Relationship Communication and more...

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 tried to discuss our differences and make adjustments in the manner in which we talk and communicate.

Sometimes we don’t even know what to communicate about, especially in the early years of marriage. I would like to share five conversations every marriage should have. Perhaps for us old-timers here on SUM, we have already tried these suggestions, but they are worth a look at once more. For the newer readers here, these are great suggestions.

At the end of this study, I’ll share some creative ideas to initiate communication.

I would be grateful for your comments and suggestions.

The first conversations couples should engage in is the relationship between them.

Psychologist who work with couples recommend that spouses check in with one another monthly and inquire:

Do you feel loved, respected, supported and connected.

These questions open up an opportunity to work through issues or challenges. They also offer time to affirm each other. Similarly, there is an excellent recommendation; establish relationship agreements. What a great idea. Wish I had thought to create something like this with Mike.

A relationships agreement in my mind would include the core “musts” needed to achieved relational love and support. Simple ideals that lead us both in the same direction and in support of one another.

Okay, what are your thoughts? In your marriage, have you put something similar into your relationship. Please offer me some ideas that have worked for you.

I love you my friends. Blessings and hugs, Lynn

The post Relationship Communication appeared first on Spiritually Unequal Marriage.

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 spouse and kids. It’s a glorious thing to see how your faith affects those around you.

Glory to God.

Ian update. Please remain prayerful over Ian’s health. He’s in the middle of treatment and is feeling the fatigue. Ask Jesus to bless his body and bring him into divine health.

Ann update: Ann traveled this summer and is now at home pursing her coaching education. She will remain a writer here, once a month. Hallelujah. It’s always a joy to hear from her and Ian.

Barb update: Her videos are wonderful and she has a couple to share this month. Pearls of Wisdom, my friends.

Lynn update: Last week I baptized both of my granddaughters in the river near our home. THIS is the result of years and years of faith and prayer. And I was the one privileged to ask them to state their belief in the Lord Jesus Christ and to say aloud, they choose to follow and serve Him all of their lives.

Glory to GOD!!

Beginning in September, I will lead us through a Bible study. I decided to move our summer study to the fall. We will begin after Labor Day here in the US. Fall and back-to-school always allows more freedom for us to lean into the Lord. I’m very excited to teach the Word of God.

I’m still waiting for Jesus to share with me the topic or passage we will study. I appreciate all of you who completed the survey and your suggestions. I will use one of them. They were all really good.

Stay tuned. Be ready to study this fall. I’m feeling inspired by the Holy Spirit.

Today, would you share with me what the Lord is teaching you? And how can I pray for you?

Submit a prayer request. I read every one of them and I pray.

Blessings and hugs, Lynn

The post Fall Study and Family Updates appeared first on Spiritually Unequal Marriage.

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, Enforcer.

Also, Ann’s book, The Pair-Shaped Promise, went on sale for the Amazon Prime days. Order it here.

Will you take 10 and answer some questions? Such as what type of Bible study or passage or topic would you like to study. And also a few more about future content and how we may serve you better. Survey is below.

I love you. I pray for you. I bless you in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. AMEN

Please enter all required fields Correct invalid entries

The post Summer Break – Summer Bible Study appeared first on Spiritually Unequal Marriage.

What I Know For Sure by Barb Twigg

God Is Always Faithful

 

The post appeared first on Spiritually Unequal Marriage.

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 some cash into it. That money was set aside for helping others whenever an opportunity arose to meet a need. He never had to stop and decide whether he could afford it, because the decision to give had already been made the day he put the money there. 

I don’t remember many details of the story. I’m sure it included examples of the difference his generosity made in people’s lives. But it inspired me to start my own “giving pocket.” I began directing part of my paycheck into a separate bank account that I use whenever I sense God prompting me to help someone. I use it for electronic giving, but I also withdraw cash to keep on hand for unexpected opportunities to be a blessing. I never end up carrying it very long. 

To my surprise, this practice of intentional generosity has become a great source of joy to me. It gives me a chance to share with others some of the kindness God has shown me. As Jesus says, “Freely you have received; freely give” (Matthew 10:8). 

I’d encourage you to consider setting up your own “giving pocket.” There are no rules about when to give, who to give to, or how much to give. It’s simply a decision that this money won’t be spent on yourself. God knows the joy of giving without expecting anything in return, and He wants us to know it too. 

The post The Giving Pocket appeared first on Spiritually Unequal Marriage.