Last week we had a great discussion about communication. Lots of great comments and input. Let me see if I can summarize some of what was shared. Talking: The true key to communication, although we do communicate with our body language and tone of voice, but we’ll leave that to another post. Kathleen gave us a good example of how she tried to meet her husband on his terms and interests. And based upon what she said, her efforts were rewarded. Her husband encouraged her. The point here is she took the time to find a way to involve herself in something her husband liked to do, therefore opening more opportunities for them to communicate and share. (Guess I’ll give disc golf another shot. Stay tuned for more on that one!) Choices: Part of the underlying thread of communication is the choice to participate and even choose an activity conducive... Read more →

Things often play out very strange. I am going to share a story with you. I am still trying to process the circumstances of the past two weeks looking for the hand-print of God in this. I would be interested to know if any of you have experienced what I experienced and how you processed it. _____ One of the most consistent Google searches which bring new readers to Spiritually Unequal Marriage is this: Attending Church Alone. I am not surprised by this. For many years, going to church alone was an enormous obstacle for me. Our society is after all, structured primarily around couples. Ever been to the amusement park? Two chairs together on the roller coaster. What about going to the movie theater alone? Shudder! And finally, church. Organized religion, for the most part, revolves around couples – families. I am not condemning this truth only pointing out... Read more →

Here it is.... Free To Be Me Social Network Free to be Me Blog Read more →

Hi Everybody, I stopped a minute from making my debut Blogger’s Retreat video. If you want to see Lynn Donovan embarrass herself as never before, you will not be disappointed with this video. I am going to sing, dance, type and who knows what else. Yikes! Promise me that you will listen with a forgiving ear when I finally get this puppy finished and posted here. Why would I do this? Well, I am willing to debase and humiliate myself for the most worthy cause ~The 2009 Free To Be Me Blogger’s Retreat. This retreat is for all Christian women bloggers and wanna be, future bloggers. We are going to meet together, finally, face-to-face in October. We are going to laugh together, learn together, encourage one another, pray for each other, blog, and worship our Great King. Because, after all, it is for HIM that we write. I am thankful... Read more →

Communication is a vital part of any relationship. And I'll be honest. Right now I'm not communicating very well with my hubby. Thanks to some wonderful prayer warriors, I can sense it's getting better, but I'm still not quite on track, or where I'd like to be. Because, let's face it, in a SUM, it's like we're constantly on stage, don't you think? I know I do. We want to our unbelieving spouses to witness what God's done or doing in our lives, but that's not always easy. So, let's hang out and talk a little bit here about the challenges of communication and how we can find ways to improve our talking, and listening skills. One area I think makes a big difference in communication is staying connected. This can be a real challenge in any kind of marriage. We grow older, our interests change, and before you know... Read more →

Yesterday in honor of Father’s Day we experienced: Every year ~ fantastic. Here is a taste. Prepare to experience an urge to dance, giggle and jump up and down. You will want watch every second of this video. I promise. Have a fantastic week. Be blessed, Lynn Read more →

In celebration of Father's Day, I'd like to share this wonderful article by Rick Warren with you. —Blessings! Dineen Fathers: Pray Fervently for Your Children by Rick Warren "I pray for them. I am not praying for the world, but for those You have given Me, for they are Yours" (John 17:9 NIV). Jesus reflected the father heart of God when He prayed for the disciples. As a father, or mother, you can pray that your children will focus on the five purposes of God. God's five purposes for your children are the same as God's five purposes for your life, and the same as the five purposes for the church. Jesus prayed for all five purposes in the lives of those He was leading. Jesus said, "I pray for them. I am not praying for the world, but for those You have given me, for they are Yours" (John... Read more →

Pride is a Cheater My name is Pride. I am a cheater. I cheat you of your God-given destiny...because you demand your own way. I cheat you of contentment...because you "deserve better than this." I cheat you of knowledge ...because you already know it all. I cheat you of healing...because you're too full of me to forgive. I cheat you of holiness...because you refuse to admit when your wrong. I cheat you of vision...because you'd rather look in the mirror than out a window. I cheat you of genuine friendship...because nobody's going to know the real you. I cheat you of love...because real romance demands sacrifice. I cheat you of greatness in Heaven...because you refuse to wash another's feet on earth. I cheat you of God's glory...because I convince you to seek your own. My name is Pride. I am a cheater. You like me because you think I'm always... Read more →

I have a random ton of things I am thankful for this week. Firstly, thank you for the encouragement from all of you on Monday. God spoke to me through your words and I am walking the walk and talking the talk… Thank you for the scripture verses, the prayers, the offers to help job search. I am undone and humbled to be loved by God’s people in such a real and uplifting way. Secondly, Friday my daughter was promoted out of middle school. sniff.. sniff… I have a high schooler. Sheesh, where do the years go? Third, right now I have a house full of teen girls who are making videos to share on YouTube. It’s a parody. They have included me as one of the actors. What a hoot. We have laughed and giggled until I thought I would tee tee my pants. I am richly blessed today.... Read more →

Last week I found out about an interesting book while watching Stephen Colbert. The Bible Illuminated. Created by Swedish-based Illuminated World and approved by the American Bible Society, this magazine style Bible uses the Good News Translation mixed with images from today. The New Testament is available now and the Old Testament can be pre-ordered. I'm fascinated with this concept. One, Scandinavia is one of the least "religious" areas in the world. The potential for this "coffee-table" style Bible to reach those unexposed to Christianity could have huge potential. On the other hand, some of the images seem odd. Throughout the Scriptures, certain pieces are highlighted and connect with the images. One photo of three gangster-looking men seemed to be linked to the three wise men. I laughed at first, then struggled with the connection. The covers themselves are very evocative and strong. Here again, I can see these images... Read more →

Well it’s been a long time since I have posted an update about the Donovans. This post is difficult for me to write. Most of you know that in January my husband lost his job. Back then I wrote about my trust in God and how He has our lives in the palm of His hand. I wrote how I knew He was working all things together for good and for my husband’s salvation because I love Him. You can read that post here. Friday my husband sat me down on the couch, “Honey, I just spoke with the company. They are unable to hire me as we were anticipating. The company decided to hire from within to save money. In fact, things now are again at square zero. I will keep looking” Literally, my heart began to pound. In 15 seconds a million thoughts flashed through my mind. The... Read more →

Listen to advice and accept instruction, and in the end you will be wise. — Proverbs 19:20 In My Utmost for His Highest, Oswald Chambers speaks frequently of the challenges in the valley, which he likens to the trials and travails of everyday life. Those moments on the spiritual mountain tops are fine for what they are but the true testing is in the daily living when nothing seems to be changing or happening. Therein lies the true test of our faith. Those are often the moments we wonder, and even ask, if God is listening. I can remember many a time wondering this very thing. I prayed and prayed, yet no answer came. Over time, I've found one of three things to be true at these times. Nothing's Changed. What I'm asking about, God has already clarified. Often times we doubt and wonder if we're still on track if... Read more →

This has been one of those seasons in my life where I just don’t get it. ‘Rosheeda quit.’ Not knowing how I was supposed to live, I quit. My man… ‘Walk Away.’ In love and absolutely miserable without him, I walked away. ‘Rosheeda, go back.’ ‘Lord, seriously. Four months ago You told me to leave. ‘ ‘Rosheeda, go back. He is My Will.’ ‘But Lord…’ ‘Trust Me. Because of his love for you, he will learn to love Me.’ Unsure and all, I made that phone call the very next day… Three years later, he is still my man, we are more in love than ever before and marriage is just around the corner. God has done what He promised and more. I look at my man and I see God’s love for me. I look into his eyes and I sense a growing love for my Jesus. He’s no... Read more →

Beauty is in the Eye of the Beholder Wow, I think Laurie has picked a fascinating topic for our Thankful Thursday post. As I read this title I remembered sitting in a Beth Moore study last year. We talked a lot about beauty. In fact, I think it was the study of Daniel. Our society is obsessed with beauty. Youth, beauty and intelligence will get you far in our culture, but, what about the rest of us? Beth Moore said, “We are taught self-absorption and we are miserable.” She is spot on. Today, I am thankful the Lord has given me understanding of real beauty. It is NOT in the eye of the beholder. Real beauty is distinguished through the eyes of God. God looks down upon his children and says, “I am the King. I am enthralled with your beauty. (Psalms 45:11) Lasting and authentic beauty is found in... Read more →

You know how you have those times where you think things are going well? Quiet time's in place, you're more in love with your spouse than ever, and your kids (all of them!) are actually doing well and handling their responsibilities without making it an act of congress on your part. (I actually have one of those, btw—an Act of Congress. No kidding!) Well, right now I'm not in one of those times. I'm struggling. I don't know why. I'm pretty sure the enemy is partly to blame. The road has gotten quite bumpy of late. And I'll share with you one recent detail because so many of you prayed for my daughter when she was diagnosed with a brain tumor (and still doing well!)—we found out last weekend that my father's cancer has metastasized to his brain. Yes, a brain tumor. These are the times that we want to... Read more →

A few hours ago I held my teen daughter while she wept....... continued at Laced With Grace. Join me today at Laced With Grace for Popcorn and Betrayal. The Lord has healing, wisdom, and comfort waiting for you too while you stand in the concession line. Be Blessed, Lynn Read more →

"The Lord is with you when you are with Him." — Asariah, son of Oded (2 Chronicles 15:2) Here's another one of those Scriptures that kept my interest for days. It fascinates me to find something I could so clearly hear Jesus say in the Old Testament. But that makes sense, doesn't it? After all, Jesus said he didn't come to replace the Law, but to fulfill it. Asariah's words were profound then for battle and they are true for us today. Through obedience to God's will we find freedom, peace, and enjoy his blessings. With this Scripture I sensed this to be a time of needed prayer. Hope you'll pray this with me: Father God, you are always there, always faithful. We stand in awe of your presence and we are so honored that you love us and want to be with us. We live in a crazy world... Read more →

Hi All My Friends, I sure owe you an apology. I apologize for my sporadic writing schedule in the month of May. In my life, May and December are equal when it comes to over commitments and busyness. I’m sorry! Whew glad to get that off my chest. Today I want to conclude the truths from the book, Thriving Despite A Difficult Marriage, by Michael and Chuck Misja. To read from the beginning click here. The premise set forth in this book actually mirrors my journey. It was like reading about my life and how Jesus healed my disappointments. Although I don’t believe I live in a “difficult” marriage, what the authors are sharing is hope. They also are practical. I am all about the practical. What I learned through my own journey is exactly what these authors share. 1) We ALWAYS can have hope in the transforming power of... Read more →

Hi Everyone. It’s Thankful Thursday again. Iris, our original hostess for this meme, will be returning and sharing TT with Laurie and me. Here is the schedule. Lynn at Spiritual Unequal Marriage - May, July and October 2009 Laurie at Women Taking a Stand - June, September, and December 2009 Iris at Grace Alone - August, and November 2009 I know it is a tad bit confusing to keep on top of who is hosting but you can always find the schedule at Grace Alone. This month, June, we hook up over at Laurie’s, Women Taking A Stand. Well it’s the end of an era today. My daughter is leaving Middle School. Her promotion ceremony is next Friday. *sniff.. sniff* I’m sure I will share more about that next week. However, today is the day that I retire as the Middle School Band Treasurer. Hallelujah!!!! And yet, I feel sad... Read more →

Welcome to the final week of our Open Forum. We've tackled some tough questions the last several weeks. It has been and honor and a pleasure for us to serve our readers this way. Please, feel free at any time to leave a question you may have in the comments or email Lynn and I directly through our "meet" pages. This week's question is from Melonie K.: Since I am a newer reader and have basically just picked up where you were when I found you, do you have suggestions for books that might be available at the library on SUMs? Because I'm LDS, I'd really prefer something that isn't too denominationally focused - titles that are more "general" Christian, that focus on Scripture and personal stories, rather than a certain church's doctrine? Dineen's Answer: Great question, Melonie. Summer seems like a good reading time so we saved your question... Read more →

Blogger’s Retreat Over the years I have met so many wonderful men and women through this fascinating and awesome community of bloggers. There have been so many days that I have stopped over to your place to read and found your words a balm to my spirit. Sometimes they were an encouragement to my marriage, often your words were a reflection of Jesus in your heart. Through reading your blogs I have come to love so many of you. REALLY love you! I would leave comments like, I look forward to meeting you face-to-face. I still do. For a long time I thought that meeting would take place in heaven but now it might really happen while we still live on this earth. How awesome it that? The Lord has inspired Angie of The Knightly News to host a blogger’s retreat. The Lord has arranged it so I may attend.... Read more →