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...
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
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.)
Thursday, June 30, 2011
A Moving Story
Facing crisis far from home
How one transplant to Alabama had the support of new "sisters" when she least expected it
Kellie in Alabama
I have been so blessed with the Huntsville, AL [Moving On After Moving In] Group, under Pam Zavada's leadership at Cove United Methodist Church.
I am an Air Force spouse that was invited to join this group after moving from Georgia to Alabama. I did not live "local", about 25 minutes away; well over the mountain. With gas prices, I tried to talk myself out of joining the group, because I had moved 9 times in 15 years and really did not think I needed this group for "support". I had that all figured out, but the Lord kept stirring at my heart and one day He spoke to me and said, "Kellie, it's not about you this time, it's about others." I got it!! I was supposed to go there and encourage women who have moved for the first time or 10th time. I have been so blessed by this group. Last year I was invited to join the leadership team and help facilitate the group and it has been such a joy.
We had our graduation today and we do things "BIG" here in the south, as you know. We bought gerbera daisies and put a tag on each plant that said, "Bloom where you are planted." We purchased balloons - lots of balloons - and told them to fly now! And, of course they each got bookmarks and luggage tags. We had lots of tears today as we all shared how much this group has done for each of us personally.
Let me share what those little luggage tags did for me! As I said earlier, I am married to an officer in the Air Force that is a triathlete and, 5 months after moving in, my sweet husband had a blood clot in his calf and both lungs and was hospitalized. As he went in for his MRI I was all alone and no cell phone service available so I began to clean my purse out and there were all my luggage tags on the ring. I began to read all of the scriptures and pray, who would have thought little luggage tags would have meant so much!
Then when we went back to the ER the nurse said my sister was waiting to see us. Sister?? I thought... ok?? It was Kathy from my [Moving On] group. She is approximately 5ft.tall - on a good day - and I am close to 6ft tall. I started to cry when I saw her.
She whispered in my ear, "Sister in Christ."
"Right!" I said, "Absolutely!"
Two of the girls in our group have husbands who are physicians and they came in to pray with me and my husband. Little did I know how much I needed that group.
We are schedule to PCS next Spring and I would love to start a group on the next base that we are assigned to.
How one transplant to Alabama had the support of new "sisters" when she least expected it
Kellie in Alabama
I have been so blessed with the Huntsville, AL [Moving On After Moving In] Group, under Pam Zavada's leadership at Cove United Methodist Church.
I am an Air Force spouse that was invited to join this group after moving from Georgia to Alabama. I did not live "local", about 25 minutes away; well over the mountain. With gas prices, I tried to talk myself out of joining the group, because I had moved 9 times in 15 years and really did not think I needed this group for "support". I had that all figured out, but the Lord kept stirring at my heart and one day He spoke to me and said, "Kellie, it's not about you this time, it's about others." I got it!! I was supposed to go there and encourage women who have moved for the first time or 10th time. I have been so blessed by this group. Last year I was invited to join the leadership team and help facilitate the group and it has been such a joy.
We had our graduation today and we do things "BIG" here in the south, as you know. We bought gerbera daisies and put a tag on each plant that said, "Bloom where you are planted." We purchased balloons - lots of balloons - and told them to fly now! And, of course they each got bookmarks and luggage tags. We had lots of tears today as we all shared how much this group has done for each of us personally.
Let me share what those little luggage tags did for me! As I said earlier, I am married to an officer in the Air Force that is a triathlete and, 5 months after moving in, my sweet husband had a blood clot in his calf and both lungs and was hospitalized. As he went in for his MRI I was all alone and no cell phone service available so I began to clean my purse out and there were all my luggage tags on the ring. I began to read all of the scriptures and pray, who would have thought little luggage tags would have meant so much!
Then when we went back to the ER the nurse said my sister was waiting to see us. Sister?? I thought... ok?? It was Kathy from my [Moving On] group. She is approximately 5ft.tall - on a good day - and I am close to 6ft tall. I started to cry when I saw her.
She whispered in my ear, "Sister in Christ."
"Right!" I said, "Absolutely!"
Two of the girls in our group have husbands who are physicians and they came in to pray with me and my husband. Little did I know how much I needed that group.
We are schedule to PCS next Spring and I would love to start a group on the next base that we are assigned to.
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
June Devotional
Summer Alert!
We all know that the best way to grow healthy plants in a pot or a hanging basket during this time of year is to water regularly, provide ample light, fertilize as needed, and prune the branches when necessary. Here are some ways for you to grow deep roots in the soil of God's love if you have recently moved, or if you are facing a move in the future.
Water regularly by staying in God's word. My potted plants are watered daily because they are not in the ground where the sprinkler can reach them. They are separated from other plants, and can dry out easily. With a move, you may become separated from God's word for any number of reasons. Don't dry out! Spend time daily reading the Bible to replenish and restore your soul.
Provide yourself with plenty of light by knowing God's truth. As you read His word, memorize scripture, and believe in His promises, truth will be revealed to you. Tremendous growth will come from allowing God to shine His light on your life.
Fertilize as needed by being in Christ-centered fellowship. God puts His people in your life to nurture you, to serve as role-models for you, to encourage you, to pray for you, and to hold you accountable. Seek out a church home, if you haven't already. Get involved. Join a women's study group. Find out if the church has a Moving On After Moving In group to help you in your transition and adjustment. (Click here)
Prune the branches when necessary. The more withering flowers you cut, the more the plant will bloom. The more branches you prune, the fuller and greener the bush becomes. Careful pruning for you means to gently let go of people or places you've left behind. Doing this allows new growth within, new opportunities, and the growth of new relationships. Pruning also allows you to embrace the present and the future.
Scripture to Remember: May your roots go down deep into the soil of God's marvelous love. Ephesians 3:17
Question to Consider: Have I "dried out" spiritually since I moved?
Prayer: Lord, help me to be intentional about growing deep roots in You. I feel so disconnected from You since I've moved. (Or with the busyness of getting ready to move.) Help me to focus on You and on your word each day. Don't let the clutter of my mind distract me from your truth. Lead me to the right church, and open the doors for Godly friendships. Help me to gently begin to let go of anything that will keep me from moving forward with my life. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Thought for the Day: Today I will begin to grow deep roots in the soil of God's love!
- Susan Miller
We all know that the best way to grow healthy plants in a pot or a hanging basket during this time of year is to water regularly, provide ample light, fertilize as needed, and prune the branches when necessary. Here are some ways for you to grow deep roots in the soil of God's love if you have recently moved, or if you are facing a move in the future.
Water regularly by staying in God's word. My potted plants are watered daily because they are not in the ground where the sprinkler can reach them. They are separated from other plants, and can dry out easily. With a move, you may become separated from God's word for any number of reasons. Don't dry out! Spend time daily reading the Bible to replenish and restore your soul.
Provide yourself with plenty of light by knowing God's truth. As you read His word, memorize scripture, and believe in His promises, truth will be revealed to you. Tremendous growth will come from allowing God to shine His light on your life.
Fertilize as needed by being in Christ-centered fellowship. God puts His people in your life to nurture you, to serve as role-models for you, to encourage you, to pray for you, and to hold you accountable. Seek out a church home, if you haven't already. Get involved. Join a women's study group. Find out if the church has a Moving On After Moving In group to help you in your transition and adjustment. (Click here)
Prune the branches when necessary. The more withering flowers you cut, the more the plant will bloom. The more branches you prune, the fuller and greener the bush becomes. Careful pruning for you means to gently let go of people or places you've left behind. Doing this allows new growth within, new opportunities, and the growth of new relationships. Pruning also allows you to embrace the present and the future.
Scripture to Remember: May your roots go down deep into the soil of God's marvelous love. Ephesians 3:17
Question to Consider: Have I "dried out" spiritually since I moved?
Prayer: Lord, help me to be intentional about growing deep roots in You. I feel so disconnected from You since I've moved. (Or with the busyness of getting ready to move.) Help me to focus on You and on your word each day. Don't let the clutter of my mind distract me from your truth. Lead me to the right church, and open the doors for Godly friendships. Help me to gently begin to let go of anything that will keep me from moving forward with my life. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Thought for the Day: Today I will begin to grow deep roots in the soil of God's love!
- Susan Miller
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