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Email Your Testimony (newministries@justmoved.org) Members of the Moving On After Moving In class at South Mountain Community Church in Draper, UT near Salt Lake City, wrote about their experience in the class. Here are a few of their responses... Besides the extremely supportive friendships that have flourished in this class, which is an absolute bonus, I have learned to “cling to God” and “cherish the past”. When you go through such an overwhelming, life-altering change you may choose to question God and ask: Why? This weekly class brings you closer to God and helps you trust in His plan even though it can be a confusing and painful process.
Jennete I was skeptical at first that I could even gain anything from the class because of all my [moving] experience. I was pleasantly surprised that this class really helped meet a need I wasn’t even aware I had. Usually I just have to “suck it up” and move forward without pausing to allow myself the grief from a move, but I was able to do that and I think that has helped this move be more positive than it would have otherwise. Where it usually takes me at least a year to find my “niche” and find friends and figure things out, I have been here only 5 months and already am finding that “niche”. This class is an excellent class. I think it will help in future moves. I would definitely recommend it to any woman who moves.
Jenna Just when I thought I had "everything under control" and was adjusting just fine to the move, I came across this class and realized I really needed some help. I had shoved all these emotions under a rug and didn't want to even think about them, much less deal with them and grow! Boy, did God have other plans for me!!! I am thankful that Susan Miller wrote the book after surviving many moves. I can completely relate to what she writes about and it helps to make me feel normal. I can't thank you enough for being willing to reach out and help others go through this crazy, wonderful, sometimes scary process of moving.
Kelle I have enjoyed the sharing, team-building exercises the most since it helps us get to know one another. Consequently, our “core” group seems to have developed a good deal of trust. I always look forward to our gatherings.
Lauren It has been a very positive experience. Even though I have lived here in Utah most of my life, I have been going through some major personal changes. So I could relate to everyone. The class has taught me that everyone goes through all the emotions: depression, anxiety, fear, anger, etc. Everyone is working on letting go of things. It does help to be surrounded by people who want to have a close relationship with God.
I am a new Christian so I have found the class helped guide me through my difficult times. I have embraced the scriptures we get every week. I have truly been inspired by everyone in the group. It is nice to sit and chat with everyone about everyday life stuff. I look forward to being long-lasting friends. Cydney Thank you for bringing my relationship with Christ a lot closer.
Amie Dawn - Arizona newcomer
Each week I walked in [the Moving On After Moving In] class and listened to deep truths about Christ and how looking to Him can meet our unexpected needs after a move. I heard stories from other women who were vulnerable enough to share and it became such a safe, encouraging place. I cannot describe how incredibly encouraging this was in my life. I realized that it was okay to grieve my old community, the intimacy of my old friendships and the end of dreams I had that involved living in Houston. I learned the difference between clinging and cherishing. This class was the first thing I did in Arizona for me. I felt like I was dieting all week and once a week I received a big, rich piece of chocolate. YUM. I’m most thankful for what attending this class did for my relationship with Christ and my husband. Neither of them was in their rightful place in my priorities. A fresh start has deepened my awareness of how intimately involved God is with the details of our lives.
Shirley - Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
In the short time that I was [in the Moving On class], I realised that I was not alone in my struggles. Many women in the group shared my struggle with loneliness, loss of family and friends, and culture shock. The book and video have challenged me to let go of the past and to cling onto God's words. I am slowly learning to let go on a daily basis. Audra - Washington newcomer
(In a letter written to Class Leader, Sue Wood.) I truly feel like God led me to the “Moving On” class last year. It honestly was my saving grace. I don't know how I would have made it through this past year on my own as a 'single' Mom without my newfound friends from the class.
I'd love to be able to share how much the group has meant to me. It allowed me to open up to people who, though strangers, were friends of the heart before I ever met them. It was my safe place to come to cry, to laugh, to give and receive hugs. It was my refuge, my inspiration, and my rock. It gave me the strength to go on when I was too weary to try. Above all, led by your faith and teaching, I've been able to rediscover my love and trust in God. I feel welcome at church now, rather than guilty for not going as much as I should have. I feel comfortable with my faith, not afraid of it anymore. You have no idea what the class means to me. It's my world. Bona - North Carolina newcomer
This move caused major depression. No job, no friends, and no family; just trusting God for daily provision. Julie - Arkansas newcomer
I have to say "Greetings from the Beverly Hills of Arkansas!" I attended [the ‘Moving On’ class] last year and it was the best thing to happen to me since I moved. I didn't know a soul, didn’t have a church family or any women friends here. Just last week, my husband had a heart attack and I can't believe all the support I received from my [‘Moving On’] friends and new church Family. What a blessing to have these people around you! The [Moving On] class started in January and slowly I began not being angry or crying constantly. God took me through the journey of unemployment for one year, gently reminding me "He" was in control...so trust!! I have also made wonderful friends in this class and we even meet every Wednesday since it is over.
Newcomer- St. Louis, Missouri
This class has been a bright spot in my week. It was a safe haven where I could share my feelings unconditionally. It was a wonderful help in getting adjusted to my new home. Shannon - Texas newcomer
We did the class last September at Stonebridge Church in The Woodlands, Texas. You would be thrilled to know we have 'Moved On' but all of us still meet weekly and have become wonderful friends and sisters in Christ!! Thank you so much for this class!! Cindy- Arizona newcomer
Just Moved is such a grace-filled ministry which has blessed me so much. I found these words in 3 John 2:5 that remind me of each of you and the ‘Moving On’ class: "DEAR FRIEND, I PRAY THAT YOU [and your families] MAY ENJOY GOOD HEALTH AND THAT ALL MAY GO WELL WITH YOU, EVEN AS YOUR SOUL IS GETTING ALONG WELL. DEAR FRIEND, YOU ARE FAITHFUL IN WHAT YOU ARE DOING FOR THE BROTHERS [sisters], EVEN THOUGH THEY ARE STRANGERS TO YOU." Thank you for welcoming me with trust, openness, hospitality, and genuine love. Your generosity was astounding! Thank you for your encouragement. Lois - Maine newcomer
Wow, am I ever late, but better late then sorry! :) I found out about this great study the long way around but when I found out about it, I knew I had found the answer to everyone who moves! I had moved away from 50 years of friends, family, etc. and it was like a death. Thanks for being there to help others. I would like to share this with someone who is up in years who is moving so she may know she has someone who cares about her on this earth! Gaye - Alabama newcomer
After almost fifteen years of Florida living and the birth of our first grandchild we have moved on. What a heartbreak! Once again, after all that time, my husband's workload required him to be in Alabama. This time we left behind our own flesh and blood. Needless to say, I've cried a lot. I've been attending a Moving On group that has served as great support and have met wonderful new friends. I have my moments and days that are very tough to get through, but as you and I know, God is our strength and I will get through this, too. I know that He has a plan and it's not to hurt me. Thank you for your service. Your prayers are appreciated. Yvonne - Colorado newcomer
(A note written to Class Leader Susan Cloar) I have been so blessed by this group and want to thank you for your time and effort. You and (Co-Leader) Sadie work together so well and have much wisdom and experience to share. God is using you in a mighty way.
Just this morning the Lord gave me [a scripture that] describes my life in this moment...
But I am like an olive tree flourishing in the house of God;
I trust in God's unfailing love forever and ever.
I will praise you forever for what you have done;
In your name I will hope, for your name is good.
I will praise you in the presence of your saints. -Psalm 52:8-9
I don't feel lonely anymore and I have to give God the glory and praise. I am an olive tree thriving in the house of God!
Penny - Colorado newcomer
Every village, town, and city needs a Just Moved Class. How I praise the Lord for Susan and the wonderful staff at Just Moved who see the vision and have passed it on to so many of us movers. May God continue to use this ministry all over the world for many years. Pam - Alabama newcomer We addressed the emotional needs with spiritual solutions - that, even though it feels like nobody knows your name, God knows your name and did before you were born. God is always with you. Anne - Virginia newcomer
I participated in the ‘Moving On’ class in Richmond, VA and my husband and I will be moving to Wisconsin, so I am hoping to join a group there. It was such a great group of women that I met in Richmond; you all are doing a wonderful service for newcomers, so thank you so much! Holly- South Carolina newcomer This study and our group were a lifesaver! It was so very comforting to have my moving concerns and experiences validated among our group of caring and warm Christian women, and to feel that connection continue. Plus, because our family hasn’t found a home church yet, I felt closer to God through these meetings. Mary Ann - North Carolina newcomer
Enjoyed the class immensely. What a wonderful ministry. The leaders were very knowledgeable and made the class so enjoyable. Would recommend Just Moved! to all ladies experiencing the emotions of a move.
Michelle- Colorado newcomer
God has taught me so much this year. He has grown me and stretched me so much this last year and [the ‘Moving On’ class] is enabling me to end [my] journal on such a high note. It is literally a record of God’s faithfulness in my life. Nancy- Arizona
These past few weeks in our ‘Moving On’ group have greatly helped to reinforce my faith and hope, which, until a few months ago, were totally lacking in a very empty existence. Over the past weeks, through this emotional time in my life, after reading Susan’s words so beautifully expressed in After The Boxes Are Unpacked, and listening to her words as our class leader, so filled with love for the Lord, I have felt so safe -- so grounded and so inspired to move forward in God's light. Even though I am not a newcomer to Arizona, I'm a new believer and have welcomed the opportunities to apply the disciplines I’ve learned to my path in Christianity. Jenny - Ohio newcomer
The hardest part of moving to a new city, a thousand miles away from everything familiar, was not having anyone to connect with. This study provided me with a wonderful group of women who were experiencing the same situation, but especially women who were all connected in Christ. I have proudly kept connections with many of the women in my class for over a year and a half. The “Moving On” class provided me with a welcoming, encouraging and comfortable environment amidst an unfamiliar city. Alysia- Pennsylvania newcomer
(letter to her Moving On Class Leader) I wouldn’t have made it through my first four months here without the Moving On class every week. God knew that I needed to grow closer to Him and this was the perfect opportunity for me to do that. I needed to grow closer to Him not just to be able to make it on my own for those months with three kids while my husband wrapped things up in Florida, but also to live a more complete, fulfilled life. I needed to learn that I may not understand why things don’t always work out according to MY plan, but that I had to trust in Him to let Him act in my life and not question His actions--to have faith in His plan for me. I also needed to make a group of friends with the same values and beliefs who understood what I was going through and supported and encouraged me and to whom I could provide similar understanding and encouragement--a group of friends that I am sure I will have a special bond with for a long time to come. The study was just what I needed. Thank you.
Cindy- Texas newcomer
(letter to Moving On Class Leader) I just wanted to let you know that I have been so happy this month!! I mean really, really truly happy. My eyes are seeing the beauty in everything again. As I walk in the mornings I smell the sweet smells of the World. I hear the sweet songs the birds are singing and once again I thank God that I am alive. I see my children again and I realize how truly blessed I am. I had a very dark few months there and I never want to go there again. But I am glad that while I was there I knew you and the other ladies that were (rowing my boat with me). I have added people to that boat and I'm sure I will be for years to come. I don’t think I would have done so well had I not been in the Moving On class. The Lord led and I followed right into that classroom. Lynn- Kentucky newcomer
I just completed the Moving On Class. It was GREAT!!! I was so impressed with the content of the book, After The Boxes Are Unpacked; it helped me so much. Just wanted to thank youand tell you I really appreciate the ministry that the Lord has given you. Michele - Pennsylvania newcomer
(letter to her Moving On class leader) I can hardly find the words to express how this class has impacted me. The book and the study have moved me to become a better woman. I just wish I had this info when I was a young military wife moving across the country! Of course God's timing is perfect. I truly believe that. The group has been a safe haven for me to face some things that I had tucked away deep inside of me. Thank you for the support and kindness you have shown me. The group has been a witness to the power of prayer and a reminder to me of the need for daily prayer and thanksgiving. I have been blessed to experience the love of Christ through you and the ladies of the group! Cathleena- N. Carolina newcomer
Thanks to all of you again for your ministry. This is our 7th move in 18 years of marriage. I think I would've handled previous moves much better had I had this information with some of my other moves. Praise God for it now. I thought this move would be sorta "easy" and it has been far from that. Your book and class are helping me tremendously to deal with all the emotions that come with leaving my closest friends, a wonderful church, etc, etc, etc.
Logan - Virginia newcomer
The Moving On class has become a bright spot in an otherwise dreary world. My mom read your book before I did, and called to encourage me to read it and to attend the class. This move has been a very difficult adjustment for our family. Despite the difficulties, God has brought me precious friends in a short amount of time, and I have been grateful. Our neighbors are also wonderful and the scenery is beautiful! Jamie- Arizona newcomer
Although I have always gone to church, prayed, and been active in church outreach programs, this is the first time I have taken a spiritual class. Through the class I felt that God had presented me with a gift and a chance to mend inside as well as out. Karen- Arizona newcomer
It took me about 5 minutes in the "Moving On After Moving In" class to be in tears; tears that only flow when you feel compassion (from a stranger no less!). I was surrounded by women of all ages who were just like me! I was a mess because I just uprooted my children (ages 6 and 9) and moved to a big city where I didn’t know a soul. I couldn’t figure out the area codes, let alone how to find my way around town. I felt completely anonymous, invisible, lost, depressed, and very, very lonely. Newcomer- Flagstaff, Arizona I wanted to thank you for beginning the “Moving On After Moving In” study. I felt so welcomed and understood, and it was so good to feel “not lonely” for those two hours. |
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