From Our Mailbox May 2010

There must be others like us...

Even though I moved within the last 9 months, I've given Susan's book (Moving On After Moving In) to 4 people in my new town already. The book helped me tremendously to overcome the grief and loss I was feeling, and I love to share the truth in it with others that I meet!

I am actually thinking about co-leading this with another dear friend who just moved to this area. She was the first person I shared the book with and, since then, we have both said that if we felt this way, it is likely that others who have just moved would benefit from this kind of group--especially in Iowa City. Our town is built around the University of Iowa, so people move in for a few years for residency and then are uprooted to a new place, so there are just a whole lot of disconnected women roaming around! It seems like God has brought them to me during the last few months. We are excited to start this.
Kelsey in Iowa

On April 27, 2010, Susan Miller spoke to the women of Fort Huachuca in Arizona. Read some of their comments left on the Just Moved Facebookpage.

Thank you for your sweet demeanor and for always pointing us to Jesus...such a wonderful time of learning and refreshing...

Cindy

...found you such a blessing ... God used you mightily. I am sure I will enjoy the books. I so admire your strength!

Joyce

It was such a blessing to have you with us this weekend. Thank you so very much for all that you shared and taught us. You have been and will continue to be a blessing for the Ft. Huachuca women no matter where we move to.

Amy

Wonderful, "precious" Susan (I've always loved that word and use it a lot, too)...You are the hands and feet Jesus, shining His light in this dark world. Thank you, thank you, thank you for serving the women of Fort Huachuca PWOC this weekend. Your messages were profound, uplifting, encouraging, and motivating! I love you, my dear sister! Feel a road trip comin' on...

Annie

Thank you for coming to Tucson for our Fort Huachuca Retreat! You leave a pleasing aroma of Christ everywhere you are!!

Julie

I love you Susan!!! Thank you for the best retreat EVER!!! HUGS XOXO

Erin

Military Devotional

Here I am again, Lord...
by Becky Bolduc, regular Just Moved! website contributor and wife of a Marine

In everything you do put God first and He will direct you and crown your efforts with success. Proverbs 3:6

In “our career” in the military we move so often that school can become a thing to dread for children who abhor change, and are painfully shy. I have struggled to find an answer to this for my Matthew who is both.

In the conversations I have been having with God the past few years regarding my sons it goes something like this: “Becky, are we here AGAIN to discuss this AGAIN! Why, if you keep coming to me, will you not let me have the situation?”

“Well you see God, I know I said last time I was going to listen and let you truly have the control of their lives and do what you want, BUT...”

“But what? You think I can’t handle a couple of boys...”

“Well yes but....”

“You HAVE to stop taking them back the second you walk away from our conversations. DO I have to show you AGAIN how much I love you and them?”

“Maybe just once more.” Here I always imagine God sighing, as every parent does with a willful and disobedient child and with His benevolence and grace proves to me one more time he loves my boys MORE than I do. He also has been showing me HIS plan is infinitely better than anything I could cook up.

God knew a year ago that pulling my son out of school would be one of the scariest things I would ever do. I knew I could teach, but not MY own kid. It has been a blessing of time spent getting to know Matthew as I wouldn’t have normally. God gives me the strength to stand up to people who question the wisdom of our decision. We can move and Matthew may have to learn a new town, new friends, and new activities but he will NOT have to go through the constant change of schools with their differing tests and policies. I also do not have to try and convince each new school that my son would behave in school if only they would give him a challenge. God has given me the chance to ease the transitions that, while unavoidable in the military, are so very hard on the sensitive child like my son. A child that hated math and loathed (his word not mine) school now goes and does his work each day with no fight. The same child is currently writing his first novel and many original songs as part of his schooling.

God knew I would use my educational training at home this year before I ever selected education as a career, and has given us, through my husband’s job, the ability for me to stay at home and teach. As I face the testing process with my youngest, who is far more Semper Gumby than my oldest, I am reassured I did the right thing. I thank God each day for pushing me to do this, and apologize to Him for ignoring Him for so long.

monthly challenge- May 2010

Challenge 52

Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy-laden and overburdened, and I will cause you to rest. I will ease and relieve and refresh your souls.
Matthew 11:28 (Amplified Bible)

Let Go: Has life has left you burning the candle at both ends until you’re nothing but a pool of wax? Perhaps it is an emotional burden that weighs your spirit down.

Start Over: Come to Jesus for your soul to be refreshed. Responsibilities will not disappear, but a refreshed spirit will inject peace and energy that you may be able to return to the task at hand.

Move Ahead: Carve even a few minutes out of each day to read from Matthew, Mark, Luke, or John to soak in Jesus’ words. Memorize Matthew 11:28, 29 and post these verses in a place you’ll see.

“Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy-laden and overburdened, and I will cause you to rest. I will ease and relieve and refresh your souls.Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. “ Matthew 11:28, 29

Class Spotlight- May 2010

Scottsdale Bible Church, Scottsdale, AZ

Linda Flentge, Peg Cottle, Carol Peters - Class Leaders
Susan Miller - teacher

"This class has been a lifeline for me. Moving here and not knowing anyone, I had no idea how I was going to make new friends in a community that didn't seem to notice how much I needed someone to reach out to me. Without this class and the women in it I think I'd still be pretty lonely. This is the first time I've moved in 23 years, so it's a real life-changing experience, but one I am so glad God has brought me through. He is so faithful."

Jill - class member

"I know now that I am not alone. I have the tools I need to move on and I have met wonderful women who have the same needs. Thank you with all my heart."

Pat - class member

"I have learned a lot and will use so much of the tools you have given me to 'start over' in my new place. I feel like all will be OK with God by my side and an open heart."

Annette - class member

Your ministry is a very unique and important one that helps so many women in transition. Your insightful stories made me aware of ways to improve myself and reconnect deeper with the Lord.

Fran - class member

Moving Story- May 2010

Sarah in California

Kingdom Assignment and how I got to the tea party...

(The following comes from a blog by Sarah Fravel of California. Sarah is helping with a Girlfriends’ Tea Party Fundraiser for Just Moved Ministry in Danville, CA on May 8, 2010. Susan Miller, President of Just Moved, will be speaking at the event. Visit Sarah’s blog and her creative stationery business.


In Kansas City I had volunteered at Ronald McDonald House in their craft room. It was one of the best experiences of my life! I have truly missed that since moving here.

So, I began to wonder if I could do something similar here. Nothing panned out...and then the Kingdom Assignments happened.

When we first moved here I attended a class for newcomers, hosted by Community Presbyterian Church, called Moving on After Moving In. It was a Bible study developed by Susan Miller. I can't tell you how important this was to me. During a move, any move--across town, or across the world--emotions are raw and hearts are more inclined to the Lord than ever as folks seek direction in their new place. How wonderful it was to be reminded that God is in the move, that He is with me and never forsakes me. This is something that as a Christian I knew...but so much had happened in our lives before getting here, and on the way here, that I really needed to be reminded.

Here is what I experienced in the class: Women who are hurting and need Christ are more open to seek Him during difficult periods of life. In the class I was a part of, one woman was grappling with her need for a savior, while another woman was experiencing for the first time love and care through the prayers of others. 25% of the population moves every year. That is a potential 25% people group that could be reached for Christ!

My gift mix includes teaching; and I love God's word. I am passionate about ways to help the Bible and a relationship with Jesus make sense in the lives of people. I believe through Just Moved, that's what I'm helping to do.

Our tea party is coming at a time when the ministry has been offered a matching gift opportunity. Carla is a good personal friend of Susan Miller. When Carla told her about our idea for a fund-raiser tea party, Susan was excited and found that her calendar would allow her to come! Susan speaks all over the world, teaches classes to military families, and to corporations: yesterday she was in Utah at In N’ Out Burger teaching to some corporate types who had just moved. Susan has written two books about moving and has spoken on the radio at Focus on the Family and Family Life Today many times.

What we are hoping to do at the tea party is reconnect some of the women who have been through the class, as well as connect Just Moved Ministry to a couple other churches in the area. Personally, I'm hoping that we can crank up the classes at CPC again this summer or fall. We are asking for donations of any amount that will go to Just Moved. I'm going to make boxes of cards and journals to be sold with all proceeds going to Just Moved. I'm pretty sure that after our tea party, I'll be more involved with Just Moved in some way. I have a heart for families who have been pulled up by their roots and are seeking, perhaps without knowing it, for the love of Christ.

Originally I thought that this assignment needed to be difficult, needed to be to start up some new ministry that had not existed before. However, through reading the parable of the talents again and through prayer, I have begun to see that the task put out with the Kingdom Assignment was to simply trust God with His finances, trusting that He'd lead the way to multiply the original 100.00 for the good of His Kingdom.
posted by Sarah Fravel at 9:52 AM on Apr 9, 2010

15 Money Saving Moving Tips

15 Money-Saving Moving Tips

Most of us are looking for ways to cut back on expenses. If you are planning a move, the costs can really add up. Here are 15 tips to cut costs where you can when it comes to your move.
Pack in boxes that you can get for free from grocery or warehouse stores. Let your grocer know ahead of time that you will be needing boxes and he or she can save them for you. Another free source... use boxes left over from a friend’s move.

Compare and get quotes from different moving companies and truck rentals.

Consider using a moving company that delivers the truck to your door, you load it, and a professional driver drives it to your new home. You unload the truck and the driver returns to pick up the truck. You only pay for the space that your belongings take up.

If you have the flexibility, avoid the months of June and July for your move. These are the most popular months for a move and you’ll have less bargaining power at this time.

Similarly, if you can move during the week, instead of on the weekend, the cost of renting a truck or hiring a moving company should be lower. Better yet, be flexible on your moving date and a moving company may quote a lower price for a date that is more convenient for them.

Consider renting a truck, packing, and driving it yourself. Be sure to consider your confidence behind the wheel, road and weather conditions, your strength and stamina, and whether you’ll have help. Also take into account any loss of income from taking time off to pack, load, drive, and unload.

Use your own blankets for padding instead of renting padded blankets from the truck rental company.

Borrow a tape dispenser instead of buying one.

Read the fine print in a professional mover’s contract. For example, there could be additional charges for moving heavy objects, disassembling pianos or pool tables, or requiring the movers to walk more than 75 feet or use stairs or an elevator.

Purge your belongings as much as possible. Sell items at a garage sale or donate items to a charity. The money you make at the garage sale is money in your pocket and the heavier and bigger your load, the more you will pay to have it moved.

Paper is heavy and there is no need to move junk mail or old documents. Recycle junk mail and shred paper with personal information. Consumer Reports provides helpful advice when you need to know how long to keep important papers.

For a small move, trucking company, ABF, offers a service called “Terminal to Terminal”. You deliver your belongings to the nearest ABF service center, load them into an ABF moving trailer or moving container and unload them at the service center nearest your destination. Needless to say, this requires that you have a way to haul your things to and from each service center. A variation of “Terminal to Terminal” is “Door to Terminal” or “Terminal to Door”. This is a money-saving option if one end of your move is escalating your overall costs. For instance, if you currently live in a rural area far away from the nearest service center and are moving to a larger city, the cost for delivery at your origin location may be more expensive. By loading your items at the nearest service center you can cut costs.*

If you qualify, some moving expenses are deductible, so keep records and receipts of all of your moving expenses. Click here to find out if your move qualifies for deductions.

When you’re on the road pack plenty of food to satisfy your hunger without having to buy every meal and snack from a restaurant or fast food joint. Breakfast is an easy meal to handle in the car when you can enjoy muffins, bagels, yogurt, fruit, and juice boxes. Lunch is often a less expensive meal at a restaurant and it can be a welcome break to have a sit-down meal during a long drive. Consider take-out for dinner and bring it back to your hotel room.

It may be time to stop using a telephone landline at your new home, but rely solely on your cell phone.
*Just Moved Ministry does not endorse this company or guarentee your satisfaction in working with this company. Please do your own thorough investigation to assure your satisfaction. We provide this information only as a possible resource.

Monthly Devotional- May 2010

Getting through the storms of life…

When the wind blows, and the rain comes down, God alone is your refuge and shelter from the storm.
...God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Psalm 46:1
…And there will be a shelter to give shade from the heat by day, and refuge and protection from the storm and the rain. Isaiah 4:6


In the midst of the storm, remember to trust God in all things.
…He only is my rock and my salvation, My stronghold; I shall not be greatly shaken. Psalm 62:2
…My times are in thy hand. Psalm 31:15


God is our anchor, our place of peace and calm. He strengthens us when tossed about in the storm.
…Thy word I have treasured in my heart. Psalm 119:11
…Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives, do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful. John 14:27


How will you respond to the storm?
…Therefore I have hope. The Lord’s loving kindness indeed never ceases, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is Thy faithfulness. Lamentations 3: 21-23

Scripture to Remember: Choose one (or more) from above.

Question to Consider: Will I respond or react to the storm in my life?

Prayer: Lord, you have equipped me for the storm in my life through your word and your promises. I will run to you for refuge and shelter. I will trust you in all things. You are my anchor, my rock. I will not be shaken. Great is your faithfulness! Amen

Thought for the Day: Today I will put my hope and trust in You, Oh Lord!

-Susan Miller

Save 15% this month on the MOOving Family

Just Moved! is celebrating 15 years of ministry this year! Take 15% off the retail price of the MOOving Family throughout the month of May!

MOOving Family

Soft and wonderfully plush!
This MOOving Family will be a favorite gift for that special child affected by a move. They arrive with a pocket-sized storybook that features Susan Miller's wonderful gift of story telling. Book is simply illustrated in black & white. Cows are made with all new non-allergenic and non-toxic materials and are washable. Adorably packaged in their own home! Largest cow measures 19".

Heart Talk from Susan Miller- May 2010

Dear Moving Friends,

Don’t be discouraged! Spring is coming! I can feel the difference in the air when I’m outside. I can see new green growth on bare tree and plant branches. Flowers and green grass are emerging on what was a barren winter landscape. The sun is brighter and stronger and seems to cast a glow on whatever it touches. It is as though nature is echoing the resurrection.

Rising within you can be a resurrected hope and a resurrected opportunity for a new beginning. Spring is a reminder to me of our risen Lord, who gives us the assurance of new life, a second chance, and a fresh start.

Take time this Easter, to allow a season of Spring to emerge in your heart. Feel the difference God’s presence brings all around you. See new growth come from within. With the fullness of His beauty, He will fill the emptiness of your life. It is the Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, who will cast light on our darkness and change whoever He touches!

I welcome Spring. I celebrate our risen Lord. I embrace the change that emerges in my heart from knowing and trusting Him. I am grateful that in Him I am a new person, filled with His eternal hope!

Happy Spring! Rejoice, He is Risen!

From My Heart to Yours,

Susan Miller