Providing roots in Christ for your children
One of the greatest gifts you can give your children is a Christian foundation in which their roots can grow deep in the love of Jesus Christ. To be anchored in Christ is a basic security our children need for any transition in life. When they grow up, children will take with them the knowledge of Christ, which has been deeply rooted within. Sometimes they might take the wrong path in life, but our loving God always welcomes them back with open arms.
Here are some scriptures to guide you:
Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it. (Proverbs 22:6)
And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. And these words, which I am commanding you today, shall be on your heart; and you shall teach them diligently to your sons and shall talk of them when you sit in your house and when you walk by the way and when you lie down and when you rise up. (Deuteronomy 6:5-7)
So I have also dedicated him to the Lord; as long as he lives he is dedicated to the Lord. (1 Samuel 1:28)
As you provide roots in Christ for your children, the next seven steps are vital to a strong foundation:
Principles of faith. Base your values on the word of God. (Colossians 2:6-7)
Pattern of life. Strive to live a life worthy of imitation that models God's design. (Ephesians 5: 1-2)
Persistence that is immovable. Don't give up. Don't let anything move you from what you believe. Be strong in your faith. (Ephesians 6:10, 14)
Participation. Feel what your children feel. Laugh when they laugh. Cry when they cry. Learn with them. (Romans 12:15)
Praise. Encourage them. Believe in them. Sing to them when they are small. Sing with them when they are grown. (Philippians 4:4-5)
Prayer. Let them see you pray, hear you pray, and watch you give God the credit for the results. (Philippians 4:6)
Planning. It's never too late. Plan on giving them roots and wings! (Isaiah 40:31, Deuteronomy 32:11)
(Excerpted from Susan Miller's book After the Boxes are Unpacked...)
Scripture to Remember: Choose one from above
Question to Consider: Which step(s) do you need to pass on to your children?
Prayer: Lord, I want to give my children a strong foundation in you. The best way I can do that is to model you in my actions, my words, and the choices I make. I know there will be days I will take three steps forward, and two steps back. Don't let me get discouraged. Walk with me, talk with me, and help me to keep my focus on you. Amen
Thought for the Day: Today I will model you, Jesus, in all I do!
Friday, August 5, 2011
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
Heart Talk
August 2011
Dear Friends,
This is the time when moms and kids are heading for the school supplies aisle, stocking up on the things needed to prepare for school starting. As I watched them standing in line at the checkout counter with everything from backpacks to blue folders, my mind began to think outside the backpack to the "school supplies" we would need as we prepare to learn more about Jesus!
I do hope that all of you are planning to go back to school in the fall by enrolling in a Bible study, either at your church or a church in your area. It might even be a home study with a group of friends or a neighborhood group. If you are new to your community, consider starting a Moving On After Moving In small group in your home. What a great way to make new friends!
I encourage you to check it out now! We all need to reconnect after the disconnect of summer. We all need to get back to Jesus! (Make every effort to come to me soon.... 2 Timothy 4:9)
Here are a few "school supplies" you might need and suggestions for how to use them:
Bible (with a concordance to help you find verses)
Your instruction book for how to live life.
Paper (or notebook)
For notes and prayer requests, for scripture and remembrances of what you've learned.
Pen (or pencil)
To record your lessons in your mind and in your heart.
Super Glue (recommended)
To bond you with God's word.
Scissors (really sharp)
To cut out any thoughts or ways that would not honor or bring glory to God.
Folders (with pockets)
Tuck in handouts, keepsakes and lessons to enfold into your life.
Crayons (or colored pens)
To remind you of the many choices you have to color your day.
Ruler (yardstick recommended)
To measure your growth-in Jesus!
Apple (a really big one!)
God's provision and nourishment to share with others in friendship and fellowship.
May God lead you to a Bible study that will bless you and take you to a deeper knowledge and love for Him.
Please e-mail me at susanmiller@justmoved.org about what you learn in class this fall!
From My Heart to Yours,
Susan
Dear Friends,
This is the time when moms and kids are heading for the school supplies aisle, stocking up on the things needed to prepare for school starting. As I watched them standing in line at the checkout counter with everything from backpacks to blue folders, my mind began to think outside the backpack to the "school supplies" we would need as we prepare to learn more about Jesus!
I do hope that all of you are planning to go back to school in the fall by enrolling in a Bible study, either at your church or a church in your area. It might even be a home study with a group of friends or a neighborhood group. If you are new to your community, consider starting a Moving On After Moving In small group in your home. What a great way to make new friends!
I encourage you to check it out now! We all need to reconnect after the disconnect of summer. We all need to get back to Jesus! (Make every effort to come to me soon.... 2 Timothy 4:9)
Here are a few "school supplies" you might need and suggestions for how to use them:
Bible (with a concordance to help you find verses)
Your instruction book for how to live life.
Paper (or notebook)
For notes and prayer requests, for scripture and remembrances of what you've learned.
Pen (or pencil)
To record your lessons in your mind and in your heart.
Super Glue (recommended)
To bond you with God's word.
Scissors (really sharp)
To cut out any thoughts or ways that would not honor or bring glory to God.
Folders (with pockets)
Tuck in handouts, keepsakes and lessons to enfold into your life.
Crayons (or colored pens)
To remind you of the many choices you have to color your day.
Ruler (yardstick recommended)
To measure your growth-in Jesus!
Apple (a really big one!)
God's provision and nourishment to share with others in friendship and fellowship.
May God lead you to a Bible study that will bless you and take you to a deeper knowledge and love for Him.
Please e-mail me at susanmiller@justmoved.org about what you learn in class this fall!
From My Heart to Yours,
Susan
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Stars and Stripes Column
Susan Miller interviewed for Stars and Stripes column
Terri Barnes, columnist for this important military newspaper, interviewed Susan for her insight in helping children adjust to a move. Go now...
Terri Barnes, columnist for this important military newspaper, interviewed Susan for her insight in helping children adjust to a move. Go now...
Sunday, July 10, 2011
Just Moved in the USA Weekend Edition!
Susan Miller
Interviewed for Article in USA Weekend
Susan was interviewed for an article that appeared in the May 22nd issue of USA Weekend, a Sunday newspaper insert that is included in over 700 newspapers around the country. Click here to read the article!
Interviewed for Article in USA Weekend
Susan was interviewed for an article that appeared in the May 22nd issue of USA Weekend, a Sunday newspaper insert that is included in over 700 newspapers around the country. Click here to read the article!
Thursday, July 7, 2011
Susan on Focus on the Family!
Focus on the Family Interview
with Susan Miller
Click here to read Susan Miller's article, "Surviving the Stress of Moving", in the May issue of Thriving Family at Focus on the Family. Watch for an additional article by Susan on the Focus on the Family website during the month of June.
The Focus on the Family radio interview with Susan is scheduled to be broadcast July 12 & 13, 2011. Focus will follow with a live, streaming interview and call-in program with Susan on July 13, 2-3pm Eastern.
with Susan Miller
Click here to read Susan Miller's article, "Surviving the Stress of Moving", in the May issue of Thriving Family at Focus on the Family. Watch for an additional article by Susan on the Focus on the Family website during the month of June.
The Focus on the Family radio interview with Susan is scheduled to be broadcast July 12 & 13, 2011. Focus will follow with a live, streaming interview and call-in program with Susan on July 13, 2-3pm Eastern.
Monday, July 4, 2011
Summer Moving Special!!
Summer Moving Special
Get both of Susan Miller's bestselling books for only $17,
plus $4 s&h
You save $7.70!
Just click HERE!
Get both of Susan Miller's bestselling books for only $17,
plus $4 s&h
You save $7.70!
Just click HERE!
Saturday, July 2, 2011
Moving Tips
20 Ways to Help Children Adjust After a Move
Summer time and the livin' is far from easy... that is, if you're moving.
So how can we make the move a little easier on the kids? The following are some of Susan Miller's suggestions from her book, After the Boxes are Unpacked.
1. Christen Your New Home
Tie a big bow - one for each of your children on the front door. When the child cuts his or her bow, take a picture to put in your moving day scrapbook.
2. Create a Personal Calling Card
Type your new address and phone number in columns with a two-inch margin. Fold on lines above and below each address so you and the children can tear them off for friends.
3. Have a Family Party
All you need are cookies, punch, and conversation. Remember, conversation can be more refreshing than cookies and punch.
4. Don't Skip Breakfast
A good breakfast gives your kids the energy to start the day.
5. Personalize Your New Yard
Encourage your kids to plant seeds or flowers in the yard. Explain how we all have to root and grow in new soil.
6. Encourage Friendships
Encourage your children to invite friends home. You provide the pizza.
7. Daily Routines Provide Security
Establish a routine as quickly as possible.
8. Ask Before You Toss
Don't do away with old toys and familiar possessions. They may give your child a feeling of continuity.
9. Pride In Ownership
Let your child take part in decorating his or her room.
10. New Traditions
The old traditions are still very important to your family, however, a new house is a great time to add some new traditions.
11. Listen, Listen, Listen
Don't preach or teach, instead give your kids lots of hugs while you listen to what they're really saying.
12. Grieving Is Part of the Moving Process
Allow your children to mourn their losses in the move.
13. Get Them Involved
Ask neighbors or your church about a good youth program for your children to get involved with.
14. A Little Something Extra
Leave notes that say, "I love U" or "Have a great day!" and leave them in unexpected places where they'll be found by the kids.
15. Keep In Touch
Allow each child an opportunity call to a friend in his or her former town.
16. Stay Positive
Provide lots of reassurance for them.
17. Pray
Pray for your children every day.
18. Bedtime Routines
Tuck younger children in at bedtime. Don't be in a hurry, but allow them to open up about their thoughts, feelings, and experiences.
19. Nourish their growth
Nourish their roots in Christ, family, and home.
20. Build Up Their Confidence
Give them wings of freedom to move forward in their journey of life.
(Another great resource from Susan Miller is her book, But Mom, I Don't Want to Move.)
Summer time and the livin' is far from easy... that is, if you're moving.
So how can we make the move a little easier on the kids? The following are some of Susan Miller's suggestions from her book, After the Boxes are Unpacked.
1. Christen Your New Home
Tie a big bow - one for each of your children on the front door. When the child cuts his or her bow, take a picture to put in your moving day scrapbook.
2. Create a Personal Calling Card
Type your new address and phone number in columns with a two-inch margin. Fold on lines above and below each address so you and the children can tear them off for friends.
3. Have a Family Party
All you need are cookies, punch, and conversation. Remember, conversation can be more refreshing than cookies and punch.
4. Don't Skip Breakfast
A good breakfast gives your kids the energy to start the day.
5. Personalize Your New Yard
Encourage your kids to plant seeds or flowers in the yard. Explain how we all have to root and grow in new soil.
6. Encourage Friendships
Encourage your children to invite friends home. You provide the pizza.
7. Daily Routines Provide Security
Establish a routine as quickly as possible.
8. Ask Before You Toss
Don't do away with old toys and familiar possessions. They may give your child a feeling of continuity.
9. Pride In Ownership
Let your child take part in decorating his or her room.
10. New Traditions
The old traditions are still very important to your family, however, a new house is a great time to add some new traditions.
11. Listen, Listen, Listen
Don't preach or teach, instead give your kids lots of hugs while you listen to what they're really saying.
12. Grieving Is Part of the Moving Process
Allow your children to mourn their losses in the move.
13. Get Them Involved
Ask neighbors or your church about a good youth program for your children to get involved with.
14. A Little Something Extra
Leave notes that say, "I love U" or "Have a great day!" and leave them in unexpected places where they'll be found by the kids.
15. Keep In Touch
Allow each child an opportunity call to a friend in his or her former town.
16. Stay Positive
Provide lots of reassurance for them.
17. Pray
Pray for your children every day.
18. Bedtime Routines
Tuck younger children in at bedtime. Don't be in a hurry, but allow them to open up about their thoughts, feelings, and experiences.
19. Nourish their growth
Nourish their roots in Christ, family, and home.
20. Build Up Their Confidence
Give them wings of freedom to move forward in their journey of life.
(Another great resource from Susan Miller is her book, But Mom, I Don't Want to Move.)
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