Sunday, August 29, 2010

Devotional- Aug 2010

I think I can, I think I can...
When you are starting over there are two giant steps to take: persevere andpress on. You cannot always take these steps in your own strength, but God can equip you and enable you to do both. His word is your strength and hope.
At times you might feel like the “little engine that could” who said, “I think I can, I think I can…” as he pushed up the hill and discovered that, through perseverance, he really could make it.
For hope and perseverance that will push you up the hill, listen to what Paul says in 2 Corinthians 4:7-9: “But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the surpassing greatness of the power may be of God and not from ourselves; we are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not despairing; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed..”
Scripture to Remember: “…through perseverance and the encouragement of the scriptures we might have hope.” Romans 15:4
Question to Consider: In what situation do I need to persevere and press on?
Prayer: Oh Lord, give me a persevering spirit! Reveal through your word the encouragement and hope I need to start over.
Thought for the Day: Today, I will press on through the obstacles I am facing!
-Susan Miller

Thursday, August 26, 2010

Heart Talk from Susan Miller- Aug 2010

Dear Moving Friends,
Have you ever had exciting news you just couldn’t wait to share?
If you promise to act surprised when it comes, I’ll tell you now, because I know you’ll want to start checking your mailbox in September for the arrival of----your first Just Moved newsletter!! Our staff is busy preparing for the birth of Bloom (named by one of our volunteers) and I want to pique your interest in anticipation of its arrival.
Bloom will bring hope to you, the uprooted woman. Our newsletter is another way for us to prepare, encourage, and equip you to embrace your new life when you are uprooted because of a move. Whether you’re still adjusting to a move, or feel like the adjustment is behind you, Bloom will help you face the many transitions in life. Just Moved is there for you when you need us—through the personal touch of phone and prayer, our website, and now, our newsletter.
You’ll love the practical tips and helpful information to encourage you with the challenges of moving—from children and pets to winning over worry! The personal testimonies about how God works in and through a move will inspire you. You’ll be the first to know where I’ll be speaking and where new Moving On After Moving In classes are forming. We’ll keep you informed about Just Moved events and conferences and any items in our gift shop for you or a moving friend to help make it a smooth transition. Of course, it will always open with my written hug to embrace you across the miles.
If you know someone who might want our newsletter, send us the mailing address and we’ll be sure to send out a copy. In the meantime, get ready toBloom in September!
From My Heart to Yours,

Monday, August 23, 2010

Class Spotlight- Aug 2010

Franklin Christian Church
4040 Murfreesboro Rd
Franklin, TN 37067
www.fcctn.org
Leaders: Miranda Kokes and Laura O'Neal
We held our first Moving On Class last October 2009. As I compiled my class roster, I was in complete amazement that we had 27 women signed up for the class!! I knew that it was a "God" thing!
The class helped the women with more things in their lives than just moving....it gave them encouragement for any type of transition. Most importantly, it brought them closer to God! One of our class participants will be co-facilitating the class with me this fall!
This class blessed me personally in ways that I can hardly put into words. It strengthened my faith and proved that God gives you what you need when He calls you to do something in His name. I realized there were some "boxes" that I had not yet unpacked....and they were emotional boxes. This class helped me to grow closer to God, it improved my family life, and it provided me with some dear friends that I may have never met otherwise.
Sometimes He has to "move" us physically in order to "move" us closer to Him!
Miranda

Friday, August 20, 2010

Moving Story- Aug 2010

God has taught me and is teaching me so much through my moves...

Heather in Texas

A friend of mine recommended you to me a few years ago. Last year I found out about your teaching on DVD (download). Your DVD’s have been a powerful help in understanding the stages and process of moving. Thank you so much for your ministry. I’m moving on now, in large part due to the wisdom and experience God gave you in your many moves!

God has taught me and is teaching me so much through my moves. I don’t take friends or small groups or even volunteering for granted as I did when I lived in my hometown. Most importantly, I’m certain that there is no way I would have grown in my relationship with the Lord if I’d never moved. I’ve matured as a result. Moving and losing my external support structures caused me to desperately seek the Lord and learn to know Him as friend. Out of sheer loneliness, I developed a habit of daily quiet time with Him. I have actually done those 10-week bible studies on my own at home without a small group just because I was so lonely and desperate to meet with Him and get His love! Moving has caused me to see how little I really depended on God’s comfort and sufficiency. In so many ways, I can see that my hometown represented “Egypt” for me. I was in bondage in ways that I didn’t realize until God called us away. Each move brings us closer to our “promised land” and I find more healing and freedom in each place, as I trust Him.
Even though I don’t know you, I love you and think of you as a friend! I will absolutely remember your ministry and recommend you to others who need help moving on.

Tuesday, August 17, 2010

Moving Tips- Aug 2010

Now what?
When you're new and you've got too much time on your hands...

You’ve settled in to your new home. The kids are back in school. You’re husband is off to his new job. Suddenly, you find yourself with hours to fill in a town where no one knows you and you’re afraid you’ll get lost just going to the grocery store. You may be tempted to stay within the security of your four walls, but you know that will only add to your loneliness.

Use these 15 ideas to launch you into a plan to make the most of each day.

Start by taking care of yourself:

Read and meditate on the Beatitudes found in Matthew chapter 5, verses 3-11. I highly recommend that you read these in The Message Bible paraphrase by Eugene Peterson. Jesus is teaching about contentment here and he has a lot to say to you. Don’t have this paraphrase? One of the first steps in your plan to get out and explore your new surroundings can be to find a bookstore and buy one! You can also read this in a past Tips for Moving On by clicking here.

Get your blood pumping. Working out affects your whole mood and outlook for the day. Anything from a brisk walk to a spin class will give you energy to face the future.

Keep a water bottle within arms reach at all times. Water is cleansing and refreshing and contributes to maintaining a proper weight. Your body will thank you.

Be quiet. Turn off the TV, your music, the computer… anything electronic… and ask God to speak to you. I’m not talking about an audible voice here, but He wants to instruct, encourage, and guide you and he’ll do that through your thoughts and feelings. But He can’t always get through to you if you’re never quiet. He’ll use scripture too (see action #1).

Examine yourself. Now that you’ve spent time listening, consider how you might like to take advantage of being the newcomer by making some changes in yourself that you’ve always wanted to make. This is your opportunity to redefine yourself. No one in your new community has any expectations of you. Have you always wanted to be more bold? Make the decision to invite a neighbor over for coffee.

Journal about this time in your life. Writing can bring clarity, release, and a reminder of any conclusions you reach. Years from now you’ll enjoy reading what you wrote and being reminded of this period in your life.

Bring flowers inside. Keep flowers on the table, counter, or in your bedroom. You’ll be surprised how much they can lift your spirits.

Now let’s turn your focus outward:

Be neighborly. We don't know if they are shy or just too busy, but neighbors aren't always the first to say hello. Bake some cookies and knock on your neighbor's door to say hello.

Volunteer. Opportunities abound for volunteering. From the local school to the hospital to the homeless shelter -- no offering is too small and your time and skills can make a real difference. While you’re helping, you’re also meeting people!

Be an explorer. Every day decide on one new place you’ll investigate… even if it’s just the DMV. It could be an area like a lovely park or neighborhood you’ve heard about. It could be a business or attraction that interests you or is historically significant.

Be a joiner. Join a fitness class, the library book club, a political campaign, a MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) group, a neighborhood watch… you get the idea. A “joiner” more quickly becomes a “belonger”.

Find a Bible study to attend. By all means find a church to attend regularly, but beyond that become a part of a smaller group that is doing a Bible study. Your best bet as a newcomer is to find or start aMoving On After Moving In study. Contact us here at Just Moved Ministry to learn more about this great way to make friends, connect with the community, and discover God’s perspective on your move. (email newministries@justmoved.org or call 480.991.5268)

Go back to school. You don’t have to be pursuing a degree to sign up for a class at the local community college or university. There are plenty of choices for those who are interested in personal and professional development. Take a guitar class, hone your writing skills, take a computer class… just sign up for something that interests you.

Choose one room at a time in your home to give your attention to. What can you do to make the room more inviting, more comfortable, and to more clearly reflect your style? Carry measurements and color swatches with you so that you are prepared to make a decision should you come across something that you’d like to buy for the room.

Remember that the rest of the family is also having to make lots of adjustments to this move. When family members get home, stop what you’re doing and give them a warm, loving, and interested reception. Ask about their day. Be a good listener. Act as if each of them is the most important person in your life.

-Ann Kelley

Saturday, August 14, 2010

The Moving On After Moving In Class Reunion

If you attended a Moving On After Moving In class in Arizona,
join us for a
Reunion Luncheon
September 24, 2010 at Scottsdale Bible Chapel, 7901 E. Shea Blvd, Scottsdale, AZ
10am-2:30pm
Click here to Register