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Promises
Many years ago, I attended an event where a pastor from South Africa was speaking. I could not tell you what he was talking about, but I clearly remember where I was sitting in the front row when the Lord spoke to my heart: Your children will rise and call you blessed. I immediately imagined…
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A Cord of Three Strands
Today I want to share about a fairly small thing that has had an outsized impact on my journey over the past several years. But first, let’s revisit the parable of the original prodigal son in Luke chapter 15. The younger son got together all he had, set off for a distant country and there…
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Forgiven
Thank you for staying with me in this series. Please be aware today’s post is interactive! We will work through one of the common struggles related to parenting a prodigal child. As mentioned in a comment last Monday, it is often the case that we dwell on what we did to make our child behave…
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What is Truth?
On Monday, I encouraged you to identify the lie that your prodigal son or daughter believes, and to counter that with the truth. I remember well sitting in a counselor’s office with my then-teenager, arguing whether there is such a thing as absolute truth. One of the hallmarks of this age is its relativism, its…
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Know Your Enemy
Hello, SUM readers! I confess that when Lynn first asked me to consider a series on dealing with prodigal children, my first reaction was that I had nothing useful to say on this topic. But the Spirit insisted there are things he wants you to know. I pray that this series conveys our Lord’s…
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What Will You Learn When Your Read Spiritual Enforcer?
Hi Lynn Donovan here. Are you curious how this book will help you? Do you want greater victory in your faith, home life, and relationships? Well, this week we are going to poke our nose into the book, Spiritual Enforcer, and discover some of the critical components that are crucial to launch you into greater…
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Foundational Pillar – Listen In
Hi everyone. Lynn Donovan here with you. AND Nicole and LuAnn. Nicole and LuAnn will be leading a study of this content on our SUM FB Page and SUM Sisters Group. Check in there if you want to see how others are working through this study. Today let’s talk about a foundational pillar that is…
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Halloween: What is a Christian to do?
Every year Halloween is tricky for us, given our split households and the pressure we get to engage in it. So, with that in mind here's a post on this topic that was written by Lynn last year. Hope this helps a little — Keep praying for wisdom, and let's chat in the comments. From…
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The Heart of the Spiritually Mismatched
My friends … Last Tuesday morning, the California sun was shining, as those of us who were already at Lynn’s house (Lynn, Gillian, Jim, and I) set the breakfast table ready for those who were yet to arrive. Then, a bunch of lovely ladies came down the pathway to knock on Lynn’s door. We stood…
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Ephesians Chapter Six Part: TWO
Lynn Donovan here. Let’s pick up where we left off yesterday. Ephesians 6:11-18 How do we swing our sword. Watch me in action: Excerpt from Spiritual Warfare manuscript: For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.2 Timothy 1:7 NKJV This is one…
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The Power of a Praying Mom (and Dad!)
Photo courtesy of Karolina Grabowska at Pexels.com Hello, everyone. Ian, from hot and humid Sydney here. One of our challenges as SUMites is the spiritual welfare of our children. I know for many of us it causes us a great deal of angst for a host of reasons but one that often raises itself in…
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How I Read my Bible – Tiffany’s Favorite
Hey SUM Family, Tiffany here! I love seeing how other people read their Bible. I have seen some things that I would really like to try! Isn't it great how together we sharpen one another! ::grin:: I have talked before about the power of praise. I love to listen to worship songs and praise God…
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Tablecloth of Thanks -From the Archives
Hi friends, Lynn Donovan here on this brilliant November 1st as we all step into a season of giving thanks. I'm writing to you from my new home. I am so very thankful for all the Lord has provided. Below is my annual Thanksgiving tablecloth post: Every year I share this post in November. I…
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It’s Halloween. What is a Christian to Do?
I received a call last week from a frantic young mother who was desperate to receive help and deliverance for her very young daughter. After her description of the frightening things going on in her home and with her daughter, I lay awake most of the night praying and interceding for her child. This child…
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Watching For Miracles
Once in a while my children will say or do something that blesses my spirit beyond words. When those moments happen it feels as if God is saying, “See? They ARE learning! And you are doing a good job!”. One of those moments came a few weeks ago with my seven year old…
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Maintaining Promised Land Living? What Does That Mean?
Hey SUM family, Tiffany here! Maintain 1:to keep in an existing state (as of repair, efficiency, or validity) : preserve from failure or decline 2: to sustain against opposition or danger : uphold and defend 3: to continue or persevere in : CARRY ON, KEEP UP 4a: to support or provide for b: SUSTAIN 5: to affirm in or as if in argument : ASSERT Living 1: the condition of being…
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Shifting our Focus: Part 3 – Slow Down
Photos courtesy of Pexels.com/ron-lach Over the past couple of months I’ve been sharing some thoughts on how we shift our focus away from our busyness and ourselves to refocus on Jesus. In my first post, we shared about meditating on Scripture and the second one in Holy Week was about the power and wonder of…
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Holy Week: Monday – Stillness
This is one of my favourite weeks of the year. Walking with Jesus to Easter, to be reminded once again of His sacrifice for us and the hope His life, death and resurrection give us. Daily Events Years ago, I read the four Gospels to follow along with the 8 days of Holy Week, starting…
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And a Little Child Shall Lead Them
Hey SUM family, Tiffany here! Since my last writing, I had to confront some tough topics with my children. This ranged from introducing them to the LGBTQIA agenda to spirit animals to what is the electric chair. (This did NOT all stem from their public education and it was not all in one conversation.) I…
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Why I Chose To Get Involved – In Spite Of Having To Do It Alone
Hey SUM family, Tiffany here! Those who have followed my story for a while have seen the struggle to let go of the fear of man. There have been many times when I would shrink back from what God was calling me to do because I didn't know how my husband would react. Would he…
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When God Reveals His Upper Hand
Hey SUM family, Tiffany here! Not too long ago I posted an update about my house. I mentioned that I had written scripture throughout my (current construction) house with my children and grandparents. We went around to each of the rooms and took turns with markers and scripture in hand. I came back some time…