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Changing Zip Codes: Finding Community Wherever You're Transplanted
When your entire life drives off in a moving van it's easy for doubts to flood your mind. Will I ever be organized again? Will I find good friends? Will My children like their new school? Carol Stratton has experienced twenty-two moves and counsels others seeking stability in a sea of change. In Changing Zip Codes, Carol helps readers explore the fun of new possibilities, the magic of new friendships and the excitement of fresh starts. With humorous stories and biblical insights Carol reminds us Go is in the midst of every move, leading us to new beginnings.
This is a forty day devotional for movers and anyone looking at a major life transition.
This is a forty day devotional for movers and anyone looking at a major life transition.
108 pages, Paperback
First published April 1, 2012
18 people are currently reading
758 people want to read
About the author
Carol Grace Stratton
4 books21 followersI have been a freelance writer of articles for years before I got my first break with my devotional, Changing Zip Codes.
My debut novel, Lake Surrender came from experiences I had in an autistic classroom as I learned to step into these children's world. I have a soft spot for single parents and parents of special needs children.
I also love camp and have had some significant life events happen at a camp. It seemed the perfect setting.
Although I've moved many times, my husband and I are currently in North Carolina, enjoying the mountains and learning to like livermush.
My debut novel, Lake Surrender came from experiences I had in an autistic classroom as I learned to step into these children's world. I have a soft spot for single parents and parents of special needs children.
I also love camp and have had some significant life events happen at a camp. It seemed the perfect setting.
Although I've moved many times, my husband and I are currently in North Carolina, enjoying the mountains and learning to like livermush.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
August 3, 2013
Having moved in the past and planning on moving in the Spring 2014, this book both helped me with practical advice and calmed me with spiritual references. I will keep it handy and refer to it again when we actually move next year. I am not a good "mover" so any additional guidance is good stuff! Carol's style is easy and relatable. You can see through her writing that she really cares for her readers and wants to help make life a little easier for her audience.
December 31, 2012
Moving is very stressful. I think it is great that this book is out to help people deal with it all. I won this through good reads. I have only moved three times in my life. I do remember having a little break down on the first move. I think this book provides a few practical tips on adjusting to the move.
August 2, 2016
Must read to maintain spiritual attitude when moving
I had started this and put it down, then picked it up as I prepare to move and couldn't put it down. It is a quick read with good points and thoughts to hold onto in the chaos of empty boxes, moving vans, yard sales, downsizing. It helps you focus on the right things and maintain a spiritual attitude.
I had started this and put it down, then picked it up as I prepare to move and couldn't put it down. It is a quick read with good points and thoughts to hold onto in the chaos of empty boxes, moving vans, yard sales, downsizing. It helps you focus on the right things and maintain a spiritual attitude.
March 14, 2013
I enjoyed this book. I need to remember it for gifts in the future!
June 1, 2024
Moving can be tough, but I've found that having a game plan in place ahead of time helps to take the sting out of it. Yet, as Ms. Stratton reminds readers of this short title, it is important to keep God fully present in our plans. Using this wonderful devotional she's written is one step to help ease the transition experienced by moving and maybe be truly ready to receive blessings in your new home that you had not considered.
March 15, 2018
Changing Zip Codes: Finding Christian Community Wherever You're Planted is a great devotional for someone who may find moving to a new area a challenge. Thoughts of moving can be fraught with anxiety, fear, exhaustion, and loneliness. This book will ease the transition and lighten your load. I recommend this particularly for folks in the military who may not be used to changing zip codes.
April 26, 2012
Moving is considered one of life's greatest stresses and rather you are single or a family, bring with it, a lot of unknowns and in a way, can be applied to any situation in our lives where we are face with the great unknown.
In,"Changing Zip Codes: Finding Community Wherever You're Transplanted", Carol Stratton,shares her experiences of twenty-two moves and counsels others, who, even with families, find themselves, seeking stability in, essentially a culture of change.
This can range from military families to families who because of un-stable economic times, may have to find themselves relocating for better jobs or even a better way of life, but in the process, find their lives and that of those around them up-rooted.
No longer do we live in a culture, where most people tend to grow up, live and die in the same communities, but more and more families being spread across the country and even the globe, to deal with both cultural and economical needs and for the follower of Christ,"Changing Zip Codes: Finding Community Wherever You're Transplanted", helps those who find themselves being uprooted, find that needed stable groundwork as they re-adjust to their new lives and towns.
With the proliferation of social media, its easier to stay in contact with others and even discover new contacts, but at the heart, moving is still life changing, both on a psychological and emotional level.
It makes having something like, "Changing Zip Codes: Finding Community Wherever You're Transplanted", very helpful as the reader is not only reassured but given practical tips on how to deal with the adjustments that need to be made.
For example, in "Day One", Carol shares the following with the reader,
"As you and I adjust to a move, we need to remember that God wants to communicate with us. James 1:5 tells us that if we lack wisdom, we should ask God for it and he will give it to us generously. It might take time to translate into your circumstances, but we serve a God who loves to translate his truth into our lives. Today, believe that whatever decisions you are wrestling with, He will have an answer."
One, its not easy making the decision to move. There are many factors that have to be considered, both financial and emotional and is it really practical.
Two, no matter what...moving is not an easy over-night thing...sometimes it can be plain unpredictable, and many of us, maybe are currently living away from family or friends and don't have that support base we need if facing, say, a second, third or tenth move for whatever the reason.
Reading,"Changing Zip Codes: Finding Community Wherever You're Transplanted" comes in handy, because its having a best friend that will come along with you and no, its not a cure all or provide all the answers, but Carol does show you who and where to go for a foundation of answers that no matter what life throws our way, is always there.
So while the movers are packing the fine china and you're praying that the china make it to the new place in non-jigsaw puzzle manner....Read, "Changing Zip Codes: Finding Community Wherever You're Translpanted" and be strengthened and encouraged that no matter where you go, where you and/or your family have to move to you will get through this and in the process, have a basis not only for the community you need but great tips from someone whose been there (twenty-two times)o how to get where you need to go.
***Special thanks to Carol Stratton for sending me a review copy.***
In,"Changing Zip Codes: Finding Community Wherever You're Transplanted", Carol Stratton,shares her experiences of twenty-two moves and counsels others, who, even with families, find themselves, seeking stability in, essentially a culture of change.
This can range from military families to families who because of un-stable economic times, may have to find themselves relocating for better jobs or even a better way of life, but in the process, find their lives and that of those around them up-rooted.
No longer do we live in a culture, where most people tend to grow up, live and die in the same communities, but more and more families being spread across the country and even the globe, to deal with both cultural and economical needs and for the follower of Christ,"Changing Zip Codes: Finding Community Wherever You're Transplanted", helps those who find themselves being uprooted, find that needed stable groundwork as they re-adjust to their new lives and towns.
With the proliferation of social media, its easier to stay in contact with others and even discover new contacts, but at the heart, moving is still life changing, both on a psychological and emotional level.
It makes having something like, "Changing Zip Codes: Finding Community Wherever You're Transplanted", very helpful as the reader is not only reassured but given practical tips on how to deal with the adjustments that need to be made.
For example, in "Day One", Carol shares the following with the reader,
"As you and I adjust to a move, we need to remember that God wants to communicate with us. James 1:5 tells us that if we lack wisdom, we should ask God for it and he will give it to us generously. It might take time to translate into your circumstances, but we serve a God who loves to translate his truth into our lives. Today, believe that whatever decisions you are wrestling with, He will have an answer."
One, its not easy making the decision to move. There are many factors that have to be considered, both financial and emotional and is it really practical.
Two, no matter what...moving is not an easy over-night thing...sometimes it can be plain unpredictable, and many of us, maybe are currently living away from family or friends and don't have that support base we need if facing, say, a second, third or tenth move for whatever the reason.
Reading,"Changing Zip Codes: Finding Community Wherever You're Transplanted" comes in handy, because its having a best friend that will come along with you and no, its not a cure all or provide all the answers, but Carol does show you who and where to go for a foundation of answers that no matter what life throws our way, is always there.
So while the movers are packing the fine china and you're praying that the china make it to the new place in non-jigsaw puzzle manner....Read, "Changing Zip Codes: Finding Community Wherever You're Translpanted" and be strengthened and encouraged that no matter where you go, where you and/or your family have to move to you will get through this and in the process, have a basis not only for the community you need but great tips from someone whose been there (twenty-two times)o how to get where you need to go.
***Special thanks to Carol Stratton for sending me a review copy.***
June 21, 2012
Carol G. Stratton, in her book, Changing Zip Codes, adds a new dimension to the meaning of moving. Her book addresses the wives of families who do more than their fair share of moving (22 times for the author).
I’ve always been the adventuresome type, so moving sounds more like an adventure for me. There are those women who, after moving more times than they ever imagined, need additional encouragement as they pack and move once again. Carol’s devotional gives new, insightful ways to strengthen women and give them a hope and future. Her humor and empathy ooze from the page, helping to make a move more meaningful when Christ is kept at the center of each move. She reminds us that God is with us during every move.
I liked the fact that Carol also included a second section that helps you focus on meeting the needs of new neighbors that don’t fit in–thinking of others as well as our self. She encourages you to develop a ministry to ‘outsiders.’ Thus her book isn’t just one-sided, which is a blessing to me.
The only drawback to the book was the lack of addressing introverted wives or their introverted children to the extent I would like to see. They seem to have the most difficult challenge with moving. I know families where an introverted wife or some of the children don’t adjust–my child included, regardless of how much encouragement was given. Maybe a subject for a future book?
For the long haul (pun intended), Carol’s book has great insights to help you lighten your load in the midst of moving. The key is to remember that God knows every detail and is there with you. Reach out for His strength as well as the women He puts in your path to encourage you. Carol’s inclusion of Scripture helps to solidify God’s involvement in your life.
This book was provided free by the author, Carol G. Stratton, in exchange for my honest review. No monetary compensation was exchanged.
I’ve always been the adventuresome type, so moving sounds more like an adventure for me. There are those women who, after moving more times than they ever imagined, need additional encouragement as they pack and move once again. Carol’s devotional gives new, insightful ways to strengthen women and give them a hope and future. Her humor and empathy ooze from the page, helping to make a move more meaningful when Christ is kept at the center of each move. She reminds us that God is with us during every move.
I liked the fact that Carol also included a second section that helps you focus on meeting the needs of new neighbors that don’t fit in–thinking of others as well as our self. She encourages you to develop a ministry to ‘outsiders.’ Thus her book isn’t just one-sided, which is a blessing to me.
The only drawback to the book was the lack of addressing introverted wives or their introverted children to the extent I would like to see. They seem to have the most difficult challenge with moving. I know families where an introverted wife or some of the children don’t adjust–my child included, regardless of how much encouragement was given. Maybe a subject for a future book?
For the long haul (pun intended), Carol’s book has great insights to help you lighten your load in the midst of moving. The key is to remember that God knows every detail and is there with you. Reach out for His strength as well as the women He puts in your path to encourage you. Carol’s inclusion of Scripture helps to solidify God’s involvement in your life.
This book was provided free by the author, Carol G. Stratton, in exchange for my honest review. No monetary compensation was exchanged.
December 26, 2012
I received a copy of this book for free through Goodreads First Reads. I entered this giveaway because I am moving in a little less than a month, and I was hoping this book would function as a how-to manual of sorts, with concrete ideas and suggestions to help me, a person who is rather introverted, tackle this move. Sadly, I was disappointed. Changing Zip Codes focuses very much on approaching your move with the right attitude but contains much less practical advice on how to actually find a new community. I knew the book was a daily devotional, but still, I was hoping for a little more help from the author, who has moved twenty-two times throughout her life.
Additionally, the book contains a few chapters that don't seem to fit because they talked about the need to evaluate whether you should move or stay put; whether you're moving for the right reasons; and making new community members feel welcome. The title of the book and the overall theme points to dealing with the move itself, not taking two steps back to consider whether a move is right for you or jumping way ahead to your responsibility as an established community member to make new arrivals feel welcome.
All in all, this book is not entirely relevant to me or my situation, i.e., a single, young professional looking for solid, practical advice on how to settle into a new community. There are a few great chapters about adjusting your attitude to deal with the move that I found very interesting and will probably read again. There are also a few pages at the very end that contain some good suggestions about packing up your old home and unpacking your new home. But overall, I think this book is better suited to an older "serial" mover, probably someone with kids, who has moved a lot and will continue moving in the future, and needs motivation and inspiration for the spiritual and emotional demands of their moves.
Additionally, the book contains a few chapters that don't seem to fit because they talked about the need to evaluate whether you should move or stay put; whether you're moving for the right reasons; and making new community members feel welcome. The title of the book and the overall theme points to dealing with the move itself, not taking two steps back to consider whether a move is right for you or jumping way ahead to your responsibility as an established community member to make new arrivals feel welcome.
All in all, this book is not entirely relevant to me or my situation, i.e., a single, young professional looking for solid, practical advice on how to settle into a new community. There are a few great chapters about adjusting your attitude to deal with the move that I found very interesting and will probably read again. There are also a few pages at the very end that contain some good suggestions about packing up your old home and unpacking your new home. But overall, I think this book is better suited to an older "serial" mover, probably someone with kids, who has moved a lot and will continue moving in the future, and needs motivation and inspiration for the spiritual and emotional demands of their moves.
June 14, 2013
It is hard to move away from what we know and move to what we don't know but, this book will help the transition go more smoothly. I just read Changing Zip Codes by Carol G. Stratton. It is a short and easy to read book with lots of humor. I did not move around a lot growing up or even as an adult, but I did feel many of the emotions Stratton shared when I did move- even just a few miles from my old place... The book is easy to read. There are 40 five minute devotionals, and a list in the back with forty tips for transitioning to a new zip code before you move and after you move. There are also blank pages in the back to take notes on. If you are feeling lonely, or overwhelmed by a move, check out this book. It will encourage you. You can do it!
I received this copy from the author as a gift in exchange for an honest review. When I finish reading a book, I donate it to Maranatha Library in the Philippines. If you would like me to review a book for you, please message me at [email protected]. Thank you, and God Bless!
I received this copy from the author as a gift in exchange for an honest review. When I finish reading a book, I donate it to Maranatha Library in the Philippines. If you would like me to review a book for you, please message me at [email protected]. Thank you, and God Bless!
March 28, 2014
A year before I read Changing Zip Codes, I moved from my long-time home in Houston TX to a small town in far west TX. Everything about my new home was radically different: environment, way of life, access to stores and restaurants - it was almost like moving to a new world.
Carol Stratton's book is written from a Christian perspective and offered some valuable ideas about beginning to adjust. It's written from the viewpoint of a family with children so many of them didn't apply to my situation (in my 60's with no children at home). This area isn't very open to newcomers so I have to take the initiative and I've been able to try a few of her suggestions.
I think this book would be more helpful for Christian families who relocate to new areas.
Carol Stratton's book is written from a Christian perspective and offered some valuable ideas about beginning to adjust. It's written from the viewpoint of a family with children so many of them didn't apply to my situation (in my 60's with no children at home). This area isn't very open to newcomers so I have to take the initiative and I've been able to try a few of her suggestions.
I think this book would be more helpful for Christian families who relocate to new areas.
July 26, 2012
I haven't, fortunately, moved in fifteen years, but when I have friends who do, I will buy them Changing Zip Codes. Stratton writes in a style that lets you know she's been in whatever situation you may find yourself in and she has found the positive in it. For anyone worrying about a new neighborhood, selling a house, or changing schools, this book can help put those worries into perspective. Short chapters in a devotional style help the reader to get a little bit of help every day in preparing for change. I love her emphasis on finding community, as the title says. She is absolutely right in her tips and ideas for getting out and finding community rather than waiting for it to find you.
April 9, 2013
While designed to assist those who are transplanting to other locations, Changing Zip Codes is also useful to those who are firmly planted. Carol Stratton provides insight to her experiences which enables other to see what it is like to move into new communities. For those not moving, it is important to take note of newcomers and do what we can to make them welcome and a part of the community. As Christians, we should get to know our new church members and help them adjust to a new church. I highly recommend this book to one and all.
Disclaimer: I received this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Disclaimer: I received this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.
October 8, 2012
Carol G. Stratton's book helps us go through the difficulties of moving through faith. Her sometimes humorous short chapters offers insight into this tedious task and finds light in all situations, especially since she has had the experience of moving twenty-two times. It is a wonderful book, and I suggest it to anyone who finds that they have to move to a new community. You will not only be guided but strengthened throughout your "adventure".
This book was provided by the Goodreads First Reads and by the author. Thanks to Carol Stratton for sending me a review copy!
This book was provided by the Goodreads First Reads and by the author. Thanks to Carol Stratton for sending me a review copy!
January 29, 2014
A sweet little devotional for those who are moving.
This wasnt tremendously helpful if you are looking for actual packing tips, etc but hugely informative if you are wondering why God calls you to relocate. As a frequent mover, I have often found God in the midst of piles of boxes, and untold mounds of packing paper. This is a book I would have liked to have found years ago at the beginning of our world wide travels.
This wasnt tremendously helpful if you are looking for actual packing tips, etc but hugely informative if you are wondering why God calls you to relocate. As a frequent mover, I have often found God in the midst of piles of boxes, and untold mounds of packing paper. This is a book I would have liked to have found years ago at the beginning of our world wide travels.
September 23, 2012
If you are moving, have moved or ever consider moving.....read this book! The author blends humor with down to earth suggestions on how to overcome the obstacles of a new/different environment. She does all of this with spiritual encouragement and a few laughs. There are many suggestions of how to find community, not waiting for community to find you. Very well written and well worth the read!
July 12, 2013
Well I entered this book with an idea to relive my own experiences of growing up in different places .....what with dad getting transferred every 2 years !! The book was a royal disappointment totally ruining a rich premise with its Bible sermonising and Godly interventions .....i didnt go beyond half of this sermon .
August 13, 2012
I think the best target audience for this book is somebody married plus or minus kids. As a single young adult I mostly got the same feeling I do when visiting a new church--once you meet someone and settle down then you will be able to connect with people.
December 2, 2016
Free book on Goodreads. This book found me just before a move. I did not gain a lot by reading it, but it made me realize I have gypsy tendencies, in the fact that I don't mind moving and actually am ready to uproot every few years.
September 29, 2013
Great book for all you serial movers out there! Changing Zip Codes: Finding Community Wherever You're Transplanted is a comforting resource for the "Uprooted, Cast Off, Deployed, Transferred, and Outsourced."
January 1, 2013
* Simplistic and poorly written.
* Forced and inaccurate Scripture interpretation.
* Few helps beyond common sense.
* Forced and inaccurate Scripture interpretation.
* Few helps beyond common sense.
December 23, 2013
This is the perfect book for a military spouse. Helpful and fun in the telling you learn how to grow roots no matter where you are. Great read.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews