We could all learn from Tina Tow of Arizona when it comes to getting ourselves and our kids connected in a new community...
My best advice after 14 moves...
I remember looking around at the first school program of the year; people were hugging, saying hello, just generally being friendly... while I sat there thinking, "I don't know a single person in this auditorium filled with several hundred parents." I decided that by the next school program, I was not going to feel like the lone ranger. So, I found out what the next big event was at the school and I volunteered to help in a big way, taking on the job that no one else wanted and gave it my best college try. My assignments grew and grew until... it was time to move again. But when I did, I cried and the many friends that I had made along the way cried too.
• If your child is having trouble connecting, know that other newbie's are struggling too.
• It's so important that a new student have a connection with someone on the first day of school. Start a program at the new school for "new" kids.
• I started a Sunday 'meet and greet' at the school two weeks prior to the first school day. It was like an open house on steroids with every new kid in the school attending, along with their parents. We had school ambassadors, a few teachers, the principal, along with several "old" parents to answer specific questions.
• I started a family picnic tradition at one. Its purpose was to introduce new families to returning families.
• Once I invited just my son's class and a few parents to a local kid hot spot right before school started so the new kids and their parents would have the opportunity to meet other kids in the class.
• These programs are still ongoing although we are long gone from the area. I started these programs for two reasons: my son needed to meet people and so did I.
• My best advice after 14 moves; smile, say hello, and stick out your hand to embrace the people around you. You will feel at home when you make others feel at home with you.
Friday, August 12, 2011
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
A Moving Story
I am walking behind Jesus
Cathie in Alberta, Canada
I have just moved for the 20th time in 11 years and will be moving again in mid-October. I will be house-sitting for the next 6 months so travelling with suitcases and boxes. My life sure does have a number of twists and turns.
I was looking at some comments on your website and the following *prayer applies to my life right now...
Thank you, God, for the opportunities this move will bring.
It is a comfort to know that you have gone before me and prepared this place for me.
I am excited about my new beginnings; yet I am fearful about the unknown.
Calm my fear, Lord. Help me to put my expectations in you and not in people or places.
I give you the glory for the great things you will do through this transition in my life.
Above all, Lord, use this move to draw me closer to you.
Amen.
The following comment was also made ...
God is good and he has great plans for your life and for my life. Sometimes the plans may seem a little unorthodox to others (I relate very well to this statement - Cathie), but in the grand scheme of things it will always work out. I believe it because God said it. (I believe that and have experienced it and AM experiencing it right now - Cathie)
At the moment I am doing a one-month fasting and praying because there are so many variables in my life right now and I have no stability in anything, except my relationship with Jesus Christ. So from a human perspective I am sometimes feeling like I can't breathe but then I just keep putting my trust in Jesus. The image that comes to mind, for my life right now, is that I am walking right behind Jesus. All I am doing is concentrating on His feet as He walks in front of me, sweeping a path so I can follow. I cannot see in front of him because there is no path, so I just keep watching His feet and walking in His steps.
I really am SO keen on Just Moved and feel I can relate so much. I am trusting the Lord to give me better insight in this month of fasting and praying as to what He wants me to do. If there is any ‘ministry' I would like to be involved with, it would be Just Moved.
*(Editor's note: Cathie is referring to the Quiet Reflections portion of our website.)
Cathie in Alberta, Canada
I have just moved for the 20th time in 11 years and will be moving again in mid-October. I will be house-sitting for the next 6 months so travelling with suitcases and boxes. My life sure does have a number of twists and turns.
I was looking at some comments on your website and the following *prayer applies to my life right now...
Thank you, God, for the opportunities this move will bring.
It is a comfort to know that you have gone before me and prepared this place for me.
I am excited about my new beginnings; yet I am fearful about the unknown.
Calm my fear, Lord. Help me to put my expectations in you and not in people or places.
I give you the glory for the great things you will do through this transition in my life.
Above all, Lord, use this move to draw me closer to you.
Amen.
The following comment was also made ...
God is good and he has great plans for your life and for my life. Sometimes the plans may seem a little unorthodox to others (I relate very well to this statement - Cathie), but in the grand scheme of things it will always work out. I believe it because God said it. (I believe that and have experienced it and AM experiencing it right now - Cathie)
At the moment I am doing a one-month fasting and praying because there are so many variables in my life right now and I have no stability in anything, except my relationship with Jesus Christ. So from a human perspective I am sometimes feeling like I can't breathe but then I just keep putting my trust in Jesus. The image that comes to mind, for my life right now, is that I am walking right behind Jesus. All I am doing is concentrating on His feet as He walks in front of me, sweeping a path so I can follow. I cannot see in front of him because there is no path, so I just keep watching His feet and walking in His steps.
I really am SO keen on Just Moved and feel I can relate so much. I am trusting the Lord to give me better insight in this month of fasting and praying as to what He wants me to do. If there is any ‘ministry' I would like to be involved with, it would be Just Moved.
*(Editor's note: Cathie is referring to the Quiet Reflections portion of our website.)
Friday, August 5, 2011
Devotional-Aug 2011
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!
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!
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.
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