Chicken Soup for the Soul: Military Edition {Giveaway}

“I like to see a man proud of the place in which he lives.  I like to see a man live so that his place will be proud of him” quote Abraham Lincoln.

I am so excited to announce the story I submitted last year to Chicken Soup for the Soul has been accepted and published in the Military Edition!  I am humbled and honored to have our story alongside other men and women who have served and been the force behind the forces.  And I’m thankful to have another opportunity to be published in the Chicken Soup Series!

I can’t believe how completely different our lives look now.

Never in my life did I think I’d be in this place I am today.  Never in a million years did I think I would be living in Alaska, living on a military base with my husband serving in the United States Air Force.  Never did I imagine all that we would see and learn just by taking a step of faith out of our comfort zone.  Only God.

You just never know what God has planned.

Even though we left everything we knew–family, friends, kid’s school, our home, jobs, etc.  We wouldn’t trade the military or Alaska for anything.  Coming up here we have become a closer knit family.  Moving to a place where you know no one, makes a family depend on each other in ways you never had before.  We also get to meet amazing military families who sacrifice their lives and serve just so we can be safe.

There is so much more to our story than what is published.  God has been writing our story for quite some time and is always full of surprises!

Life wouldn’t be life if there weren’t curve balls, sharp turns or detours would it?

As I am writing these words, we are getting ready to embark on our new journey to Colorado!  In fact we could really use your prayers.  There are a lot of unknowns of where we will live and what school our kids will attend.   We are trusting in God’s provision and leaving it in His hands.  Even though we don’t know how all the details are going to work, we know God has it already worked out for us.

There is something powerful in doing something bigger than yourself.

Alaska has taught us many things especially the art of camping and how to be prepared in all kinds of situations (wild life, negative degree weather).  We will be driving with our two kids and dog in our RV through Canada this summer, stopping by national parks along the way.  It is bittersweet for us to leave all the wonderful friends who have been our new military family to embark on our new adventure.  But we are excited for our new adventure that awaits.

Sometimes I question if we have to move every 3 to 4 years how are we able to grow roots?  I believe God uses us wherever we are.  He allows us to bloom wherever we are planted growing our roots deeper in every step of faith and act of obedience.  I will cherish the relationships and friendships we have made along the way and carry them in my heart wherever I go.  Each journey we go on grows us and prepares us for what God has in store (hence why we named our dog Journey ; ).

Our Journey Girl

Want a chance to win a copy of Chicken Soup for the Soul:  Military Edition for your self?  Before it is available in stores?

Here’s How to Enter:  Contest ENDS May 12th!  

  1. Subscribe to the Blog OR
  2. Write a Comment with your name, EMAIL and what branch of the service you are associated with OR
  3. Share this post 

Do all three for THREE chances to win!  I will need your email to notify if you won.  The Contest is only for those who live in the United States.  I promise I will not share your info with anyone.  If you win I will need your mailing address so I can send you a signed hard copy of the book!  Please share with others so they can have a chance too!  I will announce the winner via Facebook and email.  Please like the Facebook page or leave your email in the comments in case you win!  Good luck!

Chicken Soup for the Soul:  Military Edition is available for pre-order purchase on www.amazon.com for only $10.37!  It’s a perfect gift to give to that special someone who serves for Memorial Day!

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28 replies
  1. Larissa Traquair
    Larissa Traquair says:

    I love this post and how God is using you and your story to encourage others! I am so glad that we “met” on Periscope and that we get to do this military life together. I am married to a Marine and God has used every year that we were active duty, and in retirement, for His glory. It has been a JOURNEY indeed. Love seeing your dog and knowing his/her name. Congrats to being published sweet friend. I’d love for you to submit a post for our Monday Minute blog as your story would resonate with so many of our military peeps. Check out one of our most recent Monday Minutes at http://www.PlantingRoots.net to find the information on how to contact our publishing team to submit your story. Love you sweet friend!!!! Jesus looks so sweet on you!!!

    Reply
    • Heather Gillis
      Heather Gillis says:

      Hi Larissa! Yes I’m so glad we met on periscope! It’s so nice to connect with other military women who we get to do life together! Yes I would love for you to be on the Monday Minute. I’m sorry I am just now seeing your comment! I will look into submitting our story on the plantingroots.net site. Love you as well! You’re so inspiring and awesome!

      Reply
  2. Robin Cash
    Robin Cash says:

    I’d love the chance to win a copy of “Chicken Soup for the Soul: Military Families!” Blessings, Robin [associated with U.S. Air Force]

    Reply
  3. Tara
    Tara says:

    I have found your talks at PWOC to be so inspiring. I look forward to reading your story as well as the many others in this book. I’m an Air Force brat and now almost 10 years into being an Air Force spouse

    Reply
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