Thankful

Whether it is being called a season, a chapter, or a period of life, this year has been one filled with many adventures, challenges, and reasons to give thanks. First, God has blessed me with family, health, life, and life eternal. That’s something to be thankful for! Second, getting through the Warrant Officer Basic Course (WOBC) was a healthy challenge and I am thankful for having graduated the first time. Yes, I said the first time (not everyone does). Third, I am thankful for God’s sovereignty and how He has orchestrated events in life. Everything works together for good to those who love God and are called according to His purpose. 

WOBC was no joke and I am grateful to have had that experience and graduated. Making new friends along the way made WOBC bearable. Being a Marine Officer is different compared to the antics of the Enlisted side. From tradition to unwritten etiquette guidelines, there are unique aspects of the Officer side that I am still learning today. 

Having experienced WOBC and committed to four more years of obligation to the Marine Corps, I have received a couple of bonuses to help catapult me forward in my financial journey. The most notable achievement being that I bought my first house.

Over the summer I began a casual search for a home knowing that I would not be continuing my apartment lease upon expiration. Little did I know it was only a few months before my signature would be on many papers and I would be the owner of a home. Because God helped me finish getting out of debt and helped me on my financial journey, I was in a position–no matter what the market was doing–to purchase a home without any financial regrets. 

As it turns out, I did have to end my lease early. Because there had to be a 60 day notice, my move from apartment to house was elongated and a little less stressful. Friends from church and work came out to help with the big move. I am thankful for all of them. Having the lease and the house, I did a little sleep hopping between the apartment and the house for about two weeks. Those days are finally over and the keys are turned in.

This month is the Marine Corps birthday month. At work we had a group of Marines and Sailors gather to celebrate. I’ve said it before, any Marine birthday celebration will have cake. It was delicious. I then traveled to the unit and celebrated with our Marines at the Marine Corps Ball. We also had a motivational run around town which was both cold and wet. It wasn’t pouring rain, but there was a mix between mist and sprinkle. If you were around town, you may have heard a ruckus.

Responsibility as a Warrant Officer is definitely different than being a Staff Noncommissioned Officer (SNCO). My current MOS is 2340 or Ammunition Officer. The role I am fulfilling is that of the Operations Officer. Ensuring the troops are being trained is my primary goal. There are many aspects to consider when creating training schedules and navigating logistical requirements, but that can be fun. It’s a challenge. It takes up a lot of time that I am not being paid for. It’s what I signed up for. 

In the last post I talked about how I’m gaining closer to 20 years in the Marine Corps. 20 years! People ask if I am considering staying in for the full 20 or not. That was answered in the last post too. Check it out. 

This Thanksgiving I got to see my family and hang out with my brother in Tennessee. We drove over to North Carolina and spent time with the rest of the family. It was a good time of hanging out and enjoying one another’s company. Home is where mom is making pie.

The holidays are upon us and I am thankful for a holiday of giving thanks. Not only that, I am thankful for Jesus Christ being born. Less serious, I am excited for the Christmas season as we go about having fun, food, give gifts, enjoy decorations, and enjoy Christmas parties. Speaking of which, the Ramsey Solutions Christmas Party is epic and we are in for a treat this year. Dave does it big and does it right. There’s no messing with Christmas at Ramsey Solutions. 

I am thankful for the civilian job I have at Ramsey and for the opportunities on the horizon. So much going on! My role is to help customers with their budgeting as they get into our digital budgeting tool, EveryDollar. It is a tool I’ve used since its inception in 2015 and the one I returned to after neglecting budgeting for a time. Not sure if I’m supposed to say this, but this is not sponsored. EveryDollar Premium (it’s free and has a premium product for purchase) is on sale for a limited time. Only $49.99 (plus applicable tax) at the Ramsey Solutions online store or everydollar.com/blackfriday. That’s a deal! Check it out if you want. 

Enough of unsponsored advertisements. I really believe in it though. It has helped me take control of my finances while on my financial journey. 

As we wind down 2023, remember what you’re thankful for and reflect on the blessing and the hard times. Because God uses hard times as blessings too. We don’t always understand it in the moment. Speaking of which, praise God for my friend Holly’s miraculous recovery! Thanks for praying! Until next time: Be strong. Love God. Love others.

rejoice.always