. The inivation to a Sunday lunch.

264. The conversations of new friends at Sunday lunch.

265. A free laundromat when the washer is broken.

266. A fixed washing machine.

267. An unpacked home.

268. Watching the two blessings bond closer each day.

269. 13 years later and the hubby still makes me laugh. Hard. With tears.

270. No internet.

271. No cable.

272. No phone.

273. No distrations.

274. Amish countryside.

275. My college diploma arriving in the mail..

276. New puppy, Samson.

277. Our backyard. The openness of a cornfield.

278. The "Mayberry" town we live in.

279. Our new church

280. Hearing the hubby say how much he loves me.

281. The ability to drive home when a situation arises and I am needed.

282. Looking at the artwork my daughter has drawn.

283. A seperate room for our schoolroom.

284. Praying with my son when he is fearful.

285. Watching my son overcome his fear after we pray.

I cannot wait to see the blessings God brings us this week.

Books I Read for January 2012

noreply@blogger.com (Forever Neighbor) — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 19:07:00 +0000

One of my goals this year was to read two books a month. One would think that our cross-country trek I would have finished about five books, but no, I did not even read one book! However, with about two weeks left in January I was able to meet my goal for the month.

The first book I read was Crystal Paine's book The Money Saving Mom's Budget. I was very excited to hear that Crystal wrote a book because all of her money saving tips are now in one place. Her book offered many great ideas about saving money and living frugally. Crystal mentioned tips on how to lower your grocery bill, play the CVS game, and ways to increase your own income. Some of the tips she offered, I knew about or implement in our own household. However, I did learn some new things such as how to play the CVS game. I have heard other bloggers playing this game but I never quite understood it. Unfortunately, we do not have a CVS or Walgreens in our area, but it is definitely something I will try when we move to an area that has these stores. I also learned about simplifying my schedule and my home. I am excited to try some of Crystal's tips from the book. I would recommend this book for anyone interested in saving money!

The second book I read this month was "Good Morning Holy Spirit" but Benny Hinn. This book was given to me by one of my Titus 2 ladies. I'm going to be honest, at first when I saw who wrote it I was like "ugh really." I have never heard Benny Hinn preach or read any of his books, but I believe I had this perception of him because of seeing him on TBN or other Christian channels. I would always think "ok dude," roll my eyes and change the channel. I have never given Benny a chance. So prior to opening the book I said a little prayer asking God to allow me to have an open mind. I started the book back in November, but with everything going on I never finished it. When I started the book I was very intrigued with what Benny had to say and the way he came to Christ. The book talks about the Trinity, explains the Trinity, and explains ways to really take your prayer life to a whole other level. In the book on page 125, Benny discusses that when we pray that we should ask The Spirit to take more of me instead of asking to have more of Him because we surrender to Him not the other way around. At that time I had an "ah ha" moment. I'm a so thankful that my Titus 2 woman gave me this book. I suggest if you would like to take your prayer life even further then try reading "Good Morning, Holy Spirit" by Benny Hinn.

For the month of February I will be reading "Shop Smart, Save More" by Teri Gault, founder of The Grocery Game. Also, I will be finishing "First Things First" by Kurt and Brenda Warner. Wow, I think another goal for 2012 is finishing what I start. I have a number of books I have started but never finished!

What books have you read? What books are you planning on reading?.

So Many Blessings #241-260

noreply@blogger.com (Forever Neighbor) — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 15:40:00 +0000

The blessings continue to pour:

241. Our orders changing from Minnesota to Wisconsin.

242. God shedding His grace upon us as He delivered us from the blizzard in the Canadian Rockies.

243. Arriving safely to our destination in Wisconsin.

244. No flat tires or mechanical problems on our cross-country trek.

245. Our new home.

246. Living without our stuff for awhile. It allows no distractions.

247. Our family time.

248. Being closer to family.

249. Our new town...very Mayberry like.

250. Our neighbors. A Christian homeschooling family with a daughter my daughters age.

251. My husband meeting his newest nephew whom is almost two years old.

252. Watching my nephew meet his uncle for the first time.

253. Surprising my nephews with our arrival.

254. Hearing my niece say that she is excited we are finally home.

255. What we thought was a major mechanical problem with our one vehicle turned out to be a $28 fix.

256. The bakery outlet in our town.

257. The Lending Library on base because of this service we have dishes, microwave, and air mattresses.

258. The opportunity to choose our home.

259. God showing me where I am lacking.

260. God taking a piece of me each day.

In Our New Home Without Our Furniture

noreply@blogger.com (Forever Neighbor) — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 19:26:00 +0000

This past week we introduced the blessings and of course Manning, to our new home. I am so happy to hear the blessings say how much they love their new rooms and home. I really like the home as well. The new home is much smaller than we are use to, but I have a feeling God is helping me in the area of simplicity. Most of our furniture will not fit on our main floor, so whatever does not fit will make its way to the basement. I believe that those items should then be sold, but these are pieces I would like to keep for when we purchase our first home. If then they do not fit, I will sell them, but until then, the basement is their home.

Our household items are here in town, but unfortunately cannot be delivered until the 6th. Prayerfully a cancellation will occur this week, which then will bump up our delivery date. So as of right now we are enjoying the open space of our home. Thank goodness for the Army Community Serivces! These services have a lending library that allow us to check out dishes, air mattresses, a table with chairs, and a microwave. My brother blessed us with a television that he was not using, so we are able to watch movies by hooking up the Xbox.

The past couple of days have been a real eye-opener for me. We have been out picking up items that we need for our home and I am overwhelmed by prices. Yes prices in Alaska tend to be more expensive, however, we have found some items to be cheaper. I have started my hunt for coupons and discount stores. I saw a bakery outlet and my daughter mentioned we should go in. I at first, was "eh." I just did not feel like going in, but decided "why not?" I am so thankful we did! I was able to pick up four loaves of bread for $1.80! Did I mention that it was 85cents for one loaf and it was BOGO for free? Did I also mention, the bread bought was priced at $2.85 at Wal-Mart? We also walked away with the same brand of hot dog buns for 79 cents each. I was super giddy for our purchase.

After leaving Alaska our pay has decreased tremendously and I need for the family to jump on board this new lifestyle I'm trying to incorporate. The lifestyle of less spending and living simply. My main concern is our finances. So I started a game with the family, which is to see who can find the best deal while we are out. The blessings have found this as a challenge and are eager to find the better deals and are hoping they can beat me. I am happy to say I am in the lead ;)

What do you and your children do when it comes to frugal living?

Enjoying Family And Target Shopping

noreply@blogger.com (Forever Neighbor) — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 06:08:00 +0000

We have been visiting family since the 12th of January and it has been very refreshing. The hubby has been able to catch up and reconnect with family that he has not seen in over two years. The two blessings are enjoying and loving their time home with family. I, of course, enjoy it also.

We have signed for our new house, picked up our other vehicle, and brought the vehicle we drove cross-country into the shop for some TLC. I have done a little bit, or some, okay, a lot of shopping at Target. Hey, I've been frugal while I've been there, or most of the time.

We are still waiting on our household items to arrive. A winter storm has held up our items, so hopefully early next week we will receive a delivery date!

I do have to say it is quite an adjustment moving back to the lower 48. I have forgotten how fast-paced life is here and all the choices that surround us. Yes, it's nice with all the choices, but somewhat overwhelming.

I'm sure we can handle it!

Awwww Back In The USA

noreply@blogger.com (Forever Neighbor) — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 00:56:00 +0000

Phew!

We made it back into the United States!

I have been told by a couple people that Alaska is part of the United States. Yes we lived in Alaska and it is part of the United States, but we had to drive through Canada. So I just wanted to clarify ;)

The rest of our travels since the blizzard has been good. A rock has chipped our windshield and broke our fog lights. I would take that instead of the blizzard! We are excited because as I type this we are about 8 hours from family! Hubby has not been home or seen family in over two years!

Thank you all who have prayed for our trip and our safety. God is so good!

Almost Half-Way

noreply@blogger.com (Forever Neighbor) — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 05:11:00 +0000

Wow!

What a trip!!!

Thank you all for the prayers. We definitely felt them and they were greatly needed. We are 1200 miles into our 3,030 mile trek. Our first day was good, and our second day, well God was with us. We entered a blizzard in the middle of the Rocky Mountains and literally almost drove off the cliff. God sent us a semi and lead us out of the storm. We referred to it as God leading Moses out of Egypt. Once we get to our final destination of Wisconsin I will write more about the storm and our trip.

Overall, we are loving our trip and have seen much wildlife. Our count so far is 7 moose, over 50 buffalo, a herd of caribou, a snow hare, and wild horses. Thankfully the wildlife have been on the side of the road and close enough to take pics but far enough away to be safe.

The best part is seeing God's beauty.

Thank you for the prayers and will post in a few days.

Blessings!

The Trek Begins

noreply@blogger.com (Forever Neighbor) — Sun, 08 Jan 2012 14:28:00 +0000

The hugs have been received.

The prayers are being said.

The truck is being packed.

The kids are sleepy and parents too.

It has been snowing since yesterday morning.

The trek begins.

Today we begin our 3,030 mile trek across North America.

Today we begin our new path that God is setting us on.

We do not know what to expect, but we have faith that God will get us through.

Our trip should take about a week.

Will you please pray for us?

The journey will take us into the territory of very little, through mountain passes, and a separation of 300 miles between each town.

God will get us through.

"Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done." Philippians 4:6

I wanted to write posts and schedule them throughout the week, but unfortunately I did not. So next time you see a TFN post, we will have arrived safely in the lower 48.

Until then my neighbors; blessings to you all!

No Coincidences With God

noreply@blogger.com (Forever Neighbor) — Sat, 07 Jan 2012 01:58:00 +0000

Today we have hugged and said our goodbyes to close friends. Tonight we do the same with another family. Tomorrow four more families. Army life is hard when it comes to leaving our friends, especially those who are considered family.

We were to leave Tuesday of next week, but there has been a change, and we are now leaving this Sunday. This PCS has definitely kept us on our toes. We keep changing dates and God changes the duty station. No matter what has been thrown at us, God keeps us moving. He continues to show us a little of His plan each time.

Two days ago the hubby and I were in the lobby speaking with another Christian, and we were telling him that we are feeling that missionary work is in our future. We already have an area of ministry that we would like to work in, and we feel God placing it on both our hearts. The gentleman went on to tell us that he knew the perfect person to contact in this area of ministry. Later that evening I received an email with the contact information.

Some may say that was a coincidence, meeting with the gentleman in the lobby, but I say "I think not!" God placed that gentleman in the lobby for a couple of reasons. One was because the hubby need a piece of paper signed and the other was the contact information. Nothing is a coincidence when it comes to God.

Nothing is a coincidence. This morning I opened my email and read KLove's encouraging word. Can you guess what it was? Proverbs 3:6. Coincidence? I think not! He is showing us pieces of His plan.

As long as we keep our hearts and eyes on Him, He will reveal the whole plan in His time.

What has God shown you lately?

He Is Directing Our Path

noreply@blogger.com (Forever Neighbor) — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 08:20:00 +0000

The excitement has set in since December 13th when we found out that we were going to be stationed back in my home state of Minnesota.

Plans have been made.

House hunting had begun.

The field trip opportunities for school had been researched.

Two hours away from family.

Target would be right around the corner.

IKEA.

We were finally heading home.

Then....

God left us a message.

We were no longer moving to Minnesota, we have been diverted. God does not want us in Minnesota. He wants us in Wisconsin.

Yes, we are moving to Wisconsin. Just two and half hours from Minneapolis, and four hours from family. We just found out yesterday morning. Tears began to fall from our oldest blessing. She did not want to move in the first place, and just 24 hours prior to finding out, she finally made the statement, "Mom, I am excited to move to Minnesota," and now she is told she is not going. Instead we are heading to Wisconsin; to a small town. No Target around the corner. No IKEA. Four hours from family.

I had to be strong for the blessings. I could not show them that I was sad and my hopes were let down. All I wanted to do was cry and ask God "why?" I knew He had plans for us. I know that He wants us in Wisconsin, but my head and the flesh could not fathom what had just happened. I needed something. I needed God to pick me back up off the floor.

He did.

I had not checked my email that morning, which is rare, and finally I sat down in the afternoon to see what I had. That is when God helped me from the floor. The first email I read came from KLove's encouraging word, "For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength." Philippians 4:13.

Ahhh yes, the first scripture I ever memorized. One of my "go-to" scriptures. Yes, I can do all things through Christ. I can handle the news of moving an additional hour and half away from family. Why? Because I can do all things through Christ. My leader. My Rock. My Redeemer.

The shock has finally subsided and a new day had begun. God has plans for us. The excitement is back. I open my email and read KLove's encouraging word, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding." Proverbs 3:5

Yes, the second scripture memorized. Then I continue with "in all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths." Proverbs 3:6. Yes, trust in Him. He will direct us in the direction we need to follow. We need to follow our path to Wisconsin, not Minnesota

The blessings begin to flow...

We are ONLY four hours from family. Closer than we are now.

Target is ONLY 45 minutes down the highway. Closer than we are now.

IKEA is ONLY two and half hours away. Closer than we are now.

The best part, God is with us and we have become even closer to Him now.

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart."
Jeremiah 29:11-13

Yes, we have become closer to Him.

He is directing our paths.

Lazy Days

noreply@blogger.com (Forever Neighbor) — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 11:00:00 +0000

In a world that is fast-paced and on the constant move it is important to me that my family and I have a lazy day. On lazy day we do absolutely nothing. No cooking. No laundry. No chores.

We do nothing.

We may lounge in our pajamas all day. We snack all day. We watch television or movies all day. Sometimes we play board games.

On lazy day the house may become messy and needs to be picked up, but that waits for another day. Lazy day is a day to absolutely nothing. A day to rest and rejuvenate for the days ahead.

This works for me!

For more WFMW jump on over to We Are That Family.

Reimbursements

noreply@blogger.com (Forever Neighbor) — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 17:36:00 +0000

I believe the worse part of moving is the stage of turning our house over to the housing office, and staying in a hotel. We usually stay in our home up until the day we leave, so we do not have to pay for a hotel and eating out. This move was no different, until the first night in our home sleeping on an air mattress hurt my hubby's back. We then made the decision to move into the hotel for the last 11 days of our stay in Alaska. Obviously, the health and well-being of my husband is more important than trying to save some dollars.

I am so grateful that the Army will reimburse us 10 of the 11 days of staying in a hotel. The best part is that we receive per diem for those 10 days as well, which it turn pretty much covers the one night the Army did not. ALSO, we will have the money prior to departing Alaska. Ummmm, hello blessing!

We are staying at the hotel on base, and it is pretty nice. It consists of a little kitchenette, which helps cut down on the eating out costs, a pull-out couch for the kids, and a bedroom for us adults. This is a huge blessing compared to staying in a regular hotel room, that we did when we arrived in Alaska. Helps our sanity.

I am so grateful that God is in charge!

For more GratiTuesday jump on over to Heavenly Homemakers.

Multitude Monday #222-240

noreply@blogger.com (Forever Neighbor) — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 18:16:00 +0000

The list continues:

222. The official word that we were moving to Minnesota.

223. Having hubby home for CHRISTmas.

224. Watching the blessings open gifts.

225. Watching my daughter grow in Christ.

226. The movers packing our home.

227. A warm house to protect us from 40 below weather.

228. Card games with my children.

229. A well-groomed Manning (our dog). .He was in desperate need of a grooming

230. Quiet spiritual-filled talks with the hubby.

231. House hunting.

232. Setting new goals for the new year.

234. Flexibility of homeschooling.

235. Warranty on our vehicle.

236. Playing words with friends with hubby, daughter, and sister.

237. Minimal packing for our trip. Moving to Alaska we were overpacked.

238. Finding a good home for our young dog who could not travel with us.

239. Learning from mistakes.

240. Auto-start for our vehicle. A true blessing living in Alaska.

For more Multitude Monday please visit A Holy Experience hosted by Ann Voskamp.

New Year, New Goals

noreply@blogger.com (Forever Neighbor) — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 02:15:00 +0000

Video Credit

Happy New Year to you all! May this new year bring you blessings!

My family is starting the new year in a hotel. We leave for "Minnie-sota" in nine days. So the start of the year is focusing on finding a new home and settling into our new life.

A new year means new goals.

I try to set goals that I would like to accomplish for the year and most times I do not complete all of them. For 2011 I did not even set goals! This year I have goals set that I really want to complete.

1. Lose 35 pounds and 15 percent body fat. I will do this by using Body By Vi and exercising five to six days a week. I have enough workout equipment that I do not need a gym.

2. Pay at least $5000.00 towards debt. Once we settle into our new lifestyle, we will be able to focus more on Dave's plan.

3. Switch to all-natural cleaners.

4. Get back into routine. Most of 2011 was very disorganized. No routine really existed for us and I am tired of being disorganized.

5. Eat at least one fruit and vegetable a day. I would like to eat more each day, but I need to start somewhere right?

6. Research more on healthier living, which includes healthy food choices and all areas of life.

7. Read the Bible in 90 days again.

8. Read at least two books a month.

9. Blog more consistently. I would like to blog seven days a week, but let's set the goal of four to five days a week.

10. Memorize more scriptures.

What are your goals for 2012?

Yes She Is Different

noreply@blogger.com (Forever Neighbor) — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 22:25:00 +0000

Yes, my daughter is different.

Yes, she chooses to read her Bible every night and every morning.

Yes, she chooses to listen to Christian music over other music choices.

Yes, she is homeschooled.

No, she is not into boys.

No, she will not go against her beliefs

No, she cannot tell you about Harry Potter or Twilight.

Yes, she is different.

But who is she different too? Other people?

If that is the case then let her be different. My daughter is 11 years old and has such amazing faith. Just recently she was in a situation where she was put down because she chose not to participate in certain things because she believed that those activities would disappoint God. Her decision to obey God was then ridiculed by others.

My daughter discussed everything that happened and as I sat there listening, I became angry. My momma feathers were ruffled. I told her I was calling the mother and her response was "no mom because I did what Jesus wanted me to do, I offered my other cheek."

Sigh.

My 11 year old has more wisdom than even I do.

After she said that we prayed together. We prayed for those who hurt her and prayed that her heart will heal. After our prayer she says "thank you, and I need to make up for my Bible reading I missed last night and this morning."

My 11 year old daughter is showing me what it means to have faith like a child. She chooses to read her a Bible twice a day. She prays on her own. She asks God to help her minister to others. Yes, she is different to others, but she is loved by her family, and by God. She is more concerned about being accepted by God than people. Did I mention she is 11 years old?

My 11 year old daughter has taught me a lot today.

"For we live by faith, not by sight." 2 Corinthians 5:7

Everything Is Gone

noreply@blogger.com (Forever Neighbor) — Sat, 31 Dec 2011 04:51:00 +0000

I have been trying to upload some pictures the last 48 hours but unfortunately it is not working out. So instead of a blog post with pictures it will be with words. Sorry! :)

Our movers have packed up our home, put it all into 12 crates on a truck, and took it all away. So now we sit in a hotel with no wi-fi connection and low 3G reception, but that is okay. God continues to bless us during our move. We have now reached 11 days until we adventure out of Alaska and head back to "Minnie-sota."

We do not know what God has in store for us, but we are definitely ready!

Although we are excited about this new move, I do have to say this is definitely the hardest move. We have great friends and an awesome church that we are leaving, which makes it tough. Also, do not forget about the beauty Alaska holds!

This move is hard, but God needs us somewhere else, and it is time to head to our new life.

"In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps." proverbs 16:9 .

Merry CHRISTmas

noreply@blogger.com (Forever Neighbor) — Sun, 25 Dec 2011 16:23:00 +0000

Merry CHRISTmas to you all! May you feel God's love and blessings upon you. Today we are blessed to celebrate the birth of our King!!!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY JESUS!!!

Titus 2 Women

noreply@blogger.com (Forever Neighbor) — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 08:47:00 +0000

"Then they can urge the younger women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God." (Titus 2:4, 5 NIV).

As we are approaching closer to our movers arriving, and our time here in Alaska is coming to an end, I continue to think of my Titus two women. I have a couple of ladies in my church that I call my Titus two women. These women have definitely shown me ways to grow in my walk with the Lord and have not shown only me love, but others around them. These women have shown exactly what the Scripture say.

Today I was blessed to have one of my Titus two ladies stop by my home for a visit. It does not matter what I am going through she offers words of encouragement and guidance, but she also holds me accountable. Accountability is so important for us Christians because sometimes we can be influenced by the flesh or the world, or even both.

My Titus two women teach me, guide me,and truly live what God speaks in Titus 2:4-5. I had been praying for a few years for God to send me a Titus two woman into my life and He did. Not only did He send me a Titus two woman, but He sent me many.

God knew what I needed and He sent them. Let me tell you, He sent me some strong,God-loving, holding me accountable women. These women allow me to miss one Sunday of church, but boy, if I miss two in a row, my phone is ringing, and texts are being sent as soon as church is over. My Titus two women are calling to find out if I need anything, or if something happen.

Accountability.

The women are not calling to give me grief for missing two weeks of church in a row. They are calling to ensure everything is okay, and if I need prayer. They are holding me accountable for the decisions I make.

My Titus two women not only mean the world to me, but to my family. My children love these women and enjoy being around them. There has been a few times when the hubby and I have gone to dinner with one of my Titus two women and her husband, and my children are upset. This couple does not have children my children's age, so it is not my children wanting to play with their children. It is my children wanting to be in their presence. This couple has a love and fire for the Lord that when you leave all you can do is be in awe. I pray that one day I can display that same fire.

So each day we are getting closer to our move I feel excited, but sad at the same time. I truly wish I could just pack up these women with me, but I do not think that will happen. However, God has placed them in my life because He knew I needed them, and I know they will always be with me.

I believe we all need a Titus two woman in our life. How about you? Do you have a Titus two woman in your life?

A Wounded Warrior

noreply@blogger.com (Forever Neighbor) — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 02:15:00 +0000

You stretch out your right hand, he reaches with his left to shake your hand. You are confused. He looks fine. He talks fine, his physical appearance looks fine. He appears to look like he may have a different kind of walk, but then you hear he is a wounded soldier.

Perception sets in.

How can he be a wounded soldier?

How can this man who looks and speaks fine be a wounded soldier?

No one knows of the long nights of no sleep caused by pain No one notices the hurtful days where he can barely get out of bed. No one notices shaking your hand with his left causes him distress.

No one notices he is a wounded soldier.

He was not wounded in Iraq or Afghanistan. He looks perfectly fine. As a former soldier and wife of an active duty soldier, he should not get credit as a wounded soldier. HOWEVER, this soldier gave 20 plus years of his life to the Army. He has lost the ability to give 100% physical strength to his children because of his duty.

Because of his love for his country.

No he did not lose a limb.

No he did not step on an IED.

But he did give all he could for his country.

The 20 plus years has taken a toll on his body.

My husband heard this week that he is non-deployable. The emotions began to take over. He cannot be with his soldiers on a battlefield.

Ever.

The chances of him deploying ever again is quite low. However, my husband has given his time to his country, that is more than some can say. He has given so much that his body says it is done. It is time to hang up his boots. He has lived his entire adult life protecting this country and living the Army creed. Now, the Army has labeled him a wounded warrior.

No he did not face a combative injury, but he did give 20 plus years and now he faces a lifetime of physical pain and a lifetime of medication. Why?

Because of his love for his country.

There are many wounded soldiers out there like my husband.

There are many soldiers out there who have gave the ultimate sacrifice. Many soldiers have lost limbs, suffer from traumatic brain injury, and PTSD. These soldiers cannot give 100% to their families because of the love of their country.

Wounded warriors come from all aspects of the military.

Please do not forget them, because of them we have freedom.

They all have stories; all gave some, some gave all.

Please visit The Wounded Warrior Project for more stories of our wounded soldiers.

He Has Plans For Us

noreply@blogger.com (Forever Neighbor) — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 01:50:00 +0000

A couple of days ago I wrote about the new whirlwind that is making its way around my home, if you missed it you can click here. As we embark on a new adventure that God is setting us on, we are busy preparing. We just never expected this all to happen so fast.

Let me back up to the beginning....

The hubby was deployed and the two blessings and I went back home to Minnesota for five weeks in July to visit family. During that time my husband happen to look on a website to see if there was any available openings for duty assignments for September 2012. Yes, it was over a year out from when we could leave, but he thought he would just look anyways. No assignments were posted yet, but he did see an assignment in Fort Snelling, Minnesota. Unfortunately, that assignment was available for November 2011. It was obvious that we would not get that assignment.

While the blessings and I were home, God was planting in my heart that we were to retire in my hometown. I never thought that I would move back to my hometown. I always thought that when I left at the age of 18, that I was not coming back to live. God had other plans.

Rewind a little bit...

Before hubby deployed he was having some health concerns but instead of following up with the doctor, he shrugged it off and led his soldiers on a year long deployment. After about a month downrange his health began to get worse. He began to lose mobility in his right arm because of the pain that crept on him when he moved it. He hardly slept at night because the pain moved through his entire body. Doctors made a final decision of moving him to Landstahl, Germany. While in Germany the doctors felt that there was move to his condition then first thought. The doctor (we believe that it was God) decided that my husband was to be placed in the Wounded Warrior Program.

As my husband entered the program, it was the Wounded Warrior unit that thought best to permanently take my husband out of his current unit and assign him to the Wounded Warrior unit. Most soldiers are just attached to the unit, and once the soldier is fit for duty, they are returned to their old unit. This was not my husband's case. Now that my husband is released back to duty, he is eligible to PCS, or move, to a new duty station.

We knew that he would be returning to duty shortly after CHRISTtmas, we started to look for new duty stations. As we were looking, can you guess what assignment was still available? Yes, four months later the Fort Snelling, Minnesota assignment was still available and had a report date of April 2012. Hubby and I discussed a couple of assignments and decided that Fort Snelling would be our third choice.

God said "No"

God put on both of our hearts that Fort Snelling would be our number one choice. So hubby returned back to his unit and asked for Snelling to be our first choice. The paperwork was prepared and began its way to Anchorage the week of Thanksgiving, for signatures. The paperwork had to travel to three different places before we could find out exactly what assignment we were receiving.

Fast forward to last Tuesday.....

At 0915, Tuesday morning the hubby sent me a text stating that our paperwork was at its final destination. I was ecstatic because I figured we would have the answer by the end of the week. The hubby arrived home at 1230 for lunch and announced that the vet appointment that I just made for on January 18th for our two dogs, was to late. I said "how is that too late?" He replies with "because we are moving January 14th."

My jaw hit the floor. WHAT?!?!?! That is in 31 days!!! "I thought we were leaving in February/March time frame!!!"

Within this past week we have pushed our dates up for moving. We ship our second vehicle this Thursday and our movers will arrive two days after CHRISTmas. Originally the dates were the 3rd of January for our vehicle, and January 9th-11th for our movers. We planned on leaving January 14th, but decided last night that we will leave January 10th. Why stay in an empty house, in the middle of winter, for nothing?!?! So we are driving from Alaska on January 10th for Fort Snelling, Minnesota.

We are heading home!!! Well, heading to my home state, and two hours away from my hometown and family!!!

One last bit...
For those of you who are not military; Fort Snelling, Minnesota is not really a place that active duty military are stationed. Fort Snelling is a reserve center, but does have a couple active duty slots available. One of those slots we were blessed with from Him.

God is so good!

Another Whirlwind Begins

noreply@blogger.com (Forever Neighbor) — Sat, 17 Dec 2011 07:09:00 +0000

Another whirlwind has begun in our home again. The hubby arrived home this past Tuesday and reveals to me that we are PCSing, or in civilian terms, we are moving. We knew that once hubby was returned to duty this could happen. We figured we would move around the end of February, early March. Well, God has other plans.

We move in less than 30 days!

YES, 30 DAYS!!!

Remember you need to add CHRISTmas in those 30 days.

Luckily, we have moved many times so I have a routine that I follow. In ten days our movers will be arriving at our home and packing up our household items. We are preparing to make our cross-country move again and cannot wait!

I will be posting in the next couple of days explaining the blessing that God has given us, and how He revealed it all to us, and where we will be moving too.

Now onto number 8,639 on the to-do list....

My Little Girl

noreply@blogger.com (Forever Neighbor) — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 21:20:00 +0000

I am so thankful for the blessing of my daughter. She makes me so proud and I just love her so much. Yesterday the family and I went to watch Kaitlyn in her Girl Scout Re-Dedication Ceremony and I was simply amazed by her. I watched her interact with the younger children and how gently she guided them in the next step of the ceremony. I was definitely having a proud momma moment. I cannot believe that she is in her last year of a junior, it seems like yesterday she was starting her first year as a brownie. Where does the time go?

My little princess is a blessing to our family and I am so grateful that God blessed us with her.

She was so honored to carry the Colors

My little shadow is growing up. *sigh*

For more GratiTuesday jump on over to Heavenly Homemakers.

I Love The Blessings

noreply@blogger.com (Forever Neighbor) — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 19:36:00 +0000

He continues to show me the blessings that surround me.

201. Sunday afternoon naps.

202. Our trip to Anchorage.

203. God protecting us in an accident that could of been horrible.

204. Snow falling among the Alaskan landscape.

205. My husband having more good days than bad.

206. Menu planning

207. Hubby home to decorate the CHRISTmas tree.

208. God's timing; it is always perfect.

209. The ten pounds I have lost.

210. Sitting at a restaurant and the family and I just laughing and enjoying our moment together.

211. Seeing friends who we have not seen for a few months.

212. Hearing my kids tell their dad why we say "Merry CHRISTmas" and not Happy Holidays.

213. Hearing my husband that he loves me.

214. Eating dinner together as a family.

215. Fresh baked cookies.

216. Cooking and baking with my two little blessings.

217. A couple from our church whom has taken us under their wing, and has shown us love like Christ.

218. Hearing my kids say how much they love homeschool.

219. A friend who watched our two dogs while we were in Anchorage. So grateful we are.

220. The blessing of a new nephew.

221. Graduating school.

Please join Ann Voskamp over at A Holy Experience for more Multitude Mondays.

Menu Plan for Dec. 12th-18th

noreply@blogger.com (Forever Neighbor) — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 07:27:00 +0000

So here it is; the menu plan for this week. All I can say is, ABOUT TIME! The kids really enjoyed sitting down with me and helping me plan. I realized that when I did make a menu the kids would say "ahhh mom I don't want that." So I thought why not include the kids and then there would be no complaints on the food being served. I started last Thursday and there have been little complaints being said. I also included the weekend, which I have never done before. We are eating chicken and potatoes a lot this week because a friend who was traveling this month gave us a few pounds of each, so we are eating it up!

Monday~ chocolate chip pancakes
                 sandwiches and applesauce
                 creamy chicken penne pasta with salad

Tuesday~ cereal
                 grilled turkey and cheese with apples
                 pork chops with potatoes and carrots with brown sugar

Wednesday~ homemade waffles
                      homemade chicken nuggets and french fries
                      crock-pot roast with potatoes and green beans

Thursday~ cereal
                  sandwiches and kiwi
                  spaghetti pie with salad

Friday~ apple cinnamon muffins
              leftovers
              chicken, scallop potatoes, homemade rolls

Saturday~ eggs and turkey bacon
                   sandwiches and fruit
                   W/E (whatever; your choice)

Sunday~ cereal and smoothies
               W/E
                chicken, green bean casserole, mashed potatoes and gravy, homemade mac and cheese, and homemade rolls

For more Menu Plan ideas jump on over to Org Junkie.

Who Would Have Thought

noreply@blogger.com (Forever Neighbor) — Sun, 11 Dec 2011 00:04:00 +0000

Photo Credit

Who would have thought that time management really works?

I am here to tell you that it does! I only know this from the last few days, but I am loving it. Since arriving home from "civilization" I have re-organized my time. Before we left for "civilization" I was focused on prepackage meals, lounging around, and trying to finish up my schooling. Of course we were putting the kids schooling in there and the hubby's doctors appointments. However, my focus was not where it should have been. My family and my home.

I began making my menus, cooking yummy meals, and baking more healthy snacks. I have started making my lists of "to do's" again, and making my family my priority, besides Him of course. I have to laugh because this is how I was a year ago, and now I feel like I have never been like this. It truly shows that my priorities were messed up.

Since changing my priorities and using my time wisely, my heart is following. Some mornings I would wake up and feel "here we go again, another day of doing nothing." I began to sink into a funk. My heart followed. My focus was on me, me, and me, even though I did not realize it. I was sick and tired of being sick and tired.

Who would have thought that changing your priorities, praying for guidance, and focusing on others would make such a huge change! Yes, it is one of those "HELLLLLOOOO" moments, but apparently it was not getting through to me. God has truly taken me by His hand and has shown me the areas that I needed to fix. I am obviously a work in progress, but am thankful that He was there with me helping me along the way.

Hmmmmm now what should I bake next.....