A journey of faith...
Heather in Indiana
My adventure began in 2001 when my husband graduated from Northern Arizona University and got a job in Texas. Married less than two years, we left everyone we knew with all our stuff and our four-month-old baby boy in tow. I was recently married, a new Christian, and a brand new mom in an entirely unfamiliar place. It was new and challenging, yet at the same time, it felt exciting and daring to start a new life.
Although I didn't realize it at the time, that was just the beginning of my adventure. A job promotion for my husband meant moving our family to the suburbs of New Orleans in 2003. In 2005, two months after Hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans and the Gulf Coast, we were transferred back to Texas. Then last year another promotion brought us to Indiana.
Moving around every few years does have its benefits. I've found that each new place is unique and special in its own way. I've met some wonderful, interesting people and seen some remarkable sights. I've learned about myself and others and their warm-heartedness. I've been given several fresh new starts with new things to see and do and have become much closer to my husband and boys in the process.
Of course, moving around has also meant facing some new realities. Realities like the constant pressure to get involved, to get to know new people, and feeling incredibly misunderstood along the way. It's meant never feeling fully settled or having a sense that I'm truly home. I'm not outgoing by nature and becoming part of a larger community is difficult when you don't stay around for the long-term.
Leaving the known behind has been a strange mix of fun, excitement, awkwardness, and difficulty. I haven't done it as gracefully as I would like to say I have. In some seasons I have grieved and withdrawn from everyone. In others, I've rushed boldly and confidently into the newness. Mainly I have just fallen forward while trying to find my way.
Through this process, I have found that only God can love me the way I need to be loved. He has remained so faithful to our family. He has never failed to provide us with a wonderful church home, a safe, friendly neighborhood, and great schools.
In the midst of the newness and uncertainty, one thing has remained certain: my faith in Christ. The flame that God lit in my heart when I committed my heart and life to Jesus continues to burn brightly. He has given me a desire to live everyday with extraordinary faith. He has challenged me to make the effort to bloom where I'm planted and to embrace the newness and the people that come and go. Knowing Him is what has carried me through my journey.
Saturday, February 26, 2011
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
The Just Moved Community
The Just Moved Community is ready to welcome you!
Join now!
The Just Moved Community grew out of a vision to help women around the world who have recently moved to find the connection that they long for. The Just Moved Community will help to give you the courage to start over, move ahead, and put down roots all over again.
More women are joining every day. Here's what one woman wrote after joining:
I was unsure about joining the Community, but now I see that this is a real community of people that truly care. I thank you so much for taking out the time to call and send me an email it made me feel like someone actually cares about the transition I am about to embark on.
Joining the Just Moved Community is FREE
Here are the benefits that you'll enjoy as a member of the Just Moved Community:
Answers to your Frequently Asked Questions about letting go, starting over, and moving ahead with your life after a move
Connect with other movers at the Just Moved Community Forum. Post a question, offer advice, find other newcomers in your area!
Free download of all 22 Just Moved radio broadcasts.
Access to the Just Moved Library -- a wealth of encouragement and devotions, moving tips, and moving stories.
Prayer Support from the Just Moved Prayer Team.
Join Now!
Join now!
The Just Moved Community grew out of a vision to help women around the world who have recently moved to find the connection that they long for. The Just Moved Community will help to give you the courage to start over, move ahead, and put down roots all over again.
More women are joining every day. Here's what one woman wrote after joining:
I was unsure about joining the Community, but now I see that this is a real community of people that truly care. I thank you so much for taking out the time to call and send me an email it made me feel like someone actually cares about the transition I am about to embark on.
Joining the Just Moved Community is FREE
Here are the benefits that you'll enjoy as a member of the Just Moved Community:
Answers to your Frequently Asked Questions about letting go, starting over, and moving ahead with your life after a move
Connect with other movers at the Just Moved Community Forum. Post a question, offer advice, find other newcomers in your area!
Free download of all 22 Just Moved radio broadcasts.
Access to the Just Moved Library -- a wealth of encouragement and devotions, moving tips, and moving stories.
Prayer Support from the Just Moved Prayer Team.
Join Now!
Sunday, February 20, 2011
Class Leader Ideas
Are you a Moving On After Moving In class leader and need some new ideas? See what other leaders are doing:
Donna Luger, Class Leader, Red Mountain Community, Mesa, AZ
Publicizing her class:
•Sent an email to list of local friends and family explaining the Moving On class.
•Gave specific information (when, what, where, how to register, etc.) about the class and shared the mission of Just Moved Ministry.
•Donna asked them to contact any newcomers they may know and invite them to the group.
Zonya Hamilton, Class Leader, The Rock Church, Castle Rock, CO
Session 1 – 1st Day of Class:
•Purchased small brown 4x4 inch boxes and decorated with “fragile”, just moved, handle with care” on the outside an filled the inside with goodies such as candles, luggage tags, pens, Kleenex, and candy for each lady.
Carol Gulletine and Suzi Kuenster, Class Leaders, Highlands Church, Scottsdale, AZ
Session 1:
•Have gals use a push pin and a map to mark where they moved from last. One who moved the farthest got a gift. This gift was a favorite Bigelow Tea and a scripture glued to the back and placed in a cellophane bag with a tag saying ”Arizona “Son” Tea.
Session 2:
•Purchased some postcards with Arizona scenery for the gals to mail to someone they cherish. It is helpful to place a stamp on the postcards. Return address labels were made for each gal with a cactus as a graphic. This helps them remember this is where they are residing now.
Do you have ideas you would like to share with us? Please email them to info@justmoved.org
Donna Luger, Class Leader, Red Mountain Community, Mesa, AZ
Publicizing her class:
•Sent an email to list of local friends and family explaining the Moving On class.
•Gave specific information (when, what, where, how to register, etc.) about the class and shared the mission of Just Moved Ministry.
•Donna asked them to contact any newcomers they may know and invite them to the group.
Zonya Hamilton, Class Leader, The Rock Church, Castle Rock, CO
Session 1 – 1st Day of Class:
•Purchased small brown 4x4 inch boxes and decorated with “fragile”, just moved, handle with care” on the outside an filled the inside with goodies such as candles, luggage tags, pens, Kleenex, and candy for each lady.
Carol Gulletine and Suzi Kuenster, Class Leaders, Highlands Church, Scottsdale, AZ
Session 1:
•Have gals use a push pin and a map to mark where they moved from last. One who moved the farthest got a gift. This gift was a favorite Bigelow Tea and a scripture glued to the back and placed in a cellophane bag with a tag saying ”Arizona “Son” Tea.
Session 2:
•Purchased some postcards with Arizona scenery for the gals to mail to someone they cherish. It is helpful to place a stamp on the postcards. Return address labels were made for each gal with a cactus as a graphic. This helps them remember this is where they are residing now.
Do you have ideas you would like to share with us? Please email them to info@justmoved.org
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Monthly Challenge- Feb 2011
"You can give without loving, but you cannot love without giving."
-- Amy Carmichael
Let Go: What have you done this week to better someone else's life?
Start Today: Watch and listen for the needs and desires of family members, friends, neighbors, or people at church.
Move Ahead: Show your love by doing something kind. Send a note, take a meal, visit someone who is lonely, do something extra to help a family member get out the door in the morning more quickly.
-- Amy Carmichael
Let Go: What have you done this week to better someone else's life?
Start Today: Watch and listen for the needs and desires of family members, friends, neighbors, or people at church.
Move Ahead: Show your love by doing something kind. Send a note, take a meal, visit someone who is lonely, do something extra to help a family member get out the door in the morning more quickly.
Monday, February 14, 2011
Moving Tips- Feb 2011
10 tips for helping your relationships thrive....
Moving can put a lot of stress on relationships. Make a decision to keep the relationships in your life strong despite the pressures and challenges of your move. The health of your relationships will add to your physical and emotional strength and will be a gift of stability in your life and in the lives of your children. You may only feel that you can do one idea each week or each month, but that's a start!
1. Write a love letter or compose a song for that special someone!
2. Hide a special note or card in an unexpected place: the medicine cabinet, on a steering wheel, in the refrigerator, in a lunch box or brief case....
3. Give a single flower... or a bouquet!
4. Buy a guidebook for your city or region. Explore a new place together.
5. Reach out and touch. Hold a hand, rub a neck, give a hug.
6. Sign up for a dance class, cooking class, drawing class...any class that allows you to share in a new experience or an interest that you both have. The added bonus: meeting new people with the same interest.
7. Use Valentine Conversation Heart candies to spell out a message.
8. Call, text, or email to say, "I love you."
9. Give a gift toward his or her favorite hobby or passion: a new golf club, new tennis racket, new DVD, favorite food, tickets to a favorite event, etc.
10. Speaking of favorite foods... make it a mission to discover the restaurant that prepares the best of that favorite food in your community. This could take some time, but the fun in discovering new restaurants will be well worth it.
Moving can put a lot of stress on relationships. Make a decision to keep the relationships in your life strong despite the pressures and challenges of your move. The health of your relationships will add to your physical and emotional strength and will be a gift of stability in your life and in the lives of your children. You may only feel that you can do one idea each week or each month, but that's a start!
1. Write a love letter or compose a song for that special someone!
2. Hide a special note or card in an unexpected place: the medicine cabinet, on a steering wheel, in the refrigerator, in a lunch box or brief case....
3. Give a single flower... or a bouquet!
4. Buy a guidebook for your city or region. Explore a new place together.
5. Reach out and touch. Hold a hand, rub a neck, give a hug.
6. Sign up for a dance class, cooking class, drawing class...any class that allows you to share in a new experience or an interest that you both have. The added bonus: meeting new people with the same interest.
7. Use Valentine Conversation Heart candies to spell out a message.
8. Call, text, or email to say, "I love you."
9. Give a gift toward his or her favorite hobby or passion: a new golf club, new tennis racket, new DVD, favorite food, tickets to a favorite event, etc.
10. Speaking of favorite foods... make it a mission to discover the restaurant that prepares the best of that favorite food in your community. This could take some time, but the fun in discovering new restaurants will be well worth it.
Friday, February 11, 2011
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Monthly Devotional- Feb. 2011
Take care of your marriage
Don't overlook how moving can affect your marriage. For many women, the changes and adjustments that come with relocating bring their marriage relationship closer; for others, it's just another brick in the wall between them. Be mindful that your marriage needs time, attention, and communication to stay strong through all the changes that take place after a move.
Sometimes, you can become so distracted with taking care of the details of home and children, that you don't take the time to take care of the details of your marriage. Think of ways you can demonstrate an "observable love" to your husband. Write down the things you love and appreciate about him, then take the time to share these things with him.
Fall in love with this scripture: Ephesians 3:20-21 (God is able to do exceeding abundantly beyond all that we ask or think..." in our marriage!)
Scripture to Remember: For where you go, I will go, and where you lodge, I will lodge. Ruth 1:16
Question to Consider: Am I disconnected with my husband in the maze of moving?
Prayer: Oh Lord, reveal to me how this move has affected my marriage. Soften both our hearts toward each other. Draw us closer together during this time of transition. Amen
Thought for the Day: Today, I will communicate my love for my husband. I will set aside time for just him, and give him my full attention.
- Susan Miller
Don't overlook how moving can affect your marriage. For many women, the changes and adjustments that come with relocating bring their marriage relationship closer; for others, it's just another brick in the wall between them. Be mindful that your marriage needs time, attention, and communication to stay strong through all the changes that take place after a move.
Sometimes, you can become so distracted with taking care of the details of home and children, that you don't take the time to take care of the details of your marriage. Think of ways you can demonstrate an "observable love" to your husband. Write down the things you love and appreciate about him, then take the time to share these things with him.
Fall in love with this scripture: Ephesians 3:20-21 (God is able to do exceeding abundantly beyond all that we ask or think..." in our marriage!)
Scripture to Remember: For where you go, I will go, and where you lodge, I will lodge. Ruth 1:16
Question to Consider: Am I disconnected with my husband in the maze of moving?
Prayer: Oh Lord, reveal to me how this move has affected my marriage. Soften both our hearts toward each other. Draw us closer together during this time of transition. Amen
Thought for the Day: Today, I will communicate my love for my husband. I will set aside time for just him, and give him my full attention.
- Susan Miller
Saturday, February 5, 2011
Heart Notes from Susan Miller
Dear Moving Friends,
I am an incurable romantic! Being in love with Bill for 45 years set the stage of my heart for corny cards, mushy words, and anything with hearts imprinted on it. "How do I love thee, let me count the ways..." was always my leading line to an endless list of the reasons I loved him. When life and schedules got too busy for "us", I would put my arms around him and say, "Have I told you lately that I love you?" which always seemed to put "us" back into perspective.
Knowing and loving Jesus goes back far beyond 45 years. It was when I gave my heart to Him, that I began to grasp what real love is, and how to really love Bill for all those years. My relationship with Jesus set the stage, of not just my heart, but my life. I learned from His unconditional love for me, what unconditional love looks like in a marriage when times were tough. I learned about His grace in my undeserving life, and how to give grace to Bill when I thought he didn't deserve it. I learned how to forgive the hurts, and unmet expectations in my marriage, when Jesus kept forgiving me over and over and over again for all the stupid, hurtful things I did.
Whether you are married, or single, young, or old, you can live out Valentine's Day all year long. Start now by telling your husband, your children, or your friends, how much you love them - verbally, written, or with a simple act of kindness. Sprinkle lots of grace into their lives. Forgive, and forgive, and then forgive again. Oh, and by the way, if you haven't given your heart to Jesus, now is the perfect time to begin a relationship with the One who loves you the most!
From My Heart to Yours,
Susan Miller
I am an incurable romantic! Being in love with Bill for 45 years set the stage of my heart for corny cards, mushy words, and anything with hearts imprinted on it. "How do I love thee, let me count the ways..." was always my leading line to an endless list of the reasons I loved him. When life and schedules got too busy for "us", I would put my arms around him and say, "Have I told you lately that I love you?" which always seemed to put "us" back into perspective.
Knowing and loving Jesus goes back far beyond 45 years. It was when I gave my heart to Him, that I began to grasp what real love is, and how to really love Bill for all those years. My relationship with Jesus set the stage, of not just my heart, but my life. I learned from His unconditional love for me, what unconditional love looks like in a marriage when times were tough. I learned about His grace in my undeserving life, and how to give grace to Bill when I thought he didn't deserve it. I learned how to forgive the hurts, and unmet expectations in my marriage, when Jesus kept forgiving me over and over and over again for all the stupid, hurtful things I did.
Whether you are married, or single, young, or old, you can live out Valentine's Day all year long. Start now by telling your husband, your children, or your friends, how much you love them - verbally, written, or with a simple act of kindness. Sprinkle lots of grace into their lives. Forgive, and forgive, and then forgive again. Oh, and by the way, if you haven't given your heart to Jesus, now is the perfect time to begin a relationship with the One who loves you the most!
From My Heart to Yours,
Susan Miller
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