Heart Talk from Susan Miller

Every Tuesday morning, I have the privilege of teaching a "Moving On After Moving In" class at my home church to a group of women who have recently moved to our area. In the corner pocket of my heart, I often dream of you being there with me! I picture your faces and hear your moving stories as your heart is reflected through the women who are present.

I couldn’t wait to share with you one of the things we talked about that brought you to my mind. Perhaps you are struggling right now and need to know you are not alone in how you feel.

Our lesson was on the "luggage tags" of feelings and emotions that we wear after a move. Even though the physical baggage I brought with me had been unpacked, I still had so many feelings and emotions packed away that kept me from starting over and moving ahead with my life.

I struggled with comparison, feelings of inadequacy and discouragement. One luggage tag in particular, loss of identity, pulls a familiar tug at my emotions as I remember so well how I struggled with that issue after each move we made. Nobody knew my name!

Southern sun dresses, homes with basements and attics, big yards, the word "ya’ll," and the beauty of four seasons were suddenly compared with the jeans and boots look, no extra storage space, my small yard, the phrase "you guys," and one, long, hot summer!

In the areas where I once felt adequate, I now felt extremely inadequate. I used to be able to zip around town in no time, knowing just where to go for what I needed. When we moved, I had no idea where I was going; I just hoped I was going to end up at the right place before dark!

I had always been outgoing and confident. Yet after moving, it seemed as though my whole personality changed and a shy, apprehensive person emerged. I became discouraged about so many aspects of our move, and yearned for a close friend.

With a redirected focus on God, a change of attitude and the magic of time - my roots now go deep in this place I call home. Looking back, I realize so many of my feelings and emotions were normal side effects that come with moving.

I believe God put you on my heart because you needed to hear that you will get through this transition as you adjust to your new surroundings.

Take a good look at the luggage tags you are wearing. What is keeping you from starting over and moving forward? Make the choice today to focus on our unchanging God instead of your changing circumstances.

Remember that a change of heart begins with you - your attitude, your actions, your choices. (To be miserable or not to be miserable!) In due time, God will make a way in your wilderness and rivers in your desert!

"Behold I will do something new, Now it will spring forth; Will you not be aware of it? I will even make a roadway in the wilderness, Rivers in the desert."- Isaiah 43:19.

Heart Talk from Susan Miller

Do you know that most families move between Memorial Day and Labor Day? That means many of you are facing a move over the summer, with the hope that you will be settled in by the time school starts. It’s kind of overwhelming, isn’t it? When I think about all you have to do to get ready to move, I want to show up at your front door and give you a hug, help you pack boxes, bring you dinner, or just listen as you sort through all the emotions that you are feeling.

You are especially on my mind during this summer time of transition. I receive many prayer requests concerning upcoming summer moves. Your emails are heart-warming as you pour out your prayer needs—for your own struggles, your marriage relationship, your children, family members, jobs, selling and buying a home—all the issues that come with change.

I am reminded of what my five-year-old grandson, Steven, says when everyone sits down to eat at the kitchen table, "Let’s talk about God!" (Which means to him, it’s time to pray!) With the same joy that comes from a child, I encourage you to "talk about God" this summer as you and your family begin the process of moving. First, come to Him with a grateful heart, as you talk about His faithfulness and His blessings in your life. Share together the times you felt His presence, His peace and His comfort. Talk about Him often to help you keep perspective. Then, through prayer, make your requests known to God. He is there with you, to sustain you, guide you, and walk with you through this time of change in your life.

Know that all of us at Just Moved! consider it a privilege to pray for you. In fact, you can now send your prayer requests to us all year long! Anytime, day or night, email us and let us know how we can pray for you and your family.

Take a deep breath, my friends. Try to get some rest over the summer before life gets too crazy again. Renew your heart as you recall God’s faithfulness, and refresh your spirit as you go to His word for refuge.

Heart Talk from Susan Miller

Dear Moving Friends,

Have you ever been blind-sided by change? Whether it’s an unexpected or unplanned move, a job loss, an illness, or any other major life-change—it can leave you numb, shocked, and devastated in a matter of minutes. Your life, and everything in it, changes from the moment you get the news.

That’s what happened to us when Bill was admitted to the hospital on Friday, April 10th for tests, was diagnosed with colon cancer, and had emergency surgery on April 12th, Easter Sunday. Needless to say, we are still trying to wrap our minds around all that has happened so suddenly and unexpectedly. I have not left Bill’s side as the days have slipped into weeks of hospitals, tests and more tests, chemo, blood transfusions, blood clots, extreme exhaustion and weakness, and rebuilding strength to fight this disease.

As you know, there are many unknowns in a major life-changing event. But this much we know for sure: we are wrapped in God’s comfort and strength each day. He covers us with His grace and mercy as we forge ahead to fight this battle. Everything we have ever learned, experienced, and know about Jesus, gives us strength for a time such as this. We rest in His promises, and rely on His word for the days ahead. We may be living with a cancer diagnosis, but we also live with a peace that passes all understanding, and a hope that is anchored in Christ.

I consider it a privilege to take care of Bill in the same devoted way that he has taken care of me for 45 years. His courage and spiritual strength ministers to me daily. We walk this road together, hand in hand. No trial is so great that God cannot deliver us, no pain is so great that God does not bring us comfort, and no situation is ever without God’s presence.

May God encourage you, as He has encouraged us, as we trust in Him each day. Great is His faithfulness!

“…For Thou has been my stronghold, and a refuge in the day of my distress…” Psalm 59:16

From my heart,
Susan

Heart Talk from Susan Miller

Dear Moving Friends,


Don’t you just love this time of year! Spring is in full bloom! Nature is in harmony with colorful flowers, new green growth on tree branches, and birds chirping with joy. Yet for many of you who are in the emotional upheaval of a move, or face an unknown future with moving, the season of spring has not arrived in your life- there is a lack of harmony with those around you, you don't feel personal or spiritual growth in this transition, and there is no joy in your heart-yet.


Let me encourage you dear sisters, your spring will come, you will bloom again! This is a season of life you are going through, it has come to pass, it has not come to stay. I know, because I have gone through the same dry and dormant seasons before, during, and after a move. I have felt the same feelings, and faced many of the same situations in moving that you have, and I too, could not feel the sun shining in my life. Even when I couldn't pray for myself during those difficult times, God put other people in my life to pray for me. Now is the time for you to rest in God's promises, in His word, and in His faithfulness-and to know that I will pray for you.


So, tell me, how are YOU doing? How can I pray for you across the miles as I hold you close in my thoughts and my heart? Please take a minute to email me with your personal prayer requests. Not only will I pray for you, but you will be prayed for by all of us here at the Just Moved! Ministry office and your name will be written on our prayer board as a visual reminder of you.


If I could send each of you a spring bouquet of flowers to encourage your heart, I would. Instead, I'm sending you a bouquet of prayers, wrapped with my love and tied with a ribbon of God's hope.


In the morning, O Lord, Thou will hear my voice; In the morning I will order my prayer to Thee and eagerly watch. - Psalm 5:3


…Be gracious to me and hear my prayer. - Psalm 4:1


From My Heart to Yours,
Susan

Heart Talk from Susan Miller

Dear Moving Friends,

Thanks for stopping by our website and reading Heart Talk. I like to imagine that you have a cup of coffee in hand and are taking a much needed break in your busy day as you read this. Although I can't see your face or hear your voice, I am grateful for this connection to you.

The weather is warming up in my corner of the world. Signs of spring are here! New growth is appearing on bare branches, flower buds are beginning to form on plants, and the grass is turning from a dismal brown to a brilliant green. Hallelujah!

It is at this time of the year that I am always reminded that we can have a "Spring" season in our own lives as well. New growth for us can come after a dormant winter, hope can be renewed, hearts can be refreshed. From the dark of winter, comes the dawn of spring. From the darkness of Christ being crucified, to the dawn of His resurrection--we have hope for tomorrow. We can lay our hurts, weariness, disappointments, and losses at the foot of the cross, leaving them at the feet of Jesus. We can start over, and move forward; renewed with hope because of Christ. Hallelujah!

Wouldn't it be great if we could all take a deep breath at the same time all over the world, as we breathe in Jesus, and breathe out our worries and concerns? Breathe in right now, and let Jesus permeate every part of your mind, body, and soul. Then breathe out and release your burdens, worries, and concerns to Him. Let the bare places in your life take on new growth from God's word. Begin to "bloom where you are planted" by growing deep roots in God's unconditional love. Lay your burdens down at the feet of Jesus and allow yourself to feel the warmth of the "son". Yes, spring has come! Hallelujah!

From My Heart to yours,
Susan

Why Not Minot?

This past January Susan Miller had the privilege of traveling to Minot AFB, ND to speak with military personal and their spouses. Read below from Susan's own heart about her experience and then an article from Jamie Helbling.



Heart Talk - March from Susan Miller

Most of you know I speak at military installations all over the world. It is one of my "mountain top experiences in ministry" to embrace our military "moving" spouses with God's love and encouragement. Many of them face the stress of living on the edge of uncertainty, and with fear of the unknown. Yet, they also live with a resilient spirit of hope, perseverance, and optimism that defines the life that comes with being a military wife and mom. Whether they are Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marines, or Navy--they hold a special place of respect and honor in my heart.
In January, I went to Minot AFB, North Dakota. (Yes, North Dakota in January!) "Why not Minot? Freezin’ is the reason!" is the standard question and answer slogan for all who go there.

Minot may be freezing, but the military men and women, as well as their spouses, exuded a warmth that melted my heart. The pressure, stress, and long hours of their mission wear heavily on the life of each person, and of course, has a ripple effect on marriages and families. Yet again, the resilient spirit of all those I met shines through, in spite of their circumstances.

Humor would break the ice as military moms described what they wear, and how many layers of clothing they put on, (and on their children) to keep warm when they go outside. Their stories of "snow survival" ranged from hilarious to humbling. Then a storm of emotions would spill out through their words and tears as they described the sacrifices, the loneliness, and the effects of living life in bitter cold weather conditions. Just like the sun brilliantly reflects on the snow after a storm, their smiles would come -- as friends connected, and community was built through their shared experiences.

When you enter Minot AFB, these are the words over the gate: "Only the best come North." I certainly believe that, after meeting the men and women in uniform, their spouses, and many of their families. As you leave the base, it reads: "...and better when they go forth." Yes...I am certainly better for having been to Minot, and better equipped for my mission as I go forth!
From My Heart,

Susan

"Miller melts the ice of our military community"

By Jamie Helbling
Northern Sentry, January 30, 2009

Despite the mercury dipping well below zero on Saturday, the atmosphere at the Jimmy Doolittle Center was warm and sunny during the uplifting presentation “Surviving Your Circumstances,” given by Susan Miller, founder and president of Just Moved! Ministries.

More than 90 individuals received a large dose of encouragement as they listened to Miller share the secrets to finding joy despite circumstances.

In addition to the free seminar sponsored by the Base Chapel and Airman and Family Readiness Center, participants were fed a delicious meal and were given a free copy of Miller’s book, “After the Boxes Are Unpacked.”

“I thought this was a very positive seminar; it gave us a good outlook on life,” said Airman Savannah Laquaglia of the 5th Force Support Squadron who attended with her husband Nicolai. The couple will celebrate their first year of marriage in three months and expressed gratitude for the insights shared at the seminar, despite the fact that their roles are reversed with Savannah being the active duty spouse.

“It’s great to know that we are not the only ones struggling in a move,” said Capt. Eric Balls of the 23rd Bomb Squadron and his wife Tina. “We especially appreciated the tools on how to respond to your spouse.”

The information presented by Miller was timeless and offered hope for all of life’s circumstances, no matter what an individual’s age or situation may be.

Along with the relevant, real life examples from her own experiences, Miller shared some golden nuggets of wisdom with the audience that kept pen’s busy writing as fast as they could keep up.

“You can be bitter or you can be better.”

“You will never grow if you stay in your comfort zone.”

“Don’t hold onto things too tightly, they are just things. Know what to cherish and what to cling to. Cherish the things you left behind, such as your home, your friendships and your memories, but cling to what you’ve brought with you; your family, your values and your traditions. Ask yourself what you used to let go of so you can start over and move ahead.”

Miller backed all of her support and encouragement with verses from the Bible and gave credit to surviving her circumstances solely on God’s provision.

“God goes before you, with you and hems you in from behind. Hopefully He is within you as well,” said Miller. “Security is found only in God and not in your circumstances.”

To learn more about surviving a move or overcoming other struggles, visit the Just Moved! website at www.justmoved.org.
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Permission for use of this article was given by the Minot AFB Northern Sentry and BHG Publishing