Lynn Donovan
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He Who Has Ears to Hear, Let Him Hear.
Guest post by Jeanne Ritari Imagine several people in a neighborhood relaxing in their homes on a summermorning. Through their open windows, they each hear a garbage truck coming down thestreet. One thinks, “That’s the neighbor’s trash pickup; today is Tuesday, and my servicecomes on Wednesday.” Another thinks, “Good thing I took the trash to…
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Relationship Communication
Healthy Relationships August 2026 Hi my friends, Lynn Donovan here. Let’s explore communication. Communication is complicated. Who would agree. I don’t know about you but Mike and I have different communication styles. These differences have led to much of our conflicts throughout our marriage. Some of our differences I was able to identify then earnestly…
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Fall Study and Family Updates
Hello SUM Nation Lynn Donovan here with a check in and an update. If you are fatigued praying for lost children, spouses, family members. READ THIS UPDATE! I hope you are all doing well and your faith in Jesus is growing. I pray you are aware of how your faith is sanctifying your marriage, your…
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Summer Break – Summer Bible Study
Hi, Lynn Donovan with you today. The writers at SUM will take the month of July off. We will resume in August with our Summer Bible Study. We will announce the study at the beginning of August. Couple of things. If you need support or prayers to pray, visit the tabs on this site, Marching,…
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The Giving Pocket
The is Practical Faith month. This post is simple but a beautiful example of how to live out our faith in generosity. Thank you Jean. Hugs, Lynn Enjoy! by: Jean Ritari Some years ago, I read a short story about a man who had a special slot in his wallet. Every time he got paid, he put…
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June is Practical Faith Month. Last Tuesday I was in Los Angeles visiting family. The day Mike and I arrived I was experiencing severe abdominal pain. It lasted for several days. It was so painful on Tuesday, I almost went to the ER. I decided to wait it out and as the week progressed the…
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God in a Wind Chime??? What?
As we step into summer months in the northern hemisphere, I hope you find yourself seated poolside or on a beach or even in a comfy chair and have time to read a book. I have several great suggestions, if you need some. GRIN (click here). In the month of June, the writers here at…
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What Are Personality Disorders?
Hello SUMite Nation. Summer is upon us. Have a fabulous Memorial Day in the State. Today, we are going to wrap up our posts regarding personality disorders and healthy relationships. What is a personality disorder? A personality disorder is a mental health condition that involves long-lasting, all-encompassing, disruptive patterns of thinking, behavior, mood and relating…
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Two Birthdays
Yesterday I turned another year older. And yesterday SUM turned 20! Each year now feels like a milestone as significant and amazing things occur year upon year. I somehow believed as I grew older, life slows and becomes easier. And in some ways it has. Yet, the ministry continues to support thousands who land on…
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Vulnerability
VULNERABILITY When you’re building connections with one another, you’re building bridges of trust that can bear the weight of truth. Some of the personality characteristics we have studied thus far, prohibit authentic connection. Our greatest need is relationships where we are safe to be our authentic self. Below is a quick video where vulnerability researcher…
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We Call Her Tisim!
Hi, Lynn here today…. My granddaughter was snuggling Penny, her golden retriever. Penny joined my son’s family a number of years ago. Avery looked up at me and said, “We call her Tisim.” Me, “what?” My son joined the conversation, “Ya, she has mild autism. It’s actually a thing with dogs too.” Me, Hunh??? It’s…
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The Spouse Effect
Testimony: Tessia Reeves AUTHOR: Tess Reeves. I’ve loved Our Creator for decades and never grow weary of hearing from Him. I was entrusted with Keith, my husband of 28 yrs. As if that wasn’t enough, he helped me to raise 2 magnificent daughters (Jessica, 25yo and Jalyn, 22yo). I love our nondenominational church in Gainesville,…
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Difficult Relationships – Is It Demonic?
How much is our struggle with Difficult People is Emotional, Physical, or Spiritual? This is a very real question that is actually difficult to definitively answer. In a couple of my books such as Marching Around Jericho and Spiritual Enforcer, I share very real struggles that are spiritual in nature. Let me share a real…
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How To Communicate Your Needs
Today, I want to share another video from Dr. Sarah Hensley. In this video, she shares how to coach avoidant personalities to meet some of your emotional needs to connect. In future posts we will look at more challenging relationships, and we will also cover the spiritual component and how much our faith in Jesus…
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It Was So GOOD. I Read It In a Day
A Pair-Shaped Promise SUM Nation….. What happens when a life-time atheist asks God if He is real? This story is Ann’s real and true-life story of this very thing!!! This book is hilarious. I laughed OUT LOUD, many times. I couldn’t put it down and read it all, several times, in one sitting. It’s an…
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Easter is the Centrality of Love
Easter, the death and resurrection of Christ, is an event that altered the fabric of humanity. Easter is the centrality of love. By this everyone will know that you are… Easter, the death and resurrection of Christ, is an event that altered the fabric of humanity. Easter is the centrality of love. By this everyone…
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The Upper Room
Today I would like to challenge you to read the Upper Room Discourse, John, Chapter 13-17. These chapters are some of the most meaningful, powerful and life-transforming in the entire Bible. I become lost in pondering these passages. For example, a couple of weeks ago one of my prayer clients asked me, “How to do…
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Easter, And A Break in Our Relationships Study
Easter is next Sunday so we will take a break from our Healthy Relationships Study. Let’s focus our time on the Greatest Event in History, the Holy Week. It’s Monday for most readers here at Sum. Today marks the Triumphant Entry of Jesus into Jerusalem. Jesus Comes to Jerusalem as King 11 As they approached Jerusalem…
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God’s Unique Mix of Traits
Sandra BleserElkhorn, WisconsinMarried 20 years – no children“I’m not short, I’m fun-sized!” “The humble will see their God at work and be glad. Let all who seek God’s help be encouraged.” (Psalm 69:32) Thank you so much for your dedication to this ministry. I can say that God spoke to me through a comment within…
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Prolonged Abuse
Kendra Leathen is a mental health counselor at Elite DNA Behavioral Health, where she works with individuals and families healing from trauma, addiction, and relational wounds. With a background in teaching and a Master of Science degree in Mental and Clinical Health Counseling from Palm Beach Atlantic University and Master of Arts in Theological studies…
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Long Term Marriage – Dismissive Avoidant
REMINDER: The information shared in this series of posts, Healthy Relationships, is to add to our understanding of our relationships and with some specifics to marriage. The information I share has been vetted to the best of my ability. I may not have the full scope of practices or ministries of which I’ve obtained information…